I'M KIND OF ADDICTED

MY GUILTY PLEASURE

I've got this little obsession with ice-creams. 

I've loved them for as long as I can recall. 

This year in particular, I've been the most lucky girl in the world. 

It turned out that my favorite ice-cream shop opened a parlour in my town centre. 

It is not just any ice-cream, it is Homemade Italian Ice-cream, meaning that if you buy a strawberry one, it will taste as strawberries, not as a chemical and artificial mixture of products with strawberry flavor. 

This shop (Via Venetto) has any kind of ice-cream flavor you can think of, from Kinder to Ferrero Rocher, from Mango to Pineapple... They are even thinking of making a pumpkin pie one for autumn and maybe a chestnut-flavored one as well (weird, I know). And they taste amazing (I don't know about the pumpkin and chestnut though). 

My and my best friend's ice-creams.
Left: my pineapple and lemon ice-cream
Right: her mango and catalan cream ice-cream

I feel guilty about this, because I have an ice-cream from there as often as I can (maybe once a week or every two weeks). It is not a very healthy habit, but it is the most delicious one, I can assure you.  

Lots of Love, 

FASHION AL <3

REVENGE WEARS PRADA - BOOK REVIEW

REVENGE WEARS PRADA BOOK REVIEW

This is one of the latest books I've read and I absolutely loved it. 

"Revenge Wears Prada" is a sequel for "Devil Wears Prada", which I fell in love with. I read the book and watched the film over and over again. I think I am never going to get bored of it. 

I think I loved the film so much because of the fashion they showed and that inside look to the fashion world and to the editing and business world they gave us. I've always loved those things, to be honest. The film also had really funny parts and one character in particular made me love the film even more (Nigel, played by Stanley Tucci). 

So when I found out they have released a sequel to that story, I was a little bit shocked at first, as I thought that the first one ended perfectly and needn't have a sequel at all. Nevertheless, I could do nothing more than go to my bookshop and buy the book. I had to wait for quite a long time to get it, but when I finally did, I could not be any happier. 

I am not going to do a spoiler of the book, but I can honestly and proudly say that I loved every single word of it, thing I fairly didn't expect. 

It is a continuation to Andy's life and what is going on with her after ten years of non-working for Miranda Priestly. 

Once again, the way that it is written and the way everything is pictured in a couple of words is amazing.

The story is a very intense one. It has troubles and surprises from the first page. It has moments that made me shout to the characters and moments where the only thing I wanted to do was to throw the book through the window.

A curious thing I thought I'd share with you is that it is believed that the writer (Lauren Weisberger) based her character Miranda Priestly in Anna Wintour (English editor-in-chief of American Vogue). Rumor has it...

Left: Anna Wintour
Right: Meryl Streep as Miranda Priesty

I loved it to be honest. I savored every single page, every single sentence, every single word from the book. 

I do not really know the writer, as "Devil Wears Prada" and "Revenge Wears Prada" are her only books I've read; but I am really looking forward to change that and see if she can join my "favorite writer" list.

Lauren Weisberger

They both are books I recommend you, and I encourage you to go and, at least, watch the first film (in which Anna Hathaway and Meryl Streep play the main characters)

Anna Hathaway (Andy) and Meryl Streep (Miranda) in "Devil Wears Prada"

I've read an article on the internet concerning a probable sequel to the film. Nothing's certain yet, but I'd like that rumor to become a truth. 

Lots of Love, 

FASHION AL <3

BRAIDS EVERYWHERE.

BRAIDS FOR A LITTLE TOUCH

I just wanted to show you guys the result of my efforts to make an original hairstyle with just the help of a braid. 

This technique can be used with every single hairstyle. You can improve it by just adding that simple detail. Plus, this season in particular, braids with every single coiffure are trending.

What do you guys think of what I did? 

Hope you all like it and try to do it :)

Here, I leave you some examples taken from Google, We Heart It and Twitter that maybe could help and encourage you to give braids a try. 

I know they are very professional, but you don't have to copy them (it's almost impossible; believe me, I've tried), you just have to get some ideas from them. Maybe mixing some of the models could help you make a very original hairstyle in the end. 

So, I encourage you guys to try and have the courage to add a little touch to your everyday hairstyle. 

Lots of Love, 

FASHION AL <3

CHERRY AUTUMN

CHERRY PURCHASE FOR A CHERRY AUTUMN

Hello everyone once again. 

