Love me London Grammar

I hop on the crowded tube after when feels like the longest Monday in the world. Its not hot outside, its humid, but of course the tube makes it feel as though the sahara desert is your next destination. I can already feel the beads of sweat appearing on my neck, and I try helplessly to move my hair out of the way to cool down. But having 3 bags which are heavier than any weights I lift at the gym, makes moving at all a seriously LONG process.

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Social Media Selfie...The Debate

OK now I get that some of you may be a little bit pissed off seeing all these girls taking selfies on your homepage, so you're gonna have a rant. But I'm a bit fed up of hearing about all the negativity (yes okay if you haven't donated, please do)! We get belittled all the time about being selfish and not doing things for others, and the moment we are, theres people there to slate us for doing that as well...you can't win. I just read an article by a Woman who lost her mother to cancer and stated that the craze wasn't helpful and it just reminded her of all the sadness and worry because the word CANCER was spread all over her screen. Now in my eyes, she is being the selfish one, we are all raising money for a great cause in a way that can be spread FAST! I too lost my mother to cancer, and I know if she was still about today she would be proud at girls that come from a society of FAKE BAKE, going bare faced and putting themselves out there for the world to see in order to raise awareness and money for the charity. It may bring up bad memories, YES. But the only way to stop those bad memories for future families is to keep raising! So why turn your back on it because its to do with 'selfies' or social media? You should be embracing it and helping the cause! The reason its been to successful is not because you're quietly donating on your computer, its because we are sharing it, nominating, passing it on so it reaches a higher number of people. 

"The ‘no make-up selfie’ trend has helped charity Cancer Research UK raise more than £1 million through 800,000 text donations since yesterday. The campaign, which began on social media on Tuesday afternoon, asks women to post photos of themselves online without make-up, with the hashtag #nomakeupselfie. Cancer Research UK told Telegraph Wonder Women that it received almost a million unexpected donations yesterday, most of which came in via text message.

The charity also saw a rise in people donating at their Cancer Research UK shops, and a huge peak in visits to its website .

                                                                                                       --- The Telegraph Online Posted Thursday 20th March 2014.

If you're slating the social media craze then really you're slating the charity too, Its clear that it is doing the job it was designed to do. 

Learn to take the positives out of life, not the negatives

So keep posting ladies, keep texting BEAT to 70099 and keep checking those boobies! 

O x

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Best of the Fest #1 - The Hair

Its that time of year all over again...FESTIVAL TIME! Okay so your desired fest may not actually be for quite a few months yet, but its definitely time to start planning which ones you're going to go to and start saving for you tickets. So why not start to plan your festival style as well. Im here to help! 

Being a huge Festival lover and 'goer' myself, I know the planning that goes into those outfits beforehand, the stocking up of dry shampoo and the hairstyles that cover your grease by day 4! 

I am going to be doing a series of posts in the next few weeks, all leading up to the Festivals about each section of style. 

So here is #1 - The Hair! Now it really does depend on what kind of hair you have. We aren't all gifted with the natural bouncy locks, and look like a supermodel when we wake up from our sweaty tent. So here are 5 looks which reflect from the grease and still make you look like a rockstar!

Despite the fact that from day one most of us look like this, with a bit of help from our beloved Tangle Teazer and some dry shampoo (maybe a bit of hair spray, but thats going to be a killer in the morning). We can totally look like we've been showering regularly!

The Curls 

Im not Hudgens biggest fan, and granted she probably had her personal stylist along with her to the festival, BUT you can still rock the curls like she does through the festival season. Sleep in plaits, put rags in your hair, use moose, or just sleep with a messy bun! Some of you may be lucky enough already to have curly hair naturally, in which case "I WOKE UP LIKE THIS" is much needed! 

Curls are also an awesome way of hiding the grease (and dry shampoo!).

 The Hat

For those whose hair stylist techniques aren't quite on point, what better way to cover up the mop and still make yourself look super on trend, than by shoving a hat over it! Florence goes for the cute small hat, whereas the Boho chick at the top goes all out with a big'un! Whatever style suits you best, hats are a great way to still look fresh! (although be careful, you will probably lose it in the crowds!).

 The Feathers

I can't say I've done this one yet, but I think its definitely on the cards for this year's fest! FEATHERS :) Think hippy, think red indian, think dream catchers! Whatever kind of look you want to go for, they look amazing! Plus, you look like you're a proper festival goer (you know what I mean, who doesn't want to look as though they're natural habitat is a festival!). If you're confident enough to go for the full on headdress DO IT, and add in some plaits too! If not random plaits in the hair with feathers on the end always look super cute (however you need to be comfortable with the messy look, as by the end of the day its not going to look incredible!). Alternatively you can rock it like the girl above and have an up do with the feathers to one side. I think she is wearing a headband, which they're attached to. So I'll be keeping my eye out for one of those and let you know if I find one!

 The Headband

Perfect for those of you with maybe shorter hair. Its not long enough for the curls, hats would make you look bald, and the flower power results in a mushroom head! The head band is a good solution. Again its been done, but it looks wicked! Especially if you already have an edge to your style. Make sure you go for the right colour and pattern though, I adore the girl above! Her band goes perfectly with her cowboy esque jacket and matches her lippy, which is only complimented nicely with the reto sunnies! Seriously wish I could pull off that look :) 

 The Flowers

I don't have to remind you of this trend. It has literally been covering festivals for the last 3 years! THE FLOWER POWER :) Its back with a vengeance, anyone who is actually no one is wearing the flowers. They're even selling them at the festivals themselves! But why not take the next step and make them big, make them bold. Like this girl, she's confident with her array of flowers on her head, and she is rocking it! 

 The Plait

Plaits, plaits, plaits! Perfect! They keep the greasy fringe out the way, they look insane, the more the merrier when it  comes to plaits! If you want to do small random ones or whack in the entire head. Plaits are always going to look awesome and be super practical too! No knots, nice wavy hair at the end of it, who wouldn't want that!

O x

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Good Friends

Leading the hectic life as I do, it’s rare that I get the chance to take a step back and start to reflect on how good my life really is. We all get distracted by the other simple annoyances and irritations in everyday life, that we tend to take advantage of what’s already there, and just moan about what’s not. What we strive to have and work to achieve. So its good every now and again to just take a few hours out. Maybe you’re watching a film, maybe you’re on a train (that’s where I usually am), maybe you’re doing some work in the library or just laying in bed doing sweet FA listening to some good songs! Whatever it is take that time to appreciate what is, and think about the real importance of what’s not. 

If something is taking up all your energy and emotions and it’s just not worth your time, stop doing it. People can take advantage of traits you carry just because it makes them feel a little better. 

Being on a 3 hour coach journey back from London has definitely given me time to reflect (while accompanied by Beyonce’s voice!). Sometimes the people that are the most important are the ones you just don’t expect, and you need to take the time out to appreciate those people and let them know “YOURE GREAT & IM SO GLAD WE’RE FRIENDS”. A simple text can go a long way, yet being caught up in the hustle and bustle we rarely do it. 

Yet sometimes there are times when you need to take a step back and think ‘ok (insert your name here) is this really worth the effort and upset’ and sometimes the answer will be YES, in which case you talk to that person and if they care for you enough they will appreciate your words and you’ll figure it out. However, other times its just better to let it be what it is and remove yourself from the situation. It might not even be anything major like a fight, it could simply be that they’re just not interested enough to make the effort that you would. Sometimes the things that are not said are the ones that cause the problem in the first place! Crazy right! 

Ever heard the saying “actions speak louder than words”, well its true, you can tell the world that someone is your best mate. But the truth is, if neither of you are even bothered with the other, then you’re really not. Not to say a BBFL needs to be your partner in crime 24/7 but when the time comes, you know distance or silence never changes your friendship. 

Often there is a crossroads and you have to decide which way you’re going to go (very philosophical I know!). It might take years, months or maybe just weeks to decide which road you’re going to take. But once you do it feels good to be one step closer to making your happiness happen for you! 

