Pages By Megan

July 6, 2017 by pagesbymegan

MY HAPPY PLACE & WHAT TO WEAR TO A FESTIVAL

Can you believe that we're seven months into 2017 already? I bloody can't! It seems only minutes ago that we were seeing in the New Year with our loved ones and vowing to boss this year like no other before it.
To be honest, I feel so far thats exactly what I've done. I really feel that this year has been pretty damn smooth indeed, albeit with the occasional hiccup along the way. But all in all I'm thrilled with the progress I've made and more importantly, thrilled with my happiness levels.

Happiness is everything. It's my one true goal in life, to be happy. And I feel in the seven months we've had of 2017, I've really learnt who and what makes me happy the most.

This year I've learnt that one of my happy places, is definitely the countryside... Who'd have thought it ey? I'm a city girl through and through and will be forever more, but one of the many things I love so much about living in Manchester is how quickly we can be in the oh so beautiful, picturesque and breathtaking countryside. Whether that be on the outskirts of Manchester, a 90 minute drive to Helmsley (read this post here) where George's folks live, or taking a short 20 minute train ride to West Yorkshire and visiting The Moors, it blows my mind that I can go from the hustle and bustle of a cosmopolitan city to greenery for as far as the eye can see with peaceful and sleepy towns such as Marsden. Being amongst the great outdoors, breathing in the fresh air and viewing some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen is a sure fired way to make me feel good, to clear my head and to inspire me once again.

I've done a few posts already this year about the quality of digital detoxing and getting away for the weekend with your other half, but what both of those things have in common is the fact I was submerged by nature. I simply can't get enough of it and regularly pine for weekends that involve just that.

Sometimes I love getting away purely just to clear my head, it's a sure fired way to leave me feeling empty, my troubles having drifted away with the wind (and boy is it windy up there)
Recently and as I've mentioned in this post a few weeks back, I've been struggling to keep up with the work load, struggling to know when to switch off and struggling to just let things be, something I've never dealt with before. I've always been a very laid back person when it comes to work, just letting things come and go as they do, with the whole "If it's meant to be" mentality, so it's been tricky trying to adjust to the new way in which my brain likes to work. I am currently busier than ever before and I am totally loving it and revelling in the fact that it won't be like this forever. In fact I'm sure it'll just be a few more months before things start to quieten down a little for that much needed countryside breather.
However, one thing I know my new wired brain likes is the great outdoors, so heading out to the countryside, to the hills, to the green for as far as the eye can see really calms me, allows me to revaluate everything and leave feeling much lighter, much happier and a heck load less stressed.

I really wanted to shoot something up in The Moors to show and let you in on the worlds worst kept secret, the power of fresh air and the great outdoors.
And for that I thought I'd don a festival inspired get-up to get you ready and geared up for the most exciting season of the year.
With festival season having recently kicked off and with my festival listing's totting up rather nicely indeed, I am SO excited to be back amongst the fields listening to some of my favourite bands, cider in hand and wellington boots inevitably serving their purpose amongst the mud.

EEE this time of year is truly the BEST!

Being outdoors and listening to music with my pals is another happy place of mine, in fact, to me a festival is the absolute epitome of happy, care free times and I honestly CANNOT WAIT for it.

A-line mini skirts, bright and bold tee's and knits with the all too obvious addition of waterproof coat (in a sassy pink shade OBVIOUSLY) and wellies has always been my go-to when it comes to festival styling. It's super simple, practical yet oh-so totally me with it's colourful palette and sixties inspired silhouettes.

The importance of happiness and clearing the mind is pivotal and is something I'm aiming to do a lot more of for the rest of the year... When things start to slow down a little might I add.
I'd love to hear where your happy place is. Is it out amongst the great outdoors like me? Or at a festival with your friends also like me? I'd love to hear em and would also love to hear your thoughts on these shots too, I think there some of the most beautiful snaps Sophie and I have ever taken, I mean, with a backdrop like that how could they be anything but?

x M

July 4, 2017 by pagesbymegan

IT’S MY BIRTHDAY | 25 HAPPY MOMENTS

Why hello there and happy birthday to me!? LOL.
So yes, today it is 4th July and is in turn my 25th birthday, how the heck did I get so old!? JESUS!

