An ode to my mother...

... so recently I have had my head buried in my uni work mainly my dissertation, however I did pause for one second to enter into the Well Dressed category in the Observer's Ethical Awards 2013.  The challenge was to create one outfit made up entirely of ethical or sustainable clothing.  

 The dress, belt, the gold cuff and bracelet are all handed down from my mother, who has some fantastic pieces that I am lucky enough to own or cheekily borrow.  The fur gilet and shoes are from the holy grail of eBay, which I often browse for second hand branded pieces.  And finally my ring on the left, was a gift from my boyfriend that I wear everyday and the ones on the right are recycled brass from gorgeous vintage jewellery brand Eclectic Eccentricity.  Both the caelia vintage fire opal ring and the thorn vintage brass chevron ring can be found here!

So do you fancy the challenge? If you are interested in entering yourself into the Observer's Ethical Awards 2013 Well Dressed category just follow the link below:

https://secure.easyanswer.net/ethicalawards/ContactDetails.aspx

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Johari Style Challenge...

... so due to my ongoing Final Major Project at Uni and my decision to start purchasing fashion with a conscience,  I have found a whole host of amasing brands through the Ethical Fashion Forum.  One of which was Johari, who were kind enough to let me take part in their style challenge.  

Johari make stylish beautiful clothing and accessories that certainly live up to their namesake (Johari means 'something precious' in Swahili) and by wearing Johari you are empowering vulnerable young adults to build a living for themselves and their families.  

The difficult part was choosing just one piece from their range which can be found online here!  They have a fantastic selection of bright colours and bold prints, the accessories are simply beautiful so I urge you to have a look and if for nothing else, just to prove that ethical fashion is extremely wearable and a refreshing change from the high street, plus if you do decide to purchase its all for a good cause!

In the end I decided on the Neema dress, partly because of the style and shape which looked flattering for my curvier frame, I loved the 'prosperity' meaning behind the dress and the bold Masaai face print was incredibly unique.

 

I must note that this is my re-wrapping: I was too excited to open it when it arrived!

First thing I noticed was how beautifully packaged it was, these little extra touches are always associated with luxury which just makes your purchase feel that little bit extra special.  Unravelling the dress I was amazed at the quality, the 100% cotton dress felt so durable and well made, I was so surprised at the comparison between other 'cotton' pieces that I have in my wardrobe.

I chose a size L because I wanted a looser fit but actually a medium would have been fine just for a closer fit as this is such flattering dress that really accentuates the figure.  For a simple pull on vest dress (is how I would describe it best) it is incredibly versatile, that can look really rather sophisticated:

*Neema dress- loan
A vintage sequin jacket, nude heels and oversized clutch
 make the bold print a statement piece ideal for
evenings out 

*Neema dress- loan
A simple blazer, black handbag and a pair of your favourite
coloured shoes makes this dress easily transitional into
smart/formal wear

*Neema dress- loan
Clash prints with busy floral legging.
Wear casual with flats or
glam up with heels!

*Neema dress- loan
In cooler weather wear with a slouchy knit jumper, tights and practical footwear 

*Neema dress- loan
Layer over a collared shirt for a preppy/smart look
 ideal for uni days 

So what do you think?  Can you see a place for the Neema dress in your wardrobe? For £30 I find its hard to see why not and regrettably I did send it back.  But whilst compiling this blog post I'm still thinking of the countless ways I could wear it...

Clear out...

... I love a wardrobe clear out.  I do it regularly because I am the typical female case that has a bursting wardrobe and 'nothing to wear'.  Nonsense.  I have so much that I simply forget what little gems I have hiding in there.  I'm sure there is a statistic that states women only wear 10% of their wardrobe- hands up, thats me.  So here is my mini mountain for sale.  Bags, shoes and clothing all ready for ebay auction and whatever doesn't sell will be destined for recycling.  So what about you, do you think you're about due for a clear out?

From now on I vow only to wear plastic shoes....

.... with bows on the front, clearly.  I am still on a clothing spending ban as some of you may know, but the time came when I finally had to part with some cash and purchase some new work shoes.  Now my part time employment includes being on my feet the entire time and previously I have often conducted the all time ethical fashion sin as I usually purchase my basic black work flats from... Primark.  And yes they don't last, but actually, neither do shoes from many other outlets.  This prompted a rummage through my shoe collection to only find that the state of all my casual flats was pretty disgusting.  The soles had worn or looked like they needed a good glue,  the material was scuffed or wearing and often discoloured.  Apart from one pair... my Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa pumps.  No scuffs (well nothing that a damp cloth could alter).  No limply hanging sole (the shoe is one complete unit).  I was amazed! For any of you that aren't familiar with the Melissa brand their shoes are made from MELFLEX plastic, a patented, hypo-allergenic, recyclable, and extremely flexible PVC. The shoes are cruelty free and devoid of animal products. The Brazilian-based company recycle 99.9% of factory water and waste, and they also go the distance by recycling overstock styles into next season’s collection.  So overall a company that is up on its 3r's (reduce, reuse, recycle) is a bonus for me and the fact that they have a lasting power longer than one season is even better.  So in enters the Mel by Melissa Cherry Bow Pumps into my plastic shoe collection!

