I’m blogging due to my love of fashion – yes, I am plus size but I enjoy all fashion! It’s not about labels or even reviews. This blog is about my clothes and how I wear them.
So this is who I am – I’m 30+ and I live in London with my husband and two cats. I thought the easiest way to introduce myself is to form some questions which I’ll answer. I’m interviewing myself!
If the whole world were listening, what would you say?
Probably “Shut up and get over yourself”…not very profound I know.
Are you good at making new friends?
I’d like to think so. I tend to select who I become friends with quiet carefully and I’m quite bad at culling friendships when they aren’t working anymore. I see a friendship like a relationship – you try to make it work, but if it doesn’t you need to move on. A good friend said to me that if a friend doesn’t enhance your life then they aren’t worth having. I think it’s a good motto to live by.
Is there one thing that you think changed your life?
Yes – going to Japan. I moved there in 2004 for 2 years, without knowing the language or anyone out there. It made me grow up and gave me the confidence to realise if I could do that, I could do anything I set my mind to.
What did you want to be before you grew up?
I ranged from a doctor to a mechanic (Charlene in Neighbours was my influence) to a solicitor. The solicitor thing stuck and I trained to be a lawyer.
What is the one thing you can’t leave the house without-day to-day(not including essential items like car keys, wallet, etc.)?
My umbrella and possibly my work pass!
What do you see as your greatest achievement?
Hmmm difficult one to answer. Possibly getting my current job. It’s a job I’ve been wanting for as long as I can remember. I would also say taking the risk and leaving everything to move and work in another country for a couple of years as well.
If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be?
Without a doubt – BOOKS! I love reading – I will pretty much read anything.
What do you value most in other people?
Clichéd I know but honesty. Be direct and honest with me – I can take it. I hate it when people skirt around a subject. If I’ve done something to hurt or upset someone – tell me! I’ll happily eat humble pie.
If you could choose one of your personality traits to pass on to your children, what would it be?
My tenacity. Although it can border into downright stubbornness sometimes, it has helped me stick to my guns and get where I want to be.
How did you get into blogging and what inspired you to start?
I’m often asked this question and I don’t really have a straightforward answer! I guess it started with me wanting to use Twitter so I began tweeting about what I was wearing everyday until #monkeywears tag. That lead to the Twitter challenges and then Evans got in contact and asked me if I’d be interested in doing a little piece on their blog. That never came to fruit, but I was then asked to do an article for another blog so it seemed logical to start my own. I have written a blog before, when I was in Japan but once I got back I didn’t really keep up with it. It’s still out there somewhere languishing in cyberspace!
What is your biggest style secret?
Wear what you feel comfortable in, rather than what you “should” wear for your shape and size. If you feel comfortable, then you will feel confident and that will show. Works for me anyway!
How do you keep up with fashion?
I don’t really. I wear what I like. I often get inspiration from other bloggers, people on the street or friends and colleagues.
Is there anything you wont wear?
Heels! I just can’t do them! I try but I look like a man in drag! This goes back to my point about being comfortable. I just don’t feel comfy in heels! Give me flats any day. I also don’t like to show off my midsection too much.
Whats with all this “monkey” business?
It’s a long story, but basically me and my best friend call each other “Monkey”. Each birthday and Christmas present is monkey themed and we always refer to any trips we do as Monkey Adventures. When I moved to Japan, four of us invented superhero names (don’t ask me why!) and I was SuperMonkey. So not only does my best friend call me Monkey, but so do a few other people. So it seemed fitting to use my alter ego when doing my blog.
What do you do?
My official title is “adjudicator”, basically I work as a mediator for an ombudsman service, investigating complaints and attempting to resolve them impartially and fairly. Easier said than done! But I do love what I do and I’m very motivated by it.
What is your favourite piece of clothing?
I don’t really have one! I love nearly all of the items in my wardrobe. My wedding dress is up there as a top favourite, but mainly because I’ve only had chance to wear it once 
How do you deal with body-negative people in your everyday life?
I don’t have much time for them! Humans are not designed to all be the same – we should embrace our differences! Being “normal” is boring!
What is your favourite mode of transportation?
Definitely has to be by boat! Any excuse to get on a boat and I’m there! If catching the Thames Clipper was a faster option for work I’d take it!
If you could only live in one country for the rest of your life, which country would it be, and why?
Japan – it’s still in my blood!
How do you feel about a woman changing her name when she marries?
Having not changed my name when I got married, I am of the opinion that its rather old-fashioned. The history of a woman changing her name dates back to when we were considered a chattel and women changed their names because they became their husband’s property. Women’s lib has moved us on from that point and when we have spent so long battling for equality it does seem somewhat backwards to change your name to that of your husband’s. However, each to their own. I don’t personally understand why after spending most of your life being one name you should suddenly change it. My husband did offer to combine our names but I declined – I like my name, it’s who I am!
