|| Angela & Roi Handbags: fashion with philanthropy || Donate by Colour ||

A few weeks back I received an email from the co-founder of online handbag company; Angela & Roi. I was over the moon to receive an email requesting if I could write about them, and obviously I said yes.

Angela & Roi are an online handbag brand that “combines fashion and philanthropy by colour.”

As my readers will know, I am very keen on vegan produce and am very much against the use of animals in fashion, and I was delighted to find out that Angela & Roi use high quality vegan leather to make their handbags instead of animal leather. Their bags are boutique quality, minimally and classically designed with minimalistic styles varying from totes, shoulder and cross-body bags, and each with various colour options. Their aesthetic is “vintage-inspire with a modern touch.”

“Our company was founded on strong moral principles. We prioritize ethical and respectful treatment of our customers. Our products reflect our value system that is focused on customer satisfaction, not profit margins. However, we believe we can use our resources productively in a way to impact the greater community. We believe fashion can be utilized to both an artistic and charitable effect. Our company presents an opportunity for us to intertwine consumerism with philanthropy. We hope you can join us in our effort to donate toward the solution of various causes.” Angela & Roi

One particular aspect of Angela & Roi that really fascinated me was their Donate By Colour mission. The idea behind this is that different medical issues relate to specific colours i.e. Lung Cancer awareness is linked with the colour white, so when cusomers purchase a white handbag from Angela & Roi, they automatically donate $5 to Lung Cancer Alliance. In total, Angela & Roi work together with 11 non-profit organisations:

Each handbag is accompanied with a detachable coloured ribbon, which associates, to the specific cause. By attaching the ribbon to your bag, you are helping to raise awareness of the associated cause.

• Red Ribbons – AIDS
• Orange Ribbon – Kidney Disease
• Grey Ribbon – Diabetes
• Purple Ribbon – Alzheimer’s Disease
• Green Ribbon – Anxiety and Depression
• Brown Ribbon – Cancer
• Blue Ribbon – Colon Cancer
• Gold (Yellow) Ribbon – Child Cancer
• Pink Ribbon – Breast Cancer
• Black Ribbon – Melanoma (Skin Cancer)
• White Ribbon – Lung Cancer

 Learn more about Angela & Roi’s causes here.

“We maintain our positive attitude toward change. We frame our campaign within our energetic color theme. Colors grab us out of the dreary day-to-day existence and shoot us into a world of vivaciousness. We chose to link different causes with specific colors. We wanted to create easy to recognize categorizations on our website. We understand how associations between tangible objects and pleasing concepts strengthen interest. Our purses speak color, and we believe our products should converse with our greater charitable goals.”

Not only do their bags support many wonderful causes, but also they are absolutely lovely! Every single one is beautiful, with excellent craftsmanship and designing  and all at an astonishingly wonderful price; ranging from $65 to $148. Below are just some of the types of bags Angela & Roi offer, with each design coming in an array of colours.

Palette White Cross-body

Sunday Black Tote

Palette Purple Cross-body

Square Mandarin Orange Tote

Palette Light Brown Cross-body 

Mini Navy Body-cross

Classic Wine Cross-body

Casual Grey Shoulder Bag

 As you can see, the bags are absolutely gorgeous, are wonderful prices, part of a wonderful and charitable mission, but they also do free deliver and returns. (Not that you would want to return them!)

Website // Facebook // Twitter

Leave a comment below letting me know what you think about this wonderful company, and do definitely check out their website. Let me know if you buy one of their bags too, I'd love to hear what you think about it and which colour/cause you went for.

I personally look forward to when I buy my own one - I'm saving up!

|| 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.)

|| New Segment || What's In My Makeup Bag ||

Every woman (and occasionally some men) have one. Whether yours only contains 'the essentials': lip-gloss and concealer, or whether it is full of the beauty secrets behind your look. The Makeup Bag. Some are plain, while others are exciting. Some are full, while some others are barely even used. But we all have one.

My makeup bag is definitely something I couldn’t live without, (sounds undoubtedly shallow I know) but in all honestly I really don’t think I could. I have been prone to ‘Teenage Acne’ for as long as I can remember and concealer has coincided with being my best friend in those years. So in a sense I have always had a ‘makeup bag’. I suppose a makeup bag doesn’t have to be your typical run of the mill mini soap bag, which only holds makeup, it can in a sense be your soap-bag. I feel a makeup bag is literally whatever you hold your day-to-day makeup in, be that a standard ‘makeup bag’, or just scattered around your handbag.

Whilst applying my makeup for a day at college the other day, I thought; why not do a post of what’s in this small bag containing all my beauty secrets? So that’s what I’m doing.

This is the 'sacred' makeup bag. It was a gift my mum's best friend in New Zealand. I love it. It's the perfect size to hold all my makeup and I just think it's so pretty.

First item in the bag: my foundation. I've really struggled with foundation over the years, I've struggled with finding one that is the right colour for my complexion, doesn't make my skin flaky and actually does the job of covering my face and creating an even skin-tone. I actually got this particular one after my Grandma recommended it to me. It just makes my skin feel really smooth, and does the job it's supposed to without looking 'cakey'.

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse - 010 Ivory 

(yes it's the palest colour...)

|| Wish List || Ankle Boots ||

"The beauty of something so architecturally bold is that you don't need to complicate the rest of the outfit. They look casually rock'n'roll with jeans or leather trousers, or tailor them up with cropped suit trousers." 

Justin O'Shea // Buying Director // Mytheresa.com

My current obsession right now is, clearly, ankle boots. I just love them. When I was younger I always used to have a pair, (looking back at them now, they are hideous and I'm embarrassed to think I wore them) but as I've gotten older I've found it harder to find a pair that I really like. But this season I'm overjoyed at the larger array of ankle boots that have stormed off the catwalk and into out High Streets.

Most stores have a large selection of them, in various styles, colours and materials - a style for everyone.

I personally am really drawn to the Chelsea boots Cut-Out boots that are drifting around the shops. Chelsea boots have been around for God knows how long, but yet again the former Victorian riding boot has made a return to our wardrobes with some designers giving an elegant and exciting makeover; such as Nicholas Kirkwood and Christopher Kane. I am also absolutely in awe of the healed ankle boots. I love the thickness of the heal, and how it adds a lovely feminine touch to a pair of heavy-weight boots.

The Topshop Lot:

Photo Credit: Topshop

1// ARABEL2 Cut Out Heavy Boots £70.00

2// ARABEL2 Cut Out Boots £70.00

3// MONTH Chelsea Boots £45.00

The Purified Lot:

Photo Credit: Purified Footwear

1// PATTI 5 SUEDE BORDO
2//  PATTI 5 STEEL CROC BLACK £320.00

|| DIY || Fixing that broken zip on your favourite shorts ||

A few months back I bought these pair of shorts from this store called Willow, which in just a few words is absolutely amazing and is by far my favourite shop.

Anyway, along with its ethnic clothing, accessories and 'homey-wear' it also stocks Retro Kitten clothing, and I bought these shorts from that very section in the shop. They were £15 (quite a bit more money than what I normally spend on clothes but I really needed some new shorts, and non-high-waisted-shorts look awful on me.)

I immediately fell in love with them, and they are unbelievably comfortable and go with literally everything I own, so they were an excellent purchase.

As you can see they are black corduroy that is slightly faded and high waisted with a slight turn up on the thigh.

|| Brandi's Wish Foundation Bake Sale ||

Today (Saturday the 27th of July) my sister and I hosted in bake sale in aid Brandi's Wish Foundation;

Brandi's Wish Foundation aims to offer intervention, prevention and education assistance with addiction and recovery, particularly within prescription drug abuse and addiction. 

It was created in March 2011after the loss of Brandi Meshad to prescription drugs, and since then her mother, Lisa Brandy, has fought long and hard to get her story out and help change the lives of those suffering with this disease and to help prevent anyone else succumbing to this problem. 

She believes that "the deaths that occur from the misuse and abuse of prescription medications are preventable," and that "we must change the way communities perceive addiction and the victims of this disease and proactively work to educate children, parents and community members to remove the stigma associated with the disease of addiction."

The main goals of Brandi's Wish are: 

• To actively work in changing state legislation and pass laws that protect our children from the dangers of prescription drug misuse and abuse.

• To create and offer school programs to educate families beginning in elementary school and continuing through high school to the danger of using and abusing drugs.

• To offer referral services to those families in need of rehabilitative and substance abuse recovery programs.

• To help families in need with financial assistance if they have a teen at high-risk and in crisis and cannot afford the cost of rehabilitative programs.

Brandi's Wish Foundation is a charity that is close to my heart as I know the Meshads well and almost consider them family. Brandi was one of the most wonderful people I have ever had the honour of knowing and my memories of her will stay with me forever. Her mother is one of the strongest women I know and I admire her for everything she does, even when it seems like it's all getting to hard she keeps going, pursuing to spread the word and change lives. 

For more information about Brandi's Wish, please visit the Facebook page or the website to learn more about this wonderful charity.

