WOW Haircare Colour Security

   

Summer sun, sweat, swimming, styling ...

All these Summer factors can cause your dyed hair to look patchy, washy and dry, so it's important to find products that help prevent such damage and keep your colour looking fresh. 

This current heat wave, as temporary as it may be, has created the perfect conditions in which to test the Colour Wow Colour Security Shampoo and Conditioner that I was sent. 

Now I've been dying my hair purple for a good few months, using Directions vegetable dye, and as much as I adore the colour it does start to fade after two weeks or so, and to a sludgy, murky bluey green. 

I started using these products after having recently dyed my hair, just before the fading stage, and the effects have really surprised me. 

Before I go on to describe the effects, I'll say now that yes my hair did fade. Most certainly not as quickly as before, but it still faded. I do not interpret this as meaning that these products haven't done the job, as what I'll tell you in a second will prove that. The purple that I used when I first dyed my hair this colour had very strong blue undertones, meaning that's the colour that's been absorbed the most by my bleached hair, so the purple, being the weakest tone, will always fade from my hair, and I don't think that can be prevented in anyway, only prolonged. 

So, as I said before, my hair would usually fade to a swampy blue-green tone that was gross. I just wanted to re-dye over it as quickly as possible. Since using these products however, the purple has faded to reveal a vibrant aqua with subtle streaks of green that give my hair a two-tone look. The vibrancy really is amazing. I've had so many people gawp in awe at my hair, and they're so surprised when I tell them that this is a fade. 

So above are two pictures from my Instagram showing the colour my hair was just before it started to fade, and the colour that it is at the moment. I haven't dyed my hair in between. 

Hopefully from this you can see the vibrancy I'm talking about. I'm so surprised with this outcome, and I know it's down to these products because I haven't changed anything else in my hair care routine, and haven't changed the dye that I'm using either. 

Because of this, even though my hair colour changes, I can go a lot longer before re-dying because I love this blue shade so much. 

Based on the results I've experienced, I think it's easy to assume that if you use a colour that doesn't fade out as quickly as mine, the products will work wonders on its vibrancy and longevity. 

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Alice's Adventures Underground - A Showcase in the Capabilities of the Imagination

'If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be, and what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?'

I had my first immersive theatre experience about a year and a half ago when the Iris Theatre put on a production of Alice in Wonderland at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden. With the grounds transformed into magical rose gardens and opportunities to play croquet with the Queen of Hearts, my introduction to immersive theatre was one that has stayed with me ever since. 

Since then, immersive theatre has become a new creative trend, with a variety of theatre companies encouraging people to experience theatre in a new way; a way that actually immerses you in the production as the plot unfolds around you. The brilliant thing about this new form of theatre is the creative possibilities are endless. The fourth wall is well and truly knocked down. 

As some of you may already be aware, I'm obsessed with Alice in Wonderland, and even though I'd seen an immersive theatre production of the tale before, I was intrigued to see how this production differed in its interpretation and presentation. 

This particular production was called Alice's Adventures Underground and was put together by theatre group Les Enfants Terribles . Set in the underground vaults of Waterloo, this particular production had a macabre, Tim Burton vibe to it which I adored. 

In the lead up to the event, everything is kept very hush hush. It's hard to know what to expect, but the secrecy ensures that every minute of the experience is a wonderful surprise. 

Groups enter the vaults at timed intervals, and what looks like an old theatre hall with vintage shabby red theatre seats has been turned into a bar serving Wonderland themed cocktails for those waiting to enter. It is here that you hand over your bags to the cloakroom - another step to ensure the secrecy of the event is maintained. Pictures are only allowed to be taken in this room and the Wonderland Bar at the end (hence the small amount of pictures). 

Even if I was allowed to take pictures throughout the event, I wouldn't have, and if I did, I most certainly wouldn't share them online. Why? Because this an event that has to be seen personally to be believed. Even describing it wouldn't do it justice. The attention to detail in each of the sets and costumes as well as the new, refreshing way in which this classic tale has been presented  completely exceeded my expectations. 

It is a perfect example of the capabilities of the imagination. Once immersed in the performance, you completely forget your reality (in an underground vault with a bunch of actors on a Wednesday night in Waterloo) and your only concerns are who painted the roses red? Will it be off with your head? 

There is never a lull in wow moments. You can't possibly predict where the story will take you and who you'll meet along the way; will you play flamingo croquet with the Queen of Hearts, or hear the Mock Turtle sing? Every time you go through another door into another part of the story, you'll struggle not to be distracted and in awe of how real Wonderland feels. 

