Win: £40 House of Fraser Spree: Mango, Oasis, Biba, Dune, Ted Baker...

To celebrate three years I am giving away a £40 House of Fraser spending spree!  Oasis, Mango, Ted Baker, Phase 8, Millie Mackintosh or maybe a bit of MAC, Chanel, YSL, Clinique, Lancome, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, NARS, Sisley, Tom Ford, Jo Malone, Origins- what will you choose?

Maybe Alice Temperley, Modalu, Nars... What would you choose?

To enter this giveaway, all you have to is work out what you would buy (i.e. a jumper, a lipstick etc), then visit House of Fraser, locate the item(s) and cut/paste the link into the comments section below with a short sentence saying why you would like it.  (It could be an item on your want list, a item you need to repurchase, a gift for your mum etc).  Don't forget to leave your twitter handle or email in the comment.

THEN use the rafflecopter form below.  This will collect entries for me!  You need to be a follower of this blog (Via bloglovin' ideally- link to the right), and follow me on twitter to be eligible.

This giveaway is open internationally.

If you would like to double your chances then please head over to my beauty blog (link) where the same giveaway is being run!

I think House of Fraser have a great range of brands in the beauty department, but you might like to choose a candle or some face cloths- the choice is yours! (link)

Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway  
Disclaimer: Winner will be picked at random, and must make contact in 5 days.  I reserve the right to amend, change or cancel this giveaway at any point.  I also reserve the right to disqualify any entrants.  No alternative prize is available.

Decor: Lauren Conrad's Penthouse Apartment

Lauren Conrad is very put together.  It figures that her Beverly Hills penthouse apartment would be nothing less than perfect.  She is a woman who knows what colours and textures compliment each other.  How to use a space to it's best advantage.

Lauren Conrad in her penthouse apartment

For those who don't know Lauren, she came to the public eye through two of the very first  'reality tv' shows- 'Laguna Beach: The Real O.C.' following several teens during the last few years of high school, and 'The Hills' following a few of the Laguna Beach kids as they move to L.A. for college, careers, dating, partying, shopping and much more.  I recently re-watched 'The Hills' (it's very cheap to pick up individual DVDs and box sets on ebay- link) and it is a superficial pleasure.  I keep changing my mind over which series is the best, but currently 2 or 3!  

Lauren Conrad's penthouse bathroom.

Since her 'Hills' days Lauren has graduated from fashion school, created her own fashion collection and generally ring fenced her personal life from the public eye.  She has a good business sense and has managed to successfully transition from a 'reality tv star' into a respected business woman and consultant- something most 'reality stars' struggle to do.  Of course it helps that Lauren started from a privileged background, but she hasn't rested on her laurels and lived on the bank off the bank of mum and dad.  Lauren has earned her stripes and made her own path- something we all can learn from regardless of our starting point.

I love the mismatched smaller cushions, all on a monochrome theme.

For someone who is fairly private, Lauren let Instyle into her apartment and gave them a bit of a tour.  I love how everything feels light and airy, minimal and stylist... oh and her closet.... her closet is probably the size of most people's lounge!  I love the clutter free surfaces, and the careful placement of the items that are out.  Less is definitely more.  Lauren seems to favour light pastel hues, although there are one or two more colorful pieces.  Clutter free is easier to clean too.

Check out that closet.  Now that is a walk in wardrobe!

You can view the video here (link) and view pictures of her apartment here (link).

What do you think?

Stand Tall x

Disclaimer: All photos credited to Instyle.

NEW: Taller that your average x Long Tall Sally collection launch

Jourdan Dunn captured backstage wearing TTYA x LTS with Cara Delevingne

Exciting news!  Taller Than Your Average (TTYA), clothing label founded by former ASOS stylist Irene Agbontaen, have collaborated with Long Tall Sally to create an 18 piece capsule collection.  Modeled by the stunning Jamie Gunns and photographed by Alex Sainsbury, the collection aims to make core staples more accessible for the taller women (5' 8" and above).

