Bedroom Styling

Since moving down to London, I've been busy finding little bits and bobs to decorate my room with. From succulents (which I sadly can't make last longer than a month) and geometric vases to pineapple shaped ornaments and aesthetically pleasing books, my room is starting to look more like home.

Taking on a pale pink and grey theme, it appears quite Wes Anderson inspired and that's surely not a bad thing, right? Below show a couple of the ways in which I've styled my new room. I really enjoy putting things together to create attractive displays and with objects taken from my home in Lincoln to new pieces bought in London, it's great to be able to merge all of them together.
                         

Both of the geometric pots below were bought from a local store in East Dulwich - A shop which I have now become obsessed with and can't help but have a little look in whenever I pass by. By a weird coincidence, both pots were bought for me for my birthday - the grey one was given to me by a friend and the pale pink one was given to me from work. I just can't help but love a bit of geometric goodness. It's a trend which I hope doesn't go out of style any time soon.

                        
As I'm also a big lover of stationary, the shop Present & Correct  is my idea of heaven. Although yet to visit the place, their website and Instagram have me lusting after everything. I didn't realise I had a need for brass paperclips in various designs before I saw them. Truth be told, I probably still don't need them but I just want them. The shop even makes something as mundane as envelopes look pretty darn good.

The grey linen diary pictured here was from Present & Correct and it looks right at home next to my plants and pink pots. On another train of thought, I can't believe I bought a new diary for 2015 which is slightly terrifying as I have no idea where this year has gone. However, I'm looking forward to the next year a lot. Who knows what else I'll find to fill the spaces in my room. I'm trying to tame my kleptomaniac ways, but I can't resist a pot, plant or pineapple. I would say I'm ashamed, but I'm really not....
                         
It's funny because the other half of my room has a lot more colour to it. With a bright red, oversized 'r', a multi-coloured Clare Nicolson print and a vintage cream radio being the central pieces, I like the variation in scale and design. Maybe that's something I'll focus on in my next post...

Business Cards

So I thought it was about time I got myself some business cards. It's been one of those things that has always been at the top of my 'To Do List' but I've never had the time to cross it off. However, with some time off from work, and after spending hours perusing Pinterest and Instagram for ideas, I felt it was only time to put pen to paper and get designing. 

Opting for a black and white colour palette, I wanted something classic, something I wasn't going to hate in a couple of months time. I mean, are neon colours, glitter and fuzzy felt altogether ever a great idea? (Obviously when we were eight they were...) Choosing something simple, something that wasn't too fussy was also important. I wanted a design that was fairly minimal yet still eye-catching. Using hand-drawn elements really reflects my style as I believe irregularities make the design all the more unique and individual. Besides, nothing is ever perfect. Give me a wobbly line and jazzy print any day of the week! 

I've recently developed a floral crush on peonies. Perhaps it's because every cool, chic fashion blogger on my Instagram feed buys a bunch of them every day or perhaps it's because they resemble ice-cream scoops, and therefore, look good enough to eat. Whatever the reason for my crush, I just know they look god damn good! Thus, it made perfect sense to add said flowers to my business card designs. And don't flowers make everything look pretty? (Yes, yes they do!) 

Of course I had to add a succulent to the photo. They are my other plant crush - I'd love to have a windowsill full of them! I feel this succulent is the start of many.  

So there we have it. My business cards are born. Hurrah! *Just off to hand them out to every passerby now...* 

I've never felt so profess'. (I mean professional...)

House of Sunny Crush

East London is a place I covet to live. Not only because of it's patchwork of arty, creative types but because it seems that all the new, up-and-coming and emerging fashion talent has made East it's home. From House of Holland to House of Hackney, House of Sunny has more recently come to the forefront and it's safe to say, I'm more than just impressed. 



With simplicity and minimalism reigning in the style stakes, House of Sunny delivers tailored garments for women with clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic. From humble beginnings to the present day, HofS's mantra remains the same: to "Keep it clean; keep it sharp, discipline your decade and focus on your future dressing." I've heard and I'm keen to follow. My bags are packed and I'll get my coat. Fancy joining me? 

