Frankie Magazine available in the UK once more!

I blogged about magazines here previously, saying how I always find it hard to feel satisfied having shelled out the best part of a fiver for something which doesn't reflect my tastes in any way.

I was in WHSmith this weekend (fun fact: as a child I used to pronounce it as Whitsmiths) actually browsing for Oh Comely Magazine which I have previously enjoyed I must say... I always feel like I go in and can never find a new issue though, unless everyone else in Oxford is doing the same thing. Hmmm. I also like Bust, and I subscribe to it, I love the reviews and the things to make and recently there was a plus sized fashion shoot which I thought was far more aspirational than anything in Elle or Glamour, but I do at times find that Bust can be a little too focused on Sex.

Since Borders shut down there has been a huge demand for these kinds of Magazines, and I like to think that many people write blogs as a reaction to the magazine industry just not writing about things people always want to read. I have heard rave reviews of Frankie for ages and therefore wanted to read it for years but had to make do with the website as postal costs from Australia are ridiculous just to try out a new magazine. Anyway all I can say is thank you WHSmiths, and everyone should go and and do the same by having a look and possibly buying a copy.

This is the Jan/Feb 2011 issue so it does concern things like Christmas which is a little too late, but it does also have loads of interviews with amazing creative people, a piece on family, and terribly atmospheric photography for its fashion shoots.(very Lula-esque). What I like best is that the entire magazine is adorned with lovely original illustrations by artists. While you could compare Frankie to magazines out there already I would say it is less affected and more attainable than many I've read lately, also not focused on brands at all really, and more on individualism and finding your own way. 

I found my copy in WHsmiths, but if you go to the Frankie website here you can find your nearest stockist.

Something else I read this weekend and actually really affected me, was the incredible 'experience' piece entitled 'I was run over by a freight train' in the Guardian Weekend magazine. Do read it, the lady tells her story beautifully and it does have a happy ending. All of the experience pieces can be browsed through here and I usually find them to be really moving and insightful, and usually with a sense of real hope.