'Cause I'd Rather Waste My Life Pretending...

Moving (really this time!)

2009-06-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

We've moved, and check out our sweet new layout!

http://wastemylifepretending.onsugar.com/

Seriously?

2009-06-07T02:49:00.000-07:00

Ok... we are ALL going to miss Gossip Girl over the summer (I've already started watching all the season 2 I've had recorded) but seriously? American network Bravo have decided to play their hand at easing our withdraw symptoms with their brand new reality show NYC prep that "chronicles the lives of a group of privileged teenagers who are key players in Manhattan's elite high school scene. (sounding familiar?) Students who travel in packs (girls on the steps?)

"Camille takes her studies seriously, balancing rigorous exams... studying for her SATS... and the college application process with aplomb... Always armed with acid-tounged opinions and witty retorts." Blair Waldorf anyone?

Ok. Blair Waldorf/ Leightom Meeter does her hair better, has better clothes and looks less dweeby.

In the cast you also have Jesse (who's blond I might add, just like Jenny Humphry) who also wants a career as a fashionista. PC (what a name!) is a guy with a scarf. (Chuck Bass anyone?) And there's Sebastian, another Chuck, who "is known among his circle of friends as the guy who constantly hooks up with the hottest girls."

I mean seriously? I thought the television networks in the UK were desperate when they repeated my show... But what's with all these reality shows sprinting up out of hit shows? I can't believe the Real Housewives (based on Desperate Housewives) is still running...

Same Stylist?

2009-06-07T02:33:00.000-07:00

I have become, not wore than ever aware of the art of a cliche, especially girl bands all dressing the same. Not the same as each other; but the same as other girl bands.

Image: Daily Mail

Cue The Saturdays. In all their music videos they seemed to have this jelling colour thing going on. It was cool, unique. I liked it. In their first video; 'If This Is Love' they had black dresses and coloured tights. In 'Up' they had black tights and the same colour as their tights had been in 'If This Is Love' dresses. In 'Issues' it was umbrellas. In their most recent video which I can't even remember the name of at the moment they seemed to have given up on all that coordination. And maybe thats a good thing.

Cue the Wonder Girls.

Image: MTV

In case you hadn't head of them Wonder Girls are one of the biggest girl groups in South Korea, and their releasing 'Nobody' as their first US ingle this month. Who knows if they'll catch on in the UK? I'm thinking they will, as most unfortunately, they're opening for the Jonas Brothers on their upcoming US tour.

Split Ends...

2009-06-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

Photo: Raquel Reed

Photographic Inspiration...

2009-06-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

Celebrity photographs by David LaChapplle...

Candy Cakes...

2009-06-05T05:41:00.001-07:00

Photo love form Lipstick Royalty featured, UK alternative model Ulorin Vex...

Shoot for Maya Hanson corsets, photography by Marcelo Aquilio.

Also check out this behind the scene video from the shoot!

Handbag Love...

2009-06-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

I have just discovered one of the coolest handbag, clutch and wallet designer on the planet - Matt & Nat. (Their UK based too!) All the designs are, according to their site "Luxury, Eco Friendly & Vegan" as well and super cool, stylish and stunningly beautiful!

Check out this super stylish magenta handbag... I'm in love! It comes in loads of different colours too!

Incoming Starship...

2009-06-05T02:59:00.000-07:00

MTV Exclusive sneak preview of the "Good Girls Go Bad" music video by Cobra Starship and Leighton Meester...

Freebies!!!

2009-06-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the launch of their new online store, up and coming label ALEX&RA are running a competition for one lucky lady to win a custom-made ALEX&RA skirt!

Scuttle along to their website now to enter for your chance to win!

Look out for an exclusive interview with ALEX&RA in the next issue of Lipstick Royalty Magazine!

The Veronicas: Healthy Dose of Reality?

2009-06-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not really a fan of reality tv shows. (Ok I hate them!) Except for Britiains/ America's Got Talent or American Idol/X Factor (which are so funny!) I can't stand them... thought I'm into fashion Project Runway and Project Catwalk are so boring, no one seems to get that everything you see on Next Top Model is fake.

Problem is I've never come across a reality TV show featuring people I actually like. Cue the Aussie singing sensation The Veronicas, and the reports they'll both soon be staring in their own reality show on MTV, which have recently been confirmed by Jessica, one of the Veronica sisters.

I'm really worried about this you see, though I'm against most forms of reality television (cue Living Lohan), I'll have to watch it because I'm a Veronica's fan. But will I still love them as much as their music once I've seen them air their dirty laundry on their own reality show. They're not exactly shy pansies either; the pair have had their fair share broken engagements, AWOL boyfriends, leaked nude photos and rumored lesbian relationships...

What are your opinions on reality television?

Source: MTV Buzz, Nine MSN Image Source: Teen Hollywood 411

Ten Questions With Sassy Divas!

2009-06-03T05:14:00.000-07:00

There are loads of cool people I come across who don't really fit into the concept of Lipstick Royaty... In the first in hopefully many interviews I caught up with Shawanda, one half of the husband a wife team behind the up and coming clothing line Sassy Divas!

How did you and your husband come to found Sassy Divas?

As a little girl, I was always sketching and drawing designs. Instead of reading school books, I was always leafing through the latest issue of Vogue or Cosmopolitan or the latest book on fashion. After a small detour in obtaining my Masters Degree in Business Administration, I decided that fashion was much more fulfilling than crunching numbers. Sassy Divas was founded in 2007, to pursue a lifelong dream of being a fashion designer.

Where did the name Sassy Diva's come from?

My husband Tom and I were kicking around names and ideas. Tom came up with Sassy because when thinking of his wife who has a wicked, but fun streak, Sassy came to mind. When we looked at our target customer, we envisioned a sophisticated, hard working woman, who knows what she wants. Sassy Divas encompasses the idea that fashion should be uncomplicated, stylish, and for the Diva that resides in every woman.

