Blogging is a funny thing. It has given me experiences I never thought I'd have like going to London Fashion Week, getting to write for Topshop and seeing the Arcadia offices and my up and coming adventure, being asked to write for the next issue of Fashion156.
I have virtually 'met' so many amazing people, such as the talented young designer with whom I am currently working on a dress project with. A flurry of sketches and emails have been going back and forth for months and hopefully our creation will come to fruition next year. The girl who is actually hard at work right now hand knitting me a pair of Rodarte inspired leggings! So many experiences for which I am eternally thankful as they have gotten me through some very tough times indeed.
When the Queen Mum passed away I received so many well wishes that I really felt I wasn't alone in my grief and got so much comfort from reading those messages. I'd never have had that had it not been for this blog.
The other strange thing about having a blog is that people sometimes, not often but sometimes, want to give you things. Make no mistake, this happens very rarely but it does happen. If I have found a new designer who's work I love it gives me so much pleasure to write about them and share their work on the site. It's like gossip only better. It also gives me interesting blog content, which is fundamental to the success of a blog otherwise it just becomes a glorified online wishlist. Sometimes these people email me, sometimes I come across them by accident and sometimes I have been following their career until it reaches a point where I have enough to write about. I don't do it for the thanks. I do it because I wouldn't have a blog otherwise. It perhaps benefits the designers in some small way as the KoS audience is now exposed to someone they perhaps hadn't heard of, which may lead to sales. Who knows. My point is receiving gifts isn't, and shouldn't be, expected.
Today is the anniversary of the Queen Mum's passing and so naturally I am bit sad and a bit reflective. However, when the postman came he came bearing unexpected gifts. A Jalouse magazine, even though I'm sure my subscription ran out ages ago, and a stunning black suede clutch from the wonderful Keira Thorley, who I wrote about a while ago.
I couldn't believe my eyes! I thought there must be some mistake until I read her lovely letter which was a thank you for writing about her label. Very serendipitous indeed. Needless to say it brought a little glimmer of happiness to my otherwise sad day. Like I said, this happens rarely but when it happens the cheer it brings is quite unrivalled.
Queen Michelle
