Patchwork Quilt

I couldn't resist showing pictures of the patchwork quilt my friend Alice made for my birthday present. The hard work gone into making it deserves the upload. I was surprised how generous everyone was when it came to the gift-giving, I got some beautiful jewellery, such as an anklet, birthstone bracelet and rose broach as well. Needless to say I was a very lucky girl!

Birthday Dresses

I struggled to find the right birthday dress for the big 21, I thought it had to be really outgoing, bright and be out of my comfort zone, and I realised that was the exact problem that I wasn't choosing what I liked, suited and felt most confident in.

This is why I stuck to classic colours with the champagne lace dress for the meal out at PennyHill Park, and a black and white number for the party at BedBar. Here's the dresses to see how they looked on the night. Now to look for dresses to wear to other friends celebrations!

Something borrowed, something blue...

This is my first success to show from using Ebay to buy myself some new clothes. Cheap is the first thing that comes to mind when using the auction site but it's actually far more complicated, because as soon as you decide on a price, someone else bids far more higher than your intention, so I've missed out on a few purchases, but this was the successful winner!

She's just as beautiful to wear as she looks, at the moment I tend to wear them with black tights and a blouse, but I'm hoping the sun will rear it's head soon, so I can wear it with strapless tops and bare legs!

She's high waisted, faded blue denim, that has been cared for before, so they are pre-washed many times which Levi encourage to get the worn look, so she's perfect to wear!

Thierry Mugler

After my rounds of news-searching I couldn't let this video slip, probably the most anticipated show for Paris Fashion Week, you see Lady Gaga as the inspired Muse for the new collection.

This collaboration was long awaited seeing as Gaga's stylist Nicola Formichetti is appointed the new creative director for Mugler.

I'm a sucker for black coloured dresses as you may be well aware, so this show was right up my street. Not to mention Gaga's latest hit blaring out, just makes it all that more exciting to watch.

Spot her fierce runway appearance right here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqXSB7glctg&feature=player_embedded

The Heart of Me

There was a great film I snuggled into watching the other night, and I wanted to share it with you, and make sure you get around to watching it before it disappears on the dreaded day that is my 21st, on the 6th March.

Its a 'drama set in 1930s London with two sisters, Madeleine married to Rickie, and Dinah, who falls in love with him. Rickie and Dinah begin an affair which is to have repercussions throughout all of their lives.'

It was such an easy watch, and I really enjoyed it. Currently on the scour for similiar films with the same period essence, heart-ache and tragedy.... You know, just to cheer myself up.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b007ckhx/The_Heart_of_Me/

Rankin Myself

After Scarlett's comment about recreating the image for myself, I thought I would take her up on that offer, and realised also that I am pretty useful on Photoshop than I give myself credit for.

I may not live up to the real thing, but it's a good copy, and shows the similarity in make-up, don't you think?

The Doe Eye

In today’s Fashion & Cultural Influences lecture, I was quite excited to know we were watching a video, rather than listening to theories that make me clueless. The video in question was shown on BBC4 in 2008, and it followed Fashion Photographer Rankin recreate seven of his favourite images of the past. Included favourites such as Helmut Newton, Richard Avendon and Cecil Beaton.

As soon as I saw an image by Erwin Blumenfeld on the video, I recognised it. It was my most prized purchase from New York. Plain white background, standout black title, with 1950s just slightly underneath, and bursting red lips, and these amazing feline eyes with a black flick.

On January 1, 1950, this iconic cover was released to the world, with the perfect bow lips and beauty spot of model Jean Patchett.

When I first saw it in a market just outside Central Park, I was so drawn to the eyes and lips and recognised it as my most common make up style, flicks and red lips. A cheap price, all in a frame, I quickly handed over the money, happy with the memory of where I bought it and what it meant to me. Little did I know how exciting the cover really was.

In the video, Rankin made a modern twist with the help of Hiedi Klum, who cheekily stuck her tongue out to give it a fresher appeal.

After learning more about the striking cover, ‘The Doe Eye’ is definitely not to be ignored, and I now feel happier knowing more about its history, as it hangs with pride on my bedroom wall.