Sports luxe all black OOTD

As soon as I saw this cap I knew I had to have it! Sadly it's too big for my buzzed pea head, so I paired it with my amazing wig from Lush wigs and spent the day flicking my hair around and feeling girly. Sorry for wearing this bomber jacket in every post, it just seems to go with everything I'm wearing right now and it's doing a good job of keeping me warm on these windy days.

 Also how cute are my nails right now? I was considering getting little dots tattooed below my nails on each finger so I painting them on to try it out before committing, it means that I don't have to redo my nails after every climbing session as well because there's no chipping, so that's a bonus!

Cap - Asos
Wig - Lush Wigs
Velvet choker - similar here
Vest - Select
Bomber jacket - New Look
Leggings - Missguided
Trainers - Nike

Instagram @wolvesandflames

November goals

I can not believe that it's already November, before we know it 2016 will be here (scary). I have a really exciting month ahead, so I thought I'd set myself some goals to keep me on track!

Be brave

I feel like this could be a goal of mine for every month, for the rest of my life. I'm constantly pushing myself to try new things and face my fears, it's hard but definitely worth it. Generally I want to make more plans to meet friends and family, but more specifically I want to face my fears and do more rock climbing with ropes and also be braver with my modelling and the content I'm putting out!

Fitness

I've really got back in to my fitness routine now and I'm doing some form of exercise every day and really pushing myself when I'm bouldering. I plan on improving my flexibility, stretching several times a day. I can't wait to be able to do the splits, it just might take a while to get there!

Box off Christmas

I say this every year, but I am determined to have all of my Christmas presents bought and wrapped come December 1st. I've started to take note of what everyone wants and get a plan together of how much I will spend and where!
I'm so excited to have our first Christmas in the new house, so it will be nice to have everything sorted and not have any stressful last minute trips to town like we usually do!

Always carry a sketchbook

I've been a bit lazy with my art lately and I've continuously put off making new things. I've been quite uninspired and generally lazy and so I want to go out with a sketchbook and find some inspiration. The plan is to visit galleries, museums, parks and get my groove back!

Be more conscious of time

I have been known to spend days in my pajamas (currently it's 4pm and I'm still not dressed), but now I think I need to be more organised with what I'm going to do each day and plan in advance what needs doing each day of the week in terms of blogging and errands.
My boyfriend has started a new job so once he works his notice I'm going to be able to spend a lot more time with him and have help with housework and have him as my blog photographer more often than he can be currently! I'm seriously so excited because I've hardly seen him over the past few months, I'm so proud of him!


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Autumn Essentials Wishlist

I've had to be a bit more sensible with my spending lately, so I thought it would be good to compile some outfits that have awesome key pieces.
This will help me justify buying a few staple pieces to see me through the season!



Casual

Faux fur moto Jacket - Forever 21
Camo tee - Adidas
Gold plated boots - River Island
Hand knitted beanie - Topshop

I've been dressing quite smart lately so I fancy changing it up a bit. I love this chunky fake leather jacket and I know I would get so much wear out of it! I would probably buy the t shirt over sized and team it with some chunky tights...

Going out

Slinky bodycon midi dress - Boohoo
Laser cut heels - Missguided
Longline grey coat - Forever 21
Metallic Cluth bag - Asos

Nude and camel tones sadly wash me out when I wear them so instead I chose this warmer mauve shade and I absolutely love it!
I tried on this grey coat at Forever 21 recently and I completely regretted it because I literally fell in love. The coat is really high quality and it fits perfectly, sitting just below the knee on me... so perfect!


Work

Knit hoodie - Forever 21
High rise ripped jeans - Cheap Monday
Over the knee boots - Matalan
Cat eye sunglasses - Asos

I spend most of my work time hoovering, so it's essential that I'm comfy and since the building is an old warehouse I need to wrap up and be cosy!
I love the fit of this cropped hoody, I imagine it would be pretty flattering and the boots are dressy, but also guaranteed to keep my toes warm!
The sunglasses are good for travelling home from work and hiding my make up free face...

Gym

Marble print sports bra - Forever 21
Mesh paneled athletic jacket - Forever 21
Adidas originals leggings - JD Sports
Black and white Nike free run's - Schuh
Floral backpack - Vans

I am obsessed with this jacket! I always love going to Forever 21 for workout clothes, it's so cheap and stylish. I need a new backpack because mine is all muddy and wrecked, but I'm torn between getting a sensible one from the likes of Go Outdoors, or getting something like this Vans backpack (because, well it's gorgeous!).