Ahhh a quarter of a century old, how marvellous and down right scary is that!?
And whilst this year has most probably been the most awesome year of my life, I’m conscious of the impending quarter life crisis that may well rear it’s ugly head in a few weeks time when it dawns on me that my “youth” as I know it is over… Helloooo fully fledged "adult".

So with the thought of things not being quite so rosy in a few weeks time (mind over matter Megan, mind over matter) I thought I’d celebrate my birthday with a post on 25 happy moments that I’ve had and can remember from my quarter of a century on this planet. Last year I shared 24 things I’ve learnt, which you can read here if you so wish, and not wanting to replicate the same thang I thought it would be nice to share 25 happy moments and share some joy on this miserable Tuesday morning.

1. So first up we have one of my earliest memories from being around 3 or 4 years old.
I was blissfully happy, driving to Chester Zoo I believe, with my family and hanging my stuffed toy frog out of the window as we drove down the motorway, gleefully watching as it wiggled in the wind.
Before then accidentally letting go of it and watching my beloved soft toy fly at a zillion mph back down the dual carriage way… Safe to say I was utterly mortified and most probably it ruined my day and likely that of my families too (hello moaning Megan). So with that, on the return journey back home, my dad bravely stopped the car (dangerous I know) climbed over the central reservation and retrieved my little frog. From that day on my dad has been my hero, you’ll never know how happy you made me that day Pops.

2. I won my first blogging award at the Company Blog Awards back in 2014 and it was a very happy and proud moment indeed. In 2016 I went on to win two other awards at the InStyle Project 13 awards for best style influencer and at the Cosmopolitan Awards for best fashion blogger. To be recognised for my 4 years in this industry is insanely amazing and it makes me SO happy to know that you guys and the fashion industry enjoy what I do too

3. When I was at uni on my placement year in 2013 I interned for a year. I’d worked at House of Holland and ASOS and then somehow managed to bag an internship at Alexander McQueen, one of my all time favourite designers. It was SUCH a proud yet scary moment for me and I was OH SO happy (and relieved) to learn how wonderful the PR team was there, especially after all the horror stories I'd heard. I had the best time working for the fashion house and felt so happy to have that months internship under my belt.

4. 3 weeks into mine and George's whirlwind relationship, George *accidentally* let slip that he was in love with me. I knew I was feeling it too but didn’t want to be the first to say it (what are us girls like ey) I remember feeling so euphorically happy as the guy I’d pretty much been in love with since I was 16 was in love with me too. We then went to Reading Festival and had one of the best weekends of my life... Cute ey?

5. Just over a week ago now on June 23rd, I hosted a charity sale in Manchester to raise money for the We <3 Manchester emergency fund. A charity that was set up after the horrific bombings at the Arena here in Manchester on 22nd May.
I've wanted to hold a charity clothes sale for almost a year now and when this tragedy happened I knew that now was the time. It was totally scary to do, I organised it all myself, sitting in my bedroom for four days, pricing up all of my clothes, shoes and accessories by hand and packing them up ready to be sold.
When the day came around I was ridiculously nervous and totally not sure what to expect. When 12:30pm arrived and with the sale beginning at 1pm, I simply could not believe how many of you had turned up to support and to buy some of my goodies. It was totally overwhelming and if you were there, you'll know just how much I was shaking, I simply couldn't believe it! It was truly incredible to meet so many of you wonderful ladies, and fellas and was the proudest day of my entire life, in fact, I don't think I've ever felt pride quite like it, which in turn brought great happiness, especially as we raised an incredible £5,400 for the emergency fund!!!

6. Seeing my Nanna Doris cry laugh when talking about sex toys… Yeah really!!!!

7. I’ve always been a city fan; my dad is one almighty blue through and through and we’ve always been lucky enough to attend matches with him. However, when the League final came around in 2012 my mum, sister and I were watching it at home whilst my dad was at the match. United were also battling it out for the cup that day too, and when that split screen came on and Rooney thought he’d won, seeing his face turn from pure happiness to horror when he learnt that we’d bagged it in the last few minutes was absolutely flipping hilarious! We celebrated in the garden before heading to the pub with my dad and his mates, dancing on the tables and enjoying such a memorable moment for my dad was truly one of my happiest of memories.

