Sarah Betty

Sarah Betty has moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:34:00 +0000

You will now find us at http://sarahbetty.co.uk

This was my first home, but I've moved on now - I hope you come with me to share the adventure!

Thanks as ever for reading.

Sarah Betty has moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:34:00 +0000

You will now find us at http://sarahbetty.co.uk

This was my first home, but I've moved on now - I hope you come with me to share the adventure!

Thanks as ever for reading.

Outfits I'd wear from London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 12/13 Part One

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 21:30:00 +0000

This year for my reporting of London Fashion Week, I thought I'd make it a bit more personal and only feature the outfits I'd like to wear from my favourite collections:

Antoni and Alison:

I am magpie for glitter, I love anything with it on and especially when it has a shirt with a bow tie at the top. This is such a quirky piece and would actually be number one on my list of outfits I want from London Fashion Week s far.

Moshino Cheap and Chic:

This was one of my favourite collections so far, mainly because it's very me in style - cutesy and kitch. I loved the clothes with the lipsticks and eyeshadows featured on them. But I think when you have something so girly, it's nice to contrast it with a touch of masculinity, so this military coat would look great over the top.

Orla Kieley:

The tea dance was a clever way of showing the dresses, as some of them really did look like they'd come straight out of the 40s. My favourite was this little burgundy number, which looks so sweet with the shirt underneath it. I'd pair it with white tights and a beret.

Felder Felder

This gold skater dress is the cutest thing, but I certainly did not like the way it was styled with the shirt underneath it! I think it would look fab with black tights and red lips, or for warm summer nights with bare legs and cute sandals.

Which have been your favourite collections? Do you like the pieces I've chosen?

Outfits courtesy of Catwalking.com

London Fashion Week Outfit: Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:28:00 +0000

Today as the madness crowded at Somerset House, everyone was there to watch the first few shows of London Fashion Week. There's a huge emphasis on the first day I think - it's when everyone is paying more attention. I really wanted to go really looking like me, so went for a quirky look.

Shirt: Primark
Skirt: Ted Baker
Shoes: New Look (from quite a while ago)
Tights: Topshop

The skirt caught my eye the other in Ted Baker and it features little birds in gorgeous illustrated cafes. I wanted to make it the focal piece, so I paired it with white tights and a white shirt.

The background is of an amazing piece of graffiti near our house and it makes me smiles every time I walk past it. Before it was there, there was also a gorgeous picture of a unicorn there.

I will do a full round up of London Fashion Week soon. It's the first time I've been able to go to some of the shows I've wanted to, so has been an enjoyable experience.

Did you go to London Fashion Week? If not, what would you wear for the first day?

Spring/summer trend: white and bright

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:43:00 +0000

The second of my spring/summer trend, white clothes are an easy thing to wear. They show off a tan, act as a canvas for accessories and layering, while being suitable for both formal and informal events. This week I show you my pick of white brights, which also translate some of the other key trends:

1) Nails Inc Floral Street White Nail Polish 10ml £9
White nail varnish - it used to be something people only associated with chavs, but it's all how you wear it and what you wear it with.
How to style it: You can alternate this with pastel colours, or just go the whole hog and wear it on its own. I like the idea of adding dalmatian spots to it with a nail art pen.

2) Alessia White Tux Jacket £294.00
A white blazer ticks all the right style boxes. This one is particularly beautiful because it takes on tux tailoring and I really love the length.
How to style it: Wear it to a summer evening party over a pretty dress, or for work wear over a gorgeous black dress. It will also look amazing against a smokey grey anything.

3) Free People Vintage Lace Dress £145
This vintage white gauze and lace dress is the epitome of the white dress for me. I like the Victoriana feel for it and think it's perfect for late summer/autumn too.
How to style it: On hot days, pair with pretty sandals, but on colder days, you can wear it with tights and I will be wearing it with vintage cowboy boots.

4) Herold White Brogues £70

Brogues have been around for a while now, but this pair give a nod to the spring/summer lace trend, making them perfect to start wearing from now.

How to style it: How about with some little shorts, to give a bit of feminine meets masculine for a very cute look? Would also look very sweet with knee socks if the day's a bit colder.

