Glitz & Gemz

1. Topshop beaded hotpants

2. Gem Stone Fluro Necklace

3. Large gem sweatshirt

4.Rhinestone iphone case

5. Flower beaded clutch

6. Pearl and beaded thin belt

If you have been reading my blog recently you will already be aware of my new fascination with rhinestones, gems, pearls and pretty much any form of DIY/embellishment. Decorating your clothes with beads, sequins isn't something new but rhinestones are definitely making a big comeback. Take a look at number 1-don't they just take you back to your youth? I remember I had a purse with a very similar design when I was younger (doubt I had any money in it-whats changed haha). 

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Jessica Chastain for W Magazine: January 2013

'I love wigs, I love costumes, I love anything that will get me into the character.' Jessica Chastain

The relationship between art and fashion is always up for discussion for those interested in art and fashion. W Magazine have taken this topic and used it as the main theme for their January Issue the 'Art meets fashion' edition. Hollywood actress Jessica Chastain graces the cover of W Magazine in the multi cover issue. 

After being described as the 'ultimate muse' Jessica has been re-interpreted by visual artists;  George Condo, Rineke Dijkstra, Chantal Joffe and Mickalene Thomas for the latest issue of W Magazine. My favourite cover has to be the George Condo interpretation, it is quite simply a work of art. Jessica's striking red hair (admittedly a wig) looks beautiful in contrast as she blends into George Condo's art work. 

Photography by Rineke Dijkstra 

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DIY: Vintage Chanel Rhinestone T-shirt

I don't know if you have noticed but the high street is going rhinestone crazy at the moment! I can't get enough of it and thought I would try to be creative and customise some clothes I already have. I recently got this vintage chanel tshirt for an absolute bargain on EBAY and I wanted to snazz it up a bit, bring it to the 21st century... I could have added some studs but rhinestones and gemstones are so big right now, I thought I would give it a try. I ordered a mixed bag of rhinestones from a shop on ebay. 

 What do you need?
- 1 x needle and thread (similar colour to your clothing is best)
-1 x pair of scissors to cut the thread
-1 x pack of rhinestones/gems
-Something to customise, could be a tshirt/shirt or even a hat!

1). First of all you need to decide what kind of pattern you want to make with the rhinestones. I have seen a lot of tshirts and vests with rhinestones on collar tips and also shoulders but with my chanel tshirt I wanted to try something a bit different. I wanted to put the rhinestones around the round neck to make it look similar to a necklace.

2). First of all I poured out all of my rhinestones and picked my favourites. I then made a pattern on my t-shirt that I was happy with and took a picture. A picture will help when you come to sewing on the gems so you can remember which order they go in. I found that the pattern changed slightly during the process but I wanted the rhinestones to be symmetrical. If you want to put them in a random order I am sure they would still look great-it's all down to personal taste.

3). Simply begin to sew on the rhinestones with your needle and thread. It can get quite frustrating at time as there are quite a lot of rhinestones but persevere and you will be happy with the result. I would recommend double or triple sewing the rhinestones to strengthen the bond. 

4). Don't forget to have a break. I had no choice in the matter as my kitten fell asleep on my t-shirt half way through-she must be a lover of fashion as well.

5). Enjoy your finished product! Wear it and show off your hard work... It will all pay off when someone asks 'I love the rhinestones-Where did you get your top from?' and you can say 'I sewed them on myself'. Simple but effective!!

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Winter Wonderland: Topshop Christmas Campaign

Christmas is one of my favourite times of year and I love anything that can get me in a christmassy mood! Earlier today Topshop announced that Kate Bosworth was the face of their first ever christmas campaign. If you follow Topshop on twitter you may have seen throughout the week that they  launched a #whosthatgirl competition to build some excitement around who the mystery face could be! Over a five day period social media fans were given clues as to who would be singing Winter Wonderland.

As well as photography for billboards and on Topshop.com the christmas campaign also includes a video of Kate Bosworth herself singing her version of Winter Wonderland, which coincidently was directed by her boyfriend, Michael Polish. Unfortunately the dress that Kate wears in the video isn't available to those in the UK and will be available to buy in America to mark the opening of the LA Topshop in February 2013.

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PAUSE Magazine: Issue 2

I have been writing with PAUSE for a few months now and I have now interviewed both of their cover stars: Mikill Pane (Issue 1) and Vince Kidd (Issue 2). PAUSE is a menswear magazine, documenting everything from styling tips to up-and-coming designers. A lot of hard work goes into the online blog and the printed magazine and I am so proud to be a part of it! You can order your FREE issue here: http://pausemag.co.uk/?p=7126

Everything from the graphics to the photography has really improved this issue, it is definitely a magazine to watch out for. It would be great to get some feedback on my interview with Vince Kidd for any of you who do order a copy! 

Twitter: @Pause_Mag

Website: www.pausemag.co.uk

Email: info@pausemag.co.uk

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Marilyn Monroe: A British Love Affair

Yesterday I took the day out to go and view some of the exhibition's that I have been blogging about. The first stop was the Marilyn Monroe exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. It was fairly small but as well as beautiful pictures of Marilyn there is so much to see at the National Portrait Gallery a trip there will never be wasted. 

Marking just over 50 years since Marilyn's death the exhibition focuses mainly on her connections with England. Portrait's of Marilyn were on display by photographers Antony Beauchamp, Baron and of course Cecil Beaton. Mario Testino currently has an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, showing a series of photographs of the Royal Family -which is worth checking out.

National Portrait Gallery: St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE

Price: Free

Date: Now until March 2013

Denise Grunstein:photographer

I came across Denise Grunstein's work recently and even thought she may not be the most sought after photographer in the world, there is something so mesmerising and fresh about her work. She works in both colour and black and white but it is her colour work that gets my attention.. In fact it was the image below that caught my eye and I had to see who took it. 

Denise is a swedish photographer and is represented by CameraLink and is one of the most respected photographers in Sweden. She specialises in portraits, landscape and fashion. Her work is simply stunning-what do you think?

Since graduating in May I have concentrated mainly on my fashion writing and my photography has let slip. Denise certainly makes me want to go straight and make some mood boards and plan a shoot. Her attention to detail is second to none-and even though I can draw similarities to Tim Walkers work she does it all with such a laid back attitude and in her own style.

For more of Denise's work visit: http://www.cameralink.se/photographers/denise-grunstein