Betty Bee Interview and GIVEAWAY!

I recently discovered this wonderful lady, Betty Bee online. I had to share her with you guys!!I was smitten at first sight, she's a curvy goddess of yumminess but turns out she's also a darn clever business lady too!! Betty Bee is many things...a writer, crafter, blogger, holds workshops to help self employed business peeps and "Pamperbox" days where women like you and me get together do our hair and make up in retro glamorous fabulousness and get our photo taken by "Mr Bee", Betty's very talented photographer hubby!Pamperbox and workshops are held in Liverpool, UK.

Hi there Betty Bee! Please could you tell us a bit about who you are and what you do! Of course, my name is Betty Bee. I’m a writer, photographer, crafter, momma and tea belly. I write a daily blog www.talesfrombettybeetowers.blogspot.com on all aspects of vintage style and being a plus sized hottie.I also run the Vintage Pamperbox which runs workshops in vintage inspired hair and make up.

When did you get into Vintage/retro style and what do you love about it? Ive always loved everything from the 1950's from being a teen really. After going through a bit of a Goth stage and looking just quite "alternative" I settled into a look which draws its influences mainly from the 40's and 50's and its stuck.I adore the clothes, furniture and general style of the 1950’s although there are aspects of both the 1930’s and 40’s which also capture my imagination. My love of the fifties stems from the feeling of glamour the women of the time exuded. It seems to have been a decade where everyone looked like a film star. The idea of normal men and women looking impossibly stylish as they go about their daily lives fascinates me. Born too late or right now is great?? (meaning would you prefer to be a woman of the 50's etc or happy in the here and now)

Whilst I love the clothes and music from the fifties I think a woman’s lot is much easier in the present day. We may think glass ceilings exist in today’s workplace but back then it was more like a concrete bunker and opportunities for women were still quite thin on the ground. I think I have the best of both worlds, the beautiful style of the fifties with all the freedoms of 2012. What music do you love? I love rock n roll but I'm a huge Smiths/Mozza fan, quite obsessed with Kate Bush, and can often be found wafting around to Stevie Nicks.Probably my favourite music of all is girl band music from the 60's the shangrilas, the the Ronettes,Martha and the Vandellas-I love the pure pop element of those songs and the production on them, also the tragic little tales you get on tracks like "Leader of the pack" or "you can never go home"-perfection.I also love First Aid Kit, Richard Hawley and Katy Perry.

What are your favourite old movies? Now Voyager with Bette Davies is a fave I also love the Douglas Sirk melodramas particularly Imitation of life and of course Gentleman prefer blonde's and High Society. Favourite outfit?? The blue dress I had made for my book cover is particularly yummy and I have a Hell Bunny dress with Zombie Geisha's on which is fabulous. It changes depending on what mood I'm in. I have a lot of clothes which is why I write a daily outfit post on my blog-excuses my tendency to get quite dressed up even to go to the shops. What women really inspire you and why?

Frida Kahlo for her art and vision, Chrissi Hynde for her no bullshit attitude, my mother for showing me early on that it was possible to be a mama and a creative being,Caitlin Moran's book how to be a woman is a triumph and Gwen Stafani's approach to daily glamour also appeals. What are you passionate about? My husband and daughter, my work,originality and finding beauty in the broken to quote the Black Crows. Any hobbies? My hobbies are also the things that comprise my job. I love making things, trying out new hair and make up techniques and upcycling. My biggest hobby is probably being a very greedy reader. My kindle is always burning through at least two books at a time. What is a good recipe, in your opinion, for being a body-positive woman, comfortable in our skin, no matter what our shape/size ? Good underwear, finding your own look and owning it and recognising that if you wait for that Utopian moment when the scales show you weigh a certain amount to start enjoying your life you will spend a huge chunk of your existence dissatisfied. Self acceptance doesn't arrive overnight but Ive found getting older and not giving a flying fuck what others think helps. All gorgeous photography is curtousy of Betty Bee Photography.

More Betty Bee!
www.Talesfrombettybeetowers.blogspot.com www.vintagepamperbox.com www.Bettybee.co.uk www.Bettybeevintage.com Facebook GIVEAWAY!!!!

Betty has super kindly offered one of her tees to a lucky reader!!Tee is available in small, medium and large!
All you have to do is follow this blogFollow Betty Bees blog
Comment below to say that you do, leaving a contact email, that's it! :)