What I love: Cameron Russell

I can't remember the last time someone made such a huge impression on me. After watching Cameron's TED talk, I was hooked. Here's why...

 

Photo from here

Add caption here

Photo from here

For someone in an industry as superficial and inclusive as high fashion, to be so outspoken about the darker side of it, is rare to find. Scouted at the age of 15, Cameron Russell never really say. Photographers and stylists found her 'annoying' to work with because at age 16 her views on wearing fur or posing nude were strong and often she would refuse. In her talk she says that models are 'some of the most insecure girls in the world'. This and along with some other stand-out statements got her noticed. The talk had the opposite effect than she feared it would. To stand in front of hundreds and broadcasts to later millions, her controversial views on the world that had treated her so well would surely not go down without a fight? Actually no. People loved her openness about it all. The talk if anything, boosted her modelling career.

***

Apart from being a supermodel and giving a talk that would later get 2 million+ views on youtube, Cameron owns her own magazine and is attending further schooling to have a degree in politics and economics. It almost sounds like a joke I know, for someone to be that perfect. Her online magazine aims to 'offer a platform for women's issues and media criticism. To be her best friend.

xo

A hint of spring...

So I think it's become somewhat of a tradition here on my blog to get waaayy too excited for upcoming seasons at leased two months in advance. So now that spring isn't in the too distant future, and it was actually sunny the other day (I know), I felt a 'spring' outfit post was most definitely necessary. I realise grey isn't exactly thought of as a sunny colour, but jumping straight into florescents seemed a tad eager. It also wasn't quite warm enough for my legs to come out of their 6 month hibernation, unfortunately black tights aren't exactly fitting with this look, but they were needed.

***

Since the new collections for spring have been popping up everywhere, I have noticed that technicolour has been the outstanding newbee. Also, a very hard trend to pull off. This outfit in no way would fit into the realm of 'technicolour' but I do like the pops of coral on the skirt. I actually found this piece lying, neglected, at the bottom of my wardrobe. Yay me (channelling my inner London Tipton). The top I am wearing is a new addition. Me and my friend managed to both buy it in the sizable Brandy Melville on Kings Road, on separate shopping trips within the space of a week. A round of applause please for our co-ordination and telepathicness. 

   Skirt- American Eagle (old)   Top- Brandy Melville (similair)  Shoes- Forever21

xo

Valentines Day Makeup Tutorial

So I'm not the biggest fan of Valentines day. To me, it seems like a commercial bid to sell more cards and chocolate. Why does there have to be one designated day to 'share the love'? The chocolate-boom, however, I do agree with. I also love any opportunity for a themed makeup tutorial. Of which this is. Whether it is on a special date with the person of your dreams or spent watching soppy movies and listing off all the hilarious reasons you are single with your bestfriends, your Valentine's day should be spent looking and feeling lovely.

 I won't go into face makeup for this tutorial, as I am not really great in that field and I know many people are particular about how they do it. So once your face is how you like it, start with 'all that glitters' Mac eyeshadow (or an equivalent) all over your lid and up to the outer corner of the eye. This is a really gorgeous peachy, gold colour which I think is perfect for the occasion.

Now with a fluffy eyeshadow brush, I applied both 'chopper' from the Naked 2 pallet and the pretty, amber, central colour in this rimmel quad to the crease of my eye. I also took 'Bootycall' from the Naked 2 pallet and blended it in to the inner corner of the eye, just to lighten up the look a bit.

To soften up the makeup whilst still giving it definition, I applied 'busted' (again from Naked 2 by urban decay) with a small angled, eyeliner brush, to my upper and half way along my lower lash lines. Curl the lashes, and apply a coat of your favourite mascara to top and bottom lashes.

For the lips, I think this pink 'baby lips' balm by Maybelline is perfect. It is light on and creates a natural, flushed look to the lips.

