This weekend I took a trip to Nottingham to see Elicia, the friend that I went travelling around south-east Asia with; it was actually our first time reuniting since getting back to England. I headed over to Nottingham, which is about an hour’s train ride from Birmingham, and we got some food in the city centre; Thai food of course, to try and relive our travels! Then we spent the night chatting, reminiscing and watching the After movies – they’re just so bad they’re good okay!
WHAT’S INSPIRED ME THIS WEEK
As a fashion designer, and general creative type, I am constantly seeking inspiration wherever I am, and these posts are a way to document what has ignited something within me this past week. Whether its artwork I’ve seen online, photography that moved me, or a collection of colour in nature that kick-started a creative idea in my head, I’ll be sharing four ideas that have brought me joy in the past seven days.
R. READING
I’m still making my way through Emma by Jane Austen, as I find I can’t get through classics quite as quickly as a modern novel, but I’m still really enjoying it.
Emma’s approach to life is as comedic as it is elegant, and Jane Austen has such a way with words that I’m sure this will turn out to be a firm favourite.
E. EDUCATING
I studied French all the way through school, even up to A-Level, but since leaving secondary school six years ago I’ve fallen out of the habit.
Studying regular French lessons was one of my New Year’s resolutions, and I’ve been doing that by watching the ever-so-entertaining Damon Dominique. I’ve watched his travel videos on YouTube for almost a decade, so when he announced his French course a couple of years ago I snapped it right up, and it was a great decision, as I love his style of teaching.
P. PLAYING
I love making playlists (long live Spotify) and my latest creation, inspired by Jane Birkin, is full of feel-good tunes from the 60s and 70s, that make me want to pop on my knee-high boots, fluff up my fringe and become someone’s muse.
As I just mentioned, I’m getting back into learning French, so a few old French songs have also been in the mix.
O. OBSESSING OVER
I mentioned the Whering app on last week’s post, and I’m still just as obsessed. I’ve been recording my outfits everyday, and using it to put together outfits with pieces I don’t wear as frequently.
Planning out outfits that utilise lesser-used pieces in my wardrobe makes me feel like I’ve bought something new, without having to spend a penny; something which has come in very handy the last few weeks when my bank balance is feeling the hit of three months spent travelling!
R. RECOMMENDING
Getting outside!
I started tracking my hours outside last year, in an attempt to hit 750 (I was just shy at 741), and I’m doing the same this year, but with a hopefully more attainable goal of 500.
Getting outside, especially if that means a long walk in the park, making the most of the short-lived winter sunshine, is guaranteed to brighten my day and lift my mood.
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
Doughnotts, an independently owned doughnut brand based in the East Midlands, was my absolute favourite whilst studying at university in Leicester. So, when I visited Nottingham at the weekend, I relished the chance to pick up one of their delicious creations.
I treated myself to a jammy dodger doughnut (with an actual jammy dodger on top!) and it was just as good as I remembered.
Love Chloe x
