The artpunk experience: a year on!

It's been over a year since Paul Muir took a chance and asked an inexperienced fashion student to work with him on his Dior inspired shoot. All I can say is THANK GOD FOR THAT. We've done so much together since then and have produced some magnificent work!

The Muses and Donna Michelle Cormack MUA

Some of the muses: Sarah, Mandy, Donna, myself and Christina in Buff Club

Throughout the year Paul brought together a group of very different women to work with for creative group shots. We all came from different areas, different backgrounds, had different hobbies, jobs, and so they are probably some of the most inspiring individuals I could hope to work with! Each month we would get together, usually in the Buff Club in Glasgow, and the work would begin. Of course none of it would have been possible without Donna putting our faces on (I am horrendous at making myself camera ready). We've created so much, from a special Xmas shoot in Buff Club to a dramatic shoot in the Royal Conservatoire. 

I had an amazing time working with these guys and made some real friends out of it. Can't wait to work with them again! 

2014: The Graces and Yvonne Lynch MUA

The new project has begun and so far everything produced has been a joy to us all. The team will consist of me, Michaela, Yvonne, Paul 'Artpunk' Muir (of course!) and a third girl who we are still on the hunt for. I have now worked with Yvonne on two occasions and there is no end to her creativity. I think we all like to push out of our comfort zones, which is something I myself struggle with often. 

So far the work produced has blown my mind, and I cannot wait for The Graces to hit full force!

Shoot 1: Dunlop

I don't think any of us quite knew what was going to take place during this shoot. All I knew was the hair would be cool and I was wearing a red midi dress (picked by Paul from an ebay store-clearly he's my stylist now too...) but I personally think the pictures turned out brilliant. They're very fantasy, very experimental, but bang on in regards to the hair, makeup and photography.

Shoot 2: Buff Club

The first shoot went so well I wasn't sure that we could out do it, but Paul and Yvonne had a wonderful thought out story and it all came togather quickly! It started very basic: white dress, netted sheet, big hair, very little makeup. Simple, and innocent looking. The wrap of fabric was almost cocoon like with the dramatic hair, and so when the paint was thrown in there was this beautiful contrast due to the pops of colour. An absolutely amazing experience and we are so chuffed with the outcome! 

Stay tuned for a whole load of shape, colour and creativity! 

See more of Paul 'Artpunk' Muir's work HERE!

Sunbelievable: luxurious self tanners and a purse friendly price tag! Perfect.

On the 28th of June I had the opportunity to attend a press evening with my friend Megan Flockhart (ScottishTea) for the fabulous brand SUNBELIEVABLE by Leighton Denny and it was such a good experience! Welcomed by the lovely PURE spa staff in Leith we were introduced to Leighton Denny himself and introduced to his amaaazing tanning products!

First of all we went through the 'Accellerate Me' tan accelerator which partly consists of Aloe Vera and is extremely hydrating and cooling to the skin. It makes a beautiful after sun and will prepare your skin for sunbathing and will give you a longer lasting, natural looking tan and also evens out your skin wonderfully!

Now on to the second product! Named 'Sunkiss Me', it is a wonderful gradual tanner rich in antioxidants and vitamin E. It is lovely soft white lotion with a touch of Sicilian lemon oil to give it that little bit of fragrance and an added sense of luxury.. I DEFINITELY see myself stocking up on this!

Denny had created the products 'Cream Me' and 'Scrub Me' with the intention of them being tanning accessories, but they have actually been doing extremely well with non tanners as well as old pros due to the amazing results! All of these products are suitable for your face as well as your body and what makes it better is that they're available in cute little pots now! Can I get an Aw!

'Highlight me' really stuck out to us as a bronzing shimmer.This can really help you achieve that multidimensional tan and give you that effortless glow. 

'It's all about Natural glows; it's about dewy skin; it's about a lovely, soft, just-come-off-the-beach finish' 

This works on all skin types and will look amazing applied to the fronts of your legs. Believe it or not it also detracts from the peeling of sunburn  and sets onto the skin beautifully! 

Medium and Dark

It would be hard to create a self tanning mousse that really stands out considering how many different products there are bombarding our high street shelves but that doesn't mean it is impossible.. the Sunbelievable 'Tan Me - Mousse' is odorless, develops over four hours and can last up to a week! As if the product wasn't good enough already, but each purchase comes in a pack with a double sided black velvet mit lined with PVC- there will be no more stained hands with this little bundle! Put a little mousse on the mit and squeeze to disburse your tan and apply evenly and if you happen to apply too much merely twist the mit round to the other side to blend for a lovely streak free application :) 

These super skin friendly products are easy to use and are as natural as possible while still being able to achieve a lasting, natural looking tan. I have no worry in the back of my mind when using Sunbelievable of becoming a big orange thing. This is definitely the tanner for me, without a doubt! 

Because cute group photos are ALWAYS necessary! ;)

 'a niche little exclusive brand with premium bespoke ingredients that give a tan, is easy to apply and gives you professional results.'

Design class

Two little designs for my design class! We were to pick some sample fabrics and make a mini collection for them. I usually like to over complicate things, so i've stripped it back and kept it simple this time. I've tried to keep it soft, yet warm with the bright orange and pink florals paired with white/cream lace. It's girly and not too grown up.. describes me perfectly, eh?

Recently I have had the honour to have been asked to model for various friends and friends of friends, some studying photography in college and looking to build up their portfolios. I've really loved being part of the creative process, and let's face it... what girl doesn't love getting their picture taken with the safety net of photoshop? Standing short at 5'4 it was never something I saw myself doing, so naturally I have been thrilled to have the opportunity!

If it weren't for the amazing Paul 'Artpunk' Muir (www.artpunk.com) I doubt I would have had the chance to do any of this at all. When he asked me to help him out with an idea he had based on the Dior advert starring Charlize Theron my heart leapt. For one I was flattered, it's not every day you get asked to work on a photoshoot with a professional photographer! I was also extremely nervous though, but I'm pleased to say that the day was a success and he really was a sweetheart! I also met Rosie Convey (www.rosieeleanor.co.uk/) who is an absolutely amazing makeup artist, honestly if I could have her doing my makeup every day I would.

Anyhoo, here are some of my favourites from that photoshoot, I hope you like them as much as I do.

I fell in love with the dress which Paul retrieved from Saratoga Trunk, and he got the jewellery from Ebay- one of which he painted gold himself. So resourceful, perhaps I could learn a thing or two eh?

A perpetual love... for boulder holders.

If you know me at all then you will know that I am a lingerie nut. I'm obsessed! I love everything from  cute girly sets with polka-dots and flowers, to more sultry pieces loaded with lace or even embellishments. However one thing about lingerie that bothers me is the limitation on beautiful sets available to DD+! I would never be caught dead in a thin shapeless bland bra- it's just not me at all! I want flattering shapes, bright colours, bold prints, and lace and satin numbers not unlike those on the agent provocateur website, but sadly these aren't always easy to find whether it is due to a large cup or a little back size, or indeed both!

If you find yourself in a similar boat don't be disheartened! There are some truly wonderful brands which can be found in larger sizes that are bang on trend! Most of these should be available in 28 or 30 back sizes as well (big yay)!

SUMMER BRIGHTS

The Irina Underwired Balconette bra. Admittidly not the most affordable bra, but god look at that colour.  If I could save all my pennies I would snap this up in a heartbeat! £89 by  Empreinte available at Figleaves.

Mademoiselle Bra by Bravissimo. This bra has had some really amazing reviews and I have my eye on it for sure! I love the half cup and the fact that the straps are fully adjustable. The detail is absolutely stunning. £32 from Bravissimo! Snap it up while you can, but please, not before me!

The Dixie bra by Bravissimo. Adorable, fun and girly. I love the lace detail and the tiny polkadot print on the bows! Lush colour as well. £29 from Bravissimo.

Gok Wan Banger Booster Bra. I love the simplicity of this bra although it is anything but dull. A bright orange will do nicely this summer, I think! £32 available on Figleaves.

Tease Me by Curvy Kate. I have purchased a two bras from Curvy kate that are of this shape and I have never looked back. It's certainly not a bra to to wear if you're running for the bus, but it's by far the most flattering one I have ever worn! This is a definite must for my bra drawer this summer! £29 from ASOS.


THE LONGLINE BRA

The Bronte Padded Longline bra. Another expensive one, but I couldn't resist putting it in this post. I love the lace, the bright orange colour, the simplistic floral contrasting print. Girly with a hint of vintage, and 6 hook and eye fastenings so there is plenty of support.  By Fauve, Fantasie and is £72- can be found on Figleaves.

Vintage shape, flowers, birtds.. what's not to like?  The lace trim is a lovely touch as well. This little beauty it by Freya and take a guess where it can be found. £35 at Figleaves!

I fell in love with this little longline balconette as soon as I laid eyes on it.  It is such a lovely mix of colours, I actually think I'd be put in an optimistic, cheery mood if I wore it. The two buttons are a lovely touch, especially on the matching shorts. £32 at Bravissimo!

DARK AND LACEY

This is the Stella Can Can padded bra by caprice and it comes in sizes E to G. I love the blue with the black lace overlay, and the matching shorty! £28 from Figleaves.

I love when bra straps have nice detail, but I love it even more when the rest of the bra is this beautiful. This is  the Persia bra from Masquerade, Panache. £40 from Figleaves.

The maya half cup, Fauve by Fantasie. I will be having dreams about this bra but sadly, I have a trip to Amsterdam to pay for and Boots meal deals to buy. It's so beautiful though, and what a flattering shape. £52 at Figleaves.

PALE, PRETTY AND PASTEL

There's a certain charm about it being named the Alice padded plunge bra isn't there? Nah I'm just kidding, but I do love this!  It's really feminine and elegant, the straps aren't too thick, and therefore noticable under certain tops. The delicate embroidery is lovley as is the colour. If Alice in Wonderland grew up to be a lingerie obsessed nutter then I'm sure she'd wear this one. £40 by Masquerade, panache at Figleaves.

Another beauty from Curvy Kate. You can tell I have a total brand crush here, I adore them!  This is the Entice bra, and it definitely does what it says. It almost seems innocent due to the colours, but it's so elegant as well. There is so much detail on this bra- the subtle strips that make up the pattern, the lace trim along the edges. Great support, comfortable and s t u n n i n g. £29 at Simply Yours.

Trust me, I have a lot bras more saved on my computer but I'll save them for some other time. Enjoy these little numbers! Big bras don't come up cheap, but at least they up beautiful. Long live lingerie!

Okay, so I have absolutely no excuses this time... I've just been too lazy to post anything! But I'm determined to post more regularly and have a few nice wee ideas to keep things interesting here! What feels like an age ago I posted about the Personal Design Practice project for college where we were to make a magazine spread with our own original ideas and we chose to do a piece on the fabulous Glasgow based designer Jennie Loof. We met with her and used garments from her collections for our own photoshoot which took place in the Glasgow Botanical Gardens. It was so much fun, partly because of the experience and partly because my team was made up of friends (...friends who bring along cupcakes)!

Here are the final images and the spread that we produced! The article was written by me, and I would really like to take credit for the layout but unfortunately that was Claire!

After the terrifying presentation we had to make we realized just how proud we were of our work. We were the only group write a full article and to use an interview and this really set us apart! We had a great time while style producing something of a high standard which, lets face it, is a rare occurrence for students everywhere!  

Thank you every single person who helped us out with this project- Jennie Loof, Megan Flockhart, Sarah Hopkin, my sister Tina (she let us get ourselves prepared in her house... what a star!) and of course my partner buddies Rachel and Claire!

Prom isn't taken too seriously here in Scotland, which I think is a darn shame- I do so love getting my evening wear on. My prom was in June, and I had in my head that my first post would be shortly after, relating to prom. of course- that didn't happen. Since I have my laptop back and I never got round to my prom post, I thought why the hell not?!

In my head I knew I want to channel the old Hollywood look. The blonde curls, the red lip, and the hourglass silhouette. I have always found women from the 40's and 50's absolutely beautiful and have always wanted to look like them, so I thought prom was the perfect excuse to be inspired! Besides, I was never a fan of typical prom looks, the load of hot pink fluff with diamonte- it's really not me at all. 

I picked up this beauty by JS Collection (click here to see!) at House of Fraser for £220. I loved the sweetheart neckline, the slimming effect it had on the waist, and the fish tail at the bottom. It was exactly the look I had wanted, and to this day I'm still shocked I managed to convince my mother to pay so much for  it... she did offer to pay though. 

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I paired my prom look with some wonderfully affordable jewellery from Accessorize and a cute little black embellished clutch from Jones Bootmaker for £30