Kara Chelsie: 2018

Change is Good: Crotchet Braids with Umona Hair

Monday

When it comes to change, I'm like a transformer. I love new environments and breaking out of old habits. However, if it is something to do with changing my appearance, I'm very hesitant.

I am so eager for the change that a new year brings that I have already made a new years resolutions list!

I have mentioned countless times how I would like to alter my style to suit my current taste. It's not an overnight job to remove and replace clothes. So firstly I have to cultivate my ideas and research what style inspires me. Secondly, I have to get over the fear of trying something new.

I think the doubt surfaces because I am frightened I won't like the new version and it will leave me back at step one.

Before the year ends, I want to see if I could make at least one change to my appearance so when the ultimate style shift comes, it won't be so dramatic.

I am all up for being experimental with style, but with my hair, I usually play it safe.

I have been toying with the idea of having braids for my trip to Jamaica. I wanted a hairstyle that is easy to wear, easy to style every morning and works well with getting the hair out of my face. But I didn't want to have actual braids because I wanted an easily reversible hairstyle.

I started YouTubing and Googling natural hairstyles best for the heat. This led me to discover crotchet braids! I heard about them before but I have only seen wavy or curly hair, not braids.

Crochet braids are not permanent so it is ideal for trying something new. These interlocking crochet braids are a quick and easy hair transformation. I actually installed them in myself! And I'm not the best at achieving flawless hairstyles but Umona's crochet braids were effortless to install.

It took me just over an hour to achieve this look. In comparison, regular braids can take up to 6 hours to do, sometimes longer!

I had soooo many compliments with this hairstyle. Every day I had someone new asking 'what kind of braids are they?' or 'wow your braids look fantastic'. In fact, it was more than one person each day.

It showed me that there could be better styles out there that suit you even more than your original one.

If I never took the risk, I would never see a new beauty. If I went for regular braids and didn't like them, it would have been a nightmare to take them out and cost me a lot more money too.

Umona crotchet braids are very different from other brands. They know where the hair is sourced from and ensure it is high quality. For such an affordable price it is crazy good quality! You also get to choose a variety of different braid looks. You can even try faux locs that look very natural.

I figured, if I am hesitant to change my appearance, then styles that can be reversed is my go-to!

I know changing your hairstyle isn't a major deal. But strangely it has confirmed that change is good. Something as trivial as this makes you want to see what else is better out there.

I've been babbling on about this holiday since winter. And I can't believe I'll be jetting off this month! I'm so excited for my trip to Jamaica, I haven't been back since I was 12! It's such a big deal for me because my family are from Jamaica. It's crazy to think that the beautiful island could have been my home if it wasn't for my grandparents migrating.

My memory of previous trips to Jamaica is so vivid. I can still recall the excursions, scenery and moments spent on the island. It'll be my first time as an adult going there, which means I'll be taking full advantage of white rum and many strawberry daiquiris.

In October it's starting to cool down in England, consequently, I'm really missing the heat. We had SUCH a great summer here and I'm trying to prolong sunny season by travelling.

I haven't started packing yet, unlike other eager families members, but I have a few days to scour my wardrobe to resurface my swimsuits, flip-flops and hats.

But before I dust off my suitcase, I must show you my style options for the holiday.

I love to create these to help me decide what to wear in Jamaica. For most holidays all I care about is wearing something lightweight. Being fashionable is my last worry. As I am focusing on growing my Instagram I hope my feed will look dreamy! Well, I have been fantasizing about this holiday for many months so it's totally normal to create a Pinterest board dedicated to it, right?

HEADSCARVES

I'm planning on having braids for this trip, but I've never had them before so I'm excited/nervous for a weird reason. But as they are quite heavy and long I would like to tie them up in a stylish way. Printed headscarves would be the most stylish way to get those tresses out of my face. They can be very versatile for any outfit and I'm hoping to find some pretty ones in markets over there. Pinterest showed me some clever ways of turning the everyday towel into headscarf. What a lewwwk!

SLIP DRESSES

During the holiday all I want to wear is something that lightweight and stylish. I've experienced many struggles unpeeling clothes off my sweaty back. I'll be attending a wedding out there, so it was vital to find a formal outfit that can be worn all day. I love the cut of slip dresses, especially when they have a cowl neckline. Satin and silky dresses are timeless. However, the underwear as outerwear style is a modern twist for evening wear. Don't worry, I won't be wearing white to a wedding.

