Elena Inspired Room: Vampire Diaries Decor

In terms of television bedrooms, Elena Gilbert from ‘The Vampire Diaries’ has to have one of the most understated, yet beautiful rooms. This article will give you some inspiration into how to decorate your space similarly, as shown in the pictures of our reader; Monique’s bedroom. (Surprisingly, there is no garlic or vervain in sight!)

What makes Elena’s room so alluring is its softness and femininity. The walls are painted a creamy vanilla colour; her large bed is draped with billowing material of different textures to create warmth. Rosy pink curtains cast a warm light into the space by adding soft colour. And an antique style white desk holds photographs, a lamp and various awards to add a personal touch. In three words, her décor is simple, feminine and classic.

To replicate this style, lots of neutral colours have been entwined through Monique’s bedroom. It is light, and the subtle splashes of colour in the cushions and photographs only add to the softness and warmth (an escape from the dark world of the blood lusting vampires of Mystic Falls!) 

Country Road Bedspread/ Morgan and Finch Sheets/ Lumiere Art and Co, Doyle Cushion/ Ourlieu Colourful Cushion/ IKEA Hemnes Desk/ IKEA Ingolf Chair

An eclectic mix of both traditional and modern furniture has been incorporated in both Monique and Elena’s bedrooms. The cast iron bed creates a more traditional feel, when placed beside the modern shelves and bookstand. This juxtaposition between old and new creates both balance and interest, as it thrives on its understated beauty. In Elena’s room a large, hand drawn horse has been placed above her bed, whereas Monique has opted for a 3 piece photo frame, creating a similar effect. 

Ikea Leirvik Bed/ Country Road Bedspread/ Morgan and Finch Sheets/ Lumiere Art and Co, Doyle Cushion/ Ourlieu Colourful Cushion

The lanterns in Monique’s room have to be my favourite. They add light and warmth, and fit in perfectly with the ambience created in Elena’s room; romantic and feminine. 

Treehouse Fairy Lights

Elena’s room also holds a beautiful built in bookcase to display awards, photographs and books. This has been replicated in Monique’s room using a shelving unit to personalise the space and create a similar eclectic feel. (While still minimising clutter)

IKEA Expedit Shelving Unit with Matching Baskets/ White Photo Frames

Elena’s desk is an antique white, with rounded, black handles. A very simular chest of drawers can be found in Monique’s room, where the display of awards and photographs also tie the two spaces together.

IKEA Hemnes Chest of Drawers

Whenever we’re in need of a way to express ourselves or our mood, we tend to look to our wardrobes, when in fact; your room is just as much a reflection of your personal taste as your outfits! To get 'The Vampire Diares' feel to your room, go with an eclectic mix of furniture,with subtle rosy curtains and cushions, a neutral coloured wall colour, and add your own personal touches with your favourite photos and memories. 

Goodnight, sleep tight, don't let the vampires bite!

Xx

Beach Baby!

Photographed by: Robert Erdmann for Tatler Magazine June 2011

I don’t know about you, but every year I look forward to the day when the final school bell rings, exams are over and Summer has begun! Lounging by the pool in your fave pair of Steve Madden espadrilles, swimming with dolphins and gorgeously bronzed on vacation. For a whole three months there’s no waking up at the crack of dawn, no more itchy, uncomfortable winter uniforms, no more mind numbingly boring algebra homework. So you can imagine my disdain to find the season drawing to a close. Here is my list of the Top 10 things you should try to do before Summer ends. Grab your shades and sunscreen, this one looks like a scorcher!

Gabrielle enjoying the sun

   GO SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS:

This was a childhood dream of mine for so long, so It was literally a dream come true when my Dad told me for Christmas I was going swimming with dolphins! It was such an unbelievable experience, and definitely something to add to the bucket list of you love these creatures as much as I do.

MAKE A SMOOTHIE:

Due to the fact that in Summer, at least half of my pay is spent buying Boost Juice, why not make up your own fruity combinations at home using your favourite tropical fruits. Yum!

