Five years. That’s how long this little blog has been running for. It seems baffling to me that I’ve kept writing, photographing and editing the posts you’ve been reading for half a decade, and how Ship-Shape and Bristol Fashion has been there through career changes, house moves and serving as documentation of my ever evolving style choices.
I’ve met some wonderful people through blogging, had some exciting experiences and been lucky enough to enjoy the occasional perk that comes my way. Blogging has changed so much since I started, hidden away in my bedroom and not even interacting with the blogging community for the first year of Ship-Shape’s existence. Now it seems like every other person I meet has a blog about one topic or another. That in itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing (I’ve encouraged many of my friends to start their own), but sometimes it can be hard to feel heard in the throng of Twitter chats, Bloglovin feeds and other internet noises.
It’s also hard to fit in blogging around a full time job, and I want to high five everyone else like me who finds themselves writing posts on their commute to work or working till the wee hours of the morning editing photos. It takes hard work and commitment to blog, and I know that that’s poured into the blogs I love reading by the bucketload.
Ship-Shape actually turned five back in August, but I was in Africa so this is a bit of a belated celebration. Nevertheless, a birthday wouldn’t be the same without some gifts, and fortunately Dr Martens have stepped up to the plate to offer you lovely lot a chance to win a pair of shoes (or boots) from their Rugged and Casual collections, worth £150!
Regular readers might know that I collaborated with DM on their #STANDFORSOMETHING campaign this summer, and when it comes to blogging, I definitely stand for passion and determination – without these qualities it would be impossible to have kept Ship-Shape going for all these years.
Now the tables are turning and I want to know what you stand for. Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to visit the Dr Martens website and tell me which pair of shoes from the Rugged and Casual collections is your favourite! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form to be in with a chance of winning, you know the drill!
P.S. For all you Bristol-based readers, your nearest Dr Martens store is 16 Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3HH.
I stand for truth I hate lies. I love the JoyLyn Boots: http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Joylyn-Boot/p/14761001
I stand for courage and standing up to bullies! I would absolutely love the DR MARTENS BRIELLE BOOTs in dress blues please! http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Brielle-Boot/p/15343410 Happy belated 5th blogiversary and thank you for such a great giveaway!
I stand for positivity! I always try to remain positive and encourage others, even when everything seems to be going wrong, I try to look for a silver lining! I love the cherry red Serena’s. :)
I stand up for reading – I love reading, and books, so I’m always pleading the case for paperbacks and hardbacks in this forever digital world! I love the 2976 shoes, they’re gorgeous.
I stand for honesty. No matter how hard it is, honesty is definitly the best way forward. The cherry red Gayle are stunning!
I stand for standing up for yourself.
The BRIELLE boots are beautiful.
And happy belated blogiversary
i stand for peace. there are too much violence in this world nowadays. i love the red charla :)
I stand for equality regardless of the nationality and i like DR MARTENS DORIAN SHOE
I stand for knowledge and freedom to knowledge. Without it how can people be expected to stand for what they believe in? How can people be able to make informed choices about their life? I love the Flo boots <3
just seen it was rugged or casual haha i also love the tan serena’s
Happy blog birthday!!! Congratulations on 5 great years!
I stand for creativity. There is no need for life to be boring.
I love the Serena boots in shiraz, they look ever so cosy. Hx
i stand for family and encouraging your loved ones to follow their dreams and be fulfilled. The dark brown Lauren boots caught my eye. Congrats on Ship Shape’s 5th birthday xx
I stand for Honesty. Hate liars! I like the Kathlena boots
I stand up for my self and animals, I hate bullies and haters with a passion, same for animal cruelty… only the weak bully and harm….
