tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74091128691695882672024-03-14T04:51:59.414-07:00Rosalind BlundellA fashion and lifestyle blog by Rosalind BlundellRosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-40096166541170804122020-03-29T09:22:00.000-07:002020-03-29T09:50:14.090-07:00To Growing, Even In The Shade<br />
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It may only be three months in, but I’m not sure if 2020 is
going to be my year. Rewind to three months ago, and I had the optimism of many
people on New Year’s Eve. A new year, a new <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">decade</i>
even…there was so much ahead of us all.</div>
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Fast forward back to the present and reality is a little
different than we expected. I’d be highly doubtful if in the countdown of <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3…2…1
Happy New Year!</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">’</span></i> anyone was
predicting that we’d be in an international pandemic and locked in our homes by
March. No horoscope app or fortune cookie could predict this current dystopian
reality.</div>
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However, this blog post isn’t me delving into all those
facts we already know from our endless refreshing of the BBC News homepage. I
want to talk about finding the positives in the negatives. Whether it’s that
door that opens when another closes, or that light at the end of the tunnel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or any other tired clichés that makes us feel
better about what is frankly a bit of a shit time.</div>
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Personally, I’ve always been a glass-half-empty sort of
person. I’ve spoken about it before and I’ve tried to have a more positive
mental attitude. But it’s something I find hard and have to consciously do. I’m
anxious and a worrier - if there’s something to overthink, then it’s likely I’ve
been mulling it over wide awake at 3am on a Wednesday morning.</div>
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I started this year in a job I was happy with, slowly saving
up to get a house and adapting to my new life at home in Hertfordshire. Then –
and not for the first time - the rug was suddenly pulled from underneath me. I
was left without a job, at home and back to square one…again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All of this is pretty stressful for the average year. So
sprinkle on top of that a touch of global pandemic, a lot of economic
uncertainty and a nationwide lockdown - and you get a cherry on top of an already
less than fabulous year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But it’s not quite time to get your bottles of wine and
streamers out for a big old pity party for me just yet (via FaceTime, of course).
Because, the one thing to gain from this global meltdown is the things I can be
thankful for. I have a loving support network of friends and family and the
luxury to wait for a job I really want without facing any form of eviction or
debt.</div>
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Having all this time to myself is giving me time to reflect on
everything. After being unfortunate in your career, it’s easy to turn around
and tear yourself down and forget what achievements you’ve made. Even in the
things that didn’t turn out as well as I hoped.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few years ago I was in a job I hated, I felt underappreciated and a bit useless. It was when I was in that job that I
started my Instagram, it was a positive outlet where I could see rewarding results from my creativity. I realise now it wasn’t through any fault of my own that I
felt useless in that job, but more down to the toxic managers and company. I
can see all of this in hindsight, but at that time I couldn’t see that at all.
It took me to get through the other side to see how well I worked through that
situation and how I created something positive from all that negativity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The same counts for now. My last job might not have worked
out, but I learnt from it. And like right now, I may not be able to leave my house, but I’m
spending time reading and being creative again. Something I haven’t given
myself the luxury of doing in a while. Plus, my hand washing skills are now at
a surgeon level of professionalism.</div>
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So right now I'm back at home and in a less than ideal situation than
I thought I’d be in three months ago. I still have the days I feel down and at
a loss for everything, and that is allowed. Mental health isn’t linear, and
neither is the track of your life. It’s easy to be critical, but the best thing
to do is to be kind to yourself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may
be the case that some people have it much harder than you, and some may be more
privileged – but that doesn’t mean the way that you feel is any less valid.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As cheesy as it sounds, we are all still growing, even in
the shade. Times might be pretty difficult right now but a lot of that is out
of our hands. So focus on the now and focus on what you can control. It makes
everything that little bit more manageable and helps you realise that you
probably <i>are</i> doing better than you think you are.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-75426990494749262422019-09-17T06:28:00.002-07:002020-03-29T09:32:20.920-07:00Unemployed & Living Back At Home: A Millennial Tale<br />
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Moving back home age twenty five is never easy. It feels
like a step backwards, and the inevitable fight to stop yourself from
regressing into that moody eighteen year old I left the family home as, is a
daily struggle.</div>
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I made the decision to move back to my home in Hertfordshire
a while back, it was always something in the pipeline and when a friend would
ask ‘when are you moving?’ the answer would always be ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">soon</i>’. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My boyfriend and I made
this decision as our families are based down here, and between the need to
study and save it made sense to make the jump.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With big momentous life events like this, you always expect
a big crescendo of emotions and a huge fanfare to happen when, instead, life
carries on much as it ever did with no life altering epiphany.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So now I’m sitting here writing this blog post at midday on
a Tuesday in my parent’s study, looking for jobs with wet hair and wearing a
grubby pair of joggers and a t-shirt. Not exactly my dream of what I expected I’d
be doing at this age back when I was a teenager and full of naivety.</div>
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Nothing can really prepare you for the soul destroying task
of looking for a new job. I spend my days bouncing from recruiter to recruiter,
with their perfectly practised spiel of ‘I’ve found the perfect role for you’, as
they go into details of a job to mine oil in the North Sea - or something
equally as absurd considering my current experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You swing from excitement of seeing a job that’s perfect for
you, to only be met with an echoing silence from the job of your dreams or an
equally depressing automated email reading ‘Thanks so much for your interest,
but we won’t be taking your application any further.’<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the current economic climate, with the dreaded B word
creating all this uncertainty, it’s hardly the most ideal time to be looking
for a job. And I don’t think I’m in a unique situation. The government is busy
telling us that unemployment is at its lowest rate for a decade, but with
zero hour contracts leaving people struggling and with in work poverty at an
all-time high – it all tells a very different story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve personally not been very lucky with my employment,
boasting an impressive five redundancies (yes really…) across my four year
working life with the most impressive happening after less than two weeks in
the job.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m not trying to organise a pity party for myself, but what
I want to talk about is that it is hard for people to try and make it in an
industry we want to work in. Gone are the days where work is just for the sake
of money, millennials want a job that is more fulfilling. And when you’re
spending forty hours a week until you’re sixty-five or more doing it day in day out, then we should
enjoy it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But frequently, the creative and more desirable industries
are becoming increasingly competitive. I’ve had three years’ experience within
fashion marketing, and I’m finding it hard to get a response from jobs that fit
my experience pretty much exactly and pay what I feel I deserve.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Within fashion, it’s often seen as being part of the journey
to do unpaid internships to gain experience and curry favour with big brands.
This is only ever available for those with the privilege of not needing money
for rent, food and *you know* living.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve been unemployed, working freelance for a few hours a
week, since the start of August. Throughout my whole working life, I’ve never
had the privilege of job security as I’ve never felt the companies I work with
are ever 100% secure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Living through the recession and trying to build my career
in a time of economic uncertainty while living away from home has not been
easy. And even now, when I’m in a privileged position of living at home and not
having the threat of being evicted looming over my head, I still feel the huge
weight of anxiety on my chest for not having a job yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I constantly question myself as to what don’t I have that my
peers do? Why have I got three years’ experience but really no skills to show?
Because sitting by yourself day in day out selling yourselves to hundreds of
jobs to no avail surprisingly doesn’t do wonders for your
self-confidence.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I wanted to write this as a cathartic way of talking about
the hopelessness I feel and have always felt across my whole career. Always
thinking ‘the next one will be better’ or hopeful for a chance that hasn’t
shown its face yet. Because if I hear the phrase ‘when one door closes, another
door opens’ one more time, I will scream bloody murder. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But if someone reads this that is going through the same
thing, then that’s enough. To know you’re not the only person going through a
bit of a shit time can sometimes be the therapy you need. We are worth more than our
jobs at the end of it all, and even though success is often judged through our
careers, that fulfilment doesn’t lie just in your working life.</div>
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So this is dedicated to the rest of the 3.9% unemployed out
there, you are worth everything you think you are and you will bag that dream
job one day. I believe in you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDxX2ZLDbueLqOOLH3LLVhDyEwlDvgSuZ-wjBSHqYGjWJF6AiB6_XxW1B6PI0j-8OKszt-gUOQv4XdGB-mI7ntKzcsKtL48iErmRXZMk9dyrA6a3w93659fdvO7bKUeZIhSTv27d_kqU5/s1600/Video.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDxX2ZLDbueLqOOLH3LLVhDyEwlDvgSuZ-wjBSHqYGjWJF6AiB6_XxW1B6PI0j-8OKszt-gUOQv4XdGB-mI7ntKzcsKtL48iErmRXZMk9dyrA6a3w93659fdvO7bKUeZIhSTv27d_kqU5/s640/Video.MOV" width="360" /></a></div>
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<br />Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-81968398984118780862019-07-08T03:42:00.004-07:002020-03-29T09:32:32.243-07:00Is Advertising Through Influencers Killing Instagram?<br />
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Influencer marketing has completely changed the landscape of
social media, advertising and fashion over the past few years.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Print advertising and traditional media outlets as advertising methods for brands have been swapped for the self-made brands that are social media influencers.</div>
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This is all in an age when millennials are so cynical about
every form of advertising and the intent of brands that we have essentially trained ourselves to drown out
the noise when browsing the internet, walking down the street or even watching TV.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
So influencers are the perfect solution; they're more authentic, more effective and probably much cheaper than more traditional methods.</div>
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As much as I’m obviously for this in the way it gives the
power back to real people giving real opinions on products, is it slowly killing the creativity and platform that is Instagram?<br />
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<h4>
So how is this all happening?</h4>
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When you have micro-influencers, it is likely that they are
working another job full or part time and their Instagram and blog is a hobby (like
myself). In this instance, you are often not paid for working with brands. You
are gifted things in exchange for a post, and this tends to mean you will only
choose a gifted option that you truly like and believe in. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QnDOtxTIA6KhK317-dFx2093jCLfV0-qjn2Cx5sxBZJ5Voz3B-Ood16637Nh7jp2zncqf4o2xb8HObhclgGLhKbqZsJewAx0NOaIxCgiRelAiFla8kKzv8zInRZNUtvjOiplGqYFtd_A/s1600/66399953_449920539161918_1824126211803054080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QnDOtxTIA6KhK317-dFx2093jCLfV0-qjn2Cx5sxBZJ5Voz3B-Ood16637Nh7jp2zncqf4o2xb8HObhclgGLhKbqZsJewAx0NOaIxCgiRelAiFla8kKzv8zInRZNUtvjOiplGqYFtd_A/s640/66399953_449920539161918_1824126211803054080_n.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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This helps to build authenticity and trust in your followers, as they are able to see a true pattern in your style and likes and can help to understand your brand persona through this. With this
authenticity comes a stronger following with better engagement and higher rates of
followers - and so on.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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When you would reach a stage where you have a following or engagement to now being paid
for these collaborations and can reach a stable enough income to make the jump
to go full time and self-employed - it can become a difficult balance to work purely with brands you love.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Once self-employed, you have the same bills and outgoings as
before but an unreliable income source. This then means, on a month where money
might be tight – a fashion blogger will accept a payment from a brand that may
not fit into their aesthetic, brand or story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is an understandable situation. We all need to eat and
we all need money to live. But in the case when an influencer works with this
brand, is this not then damaging their own personal brand and affecting the Instagram page that made them popular?<o:p></o:p><br />
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Now that the ASA have changed and made it much stricter to
have to be very clear when something is an advert paid or gifted, it is
obviously much more transparent for the audience when they are being sold
something. Which means the cynic comes out in people - is the product really as amazing as the blogger is saying, or is it those pound signs that are making this sub-par product 'amazing'?<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cLsKRdWhvfh4rOMbM6vSAZHUhrTwmjmkqlI0dQM1dbd1b9uz0Nu1UppGuw6TEu7E38ChYA-uvk2RHCTicK_YUG_-2aFRbSlqvWlPwhj0UuraqJ7UySpZ7t0vQT0dvZc331b_HFIVn5Eo/s1600/66206138_402655843700353_3483398827027726336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cLsKRdWhvfh4rOMbM6vSAZHUhrTwmjmkqlI0dQM1dbd1b9uz0Nu1UppGuw6TEu7E38ChYA-uvk2RHCTicK_YUG_-2aFRbSlqvWlPwhj0UuraqJ7UySpZ7t0vQT0dvZc331b_HFIVn5Eo/s640/66206138_402655843700353_3483398827027726336_n.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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This is not done with malicious intent, but purely on the act of transforming your instagram into a career you ultimately are held hostage in brands who want to work with you. Hopefully one would have a choice to only select the ones they want, but if money is tight you might not have that luxury.<br />
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<h4>
So what is this doing to Instagram?</h4>
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The shift in people using the platform to achieve the dream of becoming
the next big thing on Instagram is generating an industry in itself – the concept
of buying likes and followers. Buying likes can help falsely inflate the engagement of your
images which may in turn mean that brands will get in touch to pay you for your
content when the audience isn’t in fact real.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip65NIebH939q_29GthlYQntM0NYwFCsbVu72MKOK725bb4K987QU7KPNDqE6ucLCQYjWQrJb1RzEpKvF4AZqcJdw-cG57PNqM5io1qeG4XkUNMSPbiQ2ONVc0F2-FreAfmNQ4v5j6li8e/s1600/66437044_1936448106460052_5778805907525730304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip65NIebH939q_29GthlYQntM0NYwFCsbVu72MKOK725bb4K987QU7KPNDqE6ucLCQYjWQrJb1RzEpKvF4AZqcJdw-cG57PNqM5io1qeG4XkUNMSPbiQ2ONVc0F2-FreAfmNQ4v5j6li8e/s640/66437044_1936448106460052_5778805907525730304_n.jpg" width="411" /></a></div>
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This wastes the company’s money and time, and essentially
moves the creative platform into one that is there to make money. Instagram should be a place
where people are able to work hard to create content that people love that can
also provide a living for them. It shouldn’t be thought of as a way to make
money through creating content.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a sense, Instagram moving to hiding likes does in part
solve this issue. The move that Instagram are taking to hide the likes each image gets was down to stopping Instagram becoming so toxic and preventing
the obsession and consequent mental health people can feel from this. However, I think by doing this it will hopefully shift the focus onto content
creation and creativity instead of making money through popularity - even when collaborating with a brand. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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But it’s difficult to see how this change will affect the
relationship between influencers and brands until this is fully put into place.
