Over the past few months, I've found that constantly working on university essays and assignments can become repetitive, especially when you're stuck in the middle of a lockdown where working alongside other people isn't possible. These last few months have felt like an endless slog of studying and essay writing for me - thankfully I've now completed my undergraduate degree but it certainly wasn't easy! In the process, I thought I'd add some variety to my monotonous study days by testing out some popular techniques that promise more productive study sessions. While finding new revision strategies and study tips online can be useful, I thought I'd put them to the test to see if they actually work or aren't worth using. Whether you're still studying before the summer holidays commence or you simply want to know what techniques are worth trying, keep reading for my verdict!
Technique #1 - Using Notion to organise revision
How it works:
The best way that I can describe Notion is that it's a digital planner, allowing you to track everything needed for an organised life. There's no determined structure so it can be formatted in whatever way allows you to be productive, whether that's through to-do lists, calendars, databases or many more options. The theory behind this study technique is that you'll no longer have documents scattered across your laptop and notes scrawled in random spaces, as they're streamlined and merged into one easy-to-access platform. Obviously, this isn't exclusive to revision - many people use Notion for their job or even to keep track of hobbies - but I thought I'd put it to the test for study purposes to see if it helped my productivity.
My verdict:
I created a Notion account in January while bored out of my mind with Covid, and I've used it religiously ever since. In fact, not a single day goes by where I don't check it, even if I'm not studying. I use it mainly for my daily to-do lists, but it's also handy for keeping track of readings, assignments, grades and many more things. Plus, I use it a lot for my journalism projects - if you'd like to see my Notion setup in-depth I can definitely do a blog post on it! I've always been a to-do list person so this is an ideal system for me, plus I've found that I'm a lot more productive when all of my readings and important documents are in one place, rather than spending ages scrolling through my laptop.
While I absolutely love Notion, I'd recommend being careful not to rely on it too much! Remember that it's an online website that can experience technical difficulties or your Internet connection could unexpectedly fail, which would be extremely frustrating right before an exam or while taking notes during a lecture!
Technique #2 - Using apps to block phone usage
How it works:
In an age of technology, it can be incredibly easy to get distracted by buzzing notifications on your phone or the burning desire to mindlessly scroll through social media. With online learning, this struggle has become even more prevalent as technology is essential for working and can't be avoided easily. Many apps exist to block the use of your phone for a chosen length of time, allowing you to focus and stay productive without impulsively staring at your screen. I personally tested the Flora app since I like the cute addition of growing your own forest with every period of time spent focusing, and you can even link it to your bank account for the added incentive of not breaking it.
My verdict:
I've never considered my phone to be a massive distraction when I'm working, yet I found this app incredibly helpful! I definitely don't use it every day, but instead rely on it when I'm feeling particularly unmotivated or find myself getting distracted. I honestly didn't realise how often I subconsciously checked my phone until I was unable to, but Flora definitely helped me to stay more focused by preventing this. The only thing I'd keep in mind is that sometimes your phone can be useful for work purposes, whether that's due to a to-do list in your notes app or a photo of some important information, so remember this before setting the focus timer!
Technique #3 - Splitting time by Pomodoros
How it works:
The Pomodoro technique splits time into intervals that are typically 25 minutes long, with a shorter 5-minute break in between and a longer 15-minute break after four of these Pomodoros have passed. The theory is that you decide on the task that needs to be done and then allocate how many Pomodoros it'll take, making your workload more manageable and easier to undertake. It's supposed to target anxiety generated by the 'ticking clock' that causes procrastination, as this technique instead makes time a valuable ally. There are various apps to implement the Pomodoro technique; I personally used this website but there are many alternatives out there to try.
My verdict:
I tried this technique a few times, but I realised that it isn't the one for me. If you have a short attention span or struggle to get started with a task and want to split it into more manageable chunks, then this is an ideal method to try. Personally, I've always found that I work better in much larger sections, perhaps 2 or 3 hours at a time before taking a more substantial break. With the Pomodoro technique, I found that as soon as I was in the flow of working, it was time to take a break and my thinking was interrupted. Plus, the larger number of breaks meant that there were countless more opportunities to procrastinate and I sometimes struggled to start working again. Since I was working on my final essays, I also found it harder to split these into tiny 25-minute chunks, but I can imagine this technique being more useful if you're working through a series of short questions or tasks. It definitely has its pros, but it's ultimately not the method for me.
Technique #4 - Listen to ambient music
How it works:
While a lot of people strongly advise against listening to music while studying, there's evidence that lo-fi sounds with no lyrics or distinguishable melodies can actually be helpful. Sometimes, the silence can become overwhelming or cause us to listen out for the tiniest noises, whereas having a subtle wash of music in the background drowns out these sounds and supposedly helps to maintain focus. Obviously, it isn't the same as listening to your karaoke playlist when singing along is inevitable; the idea is to use sounds that aren't catchy or distinguishable such as coffee shop chatter, crackling fires or waves on a shore.
My verdict:
Some people always work while listening to music but I've never had that impulse; I'll often instinctively choose to work in silence and frequently find myself in the no-speaking areas of the library. However, I started listening to some ambient music while working just to create variety in my monotonous study days, and I actually really enjoyed it! I spent the entire month of May working on various assignments, which also coincided with the gloomy weather, so I immersed myself in some jungle rain sounds from this Spotify playlist. For me, it was the nice middle ground of having some background noise that wasn't distracting, and I'd definitely use this again for future assignments!
Technique #5 - Vary your environment while working
How it works:
Many people believe that staying in one location can cause you to get bored or feel sluggish while working, so adding some variety to your revision locations can maintain your focus and productivity. This supposedly helps with gaining a renewed sense of motivation, as well as familiarising yourself with working in new environments that'll be useful when it comes to sitting in an exam hall. For many people, moving to a new location also acts as a break while revising, allowing them to start again with renewed engagement and a fresh head.
My verdict:
Believe it or not, I actually prefer working in the same space. Earlier in the semester, I travelled to university quite often to work in the library, but I soon stopped as I realised it was making me less productive. The stress of booking a library slot and finding a seat, plus the excessive time spent commuting and packing up my stuff, meant that it really didn't feel worth it. It started to feel like I was spending most of my day travelling and preparing to work, rather than actually delving into it, plus I'd always return home feeling drained. I've always been surprisingly productive whilst working at home, so unless I desperately needed a change of scenery or wanted a book from the library, I decided not to implement this technique. However, this is just my personal preference - I know a lot of people who really value a change in scenery while working!
As a whole, I found that a lot of these study techniques were incredibly useful, and while some weren't my personal favourites I could definitely appreciate how other people might find them helpful. I'd love to know what your favourite study methods are or whether you've tried any of the above tips, so make sure you leave a comment to let me know!
