18.12.13

MY WEEK #19

 
PIMMS O'CLOCK | HOGMANAY TICKETS | BIRTHDAY COCKTAILS | ROCK N ROSE DELIVERY | YUM | CHRISTMAS IS COMING | BIRTHDAY FLOWERS | DRY ICE COCKTAIL | BLOWING OUT THE CANDLES.
 
 
Another week down and only one week till Christmas, eek! As much as I'm excited, I'm fighting off an evil cold as we speak and I'm praying that its gone before the festivities begin. Its a week today since my birthday and I had an amazing one, dinner with Scott & amazing cocktails at Bohemia in Brighton, which included Scott's dry ice Old Fashioned, which was amazing to watch the bar was literally up in smoke!
 
The following day the girls & I went to an amazing Mexican and enjoyed a lovely meal all together, which we often don't get to-do, as I'm always away in Scotland!
 
Talking of Scotland, Scott & I's tickets for Hogmanay arrived, which is Scottish new year! I cant wait were going to the street party in Edinburgh with fireworks, drink and friends, its going to be a great send of to 2013!!
 
Hope you've all had a good week!
 
 
 
 

SINCLAIR DUNCAN.

 
 
Evening all, sorry for the complete lack of posting the past weeks! I've been working, celebrating my birthday and now I'm ill, fabulous. So this is a little behind the scenes film I shot and edited for a textiles company, Sinclair Duncan. The Scottish company based in Galashiels was an extra project I took on whilst I was studying this semester.
 
The models were great, it was a amazing day and here'd just a sneak peek from behind the first Sinclair Duncan Photo shoot. Hope you enjoy it and remember to check them out on facebook here- https://www.facebook.com/sinclairduncancashmere?fref=ts
 
 

11.12.13

MY WEEK #18

 
WINTER | BIRTHDAY GIRL | FAREWELL EDINBURGH | YUM | SCOTTISH WALKS | STYLING IMAGES | WRITING FOR MY STUDENT STYLE | A VIEW FROM ABOVE.
 
 
Afternoon readers! Today is my 22nd birthday, can you believe it! A haul is to come filled with birthday goodies and ill give you a look at all my birthday outfits too. I've just got back from an amazing lunch with my friend Yas and I'm off out to dinner with Scott tonight.. well what are birthdays for?!
 
 So this week I flew home for Christmas, its been a long semester and I was definitely ready for home. Handing in all my work on Monday felt amazing and as seen in the previous post, my final styling images I'm really proud of!
 
I also want to share a website I write for every fortnight, My student style is a great platform for students with no writing experience who want to expand on their C.V. The team is super lovely and the articles are a great read, you can find me under My Student Style- Fashion. Check It out below!
 
Sorry for the lack of posts lately, I have been off my game with all the pending deadlines, so watch this space!!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


FINAL STYLING IMAGES.



 
So its been a interesting semester, if you've been following my blog then you know I've been doing a styling project at university and here are my final 3 images. The project was influenced by news stories and art. I looked at Lucian Freud and the 3 new stories are as follows- Isabella Blow exhibition, the protests in Albania regarding Libyan chemical weapons being destroyed in Albania and "Bronies" a type of male which finds hidden meaning in the program my little ponies.
 
I feel my final images are contemporary and I'm very happy with the final outcome! what do you think?
 
'til next time
 
 

3.12.13

RECOGNIZE.

 
 
Afternoon guys! I had previously mentioned I have been working with my whole class to create Recognize, a fashion event in Edinburgh which was held yesterday at Summer Hall. It was a great night all in aid of the charity, SAMH- Scottish association of mental health. We raised a great deal of money and awareness for a great charity as well as putting on a great fashion event! So yay, go us!
 
There are photos of the night to come but as you may remember I was in Glasgow a couple of weeks ago filming a promotion film and this is what I want to share with you. Jade and I, a fellow student and friend filmed and edited the final piece, so I hope you enjoy & leave comments below.


