Tall Talk Tuesday: Lauren AKA Lauren Loves (5' 9.5")

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 Lauren of Lauren Loves Blog.  Lauren has been a blog friend for many years- we met via several events and she is really sweet.  Her blog is a place for her passions- beauty, fashion and day trips out with friends (and her very cute puppy!).  She also has flawless skin.

Lauren Loves Pink Hair!

 

Tell us about you?

My name is Lauren and I write www.laurenlovesblog.com – a blog about fashion, makeup, hair, baking and anything else I see and love!

How tall are you?

I’m 5 foot 9 ½ - I grew an inch 10 years ago when I had a spine operation meaning I can’t even slouch to hide how tall I am!

Like or Loathe your height?

A bit of both. Some days I love my height – being able to see at concerts, being able to pull off many different styles of clothes and being described as “legs up to here” are all pretty awesome. Some days it’s fairly rubbish, like when I hang out with my tiny friends or mum. I joke that when I wear heels with my friends I must look like a man in drag compared to them!

Lauren loves the outdoors

Where do you buy most of your clothes?

Most of my clothes come from Zara, Mango and ASOS – I tend to get around sizing by always wearing ¾ length sleeves, skirts, dresses and cropped trousers.

Are there any places you find the clothes too short?

Most places on the highstreet! Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Topshop if not in longer lengths, Primark. I’m that girl who has to try on everything in the shops because there’s no guarantee things will fit, much to the dismay of my boyfriend.

Lauren in a vintage style pussy bow blouse from Dorothy Perkins, layered over a long line tank top.

What was it like growing up tall?

I was always the tallest in school, which was embarrassing when the boys were all smaller. Sadly I grew so quick I developed scoliosis meaning I was in a backbrace and eventually had my spine fused.  (I wrote about it here http://www.laurenlovesblog.co.uk/2012/04/personal-post-my-scoliosis-operation.html)

Any funny ‘tall person’ storied to share?

Thankfully there aren’t too many funny stories, although a couple of weeks ago I met The Saturdays (http://www.laurenlovesblog.co.uk/2014/09/garnier-ultimate-blends-and-meeting.html) and standing next to them I looked like a giant which everyone else found very funny! I’m doing my best to dip my hip and look shorter here!

Lauren and The Saturdays

Who is your style inspiration?

I like to go a bit vintage-inspired so I tend to go for 60s looks (probably because I can get away with a lot of skirts and dresses rather than having to find trousers that fit!) I love Brigitte Bardot’s style, particularly her hair and makeup. I also love Rachel Bilson’s look and watched Hart of Dixie, drooling over her wardrobe, wishing I could wear shorts to work.

Any tall dressing style tips?

Embrace your height and don’t let it stop you wearing highstreet styles with skirts and cropped trousers. Make sure you try everything on and if you’re not 100% comfortable in what you’re wearing, then don’t bother! Walk tall and enjoy being able to see over other people.

Lauren Loves cropped dresses

What is the best thing about being tall?

Sounds strange, but my Mum always says the advantage is being able to put on a little weight and it doesn’t really show! Also, being able to step over rows of seating and fences to get to places quicker! I’m clearly impatient.

And the worst?

Being taller than boys! Also, my puppy Teddy is a small breed so doing puppy training classes were difficult because I had to twist and bend down to do a lot of the training exercises, whereas the 5 foot tall instructor made it look easy!

Teddy the puppy!

Tall + High heels.  Yes or No?

Depends… thankfully my boyfriend is 6’2” so I can wear heels with him and still be smaller. With girlfriends I tend to steer clear for fear of looking like a giant.

Any words of wisdom you’d like to add?

Just keep swimming!

Lauren loves seeing her friends.  Stop by her blog and say hi!