Taller Than Your Average founder Irene, looking gorgeous in the Maxi Metalic Dress and jumper.

I am a big fan of Long Tall Sally (see my visit to HQ here).  Their philosophy is that the taller girl shouldn't have to compromise on style or choice.  Just take a look at their jeans- several different leg lengths AND colours!  Irene has a similar philosophy and her mission is to help the taller girl feel 'style conscious, not self-conscious'.  TTYA currently has a cult following including Elle MacPherson, Jourdan Dunn, Daisy Lowe and Jessie J.

The collection looks great and costs range from £24- £110.  It is a real mixture of pieces that can be worn together, or mixed with other items from your wardrobe.  I've shared a few of my fashion picks below, including a few styling tips.

Removable Collar Dress (link)

Take the Removable Collar Dress (yes removable), you could style it for the office, or an evening out with dainty heels (as above), or why not remove the collar, add dark tights and lace up boots.  Chuck on a denim jacket or biker jacket and you are dressed for going down to the shops or grabbing a quick coffee.

Jourdan was wearing it above- the striped wrap shirt.  There has been a really big trend this summer for cropped tops and high waisted skirts that display a bit of midriff.  As a (taller) girl, I often sport this trend purely by accident (go me!)!  I love that this monochrome striped top is long enough to skim the hips- even when you (inevitably) visit the supermarket and get asked to reach down a tin of sweetcorn off the top shelf.  I'm not sure I am brave enough to 'bare' the deep V so I would style it over a simple plain vest top (or even one with lace trim to compliment the textures).  I think this might also look good with a thick, black or white elasticated to clinch in the waist.  Or even this belt from Altuzarra for Target (link) and a pair of wet look black leggings.

Striped wrap shirt (link)

Transitioning from summer to autumn is always tricky, but layering is the answer.  Layering thin clothes under a jacket means that if the weather suddenly changes during the day, you can adjust the layers accordingly.  (I always find dressing for the day a challenge due to the weather first thing in the morning completely changing by the time I am dressed!).  This yeti coat looks like lots of fun.  There is something very Marilyn Monroe about it.  I can imagine walking a red carpet in lots of sparkly jewels and a killer dress... then getting up the next morning and chucking it on over a vintage rock band t-shirt with some dark skinny jeans and a pair of converse.

Yet Coat (Faux fur of course) (Link)

Stuck for a (Halloween) fancy dress idea?  Why not stick a pair of ears on an alice band and wear the coat :)

The collection looks fantastic, and launches today on Long Tall Sally (link) and in selected stores.  Long Tall Sally have outlets across the UK, Germany, USA and Canada so hopefully there will be a few items close to where you live.  I'd love to know your thoughts on the collection!

Stand Tall x

Long Tall Sally Bloggers Breakfast : Spring Summer 2014 Collection

A few weeks back I went for breakfast at Long Tall Sally, to preview their upcoming Spring Summer collection before it hit the stores.  (Most pieces are now online and there is 20% off until Sunday!)  I hung out with Isobel Pooley, ate croissants and chatted about tall life and fashion!  Long Tall Sally are a high street brand with a twist- they cater for the taller girl!  Gone are the days of limited choice as LTS carry a mixture of classic staples and trendy pieces to cater for every occasion including casual, formal, sleep, beach, party and swimwear.... plus accessories and shoes!

Part of the spring summer collection- the maxi dress is really floaty and perfect for a beach holiday.

(I have been absolutely snowed under with work (plus study and travel) so you may have noticed a lack of posts and tweets recently.  It's not intentional, and I hope to have a bit more time shortly!)

The blogger's breakfast was held at their head offices in central London.  I was hosted by Alice, Ricarda and Jane of Long Tall Sally- and their brand ambassador 6' 3" British high jumper Isobel Pooley.  Isobel has such a positive attitude (and amazing skin)- I think she deserves her own post on 5 foot 10 so stay tuned!  More on Isobel later!

