SW4 - SOUTH WEST FOUR

South West 4 Festival

This weekend I had a pretty busy but amazing weekend with the most amazing people! On Sunday I went to South West 4 Festival in Clapham Common, it is a two day festival (Saturday and Sunday) but my friends and I just went on the Sunday with Example headlining. SW4 hosts a variety of DJ's, Artists and Musicians from the Dance music world.


What did I wear?

Well in terms of what I ended up wearing to the Festival completely depended on the weather and thankfully the weather turned out to the be perfect! Although it had poured down a few days prior to the Festival this meant that the field was pretty muddy and since we were the 2nd day festival goers, the field had already been trampled on but to be honest it wouldn't be a real english festival without a bit of mud! 

Shoes- I wore my black Doc Martens which kept my feet dry and allowed me to squidge and dance around in the mud. By wearing my DM's it also meant that I didn't have to worry about what state they would be in by the end of it as they are easy to clean. (Wellies are also a great option!)

Dress- My dress was from the Topshop sale it was originally £28 then reduced to £15 and then with student discount £13.50 what a bargain! Recently when I have been buying clothes I also try and think how I can wear them in the Winter as unfortunately our Summer is  coming to an end, so here are a few things I would add to make a Winter outfit. 

-Black tights (to hide those goosebumps.)
-Boots (heeled or DM's; depending what occasion it is.)
-Black/grey cardi (for that extra warmth, I love to layer up during Winter!) 
-Maroon scarf/ Beanie ( I love to accessorise as it really completes the overall look) -Khaki -Parker coat (perfect to keep you warm and also super stylish.) 

There you have it, a winter outfit from a summer dress! (I also wore little black shorts under my dress, this was so then when I got on someone's shoulders I still kept my dignity!)

Bum Bag- This is a must! If you wanna be safe from sneaky pick pockets then get yourself one! Not only does it mean that you always have your belonging to the front of you but it also means that you have your hands free to dance and hold your cider!

Tassles- In this picture you can't really see my sleaveless black cardi with tassles but hopefully you can in one of the other pics, I picked this up a while ago in Republic for £7! I absolutely love it, its great for putting over something that is a little plain to spice it up or just to add some festival vibes which is what I wanted for SW4.  

Peace and Love

G. x

No7 Airbrush Away Primer

Name: Airbrush Away

Brand: No7

Make up: Skin (Base)

Price: £19.50

Rating: 9/10*

For the last 3 years I have been a huge fan on No7 make up and all of the make up in my make up bag is of the No7 brand, this is mainly because my Mum used No7 and therefore that is how I got introduced to it. I was introduced to this amazing beauty product by my Mum, she had bought some No7 products and has got a free No7 make up bag which contained some mini samples including a waterproof mascara, lip gloss, eyeshadow, night cream and a mini No7 Airbrush Away Primer. I had been saying to myself for a while that I had wanted to get myself a primer to use as a base for my foundation as prior to this I had just used a Nivea moisturising cream as a base but I thought it was about time to get a proper primer. 

So about the product... when applying the primer I just put 5 little dots on my face; the middle of my forehead, my chin, my nose and both cheeks and then slowly swept it over my face with my index finger (this finger applies the least pressure to your skin) covering my face evenly. Instantly I felt the effects of the product, my skin felt amazing and silky, almost as smooth a babies bottom! I couldn't believe the effects that a few dots of this product had had on my skin and how much my skin was glowing. Although I did feel that I had to use more the product that I had expected in order to cover my whole face, I think this is purely down to the consistency of the product and how much my skin absorbed it.

Next it was time to apply my foundation (No7 Beautifully Matte Mousse Foundation; £12.95) I apply my foundation with brush (Mac 130 Short Duo Fibre Brush; I got this as part of a set but individually they are £30.00.) My foundation took to my face perfectly, with the primer allowing my brush to gently slide on my face beautifully and I believe allowing my foundation to cover my face more evenly. 

Although the price of this product is pretty pricey and I honestly don't think I would have been introduced to it if it wasn't for the sample my Mum had given me, I do believe that I will re-purchase this product when my mini sample runs out as it definitely makes my skin feel beautiful and soft.

