Acrylic Embedded Nail Art

I have not had any form of nail extensions for a few years. So seeing that the Sis in law had some offers on I decided to treat myself. I chose to have some embedded nail art. If I was to get bored of these designs, they can simply be painted over. I am also seeing 3D nail art around but would have to forget about kneading dumplings for soup Jamaican style. Using my BB and some general day to day things are proving tricky but I will adjust to all that in a few days I hope. 

Bargain Accessories from Evans

It seems that Evans is a place worthy to visit whenever they have a sale. I find their accessories to be so affordable during these times I just cannot say no. As it was my birthday and Mac Cosmetics let me down I had money to spend. Below are some of the items I bought. I just love a bargain. I wore the red flower necklace already and I love the way it looks on. So glad I ventured in there. I find that I am more likely to find accessories and shoes more so than clothes in Evans. 

Flower chain necklaces £3 was £16.50

Feather Earrings £2 was £10

Multi bangle set £3 was £12.50
Jewelled bracelet £3 was £14.50

Black metallic ring £2 was £10,
Gold ring £1 was £5

£3 was £10

Rocket Dogs water damage rescue

Over the last few months we have experienced cold like we have never known. Well we have known it years ago but it caused the whole country to shut down. Pathetic right? So to cope with the snow I bought myself two pairs of boots. My favourite boots from last year from Evans were not being sold this year and the alternative was of no use to me. My other choices would have been a nice dress boots or some furry boots. 

Brand new Rocket Dog Boots

Ugg boots are very comfortable and very expensive, so I sought an alternative. I bought the Rocket Dog Slush Puppy suede ankle boot. It cost me at the time £35 with my discount though having browsed the same catalogue the price is cheaper now (*shrugs*). The heel part is quite stiff and took me ages to push my feet in for the first time. After that it was easy. It fits comfortable and was okay to drive in.

I first wore these in the snow to help me with my balance and it served its purpose. I have also worn them in the rain for a short while. However last week we had a sudden snow slush rain fall. Yep all three elements fell in that order in one day. The slush meant my beloved boots got wet through. I could not understand why they would not dry. However realised the water spread through the fibres and caused a big ole stain.

Water damaged 

My friends on FB suggested I bin them, whilst one friend suggested I put them in the washing machine. Although that idea seemed like mmm maybe it would work, I felt it would make the fur lining hard and uncomfortable. In the end I googled away and many sites suggested wetting the whole boot.  So I got my spray bottle and sprayed water all over the outside and then took and old toothbrush and brushed away to keep the suede looking fresh.

Rejuvenated boots

In the morning I looked at my boots and they looked decent enough to wear. You can still see there is water damage but it is no longer blatantly noticeable. I will ensure I have suede spray at hand as I do have some lovely boots from Dulcis years ago that are suede and will definitely benefit from the suede spray protection.

Naomi and Sarah Brown for Haiti

At work today I glanced over at the Metro newspaper stand and saw this pretty picture of Naomi Campbell and Prime Ministers wife Sarah Brown. The info below the picture states that these two ladies have launched a Fashion Fundraiser to help those who survived the recent devastating quake in Haiti.

Fashion for Relief show is a charity show that gets celebrities to dress up in designer clothes and strut their stuff down the catwalk. The day ends with the outfits going up for auction. The funds raised this year will benefit Haiti’s people.

Daily Mail Article on Fashion Rocks Launch

Vogue article on Fashion Rocks Launch

Dizzee Rascal Air Max 90

Dizzee Rascal has become one of the latest celebrities to release his very own pair of trainers. Michael Jordan started the trend that Nike has kept going ever since.

Dizzee’s trainers are called Air Max 90 Tongue ‘n’ Cheek. They will be available as a limited edition release this Friday September 18th. His album which is also called Tongue ‘n’ Cheek will be released on the 21st September.

In Style magazine and Body shop freebies

I am such an impulsive shopper. Yet buying what I truly want takes forever. I need a financial advisor to help me spend wisely reduce debts and live within my means.

Anyway after reading the latest Money Saving Expert beauty deals of the week which is updated weekly I went and bought In Style magazine. It is not a magazine I would normally buy, however with 2 free eye liners by the Body Shop which are worth just over £14 I could not resist. You have 3 colour sets to choose from. I chose brilliant blue and black. The other combinations are black /  shimmering steel and black and vibrant emerald.

I have not tried Body shop makeup in a while. I still have a bronzer and shimmering eye shadow cubes which are brilliant. As for In Style mag, I have just skimmed the pages and there is an article which all users of makeup will like. It features R&B songstress Shontelle beautifully showing the latest trends in the ever popular smokey eye.

In Style is a fashion magazine and from my first impressions there seems to be more to read. Unlike the industry standards of Cosmopolitan. I bought that magazine once and I think I read like two pages. Pictures were amazing to look at though.

Acrylic nail art

I managed to get my nails filled and shortened. I now know for sure that shorter nails are far more practical. I was not too impressed with this particular nail salon. They usher you out when nails are just dry and not fully dry. So I have smudged nails. You have to look closer to see. If at the time I was not on my way to get my kids I would have walked back and said “Yo! re-touch these £19 for in fills and design. The design I copied from my friend and the nail technician re-jigged it so it was more of an inspiration.

