The pressures of consumerism as a blogger

In the blogging world everyone all gets wrapped up in this ideal of receiving more stuff. It's just a thing. Everyone wants to see whose getting the latest fad or makeup palette, or that new fashion trend.

Receiving blogger mail, which is pretty cool and makes you feel a little more important in the grand scale of the blogging world. But a lot of things after you've posted, lets be honest now.. get's put away somewhere. How much of that stuff that gets sent to us, is actually one of our favourites?

Now this could be quite controversial, but it's something I'm really passionate about. And that's to make informed decisions about the stuff that we choose to own. Do you really need that new watch that this company will send you - or is it just a good opportunity for your blog and reach?

I'm all for bloggers making money and yeah you get that dollar girl.. But is it really worth the expense of possibly throwing it away in landfill? Because guess what, our rubbish goes somewhere, and of course we can't stop this completely, but thinking about what we choose to purchase can decide on our own personal impact.

Fashion I know, is terrible for it. Consumerism at it's very finest - Hey you need that new shirt because everyone on the internet is wearing it. But do you? Is it going to add value to your life? Or will you forget about it the moment something else comes along? And we are all guilty of this, I'm guilty. I know for a fact that some items in my wardrobe I just bought because it was a great deal, or it was super trendy at the time, but in hindsight I never needed it or actually really wanted it, I just thought that I did.

Recently I've been trying to save money, which is really helpful when it comes to making more informed and active decisions when it comes to purchasing my clothing. If you read my post 'a better wardrobe' you know that I did a wardrobe culling recently, erasing and donating most of my closet to have a simpler way of purchasing.

This has actually changed how I buy fashion now. Now I'm looking at old brands I used to love and thinking 'hey multi million cooperation, what are you doing to contribute to sociological and financial needs of your production workers' This is changing how I purchase goods. I'm looking at buying less, but also buying value. Value to myself and also value to the people who we owe it to!

So my ultimate question is, as bloggers should we have a more mindful obligation to produce content that isn't pushing the latest trend and fad on our readers? Or will it always be that way?

Does this change your perspective on your own content in anyway?

I'd love to hear your thoughts, thanks for reading mine!
Leave a comment down below with what you think :)

Here's some interesting documentaries on consumerism & fashion:
- 'The True Cost' (Youtube trailer)
- 'Minimalism' (Youtube trailer)
These films are both on Netflix :)

I'm over on twitter & Instagram

- if you fancy a natter

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A better wardrobe

This week I've been challenging my ideals about stuff. What makes owning stuff so great? What actual fulfilment am I getting from owning more clothes, more homeware, more general crap that I don't need? It's a little bit deep, but hear me out..

My final major project at university is being based around these ideals and questions, so all week I've been opening my mind up to this whole idea of having a much more minimal lifestyle. Ultimately this adds a lot more value to your possessions, making you appreciate the items you have, getting more wear out of clothing - because they're all your favourites. Instead of using your hard earned cash on things you don't actually need or will even wear sometimes.

If you haven't already, there's a documentary on Netflix called Minimalism, watch it. It explains it a lot more in depth than me, but its really fascinating to see how far consumerism has come and played its part in our everyday lives.

Recently, I challenged the idea of shaving my head. Weird I know, but I'm just so attached to my hair and now its ruined I'm just so annoyed with it, it got to that point okay.. I think we've all been there (haha) But something really inspired me and that was that when you have no hair, you focus more on what makes you beautiful inside. Because it's just so superficial. The idea that these outward things like stuff, like hair.. doesn't actually mean anything. I guess that transfers to stuff too, does it add value to your life in anyway? Or because consumerism says you need it?
Don't panic, I'm not shaving my head, but it was just a really nice perspective to hear that these things, don't actually mean anything in the bigger outlook of things.

You're probably thinking.. okay cool, but what are you actually up to..

So today, I'm doing a huge wardrobe clear out, which was inspired by Project 333, a way of cutting down your wardrobe, so you have nicer, higher quality items which last longer and get much more wear out of them. There's video's of this all over youtube, so if you're interested take a look!

Today however, is the culling. I'm throwing away clothing/stuff that I don't wear, I'm never going to wear again, and sort these out into categories.

