threads magazine
Pretty Pastels
We show you how to do pale and interesting YOUR STREET STYLE
Ellie Taylor gives us the giggles ; fashion ; beauty ; friends MAY 2012 ÂŁ3
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Do It Yoruself make your own slogan t-shirt
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TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW www.threadsmagazine.com
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double e m e s i advert
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e g a p e d a e r p s t n e m
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thiS may
this month
pg. 11 - #saidtheed Gemma Cloughton sends her love ; pg. 13 - #youtellus your views on our news pg. 15 - fashion-gram our favourite fashion Instagram pics of the month pg. 16 - payday purchases you’ve waited all month to spend your hard earned cash so treat yourself pg. 18 - on the street we catch up with Newcastle’s high street trendsetters pg. 22 - stalk her style seven days in style with Louise Duffy pg. 24 - top 5 trends unique new fashion trends you need in your life pg. 28 - leave it to the professionals the trends we don’t rate this spring pg. 30 - snog marry avoid? funny girl Ellie Taylor gives us the goss pg. 32 - are you pinterested? we give you the goss on our favourite social network pg. 34 - sister sister six siblings talk about each other’s style pg. 38 - little girl...big world Kayleigh Richardson tells us how she left the UK behind for a fresh start pg. 40 - DIY queen follow our step-bystep guide & interview with devout DIY’er Kirsten Nunez pg. 43 - all that glitters Jennifer Farrell talks about her love for jewellery making
pg. 44 pale & interesting ; 7
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thiS may
Editor Gemma Cloughton Fashion Fashion Director: Natalie Swalwell Fashion Editor: Melissa Swalwell Fashion Stylist: Joanne Blakey Beauty Beauty Editor: Kelly Hodgson Art & Pictures Design: Adam Wilkin Art Director: Tonya Olds Art Editor: Ryan Quinn Junior Designer: Patrick Carney
pg. 54 - rule britannia throw a Diamond Jubilee party - THREADS style pg. 64 - get stuck in we review the beauty transfer fad and tell you what we rate and hate pg. 69 - hot hair the hottest hair products you need now
Features Features Editor: Rachael Conn Commission Editor: Jill Boardman Senior Features Writer: Hannah Seaman Features Assistant: Naomi Laidler
pg. 70 - sample boxes are beauty boxes worth it? reader Nikki Briggs investigates
Production Chief Sub-Editor/Production Editor: Paul Maughan Group Publishing Director: Laura Simpson
pg. 72 - diamonds are a girl’s best friends get the look with sparkling eyes and statement lips for the Jubilee celebrations
Assistant to Group Publishing Director: Alex Bond
pg. 76 - competition win an all expenses paid trip to Cannes Film Festival
Sales Director: Helen Wilkin Advertising Director: Joe McGann Advertising Manager: Ivy Douglas Advertising Sales Team: Olivia Brazier, Hannah Liddell, Laura Platt Creative Solutions Manager: Reese Walker
pg. 77 - guilt free shopping? we investigate which beauty brands give back
;
Marketing Director: Nikki Burton Product Manager: Lisa Green Communications Manager: Susan Sewell
pg. 79 - word of the nerd Paul Maughan talks geek chic
pg. 81 - a million memories editor Gemma Cloughton tells us what takes her back
Publisher: Christopher Smith Managing Editor: Peter Nuttall With special thanks to:
pg. 82 - highlighters the day-glo trend is here for spring
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All involved in making THREADS magazine possible each month and to our dedicated readers: thank you. THREADS Magazine 32 Derwent Street Easington Lane Houghton-le-Spring Tyne & Wear DH5 0HG
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advert
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#saidtheEd S
o if you’re anything like me, after the wettest April on record, you’re probably feeling like spring is never going to come. Us girls have been waiting patiently for months to wear our ballet pumps and midi-skirts but Mother Nature has well and truly put a dampener on our ‘warmer weather’ plans. It’s a good job we’ve got a load of stuff for you in our May edition to put a spring back in your step. Prepare to laugh out loud with funny girl Ellie Taylor as she gives us the goss on her latest venture, Snog Marry Avoid, on page 30. Read all about the only social network you should be using whilst your boss isn’t looking (page 32) and the payday purchases you need to splurge on (page 16). We’ve got the top five trends you need in your life (page 24) as well as the trends you most definitely don’t need (page 28) - pyjama suits anyone? No thanks! I’ve come over all patriotic and I’m throwing a garden party for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Get the bunting up, the buffet out and the girls over to watch fashion royalty...literally, celebrate Liz’s sixty wonderful years of being our Queenie. Why not? We’re off the next day! We’ve got a Jubilee themed shoot (page 54) for you to take inspiration from so you’ve got no excuse not to join in the fun. And if that’s not enough for you, turn to page 40 for DIY blogger Kirsten Nunez’s top customizing tips, check out this season’s pale and interesting pastels (page 44) and finally, our review on ecofriendly beauty brands on page 77. There you go…plenty to keep you occupied while you wait for the heavens to close and the darling buds of May to open.
