Blake's Got A New Face

So, last week Blake Lively talked about her forthcoming lifestyle brand. This seemed to be met with responses ranging from 'bleh' to 'girl please'. Not too many people seemed enthusiastic about it, which wasn't terribly surprising as we've spoken about the Mocktress before and in the wake of talents such as Jennifer Lawrence taking Hollywood by force, people are getting a little tired of those who seem to be faking it. However, I'm quite excited to see what she puts out there! Yeah, I agree with Lainey, her quote was a bit wishy washy. A one-of-a-kind life is no longer one-of-a-kind if everyone's living it, so she might want to tighten up on her spiel for when she launches the brand. Nevertheless, I want to know more. 

As I mentioned on here before, I'm not really the target market for Oprah and Martha, I don't have a child so Alba is out, and I'm not exactly rolling in it like Goop ($800 for a jumper, are you serious lady?!) However, twenty-somethings are a great market. We're just starting out on our own but like to look to the left and right for reassurance from our peers. This is why I enjoyed Candidly Nicole (even though she is in her early thirties, her content was accessible to my age group) and I also like to browse Lauren Conrad's website.

Blake has great style - ok, it might be hit and miss but isn't that the case for all of us who dress ourselves? - and regularly discusses her penchant for baking and homemaking. She did a little thing for Vogue where she cooked for Elettra Wiedermann (below) and there's no denying her charm, so I'm definitely going to check out her brand - so long as she's not promoting $800 jumpers. Ugh. Aspirational but accessible please Blake. 

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

Now, I'm not really into beauty products all that much (hair products on the other hand...) but I've been wanting to sort out a skincare regimen for a while. I'm not getting any younger and, as they say, prevention is better than cure. So, after a lot of research (that means trawling The Fashionspot for posts on skincare routine), tallying, and crossing off brands I have already tried and disliked (looking at you Clinique and Clarins) I finally decided on Shiseido and Liz Earle. To be fair, Liz Earle got more raves but I like saying Shiseido. There is no place for such fickleness when it comes to skincare I hear you cry but Shiseido is a reputable brand- I could do a lot worse.

Anyway, I've started with the Shiseido 1, 2, 3 routine and so far I like what I see- skin definitely looks brighter. However, I prefer the smell of Liz Earle stuff so I might move onto that one soon. Smell is important, no? My friend and I were talking about this the other day. How can you walk around with something on your face all day when you dislike the smell? It just cannot be done. What do you think? 

I have also signed up for three months of goodies at Glossybox so fingers crossed I get some nice little testers. I'm not very good at committing to one product (as you can probably guess) so I thought this would be an interesting thing to do for a while. 

Next on the beauty agenda is to find a mascara that is good for people with sensitive eyes. But for now, which skincare brands do you prefer? 

I Need A Dollar...And This Coat

Once again, I have become obsessed with a coat and I still haven't even purchased my winter coat yet.

So, without further ado I present to you Exhibit A:

Mila Kunis in a fabulous tweed, cocoon/funnel neck coat (Fashionistas help me out- I don't quite know the correct terminology). I don't even know the brand (if anyone can help, I'd be grateful) but it looks so cosy! 

I had a little search and found a couple similar coats. 

On the left, we have Won Hundred Factory Cocoon Coat from Urban Outfitters.

Top right is a little more mature from Phase Eight.

Finally, bottom right is from Topshop. The colours on this one wouldn't suit me but it's nice for the right person. 

Hopefully, by the end of next week I will have purchased my own winter coat because I cannot keep wearing my old Whistles number.

Wanty Wanty

This week, lots of different things have been catching my eye around the web and it made me think of my mum and grandma saying (in their Jamaican accents) 'wanty, wanty, can't get it, getty getty nuh want it'. So, without further ado, here is this week's most coveted item:

Emma Stone's Gorgeous Coat

I'm looking for my winter coat at the moment and I would love one similar to Emma Stone's Maje number (sidebar: does anyone know how you actually pronounce Maje?). It's stylish but functional and she looks very chic in it. Then again, she looks chic most of the time. In fact, I could add her whole wardrobe to my want list. However, at $775, this is way out of my price range.

So, here are two I've found that don't quite measure up to the Maje but are more in my price range:

ASOS Wool Biker Coat- £110.00

Whistles Floretta Funnel Neck Coat- £225.00

Everyone's A Winner Baby

It has been a week since the Emmys and the fashion buzz has fizzled out, so I can finally look at everything without bias. Overall, I don't think anybody was awfully dressed. Most looks were very good. Very few (if any) were head turners but then again I think that was expected. However, this is the nice thing about the Emmys: We see these stars in our homes everyday (compared to say, The Oscars where to be honest most of us haven't seen half of the Best Picture nominees- even us so called film addicts), and then they turn up on a red carpet in their designer gowns looking all 'aw shucks, it's just me in this little old thing', therefore the Emmys is more of an accessible red carpet.

