#NepotismIsNotFashion.

Nepotism
/'nɛpətɪz(ə)m/

Noun
The practice among those with power or influence of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.

While perusing on my Instagram feed on an uneventful Thursday afternoon filled with drinking gallons of tea, my eyes caught the attention of a post made by Vogue Magazine. The post features the August issue of the magazines front cover, with Malibu bred model Gigi Hadid and decathlete Ashton Eaton, in an attempt to bring both high fashion and the upcoming Rio Olympics, together. But in light of what Vogue is aiming to do, couldn’t a female athlete have taken Hadid’s place, which would have still brought about the same affect in allowing high fashion and sports to take center stage. One may disagree, stating that actually, since this is supposed to be a magazine that emphasises first and foremost, fashion, that including Hadid on the cover makes prominent the ‘high fashion’ atmosphere that Vogue exudes. However the comments section displayed anything but messages of congratulation for Hadid but rather the hash tag #NepotismIsNotFashion. 

Major sporting events, like the Olympics, are a huge way for not only athletes to show their patriotism by representing their country on the world stage, but also for them to be recognised within their own sport. Their performances during the Olympics have been the result of hours of daily training, which I think should be recognised by fashion magazines by allowing just athletes to feature on the cover. High fashion and sports can definitely mix without having a top model gracing the cover. But, I digress from the topic at hand. Nepotism is definitely not what fashion should be about. On the one hand, models, especially ones who are seen regularly, might be given opportunities based on favouritism. But I also think what needs to be taken into account is the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Before models like Gigi Hadid and even Kendall Jenner were famous within the fashion industry, they would have had to display a level of zeal to the profession of a model, gain trust from designers and other models alike and would have had to learn the trade. Do I think that models that come from families who are already established within the public eye are more likely to succeed? Yes. They already have connections into the business and possibly have friends who are already in the industry to give them tips on how to make it. Do I also think this is fair? No. You should be selected on your ability. But, like I said before, I don’t think nepotism counts when the model gaining the job has gained it due to her prior display of a hard work ethic. As the public, we typically only see the outcome. Therefore, we rarely see the beginnings, and the graft that goes into creating the finished product.

One thing I am 100% certain I believe in is that the fashion industry does need to focus more on lesser known models, since they too have a lot to bring to the game.

Carla Creary xo 

Review: Montagne Jennesse: 7th Heaven

I am seriously a sucker for peel-off masks. With the horror that seems to be constant oily skin; although my mother keeps telling me to be forever appreciative for my on-going oiliness since in older age it will most likely become my best friend. “You know, keeping those wrinkles at bay” she zealously tells me. But having oily skin from the minute you hit puberty kinda sucks. That combined with the open pores, sensitive skin and spots are a nightmare for any teenager. Over the last two years however, I have noticed an improvement in my skin. So I guess my hormones are finally beginning to calm down a little?

That being said, you can never be too sure when the next flare up could take place. So, to keep my skin felling that little bit cleaner, I occasionally use peel off face masks from the brand Montagne Jennesse. I guess the sensation of pulling something off of the skin is too appealing to pass up!

*Sidenote: They also make masks that you can wash off the face, and beauty treatments for the body, feet and hair.

The drying time is only 20 to 25 minutes, but I keep it on for around 30 because the tightening does feel really good! It’s convenient as unlike mud masks or any masks where water, a towel or a cotton pad is needed to remove the product; there is no mess and no fuss. Just peeling the product off the skin and throwing it away. 

Carla Creary xo

Chokers: Back on Trend

Image credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wir0jTrf2sY

Cartoon portrayal of Mathilda from Leon: The Professional 

Worn zealously by many, was a hot item in the 90's and has made a comeback. Yes, the choker. Thankfully for me, chokers are everywhere to be found and come in an array of colours and designs. Chokers are definitely a staple part of my 'fashion diet' if you will. My neck feels empty when I'm not wearing one, which seriously emphasises how much I actually wear them. My addiction to this item of jewelry first began when I attended a Expo in Central London. With various items being sold, my attention became fixated on one particular stool selling jewelry where the style was something I didn't think I'd typically go for. However, I bought it and till this day, it has to be my favourite choker. I'll be going through a few of the chokers I own, and yes I have nicknames for them all.

1. 'Golden Goddess' 

Being the first choker I purchased, it makes perfect sense to mention it first. This choker drew my attention, firstly due to the golden colour, which I believe compliments my skin tone quite well. Secondly, I loved the interweaving of colour throughout the middle of the choker, thirdly, though this was after I bought it, I received large amounts of compliments about this beauty, therefore I knew I'd made the right choice. The design 'Golden Goddess' sports also drew me in. Its elegant nature allows for it to be paired with everyday and evening clothing. But, it is a shame that I cannot remember the name of the shop I bought it from, since I would love to purchase more of their items. 

2. 'Moonchild' 

I received this as a birthday present from a friend who obviously knows what's up! Its super cute, dainty and is made using a soft material, minimising the worry of irritation that most people have of chokers. I really like the galaxy print on this item; it's colourful, and the pendant in the middle, I was told, came in various other shapes. This was bought for me by a friend, from Spinns; the Japanese store that I seem to be referencing endlessly!

3. 'Excellently Elizabethan'  

This reminds me so much of old English embellishments on clothing for the upper class during the Elizabethan period. I again received this as a birthday gift, and like 'Moonchild' it's just too cute. It is slightly larger than many of the chokers I own, but is still a dainty piece made with a mix of lace and small pearls. I find that this choker goes well with tops that have a v-shaped neck line, a decolletage neck line, an off the shoulder neckline; in other words, a neck line that reveals the greater area of the neck. Since the pendant is large, a lower neck line helps to bring to attention its cuteness. 

4. 'Timely 90's'

This has to be the most worn style of choker in the high street. The OG of chokers. Its simplicity allows other jewelry worn around the neck to aid it, without looking clumsy or having an air of 'too much-ness'. Its tattooed look varies in colour, which probably aids its popularity and can be purchased everywhere from ASOS to Camden. This is definitely the choker I wear most often as black and white go with everything I own.

5. 'Pretty in Print'

   

I remember buying this choker on a whim whilst on my study abroad programme (Spinns). I saw it and thought "I hardly own items with patterns on them, so I'm totally buying this!!" So here we are. It's a choker that I have probably found the hardest to sport; since I have probably mentioned, I'm not a pattern fanatic, though I would love to be one. Its bold pattern is juxtaposed with the delicate weaving of said pattern. Its material is soft and sits quite comfortably on the neck. The neutral colours again allow ease in pairing with other items of clothing and it reminds me a lot of African print which I can't help but love the look of.

Chokers, like most other 90's trends; mum jeans, jelly shoes etc. are making it big again. The recycling of fashion trends allows us to see the beauty in items from the past all over again. So this is definitely one trend I am all on board for.

Carla Creary xo  

Ya Girl Flew To Japan: Haul

Yep. So I went back.
Its soon, but I just I had to.
Ya girl had fun though!

Haiku over, it was like a force consisting of amazing food, clothes and fantastic beauty products that was pulling me to go. While out there, I had my fill of delicious/ 美味しい(tasty) foods, bought some new clothes, visited some owls in a cute cafe, and met up with some friends.
But since this is a fashion blog, I'm gonna go ahead and share some of my buys in my first haul post! ~

Clothing:

1. I find it hard to go anywhere and not buy a single item of clothing, so why would I change with this trip! 
   First, is this used jumper/sweater from Spinns (I spent most of my money in this shop). I was really looking for a pretty number that was cute, but also pink. I absolutely love pink but I don't own a piece of clothing in the colour. It immediately caught my eye and I had to have it. Its kinda worn which I love, and is still in pretty good condition for being used! A little bit of Minnie and Micky Mouse in your wardrobe is a nice touch too.
   
   
2. Long coats are kind of all the rage right now in Tokyo, with girls sporting colours all over the colour scale. But I found one, hidden in the back of Spinns calling my name. A green number that actually goes with a lot I already own. It comes up about knee length, thin but great for layering and I'm all about that, It comes with a beauty of an inside pocket along with three other handy little item holders.
   
   
   
3. I really wanted a simple t-shirt, but I ended up finding a blood red long sleeve top that I really like. The arms are baggy enough for it to give the feel of a jumper, but its thinner so still just feels like a top? With a cute pocket attached to the left breast, its simple yet cute. Oh yeah, its from Spinns.
   
   
   
4. Another jumper! Since I live in England I mostly wear jumpers. I'm super invested in them. This is again a green cutie, with the material at the waist side cut horizontally, which means easy tucking for the front (I always tuck in jumpers, to show my high waisted jeans). with a v neck line its really nice parring this jumper with delicate jewelry.
   
   
   
   

Skin Products:

1. A store that I found in Japan whilst there for study abroad which is actually Korean called Too Cool For School, has me hooked. I usually get their concealer but this time, I found out that they have a highlighter that comes with their concealer, so that's what I bought. Their packaging is also too cute for words, making buying their product so lovely.
   
   
   
   
   
2. As I mentioned previously, I met up with a few friends whilst there and one of my beautiful friends gave me a Welcome Back present! Super cute Japanese animal face masks. they are so adorable, I haven't even opened them yet!! (So i can't report on results) but It was technically what I received when I was there.
   
   

Bag:

1. Because I got to shopping happy like always, I ended up having to buy an extra bag to put all of the stuff I bought (souvenirs, clothing etc.). I got a rucksack from Wego, another one of my cherished Japanese high street stores, that is black, quite spacious and above all goes with so much of what I wear to university. The straps are also wide, which is lovely cause back pain isn't! It is such a nice bag for university and it fits all my books and other crap that I bring to school with me. I love it.
   
   
   
   
   

And that's what I bought! Japan was a blast as usual and I hope to find myself basking in its greatness very soon!

Carla Creary xo