INSPIRATION: Clean & Minimal

I wouldn't say that I'm feeling unmotivated to blog, but I can't lie and announce I feel inspired every minute. When it comes to fashion, referring to my style, there is a time when I want a change. Not only is it transitioning through seasons. I can sense it in the smog that a fresh and modern style will be ideal for me right now.

Being 21 years old, I can't hold on to the cardigans or skinny jeans forever. I'm approaching a more mature style, not just because I should, but because it reflects my mind. Fashion isn't just what you think looks cute or will draw attention. I see it as musing ideas.

For instance, lately I have been SO drawn to this minimal and clean style. Why? It's straight-forward, no fuss. I'm in the process of clearing unhelpful thoughts or frustrating routines. Not to be confused by thinking in black and white. I want colour, lots of it too, and that's why I added that pink collage. Colour brings in creativity.

I love this minimal style because it's organised - also what I am trying to be more of. To be the girl that wakes up, quickly constructs her immaculate and stylish outfit together (or she might have organised it the night before). She doesn't care if she's wearing the same trousers that she wore on Monday. Because it's tailored and well made - it deserves to be worn a lot. And that's all that matters, not to care what others think of your outfit. She'd pair it with the fresh shirt that may have odd cut-outs, just to show that she can be daring. Lastly pushing her feet into chunky ankle boots to stomp through the crowd.

In a short way, I like this style because I think it can reflect a clean and sophisticated mind. A different way of dressing up is a different way of thinking. It's fashion forward, not copying trends of the previous decades, creating a clear path for future fashion.

I don't want to completely transform my wardrobe, but when I'm feeling mindful I would want to show it through my outfit.

Follow my Pinterest for more inspiration, here. 

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I Got It From My Mumma

It's great when you have a mother who loved to shop in the iconic fashion decades. 80s/90s fashion is so current today, and many styles have been revised for us to enjoy.

When I used to shop with my mum, nearly every item I'd pick up, she would say, 'Kara! Haha! I used to wear that in the 80s!' or 'Kara! Don't buy that, I've saved something similar for you!' And she was right. On many occasions I've put down that item, then later she'd go scooping at the back of her wardrobe.

Some may call it hoarding, I call it save it for when it's back in fashion!

Denim is a classic, especially when it's vintage Levi's. Yes, ALL denim pieces are Levi's originals. I know there are girls out there who won't think it's cool to wear something so old, worn or what your mum used to wear.

Think of it as contributing to a greener society. Instead of chucking it away, up-cycle!

So thank you mum, I know you'll be reading this!

Thank you for teaching me everything valuable in life, and always being an inspiration for me. And thank you for passing on fantastic clothes!

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Budget British Music Festivals

This is the time to start thinking about summer plans. And you've probably already started. It's constantly on our minds when we're battling with these grey and windy days.

There's a big list of festivals, every year it gets bigger and bigger. It's fantastic that we have so many choices. But which one do we choose?!

Is £200, just for the tickets, worth a long weekend of sleeping on the floor and dirty porto-loo situations?

I've struggled each year deciding which festival should I splash the cash on. But I never regret the festival I go with. Although I wish I had the option to go to two or possibly three festivals in the summer!

And I think there's a way to make this wish become reality.

So forget your beloved Glasto or Bestival, or any costly festival. 2016 is the year of saving!

*These weekends festivals are ones you either camp or day festivals that you can do two days at. I'll be doing just day festivals soon!

BRITISH MUSIC FESTIVALS ON A BUDGET

music-news.com

BROWNSTOCK

It was after this festival that made me realise that you don't need to spend your savings to have an awesome weekend. Located in the middle of Essex countryside, you find yourself surrounded by... underage kids. This can be the downside of cheaper music festivals because this means that the school kids can afford too. I'm only 21, but when you're surrounded by kids who are experiencing their first weekend away from their parents, it makes you feel a bit older (sorry to sound like a grumpy gut! Granny Kara).

Nevertheless! This won't destroy your festival!

The great thing about Brownstock is the brilliant line-up for such a cheap ticket. You're bound to see acts that you know and love! Or fresh-faced unsigned acts to discover. And it's all good vibes in the crowd.

