Frivolity

I never knew that! With Kettle Style Editor, Sian Bradley

At Kettle Mag the editors remain hidden away in Kettle towers occupying themselves with ideas, proofing, tweeting and keeping their ears tuned to the latest news. But what do we know about these busy creatures? Here at frivolity over the coming weeks we intend to find out…and this week in true Kettle fashion, we talk to Style Editor, Sian Bradley.

My parents don’t know this about me but…

I can’t keep many secrets from my parents, but one day long ago I was writing in my journal, when the pen ink splattered everywhere. Clean up and deny it all.

What is your favourite word that rhymes with Kettle?

There aren’t many,are there? The only real word I can think of is Dettol (like the household cleaner) and nettle. Nettle is a nice word, which is ironic because they are plants of the devil.

How long after you wake up do you check your phone?

The first thing I check is the time, by using my phone (because my alarm goes off). I need to know whether I have to drag myself out of bed yet. I like to catch up on messages or notifications, if I have any, and have a scroll through social media to start the day.

Stranded on a desert island you wouldn’t be without…

Company. I’d go stir crazy on my own. My dogs would be perfect, but I’d be pickier about which human I could stand being stranded with. I’d also need a good book and a comfortable outfit. Settling in for the long haul!

What is the most revolting food you’ve ever eaten?

I’m not really a fussy eater, but I’m very wary of food I don’t like. I tried some duck which was on a pizza and it was instant regret. Olives and mushrooms are also a no. Also, what is Turkish delight about? I once tried to brave eating sushi, but I didn’t even make it past the rice outer before I spat it all out.

What is the one fashion item you have regretted wearing?

I had some interesting fashion items as a child (pink cowboy boots, a Powerpuff Girl bucket hat, corduroy trousers…) but I don’t regret any of them. My biggest fashion faux paus was probably some orange three-quarter jogging bottoms. That I actually wore outside.

What is your favourite item of fashion that you possess?

This is hard. I love things that I can wear daily, and things that are a bit unique. I own a vintage crop turtleneck black jumper. It felt heavenly when I first brought it. I’ve shrunk it slightly in the wash but I still adore it. I also love my baby-pink metallic Nike trainers that I bagged from depop. Finally, I couldn’t do without my black mom jeans or my beautiful, men’s leather jacket that I picked up for £10 at a charity shop.

 

Trench coat n pink nikes

A photo posted by @sianabigailxx on

How often do you clear out your wardrobe?

Never wholly – I’m a bit of a clothes hoarder. What if I need it one day?

If you couldn’t edit the style section for Kettle, which section would you choose?

Can I say them all? I am interested in so many areas of kettle, with sports being the only one I’m not bothered about. Women, politics, culture and books would probably be my main ones, though.

Which friend that you met at uni is likely to be at your 60th birthday party?

I’ve made so many good friends at uni, I’d love to see the Journo Squad and my crazy ex-flatmates there but I have two housemates who I do everything with and we will probably follow each other around for a while.

 

Shit version of Friends?

A photo posted by @sianabigailxx on

Wine or beer?

I like drinking both; I blame my family’s boozy culture. It depends on the situation! If I’m honest with myself I’m more likely to opt for beer, it suits my personality better. Pints at the pub but a bottle of wine is great pre-drink material.

 

A photo posted by @sianabigailxx on

Cat or dog?

I’m an animal lover, but hands (or paws, ahahaha) down dogs win. I’ve owned family dogs since I was four years old, and I think I take daily pictures of them when at home. They don’t mind when I smother them with love, whilst I think a cat would.

Football or rugby?

Rugby, because the men don’t throw themselves at the ground in an attempt to get a penalty. I don’t mind football, though, and quite enjoy the world cup. British bulldog was a highlight of my childhood however, and that’s basically rugby.

iPhone or Android?

I was a latecomer to apple, but I’m a slave to my iPhone.  

Apart from writing, what other creative talents do you have?

I wouldn’t say I have talents, but I fancy myself as quite the artist. I love nothing more than having a blank canvas and a paint palette in front of me and time to fill it up. I also like photography. I got a Polaroid for Christmas and I love it.

 

Think my final piece is finished now, although I’ll probably keep adding to it

A photo posted by @sianabigailxx on

If you were a punctuation mark, what would you be?

I think I’d have to be a question mark. I’ve always been very inquisitive but I also think I leave people questioning my behaviour quite often. There are so many questions in life, aren’t there?

What is your most unappealing habit?

Rolling my eyes. Ask my parents or friends; I forever roll my eyes at my Dad (who doesn’t enjoy it, understandably) and my friends have pointed out how I make a bit of a weird squinty eye face when talking about things that annoy me.

I also feel the need to fill silences, so I’ve got into a habit of sighing or making odd noises. I also eat loudly (apparently) which people like to point out to me, a lot.

And looking back at these answers, it seems I’m pretty indecisive, which can be annoying.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I’d like to be remembered as a great ball of positive energy, as someone with a strong mind, great fashion sense and for my average ability to be funny.

Having a positive impact on somebody. Whether it’s making my family proud, a friend happy or stranger feel differently because of my writing.

I want to be remembered for my great eyeliner skills, too.

 

Look me in the eyeliner and say that

A photo posted by @sianabigailxx on

Have you ever volunteered for anything?

I used to volunteer for a disabled children’s afterschool sports club. That was so much fun and very rewarding to make some children happy. I also write for my student paper and volunteer for a few radio shows; a personal one and a couple for the news section.

Who so far, family or otherwise has influenced you in your life?

There are famous people that I really respect and may learn things from, but I don’t think anyone I don’t know can truly influence me as a person.

My family are very influential in me and my life.

My sister is pretty much the reason I’m studying journalism now. She used to tell me, when I was an avid child writer, that I should write for a newspaper. She also is a very successful person in both her personal and professional life so she’s been motivation for me ever since I was young.

My dad is also very influential to me. He is overtly strong-minded, clever and has taught me so many lessons.

Of course I wouldn’t be where I am without my mother’s emotional support.

Which emoji do you use most frequently?

According to my phone it’s the laughing emoji, but I like using the moon face or unicorn most. Just so relevant to Instagram posts.

What was the last song you listened to on your iPod/phone?

Cheating, as this is the last song I listened to on my laptop. I’m an avid Spotify user, as it doesn’t require any important phone space!

I’m a big lover of The Streets.

What is your most over used word or expression?

Jesus Christ. I’m not proud.  

What keeps you awake at night?

Parks and Recreation. And Yoga, apparently.

Do you have any questions to put to our editors? Let us know in the comments below!