Tolly Dolly Posh

IT’S CHRISTMAS! …time! It’s official, even to you grinches out there, that it is Christmas!  The tree is up, the decorations are out, and the films are on AND I have snow falling on my blog (so festive)! So, what’s better than a bit of a novelty Christmas OOTD? Excuse the cray-cray hair… it was windy okay! Oh and FYI, I have tights on! 

What I Wore: Christmas Pudding Jumper £18.00* (Not for Ponies), Black Velvet Pinafore £22.99* (ARK, Hearts & Bows), Bobbly Santa Headband, & Chelsea Boots (Jumble Sale).

As I said this is a ‘novelty’ outfit, but I actually quite like it… I’m not sure these windy pictures really do the pieces justice, but all of them are really comfortable! I’ve always wanted a pinafore skirt, and this velvet one is perfect! It’s a really nice velvet too, the inside isn’t scratchy and it’s adjustable which is a plus! It looks like a skort in these pictures, but it’s just a plain skater skirt bottom, and I think even with a light t-shirt this could be an all year piece! (PLUS You can get 25% off at ARK with the code: TOLLY25 so happy shopping!) The jumper though… maybe just for winter! I love Not For Ponies, and this jumper is so so warm and snug! I love it to bits! The full appliqué is a Christmas Pud with a moustache! A moustache… I mean?! #christmasswagger

I can’t remember where this is from, or when I got it, but I love my bobbly santa headband! I walked in to McD’s to get a quick snack and by my surprise nobody even smiled at it which sort of made me sad, but oh well! Yes, I do wear it out… Look at that view though? So beautiful! We had a quick drink at this lovely cafe/bookshop and it was very cosy, and they had gorgeous twinkly lights! I really do love this time of the year and I can’t wait for the rest of my family to come over! 😀

I never really do book reviews on here, but I got really excited about fellow blogger, Natasha from The Girl In The Lens‘ book, I just had to let you know about it! If you are a fan of The Hunger Games, you will love this book! ‘THE ELITES‘ is about a city in the future and the two main characters, Silver and Butterfly. Silver is a ‘Red’ and has even more of a struggle through the troubles she gets into, and Butterfly finds out more about his past. It’s a really interesting book and had me hooked the whole way through! Natasha is so nice, and has let me ask her a few questions about her writing…

When you were writing The Elites, did any of your past personal experiences go into it? I didn’t intentionally include events or experiences from my past, but I’m sure they affected how I wrote the book. The racial issues are definitely influenced by me being mixed race and having been brought up in two very different countries and cultures, and my time spent in Malaysia (where my mum is from) and travelling with my parents also inspired the cultural landscape of Neo-Babel. Especially all the food references!

Throughout The Elites you are extremely good at using metaphors, personification etc to describe things, what would be your biggest tip for keeping that up throughout your writing? Oh thank you! I’m so glad you thought so. My biggest tip for varied and unique description is to really immerse yourself in every scene. Imagine you’re there. Feel the slap of the wind on your face, the roar of the air rushing past your ears. Taste the bite of the wind-blown saltwater on your tongue. Just really try and put yourself in each and every scene, noticing every little detail. Then, when you come to describing it as you write, you’ll have so many different sensory experiences to draw from!

Who is your favourite character in The Elites? (Mine has got to be Butterfly!) Butterfly has pretty much been everyone’s favourite so far, which is great, as he’s one of mine too! I love how grounded and strong he is in his values, and how he keeps Silver steady, helping her through the darkest of times. People keep telling me off for giving Butterfly such a tragic story, since he’s such a nice guy!

I’m not sure whether my brother really wanted this out on the internet, but I just had to put it up! He is a bit silly when I am trying to get good pictures… grr! I was so annoyed I had to clearly express myself *face palm* Hahaha!

When browsing the Claire’s site, I found their new ‘Monster’ collection, and then realised, hang on… this is some what like Sulley from Monsters Inc, and here I am now, writing a blog post on Sulley inspired fashion.

