#ShareTheLove with Curvissa

One of my favourite things about blogging is the friends I've made in the process, so when Curvissa got in touch with me about their #ShareTheLove campaign, I jumped at the chance to get involved. It's such a wonderful idea - happiness and friendship are so important, and this list could have been ten times as long!

Liebster Award Nominations

I had a very sweet surprise yesterday when I found out that the lovely Kat of Murder of Goths had nominated me for a Liebster Award. It's a really cute idea - it's bloggers nominating other bloggers, with the idea being that it introduces their readers to some new material to browse through.

In return, you are meant to then nominate three other blogs who you follow, and give them a list of questions to answer. I've chosen to nominate three of my favourite people (as well as blogs), Claire from A Monkey Fatshionista, Miranda from Black Chick Tit Cancer and my darling Lord Dicely from Confessions of a Gentleman Gamer.

1. A Monkey Fatshionista - amonkeyfatshionista.co.uk

Before I started to use my blog to talk about fashion, it was mostly a scrap book for my photography work. I still followed a few bloggers, and Claire was one of the first who really caught my eye as she always looks so well put together in every single photo. I love her style, her accessories and she always looks effortlessly cool - something which I really struggle to pull off when I'm trying to be casual. I was so happy when I got to meet her whilst shooting the first Plus London event, and over the last few years we've gone from being fashion-friends to boardgame playing babes and she is often the first person I'll send a message to when in search of outfit advice.

2. Black Chick Tit Cancer - mizzilla.wordpress.com

I've known Miranda for almost half my life now, and as you can probably guess from the blog's title, this last year has been a difficult one. Her blog is inspirational, and a helpful read for anyone dealing with breast cancer, or with friends or family affected by it as it is a real, raw and powerful journey through a fight which thankfully she is winning. (Sidenote, we shot some epic photos together a few months ago which you can see here.)

3. Confessions of a Gentleman Gamer - lorddicely.blogspot.co.uk

Lord Dicely (aka Howard) is responsible for getting me hooked on boardgames. With his super hero power being trying to save the world from the drudgery of Monopoly, his blog is witty, insightful and accessible for anyone who is dipping their toes into the world of the games for the first time. He is also owner of the most enviable hair, which deserves a separate blog all of it's own, but that's another blog post right there.

The Rules:
- Thank and link back to the blogger who nominated you.
- Answer the 11 questions that they have asked you.
- Nominate bloggers who have a following of <200 on Bloglovin’
- Ask them 11 questions.
- Notify the nominees.

Questions:

1. What has been your favourite discovery since you started writing your blog?

2. What are you currently reading?

3. What is your favourite boardgame?

4. What is your favourite movie quote?

5. What made you decide to start blogging?

6. How do you pick yourself up after a difficult day?

7. What's your cocktail of choice?

8. Who inspires you?

9. What's your getting ready to go out song?

10. Favourite place to visit?

11. Favourite London hideaway?

And now for the questions given to me by Kat.

1. Why did you start your blog?

My blog initially started out as a scrap book for my photography work. I'd use it as a place for out-takes and magazine editorials, and something of a diary for what I was up to creatively. I'm not quite sure when the balance shifted in favour of fashion content, but I think I missed writing about sartorial trends and vintage lifestyle pieces so it all just kind of meshed together into one thing.

2. Best piece of advice you’ve heard for bloggers?

Always be yourself. It sounds so obvious, but it's much more fun being an individual than trying to shape yourself to be someone else. Also good lighting is your friend. It doesn't have to be studio lighting - natural daylight is beautiful to shoot it, even when streaming through a window. 

3. Who is your favourite female role model?

This is so hard, as there are so many of them. I would probably have to say Diane Arbus or Cindy Sherman as they are undoubtedly two key female photographers who broke boundaries with their work.

4. Favourite item of clothing?

This depends on my mood, but I love anything which nips in at the waist. This lace collar 60s number is probably up there quite high, but I am also a massive sucker for swing and tea dresses.

5. Best decision of your life so far?

That first date with Lord Dicely.

6. What would your perfect day be like?

It'd start with tea and pancakes at home with a morning spent at one of London's museums followed by a cheeky afternoon matinee at The Prince Charles Cinema. Dinner would be pieced together from items found at Borough Market, or skipped over in favour of cocktails. Or ignore the whole thing and spend the day holed up in a cute cafe with lots of cake, Earl Grey and boardgames.

7. What are you most proud of?

I still feel that getting my first magazine cover published before 30 is up there. I'm just about to start work on my second solo exhibition and it's different to anything I've done previously so I'm feeling pretty good about how the concept has changed and grown to where it is.

8. Most embarrassing fashion choices in your past?

Oh my goodness, there are SO many to choose from. I am so glad that there are very few photos of me as a teenager, as I had the worst home-dyed streaks and lived in baggy t-shirts and oversized jeans. Even now I make the odd mistake here and there though - buttons flying off my dresses, things being more see-through than I'd imagined, that sort of thing. Thank goodness for good undergarments to save the day! 

