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If It Wasn’t For My Blog I’d Go Crazy

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“There are some days when I feel good, I’m really inspired and ideas just happen and then there are other days, when I’m not so good and blogging is a struggle”

I think we all get like this sometimes, stress piles up and we feel a little wobbly but it’s during those times that writing helps to keep me sane.

I’m in a slump at the moment but I always feel crappy around my birthday. It’s weird, it makes me feel like time is moving really quickly but I’m just a little bit too slow to catch up. I’m sure once the shock of being another year older is gone I’ll get back into the swing of being creative though.

It may sound dramatic but I honestly don’t know what I would have done with my life if I hadn’t have started a fashion blog. I’m just so grateful for wherever that idea came from. On my worst days it only takes reading a few comments or coming up with new ideas to make me feel better and on my good days I could not be more proud of how far this page has come.

I’ve always been one of those people who welcomes a distraction and to be honest I would probably still be panic attacking the shit out of life if it wasn’t for StyleRarebit. As much as I’m not where I dreamed I would be at 26 I’ve certainly come a long way since publishing my first post. For a start I now know the difference between your and you’re (took a while) and I’m definitely a little more self assured and a lot more grown up than I was back then. It’s funny how something as small as starting a blog can do that. The opportunities, positivity and friendships that have come my way since the beginning are unbelievable and just thinking about those makes me the happiest gal alive.

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Posing outside Berlin Cathedral

style-rarebit-fashion-blog-berlinCity breaks are my absolute fave and it feels so good to get away and explore somewhere new. I always feel more inspired coming back and seem to have way more ideas too, which is the best excuse for a holiday!

Last week me and Rory went to Berlin for a few days to check out the sites. On our first we had a few hours to kill before check-in, so we went for a little wonder to find some lunch. We were staying in Alexanderplatz, which is pretty much in the centre and so we were actually really close to the Berlin Cathedral without realising. It wasn’t on our list of places to visit but it turned out to be one of my favourites, have to love serendipity! You can see from these pics just how beautiful it is and climbing to the top gave us the best views of the city. I feel like I would go back again just to visit this…

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How I’m Falling in Love with Blogging again

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It’s not that I’ve ever really fallen out of love with blogging, but in the past few months the community seems to be more concerned with followers than actual content. This shift is really annoying me and taking away from the fact that for the majority of us, blogging is just a really fun hobby.

I’ve had several people ask me recently if they think it’s still worth blogging, as so many people are doing it. It’s not that there is anything wrong with asking me that or talking about followers but I just feel like when I started I wasn’t aware, nor did I care about stats.

I created StyleRarebit.com because I thought it would help me to get a job in the fashion industry after my degree but it’s actually given me so much more. I’ve grown in confidence, made friends, learnt a million more skills than I ever did in school and have worked with some of my favourite brands. Those kind of experiences are priceless to me and whether 3 people read my blog or 3,000, it doesn’t take anything away from that.

To get me out of my little funk I’ve been making a lot more fashion content, which is where my main passion really lies. Putting together outfits, ideas and discovering new brands is something that I really enjoy and I keep reminding myself how lucky I am to have this page to experiment with. It’s my own personal style file and whenever I don’t know what to wear or am hating what’s in my wardrobe, I can look back here for ideas that will get me inspired again.

Blogging is whatever I want it to be, for as many people who want to read it and for as long as I want. There’s no rules here and if I’m still enjoying it, I’m going to continue writing and sharing the things that I love.

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     photography: sarah barnes 

 faux fur jacket: new look // blouse: somerset by alice temperley // culottes: toyshop // boots: jd williams 

 

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Winter Outfit Inspiration – Casual Sock Boots

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Just before Christmas I had an email from JD Williams asking if I wanted to collaborate on a post and I was SO excited. Initially I was thinking of writing about party shoes (glittery heels included) and putting together some outfit inspo for you guys but then I stumbled onto the ankle boots section and completely forgot all about that. I’m a little bit obsessed when it comes to boots, in fact I already have way too many but there’s just something about a classic boot that’s so versatile, so they always seem like a good investment. These boots are from the Violeta range by Mango and are a casual nod to the sock boot trend that is very much hanging around. Just way more comfy than the stiletto kind! I love how chic they are too and really pull together this everyday outfit with very minimal effort.

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“I think this outfit is very reflective of that too. This is everyday me, not too dressy. It’s just comfort paired with great accessories.”

Just before the new year I felt like I was loosing my creative juice a little bit and I’ve also been struggling to find time (as always) to create new content for this blog. Sometimes getting caught up in comparing yourself to other people can really kill your vibe too but I’m finally learning to zone that out and remember why I started Style Rarebit in the first place. Because I love blogging!

