OOTD feat. Warehouse + H&M (and a little catch-up!)

CLICK TO SHOP: Duster coat* - Warehouse | Top - H&M (similar here) | Zipped skirt - H&M (identical here) | Tooth necklace* - Bloody Mary Metal | Air Max trainers* - Nike (similar here)

Photography - Ciara O'Doherty

SHOP SIMILAR STYLES
// !function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p '://' 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script'); //
JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

Hi everyone! It seems like ages and ages since I've written directly to you all, on a personal level. I'm sure you've been wondering where I've been over the last month; despite a few posts here and there.
March-April was a really tough time for me and my family as we dealt with quite a sudden illness hitting a close relative, someone I consider an extra parent to me. Without going into details, it really shook me and between that going on, and college, I had to step back from everything for a bit. I tried to keep the likes of my Instagram and Twitter updated so everyone didn't think I vanished into the universe altogether but yeah, it's been tough these last few weeks.
I'm having the time of my life in college but I must admit that I found my first semester very overwhelming. Only this year, in semester two, have I felt like I've found my footing, an amazing bunch of people and the joys of "college life". I thought balancing my blog and attending art college would be somewhat more doable than if I went to a regular university but it has been tough trying to find the balance between everything, as I'm sure a lot of students know.
I'm in my sixth year blogging now and alike to a lot of my fellow blogging-veterans, I sometimes feel and worry if people are getting bored of me, my outfits and my general goings-on. I stepped back from it for my sanity, my happiness and to clear my head but I also stepped back as I admittedly have gone through a bit of a rut lately in terms of drive and inspiration.
I love my blog, what I do, my readers and the opportunities it all gives me but I genuinely do worry that I've had my hey-day. Blogger friends such as Zoe have really inspired me to open up to you guys here; I've held back a lot since my jaw surgery, as I've felt comfort in keeping some aspects of me and my life, private. I started all of this at a naive 16 years of age, I've made mistakes along the way and I'm quite frankly sometimes anxious to let you guys in that extra little bit.
April was quite a scary month but luckily my relative is doing well; he is home, he is alive and he is healthy. I can't express how emotional it makes me feel to even type that! We're all so relieved.
I feel a genuine surge of enthusiasm has lifted me over the last few days and I really feel like maybe I needed to step back from everything and reflect. I'm going to try and introduce new things into Thunder & Threads - to keep you guys interested, and me interested; whether it be new blog series', more beauty reviews or what have you; as always, I'm open to suggestions!
I guess I just wanted to let you guys know how I'm currently feeling and where I've been. Not a day goes by where I don't pinch myself over how lucky I am to have such loyal and dedicated readers - always chatting to me, asking how I am and consistently encouraging me.
I have a majorly exciting Summer planned and it has cheered-up right up; I'll be attending Download Festival with Helen and Amy and I'll also be going interrailing around Europe with Helen for 2 weeks in July! AHH, I am so excited. I can't wait to write up my travel diaries. There'll be more surprises along the way but I'm allowed to tell you guys those two announcements for now!
Thanks so much for sticking around, whether you're an old reader, or new. I've had my highs and lows of this career but the fact I even get to call all of this a career, makes me smile. I feel very positive about the next eight months of 2015 and I hope that reflects on my blog.
*
P.S Irish peeps: The closing date to register to vote in this month's Marriage Referendum is TOMORROW. If you're unsure whether you're registered, log on to checktheregister.ie ASAP. If you're not registered, print out and fill in THIS form, have it signed and stamped by a Garda and hand it in IN PERSON to your local county council before 5pm tomorrow!
This vote is the most important vote of my life thus far. Many of you know I'm an avid campaigner for human rights - my LGBT family and friends need your YES vote so they too can have the right to marry whomever they love. Please VOTE YES on May 22nd.