Tall Talk Tuesday 3: Stephanie AKA Steph Dreams (5' 11")

Tall Talk Tuesday is where I'll introduce you to real people, tall or not so tall people!  We'll have a chat and a nose in their wardrobe, share funny tales...  Today I bring you Stephanie from StephDreams.  I have had the pleasure of sharing a cocktail or two with Steph at several events over the years.  We have had a giggle!  When she is not blogging about her style, Steph has adventures with her gorgeous tiny puppy called Severus and also shares posts on her forthcoming wedding (which will feature Disneyland- she's a big Disney fan).

The Lovely Stephanie!

How tall are you?

5ft 11”

Tall: Like or Loathe it?

Like it now, when I was growing up not so much

Where do you buy most of your clothes from?           

Primark

Are there any places you find the clothes too short?

Not really any more, again when I was growing up it was so hard and when Topshop “tall” came along it was amazing. Now I don’t wear trousers alot/that need to be so long

Stephanie wearing tights and a skirt (New Look)

Any funny ‘tall person’ storied to share?

Not funny really, but I remember reading in More that an actress was 5ft 9, and the caption was how she was such a giant. 

Who is your style inspiration? 
I don't have one person in mind but I love reading blogs and getting ideas from there. I hardly ever buy magazines now, as I like style to be more personal and easy to access. I also love seeing what the models wear online modelling the clothes, I think some times it can be a little more daring or different so it's good to step out of your 'norm' every now and again. 

Any tall dressing style tips?

Just go with what you feel happy with. I wear skirts/dresses and tights a lot, but that’s mainly because of my weight and not my height. Coming to terms with some places making small and short items is just a sad fact.

What is the best thing about being tall?

I like standing out a little bit more and it’s nice to be able to see over many heads

And the worst?

Being “a giant”

Stephanie wearing a lovely floral dress and looking fantastic.

Any words of wisdom you’d like to add?
I'm not sure I have any of use. But I think just go with your height and work it how you feel best. It was such a big thing when I was growing up and into my early twenties even, but now it doesn't even cross my mind- unless I see a gorgeous pair of heels I'd like to rock. I also record falling in love with a tall man ;) 

 

Thank you so much to Stephanie for appearing in on 'Tall Talk Tuesday' this week.  Please do check out Stephanie's blog at www.Stephaniedreams.com for style, decoration, puppy and wedding posts or follow her daily tweets and instagram pictures at @StephDreamsBlog.

Are you a fan of tights and skirts?  Leave a comment below- or just leave a comment to say thank you to Stephanie.  Thank you comments are always welcome :)

Would you like to take part in Talk Talk Tuesday?  Send me an email or comment below.  To read previous 'TTT' click here.

Stand Tall x 

P.s. Don't forget my Gogo Philip NEcklace Giveaway! (link)

The World's Oldest Handbag!

The oldest surviving handbag in the world!

While reading the news yesterday I found out the world's oldest surviving handbag has been identified.  It was made in Mosel, Northern Iraq and looks pretty amazing considering it was made in the 14th Century!  Scientists were trying to work out what it was, and suggested all sorts of uses from a document wallet, to book bag.  Now, they have decided it is a women's handbag.

Scene on the lid using gold and silver on brass.

It is made of brass, inlaid with gold an silver.  The decoration shows Islamic scenes, with some reference to the Il-Khanid dynasty (Mongolian ruler who took over in the 14th Century).  Whats more it is currently on display at London's Courtauld Gallery till mid May (link) and costs entry costs just £3 if you go on a Monday!

See the lady looking at her reflection in the mirror?

Looking at the bag, I can't quite take in how old it is.  It looks like there was a strap (as there is a strap ring at the side).  It sort of reminds me of a metal lunch pail (but more ornate).  I love the Arabic and Moreish design with the beautiful scalloped edge- though I am not sure if it would be heavy to carry about.  That said, my (lighter material) bag is often too heavy.  If anyone else has to move my bag, they often groan and puff exclaiming how 'heavy' my bag is and 'what on earth do you carry about in it?'!  At least if my bag was metal, I would have an excuse as to its weight!

