For The Love Of Silk- Bekah Studio Review

Silk is one of the most luxurious and delicate fabrics used to make clothing, and it is not a surprise that they're one of the most stylish materials you can wear this season. I've been a huge fan of silk for past few years because I have sensitive skin, and wearing polyester fabrics gets pretty uncomfortable during the day. 

I want to introduce a lovely shop called Bekah Studio which sells beautifully-designed, elegant silk tops for women. To begin, here's a bit about the brand. Bekah Studio is founded by Rebekah Scott and aims to create luxurious but simple designs for the everyday woman. With the mission of creating garments that are comfortable, stylish yet high-end at the same time, the brand's collection features a variety of silk t-shirts and halter tops that are extremely exquisite and timeless- perfect for day or night. 

I am fortunate enough to be able to review two lovely items from their shop. The first is this Onyx boxy t-shirt which looks amazing with pretty much all the bottoms in my wardrobe. The quality of the t-shirt is fantastic, as it is made from a medium-weight silk, which drapes beautifully around the body. The thickness of the t-shirt means that nothing is see-through, and I can wear any type of underwear with this top. I love the sewing and quality of the t-shirt, as everything was made extremely well. Bekah Studio works with local seamstresses to make their garments, which means that everything is impeccably made and can last for years to come. 

As you can see, the design of the top is pretty cool. It comes in a boxy, loose fit, which means that I could get away with a size Small. I usually wear a UK size 8-10 and this top fits me perfectly, although I could just as well get away with a medium too. I think much of the fit depends on how you'd like it to look. The top is not long, but it is extremely beautiful with leggings or high-waisted trousers. I styled it with my grey leggings and knee-high boots for a cozy, elegant look. This top is very versatile, and can be worn for work or play. I absolutely adore the timeless silhouette created by this t-shirt, and it's definitely my wardrobe essential for years to come. 

The cutting of the shirt also impressed me as it looked quite chic and stylish on my body. The armholes of the shirt are not large, and they were just the right length to be flattering on most body shapes. This top is definitely an investment as it needs to be hand-washed, but as with all silk garments, it is definitely worth the effort. Silk feels extremely good on the skin and Bekah Studio's t-shirt is made from a satin type of silk, which keeps you warm during the winter and cool during the summer. 

I also got another t-shirt in the gorgeous colour Pearl- I chose this t-shirt because I wanted something that I could wear to work and for dinners with my friends. A lighter t-shirt works well with darker bottoms, and I styled this beautiful t-shirt with my favourite checkered skirt. The outfit works really well for casual days, and I received so many compliments when I wore this to my friend's birthday party the other day! 

As for the quality and fit, again this top is lovely and looks extremely stylish. It also came in a boxy fit, as with all of Bekah Studio's other t-shirts, which means that it is not too loose or tight. I love how it drapes over the body well, and looks great with skirts and shorts. This top, however, is different from the Black t-shirt that I showed you before because it is made from a thinner type of silk. It doesn't feel as thick, which means that it's great for summer or spring. This glamorous top feels very comfortable on the skin as the silk is buttery smooth and keeps you well-insulated under the Hong Kong air-conditioning! 

Overall, I'm super happy with these wonderful silk tops as they're impeccably designed, well-made and some of the most gorgeous and affordable silk garments that I've ever seen. As a girl who's just graduated, I'm really keen to change up my wardrobe and incorporate more elegant and refined pieces. Bekah Studio has amazing tees and also halter tops which look amazing on the body. I'm really excited to keep wearing these shirts for years to come. 

Head's up- Bekah Studio is opening a pop-up shop in D2 Place in December! Make sure you visit them!

My Go-To Natural Yoga Tops- Emelyn Designs Review

I've recently been obsessed with yoga but you know what? It's hard to find sustainable, comfortable yoga clothing! Honestly, I've struggled long and hard with wearing uncomfortable, itchy polyester-based yoga clothes during my workouts. They don't let my skin breathe, are too irritating on my skin and just feels uncomfortable on the skin.

I want to introduce to you a lovely Etsy shop called Emelyn Designs- this lovely, inspiring brand really changed my yoga wardrobe for the better, and they're absolutely fantastic! To start off, I'll tell you a bit about the brand. The brand's owned by Monica, who has always loved art and drawing since she was young. When she was 18, she started doing yoga and it bought so much to her life that she wanted to combine her two passions- yoga and art- to make lovely yoga clothing for people who want something a little extra in their workouts.

