What's in my bag?

My original plan was to do an outfit or beauty post but unfortunately I'm not in any state to be photographed as I am couped up at home with a box of tissues and a very, very red nose. So I decided to do a generic 'what's in my bag?' post.

 

Boohoo Shopper.

Being ill, lemsip and lockets are my handbag essentials at the moment. I have the book Zofloya which I'm reading for my University course so it's quite handy to have it in my bag so when I get a spare moment I can read it. Other reading material? The latest Look magazine. You're probably wondering why I have a random DVD in my bag, but I've come home for the week so I grabbed one of my favourite films Les Demoiselles de Rochefort, because let's face it; daytime TV is pretty dire. Even when I'm ill I still have my beauty touch ups, though not as many as usual. 17 Blusher is a great, inexpensive way to add a quick flush of colour to the apples of my cheeks. I also carry strawberry lip balm and Bourjois 3D effect lip gloss, so I have a choice of lip finish. I also carry Aussie curl definition serum. Even though it's for curly hair I use it when my hair's straight too and it's great to keep in my bag to tame any fly-aways.


What are your day-to-day essentials?



NG <3

The films that define us #1

You may have read my post about the incorporation of film and literature into NG this year and for my first 'The films that define us' post I'm delighted that the gorgeous Victoria of Walk in Your Own Shoes has shared some of her favourite films. You simply must visit her fabulous blog! I loved Victoria's selection and can't wait to watch some of the films recommended which I haven't yet seen.

What film inspires you the most?
"I can pretty much take inspiration from most Disney movies, but the one that stands out the most to me is 'Pollyanna(1)', starring Hayley Mills. The entire message of the film is 'be glad'. It's simple but powerful. It's so important to just live and be thankful for everything, especially in this current day where we forget that happiness is something we're all capable of achieving if we just try. 'Pollyanna' is such a feel-good movie and it would make me so glad if you would watch it, if you haven't already!"

In your opinion, what is the most stylish film?
"I don't think I could answer this question without naming an Audrey Hepburn film. I mean, really. In my mind I'm having an argument with myself over which film is more stylish; 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' or 'Funny Face'? Well, both. However, since they both are too common and I know you've already watched them, I'm going to go ahead and throw the unexpected at you: 'Two for the Road(2)' (starring Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney) is super-duper stylish...like, wow! Audrey encompasses 60's glamour in this film and it's just way too fabulous for me to even begin to describe. Definitely one of Audrey's most underrated films, but one of my faves".


What is your favourite animated film?
"My absolute favourite animated film (here we go again with my Disney obsession) is 'The Rescuers'. It has such a wonderful storyline and an even happier ending and the little mice are just too cute! This is one of the few animated films that still holds my attention to this day (in fact, last year I watched it a total of 3 times and so far, once this year). 'R-E-S-C-U-E, rescue aid society!'".

What is your favourite musical?
"Just like everyone and their sister's cousin's next door neighbour, my favourite musical is definitely 'The Sound of Music'. The music, the story, just everything about that film just takes me to a very happy place. Can you even imagine what life would be like without that musical? Every single time I see an open patch of grass on a hill, I feel inspired and imagine myself swirling around singing "The hills are aliiiive with the sound of music". This film is truly one of my favourite things!".


All quotes are by Victoria.


If, like Victoria, you would love to get involved and share your favourite films or book don't hesitate to email me at booksfilms.ngblog@hotmail.co.uk!




NG <3

Top Gun

Good morning! It's only Tuesday but it's been such a hectic week this week in the world of fashion. We've already witnessed the BAFTAs, the Grammys, the Elle style awards and the ongoing New York fashion week. And my week so far? Well it has pretty much consisted of browsing online shopping websites, reading and watching Revenge in my onsie. How glamorous.

I'm wearing SoCal at Republic shirt, Dorothy Perkins jumper, New Look skirt, Boohoo flats and Primark scarf and tights.

When I am out of my onsie, it usually means lectures. This is one of my key, casual lecture outfits for a no-fuss approach early in the morning.

Hope you're having a fabulous week.


NG <3

BAFTAs Style 2013

A crimson carpet, sunshine-yellow gowns, a large volume of umbrellas and Stephen Fry. It could only mean one thing; the annual British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards, or BAFTAs, if you prefer. I do love films and fashion so, being British, the BAFTAs are a real treat for me. I must admit though I wasn't overwhelmed this year with the red carpet fashion but here are my top, stylish, leading ladies.

Monochrome, a key Spring trend, was rife on the red carpet. I particularly loved Elizabeth Olsen's dress. The pattern, texture and cut add a fresh take to a trend that has been overdone time and time again. The simple, natural make-up and the loose side-swept curls are ideal for letting this fabulous dress take centre stage.

This is just the perfect hue for Jessica Chastain's fair complexion and auburn hair. The silky material of the dress compliments the luxurious sapphire tone. This is how you make an impact the understated way. The dress and accessories don't scream for attention but the elegant cut and simplicity of the dress attain all the attention Jessica deserves.

Va va voom! Andrea Riseborough makes a very playful colour sexy and classy at the same time. There's no missing her in vivid yellow but Andrea guarantees that all eyes will be on her with the curve-emphasising shape of this gown. The hair is perfect for the dramatic dress, up with loose sections for a laid-back edge to juxtapose the gown.

I won't tell a lie; I've seen a lot better from Jennifer Lawrence. There is no denying that she is a beauty though and this dress is stunning. The pale pink of the dress is so soft and the embellishment adds instant glamour and a fun edge to the dress. Just like Elizabeth, the accessories are genius as they allow full attention to be on the dress. It pains me to say this, but I do dislike the hair as it is very non-descript. In my opinion, a messy up do would have been perfect to contrast the femininity of the dress.

Oh, Marion Cottilard. Just like Andrea, Marion uses a striking colour to brighten up the gloomy, grey skies of London, that seem to be inevitable at the BAFTAs. Colour aside, the leading credential of this dress is the innovative shape and mesh slit (not seen in the picture). A fresh twist on a peplum, if you will. Truth be told Marion would look beautiful in anything and her amazing bone stricture is displayed by her chic up-do.

When Anne Hathaway first showcased her pixie crop I wasn't quite sure. She still looked stunning but, in my humble opinion, longer hair suited her better. And then the BAFTAs happened. Now she has grown into it I love it! The side swept fringe is perfect for Anne's features and the dress is simple and classic, whilst the top embellishment sparkles up the dress. On a beauty note I love how Anne has opted for a soft, berry shade of lipstick rather than red lipstick, which would be fairly stock for this outfit. Loving the book clutch too.


NG <3

Make-up how to: The dewy, red lip

The classic red lip is timeless, elegant and bold. I can't deny that I  love an alluring red lip, especially when teamed with a slight swish of eyeliner and elongated lashes. Alexa Chung's publicist, Liz Matthews, wrote that Alexa taught her to-

"apply red lipstick if you're tired. The idea is people look at your lips and not your eyes".

Too many cosmos? A little too much pinot?  The dewy, red lip is your solution the next morning and the glossy finish tones down the colour for day. I use a subtle, yet rich colour, Maybelline colour sensational lipstick in 'Hollywood Red'. Why not be daring and wear a more vivid colour like Gwen Stefani's signature fire-engine red?

Here's how to achieve the look;

Step One- Line the edges of your lips with a lip liner matching the colour of the lipstick you intend to use. I'm using Maybelline colour sensational lip liner in 'Hollywood Red'. Pay particular attention to your cupid's bow, defining the dip in the upper lip.        








 Step Two- Apply a coat of lipstick within the lines of the lip liner.

 Step Three- Blot with a tissue. Fold the tissue in half and close your mouth around the tissue to get rid of excess lipstick. Then dab a light amount of transparent powder on the lips so the colour stays put for longer.

 Step Four- Apply another coat of lipstick. Then, for the dewy effect, apply lip balm in the centre of the lips. This makes lips appear more voluminous and the dewy finish isn't quite as severe as matte for adding red lipstick into your everyday makeup.






The finished effect:

Hope you have found this useful! Have a great weekend.


