Friday 11 February 2022

Current Faves: K-Drama Music Playlist

Hey lovelies!!

I have been in a K-Drama wonderland these last couple of months and at one point I actually had four shows on the go, yes...four! That being said, I'm still quite a newbie when it comes to K-Dramas but I love them so much and thought I would share my favourite soundtracks/songs with you all.

So far I've watched Crash Landing On You, Our Beloved Summer, Nevertheless and Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, and I'm halfway through Fight For My Way and I've just started Something In The Rain. Honestly, I can't get enough haha!

I have listed my favourites tracks below and I've also included some other songs that I've heard and loved but I haven't seen the K-Drama itself (yet). These are literally perfect for those moments you want to feel like you're in a K-Drama or when you want to romanticise your life a little more.

I'll stop being cheesy now and let you scroll through my list:

1. Sunset by Davichi ('Crash Landing On You')

2. Someday by Kim Jae Hwan ('Crash Landing On You')

3. Christmas Tree by V ('Our Beloved Summer')

4. Drawer by 10cm ('Our Beloved Summer')

5. Maybe If by BIBI ('Our Beloved Summer')

6. Summer Rain by Sam Kim ('Our Beloved Summer')

7. There For You by Kim Na Young ('Our Beloved Summer')

8. Red String of Fate by Kim Kyung Hee ('Our Beloved Summer')

9. Definitely You by Jin & V ('Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth')

10. Dream by Bolbbalgan4 ('Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth')

11. Como No Creer En Dios by Cristo Rey ('Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth')

12. Love Me Like That by Sam Kim ('Nevertheless')

13. Fall In Love by Jukjae ('Nevertheless')

14. Butterfly by J.UNA ('Nevertheless')

15. Nevertheless by Night Off ('Nevertheless')

16. Sweetbitter by RIO ('Nevertheless')

17. Fight For My Way by Hercheck ('Fight For My Way')

18. Yours by Jin ('Jirisan')

19. Sweet Night by V ('Itaewon Class')

I will probably update this a little more as I keep watching the shows I'm currenly on and maybe once I'm done, I can make a part 2 with the new shows I start!

Love always, Stephanie

xoxo

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Sunday 6 February 2022

Fila FX_100 DSX Trainers

Hey lovelies!! 

It's the second part of Fila weekend on my blog and today we have the Fila FX_100 DSX Trainers. This is the pair that I have actually been brave enough to wear out and about and I love them! They are incredibly comfortable, don't require any breaking in and they add a little something to any casual outfit.

The first time I styled these out I wore my black combat trousers, a green crop and a black blazer. The look was smart casual and the shoes definitely helped to balance out the outfit for a nice Chinese takeaway night for a loved one's birthday.

 
Planning my outfits for a weekend away is always fun but it's even more fun when I feel that pure joy in finding other ways to style my new trainers with other items in my wardrobe. The first outfit that I actually styled with these trainers included a black turtleneck layered with a brown jumper over top, black leggings, a longline coat plus a few extra accessories (scarf and hat) to keep warm when out on a chillier day.
 
Honestly the possibilities are endless all year round! In Spring and Summer these basic yet classic style trainers can be paired with a dress for a more dressed-down look (as confusing as that sounds haha) or they can be paired with your favourite cosy pieces in Autumn and Winter. Any casual occasion whether that be running errands, catching up with friends or family for coffee at your favourite café or going for a nice stroll around your favourite neighbourhood you'll be set with these trainers!

If you would love to grab yourself a pair, click the link above! Just like the Fila Disruptor II Premium Trainers these are also being reduced to clear on some sites. Don't miss out!

*Affiliate link featured*

Love always, Stephanie

xoxo

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Saturday 5 February 2022

Fila Disruptor II Premium Trainers

Hey lovelies!

It's Fila weekend on my blog and I can't wait to share my babies with you haha! Honestly, anyone who knows me understands my love for Fila. Somehow they always have the coolest trainers, the coolest collabs (*ahem* BTS) and the coolest style, plus they really have something for everyone!

Today though we will be focusing on the Fila Disruptor II Premium Trainers because they are pure beauties! The moment I saw these I fell in love and that is no exaggeration because they just looked so edgy. I especially loved the overall chunkiness of the shoe and the mini razor-like sole that helped to give it a completely different look to your average pair of trainers.

Admittedly I was worried about the fact that they were white because being my first pair of white trainers has meant that I still haven't been brave enough to wear them out yet unlike the other pair I bought in addition to these. I know that as much as I'd like to keep them pristine and bright white, it's unlikely they'll stay that way for very long unless I clean them after every wear! I promise that they will be worn soon though, I've put it in writing now haha.

