November 03, 2020

Fire It Up | KATCH ME A/W 2020 Review




If this isn't the most Bonfire Night appropriate outfit then I don't know what is. 🤷🏻‍♀️

When Katch Me asked me to review their Autumn and Winter pieces, I was immediately screaming YES, YES, YES! I've been a fan of the UK online fashion brand ever since discovering them on Instagram and they've been my go to for rave outfits. They always have the most sassy, edgy and bold clothing pieces in the game.

Black Flame Print Cropped Denim Trucker Jacket


The first item I picked out is from their Coats & Jackets range in a size small / 8. 

While most of my friends are excited about bring back neutral tones into their wardrobes, I just wanted something that's unique, ready to slay and firing the place up.

I have been completely head over heals this fire print jacket - the cropped fit and trucker style gives me major 90s and y2k fashion vibes. They also have a matching Flame Print Mini Skirt, if you want to go all out.

The material is very thin, which makes it perfect for transitioning outfits from Summer to Autumn. If raves weren't ruined by the corona outbreak this year, I probably would be wearing this out most weekends because the jacket is sickening and you can easily tie it around your waist. 

I adore pairing the jacket with a black or white crop top. Since the fire print is so bold, I don't want to add any other colours which would take away its limelight. 

Black Chain Detail Vinyl Joggers


The second item I got was from their PU collection in a size 10.

These trousers are made with a vinyl material which is gives it a little bit more shine compared to faux leather. I think that vinyl and leather trousers are an essential in Autumn. They're so flattering, make any outfit pop and just go well with everything. Pair it with a casual t-shirt, bodysuit or even turtle neck jumper - you can't go wrong. 

The chain detail gives these trousers an extra edge and it's not heavy either.

I love that these trousers have deep pockets, that' always a win. Fake pockets are just downright frustrating, where do designers expect me to put my phone?!

Overall

So, that's it for my Katch Me outfit and mini review. I love a good stylish bargain, even more so when all of their products are true to size and look exactly the same as the images on their website. I'm sure we've all been catfished by an online store before, which is not a fab experience. Thank god, it's not the case with Katch Me. I really recommend them if you adore affordable and unique fast fashion pieces. 

I still have a lounge co-ord outfit coming, so be sure to keep your eyes out for that.

Have you guys got anything from Katch Me before? And, what are you plans for the UK's second lockdown? Let me know in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Clothing sponsored by Katch Me. 
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October 04, 2020

Nordgreen: Sustainable & Minimal Designer Watches with a Vision


*Paid collaboration & contains affiliate discount code 'MC' for 15% off.

After being in lockdown for the majority of 2020, our perception of time is all muddled up in the air these days. Who hasn’t lost their sense of time during the pandemic? The last 6 months have been a complete blur.

This bizarre experience has made me realise the true importance of grounding ourselves in time. Our sense of time plays an essential role in influencing our decisions and emotional wellbeing. During the last few weeks, I've been working on taking back control of my time to increase productivity and plan ahead to motivate myself through this intense period. I still have the time management skills of a carrot thanks to my ADHD, but I've found wearing a classic wrist watch by Nordgreen has been drastically helpful with valuing and keeping track of time. It also saves me from having to search my bag for my phone, which ends up becoming an uncalled-for distraction.

Besides the practicality, watches complete the look of an outfit and effortlessly add a touch of sophistication. When it comes to accessories, I like to opt for classic, minimal pieces as they compliment everything in your wardrobe. Nordgreen’s Scandinavian designs fully embrace simplicity and astounding craftsmanship, which is why I absolutely adore their watches. They’re also making strong moves in sustainability and are committed to supporting the challenges faced by our global community with their giving back program (i’ll touch on about later). 

NORDGREEN WATCH DESIGNS


They have 3 women collections:

  • Philosopher
  • Native
  • Infinity

Each style is unique but still maintains their core minimal design - a discreet logo and round face. It’s available in a variety of neutral colours (Silver, Gold, Rose-gold and Gun-metal) to suit all skin tones and personalities.

As a visionaire, I was immediately drawn to Philosopher due to the design thought behind it: ‘to celebrate our ability to think differently, learn from the past, act now, and create a better future’. I particularly adore this design as it fuses timeless classic with contemporary chic. From afar, you may think the watch is rather basic, but when you examine it closer, you’ll notice and appreciate the remarkable level of detail. The conical shaped dial and elevated watch case draws your eyes to the center of the timepiece and gives the watch its unique look.

