It won’t be long until Suede & Symphony celebrates its first anniversary and what a year it’s been!!
Words: Oliver @oliverinstead / Photos: David
There are so many layers to blogging that people don’t see, both the good and the not-so-glamorous, like the days of planning that precedes a brief, ten-minute photoshoot but there are also other aspects of it that have seriously enriched my life in the best imaginable ways possible.
Passion is infectious and I often find the creative crowd to be the most invested in their work. I feel no shame in admitting that at times I leech off like-minded people’s enthusiasm to fuel my own drive just because they remind me of the purpose in what I do and that there’s rightfully a reason why I enjoy doing it.
Even though blogging has taken me to some wonderful places, Manchester will always be home to the blog. The blogging community is small in this part of the world but very tight-knit and I do realise how fortunate I am to have formed some genuine friendships with my fellow bloggers over the last few months… The perfect icing on the cake!!
Shirt: Topman | Tee: River Island | Jumper: Topman | Shorts: H&M | Shoes: ZARA
So for this outfit, I took inspiration from cakes, treats and all things sweet, especially in the palette. I’ve gone nuts on the pastels like I never have before with these colourful cotton candy shades – some of which may contain artificial food colours…
Though rest assured none of it is harmful to my wellbeing… in fact, the soothing hues much like the recent reappearance of sunshine brightened up my mood a great deal, which can only be good. 😉
Do you have a blog? How has your interest enhanced your life? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll see you guys again very soon!!
Love, Oliver
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Back at the @british_ceramics_biennial for the first time in four years!! Obviously the installation that stood out to me the most would be the one that’s A L L W H I T E ... What else is new, eh? ☕️](http://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/552eba9b263314cc03dc6dec1f6ee21b/5E4013A1/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/70429552_130067078377423_5176721162036938454_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=107 "[ Swipe to see more ]
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Back at the @british_ceramics_biennial for the first time in four years!! Obviously the installation that stood out to me the most would be the one that’s A L L W H I T E ... What else is new, eh? ☕️")
![That S C E N E R Y though ... It can only be Scotland 🏴☁️
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Blogged : Five stop points on the North Coast 500 that you need to know ... if you’re planning on taking the most epic Great British road trip.
Tap the #linkprofile or head to suedeandsymphony.com to see more [ 📷 : @dktravelpix ]](http://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/9622925942df46df4e2eb705d7882421/5E41EAAC/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/62441527_461127568043977_4246134321621168305_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=101 "That S C E N E R Y though ... It can only be Scotland 🏴☁️
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Blogged : Five stop points on the North Coast 500 that you need to know ... if you’re planning on taking the most epic Great British road trip.
Tap the #linkprofile or head to suedeandsymphony.com to see more [ 📷 : @dktravelpix ]")
![T R A V E L T I P 0 0 1 :
Beat the crowd.
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Get there way before anyone has the chance to ruin your Insta moment _ and pretend like you have the whole parasol to yourself lol ... [ 📷 : @dktravelpix / swipe for a closer look ]](http://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/f1f0dd584cfc1251b6feb4fdaebb5531/5E30A071/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/55827183_306113066736664_7456647139404967510_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=104 "T R A V E L T I P 0 0 1 :
Beat the crowd.
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Get there way before anyone has the chance to ruin your Insta moment _ and pretend like you have the whole parasol to yourself lol ... [ 📷 : @dktravelpix / swipe for a closer look ]")
![#Throwback to that Aug Bank Holiday weekend we spent in Norway 🇳🇴☁️
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At this point I don’t think there’s even a number for how many Airbnbs we’ve stayed at ... So far we’ve been very lucky with our choices, touch wood, but this one in T J Ø M E still stands out to me as the best one yet! [ 📷 : @dktravelpix ]](http://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/7c7ca495d7be9c98227ec78f6a09948f/5E281C77/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/45445552_197419244476076_9130217571952009395_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=108 "#Throwback to that Aug Bank Holiday weekend we spent in Norway 🇳🇴☁️
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At this point I don’t think there’s even a number for how many Airbnbs we’ve stayed at ... So far we’ve been very lucky with our choices, touch wood, but this one in T J Ø M E still stands out to me as the best one yet! [ 📷 : @dktravelpix ]")
![Break out the overcoat; it’s officially transitional season!! ☁️
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SWIPE FOR MORE // or check the #linkinprofile for the full look. [ 📷 : @dktravelpix ]](http://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/43c9e630adf4835ca8c8efc034a89296/5E205704/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/44777165_596671254109189_45570367817354030_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=101 "Break out the overcoat; it’s officially transitional season!! ☁️
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SWIPE FOR MORE // or check the #linkinprofile for the full look. [ 📷 : @dktravelpix ]")
![⏱ Two weeks ago we were travelling in Norway ... Fast-forward to the present : I’m sitting here at Dubai Airport waiting for my flight to Bangkok, and onwards ... ☁️ Did my feet even touch the ground? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
[ 📷 : @dktravelpix ]](http://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/18916a7aa47d71591a93cdc01f0dbd10/5E3EB766/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/40108680_2175852912630755_4744127860019748758_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=111 "⏱ Two weeks ago we were travelling in Norway ... Fast-forward to the present : I’m sitting here at Dubai Airport waiting for my flight to Bangkok, and onwards ... ☁️ Did my feet even touch the ground? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
[ 📷 : @dktravelpix ]")
26 Comments
Bec
August 10, 2015 at 10:46 pmYour outfit is great and I love the colour combinations – the pinks remind me of icecream too so it’s very appropriate that you’re by the sea.
