This post is going to be a little bit different to what I normally do. Focusing less on fashion and more on inspiration. Nearly 2 months has passed since I last blogged and I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year. Unfortunately after a lovely start to my festive break, many shopping trips included, the second half was some of the hardest weeks of my life.
On January 5th 2013, I lost one of my best friends, one of the closest people in the world to me, my amazing Nana Cath. These past few weeks have been the most difficult of my life but they have gave me a lot of time for reflection.
My Nana was so full of life even through the great difficulties she faced. She believed in living life to the fullest. She loved to spend every penny she had on spoiling her grand kids, all 10 of us, seeing the smiles on our faces. She was the one who encouraged my love of fashion and shopping from a very young age. Taking me to markets on a Sunday, shopping on a Saturday, supermarkets on a Wednesday. There wasn't a day went by my Nana wasn't buying something, even if it meant sending me down to the shop for a bargain she had seen on the telly.
Her wardrobe was probably one of the most fashionable I've ever known, four wardrobes to be precise. Filled to the brim with pleated maxi skirts with matching blouses. Jumper's arranged by colour, the same style in every colour, she knew something good when she seen it. Faux fur coats, tartan scarfs, silk, gold broaches, everything you would associate with the greatest of fashionista's in a little two bedroom flat in Ponteland. And people wonder why I'm such a shopping addict? It's all I've ever known. She used to say she could spend an entire lottery win without even leaving the sofa.
Shopping wasn't the only thing my Nana taught me. She taught me to be brave no matter what life throws at you. Back in December when I had some upsetting news she encouraged me that everything would work out, always encouraging me to look on the bright side, take another route and you'll get there.
The most memorable quote of hers I remember which I am going to share with you all is this...
'If you haven't got it in you, you can't get it out'
If your wondering what she meant by this she simply meant were not all meant to be scientists, world leaders, or even top fashion editors. You shouldn't force yourself to do something because you feel it's what people expect of you. She thought people should just try their best to do what is right for them, don't push yourself to do something that's not natural or your hearts not in it. If you can't do it, you can't do it, don't spend your life worrying about it and move on.
This will stay with me for the rest of my life, I will always push myself to do the best that I can but when I face challenges I won't let them define me.
I have so much to thank my Nana for, and inspiring life lessons and a intense love of shopping is only a fraction of that. I apologise for the emotional post but it helps to write it down and share a little bit of her greatness with you all.
I will be back soon to share my many new purchases with you.
xox
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