Check out this video to!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYL9nsCBA2M&feature=player_embedded

(*all ratings are my own personal opinion, I am comparing them to other products I own/have used)

Peace and Love

G. x

Crazy for Cami's

Crazy for Cami's!

Zara £25.99

This season we welcome back a 90's fashion piece that we are very much pleased to see back on our high street, the Camisole!

Zara £22.99

Cami's; Camisole 'A camisole is a sleeveless undergarment for women, normally extending to the waist. The camisole is usually made of satin, nylon, or cotton with spaghetti style straps.'

They are silky, slinky and just damn right sexy! Although the description states that they are an 'undergarment' that is a thing of the past now a camisole adds that edge of sexiness to an outfit while still keeping that classiness. Camisoles are perfect teamed up with a tight pencil skirt or some printed cropped smart trousers creating that sexy but sophisticated 'ready for business' kinda look.

 Top 3 websites/shops for Camisoles


*River Island!- http://www.riverisland.com/search?keyword=cami's&f_gender_category=women

River Island £10

-River Island have a load of gorgeous silk plain cami's for only £10 is a range of colours including, mustard, turquoise, light pink and lime. Shop quick as these are sure to sell out fast!

*Zara- http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/shirts-c269186.html#product=1433511&viewMode=two

Zara £29.99

Zara have some great cami's at a range of prices, check out there printed patterns!

Asos £14

Asos £90

*Asos- http://www.asos.com/search/cami?hrd=1&q=cami

As always Asos are great for everything, pick up a cheap cami for only £15 or a more expensive one for up to £90! Take your pick ladies! 

If your not really feeling any of the print cami's, grab yourself a plain one and glam it up with a big statement necklace!


Peace and Love 
G. x

Other UK

In the Words of Other UK...

We are the rule breakers & thought provokers, Outcasts & Innovators

We are the original & the unorthodox
We are the box on the form for the answer that wasn't anticipated
We are those that refuse to stand inline & that don't fit the mold.
We defy stereotypes & push boundaries
We are the unexpected
We are the Others

Be original be OTHER; Other is an Independent streetwear & lifestyle brand looking to bend the rules & push boundaries. Mixing trends & innovative designs with the highest quality apparel.

A bit about the brand...

Other UK clothing was launched in October 2012- when I found out that it had been launched less than a year ago I was extremely surprised as it is a very well established street wear brand and has developed and progressed greatly in the last 10 months.

The brand was created in Cardiff, Wales and founded by 3 people, Nick, Mia and Nathan. 

The brand name 'Other' is named after the box that states 'other' on forms, wanting to inspire people to take the 'other' option and be different by buying their street wear brand. Other UK offers another option for people that are wanting to be original and part of the 'other'. 

Other UK has boomed in popularity with their consumer market growing by the days, with much of their stock online being labelled as 'sold out'. Other UK are currently planning their 5th collection for Autumn 13 and are also in talks with P Money about a collaboration collection which will hopefully be hitting the web.

Other UK has been seen on artist such as JLS, Young O, Lady Leshur, Shystie, Manga (Roll Deep), P Money and Leigh-Anne (Little Mix).

A bit more personal...

I was first introduced to the brand about 4 months ago when a fellow colleague of mine started doing some promotional work for the brand so I thought that I would check it out and see what it was all about. When I heard that their Summer 2013 collection was due out I was soon counting down the days for it to be released; below I have done a brief analysis on a few of their Summer collection products.

I was very impressed with the collection, however a majority of their products including most of their sweaters and tee are black on black or black and white however they have recently added a Cheetah Authentic Basketball Jersey £75 which is completely different in terms of their previous Jersey designs. 

Like most streetwear brands Other UK also do a number of different designed beanies that come in khaki, maroon, grey and red. With Leather being a huge phase at the moment, Other UK have also latched onto this providing leather vests and jumpers for consumers; I am also a huge love of these too! Although a little hot to be wearing in these baking days we have been blessed with at the moment.

If you are as huge fan of the bandana print as I am at the moment but are finding parting with $150 for a newly designed bandana tee by Rhuigi Villasenor (brand Rhude) then grab yourself an Other UK tee instead about your only be out of pocket by £35! 

