My Go To Outfit On Colder Summer Days

Welcome back!

I've never done one of these yet, so here it is, my first ever outfit post! As the title states, this is the sort of look you'll see me wearing on cooler days during this temperamental season we call a 'British Summer'. 

 

On a recent trip to London, I payed U.S. retailer Brandy Melville a visit. I first discovered this brand when I visited New York last year and fell in love immediately. This is where I snapped up my slouchy, oversized grey jumper. Everything in BM is 'one size' going with the logic that everything should fit everybody. It's definitely the comfiest item I own.

On this particular day I paired said jumper with my trusty J-Brand Jeans. They specialise in premium denim and oh boy do they live up to it. Think of how comfortable you feel when wearing your favourite pair of joggers or leggings? Thats how I feel wearing these jeans. This level of comfort comes at a cost, I think I paid over $200 for them from Barney's New York. I know that might sound like a lot, but I've had them for over a year now and they still look brand new. Think of how many pairs of TOPSHOP jeans you buy that fade after two washes? They're honestly so worth the money. 

For shoes I wore Birkenstocks in the colour 'Arizona White'. I've always been funny about finding shoes that I like which also don't give me blisters. I literally live in them. My bag is the London Saffiano Leather Tote from Kurt Geiger - a classic in my forever growing bag collection.

I've always always always been a lover of silver jewellery, so when I spotted this Western Style belt in H&M a couple of days ago I simply couldn't say no! I slightly tucked my jumper into my jeans so that the detailing didn't go completely unnoticed. The majority of my rings are from Pandora, but the chunky one on the left is from Tiffany & Co. 

Another thing I love about this Brandy Melville jumper is that I can wear it off the shoulder too. However, sometimes it does do this on it's own, so I always make sure I'm wearing a strapless bra!

To finish this look off, I chucked my hair up in a messy bun to get it out of my face and wore my oversized Prada sunglasses.

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I loved creating it!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself. 

Trend Alert: Handmade Bikini's + Announcement

Welcome back you lovely lot!

I'm sure a lot of you will agree with my when I say that I've seen an awful lot of handmade crochet styled bikini's this summer. The first time I was introduced to this trend was through American singer and actress Madison Beer when she rocked a set from Tezenis - an Italian style underwear and apparel retailer. 

The minute I saw this bikini in particular I fell in love! This time of year is when bright and vibrant colour combinations are most acceptable. It would be so easy for such an extensive array to look tacky, but this to me works so well! I've been seeing replica's of the above literally everywhere, particularly on independent Instagram boutiques.

It seems I'm not the only one who loves this style, as every website I've browsed has either not had my size or is completely sold out - not ideal when I go on holiday in two weeks time!

P.S. If you're a frequent viewer to my blog them I'm sure you've noticed I've been wavering from my usual 3 posts a week. I've decided that I want to take a bit of pressure off myself and commit to only 2 posts a week, aiming to be every Monday and Friday. If I have time to do more then I definitely will, I'm sure this will happen when I've settled into life in New York - so keep a look out. 

If you enjoy reading my random opinions then feel free to subscribe to my blog via email - this is easily done on the web version of my domain at the right hand side!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images. 

The Year Of The Inflatable

They've been around for as long as I can remember, but I feel that this year, inflatable's have actually been made fashionable. Particularly during the past two months, I haven't been able to scroll down my Instagram feed without seeing a giant sprinkled doughnut, pizza slice or pink flamingo. 

The hype is only increasing as big time bloggers have begun displaying their affection for the plastic food items. Here's a shot of Zoe Sugg, Tanya Burr & Alfie Deyes relaxing on an enormous pretzel. 

I must admit, I've found myself browsing the ASOS website more than once, tempted to purchase. 

What do you think of this trend? Let me know in the comments!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images. 

My Thoughts On: Axel Oswith

Welcome back!

During my daily social media browse yesterday, I came across the insanely talented Axel Oswith. His Instagram bio states that he creates a visual ode to everyday objects. 