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-1b99-Boot/p/11820604 are devine!! have ALWAYS wanted a pair of DM’S
I stand for respect. Got to give it and got to get it back :) I always buy their brown shoes. They are the best!
love the soho shoes. I stand for creativity and allowing people to express themselves freely
I stand for love, being kind and peace, it’s the only thing that matters in this world. If I win I’d like the http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Gayle-Boot/p/14765510#
Sorry in all the excitement of picking some lovely Dr Martens, I forgot to wish you a happy blog birthday and thank you for the lovely giveaway. x
I stand for FUN!
these look fab .hope i win so much needed please
I stand for Compassion and truthfulness I love this pair http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Pasha-Boot/p/16024001
I stand up for single parent working mums, was on my own with my son for many yrs and work was the best way forward for for confidence an empowerment. I love the boots DR MARTENS BRIELLE BOOT
i stand for animal rights!
The range of vegan shoes by DM should be extended to cover all their products, phasing out environmentally and ethically unfriendly animal skin shoes.
Love the TRIUMPH 1914 W veggie shoes
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/search?q=vegetarian:relevance:category:Womens-Rugged
I stand for honesty and hopeful. I’d choose the Brielle boots from the casual collection https://mobile.twitter.com/Kibarthy/status/523471149024284672
i stand for being yourself and loving the people aroud you, i would love these for my other half http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-939-Ben-Boot/p/11292001
Congratulations! I stand for looking on the bright side – even if I don’t always manage it… :) My favourites are the DRENCH boots.
I stand for Hard Work. If you want something you have to work hard to get it
I love the Kids Blip Boots my daughter would rock these http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Kids/Kids-Juniors/Dr-Martens-Blip-Kids-Boot/p/16215601
I stand for integrity – I hate dishonesty, falseness, and shoddiness in general. And I love these http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-101-Boot/p/16122001
I stand for being myself. I love the Serena boots in black.
I would lave a pair of Cambridges from the Casual collection.I stand for fairness because the World is full of unfairness.
I stand for living in the now, a more mindful way of life. I would love the DR MARTENS TRIUMPH 1914 W BOOTS if I won :)
Honesty is what I stand up for & the BRIELLE boots are my fav.
I stand for progression for everyone. Currently learning to skate at age 28. I would love the Lauren boots.
I stand for promoting self determination to it’s fullest! I love these http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Viola-Boot/p/16373601
I stand for equality!
I’m in love with the red Drench boots http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Drench-Boot/p/15219600
I stand up for myself
I stand for being true to myself…by thr way happy 5th b day….and im loving the DMs
I stand for people being polite…
Love these in white: http://www.drmartens.com/uk//Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-1460-Boot/p/11822100
I stand for acceptance of others. We’re all a little bit odd and that’s good.
I’d love to win these, please http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Shoes/Dr-Martens-Yvonne-Shoe/p/16114001
I stand for honesty, and trying your best. My favourites are the Women’s Lauren Boots: http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Lauren-Boot/p/16167201
I stand for “Live for today and not tomorrow”, you never know what is around the corner so make the most of today.
Love these boots. http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-1460-Forlife-Boot/p/13366220
Congratulations on the 5 years! That’s an amazing achievement, you should be so proud. I stand for accepting people for who they are.
The brown Lauren boots are pretty darn lovely x
I love love love these ones http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Aimilie-Shoe/p/15313601 they are beautiful, i love the colour! very appealing to the eye.
Congrats on 5 years! Amazing!
I stand for being who you are wherever you are. Even if that means loving superheros and blogging about fashion and faith. Always be who you were created to be!
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Joylyn-Boot/p/14761221
I love these Joylyn boors with their little flowers. So cute!
I stand for honesty, and love comfy footwear-love these Dr Martens.
I stand up for good manners, I can’t stand it when people are so rude and don’t bother with please and thank you!
I love the 4960 boots flowery purple ones for my lovely daughter x
I stand for honesty and loyalty, without that you have nothing
I adore “Drench”
I stand for kindness, and the consideration of others. There is too much abuse in today’s world; both physical and mental. It is not big to make someone else feel small; you never know the long term damage you could be doing to them if they do not have the ability to brush abuse aside. I always try to go out of my way to make someone feel loved and good about themselves :)
OH! and http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Alexandra-Boot/p/16155201 they are my favourite!!
