Author: Ria

  • Red Carpet Fashion Round Up | MTV VMAs 2014

    Just beating out the Grammy Awards for most outlandish and ridiculous awards show is the MTV Video Music Awards. The VMAs are notorious for controversy both on stage and on the red carpet and this year’s ceremony, held at The Forum in California. was no exception! Here’s my run down of my favourite looks from the night…

    Gwen Stefani VMAs 2014
    Best Dressed Award | Gwen Stefani

    A bit of a left field choice for me at this year’s ceremony, my best dressed isn’t going to one of the performers or even a nominee, but Ms Stefani, who was presenting on of the famous moon men on the night. Not one to shy away from colour or to fly the flag for her own brand, Gwen Stefani stepped out at the VMAs in a hot pink and black bustier and pants from her L.A.M.B label. Accessorised with sheer pointed pumps, bright pink lip and messy quiff, Gwen really brought her A-Game on the night with her own brand of grown up punk-rock cool.

    Holland Roden VMAs 2014
    Clean & Simple Award | Holland Roden

    A very, very close second to Stefani for best dressed was this look from actress Holland Roden. I distinctly remember Holland making an impressive debut at the VMAs last year, so it’s not surprising that she’s looking just as good at this year’s event. Taking on the popular sports-lux trend Holland wore a pretty white Milly tea dress. The netting, keyhole cut-outs and silver accessories keep this ensemble blending into the backdrop and was one of the more memorable looks from the night.

    Miley Cyrus VMAs 2014
    Most Improved Award | Miley Cyrus

    I think this is a first for me, but I think Miley’s come out with a red carpet ensemble I can finally get behind in minimalist looking harem pants and a bandeau crop top by Alexandre Vaulthier. Despite the sheer amount of leather here, it’s a rather chic and sophisticated look from the singer who accompanied the look with two-tone sandals and simple make up. Perfect balance of fashion forward without a hint of try-hard, bravo Miley.

    Taylor Swift & Nicki Minaj VMAs 2014
    The Flipped 180 Award | Taylor Swift & Nicki Minaj

    Out of all the looks on the red carpet there were two ladies that totally went out of their comfort zones.

    Taylor forwent her usual Hollywood glam/sequins/gown, opting to showcase her lean, mean legs in a Mary Katrantzou jumpsuit and Ellie Saab heels. It was quite a departure for the singer, who’s new look coincides with her new sound. I know this look divided many on the night, but I personally – and obviously – think she looks amazing here, it’s great to see her confident enough to try something a bit different!

    Nicki on the other hand went in the opposite direction in a thigh skimming yet long sleeved dress by Saint Laurent. Though this is a sequin snake print mini, the whole look, alongside her retro inspired hair do’ and nude pumps is rather demure for the rapper – who’s days of attention grabbing outfits seem to be behind her (at least on the red carpet!). I for one think she looks stunning here.

    Laverne Cox VMAs 2014
    Sequins Are The New Black Award | Laverne Cox

    It’s not often the TV stars at the VMAs outshine the musicians but Laverne Cox caught my eye for all the right reasons at the ceremony. Glamming it up in a sequin black Marc Bouwer number and patent pumps, I adore the asymmetrical line of this mini and the added shoulder detail. It’s a look I would’ve expected from someone like Taylor or Selena Gomez but I love how this hugs her figure.

    Nina Dobrev VMAs 2014
    The Lady Is A Vamp Award | Nina Dobrev

    Another actress impressing on the red carpet this year was Nina Dobrev, who attended the ceremony wearing a Autumnal Zuhair Murad gown. I adore the draping around the bust and waist, and the detail on the belt is stunning. Paired with a high ponytail and matching coral lipstick, this was a great look the Vampire Diaries actress.

    Beyonce VMAs 2014
    Queen Of The Costume Change | Beyonce

    As if there was any doubt in who, once again, stole the show this year it had to be Beyonce. She stormed the VMAs this year in three show stopping outfits. She started off the night in a gothic Nicholas Jebran lace gown accompanied by some impressively large Lorraine Schwartz earrings. She then shimmied on stage in full on performance mode in a Tom Ford bodysuit, which gave the effect of a crack glass mosaic and looked amazing under the stage lights. And finally her deep red Zuhair Murad gown, which I much prefer to the red carpet look. This colour is amazing against her skin tone and lighter hair colour.

    That’s all for this year! What were your favourite looks from the night? R.xoxo [twitter][tumblr][IFB][instagram][BlogLovin]

  • Beauty | Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo Review

    Aussie-miracle-dry-shampoo

    Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo “Aussome Volume”, £2.29, Boots

    Before I dip into this review, a bit of background on my hair! It’s super fine but there’s a heck of a lot of it. For some reason this means it gets kinda greasy within a day and the only thing that really solves it is a good shampoo wash. I’ve been trying to do the whole day old hair/dry shampoo trick the past year and I feel like I’ve gone through the ringer when it comes to dry shampoo and having tried out most brands from Batiste to Treseme to Charles Worthington. I’ve not never really found one I felt I could stick with so far.

