Just a quick bit of Versace love

The Versace Couture show was AMAZING and summed up everything I love about the brand: colour, drama and sex appeal.

Check out some of my faves below.

God Bless Versace!

Project 365 - Day 258 (27/10/10)

Day 258:  This dress is awesome, very summery but perfect for winter with boots, cardi & jacket.  Very good :)  I have to say my nails steal the look for me though:

I put a post up yesterday about a new nail varnish coming out from OPI in January called Black Shatter that created a shattered look on your nails.  Well I discovered Barry M already doing pretty much the exact same product called Nail Effects, it is only £3.95 so I bought it in my lunch break.  I have to say I am amazed by how it looks.  It such a brilliant effect and is so easy to do, my only complaint is that it dries very matt so I sealed it with clear nail varnish, which I don't usually bother doing.  Totally worth it though, I love the shiny look.  Ahhh I seriously love this and cannot wait to try lots of different undercoat colours!!

Much love

Black Shatter

Anyone who knows me and reads my blog knows I am obsessed with Nail Varnish.  Well today I discovered a new Nail Varnish which is part of the Katy Perry OPI collaboration collection.  It is called Black Shatter and it creates a cracked effect that can look slightly like leopard print.  I think it is amazing and it works really quickly which is very impressive.  It isn't out until 1st January 2011 so it will be on my wish list for the new year.  I can't wait.  Thanks to the OPI youtube channel you can check out a video of how it works below.

Nails (again!!)

I painted my nails this colour last week but forgot to put the pic up so here it is. Another George at ASD1 bargain, absolutely love that place now. It's a different kind of colour but I'm loving it. Very modern I think. Plus it lasted over a week with no chips and did not stain my nails - amazing!

New nails!!

Ohhhh I do love George at ASDA! This nail varnish was £1 from the fine establishment, I am very impressed.

New Watch

I love birthdays! I am such a birthday person!! This is a lovely watch I got from my big sister for a present. It is rubbery and soft which I absolutely love. It also means it is very comfortable and fits my bizarrely skinny wrists and lower arms. I wanted a watch that was colourful and fun so it is perfect...one in every colour please!

BNTM final

So Monday night was the first live of Britain's Next Top Model and I was privileged enough to be a part of the audience and wangle a sparkly wrist band to the after show party.

I thought it was amazing. I've heard some dodgy stuff about how it was received but from the sidelines it was definitely a show and a half. The three girls rocked it out and it was a surprising show from start to finish. Tiffany won the title and I honestly believe that all three were worthy winners but Tiff truly is able to rule the runway. She has presence and beauty that truly resonates. I managed to have a bit of a chat with Joy who came third and although I'm sure disappointed, she was truly happy for Tiff and really excited about moving on with her career. It will not be the end for any of these three girls.

The stage with images of the 2 finalists Winner Tiff with the Judges

After getting to the after show party, thanks to Alisha, I met the judges and a number of the finalists including fourth place Charlotte who is just as amazing and lovely in person as she was on the show. I also met my favourite from last years show Jade, who like the finalists was absolutely lovely and so genuine and beautiful in person.

With fourth place, the lovely Charlotte

Julien Macdonald and Grace Woodward were amazing and very nice to me as I was very much a geek when meeting them. Though I did try to apologise for my lameness.

With judge Julien Macdonald With judge Grace Woodward

All in all I cannot wait until the next series starts, I'm sure it will be even better. I'd love an invite ;)

High tea with BNTM final three...

Yesterday I was privileged enough to meet the final 3 contestants from Britain's Next Top Model and as I absolutely love the Next Top Model series' I was pretty much in heaven. And having watched these 3 on TV for some months before this meet and greet, going for a trip to the ladies room with them felt a little surreal....

The three girls Tiff, Joy and Alisha are all lovely and really made me realise that I now don't know who I want to win. They were all so charming and lovely and are really taking the pressure of the competition completely in their stride.

