Happy 7 Years, Seventeen James! A Life Recap & Plans for the Future

Outfit: Shirt - Custom (similar here) / Skirt - H&M (old, similar here) / Shoes - Tony Bianco

Today marks the 7 year anniversary of this blog. It was seven years ago that this blog came to life, when I was encouraged at university to start one as a place to constantly write and share my passions. Since then, I've been running this blog (not as consistently as I would like) and have loved opening up about fashion, beauty and lifestyle. If anything, this space has brought me closer to fashion, not in just what I wear, but to the world of fashion. I love discussing fashion weeks, designers, trends and so on. For me this space is such an incredible creative output for that. 

I'll be honest with you, I thought I would be in a different place with this blog by now, but as they say "life gets in the way". A lot has happened in the last 7 years; most importantly finishing my Undergrad in Journalism in 2017, and now just a week ago, I finished my Masters in Media & Communications. I haven't graduated yet, but all my coursework and dissertation are complete. I'm genuinely quite proud of myself, especially completing a degree during this pandemic. 

 

Moreover, I've been back and forth between London and Colombo, and then just as I was about to return to London, COVID hit. So yeah, definitely things happened. We all spent countless days in lockdown over the last 18 months, or even more now, so life hasn't been smooth sailing. 

That being said, creating content has definitely been such a wonderful output for me to not only enjoy my passions but to unwind... which is ironic since it's work in a way. I've been utterly grateful to have this blog for 7 years and only hope to have it for another 7 or more. I know I haven't had the trajectory that other bloggers or content creators have had, but I'm happy to continuously learn and grow, finding who I am and the kind of content I want to make as I go along. 

I definitely think in recent months I have figured out where I want this to go and hopefully I can take it there. So I hope you continue on this journey with me as I learn and create more.I have such incredible plans and hope to make loads of different updates and in the near future, but in that time I'll continue to write and create. So follow along here, on my Instagram and my YouTube!

Thank you for sticking with me over these 7 years. I'm grateful for all of you who continue to support, read my words or admire my content. I wouldn't be here without you. 

Here's to the future of Seventeen James. 

Lots of love, 

Emily

Blue Dress Baby

Dress - via Instagram (similar here, here & here)  / Shoes - Charles & Keith

You know when you see a dress and think, "oh yeah, I need that", then receive it and that thought is just solidified even more? Yeah, that's what happened with this dress. I saw it on an Instagram advert - and yes I know what you're thinking; I never buy off of impulse on an Instagram advert. I'm quite methodical when I make a purchase. I put things on a wishlist and really thinking them over before buying it. But something about this particular dress made me instantly DM the seller and buy it, just like that. And it was probably the best purchase decision I've made in a little while. 

This is one of those gorgeous summer dresses that will stand the test of time for me personally. The sleeves are so statement and elegant, a style which I love, combined with the shift style that can be belted. What is more is the colour; blue is my absolute favourite colour and has been since I was little. It's one that will always live in my wardrobe amongst the classic neutrals. For the summer, I think it's the perfect colour to wear and I think it's a silhouette that I can wear a lot too. 

I can switch out the belt it came with for a brown one and change up the accessories. I can go with gold or silver accents and that's what I love about this colour, it's more versatile than you think. Of course I had to go with a monochrome blue look first because my Charles & Keith mules match perfectly. 

Honestly, I wish I could just go out for a lunch or dinner because all I want to do is wear this piece. It's definitely my new happy dress.

What do you think? Do you like these style of dresses or even the colour? Let me know in the comments below. 

Lots of love, 

Emily xx

The Spring 2021 Dress Edit

Dress - Custom, similar linked below

Ahh, Spring. Hello old friend.

 I feel like we haven't had a proper Spring in forever and of course because it's still March 2020 in people's heads. The things we've gone through this year, but I think we're all starting to see some positive progression, God willing. And I know for a fact that my UK lovelies are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with new lockdown eases (I know you are all waiting for June 21st, but don't forget there's a few things just before that too). And with these new changes, plus the season of renewal, it's nice to add a piece or two to your wardrobe. For me, I always love the prospect of a new Spring Summer dress - something floaty for sure, maybe with florals or a delicate print of some kind, but something that definitely says girly. 

