Why Instagram is S**T (in my opinion)

Okay, so I used to have a best friend, I thought they liked me as much as I liked them. I would pour hours of my time and energy into what I thought they liked and always seek approval from them. That ‘friend’ was called Instagram.

It was a slow transition. It started with an innocent picture of my Eggs Benny one day but boy did it escalate. It escalated to a point of missing fun times in place of getting ‘the shot’. It escalated to an extreme of sacrificing things I loved in place of taking pictures for brands or other ‘grammers’.

Now I will say one thing before I tell you the ugly truth. And that is I have met some AMAZING humans through the squares. Some people who are just deliciously kind and good hearted. Some people who are up for a laugh and don’t take the whole virtual world too seriously.  For that reason alone, it could be worth it. But anyway here goes…..this is why I think Instagram is s**t.

YOU ARE BOMBARDED WITH OTHER PEOPLES S**T

Whether it’s good or bad news, you are constantly exposed to other peoples days/fears/news/relationships/cats/dogs – okay dogs are the good bits – but you get the picture. It would have been humanly impossible to come across such a large array of emotions/interactions within your 30 minute commute to work 10 years ago. But now? Now you get smacked in the face with millions of *other peoples* thoughts on random s**t before you’ve even had a chance to digest your morning cocoa pops.

The smallest action of opening up the app to see a few pretty pics can leave you angry, sad, happy, anxious or just plain confused. And the worst thing??? We still open it up. It’s like an addiction. But like all addictions, it can be unhealthy.

I wonder, do we really need to see what everyone is up to each and every day. Do we really need to see people having a crap time and complaining or having a great time and not complaining. I’m thinking maybe not so much.

IT IS NOT REAL

Instagram is not real life. It can never ever be real life. So why do we incorporate it into real life so much?? The constant updates, the talking stories, the massively long captions which make my eyes strained. It can never ever give the full picture of someones life. It’s the portion they are willing to share with you at that moment in time on that day. *It is not real* (I really can’t stress this enough). Think someones having a shit time, you could be totally wrong, think someones having a great time, again you’ll never know. You’ll never actually know unless you take them out for a wine/coffee, and even then you still might not know. Insta is just not real.

Now there are some great posts out there which aim to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth and therefore make people feel all warm and fuzzy. You know the ones I mean… talking openly about tummy rolls, or bad things that have happened to them in the day etc. But you know what??.. I don’t know about you but this can still have an impact on my mood. I end up feeling sad for someone if they complain and tell me they’re having a bad day – I take on some of their emotions just like I would a real life 3D friend. The tummy roll pics make me feel bad too, bad for not openly sharing my tummy rolls and loving them in the same way that the said ‘grammer can.

COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY

So, I want you to imagine a simple time, a time where people lived in a quiet village and would notice their neighbours new car or their friend’s snazzy landscaped garden. Maybe they gently eyed up their cousin’s watch and complimented their work colleague on their new Choos. Well all that is probably harmless right? However, add in a few hundred cars, gardens, watches, shoes, holidays which you are perusing day in day out and you could suddenly find yourself not appreciating all the beautiful things within your little real world. And that is just not cool.

I really do think it’s true when they say “Life moves pretty fast, and if you don’t stop and look around once in a while you could miss it”. You could miss all the flavours of the wonderful food you’re having one evening because you’re scrolling through your feed and eyeing up someone else’s night on the town. You could miss the brilliant result your kid got at school because you’re being bombarded with someone’s good news on the squares and rushing to congratulate them wholeheartedly. You could just miss it. Period.

YOU WORK YOUR SOCKS OFF ON THE GRID FOR HARDLY ANYTHING

Now coming from one challenging healthcare job onto a life in the squares I am honestly questioning if its all worth it. Sure, I get to unleash my creative side on any beautiful human that will look at it. I get to choose pretty outfits and sometimes I get sent beautiful clothes or even get paid to take pics of them. But there is a lot that you don’t see on Instagram. The location scouting, the ironing, the editing, the negotiating, the 10 emails back and forth for one picture and the 20 emails chasing payments from brands – sometimes they still don’t pay. I often sit myself down and think ‘what the actual hell am I doing this all for?’.

INSTAGRAM IS UNPREDICTABLE

Now one of the main things that grinds my gears about this slightly evil square app is the unpredictability of it all. The algorithm. The sodding algorithm. Just when you think you’ve got to grips with it, it frikkin changes AGAIN. I think the people at Insta must like to mess with people psyches or something. That’s my best guess. I think we will be talking in years to come about how Instagram scrapped the chronological order of things and where we were on that day!!!

At this moment in time they’ve screwed with the engagement side of things. Which is probably not a big deal if you’re just sharing a pic of your schnauzer (hopefully me in a few weeks) but, if you’ve worked your way up over the years to collaborate with brands they probably expect a certain amount of traffic on your posts. It’s kinda like being kicked in nuts by Insta since they hide EVERYONE’S posts. And it just doesn’t make sense. Also the smaller accounts suffer, lack of exposure leads to lack of growth going back to what I said earlier – what is the actual point??

QUALITY VS QUANTITY 

Quite often quality and amazing content doesn’t add up to getting those elusive likes. Nope sir, its more about post timing, consistency and using the right hashtags (Some are too big and some are too small and some are jusssssst right). The trouble is, we’re NOT robots. We are humans with lives and we may not be able to manage all of the above on every post. And even if we do it drastically sucks all of the fun out of it like that miserable guy in the corner of the party who doesn’t wanna dance to Gloria Estefan.

SO WHAT CAN BE DONE?

1) Well, we could put our virtual tail between our legs and we could quit. Except, all that hard work?? Such a shame.

2) We could take a massive step back like, you know, to Brazil. If something is making you tense/pissed off/annoyed then I’m personally thinking it’s not even worth it. My recent mini Insta-break has refreshed my soul and done me the world of good. I’ve also noticed a mahoosive drop in my anxiety… funny that.

3) We could make our profiles private. Okay so if you’ve been mega relaxed about this in the past then it’s probably not gonna make a huge difference because lots of people have your data, but it’s probably a step in the right direction.

4) We could unfollow all the people that don’t spark joy in us. The problem with this is it changes on a daily basis for me and you might offend some genuinely gorgeous humans. But then as someone I know always says ‘you can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs’.

As for me, much like a badly behaved boyfriend from years ago, I’ll probably take Insta back with open arms at some point. But until that day, I’m enjoying the ups and downs of my delightful 3D world.

Big Love as always,

Han

xox

P.s I would love to hear your views on Instagram.

 

 

 

Trick or Treat Yourself

Halloween, it sure can be a ghoulish affair, and I’m just talking about the inevitable ugly wardrobe choices. It seems to me that there can be two ways to go with this, full on fancy dress (usually expensive) or using a bit of imagination with clothes that you have a vague chance of wearing again. I for one fall firmly into the second category. Okay, so you might not be winning any prizes for most creative outfit, but you’ll look sexy and hot, and that’s all that matters in my book.

Now, in case it’s not already clear, I’m not Halloween’s greatest fan. In fact I don’t see why we Brits have adopted this American annual day of spookiness. Maybe I’m bitter at the idea of buying shed-loads of sweets and not being able to eat them myself, only to have some little s**t knock on my door and demand I hand them over. Whatever the reason, there’s still a part of me that wants to join in (maybe the same part that likes wine).

Ultimately I do love a party, and I like seeing what everyone else is wearing, even if I personally don’t want to look like a naughty nurse for the night. And so this Cinderella will go to the crazy blood-soaked devil-horn-adorned ball.

But what the hell will she wear?? Well, this is where PRETTY LITTLE THING steps in. The clever people over at PLT HQ have created some really affordable Halloween-esque outfits which won’t break the bank and can be re-worn throughout the winter party months.

Here I’m linking my faves which will be sexy enough to wear after all the Halloween hysteria has calmed down, but vampy enough to dress up with some extra thick eyeliner on the night.

MESH DRESS

I absolutely love this dress. It’s daring, it’s full on and lets face it, the only time you can get away with walking around in a see-through get up is for Halloween.

I’m opting for a black layer underneath to hide my undercrackers but do as you please. Big Knicker style a la Kendall if you like, just make sure you add a massive faux fur coat to hide your modesty for the journey (especially as you just know you’ll end up in McDonald’s at the end of the night).

For make up I painted a ‘day of the dead’ style eyeliner situation; I feel like it suited the gothic vibes.

To dress it after Halloween, go for a little black dress underneath and brightly coloured heels. It will look eye-catching on a date night out, and you’ll just be glad you got to wear it again.

BUY IT HERE

BLACK FRILL DRESS

This dress is the ideal for those (like me) wanting to loosely partake in dressing up. I actually think this one will be my personal Halloween choice for the night. It’s fitted and chic, and you could easily wear it out to dinner (and I did by the way!!!). I mean let’s be honest, screw Halloween, this dress is hot!!

If you’re feeling the pressure maybe finish the look with a witches hat (available at all good Poundlands across the country).

BUY IT HERE

BALLGOWN WITH SLIT

Okay this may be one of the only times you get to rock a floor length gown on the tube without stares. The material is super slinky, and I adore it. The cost is minimal too – at a mere £20 this dress is a total snip!! Speaking of snips, the long slit is sexy as hell, maybe add some devil horns to fully look the Halloween part.

BUY IT HERE

LACEY CROP

Where do I start with this outfit? The lace on the crop keeps things gothic but this is sooooo wearable after Halloween too. I chucked it over a sheer shirt and jeans for date night with the Mr, but you could totally wear it with a pleather skirt for a girls night out.

BUY IT HERE

T-SHIRT DRESS

The most versatile (and cost effective) outfit of the bunch, you could use this shirt dress in an unlimited amount of ways.

This is such a re-wearable piece – check out how I styled this with OTK boots for a sexy vibe. All you need to do is add in your make up of choice (think fake blood or maybe cat ears and whiskers) and you have a perfect Halloween look.

Throw on a big statement coat or pair with oversized denim to keep this look fresh yet warm into November and beyond.

BUY IT HERE

So there we have it, my Halloween hot list.

Whatever you’re up to, have a good one guys. And remember, if you’re out for the night it means you’ll avoid the trick or treaters and keep all the sweets to yourself 🙂

Hannah

XOX

This blog post is a collaboration with Pretty Little thing but all views are my own (pinky promise) 😛

Silver Points

So peeps, it’s probably obvious from some of my previous posts that I love a good old statement piece. Something bright, something catchy, or in this case: something silver. 

Like a little magpie I tend to be drawn to shiny and sparkly things (within reason- diamontes don’t tend to do it for me!). 

These kicks were an impulse ZARA purchase a few years back, but I crack them out the closet a couple of times a year for a quick spin. NB: Quick because they are not the comfiest of pointy loafers 🙈

I’ve linked some silver beauties below just in case you fancy a walk on the bright side. Perhaps avoid having to stock up on bandaids and try them on first before rushing to the till. 

The sweater is BANANA REPUBLIC, but there’s a similar option below. 

Till next time….

Hannah xox 

Asos Loafers 

Office silver pointed flats 

Silver ‘Simply Be’ Loafers 

Zara silver platform brogues 

Ray Bans 

Zara ‘Join Life’ Jeans 

Valentino Rockstud Bag

Jazzy Jumpers

Cosy, cuddly, snuggly…… I’m a sucker for a big jumper! These huge oversized sweaters are easy to wear, easy to style, and quite frankly hide a multitude of cheat meals and other goodies you find yourself accidentally devouring 🍩🍪🍿🍫🍬. 

A big chunky knit is also perfect for the slightly cooler temperatures we’ve been experiencing in London, and this year I’ve become particularly obsessed with the colourful varieties. Reds, Pinks, Yellows, I’m being drawn to them like a moth to a flame. I love the way they keep an outfit spicy and help to add a sprinkle of ‘je ne sais quoi’.

I’ve been living in black recently, so adding a colourful piece into the mix is an easy way to hot it up. With this yellow PRIMARK number you could go further with it and mix it up with normal blue denim and tan accessories. 

Here I paired red boots with a red jumper from TKMAXX for the Matchy Matchy look. This off the shoulder sweater is the pinnacle of sexy cool 😎.

The pink roll neck at the top also from TKMAXX could have easily been paired with some red Culottes. Ultimately it’s about having some fun with colour and splashing it into your wardrobe whenever you can/fancy it. 

On a slightly different note, I recently spied this statement jumper in ZARA. I’m so in love with the stretchy feel-good material. Might be having a few ‘Blonde Moments’ over the next few weeks!! 💁🏼

Which stand out sweater colours are you lusting after this autumn?? Comment below 😉 

Hannah xox 
BUY 

Zara ‘Blonde’ Jumper 

Red Jumper 

Similar Pink Jumper 

Similar Mustard Jumper 

Red Boots – River Island 

Black Boots – Office 

Sunday Style

I don’t know about you guys, but Sunday is my recharge day.

I usually have a lie in, a big brunch (almost always cooked by my lovely boyfriend- it’s safer that way), and then an epic walk to burn it all off so comfy casuals are essential. I tend to go for some sort of jean/trainer combo.

I’m a stickler for throwing in matching pieces on an outfit and was pretty delighted when I found these old school ‘ice purple’ Adidas Gazelles in OFFICE which happen to be a great match for my baby Valentino. (NB: I literally do look after that bag as if it was my first child).

