(For those of you who have actually come here to find out how to soothe a sore thumb, you may want to walk away because I’m not actually going to be telling you how. I’d head to WikiHow for that… but if you’re here for self-confidence boosting material, definitely keep your tab open!)

~ 👍 = you ~

No matter how red and glowing your sore thumb might seem, there is no way to hide the redness. I’ve tried multiple theories, from staring directly back at people, joining in with their laughing and just casually dying inside, but do you know what? Nothing works. Nothing soothes my sore thumb because there is no miracle cure. There is no spell or potion that can get rid of what ever is making your thumb look red, because it’s not you, your thumb, your hand, or body… it’s other people. It’s them.

I’ve had whole families stop their conversations, turn around and watch me walk past them like I have a giant sign above my head saying, “LOOK AT ME, I’M A BIG FAT SORE THUMB!”. I’ve sat opposite a table of young girls, who have laughed at me and pointed when I’ve obviously stared back. I’ve been walking down a road whilst a lady slows down, turns her head and stares… just an arm’s width distance from me. All because I’m not wearing what most people wear… or look a certain way compare to everyone else..!

It might feel like your thumb is throbbing and glowing bright red, but really, it’s just because they’re seeing something that they’ve never seen before, and in a weird way, that’s pretty cool! Don’t ever go changing who you are because other people see that sign above your head.

One way to help relieve the pressure is to flaunt the thumb you’ve got! You have to realise that it’s their problem that they think you’re “soooo funny” to laugh at. They’re more funny for thinking that you’re an odd-one-out! You have to realise that it’s their problem that they can’t handle seeing something unique, that it makes them stop and stare. Deal with it! In fact, embrace the attention because who doesn’t want people looking at them with intrigue?

The more you flaunt it, the more people will catch on to your awesomeness, which means in the end, more people will be flaunting their awesomeness, so nobody will have to feel like a sore thumb ever again.

How to soothe a sore thumb? Well, you can’t.

If you think you “stick out like a sore thumb” did this make any sense? Let me know in the comments and we can all get rid of the “sore thumb” label together!

~ 5TH SEPTEMBER 2015 ~

I can finally announce that my co-branded collection of socks with Dutch brand, Mooi en Lief, will be launching on 5th September 2015! I’m so excited and I hope you are too! Every now and then before the launch, I’ll be teasing you on social media with a bit of a “scratch away” picture which will eventually unveil the collection. Make sure you follow myself, and Mooi en Lief for more updates before the big day! All of our links are below.

We’re also using the hashtag, #MooiEnLiefbyTDP to sort through tweets and messages, so make sure you give me a tweet so I can see that you’re excited. I’m sure there will be lots of goodness in store for you… 🙂 So, erm, yup! I’m sure I’ll talk more about it soon, but I suppose it’s time for the 3 week countdown to begin! Eeeep!

MOOI EN LIEF: Twitter // Facebook // Instagram
TOLLY DOLLY POSH: Twitter // Facebook // Instagram 

Are you excited for the 5th September now? Make sure you mark your calendars! Let’s chat in the comments…

So, whilst I’ve been having a bit of a blogging low, I’ve actually been working behind the scenes on something that I think you guys are going to like! I’ve been asked a few times what ethical brands I recommend since I’ve started talking more ethical fashion, so I thought why not create a list of all of them?

~ TDP’S ETHICAL DIRECTORY ~

Dah-dah! I’ve created an Ethical Directory. A list of brands that I’ve discovered that are all giving back in someway or another, whether that be ethically, sustainably, or both! Some of them I’ve known for a while now, and some of them I’ve only just discovered since working on the list, but either way, I’m sure you’ll enjoy having a browse.

I’ve devised the directory into 7 categories, and they all have handy links so you can get to each of them easily. Have a click on these if you want to go straight to it…

Favourites // Fashion // Accessories & Footwear // High End £££ // Basics // Second-hand // Miscellaneous

So far, I have 3 brands/designers per category, which I know doesn’t seem like much, but I thought it would be a good, organised, base to start from. There are 3 images displayed which point to each brand’s website, as well as 3 drop down toggles which have basic information and another, easy, clickable link. Price ranges/dates maybe rough, but I’ve tried to be as clear as possible! 

Some of the brands maybe 100% ethical and sustainable already, and some brands may be on their way, but hopefully this gives you an idea of what is actually out there and makes you start to think before you buy! I really hope to expand the directory and hopefully, you can help too!

~ GET INVOLVED ~

If you want to get involved with my new ethical directory, then click on the banner above (or this link). Follow the link to a tweet, and add in your brand name/Twitter handle. I’ll have a peep through the hashtag, #EthicalTDP, and if I find any brands or designers that pick my fancy, I may just add them to my directory. How does that sound?

So, what do you think of my new ethical directory for fashion brands? I really hope you like the idea and that you get involved with making it grow! Don’t forget to comment any ethical brands too; I’d love to know of some more…

Are you a brand who wants to be listed in my Ethical Directory? Head over to my advertising page to learn more. I’m currently offering a small, limited amount of features.

I was recently browsing the web (specifically Reddit if you must know) and I discovered an article that was talking about Dior’s recent couture show and how the model who opened the Dior catwalk was in fact a 14 year old girl (yes, younger than me)…

Now before you all start shouting at your screens, “YOU’D DO IT IF THEY ASKED!”… yes, yes I would. If Raf Simons bumped into me in a Dior store (which quite frankly would never happen as that would be a very, very rare occasion), and asked me to model for him, I would probably wobble at the knees, cry a little and happily shake his hand. I mean, who wouldn’t? I don’t think I could really afford to say no, anyway… but, whether it’s really right for somebody of my age and physique to do so, is a completely different matter that I really would like to discuss with you.

A while back, I was actually on BBC Radio 4 talking about a rather similar topic, Global Kids Fashion Week, and how I think pushing children (I’m talking… 6-9 years old) into modelling is not really a great way to spend their spare time off school. You can read the original post that attracted BBC’s attention and the listen to the interview that made my “Press” page slightly more, well, impressive 😉

But, I think this example of youth in fashion, is slightly different.

We’re always going on about how we need to change beauty standards, and change up the way that perfection is perceived. Currently, the western beauty standards (for women/young girls) are: thin and tall with a thigh gap, no wrinkles, spotless skin, hairless legs, armpits (and erm, other areas), deep cheekbones, large lips, bright and clear eyes with no bags, a big curvy backside, big boobs, white sparkling teeth and eyebrows that are “on fleek”.

To me, a lot of those “standards” spell out the word… YOUTH. When do you have no wrinkles? When you’re young. When are your legs, almost hairless? When you’re young. When are your teeth at their whitest? When you’re young. So throwing a 14 year old model down the catwalk doesn’t really change things, does it?

(I like this shot. Sofia’s hand with Anna Wintour in the background…)

I’m not saying that being a model when you’re my age is wrong (go for it!), and I’m not saying that being thin or having a thigh gap is wrong either (heck, I know all about that!) but isn’t it time we actually grasped change? Isn’t it time that we threw in some diversity into the industry rather than just adding another dollop of perfection into the mix?

The ridiculous thing about it all, is that the amount of make-up and styling that goes into shows, and campaigns, transforms young models into something that looks more mature anyway. It’s contradictive manipulation… the industry is striving for something more youthful but is targeting it for the older… but can’t use an older model because then that will show age. It really is all about creating this perfect world that we know we can’t have unless, you’re one of the very few people that are probably models anyway.

I was going to end on the note that Dior dealt with the whole “sexualisation” thing well, but then I looked at the pictures and realised that the dress that Sofia Mechetner was modelling, was in fact rather revealing (erm, sheer). This is a totally different topic and I don’t want to cause even more of a stir but I really didn’t realise until I’d finished the main bulk of this post.

In all, I think this is a really interesting discussion point, so I’d love for you to have a natter in the comments. Let me know what you think about the whole situation in general…!

(All images via Vogue.co.uk)

I’m sorry that of my very few recent posts, that today’s is another outfit, but I didn’t want to miss this month’s Changing With The Seasons post, so I just had to pop this up. I really hope you don’t mind! I’ll try and have some different kinds of posts up soon… I’m just still trying to get my mojo back. Anyway, here’s how to dress for summer…

WHAT I WORE: Embroidered Blouse Dress (ASOS) // Vintage Floral Denim Two-Piece (Jumble Sale) // Blue Pleated Skater Skirt (H&M) // Nike Trainers (JD Sports)*

Okay, let’s just jump to it… THIS. TWO. PIECE. I don’t even care if 99% of this post is just all about the jacket and skirt, because looook. at. it. You won’t believe this when I say it, but I picked this up for £5.00 at a jumble sale. It fits like a glove and it is just stunning. I probably styled it in a bit of an odd way, but I was just too excited to share it that I had to include it.