• Donate
• Keep
• Summer Season

I'll be putting a box of summer clothing (that I think I will wear) in my storage cupboard, because I can't wear jumpers in summertime! The idea however to complete a capsule collection of clothing, to gain the most usage of all the clothes you have as opposed to just having your favourites.
But I think I'll just have a really good clear out first!

A few hours later and here's what we managed to do!

Howard managed to somehow bring this huge storage shelving thing home, which was amazing to put my jeans and bags and things on, in the tub is a few jumpers too, mainly Howard's! We managed to cut our entire closet in HALF. We used to have my side and his side, now it's practically half a storage bit and half a hanging space.

and this is all the stuff we managed to throw away & donate. I didn't even realise I had this much stuff just sitting in my wardrobe.. I'm really looking forward to creating a wardrobe that's more me, but also one that will last with quality chosen items instead. This was a bit of a strange post (haha) but I hope you enjoyed it!

Have you been inspired to do a clear out?

Thanks for reading as always,

I'm over on twitter & Instagram
- if you fancy a natter

Jord Watch Review & Giveaway*

I've literally been so excited to share this post with you guys.. after being contacted by JORD Wood watches to collaborate on a blog post, I was so excited. I'm not usually an accessory sort of girl, but these watches were so beautiful and unique I just couldn't say no!

The one I chose was a women's watch, the Frankie 35 Series, in Dark sandalwood & Mint. I really loved the mint colour of the face against the wooden watch, which is how I finally made my mind up.. There's so many different models to choose from, all in various different colours, so choosing one was so hard! I didn't really know what to expect, wooden watches aren't something I would normally buy and I was worried about the feel and quality of the watch - if it would feel cheap or delicate. After receiving my parcel I was pleasantly surprised as it was actually quite the opposite!

The parcel was sent tracked so I knew exactly where it was, throughout the entire process, which I thought was a lovely touch and just some piece of mind. It arrived packaged up in this beautiful wooden storage box.

Inside is the little cushion that the watch wraps around and sits on, there's a little draw at the bottom to keep your spare links and it comes with a little solution to protect your watches wood, which I thought was a nice little addition!

JORD resize the watch for you after sending them your wrist measurements which saves you the hassle of trying to work out how many links you need! They are however easy to adjust if you do need to change the size a little (mine was a little large for my wrist as I measured a little larger) and the links are easy to change if needed.

This colour fits so nicely with my current wardrobe situation and I was surprised with the actual quality of the watch itself. The watch strap is closed by a double metal clasp which makes it feel more luxurious and high quality.

Would I recommend Jord Watches? I would 100%. The company itself were a pleasure to work with and it was really clear to see that they think about their customers. I got nothing but good vibes. Their range of colour choices, styles were great, alongside the amazing quality of the product, which really surprised me! The price of the collections start from $129, but for a beautiful unique watch it really is worth the money. (However if you're feeling a little skint, JORD has been super kind and set up a giveaway for all my lovely readers!)

Giveaway with JORD Wood watches

JORD are giving ALL of my readers a $25 gift code and ONE lucky person will be randomly selected to receive a $100 gift code! This giveaway will end on the 15th January 2017.

To enter the giveaway, simply fill out this form via the link below and your gift code will be emailed to you :)

>> https://www.woodwatches.com/g/aficklefox <<

What's your thoughts? Isn't this the most beautiful watch?
Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Thanks for reading as always!

*This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches, however all opinions are my own.

- Photos by Howard Budzynski -

I'm over on twitter & Instagram
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The grey cosy jacket

As soon as I saw this jacket in New Look's window I had to have it, I'm such a sucker for window shopping.. give me something amazing on a display and I just need it. The power of styling..
You might of seen it posted a little on my instagram, along with this scarf that I don't think I've actually taken off yet. Lucky for me, Howard is an actual photographer so we went out on one of our Sunday's when we actually see other and took some snaps.
It was really nice as I'm used to being this sort of blogger who does everything herself, for years I've just self-timed everything so it was really lovely to have some fun creating with somebody else.