Ah I want everything!

Instagram @wolvesandflames

Staying motivated to exercise...

Over the past few years I've gone from someone that went the gym a few times a month to someone who exercises in some form every single day. I still have a long way to go on my fitness journey but I thought I'd share a few tips that have helped me along so far!

Make a playlist

Like most people, music is a vital part of my life and I've found that listening to the right music will make you push that bit harder when exercising.

Create a playlist with all of your favourite songs that get you psyched and ready to go. Make sure you mix it up often and always have your phone/I pod charged for impromptu workout sessions!

Do what you love

I have truly found my passion in rock climbing. I would climb everyday if I could, we even plan our holidays around the boulders we're going to climb.

But before I started bouldering I was the complete opposite, my workout routine was flaky, I would stick to something for a few months and then I would hit a wall and stop exercising altogether. You just need to find your passion and then exercise will never be a chore!

It might be something simple like running, or something exciting like parkour, be adventurous and try as many new fitness classes as you can!

Buy cute workout clothes

I know it sounds cheesy, but it's an obvious one for us fashion obsessed. Having a wide variety of sports bras, trainers and yoga pants that you actually want to wear is really important. There's nothing worse than wanting to go the gym and all you have are some baggy 3/4 tracksuits and your old tongue twister K Swiss trainers from year 10 P.E.

On my lazy days off work I find that putting on some nice leggings and a structured vest will motivate me to exercise, even if it's just running in the park with the dog (instead of letting him pull me around as usual).

Set goals

It's important to challenge yourself when exercising and setting goals is really helpful. I will usually aim to improve flexibility, stamina and it has been vital in my fitness journey.

Be realistic with your goals, I will set myself small targets so that I can't fail, but it is still rewarding to see progress however small it is!

Friendly competition is also great for this, my boyfriend Mike and I are currently in a battle to be the first one to do the splits, it might take a few months but I am definitely motivated to kick his ass!

Just make sure your goals are reasonable and don't over exert yourself, there's nothing fun about getting injured... 

This was just a quick post to hopefully inspire and help people on their fitness journey, remember we all have to start somewhere...

Instagram @wolvesandflames

Things I'm loving #1

That 70's Show

I go through phases of binge watching series on Netflix when I get home from work (as I'm sure most people do!). Lately I've been revisiting my childhood and obsessively watching That 70's show. The 70's trend is in full swing at the minute and so I'm swooning over Donna's collection of flares and Jackie's Farrah inspired hair.

I love watching shows like this that don't need a huge amount of concentration because it allows me to get some work done even though I have the TV on.
Although it's hard to concentrate on working when Hyde is on screen, he is foxy...

Pole dancing

Image source Pinterest (I'm not photo worthy yet)

I've dreamed of swinging around a pole for many years now, but I was such a weakling that I could never have left the ground. So ever since I've mastered the art of pull up's, I've been eager to find out if pole dancing was a possibility.
I've been rock climbing for a while with a friend Jo, who I knew was an incredibly talented pole and areal fitness instructor and so I finally built up the courage to attend one of her beginners courses.

I think signing up for the course (and actually turning up) is the difficult part! I was so nervous going in to the gym and when I stood next to the pole and tried some of the beginner moves it felt so alien! Luckily everyone in the class was in the same position and we laughed our way through, helping each other feel less vulnerable and more confident.

Jo is lovely and watching her climb and spin around the pole with ease is so inspiring.
I am actually obsessed, at the end of the class I get upset that it's over and I can't wait to get my own pole at some point!

Seriously no matter what fitness level you're at I reccomend giving pole a go, it's fun, social, empowering and an amazing workout.
Just be prepared for the bruises... so many bruises...

If you're in the Liverpool or Birkenhead area then check it out!
Jo's Facebook
Jo's Instagram

Iced coffee

This isn't necessarily a new obsession of mine but lately I have found myself relying on coffee more and more to keep me going through the day.
I always buy a large, iced latte with soya milk and my favourite on the go coffee shop to visit has to be Costa because the cups are nice and big!
That first sip is the best...

I've spent a fair bit of money on this slight addiction recently so I'm considering investing in a coffee machine for home to save money in the long run (and so I can tackle my cravings from home!).

My new bag

I was in need of a new day to day bag and the one I had my eye on sold out from Asos. This left me wandering around town looking for a chic, structured bag that would see me through to Winter.