It's not a large festival either, so you won't have to take that long stroll from your tent to the main arena. I've heard about that Glastonbury trek from the campsite to the stage. Sounds awful!

The price of drinks and food is pretty reasonable, and many options to select from. You can even pay by card at most stalls (is it just me who likes this?).

If you're good at recovering from the night before, then there's plenty of things to do in the day, such live stand-up comedian sessions and acoustic music acts play to soothe your hangover.

http://www.brownstock.co.uk/

GOTTWOOD

A Welsh and award-winning festival. A little magical realm, playing underground electronic music in a fairytale environment. This is the first time I've heard about this, and looking at the website - I'm very keen to go. However, tickets have gone up to £140 now being in it's final tier, so it must be a popular one, as it started at £85 for 'super early bird'.  Sites say it is VERY intimate and the crowd looks incredibly hipster. Bum bags and glitter at the ready! You probably wouldn't want to go back to reality.

http://www.gottwood.co.uk/

factmag.com

PARKLIFE

Currently questioning when I should buy my ticket. This festival has an even bigger line-up, but the downside (for me) - there's no campsite. However people say that there's plenty of places to book hotels at.

This is for the shufflers and techno lovers. The bass line junkies and the indie kids.

I've only heard about great things about Parklife. Located in Manchester, the festival goers are pretty edgy. Will it be more of a fashion show than a festival? My advice, plan your outfits before, but don't go overboard. Extremely casual whilst being super stylish is the dress code. Another hipster fest, round glasses and denim shorts on standby please!

http://www.parklife.uk.com/

blissfields.co.uk

BLISSFIELDS

The description is in the name. Blissfields has been award for the 'best small festival' and nominated for 'best family festival'. This close to Winchester festival will guarantee to be an ultra-chilled haven for any type of music lovers. You can watch late night films out in the open, or dig into street food. I've just read that they do 'slumber parties' too. CUTE!

http://www.blissfields.co.uk/


STANDON CALLING

When a festival promotes that they have a theme, it gets me super excited. Too excited. I love it when festivals encourage dressing-up because it acts as a true escape from reality. This boutique, family-friendly and unsponsored festival will be the highlight of a superb laid-back summer. Think humid nights, gazing at the stars out in the open fields - with a beer always in your hand. Always.


http://www.standon-calling.com

eventim.co.uk

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DATE NIGHT: Snaps & Rye // Healthy London Restaurants

Healthy isn't something that I particularly look for when I go to restaurants. The idea of going out is to treat myself, so whatever I eat, is just another treat!

But recently I've given up junk food for Lent, like chocolate and crisps and all the good sugary things in a sweet sweet life. I have to wait until Easter until I can realllly treat myself.

For Valentine's Day brunch, my boyfriend surprised me to a meal at Snaps & Rye in Ladbroke Grove, near Notting Hill. I've never been to a Danish restaurant before, no one has ever said, 'Ohhhh you GOT to try Danish food!' In fact, this is London's ONLY Danish restaurant. So I had a very opened minded to what I was going to experience.

The menu has an assortment of tasty and low fat toppings on rye bread as a starter or a light breakfast dish. The lunch menu consists of a larger portion, but still low calorie and nutritious. If I had to describe my meal in two words it would be light & refreshing. I did feel fuller afterwards, but it didn't make me feel bloated or waiting to sleep. Bursts of energy after my brunch.

But was that due to the drinks we had on the side? Potentially. My boyfriend was told to have 'Snaps/Akvavit', vodka and herb infused short shot glass when you have Scandinavia food. It's a must.
'It stimulates the appetite' the waiter told us, 'accompanies your food perfectly.' I had salmon, the waiter told me that the dill infused snap would be ideal. My boyfriend went for a white oak infused Snap.

As the waiter put down our glasses he said 'it may come in a shot glass, but you must drink it slowly alongside eating'. Such an English habit to down anything that comes in a small glass.

My first sip - I was blown away. I haven't drank vodka in ages. Luckily the dill and herby flavours exploded out, masking the harshness of the alcohol.