Will brands then just rely on following, leading to more bought followers, or
will their gaze shift to higher levels of content instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The concept of influencer marketing is one that has
naturally and logically come around, and is a phenomenon that may not have been
expected by the creators of Instagram – especially not to the scale it has reached. So
dealing with the issues that arise as it moves on is something that has to be slowly dealt with to try and keep Instagram as creative and authentic as possible.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<h4>
How does this affect other influencers (and myself)?</h4>
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In such a saturated market, it can become exhausting to
create content to the best of my ability and sometimes feel that it isn’t been
seen by a wider audience of users due to ‘algorithm changes’. To see brands
working with other bloggers who have evidently bought the support they have
got can be demoralizing - but I do try to not <a href="http://www.rosalindblundell.com/2018/09/why-you-shouldnt-compare-yourself-to.html" target="_blank">compare my success with others, which I have spoken about before.<o:p></o:p></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTygPAclmiPhCOtcfOHRqPr-NFYzaFiUv587FsvWZwMApFdwGl52B3rJjZo9hxEWZFvIbF7js3IW8KoB29iLNtdja00cdS2bXrDrdqN8TW1EkmAo170aq-KpQS7geTxL6Tnk_pnQJuxnw/s1600/66353823_801447083584519_2944746865104519168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTygPAclmiPhCOtcfOHRqPr-NFYzaFiUv587FsvWZwMApFdwGl52B3rJjZo9hxEWZFvIbF7js3IW8KoB29iLNtdja00cdS2bXrDrdqN8TW1EkmAo170aq-KpQS7geTxL6Tnk_pnQJuxnw/s640/66353823_801447083584519_2944746865104519168_n.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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I can at least be happy in the fact the imagery I create is
one that I feel is authentic to myself, my style and the brands I support and
enjoy and the image and voice I create is as real as I can create it in the
highlight reel my Instagram shows.</div>
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To know the growth and support I have is genuine, and helps
me to build friendships with other similarly minded people, which is hugely rewarding.
But to know that I am against people who don’t do the same but reap greater
rewards can be frustrating.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Which is why I question the way brands and money has
started to control and navigate the direction in which Instagram content moves.
The money that is needed or sought out by influencers is in some cases strangling the
creativity which is the foundation of the platform. Which needs to be corrected.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My hope is that hiding the engagement from brands and your audience
alike will create a shift towards the positive, but with the influencer
marketing industry set to only keep on exploding – the effects that capital has
on the future of the platform can’t really be guessed.<br />
<br />
All we can do is to continue with our creativity and hope that the community stays based around photography and artistry instead of money making.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<i>(all images of myself included were gifted collaborations)</i></div>
<br />Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-85889270470300213482019-01-13T09:55:00.000-08:002020-03-29T09:32:54.261-07:00Can Instagram Be Considered 'Feminist'<br />
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve always
identified as a feminist, even before I knew what the word meant – I could
always identify the feeling of, ‘why is that allowed to
happen’ and </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">‘that isn’t fair - w</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">hy is that different for women’. But I never fully defined it as a
concept for myself until I was a teenager and learnt about the word and what it
meant for society and myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So naturally,
as Instagram becomes more and more a part of my life I find myself querying is
Instagram feminist and is it good for women?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s a hard
question because there are <i>so </i>many parts of it that are so beautiful and
empowering but there are also many other parts that can be damaging to women.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeaSyLTu_uL1o3EikoOdYeYQ-fn4zmcu3KPHIbnLJ5SzLQF6xf6ZvzUiVhjZj3NmFBiLBiyZVJNQ9_VXe0oQJKl9GWd4iyxrWwWTK4BvkrE-V3UrJIF-bP2e80aRngsvbN7_k-b1ekG_5/s1600/49574324_519323688551204_8249242354263785472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeaSyLTu_uL1o3EikoOdYeYQ-fn4zmcu3KPHIbnLJ5SzLQF6xf6ZvzUiVhjZj3NmFBiLBiyZVJNQ9_VXe0oQJKl9GWd4iyxrWwWTK4BvkrE-V3UrJIF-bP2e80aRngsvbN7_k-b1ekG_5/s640/49574324_519323688551204_8249242354263785472_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I’ve
mentioned previously, young girls of this generation are having a bigger struggle
with mental health and depression and this is linked to the fact that they are
growing up around social media. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Instagram
has been proven to be the most damaging to body image and
mental health of young people, with particular focus on girls and young women. So this already puts into question any empowerment or positives we can gain from the platform as this is a huge issue that is affecting a whole generation.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDodHZ5Uee-0JQur9WWYAHXryPODKSxNoMf_sdcoWVAgfZUJUu4ldoZ8yho4EUq1sPRjqwgN2UyoIF3dVVpwu7ITul8hdcOuf3QcdhuCsE2O6OAEnW7MrR66demYQHjrcMgIrfRLE4NzM/s1600/49303399_137332400504182_1871174395959967744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDodHZ5Uee-0JQur9WWYAHXryPODKSxNoMf_sdcoWVAgfZUJUu4ldoZ8yho4EUq1sPRjqwgN2UyoIF3dVVpwu7ITul8hdcOuf3QcdhuCsE2O6OAEnW7MrR66demYQHjrcMgIrfRLE4NzM/s640/49303399_137332400504182_1871174395959967744_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In my
personal experience, since I have started my blog and Instagram I’ve found that
the circle of influencers and bloggers that I'm connected with and that are on the same journey as me are all hugely supportive of each other and are in no way negative.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Where
usually ‘trolling’ and negative comments may be expected in other platforms
(and they still do in a minority on Insta) Instagram is full of women supporting other
women and wanting to see them and others succeed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s great
to be able to post a picture and have positive comments from other women who
are passionate about the same things as me, and also from the other side I am able to uplift other
women by commenting on images I enjoy when they have worked hard to produce that content.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s also
true that the influencer industry is mostly dominated by women, which can also
be a factor in it being quite a feminist and an empowering space.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZaztqTvKqM6e4Bm00hnv23EJaJvibuAab1AJZLN0OFB9RNjw8qjjMU4nMuj7yWsZpEBPbDiu0d1LBRaym4bHklKqAE90eAPeGa3dtuoe8bOCaOlDbouviMm3wJ8DbJxFDw_PkQqAVI6N/s1600/49948343_2199011513698328_7170707230797332480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZaztqTvKqM6e4Bm00hnv23EJaJvibuAab1AJZLN0OFB9RNjw8qjjMU4nMuj7yWsZpEBPbDiu0d1LBRaym4bHklKqAE90eAPeGa3dtuoe8bOCaOlDbouviMm3wJ8DbJxFDw_PkQqAVI6N/s640/49948343_2199011513698328_7170707230797332480_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the wake
of the internet age, it has allowed women who are passionate about something
like fashion to succeed. Female influencers can express themselves freely on a
platform that they own artistically and creatively as a self-employed woman
running her own brand.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Previously,
as a woman wanting to make a career in something like fashion, unless you had
amazing connections or a lot of privilege in terms of money, you’d most likely
have to face a lot of problematic issues before your success. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fashion is a female led industry yet the majority of CEOs of the big fashion houses are male - so it's clear that sexism within fashion still exists. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On top of
that, the rise of the ‘me too’ movement only highlights situations women have
been put into by men with power that stand in the way of giving them what they
want and deserve. And let’s not forget unpaid internships and the wage gap
which is the norm in fashion… <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The rise of
the internet and platforms such as Instagram allows these creative women to do
what they are most passionate about and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">own</i>
it. Women can post images of themselves in their underwear and it’s because
they WANT to and because they are confident in their body and not purely for the
male gaze (ew).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdq06XplLQMuymoL0FX8vhaS658zXHAod__ehTa4yuzslGaAuRuCREXHLAW8f6q5II9nYs_lR6sQic069eHo0x0wOfm4cBAywnYJnwQJ4jDCosi9pBj-sVbIxBwB1WFLzgoh3yGj6FMGO/s1600/49643236_2437770156265198_1946426569492791296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdq06XplLQMuymoL0FX8vhaS658zXHAod__ehTa4yuzslGaAuRuCREXHLAW8f6q5II9nYs_lR6sQic069eHo0x0wOfm4cBAywnYJnwQJ4jDCosi9pBj-sVbIxBwB1WFLzgoh3yGj6FMGO/s640/49643236_2437770156265198_1946426569492791296_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However, on the back of that comes this issue with young women’s confidence with
themselves. This is often because of the bombardment of images full of
successful and beautiful women doing well all over their feed, when they perhaps don’t see this in
themselves.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Other social