Ok so I have been really good...

... and in nearly two months I don't think I've bought anything that I don't really need, and I have completely changed my views on clothing due to deep investigative research into my final major project and dissertation concepts at uni.  So I'm deciding to stop conforming to the constant buzz of the high street and invest my money better and elsewhere.  I am quite keen to turn my fashion expenditure spending habits towards that of smaller ethical or sustainable brands and the one hot on my list is Antithesis.  Their carry on closet capsule collection is amazing, completely original and innovative you can have a neb here http://antithesis.co/collection/carry-on-closet/.  I just think that this sort of thinking should really be at the forefront of the fashion industry not only is it a complete breath of fresh air in terms of design, but the fashion industry is currently locked in an unsustainable cycle that is generating huge amounts of waste.
So ill be doing my bit by putting these lovelies next on my shopping list, if I should feel the urge for something new:

• The multi-way piece.  It doesn't look like much but looks can be deceiving.  Its actually 7 garments in one so its pretty versatile.  I could wear it everyday of the week creating a completely different look each time.  Actually that's not a bad idea... check if don't believe me http://www.antithesisstore.com/collections/home/products/no-06-the-multi-way-piece

• The two-piece blouse.  I just think the design is lovely, clean, classical and contemporary just how you want this wardrobe staple to be.  It can be worn two ways with or without sleeves and with a variation of two collars.  A great transitional piece through the seasons perhaps?

So what do you think?  Any food for thought?

SPENDING BAN...

... ok so as every fashion/style/beauty blogger tends to do I am inflicting a spending ban upon myself.  I do feel as though I have enough clothes/ makeup to last me through the winter season (or a lifetime) & should I feel the desperate necessity for anything I could put in a few cheeky requests for birthday & christmas!
I have everything a girl could want and need and I have got myself caught in a very flamboyant way of expenditure.  So today I paid off all my debts, which has subsequently left me a little poor, but any monies now is to only be spent on resources for my final year of uni & obvious necessities (saving for christmas pressies :) ).  Proud? I think so.  So here's to the new me, I am determined not to stray after I have a new phone sorted and thats it!  Has anyone else felt the need to curb their spending habits?

RayBan love

I love Ray Ban's, they are absolutely timeless and I have yearned for a pair for years.  I'm not particularly overly hooked on designer labels but I think any wardrobe can benefit from some classic staple pieces/accessories.  The problem I always have is what style to choose aviator or wayfarer?  Last year I took the plunge to purchase and came away empty handed, still unable to make a decision.  So after choosing a pair of cheaper alternatives in both styles I can honestly say the winner is the wayfarer! These classic black frames with a colourful twist on the inner are my new wants :) !
You can find them here at smartbuyglasses.co.uk.  
A bargain at £80!

Miss Selfridge wants...

After a mini shopping excursion today I am totally in love 

with this burgundy dress I think £37 is a bit steep which is 

the only thing that out me off but I think its a great transitional

 piece from now into A/W. Also the triangular necklace is 

AMAZING it looks like a spider when its on and is a 

refreshing take on the spiked ones that seem to be on 

everyone at the minute

Nicole Richie inspired

Nicole Richie inspired by jessica1420 featuring lace tops

Skincare wants

Skincare wants by jessica1420 on polyvore.com

Theory of Evolution - Parsley Seed Skin Care | Aesop | FREE UK...
$290 - beautyexpert.co.uk

Caudalie Beauty Elixir (100ml) | lookfantastic.com
$50 - lookfantastic.com

Ren Clearcalm 3 Clarity Restoring Mask (50ml)
$47 - lookfantastic.com

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Serum 30ml | lookfantastic.com
$45 - lookfantastic.com

All used up...

... I love these kinds of posts as its a great way to review a selection of products after a good usage... of the entire thing of course. So things I have used up this month:

•  Caudalie beauty elixir- I'm not going to bore you with a massive in depth review as you're probably sick of hearing about it but I really did like it and can say It has benefited my complexion. I purchased the 30ml bottle as it was cheaper and I didn't want to commit to the £32 spend of the 100ml one.  It seemed to last me a decent length of time to say I used it everyday, as a couple of spritzes hydrated, calmed and refreshed my skin leaving it smooth and refined.  I do miss it (as I am currently experiencing a horrific break out and I am not sure if it has anything to do with this being absent in my routine) and I would purchase the larger bottle as it works out more cost effective, having said that though I am yet to part with the cash.

