Camera Obscura photo shoot

Well what do you know, it's finally an update from me. I mean it has only been, what?, 6 months since I last wrote here. Ugghh well I must admit I am truly sorry, the past 6 months have been somewhat hectic and I have barely had the time do anything apart from work, work, work. It sucks when that happens, but it is all for my future career within the fashion industry so no matter how daunting it feels the studying and course work must be done and I know that it will all be worth it in the end. 

So on the subject of my studies I have recently applied to my chosen universities and of course I have to set up portfolios for them all, even more work I know, however for one portfolio I have to style my own photo shoot so I got in contact with my lecturers old students who was looking for some assistance on her new shoot that she was doing at the Camera Obscura in Edinburgh. As a massive fan of photography is was an absolute brilliant opportunity for me to see what  actually happens behind the camera and all the planning that takes place before the shoot actually happens. Not to mention the setting was brilliant and magical and the model, Rebecca Baillie was just an absolutely mesmerizing model. During the shoot Brianna, the photographer, was explaining how she wanted to grasp a futuristic effect with the idea of dopplegangers, which in my opinion has worked perfectly. 

I was so glad that I got to work with people who have gone on to become quite close acquaintances and have given me great advice when it comes to styling my own shoot. I can honestly say this was a brilliant opportunity and can't wait to be involved a lot more in the world of photography. 

Rachel's Jewelry Box

So summer is finally here. After a long and stressful time at college, studying frantically non stop for almost a year it is now time to relax and enjoy some few months of peace and having with your family and friends, do whatever you want. So that is what this post about my lovely fellow bloggers because I have really exciting news!. And that news is known as "Rachel's Jewelry Box".

So your probably all wondering, "what is that?". Well over the past couple of months, in between my studies,  I have been planning and creating a small jewelry business to pursue my creative ambitions. It happened one day when I was on my local hobby craft store and I decided that during the summer I wanted to do something valuable with my time and quite a few people I know have started small clothing or jewelry/accessories brands online that not only help make them earn a bit of money but also allows them to be able to further their careers.

I have to admit I have had great fun creating some bracelet designs. It's become really fun and I have to say that I am glad that I have taking the art of jewelry making up. I have tons of inspirations and influences for new designs and I am always making more every day.

"Rachel's Jewelry Box" has only really just started up yesterday but I am hoping that I manage to keep this business up and I do hope that their will be some interested buyers sometime very soon.

Currently for sale is my Vintage Floral Bracelet which was my first ever design which has already proved to be quite popular with some people that I know and also a few hand crafted beaded bracelets. The beaded bracelets are made with a stretchy wire so they fit almost every hand and don't wear down easily at all.

So I guess I just wanted to share my exciting news with you all and I would very much appreciate it if you all went and liked my facebook page, and if you have any inquiries about purchasing one of my bracelets or even have a design you would like me to create just let me know. I am always happy to make new designs for you guys!

Link to Rachel's Jewelry Box - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachels-Jewelry-Box/158744880980367?skip_nax_wizard=true

Helena Bonham Carter: Timeless Classic

If there is one woman in the world that truly inspires me then that would be Miss Helena Bonham Carter, so when I saw that she was on the cover of my favorite fashion magazine Vogue, I knew I had to purchase it. So I did. I ran to the shops and picked up my own copy of Vogue's July "Ageless Style Issue" and if I have to be quite frank, there was no other perfect symbol for a timeless classic like Helena. 

Right down from her unique sense of fashion to the passion that she shows when she embraces each of her roles. 

An ape, a gun toting prostitute, a villainous witch right down to Ohpelia In hamlet or the Queen Mother, Helena has provided some of the best on screen characters with such diversity and character you'd be forgiven for thinking that in many ways that there is a little piece of herself in each of the characters that she plays and in the interview she states "I don't agree to do a film because I think it's going to make money. I do it because I think I am going to lean something from the character". 

The 12 page interview called her "Roaring forties" is accompanied by some fabulous gothic style pictures of Helena Bonham carter looking the best she ever has. And just judging by the photoshoot, Helena is at the best she ever has been. Utterly flawless, porcelain skin and high cheekbones. 

