The Fresh Approach

This is an unusual post for me and for Factory F because it's very rare that I steer from the topic of fashion or beauty, but there is a first for everything. For those of you who know me well, "healthy-eater" would not be a phrase that springs to mind when describing my eating habits. Completely fair! During summer though I do really try to make an effort when it comes to eating more fruit (even though I'm still craving chocolate all the time) and it seems this summer has been my most successful to date... WooHoo :) 

By sticking to fruits that I have a taste for; strawberries, grapes, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and adding some natural yogurt, I've been turning them into smoothies. I'm also the type of person who will take the extra ten minutes in bed in the morning when possible, so making myself get up  extra early to make them takes a lot of commitment for me. It's all about routine I suppose. But the most exciting aspect fo this new fruit craze is the affect it has on my skin. I've always been someone who has suffered with bad skin as a teenager and thankfully, this phased did pass with no scaring at all but I do become self conscious at times when I do break out. Fresh, clear skin has been something I think everyone wishes for and who thought  it could begin with fresh fruit!!! I know, I should have started listening to my mother a long time ago. 

I've also stepped up my game big time in relation to skin care, investing heavily on moisturizers has been a god sent! It's an age old debate; does the results  of a product reflect the price we pay? My conclusion has somewhat shifted recently, I used to say no but I think ,in actual fact, it does. My mum has always bought the absolute best skin care for herself and I would often sneak some off  her. Why? Because I always thought my skin felt better for it! I was lucky enough to receive some Molton Brown Creole  Grass Anti-Ageing Hydra-Crémeskin care a few months ago and all I can say is, OH MY GOD! My skin has never felt or looked so fresh. No honestly, it hasn't. I exfoliate my skin once a week but this range just gave me that extra lease of life. 

Exercise isn't something I love to do, actually I never really do it! But I balance that through watching what I eat.... and dancing. I dance a lot in my room :) I'm really enjoying this extra burst of energy from a change in diet, but it has been as a result of improved skin cream. Recently I also tried Estee Lauder day wear moisturiser, and again just as amazing. I have to admit that I do prefer Molton Brown but I find it hard to give £65 for it, so I'm trying to find creams that will give me as similar result at a lower price. 

The weather has been so beautiful in London the past few weeks that it's been hard to wear clothes! I've been trying to hold back on/limit the amount of make up that I wear, which isn't so fun but the sweaty look isn't so hot either. Summer is a great time to strip back and go for a natural approach to styling and beauty. Personally, as a very pale Irish girl who doesn't tan and only ever burns, I would say I'm a winter girl at heart but I'm trying my best to embrace it because all my favorite clothes are summer based; kimonos and dresses, shorts!! I don't like tights :( 

But on  the bright side to skipping make up on the odd day is that it has also boosted the life in my skin #Result 

Love C X 

Festival Fever

With Coachella done and dusted for another year, it really does cement the beginning of festival season 2014. When I first began my blog, almost a year ago, my favourite topic to write about (and still is) festival style/boho chic, the hippy genre. I loved the laid back, effortless approach and honestly, I would dress this way everyday if I could. But unfortunately I can't! So I talk about this as much as I can and that's how I get my fix! Over the next few weeks/months I feel festival topics will appear on every blog, fashion magazine/website that we come across, it's just that time of the year. The good thing is I don't know anyone who doesn't like to hear about it :) I will be focusing my attention to boho inspirations, styles I'm loving & looks that I have spotted. I will do this by carrying out the posts festival specific, this is just a small warm up to the season approaching us. 

What festivals are you heading to this summer?

Love C X 

SS14 Trends: Green with Envy

Every season there is a colour that dominates the catwalk, magazines and the high street. Over the next few posts I am going to talk you through these trends and how we can style each one to suit yourself.  This  time around it comes in the form of green. Brighter tones always show their sunny selves at the beginning of spring, primarily beginning with Fashion Week and progressively more so in the following weeks. SS14 forecasts include sorbet pastels, sophisticated sportswear and  monochrome madness but with traditional summer floral prints taking a tropical makeover we are seeing green everywhere.

What I enjoy most about this fresh approach to summer brightness is that is an upgrade from SS13 trends which were more bohemian (which I loved) but this approach brings pristine to our style in a way that "Gypset" didn't. Now, I wouldn't go throwing away our maxi skirts just yet but there are many ways to incorporate the "green" way of living without doing a style-over. Khaki green has been a prominent feature in summer style for the past number of years, but the difference this time is the exciting prints, think monochrome with green replacing black. Personally I think this colour will better suit blondes and my favorite way to incorporate this into my look is with a casual jumper. It is simple but yet allows you to stand out from the crowd. 

