How to Style a Baker Boy Hat

Baker Boy Hats: They're a unique way to tackle the colder weather, and I'm rather invested. 

I wouldn't consider myself a hat person nor did I ever think I'd fall so madly in love with baker boy hats. Not only do they hide any trace of a bad hair day, they also elevate a simple jeans and tee outfit. Pull your hair into a low, messy bun to really nail the baker boy look. 

Can we just talk about these ballet pumps? They are so cute. I needed new ones and since I'm hitting refresh on my accessories I thought why not go for bright pink velvet? They are most definitely impractical to wear 80% of the time, due to English weather but they compliment ankle grazer jeans so nicely and they are under £10 in the Mango sale at the moment- Well worth it! 

Outfit Linked Below | 

Baker Boy Hat Accessorize

Coat Zara

T-shirt M&S

Jeans Berska 

Ballet Pumps Mango

Bag Zara (similar)

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Festival Inspired

It doesn't take much to connect short shorts paired with boots with festivals. Shorts are the ultimate essential when standing in a crowd of people in a field, cider in hand and music blaring.

Festivals are weird, aren't they? I went to my first festival a couple of weeks ago and I was not prepared for the sheer volume of people, not to mention the amount of times I heard 'Alan', 'Steve' shouted around the campsite - (if you don't know, watch this). It's 4 days of drinking endless cider (starting at 10am), becoming overprotective of home (your tent and camping area) and listening to great music with 49,999 other people. It was great- apart from the obvious no showering and the dreaded portaloos.

What I loved other than the music, was the outfits. Festival fashion is second to none- it's fabulous. The outfit above was one of the more toned down looks I saw but none the less it was perfect, comfy and transitioned from day to night with ease.

These tropical print shorts are such a nice shape, the slight outward frill along the bottom is a great way to make your thighs appear slimmer. The wider leg makes for a more movable and comfy wear- essential at a festival. Pair with studded boots to move away from beach holiday and more to festival, with the added bonus of being comfy!

Take inspiration from Tommy Hilfiger and customise your denim jacket with badges to add fun and personality to your outfit. Shop Wild Violet do some really cute pins and badges! If you would like 20% off use the code - SAMXVIOLET at the checkout.


Outfit Linked Below |

Top Hollister (put a white vest underneath)
Shorts Zara (similar)
Denim Jacket COW Nottingham
Boots Misspap
Bag Mulberry (similar)
Necklace Topshop (similar)
Sunglasses Quay Australia (similar)

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Fit to Flare

The last time I wore flares was when Britney Spears was number one in the chart! I remember them well- they were light washed denim with pink butterflies scattered on them. I loved them. 

I'm ditching the denim flares, for now. However, the character Sophia from the Netflix series Girlboss wears them and looks SUPER amazing so, I might have to find a pair of denim flares and relive the 90's. 

For now though - these wide legged trousers are all for comfort! I've gone full volume with these trousers so, I've played it slim by finishing the outfit off with a blazer to add structure to the silhouette. The high-waisted nature of these accentuates my legs making them look longer, and makes the waist appear smaller as they sit higher than jeans would. There a piece that can dramatically transition into an alternative evening look. 

I did find it hard to choose shoes to match these. I think pairing these with heels would give this outfit a chicness but for the park, I stuck to trainers. 

Outfit Linked Below |

Knitted Vest - Primark (similar)

Blazer - H&M

Trousers - Vero Moda Flora at Brand Attic

Trainers - New Look (similar) 

The Principal on George St, Edinburgh

Where to stay in Edinburgh? ... The Principal on George Street. If you are going for a romantic mini break or you and the girls are heading up north to chill out and spend some time together, this hotel is amazing. 

I can't say a bad word about my stay at The Principal. It's grand and welcoming and will leave you wanting to come back. From the friendly concierges dressed in traditional Kilt attire to the yummiest breakfast and the softest bed. I can't say a bad word about my stay at The Principal. It's grand and welcoming and will leave you wanting to come back. 

Outfit | Dress AllSaints   Bag Mulberry (similar)   Shoes H&M

We stayed in a Guest Room for our three nights whilst in Edinburgh. The finish of the room and little touches made it comfortable and definitely made me go 'wow' when I first walked in. From the impressive bed full of cushions, that yes you do sink into, to the colour scheme. The hotel just oozes cosy cottage vibes, blended with Edinburgh's grand architectural structures, it's an impressive mix that would be daunting if the staff weren't so friendly. 

Whilst you are there take a trip down to The Printing Press, it's the ultra fancy restaurant attached to the hotel. On Sunday opt for the roast dinner it's offered from 12pm - 6pm, it's one of those meals that just melts so deliciously in your mouth. Also, I recommend the Bramble cocktail it's Gin based and goes down pretty well, but also the whisky scene in Edinburgh is big, so if you're not feeling something too fussy go for a simple coke and whisky which is also lovely. 

I need to talk about the location of the hotel. I love that first feeling you get when you land somewhere new and you just walk anywhere get lost and have to work out how to get back. It's my favourite part about travelling! Edinburgh is pretty easy to navigate, you've got Old Town across the bridge (depending where you stay) and you've got New Town. The Principal is located in New Town, just a 2-minute walk from the high street and a 10 minute walk from Old Town. It's a great location and everything is in a walkable distance. There are bars and restaurants a few doors down either side. 