Thank you to Lauren for taking part in Tall Talk Tuesday!  I really enjoyed our chat, although I am now heading to broswe Mango online!  Oh and next time you meet the Saturday's, feel free to take me along to help balance the tall girl ratio :)

Please do check out Lauren's blog at http://www.laurenlovesblog.co.uk or you can find her on twitter @laurenlovesblog.  I know you will find lots of great blog posts and pictures.

If you have enjoyed this post, please leave a comment below and thank Lauren for taking part.  If you want to read more 'Tall Talk Tuesday' posts, or fancy taking part then click here (link).

Stand Tall x

Sunday Service: Pinterest, Trees and a blog recommendation

Just a round-up of life, news, links, and things I like.

It's been a busy week, and this hasn't left time for much sadly.  My parcels arrived from Topshop and Monsoon, and I did a quick shopping trip this weekend.  I have had to return some of the haul but I'll try and share the items I kept.
 

5foot10 on Pinterest

I have joined Pinterest.  I am not sure I entirely understand it, but I'd love to find people I know!  My username is Emma 5foot10 (inspired, I know!) and you can find me at http://uk.pinterest.com/5foot10/ where I have boards for decor, outside spaces, places, food, fashion, tall inspiration, vintage and much more.  

I loved reading Hayley's blog (link) today as she shared some advice from a tree.  I think it summed up what 5foot10 blog means to me;

Stand tall and proud

Go out on a limb

Remember your roots

Embrace with joy the changing seasons

Drink plenty of water

Be content with your natural beauty

Enjoy the view

 

Hayley's blog is a good read with some stunning photography, so do stop by (and tell her 5foot10 sent you) :).  I'm off to enjoy the last moments of the weekend before I sent all my alarm clocks for an early start.  I'll never enjoy getting up in the dark, but I'm so grateful for my Lumie light alarm clock.  If you don't know what one of those is then click here.  I might do a post on it at some point.

Stand Tall

Sunday Service: Pixiwoo Style, Short Men and Cobblestones

Just a round-up of life, news, links, and things I like.

Just in case some of you missed the post about Sam Chapman (one half of Pixiwoo) and her amazing style then click this link.  I've had some great feedback from it, and there are some more in the pipeline.  She is 5' 10" and a style inspiration.

Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullum

2) I was interested to read a BBC article this morning about how short men make better husbands.  This quote stuck out;

"In fact, people who have this kind of freedom rarely use it well. Fashion models, free to choose, inevitably choose rock stars - and since rock stars, freed by their glamour to choose, invariably choose to take a lot of drugs and go on the road and smash up hotel rooms in preference to being in a stable relationship, the models are always badly disappointed by their choice. You see them crying on the shoulders of the short men - dipping their long swan-like necks way down to do so, perhaps, but there you are, they do. Frequent failure is the true price of free choice"

The article touches on how short men are cute, like penguin chicks... That and how Napoleon wasn't actually as short as we generally make out (due to different measuring systems).  I'm not sure I agree with the article completely though it would be interesting to know how many if us girls have dated (or married) a shorter guy (or how many of you guys have dated a taller woman)?  You can read the piece here (link ).

Cobblestones and high heels.... potential for danger!

3) I went out to a nice traditional English town this weekend and found myself walking on some rather small cobbled stones, in heels.  I had to slow my pace quite considerably, to try and avoid damaging my ankles.  It got me thinking about how ladies (and men) have worn heels and attempted to walk over those very stones, and potentially done themselves a mischief.  I'm not saying I would get rid of them- they are far too pretty!  Is there a knack to walking over cobblestones in heels?  Answers in the comments below!

That's all for this Sunday.  I hope your weekend has been good!  I have been posting daily, and I am trying to keep posting regularly.  Let me know if you have any post requests.

Don't forget my giveaway is still open, but is for legitimate blog followers only.  It's a pretty big giveaway so if you like my blog then please feel free to take a look.

Stand Tall x

Want / Wish / Wear 2: It's so fluffy, I'm gonna die!