INTERCHANGEABLE STRAPS


My favourite feature of a Nordgreen watch has got to be the interchangeable design! It lets me change the styling of the strap to match my outfit and create an entirely new look. Furthermore, I can save money and reduce consumption.

I opted for the beautifully crafted Gun-metal Mesh Strap and Black Leather Strap - these 2 are classic staple pieces that will compliment absolutely everything. I often wear bold vivid colours, so I needed straps that are suitable for any occasion. Although, I am currently thinking about adding the Pink Vegan Leather to my collection too. The pastel pink is so dreamy!

The straps are available in a wide range of colours with the option of genuine leather, vegan leather, metal mesh or nylon. 

For the mesh straps, an adjustment tool is included in the package so that you can adjust the strap to fit your wrist.




STYLING THE PHILOSOPHER BLACK LEATHER STRAP


My wrist is quite tiny, so I'm wearing their 36mm timepiece. I’ve decided to dress up my Philosopher watch with a black puff sleeve blazer dress. Even with quite an extra outfit, the watch is still the star of the show. The watch goes just as well with everyday outfits.


I'd recommend pairing the watch with a dainty bangle!

GIVING BACK PROGRAMME

As I mentioned before, Nordgreen has a fantastic programme to help people across the world and throughout the year. When you invest in Nordgreen, it’s not just a watch. You’re supporting an ethical and sustainable company with a strong vision to improve the world one watch at a time.


Every watch contributes to 1 of the following 3 global causes:
  • 1 month of clean water to a family in Africa
  • 2 months of free education to children in India
  • Preserve 200 sq ft of rain forest in Latin America

OVERALL

I’m really impressed with the Nordgreen Philosopher timepiece. Especially with the quality - it’s truly divine craftsmanship that is made to last and can be passed down to the next generation. The simple and aesthetically pleasing design has been very well thought out. It’s a very functional piece, Philosopher features a day stamp too. 

I utterly adore the ethos of the company and their mission - it’s just superb. On top of their sustainable production processes, they also have planted over thousands of trees.

With a variety of sophisticated colours and strap options, there’s something for everyone. It would make a fantastic gift for the minimalists or to simply treat yourself. You can check out Nordgreen’s womens collection here.

You can use the discount code 'MC' to get 15% off.

What are your thoughts regarding this watch and Nordgreen’s sustainable mission? I’d love to hear them in the comments below. 

*Disclaimer: Paid collaboration with Nordgreen.
The discount code is an affiliate code, meaning if you purchase with my code, I will receive a commission.
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April 10, 2020

Through the Keyhole, Birthday Dress | I Saw It First Lookbook


Does anyone else dread when their birthday is around the corner? I'm always torn between throwing a big penthouse party with loads of Insta pretty balloons or just keep it simple.

My indecisive brain ended up doing both anyway - why settle for one when you can have both right? Everyone deserves the most for their special day. 

For my 22nd birthday, I opted for this simple black little dress from I Saw It First. They've been absolutely killing the fashion game this year with all the Love Island sponsors! Can you believe the dress was only £5 too? Such a good bargain and find! The material is actually thick and good quality as well, so good job ISIW.


I'm usually very extra for my birthday but I left my shopping till the last minute, so this is what I get. I love the cute keyhole and bow wrap detailing, it makes a simple dress not as basic. Less is more really does apply to this dress.

The dress was great for a cute dinner and house party after - I did have to keep pulling my dress up every 10 minutes though, itty titty community problems aye. It's a versatile dress, so I definitely won't be only wearing this once. Does anyone else tend to wear outfits once for the gram and then that outfit never sees daylight again? I'm guilty of that but I'm currently trying to be more sustainable (and save money for a house!) by finding key clothing pieces.



Sadly the dress isn't available anymore but SheIn has some that are similar!

How do you usually celebrate your birthday? Let me know in the comments below.
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March 10, 2020

T4 Birmingham Bubble Tea Giveaway


It's been a while since I've done a giveaway for cu-teas~ 😘🥤💕

I’ve team up with T4 in Birmingham to give five winners some bubbly loving. T4 is an authentic Taiwanese brand, all of their teas are freshly brewed throughout the day using fine loose leave shipped over from Taiwan. The toppings are freshly made from scratch everyday. Their grass jelly is soooo soft, I literally asked the lady to fill half of my boba with grass jelly and pudding (the superior toppings > tapioca pearls). 🙈


My faves would definitely be their Honey Peach Royal Tea (yellow one), Elegant Lady Rose Tea (orange in pictures but it’s pink irl) and Grass Jelly Milk Tea (the cup with hella loads of extra grass jelly floating in).

