CFDA Awards - My Best Dressed

Last night was the CFDA Awards and there were some beautiful looks at the event. The CFDA is The Council of Fashion Designers of America and is a non profit organisation with over 400 members in Americas top designers. These members have to be invited to this exclusive association and since 1962 they have been raising money for charity and industry activities.  

 

So who were the best dressed at the event. Well here are my top four:

 

 

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda look beautiful in her dress from Rodarte. She wowed with the shape of dress with detailing through sequined flowers. I loved the colouring and it looked effortless against her choice of accessories. She complimented the look with a slicked back hairstyle, which can be created using a paddle brush, serum and hairdryer. Pulling the hair back off your face and setting it with some hairspray and serum for high shine. Her metallic makeup echoes the dress perfectly and the lighting highlights her eye shadow creating a wide eyed finish

 

 

Imaan Hamman

A beautiful look from Imaan in her Creatures of the Wind dress. This is my favourite from the style gallery from the night. I love the metallic material against the floral finish off the top area. Complimented with the nude shoes Imaan doesn't take away from the high impact of her fashion choice. The detail of the metallic sole of the shoe hints at recognition of the dress, and she works with her natural curl of the hair to create a flawless finish. I am loving Boots own Curl Cream at just £1.99 for a curly look. Apply a small amount into damp hair and diffuse. Add a small amount into to dry hair to make sure you don't suffer from a frizzy curly mess!

 

 

Janelle Monae

I love this from Tadashi Shoji who works the cape style dress in white. Again she recognises metallic in the detailing and it makes sure the cape doesn't look plain. She certainly stands out and her jewellery adds to the statement. I don't think she overworks the accessorising and actually compliments the look creating a strong impact. Her hair is a show stopper where again Janelle is bang on trend. Her huge plait detail is enhanced with hair jewellery. The hair piece is thick and would have been heavy to wear.

To recreate something similar have a look at this from Toni&Guy Click here. You can chose the fashion fringe from their fashion fix menu and for just £25 you also receive a mini Label M product. Add small silver hair hoops randomly to mirror Janelle

 

 

Pharrell Williams

I love Pharrel. He is just uber cool to me. He looks great and that is why he won the Fashion Icon Award. He was introduced on stage by Kanye West and wore a blue leather jacket with ripped blue jeans. He added a red checked shirt underneath his jacket ensuring he had a mixture of materials and finishes. He bowed out of his famous hats for this on stage presence and went for a simple khaki cap. This guy always gets it right!

 

What did you think of the Awards and the fashions?

 

LJ xxx

My Primark Haul

A quick trip to London and I couldn't help but PPP into Primark. I haven't been in for ages and see as I was walking past would be rude not to. A total of £35 I parted with and I left with a whole outfit. Not bad!

My Primark Overhaul 

The Bag £6

This was a bargain for only £6 and the perfect accessory for any outfit. I think with a black outfit it will add a pop of colour and interest. It's not to small either so I can even fit my wallet and phone in there with some room. They had loads of really cool styles so if you like monochrome and slogan style then make sure you check it out 

The Shoes £12

I really wanted a pair of loafer style shoes in black and these are really comfy. I love that they are only £12 and they will look great with jeans and little tea dresses. I had to hunt for my size so they must be fairly popular. 

The Jeggings £7

Okay so I love Topshop Leigh Jeans but I also can't justify the price when they tend to fall apart after a few months. I thought I would try these and they feel really comfy. I am concerned they might lose their shape so will keep you posted but for £7 I am really impressed so far and I saved lots of pennies

The Vest £8

What can i say apart from awesome! I spotted this from the other side of the store and couldn't resist. With the drop arms it'll look great with a bra let or a vest if I feel self conscious. I have a few of their vests and they wash up really well so I was really excited when I saw this. Big up Primark! 

The Bracelets £2

You can't help but sneak in the odd accessory into your basket at Primark. I am a sucker for the "it's only £2" and then I end up spending £20 on jewellery. I also end up with a green neck if I forget to nail varnish the necklaces. This time I stayed strong and bought a couple of bracelets. I like the idea of wearing lots of dainty chains like this and I think this is a great new style for summer (when we get some sun) 

Have you checked out Primark recently and found some cute pieces? I need an excuse to go back :) 

LJ xxx

From Couch to 5K Week 2 and 3

On 13th May I did a post on my latest app purchase "NHS Couch to 5K" and how my first week went. I explained in that blog how much I disliked running and how hard I personally find it to run for anything more than a bus (and even then I pant for at least 5 minutes after). Well, my first week went well and I was really impressed with the app.

 

Today I completed Week 3 and am heading for Week 4 on Monday. I struggle with running, and often see photos of people running long distances saying how hard they first found it. I still doubted myself but decided to bite the bullet and give it a go.

 

Stick with this app. I know it is hard and I really struggle running but it gives me a focus. Laura talks through the app motivating you and giving you little tips which really help.

 

The Weeks consist of Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 and it is suggested you do this app with a rest day in between. I have to admit that I have been repeating the days 5 days a week as I have found myself slightly addicted. I never thought I would ever say that about running but it honestly gives you a sense of achievement and makes you smile (running can actually make you smile!).

 

Week Two

This entailed the following, which was repeated on Day 2 and Day 3:

• Brisk 5 minute warm up walk
• 90 seconds of running alternated with 2 minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes
  
  
  

  
  

I do the app on a treadmill as I after I have completed the run I then do weights which helps with my weight loss journey. I know how hard it is to get on the treadmill when others around you are running faster and for longer but once you have your headphones in you don't notice them. You are there to get fit so forget everyone else. I know it is hard but when I get nervous I just think of how far I have come in just a few weeks. Plus they are in their zone too so stay motivated.

 

Week Three

This was scary for me as it meant I would be running for 3 minutes and this just felt like such a challenge. I was really worried I would have to stop but even though you feel out of breath and your legs ache you must keep going. The app has been designed by the NHS and follows a programme. Stick with it and you will feel the benefits. After 2 1/2 minutes I was struggling but I kept going and just stared at the screen on the treadmill. By doing this I forgot about running or the timing and just kept going. 

 

In Week 3 I completed Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 doing the following:

• 5 minute warm up walk
• 2 repetitions of 90 seconds running, 90 seconds walking, 3 minutes running and 3 minutes walking

I felt so proud of myself each time I did each day in Week Three and that is what motivates you to start the next week.

 

Also the app includes 'Laura Diary' so if you are struggling then read her journey. It keeps me motivated and reminds me that others feel the same I do.

 

Week Four entails running for 5 minutes which is again really scary but I feel that the app prepares you for the next stage so I will let you know how it goes.

 

A couple of people have asked me to show the weight loss over the past few weeks, and I will do at some point. Just not quite there yet :)

 

Have you tried the app? Maybe you have always wanted to be able to run but not been able to get the stamina? Get in touch :)

 

LJ xxx