These nails need re-doing again. So if you look close enough you can see the gap between the acrylic and my cuticles. I am stretching these boys out. One more thing. As I had them shortened they now look a bit on the thick side. So I might have to force myself to get a full new set when I finally go to the nail shop again.

Acrylic nails and designs

I love acrylic nails. I tried gel and it just didn't work. They popped off like popcorn. Maybe it was the length I choose. I just don’t know. The first set you see I did for my holiday. I was going for the American Independence Day theme, red, white and blue. If only I knew that you did not get many Americans in Ibiza.

Last year I was stuck on the black tips trend. I Think I will definitely do coloured tips as the basic me look. As the nail shops charge too much I will endeavour to bring my own nail colour unless I can find a shop that has one price and no charges for extras.

PS - The length of these current set in the first picture is making it hard for me to type. I will get them shortened asap.

Urbanitez Magazine

My friend has gone after her dreams and has put together what the Midlands needed. A magazine dedicated to entertainment in the midlands. It also covers lifestyle and culture. And did I mention that I wrote the beauty article for the debut issue that came out this month November. I am told that I can continue to contribute.

My editorial writing does need tweaking but all in all I am in print. Ok so back to the magazine. It says its a free magazine about music, fashion, events and opportunities. The creator is Chantelle Williams wanted to address a need. Now there is a magazine that has events for not just the big cities but the little cities too. There was a launch party for the mag in Derby but I couldn't attend. I plan to make it to one of the events though.

Right now all I wrote about was some beauty basics that I learned from watching my favourite folk on YouTube and my favourite blogs as well as what I discovered for for myself. I have recieved good reviews from friends too.

I am feeling inspired. Maybe I need to write articles and then look to get my own magazine going finally for the umpteenth time.

Look out for your free copy of Urbanitez magazine. The December issue is not far away.

Top Model of Colour

I did not know about this competition until I found out that a friend of mine had been making progress in this annual competition. It is organised by Mahogany Models and you can follow the competition and read about past winners here.

The final heats are taking place now. So you should go and see one if you can. The prizes include , a modelling contract, the Face of Mahogony 2009, cover shoots, clothes, money and more.

In effect Mahogany Models is

Europe's largest modelling agency for models of colour. By models of colour we mean models that are of African, Caribbean, Asian, Hispanic, Oriental, bi & multi racial ethnicity.(source)

Youtube channel Naija sounds TV has video links for past competitions.

I cannot really say how it compares to other modelling competitions except it does address a need and a want. I hope this company and competition grows yearly.

Italian Vogue's Black Edition

For as long as Italian Vogue made it known they would change up the skin hues on their fashion pages for one month, the world has been talking. Is this significant or a good marketing ploy. All editions of Vogue magazine tell you exactly who they feel is beautiful. Even their readership harbours the same views. How often do you hear the sentence 'black models do not sell when on the front page'. Is it that they do not sell or that particular month never sells good at all. There could be endless answers to that. Of course there is an answer which I believe is more true.

Now I am not going to lie, I have joined the Facebook groups, received numerous text messages telling me to go and buy this edition of the magazine. A magazine I never buy. Well I believe they have a clever double edged sword in the marketing. This may not all be by choice. Various sources have said that its not the magazine that fears it wont sell, its the publishers and distributors predicting poor sales. That in itself speaks volumes. These whispers have led to many urging all to buy to prove them wrong if only for one month.

I do believe that the magazine will sell well. We like seeing ourselves presented. I might buy a copy if I am able to get hold of a copy just so I can see what Vogue's definition of Black beauty is or just to look at fashion photography with black women as the main focus so to speak.

In conversation with a friend I mentioned that I did not feel this one off magazine edition was a cause for celebration. The models will probably be super slim, little or no curves, straight hair/weaves, medium to light in complexion. If they manage to capture the full spectrum of black beauty than well done for one month. If not, then its nothing new.

I will leave you with this quote from an email that was sent to me by a good friend of mine, whereby (its appears to be by ) Dr Lez Henry critiques Vogue and the Black community reaction to this novelty issue ;

In a time when Afrikan-centred organisations and individuals are struggling to publish magazines, books, films etc. etc. to unshackle our minds, you can bet your bottom dollar that many who are circulating these stupid emails and texts have never circulated one that supports these endeavours, much less purchased any of their products or attended any of their events, which is why I suggest that when it comes to many blacks it seems that LUNACY IS TRULY IN VOGUE!!

Knowledge gives us the power to liberate or enslave!

What do you think? Celebration, contemplation or nothing at all.

Fashion

I still cant remember how i came across I like her style, however it is such a good blog with up to date fashion. Sylvia often has a feature and the one on Erica Bunker caught my eye. I have always had a creative passion inside me but i guess i just need to focus more.

DIY fashion just seems the best thing to do. Avery good way to save. Who knows that £100 Toyota sewing machine may just get dusted off and that poncho may get completed. Afterall store bought clothes dont always have that perfect fit .

check out their blogs http://www.stealstyle.blogspot.com/ , http://www.ericabunker.com/