The Jeffrey Campbell Obsession

As I've mentioned in my earlier blog post, I love shoes as much as I love chocolate, and as I've said, the crazier, the higher, the more expensive they are, the faster I fall in love with them. The most obvious designer that ticks all these boxes is of course Jeffrey Campbell.

Opening a box of new Jeffrey Campbells is like opening a window in early spring. His shoes are a breath of fresh air- they're crazy, studded, skull-ed, unbelievably high and ballerina platforms are 5 inches thick. I first came across his delights when I was in Arnotts in Dublin. I have a habit of snatching and demanding a size 6 of the craziest, most highest pair of heels I see in a shoe shop, and so I grabbed his 'Shadow' off the shelf, called an assistant over and demanded for my size. They were in a fancy box, wrapped in meters and meters of white paper, and looked absolutely fabulous. They were surprisingly comfortable, and my red Samsung camera captured the glorious moment.

Posing with the Shadows on in Arnotts!

Surfing Facebook every day allows me to check out his creations often. I've fallen in love with holy cross wedges that capture the baroque stud trend, gorgeous skull boots with a low heel that are perfect for marching through the city, and of course the spiked Lita, which every high street brand under the sun is making similar copies of. Then there is the unbelievable platforms and flatforms. His ballerina platforms have melted numerous bloggers hearts and his damsels have a crazily high wedge, making your legs miles long and you a million feet tall.
                      
                                             Jeffrey Campbell Ballerina Platform

And as you click through different pairs of madness, insanity and absolute genius on Wasteland or Nasty Gal, you keep coming across a boot that has a thick five inch heel, a two inch platform and comes in so many different designs. The Lita is the most popular and undoubtedly most sought-after shoe that made Jeffrey Campbell so well known. With over 100 different colours and designs, nearly every blogger (except me :'( haha) has befriended and loved the Lita over and over. And if you're a vegetarian, then Lita's first cousin Vita is for you. The best part of this unique shoe brand is that all Jeffrey Campbells aren't designed by a single person- they're designed by the blogger girl, different inspiring ideas put into a shoe. Each pair is more lovable than the next- more sequins, higher platform, more madness that surprisingly attracts you to bring them to the till with a grin, knowing that if you stroll down the street in these, all heads will turn.
    
Jeffrey Campbell Spiked Lita


Even though the height of the heel on some of Jeffrey Campbells might be a little frightening, the shoe itself if actually really comfortable. The inside of the shoe is really padded, so you can strut around your statement shoes without the statement pain.

The Jeffrey Campbell sale in Arnotts, last weekend

The reason why I decided to do a whole blog post about Jeffrey Campbell's footwear is because it's one of the reasons I'm blogging. His footwear highlights the most fun and important thing about blogging: anything is possible, and hes made that idea into a shoe form. And being the crazy shoe lover I am, no wonder his shoes melt my heart!

2nd+3rd photos from Google Images.


Gaby x

People Who Inspire Me: Lana Del Rey

I'm really sorry it takes me forever to put up a new blog post- I'm new to Blogger and half of the stuff I write decides to vanish in the transit from the Blogger app on my phone to my laptop :( No worries though, as the #1 thing on my New Years Resolutions is to blog more often, and I intend on making that happen through 2013!

Today I'm going to talk about one of my biggest idols and inspirations- in fact I'm going to start a new chain of blogs talking about the people who inspire me over the next 3 weeks! I'll upload a blog a week talking about the idols, heroes and heroines that motivate me to get out of bed and carry on when times are tough.

Number One on the list is undoubtedly Lana Del Rey. For those of you who might not yet be familiar with her, Lana, or Lizzy Grant, is an American singer-songwriter. Her music captivates me from the very first note, fulfills me and makes me feel happy yet heartbroken; her husky voice gives me a feeling of prettiness and toleration; like nothing matters in life, except love.

I first discovered Lana when I downloaded Video Games to my iPod for the only reason being that I was dying to get new songs on it. It instantly attracted me to this never-heard-before singer and her gorgeous way of expressing heartbreak. Her way of using words was not only poetic but also deeply touching, and Video Games remains one of her best known, and my most liked songs of hers.

I went on to buy her album, Born To Die, after Youtube had no more new songs of hers to offer. It took me a while, but soon I couldn't stop listening to it. In the car, at home, before bed, the minute I woke up, the minute I got back from school, all I did was listen to her beautiful songs, over and over, until each word was memorized, and each phrase became mine.

