Hello! I hope you had the most amazing Christmas ever and you have loads of plans for New Year's. Even if you don't, sit home in a bubble bath with some hot cocoa and watch Brooklyn 99 - does it get any better? Anyway, I thought I'd round up some of my favourite posts of this year. I've been kind of rubbish in terms of blogging, but blogmas has really made me fall back in love with it, and I'm super excited and bursting with new content ideas! By the way, the posts aren't in chronological order for the sake of the collages looking nice - shall we take a look... (read that with Jim Carey's voice as Count Olaf)

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

This is just a quick lil post to wish everyone who celebrates it a very merry Christmas. These pictures were inspired by lovely Tolly - I did try to take them on a proper polaroid, but, seeing as it's 20 years old, the pictures came out very dark and blurry. Very sad time for everyone. I hope you've been having/will have a wonderful, relaxing, festive time and stuff yourself with mince pies. I definitely have.

This is also the last official post of blogmas! I don't know whether to feel really sad or really happy and relieved. I've already started planning my 2016 round up post and a few others, so don't think you'll never hear from me again! (not getting away that easy...)

Christmas majorly crept up on me this year, and it feels like December's just whizzed by and I haven't really got a hold of it. Actually, that feels like the whole year. I'm currently in my Christmas pj's, eating - yet another - mince pie and feeling very very very excited. I really hope you can all be with your family and friends tomorrow. I also really hope you can all be grateful together. I've been feeling very grateful recently.

And so, the very final of 2016... see the rest of blogmas here.

Have a beautiful Christmas,

Love Edie x

Borough Market and Southbank at Christmastime

We went on a long walk through Borough Market and then along the river, before seeing Peter Pan at the National Theatre (which was the most insane experience ever ever ever). It made me feel very festive indeed, so I thought I'd share some of the photos if anyone is lacking the Christmas spirit!

The Best Books Of 2016

Let's just imagine Of Mice and Men and The Kite Runner are in there, because I can't find them. I will say that I've never cried so much at a book than I did at the Kite Runner.

I am a big reader. I read so much, I always have and I probably always will, because I really love it. I've read a lot of new things this year, so this is a real mix of genres, themes, fiction and non-fiction etc... I hope you enjoy this and maybe get some super last minute present ideas!

An Interview With Dalal

Why did you start blogging? And why do you still blog?

I've been blogging for nearly 4 years now so if I could go and ask 12 year old me why, then I most definitely would. I honestly have no idea as to what made me want to blog in the first place but I do remember wanting to start youtube but thinking that blogging would be a better way to ease myself into the digital world. I still blog because I see so much potential in the whole blogging business in the future. It's one of my hobbies and keeping it up and creating new content is what I love. I've always been a creative and blogging has allowed me to showcase that. The blogging world is so mundane and so many bloggers are doing the same thing (not sending shots) so I want my blog and its content to somewhat be a breath of fresh air in the blogging community. Great, I've started rambling and this is only the first answer...

Albums I Really Like // Part 2

The Grotto Lives On

If you're wondering which grotto I'm referring to, it's the almost disgustingly Christmassy one that is my room - see last year's post. For anyone who's even vaguely interested, I'm sharing my insanely festive room and where some of the things in it are from!

TV, Film and Fashion

Like all other art forms, fashion has many influences, and one of those I have been thinking about and experimenting with over the last few months is film. Films and tv shows move me emotionally and - i hate to say the word because it's so overused nowadays - aesthetically, and when I watch something that is styled really well and is to my taste, I will go through scene by scene and try to find an outfit similar to that in my wardrobe. Well, not really, but basically. Whether it's the costumes, hair, makeup, setting, each film comes with a certain tone to it. What, I'm trying to say is: film and tv really influence what I wear.

Christmas Pamper Routine

Vegan Christmas Food Goldmine

An Interview With Rose and Vintage

Can you name some of your current inspirations?

I'm mostly inspired by the people around me. I study an art foundation course at Kingston University, and I can't tell you how well everyone dresses and how inspiring being around so many interesting individuals is. My fashion class is basically a compliment group where we talk about how much we love each others outfits and obsess over how well we match hahah!

2017 Bucket List

Not much to this, but here are some things I want to do/places I want to go in 2017! Enjoy (and let me know if you're doing any of these). Also, I'll be adding stuff throughout the next few months so I can look back at it!

A Little Chat About Feminism

Helloooo! Today I'm going to be talking about a somewhat controversial topic. If you haven't guessed from the title, it's feminism. By no means am I an expert, and I know some people will read this and disagree with everything I have to say and I can't stop that. What I can do is explain what I know and believe as best I can. Feminism is such a broad topic and to attempt to write down everything would literally take days! Also, I'd like to add I'll be speaking in terms of cis males and females as I am a cis female, but I am still 100% acknowledging that non-binary genders exist and that they can face similar or the same experiences. I don't really feel I have the authority to speak on behalf of non-binary genders, so I'm just speaking from what I know personally.

