From Catwalk to Campaigning...Chanel S/S '15

Hey all,

If you read my personal blog Dear Aphrodite, then you would see I wrote about how I am an acivist volunteer for Amnesty International and you'll see in the tags for this blog that I am a huge Chanel fan. It stands, therefore, that when I saw the recent Chanel show was a hybrid between fashion and activism, it safe to say I had to check it out. 

Although I loved the idea, ultimately I feel let down that the campaigning wasn't genuine. When I saw the signs were "Tweed is Better than Tweet", I did fell a bit like "Say What?". However with a further look I guess there was feminist/girl power undertones in the signage, which is a very current cause with the HeForShe campaign being launched recently at the UN. I guess it just wasn't what I was expecting from the initial headlines. 

For all the showmanship any fashionista would expect from Chanel, the "Boulevard Chanel" was no let down. The tonnes of looks varied from bright splashes of colour and tweed to very work-able colour and style of the suit-wear, meant that which completed the show became a complete wardrobe. I also really loved the gold sandals - but regular readers of this blog know that I love them.

I have linked below where you can view the looks from the runway, including the final walk with Mr Lagerfield leading his campaign catwalk down the road - but will this lead to a new dawn in the relationship between cause and clothes? I honestly am interested to see where this leads!

- Chanel News coverage: chanel-news.chanel.com

- Full coverage (including backstage pics): vogue.co.uk

Anyway, it's back to beauty and I am going to a very awesome awards evening soon so I will try a look out and post it for you all,

If there is anything you want to see let me know,

Lots of luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️

Long-term Make-up Staples...

Hey all,

I have a few products in my make up bag that have been around since I started getting into make up properly and have stuck with me all this time! (Don't worry nothing here has gone off or is gross!) And as this is beauty post time I thought I would show you!

So this is the overall kit and starting from the top; Next Eyeshadow palette (I don't think you can still get this but I will find a similar one and link it here), Benefit Dandelion Blush, Dior 5 Colours Eyeshadow palette in 030 Incognito, Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Pink Tulle, Rouge Dior in 365 Pink Songe, Rouge Coco Shine in 55 Romance and finally Lancôme Juicy Tube in Toffee R&B (I think it's been discontinued but you can get similar shades here). 

 

This Next palette has been a long term friend of mine. It has six shimmery shades that are softer than glitter but just as dusty. I love them all and have used the to lighten smokey looks as I am very pale and occasionally a full on look is a bit too heavy, so the shimmer adds a bit of me too the look.

 

This Benefit Dandelion blush just keeps going, I use it fairly regularly although I am quiet pink toned anyway and have been turning to it's sister Coralista for the summer months as it has browney tones which double as a bronzer. However the cool pink is my perfect natural blush shade and I love it so much for barely there make up looks. 

In contrast to the shimmer palette I showed above, this Dior one is like the elegant older sister. The shades are all matte and the pink and the yellow are the definition of barely-there colour, if I blend the two they are essentially my skin type. The white, grey and brown are perfect blending shades and very useful for more neural looks. 

 

This is one of my favourite lip glosses and the minty taste is simply divine. It is highly sparkly but not as sticky as some other glosses I've tried. I love it as it adds definition to any lipstick I put under it.

                              

This is the first "posh" lipstick I ever bought. I saved up and went with my mum to the local Dior counter in Boots, and tried on loads of different colours. This one, Pink Songe, was the perfect colour for me and I love wearing it with a smoked eye (I wear a steel or a dark navy Kiko eyeshadow stick; smoked from the eye line and a natural base).                            

 

It's a natural progression from one fab posh lippy to another - and this is just that. I had been testing these on the back of my hand whenever I walked past a Chanel counter and in two airports when I finally caved and bought a colour I could not put down (and I had leftover Euros). These lip sticks are sheerer than most but they have a lovely sheen which makes it more than a simple colour. It's easily wearable and more moisturising than some lipsticks I've tried. 

Last but not least, is my favourite flavour lip gloss of all, it's toffee-tastic! The formula is slightly sticky compared to the Bobbi Brown but these are considered legendary and all the flavours I've tried have been excellent. The gold glitter is a great addition to a look by itself if you don't want to have lipstick on. This mini was part of a gift and it has stood the test of time!

So this was some of the staples of my make up collection, I hope you enjoyed snooping in my make up bag! 

I will be back with my Chanel post next week!

Luv as always,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️

Princesses are not quitters!

