Georgina’s blog, She Might Be Loved, began back in 2013 and quickly became popular for a number of reasons. She recently became the face of Scarlett and Jo, and even has a dress that was designed especially for her. Jealous? We wouldn’t blame you.

I managed to catch up with Georgina to quiz her about her success as a full-time blogger and being the face of not one but TWO fashion brands.

*Warning: This interview may contain traces of sarcasm*

Hi Georgina! Let’s start with your blog, She Might Be Loved, where did the idea come from to start a blog and did you know then how popular it would become?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life so, whilst working in retail, I took a gap year out to ‘find myself’. I started talking more and more about writing a blog, I just needed a vote of confidence to get going. I remember telling my friends at work how much I loved it and how happy it was making me. It became my dream to be able to do it as a job but I never expected it to become more than something that was just making me happy.

You now work as a full-time blogger, why do you think your blog has done so well?

I’m a Social Media Manager too, so that’s my main source of income. It’s weird to think about what has made my blog so popular. I have a background in Cosmetics and I’m a self taught makeup artist which means I go to town on makeup reviews and I’ve struggled with dressing my shape for years, so I have experience in that too. I guess it’s my knowledge and experience in a number of different fields?

You recently became the face of Scarlett and Jo (congratulations), what did it feel like to be asked to represent such a great brand?

I was rather shocked and overwhelmed at the same time. I was already honoured to be having a dress made for me as I apparently inspired Gifi Fields, the owner and designer. I thought it couldn’t

get better than that but then I was asked to go down to London and model the collection with fellow bloggers. A few days later, I was asked to be the face of the company. The story was featured in so many magazines and publications that it made me cry tears of joy. It feels absolutely amazing!

Are there any down-sides to being a plus sized model?

I have only modelled for Scarlett & Jo and recently I was asked to model the vintage dresses for a new brand, BBW Couture. So far, it’s been amazing because I’ve loved everything I’ve been asked to model and they’ve basically been perfect for me. However, I was done up in rather an unusual way which I couldn’t deal with. I like to look like myself so I would much rather be able to do my own hair and makeup or at least have a say in it. I think I’d make a terrible professional model. I couldn’t just sit down, shut up and let someone draw on my brows badly!

Most of us think that high street stores should cater for all sizes, how do you feel about specialist stores? Are they just as ignorant and body-shaming?

Here women can shop knowing that sizes 14-32 will be stocked and that they won’t have to crawl into the back corner of a high street straight-size store for their items in a bigger size. Plus size women now have SO much choice in fashion. Some high street retailers are now realising that they could cater for plus sizes too. They might not always get it right but there is a market for it and I think it’s definitely the way forward. I really don’t mind sticking to my designated fat shops. I know there’s a lot of thought that actually goes into the clothes, it isn’t just about adding a couple more inches here or there like some straight size stores have done.

You joined in with the #WeAreTheThey hashtag after the Jamelia fiasco on Loose Women. How did it feel to be connected to so many women on this subject?

It was absolutely incredible to see so many women come together, agreeing with and even complementing one another. I have a rather large reach on Twitter, so I do think it’s kind of my duty to get involved with things like this. The results were amazing and it was so incredible to see my followers of all shapes and sizes join in with #WeAreTheThey. Everyone was so supportive – it was a big confidence booster for a lot of women. To be honest, it made me really happy and proud. Writing about fashion can help so many women at any size if we just talk about bodies and weight in a positive way.

How does it feel when your followers say that you’re an inspiration or call you a role model?

It makes me tear up, it’s incredibly overwhelming but in the best possible way. I would have never expected to reach so many people and inspire them, as they say. It’s an odd thought that by just writing about how I’m happy with myself, my size and my clothes, other women become happier with themselves and how they look. The amount of people I have telling me I’ve helped just encourages me to carry on.

What have you learnt since becoming a plus sized model?