8. More recently my beautiful sister Faye moved back home from London to start her new job at Missguided HQ, she had no idea we were all waiting for her in the garden and when she pulled up we all sang “WELCOME HOME” to her in the garden. Seeing her little face was absolutely priceless and I am SO thrilled to have my best mate back home with me.

9. Another throwback was Faye’s 6th birthday when she received a microphone with a built in tape player. Whilst she was opening her other presents I plugged that baby in, popped Martine McCutcheon’s “This is my moment” into the player and sang my little heart out all day long… On repeat. It may have been her birthday but that microphone was MINE ALL MINE (for the day at least) I thought I was a pop star in the making and truly smug with myself. Sorry 6 year old Faye hun but what can I say, I was happy.

10. For my 24th birthday last year I treated myself to my very first designer bag. My Gucci Dionysus handbag.
I went into store and tried a few on with George, before deciding upon my baby. It was SUCH a proud moment to be able to treat myself in that way. After years of following luxury design and lusting after designer pieces year in year out, to be able to go into store and have that experience, leaving with a luxury piece of my own was a insanely happy and proud moment for me indeed.

11. Last August George and I booked our first summer holiday together to Santorini. He convinced a very apprehensive me to hire a quad bike for the week and I begrudgingly agreed. Yet it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
To drive around Santorini on the back of a quad bike with my arms wrapped around the love of my life was one of those WOW moments and the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. That entire holiday was the happiest week of my life but having the freedom to explore on a quad bike with George was something I will never ever forget.

12. I couldn't talk about happy moments without mentioning every single music festival I have ever attended since I was 17. Music festivals in general have always been my happy place. Camping, the excuse for getting dirty, excessive drinking and singing along to my favourite bands with my favourite people is like nothing else. I adore festival season and cannot WAIT for this years to kick off for me.

13. My auntie Sara-Jane has always championed those “WOW” moments, the moments that make you stop and stare in awe at something oh so totally beautiful and impressive. I remember my first WOW moment was when snorkelling in Egypt and seeing the beautiful fish and colourful reef of the ocean. My favourite film has always been Finding Nemo so seeing the world that lives under the sea IRL was truly incredible indeed.

14. I’ve always been infatuated with New York since being a little girl; I dreamt of visiting and eventually moving over there, so when my parents surprised me with a trip to the Big Apple for my 18th birthday I cannot tell you how excited I was. Visiting the place I’d dreamt about my entire life was the happiest of trips and the perfect way to spend my 18th birthday.

15. EVERY time my mum properly laughs… and snorts. Honestly it’s the most infectious thing ever. My goal in life is to make her laugh, all the time FOREVER!

16. When I was 4 I spent my birthday in America with my American family and was truly and utterly thrilled when my family convinced me that the Independence Day fireworks were all for me (cute!).

17. Last year I was super lucky and totally honoured to join Team Gleam. The feeling of being part of a family really is like nothing else. Having a beautiful team of mega babes to fight my corner, work on ideas with and just be BFF’s with has changed the way I look at my career and quite frankly I can’t imagine my life without Gleam. They’ve influenced, inspired and developed me as a person and a business woman in ways they’ll never know and I am forever grateful to have been accepted into such a loving and supportive online family.

18. I was a right little gig goer when I was a teenager, those years were some of my happiest of memories thats for sure. At the time of being 14 I was OBSESSED with the band Air Traffic (anyone else?) I’d wait around the back of the venue to meet them and have them sign my Converse (that I still have FYI) and when I first met Jim Maddock, the dreamy blonde haired bass player… I was convinced we were soul mates.
However, shortly after that I was introduced to One Night Only and fell in love with George, oh life. What can I say I’m fickle.

19. When George and I moved into our first flat and created a home together thats when I learnt the meaning of true happiness.

20. Finding a friend for life in Sophie Traynor was never something I thought would happen. When I shared that I was looking for a photographer on Twitter over a year ago now, I never thought that what I would find instead was a friend. Sophie has changed the game for my blog with her absolutely incredible photography but every single shoot day we have is always one of the happiest and most hilarious. I lav ya Soph Doph!

21. Taking my blog from hobby to full time job is now one thing that makes me totally happy. Whilst at the time it was completely petrifying and such a great jump for me but I can honestly say it was the best thing I ever did. It meant I was able to create my own world be my own boss for the first time and create, create, create all day every day if I so wish. My business is something that makes me completely and utterly happy and I'll never be more proud of myself than when I took that leap of fatih back in February 2016.

