New-Years Outfit Ideas

Wearing a jumpsuit or a playsuit/romper is a chic alternative to a dress or skirt. If you are going to a party where you will be moving a lot, dancing, or maybe a small amount of time outside, the trouser or short outfit could be a more comfortable and practical choice. Dancing for a few hours while making sure you're not pulling a Monroe, no thanks! 

White and silver is the perfect colour combo around the new year period. If there is one time of the year where you should be able to crack out the the sparkles, glitter and shiny goods, this is it! A spaghetti strap bralet is elegant while showing a bit of skin, and a flared skirt keeps it young and playful. This outfit above needs to be decked with silver accessories to really bring out the new year spirit!

If looking chic is not the style you were going for, this outfit is a good one to play with. The floral two piece allows for lots of different shades to be used without looking to trashy. Picky black shoes is a safe option with a statement lip and clutch. If standing out is your goal, you should love this outfit! Although I don't think I could pull this one off successfully, I know some who could! 

Christmas Presents 2014

1. #GIRLBOSS  2. How to be Parisian  3. The Sartorialist  (all from Amazon)

1/2. Boots Extracts  2. Loreal Paris Night Beauty Box  3. (brandless) Foot Products

1. H&M Shiny Pouch 

1. High Brow  2. Next Perfume (sparkle)

1. Chilly Millie  2. Azure Skies  3. Daisy Roots  (all from Bomb Cosmetics)

1. Primark  2. New Look

1. New Look

1. Terrys  2. Hotel Chocolat  3. Toblerone

September Favourites

1. Topshop  2.Rag and Bone  3.Vintage  4. Monki

1. Iosselliani  2.Topshop  3. Madewell  4.Skagen

Kindle Fire HD (2013)

As I said in my previous post about the lovely gifts I received for my birthday, my main gift was a Kindle Fire. I never ever thought I'd be the kind to buy want a tablet, let alone a Kindle, but I am most definitely converted! If you want a versatile tablet such as the iPad but want something more affordable, I'd recommend this brilliant item. 

       The Body Shop's Warming Mineral Face Mask

      If I am not mistaken, a few months I featured a Superdrug face mask in
      my favourites. All I can say, is that one has been thrown out the 
      window. This one is all together much gentler, kinder and 
      better for those with more sensitive skin. The consistency can be a bit
      unpredictable, but the mask itself is brilliant. It leaves my skin feeling 
      refreshed and extremely soft. Plus, being of such a reputable brand, 
      it's all natural. 

What I got for my Birthday 2014

So a few weeks ago, I turned 15 years old. I know that I am still young, very young in fact. But that prospect is somewhat scary I must admit. It feels like yesterday that I started high school, now I'm nearing the end. I am typically a worrier, who spends most thought-energy on the future, school and getting good scores and results. But nevertheless, despite my worries and concerns, I had a very lovely day. Unfortunately, the 18th of September fell on a school day, but after that I went out for a meal with my three closest friends, and watched 'If I Stay' at the cinema. The movie was overall good and well made, but nothing outstanding. The storyline was very weak. I received some lovely presents from my friends and family, lots of money, vouchers and random presents that I have no need to write about here, but also some great books and stuff that I wanted to share and sort of review for you.

Kindle Fire HD 7'' (32gb)

I am far from a gadget person. I do not have the latest iPhone, nor do I have a device for everything task in my life. After using my families iPad for years, I decided a tablet of my own would be most useful. And since the iPad for example, if long out of my price range, I  asked for something a little cheaper. In the end, a Kindle Fire. This was only £119.00, which I thought was so very cheap, I didn't expect all that much versatility with this tablet: I was wrong. Not only did this impress me, it wiped my old iPad off the floor completely. I'm thinking of doing a full page review on this Kindle since I was so impressed. And the value for money, don't even get me started. 

 Book - Berlin Street Style  (Angelika Taschen)

  After reading the highly successful and widly reviewed Paris   Street Style, I had to get my hands on this book as soon as it

  came out. I am slightly confused, as both books have the 

  same format, and extremely similar design. Yet by

  completely different people? I must admit, I have not yet read

  this book, but after having a few flicks through, it does look

  like one great book that I can't wait to read in the near future.

