How to Create an Ultra-Stylish Loft Apartment Look

Many people want to try to create a stylish look to their home, often one which does not break the bank. I've already examined ‘How to Decorate Like a Kardashian on the Cheap’, but what if your tastes are a little less opulent and a little more urban and modern?

Stylish loft apartments are incredibly trendy, with great use of open spaces and often boasting stunning views of the streets below. They feature in some iconic movies and TV shows and that may leave you wanting to create something similar for yourself in your apartment or home.

So we have put together some style pointers that will help you achieve that contemporary urban loft look for yourself at home.

Industrial

One key feature of urban design is the theme of industry. Living Etc explains how the overall aesthetic developed in the abandoned buildings of New York, Berlin and London in the 20th Century. Try to ensure you have one exposed brick wall; many loft apartments have that as a key feature harking back to a building’s industrial past. Whilst you do not want your apartment to feel cold and unwelcoming, one important aspect of urban style is natural materials and colours.

Try to use metals where possible, too. Exposed pipework for your plumbing can help accentuate the industrial elements of your room, as can old-style radiators which have been restored. Do be aware however, that if you make significant changes to your plumbing system it is advisable to protect it afterwards, especially if your apartment is a genuine conversion adding appliances to an older system. HomeServe outline how boiler cover can comprehensively protect not only your heating system but also wider plumbing in the home. It is vital if you have done an expensive and stylish remodel, to protect you from possible problems and financial implications further down the line. As the last thing you want is all your hard work going down the drain.

Open Plan

A key component of an urban loft space is having open spaces, which is something you must look to incorporate. It is not impossible to get the look in smaller rooms, but if there is scope to utilise a wide-open space, then do so. If your budget allows, maybe speak to someone about taking a wall down between rooms, but similar to the plumbing do ensure you take precautions and research your tradesperson carefully.

If you do not have space, nor the expansive budget, then clever furniture positioning can help create the illusion of an open plan space. Work with the space you have, leaving as much open as possible to help make the room feel more expansive and fresher. If you really are starting afresh, try to find a building with conversion potential, such as this former mill in Manchester. A building needing renovating will offer you a blank canvass and far more scope to be creative, but it also means you need a decent budget.

Whatever property you have though, it is possible to create an urban loft feel with simple some simple tricks.

Windows

There are three vital words when it comes to windows in your apartment: do not cover. Do not be tempted to put up drapes or blinds, as that takes away the urban loft feel. In the day, you want as much light as possible to flow into your open space, but by night one of the traits of an urban loft are the views of the city. You may not be on the 27th floor, but it is still important to have the world outside feel as though it is inside. Lights from traffic and other buildings help remind you that your space is fully urban, a functioning part of a vibrant city.

Mix and Match

Urban loft apartments are perfect for those with an eclectic taste in furnishings because they often boast mixed styles and pieces from different design periods. Do not be tempted to make your furniture uniform and typical of a single style, instead mix and match. Be creative, use your imagination and make sure the pieces you choose speak to you, rather than trying too hard to fit a single design ethos.

Dressing up for Christmas 2020

Do you dress up for Christmas? It's something I've done for a few years now, even though I'm not going anywhere. But these days, it seems like the norm! With bars and restaurants closing early, I've found myself dressed up in my living room, continuing the 'party' at home, more times than I can count on one hand.

Goddiva Scuba Crepe Maxi Dress, £45

Christmas 2020 is likely to be very similar, so to make this year a little more special (I think we all deserve it), I advocate dressing up to the nines in an outfit that you would've worn for Christmas Eve drinks with friends or to your office Christmas party.

Goddiva Open Back Flared Jumpsuit, £55

These Christmas dresses and jumpsuits from Goddiva are perfect for a festive dinner. They have a beautiful selection of outfits, in all shades and silhouettes and for all frames, including plus-size dresses and plus-size evening dresses!

