An Ode To Happiness

It's happened many of times now.

Once when I was sat on a cold brick wall outside a mediocre pub linking arms with one of 8 of my best friends about 2am, slightly tipsy and very excited for a Domino's feast that would accommodate us on our sleepover with only two rooms and blankets for shelter. 

We were having a chat with two (intoxicated but really lovely) local lads and an aphorism they surged in our direction has stayed with me ever since. I can't remember the exact words they spoke but it was something along the lines of "I can see you're all really close, I get that vibe. As long as you've got each other, as long as you look after each other, that's all you need." It was a passive drunken comment but it really struck a cord and has been a motto I've held on to ever since.

Debenhams Christmas Gift Guide For Her

Halloween and Bonfire Night is over which can only mean one thing... the yuletide season is ready and waiting to be appreciated and saluted at full capacity. 

Once November approaches us it's impossible to avoid the 8 letter word whether you're an absolute scrooge or an ultimate advocate for all things extra festive.

C H R I S T M A S

I don't know how we got to a place where the word is literally embedded into the brain with a star shaped speech bubble. I don't know where the year went and I certainly don't know how my bank account is going to hold out over the next month. However, there is chance - because deal site Codesium published today a new storewide Debenhams discount code for you to utilise. If you use the code (YF23) you'll get 10% off £50, which means buying in bulk just got better. The promotion is live now through Sunday 12th!

Body Confidence Before The Body

Everybody talks about the pre-body before the lifestyle changes, the one that is in your ownership, attached to your self image, and ultimately is the catalyst to the drive that throws you into a brand new routine.

And everybody talks about the after-body, the one you pin your goals on, the healthier, flourishing, refined result of interrupting your sitting down time with a heavy gym session and continuing until you're feeling happier and more positive with the reflection staring back at you.

But nobody ever talks about the in-between. The during.

Nobody ever talks about the trivial obstacles. The squeezing into your gym kit that just about fits, the over observant flaw picking that can set you back miles, the wobbly bits jiggling as you're exerting yourself, the exhaustion, the aftermath of soreness, the long process in which you begin to notice a shift in appearance, and the glossy media that can instantly knock you right back as the ideal gets shoved down your throat at a speedy pace.

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Halloween Makeup: Red Jesterina

Happy Halloween, folks! 

I'm well aware for some it's just the October finale and another day trying to adjust to the clock change, the 5pm moon rise and the drastic drop in temperature but for me it's my favourite time of the year; a real opportunity to release my inner child, to spend unnecessary money on tacky novelty accessories, to gorge on too many sweets, carve pumpkins (badly), sit in watching classic horrors with candles burning and Thriller playing, take advantage of the dark, eery, breaching cosy atmosphere, and most of all get creative with fancy dress and play about with makeup - both new and old.

A/W Trends With British Vogue

I'd say sitting front seat with a glittery chocolate strawberry, fruit on sticks, and a fresh smoothie at a Vogue event in collaboration with John Lewis over at the exquisite side of Leeds that makes me feel more affluent and superior than I actually am, is most definitely a peak of my blogging experience.

A few weeks ago now I was invited down to a group conference with the lead fashion experts discussing the newest, upcoming trends, what's hot and what's not, the key pieces you need in your capsule wardrobe, and the tips and tricks on how to seasonal style like a pro. Ellie, the fashion feature editor of British Vogue was our talker for the evening and was on hand to showcase her favourite autumn/winter transitional garments she'd picked up whilst racing round the second floor of womenswear like she was on supermarket sweep (the ideal dream, tbh.)

Instagram: Top 10 Under 10k

Wednesday Wishlist: The Ankle Boot Edit

I think I have a problem. A serious dependency problem. The state of my happiness depends on how many pairs of ankle boots I can hoard with the excuse of "there's no such thing as too many". As soon as October moved in I was heading off on my seasonal hunt for the pairs I'd very much like to hanker up as the latest additions to my already crammed shoe collection, all synchronous with a lecture from my mother hen about how I have a chaotic obsession that still didn't seem to stop me (sorry, mum).

I'm yet to make any purchases but the lust is rapidly growing and I'm so ready to update last year's with the current styles, to wave goodbye to the summer solstice with a pumpkin spice latte in the occupied hand, to deposit my flats, sandals and mules, and bring in the new! My favourite thing about ankle boots is that they're never outdated, they're an investment and reclaimable as the months fly by and with the lack of warm weather we get in Britain, also wearable all year round, but there's just something about autumn/winter designs that have me squealing from the rooftops. It's the metallics, the suede, the velvet, the satin, the warm hues, the woven fabrics, the ornate prints, the mod and the retro and even the glam and the bright. Teamed with jeans, wide leg culottes, cropped trousers, and even skirts - you really can't go wrong. Those cut off shorties always win over faffing full length footwear!

Where ankle boots are concerned the horizon is broadened and I won't quit until you hear me clip clopping to my grave.

Are you an ankle boot lover?

