Sotto e Sopra

As predicted by Pantone 'Blue' is one of the colours you must be seen wearing this Spring 2013. Pantone actually refer to their colour Blue, as 'Monaco Blue' or 'Dusk Blue' but,  I actually think the colours are very similar to! Twitter and Facebook Blue!

Stunning and gorgeous Blue, as I call it, is a favourite colour of mine, already I own a strapless peplum dress, cigarette pants and a one shoulder beach dress, to name but a few items.

The vibrant Blue or what ever you prefer to call it, is everywhere and none so more than in the world of maternity fashion, so today I have been looking at Blue maternity dresses made with the new age fiber Tencel®

I remember when Myleene Klass wowed the crowds in her fabulous figure hugging maternity dress, made with Tencel® and Spandex, available from one of my favourite online maternity stores, Milanoo.com

For those of you who have not visited their site, they offer all the maternity wear essentials you could possibly need, but I simply LOVE their head turning maternity dresses! They are just perfect for the discerning  yummy mummy to be, who wants to keep up to date with the fashion scene, throughout her pregnancy, but also wants to look and feel fabulous at any given opportunity!

It was nice to see that they also promote Tencel® in their maternity dresses, as do we.  Tencel® feels gorgeous and soft against the skin, whilst allowing it to breathe and offering unrestricted movement and ease, throughout the months leading up to having your baby, making it a great investment piece.

If I had of known about Milanoo.com when I was expecting my daughter, then I would have bought almost everything from them! If you get chance please do take a look at their online store, you won't be disappointed x

For more information about our casual collection of Tencel® maternity wear please click  Maternity Wear, we also offer FREE UK standard delivery too.

 

Meet the lovely Charlie Hughes of Sophia's Choice UK  who is happily married and is a devoted mum of two gorgeous, spirited girls aged six and two.

Since the launch of Sotto e Sopra,  Charlie has been working alongside us, helping promote our ladies Tencel® collection of wardrobe staple tops, through her established blog and social media. Her Eco Parenting Blog, Sophia's Choice UK provides information about organic, natural, eco-friendly and creative products, ideas and classes, for all the family, which have been personally tried and tested.
We thought our Sotto e Sopra followers would love to find out more about her and what inspired her to set up her blog.

What inspired you to create your Blog? I used to live in Brittany, France for just short of 3 years. My husband and I moved out there to run 2 holiday cottages and inspirational courses. After just 3 months of moving I fell pregnant with my first daughter. Once she arrived I struggled to find products that were free from chemical nasties like parabens, SLS, phlathlates etc. I therefore began searching the internet looking for purer, more natural products I could use on her young, delicate skin. Luckily for us she didn’t suffer from ezcema or have any allergies but when you know that 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into the bloodstream, as a new Mum you start to really think twice about what you are using.

This led me to companies like Green People could deliver to me in France, (they offer an extensive range of natural products including shampoos, face creams, sun lotions and body washes and they are also one of the biggest names in organic beauty in the UK) and so my journey began to find more products from nappies, sleep sacks and mattresses to books, clothes and skincare that followed my organic, natural and Eco-friendly ethos. As my girls are also very creative souls, I now cover craft ideas too.

I love the idea of giving something back and really believe that if we can educate ourselves and make better, more conscious choices about what we are buying for both ourselves, and our children then this is a good thing. It all begins from the moment we decide to bring a life into this world right through until they fly the nest. If we can make better choices for them, educate them about the choices available to them then maybe we can go some way towards changing people’s thinking and attitudes for the better

How did you go about setting up Sophia's Choice UK? Whilst being a Stay at Home Mum to my eldest daughter, I completed a web design diploma course. It helped give me another focus and skill set whilst at home being Mum and has helped me greatly in understanding how to set up a blog. I have used ‘Blogger’ to set up Sophia’s Choice but the long term aim will be to change to “self hosted” as this gives you greater flexibility in what you can and can’t do. Blogger is pretty straightforward and easy to use. You can also blog on other platforms like Wordpress, Typepad, amongst others.

I then set up a  Sophia's Choice UK Twitter account and a Sophia's Choice UK Facebook Page where I share all my posts with my followers and likers. It takes time to build a following but if you are a people person, it’s amazing how many lovely people you an end up connecting with, from companies through to individuals that you may never have come across. Twitter in particular is a great social media platform. I’m also a member of Britmums and TOTS100 which support and promote the parent blogging community. Other bloggers are extremely supportive of each other too.

What advise would you give before venturing into setting up a blog? Think through what it is you want to share with people, and have a vision of how you see that developing. I knew I wanted to share all the great products, classes and ideas I’d come across on my 6 year journey so far as a Mum. Then I branched out and started to make further connections with other great companies who mirrored my passion for natural, organic and Eco-friendly products. Six months later, this has opened up further opportunity to try out and review more products which I can then share with my readers. It’s been a very exciting time and as I love writing, it brings several of my passions together in one place.

