Wednesday, 29 August 2018
Hey lovelies!
Welcome back to The NV Holiday Diaries! I wasn't sure if there was going to be a second part to this particular holiday segment but I found myself wanting to talk about a few things that are always of concern or importance with body confidence and acceptance, so here goes...
I think that it's so amazing how opinions can change over the course of a year! Whilst I'm not entirely pleased with my body, (well who ever is?), I've found that sometimes it's the positive opinions of others that can help you grow to love aspects of yourself that you didn't think to appreciate before.
The key thing to remember with this, in addition to firstly appreciating the body you've been given, is to surround yourself with people who build you up and love the aspects that you dislike about yourself. If you choose to put these two things together, then you've got a recipe for success! I completely understand that often, when you're in the thick of it, thinking that you need to have thin thighs, small hips, big boobs, or a curvy butt for you to be respected by your friends, liked by a special someone or validated as a beautiful person can make loving yourself and enjoying what you like more difficult than it really needs to be.
There are three ways around this -
1. Choose To Ignore Your Inner Demons:
This is a hefty one to complete because of the emotional/mental work that you have to put into accepting your body. I know for myself that I'm not exceedingly happy with my hips or stomach because they need a bit of toning up and tightening here and there, something that a little exercise and good eating will sort out. I've learnt, however, to accept the fact that I'm curvier and in turn I've learnt to appreciate other curvier females and adore their strong looking physiques that often take that hourglass or pear shape that we're so fond of in this day and age.
2. Take Into Account Those Compliments You Receive From Others (Particularly Your Loved Ones):
There is nothing better than hearing those wonderful words spoken about your body regardless of the situation you're in whether that's with clothes, without clothes, with minimal clothing - I mean, we all know that being in a bikini is a little bit of a test for our inner confidence as I mentioned in my last post, but hearing compliments from others can make you feel less self-conscious so you can truly enjoy the moment. I think this is where the improvement in my outlook changed over the last year because, although I'm aware that I'm not fully in shape and a few workout sessions may be required, I had people around me that would build up my confidence and encourage me to become a healthier version of myself both mentally and physically, instead of putting me down. This year I've tried not to put too much emphasis or importance on the little bit of chubbiness that I have here and there because I just want to enjoy myself rather than constantly focus on what I look like.
3. Know What You Love, Love What You Know:
It's so easy to pick apart what you dislike, or in some cases, hate or loathe about yourself and wish you could change for the sake of your sanity. I have found that the less I focus on the specifics of my body shape, the easier things feel. I choose to see my body as a whole and like the fact that, "okay I may have bigger hips, which may need a little work, but I have a small waist that I absolutely love to show off". I guess it's taking the good with the so-called "bad", it never comes without its challenges but it can be so worth it in the long run - that feeling of having one less thing to worry about is amazing! You can just be you.

There are three ways around this -
1. Choose To Ignore Your Inner Demons:
This is a hefty one to complete because of the emotional/mental work that you have to put into accepting your body. I know for myself that I'm not exceedingly happy with my hips or stomach because they need a bit of toning up and tightening here and there, something that a little exercise and good eating will sort out. I've learnt, however, to accept the fact that I'm curvier and in turn I've learnt to appreciate other curvier females and adore their strong looking physiques that often take that hourglass or pear shape that we're so fond of in this day and age.
2. Take Into Account Those Compliments You Receive From Others (Particularly Your Loved Ones):
There is nothing better than hearing those wonderful words spoken about your body regardless of the situation you're in whether that's with clothes, without clothes, with minimal clothing - I mean, we all know that being in a bikini is a little bit of a test for our inner confidence as I mentioned in my last post, but hearing compliments from others can make you feel less self-conscious so you can truly enjoy the moment. I think this is where the improvement in my outlook changed over the last year because, although I'm aware that I'm not fully in shape and a few workout sessions may be required, I had people around me that would build up my confidence and encourage me to become a healthier version of myself both mentally and physically, instead of putting me down. This year I've tried not to put too much emphasis or importance on the little bit of chubbiness that I have here and there because I just want to enjoy myself rather than constantly focus on what I look like.
