So, as you can see, my writing's been a bit 'on hold' so far this year. I'm two weeks into a brand new job with a brand new employer and have to admit that I'd forgotten how much energy and brainpower it takes to do that. It's been a great experience so far (really great!)... Continue Reading →
I've spent more years than I care to imagine working out how to love my reflection. It might sound strange to anyone who doesn't identify as a woman, or wasn't raised as female, but the constant stream of messages we receive about how our appearance is the most important thing about us takes a certain... Continue Reading →
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am working with the UAL Lingerie Society to organise a mini-symposium entitled 'Breasts and Bras: History, Health and Fashion'. The event is taking place on Thursday 24th October 2019, 6.00-8:30pm in the RHS East lecture theatre at London College of Fashion, 20 John Prince's Street, London W1G 0BJ. The... Continue Reading →
I love clothes and, as a result, I have a lot of them. Although they are essentially practical items, designed to protect me from the elements (and the unwanted attention that going without would bring!), I don't really buy them for that purpose. I'm pretty much a collector of garments, the way some folk collect... Continue Reading →
If you're thinking about getting a lingerie gift for yourself of a loved one for Valentine's Day, but don't want to buy into some of the more problematic areas of the fashion industry, Here are five British brands making gorgeous undies in an ethical and sustainable way. 1) Studio Pia Describing their lingerie as luxury... Continue Reading →
Twice a year, I pack up all my unseasonal items of clothing and get the more appropriate ones out of hibernation. I wrote about it back in 2015 for this blog, and have also videoed myself opening the suitcase and getting excited about things I'd forgotten I owned. As I'm currently packing for a somewhat... Continue Reading →
I haven't written about latex much since my 2012 post in the fabulous fashion fabrics series, so I was surprised when the lovely folk at Honour got in touch to ask if I'd like to review a lingerie set from their website. However, once I started browsing, I quickly realised this wouldn't be quite as... Continue Reading →
Inspired by this week's 'Cosy Issue' of Stylist Magazine, I thought I'd wrap up and get comfy for a winter wishlist as we head towards the end of the year. Whether you're getting cosy indoors or outside, I have looked for thoughtful sustainable options rather than cheap impulse purchases that are bad for the planet... Continue Reading →
What is a blogger to do when a favourite lingerie brand releases a stunning new collection that doesn't come in her size? She enlists the help of a guest reviewer, or course! Full disclosure though... Rarely Wears Lipstick paid for the lingerie set reviewed below. There are few brands from whom I will always open... Continue Reading →
Clothing and textile archives are fascinating places. Although, as a fashion historian, you might expect me to visit archives as part of my research, they're also very useful places for designers to look for inspiration. Even more so now that many museums have extensive online catalogues with images, available from anywhere in the world, but... Continue Reading →