Anyway, here were a few of my favourites from the event:

Leslie Mann in Naeem Khan was my favourite look of the night. I would love to wear this dress, as it is simple but a little bit quirky (with the intricate beading) but not too outlandish. She looks comfortable and happy, which is always a bonus. Also, the turquoise jewellery is an unexpected treat. 

Similarly, Padma Lakshmi's Monique Lhuillier dress was simple but effective. The colour looked gorgeous against her skin tone. I'm not a fan of the fishtail dress but I did like it on Padma. Finally, Jessica Lange just looked cool in her sunglasses and J.Mendel gown. 

Mindy Kaling (St. John) and Allison Williams (Oscar de la Renta) both rocked emerald green. They proved the colour is flattering on all skin tones. Also, I LOVE Allison Williams' neon pink Oscar de la Renta dress from the pre-Emmys party. It's youthful but sophisticated and I want one similar to it. 

A pregnant Claire Danes shone in yellow Lanvin and Kerry Washington shimmered in Vivienne Westwood. Both leading ladies were radiant on the carpet. 

Finally, these young leading ladies stepped up to the plate in stylish but age appropriate outfits. Kiernan Shipka of Mad Men looked all kinds of classy in Zac Posen and Ariel Winter looked adorable in Katharine Kidd. 

My Hustle, So Russell

The job market in the UK right now is DIRE. Despite reports of unemployment falling it is still hard out there for a recent graduate. Yesterday, I did a stupid thing and roughly counted how many applications I had saved in my documents folder. It surpassed 100. And those were just the CV's and cover letters that I had tailored to specific jobs. I've sent far more standard CV's and completed countless online forms. 

Then to make matters worse, I was scrolling down my news feed and saw that a friend had posted about their unemployment. I commiserated silently and was about to continue scrolling when I noticed all the comments. These were not sympathetic comments like my silent one. No, these were job offers- and proper one's at that! Well, if I'd known you could get job offers just by posting on the internet, I would have done it sooner. Except, all of my friends on that site are actually my friends, and surely if they had jobs they would have offered them sooner? So, more than ever, it is about who you know and who you've connected with over time. I am going to have to take advice from Hov and make like Russell Simmons. Here are some pointers for my fellow unemployed grad's feeling a little down today:

First, equip the mind. It is evident that the Tech industry is the place to be these days, so I have started an online Computer Science course over at Coursera (and signed up for a Logic course, which is more for fun). Add new skills. The more you have to offer, the harder it is for them to dismiss you. 

Second step, broaden your circle. I'm wary of social media like Twitter and all that but it seems like more and more people are making their work connections on there. 

Third step, take heed of the wise words written by Emily Dickinson: "Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door". Keep pushing, knock on every door. In fact, burst through it and declare "I'm here!" like Juwanna Mann. Someone will take you under their wing, eventually. 

Finally, just keep on keeping on. It's hard but it's something that has been going on for time immemorial. Your time will come. Just make sure that when it does, you're ready. 

Why Mindy Is My Jess

Whilst I was away, I was able to take advantage of the brilliant service that is Hulu. I caught up with Community and also managed to watch two pilots. One of these was The Mindy Project. 

This time last year, almost to the date, I was browsing the internet and came across some sample chapters from Mindy Kaling's "Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)". First of all I was immediately gripped by the title because that is my motto. It goes through my neurotic little head on a regular basis. I then found myself laughing out loud- at my internship- as I read the samples. So, when I got home I pre-ordered the book (I hardly ever pre-order. I didn't even pre-order the new J.K Rowling. Who's going to sell out of that one? Nobody.) and Mindy and I have been besties ever since. 

So, I was excited-and a little nervous- to watch my imaginary BFF's new show. I loved it. Naturally. My initial thought after viewing was "there's finally someone on the television that I can relate to". I know, from reading Vulture, that Mindy doesn't really want it to be about race and I agree on some level. But when there are little people like me out there who are just so glad to see somebody their colour fronting a show that's not about cops or gangstas or the president (ok it's about doctors but I can work with that), you kind of have to touch on the issue. 

Mindy is not stereotypical- at least where ethnic stereotypes are concerned. No, Mindy is to me what Jess was to all of my friends last year. Except, The Mindy Project doesn't really remind me of New Girl so much as it reminds me of my old favourite Ugly Betty (taken from our screens far too soon. We love you Betty!). Despite being a half hour show like New Girl, The Mindy Project shares Ugly Betty's more grown up approach. I suppose you could say that an ethnic woman (Mindy, Betty, Olivia Pope) has to be shown going above and beyond to serve as an inspiration- whether they like it or not. I don't think an ethnic actress playing Jess' role would ever be received the way Zooey Deschanel has been. 

However, like Mindy, I don't really want it to be about race either. I just want to enjoy a good, hearty comedy with an abundance of pop culture references. But it is nice to finally be able to relate to an onscreen character, isn't it? 

Winter Is Coming...

I've only been home for four days but it is getting increasingly chillier by the hour. So, on that note, I bid farewell to summer by sharing a few of the tunes (new and old) that got stuck in my head whilst the sun dared to show it's face.

Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

Obviously I got swept up into the hype of this song but boy is it catchy. I hardly ever remember lyrics but for some reason I can recite most of this song.

Gangnam Style by Psy

I will always associate this song with our long trip to the Miami area.

Beamer by Mele feat. Kano

This reminds me of the beginning of the summer and the Euro's as we kept singing "Teach them how to Balotelli". 

Disparate Youth by Santigold

If I could be an artist, I'd definitely want to be like Santigold. Love this track. It's mellow but still has a summer vibe. 

Superstylin by Groove Armada

An oldie but a goody. I managed to hear this live again this year at Lovebox with sis.

I can't really post Youtube videos for all my summer tracks but I've created a Spotify playlist of the rest.

Growing Up Is Hard To Do (Especially With A Baby Face)

THE VENICE FILM FESTIVAL: SPRING BREAKERS

Those of us who trawl the gossip blogs on a daily basis will be well aware of this film as we were constantly bombarded with candids from the set of Spring Breakers. At first everyone was shocked to see the tween queens cavorting around in neon bikinis and then interest turned to bemusement as candids of a James Franco in some K-Fed 2.0 get up hit the interweb. The IMDBers and other film lovers were anxious and excited to see what Harmony Korine was creating. I haven’t seen anything from him before (to be honest, I’ve never heard of him) but I have to say I was-and still am- intrigued as well. The consensus from critics at the festival seems to be that it is not as controversial as the on set pictures would suggest but it is a decent enough film.

However, all of this background chatter is kind of irrelevant for the tween queen’s as they will be hoping this film is the bridge for them to crossover into more adult roles- the life raft out of teeny bopper land. This is what fascinates me the most. I want them all to do well. I have a soft spot for Selena Gomez because, like me, she unfortunately has a baby face (well unfortunately for now anyway. She will be grateful for it in twenty years time, I’m sure). As a result, people are often quick to forget that she is actually twenty years old (it also doesn’t help that she is constantly papped with The Biebs). Therefore, it’s about time she starts to shed her Disney persona and begins to branch out. The same goes for Vanessa Hudgens who I often, inexplicably, feel sorry for. I think she was done over by the whole Zac Efron thing and it’s high time she got her chance to shine again. 

But enough amateur gossip analysis, onto the style transformations that solidifies this whole Time To Grow Up campaign. 

Selena Gomez attended the photocall with a nod to Autumn's luxurious brocade trend in a decadent Dolce & Gabbana number. She then glammed up in Atelier Versace for the premiere. Both looks are mature without being too try-hard. 

However, my favourite has to be Vanessa Hudgens. Such a nice surprise, particularly as she won this year's Fug Madness over at Go Fug Yourself. The Blumarine dress she wore for the photocall is elegant and very Emma Stone. Her bob has grown out nicely too. Every time I see this wavy do, I'm tempted to head down to my hairdressers. Yet, it is the gorgeous Temperley London dress she wore to the premiere that is my absolute favourite. It is definitely one of the best dresses I have seen this week. Ah, good old Temperley London. 

But for now, good luck Selena, Vanessa and Ashley- may the odds be ever in your favour. Will you be watching Spring Breakers?

Penelope Cruz, W Magazine, and Eyebrows

Photographers: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot; Stylist: Edward Enninful; Makeup: Charlotte Tilburty; Hair: Pablo Iglesias

First of all, this cover is AHMAHZING (in the words of my second favourite Penny). It is my favourite of the September issues and therefore deserves a dedicated post. I don’t think I’ve ever purchased W as it is not always the easiest to come across in my part of the world. However, I am going to hunt this issue down when I head into London next week.

Penelope looks strong, sophisticated and beautiful as always. The general consensus seems to be that it oozes 90's Supermodel and I completely agree. It’s not about the clothes or the makeup (even though they work by being subtly genius), it is all about Penelope. The hair, the steely eyes, the EYEBROWS are all saying ‘Si, I am fabulous, and what?’. When I look at it, I can totally hear that Stella Artois advert.

Now, back to the eyebrows. The other day, whilst fuelling my gossip blog addiction by trawling through Celebitchy, I was drawn to this discussion on Lily Collins’ eyebrows. Now, as someone with an unintentional statement brow, I had never really noticed Lily’s but apparently for some of the pluckers out there it has been an ongoing debate. I think her eyebrows are great! Much more interesting and fashion forward than the purposefully non-existent style, however that is just my own biased opinion. Why should she ‘tame’ her brows? Beauty is wholly subjective so do whatever floats your boat. Can you tell this is a bit of a raw spot for me?

Anyway, sweetie darling Penelope shows all of us full eyebrowed followers of fashion how to work it. Someone in the comments of the Celebitchy post later said (and I am paraphrasing from memory) that they didn’t understand the hoo-ha because bold eyebrows had been a thing in Europe for yonks. As a European, I guess this is true and is the reason why I had never considered the Lily Collins eyebrow debate before. In fact, I think hair in general is treated differently on the continent but that’s a worthwhile debate for another day.

For the time being, enjoy Penelope in all her fierce amazingness.

You Know I Love You, XOXO

Dear Gossip Girl,

This week, the 100^th episode of Gossip Girl aired in the UK and it got me thinking about everything we have been through over these last ten years.

I was only 13 or 14 when I found you on Amazon but alas, you were only available in the US. So, I asked for a copy for Christmas and my aunt bought it for me. In hindsight, I suspect she was reluctant to get it for me after reading the blurb on the back, after all YA was not quite what it is now ten years ago, but still she got me what I wanted and that Christmas, I became addicted to the lives of those Upper East Siders (and anything printed by Little, Brown).

Thanks to you, I delved into the world of Manhattan’s elite and never looked back. I was able to dazzle my dad with references to hotspots in his beloved city despite having never actually set foot outside of JFK until last summer. I also developed delusions of obscene grandeur with regard to designer brands, thinking it was the norm for seventeen year olds to carry Marc by Marc Jacobs totes and tiptoe around in Tory Burch flats.

A lot of people do not realise that your novels are a lot more complex and hard hitting than what is portrayed in the television series. The show started out trying to be controversial and quite frankly a little scary, just like the novels, however something didn’t translate from page to  screen- probably due to the budget and perhaps the casting. Although, it has to be said, Leighton Meester’s Blair Waldorf is inspired and the closest we will ever get to the real thing. However, now the show has found the right balance between campy dramedy and fashion show to satisfy us all. Sorry but even those who claim to hate it now were rocking headbands and patterned tights back in 07.

Thank you also for spinning off to create The It Girl series because even though they were ghost written (like the later original Gossip Girl’s) I still found them crazily entertaining. I drove myself to distraction trying to find Stila lipgloss in the UK thanks to Callie’s obsession. Speaking of Callie and moving on to Easy and Brett, thank you also for introducing all of those preppy, unusual names into our modern day lexicon.

Overall, if it wasn’t for you Gossip Girl, there would not be many of the novels and shows that are available right now that quite often do not have half the style, sass and entertainment value as you (Pretty Little Liars I am looking at you). You opened the door for the equivalent of chick-lit to YA. It is not for everyone and I am sure some highbrow sorts probably despise you and blame you for the demise in children’s literature. However, I implore them to read your novels and not these pale imitations that have been churned (yes churned, we are not stupid, we can tell) out over the years.

It has been an honour to tag along for the ride these past ten years. Hopefully there will be many more- although please, don’t release any more of the second-generation novels with the Carlyle’s- I did not like these, except for the character names (I have always wanted to call a character Baby but it just never sounds authentic).

Keep on keeping on Gossip Girl and ignore the haters.

You know I love you.

XOXO

Sophiloves

This week's top five:

Debra Messing/Smash/Musical Theatre 

I haven't managed to read any reviews of Smash yet but I absolutely loved the first episode. It wasn't flawless but it has heart, which is all I want from my TV dramas. It's so good to see Debra Messing back on the small screen and I love that her character's job is my dream job. If I could choose to be anything in the world it would be a composer/lyricist, hands down, no argument.

Brad and Jane in Happy Endings

Eliza Coupe and Damon Wayans Jr continually push each other to form the funniest couple on television right now.

Rachel McAdams

Without a shadow of doubt, one of the classiest actresses out there. I love that she turned down The Devil Wears Prada, even though I can see her as Andi more than Anne Hathaway.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/9041802/Rachel-McAdams-I-love-the-British-sense-of-humour.html

Zoe and Lenny Kravitz

Ermmm, coolest father/daughter pairing in the world?!

Maje

Last year it was Sandro but I'm not feeling their S/S 12 collection so Maje wins for now. Not that I'll ever be able to afford any pieces...