30 of the Best Black Friday Fashion Deals

It’s that time of year again - Black Friday is almost upon us! An American tradition following Thanksgiving on the third Thursday of November, the UK has hopped upon the Black Friday bandwagon for the last few years - and this year isn't any different.

It’s one of the most helpful shopping periods of the year for everyone, situated right before Christmas, so we can buy gifts for our loved ones for up to half the price of what we’d normally pay for them.

However, it’s especially loved by fashionistas nationwide, as it means that we can buy ourselves those cheeky early Christmas presents we’ve had our beady eyes on and lined up on our wishlists for weeks now.

Let us at ‘em!

Without further ado, here are 30 of the best Black Friday fashion deals. (You’re welcome!)

1. All Saints

30% off everything site-wide until Tuesday 28th November.

2. Amazon

Black Friday Preview began on Friday 17th November, with new deals being added to the site daily.

3. ASOS

New deals daily (up to 60% off shoes and accessories at the time of writing) but hinting to newsletter members that the best deals will go live on Black Friday.

4. Accessorize

30% off evening bags and 3-for-2 Christmas decorations at the moment.

5. Barbour

Free exclusive lambswool scarf that’s worth £34.95 when you spend £150 or more, both in-store and online from 12:01am on Black Friday.

6. Boohoo

30% off everything site-wide this Black Friday week.

7. Cheap Monday

25% off everything across the site from Friday 24th until Monday 27th November.

8. Dorothy Perkins

Up to 50% off selected items online until Monday 27th November.

9. Debenhams

"7 Days of Amazing Deals" is happening with 30% off every department currently, plus further daily discounts.

10. Dune

Up to 20% off everything, both in-store and online, during the Black Friday period.

11. Forever 21

40% off shoes and accessories as a "Black Friday Warm-up" and free delivery on orders over £50.

12. French Connection

Up to 50% off men's and women's clothing, 20% off tableware, and 3-for-2 gift sets which are ideal for family stocking fillers.

13. GAP

40% off everything that’s full price, excluding leather, suede, and cashmere, and a further 25% off sale items from Thursday 23rd until Sunday 26th November.

14. H&M

Up to 40% off and free delivery on women’s fashion, with an extra 10% off for H&M club members.

15. Hobbs

20% off everything site-wide, with more deals added every day across different categories, until Monday 27th. 

16. Hunter

20% off everything at the moment for Black Friday, so time to purchase some of their famous, fashionable wellies perhaps?

17. Karen Millen

25% off everything in-store and online, with new deals being added to the sale daily, until Monday 27th November.

18. Levis

30% off everything at the moment which will change to 40% on Black Friday (early access to 40% off available to newsletter members).

19. Miss Pap

30% off everything and free delivery over £50 via Miss Pap’s website.

20. Miss Selfridge

50% off selected lines, both in-store and online, as part of their “Black Friday Preview” indicating there are more deals to come.

21. Motel Rocks

Up to 40% off everything site-wide, with further deals on actual Black Friday.

22. Nasty Gal

Up to 50% off everything on their site, including sale, with free next day delivery.

23. New Look

25% off footwear and accessories at the moment, as part of their "Black Friday Warm-Up".

24. Oasis

30% off selected winter warmers on their site presently, consisting of knits, dresses, and outerwear.

25. Office

20% off everything both in-store and online.

26. Pretty Little Thing

30% off everything except the Kourtney Kardashian collection, which has 50% off on Wednesday 23rd.

27. River Island

Up to 40% off selected lines site-wide, with an indication that there will be more deals on Black Friday.

28. Topshop

Up to 50% off, plus free worldwide delivery, from Wednesday 22nd until Monday 27th November.

29. Urban Outfitters

Buy one get one 50% off everything from Thursday 23rd until midnight on Sunday 26th November.

30. Warehouse

Up to 30% off some of their Autumnal favourites and best sellers throughout this Black Friday period.

Shopaholics, rejoice!

How to Perfect Wavy Hair All Year Round

It's officially autumn, the mornings are dark and chilly, and we don't even want to get out of bed - let alone have to mess with our hair before work or a long day of errand-running.

I totally get it.

This time of year, we just want to be able to get up and run out of the door last minute with minimal effort required. Oh, to be a Kardashian with our own team of hair stylists and make-up artists on hand everyday.

*Daydreams*

But, there is a hairstyle you can rock that only takes two minutes to complete, because you've done most of the hard work the night before.

Step forward, wavy hair.

You might have been fooled into thinking that wavy hair only looks good during the summer months, because it has that "just came from the beach" kind of appearance. But, I personally think that wavy hair looks awesome all year round.

I constantly get asked how I achieve my natural wavy hair look, so I thought I'd share my top tips in this post. You're welcome!

1. Wash and condition your hair as normal.

First thing's first, shampoo your hair and use a conditioner on it as normal. If you have thin hair, I recommend applying a volume-enhancing combo, or a shampoo or conditioner that caters primarily for hair that lacks thickness.

2. Use a repairing oil to nourish your hair.

Once you get out of the shower and you've brushed and towel-dried your hair, apply a repairing oil that will rehydrate your hair and enhance its natural shine. 

I can't survive without Moroccanoil and use a small five pence piece on my hair every time I wash it. It keeps my tresses nice and soft, as well as in a healthy condition.

3. Let your hair half-dry naturally.

I usually leave my hair to half-dry naturally. Or, if it's winter and it's freezing outside, I half-dry it with a hairdryer.

Either way, just make sure that your hair is only damp before the next step, and not sopping wet.

Nice one, pal.

4. Plait your hair.

Depending on your requirements for the end result, plait your hair accordingly. By this I mean: do French plaits if you want tighter, curlier waves, or normal pig-tail plaits if you want more carefree, loose-looking waves.

If you need a helping hand, simply call upon your roommate, Mum, neighbour - whatever works!

5. Leave your plaits overnight.

After plaiting my hair, I usually leave it overnight to dry. 