The print is just beautiful and gives that sort of modern vibe even though the set is obviously vintage. I’d say it is probably an 80s/90s piece due to the baggy arms and oversized feel, but I honestly don’t mind at all. I think it’s going to be so fun to style, especially as you can wear the jacket and skirt separately. No doubt you’ll see it in a future #OOTD!

Now let’s talk about what’s underneath (okay, well erm… I probably worded that wrongly)… firstly, the top. This is actually a fairly old ASOS purchase, which I don’t tend to wear as it’s a fairly scratchy material but I think it worked well for an added contrast of colour.

Next up, where is the blue skirt? It’s like the Where’s Wally? of an outfit post… but it’s fairly simple. So I didn’t cheat, and stayed tied up with the CWTS series, I popped the skirt underneath my new floral denim number and created a faux pleated hem. What d’ya think? Yay or nay?

~ SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE ~

And as I like to do for this lil’ series, here’s my video! It’s just a fun way to show you what the outfit’s really like on and get a bit creative. I think I may have had the exposure settings a bit wrong with this one, so sorry about the darkness, but I think it’s okay… I hope you enjoy a very rare YouTube appearance from me.

Hopefully I’ll be back soon with a very exciting announcement (hopefully) so do stay tuned! I think August is going to be a very busy and eventful month so hopefully in September I’ll be back to my usual self again, brimming with ideas and hopefully posting more designed based posts. That’s my goal! Until then… speak soon 🙂

Aloha! Well, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’m sure most of you would have seen my updates, but if not, I’ve been on a bit of an “accidental” blogging break. I totally ran out of motivation and ideas, but by the looks of things, *fingers crossed*, I’m back! And today, I’m talking all things ethical… (ooh and yes, that title does read “give-away”…)

~ ASOS AFRICA  BLOUSE ~

After watching The True Cost (which is on Netflix now by the way), I have genuinely not purchased anything other than something second hand, and well, this gorgeous blouse. I’m not saying the film will turn you away from shopping and fashion completely (I mean, seriously, who could live without either), but it will definitely change your mindset. Fo’ sure. So, when I was browsing ASOS (as you do), I remembered that they have an ethical line called “ASOS Africa“, and I knew I had to have a nosey!

I straight away, saw this gorgeous blouse that was in the sale and I knew that the jumper I had been eyeing up, would simply be left to be purchased by somebody else… within a few moments, the blouse was paid for. Now, I probably am rather late to the ASOS Africa train, but I still think it’s something to look into. What on earth is it, you say?

ASOS Africa is the collection which is produced by SOKO (a clothing workshop in Kenya). It provides donations from sales and donates them to the workshop and fund. In all, it helps families in Kenya, providing free lunches and on-site childcare. I have to be honest, that I can’t find anywhere else that says much more than that, but I do like the idea that my purchase goes to helping workers more than just a few pence or pounds.

Every ASOS Africa piece is made in Kenya and is part of ASOS’ “Green Room” group. The Green Room is a selection of brands that are either ethical, sustainable or both. Brands like People Tree are part of the group which makes it super easy to shop online, knowing that you’re doing some good.

I’m so glad that I’ve started my ethical wardrobe with a brand I adore and trust. So… with that, I want you to start building your ethical wardrobe too! So, y’know, I made a give-away and all that jazz…

THIS GIVE-AWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED! CONGRATS!

RULES ETC: The give-away is open worldwide (please see ASOS’ delivery guide for more info), and will close on the 27th July 2015. You must select a prize from the selection above. The prize will be purchased by myself, and is in no way partnered with ASOS. If you’re under 13, please get parental permission as I will need your delivery address.

Aren’t I nice? Just follow the instructions above, and one of those items could be yours! Take a peep and see which takes your fancy! 🙂 It’s open worldwide too, so pretty cool, huh? I hope you liked this post and it opened your eyes to something a little bit different. I’ll hopefully speak soon, and in the mean time…. GOOD LUCK! 😀

Long time no outfit post, heh? The days fly by and when I look at the date of my last one I think, really?! Jeeeez, it’s been a while! Anyway, today’s post is in celebration of the ridiculous weather right now. Some days you think “Ahh, so beautiful, sunshine and warmth…” and on other days you think “This is too hot. Where is the rain?”, but I’d like to celebrate the beautiful side of it today. Let’s talk more about what I’m wearing for it then, shall we?

