Frey De Fleur Charity Blogger Event

Photos 1, 3 and 5 by Ignite Images

Just in time for the midweek hump, Wednesday 17th September saw a gathering of bloggers, press, brands and celebrities congregate for the discussion of a worthy cause: fashion conscious blogging. And I was lucky enough to be included on the guest list.

The event held in the loft of the bustling Jam Tree in Chelsea was hosted by blogger Freya Bromley from Frey De Fleur, who's reasoning for the night was a very personal one. You see the conscious blogging initiative isn't some frivolous coin of phrase that just sounds good - to Freya who is leading the motion, it is all down to raising the awareness of charities for it is one in particular, The Rainbow Trust Children's Charity which has been there for her, her family and her brother after his cancer diagnosis. 

During the event Freya took to a speech were she described how much the charity has helped her whilst struggling with being apart from her brother at Univeristy and how it had also considerably helped her brother too in many worthwhile ways. From simply being there to talk to when feeling low to providing care. So the £600 raised on the night will certainly go far in aiding many other families.

Freya also discussed that as digital influences bloggers can be highly influential in terms of shoes, bags and makeup but maybe now it is time to use our voices for more than that... How amazing would it be to have the power to use our own slice of the internet to raise awareness about good causes like The Rainbow Children's Charity - or any other charity that you hold close to your heart. I know I've been through things in life where charities have played a big part in helping to keep families supported and cared for. 

Freya herself has dedicated a whole section of her blog to charity fuelled blogging and plans to hold two annual events a year where people can get together and collaborate on ideas to help spread the word. This is one example of how crowd sourcing and blogging can be a very positive thing for the younger generation. Instead of fixating of twitter trolling, Instagram jealousy and blogging blues something like conscious blogging allows for us to think about more than ourselves and our own opinions and wants. 

I think it's an admirable mission and of course wherever I can I'll be happy to help and I will start to look beyond my normal realms of interest and start thinking seriously about charitable content too for Give Me More. It doesn't have to be something you do every week - but if you shed light on even one great cause that you genuinely feel passionate about then that could have an incredible domino effect online and hopefully get more and more people talking charity too. 

So, get Involved, spread the word and better still get helping out at your local charity - spend a day volunteering, give that big issue man your daily Starbucks spend, sign up for a charity run or even start your own event to raise funds. Just seize the opportunity for good now! Together it could lead to something amazing...

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A Day To Remember...

What a truly magical day... congratulations Alicea and Richard

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Wind in my hair

At the weekend my partner came to visit me in London. We ended up staying in a hotel in Hammersmith and roamed the area to get to know it better, as it is where I work and where soon I'll also be living. We went for food in Friday at a cute restaurant called Lola and Simon where they sold delicious pasta! After the working week it was lovely to enjoy a big glass of wine and practically fall into bed.




Saturday was so hot in London so I wanted wear something light and airy so opted for this silky navy dress from H&M paired with statement floral necklace to bring a bit of summery colour to the look. We started the day of with breakfast at a really cute Australian urban cafe that sold yummy confectionary. Afterwards the day consisted of wandering the streets nearby, enjoying a bit of shopping and of course more eating! Which was Lebanese in the Duke of York square. FYI I love aubergine!




Sunday was equally if not more wonderful. We went to Grosvenor Park where I meet bloggers Lily and Vivianna at their picnic meet-up! This was such a treat for beauty fanatic me. If you watch her latest blog here you'll spot me in the red river island dress towards the end. After we finished the day off with sushi which is a very different cuisine to my Mums normal Sunday roast.




Saturday I'll be a braidsmaid for my cousins wedding so will most certainly have photographs to share about that day soon. But to keep in the loop early make sure to check my social media platforms because I'll be sure to share a picture or two! Until next time.

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Flower Power

I have officially been living and working in London for two weeks now and I can report that I am extremely happy. I feared so much about the big move (which is still up in the air without having laid down roots yet - thank the lord for good friends and a spare sofa), although there are aspects which are difficult to cope with such as living away from my boyfriend time has been filled with work and socialising and that has kept me sane!

