Bibbidi-Bobbidi Bits & Bobs #8

Happy Jingle Jangle Morning Petals,

Ok you know the drill by now, get ready for some wackydooda articles/products that have been inspiring me lately. Let's begin with some articles that could even cheer up Ebenezer Scrooge:

1. Travels From The Monk That Lives in My Phone.

There is something so endearing about this quirky story!

"It was clear something was up because having a picture on your iPhone of a shirtless monk laying down in what looks like a locker room is definitely something you would remember taking."

After reading the blog post, I followed the couples Instagram page where they share the monk's latest escapades, always brings a smile to my face!

2. Musicians can eat and drink for free at Manchester Airport 

Here is another uplifting corker to conquer any blues you may have!

Source

"A New York rap group, a man playing the spoons, a sitar player and a male Welsh voice choir have already taken part in exchange for free food and drink at Broderick’s Cafe."

3. Artist Creates a Shower Curtain That Evicts You If You Stay In Too Long

"Getting clean is the best time to imagine yourself as a superhero, or winning an argument that happened a week ago."

Although this next article isn't as chirpy, it's certainly thought provoking and provokes an important conversion! Although I must say, I think four minutes is a little stingy ;-)

4. The Joys of Jumpology

I LOVE everything about this!

Brigitte Bardot / Audrey Hepburn

“When you ask a person to jump, his attention is mostly directed toward the act of jumping, and the mask falls, so that the real person appears.” - Philippe Halsman

The DM have more snaps from the cosmic photographers jumping guests - what a novel and cheerful idea! I love this interview of the man himself talking about some of his most famous models and his theory on jumping.

Anthony-Perkins / Marilyn Monroe

"There is a sublime silliness to Halsman's images that can make you laugh... They may offer incontrovertible proof of Schiller's claim that "all art is dedicated to joy"."

As my 21st birthday is looming and I'm leaning towards throwing a fairy/LOTR/elf themed soirée, I'm lusting over Kat Von D's Everlasting liquid lipsticks and their mythical inspired names! 

These Harry Potter inspired lipsticks also caught my eye on Buzzfeed!

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Sticking with the whole fantasy theme, I've recently challenged myself to create more gothic fairy tale style material when it comes to my writing. It's undeniably my favourite genre as I reader, so I'm trying to expand my writing bubble. These images by illustrator Noah Bradley have really got my creative juices flowing...

What has been inspiring you lately? I'd love to know! :-)

P.S: HAPPY SATURDAY FROM ME & CHER!

Brew Break #25 Midas Touch

Once in a blue moon, a magazine cover will catch my eye and stand the test of time. Here are a few mesmerising gems from over the years that always capture my imagination:

There's no magic formula that makes a cover iconic for me, it's just a certain je ne sais quoi. One common denominator, however, is that whatever Rihanna touches turns to gold. Seriously, there's an abundance of magazine covers she has graced which are so visually striking and powerful...

One of my all time favourites was her Elle US December '14 editorial:

"Here she is, the real Rihanna: Strong, uncompromising, radically beautiful."

 There's something so electric/spellbinding abut Rihanna's style, which is perfectly summarised by the lady herself at the CFDA fashion awards:

Which magazine covers do you deem iconic? 

Password

I was told it's national dog day but that's just an average Wednesday to me.

I s2g doggos are too good for this world.

ASOS Summer Lovin'

ASOS have some weird and wonderful pieces calling me at the mo. Behold...

Once I saw Megan rocking these cosmic boots, they skipped to the top of my wishlist. These holographic jewel heels are also equally enchanting.

This summer I've been adoring gypsy tops à la Esmeralda!

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Another summer trend I'm really digging is tops with splits - there's something so seductive and chic about them! 

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It wouldn't be a DBJ post without a lil fringe and crochet. I especially LOVE this Mad Max style leather belt, I've never seen anything like it before!

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I can't think of a single occasion where these skirts would be appropriate, which is usually a good sign that I need them!

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You can never be overdressed or overeducated - Oscar Wilde

In my books, everyone should own a pair of Pat Butcher earrings, a holographic clutch and ethereal amber headpiece! When I was travelling in Warsaw last summer, my friends and I stumbled upon a magical amber jewellery shop and I've always regretted not treating myself!

What has been enticing you lately?

Brew Break #24 Oh Yes It's Ladies Night!

Happy Saturday night mmmm sophisticated mamas,

As I'm a nosy parker and love having a good snoop through my girlfriends bags (with consent, of course), I thought you might fancy a peek in mine! Here's what comes along with me on a night out...

Lemon clutch bag: River Island

Essentials:

Bus ticket / € / Bobble / Diptyque Eau Rose Perfume / Compeed / Phone / ID

Make Up:

Blotting paper / Lip brush / Velvet Teddy lipstick / Jemma Kidd stardust creme shadow in Orion

Bonus extras:

Pen / Mini playing cards (fab for drinking games!)

Here's a disco playlist to get you in the mood. Oh, I do spoil you!

Monday Blues #11 Networking Tips & Tricks

During my two years gallivanting around London, I've been to an array of networking events and discovered the power of building an online presence. Here are some tips I wish I'd learned a little sooner. If you have any other tricks or funny anecdotes, please share them below!

1. BE PROACTIVE & TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH!

NR are actually on the hunt for more interns this summer, give them a bell ~ yes, you! Here's a peak at how MAGICAL my time was with the brand!

In the summer of 2013 back when I was in sixth form, I noticed Millie Mackintosh retweet a positive affirmation from an up and coming brand called 'Nutrition Rocks'. Being a foodie myself, I followed the online magazine and soon spotted a tweet in which they were looking for a summer intern. Although it was a shot in the dark, I sent over my CV/cover letter and et voilà - a week later, I was drinking champagne in Langan's with my cosmic new boss after acing the interview. Moral of the story? Apply for that job, contact someone you'd love to mentor you, bite the bullet! Even if there's no current position up for grabs, reach out to a person you respect any way as they may a) bear you in mind for the future b) pass you on to one of their connections, or even c) create a position especially for you ~ stranger things have happened!

2. ALWAYS CARRY BUSINESS CARDS AND PIZAZZ!

You don't necessarily have to spend a fortune on them, I recommend opting for moo print or D.I.Y. For my first few networking events, I made D.I.Y business cards using some old card, paint and my thumb (I finger painted daisies). Ok, I know it may sound like the handiwork of a five year old but many found them endearing and a real talking point ~ it's always great to make a lasting impression! I've seen some ladies bring baked goods, their pooch or wear an eccentric headpiece - more power to them, whatever helps you stand out! I personally like to reach for my Henry Holland cocktail jeans or lemon clutch bag before an event, definitely conversation starters. I once read that Mia Farrow always paints her dressing rooms with flowers and that Nick Grimshaw always interviews barefoot ~ a little eccentricity and flair is always welcome in my books!

Remember that sometimes you only have a New York minute with someone so it's essential to have a business card to hand and an elevator pitch! Being a writer often feels like being a one man band as you have to write your content and be your hype man, but it's all part of the fun!

3. LEAVE YOUR NERVES OUTSIDE!

I understand that it's (A LOT) easier said than done, but don't let your bundle of nerves hold you back. I once read a quote that really stuck with me "I'd rather live a life of "oh wells" than a life of "what ifs"! If you're nervous about approaching someone, try to realise that chances are they're just as nervous as you to be there ~ some people are just better at hiding it! Here's an icebreaker tip: if you're at an event, grab two drinks, wait until you notice that the person you want to approach is running low on a drink and swoop to their rescue!

4. BE SPONTANEOUS!

If you live in a big city and are tech savvy, chances are you may often hear of events last minute. Be a yes person and ready to get your groove on at the drop of a hat. A brilliant piece of advice I once heard is to always keep red lipstick in your pencil case! Likewise, if you ever get chatting to someone who could help you career wise, or bump into someone you admire, approach them ~ if you don't ask, the answer will always be no.

5. YOUR VIBE ATTRACTS YOUR TRIBE!

In today's day and age, most people have twitter and linkedin accounts, utilise these platforms. If you want to be a writer, write a blog and link it in all your social media platforms. If you want to work for a magazine, grab said magazine, find the contributors page and follow whichever employees you respect and admire. Before you know it, opportunities will arise and it'll be your time to shine.

 Last winter, I saw Company Magazine tweet that they were having a free pop up shop at Beyond Retro in Shoreditch, the only catch was that there was a limited amount of tickets available. I luckily managed to read the tweet early, earn a spot and that weekend exchanged business cards with the editor, Victoria White, and head stylist, Laura Martin. A few weeks later, Laura tweeted around 11pm that she needed help with a shoot the following morning... seven hours later, I was running around London with a suitcase collecting clothes and assisting a photoshoot! I got a glimpse of the Alexander Wang x H&M collection weeks before its public release and worked alongside a phenomenal makeup artist, Alexis Day, who worked backstage at Burberry's LFW(!) Opportunists are waiting for us all, we just have to take initiative and have an open mind!

Before I love you and leave you, I just thought I'd share Megan's blog post with her tips specifically about getting your foot in the fashion industry door. I particularly LOVED her Henry Holland / Jelly Beans tip!

Be bold, be daring, but always be yourself!

Quarter Past Freckle

A little glimpse into my summer. There's nothing quite like being on island time.

Won't be replying to emails anytime soon, but feel free to invite me to any parties!

Bibbidi-Bobbidi Bits & Bobs #7

I haven't written a BBB&B's post in a staggering seven months - for any new readers, it's when I share a mish mash of things that have been inspiring me. I'll begin with a few of my fashion favourites from Cannes back in May...

Poppy Delevingne's Burberry number left me in awe!

Not only does the forest green shade leave her looking like an ethereal goddess, but the mirrored embroidery is the cherry on top!

Jon snow meets Lily Donaldson/Natalie Portman!

Diane Kruger can do no wrong in my eyes...

Sienna Miller was undoubtedly the Queen of Cannes with her array of COSMIC ensembles - I specifically adored her Valentino kite dress...

Speaking of bold costumes, I LOVED Emilia Clarke's Harper's Bazaar shoot!

You may recognise this gem from a previous blog post ~ how relevant!

If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times - I love Vogue's YouTube channel. Their short videos are always so charming and spark my editing inspiration! Here are some of my faves 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll have heard the buzz about The Pool! It's a fascinating website created by Lauren Laverne and Sam Baker - they also have phenomenal contributors such as Sali Hughes (who wrote a heart wrenching piece about grief)! I really dig the clock format, such as how you're warned how long each article takes to read - so if you're at work on your coffee break, you can pick what to read depending on how long you have... genius! I also love their insomniacs playlist :-) Here are a few of my favourites: 1 / 2 / 3 /4 / 5

OoO today I read some exciting news, according to Dazed MAC may release a line dedicated to Aaliyah! I'm wishing on a star that they do as I know the lipstick range would be every child of the 90's dream ~ I'm actually considering going as Queen Akasha for Halloween this year!

I've recently been hooked on The Conversation With Amanda de Cadenet. I really dig how 90% of her interviews are barefoot, laid back and an utter joy to watch. I particularly love her encounters with Zoe Saldana, Amber Valletta and Milla Jovovich!

As it's Wednesday, I thought I'd add a mini (ok ok, it's huge) Wednesday wishlist

How charming is this ace of hearts bag? Serious Alice in Wonderland vibes! Since I'm in Greece, I thought it only seemed right to include these chic gladiator sandals... be still my beating heart!

Whilst living on the island, I've upped my meditation game and incorporated it into my morning/evening routines - reminiscing on the day and filling my heart with gratitude makes the days last a little longer and I find that I'm a lot more present. This top is right up my alley - savasana is the last step in a yoga class where you simply lie on the ground, ha! I also ADORE this Kate Spade watering can clutch and these cobalt blue Missoni sunnies ~ both total bargains!

H&M have a sale on at the mo and their accessories range is calling me...

These straw clutch bags are not only fab shades, but I also dig the clash of textures. As for the bold sunnies, everyone should own a pair of lolita shades - and I'm sure you know by now about my infatuation with yellow!

It wouldn't make sense to not include some gems from Urban Outfitters:

1 ~ I love this retro top, in particular its funky font and mustard colour!

2 ~ This Daisy ring is too cute for words!

3 ~ In Greece, foil tattoos are HUGE and I adore these zodiac designs!

4 ~ This book immediately caught my eye ~ ~ ~ 

5 ~ This iPhone cover was made for me, I love how snarky it is!

6 ~ I lurve this asymmetric monochrome dress.

Charlotte Olympia also has a PHENOMENAL sale on right now - and I'm finding it so very hard to resist! These two delicious pairs are everything: 

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To fit the whole 'laid back island life', I've been listening to a lot of jazz, soul and an up and coming band called Ibeyi. A few months ago, I actually booked tickets to see them back home in Manchester in November ~ if you haven't heard them before, you're in for a treat! 

Lisa Eldridge is no stranger to my blog and has popped up in it many times as she is hands down my favourite youtuber. She recently recorded an insightful video all about sun creams that really resonated with me. I really recommend watching it as some of the info may surprise you, it was certainly eye opening for me!

Lazy days and island waves!

P.S: WHAT ARE YOU DOING READING THIS?! GBBO IS ON AT 8! 

... baaaaaaaaake!