ways to wear white.

thanks for bearing with me while i got the blog back on it's feet! all the tweets and emails, they really made my day. for now, i want to concentrate on one of the biggest summer trends: white.

white crops up every summer season for a reason. there's undoubtedly something fresh about it. all of glossies can't get enough of "setting off a crisp white shirt against bronzed skin to enhance that summer glow" or the amazing "simple white t shirt and jeans look". i wouldn't know. i'm as pale as they come. but oh boy, they make it look good in magazines.

it doesn't just have to be a white shirt though. there are a number of ways to wear white this summer, whatever your style.

1. if you've got the stomach for it (hell, even if you haven't!), knotting a white tshirt into a cropped top and baring your six pack makes a plain white t a little more interesting. one of my favourite tricks is to to knot a tshirt and wear a high waisted skirt with it. this shows off the only best viewable part of my waist, whilst also allowing me to hide my stomach at the same time.

2. white denim shorts. think loose, ripped, or old school levi style. i've got a pair from 2005 that have been loved to rags, but they're my go-to shorts for festivals. if you're really handy with the DIY, try bleaching an old pair of denim hotpants. it works a treat! can get rather messy though, so be careful and preferably do it outside.

3. lace it up. i've got more coming on this soon, but take inspiration from pixie lott and rock a white lace dress this summer (flower hair accesories are optional!). i love how versatile lace dresses are. i've been known on more than one occasion to spend all sunlit saturday afternoon in a beer garden and not bother changing out of my own lace dress for dancing later on in the evening. scruffy? yes. favourite dress? double yes.

4. crotchet clothing. with the 70s folk trend still floating around, anything fringed, loosely woven or oversized will work. if white crotchet waistcoats are a bit too wacky, choosing a top with crotchet detailing is an alternative, understated way to work the white trend well. h&m have so many of these in, though this one is my favourite.

5. maxing out your style in a white maxi dress. to me, it's a sign that summer has properly arrived when i can wear a maxi outside. if it's too cold, cover up with a denim jacket or pull a loose cardi in with a woven waist belt. i broke my white maxi out for the day at the beach, and just about felt covered up enough. i now pronounce it officially british summer time!

white maxi - topshop (sale) - £10

denim jacket - vintage - £3

satchel - vintage, ebay

so that's it! i'm hoping to heed my own advice and work a white cropped t+skirt into a later post. maybe i'll leave it till long after my sushi belly has gone though..

solutions.

when i put together my lust-have list for this week, i had february dressing in mind. you know that awkward not-quite-spring period we're in, where nothing seems just right to wear? that's the kind of clothes lull i was in. it's not that i was uninspired, just that i keep eyeing and buying all of these sweet unsuitable summer clothes. it isn't warm enough to wear my shorts & socks combo, or dry enough to save my mocassins from puddle-damage. and don't even try to part me from my duffle coat just yet!

my answer to this weird weather conundrum is to pick summer pieces that are apt for layering. i chose items from asos that were easy to wear in so many different ways. take that beautiful navy chiffon shift dress for example: i'd wear it with clashing cardi+tights+boots, snug with a blazer, or on it's own when the sun shines. lightweight knits are another go-to versatile item, as are chunky heeled ankle boots to keep you steady. i really like the look of midilength skirts with ankle socks or woolly tights, and wide leg trousers are a fresh cut that'll keep my pins warm without looking too wintery. there's tonnes out there that are right for right now, i just couldn't see it before!

so it's all about slouchy shapes, lots of layers and minimal detail for me this month. i'll be throwing cardigans on over jumpers and sheer shirts, and socks over tights if i have to. layering, meet february. february, meet layering. and all of you lovely versatile clothes, get in my wardrobe!

 as always, tweet me, follow this blog, or leave a question in the comments. i do enjoy feedback! only a week ago i was at 100 followers, now it's at 150. this blog keeps growing and growing and it does make me proud!