I think this outfit is very reflective of that. This is everyday me, not too dressy. Just comfort paired with great accessories which is pretty much my go to philosophy when it comes to getting dressed. I think we would all agree that the number one goal is to look totally polished without having to make much effort at all. This look is essentially jeans and a jumper but tying a satin ribbon around my waist and dressing it up with a blazer is the perfect way to cheat looking like you’ve made loads of effort. I think that’s why the boots work so well too, being structured they are the perfect day boot if you want to look put together. They also look super expensive and the unusual heel (that metallic is everything!) means they add extra interest if you’re wearing plain clothes. They’re also on sale right now so even more of an incentive to pick them up… I love them with my mom jeans too as they’re tight on the ankle they sit really well underneath and give the illusion that my legs are slimmer.

If you take nothing else from this post just get to investing in some good boots this season that will totally dress up a zero effort look. Maybe even two pairs?

Shop boots here

Photographs by Sarah Barnes

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Glam Glow Super-Mud Mask Review

glam-glow-face-mask-super-mud-review-beauty-blogI’ve been obsessed with face masks ever since someone bought me a Liz Earle one about 10 Christmases ago and in 2017 my fascination seemed to reach total fever pitch. Like everyone, I’m a sucker for instant results and when it comes to skincare, there’s nothing better than a pick me up you know will work. That’s where the Glam Glow Super-Mud Mask comes in because on bad skin days when I’m breaking out, this literally saves me.

The Super-Mud contains four of Glam Glow’s revolutionary formulas in one mask. Firstly the Acnecidic-6 a blend of 6 acids, including salicylic which is designed to clear and repair your skin, then the Pore Matrix which contains activated charcoal to absorb bacteria and toxins. Then there’s the Bio Life Cell Science which soothes and regulates oil production and lastly their Teaoxi technology which uses Eucalyptus oil to freshen you up. It promises to be effective against a whole list of issues too including pores, imperfections and spots as well as razor bumps and ingrown hairs which is great for guys who shave regularly.

glam-glow-face-mask-super-mud-review-beauty-blogWhen you first put it on it feels quite light in comparison to conventional mud masks and it’s really gentle on the skin. Sometimes masks that specifically target acne or congestion can be really harsh or sting but I didn’t get that at all with this. The magic happens when it starts to dry though as you’ll start to see black dots on the very oily areas of your face. This is basically the charcoal working to unclog your pores and remove the build up of sebum and bacteria which causes spots. Afterwards, my skin feels so fresh and it’s perfect for controlling oil and breakouts as well as redness. After washing it off my face doesn’t feel really dry either, just clean and soothed and the oily areas are way more under control.

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I managed to pick this up on sale at the M&S beauty hall however the full retail price is £42. It’s a little bit expensive but I’ve had at least 10 applications out of this pot already and the results are really impressive. I think if you’re looking to invest in something special and you have particularly oily skin it would be totally worth it.

Shop the Glam Glow Super-Mud Mask here

ps. thank you to my little brother Flynn who helped me take these pictures 🙂

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Christmas Party Outfit Tips #thisisnewlook

fashion-blogger-cardiff-new-look fashion-blogger-cardiff-new-lookfashion-blogger-cardiff-new-lookfashion-blogger-cardiff-new-look fashion-blogger-cardiff-new-look fashion-blogger-cardiff-new-lookfashion-blogger-cardiff-new-look“Tis the season and I plan on taking full advantage of every party I’m invited to so that I get to wear this outfit again…”

Christmas party dressing should NEVER feel like a chore, if anything it’s something to totally revel in. I feel like fashion at the moment dictates a way more relaxed and casual feel and more and more girls are opting for flat shoes and baggy trousers than ever before. This time of year totally overrides all trends though and there isn’t a store on the high street not offering some glitz.

Dressing up can feel a little bit overwhelming, especially if your don’t do it often but I think the most important thing is just to have fun with it. When finding the right dress it mainly comes down to the fit though, so you’re going to have to do some trying on! A good tip is to figure out your body shape (pear, apple etc), what you want to accentuate (boobies, bums) and what you want to skim over (for me it’s tummy and legs!). Knowing the shape of dress you’re looking for will be really helpful in narrowing your search and will make the trying on stage way less stressful.

The New Look Christmas range is full of gorgeous dresses in literally every shape, fabric and style imaginable, so you’re bound to find something! I love this star print dress because the shape is so flattering! It sucks in my waist, makes my boobs look way bigger and skims over what I want to hide. I love the star print too as it’s really fun and playful which is so perfect for this season.

