MEET THE NEW FACE OF MAYBELLINE

Mollie King has been unveiled as Maybelline’s new brand ambassador. The Saturday’s starlet has been working with the brand since 2013 but her new role was announced at a make up masterclass in London. From her glowing natural looks to dramatic night time statements Mollie is an excellent choice for the brand. Mollie was joined at the make up masterclass by fellow Brit Jourdan Dunn and Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima. The fashionable star was dressed in a black leather ensemble  and sported natural looking make up.

Celebrity endorsement can be a beneficial tool for a brands strategy if chosen correctly. Mollie represents the image and promise of Maybelline making her a perfect fit for the brand. Her image resonates with the brand and through successful celebrity endorsement the brand will reap the rewards.

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THE P WORD..

"I learnt that if I want to make any difference, or changes to my world, then I've got to be involved, we need passion – that's how things change." Eliza Doolittle - Bite The Ballot Ambassador 

Today is National Voter Registration Day, the 5th February. NVRD was created as a response to the lack of awareness and education surrounding voter registration in the UK. Every year this day is used to highlight the importance of registering to vote in the general election. This is something I feel really strongly about as I think it's so important to have your say and vote in the election.

Image credit- NUS 

Alongside this a new campaign, Bite The Ballot, is aiming to engage and inspire as many young people as possible to register to vote. Currently only one in four 18-24 year olds are bothering to vote which is crazy considering every aspect of our lives is affected by politics! So many young people aren't engaged in politics and it's so easy to say you have zero interest, but regardless of your interest, politics and policies affect each and every one of us. There's definitely a common misconception that so many young people think that their vote won't make a difference and by sitting back and choosing not to vote it won't make a difference to them. It's so easy to sit back and moan about things which could be changed if we all voted! The P word..politics..is nothing to be scared of, it can be our way of making a difference, as young people we're one of the most important voters. Really if you don't vote it gives you no right to moan about any of the policies put into place, and I'm sure we've definitely all had a moan at some point (tuition fees anyone..?!)

Everything from how much tax you pay, (we've all been there when the tax man has wrongly taxed you and you're told you've got to wait until April to get your hard-earned money back!) career opportunities, pub opening hours and housing to name just a few are all affected by politics. When it comes down to the policies the politicians write, they write them for the people who vote. So maybe this explains why as young people we experience so many problems which affect us such as zero hour contracts and house prices. As a young person I for one feel like the prospect of getting onto the property ladder is virtually impossible! Whereas because older people are much more likely to vote with 96% of people over 65 voting, policies which directly affect them such as pensions seem to be top of the agenda. I think it's so important for each and every one of us to register to vote and come voting day put our X in the box! You can now register as the age of 16 but you can't vote until your 18. All you need is your National Insurance number and follow the link here. Its so simple to register so do it now, don't let your voice be lost!

Images courtesy of Studio Scamps 

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MEET THE NEW FACE OF MULBERRY..

Georgia May Jagger has just been announced as the new face of Mulberry. The 24 year old fashion model has been chosen to be the face of the Spring Summer 2015 collection. The new collection is said to be inspired by the "sheer joy of an English country garden on a summer's day". The classically English brand seems to be getting back to its roots after a turbulent few years. The idea behind the shoot was sixties bohemian chic meets rock-star cool and Georgia pulls the look off effortlessly. Georgia's part of the new gang of 'Brit It Models' alongside Cara Delevingne who has been Mulberry's go-to-girl for the last few seasons. Delevingne has worked closely with Mulberry and is continuing her partnership with the brand showcasing her self-designed collection. Within the new collection the Delphie bag is a highlight, the bag can be flipped to reveal a new colour and leather on the reverse for a two-in-one style. Georgia also models Cara Delevingne's best-selling rucksack and the Small Bayswater in a bright hibiscus red. Alongside Georgia and Cara fellow British beauty and It girl Cressida Bonas has joined Mulberry, starring in a short film due to be released in March. 2015 is set to be huge for Mulberry with the welcoming of a new creative director Johnny Coca after the departure of Emma Hill in 2013. 

