The Death of Skinny Jeans

As sad as I am writing this blog post, staring at a pile of my skinny jeans, it must be done for the sake of the fashion world. Skinny jeans are officially dead!

It may seem juvenile to get so upset about parting with a mere style of pants, but the fact is they were a staple item in all of our wardrobes (and still are for those such as myself who haven't quite let go yet). So now we have to part with our slim fit friends and move onto the trendier bootleg, wide cut and boyfriend jean style of the season and possibly the next few years. 

The one thing I am most restless about is how to style this seemingly unflattering trend! That is why I scoured the Internet for inspiration and good old street fashion looks that we can easily pull off without shedding too many tears over leaving our dear skinny jeans in the back of the closet. Here goes!

Image from sincerelyjules.com

When life takes over

I had this idea that once I had moved halfway across the world to Bangkok, I would be immensely inspired by everything around me and therefore have a constant flow of moments and events to discuss in detail on my blog. The truth is that I am inspired by this city in so many overwhelming ways that I seldom find the words to explain the experiences that I am going through. I like to think of it as having all the words and emotions in a bowl of alphabet soup, but not being able to digest them into sentences. Does that make sense at all or does it sound like a super weird bio lesson?

Other than being overwhelmed and speechless at the best of times, I am also busier than I have ever been. I used writing as a mechanism of escaping my somewhat vanilla life back home, and I am now on this whirlwind adventure, along with a teaching job that keeps me occupied anytime in-between. Sometimes I will look at my phone and I haven't even had the time to reply to a simple text message. Sitting quietly with my laptop and my thoughts is a difficult feat when there is so much going on around me.

So here comes the point of this blog post-life takes over sometimes. I place certain interests and hobbies in a list of priorities and often they slip to the bottom of that list when I have too much on my plate. Living in a foreign country is a challenge and an adventure, and after a few months I finally have the urge to find the time to write again! So for all the sweet strangers and friends and family members out there that are reading this (Hi Mom), I have returned from hibernation and I will be writing a whole lot about a whole lot from now on. x

The 90's Denim Skirt

Yay! I have been awaiting the revival of the denim skirt, especially since everything else made of denim has become so popular. I am done with dungarees, give me skirts! Not the mini skirts from 10 years ago, but rather the high-waisted button up variation that our mothers wore in the 90's. They are flattering and so cute, and go with pretty much anything (my favourite kind of trend). I urge you to all go grab one of these skirts, and pair it with a laid back t-shirt and sandals for summer, or stockings and a jacket for winter. 

Image from bohocheeck.tumblr.com

My 100th blog post!

Aaaaaah hello blog post number 100 on She Thinks Like Me you beauty! This is a personal milestone for me, as I have been in the blog game for a year but I have been writing short stories, poems and 'articles' since way back. Yes, I was the nerd in English class that read every single assigned book (and more), and always had my hand up in class. I fell in love with words and how they could be put together to form meaning, to captivate and to inspire.

I have always been particularly obsessed with magazine articles and how they are set out. Simple, to the point and easy to understand. I would always think 'I want to write for a magazine and have people relate to what I am saying', but it just seemed like a pipe dream at the time. I didn't know what to do with my pieces of writing because the blogging world was foreign to me, so I would just keep them as documents saved on my computer.

When I look back I could kick myself that I hadn't started sooner, because the satisfaction that blogging gives me is something I can't really explain (but lets not get into that for fear of boring you all to death). It is like this community of people who get to share certain parts of their lives, empower others to keep writing, capture life in beautiful photo's and use social media as a tool to be heard. That is barely scratching the surface.

To all you bloggers out there, I respect you for what you do, whether you have 5 views a day or 5000. Remind yourself why you are writing and stay true to who you are. Blogs may highlight only the fun and beautiful parts of our lives but everyone has their bad days and hardships. All I can say is be original, keep it simple. x

8 Ways that you know you are having a good day

There are those bad days where everything goes wrong and you just want to crawl into the foetal position, and then there are those glorious days where the sun shines just a lil brighter, and the birds chirp a lil louder. These are the days that I live for, and they aren't necessarily dramatic or full of excitement. It's all the small things that add up to one big happy day, and you get to revel in the complete bliss that is life. This is how you know you're having a good day.

The Perfect Valentines Date

As some of you may already know, my name is Sarah and I am a hopeless romantic. At the same time, I personally don't think that love and romance requires tons of money spent on me or materialistic gifts. I prefer thought, affection and a mushy well-written card.

I am so over the same old thing each year when it comes to Valentines Day. Giving each other big fluffy teddies and silly gifts emblazoned with hearts that go into the back of closets, and spending ridiculous amounts of money on fancy dinners at that fully-booked restaurant is just not my idea of a good time. Not being able to have a nice conversation and worrying about what to order or if you chose the right outfit can easily make you forget what Valentines Day is actually about.

Things we need to leave in 2014

As the new and exciting year of 2015 draws near, I can't help but reflect on the moments, trends and people that have become the highlights of  the last 365 days, 52 weeks, 12 months of 2014. We all love to use the new year as a way to start new hobbies, lose weight, tick items off bucket-lists or break bad habits.