      TAKE A ROADTRIP

This Summer my friends and I all shared a beach house together for a week and it was so much fun! What would anyone rather be doing than hanging at the beach with their best girl friends?

WEAR YOUR BRIGHTEST, PRETTIEST SUMMER COLOURS

      What better time to flaunt the prettiest colours in your wardrobe and experiment with fashion?

Photographed by: Robert Erdmann for Tatler Magazine June 2011

  TRAMPOLINE FUN 

Lather your trampoline in soap, and put a garden sprinkler underneath. If you haven’t already discovered this (or perhaps forgotten it), you will have fun for hours and cool down as well.

MAKE SOMETHING NEW, OR FIX SOMETHING OLD

This Summer my cousins and I found this old boat ring, and we decided to repaint it and sand it. Use these last warm days for a DIY project!

Photographed by: Robert Erdmann for Tatler Magazine June 2011

'S' IS FOR SALES

 The end of Summer is also the best time to buy your bathers, as they are all on sale! And with a bikini this gorgeous, you'll never want it end.

1. Seafolly Coastline Bustier/ 2. Seafolly Songbird/ 3. Seafolly Miami Bandeau/ 4. Seafolly Field Trip Scuba Bikini

GO SAILING

Okay, this one may be a bit difficult if (like me) you don’t actually own a boat; but I had a go at solo sailing on my uncles boat and absolutely loved it. Listening to Weezer - Island in the Sun while using the ropes and sail is like being in a perfect summer film. Think ‘Charlie St. Cloud’... NOT ‘Titanic’

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”    - Mark Twain

TRY A NEW ICE-CREAM FLAVOUR
Okay so this option is definitely not for the faint hearted, but I dare you! Get outside your comfort zone and opt for the ‘Lemon and Lime’ instead of the ‘Choc Fudge Sundae’ flavour. You might even surprise yourself. 

HAPPILY EVER SUMMER

Before you get weighed down with books you HAVE to read, pick something you actually enjoy. I recommend ‘Love, Rosie’ by Cecelia Ahern which was one of my own holiday reads and is now my new favourite book!

Claire building sandcastles

As much as I love Summer, I think everyone can agree on one thing; we won’t miss being eaten alive by mosquitoes, or the never-ending pile of sand in our shoes, or Crocs. I can say this because I have succumbed to inebriation, and surrendered my dignity to buying a pair of Crocs. I guess I must have some undiagnosed brain injury, because I stupidly thought this was okay… IT’S NOT OKAY. And now that this is out in the open, I can safely assure you that they are not shoes. They are an abomination of nature.

“I thought you would have burned your Crocs by now”

“Oh I have. Multiple times. In my dreams. The good ones”

And the worst part is that in 10 years when I’m being interviewed at Vogue, I will not be able to put “never owned Crocs” on my resume…

In fact, I detest them more than anything, second only to “My Family” stickers. It’s like; thank you so much for telling me about your stick figure family of 6! Your Kia Carnival had me under the impression you were wild and single.

Though at times sad, the end of Summer is the beginning of a new season. And trust me; you’re going to wanna read every minute of it.

Xx

Crazy Cupid Love

Photographed by: Madeline Pratt. View her photography here

February may be the hottest month of the year, yet things are heating up even further as February the 14th is right around the corner. Whether you adore Valentine’s Day, think it should be a national-no-school-holiday, or a short, chubby toddler coming at you with a weapon isn’t your idea of “romantic”, one thing is for certain; Godiva dark chocolate truffles will be 50% off on the 15^th!

When I was five I wanted Valentine’s Day to be something out of a fairy-tale tale; like Romeo and Juliet. I know Romeo died, but he died for something compelling, and I wanted my day to be something to die for! Let’s just say it ended in heartbreak…

“Wanna sit on the swings together?”

“Go away!”

Love is in the air. It’s on the tips of our tongues. It’s what we’re thinking about before we fall asleep. But just because the world has turned into one gigantic BE MINE conversation heart, doesn’t mean some of us don’t dread the approaching onslaught of teddy bears, roses and dimly lit restaurants. It's funny to remember on this day that one of the most important relationships I have in the world is not with a boyfriend, but with a best friend!

