Label jars, not people.

As a generation, I think we pride ourselves on our non-judgmental natures. We've been fortunate enough to grow up in a time when race, gender, and sexuality are labels that generally make little or no impact on our opinions regarding people. Thanks to the work of our ancestors, as a whole we like to think that we're pretty open minded, with a very small proportion of us forming the exception. 

Still, labels do exist and are used as definitions, even if not as a form of judgement. Just look at sexuality. Are you hetrosexual, homosexual, pansexual, bisexual, omnisexual, bicurious or asexual? Hang on a minute, hands up, who Googled at least one? That's 7 labels for just one personal characteristic. Maybe it's just me, but it all seems a little unnecessary. 

If I had to describe my sexual orientation, I'd use the term "straight". I'm attracted to guys and not girls, ignoring the occasional "girl crush" (hi, Cara)! Still, I don't feel that aptly describes me as a person. I mean, if I were to meet a girl and fall in love I wouldn't say something like, "Sorry, I really like you, I think we could have a future together plus I'm attracted to you, but I'm straight. So we can't be together." Granted, I can't imagine myself with another girl right now, but it would be utterly ignorant and rather foolish to say that I never will be. The future can hold anything, after all. 

Consequently, such labels seem to become somewhat irrelevant. If they can change any second with an adaptation in life events, they don't hold much meaning despite their apparent accuracy in the moment. This does lead me to ponder the question of why we still continue to use them. We don't judge people as a consequence, supposedly at least, so it's quite perplexing why we feel the need to disclose such information using labels. Nobody is put in a class for being most attracted to blonde women or men in glasses, yet gender still has a huge influence over our descriptions of people.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is, that the world would be a much easier place to navigate if people weren't pressured into giving a name to themselves purely based on who they're attracted to. Maybe one day it'll happen or maybe it's wishful thinking, but I can't help but hope that soon people will just love who they want to, without question.

 “The bottom line is that we never fall for the person we're supposed to.” 
― Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper

Bethany Paige X

Just so all of you know, if you ever need help with problems regarding sexuality or anything really I'm always here (even if it is behind a screen). So, don't hesitate to drop me an email at paigeoffashion@hotmail.co.uk or contact me via twitter @PaigeOfFashion. I'm happy to help where I can. 

OOTD: Urban jungle

Today I woke up with the urge to shoot an OOTD and shoot an OOTD I did. It's been a long time coming too, considering the fact that it's been over a month since I last showed you guys an outfit! Yes, if we ever meet I give you permission to slap me on the wrist for my bad blogging habits. Naughty blogger.

Nevertheless, ignoring how long it has taken, here's today's outfit. It has a touch of urban about it which is rare with my wardrobe, but I simply adore it. I donned my trusty leather pencil skirt and simple silk cami, then bought a bit more edge to the look with a stonewashed cap and oversized denim shirt. Of course, my New Balance running trainers also had to make an appearance. They often do in my OOTDs, so why stop now? 

Trainers - New Balance, skirt - thrifted (originally Dorothy Perkins), 

cami top - thrifted, shirt - thrifted, cap - Primark.

The finished product is an outfit that somehow manages to be a mix of sophistication and street. At least, as street as Bethany Paige can manage. 

I hope you've all had a lovely Sunday, 

Bethany Paige X

Unconventional beauty: Lip service

I've said it before and I will most probably say it again: In the world of fashion and beauty, one has to be prepared for anything. It's an industry where it's normal to be abnormal and more often than not it's celebrated. Perhaps that's what makes it such a terrifying prospect to many and yet an utterly intriguing one to others. I've always been a fan of unconventional beauty, so I suppose fashion and I were destined to be firm friends.

That's why when I first saw these fabulous pictures, originally featured in Tush magazine a while back, I was utterly enthralled.



It's undeniable that seeing a man in lipstick isn't really a regular occurrence, especially here in the South East of England. But why that is I'm not too sure. After all, a female rocking shocking red lips wouldn't really be, well, shocking at all! Yet, as a generation we seem to pride ourselves on our ability to be non-judgmental and promote equality regularly.

However, in regards to this spread of pictures, the shock factor probably worked in their favour. The fact that the model used is so extraordinarily not what you would expect has successfully put it in my bank of favourite fashion/beauty images. Something about the delicate lipstick cases held by manly hands and the array of reds and pinks next to such a beard (and it is quite a spectacular beard) make the pictures have that unconventional beauty which I simply adore.

