Hello Again

Hey blogging world.

After giving up on blogging for a few months, I'm back in business, and hopefully this time for good. I will be back tomorrow, promise.

Hopefully I'll be posting some good quality outfit pictures in the future, but here's a quick mirror pic of my beloved 50p shorts that I nabbed from a Salvation Army charity shop a few days ago. They have made me a very happy girly.

Miss Representation: is mainstream media distorting our perception of women?

Hi guys and dolls,

It turns out that I am absolutely rubbish at keeping up-to-date with my blog. But being just 4 weeks away from my final uni deadline, as you can imagine, life has been pretty hectic. For my first post in nearly 2 months, I thought I might share with you something I wrote for my academic blog 'The Fem Fad' created for a unit in my degree. I don't like to be a preachy feminist haha but enjoy and let me know what you think!

In my quest to determine whether fashion and feminism can be compatible, it is needless to say that this film has given me doubts. For years, advertising has evoked controversy in women’s rights activists by over-exaggerating the importance of a perfect appearance, negatively impacting women in almost every profession.

Yet, part of me cannot deny that I invest in the sexualisation of women just as much as the next fashion, music or film enthusiast. So where do we draw the line? Are female role models like Beyoncé standing up for the strength of women? Or are they just another ‘sex-sells’ corporate ploy?

In fashion, the portrayal of women as sex symbols can be said to contribute to female empowerment (this is the dominant message for me). Yet as the school-girl clarifies in the extended trailer above, it is arguable that these mediums are unintentionally encouraging many young females to consider their image before their education.

But as long as media exists, will these issues ever be solved?

Perhaps with equality. With women making up only 16% of all writers, directors, producers, cinematographers and editors, the media is still largely formulated by men. This suggests, of course, that men are likely to make what they want to see. I don't believe that this makes them wrong in any way, it's only natural! But it does lead me to question why there are not more females taking the reins in this industry.

So are fashion and feminism mutually exclusive? And is the media's representation of women impacting the younger generation, or is this being analysed too deeply? Please leave your response below!

Should it be socially acceptable for men to wear makeup?

Just a quickie post for today. I saw this image yesterday on a great blog called Broadist, which asks "why isn't it socially acceptable for men to wear makeup". Now, I can't say for a second that I wouldn't judge a man if I found out he wore foundation now and then, particularly a straight man (lets just say I would pass on a second date), but I'm slightly frustrated that I've allowed myself to be conditioned to feel this way.

Why shouldn't men be able to cover up their ugly red spots and the circles under their eyes? I can't say I could stretch to accepting eyeliner just yet, but maybe I'm just closed minded. I mean, it is a pain in the arse putting makeup on every morning, but I feel a hell of a lot better about myself when I do!

Maybe there's a gap in the market for makeup branded for men? Opinions, please!

Dolls Kill: 'Online Boutique for misfits and miss legits'

Turns out I'm not very good at this regular blogging business! But today I thought I might attempt to enlighten those of you who are looking for something a little out of the ordinary with regards to fashion, with a post dedicated to the wonderfully grunge, or what some might call 'alternative' online store, Dolls Kill.

In recent months, mainstream UK fashion has been failing quite miserably to inspire me to write about anything stylish or even dress myself in the mornings! However, just recently I stumbled across this bitter-sweet fusion of experimental street styles that fits in beautifully with the 90's grunge trend this year.

Dolls Kill provides the whole shabang. Combining Hippie, Goth, Grunge, Techno and even a touch of Lolita, the store sells items that encourage buyers to stand out from the crowd whilst dressing at the height of personalised fashion. Stocking clothing from brands such as UNIF, Petals and Peacocks, and Wildfox, the shop is a little bit of a guilty pleasure.

The only issue is that being a site based in the USA, delivery costs stay at the flat rate of $20, equivalent to approximately £12.70 in the UK. Sadly, being a student, this works out to be a little too pricey for me at the moment, but if you can afford it, please, DO IT! 

Hi Platform Sneakers $129 (aprox £82) - I think these flatforms are the bomb. They have 90s Spice Girl written all over them!

Left: Cosmic Sabbath Dress $89 (aprox £56) Right: Petals and Peacocks sweater $48 (aprox £31)

Disko top $40 (aprox £25.50) 

Power Styling

I would never go as far as to class myself as a feminist, I believe that 'equalist' is a far better term, however as a woman, I feel that dressing in a way that makes me feel empowered and confident is incredibly important. Whilst some may choose to do this by wearing a pair of high heels to feel  feminine and dominant, I find an androgynous, chunky pair of flats and strong colours to be my pick-me-up at the moment.

Of course, only you can decide what it is in life that makes you feel confident, but for me there are few better ways to start a day than to step out of my front door and think, yes, this is me. Today I'm going to show the world what I am, and one of the best ways to do that is through fashion (or perhaps anti-fashion for some).

So what is a powerful style? For me, a healthy dose of a strong colour such as black or red should do. At the moment I'm also often finding myself drawn like a Magpie to iridescent or silver colouring (which I know certainly isn't for everyone), but statement metallic items will definitely be a winner in my books this summer. High definition makeup is also really important (never forget the eyebrows) whilst accessories that are somewhat representative of you, rather than what has been mass-produced this season, have a far stronger impact in an outfit.