 
 

MY WEEK #17

 
MINI BURGER  AUBURN HAIR | LIGHTS ON, CHRISTMAS IS HERE | ROSE | WINTERWONDERLAND IN EDINBURGH | HUNGER GAMES | HMMMM.. | SCOTT ENJOYING HIS CARAMEL GALA-CINO | RECOGNIZE FASHION EVENT.
 
Another weekend closer to Christmas and I'm especially feeling festive this week, Scott was here this weekend and as always our fun filled weekend was full of.. well fun! Edinburgh winter wonderland was amazing, with ice-skating, stalls, rides and just that Christmassy smell, Scott & I got right into the Christmas mood!
 
It was another weekend of indulgence, we went to Turnball's a lovely cafĂ©/brassiere in Gala and I ordered the mini Turnball burger which was delicious & soooo cute! After our lunch we decided to go for a cheeky waffle, bottom left. Drool worthy.
 
Yesterday was also the Recognize fashion event that me and my classmates have been working on all semester! It was a great night, with music, fashion and interviews with bloggers and the industry it was really a worth while fashion event and I'm very proud we all pulled it off! Photos of the night are to be uploaded :)
 
 Also this week I changed my hair colour which you might have seen if you follow me on instagram? @islay101. Ive been wanting a different look for a while now and an auburn/ginger has always been appealing & last week I just got over my irrational fear and went for it & I gotta say, I love it!
 
So it back to work now, trying to finish all my university projects before I jet home on Monday! EEK, wish me luck!
 
 
 
 

28.11.13

NAILED IT- A TOUCH OF GLITTER.



 
 
Good evening all! Hope all is well, for this weeks nailed it I went for something very simple, adding just a touch of sparkle to my life! This glitter ombre is very simple to achieve and great if you want that something extra but just don't have the time.
 
 I created this look with two nail varnishes, the first just a French pink by boots, a very old nail varnish that normally never sees the light of day! The soft pink compliments the colourful models own glitter. The Hedkandi collection is bright, fun and this glitter- Ibiza mix is no exception. This glitter is so versatile and bound to brighten any sad wintery day.
 
You simply paint the base coat colour and softly dab the glitter on the top of the nail creating a dip-dye effect and voila.. well I did say it was simple :)
 
Layer over your top coat and your good to go! This look can be created with so many different varnishes so mix up your collection & have fun!
 
'Til next time..
 
 

27.11.13

MY WEEK #16

 

 
 
STUDIO | A/W | SHAMELESS SELFIE | EDITING RECOGNIZE FASHION FILM | SHOOTIN' | SKECHBOOKIN | CHRISTMASSY FIRE | GOLD ERRRTHING | SUNNY SCOTLAND.
 
Sooooo I've been a busy beaver all this week and I must apologise for the lack of posting and the delay of this one! Its little over a week until deadlines so this equals stress &trying to do all my work & have a social life has not worked out well!
 
But there is hope today I shot all of my final 3 images for the 2nd half of my styling and image making project, all will be revealed soon. So YAY, the work load is lifting and I can hear the cringey Christmas tunes already...
 
Other than working my butt off I've been enjoying the last of autumn. The trees are stark and that cold edge has definitely arrived in Scotland, everyday is a fur coat day!  
 
How has your week been?
 
 

22.11.13

BRINGING ILLUSTRATION TO LIFE.


 



So you may remember me mentioning my last Uni project, we had to interpret 3 fashion illustrations into photographs & here are my final 3! It was great to look at fashion illustrations as there one of my true passions! The illustrations I chose are by TOP- Antonio Soares, MIDDLE- Dadu Shin BOTTOM- Garance Dore.
 
 

I WISH.