My tip here is not to unleash your sexy, new, wavy mane until it's completely dry. Sometimes I even leave my plaits in over two nights for a more defined wave.

6. Let down your hair and apply a smoothing cream.

Once you've taken out your plaits, simply run your fingers through your hair to separate the waves. Then, take a smoothing cream (I swear by VO5 Smoothly Does It Frizz Free Cream) and apply it through your tresses and across the top of your roots. 

This smoothing cream will eliminate any flyaways, as well as encourage curl prominence. 

7. Backcomb and style with hairspray to finish.

If your hair isn't looking as wavy as you hoped, no worries - you can backcomb it at the roots using a tail comb for added texture and oomph.

The final step is to spritz your hair with hairspray and then you're good to go!

It might be difficult to work out what works for you in terms of your ideal level of curl definition and overall aesthetic. But, once you do, it's so worth it!

And you might just find that you've found a wavy hair look that you can wear all year round.

#WavyHairWin

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7 Things I Miss About England When I'm Away

It's been a while since I've been back in my home country. Over six weeks, in fact.

Why, I hear you ask?

Well, I'm across the pond. I'm in the USA visiting my American boyfriend, who lives in Green Bay. Come Saturday though, I'll be on that hairy plane back to Manchester.

Have I loved my time in Wisconsin? Oh, for sure. But do I look forward to coming home? You betcha.

Why? Simply put: there's no place like England. Am I right or am I right?

Here are 7 things I miss about England when I'm away.

1. The accents.

Yes, I love the American accent. And I love the amount of people I get asking me how I am, or telling me to have a great day, even when I've only headed to McDonald's for a cheeky Drive Thru McFlurry. 

Americans might be extremely friendly, with an accent that's wonderful on the ears, but I miss my dear Yorkshire folk.

I miss people greeting me with an "alright, mate" or "hey up, love". I miss being stared at in the street and how miserable people look on their morning commute. I even miss being completely left alone when I visit shops on my local high street or ride the train into the city.

But, most of all, I miss the wonderful English accents. We have such variety in our country with an array of interesting accents - and I cannot wait to hear them all again.

2. The food.

Sure, pancakes, doughnuts, burgers and junk food are all good. But, after a while, I start to long for pie and mash and Wetherby Whaler's famous fish and chips.

And don't get me started on Yorkshire roast dinners. They're pretty much a party in your mouth.

It's also really difficult to get a good cup of tea here. When you order tea in a coffee shop, you tend to get an iced, sweetened version that simply isn't right. It's quite a distressing experience.

Give me a good ol' Yorkshire brew any day.

3. The TV shows.

I might have my ol' buddy, ol' pal Netflix to keep me company whilst I'm over here, but what about the rest of the trashy TV shows that I know and love?

Made in Chelsea, Geordie Shore, TOWIE... I can't get them via Google, I've already tried.

Thank goodness I've got the Kardashians to keep me going, or I might just start having a nervous breakdown.

4. The supermarkets.

Every supermarket looks and feels like Costco over here.

Yes, our supermarkets are smaller (oh Tesco, you bae <3), but they have everything that we need. And, on the whole, food is so much cheaper to buy in UK supermarkets.

I mean, $6 for a gluten free loaf of bread? No thanks, pal.

5. British fashion.

I can't believe that it's taken me until point number five to get onto the subject of fashion... I'm a fashion blogger and writer FFS!

But, it's true - us Brits are well-known around the world for our unique sense of style. We also like to dress nicely, even for a casual affair, whereas a lot of other countries just throw on whatevs for a cheeky trip to Nando's.

Also, street fashion is kind of a thing in England.

I miss being inspired by peeps just walking around our local shopping centre, and being able to nip to my favourite high street retailers whenever I want.

Topshop, H&M, New Look and Primark, you ma homegirls! I'll be back soon <3

6. The charm of the communities.

We might be a small country, but my-oh-my, are we mighty!

One massive thing that I've learned since I've been away this time around is: our little villages and towns have so much character.

Even in small communities, there's always things to do, nice walks you can take, and sights to see. You can't walk anywhere in the US. You literally have to drive to get to your local corner shop.

Well, actually. They don't have corner shops. Everything is on a much bigger scale.

The England communities might be more compact, but they're just so bloody cute! Our country has charm in abundance.

And we've got that nice to stuff to look at everywhere. You know, the quintessential English countryside. There's that.

7. My friends and family.

I love being away and getting to know a different place. This time to Wisconsin, in particular, I'll have been here for seven weeks in total. I'm practically living with my boyfriend, as he just moved into a new apartment on his own right before I got here. 

It's been great, but it's been a different experience - living like a local. But the one major thing that's missing?

The rest of my loved ones.

Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with my amazing boyfriend, but I sure as hell miss all my other crazies - and my dog.

Friends and fam-a-lam, I'm so excited to see you all!

If only I could mix my two worlds so that I could have everything and everyone I love in one place, then I'd be the luckiest gal in the world. Maybe one day, eh?

In the mean time, I'm looking forward to being back in my home country with my own kind. 

Because England is awesome. There's absolutely no doubt about it <3

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5 of My Favourite Articles That I Wrote in October

Hey, guys!

If you're new to this blog - welcome. If you're a loyal reader - welcome back.

The latter will know that I recently started doing a round-up every four weeks of my favourite articles that I'd written as a freelance writer during that particular month. (If you missed the July, August and September instalments, catch up on them here, here and here.)

I'll also start including a little overview of how things are going with my business Dream Scribe for those who are interested! #freelancewriterclub

October was a great month for me and my biz. In fact, it marked six months since I started this whole freelance writing thang. And, I have to say, it's going swimmingly!

I actually had my first four-figure month (mini Mexican wave in celebration of me - a-woohoo) which is a milestone I'm so happy to have reached in such a short space of time.

I'm still writing primarily in the fashion and travel niches, but I've also branched out further into the lifestyle/happiness/self-help sector, which I hope will continue to progress. As a 27-year-old millennial woman who's been through a helluva lot (haven't we all?), I have plenty of stories to tell and tips to share on how we could all live our best lives!

