RIPPED JEANS.

When I first saw the ripped jean trend I wasn't too impressed, mainly because I would have to fake tan my legs whenever I wanted to wear them but secondly because I thought they were a little chavy and dated.
However they have been reborn into something that's become quite the must have for SS14. I believe that Kim Kardashian is the one to blame as she looks absolutely fantastic and makes them look effortlessly certificated.

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Due to not being an original fan of this style I decided to go from something a little more understated with less rips and more coverage. This is when I found my beloved Topshop jeans (MOTO AUTHENTIC). I've seen these jeans alot on fashion bloggers and knew they were a must have for this season. When I first saw them I knew they were the ones, not only because I am a massive fan of the Topshop jeans but because the rips were just what I wanted. I'm personally not a huge lover of my legs, especially without fake tan, so I wanted a pair that didn't show too much flesh. This is where the Topshop jeans made my day, because of the way they have been ripped the white tone/strands of the jean are still visible therefore preventing any skin seepage.

I think these jeans are going to look super cute in the summer with a skimpy strappy crop top as these jeans are slightly high-waisted. They will also look unbelievable with little sandal heels and a blazer for the evening. 

Heres Shirley showing off her Topshop Moto jeans! Looking gorgeous! 

Here are so more ways to style minimal ripped jeans & If you haven't got a pair for SS14 then I suggest you start looking now! 

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Much Love, 

Em x

COMPLEXION PERFECTION.

Here are my beauty musts for an (half-decent) complexion - If I do say so myself!

I have suffered from Acne and as a result have been left with scars, not great I know but its better than having a face full of spots. I have tried many products to get my skin to look clear but resorted to medical help 5 years ago when I went on a course of Roaccutane

 for 6 months. This cleared up my skin but not completely. As I've got older and hormones have settled down my skin is a looking pretty good but like everyone else I still get the odd spot. 

This simple face wash I purchased recently is amazing, I have tried every single face wash going..trust me! This one has small micro balls that exfoliate the skin but not loads that it's classed as a scrub. Just enough to remove the odd rough patches of dry dead skin. In a matter of three days my skin was looking alot clearer thanks to this product. 

Next is the La Roche Posay effaclar duo(+), I saw alot of You Tube posts about this product and was reluctant to use it at £15 a tube but thought I'd give it ago due to the high reviews. At first I was a little disappointed with this product, it didn't seem to do anything and hardly touch the surface. After around two weeks I did notice some improvement. I still wouldn't say it was amazing or changed my life but Its a nice product and smells like washing up liquid/clean lol. I tend to use this more as an primer before putting on my foundation to protect my skin.

For the perfect foundation base I use Estee Lauder Double Wear. This has quite a high coverage but you just need to put on a little to give an perfect canvas. This product is also waterproof and has an SPF so it's great to take on holiday!

I sometimes mix this with Benefit High Beam Highlighter to give an all over glow instead of an matt finish. 

You always need an great concealer to cover those tough areas and the lasting collection one is ace and a great price however I do find myself touching up again after a couple of hours. 

Another must Is an good bronzer, I think tanned skin make you look so much more healthier and glowing. Plus this is great for enhancing cheek bones! Bonjour Paris Chocolate bronzer smells great (but not of chocolate) and is fairly matt. The packaging is great too as its long lasting and seals tight, I was slightly worried as its made of hard cardboard. 

Next is the Benefit Girl meets Pearl, this is the perfect highlighter! I like the fact it is an liquid as it glides on smoothly. The colour is so pretty, its like an bronzed highlight. I've had this product for two years and it still hasn't run out. YET!

Lastly is my Estee Lauder blush in Electric Pink! Its an perfect colour however it is very pigmented so you don't need much! This is good as it will last for ages! You just need to tap you brush into the powder. I think (especially in the summer) you need that flushed rosey cheek that makes you look natural and glowing from the summer sun.

Hope some of these products help & I'm not saying they will work for everyone.

Much Love

Em x

OOTD: 25/05/2014.

Here's my first outfit of the day...

Was a tad nervous about doing this as I know I don't have the most flattering body to photograph but everyone else seems to be doing it so I thought I would jump on the bandwagon. This is something I would wear on a day-to-day basis. The outfit is very casual and basic, I like this idea as you can wear it day or night - with the add of some high heel shoes. I love the purity and freshness of a white shirt with denim jeans however I do find with this shirt from H&M that is creases loads!! I don't usually wear white because I always manage to get foundation stains or take tan all over it (boo!) but I've become more careful when putting on whites! The shirt is made out of an white silk like material which has an slight seen over it & it is collarless - Not just your average white shirt! Unfortunately I did purchase this in the sale a couple of weeks ago. Sorry guys! 

The Topshop jeans are definitely worth the money! At £40+ I did think they were a little pricey hence why it has took my so long to purchase a pair but now I know why they retail at this price! They are the most comfortable and well fitted pair of jeans I have ever owned! I literally wear them all the time and they don't bag at the knees or feel greasy. (I find that jeans can feel quite greasy when they haven't been washed after a couple of times..might just me me!lol) I now own three pairs of Topshop jeans and have another on the way! Best thing I have ever done is own a pair.