Made in Britain, House of Sunny is British through and through. (Hurrah!) Essentially, anything which supports design in the UK immediately gets a big thumbs up from me. With a colour palette full of monochrome goodness and additional bursts of colour injected, HofS gets the minimalist trend just right. Their lookbook for S/S14 got me drooling straight away at the sight of matching co-ords and Birkenstocks. Totally #Birkalicious. Luxury fabrics and an architectural influence, with a bit of the Oslen twins as inspiration thrown in for good measure, each piece contains the trademark HofS silk lining, promising a slice of indulgence each time the piece is worn. Smart tailoring is my clothes crush at the moment and I'm not ashamed to say that I'm probably WAY more into the trend than it is me but c'est la vie. What can I say? Cigarette pants are my weakness. 

 

Today, dressing with a masculine edge has never been more of the moment. I've lost count over the number of trousers I've recently bought but, of course, you can never have too much of a good thing. (I constantly tell that to myself when I see that the nutella jar is open.) With such an element evidently visible in the HofS designs, I just know that their creations will fit seamlessly into my boy-like, or for a more technical term, androgynous, wardrobe. 



Affordable, wearable and downright delightful, House of Sunny have made a serious, yet stylish, indent on my life... and lets not lie, probably on my purse sooner rather than later. 

All images from: http://www.houseofsunny.com/

London vs. Leeds.

If you were to take a look at my favourite train journeys, which always pop up when I go to book a new adventure, London and Leeds are always at the top of that list. Although different cities, they share one thing in common: The fact that I always seem to return to my home town of Lincoln. (...and sadly, not out of choice!)

Yes Lincoln may be pretty, it's historical and it's peaceful. If you like the quiet life, endless fields and quaint lifestyle, then great. But I like noise, to hear sirens, to see bright lights and to look up at tall buildings. Simplified, I am a city girl and I miss the hustle and bustle. 

Liberty London Flowers. 

Therefore, I've been thinking lately that I'm going to have to take the risk and move. Move for the sake of my dream career, my life and my general sanity - is boredom a plausible cause of death? This may not sound like the best idea to many, if not everyone, I talk to about said plan. Obviously, unemployment and no money are the big, red lights which are stopping me from moving forward. With internships being the route in to any sort of career in the creative industry, I've accepted I'm going to have to be poor for a while if I want to achieve something with my life. (However, I've noticed that more and more internships are being paid so hurrah! I'll be able to afford bread and milk and maybe a box to live in.)

Essentially, I am very much in the throes of a Quarter Life Crisis. Your twenties are supposed to be fun - well that's what people keep telling me. They also keep telling me to change jobs, move elsewhere, learn to drive and that I should be out every night. My brain hurts. 

Lately, my own personal debate comes down to this: Where do I escape and move to? London or Leeds. 

Tower Bridge, London.

The Shard, London.

With London, there really needs no explanation. More opportunities, more fun, more wonderful, however, more costly. As for Leeds, my University city, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Friendly, compact, yet, evolving and up-and-coming, I would move back to Leeds in an instance, no hesitation. But is that enough? London is famously more creative. All the big companies and start-ups are established there with jobs and internships all based in the big smoke. It all happens in London. I have massive FOMO when I see photos of London Fashion Week or when someone Instagrams the rooftop pool of Shoreditch House. Plus, the number of men walking the streets in suits is enough to make me move tomorrow. *swoon.*  

Neals Yard, London. 

Hyde Park, Leeds.

But with Leeds, the creative scene is getting better. It looks exciting and I know my way around the place. There are pros and cons to each and I'm not sure even a list will help me sort this one out. No matter how many "inspirational" life quotes I see on Instagram, they won't make up my mind for me. So, do I move back to Leeds before everyone else jumps on the bandwagon and moves up t'north? Or do I move down south, immerse myself in London life and get celeb-spotting? 

Trinity Kitchen, Leeds

This is something I will have to decide for myself. Maybe I'll secure a job that I've been waiting for and this will lead me to one of those places, or maybe, even to some place completely new. Maybe I'll #YOLO it up and move without a job and maybe the risk will pay off. Maybe it won't. I don't know right now. But I'm hoping that all this will all become clearer in the following months. I started the year by saying '2014 is THE year' - we're half way through and something needs to change. Til then, you'll find me here: 

You make your own life. 

And that's what I intend to do. (New life mantra right there.)

(All images are taken from my Instagram: @rebekahholroyd)

I Bought Some Birks.

As the title above suggests, I finally caved and purchased some Birkenstocks. With ugly shoes reigning on the pavements - or for those lucky folk amongst us, strolling along a sunny beach - love 'em or hate 'em, Birks are back for Summer 2k14.

