Clarisse da Silva Amarim- Hottest new desinger

Portugese Clarisse da Silva Amarim, is possibly the most beautiful woman you have ever seen in person. She’s one of those terrifying Europeans who just oozes disdainful cool. She is described as the ‘The girl in bright colours’ and is sitting in the corner of the studio, submerged in her work. She wears her masses of dark hair down, a mustard floral print shirt (which has a kind of 70’s vibe), and washed out blue jeans which are low enough to reveal a stretch of olive skin when she moves.

Indeed, it’s her use of colour which she says is her unique selling point as a designer. She uses bright colours, prints, textures and mixes them “But it looks nice” she reassures through a thick accent. Her own personal style of colours and clean shapes is reflected in her collection of menswear, which was inspired by the sea and fishermen “similar to how Chanel converted sailor’s jackets into women’s jackets. But for men”

Clarisse barely lifts her eyes as she sews; only pausing to reflect on her work. That is until talking about her vision for her collection “Yes! It changes all the time! Everyday!” she exclaims, rolling her eyes theatrically. However this has nothing to do with influence from current collections “I don’t know what anyone’s doing, I haven’t even seen anything from London Fashion Week. I’ve been too busy with all of this” She gestures to the chaos around her. “I’m inspired by people that are around today, I always keep a camera in my bag. And films, I watch a lot of films. I think about the characters, their personalities and what they would wear”. In fact, she’s been so consumed by her collection she hasn’t even heard of Galliano, but shrugs as if it’s nothing out of the ordinary, which summarises her completely- every inch the worldly European, shocked by nothing and interested in everything.

Bronzer and Beyond

It’s been ages since I last blogged I know, but I haven’t been utterly negligent- I’ve been out in the world learning lots of exciting things to report back to you.
There are two things my life revolves around right now, and they are fitness and hair care.
This is just as well, as I have two things in my possession:

·       A gym membership

·       Too much time on my hands

As a curly haired girl, blow-drying/straightening does unspeakable damage, so as always here are some quick tips which will apply to all:

·       At least once a week leave conditioner in for a full hour

·       NEVER blow-dry your hair 100%, allow it to dry maybe 50% naturally first

·       When you can, wash and condition your hair before heading into the Sauna- this will open hair follicles and condition more effectively. Stay for about 10 minutes or however long you can last (or before someone thinks it’s ok to be NAKED in the sauna. It’s not) before washing out conditioner.

Now, a tanning habit can be similar to a serious drug habit in that the longer you indulge in the high, the worse the come down will be (read: the more severe your patches will be). My favourite fake tan right now is St.Moriz- an instant self tanning mousse, which will keep you patch free for a healthy week and a half. This is only if you take care of your tan and do not  fake tan every single day- if you build it up too quickly you’ll be patching all over the place for Christ sake. You can tan for maybe two days at a time, and take a moisturising day in-between (But you must also moisturise everyday anyway)

If you’ve paid attention and followed my rules you will have a gleaming tan and hair to showcase, and what better place than the gym, it’s full of men! The ridiculous amount of attention you’ll receive will be motivation enough to maintain the routine.
But you should know this now- these men are wonderful to look at but can’t be mistaken for dating material. They’re hot, but essentially chavs. You know, the type of man who wears a tool belt but doesn’t know how to spell it.
Unfortunately after going to the gym everyday for 2 weeks (sometimes TWICE a day) I still haven’t lost any weight, but have developed quite muscular arms. Will keep you posted on any success.

Extra notes: If a slimmer/more tanned girl with bigger hair arrives leave immediately, the gym is no longer yours.

Scary In the City- The morning after the night before

After finding myself in a less than glamourous situation, I've taken it upon myself to compile some rules about dating in London/overnight stays. What can I say, I did it all for you dear reader...

I will illustrate my point by telling you the tale of a stupid fashion journalist who woke up after two bottles of Pinot Grigio and a stomach full of nothing. The story starts with an optimistic young girl going for a casual drink in Islington, and ends with her running for the tube whilst trying to keep down a Burger King breakfast the nexy day. Oh, after nearly being killed by a lunatic cyclist (what's with the need for speed here?)

So okay, sometimes when you know a date well enough its acceptable/convenient to stay the night instead of getting the last train. This is typically an un-planned event when the date over-runs, turning into more drinks/dinner/ the next bar etc. What I'm saying is, even if you've not plannned to stay the night there are some fail-safe things you can carry in your bag which will prove invaluable if this does occur. You should carry :

• Mini deodrant
• A toothbrush
• Clean underwear
• Mini hairbrush

(And the essential make-up, but you knew that already)

But oh no! it's 2:30 - the tube is closed and you've just realised your date is totally annoying! perhaps he's suggested you go dutch on a bill because he's cheap a feminist. IT'S OKAY. Here is my biggest secret, so guard it well. Put an alarm on your phone. This will make it all the more believable when you jump up the next morning saying things like 'Oh! is that the time, I better get ready BYE'
A word of caution (this is a cautionary tale) Do not set the alarm for too early. Realistically, when you wake-up hungover at 7am on a cold wintry morning, you are not going to get up. When you then awake again at 12, it will make your 'presentation' seem, quite simply, a lie. Come on girls, it's just unfeasible.