Gemma Cloughton tweet me --> @GemmaCloughton
My loves
This month
;
Beauty and the Beast is back on the big screen in 3D. Sing it with me...tale as old as time...
;
Next month
;
Brad Pitt has just been announced as the new face of Chanel Number 5 and I can’t wait to see the ad.
Every month
;
Audrey Hepburn is my all time favourite idol. I always ask myself ‘what would Audrey do?’
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advert
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;
#youtellus
There’s nobody we like speaking to better than our readers. We want to hear all about your month raising awareness
email of the month
The story featured in last month’s THREADS magazine about being addicted to the gym was really interesting. I had a friend who was going to the gym a lot and I didn’t recognise the signs until reading your feature. I’ve had a chat with my her and she’s going to get help like Sarah from last month’s mag. Rachael Robinson, via email Rachael’s email was our favourite of the month. She wins the fantastic monthly prize of an online voucher for Office. Check out their latest styles at www. office.co.uk. Next month it could be you!
twitter wars
What is it with all of the D-Listers trying to prolong their five minutes of fame by having a Twitter war? Seriously? My timeline is filled with vicious tweets from the TOWIE stars bitching at one another! Save the drama for the screen! Natalia, Bristol Well said Natalia! We are so over the constant feuds. They need to share the love.
@kayleecat Loving the ‘pepto-pink’ lip trend. Thanks for the heads up @threadsmagazine #youknowthescore
love you lots
I picked up April’s edition of THREADS magazine whilst I was in the UK visiting my family last month. I so wish we had it here in Oz! It’s fab! The perfect fashion and beauty bible in one, filled with lots of pics and the freshest ideas! Kimberley, Brisbane Thanks Kim! Why don’t you subscribe to our mag online and you @willow_tree won’t miss an issue. Thanks for the top tip on
Get in touch @ THREADS.com
Chat with us at threads.com/forums Email us at threads.mail@magazine.co.uk Facebook us at www.facebook.com/Threads.Mag Tweet us @threadsmagazine Check us out at pinterest.com/threadsmagazine
recycling old food tins @threadsmagazine :) my desk has never looked so tidy.
uote for May A q
Some pursue happiness others create it! Scarlett Johansson
@cutiepie<3 Flatforms? I’d never have considered them if you hadn’t recommended them @threadsmagazine
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fashion-gram Our favourite fashion Instagram photos of the month
(L-R) “Style” says SophieAlex1 / “Payday treat” says fluffish33p / “Foxxxxy” says llymlrs / “Love this tee” says nikkib / “I heart moustaches” says steffyweight / “Bargain” says JoanneB / “Need this shirt” says Faymous / “Studded pumps” says Holliee1 / “New ring” says IBlameFashion / “Kitty” says gemfatale / “I heart glitter” says fashionfan1 / “Pretty collar” says misspretty.
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ases for May ay pur ch ay d
ri te p
PAYDAY PURCHASES ou v a W f ho ur o do ’s esn er e ’t lo H ! ve Pay day? We do
5 1.9 £7
£28.95
.95
04 £1
.95
4 £4 5 7.9 4 £
Topshop certainly know how to treat us girls don’t they? Their latest designer collab is with Maarten Van Der Horst who is presenting his capsule collection this spring. With designs focusing on his ever popular Hawaiian shirt, the collection is sure to be a sell out. Prices start from £30.
This month there’s only one website you need to visit on payday: www.nelly.com. Set up in Sweden in 2005, this online store already has a massive 10 million visits per month and it’s hitting the UK in May. Fashion lovers will be spoilt for choice with over 800 external brands and over 30 in-house labels.
