A Few Moments With: Such & Such // Interview #11

One of my blogging goals in 2015 is to expand my interview series to not only include a diverse range of bloggers, but also companies and individuals doing great things online. I love coming across small companies or bloggers/youtubers/general amazing people who share their work online and why not pick their brains a little in an interview and share with you guys?! 

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So, to start off the interview series in 2015, I want to introduce to you Such & Such - an online store founded by brother and sister, Ali and Nikki, that aims to sell nothing but products with great design. From an indoor swing (seriously cool) to a USB Jar this is the place for unique and original gifts, and the best thing about them?? Every single product is hand crafted and would make any living space or work environment look that little bit more snazzy, ohhh yeaaaah.  One of my favourite things is how simple yet awe-inspiring the products at Such & Such are while Ali and Nikki also share stories about the designs and anything else they find inspiring. To find out more, I decided to ask them a couple of questions about how they set up this unique and refreshing space on the internet and any plans they have for the future. 

Hello! Could you tell us a bit about yourselves?  

We are brother and sister, Ali and Nikki. We grew up in the Peak District and now Nikki lives in Bedfordshire with her husband, Jake and two girls, Bessie (aged 3) and Anna (aged 10 months), whilst I live in London with my wife, Gee. 

Before we started Such & Such, Nikki was an artist and studied fine art at University before working in a number of galleries in London whilst continuing to paint. She then went on to study Interior Design at KLC School of Design and worked for a short time as a lighting designer before moving to Vietnam for a number of years.  

I studied Geography at university and then became a lawyer and spent a few years at a City law firm and a couple of years working in-house for a large finance company before we started Such & Such.  

How and why did you decide to start Such & Such? 

We started discussing the idea that would become Such & Such whilst I was out visiting Nikki in Vietnam. We went to some old furniture warehouses and a couple of design stores and started to chat about some of the great things we saw and how good it would be if we could bring them back home. We knew that there were a lot of great designers and makers out there but that it wasn’t always easy to find them or to buy their work. Over the next couple of years the idea developed as we started to look for potential products. We found time and time again that we loved to know how a product was made and to hear the stories behind a product or learn all about a designer or maker. We continually felt that we connected with a product and the designer more when we understood the provenance and the time, skill and care that had gone into making the products. 

What are your favourite items currently in stock?

Nikki – my favourite product is the Torbuschka storage bags. I love the way they look and that they can be used for loads of different things, I use mine for kids toys, magazines and they are great for logs too. I also think the fact that the felt is squeezed from recycled plastic bottles is brilliant. 

My favourite product is the iPad easel by Peg & Awl. It’s really useful, well designed and I love the history it brings with it as the reclaimed oak is primarily sourced from the 1800s.  

How do you pick the designers you work with? What do you look for? 

Working with the right designers and selecting the right products is extremely important to what we are trying to do and create. We spend a lot of time looking for new designers that are passionate about original design and that are making things with care and skill. We seek out products that catch our eye and then try to learn about how it was made and find out about the story behind the product and/or designer. By researching the designers/makers and products, and hearing the story behind them, we usually learn whether or not the designer and the process by which the product is made fits with our ethos.

Where do you look for inspiration?  

We are slightly addicted to design blogs and magazines and so probably spend a bit too much time reading those with the excuse of trying to spot trends in materials and colour. We also attend a lot of the design events to look for designers and products. 

Thank you! What can we expect in the future from Such & Such? 

We did our first pop-up this year and really enjoyed it so we are planning on doing one again next year, possibly for a couple of months. We also released the first product designed in-house at Such & Such, the Reclaimed Wood Dining Table, which was designed by Nikki. We are really keen to create more of our own designs going forward. Plus, we have a list of exciting new products and designers/makers that we want to work with. 

Check out Such & Such on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Tumblr

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A Few Moments With: In My Sunday Best // Interview #10

In My Sunday Best is one of my favourite blogs in the blogosphere right now and I'm super excited about sharing this interview! Sade's style is the perfect mix between elegance, grace and casual wear that all blends seamlessly together, whether it's layers for winter or cute dresses for the summer months, her style is pretty much flawless.  Her blog is pretty great for style inspiration and often infused with lifestyle and personal posts which proves to be the perfect addition. Oh, and her photography? It's pretty awesome!! To find out more, I decided to ask her a few questions on her style, photography tips and staying creative.

Hello Sade! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hello! I'm an Architecture graduate, coffee connoisseur and floral fanatic. I write over on www.inmysundaybest.com

 How and why did you get into blogging?