I can't believe how lovely everyone is at work. Liz Earle seem to be an abolsolutely wonderful company to work for. With a long, insightful and hospitable induction I feel I have been a little spoilt actually and thankfully made friends within the company already. The role requires me to hope over to the isle of Wight, the homeland of the brand but I can't complain! Sun, sand and sea have been a welcomed sight. In the next post I'll have some snaps of which to share with you!

The photographs above are of a John Lewis rooftop event we did and I helped out at. Complete with flower headdress I dilly dallied around the oasis in the clouds (trying not to burn in the scorching heat) helping to coordinate the goings on. It was such a pleasure to work alongside the talented crew and was very special to continue into the evening with the VIP event with the lady herself. Liz Earle spoke about the brand's beginning and her favourite products. It was beautiful watching the sun go down and being amongst such lovely people and might I say a gorgeous garden-inspired setting.

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Standing Tall

Blue Seahorse Tunic

My last post championed the unspoken hero hue of yellow and I guess if this post had a shinning grace it would be blue. 

My likeness for blue is not something I have only just discovered. I have always had an attraction for the colour for as long as I can remember. If your a regular reader of Give Me More you may be able to think back to my trend posts on the electric, bold version. 

Lately I have fancied the softer, dusty and pastoral variants that give a more delicate touch to an outfit. But for this look, made up of a Primark white colourless, Scolloped edged jacket (well done Primark), a light blue Sugarhill Boutique seahorse patterned shift dress* and royal blue New Look heels, I wanted to see what pairing the two types of blue looked like against one another.

I thought it may have gone horribly wrong but somehow the clash makes for an interesting look, which is balanced nicely with the no-frills jacket. So far, my wardrobe is becoming ever the more colourful and now I am starting to become braver with mixing and matching too. I'm not sure what it is either. There must be something in the air...

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Life is Balance

I am beyond excited to do this post today as I have been eagerly awaiting these photographs and the permission to share them with you. Not long ago my good friend Ellis - who you may have heard me talk about before (she was the nice lady who bought me my red Chanel lippy), is the founder of Balance - a shop selling various treasures and trinkets from clothing to interiors to my favourite, jewellery. 

It was the latter which sparked this photoshoot as Ellis and her co-owner Sol released their new jewellery collection and I was lucky enough to be part a part of promoting it. Photographer Georgina Martin, a seriously talented creative who I have worked with a couple of times was the magician behind the lens. I posed as model for the day to the floral backdrop of the Sheffield Botanical Gardens which involved prancing around bare footed and quite a lot of smizing (something I'm not sure I have mastered). Smouldering glares aside this was a lookbook all about showing off a more feminine side to the alternative brand. So, my tattoo-virgin skin allowed for the beautiful detailing of the pieces to shine through. But another recent shoot with a heavily art adorned lady translate a different attitude to the same pieces - one more fierce that appeals to Balances core consumers. But I think no matter your style Balance offer something everyone could fall in love with. 

Another reason I've been looking forward to writing this and partly why I was thrilled to collaborate with the female power duo was because the whole thing stood for so much that I value. First off, this is a born and bred Sheffield company and shop that has quality at their core. Shredded of the gimmicks that are normally associated with alternative lifestyle products (including smoking paraphernalia) this is a modern thinking store with a conscience. They care deeply about the planet and endeavour to source and stock only products of sustainable and fair trade origin. Meaning customers can feel safe in their purchases. Secondly, the development and future of Balance is really inspiring. It represents so much positivity - here are two people who made their humble dream a reality. And better still it is continually evolving and growing with ideas in the pipeline which will really set this company apart. 

So, if you are looking for somewhere a bit different and off the high-street then don't overlook this little gem! Everything is always done to the highest level of customer service, wrapped lovely, delivered promptly and hidden inside each order will be well made, hand selected goodies. Invest in the small people of the fashion industry and enjoy guilt free shopping! 

Photographs by Georgina Martin

For www.lifeisbalance.co.uk

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Neon Glamorous Workwear // M&S Collaboration

Photographer: Georgina Martin // Stylist: Myself // *Dress & Bag: Marks & Spencer

I was extremely lucky to be contacted by M&S and asked to choose some pieces from their latest collections in honour of some specific trends. Of course I was more than happy to comply and decided to coincide the look with workwear as I will be joining the marketing team at Liz Earle in London very soon! With that in mind I knew I had to pick pieces which would stand out of my wardrobe and make a great first impression. 

