Sunday 1 December 2013

Christmas stocking fillers that won't break your budget

With Christmas just a few weeks away, the Christmas rush can be somewhat overwhelming. I have included a few of my favourite Christmas stocking fillers to help you out this season:




14 pc Nail Cube - £15.00 from ELF
The ultimate gift for any nail polish enthusiast! The Nail Cube features 14 nail polish colours in rich jewel tones, brights, neutrals and glitter top coats. Perfect to create trendy manicures this season.






Soap and Glory Limited Edition A Great Kisser Peppermint - £5.00 from Boots
Another reason to smile this season. Soap and Glory peppermint flavor lip balm will protect and moisturize lips. Get the mistletoe at the ready.





Father Christmas bath bomb - £3.25 each from Lush
Ho, ho, ho!  Father Christmas is back, and this year he's a delicate pinky white. A bath that gives you all the colours and smells of Christmas, with mandarin oil and orange flower absolute. 





Hair of the Dog book, £10 from Topman
Christmas is a time of good cheer. But for those days when you’ve had too much ‘cheer’, this book is all you need to make yourself feel human again

Sunday 3 November 2013

Interview with Buffalo Boutique


I have always been a firm supporter of Independent vintage stores and Buffalo Boutique provides a great platform for Cardiff vintage sellers to network. So it comes as no surprise that I was front in line to help out. Be it DJing their events, or modelling, or even helping stall owners set up for the evening, Buffalo Boutique is one event that remains a passion of mine. 





Buffalo Boutique is just one of Cardiff’s student friendly fashion events that allows students and fashion-minded people come together to revamp their style. Out with the old and in with the vintage…

I spoke to Kay Russant of Buffalo Boutique about smart tailoring, independent brands and the Cardiff fashion community.


Firstly, Kay, tell me a little bit about yourself?
I do a bit of freelance marketing in events for fashion in Cardiff. I’ve done stuff for CFW and CFQ. But I’ve done loads of bits and pieces; working with BB we’ve worked with Puma, UO and Topshop – just advertising their brands and bringing it to students I guess.

What was your reason behind starting BB?
We wanted to offer a late night shopping event where you could come to socialise, drink and find a bargain. We encourage our sellers to keep prices low and suggest stock ideas so that they can tailor to current trends. We also wanted to give new brands a chance to get themselves out there too!

How do you find the designers and stall holders who showcase at BB? (Do you scout them, or do they come to you)
Its a mix, we get a lot of people emailing us after coming to a previous event, or a friend suggesting it to them. I spend a lot of time scouring Etsy, ASOS marketplace, facebook looking for new designers or vintage sellers to refresh stock every month and keep building the BB network.

It is very difficult to succeed as an independent shop, especially with corporate shops still smothering the high street. However there have been signs of independent labels becoming popular. What is the future for independent shops, in your view?
Independent shopping has been very popular recently, with shoppers desperate to find something unique and different. The bigger shops are also trying to get a slice of this market, with Urban Outfitters having their own vintage (renewal) range, and Topshop has also been opening their doors to new independent brands in their concessions.
Being an independent its all about community and working together, we all club together to help each other out and to get as many people involved to help spread the word. That’s what makes things like BS8 in Bristol and CFQ in Cardiff successful.

How do you think BB has helped to showcase aspiring designers and stalls? (giving them publicity, networking, etc?)
I’d like to think that we have given them a platform to introduce themselves to the Cardiff fashion community. We get a lot of bloggers at the event who we encourage to talk to our sellers and to get involved, as well as all the shoppers who are desperate for something new. We promote everything online too, which has been really helpful with some of our custom sellers like Mati Stuff who does most of their work online.

Are there any independent brands we should keep an eye out next year?
I love These Folk, who do fun t-shirt prints with cats, beards and Mean Girls quotes. They have expanded to crops for the summer and hoodies for the fall, we’re super excited to see what’s going to come next from them. I should also mention that we also have some amazing artists who sell prints too, including Reunited Designs who do intricate patterns and bespoke designs.

What do you think about Cardiff fashion, what is a statement Welsh style?
I think the preppy style in quite Welsh – I’ve got my dungaree dresses and cant get enough of it. A lot of girls have beautifully collared shirts and the structured tailoring is a very nice ‘Cardiff’ fashion.

What lies ahead for BB? Any events we should pencil into our diaries?
The next event is on the 25th November which will be a Movember special, with a focus on menswear (as well as all the usual ace stalls for us girls!). The last one of the year is on the 9th December, where you will be able to pick up tons of great Christmas gift ideas for £20 or less.