media sites such as Twitter are positive in the way they allow young women to
grasp political concepts such as feminism from a young age, with articles that explain feminism and ideas in a relatable way that is easier to understand<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With women
like Kim Kardashian and Emily Ratajowski talking about body ownership and
feminism, it gives the young women the opportunity to have access to these
ideas early on in a way they can understand it. (Even if both Kim K and Emily R do fit into traditional beauty standards - it's a start.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpCSeZ4dONEkniQlKtkUAC6jQfrtTBezkoWSVqFGb6pNsmfeNlxh4Bwfv0IJNHgz-j6R143HRZSCaIpLee5wyTjCXGGrL8IBkSytNKc2TGcuZ_DpMQMx-lt5dcQvdLvzg4hwfhUKbZnZI/s1600/49555801_1004086443112443_7226927970449883136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpCSeZ4dONEkniQlKtkUAC6jQfrtTBezkoWSVqFGb6pNsmfeNlxh4Bwfv0IJNHgz-j6R143HRZSCaIpLee5wyTjCXGGrL8IBkSytNKc2TGcuZ_DpMQMx-lt5dcQvdLvzg4hwfhUKbZnZI/s640/49555801_1004086443112443_7226927970449883136_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I didn’t
learn about feminism until I was a bit older, and there are some young girls I see online
who have a vast and impressive understanding of what it means to support each other and to love
yourself in a female positive way which I only wish I had at their age.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With Instagram, I do think it can be harder to get these ideas of feminism across from simply an image of a sun-kissed body
lying on a bright white beach. And I think this is where it gets complicated and this contradiction of empowerment vs body image comes in. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Because
Instagram can be a supportive place, but it is all dependent on the network of
people you surround yourself with and the way you interpret the images you see.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I try to add
humour into my Instagram as well as transparency through my blog to break down
that idea of ‘perfect’ that I think can be damaging and negative for people engaging
with these images.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIf9ODNkVZ1QHt1x1VSanZL9EK6rlzPQ6gtvXAfhv7HkJszrPCnJ6PLlWo8rpQmW0txwuKWOSgErB-bZyliVqOKupDraO9b5f52BnnQCPKYnc3jt0VToXTMgAAimuHQkrn6u1G0ugBINE/s1600/49844056_1224704130987842_6140329505446690816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIf9ODNkVZ1QHt1x1VSanZL9EK6rlzPQ6gtvXAfhv7HkJszrPCnJ6PLlWo8rpQmW0txwuKWOSgErB-bZyliVqOKupDraO9b5f52BnnQCPKYnc3jt0VToXTMgAAimuHQkrn6u1G0ugBINE/s640/49844056_1224704130987842_6140329505446690816_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Breaking down that social media isn't real life is key to solving the issue with young girl's relationship with social platforms. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The solution may lie in these successful influencers pushing forward their feminist qualities
of passion, empowerment and independence as well as how they looking amazing in a
bikini – because you CAN do both!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Instagram
has done nothing but improve my confidence and restore my faith in women
everywhere by showing me how we can be supportive and really love each other and the progress we make in the messy world of social media. But it's on the other end of the content where it can get ugly.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Instagram
has so much power to do so much for women all ages. For women who are
engaging in the content AND creating the content. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I think it may be down to people creating the content like myself and others like me, as well as larger influencers to take control to try and counteract the negative side on the consumption of social media. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Because any space where women are free to make their own choices is a feminist space when done unproblematically, we just need to make sure that a few simple changes are made to support all women and girls that engage with the social media space so that empowerment can be felt on both sides of the content.</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-83190112529971560642018-10-10T11:48:00.001-07:002020-03-29T09:33:02.669-07:00The Unedited Reality Of Instagram<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">For world
mental health day, I thought I’d write a little blog post about the effects of
Instagram on our mental health. As the first generation to grow up surrounded
by social media, I think it’s very important to see what effects it is having
on us as a society, and you don't have to look for long to see the damage it can have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Instagram is
being put forward as the worst social media platform for mental health issues,
and it’s not hard to see why. Instagram is a social media platform created to
be beautiful. Full of beautiful people, in beautiful places living their
beautiful lives and sharing it for everyone to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY1hNIPbR5P6QsOAVQUueLgl-DnYHunnqlEi4okPjPvQY5BRFYknuwUI-JuWlF062-gI-B43ehu65f9AxK4J_1irmHN5IjCxYl8kKbQp3sNwEsMXqosH7BVFmzAeCKBvqBxqjHLo1CwA0/s1600/43652068_321256621988812_2167061891346595840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY1hNIPbR5P6QsOAVQUueLgl-DnYHunnqlEi4okPjPvQY5BRFYknuwUI-JuWlF062-gI-B43ehu65f9AxK4J_1irmHN5IjCxYl8kKbQp3sNwEsMXqosH7BVFmzAeCKBvqBxqjHLo1CwA0/s640/43652068_321256621988812_2167061891346595840_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Rates of
stress, anxiety and depression have risen sharply over the last decade for
teenage girls – a rise of 68% since 2007 - and is affecting girls at a much
higher rate than boys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">This rise in
mental health issues can be linked directly to the explosion of social media,
with Facebook becoming available in the UK in 2005 and gaining in popularity
since then and opening the door for the other social platforms that followed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOqMGzROLhN8RLlMt74TMvDiyDAW43cfec3YxuDdXlnUBldg-H6pzkMfwGM0SQxux8-xtkyyUEenbHe1bj-ZG8eIeJ1CBTsHknWJsZyu5iQO7e7mJNPERrtJjsIoMSx-qaz_j7celb7Y-/s1600/43684170_1151629691659499_6098759818363797504_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOqMGzROLhN8RLlMt74TMvDiyDAW43cfec3YxuDdXlnUBldg-H6pzkMfwGM0SQxux8-xtkyyUEenbHe1bj-ZG8eIeJ1CBTsHknWJsZyu5iQO7e7mJNPERrtJjsIoMSx-qaz_j7celb7Y-/s640/43684170_1151629691659499_6098759818363797504_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Everyone
remembers what it was like being a teenager. It’s a time where you’re trying to
figure out who you are as a person while trying to make friends, be successful
at school, while also going through the rollercoaster that is puberty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">You’re
probably a little awkward, self-conscious and it’s likely your self esteem
isn’t the best it’s ever been. So it’s no surprise that spending your down time
looking at your phone at this fake reality that you think you should be living -
but you’re not - is probably going to affect your mental health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Even I
struggle with it at times, and recently have really hit a real rut where I keep
comparing myself to other bloggers <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- and
other people’s lives. ‘Why don’t I look like her’, ‘Why can’t I dress as well
as her’ etc etc…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCe1FikJyNc4J8greLiHEjEHHFBtGNpJuF9KRvelLRZ7PzMKfsiAgmmck5gy4kMq4izfh9YlGTBHVNPcCIwscCel26IFELsq174QyGcs81Gk8yPrmrdr8NDvCmCUTanM5tlIk8EoCedJLS/s1600/43639072_277320816225666_5941827477214068736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCe1FikJyNc4J8greLiHEjEHHFBtGNpJuF9KRvelLRZ7PzMKfsiAgmmck5gy4kMq4izfh9YlGTBHVNPcCIwscCel26IFELsq174QyGcs81Gk8yPrmrdr8NDvCmCUTanM5tlIk8EoCedJLS/s640/43639072_277320816225666_5941827477214068736_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">When I get
these thoughts, I know they’re poisonous, and as soon as they cross my mind I
get off Instagram and try my best to leave my phone alone. And I know this
isn’t just me who thinks this. I spend a lot of time on Instagram doing what I
do, and as rewarding as it can be it can also be dangerous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">These
feelings of inadequacy can sometimes build up to the point I know it’s really
affecting me and my mental well-being, which is when I know I need to take a break from it
all and do something to get me into a more positive space of mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">This will be
happening to women all across the world, and to teenagers who perhaps haven’t
realised their self-worth yet to develop a confidence or coping mechanism to
help them get over these feelings. It’s so easy to see how Instagram can really
help to create a well of self-loathing that can easily take over your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc8CyNeH9BrC6Tpp4smB7i3z1Rq0rDvBzVbGjUhrgsN-GgwrBedt_I9S-Ip51VKe54iq8OqRY-vMU8jDJdo0QIb5qt17yd4Vt5btertvtPa5skUJgV4IGXNvrZgcrJk0eGIOBaLe7hkGB/s1600/43623129_1059917770853889_5229261766805946368_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc8CyNeH9BrC6Tpp4smB7i3z1Rq0rDvBzVbGjUhrgsN-GgwrBedt_I9S-Ip51VKe54iq8OqRY-vMU8jDJdo0QIb5qt17yd4Vt5btertvtPa5skUJgV4IGXNvrZgcrJk0eGIOBaLe7hkGB/s640/43623129_1059917770853889_5229261766805946368_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">The important
thing with mental health awareness day is that the discussion around mental
health is really opening up and more people are understanding and realising the
importance of mental health and how pervasive it is and that it is just as important
as physical health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">I feel a
huge responsibility to show people that follow me that Instagram isn’t real.
