Saturday 31 January 2015

hair resolved

So February 2015 is almost here and this week has been busy at Uni having being introduced to our new modules. I'm really excited to start our 'Brand and Message' module where we have to produce a magazine on anything we like, creating most of the imagery ourselves which is really exciting so lots of location trips in planning. Before Christmas in 'Design Realisation' we made a toille of a shirt which we designed, illustrated and made which I am happy to say I have now finished! I am so happy to see the back of the embellishment machine, that thing drove me in circles (literally).
Jumper - Primark
Dress - Topshop sale
Shoes - River Island

Now just to cut out the rest of those tedious circles and design the photo shoot!
In other modules we are creating two collections for 2016. Here is my current work situation - 

Safe to say fashion students will do a lot for each other - here's my friend who were both crying with laughter at as I smothered her in her own hair and her false eye lashes became jammed together. 

+ Onto HAIR  - 

Probably like yours my hair never wants to play when I want it to, especially during windy, rainy and Northern blizzard days. So here is my easy resolutions : 
   I'm a big fan of hair up so do a lot of ponytails as it's a quick and easy thing anyone can do. 
1 )  For longer hair with less layers - Scrape your hair using a tail comb, gel and hairspray to minimise any fly-aways and tie hair tightly in a high ponytail so the top of the ponytail shows over your head. Tighten and back comb gently(no pulled through a bush lookalikes)
To Backcomb - Lift a thin group of hair that covers the width of your fingers and pull up to the ceiling. Using a thin tail comb insert it half way through the underside of the hair and push firmly down to the root to form a tight clump -  this will give the most volume - Continue where needed and smooth with a flat brush.

2 )  If you have a bit more time - Curl ends of hair before. I like to use my straighteners but wands and curlers are just as effective.
To Curl with Straighteners- Brush hair thoroughly before. Hold a thin group of hair horizontally away from you. Clip your straighteners half way up your hair and slowly begin to turn away from you so the hair loops around the heated plates. When you almost reach the end keep the straighteners closed and pull them vertically standing so the hair pops out hopefully in a beautiful curl! (Don't worry if you dont achieve it the first time, it takes practise.)
Add a cute bow for added glam -  
3 )  For shorter hair go Made in Chelsea - Divide your hair down the middle giving you a sweeet 70s parting. Using a tail comb the hair down into a low ponytail. Back comb hair to the hair band to create volume in the ponytail.
4 )  If you're not a fan of hair up go for a half up half down which can look seriously good on girlies with shorter hair, add a bow or curl for added glam - Same as ponytail but divide hair into top and bottom section using a tail comb. Start at your ears and part hair up to half way up your head. Back comb to add volume or smooth for an Ariana Grande-esk look. 
5 )  For a Kourtney K top-knot (which I love to go to makeup-less to the gym, a job interview or for a neat night out look)  Same steps as (1). Then, hold all of ponytail and twist into a unicorn horn, hairspray and hold tight as you tie hair around ponytail. Tie with a hair band or use pins. Wiggle hair roughly around to form a shape you like and hair spray. (This can still take me a long time sometimes so does take practise - straight out of a shower silky hair isn't great for this look as it doesn't always want to sit in place)
- Add a front fringe, plait your ponytail before twisting or french plait sides for added style -
There, hair resolved. Have a great weekend and helloo February

Saturday 17 January 2015

saturday catch up

you may have noticed a slight change in my little blog as I have finally completed my blogs makeover! most bloggers will do this in their first days of setting up but I'm at last happy with the layout/graphics and even added a photo....

   So, I'm back in Newc and have since then learnt from scratch Photoshop and produced 8 portfolio sheets for two deadlines on Monday and Wednesday. In earlier posts I showed you a sneak peak of my Design and Illustration work in progress where I chose Burberry as my iconic brand to review and create a mini 3 piece collection with your own style. The project was really exciting and has made me slightly Burberry obsessed (not that my purse can compensate) sorry for the blurry images but here's a tiny look at my project -

Photos right and left are a compilation of my research, like, sketching garments, creating colour stories and shop reports.
Centre photo is a tiny collection of my 50+ illustrations I made to identify my approach for the brand.
   Unfortunately I don't have my final 3 looks to show you as its all handed in now! 

But until Monday I plan on doing very little. Take yesterday - I didn't get out of bed until 12, didn't shower until 2 (hair still wet in a turban until 6pm) and only left the house at 11.30 for a night out with the girls to celebrate end of exams! In the end I left the tanner and hair down for another night due to hideous weather and stuck with a safer option...

Top and Trousers - Topshop
Blazer - River Island
Clutch - Primark
Heels - Ebay
(Right) with my gorg flat mates

Rather then spending my days off lounging in bed with Dinner Date in the background whilst browsing the All Saints new collection (which I have actually done today - the collections to-die-for) I went on a Pizza Express/Taken 3 date night with my lovely boyfriend. (On your next trip you need to try the Pollo Pesto. A mixture of cheeses, chicken and pesto pasta (what could be better)). To brave the vile weather I wore..
Roll Neck  and Boots - Topshop
Coat - Ebay
Scarf - Market 


 
A trip to town - Necklace - H&M  - Rings - Pandora
Jacket, Jeans and Shoes - Topshop
Top - Warehouse
Scarf - Charity Shop

Keep updated with my next post as I keep you sane this Jan with a How To: save your hair from the windy days .. every girls struggle.
Have a great weekend!

