I have to admit that one of the biggest joys of having my own blog is being able to use it to shout about people who I think are doing amazing things. Every year since 2011, I have shared a list of the people who have had positive impact on my life in the previous... Continue Reading →
Five years ago today, I published a blog post about starting a part-time Master's course. A lot has happened since then and I've, understandably, been spending some of my time post-graduation looking at how this qualification could lead me to a new career path. After finishing my first degree, I had absolutely no idea what... Continue Reading →
Those of you who follow me on social media will know that I've been involved in a side project over the last few months, unsurprisingly relating to underwear. The history of lingerie is an important part of the history of women's changing role in society, yet it is rarely given the attention it deserves. The... Continue Reading →
Since returning to academia, I have attended a lot of conferences and panel discussion events. Ever since I live-tweeted the Costume Society's Study Day in 2012, people have been telling me that they really enjoy my reporting of events like this via social media. It started as an easy way for me to keep track... Continue Reading →
Earlier this month, I went to the V&A's Undressed exhibition with a bunch of lovely people who are all fans of the lingerie brand Kiss Me Deadly. Since I was awarded my MA - which involved two years of research and academic writing about underwear, specifically bras - the brand's head honcho Catherine has rather... Continue Reading →
As you've probably noticed, I appear to have lost my blogging mojo this month. I felt a bit guilty when the lovely Shasleigh from My Betty Woo mentioned Rarely Wears Lipstick in her recent post on blogs she loves reading, as there's not been much new content here lately. Not a single blog post has... Continue Reading →
At the start of 2015, I sat down with a small group of friends to complete the Year Compass. It was a great way to reflect on the previous 12 months and look at what you'd like to get out of the next 12, plus making time to sit down and do it in the... Continue Reading →
I was recently invited by artist Rosalie Schweiker to give a talk to her bra research group, as part of an ongoing project to start a bra shop for large cup and plus sizes which "thrives on cheap humour, not overpriced sexism". Here is a summary of what I covered in my talk. It's a... 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 →
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 →