Homemade Jewellery

Jewellery, what girl doesn't love a statement piece to match your outfit? I know I do, and when I returned home to Cambridge yesterday, I noticed my Foster Mum had been getting a little crafty after attending a jewellery making class. Jewellery can really bring an outfit to life, especially a statement piece, which are really popular at the moment. Im loving these wire and stone rings she made, the colours really stand out.

Which one is your favourite? I'm loving the turquoise one with brown detail.

A variation of colours, stones and crystals

Spoilt for choice!

These rings are the perfect summer accessory. Whether you want to brighten up your summer outfit, or add some statement pieces for a night out. These rings draw instant attention to your hands. All you need now is a fresh manicure, and you're good to go.

Pendants, Bracelet, Rings and Earrings.

Not only has she been making rings, but check out this statement turquoise bracelet and earrings. These matching pieces really compliment each other and most of all, work with almost any outfit. I'd definitely  wear the bracelet during summer. Paired with a pair of denim shorts, fresh white top, and not to forget that glowing tan, a blue beaded bracelet is all you need to top off the outfit.

Here is my favourite piece from the small collection my foster mum has made, isn't it gorgeous?!

Check out the spiral detail

Crystal Detailed Pendant

This crystal pendant with wire detail is amazing! I was amazed by the detail the second I laid eyes on it With the wire wrapped around the crystal, which has shades of purple inside, this statement piece is great with any outfit. If i had to team this with an outfit, I'd wear it with a plain white dress, drawing all the attention to the necklace. What do you think of the detail? How would you wear this necklace?

Why not opt for a little something more delicate? This pearl necklace is perfect for a special occasion. 

This delicate fresh water pearl necklace, made with bead cord was finished off with a nice touch of a 'hand made' attached accessory. If you are not planning on wearing it yourself, then why not try make one as a gift for someone? After all they do say hand made gifts are made with love.

This delicate piece would look great with a cream or white shirt for a smart / casual look. What do you think? Would you wear this necklace?

Some lovely statement pieces here, which shows that hand made pieces can look expensive when a little love and care have been put into making them. 

Which pieces are your favourites, and can you suggest any other ideas? If you are interested in purchasing an item, feel free to contact me for further info / prices.

Rachel

x 

Met Gala 2013

If you haven't already seen the gorgeous pictures from this years Met Gala, then you are missing out on some gorgeous outfits, not to mention a few crazy ones. With an unusual theme of 'punk' some of the stars embraced the theme, going all out in that 'perfect' dress. The stars attended the event in New York, rocking the red carpet in some striking numbers...

My personal favourite dress was worn by Anne Hathaway. Playing it safe, Anne stuck to a edgy black floor length Valentino dress. This dress compliments her figure, and fresh bleached hairstyle. Anne cleverly kept the punk look classy. 

Anne Hathaway wearing Valentino.


It seems not all of the A-listers stuck to the punk theme. Actresses and fashion designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen arrived wearing something a little less edgy. The fashion designer turned up in a shocking fur jacket.  

Mary-Kate Olsen wearing Chanel

First things first, major colour clash! This yellow Chanel dress does nothing for Mary-Kate! A floor length dress works, but not the coat. Secondly, is it just me or does it look like she has half a fox draped around her neck?! Major no go! The navy detailed dress would of worked on its own for the event. Teamed with gold accessories, it's a thumbs up for the dress. 

Ashley Olsen wearing Christian Dior

Ashley Olsen on the other hand, supposedly a fashion designer? Lets hope she didn't design this number as it doesn't seem to be doing her any favours. Nope, it wasn't her design. Christian Dior designed this piece. Like her sister, this outfit does nothing for her figure in the slightest. If anything, it resembles an over sized rain mac from Thorpe Park. Not the best of looks from the night.

The Met Gala was a success for many, with some stars looking phenomenal. Take a look on the Daily Mail to see more of the looks.

What are your favourite looks?

Rachel

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New Blog Design

If, like me you are new to blogger, you will of had a play around with settings, trying to make your blog look as cool and professional as possible, Although unfortunately, the custom settings only let you do so much. Having checked out other blogs such as Couture Girl I realised there was so much you could do to bring your blog to life. 