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Models Own have collaborated with music giants Hed Kandi to bring you a range of polishes inspired by everyone’s favourite party island Ibiza. The stand out polish in the range has to be Ibiza Mix (fourth from right), the chunky glitter filled varnish is unlike anything we have ever seen. Available at www. modelsownit.com or all good pharmacies for £5 per polish.
This horse print studded bag is a subtle way to bring prints into your wardrobe this spring. A steal at only £30, this bag is small enough to be classed as a clutch but still practical. It comes in black too so why not get both? Available at www.asos.com
These slingback snakeskin shoes from Mango are exclusive online this month. We think they can bring a touch of on-trend print into any outfit. Available for £59.99 at www.mango.com.
They’re real! mascara by Benefit is what every girl needs for super long lashes. £18.50 is worth it. This works!
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ON THE
Forget the catwalk or celeb style, we know that the best dressed girls are found on the high street. This month we scoured the city of Newcastle to find the most stylish girls in the North East...
21 , l l e n e d u r Fiona B
Holly Brown, 19
Blazer - H&M Dress - Asos Bag - Topshop Belt - New Look Shoes - Topshop Watch - Asos
Jacket - H&M Shoes - Asos Top - New look Belt - New Look Bag - Cath Kidston Shorts - Topshop 18
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B
E STREET Becky Zhao, 23
Juliet Bu rt, 20 ompson, 25
Emma C
Blazer - Zara Top - Zara Shoes - River Island Leggings - River Island
Top - H&M Trousers - H&M Jacket - Topshop Shoes - New Look Bag - Charity Shop
Top - Topshop Leggings - Topshop Shoes - Topshop Bag - Topshop
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Laura Ivor y, 20
Jacket - Warehouse Shoes - Topshop Top - Warehouse Jeans - Topshop Bag - Vivienne Westwood
Jade Robinso
n, 20
Shoes - Primark Top - H&M Skirt - H&M Necklace - River Island Tights - Primark
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0
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stalk her style One girl. One week. Five amazing outfits
There is always that one girl throughout life who has enviable style. This month, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 22-year-old call centre worker Louise Duffy and she is giving us a wardrobe insight. Pay attention girls.
My style is quite laid back but with a bit of a an edge. I like masculine basics such as loose fitting t-shirts and shirts, and I love denim and leather. I usually go for quite rocky accessories with studding detail or skulls to add a bit of interest to an outfit. - Louise Duffy
Tuesday
Monday
Leather jacket - Topshop Black top (worn underneath) Topshop Leggings - Topshop Bag - Miss Selfridge Boots - Office THREADS Magazine.indd 22
22
Jeggings - Topshop Boots - Topshop Cardigan - Monsoon Shirt - H&M
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Wednesday
Thursday
Leather jacket - Topshop Peace vest - Topshop (or see page 40 to make something similar) Jeans - 80s vintage Levis Boots - Topshop
Cardigan - Monsoon T-Shirt - River Island Jeans - Just Female from Asos Trainers - H&M
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Friday
T-Shirt - Topshop Trainers - Converse Denim Shorts - Levi Renewals Bag - Topshop Tights - H&M Scarf - Alexander McQueen
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top 5 trends Count down the top five trends of the month with us
5 I
GeT Cross
001.
002.
Well, get crosses. They’ve never been cooler
003.
004.
005.
001. Shell Cross Ring, Topshop, £12.50 002. Silver Tone Cross Bracelet, River Island, £5 003. Kora Inverted Cross Necklace, Rock N Rose, £18 004. Cross Ear Cuff, Urban Outfitters, £12 005. Cream Pearl Cross Drop Earrings, Miss Selfridge, £8.50
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006.
007.
4
T-Bar School Shoes We’ve got nothing else to say about these other than they are fugly - fashionably ugly that is
008.
009.
010.
011.
012. 006. Pointy Corey T-Bar Espadrilles, Asos, £55 007. Dr Martens Deirdre T Bar Flat Shoes, Dr Martens, £95 008. ASOS Monet Flat Leather Summer Shoes, Asos, £25 009. YMC Dolly Flat Shoes, Asos, £160 010. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Meduse Flat Shoes, Asos, £295 011. KERB2 Leather T-bar Shoes, Topshop, £60 012. ASOS Salon Scout Patent T-Bar Mid Heels, Asos, £45 25 THREADS Magazine.indd 25
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3 collar tips
Make like a cowboy and jazz up your denim shirt with these collar tips
013. Gold Floral Collar Tips, Miss Selfridge, £7.50 014. Fold Collar Tips, Miss Selfridge, £10 015. Silver Collar Tips, Asos, £5 016. Gold Collar Tips, Regal Rose, £14 016. 017.
