The Beginning

As a summary to my work, I thought it would be nice to include within both my Press Pack and on here a collection of comments that have been made about my project during, and as a result of it. I will add to the post as each video goes live on my blog, which will be happening starting on the 26th May and will be posted daily from this time. 

The main thing I wanted to achieve from this project was to inspire and help others, a task which I certainly think I've done. I've met some amazing people and have loved filming and hearing the stories of individuals. Each person has their own story, and I love how different each film has turned out as a result of this. I hope these films can continue to inspire people and help people get through hard times and stay motivated in their futures. 

Mostly, I loved learning so much more about my own story. I've learnt a lot about myself, what inspires me, what I have a passion for, and where I see my future going. I have secured myself a Full Time role within Miss Selfridge as an Online Trading Assistant, and I put a lot of that down to my hard work and dedication to what I want to do. I've grown my blog and gained so many brilliant opportunities, something I want to continue on into the future. And finally, I have discovered a lot about myself. Life isn't always about sticking to the mould. Challenging the 'norm' and the expected can produce innovative new ideas and views, appealing to an entirely difference audience and resulting in a completely different outcome. My project may not be the predicted conclusion from the brief, but in my opinion it's been incredibly successful and has benefited me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. 

Blog Presence Stats.

To evidence the work and time put into my blog during this module, I have gathered the Analytics for my blog month by month from the end of 2014 until May 2015. I have included month on month comparisons and also each months statistics. 

I have seen the greatest growth in my Instagram and Twitter. In January, I was on 500 Instagram Followers and 100 Twitter followers. This has grown to 1,400+ Instagram followers and 650+ Twitter followers. Alongside this, my twitter impressions have increased drastically, by approx 100% month on month, and my Instagram has seen a rise in both likes and comments. 

As a result of my increased media presence, I have received many brilliant opportunities. This week I attended a Supper Club with Madeleine Shaw at Harvey Nichols which I have blogged about and shared in my book, also producing a mini zine of the night. I also attended the House of Fraser Press Day in London for the AW collection. From that, I have a potential collaboration coming up on my blog featuring my boyfriend styling their menswear collections. 

Over the past few months I've had brilliant opportunities like this, and have had a number of companies wanting to work with me, including Lush Cosmetics, Second Thread Clothing, Getting Personal who sent me note pads and a mug with my logo on and Links of London who I collaborated with on a NYFW feature.

I have also received contact from a Swimwear brand this week to promote them during my upcoming holiday, and Oasis Fashion, working with them and Gandy's Flip-Flop's on their Charity for Orphans programme, the images of which will be live on the 26th/27th May on my Social Channels.

Harvey Nichols Supper Club with Madeleine Shaw

When Harvey Nichols invited me down to their Supper Club with Madeleine Shaw I jumped at the opportunity. Having followed her on Social Media for a while I'd actually planned on getting her book, Get The Glow, that day. I waited, of course, so that I could get it signed by her on the night, and what a night it was.

We were greeted with a Cocktail and the Menu for the night, perfect. Of course I went for a Mojito, nothing else gets considered when it's made with Golden Rum, yum! There was a small group of us bloggers and a couple of representatives for Voir Magazine there. We waited anxiously for the arrival of Madeleine herself, armed with a list of questions to ask. Having a group Q&A was a brilliant idea, we all had loads to discuss and people asked questions I'd have never thought of! I've written up a number of answers that I recorded but that would make this post far too long, anyone interested in a Q&A post of the Interview with Madeleine?

I'm not going to pretend I wasn't a bit starstruck when Madeleine sat next to me. She was so lovely, friendly and I adored her accent which switched between a British and Australian. She told us all about her digestive problems and travelling to Australia where she began cooking in a Health Food Cafe and fell in love with it. I discovered cooking through my Gluten Intolerance so I related completely and loved hearing about all her nutritional advice. I learnt so many new things and it was brilliant to see someone who honestly knows about nutrition and loves it. Let's just say, her skin was perfect and glowing, definitely walking evidence that her book works! With all the talk of healthy eating and cutting out sugar I did start to feel slightly guilty sipping my cocktail, oops!

After a drinks reception with the rest of the attendees for the supper club, we sat down for food. Madeleine began by thanking everyone for coming and introducing herself, her story and the book. After a quick look at the menu I couldn't wait to start trying the food! Madeleine had already told us a  bit about each dish we would be trying and why she chose them. I must admit I was pretty hesitant about all the Avocado as I'm not a huge fan, but the rest of the food sounded perfect!

First up, The Green Goddess Bowl. Kale and Spinach served with a Cider Vinegar and Mustard Dressing, topped with the most perfectly runny boiled Eggs and Avocado, covered in Sesame Seeds. I can't even believe to explain how incredible this was. I even LOVED the Avocado. It has the most perfect combination of tastes and textures and is definitely something I'd make myself for a summer lunch.