Was this lunch pail inspired by the oldest surviving handbag in the world?

This is one bag I would have loved to have seen on Youtube with a 'What's in my bag?' tag- even more so if a 14th century noble lady was presenting the video!  I wonder if this 'oldest surviving handbag' declaration will see any similar bags creep out of the woodwork.  I can sort of imagine Indiana Jones carting one of these about instead of his leather satchel- carrying lost treasures around safely.

I am predicting that one or two designers will have a collection out shortly, heavily influenced by this bag.  I like middle eastern design so I'd be quite happy to see this trend next season.

Do you like this bag?  Are you a fan of middle eastern design?
 

You can read more about this bag here.  Photos credited to Courtauld Gallery.

If you enjoyed this post, don't forget to subscribe via GFC, Facebook, bloglovin or twitter :)

Stand Tall x

P.s. My Gogo Philip Necklace Giveaway closes this week (link).

Tall Talk Tuesday 2: Jessica Low AKA The Real JLow (5'11")

Tall Talk Tuesday is where I'll introduce you to real people, tall or not so tall people!  We'll have a chat and a nose in their wardrobe, share funny tales...  (Firstly I hope you like the new blog design!).  Today I bring you Jessica Low from The Real JLow- blogger, entertainment marketeer and  fellow tall girl.

The beautiful Jessica!

Tell us about you? 

Hi there! Can I start by saying how great it is to meet all you lovely tall ladies? Living in our little town I sometimes forget that there are others out there that are as tall as me and might also suffer the same tall problems so it’s great to be able to share! So, a little bit about me then? Well my name is Jess and I blog over at several establishments but primarily, www.therealjlow.wordpress.com and thevintagecupboardlifestyles.wordpress.com with my bestie Gemma. On my personal blog I speak about all things lifestyle and a lot about my personal style as a tall girl!

While in my real life I am a content producer in the entertainment biz (I basically write a lot and create marketing campaigns by the bucket load . . .) I also help out with my mum’s new business Phoenix and the Lion (link) which is all about antique, vintage and new home wares and furniture.

           

How tall are you?

5ft 11, officially. I just checked and damn. . . I’ve shrunk. I’m not entirely sure how this happened. . . (I’m pretty cut up about it actually; no wonder shopping has become easier! Or maybe I just go more, opps.

 

Matching red bag and shoes

Like or Loathe your height?

Love it. As a kid it was a different story however. After all, who wants to stand out of the crowd at that age? But as I grew older I definitely began loving my height and I still do. (Even when the clothes I want don’t fit!) 

Where do you buy most of your clothes?

Tricky . . . I seem to go through phases. At the moment it’s all about Next, Dorothy Perkins, Clarks and Gap but I also buy cheap shoes from New Look and I usually hit up the sales at Zara and H&ampM. That being said however Josh and I are going to go check out the long section at Boden next week so I’ll get back to you guys with my verdict. I love Boden anyhow (I already have a dress and jumper from there so to find that I can wear their trousers would be awesome!).  On a side note, if you want a cheap fix (and your body shape works with them) Primark do great jean lengths. Even their regular length is long enough for me! 

Are there any places you find the clothes too short?

I hate to say that I can’t shop anywhere; it’s like my worst nightmare but if I had to choose, Zara. Their jeans are definitely cropped on me. However if blogging this last year has taught me anything it’s to make fashion work for me (not the other way around.) So I do still buy their jeans. This is mainly because they fit great everywhere else and I just roll them up and wear them with heels instead! 

 

Rolled up jeans and heels- great tip and great look!

If you’re a little older I can also tell you that Country Casuals and Viyella are so not great for tall girls so unless you’re petite it’s a no go! John Lewis’s own brand clothes, again too short and Marks and Spencer’s unless it’s been made to be long on regular height people. 

What was it like growing up tall?

 It was good. I come from a tall family on my mum’s side where me and my mum are actually the shorter ones so it was never anything odd being tall it was just what we always were. If we have one bug bear it’s when as a kid, people would always come over and exclaim about how big you’ve gotten! I feel like we spent years trying to get people to say tall, not big.  (5foot10: Yes we so know 'that' feeling!  See my post 'TALL is not BIG!')

