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

5Foot10 Style Pick: Forever 21 Tropical Print Chiffon Maxi Dress

As promised, I'll be sharing some of my purchases and top stylist picks on this blog.

I adore this Tropical Print Chiffon Maxi Dress from Forever 21.  It's long, light, colourful and so versatile, plus it's affordable at just over £16 (or $19 if you are a US reader).  I also like it because the model is... 5' 10".. Such a valuable bit of information to have the model's height in the look book!

I'd add flip flops and a wide brimmed hat for the beach.  Transform it with a pair of espadrille wedges, a fedora, a smoking jacket and a metallic belt for an evening cocktail outfit.  Or add a pair of short cowboy boots and a waterfall cardigan for a more casual 'running to the shops' look.

Forever 21 only has a few stores in the UK (Birmingham Bull Ring, London Oxford Street, Buchanan Street Glasgow, Bluewater, Lakeside, Trafford Centre, Stratford City London).  They are worth a look but can get quite busy.  It's are a little hit and miss (I wouldn't buy handbags from there unless a very 'fashiony' item that I only wanted to use once or twice).  I like the jewellery (though be wary of green skin with some items!).  The range of clothes is vast and so you will normally find something, if you have the patience to look.  I prefer shopping online if I can help it!

Is this dress a hit or miss for you?  Do you like Forever 21? 

Stand Tall x

Jennie Runk: 5' 10" plus size model for H&M

I came across this image of Jennie Runk "Plus size model" for H&M.  Jennie is a US size 14-16 (UK 16-18).  Now I don't know about you but my first thought on seeing the campaign picture was that she looked pretty and healthy- I then found out that she was classed as 'plus sized' in the modelling world (although I thought she looked like a UK sized 12 so I'm not sure if that's 'model sizing').

Stunning Jennie Runk H&M dress

 The photo above is for H&M's beachwear line.  I thought it made a refreshing change to see normal healthy models used in a campaign.  I'm hoping that they make the dress above in my size as I'll be hunting it down in whatever H&M decides to using as my size that week.... (I fall between an 8-14 depending on the high-street store but that is a whole new post/rant!!)

Flawless Beauty!

Anyway I did a little research on Jennie, and was really pleased to see that she has the same issues with trousers as me..

"..... I was wearing sweat pants because my thighs were the size of their (her classmates) waists, and those pants were embarrassingly short because I was taller than the average adult, but still shopped at (pre-teen clothing store) Limited Too."

Glad to see that even models are not exempt from clothing woes!

Jennie off duty! Solve the trouser issues by wearing shorts! :)

Jennie for la redoute

25 year old Jennie has a Bachelor's Degree- pursuing academic studying alongside her modelling career.  She is an advocate for positive thinking and embracing health body confidence.  She has a facebook page (link) if you want to read her lovely thoughts or see more 5' 10" clothing inspiration.

Also she has written an article for the BBC website online (viewable here) which makes interesting reading.  Being 5' 10"  I thought Jennie made an excellent addition to 5' 10".

Have you seen many other campaigns using 'plus sized' models?  Any campaigns you'd like to ban for using unhealthily skinny models?  Any thoughts?

Stand Tall x

New Holiday Wardrobe: £245 (12 days of Holiday purchases!)

According to 'new research', the average woman (cough) spends £245 on a new holiday wardrobe before jetting off to a relaxing destination.  £245?? £245 for a new holiday wardrobe?!

Holiday Shopping?

Apparently the women the researchers spoke to said that they will normally buy (N.b. please read this aloud to the tune of 12 days of Christmas....)

• SIX summer dresses
• FIVE holiday tops
• FOUR pieces of swimwear
• THREE pairs of shoes
• THREE pieces of jewellery
• THREE items of makeup 
• TWO pairs of shorts
• And a pair of sunglasses (beach bag and sun lotion*)

I don't know about you, but that sounds like my ENTIRE packing list for a holiday?!  Not a casual holiday shop!?  Seriously, who are these women they surveyed?  I don't think anyone I know has purchased that amount of items for one holiday- let alone EACH holiday they take.  Maybe if it was a honeymoon there might have been a few new purchases- or a specific piece of kit for themed holiday- i.e. walking boots for a hiking tip, or a super posh frock for a cruise where there is a dress code.... but all these items.  No.  I don't think so.

Kate Middleton's 'Honeymoon going away' outfit: Zara Dress, LKBennett Shoes, Jacket/belt unknown but rumoured to be Topshop or Hobbs.  Estimated cost £200

 

I don't know about you, but I have a 'summer wardrobe' section which I try to pack away during autumn each year.  I try to eek it out as long as I can, while clinging to some notion that cold weather will never return and I can live in a summer fantasy world forever.  When warm weather is about I delve into these items, though living in the UK I rarely get to wear them.  This means that if I travel abroad to hotter weathers, I have a virtually unworn summer wardrobe to choose from.  Of course there might be a few replacements from time to time, but not for each trip.

 

I pride myself of being able to squeeze into the same items as it means I am the same size (although I do replace them when sun bleached, frayed or the elastic perishes).  Sometimes I will out the items because I don't like them anymore- BUT I don't set out to buy a new wardrobe each holiday!!

 

Sun Cream! A 'Wardrobe' item?!

 

Now I put a * by sun lotion and makeup.  One might treat themselves to new makeup every now and again, but most women will have a little purchase at duty free- I don't think that counts as it is not a home territory purchase..!  And sun lotion looses it's protection factor once it has been opened for a year- in fact the SPF goes down every year anyway, so it's a necessity to replace this.  I wouldn't count it as a 'summer wardrobe' purchase.  SPF is very important (if used responsibly- but I'll go into that on my beauty blog at some point)!  I do not see Sun lotion as an aesthetic item that people buy to 'primp themselves and look different in holiday photos'!

Don't get me wrong.  I do like to make new purchases for the season ahead, I just wouldn't spend *that* budget purely for each holiday trip.  I'd rather put the money towards investment purchases, or travel insurance/day trips/holiday food etc!  Oh and I also like to buy a few things while abroad... say a new dress, bracelet, some duty free makeup... hmm maybe spend the £245 on a new wardrobe while ON holiday.... that doesn't count, right?

Do you shop FOR holiday, or while ON holiday?  Do you agree with this survey?  Do you did out the same items first before purchasing replacements?

 

Stand Tall x

 

Ottavio Missoni: Bright Patterns

I woke up to the news that Ottavio Missoni, the co-founder of Missoni, passed away in the early hours.  A sad loss to the fashion industry.  I remember studying the fabrics and patterns during classes and being mesmerised by the combinations.  I felt  like they shouldn't go together- but they sort of clashed and looked good!  Of course I couldn't afford any at that time- but I could admire! 

Rosie Fortescue (5' 4") wearing Missoni shorts.

 Loved by celebrities, designers and public alike, a Missoni item always adds a splash of vibrancy to any room or outfit

Ottavio and Rosita Missoni began the Missoni brand in 1953.  A Missoni item is normally quite recognisable by it's knitted geometric pattern.   I hoped they would do a collaboration in the UK like the 'Missoni for Target' range in America.  Sadly this hasn't happened yet.

Missoni's famous zig-zag pattern fabric.  Credit

The story goes that Missoni were asked to debut their items at the Pitti Palace in Florence.  The model's bras didn't go with the colours of the fabric- so Rosita asked them to remove them.  The model's obliged but, unbeknown to the catwalkers or designers, when the fashion show began the fabrics became see-through in the bright stage lights.  Missoni became the talk of the town (and world) and sales went through the roof.  Just goes to show that sometimes mistakes can be the making of a great start.

Missoni M range.  Bright patterned culotte dress.

Now the brand is looked after by the couple's daughter- so the legacy lives on.

I love the clash of colours and patterns.  For many years things like this would have been too bright for me- too 'out there' though I always admired the pieces on others.  However this year I am embracing my brighter side- more pictures to follow ;)

If you have a Missoni piece I am a little envious!  Are you a Missoni fan?  Are you embracing the bright clashing patterns this summer?

Stand Tall x

Wardrobe Organisation

My wardrobe organisation has had a bit of a revolution.  A rather nifty device that means my scarves, belts, sunglasses etc all have a home.  The storage method is meant for shoes but I saw another use!  I also found a way of storage clothes neatly while saving space!

Rather than duplicate the post here (as some of you subscribe to both blogs) I'm just going to put a link and you can have a nose if you like!  There is a little cross over of the blog topics, but in general I don't want to duplicate myself (or cut and paste)!  This will still be my blog for fashion, inspiration, tall clothes, shops etc!

Enjoy the sun!

Stand Tall x

Read this post at http://computergirl2007.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/tips-organisation-storage-and-small.html