Finding Your Style, Finding Yourself {Fashion Forward}

It occured to me last week, that even when we had only just started Fashion Forward, I never really explained why I wanted to start a meme that was focused on fashion - not even when I first, tentatively, mentioned the idea to my wonderful co-host Katherine.

In my mid-twenties, I was a happy and healthy person, full of energy and enthusiasm for life - and, more importantly, full of confidence. I had a job that I liked, I was fit and healthy and, despite a few hang-ups (we all have them) I was happy with myself and my body.

A few years, and an unfortunate series of events, later found me working in a job that I didn't like, with no energy left for life (let alone exercise) and I had gained enough weight that I felt both unattractive and unhealthy. I had lost my self confidence and, perhaps more importantly, my sense of self.

I left my job and thought things would improve, but in reality I spent my days feeling sorry for myself, slobbing around the house in jogging pants and over-sized t-shirts and I felt disgusting. Then, one day, when I was meeting an old friend, I had to make a bit more of an effort. I took the time to have a nice bath, blow-dry my hair, do my make up and pick out an nice outfit. I looked okay, not wonderful granted, but I felt so much better about myself - so much more me - and I was reminded of the link between looking good and feeling good.

Miss Modest (16/50) by OPCreative

Items in this set: Ted Baker Silk Mix Big Bow Dress; Marni Suede Platforms with Bow and Jewel Detail; Marni Fabric Frame Clutch; Raso - Kiss-Lock Evening Clutch - Francesco Biasia; Alexis Bittar 'Silver Dust' Skinny Tapered Bangle.

But, somedays, it felt like so much effort and I realised that I needed a reason to start taking more of an interest again - in clothes, in make up, in myself - and the idea for Fashion Forward was born. When I approached Katherine with the idea of co-hosting, I honestly thought she might laugh at the idea of me being fashionable (let's face it, she's so cool!) and she has my undying gratitude for being so supportive of the idea. Since then, I have developed an unparalleled love of Brian Atwood shoes and an unhealthy obsession with creating sets in Polyvore. I have re-discovered my love of fashion and my sense of style. And I have made some wonderful friends!

So, as Fashion Forward moves into 2010, I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has participated and everyone who takes the time to visit each week. We may not have taken the world by storm with our little meme, but you have helped me to start changing my life for the better and I am very, very grateful.

If you're playing along this week, please pop a link in the box below so that everyone can come by and 'oooh and ahhh' and, if you're a Fashion Forward newbie, you can find the guidelines over on Katherine's lovely blog.

It Seems I'm Miranda {Fashion Forward}

Now, I must admit that I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do for this week's Fashion Forward post. I wasn't sure whether to pretend that I had plans for New Year's Eve and put together a glamourous, swanky little outfit or whether I should just admit that I far prefer to stay in with a good book and my hot water bottle. (My life it just full of excitement, I tell you!)

However, you've been saved from pictures of me in my worn out PJs by The Steve, who mentioned that there was a new Sex & The City film coming out in 2010. His actual words were, "I saw the trailer for Sex & The City 2 earlier and it made me want to yank on one of my testicles so hard I could strangle myself with it." - I knew then that I'd have to put together a little 'tribute'. Just for The Steve!

Funny what inspires me, isn't it?

Items in this set: Donna Karan Infinity Dress; Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 Patent Pumps; Roger Vivier Black Verni Bag; Gregg Ruth Diamond Necklace; Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks

I was never a huge fan of the show (I liked it, but I never lived for it, you know?) but I was always a huge fan of the fashion. I took the What's My Sex & The City Style quiz, to determine what style I would suit me best and I came out with ... Miranda. I can't argue - I'd kill for her structured suits, tailored dresses and pulled together look. Whose wardrobe would you raid, given half the chance?

Pop on over to see Katherine and Co to see what's inspired everyone else's Fashion Forward this week.

Too Much Choice? {Fashion Forward}

Last night, I sat down to write today's Fashion Forward post and I suddenly found that I was unable to decide what to write about. Would it be sequins, studs or skinny jeans? Would I write about my current love for soft pinks and warm greys? Or would I choose to tell you about my, rather unhealthy, obsession for creating sets in Polyvore?

Faced with seemingly unlimited choice I couldn't make a decision. This morning, I realised that this is exactly how many of us feel when we go shopping for clothes. So, in the run up to the holiday sales - and the complete lack of judgement we all experience when faced with a half price coat that we've wanted for ages, but just happens to be a size too small - I thought I'd share some of my favourite fashion guides (and this super stylish set I found whilst wasting time, um... I mean researching ideas, on Polyvore.)

Charming Lady by Kristen-Funny

If you haven't seen Sally McGraw's blog, Already Pretty, then please head on over there immediately for the the most sensible advice on finding your own style I've ever read. When you love yourself, and the body you have, you'll find that your clothes will bring you enjoyment as well as confidence. (I'm still working on this!)

For advice on putting together a classic, capsule wardrobe full of elegant clothes, you can't beat a bit of advice from Auntie Gok. Gok Wan's website is full to bursting with advice, trends and competitions - and there's a really handy Style Consultation which will help you choose the right clothes for you and your body type.

There's also Academichic - a style blog full of the most amazing outfits that, get this, actually work in the real world. There's a fastastic Fashion 101 section, full of advice on fashion basics like combining colours, playing with patterns and working on your own style.

After all that, if you still find yourself trying to make a tough decision during the sales, just remember this essential piece of advice from my mum - "If you wouldn't buy it at it's full price, don't buy it just because it's on sale."

If you want to play along today, please pop on over to see Katherine and leave us a link to your post!