Boobs are not News

No More Page 3 Petition

Ok, so it's time for more feminist ranting. But you know, it's ranting about extremely important stuff. Stuff that  is important, not because I have any interest in reading The Sun or any similar papers, but important because lets face it, Page 3 is one of the most prominent representations of women in the press. Here in 2013 on the third page of many of our national newspapers is a young woman in only her underwear for your viewing pleasure. Is this really what our society is about?  Is this how we want to portray women? 

If you want to look at women in various states of undress, or you're a women who is perfectly happy to make your living being photographed in various states of undress that's fine, it's up to you. But to continue including it in the papers, as part of the news, sold everywhere including in the shop downstairs in the office where I work, that's not really necessary. I have to admit I don't really like glamour photography, it's not my cup of tea, I equally am not a fan of porn, but that's me and that's my choice. I get that people differ. However I still don't think the place for things like this is a newspaper, I don't want it rammed down my throat in the newsagents, on the train or in the canteen. 

There's far more to women than just boobs. We've all got them and really, they ain't news any more.

So if you agree, sign the petition linked above, and lets move out of 1973.

My mood today is:

Style-spiration

Louis Vuitton S/S 13 http://www.sugar-and-spice.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/louis-Vuitton-SS13-01.png

I adore the look on the right, better hit the gym as soon as the after effects of this pesky norovirus wear off!

Feminist Rant

Feminism. Is it a bad word? Is it the new trendy political outlook? Is it outdated? Is it just a byword for man hating, lesbianism? Has it become a way of making prudery acceptable?

I would say it is none of these things, it’s certainly deeply misunderstood though. I find it hard to believe that people can look at the way things are in society today and how deeply gendered they are, and not feel at least a bit of sympathy with the feminist cause. Just looking at some of the adverts that pop up everywhere we go, McCoy’s and HP sauce, they’re for men, pink Lucozade that’s for women because ‘OMG, it’s Pink!’. They way at Christmas on Amazon the women’s section was celebrity biographies and baking, whilst the men’s was politics and sport. The fact that the nation’s biggest selling newspaper still makes a huge feature of a woman baring her breasts, you know what, 50% of the population has them and they really aren’t news.

There are more sinister things at work though, just looking at the Everyday Sexism project, its unbelievable how prevalent sexual assault and harassment are. Not to mention seemingly innocent sexist comments that are a constant part of working life and the gendered aspects of education.

Once you start noticing things like this they’re everywhere. That’s why I consider myself to be a feminist. For me, the fact of considering myself a feminist is not a big deal, although I get some serious overreactions from others. However, Feminism is a big deal.

David Shrigley...

David Shrigley (Image courtesy of Cornerhouse, see link below)

Today's the last chance to see the mammoth David Shrigley exhibition at the Cornerhouse, Manchester. I finally managed to make it yesterday, and it's well worth a look. Particularly fun if you follow it up with Bloody Marys...

Cornerhouse Website

Piercing!

I did it, I finally got my nose pierced and it only took eighteen years of wanting it done and a slight prod from Vogue!

The Inspiration... Vogue January 2013

The Result!

Happy New Year!

Well new year, new blog post! I'm hoping to post waayyy more frequently this year I was a super lazy blogger last year! Anyway 2013 is off to a good start with tickets booked for My Bloody Valentine, Wild Nothing, and A Doll's House at the Royal Exchange! Nothing like a bit of culture!

Long time, No Blog

Sorry, its been ages... Will be back blogging very soon!

Riot Grrl!!

Blurple!

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I'm currently obsessed with purple lipstick, I have an awesome sheer, dark purple on at the moment from No7. It's very GothLite, and works very well with my platform trainers and under eye liner.

Holly Hobby

Soon to be a tartan dress...

So, this week I went to my first dressmaking class. Yes, I fall for New Year's Resolutions every year. The aim of the class is to make a garment in ten weeks, and you get to choose exactly what you want to make. So yesterday after work I trotted off into the Northern Quarter for inspiration, a pattern and a fabric. Now I have about eight million different things I want to make in about ten thousand different fabrics! Decided to start with the simple looking (although possibly deceptively so) dress, I'm going to make the long sleeved version and I'm pretty excited about my tartan-tastic fabric!

Spring Florals in Manchester Drizzle?

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Christopher Kane Spring/Summer 2012

I need this dress! Despite all my good New Year's intentions I don't quite think I'll be able to afford it though...

A New Year's Round-up!

Firstly, I know I've been pretty slow off the mark with posting this year, my excuse is typically rather poor: not knowing how to get my photos off my new camera and being busy with work. Ok, its truly appalling, I promise to post more frequently. And by way of apology here are more photos than usual...

A Christmas day walk with the world's worst dog.

Gillingham vs Crawley on Boxing day, a nice festive victory.

Cupcakes, in their very cute teacup moulds.

