Gold Dust And Lipgloss

Art!

2011-04-24T05:13:00.000-07:00

What do you think of my new artwork?
Having a lot of free time in Paris has enabled me to start sketching again (I hadn't drawn for enjoyment since I was 11!) and I did a quick scan and added colour. Hope you like it!
xoxox

ooh!

2011-02-01T12:48:00.001-08:00

I've started designing T Shirts. Nerdy T shirts- ones that I wouldn't actually wear, but I'm having fun designing!
Have a look here:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/loveaj

:) Love AJ xoxox

So, what's happening?

2011-01-26T03:15:00.000-08:00

First thing I noticed very quickly, is Parisian men have been more perverted than any other men. This has led me to dress very different; whereas in England I like to make an effort, here I rarely wear much make up on a day to day basis, and never wear skirts any more. Usually on a night out I stick to opaque black tights if I wear a skirt, no heels, and no low cut tops. Here's a glimpse of what me and a friend wore one time:

Ok, so I have bare legs and heels. Worst night for leeches EVER. The blouse is from Paris, as is the leather jacket, the skirt was Topshop, hair flower from a supermarket, and heels (you can't really see- they are navy with a big bow on) from a charity shop. But an outfit like that I would have easily worn in England!

This leads me to ask; I mentioned previously that French girls/women dress dowdy. Is this BECAUSE of the men that perv? Or to the men perv only because I happen to be wearing a fitted top and skinny jeans as opposed to no-fit jeans and a baggy jumper? One must be a direct consequence of the other, but which came first? Hmm.

Will keep you posted!
xoxoxox

I'M BACK!

2011-01-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

I have excuses, promise!
Firstly, exams exams exams! Then I worked super hard to save up for the white iPhone 4 (nice work Apple, moving the release date AGAIN!). Then I had a bit of a drama regarding University. Although I got into York! However, I deferred my place, so HERE is the big news...
I live in Paris now! Just for 6 months or so, but I am enjoying living in a completely different culture, in comparison to England, especially where I live (narrow minded small town!). However, in fashion terms, I much prefer London. I'll be blogging more and more about the differences, but I've learnt that London is far edgier; far more willing to take risks; far more expressive. Apart from the older ladies. I mean, 60+. They swan around in their vivid orange furs, headscarves, sunglasses and heeled leather boots, indicating a complete fashion freeze-frame. What happened in the last generation? Leave your ideas here!

Anyway, here's to me promising to blog again, promising to update, and a big HELLO from Paris! :)
Love AJ xoxox

Traumatic Times...

2010-03-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

So, casually reading the "Style" Magazine a few weeks back, I was told that kitten heels were in. Feeling slightly nauseous but blaming their lack of other trends to talk about, I left the magazine for recycling and thought about it no more. But, please, I've seen it on catwalks, in countless magazines and (the most offensive), people ACTUALLY WEARING them.

But...why?! Heels are sexy, they make your legs longer and help your posture as you are forced to strut rather than shuffle. But kitten heels heighten the pressure on your heel, making it painful for no reason, do NOTHING for your posture/figure, make your feet look huge and just generally offend me.

Campaign to get them OFF the catwalk for summer?!

Who's with me?! :)
xoxoxox

BEAUTY BLOG 2 ♥

2010-03-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

I've been promising one, so here we go, a pick of the most random but effective beauty secrets I can offer!

If you run out of concealer, use the drier foundation found on the lid. It sounds gross but it's a thicker consistency and will be the perfect colour!
For uber soft lips, brush them gently with a spare toothbrush before bed, then slather on lipbalm.
Blast your eyelash curlers with a hairdryer before using- works just as well as the heat up ones, cheaper, quicker to warm up and you get extra curly lashes!
Place a credit card on your eyelid when applying mascara if you tend to smudge it on top, you can wipe a card with a tissue in a swipe, but not so much your eyelid!
For sexy, shimmering skin, use hair serum to rub down the centre of your legs and collarbone. Works just as well as those expensive highlighting products- more money to spend on the shoes to match!
Run out of dry shampoo? Use talcum powder. For darker hair, bronzer works well.
For a super exfoliator- mix a teaspoon of sugar with a small splash of olive oil. Rub in circular motions on your cheeks for super soft skin!
Need to get out of the house fast but just painted your nails? Dip your fingers into the coldest water you can handle and they will set so quickly!
Brighten your skin but soaking a flannel in soya milk then laying it on your face for 10 minutes. Do this once a week and it'll really get rid of dull skin!
For a dewy spring look, use lipstick as blusher- rub on for a beautiful rosy glow.
One of my favourite tips in the world! Spray hairspray onto your fingertips and massage into your scalp for INSTANT volume. It's effective, doesn't damage you hair as much as backcombing and is perfect to add your your hair routine every morning. A mini bottle of hairspray in you bag enables you to top up your "bounce" throughout the day too!

