Go green and get gorgeous with Human + Kind!

How green is your beauty routine? The multitude of beauty skin care products on the market today can make choosing which kind to use a daunting process. With more and more products crammed full of artificial and unnatural ingredients on the shelves how safe are they for you skin? Human+Kind’s all-in-one skincare range is full of 100% natural, restorative ingredients that provide a simple and organic solution for your everyday skin care needs. I was excited to receive some complementary body and hair oil from the kind folks at Human + Kind which I decided to trial - and if I found it to be really good, write a blog about it. I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh scent and effectiveness of the oil. It was like bio oil but packing more of a punch.

Four Fabulous Reasons To Go For Green with Human+Kind Skincare

1. On average 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream. Considering that the average women uses 12 beauty products a day, that’s potentially 127 harmful chemicals she’s being exposed to in just one single day! All of Human+Kind’s multitasking products are 100% natural as Human+Kind believe using nasty preservatives and harmful ingredients isn’t necessary to create long lasting and effective skincare products.
All Human+Kind products are:
Dermatologically tested, allergy screened and suitable for sensitive skins
Free from paraben and chemical nasties

2. Almost three out of ten women suffer from allergies to ingredients found in conventional beauty products. ( I am one of them!!) On top of that, the number of woman suffering from sensitive skin and skin complaints such as eczema is on the rise. Recent scientific advances have proven that the use of natural components, such as Jojoba, Achmella and Onopordum found in all Human+Kind products, decrease the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions, clogging pores and irritating the skin.

3. Human+Kind has created a pared down skincare range with multi-tasking formulations that benefit all types of skin and women of all ages saving women both money and time and freeing them up from lengthy beauty rituals.

4. Often, chemicals found in conventional beauty products aren’t biodegradable so they pollute the ecosystems and make their way back into the food-chain. As Human+Kind products are made using natural ingredients they don’t damage the environment.

I have been using the body oil on my skin and hair and the difference is startling - My hair and pallor look nourished and luminescent - and really silky too. The Ultimate test was that I used the product over time to see how well it would work - also I changed the colour of my hair and used the human + kind oil liberally and my hair looked enriched. I went from light to dark I will show you the result of how conditioning the oil was. My hair felt sleeker and more manageable.

The Human+Kind Skincare range includes;

Human + Kind All-In-One Anti-Ageing cream Price €29.95

Human + Kind All-In-One Body Oil Price €14.95

Human + Kind All-In-One Family Remedy Cream Price €22.95

Human + Kind All-In-One Day+Night Cream Price €23.95

Click here to find Human + Kind on Facebook!

Try it out at home! You won't be disappointed ;)

xo L

The British Fashion Awards.

The British Fashion Council today announces that Stella McCartney has been named Designer of the Year, receiving the highest accolade at the British Fashion Awards 2012. Stella also received the Designer Brand award on behalf of her eponymous label, picking up two awards on the evening, both of which recognize a momentous year for the designer through her achievements in the fashion industry and her contribution to Team GB in 2012.

The evening saw 14 awards presented to the leading figures in fashion, recognizing creative talent and design excellence across all areas of the industry. Hosted by Gemma Arterton and Nick Grimshaw at the Savoy Hotel and theatre, the British Fashion Awards were attended by industry leaders, retailers, models, celebrities and media supporting both the winners and nominees of these prestigious awards. Guests on the evening included BFC Ambassador Samantha Cameron, Harold Tillman CBE, Valentino, Manolo Blahnik CBE, Stella McCartney, Sarah Burton, Christopher Kane and Alexa Chung.

Harold Tillman CBE, Chairman of the British Fashion Council, commented “The British Fashion Awards are a significant event which represent the culmination of extraordinary talent, creativity and innovation across the whole industry. The ceremony provides the perfect conclusion to what has been an exceptional year for British fashion and we're very proud to celebrate the achievements of all the nominees here this evening.”

Mr Tillman was honoured on the evening with a Special Recognition award for his term as Chairman of the British Fashion Council and contribution to the fashion industry. In light of the award, Mr Tillman commented “The last five years have been extraordinary and seeing the BFC and the fashion industry go from strength to strength is a reward in itself so it is completely unexpected to be given this award.  My term as chair ends in just a few weeks time and I am so grateful to all those at the BFC and our designers who have inspired and supported me in equal measure. It has been an honour to serve this great industry for so long - Thank you all.”

The honour of Outstanding Achievement in Fashion was awarded to Manolo Blahnik CBE. This special award is one of the most significant of the evening; it celebrates and recognises one designer, who throughout their career, has made an impact on the global fashion industry and the award pays tribute to Manolo’s extraordinary career and contribution to fashion. As any Sex and the City lover would know, this legendary household name has a brand that has every a-lister jumping over themselves to walk a mile in any pair of his diamante shoes. They have been flying off the shelves for more than a decade now.

Professor Louise Wilson OBE received the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator, in recognition of her creative inspiration and influence in the fashion industry. Professor Wilson celebrates her 20th anniversary this year as Course Director of the Fashion MA at Central Saint Martins. She is internationally revered as one of the foremost educators of her generation, whose graduates populate the fashion houses of the world. Her vast contribution to the reputation of the British Fashion Industry can be measured by the fact that 30 names on schedule at London Fashion Week this September alone are her alumni, including Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders, Roksanda Ilincic, Marios Schwab, Louise Gray, Michael Van der Ham and Simone Rocha.

The winners at the BTA's

The Accessories award is the most prestigious accolade which can be won by a leading British designer of shoes, jewellery, millinery or accessories. This year’s award went to Nicholas Kirkwood, in view of his iconic shoe designs and internationally acclaimed business.

The hotly contested New Establishment award was won by Erdem, who over the past two seasons has continued to raise his profile over the past year receiving critical acclaim for his collections from a global audience.

Kim Jones was awarded the honour of Menswear Designer of the year for the second year in a row, based on his contribution to the menswear industry and most notably for his work at the helm of luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton’s menswear ready-to-wear line.

London is renowned as the fashion world’s capital of ideas and innovation and the winners of the Emerging Talent Awards go above and beyond to consolidate this reputation. The Emerging Talent Award – Ready-To-Wear was won by British name to watch, J.W. Anderson; Emerging talent Award - Menswear was won by Jonathan Saunders based on his breakthrough menswear debut over the past year; and Emerging Talent Award - Accessories was won by Sophie Hulme, in light of her iconic bag designs that have gained global attention.

Cara Delevingne picked up the Model award, in recognition of her contribution to the international fashion scene over the past year. A Burberry model since 2010 and currently the face of Chanel, Cara’s unique sense of style and flair in front of the camera has made her one of the most prominent names in fashion, walking in an impressive 31 shows in September after being described as the star face of autumn/winter 13 by British Vogue. She most recently graced the catwalk in the iconic Victoria’s Secret show. She is a stunner!

Roksanda Ilincic was the recipient of this year’s Red Carpet Award. Industry figures and celebrities alike including the Duchess of Cambridge, Samantha Cameron, Michelle Obama have graced the red carpet in her creations, creating a global awareness of her designs in the media.

The British Style Award brought to you by Vodafone recognises an individual who most embodies the spirit of London and is an international ambassador for London as a leading creative fashion capital. Decided entirely by the public, Alexa Chung has been voted as this year’s winner.  This is the third time Alexa has been recognised at the British Fashion Awards for her style credentials, and she remains the sole winner of the British Style Award since its introduction in 2010.

xo L

Styling competition for 9 Crow Street: Viva La vintage!

I have had an interesting few weeks. I have been working very hard writing and being a busy bee working in general. I have also been investing in some winter wear as it is ferociously cold outside! But I have a serious love for Winter. I am making a trip to Memphis, New Orleans and several other places on a road trip soon which I am living for.

I was a finalist for the 9 Crow Street styling competition a few days ago which was great fun. 

I was delighted to be picked. The challenge was to put an outfit together out of a selection of vintage and 90's style street wear.  I arrived at 9 Crow Street HQ to find rails and rails of ethereal and indie pieces. It was blissful. But I was not there to browse in a nonchalant manner - I meant business!  I took the 1940's era route. I went for doll- like make up, kept my pallor matte and went for a red lip. I finished the look with a liquid eyeliner flick, lashings of mascara and accentuated my eyebrows with brunette eye brow pencil. I recently changed my hair colour so I have been using a darker eyebrow pencil. I selected a demure polka dot long dress, with a cutesie "Wednesday Addams" collar styled with a black suede jacket with gold buttons on the front. The padding in the shoulders was really cool and gave the outfit a more tailored structured shape in contrast to the flowiness of the frock. I know the styling is quite old- worldly but I liked it.