Hello everyone, 

Wow it's 2014! And I haven't blogged in ages! Sorry! *bad blogger head shake of shame* 

But today I was particularly inspired and as I didn't want to make my first post of the new year short and full of drivel I resolved today would be the day. 

Basically today I went to the castle in the sky, Harrods. Ok it's not a castle per say but any girl can feel like a princess browsing the diamonds and evening gowns and handbags and shoes... you get my drift. 

I looked at all of the Chanel sections (a must for me); the fine jewelery hall is also must if you were a magpie in a past life as I was! I think if you are easily blinded by the spotlights it will be a bit much, if that is the case then you can easily walk the halls of clothes and bags and window shop. A top tip is to enjoy everything! There is so much to ooh over even if you don't buy anything at all, although there is a HUGE toy and sweet section which if you are feeling kiddish goes down very well! 

The sale in Harrods ends next weekend and then the store will calm down a bit, as the perfume hall especially was jammed with people! 

But all-in-all it was very fun. I am really tired now. 

Btw the reason that this post is called princess are not quitters is because me and my friend went out shopping and had limited luck in the beginning but we didn't quit and it reminded me that I have a book from when I was little called "Princesses are not quitters" by Kate Lum. I recommend it for anyone who has a little girl in the family, or just needs some motivation as the book is really pretty and it is all about not giving up on doing what you want to do. 

Happy new year blogosphere, I will be better this year I promise! 

Luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️

The wonderful world of fashion...

Hello everyone,

So I have been running around college all week and boy am I tired, I also saw Bruno Mars with his Moonshine Jungle Tour this week and am busy all weekend. On Monday it will be hard to wake up. 

But today I am awake watching the qualifying of the Japanese GP and have been flicking through the recent fashion shows for next season. It is hard watching Spring/Summer as the long winter creeps into the UK. 

• Firstly, it was announced that Marc Jacobs is leaving Louis Vuitton and so the fashion show this season was tinged with sadness, he still put on a fabulous show, only increasing the punk trend.
• Secondly, as always I loved Chanel I didn't think they could actually make me love them more! But that show, wow, the colour palette, the jacket styles and some of the handbags!
• Thirdly, Dolce & Gabbana. I love them. The shows are always so beautiful and flower patterns sway me, not to mention the gold encrusted dresses. Wow.
• Then Burberry Prorsum used my favourite dusty pink colour in some of their outfits, I do hope this colour stays as I love pink!
• Finally, I can't leave my fashion week review without Oscar de la Renta. I am amazed, not only did they show the most sophisticated approach to patterns with a plain white underneath black and blue prints, but they also created a light yellow dress that I just adored.
• One side observation, some designers went for the naked look a bit too much for my liking, I can't really imagine even the most devoted followers of fashion walking around with no bra through a sheer shirt. 

So that is my review so far, if anything has caught your eye that I've missed then let me know,

Luv as always,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️ 

11 random things about me...

Hey guys,

So I feel bad about the last post being so delayed so I am gonna write this one now after just sitting my physics exam to take my mind off things. 

So after my Liebster Blog Award I was thinking that I'd love to answer my questions that I posed to the three blogs I passed it onto. So here are my answers: 

• If you could kiss anyone famous who would it be? Justin Timberlake or Ryan Gosling! Easy! 
• What's your favourite flower? Pink or red roses, simple girl really.
• How many pairs of shoes do you own? Many, is that an answer, well I'd say around 20. 
• What's your favourite movie quote? "I love the public you, I love the private you and I love the you only I get to see" from the Kate and William movie lol! 
• If you could be on TV what show would you be in? I'd love to be in Hart of Dixie or Gossip Girl anything like that or maybe the female Mike Ross in Suits.
• What is on the wall next to you right now? Well one side is a window and the other is a picture of a cat that looks like Woozle. 
• What is your favourite season? Summer, I hate being cold and it's my birthday season.
• Who is the most famous person you have ever met? I met Warwick Davis at comic con, that was cool.
• What is the best place you've ever visited? Tolo, Greece and I loved it so much I'm going back this year.
• Do you have any pets? If so what are they and what are their names? A Cat called Woozle who has been featured on this blog! 
• If you could go anywhere in time or space, where would it be or when? I would love to go to the birth of the universe just so I would know how it all began, or maybe I would go to Paris to meet Coco Chanel and Christian Dior. 

That concludes the 11 random things about me, I will do this once a month as a feature and get you guys to message me questions to answer! 

Luv, 

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

Print will never die...