I went for my 22nd birthday, and I couldn't have asked for a better time. I recommend going for three nights and pack them full of exploring, coffee and cake, and cocktails. 

Samantha x

G R E Y

The only thing that makes up for weather like this is new winter purchases and serene winter walks. 

Winter is one of my favourite seasons for outfit building and layering, with coats becoming an increasingly bad obsession for my bank balance, at least. 

This Missguided Aviator Jacket is something I've had my eye on for ages and as it began to get colder and seeming to stay that way. It was the ideal excuse to buy it, and I don't regret it in the slightest. The inside is lined with faux fur making it comfortable, extremely cosy and warm, which ticks every box of being a good jacket. 

I paired it with a light grey wool jumper and dark grey jeans, teamed with patch work patent boots to complete the look. Its a simple no fuss winter outfit, fit for facing the cold but still looking stylish and put together. 

Outfit Linked below |

Aviator Jacket Missguided (use 'mmuk04rf8gyh' for my £10 off friend voucher) 

Jumper Allsaints

Jeans AllSaints

Bag Zara (similar)

Scarf New Look (similar)

Boots Borrowed from Mum but here is a similar pairs Topshop and Warehouse

Samantha x

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Products to beat January

January is one of the worst months. I mean they've even named 16th January as 'Blue Monday,' the saddest day of the year.

I've picked up some products that I've been using non-stop in recent months that have helped pick me up when hit with that January feeling. They've helped brighten and rejuvenate my skin and hair after being exposed to all weather types.

B U R T S  B E E S - Original and Pink Grapefruit 

I am obsessed and have been for a while now with Burts Bees, especially their lip balm. It nourishes and leaves my lips feeling soft and notiably reduces the dryness. I find the original also leaves a tingling feeling after application, which has left my lips looking slightly fuller. The pink grapefruit flavour smells divine, the strong smell isn't overpowering but doesn't fade as soon as you've applied. 

Burts Bees is my favourite brand of lip balm, after trying a few different brands I find these last the longest, smell amazing and there is such a variety of flavours to try. Most impotantly they are all 100% natural flavourings. 

Buy Burts Bees from Boots and FeelUnique 

Find out more 

O R I G I N S - Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask 

I have to admit I am not an avid skincare collector. I'm actually quite lazy when it comes to looking after my skin, which I'm definitely hoping to improve. Looking after your skin is so important as we're exposed to so much during our day to day routine and lifestyle. I seeked something that was going to give my skin some well derserved TLC and attention. I wanted a facemask for those chilled Sunday evenings, and was recommended this charcoal based mask from one of the Origins team in Boots.

Charcoal is a natual element which helps clear and unclog pores making them less visable, leaving the skin feeling fresh. Something that stood out for me was the fact that it can help reduce the unwanted oil from the skin leaving it feeling smooth. So I one hundred percent suggest this mask to anyone with oily skin, as it noticibly reduced the oil.

Before applying I'll wet a cloth with hot water to get my face damp to open pores. I'll then apply a generous amount to the skin. After application I'll relax in the bath or in bed with a book, while I wait for the mask to dry completely. Before wetting the cloth again with hot water to remove the mask, gently, as to not pull the skin. To finish I'll splash cold water on my face to close pores. 

Buy Origins from Boots, FeelUnique and House of Fraser (The 100ml bottle is shown in the photo above, which lasts a good few months depending on usage. I normally use this every Sunday.)

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Z A R A - Pear & White Flower Fragrance

Zara isn't normally my first call when seeking out a new scent. However, I'm so happy I found this as it smells so amazing, not too overpowering but lasts all day with a few top ups during the day.

 It's fresh and floral, a definite dupe for Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche but without the designer price tag. At only £15.99 for the larger one and £3.99 for the small travel size bottle, so its perfect for everyday use.

Somthing that I love about the travel size is that it has a roller applicator, which is quick and easy to apply, so there is no chance of spilling it or it leaking in your handbag.

Buy Zara Fragrances either in store or online

L 'O R E A L  P A R I S -  Elvive Fibrology Air Root- Lifting Dry Shampoo

This is perfect handbag size. I'm constantly touching and playing with my hair, which is one of the main reasons for the build up of grease. So for this to fit in my handbag is so handy when I need to freshen up my roots and add a bit of volume throughout the day.

Fibrology air is a new formula which is clear and light, helping to uplift and give volume to hair that feels flat and weighed down. In the range is a shampoo and conditioner (which is a clear liquid) and the dry shampoo, pictured above.

I've not tried the shampoo and conditioner yet but I'm intrigued as to see if it works and helps my hair appear weightless. Another reason to try these products is that they smell so fresh and lovely, it's not fruity and too girly which I find most are.

L'oreal Paris brought out Elvive Fibrology to help give volume and give the hair that thickness and lush look. Something that my hair begins to lack throughout the day. I feel like this product definitely freshens up my hair and gives it more volume but it doesn't last and I apply a few top ups throughout.

Buy L'oreal at all high street drug stores Boots and Superdrug

Find out more

These products have definitely helped me update my hair and skin care routine. With most being on the go products that can be applied quickly and easily to freshen up.

Samantha x
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