This is a guest-blog by the lovely Sara :)

We've all coveted those front row spots the celeb bloggers have been snagging these past few seasons at fash weeks around the globe. Who hasn't felt a teensie weensie stab of jealousy when we pour over gushing interviews of the famous few in the glossies? Let’s face it; we would sacrifice our dearest Louboutins to be in their shoes. But you know what? I think 2011 is going to be the year that the lowly fashion blogger goes mainstream.

Sure, the stars probably need to be perfectly aligned, the planets tilting on the right axis, not to mention the assistance of a few leprechauns and a handful of rabbits feet (faux of course) stuffed into our Mulberry Alexa’s. The celeb-bloggers may have been at their trade a little longer than the rest of us, but who’s to say that there aren’t more Tavi-tastic teens or Tommy Ton snappers out there just waiting to be discovered.

The transparency that social media and the blogosphere have bought to the fashion industry has meant that editors and journalists alike, have slowly come to terms with this new age - there’s no gilded curtain anymore – with live streaming anyone can watch a show.

So, how to get to the celebrity infested front row? Or hey, even just through the door to a fashion show? Aside from being Ms Jay Alexander or an up and coming starlet, the answer lies in front of your nose – it’s your blog of course.

2011 is the year to consider your edge, your USP, what are you bringing to the party that thousands of others are not.

1. Follow the advice of those ‘how to’ blog posts – make this the year that you join that forum, pluck up the courage to attend that networking evening and join in the debate. At a recent networking thing I went to in New York, Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) was right there, toting his camera, digging the scene with the rest of us…

2. You have an opinion – make it heard – but remember, once out there, there ain’t no retracting it. Be professional, constructive and courteous. Blogging is a relatively new media platform for sure, but as it gains respect, an amateur attitude will have you falling by the wayside.

3. PR companies have thawed towards the lowly blogger – sign up to their email lists to receive news and press releases on their clients. Try http://www.modemonline.com/ for fashion weeks, pr agencies and trade shows.

4. Register for Fashion Weeks, there’s a few formalities to fill in on the application, but they’ll check out your blog/content and who knows, with a little hard work and luck you might get that golden ‘press’ ticket.

Paris Fashion Week - http://www.modeaparis.com/?lang=en

New York Fashion Week -http://www.mbfashionweek.com/

London Fashion Week -http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/

Milan Fashion Week - http://www.cameramoda.it/mmd/index.php?STL=en

Or for more fashion weeks than you can shake a stiletto at – check out this list - http://www.cosmoworlds.com/fashion_weeks.htm

5. Once you’ve got the nod (or at least the press pass), start applying for shows to the pr’s & designers themselves – I can’t tell you how dull this process is & there’s no amount of rsvp’ing and then confirming you’ve rsvp’d to the rsvp you already rsvp’d to – but to be fair, with belligerence – it’s worth it. Run a tight organizational ship and you’ll reap the rewards. Here’s hoping over here in New York this year, the innovative Fashion GPS system will put paid to all that rsvp/check in trauma of the past.

So that’s it – figure out your USP, sell it to the PR’s & Fashion Week accreditation folk and you’re off to the races. If you do anything in 2011, strive to make this the year that sets your blog apart from the others and you could make it to the front row…

Guest post by Danni Slater

First of all, let me come clean... I’m a festival virgin. As much as I pine over television coverage of Florence rocking her socks off and perfectly undone fashionistas putting us all to shame, I have never got the opportunity (or rather, never had the guts) to don my festival frocks (my love for alliteration has turned me into an 80 year old woman apparently) and find my inner hippy. One simple factor has repelled any festivic motivation from me, and that’s camping. I’m an unashamedly clean-loving, tent-hating, camping sceptic and yet the idea of getting into the festival spirit is purely enticing. With this in mind, I’ve come up with five of the best reasons to become a festival chick and hey, maybe by the end I’ll have persuaded even myself to go next year...

1. Music

An obvious one really. I mean, what would a festival be without it other than a muddy, tent-clad field confettied with the occasional doughnut stand? Hmm... not exactly my idea of fun. Throw in some live artists though, and you’ve got yourself a party.