In terms of styling these trainers you should have no problem at all - if anything they should help to level up an outfit! My personal go-to look would channel edgy street style by incorporating black combat trousers, a black cropped hoodie, a cross-body bag and these Fila Disruptor II Premium Trainers. Simple but put together at the same time!

If you would love to grab yourself a pair, I'd suggest clicking the link above because they are getting harder to find and are now being reduced to clear on some sites. Don't miss out!

*Affiliate link featured*

Love always, Stephanie

xoxo

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Friday 4 February 2022

Winter Playlist 2022

Hey lovelies!!

Last time I did one of these playlist posts it was Spring 2021 and I ended up not doing one for the rest of the year. Here we are at late Winter 2022 and I've missed both blogging and these music posts so let's not waste any more time.

Here are just 20 of my current favourite songs! We have some classics, some new favourites, some Twitch streaming hype songs and a little bit of KPOP in between, enjoy!

1. My Universe - Coldplay & BTS

2. Island In The Sun - Weezer

3. Greek Tragedy (Oliver Nelson Remix) - The Wombats

4. You Got It - Vedo

5. Vixen - Miguel

6. Used To - SAYGRACE

7. All Around The World (La La La) - R3HAB & A Touch of Class

8. Astronomia - Vicetone & Tony Igy

9. Go Down Deh (Mixed) - Spice feat. Sean Paul & Shaggy

10. Mama Used To Say - Junior

11. Clementine - grentperez

12. All We Do - Oh Wonder

13. Polaroid Love - Enhypen

14. Heat Waves - Glass Animals

15. Scars - Stray Kids

16. Into The Night - Santana feat. Chad Kroeger

17. Your Love (DĂ©jĂ  Vu) - Glass Animals

18. Tamed-Dashed - Enhypen

19. Drawer - 10cm

20. Love Me Like That - Sam Kim

Comment your favourite songs down below, I'd like to find some new ones for my playlists!

Love always, Stephanie

xoxo

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Thursday 3 February 2022

Podcast Recommendations: Big Sister Vibes

Hey lovelies!!

Podcasts have been the "in" thing for a while but I often feel that we underestimate just how much of a positive effect listening to our favourite podcast or listening to an episode a day can do for our mental well-being.

In our early 20s for example, we have always had this mindset that we are now adults who should have everything figured out. We want to act tough and just get on with things without accepting help from anyone else but it doesn't have to be this way.

So, I decided that I would put together 5 of my favourite 'big sister' vibe podcasts in hopes that one of them might be able to help you or guide you no matter what stage of life you are in right now.

Here goes... 

1. 'Unzipped' with Shenae Grimes-Beech and AnnaLynne McCord (includes special guests):

Two actresses from the teen show 90210 come together to host a podcast that covers topic like mental health, social issues, and even parenting. Shenae's strongwilled personality mixed with AnnaLynne's makes for a brutally honest, uncensored podcast. The episodes are hilariously funny, filled with plenty of "challenging the norm" moments but also incredibly heart-warming as you get to hear the thoughts of someone going through the same things as you or at the very least, someone you know.

2. 'Kalyn's Coffee Talk' with Kalyn Nicholson:

I have followed Kalyn for a very long time on YouTube so when she had first announced that she would be starting a podcast a few years back, I was beyond excited. I'm pretty sure I downloaded the 'Castbox' app because of her! This podcast really puts you at ease as Kalyn's conversations on mental health and self-learning allow you to dig deeper to figure out and improve those negative thought processes that a lot of us go through on a daily basis. Her upbeat and positive nature always leaves you feeling lighter!

3. 'MOOD With Lauren Elizabeth' (includes special guests):

YouTuber Lauren Elizabeth created this podcast to share her best and worst moods in every weekly episode. She keeps things interesting with a mix of both solo episodes and episodes with special guests including: authors, creators, actresses and even mental health professionals. Talking about everything from her current obsessions to delving into topics such as: lifestyle choices, relationship advice, self-sabotage, growth, confidence, mental well-being and much more, you'll be sure to find an episode you can listen to, learn from and enjoy!

4. 'Manifest with Tori DeSimone' (includes special guests):

This podcast does exactly what it says - helps you to manifest! Tori's career success and driven personality keeps her listeners incredibly motivated to follow and achieve their dreams. Her weekly episodes are a breath of fresh air and act as a way to make sure you are checking in with yourself and keeping yourself accountable every step of the way. If levelling up your lifestyle, creating your own routine or developing a healthier mindset is something you want to do then this podcast is for you!