Over the past few months, I've found that constantly working on university essays and assignments can become repetitive, especially when you're stuck in the middle of a lockdown where working alongside other people isn't possible. These last few months have felt like an endless slog of studying and essay writing for me - thankfully I've now completed my undergraduate degree but it certainly wasn't easy! In the process, I thought I'd add some variety to my monotonous study days by testing out some popular techniques that promise more productive study sessions. While finding new revision strategies and study tips online can be useful, I thought I'd put them to the test to see if they actually work or aren't worth using. Whether you're still studying before the summer holidays commence or you simply want to know what techniques are worth trying, keep reading for my verdict!
Technique #1 - Using Notion to organise revision
How it works:
The best way that I can describe Notion is that it's a digital planner, allowing you to track everything needed for an organised life. There's no determined structure so it can be formatted in whatever way allows you to be productive, whether that's through to-do lists, calendars, databases or many more options. The theory behind this study technique is that you'll no longer have documents scattered across your laptop and notes scrawled in random spaces, as they're streamlined and merged into one easy-to-access platform. Obviously, this isn't exclusive to revision - many people use Notion for their job or even to keep track of hobbies - but I thought I'd put it to the test for study purposes to see if it helped my productivity.
My verdict:
I created a Notion account in January while bored out of my mind with Covid, and I've used it religiously ever since. In fact, not a single day goes by where I don't check it, even if I'm not studying. I use it mainly for my daily to-do lists, but it's also handy for keeping track of readings, assignments, grades and many more things. Plus, I use it a lot for my journalism projects - if you'd like to see my Notion setup in-depth I can definitely do a blog post on it! I've always been a to-do list person so this is an ideal system for me, plus I've found that I'm a lot more productive when all of my readings and important documents are in one place, rather than spending ages scrolling through my laptop.
While I absolutely love Notion, I'd recommend being careful not to rely on it too much! Remember that it's an online website that can experience technical difficulties or your Internet connection could unexpectedly fail, which would be extremely frustrating right before an exam or while taking notes during a lecture!
Technique #2 - Using apps to block phone usage
How it works:
In an age of technology, it can be incredibly easy to get distracted by buzzing notifications on your phone or the burning desire to mindlessly scroll through social media. With online learning, this struggle has become even more prevalent as technology is essential for working and can't be avoided easily. Many apps exist to block the use of your phone for a chosen length of time, allowing you to focus and stay productive without impulsively staring at your screen. I personally tested the Flora app since I like the cute addition of growing your own forest with every period of time spent focusing, and you can even link it to your bank account for the added incentive of not breaking it.
My verdict:
I've never considered my phone to be a massive distraction when I'm working, yet I found this app incredibly helpful! I definitely don't use it every day, but instead rely on it when I'm feeling particularly unmotivated or find myself getting distracted. I honestly didn't realise how often I subconsciously checked my phone until I was unable to, but Flora definitely helped me to stay more focused by preventing this. The only thing I'd keep in mind is that sometimes your phone can be useful for work purposes, whether that's due to a to-do list in your notes app or a photo of some important information, so remember this before setting the focus timer!
Technique #3 - Splitting time by Pomodoros
How it works:
The Pomodoro technique splits time into intervals that are typically 25 minutes long, with a shorter 5-minute break in between and a longer 15-minute break after four of these Pomodoros have passed. The theory is that you decide on the task that needs to be done and then allocate how many Pomodoros it'll take, making your workload more manageable and easier to undertake. It's supposed to target anxiety generated by the 'ticking clock' that causes procrastination, as this technique instead makes time a valuable ally. There are various apps to implement the Pomodoro technique; I personally used this website but there are many alternatives out there to try.
My verdict:
I tried this technique a few times, but I realised that it isn't the one for me. If you have a short attention span or struggle to get started with a task and want to split it into more manageable chunks, then this is an ideal method to try. Personally, I've always found that I work better in much larger sections, perhaps 2 or 3 hours at a time before taking a more substantial break. With the Pomodoro technique, I found that as soon as I was in the flow of working, it was time to take a break and my thinking was interrupted. Plus, the larger number of breaks meant that there were countless more opportunities to procrastinate and I sometimes struggled to start working again. Since I was working on my final essays, I also found it harder to split these into tiny 25-minute chunks, but I can imagine this technique being more useful if you're working through a series of short questions or tasks. It definitely has its pros, but it's ultimately not the method for me.
Technique #4 - Listen to ambient music
How it works:
While a lot of people strongly advise against listening to music while studying, there's evidence that lo-fi sounds with no lyrics or distinguishable melodies can actually be helpful. Sometimes, the silence can become overwhelming or cause us to listen out for the tiniest noises, whereas having a subtle wash of music in the background drowns out these sounds and supposedly helps to maintain focus. Obviously, it isn't the same as listening to your karaoke playlist when singing along is inevitable; the idea is to use sounds that aren't catchy or distinguishable such as coffee shop chatter, crackling fires or waves on a shore.
My verdict:
Some people always work while listening to music but I've never had that impulse; I'll often instinctively choose to work in silence and frequently find myself in the no-speaking areas of the library. However, I started listening to some ambient music while working just to create variety in my monotonous study days, and I actually really enjoyed it! I spent the entire month of May working on various assignments, which also coincided with the gloomy weather, so I immersed myself in some jungle rain sounds from this Spotify playlist. For me, it was the nice middle ground of having some background noise that wasn't distracting, and I'd definitely use this again for future assignments!
Technique #5 - Vary your environment while working
How it works:
Many people believe that staying in one location can cause you to get bored or feel sluggish while working, so adding some variety to your revision locations can maintain your focus and productivity. This supposedly helps with gaining a renewed sense of motivation, as well as familiarising yourself with working in new environments that'll be useful when it comes to sitting in an exam hall. For many people, moving to a new location also acts as a break while revising, allowing them to start again with renewed engagement and a fresh head.
My verdict:
Believe it or not, I actually prefer working in the same space. Earlier in the semester, I travelled to university quite often to work in the library, but I soon stopped as I realised it was making me less productive. The stress of booking a library slot and finding a seat, plus the excessive time spent commuting and packing up my stuff, meant that it really didn't feel worth it. It started to feel like I was spending most of my day travelling and preparing to work, rather than actually delving into it, plus I'd always return home feeling drained. I've always been surprisingly productive whilst working at home, so unless I desperately needed a change of scenery or wanted a book from the library, I decided not to implement this technique. However, this is just my personal preference - I know a lot of people who really value a change in scenery while working!
As a whole, I found that a lot of these study techniques were incredibly useful, and while some weren't my personal favourites I could definitely appreciate how other people might find them helpful. I'd love to know what your favourite study methods are or whether you've tried any of the above tips, so make sure you leave a comment to let me know!
For years, I always swore that I'd never be converted to audiobooks. "I love reading, it's just not the same. Listening just feels lazy and I know that I won't pay attention." Well let me tell you, I was very wrong. While podcasts are a long-term love of mine, this current lockdown has converted me to audiobooks and there's seriously no looking back.
Although I still pick up physical books every single day (I'm in the final term of my English literature degree so reading takes up a large portion of my life), the effortless ability to immerse yourself in an audiobook is my new favourite method of relaxing. So my new evening ritual, after an intense day of university, is to pop on an audiobook and unwind.
Since the Audible account that I share with my mum recently amassed quite a few credits, I gained her permission to go crazy and stock up on audiobooks for my evening relaxation sessions. Was this haul almost entirely influenced by my friend and fellow blogger, Erin? Yes. Am I secretly pleased about that since she has a great taste in books? Yes.
Since this seemingly never-ending lockdown period is the perfect time to delve into a new book (or five - I couldn't resist), I thought I'd share the ones that I downloaded and hopefully inspire you to give this relaxing method of reading a try.
Ghosts by Dolly Alderton
32-year-old Nina Dean is a successful food writer with a loyal online following, but a life that is falling apart. When she uses dating apps for the first time, she becomes a victim of ghosting, and by the most beguiling of men. Her beloved dad is vanishing in slow motion into dementia, and she's starting to think about ageing and the gendered double-standard of the biological clock. On top of this, she has to deal with her mother's desire for a mid-life makeover and the fact that all her friends seem to be slipping away from her...
I was obsessed with Dolly Alderton's debut, Everything I Know About Love, after it was published a few years ago. When I recently heard about Ghosts, this time fiction rather than memoirs, I was instantly sold. As an author, she is incredible at creating relatable storylines filled with emotion, whether they've got you reaching for tissues or laughing uncontrollably. I'm sure that this book will be just as eye-opening as her last, and I'm eager to start reading it soon.
Us Three by Ruth Jones
Meet Lana, Judith and Catrin. Best friends since primary school when they swore an oath on a Curly Wurly wrapper that they would always be there for each other, come what may. After the trip of a lifetime, the three girls are closer than ever. But an unexpected turn of events shakes the foundation of their friendship to its core, leaving their future in doubt – there’s simply too much to forgive, let alone forget. An innocent childhood promise they once made now seems impossible to keep ...
Maybe it's the loneliness of lockdown talking but a novel about friendships is exactly what I need right now. Ruth Jones is another author whose work I've previously enjoyed, and the summary of her newest novel instantly drew me in. From what I've heard in reviews, you're bound to feel like you've known these characters for your whole life when reading this novel, so I'm definitely excited to get stuck into it.
Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
Florence's debut book will explore all progressive corners of the feminist conversation; from insecurity projection and refusing to find comfort in other women's flaws, to deciding whether to date or dump them, all the way through to unpacking the male gaze and how it shapes our identity.
While feminism is something that I'm definitely aware of and align myself with, I want to engage in these discussions more and develop my understanding of feminist thinking this year. When doing some research, this book seemed like the perfect place to start. Not only is it accessible for someone like me who identifies as a feminist yet admittedly doesn't have tons of knowledge about it, but it also seems to prompt some important and critical discussions that I'm eager to delve into.
How to Fail by Elizabeth Day
This is a book for anyone who has ever failed. Which means it's a book for everyone. If I have learned one thing from this shockingly beautiful venture called life, it is this: failure has taught me lessons I would never otherwise have understood. I have evolved more as a result of things going wrong than when everything seemed to be going right. Out of crisis has come clarity, and sometimes even catharsis.
I haven't read many self-help books, simply because I've never been able to find one that fits me perfectly. That was until I heard countless reviews of this book and instantly knew that I'd find it helpful. It's no secret that I'm a perfectionist and put immense amounts of pressure on myself to succeed in everything I do, so failure is something that honestly terrifies me. Hopefully, with the assistance of this book, I'll be able to realise that making mistakes isn't entirely a bad thing, and I'm looking forward to developing as a person and changing my sometimes toxic view of 'failure'.
Clothes... and Other Things That Matter by Alexandra Shulman
In Clothes... and other things that matter, Alexandra Shulman delves into her own life to look at the emotions, ambitions, expectations and meanings behind the way we dress. From the bra to the bikini, the trench coat to trainers, the slip dress to the suit, she explores their meaning in women's lives and how our wardrobes intersect with the larger world - the career ladder, motherhood, romance, sexual identity, ambition, failure, body image and celebrity.
As an aspiring journalist who currently writes a lot of fashion content, reading a novel like this feels like a rite of passage as well as important research. This memoir is from the ex-Editor of British Vogue and I'm confident that it'll provide some interesting insights into the fashion industry and how clothing determines our life. I'm definitely excited to start reading (or should I say listening) to this one, and I'm sure it'll help to increase my already existing passion for fashion.
Have you been converted to audiobooks yet? I'd love to hear your recommendations and any titles that you think I'd enjoy!
For years, I always swore that I'd never be converted to audiobooks. "I love reading, it's just not the same. Listening just feels lazy and I know that I won't pay attention." Well let me tell you, I was very wrong. While podcasts are a long-term love of mine, this current lockdown has converted me to audiobooks and there's seriously no looking back.
Although I still pick up physical books every single day (I'm in the final term of my English literature degree so reading takes up a large portion of my life), the effortless ability to immerse yourself in an audiobook is my new favourite method of relaxing. So my new evening ritual, after an intense day of university, is to pop on an audiobook and unwind.
Since the Audible account that I share with my mum recently amassed quite a few credits, I gained her permission to go crazy and stock up on audiobooks for my evening relaxation sessions. Was this haul almost entirely influenced by my friend and fellow blogger, Erin? Yes. Am I secretly pleased about that since she has a great taste in books? Yes.
Since this seemingly never-ending lockdown period is the perfect time to delve into a new book (or five - I couldn't resist), I thought I'd share the ones that I downloaded and hopefully inspire you to give this relaxing method of reading a try.
Ghosts by Dolly Alderton
32-year-old Nina Dean is a successful food writer with a loyal online following, but a life that is falling apart. When she uses dating apps for the first time, she becomes a victim of ghosting, and by the most beguiling of men. Her beloved dad is vanishing in slow motion into dementia, and she's starting to think about ageing and the gendered double-standard of the biological clock. On top of this, she has to deal with her mother's desire for a mid-life makeover and the fact that all her friends seem to be slipping away from her...
I was obsessed with Dolly Alderton's debut, Everything I Know About Love, after it was published a few years ago. When I recently heard about Ghosts, this time fiction rather than memoirs, I was instantly sold. As an author, she is incredible at creating relatable storylines filled with emotion, whether they've got you reaching for tissues or laughing uncontrollably. I'm sure that this book will be just as eye-opening as her last, and I'm eager to start reading it soon.