Recently I've been changing my wardrobe a little. I've always been a black outfit lover, but recently I've been trying to be a little more neutral with my choice in clothing. Living in a one bed apartment means I have much more limited space, including my closet. (it's sad I know) Which is making me be more selective in my clothing purchases, to mix and match up more of my outfits.

I'm becoming a lot more minimal. I have a few statement pieces still, but I'm enjoying changing my wardrobe and I'm planning to donate a lot of my old clothes in the new year to make way for a more sophisticated wardrobe (I'm hoping)

I'm obsessed with this jacket though, it's so adorable but it's also really warm. I needed something I could throw on, without it being a heavy coat and this does the perfect job. I love mixing up some textures too, so this was a perfect addition to my changing wardrobe.

Have you got any fun cosy clothes this winter?

Thanks for reading as always,

I'm over on twitter & Instagram
- if you fancy a natter

October Wardrobe Wishlist 🎃

Its already day 14 of blogtober! I can't believe that I've actually achieved it so far, going from 0 to blogging everyday I feel so much more happier with the progress I'm making. Im also enjoying it so much more now, its always so lovely to feel like you're achieving your goals.

This post is a little 'wardrobe' Wishlist for October, I've been swooning over these items and although there's not a lot of them, I'm very selective haha, besides the fact I think I'm actually addicted to homeware...

Pom Pom Headband - Missguided/ASOS

I love love this, anything to make my hair super cute I am all over it. Perfect for the spooky season, I do however love misguided, but hate their delivery service, so I always buy their stuff through Asos. Never had any trouble with Asos, so excited to buy these. (link)

Kitty Pumps! - ASOS

How super cute are these! I am such a shoe lover, anything quirky and I'm like yes girl I need those. Hence why I have way too many shoes, but they are adorable, perfect for the spooky fest coming up and I am probably going to buy these straight after writing this post! (link)

PUNKY PINS 

Not really sure how or why I didn't find this brand sooner, but I love most of their pins. I made an order a few weeks ago and waiting as one of them was out of stock, but should be arriving soon! But these 2 pins are on my next 'to-get' list, they're cute and spooky.. what's not to like? (link)

That outfit - ASOS

You're probably thinking what the hell is this heading but look at that outfit, YAS!  It doesn't need any other explanation really.. It's right up my street, with that cute blouse and loose fitted trousers. Just gimme it, Give it to me! (link)

Pink Beanie - River Island

Now my hair's a cute orangey peachy pink I'm on the look for cute items to match for the winter, I really like this hat and I'm having a cute pom pom phase.. so thumbs up for me! (link)

I'm sure I'll do a homeware edition soon, I'm trying to cut back my spending so it just makes me sad making wish lists! (whoops)

What are you lusting over this autumn? Leave a comment with your links!

Thanks for reading as always x

OOTD // Take me to your leader 👽

Hi Gang!
So today's blog post is another lookbook hooray! I'm really loving these new fashion-y posts, and I've got so much good feedback from them, I even got reposted by lookbook on their instagram and twitter to over a million followers which was amazing! so hey ho, I'll continue making them. Today I was feeling really space girl vibes and I just decided to wear grey, because WHY NOT.

My makeup was also super sparkly, but I couldn't really get a decent shot that I don't look like some rave mess haha

SO here's the lowdown on my outfit! Which is surprisingly cheap AF.

All these items the top, skirt and tights are all from PRIMARK. Yep.
And the boots are from New look!

My hair is now this beautiful pinky peach colour which I am LOVING. However its not really going along with my cold blue theme I've got going on haha, blogger problems.

I think this was the shortest post I've ever done (sorry) but yeah they're all mostly primark except for the boots. I Love this look, it just screams autumn for me. What do you think?

OOTD // Letters To Ghosts

Hi guys!
Im really excited to play the sims right now because I can relax a little as I get Friday's off uni so I can chill out and just prep for work this weekend.

Today's blogtober post (number 6) is another fashion post, Hoozah! This is one of my favourite jumpers for autumn and its so comfortable and cosy, I know I will be wearing this non stop throughout winter!

So here is what I am wearing!

Block grey jumper - River Island (link)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this jumper, I bought it while student discount was on so I could get 20% (wood woop!) it really gives me crazy 60's vibes, with the whole high turtle neck going on, then this big square kind of shape to it. This looks awesome with a skirt or jeans. LOVE.