I've accessorised my outfits with some classic jewellery and bags to let the clothes do the talking. If I were wearing these out to a restaurant, I would definitely finish off each look with a smart jacket and amp up my makeup with some smokey eyeshadow or a bold lip. After all, it's Christmas - you can never be too dressed up!

Goddiva Sweetheart Neck Maxi Dress, £49

I've deliberately chosen classic dresses and jumpsuits for this post, as you can easily wear these looks again and again to get the most out of your money. I feel like these looks are all easy to glam up if you're lucky enough to go to a ball, black tie night or a wedding reception in future (once social gathers are once again permitted). However, if you'd prefer something a little less dressy for your Christmas dinner outfit, Goddiva also have a selection of cocktail dresses in a vast range of designs.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas this year. I think we're all holding out for some hope on whether we'll be able to spend time with our families - at the end of the day, that's what really matters. 

But, as I said, there's no harm in dressing up if it'll help bring a little more joy to your day! Especially for those of you who have missed out on big events this year (and if that's the case, Goddiva also have beautiful prom dresses and wedding guest dresses, if your events have been postponed until 2021).

The items in this post have been gifted for review.

Autumn wedding guest outfit ideas

Has anybody been to a wedding this year? There's no denying that they're very different with social distancing rules in place. Between wearing reusable face masks (better for the environment!) and not hugging your friends and family, there's a lot that has changed for weddings in 2020. And then there's the size of the party - with only 30 people allowed at ceremonies and receptions, weddings are much smaller than what we were previously used to! But if you were lucky enough to be invited to one this autumn, there's no reason why you can't show up looking fabulous. It's still a celebration, after all! And with so much going on in the world, being able to celebrate in style with your loved ones really does make a difference.

I love dressing up for weddings - I don't feel like there are many other occasions (in my life, anyway) where you can dress up to the nines, with a floor length dress, glimmering jewellery and showstopping heels - and not feel out of place.

Autumn is a great time of year for weddings, in my opinion. They tend to cost slightly less, as they're out of peak season, and the weather's not so hot that your outfit becomes unbearable to wear. I've spent many weddings seeking solace from the summer heat in an air conditioned room, away from the party, just so that my makeup doesn't melt into the neckline of my dress.

What to wear to an autumn wedding

If you're a guest at a wedding this autumn, you're in for a treat. There's something ever so slightly more festive about autumn wedding wear. The close proximity to Christmas, combined with the beauty of the changing seasons, could be the answer!

Goddiva gave me three dresses to style for this season, and they're all absolutely stunning! They have a whole host of beautiful design on their site, from party dresses, to sequin dresses, and even wedding dresses for lucky brides tying the knot this year.

The first dress is a very pretty, delicate chiffon bardot dress...

It's a beautiful peach colour, and it has a graduated hemline from front (short) to back (long), creating a flowing silhouette. I love how it also has a satin waistband to accentuate the waist and add a little variation in texture.

Next up is a floor-length gown in blush, featuring incredible floral embroidery...

I love the neckline on this, and how it's still quite demure thanks to the mesh in the bodice. The fit is excellent and I adore how the skirt skims the floor - I'm 5'4" and this is just about the perfect length on me when I'm wearing heels (click if you want to see more maxi dresses from Goddiva).

Finally, I tried out a wet look on my hair to wear with the next gown - an ethereal metallic maxi dress...

This is perfect with teardrop shaped earrings and a matching necklace to complement this incredible mermaid-style dress. It features a thigh-high split in the skirt and a crossover back, plus a plunging neckline to make you feel like an absolute goddess.

Best of all, all three styles are under £90 - and they work so well as bridesmaid outfits, too! Click if you want to browse more of Goddiva's evening dresses (you're bound to find some more amazing styles on the site!).

An afternoon in Clovelly, Devon

 

If you love charming coastal villages, Devon and Cornwall are home to countless numbers of them. From the renowned artist refuge of St Ives, to the yacht haven of Dittisham, you might think that seeing one means you've seen them all - but you'd be very wrong. Each village has its own beguiling magnetism, from quirky decor embellishing the homes of residents, to the narrow, cobbled streets leading you to something unique around every corner.