I stand for the belief in youngsters and encouraging everyone to reach their potentials.
Rugged collection# 2976 are my favs! :)
I would love to win the triumph 1914w boot in black :) they’re beautiful and fab quality!
Oops forgot to say I stand for equality. Don’t look down on anyone unless your helping them back up.
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-2976-Boot/p/11853201
These are gorgeous, and I’d LOVE to give them to my Mum for Christmas!
I stand up for ‘each to their own’ it covers a multitude of things.. an it’s very true :)
I stand for love and support for disabled children. Especially my son.
I love these ones. http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Page-Boot/p/15732001
Good luck all
great boots
I Stand For: Being true to yourself and dressing in what makes you feel awesome!
I’d love to win the 1460 W Boot! http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-1460-W-Boot/p/16163001
Honesty & inner strength
SERENA boots
COLOUR: SHIRAZ
I stand up for honesty! :)
And these are beyond gorgeous, I would love to have these!!! ^_^ <3
http://www.drmartens.com/uk//Womens-New-Arrivals-Boots/Dr-Martens-Aimilie-Shoe/p/15313203
I stand for courage and I like to stand in http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Baden-Boot/p/16188200
i stand up for manners! Would like the serena boots
I stand for patience.
I like these boots http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Viola-Boot/p/16373201
I stand for many things so will list them all
Honesty, I Hate Thiefs and HATE lairs, nothing worse in this world, also respect, of women and my elders, and Anti bullies. and grats on 5yrs :)
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Capper-Boot/p/16058601
I stand for progress! I have just spent/wasted a long time cooing over the boots on the site, and have decided that a pair of Aliysa boots need a home in my wardrobe :)
I stand for truth, I don’t like it when people lie
I would choose these gorgeous boots if I won
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Drench-Boot/p/15219600
Honesty and tradition, id love to rock these http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Brielle-Boot/p/15343602
I stand for acceptance. Of EVERYONE. I am a support worker for individuals with autism, and they have opened my eyes to the amount of intolerance there still is towards differences. Whether it is skin colour, gender, disability or any little piece of uniqueness, we should accept everyone as the individuals they are.
I would love the Aimilie boots :)
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Re-Invented/Dr-Martens-Aimilie-Shoe/p/15313603
i stand for justice and equality for all!
I stand for fairness
I stand for treating others as I’d like to be treated myself. I love the Black Gayle boots.
the purple gayle look ace. i love dms. iv been wearing them since i was about 7!! they are just so comfy and last so long!!
Happy Bday to the blog and thanks for your generosity to share with us!
I stand up for compassion! :)
As I can’t find the vegan ones in casual or rugged collection, my favourite would be Hackney :
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Hackney-Boot/p/15207002
Fingers crossed!!
I stand for family!
I love these willies: http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Shower-Boot/p/14823650 <3 x :)
I stand for comfort as much as possible and for not worrying about what other folk think of me.
My preferred boots are “Viola” from the womens casual collection.
I stand up for animals!
I’d love to win these :-)
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-1460-W-Boot/p/11821670
I stand for courage, I love the BRIELLE boots
I stand for karma!
and i love these Karin boots from the casual collection!
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Karin-Boot/p/16121001
Honesty
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Gayle-Boot/p/14765510
I stand for animal rights. I deplore animal cruelty and will do everything within my power to make a difference. <3
I love these: http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Karin-Boot/p/16121201 perfect for winter morning walks to work.
I’ll always stand up for animals and animals rights!
I love the GAYLE BOOTS, in PURPLE :-)
I like the Lauren boots
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Cadence-Boot/p/15283220 I stand up for hard work, if you work hard you will be rewarded
I stand up for breastfeeding, I feel very strongly about it as it really is an amazing thing to know you are nourishing your baby. I love these http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Viola-Boot/p/16373601
I would choose these for my son at Uni keep his feet dry through Winter with a decent pair of shoes for once!
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Conrad-Boot/p/14804201
I stand for standing out in the crowd!