014. 018. 015.
019.
013. 020.
2 CRAZY LEGGINGS
021.
Stand out from the crowd with patterned leggings. They’re the new black
017. Hawaiian Floral Legging, Miss Selfridge, £20 018. Skull Print Leggings, Topshop, £22 019. Aztec Sequin Leggings, Topshop, £35 020. Blue Multi Coloured Geometric Print Leggings, River Island, £18 021. Petite Love Heart Leggings, Topshop, £25
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026.
022.
025.
1 Floral Crowns
Wear your crown like Lana Del Ray and show who is the true queen of style
024.
023.
022. Orange Carnation Flower Headband, Asos, £6 023. Florence Oversized Floral Crown Headband, Rock N Rose, £36 024. Lana Oversized Floral Crown, Rock N Rose, £36 025. Blue Flower Garland Head Piece, River Island, £12 026. Presley Floral Crown Headband, Rock N Rose, £24
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leave it to the
professionals We give you the lowdown on those catwalk trends we think you should leave well alone
1.
Silk Pyjamas Last September saw the launch of the ‘lazy model’ as fashion houses sent their girls down the runway in nothing other than their pyjamas. Designers such as Dolce and Gabanna and Lanvin joined the ‘pyjama party’ taking inspiration from lavish silk PJ sets and masculine cuts. As per usual the catwalk girls (otherwise known as the ‘model-bots’ from PlanetFashion) looked amazing but we think this is a trend you should steer away from. Pyjamas are designed to be comfortable and are therefore loose-fitting and shapeless, meaning not even the curviest girl can cut a silhouette in them. Team that with a repetitive, overbearing design and the fact that they are made from silk - let’s face it, is not a friend to any of us - and you will soon realise why this is one trend that should not leave the bedroom. Not even the beautiful Jessica ‘never gets it wrong’ Alba suits them and that is saying something. If you’re feeling brave: Try a pair of printed trousers. The trend doesn’t look half as bad without its jacket counterpart.
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Unicorn Print Trousers, River Island, £20
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s
2.
Sporty Visors Sportswear is one of those trends that has been flirting around for the last few seasons. This S/S it is here with a bang with almost every designer having elements in the show. The aztec visor proved popular with Topshop Unique but post-catwalk, it’s a hard look to pull off without looking like you’re an accountant from the 80s. If you’re going to experiment with sportswear, play it safe with racer back cotton dresses and lycra bandeaus.
s DipofDye Visor, Asos, £15
If you’re feeling brave: Wear a visor for the gym. It’s about the only place where it won’t look out of place and will protect your eyes from the glow the halogen lights.
Blue Lips
3.
Despite being regular worshippers at the alter of Katrantzou, we think there’s a thin blue line (geddit?) between high fashion and just plain craziness. The cobalt lip paint didn’t look out of place on Mary’s girls with their zainy dresses but imaging wearing it for after-office drinks. We don’t think so. If you’re feeling brave: Don’t rule out bright lips. They’re a great way to get noticed but try something a little more demure like lilac. M.A.C Lipstick in Quite Cute, £13.50
users, 20
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Snog? Ma Marr Ellie Taylor speaks exclusively about her new presenting job, her style & what she thinks of scouse brows...
E
llie Taylor has it all: good looks, good personality and the all-important good sense of humour (she is a stand up comic after all.) She landed on our screens last year in ITV’s popular comedy competition, Show Me The Funny. With her ‘girl next door’ style and big sister attitude, Ellie seems like the perfect person to fill Jenny Frost’s nude stilettos as the new presenter of BBC3 make-under show, Snog Marry Avoid. We speak to the 27-year-old Essex girl about fashion, friends and fakery. We were massive fans of Show Me The Funny Ellie and loved you on the show. Being a woman in a male dominated industry, do you feel the need to express yourself more through your clothes or do you dress down so you don’t stand out too much? It depends on the gig really. If it’s a dingy place I wouldn’t go on wearing a really nice dress because I would look out of place. Dingy gigs are my favourite gigs to play so I normally just put on a pair of jeans as I don’t want to be overdressed. For a posh gig I might wear heels. It just depends what I feel like at the time really as I need to be comfortable and relaxed.