To enter, head over and comment on my Instagram post:


Giveaway ends on the March 16th at 8pm.

Each winner will receive two bobas - one for you and your bes-tea (or have two all for yourself! 😜).

Winners will be be chosen at random, contacted by DM and announced on my Instagram stories.

Good luck! ✨

P.S: I am not sorry for the terrible puns hehe.

Disclaimer: Giveaway sponsored by T4.

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February 18, 2020

Is Ola Cabs better than Uber? 10 months brutally honest review!


Brum brum Ola has landed in Birmingham! 🚗

Ola, an international taxi app launched in Birmingham last April. As part of their launch promotion, Sian and I visited 3 of our favourite spots in Birmingham on a tuk-tuk ride! We opted to visit Brindley Place, Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter (their operation office is also there). It was my first time riding a tuk-tuk and the experience couldn't have been any more fun! We were having a casual rave and blasting house music on the streets. Anytime is sesh o'clock if you want it to be.


Even though the tuk-tuk and my first taxi ride with Ola were gifted, I continued to use the app for 10 months (and I still do but) I HAVE SOME THINGS TO SAY! So, keep reading to find out all the hot tea and how it compares to Uber.

How is Ola different to Uber?

What sets Ola apart from Uber is that it lets customers book both private hires licenced taxis and black cabs. I believe they also have better benefits and commissions for their local drivers. I would tell you the exact benefits but there's no chance my goldfish memory is going to recall the information from almost a year ago.

They've now implemented a security code feature. When you book a ride, you will now see a 4 digit code and you have to tell it to your driver at the start of the ride. I think this is a really brilliant addition to the app, it makes it more secure for the driver and passenger. I'm surprised that Uber didn't come up with this years ago. I'm sick of ordering Ubers on nights out and having drunk people trying to steal my ride. Even worse when they're so drunk, they attempt to start a fight.

Does Ola rival Uber?

In London, Yes. Ola has now arrived in London and with Uber losing their licence, they can't exactly compete against its counterpart there.

As for Birmingham (I can't say for other cities), I don't think so yet. From what I've seen in my friendship groups, most people just use the free ride and delete the app after. As for those that still use it like me, I have both Ola and Uber on my phone. I don't think people will easily give up Uber as so many people use it for Uber Eats. The new code feature might possibly get people to convert in the future.

Time for the pros and cons~


Please ignore my dirty nails, I promise I do clean them regularly but they also get dirty easily every 10 minutes.

Pros:

1. Cheaper than Uber (sometimes).

Your first ride is free up to £10 and then you receive £5 off for the following 5 rides. After that, Ola offers regular discount codes going from 25% down to 10% as you become a frequent user.

However, I've found that it isn't always cheaper. During peak timings, even with the 10% off, Ola rides can cost more. I recommend you to have both apps on your phone. I always check the pricing on both before ordering my ride on whichever one. At the end of the day, both apps serve the same purpose, so I'm going to book the cheaper one and save my money for a rainy day.

2. New security code feature. 

As I mentioned before, I love that it provides more security for everyone and prevents rides from been stolen by strangers.

Cons:

1. Ola removed my referral codes.

I had 3 unused referral discounts (worth £10 each) for getting my friends to download the app and take their first ride. I've tried contacting Ola on all their social channels and email but still have not received a response to this day as to why they have disappeared. Not happy about this at all.

Will I go out of my way to get people to download Ola again? Of course not. But if you would like to use my code to sign up anyway *shameless cheeky plug* its "0PHJE7U". Thank you~ hehe.

2. Lack of drivers around the launch timings.

When Ola launched, I really struggled to book a successful ride for the first few months. There were either only a few drivers or all the drivers in the surrounding area declined to pick me up. In the screenshot below, I have 6 drivers cancelled on me. I was ordering a taxi after a night out in Digbeth. Thank god for Uber otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten home safely that night.

Did Ola take me places? Not really.


3. Only available in a few cities.

The company is expanding to more locations but it's not widely available in the UK. It covers the main cities including Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, Bath and Exeter.

Overall:

That's it for my 10 months of experience using Ola. It's been one hell of a ride (no pun intended). I do like the app, well I liked it for the discount codes. At first, I felt like it was going to be a tough competition for the Indian firm to rival Uber but with its new safety features and investment to keep doing better, I think it will be an even better app that will be able to convert more users. I'm still petty over my referral codes disappearing but I'll continue to use Ola Cabs.

Let me know your experience with taxi apps! And, are you sticking with Uber or switching over to Ola? 
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