Peacocking

How time flies. Okay I am only 24 and by no means old, but sometimes I look back at the outfits I wore a mere year ago and cringe a little. As I have grown wiser (sounds better then older), my tastes have changed, especially my taste in fashion. 
Currently, I am in the process of moving to a new apartment and during this rather boring process my friend and I came across some pictures from university. Lets just say, they were hidden in a box at the back my wardrobe for a very good reason. But nevertheless, it provided us with a good laugh. Although we had a good laugh at my expense I will never regret what I wore, I just find myself thinking how much my tastes have changed and how I wouldn't wear it now. 
The term 'peacocking' (google it) springs to mind when I look back at these pictures. Being younger and less confident both with my appearance and opinions I can definitely say clothes were a way of expressing myself, especially as I had not developed a confidence to voice my opinion. Fashion in this instance gave me the courage and I definitely credit it amongst other things in building my self esteem. Don't get me wrong, I have never been a shrinking violet, but that doesn't mean I don't have insecurities. As I grow up I feel I have become more self assured and find I don't dress to gain a reaction or attention as much any more. 
Although, some of the outfits I wear now maybe described by others as 'peacocking', I feel they best reflect my confidence. With age I also find myself appreciating the cut of a trouser or the statement a simple outfit can make. I think I just want to become Parisian... Well some days I do, other days I enjoy the eccentricity of English street style. I also find an increase in how I am using my heels, for example; they used to be saved for evenings out with girlfriends, now I have no fear in wearing them with a simple outfit. Today was such a day. 
Has your style changed or adapted with age? Or are you still rocking the same look?
Hollie x

T-Shirt- Asos Mens

Jeans- Topshop

Shoes- http://garageshoes.co.uk/

Bag- Chanel

'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