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Aimilita-Boot/p/16025001
I stand for no nonsense.
I stand for honesty and commitment. I love the Karin boots. happy blogversary x
I stand for equality
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Kids/Kids-Infants/Dr-Martens-Brooklee-Kids-Boot/p/15373602
cant find any i like for me but i love these for my little girl!
I stand for animal rights.
I stand for womens rights
Dr Martens 2976 Boot
I stand for love not hate
DR MARTENS TRIUMPH 1914 W BOOT
I stand for good manners – they cost nothing!!!I like these traditional boots http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-101-Boot/p/10064001
I stand for making every day count and not wasting any of my precious life!
I’d love to win these, I’d have to pay the difference! I was dreaming about Dr Martens last night weirdly! http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Triumph-1914-W-Boot/p/12107003
I Like The Bart Boots
I stand for love, truth and maximum gratitude! And if I could, I’d do it in pink Triumph 1914w boots.
I stand for honesty and truth,I always think it’s far better to be honest and truthful than to lie,the hurt you do do people if you lie,is far worse than if you are honest with them. I love the Hackney boots
I stand for being yourself, enjoying it and encouraging others to do the same. Just started reading your blog! It’s so nice to read Bristol based blogs as I’m living in Southville/ Bedminster area!
Happy belated birthday and congratulations! My favourite boots are the oxblood Amelie’s!!
Amy xx
i stand for doing the right thing and i love the kathleena boots
I stand the value of family, and parents having tome to enjoy their children
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Shoes/Dr-Martens-Jaime-Shoe/p/16123001
I stand for honesty and being true to yourself. I would love to win a pair of TRIUMPH 1914 W from the rugged collection.
I stand for Truth, and I like the brown Barnie boots
I stand for family, they are the most important people in my life.
Ooops forgot to add http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Flora-Boot/p/14649001
i stand for treating others how you wish to be treated and random acts of kindness. i’d LOVE to win these for my boyfriend for Christmas http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-939-Boot/p/15270201
I stand for kindness and compassion. Loving the Karin boots – perfect for winter
i stand up for anti-bullying
I stand for living for today, enjoy each day xx
I love the Serena DM’s – size 7
Would be great for my awkward feet!!
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Serena-Boot/p/13239002
i stand for people treating others as they would like to be treated
I would plump for the Jadon boots – love them!!
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Jadon-Boot/p/15265601
I stand for honesty, can’t stand lies.
I would love the Aliysa boots http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Aliysa-Boot/p/15633001#
Being true to yourself.
I love the Karin boots
I stand for being respectful to all and never judge anyone before getting to know them,
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Drench-Boot/p/14822340 I adore these
Stand for something
We are loving all of your Dr Martens photos. Keep up the good work guys!
I stand up for politeness, thank you for the giveaway.
I think I’d get a pair of the GAYLE boots if I won, great for when I’m walking my dogs.
I stand for honesty. love the karin boots
I stand for a while and then I sit
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Shoes/Dr-Martens-Yvonne-Shoe/p/16114201
I stand for honesty ! And I would love the Mix boots in gorgeous hot pink !!
I stand for telling the truth. And having hair as colourful as possible
I stand for equality no matter what gender/race/sexulaity whatever you are. And i love the Viola black boots
I stand for having fun and making memories!
I love these sandals – bet they would be perfect for skipping round Walt Disney World next May! :D
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Sandals/Dr-Martens-Mana-Sandal/p/15743001
I stand for letting your inner child run freeee!!
..and I also love these boots:
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Pascal-Boot/p/13512006
:)
I like the Mayen boots
I stand for older mums
I stand for acceptance & being honest – having been in hospital again this year for my bipolar I’ve decided to talk about it instead of hiding & realising that those who accept me as I am are probably the best people to have in my life while those who couldn’t accept it are not the best people to have around! I have to say that the Kara shoes are lovely.
Happy Blog anniversary by the way :)
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Kathleena-Strap-Calf-Boot/p/16027001 LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE !@!! I stand for being who you are , being an individual and being real
I love the Viola boots in the casual collection.