Thanks for reading! Hope they are useful, I will do another one when I have a decent haul of them!

Love you all xoxoxox

P.S ask me anything on http://www.formspring.me/annajohnstone

London Fashion Weekend!

2010-03-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

So, last Sunday I headed to Somerset House in the Strand for London Fashion Weekend; a spin off from London Fashion Week, where the designers get rid of the clothes they were selling for dirt cheap, and anyone can attend as long as you have purchased a ticket.
I bought a Gold ticket, this included entrance, a "show bag" and a catwalk. The show bag was a pink canvas bag, designed by the winner of a young designer competition. This, for me, was the best part of it! It included a mini bottle of Bailey's (yum!), a "pocket rocket" (caffeine stimulant shot), Toni&Guy shampoo/conditioner, Moxie tampons (I have them already- they were SO cute! ...well, as cute as tampons CAN get), some tissues and random sachets of bits and bobs. Not exactly a wonderful bag of "goodies", but better than the clothes show ones at least, and not altogether bad freebies.

The shopping was good, except it got disgustingly crowded in the afternoon and the Luella branch was so hot I was sweating- not pleasant. However, I picked up a Spring 2010 (i.e. new season!) floral silk tea dress from DKNY Jeans for £40. And, with every purchase you got a free mini Be Delicious perfume! I shall upload a photo of me wearing it at some point, as I can't seem to find an image online. My other big purchase was a Papa Razzi clutch bag. If you haven't seen these...then, well, I don't know how to describe it. It's an illusion of a rolled up magazine, secured by a buckled, yet it is actually a decent sized clutch. Apparently the idea came to be used as a decoy for pick pockets! Anyway, it's definitely odd, and I'm a bit scared to use it, because I never use clutches, but when they were only £20 (they normally RRP £45), I just HAD to have it. And it looks cool in my bedroom.

Finally; the catwalk! We were directed through the looks for Spring/Summer, and I LOVED what I saw! Here is a montage of some of the photos I took (We sat front row, with a glass of champagne!). I love the feminines, yet neutral looks, and the pastel "nerd" looks, with long socks and preppy collars. Gosh, I can't wait until summer now! You may need to click on the picture link, to take you to the larger one so you can see the whole thing!

Anyway, I hope this blog wasn't boring for the non-fashion-orientated of you!
Bye for now xoxox

Well, I'm an advertisers ideal consumer...

2010-02-17T04:38:00.000-08:00

I've decided to kick start a new healthy me, not simply for dieting, because I've got until October to get a new body for university, but for good skin/hair.
Basically, I had a facial at Clarins, and somehow was talked into buying some skin serum....for £37-50. Ouch- my skin is still young, surely I don't need it?! Well, maybe, but my skin already feels softer and takes to make up a lot better after just 2 days. I also bought some selenium tablets, which protect against free radicals from pollution, sunlight and general dirty air to maintain clear skin. I take it every morning, along with Multivitamins and Vitamin C tablets (my immune system isn't good).

I also learnt that:

Face wipes are terrible for skin. My skin is mainly dry, but sometimes very greasy, and it turns out using face wipes literally soaks up all your skins moisture, and can leave you with spots as well. use a facial wash/cleanser, even if it takes longer.
ALWAYS have a separate eye cream. There is a case of a woman who had awful bags under her eyes, and went to the doctor, who prescribed surgery. At the hospital, it was merely years worth of face products which had mounted up under her eyes, because the skin is so thin. Dab on eye cream around your eyes for a fresh look.
When applying moisturiser, cup your hands and try to do an almost "suction application". This helps it really soak in.

Ok, well that's a mini beauty blog, mainly just for the skincare routine. Will update later!

Byee xoxox

Putting wasted time to a good use...

2010-02-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

My hand knitted scarf! I sewed on the bow and pearls too, and added cream tassels. You can't see the length but it's enough to wrap around either once or twice and still have a chunky neck/good length ends.I bought a whole new cream roll to make the tassels...any suggestions on what I should make next?!

I haven't done a "Men Overheard" blog for a while, but here's a pick of some best! I'll try and do another Beauty Blog asap.

Guy 1: My girlfriend had this amazing pizza flavoured cocktail the other night
Guy 2: Really? What was it called?
Guy 1: Margarita.

Man 1- "mate the electricity went off just as I'd put my wheetabix in the microwave"
Man 2- "Dude, you have them warm?"
Man 1- "Dude, you have yours cold?!"

Man 1: Mate, if you saw me walking down the street would you think I was gay?
Man 2: Um no. why?
Man1: Coz i think i look well gay.
Man 2: (stunned slience)

Guy - "You know girls always tell us to wash our hands after we go to the loo?"
Girl - "Yeah..."
Guy - "And you know us guys never listen?"
Girl - "Yeah..."
Guy - "Well I think Ive just wiped pee in my eye"

They made me laugh, I hope they do the same to you!
Take care xoxox

Things I love/want/NEED

2010-02-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

I have a geography assignment, so naturally spend the evening watching the Sex and the City movie, knitting and making pretty pictures. Hints, anyone?

The shoes on the top right, Carvela, £120. Wait until the sales? Yeah, yeah better.

Today I wore a pink cashmere dress underneath a cream v neck sweater, and the same jewellery as yesterday, seen in yesterday's blog picture ↓ and cream and pink quilted pumps. Super smashing day :)

Speak to you later!
xox

Burberry, knitting and pearls.

2010-02-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

Burberry lambswool vintage jumper for £1-65. Yum.

Wearing it to school and being smugly warmer than everyone else. Yummier.

Wearing it with cheap sales jewellery and Primark. Yummiest.

I've taken up knitting again, and armed with the FATTEST needles I could find, I'm creating a brown chunky scarf, and I'm going to sew on some huge pearls from a necklace I manage to break. Will let you guys know!

This dress is what I wore to ONE party on the weekend. In real life, the pink part is a lot MORE pink, pale and dusty-ish. I liked it. Except the fail that was the fact it kept slipping down, so the night was spent yanking it up... It's from ASOS, and was £35 but I got a 20% off discount code, so really only £27- bargain!

Sorry this blog was mainly concerning simply me, I haven't got any of the latest magazines yet except Vogue...so I'll do a pick of the best in the next few days!

Take care everyone

Love Anna xoxox

MUGGING; now acceptable...

2010-02-02T14:39:00.001-08:00

...when it is this bag in question.

Oh Pixie, why do you tease me in this way?

It's my favourite shade of pink (you can't see it well on this picture).

It's big enough to carry just about everything.

It's Mulberry.

It has a big bow that squeals "flirt with me!".

It's upsetting me how she has a Jack Wills carrier bag so close to it. Wannabe class vs real class?

I think it's £795, don't quote me on that, but I recall seeing it in ELLE.

What does everyone else think of it? AND Jack Wills, which I strongly dislike.

*sighs* I'm never going to get to sleep now...

xoxoxox

charity shops: RL rocks! (that title was awful, even by my standards...)

2010-02-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

Sorry for my disgusting lack of posts, due to exams and LOSING my camera cable, I haven't been able to upload the gem I've been keeping for the last fortnight, my latest charity haul (I recommend ANYONE to volunteer in their local charity/thrift store; you get a first glance of whatever goes in store!)

So, basically, I picked up:

This yellow cable knit Ralph Lauren jumper, with the purple logo
A blue Ralph Lauren shirt, with green logo and green and white stripy collar and sleeve lining
Plain white cardigan (classic!, had to be done!)
Leopard print cardigan (a trend I'de always been a little bit scared of, but for £2 I swallowed my fear!)

This, I'm sure you can agree, is exciting. But you know what came in this week?! A CLASSIC BURBERRY TRENCH COAT. Out of reasons regarding morals (I don't know what came over me), I didn't take it (despite the fact it would have been £3-65 for me) because I already nab much of the "good clothes". It was sold later that day for £7-95 to a rather nice lady anyway, I served her.