2. Celeb spotting

In light of my (recently proven) inability to cope with the sheer excitement of spying even the slightest celebrity, this may perhaps be only a personal favourite. Even so, everyone knows only the coolest names go to festivals, and they’re usually insanely fashionable; totally obliterating and creating fashion trends in one swift move. Admittedly though, I’d be the cool kid ready and poised with my point-and-click, trying desperately to be subtle and failing miserably. Ah well, I’d be prepared to risk my dignity for a snapshot of Alexa/Kate/Florence. Jeesh, I’m beginning to sound like a member of the paparazzi; perhaps I’m career-confused?!

3. Festival Chic

As someone who enjoys minimum input and maximum output (at least where fashion is concerned) I reckon the carefree festival style would suit me down to a tee. Let’s face it; most of us would welcome an excuse to look a little rough around the edges without the risk of facing questionable glances. Well this is our perfect opportunity. Smudged eyeliner? That’s so Alexa daahling. Fraying shorts? Jameela Jamil rocks it. Bed head? Just don the trilby and BAM...you’re a festival fashionista my friend.

4. The ever elusive wristband

We’ve all come across them before; the cool kids with twenty three festival bands wrapped around their arm, looking positively exhausted yet tanned, satisfied and exceedingly mellow. They’ve refused to take off their colour-faded, wilting bracelets because, well, they just look too darn cool. Secretly, I long to be one of those infamous festival frolickers. Sauntering on without a care in the world whilst constantly reminding myself of the rad summer I just had, maan. What’s more, I’ve got the evidence to prove it right there on my wrist. I don’t know what it is about those grimy armbands that’s captivated me; perhaps it’s that childish rascality of wanting the free gift more than the thing itself. Whatever the reason, it’s a sure conversation starter and I might just be able to wangle myself [a short, but meaningful] cool-kid status for once in my life.

5. Living free and easy

Let’s face it, we’ve all dreamt of being that girl with flowers in her hair, running bare-footed through meadows (or is that just me?) and although festivals are renowned for their muddied reputation (literally and metaphorically speaking) there’s something quite appealing about the idea of enjoying few days of outdoorsy bliss. I’m definitely not condoning camping here; I can think of nothing worse than being stuck inside what is essentially a cleverly re-assembled parachute, but the other aspects of being outdoors seem rather freeing. Seriously, you can pretty much wear anything, approach anyone, and dance in any way you see fit. Which, in my case would resemble having a fit. That opportunity to truly let go is something you just can’t get from being stuck at an indoor arena (sorry NEC, you just don’t make the cut) and it seems that the fresh air does wonders for ridding you of those constraining inhibitions. So for anyone who’s fortunate enough to be going to a festival this year, promise me just one thing. Dance like no-one’s watching; I’ll love you for it.

Guest post by Naomi Thorne

The confession that I am about to make is probably going to lose me quite a few friends, but I’m going to do it anyway: at the age of twenty-two and a half, I have never been, nor ever want to go to a music festival. I love live music, and the idea of getting to see so many of my favourite acts in just one weekend is an appealing one, but the accommodation arrangements have always left something to be desired. I’ve never really been a camper, and the recent trend for somewhat high-end accommodation at such events is sure to leave a sizable dent in the pocket. The legendarily disgusting portaloos alone are enough to put me off, although it doesn’t help that I am a self-confessed clean freak. Mind you, a part of me thinks I might be right to be frightened, if the story of the girl who fell down the toilet at last year’s Leeds festival is anything to go by.

HERE

This got me thinking; there are loads of festivals that happen every summer in the UK that don’t require a tent, stinking toilet facilities and a crate of lager, why not give them some credit too? Given that essential festival style forms such an integral part of the summer look in Britain, I thought it was only fair to show you a few more possible opportunities to break out that new maxi or those denim shorts.

Henley Royal Regatta – June 30th-July 4th

Held in Henley-on-Thames every year, this first occasion ventures slightly out of the festival field and into the sporting event paddock, but deserves a mention for its excellent sartorial credentials. From natty rowing blazers to tea-dresses with wellies (normally essential for the less-than-perfect summer weather), Henley provides ample opportunity to show off your best preppy get-up. At the same time, there’s plenty of boat racing to get excited about and normally Pimms aplenty!