3. Know What You Love, Love What You Know:
It's so easy to pick apart what you dislike, or in some cases, hate or loathe about yourself and wish you could change for the sake of your sanity. I have found that the less I focus on the specifics of my body shape, the easier things feel. I choose to see my body as a whole and like the fact that, "okay I may have bigger hips, which may need a little work, but I have a small waist that I absolutely love to show off". I guess it's taking the good with the so-called "bad", it never comes without its challenges but it can be so worth it in the long run - that feeling of having one less thing to worry about is amazing! You can just be you.

I find it so incredibly tricky to stop myself from writing those huge cliches that make us roll our eyes in the "for-goodness-sake-I've-heard-this-all-before" kind of way. I too have stumbled across endless articles that have told me to love my body whatever shape or size it may be but we all know it's true and that as long as you're happy and healthy, what does anything else matter?
You're never going to stop liking another person's body, you'd be crazy to think otherwise but it's what you choose to do with those thoughts that matters most! You can choose to give them power and feed them so that they morph into envious glances and constant nit-picking at your own flesh and blood or you can appreciate what you've seen, move on and return to noticing something that you like about yourself. Negative thinking is a habit so break that habit, have a few slip-ups because you're human but inevitably lead yourself onto a path that exudes positivity and overwhelming happiness. Now that's the kind of life I like!
Let me know in the comment section down below your tips for overcoming body insecurities and accepting who you are!
XOXO
Wednesday, 15 August 2018
Hey lovelies!
The Google Picks My Makeup Challenge is something that has been going round YouTube for awhile now but since I don't have a YouTube channel, I thought that I would just show you my version here on the blog. If you're not familiar with the rules of the challenge, all you have to do is type your initials along with the word "look" into the Google Images search engine and the first image that comes up is what you have to base your makeup on!
I
chose to use the initials from my actual name (SP) instead of the
initials from my blog name (NV) so that I could properly abide by the
rules. The first image that appeared on the search was this, so of course I was happy that the colours in the outfit shown were not too out there or over the top!
I really loved creating this look because having to base my look on an image that didn't specifically tell me where to use the colours featured made things a little tough but very interesting! I decided to use the dark blue shade of the woman's denim jeans as the lid colour, and incorporated the black shade of her sandals into the outer corner to smoke out the look.
Moving
on from this I used the closest shade I could find to match the mint
green of her top and apply that to the lower lashline, topping the eye
look off with a bit of mascara on my top and bottom lashes. Afterwards, I
applied my face makeup, filled in my brows, used some blusher, bronzer
and highlighter and then began to focus on the lips. I must admit, this
was probably the most difficult part because trying to find a coral
shade that was as bright as the handbag featured in the photo was tough
for a girl who mostly has nude shades for most of her lip products! This
is probably why I had to resort to using a lipstick that is no longer
being sold, sorry about that! I have, however, linked a couple of
lipsticks that could work for this look though!
The
challenging process ended there and had I been a pro at putting on
lashes, I would have applied those too but this turned out to be the
final look! This is such a great challenge to be a part of because it's
so interesting to think about the various ways another individual could
create a completely different look using the exact same colours, and
that's why I love makeup!
Let me know in the comment section down below, what your makeup would like if Google picked it! Are you going to participate in this challenge? I tag you all!
Let me know in the comment section down below, what your makeup would like if Google picked it! Are you going to participate in this challenge? I tag you all!
----------------------------------------
Products Used:
FACE: MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance in Radiant Pink // Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation in Ivory // Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer in Light 10 // Maybelline Fit Me! Setting Powder in Classic Ivory 120.
EYES: Makeup Revolution Ultimate 144 Eyeshadow Palette 2018 // Benefit Roller Lash Mascara in Black.
CHEEKS: MAC Cosmetics Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark // Makeup Revolution Ultra Blush Palette in Sugar & Spice (Second Row, Second Shade) // Makeup Revolution Ultra Sculpt & Contour Kit in Ultra Light/Medium (Highlight Shade).
Wednesday, 1 August 2018
Hey lovelies!
I'm a little nervous about publishing this post, simply because of who ends up reading it...certain topics can be the verbal equivalent of Marmite and opinions can therefore differ!
