My Top Photo Editing Apps

We are a generation of picture takers, and 9 times out of ten we're using our phones, not a traditional camera. From our faces to our dinner, with the emergence of Instagram our phones take pictures of practically every moment of our lives. So we might as well make sure they'e good. 

There are so many apps available with a variety of settings and filters, however some are more advanced and professional than others. So I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourites. 

Instagram - Seems a bit of an obvious one, but I thought it was worth a mention simply for its recent update, otherwise it's only mention would be the one above. I still don't use Instagram's editing tools that often because of the other apps I have, but since the recent update, I've noticed that the filters are a lot more subtle and their editing settings are precise and more specific with more options. 

Photo Editor Pro - I like the HD Enhance option for the camera, however the filters are a bit too dramatic. Custom crops are always handy, especially if you are planning to upload it to Instagram later. Features the typical editing functions as well as the ability to draw and add text to your pictures. There aren't  many face editing options, but the less of those we can use the better I think. For editing this is easy and quick, but I wouldn't use it's camera option.  

Photoshop Express - The filters on this app are more subtle and realistic. As well as the usual editing features, you can also control clarity, vibrancy, noise reduction and shadows. For face editing, you've got red eye and blemish removal, and a large variety of frames for decoration purposes. The camera settings for this app are quite high tech, with Night and Panoramic features as well as the classic HDR, which I feel is a must when using an app to take pictures. 

Litely - The camera tools that come with this app are very basic, and there's nothing extraordinary about the editing features either. Just your standard tools. However this is a must have if you like your filters and add-ons. With a variety of filters, from vintage and black and whites to a range of temperatures, as well as kitsch stickers and borders, flares, shapes, and frames, you can turn a picture of your cat into an emoji masterpiece with a cherry on-top. 

VSCO Cam - This is one of my favourites. When using the camera option, pinching out on the screen allows you to control both exposure and focus, which is so useful. It helps you to create clear and bright pictures in environments of bad lighting. There's a small but concise selection of filters but it's much better to create your own using the good range of editing settings which are subtle but it's so easy to get the desired effect you're looking for. This is my go-to for Instagram pics. 

A Better Camera - Kinda does what it says on the tin. This is a smart little app to have if your camera isn't performing the way you want it too, or if it's just not that great. I'm not saying this app will ram it up to DSLR quality, but it will allow you to control white balance, focus and exposure. It doesn't sound like a lot, but these three things can make a massive difference. 

Snapseed - This app has a lot of good and effective features that enable you to select specific areas of the picture on which you can edit individually, which is really handy, but whoever created it has made it really fiddly to use and there's a lot of tapping and swiping involved. If you're patient this could probably be a really clever little app for you and your pictures. 

Afterlight - I've only recently just added this to my collection, and I wish I'd known about it sooner. The camera's pretty average but it's the editing features that make it worthwhile. The variety available doesn't differ greatly from VSCO cam, but I find them to be clearer and crisper. As a result your pictures look bright and fresh, and the colours are vibrant. 

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My Defense and Praise of Sia's 'Elastic Heart' Video

I'm just as angry as you, buddy. 

With everything that's happening in Paris and the massive support for the Je Suis Charlie campaign, freedom of speech and creative freedom are very much up for discussion at the moment.

The topic of creative freedom was at the forefront of my mind when I read that Sia had publicly apologised for her 'Elastic Heart' music video, as it triggered outrage among many who saw the video as paedophilic.

I had watched the video just moments after it was released, and was moved to hysterical tears by the raw emotion on show and the story that the incredible choreography brought to life.

Now I've been fascinated by dance for as long as I can remember. Not the most rhythmic of people, I resort to watching programmes like So You Think You Can Dance and contemporary choreography on Youtube to get my fix. So you could say that I have a better understanding than most of the dance industry and contemporary dance so as not to get sucked in by the outrage towards this video. However if you did say that, I'd strongly disagree with you.

