Sunday Service: Autumn, Furniture Purchases and Make-up purging!

Just a round-up of life, news, links, and things I like.
 
I was walking through some beautiful autumn leaves a couple of days ago and had to stop to take a photo for instagram.  It was too good to miss.  Beautiful leaves and my blue converse trainers (purchased from the great selection at Long Tall Sally (link)).  

Weirdly the jeans were from Fat Face a few months back.  I was really, really surprised that they fit length wise.  If you want to check them out then here is the link- I think they were the Smithy Bootcut Darkest Rinse Jeans.  Soft fabric with a bit of stretch.  Don't forget that if you are a student they will give you money off (and some stores have 20% off for students at the moment).

I actually needed a piece of furniture this week, so after stalking pinterest for a day (link) I headed off round the shops.  I ended up narrowing it down and then going between Next Home, Laura Ashley, Home Sense and Dunelm repeatedly.  I was actually a little scared at how giddy Home Sense made me.  I could actually legitimately buy things from there and not feel guilty!  Yes I know it is mass produced and most people will have the same things... but it still has this way of making me want to buy fifty things I didn't know I needed.  I know I have nowhere to put 10 cushions... but I still wanted them.  (I did spot a bunch of NEOM organics for £5-£10 and This Works deep sleep products, so if you are after a bargain then head to Home Sense (or it's sister store TK Maxx).  Sadly I have to go back to Dunelm.... hide my bank card!

I want that chair, and candle, and bed, and cushion and, and, and...

Finally, I've been poorly this last few weeks.  It wasn't caused by makeup but it did serve as a timely reminder that generally makeup and skincare products have expiry dates and that clearing them our periodically is good for your health!  Take mascara for example, each time you use it you are transferring bacteria from the tube to your face, and then new bacteria from your face into the tube (unless you use a new mascara wand each dip!).  Same with lipsticks, pencils, lipglosses (especially the tubs you dip your finger in), and some skincare.

The general rules are;
If it is broken or smells/looks weird... chuck it.  My recycle bin is now full.  I felt a little guilty but I now have a bit more space and will 'shop my stash' more!

See what Bobbi Brown says here (link).  Or see what I wrote way back in 2009! (link)  Bobbi uses cute graphics- I appear to have lost the pictures on my post, but the words are still there.

That's all for this Sunday Service.  What has your week been like?

Stand Tall x

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).

Style: Flats are back!

Alice Temperley blends ethereal style with white plimsolls

On the recent catwalk during SS15 (spring summer 2015) shows a trend has emerged for flat shoes.  I don't deny that heels can look really pretty, slimming, lengthening and help you see over the crowds BUT heels can also be incredibly painful, damaging to the body and completely impractical at times! Hopefully the recent catwalks have shown that flat shoes can be cool- fashionable, styling AND comfy!

DKNY Prom dress with trainers, but still feminine

 I'll be interesting to see how this trend manifests next spring, from plimsoll trainers with prom dresses to masculine brogues with floaty florals.  I am pleased at the prospect that there may be more choices of flat footwear available on the high street next spring- a welcome change to 5 or 6 inch stiletto platforms (which I rarely wear).

Karen Walker Brogues and Florals

 Of course, designers will always try to do something just a little different.  Victoria Beckham offered these flat shoes with a pointy toe.  They look great on this model but as white makes your feet look bigger, I am not sure I could get away with these shoes.  They sort of look like turtle or fish fins to me... maybe I could wear them in the water?  If I see them in person I will take a close up photo for you all!

Victoria Beckham does pointy flats.

It is not just shoes and trainers that come with the catwalk stamp.  BCBGMAZAZRIA teamed this light and airy cream ensemble with flat sandals.  I think we will be seeing quite a few thick banded sandals too.  Comfy for walking to work, tight enough to stay on but also stylish with formal wear.  

Flat Sandals with trousers!

I'm not one to copy the catwalk directly, but I can feel that my feet are pleased that they may have a bit more choice next spring!

Are flats a yes or no for you?  Do you find styling flats with work wear easy or difficult?