(L-R) Ricarda, Isobel and Alice (all wearing LTS outfits)

While at the head office I met Jane Woolf who is their senior garment technician.  She has a passion for tall.  She hit the nail on the head by saying "shorter people can hide, but if you are a taller person, you cant hide.  Tall girls try to shop on the high street to fit in, and some can see shopping at LTS as giving up on wearing what everyone else wears.  It is important that people feel comfortable in their clothes, regardless of height, size or shape".  Jane was so passionate about us tall(er) girls not having to compromise on style, trend or choice.

Isobel (l) and me.  I'll do an outfit post separately.

A lot of brands see tall (or petite ranges) as a small niche and not an investment.  Consequently they give it to the junior workers as away to cut their teeth before they are promoted to work on the regular range (the biggest revenue spinner).  This can mean high street stores end up designing a range, picking a few safe items and then simply add an extra inch or two of fabric on the bottom for the 'tall' range.  The result? Things like pockets, knees and waists are all in wrong place!  LTS invest specialist attention into the range so that all elements are proportioned.  Jane explained how LTS scale every outfit for the taller range, paying specific attention to the details such as waist tucks, pockets, buttons, patterns- even distressed rips in faded jeans.  Who wants a pair of distressed jeans where the knee rips actually fall on the thighs?  Who wants a cardigan where the pockets are too high and you cant rest your hands in them?  Who wants every dress to be an empire line waist?  Not me!  I was also pleased to hear that their trousers come in 34", 36" and 38" leg, (which means you can copy me and buy a size longer and have an external turn up on your jeans!).

I love blues so the dress in the center caught my eye for a wedding outfit this summer.

There are some really lovely pieces in the spring summer range, from maxi dresses for the beach (with appropriate waist lines and skirt lengths), to long line tops in bright colours and patterns (that us taller girls wont have to constantly pull down throughout the day).  There were some gorgeous formal wear dresses- check out the blue dress below.  I was also quite taken by their jumpsuits as I haven't worn a jumpsuit/playsuit since I was about 12 because I great too tall.  These deserve their own post!  It goes without saying, that all their clothes are modeled by tall women- so no 'sample size' promo material that is then scaled for retail. 

Lovely jumpsuits in plain and floral material!

I was also quite taken by some of their shoes.  I always find sensible heels difficult to find.  I'm not a fan of huge platforms- because- well- they hurt and they are bad for your feel/posture/body.  While browsing the new collection I found out that LTS stock shoes up to a UK women's size 11, and stock several heel heights!  I know a few readers have asked me about shoes so have a look at the range in store, or online. 

Shooooooos! (LTS even stock converse- I may have just purchased these)

There is too much to mention in one post, so I will be picking out some key items, letting you know what I purchased and chatting more about the day in later posts!

Thank you to the team Long Tall Sally for hosting 5 foot 10 an exclusive preview of the spring summer collection.  This collection is now available to view and purchase online with 20% off until Sunday.  (Link!)  Somethings will suit the shorter girl so it is worth having a look online or in store if you are under 5 foot 10! 

Stand Tall x

Tall Talk 4: Lily France AKA Jolihouse (5' 10.5")

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 Lily France of Jolihouse blog.  Lily has great style and is not afraid to be individual- in fact so individual that she makes some of her clothes herself!  Not bad for someone who is 16!  She knits and has been featured in Vogue Knitting!  Certainly one to watch in the fashion arena!  She is also very friendly so do stop by her blog and say hello!

Lily Kate France AKA Jolihouse blog

Tell us about you?  
Hello, my name is Lily Kate France and I’m two and three quarters.  I joke, that’s how I used to introduce myself to strangers as a toddler.  Weird kid I know ;)  I’m actually sixteen and write a personal fashion and lifestyle blog, www.jolihouse.com.  I’m a knitwear designer too!

How tall are you?  
5 feet 10 and a half inches, so not exactly a giant but I’m pretty lengthy.

Lily wearing trousers from French Connection, New Look hoodie and Primark booties.

Like or Loathe your height?  
I’ve had my moments of wishing I was shorter, but overall I’d say ‘like’.  A few years ago, before others had caught up with me, I didn’t like how I looked out of place on group photos, or looked like I was my friends’ older sister when walking round town.  Being taller than all the lads wasn’t great either!  They’ve mostly overtaken me now so I don’t stand out a ridiculous amount amongst my peers, which contributes to feeling happier with my height.  Not that standing out is a bad thing at all – I’ve always been a confident person – but sometimes I found it annoying to look so out of place.

Where do you buy most of your clothes?  
Seeing as we’re talking tall, I’ve found that Warehouse fits my proportions exactly and I’ve bought quite a few pieces from there.  I buy from quite a mixture of places though, H&M, Primark, and Topshop being top of the list. 

Dress from Warehouse (link), Topshop jacket, New Look hat, Primark socks, boots and bag.

Are there any places you find the clothes too short? 
Miss Selfridge clothes are often too short, which is slightly bizarre since they have a separate petite range.  H&M jeans are always plenty long enough though; maybe Swedish girls are exceptionally tall?

French Connection dress, clutch and boots Primark, vintage necklace.

What was it like growing up tall?  
Since I’m only 16 I guess this overlaps with the question ‘Like or Loathe your height’.  So I’m going to interpret ‘growing up’ as ‘childhood’.  As a kid I was always the lanky, skinny, super-tall girl, but I think I quite enjoyed it!  Although people did always assume I’d be automatically able an amazing netball player and able to score every time, which was definitely an incorrect assumption.  I can’t shoot hoops to save my life. ;)

Can't shoot hoops... but can knit with them!

Any funny ‘tall person’ stories to share?  
Boring as it sounds, not really!  I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing, funny moments, but none directly related to my height. Yet.

Who is your style inspiration?  
Obviously the likes of Victoria Beckham are inspirational, but I love how Jennifer Lawrence keeps it fairly real, yet does the full on glam look excellently on occasion.  She’s just fab all round really.

Any tall dressing style tips?  
I don’t think I have any specifically for tall girls, I tend to dress more for my shape rather than purely height.  For example, I know that waist-defining outfits suit me well, but the same would go for someone hourglass shaped but a foot shorter.

A complete outfit Lily made (including hand knitting the skirt).

What is the best thing about being tall?  
If you are not tall, why would you like to be tall?  Being able to see over people’s heads in crowds!  Unless an absolute giant sits in front of me, my extra long body means that I can sit up really tall and never miss a thing at the cinema.

And the worst?  
Sticking out like a sore thumb amongst shorter friends, and having to hover in a weird squat for my (photographer) mum to take pictures at a decent angle.

A cardigan jacket Lily knitted.

Tall + High heels.  Yes or No?  
I wouldn’t particularly enjoy being 4 inches taller than boyfriend so tend to stick with flats when I’m with him, but for a party with the girls bring on the heels!

Any words of wisdom you’d like to add?  
Don’t slouch!  I absolutely can’t afford to slouch because I have mild scoliosis, but us tall girls really should just stand proud!

Thank you so much to Lily for taking part in Tall Talk Tuesday!  I'm so envious of your knitting talent.  To see more of Lily's creations or great style please visit www.jolihouse.com.  If you have enjoyed this post why not send her a tweet @jolihouseblog?

Do any other 5foot10 reader know how to knit?  Have you made your own clothes?  What do you think of Lily's style?  Do you like Warehouse and French Connection?

Stand Tall x

Would you like to take part in Tall Talk Tuesday?  Send me an email or comment below!  To read previous 'TTT' posts, click HERE!

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).