As always I wandered in to Primark and fell in love with their new season collection. This bag is particularly perfect, with lots of room and pretty gold detailing but there were also lots of other bags in store that I was crushing over, so I definitely suggest you check them out.

The fluffy key ring was only £2 (also from Primark) and it adds some interest to the otherwise quite simple bag.

Instagram @wolvesandflames

What's in my gym bag

 Hoody, Koss Headphones, Anasazi 5.10's, water bottle, Phone, Deodorant

I'm in love with my new faux leather gym bag from Forever 21!

These photo's honestly don't do it justice. The bag is huge, it's so sturdy and there is plenty of compartments inside for stashing valuables.

Usually I just take a backpack to the bouldering gym, but this means struggling to fit in all of my stuff. With this bag I can fit in several pairs of climbing shoes easily, as well as my huge chalk bag and other essentials.

I am really loving Forever 21's workout section in store and I couldn't resist treating myself to this.

I'll also be using this bag when I travel, there's more than enough room to fit several outfits and my massive makeup bag.

When payday comes around I will definitely be making another trip to Forever 21...

Instagram @wolvesandflames

Vegan "synthetic down" jacket review

Down jackets have become really popular in the rock climbing scene.

Most of the female climbers can be seen sporting their bubble effect coats in all different colours and they look awesome.

I have been eager to find a vegan version for quite some time, but for some reason companies think that ripping feathers off a terrified goose is a major selling point and whilst people buy the product they keep supporting the practise.

I took a trip to the new Go Outdoors that has opened up in Liverpool, the store is huge and I was psyched with all of the variety and choice! As always I roamed the jacket section and I was really excited when I came across a synthetic jacket designed to look like it is down fill.

The jacket comes in black with pink lining, black with blue lining (what I bought), full blue and blue with pink lining.

The price varies depending on the colours you go for, but because of the synthetic fill, the jacket is (what I consider) very cheap and well priced.

With my Go Outdoors discount card I bought the jacket for £49.99 and the RRP is £60.00.
Buy online

For me the jacket looking nice and the fact that it is Vegan friendly was enough for me to commit to the purchase. However I've wore the jacket several times now and the quality really is great.

The synthetic filling is extremely warm and teamed with the windproof/waterproof shell you are guaranteed to be cosy in the temperamental British weather.

I really love the fit and I found it was true to size.

The jacket has elasticated cuffs and the hood fits really well to keep you warm and dry in the elements.

If the weather warms up the coat comes with a small pouch to fold it away and store in your bag.

This really is a great feature because when folded in the bag it is extremely compact, meaning you can always carry it on you just in case.

I'm really impressed with the jacket and I can't wait to wear it when we go climbing outdoors and get the full experience.

It proves you don't need to torture sentient animal's to get a good quality coat!

Down production

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Missguided Active range

I've had my eye on the Missguided Active range for a while now, but I always thought it was a bit too much money for me to spend on gym gear!

When I realised a lot of the Active range had been included in the sale I was psyched, but sadly a lot of the best pieces had sold out in my sizes.

I was only able to get three items but I'm still really pleased with the purchases.

I'm usually reluctant to buy workout clothes online, It's difficult to know if the pieces will be well fitting enough to avoid any nip slip's!

When I opened the Missguided package the first thing that struck me was how high quality the material used is.

I'm 5 ft 8 and often leggings will end up baggy at the top and the legs will ride up to my shins, these leggings fit extremely well.

They have been generous with the amount of material used in production and so they fit my chunky thighs really well and there is even net paneling on the backs of the knees to add some interesting detail!

When ordering I hoped that the vest would be lined well enough that I didn't have to wear a bra underneath. So I was really pleased when I saw that there was a full sports bra built in. I have very small boobs (32B) and for me the size 8 vest fits almost perfectly (if I had slightly bigger boobs then it would fit perfect). I'm really excited to wear this to the gym tonight to see if it supports me as well when I'm jumping around and swinging on the climbing wall.

How beautiful is the marble print on this sports bra?!

I've had sports bra's from Primark that were so thin that unless you're confident showing everyone your nipples a bra had to be worn underneath, this bra is nothing like that.

It has two layers of thick material that will fully support me in my workouts!

I also love the chunky elastic at the bottom and the thick straps on the racer back.

Overall I am really impressed with the pieces in the Active range and now I'm likely to buy the new season pieces at full price because I know how high quality they are.

I just wish that the marble leggings to match the sports bra were available in my size, but sadly they had sold out!

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