The smell of success or failure?

If you haven’t already seen or heard, in a new £4 million pound campaign for the iconic Chanel No.5, Brad Pitt has become the first ever male to endorse this perfume in the 91 year history of the brand. Chosen exclusively by Karl Lagerfeld, the head designer for Chanel, the two- part television advert sees Brad looking thoughtful whilst making his speech and features several artistic shots of two women; a vampy brunette, and a beach blonde.

 However despite this revolutionary new mark in history, the adverts have been received with, let’s say, less than pleasing reviews. Critics have been quick to point out the similarity of the triangle between Brad and the two women to that of his real life involving Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Anniston. Coincidental much? Furthermore it is somewhat confusing to understand the point that Brad makes. But maybe that’s the point. Designer brands such as Chanel wouldn’t be as successful if there wasn’t a little eccentricity to them.

It is hoped that by using a male as the face of the product, it will ooze sex appeal, encouraging women to wear the scent that Marilyn Monroe famously loved so much it was all she wore to bed. Apparently. Speaking about the campaign, the 48 year old actor claimed, ‘it goes beyond the abstract of emotion or beauty to evoke what is timeless, a woman’s spirit.’

Whether you think the adverts are artistically wonderful or just plain weird, you can’t deny that Brad is looking good for nearly 50 and there’s no doubt Chanel No.5 will remain one of the most lust-after perfumes ever.

Pudsey gets a makeover

There's always at least one thing that cheers up a drab, cold, miserable November....Children In Need! I've watched it every year on television since I can remember and it's one of my favourite yearly charity shows. Not just the sheer amount of money raised which is fantastic, but the music acts, comedy sketches, incredible stories and of course not forgetting the cute Pudsey bear.

However 2012 sees the redesign of Pudsey himself as 30 established designers have reinvented the original Pudsey, all in the name of charity. Awww.

These bears will be on display in Selfridges London and Manchester until November, when they'll be auctioned off with all proceeds going to CIN. Don't panic if you don't have the purse to bid for one though, as miniture versions will also be sold in stores; win-win!

Some of my favourite Pudsey designs include:
Louis Vuitton (left),
Alexander McQueen (right),

Berry nice

Berry nice by elizabetheast featuring cross body messenger bags

The windy days, red noses and cheeks, ugg boots and brollies, it can only mean Autumn has officiallyarrived. Besides the gorgeous colours of trees that look like they're on fire and the steaming mugof hot chocolate, it can be quite miserable knowing that dark nights are ahead of us for the next four months. Thank god we have fall fashion trends then to keep us going. And this season it's all about the berry shade. So autumn! Whether you use it head to toe or flash it here and there, to make it the statement colour, if it's berry, then it'sright. It has such a warm tone to it, it's making me feel cosier already.

To my fresher self

I've just recently started my Masters in Psychology research at the University of Birmingham. This also happens to be the same university where I did my undergraduate degree in psychology, as I decided I loved studying here so didn't fancy moving somewhere new.

It's been great fun so far, settling back into campus and getting my head around my new course, but I have to admit I've been feeling oh so jealous of the new freshers. Not only do I suddenly feel super old, but it makes me want to rewind and go back to 2009 when it was my turn to be a fresher. By far it was one of the best years of my life. I was lucky enough to love the people I lived with in my halls and loved everything about my course, the uni itself and all the wonderful people I met. However, watching the new students get lost and trying to find their way around got me thinking of so many things I felt like I wanted to say to them, that I wish someone had said to me back then. So I decided to write a letter to my fresher self pointing out the things I know now, but wish I had known then:

Dear Beth,

1. Throw yourself into EVERYTHING. You never know until you try something!
2. Don't be afraid to be YOU - that's what makes people so much more interesting.
3. Work hard - everyone says first year doesn't count, but YES it really does, so treat it like final year.
4. Play hard - even when you think you're too tired or can't be bothered to make an effort. This year will go so fast and before you know it you'll have graduated and entered the big, wide world of work (yuck!) so play whilst you have the chance.
5. Appreciate every moment with your friends. Once you've graduated, it's so hard keping in touch with everyone. People move far away, some go travelling, some move on to new friends, so you will never again have this group of friends all in one place. Savour it.
6. Don't be afraid to put yourself forward for things. The more you do this, the easier it will become when you're working full time and trying to make a good impression.
7. Get as much experience as possible. It's never too early to start getting work experience, voluntary experience and temporary jobs. It will all add to your CV later and you'll be massvely grateful that you did it now rather than leaving it too late.
8. Don't assume you're going to find Mr Right during university. Yes some students do, but not everyone does, so don't force yourself to go actively searching hoping he'll be round the corner. Let love come to you in its own time.

