Book Club | Cheryl: My Story

"The nation’s sweetheart, Cheryl has achieved unrivalled success with Girls Aloud, as a solo artist, a judge on the X Factor, a fashion icon and as the face of L’Oreal. However, the path to fame is rarely easy and for Cheryl it has been a colourful journey.  From happy but humble beginnings growing up on a tough Newcastle estate, Cheryl saw firsthand the damage that drugs and alcohol can do. But this feisty Geordie never gave up on her dreams of being on stage.  With success came a level of fame no one could prepare for. As Cheryl’s career went from strength to strength her personal heartache was played out in the national media. From her divorce to her battles with malaria, Cheryl's every move was captured by paparazzi. There was nowhere for Cheryl to hide. However, a true fighter, Cheryl emerged from every challenge stronger.  Now it’s Cheryl’s turn to set the record straight. In this heartfelt account, she opens up about all of the incredible ups and downs of her life. Told with searing honesty this is Cheryl as you’ve never seen her before."

I'm a big Cheryl fan and have been since the beginning when she first got into Girls Aloud. When I saw that she was releasing an autobiography, I initially wanted to read it to find out the truth about Ashley because there'd been so much speculation when they were together.  It was an entertaining read, although at times the writing was pretty basic.  I was quite shocked at how much she hates the paparazzi, becoming one of only a few celebrities who have been granted an injunction against them.  Cheryl talks very openly about her battle with Malaria, which is quite difficult to read especially when she was being told her organs were one by one shutting down.  

Although there were quite a few lows in the book, there were a lot of laugh out loud parts too, especially her relationship with Simon Cowell, who she described as money hungry and vain.  It was also quite funny reading about when she got arrested in Guildford, somewhere I shop and go out quite often myself.  There's also a great story of how Cheryl met Prince Harry on Simon Cowell's dressing room floor... If you like Cheryl, than you'll definitely like this book or if you just like to be nosey and find out more about people.  Like I said, it's not very well written but for the entertainment factor that can be forgiven.  

Currently reading: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

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Sunday Update #5

It's been a long time since I last wrote a Sunday Update, mainly because I've either been working overtime, had other plans or just not really had much to update you all on.  I'm a bit of a girl band (Cheryl) fan and Girls Aloud have recently announced their comeback tour.  I woke up early to ensure I got good tickets, because I don't know about you but I don't see the point of going to a concert and watching the band on the screens.  Ticket buying is extremely stressful.  I had brilliant tickets and I went to continue and Ticketmaster froze which meant I lost them and when I logged back on, the tickets had sold out.  After giving up all hope, Girls Aloud announced a third date at the O2 and I managed to get some.  My Mum and Dad kindly offered to buy my ticket as part of my Christmas present, which has become a theme over the past few years.  Needless to say I'm really excited about it!

I've been trying to keep motivated and using the time I have off university as productively as possible (Made In Chelsea is a huge distraction).  I've been working on my dissertation as well as an investigative article which I'll get onto in a second.  Pamper sessions are always needed after a day of hard graft and right now I'm trying out some Ojon products which I really like. Just a heads up, Ojon are now in Boots and when you buy anything from the range you get a free 50ml Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment (worth £16 may I add).  

I've been trying to get my nails long and strong for a while now, but it's just not happening.  I purchases OPI's infamous Nail Envy and so far so good. I've only been using it a little over a week, so there's no real results just yet.  With all the university work I have on right now, I like to have some time doing things I enjoy.  I love my Kindle and i'm currently reading Cheryl's autobiography, which is surprisingly good. 

I made a mistake this week, I had two tutorials on Wednesday but I didn't really look at the times for each when I signed up.  I ended up having a three hour gap. I ended up writing up some blog posts and doing some research on my iPad whilst enjoying a Christmas Starbucks.  For my investigative article, I'm writing about Internet trolling and I was lucky enough to interview one of the Olympic Athletes that had to battle the trolls this summer.  Zoe was great to talk to and I can't wait for you to read what she has to say on the subject later this month.  

Yesterday we celebrated one of my best friends 21st birthdays with a spa day followed by dinner at a Mexican restaurant.  It was a lovely, relaxing day away from university and work.

  

What have you been up to?

New In: Recent Beauty Buys

After lectures today, I popped out shopping, mainly to buy my mum a present for Sunday.  I knew there were a few things I wanted to get myself from Superdrug and I also had to top up some of my skin care.  I also went into Primark, but if you've seen any of my latest tweets, you'll know I'm not happy.  To cut a long story short, I found THE shirt I had been searching high and low for only to have to go up FOUR (not exaggerating) dress sizes.  I'd already gone up three and thought that the next size up would surely be the perfect fit.  How wrong was I.  I've just tried it on and want to scream. I might be curvy but there is no way I am anywhere near a size 20 yet this still didn't fit - Primark, sort your life out! I wont be spending my money in there anytime soon.  Back to the goodies - beauty products never fail to disappoint me (unless they don't actually work...) so here's what I bought. 

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish 100ml and Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator

I've been pumping the last of my C+P for a few days now, and I know that if I don't use it. I'll experience some horrific breakouts.  I picked this up and also the Exfoliator which I haven't tried as I want to scrub away my winter skin.  I'll let you know how I get on with it, but if it's anything like my other Liz Earle products, I'm sure it'll be great!

Loreal Super Liner 24 Hour Gel Eyeliner, Loreal Lumi Magique and Loreal Super Liner Perfect Slim

I have wanted to try Loreals liners for a while now, as everyone seems to rave about them.  I took full advantage of the 3 for 2 offer in Superdrug and picked up the newest editions to the liner family.  

I've never tried a gel before but have been looking into it for a while so I will give this a go. I love my MAC penultimate liner but have been looking for a high street alternative.  

My Clinique highlighter/concealer completely run out this morning, so I picked up the new Loreal one to try.  I've swatched it and it seems exactly the same! 

Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart

My most exciting product of the day.  I've wanted to try these ever since the American guru's have gone mental for them.  I got lucky with this as they weren't actually out on display, but I asked a shop assistant if she knew when they'd be out as they were released this week and she found them for me! I'm wearing it on my lips now and it is really pigmented and feels lovely on my lips.  I'm definitely going to pick a few more of these up - hopefully they will be on a 3 for 2 or something like that.  

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze

A surprise buy today as I didn't even know these had launched in the UK yet, I just happened upon them whilst wandering around the make up stands.  I wasn't sure which ones to get as I know the Taupe one is quite saught after in America.  I went for this bronze shade as these colours bring out my blue eyes.  This is going to be perfect for those days when you just want a wash of colour all over the lids and nothing more.  

Now we just need the dream bouncy blushes to launch here! What high street make up launches are you looking forward to most?

Tips, Tricks and Cheats: Voluminous Locks

Ever looked at Cheryl Cole and thought, I want your hair?  Do you ever get sick of your limp and lifeless (say in the Tweedy accent if you must) locks?  Well I for one know I do.  

I used to have extremely thick hair, until I had a pair of straighteners bought for me.  It was around the time that GHDs were becoming popular and I had begged for them each year for christmas and birthday, only to be bought cheaper equivalents that claimed to be better.  Of course, they weren't any better, instead they ripped out my hair as I straightened, which I was unaware of until one day my mum pointed out a bald patch.  That christmas I got rid of the hair murderers and got given a pair of GHDs.  I'm not saying that GHDs are good for your hair, excessive use can seriously damage it, but they don't rip out your hair.  

This blog is going to be a mixture of reviews of products and also tips to get that extra volume or bounce to your hair.  First up we have a shampoo and conditioner from the Umberto Giannini 'Glam Hair' range which claims to be 'catwalk glamour in a bottle'.  

£5.61 from Boots

This shampoo has glitter in it's formula to help give a great glamourous shine.  It preps hair for products and hair styling tools.  My first impressions have been great, although it does dry your hair out a bit, so I only recommend this for a big night out.  

£5.61 from Boots

Next, you should use this conditioner, to stop hair feeling extremely dry.  

TIP:  Concentrate applying this product on your ends and the lengths.  Avoid roots, as this will weigh down the hair leaving you with limp, flat hair plus it can encourage your hair to get greasy quickly.  When I first used this I was impressed with its thick consistency which moisturised my hair nicely, although I was disappointed with the lack of glitter!

£5.61 from Boots

I have ranted and raved about this product.  It really works!  

TIP:  Put your fingers together firmly and pump onto them, rub between both hands and make sure you get it in the fingers.  Then rub the mousse into your roots only - this is where you'll get all the lift and volume.  If you have time, leave to dry naturally.  In a rush?  Blow dry, tipping your head forward using fingers rather than a brush to encourage more root lift.  Style as normal.  

£5.61 from Boots

A lot of bloggers and beauty guru's rant and rave about this product and after getting it right I can see why.  You need to spray on the roots, a bout 15cm away and then massage in to create more voluptuous volume!  

TIP: Cheaper alternative?  I find that dry shampoo's also give a bit of volume when you use them.  Apply in the same way as backcomb in a bottle.  Batiste also now do dry shampoo for coloured hair, great for hiding roots in between colours!

£5.61 from Boots

This is my holy grail hairspray, i'll never ever use another (unless I'm extremely skint and my Advantage points wont stretch that far...)  It has great hold and also gives you instant volume with a quick spritz.  

TIP:  Do you like Blake Lively's voluminous locks? Well her actual hairdresser has told us how he sprays hairspray onto his fingers (not too much, don't want to have sticky hair!) and massages into her roots to give some ooomph.  I've tried this and it does work extremely well!  

If you want to try the Umberto Giannini 'Glam Hair' range, it is currently on 3 for 2 in Boots, bargain!

Have you got any tips or products that you use for extra volume? Please share...

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!

Afternoon my lovelies, I'm in a ridiculously good mood.  I got the Push PR internship and I start in June which I am over the moon about.  I couldn't wait to share the news with all my lovely readers who sent me good luck wishes over twitter (@NickiShepShep) and in the blog comments.  

I will resume normal blogging later this afternoon with a Tips, Tricks and Cheats post on volumising hair products.  -Cheryl Cole accent- Have you got weak, limp, lifeless hair? Then stay tuned for some alternative products and tips!

  

You give me that hummingbird heartbeat.

Back with a blogging vengeance, I thought I'd show you a pretty cool website which features handmade jewellery (what else were you expecting from me?!) and also unique gift ideas from different designers.  I've been loving birds this season, and with spring completely sprung my garden has seen an abundance of the little twitters.  Of course I'm not asking you to wear a real one around your neck, but you should definitely check out some jewellery, featured here.  

All the artists are singing about Hummingbirds, Katy Perry inspired this posts title and Cheryl Cole also has a track called Hummingbird on her album, so why not back the trend with some of these beauties from Rosita Bonita's boutique on Howkapow.  Before I begin, I want to share a little bit on how Rosita makes her jewellery.  Rosita Bonita is Camberwell 

College graduate, Rowenna Harrison. Her unique pieces begin as illustrations which are screen printed onto fine, coloured leathers and then carefully assembled using vintage chain.  Pretty sweet, huh?

Hair Clip; £49.00

If you've been reading my blog lately, I've gone hair mad, buying most of the Umberto Giannini 'Glam Hair' range in a bid to make my hair voluptuous.  I love hair accessories too, and this would look cute whilst pinning back a french braided fringe.  It might also make for something cute with the Chanel bun I showed you on my prom inspired post.  

Necklace; £98.00

A great statement piece to brighten up any outfit.  I like how the jewellery range is inspired by the 50s - my favourite fashion decade!  

I also noticed the Lucy Peacock range on Howkapow, especially this necklace here:

£59.00

It's quite abstract and I like it.  Another great piece to funk up an otherwise plain outfit.  The triangles made me think of Sara Bro-Jorgensen's designs.  

So what do you think? 

Check out Howkapow here.

Brit revealing?

The Brit awards may be a huge annual music even, but they certainly caused a stir in the fashion world.  The girls were out in force last night, Cheryl donned a leggy Stella McCartney number whilst Rihanna changed four times, including both costume changes and Jessie J just about covered her body in Vivienne Westwood.  

Cheryl in Stella.

Rihanna began a performance in Giles, which I loved, it reminded me of a Mert & Marcus photograph.  She then went on to strip down to a sequinned body suit, which to me felt like a big F U to Radio 1 for banning her new single, S&M.  

Riri wearing Giles.

Jessie J wasn't the only girl sporting Viv.  Katherine Jenkins and Paloma Faith also wore dresses designed by Westwood, who designed this years Brit trophy. 

Did you guys catch the awards? What did you think of the frocks? 

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I apologise for the lack of blogging today, I've been a busy bee.  I had my Weekly Wrinkle internship trial today, which was originally yesterday but we had to reschedule.  It went extremely well and I'm feeling good about it, I was pretty much told I got the internship, but still you never know!  Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me lovelies!

Twinkle twinkle little Tweedy...

If I could bottle Cheryl Coles twinkley eyes and sell it I think i'd be rich.  There's something about it that makes everyone go 'ohh'.  It's a must have accessory to any look.

Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads were widely considered a metaphor for power, with women earning suffrage in 1918; this was just the beginning of a beautiful friendship.  In the late thirties, Jacques Heim was one of the first of designers to introduce the shoulder pad into twentieth century fashion, with his three pocket blue tweed tailored jacket.

During the forties women’s wardrobes became less dainty and more masculine with the utility suit consisting of a ‘boxy’ shouldered jacket and skirt made traditionally from herringbone tweed.  When Christian Dior launched his New Look in 1947, shoulder pads had fizzled out of fashion. 

The eighties, a decade of power dressing, New Romantics, stretch dressing and sportswear sees the revival of the padded shoulder. Pop culture saw Joan Collins in Dynasty with abnormally large shoulders and it wasn’t long for the trend to take on.  Joanie told The Times that the renaissance of shoulder pads by Valentino and Versace was a “radical change” and “more flattering than an Italian waiter”.  By the end of the decade stuffed shoulders were no longer just designed to shape a garment, but became, as Collins once said, a monster fashion statement.  Detachable shoulder pads meant that women could sew shoulders into any garment they fancied, from T-shirts to pyjamas.  Women enjoyed how padded shoulders created a silhouette, which smoothed out postural imperfections, acting as a non-permanent form of cosmetic surgery. 

New designer on the block, David Koma, has revolutionised the pronounced shoulder.  Featuring asymmetrical shapes rather than the typical ‘boxy’ shape we are accustomed to.  Koma has given a fresh stamp to the outdated trend throughout both his S/S and A/W collections.  Rihanna has recently been seen in a figure hugging David Koma LBD, which featured rounded, pronounced shoulders with a circular tangerine and noir pattern.  As well as Rihanna, other popular icons such as Beyoncé and Cheryl Cole have also sported Koma’s designs, proving that when it comes to 21^st century shoulder pads, David knows best. In the words of Joan Collins, “welcome back, dear friends.”