Images courtesy of Mulberry 

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GOOD NEWS FOR GRADUATES

UK graduate recruitment prospects 'at 10-year high'

I came across this article today and for once the words positive and graduate job prospects were used in the same sentence! When I first decided to come to uni it was always in the back of my mind that at the end of my three years of studying..and partying I'd have to grow up (finally..) and get myself not only a job but a career. Over the last few years there's been a lot of media coverage surrounding job opportunities for graduates with not all of it looking positive.

I was part of the first group of students to pay the higher tuition fees of up to £9000 a year and will come out with around £40,000 worth of debt so I definitely feel like theres more pressure than ever to get that good job at the end. So the headline of the article immediately caught my attention. The article suggests that us graduates of 2015 will graduate into a 'buoyant' job market with the best opportunities since 2005. 'The High Fliers' study is predicting that recruitment will be at its highest in 2015. The study also found that the key to securing a top role upon graduation, is how much work experience a graduates has.

Throughout my time at Birmingham City University I've been lucky enough to of been given dedicated time within terms in both first and second year to complete work placements. Throughout my time at uni I managed to secure placements at Fabulous Magazine working as a Fashion Assistant, Ted Baker, where I worked with the PR and Marketing teams and also at Miss Selfridge working with the Marketing team. Being given the opportunity to undertake work placements has been so beneficial and without a doubt has definitely helped prepare me for the world of work. It was definitely a deciding factor for me when i chose my course at uni  (To read more about my course click here) and I would recommend trying to get as much experience as possible. After reading the article I definitely feel much more positive about the prospect of job hunting! To read the full article please click here.

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TURTLE BAY REVIEW

“Rustic, authentic and always exploding with flavour"

For my friends birthday I was invited to the newly opened Turtle Bay in Guildford for dinner and drinks. I’d never been before so I was really looking forward to trying it out for the first time!

Turtle Bay is a Caribbean restaurant and bar which truly does capture the caribbean island vibe through their authentic dishes and lively environment. The menu is varied with a range of traditional Caribbean dishes which the restaurant describes as ‘the kind of food islanders enjoy at home, on the beach or in the street cafes’. Turtle Bay isn’t just about the food though, it’s a great destination for drinks with friends and family. The bar also runs a 241 offer on all cocktails every day which is always a bonus! Although watch out as the offer is quite sneaky, it runs from 12pm-7pm and then starts again at 10pm-close. Great if your wanting late afternoon drinks but not so great if your heading there slightly later! The food is lovely definitely slightly spicy though! The atmosphere inside is great and as the Turtle Bay in Guildford is newly opened it’s lovely inside with a large bar situated right in the middle of the restaurant which is very quirky.  The decor is great, very authentic and I love the attention to detail they've paid. I’d definitely recommend visiting Turtle Bay if you're ever after some authentic Caribbean food or a cocktail or three! Visit their website here. 

Images courtesy of Turtle Bay

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BENEFIT THEY'RE REAL MASCARA REVIEW

Mascara is probably my number one go-to beauty product. I don’t think I could live without it! A good mascara can make all the difference but when it comes to choosing a mascara it can be a minefield! I’ve tried so many different mascaras which all promise to thicken, lengthen and boost my lashes. For a while now I have been using Estee Lauder’s Sumptuous mascara which I do find is a really good product but I decided to switch things up and opt for a new mascara which I hadn’t tried before. So the chosen product.. Benefit’s They’re real Mascara.

I love the packaging of the Mascara and it remains true to Benefit’s quirky style. After removing the tube from the packaging though I did think it was a little smaller than your average tube of mascara and definitely smaller than my previous favourite Estee Lauder. However the mascara brushes bristles are great for creating lengthened lashes and helps to make your eyes look bigger and wider. The actual formula itself is great and after a few coats you're good to go. I’d definitely recommend this mascara and I think I might have found a new favourite!

Photo credit: Make her up 

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BLOOD SWEPT LAND AND SEAS OF READ

When I first heard about the art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red which was to be held at the Tower of London I immediately knew I would love to go and visit. The installation marked 100 years from the First World War and was set to be a poignant memorial. In total 888,246 ceramic poppies were hand crafted and filled the Tower of London’s moat. Each of these individual poppies represents a British soldier who lost their life in the war.

Images courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces 

Prior to my visit I’d seen the poppies in photographs and on the TV but when i visited the installation it really showed the true greatness of the display. The display was so powerful that many visitors fell silent whilst gazing at the poppies. The scale of the installation was so visible when I saw it in person as any pictures id seen just didn’t do it justice. The scale really reflected the magnitude of how many brave soldiers lost their lives and how terrible the war was. I felt honoured to be able to see the installation and was so pleased that i managed to see it before the poppies are all taken down on armistice day-11th November. Each poppy was sold which raised millions of pounds for six service charities which I thought was a really amazing idea.

Seeing each poppy surrounding the Tower of London was such an eye opener and really made me stop and think and appreciate how lucky we are. I’d recommend anyone to go and see the amazing installation before all the poppies are removed on the 11th. I found it to be truly awe-inspiring. Here's a few pictures I took when i visited..

Own Image

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DISSERTATION CONSUMER SURVEY

I am currently in the process of collecting research and writing my dissertation on the UK Lingerie Market. As part of my Dissertation I’m aiming to gather as much Primary research as possible. Therefore I have created a questionnaire which is designed to collect information on the UK Lingerie market and consumers purchasing behaviour. If you have a spare five minutes and would be willing to complete my questionnaire I’d really appreciate it. Please be assured that all answers will remain confidential. Please click here.

Thank you in advance!

Picture credit- Drapers 

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LEE BUL - THE IKON GALLERY

Yesterday I visited the Ikon Gallery to seek some inspiration for my dissertation research. The gallery is situated in Brindley Place in Birmingham which is a really lovely area by the canal with lot's of restaurants and bars, well worth a visit if you're in Birmingham! At the gallery I viewed an exhibition by contemporary Korean artist Lee Bul.

Lee Bul was born under the military dictatorship in South Korea in 1964. After graduating in sculpture in the late 1980’s Bul’s work became preoccupied with politics. The exhibition at the Ikon Gallery is the first UK solo show by Lee Bul and showcased items including early drawings, studies, sculptures and installations. Bul’s work has been described as ‘visually compelling’ which has led to her becoming one of the most important artists of her generation.

After studying History of Art at A Level it really opened up my views on art and I've continued to be really interested in art. At the exhibition the first sculpture I came across was suspended like a chandelier, evoking castle like structures in the air. The sculpture is made up of tiny crystal beads, mirrors and chains and was captivating. The sculptures reflect utopian architecture alongside images of totalitarianism from Bul’s early experiences growing up in South Korea.

Via Negativa (2012) is one of Bul’s most outstanding works. A mirrored walk-in maze it is a full-scale installation which takes up a whole room. I found myself wandering into the maze which can only be described as a confusing labrinyth. The installation is an immersive amalgamation of two way mirrors, metals and LED lighting. The maze disorientates and forces the viewer into direct conflict with their own perspectives. I thought it was great to have such an interactive piece within the exhibition for the viewer to engage with and immerse themselves in. 

The last part of the exhibition was a futuristic tunnel which seemed endless. It was made up of a two way mirror and lighting which made it seem totally endless. Through the exhibition Bul wanted viewers to feel a sense of self reflection. Throughout the exhibition I was totally captured within the immersive surreal experience and I'd definitely recommend a trip to the Ikon Gallery if you're ever in Birmingham.

All photos own images. 