Without further ado, here are 5 of my favourite articles that I wrote in October.

Fashion

1. How to Choose the Right Clothing for a Gift

With Christmas around the corner, I thought this article was very fitting for October's round-up. 

I don't know about you guys, but I really struggle with buying gifts for other people sometimes - especially when it involves clothing. In this article for Love to Know, I share my knowledge and expertise to make sure you purchase a clothing gift that your loved one will not only wear, but wear with pride.

Beauty

2. You're Going to Love These AW17 Beauty Trends

Sure, I love to explore fashion trends season upon season (check out my AW17 fashion trend round-up here), but I also adore seeing what's new in the world of beauty.

As an avid make-up lover, I was only too happy to write this trends-based article for fashion retailer Obsessory, which includes details from the AW17 designer runways. You're welcome, fellow beauty fanatics!

Dating and Relationships

3. Ladies, Chill Out! Let Him Miss You

My friends always tend to come to me with their dating and relationships problems. Why, I hear you ask? Well, they say that I give good advice.

One of my friends (who will remain She Who Shall Not Be Named) was recently making a lot of mistakes when it came to guys, bless her. She wasn't giving the guys that she was dating any opportunities to miss her. Therefore, she inspired this article for women's lifestyle magazine The Bolde, in the hope that other ladies out there will also benefit from it.

Mental Health

4. From Socialite to Recluse: Depression and My College Years

This article was an incredibly personal one for me to write. I was first diagnosed with depression during my university years, and I have battled with it on and off ever since.

I wanted to share my story through mental health community Sad Runner, solely for the reason that it might help someone out who currently in a similar situation as I was. 

Remember, depression is an illness and we must fight back!

Family

5. 10 Important Questions to Ask Your Dad

Let's end this on a feel-good note, shall we?

Your Dad is one of the most significant and influential people in your life. In this article, I explore 10 subjects that you should ask your Dad about whilst you can. Trust me, it'll make you want to go give your Dad a big ol' hug. 

That's all for this month, folks! Hope you lovelies all had a fabulous Halloween and have an even better Bonfire Night!

Let the Christmas countdown begin.

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5 of the Hottest Fashion Trends for AW17

Following on from the fun, playful fashion of the Spring/Summer 17 season, fall brings with it more of the same, with added drama and boldness.

If you thought SS17 was standout, think again. Whether you're an avid fashion follower, or like to dip in and out of the trends every now and again, I've got you covered.

Here are 5 of the hottest fashion trends for AW17.

1. Boy meets girl.

Androgyny is huge this season, with an abundance of designers rewriting the rules when it comes to designated female and male fashion.

Take inspiration from Burberry, who sent models down their catwalk in relaxed fit knitted jumpers, paired with long-length boyfriend blazers and tailored trousers. Or A.Kira Design, who sent both sexes down their runway in gender-neutral, oversized separates. 

Also, if you haven't invested in fall's key wardrobe staple (the grey check blazer) then I suggest you do so - pronto!

In fact, grey tailoring in general is hot right now. Whether you decide to rock it in the form of a head-to-toe suit a la Victoria Beckham, or just use your boyfriend's blazer to finish off your look a la Calvin Klein, this androgynous trend is cool and quirky - and packs a real fashion punch this fall. 

2. RED alert.

Although this prominent hue was featured in abundance at the A/W 17 shows, it was through a range of different shades and styles. Tomato red trouser suits reigned supreme at Givenchy and Gucci, whereas it was all about the brick red standout coats at Emporio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.

At the other end of the spectrum, burgundy and deep wines were taken to the next level at shows such as Preen and Max Mara, through oversized knits and accessories. Then, not for the faint-hearted, scarlet red sheer dresses were spotted at Alexander McQueen and Chloe.

If you’re not feeling brave, simply rock this fiery colour through key outfit accents, such as a belt or a scarf. However, if you’re up for it, wear the trend head-to-toe or through key wardrobe staples - and you’re guaranteed to be the ultimate lady in red this season.

3. Hippie chic.

Bohemian chic was showcased on designer catwalks for AW17 through an abundance of 60s and 70s style pieces that emulated the famous hippie vibe.

You can follow the lead of Bora Aksu's by wearing flat hats and crochet dresses this fall, wear long, floaty, printed dresses a la Mulberry, or even rock a tan shearling coat like Coach.

As well as clothing, designers were also keen to showcase tribal girl-style jewellery, through unique gemstones and pretty beading through bracelets and rings. It was all about stacking ‘em as high as possible in order to make the maximum amount of impact!

Simply channel your inner free spirit by throwing on a pretty floral dress, or paisley playsuit, with fringed boots, some form of shearling jacket and plenty of bohemian-style jewellery - for a look that screams sassy and carefree this fall.

4. Pink to make the boys wink.

This invigorating colour trend is an extension of the ice-cream pastel pink shades of the summer.

However, these powdery hues have been given a bit of a revamp. Not only did we see pretty pastel ruffled dresses at Emilia Wickstead and Lanvin, but we also saw neon pink tulle dresses at Molly Goddard. That’s right - pink just got more powerful!

If that isn’t enough, fuchsia is having a major fashion moment this fall. This bold hue was present through key pieces at Valentino, such as fuchsia coats, but was also rocked through full outfit ensembles at Emporio Armani and H&M. We also saw plenty of fuchsia trouser suits across many different designers.

The good thing about this AW17 colour trend is that any shade and any style goes - all you need is the confidence to let your outfit do the talking.

5. Sci-fi cool.

If you’re not into androgyny, and the grey check blazer everybody's going crazy for, you can go down a slightly different route and feature metallic grey in your closet (aka silver). Sci-fi looking silver dresses went hand-in-hand with the space theme at Chanel, complete with their very own rocket launchpad, whilst fluid lame evening dresses stood out for all the right reasons at Paco Robanne.