In today's day and age we are consumed by thoughts: the thoughts of our own, the thoughts of our family, and the thoughts of close friends, all of which are in addition to those thoughts of absolute strangers who inadvertently or sometimes carelessly inform us of their opinions through such systems as social media.
I've noticed, despite the fact that it's not a secret, that a large number of us have this exterior that resonates confidence and strength for all the world to see. Personally, in today's society, I find it difficult to deem someone as 100% genuine. I don't just mean in the sense that what an individual tells you is not always the truth but more so that what they're presenting is the edited version of themselves that they want others to see. Is this version completely false? No. Is this version just one small part of them? Most likely. Admittedly, in some cases, what you see on the outside is in fact what you get on the inside. Are you still following me?
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Don't mind the bikini cover-up tan line ;D |
Last year, I found myself pretending to be wholeheartedly comfortable and confident in my bikini (not featured) during my holiday to the stunning country of Greece. The bikini bottoms, that somewhat offered me less coverage than I'm used to, forced me to accept that I was wearing them because, after all, it was a little too late to return them to the store. I've met few people in my life who hand-on-heart feel that they are their own version of Beyonce or the well-known bikini connoisseur Tash Oakley, who I only slightly envy! The only similarity I can find between myself and these gorgeous women is the fact that we define ourselves as curvier females - a label that, in recent years, has most certainly become "all the rage".
I decided that I should be adamant in seeing the bikini scenario as a chance to start over! I'd lost weight afterall and had looked better than I had in the last few years of my life. These reasons left me thinking: why not show off a little more skin? Turns out...deciding to wear both the bikini bottoms and the bikini top (a lovely push-up kind might I add) in front of family is left to the ballsier individuals in life and not me! The most I could do was mix and match one of the items of this bikini with that of others and it sure wasn't going to be the string-like bikini bottoms that made the cut!
Despite this not linking to a specific photo of me on social media looking as confident as can be, it still looks to identify to that issue where we have a specific image that we try to portray. I must admit, my mum's cautious questions wondering about my feeling comfortable in the bikini were from such a thoughtful and kind place but my mind was so fixed upon the idea that I had to be comfortable in this bikini because I was smaller than before and could therefore pull it off better. I know for a fact that Ashley Graham would storm in at this point and tell me that anyone could wear a more revealing bikini and look beautiful! The fact of the matter is, for me, I could wear items of clothing designed for a smaller body - because it's perfectly okay to - but still focus on the aspects of my figure that are "flawed" or that I consider as "less desirable".
This year I return to Greece, a little bigger than before but certainly not the biggest I've ever been. Self-conscious is a slight understatement but who knows how I'll really feel until I get back into a bikini and brave the self-adoring eyes of the Greek gods and goddesses that grace the beach with their presence on the daily. I feel as if
this blog post will require a follow-up and I'll be sure to update you
on Twitter regarding the likelihood of another post! Until then, I aim to remain as body positive as possible and so should you!
XOXO
P.S. Let me know in the comment section down below your thoughts on this matter! Have you had similar problems? Let's chat!
Saturday, 21 July 2018
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From Left: Mini Cami Wrap Dress // Missguided Polka Dot Split Leg Maxi Dress // Parallel Lines Luxe Bodycon Dress. |
One of the best things about Summer, well any season really, is all the new clothes you can buy! I can, however, sympathise with those individuals (*ahem*) students/graduates (*ahem*) like me that may not be able to afford new clothes due to a restriction in their monetary funds.
The perfect thing is, you can still look at the new clothes online and not have that feeling of obligation to buy them because the sales assistant has seen you pick up that denim jacket three times, circled the store four times, only to realise that your bank account will say insufficient funds on attempting to purchase said jacket. I don't think any of us want to look like lurking thieves just because we've had that slow realisation that our money should most likely be spent on things of more importance, hence the circling to justify our purchase - we don't need that kind of stress in our life!
So, what's better than avoiding all of this hassle? A Summer wishlist of course, one that we can peruse in our own time, at our own pace and in the comfort of our own home!
Have a look at mine and be sure to let me know in the comment section down below which item you'll be purchasing or keeping your eye on ASOS or better yet, link some of the items on your Summer wishlist - I'd love to see if we have a similar taste in fashion!