The Secret Garden Party – 22nd-25th July

Held in Cambridgeshire, this is arguably the most ‘typical’ festival listed in this guide, although even this one comes with a twist. Guided by eco principles, right down to encouraging guests to arrive by main roads so as not to disturb local residents, the theme for this year’s party is ‘Fact or fiction: dreams, invention and discovery, the twilight, the future’. Although the only accommodation available at the party is camping, luxury tents are available for the more discerning festival-goer, and with acts such as Gorillaz, Marina and the Diamonds and the Mercury Rev performing, it may well be worth it!

Bristol Harbour Festival – July 30th-August 1st

Before Banksy and Skins, Bristol made its name as one of the world’s most important trading ports, and this festival aims to celebrate Bristol’s rich maritime history as well as incorporating elements that bring it bang up to date. This year’s festival looks set to include an Eco Zone as well as the usual music and dancing, markets and food stalls. Of course, you mustn’t forget the boats. Over 225 attended last year’s event including Matthew, a replica of a Tudor merchant ship captained by John Cabot, one of Bristol’s most famous sons who actually discovered America before Columbus did!

Brecon Jazz Festival – 6th-8th August

Organised by the same people responsible for the Hay Literary Festival, Brecon Jazz brings the world of music to the otherwise sleepy town of Brecon in the Welsh mountains. Jamie Cullum cut his teeth and got the attention of the music industry here in 2003, and this year’s festival will see the arrival of other newcomers, who share the bill alongside the legendary Buena Vista Social Club and the Pee Wee Ellis Funk Ensemble. The surroundings are beautiful too, if you are something of an outdoorsy type!

Vintage at Goodwood – 13th-15th August 2010

‘Celebrating five decades of British cool’ is the tagline for this exciting exploration of all that is good in art, music, film, design and fashion. With plenty of places to stay nearby that do not involve sleeping under canvas and do involve an en-suite, and an ethos that any discerning BSB reader could happily live by, this is the ultimate fashionistas party. With vintage catwalk shows and shopping, hair and beauty salons, burlesque shows, classic British cinema AND music from the Noisettes and Paloma Faith (amongst others), I really do wonder whether just three days would be enough to take it all in! Alternatively visit their Twitter

After compiling this list I became painfully aware of how all the events I had chosen were in the south of the UK, and I had a pang of guilt towards my northern sisters (having lived in Leeds for the last three years, I feel like an honorary northerner at least). With this in mind, I would like to draw your attention to Efestivals, a very comprehensive site listing happenings all over the country, and would love to hear your suggestions via entry comments or Twitter for events you think are worthy of a shout!

Guest blog by Louise Hendy

Image: HERE

So, we’re already into June now, the sun has started to show its face and the festival season has kicked off! This year maybe the first year you’re off to one of these music festivals and you may be sat worrying a little about what to expect and what it will be like. But, worry no more! I am here to tell you exactly what is in store for you as well as give you useful advice and of course, some festival fashion tips.

I do have some firsthand experience of this as I have myself been to Leeds Festival last year, and I went to Radio 1’s Big Weekend and few years ago for the day and I think if I had someone to tell me the things I will tell you, I think my festival experience would have been even better.

First thing you need to know... do not over pack. This is much easier said than done and especially if, like me, you feel the need to take clothes suitable for any weather possible on every holiday. I’ll tell you a little story. When I went to Leeds last year, I packed a few dresses, tops, leggings, tights, cardigan, 2 hoodies, shorts and skirts. I actually wore about 3 different outfits. My bag was so full with all that and lots of other things that on the way to the park, my bag burst and my friend had to fix it with duct tape (which didn’t really help very much.) So yes, take a pair of leggings and/or tights, 2 or 3 tops, a hoodie, a pair of shorts and/or a skirt and that will be plenty!

Also, remember you underwear, something warm to sleep in and have a waterproof jacket/coat with a hood. The weather may be really hot but make sure you always have your jacket and hoodie with you. You will regret it if you have to leave the arena to trek back to your tent to get it.

Image: HERE

Your best friend for the weekend! Next, you must take a can of dry shampoo. It will be your best friend and life saver for the duration of the festival. You can now get dry shampoo for brunettes/black hair in Superdrug as well which is really good if the normal stuff leaves you with grey hair. They do have showers at festivals, however, after seeing what these showers look like I decided I was better off not washing for the 5 days I was there.

Yes, this sounds disgusting but there was no way I was subjecting myself to that! The toilet situation was bad enough (more on that in a bit.)

