Glossier | How I Do Pink

Welcome back you lovely lot!

I'm a girl that believes in a lot of little sayings such as 'Everything happens for a reason'. One that I feel has become particularly relevant within the past week or so is...

HARD WORK PAYS OFF

I was recently approached by modern beauty brand 'Glossier'. They specialise in creating essential products designed for real life. Their mantra is 'skin first, makeup second, smile always" which I absolutely adore! One thing I found really apt about being approached by this lovely brand was that they're based here in New York City where I am and will be until the end of December.

How convenient is that!? 

I've actually followed Glossier's Instagram account for a few years now, I've always loved their overall aesthetic and their products look simply to die for. Unfortunately I've never been able to get my hands on them as I think they only ship to the U.S. and Puerto Rico, I can't wait for the day that they're on the same bar as the health/beauty brands we all know and love and they become worldwide (If it was up to me this would happen immediately!) Click here if you'd like to take a peek at the beauty products they have available. I promise you'll fall in love. 

The packaging alone has stolen my heart.

What I have been asked to do is simple but so exciting. I am about to let you all know how I incorporate the colour pink into my lifestyle whether it be through my wardrobe, beauty routine or anything in between. This is going to be so easy for me as I am such a massive sucker for this colour, particularly the dusty/pastel shades.

Here goes...

I snapped up this little number a few months back from TOPSHOP. This is the first time I've worn it as a dress as I normally pair it with a nice pair of jeans and heels if I'm going out for dinner. It's definitely on the shorter side but not enough to make me feel uncomfortable when wearing it.

For this particular look I decided to pair it with some black platform sandals also from TOPSHOP and my trusty Kurt Geiger handbag. New York is starting to cool down now but its still a bit too warm for a jumper, so I wanted to get my legs out while I still can. 

Next up is this gorgeous long-sleeved dress that I found in Urban Outfitters a week or so ago. It's more on the salmon/coral side which I love and is definitely one of the comfiest items I own. 

On this particular day I opted to wear my Nike Air Force trainers which are still surprisingly very white. I love throwing this outfit on when I have a full day of classes at F.I.T. 

Now lets move on to accessories. I can honestly say that I have received a compliment every single day that I've worn this Zara rucksack while being here in New York. It fits my laptop and books inside like a glove and is reasonably deep so I don't feel too nervous if I have valuables in there when walking about.

I decided to chuck on my H&M grey playsuit with my Nike trainers again. This look is definitely more casual than the previous one I shared with you all, perfect for a day of exploring. Of course, I couldn't resist picking up a coffee from 'By Chloe' which is in a beautifully illustrated pink cup if you didn't notice already.

The bag love just keeps on coming. I am head over heels in love with this little pink suede number from Jack Wills. I feel that this adds the perfect pop of colour to any outfit, particularly the one below.

It must have been a bit chilly on this particular evening as I opted to wear my black skinny jeans from TOPSHOP, an oversized white blouse from River Island and my Arizona Birkenstock sandals. 

Now let's move on to the beauty side of things. I don't incorporate the colour pink as much outside of my wardrobe but it definitely has a part to play. I recently got some gels applied to my nails in a mauve/nude shade which I love.

The most pink my makeup ever gets is definitely on my eyelids. Before coming to the city I treated myself to the Anastasia Beverley Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette. It's everything I dreamed it to be plus more. The colours are super pigmented and compliment each other so beautifully. 

I hope you enjoyed this #glossierpink post - see you on Monday!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Aderyn Holt. 

Exploring NYC: Social Galaxy

Welcome back!

As I was roaming the beautiful streets of Chelsea the other day, I stumbled across the huge new Samsung 837 flagship space. As I was peeking in the windows I seemed to remember seeing a recent picture of well known sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner in some sort of room where their Instagram images were projected everywhere. For some reason I became adamant that I must've been in the correct place and luckily I was right! I walked in and gave my very basic description of what I thought they had, the staff were so lovely, directing me to the right area straight away. 

