Exploring NYC: Chelsea Market

Welcome back!

Today I am taking my first classes of the Fall semester, making me a fully fledged Fashion Institute of Technology student. Yay! The past week has been all about settling in to life in the city, so I've made the most of it and visited some of my all time favourite places - one of them being Chelsea Market which is located in Downtown Manhattan within the Meatpacking District. 

"Chelsea Market has become in just fifteen years one of the greatest indoor food halls of the world, with more than thirty-five vendors purveying everything from soup to nuts, wine to coffee, cheese to cheesecake. Attracting 6 million national and international visitors annually, it is one of the most trafficked, and written-about, destinations of any kind in New York City. Chelsea Market is a neighbourhood market with a global perspective."

There is something about this place that gets me every time. The buzz is constant and the food is incredible. You'd think that the industrial interior would make it feel cold and unwelcoming but for me it has the exact opposite effect. I'd be happy to spend all day in there!

Out of all of the restaurants and café's available, my all time favourite is definitely Amy's Bread. I came here for the first time when I visited the city in June of last year. Me and my Mam were introduced to their Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwiches and fell in love after our first bite! If you're ever stuck for something nice to grab on the go then give this place a try. 

Then there's the fairy light walkway. If you actually stand and watch people turn the corner, their reactions when they first see it is so cute! It makes you feel like you're in a dream world for all of 10 seconds. 

At the end of the market is when you hit the Artists & Fleas area. It's filled with loads of different independent brands such as 'I Am Here Brooklyn' who make the best postcards I have ever seen. (I may or may not have bought a couple yesterday - keep an eye on my Instagram for a picture of them!)

I hope you enjoyed this post, come back for more on Friday!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself.

Quote Credit: Chelsea Market Website. 

Exploring NYC: Beautiful Brooklyn

Welcome back!

As you all probably guessed, my emotions went into overdrive on Sunday morning. Saying goodbye to my parents and siblings was and always will be the hardest thing I'll ever have to do, but I also felt extremely excited about the adventure that was about to unfold (even if it meant waking up at 4am U.K time). I knew that my first day in the city would be unlike the two trips I have had before. I wouldn't be staying in a hotel, I wouldn't have an amazing and organised room waiting for me, I wouldn't be dropping my bags off and going on an epic shopping trip. Luckily I pre-warned my self that it might get a little stressful, but lets just say jumping under my duvet that night was the best feeling in the world.

I can already tell that deciding to live in Brooklyn instead of Manhattan was the best decision. Even though it's still noisy and theres always something going on, theres something so special about it. Oh, and what could possibly be better than seeing the New York Skyline on an evening walk? These past few days when I've had a minute, I've really enjoyed just roaming the beautiful streets and peeking into all of the cute little café's and deli's. The houses here are absolutely incredible! Just picture Carrie Bradshaw's apartment with the big stone steps outside of it, this place is full of them.

I feel like I've rambled enough, so here's a short Brooklyn photo series - I bet you'll fall in love with it as much as I have.

If you want to keep up with me, follow me on social media!
Instagram: @lanaskyecaven
Twitter: @LanaCx
Snapchat: LanaCx

Love, Lana Skye x

Photo Credit: Myself. 

New York City I Have Officially Arrived!

Hello you lovely bunch!

As you're reading this, I have finally arrived in New York City beginning my incredible 4 months here. 

I couldn't be more excited! 

There won't be a post today as I'll be busy sorting my classes and spending time at orientation, but I promise you're going to be bombarded with all sorts - from outfit posts to what I get up to on a daily basis!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images.

Leigh's Nurseries Has Joined Instagram

Welcome back you lovely lot!

I've recently taken up the role of Social Media Manager for my parents business named Leigh's Nurseries. Together they have 3 private daycare nurseries, based in Northumberland, Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne. Having 4 children, my parents used to struggle finding outstanding quality childcare. This is ultimately why they formed a passion for the industry. The nurseries have a a real home from home feel which has been felt by lots of the current parents and children.  I've always been so proud of them and everything they have achieved over the years. Promoting the business on social media has been a topic of conversation for a while now, so we recently got the ball rolling and set up an Instagram account.

Before we decided to go for Instagram, I did a bit of research and couldn't seem to find any other active nurseries nearby on the platform. This excited us as we seem to be one of the first to do it.
The page is filled with images showing what goes on within each of the nurseries on a daily basis. We've also compiled a whole host of our favourite quotes from children's books, as well as comments from parents for everyone to enjoy too!

I know that the majority of the demographic who read my blog perhaps won't be interested in following the account due to age/the stage you're at in your life, but I do know that regardless my parents and myself would really love the support while we get the page going! If you aren't personally looking for a nursery for your child, you might know somebody that is - I really would love it if you could tell them about Leigh's Nurseries!

