The Editorial Edit #1

Ive always been very honest about using this blog as an expressive platform to voice my personal opinions of certain styles, trends, fashion collections, beauty products etc, I sometimes feel I cover a bit too much! I tend to be more specific in other projects but Factory F covers a vast range of beauty and fashion. In more recent times, perhaps a year, I have focused a lot of my time looking at campaigns from various different brands; how they work, what's the message, what's different, who cares about this campaign, who does it resonate with, how does it make them feel? Basically, dissecting marketing methods from afar. I've never done much with this information but simply just thought about it, but recently I thought It might make a nice additional feature to Factory F. 

You may be wondering what is the point of this, and to tell you the truth it's exactly like every other aspect of this blog, it's about sharing my opinions, thoughts and passions with you. It may also bring to light some brands that you may not be aware of or a new collection that you haven't yet seen. Naturally, I will share some actual real lIfe campaigns that I'm working on with my job but I won't dive straight into that. For this post I decided to talk about why I think editorials are such an important addition to brands, and personally I think a large factor is to visual resonate with people much more because it gives the  story of that brand or product. It's completely fair to say at this point that a press release also does that, but (and I say as someone who works in PR) does the image featured above not tell you more about message of that editorial and clothing rather than a paragraphs explaining where the clothes come from and what they should represent? 

 A lot of the images that I will share with you in this additional feature will come from publications as it will be these title editorials and featured advertising that I will be taking about. As a side note to this story, I recently. Started to download my favourites monthlys instead of popping down to the shop to buy them. Why did I start this I can hear you ask? Well, one of my personal highlights to read every month is Company magazine which has now transformed to a completely digital magazine. At first I was a bit unsure if how I felt about that because I love reading a physical copy in front of me but I've been readjusting. Actually that's putting it mild, I've been completely transformed into digital editions; Vogue, Elle, Company, Red, Marie Claire.... The list goes on but they all now get the download on my ipad each month. One major reason for my change of heart is down to the technical features! A major role within my job in social media and when I saw how interactive and social friendly these apps are made me realise that I'm actually not really on top of this digital age after all. Inspiration has  been restored! 

                                         I can't wait to share the first in this new series very soon. 

                                                                               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 

Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Side Walk to the Cat Walk

So this week I got the opportunity to go to the brand new Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at the Barbican  in central London, From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. The renowned designer in known for his quirky sense of fashion design, highlighting his devotion to French couture and admiration from celebrity cults. This exhibition showcases his lifeline work within the industry, it's more or less a time capsule of his career and it certainly does not disappoint. I did some research before attending the show and Gaultier expressed how he wanted the audience to feel connected to him while there, to feel his presence and understand his creations. This is expressed through the talking mannequins, which look really, really life like. I genuinely thought they were real people. This show not only allows you to look at the wonderful designs that the fashion mogul has out together but you really get an understanding for the story of Gaultier. 

                            

 
 
 
 
 

Love C X 

These are a few of my favorite things , 2013

 


To sum up 2013 in a few words can be tough but I only need one; change. Finishing college, finding a new job, making some big decisions regarding travelling, friends and a career, its been stressful but now has led to a very confident and positive  mind set for 2014. This is not something that I tend to do, look back on the year and highlight my favorite moments, styles or purchases but for the purpose of this blog I am giving it a go (this blog has been the biggest highlight of 2013 personally). So here we go....

Feeling the free love: Kimono's 

Discovering your own style is something that can absolutely take years, particularly to perfect. In my time I have tried to experiment with as many styles, looks, prints etc, as I could to determine what I am most comfortable in and find out what I REALLY wanted to wear. As a women, clothes are such a personal aspect of your personality and this has taken me a really long time to completely understand. Thankfully, I unveiled certain aspects of this in 2013. Boho is an area that completely grabbed my fashion attention this year and really felt myself when dressed in this style. Investing in good clothes is something I took seriously also and I bought a few kimonos that will 100% see me right through to 2015. Paired with skinny jeans, ankle platform shoes and a fedora and I'm sold. 

She's The Man: Masculine Tailoring 

Back in September I sat down one day to write up a post and blank, nothing came to mind. So I left it for a few hours and revisited the topic later in the day. I've always wanted to write about styles and trends that I love and want to wear but for some reason, just could not reflect it on that day. So like always when I am looking for inspiration for anything, I turn to Pinterest! My style board is my pride and joy, so while browsing this folder I realized the pure beauty of clean cut tailoring. This has reflected in my work so much but I had never realized. So the topic for the post was born but little did I know that this not only became a style focus for me personally from that day on but it also was Factory F's most popular post of 2013. This is also one of my favorites from the bunch, just in case you missed it Girl Meets Boy.

Bring the Bitching: The Face 

Every so often a TV show comes along that grabs my attention, all of it. 2013 was no different but this time it was in the form of Naomi Campbell s bitchy back slaps, wanting to be Erin O' Connors best friend and having my fingers crossed that Caroline Winbergs team loose, yes that's right, it was The Face. Every Monday evening I was hooked and just couldn't bring myself to miss it. The platform is a mix between The X Factor meets Americas Next Top Model. The American series (which will also feature Naomi Campbell) airs in January so if you haven't had a chance to see any of it here's your chance. 

Music to my Ears: Spotify 

Starting life as a grown up means that I had to take that leap and find full time work, sad face! But this has meant that I can now afford to pay for Spotify Premium now, happy face! Finding new music has really never been so easy and as I write this I am listening to Dry The River, a brilliant band that I discovered on the website. It has been a great year for music but a handful of albums had me playing them on repeat over the past few months.