 When did you go LIVE and what has the reaction been? I went live with the blog on 18^th October 2012. It was the day after what would have been my Mum’s 70^th birthday. We had lost her to lung cancer the September before. 2012 had always been the year that Mum and I had agreed to celebrate together - my 40^th and her 70^th.

That never came to be, and I think I reached her birthday and thought life is so short, if I don’t start this blog now when will I ever begin. So I jumped straight in feet first and hoped for the best. Having previously worked in supporting roles within the Marketing and PR industry gave me an idea of how things tend to work, but it was all a matter of testing out the waters and seeing what happened and whether there was indeed an interest in what I was doing.
The reaction so far has been really positive. You can get very hung up on how many visitors or “hits” you get on your site and how many followers or likers you have but to be honest I’m doing this because it’s something I’m passionate about. I’m a great believer that people will read the blog and become part of my Facebook or Twitter community because they genuinely want to and have an interest in being there. That means more to me than numbers. I want to share with others what I’ve found to be of value along my parenting journey and I’m also interested in what my readers have to share with me too.

Have you been nominated for any awards yet? No, not yet, but the blog is still very young so the opportunities to enter or be nominated for a blogging award have been minimal. I’d love to think that in time I may be up for a blogging award or similar. My writing is my passion, so to be recognised for this would mean a lot too.

Was your blog set up for fun or fun and work? Sophia’s Choice was always first and foremost about the blog and then about building things to a point where I could have an online shop selling some of the products I have tried, tested and shared with my readers. I don’t want to just sell something because everyone else does. For me it’s important to feel passionate about what I’m selling. I need to believe in something to be able to sell and share it with others.

My youngest is just about to start nursery so this is the next phase for Sophia’s Choice. It’s very exciting and if all goes to plan the aim is to launch the online shop in September this year, if not before. This will then allow me to have a small business I feel passionate about that I can also work around the girls. Perfect !

Do you generate an income? No, I decided early on that I wouldn’t accept sponsored posts on Sophia’s Choice. I want the writing that’s on there to be mine and not what someone else dictates to me. I have had ‘Guest’ posts on Sophia’s Choice from other bloggers or people I love and admire who I approached to write for the blog. We have had some great posts included so far and a few more in the pipeline.

In addition to what we as a family have bought ourselves over the years, I do connect with companies and often have the opportunity to try, test out and review products for the girls, myself and/or my hubby. So far with the exception of one these have all been companies that I have approached first. I want to share with my readers products which I have an interest in and really believe in. Although I get to keep the product(s) the views expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings, no one else’s. It’s not about getting a “freebie”. What I do and share is really important to me. And the posts I write take time, research and love to prepare. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.

As a busy wife and mum do you have time do follow Fashion? I’m not an avid follower of fashion in that I don’t scour women’s magazines to see what’s ‘en vogue’ this season, but I’ve always loved clothes and fashion in general. I’m quite a classic dresser and always have been. However, since having the two girls I’d say that my fashion prowess currently leaves a lot to be desired! Scrabbling around on the floor after a toddler doesn’t really work unless you’re in jeans and flatties so for the past 7 years dressing up has somewhat eluded me. Also, as I no longer work in an office environment, I think the need to look a certain way is not a necessity anymore. However, now my youngest is 2 the want to dress up and look nice has returned so I’ve been trying to revamp my wardrobe. It’s amazing how your body shape changes too after two children !

When purchasing your clothes, do you choose quality over quantity? I’m definitely a quality over quantity girl. My Mum would always say; buy a couple of good quality items like trousers, skirts, and jackets, and then you can throw a cheaper top into the mix without it affecting the overall look and feel of an outfit and no one would ever know. I think she’s right.

What are your thoughts on Green/Sustainable Fashion? I love the idea of Green/Sustainable Fashion. I think we all need to be thinking about where the items we buy and use on a daily basis come from and how they are sourced. It’s all too easy to bury your head in the sand and think that you do not need to look at the issue. We have become far too used to having access to cheap food and clothing but this in turn affects real people with real lives and also our environment. I’m all for buying green, sustainable and fair-trade products where possible. They’re now far more accessible than ever before, so we really have no excuse to not look into our options. I also think it’s an ever growing area of interest so being a market leader in this area now can only be a good thing for the future of Ethical Fashion & Green fashion.

How do you feel about the Tencel® wardrobe staple tops, you tried and tested from Sotto e Sopra? I was genuinely impressed with the design and quality of the Tencel® tops I tried and tested. They were great quality and really comfortable to wear. As a busy Mum that’s really important. I love Bamboo clothing and have bought several items for the girls and myself in this material. Tencel® is very similar but actually softer still. I was also surprised at how beautifully warm Tencel® is in the cooler months and how the creases literally drop out once hung up to dry. A non-iron top always gets a thumbs up in our house ! I would definitely like to extend my wardrobe with more of your fabulous Sotto e Sopra Tencel® collection as they make great staples for anyone’s wardrobe.