Any funny ‘tall person’ storied to share?

I literally have none. I have plenty of funny tales, but nothing tall specific. Gonna have to work on that now you’ve mentioned it however! I love Buzzfeed for all their tall thoughts . . . 17 everyday struggles of being tall (link), the absolute worst parts about being tall (link) and 'Everyday struggles of a tall girl' (video).

Jessica is a fan of vintage style

Who is your style inspiration?

Style inspiration? Tough one. In recent years it’s been all about the bloggers and not always even the tall ones. I’m a massive fan of people like Selective potential (link), Jen Loves Kev (link), Style of a London Tall Girl (link), Amy’s Vintage Closet (link) and Karla’s Closet (link). Celebrities wise I have always wanted to be as polished and consistent as Lauren Conrad (link) but I have realised now that I love colour and mixing it up too much to try to keep to one style/look forever. I also love the whimsy of Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls (link) so I like to add a bit of fun to most of my outfits nowadays. 

Channeling a little Lauren Conrad Style?

Any tall dressing style tips?

The hardest thing I have had to learn is to buy when it’s perfect and to not panic buy. Trying to remember that there will be more long jeans/tops and that they need to fit great everywhere else not just in leg/arm lengths has been a massive learning curve for me. So the best thing I can tell you is to shop for a wardrobe that suits you as the tall gorgeous woman that you are not what the trends dictate we should be buying.

What is the best thing about being tall?

Seeing over crowds? I’m not sure what the best thing is, all I know is I like being able to see over people especially at concerts when it never really matters where you stand you’ll always see somewhat and if you get pulled in a mosh pit you’re far less likely to be suffocated by everyone else around! (If you’ve ever stood at a Paramore concert you’ll probably know all about the poor petite girls being pulled out because of the heat!)

 

No need to take high heels to a gig!

And the worst?

Being taller than Josh in heels and . . . finding the perfect skirt lengths! Nightmare . . .

Tall + High heels.  Yes or No?

A yes! I would wear heels all the time if I could! However with a previous ankle injury it’s not always a possibility for me without falling out with my ankle!

Any words of wisdom you’d like to add?

Never be afraid to wear something because you feel like you might stand out even more! I like to think that I was tall for a reason and that’s not to be a shrinking violet!

'I was tall for a reason and that's not to be a shrinking violet!'

Thank you so much to Jessica for taking part in tall Talk Tuesday.  If you have enjoyed this post, have any comments or questions, please leave them below.  Stuck for words?  Please post a comment and say thank you to Jessica!  Don't forget to pay a visit to her blogs www.therealjlow.wordpress.com and thevintagecupboardlifestyles.wordpress.com or say hello to her on twitter.

Stand Tall x

P.s. My Gogo Philip necklace giveaway is still running!

Spend / Save: Watches by Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Fossil

I pretty much always wear a watch.  I feel lost without one.  Yes I have my phone, but I still prefer glancing at my wrist to see if I am on time or (fashionably) late.  I like the feel and look of an accessory on my wrist.  Of course watches take ages to run out of battery power (unlike several phones I know...) and I think a watch can finish an outfit perfectly.  I found four lovely and similar watches by Gucci, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Fossil.  The question is, Spend or Save?

Top left- clockwise.  Gucci, Michael Kors, Fossil, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

From the top left watch going clockwise we have....

Gucci YA055212 G-Class bracelet Stainless Steel Watch £560

Michael Kors MK3228 Lexington Stainless Steel Watch £165

Fossil Cecile AM4509 Stainless Steel Watch £115 (though don't forget to save your HOF points!)

Marc by Marc Jacobs MBM3210 Stainless Steal Watch £185

Seeing as they are all stainless steel and tell the time, then it just boils down to design.  However if you prefer to save a chunk of money, get a student discount (or use a voucher code) and save some money towards something else then Dorothy Perkins have a similar chunky silver watch for £18 (less with discounts).