To resolve the shower issue, all you will need is a pack of baby wipes. These will be your other best friend for the duration. Also, you’re outdoors and everyone is in the same boat... nobody will be able to tell how much you smell or how unclean you are...until you get home anyway! Plus, nobody actually cares, just enjoy yourself and don’t worry about personal hygiene so much ;)

Sleep. Yes, sleep. You better enjoy as much as this as you can before you leave for your festival because you will not be getting any whilst you’re in a tent in the middle of a field. I found that this did not affect me at all until the very end of the last day, and it seemed to be the same for most people. Once the music for the night has finished, people head off to dance tents or whatever else is on, or just go back to the camp and have their own little parties... you lose track of time and the next thing you know it’s 6am so you decide to try and sleep but end up waking at 8am once the sun comes up and thousands of people are walking round, shouting and singing. It’s all part of the fun though, and it means you get to sleep loads when you get home!

No, I’m not asleep here! It was sunny! – Leeds festival 2009

One of the best things I can tell you about going to a festival seems pretty obvious but, get your money’s worth of the experience! Make sure you do everything. Just because you’re at a musical festival doesn’t mean there’s no other things happening. At Leeds/Reading they have an Alternative tent where they have comedians on – I saw Jack Whitehall and Tim Minchin last year. Also, go see bands you have never heard of; you may just end up really liking them. So yeah, don’t just hang around main stage. Go see at least one band from every stage/tent!

I’ve already touched on a few items that are absolutely essential to survive in a field for a few days and I will just repeat two words... Dry Shampoo.

Other things you will need are a pair of wellies. You just need one pair and you most probably will not need any other shoes. I wore my wellies on the train to and from and whenever I wasn’t (attempting) sleep. Also, just get a cheap tent. We used Tesco tents and split between 5 of us, it wasn’t exactly breaking the bank so we just left them all there at the end of the weekend. And again, don’t take too many clothes. You will seriously regret it. You might also find a pair of sunglasses useful, even if it’s not sunny... a good way to disguise the lack of sleep!

Image: HERE

Now just a couple more little tips and advice...

Stick together! From watching festivals on TV you can tell there is a lot of people going to be there, however when you are there it seems as though there’s a load more people there than you could have imagined. Make sure that you are always with at least one of your friends at all time. Hold hands to drag each other through crowds – that works!

Have a meeting point – On the first day, find places that stand out and can be easily found by everyone and if anyone gets separated find your way to the meeting point and hopefully you’ll be reunited!

Don’t waste your phone battery on the first day. Keep your phone turned off as much as possible. My friend had quite an old phone and took a spare battery so that she could always have hers on if anyone got lost, so that’s a good idea.

Don’t take anything you would like to lose. If you have an iPhone or a Blackberry, I’d suggest taking an old phone. It’s not worth the risk. Also, don’t take iPod’s. Besides, why would you need an iPod at a music festival?!

Finally... make friends! It’s about socialising as much as it is about the music. If you’re walking around and see a group of people with a gazebo, they often don’t mind people chilling around with them.

A few little fashion tips...

Try out a straw hat. Trilby or bowler hat styles will make you fit right in with the festival vibe. This one is £5 at Peacocks.

Have a cute floral dress with you. This is £19.99 from Republic. You can easily team it with tights or leggings and a denim shirt. You’ll look effortless cool teamed with your wellies, big sunglasses and straw hat.

You must invest in a pair of good wellies! Matalan have amazing choice and these Union Jack ones are just £10! Bargain!

I hope that all this information has/will help any future festival-goers. Enjoy yourselves and stay safe! Thanks for reading.

Louise

(http://ladderedtights10.wordpress.com)

xoxox

Guest Blog by Naomi Thorne

Image: HERE

It is mildly hilarious to me that I am sat here writing a piece on the theme of ‘keep calm and carry on’; intending to cheerlead BSB readers the world over through the horrors of May, whilst my revision and unfinished essays glare at me. Just two weeks away from the end of my degree, May Day Bank Holiday 2010 will go down in history as the day that ‘Naomi’s Work Avoidance Strategy’ reached new levels of ridiculous. Well-known as a procrastinating last-minute type within my circle of friends, I am frequently the girl who starts an assignment late and pulls an all-nighter, only to cheerfully turn it in, on time, with a half-decent mark to show for it. Terribly irritating for the careful planners amongst you, I know. I must confess though, I’ve been having a crisis of late. As the vice-like pressure of final year has started to grip, I have started to feel guilty about my behaviour, wondering if I deserved the marks I have received given my slightly dubious working practices.

