What To Wear When Shopping

So today I was the female Gok Wan as my mother insisted I become her personal shopper for the day. All in all, it was actually fun but I know many people never know what to wear when shopping so here are a few tips I've learnt over the years along with a few about shopping in general!

Me posing in today's outfit in Dorothy Perkins

• Layers are really important when shopping especially with the British climate. I paired a long sleeved top under a cardigan and a leather jacket purely because it was a bit chilly today. This may differ if you are shopping in a centre such as Meadowhall or Trafford Centre; if you are, then I'd suggest ditching the jacket and just going for a top and cardi or hoodie. The great thing here is you can easily take off the cardigan and put it in your bag if it does get too warm. They're lightweight to carry and not very bulky to just pop in your handbag or shopping bag.
• Similarly, wear clothes that are easy to take off. Straight-leg jeans are great because unlike skinnies, they don't take three years to wiggle in and out of!
• Also, I try and wear items that have pockets in so I can have my phone handy and shove any spare change I get into another one.
• Try not to wear too much jewellery. It can get caught in clothes and can often just be a pain in general! If you choose to wear jewellery of some sort, make sure it fits properly so it doesn't fall off mid-shop!
• Next, comfy shoes are a must! If you're going to be on your feet all day, don't wear a brand new pair of shoes; I guarantee they will give you blisters! I envy those women who can walk around in heels all day long but for me, I always stick to Converse, brogues and ballet flats.
• On the shoe topic, if you do happen to be shopping for shoes, I'd suggest wearing shoes that you can take on and off quickly because laces when shoe shopping are a right pain. Also, take a pair of socks with you because a lot of places won't allow you to try on shoes if you aren't wearing socks, including my workplace, Clarks.
• I tend to tie my hair back when shopping; it means it's out of my face and you can always take it down if you're trying clothes on in the fitting room and you want to see what an item would look like with your hair down.
• Bags are a bit of a 'mare for me. I usually take a bag with a long strap so I can wear it crossed over my body. Either that or I choose a bag that will fit comfortably on my shoulder without sliding off because that is a right pain!
• Staying with bags, make sure you don't pack too much into your bag because don't forget, you might be carrying it around for a good few hours! Just take the essentials- purse, mirror, lipbalm/lipgloss, keys, phone and the like.
• Now I am a massive list maker but I know not everyone is a fan of this. I always take a little notepad with a list of what I'm looking for so I stay focused. For instance, if you're holiday shopping, just jot down a few items you know you'll need on a piece of paper or even as a memo on your phone. Trust me, it does help if you don't have a massive budget!
• Think about if you really need to buy that item. Think about if it will go with other items in your wardrobe and if you will actually wear it!
• If in doubt about an item, try it on and take a few photos wearing it in the changing room. Then get a second opinion from someone you trust who will give you an honest opinion. Alternatively, take a friend along when shopping so they can see the item properly, check the fit and if it suits you or not!
• Research your body shape before hand just so you know what will suit you!
• Drink regularly and take breaks to eat!

Demi Lovato 'Demi': Track by Track Album Review

For a long time now, I have been a fan of Miss Lovato, ever since her Camp Rock debut in 2008. I've always thought out of all the Disney Channel girls, she was the one with most natural and strongest voice. Proving me right, she is back with her fourth album. After her personal struggles and time in rehab which is documented in the MTV special, "Stay Strong", it is now apparent through her songwriting ability that she has used these experiences to help other just like her. After seeing this documentary, it really made me realise that being in the public eye can be painful and I think I felt the most for her because she is my age (she'll be 21 in August, I will be in January) and I genuinely do not know how I would cope with all that publicity, either good or bad! But more to the point, I am proud that with the right help, she has been able to come through all that adversity and look who's laughing now, haters?

The artwork for the first single 'Heart Attack'

The video for Heart Attack

1. Heart Attack

The album opens with the lead single, which has been received well by critics. The song itself has been around for a couple of months now and it still receiving strong airplay and quite frankly, I'm still loving it! I like the way the track builds from the very beginning and I can see this being an anthem for teenage girls. Despite the heavy percussion and guitars, Lovato's top-notch vocals are still able to shine here.

2. Made In The USA
Again, there is a very catchy chorus here and it has just been announced that this will be the follow-up single to Heart Attack. This will be the perfect summer song, it does have a sunshine feel to it. The only bit I don't understand about this song is the random country feel towards the end of the song; considering the song is a strong pop record, it doesn't seem to mesh well together. Maybe it's an ode to friend Taylor Swift perhaps? And the comparisons to Miley Cyrus' 'Party In The USA' are ridiculous; the only they have in common is the mention of the States!

