In February 2015 I decided to set up a purely fashion-based blog, originally named Laura's Lookbook, Looks Laura Loves only came about because I needed a different blogspot address, I started by writing reviews of that season's New York Fashion Week and giving an outsiders perspective on the fashion industry and how it can often feel exclusive.

I had been writing fashion-based articles for many university projects, whilst studying English Literature. The use of the fashion section in the uni library became my haven throughout my three years studying. I used my analytical, literary mind and my passion for clothes and the art of fashion to write pieces on the Valentino exhibition in Somerset House and critique's of how fashion is used to represent wealth within chick-lit and television.

My passion for fashion comes from my love of vintage clothing, something with a history and that can tell a story, my favourite periods being the sixties and seventies - Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Stevie Nicks, the list goes on. From this love of the past sprung my interest in recent fashion history, indulging in fashion films such as Coco Before Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent biopics and Dior documentaries, my flare for fashion and fashion culture thrived.

As much as I love fashion I have always felt intimidated by it, but as I learned through interning at the fabulous Peekaboo Vintage HQ in London, that is not the aim of the industry and yes, there are often people who seek to bring others down, but all those I worked with at Peekaboo were so lovely and friendly it completely changed my concept of the industry, specifically the vintage fashion industry. I learnt so much working with them for a month, commuting backwards and forwards and getting to be around incredible clothes every day. I tried my hand at styling, e-commerce, social media, makeup artistry on the models, photography, product description writing and model castings. All skills from the industry that I am now able to put on my CV. I am so grateful to the people at Peekaboo for taking me on last year and will never forget my time there. 

As my blog progressed and developed I started to get interest from a teeny selection of brands looking to collaborate with me. Manchester based online store Luxemme sent me a beautiful dress to review and all-natural dog food supplier Pooch and Mutt sent me some treats to write about and promote and that's when I took Looks Laura Loves to a different level by also including beauty and lifestyle.

So, here I am, over a year on, having had a piece of work published by London Fashion Weekend on their website that was judged by the incredible fashion blogger Alex at The Frugality, branching out into different areas of beauty, fashion and lifestyle. 

Looks Laura Loves has given me incredible opportunities over the past year, so here's hoping for many more adventures to come.