With regards to celebrity icons, there has always been something about Bowie's androgynous alter-ego in the early 1970s, Ziggy Stardust, that I find oddly inspiring, whilst aspects of Madonna's 1980's punk style are quite timeless and unique. Both artists have iconic staples in their look that will forever represent the character they were trying to portray at the time, furthermore, it is these tiny details have in turn contributed to making them household names (that and their music of course). That is not to forgot the elements of punk in their style, attributes that in my mind imply serious strength and attitude and I love incorporating these stylistic traits with current fashions! There is no doubt that the chunkier the shoe, the bolder I feel!

I find however that for me, it is important to not become permanently distinguished in a particular style bracket, because then I'll never truly be able to escape from it. After all, where would the magic and mystery have been in Bowie and Madonna's outlandish styles had they not changed their identities occasionally? That is not to say that I think establishing a style identity is wrong! I just get a little bored haha!


Feel free to leave a comment and let me know how you choose to power dress!


Becky
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Imperfection is Key: The art of Lomography

Framing a single moment, a fragment of time that would have been otherwise lost amongst a blur of obscured memories. A photograph can speak a thousand words, without really saying anything at all. Once it may have been considered as magic, but nearly 200 years on, photography has become a part of our lives that many are guilty of taking for granted.

The Diana Mini F+

With digital technology taking the world by storm by allowing images to be photographed, deleted, photographed again and even uploaded to Facebook in the time it would have once taken to wind on a film, it seems the slow and yet altogether compelling process of film photography has been replaced by a culture of repetitive pouty poses and practical perfection.

But to those who thrive on a little creativity and imperfection, do not fear! Lomography, the vibrant photographic community and analogue camera brand begs to differ, as ‘Lomo’ cameras have become the next retro, cool way to experiment with film photography. “Analogue really matters,” says Linda Scott, marketing manager for Lomography UK. “The ‘digital only’ period in our world’s history will be seen as a moment in time, and it has already passed. The true, longstanding approach of photography will be one of both digital and analogue.”

Personally, the art of film photography, in particular ‘Lomography’, has become one of my greatest passions. These colourful, plastic analogue cameras have the capacity to create photographs with an array of distorted colours, overlapping images (known as double exposure) and unintentional splashes of light that digital cameras are simply too ‘perfect’ to produce. What is more, the utterly mysterious and exciting experience of not knowing what you are going to get in those final images beats any ultra-practical digital version hands down.

As a result, I thought I might share a few of my own photos with you! The following images were taken with a Lomo Diana F+ mini, one of the most practical and versatile of the Lomo cameras and one that is especially great when used with the external flash, which comes with a range of coloured filters, hence the vibrant results. 

The camera uses 35mm film which means that unlike others, it can be developed on the high street, usually for around £7 per film (Boots is a great place to go, particularly if you collect their card points!)

Unfortunately this camera broke around a year ago, so these images are a little outdated, but I honestly can’t imagine a better way to have captured the atmosphere my insane first year at University. I also have a Lomo Fisheye 2, but that'll be saved for another post!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Lomography and would like to find out more, see www.lomography.com/photos  for their brilliant online community. However, if you are looking to purchase any Lomo products, I would advise that they are a little overpriced on the website, so have a look on Ebay or Amazon first. 

I hope you enjoy!

Becky 
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Pastel Grunge

Forgive me, this is my first attempt at piecing together an outfit on Polyvore, but I love the combination of mystic sparkle and goth here. Its brings the style up to date and definitely gives a taste of what is in store for the futuristic, metallic trends of S/S 13, whilst being just a little different. A little tip that I would also make is that, for me, it is ALWAYS about rings. Rings rings and more rings! They look quirky and depending on the styles you choose, original, no matter what outfit you're wearing, especially in silver. 

Wildfox couture
wildfoxcouture.com

Vintage sweater
sheinside.com

Shorts
shopjessicabuurman.com

Black boots
nastygal.com

Stella mccartney
mytheresa.com

Knuckle ring
etsy.com

Metal ring
modcloth.com

Topshop beauty product
$3.21 - topshop.com

Good Afternoon, Bon apré-midi, Gute Owend, 午安

So, since you may or may not be wondering who this person attempting to give you fashion advice really is, I thought I may as well upload some crappy phone pics of myself, edited in a way that I'm pretty sure is only cool if you're about 14, but hey! Here I am!

Top - Kitty watch and Elephant bracelet both from Urban Outfitters

Left -  Top: New Look. Shorts: Vintage Levi's.

Right - Boots: Topshop 

In time I hope to be using my SLR again, but its broken and money's short (boohoo).

Becky 

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Evenin' blogging world!

I'm what some may call a newb to all this, although I'm soon to finish a degree in 'Writing Fashion and Culture' (aka fashion journalism), until now, it seems I've been somewhat of a technophobe when it comes to using social networking in ways that don't involve stalking people that I'm jealous of on Facebook or posting pictures of my life through a rose tinted lens on Instagram. But I thought it was definitely time to give blogging about what I love a shot...

So here I am, the names Becky Boulton and in a few months time I am going to be out on my own, trying to make it in the big scary world of fashion. Perhaps in beauty or fashion PR or fashion styling, I'm not quite sure just yet, so for now I'm going to try my hand at a bit of everything! My last internship was with the fashion editor at The Independent, stylist Gemma Hayward, who is absolutely fabulous and a great inspiration. But it's also common knowledge that there is quite a bit more money in PR and a lot more jobs, so I'm currently looking for an internship in that field for when I finish uni.   

Anyway, enough about me. I am planning to make this new blog, Style Idiosyncrasy, a mix of  fashion, beauty and straight up personal opinion, maybe with a little photography thrown in. So I hope you all enjoy! 

Becky

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