Summer is fast approaching and I jet off to the states in about 4 weeks which I am very much looking forward to, don't worry I shall technically still be working so expect lots of blog posts from across the pond. I am also pleased to say that the Tubberfly Vintage website is coming along ready to launch in June now (fingers crossed) - so please keep your eyes peeled for updates.
Having frequented quite a few beauty counters recently and with all the summer limited editions hitting the stores around about now I thought I'd do my very own 'Top Picks For The Summer'.
Amazing Concealer - A product highly recommended from my mother who swears it covers all imperfections all day and provides full yet natural coverage.
I probably have the whole Barry M collection but my favourite for the summer has to be Coral - it's bright with high pigment, a professional finish and lasts 7 days.
If like me you want that newly washed hair feeling everyday without having to wash it daily then Batiste Dry Shampoo works wonders, I put it on overnight to avoid the 'grey hair' look you often get with it.
I have been addicted to these for years, unfortunately the click sticks aren't available in the UK so I get bulk supplies from the US. Guaranteed lip conditioner and perfect primer for lipstick.
Limited Edition Cherry Blossom leaves a gorgeous floral scent even after a few hours of wear. Delicate florals and very feminine.
Nars Limted Edition Blush Bronzer Trio - All my favourite Nars blusher products in one compact - Orgasm, Albatross and a highlighter
Righteous Body Butter - Aside from the amazing smell this is an impressive non greasy body butter rich in moisture and lasts all day.
Viva Glam, Lady Gaga Limited Edition - After searching high and low for this I eventually found it in the US. It's an incredibly versatile shade although it's not very long lasting.
Limited Edition Lip Glass Wonderwoman - Apart from the appealing packaging Mac's lipglass does last all day and this shade definitely adds drama. Mac's glosses do come sticky but they are definitely worth it.
Would love to hear about your top picks and shall definitely be doing a men's fashion blog soon (I realise this is slighty biased).
It's been yet another enjoyable 4 day weekend, I tried to use it constructively but have once again ended up building sleep debt, partying, shopping and of course witnessing one of the most beautiful Royal weddings. I wouldn't necessarily class myself as a royalist but I do enjoy watching the perfection of pomp and ceremony when it comes to the British Royal family.
Not surprisingly the media has been busy critiquing the outfits worn by the wedding guests and Kate Middleton's 'fit for a princess' wedding gown created by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. The princess said she chose McQueen for the 'beauty of its craftsmanship' and I couldn't agree more especially as it was also vintage-inspired.
Take a look at my favourite vintage gowns chosen by royalty
Queen Elizabeth 1947 - Gown designed by Norman Hartnell made of ivory silk
Grace Kelly Princess Consort of Monaco 1956 - Gown designed by Helen Rose - absolutely beautiful
Jaqueline Kennedy 1953 - Gown designed by Anne Lowe
Princess Diana 1981 - Gown designed by David Emanuel
Elizabeth Taylor 1950 - Dress was a gift from MGM studios - an actress blessed with Princess looks
I expect these designers all felt that their own fairytale was brought to life when their gowns were debuted and that's one of the greatest things about fashion - you can build confidence, express yourself and feel like a princess (or prince) whenever you want. This is something I think Alexander McQueen was doing when creating his amazing gowns and I think he would be very proud of Sarah Burton's beautiful creation for the Duchess of Cambridge.
I couldn't end this post without taking a look at some the most amazing creative styling I have ever seen from the late Lee Alexander McQueen CBE:
Lace creation worn famously by the wonderful Lady Gaga
From the 2008 Fall collection - Royal blue ballet inspired dress
2009 - Dramatic and demure with great structure
Romantic florals - the detail, colours and design is incredible
It's now been over 2 months since I became self employed and time has flown by very quickly. I feel like I've done so many things within such a short space of time - working for some good clients, sorting out my website so I can officially launch 'Tubberfly Vintage', meeting different people most weeks, learning about print management (yes I am a geek) and working with ambitious and talented people everyday.
Over the past couple of months I've also learnt a lot about myself - what motivates me, what I want to achieve, what I enjoy about my work and the type of people I like to be surrounded by both professionally and personally - I think some of this comes down to me being focused, determined, hard working and believing in myself as well as being influenced by things around me - friends, family, colleagues, media, technology...
It's easy to forget how the things around you can influence you and I've definitely grown to appreciate how powerful it is to be influential and I guess this applies to everyone whether you're a parent, business, leader, friend, spouse or offspring you have the ability to shape someones thoughts, behaviour, perceptions and possibly someone's future (not always in a positive way might I add!).
The american writer Napoleon Hill sums this up very well:
"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another" (1930)
Take a look at some of my favourite influential people below:
Barack Obama
Apart from being the first coloured president of the USA he has shown the ability to coordinate the wildly varying political interests of China, India, Russia, Brazil and the rest on issues like nuclear proliferation, human rights and climate change.
Gabrielle Bonheur ‘Coco’ Chanel
Pioneer of luxurious, sophisticated women’s clothing. From little black dresses to her famous suits, Chanel created timeless pieces that continue to influence women’s fashion today.
John Pemberton
Inventor of Coca cola, the world’s best known and influential brand
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni
Archetypal Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer who created the most influential sculptures and frescos in the world, namely the statue of David and The Sistine Chapel
NWA
Laid the blueprint for the most successful musical genre of the last 20 years - gangsta rap - and introduced the world to a new production mogul Dr Dre.