What inspires your designs?

At this point everything, I am inspired by music, art, and films but my biggest inspiration stems from traveling, classic movies, to influential designers. The summer 2009 collection was inspired by childhood experiences, thing that was sweet and innocent but not forgotten. I try to design with the idea that a women does not have to follow trends to be stylish. Therefore, I am inspired by making classic staple pieces, that is well defined, but relaxed and fun.

How do you develop the theme for each collection?

I take elements of each piece and infuse them into one modern perspective. This could be from similar attributes within the design phase, to color combinations, to fabric and prints. But, I always try to infuse the Sassy Divas philosophy and principle behind each piece within the collection.

Who makes your designs, and where?

I design each collection personally through digital base programs. I use Adobe Illustrator to create the line drawing and illustrate the technical aspect of each piece. Also, I have a WACOM tablet, that I use to sketch the designs and then import it into Adobe Photoshop for the final revisions to incorporate colors and fabric prints. I scour the country for fabrics and prints that will compliment the upcoming collection. The actual pattern, samples, and production are manufactured in Las Vegas.

How did it feel, making your first sale?

Ecstatic. Fulfillment of a lifelong dream. I hope to build momentum and a strong customer based; that way each sale feels like the first sale every time.

How do you think your background in finance help you build "a strong base for the company?"

Strangely, a degree in accounting and business administration does prepare you with getting together a “business plan” and forecasting sales, but in reality and in my opinion, a distraction to the creative process of designing. That is why my husband handles the day to day operations and finances. Having a strong business acumen is important in running a successful company, but I have learned that having a concise and focused vision is just as important.

You've thought about designing since you were a little kid. When was the moment when you decided 'I want to b a fashion designer', and you started Sassy Divas?

By trade, I was a banker. However, when I came home every night to relax, I would sketch and draw the designs that were seared in my head. After a certain point, wanting to be a designer is a far more satisfying experience than looking at spreadsheets and balance statements. My revelation came to me in early 2007- that I loved what I was doing in the evening (and not what I was doing during the day) and I simply decided to start my own Fashion Design Company.

Where can we buy "Sassy Divas"?

Each season’s collection will be available on our web site – http://www.sassydivas.com. Wholesale inquiries, please contact us at 702-324-3856, sales@sassydivas.com, or our sales agent- Stephanie Camputaro at 678.781.5205.

What's next for you, and your line?

We are in the process of releasing our Fall/Winter 2009 collection which be ready for release in mid June. Currently, we are starting the initial phase of our Spring/Summer 2010 collection, with the anticipated release for October this year. We will definitely will keep you posted on any upcoming events and samples sales!

Video Madness...

2009-06-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

THIS is an example of what a music video should be... it tells a story and its a pic of artwork...

Paparazzi by Lady Gaga

That got me thinking onto other music videos that tell a story like this and I came up with a few others of my other favorites... I think I really like music videos that have meaning...

Wake Up Call (Directors Cut) - Maroon 5

Its My Life (Directors Cut) - No Doubt

With Love - Hilary Duff

And finally...

She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5

Shopping Guide!

2009-05-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Launched this morning!!!

Follow This Link to get your free .PDF download of Lipstick Royalty Magazine's Online Shopping Guide 2009!

2009-05-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Lipstick Royalty ad!

I love you Cassie...

2009-05-30T06:37:00.000-07:00

As some of you may remember from a previous blog post I was mourning the sale of an iconic dress made by my favorite designer of all time - New York Couture's Cassie.

But seriously, or as she would say 'totally'... I now love her again... all hail the replacement dress in my affections... isn't it beautiful?

Photo: Steve Prue

Glamour Kills...

2009-05-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

Photo: Lotus Josephine for Glamour Kills

Ok... this photo gets me excited on SO many levels...

... Firstly a new photo from Hanna Beth - one of my favorite models!

.... Glamour Kill's are launching a swimwear line.... and its PWETTY!

... This photo just gets me... a beautiful location and by one of my favorite photographers, Lotus Josephine, but a combination of her pose, her expression, her hair and the soft glow light and the slightly out of focus nature of the background... breathtaking...

Jetson Milkshake Party...

2009-05-30T05:08:00.001-07:00

Ok... I love Audrey Kitching and I love her hair but seriously? I'm not sure how I feel about this look on her... its from Jetson's style shoot but its a bit.... Big and straight? I'm not really sure how I feel about it... your thoughts?

Clothes Show London...

2009-05-30T01:34:00.000-07:00

...wow what a day...

As many of you will know, Lipstick Royalty's Fashion Editor Amy and I hit up Clothes Show London (in London!) yesterday... I survived the tube and met Amy for the first time, and no offense hun but it was nice not to be the shortest person for a change!

First up, we caught the Beauty Awards and runway/dance show in the fashion theater. You'll hear more about these from Amy, as she took all the notes! However I can tell you that the show was Katie Prices' first ever catwalk debut so she was fronting the show, the dancers were incredible and the whole thing was based around a day trip to the great British seaside. And I almost whooped in delight - tutus have made it into mainstream fashion - they were everywhere!

Next we went and checked out the show. We met some really cool people and discovered some sickeningly cool designers!

My favorite labels of the day have to be:

Darimeya with their gorgeous dresses - I owned one before clothes show but now I want more!

My Darimeya birthday dress... I've found its really great to wear with grey skinny jeans to!

Lazy Oaf - they had the cutest tees, belts hoodies etc. on the planet!

I'm like in love with this Tote bag I brought... its so cute!

Eyeko Beauty - I'd seen them before but their stand with all the sweets and the candy coloured packaging on their products was the coolest ever! The woman on the exhibit as a nice as anything as well, and the cupcake flavored lipgloss was divine!