This is an event suitable for such a wide variety of people, whether you want to go as a family, a group of friends or a couple, so if you're a theatre lover or you're just looking for something new, refreshing, and mind-blowing, I implore you to get tickets before they sell out, as it's only open for a limited time only. I guarantee by the end of it you'll be an immersive theatre convert! 

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Here Come's The Sun - OOTD

I know for a fact that I am not the only one who is over the moon to see the sun! 

Dress - Boohoo

Boots - Miss Selfridge 

Bag - F&F

Sunglasses - Camden Market

Necklace - Topshop 

Now that it's actually here, it's hard not to get carried away. The desire to dress yourself head-to-toe in full-on Summer attire is strong, but believe it or not we are still in that transitional stage. The sun is warm but the wind is bitter, and understanding how to dress in such weather is so difficult. 

My last transitional OOTD was a bit more A/W focused than this one, but as each week goes by, I feel like we can get a bit braver. The coats have been put away, and tights are not so much of a necessity anymore. 

This Boohoo dress has been one of my first SS15 wardrobe purchases. The 70s trend is at large right now,so Paisley is a staple print. The are so many colour combos to choose from, and I feel the blues and pinks in this particular print really compliment the array of colours in my hair right now. I love the cut of it too. The bell sleeves create a typical 70s silhouette, whilst the skater dress style keeps it modern. The square neckline is also really flattering. 

Because of the busy nature of the print, this is a piece that doesn't require too many accessories. I've just paired it with my Miss Selfridge knee high boots  (it's not that warm) to continue the retro look, my F&F bag, some Camden Market sunglasses and a delicate gold and semi-precious stone drop necklace from Topshop

Let's just hope the weather continues to get better. The Spring/Summer trends right now are on point!

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Magnitone - The 7 Day Challenge

So if you read my Blogger's Fashion Week with Bloggers Love post, you'd have seen that one of the amazing products I was gifted at the event was a Magnitone Lucid (Limited Edition by Pixie Lott) . 

If like me you read a lot of blogs, you would have heard amazing things about this product, which is why I was so stoked to get a chance to talk to the ladies behind the brand and find out what all the fuss was all about. Gina Akers was so lovely, and explained the science and technology behind the brand thoroughly. 

For some reason, I'd always imagined the bristles on the Magnitone products to be quite stiff, but I was so surprised at how soft and gentle they were on your skin. Gina gave us a demonstration and I was hooked instantly. 

My skin has been bugging me a lot recently. It can go from oily to dry very quickly, and I struggle to find products that don't clash with my skin's behavior. Recently, my T-Zone has been really dry, and no amount of exfoliating and moisturising seemed to solve the problem. This became a real pain when applying foundation, because no matter how good the quality of the foundation was, it would just cling to the dry patches and look awful. I was in a patchy-skin nightmare. 

I explained all of this to the girls at the Magnitone stand, and they explained that the Magnitone Lucid uses Active Electromagnetic Technology. What this basically means is that it sends electromagnetic vibrations into the skin which unclogs the pores, whilst at the same time sweeping away dry and dead skin cells. It also pulsates 10,000 times per minute. My bare hands and an exfoliating scrub just can't compete with that. 

So today is the 7th day that I've been using the Magnitone Lucid, and according to Magnitone's site, in that time I should have noticed a skin transformation. I thought this was codswallop at first, and that no way would I notice a drastic difference in such a short period of time. Especially considering you only use the product on your face for one minute, twice a day. 

BUT, I was well and truly wrong. The dry patches in my T-Zone have practically vanished, and my skin seems to have more life to it. It's dewy rather than greasy, and flushed with a natural glow rather than a matte dullness. The effects of the moisturising / toning products I've been applying to my skin for months are more noticeable and last longer too. As a result, my make-up sits better on my skin. If these are the results after only 7
 days, then I'm expecting things to only get better. 

It's not just the effects on the skin that are great about this product. A lot of thought has gone into the design to make it as easy and convenient as possible. It's entirely waterproof, allowing for use in the shower. Because of this, there are no insert points for a charger. Instead, the product charges through an electro-magnetic pod that's connected to the mains, allowing for the product to be used wirelessly once fully charged. 

My favourite feature however, is the bleeps that tell you when to move on to another area of your face. You're only meant to spend a minute using the product, starting on your forehead for 20 seconds, your cheeks for 10 seconds each, and your chin and nose for 20 seconds. The bleeps between each area mean you don't even have to pay attention to how long you're using it . After a minute's up, the product switches off automatically. Genius. 