NG <3

The Owl and the Pussycat

I'll admit that I have a mild obsession at the moment; owls. Let's just clear one thing up though. By owls I mean the sort you find knitted on the front of a woollen jumper, not the actual bird, all of which terrify me actually. So I was delighted to find these gloves in the sale at Dorothy Perkins, which were made even more lust-worthy by an extra student night discount. The sales have been pretty terrible this year but thankfully hidden gems can still be found!

I'm wearing Boohoo jumper and faux fur gilet, New Look jeans, Barrats boots, Accessorize earrings and Dorothy Perkins gloves.

The Nottingham campus looks so beautiful in these shots, if a little windy. Since it's rather exposed the wind can get quite fierce so you'll have to excuse my windswept (and hopefully a little interesting) hair.

Hope you are all having a great week!!


NG <3

The books that define us #1

One of my aims for NG this year is to incorporate more literature and film into my blog. I wanted to do something unique though, rather than generic book and film reviews by me, and so I have two new features; 'The books that define us' and 'The films that define us'. The feature consists of a guest blogger writing about some of their favourite, most inspirational and memorable films or books. Not only is it a great way to discover new culture, but also new bloggers too.

I asked  Ellie to open this feature due to the nature of her blog, a space where she writes beautiful, engaging stories and I wanted to know the fiction that has inspired her work. You can check out her blog here. Read on as Ellie takes you on an enchanting journey starting with her most memorable childhood books through to the Young Adult fiction that has inspired how she writes today.

The Babysitters club by Ann. M. Martin.
"I so had to think back on this one and I might be way off base, but I remember how my mother got me started on Ann. M. Martin's The Baby-Sitters Club(1). At that time, she was teaching special ed students with learning disabilities, and her district didn't have books to spare so she invented her lesson plans around characters in this series. Even boys were wanting to know what would happen next with these girls".

The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants by Anne Brashares.
"From reading one Ann's work later lead to another Ann, Ann Brashares' Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants(2). Perhaps there was a growing theme, I wanted to have friendships like that too. And many times I'd write my own journals for friends who moved away, so I could send them a book. Naturally, I'm still writing stories in my blog".

California Diaries by Ann M. Martin.
"Most of my stories are character driven and usually I try to find a way to get to the short attention span (since I have one too). I really loved Ann M. Martin's California Diaries(3). From those books I found Ducky who I still wish we knew what happened to.  He was a best friend that the girls could never completely understand. Of course in those days, one was not going to read the word "gay" nor "homosexual", especially, since these were teen books for middle schoolers. Still, he was rather aloof in spite of him trying to save his suicidal friend. This character influenced me to write characters who are rather complex".

Rainbow High by Alex Sanchez.
"In the Young Adult world of reading, I'm glad I've found Alex Sanchez's work such as Rainbow High(4). He definitely deals with issues and has made many aware of the problems that teens face.  I like the way he writes and he has such a great way of presenting problems and where to go for help".

Doing It and Nicholas Dane by Melvin Burgess
"Another on my list of Young Adult authors who make a difference is British author Melvin Burgess. Yes, Doing It(5) is on my list of favourite books of all times. Perhaps, the book is little bit along the line of TV show Skins, yet I found it did have much more heart. Some of his work does deal with the drug scene and runaways. If any of his books could be made into a movie, I would choose Nicholas Dane(6). It's a heart wrenching story of a boy who lived on the streets during the 80's".

Fearless by Francine Pascal
"One last author I must mention is Francine Pascal. I know she gets a bad rap with her Sweet Valley High series, but she did write another series I just couldn't get enough of; Fearless(7). The story of Gaia, the girl without the fear gene. Of course, one might think it was long commercial of suspense to get to the next book. However, I did like her techniques at catching my interest through different scenes which might only be texts from a cell phone. This series made me want to start my own. I did find the series inspiring".

Shadowland and He's so/She's so novels by Kate Brian.
"So what am I reading now? Kate Brian's Shadowland(8). Its her new trilogy!
She is the author the series Privilege and Private. She also writes under the name Kieran Scott, too. And I adored her He's so/She's so(9) trilogy. However, Shadowland is much darker, and you will find that a lot in Young Adult fiction.  This is the story of Rory who was attacked by a serial killer. Now she and her family are in the witness protection program and have moved. But is it enough to keep her killer away. I'm actually glad this trilogy isn't about vampires. I do like fiction that deals with real problems. I try to do this in my own writing, too".