Best of all, the brand gives back to charity and 10% of the proceeds of the shirts (and 25% of the art prints) go to an animal sanctuary in the North of Morocco. Some of their proceeds also goes towards a charity called Go Light Our World, a worthy charity that o provides a variety of solar solutions through mico-loan systems to rural, impoverished communities around the world.

The first yoga tank top that I got from Emelyn Designs is this beautiful, light blue Organic Bamboo Tank Top. The tank top is designed extremely well, featuring a lovely scoop neck and an athletic cut which allows your skin to breath during your yoga practice. The front of the tank top is beautifully designed, featuring a handstand mandala which is inspired by the founder of Go Light Our World, Kayla Nielsen, an inspiring yogi which motivated Monica on Instagram. The logo is hand-drawn and printed in Montreal locally, which means that local businesses are supported through the making of this top.

In terms of comfort and quality, this tank top is one of the best I've ever seen. It's made from 70% rayon and 30% organic cotton, which means that it is soft, flexible and breathable. The fabric is light but sturdy and can stretch along your body as you move during Vinyasa flows and the like. The process from knitting the jersey fabric, the coloration (using non toxic dyes), the cutting and sewing of the tops is ethically done in Toronto. Everything is exceptionally made, and I feel really good when I'm wearing this tank top for yoga!

The second tank top that I got is the Ethical Sustainable Bamboo and Organic Cotton Yoga Tank Top - this gorgeous yoga top features another hand-drawn design which features one of my favourite yoga poses- a lunge. This powerful pose is printed on the tank top, and when I wear it, I really feel inspired to work out and break a sweat more! Again, I love how the black tank top juxtaposes with the white design in the front. Emelyn Designs makes exceptionally beautiful tank tops for yoga, and it looks elegant, luxurious and chic at the same time.

Again, the quality of the top is outstanding and it is one of the most comfortable yet practical items of clothing that I own. Bamboo and cotton is the perfect combination of strength and comfort- it allows your skin to breath while avoiding the toxic chemicals found in other materials like polyester, nylon or lycra. I really feel a difference when I'm wearing this top- it is light, flowy and hides my sports bra well. It's not revealing at all, but manages to look sophisticated and a bit playful at the same time.

Overall, I'm so happy that I got two tank tops from Emelyn Designs. Their Etsy shop is wonderful and unique, and they even sell prints for you to buy if you love the drawings on the clothing. They have t-shirts and tank tops, and I'm extremely impressed with their impeccable quality and style. Hope you enjoyed my review and do check out their shop!

How I Improved My Sleep- Crose Silk Review

For those of you who follow me, I have really dry hair that falls out quite easily so it's always a shock to wake up and find strands of hair all over the bed. Well, today I want to talk about a great way to improve your beauty and hair-care regime- and it's a really great idea for all of you who want to try something new! I'm going to tell you all about the benefits of a silk pillowcase for your hair, and talk to you about my experience using my Crose Silk pillowcase.

A bit about the brand- Crose Silk was created by Sofia who sells lovely silk bedding, duvet covers, pillowcases and masks on her beautiful Etsy shop. These items are luxurious, gorgeous and comes in all shapes and colors. What's interesting about Crose Silk is that they're located in China, which means that they have access to some of the most high-quality silk items that you can get.

I want to show you the new pillowcase and mask that I got from Crose Silk, and talk about the benefits that you get from using silk pillowcases. You'll find out that they're a great addition to your beauty regime as they bring plenty of benefits!

1) Improves your hair condition

The first benefit that silk pillowcases offer is that they protect your hair from damage and friction. Normal pillowcases are made from cotton and rougher materials, but silk is very smooth and fine. The material means that you can roll around without rubbing your hair too much on the pillow. The hair simply slides over the pillowcase without getting damaged, so you'll actually wake up with a perfect hairdo ready to go! Silk pillowcases are especially good curly and fine hair, which are prone to tear and breakage.

Crose Silk's pillowcase is especially good for the hair as it's made from a heavyweight 30 momme weight of silk which has the thickness of 6A Grade. This is much heavier than most pillowcases on the market, which means that it's extra durable and comfortable to sleep on! I love the thickness of the pillowcase, and it definitely helps control the frizz in my hair when I'm sleeping.

2) Improves your skin

Sensitive skin is the bane of my existence, and getting rashes from cotton pillowcases is not uncommon for me. However, this shop's gorgeous pillowcases are really catered for sensitive skin as it doesn't scratch across your skin if you lie on your side, and it doesn't pull or distort your skin as you sleep. Silk ensures that everything stays inside your skin, so it's a natural beauty treatment as you sleep.

Crose Silk makes these pillowcases according to your measurements so if you have an unconventional pillow, simply drop them a line and they'll sort it out!