 
BLACK PLEATED SKIRT- MEADHAM KIRCHHOFF FOR TOPSHOP | BULLET NECKLACE- ROCK 'N ROSE | SKIRT- H&M | SUEDE CHELSEA BOOTS- MISGUIDED | STRIPED TOP- H&M
 
Happy Friday y'all! I know I'm not only one rejoicing in the weekend and here's a little Friday afternoon lust list. As all fashion followers know, Meadham Kirchhoff has launched their collection for Topshop and its a beautiful collection. With Crochet, animal print and featuring possibly every colour from the colour wheel, what's not to love? One of my favourite items is the black, pleated georgette number above. Sexy but still chic, its a definite fave.
 
Chelsea boots have always been a particularly favourite style of mine and these boots from Misguided are no exception. I love my berries, blacks and this dark, rich emerald green is another of my favourite colours and perfect for those winter nights! Definitely on the birthday list!!
 
I've been looking for a striped, French looking top like this for a wee while and who would have thought it was so difficult. This one is from H&M and a great steal at £12.99!
 
The other skirt above is another H&M steal at £29.99 which I feel is an expectable price for this Balenciaga copycat. What can I say, I bloody love H&M!
 
Last but certainly not least is this bullet necklace from Rock 'N Rose, one of my favourite online jewellery sites. I love the jade, pastel green and I just love crystal jewellery!
 
What's on your wish list?
 
 

17.11.13

MY WEEK #15

 
NEW SHOES | RECOGNIZE | AX GOODIE BAG | MISSING HOME | MOVEMBER NAILS | SHOOTING FOR TEXTILE COMPANY, SINCLAIR DUNCAN | SHOOTING FILM FOR RECOGNIZE | RI FOR RIVER ISLAND | MUSE.TV.
 
So 2 weeks into November and its been busy! With up & coming deadlines leering over me, I'm trying to work harder than ever but feeling unmotivated & find myself falling into a Netflix and Youtube trap.. one video just leads to another.
 
As you know my classmates and I are hosting a fashion event in Edinburgh on the 2nd of December, this aids SAMH a charity for Scottish mental health. This week I went to Glasgow for the first time whilst being up north, but to my disappointment the day wasn't filled with sightseeing and lunch, it was strictly business. Held up in a cold factory for hours, shooting film sounds dreary but it was a very productive day, me and my classmates got some great shots and I cant wait to reveal all!
 
As well as University work I agreed to shoot a film with my landlord, who happens to be in the textile business. Sinclair Duncan is a brand which believe in Scottish quality and their ranges of scarves are beautifully unique and truly Scottish. I helped them with there promo film which I will also post :)
 
Other than that my home sickness grows, particularly missing my Nephew, William! :( But the light at the end of the tunnel is glinting. Only 3 weeks and I'm homeward bound for the Christmas holidays! YAY!
 
In other exciting news this week I also won a AX goodie bag, full of treats, which brightened my week right up and my Rihanna for River Island dress arrived, although I'm not aloud to have it until my birthday I'm thoroughly looking forward to wearing it!
 
Also I have begun to write for Muse. TV, a great fashion led company which cover a wide variety of all things fashionista! From blogger knowledge to streetstyle they are great for just about everything check them out here- http://www.themuse.tv/
 
How has your week been?
 
 

14.11.13

NAILED IT- MOVEMBER.


 
 

 Evening all! So this weeks nailed it is a Movember special! As you know its that time of year when men grow beards, but don't worry its all in aid of charity for better men's health! So feeling inspired by this great cause and not being able to grow a moustache I thought why not make a tash? 
 
For the base coat I used Models Own, Artstix duo polish, the colour is Jade Stone. I loved the pastel yet bright green and thought it was a perfect base colour for my moustache. Then with many trials and errors I placed on the nail beads, also models own in black fizz. I dotted them on my middle finger & this was quite difficult. I painted a clear top coat and placed the beads in the centre and branched out shaping my tash, I then added extra beads to the bottom of the design to give the moustache more shape!
 
Other the other hand I decided to give it simple but consistent with a stripe of black nail beads down the centre! I haven't used nail beads before and it was fun & I love the effect, I look forward to many more NAILED IT with these beads!
 