JEANS: TOPSHOP - JAMIE

SHIRT: H&M 

SHOES: GRENSON - EMILY'S

 http://westmode.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2014-05-17T21:32:00%2B01:00&max-results=1&start=3&by-date=false

WATCH: OLIVIA BURTON

LEATHER JACKET: TOPSHOP

The jacket and watch were gifts from my boyfriend. I originally wanted the watch as an trail piece because I initially had my eyes on a Micheal Kors watch however, since I did not own a watch before I didn't want to spend alot of money on it if I didn't wear it. I wear this watch every day and it shows no signs of damage or longwear. I chose a black strap as I know black will always be in my wardrobe plus it matches my bag. They come in a variety of colours and you could even change the real leather strap colour at a later date! Might go for the mink next time. From 72 pounds you can't really go wrong & they look much more expensive. I went for the big dial design as I knew Micheal Kors watches were big. I have a tiny wrist and it fits me a treat, the watch face doesn't look too empowering and there are even enough buckle holes so I didn't have to make extras. Would highly recommend this product and retailer for an unique designs and impressive quality.

http://www.oliviaburton.com/

Much love 

Em x

YOU TUBE ADDICT.

Hi, I'm Emily and I'm addicted to YouTube vlogs and hauls...PLEASE HELP ME!

Its true, I am obsessed with watching girls talk about fashion, lifestyle or just their opinions on certain subjects! I simply find it so interesting as I feel I relate to them. I am generally a nosy person so I love hearing about their day to day lives and how its so different to mine since most of them are 'You Tube famous'. I would find myself checking their channels everyday in hope they have uploaded a new video (sad I know). But it's the concept of being able to confine in them and just watch in utter awe of their life and fashion style. 

My all time favorite has to be ThePersianBabe, I have watched her channel for a couple of years now and they are on point every time. Her fashion is just impeccable and I feel satisfied when she shows an item that I have already purchased.  I get alot of my style ideas from this woman as she understands understated fashion however allowing the odd exception. Like myself Barbara suffered from Acne, you would never know as her skin always looks perfect on camera, so I love knowing what skin care products she uses and her views on make-up. So whenever I need style advice for the upcoming season this is my first port of call. 

YOU TUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwnKgscnBezWBPC9tfBnbJg

A new comer into my You Tube obsession is Hannah Maggs, you just have to watch the 'Draw My Life' Video and it melts your heart. She has one of those voices that you want to listen to all the time. Hannah has recently given birth to a baby boy and has shared her pregnancy through You Tube. Although I am at no stage in my life to want a family of my own her life seems so exciting and I love how perfect her little family is. Hannah is also a professional make-up artist and a blogger! 

http://www.hannahmaggs.co.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/user/alittlebeautyvlog 

Lastly, is a massive successful Zoella, most of you have probably heard of her by now being a You Tube sensation. Due to her fame she is able to travel the world on meet & greets and appearances, when she does her camera is always by her side! She has also appered on magazines such as Teen Vogue and on the front cover of Company magazine #crazy! Zoella also posts collaborations with other fellow You Tubers where they perform crazy videos together, as well as fashion hauls and tutorials to help you achieve her fab looks. 

https://www.youtube.com/user/zoella280390

So go check them out and subscribe to these budding You Tubers as I'm sure they will be utterly thrilled!
Be warned!!!...their videos are highly addictive. 

Much Love
Em

NEW LOOK.

I have found some really cute pieces from New Look recently. I don't usually shop there but occasionally I find some items that really catch my eye! I believe these are three essential items to have this summer and I am so glad I found them at a reasonable price. 

My absolute favorite has to be a the lemon slice clutch, not only because I love lemons but fruit bags are hot this summer! Due to being a monochrome lover I know that this clutch will add a splash of colour to any outfit and add a quirkey style. The fabrics used on this bag feels exceptional quality and really well made. The size is fantastic and can withhold alot of essential items, what a bonus!.  

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/bags-and-purses/lemon-fruit-slice-clutch_308615886 
This bag retails at £9.99, what a bargain for a statement accessory!

This is also been snapped up by much loved TOWIE member Lauren Pope who is also an fashion fanatic with an unique style! 

The stripped racer back vest top also featured in the image is an essential top for any wardrobe. Stripes are an timeless pattern and are a perfect match for denim. The racer back is also featured on the front and is flattering on the collarbone however you will need to wear a strapless bra or just tuck them in. The bottom of the top is styled to create an really flattering curve that also enhances your curves! You can wear this top oversized or body fitted, its entirely up to you!