The username is @leighsnurseries feel free to check it out.
I'll also provide the website if anybody wants to find out more: www.leighsnurseries.co.uk

Love, Lana Skye x

Photo Credit: Myself. 

My Thoughts On: Grace Coddington At Tiffany & Co.

If you aren't aware of the simply amazing human being that is Grace Coddington, then please Google her (or better yet, buy her book 'Grace: A Memoir' - I promise you won't regret it.) 

When a car accident ended her modelling career at the age of 26, she began channeling her love of fashion and narrative at American Vogue, resulting in her becoming Creative Director in 1988. Early  this year however, Coddington stepped down from her role and joined Tiffany & Co. as Creative Partner in April. I personally feel that this is the best thing to have happened to the jewellery house in a long time. She has already got to work reshaping the brand's take on fashion advertising. A campaign that she is working on at the moment is said to be...

"distinctly apart from anything Tiffany has done before without, somehow, feeling unfamiliar."

Elle Fanning stars in Tiffany's new campaign for its "Tiffany T" collection.

Coddington has shocked with her choice of casting for the campaign, as the brand has never before used a celebrity. Her argument however, is that her choices are beyond the average celebrity as they have something more to them than others. This outlook, I love! Anyone who knows me is aware of just how much I adore Tiffany's, so for me to see one of my favourite brands paired with an icon of mine is truly something special! I can't wait to see Grace work her magic!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images, Business Of Fashion.

Quote Credit: Business Of Fashion. 

2 In 1 Style Post

Welcome back you lovely bunch!

Seen as though my first ever style post went down so well a couple of weeks ago - I couldn't help but treat you all to another. The first look I'll be sharing with you I feel is perfect for various occasions, whether it be you're attending a dinner with friends and family in the evening, or going on a shopping spree during the day. I was recently introduced to the brand 'Never Fully Dressed' and have quite frankly become hooked! I bought this top from them and its so perfect for this time of year due to the lightweight crepe material. I particularly love the balloon sleeves and longline body - you could wear it as I have below or tuck it into a pair of jeans to achieve a ruffled crop look.

I threw on a pair of high-waisted jeans from Jack Wills - I've had these bad boys for well over a year now and have quite honestly worn them to death, but they still look brand new!

In terms of hair and accessories, I threw my hair up into a mid-rise messy ponytail mainly because it kept blowing into my face and was getting on my nerves. I felt like my new Fendi sunglasses made this hairstyle look one hell of a lot better!

Of course, I had on my signature silver jewellery selection - I never really wear anything else! And then there's this beauty of a hand bag - you can't go wrong with a Classic Black Bayswater from Mulberry.

For shoes, I finally put on my new TopShop wedges. These things are so comfortable and look so lovely on. They're still available in store so if you like them then definitely pick them up quick!

And now for look number two!

Now, this outfit in particular is definitely on the casual side, but I've found that this jumpsuit can be dressed up with a simple pair of heels for a night out! You guessed it, this too is from Never Fully Dressed and I'm actually tempted to buy it in ever colour available. It doesn't get much comfier than this. I'd say the only issue I found at first was getting used to cuffing the legs as seen in the above image, but it was easy to master with the help of a quick tutorial on the NFD Instagram page. 

Like I said before, I made this look more casual by sticking a plain white vest top underneath - but if you wanted to wear it on a night out you would just wear the jumpsuit on its own and make sure you were taped into it well!

Now for shoes, I love my all white Nike Airforce 1's - I'd had my eye on them for ages and when I realised I could get away with buying the junior version due to my small feet I couldn't stop myself. Such a bargain.

I hope you've enjoyed this doubled up style post - more to come soon!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself. 

Top 5 Fashion Books To Get You Started

Welcome back! 

After studying Fashion for a whole year, I've read one hell of a lot of books. I thought it would be nice to share my Top 5 with you all. I hope this will be especially helpful for anyone who is looking into/about to start the subject at university!

1. High Fashion: The 20th Century Decade by Decade by Emmanuelle Dirix

If you do want to go into fashion, knowing your fashion history is vital. This book is perfect for it as each chapter looks at the significant stylistic changes that occurred in one decade and places them in a wider context. 30 designers who represented their era's are deconstructed in detail. This is an invaluable resource for me. 

2. 100 Ideas That Changed Fashion by Harriet Worsley

This book is similar but different to the previous one I shared with you all, in that it looks into different pieces and styles over specific designers. A couple of examples being 'Trousers For Women' and 'The Little Black Dress'. Everything is categorised perfectly making it easy to read whilst also feeding you with a boat load of information on different trends from different time periods. 