Hey guys,

Some say that print is a dying medium and with e-books and gadgets, there will be no point in carrying around heavy books. However in fashion we are slightly different, yes magazines produce E versions however I love to buy the magazine myself, having it on my phone just doesn't seem the same.

My room is groaning from fashion magazines and I genuinely believe the artistry that goes into a magazine deserves someone to pick it up and treasure it, every shoot is a jewel. I also have a huge amount of books that inspire my fashion sense in a conventional and non-conventional way.

My collection of books about fashion directly is pictured below and there is a wide range of themes:

Firstly, I have two books on one of my idols Miss Marilyn Monroe and her influence on fashion. Marilyn was very good at dressing her figure and one of the books focuses on her relationship with William Travilla who custom made some of her most iconic dresses - both are particularly interesting and contain some very stunning and inspiring images. (details: Dressing Marilyn, Marilyn in Fashion)

I also have three style guides; one 'The Bombshell Manual of Style' which is a very fun guide I borrowed from my mums library and is just a laugh, the second is 'How To Dress For Success' which I bought on my return to the V&A at the start of this year and it is very helpful in organising the smart style that every woman needs to master, finally is Lauren Conrad's 'Style' which is my go to book for the wardrobe organisation and what to put with what - it's also very helpful for beauty which most how to books do but this one is particular good with the drawings represent the face with the make up on that look realistic and easy to do. (details: The Bombshell Manual of Style, How To Dress For Success, Style)  

As well as these I have a number of fun books such as the 'American Fashion Cookbook' which has designers favourite foods and some fun personal anecdotes; 'The Princess Diaries Guide to Life' which is a good book for anyone interested in being a princess, covering fashion to proper decorum in social settings such as dining and etiquette; 'Edie: Girl On Fire' is a book about the iconic Edie Sedgwick who was idolised by Andy Warhol with some stunning images and inspiration; my 'Little Dictionary of Fashion' by Christian Dior which I wrote about when I bought it, the book is so interesting as it offers a complete A-Z of everything you could ever need to wear; My Chanel Fine Jewellery Catalogue which is good if I want to be hypnotised by diamonds for a few hours and finally my two books written by Madonna about the 'English Roses' which have a beautiful illustrations and all the girls have a good style that I still love even now. (details: American Fashion Cookbook, Edie: Girl on Fire, The Princess Diaries Guide to Life, Little Dictionary of Fashion, English Roses - and Chanel catalogue you need to get in Chanel stores)

It's fair to say I have a lot of fashion books and I just bought another one, Vogue on Alexander McQueen and this books is beautifully written and I think it is one of the best books I have seen about him. When I finish reading it I will do a proper review. (details: Vogue on Alexander McQueen)

My main issue is that I have a very long queue of books (although I have read Frankenstein, Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Great Gatsby so far this year) but my plan is to spend all summer reading in the sun.

So I hope you enjoyed this new angle,
Message me your favourite books, I'm always looking for a new buy!

Luv,
LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

n.b. I have used Amazon for the details of these books as it lists ISBN and author clearly, but I bought these across a variety of stores, book shops are amazing and I have no affiliation with Amazon.

Liebster Blog Award!

Hello guys,

My mummy nominated me for a Liebster Blog award and this is her blog if you'd like to check it out (its a life blog with craft woven in (PUN lol!) - click here!

There are the Five Rules:
Thank and link back to the blogger who presented you with the award (above)
List 11 random facts about yourself
Answer 11 random questions from the person who presented you with the award
Create 11 random questions for your nominees
Present/nominate a Liebster Blog Award to more newbie bloggers! (no tag backs)

The 11 random things about myself:

1. I cry at chick flicks, usually at the part where the couple kiss, or if they get back together after a bad break up.
2. I have a periodic table on my wall which I am trying to learn. I am getting there.
3. I have always been in admiration of Cinderella, that girl had a tough life but it turned out ok.
4. I love going into designer shops, although I couldn't go into Chanel I just hyperventilated outside.
5. If someone gave me the choice between eternal life, and one amazing day on earth, I'd pick the one day, because eternal life is sucky if the people you love die, unless your like the Cullen's and your whole family lives forever too.
6. I would love to have a super power, or magic, I think that would be cool.
7. I love being able to pass on my knowledge to people, it's no good knowing stuff if you can't talk to others about it.
8. I love all of my friends and I love them no matter what.
9. My favourite movie is Pride and Prejudice or the Holiday.
10. I have a lot of teddy bears, and rabbits and other creatures, they all have names and are part of my family.
11. I struggle to walk in heels, really struggle. I hope I will get there some day.

