ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!

Wow. A whole year of expectations and fulfilment's, love and disappointment and possibly the best year so far.

It's been a year since I started on the path of bloggism, and I haven't looked back. So much has happened in one year, and so much is planned for this. I distinctly remember my first post in January 2011, talking about all my plans and expectation of the year ahead. As for reality? Amazing. I had so much fun and learnt so many lessons. I've grown up in many ways, and grown down in many more. There have been ups and downs and so many new experiences, from nights out to starting college. It's been a roller coaster.

However, ever the forward thinking person that I am, (ahem...) let's look to the future: 2012. Supposedly the last year before the end of the world as we know it! But not before we go out in style! The suspected hottest summer on record and all the festivals that go with it.
Also, long awaited Olympics which, Olympian turned Chairman, Sebastian Coe, predicted it will be a "catalyst for change" and "will be all about change for the better, not only for our sportsmen and women, but for the country as a whole."
I haven't made a list of things to do every month this year, I'm too worried I'm not going to keep to it because of college. There's also no sign of a New Years Resolution because I'd just be setting myself up for failure and I think it's about time I accepted how bad I am at being good.

Definite plans for this year include Boardmasters, a possible shopping weekend in London, a holiday in Crete and lots and lots of gigs and parties. Let the next year of blogging begin!
Peace out <3

Dedicated to Lucinda Diamond - More than a Moustache.

Friend.
Life coach.
Forever the insane beauty.
Lucinda, born 27 October, 1994, is nothing short of an amazing human being. In the 5 years we've been friends and the 6 years I've know her, Lucinda has never bowed down the rules of a mainstream childhood, nor ever acted anything less than a intelligent minded adult. But to say that reflects her personality would be wrong, because first and foremost, Lucinda is a joy.

Lucinda's quirky fashion and wacky frame of mind is everything her friends and I love about her and I dedicate this entire post to her influence. Currently wearing a blue spotted dress and black boots with her velvet black blazer, I realise I haven't complimented her today, so her it is, online for the world to see!

Witnessing her drama performance brought a side to Lucinda I'd never been privileged enough to witness in the past: her amazing talent for acting and ability to scare me half to death as a gorilla.

I've chosen to ignore anything negative Lucinda perceives of her recent life because I believe it's her positivity that drives her. Her most recent advise given to me is to live for yourself. If someone is bringing you down, they're not healthy to have around- advise I plan to put into action asap!

Assuring you this is a post to express my love for Lucinda in the least lesbian way possible and warning anyone out there who should meet her in the future not to take for granted such an amazing, wacky person.

Friend. Life coach. Forever an insane beauty.
Lucinda Diamond (as written by Hope Smyth)
Peace out. ♥

Inspired: Olivia Lopez.

The 19 year old model and fashion icon should be an inspiration to every aspiring teen with dreams of entering the fashion world. The Caravan is an online store selling a rage of gorgeous and affordable vintage clothing; based in America, the only variable stopping me buying every skirt, jumper and pair of glasses is the cost of post & packaging as they're solely based in the US. Olivia, if you're reading this (yeah right!)- set up a base in the UK!

It's every girls dream to make a living of being beautiful and business-like, and that's the exact reason why Olivia Lopez is my inspiration of the moment.

In an interview with The Fashion Society, the model, who first started modelling at the age of 14, is described as "hyped", "quirky" and that they "can't get enough of her refreshing style always sharply contrasts with her laid-back Southern Californian roots" -so what's not to love?! She's a frantic, successful blogger and claims her inspiration from "people whose style aren't too construed and thought out-everyday people with confident swagger." ... Oh, and Christian Dior's Spring 2010 (who can really blame her?!). She also admitted drawing inspiration from Zooey Deschanel, who I've recently been obsessed with so double thumbs up!

However, Olivia isn't just another American school girl living her dream. In the interview with The Fashion Society she states that her modelling is merely a hobby and after high school, she hopes to leave home and go to college, studying Political Science, International Business and English/Literature! To extremely contrast her clear intelligence, and reflect on the recent pandemic of cliches infecting many of my college peers, I would say I am "Well Jel." (To those who failed to notice that reference, I am not a fan of The Only Way Is Essex).

