Inspired: March Edition!

Welcome to the brand-new, fabulously fresh edition of Inspired for March! The last month has been pretty hectic for all of us, involving having my memory stick of lovely Eye Candy images stolen for one, so even more reason to be positively inspired by the beautiful, fun and fantastic things in life.

Ideas for March:

1. Pick one thing you've always wanted to do and plan to do it this summer. The regular season for summer break is still a few months away; even so, we should still plan early! Whether you've dreamt of camping out at Reading festival with your best friends, watching the sun set from the top of the Empire State building or meeting your best online buddies face-to-face on the other side of the world, make sure you do it in 2010! Book plane tickets, plan routes, make meeting plans..why not go for it?

2. Pick key pieces for your SS10 wardrobe if you haven't already. The evenings are getting lighter, my rabbit is getting friskier and the amount of ice on my car in the morning is decreasing each day..proper spring weather is nearly here! Last month it seemed ludicrous that SS pieces were appearing in shops already, but by this time next month we won't be needing our super-chunky winter coats anymore. If you're unfamiliar with some of the newest SS10 styles, go out this weekend for a browse around the high street - there's some seriously lovely stuff out there this year!

3. Bake yourself a tray of cupcakes to last the rest of the week. Forget picking up a slab of Dairy Milk every time you need a break..make your own beautiful customised cupcakes! I'm a huge fan of cupcakery myself - my favourites ones are the shamelessly indulgent Rocky Road and the luxurious red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Yum. Hand them out to friends, take them to work/school..they really do make life more fun!

4. Take a half hour to browse your nearest bookstore. I'm always looking for brand new books to read..I get through them too quickly! The biggest problem is finding new authors which genuinely interest me. You've probably heard it before, but reading helps us to relax as well as unconsciously expanding our vocabulary and levels of literacy..so no excuses really! Take some time out to wander around a bookstore and pick up anything which catches your eye.

5. Clean out your makeup bag. Especially if you're the kind of person who changes their makeup every season. Refresh your look and get rid of anything which is expired. Here's a guide to how long you should keep each type of product - eye infections are not fun!

6. If you don't know how to use a sewing machine, learn! Since I went to private school for most of my life I never learned how to sew by hand, let alone how to use a machine. It's the most useful skill ever, seriously! You can fix ripped seams, customise plain items and resize baggy tees. Get a friend to teach you, or take a class in it - there's plenty around if you look online and I guarantee that everyone there is really friendly. Do it!

7. Don't hesitate to call up an old friend, even if you haven't talked to them in years. Chances are they'll be ecstatic to hear from you, so go for it! Talk about what you've been up to, giggle about the past and make plans to meet up this summer. I'm ridiculously excited to meet up with some friends I haven't seen in ages..I heard they got taller!

8. Sort through your SS09 wardrobe pieces. Even though I've mentioned buying brand new clothes for summer, your old ones should still be perfect to wear again this year if you've been shopping wisely. Air and wash your favourite summery tops and skirts, and don't forget to organise your winter scarves, jumpers and coats for when you won't need them.








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What's inspiring YOU this month?

Inspired: February Edition

image from here.

February is one of the strangest months of them all: Valentine's day - love it or hate it, with end-of-year school preparations (so sad! aahh) and spring collections everywhere..yet it's still pouring with rain outside?! February is one of those unfortunately dreary months, so it's more important than ever to keep ourselves feeling positive and inspired. Here are the Inspired tips for this month:

1. Catch up with The Playgirl's Guide To Radical Self-Love at iCiNG. There hasn't been a better month to get back in touch with the most gorgeous, amazing, talented person in your life - yourself. Be your own Valentine every day: keep checking Gala's blog for the latest in tips for achieving ultimate self-love and self-adoration.

2. Take advantage of all the heart-shaped Valentine's-exclusive goodies around. Heart-shaped lollipops, the cheesiest greeting cards, yummy chocolate covered strawberries..stock up now! My favourite Valentine's items have been a black chunky biro with coloured hearts all over and a glittery red gel pen with sequin hearts floating inside. So pretty!

3. Book your tickets to London Fashion Weekend before they sell out. I wanted to go last time but sadly couldn't make it..therefore I need to go this year! I have to admit I haven't been before, but it's the next best thing to the industry-only LFW shows so it's got to be amazing. You can't say no to up to 70% off of some of the gorgeous items on offer.

4. Redecorate your room. Especially if February's left you feeling a little rubbish, something as small as a new piece of art or a new set of patterned sheets can give your bedroom a fresh facelift. Check out ourbedrooms @ Livejournal for fantastic room decorations belonging to beautiful people around the world.

5. Go swimming. It's probably too cold to go back into the sea yet, but swimming can be so relaxing: exercise is great for helping to think things over as well as enabling your body to look and feel amazing. Visit an indoor pool on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and screaming children.

6. Invest in some second-hand books. Use Amazon to check similar authors of your favourite titles and seek out their novels on Ebay or your favourite charity shop.