I have been doing a lot of internet browsing and shopping this week.  The colder weather is creeping in.  I was watching 'Despicable Me' earlier in the week so when I came across unicorn t-shirts, some cute Fluffy cat earrings, and eyelash skirt, long length leggings and lots of FAUX fur coats... I knew what I was going to say!

1. ASOS Burnout T-shirt with Unicorn Print.  TALL (link) or REGULAR (link - in the Sale)

2. Topshop Pleated Eyelash Lace Skirt (don't forget the code I posted yesterday for a free Topshop Lipstick! (link)

3. Cute Grey Fluffy Kitten Earrings from Etsy (link)

4. Miss Selfridge Shawl Faux Fur Coat (link) I find MS hit and miss for taller girls, but as this coat is of a looser style, and not modeled round the waist, it might fit all heights.

5. ASOS Boyfriend T-shirt with Cute Unicorn Print (link) (Available in Nude or White)

6. Extra Long Leopard Print Leggings.  Made in the UK and cost less than a manicure (link)

If you don't know what I am quoting from then see the video below.

My Monsoon Skirt arrived (see it here in my last Want / Wish / Wear post) so I will try that on later and try and get a photograph.

Stand Tall x

My giveaway is till running and there are not many entries so try you luck! 

Free Topshop Lipstick & Haul

Typical, Topshop release a code for a free lipstick the day after I place a huge haul!  It hasn't arrived yet but I'll let you know how I get on.   I've ordered a knitted Olive skirt, two floppy felt fedora hats (I love the style, I'm just not sure if it will suit me) and a knitted heart jumper.  I think the jumper is a cropped style but I hope that I can wear it with some of my high waisted vintage skirts...  Topshop also have a good tall section which is worth a look.

I plan on wearing it with Beguiled lipstick, a gorgeous dark berry tone for Autumn (it's here and I recommend it, along with Macaroon though that is a more summery colour).

1 Topshop Burgundy Felt Floppy hat (link)

2 Topshop Heart Motif Jumper (link)

3 Topshop Plated Rib Skirt in Olive (link)

The code for the free lipstick is TSLIPS and don't forget to use your student discount code if you have one!

If you are not quick enough then don't forget my £40 House of Fraser giveaway (link)

Stand Tall

5foot10 is now on Instagram!

I'm not sure how many of you use Instagram, an online space for displaying your camera phone photos, but 5foot10 now has an instagram account.  I'm using it to share purchases, style inspiration, decor, baking, places and possibly a few beauty products too.  It's a fairly new account so please feel free to follow @5foot10blog and leave me a comment, or leave me your twitter handle below!

I love instagram.  Random snaps of people's lives.  Beautiful places, creations, pets, designs, catwalk videos, funny texts.  I have hooked it up to my twitter (@5foot10blog) too so if you are a twitter follower then firstly thank you, and secondly I hope you see the instagram links in your feed- if not let me know and I'll try to fix it!

Stand Tall x

P.s Don't forget my House of Fraser £40 shopping spree giveaway! (link)

Want / Wish / Wear 1

A few things that have caught my eye this week (I've ordered the skirt).  As we move into October (and autumn) I have been digging out my knitted jumpers, and trying to wear jackets over the top.  It is important to buy a jacket that has enough space to wear a warm jumper underneath.  Get it wrong and once you have a jumper and a jacket on, you'll find yourself unable to bend your arms.  It might be bearable at the beginning of the day, but trust me, by the afternoon you'll be unable to bend your arm, let alone carry your handbag!  I love a good jacket and skirt combination, and the Monsoon Galaxy skirt is stunning- ready to party, or just add sparkle to the day.  I was quite surprised to find a sterling silver ring at Accessorize for a bargain price, and the cute shoes currently have 20% off until the end of the week.

