Never grow up. Growing older is inevitable but growing up is optional. I like to think I'm maintaining a relatively satisfactory balance at this. It's a toughie, isn't it, when you think back to how your parents or grandparents or even great grandparents may have been behaving at your age. I can say with absolute certainty that none of them would have been wearing this dress in their thirties. As a teenager I thought people in their thirties were old, in the sense of maturity. The more the years creep by the younger my thinking gets. Make up-schmakeup; if you can't handle my natural face then we're probably going to have trouble getting along. Yes, I love to pop a bit of eyeliner and mascara on, but no, I'm no longer painting myself into looking like someone else. It's been around a year now and hand on heart, I feel more comfortable with my skin than ever before.
My hair is wilder than ever after a two year skive from the hairdresser but in reality I really ought to get it trimmed as the ends are so so so dry. But as a general style, every day manangement and the overall appearance is one I am over the moon with. Wild suits me. I'm rustic.



This Dress! A charity shop find a month or so ago. It's Henry Holland and such a delight in all respects; bold summer floral print, almost saintly crochet peter pan collar while verging on being indecently short. The cut is a miraculously flattering one, giving a fitted bodice, a bit of flare to the skirt and styling to the capped sleeves. An instant favourite.

I'm making no compromises on how I choose to dress.
Sophie

A belt is virtually a necessity when a dress has belt loops (and unfortunately this one does) which is a bit of a shame as I like how it hangs on it's own. Lovely to find a white dress which isn't sheer for a change.  The neckline meets very much with my satisfaction, as does the hem. A dress with room to manoeuvre inside is fine by me.

 I was queried recently on precisely what ankle boots could be worn with. The answer, dear friends, is nigh on everything. Dresses, yes, most certainly.
The unusual gathering to the neck is a pleasant variation to the norm.
Another new favourite for the wardrobe!
Sophie

I don't know about you, but I get wound up with social media seeing the same old things. The lack of authenticity from some people is so apparent. Yes, I understand that many accounts are set up for money and they basically just write sponsored content back to back along with selfies to keep everyone interested. What I won't tolerate is anyone telling me that blogging as a hobby has no place anymore. Everyone is at liberty to read what they want and equally, write what they want.
Occasionally, I do feature products I've been sent, which I personally endorse enthusiastically. I decline things which not suit me, my style or blog.
So many things I read feel distinctly staged or insincere. Of course, it's down to me to make some changes to ensure that I do feel good about what I engage with. In turn my mission is to stoically practice what I preach; stick to my beliefs and maintain a lifestyle which represents my values. Simplicity, not straying too far from my rural roots and seeking out the best in the season,
I'm wearing one of my very most favourite easy to wear, summer dresses. It's a throw-on-and-go special. Worn this time with ankle boots, bracelets and a purple rose in my hair.
Sophie

That's Sophie.
She likes a light little dress with floaty sleeves. Pretty countryside print; birds perching in branches laden with blossom. Something to raise a smile.
She wears her hair loose and free, with flowers. Little make up; just eyes and a clear lip balm.

Bare legs and sturdy boots. Pale skin in the early days in spring and tanned by Autumn.

Let's just dance amongst the wild flowers and be happy that we're here in this very moment.

That's Sophie. She's a country girl.

Sophie

Let's just take a moment to applaud this gorgeous strip of wild flowers still in bloom in mid September, I think that's pretty marvellous. When the temperatures take a dive, I tend to reach for a nice thick shirt and a knitted tank to keep me cosy. There are not enough tank tops being worn these days, let me tell you! I maintain that keeping warm starts from the core; vest, top, long sleeved item and then a snug knitted tank to keep all the warmth in before a giant jumper. Don't even think of whining to me that you're cold unless you're dressed appropriately, there will be no sympathy from me!
Mustard. It's a colour that was everywhere a few years ago for Autumn yet these days people shy away from this bold shade of yellow. It's seasonal, it's bright, it's cheerful. Don't shy away from mustard, mustard is your friend. Be kind to mustard for one day, when your mind clears and you see the light, you too will want to to cosy up with this autumnal shade. Mark my words.
Sophie

I'm a girl in love with the countryside, it's where I belong. It's my home.

The golden fields of wheat are now being harvested at a rate of knots, the last few remain and I'm making the most of every remaining crop I catch sight of. The bushy ears are reluctantly giving way to the shorn stubble ready for ploughing and another facelift which is sad in a way, I'm not ready to wave goodbye to summer just yet...

