What has happened to Kim K's Style??

I absolutely adore everything Kardashian (bar Kris Jenner...particularly in series 7...irritating) and even though Kim is not my favourite, I have always admired her ways of emphasising her curvaceous figure.

However, recently (since she got with Kanye...cough, cough) this (below) happened....

Being a small, yet curvy girl myself, it is an unwritten rule if you are of a shorter curvy nature (particularly on the legs) ankle/calf boots teamed with a skirt just above the knee is a big no-no. It just accentuates the fact you have larger thighs....it makes your already short legs look shorter, and makes you appear more top heavy.

This is not the first outfit that I have found questionable since her union with Kanye

 I never really understood the above outfit either? Again with the unflattering boot length?? Apparently it has been reported that Kim's style has become more streamlined and refined, since getting with Kanye...but I will say one word it isn't...FLATTERING! I cant help but think...she is morphing into a more slightly covered up Amber Rose?

Rumour has it that Kanye has advised (if that the right word) Kim to tone down her make up, and most recently her hair extensions has vanished and he has been giving her advise in the fashion stakes.

One thing I will say, I always admired Kim K's style and her use of bold colour really stood out for me... just look at the below and decide for yourselves

Actually...when you see the above to the below....I think I am actually swaying...maybe Kim taking Kanye's advice is not such a bad thing after all.....

Which do you guys prefer???

The Only way Is UCLan

So another academic year rounds up and herds of unsuspecting fashion students are left to explore the weirdly wonderful and diverse world of fashion.

One University in particular really hit the headlines in regards to fashion after GFW (Graduate Fashion Week) for the exceptional work of the fashion design students was UCLan (University of Central Lancashire) After winning four awards and being shortlisted for seven continued its reputation as one of the most successful UK universities in the events 21 year history.

Through my work I have a close link with UCLan as I work with the students of Fashion and Promotion so I was lucky enough to be invited to an exclusive fashion show at the University.
Before the show I was treated to array of tasty snacks...(and free wine...bonus!!!!)

Fashion design Xiaoping (Fiona) Huang was handed the Zandra Rhodes Catwalk Textiles Award for her work which was a exceptional collection of 3D zigzags...with bursts of oranges and electric blues, it really stood out...

I have selected a couple of images, from the designers that also really stood out for me...

Above is student designer Claire Acton, who also impressed the judges with her collection of printed dressses with fringed and clipped detail adding a quirly twist to the garments. She was a runner up for the prestigious Gold Award, sponsored by George with a £20,000 prize, and the best womenswear title.

It was refreshing to watch and at times I honestly couldnt believe that these collections of superb, eclectic, individual pieces were from the work of students. I have so many more pictures to put up, so keep an eye out!

Beautiful You Are...

Do you ever have those days when you just feel so totally deflated? Well I was having one of those yesterday.... Until this song come on my i-pod .....just read the lyrics.....

It’s your life
Things may not always go right, for you
In those times
Just leave it behind
Cause sometimes you gotta play the game
Just to survive
Without losing yourself
It’s a fight, it’s true
It takes time
Don’t have all the answers
No matter how hard it gets
Hold on to what’s inside

Don’t never let nobody bring you down girl
Don’t never let nobody tear your world apart
Look in the mirror and see who you are
Beautiful U R

In the dark
The paint chips have waited your heart
So deep
Can’t you see
See the light in the distance
Open up your eyes, look, look to the sky
And believe
There’s much more to life when you free
That’s the key
And in time
You will find all the answers
Don’t have to lose your pride
Hold on to what’s inside

Don’t never let nobody bring you down girl
Don’t never let nobody tear your world apart
Look in the mirror and see who you are
Beautiful U R
Don’t never let nobody bring you down girl
Don’t never let nobody tear your world apart
Look in the mirror and see who you are
Beautiful U R

Don’t care what they say anymore
There’s no time to be insecure
I leave it all at the door

She staring at him in the face
She’s taking it day by day
I’m finally on my way

Don’t never let nobody bring you down girl
Don’t never let nobody tear your world apart
Look in the mirror and see who you are
Beautiful U R
Don’t never let nobody bring you down girl
Don’t never let nobody tear your world apart
Look in the mirror and see who you are
Beautiful U R
Beautiful U R

The song is by Deborah Cox, and it really made me smile.  Now repeat....see if it makes you smile....

