rachelydia 9th August 2020 Essentials

20+ Small Businesses To Buy Your Next Face Mask From

In this new world face masks have become the new normal and we are all having to get used to integrating them into our everyday wardrobes. I know I am paranoid about forgetting one and so there’s one in my car, my handbag and just at home, in case I need to grab one.

There’s now so many different varieties and designs that are starting to pop up, and so many of them are from small independent businesses, that have really struggled during the lockdown period. There’s also so many people who have decided to use their creative skills for a good cause and handmade some gorgeous masks for us to buy from. Like two of the special businesses I’ve mentioned below, that are ran by two of my beautiful friends. Each of these made lovely pieces and deserve to be supported during this time. Just as much as every other independent does too.

So, here’s my list of 20+ small independents that you pick up your next favourite masks from…

This Is Nessie – Masks featuring your individual birth flower.
Suzie Lee Knitwear– Masks made using Liberty Of London fabric.
Oakdene Designs – Face masks with the slogan ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’.
Gillian Arnold – Masks featuring your name and first initial.
GG’S Pin Up Couture– Rainbow sequin face masks.
M.A.B Design – Handmade patterned, cotton face masks made by my lovely bestie.
LAGOM– Graphic pop art face masks.
Luxtra– Organic Cotton Face Masks.
Samantha Warren– Printed silk face masks.
Pink Alligator– Graphic animal printed face masks.
Heart_Keekee– Matching face mask and scrunchie sets.

By Rebecca Jeyes– Handmade patterned and embroidered masks made by my lovely friend.
Juliet Reeves Designs– “2020 sucks” face masks.
Ellie and Kobe – Structured three layered graphic face masks.
Peachy Masks – Kids Tie Dye face masks.
Bumble Beez– Patterned masks with clear mouth section.
Nineteen74 – Masks personalised with a photo of your face.
Art Of Your Success – Patterned face and neck coverings.
Harrow & Green– face mask hankies.
Slice Of Pie Designs – Customisable message face masks.
Stitch With Skye – Personalised embroider your own face masks
Ashley Rose Makes– a DIY kit to make your own face masks at home.

More than ever during this time, support the creators who are hand making every item you buy from them. From your purchase you’re helping someone pursue their dream, put food on their table or hep them invest in their new business. Shop independently and local, over large retail chains.

rachelydia 29th August 2018 Essentials East Midlands

Styling The Classic Trench Coat

The trench coat is the optimum of a classic and effortlessly chic, item of clothing. It’s a style that’s been around for such a long time, even back to the war, and is always being re-invented every year, to add a fresh, new modern twist to the season. There’s always a trench when it comes to Autumn/Winter and so for me it’s an essential piece to have in your wardrobe. It’s classic, versatile and completely timeless, so you know you can always pop on your favourite one, year after year, and still look on trend; even if you bought it a few seasons ago.

This Calvin Klein, black trench is that classic trench for me, that I pull out every year. I love how this is a really light weight polyester material, which is unusual for trench coats, as they are generally slightly thicker and made out of cotton. So, this Calvin Klein one is a great coat to just throw on, to protect you from the rain, or to just add another layer to your outfit. It’s the perfect colour too, as black goes with everything and always look chic. I love to wear it day to night, as it’s so easy to pair it with workwear and then swap out your outfit in the evening and throw on the trench, ready for drinks out with the girls.

A Graphic Shirt & Leather Skirt

When it comes to Autumn, it can be so easy to just revert to your go to jeans, boots and a jumper, and you’re ready to go for the day. However, I know I’m not the only one that gets bored of that everyday autumn outfit and want’s to still be warm and look stylish. So, one of my favourite ways to change up my autumn outfit is to wear a skirt. They just instantly add a touch of femininity to your look and change up the dimensions of your outfit.

My favourite type of skirt is a leather mini skirt, as the leather adds texture to your outfit and plays with a different material. I also love it because if you choose your skirt in a block colour, that adds the main pop of colour to your look and then allows you to choose classic colours to pair with it.

This one I’m wearing is from New Look and is the perfect colour for Autumn/Winter, as it’s a burnt orange colour. I also love the cross over detail on the front of this, and how it’s asymmetric. It adds detail to the outfit and the front of the skirt, making the look appear more complex than it actually is. I have some gorgeous skirts like this, from New Look, and they fit amazingly and also aren’t too expensive, so super affordable is you’re shopping on a budget.

In the Autumn, when it’s not too cold, I think a shirt is the perfect companion for a mini skirt. As it’s not quite cold enough for a jumper, but you need something that’s more than just a tee-shirt. So, this black and white shirt, from Vera Moda, is a great way to add pattern to my outfit and interest on my top half. I love to wear them done up all the way or just one button undone, so that when you wear the trench with the look, you can really see the shirt and the entire look.

These type of shirts are super easy to find on the high-street, as there’s always some form of patterned shirt in every shops collection for Autumn/Winter. I’ve had this one for ages, but I love how it still looks classic and can be worn so many years on.

