Turning 31 still feeling 18

 So, it’s that time...again.

I’ve always enjoyed Birthdays, I mean, what’s not to love, cake, presents, parties, did I mention cake? But approaching my 31^st I just haven’t been feeling so excited. 30 was fine, a big celebration and lots of fun but 31, well, it’s just not floating my boat. Part of it may be because my mother died a few days after her 40^th Birthday and that’s my next ‘big’ birthday (it will be strange to become older than my Mum) but I think for the most part it's simply because I don’t feel any different to how I felt the day I turned 18, a little wiser perhaps and definitely more tired, but still the same person.

Anyway, in an attempt to forget the fact that my knees now ache in the mornings and that a close up mirror inspection has resulted in the discovery of some definite facial lines I had a night out on Friday full of food, drink, music from a local Ska band and partied like it was, well, my Birthday, here’s some pics, there’ll probably be more to follow as it’s not actually my Birthday until tomorrow!

A little pouting practice, you know, just to stay down with the kids.

Wearing: Rolling Stones Tshirt, Leather Pants, Ted Baker Neevo Pumps.

Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs (A little Birthday surprise from the 'husband', think I may keep him a while longer!)

Melissa Bailey Illustration

I have been lucky enough to have recently caught up with the talented UK Fashion Illustrator Melissa Bailey, the artist behind images that have been featured in the likes of Harpers BAZAAR Australia, The Sunday Times Style Magazine and Fabulous Magazine. I asked her a few questions about her life, loves and future goals. Her work is inspired by fashion, feminine beauty and the joy of life. Melissa specialises in all things fashion related, beauty products and bridal illustration.

1. How long have you been illustrating? Is it what you always wanted to do?

Professionally, for about two years. But before that I studied illustration at university. It wasn't until I left school and went to college at 18 that I discovered that I could take an illustration course, let alone have it as a career. And before all that I wanted to be an animator.

2. How do you get your illustration work 'out there'?

The internet. A powerful tool as we all know. Getting a website that looks professional and well designed is the best thing I ever did in terms of gaining exposure and gaining new clients.

3. What's your preferred medium for your creations?

Watercolours and pencil, and to finish up, I use photoshop to alter and colour if needed.

4.Who have been your main influences both professionally and personally?

Illustrators: Kelly Smith, David Downtown, Cate Parr to name a few. 

5.If you could illustrate for anyone, who would it be?

It would be my dream to illustrate for Vogue. I could die happy once that happened.

6. What's your personal fashion style?

I love vintage. I'd say I dress quite girly, but I like to mix it up a little. The way I dress entirely depends on my mood. One day I can be all in black, the next in a floral print dress (my fav). I also have an obsession with ankle boots. I'd say my favourite style is a combination; A feminine dress teamed with studded ankle boots and my black leather fringed jacket, and a bit of red lipstick for good measure!

7. Do you have a style icon?

I couldn't pick one, there's the classics; Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn. I also love the style of Zooey Deschanel, Lana Del Rey and Kate Moss. 

8. Do you follow any blogs, if so who?

Yes lots! My favourite at the moment is "a beautiful mess". I also love to follow other illustrators and mostly anything fashion related. Oracle fox, and Pandora are two of my faves.

9. Do you have any tips for budding fashion illustrators?

Find your own personal style that works for you. It's fine trying to replicate other illustrators at first but being unique is what will land you the clients. Don't just follow trends, really work at developing your skills and the rest will follow!

10. What are you goals for the future?

My main goal is to just keep working and building up my client base. My other goal is to be more organised. As I'm effectively running a business, there are lots of things that need to be recorded and kept track of. I find it hard to try and focus on the business side of things and be creative and focus on the actual work at the same time. I have to set aside separate days for both things.

To find out more about Melissa Bailey and see her full portfolio visit her blog and website

MULBERRY AUTUMN WINTER 2013

Anyone who has been with me a while on Polyvore will already know just how much I love the seasonal campaigns released by Mulberry. There's something that's just so quintessentially British about each and every shoot and its location, from Brighton Beach to Blackheath Forest, that makes my heart yearn for a packed bag, a train ticket and a long adventure in my home country of good ‘ole Blighty, and this season is no different.

The Autumn Winter 2013 campaign sees fashions' sweetheart Cara Delevigne adorned with owls amidst flower tipped branches of the set designed by Shona Heath and is shot by the talented Tim Walker on location at Shotover House in Oxfordshire. The campaign showcases favourites such as the Bayswater, the Del Rey, the Willow and the new Primrose handbags. The  official Mulberry Blog says of the campaign ‘Autumn Winter 2013 celebrates the beauty and mystery of the English countryside, inspired by childhood fables, rural landscapes and the secrecy of nature.’

See below for images and a video of the campaign and behind the scenes.

Hoorah!

So here it is, my very first post on my (not) first blog ta-da!

I've wanted to create a fashion based space for such a long time and I've attempted more than a couple, but nothing felt, well, 'me'. Perhaps I was trying too hard to sound like an a first class fashionista from the planet bloggersphere or to amuse with hilarious anecdotes and and stunning prose but whatever the reason I've come to realise that I am indeed who I am (insert cheesy singing here if you wish) and therefore anything other than me simply won't cut it. You may or may not find the contents of this blog of interest but I figure that as long as I am writing and creating for myself then what does it matter, I mean I would very much like hundreds of thousands of readers to love and adore me but you have to keep it real right?

Anyhow, I'm afraid you're not likely to find hundreds of images of me wearing bank account breaking  beautiful high fashion brands here (not unless my husband has won the lottery and has failed to inform me) or salivate over stunning Vogue quality images (unless that very same husband has overcome his perpetual knack or managing to get his thumb in front of the lens for every picture he takes) but what you will get is an honest personal take on the world of fashion in all its glittering glory through the eyes of an early 30 something  and, well, if that's of interest then please stick around!