I’m a culprit of sometimes trying to make other peoples happiness happen so much that I forget about myself and then turn round a few weeks later and wonder why I’m so moody all the time. Its because more often than not, people use what you bring them to just bring you down, we all do it, and sometimes it will just be the situation in hand and a one off. But have it done too much and you just get drained. 

Often at this point I isolate myself from everyone and everything just because it’s easier that way, to be on my own and not have to deal with it. But getting away, having a break and then looking at it all clearly and reflecting on what’s really important and what’s just not worth the time anymore really helps. I guess with anything this is a really good tool to use.

We have to accept that sometimes things happen that are just out of our control, and no matter how many times we flash that smile, or go out of our way to try and do the right thing. It will never be enough for some. That’s life! 

I’m happy to say that most my close friends from school and home are still just as close now! We may be dotted all over the country (or world in the case of some!) but when we can, we all make the effort to just subconsciously say “I really appreciate that we’re mates”. 

And I’m even happier to say that I have made other friends since then, even in the short time that I may have known them (most only a year and under) I know that they’re the good eggs! 

As mad as it sounds, making good friends is an experience of trial and error. Sometimes we think we have found our soul sister, and a few months in, shes off with the next best thing. But don’t get upset and down about it (although I know we all do!). She just wasn’t the one, wasn’t worth your time and energy. 

"We’re all human, which means we are selfish by nature. The ones that take the time out to be selfless… They’re the keepers! .

I guess you could say that this is my little indirect message to all my good’uns and say cheers, for just being you!

O x

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Its Never Too Early For Summer Clothes

My first fashion article, writing for 'Student Fashion' . . .

"When the Topshop Unique Spring/Summer 2014 catwalk show happened last September we were all raring to write our opinions and be the first to see what was going to be on the streets in the sunshine. However, looking back now it seems like a lifetime ago! We have been wrapped up in our fur coats all winter and our beanie hats are still making an appearance! The good news is that March is our ‘Ease into Spring’ month. With the Easter holidays shortly round the corner, a holiday shop may well be on the cards. So what better time to get ahead of the trend and start collating your summer wardrobes.

With London Fashion Week having recently passed, preparing us for Autumn and Winter this year, the Summer trends haven’t really been on the forefront of our minds. So I’m here to give you a little reminder of what to look out for by recapping Topshop Unique S/S ’14 catwalk show...

... Read Full Article Here

O x

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Bitches, bitches., bitches. So many bitches

Before I start I would just like to clarify that this article isn't my own, its is a friend of mine Jennie Leighton's - Check out her blog and this article here: CLICK ME

I read this and thought, you know what this is so true and a really good message to be shared with everyone. I think Jennie describes it perfectly and its something that usually will effect us all although sometimes its not always as noticeable as others...

Over to Jennie and her powerful words. . .

" It's come to my realisation that sometimes people really do have an inability to be nice. Jealousy and bitterness rule and humanity and humility are somewhere absent with other non existent phenomena - like God for example. We've all been there; going through school with years of torment, some of the hardest and most unpleasant years of any life; and if you haven't experienced this; you're either lucky or you were the bitches making others lives hell - well done; good for you; has it made you a better person? Why do people get so much pleasure from trying to make another individuals life miserable? Do they get joy from it? Probably not. If they do it will be exceptionally fleeting. Then their lives will go back to being as pathetic and unfulfilled as they were in the moments leading up to their most recent 'bitch fest'. How do I know their lives are pathetic and unfulfilled? I know this because if they were full and happy they wouldn't feel the need to obsess over others. Isn't it funny how people will comment on someones personality being 'bad' while sitting in front of their computer screens typing some inane, immature and quite frankly poor attempts at insults on their twitter/facebook account. Although lets face it; they're probably too idiotic to even realise the irony. 