I ended up getting lost in the sea of dresses on Free People the other day, which then inspired me to create this post. The dress I'm wearing above has been sitting waiting to be worn and now just seemed like the perfect time to get it out. It's this perfect nude tone blush with balloon sleeves and shift silhouette. I actually found something similar at Free People (the white one, which comes in various colours) and I think it's perfect for the season.

With the sunshine on the way, you want to have Spring dresses that are comfortable and sweet, perfect for spending a day in the garden or even a day date. For me, in the Sri Lankan heat, these dresses are perfect for everyday wear and take no effort. All you need is a pair of sandals and earrings to complete the look. 

I also think I'm going for a more Bohemian vibe for Spring Summer; I think it's fun and a switch from my usual neutral simple style.

Click the images below to shop my favourite Spring dress picks right now!

    

    

    

I hope you're all staying safe and well! Sending you lots of love,

Emily xx

An All White Moment

Outfit: Custom
Photography Credit: Mum

The camera is officially back and so I wanted to have a little slightly editorial/photography moment. To make it a statement, I stole this gorgeous all white number from Mum. Monochrome looks right now are all the rage, especially after the Biden Inauguration (hello, Mrs Obama in that plum look was show-stopping). I always find white to be a colour that is forgiving, it just feels fresh and as we begin March, with the hope of Spring in the air, there's always this sense of renewal. So white seems apt. I've linked a few similar pieces below for you to shop if you' want to jump on this slouchy, silky white two piece vibe with me. 

   

   

  

I'd love to know what you prefer to see on the blog: more editorial/photography style imagery or iPhone? Or even a mixture? I'm going to try a mixture of the two as a move forward, with a few more simple outfit posts with less writing so I don't absolutely bore you. But do let me know what you think. Also make sure you're subscribed to my YouTube channel as new vlogs go live every Wednesday! 

Sending you lots of love and hoping you're staying safe and well! 

Emily xx

Autumn Is Here and Houndstooth Is Back: How I'm Wearing The Timeless Print This AW20

 Outfit: Scarf (old, similar here & here) / Top - Missguided / Jeans - Levis / Shoes - Tony Bianco || Photo Cred: @warunismith

*Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used, this does not cost you any extra when buying products*

Even the weather in Colombo yesterday indicated that Summer was over and Autumn has begun, with a gloomy sky and scattered showers. Oh and that massive blooming storm that went on pretty much the whole night. Regardless of that weather, I’ve been itching for Autumn to begin even though I’m in the tropics. How I love digging out my favourite knitwear and boots... also, it means that Christmas is around the corner and I’m always excited for that. 

As we move into the colder months, I’m going to be sharing what trends are going to be at the forefront of the fashion world and to start with, I’m talking about Houndstooth. 

One of the most classic and timeless prints of A/W seasons, the Houndstooth print is going to be either dug out from the back of your wardrobe or added in statement. I personally love this style and have been wearing it for ages (or stealing anything of my mum's that is of the print, as I've done above). I think it gives vibrancy to the muted colours of Autumn Winter, which is why I think it's never gone out of style.

Last year’s Chanel AW19 runway collection showcased houndstooth on houndstooth, alongside other checkered statement prints. For AW20, houndstooth appeared in collections from Saint Laurent, Dior & Versace. 

 

Chanel 

   

Versace / Tommy Hilfiger / Saint Laurent / Dior 

Safe to say that the pattern is a staple and is the front runner in Autumn Winter, with checkered prints following behind. Though you may feel that we’re still in transition time, which we kind of are, I say it’s never too early to start wearing houndstooth wherever you can. Click the images to shop my favourite houndstooth pieces from high street and designer brands. 

   

   

   

   

Are you a houndstooth lover? Is this a print that never fails to reappear during the A/W seasons? Personally, I love it and I think it's the perfect way to bring something extra to your wardrobe during the colder month. 

I hope you enjoyed this post! Sending you lots of love & hoping you're staying safe,

Emily xx