In keeping with this space-age look, we also saw glitter boots, metallic jackets and planet-inspired accessories at Christopher Kane and Mugler. Even Michael Kors got in on the action, showing off a long, flowing silver jumpsuit as their hero piece.

If you're still not sure, simply invest in clothing separates with exaggerated lines and loose structures that have been manufactured from a fusion of fabrics to successfully pull off ultimate sci-fi cool this fall.

Happy shopping!

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7 Reasons Why Fall is the Best Time of Year

It's that time of year again.

The weather's getting colder, the leaves are changing, and hot drinks are back in abundance (okay, perhaps they never even left for all my fellow tea and coffee addicts out there!)

Yay, fall is upon us! And I personally couldn't be happier about it.

Why, I hear you ask?

Because fall is awesome.

Need convincing? Here are 7 reasons why fall is the best time of year.

1. The sexy colours.

New season, new colours.

I'm talking about those burnt oranges, winey reds and mustard-like yellows that we see not just in fashion, but on the trees when we leave the house everyday!

A stark contrast to the summer greenery of the fields, let's not pretend that they're not an absolute treat for the eyes in EVERY. POSSIBLE. WAY.

*Heart-eyed emoji*

2. The cool, crisp mornings.

It's getting colder come September/October time, but not too cold that it causes you to exclaim "OMG it's freezing" every time you step foot outside.

After a pretty humid summer all around, how great does it feel to actually experience some cool air?

Well, I'll tell ya.

It feels bloomin' amazing! 

I can actually breathe again! And, you know, that's always nice.

3. The new season of fashion.

With colder weather comes the need for soft, snugly jumpers and thousands upon thousands of layers.

(Okay *slight* exaggeration - just the one thousand will do.)

But it's true - fall is the one of the only times of year where we can pile on our whole wardrobe a la Joey from Friends when he's trying to get back at Chandler by wearing everything he owns.

In addition to being able to sling on our favourite comfy jumper, we can also experiment with the whole new AW17 season of fashion.

The best trends I've seen so far are androgyny, hippie chic, tomato red and sci-fi cool - but watch out for a full trend report coming soon on the blog!

4. Halloween is coming!

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Christmas. Christmas is also one of my favourite times of year.

But Halloween is like Christmas' cool, quirky younger sister - and I can't help but adore her!

When you're at school, college and/or university, you have plenty of opportunities to dress up in costumes and go to parties. However, as you get older, Halloween becomes the only chance you get to pretend you're someone or something else for the day and party the night away!

My point is: Halloween is always fun, no matter what age you are.

Whether you're a kid going trick-or-treating, a student going on a themed club night, or an adult heading to a costume party with your friends, Halloween is light-hearted, it's fun and there are always laughs to be had. (Mostly at the expense of your boyfriend's brother Dennis, who dresses up as Cousin It from the Addams family EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR.)

Plus, I love the Hocus Pocus movie. #justsaying

5. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back.

Oh for the love of Starbucks, how I do miss Pumpkin Spice Lattes when they're not in season!

Actually - how I do miss pumpkin-flavoured anything when pumpkins aren't in season!

Basically, if you hadn't already guessed, I love the taste of pumpkins - which means I sure do love the taste of Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

Starbucks, you babe.

6. The cosy nights in.

Another thing I love about fall is that staying in on a Saturday night is actually considered acceptable.

If you tell people you're staying in on a weekend in the summer, they're all like "OMG what, it's supposed to be, like, 100 degrees - aren't you at least going to sit in a beer garden for a bit?"

Look, guys - I enjoy a night out once in a while. I really do. But I'm getting old now.

If I want to stay in during fall and snuggle with a blanket and a hot water bottle whilst watching endless episodes of Power on Netflix - there ain't no shame in that.

'Kay? 'Kay.

7. The return of the Sunday roast.

Oh, how I miss a good ol' traditional Yorkshire roast dinner during the summer months.

There's nothing better than popping around to your Mum's on a Sunday during fall for a massive catchup and some good scran.

I'm talking about mashed potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, onion gravy, veg, meat of some kind...

...Hubba Hubba, come to Mumma!

SRSLY, what's not to love about fall?


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10 Reasons Why Life is Beautiful on the Average Day

Sometimes it's so easy to lose sight of the beauty of life. We become distracted by everyday problems and issues which, in the grand scheme of things, aren't really problems at all. If it's not going to matter to you in five years time, then why get so worked up about it now?

We, as human beings, sometimes lose perspective. Instead of focusing on climate change and natural disasters and things that truly matter, we can't help but be self-centred. We become so consumed by our day-to-day lives and it can make us forget or lose track of what's really important.

That selfie no-one's liked of you on Instagram? Irrelevant. That little bicker you had with your sister? Trivial. Your sandwich that someone stole out of the fridge at work when you were going to have it for your lunch? Unimportant.

Here's a friendly reminder that life is supposed to be enjoyable. Sure, it has it's challenges - but it's not meant to be straight-forward. You've got to go through the downs in life in order to appreciate the ups.

Essentially, you've got to appreciate life. Because the next moment, in a flash, it's gone.

Here are 10 reasons why life is beautiful on the average day.

1. You're physically well.

You wake up on the average day and, besides needing a coffee (or five in my case) to get you going, you're feeling good. You're well-rested, you've had a great night's sleep, and your health is on top form. Aren't you a lucky one?

Think about all those people who aren't so fortunate. The people with chronic illnesses, disabilities and health problems that stop them living their best life.

People take their health for granted on a daily basis, and it has to stop. You're still young, you're physically able to do things, and ain't it just wonderful? There's life in the old dog yet.

2. There's a whole world out there to explore.

Whether you're only just starting to explore the world, or you've got the travel pretty bad like a certain someone I know (myself), it's easy to forget that there's a whole world out there.

A world outside your four walls, a world outside your hometown, a world outside everything and everyone that you know. Embrace it.

Travel broadens the mind, as well as makes you feel grateful for the things you've already got at home. So, expand your horizons and travel far.

"I really regret all that travelling I did," said no one ever.

