New year, new ramble

It's official, I am a fully fledged grown up now! I pay bills, I have a job, I shop for my own food, and cook it myself, then shovel it into my own belly. Wowzers.

Finding a job in London in Fashion was tough. It took money. It took time. It took staying in hostels. I did run myself down and get a cold. But it was all worth it, because I love it, and it really feels like I earned it.The strangest thing was that it was my last interview, and I very nearly didn't go to it! That would have been a mistake! I would say, if you wanted to do the same, save some money, apply as much as you can, and be prepared for it to take a lot of time and effort. Email enquiries got me a lot of interviews, don't be afraid to ask, and apply for anything relevant online, you don't know where it could take you. If you have a bad interview, just take it as a small step forward. you can learn from it and not make the same mistakes next time. Your confidence will grow, and you will find out what employers want to hear. More often than not, it's how you portray yourself with your speech and body language which impresses most. not the font on your CV. I'm not going to write all those 'how to have good body language' tips down. You know how to Google.

I am working on web graphics for a sports company, an unexpected yet exciting turn for me, as it was such a small port of my  degree, so I am learning so much as I work, from using illustrator brushes, to how to create a cohesive web concept. There is so much material available online now, anything I am unsure of, half an hour later, I can master...well, maybe not master, but I sure can pretend I know what I'm doing! My graphics skills are growing, whenever I get a spare moment, I am reading about it, or making some new images and ideas, inspiration is everywhere. I am looking at things in a really differnt light now. You know those poster you see on the tube? You might glance at the amusing picture, give it a little read, then move on. I study them now. I see the techniques they used, the background, all the teeny bits of detail. It's like I'm wearing special graphic design glasses.

Working for a fitness company means I am constantly surrounded by health and nutrition. Bloggers, Instagrammers, Tweeters, posting what they've eaten, their workouts, their new gear, it's the best motivation a girl could ask for! In 2014, my eating disorder really got out of control. I lost a lot of weight, on barely 700 calories a day, spending whole days either in the library getting uni work finished, or at my job. Hair fell out, periods stopped, skin was awful, mood was low. Not recommended. Getting a job for a company whose business revolved around healthy people really turned me around. I realised I could not sustain myself that way, and I could dig myself out of this horrible funk!  So many people in the fitness community came from a similar condition, and it was so eye opening, what I was doing to my body, that I decided it was time to sort myself out. It wasn't easy, let me tell you! It took a lot of mental strength and willpower, overriding what I had been telling myself for years. I was taking back my body, my mind, and making them strong again.

Now, I take inspiration from all the fitness folks, and I'm on a clean eating, high protein, high veg, high nutrition plan. I say plan, it's not exactly a plan, most of the time its me throwing stuff into a pan with herbs and spices until it resembles food. but I just don't want to call it a diet! I do a workout in the morning when I get up, anything from HIIT to pilates, then walk the long way to work, and I've joined some fitness classes too, there is a lot of free fitness available if you know where to look for it. I feel amazing! I have energy, my hair is growing again, it's like a sudden clarity. The fog has cleared. The curtains opened. I see the light. You get the picture.

So, to conclude my ramble, I have a job, I am healthy, I am happy, and I am learning lots. Wonderful things are coming this year, and I am excited.

Unlike my cat. She is never excited.

Social media

I am part of a generation growing up with social media, surrounded by its developments, and seeing it become a normal and forever growing part of everyday life. Every second, somebody tweets, instagrams, updates a status, whether it's of their cup of coffee, or a war torn area of the . It's both a positive and negative force in today's society, with news spreading faster than ever, bringing people closer together, and movements burning like wildfire over keyboards and screens. The power it can have is terrifying, the rate a rumour can spread could ruin somebodys life within hours, or make somebody famous (see Target Alex) without them even realising. It is an affordable tool, and accessible pretty much everywhere, with the competitive technological market of laptops, tablets and phones forever coming up with a new device that is faster, higher quality, cheaper, allowing most people in developed countries to possess a way of getting online.

While there are so many aspects of social media one could delve into, I am going to talk about social media and the fashion industry.

