Review: Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation

It promises to even your skin tone after 3 weeks. 
3 Weeks Later... I see no drastic improvement. I wasn't sold on its promises and its low coverage. Especially compared to my previous foundation of Max Factor Facefinity All Day Flawless 3 in 1 Foundation. Also, note the Gossip Girl, totally watching it all over again and getting engrossed in every second. Chuck & Blair, Wahhhh. Why can't this be my life?!

As you know I work for Secret d'Or, 

so I wanted to share with you our Style Unlocked magazine.
http://www.secretdor.com/magazine 

  

And they are hosting a spectacular giveaway, with Flor Amazona: 

http://www.secretdor.com/win/

Unfortunately I can't enter but feel free to win £300+ worth of jewellery!

Skirt Moment

Crinkled Skirt

I saw this skirt in h&m and decided it was time for me 

to back away from my dress comfort zone.

It's a little longer on me than the model, 

so a petite version would have been great.

Understated Opulence

Sorry for the lack of posts, I'm happy to say I have finally FINISHED my University degree with a crazy two weeks of deadlines. It is so surreal and I'm not quite sure it's kicked in yet.

I thought this would be a great time to show you my latest photo shoot at Bar Maroc in Huddersfield. A real intimate setting with Moroccan settings creating a stylish cool place to hang out, share cocktails and snack on pizzas or crepes.

Shooting again with the amazing Nicole Jopek was fun and this time we created a glossy editorial. For the styling I was given a brief of a ladylike style in the form of suit trousers, sheer blouses and midi dresses in vibrant colours combined with a Middle Eastern twist in the form of statement jewellery which gives a sophisticated finish.

The beautiful make up was by Aisha Queeum and the model, Justina Gunina was just so stunning with a polished look which suited the clothes perfectly. Hopefully this shoot will inspire you to create some stylish outfits from a handful of high street stores.

Sheer White Blouse by H&M

Trouser and Clutch by River Island

Navy Blouse and Trousers by H&M

Coral Blouse by Matalan

Pink Trousers by H&M

White Blazer by H&M

Embellished Top by Topshop

Trousers by Matalan

Graphic Dress by ASOS

Black Midi Dress by ASOS

White Blazer by H&M

Trousers by Matalan

Graphic Dress by ASOS

All Jewellery from Asian Markets and Photographer's Friends

STYLING

 

This was a magazine project for final year,

a location shoot we created.
All the clothes were sourced from

Magic Vintage, who have some amazing pieces!

It was shot beautifully by Nicole Jopek

And our group member, Laura Mann is the stunning model featured.

It's one of my favourite shoots that I'm really proud of.
Especially when myself and Johanna Bras did the hair and makeup ourselves and poor Laura had lovely Vaseline hair for a few days after. We all worked really hard and it seemed to pay off.
 

 

 

 

Now I know alot of people are in the midst of their university meetings and decisions, here's abit of a helpful example of my course in final year.

I study BA (Hons) Fashion Communication and Promotion, and it is a relief it is nearly at it's end. Can't wait to get out there now and work. It's at the University of Huddersfield, feel free to ask me any questions...

 

 

Photo Shoot

I've been awful at blogging recently due to finishing second year of uni, getting uni work and packing, etc...

Here is an example of some university work.

I study Fashion Communication and Promotion at the University of Huddersfield, I have one year left and thought as people are in the process of going to uni this is a taster of what you might get up to.

The clothes were provided by Leeds retailer Fashion Pony

It was a really great photo shoot at the Armley Mills Museum, such a great place to shoot with perfect settings.

Unedited:

Edited:

Clothes: fashionpony.co.uk

Photographers: Ally Gilpin and Becca Wilson
Model: Lyndsey Craine
MUA: Karis Doherty
Hair: Lindsey Rogers

Stylists: Lauren Kent and Alexandra Wigley
Illustrations: Lauren Kent and Alexandra Wigley

This shoot was created by: Lauren Kent, 

Alexandra Wigley, Lizi Legge and Sophie Allen.

Natalie Lines Illustration

Natalie Lines is an amazingly talented Illustrator from Birmingham. Her fashion illustrations are gorgeous; the delicate and graceful sketches digital enhanced to create breathtaking pieces.
I came across her on her esty shop and she is truly talented. 
It was only fair to share her with you.

She has previously designed work for many glossies, such as Instyle, Comapny and Nylon magazine.

Also previously working with fashion brands such as Dorothy Perkins and House of Fraser; this is definitely an illustrator to watch out for!

 

For enquires and Commissions please contact:
Email: natalielines90@gmail.com
Telephone: 07773050889
Twitter: @NatalieLines
Purchase prints from:
www.etsy.com/shop/NatalieLines?ref=seller_info

Launch of Love Lila!

http://www.lovelila.co.uk

I have a fondness for independent designers or boutiques so I felt this brand needed some exposure with its Manchester online fashion boutique. Also I love the name...

So here's a treat for the website launch, 

Shop Love Lila and get 15% off your total order with this discount code: Love Lila Fashion

Here are some of my favourite pieces from Love Lila:

JARLO EVELYN MAXI

£60.00£40.00

The Jarlo Evelyn Maxi is just lovely very Olsen- esque with its sultry fabric and deep midnight blue colour. 

I adore everything about this dress.

REVERSE KAFTAN DRESS

£45.00 

Anyone say Ibiza? This screams beach must-have! 

With its floaty fabric in a pretty delicate print.

JARLO ANITA DRESS

£60.00£45.00

Purple, Crochet, Studded Belt, need I say more?!

Grab one of these gorgeous dresses or look at the host of leggings, choose from VELVET ( I needs some of these), Baroque for the brave! and Leopard print leggings priced from £4.99 +

Treat yourself ;)

DIY Studded Collar.

I was going to create a collar but I saw this red shirt at a charity shop and thought it was too thin too starch. So I added the studs to the corners of the shirt.

This is the ebay store I bought my studs from although they did take about 2-3 weeks till they arrived so don't buy these if you want them instantly: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170792760970?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

It was £2.15 for 20 studs with screw backs. 

There is ALOT of choice for studs so have a look. 

At first I thought these may be too big for the shirt but they look fine so don't be put off by the MASSIVE stud. 

(Here's another link for studs http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110781574058?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_4863wt_1270)

Here's what you need: 

Studs.
Make sure you have enough and you keep the backs in the bag as they are so easy to loose.

Nail Clippers. Yes you heard me right, I slightly pulled the shirt on both sides and didn't cut them and pushed the back through so they were more secure. Feel free to use scissors just don't get too scissor-happy.

Shirt of choice, if you don't have one head to your nearest charity shop.

I didn't use a pen to mark my studs but in hindsight this would have been easier it took me about ten minutes to match up the studs and make sure they were all even.

I decided to start with the corner and work my way up.

I did one side then mirrored the back for the other. 

(I hope they look symmetrical)

Push the back screw through once clipped the area the screw the top till firm.  You can use a screw driver to make sure they don't fall off.

How the back should look:

  The Finished Product:

My next one I'll definitely cut the collar of and create a studded collar minus the shirt. I was going to cover the whole collar but I quite like the corners effect. 

Plus I have eight left!

Good luck creating your own DIY collar!!

XO

A conversation with... Colin McDowell

In the quiet town of Huddersfield, we met a top fashion expert for an enthralling hour. He treated us to a q&a, insistent on being asked questions and not giving a lecture. We were treated to an hour of recollections from his fascinating life full of vivid memories. (You will notice how he may not answer some questions properly a true storyteller and journalist)

If you are not familiar with the incredible mind that is Colin McDowell; here is a refresher:  he founded the infamous Fashion Fringe, he is the senior fashion writer for The Sunday Times and fashion book writer just name to name a few...

Most awe inspiring catwalk show?