3. You have your own kickass support system.

Everybody's a little biased and think their support system is the best. Whether you've only got a handful of people you can count on, or your popularity is ever-growing, you're so lucky to have people in your life who love you.

And not just love you, but love you fiercely. Make sure you tell your support system regularly how much you appreciate them because why not? They should be told. Everyday. Before it's too late.

4. You have experienced love.

And I'm not just talking about the kind of love you have for your family and friends.

I'm talking about that wild, passionate, irrevocable love you have for your other half. (Or romantic partners in the past if you're currently single.)

Even if you're one of those select few who doesn't experience that head-over-heels, can't-live-without-them, I'd-die-for-them passionate kind of love until they're older - I bet you've still had a taste of the beautiful emotion that is L.O.V.E at least once in your life so far. Am I right or am I right?

And ain't love grand?

5. There's beauty all around you.

A lot of people get so used to their day-to-day surroundings that the novelty of the place that they live in soon wears off.

Sometimes we become too distracted by working Monday-Friday and only having weekends off to catch up with life, that we forget to open our eyes and take a good, hard look at what's around us.

Just take a moment and look what's around you. Whether you're reading this on your phone on the bus on the way back from the office, or on your laptop in the comfort of your own home, I bet you anything that you can find at least one piece of beauty in what's currently around you. Even if it's only a picture that your four-year-old nephew drew for you that's currently stuck on the fridge, or a pretty flower that a stranger has planted in their front garden.

If you actively start to look for beauty around you, then you will find it. And it makes life wonderful.

6. There are things that you're passionate about.

Living on this earth as long as you have, you're bound to have become passionate about something or things. And these are things that you love to encapsulate yourself with, because you enjoy them so much.

For me, my passions are writing and blogging and binge-watching shows on Netflix.

If you spend your time doing the things that you enjoy, and revel in your passions, then you will appreciate life just that little bit more.

Also, find new passions as you evolve as a person, because why not? Variety is the spice of life, after all.

7. You have a purpose.

You earn money, you make a living (or if you don't yet then you will do one day) and you contribute to the economy.

Hopefully you're building a career in which you love and perhaps encompasses some of your greatest passions? If not, then why are you working in a job that makes you unhappy?

Life is too short. Only you have the ability to change your misfortune. Get out while you can and pursue something else that you actively enjoy.

Life's not a dress rehearsal. This is the real deal. And you spend most of your life working, so you have to love your job - or at least like it, right?

8. There are many things to look forward to.

Whether you're a late teenager and you've still got all your university years ahead of you, or you're middle-aged and yet to start a family, there are always things to look forward to in life.

Sometimes they're only little things, like visiting your Grandma tomorrow evening and having a portion of her famous stew, or catching up on the latest episode of Game of Thrones that you missed on TV the other night.

But still, there are always things to look forward to, whether big or small. And they make life worth living.

9. You have some incredible memories.

Sure, you're only supposed to look forward in life. But you can also look back, especially if you're reminiscing happy memories.

The chances are, you've lived through some pretty amazing things already. If there's all that behind you, can you even imagine what's to come? Well, I'll tell you - there's still bucket loads of memories to be made! So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make 'em!

10. You get to live another day.

Everyday you should wake up feeling thankful that you're still alive. You're still here, living on this awe-inspiring planet, and you've been given another opportunity to live life up to the max.

So, make sure that you do. Because life is beautiful, it's precious and we've only got one shot at this.

Here's to living an extraordinary life!

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5 of My Favourite Articles That I Wrote in September

What's going on, guys and gals?

So, in August, I decided to introduce a post showcasing my favourite articles that I'd written during the month prior - sort of like a round-up of my freelance writing biz kinda thang. (You can find the September sequel here.)

It's just nice for me to share with you guys the kinds of content I'm pushing out on a monthly basis for Dream Scribe - my professional freelance writing entity - alongside this personal blog.

Needless to say, I'm putting a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears into my business at the moment (no, not actually - it's just a weird sayin') so I want my writing to reach as many people as possible. Gone are the days where I just write for myself; nowadays, I write for myself and other people. I like being able to give advice through my written words, offer a helping hand, or even just make someone smile with a personal anecdote or two. It's why I love writing so much.

Without further ado, here are 5 of my favourite articles that I wrote in September.

Fashion

1. 5 Fashion Pieces Women Should Try from Men's Wardrobes

Ah, androgyny. Who doesn't love dressing like a man when it comes to fashion? No? Just me then.

With androgyny being one of this seasons hottest trends, I wrote this piece for fashion retailer Obsessory in order to let you gals know which pieces you should most definitely be stealing from your man's wardrobe this AW17. You're welcome.

Travel

2. 5 Struggles That Every Solo Female Traveller Faces

Travelling can be quite a challenge at times regardless of your gender. But, sometimes, there are things us lasses have to go through when travelling that men simply don't have to.

Light-hearted and fun, I wrote this piece for travel blog The Fun Ways based on my own backpacking experiences.

3. 5 Top Tips if You're a Backpacking Newbie

Continuing with the backpacking theme, I also wrote this piece for The Fun Ways.

If you've never been backpacking before and are soon to embark upon your very first adventure, you can better prepare yourself by reading through my top tips. Basically, I've done all the hard work and learned some key lessons from my own backpacking experiences - so that you don't have to.

4. 10 Cities to Visit Around the World if You Love to Party

Another piece that I wrote for The Fun Ways, I compiled this list based on my own knowledge and experiences. 

There are so many amazing party capitals of the world that it was difficult to narrow it down to just 10 - but I think I did okay! If you've got other suggestions, tweet me @kdavieswrites.

Dating and Wellness

5. I've Never Felt This Way Before - I Think I'm In Love... With Myself

One of my favourite pieces to date, I wrote this for women's lifestyle magazine The Bolde.

I talk about how your perspective of yourself changes as you get older for the better - and it's a pretty liberating feeling. Am I right or am I right?

That's all for this month, folks! Watch out for the October round-up at the beginning of next month.

Happy reading!