• Dove visible effects body lotion supreme moisture multi layer complex- Now this is a bit of a cheat as it isn't technically used up...I am binning it because it's horrible it leaves me feeling sticky all day and never seems to completely sink into the skin.  I normally love Dove products it has the usual lovely Dove fragrance but a slightly gel/lotion consistency does not get on with my skin at all.

• Clarisonic gentle hydro cleanser for all skin types-  This is the freebie cleanser that came with my Clarisonic Mia, it has taken me forever to use it as I just didn't see it benefit my skin at all and I much prefer to use one of my own specifically for my own skin type.

• Herbal Essences tousle me softly conditioner for wavy hair- I don't use any special hair products as such but my products of choice have been Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner for a long time.  My hair can get rather greasy in between washes but this stuff balances me out perfectly so I only tend to wash my hair 2-3 times a week.  Also it smells scrumptious! However  I've cut my longer locks to more a mid length it tends to be falling rather straight so I have just recently switched to the curly one to see if I can help encourage my natural waves to come back.

• No 7 Beautiful skin melting gel cleanser- (No picture sorry it was chucked before I decided on this post but you can see it here.) Now as things tend to change over time, my 'cannot recommend' enough tag has differed somewhat and now I have ventured further into the world of skincare.  Only since I have started taking a more avid interest in blogging has my skin care expanded, and my use of products was fairly limited when I discovered this cleanser.  My thoughts on it now are that although it is a great dislodger of makeup (after fairly intensive rubbing and you have to add a little water to get it moving but not too much as it turns into a useless milky substance), it never completely removes it or leaves my skin feeling clean.  Although I tend to double cleanse anyway if I'm wearing makeup I prefer something like my Bioderma solution its quicker and does at least make my skin feel cleansed.

Skincare Blogging...

... now I love blogging don't get me wrong and I love my 8, well actually 7 followers as I have miraculously managed to follow myself??  But how to make a successful, interesting and inspiring blog as I am trying to do and get readers engaged?  At the moment Ive been a little lazy, I have no idea whats going on with me but Ive been busy doing not very much and am becoming completely demotivated since the end of uni, so this is my self kick up the butt to get myself into action.
I love blogging in general for a whole host of reasons: they are inspiring and also a great way to get opinions and insight on a whole host of things.  Blogs I tend to follow and read are anything to do with beauty, fashion or crafty/artsy things, but what I am finding is that a lot of my favourite bloggers seem to blog about exactly the same things, like they go to the same events etc... so they get the same freebies/gifts or are sent similar products to review, and as much as I love hearing various opinions about the same things it does make me sigh when I see the same stuff coming up on my news feed.
So I bet your wondering where does the skin care tag come into all of this?  Basically, although as much as I hate hearing about the same products, I wouldn't have knowledge about half of the fantastic products that have made their way into my routine if I hadn't started blogging.  I have always been a great believer in looking after your skin as I think its really important to love the skin your in, after all you have it for life.  So I have never minded at all splashing a little extra cash as I really do think in terms of most products you get what you pay for.  Ive also been through the skin care mill probably like most as I had acne in my teens, which has left me with a little but rather unnoticeable scarring thanks to my skin care miracle: my freckles, which hide a multitude of sins.  My common problems with skincare are my sensitivity and combination skin, meaning I am prone to dry and oily areas, its all about finding the right balance without finding anything too harsh to do this.

Now don't be alarmed at the amount of stuff I have: I get a lot of stick already!

 Im not going to go through everything in full detail now, I might do in future posts as all my products I obviously don't use at once *wow that would be lengthly* I use them all at different times whether it be day/night, in several combinations and frequencies throughout a weekly/monthly period.


What I haven't included on here is the No.7 skincare range which I blogged about previously here and I was raving about it back in February and after I used up the minis I did re purchase the day/night moisturisers and another melting gel cleaner.  But after a comprehensive test of a few months I can honestly say I won't be repurchasing from the beautiful skin range again.  So when the pots are empty I will do a full review as to my reasons why.  Having said that I still do love No.7 so it is by no means a bashing of their products it will just be my honest opinions in relation to my skin type which may be of some use to others.

Marina Mermaid...

... a recent purchase which I thought I would share are my new nails courtesy of effie. If you haven't already heard of her within the blogosphere *where have you been hiding* check out her blog she is one incredibly creative lady.  I am so glad that these are available to purchase as I for one love having beautiful talons but I simply do not have the patience or the skill to produce them as well as these lovelies have been crafted.