‘There are many different ways one can be awe struck big names that send down pure rubbish, when you have a big business behind you it is impossible to fail.

He admitted that he is proud to be Brit with the talent in the fashion shows.

English designers like the late Alexander McQueen, John Galliano (before the drama) they always had a strong personality, there has to be an element of madness in a designer. Sarah Burton is doing a fabulous job at McQueen.

‘American designers are vanilla, fashion has no memory its immature and silly and we forget who’s done what – Marc Jacobs last two shows, McQueen created a twisted carousel catwalk ten years ago and John Galliano used a train. Vivienne Westwood when she first started had fabulous shows. I consider her ‘The earth mother of British fashion.’’

Qualities necessary to make a fashion designer?

‘Mentoring is required with new fashion designers; help with money, dealing with banks, buying fabrics....

This was the reason for Fashion Fringe, one designer a year gains support.

However, geniuses like Vivienne Westwood did not go to Art College, like Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld.

‘Remember to trust yourself and believe in yourself; do not be too arrogant.’ When you see an old person walking across the street like me, help me. We have the power to help your career or not to.

What enticed you into fashion?

Money! When I went to university, no one talked about jobs after. I ended up in the army for seven years and loved it; I then moved to Italy, I always loved Italy. I used to act in budget films in Rome but somehow I was always had no money.

 I always wanted to paint but then realised I had NO talent at all!  Then I started working in fashion and never had a weekend free again. However, whatever you do it has to be in the heart and soul and so I came back to England and became a journalist.’

What material do you enjoy the most?

‘Silk it’s so fabulous! Or wool. When you get into journalism you get given clothes by designers, the fashion world is corrupt and with the ST Style cover comes great power. Now I am wearing, Ralph Lauren and Miuccia Prada.’

Any advice for graduates wanting to break into fashion in London?

‘This is a difficult question; London is the central of fashion. You will find that London journalists are snobby. I started at ST eighteen years ago. My advice is get work at any publications, have an angle, and start a portfolio.

Or fall in love with a boy whose sister works at a top newspaper and get them to give you an internship (or slave labour he says with a twinkle in his eye).’

What is fashion now?

‘Fashion is universal; I find it strange that people go to Tokyo, Shanghai, its everywhere now there is no excitement you can get everything down Kings Rd. I think fashion is dying and will be by the time you will be fifty.’

‘I am doubtful of social media, blogs are becoming boring as numbers are dwindling, and the imperative influence is time. My sign in my car says ‘Only Twits Tweet.’ Social media is instant it’s not edited or cut like a journalistic writing.’

Any thoughts on Lady Gaga?

‘Fabulous! I adore her! Nicola Formichetti does brilliant things with her. He has had his Lady Gaga moment; he has positioned himself in fashion. He is now concentrating on being serious in the industry.’

What do you think the future holds for John Galliano?

I taught him and wrote a book about him. We never knew it was a drink problem we all thought it was drugs. He was a lovely man, but what he did was unacceptable in civilised society. He is 51 and I wonder what label would have the courage to allow him to carry on designing.

Has tailoring become less of a trade?

Tailoring is the base of it all. I get the impression it doesn’t exist anymore in London fashion. Everyone just designs pretty little dresses. The greatest tailor was Alexander McQueen.

I don’t think too highly of London Fashion Week I just don’t think some of them are ready. As Shakespeare said ‘Ripeness is all’ I think you can’t push people too soon.

He gracefully dismisses claps and reaches for his Prada scarf and constantly ringing phone before he leaves to catch his train.  In the lasting words of Colin McDowell –‘If you don't believe in yourself you might as well walk away.’ I genuinely think he is the most honest, funny and interesting person ever...

FCP Help?!!

Please can you all do me this massive favour and  fill this in for me for a University project about consumers. Also, anyone else you can get to fill this in would be a great help!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CKJZ7XN

Thanks for all the feedback over the last few weeks its been a great response.
This weekend I have an exciting post coming up about the amazingly talented designer Rihanna Phillips who was briefly mentioned in the Spring Fashion Show. So don't miss it!

