Friday Five: Summer Sleeping

The last few nights have been so warm, lovely for evening drinkies al fresco, but then it comes to going to bed and the flannel PJs that we've been hibernating in all Winter just won't cut it. When it comes to Summer sleepwear you have options - go for cute little shorts and vest tops, cami style nighties, teddies, or, if you prefer something a bit less 'brief' I'm a big fan of all the old-school vintage style cotton nightwear out there at the moment. Here are 5 of my vintage-
inspired favourites:

1. Cotton Floral Pajamas, £17.50, Marks and Spencer
2. Rose Slip, £20.00, Topshop
3. Ottilie Ditsy Print PJs, Boux Avenue
4. Strappy Lace Panel Teddy, £32.00, Topshop
5. Per Una Cotton Nightie, £25.00, Marks and Spencer

Jessography Photoshoot

A couple of weeks ago I had a photoshoot with the fabulous Jessy Paston of Jessography, based in Droitwich.

Now, I really am more happy behind the scenes at these things than I am in front of the camera, (I am reknowned amongst my friends for how unphotogenic I am - I always seem to be pulling a horrific face,  or generally just be posing really awkwardly).

Jessy made me feel so at home in her studio and really put me at my ease. I loved the way she took the time to really discuss what I wanted to get out of the shoot, and also found out what I liked and didn't like in photos of myself (we all have a few niggles, after all, even if they are things that other people probably won't notice! For me it's closing my eyes when I smile, or appearing to have a million chins in photographs!) even showing me a couple of early shots as we went along to make sure we were on the right track. Not only did she listen to me, but perhaps more importantly somehow still managed to take charge and suggest improvements for my poses (less claw hands!) and ideas for how to set up the pictures.

I really wanted some photos that I could use to help promote my business - both styling and blogging - that were representative of me, relaxed, fun  and most of all, colourful!

I'm really happy with the results, so thought I'd share some of them with you. One of them is in fact taking pride of place as my Facebook cover photo!

Lots more pics under here...

Ovinophobia

Source: Pinterest

What in Karl Largerfeld's Fan is Ovinophobia, you ask?

Well, I'd say that as a personal stylist, it's one of the most common problems that I see with. Ovinophobia, you see, is the fear of sheep, or, in this case, more specifically, the fear of mutton.

"Oh I'd love to wear that dress, but wouldn't it be a little 'mutton'?"
"Oh I can't possibly wear hot pink, I'm far too old!"
"I saw a fabulous jumper in Topshop/River Island/Warehouse, but I couldn't possibly wear it at my age!"

Again and again I hear it, it seems that once women get over the age of around 35, they become absolutely terrified of people (read other women) viewing them as mutton dressed as lamb. Now, I'm all for people dressing in a way that they feel comfortable, but the problem is that these women then become crippled by that fear, and refuse to take any risks at all with what they wear. They tend to retreat into a shell of middle-aged (and I use the term as a state of mind, rather than an actual age) drabness.

So here's my advice to you if you're suffering from a little Ovinophobia.

1. There is no such thing as being too old for a colour. It either suits you or it doesn't.
2. Looking good is all about dressing appropriately for your body shape, not your age. There are plenty of 50 year olds who can rock a short skirt better than me.
3. Expressing your sense of style makes you feel more confident. Embrace it, and if that top you love happens to be in a 'young' shop, who cares?
4. Other people look at what you're wearing a lot less than you think they do, and if they are going to look at you, wouldn't you rather they think 'oh wow she always looks so happy in what she wears', rather than 'oh she always wears the same thing'.

I know that it's hard to try new things as far as what we wear is concerned, but maybe try with a little new colour, then progress on to those kick ass boots you've been eyeing up. You never know, you might stop hearing that bleating in your head that holds you back.

Red Carpet Round Up : TV BAFTAs 2012

Ooh, it feels like a long while since I did a red carpet round up! Here are those that I thought were working it, and a few that didn't work at the TV BAFTA awards last night.

Working It

 

Emily Atack in JS Boutique

What's this, you say? Emily picking a blonde in a black gown as part of her 'working it' list? Yup! Although black may not be Emily Atack's best colour, she shows perfectly how to wear it if you are a blonde - away from the face, and in a sheer, textured fabric to soften it. The beading on this dress is stunning, and the shape flatters her curves. What's, more it's a fabulous high street choice, available from House of Fraser this Autumn

 

Zoe Hardman in Sophie Kah

Yellow can be such a difficult colour to wear, and Zoe Hardman pulls it off with aplomb, the soft sunshine shades picking out the warm highlights in her hair perfectly. The draping of her gown is subtle enough to not overwhelm her figure, and there's that all important attention drawn to the waist.

 

Lydia Bright in Amnesty

I adore this pale grey on Lydia's light and cool colouring - on her this colour looks radiant, not drab. The lace detailing is also fab, emphasising her waist.

Didn't Work

 Louise Redknapp in Gucci

Louise's petite figure is overwhelmed by the cut of this dress. The dropped waist does nothing for her figure, turning her into a rectangle shape, and the length combined with the ankle straps on her shoes make her legs look short, throwing off her overall proportions.

Suranne Jones in Maria Grachvogel

 I'm not alone in disliking this dress on Suranne, but unlike most people it's not the print that I have a problem with (in fact, I actually quite like it, I just don't think it's the best colours for her). The major problem is the fit of this gown, or perhaps lack of fit would be a better way to describe it . The top half, especially, looks shapeless and overwhelming. I'm desperate to take some pins to it! 

Fearne Cotton in Vintage  

A controversial one, some seem to love this dress, but I just think it looks like a shapeless sack - too big, and too short. Such a shame as I think the fabric is lovely, and quite like the cape detailing.

Agree? Disagree? Did I miss your favourite? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!