The #nomakeupselfie for Cancer Research

As you've probably seen (unless you've been living off under a rock this week) the #nomakeupselfie has taken over social media. In aid of Cancer Research lots of ladies have been daring to bare in order to raise awareness for breast cancer. It's been a controversial matter that's got a lot of people talking so we thought you'd like to hear our opinions on the beauty phenomenon! So, check out our selfies & get donating…

Alice

When I first saw this trend taking off on Facebook I'm not going to lie, I was dreading the moment someone nominated me. While I'm not in to wearing loads of makeup I still like it as a sort of comfort blanket. But when I did finally get nominated I gave myself a good talking to for being so vain - this project has raised so much awareness and money (8 million pounds the last I heard?!) which is truly unbelievable considering they're not even sure how it started. Unfortunately my family has been affected by the big C in the past couple of years so I can assure you every single penny helps those diagnosed with cancer & their families! Even if you don't agree with the campaign you're still talking about it ain't ya? Point proven! Now donate please…

Grace

When I fist saw my feed filled with beautiful bare faces I thought it was great! Finally social networking being used for something useful (and it beats seeing half naked uni students necking tequila, although somtimes that is pretty funny). But then I started seeing those slating status', you know the ones sayin 'it's a fad and no one really cares', 'just another excuse for a selfie', 'they have a cure anyway it's all a conspiracy' and the worst 'girls, quite frankly, you all look disgusting'...It was mind boggling. I mean, what's the difference between trends like this and Sports Relief or Red Nose Day? All of them are commercialised on the run up to the event, pull in a mass sum of money and then slip off the radar for a while. WHO CARES?! It's for charity. #DontHateDonate

If you haven't already please text 'BEAT' to 70007 to donate £3 to Cancer Research UK, it really is that easy.

R.O.I text 'PINK' to 50300 to donate 4Euro to the Irish Cancer Society

Alice & Grace xo

How To - Home Furnishings DIY style

I wanted to have some original, quirky pieces for my room and what's a better way to get something 100% original than to make it yourself!? 

I made my very own candle holders and a flower/bottle/thingy (I have no name for it) 

This was super easy and it was fun! 

What you need:

• Empty curry/jam jars/beer bottles
• Ribbons, beads and fabric-I did this at no expense spared by using old tangled jewellery and hair pieces I had planned to throw away!
• Scissors
• Super-Glue

Candle Holders:

• Simply soak any old curry/jam jars in warm water and washing up liquid to melt the glue and easily remove the stickers.
• Rinse and make sure any excess glue or sticker is off the jar.
• The fun part: Instead of throwing away old jewellery or hair pieces re-use them, cut it up, tear it apart to make funky designs for your candle holders!
• (Left) For this jar I used an old lace head band I never wore (or planned to wear) to add lace to the top and bottom of the jar. For the middle I cut the beads off an old necklace and wound them round the jar. I then used the bigger beads of the necklace and glued them between the lace flowers on the top banner. This gave the jar an old victorian vintage look. (Right) My room has a lot o purple and orange within it so I decided to stick to this colour theme by cuttin up and old orange scarf I owned and wrapping it around the top. I then cut an old beadnecklace into equal strands and individually glued them to beading around the top. The large purple bead was off an old chandelier I had in my old house which had broken off. Easy! 

Flower/Bottle/Thingy (seriously guys help me think of a name):

• Again I soaked an old beer bottle in warm water and washing up liquid.
• The pink flower was originally a hair pin I bought for holidays a couple of years ago and haven't wore since.
• I removed the pin from the flower and for the 'stem' I attached some faux black pearls I had from a very tangled necklace I've had for YEARS!

Et Voila!

Alice & Grace x

Product of The Week

This week I've been a little blue due to the rain so I decided to make myself feel brighter by painting my nails in this fantastic fluro orange by Hedkandi for Models Own! 

The colour is outstanding (literally), dries within seconds and it doesn't chip easily! Perfect! 

This shade isn't for the shy wall flower as you will certainly get noticed rocking this on a night out because it glows under UV light, what more could you want from a nail varnish!? 

Models Own, Hedkandi

Shade-Hedonist

Product of the Week (end)

Sorry it's a little later than usual gorgeous readers but we have been super busy at A&G but as promised every week this is my top rated product; Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Infusion hair mask. 

My mum bought me some pamper products recently and since I spent last weekend covered in mud (and who knows what else, shudder) I decided to treat myself to a hair treatment. 

The mask is super simple to use, after washing your hair towel dry and apply the mask from root to tip using a comb to spread it evenly, relax for 5 minutes and rinse! The results are fantastic, not only does it leaving your hair smelling like chocolate it also gives it shine and conditioning for any dry ends.

Bex

Do the Hippy Hippy CHIC!

This is the 40 year celebration of the hippy movement! beginning in the USA and spreading like wild fire as far as Europe, notably the little island of Ibiza! 
the hippies have a long term connection with the island even to this day. 

The islands rock N roll history has given way to many myths about some of musics most legendary artists; bob Dylan hid in a windmill, Joni Mitchell breathed out the words to her hit record 'blue', pink floyd recorded an album. Janet Frame says of her time there in the 60s "I felt at Peace within my own mind..."

I've always felt like there was a little hippy in me; I'm unorganised, free spirited, a lover of bohemian music and all I really want is world peace (haha!) 
Known for their laissez faire attitude and AMAZING music they also had amazing style which I often emulate in my wardrobe (with a modern take). Think floaty, chiffon materials, cowboy boots galore and vintage overkill! 
Find your inner hippy, Peace out. 

Gypsy woman
Nothing says bohemian like a little gypsy influence! A modest attire in a long skirt and less than revealing top but with that oomph of sex appeal by showing off the décolletage, free flowing hair and of course BIG earrings.

Top-Bebe, skirt-Primark, earrings-H&M.

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone...

I love this dress, it's so effortless yet the detail is stunning; the finely sown lace and layers  of petticoat! Long cowboy boots give the feminine dress a bit of an edge (the kinda girl who can bake cookies but also floor you with a swift right hook!) add a real or fake flower for extra hippy! 

Dress-Lipsy, boots- Bershka, bracelet-Vintage.

Moves like Jagger

In this outfit I feel as if I've walked straight out of 'That 70s show' (Ashton Kutcher playing my on screen boyfriend, naturally). This outfit is so hippy chic! I bought the coat at a gladrags event from a vintage rail two years ago and it is my ultimate winter coat. I remember I had a great uncle who was a hippy and he wore a fabulous hat complete with a bright flower, hence my inspiration for the hat. finishing touches include high waisted jeans and long leather boots; this outfit is oh so hippy chic!

Coat-Vintage, Top-Mango, Jeans-New Look, Boots- mama's wardrobe (originally from a boutique in Prague), Hat-River Island.

I do believe in fairies! 

This outfit is so sweet, I felt like a little wood nymph! I've had this jacket for years, it was expensive but worh every penny as you can tell just from the design! Make this outfit wearable by adding some ankle boots or gladiator sandals.

Jacket-Couples boutique, Slip-Monsoon.

Make Love not...

To me this outfit just screams earth child!

 The dress has to slits on each side which originally were calve length but I did a little DIY and cut it to my thigh so when it got caught in the wind it gave the dress beautiful movement.  

Dress-Boohoo, boots-Dorothy Perkins, necklace-vintage.

Aladdin's Cave

Ibiza's hippy market is famous and a must see for anyone visiting the island. Tracing its roots back to the 1960s with hippies coming from all over the world in hopes of escaping the Cold War, the hippy market takes place every Wednesday from 10am to 7pm in Es Cana and is a treasure trove of handcrafted, unique and fashion forward fashion items and jewellery.

This is what I managed to get my mits on this summer...

I love this turquoise pendant, it's big and in your face but in an elegant way. And my man argued it down from €18 to €11 BARGAIN!

This multicoloured piece is definitely a statement necklace, the colours are stunning...it just looks good enough to eat! 

My gorgeous man bought me this bag from a random little stall, I didn't even have to hint...although walking around with it on my arm might have been a slight give away. I love the colours in this bag, so bright and middle eastern looking and I also love the elephant design, I adore elephants I have them hanging in my room and pendants adorning these giant elegant animals so this ultimately sold the bag! 

Aren't these pants amazing!? the colours, the fabric, the shape...they are simply stunning! The fabric is quite thick but cool enough so I can still wear them on hot days. I've been working them with chiffon tee's on warm days and neutral knit ware in the evening when it's slightly cooler! 

This antique effect brush and comb set is simply beautiful! Okay, so the chances of me ever using it are slim but I can set it on my dresser to be admired...and if I ever dare to use it I will feel like a fairy princess every time I brush my hair. 

Bex

Ibiza Style Diary Part I

We all know Ibiza is the party capital of the world but it's not short of a fashionista or two! I've been twice now, my first experience was at 18; I packed a few tshirts, got alcohol poisoning and missed 3 days of my Ibiza experience. This time I promised myself I would be much classier (HA!) I would do Ibiza chic! My second Ibiza experience was much more polished (but no less crazy)...

Travelling/Arrival

I chose denim cut offs and a floaty top to travel in knowing when we got there it would be both hot and cocktailo'clock! The gold bangles gave it a bit of sparkle whilst still keeping the look simple. On arrival I  added this pretty floral headband and made it the focus of my look, taking me from airport to sunset strip in seconds!!

Shirt-Forever 21, Shorts-H&M, Bangles- H&M, Headband-Primark

Beach Buffs & Babes

In Ibiza the beach isn't just the place to bathe and cool down, it is a posing parlour for over pumped men & pouting beach huns! Swimwear here is not worn for practicality but for the 'ibiza look'; think bright colours, permatans and lots of bling! San Antonio beach is man made and not the prettiest thing to look at so all eyes are on who's wearing what. I opted for a one piece in funky purple and this gorgeous chiffon jacket...and ray bans-ofcourse!

Swim suit-H&M, Chiffon cover up-River Island, Sunglasses- Ray ban

Privilege (Armin Van Burren)

Everyone must experience this club at least once before they die! The biggest club in the world holding 10,000 people and hosting the worlds biggest DJ's, it feels more like a concert than a club. A known Celeb go to I wanted to look chic yet still feel comfortable. This was the first ever dress I bought for going out and I think it's pretty timeless. I added some big earrings and flats so I could dance ALL night!

Dress-Warehouse, earrings-H&M, sandals- Bebe

Bex

Newcastle Fashion Week

In our opinion Newcastle has always been one of the UK's fashion capitals & now the critics  finally agree! Newcastle Fashion Week more than proved this is one of the up and coming cities in the fashion industry. With host Caryn Franklin we were more than inspired by her campaign All Walks Beyond The Catwalk (please do check it out - the latest shoot was done by our hero Rankin!!). We also got to have a bit of a spree with ASOS marketplace stalls such as Mod Dolly (who we adore & will definitely be blogging about in the near future...).

Ever wondered how you're going to make it in the big bad 'Devil Wears Prada' world of fashion? Luckily we got the exclusive insight on how to get in and what to do when you're in from a fabulous team of industry experts including the fantastic Louise Wedderburn, Company Magazine's very own editor Victoria White and representatives from ASOS market place and Motel.

We pass on to you top ten tips for your career in fashion...keep them secret, keep them safe:

1. Develop your skills & interests so you can specialise in one area (styling, blogging, writing)
2. It's all about experience! Apply for as much as you can, research any schemes your university may be part of which help further your future. 
3. CV's need to stand out! This is essential; do NOT use typical phrases ('passion for fashion' is just a no go) sell yourself!
4. They are only interested in what you can give them not what you want.
5. Take any work experience you are given big or small.
6. Once you get your foot in the door MAKE THE MOST OF IT!
7. Starting a blog is key, it reflects your personality and your interests.
8. Fashion journalism degrees are not expected or looked for but they do provide amazing contacts.
9. Be nice- fashion is incestuous, piss one off you piss em' all off.
10. Knock backs are to be expected; this is OK.

*Recommended readings:  'Outliers' - Malcom Gladwell & 'Get rich blogging' - Zoe Griffin 

What we wore...

Kathy - Denim Jacket - Topshop & Dress - Cooperative @ Urban Outfitters

Bex - Camel coat-Topshop, Bag-River Island, Blouse-Topshop, Tank-Top-H&M