Scarf Hat//Fluffy Gloves//Phone Sock//Fluffy Jacket//Black & Blue Snood//Sulley Keyring//Sulley Toy

Blue, fur, everywhere, everyday because I love blue fur, just like Sulley, but I would never kill Sulley for his fur because that is inhumane, and everybody loves Sulley… so? First of all, look at this blue style ‘Spirithood’, scarf, hat, gloves all-in-one thingy-ma-bob, how cool?! It’s blue, it has ears, teeth and eyes, I mean come on?! That would be totally awesome in my wardrobe. Moving on to the fluffy gloves from ASOS… oh wow, they look so so so so warm! Imagine them popping out of a pink coat, with nice blue jeans and some boots *sigh*. I believe my phone though, may just look a tad bit better than me if it were to have this awesome phone sock on it… it has eyes… and it’s fluffy! Oh, and what is better than a blue fluffy jacket, exactly like Sulley’s fur (…I might actually be getting a similar one soon…)?! Topshop sometimes, literally have everything that you could imagine. The jacket would look amazing with a brightly coloured snood, and simple black pieces underneath. Talking of snoods, I have included a ‘pretty much Sulley‘ snood for ya’! If only those spots were purple… oh and don’t forget to be totally Sulley-ed out, you need to add a touch of blue to your bag, so why not add a keyring?! Don’t tell me I went overboard, because I added the toy… yes a Sulley toy. It’s cool though! I definitely think I need some blue fur in my wardrobe now though… OMG, imagine blue fur shoes?! Just imagine… *falls back into clouds of blue candyfloss*

I know you guys like these sort of posts, so I hope you liked this one! It’s a bit random I know, but I’m random so… there is really no excuse. By the way, have you entered my give-away? It’s on my Facebook page and you can win a watch… there really is nothing to lose!

I believe if this is my blog, that I can talk about what I want with in reason… even if it isn’t directly ‘fashion’ related. I love inspiring things, I love that feeling of just being like ‘Awww’ or ‘That’s amazing’, well I have something for you that hopefully should make you feel that way! It is slightly fashion related, in a way but I hope you like it no matter what it is about!

I love this one because it is very theatrical and reminds me of Meadham Kirchoff a lot. I love it so much! Plus, Katy (the lovely lady)’s expression is brilliant! That is a 100% natural too as it was taken just as she opened her eyes! Brilliant! 😀
Ariane is this lady’s name! Look at that hair? That is like crazily cool. I think the blue suits her! Best reaction of the lot, she’s just like *sassy hm-hm-hmmm*

The Mimi Foundation is a foundation for cancer patients, but not just for when they are in Hospital. Mimi help out by giving the patients courage and strength to keep on going through the struggle. The foundation got 20 people who suffered from cancer, and gave them a make-over (which, I think are brilliantly hilarious). They were then seated in front of a one way mirror with a photographer behind, and even if they just forgot about their situation for one second their objective would be completed. I absolutely love some of their responses, and the hair and make-up team really have done an excellent job.

Fabienne reminds me of an american lady who works at a diner. The hair, the bow… retro and kitsch. Brownie points for the amazing reaction too! 😀 
Brigitte… 1 word. Sophistication. #enoughsaid (oh, also maybe a bit of Hairspray inspiration went into this look!) Look at that expression too… :OJeannine… I LOVE the pink colour! I also love the curls and the blue earrings. A nice pop of pink and a trend setting colour.  Not the best of reactions, but still brilliant!

You can buy the book from The Mimi Foundation, and 100% of the money goes towards helping other cancer patients just like these lovely bunch! I really think that is just such a nice idea and even if you don’t know somebody suffering with the same thing, I think you could do it for whatever worry somebody might live with! It just seems like such a fun thing to do to make somebody feel special and ‘care free’, if only for one second. Make sure to go over and give there Facebook page a ‘Like‘ because I think they really do deserve the support!

I know this isn’t a typical blog post for me, but I just loved the video and the pictures that I just had to share it with you! What do you think? Which is your favourite make-over?

