Change of Plan - Bring on June!

So last week I put up a post about a yoga challenge, which I got lazy about because I had an off week after that, so I have a new plan.
All of June is going to be a fitness month, I am going to get healthy. I've started getting into a food routine which just see's me eating a lot less crappy junk food and just all round better eating. I don't think being healthy means eating piece of celery and not eating any sugar and only eating organic quinoa (don't be so pretentious). NO, that is boring and annoying to everyone else in your life, trust me. Being healthy is all about one extremely simple thing, and I don't think any diet or fad company could sell you this. The one simple thing is quite easy and manageable - Balance. That's all it takes.

You don't have to cut out everything you love out of life, just balance it out. Obviously you balance out the good and bad. Eating healthy shouldn't be a chore. If you eat your yogurt and juice for breakfast, a salad sandwich or pasta for lunch, snack on some soya crisps or cheese and crackers, drink plenty of water and then for tea have a meat meal with vegetables and salad + plus going for a run after school or work, then I think you can justify having a bowl of ice cream.

If you're trying to lose weight, then you can obviously cut out your daily Macca's run or changing from soft drink at lunch to water, but don't go over board. Never, ever skip a meal. When I talk about diets all I can think of is Devil Wears Prada, and anyone who knows the movie well knows exactly the scene I'm talking about..

Anyway, in addition to this relatively healthy eating, I will be doing a number of 'challenges'. Now, I will definitely not be one of those annoying people who feel it necessary to update everyone on social media every single day about it. So, for June, I will be doing three of these 30 day challenges. I will be beginning the Yoga Challenge again, doing it properly and actually finishing it. Again, here is the Youtube link for that challenge series

In addition to this I will be two more 30 day challenges; one is the 'Abs' challenge and the other is the 'Squat' challenge. The Abs one obviously targeting the abs and core to tone those areas, and the Squat one focuses on the booty. Here are the challenges, that give you a run down of what to achieve for each day..

Hopefully I can keep on track with these and follow through. At the end of June I will update this and how it went and all that jazz,

Gx

MET Gala - Red Carpet Fashion MEN

Finally, the last post on the MET Gala Ball (I promise), but I just couldn't finish without having a look at the men, because some of the men made my heart skip a few beats.

Now, although men's fashion and suits can all look a but same-y, I think being able to wear something that sets you apart and enhances your own image is what can make you stand out. 

Anyone could choose a black suit, but looking good in a suit is an art - the right colour, cut, size, even the last little detail of the colour of your pocket square.

The theme set for the men was primarily the 'White tie', which most did, although some didn't, but they still looked good. 

And so I finally introduce the last of my candidates for best dressed of the evening, in no particular order..

Paul Rudd in Calvin Klein Collection - Paul really did himself a favour with this one. He looked quite handsome. Never particular took him for the kind of guy to attend these events, but he has done it with style, including his theme fitting white tie.

Todd Spiewak and Jim Parsons - Aw, aren't they cute. I am loving the two toned white suit on Todd, although, I am not too sure about the black shoes. I feel like he balanced out the shoes with his little black brooch/pin on his lapel. Jim looked fine in his penguin tux. Both embracing the 'white ties' theme, nice touch.

Jay Z in Givenchy - Jay, I think the whole white shirt/white jacket/black pants really suits you. Athough you didn't wear your white tie, which would have thrown the whole outfit off anyway, you are looking fine tonight Mr Carter, alongside your gorgeous wife. A very stylish couple indeed. 

Andrew Garfield in Band of Outsiders - Andrew, even though you didn't wear the white tie, you made up for it in your grey jacket. I actually really liked this, it was a bit different, but he worked it....But Andrew, why oh why have you shaved your head? Everything else is perfection!

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka in Thom Browne - These two I swear..I love 'em. Loving the long jackets and the contrast of the all black and the patterns. There is something very subtly flamboyant about these two, which gives them a bit of edge. I feel like underneath all this they're wearing sequins. And they've both got their white ties.

Johnny Depp in Ralph Lauren Black - Johnny manages to always good, even when he spins his weird, artsy style amongst the rest of us. I love the shoes, gloves and cane, very old school sophistication. Even though Bono can't exactly pull them off, Johnny is working the tinted glasses along with the white tie.

And now for my Brits..

Benedict Cumberbatch - Benny, my love, you look beautiful. Your penguin tux and white tie, very handsome and very dashing.

Eddie Redmayne in Burberry - I don't know if it's the pose or the way he hold himself, but Eddie is looking amazing. Can't say the same for his date, but Eddie is pulling off the tux like a pro (I guess he kind of is, Mr Model over here) along with his little white tie. 

Douglas Booth - Everything here is perfect.

David Beckham in Ralph Lauren Black - Becks, you are such a fine looking specimen, you are something else altogether, but but black and white ensemble is doing you all kinds of favours. No white tie in sight, but he still looks incredibly dashing.

That's it, this night was over two weeks ago, but I just took my goddamn precious time in getting these posts out - everyone looked amazing and I am extremely jealous. 

It's 3:18 in the morning and I am done. Goodbye 2014 MET Gala Ball for another year.

Gx 

MET Gala - Red Carpet Fashion BEST

This is the second instalment of my every overdue review of the MET Gala Ball Red Carpet Fashion. Now, there were quite a number of dresses that just did not do it for me - don't forget that, this is only my opinion - but there were some dresses that just hit it in all the right spots.
Last week, there were some amazing dresses, some that were just stunning. With the theme of 'White ties and decorations', guests could really work this and I think could make very subtle advances towards the ideas of decorations without them becoming a disaster.

When first looking through each photo, I made a collection of my favourite..which came to over 30! Of this I managed to cull this down to a top 10. Through nail-biting anxiety, I was able to very critically order these lovely ladies from 10 to 1, although I love them all very equally.
As I had too many to talk about in depth, I again, will include honourable mentions + I will post separately for the lads, because you cannot compare apples to oranges..and some of the guys definitely deserve recognition!!

So here begins my Top 10 2014 MET Gala Ball BEST Red Carpet Fashion..

10. Cara Delevingne in Stella McCartney - Caz...I love you (That may be a slight indication of how you made this list). There is something about this that doesn't make me angry that you didn't wear a dress to this event. She really worked this. It was simple and chic, and I think it was very Cara, that's why she worked it, because she didn't try to hard to out do herself.

9. Emma Stone in Thakoon - Ok, again, guilty for adding Emma because I'm a massive fan, but I actually don't mind this ensemble. I know the whole skirt and top thing is risky, but I love it. The bottom is my favourite, it is very ball-gown-esque, so I think she passes. It's a touch sexy, with the thigh high cut, but she works it. She looks stunning. Plus she decked out in amazing accessories, that clutch, the arm candy, the shoes...She tied it all together (Stonefield 5eva)

8. Gisele Bündchen in Balenciaga - Gisele worked a very elegant angle here, the black dress is so simple that it's going to look good no matter what. Being on Gisele is an honour in itself, this dress should be proud. To be honest though, Gisele could wear anything and look amazing, so she always gets my vote.

7. Rihanna in Stella McCartney - Rhi Rhi is killing it. She looks so hot in this. The white is very sophisticated and mature, it's very refreshing from her current grunge style she is exploring these days. The shoulders of this dress give great shape and the detailing on the neck is very subtle, but enough to not need to compensate with other bling. I love the sweeping motion at the bottom, it levels out the whole dress, everything is done in proportion - the shoulders, collar, mid-drift (although risky, she did it with much class - snaps), tight waist and the loose end. I love this, good job Rhi.

6. Brie Larson in Prada - I think people will want to fight me on this, but I can't, I actually really love this. It's different, and the detail and colours are amazing. There is just something about this that really works, it's not just another pantsuit outfit. I love that it also fitting with the theme, but again, she has done it with an element of class. It's not even an 'obvious' kind of decorative theme, it's subtle. And she has kept the shoes and accessories very underwhelming as not to over do the whole thing..although I can't say much in favour of her hair - anything up would work, but I'm not crazy about the little bun thing on top. Good work Brie, extra snaps.

5. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Balmain - Now, I know short dresses are not what I consider ideal for such prestigious red carpet events, but Rosie is queen and has dominated this year. While very fitting with the theme, with elements of leopard print, black and gold, Rosie looks stunning. This whole outfit has been planned to the last detail, the shoes work perfectly in balancing out her legs, her hair is simple and her minimal jewellery keeps her from over-doing it.

4. Arizona Muse in Ralph & Russo Couture - This is just WOW! This is what I call a ball gown, this is very acceptable. The colour alone is just stunning, it works with her really well, not everyone could pull off such a vibrant colour. The structure of this dress is my favourite, I love the minimal bodice, the tiny waist, then such a full skirt. She has keep it all very minimal in jewellery and hair, which keeps everything in balance. Arizona looks gorgeous!

3. Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar de la Renta - SJP - Godess...that is all.

2. Hailee Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung - Girl, you are so working this. I love the style of this dress, like, I want this dress. It's very classy and very mature for someone so young - this girl is going places. I love the two tone, it adds an element of illusion, which she has matched well with simple hair and earrings, and then there is the cheeky hint of pink underneath with she has worked her shoes with. The baby pink underneath has very much softened the harsh contrast of the black and white, keeping the dress playful. She looks stunning overall, making a very impressive mark in the Hollywood world.

1. Blake Lively in Gucci - Blake Lively has killed it. No one else even matters at this point, she is glowing. This girl has actually taken out the whole night (in my eyes anyway - she was a winner as soon as I saw her). She has done everything right. This dress is absolutely gorgeous, very elegant, and the colour suits Blake. No more, I'm done, she is an angel.

Now, along side these gorgeous women were a number of others who looked magnificent, but just didn't make the cut. These beautiful women include:

Ivanka Trump in Oscar de la Renta - I loved the colour and the style, Jessica Alba in Diane Von Farstenburg - Safe, but still very elegant, Amber Heard in Giambattista valli Couture - I loved the detailing and the dark lipstick, Kim Kardashian in Lavin - Not a massive Kim fan, but she looked good, although not at all keen on the shoes, Beyoncé in Givenchy Couture - I could see the theme in this one, while remaining hot (not sure about the fascinator, Bey?), Dee Hilfiger - Really loving this style of gown, Lily Donaldson in Burberry - Just missed out on top ten, although theme points for the black bow on the back, Monica Bellucci - I love red, and she really worked the cape, Gugu Mbatha-Raw in Lavin - Again, this style of dress, Liu Wen in Zac Posen - This is a killer, Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa - Although cake tin-ish in my eyes, she worked it, and the bling was perfect, Tabitha Simmons in Dolce & Gabbana - The flowers were gorgeous and the colours worked so well, Adele Exarchopoulos in Prada - I really liked the mirrors in the bottom of this dress, a quirky touch, Hayden Panettiere in Dennis Basso - I love everything about this except the pattern on the material, it felt a bit immature, but still stunning, Alexis Welch in Vera Wang - I just love the colour of this one.

So, again, this is just my opinion of the red carpet fashion, but I have to say there were some ladies that night that just nailed everything. I wish I had been there in the flesh to have these lovely ladies in my presence, but Vogue provided a nice selection of photos so that I could enjoy myself none the less.

Anyway, the last installment of the 2014 MET Gala Ball is the men of the evening, which I hope to get up a lot faster than these two.

G x

MET Gala - Red Carpet Fashion WORST

Ok, so yes, I am aware that the 2014 MET Gala Ball was over a week ago, but it has taken me a while to finally sit down and put this all together. I'm secretly a sucker for red carpet events, especially the dresses, and checking out what all the celebs are wearing, and the MET Ball is one of my favourites. It is definitely one of the most glamorous and prestigious of events (in my eyes) and this years red carpet was a treat. There were some serious hits, with Blake Lively's stunning Gucci number, and Arizona Muse' Ralph & Russo Couture piece. But with every up there must be a down, and this year this became very much apparent in the under 30's (except for our darling Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o, who is a year off).
The theme this year was 'White ties and decorations', which was a great theme for dresses, as you could go quite big and bold for decorative purposes. I don't think I like it as much as last years 'Punk' theme
To begin, let's look at the under 30's who just couldn't seem to grasp..well anything. It seems that good fashion come with a experience.

Chloe Grace Moretz in Chanel Couture - First cab off the rank, Chloe Grace Moretz. This Chanel Couture piece looked as though she just stepped off the set of a period drama. I just don't like anything about this dress much, the tie, the belt, the ruffles, the clinched waist and the high collar..it was too much. Someone tried to put everything into this one, it's so over done. I know it's a decoration themed event but I would not decorate with any of..this.

Kendall Jenner in Topshop - Kendall, Kendall, Kendall..You my girl have so much potential and so much money..WHY ARE YOU WEARING TOPSHOP!? I honestly can't take you seriously when you are dressed in this brand, you could have worn anything you wanted, and you went with Topshop? Don't get me wrong, I love Topshop, but not as a brand of ball gown to wear to an event like this! The tight satin wasn't doing any favours, just like that mermaid bottom - the satin does not work! Miss Jenner, please take a note out of Kimmy's book, because she nailed it this year. Also, please fire your hair stylist.

Kate Upton in Dolce & Gabbana - Kate, nothing here worked for you. Toss the flower crown, that is not helping the situation.

Shailene Woodley in Rodarte - Shai, I know you're having your 15 mins of fame this year, but that's no reason to do this to yourself. This dress is actually hideous, I'm sorry, but what was going through your mind when you saw this. I can't even pin point what is wrong with this dress...

Margot Robbie in Prada - Margot, you are representing Australia, you are carrying us, and you've let us down. That neck, the skirt, the sheer top with beads..seriously. The bottom kind of falls in the decoration theme...as the decorative tiles in a bathroom.

Rita Ora in Donna Karen Atelier -...Nope, nope, nope. This just did not work.

Kristen Stewart in Chanel Couture -This is interesting. I actually don't mind the top half, it kind of looks like a nice jumper, but that bottom half... I don't understand the tulle that just hangs there. It looks uncomfortable, almost, and being sheer, it just doesn't work. Sorry K-Stew, it's a no from me.

Lea Michele in Altuzarra - This is a definite no-no. That gold material just sort of..hangs there, and it is not doing you any favours. I get the gold, it makes for the theme, but there is nothing in this dress, it's just so plain and way too simple. I really don't understand what the waist is doing, sorry Lea.

Lena Dunham in Giambattista Valli Couture - Ok, Lena, there is a lot to say. One, I actually don't mind the top of this dress, I love the colours on the detail and the minimalistic idea behind the detailing, but the bottom, where did it go? I really don't like short dresses on such formal red carpet events (although RHW is an exception this year), and I really don't like these mullet dresses. I feel this dress actually could have had a lot of potential if it had a floor length, fuller skirt, I think it would have absolutely made this dress. At this shorter length, it's quite unflattering, and it looks uncomfortable.

Lily Allen in Chanel Couture - Lily, you look like one of those decorative jars that has different layers of coloured sand - which I guess is a decorative piece so you get a few points for creativity...but a bag of M'n'M's for a purse..

Alexa Chung in Nina RicciAlexa, what are you doing?? I don't even have words, this is one of the worst, and yet worn by one of the best. You have experience, you have taste, what happened? I hate the whole middle section, I feel like if I pulled the top the whole thing would ruffle up like a draw string...this is just all round bad - Her shoes are nice.

Lupita Nyong'o in Prada - I don't even know what is going on here. Lupita, I know you're an Oscar winner but seriously, this is almost weird. It's not even a dress of any sort, it's just a brown thing and then that weird green, beaded, feathered...It's too much to handle. The headband makes it worse.

Some honourable mentions:

Katie Holmes in Marchesa - Very few people can pull off yellow, you are not one of those people Katie, Gabrielle Union in Prada - This is just a mess, Adriana Lima in Givenchy - Adri, I love you, you are an amazing model, but this was just so underwhelming, you're better than this, you just made it on to the worst, Natalie Massenet in Christopher Kane - Sorry, but you look like a wet book, Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte - Death Star? Really?, Erykah Badu in Givenchy - Two words: That hat!, Rashida Jones in Tory Burch - You look so frumpy, Maggie Gyllenhall in Valentino - It looks like she rolled up an ugly rug and just put a head hole in it.

This was just my worst, there were a few other's, but they were just sort of bad, not 'the worst'. Anyway, I will have to work on the next instalment, the BEST! I can't wait. It's going to be a massive post because there were some stunners that night!

Gx

I bet the Stacy's hate Spiderman

Quick note: If you haven't seen The Amazing Spiderman 2, you should probably stop reading, I'll probably give away the ending.

So, I just got back from see TAS2, and.. I can't even put into words my emotions right now. The drive home was torture because I was both numb and unsettled by what I had just seen. Ok, so I am a massive Emma Stone fan (and Andrew Garfield at this point, since the release of TAS) and I can't put a thought together after seeing what I saw. It was heart wrenching because he almost made it, they almost lived happily ever after, it was almost happy...and then thud. That horrible, body shocking, heart-wrenching thud that caused a little part of me to die inside. I have never been so emotional in a movie, it has killed me.

The whole scenario was made worse by the constant PTSD that Peter seemed to be having, where Officer Stacy continually made appearances reminding Peter of the promise..which doesn't end up keep, making the whole situation so upsetting.

On the other hand the movie itself was quite good. Sequels never seems to stand up to their predecessor and can generally lose brownie points based on tired scripts and same-old same-old characters, but I felt like this movie didn't. The return of Harry Osbourn was exciting, as the character was both similar and different to the original James Franco Osbourn. They both had this evil nature, which TAS2 Harry actually taps into and uses it to become a villain, set on seeking a strange revenge on his once closest friend (where as Franco just sort of let his dad do the dirty work). Jamie Foxx or Elecrto also had the same character base in that once a good person starts to seek revenge on Spiderman, among other things, and becomes this strange electronic monster through a freak accident (just like most of our super heros).
One element about this movie that was both annoying and thrilling was the double-enemy (although technically triple, but that last guy didn't count) plot line it seemed to have. The movie could have easily had the picture perfect ending at the destruction of Electro, but it didn't, they sent in enemy two, a scrawny, junkie-esque Leonardo Dicaprio lookalike, who caused havoc in a weird penultimate final scene.

The film ended weirdly, in that it just seemed to keep going, as if they were using the dying minutes to set up the third movie. They seemed desperate to throw in a weird five month Spiderman hiatus montage, and then bring in a third villain which really wasn't necessary.

All in all it was a great movie, except for a certain scene which has me questioning the meaning of life and making me feel awful for Andrew Garfield who must have had the hardest time filming that scene. Some of his emotions must have been real when he was crying for Gwen, because he would have been in an almost real situation where it could have been Emma, and it's breaking my heart to think about that.

Now, all I want to do is give Emma a hug just to make sure she is ok, because I am still in a weird daze, this movie has got my head all over the place...thanks Marc, appreciate it.

That is all, night
G x

Lemon and Berries

 Another lazy day, although I actually didn't stop all day. I woke and walked the dog along the beach, and it was such a magical morning. The sky was a gorgeous blue and there wasn't a cloud in sight. The beach was almost empty as well, which allowed me to get this lovely shot on my phone. It makes me appreciate the small things in life.

So once I got home I found a massive lemon in the fruit bowl, I'm talking like the size of a pineapple big, so I cut it up, skinned it, got rid of all the pips, chucked it in a blender with mixed berries, lime mixer cordial (not normal cordial like Cottee's) and some ice, and created this. Although sour from the lemon, the cordial helped balance the sweet and sour. With this in hand I sat out on the deck in the cool autumn sun...and snapchatted it to all my friends who were sitting in class, aha!
Very simple, but very satisfying!

G x