The great thing about opting for green for the coming season is that it translates right across the trend board, from fruity flora's to art graphics to smart tailoring. So if you tend to change your mind a lot about what "your style" is you still don't have to pigeon hole your self just yet. Investing in key pieces such as one good quality jumper, a tote bag or "barely-there" sandals in green could assist you through all your various looks this spring/summer. 

For the adventurous souls who wish to attempt this trend though the form of make up my advise is to be very careful. Obviously, the best form of experimentation is on the eyes. Taupe eye shadow best suit blondes with brown hair but brunettes could easily incorporate dark green in their normal smoky eye mix, it's all about the shading! For those of you who don't tend to go OTT on the eyes can always have the subtle approach in the form of a liner pencil.  Rimmel have s great range of shadow and pencil liners for you to discover the one that best suits your skin tone. 

Love C X 

Full Tweed Ahead

In my last post I spoke about Tartan and how each season the infamous print reappears throughout stores, magazines and editorials on a global level (Clash of the Tartans). Another vintage rebirth has taken place with the explosion of Granny Chic, reinforcing tweed as "back with a bang". Winter 2013 invites another dimension to the classic look with the "berry" approach. Warm and rich tones are a given in the harsher crisp months and this subconsciously forces us to to reach for red, olive and maroon shades. 

It wasn't until I sat down to write this post that I realised how much tweed I have actually bought over the past few weeks (particularly in grey); two coats, shoes, bag and dress. Most of these items are from Penneys/Primark purely because of its incredible value and the stock has significantly improved over the years. Some items are practically identical to stock in shops such as River Island, Warehouse, Topshop, and at just a fraction of the price. If you are going to invest in any tweed piece this winter I would recommend a coat, I did and I am so happy that I did. I got mine from Penneys for 25 Euro and is featured below. Another beautiful tweed coat that I would recommend is from Oasis, also featured below and priced at 79 Euro.

The best thing about investing in tweed staples is that they are items which can be worn repeatedly over the next few years. I'm obsessing over this look at the minute and keep an eye on my Instagram account for images of my latest tweed pieces @CiCiJewels .

 

Love C X 

Turkish Delight

Warm sunsets, flee markets and a crisp sea breeze usually springs to mind when imaging/reminiscing the exotic plains of Turkey, but it is due to the cultural attributes that signifies its permanent presence in my style influence. Rich colours such as maroon, ruby, burnt oranges and Sapphire blues are all shades which have always suited my natural features well, this mostly springs from being a natural brunette and a fan of fake tan. These days, the high levels of Sally Hanson have calmed significantly and my hair tone close to white blonde, which results in experimenting with new colours. Yet, it seems that I am too accustomed to my genetic fashionista. Bold floral, grunge paisley and faux fur are all featured in my "wish lists" on ASOS, Missguided and Topshop, and when combined, portray the global traveller image which rests kindly with my fashion heart. Turkey continues to increase its popularity amongst tourists annually, and Istanbul in particular has recently been described as "the perfect mix of cosmopolitan chic and old charm", which reinforces (as if it needed to!) its influential stamp on todays trends. 

The Moroccan culture has evolved not only through the clothes that we wear, but lifestyle as a whole. Ow more than ever fast paced living menas that we crave "peace", "exotic" and "escapism" when it comes to home style,a nd the Turkish/Morocan vibe offers all of this. 

Love C X 

London Fashion Week: House of Holland SS14

Last Friday marked the beginning of London Fashion Week with an array of shows from Todd Lynn to Holly Fulton to Mulberry. British designers never hold back or downsize creativity, and this year was no exception. British fashion is never afraid to be bigger or bolder with prints, colours or designers and one designer that excells in breaking tradition is Henry Holland with his House of Holland Collections. This year in particular I was very excited to see his designs and knew before even I looked at them that I would dedicate this post to his show. As an Event Management graduate, Fashion Week inspires me through various different forms other thean fashion, from the lighting to the backdrops and of course, the invitations, it is an inspiring season to say the least. Henry Holland is infamous for bringing bolder prints and colours than other designers, and this show resembled the "50's pinup girl" vibe with a hint of rebellion.

Everything about this show was very flirty, with the lighting and bright colouring, with an edginess which came to life through the stick on tattoos worn on the models. The Lilac theme for the runway brought the summer theme to life which complimented the mexican vibe. I have two favourite looks from this show, one of which is pictured above, the coral shift dress with segmented embellishment. 

My second favourite look from this show is the matching lilac silk crop top and matching trousers. I find this print very playful and fun, and thr print itself is quiet oriental which I havnt seen much of lately, which shows the diversity of the brand. Below are more images from his show which took place on Saturady 14th Sept in London. 

Until next time, 

Love C X