11/29/2014

Strawberry Fields Forever - Cute Prints with Modcloth, Collectif and Pearls & Swine


A few months ago, I spotted that the lovely Todaloo Katie was selling an absolute gem of a Modcloth dress. Based on their Floral Field Day dress by Bea & Dot, the strawberry print had me swooning and I couldn't pass it up as a birthday treat, especially as it meant not having to pay for shipping and import - the bane of any Modcloth UK lover!

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When it arrived, I audibly squeaked with happiness. The 50s shape of the buttoned up dress is perfect for an off-duty look, and the strawberry print is lovely. Whilst traditionally it maybe better suited for Summer, I am a big fan of wearing bright items when it's cold and grey so teamed it instead with lots of layers to stay warm.

Dress: Modcloth
Cardigan: Collectif
Necklace: Punky Pins
Bracelets: Vintage
Art Deco Ring: Tatty Devine
Moon Stone Ring: Vintage
Leggings: F&F True
Heeled Shoes: Vintage

I feel a little bit like a "cool art teacher" in this outfit, which is no bad thing. It's definitely a more frivolous take on my usual 50s style, and I absolutely adore this dress. I think it really is the perfect in-between style for when I want to dress up without being dressy!

Have a great weekend!


(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.) 

11/24/2014

All I Want For Christmas Is... Christmas Shopping Online with Qwerkity


Anyone who's taken a look at my blog or Instagram recently can see that I've been ridiculously excited for Christmas since the beginning of November. Since dating Lord Dicely and being pulled into his family, it's fast become my favourite time of year. However traipsing up and down the high streets amongst the busy crowds does not exactly fill me with festive cheer. If anything, I'm more likely to start shouting bah, humbug at everyone!

Like many people, I now do a large proportion of my shopping online so was really excited when Qwerkity got in touch with me to give their website a test run. They allowed me to pick a Christmas gift, and I felt (quite literally!) like Christmas had come early when it swiftly arrived through the post.

Filled with great Christmas present ideasQwerkity (formally Presents For Men) has a whole range of gifts suitable for even the most difficult person. Whether you're looking for something for your Secret Santa, want something with a personalised touch or are looking for something for the person who has everything (briefcase record player anyone?) they have you covered.

Burt's Bees Lips, Tips & Toes Gift Set. (£14.99)
Being a lover of beauty products, I decided to indulge myself with the Tips And Toes gift set (£14.99), from Burts Bees. Containing a whopping six items, this lovely boxed set is great for handbag and travel sized treats, or anyone new to the brand.




The set contains everything you need to keep your skin in tip top condition over the winter months, with a variety of hand, feet and lip products ready to pamper you the natural way.

The set contains:

  • Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil (4.25g)
  • Almond & Milk Hand Cream (7g)
  • Coconut Foot Cream (25g)
  • Mini Hand Salve (8.5g)
  • Mini Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (8.5g)
  • Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream (25g)
As with all of the products from Burts Bees, each of the products smell absolutely divine. From sweet citrus to marzipan, they uplift your mood as well as nourish your skin. Best of all, it took no effort at all to get it from click to delivery. The set arrived well packaged within two days of ordering with no issues at all!

If you want some Christmas shopping ideas, visit the Qwerkity where you can search for items in a variety of categories and price brackets. 

Until next time,


(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.) 

11/22/2014

Tales From The Studio - Shooting Portraits, Shouting F**K You To Cancer


It's been a while since I've blogged about my photography work as much as what I've been shooting is embargoed until next year. But a few weeks ago I had a session in my studio which was really important to me as it was with someone who I utterly adore and I've been looking forward to sharing these with you.

Earlier this year, one of my oldest friends was diagnosed with breast cancer. Even now it seems utterly ridiculous, as she is the fittest, healthiest person I know. She was the person who got me through my 5k training, was the person who kept this slow-coach company during the Electric Run, and is still very much a massive health inspiration for me. She ran a half marathon a week after her diagnosis. How rock and roll can you get?