I’ve learnt that sometimes people will make you ugly but as I’m a blogger and not an official model, I can be a diva and speak up!

Not all women are unhappy with their bodies. The #WeAreTheThey campaign definitely shows that. You seem to be happy in your own skin, what would you say to somebody at home who is feeling self conscious about their figure?

It takes time and patience to get to the point of being truly happy with yourself and some days you won’t feel 100% amazing. It may sound silly to some, but confidence and overcoming being self conscious can sometimes even come with just trying on new things. Go shopping with a friend that will get you in different clothes or find that perfect outfit and style that suits you – these can really do wonders. Reading plus size fashion blogs and following them on social media can be a big help because you’ll see that everyone is just human and they have bad days. Flushing out all negative thoughts on weight and just concentrating on you and your needs as a person really helps. Being happy with ourselves, that’s the true meaning of being healthy.

And finally, you’ve achieved quite a lot for such a young age, what’s next on the agenda for She Might Be Loved?

This question is so difficult because I’ve achieved everything so far by not expecting or wishing for any of it, I simply just found something I love and did it more of it. So I guess on that principle, I just want to carry on being a Social Media Manager and full time blogger and see what comes my way!

Words by Jess Peace

Dame Vivienne Westwood sporting a “Save The Arctic” t-shirt, worn by many celebrities supporting her movement, Climate Revolution,

The tour, called “We are the revolution” aims to encourage young people to get more involved with politics because it is their future it will be shaping.

The designer who is a prominent icon in punk history has always been involved with politcial activisism.

Vivienne Westwood started her own revolutionary movement called Climate Revolution. This campaign aims to beat climate change by protesting against enviornmentally damaging changes by the government such as fracking.

She said: “”I am investing in the Green Party because I believe it is in the best interests of our country and our economy. I hope that by example other individuals and businesses will follow suit. If we get behind this we can make a real difference and the time is now.”

Vivienne Westwood walks down the catwalk, standing proud and tall by supporting Climate Revolution.

The party hopes to win the support of students with their slogan ,”We are the revolution” suggesting that young people will be the revolutionary change to society.

The event is on Tuesday the 21st of April 2015 from 7.30pm and will be held at University of Sheffield’s St George’s Lecture Theatre on 17 Mappin Street.

She will also be visiting other university towns including Manchester, Liverpool, Brighton, Bristol, York, Norwich and Kingston.

Vivienne Westwood and Amelia Womack will be joined by Andrew Simms, renowned author, economist and environmentalist.

To register for your free ticket, head to:

https://my.greenparty.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=85&reset=1

By Catherine Christy

Image Source: Creative Commons and Green Party

TOPMAN will be hitting the streets of Sheffield during it’s 24 hour takeover of four TOPMAN stores around the UK.

The event, called TOPMAN:24, kicks off at Glasgow and will be in Sheffield on Thursday the 12th of March.

TOPMAN:24 promises a day full of events including live performances, pub quizzes by DJs, a major party followed by a breakfast back in the store to heal those hangovers.

Did we mention all this is free?

Here’s the schedule that’s been put together by the high street retailer.

All you have to do is head to TOPSHOP/TOPMAN at Fargate this Thursday from 12pm to collect your free wristband to access the different activities in store.

The TOPMAN store will be having live radio broadcasts, DJs, Giveaways and promotions. There’s also a chance for 24 people to win their shopping.

When you’re done with that, head to 156 Arundel Street for ‘Play and Tell’. This session features iconic music photographer Kevin Cummins (Joy Division & Stone Roses), Mark Hubert (This is England producer and director of Warped films), Thomas Turgoose (AKA Shaun of This is England) and Oliver Ledger (Director of Reset records).

These guys will be discussing things that matter to them with BBC Radio 1′s Nick Grimshaw.

Next, head to Tamper: Seller’s Wheel (near Cantor building), where Nick Grimshaw himself will be hosting a music pub quiz.

Not only will you get to see Nick Grimshaw in the flesh in Yorkshire, but you will also get to win prizes!