DIY Candy Cane Scrub

 It's a body scrub, it's a lip scrub, it's a hand scrub, it's probably a foot scrub too. This scrub smells insane, and I'm not just saying that. I've been using it for the past few days and it works so well, and it's EDIBLE. Yeah. So, if you want to save money on silky smooth skin, read ooooonnn...

It's A Look

SO this coat is me if I were a coat and just looking at it makes me want to tear up. I'm obsessed with these photos too, taken by a mixture of Maddy and Zeenia. I decided not to put the ones with the fruit shoot in for the sake of my dignity, but it was such a nice day and I think it's got editorial vibes.. no? Kinda?

Things I Love Right Now

How To Have a Sustainable Christmas

As some of you may know, I'm a huge advocate for shopping sustainably. I honestly believe it's one of the most important things we can do as individuals, to just take care and research where what we buy comes from. If you want to find out more, I can't recommend watching The True Cost enough. It's eye-opening, moving, though-provoking, inspiring - but above all, it made me angry. Angry that not enough people know how harmful shopping from Primark or Topshop is, for example. With a little effort and imagination, Christmas doesn't have to harm the environment, or workers.

Gift Guide For Erryone

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

Okay, secret santa is a pain. Most of the time you don't even know the person and it's impossible to buy for them. BUT, don't you worry, I got ya with a gift guide for, literally, everyone. There's a HUGE range of prices here, and most of them you can edit to fit gender/personality/preference etc. For example, you can get a vinyl of your choice, and the water bottle comes in loads of different patterns. I really hope this is helpful - most of the gift guides I'm seeing now are all makeup or all in the hundreds.. nah.

now playing: creep radiohead/you never can tell chuck berry/sympathy for the devil the rolling stones/no language in our lungs xtc

An Interview With Fashion Bambini

Can you name some of your current inspirations?

I have many inspirations for different parts of my life. Pinpointing specifics is difficult, but Iris Apfel is a wonderful fashion figure I strongly admire. Generally, anyone that is doing what they love and are passionate about is inspiring. 

How Does My Style Reflect My Personality?

Eleanor Claudie is a genius, my friends. We'd been planning to do some sort of collab post and she came out with this amazing idea that we shoot an outfit we feel represents us and then write about style reflecting personality in general. I love this idea, as it's actually something I've been thinking about over the last few weeks. I've been in a bit of a slump: I can never find anything I feel comfortable wearing or want to wear, I'm ill, my eyebrows always go badly in the morning etc etc.. it's just that time of the year. But this really got me thinking about the ever-changing clothes I wear and how I'm influenced by different things. Example: for Halloween, I was Cher from Clueless. The next day I bought a second hand salmon jumper and a pink slip dress. I wore it with black fishnets and black vagabonds.

The 'Alternative Icon'

Sun Nostalgia Part Two

I did the first part of Sun Nostalgia about two years ago (!!), and realised that because I was under some kind of spell of sun and ly-ins, never shared photos from my summer. So, as always, get comfortable and prepare to hate winter! 

What On Earth is Wellness?

So, after a long break, today I'm going to be talking about my recent discovery and interest in the concept of wellness. I was first inspired to start thinking about these things when I watched the series British Vogue did with Camille Rowe: 'What On Earth is Wellness?' I really suggest you watch it. I genuinely believe it changed my life, or at least, changed my perception of life.

Bad Blogging and Self Discovery

I've been a bad, if you could phrase it like that, blogger. And the reason is that I've had one of the best summers of my life. I've discovered so much about myself. There are 4 things I've realised I am very passionate about and I think I'll be doing a full post on each of those as I have so much to say. I'd also like to explore doing posts based on the quality and not the quantity; so only posting things I'm happy with and feel comfortable putting out there. I'm not sure how many of you have even stuck around through a good few months of me pretty much falling off the radar (for good reasons), so if you are still here and if you're excited for the posts to come let me know!!

Turning Sylvie Into A Fairy Princess

This post is such an accurate representation of my relationship with my six year old sister. I get sent a box of beautiful items which I would look an idiot in, so I dress Sylvie up and she owns it. 

When In Margate

Just over a month ago we ( my mum and my 4 best friends ) headed off to Margate for the weekend, so I thought I'd share a few of the many photos we took, and what we got up to! Also, this post contains me wearing a very yellow 'Clueless' inspired jacket.. just so you're prepared.

Why Don't I Eat Meat?

Before I start, I just want to say I'm not trying to push the 'vegetarian lifestyle' upon anyone else. Whether or not you choose to eat meat is your decision, and I respect you regardless. This post is not about trying to shame people, or start an argument, or stir up controversy.

I grew up eating meat, and all my family still do. Throughout the years when I was eating meat, I never really stopped to think about what I was doing, or what was happening to these animals before they ended up as a meal. I didn't really know any vegetarians, so my knowledge was almost completely what I was being told by other people. And because I was surrounded by meat-eaters, I never questioned whether it was right or wrong.