9. Don't get yourself too stressed out over exams or coursework that don't score top marks. It's frustrating, deflating and sucks your enthusiasm quicker than a mosquito, but it gives you a chance to act upon it and improve for next time. Treat it as a learning curve, take a breath and focus on the next project.
10. Remember to look after yourself during term time. Getting so drunk you stumble into a taxi alone is not cool and not safe.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS xxx

Victoria's Secret no longer a secret

As you may have heard, earlier this summer the flagship store for Victoria's Secret finally opene its doors on London's famous Bond Street. On the 29th August, one of the most anticipated launches finally took off. Originally planned to open prior to the Olympics, the enormous 40,386 sqaure foot heaven opened a month after the much smaller Westfield branch, having been delayed by over a year. But it has been every bit worth the wait. For those Victoria virgins of you, this lingerie brand puts La Senza to shame! Every bit exclusive, glamourous and luxerious as it looks.

The store consists of an impressive four floors to feast your eyes on. This is one shop that won't be a quick 'pop in pop out' stop. The glamour of the brand is visible in the exquisite choice of interior design with gorgeous sofas in rainbow array of colours with a touch of vintage charm. Polished, shiny floors, pink and white chandeliers, a mirrored-effect, grand staircase, Victoria's Secret will make you feel every inch the celebrity.

Large, glossy posters of the famous 'Angels' adorn the walls throughout the store all of which are signed personally by each model including Miranda Kerr, Heidi Klum and Karlie Kloss. Phew! That's one heck of a gorgeous, legs-to-die-for line up.

However it can be somewhat intimidating to those who are less body confident than these 6ft tall, size 6 models. Tiny figures and bodies are photographed everywhere which I personally feel could put girls off from buying the lingerie as it can leave you feeling a tad conscious of your own figure and certainly I feel that plus size girls may even be put off from entering the store in the first place as there seems to be such an emphasis on this marketing these model figures, which aren't representative of real girls everywhere. For me this element takes over more than the actual lingerie itself which is a real shame because the products are simply beautiful. But surely the point is to push the product, not the models and their physical attractiveness?

I find it really sad that they don't feature any curvy models or even your 'average girl' model. Despite the elegant and stunning setting of the store visually (which don't get me wrong, looks fantastic), I can't help but feel that this brand is typically very American in pushing the outer, physical appearence instead of providing our society with what we need more of - realism.

The 4th floor is a dedicated VIP section. No standing around for any tagging along men!  -

 Oh hi Miranda - this would make me so depressed whilst shopping!

 

Shoe Love

Oh My Days! I am officially in love. Forget boys - shoes are far better, more reliable and lets face it, much, much prettier :) These babies are the latest addition to my ever-growing shoe collection. I bought them from Zara for £19.99 - bargain! I was instantly attracted to the spikes as these are everywhere right now; whether used for shoulder detailing or on leather handbags, it's a great way to get the biker chic look. I'll be wearing mine with jeans, leggings, skirts and dresses - so everything basically! The colour is perfect for transitioning from summer (what summer?) to winter and I'm going to mix them with purple colours as this is set to be the colour 'de jour' for this new season.

WARNING: potentially dangerous spikes (make for a very good weapon when in need)

Ode to Barogue

One of my new season trends: BAROGUE! So I decided to make a little mood board on Polyvore devoted to it. How gorgeous does Jessica Chastain look in Alexander McQueen?

 

Bag: D&G (wish list!!)

Cardigan: River Island £40

Dress: Topshop £39

Ring: Topsop £8.50