Fashion Night Out 2014

Fashion night out is usally my one night in the year that I make a note to go out too. Parties, fashion, and dinner with friends. Last year I missed it as it moved to Manchester, this year it was back in London and Im still wondering where it went?

Previous years as you turn the corner of New Bond Street you will find lots of people and the road blocked off. You can feel the atmospher and you can hear the parties and see the commotion happening down as you reach Old Bond Street. This year there was no commotion, no people, no road block.

South Molton Street seemed to be hosting most of the night and only a hand full of the main designer shops were doing anything. I dont know if it was badly advertised or just hardly any flagship stores partisipating that it just felt like such a flop compared to previous years.

I really hope next year will be better or I will end up not going any more, as this year it might as well not of happened as it felt like there was No Fashion Night Out.

#FNO #FashionNightOut2014

Day Out: Hyper Japan

It's not the 1st Hyper Japan event being held in London & and since it is a culture of entertaing, fun, interesting, cute, beautifull and weird.. this should be good.

There was gaming stations, cute "kawii" shops, a few traditional bits and bobs, some manga illustrators (A drawing of you can range from £5-30), craft areas that you can participate in (for free write your name in Japanese or make origami), and food stalls!

Those who follow my blog know I've been to Japan. So I was a tad disappointed that I didn't see the things I liked from when I was there. No banana roar, no easy eat bento boxes, no representatives showing Kyoto, hardly any sushi, and prices for things like soft toys were more then in the shops outside.

There was still a lot of space that can be filled and in time there might be more shows and stalls. It was fun to see people dress up in their character outfits.. one was even in stilts as a robot (cracked me up ordering food).

I did watch some traditional music as well as some J pop performances. Wish they had Japanese drummers.. seen some before and they were awesome!

I think its an event that is still yet to grow.

*regular up coming event info posted on my Facebook fan page*

Day Out: Taste of London 2014

Foodie? This weekend Regents park plays host to the Taste of London Food Festival. Sample and buy food and drink from restaurants, bars and shops from around London. Watch demonstrations of cooking tips, recipes, and new products.

If you book in advance there are some sites that have special 2 for 1 deals. Otherwise booking in advance over the organisers website will save you a few pounds rather then paying at the entrance.

Personally I was a tad disappointed. As I brought my 2month daughter in tow trying to find food. I found more alcoholic beverages then anything. The food and drinks cost more then going out to eat for the size portions you get, so I'd advise you to eat before you arrive. Average cost of food is £4 for a small bowl of anything that looks like child's portions and £5-£10 for drinks.

As an avid baker I was hoping to see more demonstrations and at least one baking shop participate. All I found was a couple bread shops.

It was however an enjoyable day. Good idea for a date or even a day out for with your besties. As my friend put it we are 'ladies who lunch'

Go on try some culinary delights and have a few drinks, even have a bit of a dance at the silent dj stand.

www.london.tastefestivals.com

Organic Make Up

Burt's Bees - lip balm

I was researching organic skin care for babies when I came across this little fun "lip shade finder" questioner..

"What is your eye colour?"

"What is your hair colour?"

"Do you look better in gold or silver?"

As I was going to try out the nappy cream for my daughter I thought to treat myself as well. I bought the lip shimmer in fig.

It's slimmer then an average lip balm stick. It's smooth, gives my lips a slight minty tingle (not taste) and doesn't feel like it sits on top of my lips like a sticky residue. The colour they picked for me is actually nice a slight stain makes me think of autumn or that natural Bobbie Brown look.

Why not see what your natural bee colour is.

www.burtsbees.co.uk 

Neal's Yard Remedies - Mascara

I saw this featured in Stylist magazine as it was co created by them. When it comes to mascara I look for one that makes my lashes longer rather then fuller, and this one is said to be "the ultimate chemical-free lengthening mascara"

They talked about the wand, the wiper 

"as you pull the wand out you can actually hear it remove excess formula"

the ingredients and, the formula 

"uses a finely milled bamboo-derived silica to thicken the mascara, making it quick-drying and smug-resistant but not flaky"

It doesn't make a big difference on 1st try. It is soft, natural feeling and drys quickly. Apparently it should lengthen my lashes up to 85% and you should see a difference in 2 weeks. Watch this space.