WHAT I WORE: Good Morning Sweatshirt (Wildfox Kids)* // Super Crop Top (ASOS) // Multi-print Maxi Skirt (Jumble Sale) // White Flats (Random Store) // Sunglasses (Polaroid)

I’ve decided that this is a very “me” outfit. I always take a fairly ordinary outfit and make it weird somehow by adding a bold (and beautiful) skirt, but hey ho! The most “normal” (I mean really, is there such a thing as “normal”?) piece in this outfit is my new Good Morning Wildfox jumper which I am simply in love with! Grey slogan tops are such a simple way to pull an outfit together and this is my most recent addition to my collection. I love the slouchy vibes and the frayed edges. What d’ya think?

The more “weird” part of this outfit is my crazy skirt which was a jumble sale find, from ages ago. I absolutely love it… once again, it has a rather slouchy fit to it like the jumper, but the print makes up for the casual vibes. I love how floaty it is and it probably is one of my favourite skirts to date.

To be quite honest, I’d probably only wear the jumper with this outfit, in the evenings, so to make it a bit more daytime friendly, I also wore my Super crop top, which still keeps the slogan in there. I also like how it pops out on your shoulder when you are wearing the sweatshirt on top!

That GIF took me way too long to make, so you better watch it about 10 billion times and truly appreciate it. Look at that spin! I’m a ballerina. Like, a legit ballerina…. I kid. Although, I did use to be! I think it lasted a year when I was about 4, so it probably doesn’t really count but erm… oh well!

Sunglasses time! I’m a big sunglasses fan, so when I see a pair I like, I take them… quite literally in fact. I’m pretty sure Mama Posh has no idea that these have been stolen adopted by me! I love the vibe they give off though… they have that retro French feel to them and they make me feel pretty bad-ass when paired with a black floppy hat. I’m not sure they’re available to buy now though, I’m afraid! I think they’ve possibly been in my mum’s drawer for a few years…

Finally, the shoes… this pair are not only good looking, comfortable and affordable, but they’re also great for making my tan look a bit darker than it really is. I can definitely count it as one, right? 2 days at the beach in one week, can do that, can’t it? Speaking of shoes, I recently passed on my floral Dr Martens as they were too small and now I really want a new pair… must resist! 

Is it full on summer where you are now? What have you been wearing in the sunshine? Let me know in the comments so we can chat!

Very recently I have become truly mesmerized by the beauty of which is, Valentino. I feel like I should have been a big fan ever since I became interested in Fashion, but only recently has it really occurred to me to look deeper into the latest collections and the in’s and out’s of the fashion house. I’ve more specifically fallen in love with Valentino’s Pre collections. If you don’t know what that is… it’s another full (or half) collection inbetween a season. It could also be called a “Resort” collection too!

~ VALENTINO PRE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 ~
(Images via Vogue.co.uk)

First, let’s discuss the most recent ‘pre-collection’; Spring/Summer 2016. I recently read a comment on an article where somebody was saying that Valentino was getting boring. I can see why (and you will probably) but I personally can push through all of that, starting with this collection. It is utterly divine.

It’s the most intricate mix of South American inspired pieces, heavily embellished and embroidered florals and sleek silhouettes. As you will see from the other highlights in this post, my heart always falls for the embellishments and embroidery. It honestly makes me squeal inside and I almost find it making me feel speechless. There is something so beautiful about fashion when it becomes more of an art form, and this in my opinion, is a great example.

~ VALENTINO PRE AUTUMN/WINTER 2015 ~
(Images via Vogue.co.uk)

This was really the collection that started my adoration for Valentino, and it’s the latest Autumn/Winter edition. When a collection is so clear in direction, it’s another way to make my mouth fall open in awe. I love what Valentino did with the pieces… inspiration coming from both the sky and the Earth, with the beautiful patterns of botanical plants and flowers, and (of course) the embroidery of the stars and planets.

There are also the more simpler and wearable pieces which I believe are representing the “core” of both the collection and the world. The collection was meant to emphasise the fact that fashion can’t change the world, but peace and love can. Honestly the thing that makes me smile the most, is the sheer amount of detail that goes into every piece. It’s beautiful.

~ VALENTINO PRE SPRING/SUMMER 2015 ~
(Images via Vogue.co.uk)

I think this collection shows that Valentino still has the cool factor. There maybe a few repetitive styles (including the ridiculously amazing embroidered dresses), but the collections are still fresh and modern. With this being the collection that most people would be wearing currently (…feels weird seeing as this was on show such a long time ago…), the seventies vibes are spread on thinly throughout every piece.