Faux leather grey skirt - Primark

I realised the other day I had like no skirts, let alone a leather-style one. The last one I had I tried on the other day and it didn't fit over my butt (oops) so I went abit skirt crazy in primark. This was like £7 I think, just super simple, versatile and goes with pretty much anything.

Suede knee high boots - Faith (I think)

I'm pretty sure I bought these boots a couple years ago from faith in Debenhams.. they were on sale and I wear them every winter, so comfy and again just goes with everything. Perfect for the colder weather.

So that's another look from me!
Don't forget I'm over on Lookbook, Twitter and Instagram :)

OOTD // Witchcraft

'Witchcraft' - OOTD

It's second day of Blogtober and I'm still feeling pumped despite the fact I've been at work all day and I'm so tired. It's nice to challenge myself to post, otherwise I know I would never do it as other things just sort of take priority. I'm really getting into the spooky spirit, hence my music choices on twitter and the title..

Anyway! Today is a fashion post! (ooooh I hear you say) some of my most popular posts have been fashion related and it's a shame that I stopped doing them, but a shopping spree later I am equipped and I'm feeling really inspired to express myself through the means of clothing!

 that's the end of the super posey pictures and here is the 'low-down' on what I'm wearing. *Not sponsored, just wanted to share my clothes with you guys..

Yellow turtleneck top - River Island 

(I couldn't find it online :()

This is quite a thick top, and it's ribbed, but its super cosy and just perfect for the chilly weather we are starting to have and It's a great colour for Autumn!

Grey pattern scarf - New Look [Link]

Super cute scarf that pretty much goes with everything, I chose something neutral so it will fit with many outfits over the colder months 

Grey Leather Look Skirt - Primark

I bought this the other day as I needed some more skirts in my life and I love it! It goes with almost anything and it goes with my hair really well (lol) I think it was about £10 :)

Black Boots - New Look [Link]

I picked these up too last week, just a super versatile plain black ankle boot. They go with everything and they're just really comfy!

SO that's this look! You can find me over on lookbook here 

Don't forget I'm also on twitter and Instagram, Follow for updates on #blogtober

Cruise #ootd

Hi guys, If you can tell my blog has had a wonderful makeover. I really wanted it to be more minimal and organised looking! I'm very happy with it! 

So today's post is just a little lazy outfit of the day. Do you ever just have those days when you really can't be bothered to wear anything interesting. Well today I picked this cute little legging, top combo..

Just perfect for lounging around in the house, I didnt even bother putting socks on.. whoops. I'm pretty sure that this top is from Select.. or Primark. It's such a great colour for pairing with my purple hair. I'm loving coral at the moment! Sorry this is such a short post.. My university deadline is next week so not much time for posts!

Hope you're loving the new layout like I am! :)

Chunky Sandal Wishlist

Recently I've been loving this new chunky sandal trend that seems to be floating around. I keep seeing all my favorite fashion bloggers wearing them and I just need a pair.. All of these shoes are from eBay, so I'm not sure if you can actually find them anywhere else but I will link them anyway. These shoe's were all available in different colours, but these are just the ones I chose!

1. Women's Ankle strappy shoe in Black // £16.95 // (link)

2. Chunky gladiator sandals in White // £22.99 // (link)

3. Cut out, chunky sandals in Silver Hologram // £26.99 // (link)

4. Jelly Sandals in Mint // £11.99 // (link)

5. Chunky cut-out boots in Black // £24.99 // (link)

6. Chunky open toe heels in Pastel Blue // £27.85 // (link)

These were just a few of my favorite's that I picked out.. unfortunately I'm going to have to save up for one pair of these beauties :( I think my favorite's have to be number 6, but I really would like a new pair of Jelly sandals for the summer.. What do you think, do you like this new trend?

Mono-Violet

I have literally left blogging behind for the past few weeks, after visiting home I accidentally left my laptop charger so I have been unable to blog for a little while. But I should be back with regular posts :)

Today I'm just sharing with you my outfit of the day.. Today was just a chilled day as I was going into university and it was kind of warm, but I did take my parka coat with me however.
I have alot of work to catch up with the next few weeks so I probably won't be blogging as much as I would like but I will try (I have a few queued posts) Also I will try to do snoozy sundays again (sorry!)