I'm always confused when people wear the most boring clothes while out and about in the countryside. There is no need! You can dress exactly how you want, there are no rules. I'm a believer in dressing yourself happy; a flowing skirt or a pretty dress can completely change your mood (and it beats wearing shapeless trousers any day of the week). I'm a country girl and I shall dress as I please. My latest discovery is the most exciting brand for me (ever) Country Attire who specialise in fabulous clothing for the countryside. Both practical and gorgeously chic clothing, a great range of stock to suit a whole host of budgets. I'm impressed! So many high quality names I'm familiar with and a few new introductions to boot. I'm lusting after most of the pieces they have for the new season. I can't stop thinking about the new pieces in for Autumn it's got my mind whirring for some wonderful new outfits for the cooler days.

Today I chose a pleated midi skirt and a loose cotton top along with the most amazingly high quality shoes I have ever worn (or ever been allowed to touch come to that). These Grenson Joanie tan leather brogues are perfect for wearing with skirts or shorts and come Autumn, I'm thinking a pair of jeans and/or smart trousers with a neat turn-up and a chunky knit jumper or long socks and a pinafore.

How dreamy is this perfect cross body bag from Joules? It's going to be a staple on my days out; a good size without being too chunky, I can fit all my must-haves in plus a couple of extras and wear it comfortably, you can't beat a crossover bag for comfort and practicality when you have a few things to carry with you. The quality is really high so I'm happily looking forward to using it for years to come!

Are you a countryside lover like me? I hope you check out County Attire because they will revolutionise your wardrobe, I know I can't resist.

Sophie

This is a collaboration post with Country Attire, all opinions my own as always

 
This is some advice I would love to have been given in my late teens when I was supposed to grow into a happy confident young lady and instead sort of crumpled into an awkward, shy girl who felt pretty awful about herself most days. It's nothing revolutionary, nor complete but some ideas I'd just like to share, maybe some of these you might not have considered before.

Eat healthily
This is a tricky one to directly quantify for everyone so you do have to judge this best yourself. If you eat a sensible diet then not only will it energise you, keep you in a better state of everyday health and make your skin and hair look at their best but it will in fact be the best way to spend your food budget. Think of it as investing in your long term health. Of course, eat treats but remember why they are called treats; wolfing down fatty/sugary 'treats' every day wont do you any favours in the long run.



Invest in some make up basics and learn how to use them
For me this is still a work in progress. Trust me, you do not need to spend the Earth on each piece. I'm a huge fan of Garnier Bb cream for oily skin, MUA powder, Beauty UK blush, pretty much any mascara with a big brush (to me they are all the same, I never claim to be a beauty blogger!) and NYC for lipsticks, stains and nail polishes. To be it's far better to know HOW to do make up that flatters you than slapping designer stuff on any-old-how.

Figure out your style and dress to make yourself happy
Granted, it may take years to find your personal style so a fair bit of dabbling may need to be undertaken first but make sure on all occasions that you dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable. There is nothing that makes you look more awkward than constantly pulling a jumper over your backside or readjusting a miniskirt. 'Fashion trends' come and go, some you will look back on and cringe – disco pant shame anyone? Glad I didn't go there... So by all means take inspiration from current styles but don't feel obliged to wear everything just to 'fit in'.
Charity shops are a great place to find inspiration and gems; it costs far less to dress well from a charity shop than badly in high street.



Find a form of exercise you enjoy
It's always worth saying again and again; if you find a form of exercise you enjoy then sticking with it is so much easier! Having a good workout will give you endorphins which will make you feel good, you will grow stronger, burn calories (think of those little treats), and lead to increased body confidence.

Friends are important
It's no secret I have a shortage of friends. Apparently, I'm not alone in finding it difficult to meet people I like and want to hang out with. It's not the number that counts, so don't fret but do try to seek out people that make you happy. I didn't and even though personally I didn't feel like I cared, it did affect me; these days it's even harder to connect.
As a consequence of starting this blog I've made a good few friends, some I'm lucky enough to live near-ish which is even better. Share your thoughts and be there for one another; it's enriching.
Be kind, thoughtful and polite to everyone you meet.



Laugh
You don't hear people laugh often enough. I make it a priority to laugh whenever I can. The act of laughter releases endorphins which can reduce pain, stress and promotes a good feeling, it's actually HEALTHY! Genuine outbursts of laughter and put on laughter count just the same, so don't hold back, let it out. It's infectious too, so join in; you'll feel good.

Maybe I'll go into more of 'Sophie's advice on life in general' at some point if anyone is interested?
Sophie