Hi All. I’m very late posting! I’ve had so much going on at the moment. Dee was taken into hospital unexpectedly, my Instagram account was hacked and I got a bad back, I mean that bad that I could barely walk! And the decorating of the house resumed. My daughter has also been unwell and has had to undergo heart surgery, Yep, it’s been busy, and nerve-wracking but the light is shining through that tunnel and everything is starting to get back to normal.
Let’s lighten the mood a little bit…
A brilliant sale find that I’m over the moon with
I found this burnt orange gipsy-style top on the Boden website. I was actually after a dress but it had sold out. I went down a right rabbit hole and got really sucked in by the beautiful items on Boden’s website. I could spend a small fortune there!
£20 is what I paid on the sale and the quality is very good. Available in a few different colours too. I paired it with new navy Cigarette trousers from HM. I have these trousers in every colour now other than white. I love them. I will say though that HM’s sizing is a little off and for every pair of these trousers I’ve had to size up.
Shop The Look
A navy & white classic comfortable look
A new outfit from Cotton Traders. I’m really pleased with the three-quarter length trousers. I always worry about wearing these with my shorter legs but they fit so well and I like that they’re not skinny but with a bit of a kick flare at the bottom. A side zip is always more flattering on the tummy and there’s also the bonus of good deep pockets. A great everyday outfit.
Shop The Look
I featured both of the outfits on my Instagram recently. My new Instagram. Let me tell you what happened. It’s a very long-winded situation but I will keep it as short as I can.
Enjoying the use of reels, I like that you can show more details of an outfit and adding a good catchy tune made it fun. I used a Tori Amos song for the last reel on my old Instagram account.
An email appeared from Meta saying that I had used copyright music and to take the content down. I can’t understand why Meta makes music available for reels that you can’t use? And how do you know what is safe to use and what is not?
The next time I went to use my Instagram account it had been disabled. I couldn’t believe it. I quickly searched for as much information as I could find to regain my account.
I did the mug shot, sent my driving licence and filled in the form. And heard nothing back. Zilch. I don’t know why but I didn’t check my Facebook account until the next day. That had gone too! The best of it is that Meta says you can’t see my Facebook but it is actually still visable. I could see the account but not gain access to it or edit it. I got the same notification above that I had for Instagram.
Then an email dropped.
Meta sent me invoices for adverts that I had placed on my page. I hadn’t bought any advertising from Meta but my hacker had!
The irony of this, seeing that someone else had placed adverts with Meta was that I can’t view or contact Meta about these ads because I’m now disabled. All I get all the time is the disabled notification. One thing I will say is that I’m unsure as to whether I had my two factors on my Facebook account. I did on Instagram but I think that’s how they got in.
I’m not sure if the Instagram account was disabled because of the ads or due to the music I used. I have appealed many times and never heard anything back. You can’t speak with anyone and it’s an absolute disgrace on Meta’s part.
I found a chat on Reddit. Linking here. There were some extra forms that I came across for disabled accounts and extra appeal forms. I’ve tried them all and heard nothing. In fact, it’s very interesting reading what so many people have been through with Meta.
A new Instagram account is born. vanityandmestyle
Three weeks went by and I decided to open a new Facebook and Instagram account. I’m still throwing in the odd appeal (you are only allowed to appeal every couple of weeks. It won’t let you appeal constantly) I worked hard on my old account for seven years, all for it to be removed with the flick of a switch. I’d be grateful if you pop over for a follow, and I will say, I had some amazing support from fellow blogging friends. Pop over to vanityandmestyle I appreciate any support
The Baukjen sale is on!
Just a quick reminder that the Baukjen sale is now on. I have worn this dress a lot! You may have seen the last blogpost wearing the dress un-belted? I’ve just got some gorgeous shorts that I will be sharing with you soon.
Shop The Look
Over on YouTube
There’s lots of discount codes in this vlog. Including 20% off at Monica Vinader!
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What a terrible time you’ve been having Laurie! I’m so sorry. It’s always worrying when family members are unwell and doesn’t it make you feel so blooming helpless too? I do hope that everything starts to improve soon. And heck, modern technology does my head in! I never bother to appeal against these crazy decisions – why oh why do they offer us music to use and then penalise us later? I’ll check out your new account xxx
Hi Laurie, Oh wow so much has been happening. I hope everyone is getting better now, so much stress for you all. I was wondering what when off as I got a follow from you. I thought your new account was spam at first but I did a few looks around your social media accounts and found out on Twitter that this was your new account and you had lost your old one. Oh wow, I got a few emails around this time about my video being taken down but I was a bit fed up with Instagram so ignore it.
Enjoy keep posting and keep at it lovely, you are doing great at getting your followers back and new ones.
Author
Don’t ignore it Claire. They might shut you down xx
Laurie, oh my goodness! First of all, I hope your daughter is doing well. Heart surgery sounds so scary and I can only imagine what you were feeling. Hugs.
I love the H&M cigarette pants – I think I need a pair! I have a hard time shopping their website and in store so I rely on influencers/bloggers to show how these pieces look on real women. I just subscribed to your YouTube channel.
Okay, the debacle with IG and Facebook? Holy cow. I hear about these things happening and it scares the heck out of me, I’m following your new account.
Take care my friend!
xo,
Kellyann
Author
Everything is so much better now thank you Kellyann. The daughter had a few minor after problems but she’s like a new woman now thank god. I have the HM cigarette trousers in nearly every colour! If you try them you need to size up. They always come up small, but really worth buying.
Thank you for subscribing and support to the YT and Instagram. I hope you enjoy the films xx
I hope everyone is feeling much better! I try not to get too attached to Instagram since I know of several people who have gone through something similar as you and it is not something we own like our blogs. I am loving that orange blouse.