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Blogger's Fashion Week with Bloggers Love

Cupcakes, macaroons, bathtubs full of jewellery and an awesome DJ: Bloggers Love know how to throw a blogger event. 

I've been to many blogger events before, but never one hosted by Bloggers Love. This particular event was Bloggers Fashion Week (that's right, we get our own fashion week!) and it was awesome. 

In an unassuming 4th floor studio on Commercial Road in East London was a bloggers paradise. 

With over 40 brands showcasing their latest collections, it was lovely to take time getting to know the faces behind the brands instead of just taking them at face value. 

The ladies at Joe Browns were darlings, and the collection was in keeping with the upcoming 70s and bohemian trends. Definitely got my eye on that cherry blossom coat.  

Gossimer Wings caught everybody's eye with their vintage bath tub full of statement jewellery. The gold and blue pieces really stood out to me. I'm very rarely attracted to gold jewellery, but there's something about those blue gems that had me awestruck. 

I also got to meet the talented ladies behind jewellery brand Iridescence, who handcraft gorgeous pieces, some of which are very Victorian in style. The Victoriana trend is huge at the moment, with white lace and billowing silhouettes coming in for SS15. I was completely dumbfounded when they gifted me a stunning and very ornate bracelet with a gem that mirrored my hair. 

There were two other brands that I was really glad to have met. Umberto Giannini were there with some of their most popular products. I got talking to one of the girls about how my thick hair refuses to backcomb. They gave me some amazing tips and advice for keeping my coloured hair healthy, and also gifted me their Backcomb in a Bottle. I'm really looking forward to finally being able to achieve those hairstyles that have flopped (literally) in the past. 

Magnitone were also there. I was excited to speak to them most of all . I'd heard so many good things about their products, and have struggled with my skin for ages, trying a variety of different products, to no avail. The science and technology behind Magnitone makes a lot of sense, and sounds very well thought out. I was over the moon when they gifted me one of their products. I've been using it for the last 4 days and am already seeing a difference . I won't say too much though because I'm going to do a review soon, so keep a look out. 

I would like to say a massive thank you to Bloggers Love for inviting me, and also an even bigger thank you to the brands for their time talking to me, and for their generosity. It was so lovely to meet you all. 

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Purple Shades - OOTD

So Spring is meant to be upon us, and it's meant to be getting warmer. The weather is in that weird transitional stage that makes deciding what to wear in the morning impossible. The sun lulls us into a false sense of security, tricking us into thinking that we'll be too hot in a jumper and a coat. 

PU Leather Jacket - Missbehaver.com 

Double Coin Necklace - Lost at Sea Jewelllery

Polo Neck Top - New Look

Purple Side-Split Maxi Dress - H&M

Cleated Buckle Shoes - ASOS

Well I've been getting absolutely battered by the winds that are around at the moment, and I've been trying to come up with an outfit that encompasses me with warmth without looking like I'm wearing my duvet. 

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and that's kind of how this outfit came about. I knew the weekend was going to be miserable weather-wise, and I'd been wanting to try this maxi dress - polo neck top combo for a while. I think it actually works really well, in both fashion and practicality aspects. 

I've had this purple maxi dress for a while now. I think it's from H&Ms early AW14-15 collection. I love the dapple detailing and side split, but also the way it hangs. It's loose fitting and doesn't cling, but sits on all the right places when pulled in with a waist belt. It looks great in Summer, but it didn't take much to turn it into a handy piece for those colder days. The New Look ribbed polo neck top not only works as an extra layer but elongates the dress and the body. It actually ends up looking like part of the dress. For added warmth I wore some knitted tights underneath, and paired with my coin necklace and cleated sole boots, and it was a good job too because I still underestimated how cold it was outside. Both me and the boyfriend were freezing!

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Paris Fashion Week: A Summary

So fashion week season is over for another 6 months, and it ended on a romantic note. I wouldn't have expected there to be so much black on display at Paris, but the brooding disposition has spread across the channel. We're talking levels of brooding that Cathy and Heathcliffe would struggle to compete with. But the abundance of monochrome collections meant that when colour did burst through, it was almost blinding. Manish Arora lead the colour brigade and made you forget that the colour black existed, whilst Olympia Le Tan reminded us of the fun that can be had with colour, even in the Autumn/Winter seasons.
I've tried to keep a balance of monochrome and colourful collections in my selection of favourites, but regardless of colour, I think you'll agree when I say this season has been truly inspiring.