Her blog, "I've got a lust for life" is based on her life and inspirations. Backitwhy.com suggested her to be a "muse in the making" and that she "lives by the 'be your own muse' philosophy" and that she can thank her self belief for her success so far. I very much agree with the article's interpretation of her unique 60's fashion. Her "mix-and-match style is a fresh revival to the hippie era" and "she has a knack for making vintage pieces chic, timeless, yet laidback." Well said.

More recently, Olivia has starred in the campaign video for the Olsen twins 'Olsenboye' Spring collection for JCPenny (below). In the video, Olivia talks about what inspires her while promoting the Olsen's beautiful 60's clothing.

As I sit here planning this post as I write- lost in a sea 'pinned tabs' of various interviews and photo shoots by the head-spinningly chic teen that I've uncovered after days of surfing the net- I struggle to conclude her life so far. Perhaps this is due to Olivia's apparent endless popularity growth and success in the fashion world and never-ending list of inspired teens and adults alike. So less of a conclusion and more of a 'till-next-time, who knows what else Olivia has planned in her quirky, 60's world- but I wish her the best with it all. One can only hope to achieve half the success she has through her blogging. So in the wise words of Olivia Lopez and 

Karl Lagerfeld:  Personality begins where comparison ends. >Be your own muse!

A selection of my sea of references:
LustForLife- Olivia Lopez' blog.
backitwhy.com
La Societ de Mode (The Fashion Society)
Teen Vogue Fashion Blogger
The Caravan

Extra photo's:

I love this sweet, girly look created with delicate creme tones
and soft/lace fabrics.
http://29.media.tumblr.com 

60's styled turtle neck, bold colours and John Lennon
styled glasses- what's not to love?
All from: The Caravan. 

Show me a girl who wouldn't kill to wear this outfit!
Such a stunning jacket.

http://www.bloggerswardrobe.com/category/bloggers

Every girl needs a statement leather skirt like this one.
I love how it's been teamed with a sexy blouse and sun hat.
The Fashion Society

"Punk Rock Ruined Me".... Punk rock ruined every angel.
http://lookbook.nu

I love this shoot because it reminds me of scenes from Grease
or other old 60's movies.
http://cdn1.lookbook.nu/

"Pretty woman, walking down the street..." enough said?
The Fashion Society

...Until next time, peace out ♥

Top 10 Female Idols.

10. - Olivia Lopez. Just 19 years old, she has just set up an online shop selling vintage clothes and accessories, of which she mostly models for. (http://www.shopthecaravan.com/)

9. - Hannah Murray. Played Cassie in Skins in 2007 and has since also featured in Chat Rooms and appeared on West End in the production That Face.

8. - Zoeey Deschanel. First fell in love with her in Elf as the blonde shop worker Buddy fell in love with. Since then she’s become brunette and is the main character of her own sitcom, New Girl.

7. - Vivienne Westwood. Does this phenomenon need an explanation?! Designed the clothes for The Sex Pistols and helped accelerate the punk rock era. Still a world famous designer and inspiration to all for her wacky and unique style.

6. - Hayley Williams. Paramore ♥ This red head rock chick is a role model for all the indie/scene/”hipster” kids out their. Even hipsters aspire to someone else.

5. - Taylor Momsen. Wow. There’s not much more that can be said about Taylor. A Gossip Girl sweetheart to a druggy front of one of my favorite bands, The Pretty Reckless.

4. - Carey Mulligan. I’m honest enough to admit I was once a fan of Doctor Who, and when Carey starred in the scariest episode to date; Blink. (I will never grow fearless of those statues). An Education is my favorite movie and I cannot wait to go and see Shame.

3. - Alexa Chung. Individual style, successful career and drop dead gorgeous, is there anything bad about Alexa?! No. No there isn’t. Every girl would love to boast contributing editor at British Vogue or TV presenter or model (just one of them will do). She’s also scheduled to host the 24 hour catwalk in America this year.

