Grace of God

The grace of God is amazing!
~Donnie Alexander

Fur Sure

I bought a fur collar for £12.99 in H&M yesterday and it *might* have changed my life. Just look how much cooler it makes my oversized blazer jacket look:

Before:

Androgynous...

After:

OMG, glam-over!!!

I'm thrilled with it! My jacket was a charity shop number. I bought it in Bexhill on the day I found out I got my job at Company but have never worn it because I've felt like it's a bit too broad for me. But my new fur makes ALL the difference :) I'm wearing a bobbly old jersey H&M top and my awesome corduroy leggings from Uniqlo (which were only £14.99) - can't link as they're sold out, but worth a look if you're near a Uniqlo! My studded beauties are Jeffrey Campbell c/o Sarenza 

My 'love' necklace is from Claire's and the origami swan is H&M.

My hair's getting to the floppy mop stage of growing it out. Think I'm going to get a fringe trim at the weekend so I look more Amelie-esque. All I want is a bob. I just think everything I want to wear would make more sense if I had longer hair. It's surprising the things that don't suit you when you have short hair. Even down to earrings (I just look bizarre in them!)

Have had a lovely night catching up with my Topshop pals over a Wetherspoons roast (don't judge me!) Now gotta tidy the house so Alex doesn't detect the bombsite I have created in his absence. Think floordrobe! 

xo

In Beauty: The Mag For Beauty Addicts!

When I was on the most recent Company cover shoot, I noticed an incredible magazine among amazing make up artist Sophie Higginson's products... it's called In Beauty. It's released twice a year to correspond with the seasons and is packed with the make up looks from all of the key catwalk shows at each Fashion Week.

It's amazing to be able to flick through it and see at a glance each catwalk look and spot the key trends and best make up looks from the shows. I actually find this easier than looking online at every key show and then trying to mentally work out which trends have emerged and remember what I've seen. Plus it's just so pretty to look at...

The downer is  that it's very very hard to get hold of**. Nowhere online seems to have it (besides this US site) and it seems to only be stocked in specialist magazine stores. Although I picked my copy up in a newsagent on Wardour Street on Sophie's recommendation which was good! 

It cost about £33 which is MENTAL, I do understand that. But it's such an amazing resource that will help me big time for the next 6 months, so I felt like it was a worthwhile cost. So if you're a make up artist, beauty blogger or beauty writer or someone that basically needs to know their shit when it comes to beauty trends, it definitely might be worth checking out! 

**EDIT: Have just seen that it is available in the Apple App Store (search 'InBeauty') where you can get the iPad version for only £11.99, and a free preview!**

I'll shut up now so we can look at the pretty pictures :)

What do you think of my new fave mag? 

xo

Pray A Little More

Pray a little more. How many times have you reflected upon major decisions that you made that had serious consequences that could have simply been prevented by just a little more prayer? If you're facing a lifelong or major decision today, don't just pray for a few minutes and go with your gut. Major life decisions require minutes, days, weeks, and months of prayer. My Aunt Lois gave me great advice once when she said: "Write out a list of the Pros and Cons of any major decision." I'd add to that, then pray over that list and anoint it with oil in the name of the Lord. Your local church is almost always open for prayer. Take advantage. A marriage, a career change, a possible business opportunity, or a move to another city or country--these are all decisions that require much more than a few days of prayer. So today, and everyday, make up your mind that your going to get the guidance you need by praying a little more! ~Donnie Alexander

Keeping On Without You

HEY! Happy weekend!

Well, it's not THAT happy a weekend for me seeing as my fiancé (or as I like to spell it, Feyoncé) is away, rendering me an emo loser. I feel like I'm missing a limb when he's not about! I go all weird and listless and talk to myself a bit. And spend longer than acceptable in my PJ's, like right now. How pathetic am I?!

Anyway, have got lots to keep me busy this weekend, though, such as seeing friends, charity shopping and getting lost in the world of eBay (a payday spree is on the cards!)

So this is what I wore to work the other day (excuse the windswept barnet)! Yes, I actually managed to take an outfit photo! This was taken on my HTC One S phone (disclosure - got it free at its launch but am under no obligation to feature!) and I can't believe how good the quality is! In fact, I used my phone to grab a few snaps for Twitter at LFW and they actually came out way better than my Canon, which can't seem to handle movement/bright lights!

I'm wearing my charity shop fur coat (from back in the days when Canterbury's charity shops weren't WHACK), a blouse from Dotty P's, my trusty jeans from New Look, Pug necklace c/o Cheap Frills and my new boots c/o Sarenza. They're by Jeffrey Campbell and are pretty much the coolest things ever. Dedicated post coming up on these bad boys and their incredible packaging SOON. 

I'm also wearing my brand new glasses from Specsavers I got with a press voucher (disclosing, not boasting)! They're by Spijkers & Spijkers (Model no. Spijkers 10) but don't seem to be available on the website yet. I picked them up in the Tottenham Court Rd branch, so if you want some, you might be able to get your store to order some from there. I feel like my face is complete now I own these! Also, it turned out my current prescription was all wonky so I have a new one and can now see everything SO much clearer. They're £125 but designer frames are BOGOF so they do work out cheaper! 

Am off to get ready for a day of charity shopping in Whitstable with my buddy Charlotte! Then I'll probs blog again tonight because I have an amazing magazine to show you guys. 

xoxo

An Awesome God

The next time we hear the word awesome, may it remind us of our great God, who truly is awesome! ~Dennis De Haan
(Psalm 47:2)

In Your Heart

Store the Bible in your heart, not on the shelf.
~David McCasland
(Deuteronomy 6:6)

He Blesses Me!