Tuesday 29 October 2013

Halloween makeup ideas


The pumpkins are ripe and the ghouls are out; its Halloween and am here to inspire your alter ego. Whether you are staying in watching Hocus Pocus, or are invited to a themed party, Halloween is a chance for you to leave the comforts of your make-up bag and experiment in some weird and creative designs.
These are a few of my favourite looks for this Halloween:
 The Cat:
A costume that has been in our halloween reserve for years. It is a look that has grown with us over time, whether it is dragging our tail along the ground as a child, or donning sexy lycra in a Hallie Berry-esque catsuit in the Ice room of Oceana. Simple make-up if you’re handy with eyeliner. Finish the look with bold lips. Meow.
photo 3
The Day of the Dead: 
Creating beautiful works of art on your face has become a recent craze for Halloween, and one that is growing in creativity and expression. The sugar skull incorporates floral designs, love hearts and spider webs in bright colours and bold outlines. This is a very intricate design that needs a great deal of practice, but once mastered, looks great! Add a pair of false eyelashes to make this look ultra fab. Dia de los muertos
littlemakeupface com
The Black Swan:
Natalie Portman’s sinister ballerina has been a firm favourite for girls who opt for preen and polished over flesh covered monsters. This look is easy to creative with a white wash and statement eye make up.
I spoke to Jenna Moreton, independent Cardiff MUA on how she created this look using:
Face:               stargazer liquid foundation – white
Contour:        grey eyeshadow from h&m quad
Eyes:               George 24 hour felt tip liner – black
George liquid eyeliner – silver
Bourjois intense – charcoal black
Barry M dazzle dust – crystal blue
Lips:               limecrime – poisonberry with black pencil eyeliner in sides
photo 4

Friday 25 October 2013

It's fasercise, baby

Adidas Originals x Stella McCartney SS14

After cladding out the GB Team for the London 2012 Olympics, Stella McCartney and Adidas have returned for another, perhaps unconventional collaboration. This time it is not McCartney’s lack of ‘Britishness’ that has caused up a stir, but her choice of runway. McCartney opted for a less conventional means of showcasing her Adidas collection, using aerial yoga, synchronised swimming, a spinning class and dance class – showing the collection just how it’s meant to be: in action. McCartney also made it imperative that this collective was to be presented authentically, using real athletes over the usual runway frames that are spotted at LFW.  

McCartney is also a firm believer of minimal waste. Her choice of eco-friendly materials and low waste commitment made this inspiring collection flattering for health enthusiasts and for the environment.
Stella image
The collection features two big trends for SS14; Urban, bright prints as showcased in the running and cycling range and soft pastels for the studio and yoga sessions. This is a mix n’ match collection making it universal and versatile for wearers.
As for shoes, SS14 sees a completely new model – the Primeknit Running shoe – a revolutionary digital knitting technology to create a seamless one-piece upper.
Stella image 2
The collection lands in stores and online from January 2014. Just in time for those post-Christmas gym rituals.
If you can’t wait that long, check out the Stella McCartney for Adidas SS14 collection for yourself

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Crop it like its hot



I've fallen madly in love with the Topshop range of printed midi skirts and crops!

These flashes of all over colour are flattering for those curvier figures, with a stylish 50s edge - I mean that sexy Brigitte Bardot thing..

Its like a sweet shop of colour where you can clash prints or, as I chose, stick to the classic mono-print. These beautiful (and affordable) pieces are my summer must haves.

You can dress down the look with a pair of jeans or slouchy top, or be fit for a night of dancing with just a pair of statement heels and badass attitude.

***

Crop tops have been a big thing this spring and Topshop have been on point everytime providing basic and
fun prints to flaunt that bit of midrif in a classic manner. If you are looking for fun festival gear, look no further than the basic Topshop crops range - Pretty and practical in every way.






Friday 5 April 2013

Tattoos4Shoes




Oliver Sweeney was founded in 1989, and has since developed as one of Britain's leading fashion designers. The Oliver Sweeney shoe brand incorporates original handcrafted workmanship with natural modern flair. The brand speaks for your foot rather than following short-lived fashion trends, and has developed a shoe that is of high class, comfort and unavoidable authentic quality. 

I love the Oliver Sweeney brogue range, with a mix of traditional colours and patterns, as well as more elaborate and colourful designs. Each with their own custom personality and sharp attention to detail. 





The latest venture to pass through the Sweeney offices is the 'Sweeney Shoe Tattoo'. This innovative idea has truly set Oliver Sweeney above any other shoemaker. The impeccable care and detail that is put into each design makes each shoe special to its owner.

Since it's first feature in London's Selfridges, the Sweeney Shoe Tattoo has caused huge excitement in the shoe industry with customers wanting that special design, this really takes designer feet to the next level. 

The photo below is a custom design made for Gary Barlow during his X-Factor appearance last year, showing just what this brand can accomplish:


For more information about the Sweeney Shoe Tattoo and to submit your own requests, simple email designs to: shoetattoo@oliversweeney.com 

Sunday 31 March 2013

Sex sells...



Nothing makes a fashion statement quite like a little bit of controversy but have couture house, Louis Vuitton bitten off more than they can chew with this 2013 A/W fall campaign?

Louis Vuitton have been accused by various politicians and feminists for glamorising prostitution in a seductive four minute feature film directed by James Lima, featuring leading British fashion models, Cara Delevingne, Georgia May Jagger and Kate Moss. The models are filmed on Paris street corners, getting into anonymous cars and on a catwalk built like a hotel corridor.