MIU MIU 

The first retro-style collection at Paris Fashion Week, but most certainly not the last. Miu Miu is renowned for chic, kitsch collections that put a smile on everyone's face. Long-sleeved cotton dresses, frilled sailor bibs, short-sleeved sweaters and Mary Jane shoes; this all sounds very sickly sweet. But throw in some graphic and animal prints in bright shades, and you've got a charming mix of youth and high fashion.

Moncler Gamme Rouge

Slipping into darker realms, this collection puts a shadowy twist on equestrian-wear. Quilted tweeds in blacks and greys, smokey PVC raincoats and leather-panelled jodhpurs work as textural contrasts, whilst blood-red jackets and bursts of gold keep the opulence of horse riding alive.

Louis Vuitton

Effortlessly cool vibes from a collection that touches on iconic rock 'n' roll themes. Shaggy coats, cut-out detailing, leather miniskirts and chain belts hark back to 70s Glam rock, whilst cool, fresh tones, ribbed knits and precise tailoring bring the collection forward 45 years.

Alexander McQueen

If you read my Savage Beauty post you'll know how much I adore Alexander McQueen and everything the label stands for. This collection only worked to strengthen my admiration for how Sarah Burton has kept McQueen's legacy alive. Inspired by a decaying rose, this collection brings to light the beauty of such a state. Organza and tiered lace helped to emulate the draped petals whilst lacy leather bras and chokers preserved the bondage themes that were so prevalent in McQueen's work.

Iris van Herpen

 Imagine, if you will, an alien comes to earth not to study us per se, but to study our fashion, and create. This collection is full of garments that verge on the realm of the extraterrestrial. Textures are jagged, with soft silks and organza contrasting with rigid pleated structures, quilting and rubber. The rubber bandeau dress reminded me of some kind of cosmic plasm, whilst iridescent silks, laser-cut leather and lattice work create precise intricacy. 

Valentino

With all the excitement surrounding the Zoolander appearance, there was barely any mention of the collection itself, which is a shame, because Valentino's Medieval fusion was breathtaking. Fairy-tale silhouettes of the Middle Ages were teamed with dragon motifs and tessellating triangle raphics for a contemporary twist. 

Chanel

A textural menagerie walked through the Chanel Brasserie,exhibiting tweed skirt suits and padded bow-tie quilting. The pairing of candy pink and black was delicately executed with sheer lace and ruffles.

Saint Laurent

This collection instantly brought Courtney Love to mind. The grimy rock chic classics of tulle prom dresses, leather jackets, laddered fishnets and leopard print made the models look like members of some grunge girl band you don't want to mess with. 

Esteban Cortazar

Contrasting fabrics and rich, heavy trims of laser-cut leather create empowering pieces in this textural collection. 

Sonia Rykiel

Iconic 60s pieces of flares, knee high socks and fur gilets were paired with metallic trousers and crushed velvet gowns for a rock 'n' roll edge. 

Vernoque Branquinho

A modern day Emily Bronte protagonist would suit these pieces well. Tweed and compact underskirts under long-line dresses and skirts created rural garments with a dark, brooding nature.

Giambattista Valli

A youthful collection featuring frills, flares, sequins and florals. Playful garments featuring such embellishments contrast dramatically with the sexy sandal boots that bring a glam rock element. 

Leonard

A monochrome collection that's a feast for the eyes. Detailed knitted textures and pristine cuts are combined with psychedelic floral motifs on over sized jackets in cool Nordic tones. 

Givenchy

Seductive cut-out dresses in textural fabrics such as velvet and silk in jewel tones were the main feature of this opulent collection. The face jewellery, consisting of nose rings, cheek 'piercings and ear decoration brought a tribal, and quite primal touch to these grandiose pieces. 

Chloe

Another take on the 70s trend, and I must say it was nice to see a retro collection that was refined and effortless. The colour palette was one of muted tones; pinks,purples, navys and greys. Plunging maxi dresses and billowing blouses glided down the runway, whilst Peacoats, waistcoats and corduroy showcased strong tailoring, but maintained a romantic feel. 

Emanuel Ungaro

Spots and dots were the main motif among this collection. Featured on flawless laser-cut leather, knits and sheer maxi dresses, the monochrome palette only helped to emphasise the patterns as well as the cuts and lines of each silhouette. The black lips took it down a notch from feminine to feminine grunge. 