I'm honestly not really sure, I think it began more as a place for me to share my illustrative and photographic work and just spiraled into so much! I read blogs like Jazzabelle's Diary, What Olivia Did and Shirley's Wardrobe for serious inspiration when I first started!

In three words, how would you describe your style? 

Difficult question! I think I'd like to describe it as an eclectic mix of lady-like wear with a bit of kitsch to it!

What are you looking forward to for A/W 14?

Oh it has to be the crunchy leaves, warm mugs of hot chocolate and having multiple snuggly duvet days!

You've just graduated from university after studying Architecture! Congratulations! Did your blog help shape your creativity in your professional life? Did your course ever influence your blog posts?

It has helped keep me creative, and granted me a lot of opportunities, but unfortunately in the case of Architecture (at least where I'm at in life now) the two have yet to collide! My course has influenced this blog post, in which I talk about the realities of life after university.

Last year your blog was shortlisted for 'best use of photography' at the Company Magazine Blog Awards! How do you manage to incorporate such beautiful photography with a simple OOTD post?

It was indeed! And it was such an honour to be up against professional bloggers! I have to give the credit to the people who have shot my outfit posts over the years haha! 

What top tips would you give to someone wanting to improve the photography on their blog?

It's a difficult one, because on one hand you can get some pretty good shots with a phone, however they will never be the same quality as using a good DSLR and a good lens. Don't put yourself out of pocket though! I've been using my Pentax Ist DS for about four years now, and I currently use a 50mm f 1.8 lens which is amazing for blog photography as it gives you that gorgeous depth of field.

How do you manage to maintain your creativity?

By blogging and being sociable! The best part of being a blogger is meeting new people and sharing interests! 

So tonight you're meeting friends for dinner! What look will you go for?

Most probably a LBD, some vintage jewellery and some killer heels. Add some red lippy and you've got my look down to a T!

Thank you! Where else can we find you?

You can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest :)

Find me on: YouTube | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram: @thatgirlsaadiya

A Few Moments With: Hannah Valentine // Interview #9

My blogger interview series is officially back and this post is all about the absolute babe that is Hannah Valentine.  Hannah's blog is the place you want to be on a Sunday afternoon, cup of tea in hand, reading through her style inspo, catching up on the places she's been and getting inspiration from her outfit posts for the week ahead. With the classic black mixed with interesting prints or unique footwear to really make it her own, Hannah's style gives off a very laid back vibe which is great for everyday. I've loved that about following her blog - seeing style that anyone can find inspiration from but still managing to keep her style unique and varied.  To find out more, I decided to ask Hannah about her personal style, studying Graphic Design at University and her inspirations - both fashion and design related.

Hello Hannah! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm a 19 year old Graphic Design student from Manchester with a major love for Amy Winehouse, ugly shoes, typography and the colour black.

How and why did you get in to blogging?

I think I got into blogging through stumbling upon other people's blogs waaaay back in the MySpace days - I've had mine since 2009 and used to use it as a bit of a diary kinda thing rather than a creative platform. Then, I began finding more and more fashion blogs and my daily rants turned into outfits and such!

Who inspires your style the most and which stores are your favourite?

People on Instagram inspire me most! Literally everyone I'm following gives me such life/wardrobe envy haha! Celeb wise, I've always loved the Olsens. Suki Waterhouse is a major girl crush too - she looks flawless always. I think I take a bit of something from everyone though - I'll see a well dressed male in the street and then wanna wear trousers and shirts, bit weird like that haha. I'm a sucker for Topshop - not gonna lie! All the usuals like Zara, ASOS, H&M, Missguided too. Ark is another favourite, though less well known. It fluctuates really though depending on the season!

I would say that your style is pretty laid back and chilled - which I love, how would you describe your style yourself?

Thank you! I definitely agree, but I'd say it's more cos I'm lazy rather than a statement haha. Black is definitely a constant, mixed with funny footwear and odd patterns. And silver jewellery! Always silver jewellery! I think my style is a mash up of loads of different styles - one day I can be wearing Fred Perry and loafers, the next I'll look like I'm off to a festival. I like that though. I like not having one set specific style to have to stick to.

What are your top 5 wardrobe essentials?

At the moment - my new silver loafers, black jeans, arm cuffs, bardot style tops and this lurrrrvley little coral/red playsuit I bought in the River Island sale a few weeks ago. Keep your eyes peeled for an outfit featuring that soon!

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to find their personal style?

Don't give a toss what other people think. Seriously - you wanna wear those crazy floral trousers you DO it and you rock it. I'll wear something a bit odd (and trust me, my wardrobe isn't that crazy) and guaranteed I'll hear a "I wish I had the guts to pull that off" and it makes me sad that girls (and maybe even boys) don't have the confidence to wear what they want. I reckon personal style is all about confidence - confidence to be you and not conform to dressing how others will approve.