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jersey-tops/white-stripe-racer-vest_307969949

The shoes, well where do I start! I have fallen head over heels for them! The simple white against the light brown cork makes them beach ready! The cleated sole is on point with fashion and due to the soft brown colour this isn't too extreme. I cannot wait to wear these with dark denim jeans however as they are white I will definitely need to tan my feet! 

http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/white-cork-cleated-sole-wedges_305498110 

Due to my current finds in New Look I will be shopping there alot more often in hope to find some other essential stylish Items for bargain prices! 

Thank you New Look!

 Love Em x

GRENSON EXTENDED.

In extension to my previous post I thought I'd show you guys so of the photos I look when I visited the Grenson factory. I used an Olympus 0M-2 35mm film camera and a black and white film. I love the authenticity a film photograph creates aswell as the old fashioned grain. Personally I just love black and white photographs, I just feel they contain so much depth and drama. The contrast of the black, white and grey tones allows the image to show its true content, like the colour is irrelevant. Its what the photograph is trying to show that matters after all. The grid format is used to show a rough process of how a shoe is made, I also think this looks neat and allows the photographs to have there own prominent space within the image.

Here we have two gentlemen performing a process called Clicking.
This is where they start to make the top part of the shoe (the bit that covers the toes, bridge of the foot and around the ankle) formally known as the upper. The clicking operative is issued with a number of skins of leather, mostly from cows, although other animal skins can be used. The most traditional method is the use of a metal strip knives. He/she will cut out various shaped pieces that will be sown together eventually make up the upper. This can also be done on a pressing machine that will allow cutters to be pushed into the fabric to create the shape however I do believe this is mostly done by hand at Grenson.

This is a very skilled job because the leather is very expensive (one of the most expensive available in the World) so waste must be kept to a minimum. Leather will have varying amounts of flaws on the surface such as barbed wire scratches, insect bites and scars. These need to be avoided as it may cause the leather to split, make two pairs of shoes look uneven or simply not comply to the standards. 

The two men photographed are professionals and have been working within the shoe trade for many years. 

Much love,

Em x

BOOT & SHOE - Grenson.

I live in a town known for its boot and shoe trade. Due to the popular demand back in the early 19th century in the industry's heyday there were over 40 boot and shoe factories in Rushden. Today, only a handful of these survive however most of the redundant factories have been converted into flats. 

 I went to visit the factories for an A-level photography course project in 2012. Since visiting three remaining factories I have learnt a lot about the old-fashioned production methods and tools involved to make British premium shoes. I feel these methods should be emphasized due to rise of mass production mainly from overseas. I have also been enlightened to the various designs and the craftsmanship put into these shoes which has fascinated me ever since.

In particular Grenson have thrived in the 20th Century due their traditional values and modern styling. You can buy Grensons from ASOS, Selfridges and Net-a-porter. They have also featured on the LFW catwalk with Giles Deacon in Mabel. The shoes were modeled by celebrities such as Cara Delevingne and Kendall Jenner. #wow  
      

     


Since then I am now lucky enough to own a couple of pairs of Grensons and I absolutely adore them! After the leather has softened they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned and the quality is just exceptional. Since visiting the factories you understand more about how the shoes are made therefore you appreciate their existence and the hard work put in to create these beautiful shoes. 

My favorite pair have to be the 'Emily' not only because we share the same name but they literally go with everything in my wardrobe. They are so comfortable due to the soft micro wedge sole - they actually feel like I'm walking on air. I love the monochrome contrast of the back shoe and the white sole, it just recreates any outfit and turns it into perfection. The old traditional brogue style shoe with the modern stylish sole is just design genius, the combination allows the shoe to be worn by any generation. This what makes Grenson an unique company, they add an modern twist on a classic therefore making the shoe an timeless item. 

'People always mention quality when they talk about Grenson. But they don’t buy shoes just for quality, they buy them because they love the design, and then the quality is a bonus.' - Tim Little. Creative Director

http://www.grenson.co.uk/en_gb/shop/emily

TO BE CONTINUED...

FIRST TIME BLOGGER.

Hello and welcome to my blog. I'm Emily, a 20 year old girl with a serious enthusiasm for fashion, photography and beauty. I currently work at Waitrose however my dream would be work within the fashion industry. Last July I finished my Foundation degree in art & design and haven't quite made the next step to university since I don't know what course I want to do to further my career. Due to this I feel I have lost touch with creativity and after watching You Tube hauls/reviews and reading many Blogs I feel this would be a great opportunity to express my style and creative side.

Since I was young I have always been creative especially with fashion and design. Although I follow trends I always cater to my own style. My mum always told me to be individual and not follow the crowd, like sheep. Everyone has different opinions so I am excited to see what other fashion fanatics think of my style (fingers crossed you'll like it.)  As I am working, all the items are brought from my hard earned dollar (unless stated otherwise) therefore I am constantly buying clothes that I unfortunately don't get to wear as often as I'd like due to the constant wear of my work uniform. I'm not doing this blog to brag or show off, purely to express my style and excitement for fashion & design. 

I am so excited to start this blog. I hope it will inspire others and help me find a pathway to progress my career. 

Wish me luck!

Love Em