After the meal, my boyfriend, very very keen to try all kinds of things, asked the waiter for a 'Digestif'. Another shot glass drink, made from a great big collection of herbs! They say it is supposed to aid digestion and prevent illnesses. It smelt like Jagermeister to be frank. It was light bright brown with such a strong smell.

Our waiter was very impressed with our eagerness to try new things! He even gave us these little liquorice treats covered in gold glitter, on the house! Ok, I may have broken my lent, but apparently you are allowed to break your fast on a Sunday? Anyone else heard that?! Anyone...?

Overall it was a fantastic experience. If you want to try something awesomely different try it out! The location of Snaps & Rye is perfect, gives you a chance to stroll down the nearby Portobello Market.

Have a date at Snaps & Rye!

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VALENTINE'S DAY

I hope you all had a special weekend. Whether it was with your partner, or spending it doing something you love. I see Valentine's Day as appreciating all the lovely things in life.

Lemme stop being sentimental and tell you about my outfit.

Top (underneath) - Urban Outfitters

Long sleeve jumper - Brandy & Melville

Skirt - Missguided

Heels - Dorothy Perkins

Apologises, I had a bit of a wardrobe malfunction with the fringe of the skirt, it kept on getting caught on the buckles of the shoes! But I'm still in love with this.

Red isn't really my colour, so I opted out of the traditional romantic hues. Went for something more edgy and still striking.

I think this is my second outfit post on this blog, the last one was taken a year ago. It's not really my thing - I begin to feel awkward as soon as the camera is pointed to me. Selfies - I can handle that. And in group photos, I'm fine, but when the attention is solely focused on me - ugh, makes me feel so uncomfortable.

This year I told myself - start doing things that make you feel awkward but deep down you truly love it. Guilty pleasures! For instance, wearing a big pink fur coat or flatform shoes. Two items that I adore but I don't know if I could walk down the street comfortably with them on.

I intentionally wanted this blog to be more outfit posts based but I couldn't dare turning the camera on me.

So, from now on, I wanna make it my 'thang'.

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WHAT'S IN MY BAG

This is my first time revealing what's in bag, so feel privileged. I didn't think that people would really be interested in stuff like this.

After removing old receipts and torn apart tissues. I dug up what's left in my sack. And realised that it could potentially make a fun post.

Obviously things like my phone or keys are left out, only because I prefer to keep them closer to me, in my coat pocket.

I slightly think this is a trivial kind of post, only because I'm not used to it. But if you are fond of this sort, let me know!

1. I used to be the "No. I don't wear hats" person. But after these blistering winters, I had to surrender. It says "On Wednesday's we were pink" 10 points to you if you got the film reference straight away!

2. Sorry, it's a bit dirty. Leftovers from my salad. It's a great sized portion for lunch. Given to me for Christmas from Urban Outfitters.

3. My A-Z multi-vitamins. Ideal if you get tired very easily, and strengthens your immune system when all these illnesses are floating around.

4. A notebook that was given to me from my friend, she obviously knows that I withheld "Great Ideas" that should be written down! This has been very handy when I'm learning new tasks in my internship. It will look good for your boss to see that you are keen to learn, and also to remember what they tell you! I walk around with this everywhere in the office.

5. My cute (very big) water bottle. I like to put lemons and mint in there too.  

6. This book is my life at the moment! I read it every day. You must google this book if you're thinking about turning your blog into a business. It's pretty funny too. And really relevant to my life right now.

7. I don't have enough time in the morning to sit and drink my tea/coffee. My little cup to-go accompanies me on my tube journeys.

8. Because it's England.

9. My mini Victoria Secret fruity spritz. If I could eat a scent, it would be that one.

10. You can't walk around without a pen!

11. I honestly forgot this was in my bag! I told you I had too many unnecessary stuff. Kiehl's hand cream - essential for the winter. 

12. Yeah, four eyes 'four'eva.

13. Because it's England.

14. Because I live in London, and without this sucker, life would be so expensive. (An oyster card / travel card for London only)

15. I like to play songs on my walk to the tube station to wake me up before I start the day.

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