I really don't think it takes an inside knowledge of contemporary dance to understand it. I think it simply takes an open mind to the idea that a grown man and a young girl can exist in the same space and create art without it being sullied by society's over-sexualised minds.

Anyone who is remotely involved in anything creative and artistic knows that the meaning of that creative something cannot be found by taking it at face value. You have to look underneath the surface. Ask yourself what it could mean. Analyse. That's the beauty of art. The interpretations of it's meanings are endless. But to see a grown man and a young girl performing contemporary dance together and come up with paedophilia is down right ignorant as far as I'm concerned.

All these people have done is projected their own unease and have proved how sexualised and paranoid we've become as a society if we can look at a young girl and an older man in flesh coloured clothing and before the dancing has even started assume that sex is on the cards.

The pair, through dance, portray a variety of emotions whilst playing 'two warring Sia self states'. Obviously I'm not saying everyone should have assumed that was the story behind the dance. When I first saw it I interpreted it as a father and daughter's turbulent relationship as the father battles depression, and if you look at the not so stupid Youtube comments, you'll see a variety of interpretations of the emotions they play out, but sexuality IS NOT one of them.

The word 'paedophile' has been thrown around way too loosely in this whole fiasco, and it is severely damaging, not only to the creative world, but to society's view of sex.

In this scenario, we're getting up in arms about something completely harmless, whilst girls younger than Maddie Ziegler are subjected to explicit sexual content every single day, and that's just from watching MTV. I opened up a fashion catalogue the other day to find the girls in the pre-teen section smothered in make-up. THAT is more sexually suggestive than prancing around with Shia Labeouf. 

The nude clothing... it seemed to be the catalyst for all this, when in fact, for people who don't have sex on the brain, it's a very clever mechanism. It enables us to focus on the emotions in the face, not the body. OK Maddie and Shia are using their body a lot for the dance, but it's only to emphasise what their face is saying. Watch the video again, and this time, don't take your eyes off their faces. There may be a few dance moves - squats or contortion of the hips - that could be interpreted as sexual, but if you match it with the facial expressions and notice the pain, the frustration, the hurt, you'll see how the body is only assisting the face in it's emotional display.  

These flesh toned outfits don't emphasise flesh. They just show the human form at its purest. In fact all sexual elements have been stripped away. There's no emphasis on any particular part of the body. There's no shapes or colours to distract.  If you strip away the physicality of a human you are only left with emotions. 

But I guess the only dance moves the majority of us can connect with nowadays is a twerk here and a grind there. Maybe sex is the only language we speak in today's society. We're exposed to the human form in a sexual context every single day, whether it's a perfume advert, a music video or a period drama, and it's tainted us, for when we see the human form performing in a way we can't quite understand, sex is the only thing that can make it make sense. 

And it's such  a shame, because we're missing out on something beautiful. 

As for Sia's apology, well, I was slightly disappointed. She said “I anticipated some ‘paedophilia!!!’ cries for this video. All I can say is Maddie and Shia are two of the only actors I felt could play these two warring ‘Sia self states’” adding that her intention was to “create some emotional content, not to upset anybody”. 

I understand her apologising for triggering any bad memories of childhood trauma among some people, and we all sympathise with them, but they were a small majority. I feel an apology only allows the misinterpretation and sexualisation of a sexless piece of art to continue, tarnishing the work as 'the paedophilic video Sia had to apologise for.' 

Oh, and just something for everyone to think about - Maddie Ziegler danced in the exact same way, wearing the same nude-coloured costume in Chandelier, and there were no cries of sexualisation then. So does that mean Shia Labeouf is the issue here? If it were an older woman dancing with her, would the video have been accepted for the beautiful piece of choreography that it is? Are we now at a place in society where an older man performing with a younger girl equals sex abuse, but an older woman performing with a younger girl equals art? 