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5 Birthday Gift Ideas for Him or Her

For those of you who don't know, it was my birthday on September 1st! I turned the grand old age of 27.

As my boyfriend and I are long distance, he wanted to send me a present that would make me smile as he couldn't be with me in person on the actual day.

He originally wanted it to be a surprise; however, in the weeks running up to the big day, it was clear he didn't have a clue what to get me. Even though he's known me for two years now, we've only been dating officially since Christmas - which meant that it would be the first birthday gift he'd ever given me.

Every time the subject came up, his anguish was apparent. It got me thinking: in this day and age, where we're overwhelmed with choice on a daily basis, and everybody seems to have everything, something as simple as deciding on your other half's birthday gift can feel super pressurised.

Not only do people always ask you what you're getting your other half, but friends and family are always splashing everything over social media, which makes you feel like you're in competition with each other all the time.

The whole premise of birthday gifts is supposed to be pleasurable, whether you're the giver or receiver. For me, life's not about presents, but rather: presence. It's the people in your life who matter, especially if they're willing to spend so much time and energy in buying you the perfect gift.

I'd settle for just having my favourite people around me, but if they're adamant they want to get me a gift - well, what can I say? I guess I can take it off their hands. Speaking of, here are 5 of my favourite birthday gift ideas for him or her.

1. A purse or wallet. 

Nothing beats the smell of fresh leather when you tear open your birthday gift's wrapping paper. For women, we love a good purse - especially if it's by one of our favourite designers.

Wallets are also a handy birthday gift for men, as they're used on a day-to-day basis. Choosing the right wallet for your man can be quite the challenge, but Walletisland makes the decision so much easier!

Walletisland is a review site for men's wallets, where they collate the best options on the market at the moment in order to help readers make the right choice. (Visit the site at Walletisland.) It doesn't get much easier than that!

2. Perfume or aftershave.

Ever had someone walk past you who smells so good that you consider leaving your other half for them, just to be around that smell?

According to science, if we wear a nice scent, it makes us more attractive to the opposite sex.

If you buy your other half perfume or aftershave as a birthday gift, it's a treat for both you and them! Plus, there's some really nice, luxury bottles out there by different designers that would make the perfect present.

3. A watch.

Most people think that you have to break the bank to buy your other half a watch for their birthday. This couldn't be further from the truth!

You don't have to go with the designer brands - but, if you've got the mullah, then why not? If you're feeling a bit strapped for cash, simply check out some brands on the high street. River Island do some lovely watches for women, and Next are on it when it comes to men's timepieces.

4. Tickets to an event.

Buying your other half tickets to an event you know they'll like is one of my favourite birthday gift ideas ever! Not everybody likes material things, therefore buying these types of people a birthday experience can be a great alternative!

Whether it's taking them to a show, or to see their favourite band in concert, or even whisking them away on a romantic weekend - it'll be money well spent for the both of you!

5. A photobook.

For those who are wondering, this is what my boyfriend ended up buying me for my 27th - and I absolutely loved it!

Buying your other half a photobook of your time together for their birthday is not only personal, but it's thoughtful and it really shows that you care. Another bonus point? You can totally get one on a budget! Just check out sites like Photobox and Snapfish for more details.


Those are just a few of my personal favourites when it comes to birthday gift ideas, but I'm sure that there are plenty more! Whether you decide to go with one of these, or be original, it's completely up to you! Either way, don't forget - it's the thought that counts, and the fact you're there for your other half on their special day matters more than anything.

(Please note that this post contains sponsored links by Birthday Inspire and Walletisland.)

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3 Things That Never Get Old About Having Ombre Hair

I've had ombre hair for what feels like years now. (It's actually probably only been about... No, wait. It has been years... About four to be precise.)

Anyway, the point is: I absolutely love having ombre hair.

I particularly love the brunette and blonde combination, which is ideal for me as my hair is naturally brunette, so I usually just get blonde highlights. Whether I let it grow out so that it's only my ends that are frosted blonde, or I decide to take the blonde almost right up to my roots, ombre hair always looks so carefree and awesome. (If I do say so myself!)

After eight months of neglect, I decided to head to the hairdressers last week so that my stylist could re-blonde me. (New word!) It was then that I got to thinking... Ombre hair rocks. I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to the dark side of having my hair just one colour all over. Now where's the fun in that?

Here are 3 things that never get old about having ombre hair.

1. It looks natural and unique.

Ombre hair looks like you've just let your hair grow out, and your colour has faded with it. Some might call it lazy, but I call it the natural look. Instead of bombarding people with just one striking colour, ombre hair usually involves a gradual gradient from one colour to another, i.e. brunette to blonde. As someone who loves variety, why just have one hair colour when you can have several different shades all at once?

Plus, ombre hair is unique. It's not unique in the sense that every Tom, Dick and Harry has it these days (why isn't there a female version of that expression?) - rather, it's unique to every person. Colour takes differently to each person's hair, and the natural colour of the individual affects the shades of ombre they can rock.

2. It's low maintenance AF.

Want to leave it months before you have your hair coloured again? You can with ombre hair. If, like me, it costs you a small fortune to have your hair coloured professionally and you daren't risk doing it yourself in case you screw it up royally - ombre hair means that you don't have to visit the hairdressers as regularly as everybody else. Gone are the days where you had to visit your hairdresser every 6 weeks to top up your roots otherwise they'd look vile - goodbye, hallelujah, see ya never! Simply go to your stylist when you can afford it, and your colour will still look ombre no matter what length your hair gets to.

Result!

3. The opportunities are endless.

Like I just said, you can grow out your ombre so that your contrast colour is minimal, or you can schedule regular hairdresser appointments to keep your contrast colour more prominent at all times. OR you can completely change your ombre colour at any time. Want to switch it up? Go from dark brunette to light brunette, black to red, or even dye your blonde ends something totally out there - like pink or blue. The choices are endless! Being complex beings, us gals do like our variety, and some of us get bored easily (cough) - so this style is perfect as it allows us to mix things up.