Big news for me, I've rekindled a new girl crush. My crushes determine my style and hair colour. Paris Hilton(I was a tacky 15 year old...) dictated my platinum blonde hair and love of sparkles. Megan Fox made me reach for the bottle of dye and embrace sexier, almost grungy to a point, clothing. Tamsin Egerton has rendered me booking a hair appointment for highlights and splurging on pearls and pinks and all things classy.

Also, I recommend www.taaz.com to ALL OF YOU, yes, you, beautiful! It's online airbrushing which you can literally do EVERYTHING. Check out this picture of me, in the middle of a 13 hour coach journey surviving on fast food. Not pretty. A few clicks and I could be rendered almost human, this excited me.

My outfit today: oversized grey sweater from topshop, dusty pink bodycon skirt from topshop, black tights, black and dusty pink quilted pumps from primark, dusty pink and pearl and gold flower long necklace from accessorize, black jacket. I got compliments. From my DAD. FML.

Just purchased GOLD tickets to London Fashion Weekend, will do a blog coverage of it all!

Sorry for this LONNG blog, I'm making up for lost time!

Take care, y'all :)

xoxoxox

Exam Technique #1...

2010-01-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

...look the part.

This morning, I had a difficult choice. Do I try and cram in some revision a mere 3 hours before the exam, or do I accept failure and do something more productive? I chose the latter, re-organised my wardrobe.

Chest of Drawers 1- skirts, some dresses, vests, cardigans, underwear.

Chest of Drawers 2- trousers, knits, layering tops, shirts.

Wardrobe- Formal dresses, jeans, hoodies and favourite day dresses.

In theory this will stop my room looking like a Topshop closing down sale every morning when I choose what to wear. In theory. Anyway, I decided to try and look as brainy and classy as possible to wore a grey tweed skirt (charity shop!) , dusty pink vest top (topshop), black (karen millen- but charity shop!), dusty pink and black quilted pumps (primark!) and my new huge pearl layered necklace. Perhaps I should have slipped a photo in my exam?

I hate January. It's basically exams and diets.

Did I not tell you?

I put on a stone over Christmas, and owing to my need of concentration for exams, cannot do a quick crash diet, and have to face those awful January parties (seriously- they're not Christmas glitzy parties, spring floral parties or summer balls...what do you wear?!) with ill-fitting dresses. Joy.

Sale Shopping Rule #1: never buy ANYTHING full price...

2010-01-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

So, nursing my wounds after the Louboutins I fell in love with yesterday, some retail therapy put a smile back on my face...

These gold (although a slightly more pinky gold in real life, after putting gold earrings against them) babies are from Kurt Geiger. The heels are just over 5 inches and I'm pretty sure they match every item in my wardrobe. Well, the items that matter anyway. The best part?

WERE £130. I got to the till with a proud label saying £49, only to find an extra reduction to

£39.

I don't think I've squealed as much in my life.

These set the standard for the rest of the day, and suddenly my two pairs of earrings (£3 each- one are chunky drop pearl ones, and others are gold clusters) already purchased seemed negligible.

My subsequent bargains included:

Gold Quilted Topshop Bag. I'm quite concerned it could look chavvy, but I bought with the sole purpose of clubbing- it's the PERFECT size and goes round your shoulder so you can still dance. Also, the clasp is better, and I have a habit of losing things while drunk, such as my dignity in most points but we forget about that. WAS £25, said £12 on the label- but was only £7 at the till (like KG!), and with Student Discount, was £6-30.
Thin Slouchy Red Topshop Cardigan. It was in a style where I have already bought cream and black ones full price, and love. In theory, I can wear t shirts saying "I ♥... " and match. £20 down to £10, and £9 with Student Discount.
Massive Pearl Layered Accessorize Necklace. Y'know those necklaces that look like lots of necklaces when you're wearing them because they are different lengths? I basically got a huge one, in different pearl thickness's. £20, down to £10.
Huge Gold Layered Earrings and Long Pearl Necklace With a Dusty Pink Flower- both Accessorize. £12 down to £3-60, and £20 down to £6.

What I wore today: Black high-waisted bodycon skirt, with a thin, oversized grey sweater tucked in. Black and gold waist belt. Purple pearl layered necklace (3 layers and ties up in a bow behind neck). Huge purple hair flower. Gold pumps. Black tights.

