Faded Spring

    Faded Spring’s Quest For Cruelty-Free Skincare

    Ever since I found out about how many large companies were abusing 'animals' to make our skincare, make-up and more,  I have been on a quest to create a cruelty-free routine, where no animals have been harmed. It began with my make-up, gone were banned brands like Loreal, Revlon and Max Factor and in its place were cruelty-free brands like NYX, Limecrime and Too Faced. When it came to skincare and hair, my heart sank, I had been using products that were part of the 'Proctor and Gamble' family who openly admitted to testing on animals were it is legally required to in order to pass customs. I felt sick and made it my mission to once again ensure that ALL the products I would be using would ... read more

    5 Floral Print Blouses You Need This Summer

    Ah, there is nothing like a floral print blouse to get you in the mood for summer. From off the shoulder to kimono style blouses, the floral print can make any garment look stellar. While florals are commonly associated with 50's tea dresses and vintage, the floral print has been updated for S/S 17, with brands like Quiz and Zaful, using florals as a feature print in a way that is new and fresh. From tropical floral blouses inspired by 'summer beach trips' to choker blouses with a moody floral print, one thing is for certain, florals are going nowhere this season. Let Faded Spring take you on a ride through floral town with 5 of the best floral print blouses that you need in your life ... read more

    Faded Spring’s Weekly Happy List

    After recent events, the prospect of finding something 'positive' to say about this week can almost seem daunting.After all, from the bombings in Manchester to the terror attack in London, the public might find it hard to find something to smile about. But I believe in the power of 'positivity', that out of bad good will arise and we will stand united even in the face of destruction. I want you to tell someone that you love them each day and smile warmly at the person next to you, even if they are a stranger. But most of all, I want you to find the things that make you happy  because life is too short to live in fear. I don't want to live in a world where I have to watch my back or worry ... read more

    What Does The Future Hold For Bloggers

    Since I started my blog Faded Spring in 2015, there has been a rise and fall in social media channels and an increased number of blogging channels being 'set up' creating a saturated blogging market. With over 152 million 'recorded' blogs in the bloggersphere, bloggers are finding it harder to set themselves apart from their competitors, which has led to an increase of blogs turned into magazines, a shift towards 'vlog-led content' and even using 'Instagram' as a 'primary blog channel'. While remarkable changes in blog formating, auditory content and 'transformative marketing strategies' has allowed new bloggers to find new ways to 'create inspiring content' for a mass audience, the future ... read more

    An Open Letter To London

    As the tears stream down my face, I feel my stomach tie in knots. In the aftermath of the Manchester attacks, I thought that the terrorists had backed down and left us alone but I was wrong and this one was a little closer to home. Three months ago terrorist Khalid Masood killed 5 people in Westminister, 13 days ago Salman Abedi killed 22 people in Manchester and last night at least 7 people were killed in London Bridge. What on earth is this world coming to, where we feel the need to kill the innocents to feed our own selfish agenda? What kind of world do we live in that would let young children, mothers, parents, the elderly and more perish in the fire of terrorism? It begs me to question, ... read more

    Why DS London Is An Accessories Brand To Watch

    In  a world where consumerism defines our clothing and material choices, comes a brand who rejects mass production, in favour of unique, personalized accessories that are only made in small batches. Far from the stampedes that roam our shopping centers, a quiet space on the internet is home to 'Luxury Brand' DS London, whose luxury items are inspired by the timeless elegance of womanhood. Specializing in holdalls and women's handbags, products are made from the finest quality materials-whether that be leather or suede- with the option of personalization. After all if there is one thing that you should splurge the cash on, it should be handbags. While I favour 'high street brands' when it ... read more

    Why Pearls Are A Girl’s Best Friend

    Pearls have long been renowned for their status of 'wealth and propriety'. From being used in capes, as a symbol of 'royal blood' to being fashioned as part of a statement necklace, the use of them throughout time has been recurrent. While they are often associated with 'royalty and wealth', the use of 'pearls' were far more significant than modern society might think. In ancient times, the pearl was associated with the 'moon'; In Vedic 'text' the legend states that the pearl was born in 'Earth's waters and the heavens powers, birthed through a flash of lightening. Because of the manner of the 'unification', the pearl is considered to be the 'daughter of the moon'. In Western cultures ... read more

    What You Should Wear On A Second Date

    So you made it past the second date club? Go team, time to roll out the welcome wagon and give yourself a pat on the back. While first dates tend to be quite fancy and you feel the need to impress, the second date is all about showing a ‘glimpse’ of the real you and demonstrating who you are as a person. After all, you are clearly doing something right if they want to go on another date with you. But what on earth do you wear? Well fear not my little pumpkins, Faded Spring has an outfit to suit every ‘second date occasion’ you can think of. From keeping it casual to tapping into your inner Princess, mama’s gonna show you how it’s done. Last week readers offered advice on what I should ... read more

    Father’s Day Gift Ideas Which Will Have Him Smiling From Ear To Ear

    Anyone who has read my blog knows that my relationship with my birth parents are rocky and thus might find it odd that I am compiling  a gift guide. That being said, I believe that regardless of my own personal family background, we all deserve to treat the 'special men' in our life, even if the person that you see as your 'father' is not biological. I never had a strong male presence in my life and apart from my Foster Brother, there was not a single man who I ever saw as a Father substitute figure. Despite my own family circumstances, I know that many of my readers are looking forward to spending quality time with their husbands, fathers and brothers. While it is great to carve some time ... read more