As you're going to be studying graphic design at university, do you think your blog has helped shape your creativity in your professional life?

For definite! I've always been a creative person but guaranteed if I didn't have my blog I wouldn't have gotten half as far as I have with my creative stuff. Not only has it brought me opportunities but it's helped me find other blogs and websites which inspire me on a daily basis and keep me going when I'm lacking creativity. It's definitely shaped my design style too - I know now what I can and can't do well, what my strengths and weaknesses within Graphics are because I've spent years finding my style both through fashion and art. 

Where do you find inspiration for your art and designs?

A Beautiful Mess, Wrdbnr and Visualgraphc.com are my go-to's, for certain. Tumblr in general is the best source of inspiration for anything - I'm forever reblogging stuff I know will get my creative juices flowing when I've got a brief to conquer. Designer wise, I adore Mike Perry and Wasted Rita's work. My favourite photographer is Steve McCurry.

So tonight you've been invited to a house party! What look will you go for?

Legs out for certain! I don't think I've ever gone to a party in tights or trousers. It's my unwritten rule haha. At the moment I'm mesmerised by cobalt blue and silver so maybe this skirt and this bag with a bardot crop and silver shoes. Probably not heels as it's a house party and I'm like bambi on ice in anything too high!

Thank you! Where else can we find you?

No worries - thank YOU! If you wanna hear me rambling on about music and how much people bug me - @HanValentine_ on twitter. For sneak peeks of what I'm doing and wearing in between posts - @HanValentine_ on Instagram. And to see what's inspiring me - www.masterplans.tumblr.com! 

Check out my latest YouTube video: The Compliment Challenge 

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A Few Moments With: Repeat Piece // Interview #8

Have you ever come across a blog and instantly loved the outfits and style?  Well that happened when I came across Rabia's blog Repeat Piece a couple of months ago and just thought 'I want her wardrobe!'  As much as I love following a wide range of bloggers with their own unique styles and admire them for that, it's always nice to come across a blogger who's wardrobe you would genuinely love to have a little rummage through.  From layering to stacking jewelry and dashes of colour, Rabia's style is effortless and chill - the perfect combination for any outfit!  To find out more I decided to ask her some questions on her blog, style tips and ultimate blogger inspirations.

Hello Rabia! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi! I'm Rabia, 22 years old and living in London. Right now I am in my final year of uni (eek!) and in the future I would love to work as a womenswear buyer (haha this is sounding like a job interview...)

How and why did you first get into blogging?

I think it was back in 2009 that I somehow stumbled upon Chictopia and through that I was introduced to tonnes of different fashion blogs and became hooked, Sea of Shoes and Lulu and Your Mom were the oldest ones I remember reading! I never considered blogging myself until the start of last year when my best friend wouldn't stop going on about it, and then when I bought my SLR camera for a photography module at uni, I thought why the hell not! I wear clothes... might as well share them! 

Your blog is called Repeat Piece, so, what is your most worn item of clothing in your wardrobe?

I went back to browse through my blog for this one! My most worn item changes every season, but for the past few months I've been wearing my River Island black skirt with a cross over detail a lot. It's just so easy to style and really comfortable, a real staple. And it has pockets! (If you read my blog, you know how important pockets are!)

I'm in love with your style at the moment! Who's style are you currently loving too? 

Thank you so much! I really love Rachel Zoe and Olivia Palermo style. They both always look very chic and polished and they accessorise so well; I really want to know how they store all their jewellery! Also Danielle Bernstein from WeWoreWhat is one of my favourite bloggers - simple yet so stylish, I stalk her instagram all the time for some inspiration.

What S/S '14 trends are you looking forward to trying out this year?

I'm not a massive trend follower because you never know if it'll still be 'trendy' next season. If I like something and its on-trend then great! If not I'll still buy it regardless, but I'm looking forward to lots of lace blouses, floaty chiffon kimonos and slouchy off the shoulder tops!

What's your top tip to make an outfit look more interesting?

Accessories! They can make a plain outfit so much more interesting. Layer those necklaces and stack those rings - more is more! Also, a bold lip always makes a statement.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Anything and everything! I especially love street style blogs, The Sartorialist is one that I browse almost daily.

You're off sight-seeing in London this weekend! What would you wear?

I always check the weather before leaving my house, especially with the unpredictable weather we have in London! My go-to outfit for a long day out would be black skinny jeans, a collared blouse layered under a jumper, and a fur gilet on top. Topped off with some black boots, a few stacked rings and a brolly.

