Great PR stunt: Coke Zero and Skyfall

Working on Coke is potentially one of the most exciting projects I have been involved with as it is a completely multi-facetted brand. I am particularly in love with the latest PR stunt created by Antwerp agency Duval Guillaume Mode where Coke Zero helps to promote the launch of the new Bond film, SkyFall.

At Antwerp Central station in Belgium, several unsuspecting Coke Zero customers had the chance to experience 70 seconds of James Bond-like adventure. After purchasing their Coke Zero from the touchscreen vending machine, customers were presented with the message “Want a Chance to Win Exclusive Tickets to Skyfall”. After entering their name, they received the instructions: “Go to Platform 6. You have 70 seconds to unlock the 007 in you.”

The violin-playing street musician standing next to the vending machine began playing the Bond theme, and the would-be Bond was on his way.

Getting to Platform 6 Antwerp Central station on a normal day is probably quite simple, but several obstacles were placed in the way including joggers, a dog walker, a collapsing fruit stand and of course a Bond girl. Once the person arrived at the platform they had to sing the Bond theme to receive their free Skyfall tickets.

Fabulous PR and LOTS of fun. I absolutely cannot wait to see SkyFall, its going to be a cracker. 

To watch the video scroll down below.

Peace,

O x

Budget, Bargain and Blow-out BB creams and such!

As I get older and my skin has less blemishes, I have really tried to wean myself off using foundations. During the day time, I typically prefer to let my skin breathe and not wear any type of coverage or very little, but as time passes I'm realising that a light tinted moistuirser or BB cream with SPF would really benefit my skin in the long run. Having searched high and low, I tried a fair few and I’ve decided to review my favourites, all of which I would highly recommend.

ON A BUDGET?
Witch BB Cream (approx. £6.99 from Boots/Superdrug)

This BB cream claims to cover existing blemishes whilst clearing up any possible new ones so I was quite intrigued to see how it would look. I tried a small patch on my hand which was considerably thicker that I had expected but I decided to give it a go.
After applying a small amount with a sponge, I could instantly tell that this was quite a lot heavier than I had hoped. Instead of a light consistency, it felt more like a giant tube of creamy concealer on my face, which actually ‘set’ on my face almost instantly.
Even though its consistency was not what I had expected, I will say that the coverage was pretty impressive. Its peachy tone matched perfectly with my skin and gave it a very glamorous look with great coverage. If you are looking for good coverage but without using a heavy and expensive foundation, this is definitely the way to go. It lasts practically all day and smells delightful.
It wasn’t exactly what I was looking for because I wanted something a little lighter and more natural looking for the day, but the thick texture would deliver on covering up problem skins so if this is what you are looking for...Go Go Go!

WANT TO GRAB A BARGAIN?
Garnier, Miracle Skin Perfector All-in-One BB cream (approx. £9.99 from Boots/Superdrug)

A staple in my daily make up bag now. The cream is of a thick consistency BUT a little goes a long way and it blends really well. It smells fresh and citrusy like all Garnier products, and is really pleasant to put on.  The coverage is just enough to even out skin-tone and not look like you're wearing something on your skin. It moisturises very well and has SPF which makes it great under make up for those that are put off by conventional greasy/ opaque white sunscreens on the face. I like to apply this product to freshly cleansed skin, with a bit of concealer under the eyes for a very natural and glowy look. It's a great way to "detox" from heavy foundations, and great for day time wear.

PAYDAY BLOWOUT?
Laura Mercier, Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser (approx. £32.99 from Space NK, House of Fraser, Selfridges)

This is BY FAR my favourite of them all. My ideal product would be light and natural looking, but with good coverage and to really make it amazing, I would love for it to give my skin a dewey glow. With this illuminating tinted moisturiser, I got ALL of the above.
It is so lightweight and really lets my skin breathe. People have actually complimented me on my skin when I wear it, which is something that has never really happened before!
The one thing I would say was that it the shade I was recommended by the lady behind the counter (Nude) was a little lighter than I expected and it made me look quite pale. If you are going for the English rose look then pair with a deep red lipstick but if you are looking for a “just got back from holiday” look, pair with a bronzer, like the one from St Tropez.
The great thing is that it can also be worn in the evening, with a little powder over the top to make it slight more matte. I would really go as far as to say that Laura Mercier owns the world of base coverage for perfect skin!

I hope that gives all of you a little food for thought if you are contemplating buying a new tinted moisturizer or BB cream.

Peace,

O x

Eating Clean and Lean and LOVING it!

As you have probably seen from a fair few posts on this blog, I have become fairly obsessed with diets and eating healthy. I don't really like fad diets so I have tried to find one that produces results but also works for me in the long time. Having spent the summer abroad in the obesity capital of the world, I found myself really struggling to stick to a healthy lifestyle. The mornings were fine as I would eat yoghurt and fresh fruit and a small bowl of cottage cheese but then lunch and dinner proved a lot more difficult. Portion size is just crazy over there, everything is times TEN! 

I have however found a good lifestyle diet that really works for me- the James Duigan's Clean and Lean Diet. I don't stick to it religiously but I follow it and it has really worked so far. 

In brief, it is based around eating clean! It recommends going back to nature with pure, organic foods and cutting out the nasty stuff, such as caffeine, refined sugar (Duigan dedicates a whole section to how nasty that stuff is for your body), alcohol and processed foods.

Upsides:
The great thing about it is that it is completely logical and realistic. It isn't based around giving up things you love, but instead just cutting out elements that are unnatural or processed. I personally LOVE protein rich foods as well as fruit and veg so this diet really allows you to use all the things you love to make amazing recipes that are low in fat and great for trimming. 

Downsides:It is fairly tricky for me to completely give up carbs and I don't really like the carbs that you are allowed, like Quinoa, so instead I just allow myself a carb in the morning (granary toast) and try other low carb options like polenta (which I know LOVE) if I want to include that in my lunch/dinner. I also really struggled with giving up alcohol. It isn't that I can't, its just that I like to go for the odd tipple after work and at the weekend etc, so instead I have tried to stick to clear spirits with a low-cal mixer like a Gin and Tonic. Another element which was hard for me was salt I LOVE SALT. I add salt to everything because I don't really like onions so salt and pepper is often my main seasoning when I cook. However, I would highly recommend sprinkling chilli instead of salt and pepper because it gives it a great taste AND it speeds up your metabolism. 

Example day menu:
This is an example of a typical day of me doing the Clean and Lean (as I said, not religiously as I have adjusted it to my lifestyle) :

Breakfast- Scrambled Egg Whites with Mushrooms and Tomatoes and two large spoons of cottage cheese, One Banana, Large glass of water

Mid morning snack- 10 grapes and 1 large glass of water

Lunch- Green mixed salad with avocado, beetroot, cucumber, watercress and half a cup of homemade vegetable soup

Mid afternoon snack- 2 tbls Hummus with raw carrots and cucumbers and 1 large glass of water

Dinner- Salmon and Vegetable Stir-fry and a green tea

Other tips:On days where I am planning a fairly substantial run or work out session, I am always wary of not having enough energy. I would really suggest trying some frozen berries, whey protein and skimmed milk to recover properly and give you a detoxifying energy boost! 

Go ahead and try it! If you are looking for a quick fix you can try it in its most extreme version, but if you are looking to keep healthy whilst still working out at the gym, I would highly recommend it as a basis for a great diet but with a few adjustments here and there! 
I have recently told my mum about this and 2 weeks in, she is drastically seeing results and LOVES it!



Peace,O x

The summer of all summers...

Well, where do I start? I was lucky enough to stay in one of the best cities in the world in one of the most beautiful apartments and really explore the city like a genuine New Yorker. 

First on my list of things to discuss and share is probably one of my favourite spots in the city- Le Bain rooftop bar at The Standard Hotel. 




Le Bain’s kitschy-funny astroturf in the late afternoon hours is probably one of the most incredible sights you will ever see. The perspex allows you to look at the city from a unique view and will make you fall in love with Manhattan. A friend managed to get us into a launch party at the venue, which has a very strict door policy, and we took a sneaky look around the renowned "Boom Boom Room" which boasts similar views, a 25 person hot-tub and a live DJ. But it was the quirky style of the rooftop that took our breathes away, as we stood sipping on Mojito's taking in the spectacular views. 
After a wonderful week, roaming the streets of Manhattan and causing havoc in the bars of the Lower East side, it was time to pack up my heels and handbags and replace them with shorts, t-shirts and running shoes. Yes, it was time for camp- my summer home. 
My arrival at Trails End was filled with excitement, happiness and a little bit of nerves. As soon as I entered the gates, I felt home. It is the strangest place, it literally feels like you have never left and you were only there a few days before. 
We had a week of orientation before the lovely little campers came along which gave me a chance to get to know my wonderful staff. I had a great mix between counselors who had grown up at camp and counselors who were brand new to camp which made me so excited that they were about to start the journey I began a few years ago. 

A week later, the campers arrived and all the fun began. Each and every one of my fabulous campers had such an amazing personality to bring to the summer and I was so excited to be part of their first summer at camp. 

The never stopped all 8 weeks of the summer and it just got better and better with every day. But one very sad day in August, the time finally came to say Goodbye for the summer and return to London and the dreadedapartment hunt... Oh lord.

Luckily, it was not quite as bad as I had hoped. Sophie and I found an absolutely fabulous little apartment on Lavender Hill and become official residents of Clapham Junction on October 2^nd!

Here’s to a new home and a new season!

Peace,

O x

WATCH THIS SPACE

So, it appears that my blogging has been a little less frequent in recent months which is probably something to do with the fact that I have been out of the country since June. In these last few months I have travelled, loved, laughed and had the absolute time of my life! Alas, the time has come to say “Farewell”, “Adeui” and “Goodbye” to Summer 2012 and say a big “Hiiyaaaa”, Alohaaaa” and “Hello” to Autumn/Winter (and of course my love of knitwear and tights!!).

For all of you that have missed my annoying tweets and Facebook updates to remind you to read my posts....I’M BACK! And for all of you who do not regularly read...watch this space! I have returned to London with a whole host of new ideas to explore and review. This weekend will be dedicated to writing a bunch of things that have been on my mind, waiting to burst out and grace the pages of the world wide web.

I hope you all have a sweeeeeeeet weeknd, lets pray for no rain in London town please?!

Peace,

O x

Met Ball: Wonders and Woes of the Red Carpet

The Costume Institute Ball, held at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC was held at the beginning of the week which meant that my Tuesday morning was occupied with sifting through the wonders and woes of the red carpet!

I have to say that there were a fair few beauts for me! I would even go as far as to say that they have outdone a large majority of the Oscar dresses.

So, I have compiled a short list of the ones I adored and the ones who…well, “didn’t work” for me!

First up, the beautiful  Camilla Belle wearing Ralph Lauren. I absolutely ADORE her classic metallic gown. It is a wonderful shade for her complexion and the plunging neckline really suits her small bust and slim frame. Her makeup and hair are also pretty flawless. Her amazing glow was offset by a deep burgundy lipstick that popped against her skin, adding drama in a classy way and paired with the Hollywood glam side-parted up 'do gown, this look was a winner!

Next up, is the stunning Jessica Alba wearing Michael Kors. I am a real fan of the luxe/gold/metallic trends that are in and have been eager to see it done well on the red carpet. Miss Alba has done just that, sporting this gorgeous Grecian goddess gown. I also love her effortless loose curls, she looks divine.

Gwyneth Paltrow always does SO well with the red carpet. Her Oscars dress choice of Tom Ford was my personal favourite so I was eager to see how she would step it up for the coveted Met Ball. I will say that it did not quite top the Tom Ford number BUT her legs are phenomenal in these gorgeous silver backless Prada number. The girl can do NO wrong!

The lovely Kate Bosworth wearing a lush Prada number was another one of my favourites. Feathers were the detailing of the night (see also Beyonce and Diane Kruger) but Kate’s two-tone flapper dress is just divine. Her effortless hair together with striking makeup make a great combination of classy, glamorous and natural- all the things we love about Kate…the girl can surf after all!

Now on to the not so successful…

I was really NOT enjoying SJP’s Valentino Haute Couture number. Her style is hit and miss for me. Occasioanlly she gets it bang on, other times I find it so random and mismatched. This slightly whimsical gown is pretty shapeless and unflattering for her and all in all, I just don’t think it lives up to someone who is meant to be the queen of city style. She still has a wonderful figure, so why not show it off? Instead, I think she has settled for the almost frumpy shape and curtain-like design- DISLIKE. 

Lily Collins’ wearing Valentino was a VERY interesting choice, opting for a fashionably romantic creation, Lily wore a sheer lace Valentino couture gown. I personally HATE the dress and think she must have just been given it as opposed to chosing it. She is young and beautiful, she should be wearing something daring and sexy, not look like something out of Little House on the Prairie. I will say that although I am not a fan, she makes it work and still looks lush, but a massive thumbs down to the dress itself.

Lastly, it’s my girl Kirsten Stewart wearing Balenciaga. Let’s face it, she isn’t necessarily the biggest fashionista, but she does have a distinct sense of style, which is very edgy yet chic. While most young stars play it safe in flouncy feminine frocks, K-Stew isn’t scared to go outside of the norm but I genuinely would have preferred her in jeans and converse. The dress is far too busy and unflattering. I applaud her for taking a chance, but for me, it didn’t work. That could be the jealously talking though. I am never going to like a girl who has been with Robert Pattinson….

Also, although I was bowled over by her dress choice, I want to mention my ultimate Girl Crush, Rosie H-W- she is just too beautiful. And alsoooo, Mary Kate Olsen, WHAT THE HELLLLLL?? She looks about 80!!!!! 

Anyways, those are my highs and lows, wonders and woes…enjoy!

Peace,

O x

Best of British Costume Exhibition Opening @ the London Film Museum

I was lucky enough to be invited as a blogger to attend the 'Best of British' Costume Exhibition opening at the London Film Museum- South Bank, which was celebrating the Blu-ray and DVD release of The Iron Lady.

Welsh star Alexandra Roach, 25, who plays the young Thatcher, was amongst the special guests at the County Hall exhibition which displayed a stunning range of Consolata Boyle's brilliant designs worn by Meryl Streep in her Oscar-winning portrayal of Margaret Thatcher, as well as Alexandra herself in Thatcher’s younger years.

The dazzling Iron Lady displays included a wealth of Consolata Boyle's stunning designs from The Iron Lady, including Thatcher’s iconic royal blue suit, the elegant Chiffon dress she famously wore to dance with Ronald Reagan in the White House, her maroon and navy pinstripe suit and an extensive collection of bags, jewellery and props from the film, everything intricately based on Margaret Thatcher’s own outfits and accessories.

There were some delightful biscuits and champers which went down a treat! 

The exhibition itself was very interesting as the costumes were paired with descriptions and video clips to swot up on your knowledge of Thatcherism! It was also rather quiet at the beginning so we really got to take our time at each piece and actually learn abit about the history of it all. 

It is a rather minimal display but I most definitely recommend taking a little tour of the exhibition if you are planning on a short day of cultural ambling. Plus, outside the museum is a fabulous little row of great cafes, so pop in for a bagel or some noodles!

The Iron Lady: Best of British Costume Exhibition will be open to the public from Wednesday 3 May. Tickets available on the doors daily. Pre-booking not required- http://www.londonfilmmuseum.com/

Peace,

O x