So, I might not have looked fantastic with my mascara smudged around my puffy eyes the next morning, but I didn't care. I was a feisty woman of the new millenium, and defending it as Marc Jacobs grunge anyway.
Luckily I was able to make a quick get away as I downloaded 'Tube Map' on my blackberry- yeah yeah maybe it won't seem 'cool' or 'trendy' to your London friends, but an essential to natives such as myself.

Hair Karma

You know how it is (although I’m sure you'll pretend you dont). You've met a nice - or maybe just normal enough boy, and everything is going well. His behaviour is nothing but pleasing, and has even progressed to the 'Do you mind if I leave this here?' stage (that’s a classic nester right there)
Then, BAM. There's a shift. You can't see it, you can't talk about it, but you know it's there. All of a sudden his things have disappeared, and after not seeing him for a week he’s saying things such as ‘I’ll pop over at some point’ (what does that even MEAN?)

Things only get worse from here. You innocently have a browse on his Facebook page only to be assaulted with pictures of him with a mystery bint in tow.
Now, there are two ways to deal with this new information. One is to make yourself a cup of tea, allow some gentle weeping, and feel comforted by the knowledge that you’re better off without him.
The second is to break down into hysterical wails for at least two hours before throwing perfectly innocent objects such as shoes or Bonsai trees.  
Yeah, ok I went for the latter- but am by NO means dramatic, just slightly Latin of temperament.

But don’t give in all together! If you really look back at the relationship I’m sure it wasn’t that great anyway. And I did look back. I looked back and examined those Facebook pictures with a precision I’m not entirely sure is normal. And do you know what I saw? He’d had a haircut. And you know what? It was really weird.
What’s more, I realised that what I was most insulted by as a fashion journalist (and as a WOMAN) was his outfit. I’m not going to pretend I understand the neckline of that jumper, and definitely won’t defend that colour scheme.

Hey it's ok, you're a student..

A student take on Glamour's popular 'Hey, it's ok' page.
It's ok.....

• To write threatening post-it notes on your food (Ross from friends style) using language that would make even your builder wince.

• To accept a dinner date invitation from a guy your not really into, just because you don't have any food in.

• To not have a job because it might interrupt your drinking study time.

• To invest in a fur coat, but not the £15 course textbook. Hey, you'll wear that baby for years to come!

• To befriend people with cars becayse they can drive you to Asda.

• To develop scurvey, as magazine subscriptions and Martini have replaced fruit and veg in your budget.

• When you see someone on campus you don't want to run into, and walk reeeeaaally slowly behind them, like a stalker.

• To spend your last £10 on conditioner instead of food and then call your mum telling her how hungry you are and can she please send you a food parcel.

• To scrape £2 together out of 5ps from your pockets, handbags and sofa, only to spend it on 'Glamour' instead of milk.

• To set an alarm for 8am so you can get up and make a dramatic show about getting ready for 'work', only to dive back into bed when your guest leaves (all that duvet to yourself, mmm !)

• To justify your overdraft by saying things like 'you really need to look at it as more of an investment than a bag'

• That you've already eaten two advent calendars because your parents weren't there to monitor you.

• To spend your rent on a vintage shopping spree. The streets may be cold, but you could in your fur hat collection.

Favourite Finds - yummy buys of the week!

Chanel-esque jacket, SUCH a steal!

Vinatge gloves - loved the ruching at the wrist

Tassled ankle boots, from a cute boutique in Camden.

Raybans, Camden market!

Parisian Party Of One: single in the city

I love love love dining alone, however there are some rules we singledons must abide by.
Firstly, don't ever book the table- thats a bit tragic. You want the air of someone who just has time to lunch by themselves, whenever they may like. I even like to wear a beret sometimes (especially at cafe rouge with one of their hot chocolates- yum!). Perhaps you are a lost soul, carried wherever the wind may take you - you dont want to ruin this charade by booking in advance now do you.

It's also nice to have a prop, such as a magazine or book - really you want a nice floppy paper or big magazine that will stay open by itself on the table. This isnt neccessarily for reading material, but will serve as something to occupy your attention so that people wont interrupt your me time, or take it as an opportunity to join you. I was actually breakfasting alone this weekend (the morning after the night before!) when I spotted a fellow single diner. It was in a little jazz cafe, and he was wearing a black polo neck whilst doing a crossword - this is what I like to call 'taking it too far'.

On another note, I've discovered there are just some things you dont want to order alone such as a Full English. This would have been ok if I was in a casual cafe, but my chosen venue was a little chi chi and I had to sit next to a french speaking couple for an appauling duration (I'm a slow eater)

Finally, you must keep your phone out of sight or atleast not play with it exssesively- rumours will be ripe amongst staff that you've been stood up! so bring out the beret and you're ready to go, happy lunching!