Like I said before, I don't think I'll ever go back to that one-hair-colour lyf. This is too beneficial, innit.

Here's to another four years of ombre hair!

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5 of My Favourite Articles I Wrote in August

What's goin' on, guys and gals?

I don't know if you saw, but last month I wrote a blog post telling you all about 5 of my favourite articles that I'd written during my freelance writing journey thus far.

I've since decided to make this into a monthly thang, because my freelance writing work seems to be a topic of interest to you all at the moment! A lot of you want to know all the juicy details regarding how I'm getting on, the pieces I'm writing on a daily basis, and the types of clients I'm actually writing for.

Well, I'm happy to oblige!

My advice to you, after reading this post of course, is to start with my freelance writing blog. Then simply go from there!

As for me, I'm still writing in the fashion, travel and dating niches as a general rule. However, last month, I actually wrote primarily in the fashion and dating/relationships niches. Here are 5 of my favourite articles I wrote in August.

Fashion

1. SS17: The Season of Texture

This was a trend-based piece for luxury Italian fashion brand Scarci, where I talk through the key textures of the Spring/Summer season. 

I used the menswear SS17 designer catwalks as inspiration and tied it in with Scarci's current collections.


2. What is High Street Fashion?

Many Americans aren't quite familiar with British term 'high street fashion'.

In this piece, I explore what is meant by this term, where it originated from and the key fashion brands that are on the high street at the moment.


3. In Her Closet: Katie Davies' 5 Fashion Must-Haves

I was initially approached through this blog by fashion retailer Obsessory. The aim was to do a guest post based on the 5 fashion staples I believe all women should have in their wardrobes.

I define the rationale for each of my 5 choices, including where you can currently get your hands on these items! I also posted the article on this blog here.

Dating and Relationships

4. 12 Things That are Guaranteed to Happen on a Single Girls' Night Out

Side note: I'm really enjoying writing for women's online magazine The Bolde, which is all about empowering women in their relationships, and in their lives in general.

This article was super fun to write! We all remember those crazy single nights out we've had with our friends... I mean - how could we forget them, right? I talk about 12 things that always seem to occur on said nights out, when you and your gals are all out together, having fun, and likely intoxicated.


5. I Wear the Pants In My Relationship and I Wouldn't Have it Any Other Way

(Or trousers, if you're British.)

In a relationship, there's always one of you who's considered the leader. The one in charge. The one that wears the pants/trousers.

In this article, I talk about why I class myself as the one in charge in my relationship and why I'm so very happy about it! (Sorry, boyfriend - but I'm not sorry!)


That's all for this one, folks! I hope you enjoy reading some of my recent articles, and I'll be posting more of my published work next month!

If you can't wait that long, check out my portfolio page here, as I try to update that as regularly as I can.

Oh and, if you need a writer for anything, anything at all - then hit me up at dreamscribe.co.uk.

As always, thanks for reading! And thanks for all your support, you babes. YOU DA BEST <3


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5 of My All-Time Favourite American Sportswear Fashion Trends

There’s no denying that the lines between sportswear and fashion are somewhat blurred of late. From women choosing to wear active-wear just to meet a friend for coffee, to men slinging on a sports cap for work when they’re having bad hair day, sportswear in the fashion world has become the norm.

Why, I hear you ask?

Sportswear is so comfortable and practical. It’s not too try-hard. It requires less effort to wear - and yet still looks just as good.

Influenced by some of the most-loved American sports, sportswear fashion is undoubtedly on the rise in the UK. Being an average English girl who regularly visits her boyfriend in the US, I’ve massively picked up on this in the last couple of seasons.

Here are my 5 all-time favourite American sportswear fashion trends.

1. Converse trainers.

Do you remember when Converse first came out and everybody went crazy? Well, no you wouldn’t, because you weren’t born back then.

Famous American basketball player Chuck Taylor might have started wearing and selling the shoes in the 1920s, but the hype still remains strong two decades after the sneakers retro-ed in the 1980s.

Basketball trainers have always been a “thing”, but they really became more of a “thing” when Chuck Taylor released them in dozens of colours in the 1980s. Originally designed to be a high performance athletic shoe for basketball games, their rubber sole and upper canvas makes them seriously comfy.

I have one trusty white pair at the moment that I wear with everything. They’re so easy to fall in love with that I’m considering going out and buying like, five more pairs.

2. Baseball caps.

More popular with men than women, but still worn by both sexes, American-style baseball caps show no signs of going out of style.

Dating back to 1860, the baseball cap was first designed to keep the sun out of players’ eyes whilst they were playing a game. The baseball cap was also an important means of identifying a team.

Fast forward 157 years, the baseball cap has become a cool way to show off your dedication to your sports team, yet practical to wear in the warm weather. And sales of baseball caps continue to grow, even in the UK.

My boyfriend practically lives in his.

3. Varsity jackets.

Varsity jackets, baseball jackets, letterman jackets; call them what you like, varsity jackets are still very much a forefront trend in the fashion world.

The inspiration initially came from baseball attire in the US, with the premise being to wear the jacket to represent your favourite baseball team. This then expanded to American football, high school and college sports teams, and now the jacket has been given a contemporary, fashion twist.

From their initial showing on designer catwalks back in 2015, varsity jackets have not only stuck around ever since, but they have developed globally each season.

You can now buy these jackets in a variety of colors, textures and fabrics – including polyester, leather, and cotton. However, the most successful type still remains the traditional wool jacket, with one colour for the body, another color for the sleeves, and banded stripe detailing on both the collar and hems.

I’m massively crushing over them.

4. Basketball jerseys.

Basketball jerseys, in the form of vests, remain a common style choice for the warmer summer months.

When basketball jersey vests first came on the scene in the US, like with varsity jackets, the idea behind them was to show up to games wearing the one that represented your team. However, as time has gone on, people have chosen to wear their basketball jerseys outside of games - to the “mall”, in a bar on a Saturday night, to their partner’s cousin’s birthday dinner. And no, I’m not exaggerating!