3) Cozy and comfy

Finally, these lovely silk pillowcases are so comfortable and light, and they've actually improved my quality of sleep by a lot. I genuinely believe that my sleep has been improved because of the smoothness and comfort of these silk pillowcases. I have a solid 8 hours of sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and less dehydrated, and my skin has definitely gotten less dry! This is perhaps because of silk's natural temperature-controlling properties, which means that you never feel too hot or cold when you're lying on the bed.

Overall, I love Crose Silk's thick, silky and comfortable silk pillowcases. They come in a variety of colors such as grey, cream and multi-coloured styles, and they look ultra luxurious and gorgeous on the bed. They would make a lovely gift for a friend or family. As you can see, the pillowcase that I got is of excellent quality and design, and it's the best thing you can give to a person who has sensitive skin! I can't recommend Crose Silk enough!

Visit their site: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CroseSilk

My Travel Essentials- Unbound Merino Review

It's freezing in Hong Kong and I'm struggling to think of ways to stay warm without wearing too many layers. One tip that I often get from stylists and fashionistas is to layer, layer and layer- layering gives the body more warmth without too much bulk, and it's definitely the best way to stay warm this winter. Meet Unbound Merino, a lovely brand that sells some of the best thermal layers that I've seen in a long time. I want to talk about my honest experience with the brand, and how I ordered a thermal layer from them, and what I think about the quality and fit of the piece.

A bit about the brand- Unbound Merino is a brand that specialises in ethically sourced, natural and beautiful merino wool garments for men and women. Inspired by their travels, the founders of the brand wanted to make clothing that is stylish, practical yet luxurious. After researching for a long time, they decided to focus on merino wool clothing which was high-performing, versatile and functional at the same time. They build every garment to last with the best quality materials, and they wanted to make items that can last for a very long time. 

The ordering process is simple- you can buy their items from the Unbound Merino website in a few simple steps. I chose this lovely 2 pack women's v neck t-shirt from the brand and ordered it to ship to Hong Kong. It was simple, straightforward and hassel-free. I chose a Size Medium since I didn't want it to be too tight for layering. It's better to get thinner tighter layers to wear underneath as opposed to looser fabrics. I also chose black as it's a clean, simple colour that can be worn on it's own. 

The package arrived within a week and it was incredibly fast! Take a look below! 

As you can see, the quality of the t-shirt is amazing. It's made from 100% pure merino wool which is extremely thin yet warm. This top is extremely comfortable, feels ultra soft and smooth. There wasn't irritation when I tried it on, and I've been wearing it everyday underneath my jumpers and jackets for extra warmth. I have to say, it's really keeping me cozy and toasty all winter. I love how the top feels extremely fine and tightly-knitted, which means that the construction of the piece is extremely good quality and can last you for years to come.

As for the design and fit, this top is designed with a v-neck front, which looks stylish and chic at the same time. It is a lightweight, warm, soft, comfortable, superior quality base layer. The v-neck means that it's not too revealing and low-cut, and it flatters the chest area when you're styling it with other pieces such as leggings. It's odour-resistant, fast-drying and moisture-wicking, and I never feel the need to take this off at all since merino wool regulates your temperatures pretty well.

Overall, I'me extremely happy with this v-neck base layer, as it's impeccably designed and made with care. The quality is outstanding and the design, feel and effect of this top is on point. It definitely keeps me warm during the winter months, and I'm extremely happy with Unbound Merino and their beautiful products.

Please visit their site: https://unboundmerino.com

My Journey Into Natural Silk Clothing- Silk Living Review

Today, I'm going to talk to you about a project that I've been doing for a while, and that is my transition into wearing more natural and sustainable clothing. As you all know, fast fashion these days are filled with clothing made from polyester and artificial fabrics which are cheap, but come at the expense of quality and comfort. These fabrics tend to irritate sensitive skin and don't let your skin breath.

I recently decided to turn my wardrobe into a more natural and sustainable one because I want my clothing to be biodegradable, sustainable and less wasteful. I purchased two lovely pieces of clothing from Silk Living, a luxurious and affordable brand that sells silk clothing for men and women. This post will talk about some of the benefits of silk and review these new items that I have added to my closet, as well as detail my experience wearing the pieces from Silk Living.

A bit about the brand- SilkLiving was founded in 2002, originally just selling silk sleeping bag liners.  The range has expanded and grown to include silk clothing for men and women, and their designs are sold via their website to people all around the world. Pure silk is one of the most sustainable and natural fabrics available to us, and the brand takes this one step further by developing new and practical blends of silk to make their garments with. The result is a practical, stylish and functional range of clothing that can be worn in practically any situation- be it lounging around or hiking!

I am fortunate enough to be able to review 2 items from Silk Living, which I will talk about now. The first item that I got was this gorgeous Silkspun Long Camisole- this luxurious and stylish camisole is made from a unique blend of 72% silk, 13% merino wool and 15% cotton which adds warmth to any outfit while being light and comfortable to wear beneath other tops. The fact that it's made from a blend of 3 natural and delicate materials means that this camisole feels different from anything I've owned. It feels thinner but at the same time, traps more warmth in my body. I'm really impressed with the quality and texture of this camisole.

It is also extremely comfortable to wear on your body as the fabric is so thin and light that you feel like it's a second skin. The camisole has adjustable straps and  doesn't ride up unlike other vests that I've owned, and looks absolutely perfect underneath jackets and sweaters. The camisole comes in a variety of colors which means that there's something for everyone. I am in love with the quality of this piece!

The second item that I got is this lovely Silkspun Long Yoga Pant- as a huge yoga lover, I've always struggled to find a pair of natural pants that I can wear. Most of the pants that are out there are made from polyester or nylon, which is not breathable and feels slightly rough on the skin. However, these Silkspun pants are made from a blend of merino, silk and cotton which gives it an extremely light and airy feel.

I wore it to do yoga, and it's absolutely the best pair of pants that I've ever owned. No lycra or spandex is used in the making of this pair of pants, which may interfere with your body’s natural rhythms. The unique knit fabric provides sufficient natural stretch which accommodates the poses that I have to do for yoga. This pair of pants comes in two different colors, and the Damson colour as shown here looks wonderful with a sports bra or tank top. These pants are surely the best way to feel comfortable whilst looking stylish during yoga!

Overall, I'm never taking my Silkspun garments off as they're so comfortable that I can wear them all day. As part of my journey into natural clothing, I'm throwing out all of my polyester trousers and tops. Silk Living is definitely one of my favourite shops to go to for natural, luxurious and practical clothing. I'd highly recommend them!

Please visit their site: www.silkliving.com

My Favourite Merino Wool Loungewear - Green Rose Review

It's getting colder in Hong Kong and I'm struggling to think of ways to stay warm without wearing too many layers. Something that I often hear from stylists and fashionistas is to layer- layering gives the body more warmth without too much bulk, and it's definitely the best way to stay warm this winter. Meet Green Rose, a lovely brand that sells some of the best thermal layers that I've seen in a long time. I want to talk about my honest experience with the brand, and how I ordered a thermal layer from them, and what I think about the quality and fit of their pieces. 

A bit about the brand- originating from Lithuania, Green Rose specialise in superior quality ethically sourced organic men and women’s 100% merino wool base layers, thermals and leggings. They have a variety of items for everyone, including pure merino layers as well as merino-silk items, which offer a different texture and feel. Merino wool is a thermal fabric and it maintains optimal body temperature as it doesn't allow you to get overheated. It's also breathable, odour-resistant and absorbs any moisture on your skin. It's literally one of the best fabrics for winter sports and exercising. There's lots to choose from, and it's exciting to choose something from their shop.

It is extremely easy to order from this brand's website- you can either order from their site or from Etsy and I chose to do the latter. I simply chose this lovely Womens Two Piece Set from the brand and ordered it from their Etsy shop. It was simple, straightforward and hassel-free. I chose a Size Medium since I didn't want it to be too tight for layering. It's better to get thinner tighter layers to wear underneath as opposed to looser fabrics. I also chose Black as it's a versatile and flexible colour that can be worn on it's own. 

The package arrived within a day and it was incredibly fast! Take a look below! 

As you can see, the quality of the thermal layer is amazing. It's made from 100% pure merino wool which is organic, and super soft.

In terms of the fit and design, this top is designed with a rounded scoop neck which gives it an elegant look. It contains 100% pure merino wool which makes it the ultimate lightweight, warm, soft, comfortable, superior quality base layer. The round neck means that it's not too revealing and low-cut, and it protects the chest area which is vulnerable to the cold. It's odour-resistant, fast-drying and moisture-wicking, and I never feel the need to take this off at all since merino wool regulates your temperatures pretty well.

In terms of quality and comfort, this top is extremely comfortable, feels breathable and cozy when worn on. I love how lightweight yet warm the fabric is, and unlike other merino layers their clothing doesn't irritate my skin.  There wasn't irritation when I tried it on, and I've been wearing it everyday underneath my jumpers and jackets for extra warmth. I have to say, it's really keeping me cozy and toasty all winter.

