Wonderful You | Fashion and Style Blog: June 2013

Sunday, 30 June 2013

Throwing it Back | Rugrats Style

Dungarees: c/o Oh my Love. T-shirt: Primark. Watch: Guess. Trainers: c/o Bucketfeet

Dungarees of any sort just make me think back to my childhood - specifically watching episodes of the Rugrats - if you're with me on this one / are old enough to know what the hell I'm talking about please can we have a little moment to sing along to the theme tune?

Now I have your attention, let's discuss these dungarees...I have to admit that I bloomin' love wearing them. Not only are they amazingly comfortable, but they really do make me feel youthful which is sometimes quite easy to forget. I am still young and able to have fun - life can get in the way of that and wearing dungarees is a perfect excuse to not act like an adult for a day (or two).

I picked up this tee from trusty Primark over the weekend and obviously bought it in black too. I do love a plain t-shirt - they're so easy to accessorize and go with everything.

You know I have a serious shoe obsession and these beauties from Bucketfeet are my new favourites. Not only is the design very cool (yes I said cool) but the story behind the brand is something that I really love. Each shoe is individually designed by a different artist, which means talented artists are not only getting the recognition they deserve but each shoe is completely different and original. They've just launched over in the UK exclusively to Office, go grab yourself a pair (especially as these babies are currently in the sale!)

So, once again comfort prevails and just in time for the sun! Are you embracing your youth in dungarees or would you rather just watch an episode of Rugrats for old times sake? :)

GUEST POST: Want to become a model? Unsure of how to get started? UK Models can help.

Modelling is something of a hot topic in the blogging world and although it's not everyone's cup of tea, I know lots of lovely ladies who read my blog that would be very interested in putting together a portfolio, testing the modelling water as such. Today is a little insight in to how you could get the ball rolling, if it's something that interests you!

Are you someone that dreams of being made over by professional makeup artists, posing for the camera in beautiful clothes and then seeing the final shots in print? If you are, then chances are that you have approached agencies or applied to online castings only to find that they are not who they say they are, or when you look in to the companies further, find that they are only trying to sell you expensive services and products for little in return.

If so then we can help. UK Models are a professional model support service, which means we can make sure that you can navigate the competitive world of modelling safely and successfully. Being a support service we can advise you on the type of modelling that we feel you would be best suited to, the routes in to modelling, break down who agencies are and how they will promote you. We can also offer those that are serious about making it in the industry the opportunity to experience a professional model shoot with the professional photographer, makeup artist and studio artist completely paid for by us giving you the chance to find out if the potential is there in front of the camera.

If after the shoot you have impressed the team and modelling is something that you feel that you want to forge a career in then you will have the opportunity of creating, building and buying your portfolio from the images taken on the day. A professional model portfolio is essential for a model looking to find work in the industry, which is why we work with studios that have over a decade of experience in shooting models and aspiring models in order to provide them with professional images that they can use to market themselves either with an agency or through freelancing. Of course some agencies can recommend photographers that they work with however if UK Models set up your shoot then you will get the opportunity to find out if you show model potential on the day and also decide if you want to pursue a career as a model before making the investment. It also means that you will own the full copyrights to the images if you choose to purchase them so you can use them with more than one agency (depending on their contract) or apply for freelance modelling alongside being signed to an agency therefore improving your casting opportunities.

Of course we don’t just leave you there, UK Models will continue to support you support for a full year so we are on hand to talk you through applying to agencies, casting directories, networking, contracts and commissions. So if you are wanting to break in to modelling and are unsure of how to get started the register with us today at our website.

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Friday, 28 June 2013

KMS California Tamefrizz Fighter Kit Review

(KMS Tamefrizz Fighter Kit - £29.50 c/o KMS California Salons)

It may sound silly, but hair is one of my favourite things about a person - I really think it speaks volumes about your personality. Everyone’s idea of ‘perfect’ hair is different and every single person has different hair ‘issues’. I’ve always been quite lucky with mine, in the respect that I don’t have to use heaps of products to maintain it’s condition - however my one major niggle is frizz. I try my best not to blow-dry my hair, but sometimes needs must and when I have to do it my hair is WILD. It is so thick, that the only way it knows how to react to heat is to frizz up – which is obviously not ideal, I think that’s why I find it so much easier to style my hair the day after I’ve washed it.