As you turn over the a new leaf, why not throw the old leaf away? Ah if only it were that easy my friends... creating a list of what I wish could be left behind in 2014 could be as worthwhile as emptying a pool with a teacup. If I had any power over society, I would try my best to make sure all of the following no longer existed in 2015. I personally think you would all be very grateful with the changes I would make. Here goes!

Beat the Boredom

Oh the irony of finally having a holiday and a break from work over the festive season, only to find that you are bored out of your skull and you have watched every series and movie on your laptop in the last 3 days (been there). We are so used to these fast and furious action-packed lives, going from work to gym to all those other commitments we have filled our plate with. No wonder we feel numb with boredom when the madness finally stops and we have a few days off!

The importance is not to fill your days up being so busy that you actually burn out, or just sit on the couch all day. Find a combination of relaxing and fun activities to do that are also constructive, and you will end your holiday feeling accomplished and rested. Here is my list of fun Christmas holiday activities to do with family, friends or by yourself.

Make Christmas tree decorations

If you are falling short on Christmas decorations for your tree this year, don't go out and buy more. Rather make them yourself as a fun activity and add a sentimental touch to your tree. Whether you do it yourself or get children or friends to help for the day, there are so many ways to create fun and easy decorations. You can use felt, paper, pine cones, fruit or ribbons. You can even personalise decorations with names of family members.

A personal favourite of mine is these easy-to-make polystyrene glitter balls:

• cover a small round polystyrene ball with craft glue
• roll ball around in glitter until all surfaces are covered
• Use a pin to secure a folded piece of ribbon or string at the top of the ball to hang on the tree

Image from hgtv.com

All white arrthang

I love white! It is possibly my favourite colour to wear because it is crisp, classy and versatile. The trend of wearing white-on-white comes and goes in the fashion world, but I personally think it should be a consistent staple. The difficulty with wearing two different white pieces in one outfit is that you have to get the correct shade of white for both, or two different textures of white pieces. Lace and linen, for example, is a beautiful combination.

It is a huge fashion faux pas if you wear white with off-white or cream. I know Kim K has tried it but I personally think it looks tacky if you are not wearing designer brands from head to toe. Whether it is a pair of white tailored shorts with a white top or a pair of white skinny jeans with a white blazer, there are many white-on-white variations. When wearing a full white outfit it is best to add simple accessories such as a tan/leather handbag or black strappy heels. A leopard print detail is also very stylish.

Image from fashionsy.com

My Christmas Wishlist

I don't usually have a list of requirements for Christmas and my birthday, I like being surprised and if I specifically want something I usually buy it myself. This year, however I would like to compile a wishlist of coveted items to inspire those out there that are stumped as to what to get their girlfriend/sister/friend/wife. Here is some girl gift buying inspiration for you, and most of these gifts are not break-the-bank prices. After all, what is Christmas without a bit of giving and receiving?

Slouchy Pants

I don't know if 'slouchy pants' is the correct term for them but that's what I am calling them at least! I can't tell you how comfortable and light-weight these pants are, they are like day time pajamas except no one will give you funny looks. They are light-weight and perfect for summer, and they can sit on your hips or on your waist depending on what look you want to go for.

I personally prefer a simple monochrome pattern on the pants, paired with a solid colour on top, but pretty much anything goes here. If you want to mix one pattern with another on top then choose wisely! They are so versatile, and can be worn with strappy heels or flats (birkenstocks look great paired with them).

Image from rstyle.me

Crop top Crazy

Crop tops are no longer just for teenagers and pop stars, they have evolved to stylish, classy and flattering (yes, it's true). Following from the matchy-matchy trend, teaming crop tops with long skirts and high waist pants or shorts are a fashion do. Well structured crop tops emphasize your waist and create an instant hourglass figure when teamed with hip-skimming skirts and pants.

You can choose to show a bit of skin or combine two items where the top just covers the bottoms. Mix bold colours with patterns, or two shades of pastel for an overall put together look. Add a belt to the bottom half or a statement necklace to add detail. The best types of crop tops are those that look like shortened t-shirts, as they flatter arms and add a casual touch. The latest trend of the cross-over crop top is also a popular choice. Keep it classy ladies, lets not get crazy showing too much skin!

Image from dailynewsfashions.blogspot.com

French Connection: A tourist in Paris

This was the day in Paris that we decided we were going to be ultimate tourists and see the big 4: The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, The Arc de Triomphe and The Love Lock Bridge. This would be my chance to collect the iconic pieces of Paris, so that I could put together everything this city means to me. I can't say I was prepared for the ways that this day in Paris would change me, but I can somehow put it into words.

I was wide awake at about 5am, and I could actually feel my heart beating faster than usual. At this point I had only had a taste of Paris, and now was the day to drink it all in. Our small group of travelling compainions decided to leave bright and early to see as much as the hours would allow. We started off our Parisian adventure the best way we knew how- we took a taxi to the Champs-Elysees (pronounces shanzer leezay, isn't French so romantic!). 