After typing my Instagram handle into a compact Samsung device, I walked in to a room completely covered in either mirrors or large screens. Initially I was presented with key words and captions that appear on some of my 2000+ photos (yes, I have a genuine love for the gram). They were read out to me by a robotic sounding voice, then all of a sudden I was bombarded with my pictures. Some new and some really embarrassingly old, it was such a lovely experience being able to reminisce in such a mesmerising environment. My jaw was on the floor throughout the entire thing I was so amazed by what was happening. It gave me an insight into the digital me which was eye opening, it was fab!

Please please please give it a go if you're making a trip to the city sometime soon, its completely free!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself. 

Exploring NYC: Smorgasburg Food Market

Welcome back! 

I have now officially been in New York City for a whole month, I can't quite believe how quickly the time is flying by. Before I arrived, I created a bucket list. One of the things that features on it is to visit Smorgasburg, a giant all-food market located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I finally got around to doing this and it was one of the best days I've had in the city so far!

There were around 100 different vendors at the market in total. The locations was perfect, right next to a little beach which gave customers the most incredible view. Due to their being so much choice, you can imagine how long it took me and my friends to decide exactly what we wanted to fill out tummies with. 

After walking around a good few times, I settled for a brisket sandwich with all of the trimmings (it tasted just as good as it looks)! If you've never scrolled through the Smorgasburg Instagram then you've been seriously missing out. Definitely don't do it when you're hungry though, it'll definitely make you sad about all of the amazing food you can't get your hands on!

One thing I've had my eye on for the weeks before coming here was the waffle cones. I saw the stand as soon as I walked into the market but thought I would save myself until after I'd had something savoury to eat. This was the biggest mistake ever. When I walked back to queue up there must have been a good 50 people in front of me. Judge me all you want, I waited just under an hour, but look at how beautiful it was...

I can honestly say it was worth it. I opted for the original waffle with vanilla ice-cream (yes, that multi-coloured stuff is vanilla), chopped up strawberries and fruity pebble dusting. I left feeling so full but soooooo satisfied - I can't wait to go back next weekend! 

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself. 

#TOMMYNOW

Welcome back!

Talking about the Tommy Hilfiger show that took place last Friday is particularly bitter sweet for me. It was open to consumers, but I unfortunately couldn't attend as I was working another show at the same time (cries inside). Hats off to Hilfiger for pulling out all of the stops. Not only were styles from his own collection showcased, but he also debuted the TommyXGigi capsule collection. The entire extravaganza took place on 'Tommy Pier' at South Street Seaport New York, featuring rides and games galore. 

The craziness of the carnival could have easily distracted guests from the main purpose of the show. 

Fashion immediacy. 

All of the looks shown on the runway became instantly available for purchase online, while also being made available at retail stores around the world in no more than a 24 hour time frame. 

My initial thoughts were only positive. Finally, a high-end designer making his products the most accessible they could possibly be. Whats not to love? There are so many luxury brands that don't allow customers to purchase from them online, keen to maintain their exclusivity.  

Has Tommy set the ball in motion? Will other high-end brands follow in his footsteps? 

After watching the show online, the only doubt that sprung to mind was whether or not the garments showcased were in keeping with the current season. Take it from me, New York is so humid right now its ridiculous - who in their right mind would want to buy a thick cable knit sweater? Hopefully a lot of customers won't be put off by this, instead purchasing garments now and saving them for when it does eventually cool down. 

What did you think of the show? Let me know in the comments!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images. 

My NYFW Experience

Welcome back!

Apologies for not posting on Friday, as some of you may know I was working as an Usher at New York Fashion Week. It was an experience to say the least. Both show days were held at The Manhattan Center in the Hammerstein Ballroom - the most perfect venue. 

"Style Fashion Week, producer of globally recognized fashion events, provides top designers a world class platform to showcase their collections.  Each year Style Fashion Week presents the season's must see shows, unforgettable performances and exclusive installations.  Our expansive Style Marketplace immerses guests in fashion as well as art and design.  Guests directly engage with brands throughout the week."

Getting ready for my two day stint on Friday morning made me anxious but mainly unbelievably excited. I was actually about to work at NYFW - something I've only ever dreamed of in the past. We were told a week or so in advance to dress in black cocktail attire. This of course resulted in me raiding Zara to find something perfect for the occasion, even though the colour black makes up for about 80% of my wardrobe. We were quite literally thrown into the deep end as soon as we arrived on site. Everyone was busy getting the area sorted for the first show down to the tiniest detail. Everything had to be perfect. 