COAT: Calvin Klein | SHIRT: Vera Moda | SKIRT: New Look | BOOTS: River Island

The trench is kind of the only coat you really need when it comes to Autumn, as it can act as both a jacket and a coat. It’s light-weight enough to wear everyday and is versatile enough to be worn with everything. However, no way is this the only coat I own, I would never be able to have such a small coat collection in my life. But, it is often the only coat I will take when I go on holiday or mini breaks. As it saves room, as some coats can be so thick, and is just perfect to throw on, when you have a limited choice of clothes to wear anyway. As I can’t pack all my clothes, no matter how hard I try to.

COAT: Calvin Klein | SHIRT: Vera Moda | JEANS: Marks & Spencer’s | BOOTS: River Island

A Patterned Shirt & Grey Knee-High’s

Jeans are a massive essential in my wardrobe, no matter what the season, however in the Autumn and Winter black jeans are a true staple in my everyday outfits. They are just so versatile, comfortable and keep me warm, as it starts to get into the colder months. So, I couldn’t show you a look styling the classic trench, without including a pair of black jeans.

I go on and on about these Jeans from Marks & Spencer’s, especially in my outfit posts on my Instagram. However, they are worth all the raving, as they fit amazingly and are my favourite EVER skinny jeans. They are also such good quality and are super affordable, at only around 20.00 a pair. There’s also so many different styles and colours, if skinny jeans aren’t your thing but you’re still looking for a great pair of good fitting jeans, to add to your wardrobe. It’s not a place I shop that much, and I’m sure not that many of you do either, however, some of their pieces are beautiful and you always know the quality will be amazing.

Then, of course I’m again adding a patterned shirt to my look, but it bright autumnal colours. I love this skirt as it’s such a statement, and the colours of purple, grey, mustard, as just classic for Autumn. In this look I have used the shirt as the main focus of the whole look, and kept the rest simple and classic. This is truly the statement piece of the look and I love it. It also look amazing paired with a dark purple lip.

To finish both looks off, i’m adding a pair of grey suede knee-high boots. They are one of my favourite pairs of boots, from my whole collection, as they are comfortable, stylish, classic and also add a sexy element to the look. They were a a classic boot last Autumn/Winter, and I’m going to rocking them again this year too. This pair are from River Island, however I’m sure there will be lot’s of other similar pairs coming onto the high-street, over the next few months.

*I wanted to say thank you to one of my photographers Elisha, for producing some beautiful shots for this post and always having fun with me on shoots.

Is It Worth Investing In Luxury Sunglasses?

Investing in a luxury piece is something that I don’t ever take lightly and always think about carefully before they become the latest addition to my wardrobe. So choosing the perfect pair of designer sunglasses was no exception. I needed a pair that really could do it all and would last in my collection. The ultimate go-to pair that I would love for years to come.

This gorgeous pair of tortoise shell Ralph Lauren Sunglasses, were the perfect pair and was in love from the moment I tried them on. They feature constantly in my everyday style, look chic when I need to look chic, but also have the ability to pair with a really easy and casual look. So, where they really worth the money and is investing in a pair of designer sunglasses the way to go?

The Pro’s

Sunglasses are one of my favourite summer accessories and instantly add a chic vibe to my outfit. They are my most lived in summer wardrobe piece and if that’s not enough of a reason to invest in a pair of luxury one’s, I don’t know what is!

So, here’s 3 reasons why investing in luxury sunglasses is worth the money:

-They are the perfect way to starting building a designer collection, as they’re not too expensive but give you a really good touch of luxury. They can give you an insight into having a designer item and if you use them enough to make it worth your money.

-You wouldn’t believe it but they actually do make so much difference to your eyes. They feel so different to a cheap high-street pair and are super comfortable to wear throughout the day.

-You look after your skin and your hair in the summer, so you should also look after your eyes. We all know that more expensive shampoo and conditioner protect and nourish your hair, and a pair of luxury sunnies does exactly the same to your eyes; and you’ll only ever have one pair.

The Con`s

However, sunglasses are not a luxury piece that everyone wants to invest in, as they can only be worn during the summer and they can be pretty expensive. They`re not pieces you need in your wardrobe and so can you live without them?

So, here`s 3 downsides to investing in luxury sunglasses:

–They can be very expensive for what they are, depending on the brand, shape, style, colouring and design. They all vary a lot and if you love someone more unique, then it’s going to have a higher price point.

–They can’t be worn all year round and with everything. They can only be worn in the summer, so are an accessory limited to at the most two seasons of the year.

–They can easily get damaged and ruined, so you have to be so careful and make sure you look after them. Keep them in their case, polish them and don’t wear them on your head and stretch the shape.

For me investing in luxury sunglasses was really worth the money. I chose a pair in a colour and pattern that I loved and found a style that is perfect for any occasion. This pair was also really affordable and with my work discount, I got a pair at a really good price; meaning luxury sunglasses can be affordable when you look around a little bit.

The key for me is to really try on, and do your research making sure you go round and look at the variety of options available; as well as finding a colour and style that you love and suits you.

How do you feel about investing in luxury sunglasses?

rachelydia 23rd March 2018 Essentials

My Everyday Jewellery Pieces

Over the last year jewellery has been something I`ve really got into. I love how I can put on a few of my favourite rose gold rings, a couple of silver bracelets, a pair of earrings and my new metal rose gold watch and it can instantly complete my outfit. They also really add the finishing touches to my look and kind of add my own stamp to everyone, as this collection of jewellery is my go-to everyday.

The main part of my everyday jewellery is my new, rose gold, metal strapped Cluse watch. I picked this beautiful one up from John Lewis and is something I`ve had my eye on for a while. What I really like about this watch is that it`s completely different from my Armani Exchange one, and it ties in really well with the rest of my rose gold jewellery that I wear everyday. The face looks so minimalistic and chic, and I love how it can pair with any outfit and add a really elegant and finished look to it.

Then, next let`s talk about the two rose gold rings, which you will probably never see me without, I absolutely love them. One is a simple rounded band, but in a gorgeous rose gold shade with crystals all around it. I love how this was a present for my A-Level results, and has such amazing sentimental value, as well as being such a beautiful and classic ring that I can wear over and over again. The other one was also a special 18th birthday present, but has a more detailed intricate flower design all around the band. It’s more of a special ring but I love to pair it with the other one nearly everyday.

The bracelets are both from Joma Jewellery and have literally made me fall in love with bracelets all over again. I never used to like them, as they always kind of got in my way when I was writing and doing things, but these have completely changed my mind. The silver one with the rose gold heart is also a sentimental gift from my aunty for my exam results, and is also great to link my silver and rose gold jewellery together. As the grey material bracelet as a more textured look to my jewellery and I also the love the silver crystal heart on it.

Finally, to finish the look off I need something sparkly in my ears and these Pandora knot earrings are my go-to. These are actually the only ones I really wear as they with everything and are also proper silver and don`t damage my ears. I love how the knot design is not super basic, like a crystal, but are still simple enough to wear everyday.

What’s your go-to everyday jewellery pieces?

Rachel x

rachelydia 2nd August 2017 2017

What’s In My Bag | Kate Spade Red Across-Body Bag

Handbags and being nosy are two of my favourite things in life. So, I thought that putting these two things together and showing you all what’s in my beautiful new Kate Spade bag, would be a great post to kick me back into blogging…

So let’s start things off with the bag, my absolute favourite part of this whole post. It’s the latest addition to my handbag collection, accomplice to all my outfits and the new love of my life. This is because of just how beautiful, yet amazingly spacious and practical it is. The size makes it so easy to just throw a few essentials into and head off for the day, so you’re not ever taking more than you need and everything is really easy to find. The greatest challenge is when my car keys are in my bag and I have to fight with my gorgeous grey pom pom to find my lipstick in the morning, which is something I can definitely cope with compared to my bigger, heavier and easier to scratch designer bags.

Practically, the grained leather that this bag is made from, makes it so good for everyday use, as it makes it a lot less likely to scratch and more durable when being opened and brushed up against. It won’t transfer colour from a piece of clothing and it also has two really good pockets to put small or valuable items in. The adjustable strap is great for providing you with the option to have the bag on your shoulder or across your body, making it great for days out and other day to day jobs. However, what I love the most is the pillar box red colour, because it’s so iconic and is also such a statement piece. It really adds something else to every outfit and creates a classic yet summer vibe to my wardrobe.

When it comes to whats actually in my bag, I’ve definitely had to cut down to the bare essentials; only the things I really need in my bag and not things to solve any bad situation I might ever be in. So, I always carry my phone, which is the Samsung J5 and is literally always attached to me at the hip. I’m always keeping up my friends, family and my boyfriend on a daily basis, so it’s one of the most important things I carry in my bag. Then next it comes to my car and house keys, which are also pretty key to me being able to get around and also get into the house. I love to have a pom pom of some description on my keys so I always know where they are and so they look pretty. I love this one from Helen Moore purely because of how soft it is and the beautiful colour!

Carrying a small bag means there’s no room for a massive purse, like my purple Lulu Guiness one, so this great little pink zip pocket purse, from H&M, is a perfect substitute. I always carry all my cards, such as my debit cards, my student card, ID and any other points cards I might have, and usually a bit of loose change. However, notes are a rarity as I hardly ever have money physically, I use my cards for everything.

So, then really all that’s left is a few more key items that help me through day to day life, such as a good pack of tissues, especially as it’s hay fever season at the moment and my eyes love to water randomly, and also some body spray; to make sure I always smell fresh throughout the day. Also, I nearly always carry my headphones so I can always listen to music or watch a Youtube video and of course the essential girl items, when mother nature is calling. I like put these away in the back pocket so they’re easy to get to and also can’t just randomly fall out of your bag at any time.