SIZE SHAMING IN THE MUSIC CHARTS

I hate to talk about subjects such as this one, let alone write a blog-post as I know it's an incredibly sensitive subject area - but I'm fuming and I'm sure there are lots of you that feel exactly the same.

I don't listen to chart music very much, a lot of the things I listen to have been released years back and even if it is current it's a specific artist. Anyway, I happened to be watching the music channel last night and I'm one of those people that picks up on lyrical content and I was genuinely disgusted. I listened to at least three songs shaming slimmer girls for not having curves, for not being attractive to guys...

I wouldn't class myself as slim, I definitely have curves and I am a massive believer in being confident within yourself whether you're a size 4 or a size 18, it doesn't matter. No one should be made to feel shit about themselves, whether they have big boobs or little boobs, a bum or no bum...it disgusts me that women feel its okay to make others feel shit about themselves just to boost their own confidence. Let's put it this way, there's a lot in the media slamming women for being bigger sizes and there's absolute outrage over it, so what on earth gives people the right to reverse the scale and shame slimmer women? A lot of people have no control over their body shape, weight or appearance - it's genetic. Obviously, you can loose weight, tone up, gain weight - but some people were born a size 6 or a size 14 and that's not their fault. Let's be honest, once boys grow up [takes a while in some cases] they all develop their own individual types and not all of them are the same as what the media portrays, some guys like taller, slimmer girls, some guys like curvier girls. Whether you have a tummy, chunky thighs...whatever, you will always be someone's type and that is such a wonderful things.

I totally understand the reason behind the lyrics to these songs, generally in the media slimmer girls are held on a pedestal over curvier women and there are a lot of celebrities that have been fighting to have curvier figures held in more regard, but that shouldn't be done through targeting smaller sized ladies. Why can't lyrics focus on being confident within your own skin, be accepting of all different shapes, sizes and races instead of pinpointing a particular type of body frame and shaming it.

Personally, I suffered from an eating disorder and people shaming each other for their weight has always resonated with me. Whether it's full on bullying or subtly, anyone made to feel insecure about themselves makes me so angry. I've mentioned in blogposts before but I think it's incredibly important for people to learn to dress for themselves, to feel confident in their own skin and that'll radiate through.

I sent a couple of tweets earlier today on this subject, but I wanted to expand my thoughts in a post. I'm not writing this to hate on anyone, I know the media is set in it's ways and it'll never be centred on producing a positive image and message to men and women. There'll always be a lack of confidence and pressure when it comes to us gals as well as guys and our body images, both put upon ourselves as well as others but it just really makes me angry that it's suddenly become a competition within lyrics as to what kind of women a guy would be more interested? Let's be honest, guys have it pretty tough too - men in the media are often shown to be in the peak of fitness and guys are just as insecure about their tummys are us gals.

All in all, I'm just trying to say that we're all equal regardless of our appearance and it's ridiculously unfair for a celebrity to promote the message of what kind of body figure is better than the other or that guys would prefer it, size shaming is disgusting. Regardless of who you are, no one ever has a right to tell you how you should look, what size you should be anything. 

I'd love to hear what you think. Are you bothered, do you agree with what I mentioned in this post or disagree?

LET'S TALK SHOES // SHOE COLLECTION

It seems that I have an obsession with shoes. The shoes featured in this post are the ones that I'm wearing at the mo, I'll probably do a full-shoe-collection post one day but it's an extensive collection and I thought we'd just chat about the most worn and favourites! 

ZARA // £99.99 

The Zara on Regents Street is my fave store. I spend so much time in there that the guy with the blonde pony tail that looks like he could be on the cover of VOGUE knows my name. I brought these ages ago and I just fell in love as soon as I saw them. Real leather, they're such a cool take on ankle boots - I love the cut outs and how soft the leather is, with the cowboy esc curve to them. 

ZARA // £12.99 [estimate]

I'm not a huge heels girl any more, on nights out it's always a pair of chunky heeled boots and I'm good to go, but sometimes there's events that need something a little more classic and these babies are the answer. I'm all about thick heels and it's nice to have a little bit of patent finish in my shoe collection. I think the ankle straps add a little bit of detail, but don't detract from an outfit. 