Us Three by Ruth Jones
Meet Lana, Judith and Catrin. Best friends since primary school when they swore an oath on a Curly Wurly wrapper that they would always be there for each other, come what may. After the trip of a lifetime, the three girls are closer than ever. But an unexpected turn of events shakes the foundation of their friendship to its core, leaving their future in doubt – there’s simply too much to forgive, let alone forget. An innocent childhood promise they once made now seems impossible to keep ...
Maybe it's the loneliness of lockdown talking but a novel about friendships is exactly what I need right now. Ruth Jones is another author whose work I've previously enjoyed, and the summary of her newest novel instantly drew me in. From what I've heard in reviews, you're bound to feel like you've known these characters for your whole life when reading this novel, so I'm definitely excited to get stuck into it.
Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
Florence's debut book will explore all progressive corners of the feminist conversation; from insecurity projection and refusing to find comfort in other women's flaws, to deciding whether to date or dump them, all the way through to unpacking the male gaze and how it shapes our identity.
While feminism is something that I'm definitely aware of and align myself with, I want to engage in these discussions more and develop my understanding of feminist thinking this year. When doing some research, this book seemed like the perfect place to start. Not only is it accessible for someone like me who identifies as a feminist yet admittedly doesn't have tons of knowledge about it, but it also seems to prompt some important and critical discussions that I'm eager to delve into.
How to Fail by Elizabeth Day
This is a book for anyone who has ever failed. Which means it's a book for everyone. If I have learned one thing from this shockingly beautiful venture called life, it is this: failure has taught me lessons I would never otherwise have understood. I have evolved more as a result of things going wrong than when everything seemed to be going right. Out of crisis has come clarity, and sometimes even catharsis.
I haven't read many self-help books, simply because I've never been able to find one that fits me perfectly. That was until I heard countless reviews of this book and instantly knew that I'd find it helpful. It's no secret that I'm a perfectionist and put immense amounts of pressure on myself to succeed in everything I do, so failure is something that honestly terrifies me. Hopefully, with the assistance of this book, I'll be able to realise that making mistakes isn't entirely a bad thing, and I'm looking forward to developing as a person and changing my sometimes toxic view of 'failure'.
Clothes... and Other Things That Matter by Alexandra Shulman
In Clothes... and other things that matter, Alexandra Shulman delves into her own life to look at the emotions, ambitions, expectations and meanings behind the way we dress. From the bra to the bikini, the trench coat to trainers, the slip dress to the suit, she explores their meaning in women's lives and how our wardrobes intersect with the larger world - the career ladder, motherhood, romance, sexual identity, ambition, failure, body image and celebrity.
As an aspiring journalist who currently writes a lot of fashion content, reading a novel like this feels like a rite of passage as well as important research. This memoir is from the ex-Editor of British Vogue and I'm confident that it'll provide some interesting insights into the fashion industry and how clothing determines our life. I'm definitely excited to start reading (or should I say listening) to this one, and I'm sure it'll help to increase my already existing passion for fashion.
Have you been converted to audiobooks yet? I'd love to hear your recommendations and any titles that you think I'd enjoy!
Hello everyone and happy belated new year! You may have noticed that I have been inactive on my blog lately - in all honesty, life just completely took over and I didn't have time to upload. But don't worry because I'm back and as excited as ever to create some content for you guys! Before I do so, I thought it was only right to give you a little life update of everything that has happened over the past couple of months, as well as my goals and vision for By Daisy Bradbury in 2021. Without further ado, let's get into it!
I was incredibly fortunate that my home was in tier 2 during December, meaning I was able to have a bit more leniency in going out for a meal or visiting the shops. Although I only did this a couple of times, it made a massive difference to my mental health after the November lockdown and intense university term. To add to the lovely build-up to Christmas, my parents also got married on 22nd December, which was an incredibly special and memorable day. Despite having a pandemic wedding, we seriously made it the best day just as a family!
Fast forward to January, and a few days after moving back to Manchester for university, I tested positive for coronavirus! After being known as the cautious one in my friendship group and really trying hard to avoid it, this wasn't the result that I wanted. Although I'm incredibly grateful that it was a mild case and none of my family back home got it, it was still an exhausting and generally low period. This was also right before my university's exam season started, so you can imagine how stressed I was! Thankfully, I made a speedy recovery and I managed to meet all of my deadlines, although the two-week isolation and essay writing stress definitely weren't enjoyable.
The other major thing that has happened since my last blog post is that I celebrated my 21st birthday! Due to my essay deadlines and my boyfriend's exams, I extended the celebrations throughout the week, which I'm really not complaining about! I honestly had the best time and felt incredibly special, even if a lockdown birthday wasn't how I envisioned my 21st. My housemates and I spent the weekend playing drinking games, battling it out on the Nintendo Switch and having a few too many takeaways, and I honestly enjoyed it so much!
Fast forward to now and I'm in a kind of strange, in-between state - my deadlines and birthday celebrations are over but I have another week until the university term begins. I was also supposed to be in Windemere with my family right now but that was obviously cancelled. If I'm completely honest, the lockdown blues have started to hit knowing that I don't really have anything upcoming to look forward to and that my time at university is coming to a close without fully being able to experience it. This term is my final one before graduation, yet it has been almost a year since online teaching started and I feel a bit robbed of my university experience. That aside, right now I'm just taking each day as it comes with lots of reading, Youtube and working my way through Super Mario Odyssey.
Despite these lockdown apprehensions, one major benefit is that I have a lot more time to create blog and Instagram content. I'm really excited to keep blogging this year (in fact, it'll be my 7th blog anniversary in a few weeks - how crazy!) and I have lots of ideas that I can't wait to create! As my love of journalism has blossomed, I'm definitely eager to create more article-style content for here as well as my personal, chatty blog posts, so make sure you stay tuned for that! I don't want to set an upload schedule as I know that my final term of university will be intense and I don't want to add extra pressures, but you can definitely expect to see a lot more from me on here!
I hope you are all coping during this difficult winter lockdown and hopefully, my upcoming blog posts will be able to inject a bit of entertainment or enjoyment into your day!
A Little Lockdown Life Update - 21st Birthday and Testing Positive for Covid
Thursday, February 04, 2021 • Life
Hello everyone and happy belated new year! You may have noticed that I have been inactive on my blog lately - in all honesty, life just completely took over and I didn't have time to upload. But don't worry because I'm back and as excited as ever to create some content for you guys! Before I do so, I thought it was only right to give you a little life update of everything that has happened over the past couple of months, as well as my goals and vision for By Daisy Bradbury in 2021. Without further ado, let's get into it!
I was incredibly fortunate that my home was in tier 2 during December, meaning I was able to have a bit more leniency in going out for a meal or visiting the shops. Although I only did this a couple of times, it made a massive difference to my mental health after the November lockdown and intense university term. To add to the lovely build-up to Christmas, my parents also got married on 22nd December, which was an incredibly special and memorable day. Despite having a pandemic wedding, we seriously made it the best day just as a family!