Stand Tall x

P.s. Don't forget my £40 House of Fraser Giveaway! (Link)

Dupe: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Lady Dragon Shoes Red Heart

Vivienne Westwood Dragon Lady Shoes.  Remind me of Disney princess shoes.

Vivienne Westwood makes great shoes, and her collaboration with Melissa produced some great bubblegum smelling heeled and flat jelly shoes with hearts on.  But at £120 a pop (or possibly less on ebay in the winter) they are not in everyone's budget.  However I found a cheaper dupe pair for the flat version with hearts on which retail at £28, but I have a code which means you can get them for just over £22.

Mel flat heart jelly shoes at Dorthy Perkins

These shoes are part of the Mel range at Dorothy Perkins (link), and come in 3 colours online.  Perfect shoes for walking places, but also a great addition to any holiday wardrobe.  I can see these going with shorts, or dressing up a light summer sun dress, or evening wear.  When it comes to holiday packing, I like to pack items that can be dressed up or down.  More on holiday packing later in the year :)

Use the code TREAT20 to get 20% off at the checkout, and if you are lucky you will get a popup for free delivery too :)

5 Foot 10 is undergoing a few changes at the moment so please feel free to make requests for things you'd like to see more of on 5 foot 10.

Stand Tall x

Style Spot: Jane Galpin (TV Stylist: Daily Mix Tv)

When I was at The Clothes Show Live last year I bumped into Daily Mix Tv who were filming with Ruth Crilly (A Model Recommends).  Ruth was on a train at that point, but I hung out with the team in the press lounge, and then at the press call first thing.  I already knew one or two of them.

Jane Galpin, the show's stylist, had a really nice outfit on, so I thought I would turn the cameras and ask her what she was wearing!  Jane has an impressive CV having worked for Daily Mix Tv Street Style, How to Look Good Naked, 10 Years Younger as well as 12 years producing The Clothes Show!

Jane Galpin

Jane said that if she knows she will be walking lots during the day, she dresses for comfort.  If you have visited The Clothes Show then you will know that it involves a LOT of walking!  Comfort is essential!  It is also tricky because the sow is held in December.  Outside it is freezing, but inside the temperature rises.  Getting the right outfit to suit two temperatures can be tricky!

Jane is wearing a gorgeous floaty Somerset by Alice Temperley summer dress, clinched at the waist with a black belt.  To make this more winter appropriate Jane put it over skinny jeans.

The cardigan is by Bologaro Trevor and I think Jane said she bought it from Square in Bath (link).

Jane's studded Ash trainers.  Flats are a must at The Clothes Show!

 Jane opted for flat converse type trainers by the brand Ash.  Sadly my photo didn't quite pick up the detailing but I found a better picture here in grey (and they are reduced from £139 to £69.50!)

All together now.... oooooo

Finally as Jane went to go, I spotted this gorgeous Mulberry mini satchel.  Beautifully crafted and simple enough to go with any outfit.  Also small enough to not get very heavy, and long enough to be worn across the body.  Perfect.

If you fancy a little bit of Mulberry for Christmas then Selfridges have some lovely tiny purses and card holders (link)

Thank you to Jane for taking part in this Style Spot!  You can find Jane on twitter (@JaneGalpin) or via her website http://www.howtolookgood.com/ It's one of the reasons I love The Clothes Show- there are so many people with individual style!  Great for inspiration!

Stand Tall x

Tall Star Style: Miranda Kerr 5ft 9

Miranda Kerr rocking her Victoria's Secret Catwalk angel wings

Mrs. Orlando 'Legolas' Bloom AKA Miranda Kerr.  Victoria's Secret catwalk queen, magazine cover girl, mum, business woman, organic skincare maker... Miranda has a great body.  I think she looks healthy- not gaunt, but toned and healthy.  She treats her body with lots of respect- feeding it a balanced diet of containing all the needed vitamins, minerals and nutrients.  At 29 she looks glowing and her post-baby body seems to show no signs of her motherhood.  As someone who started a blog primarily about bad skin problems and how to fix them, I have been following Miranda as a skincare and health inspiration- so it seems only natural that I should feature her on my fashion blog about style!