It's been a long time since I wanted to buy a new lipstick to add to my collection; because I don't have that much shades or colours, and... to be honest, it can't really be considered a collection. 

I was looking for a red shade, one which wasn't too strong, as I don't like flashy colours on my lips. 

Today, I've been lucky enough to be able to go shopping with my granny and to visit my favourite high street. 

I went in and the assistant helped me finding what I was looking for. 

After trying loads of shades (I think they were 12 or so), I finally found what I was dreading to have. THE PERFECT LIPSTICK. 

It is from CLARINS PARIS, number 13 in Cherry. 

You might be asking yourselves why is it the PERFECT lipstick [if not I'll tell you anyway :)]. It is not a very strong lipstick; it is red, but its really moderate, not an excessively showy one. It is also glittery, it smells really good and it is supposed to last for a very long time. 

Today is the first day I wear it, and I have to say that I am already in love with it. 

It wasn't a cheap purchase, I have to admit that. It was not the most expensive one either, but still... I think it is worth the price, and that you'll see it in my future favourite videos. 

Lots of love

FASHION AL <3

WELCOME TO THE NECKLACE WORLD

NECKLACES: YOUR BEST ALLIES

Imagine this situation: you're wearing your favourite outfit, the one you always wear on special occasions; but you're a little bit tired of wearing always the same basis. You need a change. 

So, instead of spending lots of money in a new outfit, you just have to spend a load less for a necklace; that way you'll have a much more complete look by adding just one item.  

It is incredible how much of a difference a necklace makes to an outfit; from an everyday basis to a date one. 

It adds a different touch to your attire and little bit more of glamour to you. Besides, they are a perfect accessory and really easy to match with anything; form a watch to some earrings. 

There are a lot of different types of necklaces, but the ones that I mostly use, as you can see, are the short ones. The explanation for that is that, as I have a long neck, they really suit me and my style.  

I normally wear them with shirts and blouses, with jumpers or even dresses to not to make my outfit as simple as it actually is. 

So, if you are looking forward to buying an accessory, I highly recommend you to purchase necklaces. You'll get into my world of loving-necklaces people.  

Lots of love, 

FAHSION AL <3

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

While walking along my usual shopping street, I suddenly spotted in the highstreet (or drug-store, you name it)I normally go to this Chanel Promotion. 

There were some new products that they were advertising. 

I'm not the kind of person who buys expensive beauty products, but I thought I'd have a look, as they looked really intresting. 

And there it was. Double Perfection Lumière. 

It is powder makeup, something I was looking for, and it looked so nice and lasting, that I thought I'd give it a try.

I think I'll be able to use it for my every day makeup basis. It might go well with a light, natural look.  

This is not the type of makeup I usually buy, as I go for cheaper brands, but I have a great feeling about it. 

I hope this joins someday my "favourites" list. 

Lots of love, 

Fashion AL

LUCKY ME!

This week I've been able to have my nails done, and for free!
The sister of one of my guy friends was doing a course based on hand-care. She needed a hand model and she asked me (though maybe I wasn't the best option she had) if she could do some practice on my nails. 
I obviously agreed to it. 
The design is based on some pictures we found in We heart It, and the result is not that bad at all!
I really like them and wanted to share it with you, as this is the first time that I do something like this. 

Comment below what you think about them.

Thank you all for reading. 

Love from Fashion AL <3

SEPTEMBER FAVOURITES

MY SEPTEMBER FAVOURITES

Though it might be a little late for this post, I wanted to do it anyway and show you all the things I've been loving the most last month and recommend some of them for you to use. 

September for me was really good. Leaving aside the fact that it is the month when classes start all over again, I had a lot of fun. I got the chance to go and visit quite a few places I've never been or haven't been in a long time. 

It is also the month where the hot weather starts to fade off, and the sun doesn't shine as bright and hot as before. Autumn approaches while the days get shorter and colder. 

The good news are that soon enough, we'll be able to wear the autumn-winter collection, which I love and will do a post about it later. 

So, with no further interruptions, here you have my September favourites. 

APIVITA - LIP CARE

The fist product I'll be showing you are this lip balms. They are from APIVITA, which is a brand whose products are 100% made out of natural ingredients. 

