Keeping Skin Healthy

Concrete, 25th March 2014

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/keeping-skin-healthy-under-stress/

Having fresh and healthy skin may not be your number priority when you have dissertation deadlines and the only thing keeping you going is that Saturday night LCR – but having healthy skin should not be underrated. With a few simple tips and tricks you can keep blemishes at bay without drilling into those laborious library hours.

For the ladies among us, and we can’t stress this enough: remove your make-up! Sleeping in your post-LCR smokey eye will damage the fragile skin around your eyes. Furthermore, the longer you leave on the waterproof mascara, the harder it is to remove. Frantically scrubbing at your eyes the morning after will only lead to even more skin damage. Invest in a decent eye make-up remover rather than going for the cheap and cheerful make-up wipes; they may seem a lot quicker and easier, but the harsher chemicals and rough texture will dry out your skin and may lead to break outs.

The best way to remove face make-up, as well an ensuring healthy, clean skin is to get into a really simple routine: cleanse, tone and moisturise. Yes, this is for the guys too. Cleansing your skin with a decent cleanser will get rid of make-up as well as unclog pores. There’s no need to reach for a super expensive cleanser either; a mid-range one will be just as good. Using a toner after gets rid of even more dirt and closes your pores. Finally, and most importantly, moisturise; even if you are prone to oily skin. Moisturising is integral to having healthy skin and it will keep your skin in good condition for the years to come. Choose a moisturiser with an SPF in for the day time, so your skin is super protected. If this all sounds a bit technical, don’t worry! Picking up these products is super easy and shouldn’t cost over £10. They will last a good few months too.

Another way to ensure your skin is bright, healthy and looking good for the upcoming summer months is to eat and drink the right foods. We shouldn’t have to spell out that chocolate and greasy foods won’t do your skin any favours; but by adding a few key ingredients into your diet your skin will absolutely thank you. Stocking up on Vitamin C rich foods, such as oranges and sweet potatoes, will help heal any spots and blemishes. Nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts, as well as fruits like avocados, contain heaps of Vitamin E which promote cell growth; your skin will look brand new after just a few weeks. Try taking almonds or hazelnuts onto campus for healthy seminar snacks, or roast some sweet potatoes for dinner; adding these foods into your diet isn’t that hard.

Of course, we must mention to keep your skin, as well as your body, in great condition by drinking plenty of water. Replace that bottle of Ribena or Coke with a bottle of water and you’ll be on your way to great skin in no time!

Norwich Fashion Week - Fashion Excess

Concrete, 17th March 2014

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/norwich-fashion-week-fashion-excess/

Norwich Fashion Week ended on a high. On the 13 March in the Open clubroom we were treated to an incredible music and fashion extravaganza: Fashion Excess. Ladies in fabulous lingerie modelled alongside live bands. The fun juxtaposition of the two made the night a spectacle, and a brilliant way to end an incredible week.

Photo: OPEN

The show opened with local Norwich band Keep Up. Their indie pop sound was an excellent soundtrack to the first half of the show. Catfish opened with simple colours but it was the models and looks from lingerie store Proudlock and Harry that made the greatest impression. From daring red to sultry black, the looks were both incredibly sexy, but fun and flirty. The models were brave enough to interact with the band and their witty remarks made the awkward silences between songs in which the models kept walking feel like part of the show.

We then saw looks from Lazy Pussycat; with their sports luxe influence apparent in bodycon dresses. Dr Martens and Write Here both showed graphic print t-shirts in simple colours and monochrome. The guys really stole the show here with their fun but cocky attitude. We loved their cheeky interactions with the live band, even resulting in a rather intense kiss on the cheek for the guitarist!

Keep Up continued their set as the models strutted their stuff for the finale. However, seeing the same looks another five or so times as they repeatedly walked on and off stage was a little repetitive. Luckily, the band’s music was enough to keep audience energy high, and the models did their very best to dance along and gets us clapping to the music.

After a short interval, the second act of the night came on stage. Crystal Bats, a duo acclaimed for their 80’s video for song Falling in Love, were slightly more subdued, giving a more underground, edgy feeling to the evening. The Frock Spot opened with incredible evening gowns with a 50’s influence. Love Couture were next with more eye-opening dresses. From feathered details to a snake skin dress complete with attached toy snake, Love Couture stole the show.

The music and fashion mash up was a creative and fun end to a creative and fun week. Don’t under estimate Norwich’s quirky style and commitment to fashion; Norwich Fashion Week is getting bigger and better every year – don’t miss out next time.

Norwich Fashion Week - The Vintage Show

Concrete, 11th March 2014

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/norwich-fashion-week-vintage-show/

On Sunday 9 March, Norwich Puppet Theatre held host to the annual Norwich Fashion Week Vintage Show. From beehive hair to burlesque dancing, there was something for Vintage newbies to Vintage know-it-alls. Set over two short half hour sets, we were treated to a beautiful array of clothes, lingerie and incredibly detailed hats and masks.

Photo: Julia Holland

The first half opened with Fabulous Miss K showing us some 40s and 50s vintage inspired dresses. Her simple colour palette made of reds, blues and greens emphasised the fit and quality of the garments. With the models walking into the audience through the steps of the auditorium we got a 360 degree look at the dresses and wonderful models. It was a fantastic and classy opening to the show. Lulu Vintage then showed us some rather fabulous menswear. Dapper men in tail coats and bright green suit jackets graced the catwalk to thunderous applause. The audience loved the top hats and bowties, who doesn’t like a classy gent?

The show continued in much a similar manner with incredible dresses and sharp suits. Particular highlights included a pair of sparkly silver evening cloves from Back in Time and the cute and feminine Vintage Deli. Even with a troublesome parasol, the first half of the show was cute, flirty and fun.

During the interval, where we filled up on unbelievable cocktails and chocolates, organisers were scouting for the best dressed. This competition ensured nearly every member of the audience (Concrete Fashion included) dressed up to the nines in their finest Vintage apparel. With a make-up station and a pop up photo studio everyone was looking their best.

After the interval, and the announcement of the best dressed winners, the evening took a more sultry turn. Proudlock and Harry showed their vintage inspired lingerie. From overly feminine baby dolls, to a sleek leather slip, Proudlock and Harry was one of the highlights of the night. They showed both girly, feminine lingerie as well the more dominatrix inspired underwear. Wake Up Little Susie entertained with smoking jackets and dressing gowns in a multitude of colours, all styled with sunglasses, bright pattern socks and a devil may care attitude from the male models.

Following on from the steamy lingerie, we were treated to Betsy Hatter’s hats. With a focus on embellishment and natural images, butterflies and feathers adorned these vintage inspired head-pieces. Titiana Fisher Millinery went much more over the top with sparkly, almost crown like, details. With Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ in the background, Titiana Fisher Millinery won best soundtrack of the night!

Finally, Mystic Magic Masquerade showed some unbelievable detailed masks. Again, butterflies were a prominent theme in this collection. We also loved a pair of glasses adorned with pearls – a necklace and glasses in one, what’s not to love? And that’s what the whole show was about: finding the fun and extravagance in fashion. The Vintage Show perfectly exemplified how fashion should be about self-expression and fearlessness.