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 ❀

#4 ❁ Foodie Preparations

Hey guys, a quick foodie update in relation to prom,

I've got a really weird relationship with food. Everyday, especially prior to any event such as prom I like to plan out my meals so I'm getting all my vitamins, minerals, energy ect from my food. This is one of the few reasons why I decided to become vegetarian. I felt like i had too much fat in my body and I wasn't eating enough fruits and vegetables and wasn't getting my 5-a-day. I had very low self esteem and still do but the big change has made things an awful lot better. I eat a lot healthier now and I'm happier with myself, my confidence has improved no end.

So concerning prom this is my lunch of healthy snacks and a cup of tea (black with one big sugar)...

omnomnom

So will make up the healthier side of my diet and the buffet at prom will provide me with my protein, dairy, carbs fats and sugars to balance everything out.

❀ Always, Deanna ❀

#3 ❁ P. R. O. M

Hiya little lovelies,

So as you may have guessed today is Prom and I'm extremely excited to see everyone again. Everything has gone perfectly as planned apart from the weather. What can you expect though? we do live in Britain after all! Makes not being at Glastonbury an awful lot better, at least I'll be inside and not a sweaty, muddy field :)

Everyone makes such a big deal over Prom night to make it special. The lengths people go to to make themselves look good are ridiculous! Don't get me wrong though I mean, who doesn't like getting all dolled up every once in a while? But I keep getting this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach worrying like a little kid. I guess I'm just nervous, I'm always get anxious when  put in situations where there's a possibility of being judged. It's like we're putting on one big show with costumes, make-up, weeks of preparations to make opening night, a night to remember. Some people have got their head in the clouds over the whole thing, living in some sort of daydream. I've watched a ton of Prom themed films over the past few weeks (High school Musical 3 and Perks of being a Wallflower included) and many of the scenes are pretty similar to plans I've heard people discussing. I hate to break it, but life isn't a movie. Copying other peoples ideas won't make you happy, you've got to live in the moment, take opportunities as a great man once said

'life is a roller coaster, 

you just gotta ride it'

The best thing to do in these times is forget about everything and remember what's important. We're there to have a good time and to be quite honest I shouldn't care what other think because I live to satisfy myself NOT other people! So treat yourself, eat some cake, sing your heart out and shake what your mama gave ya! like so,

❀ Always, Deanna ❀

p.s. I'll post pictures of my dress and the night tomorrow, if i wake up tomorrow that is ;)

#2 ❁ the 'ice-breaker' situation

Hello my little lovelies,

I've decided to talk about meeting new people, as today was my sixth form induction/ice-breaker afternoon.

Being thrown into a group with people i'd never met before having no idea what to expect from the day was daunting in itself. Taking part in various 'get to know you' activities did not make the situation any better. I'm not sure the school quite understood how people bond with each other. Forcing strangers to sit together and giving them the vague instruction 'tell each other about yourselves' is not an effective way of getting people to mingle and make friends, especially when the majority already have established friend groups. Neither is cutting people off to start a new task just as conversations were getting going.
Now I can be socially awkward around the best of people, friends, family ect. so putting me in this position absolutely terrified me. I could have done a better job organising the day myself. SO, I'm making it my mission to join the leadership team at the start of term in hopes that I can change these ice-breaker days keeping their discomfort to a minimum having experienced being thrown in the deep end.

The day wasn't all doom and gloom through. The girls that I did (briefly though it was) get chatting to were really nice, and do you know why we bonded so well? because we had something to talk about, a shared interest or something to discuss rather than just stating random facts about ourselves. That's how you get to know people and that's how I've made such solid relationships with some amazing friends.

❀ Always, Deanna ❀

#1 ❁ How do I begin to explain Regina George?

Hello and Welcome
I am Deanna Baldwin and I, like most 16 year olds, am at the stage in my life where I have to make some big decisions that will affect my future. I don't want to set my heart on anything as an unexpected change of events could result in things taking a turn for the worst. However, saying this I'd love to have some sort of career in fashion. I'm fascinated by different styles, colours, materials, and aesthetics of clothing and how the world around us influences our everyday choices. So I decided to start up this blog as an outlet for my views opinions as well as broadcasting my daily life. Be prepared to hear about my problems, worries, fears and hatreds. But it's not all doom and gloom though, life can surprise you and  those perfect little moments of happiness and adoration can make it so perfect and worth putting up with!


Lets get started shall we...

It's finally starting to feel like summer and the weather has begun to perk up a bit. Summer makes me so happy, lazily sunbathing without a care in the world for countless hours waiting for the late night sunsets and the best bit clothes! I love having more freedom in what I can wear, not being covered up and restricted by layers upon layers of jumpers and coats. Here's a little 'what I wore' for today;

Top & Shoes ~ H&M

Skirt & Sunglasses ~ Forever 21

Bracelets (part of set) & Belt ~ New Look

Necklace ~ The Wardrobe (Independent store)

Socks ~ Topshop

Hope the weather holds up, the next few months are going to be so hectic. Prom has crept up on me and I'm so excited, only a week to go now! I'll update you guys when I've got everything for my outfit. Two weeks later I'll have the pleasure of arriving at school for 4 o'clock in the morning. I'm willing to sacrifice my slumber in favour of the weekend in Paris I'll be getting. Our adventure includes, A Boat trip down the Seine, Climbing the Eiffel Tower, finally living my childhood dream of visiting Disneyland and much more! What excites me most is having the opportunity make memories with the amazing friends I've made over the past few years.

❀ Always, Deanna ❀