How To Look Vintage Wearing Modern Clothing

For me as a teenager, I grew up in a time when fast fashion was growing massively popular and buying to excess was becoming more and more common.  Over recent years I've been trying to cut back on the amount of clothes I've been buying and focusing on investing in staple pieces instead.

I think it's safe to say that fast fashion has hit it's peak and now we are being more conscious about sustainability and what we are consuming.  Buying vintage or second hand has definitely become more and more fashionable over recent years and is certainly a great way to help the environment and the problems that are being caused by fast fashion.  The other day I was reading an interesting article that said in the US the resale market has grown 21 times faster over the last 3 years than the retail industry.  

I've always loved vintage clothes and it's a great way to have a sustainable wardrobe.  However, there's one thing that worries me about wearing vintage clothes, which I think is something a common worry people think about when it comes to dressing vintage; I don't just want to look like I'm wearing a fancy dress costume.  Not that there's nothing wrong with dressing top to toe in vintage if that's how like to express yourself, but personal I like to be more subtle when I'm wearing vintage clothes.  These are my tips on how to incorporate subtle hints of vintage into your wardrobe for an understated look.

One of the advantages of designers fashion now is that they're always looking to the past for inspiration.  If you think about pearls, they have been a classic accessory in many vintage eras.  The catwalks over the last few years they have been full of pearls which have filtered down to the high street brands.  Pearls are a current trend but can add a little bit of understated vintage too.

From left to right: Pearl Bead Shirt (White), £25.99, Stadivarius | Jacquard-Weave Skirt (White/Checked), £19.99, H&M | 'Landmark' Loafers (Black), £23.00, Dorothy Perkins | Pearl Hair Slides 5pk, £3.00, Primark | Top Handle Mini Bag (Black), £19.99, New Look

Florals scream vintage but are also something that never seem to go out of style.  They are always being restyled and this season is no exception.  This autumn/winter florals are on trend more than ever.  Muted, dark base tones with bright, decorative floral prints could be seen on the catwalks of Erdem, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs to name a few.  This trend has already hit all the major high street stores, notably in some delicate balloon sleeve 70's inspired dresses.  Already you have that 70's vintage look and with the right accessories will create a modern boho vibe.

From left to right: Short Faux Shearling Jacket (Mid Beige), £45.99, Stadivarius | Balloon-sleeve Dress (Light Beige/Floral), £19.99, H&M | Quilted Cross Body Bag (Cream), £8, Primark | 'Kind' Rouched Mid Calf Boots (Chocolate), £32.00 (in sale), Dorothy Perkins

As much as I love vintage hairstyles, they can often be time consuming to recreate.  When you're going for a subtle vintage look, I think it's important to keep hair and makeup simplistic and modern.  Having modern smokey eyes for an evening look, or natural makeup for a daytime look, is an easy way to achieve this.

Just like vintage inspired clothing, hair and makeup can also be inspired by the past with a modern twist.  The classic image of 1940's loose waves are often updated on the catwalks and red carpets to give that Hollywood glamour look which is great for an evening look.  Loose waves are easy to translate into a contemporary look.

For more of a day time look, you could try teaming a 50's style A-line skirt with a polished bun.  This way the A-line skirt gives a 50's vibe to your outfit whilst sleek bun helps modernise the look whilst still looking elegant.

I wouldn't discard the idea of wearing anything that's vintage.  Sometimes it can look nice to pair a vintage item of clothing with modern accessories (or vice versa).  Pairing a vintage dress with some modern shoes and accessories will give a streamlined look whilst making an outfit look a little less whimsical and a little more classic.

Once you have a mixture of vintage and modern pieces you can experiment and start to recognise what works well together. Use modern shoes, high heels or wedges, for example, to make your outfit a little more contemporary.  Modern accessories can also emphasise the print or colour in a vintage piece.

It's not just about keeping your accessories modern.  Sometimes it works well to mix the old with the new when it comes to clothing too.  A modern pair of jeans or tailored trousers, for instance, can really help modernise vintage pieces.  A vintage cardigan or blouse could look frumpy and a little old-fashioned but worn with some high waisted jeans instantly gives a more chic look.