The Champs-Elysees is one of the most famous streets in the world, situated along nearly 2 kilometers of central Paris. This was where we browsed the colour-coordinated shops (even the McDonald's sign was the signature white and grey) and took in the prominence of the luxurious restaurants. The smells of the different French patisseries with their inviting glass displays were making all our stomachs ache with hunger, so we stopped at one of the more low-key cafe's, and ordered a cappuccino and a pastry of our choice (a chocolate croissant for me).

Sitting down at a small table with a view of the opulence outside, I finally let it all sink in- I am in Paris, eating a French croissant and sipping on coffee on the Champs-Elysees. It was unbelievable, for loss of a better word.

The Official sign on the Champs-Elysees Street

Body chains for days

Yet again Rihanna has inspired me. She has this way of looking edgy but effortlessly stylish, and I feel that I need to take a leaf out of her fashion book. I love the delicate gold body chains that she wears with everything from bikini's to ball gowns, and I feel that it is only fitting that I get involved with this trend she has started!

Fashionista celebrities such as Kylie Jenner have also been seen wearing them, and it is such a subtle piece of jewelry that it could look good with anything and still be understated. You can even wear it over a plain shirt to add detail. My whole approach is that if you wear it with a bikini it adds that extra glamour to it without looking like you're trying too hard... oh this old thing? Its been on me the whole day.

Image from lamodellamafia.com

Palm tree life

As I have mentioned more than once in my fashion trend updates, summer fashion is extremely literal this season. I'm talking flowers, fruit and palm trees! Pastels and bold colours, monochrome and matchy matchy... its all about making a statement and wearing summer all over us! 

Another popular trend to catch my eye is the palm tree print. It is so feminine and fun, and there are lots of variations from small prints on flip flops to big prints on sun dresses. The palm tree trend is awesome! My personal favourite is the fresh green and white palm leaves, which looks like its straight off the Dolce and Gabanna runway. Here is to a summery outfit full of swaying trees and giant leaves.

Image from etsy.com

Best Bikini Selection

Summmerrrrrr! My most favourite time of year for so many reasons. The comforting feeling of sunshine on my skin, an ice cold coke by the pool, a long swim in the sea, beach sand between my toes, shorts and hats and sunglasses!

One thing I am still hesitant about, however, is squeezing my body (which has been hidden safely under layers of clothing all winter) into a teeny weeny bikini. Seriously guys, bikinis don't cover much do they? We love to hate them, and this summer I am making peace with the bikini. I have collected a few fashionable and unique bikini style inspo's for you all that are so cool this summer. If you want a variation of styles but don't want to spend too much money, buy one plain bikini and one patterned bikini in similar colours and interchange them with one another. Enjoy!

Image from madebydawn.bigcartel.com

Tips for Summer weight loss

It is officially summer time and what better reminder to start looking after yourself than muffin tops and cellulite Sally! I have been on my own lil weight loss journey since putting on weight over December/January a year ago. This was due to a bad reaction to 'the pill' and eating and drinking too much over the festive season (I can't blame it all on the pill you guys).

The over-sized purse

So I need to make a confession- I HATE HANDBAGS! I don't know if that makes me strange or any less of a girl, but to me there is nothing more irritating than lugging a bunch of crap around, and carrying it on my shoulder. When you think about it, its quite unnecessary to need half the contents of your drawers with you everywhere you go. The kinds of things women insist on keeping in their bags on the reg are actually frightening.

I have come up with a solution that is stylish and effective at the same time. Over-sized purses are the perfect way to keep the bare essentials with you, nothing more. What else do you need other than your money, cellphone, car keys and maybe a lipstick? Gone are the days when clutches and large purses only come out at night- we are bringing them back to day time casual chic.

Image from etsy.com

Tips for going on Contiki

Going on a Contiki trip is possibly the best decision you could ever make as a young student/adult. It is one of the most affordable ways to travel, and it is extremely well-organised with experienced tour-guides, well-coordinated activities and great value for money in terms of accommodation and food.

I would personally recommend this to anyone wanting to see the world on a budget, and between myself and the friends of mine that have also gone, I have only ever heard positive feedback and tons of epic stories! Since I learnt some things the hard way, and did other things right first time round, I would like to give out some helpful advice to anyone who is thinking of going. There is not much that can go wrong, but make the most of your opportunity by being prepared and having an unforgettable experience!

The Bubble Ponytail

The bubble ponytail is so hot right now! What is it, you ask? Think back to those days in junior school when tying a whole lot of elastics in your hair was cool. I sometimes have those mornings before work when my hair just isn't cooperating (this actually happens more often than not) and the bubble pony is the perfect way to tame it. The best way to wear this trend is to use a few strands of your own hair to twist around and cover the main elastic band. This style can be worn in a fun relaxed version during the day, paired with a pretty summer dress, or it can be dramatically done up with an LBD for an evening look.

Olivia Wilde killing it with the chic evening version

Image from dirtylooks.com