Everytime I post a photo of me in a bikini I can’t help but think of the people
that might see that picture and consequently feel bad about themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p8v-VcXZNq_TgPOu7le6u3kNbBcV_Ts-4YRa5cjCn1RWQqiCUvgQX_q2ZpHSiqNIHlTDxwHBQ-EI2VuB59AhyX8X7rO2oiaFwNGd6jglPEgQ49luiZOhoBGclZfMtFiVZPBtR-DP29Vo/s1600/43725553_334739313761126_3265990571801444352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p8v-VcXZNq_TgPOu7le6u3kNbBcV_Ts-4YRa5cjCn1RWQqiCUvgQX_q2ZpHSiqNIHlTDxwHBQ-EI2VuB59AhyX8X7rO2oiaFwNGd6jglPEgQ49luiZOhoBGclZfMtFiVZPBtR-DP29Vo/s640/43725553_334739313761126_3265990571801444352_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">I started
doing Instagram because I love clothes and I want to share my outfits and
styling with the world, I in no way don’t ever want to create a page or
platform that shows me as a perfect person with a perfect life with no
anxieties or worries. Because that’s not true for me or for anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">I do think
as someone who has an audience, whether it’s 3 million or 1000 people, you have
a responsibility to try your best to dispel this mythical Instagram life that
it looks like you might lead. Which is hard, because the whole point of
Instagram is to make your feed look beautiful and look perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjQSafcRmBAM7DxQXwGlQAw8SrwUG_-gcjO-MrBzH6mOv1U7mrezeBo6eT5fh_xhW33MPK6_S1slNBrEc2TDzP6HYrDdbsE_Tch6BylBIsINW8nPK1SBtOI2paPTlle89cnut-zgJ8bmZ/s1600/43788854_1752430251545719_2890629014454534144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjQSafcRmBAM7DxQXwGlQAw8SrwUG_-gcjO-MrBzH6mOv1U7mrezeBo6eT5fh_xhW33MPK6_S1slNBrEc2TDzP6HYrDdbsE_Tch6BylBIsINW8nPK1SBtOI2paPTlle89cnut-zgJ8bmZ/s640/43788854_1752430251545719_2890629014454534144_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">We need to
remember that Instagram isn’t real, and everyone you see on there looking like
they’re living a dream will have the same body hang ups, the same family issues
and daily anxieties you have. They just aren’t taking pictures of that side of
their life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Instagram is
an edited and perfected version of you, and isn’t the real version – so don’t
be fooled and don’t let it affect the way you view yourself and your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Because we’re
all a little insecure and we all have bad hair days and breakouts. So anytime
you hear that nagging voice tell you you’re not good enough or as pretty as the
person on your phone screen, don’t listen. Just remind yourself without all that
editing, lighting, angles and photography equipment, they wouldn’t look that
different to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
So enjoy all my outtake photos - the ones I don't post but I have a lot more of than my insta-worthy edits - and remember that you <i>are</i> good enough.Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-8604915837288303852018-09-12T10:20:00.000-07:002020-03-29T09:33:14.240-07:00Why You Shouldn't Compare Yourself To Others<br />
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This month, I finally reached my first big milestone of
hitting 10,000 followers on my Instagram (yay! Thank you everyone!) However, in the wake of this I have
become quite critical of my feed and what I’m doing. </div>
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In hitting this goal,
instead of looking back and seeing how far I’ve come I’ve instead been looking
at other similar accounts and how they are ‘better’ than mine.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAzmkAhYyaC6iPxAZdSMtZ6pw-E_TlcQG2ewSx1XFbw_iqpHXGcPUpndPoQkdzQUNQS_6012y_hf_VK8YMgKaiUPOZUUTtsVLUBlIap7_EYUCOHJUuZk4UNgoZHjHGMTS7Hd4SYXYxPsB/s1600/41491124_274826923133034_1540845355963252736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="825" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAzmkAhYyaC6iPxAZdSMtZ6pw-E_TlcQG2ewSx1XFbw_iqpHXGcPUpndPoQkdzQUNQS_6012y_hf_VK8YMgKaiUPOZUUTtsVLUBlIap7_EYUCOHJUuZk4UNgoZHjHGMTS7Hd4SYXYxPsB/s640/41491124_274826923133034_1540845355963252736_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course whether they are better or not is completely
subjective. I have to keep reminding myself that some of the people I’m
comparing myself to do this full time and have more experience and have been
going for much longer than I have. <o:p></o:p></div>
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With blogging, it does take a lot of content and patience to
build a level of awareness around yourself and there really is nothing to speed
that up; it’s just the nature of the industry. Especially now with so many
amazing bloggers, there’s a lot of competition, so growing your influence is a
slower process than it may have been a few years ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What I realised in thinking all this is that I started doing
this because I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">enjoyed</i> it. I started
it without any pressure or with any means to an end, but purely because it was
something I wanted to try my hand at.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllu9_tzbx9waF5OTr98rsg5cT-Bb8zmN4KVG3oCwxbla6CWsYVNE7nEmebWzDNeOpD30GXcTm4sJg3BBAsT9LaOyswAheQC9RC-ssl4xICW27zMEYFVoshCHWH3eVhMG2Tp-xmp8jyE0T/s1600/41456121_1146251715514031_5935527211162402816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllu9_tzbx9waF5OTr98rsg5cT-Bb8zmN4KVG3oCwxbla6CWsYVNE7nEmebWzDNeOpD30GXcTm4sJg3BBAsT9LaOyswAheQC9RC-ssl4xICW27zMEYFVoshCHWH3eVhMG2Tp-xmp8jyE0T/s640/41456121_1146251715514031_5935527211162402816_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is nothing to say I am better or worse than any other
blogger or Instagram influencer. Everyone has their own other time constraints
and everyone is moving at their own speed and creating their own sort of
content.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Luckily what I find when I do attend events and find time to
socialise with other bloggers, is that this scene is generally very positive
and supportive which is always helpful. It’s always great to hear other blogger’s
journey and experiences of how they’ve got to where they are to help put my
progress into perspective.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2zhmWiX5RDn6lyObXJv1cDU6-XyqHOQHtsYAwPOCjzWFv6IV_cnyAsaQ7tVVGxrPrO4o-0tacO415jgSld3Z-ald2fO_i2Vyjz9N6X5NUyub0CRoJV03Q5CQK84w0UpHZLmyscbZ0Lc8/s1600/41520575_283511142375573_7338520712677687296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="788" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2zhmWiX5RDn6lyObXJv1cDU6-XyqHOQHtsYAwPOCjzWFv6IV_cnyAsaQ7tVVGxrPrO4o-0tacO415jgSld3Z-ald2fO_i2Vyjz9N6X5NUyub0CRoJV03Q5CQK84w0UpHZLmyscbZ0Lc8/s640/41520575_283511142375573_7338520712677687296_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I’m generally quite critical of myself and have never been
one to find positive thinking easy at all - I've always been a glass half empty sort of
gal.</div>
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But that’s not to say that my perception of what I’m doing is
necessarily accurate. There may be some who read this that are looking to my
milestone and hoping to hit it within the near future and seeing my successes as
motivation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So I'm now consciously turning my negative ‘why am I not there
yet’ into ‘how can I get there’. It’s about positive ways to improve my content
while remembering my successes, how my content is my own and how it is not necessarily
comparable to others. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When it comes to life, it is easy to compare yourself to
others and it’s easy for admiration to turn to jealousy or even bitterness. At age 24, I have quite a few friends that have taken different
routes in their lives, whether it’s starting a family, chasing a career or
travelling the world. </div>
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These are all paths I admire and there are certain
achievements my friends have that I would like to someday have as well.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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But just because I don’t have them right now doesn’t mean I never will. With the fear of sounding too philosophical or ‘fake deep’ - we are all
moving at different paces and moving towards different goals, or even the same
goals just in a different way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JstKWe8tVTZMe_Mc-b5rUADeI7a3_GcyUACKsViBo_FjPxu-O0SrDbf7-oaO4pALnZgpf6RHzyudoSoao_rajmgjv75zh-dNa-q_UUJk8cUmlex_msBQFHZ-M45Pozdc0qy1bzPctMSJ/s1600/believe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="492" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JstKWe8tVTZMe_Mc-b5rUADeI7a3_GcyUACKsViBo_FjPxu-O0SrDbf7-oaO4pALnZgpf6RHzyudoSoao_rajmgjv75zh-dNa-q_UUJk8cUmlex_msBQFHZ-M45Pozdc0qy1bzPctMSJ/s640/believe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There are some things that I know my friends and others have
done that I haven’t, but this also works the other way. It’s key to look over
other people's achievements as separate from yours, and if anything they can act as a motivation
for your future.</div>
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Celebrate other’s achievements and don’t let that happiness for your friends successes turn into
envy as to why you haven’t done the same. Work hard and motivate yourself to
reach your goals instead of sitting on negativity that isn't good for you or your mental health.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It's hard to do but important to remember that there isn’t a right or wrong way to live your
own life. If you're moving towards a goal, no matter how slow, it's a move in the right direction and a reason to focus on what <b>you </b>are doing and <i>no one else.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-76452533634157146522018-07-24T12:44:00.002-07:002020-03-29T09:33:21.536-07:00How I Work On My Body ConfidenceI've been thinking about writing a post like this for a while, but now I think it's more relevant than ever now it's hit peak summertime and Instagram is constantly awash with bikini pictures and perfectly sculpted bodies on the beach.<br />
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And with no way of avoiding Love Island, that's giving us a whole hour a night of unrealistic body standards with their cast of beautiful and arguably undiverse cast not seeming to have anyone there over a size 8.</div>
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Body confidence is a real issue for women with today's standards, and even though I'm a size 10 I'm a curvy 10. I have boobs as well as bum and hips and I always will do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYm6dtAIUZJmhN9LNhI7QnSNX4ggN0AlyF4QYEqcvaBskTifb132BksTZzR1u0LhIG7_VBSapeuWctWQ4neyiHFEZXBcGiFiQOiDzXNEo52d6clVoPizH8IASVQ3Y6n7ya65cup_oj13Cu/s1600/bikini+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYm6dtAIUZJmhN9LNhI7QnSNX4ggN0AlyF4QYEqcvaBskTifb132BksTZzR1u0LhIG7_VBSapeuWctWQ4neyiHFEZXBcGiFiQOiDzXNEo52d6clVoPizH8IASVQ3Y6n7ya65cup_oj13Cu/s640/bikini+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Even though I'm not conventionally 'big' and fit into conventional beauty standards, even then I've not always been happy with the way I look. Like most girls and women out there I've tried fad diets and considered if I ever would change anything about myself with surgery.</div>
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At 24 I'm still not 100% happy with my body but I'm getting there. Luckily nowadays there is more of a discussion about this expectation on women and how these ideas are developing younger and younger due to social media.<br />
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I think it's important to remember body positivity is something that needs to be constantly worked at and kept up, and it is hard to realign the way you think about yourself...and without sounding too 'airy fairy' it really is important to love yourself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOZ730JQtHmFukVEPu68t96OCzbPObDgxuIe07tRgjx71kHA8srNBNcWECX1CT7hixAw50K-9k9qLYi0EuX4hgzpyCoRp0JcV6q-RJTZBxBsjhMQvE5ItLgtPvYuZ53Me6dbHq-3jFp-2/s1600/body+confidence+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="438" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOZ730JQtHmFukVEPu68t96OCzbPObDgxuIe07tRgjx71kHA8srNBNcWECX1CT7hixAw50K-9k9qLYi0EuX4hgzpyCoRp0JcV6q-RJTZBxBsjhMQvE5ItLgtPvYuZ53Me6dbHq-3jFp-2/s400/body+confidence+4.JPG" width="333" /></a></div>