Stephen Spielberg
More than 25 years after Jaws, Spielberg continues to deliver more big-budget successes than any other director, remaining influential and popular at the same time.
Nesta Robert "Bob" Marley
Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience
Spring has definitely 'sprung' in the UK this week - longer sunny days, windows open while driving, pumps, peep toes and european dance music blasting from cars.
Spring is definitely one of those seasons where people are generally more optimistic; whether it's planning for the summer, anticipating warm weather, spending more time outdoors or just happy with the prospect of it still being light when they get home from work or school. For me spring officially begins when I no longer feel the need to wear boots everyday (having lived in knee high's, ankle boots, Uggs and shoe-boots since September).
Having frequented both High Street and designer stores over the past few weeks I've become a big fan of this seasons bold bright colours, maxi's, white wash palettes and vintage styling for both men and women - I'm also happy that the current trends support my own style pledge to avoid wearing head to toe in black - it's just so unneccesary when there's so much colour to choose from!!
Take a look at my top picks from both designer labels and the High Street:
Marc Jacobs Cross Over Satchel £290 - guaranteed to brighten up any outfit
Marchesa silk chiffon dress £4010 - Gorgeous investment for a busy social calender
Temperley London ronnie animal print chiffon dress £995 - Team this with a leather jacket for a laid back look
Topshop Beige Peter Pan Floral Dress £36 - Vintage inspired on the high street
French Connection Anna Lace Dress £110 - Inspired by Marchesa
Miss Selfridge Cream drop back shirt £35 - A wardrobe staple and ideal for day into night
Carvela shilling £130 - Absolutely loving these desert boots
As it was the hottest day of the year today (I realise it's only April) I thought I'd finish this post with a real 'feel good' song from a proper band with great style - currently on repeat in my car - The Strokes!
Working in a creative industry where ideas are assets it's often tricky to ensure creative work keeps well within the boundaries of political correctness and communication policies that many businesses have inherited over time whilst also keeping the message simple, effective and clear without losing sight of the task in hand.
Personally, I think communication at the best of times is often difficult, we've probably all experienced situations where we literally can't find the words to explain what we mean or how we feel. One of the reasons why I love advertising is the ability to influence how people think and feel about a brand whilst also ensuring the assets, culture, ethics and often history is also reflected - a great example of this is Cadbury's. Take a look at some recently banned adverts which could have been effective and possibly very influential if these considerations were ignored:
Modern day family planning
VW Polo
Canadian 48 sheet
Increasing the awareness of iPod deaths among young adults and children
Body Shop 'Love your body' campaign
Interestingly, I also looked back at some early print ads which are far from being politically correct let alone socially responsible. These ads may have been influential but were also published at a time where people were powerless and solely relied on communication to help them perceive the world around them. I actually love how idealistic (ignoring the sexism) these ads are compared to the realism nowadays!
The formal definition of 'rebellious' is showing a desire to resist authority, control, or convention and in the past couple of months I've seen various representations of modern day 'rebels' in both a positive and negative light.
Most recently you have Charlie Sheen being sacked for reported drug & alcohol abuse before voicing ideas of grandeur and posting a vacancy on Twitter for an intern to assist him in his future conquests. John Galliano unnecessarily rebelling in public and showing his 'true colours' leading to a very public and embarrassing demise. The amazing Lady Gaga supporting her revolutionary stylist Nicole Formichetti ,for Thierry Mugler, at Paris Fashion Week who is famously known for creating her controversial 'meat dress'.
Personally I've never really believed in conforming (this is more evident from my rebellious teenage years) as I've always found it more exciting and motivating to follow the unknown compared to the familiar. I think this is why, with age, I've come to appreciate originality even more whether it be music, fashion, art or thinking. Fortunately I'm also surrounded by like-minded friends (especially Pikolo boy & Queen b) and colleagues who help keep this trait instilled within me.
Take a look at some of my favourite rebels below!! Enjoy xoxo
Sony Bravia 'Balls' Advert, Directed by Nicolai Fuglsig (1996)
Dame Vivienne Westwood
Galaxy by Jackson Pollock (1947)
Lady Gaga in Thierry Mugler at Paris Fashion Week 2011
I'm sure many of you would have probably been flicking through pictures of red carpet arrivals from Sunday night's 83rd Academy Awards (better known to you and me as the Oscars). I know many articles will focus on who got their style 'right' or 'wrong' but for me it's more about the celebration of one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies attended by the most famous actors in the world.
In contrast with London Fashion Week where I appreciate originality and unusual styling, red carpet fashion for me should be more idealistic and enchanting, something that Marchesa (fast becoming one of my favourite british designers) has perfected to a 't'. I seem to have been drawn to the pale fabrics and delicate materials which are similar to styles from the 40's and 50's (surprise suprise) so take a look at a few of my favourites from Sunday night:
Michelle Williams in Chanel
Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier
Halle Berry in Marchesa
Hailee-Steinfeld in Marchesa
Aishwarya Rai in Armani
I thought it would be rude not to take a look back at the styles back in the 40's, 50's and 60's a time when beauty, style and glamour was unrivalled and a lovely way to finish this post.