Clovelly is one of those villages. Located in north-east Devon, Clovelly is the county's worst kept secret. It's hidden in a bay of the same name, accessible via a winding country road, and is totally worth the drive from wherever you're staying. We stayed in Bude, over the border in Cornwall, just a 30-minute drive away, so it was really a no-brainer for us to visit.

Visiting Clovelly

We parked up in the car park at the Tourist Centre - the only car park in Clovelly, and the gateway to the town. It's £7.95 per adult (correct as of August 2020), and that includes parking, entry to the village, and a free return visit within 7 days. You also get access to the museums and gift shops. 

Apparently (according to this TripAdvisor user) you can get in free to Clovelly if you park at the free National Trust car park in Brownsham and walk the South West Coast Path towards the parish. Due to high winds and rain, we thought it best to park up and take the short walk into the village.

You can also moor your boat at the quay if you have one. Quite obviously, we don't 😂

Things to remember

Bring a good pair of shoes. The walk through Clovelly to the harbour is all down hill on a VERY uneven cobbold street. Bring good trainers or walking boots with a grip. If it has been raining and you shoes don't have any grip, be prepared for a few emabarassing slips.

That brings me to my next point. You should probably avoid Clovelly if you don't feel like you are able enough to walk 400ft downhill and back up again. It's tiring, even for people who are fit and able. 

Stick to the left of the path. It makes it easier for everyone if you're all on the same side of the street on the way down, and the opposite side on the way up.

Have patience. Clovelly is very touristy, especially in summer. We visited just after COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were eased, so it was fairly quiet. However, if you're reading this in the future, (hopefully) things might be back to normal again.

What we did in Clovelly

Of course, we walked all the way down to the harbour and back up again. We wanted to see the village from all perspectives to really enjoy its postcard-perfect beauty. We walked from the visitors centre all the way down to the end of the path on the sea wall, stopping every few metres to admire the buildings that line the main street (all of which are listed).

With the aim of upping our energy levels for the walk back up to the top, we stopped for a cream tea at the Cottage Tea Rooms. We sat in the garden at a picnic table overlooking the sea - it was incredibly picturesque - and ate cucumber sandwiches, followed by fluffy scones with jam and clotted cream. If you're visiting in summer, beware of the wasps (they appear to adore jam).

Afterwards, we stopped by the gift shop at the Fisherman's Cottage museum to grab some fudge and sweets to take back to my family. The museum itself is accessible via an entrance down a narrow side street. It depicts Clovelly's rich history as an important fishing port, which once had around 60 or 70 boats working the herring fishery. Located inside what was once a fishing family's home, the museum displays the simple home comforts, ornaments and fishing paraphenalia of the 1930s. It's a brief but insightful look into Clovelly's interesting background.

What we didn't do

For a parish of just under 500 people, there's a lot to do in Clovelly! Unfortunately, we suspected the rain would hammer down just as we were heading back up, so we weren't able to visit some of the other attractions on offer. These included:

• Kingsley Museum - a museum dedicated to Victorian writer Charles Kingsley
• Clovelly Court Gardens
• A chartered sailing trip from the quay
• Craft workshops in silk, soap and pottery

I hope this blog post has given you some insight and helpful tips for your visit to Clovelly! Comment below telling me what you most look forward to. You can find more information on the official website here.

A guide to picnic outfits

I've had more picnics this year than I've had in my life. Is that a bad thing? In my opinion, no. To me, there's nothing bad about sitting outside in nature, soaking up the sun, the fresh air and the sound of wildlife. We've gone on and on about how we can hear the birds singing from our at-home office windows - why not get out there and enjoy their songs in an environment that doesn't involve a computer screen?