B Never To Busy To Be Beautiful (cosmetics) - Ok, Amy knew about these people but I didn't - brightly pigmented mineral make - ups in little jeweled boxes as packaging! I tried some loose gold eyeshadow on the back of my hand and the colour stayed for ever and was bright, glittery and shiny!

Isn't this both the coolest colour with the coolest packaging ever?!?

We also met some cool people...

We did an on the stop pit stop interview with Red from the Red Mutha alternative fashion store in Brighton while she was tending her stand (they had the coolest get your name painted on tape necklaces on the planet!)...

We met the uber nice Pin Up, Fetish and Fashion model Aisling Grace at the Limb Clothing stand...

And when we went back to Red Mutha to browse we bumped into Kate the designer from Gobbolino, who we featured in Lipstick Royalty a while back (and who we'll be featuring again sometime soon - watch this space!) and it was nice to meet her in the flesh at last!

And finally, when I got home there was a package on my desk from Brooklyn - my Lime Crime make-up samples! I can't wait to try them out and write their product review! Thanks Lime Crime!

LittleBirdie...

2009-05-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

So... lets see, something I love...

Independent Fashion Bloggers Little Birdie!

Image: Independent Fashion Bloggers

Basically its this service open to IFB members (like me) where you can make a request for something, like an interview with an independent designer, items for sweepstakes or stuff to feature in things like blogs shopping guides. Then all thee requests get stuck together in a newsletter which gets sent out to anyone who requests it. To request this you don't have to be a member of IFB to ask for this... you could be a designer who wants to see peoples requests for designers to interview etc. I get it for Lipstick Royalty so I see how it works both ways.

I've already had a response for my request for a designer to interview and its my first request! So I hope you'll all get to see that soon...

Age-defying...

2009-05-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Ok so I've been catching up on the blogs I've not been reading while I've been so busy and I've come across a recent post from my personal favorite, the Doe Deere Blogazine about if young ager is an obstacle or not...

Young age: obstacle or advantage?

I think that every young creative (by young I mean aged 15-18) should read this. Even though Doe is giving advice to a young girl about if young age is an obstacle or not for becoming a make up artist or not, this information can be applied to everyone.

Running Lipstick Royalty I've come across a barrage of agism. I founded in the magazine in December 07, when I was 14 years old. Lest be honest, I was carp at it at the time but I like to think I've become good at my job. However I have noticed a massive leap in how people see me in business since my 16th birthday. I want to know how different my portfolio is since the beginning of this year, when I was 15. It hasn't changed. How about my ability to do my job?I get better every day but I wasn't as the point where I couldn't be taken seriously.

I think the world, but especially the online creative industry needs to pay attention to who exactly they are excluding in their barrage of ageism. What difference should a few months make. None. But it does. Should a 16 year old who can do her job be penalized against when she can do her job just as well as the average 25 year old? No. But she is.

Few Days Of Fashion...

2009-05-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

Today is all about preparation... things I hate. I'm now starting to realized how good I had it at London Fashion Week. I was there with the Raw TV film crew, and I had someone there to drive me to London (albeit having to get up at 5:00am), I had someone liaising with the PR company running the event for me, and my interview with Erin O'Conner was all scheduled and organized for me. All I had to do was the research...

As some of my, or my Fashion Editor Amy's regular readers may know, we are both going to Clothes Show London tomorrow. And we're organizing everything ourselves. So basically I'm here to moan about the Docklands Light Railway being closed in the bit we ned for repair, getting things like Business cards and flyers sorted. At least my train leaves at (9:00am is so I won't be getting up too early...

The reason I'm blogging rather than Tweeting about this (apart from the fact I've just written WAY more than 140 characters!) is I wanted to tell you all about Clothes Show London, and if you want to hear all about it before August 1st when you'll read Amy's article on it in Lipstick Royalty, check back here for more updates tomorrow evening!

On another note, I've been working flat out on the Lipstick Royalty Magazine online shopping guide 2009 in every second of the day I haven't been studying so you should look out for that on Monday!

Finally... I needed to get out of the house and cheer myself up... so I went shopping!

I finally managed to get myself a sundress after two years of looking. This one was £40 from Topshop, fits beautifully and also comes in white. I got the peach as I'd only get it dirty by sitting on the grass or something!

My second purchase, which if it is possible I'm even more pleased about are these pair of shoes - leather Converse All Stars! I hate shoe shopping. They are my first pair of Converses and they are as comfy as hell. They are also GOLD! Not tacky gold but nice gold, exclusive to Office and they also com in silver too. Shame they were £54.99. Thats a wincing price. At least they won't let water in!!!

Funky Foto...

2009-05-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

Raquel Reed by Frizzycube, MUA Joel Vasquez

Stalking tools...

2009-05-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin´

If anyone happens to use it...

In other news what a few days I have coming up.... preparing for Clothes Show London, the launch of our online shopping guide on the 1st.... I'll write a proper blog post soon!

Its not just jeans you should buy two of...

2009-05-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

The most tragic thing happened to me this afternoon - a chain broke.

I've got this long silver neckass I brought in Cario, a really pretty, indvividual link patterned Egyptian silver chain and Kartouche, an ancient Egyptian nameplate saying, well my name. On the same chain I have a little Athenian owl, the symbol of the goddess Athena and the symbol of wisdom I brought on a tiny Greek island I have been to several times and I'll never remember the name of last October, and a little greek column of the ionic order of architecture I brought at Olympia the day after I brought the owl, representing this capitol I took a photo of at the ancient site of Olympia when I was ten years old. It was my first time is Greece when i took that photo, and it was that photo that made me become a photographer. I've hardly taken this chain off in fiver years since my Daddy brought it for me in Egypt. (This tells you a) how much I love my Daddy & b) I'm obsessed with ancient cultures and the fact I know this much about ancient architecture is an indicator that I study classics!)

