Friend Friday - It's all in what you read

I finally have time to get in on another FBFF post. This one is hosted by our founder Katy over at Modly Chic, so nip over there if you want to see what everyone else is reading.

This weeks theme is totally un-fashion based, which is cool for a bit of a change. We are actually discussing what we are reading/have read. So here are the last 5 books I have read/am currently reading.

Mini Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella

Just started this, but it's a super easy read. I have read the rest of the Shopaholic collection and I can say this one is just as good.

Jilted Generation: How Britain has bankrupted its youth - Ed Howker & Shiv Malik

This is an on going read as I only read a little at a time, but it is a very interesting and informative book, even though some of the stats freak me out and make me angry. Worth a read if you are part of the Jilted Generation (post 1979)

City of Bones (Book 1: The Mortal Instruments) - Cassandra Clare

Another Vampire/Fantasy series. The first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy, I did enjoy it, but it was a little slow, so I have taken a break before I read the next book in the collection.

The Cry of the Go-Away Bird - Andrea Eames

As I know Andrea via the blog world (A Cat of Impossible Colour) I thought it was about time I read her debut book. And truthfully I loved it. Definitely a good read, easy going but still quite deep in parts.

Shame - Jasvinder Sanghera

I had been bought the 'Daughters of Shame' a while ago and final got around to reading it a few months back. I didn't know it was the second book from this author until I started reading it, so once finished I got my hands on the first book 'Shame' which is a brilliant book. Haunting and shockingly real (as its a biography) it is a smack of reality and so touching.

Read any good books recently?

Daisymay X

Friend Friday - Fall Trends

It's Friend Friday and this weeks theme is our 5 favourite fall trends. You can see all the other ladies picks over on Modly Chic as usual. But for me as I have a shopping ban on and am unable to buy any new items, and don't have items to fit most the trend I thought I could do a bit of window shopping for this post. What I would buy for this season if I could!

Here are my picks

Snakeskin

I thought I would be unlikely to go all out on the snakeskin and I was more likely to wear snakeskin on my accessories. So this hair bobble is awesome.

Snake Skin Head Bow: Miss Selfridge £5

But then I found these shorts! Cute!! And kinda a subtle snakeskin so not to OTT.

Snake Skin Hotpants: Top Shop £34

Polka dots

You all know I adore POLKA DOTS!!!! And do have plenty of these in my wardrobe, but I would love this blouse and jumper to add to my collection

Teal Polka Dot Blouse: A Wear £25

Dotty Jumper: Lipsy £35

Jewel Tones

Jewel tones are just so rich and beautiful and will be great going into the Christmas season. I would love these tights to brighten up a simple black dress.

Teal Flower Lace Tights: Topshop £12

Or this dress to wear with simple black tights!

Belted Ponti Dress: Warehouse £65

Printed Blouses

These are a sexy and chic addition to a wardrobe, and will add a classy and sophisticated look but the patterns keep them a little playful.

Horse print blouse: A Wear £28

Yellow Bloom Blouse: Topshop £38

Fur Trim

Take thick warm outerwear add fur and hey presto a great winter trend. Anything that adds a little warmth in the winter here is a plus for me.

Fur Trimmed Coatigan (yes that really is what it's called!!): Oasis £65

Camel Fur Trimmed Frock Coat: Miss Selfridge £80

So these are my picks. What are your hit trends for this fall?

Daisymay X

Friend Friday - My favourite Item

This weeks Friend Friday is being hosted by Ashley Getting Dressed and she asked us what our favourite item of clothing was and why.

Well here is mine. I had a quick think about it and I honestly came down to these shoes - my brogues. There are just so versatile and I wear them all the time. I have paired them with just about every time of outfit and somehow they just always work. If you have been reading my blog for a while no doubt you will have noticed me wearing them a lot.

I love black & white together for a start so these were always going to be a hit with me, but I also love how they are a very feminine version of a typical brogue because of the little heel. Which is the perfect size, I am not a skyscrapers kinda girl, they just hurt my feet and I am tall enough without heels, so these are great

They also have a very delicate traditional lace edge pattern around the edges which is just so cute. Plus they are mega comfy! lol!

These are just 2 outfits with the brogues so you can see how I like to style them.

Photo by Steve Rees

They came from New Look for just £10 in the sale. I actually returned a top my mother had bought me which I didn't like and got these instead! So quids in! hehe!

What's your favourite item of clothing?

Daisymay X

Friend Friday - Self Employment

It's Friday already, my gosh where has this week gone! I seem to have crammed so much in this week. I saw a Chinese acrobatic/ballet performance of Swan Lake, co-hosted a hen party at my flat (with a naked butler) and am off to another hen party now. Will bring you pictures after the weekend.

So as it's Friday I thought I would do this weeks Friend Friday post. This week we are discussing self-employment and taking the plunge to go it alone. Find all the other ladies participating over on Modly Chic.

1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be?

I'd just like to be able to ditch all my normal day jobs and work full time as a freelance writer. I am slowly getting there, I have 3 monthly writing jobs now so hopefully I will be able to do it soon.

2. What draws you to this?

It's all I've wanted to do since I was 15. I have this creative urge that I simply have to let out, and I find writing is my best outlet.

3. When did you first start dreaming about this?

As I said above I was about 15 when I decided I wanted to be a writer. It was after reading so many fashion magazine I decided this is what I wanted to do with my life. But it wasn't until I went to uni that I decided I wanted to be a freelance writer instead of working in a specific magazine office. I liked the idea of the freedom of working for many publications and being able to write about a range of topics.

4. What's holding you back from going all in?

Money! In all honesty it's just the financial side. I don't make enough from my writing to cover everything so sadly I still have to do my day job/jobs. If I had a nice pot of savings then I may just go for it, but I don't. If I can just get a few more paid jobs on board then I will do it!

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest...what's one step you can take now on the way to realising your dream?

Just to get out there and get my name know by more of the local press, and network, network, network!!

So what is your dream career? Have you taken the plunge to go freelance?

Daisymay X

Friend Friday: Location, Location, Location

Ok so I was away for ages, then I came back, then I went away again, now I'm back! I hope to stay this time! But life is just so ridiculously busy for me at the moment. First the move and all the unpacking and organising (which still isn't over), then I took on a temp job on top of the pub and all my writing work, but hey I am a work-aholic after all.

So onto the post - it's Friday so a Friend Friday post for you all, and this week we are discussing Locations Styles.

See the other ladies over at Modly Chic.

What part of the world do you blog from?

I blog from Wales!!! Specifically Cardiff!!! There aren't many of us bloggers here but we are trying.

If you had to describe the overall mode of dress for where you live what would you say?

25% chav tracksuits, 25% Sari's, 25% conveyor belt high street students and 25% eclectic eccentric fashionably chic! (I hope I fit into the last category)

Do you fit in with the status quo around or do you break the mold?

I think I fit with a small proportion, but I hope I am at least a little bit individual.

If you have lived or traveled to another part of the country/world did your clothing choices evolve?

Sadly I have never lived anywhere else in the world, but I did feel quite inspired by a lot of the fashion when I was in China. I'm not brave enough to try most of it though.

If you had to describe your style by naming a specific city, what would you be?

Blinking heck that's difficult! Ummm I think I'm quite well places to be honest, Cardiff is a quite young modern city. Its very diverse and actually quite stylish and different.

Daisymay X

Friend Friday: Labels

Hello Ladies, it's Friday and I think I am finally able to get back to some blogging so I thought I could start with a Friend Friday post. This is a pretty simple one and not very heavy, luckily, but I hope to have some proper posts up soon.

This week we are talking about labelling ourselves and others.

1. As someone who writes/blogs about fashion, have you placed yourself into some sort of blogging category?

I don't think I really have put myself in a blogging category. I am pretty much an all rounder I think. I do a little bit of everything and I think my fashion sense is fairly eclectic. So I don't feel I need to label myself other than to say I am an 'all round fashion blogger'.

2. What keeps you from or encourages you to label yourself as a certain kind of blogger?

I just think I don't really fit tidily in to specific category plus I don't really want to limit myself in any way.