The perfect thing is, you can still look at the new clothes online and not have that feeling of obligation to buy them because the sales assistant has seen you pick up that denim jacket three times, circled the store four times, only to realise that your bank account will say insufficient funds on attempting to purchase said jacket. I don't think any of us want to look like lurking thieves just because we've had that slow realisation that our money should most likely be spent on things of more importance, hence the circling to justify our purchase - we don't need that kind of stress in our life!
So, what's better than avoiding all of this hassle? A Summer wishlist of course, one that we can peruse in our own time, at our own pace and in the comfort of our own home!
Have a look at mine and be sure to let me know in the comment section down below which item you'll be purchasing or keeping your eye on ASOS or better yet, link some of the items on your Summer wishlist - I'd love to see if we have a similar taste in fashion!
TOPS
SKIRTS
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From Left: Monki A-Line Mini Skirt // Wrap Mini Skirt In Scuba // Monki Denim Mini Skirt. |
JEANS & SHORTS
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From Left: Tailored Paperbag Leather Look Shorts // Noisy May Step Waist Pocket Detail Mom Jeans // Skinny Ponte Pinstripe Trousers. |
DRESSES
SWIMWEAR
SWIMWEAR
![]() |
From Left: Pukas Palm Print Bikini // Pimkie Striped Bikini // Missguided White Side Ruched Bikini. |
LINGERIE & NIGHTWEAR
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From Left: Gossard Superboost Deep V Bralet // Wolf & Whistle Navy Cami and Short Pyjama Set // Boux Avenue Too Glam Tee & Velvet Short Pyjama Set. |
SHOES
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From Top Left: Tyrell Sandals // Halliwell Block Heeled Sandals // Elka Western Ankle Boots // Elope Pointed Sock Boots (Black) // Elope Pointed Sock Boots (Pink) // Erica Pointed Ankle Boots. |
BAGS
ACCESSORIES
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From Left: Stradivarius Belt // Paisley Print Bandana Neckerchief/Headscarf // River Island Silver Tipped Western Belt In Black. |
XOXO
Monday, 16 July 2018
Hey lovelies!
I've been loving publishing makeup posts lately as I find it so creative and inspiring to see the way in which artists use the colours in a palette to create their own masterpieces.
My sister Elena, as I've mentioned before, is a freelance makeup artist who does everything from bridal makeup to Halloween makeup and she loves every second. So, if you've got an event coming up or any sort of special occasion or blog photoshoot where you'll be requiring a few hours of professional makeup artistry then be sure to check out her page and get in contact!
The look that you see here is once again the result of my sister's handiwork and judging from the anticipation upon posting a sneak peek to my Twitter page, a lot of you can't wait to see the full reveal! So for those who loved it from the start, here it is!
The theme of the look is "sunset" so you can imagine my excitement when the day of shooting this look came around and offered me an early version of Golden Hour and gave the appearance of the sun setting in just the right place! I honestly wish that I could create this look every single day but I'm afraid that it's a little too glam, although take me to an event or out for a special occasion and I'll be sure to go back to Elena to get this look re-applied to my little ol' face!
Let me know your thoughts on this look in the comment section down below! I've linked all the products used at the end of this post so feel free to have a browse and pick up any products you want to try out! If you choose to recreate this look then be sure to tag both Elena (@elenapylarinosmua) and I (@notvicarious) on Instagram, we would love to see your photos!
Until next time!
XOXO
Products Used:
FACE: MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance in Radiant Pink // MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 // Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer in Fair 10 // MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder.
EYES: BH Cosmetics First Edition 120 Colour Eyeshadow Palette (Red Shade) // Helen E Cosmetics Glitter Pigment in Penny Copper // Duo Striplash Eyelash Glue Clear White // Ardell False Lashes in the style 'Wispies' // Benefit Cosmetics 'Roller Lash' in Black.
BROWS: Makeup Revolution Duo Brow Definer in Medium Brown.
CHEEKS: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer // BH Cosmetics Classic Blush Palette (Bottom Row, First Blush) // Makeup Revolution Ultra Sculpt & Contour Kit in Ultra Light/Medium (Highlight Shade).
LIPS: Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner in Eastend Snob // MAC Cosmetics Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lipcolour in Electric Rainbow.
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