(Images from the Mimi Foundation Press Pack)

Last night I sat down and watched a programme on discount stores, like TKMaxx or the Bicester Village, and it came across an interesting point. I’ve discussed it before I believe, but I thought I would just go a step further in voicing my opinions.

Another reason I am interested in discussing this, is after I saw a tweet from a blogger saying they ‘couldn’t compete with other bloggers because they only wear Primark compared to expensive clothing’. And also after the point on the programme which came up when they let people in the public feel a jumper with the label covered by a sticky note (the people had to give a price for how much they would pay, and when the sticky note was taken off, they had to re-price it. The jumper was a Ralph Lauren one, but without the label showing, the people priced it at about £10, and when the label was shown, they tripled the price and said it was worth £30, all because they saw that one label). I find it quite bizarre that people pay more, just because of the make! I have never bought anything because of it’s label, as they say, never judge a book by it’s cover.

I want to talk about the importance of branding and logos in the fashion industry, but the fact that it shouldn’t determine the price of a piece of clothing. Okay, so Ralph Lauren of course wouldn’t be Ralph Lauren without that little-man-riding-a-horse-playing-polo logo (that rhymes), and Chanel wouldn’t be Chanel without the double C’s, but how does a logo make something ‘more valuable’? Branding and logos now mean more than anything, it’s almost a sign of status. If you wear Ralph Lauren, you show that you have a bit more money than someone else, or if you have a Chanel handbag in your arm, then you can afford to splash out on a few bits of leather worth £1000. To be honest with you, I don’t even like the range of Chanel handbags (ooh, controversial I know!), but I think it’s more about status than anything else as I said. Apparently, if I wear H&M and New Look I am not as ‘cool’ and ‘fashionable’ as a luxury buyer, which of course is totally wrong.

I’m not talking about ‘logo t-shirts’ like the Kenzo tiger, I’m talking about the actual label inside tops (you know the ones you have to cut off anyway because they irritate the back of your neck?). Obviously brands have to market their clothes, they want people to know what somebody else is wearing, easily, which is of course what logos do. My question is though, why are they so important to us? Why are we so bothered about the logo that is on my new skirt? Do I look ‘bovvered’ mate, do I? Look at my face… is my face ‘bovvered’? Face? Bovvered? (Catherine Tate references in a rant… #genius)

There are three arguments in my opinion; 1 – Status (no, not the ones that you post on your ‘wall’, but as in £££ status.), 2 – Quality (fabrics etc.), and 3 – ‘Fashion’.
Status – If you are seen with a Mulberry handbag (fake or real), people might think more highly of you (or try and rob you… maybe), and might think that you have a nice job etc etc (of course, you could have got it as a gift or whatever, but this is just for an example).
Quality – A lot of buyers believe that just because it is expensive, means it’s better quality, which of course is true in some cases, but if you watched the programme you  would have seen the fact that outlet stores sometimes only sell ‘outlet only’ pieces, which are cheaper versions, of the actual designer product.
‘Fashion’ – Some people generally think that if a product has one of these logos on it, then it is fashionable, on trend and stylish, and of course the fact that if you’re favourite celebrity is seen wearing that specific designer, you must have it because it’s ‘fashionable’ to them.

Even if you are wearing a false version of a brand’s product, the only reason you bought it to be fair, is because it has the ‘logo‘ on it… right? If you genuinely liked the product, surely you would actually splash the cash for the real deal? The other fact is… just plain and simply… why? What is so super special about a designer piece? I understand if you genuinely love the product, the fabric, the way it looks on you, but if you simply just like it because it has the name on it, and you think it is worth more… why? I really do not understand ‘your’ logic. Just because it says ‘Dior’ on it, doesn’t mean it’s nice… the name might be, but do you actually look at the product? You could probably find something a little bit cheaper which is just as nice, just simply without that label. It’s nice to treat yourself of course, but it’s just a name!