Trialling KMS California’s new fight frizz range was something I got a bit too excited about – usually I hate the thought of washing my hair but I couldn’t wait to see if it had a positive effect. So, let’s run through the products in the range one by one...

Shampoo & Conditioner:

The shampoo lathered up quite nicely however it wasn’t full on, so you know there’s not too many nasties in there making up for their lack of care with frothiness. With some shampoos I find that it makes my hair ever so knotty, meaning the conditioner has to work really hard to smooth it all out – this shampoo rinsed out beautifully and left my hair feeling super nourished (even under the shower). Following on with the conditioner focusing my efforts on massaging the product into the ends of my hair and working up to mid-way (never put conditioner in your roots...GREASE), rinsing it out I was pretty damn impressed. My hair felt so smooth under the water and completely de-tanlged.

De-Frizz Oil:
This is my favourite out of the three products. Applying from mid-way to the tips of my towel dried hair before blow-drying this oil is promising to hold on to those extra bits of frizz that the shampoo and conditioner couldn't quite catch and it definitely works it's magic. As I mentioned above, my hair is huge when I blow dry it and this really helped to tame it. I've also been keeping this in my handbag to use over the ends of my hair when I'm out and about to help if the air is damp etc.

The smell of all the products is heavenly, quite musky and sweet and it leaves your hair smelling of the product but it’s not at all over powering - a little bit like Theirry Mugler's Angel, but more subtle. Overall I'm impressed with the results - it definitely does what is says on the tin and leaves my hair smelling lovely. I think however, I would replace the conditioner with one tailored towards split ends just so I'm getting the nourishment my hair needs.

The picture above shows my hair freshly blow-dried from the shower - only using the KMS products.
Please do take in to account that these products aren't for dry or damaged hair and none of them will protect the hair, they will just help to keep frizz and flyaways at bay.

Is frizz something you and your hair suffer with? If you're screaming yes and want to get your mitts on the range it's available in selected KMS salons - find your nearest one here!

Thursday, 27 June 2013

Make Breakfast Beautiful with Lizi's Granola!

Original Granola, c/o Lizi's!

I have to admit that healthy eating isn’t a huge part of my life. I enjoy food...a lot, but I’m not a conscious healthy eater. However living with Daniel – if only for a matter of weeks has made me realise how much more of an enjoyable lifestyle you lead when you eat well. He is always bursting with energy and happiness and on a daily basis I can lack those qualities.

Breakfast is really important to me - come to think of it I don’t think I’ve ever ‘missed’ breakfast in my entire life, I just love it. So when I was asked to get my taste buds around Lizi’s Granola I was totally game. Now I know what some of you might be thinking: ‘ew, granola is so bland and boring’ – how wrong you are. I am not joking when I say this is the best breakfast cereal I have ever tasted.

There’s a special way that this granola is put together and it’s formulated to have a low glycaemic load per serving so that energy is released really slowly. This makes it perfect as a breakfast meal – it will keep you feeling fuller for much longer meaning not only will you be satisfied on your way to work but there'll be no need for unnecessary snacking up until lunchtime.

You only need the smallest portion as a little really goes a long way. I’ve teamed mine up with Greek yogurt and strawberries and I feel so refreshed and ready for the day after eating this. I know it may sound a little silly, but tis true guys! I can’t quite explain the taste – you really need to try it for yourself, it’s absolutely heavenly. Sweet and savoury all at the same time and so so crunchy which is something I just have to have in a cereal.

Have you tried Lizi’s before? If you haven’t and you want to pick some up, just head to their website and grab a bag (which is actually pretty awesome in itself, non?) I’d love to know what you think!

Tuesday, 25 June 2013

Shake Away the Blues

Blouse: Dahlia. Hat: Topshop. Skirt: c/o Skinnie Belle. Sandals: c/o EMU AustraliaS

I’ve been feeling a bit ‘meh’ over the last couple of days. A little bad news combined with feeling stressed about the move has equalled a bit of a grumpy moo (I’m not calling myself a cow, it’s my nickname haha) surveyors negligence has left us a little in the lerch, failing to highlight obvious issue within the property - how rubbish . It may seem artificial and perhaps it is a little, but when I’m feeling like poop it always helps me to dress in brighter colours - it just makes me feel happier.