I tied a vintage headscarf in a "washer - woman" style on my head to embrace my theme.

 9 crow street have really lovely bits and you can get them online which is very handy. There are serious gems in their collection which you can hunt for online. The photographer then took a picture of my look which you can catch below! 

You can vote for my styling on facebook by clicking here!

You can check out my look on the Look Magazine website! just click here!

and.......

You can 'HYPE' this look on Lookbook.nu by clicking here!

Make sure to check out www.9crowstreet.com for fabulous fashion finds!

Well I am going to go get some beauty sleep because I have a photoshoot and interview tomorrow to talk about personal style, fashion and blogging and I want to look semi-decent! :-) 

Goodnight all...

xo L

To listen back...

I am more of a move forwards than backwards kind of gal but if you would like to listen back to some interviews I have featured on Lipstick Gossip I would be very happy. To listen to exclusive interviews with Pierce Brosnan, Michelle Keegan, Dana Delany, Liam Cunningham, Charlene Mc Kenna, Laura Whitmore, Saoirse Ronan, Ryan Tubridy, Ruth Negga, Kim Cattrall, Fionnula Flanagan, Michael Fassbender, Angeline Ball and many more Click here

To hear festival interviews from The Original Rudeboys, Bressie, Amelia Lily, Marcus Collins, Rebecca Creighton & many more click here

These interviews have been some of the most exciting moments of my career to date and hopefully there shall be many more in the future!

xo L

Do you and your wardrobe need a new lease of life?

I have thought of making a 'Bucket List' surmising what I want to accomplish and experience including -but not limited to - ridiculous and fabulous, yet unrealistic things. I want to dance on the streets in Brazil and drink vodka in an igloo in Iceland. I want to live in New York for a month, I want to swim with dolphins. I want to learn to play the ukelele, I'd love to go camping, not at a festival but real countryside middle-of-nowhere toughing it out camping. I want to learn to knit and use a sewing machine to make and alter my own clothes (this ambition is currently in transit but don't expect a scarf any time soon) I would love to be a girl bopping in a music video and organize a big charity fashion show for a worthy cause. I want to be more open to new things, revive my sense of adventure and take my next steps into the world with conviction and exuberance.

At the moment, more than anything I would love to inject my lifestyle with activity and energy. To feel more vivacious and have a sense of vitality, yet be relaxed and serene. I want to look like someone in an actimel advert. Glowing and healthy and fit as a fiddle. The only problem is that I am gullible and so eager to see results quickly. I have started taking vitamins and going to the gym more regularly and I am hoping for more energy but I find this season usurps my energy and my willpower.
Unfortunately I feel like one of those people who is always between flus but I am going to change that!
It is so cold and wet and windy that when I have precious free time I am snuggled in a blanket like a burrito and eating and drinking everything and anything that is bad for me. Lately I have been regulatory but forbidden fruit tastes sweeter and all that jazz. I love going for walks. I have a little pug called Coco Pops, Coco for short, who is a great companion and who can smell food 10 miles away, is really tubby and is a canine hoover for crumbs on the ground. I love him but if I bring him for a walk he is so obese and lazy I have to carry him home. He just lies on the footpath and sounds like he is having an asthma attack. My other dog Paulo is a husky and is HUGE. He is literally my height in length and width. Slight exaggeration but you get what I mean. So basically I am better going on my walking ventures alone sans my furry friends!

As a freelance journalist I find myself glued to my laptop. It is an instrument that is my ultimate fashion accessory in that I have to bring it everywhere, alongside my radio equipment most of the time which feels like a workout in itself hauling a gazillion bags across the city. This week has been a busy week, my favourite part was popping out to the Miinto.ie offices to interview head honcho James Galvin. We spoke about online shopping, masculine style and why Irish men are generally disinclined to be fashion forward in contrast to their european counterparts. I enjoyed being out in Miinto HQ - The offices are very open plan and high fashion with bright green floors and a minimalistic feel and all the staff are really welcoming and friendly. Upstairs there is an amazing set up for photoshoots with models wearing clothes and accessories from various boutiques working with Miinto.ie. There are racks of what I would simply call 'desirables' just taunting me and making my wardrobe feel lacklustre. Not only do I need an injection of vigour, my wardrobe does too!