RUFFLE SWIMWEAR

They definitely remind me of tacky childhood swimwear. So, I'm not sure why I'm loving this trend. Has anyone done those questionnaires to see what swimwear suits their figure? They tell me not to go for ruffles as it'll draw attention to my large bust. But for this swimwear, I'll happily be fined by the fashion police for deviation. It may not suit me but who really cares? I find this style playful and girly.

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This is just a quick guide that I thought I'd share before showing what I actually wear in Jamaica. I'm trying to do more style inspiration edits, even though they are time-consuming to create I find it super fun.

It was quite hard to provide sources for the images I found on Pinterest, I've tried my hardest but if you recognise where they are from, let me know!

Friday

If you haven't heard that MTV's The Hills is coming back, then 'you're a sucky person'. Our beloved post-The OC and the pre-Kardashian reality show is making a comeback. Sadly, some familiar faces won't be returning. But I am ready to watch Valley girl drama! Whether this reboot is a good idea or not, what I'm looking forward to the most are the outfits.

I used to be obsessed with Californian preppy and beachy fashion. I thought if my wardrobe was filled with Hollister cardigans and Abercrombie & Fitch crop tops then all my troubles would fade away. Thinking back on it now I find it such a cringey look. Ugh... How did I love that?! I guess that's the normal feeling when you look at things you used to love... old styles, old music taste, old relationships... It was The Hills that made me realised I wanted to be a fashion journalist. Do you remember Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port working in Teen Vogue? Even though that was all set up, it looked so admirable to me. Fun fact: the first Teen Vogue magazine I ever bought had Lauren and Whitney on the cover! I thought Lauren's style was everything. It was fun, girly and original. I've been watching The Hills Boxset again on my high dynamic range television, but this time around, I don't have butterflies when I see their fashion style. It all looks wrong. Who said that we can wear belts around our waist? What celebrities made it trendy to wear low rise jeans and a crop top? That's the thing about fashion. 10 years seem like 100 years. Fashion moves on so quickly.

The Hills girls; Lauren, Audrina, Heidi, LC, Whitney, LC and Kristin were THE it girls of LA. It was Laguna Beach over Calabasas. So, to pay respect to MTV's The Hills, where I found my passion for fashion, in this blog post I'm going to give their styles a reboot.

I have created two updated versions of two outdated outfits. If you like this idea, let me know in the comments and perhaps I'll do more! I found this so fun and challenging.

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Lauren Conrad

Lauren and Kristin were the Queen B's of the show so I have decided to fashion police their outfits.

Lauren's look is cute, preppy and involves signature looks. Her headband is iconic. Alice in Wonderland would be jealous of the number of headbands Lauren had. I loved that she would accessorise everything including her hairstyles.

If she wasn't wearing a summery dress, she'd be wearing a checkered shirt with skinny jeans - the ultimate outfit for a Starbucks dash. She saved her pretty dress for cocktails at Les Deux.

For my updated version, I decided to choose that white dress outfit in the photo below.

Square neck made a come back last year, so I copied the same neckline. Square necklines are so flattering so I was happy with that choice. Instead of a belt around the waist, I found a dress with a built-in crossover belt-thingy. Alice bands aren't really on trend, but satin/silk hair accesories are! I wrapped a golden satin around my ponytail.

Kristin Cavallari

Now on to Kristin Cavallari. She wasn't my favourite character on the show. Even though she was a latecomer, she became the star of the show after Lauren's departure. Her style was sophisticated and sassy. She would totally rock a blazer and big round sunglasses to any event. What she wore absolutely represented her personality. She was manipulative and outspoken. She wore darker and serious clothing.

The outfit I am re-doing is the blazer and denim shorts one. Wow, beach on the bottom, business on the top. Who would have thought of this combo?! But I'm not here to judge, I am here to update!

The black blazer is still a staple piece in many wardrobes, but checkered blazers are the must-have! I paired this blazer with a black bodysuit underneath alongside my denim skirt. Denim skirts are more popular nowadays, I save denim shorts for hotter and holiday occasions. Look at Ms Cavallari rocking THAT Alexander Wang bag. I was obsessed with that particular one for so many years. I still think that bag looks great. I wonder if anyone is selling their old bag for a cheaper price now? Lately, the bags are smaller. We're recreating the 00s little shoulder bag. Studs aren't seen much on the streets but this pearly bag is!