Tiff was much more quiet than I expected but far from seeming like she lacked confidence or that she was aloof, instead she seemed mature and reflective and genuinely like she was taking in the experience, listening and enjoying the chat. She was far from untalkative though, the three of them together could talk for hours; a lovely sign of a true friendship.

Joy seemed the most at ease when we first met, a massive smile and happy to talk. She was, like the others, honest and open. She had hilarious stories, my favourite being about her pet squirrel Nutty, and was extremely engaging while talking. Joy was extremely down to earth and seemed to find solace in her family and friends.

Alisha who, as she admits, was portrayed as a joker and confident was telling us of her insecurities which yes I think are there but far from holding her back, make her endearing and extremely friendly. She was definitely very witty and once you got her talking she could entertain you for hours.

In general the girls were all of course stunning but I was surprised by how natural they all were and how open and honest they were. They were happy to reel off stories about the highs and lows of the competition and reveal things that were not shown on TV. I was particularly surprised, however, by how many negative comments have been made about these girls and understandably how much it has hit them and those around them. These girls do understand that negativity shouldn't beat them down but for girls thrown into the limelight it is of course going to take its toll from time to time.

All in all I had a great few hours and found the girls absolutely brilliant, especially considering the pressure that was on them with the final just a few days away. I can honestly say whichever one of them wins will not take it for granted. I think they all deserve the win and I can not wait to see how their careers will blossom in the future.

Prepare for more posts...particularly after the live final on Monday.

Painting

I got a little bored the other night and decided to get my creativity back. I took everything I love; painting, colours and animal print and decided to put them all together.

My first canvas is a purple and blue zebra print. I absolutely love how this turned out. I was surprised at how good it looked.

The second one is a leopard print in pinks with a pale blue background. I am not 100% sure about this one but it is definitely growing on me.

I want to do more of these but I think the leopard print one needs some work if I do another one. I think if I could my life would be filled with animal print and this is another way to get a little more of it. They are currently pride of place on my wall.

What do you think? What other colours would do you think I should do?

Two-tone hair

It appears that this trend is not very popular but I really am loving it. This is a very hippy, grown out roots look which I really can relate to. It's relaxed and casual. I do think that Drew Barrymore has really rocked this look the best but I do love Ashlee Simpson and Rachel Bilson's look as well.

I think I may like this look as I am partially (accidently) rocking it myself at the moment due to real grown out roots. But I would definitely get it done properly. It's so different. I'm really not sure why it is hated so much but it really is. I have yet to find anyone say they love it like I do.

So what do you think? Love it or hate it?

Next Top Model

I have a SERIOUS addiction to the "Top Model" series, at the moment I have access to watching America's, Australia's, Canada's and Britain's shows. I have to say the original has Tyra's fierceness which cannot be beaten but the others do quite well at replicating some of the best bits.

The photoshoots are always the most fascinating bit to me and some of the concepts really are unique but still realistic in the fashion world. One of my favourite concepts was the first photoshoot of the 13th season of the American show. They were given photos of themselves as children and had to recreate them with modern clothing and props and convey a high fashion look. These were some of my favourites from this shoot. The girls did really well at creating strong looks and the images are very striking for first time models.

Sometimes they do some really obscure shoots such as these from a shoot from series 5 of Britain's Next Top Model. Everything here is so over the top, from the styling and make up and the posing and setting. I love these extreme shots that can really go a bit over the top and still look like fashion.

Australia's Next Top Model prides itself on its more realistic tasks and photoshoots. It also appears to be a little stricter on the contestants, particularly regarding their body size and fashion sense, which I sometimes find a little difficult as it doesn't seem helpful. However, it does prepare them for the modelling world more than some of the other countries. I may not agree with how the modelling world works but if someone is going to choose to enter it they need to understand it.

The Canadian version has the help of Mr Jay (Creative director for the photoshoots on the American show) as the host so he brings a certain fierceness reminiscent of Tyra. The Canadian show is, in my opinion, closest to the original Tyra format and has a similar feel.

The American show is still my favourite; they do the craziest photoshoots, have the best rewards and some amazing styling. My dream job would be to have Mr Jay's jobs on the shoots, especially on crazy ones like this one:

This shoot was inspired by a performance art show where clear plastic is hung from the ceiling with water on top, the artists (or in this case models) get in the water and create movement and beauty with their body. They are viewed (and photographed) from below. I think it creates some real beauty and would be so interesting to be involved in. These girls really created a truly artistic shot (with the help of good direction and photography of course).

I have to say that since watching these shows I have developed a lot respect for fashion photographers and understand more about what they do to create a strong image.

I know these shows aren't the most realistic shows and are a little bit trashy in some people's view but I really think it gives a knowledge of the fashion world for beginners and shows how interesting it can be. It is not just about putting on a pretty dress and standing in front of a camera. There are so many important elements to help make an amazing shot or indeed runway show.

Desigual: I love you!

So I wrote the other week about a new bag I got from my mum from this amazing brand Desigual and I thought I should do a proper write up about them as I am totally infatuated by them.

The company is from Barcelona and its philosophy is based around things such as positivity and fun which I think are THE functions of fashion. Each season has a different title, the latest being "Happy" (which is so lovely!!) and some past ones have been "Magic Stories", "Wow" and "Life Is Cool". All very happy and lovely and fun.

I not only love their philosophy, I also love the look of the clothes, these are all from the latest "Happy" collection and sum up to me, what makes this brand so special and unique.

The coat is a style they use often with various different patterns and fabrics. The patchwork style is very much their symbol and looks very unique. They mix colours and patterns so well that it manages to not look garish and ridiculous. The t-shirt and jeans show a more subtle and easy to war approach to the patchwork, colourful look that encompasses the brand. It shows that this brand is extremely versatile and can stand out or be more simple.

This bag is to die for. So gorgeous and elegant. The shape is unique and again the colours and patchwork are beautiful.

I really think this brand totally sums up my style. I would wear everything (if I could afford it!!) and would feel amazing everyday. I would recommend everyone checking out this brand on Facebook or Twitter as they are good at keeping their followers up to date on new products and marketing.

Bag bag bag bag bag bag bag bag

Ok so from the title you may have realised that I have a new bag. My mum bought it for me today because she is lovely! It is from a brand called Desigual which is a recent discovery for me. I absolutely love love love them. They epitomise my attitude towards fashion as they are all about colour, fun, originality and positivity. This is when I feel it really is worth spending a bit of extra money on fashion as it really is well made, unique and beautiful

The bag I got is absolutely gorgeous, lots of patchwork (a key part of their look) and just so different. Lots of colours and just plain fun as well.

I particularly love the slogans they put on their items, this one for example has "Life is fantastic" and "Is not the same" written on some bangles on the handle, which is just so lovely and positive. My niece also got a dress today which says "Together? All together" which again is just lovely I think.

I also find the little touches really nice, on this bag are some beads sewn on the front which just add a little something extra.

All in all I could not love this bag more. Well done Mum!

BNTM!

I have a LOT of love for Britain's Next Top Model (and all the 'Top Model' shows as anyone who knows me will tell you) and I received a little bit of praise from the Facebook page today!!

"Great stuff Ciara! Blue Shoes...what a fantastic blog!"

This, I presume, is the closest I'll ever get to Tyra Banks calling me 'fierce' but I'm more than happy with that.

Thanks BNTM Facebook page.

Much love to you

P.S. Here is a little picture of Susan who I loved and miss muchly from the show.

My inspiration

I've had a fun day today, I created some what I suppose you could call mood boards, except instead of being based on a certain theme they are all just generally what I find inspirational.

Some of the images show fashion I like, some show hair and make up I like and for some it is the way the picture is taken or the overall style of the image I find inspirational.

There is also a cheeky bit of fabric from my dress on one of the boards as I love it and I was very inspired by it when I saw it.

I think in an ideal world I would love to be involved in styling at photoshoots or in the conception of photoshoots so this is my way of gaining a bit of insight into what I like and also what is liked in the fashion and also promotion world.

I stuck them on the outside of my bathroom door, what better place to be constantly reminded of your inspiration?

Costumes

I love those BBC shows How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria, I'd Do Anything and the newest one Over the Rainbow as they are entertaining and the participants are actually talented.

However what I enjoy the most I think is the costumes. Since a young age I have doodled little outfits and my favourite thing to do was to make a group and have them in matching but slightly different outfits, often the colour being the only difference so these shows with their costumes are like my dream come true.

The outfits they wear for their group performances are a brilliant example of this, these are only the Maria and Nancy ones as I cannot find any Dorothy group pictures yet. I don't know why but I just think it is such a great idea for the show and also has the sense of fun and tongue and cheek attitude for the dance sing and dance numbers.

For the individual performances they then change into outfits to suit their song but with their costume colour as the main colour which is always fun but the best bit for me is when they do their group performances that are not in the character of the show. In those sections they wear outfits that are similar but different; sometimes different colours, different styles or different lengths which is fun. This one is a shot from Over the Rainbow.

It reminds of girl bands when I was growing up like B*Witched, Spice Girls and Destiny's Child with the matching but not quite outfits. Actually I loved Destiny's Child for their costumes, not that I particularly liked the outfits themselves but that the theme was always followed through created the fun that was needed in a girl band like theirs.

I think overall I love costumes and they are always the biggest influence on my fashion and they are what made me as addicted to fashion as I was growing. I think a costume is the best way of showcasing true fun and passion which I think is the best thing about fashion. I think this is why I believe you can wear what you want when it is something you love and enjoy.

My love of Moulin Rouge

I love Moulin Rouge and have always been captivated by the amazing costumes that Nicole Kidman got to wear while filming it. It was all vintage glamour, extravagance and drama in the best possible way. I thought I would talk about my favourite looks (most of them) and tell you why they are SO very amazing and inspiring.


This red dress is so amazing, I love the drama of it and that it also completely ruins the myth that redheads should not wear red. The fit, the length, the neckline and the train with black underlay are all so flattering, absolutely gorgeous and completely glamorous. This is complete drama, particularly because of the colour and the train and it works so well for the film, but I can't help thinking if it was white or ivory and bride would completely lust after it. Back to the original and red lips set this look off completely.


These two looks are both amazing with again a lot of drama. The pink diamond outfit (far right) is so perfect, a can can costume which is completely over the top. The pink feather skirt is just so perfect, not only for the dance routine it is used in but also because it is so extravagant and frivolous it cleverly marks the difference from the beginning and the end of the movie. I also completely love the sparkles!! The gothic tower look completely sums up the drama of that in the movie and so luxurious and extravagant. This necklace is a brilliant piece of jewellery, sums up the meanings for her wearing them but it is so beautiful, I feel in love with the total drama of it from the first time I saw it.

This final piece is the Hindi wedding costume and is the last of Nicole Kidman's costumes. For those who don't know this is a costume from a play that Nicole Kidman's character is in. This dress, but particularly the jewellery and headpiece are so glamorous and dramatic, it could have easily been too costumey but they kept it believable. The dress is very simple with some gorgeous embellishments on the bust and the end of the skirt which add interest, the necklace is a scaled down version of the gothic tower one and definitely provides the sparkle and decadence required while the headpiece seems to have been added for authenticity for being set in India, I still love it - the intricacies and delicateness of it definitely adds an enchanting subtlety to the whole look.

These are just some of the amazing costumes in this film, it was definitely films with such dramatic costumes that really enthused me to learn more about fashion.

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