John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Review

A couple of weeks ago I went for a chop at a local hairdressers. I took the plunge and got a full fringe, a decision which I later regretted and cried about for a good hour, otherwise known as a 'new hair meltdown'. However, after a few days of styling it myself and getting used to it, I grew to like my new framed face, it was just the colour I had a problem with. 

The hairdresser had put a full head of highlights in, yet I couldn't see a difference, this is when I decided to give the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder range a go, and put the theory to the test. 

I have used a few of these products here and there before, but not all at once, and not consecutively. 

The range is moderately priced, with the shampoo and conditioner being roughly about £5 and the lightening spray about £7. Boots usually do regular deals on these as well, which gave me the motivation to try. 

As instructed, the products don't start to show until a few uses, and I start to see a difference around about my third wash. 

I have found with the spray, if used in excess or not rubbed in properly, does not dry properly and can leave the hair greasy. 

I have also found with the shampoo/ conditioner that although it has left my hair feeling smooth and shiny, it left my scalp slightly flaky and therefore had to switch to a different brand for a wash or two, so if you have sensitive skin, be warned. 

THE RESULTS

BEFORE 

A couple of days after my haircut, the colour is dull at the top, the roots are dark and it gradually gets lighter.

AFTER

Now weeks after my haircut, the colour is lighter, the fringe has grown in, and I'm happy!

I still have a way to go before I'll have that true summer beach blonde hair but I'm sure if I keep using these products, it will happen! 

That's the good thing about it, nice and gradual so you can stop whenever you like!

All in all, did it work? well, Is my hair blonder? Yes! 

I can see a real change to my hair, and when used properly, the products left my barnet feeling lush. 

 This post is in honour and memory of Vidal Sassoon, who died today, at the age of 84. An icon to beauty and fashion, this hair legend will live on in the creative minds he inspired and in the memories of this  amazing industry. 

Buying Binge

I may have finished exams now, but during the stress, I took a day off and headed to town, and this post is dedicated to what I bought. 

I have to say, I was in a weird mood, and after not shopping for a long time, I was determined to buy something in every store. 

Firsty, I hit Primark, and after nosing around and trying on a few things, despite being disheartened from not finding the right sizes I needed, I settled on this blue floral sleeveless chiffon top with contrast collar (below) I love the colour and the pattern is nice and summery, for dull days like these, I've already worn it with black jeans and I am going to wear it on a night out soon!

 I also bought these black suede loafers which I was ecstatic to find! I was going to buy some from Topshop, but when I saw these I thought why not! Cheaper, and after a couple of wears they are very comfy. 

Below are the rest of my purchases. I had a browse around the Fashion Against Aids Section in H&M, and was going to get the tribal shorts, but they didn't have my size!  I was still happy with the striped dress, its simple, and its great to throw on, on a breezy day. I wear the Boyfriend knitted jumper over the striped dress, and its so comfy! As well as a good bargain I thought. 

It was a bit of a mixed bag in Topshop but I couldn't resist the Sale. The pink shorts and the dress were the bargain choices, both great to wear dressed up or down, especially the Chanel inspired shorts. I bought the crop top in black, but couldn't find that colour anywhere on the site! I love it, only £8, and great for a festival or holiday wardrobe. Lastly, the black shorts, I've been looking for some for ages, and I'm happy with these! High waisted, piped, with pockets, what more could I ask for? Hopefully going to wear these with my new bralet! 

These are all quite simple pieces, but they build up a wardrobe quite nicely, maybe next time I'll be a little more adventurous! 

Recent Buys by emilyrodgers18 featuring dresses

Wrinkle your way out

A couple of weeks ago, I bought my first pot of anti-wrinkle cream. I'm 20, and I don't have wrinkles, but according to the beauty pages, this is the time to start using it. My choice was No.7 Protect and Perfect Night Cream.

 When heading to the counter to purchase the £22.00 cream, all I was thinking was, 'this is going to do great things for my Boots points' however when I got to the till, the woman serving me said that out of the top range of anti-wrinkle creams tested, this was the only one found to work for wrinkle prevention and reduction. It turns out, she wasn't wrong, as an article in the Guardian stated that a trial done from the University of Manchester resulted in woman and men, seeing and feeling a difference to their skin within 6 months, using this cream. These type of results had not been seen from an over-the-counter solution, and the serum sold out in 2 days. 

There has been so much controversy and hoo-haa about young women using anti-wrinkle creams. Is it right? is it necessary? There are so many websites telling us its not, and for those who agree, here's where the science bit comes in. Wrinkles are caused by a loss of collagen, as this happens the skin starts loosing volume and starts to fold, causing a line or a wrinkle. This process is long, so even though nothing may seem to be happening, collagen is still decreasing in the skin. By using anti-wrinkle cream in your 20's, you're starting the re-production of the components needed (including collagen) to reduce the onset of wrinkles by 5 or 10 years.

Despite knowing that its already working to prevent wrinkles, every time I put it on at night, my skin feels revitalised, smoother and its done wonders for my blemishes. I was surprised at this, I didn't think I would see effects for weeks, or even years! But my skin feels refreshed in the morning and I look forward to putting it on at night. 

Your 20's are the most important time to be looking after your skin, a good regime and knowing what works best is going to save you in the future. This cream has finally given me a skin regime and as long as I keep at it, and drink lots of water, I'm hoping for a few extra youth years. 

Yes, it is pricy, but lets face it, your not going to use the whole pot in one night. With just a small dollop, this cream could last up to 6 months, this includes full face and neck coverage. That to me spells a good investment. 

Super Scrimping nails

Another nail post, but I couldn't help myself, this top tip is too good not to share. Whilst at a friends a few weeks back, an episode of 'Super Scrimpers' came on. Not a programme I usually care to watch, however, filled with money saving ideas, one in particular grabbed my attention, and the idea was so simple!

The hype of nail art has hit a high with everyone giving it the DIY treatment, but have you noticed how expensive those little bottles of varnish with the tiny nail art brushes are? You could always order them in bulk from eBay but why not just use something you probably have lying around? In this case, liquid eyeliner. 

Most of them have small brushes, but I prefer my fine liner eyeliner from H&M, does the trick nicely! Simply put a coat of colour on, and depending on what style your doing (I have tried leopard print and tribal) put some dots or lines of a different colour and then draw a design over the top! 

There are loads to have a gander at on the internet for some inspiration, and once you've got the hang of it, the effects are impressive! You can try it with different styles, colours and designs, the possibilities are endless! 

To stop the eyeliner from smudging I put a coat of clear Top Coat on and this makes the design stay on for longer as well.

Some of you might already be doing this technique but those of you who didn't know, why didn't we think of it before? If you've got some eye liner lying around and feel like procrastinating, give a bit of nail art a whirl! 

(My right hand required intense concentration, so if your not so good at one hand than the other maybe get a friend to finish it off for you!)

If you have given this tip a go, take a photo and send it to me, or just let me know! I would love to feature the best ones on here :) 

Nicole Farhi Event at Harvey Nichols

               

Just a quick post about the event I attended the other evening at Harvey Nicholls showcasing Nicole Farhi's new Spring Summer collection with the designer herself as a special guest! Champagne was handed to us on entry (I could get used to that) and we took our seats among the increasingly bustling scene in the ladies wear department. 

Canapés were then handed out and as things got under way the chatter diminished and Nicole took her seat in front of the crowd along with the host. 

A run through of some of the designers favourite outfits from her collection were presented to us with a short description about the inspiration, the design, the style, the colours and even the construction of the garments. (below)

 This print features in a few of Nicole's pieces, the florals patterns and tones would look perfect in a Spring wardrobe. 

 Nicole sat next to the host, a freelance journalist in Manchester, who described what the models were wearing.

 I loved this jacket, made from parachute material and lined with mesh it fits perfectly into the sport chic trend. 

 Another popular print, grid like texture, belted with a hat screams effortless elegance. 

  This was definitely my favourite, the white floral laser cut shift dress, although I wouldn't have gone naked underneath as the model dared to do. 

 After the presentation, the guests got a chance to shop the collection with a special discount. Despite my love for the structured peach dress, (£350) the price tags were a little over budget so we just admired the models (below) and pondered how they could be real?! perfect skin, hair and the clothes to match, we were almost starstruck. 

 

 Our jealousy and lack of funds quickly drove us out the door and into the loving arms of Boots, were I proceeded to spend a hefty amount, including my very first pot of anti wrinkle cream! (post to follow) But back to the event, all in all, it was nice to see the collection and amazing to see the designer up close, but unless you had the bottle to go up and talk to her, there wasn't much else on the agenda! 

We attended this event through manchesterfashionnetwork.com. I would recommend an RSVP to local events as they are a great way to network especially if your a fashion blogger! 

Fishy Delishy

I'm trying my hardest to stay connected to the blogging world but revision calls! I promise there will be more insightful posts after the 8th of may! But for now however, a post about hair. The fish plait in particular. This marvellous hair styling technique is always popping up on Instagram on the fashion pages. There are a million and one different ways to wear this 'do' and there have been plenty of celebrities trying it out recently. 

 Not the biggest fan of Vanessa but she wears the fish tail well. 

I like the way Pixie Lott has done it in a parted head band style.

Rihanna's redness brings out the shape of the plait nicely! 

Here are some of my favourites from Instagram, all by Admirable Fashion and Fashion Dreams. 

 To try and describe it simply is a bit of a mission but here goes. Split your hair (or the pieces you want to use) into two sections. Take a little piece from one of the sections and pass it to the opposite side, the smaller the piece the better it will look. Repeat this keeping it as tight as possible all the way down your hair and voila! That was very basic so if your having trouble get onto Youtube for some tutorials. Here is my attempt (below) yes, its dark yes, I don't have any make up on and yes, I'm in bed, but a post is a post! 

My guess is this simple style is a bit hit for summer, so give it a try! 

Trend: The Bralet

These simple little tops have been cropping up all around the high street and I recently invested in this one above from Topshop, which I love and can't wait to wear! They are the perfect summer ensemble to match denim shorts on a scorching day, or a skater/pencil skirt and heels on a night out as well as being ideal for a good festival look! Available in a range of colours and styles to match your wardrobe and suit your shape, this season, the bralet is here to stay. The biggest culprit is Topshop with the best selection but others sporting the trend are River Island, Republic and Misguided. Below are a few of my favourites!

Bralets by emilyrodgers18 featuring tops