Jealousy really is the most unattractive and soul destroying trait in a person. And let me tell you, it controls such a huge proportion of the population. Especially young, not yet mature enough to realise the ridiculousness of their actions, school girls. It becomes an obsession. And then comes the "Oh, she thinks we're jealous of her. Don't flatter yourself".  Ha. Ha. Ha. Jealousy is the ONLY thing there is to account for your actions my darling. THE ONLY THING. And no. The girl on the other end of all your bullshit is not 'full of herself' to believe that you're jealous of her. She's realistic. Because if you REALLY thought she was a horrible person; a person with bad hair; a person with bad makeup;  a person with a bad body; a person with nothing to offer; you wouldn't bother with her. Not one single bit. Do you want to know why? Because you wouldn't feel threatened by her. The reason you have so much animosity towards that girl is because you want something she has. You believe her to be somewhat 'better' than you. Your own insecurity has made you obsessed with the notion that in order to elevate yourself to a level that you consider 'above' her you must slander her in as many ways as you can. Because stating everything that is 'wrong' with her must automatically illuminate everything that is so perfect about you. Right? WRONG. It makes you look like a bitter, twisted, pathetic excuse of a woman. Someone that no one in their right mind would trust or have time for. Someone with so many deep rooted obsessions and insecurities that anyone with half a brain cell would run a mile in the opposite direction of you; because guess what? Once you've finished with your current 'enemy' you'll turn on your current friend.

"I don't care if you hate me; I don't think about you at all"

It really is a sad existence when you still feel the compelling need to try and batter somebody when you really and truly never even cross their minds. It's utterly embarrassing that your obsession with trying to bring someone down in order to make yourself feel or 'look' better in front of other (probably just as mediocre) people, has continued even past the removal of that individual from your immediate 'world'. Thats when its possibly time to call in a shrink and have your head checked because the probability is that you're crazed. So why do you do it? For acceptance? From who? The other bitter girls around you? The boys who you think will like you more if you batter another? Your parents? Your siblings? Who? For yourself? Whatever your answer; it won't work. You will fail. No one will think you're any better because of your pitiful actions. Not in the long run anyway. And your insecure mind will continue to be so. Until eventually you might have the luck of having children. Maybe a little girl. Maybe a little boy. And god forbid you have to feel the hurt that takes over while watching them get tormented by those same arse holes that you embody. Or maybe you'll grow out of it when you leave the superficial 'stage' that is secondary school and you enter the real world where people cut your bullshit short. Or maybe you'll end up like those sad, sad, middle aged women on 'The Real Housewives of wherever' - bitching until the day you die no less happy and no less content - all the while having A LOT less money but just as ugly faces. Because you know what they say; you are what you speak. Speak ugly words and you'll become them. Whatever your 'reasons' for being such a 'mean girl/boy' how about you take the time to just, not? When you feel the need to write something hurtful on a social network, or endeavour to make someone feel like shit, go away and eat a fucking lemon or something. 

I'm sure you'll ponder this and immediately dismiss it because the person you're currently trying to belittle 'really does deserve it' and you're not really a blinkered, disturbed, insecure and spiteful person with an inability to look past your disgraceful actions. And then the cycle will continue. 

And for anyone on the receiving end of another persons insecure projections; just know that if someone is treating you in this way, you are already better than them .

Article by jennieinabox

I hope you enjoyed a little something different in a guest post today! Hopefully for some it will make you feel like you're not the only one, and for others make you feel stronger! 

O x

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Personal Style

" I love clothes, always have and always will! .

Thats the way it started off for me, just some clothes, some highstreet shops and a love for creativity and putting things together. Now whether my creativity and inspiration came from dance, my auntie (who pretty much introduced me to fashion) or I just found that I needed something to act as my armour while going to an all girls grammar school, I don't know. But I didn't start off having the mother who worked for Grazia and Daddy in the Dior head marketing department. I started off wanting good grades, good friends and something to strive for. That was never fashion related until quite recently. 

I worked hard at school (but to be honest, going to a grammar you have no choice but to!) I took all the usual GCSE's and then went on to A-level took 4 (I'm a nerd) English, History, Dance and Performing Arts, I became community captain and then went onto get into Roehampton University to study dance! Boom - No fashion involved! 

I guess throughout that time, my style adapted! I remember my trips to Manchester involving more than just my train (or plane when I was really little) fare! My Auntie Lisa was like my queen of fashion, she would trapse me round Manchester and the Trafford centre, Sale, Stockport and wherever else we went, and I LOVED every minute of it! Getting in on all the new trends that hadn't come down to Kent yet and just being inspired by it all! 