Book - Influence (Mary Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen)

This is quite an old book now, being published in 2008. I bought this because not only am I a huge fan on fashion house The Row, but I have grown up watching Mary Kate and Ashley on my television screen. The book is basically filled with pictures and interviews with and of people who inspire them - e.g Karl Lagerfeld, Terry Richardson, ect. Again, I have not read it as of yet, but looking through, it looks like an editorial masterpiece; the format, the layout and the choice of pictures and spreads were all very on point. Cannot wait to read it in depth.  

Book - The Fashion Book (Phaidon)

So this is basically one of the core books in the fashion and art genre. How I didn't own this before hand, I don't know. It is practically a fashion dictionary, giving you just the basic information about designers, brands and pieces. I would call this book a must for any fashion student, or lover alike. A much need reference book, with all the important fashion-related information in once place. Although I got the mini/pocket edition, there is a full size version which I didn't pick up, purely for the money side of things. But, in conclusion, a really great book. 

Book- Hello My Name is Paul Smith

Being a massive Paul Smith fan, I had to get this book. Paul Smith is definitely up there with being one of my all time favourite designers, not just because of his style genius, but because of him as a person. This book is basically a fun through about all his favourite things and how he got to where he is today. Unfortunately, my book came damaged, so I am currently waiting for a replacement. But, I am very much looking forward to reading this book in its entirety. 

August Favourites

1.Butter 2.Essie 3.Deborah Lippmann 4. NCLA

1. Fashion Union  2. Boohoo  3. Boohoo  4. American Apparel

RoC Renewex Microdermasbrasion Expert Kit 

Unfortunately, it is reasonably pointless for me to be writing about this product as the company has been discontinued. To cut a long story short, this was a unwanted gift for my mum many years ago, and only now have I started using it. It is very similar to other products similar, so despite the high price range, I have noticed a huge change in my skin, and I think it's worth the money.

Bary M Nail Polishes 

This month, I bought my second Barry M Nail Polish. I bought it in the colour Mint Green (left). It is a good consistency, good brush, and a good price. I recommend this brand for affordable nail colours with a huge range of colours and textures.

Pre-Fashion Week Thoughts

Fashion week(s) is technically the biggest and most crucial part of the year for designers, bloggers, fashion photographers, and fashion spectators alike. Its where designers eventually show their collections which they have been working on for months, and finally find out what the industry thinks. It's when bloggers are eagerly watching in real life or online for the shows, and are writing reviews on their blogs and social media. It's when fashion photographers wait outside shows for models and famous watchers to take a quick snap of their outfits, and it's when the whole fashion industry, from every corner of the planet are united in watching the next season's collections. 

Fashion week isn't popular with everyone, however. Many people think it is a very vain, put-on time of the year when a lot of people gather to watch meaningless drivel - but high fashion is rarely favoured by the outside world anyway.

New York  

This Thursday, which is the 4th September 2014, New York Fashion Week starts off with a Nicholas K show. And so follows a whole eight days of shows, presentations, meet and greets, and backstage parties. New York has a few shows which I am excited for, but not half as many as London and Paris, but of course that is personal preference. The few shows in which I look forward to coming out are Lacoste, DKNY's, and a couple smaller brands such as Tome and VivienneTam. 

London 

London Fashion Week which starts on Friday, September 12th, is only five days long. The 'week' is kicked off by J.JS Lee's show at 10:00 am that Friday morning. I have high hopes for London, as on the Sunday (14th) has some very strong shows which I can't wait for, such as: Mulberry, Topshop Unique, Paul Smith, Margaret Howell  as well as the big name Vivienne Westword, and some smaller shows such as Toga, David Koma and Belstaff. I think this could be a big one, so keep your eyes peeled. 

Milan 

Milan out of the big 4, has to be my least favourite. Despite this, I will not go in pessimistically. Milan's fashion week which starts on the 17th of September until the 22nd, has a few big headline runners. I can't say there are even any shows which I am anxiously champing at the bit to see, but I'm sure they will pull it out of the bag, as per usual. 

Paris 

Because Paris for some reason still is 'home' for haute couture in my eyes, this is my favourite show which I genuinely cannot wait for. Paris Fashion Week which starts on Tuesday 23rd right up until the 1st of October, has some huge names showing, as usual. Celine, Dries Van Noten, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Sain Laurent, Stella McCartney, Lavin, and the list goes on and on. I am indeed most excited for Paris, and I reckon we are going to have some simply amazing shows this year.

So here we have, a month jam packed with fashion in all its fullness. I think this year is going to be simply stunning, but when is it not? I will write a review in a months time. Here goes. 

Zipped Up - Flavia La Rocca ''The Folded Looks

Reversible, interchangeable, and transforming fashion can sometimes be a gimmick; old and borderline naff. This is what I thought until I found a designer called Flavia La Rocca who's collection of 'zippable' fashion called 'The Folded Looks' caught my eye. The concept itself is hard to put into words, but this video of the collection makes it all that much easier to understand.

Flavia's core principle is to create clothes that can take the everyday woman from day to night through the use of multiple hidden zips within a garment. This could be very clunky, but this collection is completely seamless. The process and versatility of these pieces is flawless and genius; I can't believe no-one has not attempted to succeed in the 'interchangeable fashion' as well as Flavia beforehand. 

The way the pieces, bands, strips and pleats are all made mean it is completely down to you on what you can great. For example, with the same three garments, you can make many different items. You can change the length, the hem, the straps, meaning the you can choose exactly what sort of dress, playsuit, jumpsuit, top or skirt you want; the possibilities are endless.

The items of clothing themselves are very simple and minimalist. But the hidden complexity and depth within the capabilities of what a one dress could be - means it is completely and utterly unique despite the somewhat vague colour range. And if you are a colour fanatic, be not downcast - Flavia has brought out many other collections with the same concept with vast colour and pattern variations. 

In conclusion, Flavia La Rocca has a very unique and genius idea, which she has fulfilled seamlessly. To see more collections from Flavialarocca, here are her links:

Website • Wowcracy • Instagram • Twitter 

Primark Autumn/Winter 2014

It is nearing the end of August now, which means as soon as September comes, most of the high-street shops if not already, will be supplied with all the new autumn/winter stock.  Not all that many everyday fashion shops show their new stock until it's official release, or at a press day; especially not online. But Primark have gone above and beyond, and have released the official AW14 campaign on the web.  

Primark has a very shaky reputation. Especially after the recent bad press about the manufacture's working conditions after a worker sewed a message into a garment pleading for help. Although I believe they are working on the matter, I am here to talk purely about the clothes.

The SS14 had some very strong pieces which were extremely affordable and 'non-primarky', although as normal there were quite a few naff pieces which are still in store now, trying to be flogged for a quid or two.

This AW14 collection looks too, like it has quite a few strong pieces, especially in the shoe and outerwear departments. Here are a few pictures of Primark's newest collection.

This fluffy coat above has to be my favourite item of the whole range. It is a direct copy of Topshop's Tea Pea coat which was extremely popular last year. 

The whole collection has some very good individual items which are very impressive within itself, although in my opinion, the collection lacked unity and togetherness. The styling in the photos has many weaknesses, although quite a lot of the clothes were nice.

Quality is often the most common problem with Primark's clothing, which is completely understandable considering the cost of the clothes to make. Although, sometimes, the quality can be too low to even be worth buying. Its hard to tell if these clothes in the pictures are good quality, the only way you can really tell is when they come in store and see them for yourself.

Overall, this collection has some strengths and weaknesses'. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

July Favourites

1. Etsy  2. Asos  3.Asos  4. Topshop

1. Opening Ceremony  2.Shark  3.Asos  4.DKNY

Superdrug's own De-Stressing Aloe Vera Mud Mask

I have by no means got acne, but I do get breakouts quite frequently. I thought it would be a good idea to buy a face mask to eliminate my breakouts. I bought this mud mask from Superdrug, and my feelings toward has changed with use. The first time I wore it, I kept it on for tha amount of time instructed, and after only five minutes, my face was burning. When I took it off after 15 full minutes, my skin was left red, sore, and extremely warm. I decided I must have kept it on too long. Next time I used it, I kept it on for only 5 minutes, and my skin was left feeling very soft and clear. This is a good product, but is obviously very strong, so if you buy it, take this into consideration.


Scheckter's Organic Energy Drink

I think this must be the first edible thing I have included in my favourites, as I am by no means a food or drink expert. The energy drink market is obviously very popular, but most of the drinks available are filled with horrid chemicals and a common animal product Taurine. This energy drink is completely different to all in its category, as it is 100% organic, natural, and vegan. It labels itself as 'berry flavour', when to me its taste is primarily pomegranate. You can find this is most supermarkets and health stores, as well as Boots which is where I found it.