Millbank Haze

Confusion boy.

Everyone has a coming out story. It is one of those personal achievements when you’re finally starting to live your truth and be more open to the world. After years of hiding my feelings towards it, I finally came out to my friend and family as…. *wait for it* a Blogger! For some, it may come as a huge surprise, but I’ve spent most of my early 20s being confused about what I really want to do in my life… and I think I’m finally going in the right direction. Don’t you think?

Content creation was always there. However, finding the right platform for it was a huge challenge for me.

I started blogging and managing websites when I was just 14 years old. From fan pages to forums, I was thrilled to create engaging content and building large communities online. In 2007, I started video blogging, which REALLY established me in my home country – Lithuania. *come through, potato dumplings*

With daily viewership reaching a staggering 15,000, my online presence was way bigger than my mindset. Everything happened so fast that I didn’t know what to do with it! The New York Times featured some of my work, whilst fans sent me daily video responses on Videogaga (Lithuanian version of YouTube). *I even made an appearance on MTV!* Video blogging opened so many doors for me… but unfortunately. I didn’t take any of these opportunities. 

My biggest fear back then was me. I was so scared of the outside world. People started to recognise me in the street and that freaked the hella out of me. Everything seemed so uncertain – I wasn’t sure whether people are going to shake my hand or punch me in the face. There was so much bullying online that I had no desire to continue. I completely stopped blogging and focused more on finishing my studies. Back then, living life being me was something out of reach and impossible.

In 2009, I moved to the United Kingdom, and – after a while – I started to open myself to others. The feeling was great! With socialising and partying taking the centre stage, I didn’t have time to think about blogging… Until now.

After years of working for a digital media agency and several publications across the UK, one day I thought to myself “right, I need to create something for me, a platform that would unleash my creative spirit and add value to it“. Suddenly, I had a flashback of the past 13 years and I was like “blogging is what I need to continue“. So, after months of researching and planning, I give to you – Mr. Salt and Pepper – the UK men’s lifestyle blog! 

Cranes in vacation.

It seems like the embroidered appliqués of exotic birds are taking over my blog this season – but for all the right reasons. 

The other day, I was scouting around Millbank with my best friend Alex and snapped a few pictures of this look. First, let me tell you one thing – I was never a fan of vacation shirts. I always had this perception of them being too tacky and out of date. However, this shirt from Urban Outfitters completely blew my mind! 

I was channelling tropical vibes with this laid-back shirt in burnt orange. It features a relaxed fit with a button front and notched collar, topped with crane embroidery on the chest. I mean, what’s not to love?! I paired it with a white linen jacket and militaire chinos, both from Zara. This is an ace holiday look that can also work as a daytime summer wear in the city. Staycation anyone?

SHOP: Loom Crane Vacation Shirt from Urban Outfitters | Linen Jacket from Zara | Basic Chinos from Zara | Green Slip On Shoes from Primark