Engagement story

We got engaged in New York. He was there on business and I'd joined him there for the weekend. Whilst he was in meetings, I was busy popping into all the expensive jewellery stores on Fifth Avenue, looking for the ring (I wasn't going to let him choose!). That was so much fun.

I knew it was going to be Tiffany's, though. Walking into their flagship store was an experience in itself and upstairs where all the engagement rings are (or were, at least), I even saw (a) Holly Golightly! Seriously.

I chose two rings and 'reserved' them. The sales assistant was polite but not super friendly or anything. He did ask for my boyfriend / fiancé's name before I left.

And the next day, we walked in. He recognised me, then looked at my fiancé. He suddenly became the most charming person ever. With a big smile, he walked over to meet us and addressed my fiancé by name. Maybe I should have been offended by this transformation but I was too amazed and impressed!

Another funny thing I remember is that every time we wanted to look at a ring by the big window (different lighting), the sales assistant had to 'inform' the bodyguard. Yes, there was a bodyguard standing by the window! Did they think we were going to jump out of the window with the ring?! 

Now tell me your story! Did you know he was going to propose? Did you choose the ring with him? 

Or how do you want it to be?

1, 2, 3

EML FINAL - SHOWTIME!

4 days in and our 12 EML recruits are walking, talking and dressing like models... but can they pass the ultimate test - the FASHION SHOW?

Dress rehearsal gets underway

After a leisurely Thursday breakfast at the fashion-fabulous Mayfair hotel the girls strolled round to the final show venue, the incredible One Mayfair to crack on with the main event. Rehearsals got underway immediately, with the girls taking their first steps on a real catwalk under the guidance of last year's winner, Nyasha Matonhodze. 

Nyasha shows the girls how it's done

The terribly talented Toni & Guy Art Team were once again on hand to coif the girls to perfection, with celeb makeup artists Daniel Sandler  and his team supplying the makeup. All a-flutter in their Eylure lashes and ready to rock their Warehouse looks, the spotlight moment arrived for our finalists... look out for show and winner pictures here over the weekend!

Louise gets some practice on the other side of the camera

EML FINAL - THE STYLE DAY

The week is flying by and now it's time for our 12 Elite Model Look finalists to chill out and enjoy the model lifestyle before tomorrow's big final show. The day started with a morning visit to the ultra-glam Urban Retreat at Harrods, where the girls were treated to makeup classes, skincare consultations, manicures and massages... all primped and preened and so relaxed we had to drag the dozing models off to their next appointment. Well they deserved a nap.... 

Another blast of catwalk workshop at the agency was followed by a trip to lovely style partner WAREHOUSE's flagship store in Argyll Street. The girls got the red carpet treatment as the store was closed especially for them to shop, while Warehouse's stylists helped them pick out the perfect model looks.

Just one sleep left before the big show!

Say cheese!

I am seriously addicted to Parmesan!

I can't seem to live without it these days. I use it in salads, soups, pasta and risotto dishes obviously, and fish for (I think) the first time last night (it was a Jamie Oliver recipe). The official website says Parmesan is perfect as a starter, main and dessert! (See their serving suggestions here.)

Dessert? Yes, apparently you can have parmesan with fruit. Have you tried it? I'm not too sure about this.

But what I'm even more unsure about is parmesan ice cream. What do you think?!

Photos

Some of my FAVORITE BLOGS.....................

www.majormusthaves.com
Hands down my favorite blog, this blogger speaks fashion and inspirational words to live by.
She is truly an example of using her gift to fufill the great commission.

www.nnekasaran.blogspot.com
Never have I been more inspired to change a room around or take an average cookout to the next level as I have when reading my friend Nneka's blog.

www.fashionbananas.com
One of the first blogs I came across, she will inspire you with her head to toe looks.

www.monicarosestylist.blogspot.com
Kim Kardashian's stylist

www.dulcecandy.com
I have learned so much from her, from makeup tips, hairstyles and where to get the latest trendy item.

www.karlascloset.blogspot.com
Absolutely amazing, she pushes the envelope and forces you to think out the box with her fashion choices.

www.myfashiondistraction.blogspot.com
Fashion designer in the making, inspired me to get a sewing machine. Love her creativity and her passion to succeed.

www.makeupbytiffanyd.blogspot.com
Make-up tutorials that are so easy to understand.