No matter whether you're someone who style comes naturally to or if you're someone who really struggles to put an outfit together, we all need a little inspiration from time to time.  If you're in need of a little guidance, then it's always worth having a Pinterest board to turn to for inspiration.  I like to pin things that generally inspire the overall look I want to achieve, sometimes that's vintage and sometimes more current fashion.  This helps me visualise how vintage can fit in my wardrobe.  Having an inspiration board is good for pin pointing exactly what your style is and makes shopping much easier.  I find now I go shopping, whether that's in a vintage shop or in a modern store, I have a clear mind of what I'm looking for and what I want to buy.  Which helps limit buying unnecessary things that will most likely be discarded after a few months.

Vintage is a great place to buy staples for your wardrobe.  Items like blouses, blazers, belts and coats, vintage shops are the perfect place to pick them up.  The quality is excellent and you can get hold of nice second hand staple pieces like leather, denim or T-shirts.  Vintage clothing is much higher quality compared to clothing today and you know you're getting unique pieces that no one else will have.  We're so use to buying cheap basics today but they aren't really made to last so is it really that much cheaper in the end?  There's something luxurious about wearing garments that have been crafted well so it's worth investing in those vintage staples.

These are my main tips on how to look modern when wearing vintage clothing.  Vintage shopping is a great way to help the environment and also support small businesses and adding a little vintage to your wardrobe can help you create your own unique style and I hope you found this article helpful.


Do you like experimenting with vintage clothing?  Where are your favourite vintage boutiques to shop vintage?  What is the best thing you've found in a vintage shop?  Leave a comment down below!  I'd love to hear from you!  

5 Staple Pieces To Invest In For Autumn/Winter

Autumn/winter is definitely that time of year when you need to invest in some essential staple items like thick winter coats and good quality boots to keep you protected from the cold.  Whilst you may want to devote some money towards the key trends of the season there are certain pieces that are worth investing in.  In my opinion, sometimes the best statement pieces are those staple items that you invest in.  Some may seem a little obvious but here are my top 5 staple pieces that I like to have on hand throughout the autumn/winter months.

Knitwear is a general essential in any wardrobe and they don't really go out of style.  I have many pieces of knitwear in my wardrobe that I've had for several years and they haven't dated.  Chunky knits are a staple this time of year and are very versatile.  You can wear them as a daytime outfit with jeans, a basic tee and boots then slip into a pair of leggings at home and wear them as a lounge wear look around the house.

From left to right: Metallic Threat Sweater (Pastel Green), £25.99, Stradivarius | Slouchy Roll Neck Batwing Jumper (Pale Grey), £22.99, New Look | Cable Knit Wool Blend Jumper (Light Purple), £39.99, H&M

From left to right: Coated Leggings (Black), £19.99, New Look | Slouchy Roll Neck Batwing Jumper (Pale Grey), £19.99, New Look | Cable Knit Wool Blend Jumper (Light Purple), £39.99, H&M | Chelsea Boots (Black), £9.00, Primark | Scrunchie With A Scarf Detail, £3.99, H&M

A cosy wool coat has always been one of my favourite staple items for the colder months.  This staple may be a little obvious but they're always worth investing in.  They're comfortable, snuggly and can dress up any outfit.  They make a casual outfit look smarter, even when you're wearing leggings.

From left to right: Coat with a faux fur collar (Light Beige), £59.99, H&M | Longline Belted Coat (Pale Grey), £37.49 (in sale), New Look | Woolly Coat with belt (Beige), £59.99, Stradivarius

From left to right: Coat with a faux fur collar (Light Beige), £59.99, H&M | Mela Black Floral Mini Dress (Black Floral), £20.00, New Look | Leather-Look Faux Croc Shoulder Bag (Camel), £19.99, New Look | Wool-Blend Beret (Black), £9.99, H&M

I love how hats, scarves and gloves always finish off a look and makes your outfit look that little bit extra polished.  As well as keeping your head warm, hats look super chic whether you're wearing a simple beanie or a smarter beret.  Adding a hat or scarf can also add a dash of colour or print to a plain outfit.  Be sure to choose a colour that compliments your coat, it'll set it off nicely.  I particularly love wool and cashmere accessories and find they add an extra cosy element to your look.