But, if you go and take a look at the collection for yourself, you’ll see that the real showstopping pieces didn’t feature any suede tassels. A wave of bold prints in rainbow colours attract the most attention. What do you think of the sudden twist in the Valentino Pre Spring/Summer collection? Did it fit in or was it too much of a daring contrast? I like it!

Which Valentino “Pre” collection has been your favourite? I can’t decide! Let me know in the comments…

I’m sorry for the rather boring title of this post but I really had no other ideas on how to describe this one! The thing is, I’m in a bit of a pickle… well, not literally; my head is not inside a small chunk of gherkin (although do feel free to imagine that scenario)… I’m just in a bit of a puzzle about blogging… once again, not literally, but do feel free to imagine that as well!

~ OOH, AN UPDATE ~

The weird thing is, a few weeks ago I was actually rather stressed about my blog and I was panicking over pleasing brands and not cramming too much in… and now I’m at the complete opposite end of the scale.

I’m not having a “blogger’s block” but I’m completely dried up. I’ve been busy with my offline life and suddenly my online one feels a bit deserted. My blog schedule has been empty and when I go to write a post, the idea has gone and the motivation has been used for something else.

I strive to make this blog interesting… I know that it has the capability to develop even more so I have to have 100% concentration, and right now I don’t. I’m one of those people who gets stuck in ruts very quickly and it’s a real shame because I have definitely not given up or anything like that.

WHAT I WORE: Crochet Top (Jumble Sale) // Zebra Top (Jumble Sale) // Necklace (Chelsea Doll) // Bun Crown (DIY)

I believe one of the main reasons I’ve been quiet is because of the very exciting thing that is, Mooi en Lief by TDP. It’s all coming together and I know that once it’s off the ground I’m going to be full of energy again. It’s like watching a big wave come towards you. You know it’s coming but when the water crashes, you realise that you rather underestimated the size of it. I guess I just really don’t want that to happen.

I’m a perfectionist too, so I always like to make sure what I do is tip-top-a-roo, and letting down people can really make me feel rather paranoid. So, I suppose this is me saying to you that you should just hold your breath whilst this wave comes because I promise you it’ll be worth the wait… does that make any sense at all?!

Here’s to the next month or more and this blog taking on new and exciting adventures. Sometimes it’s nice to take a breather even if it’s unexpected, hey? …seriously, I have genuinely know idea if any of this made a single bit of sense!

…also, here’s to new profile pictures! Cheers 😉

“Dear my little earthlings,” was how I used to introduce my posts on my old Tumblr blog when I was 10… yup, most of you won’t know but I was still blogging back then. I used to write super short and simple posts to an audience of around…. 0? So, when I was recently sorting through some of my old bits and bobs, I discovered an old Tumblr/blogging notebook which was pretty much half empty. What was in that notebook you ask?

In my super duper, pretty much empty notebook I found a few odd (and pretty darn awful) sketchy drawings of ideas for my future as “TDP”. Back then (LOL, I’m talking about it as if it’s been twenty years) I had more of a vision of being this sort of cool, hip, high street store so the ideas I had were really based around that kinda’ thing. I drew a scribble of a cash register (with even descriptions of what some of the buttons meant) and some ideas for the price tags for both men’s and women’s clothes.

So, I was like… It’s been over five years since I created them, so why not make my “10 year old TDP” ideas come to life? So I did! I fiddled around on Photoshop, tweaked the Bevel & Emboss settings and added all the right components for a… Tolly Dolly Posh Club card! Yeah that’s right, a points card… 💳

After fiddling around for a while, I came up with the design above. It looks a lot different from the original drawing (below), but what I do like is the fact that I was using purple back then… and purple is one of my main branding colours now. Anyway, what do you think? I’m actually really chuffed with how it came out. I did try to make the price tags but the original design was so bad that it just didn’t look right at all. But, I think 10 year old Tolly would be impressed… if I do say so myself…!

So, don’t go throwing away those silly little notebooks full (or well, half empty) of scribbles and future ideas. Keep them not only to reflect on how your skills have developed, but to remind you of where you’ve come from for when things start changing or moving in the future. I’m glad that I looked back on these funny ideas I had and made them come to life. Maybe one day they’ll be a real thing?! Who knows? I guess that’s the cool thing about blogging… it’s a place where all your memories and thoughts can be stored forever, in the form of a creative hobby.

💳 What do you think of my Tolly Dolly Posh Club card mock-up? Have you ever taken something from the past and made it come to life again? Let me know in the comments! 💳