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What I Got For Christmas

Almost three weeks later, and I finally have all my Christmas presents. I wanted to do this 'What I Got for Christmas' post a lot earlier, but a heavy-handed courier and a fragile present meant I had to put it on hold for a bit *shakes fist and hopes the courier feels my disgruntlement* My main presents this year were Foo Fighters tickets for me and the rest of the family, and my trip to Prague (which I've probably bored you to death with by now), but I still got some pretty awesome presents from family, friends and the boyfriend which I thought I'd share. It might give you some nifty gift ideas for any sneaky post-Christmas birthdays that might be coming up.

You've probably picked up from my Outfit of the Day posts that I like to revel in the dark side every now and then. But my love of the Gothic doesn't stop at fashion, and judging by this present from the boyfriend, he's picked up on it. I've got a real morbid curiosity when it comes to taxidermy and the creative ways in which they can become pieces of art. This is a brilliant example. I don't know where the boyfriend found them, but I know they're handmade. I actually want a headpiece like that for myself. This was the 'fragile present' that the courier broke, so the seller offered to send replacement, but the boyfriend's mum (bless her) sat down and glued back together the other one, so now I have two. You can find things similar all over the internet. Etsy is probably a good place to start. 

 Because of the courier incident, the boyfriend wanted me to have something to open, so he got me these goodies. If you haven't tried these spreads, throw your New Year diet to one side and dive in. They're worth it. I also have a massive penchant for sour sweets (my poor teeth), so even though my diet started a week ago, it might have to go on hold while I demolish these. 

 Word's got around that I do a spot of baking every now and then. So I was incredibly grateful to get these baking bits. The Bake Off book is incredible. Not only does it have some of the signature bakes from the actual show, but interviews with last year's contestants. And I don't know how I ever coped without silicone cupcake cases. What a brilliant idea. 

 For me, beautie tidbits are always well received. Everyone loves a bit of Soap & Glory. They're definitely one of my staple beauty brands. With the amount of moisturisers I've accumulated over the years I should be slippin' and slidin' off everything. 

 You've probably seen this Rebel Ocean ring popping up in a few of my Outfit of the Day posts recently. I think I've worn it everyday since I opened it. And to go with it, the boyfriend's mum also got me two little ring holders in the shape of a cat and dog. My lovely friend Chloe also got me a stunning pink and black sequin nail varnish from Urban Outfitters. I've never tried their nail varnish's before, but this one is right up my street. 

 PUG SOCKS! My stash of Pug and Alice in Wonderland paraphernalia is forever growing. I do love the artwork on this Alice in Wonderland mug. It's so unique and it's nice to have something with a character other than Alice / the Mad Hatter on. I was so grateful for the slippers and make-up bag. I was getting quite sick of cold toes and make-up spilling out from every nook and cranny. I also thing the cheeky bottle of Sailor Jerry's in the background is a perfect filler for the mug. 

 Speaking of make-up, I think I now own every single piece of the Colour Couture collection. These are a mixture of nail and make-up kits that I' m hoping to review in the near future. I should be a nail art novice by the time I've finished. 

These are some of my favourite presents, simply because of the memories they'll create. On the left are tickets to a Jack the Ripper Secret London Walking Tour. Again, my morbid curiosity squealed with excitement. I'm fascinated with the twists and turns of the Jack the Ripper case, so to actually explore areas in London that are related to the crimes will be so interesting. 

To say the boyfriend did well this year is an understatement. He also got me tickets to Les Enfants Terrible's Alice's Adventures Underground, which is an immersive theatre event. SO.EXCITED. I've been to an immersive theatre event before and I will never forget it. I'm so intrigued to see how they do this. 

Last but most certainly not least, my grandparents got me and my mum tickets to see Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands at Milton Keynes theatre. I'm in love with Matthew Bourne. I've already seen his Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake and they were stunning. He's known for his contemporary adaptations which are played out to the original score's, so it will be magical hear Danny Elfman's score in a theatre environment. 

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My Favourite Blogs

Inspiration. Where would us bloggers be without it? Blogging is a universe in which everyone is inspired to inspire. As a result, we all have a selection of blogs that press our creative buttons. I thought I'd share some of my faves with you, cause I'm nice like that! 