There were many trends of the season to choose to emulate from floral, abstract prints to one of my current favourites white-out. But as someone who struggles with wearing colour I wanted to catapult out of my comfort zone and tap into the neon/colour-block trend. I chose this beautiful Neon yellow A-line pleated skater dress as I loved its simple yet impacting design. I especially like the small details such as the angular deep set neck line around the armholes. It looks and feels structured without compromising on femininity and comfort also the length means it can be worn with peace of mind. To give it a more casual twist I paired it with a thin brown plaited belt which also emphasises the cinched in waist that this dress delivers. 

I also chose the Grey Winged Tote Bag to go against the dress and like how it's soft and light hue contrasts against the bright and bold yellow of the skater dress. As this was a look which could easily be transferable from the office to the evening I opted to add some small heeled sandals into the mix which I feel really sets off a summer vibe. It would look equally as cute with flat loafers for the day or could be updated for a night out with stilettos and a statement necklace. Making this a very versatile little dress. As for the bag well since this photo-shoot it hasn't left my side and goes with every outfit I've worn, proving to be a roomy, practical yet stylish piece of arm candy. Perfect for life in the capital.

With special thanks to Georgina for taking these snaps and adding some serious quality content to my blog and as I model for a friend's brand too there will be more of Georgina's photography of me to be sported on Give Me More very soon! Life is going to be changing massively due to the move South and you can look forward to more lifestyle posts about my journey and experience. So, make sure to keep checking in :)

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Straight Up Glad Rags

I am a gal who loves her stripes and you know what they say; a zebra never changes their stripes and all that... so I guess it will be a lifelong lover affair after all. If you aren't so enamored by the line print then this might not be your thang because this my darlings is stripes on steroids. But for me it is a whole lot of dress to love. 

It is the Jenny Dress* from jones + jones - a brand you may have come across within the likes of Topshop - that has given my wardrobe a princess touch. With its net-trimmed petticoat skirt signature to the feminine label and cinched in waist it doesn't hold back in the fun and flirty arena. As someone who doesn't shy away from girly indulgences I feel I can embrace its modern-vintage silhouette and pattern but for those who prefer their garments with less drama the brand have many other frocks to get you fixed. I fell for numerous pieces, including the Ella Playsuit which I think I'd give my left arm for - not literally but you get the meaning.

But fancies aside this is a company with values I respect. jones + jones is proud to support British manufacturing by designing and producing all our products right here in the UK and they also make great efforts to source all their fabrics here too. I adore how they keep things small and local within their team based in London, putting their heritage birth land first with a boutique in the Spitalfields market. So, If you need a pick-me-up piece with a distinct difference then jones + jones will hook you up!

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All Things Bright and Beautiful

One the perks about blogging is that every now and then you get kind people out in the industry taking note of your slice of the internet and offering you products to review. It would be rude not to right? But I don't collaborate with everyone and always try to make sure whoever is contacting me offers something I love and think my readers would too. So, when the opportunity arouse to pick a timepiece from the new Citizen Drive collection I jumped to it. 

If you are a dedicated Give Me More follower you will know that the only watch I own is my trusty and much loved Michael Kors rose gold number gifted to me by my boyfriend. I was never a watch person before that moment but from then on it seemed to rarely leave my wrist. I think watches are really having their moment and for good reason - designs are better than ever and they somehow inject a look with the cool factor. That's right, I used the word cool. It may be a phase coined in our adolescent youth but I'm bringing it back in this instance. I just can't think of a better description! In-line with my MC piece I wanted to select something from the Citizen line which held a similar chunky aesthetic but in a lighter metal. Which led me to opting for this rather gorgeous AML Citizen Eco-Drive watch in silver and rose gold. And another cool thing about this make is that it doesn't require batteries, it powers using sunlight. 

When it arrived at my address I instantly fell for its classy yet androgynous look - even Tim was eyeing it up. When styling I thought it was enhanced stacked alongside other arm candy, like this Pandora charm bracelet and Kurt Geiger bracelet as their cream and nudey shades married perfectly with the dual neutral hues of this timepiece. Then feeling colourful I went for this lively yet casual Basic V neck top from Tobi with my awesome H&M Low Skinny Ankle Jeans (as a no jean kinda gal these have changed my outlook). Completed with my almost matching Other Stories Neon Pouch and Dorothy Perkins heeled sandals. Overall, a really wearable outfit ideal for these sun-filled days of late here in the UK. Let's hope things stay sunny, it is giving me reenergised inspiration for styling! What do you think of the Citizen watches? Which one would you have chosen?