Fast forward to January, and a few days after moving back to Manchester for university, I tested positive for coronavirus! After being known as the cautious one in my friendship group and really trying hard to avoid it, this wasn't the result that I wanted. Although I'm incredibly grateful that it was a mild case and none of my family back home got it, it was still an exhausting and generally low period. This was also right before my university's exam season started, so you can imagine how stressed I was! Thankfully, I made a speedy recovery and I managed to meet all of my deadlines, although the two-week isolation and essay writing stress definitely weren't enjoyable.
The other major thing that has happened since my last blog post is that I celebrated my 21st birthday! Due to my essay deadlines and my boyfriend's exams, I extended the celebrations throughout the week, which I'm really not complaining about! I honestly had the best time and felt incredibly special, even if a lockdown birthday wasn't how I envisioned my 21st. My housemates and I spent the weekend playing drinking games, battling it out on the Nintendo Switch and having a few too many takeaways, and I honestly enjoyed it so much!
Fast forward to now and I'm in a kind of strange, in-between state - my deadlines and birthday celebrations are over but I have another week until the university term begins. I was also supposed to be in Windemere with my family right now but that was obviously cancelled. If I'm completely honest, the lockdown blues have started to hit knowing that I don't really have anything upcoming to look forward to and that my time at university is coming to a close without fully being able to experience it. This term is my final one before graduation, yet it has been almost a year since online teaching started and I feel a bit robbed of my university experience. That aside, right now I'm just taking each day as it comes with lots of reading, Youtube and working my way through Super Mario Odyssey.
Despite these lockdown apprehensions, one major benefit is that I have a lot more time to create blog and Instagram content. I'm really excited to keep blogging this year (in fact, it'll be my 7th blog anniversary in a few weeks - how crazy!) and I have lots of ideas that I can't wait to create! As my love of journalism has blossomed, I'm definitely eager to create more article-style content for here as well as my personal, chatty blog posts, so make sure you stay tuned for that! I don't want to set an upload schedule as I know that my final term of university will be intense and I don't want to add extra pressures, but you can definitely expect to see a lot more from me on here!
I hope you are all coping during this difficult winter lockdown and hopefully, my upcoming blog posts will be able to inject a bit of entertainment or enjoyment into your day!
As a student who is trying to limit their clothes shopping habits, I love creating different looks and outfit combinations using the clothing that I already own. My wardrobe is far from small, so this is a great way to come up with some unique looks rather than styling an item in the same way every single time, or spending a fortune on new pieces that I don't need.
In March, I wrote a blog post about how to style a slogan t-shirt for any occasion, so I thought I'd do a follow-up and show you some of the different ways that I'd style a sweatshirt. Since 2020 has felt like a never-ending lockdown where we've been living in loungewear, I was eager to step out of this comfortable attire and style a sweatshirt in some different ways instead. Keep reading to see what looks I created!
Layered over a shirt dress
One way to easily style your sweatshirt and look like you've put more effort into your appearance is to layer a shirt underneath. You could totally do this with a crisp white blouse and pair it with jeans, but I thought a flannel shirt dress would be a nice change. This is incredibly comfortable and easy to throw on yet looks like you've put some more thought into your outfit. I also love the look of the collar peeking out from underneath. Although I styled this with bare legs, I think it'd look equally nice with a pair of tights and boots to add a layer of warmth during the winter.
Paired with a pleated maxi skirt
Not only are pleated midi and maxi skirts really on-trend this winter, but they're one of my favourite items of the season. If you're like me and prefer wearing skirts over trousers then this is ideal, especially if you don't want to have your legs on show. Pairing a sweatshirt with a skirt like this instantly makes your outfit feel dressier and completely different to the usual leggings or gym wear combos. I think this would look gorgeous with some biker boots or even a pair of trainers to complete the look.
Mom jeans and roll neck
I feel like this is the way that most of you would feel comfortable styling a sweatshirt, but surprisingly this was the furthest from my usual outfit choices! I don't wear jeans that frequently in the winter, but I have to admit that mom jeans are an incredibly comfortable yet stylish way of wearing them that is great for if you've been living in joggers for the past few months. Since the jumper was already quite baggy on me, as are the jeans, I decided to tuck it in to create a more 'thrown together' casual vibe, which I really like. I also added the roll neck underneath both for an extra layer of warmth and to add a bit of interest to the outfit, since I felt like something was missing.
Swap the jeans for some smart trousers
I love wearing tailored trousers as I personally find them quite flattering and they look like you've put in more effort than just wearing jeans. Although this is the only difference from the last outfit, I feel like it has been completely transformed and creates a very different overall look. I tucked in the sweatshirt again so it didn't drown me and detract from the trousers, and honestly, I really like this overall outfit despite it being very simple. I know that this ended up being quite monochromatic, but I think a pop of colour here would also be amazing!
Underneath a floral mini dress
Ditsy print dresses are really my jam, so an outfit like this one was a must for this blog post. Normally with a dainty dress like this, I'd wear a t-shirt underneath or perhaps a jumper over it so it looks like a skirt, but I instead decided to have my sweatshirt underneath. This is the perfect balance of girly and casual that'll keep you warm this winter, and I can guarantee if I was still going to university in person it'd be easy to wear outfits like this that I'd be throwing on. Yet again, tights and boots would be the perfect finish for this if you're not brave enough to embrace the bare legs this winter.
So these are some of the ways that I'd style a sweatshirt! It was honestly so much fun creating this blog post and trying on a variety of existing items in my wardrobe to create these looks, and hopefully, they've proved that sweatshirts have much more potential than just as a loungewear or gym item. I'd love to know which outfit is your favourite or if I've inspired you to create any pairings, so make sure you leave a comment and let me know!
My Five Favourite Ways To Style A Sweatshirt (That Aren't Just Loungewear)
Sunday, November 22, 2020 • Style
As a student who is trying to limit their clothes shopping habits, I love creating different looks and outfit combinations using the clothing that I already own. My wardrobe is far from small, so this is a great way to come up with some unique looks rather than styling an item in the same way every single time, or spending a fortune on new pieces that I don't need.
In March, I wrote a blog post about how to style a slogan t-shirt for any occasion, so I thought I'd do a follow-up and show you some of the different ways that I'd style a sweatshirt. Since 2020 has felt like a never-ending lockdown where we've been living in loungewear, I was eager to step out of this comfortable attire and style a sweatshirt in some different ways instead. Keep reading to see what looks I created!