My favourite item from this collection is definitely the Rose Tee £35, as soon as I saw it I completely fell in love with the print and with the amount of black on black I wear at the moment I thought it would be a great alternative to add to my cupboard.

I am a regular viewer of the website and a follower of their Twitter and Instagram pages, check it out!

Instagram: OTHERUK,  NICKYOTHER

Twitter: OtherUK

Website: www.otheruk.com

Peace and Love

G. x

Pucker Up with Coral Lips!

It's time to pucker up Girls!

So we have been bless with this beautiful weather for the past 2 weeks now! However when the weather is this hot I find putting on make up such a chore and I instantly feel yucky as soon as the sun shines onto my face making my complexion look sweaty and shiny- not a good look. 

In regards to eye make up I have been only wearing a coat or two of mascara as not only does it smudge everywhere as soon as I sneeze due to my dreaded hay fever! ...but I am also really enjoying the sun kissed fresh look of summer. 

As all my friends already know I am a huge fan of lipstick and will not leave the house without it being lacquered to my lips! Whether it be pink, bright red, chilli red, raspberry or coral, it is a must and instantly brings colour and happiness to my face and I never feel I am complete without it. 

About 5 years ago their was a huge hype for wearing foundation on your lips with a dash of clear lip gloss. However I personally was never been a huge fan of having foundation covered lips on myself. I feel that it really washes me out and I look too dull- normally peoples preferred tone of lip colour for the Sun Kissed look is foundation coloured lips. 

However I have found a new adaptation for this! I have a new found love for Coral! I absolutely LOVE it! It is so summery and lifts your lips instantly making them as kissable as ever as well as adding to popular pastels that are around at the moment.

There are a lot of make up ranges out there that provide Coral as one of their lipstick options, but I personally use No.7 Coral Rose 'Drench Moisture' £9.50

Not only is the colour beautiful but it also leaves my lips feeling moist and soft and most definitely puckered up and ready for that special kiss. 

Go on try it!

Peace & Love

G. x

The Ragged Priest

The Ragged Priest is one of the hottest up and coming newest designers, it takes core vintage items and adds a contemporary twist by adding, tassels studs, rips or patchwork materials to their products. It is slowly but surely becoming an established designer, this has been proved through The Ragged Priest products being available in various Topshop stores, the Topshop website and ASOS. 

-http://www.theraggedpriest.com

-http://www.topshop.com (search The Ragged Priest)

With their use of studs, leather and denim, The Ragged Priest certainly adds a tough and rough look to your wardrobe and definitely shouts attitude! However with their latest range featuring tie dye and tassels it also adds elements of the 60's and 70's hippies era as well as providing a perfect festival look.

Like most new designers beanies are a big must, the beanie craze has boomed in past 18 months and The Ragged Priest has jumped on this bandwagon. With the neon vibes set for the summer, The Ragged Priest has created illuminous neon beanies of green, orange and yellow. 

  

I have two personal favourite items by The Ragged Priest- 

**HALLE CROP TOP BY THE RAGGED PRIEST; £30.00

**COCHISE SWEAT BY THE RAGGED PRIEST; £55.00

SPOTTED ON THE CELEBS!

LEA-ANNE LITTLE MIX

JESSY LITTLE MIX

RIHANNA

JESSIE J

Go check out The Ragged Priest now! 

P.S Topshop have a great sale on The Ragged Priest products!

Peace and Love

G. x

Shoes Speak Louder Than Words (2)

(PART 2)

Sorry that you have had to wait a little while for Part 2! Been super busy and only just got a chance to sit down and write! Anyways I hope you enjoy and like I said previously I have only explored a small portion of the footwear on the market at the moment!

DR MARTENS

Dr Martens or DM's as they are also known were first introduced in the 1950's. Over the past 50+ years they have grown in production and now reach out to many different subcultures.



DM's have a variety of different styles available, Original, Re- Invented, Rugged, Refined, Casual and Heels. 

Dr Martens have their trademark Air Wair soles- an air cushioned sole, which gradually over time moulds to your feet, providing you with the upmost comfiness! -note that you shouldn't wear someone else Dr Martens due to this mould it provides. 