I also LOVE hair flowers! I own 22, and have lost about 8 so would have more! I have all different sizes and colours- some glitter, some don't. I wear them every day- they became my trademark in high school! Usually retail in Accessorize for about £6 each :)

Sorry if this bored you, I'll do a variety! Ciao for now ;)

Lots of love, Anna xoxox

BEAUTY BLOG 1 ♥

2010-01-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

As promise, I've combed through all my latest magazines for the hottest secrets I could find. Enjoy!

Dry nails fast by dipping them in ice cold water once your finished painting.
Spray on perfume as soon as possible out of the shower- increased heat will help absorb the scent. If you're going out later, retouch it by dabbing Vaseline on your pulse points then spray- it'll stick on it and last all night, so you don't need to take extra in your bag!
Always book haircuts for the morning. Your stylist will be fresher and thus you'll get a better service!
Soak eyelashes in remover first with cotton wall balls for 2 minutes before removing to avoid pulling out lashes.
For shiny hair, rinse your hair after washing with cold water to seal the cuticle. Can't handle it? For lesser results, blast your hair after blow-drying with the cold setting of your hair-dryer.
Take a spare pair of tights in your bag. You never regret it.
Perfectly blow dried your hair in an evening? Wrap you hair in a silk scarf and your style will be there in the morning.
Ok, this tip I have never read anywhere, so it can't be scientifically proven...but I use Listerine (not the high strength ones!) mouthwash on my spots. just few dabs dries them out, neutralises redness, and can remove them in about 24 hours. It works for me!
Drink green tea...I'll never stop raving about this stuff!
Another tip I coined myself: when shopping for products like shampoo or face wash, it's easy to get sucked into expensive brands. But I've noticed it's also worth reading the back for ingredients. Often, there is absolutely not difference! If a brand claims it does have something special, look for this before buying. I've saved so much money this way!
Dark nail colours make your nails look longer.
Another one of my own! You know when you buy bags and shoes and they have those tiny sachets of stuff that soaks up moisture? Saying "do not eat"? Save them. If your shoes get wrecked in the rain, pop them in there overnight and they dry right up for the next day!

Well I hope these were an interesting read! I try to find the slightly more obscure ones, rather than the ones you read everywhere!
I'll post some more up soon,

Ciao xoxoxox

Kindess can go a long way...

2010-01-08T11:30:00.001-08:00

...for shoes.

Having previously mentioned men, here is my other love: shoes.

More importantly, Louboutins.

If anyone has a few spare hundred, you would give me great pleasure in deciding on these sparkly beauties. How awesome would they look with painted red toenails and a red or black dress? Or a silver dress. Or even greenish colour. Or pink. Oh my god, I'm in love. Wait until the sales? Oh, the pain.

Straratata 140 glitter sandals
£675

*wipes tears* Moving on swiftly, look at these babies. They

make me want to scoop them up and go clubbing, RIGHT now. And they're be an excuse to buy a yellow dress, which I'd always been a bit scared of.

Perhaps one of the most exciting parts is the amount of straps, I have a pair similar (sadly, only Topshop) which I have

partied for about 6 hours in without sore feet (ok, perhaps wine and tequila helped with

that one...)

Straratata 140 suede sandals
£645

I'll nurse my emotional pain with some sales shopping tomorrow- "Good afternoon House of Fraser, what tomfoolery shall we get up to today?"

Catch you later, please subscribe!

xoxoxox

MEN OVERHEARD- the best!

2010-01-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Favourite part of "More!" Magazine!

"Mate, no matter how hot she is, she's still half fish"- Group of men discussing "The Little Mermaid".

"You smell nice. If the dictionary was Scratch'n'Sniff, this is was "nice" would smell like"- Man to girlfriend.

"When dogs have sex doggy style do you reckon they just call it normal sex? And do they have a position they call human sex? Oh, they don't talk do they?"

Bloke: Is that one of those rare miniature cats?

Girl: No, it's a kitten

"Bloody hell, there are a lot of words in this aren't there?"- Man looking at a dictionary

Girl: What do you want for Christmas?

Bloke: For you to wear some sexy laundry.

Girl: Er, don't you mean lingerie?

Boyfriend: What kind of film is this?