From left to right: Henley Check Blanket Scarf (Pastel-Multi), £20.00, Accessorize | Sparkly Stone Headband (Grey Marl), £6.99, H&M | Thinsulate Luxe Pom Beanie Hat (Pale Pink), £21.00, Accessorize | Wool Beret (Duck Egg Blue), £14.00, Accessorize | Fringed Scarf (Beige/Leopard Print), £9.99, H&M

From left to right: Long Line Belted Coat (Camel), £37.49 (in sale), New Look | Leopard Print Pleated Mini Dress (Off White), £12.00 (in sale) | Fringed Scarf (Beige/Leopard Print), £9.99, H&M | Wool Beret (Duck Egg Blue), £14.00, Accessorize

They are an item which have slowly been becoming an essential in winter wardrobes over the past few years.  I think something that makes these a great essential is that they are very versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the mood.  I particularly love them for the daytime worn with a nice chunky knit and some flat boots.  However, they also work well dressed up with some heels and blouse which is perfect for the festive season when you sometimes need to transition from a daytime look to an evening look for those after work drinks during the festive period.

From left to right: Coated Leggings (Black), £19.99, New Look | Faux Leather Trousers (Black), £13.00, Primark | Coated High Waisted Trousers (Black), £19.99, Stradivarius

From left to right: Coated Leggings (Black), £19.99, New Look | Organza Puff Sleeve Shirt (Ecru), £19.99, Stradivarius | Glitter Stiletto Court Shoes (Gold), £23.99, New Look | Square Drop Earrings, £2.50, Primark | Diamante Box Bag (Nude), £10.00, Primark

Again, maybe this one is a little obvious but always worth investing in, and as they say, if it isn't broke, don't fix it!  Knee High boots are a classic look that are stylish with any outfit.  They work well as an everyday shoe and you definitely get your wear out of them.  Their styles vary from heeled, flat or biker style for a harsher look so you can adapt the style to suit you.

From left to right: Brown Leather XL High Heel Boots (Brown Leather), £89.99, Stradivarius | Leather-Look Ring Buckle Knee High Boots (Black), £29.99, New Look | Call It Spring Knee High Riding Boots (Brown), £79.00, Next

From left to right: Brown Leather XL High Heel Boots (Brown Leather), £89.99, Stradivarius | Fluffy Jumper (White), £19.99, H&M | Leather-Look Mini Skirt (Camel), 11.99, New Look | Quilted Cross Body Bag (Cream), £10.00, Primark

Which pieces will you be investing in this autumn/winter? I'd love to here from you!  Leave a comment down below!

Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Butternut Squash Fries

prep time 15 mins      total time 35 mins      serves 4

Making small diet and lifestyle changes brings long-term benefits. Cutting down on meat can promote a more balanced way of eating. I find I’m not always in the mood for meat every meal time and have started to cut down on the amount I’m eating. Having meat-free days and living a more plant-based diet has its perks. There are the usual benefits, such as reducing heart disease, helping with weight loss and being better for the environment but there are other positives too.  It’s great for your bank balance. Meat is being more and more expensive but needing to buy less reduces the amount you’re spending.

The term flexitarian is now being used to describe someone who mainly eats a vegetarian diet but will occasionally have meat or fish. I’ve been trying out this concept. Eating vegetarian options is often considered boring but I’ve found the experience to be the complete opposite. It’s amazing how creative I’ve become with my food and these spicy bean burgers have become one of my favourite go to recipes that I love making over and over.

For the burgers:
1 tin black beans
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 red onion
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chilli powder
Salt & pepper
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

For the fries:
1 large butternut squash (or 3 sweet potatoes)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chilli powder
Olive oil

For the burger sauce:
1 tsp mayonnaise
1 tsp ketchup
1/2 tsp English mustard
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

Toppings:
Burger buns
Romaine lettuce
Cheese
Gherkins

1. Drain and rinse the beans and mash together in a bowl the rice with a hand blender.

2. Finely chop the red onion and add to the bowl with the breadcrumbs and remaining ingredients.  Mix thoroughly.

3. Mould the burgers into four patties and refrigerate for a minimum of 10 minutes until the patties are set.  Refrigerating them makes them easier to cook later.