Would you go out without your make up? Yeah I would. If I was going somewhere important like a meeting or something like that then I would always make the effort. If I were just nipping out somewhere, such as picking my little nephew up from school I wouldn’t bother. I’m not like the girls on Snog Marry Avoid where they won’t open the door without layers and layers of make up on. On the show, the Personal Overhaul Device (POD) analyses the girls and tells them exactly what she thinks about their clothes and make up. What would POD say about how you dress? Would she change anything? No I think POD would rate what I wear at the minute. I think she would quite like it. I’ve tried a few different styles lately as we have being on the road filming for the show so I’ve being trying out the signature looks for each city. We’ve been to Newcastle so I had a ‘Geordie blow-dry’. They put loads of rollers and extensions in my hair. I looked like an older version of Cher Lloyd. I went in to see POD and she just screamed, “get them out!”
They put rollers and extensions in my hair. I looked like an older version of Cher Lloyd!
How would you describe your style? I’m not the most fashion conscious of people. I tend to wear black quite a lot as it’s easy. I like to use the Topshop free personal styling service and have someone put something together for me. I’m okay when I’m picking dresses but when it comes to picking a top and a skirt to put together I’m like “what do I do?” Do you prefer designer or high street clothes? Oh high street every time. That’s because I don’t have the option though! Us neither! A girl can dream though. Who are your style icons? I don’t think there is anyone in the public eye. I think I take inspiration from my friends. I’ve got one friend and she always looks amazing. I love the way she dresses. It’s so chic and Parisian and she puts her looks together so well. She always looks gorgeous and then you have me just standing there in my big red jumper looking so awkward.
So she wasn’t very happy? We’d hate to get on the wrong side of POD. Have you ever made a fashion faux pas? Oh my god yes! Thousands! I think I was about 15 when the Spice Girls were at the height of their fame and I was obsessed with wearing pigtails in my hair like Baby Spice. I think that’s the only way I wore my hair for about a year, just two bunches at the side of my head. I’m so glad that it was before the days of Facebook so that there is no photographic evidence. Everyone went through a Spice Girls phase. What were we thinking? We did. The only good thing about fashion faux pas is that everyone makes them. I even look back at stuff I wore last year and think, “oh that outfit is a bit sketchy.” You’ve probably seen a lot of fashion faux pas on the show. What is the worst you’ve seen so far? I’ve seen quite a lot of boobs (laughs) and by that I mean lots of revealing tops and dresses of course. There’s nothing wrong with embracing your curves and showing off your best assets but some of these girls have massive
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rry? Avoid?
ing
boobs and they are so in your face and out there. It’s so funny watching the soundman mic them up as it’s such sensitive area. He’s really awkward. I’ve also seen a lot of ripped trousers too which look as though you have been attacked by some sort of wild animal. POD is well know for hating ‘fakery.’ What do you think of false lashes, nails and tan? I’m not massively into self-grooming as I’m too bloody lazy so I don’t tend to bother with things like that. If I’m going out I spend a little longer getting ready so I’ll pay more attention to my hair and my make up. I don’t wear much make up anyway unlike the 25 pairs of eyelashes we’ve seen some girls apply on the show. If I look like I need waking up I might put a bit of fake tan on my face to give me a healthier glow but don’t tell POD I said that. We won’t! As a former model I’m sure you know loads about the beauty industry. What is your top beauty tip? Hmm...I don’t know really as I just used to sit back and let them get on with it. Oh I know a good one. Don’t over pluck your eyebrows. Back away from the tweezers! We’ve seen girls on the show with inch long natural eyebrows and it just looks mental. That’s why they are all drawing them on. When we visited Liverpool I got the famous ‘scouse brow’ done. The girl who was doing them said “right I’m just going to dye them now” and I said “oh no you’re not!” Oh dear! The scouse girls are fearless aren’t they? So what did she do instead? She just filled them in with eye shadow. They were horrific! And so dark! I looked like some sort of wicked witch. You see the girls from Liverpool walking around the town with their rollers in and the Juicy Couture tracksuits on but then they are carrying their little clutch bags with them as if they are going out on the town. It’s mental. POD always tells the truth and can sometimes be a bit harsh. Would you tell the truth if your friend was wearing a look that didn’t suit her? No! I don’t think I could. I mean depending on who it was and what situation it was I might. If it was something horrific like an awful fake tan stain I would have to tell them. One thing I’ve learned from Snog Marry Avoid is that toothpaste gets rid of nasty fake tan lines. If it was just something like a bad outfit I wouldn’t say anything because it just hurts people’s feelings and who am I to do that? Finally, from the following three comedians, who would you snog, marry and avoid. Pick from Michael McIntyre, John Bishop and Russell Howard. Ooh! I think I would snog Michael McIntyre. I would have to avoid Russell Howard because he is blonde and I’m not keen on blonde men and I would have to marry John Bishop. He’s from Liverpool and I love the scouse accent. Plus he’s rich! Catch Snog Marry Avoid on BBC3 from Monday 14th of May at 10:30pm.
