NAUTICAL FEELING

Last week I was sent this gorgeous navy, linen dress by Great Plains. I'm in dire need of dresses to wear this summer and I'm absolutely delighted with this little number! Not only is it linen, so very lightweight and cool, but I love the colour and it has a real nautical feel about it. I don't really do the nautical thing, (it reminds me of my former 14-year-old pierced faced, anchor smothered self), but i do like how subtle this is. It's subtle, but I can still picture myself wearing it on a boat, lounging about in the sunshine.... bring on summer I say!


BAG FROM H&M
SHOES BY KURT GEIGER 

NEW SUNGLASSES...

I was recently sent some sunglasses from a company called Zero UV, who have an amazing range of super cool sunglasses all at bargain prices! I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot more of their frames on my blog over the coming summer, but for now, here's a cheeky picture of Matt photographing me taking a selfie in my new shades!

Be sure to check out Zero UV here!

Persian Beauty Secrets From Artist Sadaf Nava: DIY Face Masks to Embracing the Unibrow



If ever you’ve seen Sadaf Nava’s eye-popping performance art and video work, you’ll notice that she’s able to make a huge impact with the most minimal of devices. Whether she’s encasing her body in elastic rubber bands to further a conversation on the manipulation of the female form or dancing in front of her computer screen among a swirl of infrared colors in a lo-fi music video, the New York–based Iranian-Canadian artist, whose work has been featured in the prestigious Performa biennial, has a DIY approach to her craft. And, as it turns out, the same could be said for her beauty routine.

The stunning artist eschews a hairdresser, regular manicures, or the drugstore aisle, instead using her beauty regimen as a chance to connect with herself. From growing out her unibrow and conditioning her enviable mane of curls to whipping up turmeric facial masks passed down to her mother, Nava creates her own magic in the bathroom while bringing her Persian roots into the mix. Here, as Persian New Year kicks off, Nava lets us in on her native beauty secrets.


Take a DIY Approach
I think my family passed along a very DIY ethos [when it comes to beauty]. I don’t go to the hairdresser; I don’t go the nail salon, and I don’t go to the spa. I do it all myself. I think it’s important to know your body, and once you do, you yourself will know what works best. I also get satisfaction from perfecting my own rituals: cutting my own hair, doing my own nails. Another important factor is using natural ingredients. The beauty aisles can be dizzying, and it’s good to keep it simple.

Embrace the Unibrow
I have threaded my eyebrows once or twice, and I never seemed to be able to pick it up! I naturally have a unibrow and hated it when I was a teenager, so I would pluck my eyebrows to oblivion. Even as a kid, I remember I would draw faces without eyebrows—I thought everyone would look better without them! Now in my paintings, the eyebrows are always connected and very prominent and reminiscent of the Persian Safavid era. After age 18, I kept them pretty thick but very groomed, and now I am on my way back to my preadolescent au naturel look and have stopped tweezing them completely! I am trying to bring back the Frida Kahlo–esque unibrow I was born with, and I even darken them with pencil to a point of excess.



Find a Statement Lip Shade
Right now I’m kind of at war with the drugstore, and I always alternate face creams, so there isn’t one brand I love. But makeup is a whole other ballpark: I love drugstore makeup, and Revlon has a lipstick color called Persian Melon—it’s a very Malibu Barbie pink.

Make Your Own Face Masks
My mom makes this mask out of yogurt and henna and honey that is very good. The yogurt cuts the color of the henna so you don’t turn completely orange. But it’s got great benefits—it moisturizes and purifies the skin. I use turmeric now, too; it’s also really popular in India. I use bentonite clay, activated charcoal, honey, and turmeric. Also, baking soda is great for acne.


Line Your Eyes
My favorite look is a winged liner. I always use a liquid eyeliner; felt-tip ones work better for me. I’ve tried Kajal for under the eye; it’s kind of smudgy, so it’s actually great for a smoky look.

Fight Frizz Naturally
My hair is naturally really, really curly. I use an insane amount of leave-in conditioner. Recently I’ve also sprayed it with a mixture of glycerin and water, added a tiny bit of oil—a mix of jojoba, almond, coconut, avocado, and rose hip—and then sealed it with a styling cream.

Exclusive! Introducing Pat McGrath’s New Skin-Transformative Makeup Kit



Voguefans April issue hits newsstands tomorrow, which means plenty more #badgalriri cover story realness—and our exclusive reveal of spring’s most highly anticipated makeup launch. Inside, you’ll get a first look at Skin Fetish 003, the latest offering from Pat McGrath’s innovative Labs concept, which has been churning out coveted products (in even more covetable quantities) since the debut of Gold 001 nearly broke the Internet last fall.

For those who’ve long wondered how to get the otherworldly skin finish—think dewy, luminous, alive—that McGrath has made her signature on set and backstage at the industry’s top runway shows, it may be the makeup legend’s most exciting surprise yet. The new three-piece collection features a dual-ended stick with a creamy illuminator on one side and a nutrient-rich balm on the other that are meant to be layered with fingertips. “The real secret is the system,” says McGrath, who has been keeping said secret confined to unmarked plastic tubs that she has dipped in and out of over the course of her 20-plus-year career to readily dust the Cupid’s bow of lips, cheekbones, and even clavicles with incandescent light. But with artistic elevation—and real-time transparency—at the heart of her Labs initiative, McGrath is finally in a sharing mood.

The components of the kit—which also includes a made-in-Japan blending brush and a glimmering pressed powder available in two shades, Iridescent Pink 003 (a prismatic ivory) and Fine Gold 003 (a pale champagne)—can be used together, or alone. When swept across the high planes of the face or all over the body, they collectively impart a curated shine reminiscent of the ethereal skin McGrath created at Valentino’s recent Fall 2016 show, where she clandestinely first used the product.

“It’s just a fun new way to show women—and men—how to use shimmer,” McGrath explains; it’s also poised to be kind of a big deal. Pat McGrath Labs will produce just 25,000 of the Skin Fetish 003 Kit, which will be available on April 26 at PatMcGrath.com and on May 10 at Sephora.com. Consider this your first calendar reminder.


It's Closet Clean Up Time!

{Photo via The Everygirl}

I am so happy to say that Spring is officially in full swing! Although, you wouldn't know it at the moment here in Maine as I sit here typing this during a Nor'Easter. But I am not sad or even a tiny bit mad. Part of the reason for that might be the fact that I happen to have today off! But the biggest reason I am not upset about this snow storm, is the fact that it is the end of March and the snow won't last long. You know what today is a good day for? A good closet clean up!


So, what is step one in cleaning out your closet you ask? Step one is coming to the realization that you don't need all that "stuff" to be happy. Believe me, you will be much happier when you don't have all that clutter that you never wear out of your sight. If you have multiple closets, just focus on one at a time. 


Step two in cleaning out your closet is actually taking each piece out and talking to it. Ask it the following questions:


"Do you fit and flatter my body?"

"Have I worn you in the past year?" 

"Are you in style and do you currently represent my style?"

"Are you damaged, and if so will I actually make the effort to repair you?"

"If I was out shopping right now, would I buy you?"

"Do I feel confident when I wear you?"

"Do you make me feel super fantastic when I put you on?"


If you answered yes to these seven questions, then you keep it! I understand that some things in your closet have sentimental value, such as your old prom dress or that outfit you wore on your first date with the love of your life. You should definitely keep those! Just take them out of your closet and store them in an area that you don't open up every day. You will be less confused when you are getting dressed if you have less in your sight.

So, now you have a huge pile of things that don't make you feel great when you put them on, right? What do you do with them? If you have some great pieces, but they just don't work for you anymore, you might want to consider selling them on Poshmark. If you have some high-end expensive name brand items that don't work for you any longer, you might want to consider selling those pieces on Tradesy. I personally would stay away from e-bay. E-bay is tough to sell used clothing and accessories on. You have a much better chance of actually selling your things on Poshmark or Tradesy because they specialize in fashion, whereas on e-bay you can sell anything and everything including the kitchen sink. But no matter what site you choose to list your items on, this does take some time. You can't possibly get it all done in one day especially if you have a ton of stuff. You might want to set a goal yourself to list 10 items at a time whenever you have an hour to spare. Poshmark and Tradesy make it easy for you to list your items using your smartphone. Just download the Poshmark and Tradesy apps and you can take photos of your items with your phone and list them from your phone using the apps! It's actually pretty fun once you get going.

So, obviously, you must have some items that you cleaned out from your closet that are not worth a darn. Clothing that is a bit faded and/or maybe a bit pilled should be donated to a charity of your choice. Clothing that has holes in it could be used as rags or recycled. 

Once you clean out your closet, it's time to re-evaluate what you have and what you don't have. This might be a great time to update your wardrobe a bit! Here are a few of my favorite updated items for Spring 2016!



THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

Last weekend was bloody lovely! I spent Saturday styling and art directing a sci fi themed photoshoot - I was working with some fab designer pieces and the team was great so I can't wait to show you the finished images! I had a quiet night in with Matt that evening, watching Green Wing and editing photos, then on Sunday morning the weather was so beautiful that we decided to go to Springfield Park for a picnic!

These photos were taken by the canal in Clapton - I was wearing vintage high waist shorts with a Cure tee that I bought from a vintage shop in Southampton YEARS ago. I really should update my t-shirt collection.



After our picnic we went for a walk before I headed to Meroretro for a little blogger's event organised by the lovely Julia of Stylonylon. It was a wonderful afternoon, I will be sure to get some photos up for you soon. Have a great weekend everyone!

The Best Fashion Instagrams of the Week: Zendaya Is Officially a Tommy Girl!

Andreea Diaconu
Photo: Courtesy of Andreea Diaconu / Instagram @andreeadiddy

Alisa Ueno
Photo: Courtesy of Alisa Ueno / Instagram @alisaueno

Josephine Skriver
Photo: Courtesy of Josephine Skriver / Instagram @josephineskriver

Photo: Courtesy of Chloë Sevigny / Instagram @chloessevigny

BIANCA BRANDOLINI D'ADDA
Photo: Courtesy of Bianca Brandolini / Instagram @1bianca_brandolini
 Lola Jacobs
Photo: Courtesy of Lola Jacobs / Instagram @loljacobs

Folasade Adeoso
Photo: Courtesy of Folasade Adeoso / Instagram @lovefola

Paloma Elsesser
Photo: Courtesy of Paloma Elsesser / Instagram @palomija

Patricia Manfield
Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Manfield / Instagram @patriciamanfield

Zendaya
Photo: Courtesy of Zendaya / Instagram @zendaya
As her turn at Paris Fashion Week proved, Zendaya is quickly becoming America’s most stylish sweetheart. And this week the new face of CoverGirl made it official with a customized red, white, and blue bomber from another American fashion icon, Tommy Hilfiger. Dressed in the outerwear staple of fashion insiders, the “Something New” singer and rising style star took to the ’gram to let her followers know she was “feeling herself a little bit.” The perennially chic Chloë Sevigny was also into her look this week, and selfie’d it up before hitting the Art Production Fund gala in New York wearing a diaphanous pastel ombré ruffled Gucci gown.

Across the waters at an event in Marrakech, Bianca Brandolini D’Adda glittered in a cream beaded floor-length Elie Saab gown and matching satin duster that complemented the mosaic tiled hallway in the background. This while model Paloma Elsesser slipped into something a bit more “cozy,” with her “minty fresh” Richardson World tracksuit next to her friend video director Grace Ladoja in London.

Suki Waterhouse Proves That Festival Girl Prints Look Best With Cool Kicks

Suki Waterhouse


As the East Coast braces itself for a winter storm, spring is in full bloom over in California. Suki Waterhouse, who was spotted out in Los Angeles earlier today, is certainly taking full advantage of the glorious SoCal weather. The 24-year-old actress and model was wearing a flirty summer dress by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini that was covered in a charming mirco-floral print. Blossoming patterns like these have been a recurring motif on the runways, with subtly flower-powered looks showing up at Alexander McQueen, Etro, and Gucci.

With its pussy-bow neckline and print-on-print aesthetic, there’s a late-’70s appeal to Waterhouse’s frock—worn with pristine white plimsolls, though, and the outfit has modern verve. Retro-inspired Gentle Monster Wayfarer shades and a simple shoulder bag complete the festival-girl-in-the-city look, just in time for Coachella.

The Complete Cheater’s Guide to Spring-Cleaning Your Face

The Complete Cheater’s Guide to Spring-Cleaning Your Face

Beautycounter Charcoal Cleansing Bar
Beautycounter Charcoal Cleansing Bar
Price $24 

beautycounter.com

Caolion Hot & Cool Pore Foam Cleansing Duo
Caolion Hot & Cool Pore Foam Cleansing Duo
Price $24 

sephora.com

Clarisonic Mia Fit
Clarisonic Mia Fit
Price $189 

sephora.com

Clinique Sonic System Massaging Treatment Applicator
Clinique Sonic System Massaging Treatment Applicator
Price $35 

sephora.com

Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs
Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs
Price $65 

barneys.com

Dr. Jart+ Pore Master Patch
Dr. Jart+ Pore Master Patch
Price $8 

sephora.com

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm
Price $45 

sephora.com

Givenchy Mister Scrub Lip Smoothing Exfoliator
Givenchy Mister Scrub Lip Smoothing Exfoliator
Price $31 

sephora.com

Ildi Pekar Hungarian Thermal Mud
Ildi Pekar Hungarian Thermal Mud
Price $98 

ildipekar.com

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash
Price $38 

katesomerville.com

Origins By All Greens Foaming Deep Cleansing Mask
Origins By All Greens Foaming Deep Cleansing Mask
Price $36 

sephora.com
If the arrival of the sunny season also has you longing for a brighter complexion this month, you’re in luck. Spring-cleaning is now a full-blown skin-care affair, with an arsenal of smart products offering the kind of deep-clean satisfaction more commonly granted by KonMari-ing your closet.

Next-generation exfoliating scrubs—like New York dermatologist David Colbert’s slim, disc-sized miracle pads or L.A. facialist Kate Somerville’s potent lactic- and glycolic-acid cleanser—remove layers of impurities (without overstripping) for a proverbial fresh slate. Likewise, gentle lip treatments, such as Givenchy Mister Scrub Lip Smoothing Exfoliator, prime your canvas for a range of Pop Art–bright shades.

Post-cleanse, Clinique’s Sonic System Massaging Treatment Applicator uses sonic vibrations to help serums penetrate more deeply beneath the epidermis while boosting circulation for a healthy glow. From an elevated pore strip to a facialist-approved thermal mud mask, these 11 products will press reset on your skin.

The Best Bad-Girl Beauty Movies of All Time

Amanda Seyfried, Lindsay Lohan, and Lacey Chabert in Mean Girls
Amanda Seyfried, Lindsay Lohan, and Lacey Chabert in Mean Girls

Anne Bancroft in The Graduate
Anne Bancroft in The Graduate

Ashley Benson, Vanessa Hudgens, Rachel Korine, and Selena Gomez in Spring Breakers
Ashley Benson, Vanessa Hudgens, Rachel Korine, and Selena Gomez in Spring Breakers

Ava Gardner in The Killers
Ava Gardner in The Killers
Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road
Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road

Demi Moore in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle
Demi Moore in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle

Emma Watson in The Bling Ring
Emma Watson in The Bling Ring

Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde
Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde

Gene Tierney in Laura
Gene Tierney in Laura

Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction
Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction

Greta Garbo in Mata Hari
Greta Garbo in Mata Hari

Honor Blackman in Goldfinger
Honor Blackman in Goldfinger

Isabella Rossellini in Blue Velvet
Isabella Rossellini in Blue Velvet

Julie Benz, Rebecca Gayheart, and Rose McGowan in Jawbreaker
Julie Benz, Rebecca Gayheart, and Rose McGowan in Jawbreaker

Juliette Lewis in Natural Born Killers
Juliette Lewis in Natural Born Killers

Kathleen Turner in Body Heat
Kathleen Turner in Body Heat

Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface
Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface

Pam Grier in Coffy
Pam Grier in Coffy

Patricia Arquette in True Romance
Patricia Arquette in True Romance

Rachel True, Neve Campbell, and Fairuza Balk in The Craft
Rachel True, Neve Campbell, and Fairuza Balk in The Craft

Rooney Mara in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Rooney Mara in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct
Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct

Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis in Thelma & Louise
Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis in Thelma & Louise

Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction
Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction

Winona Ryder in Heathers
Winona Ryder in Heathers
This week, it was confirmed that Heathers will be made into a television series, inspiring us to revisit the cult 1988 film and its girl gang of four—particularly Winona Ryder’s Veronica character, who, with a swingy bob, just-pinched cheeks, and powerful glare, is foreboding from the moment she steps on-screen. In spite of her nice-girl past, it’s an infallible beauty equation that means trouble. “Do I look like Mother Teresa?” asks Kim Walker, who plays the film’s meanest Heather. No offense to Mother Teresa, but she doesn’t. In fact, a look back at film classics proves that no bad girls do. We already know the Heathers will destroy everything in their path, because if hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, the world knows no trouble like a woman who understands her allure.

Pam Grier’s hourglass waistline (in Coffy) and Sharon Stone’s mile-long limbs (in Basic Instinct) help them appear so heavenly that they seem incapable of the havoc they wreak. It’s a tactic that makes Spring Breakers so unsettling: How could bikini-clad, blowout-touting pretty young things ever rob or kill? But beware of a woman who is beautiful enough to get what she wants, Emma Watson nonverbally warns in The Bling Ring as she applies another layer of lip gloss—because she will take it. It only requires a few sunny highlights for Anne Bancroft to cleverly distract from her character’s darkness in The Graduate, and an optimistic swipe of pink lipstick to make Susan Sarandon look like she’s on the right side of the law in Thelma & Louise. Here, a look back at 26 women who prove that while good girls may go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere—and look unapologetically fantastic while they’re at it.

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