Thank you! Where else can we find you?

No problem, thanks for having me! You can find me on Instagram, Twitter and of course my Blog.

Check out my latest YouTube video HERE 

Find me on: YouTube | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram: @thatgirlsaadiya

A Few Moments With: Being Ashleigh // Interview #7

London based blogger Ashleigh is a photography student and freelance stylist. A self-confessed lover of layering, mixing textures & patterns and the super casual 'just rolled outta bed' look, her blog, Being Ashleigh, captures her cool, casual and creative style along with lifestyle posts and behind the scenes of her freelance work.  I've mentioned a few times before about the opportunities a blog can offer you and Being Ashleigh is a great testament to that and so to find out more I decided to ask her a few questions on blogging, her freelance work as a stylist and her blogging goals for 2014.

Hello Ashleigh! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hello! I am a twenty one year old from London. I’m in my final year at UEL studying Photography and I run a fashion and lifestyle blog. I also work in Sainsburys; so I’ll give them a shout out too!

How and why did you first get into blogging?

I have always had a presence on the internet since my early teens. My blog was originally started on Tumblr which I used and still to this day as a mood board for inspiration and pretty things. I then started a passion for reviewing beauty products so I changed my aesthetic on Tumblr and strictly only used it to write up beauty reviews. I then realised one day I wanted my blog to be that bit more professional, so I started a proper blog.

What are your top 3 tips for blogging?

One: Be consistent. I often have blogging breaks due to too much pressure or sometimes I am just too damn busy to blog but I always try to blog at least three times a week to keep my readers wanting more.

Two: Be patient. When I first started my blog (and all the big bloggers will agree!), followings were slow at first and I had zero comments on my posts. However, once you find your niche, people will find your blog and a network of followers will start to build up.

Three: Enjoy it. Don’t blog just for the sake of getting a post up. That’s how you know you aren’t enjoying blogging for you. Never feel pressure to fit in with people either. It will take control.

What are the trends you’re excited to see everyone rocking this year?

Probably the skater trend! I am a huge fan of simplicity and the “just got out of bed and don’t give a crap what I look like” look. I’m quite excited to mix it up a bit with high waisted shorts, a bra-let, oversized shirt and vans. Oh Summer, hurry.

Where do you get style inspiration from?

Definitely other bloggers mostly! I’m always buying clothes I like on other bloggers. Tumblr and the street style features in Company magazine also help a lot!

If you could shop in one store for the rest of your life, where would it be?

Topshop, obvz.

You’re currently working as a freelance stylist which is cool! Has your blog helped with element of your work?

That’s right :) Definitely! My blog helps me a lot to get me opportunities. For example, I mentioned it in a job interview and got the job. When applying for stylist jobs or even assisting jobs and internships, I always mention Being Ashleigh which I think helps as the person offering the position then questions it and possibly checks it out at home on the sly!

Do you have an plans/goals for your blog this year?

I have quite a few. I slack at getting outfit posts up consistently so this is something I really need to work on. I also want to extend my blog more and start making consistent Youtube videos. It’s also been a goal of mine for a while to get my blog mentioned in a magazine (in print).

Lunch with the girls is coming up! How would you style your outfit?

I’d probably play it stylish but easy and comfy. I’d got for an oversized smock dress, my black fedora hat from H&M and some little ankle boots… not forgetting my very much loved black faux fur coat from Topshop!

Thank you! Where else can we find you?

My pleasure! My blog is Being Ashleigh, I have Twitter and Instagram too at @ashllyd 

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Check out my latest YouTube video for all you 20-somethings out there HERE! 

 Find me on: YouTube | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram: @thatgirlsaadiya

A Few Moments With: Not Your Average // Interview #5

I can remember signing up to blogger a good four years ago now with a sudden burst of inspiration after catching up with some of my favourite fashion bloggers. If I'm honest, I never really took it that seriously as it was just an extra way for me to procrastinate. Now, however, after coming across the online community that blogging has to offer it's become a pastime I very much enjoy. From weekly blog chats, press events to blogger meet-ups I think it's easier to get involved in as much or as little as you want in this online community. Blogger meet-ups, especially, give you the opportunity to meet and connect with other bloggers in your local area, bringing the online community into reality and possibly uncovering new friendships. I recently attended the #EastMidsMeetUp held by the lovely Emma from Not Your Average and had a lovely, chilled and fun filled day meeting local bloggers and chatting about all things blogging related. As the host, I decided to ask Emma a few questions on blogging, organising/attending a blogger meet-up and blogging with a baby!

