They Call Me Cait: January 2018

Shopping and style have been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember.

From pairing crazy purple tights with colourful stripy tops as a child to my favourite dungarees and funky shoes, I have never been one to abide by the rules.

Over the years, I have spent countless hours discovering my own personal style which, I will admit has been a challenge.

Like many, I've thrown money at clothes never to be worn, kept for that "you'd never know" day.

I've broken down and cried over not being able to find the pieces I desperately want in my size.

I've even gone as far as mismatching outfits in the hopes of standing out.

Each bringing me to where I am today...

I have decided (not as a New Years resolution because we all know how long they last) to make a lifestyle change, focused on my style and shopping habits.

Hands up, how many of you are guilty of picking up that top, it is a complete steal, you know you will NEVER wear it but it's half price and just far too good to leave down?

Yeah... Me too...

It's time to make a change.
Who's with me?

Step1: WARDROBE MAKEOVER!
Sounds daunting but I promise you it's fun.

Having blitzed through my clothes, getting rid of almost everything I no longer wear, I feel I am ready to take this step in my fashion journey.
From now on I am only going to purchase items I really and truly believe will be positive additions to my wardrobe.

Step 2: CHOSE YOUR STYLE PATH
Here's where you get to experiment...
Pinterest is key.

I plan on sticking to statement pieces to be paired with minimalistic items.
No more buying for the sake of it.
Saving every penny I don't spend on "bargains" to invest in items I really want to add to my wardrobe.
(1461 Dr Martens please)

Step 3: BE YOURSELF
Fashion has no rules

Most importantly of all, stick to your gut when you feel an outfit idea will look good.
Never be afraid to express yourself. despite what others may think.

Shops are my playground, where my mind can run wild with imagination.
Every piece that catches my eye, I instantly think of different ways I could wear and pull it off.

Sticking to this adjustment will be difficult but I am excited to give it a go. I cannot wait to see how my sense of fashion develops over the coming year.

Here's to a stylish 2018.

Stay gorgeous,
Katie x

It's 2018 and social media influencers are everywhere.

Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, even our televisions, bloggers are the celebrities of the moment. Maintaining the status as a high profile influencer definitely has its rewards however, life online doesn't go without challenge.

This brings me onto the reason why I am writing this post...

As followings grow, so do levels of responsibility.

The Irish blogging scene has come under fire for their levels of photoshopping and editing of images. This follows the establishment of an Instagram page calling out the influencers, comparing photographs from their past, prior to fame with recent posts.

Before we get into this, I want to say, I have nothing against using filters or blurring out the odd lump and bump.

My issue is with the lies within...

Lies, drawn from insecurities of influencers, filtering into the troubles of their huge followings.

I for one do not condone the public embarassment of any human being, be it social media stars with thousands of followers or your everyday Mary and John going about their daily business.

I do however, completely understand the public's interest in outing these celebrities for changing their appearance online.

In a world where mental health is so prevalent and body image is of huge concern, it is not easy to watch the people we look up to constantly be so "perfect."

We grow up online, surrounded by those we aspire to be.

To be lied to and sold false information, that hurts... It hits hard, deep within.

The feeling of not achieving the fitness goals or perfect skin, hair and makeup we are sold day in and day out on our news feeds is sickening.

That's the thing though... Photoshop, surgery, even glam teams, they are not reality!

Influencers need to start taking the mentality of their followers into account before posting these unrealistic images for the world to see.

As a response to this movement by the public, Irelands high profile bloggers have decided to start an anti bullying campaign with a "plan."

I am totally for this however, if these influencers would just stay true to themselves, there would be no need for it at all.

Stop with the photoshop, be honest about surgery... At the end of the day, who really cares?

Bullying is wrong, no matter what the cause or how worthwhile you feel it may be.

To quote Rosie Connolly...

"Stop and think before you join in on any bullying forums, threads or pages... What else could you do with that time to make YOUR life better, instead of hating someone else's."

Stay gorgeous,

Katie x

So, here we are... Another year over and a new one just begun.

2017 was, well, fairly meh if I'm honest. Not a lot happened and even though there were some lovely moments, I honestly couldn't be happier to see the back of it.

Now, I know what you're all thinking... Yet another one of these "New Year, New Me" posts, written on the 1st to be abandoned by the 21st.

Sure, there is a strong possibility that may happen but I promise you, I am going to try harder than ever to make 2018 a year of fun and friendship, filled with opportunities and many happy memories.

To kick off 2018, I have decided to throw myself into fitness. Cliché, I know but seriously, having spent my summer in the gym, I have discovered a genuine love for working out and healthy living. Not just aesthetically but mentally. Lucky enough to receive gym membership for Christmas, I have made a promise to myself, to try my very best to make the most of it. I'm even considering documenting my journey along the way in the hopes of keeping myself motivated. I feel excited to start the year (one day late) with a fresh slate, for who knows what the future may hold...

As for this blog, given that I am almost half way through my Journalism course, writing and building a portfolio is becoming increasingly important. Although I love nothing more than pouring whatever words come to my head out and into this blog, sometimes I find it very difficult to come up with ideas. This, if I'm honest can be very disheartening and does make me wonder if I will ever make it in a world where fresh material is constantly being created.

I will not let this stop me though...
I am determined to make 2018 the year of putting my head down, writing posts I hope you will all want to read and share with others.

With those being my two main goals, I have many other small aims for the year ahead.

I want to explore music, go to gigs and discover artists, new and old.
I hope to become more positive and confident in myself.
I would love to travel and see some of our beautiful world.
I will not let anybody stop me from wearing what I want for fashion is my favourite form of self expression.

Thank you 2107 for all you have taught me.
Here's to 2018, I can't wait to see what you have in store for us.

Katie x