Whether or not Tush started something is questionable, but I truly hope so. Maybe even more pictures will follow suit (and lipstick) and dare to be different.

Bethany Paige X

Wishlist: A spinkle of pepper

I can remember very clearly the first time that I heard about The White Pepper. It was December 2012 and I was at The Clothes Show Live when I got handed a pack of stickers with their logo and pictures on.

Now, there are a few ways to my heart. One of those is stickers and another is beautiful clothing. The White Pepper ticks (in the most stylish pen you can imagine) both of these boxes and I am undoubtedly in love. I'm not quite sure why it's taken me nearly a year to put this post up, because I've had my eyes on their online store almost constantly since our first encounter, but better late than never!

I promise you, if you aren't already, you will soon be lusting after several items from The White Pepper and forming your very own wishlist.

 

Left to right top - £98, £42, £55

Left to right bottom - £78, £90, £70

 

 

Bethany Paige X

Get your spook on

If you think about it, Halloween is the holiday made for fashion bloggers. It's a chance to completely reinvent your look, albeit for one night only, and truly experiment with clothing. That's why one of my favourite posts to do every year is this one - a collection of slightly spooky but oh-so-stylish outfits created with Halloween in mind, whether you're hitting a themed party or not this month.

 

Top - £15, skirt - £22, boots - £75, socks - £3.50,

ring - £12.50 (All Topshop)

 

Ears - £7, dress-£25, sheer sweater - £32, shoes - £58

Top - £5, skirt - £35, coat - £58, shoes - £95, chain necklace - £8.50,

chain bracelet - £5.50, tights - £8.50 (All Topshop)

Shoes - £35, jeans - £40, Bag - £40, top - £95, socks - £3.50,

ring - £8.50 (All Topshop)

Shoes - £55, eye makeup - £6.50, top -£35, bag - £20, Skirt (ASOS) - £18,

 lipstick - £8 (All Topshop except skirt) 

Dress- £18, garland - £20, lipstick - £8, bracelet  £40,

cape - £69, shoes - £78 (All Topshop)

 

Which is your favourite style?

Bethany Paige X



Wishlist: Cold weather grunge

I've always felt that the cold seasons and grunge fashion go hand in hand. The heavy flannels, checked prints and chunky boots just seem to favour the more treacherous of Great British weather! So, in a way, despite my utter hatred of freezing temperatures, it does open up more outfit opportunities for me in one of my favourite styles.

With this in mind, I created today's wishlist post. Topshop once again facilitated my lusting needs and with their help I've collected my ultimate cold weather grunge pieces.

Top left to right - £30, £58, £35

Bottom left to right - £20, £40, £92

 

 

 

What styles are you most looking forward to rocking now that the temperature's dropped?

Bethany Paige X

Malaika Firth: Model of the moment

It was inevitable the minute Prada’s AW13 campaign pictures were released, that camparisons would be made throughout the fashion world. It being the first in 20 years to feature a black model meant that fashionistas everywhere took note of newbie Malaika Firth and couldn’t help but reminisce on the days of Naomi Campbell, her Prada Predisecor. Whether this is a curse or a blessing is questionable. On one manicured hand, it must be nice to know that you have the ability to do something which only Miss Campbell, widely regarded as one of the first Supermodels of all time, has done previously. Then again, those are some rather big designer shoes to fill.  

 

(Malaika left and Naomi Campbell right)



Somehow though, Malaika seems to be taking it in her stride and loving every minute. As one of her 6000 Instagram followers, not to mention Twitter, it’s hard not to notice the positivity with which she approaches her career and life in general.

On top of bagging herself a spot in the Prada campaign (her first ever campaign, didn't you know?) the half Kenyan beauty was picked up by design houses everywhere for their SS14 shows. She walked for the likes of Jason Wu, Emanuel Ungaro, Jean Paul Gautier, Lavin and even wore the opening and closing look for Valentino. That's no mean feat for a 19 year old raised in Essex!

Still, it's not too hard to see why. The girl is beyond stunning. The kind of lady that I'm not sure whether I want to be or be with; in fact she is the definition of "girl crush". Well, she is for me at least!