Well the chain broke today... snapped. Clean in half. Can't be repaired. I was gutted. Thankfully I didn't lose any of the charms but I couldn't wear it anymore!

First moment I could I went out to all the silver shops I knew but I couldn't find one the same length the same. I ended up getting one as it felt all weird only having my gold locket round my neck and not my silver charms. I tried putting the charms on the same chain as the locket but it still felt odd - and I don't like mixing gold and silver...

I don't like my new chain though. Its not as pretty and individual as my egyptian one - its not individual. Its shiny too... I never took it of in water or even swimming pools (until I discovered that is you swim in a chlorine pool then get into a bromine hot tub silver turns as black as night and its a hell to clean up shiny again). So my charms are this lovely dark but shiny silver with black in the detailed bits, like my old chain was in the swirls - the new ones all light and shiny and it will take ages to get it nice! And there's o detail so it will never have the black bits...

And the moral of this story is?

To add insult to injury I had to pay over 4 times the price of the original chain for the new one. Silver isn't exactly expensive (the chain cost £14) but I always buy my silver jewelry in Greece of Egypt where its dirt cheap and you get prettier, more individual less commercial pieces. Also sometimes when you replacing something you find something nicer. (my greek eternity bracelet for example - my little cousin tore it of my wrist (it hurt!) and I found a better replacement - a gorgeous silver eternity bangle on my next visit to Greece)

The replacement cost £14, and the original in a jewelers at a Cairo bazaar right next to the pyramids, in a better design and a better grade of Egyptian silver... it cost me £3. Moral of the story is if you find that good a bargain buy two. Oh how I wish I'd grabbed two of those chains... Ladies... its not just the perfect pair of jeans you should buy two of...

Pwetty Pwuple Pwotogrphy...

2009-05-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Check out the STUNNING concepts, styling and photography from my new discovery on the designer front... PINaR ERIS: Edginess & Feminity. I spent a whole ten minutes looking at this last photograph...

New York Couture...

2009-05-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

Check out the images of the New York Couture show at London Alternative Fashion Week last month that have just been uploaded... Cassie's designs just keep getting better and better... I LOVE the tight/ tight sock combo on the models, their hair and especially New York Couture's Fashion Week shows customary hookers shoes! I am in awe of the first black and pink dress... it rocks!

PINK!!!

2009-05-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I love my guitar... I really do... (and I'm going to ignore the fact that in the above picture All Time Low's bassist is playing a bass, not a guitar) but when I brought mine why didn't anyone tell me, or why didn't the shop have them... I WANTED ONE THAT COLOUR... And when I came to draw my guitar under the subtopic of colour it would have looks SO much cooler!

That got me thinking about my dream guitar... and funnily enough for me, its not colourful, its black and white. But then, again its still very me; its an exact replica of Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine's custom made First Act instrument, and its BEAUTIFUL! The shape, the colour, the frets the wood... bliss... Shame it would set me back $2799. A girl can dream...

Its Sunday...

2009-05-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well Happy Sunday everyone...

So... what have my favorite things been this week?

Eurovision Song Contest...

Ok... I've never watched this before but my roommate started to watch it on BBC iPlayer and I kinda got drawn in... it's hilarious! Some of the performances are just damn funny, some are good.. and some of the costumes are amazing! I'm about half way through watching it.

Memorable moments so far...

Ok... Germany, no offense but you were CRAP. But at least you had one of my idols, Dita Von Teese on the stage looking pretty! But what exactly WAS she there for?!?

Oh, and then I couldn't find a picture but we have the pretty Estonian entry too...

Barbie Suite in the Palms Hotel...

Oh, to be honest I stole this love of the week off of Audrey Kitching... but it doesn't stop it being damn cool!

Beautiful, Dirty, Rich...

Ok I know this one is kinda old, but I'm really loving Lady Gaga's (aren't I always?) Dirty Sexy Money version of her music video for Beautiful, Dirty, Rich this week.

Lipstick Royalty Magazine's Online Shopping Guide 2009...

Ok here's the first official announcement for it, one of my better ideas. We are going to have a special edition issue, date not yet set, and its going to be SHOPPING PICKS! featuring designers, vintage stockists and exclusive interviews with up and coming labels Toxic Couture by Loriel Andre'a and KupKake Kouture by... well.... meee! Watch this space for more info...

Photo: Model & Photography by Liz at Bang Bang Baby! for Bang Bang Baby!

Amy's blog...

2009-05-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Just reposting a blog post Amy wrote from the magazines Bebo page today... it made ME go all sentimental!

Going All Sentimental...

Good Girls Go Bad Part Two...

2009-05-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

Well I usually don't obsess over music videos much, unless they are works of art (enter Gaga stage right), or they are by Maroon 5 (you'll most likely have to wait until early next year when their album is out for to find out how dedicated to the M5 cause I am!) but seeing as I am, like, OBSESSED with Cobra Starship ft. Leighton Meester's new single, "Good Girls Gone Bad" right now, I was quite excited to get my hands on a couple of screenshots from their up coming video! You've gotta love Buzznet music news... I don't know what I'd do without it!

Whoa! Talk about Gaga eye paint! And sweet wig, or is that a real cut?

Photos: Scott Gries

Polyvore...

2009-05-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Wow what a discovery on my part! I can't believe I haven't found this before! SUCH a resource! I call this look Rock Chic Marie Antoinette!

A Part Of Me Died Inside...

2009-05-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

You may have heard me mention that even though I don't own any of their pieces New York Couture is one of my favorite design houses of all time...