Hello! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hey! I'm Emma, 23 (nearly 24) years old and live in a small town near Burton on Trent, Derbyshire. I have a 6 month old girl called Millie and live with my boyfriend of 2 years. I'm currently also studying Childhood part time with the open university and plan (or hope) to be a Primary Teacher or Teaching Assistant! 

How and why did you start blogging?

I started blogging when I was in university to start with but I used a blog.com platform that never really got many hits so when I left (due to being pregnant) I set up a new blog with Blogger in January of this year and everything went from there. It was mainly to fill up my spare time as I was only working casually and part time because of being pregnant and then when January came, nowhere would take me on as I was 5 months pregnant and they probably knew I'd be leaving pretty soon! 

The blogging community offers so many great opportunities, one of my favourites being meet-ups which is something you have recently organised. What inspired you to hold the #EastMidsMeetUp?

The main reason was because you hear so much of events happening down in London that people in the Midlands find hard to get to and then when there is other meet-ups that are held in the Midlands, you get Londoners and Northerners travelling and they take up spaces that could have been for more local girls. It's why I was so picky when it came to spaces for this one, you had to live in a 30 mile radius of Derby so that it was strictly local bloggers! 

For anyone thinking of organising and holding their own blogging meet-up or event, what advice would you give them?

DON'T! Haha, just kidding. But it does take a lot of work and can get stressful, especially if you want to make it big and provide goodie bags. Contacting companies or emailing companies back takes up a lot of time and you have to be super organised as you have so many things coming in and out. Set up spreadsheets for attendees, companies and people you need to get back to and update it on a daily basis. This way you keep on top of everything! 

Attending a meet-up can be quite nerve-wracking! For anyone attending a meet-up for the first time, what advice would you give them?

I don't really get nervous when meeting new people so it's hard for me to advise but I guess that you know you're going to have at least one thing in common with everyone there - blogging! Don't be shy, just come straight out and ask the person standing next to you "What's your name? What's your blog?" and you'll find they will probably have been thinking the same thing but you beat them to it! :) 

Your blog ranges from posts on Fashion, Beauty and being a recent Mother! How exciting has it been being a part of the #pbloggers community too? 

It's really nice to know that people are going through, or have been through the phases I go through with Millie. Such as sleeping, or lack of, feeding problems etc. There is always someone that can give you advice or re-assure you that everything will be okay. The #pbloggers chats are kind of a luxury when it comes to parenting though, everyone has their different parenting ways but it's good because we can all learn something new from each other! 

What has been your most recent beauty purchase?

Up until now, I have been re-purchasing some of my holy grail high street products such as Seventeen's Phwoarr Paint, Barry M Lash Vegas, No7 Beautifully Matte Foundation and Collection Eye Liner. All AMAZING but cheap products. 

What are your top three beauty products at the moment? 

At the moment it has got to be... 

1) MAC Up the Amp Lipstick

2) Sleek Vintage Romance Palette

3) Seventeen Phwoarr Paint

Thank you Emma! Where else can we find you?

Thank you! I have Twitter, Youtube, Facebook and Instagram - emmalou_b

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I hope you guys liked this interview! Let me know what you think below and if you have any suggestions :)

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Interviews | Rant time

I hate interviews. Like really really really really hate them so much so that I would rather take another 3 hour law exam or something. Somehow I think that would be less pressure... Obviously, interviews are not supposed to be appealing, or exiting, or enjoyable; they are meant to test you and draw out the best in you so the company knows that they are recruiting the best of the best. I get that. But some take the mick.

The most recent interview I had lasted the whole day and consisted of a maths test, a sales test and a competency based interview. Oh and group work (I'm SO bad at group work it makes me want to cry...) The job I was going for must have been pretty big though right? Right? Ha ha haha ha. It was for a call centre where literally you sit there, people call in about their broken down washing machines and you help them with their problems while secretly trying to sell them some insurance. An interview I had before that was pretty much the same and it was also for a very very very basic job.  To be honest, their more 'assessment days' than 'interviews' because their so hardcore. What really annoys me though is when you ask for feedback on how you did (if you didn't get the job) and all they say to you is: 'we're sorry but, due to the high volume of interest, we cannot give individual feedback.' Oh well I'M sorry but did I not just spend ALL day in YOUR office doing YOUR tests and answering YOUR questions and pretending like sales was the best thing in the whole world?! I know they are a massive company and I'm just another unemployed graduate to them but it's a bit... belittling when you literally jump through hoops for a job that is only meant to 'get you by'  and you can't even ask where you went wrong.

Interviews in general are hardcore, I understand, but really, what are they looking for? Perfection? Well it doesn't exist man!
Meh, rant over.

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