*A few blogs fit into multiple categories. Let's just say they're all singing all dancing*

(From Witchy Winter Walks - OOTD) 

 Fashion / Style

Zoe London

Le-Happy

Helen Anderz

Amy Valentine

Fashionicide

Peachjin

Travel Size Supermodel

Hannah Louise F

Kayla Hadlington

llymlrs

The Blvck Sheep

Jacq Boulton 

Sophie Hannah Richardson

I Dress Myself

Lulu Trixabelle

Becca Rose

Alien Creaturex

Don't worry, the other categories aren't this long. When it comes to personal style and fashion, I could have an infinite number of inspirational sources. Styling possibilities are endless in my eyes, so the more on-trend eye candy I can absorb the better. I also think the style range among these is quite vast and varied. For example, I see Zoe London as the alt girl with mermaid hair and a wardrobe that exudes rock 'n' roll, whilst Hannah Louise F is understated elegance with a grunge twist. Then there's Kayla Hadlington whose fashion closely resembles the inside of a packet of Love Hearts. If you haven't heard of or seen Luanna Perez from Le-Happy, then you're seriously missing out. I want every single item of clothing she's photographed herself wearing. She also makes me miss my fiery dip-dye. 

(From Christmas Party Nails)

Beauty

Zoe London

Helen Anderz

In The Frow

Leanne Lim Walker

Fashionicide

Shivon Makeup Biz

Insamazement

Lily Pebbles 

She Might Be Loved

I only really started to get into beauty when I started writing product reviews, which was about 2 years ago now, so quite a late bloomer. These ladies know their way around an eyeshadow palette, and helped me deal with the overwhelming labyrinth that is highlighting, contours, CC creams and god knows what else. Zoe London is always creating grunge eye looks and is a girl after my own heart when it comes to a crazy coloured lip! She Might Be Loved and her contouring skills leave me in awe every time and Lily Pebbles makes the best tutorials. 

(From Very.co.uk Party In Style Event)

Lifestyle

Zoe London

The Beauty Crush

The Briar Rose Blog

The Goodowl

Coco's Tea Party

I find the term 'Lifestyle' quite vague for a blogging category, but if you follow these 6, you'll have every aspect covered. I always go to Zoe London for restaurants in London, and the Beauty Crush because, well, she has a French Bulldog and I'm a bit obsessed. The Briar Rose Blog is the place for crafts and Cosplay (handmade costumes are THE BEST). From home decor to films and nights out, in these bloggers you should trust. 

(From Eurostars David Hotel, Prague)

Travel

Zoe London

Girl Vs Globe

Travelettes

Just the other day I had my travel hat on when writing my post Wanderlust: Places I Want to Visit. And that desire to explore never goes away when you follow these guys. Travelletes is for the stylish backpacker, covering everything from city breaks to festivals, whilst Girl vs Globe's adventures will make you want to pack your bags, step out you front door and never look back. 

(From Dishoom, London - The Trendy, Budget Friendly Indian Restaurant)

Food
Cook Books and Poetry

Le Creme De La Crumb

Everyone loves a bit of food porn. I found Cook Books and Poetry on Instagram first, and then her blog, which I became glued to. Not only are her concoctions healthy and delectable, but they're works of art. You'll have to see it to truly understand where I'm coming from. Le Creme De La Crumb came into my life via Pinterest when me and Gabbie were looking for inspiration for our Christmas baking session. 80% of the recipes that came up were from there, and it's now a corner of the internet I venture to for goodies. 

(from Bohemian Pinterest-Worthy Weddings)

Misc.

Rock n Roll Bride

I Love Crafty

Zoe London

Zoe London is here again for a specific reason: her personal posts. The notion of the personal is one thing that's slowly getting lost in the world of blogging, and this girl keeps it real. Her words are on a encouraging and strong. Let's just say she's put a few smiles on my face on a not so smiley day. 