Well my love affair with New York Couture started totally by accident (which by coincidence is how I came to found Lipstick Royalty Magazine (to find out how that came about click HERE). Our first ever cover for Lipstick Royalty Magazine (then called Inside Out Magazine) looked like this:

The image, is world famous alternative model Audrey Kitching (a name I have used SO many times over the last 18 months) modeling for New York Couture. Our old Creative Director Joe introduced me to New York Couture and I thought it was just bright colours, I didn't even know what alternative fashion was, and, at the time of press I didn't know who Audrey Kitching was (I cringe as I write this!) or how famous she was. I didn't know it at the time (I didn't even know what alternative fashion was) the evening I lay on my bed in my room (stopping to grab supper and a bread roll as well in between) looking through New York Couture's pictures was the moment I ell in love with alternative fashion, and bright colours. I wonder where I would be now if I hadn't landed such a stellar first cover (or picked up the use of the word stellar from Joe!) Would I still be running LR now? Would I have been on TV? Interviewed a supermodel at Fashion Week?

Anyway, so onto why a part of me has died inside...

On that first day, the reason I fell in LOVE with alternative fashion was one of a kind dress, modeled by Audrey herself made out of part of a vintage wedding dress.... and today, while browsing the New York Couture I noticed it has been SOLD! Whoever has brought it, better look after the piece that has forged my career so far! Or put it on eBay when I actually have enough spare cash to buy it!

I've been thinking...

2009-05-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

While I should have been studying I was doing two things. Writing questions for my interview with Xenia from Lime Crime, and reading my two favorite blogs: Gala Darling's iCiNG and Xenia's Doe Deere Blogazine. These two wonderful ladies got me thinking... and I have a list of things I want to do once my exams are over (which I should really have been studying for!)

1. I will STOP taking myself so seriously!
2. I will try to loosen up a bit...
3. I will TRY to have more fun...

*Ok... I'm getting worried now... if I can even admit this, what type of person am I?!?*

4. Wear some of the clothes and make up I keep writing about... If I love them so much why don't I wear them! I NEED to get out of black...

5. Take a photo a day.

Anyway nothing else much is new, apart form I'm getting quite excited about Clothes Show London in a few days time... Lipstick Royalty's Fashion Editor Amy and I are going to have a blast! Also Amy (who is great at blog stalking) told me that internet model and celebrity Bee Pirate Hooker is going on the Friday to. When I interviewed her for Mookychick a couple of months ago Bee and I were talking about how we really wanted to shoot together but couldn't because of the distance! Hopefully if the rumors are true and she's going to be in London on that day we can hook up and shoot!

Also, if you fancy a laugh, tune into Channel 4 at 11:00am for Battlefront Television 2009... I had to get accustomed to seeing clips of myself on national television again this morning and on Friday there will be clips of all the Battlefront campaigners, including yours truly!

Love and kisses,

Rachel

xoxo

So Bright Its Illegal...

2009-05-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ok so I've been putting together the line up for September's issue of Lipstick Royalty (I know working ahead... but the August issue is coming together so nicely!) and this morning I confirmed a product review I'm really excited to do - Lime Crime Make-Up! I'm going to be interviewing them about their company and how it came about, but what I'm really excited about is getting the samples for the product review. Not just because it means free samples (but thats an added plus!), but because according to their website all their make up is ok for use by people with sensitive skin. Most make up makes my skin go red and sometimes peel off (nice I know!) so I have really limited brands I can use! I have almost all Clinique stuff in my make up bag, some Benefit which I seem to be ok with and M.A.C eyeliner as I'm only allergic to their foundations, face powders and eyeshadows. This means that bright colours are pretty much out the window for me. They opened a mineral make up stand in Fenwick the other week but I tested some of their really bright gold eyeshadow pigment on my hand and it rubbed off in about five minutes!

Lime Crime's products look REALLY bright (their tag line is "So Bright It's Illegal") and according to their website the pigments lat! Hopefully when it comes to write my article I would have finally found a ridiculously bright product I can actually use!

Image Raquel Reed by Team Rockstar Images

Lots of love,

Rachel

xoxo

Anyone on Facebook?

2009-05-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

Linkage for Lipstick Royalty...

Lipstick Royalty Magazine Fan Page

Lipstick Royalty Facebook Group

See you there!

Pink Hair Take Two...

2009-05-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

I'm in the mood for another fix of the pink hair I so admire... I was looking at pics of Amor Hilton's locks when I was planing the Hocus Focus LA ad campaign for the August edition of Lipstick Royalty, and I was doing the Gala Darling iCiNG ad at the same time... So I went looking for a new prrretty picture of Audrey Kitching to post but then I found someone who's hair I LOVE even MORE!

Ladies and gentlemen... I give you, JACQUELUN MARIE!

Photo by Jon at Hocus Focus LA

Good Girls Go Bad...

2009-05-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know what Perez Hilton was going on about when he said Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester couldn't sing... she sounds a bit like Hilary Duff... but well... better.

Check out her vocals on Cobra Starship's new song, Good Girls Gone Bad (ft. Leighton Meester) on the Cobra Starship Myspace!

Customize C.TA Glam Couture Style!

2009-05-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

The fabulous Chelsea (a.k.a Tragic Glamour) at C.TA Glam Couture has posted FANTASTIC guides to customizing her custom print shirts on her new look website... check them out HERE!

Its Tragic Glamour's birthday soon too so swing by her Myspace to show her your love!

Boots...

2009-05-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Ok... Another shopping pick... I saw some of these in Cult this morning from Superdry... I'm in love! They would have gone really nicely with... well everythign!

Megaboom...

2009-05-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

Check out this super sweet Deviant artist, Megaboom...

Picture copywrited to megaboom.deviantart.com

New Deviations...

2009-05-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

Just uploaded some new photography to my devianART!

Gala Darling...

2009-05-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

Click on the image or the picture of the cupcake in my side bar to be taken to Gala's blog - iCiNG! Its is TRULY fantastic!