Topshop Slippers

 I am absolutely, 100% in love with these slippers, not only are they fluffy inside, but they are so wonderfully old-fashioned and masculine that I really think they require a cigar and whisky with them. Opposed to ginger wine and lemonade!

My New Year's nails.

 My first attempt at nail studs, have to say they went pretty well, and thank goodness for flu giving me enough time to do them.

Long Sleeved Top, New Look, Tunic, Monki, Jeans, Criminal Damage, Shoes, Topshop

Shoes, Topshop

I have to admit, I adore this outfit. I was going for a kind of 'Swedish Punk' aesthetic. The shoes have barely left my feet all week, except work, the leopard print and the neon laces are awesome-ness personified, and the platform aspect...heaven! I plan on making these my gig shoes, super comfy and added height. The polo neck tunic adds a new dimension to my black, ribbed polo neck obsession. I went on a bit of a spree in the Monki sale...and it has been perfectly justified by this wonderful, comfy, arty-gothy jumper.

IQ84...

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I'm going to get this out in the open right from the start, I did not come at IQ84 with a completely open mind, I'm a huge Murakami fan, and with all the hype, yes, I was expecting them to be the greatest books known to man. Which would explain why I feel like an absolute traitor to be writing this...I didn't think they were very good.  They were no Dance, Dance, Dance, no Norwegian Wood, and certainly no After Dark or Underground.  They were by no means bad books, the characters were interesting and the premise of the plot was good, the writing was wonderful and they had all your usual Murakami traits. But for me it just didn't happen. The romance was unbelievable and underwhelming, the sexual violence of the cult was unnerving and made very uncomfortable reading, and at nearly a thousand pages long you never really felt as though they got off the ground. The humour in the surreal was not there, nor was the romance of isolation. I think I feel better for having got my treachery off my chest now, I can go back to reading all the other books and gloss over the existence of these three, like I do with Persuasion. 

Here's One I Made Earlier...

I'm feeling v festive and with time off work, I've decided to indulge myself and make some very cute, handmade decorations for my christmas tree.

Pomanders are about the nicest, most christmassy smelling things ever!

Ice Cream Dreams

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I know I should be dreaming of roast chestnuts and gluhwein, but right now all I want is this gorgeous Tim Walker ice cream chandelier...

November Beer Outfit

Topshop Jumper, Vintage Laura Ashley Dress, Office Boots and  Fat Face Bag

Decided to venture out of my short skirt and DMs comfort zone and try something practically unheard of for me...a long skirt! Mum's old Laura Ashley dinner dress was the perfect option, the floral pattern goes awesomely with my cable knit jumper, and was just right for a beery evening.

I've had an exciting few days, spent a lovely weekend in Belfast. I don't think I have ever been to a place which has more delicious places to eat!

Home Girl

Oi, knitting!

Its been a lovely and much needed day off work, I'm nursing what can only be described as  a serious case of man flu. But thanks to the wonder of olbas oil tissues I reckon I'll pull through. I've spent my day knitting, reading the new Murakami and dandering round the charity shops of Macclesfield as always I unearthed some true awesomeness. Including the greatest hat known to man which will feature at some point, as well as the results of my knitting. It's a first attempt at a scarf, but it's turning into more of a cape...

Charity shop awesomeness...and some Flying Dog

Isn't this the most perfect tea cup ever? Don't think I'm physically capable of resisting gold stars and red edging!

Mitford Mania!

I admit it...I have complete and utter Mitford mania. Not only have I read almost all of Nancy Mitford's novels, I've also read  her biography of Madame Du Pompadour and books of Mitford letters, as well as numerous biographies. And yes, people will be snooty. Certain 'literary' acquaintances have raised eyebrows at my love of 'Love In A Cold Climate' and 'The Pursuit of Love'. But really, they're awesome. Witty, glamourous and romantic. That's not even taking into account the fascinating lives of the Mitford sisters themselves. I'd probably count a Mitford biography as essential reading for anyone with any interest in, not just, modern British history, but fashion and politics too. They fully represent the spectrum of society in those times and the ways in which politics and chance can create such vast differences in peoples lives. But away from lofty investigations of the social strata of the thirties and the hidden ways of the fading aristocracy, there is no better form of escapism than a Mitford book. 

Just Don't Tell Alfred I said so...

I'm A Girl Of Means, Of Slender Means...

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There's absolutely nothing like losing yourself in a book,particularly if you find yourself feeling particularly impecunious (it's the week before pay day) and your local library is well stocked.  Muriel Spark's The Girls of Slender Means has shown itself to be the perfect cure for pre-pay day blues.  What with a dashing anarchist turned Jesuit, a Schiaparelli dress, and escapes through windows onto a roof for romantic trysts. All combined with Spark's wittily raised eyebrow, suspicion of religion and disregard for sensitivity towards those with fat knees. Perfection.