If you’re not done there, then party the night away at TOPMAN’s exclusive party at The Harley. The likes of Waze & Odyssey, Star Slinger and Emily May amongst many others will be entertaining the night away.

Not looking forward to the hangover? No worries, the good guys of TOPMAN have got you covered with their complimentary breakfast along with DJs back at their store in Fargate.

The team at SHUlife are very excited to be there so if you’d like to join us, head on down from 12pm this Thursday the 12th of March at the TOPMAN store at Fargate.

See you there!

By Catherine Christy
Image credit: BBC Media Centre

So with one fashion week down, and three more to go, we thought we’d give you a quick round up of the biggest shows in New York.

Victoria Beckham

VB  warmed our hearts before the show by tweeting a photo of a note from her children wishing her luck, not that she needed it. With another collection that’s bound to be a sell-out, Mrs Beckham enchanted us by doing what she does best: slinky, black dresses that look effortlessly chic. She played with hitched up skirts and huge buttons to keep the collection edgy and sexy.

Marc Jacobs

Back on form after parting with Louis Vuitton, Jacobs’ collection was filled with sheath dresses covered in perfect winter patterns- dogtooth, tartan etc. Proving that there’s nothing wrong with wearing navy and black together, Jacobs kept the collection fresh with strips of wet look leather across the skirts and the collection got less traditional as the show went on with a see through dress.

Calvin Klein

The Velvet Underground comes to mind when viewing Calvin Klein’s show. Playing with textures such as velvet and fur, this collection was about the materials more than anything else. Pleats and panels were also a key feature of many outfits.

Proenza Schouler

The focus at Proenza Schouler was on coats and layers. Spotty tights and tweed were also noticeable trends. Hemlines on both coats and dresses were kept midi length and the key colours seemed to black, navy and a rusty red. Panelling and cutouts were also key to the looks on display.

Oscar De La Renta

The first collection with Peter Copping at the helm. With a FROW full of socialites and celebrities including Taylor Swift, the show looked set to be a promising one. Prim and ladylike outfits sashayed down the runway. Skirts were the noticeable trend here, some were tweed, some were pencil and some were A line, some more flared than others. The occasion dresses were embellished with black florals.

Michael Kors

Kors produced everything you would expect to see in an Autumn/Winter collection from fur to the grey and caramel colour scheme. Wintery patterns such as paisley were present as were chunky knits, brown loafers and herringbone. Oxblood, khaki and mustard also worked their way in to the colour scheme which gave the looks a vintage feel. A show that got everyone willing to skip the summer and head straight to winter so they could put on a pretty patterned mustard dress, long wool coat and a chunky cardigan.

Here at SHUlife, we were lucky enough to be able to ask him a few questions about his plans for the future.

Q. How do you find inspiration for your designs?

A. Inspiration is everywhere you just have to open up to the everyday experiences of life, I travel extensively around the world, culture’s and nature are my biggest influences.

Understanding people and getting a sense of different cultures is a big influence.

Q. How do your Ghanian roots feed in to your designs?

A. My roots are really a default setting for who I am, a rich colour palette and its combination is an obvious position but refinement, elegance and restraint in design are also very West African statements.

Q. What are your style predictions for 2015?

A. Wardrobe staples will become more important than ever, but the character in combining and augmenting these pieces to become the wearers own statement is what will really count.

Q. Have you got any more projects/business interests in the pipeline?

A. I have a foundation called “Made In Africa” (www.madeinafricafoundation.co.uk/) we promote independence in Africa by initiation of Infrastructure and Developmental systems,

to greater empower businesses via funding mechanisms and investment.

Q. What do you think the most important thing about fashion is?

A. Personality, no character means no substance and essentially no style….

Q. What excites you most about Fashion Week?

A. There’s always a lot to look at. A lot of style and personality….. the way people present themselves via their clothes, hair, accessories, etc….its always inspirational.