The second dish was an Autumn Salad: Mexican BBQ Grilled Corn and Quinoa, with Chilli Salsa. This dish was definitely different. Despite being Gluten Free I don't think I've ever had Quinoa before and the texture is something you need to get used to. It went really nicely with the corn, which I love, and was just a really fresh meal. This has far more ingredients and seems more complex to put together, but would be lovely to make at a BBQ (if you ignore the Autumn Salad name of course).

Our tables were cleared and soon the next two dishes were served. As a meat/fish lover, I preferred these to the Salads, but these were more dinner style meals so were more hearty in that sense. I ADORE salmon, I love smoked salmon and salmon fillets and it's honestly my favourite fish so the third dish was right up my street;

Spicy Salmon with Cucumber and Yoghurt. This looks super simple to make and there's just 10 ingredients needed (including the standard Olive Oil and Salt! Most of it you'll already have in your cupboards). This is in the 'Speedy Suppers' section of the book (definitely my favourite kind of supper). The Yoghurt was amazing, made with Paprika, Lemon and salt. This is used as a marinade for the Salmon and is also served with it. The Salmon was perfectly cooked and was lovely and juicy, falling apart, combined with the crunchy cucumber it was amazingly balanced and tasty.

The Fourth Dish had to be altered for me as I don't eat whole nuts, so here's my personal portion. (Can you tell I was STUFFED by the end from all this food?!) This course was a Thai Beef Salad (mine served without the Salt and Pepper Cashews). The beef was perfectly cooked medium rare (just how I like it) and was so tasty. The Salad was pretty standard but I'm sure this was far more interesting with the contrast of texture of the Cashews! Definitely one I'd recommend!

And last, but certainly not least, one of the most incredible puddings I've ever eaten, and I eat A LOT of puddings. Raw Chocolate Cherry Fudge served with Vanilla and Coconut Dairy-free Ice Cream. 

One word, WOW. Apparently my face lit up when I had my first mouthful. It was so yummy. Not overly chocolatey, but enough to satisfy any cravings. If this is what healthy eating tastes like then sign me up!!! This is going to be the first recipe I try from the book. The fudge is made from just 7 Ingredients and you literally mix them all together in a Food Processor (there is an order, but there's nothing complicated about it). Serve it up, stick it in the freezer for 30 minutes then swap it to the fridge. It'll keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks, perfect for when you're craving a tasty treat!! Definitely the highlight of the whole night.

A huge thank you to Harvey Nichols, Leeds for inviting me along and to Madeleine for all the advice and the amazing recipes! You can even try a selection of Recipe's from the book yourself! They're running the Get The Glow menu at Harvey Nichols, Leeds in their Fourth Floor Restaurant until the 31st May. I'd highly recommend all of the dishes I tried, especially the Raw Chocolate Cherry Fudge, obviously. 

You can find all these recipes and more in her Get The Glow book (£20), including her six week programme which she is starting LIVE tomorrow (join her here)! I'm going to give it a go too, but just cutting down on sugar without cutting it out entirely, not sure I should start my new job next week going through the moody sugar withdrawal process!! Fancy joining me? 

Laura xx

Assisting a University Student

I was contacted by a University Student to answer a number of questions about Fashion and Beauty Blogging with reference to Identity. As I explored Identity in my Responsive Module last year, looking into makeup, and have continued to explore Blogging throughout my Final Major Project and my Dissertation, I was happy to share my views.

These are my responses to the questions asked.

"Name: Laura Sweetingham

Blog: www.lauracinnamon.co.uk

Please provide as much of an in depth answer as possible, bearing in mind I am primarily researching into how fashion/beauty blogging impacts your sense of identity.

Why did you start fashion/beauty blogging?

I began blogging when I recognized how people were asking where my clothes were from. I got stopped in the street three times in a day and decided that perhaps an audience would be interested in seeing my various outfits.

How long have you been doing it? And how frequently do you post?

I initially set up my blog in 2012 but have been fairly on/off until more recently (about 5/6 months ago). At the moment, I’m posting between 1-2 times per week, depending on levels of Uni work.

How to you feel fashion/beauty blogging has impacted on your lifestyle?

I think it’s made me more conscious of what people think, but it’s also made me a lot more confident in myself. I feel sometimes that I need to share a great deal of my day on social media in order to keep up with others. In a positive light, it’s played a huge part in my drive throughout University and has helped me to secure internships and a job for when I graduate.

How do you feel it has impacted on your identity? 

