So close, yet so far...

Happy New Year!

Now I know that the typical resolutions to make tend to resolve around losing a couple of pounds or being a better person, but last Winter I had a conversation with an acquaintance who was planning to read 52 books in one year (something I found drastically more interesting that trying to give up eating chocolate.)  A little late into 2013 I began jotting down every book that I completed.  

My favourite part about the challenge was that it brought me back into the habit of reading regularly, which is something that I had always loved but lost the knack of finding time for.  I will openly admit that I sadly didn't make it to 52.  At 43, I was 9 novels away from my target, but I would like to think that mine was a respectable attempt.  Along the way, I discovered some utterly unforgetable works of fiction and often enjoyed sharing recommendations and opinions with other readers.  Hopefully 2014 will see me reach the big five-two, but for now, here is the compilation of literature that absorbed me last year...

 

Bloggers Love Bambi

The Walt Disney motion picture “Bambi” has more than earned its place as a classic. Originally released in Great Britain on the 9^th August in 1942, the film is still popular today and has been repeatedly hailed as one of the top children’s movies of all time. The tale of a young deer making his way through life without his mother is endearing and sweet, as the young fawn learns fast with a little help the adorable friends he meets along the way.

This season we paid homage to the wide-eyed little deer by including a charming illustrated print on a versatile grey fabric featuring monochrome fawns prancing about and nibbling pink grass within our collection. The two Bambi garments we created are the skater dress for £35 and the midi skirt for just £25. Both are made of 100% cotton and are currently still in stock in every size on our website.

Now here’s where we’d normally recommend that you style either piece with cosy sweaters, your favourite pair of boots, thick tights and knit accessories for these cold Winter days. If you were off on a night out, we’d advise keeping it simple by tucking in a black top of your choice (if you opt for the skirt) and teaming with a glossy patent belt and impressive heels. However, as our Bambi inspired items have proved such a hit with some of our favourite fashion bloggers, we thought you would let their ensembles do the talking, and provide you with some inspiration.

Natasha from www.soontrend.com:

Caroline from www.burkatron.com:

Paige from www.paigejoanna.co.uk:

Ella from www.helloellaxo.com:

Written by Sophie Seymour.

Looking for John Green

Few authors are both fortunate, and talented, enough to gain an impressively loyal following and the attention of the mass media.  When I could no longer ignore the relentless posts of John Green's creations on my Tumblr feed I decided that it was time I explored some of the bestsellers work to make my own judgement.  Sadly, I am often left thoroughly disappointed by the works of fiction that cause waves of recommendations throughout the masses, and so I decided to request a selection of Green's novels via my local library, reluctant to part with hard earned cash.

My fears were unfounded.  John Green is a fantastic writer.  His books may be classified as 'Young Adult' fiction but they should in no way be restricted by this category.  What I found most impressive about the author's work is his ability to fabricate characters so convincing that he creates the illusion that the reader could know them personally.

Initially I read 'Paper Towns', followed shortly by 'Looking for Alaska'.  I am unsure whether these would be the two that I would select as my favourites because they are superior, or simply because I was so fascinated with discovering such a literary talent.  If pushed, I would suggest that the two works of fiction shared a greater degree of adventure and depth of characters - hence my preference.

'An Abundance of Katherines' was the third of Green's books that I managed to get hold of.  Though I felt it didn't quite match my expectations set by the other novels, I would like to impress the opinion that it is most definitely an enjoyable and worthy read.
    

I could not wait any longer for 'The Fault in Our Stars', Green's most popular creation; instead paying a visit to Waterstones to purchase the appealing, bright blue paperback.  Now, I feel I need to state that I am not typically one to shed tears.  I can think of only three films and perhaps two books that have reduced me to waterworks previously.  This book felt like it broke my heart.  Whatever John Green does to produce these tales, I would like to know.  If I can one day create just one work of fiction as fantastic as these I will be more than happy, (however his hyperactive 'vlogging' activities,  I would admittedly prefer to avoid.)  

Happy reading!

Brat & Suzie Flash Sale

Quick As A Flash!

For many of us, the 28^th November will pass by simply as one of the many Thursdays that we have had this year – not quite the end of the week, but with Friday night finally in sight. However, for those ‘across the pond’ in the United States, this date will mark Thanksgiving.

Now, it’s unlikely that we’re going to emulate those in America by gathering our family and friends for a huge celebratory meal (we’d rather just wait for Sunday roast,) but for the first time ever we will be embracing the notion of Black Friday here at Brat and Suzie. Held the day following Thanksgiving, this is one Friday a year when people are more occupied with how to spend their hard earned cash than with plans for going out that night, as retailers offer exceptional discounts and promotions in order to announce the start of the Christmas shopping season in style.

So here’s the good news… Our flash sale is beginning this Friday and running for the entire weekend. When you head to our website, you will find that each garment (excluding those already on sale, because they’re a bargain as it is) will be half price!

If you’re looking for gifts for family and friends, or just eyeing up a few presents for yourself, then this is the perfect opportunity to save some money. Whether you decide on something like the cosy badger cardigan, one of our animal print tees, or our brand new parka jacket, you can enjoy 50% off the original price on as many garments as you can fill your shopping bag with.

Be ready to keep a close eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages, as we will let you know the second the sale begins so that you can shop our animal inspired creations until your heart’s content. Make sure that you share news of the half price discount with other Brat and Suzie lovers, because it will be over in a flash.

Happy shopping!

Written by Sophie Seymour.    

"My Fashion Future"

Below is one of the features that I wrote for the latest issue of Semple magazine.

I really enjoyed writing this piece as it gave me the chance to reflect on my fashion choices of the past, which at times had a tendency to be a little questionable.

 As the theme of the magazine was 'the future' it was fun to refer back to my teenage years in order to make a comparison with how I dress now and allowed me to add a dash of humour in there too.

Click the text to enlarge the image so that you can read without straining your eyes.

I hope that the piece is as enjoyable to read as it was to create and please be sure to read Semple magazine in its entirety afterwards as there is some fantastic content in there that I am pleased to have my work alongside.     

Semple Magazine

The latest issue of Semple magazine is now available online!

Two articles of mine are included so be sure to take a look:
 
http://www.maggiesemple.com/MSL_Magazine.html

Here are a couple of cheeky screenshots of my features.  The first explores the future of small fashion businesses and contains wonderful words of wisdom from three companies I love: Brat and Suzie, Miss Crofton and Olivia Burton. The second piece was so much fun to write, as it reflects on my past fashion faux pas with hope for improvements in the years to come.