In a world where political misfortune reigns over our heads, being able to escape from our realities and focusing on the ‘good’ in our lives, can help us stay grounded and positive. In between recent events at Grenfell, London and Manchester, finding something to be grateful about each week reminds us of how lucky we are to be alive and that our time on earth is precious. Which is why, every so often, in between the social issues and personal posts that I tend to publish on Faded Spring, I like to write more light hearted posts, looking back at things that make me happy or in this case, this weeks current obsessions. From the more obscure (thinning scissors that tame my frizzy mane) to French Bulldogs, prepare to find a weekly obsession list that is just as eclectic as I am.
I never thought I would put ‘scissors’ on a weekly obsession list, especially when it comes to my ‘hair’. You see previously, the last time I got my hair cut was nearly 5 years ago in Madeira, my parents home country and I haven’t even had a split end trim since. But I digress, those who know me understand how protective I am of my hair and the idea of getting it cut gives me nightmare flashbacks to the last time it was cut and half of my hair was lobbed off. Naturally I was not best pleased but having long, waist length hair can be a pain to manage, especially when it is curly, thick, wild and frizzy. So although I didn’t want to get my hair cut as per say, I did want to have my hair ‘thinned out’ so it could be more manageable to maintain but did not have the budget to schedule a hair-dressing session. While I am no hairdresser, the thinning scissors have allowed me to thin my hair out so that it looks less like I am an extra in the Lion King and more like I have actual beautiful curls. In short-aha see what I did there?- I’m obsessed.
My hair is thicker on one side, so the thinning scissors allowed me to ensure that both sides had the same level of thickness
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2. French Bulldogs
Is there anything cuter than seeing a dog being walked by its owner? I think not and this week I must have seen about 20 adorable French Bulldogs tottering around in the parks near my home and its beyond adorable. Those of you who have me on Instagram might think that I am a crazy dog lady- I am- but I just can’t help myself from talking in that ‘scary baby voice’ whenever I see one pass by. While pugs are my favourite dog breed, French Bulldogs have quickly risen into second place and there is plenty of reasons why: Friendly, aesthetically pleasing to look at and affectionate, my heart practically melts right out of my chest, even by just looking at a picture of a cute French Bulldog. Plus I think I have a thing for ‘scrunched up faces’ because they are dogs that my friends would describe as ‘ugly cute’ but I would just call a ‘heartbreaker’ straight up.
Oh and one more thing, if you are looking for Instagram accounts run by cute French Bulldogs then check out the accounts below.
© FioTheFrenchie
Fio The Frenchie (as featured above)
3. Cruelty Free Skincare
If you have read ‘Faded Spring’s Quest For Cruelty Free Skincare‘, you know how passionate I am about advocating against animal testing. Many big brand make up companies and skincare companies test on animals to create products that we use on our face and body and it breaks my heart. Noone should be hurt to make us ‘look and feel better’ so why not join the cruelty free tribe with me . When I had found out that brands like Revlon and MAC still tested on animals I was determined to find alternative skincare and makeup products that could put my guilty conscience at ease. As of today I am obsessed with ‘Tropic Free Skincare’, Limecrime, NYX and Too Faced and am excited to see what else I can find on my journey for cruelty free products. And why stop at products too, while I have worn leather in the past, I am determined to make no more ‘real suede’ or leather purchases, especially when I am so against wearing fur, it should be the same with ‘animal skins too’. I don’t want to purchase products that I know have contributed to the death and the suffering of animals.
Cruelty Free Brands Used: Limecrime ‘Teddy Bear’ Lipstick, Nyx foundation, Too Faced Blush, Sleek Eyeshadow and Mascara
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4. Tuscany
After watching ‘Under The Tuscan Sun’ , I am obsessed with Tuscany. From its links to traditional Italian fashion to cuisine delicacies like Ribollita (thick vegetable soup), the world of Tuscany, is so far removed from London. I am craving a summer escape and where better than somewhere that is historically, culturally and emotionally stimulating for the senses? Moreover Tuscan sense of style is understated but chic, with wearable linen dresses and embroidered playsuits being synonymous with the local Tuscan aesthetic. As a huge fan of Pucci and his kaleidoscope of psychedelic prints being founded in Tuscany, where better place to find creative inspiration than in the heart of Fashion’s most famous venue?