What about you? Do you feel like you and your wardrobe need a new lease of life?

xo L

Getting a little bit personal.

I am working as a freelance journalist in a very competitive industry. It can be challenging but I truly love it. I cover events for my blog and for other sites and I am currently branching into writing for magazines on a freelance basis. I have been attending different press previews and fashion shows as of late which have been a real- eye opener, it is important as a journalist and blogger to keep your finger on the pulse. I have always had a passion for radio, contributing to RTE radio reviewing films, talking about festival style and interviewing people is one of the most exciting facets of journalism, but it certainly isn't all glamour.

 My Mam was one of the first female DJ's in the South East and I think that is where my on-air ambitions derived from. I started blogging because as I started to get work I wanted an online portfolio, somewhere to place my ideas, opinions, interviews and pictures in a manner that had a splash of me. When young girls facebook mail me and ask me 'How did you get to meet famous people? What were they like?!You are so lucky!' I am in full agreement. That is a cool part of the job but it is all not quite as Hollywood the other 360 days of the year. A dosage of glamour and working at high profile events is something I love and truly enjoy. Life can be a game of luck and timing. I covered the IFTA's in 2011 and early 2012 and I think it gave me a confidence boost and a realization that in terms of a career path I am so happy I studied Journalism and Visual Media. We can do what ever we want to do in this life. We can all feel limited or that there are road blocks standing in our way but the biggest road block is ourselves most of the time.

Our real nemesis is procrastinating, deliberating or generally just lacking in confidence for the fear of putting ourselves 'out there' - wherever that may be. 

I have been trying out different things like styling shoots and taking pictures of models as well as independently doing interviews, but at this moment in time I love to write. I think what can give you an advantage in this tough time to get work is putting yourself out there and trying to find your feet in your chosen industry while you are still in college. If anything it can help you realize your ambitions, make invaluable contacts and give you an incentive to work hard and get what you want in your chosen career. I have just finished college and I am adjusting to the 'real world' but I feel I had a bit of experience in my chosen field because from my second year I had begun to venture out in to the realms of media and fashion. It gave me an advantage, a little bit of an edge.

I love fashion and clothes and styling, I always have. But that certainly doesn't mean I always get it right! Or that everyone likes my wardrobe choices. I can be a tad eccentric but I don't believe in being a slave to trends. Being bang-on trend is like running in a race with no ribbon at the end because the weird thing about fashion is that seems to come full circle. For example, I am planning a trip to America in late December, spending New Year's Eve in New Orleans and what I plan to dress in is a 1920's flapper style with a feathery headband and shifted bead dress. My style isn't always a blast from the past, I am not solely a vintage aficionado but having an eclectic sense of style in fashion, music and even life opens up a lot of possibilities. I think the best thing about personal styling is just that - that it is personal. What you put on your back showcases your personality, your mood and even a sense of adventure. It isn't about money, about putting yourself under pressure money wise. Recycling is fun, and fashion is inclined come full circle (i.e disco pants and eighties style in general) and it is all about your interpretation of trends as opposed to being a slave to them that will ease your urges to overspend.


"Fashion is what one wears oneself. What is unfashionable is what other people wear."

OSCAR WILDE.

I love charity shops as well as vintage stores. I love sales and most of all I love rifling through my wardrobe and finding something sentimental that had been lurking in the shadows. I went to the races a few months ago and I wore a snow white dress I picked up in Barcelona when I was 15 for my cousins wedding. I hadn't wore it in seven years but I teamed the white dress with my trusty Sonia Rykiel jacket I got on sale in Brown Thomas many seasons ago and I felt like I was wearing the dress for the first time.

That's enough musings for one night, I am going to make tea and go to bed. I have a LOT of articles to write tomorrow, I think I picked the right career because I am actually excited about it. Maybe I need to get out more...

I hope you all have a nice weekend & thanks for reading.

xo L