7. Plan an extra-long holiday for this summer. Summer seems so far away, yet it can seem horribly daunting if you have several months ahead of doing relatively nothing, so why not plan to stay in your favourite country, state or city for a few weeks (or months)? Personally I'm not a fan of the traditional 10-day holiday as everything always seems so rushed - stay with a friend or family member and take time to enjoy the life around you in a whole different part of the world.

8. Buy Valentine's cards for your best friends. Even if you're looking to be single this V-day, no-one says you can't spread the Valentine's love between friends as well as partners and write some extra-special cards for your friends as well as your crush - let them know how much you appreciate them!

9. Plan an extravagant dinner at your favourite restaurant. Whether you're into lobster or Subway, ask a friend out one night for a delightfully over-the-top evening out at your favourite eatery. Even if you're just having pizza, it's a fun excuse to dress stunningly and catch up with someone.



Adding to my usual ideas list for my Inspired segment, I wanted to share some gorgeous images I've compiled over the month. I hope you enjoy! Click the image for a link to the source.












































Share your inspiring tips!

Inspired: January Edition

image from here.

1. Motivate yourself to keep your resolutions. Buy some heart-shaped sticky notes and write your resolutions on them in purple/pink/sparkly ink. Stick them around your room or workspace so you won't forget to keep them.

2. Buy yourself the best planner you can afford. Keep yourself organised in 2010! If you favour the January to December planner, don't be afraid to pay a little extra for one with a luxurious cover, page dividers, extra compartments or any other features you find particularly useful - you'll be much more likely to make good use of it. Personally I prefer the academic year planner as I always have so much schoolwork going on, so stick with what you know you'll get the most effective use out of.

3. Invest in some super-cosy thermal socks and underwear. Seriously - it's cold out there! Especially if you have horrible circulation like me: I was genuinely considering wearing my duvet to school yesterday. Topshop do a thermal vest here which doesn't actually look too much like something your grandma would wear. Also, thermal leggings, anyone?

4. Declutter your workspace. A top priority if one of your resolutions was to be more organised this year. I can't recommend a thorough declutter enough - it helps to both cut down on stress and clear your head. Make sure all your essentials are easy to access and store and that your surfaces are clean and dust-free - you'd be amazed at how much a clear workspace boosts productivity.

5. Ensure any work and payments from '09 are seen to. Don't get caught out by any leftover projects or payments you're still behind on from last year. Schedule some time (at least an hour) to get your work finished and that you've paid back any friends you've borrowed money from, or unpaid bills and fees you're probably going to forget about.

6. Discover the next big band of 2010. I often mention this, I know - but discovering a new favourite band, performer or artist who I adore always excites me. Take an evening this month to see a band playing at your local venue, especially if you're feeling a little stressed or down about the wintery season. January tours like the K! Tour showcase some of the hottest new bands from last year who are guaranteed to be huge in 2010, so why not check them out?

7. Write thank-you cards for all your Christmas presents. Your parents probably nagged you about them when you were younger, but even if you hated a certain gift, it's pretty impolite to not at least say thank you for it! Sure, your Auntie Carol from Inverness probably didn't know you're not keen on authentic sheepskin gilets with matching gloves, but she tried her hardest (and you can always sell/exchange gifts you're not happy with!). I know most people who read this are very lovely and polite already and probably don't need reminding, but thank you cards are such a joy to receive. This design from Paperchase is shiny and awesome.

8. Clear up any leftover Christmas debris - it's bad luck otherwise! Today is the last day you're 'allowed' to have your Christmas decorations up before the rumoured bad luck! It's one of the saddest times of year when it's time to get rid of the tree and gorgeous lights, but having leftover gifts and pine needles hanging around the living room will just make you feel low. If you're still high on festive love, why not get some pretty fairy lights to decorate your home with?

9. Take advantage of New Year sales and special offers. You've probably already seen my haul from the Boxing Day sales, but many special offers and discounts still continue well into January, especially further discounts on holiday items. If you're going shopping this weekend, see what you can find!

10. Start looking at key pieces for your Spring wardrobe if you haven't already. It's a little early to get the Spring pieces out already, considering most of the country is still under several feet of snow, but many stores are already stocking their Spring collections. Sequins, florals and polkadots look set to continue into our 2010 wardrobes with pale, summery shades and a touch of uber-feminine glamour.

What's your favourite thing about this month?

Inspired: November Edition

gorgeous photo from here.

Welcome to the second edition of Inspired, fuelling you with ideas and motivation for an unusually chilly November.

1. Organise your winter wardrobe. It's about time you sorted out all your scarves, hats, coats and other winter paraphernalia. Take down those boxes, rearrange those draws and sort through those hooks - does it still fit in with your current style? Is it clean? Does it still fit well? If not, take the appropriate action and get sorting!

2. Treat yourself. October and November are when some of us, especially those with SAD, feel our lowest. Make yourself some hot chocolate, buy yourself a brand new umbrella, make plans to see a local band (why are all the best gigs in the middle of winter again?). Darker nights and colder weather shouldn't be able to bring you down, so why let it?

