Who's your Christmas number one?

Yay it's Christmas!! My favourite holiday.. I love getting into the festive spirit. But if your not in the Christmas mood just yet, click here for a bit of Mariah to help get you there.. (Obvious, I know.. But so, so good!)
With Christmas comes lots of cosy nights in front of the telly, which means its hard to ignore the Christmas ads. Retailers spend millions of pounds and practically all year planning for their Christmas campaigns in hope that they are going to win us over and get us to spend all our hard earned cash with them! It is without a doubt the most important season for the retail industry. So.. I'm doing a little review on the three main ads this year (in my opinion).. One lucky retailer will be crowned the winner of my blog- woohoo to them ;)

I'm starting with...
Marks and Spencer's: Believe in Magic and Sparkle. Click here to watch

It's no secret that M&S have been struggling with their clothing sales recently. So all eyes are in them this Winter to see how they perform over the Christmas period. And they've certainly gone to town with their campaign, which features the beautiful Rosie Huntington-Whitely, oscar nominated Helena Bonham-Carter and the oh-so gorgeous David Gandy.
The advert takes us through a fairy tale journey, following Rosie as she transforms into well-loved, magical characters from our childhood stories, including: The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood and Aladdin.

My favourite scene has to be the Mad Hatters tea party. Nothing at all to do with the fact that this is the first time we are introduced to David Gandy... But it showcases Marks and Spencer's delicious food...

The advert is certainly family orientated; with children and adults able to reach out and identify with each character or story that is represented. I think M&S are possible trying to convey that the clothing range they offer is versatile through the constant change in character- they also use this as an opportunity to showcase much of their products.
However, although I'm not complaining, the use of Rosie Huntington-Whitely and David Gandy may be a little bit young for the M&S core customer (who in my eyes is 50+) to connect with. I'm presuming the strategy behind that was to reach out to a younger audience, so that in the future when they reach M&S' target age, they feel confidence in the brand.

Next...
Debenhams: Wishes made Fabulous. Click here to watch

This campaign oozes glamour, sophistication and romance! It follows two young lovers journeying to meet at a giant ice rink. It is pretty cute and romantic!

The focus on the advert is on Debenhams designer collaborations (same focus as 2012's Christmas as), which include Jullian Macdonald and Jonathan Saunders collections. I love how the ad kind of pauses from reality, and a fashion sketch is shown. I think that really impacts the importance of the designer collaborations which they are promoting. The fashion sketches also convey exclusivity.

Overall, I think Debenhams have done a good job of conveying fabulousness! The advert seems to focus on fashion and sophistication. I think it will certainly appeal to families due to the children and children's wear shown, but even young professionals who are starting out a family (based on the ages of the lovers). Debenhams have shown the best of their clothing, lingerie and cosmetics, and got us in the Christmas party spirit (a sophisticated Christmas party that is)! The finale at the ice rink, where everybody is wrapped up warm really encapsulates the winter spirit.

And finally...
John Lewis: The Bear and the Hare. Click here to watch

John Lewis Christmas adverts have become pretty iconic. In the past they have never failed to bring a little tear to my eye. This years is no different. They bring us a beautiful animation that follows two woodlands animals friendship (the animation reminds me of watership down- if anyone remembers that?!). When it's time for two best friends (bear and the hare) to part, the hare gets extremely upset. The bear has never seen Christmas before, due to hibernation. On Christmas Eve, the hare brings the bare a present- an alarm clock. This wakes the bare and he comes to enjoy Christmas with the rest of the woodland anaimals. It really is quite touching.. I'm feeling emotional just typing this!!

Lily Allen signs the soundtrack to the advert: somewhere only we know by Keane, in an acoustic version. Lily Allen has been away from the music industry for a few years, and what a great way to make her comeback- on an iconic advert. I read that she even had to audition for the part!

There is text at the beginning and the end of the advert telling the story in a way similar to how a children's novel would. This together with the animation brings back childhood memories of mine, which is what I think john Lewis are trying to do. They want to emotionally connect with the audience and bring them back to a time (childhood) when Christmas was the most special and exciting time of year.
John Lewis showcased no products in their advertisement, but promoted the John Lewis brand. The advert was first broadcast on TV during the Xfactor, taking up the whole duration of the advert break. I think this shows the impact the brand has on us and the status their Christmas adverts have across the country.

So what do you make of the ads? Which is your favorite, and which is your least favorite?

The order I would put them in is....

*drumrole*

3. Debenhams
2. Marks and Spencer's
And number one...
John Lewis
I think the John Lewis advert has the biggest impact on the audience, whereas the Debenhams one has the least.
Anyway, like I said, I'd love to know your your views.. Do you agree, or disagree with the order I put them in? Do you think the adverts have captured the Christmas spirit enough to make you part with your money??

Danielle x

Outfit of the Day

Hello!! Back in October I posted a gorgeous pair of Asos trousers to my wish list.. And thanks to two of my lovely friends, I was able to tick them off; receiving them as a birthday present. I wore them for a night out to celebrate my 22nd in style and I've been meaning to post up pictures on here of the outfit for a while.
The trousers are from Asos Africa and are covered in a lovely tribal print of pinks and blues. I was brave and clashed them with a bright yellow (fave colour at the moment) Miss Selfridge top. I threw on some nude heels and a big winter fur coat (its so cold, I couldn't bare go without)! I originally drew inspiration from an outfit I saw Olivia Palermo in..
Olivia Palermo looking fabulous as she always does!! ^^^ ... And here's how I styled mine ...
Let me know what you think about the outfit? How else would you style the trousers??
Danielle x

Glitter wonderland- DIY: glitter ombré nails

With the festive season upon us there's no better time to get glittery! Sparkle and jewels have been seen all over the catwalk from Dolce & Gabbana, NO21 to Chanel - it's a big party trend! And when it comes to nails, Essie and Dior's glittery nail polishes have received a lot of attention from the fashion and beauty world.my recent issue of vogue featured ombré glitter nails:





But why pay premium prices for glitter nail polish when you can do it yourself?
Back in September I wrote a post on 'DIY nails', demonstrating how I do my signature glitter nails. I have since been experimenting further and wanted to do a post on how I get an ombré glitter effect. It's a little bit tricker then covering the whole nail in glitter... But still pretty easy to do!!

You will need some clear nail varnish and two pots of craft shop glitter in the same colour (one finer then the other). I've pictured the pots I have used below so you can get an idea of the difference in the glitter size (if that makes sence?!)



To begin, I mix both glitters together in an old pot (I use an old jewellery box), make sure the glitter is well mixed and in a small, but kind of deep pile. I then put a small pile of just the finer glitter on the other side of the box.

(pile of mixed glitter)

(pile of fine glitter)

I then paint my first nail with clear nail varnish. Straight after, I slide the tip of my nail in to the mixed pile of glitter. Using the pad of my first finger, I pat down the glitter so it's flatter on my nail. Using the pad of my finger again, I press it in to the pile of finer glitter (so it sticks to my finger) and then very carefully press it down on to my nail, to give a gradual, ombré effect with the glitter. I usually bring the glitter half way down the nail. I then repeat this on all my nails, doing one at a time.
I've taken a picture with the flash on of my nail.. The colour of my hand looks quite weird!!  - but the glitter stands out more, so you can get an idea how to press it onto the nail.





Once the nail varnish is completely dry, I then seal the glitter in by painting two top coats of clear polish over...









You don't have to use clear nail varnish as the base coat either; baby blue would look really nice against silver glitter or gold glitter on top of black nail polish would look lovely and festive too. You could even mix two colours of glitter together. If you try this out let me know what colours you use! Hope you have found this demonstration useful and will give it a go!!!

Danielle x

Shoe candy: Sophia Webster

I'm a self-confessed shoe-a-holic - and I'm definitely not the only one!! I've always had a passion for shoes. At the age of 13 I had a desire to become the next Jimmy Choo (I later realised the design side of the fashion industry wasn't for me..) But, the appreciation I hold for fabulous footwear still remains!! I came across shoe designer, Sophia Webster last year and fell in love with her unique creations straight away. Her designs are literally shoe candy, featuring zigzags, polkdots, stripes, bows in an array of pastel colours; I've never seen shoes quite so sweet!
After studying her degree at Cordwainers College and Masters at the Royal College of Art, she then worked for Nicholas Kirkwood (award winning shoe designer) as his design assistant. He is now her mentor, and encouraged and supported Webster to go forward with her collections.

Take a look at some of her amazing designs.. All of them are my dream shoe!!
These are some of my faves..

















I have also found out Sophia Webster designs bags. ARGHHH!!! :)








Obviously due to the design and craftsmanship, these designer shoes are not cheap (not good news if your a student like myself, struggling to survive). But I will own a pair of Websters statement shoes in the near future, even if I have to starve for a month!

Oooh.. Also check out her website, it completely reflects her designs and keeps with this candy-like theme: http://www.sophiawebster.co.uk
And... Let me know which are your favourite pair!!

Danielle x

The internet and the way we shop

Where would we be without the internet? I wouldn't be writing this post for a start. It's become a huge part of our daily life. A lot of our social life revolves around social media; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.. Technology keeps evolving.. It's hard to imagine life without a smartphone, but ten years ago people lived without them just fine!!

In the world of fashion, technology has become increasingly important. In order for retailer to keep up and stay ahead of competition it's pretty vital they have an online transactional website. Companies such as ASOS and boohoo have build their brands through just online retailing and look how successful they are.

As consumers we have so much online material available to us. Through blogs and review websites, we can see how other people rate a certain brand or product and use this information to make decisions on whether to purchase or not. We consider other peoples recommendations.

I'm just writing a quick post on some of my thoughts, it's a bit different to the posts I usually write. I'm basing my dissertation for university on social media, so just wanted to put down a few ideas on here. As I research into it and find out new ways technology is being used in the fashion world, I may post some findings up on here.

Danielle x

The Christmas jumper..

Hello!! I haven't blogged for a while, and I'm feeling extremely guilty about it :( so I am sorry!! I've been very busy with uni, but I now feel settled into a routine.

Halloween is officially over.. And bonfire night has passed.. So, I guess that means it's now acceptable to talk about Christmas, right? And with Christmas comes Christmas fashion..
Ahhh.... The Christmas jumper. It's somewhat a novelty.. An item of clothing traditionally, (I thought) that your dad, your uncle, or your aunty brought out to wear just one day a year. But apparently not. In my recent issue of drapers, I read an article that said retailers are backing the Christmas jumper for the festive season, pinning it to be this years number one.
I didn't think much to the the festive jumper last year... But the more styles I see, the more open minded I am becoming to the trend. I've had a browse around to see what the shops have to offer. I've pictured a few that caught my eye below!

New Look, £27.99, www.newlook.com (image from new look website)



New Look, £29.99, www.newlook.com (image from new look website)



Topshop, £44, www.topshop.com (image from topshop website)



Urban Outfitters, £50, www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk (image from urban outfitters website)



ASOS, £38, www.asos.com (image from asos website)



ASOS, £35, www.asos.com (image from asos website)



The reindeer jumper from New Look is so cute.. But I don't think its one I would wear. My favourites have got to be he mint green one from New Look and the navy and red one from Urban Outfitters. I like how subtle the designs are, it makes them more wearable and versatile. I had stereotypical views on the Christmas jumper before hand, but I'm actually quite fond of them now. I'll post up anything I do buy, and how I style it.
I think the high street have done a pretty good job of demonstrating it is possible to turn an un-cool, novelty jumper to something actually quite cool! Let me know your opinions on this trend. Will you be wearing it? And how?

Danielle x