I've never done this before so I hope you enjoyed this style reboot! Let me know if you found this fun and what other TV series wardrobe should I do next?

Thanks for reading!

1st Outfit

Dress - ASOS

Hairscarf - Thrifted

Shoes - Marks & Spencer

2nd Outfit

Blazer - Nasty Gal

Bodysuit - Topshop

Skirt - Zara

Bag - Topshop

Monday

In one of my recent blog post, I mentioned how I've been obsessing over one colour outfits. Colour coordinating overload! Out of all the colours in the Pantone colour chart, I am drawn to wearing all white.

White can seem to intimate some. The fashion Gods proclaimed it to be unflattering because it broadens you and shows all your wanted and unwanted curves. Have you ever heard that only a certain size can wear white? With this in mind, white's opponent - black - is said to be slimming. But I don't dress to hide or flaunt any assets of mine. So those style myths fly right over my head.

When wearing all white, you are doomed to show the public what your mouth missed when you ate lunch, what you sat down on the tube or the area your dog decided to put their paws on.

Considering all the unavoidable woes of wearing white, it is still my favourite colour combo. And the reasons why is way more meaningful than looking summery.

As I love to incorporate lifestyle and fashion I'm experimenting with certain styles to compliment my beliefs. I've been trying to be more minimal in my life. In terms of practising zero waste, getting rid of old clothes/belongings and having a less hectic lifestyle.

White reminds me of being uncomplicated and effortless. I am still taken back how bold and bright I look styling with this colour. Even though you could see a make-up stain on my shirt, I feel clean. As this is a belief of mine, I'm integrating it into my style to bring more meaning into fashion. I believe style tells a story, therefore, I am creating a picture with clothes.

Not only does white make me feel mindful, it makes me feel sophisticated. It looks like I am a responsible adult that can coordinate an outfit impeccably. I've realised that white linen is a grown-up fabric so I am trying to add pieces into my wardrobe as well as. The reason why I love to feel sophisticated is because I have an issue about looking younger than I really am. I know I should embrace the baby face but I also want to be taken seriously.

It's crazy how one colour can bring up so many connotations and emotions. But there are other practical reasons why you'll think white is just right.

Doesn't my outfit remind you a bit of Wimbledon? It was set as a rule to wear this colour because when the sweat comes on to the fabric, it is not obvious to see. As this is the hottest summer I've ever experienced. White is the best colour to wear when the sun is pounding down on you.

But if the idea of being too matchy-matchy makes your eye twitch, make sure you play around with different textures and cuts.

In this instance, you are what you wear. The symbolism of wearing white must have come from somewhere. Even if the correlation of feeling lighter whilst wearing white can be seen as trivial, I'll still rock it.

This may be a coincidence, or maybe I'm becoming more magical but this blog post is the 111th in my drafted and published posts. The moment I wrote the title for this I checked to see what number I was on... If you don't hear from me again it's because I've won the lottery and I'm travelling around the world. All thanks to wearing white.

Shirt - Zara

Skirt - American Apparel

Watch - Gucci

Earrings - Forever21

Trainers - Marks & Spencer

Tuesday

Are fashion bloggers even writing about fashion nowadays?

I'm struggling at the moment with my blog content.

Sorry to start this post on a downer.

Why my posts have become sparse lately has something to do with... "I don't know what the hell to write about!"

My all-time favourite bloggers (coincidentally they don't blog frequently anymore) Park & Cube, Pandora Sykes and Style Rookie presented stories in every blog post. Blogs were like fashion diaries. They gave me great advice on how to wear round sunglasses without looking like Elton John.

I admired how they made fashion writing sound poetic and thought-provoking.

But nowadays, I struggle to find fashion bloggers who even talk about fashion.

Is it too superficial to go on about what we wear? Is it materialistic to admit it makes us sad when we were the same-old clothes?

The reason why I clicked on your blog post was to see why you decided to pair a trucker hat with that little black dress. I wasn't expecting you to tell me 5 ways how you practice gratitude.

I read so many lifestyle posts when I actually want to read about fashion. I've been buying Vogue again because I'm not getting my fashion fix from blogs anymore.

There are so many 'think pieces' lately, however I'm just looking for an escapism.