Thanks guysss!!

xo

DESIGNER BIOGRAPHY: ELSA SCHIAPARELLI

  

When I was studying art at college, I was always in mixed emotions about the visionarie that was and is Elsa Schiaparelli (1890 – 1973). There is overwhelming admiration and yet confusion about her work. Sure, I adored the infamous ‘Schiaparelli Pink’, a gorgeous hot pink that was hard to ignore. Her strong aesthetic and imagination was enviable. 

My favourite secret was her start to fashion was influenced by none other than Paul Poiret. Known for his revolt against the confinement of the existing fashions at that time; with the tight-fitting corsets and garlanded clothes. His simplicity and attitude towards fashion was quoted a "pivotal moment in the emergence of modernism." An exceedingly high accolade for a new designer breaking through.

THAT ITALIAN ARTIST WHO MAKES CLOTHES

I myself find a huge inspiration on the catwalk is Schiaparelli, with her designs influencing and creating new designs. The most prominent would be ‘The Skeleton Dress’ in 1938. An undeniable successful collaboration with Salvador Dali. They created a surprising sharp silhouette. An image recreated by Giles for his SS 2009 and for Dior by John Galliano in 2000. Christian Lacroix AW 2008 collection consisted of oversized ribcage necklaces and with Alexander McQueen’s luggage the influence was apparent.

An underline of darkness and the unnatural that seemed to echo in her work. There is a small whisper that she was before her time. In this day and age, she would be embraced and celebrated too be alive and so successful seems a sad curse that follows so many mavericks.

COCO FURY

Schiaparelli herself was inspired by Sonia Delaunay and was constantly involved with art and technology. She did collaborations with Jean Cocteau and surreal artists such as Salvador Dali and Alberto Giacometti. Her rival Chanel called her “that Italian artist who makes clothes.”

I find the Coco Chanel’s rivalry with Elsa Schiaparelli interesting and illuminating how to extraordinary designers had such a petty difference. Both are famous with their different visual style. Cristobal Balenciaga was famously quoted saying that “Coco had very little taste but all of it was good”. Meanwhile he described Schiaparelli as "the only true artist in couture" had "lots of taste but it was all bad". 

Controversially, Elle Italy wore a shoe hat in a spread shot by Karl Lagerfeld, the head designer of Chanel; a strong move that I feel Chanel would have deeply despaired at. Another inspired by the shoe-hat was renowned hat-designer Stephen Jones and shoe-designer Manolo Blahnik who collaborated for the first time to make a superlative homage to her surreal creation. 

A MATTER OF TASTE

Her visual images were so revolutionary she was imitated by others alike modern day designers, consequently her business shut down due to her designs being copied. Italian Elsa made an impressionable imprint on the fashion world. Her style was surreal and she injected fun and glamour into women’s daily lives, telling them to assert their individuality and urging women to wear theatrical clothes publicly.

Schiaparelli was infamous for her bold use of colour, using zips in her sportswear in 1930 and then shockingly using them on evening dresses in 1935. Her use of shocking pink was so iconic is it is now dubbed ‘Schiaparelli Pink’. Her runways were influential even to today as she chose to use boyish figure models to show her clothing. 

THE LEGACY

An individual who have taken enthralling risks, she wasn’t afraid to be ‘ugly’ and revolt against the traditional ideology. She will always be remembered for her journey of a voyage of innovation and avante garde designs. A true milliner forever challenging and inspiring other designers. It seems we have the lost the great and struggle to find the next maverick and cling on to the past. I think we will struggle to find a new textiles artist with such talent and such a vision. Hopefully one day someone in the present day will inspire a collection, an article, a world.

In the lasting words of the stanza XV of Louis MacNeice's "Autumn Journal" (1939):

‘Or give me a new Muse with stockings and suspenders

And a smile like a cat

With false eyelashes and finger-nails of carmine

And dressed by Schiaparelli, with a pill-box hat.’