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There will always be that barrage of beauty standards that only a small percentage fits that you are constantly told you're not close enough to. Sadly, that's not going to stop anytime soon - even if the parameters of beauty are widening pressures are still going to be there on having to look a certain way.<br />
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So I thought I'd put together some pointers on how I worked on my body image and helped improve my confidence in myself as well as how other people I know have done the same. Of course these aren't a quick fix or a one size fits all problem solver - but they could be an important start! </div>
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Know Your Body</h3>
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This one really is the most important. It might sound and feel a bit odd to do, but that's why it's so important - because it's something people tend not to do.</div>
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After you shower just stand in the mirror and look at yourself, really look at your body so you know what it looks like. And no, it's not like the images in magazines but it's still beautiful. Try and find three things you love and focus on that and not the negatives you might usually get hung up on.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8srKyZ56eO6IhXPHFueh_Zd3mV7P36_D01iVLsqH5yNzXW7Uo96aDKG1e9Cm3XH9i3J0JwH9wRpaJCA4wWayC2LC1WZBzIriybozKdGy-unbjlLBC_h_raTiKDQAv0kID3FWcR0zVYch/s1600/body+confidence+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1242" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8srKyZ56eO6IhXPHFueh_Zd3mV7P36_D01iVLsqH5yNzXW7Uo96aDKG1e9Cm3XH9i3J0JwH9wRpaJCA4wWayC2LC1WZBzIriybozKdGy-unbjlLBC_h_raTiKDQAv0kID3FWcR0zVYch/s640/body+confidence+2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://art-sheep.com/body-positive-illustrations-against-taboos-around-the-female-body/" target="_blank">image credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This also means to listen to your body, if you're tired or your hungry then have a sleep or have some food - never deprive yourself of anything. </div>
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Running that extra mile or leaving out those extra calories won't help your mental health. If your body is telling you that it's not right, then listen. Because one thing you can't forget it how body confidence is so inherently linked to mental health and well-being.</div>
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Ditch The Scales</h3>
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This is a hard one, because I was a victim of this in a big way. I used to weigh myself everyday and stress over gaining the tiniest bit of weight, and it became a bit obsessive.</div>
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Since I've stopped doing it, I've been happier with myself, because I know the choices I make are still healthy. I do a lot of home cooking with fresh ingredients and I get out and exercise fairly regularly - and that should be what really matters.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwfKYjL_GuNr_NKl_ZqiEwNayla7e2kq1-IxqTRwx83Oh7eFehaXVr00UyMlyzNTRLt4Wq80YFOFHXFAZPUeiC9fOOSHvCML9SXuK7991bjVYZaMDs-FO4ASaw3Y9yxje7tyT8G9hdJ5Q/s1600/821f11f5d0453ef9a0bb244d3903616e--body-positive-art-body-shaming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwfKYjL_GuNr_NKl_ZqiEwNayla7e2kq1-IxqTRwx83Oh7eFehaXVr00UyMlyzNTRLt4Wq80YFOFHXFAZPUeiC9fOOSHvCML9SXuK7991bjVYZaMDs-FO4ASaw3Y9yxje7tyT8G9hdJ5Q/s400/821f11f5d0453ef9a0bb244d3903616e--body-positive-art-body-shaming.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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You end up worrying about what you're doing 24/7 instead of enjoying a nice meal with friends or that glass of something after a stressful day. Weight fluctuation is normal, checking the scales daily to micromanage your weight isn't healthy for your mind or your idea of your body.</div>
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<b>Your health is important, your weight isn't.</b></div>
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Treat Yourself</h3>
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That means do what makes you feel good in your own skin. As I said before, body positivity is so closely linked to mental health and happiness. Look after your mind <i>and</i> your body because it's all linked and that's really the biggest key to a better body image.<br />
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So that means if you fancy pizza get it - don't worry about the calories just enjoy the carby goodness.</div>
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Get yourself that dress that is a little expensive but you look really good in, because so what? You have to spare that extra bottle of prosecco at the weekend...but it's worth it. Because you look <b>good </b>and if you feel good in what you wear then you'll obviously feel happier about the body underneath.<br />
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<h3>
Have A Break On Social Media</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO32ngXMuaa7RLgo6yHb4ehoWKXuqdIxkiMTNGyiscyzzhX_2KSvHaqZSOM8cUMuQ2Chs5if8yxdwEVmaHm8XUIZP6eGq_6U9X8-Ob1XD-RjunrSTgxXEDksiiTo5XQ7lk952zPsYWLUGb/s1600/e253aa83c8653741643cbcf502f9ffef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO32ngXMuaa7RLgo6yHb4ehoWKXuqdIxkiMTNGyiscyzzhX_2KSvHaqZSOM8cUMuQ2Chs5if8yxdwEVmaHm8XUIZP6eGq_6U9X8-Ob1XD-RjunrSTgxXEDksiiTo5XQ7lk952zPsYWLUGb/s640/e253aa83c8653741643cbcf502f9ffef.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you've tried all the above and you're still finding it hard to find anything positive, then try to identify where the negativity is coming from and try to remove it.</div>
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With a lot of girls, it tends to be instagram and social media. So just give it a break, take up reading or watch a box set to fill the time you use on social media and see if that helps.<br />
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<h3>
Talk To Someone</h3>
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If you feel it's really affecting you, remember to reach out to someone and talk about it. It's surprising how many other people feel the same way, and it helps to share experiences and realise you're not alone.<br />
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Even consider counselling if you're not comfortable talking to friends and family. Counselling is seen as a last resort for someone who is having extreme issues and needs help, but I don't think that should be the case.</div>
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It can be a way to positively change the way you think and help to change how you perceive yourself and the world, and that doesn't have to be done as a last resort at all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrgFEYJay-_-cplmQmKvnlw5AZnHu_AW0Yz2RJASibOuoBDi89sMa7kczThpphq6CN3At-ad_kzVXhTG30c22-geZZmUawNK9yidRQIFv-6J4G-2ppfDfjqWjvdMhsfDfksHb4piOFZws/s1600/body+confidence.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="478" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrgFEYJay-_-cplmQmKvnlw5AZnHu_AW0Yz2RJASibOuoBDi89sMa7kczThpphq6CN3At-ad_kzVXhTG30c22-geZZmUawNK9yidRQIFv-6J4G-2ppfDfjqWjvdMhsfDfksHb4piOFZws/s640/body+confidence.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Body confidence is hard to achieve and it's something that needs constant work. There's never going to be a quick fix, but there's always a place to start, because everyone deserves to love themselves and the body they're in.<br />
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<i>(note: all these amazing drawings are not my own!)</i></div>
Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-29506701360106500502018-06-12T12:54:00.000-07:002020-03-29T09:33:30.414-07:00How I Blog On A Budget<br />
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As well as being very time consuming, blogging can also be
quite expensive. As much as I love doing my blog, it can be quite tough when it
comes to doing it on a budget.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I try to share at least one outfit a day, and only get two
images from one look – which means I need at least four new outfits a week to
share…which can be difficult.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve had friends ask me how to I afford it and how much money
I spend a month on clothes because I’m never wearing the same thing twice, in
reality I don’t spend as much as it seems because I have to be quite canny with
how I plan and buy clothes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I thought I’d do a blog post on how I manage my money
with clothes, because sometimes social media makes it look as if everyone has
endless amounts of cash when in reality I don’t I’ve just learnt to manage it
to look like I do!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Second Hand Clothing</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Depop and eBay is frankly an absolute god send when it comes
to saving me money. You can see me regularly trekking down to the post office
with several parcels of my old clothes that I’m selling on my accounts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tend to use buy it now on eBay so I can just leave my
items on there and wait until the interest starts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKSpmpfFgQ1iu1fo3umsMDCMjpzIEgvdDsEUEB7M0Kw_outlQ_Sx62AaUOiU4m0FMgBVbCnGeyaRH58eG3e2wCYowNVWn5F_qJjB_isY06KNQFItrteQZDpUX9oV8Erjr-kYZfEATOHSe/s1600/35162208_10160543091450258_677863989564145664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKSpmpfFgQ1iu1fo3umsMDCMjpzIEgvdDsEUEB7M0Kw_outlQ_Sx62AaUOiU4m0FMgBVbCnGeyaRH58eG3e2wCYowNVWn5F_qJjB_isY06KNQFItrteQZDpUX9oV8Erjr-kYZfEATOHSe/s640/35162208_10160543091450258_677863989564145664_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skirt - Depop and bag - eBay...second hand is best!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It can feel quite admin heavy, but it’s so helpful to keep
me afloat on a short-term basis, and any money I get from selling old stuff I
tend to reinvest in a new piece.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plus it’s handy to keep my wardrobe in a good condition,
because at the rate I buy clothes I can quickly find myself fighting to put
something in my drawers or wardrobe because they’re overspilling…which means it’s
time for a new eBay clear out!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Budget Friendly Shopping</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love the quality and high fashion pieces of shops like
Topshop and Zara, but I try and save these shops to a piece that is more of an
investment or treat rather than trend led pieces.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qQLNuoQ3vFiHVAJJkV3T4gRqIo898BwcbpQ1HNGWvSjkPgbTJRMPSQZ7WfCT0h0IA_7jTaDorge_qNLMscewceBkuhrL9he-_z7dp5ifxsHkDukYFT25O8ZsKLoVHZRLQiisu9bLaFPG/s1600/35151720_10160543091285258_8112466449253007360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qQLNuoQ3vFiHVAJJkV3T4gRqIo898BwcbpQ1HNGWvSjkPgbTJRMPSQZ7WfCT0h0IA_7jTaDorge_qNLMscewceBkuhrL9he-_z7dp5ifxsHkDukYFT25O8ZsKLoVHZRLQiisu9bLaFPG/s640/35151720_10160543091285258_8112466449253007360_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trend led outfit that is all PLT and I love the outfit and it probably cost maximum £35 in total!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pieces that Zara and that ilk of shop hold are beautiful
and I wish I could shop exclusively there sometimes, but they don’t make your
money go as far as I need it to go on a budget.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So if there’s a trend that I don’t think I’ll wear past this
month, I’ll look for a similar piece in a more budget friendly store such as
Missguided or Pretty Little Thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If there’s a trend led piece in Topshop that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">isn’t </i>on Missguided, give it a few weeks
and I can pretty much guarantee they’ll have made a VERY similar piece for half
the price…all hail fast fashion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Excel It Out</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a tip that can really be used in any walk of life,
not necessarily in terms of buying clothes. Budgeting can’t be done without a
hard budget every month. And I’m talking spreadsheets galore and all that sort
of boring and tedious (but necessary) adult living.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a spreadsheet on my computer and note section on my