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Jumpsuit Joy

Gotta love a good jumpsuit! I am still head over heels for this Black Cross V neck piece from Karma Clothing. I seem to keep reaching for this casual-yet-chic all in one on days I want a fuss free on trend look without the hassle. It literally has to be one of the comfiest pieces of clothing I own, it feels like I'm wearing pj's thanks to the light weight fabric yet I still feel good when wearing it! I think it has taken me a while to jump of the jumpsuit bandwagon because as a girl with curves I could never find one that flattered me but this loose fitting tapered tight leg combo is pretty perfect. Plus I have recently discovered I can change it round to have it as a high neck too! For days I want to keep the girls hidden ;) Paired with a statement necklace, heels and a leather jacket it is given a fierce edge but I love it just as much with flats and simple details. I think it will be jumpsuits a-plenty in the future...

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Gold Gems, Turquoise Things & Other Stories

Yesterday I focused on the pieces of jewellery I own which mean a lot to me. Not to say today's items are a flash in the pan and will be easily discarded - I plan on keeping these for a very long time too. But they aren't as expensive or sentimental and if I did loose or break any, they are more easily replaceable. They are known as 'costume' jewellery, a term I don't really like as it reminds me of cheap and tacky things I once wore as a child. Things are far more sophisticated and well made now but all are fake silver or gold. Most are no longer available so, if you love them too like me I apologise that you can't go ahead and purchase them directly from my site! But they give you a good idea of my tastes and provide a bit of adornment inspiration if you are feeling like bringing out the bling this spring. You'll see a running theme of gold metal, greeny blue tones and abstract shapes. 

& Other Stories: The Other Stories jewellery stash is obscenely perfect for the modern woman. Simple, unique and affordable make this brand high up there for daywear details. These large turquise stoned earings are damn perdy. I also love my statement geometric ring and matte metal chain bracelet. Depending on my mood I can glam out a look by throwing them all on or keep things more retrained by wearing just a single piece. 

Urban Outfitters: The evil eye, it is said to keep harm at bay but I didn't buy it for its magical powers. I was drawn to its delicate, short chain and dainty pendent. It brings a bit of quiet detailing to a simple outfit when you don't feel like drawing attention with your jewellery. And it also looks very cute when layered with other tiny chains. 

Beautiful Things: There is a picture of me wearing this Charleston Bib Necklace here, if you want to see this piece in person. I was kindly gifted this statement necklace and whenever I put on something that looks a bit boring I will more often than not reach for this colourful neck art to add interest to the look. I adore the floral geometric shapes and spring pastoral colours that are the epitome of sunshine. 

Collard Manson: A fashion haunt I thought was once independent to Sheffield until I found it in Nottingham. This small, antique-like shop is full to the brim with treasures and trinkets. I fell for these faux gold earings that look like layered bars. They add a hint of glimmer when shown subtly through flowing locks and I always get compliments when wearing them which is always nice. But if I could I'd pretty much own every single piece of jewellery in the Manson stock. Maybe one day.

Kurt Geiger: Not an obvious place to buy jewellery from but this silver and nudey thread bracelet is a chunky wrist piece that looks great stacked with other bracelets or a watch. It reminds me of friendship bracelets and its neutral colour palette goes really well with my Pandora charm bracelet. I'll be sure to do a style post showing you just how great!

Topshop: Topshop is a haven for jewellery lovers but for me only the rare few shine through. I fell for this huge oval turquoise setting. It's narrow yet long fit looks very flattering on the hand and with very small hands anything that elongates my fingers is a blessing! The only snag is that it leaves an annoying green stain. Still for every now and again I enjoy rocking this statement ring. 

The other remaining pieces are not as easily locatable. They don't belong to a brand or company - the gold patterned cuff was from a vintage shop and the faux silver ring with turquoise stone was from a stall on holiday in Barcelona. What are your favourite jewellery pieces? Do you plan on wearing more adornment this season?

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