I’ve definitely formed a strong personal style through the experimentation of outfits. I’ve examined each outfit I’ve posted in far more depth than I would a day-to-day outfit, and as a result have tailored my style according to what I’ve liked most. As mentioned before, it’s also greatly increased my confidence, and encouraged me to make bolder fashion choices.

Do you feel the voice of the blog is you’re own or performative? (as in do you adopt a different voice/role for the blog than you normally would – if so would you consider blogging in a way that enables you to communicate a different version of yourself?

I think my blog is definitely my own voice. This has developed overtime from a performative voice as I’ve started to share more lifestyle-based posts and express more opinion, making my blog more personal. I do, however, have to be a little more restrained on some topics, on my blog and social media, due to the criticism/backlash or loss of readership that may happen as a result, and to refrain from offending anyone. (For example, I chose to not express my views on the recent #wearethey phenomenon following Jamelia’s comments. I do support Plus-size in the media but definitely think there is a healthy limit and we shouldn’t encourage sizes that may affect people’s health, on either side of the scale. I have considered discussing this on my blog, but don’t want to risk offending people/it being misread.)

Has fashion/beauty blogging changed anything about you and how you view yourself? If so, how?

It’s definitely made me more confident in both myself and my personal style, allowing me to make braver choices, and ultimately be happier. I’ve never been shy, but it’s been recognized a lot by people who’ve known me for a long time as to how I’m more comfortable and confident in myself than before.

How do you think your blog may impact others and their sense of identity?

I try to encourage others to feel confident too by sharing personal experiences, style and varying lifestyle posts. I am currently producing a series of ‘inspirational’ films that will be shared on my blog, in the hope of inspiring and helping others. As my blog is pretty ‘real’ (you will see me in the same jeans all the time and I don’t only wear my clothes once) I think it isn’t likely to negatively impact someone’s sense of identity.

How would you say you try to convey yourself through blogging?

Admittedly, I think theres always going to be an element of trying to “fit in” in blogging. You can see this through the timeline of my Instagram photos, they’ve become brighter, whiter and clearer. I don’t lay my makeup out on the bed before I get ready unless its for photography purposes, and I certainly wouldn’t wait a few minutes after my food arrives before digging in unless it was for blogging purposes. I guess this means I try to convey myself as a blogger, I do try to make my life look whiter, nicer and more exciting, something people would want to aspire to, as that’s largely why people read blogs.

How do you decide/select what is ‘worth’ blogging about?

Anything that interests me is worth blogging about in my opinion. I recently shared some advice I’ve picked up through my Long Distance relationship, mainly because it’s a huge part of my life and I wanted to share it, but also as it’s almost a timeless post, that can be shared on social media for months to come, versus an outfit that would go out of Fashion.

How would you describe yourself?

I describe myself as a confident person who has a keen interest in Fashion. I have recently accepted a job in Fashion for when I graduate and love fully immersing myself in the industry, which is why I spend my spare time blogging and reading blogs.

How would describe your blog? (the voice/tone/content etc)

I think my blog is pretty real and friendly, it’s far from the polished quality of top bloggers, but shows the effort and time I spend on it. I’ve always wanted to keep my content honest and real, and fully disclose any items I’ve been gifted, or where I’ve received money for a post. I write my blog in the same way I’d write messages to my friends, maybe with less emoticons, and wouldn’t change my own tone to suit what people want to read.

Any other comments to make on beauty blogging in relation to your identity:

I think beauty blogging/makeup in general is positive on identity. Most beauty bloggers show themselves without makeup, spots and all, and show all these incredible looks. The before and after allows people to see that no ones ‘perfect’ and can help encourage others to express themselves however they wish.

Lastly, do you give me permission to use your name and information when writing about the research you have provided or would you rather I made you anonymous?

Yes.

Thanks, Tara xxx"

"Blogsploitation"

Read the full original post here.

The whole debate of free/vs paid work is hard. People get into blogging for different reasons, personally I begun mine to express myself, while I have made money through my blog (only rarely and small amounts) I always ensure my readers are aware of that, and wouldn't give false opinions. There becomes a problem when not everyone works like this.

In my opinion, much of blogging authenticity has been lost. While interning as a blogger outreacher, I learnt that bloggers do contact PR's, some to get noticed, and others to try and get free things. A large number of bloggers will be gifted an item, put it on for 30 minutes for outfit photos (tags still on), and go on to sell the item on depop. Is this wrong? Maybe. 

This practise benefits both the brand and the blogger. The brand gets their publicity, the blogger has another post done, a growing relationship with a brand, and some pennies in their pocket. 

The reader on the other hand, is viewing a post and an outfit that the blogger may not like. Of course, they aren't being forced to buy the item, but readers put a large amount of trust into a blogger, and look up to them, so can be influenced in this way.

