Lizzie Loves...Carrie's Jewellery

CHECK out my friend Carrie Allen's latest collection of handmade Jewellery on her fab Etsy site.

Carrie has a real eye for colour and sources beads and gems from all over the world to create amazing one off pieces.

I am a great fan of her charm bracelets and these two treasures are simply to die for!

Lizzie Loves...Going Green

OVER the last year or so I have started to think more carefully about the clothes I wear -well to be honest I have started to feel guilty.

I love shopping and nothing thrills me more than a bargain but recently my retail highs have been tainted by doubts over where and how my purchases were made.

In the past, walking into Primark would cause my heart to beat faster at the prospect of cramming as much stuff into my basket as possible.

I rarely bought anything full price, avoided charity shops and flitted my cash away on cheap, unneccessary garments.

However, several things have made me think twice about my shopping habits.

Firstly, I have actually found some great items in charity shops, after getting over my fear of the old person smell I associate with them.

Secondly, I have watched documentaries about child labour and terrible working conditions in developing countries.

And thirdly, I have written features about Fairtrade and ethical comapanies, striving to sell lovely, reasonably priced clothing, while protecting the environment and the rights of those who produce them.

Companies such as The Earth Collection, which has a store in Bowness-on-Windermere, Kendal's Betty and Babs, and Cherchbi -a luxury accessories company selling high quality items designed and manufactured in the UK.

The feature I wrote on Kendal's latest vintage shop Revival also brought home the importance of investing in garments made to last, rather than those that fall apart after a couple of washes.

Yesterday, I once again felt ashamed of the contents of my wardrobe.

For a feature in the Christmas issue of Limited Edition, me and the Gazette's chief photographer Mark Harrison travelled to Lazonby, near Penrith, to meet Victoria Stapleton, the owner and founder of Brora.

The company specialises in top quality Scottish Cashmere and tweed and all of its products are made in English factories and mills.

Meeting Victoria, who was brought up in Cumbria, and has a gorgeous home in the Eden Valley, was really inspiring.

With shops all over the country, over 60,000 mail order clients and customers that include Kate Moss, Prince William and Daniel Day Lewis, her business is a great success, yet she remains committed to her original aims of producing well made clothing at the most affordable prices she can.

Clothes with a rich heritage; clothes that celebrate the 'best of the UK'; clothes that look and feel amazing.

Sat across from her in my New Look boots and Primark top I felt embarrassed.

For years, I have pushed these thoughts to the back of my mind but in a year of career changes, maybe it's time to address the skeletons in my closet too.

My current financial position has already prompted a commitment to making do and mending and charity shopping -so perhaps the timing has never been better.

In Green is the New Black, an eloquently written guide to changing the world with style, fashion journalist Tamsin Blanchard gives lots of helpful hints for the fashion conscious with a conscience.

She also quotes Rogan Gregory -the co-founder of organic denim specialists Loomstate Jeans- and, for me, his words really sum it up.



"It's a luxury to feel guilty because most of the world is just trying to survive."



The book was a birthday present from my friend Vanessa and for months it sat unopened on my bedside table, as I buried my head in the sand and stocked up on cheap bargains.

However, I finally started reading it the other day and it has strengthened my resolution to adopt a more ethical attitude.

I know I will never be perfect, I am still going to shop in some high street shops and there is no point getting rid of the clothes I already have, but from now on I am definitley going to try harder.

Lizzie Loves...Thrifty Fashion

YESTERDAY was my first day as a part time fundraiser and, after much deliberation, I finally opted for a cream, high neck blouse, with a floral skirt, purple tights, brown kitten heels and pearl bracelets.


I always feel confident in this skirt as I love the length and the pretty purple flowers. It was also a total bargain -just £15 in the Dotty P's sale :-)

My current job predicament has made me think a lot more about money and the amount of it I spend on clothes. Working a one day week is not going to generate enough cash to cover my rent, bills and irresponsible shopping splurges.

Although I plan to line up some freelance work and get another part time job, it is clear that something has got to give and, unfortunately, that something has got to be clothes. Yet, surprisingly enough, I don't feel that depressed about it. In fact, I am actually excited by the challenge of trying to look stylish on a limited budget.

As if aware of my financial plight, this month's issue of Vogue is a More Dash than Cash special. From 380 tips on how to look glam for less and clothes that are made to last; to "Thrift Chic Heroines" and DIY couture -this is fashion advice for the credit crunch generation.

