Author: Ria
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Red Carpet Fashion Round Up | Met Gala 2014
It’s the one event – bar the Oscars – that gets the fashion pack really excited! This year’s Met Gala, held at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, was one of the most star studded in recent years and the theme of the evening, ‘white tie and diamonds’ in tribute to the designer Charles James, was sure to inspire some of the most glamourous red carpet looks since this year’s Oscars. For me it was a night of hits and misses, mainly for the lack of adherence to this year’s theme, which was a shame because if there was any excuse for sumptuous amounts of satin, tulle and ol’ school Hollywood glamour, a night celebrating Charles James would’ve been it! No matter! There was still plenty to fawn over. Here are my favourite looks from the night…Best Tribute to Charles Award | Sarah Jessica ParkerOut of everyone at the event, there’s only one lady who managed to hit the theme right on the head. Sarah Jessica Parker sashayed her way onto the red carpet in a stunning monochrome Oscar De La Renta gown. The whole ensemble, from the gloves, to the satin to the impressive updo and hair accessories became the perfect tribute to Charles – the bodice itself even looks like one of the gowns on exhibition – whilst also still maintaining much of SJP’s quirk and personality.The ‘Took My Breath Away’ Award | Blake LivelyI’ve been missing Blake on the red carpet recently, so I think it’s safe to say when I saw the first few photos of her in this absolute stunner of a Gucci Premiere gown, my jaw dropped to the floor. Beautifully embellished, with a soft draping train and accompanied by some killer crimson and rose gold accessories, this gown looks like it was made to for Blake and I still can’t quite get over how well it fits too. Add in super glossy blonde waves, pinned old Hollywood style and pretty yet subtly pink make-up, and the effect is quite spectacular.Most Dramatic Entrance | Liu WenGiving SJP a run for her money in terms of theme interpretation, Liu Wen wore this incredible seafoam green Zac Posen gown on the night. The entire look feels as though it was lifted from one of James’ collections and I love the Grace-Kelly-esque styling, especially the dramatic red lip.Best Runway to Red Carpet Award | Karolina KurkovaOne of the most dramatic looks of the evening came from statuesque model Karolina Kurkova. Wearing one of my all time favourite Monique Lhuillier gowns, not only is the design simply breathtaking but I’m oh so impressed that it has has been perfectly translated from the runway. There’s always a risk with an origami-like structure like this that the shape falls flat – after all these ladies have to sit in town cars in these creations! – but I’m so happy this turned out looking just as amazing.Best of Burberry Award | Suki WaterhouseThere was a distinct lack of my favourite design house at the Gala, but luckily model of the moment Suki Waterhouse snapped up this beautiful, blush pink, Burberry gown to wear on the night. The two tone effect of all the tulle, dark crimson lips and slightly disheveled updo, give the look a bit of edge whilst also paying tribute to James’ use of this fabric in his designs.Following Anna’s Stylish Footsteps Award | Bee ShafferBeing the daughter of the most formidable and influential woman in fashion definitely has its perks. Bee Shaffer got to walk down the Met Gala red carpet in a beautiful custom made Alexander McQueen gown, and some seriously beautiful jewelry. Her little Cinderella moment is such a fitting tribute to the silk artistry of Charles James’ work but with the added twist of signature McQueen tulle and draping.Best Designer/Celeb Match Award | Dita Von TeeseDespite it being an event celebrating the work of Charles James, it was many of Zac Posen’s creations that really shone on the night. My favourite look presented was worn by the ever vivacious Dita Von Teese. The mermaid silhouette is oh so flattering on her and I love the cream and red colour combination on the gown and her accessories.The ‘On Theme’ In Her Own Awesome Way Award | Alexa ChungCompared to the other ladies on the red carpet, you’d be mistaken for thinking Alexa Chung thought twice about making an effort for the night and to that I argue back with a big NOPE. Alexa’s never one to follow the rules of the fashion pack when it comes to something as formal as the Met Gala, but she’s paid her own tribute to the theme in this Nina Ricci number. The silhouette and draping is actually very much on point with some of James’ designs, but Alexa goes her own way with the styling with a messy curls and embellished pointed pumps.Golden Girl Award | Lea MicheleHot off the back of wrapping Glee season 5, Lea Michele, walked the red carpet on the night in a glittering golden Altuzuarra dress. The match-y/match-y nature of the whole look is perhaps a bit too much, maybe a hint of emerald green or ruby red in the jewelry would’ve helped, but nevertheless she looks amazing here and it’s lovely to see her loosely hair swept up for the look.Pretty in Pink Award | Taylor SwiftTaylor was quite a vision in her blush pink Oscar De La Renta gown. This theme is right up her street so I wasn’t surprised when she knocked it out of the park, again. The beauty is in the detail of the gown and it’s golden applique, plus the back of the dress and train are divine. Plus hey, her adorable bob cut, styled in retro-inspired waves and signature red lip as well.The Modern Day Debutante Award | Karlie KlossIn a stark contrast to BFF Taylor Swift’s gown, Karlie went for an altogether baroque-esque black and gold Oscar De La Renta gown. The black leather gloves could’ve easily pushed this into punk territory, but Karlie kept the rest of the styling retro inspired with a simple side-swept updo and delicate diamond encrusted jewelry pieces.Best ‘On Theme’ Minimalist | Hailee SteinfeldYoung Hollywood star Hailee beamed her way up the red carpet on the night and she had legit reasons to be smiling. Her monochrome Prabal Gurung, gown was one of my personal highlights of the night and thought it was a rather elegant yet edgy take on the evening’s theme. I’m always about the little details, but I really do adore the cut of the back of the dress and the way it sweeps into the skirt.Most Avante Garde Award | Lupita N’yong’oI’m sure the world was waiting with baited breathe for this little lady to turn up to the Gala