5) ASOS Slot Through Envelope Clutch £20.00

Envelope clutches are big for the warmer seasons and you're going to see everybody wearing them. This is a cheap and cheerful leather-look version.
How to style it: This would look cute with most things, but try wearing it on a night out with a maxi dress on a balmy evening and you'll be on the money.

Will you be wearing the white trend? What do you think of my choices?

The Girl with the Pink Umbrella

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:15:00 +0000

There once was a girl with a pink umbrella that would take her anywhere she wanted to go.

Sometimes, it would take off without her evening wishing it and she ended up in some pretty magical places.

Playsuit: H&M from a long time ago
Shoes: Matalan
Shirt: Primark

The umbrella looked delicate, but was stronger than it appeared, which the girl liked to think she was too.

It was decorated with beautiful hand-painted flowers and the girl never did know who created this magical masterpiece, and sometimes when she was alone, she would twirl the umbrella for hours on end mesmerised by the detail.

It was a cold day that she landed in the forgotten garden, where bonsai trees, Japanese bridges and Koi Carp shuddered in the remnants of the snow. With a twitch of the handle and spin of the umbrella, she was off again to far away lands that were only as great as her imagination.

Karl Lagerfeld Interviews Himself for Net a Porter

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:51:00 +0000

Ever wanted to see Karl Lagerfeld interview Karl Lagerfeld?

There can be no greater match surely? In this video for Net a Porter, in light of his new collection for the e-boutique, Karl talks how to be successful, with some really great tips. He speaks the truth and I love the funny way they've done the interview with Karl talking to Karl. The interviewer Karl seems to be a lot more 'innocent' than the interviewee Karl.

He also explains about the way he speaks and improvises everything, which I think is a very interesting way of taking life. So many people think too hard about what they're going to say in which circumstance!

Karl also talks about technology and fashion and how he feels about it, as well as explaining how he designs by instinct and what it takes to be 'chic'. Quite a profound man, have a watch:

I've never heard Karl speak before, so was very pleased to watch this!

What do you think of it?

Five things I learned about blogging from #IFBcon

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:37:00 +0000

Yesterday I tuned into the International Fashion Blogger's conference at Milk Studios in NYC. I went to the London version last year and found it very useful. There were some blogging and social media luminaries there including Bryan Boy and DKNY PR Girl.

Here are five key things I learnt about blogging:

1) Organisation: It's not just passion you need to be a good blogger, it helps to be organised too. This is something I lack. Some of the bloggers on the panelist that day said they have editorial calendars, which takes me back to being a journalist. But I suppose in some ways this is like a publication, so having a plan around events happening throughout the year will help me to be organised.
2) Media Kit: Okay so we all have heard this term being thrown about, but what does it mean? It's basically a PDF of who you are, what your blog does, who your audience is and what stats you have. It can be anything from one, to five pages, but I recommend not having more than two. Otherwise everything else may appear to be superfluous. It's great if you want to work with brands and advertisers.

3) Don't Imitate: Don't compare yourself to others. Instead be observant of what's going on and keep tabs of the Industry you're in. It doesn't do anyone any favours if you're trying to write like your favourite blogger - who wants to read two of the same thing? If they wanted content like that, they'd go to that blogger's website! Find out what you're passionate about and do it your way.

4) Determining your Blog's Worth: It was agreed by the panel that this was an ongoing process. You need to research and ask around, because it is still such a new industry. I think though that you can pretty much go off how much traffic and engagement you're pulling in. If three people want to pay the price, then it's time to put the price up - that's what one of the panelists said! But see when the next new wave of bloggers come along, we'll be the experts - the ones teaching them how to do it.

5) Don't let analytics determine your content: This is actually so true of what a lot of people (including me) do. It can be hard to just stick to the same thing because it's getting a lot of hits. But it's worth getting out there and experimenting too.

There were also the other typical conversations about brands working with bloggers - things I think have been discussed to death. But there were some really key things I learnt, so I wanted to share them with you. You can look over the tweets yourself with the hashtag #IFBcon.

Did you tune in? What would you add to my top 5 tips?

Spring summer trend: Mint Green and Fabulous

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:31:00 +0000

Mint green, that's how to be seen. Especially in Spring/summer. It was all over the catwalks, and I for one am in love with it. Here is my roundup of some of the best items out there (including makeup) for you to have a look at:

1) Ark's Glamorous Mint Green Playsuit £24.99

How sweet is this playsuit? This is one of my favourite items and it's so affordable too.