I too am guilty of writing lifestyle instead of fashion writing. I've got a great outfit on (if I say so myself), and I can't think of what to say about it.

I could discuss how the 70s style inspires my modern-day wardrobe. Or how jumpsuits are the best for all occasions.

But do you want to read about that?

I believe we've been seeing 'think pieces' lately because it makes bloggers sound like a writer. It's more serious to write about 'How I Stay Organised' instead of look at me in my Topshop jumpsuit that I bought for £24 but now it's in sale for £10.

So, when did blogging become so serious?

Let me know if you've noticed this too.

Are we struggling to develop topics about fashion or are we embarrassed to develop topics about fashion?

After all, I know I will write some lifestyle posts because I enjoy writing them. But fashion writing is what drew me to blogging, so I should continue fashion blogging.

Jumpsuit - Topshop

Shirt - Zara

Trainers - Marks & Spencer

Jewellery - Camden Market and & Other Stories

Watch - Gucci

Monday

Ah, it's been a while since my last fashion inspiration mood board. I love creating these because it stops me from buying foolish items and makes me focus on how I want my style to evolve. My last fashion inspiration mood board is still very similar to this one. It shows that my taste hasn't changed much, but also shows I still haven't conquered my own ideal personal style.

Why?

Laziness? Not enough money? Can't find anything I like in shops? Playing it safe?

They all come into thought, but the latter is the biggest problem.

I think when I do some retail therapy, I tend to buy 'safer' options. Items that I know will go with my current wardrobe. Sadly, every day I look in my wardrobe and I feel so uninspired. There isn't a recurring style going on. Just items that all look a bit similar. So I'm making an effort to put more work into my style choices.

OK, this is First World Problems (well you are reading a fashion blog so what do you expect?). I don't need to change my wardrobe. It's not a necessity, but it generally makes me happier and more motivated when I'm creative with my style.

Materialistic?

Nope, just artistic.

I have three aspects I'm trying to work on. From now on, when I pop into the store I will consider if this is a safe item or working towards my ideal style?

One Colour, One Outfit

Matchy-matchy isn't a faux pas. It's an Instagram favourite at the moment. All white outfits aren't just for holidays or christenings. They are my same-samey is my favourite at the moment. I will probably try to do an outfit post on how to create a subtle all white combo.

When you stick to the same colour, it gives you a chance to play around with different textures and cuts. This makes dressing up much more fun. I think if you can pull off 'one colour outfits' you are a pretty stylish person.

Instead of doing 'all black everything' (which is so easy to do), experiment with blue instead. This could be done. Remember 'double denim'? Look how everyone laughed at that. Now, it's very normal to see.

Even though you're using one colour, I see this as a sophisticated and put together assemble. Co-ordinating skills are put to the test.

Smart Casual

Maybe it's because I'm growing up. Maybe it's because I'm focusing on careers. Maybe I need to stop saying maybe and just be decisive.

In my older years, suits, blazers and shirts never looked soooo good.

I know it's a current trend at the moment. There are so many fashion bloggers posing in their pastel power suits and pairing it with trainers. It's the updated version of smart casual. I have a tendency to look scruffy so this is a style I admire a lot. It looks fun and sophisticated. However, it requires ironing.

I have yet to find a comfortable blazer/trouser combo and I know it will have to be an 'investment'. I've probably been holding off this style because it is a little more pricey than the others. Quality is key in this look, and you have to pay a lot for quality.

My perfect outfit of 'smart casual' would be a figure-hugging blazer with relaxed straight legged trousers. But no dark colours. I wouldn't wear a shirt underneath because that is way too formal. A slogan tee or even a basic white tee would suit this. Trainers are a must! All white trainers especially.

Parisian Accessories

Dressing like French girls never goes out of fashion. Silk scarves, simple gold jewellery and basket-like bags are on my lust list.

Usually, I'm not obsessed with designer items. Labels aren't my kind of thing. Although I have to admit, I really want a Gucci bumbag now. It's quirky, it's unconventional, it's so me.

I've been borrowing my mum's Louis Vuitton one and it makes me feel extra special. There's something special about luxury versions of tacky accessories. The fashion pioneers might be rolling in their graves if they saw their slogan on a fanny pack!