I confided in a friend, explaining to her that I was concerned that my methods were less than honourable. A fully paid-up member of the ‘plan, plan and plan again’ camp, she delivered her verdict to me in typically blunt terms. “Since when did you care about honour? This isn’t the Navy! It works for you; stick to it!” Another early bird friend concurred: “It’s not like you’re paying someone else to do it... Why are you worried?” Much comforted by their words – tough love does it for me every time – I have continued in this way ever since, loving the feeling of deadlines coming at me like an express train.

I know you’re probably wondering how this meander through my essay-writing technique can possibly help you to ‘keep calm and carry on’ in May, but my miniature-crisis certainly got me thinking. Motivational speaking clichés tell us that “If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got, and you'll always feel what you always felt”. But what if that’s worked for you so far? If, like me, you’ve spent the best part of a decade knowing that staying up all night and working right to the wire will get results that you’re happy with, then why change now? Dissertations, coursework and finals are all stressful enough without having to contemplate a total overhaul of your working practice as well, and the chances are you’re set in your ways by now. The trick, as with most things in life, is confidence. Whether you have a neatly colour-coded set of flashcards or something slightly less co-ordinated sat in front of you, have faith in your methods and embrace their quirks and you’ll never be disappointed. Especially if, like mine, your quirks involve YouTube gag reels and an addiction to Twitter. Does anyone fancy swapping clips of people falling over?

Guest post by Bunny of Bunny Habits

 Fashion Icons. A topic discussed on many a fashion blog and in many a glossy magazine, for many a year. 

Grace Kelly. Jackie O. Audrey Hepburn. James Dean. Marilyn Monroe. Who can argue with any of these classics?

To me, an icon is someone who makes a significant impact in their field, going above and beyond to change the way we look at things. They stand out. They break new ground. They have influence that transcends generations. 

The people listed above certainly filled these criteria. They helped popularise certain styles, inspired creations by world renowned designers, pushed boundaries and upset the status quo to change the face of fashion. Each did so in their own personal way – an icon isn’t someone who follows, but who leads and innovates. 

So who is around today that will have such a bearing on future fashion? Who will be remembered for their individual contribution to sartorial style?

I suppose that contemporary inspiration has to be subjective, so here I am going to give my personal choices of who I believe could be looked back upon as fashion icons in years to come.

 
Image: HERE  

AUDREY TAUTOU – For me, the personification of modern French chic. She wears stunning clothes and looks amazing in them, whilst appearing completely effortless. But chic doesn’t mean dull with Audrey, who mixes the classics with a statement necklace, a jaunty shoulder, or a leather skirt.

Image: HERE

CHLOË SEVIGNY – Dressed up or down, she is always distinctive and eclectic. She has modelled for major labels like her namesake Chloé and high street store Uniqlo, but it’s her own outfits that get her noticed. In fact, she always looks so fabulous it can be a little heartbreaking to watch her play a Mormon polygamist in HBO’s Big Love, kitted out in austere prairie-style garb.

Image: HERE

JOHNNY DEPP – Scarves, beads, cuffs, hats, glasses - now here’s a man who knows how to accessorise. Rarely seen on the red carpet in a ubiquitous tuxedo, Johnny is inspirational for any guy wanting an eye catching wardrobe.

Image: HERE

KATE MOSS – Whether rocking head-to-toe Chanel or skinny jeans and a t-shirt, Miss Moss is one of Britain’s most popular and enduring supermodels. Her own line at Topshop has flourished with her canny understanding of what elements of her look can be translated for the high street, imbuing staples like denim hotpants, flowery dresses and leather jackets with her personal style.

Image: HERE

MICHELLE OBAMA – America’s First Lady has the privilege of being one half of the world’s ‘most powerful’ couple. Being so visible a role model, it’s important that she looks classy yet approachable. Her striking beauty and penchant for bold colour and prints ensure that she always outshines the guy on her arm in the fashion stakes.

Image: HERE

PHARRELL WILLIAMS – Part of the team behind luxury clothing brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream, Pharrell looks super sharp in timeless jeans, shirts, waistcoats and vests, but always adds some personality with killer accessories. Another one for the boys to emulate if they’re after something out of the ordinary.

