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Love to Love: Part One

Bluebell WooiWelcome to Love to Love - a series of interviews with top women we love to love, about all the stuff they love to love.

Kicking off with Bluebell Wooi (yes that is her real name) - the model whose face you'll recognise off billboards all across the tube, Aston Martin's TV ad and that risque Rankin snogfest video.

What you may not know, is that Bluebell is a south London girl with heritage including south east Asian and Irish, and a quirky background that has born a confident young woman proud of her rebellious streak, passionate about Pussy Riot and with a cat named Truffles. Let's find out more...

How would you describe your style?

It's a totally mixed bag. I really like some street style stuff, but then also have lots of vintage - so all sorts really. I got that approach from my Mum because she dresses really crazy, in a good way! When I was a baby I had little leopard print DM boots. (*cool Mum alert*)

What’s your dream dinner party line up with just three chairs to fill?

Russell Brand definitely. Also Flight of the Concords - if I’m allowed to make them share a chair (*oh, go on then*). I’m then torn between inviting a hot a man with a Scottish accent (which would be Richard Madden if so - or Simon from Biffy Clyro... or all of Biffy Clyro) or another funny guy… But I think funny will always win for me, so I’ll choose Julian Barratt.

Where’s your favourite place to visit and why?

Malaysia - and Penang in particular. I have family there and have been going for years, so it just has really nice associations and memories. Check it out! (*going on the list, right now...*)

Where do you get your style inspo from?

Instagram. I follow quite a few weird feeds rather than just lots of fashion people. I love the crazy visual illusions on @popmyeyes and for more fashion stuff @lovers&drifters has really cool style.

What’s your go-to item of clothing to make you feel totally awesome?

I have a pair of Vagabond boots with a massive platform. They work with anything and make me stand tall and feel strong. 

And finally, tell us about the earrings you're wearing!

I love the colours and the retro feel of the pattern. Milk Tooth earrings are totally different to other stuff out there. That's why I like them. (*Nicely said Bluebell!!*)

Now, get your own pair, right here x

*Editor's notes

Proof fashion is good for you

We've long mused that the thrill of putting together a 'high-five-to-self' outfit must not only be lovely for the world's eyeballs, but also great for the soul. Well, today we bring you conclusive (or at a minimum quite decent) evidence that it is definitely good for you.

The logic…

Network building - if you've ever attended an event mainly (or possibly only…) to get dressed up for the occasion - and then ended up meeting loads of nice people, you'll know what we mean. 

History swotting - these days fashion is a melting pot of trends from across the ages - all intertwined with important cultural motifs that it's important for us to homage. From the miniskirt symbolising new freedoms for women in the 60s, to the Cleopatra inspired eye liner reminding us of female leaders gone-by (whether they were a tad scary or not!). 

Muscle toning - they say it's the little efforts over time that add up. In which case, just think of the cumulative arm toning clocked up through a lifetime of bracelet wearing. And don't even get us started on the calf toning from a pair of killer heels... 

Cultural enlightenment - who can deny the multiple connections between fashion, art and science. Just think about fashion and architecture as one example. Our very own Pluralist Collection features bold earring designs inspired by postmodern architecture and evoking the spirit of the late-20th century movement of the same name. Fancy right?

Coordination skills - whether it's a two minute ponder whilst in your morning shower, or a dedicated think whilst you wrap up the day before, when on a daily basis you're considering an outfit across underwear, clothes, accessories and hair, it is undeniably good practice for multitasking, mental agility and planning!

Mental health – from embracing exciting colours, to swapping clothes with pals, to feeling totally awesome in a brilliant outfit, there are loads of ways to have fun with fashion. And as long as we don’t take it all too seriously, it can be a fantastic way to celebrate your own choices, be yourself and feel confident.  

So, what you waiting for - get hunting for fashion accessories to make you happy (not guarenteed with purchase ;) right here x

 

The Umami factor: 5 fashion brands to leave you wanting more.

Stuff we love

We love stumbling upon a new brand that makes us stop in our tracks and chant want want want (NB in head only if out in public). Whether the moment strikes whilst leafing nonchalantly through a mag, catching a sly window glimmer, or just scrolling online - that oooow moment is real.

Here's just a handful of super fancy brands we've recently discovered and had to share:

  1. Sarah Baily – if you weren't badass before, you will be once you don one their ultimate cool girl metallic leather jackets. The aesthetic is a bit like the love child of Rainbow Bright and Joan Jett, with a splash of early Noughties Beckhams chucked in (during that phase when they took to wearing matching racing jackets - only these are sooo much better, before you get scared). 
  2. Ike and Ernie – a small unique clothing brand with retro but edgy cosmic vibes and founded ‘as a celebration of sisterhood’ (cute!). The ‘Joplin’ coord suit is the star of their Nymph range in our opinion. 
  3. Rixo – their dreamy vintage inspired dresses nail so many situations - from floaty summer wedding look, to mid week superfly casual with boots or trainers. Especially loving their pieces which mash up the boho vibe with quirky bold 70s prints.
  4. 10DecoArt – behold a standout jewellery brand from this fab Polish design team. Serving up some seriously  fresh style for your viewing pleasure. Invest in these and we reckon they'll become keepers for life
  5. Rose Rankin LDN – standout sneakers made entirely in the UK and always offering a whole host of fresh textures, colourways and patterns. Say hello to visual shoe candy with a colourpop twist. 

 So, there you have it. Five brilliant brands you may not have known, but now you know. You're welcome! And of course, don't forget to team any outfit with a pair of standout earrings.  Browse ours here