Fashion sunglasses are a must-have. But who would have thought those 90s style thin ones would look cool again?
Cat-eyed sunglasses are my favourite. It brings a retro essence to all looks. I don't know what glasses shape suit my face, but I'm excited to try out different ones. I normally have a £10 pair of scratched ones neglected at the bottom of my bag. They only see the sun when I'm on holiday. Sunnies never used to appeal to me because I am a scruffy person so they are bounded to get broken.
Now, I see that they can be added to any outfit so I'll be jumping on that bandwagon!

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All in all. I want to have a more sophisticated and co-ordinated wardrobe. Adding a bit of classy French but edgy England to my look. Still wanting it to be clean and minimal.

Are there any changes you want to make to your wardrobe? Doesn't have to be on-trend choices!

Wednesday

Pretty City London Book Review: The Chiswick Guide

We all know about London's little gems. The colourful mewses in Notting Hill. Leafy walks beside deer in Richmond. Trendy coffee spots in Shoreditch. Pubs and restaurants dressed up in flowers in Marylebone. We all know where to find popular Instagramable locations in London. But thanks to Siobhan Ferguson aka @prettycitylondon we are always inspired to find postcard-worthy sceneries.

You must have heard about @prettycitylondon by now. It's one of those accounts that make you feel better about living in an overly priced capital city. The account has been sharing and reposting glorious London photos for a few years now. And finally, there's a book to go with it.

I was lucky to grab a hold of Pretty City London: Discovering London's Beautiful Places. But as a born-and-bred Londoner I thought I'd be turning the pages muttering "been there, done that".

There are a few occasions I can accept being wrong and I'm glad I was in this case. I read this book as a tourist. I bookmarked places that I've never been to before. I thought I knew everything about my city. What Ferguson does so exceptionally is to capture undiscovered and hidden locations.

As the popular saying of Samuel Johnson goes, "when a man is tired with London, he is tired with life". This book is a representation of this quote. There is so much more to see than what you think you know. Yes, London would be boring if we stayed in the grey and cosmopolitan central. We would be tired of seeing commuters and office workers everyday. The Pretty City London book encourages us to stir away from the hustle and bustle.

Ferguson brilliantly described London as a cluster of little villages. There was a particular 'village', that is only a few miles away from me, where I haven't explored yet. This book made me realise how vast London is. Some areas such as Chelsea and Soho are so popular but there are quieter places that exhume just as much beauty. So I decided to use this book, as a travel guide and take an outing to Chiswick.

I made a note of Ferguson's Chiswick Insta-worthy recommendations. My friend, Mairead, and I started off our day at No.197 Chiswick Fire Station. A hotspot for their gorgeous interior and equally as gorgeous food. The staff were so lovely. They didn't mind us overstaying and pretending it was our dining room. The restaurant was bright and airy with comfortable seating, it had a Scandinavian homely feel to it.

Next on the list was to snap Foster Books shopfront, which was a few doors down. This Instagrammable bookshop is quaint and archaic. It is a family run business that displays an extensive list of literature. They even had books going for £1.

Back towards the direction of Turnham Green tube station, we popped into an eco-friendly shop. They sold everything from steel straws to non-harmful washing powder to bamboo toothbrushes. I will 100% be returning there as I am trying to up my game on zero waste products. It was like an adult pick 'n' mix. Get hold of a paper bag and you can gather up your own granola or make a collection of different types of herbs and salts. No plastic packaging would be found here.

Cassius & Coco, which Ferguson said it was a 'must-go'. It's a small shop crowded with quirky items as well as trendy plants. Ah, the plants. Mairead said the shop could have been mistaken for my room. I bought a piece of wrapping paper that I think is too nice to give away. I want to frame it when I re-decorate my room.

Turnham Green Terrace is filled with charity shops. I used to be a fan of second-hand shopping, back when I was experimental and more creative with my style. I had to pop my head into a few shops because, as you know, the best charity shops are found in affluent areas. I bought a cute cream and knitted cardigan with a green hem. Sounds very Grandma like, but I can imagine a Scandi blogger pulling it off.

Strolling around in Chiswick had to be one of my favourite afternoons of this month so far. It's not busy or hectic like Notting Hill or Covent Garden. It's so leafy and picturesque.

The Pretty City London book did not fail at showing London's hidden gems. I don't why bloggers are shooting in the same location all the time. There are more beautiful areas!

A message I learnt from the book is that; beauty exists everywhere.