Not planning on getting married any time soon, but there's nothing wrong with doing a little research. I've always known my wedding will be a little bit unconventional, but I could never quite define how. If you're the same, Rock n Roll Bride features the best in Pinterest-worthy, alternative weddings and they're all stunning. The blog has actually just recently released the first issue of its magazine, which you can pick up in most newsagents, 

I discovered I Love Crafty when I joined the Great Blogger Bake-Off. She organised the whole thing and her bakes were like something out of a Disney film.  Not only does she make and sell her own jewellery (which is adorable), but she's obsessed with mermaids. Who isn't?

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Wanderlust: Places I Want to Visit

(Caulonia, Italy)

So with Christmas and New Year out the way, and the dull month of January to face, we're all sick of Winter and are lustily looking ahead to the Summer months, dreaming of a holiday. Some of you may have even got a cheeky deal in the January sales. If so, I salute you. 

The above emotions, mixed with the cliche 'New Year, New Me' mentality means a lot of us seem to go through a stage right about now of Wanderlust. Wanting to get away, experience something new or tick some things of the ol' bucket list. 

In the last two years, I've been lucky enough to travel to Rome, Caulonia (Calabria, Italy) and Prague, and make some amazing memories that I'll never forget. But now I've got the bug. I wanna go EVERYWHERE. 

So I thought I'd share with you my Wanderlust list. Having it down in physical list form actually makes me more determined to start travelling and ticking places off, and hopefully it will inspire you to make your own list!

(The pictures are from the places mentioned above. Didn't want to use stock pictures, and if I had pictures for each continent, I wouldn't really need to write this post)

(Prague)

Europe

+ Ireland

+Scotland

+Paris

+Barcelona

+Lisbon

+Bruges

+Amsterdam

+Berlin

+Austria

+Croatia

+Greece

+Cyprus

I won't go into detail about every single one, but there are some specific reasons behind my choices. I'd love to go to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and go to the Louvre in Paris. 

I went to Barcelona when I was about 14 with the school, but I'd love to go now that I'm older, and explore it for myself.

 I'm pretty sure anyone who has seen the film In Bruges wants to visit Bruges. 

I've seen some amazing pictures of the street art in Berlin, and I've also discovered an amazing tattooist there (Minervas Linda) so I hope to save up, do some sight-seeing and get a tattoo. As you do. 

I HAVE to go to Greece / Cyprus. I'm half Greek Cypriot! I've never been, I don't speak the language and I don't like olives. I'm a failure of a Greek right now, and I'm hoping to amend at least one of those (I've tried to make myself like olives. It's not happening). 

(Caulonia, Italy)

North America

+San Francisco 

+Mexico

+Cuba

I've never really been that attracted to the US as a place for travelling. I don't know why. There just isn't much about it that appeals to me as much as the other places on my list. Except San Francisco. It's going to sound lame, but I think George of the Jungle has a lot to do with this. The trams, hills and Golden Gate Bridge made it look quite European and magical to me as a kid. 

I've watched Breaking Bad and Man on Fire, but I still wanna go! Why? THE FOOD! When I discovered Tomasina Miers (Winner of Masterchef 2005 and owner of Wahaca) and her restaurant was inspired by the street food she ate whilst travelling in Mexico, it instantly went on my list. 

As for Cuba, it's a country stuck in the 1950s. Sold!

(Caulonia, Italy)

South America

+Brazil
+Peru

I want to go to Brazil for the Amazon rainforest more than anything else. It's not just another place on my list. Going to the Amazon and maybe visiting some wildlife sanctuaries is a dream of mine. 
Why Peru? Llamas of course!

(Prague)

Africa

+South Africa
+Egypt
+Madagascar
+Kenya

The reasoning behind the majority of these places is animal related. Another one of my dreams is to go cage diving with great white sharks (they're just misunderstood!) and after doing a bit of research, it seems South Africa is the best place for it. 
Both Madagascar and Kenya are famous for their wildlife reserves (e.g the Masai Mara), and seeing some of the most beautiful animals this plant has to offer in their natural habitat would be something that would stay with me forever. 
 I was fascinated by the Ancient Egyptians as a kid, and still am to an extent. One thing Rome taught me is you can never predict how you're going to feel seeing things of such historical significance. It's really quite moving. 

