Equality.

In the last couple of days, the issue of gender equality has blown up and gotten people talking, discussing and debating about it - and that's flipping brilliant.

Emma Watson made a speech to the U.N last weekend, as their Women Goodwill Ambassador, and received a standing ovation. She spoke about when she realised she was a feminist, and the issue of gender equality. 

Her speech went viral and was applauded for worldwide, and it really raised the discussion of gender equality, and brought more awareness to the issue. She launched the HeForShe campaign, (as if you needed another reason to love her even more!), and I think it's going to influence a wide audience. With her association of being Hermione in the Harry Potter series and franchise, she has a whole audience of young fans, and I feel that this is going to reach out to those especially, who may not have aware that this even was an issue, or have any opinions on it formed yet.

HeForShe urges men speak up and fight for gender equality, and support the women in their life. The public and celebrities alike have backed the campaign with full force.

@Harry_Styles: "I'm supporting @UN_Women and @Em_Watson in #HeForShe As should you..."

@DouglasBooth: "I am a passionate supporter of gender equality."

@twhiddleston: "@EmWatson you are impeccable & extraordinary. I stand with you. I believe in gender equality."

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who is also supporting the campaign, has a company named hitRECord, which is an 'open collaborative production company'. It invites anyone and everyone to get involved with projects of a specific topic. And he's asking people what feminism means to them. 

I didn't really know what feminism was until about 2 years ago. I knew it was a thing and people were feminists, but I didn’t know what it all meant.

Until I was researching to write up my dissertation. I read up about it, learnt about the 2nd wave of feminism. Until then, I didn’t realise that the reason I can vote, the reason I can apply for the same job as men, the reason i have the freedom to do so many things, is because of feminism.

Now, I don't want to turn this into a feminism blog (not that that would be bad thing) but it really got me thinking what being a feminist actually means to me. I've posted before about my experiences of it, and I know I am one, but, but that question really made me sit down and really had a think.

What I came to was that, for me, feminism means that your rights, actions, opinions, choice and beliefs not being judged on because of your gender. It's about equality.

Equality. It’s not about women hating one another. It's not 'men-hating'. Feminists don’t hate men, many feminists ARE men. It’s not about one sex being better than the other, but them co-existing as equals. 

It's not even about non-feminists and feminists being against one another. More recently, I read numerous articles about Annie Lennox criticising Beyoncé and her form of feminism as 'feminism-lite'. Now, I know that Annie Lennox has been a long-time activist, and I'm not arguing with her, because it's her opinion, but that almost seems like a battle of 'who's the better feminist' in my eyes. But it seems to me that, different people attract and reach differnt audiences, and surely, the more people that promote a positive message about important matters like gender equality, that can only be a good thing. That message is being spread, because people who listen to 'Single Ladies' may not also be a fan of 'Harry Potter'. Surely, if at the core of it, your beliefs are the same, that should be the only thing that matters?

As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie put more concisely and elegantly, a feminist is a person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality between the sexes.

There should be no expectations of a person to act, look, or behave in a certain way, because of their gender. Just like I said before feminist and feminine aren’t exclusive to themselves - don’t want to shave your legs? That's great! Want to wear a sparkly pink bow? Awesome! Want to be a stay-at-home housewife? Fantastic! Want to be a kick-ass mechanic? That's amazing! Want to have as many kids as the Von Trapp family? Perfect! Don’t want any kids? Perfect too!

Choices like these should be down to each individual person, and they should not be judged by them. Some people think equality's been achieved but with comments such as ones like this:

We've still got work to do.

There lots of different views and types of feminism, so I urge you and go find out more about feminism and figure out what it means to you - I've just bought some books myself and can't wait to get stuck in!

What is your stance and opinion on it?

And if you want, do contribute to the hitRECord video (which I've done so myself!), and join in on an interesting discussion that concerns us all.

Stay sassy & stay happy!

Until next time,

A.x

Life in plastic, It's fantastic!

Barbie's looking pretty hot for a 55-year-old.

Images: Mattel, Elle UK, Wildfox, Instagram

And she's taking the fashion world be storm recently.

She's been around since 1959, and has been a glamorous gal ever since, whether that's in a LBD or a shiny leotard to work out in.

She's got so many style credentials, that there's a whole display dedicated to her and her many different looks at the infamous New York toy store, FAO Shwarz.

From a pretty ballerina to a sassy Vegas girl, Barbie's changed a lot of looks throughout the years that we could only ever dream of, and even has her own miniature versions of Louboutins! (seriously though, can we wear that Tiffany blue ball-gown to work..please?)

And it's not just her looks, but her influence in popular culture that has evolved too. From being accused of creating unrealistic views of the female body that will influence young girls, and accused of objectifying, she's released a campaign this year encouraging girls to be whoever they want to be. Not to get too deep, but surely, with all the endless careers that Barbie's had over the years (how did she manage to get so many qualifications under her pretty, pink belt?) surely, that makes her more of a feminist than anyone thought she could be? 

But back in fashion-land, back in the summer of 2010, Wildfox gave their own spin on all of the many personas of our favourite blonde beauty. Less elegant Swan Lake, more tumbling over while tipsy - much more funny (and realistic) if you ask me!

But this summer, the comfy brand made of Califronian dreams, was back, but this time, Barbie had grown up. With dreamy pastel shades and their infamous slogan sweatshirts, this is a Barbie collection I can get on board with - shotgun on the 'I Love Ken' top!

And it's not just Wildfox that's noticed this lil Miss.Miniature, but she also now has her own Instagram account dedicated just to her style, and it's pretty damn fabulous. 

Filled to the brim with outfit posts and fashion designers and icons aplenty - if you want to have a daily dose of cute and chic, then Barbie's your gal! But Jeremy Scott has even styled her in her own mini Moschino t-shirt, and now Milan Fashion Week has happened, it's become more clear as to why....

Jeremy Scott's collection fro Moschino was basically an Ode to Barbie!

Now I know that this isn't going to be everyone bag, and I'm not suggesting that you go out dressed in a pink 2-piece, roller-skating down the street (although, I do own a pair of roller-skates myself...that light up...)

But that's what great about the world of fashion: there's something from everyone. There's gonna be someone out there who's dying at the sight of this collection, and there's someone out there who just want to take away that 80's-inspired dress from it, which is more wearable, and then there's going to be those who hate it and think it's ghastly. But the thing is, it's just a bucket load of fun! And whatever's wrong with that?! In a world of adult decisions (bills, yawn) and depressing news, surely we can all indulge in some flirty fun - it is fashion after all, not a PhD in Quantum Physics!

What do you think of all this pink power that Barbie has brought into our lives? Do you love her, or hate her?

Stay sassy & happy!

A.x

LFW S/S '15

As London Fashion Week wraps up for another season, I thought I'd share a quick rundown of my personal favourites that I'll be thinking about in my dreams until Spring.

Marios Schwab was a wash of charcoal strokes and shades, as if it had been lifted right off from a sketchbook page. With silver tones and sexy straps slinking down the catwalk, it was a sophisticated callback to the 90s.

I always look forward to Marchesa's collections. They're always so extravagant, and this collection was no exception - it was everything that little girl's would dream of. With sheer and shimmering fabrics draped, and florals in abundance, I can imagine swooshing around in these at every garden tea-party imaginable.

David Koma's collection is how I wish I wore my pastels. More chic, less like I've come right out of a child's colouring book. I love the use of straps and block colouring that gives the perfect mix of being sporty and feminine. 

If you're looking for a sleek, shimmering and futuristic emsemblé, then Antonio Berardi's your man. With ombré suits and sophisticated layering, this collection will take you from office to party, from day to night, and from now to the future. 

Burberry has always been a firm favourite of mine, and if this collection is anything to go by, they'll continue to be for a long time to come. One of my favourite collections ever is their S/S '14 (which I blogged about here), and this has the same dreamy element. The tiered layers, the bold, block colours and the shiny, leather contrasting collars and pockets mixed with the denim jackets all make this collection what it is. But for me, it their new take of their classic trench coats and clever use of tulle as the waist-tie and cap sleeves, that really make this collection stand out. It's inheritably British and a fun take on a classic, and that's what Burberry is best out.

Images: Vogue and Marie Claire online

And last but not least, just look at this from Anya Hindmarch! It's exactly what the inside of my notebook from school looked like, but much more fun and laid-out. And do I even need to say anything about that pencil clutch bag?! Anya Hindmarch is another person who I'm always excited to see what they come out with next (I dream about her Custard Cream bag and Tiny Tim bag on a daily basis).

Who did you love from this LFW? Comment below!

Stay cute & stay happy!

A.x

The Beginning of the Start

As I'm snuggled up in bed - catching up on some much needed relaxing time - I can't believe I'm typing this, but, I'VE FINISHED MY MASTERS DEGREE!

Little ol' me, with a Masters degree...who'd have ever thunk it?!

This year has been the most stressful, fun, busiest, ridiculous, and hardest working ones of my life so far. 

And I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

I had a final group dissertation to create a magazine. 6 of us created a concept, knew exactly who our reader would be, interviewed people, wrote pieces, filmed and edited videos, and designed pages until our eyes turned into 8-bit squares. And Robyn was born.

A magazine for smart, funny, inquisitive and intelligent teenage girls - with the beautiful Olivia Purvis from What Olivia Did on the cover to boot! It had inspiring celebs that mattered, blogging and vlogging content galore, diverse fashion and music, real and important issues, and our own inspiring young girls. When I look through it, it makes me think how much I would've loved Robyn when I was a teen (and how much of a teen I still am really at heart!)

It was our baby, and I've never been more proud of a piece of work, or worked as hard on something.

I'm not saying on my undergraduate degree I didn't work hard - believe me, I did (I've got the needle scars and permanently stained sketchbooks to prove it!) - but looking back, that was only a fraction of the effort and hours of this, and I guess that's only going to continue to happen. I know I'll look back at this some point later on in life, and think that it was a walk in the park. Hell, even during this year, I look back at the previous magazine I made by myself and think "God, I could have done that better" or "Argh, why didn't I add that into it...I had way enough time!" 

But that's just life, and for the 1st time in it, I have no idea what I'm doing next. And that's OK.

Up until this point, everything in my life has been somewhat planned out. School, GSCEs, 6th Form, A-levels, Uni, Masters. And now, well, I haven't a clue - and it's fucking terrifying and exciting all at once!

As someone who likes to have things planned (my spontaneous friend Kim will tell you how annoying this can be), it does make me panic when I think, "Oh god, when am I gonna move out again? Where even am I going to live....But I need a job before any of this happens!"

And with people around me gradually getting employed (which I'm more than excited and happy for them), it sometimes makes me feel like I'm failing at life.

After reading Sprinkle of Glitter's blog post of being inadequate. She wrote out everything that was inside my head. At times, I'm trying to do everything at once. I want the perfect flat, that's decorated exactly how I want, with a job (not the perfect one because I know and want to work my way up to that!), and everything else that goes with it. The whole package. And what I've realised is that, I'm 22. I don't need to have my whole life put together yet - that's what the rest of my life is for!

After we handed in our work, there were some tears - which could have been due to the fact we only had 2 hours sleep each (or 0 for some) - and it was quite sad and emotional, which I wasn't really expecting.

But it made sense. We finished a chapter of our lives that were worked so hard on, and were part of each others lives too. And for that chapter to end, made me feel like it was the beginning of the end. When actually, it's the beginning of the start.

Instead of feeling sad about not being a carefree student anymore, who does tequila shots every other Tuesday night, I'm going to be a working young woman, meeting new people, moving to new places, and continuing to learn new things - with still the occasional bit of tequila! Yes, that's right. A proper grown-up. (even if I'm drinking my tea out of a Tetris mug at this moment...)

And even though, through the sea of job applications I'm doing, which is scary and makes me nervous that I might never get a job and end up being a cat lady living in a box.... I know that's it's going to all work out.

I'm just starting out and I know I will get a job (especially with a job interview lined up - yay!), so for now, why not enjoy the free time that I've got?

Since I can't remember the last time I didn't have another piece of work, or project planned. I'm going to go see friends that I haven't done so for too long. I'm going to step away from the computer screen and read so many books that I started, but never had time to finish. I'm going to explore corners of this country that I haven't discovered yet, despite living here all my life. I'm going to start drawing again. I'm going to play the piano more. I'm going to indulge in it all, because at some point down the line, I'm going to wish I had to time to do all this.

I loved this degree - the city, the people, the work, and even the stressful times are now hilarious anecdotes (I cried at 4.45am over a fashion page I was designing. Ridiculous.) And I've left it with some amazing memories and some friends for life.

Sorry for this was a bit of a ramble. I haven't really had the time to think about general life stuff recently to be honest, and now that I have, it's all just kind of spilled onto this page, and it's kind of therapeutic, and I know I'll look back on this and read it with a smile.

Have you guys got anything new going on in your lives to look forward to?
(If you're going to uni, I slightly jealous and you're gonna have the best time!)

Hope you're all well,
Speak soon,
A.x

Denim Throwback

The 90s are back in full force.

And in the shape of all-singing, all-dancing, all-denim wearing girl band, M.O

Frankee, Nadine and Annie from London have been tweeted by and received praise from Ed Sheeran, and have supported Ciara on tour. Wowzers. But it wan't until I heard the echoes of 90s anthem 'Bring you Flowers' being re-worked and played on the radio, that I became hooked on these girls.

They want to evoke an era of 90s R&B, and that they certainly have. Sampling one of my favourite tunes that is guaranteed to get me on my feet and dancing (although, it doesn't take much), their sound calls back to the days of TLC and En Vogue.

But it's not ust their music that is reminiscent, but their style too. Looking like they've been plucked straight out of the steets of the 90s, these girls sure know how to work their denim and oversized jackets.

90s fashion is something that i've been loving for a long time now. My love affair with 'Clueless' has been around since I was a kid, and Iggy Azelia's video for 'Fancy', only ignited that.

The crop tops. The flatworms. The chokers. They've all crept back into my wardrobe. But jeans and I have always had a love-hate relationship.

Not being a Victoria Secret's model means not having legs that go on for days, and to be honest, I've just never having found mt dream pair of jeans, means that you don't often find me in them. They usually aren't comfortable, or I don't feel comfortable in them and spend the rest of the day fidgeting in them. And don't even get me started on skinny jeans. If there was ever a piece of clothing to make me feel like I was the self-concisous, chubby 13-year-old that I used to be, then that's the ticket. I just haven't met 'The One' yet in the denim world, and while these ones aren't it, but they're pretty damn good.

top:Topshop, jeans:Topshop, shoes:ASOS, necklace:Topshop, belt:Warehouse

90s means all the things that are a 'tick' in my books. High-wasited: check. Ripped: check. Slouchy: check. Teamed with a ribbed, pastel pink number, I couldn't have felt more at home in my childhood era. I even had holographic flatforms - my disco shoes - and a choker to complete it.

You need to check out the video of 'Dance on my Own'. It'll get you dancing, get yo strutting, and get you whipping your denim out before you can say "In West Philadelphia born and raised..."

Are you guys loving this flashback to the 90s we're having? Or do you wish it snapped back to the present day?

Hope you're all well,

Speak soon,

A.x