4. Chop the butternut squash into slices and add to a baking tray.  Sprinkle with olive oil and the spices, then massage into the butternut squash.

5. Pop the butternut squash fries into the oven for 20 minutes, or until cooked.

6. Prep the burger sauce by mixing together the mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard, you can add a sprinkling of paprika too!

7. Heat some olive oil in a pan over a high heat.  Add the burgers and fry on either side for 5-10 minutes until browned.

8. When the burgers are almost done, add a slice of cheese on top each patty and cover with a lid until the cheese has melted.

9. Layer your burger buns up with the burger sauce, the burger, pickles and lettuce, adding some fries to your plate and you're done!

Notes:

* You can get really creative with your toppings.  Avocado, guacamole or hummus would go nicely with this burger.

* These burgers are perfect for making in batches then freezing for later. 

Let me know in the comments if you try these out and also what you think of them.  Would you like to see more vegetarian options here on my blog?  I'd love to hear from you!  Leave a comment down below!

Simple Morning Habits for a Better Day

Mornings can be hectic but starting off your morning properly sets you up for a productive day.  Beginning my mornings the 'right' way can be the difference between me having a good or a bad day.  Some of the most successful people in the world often develop health habits that set them up for the day.  It's said that it only takes 21 days to form a habit and I really believe this.  Over time I've implemented some quick, easy steps to my morning routine which have helped me feel more organised and ready for the day ahead.

These are my six habits that I include in my morning routine to ensure I have a productive day.  They're not things that you necessary have to do but they definitely make me feel better after I've done them.

Something that is crucial for me to have a better day is to get up early.  Usually, I wake up at 6am on weekdays.  It may seem a little obvious to say but waking up early gives me extra time which is invaluable.  Whether that's to exercise, have a longer breakfast or just enjoying a little quiet time before work, I can get so much more done and it feels great to make the most of the morning.

This can be tricky, particularly in our day and age but I make it a rule not to look at social media at least an hour after waking up.  I find it very distracting and makes me unproductive.  It's so easy to open Facebook, for example, a think "I'll just have a quick look on my news feed" but before you know it you've wasted longer than you wanted to.  I make it a point now to go on social media once I've been up for an hour or sometimes I will only allow myself to go on social media once I've completed the tasks I need to achieve that morning.  This way it allows me to be more productive in the morning and get more things done.

This one gets said a lot but it's one of my morning habits that I most enjoy doing.  It might seem like a small task but getting my bed made makes me feel like I've accomplished something.  Once I make my bed I feel more motivated and ready to take on bigger tasks.  Plus, it makes my room look much more tidy and organised, which then makes more feel more organised as well.

Whilst I'm doing bits and bobs in the morning I like to listen to some music or a podcast.  It's really uplifting and makes mindless chores, like washing the dishes, not feel so boring and mundane.  It also keeps me in a good more or if I'm having one of those days when I'm not feeling my best it can also change my mood, making me feel better.  I love to listen to self help podcasts.  There are some great ones you can download for free to your phone.

I don't know about you but when I was younger I often used to skip breakfast or have something small, like a slice of toast.  Taking the time to have a health breakfast in the morning has become a priority for me.  Getting something nutritious in my body first thing in the morning has really helped me lose weight.  Starting off your day on the right foot is so important.  Having breakfast means that I'm less likely to snack throughout the morning.  That then reduced any hunger or cravings throughout the day.

& finally......

The most important thing that has helped me become more organised and is a real game changer is to make a to do list.  I like to use a weekly planner to plan out my week.  Then, I'll often make a to do list the night before of all the things I want to achieve the next day.  I like to be realistic, so I normally write a list of 10 things maximum so that it's easy to get through in a day, whether that's paying some bills, food shopping, cleaning a junk pile, etc.  I write the list in order of importance starting with the most urgent things first.  It makes me feel great ticking things off my list and gives me a sense of achievement once I've completed all these tasks.

What are your habits that you like to do in the morning?  Are there any of my habits that you'll be trying out?  I'd love to hear from you!  Feel free to leave a comment down below!