22. Going on holiday with my grandad are some of my happiest of childhood memories. I think we took him away with us on 3-4 holidays to Turkey and, despite being ill for the majority of those trips, he was such a trooper and always totally hilarious in every way. I can still remember his face now having just been flung off a banana boat with Faye and I <3<3<3

23. For Christmas last year as part of George's Christmas present I booked us a stay in a Treehouse in the middle of nowhere. It was the most beautiful couple of days ever. The first day in particular was like something out of a romantic movie. We sat, on the floor in front of the log burner drinking champagne and chatting the hours away before hopping in the hot tub until the sun went down, cooking steak in our small treehouse kitchen and settling down, with yet more champagne to watch The Hunger Games. Honestly the most romantic weekend ever and one of my happiest moments with George.

24. Dancing to Steps, HearSay and SClub7 with my sister, cousins and my Nanna at EVERY SINGLE family party when we were younger (we had a lot of parties back then)

25. And finally my twenty fifth year has been my most happiest overall. I have so many things to be happy about, to be thankful and grateful for and so many things that have come up trumps this year. It's been a crazy ole rollercoaster of a year and one that I feel has really taught me a lot about who I am, what I want from life and those who I want to be along for the ride with me.

June 29, 2017 by pagesbymegan

NEW SUMMER GOALS LIST

I'm writing this post on Thursday 22nd June, five days before this post is set to go live for you guys to read.
We've just had the most insanely hot couple of days, which for me here in Manchester, appears to have left us and I'm frantically writing this post plus one more, in-between pricing up my entire wardrobe for my charity clothes sale this Sunday (25th). I say frantically as I've just been informed about a last minute trip of a lifetime that will take up ALL of next week (this week when you're reading this) and I hate not having anything going up on my blog, so here we are, frantic's and all.

So a few weeks back I divulged you with what I'd achieved throughout the colder months of 2016-2017, posts I really enjoy writing, it's lovely to set mid-year goals, to then look back on and see how far you've come. In that post I also said that I'd be back in a week (It's been 6...oops) to update you with my new goals. But alas so much has happened in the past 6 weeks, good, bad and down right heartbreaking so this post was politely put onto the back burner... Until now.

Goals, ahhhh beautiful goals, targets, ambitions and objectives, where oh where do I begin?

I have to say that writing this so long after my last recap post is proving a little difficult. It's funny what can change in a matter of weeks. The notes I had written down a mere 6 weeks ago somehow seem a little irrelevant now and some even have already been achieved. So, I'm scrapping those notes and writing freehand, off the top of my head, wherever my fingers take me.
I just know already that some goals will be the same as last years summer goals. Heck, I think those goals may always be my goals, but thats purely because you can't put a number on some things in life.

1. So as usual I'm going to begin with travel. I've had my eyes opened even further to the beauty of travel as of late and I quite literally have the bug. Just last week I was writing to say how I used to fear going away too much and liked to have a break at home for at-least two weeks in-between trips. Well, that is no longer the case. I now pine for getting away to new destinations with Gee. And with that, comes my first target, I want to travel far and wide. I want to visit Italy (again) I'd love to go to the US, ideally San Francisco, Chicago and New Orleans, I'd really love to have a totally relaxing, switch off, beach holiday, I'd like to try something new when it comes to holidaying; whether that be water-sports, an unusual accommodation, a festival abroad, ANYTHING. I just want to travel, to see the world and to share it with you lot.

2. Now this is a big one.
When I was referring to the heartbreaking moments of the past 6 weeks I was of course referring to all the terror attacks that have happened lately. Not to mention the god awful Grenfell Tower fire.
And you know, all too well that I am hosting a charity clothes sale with all proceeds going to the We Heart Manchester charity sale this Sunday, which, by the time you're reading this, will have already been and gone!
Well, I'm currently in the midst of pricing up and packing my wardrobe, beauty stash, shoe rack and accessories pile and praying to God that someone turns up (argh!)
But this reason for me saying this is that I'd really LOVE to raise £1,000 for the We Heart Manchester fund, now that would be a dream come true. If we can surpass that, the my goodness I can't tell you how thrilled I'd be. But achieving the £1k pillar would truly be a fantastic way to make a difference to those people who were affected by the horrendous attacks. WE CAN DO IT!
Following that, I'm already thinking about my next charity sale and ways in which I can make it open to more of you who may be outside of Manchester... Who knows ey?

