Like most people I have an uneasy relationship with awards. I profess not to be bothered about them but then feel bereft when I lose out on one and nearly wet myself when I do win one. In the very first year I entered the prestigious Jasmine Awards (given out for writing about fragrance) I was shortlisted in three separate categories and still managed to come out of the ceremony empty handed – a crushing defeat that almost scarred me for life. And then, in the year I did actually win one I couldn’t collect the thing because I was simultaneously appearing in court (as a witness I hasten to add). A video message didn’t seem appropriate, or legal.
Thankfully, I was able to make last night’s inaugural Fashion Monitor Journalism Awards, though, and am glad I could because as you can see from the pic above (also featuring host Laura Whitmore and nail guru Leighton Denny) I actually managed to scoop a gong for Beauty/Grooming Blogger of The Year. This particular award means a lot to me partly because, whilst I get paid for my journalism, blogging is essentially a labour of love. I’ve been blogging for about four and a half of the 23 years I’ve been a journalist and as all bloggers know, it’s something you really have to want to do because the rewards are few and far between!
It also means a lot because the shortlist – created by members of the fashion and beauty industry itself – included amazing bloggers like The Beauty Shortlist, A Model Recommends, Vivianna Does Makeup and my good pal British Beauty Blogger – someone I look up to myself.
But anyway, it was a fantastic evening (I suspect the Fashion Monitor Awards will become the Oscars of the Beauty & Grooming world) and now that my wine-induced headache is finally subsiding I’m actually beginning to appreciate it!
PS. Don’t you just love the fact that I look like I’m missing a finger in the photo?
PPS. When I refer to “The Grooming Guru” in the title I mean the blog not me personally. The day I start referring to myself in the third person is the day I call it a day! Or the day they carry me off.
Congratulations Lee; well deserved. Best wishes David
You actually look very dashing. And congratulations to you.
Bravo Guru
Well done and well deserved and don’t you look dashing!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Good one, chum! Well done. And you look really dishy!
~ Rob.
Congratulations! Well deserved.
Congratulations on the well deserved award
Mega congratulations Lee. I’d seen it on Twitter but only just seen this post. Looking very dapper indeed!