So here's my outfit of the day! :)

Black and white shirt - Select, £12 (I think)

PVC Quilted skirt - Primark £3

Tights - Primark

Satchel Bag - Forever 21, £19

Boots - Primark, £12

If you don't already, check out my lookbook!

#ootd - Space Buns

So it's Sunday and I'm not usually doing an outfit of the day post, but usually my snoozy sunday. This week.. I've practically instagrammed very much little of nothing.. the thing is I've done loads of stuff, but had so much fun I forgot to instagram it *slaps wrist*

Anyway this week I burnt my hand whilst cooking.. whoops, so excuse this very fashion dressing on my hand that I'm rocking at the moment but this is what I wore out today! :)

I really love my new sunglasses, for just 3 quid.. chucking my hair in buns is also my favourite thing when I cannot be bothered to wash my hair! It just fades out so I try not to wash it everyday!

Anyway, this is what I'm wearing:

Floral crop top - Select // £10.00 

Sunglasses - Primark // £3.00

Hatch cross skirt - Select // £10.00

Belt (part of a set) - Asos

Fishnet tights - Primark // £2.00

Socks (part of a set) - Primark // £3.00

Jelly shoes - Primark // £4.00

This weekend, I've spent time with my boyfriend and just relaxed and it's been really nice, so I'm sorry if you were looking forward to another snoozy sunday! But it'l be back next week! I hope you enjoyed my outfit of the day post, I'm hoping to do some more in the next few weeks.. let me know what you think I love replying to comments, also if you don't already check out my lookbook! 

Hope you had a great week!

April Wishlist

Lately I've been craving things. Items I can't afford, mainly because they are just too out of reach of my £50 a week budget.. after buying food for the week and all the items you generally need to live, I'm left with little money to spend on myself, some of these items would just take all my money and I'm just left dreaming and drooling of the items I really want this month! So I've compiled a little wishlist of the things I'm saving up for this month..

1. Floral Pavilion Scrapbook Album 12 x 12 // £15.00

(link)

After I've started scrapbooking I just found it would be 100 times more easier if at the beginning I had just bought a normal 12x12 album. It's getting increasingly more annoying having it as a separate book, I just love the floral print on this and I just think it's lovely for the price.

2. JUJU Jellies in purple // £25.00

(link)

After buying some jelly shoes from primark, and them breaking within a week, I really want to buy a decent pair of jelly shoes. Purple.. obviously, but I think I might hunt around eBay before spending £25.00 on a pair.. but I really like the pastel colours too.. I'm so torn

3. Large Yankee Candle Bahama Breeze // £19.99

(link)

After trying out the wax tart melt in Bahama Breeze, I knew that I just had to have it in a large candle, it's not exactly cheap though so lots of saving has to happen. I just love candle's though and I can't wait to own this, but I think it will be a long time before I do.

4. Fruit-a-licious Wax Tart Melts // £9.99

(link)

I'm obsessed with Yankee Candle and my favourite thing to have in my room is my melt burner with a gorgeous scent. It just fills my room up and it smells beautiful. I love having melt's and I would really love to try the new fruity scents for summer.

5. Mono Check Rose Shirt Tea Dress // £15.00

(link)

I'm actually loving Select at the moment, their new stuff is so summery and cute, but also at a fraction of some other high street stores. Their prices I would say reflect Primark, but the quality just feels so much nicer. I've bought a few new items from Select, and I just loved this dress when I saw it in store!

6. Black Ribbon trim shaker hat // £25.00

(link)

River Island and summer just go together so beautifully, but unfortunately my student budget.. doesn't. I tried on this hat in store when I visited London and it looked so cute but at a £25.00 price tag, I doubt it will ever sit on my head again! Little bit too pricey for a hat for myself, but a girl can dream.

7. Black Chunky Heel Cut-out Ankle Boots // £20.00

(link)

I saw these in store and I've been after a cute pair of boots with a heel just so I can feel abit more dressy, instead of being in my biker boots and converse all the time. These were just £20 from Select and they have a 15% student discount too, so they'll only be £17! 