How to style: In the colder months, this would look great with white tights, but as it warms up, pair with some cream brogues, or heels!

2) Emilio Pucci Vintage Silk Trousers: £219

These gorgeous vintage mint green trousers are made from silk and date back to the 80s baby!

How to style: Perfect with a white shirt - this is the ideal work combo. Or go low key with flats and a gorgeous handbag.

3) Barry M Nail Varnish: £4.49

You don't have to go all out with the mint green though, sometimes a subtle flash of nail varnish is just what you need!

How to style: Work the 'statement nail' trend and paint all your nails black, bar the green one. That will certainly make you stand out!

4) ASOS Kimono Jacket was £75, now £30!

This is a real steal and I love it because you can wear it whatever the season really.

How to style: It would be great with jeans, or even over a bikini on the beach

5) Kurt Geiger London "Class" heels in mint green £210

These little numbers cry out for a spring wedding, so you must push someone to get married in the next few months!

How to style: Lovely with a white, knee length dress, or paired with something silver.

What do you think of the colour? Will you wearing?

Let me know your favourite item!

Outfit Post: Horse Riding Hippies and Charity Events

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:23:00 +0000

The Look: Horse riding hippy

I really wanted to wear something floaty. The outfit is actually two dresses - so the sleeves belong to a tighter dress underneath, but I was having a fat day, so wanted something looser on top. It was just an experiment, but seemed to work quite well. The dresses are from AX Paris - but I got them in a second hand shop for very cheap! I belted the dress with a vintage belt from the 70s my aunt gave me years ago. I've realised from these photos though that it created quite an odd shape.

I bought the riding boots from Primark for £25. I do seem to get a lot of compliments on them!

The event: The Building Trust 'Moving Schools' Exhibition.

My friends Dave and Lou run a charity called 'Building Trust' and created a competition for architects to enter with incredible designs to build a school in Burma.

The charity is about offering design and architectural services to those who need it around the world and the school is the first project! Some of the entries were incredible.

There was lots of people there and some of the architects came from around Europe, just for the event. I was quite moved, as it's so nice to see something your friends are doing work successfully.

I loved the wall where you could suggest on the wall what the next project should be:

If you want to learn more about Building Trust, you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Hope you're all having a really nice weekend. Let me know what you think of the project!

Sarah Betty x

Stylust: House of Holland's Flag Tights

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:32:00 +0000

Fancy representin' your country? Well if you're from the UK, Oz or the US of A, House of Holland gives you the chance to say it loud and say it proud with its new collection of flag tights.

I myself am particularly drawn to the USA ones. Hey, I like stars okay?

They don't appear to be online yet - but you can buy them from here, when they are.

Would you wear these? Which are your favourite?

Sarah Betty x

Outfit and event post: Rockalily and the London Lipgloss' collaboration: #zomgbloggersbash

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:40:00 +0000

Yesterday I attended the #ZOMGBloggerBash which Ree Ree Rockette from Rockalily and Zo from the London Lip Gloss had collaborated to produce the Zomg lipstick.

The Look: Posh penguin - black French Connection jumpsuit and Primark shirt:

The event:
I personally love it that it's not just huge brands doing this and think it's a great way to collaborate with bloggers, who are very much your customers too.

The lipstick itself is a gorgeous pink - which as you might know from my photos, I am a huge fan of! I think I'll definitely be buying:

It was a very quirky event and guests were entertained with the dressing up in vintage dresses, wigs and having their photos taken, to decorating cupcakes and even crafts!

Wigs to try on!

Dresses to try on!

Lauren from A Bird in the Handhttp://www.ellecroft.com/blog/ looking sexy in pink

Looking slightly dazzled, rather than dazzling...

Cupcakes!

Somes of the beautiful hats you could try on

Clearly enjoying her cupcake...

Bloggers and cupcakes go hand in hand!

My cupcake looked like a car crash!

My favourite part of the event was the burlesque dancers, who were all friends of Ree's - so was so nice for them to perform. The second dancer was so beautiful it hurt and everybody in the room wanted to be her! Her name was Miss Banbury Cross and she's the face of Rockalily. My photos were a tad rubbish, as I was behind a camera crew and 4 people.