Could you describe your personal typical design process, how you get your designs from the sketchpad to the runway? Do you have any go-to areas for inspiration?

So for me creativity is based on how I feel so that’s an ever-changing position what I used for inspiration is I’m inspired by everything from going to the cinema, seeing an artist at a Museum even watching a child play I could be inspired by anything. There is no set form, if there was any particular place where I find real connectivity that would be Yoga. I’ve been doing it for about three years, usually after doing a session of Yoga I do have some of my best ideas. If I was trying to connect a particular moment in time to a great idea it has definitely come to me during yoga.

What are your personal rules when it comes to dressing, either for formal or casual wear? Are there any definite things you think should or should not be worn together?

That’s about style, how you dress yourself is defiantly about your personal style. Some people are more confident with their personal style than others, what does that really mean? It’s about enjoying the clothes you wear and understanding what you enjoy wearing. Clothing should be an enhancers of the person wearing the clothing and give them a great amount of pleasure. That’s how I understand style. My personal style obviously is based around tailoring. I’ve always had a love of tailoring as I was brought up with that. I like the silhouette of the suit that is well cut and a hard collar shirt that sits well under the lapel of the jacket, that’s all very key to me. A tie that’s got a decent knot opposed to not a good one. Those elements are very key to me. I like to create a rhythm within the collar of fabrics I use.

What would your advice be for any students that aspire to a career in fashion design, particularly in tailoring?

The most important ingredient in fashion is to have a point of view once you have this you need a strong concept. The concept is based on what drives you as a designer. The most important thing I’d say is to have very clear concepts to what you want to represent as a designer and you have to stick to it. Even if others think it’s not right. There is a thing in fashion where at some point you’re not understood but it’s your belief and commitment which ultimately will allow people to understand what you’ve created and enjoy.

At the Screen Actors Guild Awards earlier in the week, the women who stood out most were not those in exceptional dresses but those who went in a two piece tux. Julia Roberts showed she still had it in a smart jacket and trouser combo while Emma Stone wowed in a tuxedo inspired Dior Couture piece.

Here is the best of what the high street has to offer, just make sure you team it with some sparkly jewellery and heels:

Topshop, Skort Playsuit, £48

Rare, £36 Tuxedo tunic

Missguided, Red Jumpsuit, £25

Michelle Keegan at Lipsy , White Button Up £25

Boohoo, Zip Asymmetric Dress £25

Burberry pulled off a hippy boho-esque show at their Burberry Prorsum London Collections Menswear (LC:M) fashion show.

The venue at Kensington Gardens had floor tiles of black and white. Nearly everyone were either clad in a Burberry trench coats or their classic check scarf. With it’s current “fandom”, It is no doubt that Burberry has lounged into today’s popular culture, thanks to their Creative Director, Christopher Bailey.

Burberry faces and influencers alike were present, including Jordan Dunn, Tinie Tempah, Nick Grimshaw, David Gandy, Liu Wen and Hannah Dodd (appeared in Burberry’s Christmas Ad with Romeo Beckham).

The all-important Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, Anna Wintour, arrived last alongside her sidekick Hamish Bowles, European Editor at large of American Vogue.

As the models walked down, the influence of indian inspired colours and themes were clear. From mirror embroidery found in saris and full flower patterns. This was on the top of every interviewer’s head and Christopher Bailey corrected everyone. He said it was not Indian inspired, but rather classic Bohemia, which draws slightly from India.

It was no doubt a more daring approach to previous collections but as Burberry taps more into the youth market, this collection ticked all boxes.

The colours were bright and enigmatic with patchwork scarves as well as long & heavy fringes. Floral Jacquard jackets took a feminine twist to menswear while dark and leather coats gave an edgy look to the overall collection.

As the collection took us back to the Woodstock era, the audience were serenaded by Clare Maguire. The choice of musicians that Burberry uses, from their live sessions to the their fashion shows, always provide the tip of the iceberg to a full Burberry show experience.

