After being voted Blog of the Month at British Style Bloggers last year, I am now up for BLOG OF THE YEAR. I would be so very very grateful if you thought I deserved this accolade and you could take a couple of seconds from your day to vote for me.
Thank you.
Showing posts with label British Style Bloggers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label British Style Bloggers. Show all posts
British Style Bloggers: BLOG OF THE YEAR
After being voted Blog of the Month at British Style Bloggers last year, I am now up for BLOG OF THE YEAR. I would be so very very grateful if you thought I deserved this accolade and you could take a couple of seconds from your day to vote for me.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Friend Friday #2: Size
Earlier this week British luxury department store, Harrod's announced that it has closed its plus sized clothing department. The news comes just a month after the American department store, Saks, announced that it would be adding a plus size couture range to its clothing selection. The news also comes in the same week that Marc Jacob's business partner announced plans - on twitter - for a possible plus size collection from the designer.
Indeed, the Daily Mail has even coined it: "the Christina Hendricks effect". It seems that curves are back in fashion. Remember my post on the controversy caused when the UK Equalities Minister declared Christina Hendricks as a perfect role model?
With all of this in mind, it seems timely and appropriate that Katy chose "size" as this week's Friend Friday topic of discussion. Katy chose the topic after she had read a couple blog posts that got negative comments about the model's size and was a little shocked at these comments.
1. Should someone's size stop them from fashion blogging or having a voice in the community?
I feel strongly that no matter what your dress size, you have every right to a voice in the fashion blogging community. I am saddened at the thought that some people have found the community unsupportive and indeed negative. I always think that the blogging community, of which I would like to be counted as a part of, is supportive and friendly. Indeed, I feel that negative comments in general are unnecessary. I am of the opinion that comments should add something to a post and that these can be constructive without being wholly negative. Fashion is certainly subjective and you will not always like everything you see but this is not a reason to be negative. I digress, I apologise.
2. In your opinion, can the term "curvy" and "plus-sized" be used interchangeably when it comes to fashion?
I don't tend to think that "curvy" and "plus-sized" mean the same things. A woman who wears a (UK) size 8 can be curvy just as easy as a woman who wears a size 18. An article this week in the Daily Mail declared that "curves are back" next season with Louis Vuitton's autumn campaign looking rather like a scene from Mad Men. This trend will undoubtedly suit women of almost any figure, be they size 8 or "plus-sized".
3. Many people make the argument that catering to plus sized women would promote being overweight as "okay". What do you think? Should more designers be catering to plus size women?
This argument always surprises me. Whether being a size 16 or 18 is overweight or not, 47% of the British population are plus sized, therefore designers are essentially alienating half of all potential customers. On the high street, more and more stores are developing their own plus size collections which provide on trend clothing at an affordable price; these include, H&M and New Look, who are joining Evans.
4. Should the mainstream fashion industry be showcasing more plus size models?
It might be deemed to be controversial but I think that essentially it is common sense, what suits one body shape, does not suit every body shape. Therefore, the mainstream fashion industry, I believe, should showcase collections which contain pieces for each and every body shape and size. At present the catwalk represents only a tiny proportion of "real" women: tall, slim and in the main with a relatively small chest.
5. For you personally, how do you view your size, the struggle with it through the years, your ideal size, etc…
For most people looking at me, they would assume that I have nothing to worry about, I am - for the majority of the time - a size 8 but that doesn't mean that I haven't had my own issues. My petite height means that I often have problems finding trousers that fit or even tops that don't come down to my knees! I also have a very flat chest which often causes problems with low cut dresses and tops. But I have learnt how to dress my body over the years and what does and doesn't suit me. It is still a learning curve. I believe that as long as you try to dress for your own unique body shape and you learn to love that shape and size and what looks good on it, then no one has a right to chastise you for that. In fact, you might remember I wrote a post about this for British Style Bloggers' Body Image Season?
What are your thoughts on the issue of size in the fashion industry and in particular plus-sizing?
If you'd like to be involved in the Friend Friday series, or would like to read any of the other posts for this week, visit Modly Chic.
British Style Bloggers' BLOG OF THE YEAR
After being voted Blog of the Month at British Style Bloggers last year, I am now up for BLOG OF THE YEAR. I would be so very very grateful if you thought I deserved this accolade and you could take a couple of seconds from your day to vote for me.
Thank you and happy Monday.
