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 →
Five beautiful and ethical underwear brands for Valentine’s Day
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 →
The smile-inducing magic of tidying your wardrobe
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 →
Review: Latex lingerie from Honour
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 →
A cosy (and sustainable) winter wishlist
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 →
Review: Gabi Fresh x Playful Promises
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 →
ART-CHERIE: Inspiration from online archives
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 →
Why Heist is missing the point on uncomfortable undies
If you're on Instagram and are at all interested in underwear, you may have seen Heist's campaign for their soon to be launched new range. Best known for their tights that don't roll down or dig in, Heist are now expanding their offering to include what they call 'bodywear', and they're doing a good job... Continue Reading →
Fashion & Sustainability: my mindful manifesto
Sustainability can seem like such a huge subject, that it's easy to become overwhelmed and wonder what on earth you can do that will possibly make a difference. The more you read, however, the more you'll start to work out which aspects really speak to you and where you'd like to focus your efforts. For... Continue Reading →
5 Ways to Wear Animal Print This Autumn
If there's one thing I know about fashion trends it's that, no sooner have they faded away, they'll be back before you know it. When it comes to trends for colours, prints and fabrics, they get recycled a lot more often than you might think. Bright colours, jewel tones, velvet, tweed and tartan have all... Continue Reading →