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.

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).

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.

Neoprene Swim.

So neoprene has really become a massive fashion staple for the swimwear scene. With triangl swimwear peaking in sales massively this year with their block colour, neoprene two pieces; this fabric has become a must have. However I'm much more of a fan of the neoprene swimsuit. My ultimate favourite has to be the Lisa Marie Fernandez sleeved swimsuit. It is black in colour, so although it is basic, it is flattering and the zip along the front is functional so the option of a little bit of cleavage is always there! The price is steep at £325, but you are paying for quality and amazing fit as well as a beautiful swimsuit that will take a long time to go out of fashion. If this is too steeply priced then maybe this swimsuit from Nuera swim on Etsy is the better option. The white coloration gives it that sporty edge and the cut out back makes it a little more casual. For neoprene, a $130USD price tag isn't all that much, especially

when the garments are handmade.

Dear Kate Campaign: The critics have got it all wrong.

• These women won't be taken seriously by male colleagues when they return to their jobs.
• "Posing in your underwear undermines the message that you want to be taken seriously as a technologist"
• This campaign is a set back in the fight against objectifying women.

WRONG, WRONG AND WRONG.

Why should it make a difference if their male colleagues have seen the photoshoot? There is nothing about being able to flaunt your beautiful body in amazing lingerie to a camera that makes you any less intelligent than the men of the office. And there is no reason that it should make you be taken less seriously. After all, this campaign has amazing aims behind it and showing the younger generation and the intimate apparel industry what beautiful bodies really are is surely admirable rather than degrading. On top of this, i can see in no way that this is a campaign that fights for the degrading of women. And nowhere in this campaign do i see scantily dressed females with their pouting seductively with their legs apart in seductive and provocative poses like any other lingerie shoot you will see. 

I really do think critics are picking it apart for the sake of having an opinion; it's the principle behind the campaign that really matters. It's about time brands started thinking about what kind of effect their campaigns will have on the industry as a whole.

Arikia Millikan did a blog post on her experience modelling with Dear Kate which i found really interesting and inspiring, the link can be found here.

New Additions for the Gym Scene.

  I'm so excited to be back in Leicester and start going to the gym again! But before i do that, i think the purchasing of some new gym wear is necessary. Ive been looking around and found some absolute gems.

  I was looking at the Marie Meili bras (as from my previous post i was very satisfied with their gym bras). I came across this £16 gym bra in a hot pink colour. It has the same style back as the bra that i own which proved very supportive, however i thought that the shapes and mesh detail on the front of this bra made it quite a bit more interesting. Although this definitely has a higher neckline than my previous bra, i thought that the v neck shape of the bra made it a little more fashionable and a bit prettier.

 Another bra that found was from Nike. I have never bought a sports bra from there before, however i have heard really positive things. I loved the print of this bra because it was so simple in colour, yet a statement. There really is nothing worse than boring and frumpy gym wear. I also liked the cut of it because even though the neckline is quite high, the binding on the neckline, arms and bottom make it look more like a crop top than a bra. I would definitely consider wearing this alone with some leggings in the gym as it looks merely like a supported gym top.

 Then i was absolutely blown away by Forever 21. I wasn't actually aware that they has an active wear range until a few days ago and this is the first time that i have had a chance to look at it. There is so much choice, but i would say that the highlight for me was definitely the sports leggings. I have been looking for a decent pair for a while now, and as expensive as they are, they still seem to be very plain. However Forever 21's leggings were quite the opposite. These are just a few of the pairs i found on the forever 21 website, ranging from £13-£18. They really are a steal.

Reckless Wold A/W Campaign.

Its finally here. After having to watch at least four teaser trailers for the new Reckless Wolf campaign, the full version has finally been released. It features some of the classic bestsellers from last season such as the Reckless Wolf crop and the 'Prey' bra in black and white, along with some new editions such as the 'Raw' wired bra which is a personal favourite. 

Its definitely worth a watch...

Reckless Wolf Ice Hockey Campaign

L'Agent.

So the last week all i have been seeing on other lingerie blogs is L'Agent posts showcasing their new A/W collection, which if I'm honest I'm really bored of seeing over and over again. So i thought i would do something a little different. Instead of showing you the whole collection or telling you why certain sets are my favourite i thought i would show you which garments have the most gorgeous  back detail. A bit different i know, but here goes....

   The Idalia Playsuit                                     The Rosalyn Ouvert                                     The Esma Slip

 I love a good cut out on the back and you really can't go wrong with an overt back knicker, but i do think that the Idalia playsuit really is the most beautiful piece created by L'agent so far. As well, for £110 instead of the £300+ you would pay for the Agent Provocateur core range you really can't go wrong.

My Parisian Chic Project.

Im going to be starting my second year of university in a few weeks, so just thought it would be nice to share some photos of my favourite project from first year. This set was inspired by my trip to Paris and being the adventurous (and silly) design student that i am i decided to make something as difficult as this. After being new to pattern cutting only this year this really was a nightmare to make, however i was so happy with the outcome and after making it as one of the 25/75 to make it to catwalk with their designs it couldn't have been a better end to the year. I'm now looking forward to my swimwear module next year and living in fear of how difficult corsetry is going to be...