So that’s what I did :) This cropped blouse from Dahlia (picked up in the sha-mazing sale) is just too pretty and the print is so lovely. It sits quite high so I don’t think I’d dare wear it without a high-waisted number but the fit is fabulous. Skinnie Belle kindly sent me over this beautyof a skirt, firstly let’s appreciate the colour, it’s orange and amazing. The fabric is unbelievably soft and I know that I’m going to get a lot of wear out of it regardless of the time of year - it will go perfectly with black woolly tights and chunky boots in winter.

Shock horror my legs are out, haha. But it’s for good reason, not only has it been uber muggy meaning wearing any clothes is rather annoying, but these sandals are heavenly. EMU Australia sell the most unbelievable shoes – luxury footwear at it’s finest. I think investing in a sturdy pair of sandals is really important for summer time / holiday’s – there is nothing I hate more than blistered feet due to flip flops and these feel like little suede feathers surrounding my tootsies!

I’m hoping that this isn’t our English Summer though...I’d quite enjoy a few more roastie tostie weeks for my birthday! (which is next Wednesday by the way...god I’m old).

So - what’s your outfit of choice when you’re feeling blue? :)

Thursday, 20 June 2013

Flouncy in Floral

Blouse c/o: Mina UK. Skirt: Dahlia. Boots: Hudson. Bag: Zara. Hat: Topshop

Hello my lovelies. I took these snaps before I moved house and in particular for the lovely Lilmisschickas as a guest post whilst she is away on holiday. But of course I wanted to share it with you too! It’s still not 40 degrees, so my tights are firmly on and I am compensating with a beautiful lightweight blouse from Mina that feels like it’s not even there (thank god it is, that could be embarrassing). I absolutely love the colours and the fact that it can be worn in a variety of ways like I’ve done above, or perhaps over the top of a pair of leggings, letting it all hang out, so to speak – it’s actually in the sale at the moment so snap it up whilst it’s hot ladies! I’ve paired it with my newest Dahlia Fashion skirt, which I picked up in the sale for £20 (winning), their sales are incredible and I constantly find myself falling in love with every piece!

On a sad note I’m feeling totally gutted about James Gandolfini (Tony from the Sopranos) passing away, it’s one of my all time favourite shows and he was such a brilliant actor - really tragic.

This morning we had the new carpet fitted in our ‘boudoir’, so this weekend we will be assembling our beaut of a bed and painting up some furniture ready to move in to it (we’re currently sleeping in the spare room). Exciting times guyssss :)

Overall I’m feeling rather summery and loving that our jackets are being put to one side, even if it is just for a week or two...

How is your week going so far?

Monday, 17 June 2013

If I was a Festival Girl...

Dress: c/o Mee Mee. Belt: Vintage. Bag: c/o Freestyle Xtreme. Hat: Topshop. Boots: c/o Daniel Footwear.

If I was a festival go-er I think this is would be exactly what I would wear. Unfortunately I'm not, but we can pretend right?

Festivals are like my idea of hell - I don’t deal too well with large crowds, I hate not being able to shower every day and I really really don’t think I could stomach the portable loos that go hand in hand with festival season! I know that I’m massively missing out on a fantastic atmosphere and experience though, so perhaps I’ll try attending for one of the few days next year.

Anyway this dress is bloody lovely isn’t it? The open back takes it from being a standard maxi-dress to something far more interesting and pretty. I usually hate not wearing a bra with clothes (as there is pretty much nothing going on in the booby department) but I think wearing anything underneath this dress would really take away from the design. I think the bag matches the dress perfectly and is the newest addition to my ever growing collection (when you move house you realise how much you really have, eek). I am not a fan of small bags, I much prefer being able to store my life in one place and carry it around. I also love yellow and this mustard colour means it’s not too garish and over the top – plus it’s got scalloped edging which is always a good thing.

So as I wasn’t going to a festival, I wore this for Father’s Day. It was so strange going back to my Mum and Dad’s and just ‘popping by’ to celebrate rather than it being home – but it was lovely to see them and spend some time together before going out for dinner with Daniel’s family.

We’re starting to get settled in the house now and it’s gone from being majorly manic to calm and homely, which is amazing! I’ve already started taking some snaps to show you guys but it might be a few weeks yet before I share any...I quite want everything to be in it’s ‘place’ before you guys see it :)
I was also far too excited to take these snaps in our garden, it's the simple things eh?

Are you going to any festivals this year or are you like me and just fancy playing dress-up instead?

Thursday, 13 June 2013

What makes you a Big Blogger?