cosy,

 

this week i've been blown away - quite literally. i'm guaranteed at least one comedy moment (at my own expense) every day, so i really don't know why i was surprised to find the wind blowing my skirt about my waistline in front of everyone. i'm not the most composed personal in general, but there's a time and a place for knicker-flashing. trying to walk into a restaurant is not one of those times.

that was enough for me. when i got home that evening, i had a serious wardrobe rehaul. BACK went the sheer shirts, BACK went the skirts, and BACK went the flared dresses. in their place, i pulled out my chunkiest, cosiest vintage winter jumpers, and spent the rest of the week smugly wrapped up in my winter knits, feeling safe and secure in the knowledge that all appropriate areas of my body were definitely covered. although i did check. frequently.

the world and her fashionable wife owns one, and i'm no exception. my cream cableknit jumper is thrifted from oxfam, and i love it. originally from c&a men's section, it's a bit big for me. but i like things big. just look at my boyfriend. he's six foot five (minds: gutter, people!) and a giant to my five foot two.

a close up of my vintage nautical jumper from kiss me quick online vintage boutique. i lived in this jumper for about a month when i first purchased it, and for that reason the white has gone a bit grey. anyone have any ideas on how to get it back to white? i'm scared to touch it, as i'm not exactly a domestic goddess!

 

i found this jumper in my local salvation army shop, though it is new look so not exactly vintage! i have had the odd ' where's wally?' comment from my ever-helpful friends, but i don't mind at all. this is probably my only jumper that actually fits. i saw a similar version in primark last week, and i'm so glad spring stripes are back so i can be a repeat nautical offender.

 

finally, this vintage wonder is my absolute favourite. big, black and sequinned, it's really easy to dress up or down. it makes me feel very 80s.. or as 80s as my tastes are ever going to get!

i would post photos of them styled on me, but i'm really ill at the moment and  not up to it. but trust me - they're so easy to wear and unbelievably cosy. i'm wholeheartedly recommending hitting up the men's section in your nearest charity shop to find a jumper to keep you warm for this rest of this winter. when i feel better, i'm going back for round two. you can never have too many jumpers when living in england, right?

show me your blog!

i received some wicked feedback to my s/s 11 trends post so thanks for all of the amazing comments. from what you said, it's really easy to see what the most popular themes were and what we'll all be going for this summer.

but i want to take a break from fashion now, and ask about the blogging aspect of it all. you know i enjoy a good topical discussion or two! below, i've listed the ten elements that i think are crucial to a blog's popularity. i do like my lists. give them a read and then tell me what you think makes a good blog. bet i've missed something out!

1. personality

i think a blogger's own voice has to come across in their writing, so that readers can get a feel for the blogger's personality. with millions (literally, it wasn't that hard to research) of fashion blogs online, putting your thoughts out there can really make your blog stand out. jen from a little bird recently wrote a more in-depth post on  this one, and named gem as one of the best writers out there for putting her own personality across. i whole heartedly agree! there are other ways to get your personality in there too though. for example, rather than posting a regurgitated report on how good the latest topshop collection is, pick your personal favourites and show what you would wear the pieces with. letting readers know your personal tastes, events and activities is also crucial in putting your personality across. i always enjoy reading michelle's sunday post because she photographs her week, even the non-fashion bits of her life. let’s face it, we're all nosy and we like a good snoop, so it's a great way to let your readers into your life, as you can control exactly how much you want to give away.

2. individuality

the easiest thing to do in fashion blogging is to photograph your own personal style and put your own stamp on your look. audrey of be frassy has one kooky sense of style that i observe in awe, even though it's not the way i would dress. but i continue to read her blog because her photos are so different and stand out so much. i love seeing other bloggers' outfit shots, because they inspire me by what they make, match or mix up. but i would never outright copy someone else's style, because it would be a) a bit weird and b) a bit boring. who'd want to read my blog if they'd seen it on be frassy a week earlier? and it's not all about outfit shots. if you're limited by budget or location for photos, come up with original blog feature ideas or new content. anything that's a bit different will make your blog stand out and make your readers want to come back for more. 