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-1460-W-Boot/p/11821010
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Rugged/Dr-Martens-Aimilie-Shoe/p/15659651
I stand for love, peace and truth!
My favourites are these: http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Viola-Boot/p/16373201 – The Dr Martens Viola Boot :)
bringing up my children to be honest, polite & caring in life
Love these ♥ http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Aimilita-Boot/p/16025001
I stand for honesty – nothing better than telling the truth. I love these stunning boots! http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Viola-Boot/p/16373201
1460 Womens for my wife and daughter to fight over’
Personally, as a gentleman, I stand for women.
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Brielle-Boot/p/15343410 i like these
I stand for fun and adventure :) I love these : http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-1460-W-Boot/p/11821510
I would pick ZACK 3 EYE GIBSON SHOE for my husband
I would stand up for anybody who is treated unfairly
Congratulations on being five. I stand for being unique. I love the Brielle boots
I stand for being nice and honesty. I would love to win these for my boyfriend from the rugged collection http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens/Mens-Boots/Dr-Martens-2976-Boot/p/11853201
I stand for honesty and being yourself! I would absolutely love the Mayan in Cherry Red please. http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Mayen-Boot/p/15551601 Thank you!
I stand up for kindness, we all should try and be kinder to one another.
I love these boots http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Kathleena-Strap-Calf-Boot/p/16027001
I stand for honesty, I hate lies! I love the Rosa St boots (http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Rosa-St-Boot/p/14705200)
I stand for equality.
I love these boots http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Triumph-1914-W-Boot/p/12107003
I stand for Justice!!…. I just can’t stand injustice and if I am witness to it, I can’t ignore it. If I am victim to it, I cannot give in. I absolutely adore these boots!! http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Charla-Boot/p/16266601
I love the Karin in cherry :)
I like the viola boots in brown
I stand for having fun with family and friends and not to let life get you down
Im in love with these!! Lovely blog! http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Aliysa-Boot/p/15633001#
I stand for resilience and determination, having the inner strength to battle your way through any hurdle. I’d love a pair of Mayen boots.
I stand for honesty – I love these – blue is my favourite colour – http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Joylyn-Boot/p/14761410
Happy Birthday!
I stand for positive thinking at all times! And I’d choose the Hackney boots – beautiful!
I stand for fun, as much as I can cram in, as long as it’s not at the expense of others. Loving the GAYLE boots http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Gayle-Boot/p/14765001#
I stand for ‘Honesty is the best policy’ – can’t stand lies or people being untruthful. I would loveeeeee the Lette boots. Classic and would look great paired with jeans and a oversized tee or some proper cosy tights and little dresses this A/W.
Great giveaway! and I’m from Bristol! :)
I stand for honesty and loyalty as I believe they are very important in every area of life. I would choose the Kara shoe. http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Shoes/Dr-Martens-Kara-Shoe/p/15045001 Although my absolute fave was the bronze shoes (slightly out of price range at £250 but so fabulous!)
I stand equality & these are my favourites http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Karin-Boot/p/16121001
I’d love any but especially the 1460s in green!
I stand for caring for other people. My granddaughters like the http://www.drmartens.com/uk/
JIFFY KIDS BOOT in pink.
Crisps.
Love these: http://www.drmartens.com/uk/c/Womens-Rugged?q=:productCategoryRanking-asc&page=4
I stand up for bullies!!!http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Triumph-1914-W-Boot/p/12108501 these are blooming gorgeous!!!
I stand for that happiness is a choice and so we can choose how we react to life’s ups and downs, whether we turn our experiences into positives and see joy in the small things. After all, life isn’t a dress rehearsal.
I think the Ben boots are beautiful! As are the Allisa shoes!
Happy Blogiversary lovely! xx
I stand for honesty :)
I stand for fairness. I like these ones – http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Boots/Dr-Martens-Triumph-1914-W-Boot/p/12108501