My Christmas To Do List

In my mind, Christmas is here. I know, it's a little early...but can you ever really be too ready for Christmas? It's absolutely my favourite time of year and I get so excited when it comes around, so I've made a little list of things to do before the big day comes along...

1. Watch my favourite Christmas films. The Nightmare Before Christmas, Elf, Home Alone, The Holiday, Miracle on 34th Street, LOVE ACTUALLY(!!!) - Just thinking of these films gets me in the Christmas spirit. 

2. Go to a Christmas Market. I've never been to one and I'd absolutely love to go, so if anyone's got any recommendations feel free to comment them and I'll check them out!

3. Start Christmas shopping on time! I'm normally good at this anyway, in fact I've bought about half of the presents already haha, it's always good to be prepared!

4. Spend as much time as I can with my family. I feel like that's one of the things that makes Christmas so special. 

5. Decorate the house!! I'd be lying if I told you I hadn't already put a few lights up here and there...

6. Bake A LOT. I don't know what it is about Christmas but it makes me want to bake aaaaaaaall the time! Cookies, Cakes, ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!

7. Find the perfect Christmas walk. I love walking, so finding new places for Christmas walks is SO exciting for me!

8. Convert to the winter wardrobe. Out with the summer dresses, crop tops and skirts - in with the baggy knitted jumpers, leggings, jeans and big warm jackets. My absolute favourites. You can buy the jeans I'm wearing here - unfortunately the jumper was in the New Look sale last year (a girls got to save her money...) but you can buy a different autumnal floral print jumper here!

9. Collect wood for the fire! I'm lucky enough to have an open fire in my house, and it's one of the things I look forward to most - there's nothing like coming home on a cold day, building your own fire and hearing the crackle of the wood whilst you're snuggled up on the sofa. 

10. See a show in London. There's nothing I love more than the buzz of Christmas in London - walking through Covent Garden and seeing the huge tree, all of the lights above the streets. Nothing feels like Christmas more! I love dressing up, doing my make up and going to see a show during the height of the Christmas season.

Those are just a few of the things I'll be doing during the count down to Christmas - What's on your Christmas To-Do list? 

All photography by Nicole Shola.

Why A Hoodie Doesn't Have To Be Boring

I absolutely LOVE a good statement piece in an outfit. Something that just stands out and takes the stage. I makes me feel powerful, strong and independent - like I've really got something to show off...something unique. I never used to be one to show off an outfit because I never really felt good in the clothes I wore; mostly because I was dressing for other people rather than for myself. Now, I take so much pleasure in wearing pieces that stand out and make me feel confident. They don't even need to be flattering! As long as I feel comfortable I'm happy.

Over the past few years my style has consistently changed, moving with the times and maturing the older I got. Stepping out of your style comfort zone can be a tricky process for anyone. Taking the reins and 'just doing you' is MUCH easier said than done, but it's a must if you're ever going to feel comfortable in the style you wear. I think that I've finally come to a point in my life where I know what 'my' style is, and I'm enjoying every moment of it.

Now, I'm the kind of person who will happily walk around in a hoodie and a pair of jeans/leggings forever. I find the combination so easy and comfy and it's just an timeless pairing, one that I'll probably stick to forever because you can't really go wrong with a casual outfit like that. It's convenient, it's simple and you really don't have to think too much about it - but lets be honest, the usual combo can get a little bit old sometimes. Why not switch it up with a completely different style of hoodie?

I found this little number on ASOS in the mens section (spoiler, all the best hoodies are in the mens section) and I have been wearing it ever since. In fact, I am sat wearing this exact hoodie as I type this in front of the fire and the telly watching Nigella Lawson. It's the perfect lazy day hoodie, the perfect statement piece and it's one of the comfiest hoodie's I've ever worn! You can buy this jumper here. Go on, treat yourself, it's nearly Christmas...

All photography by Nicole Shola.