Cancer chose the wrong person to mess with. Half way through her chemo (you can read her blog here), the tumour has shrunk and it's Miranda 1 : Cancer 0. In true Miranda style, when her hair fell out as a side effect of her treatment, she looked like an utter rock star. Because she's not going to let some rogue mutant cells take over her identity, we decided to do a f**k you cancer photoshoot together.

Be warned, there are breasts ahead so the images may de deemed NSFW.



When we were brainstorming, the three biggest influences were Skin from Skunk Anansie, Grace Jones and the beautiful Lupita Nyong'o. We wanted to bring out Miranda's rock and roll rebel side, but also shoot some editorial worthy images which showed off her beauty.





We wanted to keep the images both raw and real, leaving in everything which makes Miranda, Miranda. One of the interesting things was that the photos showed how the affected breast had changed in size, with the nipple changing direction - something which I never knew happened and is another warning sign to look out for when you check yourself.









I cannot put into words how much I love this lady, and if you want to follow her continuing to kick cancer's bum, her blog Black Chick Tit Cancer can be found here. This also seems like a good place to link to how you check your breasts - I don't think Miranda would forgive me if I didn't sneak that in!

Until next time,


(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.) 

11/21/2014

In The Summertime - A SS15 Preview from JD Williams, including the new range from Lorraine Kelly


On a grey Thursday morning in the heart of Soho, JD Williams were getting ready to inject some sunshine as they loaded their rails with lots of colour and sparkle for their SS15 press day. Arranged to be previewed the same day the first UK report looking at issues faced by 50 plus women dropped, it was encouraging to see a range of stylish, fun and fashion forward items on show.

The report which was commissioned by JD Williams in association with YouGov, showed that body confidence, shopping behaviours and attitudes towards ageing were all big issues for females over 50. It highlighted an older population who felt neglected and under represented from both the media and the highstreet, and it was so wonderful to see how that had been taken on board with the range presented to us today.

Whilst official press photos showing the clothes on a variety of older women are currently embargoed until the collection drops early next year, I can tell you now they are stunning. It's also important to add that whilst the range is designed with the older generations in mind, it doesn't mean it won't appeal to those of a younger age too. In fact as someone in their early 30s, there are quite a few items which I cannot wait to get my hands on!

Lorraine Kelly for JD Williams. Images (c) JD Williams.

Lorraine Kelly for JD Williams. Images (c) JD Williams.

Lorraine Kelly for JD Williams. Images (c) JD Williams.
Whilst JD Williams currently have a fashion edit from Lorraine Kelly called "Lorraine Loves", this is the first collection actually designed by the TV personality. The range will be available in a UK size 12 - 32, and takes inspiration from catwalk trends with citrus flashes, floral prints and a range of modern geometric and abstract prints. Clever tailoring catered to what the research showed they wanted, with slightly higher necklines and clever darting to show off their style without compromise in a comfortable way.















The range will be available on the JD Williams website from January 2015, and it's hard to pin down my favourite item. The biker jacket which has been given a softer edge with their blue and peach colour ways are stand out pieces, as are the biker trench, geo print coat and dreamy polka dot dress. The price points are brilliant value too, with items ranging from £29 for an embellished top to just £75 for a jacquard coat.

The SS15 event also showcased what was to come from the JD Williams main range, with lots of inspiration coming from the 60s and 70s. Whether you want to channel your inner Twiggy, Jackie-O or Woodstock reveller, there was something in this collection for you.

Images (c) JD Williams.

Images (c) JD Williams.
The collection contained a huge mixture of prints and strong colour palettes combining bohemian chic with smart tailoring. Pastel colours were also prevalent for the first phase of the collection, with summer florals and citrus twists setting of Mediterranean vibes in the latter part of the season.













After seeing the collection today, it blew my expectations away. JD Williams have proved that 50 really doesn't have to mean frumpy, and have genuinely succeeded in creating a fantastic range which will see the 30-something daughters wanting to rummage through their mum's wardrobe.

The SS15 collections will drop early January, and in the meantime you can shop the current season here.

Until next time,

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

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