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).

The most amazing socks!

I never thought I'd write a recommendation post on socks.  SOCKS!  Not exactly the most exciting item of a wardrobe, but these are worth a post on the blog.  BAM socks! (Does this name make anyone think of Batman beating up baddies?  BAM! KAPOW!)

BAM Bamboo Socks

They were a birthday gift last year, and I put them in my drawer until I had trainers and jeans day.  Given the bright pattern I needed to wear them with the right outfit!  The purchase was made for the novel idea that they are made from Bamboo and thus more ethical and sustainable than some other fabric sources.  My first thought was 'they're pretty, and soft, but I bet they wont wash well'.  How wrong could I be?

BAM! KAPOW! THUD!

These socks are still as soft as when I was given them.  The colour hasn't run, and there are no wholes.  The moths haven't attacked them and they fit my feet perfectly.  All that sounds like a good pair of socks, but hardly 'amazing' I hear you say!  Well this is the amazing bit, that I didn't discover until I put them on the first time.  The toe box is made from soft, snuggly toweling.  This cushions your toes, not only keeping them warm but also helping to create a mini duvet for your feet.

A hidden, soft cushion for your toes!

If you are anything like me, once my feet get cold they are very difficult to warm up.  This means that in the colder months, appropriate socks are needed.  However if I wear those socks in the warmer months I find my feet overheating.  I have found BAM socks to regulate my feet perfectly.  I am not sure but I would think this has something to do with the natural fibers.

If you want to treat your feet, then I really recommend BAM socks.  Just don't feed them to a panda!

Bam socks are available for men and women and  come in a variety of colours from plain black to funky stripes.  You can find Bam online here, or at other outlets such as Riley and Silver (link) or amazon (link) and ebay (link).  It is also worth checking out your local natural health food shop to see if they are a stockist.

Bam make lots of yoga and sports wear too and if it is as good as the socks, it'd be perfect for working out in.

Stand Tall x

P.s. Don't forget my £40 House of Fraser 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)

Sunday Service: Beagle at work, DVF dress and chocolate cake

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

1) The gorgeous beagle puppy called Sherlock that returns KLM passenger's lost items in Amsterdam Airport.  So adorable and very clever.  Just watch below.




2) This Julian monochrome wrap star dress by Dianne Von Furstenberg.  Completely out of my current budget but I will stalk The Outnet until it arrives.  I'd team it with dark tights for the autumn.

DVF Julian star wrap dress

 3) Chocolate mug microwave cake.  I am a little late to this party, but I have been experimenting with recipes this week (some successfully, some not so much)!  I'm going to try this recipe next, it looks yummy!  There is something very comforting about a warm sponge pudding as the evenings draw in.

Photo c/o Table for Two

I hope your week has been fun!  Let me know what you think of this post.  Have a great Sunday!

Stand Tall x

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

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.