A look at the full romanticized normcore ‘Tuscan aesthetic’ inspired by Diane Lane
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5. Embroidery
When am I not obsessed with embroidery? From skirts to shoes, the embroidery trend has hit me hard and I am living for its popularity. What started as a ‘folk based trend’ with plain smocks and peasant blouses being hand stitched with embroidered detailing, transformed into a far more elaborate trend that can range from abstract pattering to floral applique blossoms. Although embroidery belongs to the ‘Nouveau Bohemia’ ‘trend tree’, it has been modernized for 2017 with more fitted, tailored silhouettes as opposed to the loose structure that bohemianism once enthused over.
I especially have a thing for embroidered off the shoulder tops!
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What Are You Obsessed With This Week?
*Disclaimer
In Conjunction with Capital Hair and Beauty. All thoughts and research is my own.
I can see why you’d be loving the thinning scissors your hair look awesome! I am also obsessed with embroidery but I am actually do the embroider part myself 🙂
I’m obsessed with embroidery too. My favorite details on dress, tops etc. That embroidery trend has hit me as well! I know what you mean 🙂
Aww I love everything. I couldnt survive without my thinning scissors, and french bulldogs are so adorable!!
Hi Ana! That’s so cool you like the Bulldog. The only thing I feel bad for that dog is that they have such a problem with their lungs that they have a lot of health issues. They are very beautiful dogs though. Your hair looks amazing. I can understand being nervous about someone damaging it. And I do love your curls. Finally, you look amazing in that embroidered top. Just gorgeous. As far as things that I am obsessed over, I don’t really know at this point. I think finding good places to sing karaoke, and places to go to travel are always things that I am looking into. Oh and good food. Good food is always an obsession.
Those scissors sound like a must have! French bulldogs are adorable and are always so nice to see. I love those clothes! They are perfect for the summer.
I’ve just had my hair cut, I was happy to go short but my hairdresser an old friend decided we’d keep it long but she got carried away, then thinned it out and it feel so much better and i’m glad she got carried away. I have no issue cutting my long hair short. I said to her when she satrted, it’s only hair it’ll grow again. also i’d not intentially grown my hair as long as it was. My old hair dresser had gone awol and I hadn’t thought of going else where but I was at a point where I needed it cutting or I’d take the sheers to it!!
i absolutely love embroidery. makes a basic piece more interesting. i need to get my hands on more items! that top is absolutely lush
It’s always nice to try and focus on the good and find things that make you happy than make you sad.
I’m obsessed with French Bulldogs too and the whole embroidery trend x
Embroidery is a fashion trend I am loving so much! This week I’d say I am obsessed with organization and buying clothes which aren’t black for once x
OK I think I need to check out those scissors, what an awesome idea to make sure your head is all thinned to the same level.
French bulldogs are totally cute. I just wish their faces were a little less smushed like they used to be in the past. All those clothes are super cute.
So onboard with the French bulldogs! My Instagram feed is ridiculous, all I follow is dog accounts!
I’m obsessed with embroidery too!
Your hair is absolutely beautiful! Strange question, but what products do you use on it to keep it from puffing out a bit and staying together and shiny? I think we have similar hair but I hate wearing it down without straightening it because it tends to just look triangular. Thinning scissors are magical though! I always go to the hairdresser just to get my hair thinned, I never thought to actually buy a pair of my own!
I would LOVE to need thinning scissors!! My hair is so fine and since I had the kids it’s thinned out even more! Fab obsessions!
I’ve always wondered how long it took to grow your beautiful hair so long! You have the patience of Jobe, let me tell you. Thank-you for the thinning scissors tip. Every time I get my hair done, I ask my hair dresser to thin and thin some more. Now I can do it at home. For me? I’ve been obsessing over iced matcha lavender lattes. So good! x
The dog is super cute! I can see why you love it.
I think I follow at least 10 dogs on my Instagram! They are just so cute, and these French Bulldogs are just so adorable.. I currently live in a flat otherwise I would have gotten a dog. I think they are the sweetest animals ever.
You have beautiful curls. I love’ ‘ Under the Tuscan Sun’ and can watch it again and again. The blue embroidered off the shoulder top looks great on you!
Your Tuscany and Embroidered outfit is so beautiful! Off shoulders is also very popular nowadays and I am loving it. That french bulldog looks scary though.
When I see a dog it absolutely becomes one of my favorite parts of the day! My favorite type of dog is a golden retriever or a black lab but I melt in the sight of any dog.
I’m liking the embroidery trend right now, really adds some much needed detail to a shirt or top.
A lovely positive post 🙂 I am totally with you on the cruelty free products and avoid leather and suede
Haha, I love dogs!! and I actually recently got to love French Bulldogs as they are super adorable!! I also really like your embroidered outfit, looks great on you!
nice post for your obsessions, i love dogs too and such a pity i don’t have one yet but give so much care and attention to dogs my friends and neighbours own.