'Doing a Britney'

  

  

 Just an arrow to indicate my diamond freckle 

Can a skirt ever be to short? And, if so, how short is too short? Is there a certain length that you think 'STOP!' and find yourself pulling at the hem? For me, rather oddly, it is dictated by four little freckles which create a diamond shape on my thigh. That's right guys, I am Hollie Potter. Forget scars on the forehead its all about diamond freckles on your leg! Of course I am joking about being a wizard, but with the freckle to skirt length ratio I am not!! For me they tend to indicate 'that's enough leg now', and more often it saves the embarrassment of any front or back flashing. Don't get me wrong, when it comes to shorts I totally disregard my freckles. I think in a silly way I feel slightly more covered up in shorts, maybe its because there is no chance of pulling a 'Britney' (google it... actually maybe don't if your eating). Lets face it, it really comes down to how comfortable you feel with the length of your skirt. My only piece of advice is; always wear underwear as 'doing a Britney' will never be a trend. 
Hollie  x

T-shirt- Vintage

Skirt- Charity shop

Shoes- Zara

Bag- Chanel

A very English Hollie

I think its fair to say you can tell I am English! For one; I have very pale skin. I also seem to suffer from an extreme stiff upper lip (in case you haven't noticed I rarely smile in my pictures). And finally, my love of talking about the weather. Honestly, all that is missing is a picture of me eating a Sunday roast (I would gladly oblige) with the good Queen herself.
So, in keeping with this very English topic I recently read an article in The Times fashion section, that quite rightly stated that the pattern trouser is a go to item for the English summer. Especially with the unpredictability of our weather. Well, as soon as they mentioned the weather I was hooked, in case you cannot tell I'm being sarcastic. More seriously after reading the article I couldn't agree more. Really, there is no excuse, they are in every high-street store, and can add a hint of sunshine to a very grey English day. Have I spoken about the weather enough yet?
Today's inspiration; the English weather and an article in The Times... I'm such a cliché (head in hands).
Hollie x

Jumper- Urban Outfitters

Trousers- Zara

Boots- Topshop

The final mystique

Is fashion involuntary making a feminist statement? Although my question is pretty redundant as fashion of course has played a massive role in women's lib throughout the centuries. From trousers and beachwear, to the non existent mini skirts of the 60's. So, with all that ground covered, it would appear that there is nothing else to 'make a statement' with! That's were we are wrong, in fact there is! One of our most treasured accessories is making a statement... the handbag. How can this be making a feminist stance you ask? With the latest trend... the perspex bag. Thanks mainly this season to Marc Jacobs and Zara. For me I feel the handbag is definitely viewed by most as mysterious and a lot of men, my boyfriend included, wouldn't dream of going in a women's bag. Old fashioned? Very much so, and that is why I am enjoying the clear bag trend. It is breaking down a gender stereotype some men seem to have about the female bag. If I am being really honest, and I hope you don't judge me, I kind of like having my tampons on display... I love how it makes men cringe (and some women). But lets face it, periods happen. Why should we be embarrassed? If anything the perspex bag is saving us the embarrassing floor scramble if it is knocked over, as everything is already out there. Heck, maybe we should even pop some condoms on display? That would really break the precious image that seems to surround a woman's bag and us women in general. We give birth, we have sex and yes we get periods, but still this seems to much for some to handle. Hence the love of the perspex bag. The main point I am trying to make is; gender stereotypes often occur due to ignorance. So by using my perspex bag I kind of feel I'm breaking down a barrier in term's of 'look its not going to bite, its a purse, a phone, some keys, lip gloss and tampons... get over it'. With all this in mind I decided to dress 'mid-gender' and mix my tomboy side with heels and a feminist rant evoking bag. 
If the above hasn't scared you off by now, what do you think to the trend? Or do you enjoy the mystery that surrounds the bag? 
Hollie x

T-shirt- Topshop

Shirts- Levis 501

Shoes- http://garageshoes.co.uk/

Bag-Zara

To Bra or Not to Bra

To Bra or Not to Bra? Is probably a question Shakespeare might have asked if he was a twenty something female living in the 21st century. Would it have become a famous line in a play? Probably not. Would it have cemented Hamlet in our history books? I doubt it, maybe a trashy chick flick! But lets be honest we have all at some point in our fashionable lives asked ourselves the question... Do I dare to bare? In my case the answer is often yes. Due mainly to my evident lack of bust and definitely not because I am a naturalist who wants to be at one with nature, FAR from it. In fact, the thought of anyone seeing any flesh that isn't meant to be on display shakes me to my core... that's right I'm a self confessed prude! But after summers spent in my cheery old England I can tell you; too much flesh is something I have been unfortunate enough to witness. Due to the lack of English sunshine we 'Brits' (myself not included), tend to leave little to the imagination (honestly, I have had nightmares).
So, getting back on topic. Today was one of those bra-less days, the sun was out and I was 'feeling good,' I definitely feel in this case wearing a bra would have spoilt the aesthetics of the outfit. Especially with a shoe string strap vest and although strapless bras are an option, nothing is less attractive then having to hoist your 'boobie basket' up around your back every five minutes.

Recently I found myself having a debate about this over dinner with two of my closest girlfriends, one I might add has HUGE breasts (caps needed) and so, was totally opposed to the idea, which, as she explained 'I need something to keep them in and up'. Where as my other friend, of the smaller variety (I don't think she will thank me for that), totally agree'd with me, although admitted initially, you feel very self concious and then after a while you just forget. My belief is; if your big breasted, you are blessed with ample cleavage. But if you have a smaller chest, like myself, you are blessed with erect nipples (I'm blushing) and not having to wear a bra. And, as I would never have plastic surgery, I think I can live with that.
What do you think? Do you dare to bare?
Hollie x

Top: H&M

Skirt: Zara

Shoes: garageshoes.co.uk

Bag: Chanel

Phone case: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Sunglasses: Vintage

All Black

All black every thing. I'm totally committed to the colour today, in case that wasn't obvious by my pictures. 
Hollie x

Dress: H&M

Shoes: Topshop

Sunglasses: Rayban

Continuation

  

 

Continuing with the pattern of my previous post and shopping my wardrobe, here is the outfit I wore today. To carry the outfit through from day to evening I simply added my Zara heels. 

Hollie x

Jersey Top: Charity Shop

Skirt: Topshop

Shoes: Zara

Boots: Topshop