What would you say to ladies who have never worn Tencel® garments? I would say buy one or two items that catch your eye from the current Sotto e Sopra collection, which are a mainstay in your wardrobe. For me that would probably be the  Sotto e Sopra Tencel® Tank Vest  now that the warmer weather is starting to show and the Tencel® Round Neck  with Long Sleeves for the cooler days. Once you have tried the Tencel® collection by Sotto e Sopra Online, you will definitely come back for more. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. My cousin recently bought one of your tops and she loves it. Tencel®  is one of those fabrics that you just have to experience to understand how soft and comfortable it is. And as it is also an environmentally sustainable fabric, in my view that makes it “the business!”

If you would like to keep up to date and follow Charlie Hughes of Sophia's Choice UK please go to any of the following social media links and don't forget to use the LIKE button!

Sophia's Choice UK Facebook

Sophia's Choice UK Twitter

Sophia's Choice UK Pinterest

We send a big warm welcome to 'Boutique Eleven' in Staffordshire who are a Sotto e Sopra stockist of our Tencel® collection of stylish and elegant, ladies wardrobe staple tops. Their collection includes our luxury Scoop Neck 3/4 Sleeves made with Tencel® and our very popular ladies Henley Shirt also made with 'the 'New Age Fiber' Tencel®.

'Boutique Eleven' is an inspirational, independent boutique, located in the beautiful shopping village, 'Heart of the Country Village' which is just outside Lichfield in Staffordshire, at the hamlet of Swinfen.

This beautiful ladies boutique has been offering stylish and elegant, contemporary womenswear and accessories, to its customers far and wide for over 4 years and is ‘must visit’ destination store. 'Boutique Eleven' offer women's stylish clothing that reflects femininity, confidence and style.

Exclusive collections available at 'Boutique Eleven' include a well loved danish fashion brand The Masai Clothing Company, who are very well known, for the art of layering garments and are also one of my favourites too. Denmark's fashion clothing collection often referred to as 'Masai' offer stylish comfort with a contemporary edge to all their designs, making them both appealing, for all age groups.

For more information about Boutique Eleven please visit their web site. 

The sunshine is out and the temperatures have been in the 20's in some areas of the UK this weekend! So at long last, the time has come to ditch, the long sleeved wooly pully and get flexing your arms at the gym.

For those of you who hate the thought of going to the gym, maybe a stylish Bolero Shrug might be a nice addition for you, to team up with your Tank Vest Scoop Necks, if needs be?

Celebrities have been photographed wearing many variations of the classic Tank Vest and most recently fashion designer, Victoria Beckham and beauty salon owner, Tana Ramsey, whilst in Los Angeles. The two ladies were spotted in more or less, matching outfits, consisting of denim flares, Black tank vest styled tops and sunglasses. Tana opted for a Black Scoop Neck Tank Vest with a thin shoulder strap, that is fitted close to the figure, but is cut longer in the body length. Victoria wore a V neck, thin strapped, almost camisole styled vest top, cut square at the back and again longer in body length.

Kim Kardashian has also recently been spotted wearing a Black Maternity Tank Vest top, with a much thicker strap, offering more coverage at the front, for the developing pregnant body.

A thicker strap on a tank vest is a great style for women, who have a fuller cleavage and might  require more support on their shoulders. Well fitting bra's make a huge difference, not only to your posture, but also they lift and hold the breasts in the correct position. So that that when you wear a Scoop Neck Vest, the well fitting bra will flatter your chest.

We would always recommend visiting a well known bra department or bra specialist boutique, who will measure your breasts to ensure that, you get the best bra possible for your size and shape.

Why not read Good Housekeeping tried and tested bra fitting services article and make up your own mind!

            

However.....if wearing a Tank Vest top without any other coverage on your arms, makes you quiver at the knees, then we can offer the perfect light weight Tencel® Bolero Shrug that just sits under your arms. Tencel® does not give bacteria a chance to grow as depending upon climate conditions, it either absorbs or releases moisture. Once the moisture is absorbed into the fiber, it releases it back into the atmosphere, so no wet film remains upon the skin. Compared to other fibers, Tencel® features the highest moisture absorption-rate: with air humidity at 65%, Tencel® still has unused capacity to absorb moisture from the skin.

The gorgeous Bolero Shrugs are available in a variety of colours, so you can colour block or combine the colours. They look like perfect twin set, for a lovely warm, sunshine day.

Here at Sotto e Sopra we appreciate that every woman is different in shape and in size, and so after re-searching with our fans of sustainable fashion, as to what do 'real women' want in the perfect Tank Vest, we decided to tailor it towards just that.