I think what I love the most about his work is his juxtaposition of a flat colour background with the objects in question. Its so simple but so effective - I've never come across anything like it.

Below I have included some of my favourites (which means pretty much all of his shots).

Void.

Tacos.

Sky Scraper.

Summit.

Garçons for dinner.

Pills & Shadows. 

Waves Roller. 

Homer The Stoner. 

Afternoon Delight. 

Eggs & Legs. 

If you're as intrigued by Axel's work as I am, then follow him on Instagram @axeloswith. 

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Axel Oswith's Instagram. 

My Thoughts On: Hayao Miyazaki

Welcome back!

Hayao Miyazaki is a Japanese film director, producer, screenwriter, animator, author and manga artist (now that was a mouthful!) His career has spanned five decades, achieving international acclaim for his incredible storytelling. Miyazaki has been described to combine elements of the greats in the industry, including Walt Disney, Steven Spielberg and Roald Dahl, what a compliment!

My absolute favourite films of his were produced in the Japanese animation studio 'Studio Ghibli'. Below I'll list my Top 5.

1) Spirited Away

Watch the trailer here.

2) Kiki's Delivery Service

Watch the trailer here.

3) My Neighbour Totoro

Watch the trailer here.

4) Howl's Moving Castle

Watch the trailer here.

5) The Cat Returns

Watch the trailer here.

After watching all of these films for the first time, I was shocked at how much I loved them as normally an animated style wouldn't appeal to me. The level of skill that has clearly gone into each and every shot is absolutely incredible! I really hope I sway some of you into watching at least one of the above, I promise you won't regret it!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images. 

#Fendi90Years

Welcome back!

Before the 7th of July, whenever I thought about Rome in Italy 'The Lizzie McGuire Movie' always sprung to mind. Now however, I think of Fendi. Its safe to say that they pulled out all the stops for their 90th anniversary, I was completely blown away by the beauty of the show.

Legends & Fairytales consisted of models walking on the water of the Trevi Fountain. If that isn't an unexpected bucket list moment then I don't know what is! In a pre-show interview with The Business Of Fashion, even Karl Lagerfeld seemed incredibly moved by the spectacle. 

"In my wildest imagination, I never thought something like this could exist. To do this on a crystal bridge over the most famous fountain in the world? If thats not a fairytale, I don't know what a fairytale is."

Rome has been completely revitalised in the most beautiful way. If you didn't get a glimpse of the show then head over to Fendi's Facebook page, they kindly recorded the entire thing with a 360 camera!

Love, Lana Skye x

Photo Credit: Google Images.

Quote Credit: Business Of Fashion.

My Thoughts On: Emilia Clarke

Welcome back!

I've decided to start a new series on my blog called 'My Thoughts On'. Through this, I'll give you all an insight into who I'm loving and loathing at that point in time!
 I was recently introduced to the incredible actress that is Emilia Clarke when seeing new film adaptation 'Me Before You'. 

I immediately adored her character, Louisa Clarke. Falling into the romance genre, it would've been easy for the film to seem a bit same old same old, as there are just so many with the same sort of narrative. I feel however, that this adaptation isn't tarred with the same brush (not that it isn't a good brush - I love 'The Notebook' just as much as the next teenage girl) mainly due to the casting of Emilia as Louisa. My favourite scene was definitely when she was gifted some adult sized bumblebee tights. I mean, who doesn't want a pair of those!?

If you've seen the film recently in the cinema then I'm sure you'll agree when I say that she was the perfect match for the role. So genuine and lovely. After less than two hours I felt like I knew her well enough to go out for a coffee! 

Of course, she is best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones'. I personally haven't watched the hit HBO series, but when I first found out she was playing quite an evil character, I couldn't believe it.

How could somebody so sweet fit into such a contrasting role. Then it became obvious, her talent as an actress is second to none. I simply can't wait to see what else she appears in!

Love, Lana Skye x

Photo Credit: Google Images. 

Visuals Visuals Visuals...

Welcome back!

So, with it now being Summer (we can't really call it that here in the U.K. at the moment), I've had a little more time on my hands. When I'm not working, I've been making sure more time and effort is channelled into my online profile. I'm obsessed with finding and collating different images, at the moment I've been really enjoying categorising them through colour. Instead of having a tonne of different Pinterest boards, I thought, why not turn it into an Instagram feed?

The username is @visualsvisualsvisuals - please check it out if you like themed/organised feeds!

Love, Lana Skye x

Photo Credit: @visualsvisualsvisuals Instagram. 

NYX Lingerie Line Review

Welcome back, and a happy 4th of July to all of my American readers!

I recently caved and purchased 4 shades from the NYX Lingerie Collection. I'm a complete newbie when it comes to this brand mainly due to it being so hard to find in the UK, but now that its available in most Boots stores, I simply couldn't resist! 

They are described as...

"Weightless liquid lipsticks with a plush matte finish."

Top to Bottom: Lace Detail, Bedtime Flirt, Corset & Push-Up.

I thought I would start with my least favourite of the four, being shade '03 Lace Detail'. I'm not an extremely pale person, although I could do with a little sun on my skin, but I feel that whenever I put this one on my lips it completely washes me out, no matter how much bronzer I apply to my face! 

03 - Lace Detail.

Next up is '08 Bedtime Flirt'. The coral undertone makes this the perfect summer shade, I can't wait to take it on holiday with me! 

08 - Bedtime Flirt. 

My favourite has to be '09 Corset'. This one is a lot darker than the others when applied, but it really reminds me of MAC's Velvet Teddy which is my all time favourite lipstick. 

09 - Corset.

Last but not least is '06 Push-Up'. At first glance this one looks almost identical to '08 Bedtime Flirt', but its actually a lot lighter when applied, much better for during the day!

Below I've included a shot of all 4 shades alongside each other, so its much easier for you to tell the difference!

Left to Right: Lace Detail, Bedtime Flirt, Corset & Push-Up.

I have to say that overall, I'm impressed with NYX. Even though not all of my purchases are to my liking, they feel so lightweight once applied that I almost forget I'm wearing anything. There's nothing worse than wearing matte lipstick and it drying your lips out to the point where you feel self conscious. I don't get that sensation at all when using these products! 

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself.

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Archerfield House: Fletcher's Cottage Spa

Hello everyone!

Apologies for my absence on Wednesday, I was busy enjoying a couple of days away with my favourite person, my Mam. We headed up to North Berwick in Scotland on Wednesday, spending the day walking along the beautiful beach and eating lovely food. 

The reason for our trip was to visit Fletcher's Cottage Spa in the Archerfield Estate. We arrived at 9:30am on Thursday and spent six whole hours in what can only be described as heaven. The minute we entered the stunning rustic venue we felt relaxed. Our shoes were replaced with slippers, abiding by the 'no shoe' rule that exists for not only customers, but also employees. Our treatments weren't scheduled to start until 11:15am, so we spent our time indulging in the various sauna's and steam rooms they had on offer. 

Both me and my Mam went for the 'Sisely Spa Day' which involved full use of the spa facilities before a luxurious two hour 'Sisely Ultimate Face & Body Treatment' and a Spa afternoon tea. Global massage rituals were used, encompassing aromatherapy, reflexology and drainage to unify the body and mind. No part of my body felt neglected, leaving my skin feeling toned, firmed and strengthened. It lasted just under two hours which might seem like a long time, but for me it flew by. The girl who conducted my treatment called Adele was so lovely and professional, she made me feel completely at ease which is so important in that sort of environment. 

If any of you feel like you deserve a treat then please consider this magical place! They've been featured in the Sunday Times Travel Top 6 British Spas and the 2014 Tatler Spa Guide! Its somewhere you can deeply relax and truly feels like the perfect home from home. I'll certainly be visiting them again soon.

Find out more by clicking here.

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself.