Tuesday, October 31, 2017

4 Steps To A Better Night's Sleep //

Dear Readers,

I thought this post was pretty apt seeing as the clocks went back over the weekend and the days feel much shorter.

Sleep is such an important part of staying healthy and is involved in the healing and repair of the body. It is also great for improving your concentration and productivity, which as a university student, is essential.

Since starting back at university, I have found that my sleeping habits have gone out of the window a bit. To get them back on track I have been making some simple changes that have really improved how well I sleep. 

1. Clean Sheets
There is no greater feeling than having freshly washed sheets to sleep in. According to Cleanipedia, "As a general rule, it’s a good idea to wash your sheets and pillowcase once a week or every two weeks. Not washing your bedding regularly can contribute to increased suffering from health problems such as allergies and asthma."



2. Use An Essential Oil
I love putting a couple of drops of lavender essential oil over my pillow. It has such a calming and soothing effect. 



3. Ask Alexa
In July, I got an Amazon Echo for my birthday. There are so many functions for this device, but there are so many skills you can enable on the app which can help you get a better night's sleep.



One of my favourite functions is its ability to play ambient noise continually, until you want to tell Alexa to stop. You can choose anything from the buzz of a coffee shop to London traffic. You can even opt for the noise of a university. I always choose the Thunderstorm playlist because I am soothed by the sound of heavy rain and thunder. 

4. Change Up What You Sleep In
Quite often I find I can't sleep because I am uncomfortable. I am either too hot or too cold in what I am wearing. Have a variety of freshly washed pyjamas for any kind of weather and you'll find you get a better nights sleep.




I hope you employ these little tips into your night time routine and get a better night's sleep in return.

Stay Sweet,

Alice xx 


SHARE:

RAW MAGAZINE //

Dear Readers,


During my second year at university, I created a magazine as part of one of my modules. Myself and two other girls on my course (Georgia Evans and Molly Jang) came up with RAW, a vegan lifestyle magazine.

RAW is a contemporary, forward-thinking vegan fashion and lifestyle magazine. We aim to create a visually-inspiring quarterly with a focus on conscious, cruelty-free fashion, food, and culture.



Our Research:
  • At least 542,000 over 15’s are now vegan.
  • In 2006 there was only 150,000 - making veganism one of the fastest growing lifestyle choices.
  • 42% of this are aged 15-34, showing that this is a young market.
  • 88% live in urban environments, 22% of vegans live in London.
  • 63% of Britain’s vegans are women.


Our Mission:

Our mission is to inspire young, fashionable vegan women to live the life they aspire to without compromising on their own ethical values.

Our product is a desirable keepsake that visually encapsulates a conscious effort to live a clean lifestyle while maintaining a realistic and light-hearted approach.

While maintaining our core values, we also aim to remain courteous and unpretentious.


Our Promise:

We promise to deliver a product that is not only visually engaging but delivers a platform for expressive, detailed written content.

While we aim to inspire our readers, we ensure that we remain approachable and light-hearted in our style in order to not dictate the lifestyle of a Vegan, but act as a sentimental spring-board.





Stay Sweet,



Alice xx



SHARE:

Into The Woods //

Dear Readers,

During my second year at university, I created a magazine as part of one of my modules. Myself and two other girls on my course (Georgia Evans and Molly Jang) came up with RAW, a vegan lifestyle magazine.

Into The Woods was the main fashion editorial and I thought it was still apt to share the photos with you on my blog.

It was an amazing opportunity to experiment with my photography and work with a particular concept in mind.



Into The Woods

Set amongst the sunstruck ferns, past the humming fields that lay in the distance, a whimsical figure stands at one with her surroundings. She has the power to seep into the organic landscape, whilst she embodies all that nature has to offer her. There is something so distinct about her appearance, as she distances herself from the bustling, musical shanty village. She is floating amongst the brush in ethically sourced cloth.

Modelled by Jessica Martin & Irena Parv
Photography by Alice Bradley

































I hope you enjoyed scrolling through this lookbook. Click here to read the full magazine.
Stay Sweet,

Alice xx
SHARE:

Monday, October 30, 2017

What's In My Night Out Bag //


Dear Readers,

I have been wanting to share this post with you for a while. A month ago I purchased this lilac, velvet clutch bag with crossbody strap. It is my favourite bag to grab when I am going to dinner with friends or going out-out. 


I have received so many compliments when I wear this bag. It can be paired with a dressed-down outfit as a sultry accessory to a simple look. Alternatively, it can be paired with a glam outfit to make it look even more sophisticated.

I love it when people are shocked to find out that I bought it in Primark (aka the best shop to grace this beautiful planet) for only £9. It has the same luxurious appeal as the Gucci Marmont bag (£1,260). 