Image: HERE

QUEEN ELIZABETH II – Just look at the Queen in these black and white shots. Animal print, socks and boots, lace mid-length dress… talk about a trend-setter! And even today, no one on the planet can co-ordinate an outfit or sport a silk scarf like Liz.

Quick note from Amy: please don't forget to express your opinions about the BSB meet-up idea! :)

Guest blog by Maria of Frills and Spills

 Since I realised at the age of about 12 that I was NEVER going to be tall and slim with long, straight, blonde hair, I looked around for style icons whose style I could more easily replicate. When I started watching Gossip Girl in 2008 and first saw Leighton Meester playing the Queen bee, Blair Waldorf, it was a EUREKA moment; here was a girl who had fairly pale skin and dark curly hair. Blair was someone who was proud of her overtly feminine style accessorised with flawless make up and perfect hair. Whilst I am a lot curvier than Leighton Meester, the basic components of my outfits are fundamentally the same; a perfectly fitting pencil skirt, gorgeous jewel colours and beautiful jewellery.

Image: HERE

Indeed Blair’s wardrobe is often compared to the classic elegance of Audrey Hepburn and I think it is fair to say that it is possible for all of us to incorporate that into our wardrobes despite not having the same amount of money to spend as the socialites of the Upper East Side. Off-screen, Leighton herself is much edgier and wears clothes that are the antithesis of the preppy perfection epitomised by Blair. She still has flawless hair and skin but her style is much rockier and cooler. She wears a lot of digitised and abstract prints in more muted colours, such as at the outfit she wore at Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week.

Image: HERE

I think anyone who can incorporate different aspects of their personality into what they wear should be applauded. Leighton Meester is often criticised for NOT wearing the same styles of clothes as Blair but surely that is just being overly prescriptive? I like the fact that I can dress like I have stepped out the pages of a 1970s Laura Ashley catalogue one day and then wear a retro 1950s style the next. Our style is constantly evolving and I think anyone who takes risks with their style, like Leighton Meester, has the right idea. For example, there are many people who restrict the style of clothes they wear which can sometimes result in the dreaded style rut.

As ever though, I think consistency of style is key as is dressing to suit your figure. For example, if you have a more androgynous figure, overly feminine shapes may not be as flattering. Obviously, experimentation is the best way to find your style and define it but certain things will never suit. Overly loose clothes and thick black eyeliner just don’t work on me so I have to find other ways of expressing my inner rock chick, such as wearing a cropped leather biker jacket rather than painting on the eyeliner. I think too many people just follow trends like sheep rather than adapting them to fit in with their lifestyle and wardrobe. If you have to walk up country lanes to get the bus into college, 6 inch “fierce” shoes are just not practical and so are a wasted effort. I try to only wear clothes that I am comfortable in and that truly express my unique sense of style. Obviously trends are there to have fun with and to update your capsule wardrobe but if you only buy trends then you don’t have a wardrobe that reflects YOU. I only buy clothes that I LOVE so the only difficult thing about getting dressed is deciding which of my beautiful clothes I will wear that day. However, beautiful clothes don’t need to cost the earth, one of the prettiest and most versatile items in my wardrobe cost less than £4 from a charity shop!

Image: Maria

As Coco Chanel once said “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” So what are you waiting for? Go out and become your own style icon!

Guest post by Sarah of 100 Percent People

Enough was enough; fashion should be for all, no exclusions, no conformity, and no elimination due to shape or size, whether big, tall or small. Just fashion for what it is.

Unfortunately we have all succumb deep down to the fact that fashion and beauty is unattainable – and it sure is with airbrushing and size 0 models! Both of which are unhealthy portrayals of who we really are. Why is this so?

This is how it all started, I write for a plus size resource website, plus size in the terms of anything ‘above average’ in size (although I hate to use that term – who is average???) whether that be boobs or feet – I am there searching out the latest to do with everything plus size!

 It has been during this time that I have realised that the portrayal of our bodies is far from realistic and in turn is damaging our self confidence; resulting in eating disorders in order to conform to an ideal that is not ideal – the women in beauty adverts are not real just a virtual representation after all the airbrushing and the women on the catwalks and in magazines do not paint a healthy body image.