Saturday 10 January 2015

release the animal

so zee leopard print is back for SS15 (still can't settle for writing 14 instead of 15)
   No longer a Jersey Shore twerk-in-your-bodycon-dress trend, this style is a bold statement with a hint of elegance. As much as I want to disagree with the 70s trend its sweeping in with - too many bad haircuts - it seems to house the leopard pretty well amongst its flared trousers, PVC skirts and exotic platform shoes.
70s Ladies looking into the distance in style
Alexander McQueen Pre SS15
McQueen introduced its vibrant SS15 collection to inspire affordable highstreet retailers as for our slightly smaller wallets, Topshop stepped forward early, introducing their 'New Year/State of Mind' season collection, incorporating neutral khaki and light colours. As I'm a short arse I definitely won't be fitting into any Cara sized 'floor-skimming' flared trousers any time soon but blessed long-legged girls match your bottoms with an embroidered tunic for hipster goodness or go sophisticated 70s with a tucked in crossover blouse with neutral tones and add sparkly bling and chunky platforms accordingly. Never fear shortys, wear these shirts with a cute mini skirt, platforms or chunky loafer.

Clockwise from right - Moto Clean-Cut Flared Jeans £40, Salt and Pepper Flared Trousers £36, 
Cornelli Embroidered Tunic Top £38, Drape Front Blouse £36,
Lena Platform Metallic Sandals £56, Lemony Chunky Platform Sandals £50
(All Topshop)
(From left) - Mono Tweed Skirt £38, Leather A-Line Skirt £60 both Warehouse, Boucle Zip Pelmet Skirt £36 Topshop
Chester Tassel Loaf £165 Russell&Bromley, Black Patent Geek Shoes £35 River Island

70s suede and tassels have stormed catwalks from cowboy jackets to knee high boots. Look to Forever 21, Topshop and River Island for alternatives this month. Style your brown/black knee highs with skinny jeans, a printed crop top (dreaming of Alexander McQueen SS15) and a block print box jacket.

Leopard accessories will always compliment any outfit for any season but with this seasons 70s themes the bold print will highlight and modernise any outfit. Here are my favourite leopard print picks -
Clockwise from left - Faux fur £30 H&M, Slip on Trainers £55 Warehouse, Longchamp Tote, Jewelled Point Flat £225 Russell&Bromley, Sunglasses £1.89 Ebay, Zip Through Skirt £25 Topshop, 
Lana Leopard and Leather Backpack £498 Michael Kors
Go like Issey Miyake's £300 leopard sneakers with Warehouse's gorgeous (and extremely comfortable) knock-offs, for the rainy and sunny days. Double up with a leopard fur or knee length boyfriend jacket and ripped jeans. or wrap up with a cosy fur sol, felt floppy hat and these fantastic Ebay leopard sunglasses for the cold blue sky winter days.
   Whether its a trip to the shop, Paris for a romantic weekend, a girly trip away (you must know my LOVE for longchamp because of its practicality, effortless and comfortable style and endless bag space!) these styles are sure to accompany any outfit.

Have fun with your style! Be daring and release the animal....!
E

Sunday 4 January 2015

in shopping spirit

Today I woke up feeling deflated and slightly chub (from the GIANT meal last night) so decided to take a quick trip to town to liven my spirits and for the first time in a long time the shops impressed me! Topshop especially did it for me.... through this I walked away £40 lesser off but happier so its okay.
    Braving the cold and heavy fog is never a task to take lightly but in my Grandma's cashmere goodness and brand new Louis here's what I wore: 
Hat - Topshop
Coat -  Jaeger
Bag- Louis Vuitton
Roll Neck - Topshop
I hope to try out my new velcro hair rollers tomorrow and bought a nail strengthener to achieve two of my new years resolutions, but I'm not expecting miracles as they're from poundland.... I also hit Topshop looking for casual/going out skirts and fell in love with (top right) floral skort, £36 and a fur sole sale bargain to add to my new collarless coat for just £12! 

   Warehouse stock was exciting with 60s inspired pieces and monotone colours which will always tick my boxes. Slightly pricey but don't forget student discount or if you're brave enough to scan the sale (up to 70% off)
   For this weather furs are essential for every girls wardrobe which is clear when I met up with my girls yesterday to be greeted with 3 fur coats, (myself in a fur gillet) Be bold by teaming your coats with a similar coloured fur hat or sol for warmth and extra glam. Don't forget these can be worn on a winter walk and can glam up you're leather leggings or your best LBD. If you're going to invest, let it be in the best and keep it in good condition (I actually have a hairbrush for my fur gillet)

How gorgeous are these! even better the Zara, M&S and Topshop coats are now in the sale and don't forget Topshop and Miss Selfridge offer student discount! (A student never forgets these vital things) Have a great Jan!