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WEDDING DRESSES EXHIBITION - V&A

"A good wedding dress should reflect the period in which it's worn"
Edwina Ehrman

Whilst visiting the V&A museum to view the Disobedient Objects exhibition I decided to also visit the Wedding Dresses exhibition which showcases over 80 wedding dresses from 1775 to 2014.  I'd heard about the exhibition when it first opened and I was really keen to visit as before uni I actually worked in a Bridal Boutique, Miss Bush Bridalwear. The exhibition tells the story of the evolution of the wedding dress tracing the development of the the bridal gown over the last two centuries. The exhibition is displayed over two floors with the first displaying the oldest gowns from the 18th century and the mezzanine level showcasing the last 50 years of fashion. 

From 18th century flower sellers to Kate Moss’s 2011 John Galliano dress, The Guardian describes the exhibition as a ‘democratic affair’. The curator of the exhibition Edwina Ehrman wanted the exhibition to involve ordinary people as well as some iconic dresses viewers may have seen before. 

The exhibition runs in chronological order which allows the viewer to see how both weddings and the dresses have evolved over time. As you make your way through the exhibition, alongside many of the dresses, there are photographs and short films giving an insight into the fascinating details of each dress including the bride which wore the dress. The exhibition was curated by Edwina Ehrman and took five years to put together. She explores trends of the times from the drop-waist of the Twenties to the mini dress of the Sixties to the growth of the modern unconventional outfit. 

As I made my way through the exhibition and neared the stairway to the mezzanine I heard the sounds of cheering and church bells. I was greeted by a video of the royal wedding which is projected onto the wall. There was a big crowd gathered round the video of the Duchess of Cambridge dressed in Alexander McQueen on her wedding day which captured the nations heart in 2011. The video felt somewhat nostalgic and evoked a sense of Britishness. 

Throughout the exhibition the history of each dress is highlighted whilst fascinating details about the wearer and their life are revealed. From their circumstances to their fashion choice. I found this particularly interesting, to be able to gain such an intimate insight into what many consider to be one of the most important days of a woman’s life. Many of the modern dresses inspire invention. Dita Von Teese’s purple taffeta Vivienne Westwood gown is a highlight within the exhibition with its tiny wasp waist. 

The exhibition includes some of the most glamorous, romantic and extravagant wedding dresses of all time and is definitely one of my all time favourite exhibitions I've seen at the V&A. See more information here.

Images all courtesy of the V&A Museum.

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DISOBEDIENT OBJECTS EXHIBITION V&A MUSEUM

“The exhibition demonstrates how political activism drives a wealth of design ingenuity and collective creativity that defy standard definitions of art and design"

Yesterday I visited the V&A museum in London to help me with my research for my dissertation. I visited the Disobedient Objects exhibition which is the first to examine the role of powerful objects in movements for social change. The artefacts placed on display throughout the exhibition were not intended as works of art or design - The creators of these objects suggest they were made in response to crisis in the heat of the moment. It seems somewhat ironic to show products of raw protest and political activism within the cultivated surroundings of the V&A.

The exhibition is thought-provoking with the telegraph describing it as “utterly engrossing”. Disobedient objects addresses activist design and as you wander round the one room exhibition you find yourself captivated by the rebellious atmosphere. The exhibition focuses its attention on objects that have played a part in social change and those which continue to do so. Designed to remind visitors of ongoing struggles, heightening the distressing nature of the exhibition. 

Artefacts from around the world are on display throughout the exhibition focusing on the period from the late 1970’s to now, with new technologies and political change rife. From anti-apartheid badges to defaced currency, political video games and textiles bearing witness to political murders.The masked Trini dolls made by the Zapatista movement in Mexico to the gorilla masks worn by art-activist group Guerrilla Girls each item represents social change. As you make your way through the exhibition violent protests are projected onto the walls and you are greeted with instructions on how to make a DIY tear-gas mask. Disobedient Objects addresses activist design aiming to showcase these radical objects telling a harrowing story. I found the exhibition to be hard-hitting, defying the common perception of art and design. The exhibition is running until the 1st February and I'd definitely recommend a visit. Find out more details here.

All photos own images. 

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