3. credibility

there's nothing worse than when a brilliant blogger gets enticed by sponsorship, advertisement or free clothes in exchange for a good write up. i'm not going to get into my personal views on blog sponsorship (because that's a wholllle different kettle of fish) but you can really tell when a writer has completely u turned in her views on a particular brand just because she got sent a pricey new skirt to review for free. accept brand requests for reviews, but prewarn them that you'll be truthful. if they're happy with that and still want to go ahead, then you have nothing to lose. the take ten girls review all of their delivered items honestly, which makes me trust in their credibility as writers. so keep your blog credible by only writing your honest opinions, and readers will trust your judgements in future.

4. quality

quality photos, quality writing. when creating content, passion for your chosen subject really comes across well. know what you're talking about: research. don't call an aviator jacket a furry coat. on the technical side of things, spell check your posts before hitting send or get someone to give them a proofread first if that will make you more confident. treat it like an academic essay, even if your content is a lot more interesting than war and peace (hey, whatever floats your boat...). many, many times my poor long-suffering friends have had to read through a blog draft before i'm happy to press that publish button, but that's the price they pay for being friends with me. in terms of quality photos, your camera phone won't do the knock up job like a DSLR can, but as long as the images are in focus, light enough and show every aspect of your outfit, the job's well done.

5. frequency

this is a tricky one. quality is always beneficial over quantity, but don't leave it weeks inbetween posting or your readers will think you're just not that interested in your blog. and if you're not that bothered, why should they be? i am/was terrible for posting frequently, but i've made it one of my 2011 resolutions to blog at least twice a week. and i'm seeing the results for doing so, too. since i started posting regularly, my hits have rocketed up by over 3000 per month. some of the most successful bloggers i can name offhand, like lily, vicky or sofia, post nearly every day. i don't think that's the only reason for their popularity at all, but i also don't think it's a coincidence!

6. accessibility

there's a whole kind of psychology behind it (hello 2.1 psych bsc, oh it's rare but sometimes you are useful!) that states people like people who are similar to them. therefore, pop culture references to your favourite tv programme aren’t necessarily a bad thing (unless you consider yourself a srs writerz)! in terms of blogging, the key thing here is that followers read about what they're most interested in, and because you're interested in it too, the chances are you'll be very similar. so make your blog accessible to the kind of niche you're posting to. don't always look picture-perfect and only write about how good your life is: be real. make your outfits accessible too. if you're a high street blog, state where you got that blouse from (a la milkteef) or if you peruse the charity shops a lot, write about where the best ones are like jazmine or sally & ross. if you and your finds are more accessible to your readers, chances are they'll like you a lot more.

7. simplicity

too many crazy colours, clutter and worst of all, the dreaded hidden music player will instantly make most readers turn off and hit close on their web browsers. they've come to your blog to read your content, not get dazzled by how good you think you are at html or how fresh you reckon dizzy rascal's beatz are. alright, to be honest i think most bloggers know the music rule, but there's a lot to be said for a simple layout. carrie from wish wish wish has one of the best blog layouts i think i've ever seen, and none of it detracts from her writing. it's all well and good putting your personality into your blog layout, because after all, your blog is your own little corner of the 'net, but make sure that's not the focus of your webpage.

8. creativity

even as a new form of media, blogs are already evolving. whilst creative online accessories aren't crucial to a blog's success, they certainly help to make it stand out (there i go again on the whole individuality thing..) for example, you could add a video to answer a reader's question like victoria, start a vintage clothing business like ella of belle vintage or create your own line of jewellery like lily. all of these accessories add a little something to your blog that shows readers more about you. starting a blog business highlights business accruement, creating your own pieces shows true creativity and posting videos allows us to see the blogger properly behind the writing. i know i'll definitely be looking into creating my own signature blog accessory in the future, because i think they're bloody marvellous.

