ElleHannanParr

World Mental Health Day 2018

Hi everyone, it’s #WorldMentalHealthDay as I’m sure you all know.

I’m not going to bore you with details of my own mental health struggles today, I don’t think anyone has that much time on their hands, but I’m also, not going to leave you with a quote, telling you that ‘everything will be okay..’

I mean, I fully believe it will. But right now, at this place in time, quotes like that just aren’t very helpful, to me.

Today I want to talk about taking time for yourself & giving yourself room to make mistakes & not be perfect.

As someone suffering from a mental illness, i know how easy it is to succumb to pressures from the world around you to appear as a perfect person & I also can’t stress how important it is for me & everyone else too, to remember we’re all just weirdos trying to navigate through life.

Some of you have it figured and then there’s people like me. Hands up if life is a constant battle and you feel like you’re never going to know what you’re supposed to be doing 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️

Now I’m the type of person that throws myself 100% into everything I do, whether it’s blogging, work, relationships. I try so hard to make sure I’m the best I can be in everything I do & sometimes this is my biggest downfall.

When everything is going the way I want it to, I’m in my element. I love to feel like I’m doing well & I’m in control. But sometimes I can forget that I’m ill & I start taking on too much. When things start to slip & things are slightly out of my control I waver, I want that perfect life you see on Instagram…

But that isn’t reality, is it? & we’re all aware of it but no one wants to see it or talk about it, but I think it’s important that we do.

I personally want people who see my Instagram or read my blog to know that I am a real person with real problems and insecurities.

So I’m making a conscious effort to start conversations that people are uncomfortable with having. I want every person that comes across this blog to be able to relate in some way whether it’s with posts about outfits or posts like these.

Hi , if you’re out there & you’re having a shitty day.. same! I have loads of them & I’m almost certain a lot of people you aspire to be like, have them too.

I have decided to go against my perfectionist nature & sometimes I’m going to let things slip. I’m going to take time for myself, everyday. Whether it be 10 minutes or hours, I’m promising myself to LET THINGS GO! I’m not perfect & as much as we all think it, neither is any other person on this earth. So I’m going to be NOT perfect & celebrate it. 💃🏼

Today I am begging you take 30 minutes to do some yoga, go to the gym, read a book, read a blog, have a nap, watch your favourite episode of a show you’ve seen a thousand times, play with your pet, cuddle your mum, dad, partner, best friend. Draw, dance, do what you love & do it for you.

Happy healing.

Love Ellé x

If you are struggling & don’t feel like you’re coping on your own, there are services & charities that can be helpful. Or you can always message me on Instagram or through my blog & I’ll listen too.

I’ll link some websites & phone numbers below

Hub of hope

https://hubofhope.co.uk

A brilliant way of finding services in your area by entering your postcode.

Samaritans

116 123

https://www.samaritans.org

Papyrus

https://papyrus-uk.org/hopelineuk/

0800 068 41 41

Mind

https://www.mind.org.uk

0300 123 3393

Or text 86463

Autumn/Winter 18 Trend update

Autumn/winter is my favourite time of year. I know, the summer nights are longer and we all love the sunshine but..

oh my god, I love the cold. I love cosy evenings on the sofa with my husband. I love not shaving my legs EVERY SINGLE DAMN DAY, because ‘hello tights’. I love crunchy leaves, Halloween, fairy lights, fireworks, Christmas. I love ALL of it.

But most of all, and I know you style lovers came here for it, I love autumn/winter fashion. Big coats, layering, jumpers, leather & boots. And this year, I’m happier than ever.

These are some of MY favourite trends for AW18, there are many more but these are the trends that I’ll be working into my wardrobe this season.

1. Animal Print

Animal prints dominated the runway at almost every show for the season. From classic leopard print all the way to snake and crocodile print. Animal is EVERYWHERE. Whether you’re wearing it neutral or going bold like Tom Ford’s statement leopard print.

Tom Ford

Balenciaga

Isabel Marant

Here are some of my top picks from the high street.

2. Scarf print

This trend was one that took some time for me to warm up to. There’s always been something about the Versace chain print silk scarves that I both adored and detested, I couldn’t tell you why. But I always have. So when I saw models walking down the runways in these garish silk scarf prints, I really didn’t know what to think. Now this is the part where I eat my words, months down the line I’m kind of a convert. (Insert see no-evil monkey emoji)

Céline

Richard Quinn

My top picks from the high street.