Author
That’s the best attitude to take with Instagram Mirielle. Everything is settling down here now thank goodness xx
P.S. I hope Dee is okay!
Michelle
And your daughter! You have had a rough week.
Author
She’s a lot better thank you xx
I’m so sorry about your Instagram and Facebook accounts, and your inability to get any help from either. Terrible way to do business.
I love your orange and black outfit! Such a pretty shade of orange.
Michelle
Author
THank you Michelle. At last everything is calming down xx
That’s awful you haven’t had your account back yet and that you’re limited with your appeals. Hopefully you’ll rebuild the site again quickly. Sorry to hear about Dee and your daughter. I hope they’ve both made a full recovery. Thanks for linking with #pocolo
Author
Thanks, Suzanne. Everything is so much better now xx
Oh dear – what a time, I hope your daughter is continuing to recover. Those kind of life events really put everything into perspective, don’t they? Take care #PoCoLo
Author
Thanks Stephanie. Everything is returning back to normal now thank goodness xx
Most importantly, I hope the surgery went well for your daughter and she got the desired outcome and is recovering nicely. What a stress as a mother. Our babies are always our babies.
As for the hacker – how weird they are placing ads. I wonder what for? I hope you get it resolved. I’m sorry Meta are so difficult to deal with. #WonderfulWednesday
Author
Thanks Lydia. I can’t see the ad’s because my account is disabled! I did manage to speak in a chat with Meta. I sent all information and screenshots and emails but according to them my account isn’t compromised! Honestly, it’s like flogging a dead horse!
I’m sorry to hear that you were going through a difficult time. Hope Dee and your daughter are feeling better.
Love that burnt orange top on you.
xoxo
Lovely
Author
Thank you xx
People have the most trouble with Instagram. I am always reading posts like these. What an aggravating company.
Meanwhile, the outfits are lovely!
Author
Hi April. Thank you. And yes, reading up on the Instagram situation is a real eye-opener xx
You had a lot on your plate lately. I hope everything is okay with Dee and your daughter now. And that the sun will shine for you again. I think its very stressful when something happens to our social media. I know it’s not real life but we spend a lot of time in it right
Author
Dusting myself down Nancy. Things are slowly getting back to normal. I will never worry about Instagram again. Just taking it in my stride now. What’s the point when it can be taken away just like that xx
Laurie, that is an absolute disgrace that you were hacked and you couldn’t even talk to anyone and no one ever gets back to you. I am sorry you lost all of those lovely posts from your old account. How frustrating! It seems our world just keeps getting less and less helpful. My modem went out for my internet so I called the company I use to order a new modem. When the device came it looked completely different and we couldn’t figure out how to get it set up so it would connect with the wireless devices. I called and they said they couldn’t help me because there was no one on staff who knew how to connect the device and that I should just ask a family member. I did just that and they couldn’t figure it out either. I called again and they said they would let their supervisor know I was having a problem. In the end, I prayed about it and God gave me an idea, which I tried and it worked. That’s all I can say. God is a lot more helpful that all of our technologically advanced customer service reps. Ha, ha. Anyway, I just went and clicked on your new account. Hopefully, they will get back to you eventually. Have a super Saturday. I hope Dee is doing better and that your daughter is recovering from her heart issues.
Amy
Author
Thanks Amy. Everything is gradually getting back to normal now xx
I’m sorry to hear about Dee and your daughter, and hope that they’re both on the mend.
What a horrible thing to have happened to your Instagram account. Losing all your hard work because of something which isn’t your fault is devastating, and it must be so frustrating not to get any response from Meta.
Love the burnt orange gypsy top (Boden does have some lovely stuff) and the Baukjen dress is totally up my street! xxx
Author
Thanks Ann. Super pleased with the Boden top. I will be buying more from there! xx
I am so very sorry to hear about all the trials and tribulations you have had to bear, but especially the illnesses of your daughter and your partner. What a worrying and stressful time you are having. I just wanted to let you know that you are very much appreciated by your followers on YouTube & Instagram. I look forward to your posts and your impeccable taste in fashion. Keep your chin up !
Anne
Author
Hi Anne. Thanks so much. It’s my followers and comments like this that keep me going. xx
Wow friend I am so sorry to hear about your back, your daughters health and all your hardships. Take care of you and your family.
I dont think anyone but us who do this know how hard it is to grow a following. Its horrible to hear how difficult it is to contact anyone for help on this.
Author
Hi Lisa. Thank you. Things are all getting back to normal thank goodness.xx
Oh how that would frustrate me to no end, especially with the work that is involved. I hope it gets sorted! How is Dee now? I am sorry to hear of the hardships you are dealing with. On another note, I love the orange on you and those platform sandals are beautiful! I love what you have shared here. I’ve been doing a bit of shopping myself lately on Zara and secondhand.
take care,
jess xx
Author
Thanks Jess. Dee is still having tests at present. She may have to have a pacemaker. We wait to hear xx
I am so sorry about all of this with your account! What a mess and none of it if your fault. I just popped over on Insta and followed. Love this orange blouse and the striped tee. Have a great weekend!
Author
Hi Katherine. Yes, but I won’t be beaten. Onwards and upwards xx
I am sorry to hear that you have to go through so many bad things all happening at once, Laurie Hope your daughter will recover soon and your back pain will disappear. About your Instagram – I was looking at your page and noticed that you have very few followers which I know is not correct but I had no idea how bad your Instagram situation is. What’s worth, that you can’t talk to anyone from Meta and ask for help. I can imagine how you feel, losing all the hard work in a flick of their whim. On a positive side, I am pretty sure, you will get your followers back in no time, your style is remarkable and people will find you. Have a great weekend. Anna
Author
Thanks Anna. There’s a little trickle of old followers catching up with me. I’m sure it will be ok xx