3. Fashion School Survival Guide by Ezinma Mbonu

This little gem is described as an essential piece of kit for aspiring fashionista's, packed with technical tips, professional advice and inspirational quotes. What I love the most about this one is how quick it can be read. The pages aren't inundated with text and there are so many beautiful illustrations. 

4. The World According To Karl by Unknown

Who doesn't love Mr Lagerfeld? To me, it seems impossible not to. He is, to put it simply, the modern master of couture. This book is filled with his wise and surprising statements paying homage to what he has done within the fashion world. Its separated into sections such as 'Karl on Fashion' and 'Karl on Life' - I'd definitely recommend this one if you're a fan of his. 

5. The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior

A lot has been written about Fashion, but this book literally categorises it exactly like a dictionary. Of course, it doesn't cover absolutely everything, but that would be tedious anyway. For me, it seems to be the perfect length. 

I hope you enjoyed this little post!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself. 

The Playground Project

Welcome back! 

I recently decided to take my younger siblings to a brand new exhibition at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. 

'The Playground Project' is described as:

'...A meeting place. It is a contested urban space where ideas about education and childhood, creativity and control, art and public space can collide. It was once, and occasionally still is, a laboratory for adventurous ideas and radical forms.' 

'Four key moments shaped the development of the playground. At the beginning of the 20th century social reformers 'saved' homeless street children from the city and put them in supervised, gender-separated playgrounds equipped with risky climbing frames made of steel pipes and wood. In the 1930's a new understanding developed, especially in Scandinavia, where people believed it better for children to play with natural materials and introduced sand and water for independent creative play. At this time play was viewed in terms equal to gymnastic achievement.'

'In the 1960's, the decade of self empowerment and Do-It-Yourself, parents and citizens began to take initiative themselves: playgrounds became viewed as autonomous community projects. As the age of social and political utopias came to an end in the 1980's, norms and boredom began to take over playgrounds. New, much stricter health safety standards led many creators to abandon the field of playground design altogether.'

' The Playground Project traces the history of this urban phenomenon that has come to reflect so many important social transformations. At the same time the exhibition is intended to be a source of inspiration for future designers of play spaces. It is a homage to play, a plea for playgrounds to be more daring, a rallying cry for a certain level of risk and adventure to remain in society.' 

We went relatively early during the day, but as you can see through the pictures it was very busy. Busier in fact than any current playgrounds I've walked past in the last few weeks! 

My inner child was desperate to try everything out, but I spent my time wandering the room looking at all of the images from years ago instead. I found it so insightful to see just how different playgrounds used to be - I definitely think current creators need to step out of their comfort zones!

There's still over 2 months left of this exhibition so check it out if you can! I promise you'll enjoy it if you can get past the constant, happy and excited screams of children.

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself. 

Beauty Wars - Real or Fake?

Welcome back!

Something must be in the water because I've been seeing a serious amount of feuds in the land of beauty recently. The most major one has to have been between Jeffree Star and Kat Von D. Both of these successful figures in the beauty world had supposedly been friends for many years, which is what made their fall out seem so random. 

It all kicked off when Kat posted an image of Jeffree on her Instagram account, with an extremely lengthy caption summarising her reasons for finally deciding to remove him from her life.

Social media then appeared to go into complete meltdown, with both figures having to justify themselves to each others fan base. I mainly saw this happening on Twitter. They both proceeded to post videos on their hugely popular YouTube channels justifying themselves further. 

I've never been a customer or fan to either of them, but after watching both videos it seems that they both have valid points making it so hard to understand who is actually telling the truth. When it comes to situations like that, surely it's better to work through it in private instead of airing it across the Internet? Another, less crazy feud I noticed occurred between Shannon Harris (otherwise known as Shaaanxo) and Kylie Jenner. Kylie recently announced that she would be adding eyeshadow palettes to her cosmetics line - getting the ball rolling first with her KyShadow Bronze Palette. 

I've followed Shaaanxo for so many years now and it was blatantly obvious from the outset that she never meant to come across malicious in any way - but of course, Kylie's fans pounced on her with immediate effect. All she did was post a shot of her eyeshadow palette alongside Kylie's, highlighting the similarities between the two. 

She was immediately criticised as people thought she was making a dig at the difference in price, as hers is one hell of a lot cheaper than Kylie's. Obviously Miss Jenner has a much higher following and her customers have proved they are willing to pay the prices that she sets, so it would have been silly of her to reduce the cost on her newly released eyeshadow palette. I wonder if she'll start reducing the costs as the hype begins to fade? Only time will tell. 

What do you think of these two situations? Is there genuinely an issue between the pairs or is it just a publicity stunt to get people talking? 

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images, Kat Von D Instagram, Shaaanxo Instagram.