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u o y Are ? d e t s e r e t Pi n h
ew Anyon
l We tel
ork w t e n l ocia s e h of t t s r i a t p s tere be a n o i t P e y v you ha you wh
W
e had Bebo and swapped it for MySpace. We got bored of being Tom’s friend so dumped him for Facebook instead. We wrote on walls, poked people and uploaded picture after picture. When there was nothing left to ‘like’, we flew over to Twitter and got chirpy. Now there’s a new social network on the scene unlike anything else we’ve had before so prepare to get addicted. It’s fashion friendly and mostly used by girls. Trust us, this one is going nowhere fast. Pinterest launched in December 2009 and has become one of the fastest growing social network sites to date, already bigger than sites such as LinkedIn and Google+. As the name suggests, members can ‘pin’ images of their favourite things onto virtual notice boards for other users to make comment on and ‘re-pin’ (the site’s answer to Twitter’s retweet.) In an attempt to be different, you can only join the site on an invite basis. Okay so it’s not a case of ‘if your name’s not down then you’re not getting in’ but it still brings an element of exclusivity that no other social network has. When accepted, you can join using your Facebook or Twitter account, making it even easier to update all your timelines at once. Normally, social networks refuse to acknowledge the competition, opting to compete and knock points off one another instead but Pinterest actually encourage you to link up your page with other social networks. Combine that with the email you receive upon 32 THREADS Magazine.indd 32
!
e is n o y n o is a
Check out our pins a pinterest.co threadsmaga
getting your invite advising you of the site’s etiquette and already you see the makings of a much ‘nicer’ social network. What else did you expect from a social network where 68% of members are female? Unlike any other social network where things are pretty much weighted evenly, women dominate Pinterest. You can imagine the topic of conversation: clothes, clothes and more clothes. For fashion lovers, this is the ultimate social network. You can create mood boards for your spring favourites, collages for cute purses and scrapbooks of celebrity looks. If you see a new outfit that you want for Friday night, pin it and let your friends comment with their thoughts. If Benefit pin a picture of their latest blusher, you can repin it for all of your followers to see. Pinterest has proven popular with brides and expectant mothers alike with both groups sharing wedding and baby shower ideas. Twenty-six-year-old Lyndsey Smith from Sunderland is getting married in August and has found the site extremely useful when it comes to ideas: “None of my friends are getting married this year and there’s only so much you can bombard people with your ideas before they get bored. When I need inspiration I go onto Pinterest and check out my online friends’ pinboards. I got the idea for my favours from there: sunglasses for every guest as we are getting married on a beach.” With a social network like Pinterest, there’s never an excuse to be bored. Get pinning girls.
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on e v o el . w w s o g n n i Th ight r t s re e t n i P
Our new favourite up & coming social network sites.
via Romwe
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Check out our pins at nterest.com/ adsmagazine
ta.com
mbret
via La
via H&M.com
1.
Fancy www.thefancy .com Fancy is quite si milar to Pintere st in the way it allows use rs to compile ‘li sts’ instead of pins of stuff th ey want. Howev er they have the ‘click to buy’ feature wit h a lot of products on the site. See somet hing you like? Click the link and it’s you rs within minutes. Your credit card is co w er ing in your purse as w e speak.
2.
Lockerz z.com www.locker es. ts equal priz in o p e r e h w ork ts by A social netw Lockerz poin te la u m u c c ily polls Spend and a os, taking da e id v , s e g a ve posting im When you ha . s d n ie fr g shop and referrin use them to n a c u o y ts in ing enough po rands includ b d te ia c o s s 0a e that from over 20 . A social sit n o ix N d n a Zoe Karssen we like. gives back -
3.