My visit to the hair salon........................................

Here is a before picture of my hair after I finished washing it and flat ironing it about a week ago. Doesn't look TURRIBLE but check out the difference a visit to the hair salon makes.

Here I am getting ready to get my hair washed and conditioned

After shampoo and conditioning, preparing for blow drying
(As I have stated before I have been chemical free for 3 yrs now)

All done
Huge difference from when I tried to do it at home

Thanks to Rhaquel Buchanan
Contact me for her information

Looks of the Week!!!!!!!

Amber Rose
Don't get me wrong still a force to be wreckoned with, but she has lost that extra pizazz that she had while she was with Kanye West.

Cassie
Fashion it girl, love everything she puts on her body.

Christina Milan
After just having a baby earlier this year, i gotta give credit where it's due.

Dalia Oberlander & Amanda Hearst

Molly Sims

Byrdie Bell
Not sure if I am obssesed with this look but you guys know how I feel about an oversized clutch.

Rachel Bilson

Gwen Stefani

AnnaLynne McCord

EML FINAL - THE PHOTOSHOOT

After the excitement of makeovers,  Day 3 of the Samsung Diva Elite Model Look Final saw our girls get in front of the camera to show off their new looks. With everyone getting to know each other, and a team of almost 20 getting are girls ready for their first major shoot, it was an action-packed if exhausting day for our little supermodels... the full shoot will be published soon but in the meantime here's a taster of the day.

 

Photography by Rokas Darulis

Styling by Warehouse

Hair by Toni & Guy Art Team

Makeup by Daniel Sandler Team

Thanks also to Holborn Studios, Kiel deValera, Colin Smith, Tomek Jasinski and Denis Shklovsky

Beauty sleep is not a myth

Now I have another good reason to dislike those people from last week: not only did they damage my new car, they robbed me of my beauty sleep!

"Beauty sleep is not a myth and sleep does lessen the severity of wrinkles in the face and neck, at least temporarily. This period of deep sleep... contributes to what people call "beauty sleep" as secretion of growth hormone helps repair and rebuild body tissues like muscle and bone. It is not just lack of sleep that negatively affects body fat percentage and the risk of chronic disease—poor sleep quality does as well." (source) 

I've talked about the Sleep Cycle app on my iPhone before (here and here). I looked back at my sleeping patterns following the accident (story here) and sure enough, I've been sleeping poorly.

To set the scene: the night before, I slept like a baby. Perfect beauty sleep.

Then the incident. I was really upset and couldn't sleep.

Next night: exhausted. I went to bed just after 9pm. I thought I slept ok. But I seem to have spent quite a few of those hours 'awake'.

After that: even worse. Not much (deep) sleep at all.

I hope you are getting enough beauty sleep!

Gossip Girl Season 4 Signature Looks

The cast of Gossip Girl has been filming some scenes for the tv show's 4th season in Upper West Side and they were spotted with their signature looks.

Blair Waldorf in a belted shirtdress paired, Miu Miu platform heels and Celine handbag.
Vanessa Abrams wore a clashing pair of tap shorts and printed blouse.

Serena in a berry-colored maxidress and Chanel shoulder bag.


New cast, Juliet Sharp, sported a business look with matching neutrals.


Vanessa in clogs and fringed messenger bag.

EML FINAL - IT'S MAKEOVER DAY!

The Samsung Diva Elite Model Look Final Week stepped up to full speed on Monday with the first finalist workshops and the only bit of the week scarier than the catwalk... hair makeovers!

Our girls started the day with breakfast at the agency followed by a workshop and seed snack with Ian Marber, the Food Doctor, and then headed on to Toni & Guy's Oxford Street Academy for their makeovers with T&G's top session team. We created a fringe, two bobs, a bleach blonde, an Audrey Hepburn brunette, and used at least a thousand foils, and completely without tears too. High five, girls!

Meeting the Food Doctor

A catwalk workshop and quick spin on our new toy the EML BUS, finished the day off nicely. Next up, the photoshoot! We hope you're ready...

Eilidh goes blonde