14 ❁ Battle of the bands

Hey there lovelies,

Ive been slacking on my reading lately, schoolwork can be such a drag, the hours clock up and I loose out on chill time. It's a shame to forget about the joy of picking up a book and drifting off into your own litlle world. But never fear i've drawn the line and decided to pick my reading game back up, starting with IT, the fabulously sophisticated book by style legend Alexa Chung.

It's such a cute little read, packed with inspirational images and short snippets of life stories and advice from the woman herself. One of these excerts in particular got me thinking

 'Girl bands can dominate music but only ever one at a time. That is the rule. Don't try to change it'

Those dramatic fan wars that crop up evey five minutes between teeage girls fighting over the arrangement of the boyband heirarchy never seem to happen between girl band fans.

Take, for example One Direction releasing a new single. Rival fangirls prepare for battle, unleashing their hatred via the weapon of twitter to defend the honour of their beloved boyband.

Teenage hysteria around boybands remains a facinateing concept (being a part of it myself i still have no clue what came over me), when though did the same level of dedication fail to convey to our feminine friends in girlbands? 

Yes it's true the reign of the girlgroup seems to have plumeted after the 90's and early 00's phenomenoms of the Spice Girls, Destinys Child  and Girls Aloud. However girl power is still going strong with the likes of more modern talent such as Haim and Little Mix. Both fantastic and extremely talented combinations of women who are able to dominate the charts consecutively with the evidence of any 'girlband rivalry' being next to nil.

The fanbase of these girlbands varys concerning gender whereas in terms of boybands we have a prodominantly female following. Don't get me wrong when i say that much of the support for boybands may be highly influences by their heartthrob members. Yes boybands can make good amazing music and girlband members are unquestionable stunning. But everytime the feminine sterotype of desiring aesthetcally pleasing things seems to crop up and run true when considering boyband following.

In terms of the music though does it really matter who's a fan of who? It's more than acceptable to be in love with the music and faces, of more than one artist at a time. If a song makes you happy then keep that tune on replay, become intoxicated by the rhythm, feel it in your soul and let it run though your veins.

Stay chill and peace out xxx

❁ Always Deanna ❁

13 ❁ Deceitful

Celebrity gossip is splashed across the headlines of news articles daily. Usually I tend to ignore the 'who's dating who' and criticism to seemingly provocative outfits as it doesn't grab my attention. and a lot of it is complete lies anyway. 

But when something as shocking as Kesha's eating disorder resulting in self admittance to rehab comes to light I can't help but be drawn to it.

I've decided to keep updated with this particular story and unlike my guess it was her producers comments (not that of not-to-be-named celebrity shalshing blogger) which insinuated her action.

Now I could rant about how digusting and terrifying it is that a single comment like 'refrigerator' can throw someone over the edge but I was overwhelmed and happily surprised at the mass of support and positive comments wishing the singer all the best in her recovery on the article.

Unfortunately the mood soon took a turn for the worse after I caught the attention of this extremely innaproprately placed advert...

 

Now everyone should love there body. Don't get me wrong though, there's nothing wrong with losing a little weight or making changes to your lifestyle to get fitter and,overall, be a generally healthier person. I just feel as though there is so much pressure put on women to look a certain way, subconscious messages imprinted into our heads to make us believe it's the change that will make us happy. We're told what not to put into your bodies and limited to the calories worth you actually can as well as being told to cut down on or eradicate behaviors that affect our body that it literally takes control of people's lives. A balanced diet and active lifestyle will make you healthy but a pig out on chocolate or a cheeky couple of drinks at the end of the week aren't the be all and end all. 

And so I sign of by quoting Steve Maraboli, 

“Love yourself. Forgive yourself. Be true to yourself. How you treat yourself sets the standard for how others will treat you.” 

❁Always Deanna❁

Disclaimer - as I said news articles aren't the most reliable of sources for factual accuracy but my opinions voiced here are as true to my feelings as it gets.

