Frills 'n' Spills

One of the best things about being a blogger is finding new blogs to read and thanks to Sherin I have a new favourite: Inslee Sketches. This insanely talented illustrator has some gorgeous work and I sat and read her blog back to the beginning as I was absolutely in love with her sketches and illustrations. 

I could have featured every single one of her beautiful illustrations but I narrowed it down to a few favourites, I clearly like illustrations of pretty girls in dresses!  I have taken all these images from the Inslee blog which you should really check out!

Do you like fashion illustrations? Have you discovered any new blogs recently?

P.S. I thought that this would be some light relief from my (rather heavy) post on Friday, thank you for all your lovely comments, they really made me think! 

I should warn you now, before you start that this will be a wordy and somewhat confused post as I try and make sense of a question that has been buzzing around my head for weeks: Does blogging make you more narcissistic? I touched on this when I wrote my post asking 'Why do you blog?' but it is something that has been bugging me for a while now...

Surely, the immediate answer would be yes. You take photos of yourself, what you wear, where you go and post them on the internet (only after choosing the best ones of course) where strangers comment how great you look/how fun it was when you did X, Y, Z. Isn't this the height of narcissism? 

I know that some people will only ever post flattering photos of themselves and to some extent, I am the same. There's a reason why certain posts or outfits don't make it to the blog! I think we all know, once something is out there on the internet, there is no way of deleting  it permanently and who wants to be reminded of when they looked like this? *shudder* 

Yes, I clearly am Superman.

Saying that though, I try and include regular outtakes because, as anyone who knows me in real life will testify, I am clumsy and I do look like an enthusiastic sheep most of the time! The reason why the blog is called Frills 'n' Spills is because it is about the ups and downs of  life and fashion (as trite as that sounds!) those times when you spill something down your favourite top or get it really wrong when styling something. 

I lost the shorts but kept the polo neck...

Since  I started blogging I have been more creative and inspired with how I dress and although I still like the approval of nice comments on an outfit post, if  I like it, I will wear it (see polo-neck) Some people will never get why I blog, or think it is self obsessed but I prefer to think of it as self-confidence rather than narcissism that allows me to try new things and feel good in what I am wearing. The wonderful Bangs wrote a post on confidence vs ego and I really think that sums it up. As long as you aren't bragging in people's faces about your blog then it's fine. This blog is hard work and I don't even do it for a living, I applaud anyone who can do that as it is even more tough. 




Surely, in times where infighting and body hatred  seems to be the norm [MJ's post about the use of 'real women' is fantastic] blogs should be celebrated. I read blogs to be inspired, it might not all be attainable inspiration but my favourite blogs are those who are more than just a pretty face. They give me the inspiration to try leather trousers or orange flares and I keep this blog as an honest record of my life. I include the ups and downs and I plan to look back at it and have a good laugh when I am older.  I have made many friends through blogging and they have been there for the good times and the bad and I can't really ask for much more than that!

Yes, I just used a literal picture of me walking along a path. So sue me.

I used to be scared of everything and everyone and I always felt like I wasn't good enough. Now I know that that just isn't true. I am more than good enough in all parts of my life and although things may not always go to plan, I am getting there and this blog will document my journey...


Do you think blogging is narcissistic? Why do you blog? 

Super flattering cut? Check. Swooshy skirt? Check. Gorgeous jewel colour? Check. It was inevitable that I was going to buy this dress as soon as I saw it come into the infamous Motel sale. I first wore it on New Years Day as it was comfy yet still looked like I had made an effort and I pulled it out for seeing the other of my best friends for lunch today. I love it when you find something in the sale that becomes a go-to item... talk about smug! 

Coat: Dannimac, dress: Heidi dress by Motel, faux fur stole: H&M, tights: Boots, shoes: Office

 I love the contrast of a neutral like camel with the zingy jewel colour of the dress and I think it really helped to emphasise the colour on an otherwise dull day... I love how Harriet styled this dress too, the colour of the tights really adds an extra dimension to the dress.


Faux fur to wrap up against the chill! I know every blogger and their dog has this stole but it feels so luxe and really helps to add a touch of glamour to an outfit...


I think the shape of this dress is super flattering on my figure and it is nice to have something that is comfortable, too. I love the fact that Motel have the same shape dress in different prints and colours, it makes choosing a dress much easier as you know that a particular style will suit you!
  

As Mark was snapping away to get these pictures, a little old man asked if we wanted a picture together which actually turned out quite well :) 

Do you have any Motel dresses? What is your go to outfit?

The quiet was just what I needed and it gave me space (and time) to gather my thoughts. It was an unusual respite from the toils of daily life but a welcome one and I actually found it quite inspiring. 

Where do you go for peace and quiet? Do you have any unusual inspirations?

I have barely stopped using this clutch bag since I got it but I have managed to tear myself away from it for one photo! This blouse has popped up in both summer and winter outfits and is definitely one of the most worn items in my wardrobe, it's perfect for adding just a dash of colour...

Another Topshop sale necklace! I love Topshop jewellery but would never pay full price for it, the quality is just not worth it...

I really need to experiment more with my hair as I'm sure you're fed up of seeing the same old curls by now... any suggestions to get me started?

My favourite part of the whole outfit though has to be these shoes. They were a bargain in the M&S sale and as they came with comfort insoles [hallelujah!] fitted, it meant I could add a bit of pizazz without ripping my feet  apart and I could walk in them! *heavenly chorus* 

Do you prefer the trousers for day or night? How could I style my hair differently?

The thing is, I probably already have too many shoes but there is always room for one more pair and when they look this good, I'd definitely make room! Looking through at the pairs I have shortlisted, you can spot a clear theme....

Who knew there were so many gorgeous red shoes?!

I think though, if I had to choose my favourite pair, it would be these...

...not for me but my lovely boyfriend Mark who does so much for me and the blog and who desperately needs a new pair of shoes!

Go on Sarenza, help a girl out? 


Which shoes do you like best? Have you used Sarenza before?