Frequently Asked Questions

[Image my own].

I recently picked up an email from a PR associated with a young American designer, asking if I'd like to attend their Fall 2012 show this week. Obviously this was both flattering and exciting, but it was also sadly not something I'd be able to make, as I'm based in the UK and unfortunately I am not in a financial position to book flights at the drop of a hat. However, it did make me think; perhaps some people visit blogs and don't necessarily know enough about the blogger's background or how to pin them down. Here are some questions that you probably didn't ask or want to know, but I'm giving you the answers in case you change your mind:

Q. Why do you blog?

A. I've been keeping diaries and sketchbooks for years, so this felt like a natural extension of that process, only with an awareness that other people would be able to access the content. Obviously when I write my personal diary then I'm not being particularly tactful or professional, whereas this is a forum for combining my love of fashion, art and writing. 

Q. What does fashion mean to you?

A. It's self-expression and developing your own identity, but also being influenced by people, places and objects. If something makes its way into my wardrobe then it's normally a bit different and often tongue-in-cheek. Great fashion is also about changing the way you see your body, and seeing it more positively, whether that means Vivienne Westwood-style draping or a t-shirt with an intelligent slogan a la Henry Holland.

Q.What's your journalism qualification?

A. I have a Postgraduate Certificate in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from the London College of Fashion, which I completed in 2011. Basically it equates to two thirds of a Master's qualification, but you complete it in one third of the time, so it's an intensive and hard course, but I absolutely loved it. You got out what you put in, and I managed to interview Meg Mathews and Laurie Lipton as part of my final project. Both were absolutely lovely and really genuine people.

Q. Where has your work been published?

A. I've written for Pigeons and Peacocks Magazine, Marie Claire UK Online, Trips Magazine, Zest Magazine Online, The Sun, easyJet Holidays blog, Artface and This Affected Youth, as well as being a guest blogger on art and feminism for Bitch Magazine, to name a few. I'm always open to new projects.

Q. Which camera do you use?

A. It's always been a Canon Digital Ixus. I started out with a 7MP and I've been using the much more capable 14MP SX120 IS since January 2011. I need a big zoom for going to gigs! 

Q. How do I get in touch with you?

A. You can email me - pollyallen89[at]yahoo[dot]com - or find me on Twitter (@misspallen).Of course, you can also comment on the blog. In terms of time difference, please bear in mind that I am based in the UK, and I am a content writer and marketer by day, but I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Q. Do you get paid by brands to promote their products?

A. I don't, but if I ever did move into this kind of blogging then I would always declare it in the blog post, to keep readers aware. I wouldn't want to mislead them. If I write about a brand then I genuinely love it.

Q. Which magazines do you read?

A. Regarding monthlies, I subscribe to Elle UK, as it doesn't talk down to women. You get to hear about all the latest trends but it's balanced out by opinion pieces and intelligent writing. I also subscribe to InStyle and I'm often found burying my head in the latest issue of Vogue Italia, Metal (Spanish fashion publication) or any exciting new magazines that crop up in Selfridges, which is basically magazine nirvana for me. I also love fashion-based weeklies such as Grazia and Look. Basically I never stop reading, but I'm not snobby about it - I enjoy browsing Fabulous Magazine by the Sun as much as How to Spend It by the Financial Times.

Anything else? Just ask!