2.- Keira Knightley. Started her career as an actress and has more recently become the face of Coco Chanel Mademoiselle. Known best for her period dramas (including the her touching performance in The Duchess and playing Elizabeth in Pirates of the Caribbean). She’s also dating The Klaxons lead singer, James Righton. I’m not sure who I’m more jealous of…

1. - Fearne Cotton. Tadaaah! What a surprise, Fearne Cotton is still my festival going, radio DJ-ing idol! I’ve religiously watched every single episode of ‘Fearne and…’. (Mischa Barton narrowly missed my top ten list herself) and even have a tweets sent to my phone!! Fearne also has her own style line with Very and one has to admire her fitness as she runs 5km three times a week (thank you wiki!) and has ran several marathons in her time.

Perfume Adverts: a keen marketing management, or a pretentious scam?

Like them or loath them, perfume adverts are on every channel, everyday, all year round, convincing you, potential buyers, to invest in their scent.
From Chanel, Dior and Paco Rabanne to 'So...', Charlie and celebrities own; perfume comes in all shapes and sizes, for a range of prices- much like clothes.
However, there's something about the way you smell which is far more important than just the way you dress. Because the two go together, your appearance, your scent and your expression all make up a vital part of your personality which creates your ideal first impression.

Obviously the adverts are there to sell and are acquired to the target market of the perfume.

For example;

Kiera Knightly, being the face of Coco Chanel Mademoiselle, is perfect example of female power which will entice the modern working woman or classy late teen (17-25/30) where as the Chanel No.5 is known for being for the older woman in some respects. Does it smell nice? I'm biased but yes. It's elegant and floral, not fruity; and it doesn't scream slut like some perfumes can.

(P.S: This is my favourite)

Where as Britney Spears appeals to a younger market, the bottle shape and colours used (as well as her musical focus) 13/14 year old and younger, buying/asking for their first proper perfume to show off to their friends. But does it really smell nice? Hmm... It's very over-powering,

For women, a perfume is an enticing scent, an attractive, maybe sexy fragrance that will inevitably attract the opposite sex (or same sex, whatever floats your boat). It's the scent your friends and loved ones will remember you by and it's down to you and you alone to decide how you wish to smell.

For men, the objective is just that bit simpler: something that smells nice, that will help you pull a bird. Men want power, and lust and something that when his girlfriend (or boyfriend, you get my drift) borrows a jumper/jacket/scarf it will linger and let that special someone remember you every time they put it on. Also, relating to the animal kingdom, this sharing of over clothes such as jackets and scarfs in your scent is a way of marking your territory. No guy will try his luck with a girl walking home in her boyfriends hoody. Ever.

As an example of some up market and lower market advertisements for men's perfume (spray/scent/aftershave); here's some clips from youtube:

Paco Rebanne One Million. This advert is a perfect example of the kind of things men look for in a fragrance. A good looking male, money, wealth, control, swag, confidence- hey look, a hot blonde! Black and white adds class and a dark mysterious look. Everything about this man screams "player". Women will by this for their partners because they want him to be this man; or they wont if they're concerned about them cheating with someone all because a girl launched herself on him at a club just because he smelt so good (at least that's his side of the story aye?). Pretencions? Yes it is, but does it actually smell nice? Boy oh boy it does, unfortunately this post is not yet able to scratch and sniff.

Lynx 2012, the final edition of Lynx. Thank god some of you might say. Other men who have bought into this and pre-puberty teens might literally think this the end of the world. This advert is asking for a slap in the face really (in my opinion). "Get it on for the end of the world"?! Lynx want men to see this and think "The world is ending in 2012... what if I don't get laid before then?! Result! I'll just spray myself with this and it doesn't matter what I look like, women will come in pairs!"

Yeahh.... no.

So it's really a question of taste/choice. Would you rather search high and low for a perfume that smelt exactly how you would like to smell? Or conform to the upscale/popular market that is considered to be the best? However, surely if you were to choose a fragrence based on it's advertising campaign or how well known the product is, then it isn't actually 'your scent' but more a cover that makes you the same as everyone else who smells like the latest Chanel/CK/Beyonce fragrence. Much similar to clothes, really- you either choose to be different, or choose to be the same inside sub-cultures or your class.

