Introducing ourselves (yes, there’s two of us now!)
Georgina
Georgia
It’s now almost four whole months since Blue Chip was founded as my beloved yet gladly gone dissertation project. So much has changed in recent months; from the birth and growth of the community over on our Instagram to the Thursday posts on the website. There’s so much in the works here (all of which was mentioned in the last ‘re-introduction to Blue Chip’ post - check it out if you haven’t already) In the midst of change, there’s no better time to get to know one another, especially since there’s a new girl in town!
I’m oh so very glad to be partnering up with my good friend Georgia Buchanan, who will be my sustainable co-writer and partner moving forward. It takes a lot to tend and grow an online magazine, and sharing so many values in relation to our adoration for fashion and approach to sustainability we’re ready to run Blue Chip as a determined duo.
Georgia and I met during our MA magazine journalism course and have been through countless highs together; from escaping our Maglab class to have a - needed but possibly not deserved - wine, to soldiering through our dissertations and exams together. We’ve always said that the best thing to come out of our Masters year, except of course for our degree, was our friendship on which we were awarded ‘separated at birth’ by our fellow students (we wouldn’t rather any other award, would we?)
At the gate of such an exciting chapter, we thought it’d be fun to run a little double Q&A so you guys can get to know us a little better.
Introduce yourself…
Georgina:
I’m known by those closest to me as Gina and I’m 22 from South Wales. In completing an MA in Magazine Journalism and have delved straight into the big bad world of freelancing (help me!) Before starting my MA I lived in Epsom for three years where I completed an undergraduate in Fashion Journalism - I’d go back in a heartbeat. I specialise in sustainable journalism and also love a good literature classic. My favourite? The Picture of Dorian Gray. Or Jamaica Inn simply because you can visit the hotel, slash pub, slash museum up in Cornwall and completely immerse yourself in the book.
Georgia:
Hello! I’m Georgia, I’m 24 and I live in South Wales. I have a BA in History and an MA in Magazine Journalism. I’m currently doing some freelance social media work and want to build my freelance portfolio. I would call myself a lifestyle journalist as an umbrella term, but am truly passionate about sustainable fashion and women’s health. I’m a lover of print and have a beautiful collection of magazines. Alongside this, I love to collect vintage medicine bottles, there’s just something so special about the typeface embossed into the glass or on the labels.
Introduce the other person…
Georgina:
I met Georgia during our Masters degree. Georgia made a fashionably late appearance and we instantly and effortlessly bonded after uncovering that as well as both being a ‘George’, we also both have boyfriends called George? Name a more iconic double duo. You can always count on Georgia for a gin or pizza date during the week - we can’t say no to a little drink. Accompanied with mounds of inspiration, Georgia is an instant mood booster and all around great friend.
Georgia:
I met Gina back in September 2019 when we both started our master’s in Magazine Journalism. I was instantly drawn in by Gina as fashioned the chicest outfits! We clicked immediately and became inseparable after finding out how similar our lives and interests were. We’re both called George and our boyfriends are also called George — what are the chances? Gina loves a cheeky lunchtime chardonnay, she’s so inspiring and creative and is just the ultimate breath of fresh air.
What do you love about Blue Chip?
Georgina:
I love Blue Chip because it has helped me remain positive, motivated and creative - especially since the lockdown. My favourite part is the inspiring creatives I’ve met throughout the process and everything I learn from simply asking a ton of questions and being consistently inquisitive. I’ve also been such a magazine hoarder and have my collection of awed publications - including The Skirt Chronicles and Lionheart. To have one of my own is a little side dream I’m so grateful for.
Georgia:
When Gina told me about Blue Chip I instantly fell in love with the concept. As a twenty-something woman, I fit perfectly into Blue Chip’s demographic and I know exactly what it’s like to crave sustainable inspiration and information about interiors and clothing. I love the community aspect and how inspiring and aspirational the content is. The ethics and ethos behind Blue Chip are excellent and I love how creative the whole project is!
What will you bring to Blue Chip?
Georgina:
I love magazines that inform and teach readers without them knowing, simply because this is my favourite way to learn. With a descriptive journalistic voice, I want Blue Chip to be a place people come to seek solace in their sustainable lifestyles and can feel inspired by the people they read about and relate to.
Georgia:
As a lifestyle journalist, I will bring insightful and analytical stories to light. I want to make Blue Chip a sustainable interior directory, a one-stop-shop for all your slow, ethical and sustainable knowledge for fashion and interiors.
What are your top 3 tips for sustainable living?
Georgina:
My main tip (and how I first got into sustainability) is to try out second-hand shopping. I know this is the preferred style for most people these days, but checking out second-hand shops as a way to indulge for the buying is so much better than ordering from more negative outlets like ASOS or Missguided.
My second tip would be to not feel guilty if you already own items from unsustainable sources. You can still keep up with the trends of the season - everything comes back around! The worst thing you can do is throw items away based on the tag. The best thing you can do is extend the lifespan of your garments. And maybe try making your own clothes and accessories? We talk about this a lot on Blue Chip, especially coming up to November time.