DOROTHY PERKINS // £35.00 [here]

These boots just urgh. Dorothy Perkins AW14 boots are just perfect. I could snap up every single pair [I basically have], the design, fit...just everything is ace. This A/W I am loving pointed toe ankle boots, they're so classic and similarly to VANS can be worn with everything but are just a little smarter. These are the comfiest boots I've ever brought and I'm not just saying that! I wear these pretty much every day to work and they're the bomb.com. 

DOROTHY PERKINS // £39.00

As soon as I set eyes on these babies, I knew they were mine. I'm much more of a heeled boot gal on nights out and my go-to night out boots [see later on in this post] from New Look are on the way to their death bed so I wanted to find a replacement ASAP. These are just gorgeous, reminiscent of the Jeffrey Campbell Scully platform boots with the ridged sole, I just loved the simplicity of these boots. They're such good quality, super comfy and a great height for day to day, as well as night time antics. 

DOROTHY PERKINS // £35.00 [here]

Told you I was on a boot rampage. These are basically the suede version of the ones above but you can never have enough boots right? I also love the croc-print on the heels, an added bit of detail. Again, for all the same reasons as above I am head over heels in love with these boots. It's got to a point where choosing which boot to wear is more stressful than actually picking an outfit itself, who thought I'd see the day? 

DOROTHY PERKINS // £45.00 [here]

I cannot wait till the weather gets rainy/cold so I can wear these bad boys. I've been struggling to find 'that' pair of knee high boots for the winter for quite a while now and then I stumbled across these and oh my lord. I just want to grab hold of DP and squeeze them. These will look so cool with ripped skinny jeans, my Topshop duster kimono - all black, or monochrome, they're the ultimate accessory to any AW outfit.  

DOROTHY PERKINS // £30-£40.00 [last autumn winter] 

These boots are always over-looked in my shoe collection, it was only when I dug them out for an OOTD [here] that I realised just how much I liked them. Incorporating a sports-luxe vibe into any outfit which has been bang on trend this SS, I kinda wish I'd worn them more in the spring/summer time. I wore these all the time at Sixth Form, the heel isn't that high and they're super grippy on the sole so they're easy to walk in and navigate the cobble roads I had to tackle on a daily basis. 

TOPSHOP // £26

Summer has been all about Birkenstocks. At first, I hated the trend but after a while, I gave in. I won't lie, these shoes did give me hella bad blisters wearing them day in day out, so I do recommend a break and change of shoes - but these Topshop Birk imposters are perfect to sleep on and go. 

VANS [classic] // £40 

If you don't have a pair of classics VANS, you're doing to wrong. These are the best shoes ever. Converse suck, it's all about Vans. The ultimate pull on and do anything shoes, that go with everything and you can wear until their death [it takes a lot to destroy a pair of vans]. Honestly, this was the best investment I ever made - some people may think "why the hell would you pay £40 for a canvas shoe" but let me tell you, it's so worth every penny. 

NEW LOOK // £30.00 [estimate]

I've had these boots for three years, they were brought by my best mate as my 16th birthday present. I can't explain to you guys how much these boots have been through, they've been worn to many a house party, walked into many different shops and let me tell you, you can tell. I absolutely love battered boots and these are the perfect example of that [you can swivel the heel round on one of them, oops!] the heels and leather are scuffed, ripped and worn but these are the boots that I'll wear till I can't wear them any, which could be very soon. 

PRIMARK // £15.00

These are a very recent addition to my shoe collection. My friend Harriet brought a pair of black Timberland's for her birthday back in February and I've been lusting after a pair ever since, they're so cool. To see if I can justify the money I nabbed these imitations from Primark and I'll see how I get on. But even though they aren't real, they're still beautiful. 

All in all, it's pretty easy to see the trend in my shoe collection. Black and simplistic. I know I use it as an excuse to buy more shoes, but I genuinely don't think you can ever have enough black shoes. They're timeless and I totally think investing in a quality/expensive pair is always worth the money. 

BOOTS BOOTS I LOVE ME SOME BOOTS. 