In her article The New DIY, journalist Chloe Fox shares her experiences at her local Stitch and Bitch club -a group of glamorous city dwellers who meet weekly to set the world to rights over a cable knit jumper. "I can't quite shake the feeling that it's all deeply uncool," she writes. "But then as Georgia, an actor's agent in a Marni dress tells me over the clack-clack of her needles, it's all the rage -Kate Moss, Madonna. Julia Roberts and Winona Ryder are all keen knitters. So, bizarrely, is Russell Crowe."

Chole is writing about the resurgence of interest in crafts and traditional pursuits, which is sweeping the country and has certainly taken hold of Kendal. While I was working at the Gazette, me and the other reporters write numerous articles on everything from rocketing waiting lists at the WI, to an increased appetite for jam making.

The opening of a new wool shop, William's Wools, is also testament to the growing popularity of crafts in the area.

I too have been bitten by the bug. Just over a year ago, my friend Karen, who incidentally makes gorgeous bags, purses and soft furnishings, taught me to knit and since then I have been hooked. I even joined Kendal's answer to Stitch and Bitch -Knit, Natter, Stitch and Chatter and got a sewing machine off my mum and dad for Christmas. So far, I have just used it to make one shift dress but now I have the time and the motivation to put my good intentions into practice.

Fashionittas the world over have embraced the Made Do and Mend mantra of their grandmothers and I am determined to join them. I am excited at the prospect of trawling through charity shops and making and modifying clothes.

Maybe I won't be able to raid the high street every pay day but -hopefully- the satisfaction I glean from creating my own couture will be all the greater!

Lizzie Loves....First Day Fashion

IN MY opinion, deciding what to wear on your first day of a new job is more intimidating than choosing your interview outfit.

At least when you go for interview there are some basis ground rules to follow.

A suit usually does the trick, add a few choice accessories, a stylish hair cut and Bobs your uncle!

Dress to impress, keep it simple and you can't go wrong.

But once you have got the job and it comes to selecting your first day attire, it's a whole new ball game.

It's when you set the tone for all the outfits to follow.

You can create a whole new look, reinvent yourself and nobody will know any different.

Tomorrow, I start my first day as a part time fundraiser for CancerCare -a charity that provides support, advice and therapy for people affected by cancer in the Lake District and North Lancashire.

It's only one day a week but I will be organising a new fundraising event -The CancerCare Big Book Bonanza (Basically a sponsored readathon with local schools).

http://www.cancercare.org.uk/

Yet, although I have met the team several times when I covered stories on the charity for the Gazette, I still want my clothes to create the right impression when I walk into the office tomorrow morning.

Yes, I want to showcase my own style -whatever that maybe- but I think adapting your look to suit your situation is all part of the fun of dressing!

One of my best friend from uni, Vicky, is a firm believer in dressing to impress and, as a trainee lawyer in Leeds, she is in the perfect environment.

With gorgeous big hair, fitted shirts, sky-high heels and more than her fair share of sexy pencil skirts, she always looks amazing and has no problem with being more dressed up than other girls at work.

"I have dressed like this from the outset," she says. "I have to maintain it now. Choosing what to wear is one of the best parts of my day."

My flatmate Rec also looks lovely for work but her job presents different clothing challenges.
As a Fix the Fells footpath officer in the Lake District, she splits her time between the office and the fells, so naturally her outfits vary from day-to-day.

"I spend a lot of time wearing fleece and outdoor gear so when I know I will be in the office I like to wear nice things," she told me.

And very nice her clothes are too -polka dot shirts, purple heels and pretty floral blouses -even her fleeces come in a range of colours and are complemented by matching earrings!

So what about me..

At the Gazette I could wear what I wanted so long as I looked smart. How dressed up or quirky I looked was usually determined by what time I got up in the morning, how much porridge I had eaten and whether it was raining.

As for tomorrow, I want to look smart but not formal. The project will involve working with kids in a creative environment so I was thinking maybe something a little boho or trying to recreate that effortless yummy mummy look- without the pushchair of course!

Perhaps a floaty Laura Ashley skirt or a classic Betty Jackson wrap dress with thick tights? Hmmm, decisions decisions ....

Lizzie Loves...Miss Selfridge's Christmas Shoe Collection

BROWSING my favourite high street stores' websites this weekend led to a chance encounter with a pair of adorable ankle boots.


Yes, Miss Selfridge, a shop that never fails to impress, has released its new Christmas collection and its Ohio Buckle Boot (£50) has rocketed straight to the top of my festive wish list.