Layered over a shirt dress
One way to easily style your sweatshirt and look like you've put more effort into your appearance is to layer a shirt underneath. You could totally do this with a crisp white blouse and pair it with jeans, but I thought a flannel shirt dress would be a nice change. This is incredibly comfortable and easy to throw on yet looks like you've put some more thought into your outfit. I also love the look of the collar peeking out from underneath. Although I styled this with bare legs, I think it'd look equally nice with a pair of tights and boots to add a layer of warmth during the winter.
Paired with a pleated maxi skirt
Not only are pleated midi and maxi skirts really on-trend this winter, but they're one of my favourite items of the season. If you're like me and prefer wearing skirts over trousers then this is ideal, especially if you don't want to have your legs on show. Pairing a sweatshirt with a skirt like this instantly makes your outfit feel dressier and completely different to the usual leggings or gym wear combos. I think this would look gorgeous with some biker boots or even a pair of trainers to complete the look.
Mom jeans and roll neck
I feel like this is the way that most of you would feel comfortable styling a sweatshirt, but surprisingly this was the furthest from my usual outfit choices! I don't wear jeans that frequently in the winter, but I have to admit that mom jeans are an incredibly comfortable yet stylish way of wearing them that is great for if you've been living in joggers for the past few months. Since the jumper was already quite baggy on me, as are the jeans, I decided to tuck it in to create a more 'thrown together' casual vibe, which I really like. I also added the roll neck underneath both for an extra layer of warmth and to add a bit of interest to the outfit, since I felt like something was missing.
Swap the jeans for some smart trousers
I love wearing tailored trousers as I personally find them quite flattering and they look like you've put in more effort than just wearing jeans. Although this is the only difference from the last outfit, I feel like it has been completely transformed and creates a very different overall look. I tucked in the sweatshirt again so it didn't drown me and detract from the trousers, and honestly, I really like this overall outfit despite it being very simple. I know that this ended up being quite monochromatic, but I think a pop of colour here would also be amazing!
Underneath a floral mini dress
Ditsy print dresses are really my jam, so an outfit like this one was a must for this blog post. Normally with a dainty dress like this, I'd wear a t-shirt underneath or perhaps a jumper over it so it looks like a skirt, but I instead decided to have my sweatshirt underneath. This is the perfect balance of girly and casual that'll keep you warm this winter, and I can guarantee if I was still going to university in person it'd be easy to wear outfits like this that I'd be throwing on. Yet again, tights and boots would be the perfect finish for this if you're not brave enough to embrace the bare legs this winter.
So these are some of the ways that I'd style a sweatshirt! It was honestly so much fun creating this blog post and trying on a variety of existing items in my wardrobe to create these looks, and hopefully, they've proved that sweatshirts have much more potential than just as a loungewear or gym item. I'd love to know which outfit is your favourite or if I've inspired you to create any pairings, so make sure you leave a comment and let me know!
October was a very busy month for writing articles - I think 12 in total is pretty impressive considering I balanced this with my university work and editing for my student newspaper. Since you guys are always really interested in hearing what pieces I've been working on and I enjoy sharing my passions, I thought I'd do another article round-up and give you a behind the scenes glimpse into all of my pieces published in October!
The Mancunion
Your winter wardrobe staple based on your zodiac sign
Our horoscopes have a lot to say about us, from personality traits to our compatibility in a relationship, but have you ever thought about letting your star sign dictate your wardrobe? Read more...
Many people religiously follow their horoscopes and strongly believe in their predictions and personality traits. I went through a phase a few years ago of reading my horoscope daily (purely out of interest, I never quite believed in it) and while there were times that it was scarily accurate, there were others that felt miles from the truth. I thought it'd be interesting to put horoscopes to the test and let them pick out a clothing item for each star sign that was their 'perfect' addition to their winter wardrobe. This was an enjoyable article to create, and it was interesting to see what clothing my horoscope dictates that I should be waring.
Appearance in the age of Zoom: How to dress for a virtual class
Following The University of Manchester’s decision to suspend face-to-face teaching, students have become increasingly familiar with Zoom classes and virtual learning. Although we’ve quickly gathered the online etiquette of muting the mic when you’re not talking and not joining a lecture late (that bell sound can become very irritating), there’s one thing we haven’t quite cracked – what do you wear to a virtual class? Read more...
As my university made a decision to transition to online teaching, I thought it'd be interesting to look at our fashion choices and the new styles that the pandemic has enabled. With an increase of Zoom calls and virtual hangouts, I wanted to gain a consensus of whether students were putting in minimal effort and rolling out of bed in loungewear or dressing up to impress for their online classes. It was also very insightful chatting to some students about their approaches to fashion and beauty during the pandemic.
Style saviours you never realised originated from black communities
Diversity in fashion is an ongoing battle – many fashion houses still favour Caucasian models and social media is largely whitewashed, despite widespread campaigns for equal representation. Black people have made massive contributions to the fashion industry and are to thank for some of our favourite styles, yet many people are unaware of this. Don’t believe me? Well, how many of these iconic trends did you realise we owe to black communities? Read more...
October was Black History Month, and I really wanted to pay homage to that, yet I'm very aware that as a white female, I don't have the experience or ability to speak on behalf of this community. I decided to go down a different route and instead explore some inventions and popular fashion trends that we owe to black people. I loved having the opportunity to highlight some iconic looks and fashion creations that black people are responsible for yet a lot of people might not be aware of, and I also learned a lot while writing this article. Spoiler alert - did you know that hoop earrings, the hairbrush and acrylic nails all made the list?
The Manc
The Manchester skincare brands treating 'maskne' during the pandemic
Everyone gets bad skin from time to time. Whether it’s due to hormones, stress or an unhealthy lifestyle, a sudden burst of blemishes can function as a reminder that we should be kinder to our skin. But the newest influx of breakouts is completely out of our control: ‘Maskne’. A hybrid of the words ‘mask’ and ‘acne’, this skin invasion is caused by the heat and friction produced by regularly wearing a face mask. Read more...
Maskne has been the bane of everyone's lives since the beginning of the pandemic, and I've definitely struggled with my fair share of it. Rather than letting it take control, I thought I'd write an article about how to beat these blemishes with the help of some Manchester skincare brands. Not only was this a great opportunity to write about skincare (which I don't often do) and share some local makers, this post also received a lot of traction online, so hopefully it helped you guys out!
Ginger's Comfort Emporium launches new autumn-flavoured ice cream menu
The days of enjoying ice creams in sunshine soaked parks might be gone for now… but that doesn’t mean sweet treats are off the menu in Manchester. Read more...
I'm a sucker for a sweet treat and ice cream is one of my (many) favourites, particularly in the warmer weather. However, I wrote this article to share some cool and creepy Halloween ice cream creations to prove that this doesn't have to be a summer dessert. Ginger's also sell some unreal ice cream flavours, including apple crumble and s'mores, that had my mouth watering the entire time I was writing this piece.
