Monday, 23 March 2015

Famous Dresses #1 - Marilyn Monroe in Travilla

One of my favourite films of all time is 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' and, as with all the outfits worn by the big Hollywood stars, Marilyn's are stunning. So I thought I'd do a series of posts about famous dresses and who better to start it off then Marilyn Monroe?

The Pink Dress
This shockingly pink dress was worn by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'. It was designed by Hollywood costume designed William Travilla who also created outfits for Monroe in her films 'The Seven Year Itch' and 'How to Marry a Millionaire'.

Originally, Travilla was supposed to make an extravagant showgirl outfit for Monroe but it had emerged that she had posed nude for a calendar in 1949 when she was strapped for money. In response, the studio requested that she wear something less revealing.

As a result, Travilla produced the famed pink dress which was made from a type of silk satin which was then glued onto felt. A black lining was added to the back of the dress to give it a stiffness.






The Gold Dress
Trevilla also produced a variety of other outfits for GPB, including this slinky gold halter-neck. In the film, Monroe is only shown dancing in it from the rear for a few moments; the plunging neckline was deemed inappropriate by the censors at the time.

Made from one single piece of gold lamé-like material, Monroe was actually sewn into it.









The White Dress
This is probably one of the most famous dresses in the world. This white cocktail dress, worn by Monroe in 'The Seven Year Itch', gained recognition for its appearance in the film's most memorable scene: Marilyn Monroe walking over a subway grating and the wind blowing her dress up.



The dress was locked away by Trevilla after Monroe's death and eventually bought by Debbie Reynolds (of 'Singing in the Rain' fame) as part of a personal collection of Hollywood memorabilia.

In June 2011, the dress went on auction for an estimated price of $1-2million, however it actually sold for $5.6million!





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Which one is your favourite ? 

x x 



Monday, 16 March 2015

March Playlist ~ incl. Royal Blood &The Brothers Bright !

So I thought I would share what I'm currently listening to at the moment since I have my iPod on right now :)

Blood on My Name ~ The Brothers Bright 
Awake O Sleeper ~ The Brothers Bright (I am completely obsessed with these two songs, I have listened to them so much)
Ten Tonne Skeleton ~ Royal Blood 
Come On Over ~ Royal Blood
You Can Be So Cruel ~ Royal Blood 
Railroad Track ~ Willy Moon 
A View to a Kill ~ Duran Duran (Its stuck in my head since I watched the film last night)
Spirit Walks ~ Nerina Pallot 
Freedom ~ Anthony Hamilton & Elayna Boynton (from the 'Django Unchained' soundtrack)
Jealous ~ Nick Jonas (Gospel Version) 
I Never Met a Girl Like You Before ~ Edwyn Collins 

It's a bit of a mish-mash but I would certainly recommend these songs :)

Let me know what you think

x x




Saturday, 14 March 2015

Gift Guide - Hers: Part 1


1) Personalised secret message necklace ~ Cinderella B Jewellery
Photo from notonthehighstreet.com
 I originally didn't realise that the stones represented a letter (it was late at night) so I thought there was just the option to choose your own stones. However, when i realised the secret message aspect I thought it was really sweet. I also like the fact that the stones are all on one side of the little charm instead of being equally balanced - I think it makes it more interesting to look at. :)

At £20 it is certainly not the cheapest present you could buy for 'her' but I think it would be good for special birthdays (18, 21 etc), graduations, anniversaries or just as a token of your relationship.




Available in silver or gold from www.notonthehighstreet.com



2) NPW Nail and Cuticle Tattoos
This pack of 24 tattoos from Urban Outfitters features gold and silver designs such as stars, chevron lines, diamonds and anchors. Whether for use in the summer, on special occasions or just to add a bit of shine to the day, these are the perfect gift for her.

Available from Urban Outfitters and ASOS for £4 or www.nailpolishdirect.co.uk for £2.95







3) Rope Earbuds from Skinnydip 
Photo from Skinnydip website
Whilst the standard white ones that come with phones and other such products are fine, some more aesthetic earplugs (I'm sorry but I struggle calling them 'earbuds', it sounds like you have flowers in your ears) may appeal.

Skinnydip have recently created these rope earplugs that come in three different colours; Forest, Mint (shown) and Orange.

Available from Skinnydip, Topshop and Debenhams amongst others for  £15





4) Little Book of Mindfulness

I thought this was a nice little idea - life can get very stressy and hectic so sometimes it's good to have a pause and just reflect on the simpler things in life (easier said then done, I know, but then that's what this book is for)

Available from Topshop for £9.99









5) Cool Touch Eyeshadow
Kiko is an Italian brand that I would recommend to anyone who likes colours. The variety of shades and tones in their nail polishes, eye shadows and lipsticks will be the first thing you see when you walk into one of their shops.

It comes in 8 different colours and has a little applicator too. :)

This is something that I would genuinely buy for one of my friends as I trust the brand and I think the product looks really good.




x x 












Wednesday, 11 March 2015

On the Grapevine #1 - Fresh, Ciate & Aussie

Fresh Zodiac Oval Soap
Fresh have collaborated with Susan Miller, an astrologer to create a collection of Zodiac inspired soaps. These are vegetable based soaps with scents such as mangosteen (what on earth is that?!) and waterlilies and verbena. Each soap comes beautifully wrapped with a tiny stone to finish it off.                
They are available for $15 from Fresh or Sephora but they are selling fast!


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Ciate's Ice Cream Collection 
I spotted these on Instagram (https://instagram.com/p/0FmQ0xJSEY/?modal=true). Ciate's new collection feature some lovely pastel colours although, personally I'm not so sure about the orange...

Availible to purchase for £22.00 from Very.co.uk, Sephora and Ciate, of course :)


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Aussie Shower Gel 
If you've ever smelt any of the Aussie hair product, I'd be surprised if you didn't stick your nose back in bottle since they smell so good :)
 I recently discovered that they've now created a range of shower gels so that you can have a "me me me moment" or 'jump start your day'.                                                                                                                                              
Available from Superdrug, Boots, Amazon, Morrisons and Asda. Prices vary but they are around £3-£5ish

xx







Monday, 2 March 2015

Superdry's Baby Bento Beauty Box Review (seriously, how many b's?)

I took this with me on a short trip to York I did a week or so ago. Very useful to have lip gloss, mascara, blusher and eyeshadow all in one place :) It also comes with an inbuilt mirror and a double ended applicator. 
Photo courtesy of Superdry's official website
I am not a big fan of lip gloss since I always find them too sticky and gloopy (though if you have one that you think is good, feel free to make a suggestion below :)) but i did make use of the mascara and eyeshadow. 

I really liked the mini mascara as it was easy to apply and wasn't clumpy at all. Given its size it is quite handy for when you are out and about although if you're someone that seems to have always lost something, I would keep it in its box. 

The eyeshadow palette has quite subtle shades and is good for day or evening makeup. When I was in York I used the top left shade (a very - and i mean very - pale pink) over the whole of my eye (including crease and brow bone) and then I put the grey shade (bottom right) over just my eyelid. It comes out quite diluted (is that the right word? I mean that it's not very strong) so for emphasis or an evening look you'd have to put quite a lot on. However, for a day look it is perfectly fine. To finish I used the mini mascara. :) 

The box costs £14.00 from Superdry so you could certainly find cheaper alternatives and shades that you might prefer more. 

However, I do like that it is all in one place and I think the choice of eyeshadows is good because as a palette they can accommodate any eye colour. I'm a fan of Superdry since, although it is quite pricey ;(, it is a good quality brand. 

What do you think? x x