An important factor to consider with each and every bag purchase I make, is its ability to store all my crap. I carry a lot of things with me on a night out, because I would rather come prepared.

That being said, this velvet clutch holds so much stuff, so I thought I would give you all an insight into what I carry with me on a night out.

  • Mini Purse - This holographic purse (£2) is another item from Primark that I use all the time. I am not a fan of big, bulky purses because they take up so much room. This little purse holds my cards, ID and a couple of notes. Who actually carries cash anymore?
  • Portable Charger - One of the best accessories to carry with you. I love my Anker charger as it is very compact and is rose gold too.
  • Zara rollerball perfume - I like to make sure I am always smelling fragrant, so these compact rollerball perfumes are great to throw in any night out bag.
  • Lipstick & Liner - I like to take my favourite duo from Christian Louboutin beauty. You can read more about the products here and here.
  • Gum - I don't leave the house without a packet of gum.
  • Hair ties - You just never know when you or someone else, is going to need to tie their hair up. Take multiple with you, because chances are, you're going to be giving them out to the masses.



I hope you found it somewhat interesting to see what I pack in my night out bag. It's nothing too crazy, but I would be so curious to find out what you take in yours? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay Sweet,

Alice xx
SHARE:

Monday, October 23, 2017

Catwalk Report: Fashion in Motion - Phoebe English //

Fashion in Motion, a series run by the V&A, aims to showcase the works of emerging and thriving designers against the cultural backdrop of its galleries. This month’s show celebrates the work of British designer Phoebe English and her evolution over the past six years in the fashion industry.


Upon entering the Raphael gallery, six circular podiums stood along the stretch of the room, creating a transient space allowing spectators to move freely around. Unlike a traditional catwalk show, the audience is able to look at the collection momentarily in some parts and in more depth in others, depending on their stylistic preferences.

Four models stood on each podium, highlighting some of English’s best work for each year, forming a capsule collection of pieces that work with similar textile techniques English is inspired by during that season.



The progression is notable, as English’s collections become more intricate and experimental. English successfully works with different weaving and knitting techniques, producing a tactile and three-dimensional garment. These textures are further enhanced by the immersive set design, allowing the item to be inspected and photographed.

The location of the exhibition holds itself close to Phoebe English’s heart, as she revealed: “The V&A is a temple to all the endless creative possibilities of the human mind. To be involved in such a historic and contemporary space is a very special thing indeed.”



Majestic music enhanced the production, but influenced the mood of the audience. People mostly walked around the podiums in silence, taking care to appreciate the notes and concerto from the harpist, Valeria Kurbatova. The dulcet tones from the harp brought to life the string puppets which were positioned next to the models, wearing miniature replicas of the garments.




The collection was driven mainly by a monochromatic colour palette, creating bold and functional formalwear. It is evident that English is particularly influenced by the layering trend. Layering is used in the monochromatic or all black looks to convey the garments depth. A model stands in a short sleeved chemise, that has gathered, rectangular pleather cuttings stitched gregariously at the hem of the sleeves. This is then layered with two camisole tops, one being slightly larger than the other. The chemise itself has an additional rough-cut slip underneath it. This look is paired with black socks bunched down to add texture and black brogues laced up with overhanging black and grey fabric.


Nude shades and beige calico were used intermittently and further enhanced English’s desire for practicality. A calico empire line dress with elbow length, set-in sleeves was a memorable garment. A robust box-cut camisole was worn over the top and exaggerated the rough-cuts of fraying calico, to construct a peplum silhouette. This dress was enlivened by the use of green, red, navy, brown and yellow brushstrokes painted across areas of the garment to imitate a painter selecting what colour they want to use. It is as though the model and the calico dress become the muse for English’s designs and this piece carefully communicates the creative fashion design process.


A number of pieces however did inject more vibrant colour into the CSM descendant’s collection. A fuchsia pink, elbow length crop top was paired with a lighter pink, high rise waistband skirt. The front section of the skirt split in two to show off a plain pink material, whilst the alternative side was tasseled and playful.




English, who was listed as a Forbes 30 Under 30 in their influential Art and Style category clearly enjoys experimenting with her mediums and textures. Sequins, embellishments, plastic and paper beading to fashion her desired patterns.


Interestingly, practical everyday items like blue pen lids and plastic piping were manipulated and sewn together to form a geometric overlay on a plain cream two piece camisole crop top and matching palazzo trousers.


The blue pens were woven in the models hair to create a pronounced crown on her head. Persian blue was featured in this model’s entire look, from the navy, smudged and over-lined lips to the outfit itself. The model sported a mesh, long sleeved pullover and straight leg trousers. An abstract feature of these trousers were the use of a double hem from the blue mesh trousers and a black trouser worn underneath. Paired with patent Dr Martens boots, this look is an effortless attempt at modern workwear.