During the interview Helena discusses playing different roles all of which are so diverse, her priorities as an actress and a mother as well as what character research means to her and it was after I had finished the interview that I realised that there could be no other person in the world that would have been a better symbol for Vogue's ageless style issue, because over the years Helena has aged perfectly with grace but also still kept her fun and magical spirit through each character that she plays and her daring and bold style that, even though she has taken such harsh criticism for, it is in fact Just so her to be that way. Yes, Miss Helena Bonham Carter truly is a timeless classic for this generation. 

1920's fashion trend and The Great Gatsby Influence

"The Great Gatsby", starring Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio has only just debuted at the Cannes Film festival but already there is a huge buzz not just about the film but the absolutely splendid 1920's fashion that the film portrays. The iconic F.Scott Fitzgerald Novel has been given a make over by one of the most breathtaking directors, Baz Luhrmann, and has seen the 1920's fashion trend soar straight back into fashion.
The legendary 1920's jazz era was known for it's flamboyance and post war fun and to be quite frank, the 20's is definitely one of my favorite fashion era's along with the Great Gatsby novel itself.

I first read the iconic F.Scott Fitzgerald novel in my higher English class a few years back and as huge fan of books and the 20's fashion this particular novel stole my heart. The novel depicts the portrayal of a man known as Jay Gatsby who strives to meet the American dream with extravagant parties all in the hopes of impressing Daisy Buchanan whom he begins an affair with. The underlying tones of infidelity, social upheaval, idealism and also the idea of new money vs old old money is what brings the 20's to life in this novel.
Even though I am still yet to see the film, which will probably include me dragging my boyfriend by the ears to the cinema, I do hope that this recent film adaptation manages to capture all the essentials that has made F.Scott Fitzgerald's novel into a classic. Not to mention I am rather excited just to see the 20's fashion trend light up the big screen.
The 1920's fashion era is not only beautiful but the background of the Jazz era is rather interesting. It was an era that reflects the changes that began to take place in society and in my own opinion was the beginnings of the rebellious women. Forget your classic rebellious teenage female of today's day and age, women of the 1920's were and still are the original female rebellion and that showed through the changing fashions. Women moved away from the restricted corsets that dominated the Victorian Era and opted for dropped waist lines, cut their hair into a bob with finger curls, knee length dresses that would show of their legs whilst dancing and earned themselves a reputation with collectively being known as "Flappers".

So as I have not had the advantage of seeing Baz Luhrmann's "the Great Gatsby" I have heard about the debate of whether or not it will do Fitzgerald's novel any justice, seeing as the novel and Fitzgerald himself managed to flawlessly capture the the roaring twenties along with the emptiness the era provided for those who strive to meet the idea of the American Dream, however you cannot deny that The Great Gatsby remake has spun a 1920's fashion revival and seen the iconic and exciting trend hit the catwalks and the high streets.

Spring/summer fashion trend report.

So it would seem that winter is finally beginning to fade allowing spring/summer to finally blossom and hopefully bring nice weather along with it. However, where I am from that is highly unlikely. Especially with the weather we have been having recently. Uggh, I hate it when Winter decides to stay past it's due date, don't you? Well, I must admit the winter weather is not going to stop me checking out some of the latest spring/summer fashions and trends for this year and judging by the looks of things the colors alone will be enough to brighten up my mood along with the weather.

Monochrome Checks 
The Monochrome Trend has been on the rise for quite some time now, so it's not surprising that this black and white check trend is going to be a huge hit this spring/summer season. And with this trend the bigger and bolder the better.

Pastels
Ahh the ever faithful pastels. I don't quite think it would be spring/summer without these light hue's making an appearance. Quite frankly, I love pastel shades. Especially for this season, it makes me feel quite summery and girly and I don't think you can go wrong with this trend. Honestly, every spring/summer wardrobe should have pastel shades featured in there somewhere.

Stripes
Stripes have been on the rise for quite some time now. I seem to be seeing them an awful lot more this year than I ever have. From the runways right down to the high streets. The good thing with this trend is that they can be used in so many ways. Thick and skinny, horizontal or vertical as well as mixing up the colours. I can be certain that this will be a trend to watch this season.

Crop Tops 
Once a dreaded fashion piece for those of us who didn't feel toned enough and that amount of exposure used to leave us feeling embarrassed. Yes, it's true. The infamous crop top has popped up this spring/summer for another round. However, there is something you need to know about this particular trend. See the crop top has evolved along with the modern day times and is now more sophisticated and mature, thanks to some handy work by some high class fashion designers who have been featuring this trend on their catwalks. These new style of crop tops are designed to be paired with high waisted skirts and shorts for a more lady like approach allowing this more difficult trend to be a bit more approachable.

Chanel's punk rock princess: Alice Dellal

She's the model, drummer, muse and DJ tycoon heiress who has been bringing the punk rock spirit to the massive French Fashion house ever since Karl Lagerfeld hand picked her to be the face of of Chanel's "Boy's" bag range last year and since then she has gone on to become one of the brand's iconic women.
For this years Spring/summer 2013 campaign ms Dellal is seen posing with a white horse in an equestrian themed shoot on a stud farm, which is a homage to Coco Chanel's love of horseriding.
I am going to admit, I can personally see why there is such a hype about Alice. I love her ability to keep her punk rock signature look while combining the couture of of Chanel. She's got her own way of making some of the Chanel's pieces her own, which is what I think makes her the perfect ambassador for the french fashion brand. So what do you guys think of Chanel's very own punk rock princess?

From big screen to Fashion trends: The Host

Once the vampires dressed in gothic glam ruled the fashion runways last year to wave farewell to the hugely fantastic blockbuster Twilight saga, but now a new breed altogether is about to rule the fashion world!. Yes, Stephanie Meyer's, twilight author, "The Host" is about to hit the big screens this summer and I for one, believe it will be another massive blockbuster smash!. The Host is about a futuristic earth that is invaded by aliens, known as souls, who take over the human race. However one girls human soul refuses to cooperate with her alien host.
With the release of this new film, a new trend is about to take over this spring/summer and that is the space age style!. From Sparkling techno fabrics, clean cut lines and comic book sweatshirts, yes this trend preparing to launch any day!. Will you be apart of this futuristic new trend?

I honestly cannot wait for this movie!, so glad it got made into a movie because the novel is fantastic, I highly recommend it to anyone who has not read the novel yet!.  

new sounds, styles and inspirations......

hey Beautiful people. As you can see I have been MIA recently, I am rather sorry for that. My schedule at the moment has been so super busy and I am hardly getting any sleep or any time for myself at all. I think I am physically exhausted and I just needed a couple of days to bring back the old me again.....but enough of any of that because as usual I have been on the hint for new style icons and inspirations, and let me tell you, I have found it!. It just happened one day when I was in the mood for some music to help me relax ( I am such a music nerd and it relaxes me) and that's when I came across this amazing lady known as Rainy Milo.

Rainy's voice is so full of soul and soothing. I have been listening to her mixtape "Limey" and I am currently addicted to the song "Don't regret me". Her music is quite entrancing and chilling, this wonderful lady sings with such emotion that I can relate to some of the lyrics that she is singing. It's wonderful really.

But however if you think her Music was enough to make you fall in love, you should take a peek at her style. I am such a sucker for artists with really good fashion style and right now Rainy Milo is ticking all the boxes for me. She is quite playful grunge mixed with an urban rock vibe and I am seriously digging the look. It gives off a sort of fun attitude to go with the rather eclectic music that she creates.

Right now I must tell you to check this lady's music out. Because she is one lady who I think you won't be able to forget about in a hurry. In fact, I think we might just hear a little more of her in the near future and I sure hope we do!.

Denim trends of the month!

with this cold weather that has fallen upon us recently more and more of us are wearing our denim jeans to keep ourselves and our legs warm!. However who said that this cold weather could dull your fashion style? In fact why don't you accentuate your lovely denims with the bold and fun 60's polka dot pattern! or dress down and casual with a pair of boyfriend jeans? these 2 denim trends are proving to be quite popular at the moment and I think will become quite a staple in everybody's wardrobes.

Polka Dot Jeans
Yes it would seem everyone is going dotty for these wonderfully fun denims!. Why don't you double match with a polka dot shirt? You can invest in a pair in any colour, I personally love pastel pinks or blues with white polka dots! So cute, even Taylor Swift is a fan!.

Boyfriend Jeans
Yes, the good ole Boyfriend jeans. Pretty much a wardrobe hero and this month they appear to have made one hell of a come back. The best thing about these babies is that even though they are comfortable and casual you can still add a little chic to your outfit by teaming them with a pair of kitten heels. I like to wear mine lung low and teamed with an oversized shirt or sweater.

So will you be fun and flirty with polka dot jeans or casual and cool with chic boyfriend jeans?

Fashion at the Critics Choice awards

So if there is one thing I love about celebrity awards shows, it's all the beautiful dresses and couture that I get to see gracing my screens. However being a huge fan of the film industry has it's perks as well and I always enjoy seeing who walks away with the awards and last night it was the Critics choice awards that have started off the awards season for me and I must say most of the A listers looked on top form, Especially Jennifer Lawrence. Here is a list of who I thought to be on top of fashion style last night while who kind of ell flat a little.

Best dressed.
In my own personal opinion, I think that Hunger Games actress Jennifer Lawrence absolutely outshone everyone else on the red carpet, not to mention she dominated the night and ended up winning 2 awards! One for best Actress in "The Silver Linings playbook" and also best actress in "The Hunger Games"!. I was extremely glad for her, she is such an inspiration and I have fallen in love with this women!. The Black floor sweeping Jimmy Choo dress suited her perfectly and accentuated her even perfect figure!.
Anna Hathaway was another who I think looked absolutely magnificent!. Her floor length Oscar De La Renta gown had me in awe!. It suited her and I think she suits her short hair as well!. She just all in all looked beautiful!.
Oh and how Could I forget about Naomi Watts, who seems to be the leader of the fashion pack right at this moment. Not only did she turn heads last night in an Emilio Pucci gown that looked like perfection but she also wowed the press in a black and gold Alexander Mcqueen gown at the People's choice awards!.

The Not so best dressed 
Now I'd like to start off by saying that I don't necessarily believe in a "worst dressed" list because I think that everyone has the right to wear what they like but that doesn't always impress. I myself would probably make a few "Worst dressed" lists depending on everyone's tastes. So that's how I felt when I saw what Famke Janssen, Amanda Seyfried and Leslie Mann and their wardrobe choices. I felt that, Janssen who was wearing a navy John Galliona gown and Seyfriend's marios Schwab dress were just too busy and I felt like I didn't have a clue what was going on, there was just too much. And as for Hunt's Pink lace Honor dress, I don't think I really need to say anything to be frank. It would look lovely, if you were about 12 :/ not a grown women. It just made her look to young.

So that's my thoughts on the fashion style that was showcased at last night's Critics Choice awards. These are just my personal opinions. Did any of you guys watch the Critics choice awards? if so who did you think shone and simmered out? Also were you guys happy with the winners? I must admit I was so glad when Jennifer Lawrence and the film Argo won their awards! Ben Affleck did a great job again!.

2013 please be good to me....

Well that's the year of 2012 finally passed us by, and before anything gets mentioned yes I know I am a little late with the new year post :/. However I have never posted one and really wanted to post one!. 

If I am going to be honest I cannot believe that 2012 has finally gone and passed us all by, it was a year that just came and went for me. I have to admit I guess I am kind of glad 2012 is over, not to get all depressing but the year didn't start well for me. I broke it off with my boyfriend, was in a terrible work place and all my friends had shown their true colours in my time of need. But then something funny happened. near the end, my life took a complete different turn and my life started on it's way up. I started my college course in fashion business (my life long dream), met new friends and of course, I began blogging more and more meeting all you other lovely people around the world. And I am so grateful for all the support I have received, it makes what I do worth it all. I guess what I am trying to say is that I believe that 2013 shall be a good year. For every one of us. Don't hold back on what you feel, let it all out. Because every day is a new chapter in your life to begin something great in your life. So take the opportunities you are given in life and never forget to live your life to the fullest. Love a little bolder and laugh a little louder. Make the world a better place to live in and make your own way. Never forget to take risks and be brave because there will be people in your life who will try to hold you back, while there will be others who will encourage you to pursue your dreams. I know from experience there are some leeches in the world and I have been in a dark place for too long. So it's about time to see the light and forget all the negative's that are in the past and look to the future that only we can create. Don't let someone else do it for you. So yeah, I guess what I am trying to say is, this year, 2013, is going to be a positive year!. Time to Look to the new beginnings. So here it is, 2013 Chapter 1.