Et voilà! The final look. I hope you liked it. Let me know if makeup tutorials are something you would like to see more of :).

xo

London: a mini guide

I love to travel and love sharing my experiences and favourite places with you lot. So I thought I'd start a little series here on my blog of mini guides to various places I might find myself. I should probably point out that I am in no way claiming to be an expert on what to do in London, but just an excitable tourist with a passion for stumbling across somewhere new. I also realize that many of you probably live or at least visit London regularly, so I suppose this is more for tourist types like myself. However I would love to hear about some of your favourite places in London so please feel free to drop me an email and next time I will check them out! 

Photo from here

 Where to stay

Whenever we go to London, we usually like to stay in the South Kensington area. Not only is it a lovely part of the city, but holds a quite central location for getting about. We have spent many nights in the residence of the Gainsborough Hotel near the natural history museum. It is a grand, classic hotel with old-world elegance. However, I would recommend anywhere in this area as the standard seems to be pretty high.

Photo from here

 Shopping

Shopping in London is great. It has everything. But it can be a bit overwhelming. Oxford street is not only London's but one of the worlds busiest shopping streets. However, I find that as far as the over-all experience goes, Regent street is a better option. The shops on Oxford street are more affordable, but are usually heaving with tourists. Regent street has a nicer feel to it and holds some gorgeous boutiques as well as the better known high-fashion brands. 

***

My other favourite place to shop in London would have to be Covent Garden. It is littered with shops and boutiques and is possibly the best place when looking for a unique gift. I have only been to Covent Garden once, but spent the whole day and all my shopping money there.

Photo from here

Markets

Borough market like most London markets is vibrant, busy and full of...well everything. But here's the catch. Borough Market is London's most successful FOOD market. Every stall selling world class, mouthwatering food. We arrived here when it was just setting up at about 9am and already you got the sense that this was the place to be. Living near here would be dangerous though as I don't think avoiding temptation is an option but having eating as your new hobby certainly seemed as though it could be.

***

Old Spitalfields market is another great place to spend a Sunday morning, afternoon and evening. Unlike Borough market, Spitalfields holds a mixture of everything. It is a great place to shop for those quirky little market pieces that seem so hard to get your hands on. Whether it is food or trinket based, Markets are a must when visiting London. 

Photo from here

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is synonymous with any weekend away. And London appears to be the place to do it. The other weekend my Mum treated me to afternoon tea at Harrods and well, I can't recommend it enough. The beautiful array of petite sandwiches, baked goods and a massive selection of teas, were indulgent and a real treat. The Georgian restaurant in which we ate was magnificent and made you feel immediately out-of-place. Harrods is definitely the ultimate place to have afternoon tea.

***

This next place I am putting in not because I have been there and love their take on afternoon tea, but because it seems like a heaven of a place and needs to be shared with the world. Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium is London's first ever cat cafe. At Lady Dinah's afternoon tea comes with multiple visiting opportunities with their feline staff. You literally sit there drinking tea, eating cake, being surrounded by and getting to watch cats (all of which have very adequate names). Unfortunately this place of wonder is not open yet. But to get you excited here is a link to their website and a video of all the resident cats of Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium.


xo

Taylor Swift: Red Tour

If there is one thing you will have gathered whilst reading my blog, it will probably be that I love Taylor Swift. Like a whole lot. And I was lucky enough to get to go and see her last weekend. It was amazing. For those of you whose feelings towards her may be swayed slightly, she is not only a great singer/songwriter and performer, but came across as a genuinely lovely person. The production around the show was on a huge scale. It really was a show in every sense of the word. We were also very lucky to score great seats, which meant some great pictures. A guest appearance of Ed Sheeran and supporting band The Vamps were nice additions too. The atmosphere in the room was static. LED signs with cute swift puns littered the place and when the lights went up, you could see that everyone was dressed head to toe in red. Of course. The vibe was friendly and buzzing which really added a lot to the experience. If any of you get the chance to go to a Taylor Swift concert or any concert at the O2, I would highly recommend it. Now to bombard you with endless photographs.

xo