1. Zara Leather Biker Jacket (link)

2. Topshop Heart Motif Jumper (link)

3. Monsoon Full Galaxy Jacquard skirt (link)

4. Accessorize Galaxy Pave Disc Ring (link)

5. Accessorize Gold Cut Out Heart Ring (link)

6. Accessorize Sterling Silver Heart Midi Ring (link)

7. Oasis Large Bobble Gold Sequin Purse (link) (bargain price)

8. Long Tall Sally Deluxe Black Suede Bow Court Shoes (link) (20% off until Sunday)

Are you a fan of jackets and skirts?  I hope you like these posts!

Stand Tall x

P.s. Don't forget my £40 House of Fraser shopping spree giveaway (link)

Tall Style: Sam Chapman (Pixiwoo) 5' 10"

I'm sure most of you know Sam Chapman- part of the sister duo 'Pixiwoo'.  Accomplished makeup artists, beauty gurus, teachers, youtubers, stylish business women, entrepreneurs, mums, and generally very inspiring women.  What you might not know is that Samantha Chapman is 5 foot 10 inches meaning that I would be crazy not to feature her as a style inspiration on 5foot10!

Sam and Nic Chapman (find their Youtube here)

As a makeup artist, it is sort of an unwritten rule that you wear black a lot.  Many makeup schools, counters (MAC) and agencies ask that you wear black.  Lets face it, makeup can be very messy so not only is black practical, it is easy to match an outfit in a precious few minutes (or at 5am for a early shoot) and look professional.  This isn't to say makeup artists don't wear other colours (of course they do!), it just means the majority will have a wardrobe that has a lot of black staples in it!

 Style

Topshop hat, Diane Von Furstenburg dress, Kurt Geiger Boots

Sam's style is simple glamorous chic.  Clean classic pieces with maybe one statement item of clothing or jewellery.  She mixes high-street items with higher end brands, and is not afraid of a bit of colour.  Although her job can demand appropriate professional attire, she is also a mum and time is precious.  Sometimes you just need to chuck on a jumper, pair of jeans and trainers and run out the door.  Sam's style shows how flattering clothes can be with the right cut and fit.  She has a killer figure due to healthy eating (and a bit of guidance from her brother who is a personal trainer and one half of The Lean Machines (link)).  However there are some style tips that we can all learn from, regardless of our height and weight.

This look screams 'designer' but is all high street.

Mixing high street Zara (dress) with Gucci boots

 

Two Topshop outfits, with the jacket styled two ways

Bionda Castana boots styled three ways: DVF Jumpsuit, Topshop dress, DVF Pink trousers and H&M blouse

And just to show that she does dress down sometimes when 'off duty'.

Jeans, Converse, Mulberry bag and a cute star jumper from Oui (link)

I do admire Sam's style- she gets it right every time.  Her wardrobe must be amazing- and I'd love a nose through her shoe collection.  From simple pumps to heeled booties- this girl knows good shoes!

Shooooes by Ursula Mascaro (link)

Shop Sam's Style at;

Topshop (link)

Zara (link)

DVF Diane Von Furstenburg (link)

Oui (link)

Gucci (link)

H&M (link)

And accessories from brands such as;

Ghost (link)

Chanel (link)

Mulberry (link)

If high end designers are a little too out of reach then keep an eye on The Outnet (link) (Sam is a fan and shared this lovely leopard print jacket on twitter).  Alternatively why not copy Sam's idea of accessorising a high street outfit with a designer broach or handbag.  Sometimes a small, well made, classic accessory is an investment for life.

  Sam spends her day being creative, helping others become empowered and find their own style.  Not only is she a flawless beauty with a big heart, her style is beautiful too.  

I hope you enjoyed reading this post.  On the off chance Sam reads this, thank you Sam for being inspiring.

Who else do you feel dresses well on Youtube?

Stand Tall x

Disclaimer: All photo credits and rights go to Samantha Chapman.

P.s. Don't forget my £40 House of Fraser Shopping Spree Giveaway (link).