3. Again we have books. Since last summer I've definitely achieved wanting to read more. I never don't have a book on the go which is utterly fabulous indeed and I'm totally loving taking some time out, whether that be in bed, in the bath or on a train or plane.
What I really want to achieve by the end of the summer is having a blog post or even ideally a series where I chat you through the books I've read, why I love them and why I think you would love them too. A mini overview of each book, a book club if you will.
The importance of reading is huge and I want to inspire you with my monthly reads to pick up a book and take some time away from the internet. I know that it's really helped me in so many ways.
So yes, hopefully by the time the next goals recap comes along I'd like to have had a blogpost dedicated to the books I have loved, pretty achievable right?

4. So this is quite a funny one but it's a big one for me.
My Swiss Cheese Plant, Kevin, is quite possibly my biggest achievment of 2017.
My parents bought me my much desired Cheese Plant for Christmas and since then i've become obsessed with watching him grow. He sits on our TV Stand by the window and every evening whilst George and I are snuggled up on the sofa I can't help but stare at him lovingly and feel a great sense of pride for how much he is thriving. It's sad, really, but Kevin is my little baby and looking after him is extremely rewarding indeed.
Now I really sound crazy.
But honestly, without having a puppy or a baby to look after, Kevin is the next best thing. Since I got him on December 25th, he has doubled in size and is looking bigger and better than ever. Sooooo, furthermore, I'd like Kevin to have a few more leaves on him by the end of the summer, with the 7 little sprouts that have recently grown, to be big, beautiful and healthy leaves. Now that would make me one happy girl indeed.

5. A quick and easy one now, by the end of the summer I'd really LOVE LOVE LOVE to hit 50k subscribers on my YouTube channel. I'm currently at 48,378 subs so I think this one is totally achievable indeed. I adore YouTube, creating awesome videos for you guys to watch and in-turn be inspired by so I'd really love to surpass my goal of 50,000 subscribers by my next goals post.

6. Linked, in a way to that of YouTube is my confidence.
Being on YouTube has seen my self confidence grow tenfold and since I wrote my Issues with Self Confidence blog post a few months back and since reading all of your terribly inspiring comments and emails about how you've overcome your own self confidence matters, I feel I've been able to step up a notch or two with my own confidence woes.
I have two upcoming events where I'll be meeting a great number of you and talking to a rather large audience indeed. The first being my charity sale on Sunday which is a nice way of easing myself into being in a large crowd of people and talking confidently, whilst the second is a live panel and a Q&A at the British Style Collective in Liverpool on 7th July... EEEK! If you fancy it you can pick up some tickets here.
I am SO nervous about it but I know I can do it and I know that I can do it with confidence... Eventually.
I'd love to report back after the 7th July and say that I've officially squashed my public speaking phobia once and for all.

7. So six weeks ago now, I spoke about how George and I may well be buying a new place to live in the centre of Manchester. And since then this is no longer the case. Things happen with these kind of things that are often out of your control so we're very much back at square one with the whole getting on the property ladder malarky.
However, we absolutely need to move. We adore our beautiful city centre flat but we have completely outgrown it now. Every corner within our flat now looks cluttered and it's beginning to get us both down. Not to mention the fact that we are now living in a goldfish bowl after the building directly across from us has been renovated and turned into a popular fashion head office... Not ideal when the windows aren't frosted and I work from home every day.
We also would really like a garden, a puppy (hello sausage dog lifelong goal) and I'd adore my own office. So the hunt for a new home is on and by the end of summer we really must have somewhere else to go as our lease on this place runs out at the end of the year... Watch this space.

June 27, 2017 by pagesbymegan

MY TOP TIPS FOR SALE SHOPPING

The summer sales are with us HURRAH!
And with that comes a heck load of pressure to bag the best bits and to save some money in the process.

I remember when I was younger, the sales were the highlight of my shopping calendar, I'd save up all my pocket money or when I was a little older my monthly wages, ready for the ultimate shopping spree. My birthday always fell slap bang in the middle of the sales too, so meant spending my birthday cash on the high street also. I was a sales shopping addict.

