self portraits

dress: ARKET (gifted)

I'm really trying to get into the habit of posting more here - even if it's just little snippets. It became difficult in a world where it felt like you needed to have something to say, but sometimes I just like sharing pictures.

Either way, this is a new Arket dress I was kindly gifted so I decided to shoot it alone indoors. I recently got a new camera and it's become fun to self-shoot again so I thought I'd share the results. As always, you can shop the dress here.

Finally we're off to NYC and then Tulum as of tomorrow so hopefully I can create some pretty things to share with you when I'm back! I'm always full of good intentions so it'll be bloody interesting to see if I carry them out.

Ooh and I've also got a new video here, so feel free to have a nosy. It's a Summer haul. 

Speak soon, G

lots of love xxx

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can bloggers ever do right?

PIXIE MARKET skirt, MONKI jacket, URBAN OUTFITTERS trainers, PRIMARK knit

Recently the blogging world seems full of contradicting rules on how you should live your life and wronging people for doing differently. Firstly I’m going to put out there that I am entirely of a “live and let live” mindset, providing no one is getting hurt etc. 

It seems that you can’t do right for doing wrong at present. You can’t have too many luxury pieces, as your lifestyle is unattainable and may upset people who can’t afford it. You can’t only wear cheap brands as that’s not eco friendly. You have to be vocal about every issue, but have a non argumentative stand point on it, to avoiding upsetting anyone. 

As I said, I’m very much of a live and let live kind of guy. I’m obviously aware of most political, ethical, and ~everything in between~ issues and have my opinions on it but that's for another post!

I started blogging because I had wanted to get into the fashion industry since I was about seven years old and it gave me a platform to discuss what I loved. I never realised the responsibility that came with it. I don't think many of us foresaw 'having a voice' and few know quite what to do with it!

I often feel I can’t celebrate any success without fear of making someone else feel guilty for being at a different stage in their life, or simply on an alternate path etc. I recently bought a new handbag after wanting it for so long I lost count, and yet I feel that I need a justification for doing so. Is I wanted it, saved for it and bought it not enough?

Sites like gurugossip seem to thrive on people living their best life, or blow the smallest mistake out of proportion. It's bloody exhausting! A lot of people seemingly despise people making money through blogging, and I'm not sure if it comes from a place of jealousy or simply misunderstanding but it's becoming a dated way of thinking. Every year when Black Friday is on the approach I simply wait for the snide remarks on affiliate links etc. It's tiring.

Bringing it back to basics, blogging is a lot of people’s jobs. Which requires making money. “Swipe up” stories, affiliate links and crazy posts on Black Friday are people’s income - it’s how I pay my rent, insure my car and do my food shopping. While I wholly believe that everyone needs to be both self aware, and aware of current issues both locally and globally, I do think we are simply allowed to pull it back to sharing something because we enjoy it every once in a while without fear of backlash. 

We are all in different stages of our lives, in different financial situation etc - the list goes on - but part of being an adult is recognising that, and choosing to digest what works for you. Whether that be following someone for their sense of style, their political views or just because you like their hair, take what you need from it and leave it at that. I think we are all looking for something in everything, when sometimes an image really is just an image.

What do you think? I'm pants at putting my thoughts into words so I hope this makes some sense!

Shop the post:

lots of love xxx

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thoughts on online dating

irrelevant lingerie photos, body from PLT
Ah, online dating. Is there any other way to meet people now? 
My story with online dating began I became single (obvs) and to be honest, I'm pretty sure the first thing I did after wiping my tears was download Tinder. Now, before you judge me - I work for myself, I don't meet people in the office. I have the same group of friends and frankly, I'm the instigator in doing things for the most part. I also have ME, so often miss out on going out etc. I really didn't think there was any way I'd meet someone new otherwise.
The first couple of months were weird, I didn't know what I wanted or what I was looking for and I never knew just how damn picky I was. I'm the first person to point out every flaw possible within myself, yet I didn't think I saw others like that. Here I was swiping past people for simply having 'weird eyebrows' or an ugly outfit on. Legit. Anyway, I did match with a few and that was fun, you can read more about dating here, here and here. 
I have friends who are so vehemently against using apps to date. Whether it be down to snobbery or simply not feeling safe talking to a stranger, it's their call. I on the other hand, actively encourage them but there are a few things I do find concerning.
1. I think we're becoming too judgemental. As I mentioned earlier, we're now examining people down to their choice in friends and shirts. We seem to have potentially lost that spark. We don't all end up with people we find fit our 'type' and yet Tinder/Bumble don't allow for that as if you're not instantly attracted to them you simply won't match with them.
2. It can be unsafe. I got very lucky in that all the men I met whilst dating were pretty normal and any that set off the slightest alarm didn't make it past the 'unmatch' button. There are some horror stories out there, but nonetheless I believe that not everyone is awful and as long as you keep your wits about you, make sure someone knows where you are (drop a live pin on WhatsApp!) and if anything flags then leave or stop speaking to someone then you can remain safe. Don't ever meet someone without doing some background research. It doesn't make you weird, it makes you wise!
On the brightest note, I met Kim on Bumble and he's a literal light of actual joy. We've discussed how our paths would never have crossed otherwise, so it just proves there are good humans on there. Just do it wisely eh!

lots of love xxx

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