Tie-Dye: How to

So as we know tie-dye is emerging back onto the scene, but a lot of places charge large amounts for pieces that you can just as easily replicate at home. If you want to work the look on a budget, here's a quick, easy and simple how to that takes hardly any time at all. You will need:

• A plain white tshirt in the style of your choice
• Some fabric dye (any market stall or habadashary will do this for cheap)
• Some hair ties or elastic bands
• Salt
• Hot water
• A place to dye the top (we used the sink)

Step 1

Gather everything needed together. Take your t-shirt and scrunch up the bottom adding hair ties as seen in the picture. The look works best if you're not too precise with it, so screw up bits of the top randomly and tie the bobble/band tightly round.

 Step 2
You should end up with something that looks like this...

After tying sections with the hair bands, we then used laces to wrap the t-shirts into small balls scrunched together. Again don't worry about being neat, the more random the ties, the better the t-shirt will look.

Step 3

Fill up your sink/bowl with hot water and follow the instructions on the packet. I bought this dye for around £3. Most tell you to add salt to hot water, then add the dye, stir and add your garment. After stirring for a few mimutes I left them to soak for around 30/40 minutes - again just follow what's on your packet but most will tell you similar.

Step 4
Unwrap the ties and you should have an end result that looks like this...

There you go - tie-dye! To add other colours just repeat the process again in the exact same way once the garment has dried, it's best to use the lighter colour first if you're going to use a few. 
TOP TIP: don't try doing it with a coloured t shirt, unless you are using really dark dye it probably won't show up - as you can see I also tried a green t shirt and the dye was barely noticable. 
This is just a easy and fun way to replicate the look for yourself, without having to fork out for the ever increasing prices shops are charging for the same look.

Have you tried tie-dying yourself? Let me know in the comments. 

Aussie Products Review

For a good few years now I have always found my self going back to Aussie products. I don't know whether its the smell or the way they work but for me, they always come out on top as an all rounder brand that works on my hair. The two main products I'm using right now are the 'Miracle Insurance Leave-In-Conditioner' and the 'Dual personality volume and gloss hairspray'. I have also used the shampoo and conditioners in past and been impressed.

Dual Personality Hairspray - £3-£4 / Leave in conditioner £4.49

The hairspray smells lovely and fruity and produces a good firm hold for your hair. As hairsprays go, it is pretty standard but you can buy different variations also which I think is a selling point - they offer different types (such as volume or shine) and different strengths of hold, so there is something for everyone. 

For me, however the leave-in-conditioner is slowly becoming one of my all time hair products. Not only does it leave my hair feel soft (I sometimes leave it on over night to encourage growth and repair) but this product smells divine. The one I use 'protects and detangles' and is infused with jojoba seed oil. It also doesn't include mineral oil, which is a bonus as I have been trying to avoid using products with that it lately after reading posts like this.

I think with Aussie products is all depends on what type of hair you have, as a lot of the products promise to 'nourish and repair' so people with glossy or naturally greasy hair may find these products too overwhelming. 
If you don't like the Aussie brand smell - avoid at all costs, but if that's a selling point you won't be disappointing. 
Professional Hairdresser Laura-Jane Cahill told me, "Aussie products are a great affordable range you can use at home. I've used them from time to time, and find the leave in conditioning treatments really nourishing.
As with any hair product I wouldn't recommend using for too much of a prolonged period - try and interchange with other products so your hair doesn't get used to the same one."
As someone with naturally dry hair any products that offer a nourishing and enriching hair treatment will reel me in. I also like the Tigi Bed Head 'treat me right' hair mask which has a unique mint fragrance. 
Have you tried Aussie products? Do you like them or do they not work for you? Leave a comment below!

Bits and Bows: a fashion designer talks being her own boss and SS13 trends

As summer creeps nearer and nearer, we come out of winter hibernation and fashion suddenly becomes bright again. At some point or another most of those fashion conscious amongst us have had the ever-so-slightly awkward and embarrassing moment seeing someone else wearing that exact same dress you thought no one else could possibly wear. Independent Fashion Designer, Miss ‘Bits and Bows’ Sarah Warner, 27, from Birmingham offers the solution to this; creating one off custom made fashion pieces.

Since becoming a fashion University graduate in 2009, Sarah start selling custom made jewellery and clothes through social networking sites and Ebay. Soon enough, she had built up a large following of customers desperate to get their hands on quirky pendants and made-to-measure dresses to make them stand out from the crowd.

Fast forward four years and Sarah has created her own fashion empire with the likes of Pixie Lott and the Saturdays as fans and has opened her own studio Bits and Bows Boutique in Digbeth's Custard Factory, Birmingham. Customers can make appointment to visit the studio and make orders to their personal preference from a range of fabrics and styles. Sarah has also expanded into menswear and stocks fellow independent concessions including hair products by brand Crown and Glory.

Bits and Bows Headquarters in the Custard Factory, Digbeth

So how hard is it to follow your passion and become your own boss?

“I do struggle sometimes to stay motivated,” said Sarah. “I have to kick myself sometimes and force myself to work rather than go shopping or watch television.”

As a full time mum also, Sarah told me it’s important to find a balance between work and enjoyment to stay focused, “I think to myself 'If I work hard today, I can treat myself tomorrow”. 

Staying organised and focusing on time management is something that Sarah holds as a top priority to make sure everyone stays happy. “My phone and emails are just non-stop, and sometimes people don’t realise your only one person, which can be really overwhelming but time management is key. As long as I’m surrounded by a million notebooks and calendars I can conquer anything.”

Spending half her time at the studio and half working from home she gives herself a break whenever she is on top of jobs, “I could easily work around the clock if my body and brain let me, but I have to force myself to switch off and take a break.”

Bits and Bows create custom made pieces that don’t break the break and rival styles out there on the high-street, with made-to-measure skirts and top starting at around £18. Sarah says to keep up to date, it’s important to constantly be aware of trends and what new looks are coming fresh off the catwalk. “Whilst at University, I did quite a lot of work on trend prediction so I know how to find good prediction sites, and understand new trends.”

Fashion Inspiration...

As a vital part of being a fashion designer, Sarah creates wearable looks for her customers that fit in sync with the current seasons in style looks. “I think it’s important for my brand to be on top form with styles and prints, as even though customers are looking for something new and unique, they also want to be wearing similar styles to what they see in magazines, so I always make sure my fabrics and styles are up to date with catwalks and seasonal trends.”

Personal Style...

As fashion is constantly evolving, it seems it’s just as important to develop a personal style rather than purely wear trends off the catwalk. Preferring to mix up her style from time to time Sarah said as long as she feels good in what she wears, she’ll wear anything, and that's what’s important. “I like bohemian style items; tassels, florals, chunky heels. Yet I'm also a sucker for midi dresses and stilettos. I like to feel comfortable but try out new things. I personally don’t only wear what’s on trend, I just buy or make things that I feel nice in – some items or styles are timeless.”

As a business woman and designer Sarah tells me that to be your own boss, you should always keep in mind that you get out what you put it. “Working hard is important for any budding fashion designers. It won’t be handed to you on a plate. Keep organised and up to date with trends, by reading magazines and doing online research.”

Also knowing your customers and putting them first is a must, “Know your customer. Not everyone is the perfect 10; you need to make things that everyone can feel good in. Whether it’s down to print, fabric or style, there needs to be something that everyone can love.”

No matter what your passion, the rewards soon come if you put in hard work. Sarah tells me the best part of having her own company is being able to network and create items that people will love. “I love networking; meeting new people and promoting the brand, I find because I enjoy it so much, it comes easy to me. It’s all part of it.”

There are plans to expand her fashion empire into children’s wear, launching Baby Bows in the summer which will be a range of dresses and skirts.
Also currently working on summer pieces and bridal season, Sarah tells us her three favourite trends for summer 2013;

1.    Monochrome

Bits and Bows Monochrome Maxi dress 

ASOS monochrome swing dress

“I think anyone and everyone can wear it, and it looks good on every shape or size. I think it’s always a winner and has been my top seller this season.”

2.    Pastels

Pastel Prom dress

Zara Pastel Blazer

“In my eyes these are always a winner and look so pretty on. They have proved very popular recently and plenty of customers have been asking or them.”

3.    Midi

Bits and Bows Midi Skirt

ASOS Midi skirt

“Midi skirts and dresses are so versatile they have become a firm go to. I think because there’s so many ways to wear them they have become a favourite recently and the style is very flattering.”

Find Bits and Bows on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sarahbits.bowswarner?fref=ts / Twitter @BitsandBows / Website http://www.bitsandbowsboutique.co.uk/

Would you have what it takes to be your own boss? What current trends are you loving right now? Leave a comment below I would love to know!

*All images courtesy of Bits and Bows / Amy from www.amypyt.com / product websites

Nail of the Day

A very summary nail which I'm sporting at the moment. I'm wearing false nails from Bodycare, they're so cheap and easy to use, I would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a professional manicured looked without the price tag of hitting the salon. Check out the ones Boots stock here.

As for the beautiful orange I'm wearing, it's from Nails Inc. It looks a slightly softer colour in this image but in real life its slighter more neon, but equally as lovely and summery.
I was given this spring summer Nails Inc mini collection as a present, and I love them already. A lovely mix of pastel and fruity shades, which will be great go to's as the sun comes out. Apparently inspired by the "pastel shades and punchy brights at Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane and Chloe"-I cannot wait to try out the pale minty green and baby blue. The bottles come in a miniature size which make them perfect for storing easily and gives you a change to try a range of colours as they don't take up too much space.

 Going for around £22.00, the box set will keep you going and set for all summer. Find them here. So far I've found the consistency to be fairly opaque and well lasting. I used them accompanied by my usual nail routine; filing my nails to desired shape and using a good base and top coat to ensure the polish lasts chip free for as long as possible. I'd say these are definitely worth the investment, even if its just for the cute packaging. These would also be great for creating cute nail art, think spots and tiny florals, perfect for a slightly unique summer nails look.

Have you tried these? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below

The 90s are back...

Pop music, tie-dye, the bob hairstyle. Brace yourself's, the 90s is back with a vengeance. 

If, like myself, you have fond memories of the 90s running around in jelly shoes and always sporting a crop top, you will be glad to know that 90s fashion has made its way back onto the runways and consequently our high street shops.
It only seems like yesterday minutes since the 80s revival but the decades have moved on and everything 90s is raring to take centre stage. It was the decade with trends collected from the 80s and inspiration from the 60's and fashion icons of the decade included Princess Diana, Rachel from Friends (Jennifer Aniston), Kylie, and how can we forget the Spice Girls.
Recently designers such as Phillip Limm, Diane Von Furstenburg and Stella McCartney have all waved a flag of recognition to the 90s with their new collections including key pieces such as dungarees, acid coloured crop tops, floaty florals and bright prints. Here's a refresher of 90s key fashion pieces, then and now...


 1. Dungaree's
 Then...

And now...

Those overalls that were everywhere in the 90s are now being sported by trend-setters everywhere. Whether they are light washed, long and baggy like the original look or have a floral/tailored twist on them, this look is fastly becoming a firm key piece for spring/summer 2013. Topshop, ASOS and River Island are just some of the stores that have been stocking them. What's different now is the array of styles being worn, not just traditional denim. Think less Enimem slim shady and more chic-Alexa Chung style and you're on the right tracks.

2. Crop Tops
Then...

And now...

Think back to crop tops and you're sure to picture the like of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera baring their midrifs in risque performances. This time, they're everywhere, and for a second time round have become a  firm favourite for fashion lovers. This time, designers have styles them in bright colours, polo necks and short sleeves. One of the favourite ways to wear them right now is with a high waisted skirt, or, if you're going all out, dungarees of course. Ab's are back!

3. Tie-Dye and Brights
Then...

And now...

Acid neons and pyscodelic prints were crazy popular back in the decade. It was the era of raves and clashing bright prints adorned with peace signs and smiley faces. The 90s rave scene developed its own fashion; tie-dye, glow sticks, whistles, and any form of bright clashing clothing was seen as the norm and in thing to wear. Brights and especially tie-dyes are back on the scene, albeit with a slightly more modern twist that the original look two decades ago. If going head to toe scares you, try a bright tie-dye tshirt with a plain skirt or trousers to avoid being to in your face. 

On the runways?

These new trends have been seen swarming all over the run-way and have a permanent place in the spring summer 13' looks books. Although fashion editors are Henry Holland has created a collection harking back to the decade. He told the observer that "The spring-summer '13 show harked back to 90s dressing, and the dungaree was an essential part of the decade." Another fashion outlet channeling the 90s is online store ASOS.Head of womens wear buying Rachel Morgan told the Guardian, "All dungarees are performing well as ASOS this season. From soft, tailored, jersey styles through to casual denims, we can't get enough of them."
The 90s trends were on display at New York Fashion week, and an array of celebs were sporting crop tops, mini denim shorts and florals and music festival Coachella in LA recently.
A multitude of trends have been emerging from the decade, whether it be sports-lux, neon raver, double denim or the grunge look; it seems we are relieving the trend from our youth but with a slightly more modern twist.

So how would you wear the 90's style? Is it going too far?

Fashion designer and Next sales assistant Rachel Marshall, 25, said she wouldn't go all out, "I'd definitely try dungarees, and I love crop tops, but only with something high waisted, I couldn't bare to show off my whole midriff." 
She also said how the 90s are influencing not just fashion but music and art too, "I keep seeing it everywhere, on the run ways in the shops. Celebs also seem to be loving it. I first noticed it on Cheryl Cole in her call my name video, she was channeling a lot of 'The fresh prince of bel-air."
Noticing the shops filling up will 90s pieces she said Topshop and ASOS have hit the spot on their collections, "I've already picked up one of ASOS' cute floral short dungarees and I have my eye on some bright cropped t-shirts from Topshop, I think they would look great with a midi skirt and sandals for summer."

So what about those who can reminisce about the 90s being their childhood? Taking to Twitter, I asked if anyone would be daring enough to try all the 90s trends again; 

@Rachelskett said: "I would wear dunagrees but cute patterned denim ones! Tie die it would depend what colour! Don't think I can pull it off!"

@NaomiKbarker said: "I love the trend! double denim and jelly shoes are my favourite."

So, if you're hitting the shops anytime soon, expect to welcomed by a flurry of brights, crop tops, scrunchies, oversized sweater, dungarees and grunge, and an array of trends that took their inspiration from hip-hop and street wear. As always happens, fashion has taken a full circle and we're back honing our inner 90's kid. Some find it too much, haunted by familiar memories, other are embracing it with open arms.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!

*All pictures hyperlinked to original source

Once you go MAC, do you go back?

It’s that age old beauty dilemma: are the expensive products worth it? There’s a sea of cheaper dupes out there, but is the old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ true? As a student, it's impossible to afford all the products on my wish list, so I'm always weighing up where to splash out and where to say no.

Of course, drugstore brands are constantly on the tail of high-end, producing similar products but with such price differences its hard to assume that the quality will be the same. I spoke to a freelance Make-up artist to get the low-down, and compared drug store products with products from the age old favourite, MAC. Here's three everyday staple items; foundation, eyeliner and lipstick...

Foundation

MACMatchmaster SPF 15 Foundation - £25 (shade 1.5)

Brand Description – “New Foundation technology using translucent pigments to enable a fully personalized finish influenced by the subtleties of your own skin's undertone. Moisturizing semi-matte finish. Medium build-able coverage. Line-reducing soft-focus powders.”

After having this product for a little while now I have found it leaves a silky texture to the skin. It is not a product for someone looking for a heavy coverage product, as although it is buildable, for the price of it, it would kill me to have to use double the amount to get the desired coverage. Most MAC face products are separated into two shade categories; NW for pink undertone skin and NC for yellow undertone skin. However match maker only offers 14 single shades which are supposed to adapt to a range of skin tones, but personally I would have preferred a more exact shade.

Rating  - 7/10

BourjoisHealthy Mix Serum - £10.99 (shade 52)

Brand Description - “16 hour radiance booster** Instant anti-fatigue result! Give your skin a boost of radiance with Bourjois’ Healthy Mix Serum Gel foundation with a vitamin-rich fruit therapy formula for an even complexion and an instant anti-fatigue result”

Again, the coverage is not overly heavy, but then it doesn't claim to be. I find this an ideal foundation for day wear as it gives a soft natural coverage, feels fresh on the skin and smells delicious. As a ‘radiance booster’ if you are looking for that 'perfect skin' look then this product possibly isn't for you. However, it gives a dewy, au-natural finish. The packaging unfortunately hasn't stayed intact in the short space I have had it and the shades on offer are limited.

Rating - 8/10

Winner - Bourjois!

Felt tip Eyeliner

MACPenultimate Eyeliner in Rapid Black - £16

Brand Description - “Goes on fluidly, in one steady stroke, to style any fashion of eye line.”

This has simple packaging and an easy to use tip. It is ideal for getting that cat-eye flick and produces a jet black finish. The only downside I found is that it doesn't last incredibly well. It starts to fade after a few hours of wear and if you plan on using every day, be prepared to re-purchase sooner than you’d like.

Rating  - 6.5/10

BourjoisLiner Feature in 11 Noir - £6.99

Brand Description - “Ultra easy application and long lasting effect”

This has the same amount of wear time as the MAC eyeliner, however I found it much easier to apply, as the tip is thicker yet soft. It would be ideal for someone who is not overly great using freehand as a smooth flick is easy to create. Good colour pay off too and a great all-rounder for the price.

Rating - 8.5/10

Winner - Bourjois!

Lipstick

MAC Lipstick -£14 In shade MAC Red

Brand Description –“Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous”

One of MAC's most loved products; their lipsticks come in a range of finishes, textures with a vast choice of shades. Lustre for example gives a light pigmentation whereas amplified gives a highly pigmented, bold colour. All MAC lipsticks also have a lovely vanilla scent, and come in the trademark sleek bullet like packaging. MAC Red gives a glossy vivid red colour that stays put. However at £14 this is fairly pricey for a lipstick.

Rating - 9.5/10

BarryM Lip Paint - £4.49 in Shade 121

Brand Description –“Barry M Lip Paints are available in a shade to suit every mood and taste from softly shimmering pastels to vibrant and bright colours.”

This product does the job for the price tag, and gives a good colour pay off. It won’t last all day, but for £4.49 who would expect it to anyway? For a cheaper brand the shade selection is also quite varied, and the packaging it simple and sleek.

Rating - 6/10

Winner - MAC!

Save and Splurge...

There’s definitely a reason why MAC is loved by make-up artists and beauty guru’s alike. Each aspect of the products have clearly been though about such as the packaging and scent, not just the finish. Yet, for some one on a budget, is it necessary to splash out?
I spoke to Leanne Tucker, a free-lance make-up artist who has previously worked for MAC and NARS and asked how high end brands differ. "I think it's the consistency of products and the good quality finish. The ingredients really do make a difference but in turn cost that bit extra."
She said her favourite product is MAC's prolong wear foundation as she found it adapts to her skin well. "I usually like a good skin coverage so go with a brand that I know will last. The overall finish prolong wear gives is just how I like my make-up to look." She also say's Chanel VitaLumiere Aqua is a great quality product, "It just give's such a lovely coverage and feels so fresh on your skin. Obviously it a much more pricey product though."

So, what about where to splurge and where to save?

Foundation is definitely worth the price tag as cheaper products are more likely to cause break outs on sensitive skin as the products aren’t always as well tested. "The more expensive brands have a much wider range of shades to adapt to your skin. However I know some people can get overwhelmed by the extensive colour range on offer," said Leanne.

I asked her about which products to purchase from drugstore, she confirmed that products with a shorter life-span such as mascara and eyeliner can work just as well from cheaper brands; "I've found the variety is really good and gives you a chance to sample different kinds and types."

After testing out different products myself, I will definitely be sticking with my mantra to use a mix of drugstore and high end create the best make-up collection and give you a wider variety of products to create different looks with. 
On a student budget? Leanne also agreed there are an abundance of products on offer that won’t break the break, so don’t be fooled into thinking you have to go and spend your entire loan on expensive cosmetics. "You can a professional look with most products if you know how to use them. Don't be afraid to try a variety to find your own personal preference."

Do you pay the price for high end make-up or think more affordable products are equally as good quality?

Leave a comment below.

Nail of the day

I'm loving monochrome at the moment, and these black tipped nails are what I'm wearing right now. Easy, simple yet quite classic. I have gel nails so these were done at the salon, but just as super easy to replicate at home. Ah how nice nails can make you feel so much better!