Girlfriend: It's a period drama.

Boyfriend: There's not going to be loads of blood is there?

Girl: Why have you got crumbs on your eyebrows?

Man: Oh, I was eating a biscuit. I crushed the biscuit on my forehead, then caught it with my tongue.

Man 1: I hate this job. I wish I had a pound for every hour I worked here.

Man 2: Er, mate, you get £6 an hour

Man 1: Oh yeah

"Do you think anti-wrinkle cream would work on my balls?"

There are SO many more, these are just a pick from a few issues, for you to smile at while I think of a good topic to do my next blog on!

Catch you later

Anna xoxox

MEN, and blonde hair!

2010-01-07T14:35:00.001-08:00

In trying to express myself a bit better, I think nothing helps you understand someone more than seeing people they've been involved with. I don't know where that leaves me...

First "Proper" Boyfriend: Now has an afro and a morbidly obese girlfriend, turns out he's one of those men you read about that get turned on by plus size woman. Genuine FML?

I've been "seeing" someone who only asked me to prom because of a "Who can get the fittest prom date?" bet, where he then got another bet to "superman me and film it on prom night". I never went to prom with him, if you're wondering.

In between getting called ugly by some, I've had poetry written for me (left in my bag, posted online and sent), people bordering "stalker" when they found out where I live via newspaper/facebook stalking and drawing pictures of me as a "present". Gee, thanks.

I was an ugly duckling. Well, up until about 7 I definitively could have a "cute" title. I wore lacy bonnets, tied up in a bow around my chin, had blonde curls, and wore flowery smock dresses and frilly white socks. Then my facial features seem to grow before the rest of my face did, I looked like a caricature. Finally, through learning the art of skincare/hair/make-up, I became less visually offensive, and that's where this started!

Thing is, my taste in men is not... orthodox. I like vulnerable, almost scrawny types, with floppy hair and girlish looks. Muscles and too much manliness turns me off. Men who look like they could cry at the 6 o'clock news make me smile. Unfortunately, this sort of man was hard to find when I had bright blonde platinum hair, wore too much fake tan, and had skirts which really shouldn't have been manufactured, let alone worn.

I soon ditched the blonde hair (ok, maybe perhaps because i got a girl-crush on Megan Fox...), and started rooting through charity shops for classic clothes. Cheap, tacky make up was thrown away and my mother no longer frowned whenever she saw my appearance before going out. This is, of course, unless I get ready at a friends house for a night out. I want her to be around a long time, so I'll save the heart attack later.

Working? I've realised how shallow men are. I'm not going to say I miss the "oi oi!"s and beeps of white vans, but I miss turning heads. Brunette blend in. But Brunettes are NOT boring. Men start to make conversations, and instead comment on my smile or laugh. Not the most fun for a night out pubbing or clubbing, but a lot more fun when you want people to believe your IQ is higher than a disabled rodent...

Catch you later- please subscribe!

xoxoxox

POEM: "Butterfly"

2010-01-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

So, I took inspiration from "Snowdrop" and "The Munich Mannequins", both by Ted Hughes and created this poem, which is meant to be about the fragility of beauty nowadays. The "Butterfly" is the metaphor for...perhaps a model? Whose look only lasts one season. I won a book, pen, and lollypop for this because I came 3rd in a competition! Hope you like it xxxx

This is the season of the buttefly.

A glimmer of jewelled cashmere;

Nature's summer collection

In full bloom. Polished to perfection,

Her patterned pages shiver.

She is a silent icon, a glimpse of glamour.

This is her moment, her empty elegance...

Until next time?

Love, in 2000 words: PART 1

2010-01-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

I have taken to enjoying 1950/1960 romance novels, as opposed to my usual heavy english-lit student ones! Here's my attempt at a short story, in this style. Next Part out soon! xx