Walking through a burst of metallic confetti and a rendition of House of the Rising Sun, the finale walk was a sea of colours, mirrors, fringes and patchwork. It was classic fashion with a touch of hippy influence. Or as Christopher Bailey puts it, Classic Bohemia.

A video posted by Cat Chris (@itscatchris) on Jan 13, 2015 at 4:59pm PST

SHUlife caught up backstage with Burberry’s Creative Director, Christopher Bailey. Bailey, who got his Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University, gave Hallam fashion students some golden advice. He told them not to be pretentious and there’s no real answer to break into the fashion industry. The only way is to hone your own creativity as there is no rule book in creative art.

Christopher Bailey with SHUlife Editors, Ethan Huntington and Catherine Christy

We could not help but tell him we were pleased he kept his factories in the North. Burberry currently has two factories in Castleford, one in Ilkley and their online store stock operates from a factory in Blyth. He said: “I always try my best to keep things in the North, it’s where I’m from.”

Watch the full show here:

What did you think to the show and Burberry’s hippy approach?

Here are our favourite ones: 

We find these mittens really cute and this would definitely keep you warm on a cold December day. F&F £20

£25 Topman

Subtle but stylish

New Look £22.99

£28 River Island

For all the wise crackers out there…

£15 Matalan

Mistletoe can be used as a subtle hint…

I just like to smile… smiling’s my favourite! Take inspiration from Buddy with this Christmas jumper and spread christmas cheer loud and clear for all to hear!

Wrap yourselves up in glitter, sequins, feathers, fur and so much more to ensure your Christmas party wardrobe is up to scratch. This year were going to help you pop, sparkle and wow on the dance floor!

Sequins
Sparkle in sequins…
If there’s any time of the year you can get away with wearing sequins it’s Christmas,
get yourself a classic long sleeved backless dress and sparkle in sequins this Christmas.

Feathers
Flock your way to the front of the dance floor in an elegant feather dress. Feather dresses are great to help create a cute 1920s look. They’re delicate, dreamy and romantic whilst remaining fierce and show stopping.
You can even pair it with a matching feather bag.

Glitter
Attention all glitterbugs, this season is your time to shine.
Climb your way to the top of the Christmas tree in a gitzy cocktail number.

Silk and Satin
Stand out in a sea of dresses wearing seductive satin.
Throw on some skyscraper heels to give you that catwalk edge and you’re sure to be the belle of the ball.

Velvet
Go all velvet this Christmas to create a sexy vintage vibe. Think emerald green, royal red and midnight black. Complete your outfit with show stopping strappy heels and a box clutch.

Lace

Trying to impress the boyfriends’ parents? A guaranteed classy and elegant choice, lace is for you. A simple nude body-con with delicate lace detail is perfect. You’ll look graceful and feminine whilst leaving everyone lusting for more.

Leather
It’s different, it’s edgy, and it says just that about you. Combine your leather dress with a black faux fur scarf to give it that extra edge.



Faux Fur
Accessorise whichever look you for with a faux fur wrap to keep you warm on those cold winter nights.

Our top websites to browse for these would be ASOS, Topshop and MissGuided.

A new style exhibition will be held at Sheffield’s Royal Victoria Hotel this Sunday and Monday.

The show will host a variety of boutiques and designers from Sheffield showcasing a mix of talents from graduates to popular shops. The show will be a great opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping as well as discovering some hot local brands, perfect if you’re looking for a unique gift. With stalls with gifts for children, babies, women and men, it’s bound to be a good place for gift inspiration.

Money raised from ticket sales goes to two local charities, The Eden Dora Trust which is a charity that helps people suffering from Encephalitis and Acquired Brain Injury and Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids which helps sick children and their families.

Charity, Christmas and Shopping combined? Sounds like a great event to us!

Tickets are £15 and available from www.sheffieldstyleshow.com