This is the first part of the 6 part ad campaign for the August issue of Lipstick Royalty! I hope you like it!

The Book...

2009-05-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

The day has come.

17 months since the birth of Lipstick Royalty Magazine (then called Inside Out Magazine) I wrote everything down in a notebook. It was called "The Book". You see I've never ever finished an entire notebook in my life before... (excluding sketchbooks and photo portfolio albums) UNTIL now.

The final page is full.

R.I.P Lipstick Royalty Magazine's "BOOK 1"

Chic Little Devil... Spring Fashions with Audrey Kitching...

2009-04-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Check out Audrey Kitching and Chic Little Devil's two part Spring Style guide with Buzznet.com. I LOVE the first dress... but the others? What do YOU think?

Katy In Wonderland...

2009-04-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, I couldn't give a shit that katy Perry and Travis Whats-His-Name form Gym Class Hero's are back together... but what I DO care about is Katy's chic little ensemble... I LOVE that dress... and the neckless... and I WANT that hairband!

LOVE Movement...

2009-04-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

I was looking at some tattoos by Kat Von D for my artist study for my "Colour" exam question and I found this guy, and check out his older tattoos! Talk about dedication to a cause... and LOVE TWLOHA tattoo on his wrist! Rock on...

Burning Roses...

2009-04-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

Check out the hot new cover and spread in the new issue of INKED Magazine!

I find INKED like the best print magazine ever... I read Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, i-D etc. but I REALLY love INKED... not just because I'm OBSESSED with tattoos, but because the fashion and culture in it is SO good too!

TWLOHA...

2009-04-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Another one of my shopping picks I'm afraid... but this time its one with a cause!

Lipstick Royalty's Fashion Editor Amy introduced me to To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) a couple of months ago and we're featuring them in August 1st's edition of Lipstick Royalty!

MISSION STATEMENT:

To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

VISION:

The vision is that we actually believe these things…

You were created to love and be loved. You were meant to live life in relationship with other people, to know and be known. You need to know that your story is important and that you're part of a bigger story. You need to know that your life matters.

We live in a difficult world, a broken world. My friend Byron is very smart - he says that life is hard for most people most of the time. We believe that everyone can relate to pain, that all of us live with questions, and all of us get stuck in moments. You need to know that you're not alone in the places you feel stuck.

We all wake to the human condition. We wake to mystery and beauty but also to tragedy and loss. Millions of people live with problems of pain. Millions of homes are filled with questions – moments and seasons and cycles that come as thieves and aim to stay. We know that pain is very real. It is our privilege to suggest that hope is real, and that help is real.

You need to know that rescue is possible, that freedom is possible, that God is still in the business of redemption. We're seeing it happen. We're seeing lives change as people get the help they need. People sitting across from a counselor for the first time. People stepping into treatment. In desperate moments, people calling a suicide hotline. We know that the first step to recovery is the hardest to take. We want to say here that it's worth it, that your life is worth fighting for, that it's possible to change.

Beyond treatment, we believe that community is essential, that people need other people, that we were never meant to do life alone.

The vision is that community and hope and help would replace secrets and silence.

The vision is people putting down guns and blades and bottles.

The vision is that we can reduce the suicide rate in America and around the world.

The vision is that we would learn what it means to love our friends, and that we would love ourselves enough to get the help we need.

The vision is better endings. The vision is the restoration of broken families and broken relationships. The vision is people finding life, finding freedom, finding love. The vision is graduation, a Super Bowl, a wedding, a child, a sunrise. The vision is people becoming incredible parents, people breaking cycles, making change.

The vision is the possibility that your best days are ahead.

The vision is the possibility that we're more loved than we'll ever know.

The vision is hope, and hope is real.

You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story.

BEGIN:
This began as an attempt to tell a story and a way to help a friend in Spring 2006. The story and the life it represented were both things of contrast – pain and hope, addiction and sobriety, regret and the possibility of freedom. The story’s title “To Write Love on Her Arms” was also a goal, believing that a better life was possible. We started selling t-shirts as a way to pay for our friend’s treatment, and we made a MySpace page to give the whole thing a home. Our friends in Switchfoot and Anberlin were among the first to wear these shirts. In the days that followed, we learned quickly that the story we were telling represented people everywhere. We began to hear from people in need of help, and others asking what they could do to help their friends. We heard from people who had lost loved ones to suicide. Many said that these were questions they had never asked and parts of their story that they had never shared. Others were honest in a different way, confessing these were issues they knew little or nothing about. It seemed we had stumbled upon a bigger story, and a conversation that needed to be had.

Over the last two and a half years, we’ve responded to 80,000 messages from people in 40 different countries. We’ve had the opportunity to bring this conversation, and a message of hope and help, to concerts, universities, festivals and churches. We’ve learned that these are not American issues, not white issues or “emo” issues. These are issues of humanity, problems of pain that affect millions of people around the world.

We’ve learned that two out of three people who struggle with depression never seek help, and that untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide. In America alone, it’s estimated that 19 million people live with depression, and suicide is the third-leading cause of death among those 18-24 years old.

The good news is that depression is very treatable, that a very real hope exists in the face of these issues. We’ve met people who are getting the help they need, sitting across from a counselor for the first time, stepping into treatment, or reaching out to a suicide hotline in a desperate moment.

TWLOHA Mission statement etc. C/O TWLOHA

Past Praying For...

2009-04-19T01:05:00.000-07:00

Check out the brand new, first ever music video by VersaEmerge - Past Praying For

Yet another one...

2009-04-06T13:48:00.001-07:00

... thats in my dreams, from All Saints. I kinda love the sort of gothic feel it has to it... girly but with a slightly darker edge to it... very me!

Lipstick Royalty Readers Survey?

2009-04-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

What your say?

Click Here

I'm in Love...

