Monday 31 March 2014

Why You Should Watch 'My Mad Fat Diary'

    
   
     Okay, so this post is a bit different. This is the journalism student in me. One of the reasons I started blogging (apart from having an excuse to take pictures and style clothes, of course) is to practice writing and build up a portfolio. 

     I've found it difficult though to choose a topic as I don't want to be too serious or write about something too heavy. But alas, in the shower I randomly thought of this. I'm not sure how people will take this post (especially when they're on a fashion blog) but I'm going to try and do this as best as I can using bullet points. So here goes...

     The last episode of the second serious of this show premiered tonight, so yes, I'm about one year late on this but I only just discovered it a few weeks ago and want to share why everyone should watch it.

     For those who don't know: The protagonist is 16-year-old, 16 stone Rae who, in series 1, came out of a mental institute after trying to commit suicide four months prior. She then re-connects with her old friend Chloe and makes new friends, new enemies and new love interests, all while falling out with her mother. A lot.

1. While the synopsis seems rather dark it is a hilarious, honest and heartbreaking show.


2. It's relatable as, like most of us, all Rae wants is to fit in.


3. When in reality she is like everyone else and lets her insecurities get the better of her.


4. There's always that character you can't help but want to be.


5. Rae's relationship with her mother is the first realistic one I've ever seen on TV. They bicker, they shout and they kiss and make-up - all over silly things but that's what makes it all seem actually genuine.


6. The friendship between Rae and Chloe is also the most realistic friendship I've seen too. And they curse. Which American TV shows seem to think teenagers don't do.


7. There's boys. Real cute ones. Called Finn. 


8. It gives advice. No messing about.


9. The soundtrack is the most awesome soundtrack to anything on TV. It's set in the '90s so cue Oasis, The Charlatans etc.


10. And finally, the fashion! The 90s looks are amazing.

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90s fashion has no rules. Chloe wears a khaki green bomber jacket with a peach dress.
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I was very excited by Chloe’s outfit here. Blue skivvy, white denim jacket, blue tartan skirt? Come on.
The ribbon choker Chloe wears to the wedding gives me life. So perf.

     Get yourself on 4od and make sure you catch up on this show. It's honestly one of my favourite shows and I really think people will love the refreshing lead in the form of Rae. Giving an insight and awareness to mental illnesses and how quickly and badly they can affect someone's thinking. Also, it's hilarious. I still laugh at the "mega period" scene now. Trust me, give it a go.

Monday 3 March 2014

Best Dressed: Oscars 2014

If you love celebrities and film and the awards that go with it then you'll know it's awards season and that means one thing: dresses. I honestly love looking through the photos silently judging which dresses I like the most - and then I realised! Now I've got a blog, I can actually share my favourites (and keep my dislikes to myself). So these are, in my opinion, the best from the red carpet of the Academy Awards last night.


Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture + Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen + Lupita Nyong'o in Prada
Kate Hudson in Versace + Cate Blanchett in Armani PrivĂ© + Jared Leto in Saint Laurent

I definitely thought Jared Leto was the best dressed guy last night and thought he deserved a mention! Kate Hudson looks stunning in her deep-v dress and, I must admit, I've never paid much attention to Sandra Bullock's red carpet style but last night she completely blew me away, she's never looked more beautiful. The dress fits her shape perfectly and her 1940s/1950s waves look so elegant. Perfect for the Oscars. 

For me though, Lupita Nyong'o just wins this hands-down. She was the only person I was looking forward to seeing and she did not disappoint. No one wears colour like this woman and she looks absolutely amazing. I noticed a lot of pale nudes when I was watching the live feed of the red carpet but only lovely Cate Blanchett made the cut as she just looks so elegant and the beautiful Suki Waterhouse, who is quickly becoming one of my favourites to watch. She is featured in my favourites from the Vanity Fair after-party and the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar-viewing party below.


Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab + Selena Gomez in Emilio Pucci + Suki Waterhouse in Marchesa
Taylor Swift in Julien Macdonald + Vanessa Hudgens in Philosophy + Kim Kardashian in Celia Krithorioti

I'm not sure if I'll do this every award show (there's too many) but I just couldn't pass up the award show. Oh, to attend the Oscars... Even as a seat filler, I'd be happy! But until then, I'll just keep dreaming and lusting after these dresses. Sigh.


Sunday 2 March 2014

February Style Inspo: Celebrities


Lucy Watson + Kendall & Kylie Jenner + Amber Riley
Hayley Hasselhoff + Alexa Chung + Ashley Roberts

Look at all these gorgeous girlies!

Ever since I've been reading about celebrities I've been following their styles, too. The Vanessa Hudgens obsession of 2008 is a fond fashion memory of mine. So I thought it would be cool to put together, every week or so, a collection of the past week's celebrities' style to admire and inspire. Since this is the first post and if you're confused by the title - I do realise it's March - it's because these looks are from the past month or so.

First up, I love the layering of Made in Chelsea's Lucy Watson's outfit here and how she updates the 90s look with some current and striking cobalt strappy heels.

Then there's my favourite teens (get used to seeing Kylie Jenner on this blog) looking so mature with Kendall in a lace and black ensemble and Kylie in a sophisticated yet small navy playsuit which compliments the nude heels.

Glee cast member Amber Riley is looking vibrant in a gorgeous blue two-piece suit and patterned shirt. I think this colour suits her so well and I'm loving co-ords on people.

Daughter of the famous Hoff, Hayley Hasselhoff is looking sophisticated, effortless and edgy all at the same time, mixing her textures with a fluffy jumper and leather midi skirt.

One of my old faves Alexa Chung is looking amazing in this butterfly cape dress. I love how girly it is but not too much, the cape giving it that edge. Her curled hair goes so well with the dress too.

Then there's ex-Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts looking so effortlessly stylish in her black and grey ensemble. This outfit is most like something I would wear out of all these looks as black is so easy to wear and style. I love her two-tone jacket and the crop top with the high-waisted jeans make the simple look so on-trend.

So there's this week's round-up! Enjoy.