Since the fashion industry is very visual, websites where you can upload photos from your phone, and share with thousands of people within second are extremely popular. Customers can be updates every hour on 'New in store', or 'Look how much crazy fun we have in the office #smoothies'. It allows for a more personal connection with the brand, the customers can feel a part of everything going on, they can give their opinion on trends and garments, can show their styling of the clothing, new purchases, and very publicly and easily make a complaint if they are unhappy with the service. While it may make it easier to advertise, it has lead to the companies having to become more competitive with their social media. They cannot just post once a day, how will customers be reminded that they exist? It needs to be all day, every day, even weekends. They need to show new, exciting things happening in the company. It's no longer good enough to update their website, and bring out new catalogues. Advertisement is a round the clock job. Fashion marketing is stepping up it's game, and I love it.

I used to just follow people, I am not really one for self promotion, I saw no need to update all my Facebook 'friends' that I was bored, or hungry, or off to the shops. Why would they want to know? But recently, it's come to my attention that if I want to succeed in the industry, my social media feed is something a company can use to decide if you are right for them or not. In a lot of other industries, the CV needs the relevant qualifications and experience, a uniform and clear layout, and you should be smartly presented. With fashion, it's a whole different ball game. You need to show you follow trends, are fashionable, busy, energetic, passionate, and creative. It doesn't have to be selfies all the time (I am literally not capable of taking a photo of myself I am happy with), it should show your taste, hobbies, interest's, and ability to find beautiful things.

I am excited to be in an era where social media is blowing up. It is a great and powerful thing.

Here's to Monday

Soft Bras

I love a nice soft bra. No wires to dig in, no padding to awkwardly distort when you put them through the washing machine (I know I should hand wash but, really, do people actually hand wash their clothing? I'm far too lazy busy to do that!) A soft bra is so much more comfortable, can give a more natural silhouette, and is the perfect balance between the comfort of a sports bra, and the prettiness of a padded, underwired bra. Society seems to be realising that girls have nipples just like boys, and when it gets cold, yes, you might see them. Deal with it. Soft bras are a sort of...hammock. A boob hammock.

Here are some of my favourites;

Honeydew lace bra from  Madewell
I saw these last week, and they're so dainty and cute. Such delicate lace, and thin straps, and very simple.

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All For U Bra from Free People
I wish Free People had a UK store! Although if they did, I would probably have much less food and shelter than I might like. I love the unique neckline of this bra, and who doesn't love a crossed back strap?

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Ohhh the prettiness! I visited their London store last week, and their Clothing is stunning. The quality of construction and fabrics really shows, as well as the little details, like the ruffle front on this one.

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So, technically, Lululemon, sports bras. When they're this pretty, I'm pretty sure it's alright to wear them all the time, yes? Yes.

Anyhow, must go pack...again. Off to London again tomorrow, I'm going to find somewhere to live! Take a jump onto the streets paved with gold. I think the gold is figurative. You have to find your own meaning of gold. For me, the gold is learning, creativity, health, and happiness!

Lazy Sunday

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Phew, my past couple of weeks have been so busy! Being down in London for two weeks, staying an a hostel, finding the tube actually rather easy to use, getting inspired by all the street style...it's been wonderful! On the downside, I've got germs. I was hoping to come back and get a run in before going off again next week, but no such luck! Lazy day it is!

Yeah. If only I looked that cute when I napped. Oh well.

Anyhow, I went to a wonderful market in London, Walthamstow, and picked up the most beautiful fabrics, and they were so cheap, I found three silky fabrics, a burnout chiffon, and some lovely furry fabric, all for under £25! Amaazing! I woiuld upload photos, but alas I still have no cameraphone! I am truly in a prehistoric era, but as of tomorrow I will find a replacement!

Sewing is something I really enjoy when I have spare time (something of a rarity at the moment), so I'm going to make a skirt from the burnout velvet. So far, so tricky! French seams, though they are the best for the best finish, they're just awful to do. I would love an overlocker right now. Photos will follow soon-ish.