My fingers at present look the most fun and crazy I have ever had them and I love it!!  I chose the Marina Mermaid design but to be honest I'll be going back for more as there are so many to choose from!  They are a gorgeous two tone aqua and purple in colour finished with glitter and rhinestones.  I think they are fantastic value as there is so much detail packed into the set and to top it all off they are completely unique and original, quite a change from what you normally would get at a salon.  I am not normally a fan of false nails but unsurprisingly these were just too gorgeous to pass up.  I did trim them down a little as I'm just not accustomed to having them too long, but to be honest I'm a convert and I don't think I ever want to take them off.

You can purchase yours here for £8.00 and see the rest of effie's amazing designs!

[candid pants picture] shiny shiny

Long time no blog...

... well I finally have my life back (thankgod) after the most hectic year of my life at uni, and I haven't even finished yet, still a year to go.  So back to blogging, I am so determined to get back on track and blog about all the exciting things I've been up to and the amazing opportunities I've had.  One of which was a couple of months back when I had the most amazing day working as an assistant stylist on a S/S shoot for fellow blogger Josie Marie at Mannequin.  I have always wanted to have a bash at styling and I can honestly say I loved it! Josie's blog is beautiful, she has created her own innovative editorials to compliment current trends, and I am so thrilled I got to work with her!

You can find the end result here...

Mini splurge...

... in preparation for my Germany trip next week I've had a little shopping trip to restock on a few things, like my No7 beautiful skin cleanser, which I've blogged about before and cannot recommend enough.

Im also giving the exfoliator a go as its the only thing in the range I haven't tried yet, and I really could do with not stealing my boyfriends shaving scrub anymore at the result of smelling like a man.

No7 Eyelash curlers- as Ive not owned a pair for years, since my last ones died or went missing I'm not sure which.  Either way the 3 for 2 offer in Boots is always a great way for me to end up with something that Ive wanted or fancied trying for ages.

Total bargain!!! Current season Marc Jacobs sunnies £29.99 thank you TK Maxx :) can not believe it! they are AMASING, only snag being they aren't in a matching box so I ended up with Missoni one, but I can't complain with a hefty bit of saving from the RRP £110

Magma Fashion sketchbook- another TK Maxx find, literally saw it just before I got to the till, quite a cool little book, has nice quality recyclable sketching paper and handy little finds throughout such as templates, measurement sheets and other bits and bobs.

Last but by no means least-  Smashbox Photo Finish Primer.  I have never used a primer before other than my Urban Decay primer potion.  But thats just for around the eyes and after being amased at the lasting results and growing tired of slidey makeup days I thought it was about time to invest in some for my face.  It was a toss up between this and Benefit's Porefessional, which I had sampled and loved but didn't want to pay the £20+ price tag.  I had noticed that the Smashbox primer was coming soon on buyapowa.com so Im glad I stuck it out as I only ended up paying £13 wahoo!  So I'm really excited to try this out.

By the way if you haven't checked it out already, you really need to have a look at buyapowa its rather addictive! And besides who doesn't love high end products at lower prices?

Missing art...

... so feeling a little inspired through doing my uni work *sigh* and being completely egged on by the amasing Malia's artwork (http://deepfriedfreckles.blogspot.co.uk/) I have really come to appreciate how much I miss doing any form of painting, drawing or digital media. Sometimes I feel like all the fun and appreciation is taken from it when I do it for uni, because everything is required within such tight and constricted deadlines. I seem to do something and hand it in before I get the chance to look back and reflect on what Ive produced. So I did just that and dug out some old work! And after getting bogged down with everything thats going on and the minute I had a little moment to appreciate that damn I did do alright actually...

....if I do say so myself.

Wonder Woman Converse High Tops X Reebok | Nike High Tops For Girls

Wonder Woman Converse High Tops X Reebok | Nike High Tops For Girls

Wonder Woman Converse High Tops X Reebok | Nike High Tops For Girls

Wonder Woman Converse High Tops X Reebok | Nike High Tops For Girls

Rainy day for me...

.... so some lovely blog comments (thankyou so much!) have spurred me on to post again, its been nearly a month since my last post and I know its the most over used excuse in history but I have been super busy! Seriously, its not a cop out I have so much to tell and share about my excursions over the last few weeks, its only when I look back at my photos that I really remember how much I have done. So in summary since my last post I have been to Paris, completed a brief including a garment to be proud of, eaten scrummy baking that my best friend keeps making, made the decision to do a juice detox, had an amazing opportunity to be assistant on a S/S fashion shoot, had a lovely break away in Amsterdam with my mr, plenty of snuggles with the puggles, gorgeous family day for my wonderful mum's birthday, shopped, and found my love of art again thus proving that: damn I can paint :) Phew! So will try to do posts on everything soon!