and when she did she turned more than a few heads. Sporting a flapper inspired green netted, feathered and beaded dress and matching green accessories, including an emerald headband, Lupita’s Prada ensemble was one of the most left-field choices of the night. After the initial shock factor, the more and more I look at this, the more I find myself falling for the all the details. Sure, it’s not quite on theme, but it’s a whole lot of fun and Lupita looks like she’s having a whale of a time too!The Ultimate Power Couples Award | Emma Stone & Andrew Garfield, Beyonce & Jay Z, Diane Kruger & Joshua JacksonCouples were everywhere at the Gala but the couples that share this three-way tie award showcased some of the best his/her styling I’ve seen in a long time. My favourite Spidey-duo, Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield have already had an impressive run of looks during their promotional tour and their stylish streak is in no way slowing down. Emma went for a very summer-y two piece Thakoon crop top and draped skirt, with Andrew subtly co-ordinating with her silver accessories in a rather sharp Band of Outsiders suit jacket. Of course, stealing the show when they turned up, the Carters aka Beyonce and Jay Z were also on form on the night. Beyonce went for a rather gothic Givenchy Couture number, the beaded details also compliment the beaded veil she also wore. Jay Z was a stark contrast, looking very suave in a white tux and bow tie combo. And finally Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson, both in rather minimalist looking Hugo Boss looks. Again, the subtle hints to Charles James collections are obvious and they compliment each other’s looks marvelously!And that’s a wrap of some of my favourites! Let me know which looks you rated in the comments! -
Review | Revlon Shadowlinks Eyeshadow
Revlon Colourstay Shadowlinks, (l-r) ‘melon’, ‘candy’ & ‘cocoa’, £2.99, BootsI feel like everyone and their mother has done a review on this product, but what the hey! I’ve been eyeing (har de har) up these adorable little palettes for a while and, thanks Boots ‘3 for 2’ deals, I couldn’t resist snapping them up whilst I was browsing the other day.Revlon’s Shadowlinks are tiny eyeshadows which you can snap together to create your own personal and customisable palettes. As a bit of a eyeshadow addict, this premise is perfect, as you can pick and choose which colours you’re more likely to use. They’re also tiny, so they’re great travel companions and won’t take up a huge amount of room in your handbag for overnight stays.
Though packaging-wise it’s impressive, sleek and kinda innovative, it does lack in pigmentation. The lighter shades I picked out in particular offer a sheer coverage at best, with the darker brown only slightly better. At £2.99 each, they’re only a few pennies cheaper than better pigmented eyeshadow quads from the likes of MUA and Rimmel too. Despite this, if you like the novelty and customisable aspect of these, go for it, but if you’re after colour pay-off you may want to save your money for a full palette.
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March/April | In Books
It seems to me that despite an increased Uni workload and stress, I managed to finish a grand total of three books! Yay me!Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald | Therese Anne Fowler
‘Z’ follows the Fitzgerald’s lives through Zelda’s eyes as they navigate their way through the early roaring 20’s and the jazz age, during which Zelda was dubbed ‘the world’s first Flapper’, and lived in seemingly wedded bliss. The novel also follows their strained relationship as they travelled through Europe and America, dealing with jealousy, the birth of their daughter Scottie, chronic alcoholism and depression in a world that begs them to join the excess and partying that ultimately leads to their downfall.I’ve reviewed this book over at Blogger’s Bookshelf and overall I really enjoyed it. As a fictionalised version of the Fitzgerald’s lives, you can see Fowler’s has a little creative license when it comes to dramatising Scott and Zelda’s personalities and their relationships with each other and those around them. I did, however, really enjoy Fowler’s portrayal of Zelda’s voice, capturing the euphoria of young love and heartbreak of Zelda’s damaged, broken yet fiercely independent mind. Recommended for those who loved Gatsby and want to know a little more about the woman who became the muse of one the literary figures.The Book Thief | Markus ZusakIt’s 1939. A small, nine-year-old girl named Liesel, arrives in Himmel Street to the home of her new foster family. Liesel is a book thief and the novel is her story and the story of, amongst many things, an accordionist, a Jewish fist fighter and Nazi Germany.There’s a reason why this book comes highly recommended by pretty much everyone I meet. The plot itself is fairly simplistic, but it’s Zusak’s writing and use of language that makes this book really extraordinary. As someone who isn’t easily swayed into reading historical fiction, the focus on Liesel and her life on Himmel Street made the story more engaging. I will say this book is definitely not easy, it requires thought and feels experimental in its writing, but if you give it a chance this story will move you.The Bad Boyfriend’s Bootcamp | Poppy Dolan
Molly’s little brother Sam is stuck in a love rut. He’s tries so hard with women but falls short. Luckily Molly is willing to lend a helping hand and as she waves her metaphorical dating wand, she lands Sam the girl of his dreams and helps him keep the girl too!Thanks to Sam’s success, Molly’s single, male friends are soon lining up for her magical dating makeover and, along with her two friends, her entrepreneurial brain gets to work to create The Bad Boyfriend’s Bootcamp. But fixing other people’s problematic love lives is only half of the story, Molly also has to deal with her successful entrepreneurial mother, a grim looking overdraft thanks to her past failing businesses, and her own lackluster love life.As seen in the title, the plotline for this novel is pretty predictable from the get go. Molly herself is a character I’ve seen in from this genre of book before, and I often found myself frustrated at how shortsighted and selfish she was being. Despite this, the writing was fun and there was a few pretty recent pop culture references that made me chuckle. If you’re after something quick and easy to read, this one’s for you.