Today the cakes my sister and I made raised £47, which in US dollars is around $72. We spent the whole of Friday baking (and I have to admit, I'm not the greatest baker and I've never enjoyed it a great deal) and made an array of various baked treats such as: rainbow cake, lemon syrup cake, cupcakes, chocolate chunk cookies and chocolate crispies. My neighbour Rosie was also kind enough to bake some chocolate brownies. All in all the day was a success and I would like to thank everyone that helped out by purchasing out cakes and helping donate to this wonderful cause.

http://www.brandiswish.org

Here are some pictures taken from Friday (the day of baking) and today whilst selling them.

|| Mermaid Nails ||

Badgley Mischka; J. Mendel; Monique Lhuillier; Christian Siriano; Naeem Khan
Source

The mermaid look seems to be floating around everywhere at the moment. I think it's something to do with summer being finally here and a combination of the various hair styles that have been swamping the fashion world; such things as long beachy waves, and pastel coloured hair - a mermaid's dream.

I've seen so many references to the beautiful underwater sea-creatures through clothing, hair, jewellery and makeup, it seems that the fashion world can't get enough of it right now.

Mermaid inspired hair.
Source

Kate Hudson sporting the more
natural mermaid hair.

I personally am a massive fan of this look. I've always loved mermaids ever since I was a little girl, so now that fashion is incorporating the mythical creature into their looks I couldn't be more excited. I've always loved the 'beach-wave' and as I naturally have extremely curly hair I've always loved what it looks like when I come out the sea - all mermaid-esque.
On the left is more the more striking of mermaid hair, but the on the right Kate Hudson shows how you can get mermaid style hair without dying your hair blue. A simple way of getting these beachy waves (without making a trip to the beach) is using salt spray. There are many brands out there essentially selling the same sort of thing. They all give you effortlessly wavy hair that makes you look like you just stepped off the beach.

Another way of incorporating the 'mermaid-look' into you wardrobe without going all out and sprouting a tale and wearing a shell-bra, is with your nails. I'm absolutely loving this look at the moment, it's fresh and summery yet also girly and sophisticated.
Here is my own mermaid-style nails:

|| Prom 2013 ||

Prom dress from the 50's
Wikipedia

I have just realised I never got round to doing a post about my prom! You're probably thinking: "Prom? But you're English? England don't do prom?" And if you are thinking that, you're very much right. Prom is something that started off in America and was very much a BIG deal over there. I remember seeing picture of some of my friends over in America at their proms and thinking "wow, I'd love a prom etc etc" and I never actually thought I would get to have one - but I did!

The Wikipedia definition of prom is  "a semi-formal (black tie) dance or gathering of high-school students. It is typically held near the end of the senior year." However over the years many countries have started to adopt this idea of "prom"and over in the UK it is becoming a much more common term and event that happens, I think probably due to the influence of America films and TV shows that portray it to be a major event in High School and teenage life.

Unfortunately for me my school didn't make as much of an effort as I thought they would with the prom. (weird considering it's a private boarding school in the Cotswolds?) Anyway, it was held in my school dining room, like every other event that occurs at my school (like socials and sports dinners etc), and they did make it look lovely. They put fairy lights everywhere and dressed the tables with table cloths and napkins, so in all honestly even though it was out canteen it didn't really look like our canteen.

|| Summer Reading List ||

With exams finished for this year, I have now commenced into summer. I have three months off. Yes, three. I've been thinking, what on earth am I going to do to help prevent myself falling into a fit of boredom in which I end up watching repeats of Teen Mom and Game of Thrones. Well, for starters I will give myself a kick to get back into blogging, because I really do love it but I find it hard to find the time to plan, sit down and write a post, but now I have three months to spam you all with blog posts (lucky you.)

newyorker.com

Another thing I will be doing (or at least try) is to continue teaching myself the guitar so I reach a point where I don't sound like a 5 year old who doesn't even know what a guitar is. Fingers crossed with that one then!

But, obviously due to the title of this post; Summer Reading List, I hope to submerge myself into a world of literature. I love reading, I always have. I love how you can really lose yourself in a book, and feel almost a part of it. What with the English weather being what it is, curling up on the sofa on a rainy day with a good book and a cup of tea is like heaven to ones ears and I expect this summer isn't going I be too warm and sunny and this is how most of us will be spending our summers (unless of course you're lucky enough to bomberst off to a hot, exotic country.)

|| Demi Lovato - au natural ||

Many of you may have ready seen this picture, but I would just like to share this with those of you that haven't seen it.
Demi Lovato, as many of you know, has become as true inspiration to young men and women around the world, and particularly young girls and teenagers. She's helped changes the lives of many of them, and also helped to save lives.
This photo shows her being an even more inspirational young woman as she faces the world bare faced and beautiful as she tells all women that "WE are beautiful" and we don't need makeup to be.
She looks so beautiful in this picture and she inspires me to be brave and go natural!
An absolute inspiration to girls and women all around the world.