'Disabled & Sexy'

So I mentioned very briefly in the 'About Me' section that I'm planning a charity fashion show to raise awareness that people with even the most severe of disabilities can be sexy, display individuality and follow fashion. I basically wanted to take this opportunity to tell you guys about it, and hopefully gain a few more supporters along the way!

I am working along side a group of volunteers from a charity called The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Our little group is made up of a bunch of very fashion forward, passionate, gorgeous girls... Some of which are in a wheelchair, some of which aren't. During the Jennifer Trust's annual conference last year, a few of us were interviewed by Natasha Wood for Gok Wan's 'How To Look Good Naked - With A Difference'. From this, we were inspired to do a little campaigning of our own. We decided to put together a charity fashion show, not only to raise money for a well deserving charity, but also to push the message that disability CAN be sexy.

We want to break the stereotype that people with severe disabilities are introvert and do not need to take pride in their appearence, but infact that we are just the same as everybody else and desire to look and feel good. In order to do this, we will model ourselves alongside able bodied models in an effort to prove to the world that fashion is for everyone and should not descriminate. We strongly believe that disability is ignored within the fashion industry, and that the only way to change this is to put it in the forefront of the public eye.

The show itself is to be held in London at the latter end of the year. We are currently in talks with a top TV presenter who has offered to host our show for us! (Sooo excited!) But I don't want to say too much about that just yet until everything is confirmed, so I better shush!

Below is just a few of the girls (and me!) who are modelling in the show.

Anyway, I'd love to know your opinions on the campaign :)

Perfectly Parisienne...

If you're anything like me, when you think of French fashion, the first thing that springs to mind is the sophisticated glamour of Chanel. The classic monochrome and signature simple lines seem to embody the essence of all things Parisian. The unmistakable Chanel suit and pearls will no doubt be a must have for all high fashion, elegant women for many years to come.

Although this look has always been a hit with women of all different ages, the new 'Parisienne' range by Topshop really caught my eye recently. Instead of going for a classy, formal feel, the range is more relaxed and playful, using a much broader colour palette. While the classic Parisian look can be described as sexy, the modern take on it sees a more flirty and fun side to it. The floaty dresses and playfully embroidered tees show a more comfortable, innocent aspect of the style. Polka dots and stripes still remain high at the top of the Parisian check list too!

In terms of accesorising, the more playful and girly the better. Pile on the pearls with an embroidered tee and skinny jeans for a day time French feel, or take your floaty dress out for wining and dining with an oversized bow and patterned/spotty tights. Whether they are ballet pumps, sandals or heels, keep shoes feminine and pretty to really emphasise the girly, cutsie essence of the look. Voila!

Sparkle and shine... Mine, mine, MINE!!!

I can honestly say I don't know one girl who doesn't love to get dolled up in her most glamourous dress, highest heels and blingiest bling... So it's a good job that its set to be a hit for us ladies in Spring 2010!

To keep my look chic and not showy, I keep either my dress or my jewels vamped - but rarely ever both together (wouldn't wanna run the risk of looking like Dame Edna now would I?) So basically I either wear a trusty LBD (with a lace twist), add a little colour with sky scraper heels and pile on the accessories, or I wear a totally blinging dress, killer black heels and a few chunky bangles. Simple and easy to do, yet majorly effective ;)

(So I may not be a model, but thats my best attempt guys! ha!)

I personally hope that glitz and glamour stays around forever, because hell, I really do love it!!

My new obsession with Girly Grunge... The rugged lace up boot.

So you must have noticed, they're EVERYWHERE at the minute. Girls and boys alike are wearing their vintage style worker boots with pride and confidence.

When they first emerged, I wasn't particularly a fan as I usually bat for the polished, sassy and sleek team, but I have to say they have grown on me greatly - so much so actually, that I now own a pair myself!

As I said before, I have never really dabbled in the Grunge look as I preferred to stick to sharp, clean lines teamed with sexy sparkle and bling. But, after spying a gorgeous pair of cream leather lace up ankle boots (with a heel, gotta love the heel!) I decided to get creative and experiment with the oh-so-popular Girly Grunge trend.

The perfect accompaniment for the vintage lace up boot has to be layering with warm winter knits and floaty floral dresses, worn with or without distressed jeans. Or, for an even edgier look, team floral prints with a rugged leather jacket and rolled down knee high socks. Both I have played around with myself ;)

Even though I love nothing more than accessorising my outfits, my drawers are crammed full of chunky silver and gold statement jewellery, designer handbags and sequined fascinators - but none of which very well with worn leather lace ups! So, I headed out and armed myself with a scruffy, oversized leather bag, Topshops finest vintage gold bangles, chunky charm necklaces and long enamel lockets. Perfect!

So, if you're anything like me and usually stick to the neat and tidy but wanna have a little play around with something new - then this look could give you a whole new lease of life! Go out and get a bit dirty :)