Braids are soooo in.

I actually despise doing my hair, even just getting a brush through it is an absolute effort. But the one thing I do love, is plaits and braids. I think it is the one way to get the WOW factor with minimal effort. So if you are lazy like me.. Then this is the perfect blog for you. There are so many different styles  that can keep the hair off your face, make you stand out from the crowd or even be styled for a formal event! Braids can be used on any length hair, any face shape and look good with pretty much anything. I thought I would keep this blog short and simple but provide a few pictures of braids inspo and easy step-by-step pictures on how to achieve these looks. One picture below is of when I tried the Female Mohawk. Most of the time, especially on a night out, I like to tie my hair up because I always try and brush it off my face and in turn it just becomes really greasily really easily. My "sister in law" Emily worked her magic for me to achieve this style, it was really simple to do. She started by back combing the top of my hair to get the volume, she then did a German plait to the middle of my head and then wrapped it around my pony tail and secured it in place with curbie grips. It is as simple as that and I got a lot of compliments that night on my doo! So take a look at the styles below and try one out for yourself to get that extra edge to your look!

 

Female Mohawk

 

Up doo 

 

Classic fishtail 

 

Half up half down 

 

Big bun

 

Keep an eye out for new posts coming soon! I have a lot of exciting stuff in store including an interview with vintage fashion line Clothes to the edge and more Forever Living product reviews with El Mac

Sailor85

Now this one is mainly for the boys, although these clothes look equally as amazing on us girls (Anything they can do, we can do better!).. I have found a new up and coming brand called Sailor85 or "S85" as they are also known. Mainly aimed at you bearded and tattoo folk, (although, it is not restrictive and pretty much anyone could pull these garments off), this brand simply takes sailor themed pictures and slogans and puts them on funky clothing.. I use the term "simply" very loosely because some of their designs are very complex and very clever, which is probably what I appreciate most about this brand. Their products range from tops, to hats and bags! I wanted to find out more, so I contacted Craig who mainly runs the brand along with his wife (how cute!) Craig seems very humble and isn't after grabbing money which is very refreshing to hear and simply designs and sells these clothes because he enjoys doing it, which is definitely something that I greatly respect.

 

 

 1. What inspired you to start a clothes business? 

'Sailor85' is mainly ran by me, Craig, with the help of my wife, our 3 year old boy and our daughter who has just turned 1. It's been something that I have been thinking about doing for a while, however I have a full time 'proper' job that involves working a number of different shifts including throughout the night. I have used social media for the past few years and follow pages such as 'Beards & Tats' 'Tattoo Society' 'BeardCircus' etc along with brands like 'Abandon Ship', I became aware of some of the smaller independent brands that were producing some real quality products and but also some that to be honest I thought maybe we could do something a bit better...so I decided if I was going to have a go it should be now. I have a bit of previous experience working in fashion retail, but in fairness this has been a massive learning curve and everyday I'm trying to improve the brand and progress.
 

2. How long have you been around and what do you think will make you successful? 

We have just completed our first 12 months, I'm not sure if we will be successful or not, or even how success should be judged, but we are enjoying it and whilst we are doing that we will carry on. If we can produce something that somebody likes and would want to wear then I guess that's a success in its self. I've tried to make it clear from the start that this is not simply about making quick money. We support local businesses and use local printers and embroiders along with doing most of the running around, packaging etc myself.

 

3. What makes s85 different from the other clothing brands?  

There has been a massive boom in similar brands to us, some have been around for a long time and are enjoying a great success. New brands are starting up every day and I have already started getting emails asking for advice about how we started up. To be honest I'm not sure I am qualified to give out any advice but if I am able to help out I will. I realise that Big Beards and Tattoos are very fashionable at the moment, I've had a beard for the past 6/7 years and my tattoo collection is growing all of the time. While our brand currently 'fits' with that style of fashion and lifestyle, I hope that we are also offer a bit more and appeal to a wider range of people.

 

4. Why should people purchase from yourselves and not more well known clothes shops? 

We are trying to offer something a little different that we think is cool and affordable, If people decide to buy from us that's great but at the same time if I see something that others are doing that I like or think is worth people having a look at then I'm happy to promote other brands and push people in another direction, for example people like 'Acid Injection' and  'Wilderness Apparel' amongst others. This might mean less sales for us, but it's not just about making money for us. If I can make a bit of extra Beer & Tattoo money that's awesome!