Olympia Le Tan

This collection reminded me very much of the toy scene in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The models were like dolls come to life, in luxe textures of tweed, cotton, tulle and velvet. Playful hues of dusty pinks, burgundy and Prussian blues were worked into ballerina motifs and illustrations or skirts that mirrored theater curtains. There was intricate detailing in the oversized organza sleeves and tutus, but my favourite aspect were the bags masquerading as books. A subtle touch that puts a smile on your face when you notice it. 

Comme des Garcons

This collection was all about fabric and what it can do. Forget silhouette. The body didn't matter here. Cream, white and black lace featuring ornate bows were layered upon eachother to create extreme forms. I saw one member of the audience call it 'Queen Elizabeth on acid' on Instagram. Collections like this is where fashion meets art. 

Vivienne Westwood

There are certain features you come to expect from a Westwood show: Tartan, jacquard, structured jackets and THAT neckline. These are iconic of her label. I always admire how she makes them work in collections that vary in theme season from season. This one reminded me of the Lost Boys from Peter Pan. I think it's the colours and textures and the oversized outerwear, like the models need to grow into them. There's a disregard for the female form here, with big shoulders and loose-fitting romper suits. Tigerlily style hula skirts and thigh-high leather patchwork boots are all part of a mismatched, childishly rebellious collection. 

Elie Saab

This utilitarian collection was surprisingly elegant. Yes there was military structure, with khaki capes and stiff, stand-up collars, but fur trim, defined waists and jacquard floral dresses brought a hint of bohemia. 

Tsumori Chisato

Slap bang straight out of a comic book, the model heroines were decked head to toe in bright colours and cartoon graphics. 

Haider Ackermann

A collection Oscar Wilde would be envious of. Folds and peplums of fabric such as tweed and shimmering boucle created complicated waist lines. There was androgyny in the smoking jacket forms that hung loosely, as if top buttons and ties had been undone nonchalantly, a mood emphasised by the silky, spotted scarves. 

Junya Watanabe

The most tactile of collections, with concertina lantern shaped skirts, crisp white shirts and buoyant lattice capes. The 3D spiked scarves looked like an 8-bit snake whilst again, monochrome helped define the lines and shapes. 

Yohji Yamamoto

Structure and silhouette were the central focus of this collection. With an all black palette, other than the odd dramatic splash of red or silver, scaffolding and frames took center stage. Draped in lace, the figures were haunting and foreboding. The less extreme garments were three-piece suits in decadent velvet, and lace evening gowns sporting over sized sleeves and cloaks. 

Maison Margiela

Another nod to the rock 'n' roll femme fatale, with perspex heels, suede and leather maxi coats and tartan mini skirts. The sex appeal is though the roof, but so is the wearability. 

Issey Miyake

Experimenting with illusion, geometric and kaleidoscope patterns in over sized, sporty structures 
made you want to view the garment from every angle. Colours that should clash created a two-tone effect of autumnal hues. 

Chalayan

A lesson in precision walked down the runway as sharply cut jackets and partition dresses demonstrated the art of exposing what's underneath. 

Barbara Bui

Demonstrating the fluidity of leather, this collection flowed down the runway like water. Navy blue and black were the colour-blocking hues of choice, and they were a match made in heaven. The leather high-slit maxi skirt was my favourite, but the cape with large silver embellishments was a close second. 

AF Vandervorst

I can't quite put my finger on it, but this collection reminded me of Silent Hill. It may be the smoky charcoal greys, reminiscent of ash that coated every garment. Appealing to any Nu Goth out there, the urban meets classic grunge rock mix is new and intriguing. 

Balmain

Black and brights is my new favourite pairing, and Balmain's collection shows how it's done. Mustards, oranges, purples and metallics in high-shimmer fabrics almost jump out at you. It's a sensual collection oozing 70s glamour. 

Ann Demeulemeester

The Obi belt is back. This slim-lined, monochrome collection showcases wraps at their best. With polished Obi belts defining the waist, the layers of sharp lines and cuts are reminiscent of Samurais. 

Manish Arora

This is colourful done right. It's extravagant and out-there, with a warrior pop-princess mentality. If you watch Adventure Time, you'll know what I mean when I say Ancient Psychic Tandem War Elephant in it's human form. 

Anrealage

Light play featured heavily in this collection. The majority of the garments appeared to be all-black at first, until spotlights projected onto the chest revealed monochrome detailing and colourful floral bursts, which disappeared as soon as the models stepped out of the light. 

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