phone that lists what I have as regular outgoings each month from bills to
savings and see what I have left.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZKLzOzBzH7E8Fcs5wlBRvgbLbiIQllsnOI-f3l_ii8ZL2TiE1Fu_NEY6uxeHZAFapVdWWtIvnGK1KK87XDm9lRu7xvvjP1vSLPsGZ95LnM6toKwRuwBWnn4hJNwMdvQJAZFDnqbRVJN1/s1600/35079458_10160543091110258_1795305314799583232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1154" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZKLzOzBzH7E8Fcs5wlBRvgbLbiIQllsnOI-f3l_ii8ZL2TiE1Fu_NEY6uxeHZAFapVdWWtIvnGK1KK87XDm9lRu7xvvjP1vSLPsGZ95LnM6toKwRuwBWnn4hJNwMdvQJAZFDnqbRVJN1/s640/35079458_10160543091110258_1795305314799583232_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Depop fave (bodysuit) that cost £5 and has had SO MUCH wear!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I then estimate a budget for all social events I have on for
that month from meals out to birthdays to see what I have left over for
clothes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This does tend to mean I have to be strict, but it’s the
only way I get to do what I love and do it as well as I want to!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Shop Savvy</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That means don’t impulse buy, sit on something for a few
days and make sure you really do want it…and be brutal when you receive something
and it’s not exactly what you wanted. If you don’t love it, send it back and
find something you do love.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEB6HjOvIF40WgKxY_SDqqywN7TGOcpDoqcG4rQ92UJp0qKLHGWLWOW5Rx3rVgTtOZ6LfnYIWqn2MErx4I-KKKuP2MjxcWTaDkafX6Due1j97lvvRkWa58JmZpdE308Ef495lzuXaHn9H4/s1600/35247746_10160543091155258_2776720546119811072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEB6HjOvIF40WgKxY_SDqqywN7TGOcpDoqcG4rQ92UJp0qKLHGWLWOW5Rx3rVgTtOZ6LfnYIWqn2MErx4I-KKKuP2MjxcWTaDkafX6Due1j97lvvRkWa58JmZpdE308Ef495lzuXaHn9H4/s640/35247746_10160543091155258_2776720546119811072_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you want to splurge, do so on an investment piece...like this Zara suit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it comes to buying online, there’s always constant
offers. My top tip is there’s usually more discounts and offers on towards the
end of the month, when everyone else is short on cash and the shops are trying
to persuade everyone to use their last bit of money until the next payday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it might be hard, but try not to splurge everything on
payday and hold on to some spare cash for those mid-month deals to help that
money go just that little bit further.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
There’s No Shame In Discount Codes</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Discount codes are always a life saver. If you’re looking to
buy online, do a quick google search to see if there are any codes available
for when you’re buying.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or another sneaky way to find discount codes is to search
the tagged pictures on the Instagram of the brand you’re looking to buy from. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAujz2aXGd2QKO3rZh3hQdL1yTFXN2Iwq1obSQPBJtDC65A2GOK1gnuWMUSz2wnagAp6gOv-Tbed2qwL8uWB_UWIYF_P_jOeRQR6vwY90yGP7uhFHsrgIB3kaRYAHKjZoMdfR5ZL6LkM-Q/s1600/35114128_10160543128015258_1690042216199749632_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAujz2aXGd2QKO3rZh3hQdL1yTFXN2Iwq1obSQPBJtDC65A2GOK1gnuWMUSz2wnagAp6gOv-Tbed2qwL8uWB_UWIYF_P_jOeRQR6vwY90yGP7uhFHsrgIB3kaRYAHKjZoMdfR5ZL6LkM-Q/s640/35114128_10160543128015258_1690042216199749632_n.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quite often, brands give bloggers that they’ve sent clothes
to personalised discount codes to help promote the brand to their followers. You
can easily find these in the tagged images and try them out – it happens more
often that you think and helps you having to trawl endlessly through Instagram for
a code.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It can still be a bit of a squeeze, but it is possible to
make your money go further when you’re on a budget like myself. And never
forget the wonders of styling and restyling items in ways that makes them look
brand new again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because looking great doesn’t have to break the bank!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-28577770818221835982018-05-20T12:00:00.000-07:002020-03-29T09:33:37.946-07:00How I Shoot For Instagram<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been working on my Instagram for about six months now,
and I’m really enjoying it. It was something I always wanted to try but was unsure
whether I could do it and now I’ve started it and seen it grow, I’ve got a real
sense of achievement from it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wanted to share exactly how I shoot, because before I
started it was something I was really curious about with the various accounts I
saw and something I was always interested to know!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unlike quite a few other bloggers I follow, I’m not a student and I
don’t do blogging full time – I work a normal 9-5 job doing marketing for a
wholesale fashion brand.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtme4Gyz2R6d9DKwdUcNL7e4LejVJS_jdkV3S7R_3wgarMaBswk2mgjXXxVx-ksp_T1fF9aot4RnAHYQc6IgWodTbwnzZW9Jq4XS3y7H15iQRQ1dPMsgEL8Q4piFeAZJVrlbYkJVFV8mqg/s1600/33040822_10160453089245258_4302721232387702784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtme4Gyz2R6d9DKwdUcNL7e4LejVJS_jdkV3S7R_3wgarMaBswk2mgjXXxVx-ksp_T1fF9aot4RnAHYQc6IgWodTbwnzZW9Jq4XS3y7H15iQRQ1dPMsgEL8Q4piFeAZJVrlbYkJVFV8mqg/s640/33040822_10160453089245258_4302721232387702784_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me unhelpfully art directing my boyfriend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This does make shooting a bit difficult, just because
between working 35 odd hours a week and still having a life there’s not much
time to get some images!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think the most important thing to make the most of your
time is planning. I learned this from doing photoshoots with my job, that it
can all be very hectic and if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing it can
be a bit of a mess.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So with this in mind, I try to plan outfits and what
locations to shoot them in and what accessories I’ll put with them. I try not
to shoot more than three outfits in one go, because my boyfriend is the photographer
and it can get a bit tiresome – and you can really tell in the images!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKNxPRGO5Iukqjs2KZ1FUdMncV2ipzTjHiAv8CP6n-P1gw_n1Z6ttmzS8jjyvwrxRmsXZpIFLnLoElNf6e9VMBWiLMYNzkBMYY0E27LnR6YM9wSvv6YaEo_nyVKWyzxzM_QDkkyXgvgpE/s1600/33021184_10160453088950258_7818125880827314176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKNxPRGO5Iukqjs2KZ1FUdMncV2ipzTjHiAv8CP6n-P1gw_n1Z6ttmzS8jjyvwrxRmsXZpIFLnLoElNf6e9VMBWiLMYNzkBMYY0E27LnR6YM9wSvv6YaEo_nyVKWyzxzM_QDkkyXgvgpE/s640/33021184_10160453088950258_7818125880827314176_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cropped detail picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With each outfit, I try to get a full length and cropped
shot so I can have one that shows off my full outfit and one that can show off
the details.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I don’t currently have a professional camera, but I’m
researching and hoping to buy one very soon (any suggestion of good models
would be appreciated!) so at the minute I just use my iPhone 6 to shoot, which
does have a few limitations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gIz-0mBRH4I5EeGOGcuq9w0isvpexJFLenfkGRnfHXL9WV1oZ1zmo0EzJghK0iZy7rl6W_D_-CB79Mj_FI4IW473igHUDraNHoRQjQIRRtLfq-q3KFVy5oYNFI1P5omdVCk7JU2BB8VO/s1600/33192605_10160453088920258_1455355294656757760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gIz-0mBRH4I5EeGOGcuq9w0isvpexJFLenfkGRnfHXL9WV1oZ1zmo0EzJghK0iZy7rl6W_D_-CB79Mj_FI4IW473igHUDraNHoRQjQIRRtLfq-q3KFVy5oYNFI1P5omdVCk7JU2BB8VO/s640/33192605_10160453088920258_1455355294656757760_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full outfit shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now it’s summer, the longer daylight hours are a lifesaver…I
started Instagram in November so we only had weekends to work around and it was
a lot to do. But now the evenings are longer, I’m able to get home and chill
out and still get one or two outfits done in the evenings we’re free which makes things a lot easier.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGAzRayDcNyrzJQl0G8es7GhxAKlO32Ll242Cqf6Zmm1BvA7ynsJjYj0oU7RvXg1hzTGZGmfHR5olLSkut6YqnJiklBpTvy8e1y9lZz9xcy5L7L4bcMRE7oXd09mVQwJz8ysAj7-QMbi2/s1600/33040211_10160453089130258_8856011604148355072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGAzRayDcNyrzJQl0G8es7GhxAKlO32Ll242Cqf6Zmm1BvA7ynsJjYj0oU7RvXg1hzTGZGmfHR5olLSkut6YqnJiklBpTvy8e1y9lZz9xcy5L7L4bcMRE7oXd09mVQwJz8ysAj7-QMbi2/s640/33040211_10160453089130258_8856011604148355072_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you ever see a nice photo opp, then take the picture - selfie or otherwise!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you don’t have anything in particular you want or need to
get shot, it’s handy to take images on your phone (and have your boyfriend
there to take them) because when you’re just ready to go out somewhere you can
always get a good snap to share on Instagram.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I didn’t realise, is how many shots it can take to get
the right look. I’m pretty critical, so if my necklace is a bit wonky or my
hair is out of place I will need another image – and don’t even get me started
on people in the background...<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4X_tf95Otkk8oOYQAkAZSwiiHbEuRG2g8HHvM6sTit9zpsEoVkWLsmg42L81uRk_DMOyDvEKg27j_0TW68ZdB7g3Y51RXAV5oT-GanxZFsHYh-wBnhpttUR0GVzFYnqUh9r51td9qvba/s1600/33059051_10160452922335258_8863697830376636416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4X_tf95Otkk8oOYQAkAZSwiiHbEuRG2g8HHvM6sTit9zpsEoVkWLsmg42L81uRk_DMOyDvEKg27j_0TW68ZdB7g3Y51RXAV5oT-GanxZFsHYh-wBnhpttUR0GVzFYnqUh9r51td9qvba/s640/33059051_10160452922335258_8863697830376636416_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many reject pictures where I was NOT ready.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But don’t be afraid to take loads of images until you’re
happy with the final product – because once you’ve got changed and moved from
location you can’t get another picture, and that is real levels of frustration.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It can be hard, especially as my boyfriend as much as I appreciate
what he does, he doesn’t have any photography experience. So it’s all a big learning
curve to try and art direct and perfect what I’m seeing in my head. Plus all
those photos on my phone <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">DEFINITELY</i> makes
me look like a narcissistic psycho for anyone who sees my camera roll who doesn’t
know what I do…<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PxGbo9bZTLRRK5YmyD13BwA1Xgn1jLS8dlMmyrbKenBrcEjVLGnwLCNBmyOvBUQwNuOZYcc3nS6dkFPJeI9S2n4w7yp9lwIN0jpnwkkasvVPYx-lkz1Uo-ztOI5RzrsuYFi-Arpz7Spm/s1600/32955272_10160452914995258_1166330684562735104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PxGbo9bZTLRRK5YmyD13BwA1Xgn1jLS8dlMmyrbKenBrcEjVLGnwLCNBmyOvBUQwNuOZYcc3nS6dkFPJeI9S2n4w7yp9lwIN0jpnwkkasvVPYx-lkz1Uo-ztOI5RzrsuYFi-Arpz7Spm/s640/32955272_10160452914995258_1166330684562735104_n.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The endless images of myself in my deleted images...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now this part may not be shooting per se, but editing is really
key and can make or break a photo in my opinion. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve started using a dusty retro filter on my images recently,
and I’m really in love with the difference its made to my images. But as well
as that, making sure my images are light enough and the colours really pop is
so important. Google’s SnapSeed is a real lifesaver for editing and is the best
