Hollywood Nails - My very first project

In my very first job from University, I worked for a small cosmetics company that developed cosmetics and accessories for larger brand names.  It has been one of my fondest jobs as it really let my creative juices flow and gave me lots of inspiration for a future career (as well as receiving lots of great samples)!

After moving house I found one of the products that I worked on in my first project, from designing the nail polish bottles, choosing the colour combinations and also mocking up a jewelled cuff which was my first attempt at really making anything, it was great fun and seeing all my hard work really paid off when the following Xmas it was on sale in my local department store.  My husband actually brought this one for me as a keepsake.

I love the feeling of seeing your finished product and this is a great reminder that a little hard work goes a long way!  

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Celebrity Style and Responsibility

My post today is actually inspired by the much talked about VMA's recently broadcasted featuring the talk of the town performance by Miley Cyrus.  My point is when is celebrity style taken too far and do you think they have a social responsibility to be a good role model in todays society. 

Now personally when I was in my early 20's (which wasn't too long ago) I did believe it was my party and I could do what I wanted but then I didn't have the eyes of millions watching my every move.  The VMA performance of this well known celebrity has caused many different opinions on various social media platforms and you may have very spilt views on this but I do think that celebrity's have a small part to play in what we feel and believe to be good style and the attitude to pull it off.

Don't get me wrong if I had the body to pull of that kind of outfit then maybe I'd be walking around in what I can only describe as nude dental floss and this style did fit well with Robin Thicke's video for Blurred Lines but what was with the foam hand, gyrating and sticky out tongue.  There were lots of young girls watching that performance and surely she feels that maybe she has some sort of responsibility regarding her actions and attitude when acting like that.  Or maybe this is just another celebrity that will always be looked at as that's just how she is!   

I like to spark debate about these sort of things and would love to know your opinion.  Do celebrity's have a social responsibility when it comes to their style and attitude choices??  Let me know.

Image source

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Special Feature - Sophie Belinda Clothing

I'm very excited about my special feature and after coming across this very new designer on Twitter a few months ago, this new collection is a beautiful and elegant twist on the classic and if you have any weddings to attend then this designer is a must see!

Sophie has recently finished her degree is Fashion Design at Birmingham City University and is already destined for great things, for one having her first collection under her belt and available to buy on the website www.sophiebelinda.com. This is the first but not last from this fab young designer.  The collection takes vintage elements and mixes with classic lines and fabrics, Sophie also offers a completely bespoke service too so you really can have a one of a kind piece for your collection.

Sophie has kindly given us an insight into the new collection and what's in store for the bright young designer:

When was your collection created and reasons for starting this brand?

I've being creating bits and bobs from the collection for about two months now, its only just recently 
that every things gone up for sale on the website, so it's all very exciting!
I wanted to start up the brand purely because of my love of fashion and all things handmade!
I've just recently finished my degree at Birmingham City Uni where I studied Fashion Design for 3 years.

Sophie, what inspires your items?

My inspiration comes from various different things, I've always loved things pretty and girly! Floral prints, pastel colours. I suppose you could say weddings were part of my main inspiration, I love the whole romance of it, and I think it comes across well in my lace collection!!

What are your aspirations for Sophie Belinda Clothing and the future?

I have high hopes for the brand! Start small, but think Big !
This year over the Christmas period I'm going to be creating a collection of party dresses, so keep a look out!  I'm also going to be at various fashion events this year, Cheltenham fashion week being one of them!

Sophie Belinda Clothing is an inspiration to all aspiring designers and the small but intimate collection is the first of many.  Check out the new website at www.sophiebelinda.com and follow via the social media links below:

Twitter
Facebook
Blog

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Autumn/Winter 2013 Lookbook Part 2

We are slowly creeping towards my favourite season Autumn.  The gorgeous colours and textures within this season trends fit perfectly with the delicate hues of this fabulous period.

This segment of my Autumn/Winter Lookbook features the Styles of the season and where you can find these gorgeous pieces.

As mentioned in Part One the styles and cuts for A/W 13 include:

Capes

Dark Romance

Velvet

PVC

Turtle Necks

Capes

A decadent statement piece for A/W 13 is the Cape.  This outerwear makes the wearer ultimately stunning and stylish and can be glammed up for eveningwear and dressed down for daywear.  Match with some delicate accessories to really make this style stand out.

 TU by Sainsburys

Dark Romance

This style takes inspiration from Goth and the Romantic period with beautiful lace and and dark hues.  This style sits well with tailored and clean cut pieces as shown with this dress by Vestry.  

Vestry

Velvet

This texture has never been one of my favourites but this A/W 13 the balance of Velvet in the catwalk lines has filtered through to some beautiful pieces on the high-street.  This style is perfect for occasion-wear and especially the Xmas party period.  

M&Co

 

PVC

Another trend this season is the illusive PVC, as with the trousers shown by ASOS you can go full on wet look or take parts of the trend and match with some staple basics.  A great look for A/W 13 at an affordable price.

ASOS

Turtle Necks

This piece of clothing usually fills the shopper with dread as you think back to the funky thick neck jumpers you mum used to make you wear but think again before writing this trend off.  The Turtle Neck or High Neck is back in full swing with some quirky and stylish looks for winter including Jumpers and Dresses.  A look perfect for a cold winter day.  

Internacionale

There are lots of great styles and textures to choose from this Autumn/Winter 2013 and the high-street is teeming with affordable inspired designer looks.  Match the perfect outfit with some beautiful accessories to pull off the latest A/W 13 trends.

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My First Vlog

Please check out my intro to my blog on Youtube, sorry it's my first attempt!  Lots more videos to come!

Special Vintage Feature - Harper and Eye

Harper and Eye

I love Vintage Fashion and my blog was inspired by running my own vintage boutique.  So I love it when I can share with you fellow vintage lovers and trendsetters and how they are taking the vintage world by storm.

You may have already seen the beautiful and stylish clothing on ASOS Marketplace from this brilliant boutique but if you haven't, I give you Harper and Eye.  This fabulous brand was the born from founder Demelza's love of vintage and a keen eye for fashion and finding the perfect piece for your wardrobe.

We have a little insight in the workings of this vintage wonderland:

Demelza, when was Harper and Eye created and what were your reasons for starting this brand?
I started Harper & Eye last year because I wanted to create a platform for doing things that I enjoy, which is sourcing and selling vintage fashion.

Love your name, what inspired the name Harper and Eye?
I wanted something that had a sense of familiarity about it. Harper is my boyfriend’s surname and the vintage collection is hand-picked by me hence the name Harper & Eye was born. 

What inspires your vintage finds?
British fashion and quirky style is a massive inspiration for me when I’m picking the collection. I love a crazy print or an interesting shape, something that catches my eye.

What are your aspirations for Harper and Eye and the future?
In the future I would like to expand by producing and selling Harper & Eye products alongside our vintage range.

There is a fabulous range for you to explore on Harper and Eye's website www.harperandeye.com.
Also you can follow them on Twitter and Facebook

At the beginning of September I will also have the honour of having some pieces on loan to review for you and show the gorgeous and unique items at Harper and Eye, keep your eyes peeled for my follow up post.

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Autumn/Winter 2013 Lookbook Part 1

I know we don't like to think about next season, nights drawing in and getting chillier but there are lots of lovely things to look forward to in the fashion stakes.  Here are a sneak peak of the trends for A/W 2013.

Colours/Prints

Metallics

Military Prints

Dusty Pinks

Animal Print

Monochrome

Styles

Capes

Dark Romance

Velvet

PVC

Medieval Cuts

Turtle Necks

Part One focuses on the colours and prints for next season and how to re-create that perfect look without it costing a fortune.

Metallics

This trend is always big near Christmas time, with everyone wanting to add a bit of glamour to their wardrobe in time for the Xmas party.  The look can also be incorporated via subtle hints and lots of high-street stores will have selections of gorgoues accessories to compliment any outfit.

Internationale 

Military Print

This print works well as a statement piece against staple items like this jacket shown.  This trend does not have to follow the normal utility stereotype but instead creates a funky, tough look for ladies with attitude.














Office


Dusty Pinks

The dusty hue of pink creates an image of a beautiful Autumn day and also fits perfectly into this seasons trend.  The look compliments fashionistas who want to create a girly demure but also a chic casual look. This look can be created at any time of the year as it fits a versatile audience.

La Redoute

Animal Print

Animal prints are big this season with a variety of different styles, colours and textures available on the high-street.  Check out this fabulous effortless look and be assured the stereotype of this print is far surpassed. 

Betty Barclay

Monochrome

This trend is one of my favourites and is a front runner on most Autumn/Winter catwalks.  The looks created with monochrome twists create stylish and sophisticated outfits for any occasion.  The look shown mixes bold hues with print for a very on trend start to the season.

House of Fraser

Part Two of my Autumn/Winter 2013 Lookbook will feature lots of lovely styles for the new season.  Check back for the next slice of fashion pie! :0)

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Special Feature - Primped Clothing

Get Primped - Stay Primped

As part of my support for independent brands, todays feature belongs to Primped Clothing.  The brand gives itself this name from the real definition - to dress or groom (oneself) with meticulous attention to detail.

The brand was established very recently and prides itself on producing original, authentic and affordable unisex apparel.  Primped also provides individual designs and limited stock so you can be sure that you truly have a unique piece.

Check out their fabulous lookbook pictures to get a feel for the brand and check out their website at www.primped.co.uk

The brand have launched with exclusive designs in their 'Signature' and 'Love' range and have captured styles that suit both their male and female audience.

The brand is destined for big things in 2013 so check out the website and their social media links below and join the Primped journey.

Twitter 
Facebook
Instagram

New Ink

Tattoos can be a big topic of conversation between many people.  I personally love this form of art and have many myself.  People get them for a variety of reasons and mine represent many different periods in my life, the ups and downs and finding the perfect tattoo artist for my main piece took quite a while.

My latest piece is being worked on by Lucy Roadhouse of DamCool Tattoos in Barnstaple, she is a brilliant artist and I would recommend her talents to anyone that wants to get a tattoo.  Check out her facebook page www.facebook.com/LucyRoadhouseTattoosandArt

Check out my latest addition to my sleeve: