Get the Look: Solange Knowles

The younger sister of superstar Beyoncé looked flawless when she attended the MTV Music Video Awards late last month.

Even with the bad publicity surrounding the star and a certain Jay-Z lift incident, the 28-year-old was still able to rock the red carpet in a studded two piece and skinny heels.

Featuring sequin-like studs all over, the dark-toned suit needs little accessorising as it’s already an attention-grabber on its own.

The singer kept accessories to a minimum with three silver glitter rings and a pair of black sparkling heels, matching perfectly with the studded suit.

This look can easily be copied in Nottingham as the suit is from high street favourite H&M and costs less than £100 for the complete ensemble.

Head to Karen Millen for a similar pair of heels and Claire’s for accessories on a budget.

Read the original article here: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Steal-Solange-Knowles-look-Nottingham/story-22893397-detail/story.html 

To wear one's tattoos

Hello Beautiful!

The other day I went into Nottingham’s Waterstones in search of a new book to satisfy my shopaholic needs (I’ve been band from buying pretty much anything else so I decided to use a wormhole and do that.)

Whenever I do go book shopping, Waterstones is my shop of choice. To me, it just feels more homely and the way the books are set just makes the experience that little more enjoyable.

Anyway, back to my point, I had just finished browsing through the media section when I decided to find where fashion was.

After a little search I came across it; from Vogue covers to male fashion to trends of the last billionth section it was there.

However, there was a group of books there that I did not expect to see.

Amongst the fashion-help books, I came across numerous amounts of books about tattoos & the different types of designs.

It came to make me think: do we see tattoos as more of a fashion statement rather than the artistic freedom of expression it really is?

As the owner of three tattoos (a large Marilyn Monroe quote, Greyscale roses & a pin up girl) I know the responsibility or commitment of having a tattoo (I have these all in places that I can cover due to prejudice against tattoos in the workplace.)

I'll admit, I have definitely seen a somewhat 'fashion trend' when it comes to tattoos - you have the swallows, the dandelion that seeds turn into birds, 'Only god can judge me', the list goes on.. 

However, I don't think tattoos should be seen as a fashion trend.

By reasoning behind this is every year, we experience numerous amounts of fashion trends and we may fall in love with one trend; turning our whole wardrobe around to fit around this trend. 

But in time, you'll discover new trends - forgetting or even resenting the previous trend that you described as 'perfect'. 

I have always found tattoos to be an artistic freedom of expression; a little token of yourself that you can put on display for the world to see and whenever anyone asks for some advice on tattoos, I always say the same thing: 'Make sure it means something to you.'

My reasoning behind this is if it means something to you, whether it be to remember a lost one or to show how you've overcome an obstacle in your life, you will be less likely to regret it in later life. 

It is becoming a popular trend to get a tattoo and then getting it laser removed in a few years time.

I'm completely understanding if it is a poor design or an ex's name (bad move, FYI) but what was the point of getting a tattoo if you're going to waste even more money getting it removed in a few years time? I just don't see the logic behind it. 

Tattoos should not be seen as a fashion accessory; trends come and go – a tattoo is for life. 

What are your thoughts on tattoos? Fashion or Art?

My summer of fun!

Hello Beautiful!

It’s been a long while since I last posted, but I will admit I’ve been an extremely busy body & I think it’s time for an update!

Firstly, I’ve been completing work experience with local newspaper Nottingham post and PR Company HR Media. Well, I tell a lie – I’m in the midst of doing work experience at HR Media.

I thoroughly enjoyed working for the Nottingham Post; I interviewed, I researched and I got published several times! Although I covered the majority of the fashion section that week (yay me!) I think my favourite piece was definitely the loom band feature I wrote.

Not only was the piece published, it was also the editors pick of the day! When I saw that, I was absolutely thrilled. Maybe I have a hack for feature writing, ay?

Now, I’ve moved onto PR and have written about ice skating to Scooby-Doo. Yes, the cartoon character!

The company deals with a lot of local companies so I’ve done several press releases for them, sorted through application forms and researched new clients. I’m actually really enjoying myself!

And what’s even better? No tea making! Ok, I should feel slightly bad for that – but I was one of those people who actually dreaded doing that ALL DAY LONG instead of actual work.

As well as work experience, I’ve actually been a bit of a socialite.

Ok, maybe not on the level of Kimmy K herself but nowadays I’m hardly in the house! Which is great for someone who spent most of her teenage years sat in a room playing ‘The Sims’ and reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on park swings. (Oh how I miss nerd Lauren).

I’ve attended two festivals since I last spoke – Nottingham festival Splendour and Y Not.

I saw so many acts that I have wanted to see all my life; Scouting for Girls, The Boomtown Rats with Bob Geldof himself, Razorlight, The Fratellis and the legendary Dizzee Rascal. Without a doubt the best artist I have ever seen live! I even managed to watch Saint Raymond twice! 

And I also discovered new ones to love such as Reverd and the Makers. If you haven’t listened to them, I 100% recommend.

This has definitely been a summer to remember, and knowing this will probably be my last summer before I’m released into the big bad world scares me a little…

I mean, I’ve already got a taste since I will be moving out to Nottingham early in September as I have finally decided it’s time to stand on my own two feet. Eek. I feel all grown up.

I never realised how daunting and stressful it is getting your own place! However, my family and friends have been so supportive and I couldn’t thank them enough.

 And I think that’s me pretty much up-to-date, I have a few posts lined up but if there is anything you would like me to cover, don’t hesitate to ask!

My love, as always!

Review: Y Not 2014

Original Post can be found here: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Review-Y-Festival/story-22075601-detail/story.html

Returning for its 10th year, the ever-growing festival Y Not did not fail to amaze a growing crowd.

With the headliners consisting of White Lies, Dizzee Rascal & the returning Frank Turner, Y Notters were in for an explosive weekend with a diverse collection of music.

Due to its success over the years, the festival was once again sold out and Friday saw a continuous stream of people entering the site at Pikehall in Derbyshire, a site that was once again expanded to cope with demand.

As well as a ferris wheel, there was a secret rave tent and a range of different food tents so even the fussiest of eaters could enjoy something.

Indie band Circa Waves were one of the first to rock The Quarry stage, with the tent coming to life during Young Chasers.

Popular back in 2006, Razorlight wowed the crowd on the main stage with their number one singles Before I Fall to Pieces, In The Morning and, rounding the night off, America. The band had great energy on stage.

Finishing the night off was White Lies, a personal highlight of the weekend.

Saturday had a host of bassy and fast-paced artists such as headliner Dizzee Rascal and The Fratellis. Local fella Saint Raymond wowed an over captive audience at The Quarry, with the crowd joining in with his single Young Blood.

Finishing off their festival tour, The Fratellis warmed up the crowd ready for Dizzee Rascal with hits such as Whistle for the Choir, Henrietta and the explosive Chelsea Dagger, which sent people into a frenzy.

The band took to twitter to say they thoroughly enjoyed playing and it was a perfect end to their year.

Dizzee Rascal had the crowd jumping around and singing along religiously, as he delivered his biggest tunes, among them Dirtee Disco, Holiday, Dance Wiv Me and the incredible Bonkers, which wrapped up the show.

Sunday was more chilled, although headliners Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls were charged, bringing an immense Y Not to a close.

Until next year?

A Fault In Our Stars - a short review

Hello beautiful!

Ever since Harry Potter and Twilight came onto our screens, there has been a mass influx on book-to-movie productions - especially in the teen sector.

We have had our hearts melted by Nicholas Spark's The Notebook and The Safe House (to mention just a few!) and been gripped to Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Games trilogy - all being very successful in their own right.

Books-to-movie adaptations have especially captivated the imaginations of teenagers - and with it becoming increasingly difficult to

This year, the world has been buzzing about John Green's A Fault In Our Stars - a story following the life of 16-year-old Hazel Lancaster who is a long-term sufferer of cancer who meets 17-year-old Augustus Waters, who has recovered from the big 'C' and change's Hazels world forever.

As someone who has read the book as well as seeing the film at the cinema, I can tell you this is no ordinary 'cancer' story.

It gives a refreshing and very honest view of cancer from a teenagers perspective and how, as we can imagine, the future can seem very bleak in the eyes of a terminally ill child.

With the novel, I found myself both laughing and crying - with Hazel'd wit and Gus's charm, I slowly found myself falling in love with both of the characters and never wanted the book to end.

I'm a sucker for a romantic novel, and A Fault In Our Stars definitely delivered.

So, I decided to read the novel before actually going to see the film because I always believe that the book is better than the film (unless you are The Game of Thrones, then you are just as good!)

My thoughts on the movie? Like I expected, the film was great - but missed out key bits/characters! (The film was 2 hours long, so this can be expected)

Shailene Woodley, who plays Hazel in the adaptation, perfected the role - and really made the audience feel the emotions she wanted to project onto them. 

The same with Ansel Elgot, who plays the incredible Gus, and you do find yourself falling in love with the character. 

I recommend this film to anyone who wants a romantic comedy which will send you from hysterics to tears in such a short space of time. And with the film being male friendly, you can bring the male in your life to watch the film (see how long it takes for them to cry!)

RATING: 8/10

Plans for Summer: A little life update

Hello Beautiful!

Apologise for the long absence, If I haven't been completing my last bit of coursework I have been working my bum off!

But no fear, I am making time to devote to my blog!

For many University students, it is officially summer - 3 whole months to catch up on lack of sleep, to catch up with family and friends back home and to just relax without feeling guilty about not ready that 'important' text book.

For me, this summer could be one of the most important one yet and my university work is far from over.

Before I start my third and very last year at University, I have to complete at least 3 weeks work experience with whatever newspaper/PR/media company I choose.

Over July, I will be working along side The Nottingham Post and BANG Showbiz PR - something I am so excited to do!

This means I will be staying in my favourite city for a whole week, which I'm not going to lie - I am very nervous to do so!

I am also attending Y Not again this year - and with headlines such as Dizzee Rascal and White Lies, it's certainly going to be a festival to remember.

Other aspects of my life have also changed.

I have made the choice to move to Nottingham so I can focus on my studies and actually experience life living on my own.

This also means I will have more time to devote to my blog, and so I want to explore a new option.

I want to try and give some advice to any of my readers who may need it: Whether it be fashion related, dating or just general questions.

If you do want to get intouch, feel free to ask through my Ask.Fm (link is here) and you can ask anonymously, which is also great!

I'll be posting the answers on here as a group or individually - depending on subject!

What are your plans for summer?

White is the new black!

Hello Beautiful!

When I was in college, I used to be known as the girl who always wore the white jeans. I had 3 pairs to be exact and wore them to death. At this point, I was the only one doing it and totally looked out of fashion.

Well now, it could be considered to be more of an epiphany. 

Spring/Summer 2014 is bringing back white - and high street stores such as Topshop have gone wild for it.

Just the other day as I was walking past the Topshop in Nottingham and all the clothing that was displayed was white. I'm not going to lie, staring at it too long gave me a headache!

However, they have got a numerous amount of gorgeous items to satisfy your fashion needs.

For anyone who has ever seen Sex and the City 2, the overlay dress that SJP wear has always been a favourite of mine and when I saw that Topshop were selling a white dress in the same style, I was smittened. 

I just love how the dress hangs, and for those who has a broader bottom half - the perfect solutions for creating an hourglass figure. 

If you do find £38 a little bit too extreme for a dress, Primark are doing a very similar dress for £10. Bargain!

Overlay Summer dress
£38
Topshop

Since my college days, I have gone down a dress size and my precious jeans will not fit me! And so I have been looking for another pair to satisfy my craving.

These ankle grazers by BooHoo are absolutely gorgeous! And the split in the knee area is also a key trend (as seen on Kimmy K!).

At £25, they are very affordable and, as always, BooHoo offer a 10% discount for students. 

Ankle Grazer
£25
BooHoo.com

I am in love with this kimono from New Look and think it would be a perfect addition to a festival wardrobe. 

The crochet features make this kimono rather special - and is perfect for light coverage during the hot weather months. (Ok, a little bit of wishful thinking.)

I think this is a very affordable piece and New Look also offer a 10% discount for students. 

Kimono
£22.99
New Look

And what about accessories? River Island are showcasing a huge amount of white bags this summer and this one is one of my favourites. 

This bowler bag is just the right size for me as it can carry a few summer essentials like sunglasses, sun cream and a good ol' book!

And if your bag is on the heavy side, the strap will make life a lot more easier!

Bowler Bag
£40
River Island

What do you think of the white trend?

'Instagram meets eBay'

Hello beautiful!

Ok, if you don't personally know me there are two things you should know: 1. I love buying clothes (some find happiness in love, I find happiness in a new dress) and 2. I am so cheap (I once travelled all the way to Leeds because I refuse to pay full price for Ark clothing!)

Usually, if I'm not looking for anything in particular or if I'm on a budget I love to have a look on eBay and see what bargains I can find. 

However, sometimes I find it difficult to find anything suitable for my age range. And if you wanted to sell something via eBay, you could pay almost a pound just for putting the item online!

However, this has all changed.

'Depop' is the latest selling app; combining the greatness and ideas of eBay with the layout and quirkiness of Instagram. All you have to do is take a photo (with no charge for the amount of photos you upload, yay!) write a description with hashtags (like Instagram)and name a price - it is exceedingly simple!

The only money that will be taken off you is once the item is sold, and even then it's only 10%.  

I will admit, I am totally in love with this app and have been severely addicted to it since I downloaded it on Sunday.

In that time, I have purchased my dream mom jeans (as seen below) two Jack Wills tops (one of which was a measly £4) and a red Fred Perry jacket. 

A screenshot of the app

If you haven't tried this app, then I would recommend you give it a go. The app is completely free and it's also free to join. What have you got to lose?!

What are your thoughts on the app?

May Wishlist

Hello Beautiful!

We are a good half way through May now, however I thought there's no time like the present to write out a May wishlist!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have been doing an awful lot of online shopping - however the money will only stretch so far (sign).

1. Lip Voltage

All across the internet (and from a couple of my friends) I have heard/seen so many great things about this product! I've always wanted but, full lips like actress Megan Fox but I've never been a huge fan of having needles stuck into my face.

Lip voltage is a 'quick absorbing peptide lip treatment' which uses Nano technology to fill and volumise lips. For me, it's a dream come true and I can imagine it to be very similar to Soap and Glory's motherpucker but with better effects.

Prices are ranging on this product, but I'm seeing a common face value of £15/£20.

2. Ripped Mom Jeans

Ok, this isn't really a wish list item as I have managed to purchase a pair, but it did take me a long time to do so!

Don't get me wrong, I do love normal mom jeans - but after I saw a girl at my university wearing a pair of ripped mom jeans, I was totally smittened and the hunt began.

I searched everywhere for a decent pair of these jeans and I really was upset that I couldn't find a perfect pair. That is, until I came across Depop and found this. Finally, the search was over!

These mom jeans (or Monica jeans as my sister calls them) are from Topshop and were an absolute bargain at £22, and I cannot wait to try them on!

3. A Lace Kimono

With the festival season coming up, I am in desperate need of more kimonos. I'll admit it, I don't really wear cardigans and usually result to a coat - but what happens when it's only a tad cold? Silly Lauren.

This is why I'm resulting to kimonos - they're so cute and lightweight! And I am desperate for a lace one to add to my collection.

I love this black laced kimono from ASOS and is perfect for those long festival days!

At £28, it's not too expensive eitheir. Definitely worth saving some pennies for!

4. Two Pieces

If you have read my previous post, you will know I'm a little bit obsessed with two pieces and a Missguided was my go-to for these. However, after browsing Ark I came across this little gem.

Now, the two pieces I have at the moment are very much outfits I would wear out and i would love some co-ordinates I could wear in the daytime.

This lace two piece has nailed my needs on the head! It's perfect for everydaywear and is simply gorgeous. It could even be pulled off to create a smart look.

For me, the only downfall is the price. At £38.98, I can't see myself rushing straight down to Ark to buy this. 

What's on your wishlist this month?

Trend of the week: Co-ordinates

Hello Beautiful!

I'll admit it - since receiving my last student loan instalment of the year, I have gone a little bit shopping mad.

This year's summer trends have become very addictive; I have countless pastel dresses, a few gorgeous kimonos and I couldn't be happier.

However, across the blogosphere girls have been raving about two pieces (or co-ordinates) and I really felt like I was missing out!

So, after browsing the web for a good few hours, I managed to find my perfect two piece! (yay!)

Online retailers Missguided are definitely wearing the crown for the most variety of co-ordinates. They have so many which helps if you're worried about having the same outfit as someone else.

I chose this cute black and white dogtooth set and I love it. The crop top with spaghetti strap fits perfectly and the straps do not dig into my skin, which it great. The skirt is in the style of a skater skirt and I love the length of it as it wasn't too long or too short.

Two Piece
Missguided
£24.98 (in total) 

This two piece comes in three colours; black and white, lilac and white and blue and white. I think this is great because this is one of the more affordable co-ordinates, so people who opt for this design can have a choice in colours.

Not into shorts skirts? No problem! Missguided has accommodated those who don't like showing too much leg.

This neon pink two piece screams holiday chic; the pink palm tree print is really cute and the bralet (although small) doesn't show off too much cleavage. Perfect if you want to cover up.

Midi Two Piece
Missguided
£29.98 (in total)

If you're after something more everyday, this floral two piece is perfect. For me, it reminds me very much of the 90's; the cute crop top and shorts in the pink floral pattern is something you would expect to see in a vintage shop and I love it.

Short Two Piece
Missguided
£32.98 (in total)

There are so many on the Missguided website, and I would highly recommend that you take a look at their collection - they are so affordable!

What are your thoughts on two pieces?