Fifty Shades

Fifty Shades by samanthavc26 featuring lip makeup

I was....I don't know if this is the right word...lucky?? enough to finish reading the Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James book recently. I am not sure how many of you guys have already read it? It is the first book from a trilogy....I am just working on Fifty Shades Darker....(which is the 2nd...then Fifty Shades Freed is the last)

I put together a little template of images that I feel connote certain parts of the book to me...so for those who haven't read it and see the whip??? and chains??yes...these images are mild in comparison.

When I have read all three I will hopefully write a review!!!

 

Victims of Beauty....Clever Irony or just plain stupidity??

Bulgarian fashion magazine 12 has just published what I deem as a 'totally unacceptable' beauty editorial containing nothing but portraits of models with horrific injuries.

The ironically named feature 'Victim of Beauty' was shot by photographer Vasil Germanov with special effect make-up by Daniela Avramova and hair and make-up (beauty) by Slav for Max-Factor.

Beautiful Women disfigured purely for fashion/beauty purposes

Why Blog?

So I have been pondering for a while, on why people blog. I work in fashion, people blog (it’s the 'in' thing darllling...didn't you know??) but when I started my blog I kept going over and over in my mind 'what was I going to write?' I researched a few blogs and found mostly were girls of my age or under...taking snaps of their styles, what colour their nails are this week, what trend they are following, which lipsticks were their 'faves' this season/week/month...whichever and what fashions/shoes/accessories they WISHED they had...To be honest it was all a little overwhelming for me.

What puzzles me is can some bloggers actually separate what being a professional fashion writer, from a fashion blogger means? Being able to separate the two and realising that because you have a fashion blog...doesn't instantly mean, the likes of Grazia or Vogue will snap you up and make you an overnight fashion blogging celeb?

My first question to these bloggers would probably be??

"What are you trying to achieve from your blog...??"

I honestly feel sometimes people blog to earn as many free goodies as possible, or to be invited to the most glamorous events?? Believe me; starting off my Journalism career at University was not glamorous. I remember having to hit the streets of Liverpool and ask unsuspecting members of the general public what they thought of 'plastic packaging?' I worked hard that day, it wasn't flashy or extravagant, it was raining and it was cold.... (Anyway I am off on a tangent) moral is, this industry isn't all glamour. It about the quality of work!!

But besides the obvious, what are these blogs really saying to ME as a reader?? being a writer at heart, and absolutely loving the fact that I was gifted to have such a creative mind (no, not blowing my own trumpet like, but I take it as one of my talents)  I try and focus on my talent, and pushing my writing to the limits. I write about things that I feel are topical, debatable, thought provoking? I don't upload a picture of myself wearing the hottest trend of the moment (mainly because I would feel a little embarrassed...). Yes I write about fashion, as that is the industry I work but I also try to back up my knowledge with writing skills (I think...) giving advice or tips on how to make the best use out of fashion.

I do not claim to be a fashion expert at all; I wear what I am comfortable in, and go from there really. Honestly I find some blogs a little pretentious, and I cannot relate to at all!! So I really wanted to be sure I didn't produce a blog that was well... pretty blogless!!!

I know people interpret blogs a little differently, and my blog may be a little different to the next persons and so on and so forth, but I wanted my blog to have meaning or a purpose!! Hence why my blog has a little bit of everything!!!

Don't get me wrong I love shoes, yes I own a couple of (hundred) pairs but uploading a picture every time I buy a pair, well who would want to read that???

Some people do not really tend to go into personal topics on their blogs, and really just focus on the fashion aspect, but this is MY blog, and my blog is about me so you will get see see every angle really. 

So if you are looking for a traditional fashion blog, then I am afraid this blog guys and gals is not for you!!!

Tears Dont Mean your Losing...

I don't know if it is just me or whether every mid twenties woman goes through this, but do you ever feel like you are a constant journey of self recognition?? fighting to get praise for something you know you can do with your eyes shut? but still trying to find who you are and what you are good at? well I feel like that at the minute...

There are certain factors in my life that I feel are holding me back, certain constraints that are out of my hands and people who are making me feel inferior, purely through their own lack of knowledge and their own needs for praise. The thing that puzzles me is if I was an outsider looking in I know I would be at the front of the queue telling the person in my situation to...GET OUT!! don't let other people and circumstances bring you down...all my life I have believed I've grown to be a strong, individual woman, but faced with the situations and really re-evaluating myself makes me think....WHO AM I??

"Losing my mind on a tiny error...I nearly left the real me on the shelf"