“But surely, mother, if I have never known love, how will I know when I encounter it?” Gwendolyn enquired, twirling her vibrant red hair around her pale, slender fingers. “Someone ought to write a book, with all the signs of true love, perhaps it would make it easier to understand.”
“Darling, you could read a library of books on love; it still wouldn’t help anyone to understand it any better. No, you will only understand it when you fall in it, and even then you cannot explain it. Love is each to one’s own. And I’m sure you will come to meet it sooner or later”
Gwendolyn sighed and withdrew to her bedroom. It’s alright for her, she thought- married to one of the wealthiest and handsomest men in the area, who just happened to have chosen the park to inspire his novel on the one day she got up early enough to enjoy the scenic route into town. And what if she hadn’t been wearing the vivid red coat that caused him to do a comical double-take? Which then made her smile, which made him say “How do you do?” which made her say “Very well thank you” while blushing to the same shade as her jacket? Fate. Now, readers, before you think this is a young girl moaning over her nonexistent lover, I promise you, you are wrong. This is a love story. You know- Boy meets Girl, instant attraction, and, well, that’s the best you’re getting for the moment! Now, let’s get on with the story.
Gwendolyn had her father’s brains, her mother’s glamour, and a combination of their sharp wit, making everyone who meets her remember her name. Mark was one of those quietly handsome men, who only started growing into his looks once everyone else has established theirs. Being neither sporty nor confident in his youth, he had that fragile beauty that could render some so pathetic-looking, yet others so elegant. He fitted in with the latter; his delicate smile and carved cheekbones creating a personality of their own.
It was a cool autumn morning, where the landscape was gilded and looked like it had been decorated especially for Gwendolyn’s 18th Birthday. Sitting on her vintage wooden stool, she gazed through the window, her mother’s words still etched in her mind. What if meeting The One never happened? What if, the day you were meant to bump into him in the queue for the tea shop where you both have chosen the same muffin occurred on the day you started your diet, and didn’t pick up anything? Or somebody took the last one? The more her mother tried to calm her, the more worried she became. Gwendolyn was not aware for how long she was sitting there, but suddenly her mother’s clipped tones danced their way up the staircase.
“Gwen! You better go and pick your shoes up for tonight! Harrods phoned to say they’d arrived yesterday!”
“Oh Moth-eeer! Please can’t you tell Daddy to pick them up when he comes back from work?” Gwendolyn pleaded. Her mother had already invited half of the eligible men in the area to her celebrations tonight, did she not realise a full day was necessary to pamper herself?
“No, the fresh air will do you good! Better than blusher, I promise you!”
Gwendolyn grumbled, slipped on her warm leather boots and grumbled some more. Making a special effort to tread slightly harder than usual on the stairs as she clambered down, she was greeted with her mother holding out a bright crimson jacket. “It’ll be cold! Pop this on- I’ve put a note in the pocket to hand over at the till. Now, mind out for traffic, puddles, and no talking to strangers. Unless…”
“They’re talk, dark and handsome?” Gwendolyn interrupted. Her mother smiled, without saying anything, and showed her out of the door.
Mark was fiddling with his coat buttons while his mother was browsing the hosiery section of Harrods. He was taken aback with the choice a lady had for tights- tan, transparent, black, navy, thick, woollen and, most peculiarly, fine fishnets. What was the point- a woman’s skin is beautiful exactly as it is, he thought, there is nothing that can perfect what is already perfection? He didn’t even know why he was here; his mother had whisked him off to “buy new socks, because it is extremely undignified to turn up to a fancy party with faded socks”, yet he was certain he had plenty already. Furthermore, her eyes kept flickering to her delicate wristwatch, and usually it took her the whole day to beautify herself for a party, thus taking a trip to the shops was most uncharacteristic.
Gwendolyn had just entered Harrods when she reached into her pocket to find the note. Her fingers grasped something hard, and out of casual curiosity, she pulled it out to find a scarlet lipstick. Using the shop window as a mirror, she tried it on- wearing lipstick during the day should be allowed- it was her birthday, after all!

A Little Bit More...

2010-01-07T10:40:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone!

So my first blog was me just saying "Hi", here are some fun facts, and tips which I live by!

I start the day, and get through the day, with Green Tea..you must have heard the health benefits, but here's a quick rundown: it speeds up your metabolism, (burning up to 70 calories a day if you have 3 cups!), has less caffeine than tea or coffee so won't leave you buzzing into your beauty sleep, and has lots of cancer-fighting anti-oxidants to flush out any nasty toxins! It cures my hangovers, and comes in lots of extra flavours- try it!