Let me take a celebrity for example… I was shopping in the same shop as Dame Helen Mirren (Insta-pap shot for you here), and she was so miserable, she didn’t even have to say anything and she just didn’t come across nice, and the only reason she is ‘special’ is because she has been in films. She’s like everyone else, we’re all human, like t-shirts are all t-shirts, but with different names on the annoying-neck-irritating labels. When (yes, I just said when, one has to be optimistic these days) I become a fashion designer, I don’t really want to be a ‘designer’. I’d love to be on the catwalks at LFW, but not for being a person who sells £1000 bags just because of the name on them, I want my designs to be available to everyone, and to sell because they are nice. Do you get what I’m saying now? If not I just wasted 1000 words on this post. Great.

Hello everyone, I hope you are all well! Today I have another ‘My Style’ instalment with a nice bit of tartan! I’m currently listening to Daniel Bedingfield (old school tunes) and drinking a nice warm cup of tea whilst my fingers struggle to get from Q to P on a very cold keyboard. P.S If you pop over to my Facebook page, there is a give-away going on to win a leather watch! Go go go!

What I Wore: Grey Coat with Faux Fur Collar (John Lewis), Tartan Dress* (Uncommon Nonsense), Super Soft Long Gloves £5.00 (ASOS) & Dr Martens €35.00 (Jumble Sale).

Before I begin… I finally have some warm gloves! My fingers have been turning into icicles, but after having a browse on ASOS, I decided on these, and they live up to their name, because they are certainly soft and long! Moving onto the main outfit though, this is like my coat. I love it so much and I’m sadly starting to grow out of it, so please John Lewis, can you bring another version out! I received this dress from the lovely people from Uncommon Nonsense, and I had no idea what it was going to be like, and I do really like the tartan, I must admit, but the size is way off for me, but that is only because I am usually a Size 4/6 in ‘bigger’ dresses, so this is just a tad roomy for my liking. It’s nice layered up though, especially with my fluffy jumper.

Can I just say that our grass is looking rather ‘lush’? Just a fact… lol. *back to the dress, Tolly* Oh yes… I like how it has a little bit of detailing so when I wear it with my fluffy jumper it pokes out the top. The dress also came with a faux fur collar, but unfortunately it doesn’t sit perfectly 🙁 so, that’s why I opted for my ‘collared’ coat. (I’m currently typing but unsure what is happening with my thumb, I believe it has lost all feeling and has gone a bit odd. Very strange sensation going on here!) 

N’aww, isn’t Papa Posh a nice photographer? 🙂 So yup, if you did enjoy this post, make sure to give it a bit of love by leaving a comment! As I said at the beginning, there’s a give-away on my Facebook page, so make sure you take a look at that! Good day my lovelies! (I have a numb thumb – I’m a poet and you know it  – to sort out!)

Brrr! It’s a bit cold isn’t it? I have to wear thick tights underneath jeans at the moment! As it is so cold, I thought it would be fitting to do this post about Winter fashion with one of my favourite online shops, ARK Clothing!

Criminal Damage//AX Paris//Cheap Monday (Brands at ARK Clothing – accessories from other brands on the site!)

When I think about dressing for winter, I think comfortable clothes, layers and pieces which are nice and thick, so that is why I selected the three main items in the image above! The Criminal Damage sweater is really warm and snug, and wearing thick sweatshirts in Winter is one of my favourite things to do! I’m not the biggest fan of slogan tops, but this one is in a versatile colour so could go with lots of different things, and would be perfect for casual wear! The AX Paris dress is my favourite piece! I absolutely love swing dresses at the moment because I think they are so flattering and comfortable, and this one is just perfect for the season! I love how it is quite Burberry-esque with the heart print. I also love how it could be dressed up or down, so to be honest, it is quite a good investment! When it comes down to jeans though, this Cheap Monday pair are my cup of tea! They have that slight worn out look, and look super duper comfy! As styled in the picture, they would look great with boots or perhaps a pair of flats and thick socks (or tights underneath!). With any of these pieces, you could layer them with a big fluffy snood, a pair of boots and a nice dainty necklace – oh, and don’t forget those gloves! Everything looks so cosy and warm!

I really like everything at ARK Clothing at the moment, and some of the brands they have are really nice and have some great bargains! I hope you liked this post and if you did, make sure to leave a comment!

(This is a Sponsored Post. I may have been paid or gifted by ARK Clothing but all opinions are 100% honest. Read my full disclaimer here.)

Woah woah woah, it’s December 3rd already?! This year has gone too quickly! Anyhow, today we have a Q&A with November’s advertiser, Lucie from For The Love of Lucie! If you would like to Advertise next month (January) make sure you check out the packages here! 

What inspired you to start your Blog?: I have always loved reading blogs and YouTube videos such as: FleurDeForce and MissBudgetBeauty. So one day I decided to create my little piece of the internet! I also would love to be a make-up artist so another reason was to share my love of beauty and fashion.

Why did you choose Fashion?: I love keeping on top of designer fashion trends, and recreating outfits from high street stores. I really enjoy sharing my outfit ideas and makeup reviews online. It really satisfies me if people find what I write about useful.

What are you top tips on starting a Blog?: Stay organised! Buy notebooks or planners, just anything to stay on top of your posts! Also don’t write posts for views, write what you want to write about (I cant stress this enough!)

What have been your Blogging Targets for this year?: I wanted to balance blogging and school and do regular posting again! I also wanted to reach 50 followers on BlogLovin’ but I am so happy with the amount I have at the moment.

Who are your favourite fellow Bloggers?: I love to read you Tolly! I also love MissBudgetBeauty, A Model Recommends and Madame Gourmand Lifestyle

Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: I love Primark, they have just about everything for amazing prices. Whenever I need something usually the first place I will go is Primark to see if they have what I want in (guilty).

What’s your personal style and what do you do to work it?: I wear what I like and I feel confident in it. My style would probably be girly/edgy. I love love love dresses but I also love throwing an oversized jumper over some comfy skinny jeans.

CHECK OUT FOR THE LOVE OF LUCIE HERE: 
Blog//Twitter//BlogLovin’

**Make sure to check out Let’s See, an amazing photography blog!** (This is a sponsored link)

Hello! I’m really excited about this blog post! Don’t get too excited, I’m not working with Lazy Oaf (…although, I wish I was!), but I love the brand so I thought it would be cool to create a Lazy Oaf inspired design collection, as if I was collaborating with them. I hope you like them, and if you do, make sure you tweet this, and maybe, just maybe, Lazy Oaf might see it! 😉 Oh, and Lazy Oaf (or anyone else), please do NOT pinch any of my ideas! Please! 😉

I thought it would be nice to do a sort of mood board so you can see what feel I was going for. Lazy Oaf are like the God of funky prints, modern pop art, food on clothing and just anything awesome. I wanted to take their love of prints, and also their love of shirts and combine them in my own way. My first thoughts were ice cream, and I wanted to do 4 seasons of ice cream. The classic ice cream and Flake would be for Spring, the melting lollipop for Summer, a pumpkin ice cream for Autumn and the ice cream stuck on a tongue for Winter. Unfortunately I had to go with the 3 seasons of ice cream because the Autumn one didn’t work out so well, but none the less I hope you like my little ideas!

Spring/Summer (Ice Cream): Pastel Pink Ice Cream Print Crop Top & Pastel Pink and Blue Ice Cream Print Spot ‘Skort’ with Pom-Pom Trimming 
I really like this because the pastel colours just add that perfect base for all things Spring. I also love how they are quite subtle, but they bring both the top and ‘skort’ to life. The top would be cropped with short sleeves and a high neck line, giving it that 90s, retro feel, which I think Lazy Oaf are all about. The ‘skort’ would have a pom-pom trim which just adds that little bit more texture and layers to the piece, and I think that is what Lazy Oaf often do. I think you could make some really nice outfits from these pieces, whether you like pink, or you just love anything retro! I also love how the ‘skort’ could be used as a piece of beachwear.

