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 →
A couple of years ago, I wrote a post about returning to higher education as a mature student. At the end of the article, I promised further posts on research and planning but then promptly forgot all about it. As I'm currently attempting to start another research project, I thought now was a good time... Continue Reading →
Pretty much everyone who knows me is now aware that, a few years ago, I did an MA part-time alongside my job and my Master's dissertation was on technology and the bra in the twentieth century. Since then, I have been looking for ways to share this research as I love talking about the things... 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 →
Despite being usually hidden from view, underwear is an important aspect of our clothed selves. Everyone knows that it can keep us warm or cool, ensure we are comfortable, provide support, and help us feel fresh. What many people forget is that it also provides the foundations for our chosen clothed identity, whatever our age... 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 →
Inspired an exchange with Dr Ben Barry on Twitter the other week, I decided to look into what my 'take' on fashion really is. What excites me or drives me to read and learn more about what we wear, why we wear it and the industry surrounding it. I'll tell you this now, it's not... 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 →
Over the past few years, I have become rather fond of archives. As I wrote in my post The Joy of Archives, I've always had a fondness for old clothes as touching a piece of the past is a powerful window into history. Whilst looking at images of what people used to wear is fascinating;... 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 →