I loooove make up, but recently have cut down dramatically! My going-out look, (which used to be my daytime look!) is as follows:

Clarins Foundation (£22)

Benefit BadGal purple mascara (£13-50)

Chanel Mascara (I use as a top coat! £20)

Benefit BadGal Eyeliner (£12-50)

Benefit MoonBeam Highlighter (£15-50)

Benefit PosieTint Lip and Cheek Colour (for my cheeks, £22-50)

Lips- I change and alternate far too much! My favourites include the Benefit "Bullet" Lipgloss (only available in certain stores, £13...I think!), Hollister Lipgloss (for casual days- £7) or any cheap drugstore brand!

These products I have alternated SO much in the past years, but these ones are the ones which work with me. If anything changes or I find a hot new product, you'll be the first to know!

I try to make me life a little bit EXTRA special, and do different things to others. Last September I checked out Vogue Fashion's Night Out, which was the best way to get inspired by fashion...Vogue workers telling you what works for YOU, champagne in hand and a thoroughly enjoyable shopping experience. I went to Disneyland Paris with my friend for NYE, to avoid those messy house parties, where we celebrated with fireworks and back at our hotel with a nice glass of wine, before dreaming of princesses and flying elephants!

I hope I don't come across as spoilt here. I'm really not, I paid for my entire Disneyland trip by myself, and earn my money only through my weekend job, which pays about £20-30 a week. I also get £10 a week by my parents, this is for skincare, and going out (mainly to pay for meals if I go out on a Saturday) so my budget isn't really stretched. I've just learnt how to get the best for my money!

My Best Bargains are:

Topshop White and Neon Cork Heels- Saw them for £65, and fell in love. Then saw them for £30, and was close to tears when I had already bought lace leggings, grey oversized jumper and a white denim mini (all topshop sale!). Didn't see them again, until the Topshop Student Lock In (Basically, if you're a Student, go there on certain nights and get free goodie bags and 20% off! I'll keep you posted of any that come up, and tell you to check them out!)...they were £15, and with my discount, got them for £12! :)

Dune Flowery Cork Heels- Saw them at the end of one summer for £85. On principal, I can't part with that! Then, in May the following year, I sneakily asked the shop assistant if they all went. Got them for £24- it pays to be assertive!

Karen Millen Vintage LBD- ...with cream dots and frills. £55 from a vintage second-hand shop. Bought it for a "Hollywood Ball"- Love it!

Sequin Ted Baker MiniSkirt- Bang on trend this season, given at my local charity shop, where I swiped it for £2 before it went on the shop floor! It also pays to be charitable!

Topshop Purple and Bronze T-Bar Heels- What can I say? I nearly wept when I saw the "£65-£15" label on them!

White Gerry Weber Jacket- Small Boutique in North Norfolk Seaside Town. £90 down to £42.

Huge XL Men's "Fosters" T Shirt- cinched in with a belt which I wear as a dress. 50p from the charity shop which I work at, never got more compliments- especially from lads!

I'll update these bargains as and when I pull some in!

Lots of Love,

Anna xoxoxox

Hey Everyone!

2010-01-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

Hey, I'm Anna :)

I started this blog because so many friends say I should try one; I'm probably one of the girliest girls you will meet, and over the years, I've collected a huge number of beauty tips, both online, from books and from magazines. I subscribe to Vogue, Glamour and Elle Magazine, and buy Cosmopolitan every month (I'll subscribe when the gift is good!), and have been doing this for about 3 years. Before that, I bought Sugar, Bliss and CosmoGirl every month- typical tween! Just before I stopped reading teen magazines, I won £1000 from Sugar Magazine and MTV for my writing, which I spent on my 16th Birthday Dinner- a night to remember!

I also buy More! magazine every week- it's my mother's treat to me- I love the "Men Overheard" and the beauty tips.

My life isn't just about magazines- I work at a cafe, at my local Brownie pack, and help out at a charity shop. I get to meet a lot of people this way, and love finding out new things about everyone. I go to 6th form, and am studying English Literature, Geography and French. When I'm not working, you'll find me shopping, partying, at open fashion events, or slobbing out with a hair mask, face mask and girly film!

I'm 17, and 18 in less than 3 months; so excited!

Stay tuned in for beauty reviews, articles that have inspired me, funny Men Overheard stories (I love them!), fashion reviews and tips I have picked up.

Lots of love,

Anna xoxoxox

http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory/lifestyle/fashion/