Both Parents Matter

I realise that I haven't shown you any of my photography work for a long while - so I'm putting this right! The reason I haven't done this as I have recently finished a university year long project, the culmination of which will be an exhibition in London that will show off my work (2 A2 portrait prints along with a portfolio book.)

The project I have been working on for so long is one that is very personal to me - it's entitled Both Parents Matter and is a portrait study of various fathers from around South Wales and further afield who have had various issues with having access to their children.

Coming from a set of divorced parents, and living with first one parent and then the other, I got to see that both parents can be equally as qualified to be a residential parent.

This is not often seen through courts however - the mother is most likely to have residence of the child, and this can sometimes not even be in the 'best interests' of the child, but just what is expected to happen. This is not to say that some fathers who don't see their children aren't in the wrong - there are fathers AND mothers out there who don't see their children, and couldn't be less bothered about it.

My portraits are all of fathers who DO want to see their children - but are/have been prevented through no fault of their own. Some of the cases are really sad and heart-wrenching, and some have been resolved with the father now being able to see their children, but for now I'll just show you some of the images that I created. 

Out With The Old

The end of this week will officially mark the end of my university life (the majority of it anyway,) as I hand in my final lump of work tomorrow, then have my May Ball on friday. All that's left after that is my exhibition in June (in london!!) then I'm actually done and I have to start thinking about becoming an adult (once I've done my 6 week tour of America's west coast of course.)  I've bought a fabulous gladiator style dress, and am going to wear some killer shoes, so thought it was only right I should match this with an awesome new 'do!

I decided to go with a fringe - what do you think?

xo.

Clarks Henderson Sky

A few weeks ago I was contacted by a representative of Clarks to ask whether I'd like to review a pair of shoes. Clarks had always been somewhere that I'd shopped when I was younger and wanted reliable, sturdy shoes for school. It wasn't somewhere that I had looked recently though, as I had always felt that their shoes might be a bit too 'adult' for my style. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I actually liked quite a few of their summer shoes! It took me a while to pick (I was stuck between a wedged pair and a flat pair) and in the end I chose a flat pair of brogues with cute flower cut out details, called 'Henderson Sky'.

They're made out of soft leather and have padded inners making them really comfy to wear. It was nice to have cool feet too as they have the little cut outs, meaning my feet get well aired! I think they're going to be perfect to wear over summer with summer dresses and skirts. They also have them in pink on the website, but I got cream as I thought they would go with more :)

Clarks Henderson Sky Brogues*

What do you think?

xo.

Fire Island

Recently me and my friends made a trip to Fire Island in Cardiff (doesn't it sound like something from Pokemon?!) I'd heard good things about the food, and the photos online of the interior looked really cool and relaxed. Perfect for a girly catch-up! I wore my new pencil skirt and a crop top.

The food did not disappoint! I had pulled pork and brisket, which was so tasty that I finished it all within about 5 minutes. One of my friends had ribs and wings, another had a pulled pork sandwich.... mmm! I'll definitely be back to try more of the food.
Thanks to my lovely housemate grace for taking my outfit photos!

Top: Topshop

Skirt: Boutique

Have you been to Fire Island?

xo.

Sweet Sugar Baby

This outfit for me is so girly, prim and proper, it's a little bit more 'feminine' than I'd usually go for, what with the long sleeves and lacy collar. This outfit also sees the return of my pinafore dress - even though it seems a bit of a novelty item in my wardrobe, it makes everything seem more quirky and interesting (and also covers up the extreme boob gape I've got going on in the blouse ;]) I really like the pretty details on this blouse, even though it may be a bit 'out there' for me, the collar is gorgeous and the little pearl buttons on the cuffs are amazing. I wore this food shopping and felt like such a lady, it made me want to bake cakes and make cocktails and throw a dinner party. Im sure that's not normal?!

Top: Oasap*

Dress: River Island

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

xo.

All Tied Up

I had never really liked blouses, or any shirts for that matter, done right up to my neck before - I was under the impression they would make my boobs look mahoosive (yes thats a word) but recently, after trying this one on in River Island, I became (a little) obsessed! They have it in lots of lovely colours - cream, coral polka dots... I want them all! This skirt is still a firm favourite, the black colour means it goes with everything but the wet look means that it's just that little bit edgier. What I like about this outfit as a whole is that it's dressy enough that with heels you could wear it out/to a party, but during the day with my platforms it's not too dressy! 

Blouse: River Island

Skirt: Internacionale

Tights: Primark

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

xo.

Clarins Review: Limited Edition Summer Bronzing Compact

I had been looking for a bronzing compact for a little while when I saw the Clarins Splendour Limited Edition Bronzing compact on Tattooed Tea Lady's blog. I fell completely and spectacularly in love with it - it's SO beautiful, more like a work of art than a piece of makeup! I ordered it straight away (at the pretty hefty price of £25, which I did wince a bit at!) However, when it arrived I forgot all about the hit to my wallet and set about admiring it! It's much bigger than I thought it would be - much bigger than all of my other compacts - but this just makes it seem more luxurious. The outside of it is an amber colour, and has a golden layer underneath which shines in the sun! The pattern reminds me of something aztec, it's very pretty and summery.

Inside, the compact is just as beautiful - I've never seen a compact with a pattern like it, with so much detail. It has sections of lighter brown, and sections of darker, and then a small circle of golden highlighter in the centre. When all of the colours are swirled together on a blusher brush, the colour that emerges is a golden brown, very summery and flattering.

All in all, The compact is well worth the money and I have a feeling I won't be without it in the summer months! I urge you to buy it, NOW, before they all sell out forever (it is limited edition after all!)

What do you think? Isn't it beautiful?

xo,