I paired my dress with this insane faux fur jacket which is the key piece of the season. There are so many bold fur jackets out there but I love how subdued this colour is and I’ll be able to wear it with so many other outfits. It’s good to pick one that works with your skin tone too, especially if you’re going for something bright! I like that this one is cropped as well and hits my waist just where the dress starts to kick out.

fashion-blogger-cardiff-new-look fashion-blogger-cardiff-new-look“I love to go all out with accessories, they can really elevate a party look, even if you’re wearing a t-shirt and jeans…”

The right bag is everything, you only have to scroll through Instagram to know that. I love this black embellished bag as it’s so festive and glitzy but still wearable and will go with any party look. Something worth mentioning is that as great as a clutch bag is they’re so small and there’s nothing worse than not being able to close them. This bag is big enough for my phone, keys and some touch up makeup as well as a cross body strap that is dance floor friendly.

I love New Look all the time but I think everyone knows how incredible their shoes are. I would go as far to say they’re the best affordable brand and I can always find something. These platform shoes are pretty out there and they totally make me feel like I’m in ABBA (YASSS) but they’re also super comfy. Comfort is the most important thing in a party shoe and yes it’s hard to find comfy heels but they do exist! If you struggle to walk in stilettos opt for a chunky heel like these or a lower block heel instead. You want to look dressy but you also want to be able to dance all night and walk to the bar, right?

I hope you loved my Christmas party tips and you have the best festive season! Merry Christmas xx

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Photography Sarah Barnes

This post was sponsored by New Look/Query Click

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Choosing the perfect perfume gift with Fragrance Direct

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Perfume is the one gift that seems to really panic people, perhaps because fragrance has always been a very personal thing. Often our favourite ones are connected to memories or people that are really special to us and when buying for someone else, it’s something you really want to get right. As scary as shopping for perfume sounds it’s actually a lot easier than you think and can be a lot of fun too. So, to take the pressure off, I thought I would share with you a few of my top tips for fragrance shopping and 3 of my favourites this season for the special gals in your life.

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Top tips when shopping for a perfume gift

1. Always keep the person you’re shopping for in mind and try not to be swayed by your own personal taste.

2. Think about what they like, their favourite food, fashion brands and lifestyle and what would work for them. If you know of another fragrance they love, even if it’s a candle, that can be a perfect starting point. It’s also important to consider their age, your 18 year old niece isn’t going to love Shalimar in the same way your grandma will…

3. Don’t just look at the bottle, it might be gorgeous but it’s whats inside that counts! Make sure you read the description and get clued up on all the ingredients. It’s also worth remembering how the fragrance notes work in perfume too. The top notes are what you smell immediately after spraying it, the medium notes are what comes through as the perfume dissipates on the skin and the base notes are the deeper scents that come through after around 30 minutes of wear.

4. Try and figure out which fragrance family you want to stick to, whether it’s floral, oriental, woody, aromatic or otherwise. This will help you to narrow down your search and keep you on the right track.

5. It may sound random but consider their personality. There is such a thing as a bold fragrance and it’s an unlikely match for a shy wallflower. You want them to feel comfortable wearing the scent and you don’t want it to overpower them.

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Chloe Signature Eau de Parfum Spray

When Fragrance Direct told me that the concept of their campaign was giving the perfect fragrance gift, I instantly thought of my mum. Hence the cute picture of us above! Her signature fragrance has been the Chloe Eau de Parfum since it first came out. It’s also the perfect gift if you’re buying for someone with a love of fashion, who’s refined and likes delicate fragrances. It’s a combination of peony, lychee and freesia mixed with warm amber and cedar wood making it a very sophisticated and elegant scent.

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BOSS The Scent Intense For Her Eau de Parfum

The next perfume I chose for someone like me. I love fragrances and I also love experimenting, I have a few go-to favourites but I’m always up for trying something new. The Scent Intense by Hugo Boss is a much bolder fragrance than the Chloe one and has top notes of honeyed peach and freesia blossom which are feminine but not too sweet. This is mixed with the warm scents of cocoa and vanilla which combined makes it a perfect shout for the winter months. I am also completely in love with the bottle, it’s so luxurious and the colour is totally divine.

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Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L12 12 Pour Elle Sparkling EDT

Lastly this gorgeous, fruity fragrance from Lacoste is perfect for someone with more a playful personality and who prefers more subdued scents. The sweet florals are mixed with a woody and patchouli base as well as a touch of french macaroon, delicious! It’s a perfectly girly, everyday scent that doesn’t feel to dressy or over the top and would definitely be a safe option for someone younger too.

christmas-perfume-fragrance-direct-style-rarebit-1If you need any more inspiration on picking up the perfect gift Fragrance Direct have created a Thoughtful Gift Guide just in time for Christmas that will help you with your search.

I hope this post has given you a boost in confidence before the chaos of Christmas shopping begins and that you’re as excited to get into the spirit as I am! Happy holidays!