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This Next www.thisnext.com Ever wanted to buy something but wish you had a friend’s honest opinion first? This Next is the site that gives you exactly that: a truthful review from another networker. If you go ahead and decide you want to buy it, you can! Just one click of a button on This Next and the product is all yours. Don’t forget to leave your review. v oba ia z.co m
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Sister sister The Kardashians, the Hiltons, the Olsens. All amazing sisters with even better stylists. Real life siblings give us the dirt on ‘sister style’...
Laura Johnson, 22, and Anna Johnson, 19, are sisters and best friends from Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland. They love being stylish on their student budgets.
How would you describe your relationship? Do you get on well? Laura: We both get on really well the majority of the time, even if we are the polar opposite of each other. I’m more academic in nature and Anna is more practical. We were always told when we were younger by our mam that your sister is always your best friend no matter what and we live by that. Anna: We are very much aware of each other’s difference. We can always make each other laugh.
the Essex look quite a bit lately! A: Laura is much girlier than me and owns more patterned, floral and brighter coloured clothes. Laura and mam usually pick up the same things in shops, and have a similar style (maybe I was adopted). Do you share clothes with your sister? L: We don’t tend to share a lot of clothes because we are different sizes but I have been known to wear her heels on occasion even though she’s a size smaller than me. I’m crippled by the end of the night! A: Any statement pieces that we wear are often our own but I do have a rake through Laura’s wardrobe on a night out too!
Do you argue much? If so, what about? L: If we argue it’s mostly because Anna likes to steal my things and not return them but the tables have turned recently because Anna has started to buy more expensive stuff which I like to pinch as well. A: Arguments would get quite heated in the past but since we have both got older it has simmered down a lot. I think we have both learnt to respect one another’s possessions more.
Who knows more about fashion and what looks good? L: Anna is a bit of a slave to fashion. She has a better eye for fashionable bargains than me. Anna can probably construct an outfit better than me and often gives me advice when I’m going somewhere. A: I would say I am much more interested in fashion than Laura but she never fails to surprise me. Something that I think may look awful on the hanger looks lovely when she wears it.
How would you describe your style? L: I’d like to say I have a classic style but this can be difficult to achieve on a student budget so my style of late has consisted mostly of casual wear. I have a lot of legging and jumper days. A: I would say my style is a mix of indie, boho and maybe rock, depending on how I’m feeling. I like to wear a lot of jewellery, and love accessories that stand out.
Who is better at hair and make up? L: I’d think I’m better at make-up. I’m more picky about what I use and tend to only buy high end brands but Anna is a lot better at hair. A: I am definitely more interested in how my hair looks. I always try and match my hair to my style. I love wavy beach hair and up do’s the most.
How would you describe your sister’s style? L: She always looks lovely when she goes out but doesn’t like to dress up as much as me. It takes a lot to get her in a dress. She can walk in heels better and loves a bit of fake tan and eyelashes. I think she’s trying out
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The Johnson Sisters
I wear Anna’s shoes even though they’re too small for me!
If you could buy your sister one gift (money being no object), what would it be? L: Anna would love a classic item, something like vintage Ray Bans or something iconic worn by a celebrity like a classic leather jacket. A: I would treat Laura to a vintage style dress to show off her gorgeous pins or a Kate Middleton style wedding dress. 34
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r
We share everything. We’d be crazy not to!
