Sappho

“Violet-haired, pure, honey-smiling Sappho”

She was about sex, love, poetry. Smart as hell, and sassy to boot. An enigma who’s given us access to her deepest thoughts. A woman about whom we know nothing of use, and everything of importance. Doesn’t she sound a little like your best friend?

Sappho was born on the Island of Lesbos in the early-7^th century BC. She wrote poetry. And that’s about all we know of her. A violet-haired mystery. But through her poems, she’s left us keys to the innermost rooms of her heart.

I have not had one word from her

Frankly I wish I were dead
When she left, she wept

a great deal; she said to me, "This parting must be
endured, Sappho. I go unwillingly."

I said, "Go, and be happy
but remember (you know 
well) whom you leave shackled by love

"If you forget me, think                                                    
of our gifts to Aphrodite
and all the loveliness that we shared

"all the violet tiaras,
braided rosebuds, dill and
crocus twined around your young neck

"myrrh poured on your head
and on soft mats girls with
all that they most wished for beside them

"while no voices chanted
choruses without ours,
no woodlot bloomed in spring without song..."

--Translated by Mary Barnard

(via http://blog.michelleragoltd.com/butterfly-kisses-and-wishes-on-wings_767/)

Yes, that’s a woman she’s pining for.

 Sure, there have been debates about whether these poems were autobiographical. Sure, same-sex romantic love was more common in Greece than in other historical periods. But let’s be clear about this: Sappho was absolutely subverting norms when she wrote this. Loving women was a brave thing in a world where (even high-status, intelligent) women were ultimately expected to keep house, have children, and behave. Writing well was a brave thing in a patriarchal society where men held political power, and men’s education was most cherished. Writing better than men – well. That was just foolish.

Except somehow, it wasn’t. Through her genius – the beauty, clarity and feeling in her poetry – Sappho gained not just acceptance, but admiration. Plato called her the 10th muse. Students study her work to this day.

Sappho is a muse, but not just for men, not just for poets. House of Beth is basing their next collection on her – strong, sensuous, loving and intelligent – and the spark that she brings to the world through her writing.

Take heed:

That country girl has witched your wishes,
all dressed up in her country clothes
and she hasn't got the sense
to hitch her rags above her ankles.

--Translated by Jim Powell

Have the sense. Make like House of Beth’s Sappho and you’ll never be the country bumpkin! Combine sexy confidence (those cheeky hints of skin) with the heady romance of a floaty dress. Twine flowers through your hair, or beads. Get fierce, brave, and inspired.

After all, we can all use a little extra poetry in our lives.

By Saskia Deerson 

 Itsy Bitsy Bang…Bikini !
Hello my ethical stars! Its been a while and I've missed you! But I'm back with a bang and ready to share all!
My Inspiration for this blog comes from a recent adventure I've had... in which a spontaneous unveiling of a recently purchased two piece, sent my heart racing and sparks flying. Needless to say this yellow Graecian number resulted in one sexy lady and one happy bunny. And im not talking about lingerie….rather the one and only teeny Bikini.  For a moment in time I felt like a sun kissed sea maiden wading through the waters of the Caribbean, until of course I realized I was actually at home in my living room. But let a girl dream ;)


 Bikinis may be itsy bitsy, but they sure can produce a big bang.  Dynamite comes in small packages after all does it not? The infamous tiny two piece of vintage fashion was invented by French engineer Louis Réard in 1946. The Frenchman named it after ‘Bikini Atoll’ in the South Pacific, the site of nuclear weapon tests, assuming that this slinky creation would cause such a reaction similar to an atomic bomb!
The Bikini is not just a fashion statement, but rather a powerful symbol for the evolved emancipation of women and their freedom of expression. We may not be fully there yet, but ladies we have come a long way since the 20’s where the permitted bathing suit garments resembled frumpy one piece cloths, compared to the flattering two piece most of us wear today.
However, although the bikini is the most popular choice of swimwear universally for women, not every culture is as accepting of it.  In some conservative cultures the bikini is considered too provocative for men to control themselves, and thus disrespectful attire. Whereas in others it is a significant symbol of the progression of women’s liberation throughout different generations and celebrated. In addition, its wearers have passed into legend, becoming iconic images of 20th Century popular culture. Who can forget that 1962 Dr No moment when Ursula Andress,  playing Bond Girl Honeychile Rider, emerges from the sea with nothing but a striking ivory bikini.  So iconic was this vision that the bikini in itself was then sold at an auction for $61, 500 dollars. A woman’s body in all its glory, the way it moves, is captivating to ones eyes. I severely doubt a pair of cheeky speedos on a man would have provoked the same universal awe.  Well, then there was Borat in his mankini but that’s another story…

