On a recent lunch time jaunt to John Lewis with a couple of colleagues, we found ourselves discussing the relative merits of different sewing machine manufacturers. The only overlocker the store stocked was made by Janome, and my colleagues weren't terribly impressed by this. I pointed out that the Janome sewing machine my parents bought... 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 →
As anyone with boobs of any shape and size can tell you, finding the perfect bra is much harder than it should be. The sizing system is confusing and working out which of the many cup and band sizes might possibly fit you can feel like an impossible task. So when I saw a bit... Continue Reading →
As someone who has a definite style, works at a fashion college and is rarely seen in an outfit that hasn't been carefully planned out, I often get asked for style tips. Last summer I played the part of personal shopper twice and it got me thinking about how I could distil my advice into... Continue Reading →
Back in 2010, I attended a class at The School of Life entitled How To Find a Job You Love. Designed to help you think about what you really want from your working life, the class got me thinking about what I enjoy doing, what I'd loved about each of the roles I'd had in... Continue Reading →
Ever since I finished my first degree, I always wanted to go on to further study. I got a place on a full-time MSc straight after my BSc but then, before enrolment, decided that I didn't want to get myself into more debt. A few years later, I applied for another MSc (part-time), but then... Continue Reading →
Now that I am 40, I realised that I'm probably going to have to make some changes to my lifestyle, particularly where my body is concerned. It's not just my fitness (or lack thereof) that I can no longer afford to ignore, my skin could do with a bit more attention too. I bought Pretty... Continue Reading →
Winter skincare is often a tricky thing. Just when you think you've got the hang of it, the weather takes a turn for the worse and you're left reapplying lip balm every two minutes in order to be able to smile without it hurting. Whether or not you have a known skin problem or have... Continue Reading →
You meet someone amazing, you go on a few dates, you fall head over heels in love. You're so happy that you just can't stop talking about it. It's a story that I'm sure many of you will recognise, but how do we stop it before we get too bad? When a friend meets some... Continue Reading →
First things first, you've got yourself an interview so congratulations! You have obviously written a great application or CV/résumé and have convinced them that you have the skills and knowledge required to do the job, which is fantastic. Next you will need to prove that, out of everyone they've shortlisted, you're the one that they... Continue Reading →