One of the songs on her album, Radio, was also where I got my inspiration from to write a blog. When I got back from Lithuania last Summer, I felt I needed to show everyone I was good at something- writing. I didn't know how to, I didn't know where to start, but I did know I wanted to write about my life, fashion and beauty. Radio inspired me to go and do so, to stop being lazy and to do what would make me even more unique.

                               'Now my life is sweet like cinnamon
                               Like a fuckin' dream I'm livin' in
                               Baby love me cos I'm playin' on the radio
                               How do you like me now?'

And so, I named my blog 'sweet like cinnamon' - because that's exactly how I am. Sweet, yet bitter.

Surprised as you might be, I did get sick Born To Die eventually, and I decided to take a journey back to when the whole world didn't yet know Lana.

The album I turned to was Kill Kill, which due to different problems, had to be taken out of production. Even though the music was much slower, and there was a lot less lyrics, the songs were still as meaningful. My favourite became a song similar to Video Games in numerous ways- Pawnshop Blues.

                               'Well I pawned the earrings 
                               That you gave me
                               Gold and middle flowers dangling
                               And I almost cried
                               As I saw them go'

As insignificant as these lyrics might seem, they described the feelings that I felt due to a time I was going through perfectly. They were still sad, still heartbreaking and still motivational- one of many of Del Rey's qualities.

A couple of months back, Lana released a new edition of Born To Die- The Paradise Edition. The new songs are more dark, yet still so Lana- and there's also a song that's really similar to Video Games and Pawnshop Blues- American.
                               
                              You make me crazy
                              You make me wild
                              Just like a baby; spin me round like a child
                              Your skin so gold and brown
                              Be young be dope be proud
                              Like an american

Lana has motivated me to do so much things, to go for living life a little on the wild side, yet still be myself. Even her appearance  fashion and beauty wise, is absolutely gorgeous. Her signature dark long thick hair, her winged eyeliner, dark lips. She adores vintage-type of clothing, ticking all the boxes from the 1950's onward.

She motivates a lot of bloggers and fashion lovers world wide, she inspired people through her music, and sometimes even changes some peoples lives a little- like she did mine.





Photo from Google Images. 

Gaby x

Christmas Haul

So today is the last day of the year, and I have to say this has been one of the worst, best, and definitely interesting years of my life. I would've never expected it to turn out the brilliant way it has, but I can honestly say I've enjoyed every minute of it!

To end the year with a blog post, I've decided to show off a couple of things I've gotten over the festive period. Santy brought some of them to me, some of them I got from my friends and family, and some of them I bought myself during the sales.

My best friend Ava got this for me as a Christmas gift. The cupcake calendar is so adorable!!

I snapped this up for myself in the St Stephen's day sales. I got it in River Island, it's one of the pieces from their Chelsea Girl range. It's unbelievably beautiful, with lace and polka dot detail, and 3/4 sleeves with  shoulders and sleeves with ruffled stitching. Having cost 33 euro before the sales and only 12 during them, it's a bargain too!

I've been wanting these type of 'lazy day' sweatshirts for a long time, but I'm glad I didn't buy one until I walked into Exhibit in Sligo. I love the Alexander McQueen gold skull detail, and only cost 13 euro, and it's definitely something I'll wear over and over.

These were brought by Santy himself. I've been wanting Vans for a long time, but I couldn't resist these floral ones. They're really comfy to wear, have secure stitching and rake in millions of compliments. 

Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto is a CD that gets me through a rainy day, and with so many brilliant tracks on it, it's definately an essential.

This is the tiny make up haul I treated myself to just the other day. 

Essence Quattro eyeshadows- 05 to die for

Essence clear+matt foundation- 02 honey

Essence Coverstick- 03 matt honey

Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick- 05

I'd like to thank you for reading my blog, and wish you a very happy 2013!!

Gaby x

Carry On :)

Happy Holidays! (sorry about the crappy-looking  me in it, I cannot pose properly for a pretty photo :(

Over Christmas, after many heels have left our feet sore and wrapping paper is everywhere, we probably will be left full of turkey and pud, sprawled out on the couch, unable to move, stuffing our faces with selection boxes and watching Christmas movies until well after New Years.

However, all that partying, in nightclubs or at home, might have left us full of regrets and in a bad mood. Or maybe we cant spend Christmas with the person we want to be with because of loads of different reasons.
Whatever the reason is, not everyone will enjoy this Christmas and call it 'shamazeing'. And if you're one of these people, I have some advice for you and God knows I'm only 14, but I've had bad nights out and in, and I know exactly how you feel.

Don't over think the event or whatever it is after its finished, as this will only trigger off depression. Thinking about something that happened which upset you will only create a harsher image of what really happened. Take your mind off things and try to stay as positive as possible.

No matter how hard life gets, you've got to always see how beautiful it is, pick out the good things, not the bad things, and obsess over the positives.

Oh, and listen to Coldplay's Paradise.

And of course smile :)

Gaby x

2012 Favourites

2012 is nearly over, and so I decided to write a blog post about my favourite beauty products I've purchased this year. They're all quite cheap, and are definitely my new essentials!

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo
I've been using Batise for a couple of years now, but I've nearly always opted for the floral travel size version. I've tried even the more adventurous and exciting editions, like the Batiste powder for emergencies and silver shimmer for nights out but over a continuous chain of disasters I decided to stick with the floral and flirty version. Until I dared to get this that is! Spray it on, massage to distribute evenly and suddenly you've got oddles and oddles of big hair, no backcombing needed. I use it for messy buns as it makes them stay secure and even more messy.

L'oreal Extraordinary Oil
This was only released earlier in the year, and there's a version for coloured hair too. It's very oily so I use one drop instead of the recommended two as I don't want to overload my hair and make it look greasy. However, it's a brilliant product, giving loads of shine and taming dry ends, so it works wonders for me. It works best applied on dry hair, and as only one drop can go a long way, it is sure to last ages.

Nivea Vitamin Shake Cranberry+Raspberry Lip Balm
I got this from a friend who had visited Beiresdorf, but unfortunately I've never seen it here as I would love to get it again. It's my new favourite lipbalm, with gorgeous packaging, a gorgeous scent and a gorgeous feel on the lips. Its really moisturizing and I use it as a base for lipsticks, or on its own.

Essence Raspberry+Chocolate Cookie Hand Cream
The scent and richness of this handcream is probably why I love it so much. It isn't too sweet or too runny, spreads over hands easily and absorbs quickly, but doesn't have a brilliant lasting power, but seeing as it's so cheap its something that can be overlooked.

Essence Soft&Natural Foundation shade 02 Sand Beige
I've never received so much praise as to how clear my skin is whilst wearing this foundation. It's really easy to apply and only requires a tiny amount. Lasting the whole day, it doesn't get into creases and is invisible once applied. It also acts as a good concealer and hides spots and blemishes well. As it is an Essence product, its a total bargain and is super affordable!

L'oreal Elvital Volume shampoo+spray
As you can probably now tell, I use quite a lot of volume products since I love my hair big and bouncy. These are from the Loreal Elvital (not Elvive!) range which I purchased in Lithuania, so I highly doubt they're available here or the UK. The shampoo leaves my hair soft and easy to style, but the spray is definitely my new favourite as when applied to damp hair, it gives volume that no volumizing powder could give, bouncy and really long lasting!!

Wella Curling Mousse
I always put this on the night before I plan doing a messy bun. It defines and brings out every little curve in my hair and turns it into a soft curl, making messy buns messier and better.

Essence Lipstick shade 53 All About Cupcake
This has to be my most favourite lipstick of all time. The colour is a gorgeous soft pink which can be layered over to create a more sultry colour. It also gives a brilliant shine and moisturizes like a lip balm, and on top of all that it's a bargain just like most Essence products are. I will be definitely getting it again and again.

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick shade 01
I don't usually buy Rimmel products, but I couldn't resist this one because of its true red colour and small price tag. It's really pigmented so it lasts a long time but I find it really dry so I have to bring a lipbalm and use it as a base as otherwise I would have cracked red stained lips, not a good look!

L'oreal Million Lashes Mascara
I bought this when it was on sale and fell in love with it after the first application. It brings out every single eyelash, coating it evenly without clumping. I usually apply a couple of coats to achieve that thick dark lash look. I do notice some smudging after a long day, but other than that its a brilliant product.

Gaby x

Body Image

I have always been skinny.