Yet, as I've gotten older, my shopping spree's have become few and far between; I've grown frustrated with shopping on the high-street in general, often opting for online shopping instead, but then again haven't we all?!
However, with that in mind, sometimes you just can't beat hitting the shops IRL.
From time to time it's nice to hit the shops old school style, one-on-one or for a girlie spree to see what all the sales fuss is about, plus, it saves so much time not having to deal with the dreaded returns of online shopping.

When it comes to sale shopping, I really don't think you can beat the summer sales, for the best, most colourful and on-the-money pieces.... A down sight better than the mid-season's or January sales that is for sure.

So with that, I like to think of myself as quite the seasoned sale shopper and have in-turn learnt a few tips and tricks that have definitely helped me when shopping the often chaotic and over cluttered sales of our much loved British high-street, all of which I'm going to share in this post today.

Okay so as many people will say, you've gotta start by evaluating your own wardrobe. Delve into the midst of your wardrobe and work out what it is you're missing. Whilst also thinking about what it is you wear the most often, and the pieces that you deffo do not need another version of. Sometimes this is useful, especially if you write it down and have a list to refer to on sale shopping day. However, unless I'm after something totally specific for an extremely definitive event, occasion or brief, I tend to veer a little from this list as there are too many clothes and too many colours to be restricted to that of a list... Who's with me?

Many people will tell you to not bother with trend led items but I say screw that, if you love it then you should go for it despite it being trend based. Thats what sales are all about. They're for having fun, for getting that trend for less and for enjoying it, if only for that season. Whilst it's important to not waste your money, something I'll come on to a little later in this post, if you see the off the shoulder, lemon printed top with très cute pom pom trim that you've lusted after all season, for 40% off... Just buy it.

Now you've assessed your wardrobe and your in your fave shop, It's time for the good ole scan and grab.
A technique that has been well and truly tried and tested and has served me well on my voyage to sale success.
We all know those colours, prints and often shapes and silhouettes that we like the most, so take it slow, don't throw yourself straight into sale chaos.

Slowly peruse the rails looking for those colours and prints that you love, the items you've lusted after for months or the colours you know will be rocking next season through the research you've put in prior to hitting the shops.
When you see a colour or print you like, grab it, don't look back, just keep moving on until you've scanned and grabbed from all the rails... You can edit later.
This technique allows you to quickly and oh so effectively shop the sales without getting bogged down amongst the rubbish, and we all know that there is a lot of rubbish during sale season.

This brings me onto my next point, research, research, research.
If you're anything like me, you'll be totally clued up on your trends for next season so this may not be necessary for you.
However, if you aren't I would highly suggest flicking through Elle or Vogue magazine or hopping online to find out what will be hot for the following season.
Despite it being the summer sales, you'll be able to pick up some awesome basics, layering pieces and even key prints and shapes for the season ahead, for a fraction of the price of course.
I often head to a sale knowing the exact things I'm looking to invest in for next season, that way it makes my shopping experience all the more effective and all the more timely to boot.

When it comes to sale shopping IRL, there are a few things you can do to make the whole process that little bit smoother. The biggie for me is what you choose to wear to shop. Go for comfortable clothing that is easy to take off once you hit the changing rooms. Slip on shoes (who's got time for laces?) cross body bags, so you're hands are free for the rummaging and something you can easily whip over your head in the fitting rooms, such as a light-weight dress... Genius eh?

Next up we have look ahead.
Similarly to looking ahead to the following seasons trends, think about what events and occasions you have coming up in the next few months and shop for that. Not only will you find the perfect get-up at a sale price, but the chances of the other guests being as savvy as you and rocking up in the same outfit are extremely slim indeed.
Wedding's for next summer are the perfect example of this, get organised and plan ahead, chances are your style won't change that much over the next year so why not save a few pennies in the process?

An important one to remember, and without sounding like your mother, don't buy for the sake of it.
We've all been there and bought something simply because it was an utter bargain and you just "can't leave it"... Well guess what, you totally can.
I can vouch that every single piece I've bought purely for the price of it, has never had the airtime it deserves. It sits there, all sad, tags on, lonely in my wardrobe.
Impulse buying for the sake of it never ends well so definitely have a think about it before going for it. Grab a coffee, pop next door and think it through, chances are you won't remember it and the space in your wardrobe, along with your bank balance and guilt will thank you for it later.