 Personally, I think the bikini shows your body at its most beautiful and natural state, where every contour, shape and even scar is shown in a light that can only be called your own. Lingerie is something private, secretive, passionate….however the bikini hides nothing and celebrates everything simultaneously. Teamed with a honey roasted tan, bright citrus colours can accentuate your Summer glow, whilst darker shades may draw attention to your striking silhouette. This is the excitement and beauty of choosing bikinis for the holidays!
 I walked into a bikini shop recently and took a deep breath, this is what I call the bikini body worry. Was I really ready to de-robe and see myself pre summer skin? Sod it, the answer was yes. ‘I’ll have one of these in every colour please!’ Mint green? wonderful, citrus yellow? fabulous, sultry black? definitely. Just please helpful lady behind the counter, help give me a bum! And so I rubbed my genie lamp and wished for a J Lo behind for my 10 day holiday. To which I was handed a Brazilian bottom piece which miraculously transformed my derriere. As a kind gesture for my multiple purchases, I was handed three wonderfully unattractive beach mats with matching Sombrero hats. Luckily I live near quite a few charity shops.
 Now my bikinis are sorted for my upcoming exotic holiday…. the rest is irrelevant. Well, apart from some sun factor… a bikini won’t look so fabulous when you’re burnt to cinders!  The bikini itself has reportedly been around for over 1,700 years according to pre-historic mosaics in Sicily which depict women exercising and carrying out duties wearing bikinis. It has taken years and years for it to be socially acceptable for ‘decent’ women to wear bikinis in public, and I can safely say I don’t think its going anywhere. In my opinion the bikini’s scandalous history has contributed to its ever popular standing in modern day society. For something that’s been fought for and has triumphed across most cultures, its longevity is imminent. Saying that of course, there are ways to keep things classy….and im talking more old Hollywood glamour bikinis, less Sisqo Thong song.  In my opinion, although we should celebrate our different bodies and the beauty of the bikini, we should still aim to keep our hidden treasures, hidden! Unless of course an unruly tide washes our dignity away.

 Of course the evolution of the bikini has propelled other beauty industries such as tanning and body treatments. Some women however go too far with getting that perfect ‘bikini body’ in time for their holidays. Its only human nature to worry a little or feel slightly insecure at the thought of parading along a beach in a little bikini in front of prying and often creepy eyes, however there are healthy limits.  Most adverts being sprawled across our billboards and magazines show strong images of perma tanned, barely there size zero women donning fabulous swimwear.  This is not necessarily a good example for impressionable women (age irrelevant) and more often than not prey on their insecurities, making them believe they should aim to look like an unnatural emaciated Amazonian waif.  It is easier said than done, however we should learn to feel confident in our own skin, accept we are beautiful just the way we are, whether we have a milky complexion or a cheeky muffin top. We should let the Bikini do all the talking really, and sit back relax and soak in that Summer sunshine, that is, if it ever reaches London!
  There is a plethora of different styles of bikinis available on the British high street, ranging from halter neck, printed, vintage, to various different shapes and sizes ensuring every different type of figure will find something to suit them.  However, many people aren’t aware of the ethical options available to all the girls and women searching for that perfect Summer bikini.  So I’ll leave you with some fun links you can explore, but remember whether you are basking in the Sun in your local park munching on a Calippo, or perched on a rock by the ocean watching the Sun set and searching for Nemo, embrace that body, that fun and flirty bikini and know that its come a long way through history so make the most of it ;)

Some ethical but fabulous places to buy bikinis:
http://www.fairandtrue.co.uk/category/swimwear
http://www.fashion-conscience.com/clothing/swimwear.html
http://ethicalbabe.tumblr.com/post/10002585748/ecoswim

Peace and Love,

M

Ms Wanda's Wardrobe is an online magazine bringing you ethical fashion news, features and campaigns.

http://mswandas.co.uk

Style and how to get it at House of Beth

There are so many hot trends this summer that it’s dizzying! With Aztec and tribal style prints on practically everything, neon’s and pastels, vintage styles and so on it’s an almost impossible task to pick just one. Despite all this there seems to be prevalent throughout all these trends one thing- that is ‘originality’. It’s our season to make it our own! Here are a few tips to help begin your journey to fashion freedom...

 Think about styles and eras in fashion that you love

Are you a vivacious vintage vixen who adores those figure hugging styles of the 1940s and 50s? Take a lead from time trailblazers such as Dita Von Tesse. Or are you more of a Rockabilly Rebel with an eye for those cropped fitted jackets with your leopard printed pins? Do you find both of these styles and more appealing?

Take that fabulous inspiration and pick out pieces that convey these styles to you. Have fun with it and amalgamate them with the everyday! Even the simplest of pearls can be so Marilyn Monroe!

A great example can be seen in House of Beth’s collection of Audrey Hepburn inspired clothing. Who could forget the iconic little black dress with big bouffant hair in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? There are different versions of the LBD and much more in the collection based on the great lady herself. 

From left to right: I love this Didier Ludot Dress, as it adds instant vintage Hollywood style. House of Beth’s Charlie and Robin Black Short Jacket will make for a sensationally classy outfit! Teamed even with a fitted t-shirt and skinny jeans! The Harrods Knightsbrige David Charles Dress and Jacket sums up Audrey’s style completely!

Get that Style!

Once you have an idea of what you want – The real fun starts! There are many different ways of getting your paws on some fabulous fashion. You will often find that the best places to search are often not the ‘so obvious’ ones. Ethical and second hand shops, both on your high street and online are perfect places to search through. House of Beth showcases both second hand and Ethical designers who create one off pieces individual to you. With such a diverse collection you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else that could over such a diverse range.  

Be a Fashion Magpie!

Items of clothing will appeal to you for a variety of different reasons. Whether it’s the fabrics that dress or top is made from or the cut and colour of it. Perhaps you spied a dress in a shop window one time that instantly evoked some long lost memory and you had to have it? Whatever the case don’t be shy about mixing and matching clothes and accessories that you love. You don’t have to aim to ‘fashionably colour clash’ like the models in big name fashion magazines; you should simply feel awesome as you step out of your front door!

For some truly memorable clothing check out the uber-cool lines available through the House of Beth website! You can discover some very fashionably diverse pieces in the High Street Diffusion Range, with some recognisable names alongside the more exclusive brands.  

From left to right:
Truly a treasure trove of goodies: I love the blue and white handmade suit for total retro chic! The fitted brown and red striped and buttoned top from Mango and the stunning pink studded jumper top. All could be superb key pieces for your independently styled wardrobe!


See you soon!


Hema