SHOP:

MANGO COPPER GLITTER BOOTS | ZARA SILVER SATIN BOOTS | BERSHKA BLACK SATIN BOOTS | TOPSHOP STUDDED BOOTS | RIVER ISLAND CHECK BOOTS | ZARA BLACK CROCODILE SATIN BOOTS | MANGO SNAKE PRINT BOOTS | RIVER ISLAND PINK CORDUROY BOOTS |  PUBLIC DESIRE PINK METALLIC BOOTS | & OTHER STORIES SEQUIN VELVET BOOTS | PRIMARK RED BOOTS | FREE PEOPLE SILVER WESTERN BOOTS | ZARA BRIGHT PINK SATIN BOOTS | BERSHKA PINK VELVET BOOTS | ASOS ORANGE/RED SUEDE BOOTS | OFFICE NUDE LEATHER CHELSEA BOOTS | STRADIVARIUS WHITE COWBOY BOOTS | MANGO BLACK TRIMMED LEATHER BOOTS | TOPSHOP NAVY SOCK BOOTS | NEW LOOK SILVER GLITTER BOOTS

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I'm Choosing To Smile

It's not always easy to radiate positivity, especially when your mental health is defying the often overbearing, enthusiastic life quotes on the internet. There's factors in the world that make it almost impossible to smile; you can wake up and feel that impending doom of the day ahead, something or someone can upset you or offend you and a downhearted mood can creep upon you. You can have the worst luck in the world, experience problems with a task you were determined to complete, be rejected, fight with a loved one, or switch on the news.  You can feel as though there's no hope nor reason to think optimistically but then an occasion or a person may prove you wrong. You can participate in your favourite pastime and feel the happiness building or bubbling. Or simply, like me, despite every concept being considered, you absolutely do not smile even when you're on a high, because the reflection staring back at you as you smile with your teeth makes you scowl with disgust. 

Wednesday Wishlist: Topshop LFW Edit

Tune In, Switch Off, & Relax with Joy

Joy - a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. That's what the dictionary defines but it also deemed true in actuality, on a crisp Wednesday evening in Leeds city centre a few weeks back. I remember paying numerous visits to the old Joy store in The Light back when I was a teen; the quirky tea dresses and the tongue-in-cheek gifts being right up my street - and with a timely tour of the modern version I discovered nothing has changed since it moved over to their bigger and better Northern flagship store. The brand has kept its signature niche of glamour and edgy clothing tailored to suit playful personalities (think vintage style Cath Kidson meets Urban Outfitters) and quite frankly, with all its glory, it is just a great big bubble of joy.

Wednesday Wishlist: Very Cherry

New Dessert House On The Block: Kaspa's Leeds

If you tend to lose all sense of control around sweet treats, then I'd find the nearest comfortable place to pop yourself down on to gather some composure before I continue, because there's a new haven in town and it's about to take the Leeds' restaurant scene by storm! Not that you can pick up a three course Italian here, of course, but it's about the equivalent in pudding form - an actual eatery dedicated to all your favourite after indulgences. Gelato and waffles being their speciality but catering for all your candied needs in one pink paradise.

Yellow Jeans

Tips For Taking Small Steps Back Into Fitness

It's a bit hypocritical of me to sit here and talk about nutrition, health, and fitness when I've been the biggest slacker over the past couple of months. I don't have the leverage to start talking greens and shakes and HIIT training when a) I'm nowhere near a stable expert and b) I've been feasting like there's no tomorrow (truthfully it's just a serious case of holiday blues and no more bikini outings) but I suppose that's the whole point of this post - for my desire to get back on track and feel as invigorated and wholesome as I did when I managed to keep my head in the game - and of course, for anyone else who's having a similar problem. 

Latest In: My New Makeup Additions

I don't think there's any better feeling than replenishing both your beauty filled soul and your already over crowded makeup bag with - yep you guessed it - more makeup. It's always my pick me up and quick fixing cure to any downfalls in life; splurging on a few bits and bobs to A) switch your usual routine around and introduce some new brands, new shades, new ethics, and even a complete new, tweaked appearance into your daily ritual, and B) to just make yourself feel better, knowing you can put on a mask packed with glimmering pigment, golden coverage, and a general enhancement to your natural features so you can feel as confident as you do with a Snapchat filter permanently attached to your face (because there's nothing quite like a pretty panda transformation for some well needed compliance.)

Wednesday Wishlist: Realisation Par Dupes

Wednesday Wishlist: Be All - Wear All*

Guest post: The Summer-style Essential Pieces

It's July - always the one to state the obvious! Which means we're more than halfway through the year, summer has arrived (in stages, I don't think Britain quite gets the memo) and it's a time for those motivation and inspiration levels to rise. Whilst I plan out the changes I want to implement within my blog *hopefully* over the next few weeks and whilst I work on other bits and bobs, I have a guest post for you to relish in; kindly written by the lovely Amy and which shall guide you along that can-be-awkward seasonal style...

Jamie's Italian Leeds: Super Lunch Menu

It's no secret that I'm partial to a good Italian dish. In fact, if I had to make an ultimate decision and eat at the same restaurant for the rest of my life it would have to contain a menu filled with Italian cuisine; no ifs, no buts. I shouldn't be thinking about pizza, pasta, bread specialities and fresh cuts of meat after a hefty indulgence on holiday but that can't be avoided when looking back on my complimentary visit to Jamie's Italian on a pleasant, sunny day last month.

Photo Diary: An Afternoon in Harrogate

As I'm sat writing this post the start of the general election results are rolling in. Now, I don't know the certainty of our future (or at least the next 5 years) but tensions and anxieties are obviously running high and my stomach's already done enough somersaults to host the next Olympic games at just a little over 10pm. By the time this post goes out in the morning there will be an official settlement and no matter what is to come, I feel like we'll all need a calming, captivating pick me up after what has been a frustrating, stressful, and fearful couple of months.