Faded Spring

    Being Second Best

    There comes a time in life where you slip into second place and without warning the world you once knew is turned upside down. Because I am second best, always have been and always will be and from the moment I was born my destiny was written. I will always be my mum's second best; I was her mistake the child who was never meant to be born and was dumped at 2.5 years in favor of another man. I will always be my dads first child but first in his affections? I think not, that woman entrapped him into a life of servitude and forced him to forgo his relationship with me because her own children were so much better. Out of the three children that 'E' has I have only met one and even she will have ... read more

    March Recap

    March was one of the hardest months for me, I struggled to keep afloat and the promise of breaking my blogging targets failed at the last hurdle. March started off strong and I was confident that it was going to be the best month so far and it was in some ways. I was approached by big brands and given more sponsored posts than the previous months but my health was on the decline once again. I started off with weeks to spare after scheduling masses of posts in advance but then in the last two weeks of March everything fell apart. I was faced with some personal issues that needed addressing including my health, living arrangement and workload and had a huge surge in the amount of events, work ... read more

    PG Beauty Event

    The scene was set like something out of a James Bond Movie; sumptuous chandeliers hung from high beamed ceilings while the gluttonous gleam of embellished staircases led us into a world of pure decadence. Tiptoeing through the glamorous maze of crystal vases, off-the-wall art installations and Parisian decor the lead up to PG's Beauty Event was far from anti-climatic. Set in a luxurious 1865 building, Piccadilly Circus's Cafe Royal oozes architectural intelligence with a supreme mix of contemporary design and classical architecture. Halfway between 'old school' opulence and modern tech, the high-tech spa and the gilded Louis XIV restaurant and cocktail bar met in perfect harmony. But I ... read more

    The Ultimate Holiday Guide

    I have made it no secret that I have been attacked by the travel bug and have a deep case of wanderlust that only shopping can sate. Dreaming of far flung sun drenched locations and tropical paradises are all part of a Londoners daily daydream and I wish I could escape the rain spattered pavements and step into a world where I can detoxify my reality. The trees would be swaying in the breeze, gently tapping me on the shoulder while the sea waves pool at my feet, a tingling sensation. I would run through fearsome jungles, a chorus of parrots my only companions and dive into the Mediterranean tropics, at one with the rainbow of fishes huddling nearby. I would shield my eyes from the blazing ... read more

    F**king Up

    What does a photo mean to you? A memory caught in the spur of a moment, a thousand captured memories or the chance to reconnect with old faces and remind ourselves of the people we loved and lost, alive or dead. Because when I lost all my photos my heart skipped a beat and I crumbled and fell. It is just a photo you argue but I think otherwise. I had photos with people that I no longer called friends and I wanted to keep because it reminded me of the past. There were photos with people I attempted to build bridges with but no longer wanted to know. It was one of my best friends birthday the other day and all the memories we have shared have been lost. We-or rather she- no longer seems to be ... read more

    The Blogger Hangout Fashion Week

    ' Smoldering embers crackle in delight, sweet citrus scents drifting on by, Creams and potions lined up in a row, soft eager hands ready for inspection,Spotlights flashing upon sumptuous silk, laughter trickling like a delicious melody, All eyes on you, best face forward, pose for the camera-snap,Turn and smile, dripping in unadulterated enthusiasm,Throw that mask into the flames, watch it sizzle and pop,Flames engulf deceit and regurgitate the truth. Life is an act but don't let that act take over your life' Greeted by the soothing scent of citrus, rose and natural soap I entered The Blogger Hangout with my girls in tow, overwhelmed by the stalls begging for my immediate attention. ... read more

    Joe Browns Review

    Like a tropical summers day Joe Browns injects some much needed Vitamin D into British fashion. Inspired by casual days lounging at white sand beaches, the theme is undoubtedly tropical mixing bright colours with floral, leaf and palm frond prints. Sip on your raspberry mojito and drink in the sweet scent of unbridled summer as Joe Brown's S/S 16 collection sashays onto the beach with a warm inviting smile. Bask under the tranquil shade of the palm fronds in your Papagayo inspired dress or jog into the sunset with your Tropical Jersey Trousers. Only Joe Browns can merge that distinctive divide between comfort, style and practicality and pull it off with a simple flick of the wrist. The ... read more

    Spa London: Review

    For the past year I have been suffering with chronic back pain that stems from genetics, bad posture and illness that worsened after I became seriously ill last year. The best way to describe it is thinking of a moth caught in a class jar, the pain is so intense that nothing seems to be able to alleviate it and I know that this is an illness that cannot be cured but temporary relief can be found. So when Spa London contacted me to offer me a treatment of my choice and three hours in the thermal spa I accepted without hesitation. Those who know me describe me as having an 'intense, almost obsessive' work aesthetic and an overarching need to help others rather than look after myself- which is ... read more

    Friday Lookbook: Dungarees

    Having originated in 1792 dungarees have come a long way from its humble beginnings as 'protective' wear for slaves, farmers and manual laborers and was exclusively consigned to men. Today dungarees remain a staple in both men's and women's wardrobes and its unisex appeal is what has kept dungarees as an iconic timeless classic. In the 40's dungarees started generating popularity as women began adopting the 'Rosie Riveter' look which consisted of baggy dungarees with parachute or balloon trousers, saddle shoes and a hair scarf. To keep the look casual a knitted top or button down blouse was layered underneath and the dungaree look was segregated into two camps: sportswear vs workwear. By the ... read more

    Joy Review

    They say British labels are the quirkiest and they are completely right; meet Joy the fashion and lifestyle brand with a passion for challenging fashion norms. Renowned for their innovation of eccentric womenswear, menswear, accessories and gifts the self inscribed 'achingly cool' brand is the go to for quirky yet lovable products. Coinciding with its quirky nature the British label is committed to expressing liberal attitudes to individualism and it is a refreshing ethos to come across. Sartorial vintage flair makes up a large portion of the brands aesthetic while its exclusive approach to marketing an individualistic identity allows Joy to stand out from the mass produced crowd. What's ... read more