Did you go to the event? What do you think of the lipstick?

Sarah x

Seven Things That Made Me Happy in the Last Week

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:40:00 +0000

In no particular order:

Making an important decision this week that has really helped me to put clarity into things. Not to be too cryptic, but I'll be able to share this with you soon.
Discovering this wonderful article about just doing one thing at a time and doing it whole heartedly, instead of doing lots of things at the same time and becoming overwhelmed.
Finally being able to read The Hunger Games trilogy - which are a set of very inspiring young adult novels. I really recommend reading them, and not just because of the hype. I love a good book - especially an addictive book. Have you read these?
That I have a boyfriend who gives really good hugs. I needed a lot of them this week.
Going out for drinks with a new friend from work and discovering how much we had in common. We giggled a lot! So nice getting to know new people.
Having time to be creative. So much of the time I am working, or working on so many projects that time to write, or keep a journal is amazing.
Having a good friend be on Twitter. She's one of the funniest people I know.

Really trying to focus on the positive, as sometimes it's so easy to slip into the negative and not see all the amazing things we have. I hope doing this blog post every week will help with this!

How are you all? Did you have a good week?

Sarah Betty x

Outfit post: My Little Pony

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:18:00 +0000

When I was little, I was obsessed with My Little Pony. I loved their pretty eyes, candy coloured hair and the individual names they had.

My inspiration today was taken from this and I bought this t-shirt a while ago (think five years) from T K Maxx and still love it today. The skirt was a dress, but I didn't like how the top bit fit, so I cut it in half. The hem's a little odd, but I still think it looks okay!

T Shirt: T K Maxx
Skirt: a little Camden boutique
Shoes: Zara

Do you have any clothes with your favourite childhood cartoons on?

Sarah x

London Fashion Week Supports Jewellery Designers at the Rock Vault

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Who doesn't love jewellery? Sometimes I love it more than fashion, but then I suppose it's an extension of fashion isn't it? I was so excited when London Fashion Week announced the Rock Vault today, which will have support London jewellery designers and showcase them the UK and International press and buyers.

Here are some of my favourite pieces:

Husam El Odeh

Jo Hayes Ward

Sophie Bille Brahe

Hillier

What do you think of these pieces? Which is your favourite?

I think this is such a good initiative! I love any designer being supported, so this exhibition really does makes me happy.

Sarah x

I want to be: Lana Del Rey

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:36:00 +0000

Those chocolate brown eyes, milky skin and 'kiss-me-quick' lips - yes I too have fallen for Lana del Rey.

It also helps that she performed for Mulberry, has killer dress sense and never gave up on her dream. Here are some of my favourite pictures of her:

Here she is singing at Mulberry's party. Such a haunting voice:

What do you think of Lana? Amazing or over rated?

Sarah Betty x

Outfit post: pale pink, bright blue and ballerina skirts

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:55:00 +0000

The weather in Madrid was a mixture of warm and cold. You'd be walking along and if a shadow was cast on you, it got cold all of a sudden. I had brought my faux fur coat along with me, which was ever-so-bulky that it was as thought I were carrying a large teddy bear around with me.

It's so uplifting to see so much greenery around, offset against such a blue sky.

We visited one of the many parks there and it was gorgeous. No more gorgeous than any London park - except there was sun in January. I started doing a bit of a dance to celebrate.

I decided laying was best, so wore a pale pink shirt from Primark against a ballerina skirt I got from H&M years ago. It seemed to keep my warm enough.

I have taken far too many pictures, most of which I'll use for the travel writing. Thanks so much for all of your tips and comments - they have been so helpful!

Madrid nights: polka dots and sunshine

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:25:00 +0000

For the last day or so I've been in Madrid and what a wonderful city it is! There will be more on the city later, but my first surprise was this!

When I opened the door to my room, I nearly squealed. You know that luxury of having something beautiful to yourself? The sheets were so crisp, the shower amazing and just a real sense of relaxation came over me. All that space to myself! (can you see me in the far mirror on the door?)

The views are incredible, but sadly I only got to stay there one night. I've been in Madrid for business, but now my boyfriend is over and we'll be exploring the city. I'm also finding very stylish little places to eat and shop for my new online magazine A Fashionable Guide To.

Have you ever been to Madrid? What would you recommend doing?

Some like it hot! Michelle Williams looking gorgeous as Marilyn Monroe in her underwear

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:23:00 +0000

We were all taken away by her similarity to Marilyn Monroe, but I think Michelle Williams really captures something of her in these photos. She has her vulnerable, but alluring look about her, doesn't she?

Photos taken from GQ

What do you think of the photos?

Blue skies, faux fur and leopard print

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:37:00 +0000

I don't often take photos outside, mainly because I never knew where to take them. It can look a little odd, if you're doing it on your own in the street with a tripod. Also, I'm scared someone will steal my camera!

Shirt: House of Fraser
Jeggings: Primark
Coat: Vintage faux fur from Camden Passage

The leopard-print shirt is from House of Fraser and surprisingly warm!

My boyfriend bought me this vintage faux fur jacket last year from the Camden Passage, and while I love it - all the buttons fell off, so I have to put a belt around it when I wear it on very cold days. The purple ring is a new buy from Primark and I love it.

You know, people may slate jeggings, but I have them on here and adore them. I think it's all in the stylish - they are so comfy. The problem I have with jeans is that they dig in a lot...

I also bought this gorgeous ring from Primark which I adore!

Do any of you take photos in the park etc, with your tripod? Any tips welcome!

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Top knot and off duty:

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:53:00 +0000

Today I have been mainly very sick (please excuse the bags under my eyes), but can not let this get in the way of things, otherwise nothing gets done! I wanted a comfortable, off duty look. I am so so happy I can get my hair in a top knot - have been growing it for a long time.

The shorts I ordered from Boohoo.com and they really do go with everything and very comfy. Short shorts though, so won't be wearing to work. The white jumper is the nicest, softest thing and is from H&M.

The ring is just something I picked up from on a market, I can't even remember where now...

Anyway, I'm signing out for a day or so as I'm visiting a friend this weekend, but have a fab one!

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Outfit post: bow tie and high heels

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:24:00 +0000

I've been in meetings all day today, so wanted to dress smartly, but still give it a quirky twist. I've worn this shirt a lot recently, as I find it goes with everything. I took this bow tie necklace and wore it with the shirt to give it a different look:

Shirt: Peacocks
Trousers: Primark
Shoes: Dorothy Perkins
Bowtie: Topshop

I bought this ring a while ago online, which I love. It also goes perfectly with my smaller ring which my mum gave me. It was hers, but she doesn't like it. It's one of the first pieces with diamonds I own!

Outfit post: A Fashion Spartan in Tartan

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:43:00 +0000

Coat: T K Maxx
Blazer: Boohoo.com
Dress: Topshop
Tights: Topshop
Shoes: T K Maxx

Today has been a very mild day and I dressed like it was winter. The tartan coat and the blazer? Enough to make you over heat. I'm also getting a cold, which doesn't help matters - you have no idea how red my nose was today. Thank God for foundation!

Apart from my tights and blazer, everything is very old. I bought this blazer from Boohoo and it doesn't fit me very well, so I teamed it with a belt and that seems to be the key. I love white tights, as they remind me of Alice in Wonderland and this can never be a bad thing!

Please do say hello on Twitter and Facebook!

Stylust: Lanvin's green seashell bag

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:47:00 +0000

I'm ready to dive straight into this gorgeous Lanvin bag and get my mermaid self on.
The clutch is a lush satin green and is the perfect accompaniment to off-duty, or an elegant night out:

It's fresh from Net a Porter's latest fashion catch and I just adore it. But it has to be said, it's a steep price at £820.
What do you think of the bag?

2012: the year of my tattoo

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Betty Andrews) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:40:00 +0000

I've wanted a tattoo for about three of four years, but never got one. Why? Because I want it to mean something, to be very beautiful and to be something I'll be proud of when I'm 70.

I've always been obsessed with birds and the meaning of my tattoo to mean freedom, independence etc. This is the biggest dream of mine and I am not so far off accomplishing it.

Here are some images inspiring me:

What do you think of these images? Do you have a tattoo, did it hurt?