Dancing here, there, and everywhere and getting into breakdancing I guess my style created an 'add tab' to it and went from 'Latest Trend' to a bit of an Urban feel! I guess all my experiences and taste in style just kept adding tabs to my style feed to take me to where I am now. Being around all girls throughout school, I'm sure I don't need to tell you how bitchy it can be (although I have to say, I loved school! And it wasn't THAT bad!). Especially when I came into sixth form and the teachers were no longer having a go at me for never wearing shoes (odd ball!) the pressure was on even more to try and look good! (looking back I do think some of the things I wore were hideous) Nevertheless creating new outfits everyday to try and make something look different to the week I wore it before probably gave me the confidence I have now to try out new things. merge genres and styles together to create something different.

 My old flat mates at University were always saying how my style changed from day-to-day and that I didn't fit into a category, and my flat mates now are asking me to dress them and re-vamp their wardrobes. My friend the other week said I looked like something that should be in Vogue (I clearly don't, but all the same it was a nice thing to say), but juxtaposing that my flatmate said I was the only Urban Dresser she knew! A very strange mix of Urban Vogue! 

When asked about my fashion identity in a lecture I said that I didn't fit into one, that I liked to believe I was a little bit of everything, whatever took my fancy and I thought I could pull off! 

But when we were then asked who else thought they fitted into that category, or who strived to be individual at least half the class raised their hand. So maybe thats a category in itself, striving to be different. 

Now I would say there is a difference between being individual and then being a bit of everything. There is no way that I can pull off some of the things these people can...hence why they stood out to me when taking photos for my street style brief.

BUT, I am a bit of everything, so I overlap in the pie chart of stereotypes, and I'm fine with that. Im not confident enough to try and be REALLY out there (at least not yet), but I'm not one that always fits into the generic. But I'm also not one that wants to fit into anything else. 

I have a fettish for coats and trainers (and some shoes in general). I adore scarves and hats! And I have a love for all clothes from pretty much anywhere! I'm still trying to get to grips with the whole 'A Woman can never have too many bags' thing! because personally I just buy one and then that does me for a year or so until I see another. 

Find me a good charity shop and ill be in heaven (okay so I do love bags from charity shops, but thats different! they're always really cute and small!). I love to add a bit of vintage or the latest pair of Kicks! And then all the generic stuff really Topshop, Urban Zara...you know how it goes. 

Its not what you wear, its how you wear it. 

Confidence is the best thing a girl can wear, other than a smile of course!

O x

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Valentines Essentials

For some of you the build up of Valentines is getting you all giddy, with an uncontrollable amount of butterflies in your tummy. For others you're planning how you can get royally smashed with your friends and forget all about the damn day, and for some its a bit different but the majority stays the same...yes, its Valentines day!

So this year I'm guilty of being in with the first lot, BUZZING for Val's Day! Being away from my boyfriend at Uni makes it all the more special!

If you're still looking for some gift ideas head over to The Lovecats Inc for some inspiration: CLICK HERE

So what are my essentials for valentines day, well black lace is always a must! You cannot go wrong (although I'm not giving away what it is). La Senza seems to have decent pricing, and when you get past the gross diamontes and bright pink against black look, they can have some decent stuff!

Topshop lipstick in a mixture of pinks, depending on the occasion and pink nail varnish with a Matte finish to add something a little extra.

The usual makeup routine, Mac foundation, Maxfactor Masterpiece mascara, Benefit Brows and Blusher and Baarry M eyeliner.

Me being the little quirk I am will always need a scrunchy no matter what the weather, so I've gone for my purple one! :)

And finally, THE CARD!
I have no idea why card factories STILL go on making the smooshiest cards which just make you want to vomit! I LOVE YOU FOREVER AFTER, YOUR MY SOUL MATE AND BEST FRIEND . .. . blah blah blah! BORE OFF!
I managed to find quite a cute and funny one in a little boutique shop at home, so thank god I've got that bit sorted!