 
 
Check out the official UK Movember website here- http://uk.movember.com/
 
 

10.11.13

MY WEEK #14

 
OOTD | MOTHER'S COOKING | BLUE SKIES IN EDINBURGH | CHRISTENING CUPCAKE | WILLIAM | BYE LONDON | DUTY FREE PURCHASE | NAUGHTY DOMINOS | CHRISTENING.
 
Another week passed and boy am I home sick! Last weekend I went home and the best time. It was my boyfriend's nephews christening on the Sunday so nipped home for the weekend! It was full of treats as you can see, Dominos, Harvester and my best friends and I went for Thai on the Saturday to celebrates Amy's birthday, so a very naughty but delicious weekend!
 
Seeing my nephew was another highlight, at only 8 months he's still the cutest thing eveerrrrr & it was great chilling, enjoying my mums cooking & seeing family & friends and of course my boyfriend! :)
 
As you can I see I made a naughty duty free purchase, Mac Satin Lipstick in Rebel, Review to follow.
 
Hope you've all had a great week!
 
 
 
 

RECREATING AN IMAGE.


 
Good Sunday evening all! This post is some of my UNI work, the task was to re-create an image. The original a shot, top image is from Harper Bazaar and the one below is the one I recreated. This task was given to us to understand the difficulty and hard work that goes into creating every fashion image and believe me it was but I really enjoyed it and love the final shot! Just thought I'd share some of my work. :) 
 
 For more of my original photography visit my tumblr here- http://collide101.tumblr.com/
 
 

TREND- SHEER.

 
 
EMBELLISHED JUMPER- TOPSHOP | BRALET- RIHANNA FOR R.I | CAMI- 2ND DAY | SOCKS- TOPSHOP | CHIFFON DRESS- 2ND DAY.
 
 Even though winter is upon us light, summery fabrics are still one of this seasons key trends and also predicted to be a huge trend for S/S 14, sheer is here.
 
 Above are some of my favourite sheer pieces from the high street and two naughty designer pieces from 2nd Day, both from a collection available from Harvey Nichols.
 
The two pieces from Topshop are my favourite. The embellished jumper in the top left is right up my street, with accents from Valentino's S/S 2014, which happens to be one of favourite collections EVER! Plus the socks are a perfect little purchase for a subtle touch of sheer in anyone's wardrobe!
 
Mix and match your sheer and silky fabrics with heavy knits or fur for an interesting collaboration of textures!
 
Will you be wearing sheer this winter?
 
 

5.11.13

MY WEEK #13

 
RECOGNIZE | NATIONAL GALLERY | TRACY EMIN | EDINBURGH | OOTD | PLAID | PUMPKIN FUN | VIVIANE SASSEN | COCKTAIL, YES PLEASE.
 
My week has been another busy one but amazing! I visited Edinburgh last Monday and visited a number of the great museums the city has to offer! The Tracy Emin piece at the Gallery of Modern Art was one of my favourites, I'm a fan of some of her work, I love the simplistic and minimalist forms.
 
 I also visited the Viviane Sassen exhibit on at the National Portrait gallery. This was an amazing exhibition with projection, magazine tears and calming music to create an ambience. Her work resembles Juergen Teller, a photographer Im very fond of her work and it was great inspiration.
 
If you follow me on twitter you would be aware of Recognize, this is an fashion show and event in aid of Scottish charity, SAMH run by me and my university colleagues. The charity focuses on mental health and how we can all be aware and be more welcoming of the hushed topic. Its a great cause to aid and were also showcasing some very talented and inspirational designers from Scotland. The event is being hold on the 2nd of December 2013 at Summer Hall in Edinburgh, so if you follow me on twitter check us out & please buy a ticket or donate!
 
Earlier in the week me and my friend/flatmate Caitriona attended a party at our friends, as we dressed as ghosts last year we felt the completion to be rubbish/funny was demanding and ending up wearing a kiddies outfit from pound land! For the bargain of a quid we wore the outfit as tops & even had a very cute hat! Snazzy right?!
 
