SPARKLE DAY 'N NIGHT

'Tis the season to sparkle, and all that, though this year I've taken a break from the usual rounds of drinks, meals out and socialising, rendering my festive occasion wear redundant. It's all good for the liver, the soul and the bank balance, mind you. Instead of going all-out festive sparkle, I added a little into my everyday life thanks to this sequinned bomber from Motel. I've been looking for a layering piece like this for a while - easy to wear with boyfriend jeans, though also great for nights out.

I don't have too many going out clothes; I attempt to mix up my normal clothes into something edgier, hence the turtleneck and metallic A-line skirt: great with a maxi and a fluffy knit, respectively. It's always good to trade in the sneakers for a stomping boot, too, and incredibly whilst lusting over the Tumblr trend of cleated soled shoes I forgot I had something very similar myself. Miista been doin' that '90s chunky boot thing waaay before Stella Mac.

I hope you all have had lovely festive season, and I wish you a very merry Christmas. I'm heading home today and I'm really excited to see all of my friends and spend a while hanging out with my mum.

I'm wearing:

DAY	NIGHT
Sequin jacket c/o Motel	Sequin jacket c/o Motel
UNIF t-shirt	Evil Twin for Nasty Gal crop (via Steph)
ASOS/DIY distressed jeans	eBay skirt
Nike Free Runs	Miista Luannes
Minkpink bag	Topshop bag

SO VERY FIERCE

Oh, man - so I started my third and final year of my degree two weeks ago and already am I thoroughly immersed in corporate strategy models and branding textbooks, plus I have a cold.. hence the unexpected blogging hiatus. Even my mum has been concerned with my lack of blogging, so here you go, mum. This one is for you!

A few weeks ago (okay.. in August, eek) I visited the headquarters of fashion brand Very. It's situated in an the awe-inspiring space of an old aircraft hanger just outside of Liverpool. I was invited down along with Chyaz, Sarah & Amy for a fashion photography workshop, where we learned about the ins and outs of Very's photography studio - that should be studios, really, as there's a separate building for the model shots with three studios, plus the still life studio a little down the road. The studio we worked in was abuzz with stylists, models, and photographers, and we got the chance to try our hand at each of the job roles that day.

Beginning with creating "bibles" for the looks (that's styling up the pieces on the models then photographing them so you don't forget for after hair & make-up) to final edits, we went through the whole process as if we were photographing for the catalogue. The fabulous Chyaz (dying over that girl's beautiful hair) took my photos, and I must admit I'm rather pleased with them.. want one blown up for Christmas, mum? The other girls were beaut, too; you can tell we've had practise in front of the camera from blogging!

There's a behind-the-scenes video, and it's worth checking out the Very Definitions ad if you haven't seen it yet - it's produced by the same guys who make the Daft Punk videos, plus I love the song which is Fineshrine by Purity Ring.

I'm wearing:
Very Love Label & Definitions
Eyelash knitted jumperGrey maxi dressBlouson sequin dress

GLAMOROUS AMOROUS

I have often seen the Lady Boys of Bangkok tent after leaving a night out at Satan's Hollow or the Village, and thought to myself "I really ought to go see that one of these days". This past Tuesday "one of these days" finally came around with the arrival of the Glamorous Amorous tour; this time the tent (or Sabai Pavillion, as it's known to Lady Boys regulars) is erected in one of Old Trafford's carparks.. just down the road for me, luckily, but also easily accessible from Manchester city centre via Metrolink.

With the promise of showstopping cabaret, immaculate make-up and flamboyant costumes, I donned my sequins (seriously.. what else?) and shimmied on down to the Pavillion. I gotta admit, the first half of the show I was a little confused over how I felt. Girls Aloud were dead ringers and there was a fabulous 1970s megamix, but there were some "sexy" parts that I just couldn't get on board with like a 50 Shades parody (I cringed at the time but funnily enough I've been singing "slap and tickle, slap and tickle.." all day). However, the second half was much more about beautiful costumes and fun dance routines, and I found that I relaxed and began to really enjoy it. I absolutely adored the feather costumes, wiggling to Give Me Everything; and the winged finalé costumes were breathtaking - reminded me of the Victoria's Secret shows, with bodies to match.

The Lady Boys are in Manchester until the 6th July and ticket prices start from a tenner, so well worth a visit - plus you can make a night of it with an on-site bar, cute outdoor seating area, foyer area to mingle and do the "face in the hole" (like Charl and I did, below.. mega attractive), and Thai food being served - I had the veggie curry which was perfect to chow down on during the interval. I was invited to the show by Gandey World Class Productions, so thank you for a fantastic evening!

My final verdict? Great fun, once you've settled into it.. but perhaps give granny a pre-briefing if you're taking the entire family!

I'm wearing:

Vintage Frank Usher dress

Vintage bag

Aldo Rise J.W.Anderson shoes