12 ❁ Leakage

Although I intended this blog to be for style/beauty posts, sometimes i just get really strong feelings about random world things and celebrity gossip that I really have to vent my opinions in the hope that I'm not the only one thinking this way

Opening twitter after a pretty chill day at school and the tweet at the top of my timeline is...

So I had a little Google and yeah, this is actually a thing. Genuinely I get so angry when things like this happen, and it's so common that I'm quite disgusted.

I have no opposition to people sending naked pictures to each other. If you feel comfortable doing that then fair enough, go crazy. What really grinds my gears though is the fact that if you're famous you're made to formally apologise for a private action that will inevitable affect your public career. Surely there should be some sort of sanction or shame given to the leaker as oppose to the leakee. Further to that point why is there so much shame put onto someone for sending nudes.I just don't see why nudity is such a taboo subject.   Famous or not, If someone has  you something that revealing and intimate about themselves then they obviously have a level of trust for you. Therefore it's your right thinking duty not to leak or share them around. 

In summary and to justify my reasoning, when subjects like this come to light many argue that there is 'a time and a place for it'. That time is privately in all fairness that's how most people do it. The problem is that some horrible people have no common courtesy  purposely break the unwritten rule regarding respect for others.

Good day

❁ Always Deanna ❁

11 ❁ November Favourites

So as another month has drawn to an end I thought I'd share with you guys my  favourite things for November. This list covers the the top few but if you want to see a short-list of all my likes, then head over to my Pintrest!

Nail Art
Just a little thing that you can be creative and have a bit of fun with minus the commitment of it being permanent.

Doctor Who
The 50th anniversary special on 23rd was fantastic! I started to loose interest at the end of last series but Moffat has really reeled it back in with a brilliant and griping story line. So excited for Doctor No 13, Peter Capaldi at Christmastime!

Adventure Time
I felt a little excluded from conversation when everyone was making reference to Adventure Time so I made it my mission to start watching it. It discreetly teaches kids valuable lessons which i think is what makes a successful programme and at 10 minutes an episode they are the perfect wind down in a revision break.

Fun Fact- In Scotland
the style of tartan varies
to represent what clan
you're from.

Tartan
If you saw my post earlier this month I got a new tartan dress. I can't help but fall in love with all things tartan this season. I've had this skirt in my wish list for months now and I'm slowly becoming more inclined to buying it. A little different from traditional tartan but it's black & white so will go with anything and it's got kid of a preppy style which I adore



Sailor Shirt
I have been looking for a sailor shirt FOREVER and oh.my.god. I finally found a website that sells them at an acceptable price and doesn't sell them one off (e.g. etsy was the only other option).




We Need Medicine
The Fratellis are my all time favourite band so naturally I downloaded their new album. It's a little different but it has some hint's from their Costello Music era in 'Halloween Blues' and 'Whisky Saga'. Either way I'm loving it!





Submarine
I've wanted to read this for ages but couldn't find it anywhere until I finally, after a fair bit of searching, bought a copy whilst shopping with my sister. I didn't realise until I started reading that it's completely different to the film but I'm enjoying reading it likewise. I love coming-of-age style stories with contemporary, real-life settings and Submarine gives just that.






Les Misérables
So I kinda missed out on the whole release of the movie but I watched it for the first time this month and oh my god what have I been missing out on! The songs may be about how awful peoples lives are but you can sing them  at the top of your lungs with passion,which is always puts a tick in my book. Also i'll be learning about the French Revolution next year in History so technically i'm just getting ahead of the Game. Fingers crossed we get a completely educational trip to see it in theatre ;)

Girlguiding
I've been offered the amazing opportunity to help out promoting Girlguiding at The Clothes Show Live this December. I've been a member of Girlguiding for years but it's only recently that I've come fully understand what it stands for and how empowering it is for girls. I feel so passionately about it, like I'm a part of something  much bigger and I'm willing to promote everything it represents with my heart and soul. I'm also going to have the chance to be a leader for a new guide unit in my region which I'm so excited for, I've got so many ideas to show the girls what they can experience and achieve.

So yeah these are what i've been loving this November. At some point I may makes lists of my favourite albums,books films ect but they'll be in another post on another day. Lastly all I have to say is... bring on CHRISTMASTIME!!!