After clicking on several blogs, I came accross Zoe Newlove. Instantly, I thought her blog was really cool. It stood out, and most importantly, was different. After browsing her page, I noticed she did blog designs. Her price list is the most reasonable I've found so far, and for a cheeky £20 for a header, you can't complain (especially if you're like me and have no idea how to do it yourself!) Zoe offered to design my header for me. All I had to do was wait for the outcome.

& Here it is...

I asked Zoe to include things fashion, journalism, and beauty related. And this was the final design she came up with. Nice and colourful, I love it! If you are thinking of re designing your blog, check out Zoe's page for some fantastic offers! 

I kept my background simple to white, as I figured it would work best. There are still many things I want to change to my blog, but on a student budget, it's going to have to wait a while, un less I somehow turn into a technology genius over night (if only.)

Do you have any interesting blog designs?

No Longer A Fresher

Whilst writing this, my last piece of work for university is slowly being uploaded! It's such as relief to know that all my work is finished and I will be off on my way back home to Cambridge in 5 days time with no work to complete over summer, apart from when I'm working at ELLE Magazine - yep, you read that right, I'm working with ELLE! Little Rachel from Camden Town who would of thought it eh? This year at Uni has been crazy, overwhelming, and overall a complete roller-coaster, but I've had a great time, met amazing people, and most importantly worked hard and learn't a lot. 

This book has been a good source this year!

What I've Learnt At Uni This Year 

1- Magazine Journalism is for me

2- I'm still the nosey bugger I've always been, but I'm a training Journalist, there for it's a great quality to have!

3- Sometimes you don't need to say anything, being observant is enough.

4- Shorthand isn't going to be as easy as I thought

5- I prefer writing features to news stories

6- Starting an essay in advance does you the world of good

7- Leaving an essay to the last minute is the most stressful thing ever (I don't advise it)

8- Reading more genres gives you more ideas

9- There is a hell of a lot to know about the Journalism Industry

10- Blogging is way too much fun

With endless amounts of essays and deadlines out of the way, I now have the whole of summer to kick back, and make the most of having home cooked meals, Sky TV, and a sofa (if you don't live at uni, and have the luxury of a sofa, you won't understand how much it is missed.) Being away from home for so long really makes you miss the little things. I thought it would be a huge relief to not hear my little foster sister winging and crying, but strangely enough, I miss it (ask me again in a week and see if I've changed my mind.) Living so far away from home does have it's disadvantages. Firstly, there is no Megabus directly from Sunderland to Cambridge, so I can't save myself a little bit of money. Secondly, a train journey is a whopping £70 ish return, bit expensive for a quick weekend home. Although coming back home less often then others makes you cherish it that little bit more.

I'm hoping second year won't fly by as quick as this year has. With twice as much work, I'm guessing it will seem a lot longer. It's crazy to think how quick time goes when your having fun! I'm gutted I can't stay a fresher forever, it's far too much fun, but I have next year, and who said I can't come back to uni early and do freshers all over again?!

Favourite Blogger This Month - Couture Girl

For those who have seen my blog, I hope you are all enjoying it. I'm still very new to blogger, so getting to grips with things, such as re creating a design which I will post about as soon as it's finished. Exciting! Anyway, I've been looking at other bloggers for inspiraton and have come across some great ones that I'm very jealous of. but unfortunately I couldn't pick all of them as my favourite for this month, so I had to settle for one. 

And here it is... Couture Girl!

If you haven't heard of, or checked out Kayleigh's blog, you are missing out on a lot of beauty reviews, monthly favourite products, and so much more, but you'll have to take a peek at her blog to find out! You can check her blog out here. 

I love the baby pink theme to Kayeigh's blog. It's got a girly feel, and its very inviting, not to mention obsessive. (When I first saw it, I'm pretty sure I kept the page open for about 3 days so I didn't miss anything!)

Having written a warm and inviting 'About me' piece on here blog, Kayleigh opens up to all her fellow bloggers with a little bit about herself. Kayeigh has a really cute blog design (see more about blog designs in my next post) which matches the title of her blog perfectly. With a sidebar of her popular posts, you are sure not to miss out on her great updates!