And finally shop around.
There are SO many websites with multiple brands on site such as ASOS, Zalando, Next, Selfridges, Net-A-Porter etc so ensure you've checked them all before making the purchase.
In my more recent years of sale shopping, I've used the summer sales to shop more luxury items so I always make sure that I've scoured all of the online designer department stores to establish who has the best price around.
Checking these websites along with being signed up to mailing lists means I'm ahead of the game with sale previews, further discounts and new sale additions.

So there we have it, my top tips for sale shopping this season and for any season come to think of it.
These techniques have been tried and tested for many years now and have never let me down to this date.

I've listed some of my most wanted sale items from my favourite stores throughout this post so do check them out, I'd love to know what you think? And please do let me know if you already practice some of these sale shopping procedures or if you have some of your own? I'd bloody love to try them out myself.

x M

June 22, 2017 by pagesbymegan

2 DAYS IN POSITANO | HOLIDAY OUTFITS

Where on earth is the time going? My life is quite honestly flashing before my eyes, I simply can't believe it's already been a whole week since George and I rocked up to Positano to gatecrash my parents holiday.

Now when I say gatecrash, we had pre-warned them that the flights were booked and they were thrilled to have us stay with them, but gatecrash sounds much more rock & roll don'tcha think!?

So Positano, ohhhh Positano! The most beautiful place I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. I've never turned each and every corner with mouth wide open and said "WOW" quite so many times as I did in this beautiful Italian town on the Amalfi Coast.
Positano is built into the cliffside on Southern Italy's Amalfi Coast which means that multicoloured houses greet you from all angles, that, along with steep narrow streets lined with cafes and shops and beautiful Bougainvillea flowers adding to the colourful scenery at every opportunity, seriously, Positano is one breathtakingly beautiful destination.

My parents were in Positano for one week whilst George and I tagged along for their final 2 days for a quick break away, and yes, quick it most definitely was. Whilst 2 days was enough time to explore Positano, it's only a small village after all, there wasn't enough time to relax on the pebble beachfront. However, 2 days is definitely enough time for some intense exploring of the village before then perhaps catching a boat to Capri, a bus to Sorrento or Amalfi, all of which my parents did in a week and all of which George and I will definitely be back to take advantage of soon.

As soon as George and I arrived in my parents villa, a truly beautiful villa with all the right Italian rustic vibes; set high up in the mountain which meant for the most insane of views from both the villa and the descent down the mountain to the centre of the town.
Once we arrived at the villa, we slipped into something a little more weather appropriate, Positano is around 30 degrees at this time of year, and we headed straight to the walk down into the town.

For this, I opted for a seriously lightweight playsuit by River Island with the most gorgeous of lemon prints, apt as we were on the Amalfi Coast, the home of the lemon tree. This playsuit was the perfect piece to explore Positano in; it was lightweight and airy, fun and bright with just the right amount of skin on show to explore the town respectfully. In theory, this playsuit has a lot going on with it's blue and white gingham, it's scattered lemons, lace trim shorts, key hole neckline and cold shoulder detailing, however, I truly feel it somewhat works to be the most beautiful and most immaculate of summer holiday get-ups I've ever owned, honestly I felt so sassy in it.

The sass factor was also due to the accessories of a wicker hat... An absolute holiday game changer for me I have to say. Never normally one for hats on holiday, this baby came up trumps for allowing my fringe to stay in place whilst exploring and once again when it was too hot for a fringe, the hat allowed my fringe to do one whilst not making me feel any less me or compromising my sass ... Game changer I tell ya!
Gingham sandals 'cause you can never have too much gingham and a yellow netted beach bag by H&M and I was good to go and by "go" I mean good to get an Aperol Spritz or 6 you know!?

After copious amounts of Aperol Spritz' were consumed we headed back up to our villa via a 5 minute bus ride to get ready for an evening out. For this I selected this bloody beautiful pink wrap dress with ruffle detailing by Bershka and honestly felt so great in it. We all know how powerfully flattering wrap dresses are for cinching in the waist and skirting over the hips and this was certainly no exception. The fact it features such a beautiful key colour for the season and my much loved ruffle detailing was a pure coincidence I swear.
Going all out on the pink factor I threw on some SERIOUSLY comfortable pink suede mules from Topshop and some tasseled earrings by New Look. The girliest look of mine in some time but a look I felt oh so great in.