Today I find myself feeling overly miffed about the 'big blogger' status. Usually I'm not one for participating in negative activity on online platforms but I like to share my feelings with you guys and today I need to get it off my chest.

I feel like this is a bit of a taboo subject but as we love to state: this is my blog and I write about what I feel passionately for.

What makes you a 'big blogger'? Numbers?
I completely understand that it is difficult to respond to every comment or reply to every tweet. Hell, I sometimes find it difficult with my lovely little following to get back to people straight away so I can imagine that bloggers with thousands of followers find it tricky. But do you know what I do find odd - that you can write to a 'big blogger' with a simple tweet and never receive a response, yet at exactly the same time they can be tweeting fellow big bloggers or bloggers they deem 'bigger' than themselves with clear access to your query, or the time to reply to others. And yes, I completely appreciate that if you receive a thousand tweets saying 'I WANT TO BE YOU' that it's probably not practical to reply to each one, but with a genuine question it really grates on me. And what's the response to this? 'I love all of my followers, but sometimes I miss tweets and don't have time to read and reply to absolutely everything' - but you manage to catch the names that are important - non?

Can we just determine where this status even comes from? What ever happened to equals and sharing the love?

Image Source

Personally I feel like there are groups and cliques and if you're not apart of it then you're made to feel inadequate or not worthy of acknowledgement - it reminds me of the playground at school. Perhaps it's not the bloggers directly who are creating this void, but somewhere someone or something is segregating what should be a fun, caring community.
I am also not tarring each blogger with the same brush. There are heaps of big status bloggers that don't do any of the above or give the impression of superiority.

All I really want to get across is that I wish there weren't statuses, I wish that each and every blogger treated others as they would wish to be treated and I wish that brands and PR companies alike would help share the love a little more. At the end of the day, when you click on to 5 big paid bloggers sites and all of them are talking about the same product it starts to feel a little unbelievable - if everything was evened out a little more perhaps the void would decrease slightly? I am not at all slating gifted products or paid posts, I have and will continue to participate in both, but it's how you present yourself that counts.

I also understand that numbers means business, it's completely fair that if you work hard at your blog and readers follow along that companies will look to you before bloggers with less readers (that's just life) - however you are still a regular person, why is there this odd air of greatness that goes hand in hand with a large 'following'?

I am so proud of my blog and personally feel so overwhelmed and grateful by how much it has changed and grown over the past year - there is nothing wrong with being proud!!
On a similar note, I went to the Company Style Blogger Awards recently and it was the most refreshing lovely experience. Every single blogger that I spoke to felt like a long lost friend and pretty much every single one I'd spoken to before on social platforms. There wasn't any intimidation or 'cliques, it was just us, celebrating blogging. Funnily enough I don't think there were any bloggers there that had tens of thousands of followers. Perhaps this is the start of good things to come in the blogging community - everyone as an equal.

I hope that this isn't received negatively and that people can see where I am coming from. Blogging is meant to be fun, whether it's a hobby or your full time job it shouldn't matter, we are all one and the same and should support each other.

Image Source

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

Crop Tops & Cowboy's

Hat: Topshop. Crop Top: c/o Ark. Necklace: Vintage. Belt: Vintage. Skirt: Primark. Boots: c/o Daniel Footwear

Firstly, apologies for my horrendous face in these pictures. I was hideously ill but I knew that moving house over the weekend would mean this was the only time I would be able to get a few snaps before being denied access to all things bloggy...i.e. Wi-Fi.

Last Friday was such a beautifully hot day and even though I was snotty and coughing up part of my lungs I still wanted to make a little effort to go and collect the keys to our FIRST HOME!

Before I gush everywhere about that, let’s have a chat about this outfit. In the summer I’ve established crop tops are my friend - they are so comfy, easy to wear and help to add a little more definition to a simple outfit. I’m particularly fond of this one with longer sleeves, it means even if the sun goes in you’re still going to be warm. I also picked up this steal of a silky maxi-skirt from Primark a few weeks ago, I just love the colour and it’s so light and bouncy.

Okay, so these cowboy-esque boots are simply the best thing ever – you know how much I love my booties and these have to be my favourite pair I own. They’re made by a company called Daniel Footwear (how fitting, being my boyfriend’s name!). I find that ankle boots can be a little un-comfy when wearing them for hours upon end but these are literally like heaven for feet. The soft suede and tassles to the zips make them pretty yummy too.