Thank you and happy Monday.
Who is your style icon Polka Dot Stripes?
To coincide with my Style Icon series on this blog and the same theme at British Style Bloggers this month, I decided to ask some of my favourite fashion bloggers who their style icon is. Over the following weeks I'll be posting their responses here.
I asked Rachel of Polka Dot Stripes, who is your style icon and why?
"Audrey Hepburn and Fearne Cotton because both are ladylike stylish but down to earth and anyone I see on the internet and in daily life because ordinary folk can have the most extraordinary fashion pieces."
I asked Rachel of Polka Dot Stripes, who is your style icon and why?
"Audrey Hepburn and Fearne Cotton because both are ladylike stylish but down to earth and anyone I see on the internet and in daily life because ordinary folk can have the most extraordinary fashion pieces."
Something VERY Special
The end of the British Style Bloggers' Body Image season had to end at some point... But everyone at BSB felt that the season warranted a grand finale:
Well, here it is ladies and gents! Go on, read it!!
Well, here it is ladies and gents! Go on, read it!!
Get Involved!!
Lauren, of A Typical Atypical, along with two other bloggers, is launching a magazine "for normal everyday women" called Basse Mode.The magazine will discuss and feature what real women wear, feel and believe.
I absolutely adore magazines! (I have three subscriptions to glossy beauties!) For me, they are like beautiful picture books. Fantasies. But that is all they are. I cannot afford the beautiful dresses featured on the pages of Vogue magazine each month. But it would be nice to have one that was more than just pretty pictures. Wouldn't it?
According to the girls at Basse Mode;
"We want to condense all the brilliance that the fashion blogging world has to offer into something that we can put on the coffee table. That we can show off on the coffee table. A beautiful documentation of what real women wear, what real people think, and things that actually affect our lives. Nothing like this has ever been done before, but we think it could be brilliant."
I think it will be brilliant too girls.
Lauren's written all about the project in her guest post on British Style Bloggers.
If you would like to get involved or spread the word, visit the site here.
I can't wait!
I absolutely adore magazines! (I have three subscriptions to glossy beauties!) For me, they are like beautiful picture books. Fantasies. But that is all they are. I cannot afford the beautiful dresses featured on the pages of Vogue magazine each month. But it would be nice to have one that was more than just pretty pictures. Wouldn't it?
According to the girls at Basse Mode;
"We want to condense all the brilliance that the fashion blogging world has to offer into something that we can put on the coffee table. That we can show off on the coffee table. A beautiful documentation of what real women wear, what real people think, and things that actually affect our lives. Nothing like this has ever been done before, but we think it could be brilliant."
I think it will be brilliant too girls.
Lauren's written all about the project in her guest post on British Style Bloggers.
If you would like to get involved or spread the word, visit the site here.
I can't wait!
Fashion icon and Body Image Season
It is not even lunchtime and I have posted my monthly column for British Style Bloggers.
You can read all about it here!
Tell me what you think?
You can read all about it here!
Tell me what you think?
Be Happy - Go Shopping!
Sorry for a distinct lack of posts recently. I am currently learning the hard way that leaving things to the last minute does not pay off!! By 'things', I mean my masters dissertation! I have just under two weeks to finish my 20 000 word thesis!! Current word count: about 8 000!!! Agh!!!
Anyway, I did just about manage to write my (now monthly) column for British Style Bloggers. I didn't quite manage to post it but the lovely Amy did for me - so you can read it here.
I will be back in business very very soon. In the meantime, think of me!
More soon. Love, SG
Anyway, I did just about manage to write my (now monthly) column for British Style Bloggers. I didn't quite manage to post it but the lovely Amy did for me - so you can read it here.
I will be back in business very very soon. In the meantime, think of me!
More soon. Love, SG
My 2010 New Year's Resolutions
Every single blog I have read this last week has been about New Year's Resolutions. I was starting to feel a little left out. So here are mine. I have split them into 'life' resolutions and 'style' resolutions. I have also written my 10 shopping Commandments for 2010 in my last weekly column for British Style Bloggers here.