Sock Boots at Sunset

sock-boots-style-rarebitSo after not buying clothes for a full three months, I thought it was about time I treated myself to a little wardrobe update. I was on the look out for a trend piece that would refresh my outfits for the winter season and sock boots just felt like a perfect choice. They are 100% the blogger item du jour right now and they also happen to be pretty flattering too. I saw that they make it look like you have never ending legs if you wear them with black trousers and that pretty much made my decision for me.

Sometimes a pick me up is all you need to revive old pieces and feel excited about your wardrobe again. Everything else I’m wearing with these I’ve had for ages but the boots instantly make my outfit look relevant and on trend. It’s funny but as I’m getting older I’m starting to be more picky about the things I invest in. I really want to start saving for some special pieces and cut back on the amount I spend getting quick fixes. This is mainly where my three month ban from shopping came from! It’s been a great way for me to really get to know my wardrobe and think about the clothes I most love to wear.

I honestly believe that style has nothing to do with how much money you have to spend on clothes though or being able to get the latest thing. It’s all about creativity and individuality and no amount of money can buy that!

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Spectrum Collections Cardiff Blogger Event

stylerarebit.comEvery once in a while there’s a beauty blogger event that comes along that you just can’t quite believe you got an invite to. This was 100% one of them. Spectrum Collections is the brand that broke Instagram and has captured the hearts of every makeup and unicorn lover worldwide. Started in a garage in Barry by two sisters, Sophie and Hannah Pycroft, this night was a real celebration of female entrepreneurial and creative talent.

There were so many exciting things going on including a nail bar by Nails Inc, sweet treats from Candy Kittens and drinks from Dirty Martini. The decor was unbelievable cool too, I loved the neon sign and giant purple stag but the real beauties were the flowers from The Urban Flower Studio. I need some gold Monstera leaves in my life asap. Mid way through the night we watched a live makeup tutorial by their in-house makeup artist. She perfected a pink smoky eye quicker than I can make toast, while the founders answered all our burning beauty questions.

It’s also really impressive and important to mention that Spectrum are 100% cruelty free. They even make vegan brush soap so that you can care for your brushes in a safe way too. It’s lovely that such a new and cool brand is so aware of that and working to make cruelty free the norm. Running with this theme, Vegan restaurant Milgi was at the event serving up some insane plant based dishes. These included some yummy raw cocoa balls of which I ate most of (sorry) and some really amazing salads.

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Flowers by The Urban Flower Studio and the Pearly Queen and Glam Clam sets.stylerarebit.com

Here I am!

Sweet treats from Milgi and the amazing venue decor.

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stylerarebit.com The live makeup tutorial in action.My gorgeous Must-Have Minis brush set that I received in my goody bag. This A-17 is amazing! a beauty blogger’s dream.

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Officially Obsessed with Pro Nails

Since starting Style Rarebit I’ve discovered a lot of new brands that have really upped my beauty game. Going to events for product launches and companies that I haven’t heard of before is so exciting and satisfying when you come across something good. Especially when it’s a beauty product that solves a lot of problems. Like flaky nail problems for example.

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ProNails is one of the biggest nail brands in Europe and has recently developed a new way of applying Gel Polish called SoPolish Care, Protect & Peel. They invited me and my fellow welsh bloggers to try it out and learn more about the brand. If you didn’t see it on my Instagram story it’s basically a concept that was inspired by a Compeed blister plaster which works by putting a film over your nails before the application. The idea is that when you peel off the Gel, your nail will have been protected underneath. They also apply their Vital Nail Serum under the film so that your nail will be shinier and healthier after removing it than before the treatment. I decided to go for the super 70s shade above, which clashed really badly with the dress I was wearing in number 88 I’ve Got Your Back. I thought it was really pretty with my skin tone but still nice and bright for summer. The finished effect was really smooth and shiny like a normal gel and didn’t feel heavy or tough on my nails at all. They didn’t last me as long as I wanted them to but with my job I knew that would happen. However some of my fellow bloggers are still posting pictures of theirs now 2 weeks later and they look perfection.  stylerarebit.com

stylerarebit.comI thought I would post some pictures of the normal nail polishes that I received in my goody bag too so you can see what the ‘at home’ quality is like. I’ve been really obsessed with the polishes above and they are making a big difference to the condition of my nails. I use the Active Hardener (purple) to prime which is a great base and the Gloss it Up topcoat over the colour which stops chipping. I’ve noticed that my polish last a few days longer using these two than normal which is really impressive for me.

In the photo below I’m wearing the Pro Nails Polish no.58 Rouge Amour with the two polishes above to prime and finish. I’m not the best at painting nails but you can see how shiny they are and how bold the colour is. I can’t wait for a salon to open in Cardiff soon though so I can get the gels done again!

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See more ProNails products and find a salon here

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