That was until I spilt Pasta Vongole down it and had one epic oil stain... Worth it though as this Pasta Vongole was the most delicious pasta dish I have ever tried. Pasta Vongole is an Italian classic and is essentially pasta with clams cooked in white wine and is SO simple yet OH SO divine. My dad sampled Pasta Vongole from 4 different restuarants whilst in Positano which I though was such a great idea, "rate the Vongole"; maybe thats something for me to do on my return to Positano?

The restaurant I sampled Vongole at was the Ristorante Saraceno d'Oro and it was the cutest of road side restaurants lit up and sparkling by candle light, with live music and the most delicious of Italian food, I would highly recommend it for the perfect laid back evening in Positano.

FIND IT | Viale Pasitea, 254, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

Day two came around way too quickly for my liking and we were back down the mountain for a full day of exploring.
After a delicious continental breakfast made by momma and poppa and with the most amazing view from our terrace (the image above to be precise... DREAMY or what) I donned my cutest of co-ords and hot footed down the mountain with the family in tow.

This little co-ord you lot went crazy for over on Instagram and I can totally understand why.
We're all a lil obsessed with palm print and banana leaf right now aren't we, it's the print of the moment in both homeware and clothing so as soon I saw this Pimkie number on ASOS I swiftly added it to my basket, especially as it came in at just £32 for the set!!!
Yet another set I felt really bloody marvellous in, the last minute ASOS order I did prior to the holiday really did come up trumps, and George couldn't stop saying how lovely I looked in it (double bonus)

The crop top is more of a bralet so I was initially a little apprehensive about having so much midriff on show, but I found the shorts to be totally flattering in every way whilst being high waisted enough to completely cover and flatten my wee Buddha belly. All in all it was another great look for exploring, with wicker hat and yellow net bag as styling saviours but this time with the cutest little straw, striped, layered slides from ASOS; another exceptionally comfortable pair of sandals perfect for a holiday of exploring.

Now time for another recommendation, this time a restaurant with the most sensational of views and the most delicious of fresh pasta dishes, Brunos.
All four of us left in a food coma, so perhaps not the best idea for a lunch time option but my goodness was this place delicious and those views incredible... Totally worth the midday food baby for reals!
This time around I opted for pasta Puttanesca, a simple Italian dish of tomato, olives, anchovies and capers my idea of the most perfect of pasta dishes and it was truly and utterly incredible.
I would highly recommend Bruno's for their delicious pasta and seafood (dad had Vongole again and it was his best one yet) and for the incredible views, but if you want to make the most of the views, you have to eat. As is with most of the viewpoint restaurants in Positano, if you're just after a drink, they won't give you the best seats, just a pointer for when you visit.

FIND IT | Via Cristoforo Colombo, 157, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

For our final night we got a lil dolled up and headed up the mountain some more to a restaurant that came highly recommended, La Tagliata.
A family run restaurant that is truly beautiful in setting with the most INSANE of views of the whole mountain, with a handy shuttle bus service that will collect you from your villa or hotel 10 minutes before your reservation.

However, I have to say that the food was pretty damn terrible indeed. Not to be overly negative as it may just have been the food we were served, but yes, not a place I would recommend, although everyone you meet in the town will do so.

Crap food aside, we had a beautiful final night together, finished off with fireworks from our villa for the Corpus Christi Italian celebrations and a bottle of prosecco overlooking the stunning village.

Tonight I wore a Zara fish tail skirt, a piece I adore and have had for some time but haven't known how to style, until this little asymmetric white crop top from ASOS came into my life and it was just the ticket to finish the look off perfectly. I felt totally chic, especially in my pointed, kitten heel, sling-backs, also from Zara, but oh so me and holiday ready at the same time.

And there we have it, our 48 hours in Positano, as my dad kept saying, a "taster" of the beautiful Amalfi Coast village.
A taster it most certainly was as George and I are both desperate to return, to see the village again and to explore it's neighbouring towns.
I really hope you enjoyed reading this post, I'd love to know what you think of the way I do travel posts. My outfit's combined with some scenic shots and recommendations all rolled into one? Or would you prefer these to be separate? Let me know, I'm all ears and with tonnes more trips coming up, so it would be awesome to hear what you prefer.

Positano, you have my heart. Until next time.

x M

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