Image by Ruth Carruthers

Let me introduce myself … I’m Ruth, a Scottish Lass who likes to write, take pictures, make things and make change. I am passionate about communicating environmental matters to people in a creative way.

I divide my time between Glasgow, London and the great outdoors, which has inspired me to write about environmental issues and illustrate my words with my own pictures when I can. I contribute to art projects and make up my own, even if it’s just creating something out of an old pair of socks or a plastic bag - it’s amazing what you can do with the stuff other people would normally throw away!

I love the Quiksilver Women’s eco-friendly range of clothing and over the next few months I’ll be telling you about other ways you can become greener, help charities and create change in your own special way.

So stay tuned for my monthly column “Creating Change”, the first post is up on the 8th of February when I’ll be talking about eco-style.

Image by Timo Jarvinen

Image by Frankie Buckle

I am always on the hunt for new inspiration, and it can come from anywhere – photos in a magazine, art, graffiti, a sign, a man on the street playing his saxophone – ANYWHERE.

Today, inspiration came to me in the form of an amazing street style blogger. We know about the heavy hitters (The Sartorialist and Garance Dore) but this was a new discovery. Her name is Maya Villiger, and she is the creator of  the wondrous website Turned Out. Everyday she posts photos of the coolest, chicest girls prancing through the streets of NYC. I love seeing who catches her eye, but something else that draws me back is her collage creations.

Her collage creations are her inspirations as she hits the streets, and often she finds a girl living and breathing the look she modge podged with magazine clippings.

So if you are searching for some new inspiration look to Maya as she turns out these masterpieces that will feed your fashion soul.

Collages by Maya

As if the release of her up and coming album wasn’t enough to look forward to, our very own Quiksilver Woman Charlotte O’Connor is about to embark on a tour of the UK with another British melody maker, Newton Falkner.

Any Newton Falkner fans that haven’t heard Charlotte yet will be in for a treat, and vice versa. With her playful warm vocals Charlotte is the perfect accompaniment for Newton’s rhythmic guitar playing and soulful songs that will leave your ears ringing with the sound of optimism. 

They’ve got everywhere from Bournemouth to Dublin covered, so come inform the cold and chill out to these guys instead - this is a tour not to be missed!

Ruth Carruthers, QSW Ambassador

Why not get excited about spring now ?! It is just a few months away and you should start building your new wardrobe, if for no other reason, than to give your wind-chapped body some hope.

Let’s start your spring day dreaming with some of our favorites from the Quiksilver Women’s Spring 2010 collection. Just think, if the weather turns warm and toasty – you will be ready with some sweet gingham or some tomboy-chic shredding.

The Looks: Sound Check Shirt; St. Mary Dress

Look who I spotted turning out ANOTHER amazing creation using the Biscay Dress from the Spring ‘09 collection. It’s Krystal Simpson, of course.

What I love about her look is that she perfectly combines some tomboy spirit with girlish glamour. On one end, we have a grey hoodie, skinny jeans and the easy striped Biscay Dress – but on the other hand, she has sequins peaking out from under the hoodie, gold booties and bright pink nails. What a mix/mash!

Why choose sides? You can play for team girl and team boy! Follow Krystal’s example and grab from your closet and your man’s.

It’s official! I am completely obsessed with stripes. I enter my closet and they take over – an entire section filled with stripes. When I saw the Quiksilver Women’s St. Mary Dress, I knew I would be adding it my collection. A perfect set of stripes in a perfect dress!

Jumping the gun on this spring-time dress, I had to think of ways to wear it now.. and then later. With the winter chill I will be pairing it a warm wooly knit cardigan, grey tights and platform lace-up booties. To mix in another color – I will pull on my cranberry colored hat and wrap on a scarf.

When the spring weather rolls around I will be pairing it with a grey boyfriend blazer and nude strappy heels. For a little unsuspecting spice I will pair it with a turquoise bow and cat-eye sunglasses.

I love the stripes both now and later.

With soulful and honest lyrics that come straight from the heart, Quiksilver Woman Leddra Chapman is truly one of the most gifted young songwriters and vocalists in Britain today. Check out the video below of Leddra performing live her song ” Wine Glass” extracted from her debut album ” Telling Tales”.

You can download Leddra’s music for free from http://leddrachapman.quiksilver-women.com  
or else, ” Telling Tales” is also available on Itunes!

Kinda in love with my new Yah Tank from the Quiksilver Women’s Spring Collection. It was the perfect layer for my boyfriend blazer and menswear trousers.

I love that this tank will easily transition into spring, summer and back into fall. I imagine when the weather is perfectly toasty the layers will be shed, and I will be pairing it with my high-waist cut-offs and comfy flats. Until then I have a feeling this little layer will be showing up often.

Last tuesday, Quiksilver Woman Leddra Chapman was invited on This Morning to perform live her song ” Story” !! This young and talented singer songwriter is definitely one of the most hotly tipped music stars of 2010! Check out this amazing live :

Soulful and charming, Quiksilver Woman Charlotte O’Connor has the strenght of the big stars when she is on stage, capable of blowing crowds away with her voice, her personality and her music. Watch out on this raising star and, for now, listen to Charlotte performing live her song ” These arms ”