 Questions from my mum (my answers are in italics):

• What is your earliest memory? I have a few but I remember being really happy and giggly, helping my mum bake cupcakes by cracking eggs.
• What song defines you as a person/ do you most relate to? there are many but my favourite at the moment is Pick A Part That's New by the Stereophonics and the one that has the most memories attached is Don't Stop Moving by S Club 7 as it was on the first CD I ever bought. 
• What is your favourite cake? Chocolate deffo!
• What is under your bed right now? My mum's artwork and her Black Crowes poster - I can't wait to see them live myself and understand why she likes them. Also some Teen Vogue magazines.
• Who was your first romantic idol? Not sure what this is but if it means whose love life I most wanted then it would be Cinderella again as she got a prince and he loved her for herself.
• What talent do you have that is least known by your friends? Errm, well I can tell where people buy their clothes from if they aren't basics like vest tops - I am good at Jeans especially.
• Describe your favourite moment of your life so far? Every time I hug my mum.
• Who/ what is your greatest disappointment? The people who walk away from me, because I am a really good person and they miss out on that.
• What is your guilty pleasure? Quiz shows or daytime TV. Oh and Forever 21.
• What quality do you most admire in others? Strength in the face of adversity.
• What historical figure would you most like to meet and why? Boudicca because she was a strong lady who stood up for what se believed in.  

The questions I would like those I present this award to please answer are:

1. If you could kiss anyone famous who would it be?
2. What's your favourite flower?
3. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
4. What's your favourite movie quote?
5. If you could be on TV what show would you be in?
6. What is on the wall next to you right now?
7. What is your favourite season?
8. Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
9. What is the best place you've ever visited?
10. Do you have any pets? If so what are they and what are their names?
11. If you could go anywhere in time or space, where would it be or when?

Therefore I will pass this award onto four other bloggers:

• A fellow London blogger whose blog is A-MA-ZING!: Sara Says
• My friend Jess who writes the best beauty blog around - A fellow Lushie: Pure Lily x
• A fellow fashion/lifestyle/beauty blogger who is sweet and lovely: Hello It's Lisa
• My first friend when I joined the fashion blogger circuit, the most supportive: Classy and Fabulous

N.B. (please see the rules at the top of this post so you know what to do)

This was really fun, I hope you guys enjoy it! Let me know when you've finished your posts and I will link to them too!

Luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

Being Nerdy

Hey guys,

So I promised you a post and therefore I will deliver. This time however the post is all about geekyness! (Which I think is quite fashionable but hey I am biased)

Basically in physics yesterday we were discussing this important equation in quantum theory that involved a guy called Max Planck and his constant for energy - called Planck's Constant lol! And as we were discussing the photoelectric effect which was Einstein's idea I was confused - I was thinking that maybe the credit should of been given to Einstein if it was a huge part of his theory.

And the reason that this is linked to fashion is because who gets credit for new trends. Is the person who walks the clothes down the run way responsible for the next seasons trend, or was it the unknown person who strolled past them sitting in a coffee shop and that had planned their outfit in order to express themselves, therefore in that single act inspired that designer to put pen to paper and stitch to garment. If it was therefore down to them, they were the catalyst that subsequently caused thousands of fashionistas to moon over their outfits and replicate it, without anyone knowing their names.

It's interesting that someone unknown can have the power to do that - at least Planck and Einstein were well rewarded for their science contribution with Nobel Prizes. It ended up that time was the true decider of the credit in the case of the constant, because Planck was first to think quantum he got the name of the father of quantum physics. In the same way Coco Chanel gets the credit for making the sun tan popular although I'm sure that getting a sun tan was not her invention.

Finally as you may of guessed I am quiet geeky so here are two pieces of my wardrobe that match this theme and also carry an image of one of my loves, Hello Kitty:

 

Jumper, Forever 21

Necklace, Hello Kitty at Claire's Accessories

Lots of luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥  

The Need List: Updated

Hey guys,

I am terrible at shopping, I make a plan and then end up getting distracted by t-shirts or jewellery (just ask my best friend!) and so my wardrobe grows kinda awkwardly.

At the moment I am on a bit of a health drive and am getting slimmer which is very exciting but I will need to replace some key items soon or I won't be able to go anywhere! So I decided if I made my list public it may stick out at bit more and I will be less likely to ignore it.

Here it goes:

1. I will soon need new jeans however most girls will sympathise that getting new jeans is the most difficult task you can face (does my bum look big in these? Etc.) So I am planning to put this off until its crucial, also I love my jeans so am a bit sad about replacing them.