Our 'Green' ladies wanted a thicker strap, with a flattering scoop neckline and a slightly longer cut in the body length, so that it covered the hips. The ladies who support sustainable fashion also requested that we work with a lifestyle fiber, that would allow the skin to breathe and a fabric that would skim the body, not cling.

Once again our thoughts turned to the new age fiber Tencel® as renowned for its “drape”, it is very flattering for the figure, whether looking for something discreet or flattering and it provides a luxurious, soft silky finish on the skin, whilst allowing it to breathe.

The unique structure of the Tencel®  fiber is that it keeps the body naturally warm in the winter months and cool in the summer months. The Eco friendly fiber also offers a reduction in bacterial growth, due to the fiber absorbing the moisture from the skin, so no water film remains which can often make the skin feel cold or damp.

The Tencel® fiber is chemical free and irritation free, which is great news for people with sensitive skin.

I would like to introduce you to Kate Ladd from Hertfordshire, also known to many on Twitter as @MakeshiftMummy she is a writer and blogger for her online journal www.makeshiftmummy.com It is a journal about life as a busy single mum, who has a four year old son, has two cats, and a puppy!

We thought our readers would love to find out more about Kate, so when we asked if she would take part in a quick fire questions and answers session, she was more than happy to do so:

Kate you now have over 1600 followers on Twitter, which is brilliant, what actually inspired you to create www.makeshiftmummy.com? It was an escape from reality and as I wanted a writing career, it gave me the kick start that I needed.

How did you actually go about setting up www.makeshiftmummy.com? I attended a couple of authors workshops, through a popular magazine publication and I was advised that ‘in order to be a writer, one has to write’. One of my favourite authors Katy Regan suggested a blog.

What advise would you give to a single mum who was thinking of setting up a online journal? Interaction is key. It takes time and dedication, so make sure you can keep on top of it and manage your time/life efficiently.

When did your journal go LIVE and what has the reaction been like? I went LIVE in 2009 after my son was born and I was welcomed by communities online, however my ex wasn’t so supportive and I took a lot of time ‘off’ writing when we separated. Then I reinvented my blog and ultimately myself, for the better.

Have you been nominated or won any awards for your online journal and if so with who? I was in the final five for the MAD blog awards 2012 in The Best Family Life category. Though I didn’t win it was an honour to be a part of such a close knit community.

Do you see your community as just for fun or as a job? I see it for both. I have to remind myself not to take things too seriously, after all I want to enjoy what I do.  At the moment I do not generate an income,  but I have been paid in kind by reviewing products for clients I then get to keep the item.

Do you have a forum?  I don’t have a forum other than my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MakeshiftMummy I won't set another one up though, as there are so many out there and I belong some amazing groups such as BritMums.

You always look very well put together in your posts, so tell me, are you a follower of Fashion or do you prefer your wardrobe staples? I try to follow fashion but I know what suits my body shape and what I am comfortable wearing. I can’t walk for half an hour through the field every morning in high heels on the school run now can I?

So with regards to buying clothes for yourself, do you prefer the quality of a garment or do you prefer fast fashion? I prefer and appreciate quality much more now I am older and a mother, I used to think that more was better. But now I prefer clothes that do not shrink, fade or stretch, ones that can survive three loads of washing a day –sometimes needs must when you have a baby and a puppy in tow.

Have you ever considered Green Fashion/Sustainable Fashion?  Honestly Danielle, I haven’t really thought that much about it. I have been so consumed with recycling household and food items, that fashion didn’t even enter my head. I know this is something that I will be looking into though.

How do you feel about the clothing made with the new age fiber Tencel® that you tried and tested from Sotto e Sopra? I really loved the Sotto e Sopra tunic dress in Mulberry I tried, especially the way the Tencel fabric felt. Not only did it look trendy and smart, it was unbelievably comfortable and so soft, adaptable to any weather – we're British don’t you know. But I do like to wear my Tencel® Tunic Dress with Tights and boots on a chilly day and with flats or heels for the evening or on warmer occasions.

And finally Kate, what would you say to ladies who lead a busy life, who have never heard of the benefits of wearing Tencel® You must try them ladies!  They are definitely worth investing in. Sotto e Sopra offer a colletion of luxurious, ladies casual tops, made with the new age fiber Tencel® your purchase will stand the test of time and also your lifestyle. I would say to 'Shop with Sotto e Sopra in confidence'!

Thank you so much Kate for taking time out of your busy schedule, it was really lovely to have an insight into what inspired the 'Makeshift Mummy'.  x

If you would like to find out more about Kate Ladd or would like to start folllowing her, don;t forget Facebook at www.facebook.com/MakeshiftMummy  and let her know that we suggested her to you x