3. When picking blogs to read and follow are you drawn to ones that indicate a certain group or way of thinking/being?

I don't think I am drawn to a specific type of blog or blogger. I like to read about all sorts of things and I love to see all sorts of fashion styles even the styles I myself do not wear. I have found so many different and interesting blogs since I started blogging myself and think that is really what the blogging world is all about, people being able to express themselves in their own way.

4. Do you think there are benefits in labeling yourself or others?

I don't think there are any benefits if you wish to write about many things. There is only a good reason to label yourself if you intend to be very specific about what you write about or if you have a huge passion about a specific subject. A 'Beauty Blogger' may find it beneficial to label themselves to allow themselves to focus on their subject better. I think it may also work for people who have a very niche fashion sense to allow other people with the same niche to find them and really relate to them.

5. Agree or Disagree - We're all just people; we don't need all the labels.

Agree - and I am not putting a lengthy response here as I think all my above answers pretty much cover my views on this.

Ok so what do you ladies think?

Daisymay X

Friend Friday: Summer Trends

So it's Friday already and I have been gone all week, so sorry been uber busy with intern work and packing for our move. But I finally have a few minutes to out together an FBFF post for you all. This weeks topic is our 5 fav summer trend. So here are mine.

Fringe Bags

Bag £32.99 River Island

I shall be digging out my fringed bag to add this great hippy trend to my summer wardrobe

Floral Shorts

Shorts £45 Fever London.

I would really love to buy these shorts if it wasn't for my ban, I think floral shorts are super cute! Will be wearing my braced ones again.

Palazzo Pants

Trousers £30 AX Paris.

I seriously want a pair of these, damn my shopping ban! They are so fun and pretty.

50's style dresses (or fit and flare as the high street is calling them)

Dress £38 Dorothy Perkins

This is totally my perfect style, glad I have a few of these already in my wardrobe. (including this one!)

Vintage Feminine Prints

Skirt £14.99 (one sale!) River Island

These are so delicate and pretty.

I'm feeling a bit of a floral trend which I didn't notice when I was choosing the items. But it is summer after all.

To see all the other FBFF ladies posts just visit Modly Chic

What are you looking forward to wearing this summer?

I am finding my ban hard at the moment as I feel 50% of the clothes on the high street are totally my style, which is very unusual as I am usually very uninspired by high street items. Last year I swear I liked less than 10% of the clothes available. Do you ever feel like that?

Daisymay X

Friend Friday: Haircare

Hello Ladies, I am back after my little birthday break.

I know it's Friend Friday but first I would like to announce the winner of my $25 Alex Keller voucher...drumroll please....

Entry Number 107

Oh, My Darling said...

Hearted the white lies - vintage skeleton key necklace

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I shall be emailing with details shortly.

So onto this week's Friend Friday

This weeks topic is Haircare. As usual nip on over to Modly Chic to see all the other wonderful ladies answers.

Here are mine:

How often do you get your hair cut?

Well that depends on the style. When I had my reclining bob I had to have it cut every 6-8 weeks. But as I am trying to grow it at the moment I haven't actually had the length cut in over a 8 months. I just get my fringe trimmed every few weeks.

My bob with original purple stripe

Do you go to the same stylist each time, try someone new, go to the cheap hair cutting chains or live it up in a salon?

Again it depends on what I am having done. For my proper hair styling and when I have a specific cut, like my bob, then I go to a regular hair dressers called Adam and Eve in Cardiff, and I only ever have the same stylist (Yana) to do my hair, but as I have been growing it I haven't been in over a year (she was very shocked when she spotted me in the street, with such long hair!)

When I just need a trim I have my old hair dresser at home to do it. Liz is a mobile hair dresser and one of my mothers best friends and has been trimming and cutting my hair since I was little.

Then a blue stripe, you can just about see

Do you color your hair? How often? What’s your natural colour?

What I currently have at the moment is my natural colour as I haven't coloured it in a very long time. But I used to have a brightly coloured stripe in it before I started blogging. I really miss the fun colours I had though uni and am wanting to go back to them.

Then a perm, not a great idea! But I did love to brush it out and get this pouffy 1980's style hair!

The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is:

I actually do very little to my hair in terms of treating it. I just wash it daily (or every other day) and I will comb a small amount of conditioner through it if I feel it is getting a little dry, but I only do that every 2 or 3 weeks really. I don't even treat it when I straighten it, which I know is bad, but I didn't even own a straightener until I was 19 and I have barely used one in the last 2 years since I grew out my bob.

This is my simple straight hair now, although this photo makes it look really dark for some reason

What hair trend do you love and wish you could rock?

Beachy waves, and messily wavy tousled hair. My hair is so pin straight naturally that it just doesn't take curls or waves at all!

So there you have it, my boring hair routines!

Daisymay X

Friend Friday: Blog Pet Peeves!

It's Friday again! Sadly it is also a majorly busy weekend for me as the Heineken Cup final is on on Saturday and all the Irish will be down as of today, so I shall be busy busy busy and very tired by the end of it.

But I will tell you now, hopefully next week I shall have some big news for you, if everything goes to plan.

So on to todays Friend Friday post. This weeks topic is Blog Pet Peeves (how fun!). As always find everyone else's post over on Modly Chic.

I am going to make this quick and brief as I would like to get to bed so I can be up early in the morn for a long days work (I write my posts the night before just so you know)

So my 5 top blog pet peeves:

1. Music!! - My God I hate it. If you want to put music on your blog do not have it on auto play it drives most people mad! And it often makes me jump out of my skin as I am not expecting it.

2. Blogs that take ages to load because the writer has a fussy background and a million widgets (half of which are un-needed). I just wont bother waiting for it and I'll click off them. Oh and on the same thread I hate blogs that have silly fonts or silly colours, which are hard to read or even see. There is one in particular (I shall not name) that has a funny squiggly font and in an almost neon pink colour. I swear my eyes blur over just trying to read one line.

3. Random google ads all over the place. If you have genuine sponsors that is awesome, but I hate google ads which just advertise random things. Plus some blogs have them across the top, down the side and in between each post, it's just silly.

4. Blogs that just post a load of picture editorials or catwalk images in every post. That is interesting every now and again (I do it sometimes!) but if that is all you post, it gets boring and it's totally uncreative! Get some decent content and write something interesting.

5. Writers that steal other peoples content - DONT DO IT!! It's wrong, it's plagiarism, it's stealing! Most bloggers are happy to allow use of pictures and even certain content if you just ask permission!

I've realised that I could probably list another 5 peeves if I was allowed to ("follow me" comments!! Argh!!!), as this has kinda started some burning vent inside me, lol. But I shall be nice!

What are your pet peeves?

Actually is there anything up with my blog that annoys you, or that I could change to make it better?

Daisymay X

p.s. Don't forget to enter my Alex Keller Giveaway to win $25 to spend at her store

Friend Friday - Shoes!

I am finally getting myself organised again so here is this weeks FBFF post. I mean I couldn't really miss out on a post dedicated to shoes really, could I? hehe! As always check out Modly Chic for all the other lovely ladies posts

1.What is your go-to pair of shoes?

This has to be my black and white brogues. My mum had bought me a top from Newlook but I didn't like it so took it back and exchanged it for the shoes! They were on sale for only £10, best bargain ever I think. They are so versatile and seem to match everything and look so cute!

Newlook Brogues

2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions?

Comfort, comfort and comfort, lol OK and a little bit of "are the cute an interesting". I am actually really fussy when it comes to my shoes as I hate not being comfortable in them, and I like shoes that are a bit interesting an different. Plus I refuse to pay a ridiculous price!

George at ASDA £12

3. The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color?

Black I think. Although I have a few purple and red too.

Peacocks £12

Taxi

4. When it comes to designer shoes what are your favorite brands and

why?

I am in love with Irregular Choice but sadly I don't actually own a pair as they are too pricy for me! but one day I will buy a pair of their kooky fun shoe boots! They are just so individual and different. Other than that I'm not sure. If I am truthful I am not actually a huge shoe person so I don't really keep up to date with designer shoe collections. I just notice ones when I like them.

5. If price wasn’t an issue, you’d own which shoe?

I wouldn't go for mega expensive ones as I dont think they are worth it, but I would buy these pairs.

Abigails Party

Cortesan Floral Bar

Melissa Vivienne Westwood Mary Jane Croco Shoes

Office Brogue Baby Turq

What's your fav style of shoe then? And how much does a normal pair of shoes cost for you?

Daisymay X

Friend Friday: Spring Trends

After having a few heavy-ish Friend Friday posts over the last few weeks, this week we are doing something fun!! All us FBFF girls are going to blog about our top 5 summer trends that we are most looking forward to. I think this is going to be a great week for FBFF, it's kinda time for us to all think about the sunny weather which is on the way and have some fun Wish Listing/Window Shopping

So here is my top 5 wish list trends for this summer:

Floral 50's style dresses (obviously!!)

Its my top trend all year round every year so I am so please to be seeing so many stunning 50's style dresses on the market at the moment.

I am loving this one in particular and it's quite cheap!

Topshop £36

I'm loving the Cute pleated skirts that seem to be popping up everywhere at the moment. I'm not sure on the midi length that is becoming popular, but I shall with hold judgement until I actually try one on, but I do love the little floaty mini's and the floor length maxis.

And they are the perfect item you can find in the charity shop, all those old lady skirts are now hot!

This little mini is cute and cream is a perfect colour for the summer.

River Island £24.99

The skirts have been popular for a while but I truly love the tailored Paper Bag Waist Shorts and this little pair are perfect. I love shorts in the summer when sometimes the wind is a bit strong (which is often in Wales) so they don't blow up like skirts!

River Island £29.99

The perfect vintage style accessory has to be Cat's eye sunglasses and both these beauties are at the top of my wish list, and they are both so cheap. The floral ones are so fun and colourful and the black ones are glamorous and chic. I WANT!!

ASOS £12.00

River Island £12.99

And lastly I seriously want a pair of Floral Wide Leg Trousers. This jazzy trend can be done well or awfully its a matter of finding the right pattern and right fit for your shape. I think these would be mine!

ASOS £25

These last few weeks have been when my shopping ban has bothered me the most. I am seeing all the lovely things in the shops ready for the summer, and for once I am loving so so many things, and damn this year for being totally my style! But I am still holding strong! My birthday is in a few weeks so fingers crossed I may get some nice pressies.

Check out Modly Chic for all the other ladies top style tips for this season.

What's your big style tip for the summer? Have you made any summer purchases yet?

Daisymay X

Friend Friday: Networking Know How!

Hello Ladies, some of you may be a bit confused as it's not Friday, but I swear I scheduled this post for friday and it didn't post so I think I must have forgotten to hit publish and hit save instead, DOH! But better late than never eh?

First though Happy Mothers Day to all you Mummies! And to my lovely mum too!

1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you thinkis the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot?

Well start with your blogging friends, your bound to make a few along the way and most bloggers are interested or up for some guest blogging swaps as it provides exposure for both your blogs. A polite email to your blogging friends just asking if they would be interested is enough really. If you have yet to make any blogging friends send out some feelers via your blog, write a post on how you think guest posting is a great idea for bloggers and you would love to hear off anyone who would be interested, I bet you get hits!

My first guest post swap was actually set up via FBFF so joining a network is also a great idea!

2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’?

I hate, repeat hate! 'follow me' comments. I think just being honest, helpful and interesting in your comments will encourage people to go view your blog, and if they like it they will follow at some point. Sometimes it will be on a first visit other times a may take weeks of commenting back and for before some one follows you. Its not the number of people who follow your blog that is important anyway. People shouldn't stress about followers or comments just about how good their content is and wether they enjoy blogging. The only thing I do to try to encourage people to visit is add my blog link to all my comments to make a direct link to my blog nice and easy, but I would never leave a 'Follow me' comment as I think its just rude!

3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work. How do you make your email stand out from the crowd?

I don't mass email! To be honest I think mass emailing is silly and so impersonal. If you really want to exchange links with someone then contact them directly. I think blog exposure should be earned not something you just expect other people to do for you or should be left to the other blogger, I often promote other blogs or link to them if I find something on them I like or they wear something I like.

So as far as I'm concerned - don't mass email at all, by personal and friendly when emailing and don't just do it out of the blue, make your presence known by commenting on the blog a few times and build a relationship with other bloggers.

4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line between seeking support and begging for exposure?

I feel I may have answered this above??!! lol. Anyway, I would never actually ask for exposure. I would ask for a guest post swap but only with bloggers I know or that have been trading comments with for a while and feel I have a good relationship with. Plus I would never accept a link exchange or guest post swap with someone who randomly emailed me asking for it.

5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you remedied that?

I don't think I have made an error, at least not in my eyes. At least I hope not! (somebody tell me if I have! lol!)

So whats your views on this subject? Do you have any comment no, no's? or any secrets on how to network more efficiently?

As usual check out Modly Chic for all the other ladies opinions

Daisymay X

Friend Friday: Feminism

Tis another Friday ladies, and I assume most of you are very happy about this fact as it is the end of your work week, sadly it is the start of my extremely busy weekend! So blah to Friday's!

Anyway Friday also means another Friend Friday post and this week were are weighing-in on a heavy and slightly controversial subject - Feminism! It seems to be a topic that has been discuss a lot lately as I have seen articles on the subject in a number of magazines in the past few weeks. So now it's time for us FBFF ladies to talk about our views on the subject.

1. Do you think there is an incompatibility between feminism and a love for fashion?

Hell no! Lol. I am happy to be a feminist - I think I can say I am a feminist - and as so I believe being a feminist these days is nothing like the stereotypes that have been associated with it in the past. I think feminism today is just a matter of being willing to stand up for the rights of women (women everywhere) and believe that women are deserving of equal rights in all areas of life. It's also being willing to stand up for yourself and knowing that you are capable of anything a man is, and that a women should never be controlled or totally dependant on a man. So having a love fashion has absolutely nothing to do with being a feminist. Nor does it contradict the act of being a feminist. I have a love of fashion, and it is a personal thing for me. I dress to please me, in things I like, no one else. So in that sense fashion is just another thing women need to stand up for, if you love fashion then just love it and don't let anyone say you are shallow or vain because of it.

2. There is more to each of us than a love for fashion, how do you incorporate every aspect of yourself into your blog?

Ok that's a tricky one. Like you say I do have a love of fashion but mine is a personal fashion sense for a start as I don't follow trends, I just love clothes and style, so I suppose I incorporate my personal taste into the blog. I also talk about other items that I enjoy occasionally, like cooking, reading, DIY and films. Plus most of you who follow my blog regularly will know about the real me and my personal life behind the blog, my hubby and my bunnies etc. I am not afraid to talk about my life on my blog so I incorporate all of my life into my blog pretty easily actually.

3. With the fashion industry still being a male-dominated profession, how do you think it would differ if women played a larger role?

I'm not really sure it would change that much at all. Fashion is still fashion, and style is still style. I don't think what becomes fashionable or stylish would change all that much if women were playing a larger role. I get that people think female models are just trying to fulfil a male fantasy sometimes but I personally don't think thats what fashion is really about these days. If women took over all the models wouldn't suddenly be out of a job and they wouldn't start hiring real women and plus size girls. The skinny girls they use now would still be what fashion strives towards and what fashion is built around. But at the end of the day it is women that buy the clothes not the men, so we are largely in charge anyway. A designer cannot become big if no one is buying their clothes.

4. How is your self-image and the way you carry yourself informed by your beliefs?

I don't think it is. I wear what I wear because I like it not because of any other reason. I think maybe I think women look best when they are flattering their figure, not flaunting them and are comfortable and confident in what they wear. Which is maybe why I wear 50's style dresses and A-line skirts. They are sophisticated and feminine and not trashy and fit my figure so well. But I can't really say that it is a belief of mine just an opinion.

5. Do you think clothing/makeup/hair helps communicate the truth about yourself or are those things superfluous add-ons?

I think this may be something that varies from woman to woman. I don't hide behind my make-up or clothing but I can understand that some women do. Some women who aren't confident enough in their own skin may hide behind what they wear to help them feel more confident. I don't really think items like that convey the real you, the real you is your personality and your beliefs. But I suppose in some cases you can convey certain parts of your personality in what you wear.

As usual you can find all the other ladies answers here on Modly Chic.

Daisymay X