Dorothy Perkins Chunky Silver Watch £18

Do you spend on watches or save?  Which one would you choose if they were all the same price?

(Also I'm testing out a few new design themes on the blog.  Constructive feedback is welcome- is this colour too bright?)

Stand Tall x

P.S. Don't forget my Gogo Philip Necklace Giveaway (link)

Gogo Phillip Necklace Giveaway!

Italian brand Gogo Philip designs really cute pieces of retro inspired 'Vintage Bijoux' jewellery.  Georgi ‘Gogo’ Philip Pecenikov inherited Esse-Pi in Milan 2004 and quickly found his range being in Topshop, ASOS and Selfridges in the UK.  However if you are ever near Brick Lane in London, then take a moment to pop into the stand alone store and feast your eyes on some fabulous    Each piece is hand finished and full of character- and I have a piece to giveaway below!

Just look at this ring in the Disney collection (link).  Feminine but also something that will make people smile.  A snip at £10!  However if you are after true affordable but unique pieces, then check out the website's 'Vintage' section- one-off pieces that were made by other firms that no-longer exist.  All very reasonable in price and such a pretty piece of history.

Mickey Mouse ring from Gogo Philip Disney Collection

You lucky lot have the chance to get your hands on a Gogo Philip hand finished necklace- thanks to Gogo Philip.  I run my giveaways with the aid of Rafflecopter- it's just easier to track and even easier for you guys to take part.  All you need to do is be a subscriber (Via GFC or Bloglovin) and leave a comment below telling me your country and where you buy most of your jewelery from.  You can gain an extra entry or 10 via twitter, facebook or a mention on your blog.  Giveaway is international and closes on Feb 27th 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Well done to Victoria for winning the Misguided Lipgloss giveaway!  Please check your emails!

Rules:  I reserve the right to amend or change the giveaway at any point.  I reserve the right to disqualify entrants.  Compers not allowed.  I take no responsibility for the prize once posted.  No alternative prize is offered.  No cash amount is available.  Winner has 7 days to respond.

Olivia Burton Vintage Woodland Watches

I have been a fan of Olivia Burton for a while.  Her elegant but characterful designs appeal to me.  While browsing the Topshop website the other day I came across these beauties.  Woodland creature inspired watches.  Not only do they contain lovely illustrations, they are affordable for the average pocket (especially with a student discount).  These watches epitomise vintage, feminine, delicate beauty and I have added them to my 'wants' list.  What I really need at the moment in new jeans- but with my loathing of trouser shopping, I am procrastinating my staring at pretty watches.....

Olivia Burton Woodland Watches

Olivia Burton watches come in two sizes, with a range of insect or bird illustrations on the faces.  The straps come in metal or material.  To be honest, I want the entire range.  However I narrowed it down to my top three

Woodland Mink Butterfly Watch £58.  I think there are two designs so you can get one with a different colour butterfly. (Far Left) (link)

Mini Hummingbird Watch (£65) with the most delicate and exquisite bracelet strap.  Certainly worth a closer look. (Far Right) (link)

Woodland Butterfly Bracelet Watch (£95).  I think this is my favourite piece and I really want it for my collection.  I love the colours.  Cleverly Olivia has managed to take a large dial watch (which can be quite masculine, and retain a feel of femininity.  (link)

Although I have linked the Topshop website above, you can also view or purchase these online and see other designs at many stores including Asos, The Dressing Room and John Lewis.  There is a full list of UK and international stockists on Olivia Burton's website.  Certainly a brand to watch (sorry, had to be said!)

Stand Tall x

P.s. Don't forget my giveaway!

Spend / Save: Chanel, Mulberry, Jolie Moi

Whether you take a token tiny purse (that holds a postage stamp and nothing else) or, like me, carry everything you may ever possibly need EVER in one large bag....handbags are essential.  The question is, do you invest in one or two classic handbags that will last for life OR do you take the elements, browse the trends and save by purchasing in several cheaper versions?  I found this Jolie Moi handbag and immediately thought of Chanel and Mulberry.