Mango

Asos

River Island

3. 70’s brown

Some are calling it rust, others are calling it biscuit. Whatever it is, it’s 70’s, retro and I am LOVING it. This trend is giving me all of the ‘girl boss’ feels. (SIDE NOTE: if you haven’t seen it, you NEED to). This is a trend that is so easy to work into your wardrobe, grab a jumper in this colour and throw it on to work the seasons trend.

Rochas

Top picks from the high street.

4. Checks & tartan

Checks is a trend that I feel like is always around, it’s almost a classic but this year it’s had a sassy little update, in the form of smart tailoring married with fun, clashing colours. Take balenciaga, Versace & Stella McCartney. Checks are another trend that can be worked into any wardrobe, grab a checked blazer and throw it over jeans & a tee. Done. Give me all of the clueless vibes, they’re life.

Versace

Balenciaga

Top Picks.

Monki

Urban Outfitters

Topshop

5. Cowboy boots

Grab your horse gals because seriously, COWBOY BOOTS ARE A THING. I know, is it early 2000? What even are Kardashian’s? It’s not.. Dilemma isn’t still at the top of the charts and your tamagotchi is well gone hun. (Sorry, I know it hurts). Cowboy boots graced shows like Fendi in so many cute colour ways & Céline have made the MOST amazing cowboy style ankle boots which have already been a massive hit with all of the major fashionistas.

Fendi

Céline

My Top Picks.

Mango

Topshop

Asos

Let me know what your favourite trends are for this season.

Thanks Ellé

La Roche Posay Effaclar Range Skincare Review

I’m obsessed with France, the food, the style and the skincare.

I have been using La Roche Posay skincare for years, after watching a video by Ruth from https://www.amodelrecommends.com

Now, I SWEAR by La Roche Posay’s effaclar range. It’s targeted for oily/blemish prone skin and it works.

I tend to buy the 3 step anti-blemish system kit.

This includes a foaming gel cleanser, a toner and the cult product, effaclar duo + moisturiser.

The kit is available to buy at boots, it’s usually £32.50 but it’s on offer at the moment for £24.37. The products are also available to buy as individuals but I prefer to get the kit, as it’s much better value.

Here’s the link, if you want to grab it.

https://www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-effaclar-3-step-anti-blemish-system-10181409

Since my wedding, my skin has been awful. Stress of getting married, a new job and a not so great diet have probably not helped, but you know what does? THIS KIT!

I would use this in conjunction with my other skincare products too, I would usually do a double cleanse & start by removing my make up with an oil based cleanser. I like Clinique’s ‘take the day off’ cleansing balm.

I would then use the 3 step kit and moisturiser afterwards, as I find that my skin can sometimes be quite dry.

Now, this kit will draw out impurities from your skin, so you do need to bear with it for the first few weeks but after that I find my skin to be clearer and I see a massive improvement in preventing breakouts.

The products are free from soap, perfume and parabans which, if you’re anything like me, makes it perfect for sensitive skin.

Thanks for reading you wonderful people & let me know if you’ve tried any La Roche Posay products in the comments & how you found them.

Ellé x

Lush Spa Liverpool Halloween Event

Hello, you beautiful humans,

(if you even are humans? I’m looking at you people who never seem to age, we see you)

One day I will write something without side tracking myself, but for now this is how my brain works, so anyway…

Last night I was lucky enough to attend my first EVER blogger event. I know fancy, right?

(Insert photo of me, in beetle juice pants. It was a Halloween event, duh)

Lots of other lovely bloggers & I were invited to an evening with Lush Spa Liverpool for the launch of their Halloween products. And it was amazing.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love Halloween. I mean, how can you not? Pumpkins, sweets, horror films, fancy dress & all the spooky stuff. And of course, Halloween inspired Lush products.

They smell divine, as always with Lush products. They’re vegan and they are everyone’s favourite, bath bombs in the shape of cats, pumpkins, eyesballs & monsters.

Ghost in the dark, a soap bar THAT GLOWS IN THE DARK and cherry on the cake, it smells like avobath.