out there in my experience!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyyjwxgNT2xA5Okb9HZKBjBKbOiKSwDHz5m2mViNFQDt9y6x-Bvn1fdNwgK0u6exCGc-nawZJxEDk1bCTZ3iyBUgWUHhSXXu4q87YY5wh08V_XRbIsIhMouF0fSk1URONWLniszGBIsxB/s1600/33159141_10160452915115258_3351011090103271424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyyjwxgNT2xA5Okb9HZKBjBKbOiKSwDHz5m2mViNFQDt9y6x-Bvn1fdNwgK0u6exCGc-nawZJxEDk1bCTZ3iyBUgWUHhSXXu4q87YY5wh08V_XRbIsIhMouF0fSk1URONWLniszGBIsxB/s640/33159141_10160452915115258_3351011090103271424_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before editing...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNR7sJtkJfUuBG9VoyfoFYWzH5VN1gexMmNA-NkivDx1qNhM-jyOawo5lDrkhnk9Au8cxI7XD5tJDqSPyYFdRT6BncGFmiA091_GKd3IwUX27BBPq5zcJwmb0EUEqtXJP9zizDylhC7sao/s1600/33032446_10160452915130258_7618029148417556480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNR7sJtkJfUuBG9VoyfoFYWzH5VN1gexMmNA-NkivDx1qNhM-jyOawo5lDrkhnk9Au8cxI7XD5tJDqSPyYFdRT6BncGFmiA091_GKd3IwUX27BBPq5zcJwmb0EUEqtXJP9zizDylhC7sao/s640/33032446_10160452915130258_7618029148417556480_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After editing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I’m still learning and adapting how I work, as I’m still
relatively new to this! But I hope this is helpful to someone out there who’s
thinking of starting blogging or Instagram. Just do it or you’ll only regret
it!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-54576789864136157222018-05-11T03:46:00.000-07:002020-03-29T09:33:46.071-07:00My Summer Wishlist: Co-ords & Two Pieces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOa4PzJ7qsAiqONPHw02FpDVD7gbWWafyDhfwTpmAqs3Q5css2lBx4r5m8UA3qrXmQnp9pG_muZldvZwwnVPZhRofVY5hHCc359Cno7y794txk6UFpYcZnFC7H9SI9ZKUSI68Zdrb7Cg8/s1600/35151720_10160543091285258_8112466449253007360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOa4PzJ7qsAiqONPHw02FpDVD7gbWWafyDhfwTpmAqs3Q5css2lBx4r5m8UA3qrXmQnp9pG_muZldvZwwnVPZhRofVY5hHCc359Cno7y794txk6UFpYcZnFC7H9SI9ZKUSI68Zdrb7Cg8/s640/35151720_10160543091285258_8112466449253007360_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
1. Topshop Floral Print Wide Leg Suit</h3>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9z1nPafYLAingsV8KwXwNAsxD5B_6SHzGzCCJjvjja8q3xUOtx-oauzXtvzLrxSqKoZDLlhaXpT51IY6uLHv01fYQatSJE44FwLbQzCEnsYskC_1wlfGoKO8xB7FghN3fruxQvvujQCS/s1600/BUNDLE_17B02NBLK36W01NBLK_M_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="1020" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9z1nPafYLAingsV8KwXwNAsxD5B_6SHzGzCCJjvjja8q3xUOtx-oauzXtvzLrxSqKoZDLlhaXpT51IY6uLHv01fYQatSJE44FwLbQzCEnsYskC_1wlfGoKO8xB7FghN3fruxQvvujQCS/s640/BUNDLE_17B02NBLK36W01NBLK_M_1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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(Not my own image – property of Topshop)</div>
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I just love love LOVE this suit…it’s been a while since I’ve
treated myself to a real stand out Topshop piece but I’m very tempted with this
co-ord. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve been looking for a perfect pyjama style suit since the
warmer weather’s been coming – they’re so relaxed and I think are more
comfortable in the warmer weather than more structured suits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’d work this with my trusty Fila trainers and a bumbag with
a slogan tee to edge up the feminine florals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Find this suit on Topshop <a href="http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/suits-co-ords-4062329/floral-print-wide-leg-suit-7589278?bi=40&ps=20&bundle=true">here</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
2. Missguided White Side Stripe Suit </h3>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkACFcWdn3D2ztIpz_tZRoE6ub92wn8DuItNd5CtgVq8LETkmY7tGzDUYa27oWjPrrEsFHSa2NGVlM-zic44Z2ftUIwoPIwTeZ0s0D6QWPexO3Gdpgeb2cQZqge9Xx6QpgUovCbaKpYaP3/s1600/white-side-stripe-wide-leg-trousers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1105" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkACFcWdn3D2ztIpz_tZRoE6ub92wn8DuItNd5CtgVq8LETkmY7tGzDUYa27oWjPrrEsFHSa2NGVlM-zic44Z2ftUIwoPIwTeZ0s0D6QWPexO3Gdpgeb2cQZqge9Xx6QpgUovCbaKpYaP3/s640/white-side-stripe-wide-leg-trousers.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
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(Not my own image – property of Missguided)</div>
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<br /></div>
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I already have a pair of sporty popper trousers from Miss
Pap which I really love, so this suit is just a perfect move on from that style.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I really like the sporty stripes featuring on a lot of items
at the minute with the athluxe trend, and this style in the crisp white is so
gorgeous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Find this suit on Missguided <a href="https://www.missguided.co.uk/white-side-stripe-wide-leg-trousers-10104462">here</a>
and <a href="https://www.missguided.co.uk/side-stripe-tie-waist-blazer-1">here</a></div>
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<h3>
3. Lola May Black Flower Print Co-Ord</h3>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-YWvVQ4227elP9NLivzIU0h386yL0ZueRiU3Qfgly9KCku97WFbdb4RVVetQQfD03SU2O6Ag8vOkYRtM2wg_dNPS1A2MC_rYZtx9gIkmvckqYEfhRPwIwSXY92-AvcnEx7BaT43jWuaw/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-YWvVQ4227elP9NLivzIU0h386yL0ZueRiU3Qfgly9KCku97WFbdb4RVVetQQfD03SU2O6Ag8vOkYRtM2wg_dNPS1A2MC_rYZtx9gIkmvckqYEfhRPwIwSXY92-AvcnEx7BaT43jWuaw/s640/Capture.JPG" width="432" /></a></div>
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(Not my own image – property of Lola May)</div>
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This look is just so summery, Lola May do so many pieces
that are exactly my style and I’m obsessed with this two piece for my holiday
to Croatia in July.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love co-ords because you can really get so much wear out
of them; wearing them together or separately. I know that top would become a
real wardrobe staple of mine with or without the skirt which is just a bonus!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Find this co-ord on Lola May <a href="http://www.lola-may.com/black-flower-print-tie-top-and-midi-skirt-co-ord">here</a></div>
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<h3>
4. Pretty Little Thing Cycle Short Co-Ord</h3>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnteRBJ4c-trz0bFF6l6azXsAAl-42uwwjWsJA8md4NX413X8DOzCDqg3kxehzI1x2HVPEFt775Y-hXkw4SGlYTU9El8U9Fk7f3yjbwWMIlp0_f3SzLubgBEiBA6QtiIcWG8eyaJ2_zBG/s1600/9701758b1c0c1f09783518077390daeff2da29aa_CLV3842_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="740" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnteRBJ4c-trz0bFF6l6azXsAAl-42uwwjWsJA8md4NX413X8DOzCDqg3kxehzI1x2HVPEFt775Y-hXkw4SGlYTU9El8U9Fk7f3yjbwWMIlp0_f3SzLubgBEiBA6QtiIcWG8eyaJ2_zBG/s640/9701758b1c0c1f09783518077390daeff2da29aa_CLV3842_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Not my own image – property of Pretty Little Thing)</div>
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I’m really feeling this cycle short trend at the minute, and
anything in a nude or neutral palette is really catching my eye.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m not 100% sure if this look will suit me, as it’s a bit
out of my usual style but with PLT being so reasonably priced, I’m more than
happy to give it a go!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’d pair this with trainers and an oversized denim jacket
for a real Kim K sort of vibe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Find this two piece on Pretty Little Thing <a href="https://www.prettylittlething.com/taupe-jersey-square-neck-crop-top.html">here</a>
and <a href="https://www.prettylittlething.com/taupe-cycling-shorts.html">here</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
5. Missy Empire Asher Lilac Co-Ord</h3>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcWuywAbYZm4T1wBMzx7SLjqu5Hgpqa7kpA04JdrCwfHTHU-aM6q9T8BaM7BUsY0Y6U0VhiLeXTgzaRp5GNsut5S75fvmv52bI8OjE81utGXxjtlbmZGfJobuowS3fvRcG8QdnZYLZHjE/s1600/leah-27.02.18-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1131" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcWuywAbYZm4T1wBMzx7SLjqu5Hgpqa7kpA04JdrCwfHTHU-aM6q9T8BaM7BUsY0Y6U0VhiLeXTgzaRp5GNsut5S75fvmv52bI8OjE81utGXxjtlbmZGfJobuowS3fvRcG8QdnZYLZHjE/s640/leah-27.02.18-42.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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(Not my own image – property of Missy Empire)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lilac really is the colour of the moment, and this two piece
is so gorgeous. Pastels really work on my skin because I’m paler, and wide leg
trousers are a really flattering fit so it’s always a winner!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Because it’s quite simple, you can really dress this look up
or down with some accessories and killer heels or just with a casual jacket for
day to day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Find this co-ord on Missy Empire <a href="https://www.missyempire.com/asher-lilac-crop-top-and-trouser-co-ord-set">here</a></div>
<h3>
<br />6. Zara Peplum Style Yellow Suit</h3>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-k4fmvzGG7cFtjSrGdShep3ghPmJu8-pcER_1sXBgT5SuV66urjurfIgmi2ZQ-yOqIsXWaKZJf8s9_w7uSXWivJMbZe8Z2Pkt1FjnTTffXyWGWvcuVLi4I5A96_1srCe2Hvnuk_75k-G/s1600/2674349311_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-k4fmvzGG7cFtjSrGdShep3ghPmJu8-pcER_1sXBgT5SuV66urjurfIgmi2ZQ-yOqIsXWaKZJf8s9_w7uSXWivJMbZe8Z2Pkt1FjnTTffXyWGWvcuVLi4I5A96_1srCe2Hvnuk_75k-G/s640/2674349311_1_1_1.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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(Not my own image – property of Zara)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Yellow is everywhere at the minute, and if you’ve been
following me on my Instagram you’ll remember THAT yellow puffa that I could not
let go of over winter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now I’ve fully grieved that it’s too warm to wear that for a
little while…I need a new yellow obsession and this suit is perfect.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s a bit more structured than the other two suits I’ve
listed, but the bright mustard yellow with the peplum details just sets it
apart and I’m obsessed with it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Find this suit on Zara <a href="https://www.zara.com/uk/en/peplum-blazer-p02674349.html?v1=6319360&v2=943001">here</a>
and <a href="https://www.zara.com/uk/en/skinny-trousers-p02093349.html?v1=6147537">here</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-29295501942656793232018-04-23T11:43:00.003-07:002020-03-29T09:33:53.192-07:00My Top 5 Summer Trends 2018Finally summer has made an arrival, leading to the whole of the UK spending the whole weekend getting burnt and enjoying the sun (and some beers) the best way we do.<br />
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<div>
So, to celebrate the sun <i>finally</i> showing its face, I've put together my top five summer trends from this year so far!</div>
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<h3>
Checks</h3>
<div>
Checks have been around for a little while as a trend, but it's showing no signs of stopping for SS18. I really like checks as they're really versatile and easy to dress up or down.</div>
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But unlike the prince of wales style that was all over the fashion world for A/W, brands like Versace and Balenciaga filled the catwalks bold and clashing bright checks.</div>
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It's the younger and flashier version of the grey and muted checks of last season...and I'm into it!</div>
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<h3>
Clashing Brights</h3>
<div>
It's not just checks that have had a real colour overhaul for this summer. The sunshine is always a big reason to get people their grey and dark winter uniform in exchange for some brights, but SS18 is all about the colour.</div>
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I love a good bright outfit, and I'm obsessed with the colour clashing trend that this season has brought. It looks a bit scary, but is surprisingly wearable and easy to pull off.</div>
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<h3>
Mini Sunglasses</h3>
<div>
This year, Kim Kardashian confessed that Kanye emailed her to let her know that big sunglasses were out and tiny sunglasses were in.</div>
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So...ever one to follow the fashion advice of Kim K, I'm really into the small sunglasses look. With the sun only just showing it's face, I haven't invested in as many smaller sunglasses as I'd like but I've got a wishlist of quite a few for when proper summer hits...</div>
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<h3>
Corduroy</h3>
