Celeb Hair We Love: Alexa Chung

2010's "It" Girl Alexa Chung, has ditched her famous ombre locks and opted for a darker, shorter style. I wonder how long it takes for everyone to follow this style, eh? A true style icon. What do you think?

Quote Of The Week: Anonymous

"The past is practice." -Anonymous

Once again, it's time for a quote. So I'm pretty interested in investing in a tattoo, so I searched "Tattoo phrases" on Google and happened to come across this quote. I have no idea who came up with it, but I can totally relate to it. "Today is only practice for tomorrow." I'm not sure if this quote is already in existence, but it just popped into my mind. We learn from our mistakes, and what we did yesterday, we know not to do today. So there you have it, the quote of the week. Pretty sure I won't be having this permanently inked onto my skin, just an idea!

Smoking: The Effects Of Beauty

Okay, so without sounding like a lecture you'd receive from your parents, I plan to make you aware of how smoking effects your appearance. If smoking is one of your many habits, you might want to take notes.

If you, like many other women, dream of a glowing complexion, the first step towards achieving one is to stop smoking. As well as dehydrating and depriving your skin of oxygen, smoking also decreases the flow of blood to the skin, leaving your complexion dull. Smoking promotes fine lines and wrinkles and robs your body of essential vitamins. But that's not all...

Further Effects:

-Yellow teeth

-Weak hair

-Enlarged pores

-Thinner skin

-Dry skin

I know what your expecting, me to tell you to quit before it's too late. You're wrong. Your life, your choice. I just hope this article has made you aware of how smoking effects not only your limbs, but your appearance too.

Does Leaving Conditioner On Your Hair Overnight Really Work?

Okay, so my hair is seriously dry at the moment, and the fact Winter has just passed hasn't exactly helped my situation. So I decided I'd ask Google what I should do. And unless I was prepared to cover my hair with eggs and honey, leaving conditioner in my hair overnight seemed like my best option without spending a fortune. So last night I decided to do so. I washed my hair with shampoo and then conditioner as normal, then towel dried my hair and lathered it in conditioner. I wrapped a towel around my head and went to bed. When I woke up this morning, the towel had managed to make it's way onto my floor, but I was surprised to find my pillow wasn't damp with conditioner, the conditioner had dried on my hair, leaving it crisp. Weirdly, I was excited to rinse the conditioner off my hair. (Probably shouldn't get my hopes up!)

Okay, so I definitely shouldn't of got my hopes up. Being the impatient girl I am, I didn't rinse all of the conditioner out of my hair. Although my hair felt smooth and was easy to brush whilst wet, when I had finished drying my hair, it felt, indescribable. Although, the several sections of my hair where I had actually managed to rinse the conditioner out properly, felt soft and looked shiny.

I would definitely recommend this tip, just remember to thoroughly rinse your hair!

Favourite New Acts For 2011: Parade

http://www.paradeofficial.com/

Watch out for the new 5 piece girl band, Parade! Left to right; Emily Biggs, Bianca Claxton, Jessica Agombar, Sian Charlesworth and Lauren Deegan. Looks like The Saturdays have themselves some serious competition. Apparently, according to recent sources, Parade are planning to support Alexandra Burke on her tour. Be sure to check out the new single 'Louder'!

The BRIT Awards 2011

First of all, congratulations to all of the nominees at The BRIT Awards! Secondly, a further congratulations to all of the winners! Also, congratulations to James Corden for presenting The BRIT Awards 2011. So, who won what?

Best British Male: Plan B
Best British Female: Laura Marling
Best British Single: Tinie Tempah - 'Pass Out'
Best British Breakthrough Act: Tinie Tempah
Best British Group: Take That
Best International Album: Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Best International Male: Cee Lo Green
Best International Female: Rihanna
Best International Group: Arcade Fire
Best International Breakthrough Act: Justin Bieber
Mastercard Best British Album: Mumford and Sons: Sigh No More

Critics' Choice Award: Jessie J

Quote Of The Week: Audrey Hepburn

"Everything I learned, I learned from the movies." -Audrey Hepburn

A new week, a new quote. Well, technically it's the end of the week. So I apologize about the delay! Anyway, knowing that it was time for me to write about another quote, I searched "Audrey Hepburn Quotes" on Google and came across this quote. I'm not entirely sure what it means, but I can partly relate to it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it means we are inspired by the media. We copy language, mannerisms, relationships and style from the media. For example, falling in love. The majority of girls dream of the perfect relationship; hot guy with bags of money, big house, fancy cars, marriage, children. But is it perfect, or is it just stereotypical?

How Can I Make My Hair Grow Faster?

Okay, so after doing my research, I have found out that there is no actual method for making your hair grow faster. But it's not the end of the world, there are ways to maximize the potential of your hair growth cycle.


Tips:
-Drink the recommended daily amount of water
-Drink green tea
-Take a short walk several times a week
-Get enough sleep
-Eat energy snacks
-Indulge in daily Aromatherapy
-Relax, be happy (Laughter is the best medicine, attitude is everything.)
-Eat power foods
-Eat a balanced diet
-Minimize unhealthy haircare habits (Chemicals, hot tool use.)

-Eliminate hair growth retarding lifestyle habits (Excessive caffeine, sugar, nicotine, alcohol, junk foods.)

Good luck!

Rihanna: Long Hair

Don't get me wrong, I would still think Rihanna, is beautiful if she shaved all of her hair off, and this blog certainly wasn't created so I could publicly slate celebrities. (Or anyone for that matter.) But I can't help thinking Rihanna's, new hair style doesn't suit her. Why? I truly have no idea. Personally, I prefer her hair at her recent mid-length. I especially love her newly created updo (Above), it looks lovely! I'd love to know where she bought her necklace, it reads "f*ck you", fabulous!

My Newest Purchase

Okay, so my mum's 40th birthday is upcoming and I was in serious need of something to wear. (In fact, an entire new wardrobe.) I have to admit, I've totally fallen in love with the recent "Peter Pan" trend. (No, I am not going to dress as Peter Pan. Sorry to disappoint!) Thankfully for me, it's a style of collar. Anyway, whilst drastically searching River Island's website, I happened to come across this dress (Above). Priced at £34.99 (Plus £3.95 delivery costs) I was impressed by the bargain I had found! So I kindly asked my Mum to order it for me. Unfortunately I had to pay for it myself (Spending my hard earned wages, sob). After 4 days, I was delighted to find a delivery man stood at my front door with a River Island package tucked under his arm. After signing for my parcel, I immediately ripped open the luminous green packaging and tried on my new purchase. It was love at first sight. (Did I just say that?) Being my impatient self, I couldn't wait to show off my new frock, so I've decided to wear it to a party I'm attending on the weekend. I intend to wear the dress with tights and my (Also) newly purchased black brogues. The website instructions say to wash my dress at max 40°C and to iron on reverse. With such simple maintenance, I have a feeling I'll definitely wear this dress more than twice!

Quote Of The Week: Marilyn Monroe

"If you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty." -Marilyn Monroe

So I came across this quote and thought "Why didn't I think of this?!" It's so true! Wouldn't you agree? Everyone has imperfections. Therefore, (I feel) it is wrong to point out others weaknesses when you have your own. Marilyn Monroe became famous through being an actress, but her honest opinion is what truly made her famous (I believe), making her an inspiration. (My favourite word? Possibly!)

Jessica Cornish (Jessie J): Brilliant!

So music has absolutely no relation to beauty, health, style and fashion (Well, no obvious relation), but it is in relation to celebrities and my life and interests. Meaning I am able to write a post about Jessica Cornish, (Otherwise known as Jessie J.) without defying the original purpose of my blog. My main reason for wanting to write about her, is not the obvious (She has an amazing voice), but the not so obvious, she isn't like any normal (Well, stereotypical.) celebrity. Why? Jessie, doesn't spend her spare time attending A-List parties (Maybe occasionally), no, she sits in her bathroom (Usually) recording videos of herself singing, then later uploads them to YouTube for her many fans to admire. One of the (Several) videos I have watched of Jessie, singing, she was sat in her bedroom wearing her Prince t-shirt "For inspiration" and her PJ bottoms because she was "Cleaning her room". (I assume this means she still takes orders from her parents and was being extremely rebellious and took a break from tidying her room to go on her laptop! Tut.) Anyway, my point is, Jessie, doesn't take advantage of being famous. She doesn't treat it as something that makes her better than average people. This could well be what makes her so popular. Personally, I feel she is an inspiration and I idolise her.


Be sure to check out her videos!
http://www.youtube.com/user/JessicaCornish

Alexa Chung: True Inspiration

English television presenter, model, contributing editor at British Vogue, host of Gonzo for MTV, scheduled to host Thrift America for PBS, previous host of MTV'S It's On With Alexa Chung, face of Lacoste's Joy Of Pink fragrance and Superga's Italian sneakers. Alexa Chung, was by far the 'It' girl of 2010. (I truly envy her.) But you and I both know that she didn't become famous overnight. So here comes the obvious question... How did she become famous?

Well...


Early Life;

Alexa Chung, was born on the 5th November 1983. She was raised in Privett, Hampshire, England by her Chinese/English father, Philip, a graphic designer, and her English mother, Gillian, a housewife. Alexa, is the youngest of four children. She has two brothers, Jamie and Dominic, and one sister, Natalie.

She attended the local comprehensive school,  Perins College, and later the sixth form Peter Symonds College, Winchester. She had been accepted by King's College London to read English, but was scouted by a modelling agency before attending.


Modelling Career;

Alexa, was approached in the comedy tent at Reading Festival at the age of 16 (Seems easy enough) and was taken on by the London-based Storm Model Management. She modelled for teen magazines such as Elle Girl and CosmoGIRL. She also worked for companies including Fanta, Sony Ericsson, Sunsilk, Urban Outfitters and Tampax. She appeared in music videos for artists including The Streets, Westlife, Delta Goodrem, Reuben, Holly Valance and starred as Jake in a scripted reality show called Shoot Me, broadcast on Fashion TV in 2005.

After four years, Alexa, quit modelling with the intention of beginning an art foundation or fashion journalism course, having become disillusioned. Unfortunately, modelling had led her to develop a "Distorted body image" and "Low self-esteem".

After becoming a TV personality, Alexa, made a return to occasional modelling. In 2008, she was the face of both Australian fashion label Antipodium's SS 2008 collection and Oxfam's ethical fashion range (Alexa, makes even second hand clothes look fashionable), Revamped. In September 2008, Alexa, walked the catwalk as part of the Vivienne Westwood Red Label Spring/Summer 2009 show at London Fashion Week. Early on in 2009, she became the face of British high street giant New Look. Alexa, then joined London-based modelling agency, Select. In April 2009, she then modelled Wren's Holiday 2009 collection.

In July 2009, Alexa, moved to Next Model Management and became the face of DKNY Jeans. Alexa, was the face of South Korean brand MOGG'S SS10 campaign. In January 2010, she became the main model of the SS10 Pepe Jeans London campaign and later reprised her role for the FW10 campaign. She was announced as the first celebrity face of Lacoste in June 2010, appearing in both the TV and print advertising campaigns for their "Joy Of Pink" fragrance. In January 2011, Alexa, was announced as the face of Italian sneaker brand Superga, in a campaign to mark their 100th anniversary.

TV Career;

In April 2006, then-model Alexa, was offered the job of co-host on Popworld on Channel 4, a music show known for it's irreverent and awkward style of interviews. Alexa, and co-host Alex Zane, also presented a weekly radio show called Popworld Radio in conjunction with the TV programme. Unfortunately, the last show aired in July 2007, after Channel 4 decided not to recommission the programme, after nearly 7 years.

Following this, Alexa, signed a year-long "Golden handcuffs" deal with Channel 4 in August 2007, worth £100,000. As part of this deal, she guest presented Big Brother's Big Mouth and appeared as a panellist on quiz show 8 out of 10 Cats. She hosted a number of T4 Movie Specials, 4Music Specials, T4 Holiday Mornings, along with T4's coverage of many music festivals.

In January 2008, Alexa, became one of the four anchor T4 presenters. She hosted T4's Vanity Lair, a reality show investigating the concept of "Beauty". Apparently (According to Wikipedia), when the show was mentioned in a later interview, "Chung, raises her eyebrows, indicating embarrassment". As well as her work on T4, she became a long-time host of Channel 4's early morning music programme Freshly Squeezed (Mornings aren't the same without Freshly Squeezed!), beginning in September 2007.

In addition to her Channel 4 commitments, Alexa, presented the ITV1 series Get A Grip and BBC Three's The Wall.

In mid-2008, Alexa, began to host more fashion-orientated programming. She was the "Roving reporter" on Channel 4's "Gok's Fashion Fix". On the programme, Alexa, roadtested the latest fashion trends with members of the public, and interviewed fashion designers. She described it as "Pretty much my dream job". Alexa, also hosted a T4 fashion and music show called Frock Me, with fashion designer Henry Holland.

Alexa, was awarded the Elle Style Award for Best TV Presenter in 2009. As well as receiving the Elle Style Award, she also received Glamour's award for Best TV Presenter at the magazine's annual award ceremony.

Alexa, left Channel 4, and the United Kingdom (Sob!), in April 2009 in order to pursue a stateside career. She presented It's On With Alexa Chung for MTV. The live, daily show, featuring celebrity talk, live music and online interaction with viewers. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled in December 2009.

Alexa, returned to UK TV screens in April 2010 with a second series of the T4 fashion and music series Frock Me. In October 2010, she began hosting Gonzo, an informal UK chat show previously hosted by Zane Lowe, for MTV Rocks.

In January 2011, she co-hosted NBC's "2011 Golden Globe Arrivals Special". The live show featured interviews with television and movie stars as well as segments devoted to fashion on the red carpet.

Journalism Career;

Alexa, wrote a monthly column for British women's magazine Company from October 2007 to June 2008. She then wrote a weekly newspaper column for England's The Independent from November 2008 to June 2009, entitled 'Girl About Town' and later 'New York Doll'.

In June 2009, she was made a contributing editor of British Vogue, interviewing several designers for the publication.


Fashion Icon Status;
Alexa, is a muse to many fashion designers because of her unique personal style. She regularly appears on best dressed lists, is a familiar cover girl for Vogue, Elle and Harper's Bazaar and is often seen in the front row at fashion shows.
In 2009, the designer handbag company Mulberry created a much sought-after bag named after and inspired by Alexa Chung, called the "Alexa".
In February 2010, Alexa, collaborated with J.Crew's Madewell on a womenswear line which was unveiled during New York Fashion Week.
Vogue's Anna Wintour has described Alexa, as "A phenomenon", while the New York Times has declared her "the Kate Moss of the new generation".

So there you have it, Alexa Chung's entire life story. (Not far from it.) More than you bargained for, eh?

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog. I have created this blog to inspire young people in the world of beauty, health, style, fashion and celebrities. I aim for my blog to contain beauty, style and fashion tips, articles on celebrities, advice on life, famous/inspiring quotations (Quote of the week?), product reviews and articles about me and my interests. Enjoy your stay!