If you are looking for some inspiration, want to ask any questions if you are new to blogger, or just simply want to keep updated with what Kayleigh blogs about, head over to her blog now at Couture Girl and if you are feeling extra generous, and like the look of her blog, why not nominate her for the 'Best New Beauty Blog'?! You can enter Kayleigh for the Cosmo Blog Awards here.


What is your favourite blog this month?

Another peek at what i've been upto this week.

Once again, I've had another fun filled week up at University in Sunderland. I managed to squeeze in some time around my many essays to go out and about doing many different fun things. Have a look at what I've been doing this week.

(L-R)
Nail Art by my flatmate
Trip to Starbucks
Went to see Derren Brown with my foster dad
Got work experience at ELLE Magazine!
Tani and me in Newcastle for bank holiday
Drinks on bank holiday
Treated myself to new sandals
Captured the lovely weather in Sunderland
Typed the number from one of Derren's acts and was amazed!

Overall, it's been a pretty amazing week;. I was over the moon when I heard back from ELLE. Being in my first year at Sunderland, getting a place for two weeks in London working for a huge magazine in something to be proud of, so i'm really excited. 

My previous post was on Derren Brown at the Sunderland Empire, so have a read to see what I thought of it. 

Yet another post of my nails on here (sorry, but I'm obsessed) this time, the design was done by my flatmate, who is great at nail art, unlike myself, who can paint one hand better than the other.

Finally, the weather has been looking up in Sunderland lately. After months of cold, rain and snow, we have been treated to some sun. Feeling summery, I splashed out on some new sandals form River island. You can check out the ones they have in stock here

Overall, a pretty fun week. What have you been up to this week?

Derren Brown : Infamous

After watching Derren Brown's show 'Apocalypse' a few months ago, I was left amazed at his talents. Questioning myself throughout the show asking myself 'how' he would do things, I was beyond confused, yet something about him left me thinking how he was capable of such interesting, astonishing things. 

Straight away I was on the Internet, searching for shows he may be doing. Luckily enough, he was coming to Sunderland. I had to go! There was no doubt about it, I had to see a live performance. After persuading my Foster dad to buy tickets, and a few months wait, Thursday 2nd of May had arrived, and it was time to watch Derren in action. I had no idea what to expect, but little did I know, I would be leaving the theatre having stood next to one of the most incredible talented people ever!

A full audience sat facing Derren on a dark stage. He cracked a few jokes before getting started with the show. People seemed to warm to him, he had an inviting presence, really connecting with the audience.  I had no idea what to expect from the show. Sat back, taking everything in, Derren announces to the audience he is wants people to participate in being put to sleep. Straight away, I'm stood up. The lights dim and he instructs us to close our eyes and tense our whole body. Within seconds people have already dropped off, handing up in a light sleep. I'm gutted it didn't work on me, I was hoping to be locked into place, stood sleeping, and be able to share my experience with people, but  these things don't work on everyone. Annoyed, but still amazed that he has put about 3 or 4 people to sleep around me, Derren wonders about the audience, trying to find the perfect person to do his 'experiment' on. Turning to my right, he was stood right next to me. It was strange, seeing someone on the TV, then having them stood next to you in person, someone so mysterious.

Derren Brown - Infamous

The audience seemed pleased Derren had involved them with the show, although their participation made the show what it was.  Before a 20 min interval, Derren got a boy from the audience to volunteer to be put to sleep. Little did he know he would be sleeping for a good 20 minutes whilst his Girlfriend helped Derren with his act by drawing a picture of a solid object on a piece of paper, without anyone else seeing. 

When the boy woke, instructed to place his hand in a clearly empty box (shown to audience as empty) he claimed to of felt a small boat. - EXACTLY what his girlfriend had revealed drawn on the piece of paper. Astonishing, as it was clear to see the box was empty! 

Along with many other  mysterious acts performed on the night, Derren left the audience baffled. I certainly was, along with being shocked how he had come and stood next to me. 

Stage set up during interval.

Definitely a future show to look out for in future. Worth the money, and over all a pure two hours of total amazement. It has to be said that Derren Brown is one of the most incredible people ever! Mind-blown! 

Find out more about Derren, his TV shows, and stage performances here:

http://www.channel4.com/search/?q=Derren+Brown

http://derrenbrown.co.uk/