Lorde: Pure Heroine
The 1975: The 1975
MS MR: Secondhand Rapture
Chvrches: The Bones of What You Believe
Artic Monkeys: AM
 James Arthur: James Arthur
Grimes: Visions
Fleetwood Mac: Rumours
Hozier: Take me to Church

All amazing albums which I highly recommend anyone to get their hands on. A little old school with Fleetwood Mac but one of the highlights of my year was going to see them in Paris in October and the love rekindled. I'm hoping 2014 brings another year of great music and live gigs, so far I have tickets for The 1975 in February and One Direction in May (Well I have eyes)!  My sights are set on Hozier having a massive year and I cannot wait for his debut album. 

Discovery is an art: Factory F & Your Style Forecast 

This year I took a massive step in achieving personal ambitions and started this blog. I am

fully aware of how cheesy that sounds but it's true. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to write and work in fashion, and if this year has proved anything for me is that it is up to me to make that happen. After about a month of writing I was asked to start contributing to Your Style Forecast, which has been going brilliantly. While saving to move away this has allowed me to gain more experience in a field where I wish to work, it's perfect. To be paid for doing this is the dream! At first it can be really hard to tell people what you are doing and why you want to do it (it took me ages to tell people) but once I did they were all very supportive and encouraging, which definitely helps your confidence going forward. One of my biggest resolutions/hopes for 2014 is to give Factory F and Your Style Forecast 110%. Hopefully others will enjoy this blog as much as I enjoy writing it.

Read my lips: MAC Media & Clinique "Stay Matte" 

Finding make up that suits your skin tone and style can be a challenge but it can also be lots of fun; experimenting with colours, products, layout, it's all in the name of beauty. There are a few beauty discoveries I made in 2013; Clinique "Stay Matte" in my best foundation friend and an oxblood lip is much more appealing than the classic red. The later statement is not so much of a discovery than a re-defined statement but once the perfect shade is found than it is a whole different ball game altogether. MAC Media to sum up in a shade is gothic deep purple with a hint of burgundy. Surprising, it goes with everything as well! Therefore it is an investment, no? Well, I tried. But I have been converted and I now see the light. My personal beauty discover has been that the red lip doesn't appeal/suit me the way it does others and I am not bitter about this at all because I honestly believe that I am on to something good here. Here's to experimenting with more oxblood shades in 2014!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Love C X 

A Touch of Silver: Review

For the past month I have been trying out this new shampoo called "A Touch of Silver" which is specifically for brighter blonder hair. The reason I decided to give this a go is because I had heard such great things about it from people who I know I have used it before. I love having blonde hair but the one thing that really frustrates me is the up keep! I have to get it touched up every six weeks to maintain that fresh blonde look that I love. So really I have nothing to loose by simply giving this a go. I've decided to do this review in stages, this being stage one (based on a four week period). I will go through each week with you and how I think using this shampoo has made a difference.

Products 

A Touch of Silver, Dry Shampoo, 3.50 Euro 

A Touch of Silver , Twice-A-Week Shampoo, 3.17 Euro 

 I wash my hair three times a week so every second wash was used with this product. On the alternative wash I used my regular shampoo which is L'oreal. Between washed I used the dry shampoo to revive the freshness and it smells amazing!

Week One 

My hair was due a cut and colour so once I had done this I decided to begin using the shampoo. I thought this best as it would give a clearer indication of how good the product actually is depending on how long it would be before having  to get it done again. Just to note, a women told me that she didn't have to get her hair done for 7 months once she started using this product, so I have high hopes!

So my hair was initially bright and fresh starting this trial so I found it difficult to determine any significance of the product but my hair did smell really really nice from the dry shampoo.

This was my hair after being done and starting to use the product.


Week Two 

So my hair had slightly started to gain roots by week two (this is normal for my hair) but maintained that bright effect which would have usually faded by now. Being a natural brunette means that sometimes my hair looses that white blonde result when I dye my hair very quickly. But it did last that bit longer thanks to this shampoo. 

Week Three 

As you can tell from the picture my roots have not darkened much in the week, which I am really happy about it. At this point I am usually at my half way mark of needing to get my hair done but if it continues like this I will definitely get longer than normal. The brightness has maintained also and I have to say my hair feels and looks really healthy, considering how much I have coloured it over the previous two years. For my hair I wanted to achieve the "white blonde" look rather than the dirty blonde and this shampoo definitely adheres to this style of blonde.


Week Four 

So my hair has darkended a little but you can tell that the brightness has remained in the body. So far I am really happy with the product and will be continuing this review over the next few weeks to determine how long this great effect will continue for. Coming up to Christmas is an expensive time of the year and I am trying to hold off having to get it coloured before the new year (it ain't cheap being blonde) but I am definitely feelingt hat I am going to get longer than my average six weeks.


Keep an eye out for the next post review on "A Touch of Silver" and if you are a blondie give it a try. It's so cheap you won't even notice the money has gone!

Love C X 

You May Say I'm a Dreamer

These days I love re-pinning "wise words" with an underlying message to  be yourself and follow your dreams and I now seem to have quiet a collection on my Pinterest board. For this post I thought it would be different for me to share a few of my favourite with you. These images will include "free" photography images featuring beaches, forests and minimal shots, all of which I love. This is not a post I would usually cover but I it is nice to change things up every now and then. 

I tend to get most of the images that I love from the  Free People blog, which I briefly spoke about in my last post The Rise of Blogging. Last week I gave the blog a slight makeover (different theme and imagery) and decided to start including art and photography that inspires me, so this may be the start of similar posts like this.

I'm guessing that is is an obvious statement to say that I love black and white images, and I'm always on the look out for new amazing photography. If you have any that you want to share with me please do by either posting the link below/ tweeting me using the sidebar option (or @cicijewels) or by visiting my Facebook page CiCi Jewels.

Let me know if you guys like this.......

Love C X