Although Dr Martens are widely known for being one of the comfiest shoes, they are also known to be the worse shoes to break in due to the high quality of the leather.

I had wanted a pair of Dr Martens for ages, but with the boot style starting at £95 they aren't the cheapest of footwear! But I finally splashed out and got a pair with my birthday money, I decided to go for the original 1460 matte black boot as they go with anything and I wanted to make sure that I made the most of them due to the expense. Unfortunately when I first wore them they gave me the worst blisters ever, I mean the proper raw flesh kinda blisters! I don't think I have ever been in so much pain and I had only walked to the shops and back! However I was not alone, then I asked others that owned DM's if this had happened to them they all said yes. So I decided to stop wearing them for 2 weeks to let my poor heels heal, but about a week ago I thought it was time to try them again and the pain had completely gone, they was no pain... hallelujah! So I urge you to stick with them and once you get past that stage they are so worth it!

Although DM's are more of a winter piece of footwear- due to their leather fabric, they are still idea for festivals and are guaranteed to keep your feet warm and dry. So why not treat yourself to a floral re- invented pair for that perfect festival look! 

Dr Martens- http://store.drmartens.co.uk

(Also available to buy in, Office, FootAsylum, Schuh)

VANS

Since 1966 Vans have been a classic pump to wear, and with the younger generations jumping onto the hype to, Vans are doing better than ever.

Although I have always loved the Authentic Vans and I literally live in my all black ones. Recently I have also taken a liking to the new Old Skool Vans and am itching to get my hands on a pair! (pay day Friday!)

Like all shoe brands there are always a few styles that I prefer more than others and in Vans styles, one style that I am not too keen on is the Authentic Hi Vans. I personally think that this style is too much of a copy of the High Top Converse, but just with a thicker sole and with the thick base and the thin canvas top I don't think the shape quite works.

Vans are even introducing some more unique and crazy designs, including the Authentic Van French Fries Exclusive to Office: £49.99.

Vans- http://shop.vans.co.uk/uk-en?gclid=CJCg66jX6bcCFUfLtAodtwYAmA

(Also available to buy in, Office, FootAsylum, FootLocker, JD, Schuh)

NIKE BLAZERS

Over the past 3 years Nike Blazers have seen a huge boom in the footwear market and have become a footwear icon of our generation. With more and more colours and patterns being released every season I am sure that the Nike Blazer won't be disappearing any time soon.


There are two types of Blazers, the Nike Blazer and the Nike Blazer Vintage. The title 'vintage' adds extra 'vintage' elements to the Blazer. 

Vintage Elements
Soles: The blazers soles are singed with a lighter causing a yellowy, burn effect to be created, although when first looking at them it just looks like the sole is slightly discoloured, I assure you that this is all part of the 'vintage' aim.

Tongue: the top of the tongue of the shoe, this has been cut allowing parts of the foam in the tongue available to see. 

Although I absolutely love my blazers (I have the black vintage) annoyingly they are an absolute nightmare to put on and off! -I do not recommend wearing them if you are going clothes shopping in which you will have to keep taking them on and off. 

Through Nike id you can now personalise your very own Nike shoes, customising them to your own preference right down to the allowing you have your own personal id on the heel of the trainer you are customising.

Office Shoes- http://www.office.co.uk/nike

Footlocker- http://www.footlocker.eu/gb/en/s/blazer.aspx

(Also available to buy in, Office, FootAsylum, FootLocker, JD, Schuh)

HUNTER

With festival season just round the corner, Hunters are a must! They are hard wearing and you are guaranteed not to get wet feet! Although they are pretty expensive, with the short length starting at £65 and the tall length starting at £85, if you are off to a few festivals this summer it is definitely worth it.

In terms of sizing I would always go a size up to allow room for those fluffy socks or some wellie toppers. Another interesting thing I will mention is that Hunter 'kids' go up to a size 5 and although they come up a little bit shorter in terms of knee length they are about £50 cheaper than the adult Hunters! So if you have little feet like me, then definitely think about getting children Hunters instead! 

Hunter- http://www.hunter-boot.com

(Also available to buy in, Office, Schuh)



Peace and Love
G. x