Fashion Fridays: Neon

They (Vogue and the elderly lady that I work with) say 'fashion repeats itself', but this one I might not be ready for. When I was 12 I went through a stage of wearing garish neon socks: yellow and pink, polka dot knee high socks. Urgh, it's one of those things that I'd rather not remember, but it's all relevant.

This spring sees splashes of neon just about everywhere, but especially in accessories - thank God socks are not the main feature in any S/S13 round ups. Personally, wouldn't go all out head to toe in neon, but a small hint here or there in a necklace or clutch bag makes a plain outfit gain a new dimension. If you're feeling super adventurous and a sudden mood takes you, mix neon with floral. It's a serious match made in heaven. If you need evidence have a look at Lianne La Havas on the cover of Company this March 2013. Need I say more?!

So here's my wishlist of neon accessories to brighten up the dreary days and prepare yourself for (fingers crossed) a gorgeous spring time!

How could I not include the Queen of eccentricity?! 

Vivienne Westwood + Melissa Skyscraper II Fuchsia 

Obscure bag-within-a-bag concept, weird, but cool.

Zara 

Lime Rebel, a mix up of classic swatch style.

Swatch/The Watch Shop

If stopping traffic is your thing, then so is this skirt

Statement embroidered skirt from Simone Rocha SS13 collection 

Maybe something a little more subtle...

ASOS

The general rule for neon, I believe, is that if it makes you feel a bit sick, it's probably a good thing. 

Advanced Style By Ari Seth Cohen - Review

I read an article about this book sometime in 2012 in The Times Magazine, and completely fell in love with the whole concept of older women really pioneering fashion to a whole new level.

Spawning from Cohen's blog ADVANCED STYLE of fashion by older ladies and gents, this book is a compilation of the individuals he has met on his travels and primarily in New York. He describes Advanced Style as 'a celebration of life' and I couldn't agree more.

Naturally, working in a charity shop, I hear the phrase, 'I couldn't possibly wear that, I'm far too old' too often, and it absolutely does my head in. I'm serious, I can't be the only one, does it get to you too?

I genuinely feel like this book should be given to every woman - and man - as they step into Marks and Spenser into the jungle of pastel coloured cardigans and ill flattering skirts. Women need to know the potential that they hold within them and personally I found a serious amount of inspiration in this book.

I mean, I found inspiration in two ways when working my way through the pages. The first for clothes, obviously, there were tonnes of different style combinations and strange hats to gaup at and to put on my wish list. Initially this is the first thing you see when you look at these women, the eccentric clothes. But then you find a new kind of appreciation, for their confidence and true love for life. The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas (I know, try saying that 3 times), said this, 'young woman, you're gonna be an old woman someday. Don't worry about it,  don't sweat it...every era it builds character' and it really resonates with me. I'm not scared of being old or ageing but for the people who are, I recommend this book. If I've learnt anything from it is that acceptance, at any age, comes from within. I like that a lot. 

The whole book is finished perfectly; matte finish with gold reflective text on the cover and a gorgeous font throughout. The pictures are gorgeous, each one bringing a little smile to my face - either by the outfit, the pose or the quote from the person. Each one celebrating life and fashion as it should be.

I got mine from Amazon for £16, and although may not have been the most frugal of choices, but it will be a book that I'd recommend for any fashion addict (I want to say 'fanatic' but I risk being too cliché), like myself and It would make a perfect (and most unusual) gift.

So, what's the most obscure thing you've ever worn that's made you feel on top the world? 

St Ives Naturally Clear Facial Scrub - Review

There is no other way of putting this: when it comes to a skin care routine I just fail. I want to have a really regimented morning of cleansing and toning and moisturising and faffing about with all sorts of products, but even when I set my alarm extra early to do a bit of exercise, I automatically reach for the snooze button and flop back into bed and wake up at quarter to 8, 15 minutes before I have to leave for school. It's safe to say every single day is a rush.

So skin care for me is reserved for the evenings, and this product has certainly made an impact on that routine. I was attracted to this product because of the apricot scent. I recently tried an Origins Drink Up Face Mask which you leave on your face all night and it smells so super delicious, it's unreal. Regrettably, I didn't smell the St Ives scrub before I brought it, and due to the packaging I assumed that it would make my face smell of apricots. That's me, all for the aesthetics. If I'm honest when I first smelt it, it was a bit like strong cleaning product. However, I've asked some other people what they thought of the smell and there seems to be a unanimous 'its quite nice' opinion, so maybe that one's just me. Regardless, It's definitely a clean smell.

As its a scrub it's obviously got quite a rough, sandy texture when its in your hands which I was worried about. I have somewhat delicate skin on my face, particularly cheeks, which is also partial to redness. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how gentle this product was, it washes off easily and my skin felt super soft after. As an added bonus, my cheeks weren't any redder than before I used it. Yay! However, I would only recommend to use in the evenings 2 or 3 times a week as I've found it is pretty difficult to apply make up on after I used this product and moisturised, which is annoying.

This product specialises in clearing skin and I think it does the job. I've seen a reduction of blackheads, and in general, less oils on my face in the T zone area. I feel very refreshed after using this. 

Despite the smell I think this is a really great scrub and no wonder St Ives have claimed to be the UK's number one scrub brand. I've not used any other St Ives scrubs or face masks before, but I've definitely been swayed. I feel like there is a definite repurchase on the cards for this one!  

RRP: £4.99

Overall Score: 8/10
Repurchase? Yes