I loved them because they gave a little colour to my lips while they hydrated them. It is like a lipstick and a lip balm all in one product. The first one is with Pink Rose (which gives a really light pinky colour to your lips), and the second is with Pomegranate (which gives a stronger colour, but still perfect if you don't want to have your lips full coloured). 

I highly recommend these. They're very good and last for a looooong time. Plus, they taste incredibly good! 

Poly Swing - Hair Mousse - "Espuma Extra Volumen"

This is one of the things I purchased while in Spain. I'm not sure whether you can get it online or not, but I'm sure there are lots of products similar to this one. I just bought it because I remember my aunt using it when I was little, and I decided to try it. 

It is a Mousse that gives volume to your hair. So, if you, like me, have reaaaally straight hair, this product is just perfect. It helps your hair to get a little bit of shape and don't look as it normally does.

I really recommend it because it helps a lot, even in lazy hair days. You can just apply it to your hair and you're good to go. Also, it doesn't get your hair sticky or dirty at all. Plus, it smells deliciously good. 

Equivalenza perfume - Dolce and Gabbana "Emperatriz"

I've discovered this shop once I went shopping in Canterbury (though I am not from there at all) and I decided to go in and have a look. 

It turned up that that shop made perfumes out of natural ingredients that smelled exactly the same as perfumes from Dolce and Gabbana, Chanel, DKNY, etc. 

Apart from the fact that they were absolute copies, they are like 100 times cheaper than the original ones. 

So, as I was running out of it, I decided to buy the clone of my perfume in that shop and I am super happy with it. I couldn't tell the difference between the original and the clone. 

Now I know where to go to buy my perfume. I recommend you to try this shop if you have the chance to. 

Avène - Eau Thermale

This is perfect for those who, like me, have really sensitive skin. 
I started applying it after being under the sun for hours. 
It really has helped me when my skin was irritated. It calms your skin and at the same time it gives it minerals which will help your skin to get stronger and less sensitive. 
I've used it all September long and I feel a great improvement. 



So, this is it. I honestly can't wait for Christmas to come! That means: snow, presents, family and, of course, presents! 

Thank you all for reading. Please let me know in the comments below if you want to know anything else at all or if you have any suggestions at all. Don't be shy! 

My next post will be about clothes and essentials for this season. 

I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I loved writing it. 

Love from Fashion AL <3

RAINY AFTERNOONS. TO DO LIST

WHAT TO DO ON A WET, RAINY EVENING

Autumn has come and so have the rainy and cold afternoons.

"Rainy Afternoon" by Adam Antaloczy

These afternoons could be either the funniest or the most boring ones, depending on what you do to cover up all the free time they give you and you attitude towards them. 

For me, they were the perfect moment to do things I don't usually have the time to do because I have to be somewhere else doing something else. 

Anyway, there were moments where I had no clue on what to do at all. In those occasions I would just sit there either chatting with my friends on iMessage or FaceBook or tweeting things... Just missing my hole afternoon. 

Today it was one of those "unproductive" evenings, so, while on Twitter (what a surprise), I had this idea to share to you all the things you could do on a, let's say, "Rainy Afternoon". 

• Read a book

I know this is the typical thing your parents would suggest, but at the same time it is a great idea for everyone who, like me, loves reading. 

This is an excellent thing to do on an Rainy Afternoon, as that could be the only free moment you'll have to read something in the whole week. 

It is relaxing and very entertaining, and a way of disconnecting from the real world. 

By reading, you enter into a completely new world where everything could be possible and you'll never know what could happen as soon as you turn over the page. 

It is like watching a film inside your head, in some ways. 

So, do not wait any more and pick up one of those books they've gave you as a birthday present and give them a try. 

You never know what you could find inside a book. 

•  Listen to some music

But not the music you already have. 

I'm sure you have a computer with internet connection in your house, if not, how else would you be reading this?

Go to YouTube and do a little research on the type the music you like or the songs that are trending all around the world. 

That's actually how I found out about  most of the groups I usually listen to. 

It is also an amazing opportunity to find out what's going on with your favourite bands or singers. 

• Start a project you have in mind

That's actually how I started this Blog. 

Rainy Afternoons are a great opportunity to do something you didn't have time to do throughout the week and to give a try to new things. 

It doesn't have to be something like "writing a Blog", "create a webpage".. it could just be something you were wiling to do for a long time but did not have the time or energy to do it. 