(Rome)

Asia

+India
+Indonesia
+Japan
+Thailand
+Vietnam

Food and scenery are the main reasons behind these particular choices. I don't think the Asian food we have here in the UK is even remotely close to the actual authentic cuisines. From what I've seen on the internet and cooking shows, my taste buds would have the time of their life. 
All of these places have their own scenic qualities that Google Images doesn't do justice. I crave seeing these spectacular sights for myself. 

(Folkestone, UK)

Australia

+Australia
+New Zealand 

They have Christmas on the beach in Australia! Other than that, the Great Barrier Reef and everything sea creature related is Australia's main appeal for me. This is slightly outweighed by killer spiders, but they can't swim so I should be safe 80% of the time. 
As for New Zealand, I'm a massive LOTR and Hobbit geek. I NEED to visit the Shire.

Related Posts: The Food of Prague , Prague: Places to Visit, Eurostars David Hotel, Prague , Caulonia, Italy - A Rural Italian Holiday

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New Years Resolutions

'New Year, New Me'.

One of my most hated phrases, and it's everywhere right now. Don't want to start off what's meant to be a positive post with a moan, but WHAT? 

I'm all for improvements and New Years resolutions, but no matter how bad the year has been, you shouldn't come out of it feeling that you need to change who you are. 

The way I see it, the New Year should be treated as the opportune moment for an update. An upgrade. Version 2.0. 

For me, 2014 wasn't the best of years, but it gave me the drive and determination to make certain changes in 2015 that will stop me from having another year like it. 

One of the saving graces of 2014 was this blog, and I'm so excited to be taking it to the next level. 

It's brought me so many opportunities, and taught me so much along the way, but most of all, it's opened my eyes as to what's really out there career-wise, and where I want my life to be heading. 

Personally, there's a few tweaks I need to make and things I want to achieve so I can feel better about myself both physically and mentally: 

Get rid of the Christmas indulgence bulge (obvs)

Drink more water (I am renowned among family and friends for going an entire day without anything to drink) 

Take up some form of regular exercise 

Find a new job that doesn't make me feel like I've just had my soul sucked out by a Dementor. 

I'm also hoping to blog a lot more regularly and get organised with everything so that you guys get more regular content. 

Oh and Youtube (eeeek) 

I've actually spent the last two weeks monging out and spending quality time with friends and family, but as of Monday, it's motivation stations, and I'll be keeping you updated with the progress. 

So much to look forward to!

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Blogmas Day 24: Alternative Xmas Playlist

I love the atmosphere of Christmas, I really do. It's a holiday where your senses are alive with the sights, the smells, the tastes and of course the sounds. 

For me, I'm getting a little bit tired of hearing the same Christmas songs year on year. I find it really sad that for as long as I can remember, the Christmas No.1 spot has been dominated by X Factor garbage, with no one even trying to bring something new to the table (and no, the new Band Aid song doesn't count). 

However, the lack of new Christmas material doesn't mean we have to sit listening Slade on repeat. 

Here's a selection of some of my favourite Christmas songs that don't quite fit the cliche Christmas mold, but help me get in the festive mood all the same. 

Carol of the Bells (Rout Remix)

Amy Winehouse - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause

Blink 182 - I Won't Be Home for Christmas 

The Killers - Don't Shoot Me Santa

Julian Casablancas - I Wish It Was Christmas Today

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - All I Want For Christmas 

Bruce Springstein - Santa Clause is Coming to Town

Florence & the Machine - Last Christmas

The Futureheads - Christmas was Better in the 80s

The Crookes - It's Just Not Christmas Without You

The Wombats - Is This Christmas?

Fall Out Boy - What's This?

The Ramones - Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)

My Chemical Romance - All I Want for Christmas is You

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Blogmas Day 23: The Zoella / Blogger Debate: What Will 2015 Hold?