My third tip would be to get out into the world. I recently started spending my Sundays going out for strolls, going out on the bike or spending the day picnicking. Whereas before I would have gone out for the day in the car, gone shopping or eaten out, I now much prefer being among nature and immersing myself in all its natural beauty on offer; the landscapes, fresh air and a healthier mindset.
Georgia:
The best start to a sustainable life is to use what you already have — shop your own wardrobe and repurpose items that you already own. When I started my sustainable journey a lot of things I owned were made from very unsustainable materials and from unethical companies, but this doesn’t mean you should just throw them away — keep your items, love them and get the most from them.
Secondly, shop second-hand where possible. Buying second-hand clothes can be a privilege for someone like me who is a straight size and therefore has more options available, and as someone who has the time and energy to look for second-hand clothes. Where possible shop in charity shops and look online at places like Depop, eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
Finally, take care of and cherish all of your belongings, this way things last longer and you feel more content with what you already own. I’ve recently done a lot of research on how to wash and dry individual pieces to give them a longer life. I’ve also purchased a fabric shaver from Phillips which removes fabric piles and bobbles from your clothes — it’s given so many of my jumpers a new lease of life.
Where are you writing from?
Georgina:
For me as a writer, I have to be in a familiar and comfortable space in order to write fluently. I love a bunch of glowing candles, full-of-life flowers and a good natural light in this space. Luckily, my small room at home (where I write from) has all of these essences and is full to the brim with an eclectic mix of charity shop decor - mugs being used as candle holders, books acting as door stops and mix-matched drawers. I have so much ‘stuff’ that I always seem to forget what I own. The beauty of this is that I get that instant reconnection when I am reacquainted with something I forgot I had - an old photo frame hidden behind a mass of flowers for example.
Georgia:
I still live at home with my parents so I currently craft my work in my small, cosy childhood bedroom. I have a little wooden desk which faces a wall full of prints, drawings, cards and photographs. A lot of the drawings on my wall are from my boyfriend George who’s an excellent illustrator, I love looking up at the wall while I’m working to be reminded of heartwarming memories that always make me smile and provide me with a boost of motivation. My desk is positioned right next to my radiator, so my toes are always nice and warm. I love to write with a candle burning, I'm currently burning a pomelo (my favourite!) and sea salt soy candle which smells incredible.
If you had to live in 3 fashion brands for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Georgina:
House of Sunny for sure. The co-ord sets and pastels mixed with animal prints is just a complete vibe for me. Plus, I thought I’d go with a brand that would be considered a top tier gift simply because I can’t afford it at the moment, haha.
I also recently started following the brand, Jess_Nash, on Instagram. Jess makes the most gorgeous crochet designs that I would happily live in for the rest of my life. Who wouldn’t want to walk around in head to toe crochet and matching accessories every summer??
I would also have to choose Maggie Marilyn. Founded by Maggie Hewitt, the brand is dedicated to transforming the fashion industry into one that is circular, regenerative, transparent and inclusive. Maggie Marilyn strays from the idea of ‘fast-fashion’ that has come to haunt us. Her designs are clean, fresh and resemble the natural landscape we are working towards.
Georgia:
Firstly, I would have to choose Paloma Wool. They have an excellent slow fashion ethos and curate the most beautiful collections. I’m a sucker for a bold pattern and a great fitting garment. Also, all their shoes are to DIE for! (check out my review of Paloma Wool if you haven’t already!)
Secondly, like Gina, I would have to choose House of Sunny. Another champion of slow fashion, House of Sunny only produces two seasonal collections every year and produces small runs of each item. I recently purchased their Day Tripper cardigan and I cannot wait for it to arrive!
And finally, Depop. This might be a bit of a cheat answer because Depop technically isn’t a ‘brand’ but they have their own app and website, so for now, it is ;). I scour the site daily and love how you can find anything on there. I’ve got a lot of my most-loved pieces from Depop and nothing is more thrilling than finding a bargainous second-hand item.
What do you want to achieve and share through Blue Chip?
Georgina:
My goal is to work with innovative minds to show just how wonderful a sustainably-designed lifestyle can be. The messages and innovations surrounding sustainability are constantly adapting. By being consistently inquisitive I’d love to continue to learn, and pass this information on to those who read Blue Chip. With this being said, Blue Chip is a source that informs and guides, but never judges.
Georgia:
I understand that sustainability is a journey and that everyone is on their own path. I don’t want to make anyone feel guilty for their purchasing choices, but I want to show that you can purchase or up-cycle beautiful, sustainable interiors on a budget. Ultimately, I want to provide fun, exciting and above all engaging content about an important topic that I’m passionate about.
So there you have it, a little bit about little old us. We hope you enjoyed reading our mini bio’s and stick around to read the rest of our content. If you haven’t already, check out Georgia’s debut article reviewing Paloma Wool’s Balance sandal that went live this morning!
If you’d like to follow us on our socials, check us out via the links below, or check out Blue Chip itself.