Autumn/Winter (Frozen Tongue – left): Green and Blue Tie Dye Blouse and Skirt with Frozen Togue Print. Spring/Summer (Ice Cream – right): Charcoal Black Polo Neck Top and High Waisted Skater Skirt with Ice Cream Print 
These are my two favourite designs because I think they are classic Lazy Oaf. I love how on the blouse and skirt (left), the Frozen Tongue print just pops against the green and blue tie dye. As I said, Lazy Oaf love using shirts with prints, so I had to include one, and I think this one is perfect, and because it has the green in there, it really fits in with the A/W feel. You could pair the two together, or you could wear it is separately, which I think any collection needs to offer. With the top and skirt (right), I think they would be perfect for all seasons because you could easily layer them, and the ice cream print again, just adds that perfect extra boost for a new layer and dimension.

Autumn/Winter Menswear (‘I Scream’): Charcoal Black and White Top with Lazy Oaf in Pink and I Scream Text & Charcoal Black Beanie Hat with Embroidered Melting Ice Lolly and I Scream Text 
I think I had to include some menswear in this mini design collection, because the Lazy Oaf guys are ‘stylish’ haha! I think that these pieces are very ‘Lazy Oaf Guy’-ish (lol)! The top would have Lazy Oaf on the front filled in with the Frozen Tongue print, and would have patches of ‘I Scream’ text on the hem and sleeves. The beanie would have embroidered ‘I Scream’ text and the 2 embroidered Melting Lollies, which I think is a nice contrast between Summer and Winter.

I hope you liked this little design collection, and if you did, please please please leave a comment, or tweet it because wouldn’t it be fabulous if Lazy Oaf saw it?! Urmm.. yes! Thank You 😀

Hello! Sorry I haven’t blogged in a while, I just haven’t been in the right mood…? Anyhoo, following on from my Budget Christmas Shopping Guide, I thought I would do a Wishlist. Now, just so you know, I do not expect all or even any of these things. They are just a few things which I would ask Santa for, if he was real. Fabulous, now I have the pressure and stress of hoping that nobody just found out that Santa wasn’t real… owww. 

(Sorry, I added the Furby at the last minute so 11, is just hanging’ with the under 10s)

1: SheInside Crazy Cat Sweatshirt – There are 2 reasons I want this… 1, being the fact that it has a cat on it, and 2, it reminds me of something I read the other day. Basically I gave Paloma Posh (my cat) a tiny crumb of chocolate cake and my eldest brother said ‘Don’t give her chocolate’ so I looked it up, and well, you can read this for yourself. It’s not the nicest, but at the time I found it hilarious, and I believe this jumper sort of sums it up! (I believe I now sound extremely weird and slightly sad…)

2: UNIF Biker Jacket – A thing of beauty. It is just gorgeous. It has white sleeves, and a holographic torso, with chunky white buckles, what more could you want? I could just imagine me opening it up now… *imagines herself floating on a candy floss cloud cradling the jacket like a baby* (Okay, now I sound very weird)

3 & 4 & 6: ASOS Holographic Flats, ARK Boots & Motel Bag – Take classic school style flats, add a white sole and shiny silver. Yup, basically my idea of a perfect shoe. I feel like if I get a pair of holographic shoes, my wardrobe would be complete. I could start to wear ‘my’ kind of outfits because ‘my’ kind of shoes would be in my collection. I’m sorry there is so much holographic in this post  9+858.21.;’, How rude, I am being interrupted by my brother who is attacking the keyboard  but I just love it! The boots are just perfect because when you don’t want to wear an ordinary pair of flats, you can wear a Dr Marten style boot. Perfection, plus they aren’t even that expensive! Oh, and the holographic bag as well, yeah. Wouldn’t mind some holographic paint too, so I can just paint my whole entire life all shiny and iridescent…

5: Moooh Cloud Print Jacket – Do I really need to explain? I thought not… oh okay then, well basically it has clouds on it, sooo…?