That Spring Vibe

I'm sorry I've been a bit quiet lately, but it's been nice to have a few posts scheduled and just sit back. As my exams are starting, my blog isn't my top priority at the moment. If I want something, I will not stop trying until I get it, and I really want to do well in these exams! Today I have the somewhat annual cherry blossom outfit post (see last year's here). Do you like the setting of these? I hope so! It's all about that West London phone box and bins in the background thang with a lil bit of blossom :)

Hazy Days

This is a lil project I've been planning for a few months now. Basically, I really just wanted to style a photoshoot and have a fun day taking pictures with my friends. I'm so pleased with the pictures. And, since I put so much work in, I hope you enjoy them too!

Wishlist: Blue and Pink

shop the wishlist here

An Interview with Tolly Dolly Posh

What sort of music do you like to listen to?

It depends what I’m doing whilst listening. I always have music on when I wake-up and tidy my room etc… it’s either an acoustic playlist or somebody like Vance Joy or Roo Panes. But I also listen to lots of other things like Arcade Fire, David Bowie… even Childish Gambino if I’m really in the mood.

The What's Underneath Project

'Style is not the clothes you wear. Style is not a facade, it's knowing who you are, it is comfort in your skin, it's what's underneath.'

Beside the Sea-Side

My second outfit post by the sea and my first outfit post since December is here! And the sea was freezing! But what can I say? Had some nice ice-cream and took some nice photos so I can't complain. Anyway, this is a sort of 'accidental post', because I didn't have anything planned for today. I mean, the outfit is simple to say the least. I've just missed outfit posts, I used to have so so many on one page, and it's nice when one just happens itself! Let me finally stop rambling so you can actually read this.

Ambika Conroy and Cruelty-Free Fur

Anyone who hears the oxymoron 'cruelty-free fur' is likely to roll their eyes and tell you to stop being gullible. I don't know anyone who'd be willing to wear animal fur, just because it's always associated with cruelty. Ambika Conroy (designer and creator of Ambika Friendly Furs), in a farm in the Catskill Mountains, raises angora rabbits and hand-crochets the fibre into jackets, earmuffs, leg-warmers, gloves and even bikinis. She times the bunnies' haircuts to their natural molting cycle - every three months.

London Fashion Weekend

It only gets better. I recently attended my second Fashion Weekend at the Saatchi Gallery on King's Road, aka one of the coolest places in London. I think that if you're not going to the big big deal lfw, it's less about the shows and more about the 'spectacle' and all that. Just being able to see all the designers' work, have really really good coffee and watch people who are cooler than you is amazing in itself.

Favourite Makeup Picks

real techniques deluxe crease brush / real techniques detailer brush / mac paint pot in 'chilled on ice' / revlon lip butter in 'peach parfait' / rimmel stay matte powder / rimmel glameyes eyeliner / maybelline brow drama / bare minerals flawless definition mascara / bare minerals 'golden gate' blush / collection lasting perfect concealer / revlon lacquer balm in 'demure'

I try my best to stray away from typical beauty blogger posts, but sometimes I can't help it! Aaah, copper plates and mac lipsticks come to meeeee. Even though I go to school, where a full face of makeup isn't welcomed, it's nice to look presentable. So, this post is a mix of products that I've been using for weeks, months, and some even for years. It's nice to change it up a bit but to be honest, this 'routine' has stayed the same since before Christmas.

5 Days in Marrakech

I'm writing this whilst my Primark 'Road to Marrakech' candle is burning in the background, and I'm just realising how many pictures there are in this post. Even though I had no idea what was going on half the time, I absolutely loved Marrakech. A huge change from London I tell ya. We stayed in a beautiful hotel called Mandarin Oriental, which was actually really convenient because it was 10 minutes away from pretty much every place we visited. It's a crazy city, and if you're not familiar with it, it can be reaaallyy hard to navigate. So hopefully this post will give anyone who's visiting some tips, and ideas of places to go. And if you're not going I hope you like getting an idea of the feel of the city, and looking at the pictures!

The Medina

If you do end up going, GET A GUIDE. They're so lovely, and you won't end up going to all the tacky touristy places where you just get hassled. Trust me, getting chased down the street by a man shouting '100 dirhams.. 80?' is scarier than it sounds.

 

Medersa Ben Youssef

The architecture was absolutely beautiful, and it's really really worth visiting. The history behind it is fascinating, too. Complete with mosaics and prayers carved into the walls, I took a lot of photos.. to say the least. But in my excitement, they were all too blurry to use. Blogger problems.

 

The Marjorelle Gardens

This place is so so beautiful. You all know of my love for Kew Gardens, and - sorry kew - this is a definite upgrade. The Yves Saint Laurent memorial is really emotional, and had my Dad and I arguing debating the pronunciation of Yves.. and the cafe is good too.

 

My mum, what a babe.

 

 

Heritage Berber - just outside the gardens

 The square at night eeyyyy

Snake charmers, monkeys, grapefruits, the lot.

 

The Henna Cafe

Have you ever been to Marrakech? What did you think of it?