When I started 'Style Sanctuary' over three years ago it was as an outlet to express my love for fashion and it was a hobby that I loved from the beginning. As I said in a previous post, I did initially get stage fright and delete it due to fear but Im so glad now that I restarted it. Through my little blog I have gotten to meet some lovely people that I would not have otherwise met. It has further encouraged my love for styling and all things fashion and it has opened my eyes to a different world. Unfortunately due to recent events on social media, it has now to some people become a world that is deceitful and false and it saddens me alot! I normally dont write about this kind of thing but if you noticed I havent written for a while this is why. I am so sad to think that the actions of some have made some of us smaller bloggers question what for us is a fun way to express our style or opinions. I feel that some 'influencers' & 'bloggers' are making it difficult for people to take others seriously because the trust has been lost. I for one miss the authenticity of people sharing something because you genuinely love it. I truely believe that is what made the whole world of blogging fun! I did question whether or not to share this post due to possible judgement but I do think transparecy is key in changing opinions in the industry so here it is! I have chosen, despite the negativity to continue posting on Style Sanctuary and to continue sharing what I love to do, simply because I enjoy it! I would love to hear your opinions on it! Until Next Time,
Jen X
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Do you ever think about a clothing brand and think 'hmm I really should shop with them more?'. It is so easy to get stuck in a style rut and get used to your 'usual' shops, and while its nice to wear what your used to, you could be missing out on other fabulous brands with good quality fashion forward pieces. Recently I have been in some stores that I generally wouldn't shop in, not for any reason in particular but as I said I was one of them gals who did get stuck in a bit of a rut! It got me thinking about creating a post to highlight these stores that are extremely popular already but that I personally have a new found love and appreciation for. First up its high street favourite With the perfect mix of versatile & high quality pieces, Mango is fast becoming one of my favourites. Runway ready looks at reasonable prices are always a winner in my eyes and I will admit there are more than a few pieces from this selection currently in my basket!!
Enjoy the Rest of your Sunday, Until Next Time, Jen X Its hard to believe during these temperamental snow blizzards but this time last week I was packing up to fly to the sunshine in Madrid. I have wanted to visit Madrid for years and it did not disapoint. It is such a pretty city with so much to do and I was amazed by the streetstyle and fashion on every street. I made a concious effort to not wear all black for a change but I wont lie I was unsure what type of looks to plan especially at this time of year so I packed versatile pieces that were easy to layer! Luckily it was such good weather when we were there with gorgeous sunshine and colder in the evenings! We were lucky because it actually rained and snowed for two days after we left!! Here are my looks from the trip! Red AlertFlower PowerPink To..White LaceMost of the pieces I wore were from last year or last season with a twist to bring them up to trend for this season. I don't generally follow trends to a tee but I am loving fuchsia pink, florals and red this season!
I hope you enjoyed the post. Let me know if you want me to link similar options. Until next time, Jen X What is a snow day without a bit of online shopping? With the weather in Ireland constantly changing, it is hard to know what to wear every morning so I have put together a list of some of my favourite current high street pieces to hopefully make it easier for you! These pieces are vesatile, easily layered and not entirely trend focused so if you do decide to go on a snow day shopping spree, well they're really an investment!!! Just click on each image to shop the piece! Happy Shopping! Until Next Time,
Jen X The Streets of New York and London saw the fashion elite strolling between shows and showcasing the seasons trends in the past two weeks. I adore streetstyle looks at the best of times but Fashion Week always takes it to the next level. I feel like it is always the perfect time for the fashion forward to make their mark and there were some standout trends that I could not ignore. Here are some of my favourites. Laid Back in LondonNew York State of MindGet The LookI have really enjoyed the fashion so far and I cant wait to see what Milan and Paris have instore in the next two weeks!