STYLE INSPO // SKY FERREIRA

STYLE INSPO POSTS // Daisy Lowe's [here] // Matty Healy [here]

I started this STYLE INSPO series back in May and in just three months my I've revamped my style and it's definitely evolved. I think part of the reason is that now I'm working full time, all the clothes I used to lust after to create the look I wanted but couldn't afford, now isn't a problem. As well as that, autumn/winter is on the horizon which has a massive influence on my wardrobe. My style now is a lot sharper than it was back in May, I know who and what influences me a lot better than before which means these STYLE INSPO posts are going to be more accurate. Today's S.I post is centred on a lady that in my eyes is the ultimate cool babe and that lady is Sky Ferreira.

Sky is one of those Marmite girls, you either love her vibe or totally hate it. 22 years old, an American singer song-writer and model she's got the grunge style with a hint of 80s influence down.

Influence wise, I love that Sky has a really simplistic style. Similar to what I said in my Matty Healy post, I think it's much cooler when an outfit consists of basic elements and it's your persona that adds to that vibe, if that makes any sense whatsoever? I think style is all about wearing ace clothes and knowing your individual style, but it's also about the vibe you give off. We all know I love the 'just rolled out of bed look' and lets be honest, Sky exemplifies all my hair goals. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I think her make-up is really cool as well. I love a red lip and strong brows, which she pulls off effortlessly and her eyes always have that "I was born to be grunge" feel.
I've noticed that Sky tends to stick to one look but varies her pieces. She loves little mini skirts, with a t-shirt or blouse, leather or denim jacket and a good pair of boots. If I had her legs, I'd be rocking mini skirts left right and centre but I love that she's got her top half covered [call me old fashioned, but I just thinks it looks cooler not having everything on show]. I wonder how many times I'll say 'cool/cooler' in this post, eh?

I'd say Sky and I are similar in a way, we take male elements such as a bulky leather jacket, chunky boots, baggy tee's, plaid shirts and give them a feminine twist, Sky's twist being having her ace legs on show. I think it's refreshing that in the 'celeb' world, Sky has such a laid back, casual style.

It's quite hard to word what I'm about to say, but go with it and lets hope for the best...on nights out/events I tend to ramp up my style and go for something a little unexpected [even though I'm 99.9% sure it'll be all black]  - but at the heart, it still has a 'Gabi' feel to it and I think that's exactly what Sky does at events. All the looks above are very 'Sky' but especially in the 3rd photo it's a bit sharper and sleeker than what she usually wears. I read an interview with VOGUE that spoke to her stylist Ian Bradley and he mentioned that she loved Saint Laurent and I got rather excited because it's no secret that I am obsessed with that brand. Everything about S.L is sharp, the use of black, the tailoring, the campaigns. One of my weaknesses in the fashion world is taking something as iconic and sleek as Saint Laurent and contrasting it with a grunge style, as Sky demonstrates perfectly.
If anything, I think Sky's style just establishes my point that it's incredibly important to know what you like & what suits you. One thing Sky seems to love is messy blonde locks and a red lip, we've already discussed her classic combination of mini-skirts and a jacket, through that she looks fierce and incredibly stylish but that sense of style is very much within her own parameters.

I'm well aware that everyone has different opinions on what 'stylish' is and many people will look at this post and think she needs a good bath, some concealer and her hair brushed - but I absolutely love that grunge/messy look. Even though it's simplistic, there's something very classic about Sky's sense of style. There's a lot of parallels I can draw from this to my Matty Healy post. I mentioned that I tend to dress like the female version of him and if you haven't seen that idea in the outfits I wear on this blog, I think Sky is the best visual representation of the female version of Matty. I wear extremely similar things to them both on a daily basis and there's not a look in this post that I wouldn't recreate.

Sky influences my style with the concept 'less is more', a plain white T and leather skirt, with a good pair of boots and a denim jacket is sometimes just as cool, if not cooler than something overly complex and in your face. As well as that, Sky, in my opinion, is a great demonstration that style isn't just the things you wear, it's how you wear it. Her attitude and persona make up at least 40% [if not more] of her image and I think that's key. I've learnt that firstly you have to decide what suits you, what you feel comfortable in and then work with that - Sky emphasises her legs, other people might show off their tummy - but once you pinpoint that style or that particular look, confidence shines through and that makes you 10x cooler & 10x more attractive.