                   

A bit like the Marmite of the shoe world, they're not for everyone. But if they're good enough for Céline, Alexa and the rest of the fash industry, who am I to argue? Plus, I love Marmite. It seemed like a dead cert to me that I just had to add them to my Summer wardrobe family.



Comfort and style don't necessarily go hand in hand in the fashion world. I refuse to leave the house in jogging bottoms for one and I've only recently bought my first hoody. (A big step, I know.) This may sound ridiculous to some, yet, for me, this get-up is something that is purely reserved for days off at home. Well I've gotta keep up the glamour stakes somehow... However, with Birkenstocks and the 90's back on the fashion radar, I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, practicality and style can go hand-in-hand.





Therefore the big question facing me over the past few weeks has been: To Birkenstock or not to Birkenstock. I decided to go with the former. And guess what, I don't regret it.

Perfect with jeans, cami dresses and tailored items, Birks might actually be my go-to shoe for all day-time occasions. I'll be wearing mine with an all-black outfit or paired down with jeans and a t-shirt - proper 90's style. Now I just need to a book a holiday to sunnier climes so I can pack my new favourite sandals... And leave the hoody and joggers combo at the back of the wardrobe for a week or two.



This is a revival I'm fully on board with. Classic, chic and comfortable. Where can I sign up for more?!

All images from: http://honestlywtf.com/sightings/birkenstock-revival/

Typography Crush

Typography has always been a great love of mine, along with the usual stuff like nutella, tea and brogues, of course. We've all seen the "You're just my type" greeting cards and posters in the shops, and whilst I wait for a tall, dark and handsome man to present me with said phrase, this quirky saying has never been more appropriate than for my next obsession. 

Jasmine Dowling  is an all round creative, a girl after my own heart. From blogging to designing with a little bit of prettiness thrown in for good measure, Dowling is a Freelance Graphic Designer following her dreams to make inspiring and attractive typography for like-minded people.

From prints and pillowcases to cushions and gift sets, Dowling creates designs suitable for home interiors, desk spaces or even as a gift for that special someone. Using phrases such as: "Good things happen to those who stay up late" and "She believed she could so she did" her work is most definitely inspiring and is something which resonates with me as I try to carve out my career path in the world.   

Her weapons of choice are nothing fancy either. Regular paper, Indian ink, a fine brush, water and a pencil are all it takes to create her masterpieces. With a monochrome colour palette, her designs are clean and bright and what's clear to see is that the simple, minimalist approach is showing no sign of slowing down. If anything, I'm embracing it even more.

Whilst I wait for some of my most favourite phrases by Dowling to come back in stock, I'll just have to make do by stalking her amazing, and of course, simple and minimal, Instagram feed. (which I seem to do on a daily basis anyway...)

I'll leave you with my new favourite word, meraki: 

(Click on the images to follow the links to more of Jasmine Dowling's work. Images from: http://www.jasminedowling.com/)

Yayday

With the magical day that is Payday, or as I like to call it, 'Yayday', coming up, I've obviously been perusing the usual online shopping sites, gathering my most coveted items and trying to decide what to spend my money on. (Must remember to actually save some money this month!) 

...And I thought you would like to know that I've decided to spend my wages on a black leather backpack. Do you approve? I thought so. 

As I was scrolling through my Instagram feed - which I do countless times a day - I discovered the work of Alfie Douglas. Handmade in England, the design team behind this brand appreciate simplicity and minimalism and therefore their products exhibit such elements. With high attention to detail, their designs can only be described as chic, sleek and pretty much perfect. Each piece is individual, reliable and innovative. Need I say more?

Ideal for work and play, such Douglas designs are the perfect companion for a stylish, confident lifestyle. They most definitely look the part and whatever that part is, I want a slice of it. Who doesn't want to go on an adventure when a backpack looks this good?

So there we have it. I'm officially in love. Officially in love with a backpack, officially in love with their designs, hell I'm officially in love with the Alfie Douglas brand. 

I suppose I best get saving...  

All images from: http://alfiedouglas.com/pages/lookbooks

A New Love Affair

Whilst my love affair with high-street brand, Zara, continues to thrive, another fashion store is coming close to stealing my heart. Simple and effortless, Whistles is making a big name for itself amongst myself and every fashionista alike.

Take a look at their Runway Lookbook for Autumn/Winter 2014 if you don't believe me...

