REVIEW: VERSACE - YELLOW DIAMOND

In my last post I wrote about Paco Rabanne - '1 Million', well on the same day I also treated myself to Versace - 'Yellow Diamond'. I've never bought a women's fragrance before, most that I have smelled have been too sweet and 'girly' for my liking, but recently I came across 'Yellow Diamond' and fell in love with it.

It has of course a feminine scent to it, but in a very fresh, sunny way.. not just the typical 'flowery' smells that are usually associated with female fragrances. Again I was wary of buying it (I'm so indecisive about purchases such as fragrance as it's a daily thing which I need to love enough to wear it everyday) but now I am so happy that I did buy it.

"Yellow Diamond is crafted as a pure, transparent and airy floral fragrance, sparkling and intense as the yellow color, while being luxurious and feminine like a diamond. Its composition opens with luminous freshness of lemon, bergamot, neroli and pear sorbet. The heart features airy orange blossom, freesia, mimosa and water lily. The base is made of amber, precious musk and guaiac wood."

As you all know I am quite an androgynous guy, some days I'm more feminine and some days I'm more masculine.. my outfits and the way I style my hair play a huge role in this and now so can what fragrance I am wearing. I now have a very masculine fragrance in '1 Million' for nights out, dVb will always be part of my collection and 'Yellow Diamond' will be the perfect fragrance to compliment my androgynous days.

I absolutely love the packaging and the bottle! The box it came in was a bright citrus yellow with a gold Baroque pattern, so very Versace darhling! The bottle is a gorgeous shape, with its sharp cut lines and facets just like a exquisite gems tone. The top is a large bright yellow (although the color has been drained from this photo unfortunately) crystal which matches the color of the liquid sunshine inside, in the centre of the crystal is the Versace medusa logo in gold.. all together it is a very well designed bottle that would look great on any dressing table.

I bought it from Boots, 30ml on sale for £20.99.. also included in the box is a 50ml perfumed body lotion which I think is a nice extra. I recommend this fragrance and especially at this price it's a perfect little treat for yourself or a loved one.

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REVIEW: PACO RABANNE - 1 MILLION

As it's the new year it's the perfect time to change up a few things and one of those is what fragrances I wear, I've worn nothing but dVb fragrances for almost four years now and I really do fancy a change, I fancy mixing it up a little!

So, I've been interested in Paco Rabanne -  '1 Million' since it came out a few years ago, but when I initially smelt it (as much as I actually loved it) it reminded me of someone who'd I'd rather forget and as I said in one of my previous fragrance posts when a memory get attached to a particular smell it's very hard to get over/forget that. But a few months ago I smelt it again, on a passer-by in a club and I was absolutely blown away.. I knew straight away what it was and it smelt incredible.

I was wary of buying it at first, but for me now this fragrance doesn't remind me of the past, it signals the future.. an intoxicating future. That's the best word to describe '1 Million' - intoxicating - when I smell it it's like a world of seductive indulgence, sex, power and exquisite decadence in a beautiful bottle shaped like a gold bullion bar.

"The fragrance opens with sparkling fresh fruits, including notes of frosted grapefruit, blood mandarin and peppermint. The heart is spicy and masculine with rose absolute, musk and cinnamon bark. In the base, sensual leather notes of blond leather, tonka bean and amber ketal round out the fragrance."

I bought the 50ml bottle which was £35.99 from Superdrug, prices don't really vary across the shops for this fragrance, but from what I've heard from sales assistants it's one of every store's bestsellers and I did notice over the Christmas period it was sold out in Boots. I highly recommend '1 Million' to any guy out there who's looking for a new fragrance that will really make them stand out from the crowd and drive your senses wild with desire.

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ALWAYS ONE STEP AHEAD

As I write this the sun is shining brightly through my bedroom window and there is a slight Summer breeze in the air.. despite this my thought are with the Autumn/Winter season.

I know it's August but I can't help but think ahead to when the weather turns colder and harsher, maybe it's because I'm a fashionista.. always looking/thinking ahead is built into our minds. As always the two biggest things I look forward too when the colder months come is chunky knitwear and fur, and what better way to prepare than stocking up during the Summer?

I recently purchased these two chunky knit jumpers from Topman, specifically the Topman sale! That's one of the reasons why I buy classic A/W pieces during the Summer because of the sales. These were £34 down to £20 for the burgundy one and £17 for the navy. They're really comfortable, cozy and will definitely keep me warm! I can't wait to wear them with skinny trousers/jeans, military boots and of course fur!!

P.S. The burgundy jumper reminds me of something Mrs Weasly would knit for Ron or Harry, it does actually make me feel special, haha.

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MOST WANTED WEDNESDAY #5

This week's most wanted item is..

This minimalist waistcoat from the AAA Collection by Topman. Ok, I know that my most wanted Wednesday's are usually about designer or one off pieces which with astronomical price tags I can't afford right now, but I cam across this earlier on the Topman website and instantly wanted it. Its sleek, minimal on details and very tailored. Would look amazing with a high fashion look or the rock n' roll look which this collection pays homage to.

I would wear this with military boots, skinny black trousers, a crisp white shirt and with a lot of silver rings/bracelets.

At £50 it is quite accessible, but I've got a long list of 'must have' pieces for Spring to buy first! By the time I get round to buying it, it might be in the sale! But it would still look as fresh and modern as it does now because in my opinion this will never date or go out of style. A true investment piece.

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THE CASUAL MILITARY

Leather Jacket (Topman) Knitted Jacket (H&M) Graphic T-shirt (Topman) Skinny Jeans (Blue Banana) Socks (Llanelli Market) Leather Military Boots (Topman)

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SPACE TRAVELLER: PART 1

Grey viscose jersey draped neckline top. Brown patterned leather belt. Grey viscose jersey leggings. Brown patterned leather heelless boots.

Red silk hooded jumpsuit with black elastic panelling detail & front zipper. Black patent leather knee high boots.

These two illustrations are from my new mini collection 'Space Traveller'. This collection was inspired by the idea of space travel becoming a everyday thing for the human race, as seen in such films like Star Wars.

One day technology may allow us to travel to other planets/systems quickly and safely and I thought about what would one wear whilst doing this, taking into consideration I didn't want to design anything too 'costumey' and also think about the practicalities of traveling in space.

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DRAW ME A PICTURE

Modified Giles Deacon Dress & Gucci Boots

VB Tunic Dress & VB Elastic Panel Leggings

Just a couple of illustrations I drew over the weekend, I've been working on my technique and even drew the base figure myself! I also worked on drawing more realistic fabric e.g. folds which I included in my second illustration. I hope you guys like them!

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Get Sexy

Can you wear high leg boots and cutouts without looking trashy? 

Yes, you can!

This dress is perfect for a night out but also for an office party, and is a new silhouette this season with the strategic cutouts on the side. The boots add a little 'naughtiness' to the outfit, they are a big trend this Autumn/Winter. They are an investment buy as you can wear them with jeans, skirts ect. and can wear year after year. 

Grey Cutout Dress. £30. asos.com

Black High Leg Boots. £95. Topshop.com

xoxo