 

5. Plans for the future? 

Hopefully a couple of new Tee ideas we have will be printed and ready for the summer, along with some SnapBack caps. There's a couple secret of things that I would like to do if we can find the right supplier in time for the Summer. We also hope to get out and meet some of our customers this year and attend one of the Tattoo Conventions and hopefully a music festival as a trader. This is something we are working on.

 

Just some of their designs below... Prices start from just £15

 

 

 

 

I'd like to thank Craig for taking the time to getting back to me, and I hope to do a catch up interview to see how the brand is progressing after summer. For more information or to purchase their products, get yourselves to www.sailor85.bigcartel.com/

 

Suzannes Vintage Closet

So I have stumbled across yet another little beauty of a shop.. Everyone that knows me knows that I love some vintage gear, especially a good shirt! And Suzanne's Vintage Closet is one of the best online shops I have come across. The prices are absolutely ridiculous (as below), and some of her finds are just brilliant. I got into contact with Suzanne to find out a little bit more...

 

What inspired you to start a vintage clothes business?

I have always loved Vintage clothing, it developed when I was at University in Bristol and I would spend hours hunting for vintage goodies around the town and local markets. People are really passionate about Vintage clothing and it makes me feel so happy when I find the perfect item for a person and it was like it was made for them!

 

How long have you been around and what do you think will make you successful?

I have only been "live" for 5 months now. I am hoping the fact Suzanne's Vintage Closet is a one woman company run by me, and customers get a one on one experience will make me stand out from the other companies out there.

 

What makes you different from the other vintage boutiques?

The customer service and prices! I am really proud of the fact that all the pieces are affordable. This was also one of the reasons I started the business, I could never afford (or want to!) spend £70 on a vintage dress like a lot of Vintage companies charge. I recently sold a hand made dress from the 1960s for £25.00 and the customer was beyond happy!

 

Why should people purchase from yourselves and not more well known clothes shops?

I think the fact I really care about my customers and my stock is quite rare these days. I want my customers to feel looked after and happy from the moment they go onto my website, to seeing the prices of the pieces and finally receiving their items in the post with a special bag of retro sweeties included as an extra touch - it's always the little things that make such a difference! When they send an email to Suzanne's Vintage Closet, there is only one person who will read it and reply to it - and that's me! 

 

Plans for the future?

Just to get bigger and better. I am still learning all about running my own business (while also being a full time Mummy to a one year old boy!) I have a lot of returning customers which is amazing as when I am stock hunting I see something and think "Ohh she will look that!" and most of the time the person I have in mind will love it too. Finding more new customers and keeping all current customers happy!

 

This is one of my absolute faves, I think it would look great with some ripped jeans and a simple court heel. Online for JUST £22

 

Leotard and Mini Skirt - maybe something a bit funky for the office? Whole outfit is JUST £28

 

How cute would this look in Ibiza or at a gig! Bag and top for just £18

 

 

Now they are prices that I just cannot say no to! I will definitely be shopping on here to stock up for the festival season, for more info head over to http://www.suzannesvintagecloset.com/

Forever Living.. New goodies!

So El Mac has sent me more wonderful Forever Living products to review, and since I absolutely adored the last lot she sent me, I eagerly awaited this delivery! Since my last review, I have been continuing to use the Forever products and can still notice a big difference. I continue to use the Aloe Vera Gelly and Aloe Propolis Crème and my skin has never been better, it has not once been dry since I started using it and that is pretty ruddy good considering the horrific British weather! I still take 1 bee pollen tablet every morning at work, and it did say to increase the use of this to 3 times a day but I still feel the benefits from just taking 1! Finally, my teeth have never been pearlier, the Forever Living toothpaste has worked wonders on my pegs.

 

 

 

The new products that El has sent me are as follows, I have been using them for a week now and a bit more info is below:

 

Forever Aloe Scrub - Its a delicate scrub that works to remove dead skin cells which clog up pores and cause skin to look dull but is still gentle enough for everyday use on your face or body. The natural ingredients of jojoba and aloe vera help to exfoliate & moisturise revealing healthy-looking skin. Using this along side the gelly and crème has been brilliant, I have a healthy glow and my skin feels super soft. Unlike other scrubs that I have used, this one doesn't make my skin feel tight or dry afterwards! 9/10

 

Aloe Hand Sanitizer - This is enriched with soothing aloe and nourishing honey and it smells like heaven. One pea sized amount of this handy disinfectant can kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria. With a refreshing scent of lemon and lavender, Forever Hand Sanitizer softens and moisturises hands as it cleans. These particular hand sanitizers were sent to Africa to volunteers/doctors/medics helping with the Ebola crisis (fact of the day!). Working for years at the hospital in Preston, I am a bit of an expert with hand sanitizers, and whilst a lot can leave your hands feeling cracked and dry, this one makes them feel like they have just been smothered in a luxury hand cream. Definitely worth the investment if you are a bit of a clean freak like me but want those baby soft hands! 9/10

 

Avocado face & body soap - This is made with 100% pure avocado butter! The cleansing and moisturising properties of the avocado are extremely rejuvenating and ideal for all skin types. Perfect to use along side the Aloe scrub as a cleanser. Also, like I have previously mentioned, this product doesn't leave your skin feeling dry like other soaps can do because it doesn't use harsh chemicals. And, since Avocados seem to be all the rage at the moment, why on earth would you not want to buy this! 8/10 

 

Aloe Jojoba Shampoo - This leaves the hair beautifully soft and easy-to-manage. The shampoo incorporates aloe vera and jojoba oil to give the hair a subtle shine. The gentle pH-balanced formula is suitable for all hair types and can be used to help replenish your hair’s natural moisture. And a great little tip for both boys and girls, it's great to lather up and use as a gentle shaving cream! 8/10 

 

Aloe Jojoba Conditioning Rinse - This contains jojoba and vitamin B to help nourish, protect and strengthen the hair. This pH-balanced conditioner gives hair a silky, salon-look finish. Enriched with nourishing oils and vitamins, this product provides a great result when used in conjunction with the Aloe-Jojoba Shampoo. It also left my hair smelling great which is always a plus. 8/10

 

Aloe Heat Lotion - This contains warming agents and aloe, it's a rich emollient lotion that provides blissful relief from everyday stresses and strains. Great for warming up before exercise or soothing aches after a workout. Also ideal for a deep-heat massage to feel rejuvenated. I gave this to my boyfriend to try out because he does a lot of manual labour and always finishes work with aches and pains, he said that it was really hot then after it felt nice and cool. It took the stiffness away and felt it was more effective than deep heat! I will definitely be buying him a bottle to keep him from moaning after a long week! 9/10

 

Remember, you can get these products from www.foreverlivingwithel.myforever.biz/store

Thanks El!!

"Reality" TV

So I am constantly complaining about these so called reality TV shows that are plaguing our screens. I try to avoid them at all costs but sometimes I am forced to watch them with friends and family. I actually feel like I am insulting my own intelligence by watching them. I have done a few ranty Facebook statuses, and thought instead, I could vent my anger on here and then leave it to rest for good!

 

Last night, I decided to put on the new reality TV show "Taking New York", purely because I have recently been to New York and absolutely adored it. I cannot actually believe I sat through the entire thing, what kept me was going was hoping I would spot a particular Italian restaurant that I cant remember the name of but has been annoying me for days! Anyway, I couldn't quite wrap my head around what was happening, what the point of it was and why anybody would want to know about these Brits in NYC? It had the standard half naked men, pretty girls and "laddy banter" (which is completely awful) and this seems to be the basis for pretty much all reality TV shows these days. There was also some snob who was absolutely deluded and telling her friend to "F**k off", clearly not REALLY friends.

 

What really gets me about these shows, which is something I have noticed on the infamous TOWIE, is at the beginning it tells you that some of the scenes are staged for your entertainment. Well obviously, why would they just film you drinking tea and then be all shocked when one of your fellow cast members (usually an enemy of some sort) walks in and starts kicking off. They have probably counted to 3 so they know when to enter the scene and prepped your lines! Thus making the reality part of the programme, not reality.

Another thing that I just find ridiculous, is when they say things like "you cant tell anyone, promise you wont tell anyone" when they are surrounded by a film crew! What they are saying is going to go Nationwide, if you really didn't want anyone to know you would take it off camera.

 

Final few comments... I hate how forced all the conversations are, it actually makes me cringe watching them. If me and my friends spoke like that, I would probably never want to see them.. Ever. How these people have made legitimate businesses from being on these programmes when they don't even know how many sides a triangle has. AND how these programmes are still going when they are mind numbingly boring. Get me a documentary any day of the week.

 

RANT OVER. (Sorry, not sorry)