 All quotes are by Ellie, and I urge you to check out her fabulous blog!
If, like Ellie, you would love to share your most memorable films/books in this feature feel free to contact me at booksfilms.ngblog@hotmail.co.uk. I would love to hear from you!

Have a well-read weekend!


NG <3

Colour Pops

This Spring/Summer the big trend is monochrome. It's everywhere. Unavoidable. And, luckily, it's a trend ridiculously easy to work, at least a lot easier to work than the recent fascination with crop tops. As lovely as monochrome is, I do love a bit of colour to bring an outfit together and make it stand out. So, if you are like me and want to incorporate colour into the monochrome trend focus on the accessories. Here are my top choices to brighten Spring up!

(From top left downwards.)

Cambridge Satchel Company pink satchel, £95

Boohoo leopard print flats, £18

Asos cuff, £10

Maybelline Colour 24hr tattoo eyeshadow in 'Turquoise forever', £3.99

Bottega Veneta leather pumps, £510

(From middle downwards.)

Dorothy Perkins lace blouse, £28

New Look skater skirt, £16.99

(From top right downwards.)

Miss Selfridge pink tights, £2 

Maybelline Colour sensational popsticks in 'Pink Lollipop', £7.99

Boohoo clutch, £20 

NYC nail polish in 'Times Square', £1.79 

Keep it colourful!


NG <3

Hair how to: Beachy waves

I for one love a good wave. My hair can be naturally wavy but it can be quite inconsistent so I was delighted to receive the Babyliss wave envy hair styler for Christmas. It's great for adding volume to hair and achieving a brilliant wave like AnnaSophia Robb's locks in 'The Carrie Diaries'.

Here's how I achieve the look;

 Step One: Spray hair with a heat protection spray. I use Salon chic straightening mist. Then tie up the top part of your hair so the under layers can easily be waved. Leave some hair loose to wave. Use the styler and, each section at a time, clamp the styler at the top of the piece of hair and hold in place for 8-15 seconds depending on how thin/thick your hair is.

When this is done move down the piece of hair and repeat until you reach the end of the piece. Repeat on other sections.           

                   

Step Two:When you finish all the hair that is loose, add a little hairspray and then let the bobble loose. Repeat tying it but this time take up less hair so there is more left to wave. Repeat the action described in step one, clamping sections and moving down until all the hair down is wavy. Ad spray when finishing a whole section.

Step Three: Repeat step two until all your hair is wavy. Then move onto the fringe. Sometimes the fringe can be a bit flyway (I speak from experience so if you don't want to wave your fringe I suggest clipping it back into a quiff. 

Step four: When you are finished redo any pieces that haven't taken as well as the rest of the hair.                                                                                                                                                  

Step five: Run a serum through your hair to tame fly aways, polish the look and add shine. I suggest Aussie curl definition soft feel serum.
It is great for curly hair and also for taming the 'bedhead' look, plus even though it's for curls I've started using it when I straighten my hair too.
                       





                                                                                

Step six: If you really want to emphasise the messy beach look a salt spray is essential. I always use Superdrug expertise salt spray. It's inexpensive too. Simply spray the salt spray on and run hands through your hair to add the messy effect. Finish with hairspray, and voila!
                                                                              
The finished result?

Have a fabulous weekend!

NG <3

Skullduggery

I'm going to be painfully predictable and cliche now and post a snow photo. As I'm sure you're aware if you read any British personal style blogs, England is blanketed by snow (there you go-another cliche). But the truth is that it's just so pretty not to take a picture in the snow, it's just a shame my camera doesn't pick up that glistening effect when the sun is shining above. Luckily it does not pick up just how icy the pathways are too. But my clumsy self will post some pictures before boring you about said falls.

I'm wearing New Look jumper, skirt, necklace, Hollister shirt, Rocha John Rocha boots and Primark tights. 

My motto when the snow falls; 'layer up'. And be practical. A bruised bum really isn't worth it to look a bit taller.  Here's hoping we avoid the aforementioned falls.

Stay safe and warm!

NG <3