A Small Distraction

Monday, 2 March 2015

What is the Definition of Beauty?

Okay. This post has been swirling around in my brain for quite some time now. There's something about my posts, and about the blogging world, that just doesn't sit right with me. I don't think we can really blame the issue on anyone, it was probably just an unfortunate choice of words that stuck with us, but I still don't feel that I can carry on blogging without writing this post, otherwise the guilt would eventually drag me under.

The worry first came to me when I wrote a post a few months back (I'm not sure if it's still there, it may have suffered the cut) about my 'beauty favourites', which basically consisted of a load of make up items. Lying in bed that same night, it kind of hit me how false it is to label these kind of posts 'beauty' posts. Even though only a small number of people read the words I write, I would hate for anyone to come across these posts and consider a concealer stick and a mascara the key to achieving beauty. Do you see what I'm getting at here? I believe our posts are putting across an opinion that none of us intend them to - beauty is being materialised, and is evolving into a definition that doesn't even begin to cover its true meaning.

For me, I find that make up makes me feel beautiful, because it makes me feel confident. But it isn't the make up that provides the beauty, its the confidence that was already within me. I think that beauty is something that you can view on the outside, but also something that you can feel on the inside. It's a heck of a lot more than a bronzer. When I see a girl, makeup on OR off, its her smile, or the way her eyes light up, or the way she holds herself that is beautiful. Its the witty remarks she offers, or the books she reads or the way her mind folds itself into paths of intelligence and humour and grace.

This has turned into such a ramble, but the bottom line is that I don't want any of my readers to believe that if they don't wear makeup, that they can't be beautiful. THIS IS SO NOT TRUE. Society has sentenced beauty to be something that we can wear, and that we can buy, and touch - when beauty is something that we simply are.

Do you feel the same way, or am I just going mad?
Emily xoxo

Woodland OOTD

Hi!
To be honest, whilst on holiday I pretty much just wore hoodies and jeans. On the Sunday night though, when we went out for a meal to celebrate my Grandparents' golden wedding anniversary, I put a bit more thought into my outfit. It wasn't muddy enough for rain boots, but I was glad of my riding boots when walking in the rain. Sorry for the ridiculous pose in photo 1, me and my sister went a little bit crazy after making our way through a whole bag of starburst!

Sweater - H&M

Necklace - Primark

Skirt - New Look

Tights - Peacocks

Knee High Socks - Forever 21

Riding Boots - Next

Bracelet - Pandora

Stay Beautiful!
Emily xoxo

Wandering into the Wildnerness

Hi Guys!
My posts for the last few days have all been scheduled, as I have been on a forest retreat. The forest lodges were located in York, and were beautifully furnished and nestled neatly between the canopy of trees. I'm not going to lie here, at times it was tough having no internet whatsoever, but I think it must have done me a bit of good because here I am feeling totally relaxed.

Whilst I was away I picked up my camera for the first time in a while, to take pictures that I never intended to put up on my blog. I'm not claiming to be a photographer, I'm not even claiming to be good at it - because I'm not! But I'd forgotten how calming it can be to just take photos for the fun of it. My Grandad is an excellent photographer, and is probably the reason that I bought my own camera in the first place. We spent a good chunk of time this weekend sitting and waiting to catch images of the gorgeous wildlife hidden in the woodland, and I really enjoyed having that time to relax and laugh with my Grandad. I thought I'd share a few photos with you, just because!

When was the last time you took an internet detox?
Emily xoxo

February Wishing

Since I just yesterday spent pretty much ALL my wages, it'll be a while before I can start to buy clothes again (sob!). These are a few of the items I'm waiting and hoping for, with my eyes constantly drifting to my calendar to count down until payday.

This is the Boyfriend Half-Zip from Victoria's Secret PINK. I love the clothes from PINK, as they are super good quality and provide a pretty hefty level of comfort. I own a couple of hoodies from here, but this boyfriend style sweater is so cute that I just want want want it in my life.
You can view this here

Okay, so I'm not a huge fan of the ripped jeans trend that's been taking the world by storm lately. I don't fancy having cold knees too much, but I really like this pair from Forever 21. I think the colour of the jeans is really pretty, and the rolled up legs add a nice touch that would work with boots in the winter or sandals in the summer months.
You can view this here

This crochet cold shoulder shirt is so beautiful I could collapse. I'm a bit obsessed with black outfits lately, and there are a million different ways of styling it running through my head as I'm writing this (okay, so maybe not a million - but close!) It's quite pricey for what it is, but if you would consider spending more on a shirt like this, or its getting close to your birthday, then this would be the perfect item to spend your money on.
You can view this here

Best. Until. Last. I am 100% putting this pair of Nike Airs on my birthday wishlist. I don't currently own any pairs of trainers, and I've been searching for a pair that I genuinely like, and would wear not just to the gym but out and about. This blue pair are a bit out there, and not to everyone's taste I know, but I saw these whilst shopping yesterday and fell a little bit in love.

You can view these here

What are you wishing for currently?

Stay Beautiful!

Emily xoxo

Channeling My Inner Parisian

Bonjour!
I thought I'd share with you this look that I wore a few days ago when it was relatively warm (for an English Winter anyway). I always feel slightly Parisian when I wear this outfit, maybe because of the turtleneck style collar or the brogues!

Black Cropped Turtleneck - Urban Outfitters

Layering Necklaces - Primark

Bracelet - Pandora

Sunglasses - Cotton On

Black High Waisted Jeans - New Look

Tan Leather Oxfords/Brogues - Office

Emily xoxo

A Killer Mascara Combination

Hi Guys!
Today I wanted to blog about a new combination of mascaras that I've been trying, that have improved the length and volume of my lashes by a huge amount.

So, lately I've firstly been using the new 'Roller Lash' by Benefit, followed by 'Thick & Fast' by Soap and Glory. I found that just using the benefit mascara gave me the length and curl but not the volume that I wanted, and that the Soap and Glory mascara added the edge that I needed volume-wise to achieve my preferred look. Both of these are pricier mascaras (although my 'Roller Lash' is just a sample until I get my hands on the real deal) with the Benefit one costing £19.50, and the Soap and Glory costing £10. Each of these would do fine on their own, I just find that together they work wonders and give almost a false lash effect.
This is really the very first time I've strayed away from trusty Maybelline mascaras, and I'm pleased with the results that I've been getting. My eyes are one of my favourite features, and so I like to draw attention to them. This means that as well as loving the look that these mascaras give me, I don't feel too bad about splashing the cash on the pricier make up products.
What's your killer mascara combo?
Stay beautiful!
Emily xoxo

Mini Room Tour

Happy Wednesday!
I thought that I'd show you a glimpse of my bedroom for todays post, as I feel that you can tell a lot about a person from how they style their room. I don't really aim for any theme, I just decorate my room with knick knacks I fall in love with, and photos of my family and friends.