Summer Strutting in Three Floor Fashion

The moment has come, its finally here! Yes, I am talking about Three Floor Fashion's Summer collection. I have literally been counting down the days I've been that excited. Sad I  know, but I'm not embarrassed to admit it. The collection was launched today, but the sneak peaks they unveiled on Twitter and Facebook brought an excessive amount of anticipation and I've literally just been sitting on the edge of my seat waiting. And to make matters worse, I almost died when I saw Amanda Seyfreid wearing their 'China Blue' dress at the MTV Movie Awards, and I still had to wait, wait, wait. Style crush.
But yea, enough blabbering. I've been in love with Three Floor Fashion for quite some time now as you have probably gathered from my previous post on them. Their new Summer Collection has even furthered enhanced this; it is truly stunning. One of the main things I love about Three Floor Fashion is that their designs are so striking and unique, consequently meaning they are easily identified against other designers. Their summer collection shows a lot of stemming inspiration from previous collections, one of which being their previous 'Lace Up Dresses'. This is highly apparent through their; 'Asia', 'Shades of Blue', 'China Blue', 'Mademoiselle' and 'Mischief' dresses. Three Floor Fashion have taken a very 'blue' approach to their summer collection, and I must say this is absolutely fabulous combined with the nude tone they have collaborated many of their designs with. The nude gives a lesser impression of the garment, creating an almost optical illusion, allowing the garment to proclaim its sex appeal. However, the beauty and elegance of the shape and design of each garment, allow this illusion to be grounded and leveled, to further create enticing yet shy masterpieces. C'est très magnifique! The collection isn't entirely based upon this however, Three Floor are definitely one's for mixing it up. Expect pinstripes, patterns and perfection, this collection is something to watch! 
Aside from all this, Three Floor have worked wonders and even weaved in some neon yellow and of course their signature, contrasting black, seriously leather looking, PU. This leads me on to one of my favourite pieces of this collection being, drumroll pleaaaaaase... Introducing the 'Queen B Dress'. This is just an all round beauty and really portrays Three Floor at its finest. The contrast between the neon yellow lace and the black PU is just the ultimate dream, and with the added sparkly jazz of the skirt, this is an all round statement dress. 

'Queen B Dress' - £168

I am seriously struggling to narrow down my favourites as I genuinely am overwhelmed by the beauty and pure genius of this entire collection, however I feel it is essential to give praise to the 'Softly Spoken Dress'. This dress SCREAMS elegance, but in a more modern, edgy chick kinda way.. Catch my drift? Anyway, my heart is literally metling over this dress, it is just too gorgeous for words. The contrast between this dress and the 'Queen B Dress' fully exploits Three Floor's amazing ability to act like a chameleon in their designs, but simultaneously keep their signature look and identity that we are so familiar with. The lace in this dress is so gentle, yet the thick, black PU straps make it fierce, and I am 100% in love. I NEED this in my life, it is too precious a piece to let it slip by.

'Softly Spoken Dress' - £168

I am telling you now though, and I mean telling not recommending, you go on the Three Floor Fashion website this instance and check the full collection out for yourself, as I am literally becoming too overwhelmed to even go on. Three Floor Fashion are definitely up there as one of my fave designers and for all you Three Floor virgins, they are definitely a designer to watch. So keep your eyes peeled and I hope you fall in love with them as much as I did! Click here to go to the Three Floor Fashion webpage. Happy browsing!

Bag a Beauty at Zara

I must say, I admire Zara with its incredible fast fashion and ridiculously quick stock turnover (2 weeks from design to store), however I always go into Zara pick up a million things and then leave with one or none. This isn't because their garments aren't gorgeous, because a lot of them are, I just can't put my finger on it, but they never seem to look the way I expect them to when I put them on. Strange, but I feel this may just be me.

Their bags however, are a different story. Zara are the genius child of the high street when it comes to their bags. I am extremely picky when it comes to handbags, it has to be practical yet absolutely fabulous at the same time. Zara stock absolutely gorgeous bags ranging in size and colour and this summer I'm seeing lots of pattern, yellow and splashes of neon, which has me very excited! A handbag should complete your outfit, or turn a simple outfit into an exciting one! So for all you bag lovin' ladies, head down to Zara and do it quick, you don't want to be missing this load of stock! Happy shopping!

Click here to go to Zara's handbags

And I'm in love..... 

Leather Shopper £89.99

Fast Dieting for Fast Fashion

Summer. That time of year that get's us gal's excited to get all over the sundresses and floral prints; however, simultaneously, fills us with fear and dread, as we realise we have to first of all shift a good stone to fit into these garments. 

I've tried my fair share of diets over time to try gain that 'bikini bod' that we so desire, but due to my complete adoration for cake and carbs, I've repeatedly given up and accepted the fact that I don't, and never will, resemble Miranda Kerr. Last year I attempted the Slim Fast diet, which I surprisingly managed to stick to for a good two months! To be fair it wasn't too bad, you drink two of their milkshakes a day, these count as meals, and each shake is insanely sweet which was a plus for my ridiculously sweet side, and you are allowed one 600 calorie meal a day. On top of this, you are allowed three of their snacks or alternatively fruit or veg. I did this on the build up to my girls holiday to Malia and in the first week of dieting I lost 5lb, quite a satisfying result if I must say. However, after a week of binge drinking and eating crappy hangover food, it's fair to say I was back to my usual 'curvaceous' self upon my return to Glasgow. 

This year, everyone seems to be ranting about this 'Fast Diet', or the 5:2 diet as it's also referred to. So after hearing about it from a friend I decided to buy the book by Dr Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer. I've only had a good skim through to get the jist of things, but it not only includes tips and information regarding the diet, but also a selection of meal ideas to stay within the 500 calorie limit on your designated two days. The diet works by eating normally for five days of the week and on two chosen days you can only consume a maximum of 500 calories. The diet claims to not only make you lose weight, but also prolong a healthier lifestyle, decreasing the risks of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.. Surely not? Well, I am going to put it to the test and try shed the pounds for summer so I can buy lots of lovely, flouncy dresses and bum hugging shorts without worrying about looking that extra bit podgy. To top it off, I found this great wee app for my iPhone called Nutracheck. By making an account, you type in your age, height weight etc and how much weight you want to lose. The app then tells you how many calories you need to both intake and burn each day to reach your goal. You can add each thing you eat to the calendar on the app, and what type of exercise you have done, (this even includes doing the ironing and sex) and the app will automatically calculate how much intake and burn you have left to complete your daily goal. 
So here goes, I started the Fast Diet yesterday and chose today as my first official fast day. To be fair, I'm doing alright, I don't want to eat off my arm quite just yet and I am not thinking about cake constantly.. Well now I am, damn it. But hey, I'll keep you posted if I make any progress, or if my bum gets any smaller (who am I kidding, it's not going anywhere) and yea, for those who try it... Good luck! Click here to go to the official website for The Fast Diet.

Who Wears Short Shorts?

It's that time of year again, time to start baring your pins, get that booty toned, and throw on a cheeky pair of denim shorts! So shaved legs and squat challenge aside, where is best to get the hottest shorts on the street? If you're one for originality, get yo' toned ass down to Urban Outfitters. Urban stock a mass variety of reformed Levi denim shorts which vary in style, shape and colour, giving you the choice to find your perfect fitting pair! However, if you're one that likes that extra bit of jazz and something a little bit more out there, take a look at Custom Vintage Dublin. CVD is a Dublin based designer who take vintage reformed Levi shorts, just like good old Urban, however they customize them to your liking, giving you your dream summer short shorts! CVD stock a selection of ready made shorts, in high waist and low rise styles, however if none of these take your fancy, or if you can picture your dream shorts and there's just no getting them out your head; drop CVD an email describing your shorts and they will custom make them to your liking. From pattern paradise to stud and tie dye galore, CVD have something for you. And what's more? They ship worldwide! So no excuses girls, click here to check them out! 

