|| Happy (late) New Year || Resolutions ||

I've realised I never did my 'New Year' post last week, poor form Libby. However, here it is for all you lovely readers, admittedly 6 days late but better late than never right? I hope everyone had a wonderful christmas and new year and that you were all blessed with many gifts and that you well and truly stuffed yourself. Also, Happy New Year!

Now with 2014 gracing our guilty and spoilt bodies I felt it was time to really crack down on some certain things I had been saying I would do, but never got round to. I suppose by making them my New Years Resolutions or Things to Achieve in 2014 gives it a nice ring and that extra push I need - let's hope. 

1. TO BE HEALTHIER

Being healthy is something that I've always had an on-and-off relationship with. There are times when the idea of being healthy and looking sophisticticated with a cup of green tea and a goats-cheese salad and then doing some yoga and just being wonderful really appeals to me, however on the other side of the spectrum I am very fond of sitting in bed, stuffing my face with a pizza whilst watching Sex and the City. 

I've decided I want to break out of this rut - at least for a while. I want to start eating healthier and to be fit. I want that "glow" we are so frequently told about. I want that. My action plan to be healthier is: 1. cut out junk food ie. no snacking on crisps and chocolate, drink lots of water throughout the day and carry a waterbottle with me (my skin really needs it), eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Also, practically live off herbal teas.

2. GET FIT (KIND OF)

Over the years I've had problems with joints which has resulted in not being able to participate in sport (which in all honesty has definitely not been a bad thing - I hate sport.) I, for a while, did yoga and I absolutely loved it, however when I finished school I never got back into it. I recently got a new yoga app which is absolutely wonderful! So therefore my plan is to do a yoga programme twice a week, three if I can manage it, and to at least try and get fit - oh dear.

3. TRY NOT TO STRESS

What with starting A Levels I can already feel the stress mounting and I have never been good at dealing with stress. However I plan on cracking down on this early to prevent me stressing and having a breakdown: early nights, sleep well, trying to get all my work done the night I get it and in my free-periods in college so not to have it piled up at the weekend, lots of little pampering ie. baths, cups of tea, reading etc.

4. READ LOTS OF BOOKS

Pretty self explanatory really...

5. BE HAPPY

Just generally be happy (cheesey I know.)  Have less negative comments about myself, and try not to put myself down so much. Compliment people when I apprieciate them, tell my family and friends more often that I love them, try not to get in arguments - apologise instead of furthering the argument.

What are all your resolutions for the new year?

I hope you all have a wonderful new year. Love and blessings to you all.

|| Black || The Greatest Colour in Fashion & Art? ||

Yves Saint Laurent once said that “black is the liaison which connects art and fashion,” supporting Gianni Versace’s similar citation that “black is the quintessence of simplicity and elegance.”

The colour of black wasn’t really introduced into fashion until around the 14^th Century, in which the status of black within fashion and art began to change. The fine quality dyes began to be imported and exported and soon arrived on the market. Initially black was to be worn by governmental officials and magistrates, acting as a symbol of ‘importance’ and ‘seriousness.’

Black was the colour of power; of dignity; of humility and temperance with the rulers of the European world basking in the symbolism of black.

Gustave Doreé || The Inferno, Canto

In the 18^th century black began to retreat as a fashionable colour, and as Paris became the fashion capital of the world; the powerful men and women of the world began adorning shades of pastels, creams and colours – a sweet shops of colours.

Then came the Industrial Revolution and everything changed. The cities of Europe and a-like became stained black resulting in the art and literature of the time to reflect the landscape – think Charles Dickens and famous French artist Gustave Doré. 

Henri Matisse || Potrait of
Madame Matisse

Within the world of art, black was a controversial topic with some artists fully loathing the colour within their works, whereas others, such as Manet, incorporated the colour in their works to capture the lights and true emotion of the subject. In the 20^th century black became the colour of Fascism from counties such as Italy and Germany. However within art, black regained some the territory is had previously lost in around the 19^th century.

In 1945, Henri Matisse (personally one of my favourite artists) greatly expressed his love for the colour within his work, explaining the significance and importance of the colour: “when I didn’t know what colour to put down, I put down black … Black is a force: I use black as a ballast to simplify the construction … since the impressionists it seems to have made continuous progress, taking a more and more important part in colour orchestration, comparable to that of the double bass as a solo instrument.”

Coco Chanel's 'LBD'

In 1926 our beloved Coco Chanel famously said this: “A woman needs just three things; a black dress, a black sweater, and, on her arm, a man she loves.” Along with her famous LBD – Little Black Dress – she helped to revolutionize fashion, and of course the colour of black within fashion. Women’s fashion became sophisticated and simplified, symbolising freedom coinciding with chic. One of the most famous dresses inspired by this movement is of course the one worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, designed by Hubert de Givenchy.

In the 1950s, black became the symbol of individuality and intellectual and social rebellion, spanning from the leather jacketed greasers to the punk subculture of the late 20th century.

Designer Ann Demeulemeester said that black is of “the purest of colours … the most poetic, but at the same time strongest. It’s the colour of poets and writers and of rebels.”

Coco Chanel

Black within fashion is a recurrent feature, the only colour that stays no matter what. No matter the season. No matter occasion. No matter the style. Many speculate that black within fashion is greatly linked with the economy and in a sense I agree. Black has been, and still is, a symbol for various movements, subcultures and personal expression. Black became a way in which men and women could fully express themselves without giving in to the conformity pressed by society. It became is symbol of power, freedom, individuality and rebellion, and symbol that, without even knowing, would change the face of fashion and art continuously. Black is a colour that is in-definitively adaptable to our surroundings, social status, economical stance, and our political and moral movements.

|| Naked Body Care || Company Review ||

Naked. What is it? Well not only is it one of the most wonderful body care ranges I have very come across, but it is also an astonishing 97% natural, and one of the most environmentally friendly, ethical, and animal friendly one I have encountered.

 To say I love this company would be an understatement in all honestly. I have been using Naked products fro around 6-7 years now, and I have to be honest with you readers, I’ve never found anything I like more. They use as many natural ingredients as possible and use no chemicals like parabens, SLS and petrochemicals.

“You may also ask why only 97% natural? Well, the remaining 3% is made up of things like the preservative system (stops the product going bad after opening) plus things like emulsifying agents which are necessary to stop ingredients from separating (we don’t like divorce). However some of our products are actually 99.5% natural as they didn’t need as much help to behave.” - Naked Team

Spoilt Rotten Coco de Mer Collection

As a person who tries to be as ‘eco-friendly’ and ethical as I can, this company couldn’t be closer to what I look for. I personally am a vegetarian, and have been for quite a few years now, and I briefly dabbled in veganism but found it that little bit to challenging. I also don’t wear leather when possible, and am against all animal-testing and the use of animals in fashion.

Naked is rare in that it doesn’t contain any ingredients derived from animals, with the exception of some products containing animal by-products such as milk, honey and beeswax. They are also against the testing of their products on animals, and as their products state: “We don’t believe in testing on Bambi, Lassie and Skippy.” (And of course any other animal.) From 2000 they have also operated a ‘Fixed Cut Off’ policy.

All of Naked’s packaging, from their bottles, to their webshop deliveries and company stationary is all derived from environmentally friendly materials and are all recyclable and many are produced from recycled materials: “We believe that recycling is a bit like karma – what goes around comes around.”

“The appearance of these bottles is slightly flawed – they have a greenish/brown tinge and the odd black fleck and may look poor quality. The truth is quite contrary as recycled materials are a more expensive option and great time and care is taken in sourcing them.  We haven’t passed on the cost to you though, as Naked has never increased its retail price since launch in 2005. We do believe that, with beauty, it’s what’s inside that counts and our fabulous lotions and potions look and smell as good, if not better, than they ever did.” Naked Team

Their products range from shampoos and conditioners, to bubble bath and shower gel, to hair styling products, to body and face creams. Anything you want from a body care company, they have, and with prices ranging from about £1.29, up to around £8.00. My personal favourite is the Bounce Curl Defining range, which if you read my blog, will know I have very curly hair and this particular product is wonderful for me. It tames my hair, but still keeping my signature curls intact. If its hair products you’re particularly interested in, I guarantee they’ll have one suited for your particular preference and hair type (so sorry if I’m wrong…)

Bounce Curl Defining Shampoo

Bounce Curl Defining Shampoo

"The Naked Story

The Naked story began when a mum of two was looking for affordable products to use on her children who had very sensitive skin. Scanning the list of ingredients she was not happy with what she read, considering all the other messages she was reading were about ‘nasties’ and ‘baddies’ in food and drink. At that point no one was questioning ingredients in branded toiletries so she decided to do something about it.

So Naked was born with a clear and simple concept – a brand that is safe, natural and free from harmful chemicals but is priced for everyday use. It can be used by women, men, babies, children and even the odd pampered pooch! We use the best natural ingredients with specific actions and real benefits, which still smell and feels like a special treat. But we don’t take ourselves too seriously despite our strict criteria!

Frizz Fighter Smoothing Serum
(Must be great - it's won awards!)

From the beginning, we wanted Naked to use only ethically sourced ingredients and we pride ourselves on using the best environmentally friendly packaging available, currently 50% PCR (Post Consumer Recycled) in all our bottles. We are also proud to support initiatives like the Oxfam Shinyanga project which brings clean water to children in Tanzania, something we take for granted every time we jump into the shower.Naked is not expensive and exclusive, yet it’s still desirable, ethical and environmentally friendly, but manages to look cool (and hopefully it will make you smile)! Above we want to give you fabulous products which feel and smell good despite what we leave out of the ingredient list..... We believe this is goodness in a bottle!"

The Naked Team

http://www.nakedbodycare.co.uk

I highly recommend all my readers to try Naked's wonderful products - if you don't you're missing out!

For any information on Naked and their products or story head to their website, Facebook page or their Twitter.

(All pictures are taken from the Naked website or Facebook page, and all quotes are direct from the Naked website.)