7: Nikon 35mm 1.8 Lens – Ever since I read this post on Wish Wish Wish, I have never stopped obsessing over the fact that I am living without such a thing. I thought the lens I had was good, but oh boy, this one has 1.8 aperture and that’s just like… mental.

8: Lipstik Lillian Shoes – I love these! I’ve always been a fan of the chunky white shoe, but when I saw this particular pair, I fell in love. Unfortunately I believe they are only available in Australia, so if anyone can find me a European pair, then do let me know! 😉

9 & 10: Gracie Girl & Mon Amie Fabrics – I’ve recently, been really wanting to start making my own dresses. Unfortunately France don’t have the best supply of fabrics (well, where I live anyway), and even when I find some, they are extortionately priced, so when I found Bloomerie Fabrics, I knew I had to add these fabrics to my Wishlist! Imagine making a smock dress in the fabrics on the right (10)? Gorgeous.

11: Furby Boom ‘Cube’ – I know, slightly random, but that Argos advert is really making me want one! My sister used to have one and apparently it started driving the family insane, but hopefully there has been an improvement! The new ones mean you can hatch baby Furbies on your iPad/iPhone, and do all the usual stuff. I know it really is a bit weird, but I seriously want one! I want to make it be like… my minion.

So there we have it! I don’t really want much this year, I must be getting older *sigh*… Although, I do really want some ASOS vouchers and a Saxophone, so if you do want to send me anything here is my address: JUST KIDDING. 😉

What do you want for Christmas?! Let me know by leaving a comment…

**Make sure you check out Let’s See! A gorgeous photography blog which I absolutely love!** – This is a sponsored link.

I live in France most of the time, which means I know a bit about how the French lifestyle works, from the fact that they take their lunch breaks seriously – I’m talking, lock up the shop and have a 2 hour nap – to the annoying point that they still don’t understand the ‘sandwich’. So, being a ‘fashionista’, means I am also interested in the fashion side of things, which means it basically means it is obligatory for me to do this post on the reality of French fashion…

When you think of France, you think Fashion – mode -, Wine – vin -, and Food – nourriture -, non? That’s exactly what I expected when we settled into our new surroundings. I was excited to do street style (which is still yet to be done), and to infuse the French style into my own. If you haven’t been to France yet, or you have only been to Paris, you may not realise but when people say ‘French Fashion’ to be honest, they just mean, ‘Paris Fashion’ or ‘Canne Fashion’, or basically ‘The Richer Cities in France Fashion’… pretty much. Let me explain what I mean…

(Both images via Pinterest (Left – by H&M))

When I leave the house and ‘go to town’, most of the people I see are wearing, either jeans and a jumper, or a black dress and boots. Now don’t get me wrong, nothing is wrong with any of that, but when you think ‘French Fashion’, you think the whole of France is ‘trendy’ or ‘fashionable’. I usually stick out like a sore thumb when I’m wearing the clothes I wear, and I was really surprised! It’s not like the towns around me are poor, or really unknown, we live near a city which has a pretty big airport, and big chain stores like Lafayette (similar to John Lewis in the UK), and yes I do see a few more expensive handbags, but it’s still not what you might expect of France. I’ve also been to a few cities along the coast, and they are still not the stylish places that have been hyped up for being like. Then there is the food… the menus are all the same, with burger, pizza and sausage and chips, not once have I seen the gourmet, ‘photoshopped’ looking meals. I think the only thing which is correct about the French expectations, is the wine!

Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t been to Paris myself personally, but from what people I know have said, it’s a capital of style, fashion, wealth and food. That’s the exact opposite of what it’s like round here, totally! So, when they say ‘French Fashion’, I really don’t think they mean it literally. Don’t get me wrong though, France is a beautiful place, and I love the experience of being here, but I would just say one thing. Don’t expect what the magazines say, well, unless you are in Paris.

If you liked this post make sure you leave a comment with your opinions on French fashion, and also, don’t forget to follow my blog on BlogLovin‘ to keep up to date with my new posts!