Sunnies are also a non-negotiable (added bonus is hiding the effects of a saturday night out on the town).

BUY

Oversized Denim Jacket

Nude Valentino Rockstud Bag

Zara ‘Join Life’ Jeans with Ankle Slit

Adidas Gazelles in ‘Ice Purple’

Mirrored Pink Raybans

BUY – STEAL OPTIONS

Topshop Nude Bag

Pink Trainers

Pink Mirrored Sunnies

I hope you’ve had a fabulous weekend!!

What do your Sunday #ootd’s look like? Would love to hear 👂🏻

Shiny Stomps

Okay, so admittedly these studded TOPSHOP babies have been appearing on my tootsies continuously since April.

They are just perfect for changeable weather, but maybe more importantly, they are actually comfortable!!

Like most ankle boots these are so versatile, which makes styling them a dream. I love how they can be dressed up or down, and paired with jeans or dresses with ease. I’ve even worn them with opaque black tights and skipped around London in them all day.

A small ankle boot is definitely a wardorobe essential and I think that the studs on these help keep them interesting enough to add some va-va voom to a variety of outfits.

Highly recommend them peeps!! The suede biker jacket above in the main picture is REISS but a couple of years old – I’ve linked some similar options for all budgets. Top and Jeans from main pic are both oldies from ZARA. Gingham dress is FLORENCE AND FRED but sold out, so I linked a similar one below.

Have you guys fallen for some footwear over the summer? Comment below 🙂

NB: UK Summer consists of rain, sun, wind, lightening, and generally unpredictable situations…..

BUY

Topshop Studded Boots

Reiss Jacket – Splurge

Suede Style Jacket – Steal

Gingham Dress

Hats Off

Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good hat?? They’re chic (so people say), they can instantly make an outfit look interesting, and my personal fave: they can cover up messy hair!! 💁🏼🙆🏼

This particular bad boy is from Reiss in Bicester Village but I’ve linked some similar options, check them out at the bottom of the post.

The denim shirt is an old one from a few years back, it was a bit of an after thought, but the sun had gone in by the time I’d finished sprucing myself up and I didn’t wanna freeze to death. Shirts are actually perfect light jackets for this crazy unpredictable weather we’ve been having (SUN, RAIN, SUN, WIND, SUN, RAIN…. you get the picture).

The statement T is an oldie too but I’ve linked some similar options below. Shiny leather look jeans help keep the outfit interesting, and loafers are great for those days when you wanna be comfy but still look like you’ve thought things through. By the way, these particular ones from Office are actually wearable without having to stock up on the Elastoplasts (Band-aids for my US buddies).

What are your bad hair day secrets?? Comment below…

BUY

Reiss Hat

New Look – Steal Hat

Zara Leather look jeans

White Statement T-shirt

Office Loafers

M and S – Steal Loafers

Denim Shirt – Splurge

Denim Shirt – Steal

Dress to Impress

I’m always on the hunt for reasonably priced, but expensive-looking dresses.

Recently I had a birthday occasion to celebrate (it was my boyfriends grandads 90th birthday). I knew I wanted something demure but smart.

When I spotted this bargain piece in Zara it seemed to fit the bill. I loved the elegant cream colour and the crochet style looked refreshingly different.

I paired it with some neutral pieces as I wanted the look to be understated. If I was wearing it again for a daytime brunch I would go with bright accessories like cobalt blue or scarlet red, just to jazz it up.

Have you ever worn a bargain dress to a big event? I’d love to hear about it! Use the comment box below 🙂

BUY

Cream Zara Dress

Nude Valentino Rockstud Bag

Nude Bag – Steal Option

Nude Shoes – Splurge Option

Nude Shoes – Steal Option

Sunshine Shoes

I think when a shoe is 10,000 megawatts of brightness, i’m more comfortable if the outfit is generally toned down and nautical stripes is an easy way to achieve this.

Here this MARKS AND SPENCER Striped Jumper with jumbo flared sleeves did the trick to keep the outfit interesting enough without going overboard.

Plain looking ripped jeans from NEXT and a bag of the same colour palette from HENRI BENDEL help the outfit stay easy on the eye.

By keeping the outfit within 4 different colours your eye is drawn more to the star of the show (the TOPSHOP mules).

ALTERNATIVES
I think the outfit could work well with a red shoe also!!

BUY – Links to exact JUMPER and similar items for the rest of the outfit

Flared Jumper

Mustard Shoes

Light Blue Jeans

Denim Colour Bag: Splurge Option

 Denim Blue bag: Steal Option