DARLING HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS THE WAY YOU DID LAST NIGHT

According to my Nan, I'm a goth and that's probably a tell-tell sign I wear a little too much black. But then she also asked if I was having a breakdown because of my purple hair...so, sorry Nan but goth it is. 

I brought this duster kimono from Topshop a while ago now, it was definitely an impulse buy. It was black, reminiscent of a duster coat and on the 'last chance to buy' rack so obviously, I got far too carried away and bought it. 'till now, I've not actually worn it [considering it cost £45 I probably should wear it more] but it's one of those pieces that's quite hard to style. It's so chilly in the UK at the moment and by complete chance, I threw it on with this outfit and well...ladies and gentleman by complete fluke I managed to put together a look I've absolutely fallen in love with. 

It's such a classic look made of really simple elements but I think it looks super cool. Obviously, ripped skinny jeans [as usual] were the go-to staple for this outfit and I've been living in this black cami [instead of that silky material, it's jersey which fits 10x better and goes with everything]. Boots as per, seriously, I can't wait for my 'shoe collection' post to go live because I've been on a shoe craze at the moment. It might sound silly but I'm loving a belt-look at the mo, I don't wear a lot of jewellery or accessories so I think the bronze buckle of the belt just breaks up the black slightly, plus it keeps those trousers in place. 

duster kimono - Topshop // skinny jeans - Dorothy Perkins // jersey cami - Dorothy Perkins // boots - Dorothy Perkins 

SPEAK IT OUT LOUD, INSTEAD OF LIVING IN YOUR HEAD

Summer's fading in England. It's too chilly to still be in shorts & a tee but too warm to be doing the whole jeans/jumper combo, so it's all about keeping warm but not breaking into a sweat when the sun suddenly comes out of nowhere after a torrential downpour. Oh England. 

I'm forcing myself to not slip into my all black ways [just yet] so monochrome with a pop of electric blue will do. Let's be honest, slouchy jumpers are the best part of winter and this baggy black number from Primark is without a doubt my new favourite thing. Super soft and slouchy, it looks great with jeans and/or skirts. Teamed with this New Look mini skirt, I think it emphasises the gingham print. We all know I am obsessed with this oversized bag from Zara electric blue is one of my favourite colours and in my opinion it looks ace contrasted with black. SHOCK horror, there's no Harry Styles wannabe boots in this post; I've gone back to my Dorothy Perkins heeled boots form last Autumn/Winter. Oh and I'm still trying to make a fedora happen, not sure how I feel about me/hats. 

fedora - Primark // jumper - Primark // gingham miniskirt - New Look // boots - Dorothy Perkins // bag - Zara

THE END OF AN ERA

So, that's it. Education done and dusted as of 8:30am this morning. The last 24 hours have been insane.

As some of you may know, at the start of this year I made the decision to not go to University. I've never been very academic as well as knowing inside that even if I did go to University, I wouldn't be able to get the grades needed for the only course I'd ever considered actually doing...I just knew I was ready to leave education and see what real life had to offer. I'm of the mind that there was no point doing a degree for the sake of it, especially if I wasn't going to pursue a career in that area. Ever since September of last year, I've had a part-time job in a certain high street store that I wear rather a lot [hint hint] and I am super lucky that as soon as I finished my exams at the beginning of June I was offered a full-time position. In a way, that definitely lifted the pressure because I knew that I was already in a secure job and it'd be easier to get another one, rather than fight to get a job in August with whatever results I landed.

Results. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting anything incredible. I took loads of resits this year and that on top of the stress of A2 exams alone was just hideous. They're not anything to be shouting from the rooftops, believe me some of my mates have come out with straight A's and are heading off to Cambridge University, which is crazy and I'm so proud of them, but for me - just that fact that I stuck out two more years of education when I hated it so much - these grades are a huge achievement for me. I can sit here all day and say how if I'd focused more, or revised more they might have been different but I can't change it. So, overall at AS Level I have: English Literature - C, Sociology - C and a Certificate in Financial Studies, then full A Levels I got Media Studies - C, Religious Studies - D and Psychology - E. I may not have passed at an A* but I have technically passed all my A Levels, just not very well.

