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

Merry Christmas!

I've left it to the very last minute to talk about the big day, which actually so happens to be tomorrow! I haven't been feeling all that festive this year, and it has definitely taken longer to kick in that last year (christmas music in October!). Despite this, I have been taking part in a few Christmas-esque activities.

I have mentioned in previous posts that I attend Girls Brigade, which is a club very similar to the likes of Girl Guides. They have an annual Christmas production which I normally try to avoid getting a part in. This year, I decided to bite the bullet and join in! I also played the saxophone with the orchestra that I attend in a Christmas concert. It would appear that I suddenly grew some confidence right at the end of 2014!

My local city, Exeter, also did a great job of filling the streets with festive cheer. They hosted a German market on the Cathedral green for the third or fourth year now. There, they sell international foods, christmas ornaments, fur rugs, wooden sculptures, hat, scarves - everything really! It's normally very busy so I didn't get a too thorough look through, but just a wander around get you filled with the festive spirit! I also went to a local Christmas market in a very posh street in Exeter. There was a live band, rides, and lots of food. The scents of mince pies and mulled wine flowed through the street, and it was indeed a very lovely occasion.

As I am a Christian, Christmas means more to me than the presents, games, and even family. I celebrate this glorious time of the year simply because it is Jesus' birthday. It is always a poignant reminder for us of the day all those many years ago, Jesus entered the world as a baby in a manger.

With that said, I am wishing all of you the most wonderful Christmas imaginable. I hope you all receive some lovely gifts, eat some fattening food, and spend hours of fun and laughter with your family. Merry Christmas!

Primark S/S15 Lookbook & Preview Event

As the new fashion season quickly approaches, so the new high-street collections are released. I have said this many times, I am a huge fan of Primark. I can understand many avoid it at all costs, but for the most part its a very affordable shop that can at least guarantee the items to last for a season or two. 

Personally, I have a one rule when shopping in Primark that others may find useful. 1. Avoid statement pieces. A check coat or a sparkly dress, as nice as they are, are probably not the ideal items to be buying from a shop such as Primark. Times and times again I have seen the awkward faces of two passer by's as they walk past each other and notice they are both modelling the same item of clothing. Therefore, for me at least, I avoid anything to long, or patterned. In my opinion, Primark is wonderful for basics, simple staples, jewellery, shoes, pyjamas and lingerie, but for statement 'trendy' pieces, I personally give it a miss. 

The lookbook and styling Primark has released is the best way of figuring out the overall style and trends the store is going for this season. From these four pictures alone, quite a lot is clear. 

Trends:

1. Futuristic Fury

Reflective sunglasses, platform sandals, and holographic prints are going to dress the Primark stores around Britain this season.

2. Oriental Origins

Bright, beautiful, and clashing patterns will also be a repeating trend throughout Primark's next season. Matching two-pieces, caked with a bold and floral print will be one of Primark's more statement pieces being released. 

3. Monochromatic Madness

Although you can't tell from these pictures, from looking at some other photos online, there will be a recurring theme of monochrome, a.e, black and white, possibly grey. Personally, this is the most frequent reoccurring factor in my wardrobe. So, having more monochrome clothes out there, the better!

                                                                                                                                                                              (from primark.com)

Liberty of London

For the past two weeks, I have been watching Series 2, of Liberty of London. I don't watch all that much television, I watch the Apprentice, and a few shows like the Great British Bake Off alike, but other than that, I am rarely glued to the tele. Last year, I tuned in to watch 'Liberty of London', which was series 1, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had no idea that they would make a second series, so when I found out that a second series was soon going to be aired, I immediately set it on record.

Liberty's is a high-class, luxury British gift, fashion, print and interior department store, set in Regent Street, London. It has been equated with elegance and quality ever since it was opened in 1875 by Arthur Liberty. Liberty is often compared to the likes of Harrods and Selfridges, all three seemingly equal in the world of high-end luxury in London.

The tv documentary has been very interesting. I by no means have the money or means to shop at such a wonderful shop, nor do I live in the catchment to even visit it, but nevertheless this show has been somewhat enlightening, even to me who has no relation to this store whatsoever!

Ed Burstell, managing director, plays a big part in this show. Throughout, he is trying to somewhat bring this shop, full of heritage and history, into the 21st century, by adding a contemporary and modern touch. 

As Liberty's has a huge and extensive fashion department with a massive range of modern designers, many of the episodes have a large chunk dedicated to the people and the products in the fashion department at the store. Therefore, this program would be especially interesting to fashion lovers.