One thing that has stumped me, however, is how my pre-lockdown wardrobe was so unfit for picnics. I had rails of smart dresses on one side, and ripped jeans and band t-shirts on the other - neither of which permitted the flexibility required to sit on the ground for a picnic.

Determined to get the most that I could out of summer picnic season, I decided to get my hands on some more suitable picnic attire. But what does the perfect picnic outfit consist of? In my perilous quest, I've discovered an idiot-proof recipe. Here's my checklist:

• You must be able to sit down without cutting off circulation to any part of your body (that's kinda vital for any outfit, but you'd be surprised at what I've sacrificed)
• You must have shoes that you can easily slip on and off (because is there anything more indulgent than the feeling of grass on bare feet? It's the only thing these days that makes me feel like a child again)
• It should cover up a food baby
• It should be ventilated to prevent awkwardly wet thigh sweats

With these points in mind, I've put together a picnic outfit that's totally comfortable - and stylish - for your next picnic. Thank me later...

Kalia Nude Wide Fit Strappy Block Heel, £29.99 from Public Desire

Slip these off while you're eating - they're pretty to look at when they're both on and off your feet. They also have a block heel, which will keep you stable while you're wandering across a grassy field looking for a space to plop your blanket down.

Halterneck Dress in Dark Russet, £19.99 from Zara

This dress is loose enough to keep you comfy while still looking like a chic summer midi.

Jamie Leopard Print Faux Ponyskin Belt, £16 from Fy

Add an accent to the above dress with this statement belt.

Outfits for your first post-lockdown drink

Lockdown has meant that many of us have missed out on seeing loved ones and friends, going on holiday, hosting birthday parties and attending weddings, and much more. I think that the updated government advice allowing pubs to open has given those (who are able) a much needed break from being cooped up inside for months. It's a small win, a celebration, a sign that things are (dare I say it) starting to get better, while remembering that protecting ourselves and others is still of the utmost importance.

If you are planning on heading out for a bite to eat or a drink with your friends and supporting your local, there's no reason you can't get dressed up. It might seem like the first time in forever (cue an Anna of Arendelle solo) since you put your best outfit and makeup on - so if you're going to do it, why not do it properly? 😉

If you're looking for going out-out outfits, I've put together a few looks to give you some inspiration. That's right, I got dressed up so that you didn't have to... 

I usually love dresses, but this year I'm trying out more jumpsuits and playsuits for a different look. I've found that jumpsuits can be so lengthening, which is ideal for me as I'm on the short-to-average side when it comes to height. Of course, there's nothing wrong with embracing your height whether you're small, tall or in between - I, personally, like to add a few inches.

With the looks below, I've chosen a gorgeous mesh-sleeve playsuit, a sage-green one-shoulder jumpsuit and a black jumpsuit with mesh detailing - all from Femme Luxe*. 

This mesh-sleeve playsuit is beautifully tailored at the waist, and the mesh is so current. It's on the more dressy side, and definitely requires a dash of highlighter on your legs to make the most of them during the warm evenings!

See more black playsuits here.

This green one-shoulder jumpsuit is perfect for a night out at your favourite bar with your friends. I would accessorise with a necklace and bracelet to embellish that bare arm, and it definitely needs heels due to the length of the legs. Size up if you're on the larger side of your size.

See more one-shoulder jumpsuits here.

This black jumpsuit is so slinky and elegant. I love how the mesh detailing brings a bit of uniqueness to an otherwise simple look. It's stretchy, so I would purchase your regular size. Accessorise with bejewelled earrings - and heels are a must! The legs are quite long, and might need taking up an inch or two in my case.

See more black jumpsuits here.

*gifted

How to be more aware of micro-aggressions and what they mean

So, now that it's been a week since you (may have) participated in Blackout Tuesday, what have you learned? 

I've learned a great deal over the past seven days. I've read and listened to a huge variety of opinions, theories, facts and statements from many voices. Each one is important, regardless of whether others stand in agreement. It has been a journey of understanding and enlightenment, and I am very glad to have taken this journey and continue forward (forever learning), despite the awful circumstance which prompted the first step. 