(Image courtesy of PRShots.com)

At 5ft11, I usually avoid high heels during the day, so the small but chunky heel is perfect for me.

I also love the gorgeous gold buckles and, even the name itself, tugs at my purse strings as one of my best friends from university hails from Ohio.

They would look great worn with indigo bootcut jeans and a fitted black shirt.

http://www.missselfridge.com/

Lizzie Loves...Compliments

I AM sure there are women out there who require no assurance of how fabulous they look -a rare breed of lady with the confidence to wear what ever she feels like without a care in the world.

Women like Agyness Deyn or Lady Gaga perhaps.

Yet, for those of us who sometimes need a little bit of reassurance, there is nothing quite like a compliment to put a spring in our step.
Don't get me wrong, I am not implying the majority of women are racked with insecurities and self doubt, I just mean a few kind words every now and then rarely go amiss.

Take the other day for instance when I was rushing around Kendal on my fruitless search for a purple handbag.
With the chill of winter in the air, I had decided to give my new grey coat its first official outing but, as it had been a spur of the moment purchase, I was still a little unsure about it.
I knew I liked it -I just wasn't 100 per cent convinced it was me.

Anyway, as I scanned the shelves of Lakeland Ltd, the shop assistant came over especially to tell me she liked my coat.
I left the store with a big smile on my face, my frustration at being unable to find the perfect bag forgotten.

I must say, I am very lucky, as my flatmate and I always remark on each others outfits as we leave in the morning.
But when the warm words come from a complete stranger you can feel extra smug in knowing there are no ties of friendship influencing their observations.

Is it wrong to crave the odd compliment? Does it make us weak or pathetic? I certainly don't think so.
Ask any girl who has fretted over whether her bum looks big in her skinny jeans -a simple 'you look nice' can provide the confidence boost she needs to walk tall and celebrate her curves.

If you decide to make a fashion statement with a bold piece of costume jewellery or pair or patterned tights -it's nice to have that statement noted and noted in a positive way.

This brings me to the point of my post, next time you are stood behind someone in the supermarket queue with a gorgeous bag or stylish trench coat why not tell them how much you like it?

Similarly, on Saturday night when you and your friends spot a girl rocking this season's must-have Topshop dress, rather than enviously muttering about it to one another, go over and tell her how great she looks.

Sisters should stick together and I am sure you both feel all the better for the exchange :-)

Lizzie Loves ...New Starts

Right here goes...My very first post -a post to mark the start of what will hopefully be an exciting new phase of my life. It's quite fitting really because I feel the same mix of fear, excitement and uncertainty about writing this post as I do about my future.

I mean is there anything more daunting than a blank page?

I have just left my job as a general news reporter at The Westmorland Gazette. It was a tough decision to make but I have to believe my risk will pay off.

Basically, I love writing, although from the disjointed ramblings of this post you might not think it (please ignore any spelling mistakes of commas that are in the wrong place!)

I especially love writing about fashion.

Like most girls my age, deliberating over what to wear on a Saturday night, to work, on a date, to the shops etc is something I devote a great deal of time to. I love reading fashion and celebrity magazines and scrutinising what the stars are wearing; I love scouring the high street and charity shops for bargains; I love watching makeoever TV shows; I love co-ordinating accessories; I love experimenting; I just love clothes.

I am by no means a fashion expert and I don't think I am particularly daring or revolutionary in what I wear. All I know is that I am happiest when I am thinking , writing, discussing and -let's face it-buying clothes.

While working at the Gazette I was lucky enough to have my own fashion page -Lizzie...Loves Fashion. The page, along with a number of fashion-related articles, featured in the paper's fabulous glossy lifestyle magazine Limited Edition.





This link takes you to the latest online edition (My pages are 56 to 58)

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&pnum=&refresh=fN1580qHwR03&EID=d651285f-aa75-40e1-a921-57c589a8e4e4&skip=

The good news is -well for me anyway- Gillian Cowburn, the lovely lady who edits the magazine, is allowing me to keep writing it :-) In fact, it was Gillian who recommended I start a blog, kind of like an online edition of my fashion page.

So there we go...my first post and it wasn't as bad as I thought. When I was writing stories for the Gazette there was nothing worse than staring at a blank page waiting for inspiration to strike. Yet, as soon as I wrote the all-important intro, the rest came easy.

Well my intro is over and the fun fashion stuff awaits!

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