2009-04-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

I WANT one of these... flipping over the pages of my new Vogue I caught the ad and fell in love...
Shame the one I want is £175... dream on girl!

Gaga Incoming...

2009-04-04T04:32:00.000-07:00

Come on, she looks like Lady Gaga doesn't she?

Check out Alternative Model Loriel Andre'a 's new Gaga inspired shots with the photographer Nat Von Photography.

And just a shameless plug now, remember to check out Loriel's column "Fashion Forward" exclusively in Lipstick Royalty Magazine!

The backstage shots are always the best...

2009-04-04T03:59:00.000-07:00

Still from Audrey Kitching's Santo Xacti shoot. I still can't get over that fact that when she wore this dress to the "Seventeen Again" premiere she made the magazines in the worst dressed list... I love it!

A Fashionable Description...

2009-04-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

Looking through some of my vintage creative writing...

Its crap really but I like to look that these things to see how far I've come!

Kathryn sank down into the cushions on her bed and bent down to release the ribbons binding her ridiculously high black Jimmy Choo’s to her swollen feet. The shoes fell to the floor with a clatter and she tucked the feet beneath her while she stretched out for the copy of Vogue laying on the sideboard and a tottering flute of champagne. As she sipped and flicked through the glossy pages she cocked her head to listen out for sounds in the apartment but all was silent; well save the usual sounds of people bustling in and out of the shops on the adjacent avenue, the bright yellow New York taxi’s and the clacking of expensive woman’s shoes making a racket on the pavement below. But she was all alone, alone in one of the busiest cities in the world. As the hours crawled buy on the ornate pocket grandfathers clock set over the top of the ornate faux-fireplace on the far side of the room the fraction of the unread magazine became shorter as Kathryn worked her way towards the directory pages. The champagne was long gone. The sky outside had become darker and the city had become brightly lit with twinkling lights as if someone had draped hundreds and thousands of fairy lights across the sky scrapers. She sighed and let her Siamese cat Dolce leap off her feet where she had been curled up just before Kathryn swung her legs over so her feet met the soft pile of her carpet. She padded across to the doors to her closet and pulled them open, flicking the light switch and stepping into the bright white room lined with shelves of shoes set out in pairs on top of their boxes and dress mannequins sporting what looked like the entire woman’s clothing department at Barney’s. She headed for the shoes first, replacing the Jimmy Choo’s she had earlier discarded and had scooped up from the floor before leaving her room. She then walked the length of the closet gazing at the breathtaking collection pondering over the names; Manolo Blahnik, Dolce & Gabanna, Prada and finally her favourite; her Jimmy Choo’s. Most woman picked out her dress first, then pained herself over finding a pair of shoes to match but not Kathryn. She always chose her shoes and then the dress to match what she called the ‘Jewel of her outfit’. Finally she rested on a pair of ruby red Ralph Lauren stilettos with conveniently matching ruby red clutch from the same designer. She was never a one for bright flashy colours so after selecting the shoes she headed for a black Gucci dress; vintage made of rumpled chiffon she had found in a shop in Chicago last year which she had worn more times than any other piece in her wardrobe. She slipped it over her head and slid into the shoes, looking down at her Rolex cursing over the time. She hurried out of the closet, slamming the door and forgetting to turn of the lights. Reaching her dressing table she touched up the makeup she had applied that morning and slicked on a fresh coat of rouge lipstick and worked some magic with the mascara wand. Grabbing a black fur lined cape off the back of the door she grabbed one of her numerous crystal perfume bottles and spritzed herself all over, calmed by the familiarity of her signature scent. When she reached the great glass doors of the lobby the doorman held if open for her and another hurried forward holding open the door of the long sleek black limo which was waiting for her. She journeyed, as usual alone; as true to form she had arranged for her entourage to already be at the benefit awaiting her arrival. She watched people walking down the sidewalk heading for their different Saturday night destinations through the windows wishing she could be one of them. She wondered where they were headed; clubs, restaurants raves all of them probably twice as fun as what the party she was headed for had in store for her. The car pulled up outside a large warehouse, where the great large doors were thrown open so the bright lights streamed through them accompanied by the pounding music. Her driver opened the door for her as she stepped out to flashbulbs going off in her face. The photographers were shouting her name as she stalked up the red carpet that perfectly coordinated with her shoes. She posed at the top by the doors, by the backdrop featuring all the charities and sponsors related to the benefit. After the photographers and reporters that lined the carpet turned away to snap at the latest arrival and Kathryn entered the party, several members of her entourage coming up behind her, one of them passing her yet another flute of the good stuff. And at that moment a tear formed in the corner of Kathryn’s eye, but she brushed it away before anyone could see. She felt more alone than she had ever done, surrounded by all these people; all of them gathered around her basking in her fame and none of them there because they wanted to be there for her. Everyone knew her name; why it was done up in flashing lights above every movie theatre in the city. The media had painted a picture of her; everyone thinks they know me; but they know nothing about me at all.

Umbrella, ella, ella...

2009-04-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

Fun Fashion Tip no. 001

Attack your plain old black umbrella with a couple of brightly coloured graffiti cans!

I'm thinking of starting a clothing line along the lines of "graffiti", bright colours etc. Thoughts?

Flying high...

2009-04-03T11:39:00.001-07:00

Ok... just found this picture of Heidi Klum modeling the new Alexander McQueen shoes... Should supermodels be aloud to make themselves EVEN taller?

Sugar Mafia ft. Callow Lily

2009-04-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite interviews I've ever done for Lipstick Royalty Magazine was back when we were called Inside Out Magazine, and that interview was with Callow Lily, the American alternative artist who has rocked my world since I first discovered her...

...And now I've discovered her new collection for Sugar Mafia jewelry... where's my credit card?!?

Now thats what you call skills...

2009-04-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Ok I was just checking out my deviation alerts on deviantART and christ... I wish I could draw like these girls... they have skills!