    

A colour palette of greys, navy and blue, Whistles have encapsulated colour without being dreary and cold - and that's some achievement considering fifty shades of grey are present in the collection. Isn't it funny how grey was once seen as a bland, drab and generally uninteresting shade but is now riding high in the style stakes? You can't flick through your instagram feed or open an interior or fashion magazine without seeing some sort of "minimal chic" image these days. Grey is the new black, the new chic, the new big trend. 

Checks are back for another fashion season and I, for one, am more than happy about this trend which refuses to go away. Oversized boyfriend coats are one of my favourite things about the colder months and combined with plaid, I'm essentially in heaven. With checks more woven and showing a graduation of colour, think less Scottish tartan and more stylish statement. Combined with socks and sliders, the contrast between the oversized outerwear, polo necks and scarves is a look that I covet but I'm not sure people would necessarily 'get' when walking down the street - I think the majority of people in my town would have misplaced the memo about this trend and I feel sad about the lack of style resonating here. How people are happy in jeans and a hoody is beyond me!  

The shade of grey/blue/purple above is one that is delightful. How ever you would describe it, I can't wait to wear it! It would also seem that jumpsuits are here for the long haul and hurrah to comfort and style all rolled into one! The tied waist detail is similar to the 90's trend of tying a checked shirt around your waist and thus, Whistles earns extra fashion points due to harking back to grunge era of the 1990's. If only clothing looked this good back then! - then I wouldn't have to be reminded of my terrible fashion choices at the time. Please tell me I wasn't the only one who owned hair mascara and wore gold, glitter hair stencils for a school disco...? Shameful. In fact, traumatic. Although it always provides good lols. 

So if someone would love to lend me a couple of hundred pounds to give my wardrobe a Whistles overhaul, that would be just great. Truly great. Of course, if that can't happen - which, lets not lie, is more than likely - I'll have to admire from afar. Just like fit boys who are just too god damn good-looking to talk to, Whistles has got me all flustered under the collar and I've fallen hard for their contemporary elegance and attention to detail and quality. 

All images from: http://www.whistles.co.uk/look-book/runway-autumnwinter-2014

The 90's are back...

If you didn’t already know it, the 90’s are back. In a big way. 

This latest collection from Joseph Spring for Spring Summer 14 caught my eye almost straight away for it's nostalgic nod to the decade of The Spice Girls, choker necklaces and jelly shoes. My 90's wardrobe is slightly too painful to relive since it was A LOT less cooler than the items pictured here. (Did anyone else own one of those bubble rucksacks? What was with those and, more importantly, why did we wear them?) This time around things look promising - I think we've nailed 90's fashion if this collection by Joseph is anything to go by - and it's only a decade or so too late. Sadly, not long enough to be able to forget those terrible fashion disasters. I've been put off tracksuit bottoms and trainers for life. That's the reason I tell myself repeatedly whenever anyone suggests I go running. Sorry beach body, you ain't happening just yet. 

With sheer panels and laser cut detailing featuring in the designs, Joseph is all about the "less is more" mantra. Showing hints and indications of what lies beneath the beautiful cloth is a subtle, stylish element and gains Joseph some top fashionista Brownie points. Much better than fishnet tights and crop tops worn together. My eyes bleed at the very thought of that disastrous 90's get-up.

From cami slips to slides and sequins, this overall collection has brought the 1990’s right into the present. Metallic, leather and lasercut details, Joseph showcases a sporty collection that even appeals to the non-sporty people in the room. (i.e. me.) Plus, that Dalmatian-esque printed jacket and trouser piece really is something else… Give me a matching two-piece any day of the week. 

A white shirt is a classic, timeless piece for any wardrobe and this one with short sleeves, although slightly reminiscent of school days, is chic and crisp. If you wore this shirt in the school playground, pretty sure your style credentials would be worthy of a gold star.  

With jackets perfect for the Spring chill in the air, a cami dress that has Kate Moss circa all of the 90's written all over it and oversized clutches - great news for those who struggle to squeeze all their possessions into a smaller one i.e. ALL girls! - this collection is effortlessly cool. With a subtle colour palette of black, white and various tones of grey, this collection is anything but bland. High attention to detail and clean lines, I think I am in L-O-V-E. 

I am coveting that neckline. Want. Need. On a dress. Now. Please. 

Crisp, minimal and androgynous, Joseph Spring has got me wanting to relive the 90’s all over again. And it's going to be a heck of a lot cooler. Much, much cooler! 

All images taken from: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2014RTW-JOSEPH