Obviously, the subject of race is so multi-facted that the best that any of us can do to comprehend it is to listen and educate ourselves without the interjection of our own preconceptions. It may never be possible to fully understand all of the intricacies of such a vast topic, and even harder to reiterate to our friends, family and followers what we have learned, or implement our education, without making mistakes. But we should try, and we will learn much more in the process.

One learned phrase that I want to share today is 'micro-aggression'. Micro-aggressions often come from good intentions, but because they're based on widespread racist assumptions, they are more insulting than complimentary. 

For example, perhaps you are intending to pay your black colleague a compliment, like saying they're having a 'good hair day' when they're wearing a straight hair wig. This could be seen as a micro-aggression because it plays into the negative assumption that wearing their natural hair would signify a 'bad hair day' (this is obviously just an example and the situation might require more context - i.e. If you also regularly compliment your colleague when they're wearing their hair naturally, then your compliment about their straight hair may not be seen as a micro-aggression, etc. Use your educated judgement). 

The key here is to learn about common racial stereotypes (plenty of info online) and think of them before you speak. 

I have also learned that, being from a non-black minority, I have benefited from the 'model minority' myth in my disposition to view micro-aggressions (towards myself) as compliments. In the past I've enjoyed people saying to me, "you're so tanned" or "you have an exotic look". 

Really, I should have addressed the fact that: 1) it shows white privilege to covet another race's skin colour or ability to tan when that is one of the very things that help racists identify us, and 2) the word 'exotic' is used to objectify and sexualise women from minorities.

Moving forward, I will address these micro-aggressions in the hope that my friend/colleague/whomever will think before repeating the mistake with another person, be they black or from another minority. I will also make sure that I do not make these mistakes when addressing others, no matter how well-intentioned.

So how does this help us become a less racist society? Due to the fact that micro-aggressions are, as I said, based on widespread racist assumptions, addressing them might make people question why they have those assumptions in the first place and provide them with an alternative way of thinking. 

In the grand scheme, addressing micro-aggressions may help (if only a little) to dissolve the negative stereotypes relating to black people, thus laying the foundations for a more inclusive society. There is no switch that you can press to turn off racism, but addressing micro-aggressions is a small step in the right direction.

Lockdown loungewear | Working from home

Having spent much of my career working from home (even before the lockdown), I have to say, it's interesting to see how my friends, family, and the rest of the internet, are adjusting to the changes. Some people are getting to see just how productive they can be, while others are stressing over a lack of motivation; some people are getting to spend extra time with their other halves, others are using Zoom for 99% of their conversations. For me, life hasn't really changed much at all, apart from a new sense of community - suddenly I'm not all alone in the 'work from home' brigade, and it feels kind of nice.

Before the lockdown measures came into play, some of my friends told me that they wished that they could work from home. They're either in heaven right now, or they're deeply regretting that statement. As I told them at the time, working from home isn't easy; you do have to be self-motivated and structured, and most of all I've found that this kind of lifestyle can have a negative impact on your mental health. During the years that I've worked from home, I've experienced severe loneliness, massive highs and lows, frustration and anxiety. There were times that I spent so long creating a routine and comfort zone inside my home, that I was almost afraid to go outside.

I'm much better now, but I can imagine that those who are experiencing working from home for the first time may be feeling the same things that I once did. It can be hard to get into a groove, but I find that creating small comforts and self-rewards are a real help. What do I mean by this? When you feel low, or you've just completed a really difficult work task and feel a little exhausted, or it's 8am on a Monday morning and you're struggling to find motivation, reward yourself with a little treat to help get you through the day. Your treat might be your favourite food, or even reading a chapter of a book - it varies from person to person, so there's no right or wrong. Here are a few of mine:

'Putting on comfy loungewear' is a pretty recent addition to this list. Before coronavirus hit, I never actually owned loungewear. I had an old pair of tracksuit bottoms and, of course, pyjamas, but usually I would wear jeans and a t-shirt as my standard work-from-home uniform.