Click here to watch the series on demand

5 Trends that are Back for Winter '14

Autumn/Winter 2013 brought us some lovely gems on the runways and on the high street. It was the best winter season for many years in general for the fashion industry. Although I certainly to not always follow the common trends and fads, it is clear to see that a few things have returned to A/W14. 

The cut-out boot was made very popular by high-end fashion house Balenciaga last year with those amazing patent leather boots, pictured above (first). With a product as loved and coveted by many, soon all the high-street shops took the idea and have run with it this year. Topshop, Missguided, and even Primark have made their own versions, all of which are indeed very impressive. 

It goes by many names, such as the polo and roll neck, but the turtle neck has come back again this year, bigger and better than ever! These high-neck garments have always been popular in one era or with one age group from one time to another, and it just so turns out the loved polo neck has hit the highstreets again this winter.

Tartan was probably the most remembered trend of winter last year, and it has returned for sure. Not particularly in the classic red and green print, but definitely in sister-pattern checks and gingham. I've seen many beautiful tartan skirts out and about, therefore, I would have to put them on the list of returning winter trends for AW14!

The fedora, wide-brimmed, and any felt hat in any form has come storming back this year. I am defiantly not a hat person, but I have seen many people rocking these classic hats, especially bloggers, this year after their rise to popularity last year. They're not particularly a winter item exclusively, but are good for the rainy weather here in Britain! 

This rather androgynous jacket, made popular in the late 80's and early 90's, appeared in some luxury's brands AW13campaign last year. This year, nearly every high-street shop has been selling their version, and not just in the mens departments. Check, floral, waterproof, leather - you name it, its out there! I'm sure every one can find their perfect casual jacket in this cool piece. 

Needs

Ladies First: Chanel SS15 Show Review

First and foremost, I must sincerely apologise for my lack of posts. I would say that only now I have got back into the swing of school. But being that it is now half-term, I hope to be posting a few more things during this week.

The fashion weeks are long over now, but the shows and the clothes have not left our memories. Of the four prominent fashion weeks, Paris is my favourite. I feel they Paris is still the fashion capital, and despite being English, I think the Parisian's have a slight edge on the Londoners. The most looked forward to show of maybe even the whole fashion month, was Chanel's show. Chanel is without a doubt the most famous brand in high-end luxury fashion, always conveying an image of elegance, forward thinking, yet overshadowed with heritage.

Chanel's ss15 show completely and utterly blew me, and I'm sure the majority of the fashionista's all over the world, out of the water. This show, to me, will stick out in the memory for years to come. I thought Chanel's aw14 show was amazing, but this was something else.

The first aspect of the show I will talk about is the layout. They had made the Grand Pailais, Paris, look like a Parisian Avenue, decking it with huge theatres sets looking like houses and the floor was made to look like a road. Chanel, as always, paid immense attention to even the smallest of things to make this look realistic, even going to the extremes of making puddles on the pavement. To add to this marvel, the building it is in is lovely enough as it is. Combined, made one the most beautiful yet extravagant fashion show sets I've ever seen.

The second thing I will talk about, is of course the reason we are here, the clothes. The models were decked out in slouchy suit made of colourful and garish tweed of browns, lilacs, pinks and reds, with the appearance of some grey and green. The outfits came across mismashed, but in the best possible way to say the least. They were casual and quirky, while still holding the couture ambiance Chanel radiate.

It was coloursful and gordy to say the least, but presented in such a laid back and fun way, that itstill pulled of a certain amount of charm.

As the clothes are normally my favourite part of a show, I would leave it for last, but this was not the case this time.  The presentation, layout and thought process impressed me more than the clothes in this show ever will. The show was based around the feminist movement, promoting of equality of both genders and abolishing typical women stereotyping.

The show started off quite differently to most shows. The model arrangement was scattered, and casual; models walking down casually talking to the model beside them. After that, the models walked down in bigger groups, and I think it was then that the audience realised something big was going to happen. Then, the grand finale: the final walk.

All the models came storming through this mock Parasian street, bearing sign's of feminist slogans like 'Ladies First' and 'History is Her Story'. The few of the models, such as Cara Delivinge held loud speakers while shouting: this was a protest, in the most brilliant way.

Fashion can come across a quite a shallow and vain thing, therefore, I absolutely when socialism, human rights and politics comes into it. Being a feminist myself, I loved this show because of the core ethics behind this show.

Feminist or not, I think everyone can appreciate this show as being unique, empowering, and a breath of fresh air from the everyday fashion show.

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. 

B&W WINTER

B&W WINTER by hopes-and-fears on polyvore.com

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.