Winnie Harlow: "I am not my skin"

The debates in the background of fashion have always interested me. I'm normally one to research into how companies treat their factory workers and what effects some retailers have on the environment. And i think its always important to know these kind of things, otherwise you have no idea where your clothes have come from and how they got to you. 

However, a more recent interest of mine is looking into the new and upcoming models in the industry.  I mean, everyone knows Cara Delevigne, but what about the less established models that are still creating beautiful shots?

Ex-ANTM candidate Winnie Harlow quickly became a favourite of mine very quickly. She is a 20 year old model with the skin condition vitiligo. This causes extreme pigmentation in her skin, causing some areas of her body to be different colours to others. To me, this shows a breakthrough from the fashion industry in the models that work the catwalks. No longer are brands consistently using the generically pretty models, but broadening their selection to women such as Winnie. This, by no means is me saying that this woman isn't incredibly stunning, because that really isn't the case. However, by using women who differ from the stereotype is a refreshing change and a much better role model for children and teenagers to look up to. Its so nice to see someone who struggled with her condition when she was younger grow to become this confident and create such beautiful pictures despite how she may not have always liked her condition. The campaign that she did for Desigual is by far one of my favourite campaigns of all. The symmetry in the colouration of her face is amazing against the colours and patterns featured; and seeing a model that genuinely looks like they are having a good time makes such a difference. 

So is Winnie her skin? Of course she isn't, she is an amazing model. However there is no denying that  her skin condition does bring a really unique element to all her pictures that is admired by the fashion industry. In my opinion, it doesn't matter either way, she's made her place in the fashion world pretty well since being dropped from ANTM. I just hope that she continues the way that she is and that there are a lot more incredible photos to come in the future.

CHANEL: THE ONE THAT I WANT

CHANEL CAMPAIGN

No words.

Freya Fuller Bust Padded Plunge Review.

I bought this bra from the John Lewis in Leicester. Ive always worn a 34D as this always seemed comfortable, however as a size 10, I knew this was not the right back measurement to be wearing. I decided that I would go for a bra fitting and get my first plus size bra. The woman in John Lewis was very accommodating and after trying a 32”  back, it was deided that a 30E fitted much better. I had been measured a year before this for a university research file and i remember that this was the size that was suggested to me then.
After trying a few soft cup Freya bras i came to the conclusion that the lace didn't sit completely flat on my breast, therefore we tried this slighlty padded bra.
This bra is made from a beautiful, yet subtle pinstripe jersey in a plunge and slightly balconette style cup. It has a soft and very minimal amount of moulded padding in it and has a satin bow on the center front of the bra. Regularly in a plus size bra, there would be 3 cup panels rather than the 2 panles that you find in A-D cup bras on the high street. With this bra having 4 cup pieces the bra is going to give a much smoother shape to the breast. The bras slight padding will give a little extra uplift to the bra. With it being moulded padding, this will mean that the bra has a better fit to the wearer rather than the generic cup size, generally making it more comfortable. 

I have worn this bra twice now, and i have to say that it fits perfectly. I haven't experienced any problems with it at all and will definitely be investing in another. This bra was meant to be £28 but cost me around £22. John Lewis often have offers on their Freya collections so it's just a matter of keeping an eye out for these online and in-store. This is my first Freya purchase, and i will definitely be investing to expand my collection.

TOPSHOP: Soft Bra Review

I do really love a soft bra. It is really rare that i will but a padded cup bra unless its a gym bra or a strapless bra, and Topshop soft cup bras seem to fit me perfectly no matter what style. I bought this bra a few weeks ago in the hope that it would suit me. Ive been wanting a non-wired soft cup bra for a really long time, however they are usually in the popular triangular style that don't suit anyone above a B cup. Surprisingly, being a D cup, these do not suit me. This set cost me £30 and i have to say it is the comfiest underwear set that i own to date. I don't need a massive amount of support, however the fabric (although it has some stretch) is quite firm so keeps everything in shape. Although it doesn't do anything for your cleavage; it does give a really nice shape to the breasts and the lace detail on the cups is absolutley beautiful. These were sold in dress sizes, so unsure of what the best size for me would be, i bought a size 10 and 12 to try. The lace on the size 12 was better placed on me, however the back size was a bit too loose. I would say the size 10 is better suited to a 32 back. There is also the choice between a thong and a high waisted knicker (which i already have in another colour and are by far one of the most flattering pairs of knickers i have ever bought).

Forever 21 Gym Bra Review

Forever 21 active wear has been a very new discovery for me. I didn't realise until recently that it existed and was so surprised when i saw how cheap it was. This blue gym bra was bought from the Oxford Circus store was bought at the amazing price of £8. I would say that i don't like it as much as my Marie Meili bra, however this is merely because of it being a low support bra. This has spaghetti straps and for a small and simple bra; offers a
very good amount of support. I didn't find any problems when running and felt that the
padding in the front of the bra kept everything very much in place. The fabrics used are really soft against the skin and i haven't yet found any uncomfort with the thin straps, which i expected that i might. Forever 21 also offer a range of really nice gym tights and simple jersey sportswear thats definitely worth investing in.

Giles Deacon for Ann Summers Part 2.

It wasn't all that surprising to me when i found out that Giles Deacon was doing another lingerie range for Ann Summers. Although the last collection was not necessarily to my taste, it proved amazingly popular with the rest of the population. A lot of the collections sold out in most sizes and the rest of the stock was quickly snatched up in the sale. Ann Summers may not be to everyones taste, but it seems that there is an ever-lasting gap in the market where not a lot of lingerie is sold between high street and designer levels. Im excited to see what Deacon has in store for us this time...this slip is definitely a positive looking preview.

Checkered PJ'S.

So im not really one for nightwear, i can never find anything that i like. However, when browsing through the ASOS lingerie department whilst procrastinating i came across this cute little co-ord. Shorts are definitely a must have compared to the flared trousers found in nightwear departments all too often (which by the way, are always too short!) and this baggy top is definitely one for just lazing around the house in. The only thing that would make this little outfit better is if it was made from a brushed cotton...but i guess i can manage without.