Check out the rest of evilpiratedork's gallery here.

Check out the rest of R-becca's gallery here.

Lipstick Royalty is changing... (Again!?!)

2009-04-03T09:32:00.001-07:00

Find out why here.

Bee Pirate Hooker...

2009-04-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

Alternative? Aged between 14 and 20? You are? Then loathe us not for our generalisation, but you're probably on Myspace / Bebo / Buzznet and you probably have at least one famous internet .alt model in your 'friends' list. Audrey Kitching, Hanna Beth, Zui Suicide, Raquel Reed, Brandon Hilton, Jamesson Beane... These alternative gals have all made their fame off the back of the internet, spawning countless admirers and .alt model hopefuls. But what's it like to be a net celebrity? We ask Bebo famestress Bee Pirate Hooker to spill the beans...

Check out my interview with internet celebrity Bee Pirate Hooker in this weeks Mooky Chick!

Alternative Cover...

2009-04-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

The March issue of my magazine, Lipstick Royalty has now been taken down and we had the wonderful Bernie Dexter gracing our cover.

Now, there is a rather long story with this cover, and for the first time ever there were two covers of the magazine I loved and it killed me to choose one.

So, I've decided to share the cover I made with you guys, as an alternative to the one made by our Creative Director... What do you think?

Photo by Levi Dexter

Music Minute

2009-04-03T05:14:00.000-07:00

I'm always one to support independent people and bands are no exception!

Check out the uber cool unsigned band Kelsey and the Chaos! , billed by Alternative Press as one of the ones to watch for 2009 - I 101% agree!

Check out their song "Against The Wall" - I'm addicted!

Kello Kitty...

2009-02-22T01:50:00.000-08:00

I squealed when Katy Perry stood up to collect her award at the Brit awards on Wednesday... WHAT WAS SHE WEARING... I'm like in love with her Hello Kitty outfit! Even sweeter... she auctioned it off for charity on eBay after the show! Shame he puked the moment she got off stage - hope he got none on Kitty!

Pretty Picture Alert!

2009-02-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

Amor Hilton by Hocus Focus LA

Yet another one of my crazy crazy pink hair picks...

Crazy Paint!

2009-02-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

The house Raquel Reed and her boyfriend live in... Would you paint your walls the same colour as your hair?

But even more importantly... would you dye your hair the same colour as your walls?!?

So I've Solved The Mystery of the Hair Bow...

2009-02-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

After extensive research (which included about half an hour in front of the mirror trying to re-create the look with my own hair) I have determined that this new trend can only be re-created with hair pieces. These models/ Paris Hilton haven't even been as resourceful as Gaga and found a hair piece in their own hair colour...

That and Lady Gaga wears a wig... (sorry - I had to say it!)

The Coolest Perfume Bottle of 2009 So Far!

2009-02-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn by Bond no.9. I've been experimenting with Graffiti cans recently for my art exam, and I would just like to add that even though I know this bottle design was created in a graphic design program, anyone who can re create that text with real cans on a wall or billboard or something is a fucking genius!

Balloon animals would take over the world...

2009-02-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

You'll soon find I have an addiction to pretty pictures...

And Audrey Kitching... This image was shot by the FABULOUS Dirk Mai... I'm like IN LOVE with his photos! I'd LOVE to interview him...

I want a hair bow!

2009-02-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

Ok so I was indulging in my guilty pleasure (I['m terrible arn't I!)and skimming through Perez Hilton the other day and came across this picture of Lady Gaga, who you may not know is my new 'I love her style but would never wear it myself' icon.

Is that a BOW made of HAIR?!? Is it HER OWN hair?!? I want one? How the hell do you do it?!? And then when I was on the New York Couture website just now I found another hair bow... this time on Audrey Kitching!

Ok so I know this isn't her real hair... I doubt anyones ever seen a picture of her with 100% real hair for years but what about Gaga's?!? How did she do it! Do I smell a new trend just around the corner?!?

I want one!!!

2009-02-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

And before I go off to play Lacrosse another shopping pick from the magazines first ever cover story and the design genius that is New York Couture's Cassie K! I heart this dress!

I find it funny that even though I am like, OBSESSED with colour I don;t wear that many bright things myself... I mostly go for black with some gold or silver accessories... I have like ONE brightly coloured Sugar Mafia style cameo neckless I got in the Topshop sale ages ago... I really need to loosen up!

OMFG! Another one for my wish-list...

2009-02-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

I WANT this top from Baby Cakes Clothing... I just read through the magazines up and coming interview with the designer Paul Griffins and I'M IN LOVE!!! Just look at the colour... TUTTI FRUTI!!!

And it snowed today... cold and wet and my Uggs are soaked through!

Whoopie... it smells like candy!

2009-02-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Well it does smell like candy! Thats why I like the Thrrrob Turned On blush powder from Benefit Cosmetics I've been addicted to for the last year... its not only a good product but it smells good! Another Benefit thing that smells good it their Bathina Body So Fine shimmer body balm... that smell bottles IS the Benefit counter...

But the latest thing that smells like candy launched on my local Benefit counter yesterday but due to a nasty bout of the flu I only got my paws on it this morning... CORALista powder...

Pretty brush... pretty box... not as pretty as Thrrrob... but still pretty... smells GORGEOUS but the colour... wowsers... flushed but golden and slightly shimmery shine... its a summer colour. I have ridiculously pale untanned skin (and I like it that way!) so thats why I wear Thrrrob... the perfect rosy cheeked winter colour... but what for the summer? Fake tan and bronzers look ridiculous on my (sorry to the inventors of Benefit's Dallas, Hoola, 10 and Talk To The Tan) skin, but checking it out at the counter I think I;ve found the perfect colour powder for fair skinned people this summer... CORALista!