Miranda is currently on the cover of Australian Vogue.

Photo credit Daily Mail

Miranda always seems to dress simply.  One or two clean tailored pieces and normally a killer pair of heels.  I'm not sure if it is due to the fact she is in hot places (Australia, LA, Mexico...) but I think I'd need to wear a few more layers in the UK!  She seems to get away with small fitted jackets and tight figure hugging shorts, leggings or trousers.

Photo credit to Glamour.com

When it comes to dressing up, Miranda is a big fan of floaty feminine dresses.  She seems to favour vintage Hollywood inspired dresses and states Audrey Hepburn as one of her style icons (who wouldn't?).  Of course these are teamed with another pair of killer heels.

Credit to Just Jared

I love this aqua maxi dress with puffed shoulders.  Very vintage siren!

Audrey Hepburn inspired

When it comes to dressing down, Miranda still looks as glam as anything.  She can carry off bold prints and distressed shorts (again with killer heels)....

 Or a simple t shirt with minimal makeup......

Simple over-sized t shirt and a gold geometric necklace

 Just to prove she wears flats sometimes, here she is in some very office-esque flat ballet pumps, in leopard print.  I found some similar ones on ebay at a very affordable price link!

Style

All in all, I'd say Miranda's style is effortless.  She makes dressing look easy.  Simple lines, great tailoring.  I'd say her posture helps- she always stands straight and has a great relaxed smile.  Inner assurance and confidence make a great canvas for anything.  She doesn't over clutter a look with many pieces of jewellery or accessories- just one or two choice pieces.  Mostly she seems to wear stud earring or bare ears instead of statement pieces in the day.  Necklaces are dainty or absent.  I think she favours a watch and sunglasses (sunglasses are an MK style essential to remain wrinkle free for as long as possible in sunny Australia)!

Miranda standing TALL (and proud!)

Miranda has been quoted as saying Net-a-Porter is her favourite place to shop because she travels so much and online is easier.  N-a-P do have some lovely pieces AND great sales- but if it is still a little pricey then I can really recommend the OUTNET for similar items but at much reduced prices.

Shoes

I'd recommend looking at shops like Dune (currently 50% off) or Kurt Geiger (also 50% off!) if you are on a budget.  For nude ones Dorothy Perkins did have some reasonable nude platforms (£29.50 normally but currently £23.60 with 20% off).  If you are not on a budget then head to Selfridges, Net-a-porter, the OUTNET or Harrods!  The world is your oyster!

I can't really afford Miranda's recent addition of an Alexander McQueen orange Heroine bag at £1745 but I did find a similar one on ebay for a much more affordable £11.99.  Not quite a McQueen.. but as Miranda says, fashion is about knowing how to wear things, not spending lots of money.

Bag from Ebay

What do you think of Miranda's style?  Are you inspired by her effortless looks or healthy living?  Do you wear minimal jewellery or is Miranda's take a little 'too' minimal?

Stand Tall x

Shoe Find: Sam Edleman Dupes

Seeing as my last post was on tall people wearing high heels, it seems natural that the next post is on my current love.  Studded shoes! Practicality is not their strong point.  Cross your ankles and they will ladder your tights (so just make sure both ankles are laddered and rock the "deliberately shabby chic" look.....)

I have been stalking these babies on ASOS Aldo studded courts with 4" (10cm) heels.  Smart enough to wear to work with a fitted trouser or skirt suit.... but easy to rock with jeans and an evening top.

Part fashionista... part... pearly queen?!

They remind me of Sam Edleman's Lorrissa range.  12cm heel with the back covered in studs.  The SE ones are slightly higher and have a hidden platform (which taller girls might not want)- but they are around £180 so more than twice the price. 

Sam Edleman Peeptoe Lorrissa! Reduced £120 on Asos (link!)

However I did find these pink ones on ASOS in the sale for reduced from £179 to £120 and I am VERY tempted.  These would brighten up the dullest winter day and would rock with a part of black tights.  I used to live in trousers in winter, but the older I get, the more I love a snug pair of tights and a cute skirt.... but that's a whole new post!!