'til next time...
 
 
 
For more information on SAMH visit their website here- http://www.samh.org.uk/
 

NAILED IT- HALLOWEEN NAILS.



 


Hi guys! Sorry there's been a delay in this post! I hope you all had an amazing Halloween and for last weeks NAILED IT, I created these gruesome blood inspired nails!
 
I wanted these nails to be lightly blood splattered, like a Dexter look! So I firstly painted a base coat of Barry M called Matt white, which isn't actually matte, after many coats of this  I applied the Rimmel matte top coat as I felt this would work well with this look.

After allowing this coat to dry I grabbed my Barry M nail paint in Raspberry and a straw, I then cut the straw into a smaller size so its much easier to handle. I then poured a little of the Barry M Raspberry onto a sheet of paper and rolled the end of the straw in it, when the straw hole is completely covered your ready to go! I then blew through the straw on to the nail creating the look above!
 
TIP- Make sure you are at the right distance for this effect! Do some test blows before as you never know where and how the paint will disperse! If you move closer the sprays are bigger and more intense as from far away more subtle.  
 
And there you have it, with a simple straw you can create this look, perfect for those horror Halloween parties & dress up! I'm looking forward to using this technique with many of my colours & varnishes!
 
Hope you enjoyed this post, anything look you'd like me to create for NAILED IT, just comment below :)
 
 

30.10.13

GHOULISH GOODIES.

 
NECKLACE- RIVER ISLAND | SKIRT- TOPSHOP | BAT MASK- AMAZON | SOCKS- TOPSHOP | SKULL TOP- RIVER ISLAND | SPIDER BROOCH- BOOHOO.COM
 
 
Happy Halloween eve all! Halloween is one of my favourite holidays, full of ghosts, goblins and lots of sweets & treats, what is there to hate?! Whether your going in full dress tomorrow day/night or going for the subtle scary touches these are some of my favourite horrifying pieces on the high street.
 
The cross necklace from River Island would be great for any vampire look, even though technically Vamps cant touches crosses but the symbol is often a part of the classic Halloween costume, sorry my true geeky Buffy side coming out there! Team with Velvets, silks and hey why not a cape & there you have it, your a creature of the night!
 
Secondly this bat print skirt from Topshop I adore! I love the bat print and monochrome never dates, perfect for a sexy touch of horror to your day whilst keeping it chic.
 
This bat mask is a great find from Amazon, under a tenner this glamorous face mask is an easy way of making any outfit look Halloween-y! Just place on your face for instant horror.
 
Muahahahaaaaaa.. These blood dripping socks from Topshop are a must have for all year round & just perfect for Halloween, subtle but spooky!
 
Another find from River Island is the Skull top, perfect for any occasion this creepy top would look great in any wardrobe!
 
Finally this spider brooch from Boohoo.com is fabulous! Yes, I just said fabulous. The crystals in this brooch will catch all the light making the creepy accessory blingtastic. Yes I also just said blingtastic. Try wearing it in your hair or on a belt for extra spooky style points!
 
All this pieces are great for October 31st, so what you waiting for? Go & get your ghoul on!
 
 




25.10.13

OUTFIT- WINTER DAYS.



 
CARDIGAN- TOPSHOP
JERSEY TOP- TOPSHOP
NECKLACE- H&M
LEGGINGS- PRIMARK
BOOTS- TOPSHOP
 
Evening all! So the weather finally let up & stopped raining for about 20 minutes enough time for this outfit post. YAY! Although the weather might be wet its surprisingly warm for Scotland and perfect for my thick, sleeveless cardi! This Topshop piece is one of the first things I ever brought in there years & years ago on sale at a bargain price of £7, I think! It was quite some years ago!
 
I teamed it with this simple jersey top also from Topshop & my winter boots, all warm & wrapped up, the burgundy colours make me feel all wintery and festive.
 
'Til next time...