Isn't it comforting to know that it is our Father's good pleasure to give us the Kingdom? Whether one interprets that as the kingdoms of this world, or the kingdoms of heaven, what a wonderful giving God we serve! He literally holds nothing back from those who love Him. Remember this in good times and tough times--He blesses me! ~Donnie Alexander
(Luke 12:32)

You're Never Alone

The Holy Spirit lives within us, providing us with His peace and comfort. (John 14:26-27). Aren't you thankful that you never have to fly solo? The Spirit within us guarantees that we're never alone. ~Bill Crowder

Read the Bible

Why not make Bible reading a priority each day? Ask God to guide, teach, and strengthen you through His written Word. This amazing resource is accessible to all and available now. ~David McCasland

Give Him Praise

Anytime is a good time to give thanks & Praise to God!
~Donnie Alexander

The Holy Spirit

If you are a follower of Christ, be encouraged. The Holy Spirit bears fruit in your life (Gal. 5:22-23), forms believers into one body (1 Cor. 12:13), and assures you of God's presence (1 John 3:24). The Holy Spirit is a powerful Person in our lives--even though we can't see Him.
~Bill Crowder

Grace to Hearers

We need to become students of our speech. With God's help we can identify and transform destructive dialogue into words of encouragment that are "good for necessary edification" and that "impart grace to the hearers." (Eph. 4:29) ~Jennifer Benson Schuldt

What Would Happen?

What would happen in one day, if all Christians everywhere just got down on our knees, prayed to the Lord for wisdom over our leaders, guidance for our lives, blessings over our fellow man, and hearts that seek hard after Him? Today is that day. Let us all pause for a moment and Praise our God! ~Donnie Alexander

LFW Behind The Scenes: Vivienne Westwood Red Label

At London Fashion Week this year I had the amazing task of attending the fashion shows backstage to get pics of the models and speak to the make up artists/hair stylists etc. I have SO many photos so have decided to give this show a little post of it's own because the hair and make up was AMAZE to the BALLS. 

A bit of backstage background: Press with backstage access are given a call time of 1-1.5 hours before the show time to get there with time to see the looks created and listen to the head make up artist and hair stylist discuss the inspiration for the look and key products/techniques used. 

For this show, we were told the theme for both hair and make up was 'Warhol meets royalty'. Hair had either a Queen style (created with wigs) or a Debbie Harry tousled look. Make up was a literal translation of Warhol, with eyes lips and faces painted in alternating bright paint! 

Charlotte Free looking AT MY LENS. Oh my god.

Nail Rock created custom nail wraps for the show to complement the retro aesthetic of the clothing, hair and make up.

Alice Dellal looked very Zen-like with her eyes closed and lolly in mouth! 

The vibe was pretty hectic, as to be expected, but it was quite a spacious location so it wasn't as chaotic as a few other shows I'd seen... 

And here's how the show looked after all the backstage madness!

(style.com)

What do you think of the hair/make up for this show? Are you interested in seeing more backstage pics for other shows I went to?

xo

Confession to God

We can't cleanse our own hearts; only God can do that. If we confess our sins to Him, He promises to make us totally clean! Confession to God always brings cleansing from God. ~Bill Crowder
(I John 1:9)

Reach Out

Look around you. See anyone going through a difficult loss? Go beyond feeling bad for them. Reach out with compassion and God's love. Our measure of our likeness to Christ is our sensitivity to the suffering of others.
~Dave Branon
(Philippians 2:3)

To Know God

Nothing is more awesome than to know God.
~Dennis De Haan
(Psalm 47:2)

Spiritual Passion

Have you allowed something to steal your passion? If so, it can be restored and maintained when you consistently remember His amazing love demonstrated at Calvary. Devotion to Jesus is the key to spiritual passion.
~Marvin Williams
(Revelation 2:4)

Encourage one Another

A little spark of encouragement can ignite great endeavors. ~Anne Cetas
(Acts 11:23)

Forgiving Others

We can stop forgiving others when Christ stops forgiving us. ~Phillip Yancey
(Matthew 6:14)

Navigating the Rapids

You'll have your fair share of tough transitions in life. But with God in your raft you're not alone. Keep your eyes on the One who is navigating the rapids. He's taken lots of others through before. Smooth waters are just ahead.
~Joe Stowell

Minutes From A Miracle

Circle today's date on your calendar. Declare that the happiest and most productive days of your life are beginning today! Never, never, never quit. You may be minutes from your miracle. When you make up your mind, it is just a matter of time! ~Dr. Mike Murdock

Peter Pan & Polka Dots

At the weekend I was at the Prima Home Made Show, where I was holding some DIY crafty classes! I was sooo nervous beforehand but once people started sitting at my tables and joining in my customisation classes, I was in my element. It was like SuperScrimpers brought to life! In fact, I did get recognised by quite a few of the crafty punters..!

Here's the outfit I wore on Saturday:

(Dress - Dorothy Perkins, Hair band - c/o Crown & Glory, Boots - charity shop)

A close up of the lovely hair band Crown & Glory kindly sent me! I'm really into hair accessories at the moment while I try and grow my hair into a bob. Turns out a few flowers disguise the awkward stage very nicely! 

The dress is another new purchase. Only £32 in Dorothy Perkins!

Here are a few snaps from my little crafting pen! Company paper bunting:

Before one of the classes:

This adorably cool brother and sister who were 11 and 13 years old... They were pros when it came to studding! And bickering. It was too cute!

I'm just gearing up for LFW madness now. Our beauty director is away so I'm having to take her place backstage at all of the shows interviewing make up artists and photographing models... #FML #IQuit etc... Joking, totally excited beyond belief! 

Any of you guys heading to LFW? Hoping to see some familiar faces! 

xo

Grumpy Christians?

To know God puts a song in your heart and a smile on your face. ~Bill Crowder
(John 10:10)