Being an usher was crazy but simple, only being made difficult if guests tried to sneak past and sit in seats that weren't assigned to them. For every awkward guest there were 100 lovely ones, always willing to have a conversation. If I had a dollar for every time somebody told me they loved my accent I'd be quite frankly rolling in it. I had such an amazing view for each show that took place, directly at the end of the runway. By Saturday evening my feet were murdering me but I didn't even care, I can now officially say that I have worked at New York Fashion Week. I can't wait to see what the remaining couple of days will hold.

If anyone wants a clearer insight into the designers/garments showcased, follow @StyleFW on Instagram. 

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself. 

Quote Credit: Style Fashion Week Website.

Exploring NYC: In God We Trust

Welcome back!

One of my favourite things is finding places that you otherwise wouldn't have if it wasn't for something not going as planned. Myself and some of the girls I travelled here with planned on going to a particular restaurant in Greenpoint the other day, but ended up having to go elsewhere due to it being over an hour wait for a table. This resulted in us wondering around looking for someplace else, which is when we came across this amazing little store. In God We Trust. 

"The collections from In God We Trust owner Shana Tabor, whether clothing, jewellery, or interior design, embody her unique New England upbringing, love of New York City, and her humour.

In God We Trust opened in 2005 and has evolved into a multifaceted brand including clothing, jewellery, men's and women's accessories and a burgeoning wedding band collection. IGWT currently has two brick and mortar locations in New York and a bustling e-commerce site.

 

From the start IGWT has taken pride in the fact that all design and manufacturing happens here in the US. In fact, all jewellery has been produced out of  a workspace in Brooklyn from the start. Today that studio resides in the back of it's Greenpoint storefront. IGWT clothing is either produced in this same studio or in the NY fashion district. Having such close proximity to the making process allows Tabor, and all of IGWT, the ability to provide the highest standards of craftsmanship and pays it forward in top-notch customer service.

In addition, Tabor continues to be a strong supporter of other brands, artists, and designers that have like-minded business goals and stocks all In God We Trust locations with goods and merchandise that equate her homespun aesthetic and locally-made ethos. 

In God We Trust believes in locally-produced basics made with love and pride right here in NYC, and hopes that each piece purchased from the company will live happily in your own personal collection for years to come."

As soon as we walked in to the store we all fell in love. Not only was everything beautifully made, but the sales associate in the store at the time was more than happy for us to have a chat, look around and take some photos. If I remember rightly they had 20% off everything until the end of today so if you're in New York definitely check one of their stores out!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself.

Text Credit: In God We Trust Website. 

My First Week As An F.I.T. Girl

Welcome back! 

It's Friday, which means I have officially finished my first proper week studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it previously, but I'm majoring in Advertising & Marketing Communications. That being said, I've also had free reign to explore classes on offer from different majors such as Photography, so I feel as though I've got a good mix. The classes I have decided to take are:

Advertising & Promotion

Mass Communications

Faces & Places in Fashion

Styling for Visual Presentation

Photographic Styling

Some classes I've got more excited about than others, primarily due to the particular professor's that will be teaching me. There have been a couple of occasions where they've casually mentioned things they're working on at the moment or job roles they've had in the past and my jaw has quite literally dropped. Both of my styling professor's in particular had me seriously impressed. One of them has been an editor for both Vogue and Elle and the other is working on the Christmas window displays for Saks Fifth Avenue for this year. There's something so motivating and reassuring about being taught by people who are working in industry and have a serious level of experience. Faces & Places in Fashion is another class that sounds absolutely incredible. Every single week a guest speaker comes in to F.I.T. and talks with the class one on one about their roles within the fashion industry. One speaker I'm particularly excited about is Alexander Vreeland - the grandson of the iconic Diana Vreeland. If you don't know who that is then please look her up!

My plan is to keep you all updated week by week on any exciting projects I get up too in my more creative classes, as well as whatever else I've done that might be of interest to you. For example, I will soon be working two full days at New York Fashion Week - definitely keep an eye out for a post surrounding that.

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images.