3. Without The Love

Definitely one of my favourite songs on the album. The hook on this song is ridiculous "Why are you singing me love songs? What good is a love song? What good is a love song without the love?" Every girl (and guy) who buys this record will be able to relate to this lyric and trust me it will stick in your head all day! I think this song will work perfectly in an acoustic setting as well, where Lovato will be able to show off (once again) her impressive vocal chops.

4. Neon Lights

Now I know the critics are not a fan of this track but I find it very catchy. A potential single? I like that Demi is able to go from a heartfelt ballad to an upbeat dance track; she has great versatility  The public would complain if all her songs sounded the same! You just can't win either way. If she releases this track as a single, I can see it becoming a club smash; it has a proper dancefloor feel about it as well as a catchy chorus. I think the comparison to Rihanna's 'We Found Love' is fair, you can hear the influence in the beat.

5. Two Pieces

This is probably my favourite lyrically; however, I feel it would be better without the beats behind it. I think it could have been a stunning track if it was just piano and drums in the background instead of the guitars and rocky feel of the chorus. In fairness though, her vocals are spot-on once more so I suppose I can overlook with the heaviness of the track!

6. Nightingale

I can see why this is Lovato's favourite track as it is mine already. The lyrics, the emotion, the way it builds gradually. Watching this song performed live would be one of those special moments where you get goosebumps and those performances are few and far between. As for the gospel-choir choir at the end of the song, it really adds to the haunting of the songs as opposed to overdoing it. Definitely the best track both musically and vocally.

7. In Case

A personal highlight for me, probably because I can relate to the lyrics so well. I'm the biggest fan of Demi when she is stripped back and using her biggest weapon- her voice. She doesn't need all the beats behind her songs to be able to have singing credentials. Just don't listen to this song when you're upset like I did because I guarantee you will blub like a baby; she is exceptionally good at conveying emotion through her voice, which as a singer, is hard to come by these days.

8. Really Don't Care (feat. Cher Lloyd)

After a sequence of ballads, next is a full-on girl's break-up anthem. This track sounds like it's got its inspiration from Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry. This could also be in contention to be a single because of it's catchy chorus and Demi's sassy side. The appearance from Cher Lloyd has a lot to be desired (I'm really not a fan of hers at all) but may please American fans despite her being British; they seem to be adopted her and I have absolutely no problem with that!

9. Fire Starter

Another single contender, I'm personally not the biggest fan of this track. It's a bit too thumpy for my liking but that would fit in perfectly with the charts at the moment. Again, I could see me in the middle of the dancefloor having a boogie to this in a club. It's not too dissimilar to Neon Lights but I prefer that to this track but it seems to have been perceived well by critics.

10. Something That We're Not

The reason I love this song is because it's the opposite to what people assume girls want. Girls are the relationship ones and boys do hook-ups so here Demi has turned that philosophy on its head. Once more, it has a super-catchy chorus and brings out her sassy side, which I must say I am quite the fan of! It is a slight bit reminiscent of Taylor Swift's 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' with the brutal honesty aspect of the lyrics.

11. Never Been Hurt

The main problem here is it's not a standout track; the high notes in the chorus are a highlight but other than that, it doesn't really do anything for me. It's not that different to 'Heart Attack' because of it's electronic feel but it's not as strong-sounding. The issue here may be because it is following such an excellent track, it sort of falls through the cracks.

12. Shouldn't Come Back

After that slight blip, she hits back with a remarkable ballad. In terms of previous Demi tracks it can compared to, 'Don't Forget' and 'Catch Me' spring to mind, which also happen to be two of my favourites by her! The reason I like this track so much is the raw emotion; you can feel the pain in her voice and it is quite toned down for her which in turn, makes it a special track.

13. Warrior

Just the opening of this track "This is a story that I have never told", you know this is going to be a very personal song. Because she used her personal struggles more in the last album Unbroken to write more meaningful tracks, this is an ode to that. The personal element of this song adds to the emotional vocals delivered; I'm a big fan of hearing a voice crack due to the amount of feeling put into a song and this delivers. Very Christina Aguilera 'Beautiful'-esque.

All in all, this is a very strong record. For me personally, the ballads and slower tracks carry it because of her impressive vocal range and the emotion she delivers through her voice. But the more up-tempo tracks are fun and catchy. Job well done, Miss Lovato!