Maybe you've got a romantic weekend away, maybe its just dinner, or maybe you're doing a bridget jones and stocking up on the ben & jerries, but whatever you're up to this Valentines day, remember that even if prince charming isn't there yet, you're still loved - and its a time to celebrate that :)

So a little note to the boy for when he reads this :) i love you

O x

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Song of the Week

Something a little bit different for this weeks post! :) 

There is a little bit of a funny story behind this song as well. So a couple of weeks ago, when I was up to my ears in work and deadlines were just around the corner I was spending every living day work work working and consuming a ridiculous amount of Tea. 

For lack of a better picture, its safe to say my life was a little bit like this.

Wednesday is usually our Socials night out in Nottingham, everyone dresses up like morons, goes on a bar crawl and ends up in the dreaded Ocean (WARNING: this is not to be done sober!) 

On this Wednesday my little friend Esme had ventured out without me and ended up having a little sob (as girls will know, we tend to do this once we have had a few). As I was being nocturnal anyway  I told her to come back to mine. I was snuggled up in bed watching Sex and the City with a good old culpa! Anyway, after working out the reasons for her sobs she pipped up and insisted we MUST turn off Sex and the City and watch this music video because its a great song, and I'd really like it blah blah blah! 

At this point I was all cosy and warm, ready to doze off into dreamland, but as she was quite persistent we put on the song, and I was so tired I barely remembered what it was. But she was right, I did quite enjoy it. 

Couple of weeks pass and I'm pretty sure I will love this song forever! 

Being quite the lover of the folky kind of vibes; Mumford and Sons, Ben Howard, One Republic & Gabrielle Aplin (just to name a couple that tend to cleanse my soul). I heard Vance Joy's Riptide and instantly fell in love! Getting the feel of summer, festivals, laying in a field with the sun shining onto my head. Yes, the song well and truly got a hold on me!

If you haven't yet had a listen, here it is :)

Mr.Joy who is an OZZY Singer and Songwriter describes his indie folk song as a coming of age love story. I love the quirks of both the song and the video. Listening to it as I post this just makes me feel calm and really HAPPY! I feel as though I'm somewhere peaceful when listening to it :)

If anyone apart from me didn't understand the part in the video where the woman is singing with the lyrics on screen as "you're gonna sank the words wolf" its irony because he says "cause you're gonna sing the words wrong" and she does. Now some of you must be reading this thinking "oh my god this girl is a moron" but I was seriously confused by it, I just thought it was some indie message in the video! I was nicely corrected :) 

So something a little bit different in todays post :) hope you enjoyed! 

O x

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Bill Cunningham, New York

BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK 

During my first week at NTU, part of our induction was to go to Nottingham's Broadway Cinema and watch the film titled 'Bill Cunningham New York'. I have to say it is definitely one of the most inspiring films I've ever seen. 

Cunningham photographs people and the passing scene in the streets of Manhattan every day, focusing on their genuine usage of clothing to express personal style. He is known not to overly photograph celebrities (like the paparazzi) or people that use fame to showcase clothing they didn't originally pick themselves (sponsored, free clothing). Most of his pictures, he has said, are never published. "You see if you don’t take money, they can’t tell you what to do kid” he states that freedom is the most expensive thing, and money is the least.

BRIEF HISTORY

Born in Boston, Cunningham dropped out of Harvard University in 1948 and moved to New York City, where he initially worked in advertising. Not long after, he quit his job and struck out on his own, making hats under the name ‘William J’. This business folded when he was drafted. After serving a tour in the U.S. Army, he returned to New York and started writing for the Chicago Tribune.

During his years as a writer he contributed significantly to fashion journalism. While working at the Tribune and at Women's Wear Daily he began taking photographs of fashion on the streets of New York. He published a group of impromptu pictures in the Times in December 1978, which soon became a regular series. His editor, Arthur Gelb, has called these photographs "a turning point for the Times, because it was the first time the paper had run pictures of well-known people without getting their permission”. He photographed socialites within the fashion industry such as Anna Wintor, who speaks very highly of him within the ‘New York Documentary’.

"More than anyone else in the city, he has the whole visual history of the last 40 or 50 years of New York. It's the total scope of fashion in the life of New York”.

I think it will be one of those films that stays with me throughout my whole life.

Love Livy x

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