For now, a little of this weeks inspiration from London. I saw so much, from the bohemian, to the sports luxe, and I want to wear it all. Well, not right now, right now, I want to snuggle in jammies, but when I'm better.

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Long skirts- My mother thinks I look better in shorter things, but I feel so elegant in long skirts. Also, sitting in coffee shops and looking out the window. I'm not the only one who pretends they'r in an indie film, right?

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Textured coats-So all everyone and their mum seem to own a simple, chic textured jacket. Teamed with black jeans and heels, it's effortless and looks like 'oh, yeah, I didn't even think about this, just threw it on'. I. Need. One. Additionally, HAIR. How does everybody's hair look so shiny and thick? Is there something in the water down there?

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Sport luxe-Women just throwing fierce outfits on, looking like they could either be heading to work in a awesome fashion office, or just off to the gym. Now that is something I love. It's could be polished and slick, or comfy and flattering, but there is a deinate uprising and socially accepted trend of wearing sportswear every day, wether it's just a sweet pair of trainers, or full on gym kit, that I am on board with. 

Oh God. Move my debit card far away from me please. Moving will be hard enough with the wardrobe I'm currently burdened/blessed with.

Must go. Tea levels are running seriously low.

Determination

Trying to remain motivated is difficult. Everybody has suffered with lack of motivation at some point in their lives, I'm sure, whether it's the motivation to finish a piece of artwork that doesn't seem to get better every time paintbrush meets canvas, or the motivation to keep reaching for that dream career.

The problem is, motivation is fleeting. It is an organic emotion we find when the good idea illuminates the creative senses, only to be found when the going is good, when the idea is turning into what you desire. Motivation does not remain when it's the hundredth cover letter sent out, seam sewn, disfigured drawing thrown in the bin. The reasons for beginning soon fade into wisps of imagination, blown out the window, and the stagnant feeling of disappointment sits heavy on the mind.

Determination, though harder to attain, is stronger. Determination makes you trudge through the thick  miserable mud of monotony. It can make you see that if you keep trying, you will get somewhere, and each tiny triumph should be celebrated, each knock back seen as a a light upon that which could be improved. Determination is the proof that you are strong, determined, a force to be reckoned with, an achiever of great things, and if you really have a passion to do something, to end up somewhere, it is possible if you can see it happening.

This is my aim at the moment. At a rather uphill stretch on the rocky road of life, I sometimes feel like I am wearing roller skates on my feet. And hands. I am commando crawling up the hill of life. Sometimes it rains. It's not great. My method of keeping myself determined is not just to think of what I want (because sometimes, that seems too far in the future to aspire to right now), but to try and think of what could happen if I don't keep trying. If I stop going up my metaphorical hill, I will end up at the bottom. The bottom of my hill is living at my family home, in a job which bores me, with restrictions on how I can creatively express myself (the family thinks my sewing machine is far too loud, painting is too messy, and the internet can't reach my bedroom...yes, it's rather tiresome), not much money, having to keep my beautiful vintage clothing in cardboard boxes or in my sisters wardrobe, having to share said clothes with said sister. I do not want this. So I shall keep on crawling. You never know what is at the top (I sure hope it's not another hill).

Here is a motivational determinational (word mash) quote from the ever beautiful Free People. Their Monday quote seems to sum up the mood quite nicely.

Working in an office

Taking a job in admin is going to be creatively suffocating, right? Sitting at a desk, doing data entry, printing letters, looking up payroll codes...yeah, it's not exactly inspiring. What I have found, however, is that doing work which requires such little imagination, and is often repetitive (hello, 5,000 envelopes and letters, goodbye paper cut ) allows the mind to wander. It frees up mental energy, like when Einstein took a menial job as a clerk in a patent office, and ended up submitting three theoretical papers in 1905, which were published in Annalen der Physik,  the prestigious Physics journal. Yes, I am comparing myself to Einstein. 

Ok, so while  I may not be writing groundbreaking papers on physics, I sure am thinking creatively.

This job has unexpectedly given me a new sense style. Dressing for the job does make a difference, and I defiantly feel more like I can do a good job when smartly dressed. Though I look dapper, I also think it's important to keep my creative flair prevalent in my appearance. Blouses and pleated skirts, jumpers, tights and black brogues are my go to outfits, and the array of prints in my wardrobe varies from gingham, stripes and spots, to dogs and space horses. Yes, space horses. See. Super inspired.

Problem is, my outfits have never been that smart, always having more of a flowing dresses, mini skirts, loose tops, kimonos style. I do want to keep dressing smartly, but I have probably three of four smart skirts, and about five blouses. After a couple of weeks, I am struggling. Have I already worn

this combination this week? Did I wear it yesterday!? 

Now, I can't go spending my hard earned money on a whole new wardrobe, that would just be counter productive. After all, I'm doing the dull stuff so I can save up to do more interesting things in the future. If only I had the required sewing skills, and enough fabric to keep a dinosaur warm. Oh wait. I do.

Commence sewing project.

Everyday sexism

Yeah, because this subject isn't well covered by now, right?

Emma Watson shoving open the doors of feminism, welcoming men to join in, smothering social media with the movement. Lena Dunham covering all sorts of issues with her TV show 'Girls', from insecurities to jobs. BBC stating they will not longer be having all male panels on their TV shows. Finally society seems to be recognizing the problems women still face every day.

But we have a long way to go.

One of the problems I find with sexism is when you see the tiny injustice ingrained into the generation. One prime, and extremely self centered example I find, is housework. I come from a large family, with two younger sisters and one older brother, and growing up, I saw my Mum doing the majority of the housework and childcare. My Dad would go out to work every day, earn money, and do a little on the weekend. Now, I see no issue with this at all. My parents were very happy with this arrangement, it's what suited them the best, Mum wanted to be the main child carer. Super duper. Until she went to work. Children all at school, there was no need for her to stay at home, so she is now a teacher at a local school, and loves it. The only problem is, she was still doing all housework, cooking, cleaning, washing, and so on. Obviously, this was stressful, and nobody else seemed to see to pick up the extra jobs, so I did. I did it to make my Mum happy, to make family life a little easier. This, i didn't see as a problem, until recently.

Moving back home after University isn't easy, and, when i didn't have a job, I did most of the housework. my brother, in the very same position, did...nothing. He didn't even put his dishes in the dishwasher. It seems to be expected of the men in my house that, if they just put something down, it will be cleaned. And it will. By Mum or me. Not so bad when there is nothing to do but apply for jobs, but I recently got a job. I am out of the house from 8-5, so have dropped some of the housework, like the dishes and laundry in the morning, and cleaning up during the day, but these still need doing in the morning, for some reason, my Mum does them. When asking why my brother couldn't do it, the reason? 'Oh, he's in bed'. Good reasoning, right? But because it is stressful to Mum to have to do these in the morning, I now get up at 6:30am to do them, while my brother lies in. I also cook the tea in the evening, but this is because I am the better cook in the house, so don't really mind this, but it just the fact that, in many houses more than mine I'm sure, the girls are still raised to care for the men. That's just the done thing. Mum and I are still doing the majority of the housework. I just ask for a more equal share.

Another, more blatant form is advertisement. Sitting at breakfast this morning, a perfume advert comes on the TV. A sultry women stands in front of a large window in her underwear, looking hot as all hell, while a man in a parallel window, stares. Yes, if that was real life, court cases may be in order, but this is shiny shiny advert land, so we will allow them that. The problem I find is that the perfume is advertised to show that, if you wear that perfume, you can get a man. That's pretty much it. This type of advert is not rare. 'Look, do this thing, you can attract men'. Hell no. I want a perfume advert that's like 'wear this perfume, you can be successful/strong/powerful'. You know, like the mens perfume ads? We need that. There is no problem with adverts showing that a product can make you more desirable, after all, that's what sells, it's what people want to be. I just ask, do the ladyfolk always have to come off on a much lower position of power in these ads? Why does the man get to stand there looking surly, while the woman bends and pouts to get his attention in tiny underwear?

I need adverts showing my younger sisters, showing the whole younger generation, women who are equal to men.