Billboard Awards 2013

So last night was one of the biggest music award shows of the year, the Billboard Awards. Taylor Swift swept the board scoring eight awards in all, and rightly so in my eyes! (I'm a big fan.) But at the end of the day, most of us don't really care about who won what award, we care about the fashion. I think with this awards show, like the MTV VMAs or Movie Awards, it allows the celebrities to be a bit more adventurous on the red carpet. Unlike the Oscars, out go the long, formal gowns and in come bright colours and patterns! And last night did not disappoint, despite the lack of A-list attendees. But here are my best dressed nominees! :)

Not only am I obsessed with Taylor Swift's music but also her style, both on and off the red carpet. She has her style sorted and knows exactly how to dress for her shape. Being a country gal, I expected her to go for something sequinned and I love this cobalt blue colour on her. I'm also a fan of the pattern of the sequins; it's a fresh take on what could've been just a blocked, sequinned dress and the heart-shaped back detail is a quirky touch and very apt for her. The length of the dress by Zuhair Murad shows off those killer legs that she has (I don't think it's too short, it covers her bum for God's sake!) and the dress is paired with those equally killer heels! Because the dress is so show-stopping, the grey metallic heels are the perfect match. By tying her hair up, it allows the dress to take centre stage. In fairness though, it's rare that I don't like a Taylor Swift outfit!

Next up is one of my other girl crushes, Selena Gomez. Her red carpet style has matured over the past year or so and she's starting to match her dresses to the event impeccably. Here she has gone for a crisp, white Versace gown with neon-coloured piping. Without the neon, this gown would have aged her and would've been inappropriate for this event. I love the flesh panel in the middle, it shows off a bit of skin without showing too much and the thigh-high slit is a red-carpet fave at the moment! The only problem I have is that I think the dress is an inch too long; just taken up slightly at the bottom would mean it doesn't drag on the floor and shows off those amazing heels. Her and Miss Swift may be good friends but they are competing for each other in the best shoe category! And just like her friend, she has opted for hair up to show off the lovely neckline of this dress.

Third is Miley Cyrus who went for a bold Balmain jumpsuit/catsuit/call it what you will with a monochrome colour scheme. At first viewing, I wasn't a fan but after seeing in a few more times, I've been converted. It's definitely a fashion risk but it's the perfect place to do that! The punk-inspired outfit fits perfectly with her new haircut and the catsuit fits her like a glove, oh the beauty of being rich and having a tailor! The only issue for me here is the amount of make-up she has own. She is a naturally gorgeous girl and I know she's trying to revamp her image but I've always been a believer that you should emphasise just the eyes or the lips, not both. But other than that, I'm loving the punk rock hairdo and the matching punk style!

Next is Emmy Rossum. Now I'm not usually a fan of velvet, I just hate the feel of it, urgh! But this dress complements her figure so well! Again, I'm a new member to her style fanclub but she dresses so elegantly and sticks to classic styles. If this dress was all velvet, it would look like a goth's wedding dress but with the breaks of mesh throughout the dress, it keeps it from looking drab. Normally I would be against such a long gown to an event such as this but because it is quite revealing and daring for her, it's a fashion risk for her. I'd say it's a risk paid off because she looks stunning!

Someone else who opted for black was Hayden Panettiere. Because she's such a petite girl like myself, it's important to wear clothes that fit! The bodice of this dress is simply stunning; the ruffles lift this dress from being drab and add a girly element to the look to conteract her athletic frame. If it wasn't for the open back, the dress would look too prim and proper. Again, the hem of the dress could do to be lifted up slightly but I'm loving the slit at the back of the dress; it shows those beautiful shoes off!

Sticking with the black theme, here is Ariana Grande. Since her role on Nickelodeon's Victorious, Ariana has catapulted into the public eye and with that, her super-cute style has caught my eye. This is probably because I envy those who dress girly and can get away with it without looking like a small child. She sticks to prom dresses that fit her petite figure and she always has a pair of heels on. Because she usually goes for a bright, block colour, to see her in a darker shade and a different texture is different. But again, the look is faultless.

Last but not least is Kacey Musgraves, who until today I had never heard of! (She's a country singer apparently!) Now I am a fan of lace so this dress is right up my street! Because of the high neckline, the dress needs to be short to keep it from looking fuddy-duddy and the asymetric hemline certainly does that. Paired with fuschia heels, it keeps the look fresh and young.