Your choice.

Peace out.

Sleepovers

Oh the American way- again. Don't you just love them? Slumber parties, pajama parties, pillow fights, baking cupcakes, maybe getting a little bit tipsy.
Drugs?!
Boys?!
The English way. Influenced heavily by Skins and the longing to rebel; the cutesy, fluffy, fun, innocent ways of a classic sleepover have long but diminished. Sad? NOOO.... It's a part of growing up.

Don't lie boys, this is what you imagine when a sleepover is mentioned.

So how else do they differ?

Minus the nudity, this is the scene we create.

Firstly, the entertainment. Us Brits like to take the high road- literally. At a sleepover I attended this weekend, the idea was simple; open the windows, stick our heads out side, and let the smell and smoke drift from our pre-rolled "special" and normal cigarettes. The setting is quite romantic. My friends bedroom is in the attack and her huge windows present a wonderful view of the harbour at night; and as we gather in the alcove, the smoke creates quite a plume of happiness and glee, as well as mystery and teenage rebellion.

If we were across the pond, however, I'm sure we'd be enjoying a different kind of scent. I can see us in he kitchen, gathered round the oven in pink, floral aprons, waiting apon our ready-mix cakes which we'd spent the evening preparing and maybe even a food fight, which would result in us dancing round the room singing along to Barbie Girl- too far? Okay, okay, so American's aren't that naive and probably would be listening to Orson or another mind blowing amazing American band (I'm not kidding, I love Orson) but you get the idea.

One sleepover tradition you can count on happening at an American sleepover is the marvelous make-overs that take place, before another dance, this time around the bedroom, eating the cupcakes and taking lots of photo's!

The other night however (which doesn't really differ from any other sleepover I've had in the past year) the closest thing to a make over was putting on a bit more foundation, ready to head out for a short while to meet one of my friends boyfriends and his recently single friend. Our generation of Brits tend to leave the making eachother over for Halloween and fancy dress parties (correct me if I'm wrong). As for the photo's? Well I brought my professional camera just incase but the feeling of the group was that we'd best not take photo's while our heads are in the cloads. The less evidence, the more mystery is what they say. (However we have arranged to do a photo shoot next weekend so keep an eye out for the produce of that!)

Frankie, Kenny, Lindsey, Rosie and Felicity make up
my favorite childhood show.

 I'm not trying to say that I hate the American sleepovers. I'd love to be at that naive stage when everything is in clear pink and white; but England just isn't that conservative- never has been, never will be. I don't know if it's true or not, but I've been told English movies with bad endings are changed to satisfy the American's need for a happy ending (I'm not quoting it so don't sue me if I'm wrong) but that fact- true or false- must of come from somewhere; some truth that shows Britain is just a grimier, dirtier place. And so follows with sleepovers it seems. I'm sure not all sleepovers are like this (no matter what I've heard from my friends in America) but this stereotype of American girls must of come from somewhere. My favorite show and book as a child, The Sleepover Club, is probably what has driven this stereotype into my head, even though the show is American (I was only 10!).

I hope this post doesn't offend anyone, it's just a mere comparison based on my little knowledge of America.
Regardless of all of this, I have always wanted to visit America (California mainly) so I hope you'll all still have me.
Until next time ♥

Bonfire Night!!

From previous posts, you know how much I love bonfire night- and, for our town, it was yesterday (Friday 4th November) and hosted down at St Just Rugby Club, just like it is every year.
Here's some photo's of the night:

Liz and I by the fire. 

Mum and Liz by the fire.

All of us by the fire.

Mum with a sparkler.

Could Liz BE any happier?!

Woosh. Bang. Pretty!!
Such a beautiful time of year, as long as you don't photograph yourself with your teeth stuck together with bonfire toffee; or the pub mischief afterwords with all my friends.
I hope your night was as good as mine- and for all those celebrating bonfire night tonight: HAVE FUN!!
♥