Revision has quite literally taken over my life, but as it's all for a good cause I'm soldiering on! However, I gave my self a little break today and headed to town to pick up a few things. Of course, as is always the case, I got hardly anything I went for as it either hasn't been released yet (Nylon July issue) or sold out too quickly (Urban Outfitters peace necklace I'm talking to you).
Here's a quick outfit post:
New Look top, pendants I found in my room, Avon Very Berry lipstick
Gems TV ring, Avon Matte Violetta nail varnish
While I didn't get exactly what I wanted, this modern, summery matte purple shade inspired me to buy a 17 Matte Top Coat to give all my nail colours the same effect. I also picked up the 17 metallic Crackle Top Coat and a divine baby blue polish that would look great with a tan on a beach far, far away.
17 Crackle Top Coat, Avon Matte Violetta and the same Avon topped with 17 Matte Top Coat
Maybe I have a few too many nail varnishes...is 41 enough?
Nail art and nail effects are huge atm, so what else have you all been trying out?
Earlier this year, I went travelling. However, I didn't venture further afield than the Exeter open day, followed by more open days in Sussex and London. To keep me company, I took a disposable camera, and although possibly one of the worst disposables I have ever used, at least some of my photos came out ok when developed!
There is no denying it any longer: I LOVE so-called 'trash TV'. Reality dramas have me hooked and from glossy American series to their UK copycats, I tune in every single week. But although the romantic entanglements and feisty females are entertainment enough in themselves, it's the clothes that keep me coming back episode after episode. Whether I love or hate the cast's signature style, I think it is so interesting to see into people's wardrobes and take note of the variation and diversity shown by these shows! Below are some of my favourite series and a style summary for each one:
The original: The Hills. The girls began the series with their Teen Vogue, all-American casual cool ensembles, but six series later the cast ended on a style high (not you, Heidi).
Style Signature: Lauren's long blonde locks and feline eyeliner flicks
Style Crush: Audrina and her rock chick vibe
The City. This Hills spin-off followed Whitney Port as she tried to make her name as a designer in the Big Apple, developing her own DVF-influenced style as the show went on. Olivia Palermo also featured heavily on The City, becoming a style icon in her own right.
Style Signature: Olivia Palermo's glossy waves
Style Crush: Roxy "I only wear black" Olin (I see a theme developing...)
Jersey Shore courted controversy from the get-go. The stars of the show shamed Italians with their excessive partying, drinking and lurve making, but entertained US and UK audiences so much that they were called back for a third series, a UK version ('Geordie Shore', see advert below) also in the works. Essential beauty kit for the Jersey Shore? Fake tans, fake boobs, muscles and hairspray.
Style Signature: Darker than mahogany false tans
Style Crush: Snooki and her sixties-inspired "poof" and dark eyes!
The Only Way Is Essex, the now BAFTA winning reality-drama, follows the glamorous lives of a cast so Essex they're almost caricatures. Big hair, tight dresses, false tans (boys and girls) and high heels might be the order of the day, but the cast still show sartorial know-how and that wonderfully eclectic British style through the way they put together a look.
Style Signature: Big hair. Joey Essex blow dries his in place every, single, day. Reem.
Style Crush: Lydia's hippy-dippy touches to an otherwise glamorous wardrobe
Made In Chelsea is the latest reality-drama, almost diametrically opposed to The Only Way Is Essex, on which it is supposedly based. The moneyed set are into classic pieces, furs, glitz, glamour and a cocktail or five. Very high end, no matter how much Amber and Rosie try to fight it.
Style Signature: Big, white, Chanel AW '10 fur coats
Style Crush: I have yet to find one character with a strong sense of personal style that I also love! Caggie is a bit casual, Amber tries a bit hard and there are no words for Ollie. Maybe tonight's episode will shine a light...
So, which do you watch? And most importantly, whose style do you prefer? Let me know below!
Finally! I can officially say I have attended my last lesson of sixth form. No more school, no more business dress and no more teachers mean I can now look forward to lie-ins, lax dress codes and lecturers instead. After a rousing rendition of the school song in our last full school assembly, we tried our hands at chav and nerd style for ONE DAY ONLY* before donning our lower school attire one last time. Emotional but exciting, here are just a few photos to show you how we celebrated finishing Five Ways in true adolescent style.
*Please bear in mind this was a costume. I DO NOT normally dress like this...but I kinda liked it.
I would also like to take the time to thank each and every one of you for reading my blog, I really appreciate it and whether you know it or not you are helping me to realise my dream of eventually running my own magazine! After all, I was awarded Future Leader today; here's hoping! I may be a bit quiet on the blogging front during study leave, as revision leaves little time for stylish living, but stick with me: you wont be disappointed.
Since September 2004, I have been a student at King Edward VI Five Ways school in Birmingham. I have grown from a fresh-faced eleven year old into the fashion fiend of eighteen I am today, and it has been a long, long journey. On Tuesday, the school that has shaped my adolescence will cease to be my school, as this week was my last full week at Five Ways. With four days left of sixth form (which requires 'business dress') and four suits in my wardrobe, I decided to wear them all for one last time.
Tuesday
Jersey blazer with polkadot lining and lapels, white t-shirt, jersey skirt
Pearl and glass rings: China, Gems TV and H&M
Mix of bracelets: Iran, unknown, H&M, gift and vintage. The more the better!
I think this blazer is so cute.
Wednesday
Black t-shirt, dogstooth skirt, rings from China and H&M, bracelets as before
Necklace from Accessorize, one of my favourites
Suit from Matalan
The vintage brooch that makes me wish I wore glasses, Primark studs
Thursday
Ring-a-ding-ding! eBay, gems TV, H&M, gift and H&M
This is my favourite 'business dress' outfit! Blouse from Matalan with a chain under the collar
Nobody knows how my shoes get so trashed. Primark.
Friday
T-shirt Matches for Erdem during LFW, grey trouser suit from Matalan
Was finally able to change my 'new' piercings yesterday
The world of retail is often taken for granted. We walk into a shop, we see something we like, we buy it. However, how many of us stop to think about how this product came to be on the shelves? Over the past few weeks, Britain's Next Big Thing on BBC2 has got viewers thinking about the retail process. Open days at Boots, Habitat and, most fashionably, Liberty, saw buying teams looking for exciting new products that could be sold in store in a matter of months.
These days have revealed some real treasures along the way, like Charlotte Sale's wave inspired glassware, made by hand.
Furthermore, Tom Hopkins Gibson pitched some beautiful bowls he makes from driftwood he finds near his home in Scotland.
But my personal favourite? Phillip Weston and his stunning silk scarves, with photocopied prints rendered beautifully in show-stopping colours. I would put him with Holly Fulton, Christopher Kane and Peter Pilotto in terms of creativity with print, and although their styles may be vastly different their innovation unites all four designers (yes, Weston is now a designer). His creations are available at Liberty, HERE under Weston Scarves.
I really think Weston's work is beautiful, original and inspiring, so I will be saving up and treating myself to one of his scarves come summer. Has anyone else been watching? Who is your favourite found talent so far?