So, that's my little wishlist for April, I hope I can buy at least one or two of my items from my list, even if it means reducing my food budget! It's been ages since I've done a wishlist post, I hope you liked it :)

If you haven't already enter my Yankee Candle Giveaway! You can win any small candle of your choice so it's worth a few clicks! Enter Here!

Spring Haul

So this week I've been back in Birmingham where I have missed shopping so much.. there's nothing like shopping in your hometown where you know where everything is. I picked up some super cute clothes and bits and bobs that I just couldn't wait to share!

Clothes Show Live!

Hello! I'm sorry again, for my lack of posts. I've been so busy now that I'm back in Birmingham, meeting up with old friends etc I haven't had the time! I was also waiting for the above photos to be posted online so I could post this lovely post about Clothes Show Live 2013.

As you can see I was snapped at the clothes show, wearing my usual cheap primark attire haha, you can view the article with my photographs if you click on them, above. I wish however I told her that my scarf is actually Burberry, might of made my outfit sound better than just primarni lol. ;) My fringe is also just crazy, apologies haha. Since having this new fringe in, I've seemed to forgotten how to style it, but now I've been blow-drying it, its been so much better. Anyway, moving along...

So this is what I actually bought from the clothes show this year :)

So this year, I was genuinely disappointed with the clothes show, this is literally all I bought.

I found that there was so much vintage stuff and barely any higher end brands, which was super disappointing as I don't ever go to the clothes show to 'thrift' Birmingham town centre has so many vintage stores, what's the point of going to the clothes show for it when its like 10x the price.

 I literally bought one piece of clothing and then bits and bobs and a goody bag.

Even the Rimmel goody bags this year were super rubbish, it had like fake tan and orange coloured lipsticks etc and its winter.. like what.

So I was sad about that.

They had there own little social media blogger section too, which was super cool, but as it was invitation only, it was kind of pointless. They had a whole area allocated for it but no-one was ever there. I thought it would've been good for any blogger to go visit, get tips, you know, but nope.

So yeah, rant over, sorry haha but I am so glad that I bought a groupon ticket and didn't pay full price.

These were a good idea this year though, although the first photograph was £3. ¬_¬

But meh, the concept was cool, we just didnt have enough time to change props haha hence why I also look so surprised in the top photograph.

The second booth photo was free and we got free diet coke! yay!

Ciate, Emerald Collection box set - £3

So these were on offer if you bought 3 of these sets it was only £10, which according to my lovely friend Katie who came with me. She loves this brand and I was convinced. Maybe I might actually try and have nails for Christmas. I thought this box set was the perfect opportunity to kind of just have a go at it and see how I feel. So I had one of Katie's boxes as I don't need 3. I'm thinking of doing a review on this soon! 

So comment if you would like to see that. :)

Directions, Hair Dye, Various colours, - 4 for £10

I know that there's only 3 here, but I used one to mix with my conditioner. It's just a turquoise one. I thought I would stock up on some colours, I really want to try the violet next, which I will probably dilute. I'm just so excited to try new colours and I love la riche directions, so far.

ELLE Magazine, Goody bag - £2

I bought this last year and although I wasn't hyped about what was actually in the goody bag, I bought it anyway just for the magazines. I really enjoy ELLE but I can never pay £4 for a magazine, just ouch. So 2 for £2 plus a nail varnish and St Tropez bottle is kinda worth it.

I did however receive the St Tropez last year, which sucked because it was just meh, disappointing guys!

Cross top, OhMyLove - £5

This was the same exact stock they had in last year, their tshirts etc they were selling off for a fiver. I bought it because I bought some last year and they are super comfy! I was so sad that it was the same stock though, I really wanted to get some bargains from them as I love their stuff. This looks cute though, love wearing this with some leggings. :)

Diet coke Graduate show

I didnt actually visit the main show, I wanted to shop more than anything although I did stop by some of the graduate showcases to see what graduates were up too! These are some of my favourites :)

For some reason blogger isn't letting me upload my edited versions. Boo!

But yeah I'm sorry for my poor photographs this week, I have had to use my iphone for some as my boyfriend is borrowing my super camera :3

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Thanks for reading :)