2. I need a new bag. My parents have been harping on at me to get a back pack for school as I do carry a lot of weight on my shoulders so here begins my search for the perfect one.

3. I would love some outfit variants, I want to take risks this season so need some extra pieces to help with that, in tones of grey to light blue.

4. I need new shoes, the situation is dire. I'm serious; wearing converse is great but they simply don't go with everything. I need pumps and a nice pair of black low court shoes I think.

This concludes my post of my needs in fashion,

Hope you enjoyed it!

Lots of luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

The Bucket List.... Version 0.1

Hey guys,

To celebrate a certain landmark (5,226 page views to this little blog) I have decided to write my fashion bucket list. My dreams for fashion and what I would want to own (or just seen) before I die. By the way this list accompanies my list of personal goals and everyone's dream for a better world.

Here it goes:

1. This is major one for me. I want to own a Chanel Handbag. I want to save my hard earned money and treasure it. I want to walk into the shop and leave a changed person.
2. I want to sit at Paris Fashion Week amongst the most respected people in the industry. I want to stand out and watch the shows as a person who sees the art in clothes. The beauty of a fast-paced world.
3. I want to find the perfect pair of shoes. I want to walk for miles in them. I will treasure them forever.
4. I want to go to Coco Chanel's apartment. I may pass out. It's one of the once in a lifetime things.
5. I want to get something from Tiffany's in New York. Looking like Mrs.Hepburn.
6. I want to go to Comic Con dressed as Padmé Naberrie. I am geek and by far she is the most fashionable. Well maybe Lara Croft but only if Militarian is in at the time.  
7. I want to travel the world and buy every outfit I wear in the country I go to. Leave with no clothes end up with the best styles from everywhere.
8. I want to go to New York. I have a kind of obsession with the place. I want to be there and be inspired.
9. I want to see the things that inspire designers. I want to see how the most beautiful of pieces steam from the most beautiful of muses.
10. I want to go to the places where fashion needs to reach. India and the middle east. I want to make fashion more than labels. I want it to change people's lives.

So that's my list. What's yours?

Luv LDN TEENAGE FASHIONISTA xox

Fashion is growing up!

Hey guys,

When we were younger, fashion was all about princesses and fairies. We all donned fairy wings and sparkle in order to out-shine our friends (all though with a good nature!) Our fashion idols were Cinderella, Belle and Tinkerbell. Disney Store was our Topshop and wands were our Mulberry Bags. But now this is no more. We have grown out of our dresses and wings and head for the workplace. Be that school or office.

New Season fashion has followed suit (pardon the pun). From pencil skirts to cream blouses, pleats and sharps have been re-invented to sharpen and smarten our dress sense. The greatest designers have made magic on the catwalks and here is the finest. For the best check out the Chanel and Dior goddesses for the best.

But if you are like me and can't afford a £300 skirt/shirt etc. then the British highstreet is giving  as good as it gets.

So fashion has deffinatly grown up although there is nothing like being a princess at heart ♥

The Notebook: My glimpse at pure beauty ♥

Hey guys,

I have just finished reading 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks and it is a piece of writing Genius. They way the story is structured and it's beautiful ending is enough to melt the polar ice caps. It truly inspires long lasting love, even in the face of adversity. What has this got to do with fashion? Well sometimes I look at an outfit (This mainly applies to dresses) and I see the sheer beauty in it. Especially, Haute Couture. I know those dresses are extortionate in price. But just looking at one can take away your breath.

While flicking through the Vanity Fair I came across this editorial where, with Emily Blunt as his muse, Michael Roberts shoots Couture. Everything from Chanel Couture to Dior dresses. For more info see here: Vanity Fair . I recommend you do as it is truly a beautiful piece of art.

"You are my best friend as well as my lover, and I do not know which side of you I enjoy the most. I treasure each side, just as I have treasured our life together."

Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook)

Lots of Love,

 

LDN TEENAGE FASHIONISTA xox

Blazers: School's Out!

Hey guys,

Blazers. We have all seen them and loved them but this is a trend that will never die with new cuts and styles being shown all the time. From Chanel and the designers to the River Island high street chic we all know and love. But you have to find your style because there is not only one cut of blazer. From Destressed Casual to Military Scene. Blazers have a place in our world for many years to come!  

If you want to look for some good inspiration I suggest checking out Chanel for the ultimate high end and River Island for high street alternatives.
 

LDN TEENAGE FASHIONISTA xox