3. Choose a brand new winter coat. Although we probably have at least one coat that's lasted for the last few winters impeccably, it's always fun to experiment with new trends, or pick out a new piece that's completely different from our others, but which we love just the same. I tend to end up buying a few new coats every season - doesn't it make sense, particularly as you'll be wearing it nearly every day this winter? Click here for inspiration!

4. Start choosing Christmas presents now! The high street is already bustling with eager Christmas shoppers: beat the December rush and grab the most coveted gifts for family and friends before someone else does. If you're completely stuck for ideas, Amazon or Lush are good places to start! Don't be left in a panic on Christmas Eve and just go for it - you have just over 6 weeks left!

5. Pick charity Christmas cards to send to friends and family. Be extra-generous this year and buy Christmas cards which donate a percentage of the profits to your favourite charity. I already have these adorable cards which donate 10% of the proceeds to the Pets at Home charity to help abandoned pets. These cards from Topshop are also super-cute!

6. Discover your new favourite band. As previously mentioned, October and November offer the best gigs - why not take advantage of that and go listen to some new music? Google your nearest venues and check out who's playing over the next few weeks.

7. Write someone you love a letter and post it to them. None of this e-greeting stuff for me please! Less and less people are sending real, pen-to-paper letters to their loved ones, which is a great shame. My friend Sarah and I send each other letters about general stuff and about what's happening in our lives; even though we only live 40 minutes apart it's still fun! Better yet, check your calendar for near birthdays and make someone's day by sending them a birthday card in the post.

8. Take your camera with you everywhere you go. Mobile phone cameras don't count, by the way! My Photography teachers were really onto something when they came up with this rule - there are so many of those moments where you wish you'd captured some missed inspiration or something amusing. Autumn and winter photos are the most visually compelling, so call your best friends up and stage your own outdoor photoshoot, or capture all the little things that mean something to you in your everyday environment.

What's inspiring you this month?

Inspired: October Edition

image from here.

Excuse my sudden absence from the internet - the last few days have called for impromptu celebration (passed my driving test!!) meaning I've had to go out to dinner, visit various people and see Flood Of Red - amazing band..go MySpace them! - as festivities to commemorate the occasion. TFT posts will resume next Thursday with an especially delicious new item for you to feast your eyes upon.

I wanted to introduce another new segment to my blog - welcome to the October edition of Inspired, featuring month-appropriate suggestions to stimulate your creative juices, pulverise boredom or blocks and invite some fresh insiration into your daily life. This blog will still be very much fashion-focused but with some scintillating new extra features by my very own self. Sounds good? Read on!

1. Start planning your Halloween costume! The 31st is soon approaching, which calls for some fabulously creative costumes for the event, whether you'll be trick-or-treating or partying. Check out 9 Awesome Last Minute Halloween Costumes You Can Make From Junk for some cool ideas on making some speedy but effective new disguises. On the other hand, if Halloween celebrations are scarce in your area, get together with a friend and watch some of your most beloved horror movies along with a Pick&Mix bag of your favorite sweets.

2. Try a new vegetable. Along with the chillier weather comes the flu, colds and a whole menagerie of nasty germs. As you probably know, eating vegetables and fruit every day will not only make you feel great, they help to keep away all these scary illnesses that we inevitably pick up during the winter months. If you're normally vegetable-shy like me, try the surprisingly tasty Innocent Veg Pots (my favourite is the Butternut Pearl Barley Risotto). If you're a veteran when it comes to healthy eating, why not try some more unusual delicacies such as salsify or the funky-looking romanesco?

3. Apply to university. Deadlines are in January but now's the best time to start your application. A degree is more valuable now than ever in terms of the opportunity it gives you, and with subjects available from Oceanography to Fashion Studies to Computer Science, there's bound to be something that you're into. See UCAS for more info on applying - it brings such a huge life change, but almost always for the better.

4. Invest in some extra-warm knitwear. Chunky knit cardigans, beanies and mittens are essential items for a winter wardrobe - don't get caught out without them! Check out Topshop's new Winter accessories.

5. Plan to have your Christmas in another country. New York, Spain, Greece, Paris or London at Christmas time - undoubtedly one you'll remember if you choose to go away for the holidays. Spending Christmas at home is fun, but going somewhere new and exciting is a fantastic getaway adventure. Start planning now!

6. Compile your own Spotify playlist. Excellent for while you're working, surfing the internet or planning a beautiful outfit for the next day, online playlists can be obtained for free through Spotify. Mix up some electro-pop with a bit of metalcore and punk thrown in and you're good to go!

7. Indulge your immature side and jump in a huge pile of leaves. Possibly the best thing about autumnal weather, besides epic conker wars.

8. Check out some of the gorgeous brand-new festive culinary goodies around. Christmas biscuits, mince pies and stocking fillers already?! There are some fabulous festive goodies stacked on shelves across the globe over the next few months, so hunt around your nearest supermarket or department store for some of the most unique, hilarious or beautiful holiday memorabilia bits & pieces you can find. This is one of my favourite - cute, sweet-smelling and useful!

This edition is a bit short due to other projects I have going on at the moment, but I hope it inspires you to try something new! Plus I'd love to hear any feedback from readers, so drop a comment or message and I'll be sure to write back.