My New Year's (Life) Resolutions:
1. To be more organised!
2. To save more. Or just save at all.
3. To pass my driving test.
4. To be more spontaneous.
5. To add (at least) one more country to my list!
My New Year's (Style/Shopping) Resolutions:
1. To shop less.
2. To wear more colour and less all black. (Check out Style on a String's post about this and my post)
3. To learn to do a few up-dos, so that I don't always wear my hair down.
4. To make sure my nail polish is always fresh, no more chips for me.
5. To learn to be more ruthless and not to hoard so much, so that my wardrobe and dressing table are not so over flowing all of the time.
Happy New Year folks. Love, SG
Better late than never!!
This is my mantra every day of the week as I dash to work, at five to nine and ten minutes away!
Well, today it is also the case for my weekly column on British Style Bloggers! But it is now done and here for all to read!
This week, I have taken myself 'fantasy shopping' for a sparkly new Christmas party outfit!! 'Fantasy shopping' is my new favourite thing to do!!!
More soon. Love, SG
Well, today it is also the case for my weekly column on British Style Bloggers! But it is now done and here for all to read!
This week, I have taken myself 'fantasy shopping' for a sparkly new Christmas party outfit!! 'Fantasy shopping' is my new favourite thing to do!!!
More soon. Love, SG
Weekend of Action: Stylishly Warm!!
So, with my sister to stay we wrapped up warm for Claire's challenge. Here are the results:
To look stylish and keep warm I think the answer is to layer. I am wearing, Primark leggings, H&M wool socks, Primakr OTK boots, M&S vest (not seen), Primark long sleeved top, Dorothy Perkins dress, Matalan arm warmers and assorted jewellery.
Helena is wearing a Little Miss Christmas New Look tee (just seen), a Topshop 3/4 sleeved top, M&S leggings, Jane Norman belt, M&S necklace, scarf (from a friend), M&S hat, Topshop boots and those Matalan arm warmers (mum bought us both a pair!).
To look stylish and keep warm I think the answer is to layer. I am wearing, Primark leggings, H&M wool socks, Primakr OTK boots, M&S vest (not seen), Primark long sleeved top, Dorothy Perkins dress, Matalan arm warmers and assorted jewellery.
Helena is wearing a Little Miss Christmas New Look tee (just seen), a Topshop 3/4 sleeved top, M&S leggings, Jane Norman belt, M&S necklace, scarf (from a friend), M&S hat, Topshop boots and those Matalan arm warmers (mum bought us both a pair!).
BSB Christmas Party - deadline extended
For anyone planning on entering the BSB Christmas Party the deadline for the competition has been extended to Tuesday 15 December! Get your entries in folks!
You are cordially invited...
You have until tomorrow to enter the best dressed competition, details of which can be found below:
In order to enter, you should post:
- A photo of you in your party clothes
- An explanation of what you're wearing and why
- What food (or drink!) you're bringing to our non-existent party
- And what song you'd like on the playlist
And yes, there are prizes for the winning entries:
First Prize - A pair of Coco Roses and a strawberry bag, kindly donated by Coco Rose London, Claire Napier's Fridge Style game, and a Look of Love necklace, kindly donated by I Love Cutie Pie
Second Prize - A £20 voucher for Coco Rose, and a Coco Rose strawberry bag, kindly donated by Coco Rose London
Third Prize - A £15 voucher for Coco Rose, and a Coco Rose strawberry bag, kindly donated by Coco Rose London
All of this information can be found on the British Style Bloggers' website.
Although I'm a contributor to the site and therefore can't really enter (and might be judging!) here is my party outfit for the festive season!
I am wearing a black Oasis prom dress (that I have only just managed to squeeze back into after 3 years - so am celebrating and wearing it all over the party season!), a Sainsbury's corsage, Dorothy Perkins pearls and Topshop pearl earrings.
I will be bringing some M&S mulled wine to get the party started!
I will make all you lovely style bloggers my yummy Pimms Jelly (see here!)
And I will be dancing around the Christmas tree to the Black Eyed Peas' 'I Gotta Feeling'!!
Confessions of a Shopaholic: confession-time
"Everything in life can be fixed by shopping".
So said my very wise friend at the weekend.
On Saturday I decided to test this theory.
Yes, I confess, I broke my shopping ban!! I have fallen off the wagon. But I promise that I am back on it again for the last 4 weeks. I had a moment of weakness that is all.
What did I buy? I hear you ask?!
Shoes. Shoes are my downfall. They always have been. When a beautiful pair of shoes confronts me, I cannot say no.
In March I came face-to-face with a GORGEOUS pair of Carvela heels. They had a price tag of £120. I resisted. Somehow.