Chanel classic double flap purse (top left), Mulberry bayswater (top right), Jolie Moi mini leather bag (bottom)

Chanel's iconic classic double flap purse may go up in price each year, but it is an investment item.  It's one to be cherished and used for a lifetime.  These bags are expensive and rarely available new online unless 'pre-loved' (or fake!).   A new Classic Chanel bag retails for nearly £3000 so it's easy to see why second hand ones generally go for between £1000 - £2000 (although I did see one genuine second hand Chanel go for £600 recently on ebay).

An iconic British brand is Mulberry.  Leather bags made in Somerset.  These are pretty pricey too (but look more affordable next to the Chanel!).  Mulberry have been recently accused of getting too big for their boots and out pricing themselves.  More on that later, but for now, a trendy Bayswater bag will set you back a cool £895 (at Net-a-porter).

However if you fancy a hint of Mulberry and chanel, but not the hefty price tag then Jolie Moi could be the one for you.  Made of real leather, with a postman's lock (like Mulberry) and with a metal chain (hello hint of Chanel!) BUT with a cheaper price tag.  Jolie Moi's Mini Leather Bag was £65 but is now an ever more affordable £45 at House of Fraser.

Which bag to you prefer?  If they all cost the same, which bag would you pick up?

Stand Tall x

P.s. Don't forget my Giveaway is still open. 

Giveaway: Missguided Lipsplash Glosses

After talking about it for a while, here is the first giveaway on 5foot10!  Thanks to Missguided fashion, I have two lipsplash lip glosses to giveaway to a lucky 5foot10 subscriber.  'Fashion' is a vibrant purple tones cerise, where as 'Peace' is a neutral toned peachy colour.  I normally talk about makeup on my beauty blog but sometimes there is a bit of cross topic.

Missguided Lipsplash Lip Glosses in Fashion and Peace

There are a few online fashion boutiques I shop at, and Missguided are one.  They normally have some gorgeous light maxi dresses in summer (not quite February wear) and a few good knitwear items in the winter.  I am loving this snugly Satomi Eyelash cardigan (link) for just over £20.  I also like them because they list the model's height on their website.  Very helpful. 

How to enter the giveaway.

I use Rafflecopter as it is the easiest way I have found of tracking, verifying and following up giveaways.  This giveaway is open internationally for readers and subscribers of 5foot10- 'compers' will be disqualified.  Closes February 16th at 12pm Midnight GMT.  Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stand Tall x

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to amend or cancel this giveaway at any point.  I also reserve the right to disqualify any entrants.  No alternative prize is offered, and no responsibility will be taken once the winner has been selected.

Find: Vintage Jewellery Antique Blue Broach

There is something very special about a pre-loved vintage item.  It has a story, history and is generally unique.    Hard to find, and hard to replace.  Vintage jewellery is something that always draws the magpie in me.  I have a few pieces which I will share with you on 5 foot 10 in due course.  Today I showcase my vintage antique blue stone broach.

Isn't she pretty? My latest purchase, a blue stone antique broach.

This lovely item has stones arranged in a flower shape.  The stones (most likely blue glass with a glittery backing) are set into a sightly rose looking gold inlay.  In some antique broaches the spin locks can become loose so the broach comes undone and falls off easily.  Thankfully the clasp on this broach is holding up quite well.

I spotted this item in a local charity shop and paid the pricey sum of £6.  I would have paid a little bit more as I think it is gorgeous.  I'd love to know what stories it has to tell- cocktail parties (with glasses of Babycham?), graduation ceremonies, christenings, birthday....  It will jazz up my LBDs (Little Black Dresses) or any formal work outfit.  I'm not sure if I could dress it down, but I'm not sure I would want to.  It screams 'Vintage Hollywood Glamour' to me, and yes it is a bit of costume jewellery, but I've always thought Vintage Hollywood knew how to dress and present themselves.

I almost wish I could wear it back to front.

I can't really give you a link to buy one of these, but these sort of broaches do pop up on ebay (link) so do keep an eye on there, or do as I did and pop into your local charity shop.  You get a pre-loved item and the charity gets vital funds.

Are Vintage Broaches wearable in 2014?  Do you wear broaches?

Stand Tall x