9. Favourite plus size brand?

I really like mixing vintage with high-street pieces, with ASOS Curve and HM making up a huge part of my wardrobe. I love the affordable fast fashion of F&F too, who really took huge steps forward with their plus size line last year. Collectif also get a mention, because although they're not strictly a plus size brand, they do go up to a size 22 and have the most incredibly cuts for busty figures.

10. Your favourite hobby?

Am I allowed to say sleeping? No? Ok then. Howard has pulled me into his world of boardgames which I love, but I'm still a sucker for sneaking out to afternoon movie matinees or hiding in a cafe somewhere with a good book. I love to write as much as I enjoy taking photographs, so often have a project or two on the go with the intention of growing them into something more substantial.

11. What is your dream career?

I'm very fortunate that I get to do my dream career every day. Working as a freelance photographer has it's downside in terms of financial stability, but the creative freedom it brings is indescribable. I couldn't imagine doing anything else with my life,  and love that I get to do something which directly makes other people feel pride and happiness with themselves.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

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

Viva Las Vegas - A night with BGO raising money for WWF via the #bgomeetup.

On Thursday night, Lord Dicely and I were invited to #bgomeetup - a blogging event where we were treated to a crash course in blackjack and roulette from professional croupiers whilst raising money for WWF.

It was a lot of fun with a lot of Cava and lots of new, friendly faces doubling down, holding but most of all giggling.

Pictures Of You

Being a full time photographer, I'm very lucky that my North London living room frequently resembles a photography studio with mannequins, backdrops and most importantly studio lights constantly to hand. It has made it a lot easier for me to quickly take outfit photos which show off the detail of my clothes, accessories and make-up, and decided that it might be a good idea to put together a package for other bloggers.

Detail image of a necklace from Tatty Devine which I shot for my blog.

Cut out pack shot / ghost-lit mannequin image of a necklace from Tatty Devine which I shot for my blog.

When it was still in existence, I used to freelance for an online publication called Plus Size Tall, and one of the ideas I pitched to them was photographing people with a strong sense of style. These examples were shot back in 2012, and were designed to capture both the individual characters as well as the detailing of the clothing. They went along with an interview where the subject spoke about the clothes, accessories and their style influences.

Claire from A Monkey Fatshionista.

Claire from A Monkey Fatshionista.

Claire from A Monkey Fatshionista.

Kirsty from Fatty Unbound.

Kirsty from Fatty Unbound.

Hanna from The Wardrobe Challenge.

Hanna from The Wardrobe Challenge.

Hanna from The Wardrobe Challenge.

Sian from Picked. Found. Passionate.

Sian from Picked. Found. Passionate.

I'd love to start shooting bloggers again, and whether you see yourself as a #psblogger, #fblogger, #bblogger or something else, I've put together a series of low-cost packages to show off your style. These prices are applicable to bloggers only, and you can click here and here to find out more about my published work and client list.

The shoot itself and a light editing (skin smoothing, spot removal, colour balance) are included in the price. (I'm happy to talk about additional editing with individuals with quotes given on request.)

3 images: £50
6 images: £80
10 images: £150

To get these prices, you MUST have a blog which has been in existence for longer than a month and also updated within a month.

I'm also not limiting this offer to just fashion. If you are any sort of blogger at all and would like to have some portraits taken, please do get in touch.

Howard (aka Lord Dicely) from Confessions of a Gentleman Gamer.

Aurora Galore from Aurora Galore.

If you are able to find your way to North West London (NW5) and would be interested in booking a shoot with me, please get in touch here.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

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

Let It Snow - Vintage Delights with Bourjois Java Rice Loose Powder.

I'm going to be honest and say that I initially brought the Bourjois Java Rice Loose Powder for two reasons. Firstly, I had spilled the entirety of my current  powder compact over my bathroom floor, and secondly, how beautiful is the vintage inspired packaging?

Bourjois have recently celebrated 150 years in the beauty business, so the Java Rice Loose Powder is a modern dupe of their cult classic from 1879. Sold as a "radiance powder", it sets, smooths and boosts your skin's natural glow all in one swoop of a fan brush.

I had brought it with the intention of using it as a setting powder, and was surprised to find that it looked very shimmery in the pot. Used sparingly, it's still suitable for all over the face but is particularly effective on the cheek bones as a subtle illuminator. A lot of reviews have compared it to the Ambient Lighting Powder by Hourglass and at a quarter of the price, I didn't really believe that was possible. But having tried it, Bourjois have really upped their game and have both blurred the skin and the lines between drugstore and high end products as it really does work the same sort of cosmetic alchemy on your face.

The product itself is a slightly shimmery, pink, translucent powder which is suitable for all skin tones. It's finely milled to avoid being too teenage-sparkle prone or too ashy. It also comes packaged in a handy sifter jar so it thankfully won't suffer the same fate as my previous powder.

The powder has a very light scent to it too which felt very evocative of my childhood, and even with my difficult sensitive skin, the perfumed element didn't dry it out or irritate.

Whilst long term I don't think it would replace my usual setting powder, it is certainly a product I will buy again as a subtle highlighter. I felt it really gave my face a lift when swept over my cheekbones and brow bones and is definitely a product to get my face through all the Christmas and New Year festivities!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

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