Once I started seeing people extolling the virtues of loungewear on Instagram - mainly comfort, but also how good it can look - I knew that I needed to see what all the fuss was about. I ordered my first loungewear co-ord, and when it arrived, it's safe to say that my work-from-home wardrobe changed for good. In fact, I'm writing this now while wearing loungewear.

Thanks to the popularity of loungewear right now, Femme Luxe got in touch with me to see if I would like to collaborate on their loungewear collection. They have a huge range of seriously comfy clothes for lounging about the house; but they're not just comfy, they're stylish, too.

They have cosy, oversized 90s-style joggers (the ones that everyone is wearing on Instagram right now); crop top and cycling short sets for when it's warmer; and laid-back-chic ribbed sets which you can probably get away with for a trip to the shops. I picked out three sets, and I was happily surprised to see that the quality is brilliant - I can see these lasting and lasting!

Browse my looks below, and use the links to shop beneath each image.

Pink Cropped Stripe Loungewear Set - Hazel. Shop the look here. Shop the entire cropped loungewear collection here.

Pink Cropped Stripe Loungewear Set - Hazel. Shop the look here. Shop the entire cropped loungewear collection here.

Pink Cropped Stripe Loungewear Set - Hazel. Shop the look here. Shop the entire cropped loungewear collection here.

Sage Ribbed Crop Top Straight Leg Loungewear Set - Aniston. Shop the look here. Shop the entire ribbed loungewear collection here.

Sage Ribbed Crop Top Straight Leg Loungewear Set - Aniston. Shop the look here. Shop the entire ribbed loungewear collection here.

Dusky Pink High Neck Cropped Loungewear Set - Ella. Shop the look here. Shop the entire pink loungewear collection here.

Getting my gold jewellery fix from Saint Kojo

Over the past year, I've developed what some might call an unhealthy obsession with gold earrings. Studs, hoops, drops - you name it, I've got them. And I love each and every pair. So, in fact, I wouldn't call my obsession 'unhealthy'; I would call it 'finally realising what works for me'.

I got my ears pierced when I was seven. And for nearly two decades after that, I wore earrings because they literally filled a hole. I didn't want my piercings to close up, so I would wear any old earrings that I had lying around on my dressing table. Even while working at a jewellery shop for five years, I never really identified as an 'earring person'.

It was only in the last 12 months that I realised I had a thing for gold earrings, and I think I've worked out why. As humans, we never really know who we are or what we like until we get older. We need time to try things out, to experience things and develop tastes. Sure, you might adore kiwi fruit from age 11, or discover that you can't stand romcoms when you're 19. But when it comes to something as unique and idiomatic as personal style, I think it takes a little while longer to truly figure out what that is. For some of us, anyway.

Since I developed this jewellery preference, I haven't stopped browsing and bookmarking jewellery brands that fit my aesthetic. I must follow close to 50, but one particular brand stands out for me - Saint Kojo.

This independent, UK-based brand is all about everyday luxury - which happens to be what I'm all about, too. Their 'Everday Elegants' collection is made with organic freshwater pearls, and each piece is dipped in 14k gold. But if you think this sounds way out of your price range, think again. Prices start from £15, and many of their gold earrings are priced at around £18-£25. So if you want to treat yourself without breaking the bank, this is the brand for you.

What I love most about this collection is the combination of textures. The use of silky matte gold finishes paired with the iridescence of the pearls elevates each design to a level of luxury that I've only seen from far more expensive brands.

I purchased some earrings from Saint Kojo, and afterwards they got in contact to work with me, so naturally I was delighted to! However, my opinion of their jewellery is in no way influenced by this collaboration, and I will definitely be making more purchases from Saint Kojo in future.

Take a look through my photographs of the collection below.