Shakespeare didn’t write sonnets about star sign compatibility and Nicholas Sparks didn’t write “The Notebook” about stimulating conversations and shared life interests. “The real loves are the crazy ones!” Like my love of fashion. Take a look at my February Favourites of all of the things that have stolen my heart. After all, if a man doesn’t fit, you can’t exchange him seven days later for a gorgeous Balenciaga bag!

1. Tuleste Heart Bracelet/ 2. Lanvin Love Necklace/ 3. Moschino Heart Belt/ 4. Kate Spade Pants/ 5. White Heart Heels/ 6. Edie Parker Clutch/ 7. Kate Spade Love Flats/ 8. Kate Spade iPhone Case/ 9. Heart Sunglasses /  10. Moschino Cheap and Chic Clutch/ 11. OPI Nail Polish/ 12. Kate Spade LOVE wallet

And if you want to be someone’s sweetheart, why not donate to Heart Kids; an organisation helping to fight childhood heart disease. The cost of a dozen red roses will help to transport sick children and their parents to and from hospital for surgery and other treatment.

Now if you'll excuse me, I’m playing Cupid and have a Valentine's vendetta to carry out.

Xx

Love is in the Hair

As the onslaught of cupids, roses and cute little cherubs in diapers begins, many of us will find ourselves either; dreading Valentine’s Day and counting down the days with trepidation, or are head over heels in love with the idea of roses, chocolates and sappy love stories.
Or perhaps you're completely oblivious to the upcoming event, and like many, wouldn't even give it a second thought. But for those who do plan on celebrating the occasion with a dashing display of love and affection- by declaring their love publicly to the one they adore. Or for those who are going to watch a rom-com on their lap top while munching on a packet of Doritos, I present five hairstyles which will rock your date’s socks off, (or make Channing Tatum's jaw drop when he comes to whisk you away from you're rom-com and Doritos and take you away on a romantic, eccentric date!) Like Jessica Mauboy says "I believe that anything is possible”. 
Whether your Facebook relationship status says; in a relationship, single, engaged, married, it's complicated, in an open relationship, widowed, separated, divorced, in a civil union or in a domestic partnership, then I hope you find these hairstyles useful for whatever your plans are this Valentine’s Day, or any future romantic endeavours you may encounter.

Milk Maid Braid

Braided Ponytail

Fishtail Braid

Small Braids with bun

Wrap around Braid

Orange is the new Black

I DO NOT want to go to jail. Firstly, they make you wear hideous jumpsuits that are orange. Orange is so not my colour. Secondly, the prison guards would use tons of proactive to prevent “break outs”, all while you’re stuck sharing a bar of communal soap between 15 inmates. I went on an excursion to a prison once; I was only in there for an hour. That’s longer than Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan combined. Trust me, I don’t even like the orange colour of peach pie (one of my much loved desserts), so the last thing I want in life is to share a jail cell with someone calling me “Peach Pie” while I braid her back hair. And do you know how dull it would be? I’m alone for 5 minutes, and I get so bored; I come this close to actually cleaning my rom. Lets face it, if I ever did go to prison, I’d want to look cute in my mug shot. I would turn myself in, just so I could at least make sure my hair and makeup was on point.

When I’m not thinking of jail cells, orange reminds me of horrible fake tans that make you look like you’ve rolled in a bag of cheesy puffs, or escaped from Wonka’s factory. Seriously, orange is for prisoners, Jet Star flight attendants and Velma from Scooby Doo. Teenage girls do not fall under that category, at least not in my mind.

However, my new year’s resolution to “try new things” (oh god, what am I getting myself into?) has extended to me buying something orange! Gasp! And I really do love it! It’s oh so summery and reminds me of tropical fruits and tangerines. Is it possible that a colour I once hated could really replace the timeless and classic beauty of black? 

Makeup and Photographs by: Eloise Hogan

***I AM wearing orange, believe it or not! Even though it looks like pink in the photos***
The verdict: So, is it possible that a colour I once hated could really replace the timeless and classic beauty of black?

Xx

Devils wear Prada, Angels wear Jimmy Choo

Photographed by Raymond Meier

Every time I leave the house for a party, I’m questioned on the safety of my shoe height, and offered suggestions to switch to a more “sensible” pair. Um… I wear five inches, or I wear nothing! So for all of those fashion-forward girls out there whose mothers make similar suggestions, I have compiled a list of THE most un-sensible, (and did I mention, drop-dead gorgeous) heels for a special night out. Seriously! If Jimmy Choo and Satan co created a shoe line… they would be more comfortable than these pairs of heels. 

Xx

1. Guiseppe Zanotti / 2. Nine West Guana / 3. Miss Masquerade / 4. Guess Kainda / 5. Milanoo/ 6.Jeffrey Campbell Gospel / 7. Christian Louboutin / 8. Kurt Geiger / 9. Abbey / 10. No longer available / 11. Steve Madden Pantha / 12. Pour La Victoire’s Tifara / 13. Gianvito Rossi / 14. Topshop

Safety Hazard

I swear I tripped out of the womb. Perhaps that's not possible, but if it is then I definitely did. So when people say I'm clumsy, it's probably the world’s most colossal understatement! Due to my continuous falling over, spilling things, making a total embarrassment of myself, and being the least elegant person alive, I thought I'd share with you all my 'Top five most common falls and embarrassing moments: and how to get out of them without making a total fool of yourself'; 

1. The 'I just fell over that minuscule crack in the pavement'. Ok so this one is really embarrassing, especially when that crack doesn't actually exist. Usually this type of fall results in a stumble and possibly landing on your hands and knees, but can be covered up if you take an extra big step forward with the opposite foot so it looks like your lunging. Seriously, people do yoga and tai-chi everywhere and anywhere these days, so doing a few lunges on the foot path can certainly be passed off as normal!

2. The 'Tripped over the table leg at a restaurant or bar and may have just flashed your undies'. While you can't exactly erase what the rest of the restaurant may or may not have seen, you can make it appear like you’re doing a little Feng-Shui. Rearrange the chairs you just tripped over, then step back and give your new furniture arrangement a look of approval. Sure maybe you'll still look a little strange, but vensua is totally hipster and that's better than looking like a total clutz.

3. The 'My ankle just gave way for no apparent reason and it looks like I've been pushed over by Luke Skywalker using the force'. So in this case you better damn hope you're standing near a wall or a person (preferably someone you know). If you're near a wall when you fall into it, simply lean up against it for a few minutes and check your phone. Don't worry it'll look o'natural. If you're next to one of your friends or family members, go in for a hug, use them for balance and smile! You'll seem super friendly (or perhaps a little too friendly… Yeah definitely do NOT use this one on strangers).

4. The 'Dancing is all fun and games until someone stands on the back of your Forever New maxi dress and you go hurtling over towards the DJ'. Ok so whoever stepped on the back of your dress seriously needs to watch out! Like have they never heard of taking a step back? Honestly- step away from the dress. It's hard enough to walk in heels, let alone when you've got what may as well be a floor length gown. Anyway back to the trip… so after you've stumbled forward a few steps (or if worse comes to worse fallen flat on your face) either start shuffling backwards and pull out your best dance moves, or start break dancing on the floor. Who knows, maybe your new moves will start a trend.

5. The 'Tripped over on stage in front of your entire school/ family/ friends'. Take it from Jennifer Lawrence's fall at the Oscars: laugh it off! Honestly there's no hiding this fall. Rather than covering it up, it's best to just embrace it. People will forget it, or you'll eventually just look back on it and laugh. Sometimes you have to be able to laugh at yourself.

So I hoped I could help you (or at the very least entertain you) with my misfortunes, and maybe some of you can relate. Surely I'm not the only one tripping over imaginary cracks in the pavement… right?