9. variety

i just tried to explain the importance of 'bloggah featahs' in my pseudo-geordie accent to my mum, but she wasn't getting it so i'll try it again. posting a wide variety of blog features not only gives your blog some structure (wednesday wishlist anybody?) but it also means that your readers can use your blog as a source for a lot of different fashion insight. they might be interested in your outfit shots, but by posting your own wishlist, they also get to see what's hitting down in the high street shops this week that they might have missed otherwise. gem posts about so many different things that i'm always noting down new discoveries, whether it be food, places to visit or what to read. varying your photo location also gives a bit of a break from the monotonous bedroom shot. roz makes good use of her countryside location and posts some beautiful shoots. i'm not saying you have to be a fantastic photographer as well as a great writer and stylista, but pushing your boundaries in terms of photo location certainly breaks up the outfit-shot-slump.  

10. community

finally, interaction in the community. i don't really understand why some bloggers don't respond to comments left on their posts even if there are hundreds and the blogger commenting system is a bit crap. it's not that hard to go to the commentor's own page or email and respond if their comment deserves a reply. i love reading what everyone has to say because i only ever post my opinions or outfit choices, and i'm well aware they can be challenged or added to. laura always responds to blog comments, and d'you know what, i notice it. i also notice when other bloggers don't respond, which makes me feel unappreciated as a reader. interacting with other bloggers also gets your own blog name out there so i say comment and email away, or add other bloggers on twitter. get stuck in with the blogging community. i'm a newcomer, and i've already found that other bloggers are really helpful in giving tips & tricks. the important thing to note here is that interaction with other blogs is important, but it should be done in a genuine way. don't comment on thousands of blogs a day just to leave your own link - it's spam. leaving a half-arsed comment like, "you're so cute! follow me at _____" will not only probably annoy the blogger you're spamming, but also damages your own credibility. in conclusion, interaction is important for 'advertising' your blog, but not if you don't genuinely want to add something to the community.

so there you have it. those are my 'ities' on what makes a good blog, illustrated by ms. bradshaw along the way. (i don't know why actually, her character was a columnist not a blogger!) i can't claim to know everything on fashion blogging because i am a relatively new writer, but from analysing my own favourite blogs, i stand by what i find. what else do you think makes a good blog?  to be honest, i'm more interested to know the flipside: what do you think doesn't make a good blog? can you give me any advice? lastly, please link me to some of your favourite blogs (or your own, and i really mean that!) so i can add some more to my reading list.

as always, you can follow me via google, add me on twitter or email me to get in touch,

ladylike for s/s '11

i received a style question from a reader today (my first ever, which made me ridiculously excited) about what to wear this summer:


"hi honey, i love reading your blog, i like the way you dress it's my kind of style. how would you wear this season's new trends? i like dressing more ladylike but i can't find any inspiration from the new collections. i hate most of this summer's stuff, it's my least favourite season. help!"

first of all - thank you so much. secondly, i agree: the big bright colours, shorts, bohemian feel and dark tans of summer don't really suit my more old school tastes either. but i've had a look at some of the high street's new s/s '11 lookbooks, and i did find some diamonds in the rough to suit my more preppy sense of style (and hopefully yours, too!) to answer your question, i've gone through the ten key summer trends and posted what i would wear to 'do summer like a lady would'. tea, anyone?

1. brights
i think h&m show how to do it best here. here we go: ladylike summer brights can be achieved through structured tailoring. by that i mean go for the colourblocking that's being hyped this summer, but apply it to more formal attire. introducing one bright item in an otherwise weary work wardrobe can really cheer you up, even if it's just a handbag. think 60s shift dresses and colourful high waisted skirts, it doesn't all have to be loud tshirts and bold jewellery.