5. 'The Papaya Podcast' with Sarah Nicole (includes special guests):

A podcast described as a show where Sarah Nicole "dishes out some sweetness mixed with some seeds of wisdom", it does not disappoint. In the style of Friends episode titles ('The One...'), this podcast covers a variety of very important topics with advice that has the ability to help and comfort so many men and women out there. Whether you are looking for stories/advice from single mothers, CEOs, psychologists or even popular creators, you will not be disappointed. Plus if you manage to tune into any episodes with Shane, Sarah's husband, you will be laughing a whole lot more than you expect!

Comment below your favourite podcast or which one of these you are going to listen to now!

Love always, Stephanie

xoxo

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Wednesday 2 February 2022

Why You'll Always Find Me In Topshop Joni Jeans...

Hey lovelies!

The title of this blog post is well and truly something that is on everybody's lips...well at least those who personally know me and see me on a regular basis! I must say that at this point in my life, there is only one style of jean that I associate myself with and until I have a major life change, I don't see my preference changing any time soon!

My discovery of the Topshop Joni Jeans was by far one of the greatest days of my life. I mean have you ever had that moment where after trying on so many different types of jeans on so many different occasions, you just find a pair that glides over your thighs, sucks you in at the stomach but is actually super comfortable because of the stretchier material? This is what it was like with the Joni Jeans, no lie!
 
I was always that girl who struggled to find a good pair of jeans because I had hips (still do) and I had thighs that were a little bigger compared to the other girls I knew (again, I still do). In all honesty, going into the changing rooms almost always brought me a lot of sadness and there is no doubt in my mind that I felt a little outcast because of my shape and the fact that jeans were not exactly forgiving on my body.

I must say though that a lot has changed and we now have brands like ASOS and New Look that are manufacturing jeans in a way that incorporates stretchier material and slightly more elasticated waistbands. I think what I appreciate even more about these types of jeans is that even if you lose a bit of weight or gain a bit of weight, which is something that I have always struggled with, they still allow you to be you.

I don't know about any of you reading this but losing or gaining weight can sometimes be a defining factor of how I feel in clothes and losing a bit of weight and fitting into a pair of Topshop jeans made me feel good about myself. I found that they hugged my figure in the right places and even when I had put on some of that weight again, they still highlighted my curves in a relatively flattering way but also kept my stomach in check which is always a must for me!

Starting full time work a couple of years ago and seeing that the dress code was smart casual didn't change things for me. If anything it got me even more excited because as long as I had a work appropriate top then I could still wear those beautiful jeans to my heart's content! Jeans obviously go with any outfit and the "effortless chic work look" would usually consist of my black Joni jeans, a basic white tee, a black blazer and my ankle boots.

I believe that it is all in the way that you style these jeans. You can dress them up or dress them down and they will work for so many different occasions and it is because of their versatility and how comfortable they are that always convinces me to repurchase them for at least the fifth time now. I wear these babies out like nobody's business so I always have to have spares lined up when the current pairs have had their run. Surely I can't be the only one that does this with their favourite items of clothing, I promise I'm not weird!

Let me know in the comment section down below, are you a Joni Jeans lover or prefer other styles more? Get chatting with me!
 
*Affiliate link featured*

Love always, Stephanie
xoxo
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Tuesday 1 February 2022

7 Years With Not Vicarious!

Hey lovelies!

7 years with Not Vicarious and almost 200 posts published!

I should probably have way more blog posts published by this point but I'll be sure to make up for lost time after a few of the long breaks that I've had over the last 2 or 3 years. Oddly enough, the year I was going through a lot of really tough things was the year I posted the most - work that one out!

Anyway we've made it another year and I'm so happy to welcome Not Vicarious into its seventh year. I don't have anything in mind in terms of celebrating apart from drafting up more posts for you all! I have finally found joy in it again and I'm clinging onto as much of that excitement as I possibly can.

We always talk about lucky number 7 and how positive a number it can be in some cultures. I would like to think that there's some truth to it especially because I want to be lucky enough to build the community that I have across my platforms and make this blog a safe space for my thoughts/musings in hopes that some of you may be able to relate.

7 years with Not Vicarious means finding my way through the good and the bad and hopefully being brave enough to share some of it with you. I believe that there is comfort in knowing that you're not alone so I aim to continue treating my blog as my little corner of the Internet that you can come over to any time you like.

Take a sweet break from the world or whatever you're going through and enjoy my content - binge read it or take your time, it will always be here. Bring on a new chapter for Not Vicarious!

Love always, Stephanie

xoxo

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