I've always been honest on my blog and this to me is the end of an era. I'm not an overly emotional person and today I found myself having a little boohoo on a rather busy train. Sixth Form has genuinely been the best time two years of my entire life. It sounds cliche but I've really found myself in these past two years, not only aesthetically have I become comfortable in my own skin [which having suffered from an eating disorder in the past is a huge leap] and developed my own personal style that I love, I've grown up so much and evened out. In the past two years I've gained so much life experience and independence. I've met the most amazing people. Honestly, it makes me so sad that in September we'll all be scattered across different parts of the country but the memories we've all shared and the fact we've grown up together means the entire world to me and I won't forget a second.

I started Sixth Form in 2012 in a dark place and I was really lost, but two years on I couldn't be happier with the person I've become. I am a believer in finding your own way in life, some people know what they want and how to get it straight away and then there's people like me that take a bit longer. But you will find it, it'll come to you when you least expect it. I never in my wildest dreams expected to take A Levels, let alone at 18 years old walk into a full-time job two days after my final ever exam, I never thought I'd have this little blog that means the world to me and the prospect of a career in fashion or for that matter be in the position to move to central London in 2015.

I don't ever say it enough, but I am incredibly lucky. My Dad, that means more to me than words can describe has supported me through everything. He is my idol, having to take on the role of Mum and Dad definitely isn't easy but he's an amazing human being with the biggest heart and I am so proud to have him as my Dadda. I can't express the love I have for my friends, the friends I spent secondary school with that followed me through to Sixth Form and those that I met on the very first day or the last - you've made me laugh and cry and it's been...I don't want to get too emotional or soppy, but it's genuinely meant more to me than I can explain.

It may well be the end of an era, but this is how it starts [sneaky little 1975 quote there] and it's so true. I'm 18 years old and I have my entire life in front of me. I am so excited to see where the next year takes me and I love that I'll be able to document every little moment on this blog so that in ten years I can look back and it'll all be here, every thought, everything.

Too anyone that got their results today, I genuinely cannot wish you enough luck for whatever is next for you. If you're feeling a little lost or scared of the future, I promise it'll all fall into place and there will be ups and downs but it'll be well worth it.

I'm off out to celebrate the future along with my intelligent best-buds that I couldn't be more proud of. Thank-you for all your views on this blog and if you follow me that means so much.
See you in my next post guys,
Gabi xxxx

SLEEPLESS IN LONDON, ALL I THINK ABOUT IS YOU

Sometimes, being stuck in my all black ways, it gets a little tricky to implement colour/patterns. However, Dorothy Perkins has the cure to my all-black-obsession. This floral kimono caught my eye and yanno when you see a piece and in your head a million different looks pop up [I'm really hoping this isn't just me] - well this is just one variation I had in mind. I'm genuinely so surprised that I managed to put together an entire outfit entirely composed of Dorothy Perkins. Last year I fell in love with my leather midi-skirt from River Island, but after putting down the cakes and hitting the gym it no longer fits. AW13 was me trying my hardest to be a mixture of Kardashian/Kanye and this year, I'm much more into the 60's mini skirt vibe, so this little leather skirt was an instant "YAAAASSS". Oh and let's not get onto boots really shall we? I'm trying not to say too much because an entire post dedicated to my shoe collection is on it's way and that's where we can drool, but seriously Dottie P are on point [get it...on point...pointed toe boots, I won't quit the day job don't worry] with their boots at the mo. We all know I have major boot envy when it comes to Harry Styles, but sadly Saint Laurent are a tad bit out of my price range. 

All in all, this look is a little less Gabi than most of the outfits you'll see on my blog but I'm rather in love with it. I'm a massive fan of black mixing with the pastel floral print of the kimono and the texture of the leather skirt. 

kimono - Dorothy Perkins // faux leather mini skirt - Dorothy Perkins // boots - Dorothy Perkins // croptop - H&M