Ever since I was a little girl, my mother would have to 'take in' my trousers and skirts, because I had such a slim waist. I've always wanted to be a little 'fuller', especially now, but I can't do anything about it, because being slim runs in my family- I'm thin, my sister's thin, my mam's thin and so is my dad, so even if I ate 6 million calories a day, I would still be the same, skinny arms and a tiny waist.

I have always been really insecure about my weight. I've never been anorexic and I've never suffered from any sort of an eating disorder, I always eat till I'm full, but I've still stayed skinny and there's nothing that I know I can do about it.

However, I still get comments on my weight. Things like 'You're like a stick!' and 'Ohmygod you are sooo skinny' I've been hearing since forever, and I'm so used to them that I don't even hear them anymore, but they still stay in my concience and when I'm feeling really down, they creep out and slap me in the face and bring me down deeper, but this post isn't about me moaning. It's about that being called a stick is as hurtful as being called fat.

Most people would never believe that in a million years, because they think that being called a stick is a compliment, but its the truth. I'm skinny and I know I'm skinny, so there is no need to rub it in! I don't go up to girls that maybe aren't as stick thin as I am, and I don't start calling them fat, so don't be calling me a bloody stick!

The irony is, that people actually believe that having your slim figure rudely pointed out and over exaggerated is a compliment. But what you need to know is that girls will never, ever, ever take being called a stick a compliment- just like girls with curves will never, ever, ever take being called fat a compliment.

Especially nowdays- and this really effects teenage girls in my opinion- there is the unbelievable pressure to look like a grown up young lady, i.e., have the body of Marilyn Monroe and be able to strut it and show it off on nights out wearing tight dresses.

Coming up to discos and things like that, I spend hours deciding what I'm going to wear and will it make me look too skinny? or make it look like I've no boobs? Or maybe my waist will look freakishly small? I try outfits on and off, and invite my friends over to get their opinion, and ending up wearing something completely different as to what I was originally planning to wear, because I look like a normal person in this dress, and it dosen't matter if I don't end up wearing my new shorts, becouse this playsuit is better.

I'm not the only one undergoing remarks about my slim figure. I know girls that are absolutely lovely, but are thin and people do comment on their weight and are sometimes really rude. So I'm standing up for thin girls everywhere. Thin girls that get comments on their weight, thin girls that get called 'sticks', thin girls that wish they weren't so slim and can do nothing to 'fatten' themselves up. I'm one of these girls and my weight is none of your business, so don't comment on it. You don't know how we feel about our bodies, so don't assume we love them.

Gaby x

Heels Heels Heels :)

If there's one thing you need to know about me, it's that I love high heels.

It all began when I was 12. I always adored shoes and had recently discovered extremely high heels, and could not get them out of my mind. I remember the first time I saw them. I can't remember that well, but I think it was in a magazine. Soft, baby pink faux leather. 14 cm heel, and 3 cm platform, with a small strap and a pink bow attached to it. They were pretty, and I wanted them oh-so-badly. I had absolutely no where to wear them, and absolutely no chance in hell of being able to walk in them, but it didn't matter. I could sit on the couch, have them on my feet and stick my legs in front of me and look at them all day long, and show them off to my friends when they came round. They were only available online, and in Dublin, and had a 60 euro price tag, so I knew the chances of me bringing them home with a huge grin on my face and stuffing my feet in them were less than slim.

Then, as I started taking heed of all these lovely shoes that were around me when I walked into a shop, my knowledge and love for heels spread like a house on fire. The higher the better, no matter how much my mother disproved. The higher the platform, the more bright the colour, the more 'V' shaped the heel. The higher the price tag too, and designer shoes made me melt. Of course, I didn't buy every single pair I loved, I just observed and told myself I had no where to wear them, which was the ugly truth.

I think my love of shoes also kick started my appreciation for fashion. Well, it was quite simple really- you can't wear glitzy gold courts with sweatpants. So I started looking at clothes, and choosing them carefully so that they can match my shoes, and reading Vogue, repeating the fancy names of french designers over and over, and wishing badly I owned at least a piece out of their latest collection, not because it was pretty or even might have suited me, but because it was designer and I badly needed it if I was completely devoted to fashion.

Anyway, here are the pair of shoes I discovered whilst surfing the internet a couple of days ago. I think they're Christian Louboudin, and there is a blue version which is gorgeous too, but the black ones are equally as stunning.


                                   

Gaby x