Introducing Kay Lou Klub, the awesome brand launching Manchester's mental health movement through clothing
‘You are more than enough, and we are more than just clothing.' Kay Lou Klub doesn’t create ordinary clothes – they are clothes with courage. Read more...
One of my favourite things about writing for The Manc is having the opportunity to showcase some incredible local businesses that are really working hard to make a change. Kay Lou Klub is one of those, as they are actively using clothing and online workshops to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging people to speak out. It was incredibly eye-opening chatting to Kay and I'm a huge fan of what she does, so creating this article was potentially my favourite from the whole month.
The must-visit Manchester boutiques for Halloween this year
Halloween may be very different this year, but that doesn’t mean our costumes have to be. Whether you’re holding a COVID-compliant spooky garden party or going to Manchester’s immersive Halloween drive-in theatre, it’s important that you look the part. Read more...
Halloween was a bit of a bittersweet occasion this year as many of the usual events couldn't take place (not to mention it was the day that lockdown 2 was announced). However, for the people who still wanted to dress up at home or have a family party within their household bubble, I thought it'd be nice to share some of the best locations to find a last-minute costume. Manchester is home to some amazing fancy dress boutiques that deserve more recognition, and hopefully, this article was helpful for people still attempting to celebrate Halloween this year.
This Manchester-based menswear start-up is offering a free shirt to all new subscribers
Look the part, be the part. Even though many of us are back working from home, getting dressed in style can play a big role in productivity. Whether you’re returning to the office, grabbing a bite to eat or trying to look professional via Zoom call, a fashionable shirt is essential. Read more...
The pandemic has completely revolutionised how businesses are operating, and one local example of that is The Shirt Society who set up a menswear subscription during lockdown. While office life may feel like a distant memory, many people are still trying to look professional and feel productive whilst working from home, and this service can hopefully assist with that. The team at The Shirt Society contacted me to work on this article and I definitely enjoyed creating it, even if it was a little bit out of my comfort zone as it was my first time writing about menswear.
Classic Football Shirts: The Manchester brand revolutionising the sports fashion industry
There’s a shop on Deansgate that’s a mecca for football memorabilia. It’s called Classic Football Shirts – and it’s the proud owner of the most diverse, exciting and prestigious collection of sports clothing available anywhere in the city. Read more...
If any of you know me, you'll be aware that I'm really not a football fan. However, my exception to this rule was when writing about Classic Football Shirts, which are an amazing Manchester brand curating the country's largest selection of vintage and classic football jerseys. It was really interesting to learn about the journey of two students interested in football and how they managed to completely take over the football memorabilia market, and chatting to them about their ventures definitely opened my eyes to a side of sports I wasn't aware of.
The bucket hat, a Mancunian staple, is returning as a winter fashion trend
Bucket hats may be associated with boozy festivals and summer picnics, but little did we know that this accessory would be the hottest new trend for this winter. Read more...
I wrote an article a few months ago all about bucket hats and how they're a Mancunian style staple, so it was only right to follow up on this with a winter edition. This article was prompted after I bought a cosy bucket hat in Primark and realised that this festival essential is now one of the hottest trends for winter. It was another fun article to create, although I did have to resist the temptations of ordering all of the fluffy hats that I discovered!
Meet Eighth Day - the co-operative making sustainable beauty accessible to students
In the heart of the bustling student quarter on Oxford Road, a very different kind of venue has taken root: An independently owned, eco-friendly food shop and cafe. Read more...
Eighth Day is positioned in the middle of my university's campus and was directly on my bus route to and from work, meaning I frequently passed by this sustainable store with curiosity. After chatting to the team, I discovered that they've been Manchester's go-to source of vegan food and eco-friendly products for years now, and more recently they have delved into sustainable beauty options. They also have a vegan cafe that looks absolutely delicious, and I'll definitely be visiting for lunch once they reopen.
Your Coffee Break
The realities of starting a blog - my experience after 6 years as a blogger
For many people, being a blogger instantly sparks stereotypes of constantly jetting away on holidays and receiving gifts in the mail, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Daisy, who started her blog entitled By Daisy Bradbury in 2014, speaks about the reality of being a blogger and the common misconceptions that people may have. Read more...It's not often that I get the opportunity to write for somewhere other than The Manc or The Mancunion, but October presented this opportunity that I couldn't turn down! I started my blog in 2014 and so by this point, I feel a bit like a seasoned pro, and so I'm well aware of the stereotypes that people may have and the impressions that simply aren't true. It was really interesting chatting to Your Coffee Break about the realities of being a blogger and delving into the behind-the-scenes facts that people may not know or realise, and I was also able to call upon some of my favourite bloggers (and friends) to assist with this one.
I hope you enjoyed getting a sneak peek into all of my articles that were published this month - make sure to let me know which is your favourite!
Diaries of a Student Journalist - My October Articles Round-Up
Sunday, November 15, 2020 • Journalism
October was a very busy month for writing articles - I think 12 in total is pretty impressive considering I balanced this with my university work and editing for my student newspaper. Since you guys are always really interested in hearing what pieces I've been working on and I enjoy sharing my passions, I thought I'd do another article round-up and give you a behind the scenes glimpse into all of my pieces published in October!
The Mancunion
Your winter wardrobe staple based on your zodiac sign
Our horoscopes have a lot to say about us, from personality traits to our compatibility in a relationship, but have you ever thought about letting your star sign dictate your wardrobe? Read more...
Many people religiously follow their horoscopes and strongly believe in their predictions and personality traits. I went through a phase a few years ago of reading my horoscope daily (purely out of interest, I never quite believed in it) and while there were times that it was scarily accurate, there were others that felt miles from the truth. I thought it'd be interesting to put horoscopes to the test and let them pick out a clothing item for each star sign that was their 'perfect' addition to their winter wardrobe. This was an enjoyable article to create, and it was interesting to see what clothing my horoscope dictates that I should be waring.
Appearance in the age of Zoom: How to dress for a virtual class
Following The University of Manchester’s decision to suspend face-to-face teaching, students have become increasingly familiar with Zoom classes and virtual learning. Although we’ve quickly gathered the online etiquette of muting the mic when you’re not talking and not joining a lecture late (that bell sound can become very irritating), there’s one thing we haven’t quite cracked – what do you wear to a virtual class? Read more...
As my university made a decision to transition to online teaching, I thought it'd be interesting to look at our fashion choices and the new styles that the pandemic has enabled. With an increase of Zoom calls and virtual hangouts, I wanted to gain a consensus of whether students were putting in minimal effort and rolling out of bed in loungewear or dressing up to impress for their online classes. It was also very insightful chatting to some students about their approaches to fashion and beauty during the pandemic.
Style saviours you never realised originated from black communities
Diversity in fashion is an ongoing battle – many fashion houses still favour Caucasian models and social media is largely whitewashed, despite widespread campaigns for equal representation. Black people have made massive contributions to the fashion industry and are to thank for some of our favourite styles, yet many people are unaware of this. Don’t believe me? Well, how many of these iconic trends did you realise we owe to black communities? Read more...
