I have finally relaunched myself back into the blogosphere! Welcome to Styled With Sallie, you may have noticed my blog has had a well-needed makeover. I'm so happy to be here writing this, I can't quite believe I haven't written a post in over a year, I really don't know where the time has gone.
I should probably start by introducing myself again. If you don't already know I'm Sallie, I'm a twenty-three-year-old Northern girl who is currently living in Manchester. I'm originally from the North East of England, Sunderland to be precise, however after graduating university last summer, I decided to move down to Manchester in the search for my first real job...
For the past six months of my life, I had been working as a Marketing Assistant until... dun dun dunnn, I wasn't kept on after my probation period. My ex-job made me realise there's absolutely no point in doing something if you're not passionate about it. Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate my job, I just always knew it wasn't for me. In one way, I would love to say that being let go gave me the 'kick up the bum' which I needed in order to rekindle my creativity.
But in all honesty, the job itself made me do it. My unhappiness inspired me to rekindle my creativity - outside of working hours. I just knew I had to do something for myself, anything at all, as long as it allowed me to be creative again. Although I have always worked since the age of sixteen, I had never worked full-time. Everyone told me post-university life would be an overwhelming minefield. Well, I can confirm to you - it certainly is. Going from the classroom into the workplace felt well, just plain weird. I suddenly felt as though I had no time for myself. Even during an intense three years of studying at university, where working all day and night became the norm, I still felt I was able to pursue my creativity during my free time. I've learned you must be selfish when it comes to your happiness. Working during my evenings and weekends would bring me happiness and a sense of accomplishment. Doing something outside of the restraints of my 9-5 made me feel like I was doing something to better myself.
The news I was jobless supplied me the momentum to make one small change which I had been putting off for months. It was a change which never felt right until the moment I was sitting in a bar with my brother, and just thought 'fuck it'. I changed my Instagram username to 'Styled With Sallie'. It probably doesn't sound like a big deal, but to me it was. I am such a sentimental person, I had never changed my username since the very first day I created my account. Like I said, it had been on my mind for months and I thought that changing my Insta handle would be a nice way to mark the next chapter of my life. I really cannot wait to share what I've been working on over these past six months!
Now less about me, more about my outfit! I was kindly gifted these two amazing dresses from Nobody's Child. I've been a big follower of Nobody's Child for a number of years now, so when they asked me to pick out a few pieces from their new collection- I was delighted! Alongside being inexpensive and on-trend, Nobody's Child have a great set of ethics, meaning your new dress won't cost the earth. Living more sustainably has become a huge topic within recent years. My New Years Resolution this year, has been to educate myself further about where and how my clothes are being produced. Nobody's Child certainly is making an effort to produce fast fashion in a more sustainable manner.
Great Clothes + Great Brand Values = Winner.
I'm a sucker for a long sleeved dress and I'm a huge fan of a V-shaped neckline, so these two dresses were practically made for me. Effortlessly throw both of theses dresses on with a few of your favourite necklaces and a pair of clunky boots and you're good to go! As you can see, that's how I've chosen to style them. I find the low V-shaped neckline so flattering. It presents a great opportunity to show off your jewels, I'm wearing my initial necklace by Alex Monroe, as well as a few finer pieces from Ania Haie, along with my statement astrology earrings by Olivia Cummings, which I bought on July Child.
I've styled the floral dress with my Topshop leather gilet and my favourite pair boots. They're old season Zara and my absolute go-to. My favourite way to wear them is paired with an ultra-feminine dress, to give my outfit a laid-back androgynous edge. This dress is extremely flattering, it has an inner tie which really pinches you in at the waist. I got both of these dresses in a size 6. I would certainly say the floral dress is true to size, however I would recommend sizing down or staying true to size in the polka spot dress, as it's a very relaxed oversized style. If you follow me on Instagram, you'll already know I'm a huge fan of the headband trend. I'm so glad they're sticking around this year once again, the one I'm wearing is from Asos, I've linked it here for you. I really think the vibrant yellow brings out the purple florals within the dress and adds a lil' dash of colour to my outfit.
That's pretty much you up to date with everything that has gone on within my life for the past six months. Although I don't have a job and I have a hella-lot of rent to pay, I'm feeling very positive about the future and I know I'm living in a great city filled with so many opportunities - "Life is a journey not a destination"
A huge thank you to Sam who captured these photographs!
Shop the Black Lolita Bloom Dress here.
Shop the Black Polka Spot Ruffle Dress here.
S x