    I spotted Aussie’s new Miracle Dry Shampoo (in Aussome – trololol – Volume) in Boots on an introductory offer. Aussie are certainly no newbies to the dry shampoo or hair product market, in fact their hair products are pretty legendary in the blogsphere, so decided to give it a go.

    The first thing I noticed about this is it’s scent. It’s quite a strong, most likely the jojoba seed extract, which I personally do prefer this to other dry shampoos I’ve tried and reminds me a bit of my Treseme hairspray. I’ve seen a few other reviewers that aren’t keen on it though, so I think it’s a matter of preference.

    The next thing I picked up on is the lack of white residue I usually get with a lot of dry shampoo brands. This is a bug bear of mine, as I have very dark brown/black hair, so I was pretty happy that this was barely visible in my roots! This is also means I’ve found this great to use just on a day to day basis to pump up the volume on my hair a bit, without the worry of that horrible shade of grey I get from other brands.

    The lasting power of the shampoo is also impressive and, for me, proved a great little way to refresh my hair and give it a little bit of lift.

    All in all, this is a great dry shampoo, especially if you’re after something a little more long-lasting and are after some volume!

    Have any of you guys tried any of the Aussie range?

    R.xoxo
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  • Flying Solo | Thoughts on solo travel from a travel newbie

    Flying Solo | Thoughts on solo travel from a travel newbie

    As Summer’s drawing into it’s final weeks, I suspect many of you will be hopping on planes, trains and automobiles to do a bit of last minute travelling or are perhaps planning Autumnal trips when the school holiday rush is over – and prices come down! Whilst it’s always fun to go along with your family or friends, once in a while it can be good to be a bit brave and venture out on your own.

    As you guys know this Summer I went on a solo trip to New York. Though I’m pretty slick at travelling on my own here in the UK, I hadn’t even contemplated travelling to a foreign country all on my own before. It was both a daunting yet utterly exciting prospect and something I was adamant about doing at least once in my life. New York was a pretty soft entry into the solo travel world – same language, different accent, and very similar to London as a city – but nevertheless, the prep that went into planning the trip was key to helping it run as smooth as possible.

    Luckily I have family over in the States so I’d managed to save some money on a hotel by staying with relatives for some of my time there. Apart from that finding a hotel was pretty easy, I opted for a hotel over a hostel or smaller bed and breakfast mainly for safety and convenience. The one I stayed in was two blocks from Times Square and had plenty of staff around 24 hours of the day.

    There isn’t much I can say about travelling solo that hasn’t already been said before, so these are my personal thoughts on my own experiences.

    Part of the fear I think a lot of people have about solo travel is the feeling of being lonely. My view to that is, socialising whilst on a solo holiday is what you make of and is completely dependent on your personality. As an introvert being alone was a blessing not a curse as I’ve always found solace in solitude. Not only does solo travel provide you time to thing but a chance to indulge in one of my favourite past times, people watching.

    There’s so much freedom in solo travel to take things at your own pace and as you’re only catering to your own needs, your travel schedule can be totally flexible. This was definitely the case when I travelled, as I switched up my routine pretty much every day dependent on my mood, level of tiredness and the weather. Solo travel also, obviously, works out cheaper in terms of accommodation, transport, and entertainment. Once you get over the awkward feeling of sitting alone in a restaurant or cafe, or going to the theatre or other events solo and realise just how much less you’re spending, you’ll never look back!

    There are of course downsides. You become completely responsible for yourself. You’re the one dragging all your luggage/valuables around, you’re the one who has to make yourself wake up in the morning, and find the places you want to go without the help of a friend or family member.

    As a woman, safety also comes into play. Though New York isn’t as threatening as people like to make out, I had to be aware of my surroundings at all times, especially in the evenings. Acting like a local is key to solo travel. Densely populated tourist-y areas in particular are a hotbed for potential pick-pockets and if you look like another tourist then you become an easier target.

    There were obviously times when I felt a little metaphorically lost in the big City. New York is h u g e, so there were definitely points during my trip where I felt like I was swallowed in the crowd.

    But where this is a downside, the sheer amount of people you come across is also a blessing. There is always someone to talk to, whether that be the people who are serving you in cafes, people waiting in ticket queues with you, or fellow tourists at the bigger tourist attractions. I found very quickly that my accent ended up becoming a conversation starter with many other tourists, some of whom also hailed from the UK!

    I can’t say that every city or country will be like New York when it comes to friendliness, and, of course, friendliness can lure you into a false sense of security. But as long as you keep your wits about you and make sure you don’t give away too much personal info, you’ll be fine.

    And to be honest that what travelling solo really boils down to and the point I want to reiterate. You are in control of your travel when you decide to venture out alone. Independence is fantastic and there no better way of experiencing it than in a completely different culture and country to your own.

    What about you guys? Thoughts on solo travel?

    Have any of your ventured out on your own and what have your experiences been like?

    Ria Xx