6 Reasons To Buy Less, Buy Better this Black Friday

 If the past year has taught me anything it's about not succumbing to Black Friday marketing. I'm all for sale shopping don't get me wrong. I recommend shopping designer pieces in the sale but what I don't recommend is buying because there is a discount something that's going to end up in landfill in a few months time. 

Having spent the best part of my twenties doing that exact thing my thirties have been about a more considered approach. On a journey to being more sustainable (I know everyone is saying this and what does it even mean) but to me it's about thinking and waiting before I buy anything because DO I NEED IT? Or do I just WANT it?. It's more often the latter. So I have a 24hr rule. Zara still gets me every now and again but I've really left my high street hoarding days behind and after 24hrs I can't even remember why I wasted an hr scrolling to find said item in my size.

That said I am one for shopping smart and to last. That's why the sales are actually the best and smartest way to shop. Here's what's on my wishlist and why.

1. Can you ever have too many pyjamas? This time of year is all about comfort and not only do comfortable pyjamas help aid a good nights sleep they also make you feel good. These are from a new find. Independent brand Honna. let's do our bit to support the small guys this year. If you are making a purchase do check out my small biz highlights on instagram for some of my favourites.

Nightshirt at Honna London

2. T-Shirts to make you smile. Dress to make you happy and if this constant smiley face reminder doesn't do the job then you need to look in the mirror a lot more.

Ganni at Net a Porter

3. We're all spending a lot more time at home so all the more reason to invest in some pieces that will elevate your space. There will always be flowers.

Hay at Farfetch - In fact the entire homeware range is dreamy.

4. An excellent in between seasons coat doesn't get better than the new Alexa Chung X Barbour collection. Two British brands doing what they do best and absolutely nailing it. This is the kind of piece that won't go out of fashion and that your kids and grandkids will be arguing over.

Alexa Chung X Barbour at Farfetch

5. The exception to the rule. Because everyone needs to dream right?

Gucci Hair Clip at Farfetch

6. If I can sneak this onto the sofa without my fiancé noticing then it will be mine! (Probably not then). 

Projectkitny at Liberty London

What's on your wishlist?

Zeena x

This post features some affiliate links, if you chose to make a purchase using one of my links I receive a small kick back. Thanks so much for your support! 

3 easy ways to bring some joy into your home during lockdown

If like me you're starting to get bored of staring at the same 4 walls then I've got some easy ways to bring some joy back into your homes and refresh your view. 

Living in a tiny one bedroom flat isn't the worst thing right now but it has been starting to feel a bit like groundhog day so I've shaken things up with our styling and picked up a few pieces to help me bring some colour positivity into our living space as well!

1. Flower Power

There's nothing more mood boosting than fresh flowers. A simple luxury that can bring a whole lot of joy. I've been getting my fix from Bloom & Wild, they make the perfect gift. PS. You can use my name at the check out to get £10 off your first order with their refer a friend scheme.

If you're after some more sustainable blooms they I can't recommend the Happy Blossoms enough. Not only will they bring you instant joy but they last a whole year. You'll also be supporting a small business what better feel good than that hey! 

2. Colourful Objects

I am a huge colour lover, if you follow me over on instagram you'll know it's instinct more than anything. I am often asked how to style colour at home and my reply is to start small with an object or if you're feeling brave go big with a statement piece of furniture. I've of course done both. Here are some of my favourite colourful objects I'm lusting after right now.

1. Shell Vase |  2. Table Bowl | 3. Candy Lamp 

3. Do Gallery Wall

Use your walls! There's nothing like brightening up your view with some art. Why not get creative and draw something you can frame - creativity is wonderful for the mind. There are plenty of free creative classes online weekly over on the Marguerite London instagram.

If you'd rather support an artist than be one here are my top picks for where to shop for wall art.

Making a rented flat in Hackney a home of your own with Sainsbury's Home

This content is sponsored by Sainsbury's home, just like any advert on TV or in a magazine paid partnerships help fund my organic content. Thank you for reading and for your support.

Renting a property doesn't mean you can't make it a home of your own. For me, my home isn’t just a space to eat, sleep and repeat, it’s a definite feeling. There is so much joy in the curation, turning a space into a home for me is finding all of the little pieces that pull it all together. I've teamed up with Sainsbury's Home to share some of my tips for making a space yours with some pieces from their new SS20 collection.

Our tiny one bedroom flat in East London is home to an assortment of plants. Bringing some greenery into a space can really bring it to life. As we're lucky enough not to be overlooked, instead of curtains we decided to hang plants from our curtain pole. As I'm not the best at keeping plants alive I love these faux succulents with their beautiful brass stand and this plant hanger from Sainsbury's Home. The perfect addition to our shelfie or using our picture rail and picture rail hooks to position the faux plant hanger in a darker corner.

I love collecting objects, photos, postcards and prints from my travels and everyday adventures and scattering them around our home. Styling surfaces is one of my top tips to curate a space. I can get a bit carried away and leave no space untouched... 

This tripod lamp is the perfect lighting feature on our mid century console alongside a vintage record player and some shells and stones from a trip to the seaside earlier this year. 

 We struggle with space in our flat, it's very old and lacks any kind of storage a modern flat block might have. Choosing furniture pieces with a dual purpose make all the difference. This rattan side table doubles up as a stool when we have guests over.
I've styled this as a mini coffee table with another faux plant.

Colour brings so much joy to our home and is a strong theme throughout my everyday. If you're not sure where to start, introducing a splash of colour in your dinnerware is an easy start. These pastel bowls and mugs paired with a pale green table runner sit prettily waiting for dinner time. The slate and wooden board makes the perfect cheese board too. 

Now it's time to cosy up in our joyful home.

Zeena X

Sainsbury's Home products featured: 

Sainsbury's Home Estuary Runner:  In-store and online http://bit.ly/sainsburyshome-estuaryrunner-ZS

Sainsbury's Home Succulent Garden in Ceramic Pot with Wire Stand: In-store

Sainsbury's Home Succulent Garden in Ceramic Pot with Wire Stand: In-store

Sainsbury's Home Loft Tripod Table Lamp: In-store

Sainsbury's Home Estuary Wicker Pouffe: In-store 

Sainsbury's Home Estuary Glazed Mug: In-store

Sainsbury's Home Estuary Glazed Cereal Bowl: In-store

Sainsbury's Home Nordic Spring Acacia & Wood Long Board: In-store