Rectangular cuts of acrylic were layered and stitched closely together to replicate the plumage of a bird. The top of the dress included short pieces of acrylic that gradually got longer until it reached the waistline. It was then cut short again from the waistline down to the bottom of the dress to dramatise the look.



Having presented her designs in a more intimate and fluid show, it enabled the attendees to access the collection in a more tangible way, perhaps encouraging them to want to purchase the pieces.

Fashion in Motion: Phoebe English was a one-time event. You can keep up to date with her work on the Phoebe English Website.
SHARE:

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Saying Goodbye to Gar-Gar //

Dear Readers,

On Friday 13th October we said goodbye to an inspirational man in our lives. My Great-Granddad, known in the family as Gar-Gar, passed away on Friday 29th September 2017 from dementia.


My handsome Great Grandad during World War II


The last couple of weeks have been emotionally turbulent for the family, as we have had to come to terms with the fact that his health was declining. 

It was particularly difficult as my move back to university meant that I was away from family and therefore not able to deal with the gradual process of grief. I was so lucky to be able to travel by train to visit Gar-Gar in his care home on Wednesday 27th September and hold his hand and say a proper goodbye. I spent the rest of the day with my Auntie and him, each of us telling him stories from throughout his life. Even though he couldn't speak, his eyes lit up and he would clench my hand. I know I will hold this last memory so dearly for the rest of my life.


Holding his hand
Uni has been a blessing in disguise. My course has kept me really busy, as well as my friends and lecturers being so supportive. 

Coming home for the funeral meant that I had to deal with the grief again. It is so hard to see the people you love in pain, trying to come to terms with someone else's life ending. 


One of the last times I visited Gar-Gar whilst he was relatively healthy.

I loved this day we spent together. Myself and Sam took the train down to Villa Adastra, the care home he was residing in and we bought lunch and had a picnic in his room. We got him to try all sorts of foods and had such a good day messing around and catching up.

Grief is such a confusing thing too and as we take this time to be together united as a family, we are going to celebrate the incredible life Gar-Gar lived, because his 95 years were fascinating.

Gar-Gar holding myself and Luc just a couple of days after we were born

Gar-Gar & Great Nanny Ings. Back together at last.



Alfred Bernard Ings
 8th April 1922 - 29th September 2017




I guess my final message really is that I hope you live your life to the fullest. Love your friends and family and cherish those memories you make together.


Stay Sweet,


Alice xx
SHARE:

Friday, October 06, 2017

The Primark Winter Coat You Need In Your Life //

Dear Readers,

It has been a little while since my last post. I am currently contributing to Kingston University's student newspaper, as part of one of my modules for final year.  Working on The River alongside my freelance writing for other magazines, I have found little time to get more posts out to you.

But fear not, I am back with another post today and it is one that I have been dying to share with you, ever since I made the purchase back at the beginning of September.

As you all know, my adoration for Primark is unconditional. I don't think I could love a company more. I always find myself appreciating Primark more than usual, when their Autumn/Winter pieces start to fill the stores.


As Primark is always my port of call when it comes to buying affordable versions of trend/statement pieces, I have waited in anticipation for them to release an Acne Velocite jacket dupe.

Low and behold, when I visited the store on the first week of September, I was greeted by an entire section bursting with winter knitwear and the jacket I have been trying to get my hands on for so long. 


Shearling Biker Jacket, £30 | Primark
OK so they may not be completely identical, but the concept is still there and if styled right, looks just as good as the real thing.

Velocite Leather-Trimmed Shearling Biker Jacket, £1,860.25 | Acne Studios
I would love to splash out on a jacket that costs a couple thousands of pounds, but I am a bargain hunter and I get such a kick out of buying high street pieces that are inspired by designer best-sellers, for the fraction of the cost.


Jacket Inspiration  Photo: Pinterest
These oversized jackets are going to completely take over all high street stores in the next couple of months. It has become a style seen on a number of celebrities and bloggers so look out for how they choose to style their biker jacket.

I love the versatility of this jacket. I paired it with my oversized Zara t-shirt, black Primark boots and my favourite 90's oval sunglasses for an edgy off-duty look
I would like to say a special thank you to Primark for being a consistently on-trend brand. I appreciate how hard this company works to bring high-fashion to the high-street and how quickly its turnaround has become, making it as competitive as brands like Zara.

I always tell people, if I were to win the lottery or find myself wealthy, I would still spend all my money in Primark. Their price to quality ratio is unprecedented and continues to improve every time I shop there. I really think it is setting a standard, working as a brand that is great for people who want to remain on-trend, without feeling obliged to spend a lot of money.

Let me know in the comments below if you end up buying this jacket or any of the jackets in the new Autumn/Winter range.

Stay Sweet,

Alice xx




SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig