But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be on your own front door

First of all, I'd like to wish Merry Christmas to you all and a huge thank-you to those who have taken a great interest in my blog over the past year. In case you've forgotten, it is 4 days until the merriment, over-eating, routine drinking and massive family get togethers begin. For me, it all starts on 23rd December, my dear Nan's birthday. My paternal family all gather together as per usual to drink, nibble and generally have a really good laugh. It's how we do things and it tends to get us all in the mood.

I have been working this week at a new role, which I am really enjoying and which has only made me look forward that little bit more to the end of this week (although not wishing it away at all) - listening to the Love Actually soundtrack and the most beautiful Christmas melodies in the office had gotten me slightly more excited with every note, as well as the adornment of twinkling lights and carol singers at the tube station. This year it has taken me a while to get into the Christmas spirit, purely because to me it doesn't feel like Christmas time yet, as it has done in previous years. My only explanation for this is the fact that I am no longer at University, instead living at home and working full-time in the city. This time last year, I had begun writing my dissertation and was somewhat excited to come home for three weeks for the Christmas holidays. 

So, I thought what better time than to share with you a series of somewhat beautiful, magical and aptly 'festive' images. I predict that blogging will slow right down when I rediscover lie-ins and too many bottles of anything have been emptied- plus I will be working from home- so I shall leave you to enjoy these until we are officially into the New Year, in which case I will be posting a brand new batch of festive delights in the form of amazing editorial photographs, like these beauties. 

I hope you all have brilliant Christmases and remember, it's not all about the presents. Reflect on the good times throughout the year (for me it was an amazing holiday, meeting new faces, graduating and gaining paid work), make the most of your families and being at home, keep safe and most of all have a really good time and enjoy yourselves the best you can. This year has been a great one, but I also cannot help but think of those who I have missed too...

Enjoy the images and have F U N  ! 

Where will you be spending Christmas Day? What are your plans for the lead up? 

What are you hoping for on the big day?

All images from fashiongonerogue.com

Ttile: Lyrics from It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

WONDER FULL

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

& A HAPPY NEW YEAR

x

Chav it up, Bruv

chav

noun

British , informal derogatory 

__ A young lower-class person typified by brash and loutish behaviour and the wearing of (real or imitation) designer clothes. - Oxford English Dictionary

Although not 'chav' per sue as these images are uber stylish and the clothing is certainly not available at Primark or Lipsy, each of these images have a certain aspect reminiscent of the common value of the chav. Whether tapping into the stereotypical ideals, behaviours and styles- draped in bling or with slicked back hair and moody expression- it may well be considered that there is something quite 'chavvy' about each of them. Or so I think.

We all went through the chavvy phase- I know I did. The look consisted of Adidas tracksuit bottoms, gold chain clown hung round my neck (which I still have) and bright yellow Spice Girls puffer jacket, complete with fake Burberry scarf. Nice. A look I'd rather not recreate, but instead cherish as an emblem of my 90s childhood. It was, let's be honest, the 90s for you when the surge of chav began and which eventually led to somewhat tarnishing the value of their signature Burberry print. It was a great era for so many things, though, the music being one.

Whether or not you find them chavvy or not, I simply feel there is an element of it to them, even if they are from high fashion editorials. I like to think of it as a bit of fun, slightly tongue in cheek and secretly, a celebration of the notoriously British notion/traits to the chav. The chav is infamously loud and vulgar, just like some of these photographs- most of which came from my collection of LOVE and Wonderland magazines. And even if you don't see it, which I hope you do, I seem to and the pictures are nonetheless great to look at. Either way, I have a fascination with both.

What do you make of the pictures? Are you a fan of the chav look? 

Which is your favourite image?

WONDER FULL

Current Obsession: Ana Beatriz Barros

Ana Beatriz Barros

29

 Brazil
elite
 

Victoria's Secret Angel

 Walked for: Christian Dior, Valentino, Giles...

Graced the covers of: ELLE Russia, Glamour Italy, VOGUE Portugal

Faced: Diesel, Chanel cosmetics, L'Oreal, Armani jeans, Fornarina  

Appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue a massive 7 times

FHM #84 "100 Sexiest Women in the World"

2010 Pirelli calendar

Lingerie model for the famous Marks & Spencer ads


 It was seeing her captivating beauty and absolutely gorgeous features- bright, wide eyes, impressive cheekbones and full yet subtle lips- that caused me to be instantly attracted to her and fall in love with her. It took me about five minutes. Therefore, I just had to share with you, some of her amazing work. And my God has she been busy over the last 10 years. 
I know her as the face of M&S but she is rather famous for her swimwear/lingerie modelling and I think she can be easily transformed to the catwalk and high editorial work, as well as more commercial features and advertisements. 
Model chameleon if you will.


My favourite image has to be the one with the 
sheer mustard blouse and volumized hair.
Very 70s. 
 But which is yours?


What do you make of her? 

Do you enjoy her work?

Let's just see how long it will take you to fall in love with her...

WONDER FULL