And Ectoplasm, the most radioactive looking shower cream you have ever seen in your life.

But don’t worry, it’s made with tangerine and grapefruit oil, which gives it the most amazing citrus smell and the fact that it’s a cream and not a gel means it’s super moisturising.

Glitter hair braiding was on the menu last night too & it looked amazing. Obviously, I don’t have enough hair to braid but I got pictures of some absolute hair goals.

A massive thank you to all of the team at Lush Liverpool for giving us such a great night. It was so nice to see all of your insane products & learn about how they’re made and why they smell SO GOOD. I can’t wait to try EVERYTHING.

These events are such a good opportunity to meet new people & network. Last night was no exception, I met some fabulous, interesting people we sat around drank tea & chatted like we’d known each other forever. Such a good night with Lush and I hope to go to more events like this in the future.

Thanks for reading,

Ellé. X

Life update

“I’m baaaaaaaaaack”

That came off far creepier than I intended it to.

Whatever, here I am.. And A LOT has changed since we last spoke.

So first off, your girl only went and got MARRIED!

I know, who would marry me, right? Well he’s amazing, gorgeous and he planned the entire thing.

I don’t know what I’m allowed to say right now but there’s a certain tv show, dedicated to men planning weird and sometimes wonderful weddings for their future wives, that we may or may not be featured on (WE MAY, just in case you didn’t get that) For now though, that’s all I can say.

NEXT, I switched up life and went and got myself a new job.

I’m focusing on modelling as my priority right now & I am loving doing something so creative & fun as a “job”. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many amazing, talented people doing it and I feel like as a result my confidence is really growing!

It also has given me a chance to style LOTS of outfits which I obviously LOVE doing.

Here’s some of my work below ☺️ All styling done by me.

but you know, a girls gotta pay bills & buy shoes, so I’m working for a department store as a personal shopper too.

Obviously… I’m never too far away from some form of styling an outfit.

And finally,

I’m still fighting the daily grind that is mental illness, but I feel like my outlook has shifted, today at least.

I’m trying to focus on all of the positives in my life & there are many. There are times when it’s difficult & I forget how lucky I am but I can definitely feel a change in the wind. (is that even a saying?)

I’ll keep you updated about that, good or bad days.

I’m glad to be back, writing again, posting again, scribbling goal lists & post ideas in cute notebooks.

Thank you guys for putting up with the on-off relationship I have with this blog but it’s my baby & I always come back to it,

Ellé. X

My Top Transitional Pieces For Spring

Hello, me again…

I mean it would only be awkward if it was someone else, so I guess it has to be me, right?

Anyway, as you may have already guessed, I’m going to be talking about transitional pieces for spring, considering the UK seems to have finally given in to the fact that SEASONS HAVE TO CHANGE! *celebratory dance ensues*

So without further ado (in my mind that was always ‘adieu’) here are my top picks to get your fashion loving little mitts on for this season. These are the things that I’m loving & will most certainly be purchasing to see me through the spring season.

The white Denim Jacket

Topshop

I feel like light coloured denim is going to be everywhere this season. Pastels ruled the runway but I like to keep my wardrobe classic & I think this is the perfect way to do so.

The polka dot bodysuit

Zara

Polka dots are EVERYWHERE at the minute & I am all for jumping on the bandwagon. The classic cut of this body is going to be perfect for pairing with jeans & shorts when the weather allows. MUST HAVE!

The ugly trainer

Schuh

So if you’re anything like me, you’ll have been lusting after some balenciaga Triple S trainers for quite some time. If you’re not like me.. good for you, I envy your self control. Now if they were in my budget I would have them, but they are so, so not! Millennial probs. However, these monstrosities are & I am obsessed.

The pink suit

Zara

Okay, anyone who knows me, knows I love a suit. They’re sassy, elegant, they make you feel like a boss. What more could you want? For this season power dressing has gone pretty, with bright & pastel suiting & coords completely taking over my Instagram feed.. And I LOVE it! Layer with some knitwear or a cool slogan Tee & trainers for that ‘I haven’t really tried but I look amazing’ look.

The button down midi skirt

Asos

Buttons are the statement of the season. Prepare to see them on EVERYTHING. I’m pairing this with a thin knit & mules for now & a simple cami and duster coat for when the sun starts shining.