Many brands don't pay for this type of post, which I don't think is bad, as people share clothes that they've purchased if they like them, so not having to buy an item you like is a benefit. They also rarely force the blogger to post, the item is gifted and they hope they do, but they aren't necessarily obliged to, as there is no payment.

In my opinion, this is where the line must be drawn on free work.

If a blogger chooses to share something written on their blog for their readers, it should be because they like the product/restaurant/brand. If a brand wants a blogger to dedicate their time to something, it is of course the individuals moral judgement as to whether it is relevant and they should, but there should be compensation for the time spent. As Joelle wrote when discussing promo posts... 

"Promo posts - this is when you get an email from a brand (new or established) and they ask you to blog about a product/campaign. You scroll to the bottom of the email looking for what you will get in return (maybe payment, or the keep the product, etc), but there's no mention of anything like that.

You then send them your blog's disclosure that states your rates for sponsored posts and they run a mile, virtually.

Basically, this is a rather rude way of telling bloggers that they are good/popular enough to promote their brand/product, but not good enough to be respected for their talent/craft."

YOU Magazine - "How we hit the Blog Time"

When YOU magazine featured this article and put Bloggers on it's front cover, it promoted blogging to a whole range of people who may have never considered it before. I often see the phrase "The most famous person you've never heard of" when people speak about bloggers, which is completely expected as it is still a relatively new phenomenon, which for different generations may seem completely alien.

The idea of being able to write/photograph the things you love, and create a living from it, is a pretty incredible option. Working from home, sharing the things you love, seems like the perfect job. Although the bloggers featured in this article do share some downsides to it. Publicising your entire personal life on the internet can obviously lead to criticism, and negative comments. 

Like the Zoella article previously discussed, there will always be an element of envy towards bloggers from those holding a 9 to 5. It may seem to some like it requires little work, but having run my own blog for a few years and not being hugely successful, I know it requires a lot of dedication.

I want to explore what makes a blogger successful, what it is about the person that people like. From my research so far I have produced a questionnaire to get feedback on the questions I have, and to learn how to progress from this point with my own blog.

Feminism is thrown around a lot lately,  a loose term used by many. It's been used against make up for years, people who wear it are criticised as not being feminist, as was Zoe in the article for the independent. Perhaps blogging is the ultimate feminist job. Working for yourself, being your own boss. Women can do it alongside another job, to fund whatever lifestyle they choose to run, alongside being a stay at home mum. Many "Fashion" jobs require full dedication and long hours, (when I interned from 9.30am -5.30pm, I was always the last in the office and the first one out), blogging allows women to maintain their career alongside making a family.

If anything, wearing make up is feminist. It allows you to experiment, present yourself however you like, express your feelings and moods. You only have one body for your entire life, but with make up you can change your appearance daily. Recreating your mood and presenting it on your face. This is another thing I want to experiment with. 

"Of course, teenage girls need role models - but not like beauty blogger Zoella" - My view

When this article first appeared on The Independent, it was immediately plastered all over my twitter feed. Journalism should be journalism, a professional opinion, it can be biased, but requires a balance. The phrase "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" was used by many when referencing the article. Of course the writer is entitled to her own opinion, but she crosses the line by criticising Zoe's appearance, putting down her achievements, and failing to research her argument.

The article opens with the statement "Her eyes are enormous." Writing later about how her belief of that girls should not worry about how they look is discredited by her "tutors her young prodigies on how to beauty and fashion right". This criticism of her eye size should therefore discredit this view of Chloe's, as it is a complete contradiction in it's own right.  

Chloe goes on to write; "She looks like a startled bird; albeit a bird with the gorgeous, flowing locks of Rapunzel, the high-pitched giggle of Tinkerbell, and a name so irritatingly Disney-fied it makes my stomach churn: Zoella."

The article angered me mostly as it was an on the surface opinion, it's clear that Chloe hasn't taken the time to research Zoe and what she actually speaks about. Chloe states "Zoella is a beauty and fashion vlogger – the latest creation spat out by the YouTube machine to instruct young girls how to paint on the perfect smoky eye or red lip." With this comment, she suggests that Zoe begun by giving out beauty advice, whilst as a Subscriber I am fully aware that she didn't produce a Beauty Tutorial until 2011 (two years after she begun her channel). This "tutorial" was titled "Spiffing Makeup Tutorials (i.e Look Your Worst)", therefore a comedy video, not a genuine 'wear your make-up like this'. Zoe didn't produce a genuine make-up tutorial on her channel until two years later in 2013, four years after beginning her Channel. Chloe's main criticism of Zoe centres around her beauty advice, the simple fact that this is a minor focus of Zoe's Channel renders the article useless.