People often mention 'bra burning' when they speak of second wave feminism, as if an allegedly oppressive undergarment was the most important thing that the feminist movement fought against in the late twentieth century. They also talk about it as if this were complete and utter truth, when it is more likely an urban myth.... Continue Reading →
I know a lot of people ask who made their clothes these days, but does anyone really know? Unless you are close to someone with excellent sewing skills who has produced your entire wardrobe, the answer is probably no. I do know who made a large handful of lovely lacy things in my underwear drawer,... Continue Reading →
Yesterday morning, I exited Bond Street tube station and was surprised to see a crowd of people gathered around the Disney Store on the opposite side of the road. Closer inspection revealed that the entrance was being guarded by three Stormtroopers, ahead of the midnight launch of the Star Wars Episode 7 official merchandise. The... Continue Reading →
For Feminism Friday this week, I couldn't resist sharing this fascinating video interview with The Gentlewoman editor-in-chief Penny Martin, that was conducted by SHOWstudio editor Lou Stoppard as part of their 'In Fashion' series. Martin admits to not being interested in 'fashion' as a teenager, but that she and her peers were reveling in the... Continue Reading →
As regular readers will know, I like to share things that catch my eye and a recent email about feminist body positive lingerie was certainly going to do that! The founder of a new lingerie company called Neon Moon - supported by the Prince's Trust and currently fundraising on Kickstarter - got in touch with... Continue Reading →
The books that made me a feminist were the books that got me into trouble. I lost a lover, alienated friends, angered students, got into arguments with teachers -- all because of books that followed through on the clichés: something clicked, a light snapped on. But sometimes the click turns into a slammed door, and... Continue Reading →
What better way to celebrate the day before Valentine's Day - otherwise known as Galentine's Day - than with a Feminism Friday post celebrating women and the love we should have for ourselves? Last week on Disney Roller Girl's blog, I read about the Kurt Geiger #FromLondonWithLove project, in association with Cordwainers at London College... Continue Reading →
Saturday 8th March is International Women's Day, so what better time to celebrate the achievements, creativity and talents of women and girls around the globe? Well, that's exactly what Wowzers Festival will be doing in London next weekend. This exciting community-led event is open to all and includes activists, performers, writers, campaigners and... you. With... Continue Reading →
For the last two years, I have posted my own Rarely Wears Lipstick Women of The Year lists as a way to celebrate the wonderful women I have come into contact throughout the previous 12 months. This is an opportunity to spread the word, give thanks where they're due, and celebrate achievements of any kind.... Continue Reading →
A couple of things happened this week that made me think about patriarchy and feminism. Wikipedia describes patriarchy as "a social system in which the male is the primary authority figure central to social organization and the central roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property, and where fathers hold authority over women... Continue Reading →