Where were you? As the scenery looks great.
I know my chap would love that shirt so I’m going to nip into top man.
Yes I started writing a blog – at the moment I’m mostly writing about flowers and gardening but a bit of crafting, cooking, history and travel appears too…
Have a good week and I look forward to reading more on your blog – esp men’s fashion for my chap.
Love bec xx
Oliver
August 11, 2015 at 9:56 pmThanks Bec! Your blog sounds like a really interesting mix, I hope all goes well for you!
Re: the shirt, click on the “Topman” to buy it… you can get free delivery to store too 😀
Oliver x
Jonnuxx
August 10, 2015 at 10:55 pmI love this outfit, Oliver!
Also where were these photos taken? The scenery behind is beautiful!
Jon. x | Jonnuxx.com
Oliver
August 11, 2015 at 9:54 pmShame on you for not recognising Staithes being the Yorkshireman that you are, Jon! lol
Oliver x
Danniella
August 11, 2015 at 10:29 amI love your style Oliver, I started blogging properly this year and I continue to receive so much support from our fellow Manchester Bloggers!
Oliver
August 11, 2015 at 9:52 pmThat’s good to hear, Danniella! All the best to you and your blog! 😀
Oliver x
Matthew Pike
August 12, 2015 at 9:18 amNice to find someone in my part of the world, we’re up in Lancashire
Buckets & Spades
Oliver
August 12, 2015 at 10:22 amOh cool – where about in Lancs are you??
Oliver x
frankie
August 12, 2015 at 10:39 amLove that I have discovered your blog via the Manchester bloggers Facebook page! Lovely blog and great outfit shots 🙂
I’m happy you’re having a wonderful experience blogging. I started my blog last year, but didn’t really have the time to put in (working full time and studying around work) so I feel as though it wasn’t until this year that I actually have been getting to grips with blogging and all the work that entails! Like you said, no to glamorous! Anyway, glad I found your blog and hopefully I might see you at an event in Manchester.
Frankie x
Fashion Dough
Oliver
August 12, 2015 at 11:09 amTo be fair, I don’t post as regularly as I think I should because I do have a job and sometimes it’s hard to do everything… but I’m still passionate about this almost a year later, so I reckon I’ll keep doing it! Just don’t give up if it’s something you love, Frankie! 😀
Oliver x
susan dollparts
August 12, 2015 at 10:49 amIf anybody can pull that jumper off it´s you 🙂 Love this look, shoes are my favourite! And I think you are absolutely right, I love creatives, It´s so much fun to exchange ideas even if they come from a different “scene”
dresses-and-travels //@susandollparts
Oliver
August 12, 2015 at 11:06 amThanks Susan!! Same here, I draw inspiration from absolutely everyone and anyone I meet so I’m not bound to just one “niche”.
Oliver x
Lala Lyn
August 12, 2015 at 2:37 pmhi your blog is great! but what is your job or what are you ửoking about? I hope you can post usually <3 :**
Lala Lyn
August 13, 2015 at 1:47 pmahhh sorry I just mean “working” !! my font on mobilephone has some problem ToT
t
August 12, 2015 at 6:58 pmI’ve been on holiday for the past month and have really been looking forward to reading your blog when I got back- it didn’t dissapoint! xx
MAYBELLINE CLASSIC VOLUME EXPRESS WATERPROOF MASCARA SWATCHES
Kosta Karakashyan
August 16, 2015 at 8:27 pmI’ve been having a lot of fun blogging but it’s still been a rollercoaster. Not sure where exactly I want it to take me, but I’m in for the ride.
Kosta // Cool Gear Cavalier
Oliver
August 18, 2015 at 9:27 amMe too, but I think that’s the whole point with blogging… it’s still a relatively new thing in comparison to many other conventional career paths so it’s fairly uncharted and no one can really tell where it’s going to take you!! 😀
Oliver x
Kosta Karakashyan
August 19, 2015 at 11:42 pmExactly, I was talking with my parents today that I want to pursue where it will take me as a career and they said they were so puzzled what advice to give me because in their time this was not an actual career haha.
Oliver
August 20, 2015 at 5:04 pmHaha! My parents are the same… They just don’t understand what I’m doing so I don’t even bother explaining to them! :/
Nafisah Atcha
August 20, 2015 at 6:18 amGreat outfit as always on you Ol!
Totally agree with your words about Manchester! We will have to catch up the next time I am in town x
Oliver
August 20, 2015 at 5:04 pmDefinitely, Naffy!
Sue
August 20, 2015 at 7:20 amHi! So nice to see a male blogger for a change. I love your preppy style in this and the Staithes background (still not been).
Nice to meet you! X
Oliver
August 20, 2015 at 5:05 pmWelcome to my blog, Sue! Hope to see you around and Statithes is amazingly beautiful!!
Oliver x
Hendra Wijaya
August 23, 2015 at 11:29 amReally love the look, super cool.
Visit and follow me on Bloglovin’ (Monsieurdaily.com)
IG/Lookbook : @jayawihendra
Thank you, GBU Oliver. 🙂
Laura
September 1, 2015 at 11:45 amThese pictures are really beautiful, Oliver! I love blogging too. I do feel as though the planning etc can get really overwhelming and time consuming. But I love my blog and all of the people I have met through it!
Laura / http://www.smileatstyle.com xx
Oliver
September 1, 2015 at 5:49 pmWell, you’ve got a blog that you can be totally proud of, Laura! I love it!! 😀
Oliver x