Pink... reminds me of the shoe Elle Woods (legally blonde) would wear to a tough court case!

Incidentally Sam Edleman opens his first London store in Soho at 6pm Thursday! I predict a flood of SE shoes on British shores!

Studded shoes Yay or Nay?

Stand Tall x

Tall Stories: Tall person + Heels? Ummmm

While high heels (3 or more inches) can 'look' pleasing they can throw up problems-

• Being tall and wearing heels can be undesirable (giant syndrome anyone?!)  Not to mention the ache from your neck after stooping to chat to all the small people who didn't get the memo to grow tall!
• They are impractical for wearing all day!  Fine if you are Nicole Richie or Tamara Ecclestone who has a stylist choose their outfit, prep them in a car before they walk 10 paces before the press and then sit for an evening before walking another 10 paces to the car (while the photographs lead us to believe that all they wear are skyscraper heels day in day out)!
• They hurt your feet and cause posture misalignment which can lead to all sorts of varied and related problems you never knew about until your doctor/osteo/chiropodist tells you some long latin words and then explains some horrible condition that all relates to your choice of footwear...

Christian Louboutin made these en pointe shoes to raise money for English National Ballet.  Pretty or pretty uncomfortable?

On the plus side they make your feet look smaller.  Yes I am talking about 'that' episode again.  Some of you will have read this before but I'll share it again... I'm talking about the time I went to try on some shoes.  I just wanted some day to day Mary Jane style shoes (like normal office heel shoes but with a strap so they stay on your feet when you walk).  I opted for the 1-2 inch heels but the Sales Assistant said I should try on the 3 inch heels just to see.  I do like tall heels, but I am not a fan of sticking out all the time- plus I worry about getting posture and arthritis when older so I'd rather reserve higher heels for occasional wear.  Anyway I tried on the lower pair, which fitted fine, I then tried on the higher pair wondering if the height would hurt my feet or turn me into Godzilla... then came the sting.

"How are you getting on?" said the Sales Assistant.  "Yeah, I'm not sure about these" I said, eyeing up the skyscrapers on my feet.  Then came the immortal words I have never forgotten... "Those look good.  They make your feet look smaller"... You WHAT?  You're saying I have big feet?  And that wearing cripplingly high heels will make my feet look smaller and this is a good thing?

Lobster shoes! Comfortable and height? Or just plan daft?

I wasn't really hung up on the size of me feet too much until that day.  Don't get me wrong- I know they are big- but my shoes size always sells out so I know it is popular.  More importantly they balance my height and I would look very odd (and fall over) if my feet weren't proportionate.  I may feet like I have to wear small canoes on each foot (especially when wearing flat shoes) BUT DONT USE MY SIZE TO BRIBE ME INTO BUYING ITEMS!!  And certainly don't give me complexes about fitting in when I am perfectly normal!!  I know that now, but at the time several years ago I just wanted to blend in and it seems that every store I visited for shoes just stocked skyscrapers and no alternatives.  Thankfully nowadays the flat shoe trend is hear to stay and mid sized heels which look fashionable AND comfortable are here to stay!  And even if they aren't 'fashionable' they are vintage styled which also appears to be cool nowadays!

Freya Shoes from Hush Puppy (link) £35-£60 with a normal heel! Get in!

I have some posts coming up about shoes for tall-ies.  Shoes that won't hurt your feet, cost the earth or make us stick out for the wrong reasons :) Having struggled in this area for many years I knew this was one of the topics I wanted to share on this blog- so keep your eyes peeled for some shoes posts!

Do you wear high heels?  How high will you go?  Do you have special trusted shops?  Any shoes secrets or stories?

Stand Tall x

(P.s. I didn't buy those shoes.  I removed them, smiled, thanked the guy and left the shop- and took my 'big feet' elsewhere to shop!)
(P.p.s. 5 foot 10 is now on Facebook (link) and Twitter (@5foot10blog) so more ways to stay up to date :) )