The belted trench coat

Mango

A duster or trench coat for me is a staple in every spring wardrobe and this mango duster is killing it for this year. Stay on trend in this bright, fun but sophisticated trench, layer over a polo or wear open with a simple slip dress.

The sling back mules

River Island

Mules are back & better than ever. I’m keeping it simple with these chunky heeled, sling back mules… and maybe a few other pairs too.. oops.

Hanky hem midi skirt

Topshop

I am more than obsessed with these skirts, I want one in every colour. Not only are these beyond flattering on ANY body shape but they are SO comfortable. I’m going to be wearing mine with boots, trainers, sandals, everything!

Hope you guys enjoyed,

leave me a comment on what your essentials are for the spring transitional period below.

Thanks for reading

Elle

Mental Health & Motivation

This wasn’t the post I was planning on writing when I picked up my phone earlier on this evening. To be honest it’s a post I’ve written and unwritten for a very long time.

I had a lovely post about my top 10 transitional pieces from Winter to Spring all ready to go for tonight (still to follow)

But it felt dishonest for me to jump back into my ‘blog’ if you can even call it that without first discussing its checkered past & the reason I’ve struggled to stay motivated to do something I’m extremely passionate about.

That’s right folks, I’m talking mental health.

I know, I know. Another blog, about another person, with another mental health problem – Yawn.

Believe me, I wish I had something else to write about but this is the reality of my life & so many others.

So here it is, if you made it this far, you might as well stay for the good bit.

Hi, my names Ellé & I have a mental illness.

This is not a new thing, far from it. I’m about 10 years down the line with my dirty little secret but after years of struggling, doctors visits, medication, monitored behaviours, starting & restarting almost everything in my life & all the rest of it.. I’ve decided It can and should be something I talk about openly.

I started blogging back in 2012 & i have never been able to fully commit to writing here or anywhere else, due to my dips in health and motivation over time. If you have mental health problems or know someone who does, then you’ll understand. (Raise your hands if you feel me 🙌🏻) During times when your illness is at its worst, you have zero motivation: now I’m talking not being able to get yourself out of bed in the morning, so sometimes writing a blog post is just not an option but I’m trying… again

So if you’re here & you want to continue on my journey of discovery, I can’t promise scheduled posts like most bloggers, but I promise to be honest & give you some half decent posts about my style, my life, my travels & whatever else you guys are interested in reading.

Here’s a picture of me in a sassy outfit, so you can put a name to the face ✌🏻

Thanks for reading

Ellé

Jacket, Jeans, Shoes (similar)

11 Pairs of boots that are made for walking

A/W is always my favourite time of year, Halloween, bonfire night, Christmas.. And most of all, the BEST fashion.

This year, it’s all about boots.

They’ve stepped into their very own spotlight on the catwalk this season. Thanks to designers, like Saint Laurent, bringing us the most fabulous blingy boots.

The likes of Gucci & Dolce & Gabbana giving us all of their usual floral vibes with an edgier twist, featuring buckles & patent leather.

And all of the studded goodness from Altuzarra and Alexander Wang.

Now, not all of us are lucky enough to be bestowed with fame & fortune, so thank goodness for the high street..

Here are 11 pairs of absolute stompers from the high street that I’m loving this season.

Thanks for reading,

Ellé x

Welcome Back!

So I’ve been on the missing list for what seems like a million years, with work & life, my poor little blog got forgotten about.

But I’m back, with a fresh new outlook & so much motivation to get posting again.

I’ve never stopped reading the blogs that I love & I feel like blogging is the thing I need to pursue. There are so many amazing bloggers at the minute who are inspiring me to get back on my game. So here I am..

I have so many ideas for new content & I would love for you to give me any feedback or suggestions on what you want to see.

I hope you enjoy reading my posts, as much as I enjoy writing them!

Ellé x

Social media…

Hey lovelies,

Sorry I haven’t posted much this week, I’ve been completely up the wall with work & Christmas literally days away!!

But I thought I would just post a quick little update on my social media feeds.

I now have an Instagram & Twitter linked to my blog & ive also created a bloglovin the link of which is at the top of the page.

Hope you are all having a lovely week & I’ll be back tomorrow with a new post.

Thank you for reading

Ellé