Vintage Cutomised Light Wash Levi's 501 Shorts - £32

Urban Outfitters

Click here to view them on Urban Outfitters

                                 

It's All About the Lips

Yesterday I had my make up done at Yves Saint Laurent in House of Fraser, this was due to the fact my lovely mother had got me a gift voucher to go purchase some make-up that wasn't your average Rimmel or Loreal, skint student problems, so being a total lippy fanatic, I was beyond excited to get all over the shades. 

The girl that did my make-up was lovely, she was from Hong Kong and told me of how she is a regular in Tokyo, so this led to some fab conversation, due to my new annual visits to the amazing place! When I told her I was studying fashion, she responded like a kid in a candy shop and started getting hyped up expressing her love for all different patterns and where they originate, her main infatuation appearing to be with Korea. So watch this space, after I have all these reports done I shall be doing some intense research into Korean Fashion, so keep your eyes peeled for upcoming posts! Anyway, back to the lippy...

So I'm usually always about the reds and the darks, for those who don't know me I have one simple rule in life; I never leave the house without my lipstick on! So once she applied my base make-up and worked wonders with my eyes, god I wish I had the patience to do beyond the basics, she came back with five different lippys to experiment with. Now the first one was completely outwith my usual comfort zone, it was a very bright pinky-purple, definitely an eye-opener. I was very apprehensive at first, however she told me to have faith and I'm glad I did. Whilst this lipstick isn't your most 'natural' looking shade, it most definitely has summer written ALL OVER IT. I'm now feeling like a true pink lady for this summer and I am beyond thrilled to start baring this shade! For those ladies brave enough to try it, it's shade 19 of the 'Rouge Volupte Shine' range and it's called 'Fuchsia in Rage', I seriously advise you give it a go. I also stuck to my comfort zone and got a deep reddy-brown which is absolutely gorge, it's shade 206 'Grenat Satisfaction' of 'Rouge pur Couture The Mats' range, definitely one for you if you like all thinks dark and mysterious. 

Now I understand that the price isn't ideal for us students, so for those of you with more of a budget, take a trip into boots and see what you can find. My personal favourites are those within the Kate Moss Collection for Rimmel. I've got a fab red and a purple lippy from there and they certainly do the trick! It has to be said, but this summer; It's all about the lips. 

19 - Fuchsia in Rage, Rouge Volupte Shine Collection

Work Your Pins in a Pair of Ciggy's

The summer sun's rays are out to play, shame the heat hasn't came out with it. No worries though, this year's cold summers day outfit has all the answers... Introducing, the cigarette trouser! I have had my eyes on these wee beauties for quite some time now, however not being blessed with the slimmest of pins, I have been slightly apprehensive to strut my stuff in them. Although, last week I came across a pair of black and white, jacquard, trousers from River Island. Now I'm not normally one to shop in RI, however my friend bought the cutest skirt with attached braces and I went in there with full intention of a style steal mission and subsequently left with these cheeky wee trousers. Unlike cigarette trousers, these trousers from RI were slightly loose fitting and took form of a more straight leg style, so I decided this was a good start if I wanted to work towards going for full blown cigs. Now lets face it I'm a bit of a tink and a poor student who really can't afford to do multiple washes, so I will wear an item of clothing till it either looks dirty or smells it, so I literally have not had these trousers off since I bought them; I am completely in love! (who needs men when you have fashion!?) However, seeing as I am back in Glasgow for Easter this week I decided despite the debt of my overdraft, I really had to take full advantage of the shopping in my home town! So today when I got into town I ran straight to my ultimate fave, Urban Outfitters of course, and to my complete surprise there wasn't so much that caught my fancy. Instead I tried nine items on and left with a jumper!! A JUMPER!! Seriously? So, I headed to Topshop and tried on three wee pairs of cigarette trousers and fell completely and utterly, head over heels in love! I narrowed my choice down to my favourite pair and flung them to the counter; these babies were coming home with me! So yea, back to summer style. We all know that Scotland doesn't exactly have 40 degree weather all summer, so for that warmer yet summery look, grab yourself a pair of cigarette trousers. The great thing is you can dress them up for a night out with a pair of wedges and a floaty cami, or dress them down with a basic tee and a pair of flatform brogues (latest shoe purchase), or go really casual and get a pair of comfy, converse on the go! The choice is yours! Topshop are currently stocking hundreds of different wee pairs, so Click here for Topshop's cigarette and tapered trousers! Happy Shopping!

My newest and dearest purchase - Bonded Lace Cigarette Trousers, Topshop - £42

Odette Vs Odile - Who Wore it Best

Last Saturday I attended the ballet Swan Lake at The Edinburgh Playhouse with my mum and younger sister. When I was about the age of 6 I used to go often with my mum, there was just something so mesmerizing to me as a young girl to watch the gentle flutter of tutu's gliding round the stage. After attending on Saturday, it was made clear to me that this infatuation still remained, completely and utterly intact. 

For those of you who are not familiar of the story of Swan Lake, let me sum it up for you.

Swan Lake tells the story of a young Prince that is told by his mother he is to marry and to marry quickly for that matter. He has all the young girls in the area fuss over him and yearn to be his bride, but none seemed to suit. One day after going hunting in the woods, he finds himself alone by a beautiful lake filled with elegant swans, floating along the water. One swan bears a delicate crown on her head. As night falls the swan bearing the crown emerges out the water as a stunning young women and the Prince falls immediately in love with her, she is the Swan Queen, her name is Odette. Odette tells the Prince of an evil sorceror Von Rothbart, who had cast this spell on these young girls to turn them to swans and the only way it could be broken was if someone was to confess their love for them. Von Rothbart appears before the Prince can say anymore and sweeps Odette away. 

The following evening the Prince's mother presents the Prince with many aspiring Princesses at the ball, however all the Prince can think about is Odette. Von Rothbart appears with who appears to be Odette, however it is infact Odile, his daughter whom he had cast a spell upon to give the appearance of Odette. The Prince dances with her and asks her to marry him, however he then sees Odette peering through the window, seeming very upset. He runs after her and explains how he was tricked and Odette quickly forgives him. Not before long Von Rothbart and Odile appear, however, they have developed into bird like creatures and chaos breaks loose. Von Rothbart insists the Prince keep his word and marry his daughter but the Prince refuses and takes Odette's hand and together they jump into the lake, ending both their lives together. Their love breaks the spell and all the swan's are freed.

The costumes in the Ballet of Swan Lake are magnificent. However, it is the Swan Queen and Odile (the black swan) who's are undoubtedly the most exquisite. When I was in my fifth year of high school I designed and made, from scratch, a costume inspired by the black swan. Whilst the Swan Queen has such gentle and elegant beauty, I find the Black Swan far more intriguing due to her darker, sinister beauty. I have always been completely infatuated with fashion design; I was sketching before I could count my toes! So there was no doubt in my mind that this would not be the perfect project for me and I can honestly say I have never worked so hard at anything in my life. I was beyond content with the final outcome, that is of course minus the fact I had turned my fingers black, from working with a million black feathers. Finally I had my friend model my final design for photographic evidence and we shot the photographs in the woods near my house, giving the perfect scenery for the mood of the costume. Below you can see my final design, which ironically was the first one I actually came up with, and the final made costume. Let me know what you think! And also for all you Swan Lake the Ballet virgins, I am telling you now, get yourself online and buy tickets for the next showing!