• Get updated

Open your monthly magazine and start reading it.

It doesn't even have to be the magazine you use to read. 

This kind of afternoons are based on finding new interests and escaping a little bit from your comfort zone. 

Actually, I started to get interested in fashion in one of these afternoons. I just remember going into my mum's old bookshelf and finding loads of forgotten fashion magazines. 

Rainy Afternoons are the best moments to discover new things and to get engaged to loads of new pastimes.  

• Call a friend

Invite him over to your house or go to his/hers. 

Rainy Afternoons are the best for sitting on a sofa watching telly or playing video games with someone you enjoy being with. 

You could organise a big meetup in your house, watch a film, play video games... Whatever. 

Many of you who are reading may think that this is totally unproductive, and you're right, but who doesn't enjoy the company of a few friends acompained by a couple of laughs? 

It is not for the film or video games, you could actually just watch the rain pouring down the window or the fire in the chimney blazing.. As long as you're with your friends having a good time it doesn't matter

• Learn something new!

Some people take advantage of these afternoons by learning to do something. 

Maybe they don't really need to learn anything new, or what they learn may not be of any use to them at all... But it is a good idea for those who love learning every single day a new thing. 

I have a friend who actually decided to learn to juggle in one of this afternoons. When I asked him what was the use for that he just shrugged it off and said: "You'll never know when you're going to need to juggle for the circus".

But you can also learn interesting things. 

In my case, I once decided to learn how to play the guitar in one of these afternoons. I picked up they guitar my parent's gave me as a Christmas present and learnt how to tune it. I've been playing the guitar since then. 

As you can see, there are a lot of things to do in these afternoons. Just don't lay on the sofa like a dead seal! You have the world ahead of you! 

Love always, 

Fashion AL

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER - BOOK REVIEW - SPOILER CONTENT

This is one of the books I wanted to read for quite a long time, and finally, I’ve been able to get one copy and start reading it.

Before starting it, I have to admit that I had no idea what that book was about. The only thing I knew was that there was a film, starring Emma Watson, of which I didn’t even watch the trailer. So, to be honest with you, I was a little afraid of spending my money in a book I wasn’t sure I was going to like, as my usual types of books have nothing to do with this one.

 So, one afternoon I decided to actually open it and start reading it.

Saying that I was overwhelmed about it is saying too little. At first I did not quite understand what the story was about, but after reading a few pages you get an idea of how the main character, Charlie, is like, and of what you will be reading.

This book is written in first person, and that means that the narrator is the main character as well (let us call him Charlie from now on). Charlie is sending letters to a “friend” of whom we know nothing about. In those letters, he talks to the stranger, as if that person was his personal diary, about his routine and how he feels and how he sees everything. He is a wallflower, you see, and he sees and hears everything from a different point of view a normal person does. In the letters, he exposes his worries, his experiences and his opinions, which he always saves to himself. Charlie is a really quiet boy, and in the book they describe him as a shoulder to cry, not a helping hand. He is more the kind of boy who listens and would do anything for a friend, no matter what he thinks is right or wrong. And he’ll do everything a friend tells him to, independently if it is what he wants or not.

He is starting his freshman year at high school with no friends at all. On the first day he connects with his English teacher, and from then on, they develop a really special bond. He’s always been unable to make friends, but one day at a football game (American football), he got to meet two seniors, Sam and Patrick, who took him to a party afterwards and from then on, they started to hang out and help Charlie making friends.

Charlie develops feelings for Sam, but does nothing about it, as he thinks it’s better to just stay at the threshold of things, like always.

Throughout the book we can see and feel a development of the character. How he starts from being a lonely boy who just hangs around in the threshold of everything and how he finishes making his opinion count, thanks to their friends and all the support he’s got from them and, maybe in part, his family.

There is also a little story around the main one, of which they clarify everything at the end of the book, that tries to explain why Charlie is acting the way he is, and why he has the problems he has. I will only say that that story concerns his beloved Aunt Helen.

Teenage love, troubles, worries, parties, mess-ups and conflicts are all over the book. It is very entertained and really fun reading it. I couldn’t stop and, in fact, I finished it in two days.

230 pages full of words, over a million words full of meaning. This book is totally worth reading and I highly recommend it to anyone who doesn’t know what to read or do with their free time.

Hope you liked it. Lots of love,

Fashion Ariol