SO moving house is stressful – I was ill, there was heaps to do and it’s been really quite tough, but I am in love. It feels so amazing to have our own space and Daniel along with both our families have done an amazing job to get us moved in and settled within just a few days. I’m thinking I will write a few posts based around the move, or perhaps on the bits of furniture we’ve picked up (of course a haul will be carried out as soon as I have time to set my camera up!!) – let me know if that’s something you’d like to see :)

Happy Wednesday lovelies!

P.S. EXCITING NEWS!! The Daniel Footwear booties are now in the sale half price - whoop!

Wednesday, 5 June 2013

Oh, hey MOM!

Crop Top: c/o Ark. Mom Jeans: c/o Ark. 90s scrunchie: c/o Kiss Like Daisy. Jelly Sandals: Topshop

At present crop tops have been purely for nights out, let’s face it it’s definitely not been warm enough to wear them during the day...until now! Finally we seem to be having some much needed sunshine, however I feel the cold pretty badly and unless it’s 40 degrees outside my legs are staying covered.

I’m not usually one to jump on a clothing bandwagon but as soon as I spotted mom jeans were on the scene I needed myself a pair. These, teamed with this super soft crop are literally the comfiest things to grace my body. I love the fit of these jeans, and is it just me or do I look like I’ve got a bit of a tooshy (usually non-existent) going on? No? Just me then.

You and I both know that I’m probably too fond of my ankle boots, but I was a little bit excited when I was able to pull out my trusty jelly sandals! Now I know they’re not for everyone and some of you may have been a tiny bit sick in your mouth, but I bloody love them. They are super comfy and the brightness makes any old outfit ‘pop’.

Since taking these snaps on Monday I’ve been stricken down with god awful flu. Please feel free to feel sorry for me and send me lots of sweets and biscuits for comfort. I’m hoping that I can shake it off before Friday, as we all know what that is...MOVING DAY!

How is your week going – any exciting news? I’m also keen to know what you lovely lot think of mom jeans, are they something you’ve tried out?

Saturday, 1 June 2013

Fantastically Wonderful Advertisers | May 2013

*insert major cliché here* Is it seriously already June? It is absolutely crazy to me that we are almost half way through the year. In 6 days time Daniel and I will be moving in to our first home (aaaaaaaaah), excitement is starting to brew and bank balances are crying! But more on that later.
After my last (rather self-indulgent) post I couldn't think of a better way to end a perfect month than by introducing to you the wonderfulness that is perched on my sidebar....

Grace of Beauty
Grace only started blogging in January this year which I can't quite fathom..her posts are detailed, her photography amazing, let alone her amazing blog layout and beautiful face! She's the kind of girl you look at and think, I wan't your skin on my face immediately (it's impeccable) and on her blog I feel instantly at home - from chats about her gorgeous doggy to her new favourite lipstick or must have nail polishes you'd be a fool not to stop by. I think this girl is going to be big in the blogging world!

Olive & Frank
Are you in need of vintage inspired jewellery? Or a cream tassel bag? Or even a Cat face dress? Of course you are - and you've come to the right place. This beautiful shop has been with me for a few months now and I hope they never leave. It's honestly one of my favourite online boutiques and whether you want to treat yourself or find an individual gift for a loved one - you need to shop here!

Stand for Style
Not only do I absolutely love this lady, Charlotte you're a total babe - but her blog is so refreshing. I for one totally get lost in my ramblings but Charlotte is so fresh and to the point which is something I really love. You'll find recent hauls, beauty reviews a plenty and she's also recently posted about a QC Fashion Styling Course, which sounds very interesting indeed. You'll have to hop on over to find out more!

A Brew of Blessings
I frickin' love this blog. Tara is originally from Southern California and recently made the big leap to the UK for a married life with her husband (how romantic is that!). Her blog is her way of sharing what she's been up to with her friends and family - but of course we're all totally nosey parkers and not only does she have a wonderful life, she's literally one of the most beautiful brides I've EVER seen. Go, go look!!!

I hope you enjoyed stumbling across some new lovely reads and purchasing the tassel bag from Olive & Frank ;). These bloggers deserve a gazillion followers and I'm so happy they wanted to share their sites with you lovely lot.

I've been so busy with the move that I haven't had a chance to completely sort out the new packages for June. I think I'll probably have it sorted next week and if people want to purchase then, for an extended month then that is what we shall do!

Happy June 1st everyone :D have a fab weekend.

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