The merino wool leggings that came with it is also brilliant. I've never owned a pair of woollen leggings before, but after trying these on I will never turn back to polyester or cotton leggings again. The leggings simply feels different- it is lighter, warmer and a bit more sheer compared to normal exercise leggings. I plan to layer this with my yoga pants or track pants, to give it extra warmth during the snowy months.

I also got this lovely Ladies Sleeveless Shirt, which is white in colour. This top is extremely comfortable as it is also made from soft, cozy merino wool. I love the design of the top, as it's scoop-neck design flatters the body very much. It's also not too tight, which means that you can wear this out to work or to sleep. It is extremely stylish, well-made and high quality. I think this is my new favourite tank top!

Overall, I'me extremely happy with this women's two piece set, as it's impeccably designed and made with care. The quality is outstanding and the design, feel and effect of this top is on point. It definitely keeps me warm during the winter months or even during exercise, and I'm extremely happy with Green Rose and their beautiful products.

Please visit their site: https://green-rose.uk.com
Use the code "Florence15" for 15% off (available until Dec 31st 2019)

3 Autumn Outfits You Can Try Out - Silk Squirrel Review

Hey everyone! As you all know, it's autumn now and it's time for a huge wardrobe upgrade. Autumn is a time of change, pumpkin spice lattes and of course, new clothes! I want to talk about some of the beautiful items that I got recently and style them for you so that you can get a little inspiration about what to wear this season.

I'm going to show you my impressive haul from Silk Squirrel, a lovely boutique that sells gorgeous 100% silk kimonos, ponchos and wraps, as well as wool ruanas and scarves. The brand is absolutely luxurious and gorgeous as they feature beautifully painted and bold designs, interesting colors and of course, items made from completely natural and sustainable fabrics such as silk and wool.

A bit about the brand- Silk Squirrel is founded by master silk painter Tina Gleave, whom paints each of her designs with the utmost care and skill. The paints designs that are ethereal and dreamy, representing the wonderful bliss of our natural world, with its changing seasons and brilliant gardens. Tina creates lovely and beautiful pieces that I'd describe as wearable art- the pieces she sells are not only functional and practical, but also in itself stunning to look at.

I'm going to talk about 3 items that I got from Silk Squirrel, and show you how I styled them. The first item of clothing that I got was this gorgeous Silk Floral Duster which features beautiful red and blue Dahlia flowers that are painted all across the silk. This piece is absolutely breathtaking as it looks bold, colorful and extremely unique. The design of this piece is fantastic- it is hand-made and sewn, and the flowers are so bright and juxtapose the softness of the cream background of the silk.

I'm amazed at the beauty and quality of this silk kimono - it is light, airy and silky smooth on my skin and feels amazing when I layer it outside a camisole and some shorts. Of course, being 100% made from pure silk, it's really delicate and flowy, and just about the right length for it to look casual. It also has a little belt which wraps around your waist, which makes it great for girls of all shapes and sizes as it creates such a flattering silhouette for work or for play. I'm in love with this duster and it would make a great gift for Mother's Day or for a loved one.

The second item that I got is this black Wool Ruana Wrap for fall. Now, this piece is interesting because it is made from a print of an original painting by Tina Gleave, which means that it looks stunning and feminine. It features a black background with soft, white flowers which are printed all along the front and back of the ruana. I'm absolutely in love with the design and all of Tina's prints never fails to take my breath away.

As for the quality and functionality, this piece is absolutely perfect as it's made really well, stitched on tightly and looks stunning on. The wrap can be worn on your shoulders or with a belt, which means that it is versatile and elegant. I loved styling it with a black outfit, as it really blends in well with the softness of the ruana. It would be perfect as a travel piece on long plane journeys and train rides, as well as something to bring to work as it keeps you warm without looking too bulky or thick. It's so beautiful!

Finally, I got this lovely silk scarf from their collection, which looks great with leather jackets, trench coats and jumpers. Silk scarves are one of those things where you'll never find enough ways to wear them as they're so versatile and easy to style. I'm in love with the print here, as it's summery, light and gorgeous. I styled it with a simple tank top and think it's lovely!

Overall, I'm extremely happy with these items from Silk Squirrel. Tina is extremely talented and her items reflect her effort, dedication and skill. All of the items are of impeccable quality and design, and they definitely stand out from the crowd. Since gift season is coming up, I'd highly recommend checking out their shop, as silk apparel and accessories make lovely gifts! Visit Silk Squirrel's shop and let me know what you think!