Why Fashion Needs Honest Voices - & Why Tellar Will Never Have Paywalls or Sponsors

Fashion needs honest voices because without them, we're left drowning in a sea of paid partnerships, affiliate-driven recommendations, and content designed to sell rather than serve. I've been in this industry long enough to watch the shift from genuine advice to carefully curated "must-haves" that conveniently link to sponsored products. And frankly, it's exhausting for everyone involved.

The Problem with Paid Partnerships

Let me be brutally honest: the moment a brand pays a stylist, influencer, or publication, the integrity of that recommendation becomes compromised. Not always intentionally, mind you. But when your income depends on maintaining relationships with brands, you're far less likely to tell readers that Zara's latest trouser fit runs small and gapes at the waist, or that Mango's knitwear pills after three wears despite the hefty price tag.

I've watched talented stylists I respect become walking billboards, their feeds transformed into shopping catalogues. The problem isn't that they're earning money—we all need to pay rent. The problem is that readers can no longer distinguish between genuine recommendations and paid promotions, even with the requisite #ad hashtags. When everything is sponsored, nothing is trustworthy.

Why Authenticity Matters More Than Ever

Today's shoppers are savvier than ever. We've been burnt by overhyped launches, disappointing quality, and sizing inconsistencies across brands. When I recommend COS (known for minimalist design and considered construction) or Whistles (the go-to for modern, wearable pieces with a premium feel at mid-range prices), I want you to trust that I'm saying it because these brands genuinely deliver, not because they've slipped me a commission.

The same goes for high street staples like H&M (accessible basics with trend-led pieces) and M&S (reliable quality and excellent for workwear). These brands have earned their reputations through consistent performance, not marketing budgets. But you'd be hard-pressed to find honest assessments of their weaknesses in sponsored content.

The Paywall Problem

Paywalls create a different but equally frustrating barrier. Quality fashion advice shouldn't be a luxury available only to those who can afford £9.99 monthly subscriptions. When styling knowledge sits behind paywalls, we're essentially gatekeeping information that could help someone find their perfect pair of jeans or understand which jacket silhouette flatters their body shape.

I understand why publications resort to paywalls—journalism costs money. But fashion advice isn't investigative reporting requiring months of research. It's expertise that should be freely shared, because everyone deserves to feel confident in what they wear, regardless of their bank balance.

What Honest Fashion Advice Actually Looks Like

Real fashion advice tells you when Reiss (sophisticated tailoring with contemporary cuts, though pricier than typical high street) does an exceptional blazer but their denim misses the mark. It admits when Jigsaw (quality fabrics and timeless designs, though sometimes safe) isn't the most exciting brand but absolutely nails the basics you'll wear for years.

Honest voices discuss independent brands like Beaumont Organic (sustainable, organic cotton basics with impeccable ethics and a cult following) and Kitri Studio (fresh, London-based label creating joyful, feminine pieces with excellent attention to detail). These smaller brands often deliver better value and unique design than their high street counterparts, but they're rarely featured in sponsored content because they can't afford the advertising budgets.

It's about acknowledging that ASOS (vast range catering to every style and budget, though quality varies wildly) is brilliant for trend experimentation but perhaps not your forever wardrobe, whilst Me&Em (premium contemporary pieces with thoughtful design details and flattering fits) delivers investment pieces that justify their premium pricing.

Finding Trustworthy Recommendations

So how do you navigate this minefield? Look for content that discusses both pros and cons. Genuine stylists will tell you that whilst All Saints (rock-chic aesthetic with excellent leather and denim, though sizing can be unpredictable) does incredible leather jackets, their knitwear doesn't always wash well. They'll mention that Anthropologie (eclectic, bohemian-luxe pieces with beautiful details, American brand with UK presence) creates beautiful, unique pieces but runs expensive for what you get.

Independent voices like Lavender Hill Clothing (British brand specialising in linen pieces with relaxed, effortless silhouettes) deserve more attention precisely because they're not paying for it. They're building reputations through quality and word-of-mouth, the old-fashioned way.

Why I'll Never Accept Sponsorship

Which brings me to my personal pledge: I will never accept brand sponsorship, affiliate payments, or allow paywalls to restrict this content. Why? Because the moment I do, I lose the ability to tell you the truth. I can't honestly assess Boden (classic British style with cheerful prints, excellent for families) if they're funding my content. I can't objectively compare high street options if some are paying whilst others aren't.

My loyalty is to you, the reader trying to navigate an overwhelming marketplace. You deserve recommendations based solely on quality, fit, value, and style—not on who's got the deepest pockets or the most persuasive PR team.

This Is Why Tellar.co.uk Exists

I created Tellar specifically to be the antidote to sponsored fashion content. We're the UK's leading sizing tool combined with an honest fashion hub that will never, ever be influenced by brand partnerships or hidden behind paywalls.

How Tellar Works

1. Measure OnceSimply input your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or use your existing size from a brand you already know fits well. That's it. One measurement session that works across every brand we cover.

2. Use Our Store Size Lookup ToolGet your precise size in over 1,500 brands instantly—from high street heroes to designer labels. Never wonder if you're a size 12 in one brand and a 16 in another. Our Store Size Lookup tool takes the guesswork out completely. No more studying size guides or gambling on fit.

3. Always Free, No Downloads NeededEverything works directly in your browser. No apps to download, no subscriptions to buy, no catch whatsoever. We believe sizing information should be free for everyone.

The Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, our Fashion Hub is stacked with free posts from experienced stylists covering every fashion query you've ever had. Want to know the best jean trends for 2026? Need help navigating the ultimate guide to dresses and where to shop? Confused about which jacket styles suit your body shape?

We've got you covered with honest, unbiased, independent advice. Always free. No sponsors. No agenda. Just genuine expertise aimed at helping you look and feel brilliant in whatever you choose to wear.

Because that's what fashion advice should be: helpful, accessible, and honest. And if we need to say no to brand money to maintain that integrity, that's a trade-off I'll make every single time.

Ready to never look at a size guide again? Start with our Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide and discover how different sizing really can be.