October was Black History Month, and I really wanted to pay homage to that, yet I'm very aware that as a white female, I don't have the experience or ability to speak on behalf of this community. I decided to go down a different route and instead explore some inventions and popular fashion trends that we owe to black people. I loved having the opportunity to highlight some iconic looks and fashion creations that black people are responsible for yet a lot of people might not be aware of, and I also learned a lot while writing this article. Spoiler alert - did you know that hoop earrings, the hairbrush and acrylic nails all made the list?
The Manc
The Manchester skincare brands treating 'maskne' during the pandemic
Everyone gets bad skin from time to time. Whether it’s due to hormones, stress or an unhealthy lifestyle, a sudden burst of blemishes can function as a reminder that we should be kinder to our skin. But the newest influx of breakouts is completely out of our control: ‘Maskne’. A hybrid of the words ‘mask’ and ‘acne’, this skin invasion is caused by the heat and friction produced by regularly wearing a face mask. Read more...
Maskne has been the bane of everyone's lives since the beginning of the pandemic, and I've definitely struggled with my fair share of it. Rather than letting it take control, I thought I'd write an article about how to beat these blemishes with the help of some Manchester skincare brands. Not only was this a great opportunity to write about skincare (which I don't often do) and share some local makers, this post also received a lot of traction online, so hopefully it helped you guys out!
Ginger's Comfort Emporium launches new autumn-flavoured ice cream menu
The days of enjoying ice creams in sunshine soaked parks might be gone for now… but that doesn’t mean sweet treats are off the menu in Manchester. Read more...
I'm a sucker for a sweet treat and ice cream is one of my (many) favourites, particularly in the warmer weather. However, I wrote this article to share some cool and creepy Halloween ice cream creations to prove that this doesn't have to be a summer dessert. Ginger's also sell some unreal ice cream flavours, including apple crumble and s'mores, that had my mouth watering the entire time I was writing this piece.
Introducing Kay Lou Klub, the awesome brand launching Manchester's mental health movement through clothing
‘You are more than enough, and we are more than just clothing.' Kay Lou Klub doesn’t create ordinary clothes – they are clothes with courage. Read more...
One of my favourite things about writing for The Manc is having the opportunity to showcase some incredible local businesses that are really working hard to make a change. Kay Lou Klub is one of those, as they are actively using clothing and online workshops to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging people to speak out. It was incredibly eye-opening chatting to Kay and I'm a huge fan of what she does, so creating this article was potentially my favourite from the whole month.
The must-visit Manchester boutiques for Halloween this year
Halloween may be very different this year, but that doesn’t mean our costumes have to be. Whether you’re holding a COVID-compliant spooky garden party or going to Manchester’s immersive Halloween drive-in theatre, it’s important that you look the part. Read more...
Halloween was a bit of a bittersweet occasion this year as many of the usual events couldn't take place (not to mention it was the day that lockdown 2 was announced). However, for the people who still wanted to dress up at home or have a family party within their household bubble, I thought it'd be nice to share some of the best locations to find a last-minute costume. Manchester is home to some amazing fancy dress boutiques that deserve more recognition, and hopefully, this article was helpful for people still attempting to celebrate Halloween this year.
This Manchester-based menswear start-up is offering a free shirt to all new subscribers
Look the part, be the part. Even though many of us are back working from home, getting dressed in style can play a big role in productivity. Whether you’re returning to the office, grabbing a bite to eat or trying to look professional via Zoom call, a fashionable shirt is essential. Read more...
The pandemic has completely revolutionised how businesses are operating, and one local example of that is The Shirt Society who set up a menswear subscription during lockdown. While office life may feel like a distant memory, many people are still trying to look professional and feel productive whilst working from home, and this service can hopefully assist with that. The team at The Shirt Society contacted me to work on this article and I definitely enjoyed creating it, even if it was a little bit out of my comfort zone as it was my first time writing about menswear.
Classic Football Shirts: The Manchester brand revolutionising the sports fashion industry
There’s a shop on Deansgate that’s a mecca for football memorabilia. It’s called Classic Football Shirts – and it’s the proud owner of the most diverse, exciting and prestigious collection of sports clothing available anywhere in the city. Read more...
If any of you know me, you'll be aware that I'm really not a football fan. However, my exception to this rule was when writing about Classic Football Shirts, which are an amazing Manchester brand curating the country's largest selection of vintage and classic football jerseys. It was really interesting to learn about the journey of two students interested in football and how they managed to completely take over the football memorabilia market, and chatting to them about their ventures definitely opened my eyes to a side of sports I wasn't aware of.
The bucket hat, a Mancunian staple, is returning as a winter fashion trend
Bucket hats may be associated with boozy festivals and summer picnics, but little did we know that this accessory would be the hottest new trend for this winter. Read more...
I wrote an article a few months ago all about bucket hats and how they're a Mancunian style staple, so it was only right to follow up on this with a winter edition. This article was prompted after I bought a cosy bucket hat in Primark and realised that this festival essential is now one of the hottest trends for winter. It was another fun article to create, although I did have to resist the temptations of ordering all of the fluffy hats that I discovered!
Meet Eighth Day - the co-operative making sustainable beauty accessible to students
In the heart of the bustling student quarter on Oxford Road, a very different kind of venue has taken root: An independently owned, eco-friendly food shop and cafe. Read more...
Eighth Day is positioned in the middle of my university's campus and was directly on my bus route to and from work, meaning I frequently passed by this sustainable store with curiosity. After chatting to the team, I discovered that they've been Manchester's go-to source of vegan food and eco-friendly products for years now, and more recently they have delved into sustainable beauty options. They also have a vegan cafe that looks absolutely delicious, and I'll definitely be visiting for lunch once they reopen.
Your Coffee Break
The realities of starting a blog - my experience after 6 years as a blogger
For many people, being a blogger instantly sparks stereotypes of constantly jetting away on holidays and receiving gifts in the mail, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Daisy, who started her blog entitled By Daisy Bradbury in 2014, speaks about the reality of being a blogger and the common misconceptions that people may have. Read more...It's not often that I get the opportunity to write for somewhere other than The Manc or The Mancunion, but October presented this opportunity that I couldn't turn down! I started my blog in 2014 and so by this point, I feel a bit like a seasoned pro, and so I'm well aware of the stereotypes that people may have and the impressions that simply aren't true. It was really interesting chatting to Your Coffee Break about the realities of being a blogger and delving into the behind-the-scenes facts that people may not know or realise, and I was also able to call upon some of my favourite bloggers (and friends) to assist with this one.
I hope you enjoyed getting a sneak peek into all of my articles that were published this month - make sure to let me know which is your favourite!
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