❁Always Deanna❁

10 ❁ Thanksgiving

I saw this video by Carrie Hope Fletcher and I 100% agree with her. Thanksgiving should be a universal holiday as it sets aside time to step back and see how fortunate we are, especially for the little things that we take for granted.

And with that here are my top 10 things I am thankful for...

1. Thank you to my friends who have always been there through thick and thin.
2. Thank you to my bed for my bed for giving me comfort after tiring days.
3. Thank you to books for letting me experience a million different lives and adventures in the comfort of my home.
4. Thank you to Girlguiding for giving me a chance to be a part of something bigger.
5. Thank you to clothes for allowing me to express myself the best way I know.
6. Thanks you to my headphones for giving me a solitary connection with the music I love.
7. Thank you to the caterers who provide top notch food at school (waffles and Philadelphia/cranberry sandwiches <3 )
8. Thank you to Christmas for being a festive season of giving, love and joy that gives me something to be happy about in the freezing winter. 
9. Thank you to Disney for making me feel young in the daunting adult world.
10. Thank you to my mother who i bicker with endlessly, i love you even if I don't say it,and know you have good intentions and always want what's best for me.

❁ Always Deanna❁ 

#9 ❁ Vanity Sizing

Scrolling down my news feed on Facebook I came across a post from Business of Fashion which led me to THIS post mentioning a term I hadn't come across before...

'Vanity Sizing'

This is where over time clothing has remained the nominal size (eg,8,14,S,L) however it's physical size has increased over time.

This caught me thinking about when I bought this cardigan from the vintage section whilst thrift shopping...

It was labelled as a size 12 and being an 8 I, without second thought, bought the cardigan to wear oversized. Upon taking it home and trying the article on I was baffled as to why it had such a snug fit. Is vanity sizing the cause of my cosy cardigan conundrum?

This also brings up the point of Marilyn Monroe. Now don't get me wrong she was an amazing woman however she is often used to support the idea that plus size women* can still be successful in public careers. unknowing to supporters, the reality is size inflation**.

Bearing in mind also that clothing sizes differ from brand to brand it's interesting to see what each shop makes their standardized shape and measurement. It just goes to show that everyone has a different view of what is 'perfect' in this world.

I feel enlightened by finding out about Vanity Sizing, It makes the dilemma of having to try on clothes so much more understandable.

❁Always Deanna❁

*I hate using the term 'plus size' or even categorising women who are of a bigger size, there is no need to for this sort of segregation. Women are women and you can look and feel amazing no matter what shape,size, colour, creed you are! #amen #goodday

**Refer to * and think of all the successful women around today, Adele, Rebel Wilson and more!

#8 ❁ I see what you did there

So the other day I was scrolling through Tumblr (as i so often do) and I came across something that looked familiar...

Saint Laurent dress A/W 2013 collection

Now don't get the wrong impression of me, as much as I want to be able to, I can not afford designer brands. I have one designer item which I thrifted, but that's another story for another blog post! Anyway this dress is so familiar as a bought one practically identical to it from Primark a week prior.

Dress ~ Primark (£15)
Bracelet and Charms ~Thomas Sabo

I absolutely adore this cute little number. The contrasting white collar gives it a smart preppy feel, yet the black bow underneeth keeps it's girly feminine edge. I think the colours work really well for A/W but it's such a statement piece that I think it can pull it off all year round. I wore this beaut out to a family dinner and did some lovely tartan nail art to match.

Base ~ The Colour Workshop ~ Red
Stripes ~ Rimmel  London ~ 700 Block Your Green
& 85 London Clouds
Topcoat ~ Maybeline New York ~ 25 Crystal Clear

 The nails have stayed on all week so far and received many compliments so i think i'll try something similar again soon!

So yeah I think it's quite cool how a highstreet shop like Primark will see items in designer runway shows and replicate them to sell in mass to the high-street public.

❀ Always, Deanna ❀

#7 ❁ Neglect

Hey lovelies,

It's been a while hasn't it? over a month since my last post and as titled I've neglected you guys and this blog. But I'm back now and making a vow to both you and myself to post on a regular basis!

So, what did I miss out on...
Paris! of course! a 3 day weekend in the city of looooove. Extremely tiring with multiple hours on a coach and having awkward dietary needs but all taken with a pinch of salt the whole experience was amazing and I'm definitely going to go back again soon! Here's some photograhical evidence of mon week-end à Paris!
Day 1...

Bye bye Britain

Finally in Paris the sun came out to play
 for our boat trip down the Seine

...and the scenery was pretty decent too!
(Notre Dame)

Day 2...

 D.I.S.N.E.Y.L.A.N.D.

I don't think it's an exaggeration when they say it's where dreams come true. In true Disney tradition I bought some Minnie Mouse ears and to top at all off managed to squeeze into the little girls Princess dresses. If they had a large enough Tinkerbell one I would have bought it, no shame, no regrets.

La Tour Eiffel

With a view this stunning it's no surprise I got a tad emotional up the Eiffel Tower. 

Day 3...

Stade de France

...et Sacré Cœur

❀ Always, Deanna ❀

#6 ❁ Frozen Desert fanatic

Hello again lovelies,

The weather has been marvellous the past few weeks and what better way to enjoy the sunshine than with, my favourite of foods, Ice-Cream! The best part of days like this is when, around five o'clock in the evening I hear a cheery little jingle followed by a familiar van filled with chilled sweet treats perfect for summer!

So an unexpected change in circumstances occurred  a few months back, when the sun had decided to show itself after a long cold winter. Spring had finally arrived. Sat in my room after a laborious day of school I hear one of those cheery jingles. But oh no, this isn't the familiar  'oranges and lemons' chime I'm used to but a new tune of 'match of the day'. I was distraught to say the least and refused to buy anything from the new vendor (which was painstakingly hard may I add). However, knowing me, I cracked and made a surprising discovery in the process. Here my lovelies is what I uncovered from my findings; not all 99's are the same. The delicious cone I was familiar with usually incorporated  whipped cream style ice cream with the chocolaty flake poked on top; this new 99' was composed of Cornish style Ice-cream instead. Flabbergasted by the change (though not complaining, ice-cream is ice-cream after all) I began to wonder, does Ice-Cream vary depening on where you live. Comments would be lovely discussing this topic, I'm really interested to find out ≧◡≦

The one and only 99' Flake

 Overall I think I've learnt a valuable lesson from all of this...
Don't be afraid to try new things, a little change may gladly surprise you!

On another note, I leave for Paris at 4am tomorrow and am no doubt going to order all food a la mode ,old habits die hard I suppose ;) I'll try and post some pictures from the weekend adventure soon after I return xxx

❀ Always, Deanna ❀

p.s. Only now do I realise how serious addiction to Ice-cream must be when I get infuriated by tiny little details like this, hahaha ;)

#5 ❁ Prom Night

Hey lovelies

As promised here's a little update on the events of Prom. It was such an amazing night and the whole experience before, during and after gave such a buzz. People were bashing it beforehand even though a lot of people had put so much time and effort into making it special but in the end everything turned out great! It's a great feeling being able to see everyone again and catch up as well as busting some moves on the dance floor (the best part in my opinion).

Some stunning friends, L to R; Kylie, Gina, Alice, Riava, Me, Emily, Lauren, Hannah W, Hannah B. 

An accurate representation of how we act at a 'formal do'. Selfie Queen.

Finally after weeks of preparation my outfit came together perfectly, I felt like a fairy princess. To my surprise the whole outfit totalled less than I expected wooo ^‿^

Dress ~ £37 (One-off, LovelyMelodyClothing at Etsy)
Clutch ~ £12.99 (New Look)
Shoes ~ £14.95 (SALE Forever21)
Necklace ~ £4 (Claires)
Bracelet ~ £8 (Accessorise)
Floral Crown ~ £10 (Oasis)
Outfit total = £86.95

And no prom is complete without an after party, but i'll leave that to your imagination ;)

❀ Always, Deanna ❀