Sunday 28 October 2012

iCandy networking event.

To represent the fashion editor of Flavour magazine, I was invited along to a networking event being held at iCandy studios earlier this week in South London.

At this event I got to liaise with a whole load of media professionals. This included photographers, models, makeup artists, hair stylists...all different types of creatives. I was dropped in the midst of all these professionals, and being someone who would someday like to become one of them and work with them, I wanted to gain some knowledge.

I got an insight on what it is like to work with different publications, what models are like on sets, what a creative director really does, and just generally how the minds of these people worked. It is a very competitive industry to be in, and who you know as well as what you can bring to the table is very important. I spoke to a lot of people and shared with them what I have learnt from being on the edge of the industry looking for a way to get in.
Being a writer and an aspiring journalist, I found myself as one of a kind at this event, no-one there like myself. I shared what I knew, described my vision, and gave people advice on blogging. This was weird to me as I am the one normally looking for advice on how to or whether to do something. Blogging is something that I would like to use an aid to support what I wish to do with my life, and it was a nice and positive experience to share this with others.

As this was my first time attending any event of its kind, I found this to be an excellent experience and I look forward to attending many, many more.
To make this post a tad more interesting, I did take a few (crappy) pictures from the day for you to take a glimpse at:

 

Please do click the links above to check out the magazine and also to view information about the studio. 

Ever been to an event like this? What did you learn?


Hope you enjoyed your extra hours sleep, and have an epic Sunday.

I write a lot, jayj x.


 

Thursday 25 October 2012

essie - 'first base' base coat.

Another nail related post...apologies!
This has been a long time coming, but I wanted to review this base coat that I bought a little while back as it is the first base coat that I have ever stuck to using.

essie - 'first base' base coat {tk maxx £4.99 sale}


I have never been one to religiously use a base coat every time I paint my nails and that is mostly due to laziness. I did not go out specifically looking for one, but when I came across this essie one at TK Maxx, I had to grab it (I’m such a sucker for sale items!).

Since I have bought it, I have used it every single time before I apply my nail polish so that I could properly analyse the difference between the results. I instantly noticed three awesome things about it: 

it dries ridiculously quickly. – in this way you don’t need to apply your base coat then wait a minute for it to dry. I find that as soon as I’m done with both my hands I can instantly go ahead and start with my nail colour.
it does not leave your nails shiny. – unlike a top coat, it does not leave a glossy finish. As it dries, it appears as if there is nothing on your nails. It does still leave a smooth surface to apply polish on to…so no gloss is a plus.
it is incredibly lightweight. – it is not like a regular clear polish so it is not as thick as one. It is light and it doesn’t affect the amount of layers of polish that is to go on afterwards.

In terms of lasting power, I did not find that it made my nail polish last a whole lot longer (probably because I change my nail polish so frequently), but I did find that my nail polish did not chip as easily along with the help of my top coat.

Mostly because I have bought it now, I will continue to use this base coat as it has now become part of my nail routine…but I’m always on the search for a new and better brand.

Do you use or know of any good base coats? Do you find that it makes a difference or do you think it is a waste of time?

the nail painter, jayj x.

 

Sunday 21 October 2012

quick nail post #4.

Sorry guys...another one!

I've actually gone a bit mad with my nails this past week. I blame it on buying new polishes from the Barry M stand. Seriously, check it out...the glitter and gelly nail polishes are amazing!
Here we have yet another concoction of nail polishes that I have put together to make different effects. I find that putting one coat of a nail polish that is quite sheer on top of an opaque one can make nice, unique results. 

Enjoy!

 angelica (primark) - palma violet {coated with barry M - silvery lilac} / seche vite top coat / essie - case study / rimmel london pro matte finish

I'm also going through a stage with my nails where I am trying to look after them a bit more. This includes the actual nail and the skin around it. If you know any products that are good for that, then please do let me know, I love your recommendations :)


Nail fiend, jayj x.

Tuesday 16 October 2012

quick nail post #3.

barry M gelly hi shine - watermelon / angelica (primark) - palma violet {coated with barry M - silvery lilac} / seche vite top coat


I just realised...apparently, I love greens on my nails. Apologies for the flash.

Enjoy, jayj x.

Friday 12 October 2012

a london fashion weekend haul.

I know it took me a long time, but I am finally uploading my London Fashion Weekend haul! There is a mix of things that were free (or gifted) and things that I bought. I'm so glad that I've finally been and it is definitely something I would like to experience again. You get access to all these designer brands at a discount...and the best thing, you get to just soak up the environment with incredibly fascinating fashionistas like yourself.

Enjoy!

 mulberry tote* - elizabeth arden gentle hydrating cream / compeed / colgate max white one / label. m sea salt spray / lavazza coffee / jean paul gaultier LE diet coke / velvet aloe vera tissues / shopstyle compact mirror / tanning mitt
elle* - benefit badgal lash mascara / benefit lookin' to rock rita EDT
booklets/brochures from the day.
 totes from the day* - aubin & wills / mulberry / my daily presents
 aubin & wills tote* - nail polish (aubin red) / black tights 
 my flashtrash grey (LONDON) and purple (TOKYO) bracelets - £15 each
john galliano bag - £149


better late than never, right? jayj x.



Monday 8 October 2012

winter wants - fashion and accessories.

So as we settle into the season, there are some old and new finds that I am currently obsessing over that I thought I'd share with you. I say old because some have been lurking around the internet and trending for a while now and I just jumped on the bandwagon...and there are some new releases that I have been drooling over.

So...here we go!


pu biker jacket / house of harlow necklace / swarovski bangle / OBEY beanie / dripping CC tee /
DM aggy creepers / unif hellraisers / dogtooth wallet / studded shopper / denim shirt / dkny watch


So what have you got your eye on anything this season? Bought anything recently?

saving :), jayj x.

Tuesday 2 October 2012

october 'she said beauty' box - hit or miss?

So it has literally only been a few days since I posted my review on the September 'She Said Beauty' box, and the October box arrived at my door today.
Across twitter and facebook there have been a lot of mixed reviews on the contents of the box this month...so what are your views?

*SPOILER*
Peep the photo to see what came in the box.

biao beauty night creme / myvitamins / palmer's cocoa butter / amy childs by Jigsaw ESL / b.liv off with those heads / cellnique bio renewal masque


So...what do you think?

I await your comments, jayj x.