I want to make a change to see body diversity in fashion so we can all feel happier in our own skin and be healthy whatever size or shape we are!

Real Bodies Unite is our campaign petitioning for at least 10,000 signatures to prove we just want to see body and beauty diversity in the fashion industry. Every shape and size should be present, after all – we don’t all look the same!

So, I need help to spread the word, and any support you can offer in our campaign for real bodies. Please sign our petition and tell all you know if you too feel as passionately as I do to make a change in the bodies we see.

Petition: http://100percentpeople.com/specials/real-bodies-unite-campaign/

If you like to do the Twitter thing, this is us: http://twitter.com/realbodiesunite  

Facebook too: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=255934027144   

And thanks for having me here.

Guest post by Jennifer Broom - see also Rachel Charlton's column 'The Changing Shape Of The Icon'

Not happy with your figure? No problem! Just find the decade to suit you!*

*And a time machine.

Female beauty and fashion are intrinsically linked – the fashionable silhouette doesn’t only refer to the cut of clothes in a particular season, but also the cut of the woman wearing them.

Recently, the picture of feminine beauty seems to be rail thin model-types, and the celebrities who tread the red carpet in designer gown after designer gown, and grace the front cover of magazines in the place of models (all, naturally, Hervé Léger-clad).

The musicians, models and actresses who step outside this convention (think Beyoncé; Christina Hendricks; Kate Winslet; Crystal Renn) are often the most talked about, but not necessarily for the right reasons.

Beyoncé // Christina Hendricks

The ideal female beauty is publicised everywhere. In the last decade, there has been a  boom in the sheer amount of available imagery, although it has been on the rise for the last 40 years. As well as newspapers, fashion magazines, adverts, billboards and gossip-filled glossies, we now also have blogs, communities and websites devoted to celebrity and fashion, as well as the online counterparts of all the above paper media. There is no escape; resistance is futile.

But the world of female beauty hasn’t always been this way! (Cue a brief history)

Pre-20s, women are trussed up in a number of undergarments in order to create a base for the fashions of the day to rest on pleasingly. You’ve seen corsets and crinolines; you know. The 20s brought about a rejection of this femininity, but real women’s bodies werenn’t ready for such a drastic change, and they merely swapped their curve-creating corsets for chest-flattening ones and continued on with the no stylish androgynous silhouettes and hairdos, a la Louise Brooks (with a BMI of 19.9). Being “fat” is seen as ‘wrong’ for the first time.

Louise Brooks, 20s model

In the 30s, the first two cupped bra was invented – yes ladies, that’s right, up until 80 years ago, we had monobosoms.

A ‘natural’ figure is preferred. ‘Cept the ‘natural’ look is actually not natural at all, and more women don corsets to achieve the look – even if they are elasticated corsets which are much more comfortable then their boned counterparts.The wall street crash affects hemlines, and as is the trend in unstable economic times, they plunge to the floor. Another trend which relates to the economy? Figure! In a boom (20s, 60s, 90s/00s) androgyny is key. In a bust (30s, 50s, and perhaps now?), masculinity and femininity are much more defined.

Big things happen during the war – even in the midst of clothes rationing and going without, women deal with such things as wearing trousers for the first time; and those working hard in field and factory become trim and toned from such rigorous exercise. Such a figure would be highly desirable now, non?

Well, cue the 50s. In which the sought after figure is all curves. Big boobs (emphasises by pointy bras) and big hips are balanced out by a tiny waist, and Marilyn Monroe is the pin-up of choice. The look is ‘over-feminine’ and a bit of a caricature, but that’s all soon to change! Because, of course, along come the 60s, in which women had more control over their lives AND their bodies than ever, but the ideal look was that of a child. Thin was the main element of attractiveness now – think Twiggy (with a BMI of 15(!), to the average 60s woman’s 24.9).

40s pin-up Betty Grable//Marilyn Monroe

Fast forward through the 70s (BMIs are at 25.3!) wherein it becomes apparent that the more unachievable the look, the more money women will spend to achieve it. This is only cemented by the trends in the next decade – where the average 80s woman’s BMI reaches 26.6; the picture of beauty is the slim, toned, fit and tanned, gym-honed, Alaïa-wearing supermodel – Cindy Crawford (with a BMI of 19) fits the bill perfectly.