2016, goals and improvements

It’s finally the new year and we have to start getting used to writing 2016 after all our dates, something that always takes me ages!

It’s a bit of a cliche to to write down new year’s resolutions and it hasn’t been something I was ever particularly into when I was younger but since I became a business owner and then a blogger, I definitely saw how it could be helpful.

Last year, I didn’t write down goals as our dogs had puppies, which totally took over my life and I noticed that my year had less structure, so I wanted to get back on that again this year.

The first thing I did was write a list of all the months and outline my main collections, projects and photoshoots for the year, including adequate preparation times. There is no point releasing a wonderful themed photo-set, perfect for a certain occasion or season when that is already upon us coming to an end: This has happened to me before and I know it is something small companies often struggle with but I’m going to try my hardest to release everything early this year.

Seeing the whole year outlined in one little list actually makes it seem quite short and I feel like breaking it up into sections is helping me set realistic time-frames for achieving each project. When I think I’m not sure what to work on first, I often waste time trying to decide and end up falling behind.

You don’t have to run a business to make a monthly plan of the year, you could include your holidays and social calendar so you can start budgeting in advance or know which months you will have extra cash for luxuries, or you could include goals to achieve in your work or hobbies.

details2016

 I have also made a bullet point goal list:

2016 GOALS

  • Make a more conscious effort to use cruelty free products. This is something I was already interested in and have done for most of my beauty and household products but I’m still sometimes surprised by the types of products are tested on animals so I’m going to make a bigger effort.
  • Only buy clothes I really love, support more independent designers, invest in designer items or make things myself. I have always hated fast fashion but sometimes I run out of time or money and decide to go for the easy option. I want to fight against that this year but ebay will still happen sometimes. 
  • Go out to eat and drink in more interesting places. My boyfriend and I can both cook, so we hardly ever go out to eat, but I’d like to be less of a hermit this year and explore the new places that have opened in Manchester, there are so many I’ve heard good things about.
  • Be more active on social media! This may surprise you, but I don’t like to be glued to my phone like a lot of people. I particularly enjoy instagram and pinterest at the moment but I could really use some encouragement, if you’re on there give me a follow and say hi! 
  • Go to America. I think I’ve said I wanted to do this for the last 5 years and I’m still sitting here writing this with an empty bank account but hopefully some magic will happen this year. 
  • Manage my daily tasks and still have some time for myself. This sounds pretty vague but my entire existence is like a juggling act and I’m always striving to complete it without dropping any of the balls. My appearance is always the first thing to go and I want to take more pride in that this year (while also having a clean house, successful business and well-behaved dogs).
  • Feature more beauty products on here. This follows on from my decision to take more care of myself. I’ve been getting more into beauty and skincare over the last year after a bit of a break in my “don’t buy anything that isn’t for the business” years and I thought it would be nice to share some of my favourites. 
  • Start doing videos. I thought I might as well write this one down to see if it motivates me further to do something about it. From how to put on strappy harnesses or latex leggings to house/studio tours and tutorials, I think it would be pointful and fun to make videos. I have wanted to do this for about 3 years now and I go through phases of trying to make a start but it getting it to the stage where it can be released just seems daunting. 
  • Post regularly. This year I’m taking a step back, planning only two posts and week and trying my hardest to keep up. If I can do that till May, I’ll think about adding something extra. 

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Smokey layers

A couple of weeks ago, I attended my friend Cassie’s graduate exhibition at the Foundation Coffee House in Manchester. A couple of days earlier we had been shopping and I picked up a long tunic-style skirt and some lace brogues from H&M, which I decided to incorporate into my outfit. I don’t think I’ve ever bought such inexpensive shoes before but they are beautiful and surprisingly comfy.

 

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cassie exhibition 5
cassie exhibition 2

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Blazer: Karen Millen

Bra: Eustratia

Shirt: H&M

Trousers: Eustratia

Shoes: H&M

Neckalce: Richard Ayres

Rings: Elemental luxury

Bag: H! by Henry Holland

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Eustratia A/W ’14-15

Having first started work on this collection almost a year ago, I’m delighted to finally be able to share my complete vision.

I decided to present it in format of a story and hope that it helps to define the feel and character of each item of clothing.

anna sad fullHAZEL MASK FULLHAZEL MASK CLOSEHAZEL FULLHazel opening doorhazel moth 1 copyhazel butterflies close copyhazel moth half copyladder 1charlotte doll 2charlotte 2 copyanna dressamber 1Amber 2 copyanna roses copyanna 2anna backamber 3amber back amber full length 2amber fabricamber mask closeamber mask fullcharlotte tree closecharlotte tree2 copyThe items will be added to eustratia.co.uk over the coming days and can be ordered via email (enquiries@eustratia.co.uk) or facebook message in the mean time, with an introductory 20% off.

Those who would like to see the story performed live can do so at the Fashion and lifestyle exhibition, in Manchester on the 11th and 12th of October. Tickets are free and can be booked here. Models will be provided by Vauhaus.

My beautiful models in the order they appeared: Anna, Hazel, Charlotte and Amber.

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Bubble Pop Sunset

I’m delighted to be able to share with you, the first shoot of the summer and my latest collaboration with Vauhaus.

The wardrobe is from the reflections collection as well as some extra pieces I made for a fashion show at Regress back in March. The unicorn necklaces are part of an upcoming Eustratia range due to be released very soon!

41I was adamant we needed the clouds and sunset in the background so Toria directed us to the perfect roof carp park. As we got to the top however, the fire alarm started to go off and we narrowly avoided having to leave. I’m so glad we didn’t though as we manged to get these amazing images.

48Brights, bubble-guns and latex-clad heroins. What more could you want from a shoot?

68a455963704632261Photography: Toria Brightside

Models: Hazel and Amber from Vauhaus and myself

Styling: Stacey Black at Aesthetic Contradiction

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