Love Magazine, a famous British fashion magazine are responsible for the styling and overall direction of this campaign, however it seems Louis Vuitton's artistic director, Marc Jacobs was left more than embarrassed after his catwalk show features intermittently with the provocative scenes.

The campaign is very sexy, with the models wearing little more than cropped black hair styles, however I still believe there is a strong distinction between couture fashion and promoting female trafficking. To say that the fashion house is degrading of women in this sexual exploitation - what has come to be known as 'prostitution chic', is frankly hypocritical of the fashion industry as a whole. Fashion is an exploitation. Whether it is as overtly sexualised as this campaign suggests, any fashion catwalk marks the female as an object of gaze. The storyline is a sultry portrayal of women but does not go as far as to promote sexual violence and female trafficking.

The artistic directors were obviously not blind to the backlash they would receive when they published this campaign, however fashion needs to be make a statement. Fashion talks, after all.

You can watch the campaign below;

Saturday 16 March 2013

Deluxe-Tux



It was the Annual Cardiff University Student Election Results last night and after a long week of campaigning in ridiculous costume we could finally dress up and show off.

The dress code was Black tie, so ladies pranced around in their ball gowns and the men donned their finest tux.

I opted for a feminine twist to the classic tux with this vintage jumpsuit - nipped in with an oversized belt, the contrast between the delicate lace and exaggerated 80s shoulders made this monochrome number fit for the red carpet.

I bought this little treasure from Rock-ola Reborn, a new vintage boutique situated in the ever fashionable Cardiff Fashion Quarter.

Link to the Rock-ola Reborn website below:


This small chest of vintage delights houses all sorts of 80s glamour, so if you are a fan of brightly coloured shell suits and an array of patterned dungarees then you'll love it !! The owners are fun and friendly and always willing to give you style advice - I have become a strict follower of the Rock-ola reborn brand; its cool, cute, but at the same time, completely badass !

I think special attention needs to be given to the Cardiff Fashion Quarter so expect a special post in the next few days....

Wednesday 13 March 2013

Inside CHANEL - the Jacket


A side note on yesterdays post...


The jacket has become the cornerstone of contemporary fashion, and no one knows jackets quite like CHANEL.

"There are things in fashion that will never go out of style; jeans, a white shirt and a Chanel jacket" - Karl Langerfeld

Monday 11 March 2013

Blue Crush



Despite the sudden cold snap, spring has most definitely sprung, and with that so too has my spring wardrobe. 
A beautiful season with a splash of fresh colour and exotic prints. 

After my recent post I was asked to give a run down of this outfit, so here it is:

Playsuit: Urban Outfitters
Jacket: Vintage
Bag: Thrifted
Socks: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Online


I love this jacket with its elegant lace and beautiful bright buttons. I found this gem as part of a skirt suit two piece in a small vintage boutique in Paris' Latin quarter. A very special purchase, made even more special after I managed to haggle another 20 euros off the asking price. With my French being limited to 'Bonjour' and 'Ca Va', I was impressed !

A jacket should be a staple item in any spring wardrobe - especially with how unpredictable the British weather can be.. 

Make a light jacket your investment this season. 

Saturday 2 March 2013

Alice Cahill



As it was St. Davids day yesterday I thought it would be appropriate to dedicate a post to Welsh fashion - looking closely at Alice Cahill's Spring/Summer collection.






Alice Cahill offers one off designs which are designed and produced straight from her Tenby studio. After graduating from Leeds College of Art and Design, Alice interned with fashion pioneer, Betty Jackson. During this experience she has definitely developed a signature design, using sweeping curves to create a truly feminine silhouette. 

Alice makes unique, couture garments with an Art Nouveau edge and sources fabrics only from the UK - making these garments very personalised and fabulously unique. She also delves into casual wear, allowing you to look different from day into night. 

The gorgeous gold and royal blue dress shown above collaborates victorian feminine and contemporary flare with a fitted bodice and shapely skirt. 

Alice has already had exhibitions with Welsh Designers group and at the Clothes Show Live at NEC, Birmingham with more ideas and collaborations in her fashion notebook.

You can visit Alice's Boutique in Tenby to discover the beautiful gems from this famously Welsh seaside landscape, Visit:

1, St. Julian Street,
Tenby,
Pembrokeshire,
SA70 7AY

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus x

Monday 25 February 2013

Se-queen



I celebrated a friends 21st birthday last night and so opted for a spring look in an attempt to shrug my winter blues. Despite its block colour, there is a lot of detail in this crochet maxi so I decided to keep my hair, make-up and accessories to a minimum. The shorter underdress adds sass to this elegant piece and makes this a perfect look for a private party or function. Teamed with killer salmon sequinned wedges - the subtle colouring complimented the far from subtle sequinning. 


Dress: Chelsea Girl by River Island
Shoes: Carvela
Bag: Thrifted