Until next time, Jen X I hope you all had a great weekend and that Monday wasn't as bad as you expected! In this world of social media where perfection is the 'trend' every picture is carefully articulated, every experience shared. As I shared in a recent post that is not always a bad thing but I feel that the authenticity can be lost along the way. All to often we get caught up in what everyone else is doing instead of living our own lives. I suppose that is one of the downsides to social media and often results in guilt that our lives arent as 'instagrammable' as our favourite bloggers. I hold my hand up to this one but I have started to realise lately the reasons why you should do you and be happy doing so. 1. Authenticity will get you noticed- its not easy but brands realise more and more the value of being unique in an ever growing market. 2.It will get your creative juices flowing-when you start to focus on the real you that you want to portray, your mind automaticaly starts to plan interesting and exciting ways of showing it You may find yourself planning different types of shoots/blog posts that represent you and not what you think you should be doing. 3.You will ultimately be happier-its easy to see someones social media life and get caught up in the perfection. Trying to emulate this creates pressure and stress that is unneccesary. When you sit back relax and be you, this pressure is released and you will be happier overall Until next time,
Jen X With Valentines day tomorrow, this evening will be spent prepping & outfit planning for many gals!Whether you are heading for dinner with your beau or cocktails with the girls, the outfit options are endless. I have put together a few looks for inspiration and they are all available on the high street now so if you have left it until the last minute or you are marking it this weekend, dont fret! Just click on the images to shop! Oh and click on the image above to head to my ultimate style icon 'Song Of Style' blog! Its insane! Dinner DateCocktail HourCinema TripDancing FeetAfternoon TeaWhatever your plans I hope its a good one!
Until next time, Jen X When Spring has Sprung, we are always hopeful that the knitwear can be stored away for another while! If the weather in Ireland for the past month is anything to go by it is not going anywhere anytime soon! With a stream of constant sleet, hail and snow recently its time to restyle our knits to suit the season. Aside from this unpredictable weather, I feel that a girl should always have a collection of lightwear knits for this time of year so I have sourced my high street favourites for you. Wear It WithThe lightwear knit is the perfect versatile piece for spring. While cashmere is the most breathable material for warmer weather, it can be quite pricey so try to go for a wool blend if you dont want to spend a fortune! Some high street stores do have quite reasonable cashmere though- check out 'And Other Stories' for some favourites!
Happy Shopping! Until next time, Jen X The hat has truely become the 'must-have' accessory of the season. Stylish, fashion forward and all while keeping you warm, this piece will give you extra style points with added benefits. I must admit when this trend first came to light, I wasnt so sure if I Loved it but after seeing it styled it is now one of my own favourites. I wanted to write this post because I have not yet found my perfect hat or figured out which particular style will suit me but after researching them and finding loads of high street gems all for under 30 Euro, I now have too much choice! Whats your favourite style? The BakerArguably the most popular style this season, the baker hat is super stylish. The more oversized the better with this one and I love them in plain black or gingham. There are so many options available online now and on the high street but I do think you should try before you buy to find the perfect size. The BeretParisian Chic status is yours with this stunning style. I adore how simple it is and how it creates an air of elegance in any look. I havent yet tried this one as I am not sure I could do it justice but after researching I may just brave it someday soon. The FedoraFor me, the Fedora never goes out of Fashion. I think it may actually be the easiest style to carry and it seems to come around every season. I also love that it looks just as fabulous worn on a busy street with a dressy casual look as it does on a yacht in St. Tropez to accessorise a white swimsuit (not that Ive ever been unfortunately!!). Tips When Buying Your Perfect Hat1. Always try it on-some styles will suit and some might not. Also some are made alot more oversized than others and might look more shock than style( I tell you this from personal experience!!). 2. Invest in the best- dont spend alot of money on styles that are just a one season trend. Luckily all of the hats I have feautured are less than 30 Euro so you can be fashion forward on a budget. Invest in lifelong styles like the fedora to get you moneys worth! 3. Dont follow the crowd-just do you! As I said above some styles may not suit everyone. So if you were hoping to go with a beret but your just not feeling it dont be afraid to try other styles. Dont wear it anyway just because everyone else is-confidence is key! Just tap on the images to shop the trend!
Until next time, Jen X Ah January, the seemingly never ending month! Everyone is broke, holiday cheer is long a thing of the past and nights out seem like so long ago! Easy as it is to dress for party season with sequins and sparkles everywhere, it is always this transitional period into spring that I find hardest to dress for. As February calls and we all get sick of hibernation the desire for a night out comes calling again. So if a girls night is on the cards, I have put together some outfits that will take you from dinner to dancefloor while staying warm and stylish for this season! If your anything like me you will know the struggle of trying to find that balance between too dressy and too casual so I hope these pieces go a little way in helping you outfit plan! All you have to do is click on the images to shop! Happy Shopping!
Until next time, Jen X |