It was advertised as being available in November, but its actually available now.

www.nealsyardremedies.com

bronzing powder, mascara and burt's bees xoxo

Ear Cuff: Ryan Storer

If you have read and seen my obsession of last years Ear Bling that was seen on the catwalks and models and as usual transcended on the likes of read carpets and music artist, you'll understand how happy I am to find the originals.

Ryan Storer jewellery.. My wish list!!

http://www.ryanstorer.com

YEY!!

Pregnancy Photo shoot: Shoot by Hobbs

No one really tells you how exhausting it can be to be pregnant. If your not sick you could be juggling work, home, midwife appointments and preparing for the new arrival. So I finally decided to go on maternity leave and spend some me time.

I have many pregnant, or just gave birth friends, after all we are at that age group now, and people have been asking if I was going to do a shoot. I hesitated since all the shoots I have seen are in studio, cheesy and all looks the same. I like to think there should be a feel and look to a photo. I just couldn't find someone that was giving me that creative individuality, and with my photography background I guess I was being more picky as I wanted less edited pictures something natural.

I pretty much thought not to do the shoot, till by chance whilst walking the dog with my sis, I come across a vintage shop with fashion, cafe, and photography.

Chloe Hobbs Photography.

We talked about what I was looking for and how she works and samples of her work, and there I knew I wanted to book her. I sent her samples of pictures I found on line, to show her the feel of what I was looking for. She also helped me book a make up artist and hairdresser, who was just next door!

Francesca MUA and Hair

Day of the shoot I turn up, was offered tea, tell Francesca what look I am going for, get a mini facial, have my glam face on and hair done. Francesca was also trained as a Midwife before going into Make Up and worked on shows like "Don't tell the Bride" so she was great and bubbly, understanding how to make you comfortable with your big bump. As I wasn't sure how it would look like on the pictures, she even came to see the test shots if I needed a touch up.

Chloe showed me some pictures that she had found so we both knew what we were trying to achieve. She had some clothes and accessories as well for me to try. Shoot lasted about 3 hours with about 3 costume changes. A butterfly even came into the room, so we took the opportunity to place it on my belly. I said before I don't want my belly out, but she made me comfortable and knowing the type of belly out pics I liked, it wasn't such an issue anymore.

I truly love my pics and would recommend both Chloe and Francesca to anyone who wants natural pictures and someone who will take their time with you. The only editing done to some of my pictures are the vintage colour grading! Me and bump have not been edited in any way and when I was doing my viewing selection it was so hard to pic between the shots and the edited and non edited versions as well.

Lets put it this way a girl from antenatal classes went with pixie. She was slotted in for an hour she felt rushed and could only pick large size photos. She said she wont be using them again.

Details:

Chloe Hobbs Photography

www.facebook.com/shotbyhobbs 

Francesca MUA

www.facebook.com/francescafonzarellimakeup

Looking back at Vouge Night Out 2012

This year is probably the first Vogue Night I'll be missing. I've been awol as the last 2 months I've been suffering from Hyperemesis, so far been in hospital 4 times for what is best to describe as extreme vomiting and dehydration seen in some pregnant women. Yes I'm pregnant and having a hard 1st trimester that blogging or anything has been on hold.

As an ode to my annual Vogue Night, I thought to put up the pics of last years. As last year I had no computer to post it.

Last year I went with friends and dinner at Patara after. The main attraction was the jive dancing stage out side Hermes and loudest party must have been Micheal Kors. It looked so packed and hands in the air rocking from outside!

 

I am upset I cant be there this year. Last year I was actually paped by a magazine. My hair was shaved on one side my outfit chinos rock vest and wedges. This year I was planning long tutu skirt.. oh well next year it is then.