I was reading in Time magazine the other day (terrific opener, in anyone’s books) that most of us feel WORSE after looking at social media, rather than better.
Because, you know, everyone’s having The Best Life Ever, looking hot and being cool (making them the perfect temperature) and obviously and we’re in bed with hot chocolate stains on our pyjamas and pimple-reducing clay on our spots and a bloated stomach from too much pasta at dinner.
BUT! I disagree.
I find social media inspiring. I follow comedians who make me giggle, and writers who make me want to do better work, and I follow a handful of very select fashion babes who, rather like Ms BETTY DRAPER or Ms JOAN HOLLAWAY on Mad Men, inspire me to want to do my hairs and faces and wear a Pretty Outfit, as opposed to the dazzling jeans/trainers/stripy jumper uniform that is so popular with us stay at home writers.
One of these fashion babes, and all-round good guy and team member is Ms. NICOLE WARNE of Gary Pepper Vintage fame. I follow her, like half the universe, on Instagram (@garypeppergirl) and day after day I see her photos and swoon. She was heavily blessed before leaving Genetic HQ obviously, but she also has a terrific style and grace about her. She is fearless with colour, and always looks polished: two of my favourite things.
Watching her travel through Europe these past few weeks for various jobs and shoots, has made me itch to:
– Cut my hair off to just above my collarbones again. (You’ll note she has gone shorter in these shots… this is after years of very long lovely hair. I applaud and support the “Journey” when you decide to go short. Baby steps.)
– Wear more red. Preferably while looking smoking hot while in Paris.
– Master the winged eye liner. Properly.
– Wear a lot of colour. Prints. White.
– Have someone nearby with a great camera at all times in case any one of these things ever occurs.
Here are some of my favourite recent shots.
As you’ll see, the girl is dreamy.
All images lovingly admired and then pinched from Gary Pepper. Go there for many more.
I follow you for all the same reasons, that you follow those inspiring women..
Totally agree, she’s such an inspiration.
Shortly after adding Gary Pepper to my insta I found myself googling red lipstick reviews and clips on how to get the perfect winged eye and . Next on the hit list: professional photographer boyfriend/friend/stranger…
Agree with the above comment! You inspire me every time I read your posts! I literally head to Chadstone and purchase whatever you’re banging on about. Inspired all the time. Keep up the amazing work!!
Yes! She is such a babe, and always makes her outfits looks a million dollars… even though they are sometimes from ASOS!
Above the collarbone? You did it first Zo!
Should we look forward to some excellent witty posts on winged liner coming up then?
TOTALLY agree, she’s amazing. I too am inspired by these fashion gurus. Another fab one is KAYTURE (Fashion Blog by Kristina Bazan) not only does she have amazing pictures, style etc but she speaks 4 languages. WOW.
Totally Agree Zoe! Love my home town girl.
[…] one of my all time favourite writers/imaginary best friend, the flawless Zoe Foster-Blake, wrote a little post today about how social media can be inspiring. Now, you see, I gobble up just about anything and […]
Dear Ms Foster-hyphen-Blake,
Would you please mind spilling the lima beans on which writers you follow? If I’m following you cos I love your writing, I’d love to know who floats your particular boat (which I’m guessing is brightly coloured, with a giant sail that says “barrier creams don’t help dry lips and may, in fact, even sink ships” in giant letters on it. Mine has a fully-stocked mini-bar. You’re welcome any time!)
X
Hi Zoe, I am heading to the UK & Paris in a few weeks and I would love a list of good beauty buys to get while I’m over there {I already have your 3 top picks to buy in Paris from Mammamia last year- cheap Bioderma Crealine here I come}. Please help!
She looks so pretty, love her style.
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[…] effort. Easy to become lazy and neglect all those delicious eye shadows and lipsticks we own. I do. Gary Pepper Girl would want it this […]
[…] The Girl Is Dreamy: Nicole Warne, AKA Gary Pepper Girl. […]
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