All in all, Malaika seems to have the perfect combination of traits to be a supermodel - The unconventional beauty and the attitude that anybody wanting to make it big in the fashion industry needs. So trust me, if you don't know the name already, you'll be hearing it on a regular basis pretty soon.

She's not the next Naomi, she's the Malaika.

Bethany Paige X

Accepting the inevitable

I think the time has come to accept the inevitable - We've officially hit cold weather. It's reached that time of the year here in the UK where every day sees temperatures bordering on freezing, rain, wind and more rain. How very dismal.

Don't despair though; there's always a fashion silver lining. And it just so happens that this silver lining is in the shape of a rather beautiful coat. Granted, we may not be able to pull off those summer shorts or crop tops without risking hypothermia, but we do have the opportunity to add a layer of fashion perfection due to the rather sudden dip in temperature.

Where better to look for coat-spiration than the AW13 catwalks?

If, like me, you're on a budget, the high street are offering us all a rather beautiful selection of outerwear this season too.

At least there's a bright side to the dark weather, right?
Bethany Paige X

Céline's "it" boot

Minimalist, round edges in softly structured fabrics: A summary that I think aptly describes Céline's AW13 collection - a personal favourite of mine for this season - and also a theme that ran throughout each outfit. From the luxe mohair knits to the slightly awkward in length skirts and all the way down to those boots, the simple yet undeniably beautiful collection captivated the style world.

By "those boots", I mean those that set fashionable hearts all aflutter with desire. The seemingly basic ankle boots with unbelievable outfit potential, the elements of which merge effortlessly together. Almond toe caps, block heals and soft leather in gray or black formed possibly the most coveted shoe of the season. Pure, unadulterated, perfection.

At least, it would be pure, unadulterated, perfection, if it wasn't for that ugly thing hanging off them. Oh, what's it called? That's right, a price tag. In this case, a rather painful £810 price tag.

It took me a while to come to terms with the fact I'm unlikely to ever have my very own pair of Céline AW13 boots. I went into denial, imagining that in some way I would happen to come across a spare £800 under my bed. Then came the anger, which involved the decapitation of many a Céline model (photographs of course). And finally, acceptance. The realisation that, Beth, it's just not going to happen. With my eventual acceptance of this fact, came a decision to begin a hunt for a pair of boots that could be bought on the budget of us normal folk. You're welcome.

Topshop £88

Topshop £95 

Zara £79.99

Zara £89.99

Zara £89.99

Not exactly Céline, but still pretty beautiful! 

Bethany Paige X 

Money saver: Matte nails

The term "nail polish" can't really be used in the context of matte colours, I've always thought. After all, the nails aren't really polished at all because there's no shine. It's quite the beauty blogger conundrum! But, regardless of what you call them, matet nails are big this season.

(These pictures do not belong to me and were simply found on Google)

Everywhere I look online I seen matte nails, usually in black, grey or white. It's impossible to avoid them - Not that I would want to because, frankly, I think I have found my nail love of the season. If I bought all of the matte colours that I wanted to I would probably run myself to the point of being utterly broke. So, I set out on a mission to get the effect on a much smaller budget.

My attempts were rather fruitful and I've found a way to get matte nails and for free!

Here's what you'll need: 

Your average nail varnish in any colour
A kettle
A mixing bowl
A towel

The method is really, very simple: 

Firstly, boil your kettle with enough water to half fill the mixing bowl. Pour the water in once boiled and cover the bowl with the towel to stop as much steam escaping as possible. 

Next, paint one hand with its first coat, and as soon as its finished put your hand directly above the bowl, allowing the steam to hit your nails. Keeping a towel over your hand so that less steam escapes usually achieves a better finish, but make sure that your hand is far enough away from the water so that you don't get either a water or steam burn! We don't want any injuries, even if in the pursuit of perfect nails!

After the sheen from the nails seems to have gone, leaving them with a matte finish, allow them to dry until ready for a second coat. 

Apply the second coat and repeat the steaming step, before doing the same to hand number two. Wait for your nails to dry fully before showing them off!

The finished product? A set of beautifully, and extremely on trend, matte nails with no hit to your purse. It really works, I promise. 

Let me know if any of you try it out, 

Bethany Paige X