On Saturday I found a pair of near identical heels in New Look for £20. I could NOT resist. So I didn't.
Now that I have confessed I promise to go home, say my "hail Manolos" and stay on the wagon - and away from temptation - until the end of the year. I promise.
To read this column on British Style Bloggers, click here.
So said my very wise friend at the weekend.
On Saturday I decided to test this theory.
Yes, I confess, I broke my shopping ban!! I have fallen off the wagon. But I promise that I am back on it again for the last 4 weeks. I had a moment of weakness that is all.
What did I buy? I hear you ask?!
Shoes. Shoes are my downfall. They always have been. When a beautiful pair of shoes confronts me, I cannot say no.
In March I came face-to-face with a GORGEOUS pair of Carvela heels. They had a price tag of £120. I resisted. Somehow.
On Saturday I found a pair of near identical heels in New Look for £20. I could NOT resist. So I didn't.
Now that I have confessed I promise to go home, say my "hail Manolos" and stay on the wagon - and away from temptation - until the end of the year. I promise.
To read this column on British Style Bloggers, click here.
Mary Portas agrees with me!!!!
Ok, so she hasn't read my blog or my most recent column on British Style Bloggers but she did say in an interview in the Times at the weekend,
"Our shopping habits have been transformed and they will transform again. We have always bought what we wanted, when we wanted it and for the price we wanted it. This is how it has been for the past 15 years. But it has to change. Now it’s not just about commercialism but community."
She went on to claim that,
"Fast fashion is rather vulgar now".
I couldn't agree more.
"Our shopping habits have been transformed and they will transform again. We have always bought what we wanted, when we wanted it and for the price we wanted it. This is how it has been for the past 15 years. But it has to change. Now it’s not just about commercialism but community."
She went on to claim that,
"Fast fashion is rather vulgar now".
I couldn't agree more.
350.org Weekend of Action
Today sees the start of UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen which will continue for the next two weeks in the Danish capital. Delegations from 192 countries will be attending talks aimed at paving the way for a new global treaty on climate change.
Whilst the conference is a time for the world's leaders to meet to discuss what they can do to tackle climate change, the next fortnight can also be a time for everyone to think about what they themselves can do.
350.org is an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that science and justice demand, so says its website.
This weekend (11-13 December), 350.org is encouraging people around the world to take part in a Weekend of Action. This might be a vigil or whatever, to get the message out there. A photograph with a "350" in it is a must however.
Claire - of British Style Bloggers - has set a challenge to anyone who is stylish enough to take it up. You can read about it in her own words here, or check it out here, in three easy steps!
1. On Friday 11th or Saturday 12th December turn off your indoor heating (or down, at the very least)
2. Put together a marvelous, stylish outfit that will make you look just as good as usual, but that will keep you warm without the need for power or electricity
3. Send a photo of your outfit, either to me or to British Style Bloggers - and remember to include a "350" somewhere in your photo.
Whilst the conference is a time for the world's leaders to meet to discuss what they can do to tackle climate change, the next fortnight can also be a time for everyone to think about what they themselves can do.
350.org is an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that science and justice demand, so says its website.
This weekend (11-13 December), 350.org is encouraging people around the world to take part in a Weekend of Action. This might be a vigil or whatever, to get the message out there. A photograph with a "350" in it is a must however.
Claire - of British Style Bloggers - has set a challenge to anyone who is stylish enough to take it up. You can read about it in her own words here, or check it out here, in three easy steps!
1. On Friday 11th or Saturday 12th December turn off your indoor heating (or down, at the very least)
2. Put together a marvelous, stylish outfit that will make you look just as good as usual, but that will keep you warm without the need for power or electricity
3. Send a photo of your outfit, either to me or to British Style Bloggers - and remember to include a "350" somewhere in your photo.
A MASSIVE THANK YOU...
To everyone who voted for me, you have made me very happy as I am now officially, Blogger of the Month!!
LAST DAY!!!
If you haven't voted yet - please do vote for me for Blog of the Month - every single vote counts and today is the last day.
Blog of the Month - quick reminder and plea and THANK YOU!
V quick post to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has already voted for me. To anyone who hasn't yet but was intending to vote for me, please please do!! The poll closes on Sunday. You can vote here. And check out the British Style Bloggers site while you're at it. Including my weekly guest column; this week's can be found here.
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