You may remember back in October I wrote this rant in reaction to a particular journalist's onslaught of Vlogger / Blogger Zoella. 

Since then my rants have consistently focused on how journalists and the media have negatively and harmfully responded to certain topics, from Gemma Collins and I'm a Celebrity, to Kim K and Keira Knightley baring all. 

For my last rant of 2014, I thought I'd go back to where it all started, and look at how the negative attitudes of journalists and the media have developed over the last two months, not only towards Zoella, but bloggers in general, and what it means for us in 2015. 

I feel it's fair to assume that since you guys are either bloggers yourselves or avid readers of blogs, you too will be disgruntled (to say the least) at how much the media either don't get blogging / vlogging, or refuse to understand it. 

Since writing my Zoella post, it all kicked off for her: A book release, a Youtube advert, featuring on the Band Aid 30 single etc etc. However it seemed like she couldn't blow her nose without a newspaper criticizing the influence she was having on her 'impressionable' audience.  

The root cause of the media's sudden scrutiny towards Zoella? She ghostwrote her book! Are these journalists, who are meant to do research for a living, that naive when it comes to the publishing industry? Actually scrap that, the creative industry! Do you really think Beyonce writes every single one of her songs? Rihanna? Justin Timberlake? Because they don't! 

I won't go into the ghost-writing debate any further, because I'm sure you all understand that it's stupid to get angry at someone who isn't professionally a writer for getting help when writing a book. 

My anger lies with the bitter attitude towards fashion and beauty blogging / vlogging that has emerged from the media's anti-Zoella campaign. 

Back when I wrote the first Zoella post, there were already a bunch of bra-burning journalists on their high horse wielding their 'my idea of feminism is better than yours' flag, suggesting that Zoella was a bad female role-model because she talked about make-up and clothes. 

This point has been grabbed onto by the media to slash Zoella's career and therefore diminish the entire fashion and beauty blogging world. 

For me, there's a HUGE double standard going on here. The industry spouting all this hate towards what Zoella and so many of us fashion and beauty bloggers do is the same industry that produces newspapers and magazines featuring the exact same content: Cosmopolitan, Company, Glamour , Grazia, The Independent Fashion & Style... need I go on. In fact the only difference is something I think is worth celebrating: personality. 

The majority of young girls will always, ALWAYS be interested in fashion and make-up. The fact that the media wants to tarnish every single one of those girls with the same brush and suggest that an interest in fashion and beauty comes from a place of materialism, insecurity and a need to impress the opposite sex actually makes them more harmful to the female cause than any camera-ready, blusher-wielding blogger. 

The positives of adding a personality and familiar face to beauty advice and style tips outweigh the negatives. I don't think a single person can fully associate with a features writer hidden behind a glossy page of beauty products, or a celebrity marketing something they probably never use, let alone trust the advice being given. Authenticity is something that's quite easy to find among the blogging community, and with that authenticity comes attainability. Learning how to highlight or create a smokey eye from a girl the same age, sitting in her bedroom, using make-up she's paid for with her part-time job makes fashion and beauty a more attainable industry. The more attainable young girls find these industries, the more encouraged they'll be to explore, create and express themselves through these mediums, and there's nothing wrong with that. 

Of course there are lots of bloggers out there whose blogging hobbies have turned into full-time careers, and that should be encouraged. Youth employment is a major issue, and for anyone to achieve what bloggers like Zoella have achieved just by creating their own corner of the internet, is admirable. 

The media's childish hounding of successful internet creatives reeks of jealousy and sabotage. It's the internet and social media we're talking about here. It was only a matter of time before bloggers became just as influential as magazines, and I feel 2015 will be the year that it goes full steam ahead, and is embraced fully. 

Some people can't accept change. I get that. But instead of trying to trip up those making something of themselves when an opportunity is handed to them, why not embrace the change? There's no reason why print journalism and blogging can't live side-by-side in harmony. But magazines are becoming a bit predictable, and click-bait tactics are wearing thin, so if things carry on and push comes to shove, blogging will win. 

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