2. chiffon shirts
the 70s chiffon shirts floating about the high street really appeal to me. new look (surprisingly) have styled the 70s vibe really well, i think. they have some great summer prints, whilst topshop have gone for the funky shaped shirts. i wear my sheer shirts tucked into anything for day time prep, or loose with a pair of skinnies to keep a certain elegance on my dress down days. and i usually really need elegance on my dress down days, because those are lazy stay-at-home good times.

3. florals
these have been blooming (sorry) every spring/summer since i can remember. if you like the vintage floral feel, go for tiny, intricate prints on tea dresses and skirts. do it with a twist - chiffon always feels so light and summery, so look for chiffon floral dresses that can be easily dressed up or down. maxi dresses are great for combining the two.

4. jackets
one word: mac. or if you're after something a bit lighter, go for a cropped blazer or one in a lighter shade. try and stay away from black. if you're after something a bit more fashionable than these staples, go for a short, boxy jacket like the h&m one pictured. these usually have beautiful pearly buttons and nip in at the waist, creating a beautiful sillhouette. gok would be proud of me!

5. shorts & playsuits
probably the hardest thing to style when you don't really like the bohemian vibes of summer. shorts used to be the bane of my life and i used to avoid playsuits like the plague! not any more though. zara, awear and new look have some great paperbag type shorts that look preppy and will keep you cool this summer. if that's a bit too dressed down for you, playsuits are a great alternative. i bet there'll be plenty of them in the shops this season. i think they're definitely a try-before-you-buy item, but playsuits with a great cut can be really femine and easy to wear at the same time. lovely.

6. breton
the craze that keeps coming back. luckily, it's quite an easy one to smarten up. i bet everyone has a blue & white breton striped tshirt in their wardrobe, so i tried to pick some different, more tailored stripe pieces. light shirts and loose dresses are apt for the striping, and you can even find some preppy breton dresses starting to hit down in the high street. i have to admit, i'd quite happily live in breton if i could.

 

7. funky trousers

i love this trend so much. cropped, baggy, a mix of both, wide leg, high waisted... it's all happening! there are so many new shapes out there this season,  it means that you don't have to wear tea dresses and skirts the entire summer to get your prep on. personally, i'll be sticking with the crops (especially because i'm petite) and wearing a loose shirt over it. paired with heels rather than wedges, this new trouser craze can really look refined.

8. midi skirts

great for covering up without looking odd in the summer sun, i really like this new trend. i think they look really elegant when pulled in at the waist with a belt, what with all the pleats and floaty material. i've featured some of the high street's take on midi skirts and dresses, but i honestly would recommend hitting your local oxfam for some vintage pieces. i reckon they'd be even cheaper than primark, which is saying something.

9. different denim

 i normally stay well clear of denim (unless at a festival), because i find it very hard to dress up. but this season it's all about avoiding the classic denim skinnies and cut off shorts to do it differently. so it doesn't take long to find some denim pieces that are a bit more polished and a tad more to my taste. try it with a line skirts and plain tops, or be even braver and go for the denim shirt dress - complete with peter pan collar - from asos. as summer goes on and the new collections arrive in store, it'll be a lot easier to find the right piece of denim to suit you.

10. shoe love

wedges. nude heels. ballet flats and sweet mocassins. worn with socks or barefoot, any of these shoes would complete an outfit. i like to live in my t bar wedges in summer, but i'm promising myself that i have to break free this year.

& don't forget! accessories make an outfit stand out. essential accessories for this ladylike look include floral scarves, satchel bags or straw basket carriers, big sunglasses, hair accessories, sweet patterned socks & dainty jewellery. et voila, summer sorted.

now i just need to go follow my own advice and try not to spend too much money on this summer's must-haves. hope that was helpful!  if you have any more questions, please email me at annawilsonprimary[at]gmail.com, tweet me, or follow this blog at the top & leave a question in the comments.