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<div>
Cord might give you flashbacks of dodgy vintage jackets and geography teachers, but cord has been brought back by the fashion houses on the runway this season. And frankly, if it's good enough for Prada then I'm sold.</div>
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Think wide leg and bright colours in a androgynous style for the best way to wear this material for summer.</div>
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<h3>
Suits</h3>
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I've always been one for a co-ord, so with the 80s style influence coming along and bringing power suits with them I was pretty happy.</div>
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Plus, with a suit you can get double the wear with the outfit by wearing the blazer and trousers seperately - so it's win win really!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv-QuBEW-6FzMmR728u8n3AUWTjM8djyRERGaPy4tqiqBZRbcO0HQSiT1xUS622_Fh4tjpd0_YiPa-_mkxiwBJsKG9bF9b4mxdLHmuThKrXYX30uK6E1RSVKqw7eqmRJSIuH9mqbf4xBB/s1600/31265542_10160347553225258_7640365658416349184_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv-QuBEW-6FzMmR728u8n3AUWTjM8djyRERGaPy4tqiqBZRbcO0HQSiT1xUS622_Fh4tjpd0_YiPa-_mkxiwBJsKG9bF9b4mxdLHmuThKrXYX30uK6E1RSVKqw7eqmRJSIuH9mqbf4xBB/s640/31265542_10160347553225258_7640365658416349184_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This look is easy to dress up or down - but I do prefer this look with a slogan tee and chunky trainers for a real up to date style that is soo me for 2018.</div>
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Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-55538314825434324392018-03-08T02:53:00.002-08:002020-03-29T09:34:01.469-07:00Gender Inequality In Fashion<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love
fashion and always have, and I love that it is an industry that is focussed
around women, but the fashion industry has always been detrimental to us as a
gender. It has always defined beauty and the way women should look - and it was
defined that women should be slim, perfectly made up and predominantly white.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRKdDSsccGU-PHjl79Vv-Ls0Q6ICRLExDyTzlWzkZ4PQwXRK3MhUA2ml2Y6F_-1ltEndFtOvfdMB7hxI_PYicZyZ7vAnzw9aSgYGD1NWTrJQkqXP1aMYV5e4lZHk1pIJOXNra7EwlUQ-y/s1600/Burberry-prorsum-d%25C3%25A9fil%25C3%25A9-londres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRKdDSsccGU-PHjl79Vv-Ls0Q6ICRLExDyTzlWzkZ4PQwXRK3MhUA2ml2Y6F_-1ltEndFtOvfdMB7hxI_PYicZyZ7vAnzw9aSgYGD1NWTrJQkqXP1aMYV5e4lZHk1pIJOXNra7EwlUQ-y/s400/Burberry-prorsum-d%25C3%25A9fil%25C3%25A9-londres.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I think that
in today’s society that is changing, and with the rise of Instagram there has
become an easier way for women of different backgrounds, size and race to come
to the forefront of the fashion world.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I’ve always
held feminist values close to my heart, even before I really knew what it was,
and I think it’s important to be aware and highlight the issues in every
industry – even fashion.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Despite
fashion being an industry that is built around women and marketed almost
completely to women, the inequality within fashion when it comes to fashion
designers is still very prevalent<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<br /><o:p></o:p></i></span><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">A study taken on the
CFDA awards (think ‘the Oscars’ of the fashion world) show that between the
years 1981 and 2013, 98 </span><em style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-style: normal;">men</span></em><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> have received an </span><em style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-style: normal;">award</span></em><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, </span><em style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-style: normal;">compared to</span></em><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> only 29 </span><em style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-style: normal;">women</span></em><span style="line-height: 115%;">.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceYbPZdFBp0HDk-oTwtVWHIuWKj5hYnbozUE8t8zbQbFlGoX9NX-qB9ZMAerqVDyx_4CIwPCh3okxu5ub33aYpB80DCY5IQ2S4IDhElc4WsOxQtZbeCS7ciiWC1K5h6ncVUUpIkaxX3Bg/s1600/karl-lagerfeld-beauty-quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="820" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceYbPZdFBp0HDk-oTwtVWHIuWKj5hYnbozUE8t8zbQbFlGoX9NX-qB9ZMAerqVDyx_4CIwPCh3okxu5ub33aYpB80DCY5IQ2S4IDhElc4WsOxQtZbeCS7ciiWC1K5h6ncVUUpIkaxX3Bg/s400/karl-lagerfeld-beauty-quotes.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In fashion it’s
referred to as the glass runway - where women in fashion find it much harder
than men to rise to the top in their career. When it comes to the CEOs of top
labels and fashion houses, there are very few that are women.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">As I mention previously,
fashion creates a problematic ideal of beauty which is damaging to so many
women who consume it from high fashion to teenagers on social media, causing
depressing, anxiety and eating disorders.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I</span>t is this
creation of women as objects of male desire which inevitably increases the risk
of sexual harassment in the industry. With the Me Too movement relevant in
fashion as well, with men such as Terry Richardson able to work for many years
with huge fashion names despite multiple public allegations towards him.<br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">But it is
changing, with Conde Nast refusing to work with Richardson as of 2017, and the
fashion industry increasingly moving towards diversifying the runways and the
top level jobs within the industry.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">So on
International Women’s Day I thought it was appropriate to write something short,
but very relevant, to me and a lot of people who I follow on Instagram.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifig54hUqftZM38S2CEH37fN96nRZqmmEv39Wufh2QEuFZlVjYm6tJx-v9ShjGF4KibaN9MQ2-Ua4ANlACW6caf88RDqNCiRw4nhzBpXj0xoSg_0U6hyphenhyphenWMhdXoM0p4PklQghGhujIV2xm_/s1600/b7438f92fe6f547d9301b88606ea1cf8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifig54hUqftZM38S2CEH37fN96nRZqmmEv39Wufh2QEuFZlVjYm6tJx-v9ShjGF4KibaN9MQ2-Ua4ANlACW6caf88RDqNCiRw4nhzBpXj0xoSg_0U6hyphenhyphenWMhdXoM0p4PklQghGhujIV2xm_/s400/b7438f92fe6f547d9301b88606ea1cf8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">As women we
have the power to change this industry, and it is slowly changing as attitudes
are changing and people come to realise that the current way things are run isn’t
right, and we have a voice to make a change.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I want to end
on a positive note, that everyone reading this has a power to make a
difference. So here’s to 2018…the year where women should support women and the
year that we should make sure we turn around and speak out when we see
something that isn’t right because we have that power.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">And most
importantly, Happy International Women’s day!</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409112869169588267.post-83098089258858626612018-01-28T12:26:00.000-08:002020-03-29T09:34:08.277-07:00Getting Cosy - My Fave Winter KnitsSo, here it is! My very first blog post...<br />
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I've been thinking and thinking about what I should make my first post about, and I then realised I really was over complicating it all and stressing my self out about it far too much!<br />
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So for my first ever post, I decided to go for something easy, cosy and something that (hopefully) will be an enjoyable read for everyone. A list of my favourite jumpers from this season!<br />
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I love a good jumper, they're snuggly, warm and pretty effortless. So if I find a jumper that makes you look good while putting in 0 effort - then I know i'm going to essentially be living in it all winter.<br />
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It's January...Christmas is gone so now all winter has to offer is dark morning and nights, constant storms and it's all just a little bit depressing.<br />
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So give yourself and your wardrobe a little self care and splash out on some new knits to help you make it to Spring. And to help you do just that, here is a list of my faves...<br />
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I'm obsessed with this jumper, it's so soft and the colbalt shade is just amazing! I got it sale shopping in Zara (after I stumbled into the full priced section) and have been finding different ways to wear it ever since - <a href="https://www.zara.com/uk/en/oversized-roll-neck-sweater-p06873105.html">find it here.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjignEL2ksi49SbI-vY3P346cjuLEX-GVJ3fuLFUZ5NEG9gVy9S2-Tmt2aj9vSz2jzZegHzSH7SFjyG7AB_uefGbZCEviowseySsAJ1hdkUMv-O-vyFJy0oOO-rdbzaEuc2doSpfTWzJlzj/s1600/27479953_10159947406455258_409257093_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjignEL2ksi49SbI-vY3P346cjuLEX-GVJ3fuLFUZ5NEG9gVy9S2-Tmt2aj9vSz2jzZegHzSH7SFjyG7AB_uefGbZCEviowseySsAJ1hdkUMv-O-vyFJy0oOO-rdbzaEuc2doSpfTWzJlzj/s640/27479953_10159947406455258_409257093_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was looking for a chenille jumper for ages when I came across this lovely jumper from boohoo. It's another gorgeous colour and it was pretty decently priced with it being boohoo. </div>
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It's a slightly cropped fit which isn't always my sort of thing, but despite that I'm very much in love with this jumper! <a href="http://www.boohoo.com/search?q=chenille+roll+neck">Find similar ones here</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYvSwwN4Q0JKoYrOJ1s4T6A3ojS2TPwzNLfsTMjB0zM-t7H9tVW7rhca6rXbkIyQBmQhyphenhyphenLqYbwESP4ZXaI0gD5cetRw-xX0kfhPRLRwrjP1SMni2EXelogV6mPjWKLLdTj4byrTBBv9Em/s1600/27485096_10159947406800258_454010489_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYvSwwN4Q0JKoYrOJ1s4T6A3ojS2TPwzNLfsTMjB0zM-t7H9tVW7rhca6rXbkIyQBmQhyphenhyphenLqYbwESP4ZXaI0gD5cetRw-xX0kfhPRLRwrjP1SMni2EXelogV6mPjWKLLdTj4byrTBBv9Em/s640/27485096_10159947406800258_454010489_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you can probably guess, I've been into bold colours with my knitwear recently. And when I saw this fluffy Bershka jumper with balloon sleeves I really fell in love.<br />
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I'm a massive fan of red - I think it just works on me and this jumper has kept me so cosy all winter!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprvsElKsjcqpFgx0CUswY0r_rTTjfe666O0d0X8kC4d8Ezj693N-k8ZO4V1aeC5ChyILTht0bNfDbc0dPQs0cl96EBmGbItLaDw8NLmHB1TY9V5BPn_bhMraiapM-T8NOGR-LKdKbU6G7/s1600/27479850_10159947406400258_1083449067_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprvsElKsjcqpFgx0CUswY0r_rTTjfe666O0d0X8kC4d8Ezj693N-k8ZO4V1aeC5ChyILTht0bNfDbc0dPQs0cl96EBmGbItLaDw8NLmHB1TY9V5BPn_bhMraiapM-T8NOGR-LKdKbU6G7/s640/27479850_10159947406400258_1083449067_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my latest addition to my knitwear collection, I loved the funnel neck shape with the flared style sleeves...not to mention the lace up back detailing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOymhzAPkYrE_2ZStxYCcJwS9TLs3aOrobScXnVU7IKWG9mwXGTIdKkRIMv1B1oTe6wPWD24RwozmTX8E7pnezlZbNtoGbzCit-kM7OHJVs5j4leqTRusxeYZmjcFJbDaWBppmLAeXkl0E/s1600/27485166_10159947492355258_839895420_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOymhzAPkYrE_2ZStxYCcJwS9TLs3aOrobScXnVU7IKWG9mwXGTIdKkRIMv1B1oTe6wPWD24RwozmTX8E7pnezlZbNtoGbzCit-kM7OHJVs5j4leqTRusxeYZmjcFJbDaWBppmLAeXkl0E/s640/27485166_10159947492355258_839895420_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/jumpers-cardigans-6924635/lattice-back-funnel-neck-jumper-7261902?bi=0&ps=20">Find it on Topshop here!</a><br />
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So time to get to the shops and treat yourself to some ultimate comfort knits to get you through these bleak winter months!Rosalind Blundellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234687851562653421noreply@blogger.com0Manchester, UK53.4807593 -2.242630500000018453.329540300000005 -2.5653540000000183 53.6319783 -1.9199070000000185