It’s not just the official basketball team jerseys. There’s a variation of them on the fashion market, even internationally.

Not too long ago, for example, US basketball team-inspired jerseys reigned supreme in some of my favourite UK fashion-forward stores - such as Topshop.

In other words, basketball jerseys are vastly becoming a fashion phenomenon worldwide.

5. American football jerseys.

Basketball jersey vests might be great for summer when it’s warm outside, but what about those colder months? Goodbye, basketball jerseys. Hello, American football jerseys.

With the longer sleeve length and hem length, these jerseys make for a perfect Autumnal alternative. Then you can simply layer them up over a long sleeved shirt for wintery weather.

In the US, it’s very common to casually wear your favourite American football team’s official jersey when you’re out buying your weekly supply of groceries on a Sunday. And not only wear it, but wear it with pride.

Perhaps not quite as popular internationally as basketball jerseys, I’ve still spotted a fair few American football jerseys on the UK high street. Primark - I’m looking at you, kid.

Varsity Jacket - £410 - modalist.com

American Football Jersey - £92 - popmap.com

Baseball Cap - £12 - boohoo.com

American Flag Converse - £27 - gilt.com

Basketball Jersey - £40 - modalist.com

Whether you’ve already bought into some of these trends, or you’re an American sportswear virgin, you might as well embrace sports fashion - like, pronto. It’s fun, it’s easy to wear and, most importantly, it looks like it’s here to stay.

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5 Wardrobe Staples That Every Woman Should Own

Everybody has fashion staples in their wardrobe that they wear repeatedly. They form the base of most of your looks and one key piece can prove to be the starting point of 10 different outfits. And, it doesn’t even matter whether they’ve only been purchased recently, or been hanging there for the last however many years. These wardrobe essentials are likely to sustain the test of time for a specific reason or to fulfill a certain purpose. If I could pick just 5 to create my own personal capsule collection, here’s what would make it to the shopping list:

1. 100% Cotton Classic White T-Shirt

Project Social T Tiny Crew Neck Tee, £23.84

This is THE wardrobe staple of wardrobe staples; there’s no way you can mess up with a classic white t-shirt. I prefer to invest in the 100% cotton variety. It might be a little more expensive than a cheap fabric equivalent, but it’s worth the investment considering how many uses you get out of it. It will last you many washes without losing vibrancy, shape, fit, or colour.

Pair your white t-shirt with a pretty printed high-waisted floral skirt during summer and your favourite flats, or layer it up during winter with jeans, sneakers and an oversized bomber jacket.

2. Levi’s Skinny Jeans

Levi’s Mile High Super Skinny Jeans, £75.35

Pretty much the ruler of the denim world with jeans as its best offering, Levi’s has always been my go-to for a good pair of jeans that fit like a dream. The brand produces superior-quality, long-lasting denim in a variety of colours, washes, cuts, and styles. Levi’s is loved by both sexes across the globe for its ability to keep on delivering, season after season.

My evergreen staple is a pair of high-waisted Levi’s skinny jeans that flatter my pear-shaped body. I team them with a camisole vest and oversized sunglasses during the day, and then switch over to a structured blouse and sky high heels when I’m taking my skinny jeans out for the night.

3. Black Leather Backpack

Michael Michael Kors Rhea Backpack, £331

In case I haven’t mentioned it yet, I’m an avid traveller and have been bitten by the travel bug pretty bad. This means I’m always jet setting to new cities, countries, sometimes even continents.

The one thing that sees me through it all is my trusty leather backpack. Yes, no flimsy handbags for me. In case you didn’t know, backpacks are big in 2017; they were THE thing in the 90s, and they will continue to be resurrected by fashion houses as a staple piece because they are as functional as they are attractive.

My backpack holds all my important travel documents and essentials which is why I invest in a reputed brand. With good quality leather and make, you don’t have to worry about accidentally overloading because it’s built to last.

Also, black because the colour is so classic - it goes with everything! The silver studs on the MK backpack appeal to my edgy fashion aesthetics which are a bit more rock chic than the average fashionista.

4. Converse Sneakers

Converse Animal Hi Tops, £28

Also ideal for travelling, I don’t think I’d survive without a great pair of sneakers. Sometimes I can spend the entire day venturing around a new city, which means that comfortable shoes are a must.

My favourite: Converse sneakers—I wish I could buy every style on the shelves. Not only do they fit well and are very kind to the tootsies, but they come in a range of extremely eye-catching prints and colours.

Mine are actually monochrome animal print, as I can’t resist a good print. Plus, monochrome complements any colour way, no matter what I’m wearing on my top and bottom half.

Sometimes I throw them on with my classic white tee and Levi’s jeans for a casual, yet fashionable look, and sometimes I dress them up for a dinner out with friends with a skater-style dress.

5. Short-Sleeved Plain Shift Dress

Boohoo Harriet High Neck Shift Dress, £6

My final wardrobe staple is a plain shift dress that’s cut just above the knee in length. I prefer short sleeves as they’re more flattering on my curvier arms, and you can wear the style over a pair of leggings or stockings during the colder months (like a tunic). It also can be layered with a jacket for spring.

In terms of palette, it’s best to choose a colour that suits your skin tone. I usually go for something out of the ordinary like wine red or royal blue because it helps add a bit of vibrancy to my pale complexion. And then there are always classic shades like nudes, greys, blacks for those who prefer to play it safe.

I dress my plain shift dress up with a black blazer, black tights and statement necklace for the office or smart casual occasion - then apply a bold lip to up the ante; I’m absolutely addicted to matte liquid lipstick.

I alternatively throw on a denim jacket, a long bohemian-style necklace, and sandals for ‘everyday casual cool’ during the summer months. Très chic.


Whether you’re all set with your wardrobe staples, or are currently in the process of building them up, I believe you should take your time to invest in good-quality pieces that suit your personal style and body shape. But also, have fun with fashion!


Original article written for Obsessory.com. Images courtesy of Obsessory.com.

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