Identical twins sisters, Emily and Sophie Munro, 19, live in Hetton–le–Hole, Sunderland. All their lives they’ve shared everything, including their looks. How would you describe your relationship? Emily: We’re unbelievably close. When we’re not together we’re constantly texting each other, to our boyfriends’ annoyance! We both do the same uni course and work in the same leisure centre so we’re together constantly but that’s how it’s always been! Sophie: We have the same interests and friends so always spend time together. Emily is like my best friend. As clichéd as it sounds, we both finish each other sentences and have our own little jokes which most people wouldn’t find funny at all. Do you argue much? If so, what about? E: I wouldn’t really say we argue it’s more bickering really and it’s always over silly things. We both moan at each other and ask each other to do things instead of ourselves! I would say the main thing we argue about is the car that we share and when Sophie doesn’t do jobs in the house and I do them for her! S: Emily is a lot less organised than me which does cause a few arguments. How would you describe your style? E: I would say mine is quite dressy. I absolutely love blazers and buttoned up shirts. S: Mine differs really. I like trying different styles but I always like to look quite dressy. I have a lot of blazers and like to edge outfits up with Converse. I love high shoes and have a huge obsession with bags. How would you describe your sister’s style? E: Sophie’s style is very similar to mine but I think
The Munro Sisters she makes things look a lot more edgy than me and she’s maybe a bit more experimental. S: I’d say Emily’s is quite similar but although we are identical twins and are the same size, we seem to wear clothes differently. Emily sometimes goes for a more plain approach where as I like trying different things. Do you share clothes with your sister? E: Everything! We’d would be crazy not to. We’re both the same size so it’s double the wardrobe! S: Some things are regarded as more mine or hers but we always share. Who knows more about fashion and what looks good? E: I think it’s something we both really take an interest in but I would say perhaps Sophie. I always ask her opinion and hate getting ready for a night out and choosing an outfit when she’s not there! I think Sophie is really good at putting clothes together but I often buy really nice key pieces that I’ve seen on fashion blogs. I’m obsessed with them! S: Yeah Emily reads a lot more fashion blogs than me and I think she takes inspiration from them. I’m more experimental than her and try new things but then she will often copy if she likes them! Who is better at hair and make up? E: Maybe me! S: I think Emily! If you could buy your sister one gift (money being no object), what would it be? E: A credit card that never maxes out and that you don’t have to pay for! Does that count? S: I’d buy her a Chanel bag.
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We argue when Mel pinches my things and then denies it!
The Swalwell Sisters Sisters, Natalie Swalwell, 26, and Melissa Swalwell, 21, live in Sunderland. They both love fashion and dress to impress at every occasion. How would you describe your relationship? Natalie: I would say we get on very well. We are quite close and she is a great friend to me and a great role model for my little girl. She’s a shoulder to cry and laugh on, and despite having our differences now and again, she does mean the world to me. Melissa: She really is my best friend and we get on really well. I know I can always depend on her. Do you argue much? If so, what about? N: When we do argue it’s mostly because she has slyly taken something from my house, be it nail varnish or a scarf and didn’t ask and then will blatantly lie about it and say it’s hers when I confront her. That is probably the only thing. M: When we do argue it’s normally when one of us are in a mood and we get annoyed by the smallest of things. How would you describe your style? N: I would describe my style as quite versatile. I like to be glam on a night out, smart casual for work but have my comfy Converse at the ready for trips to the park so a bit of everything really. M: I like to wear the current trends. However I tend to mix them up to create my own individual and unique style. How would you describe your sister’s style? N: Melissa’s style is a mixture of glam and bohemian and she is extremely fashion focused and knows what she wants. She is beautiful and can pretty much pull off anything at all. M: Natalie likes to be on trend and has her own style but it’s a bit different to mine. She always looks THREADS Magazine.indd 36
amazing though. Do you share clothes with your sister? N: I don’t share many clothes with her because she is a size 8 and I’m in between sizes 12 and 14. However she is expecting her first baby soon so this could change. M: Sometimes we share but I like clothes which are a bit more ‘out there’ so I’ll only pinch something if it suits my style. Who knows more about fashion and what looks good? N: I would say we both know what suits our own shapes. We have two very different body shapes and I wouldn’t know what clothes accommodate her shape and vice versa. M: I think we equally know a lot about fashion and both know how to dress for our shape and size. Who is better at hair and make up? N: Again we both have very alternate ideas about hair and make up. Melissa likes to be on trend with ombre hair and big eyebrows with colourful eyes whereas I’m quite “mumsy” with plain blonde hair (long so it can be tied up) and quite plain make up. I do like to experiment with my hair a lot more so I’d say Melissa is better at make up and me hair. M: I agree! Natalie is better at hair. If you could buy your sister one gift (money being no object), what would it be? N: It would most definitely be a metallic gold Mulberry Bayswater. She, like me, aspires to be in the “Mulberry club” so it 36 perfect present! would be the M: I would buy her a vintage Rolex watch.
Go to page 54 to see Natalie starring in our Diamond Jubilee shoot
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en
nd it!
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little girl... A few years ago, a festival was a big adventure for me. Look at me now!
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l...big world When Kayleigh Richardson felt life was passing her by she knew the only thing to do was grab it with both hands. Here she tells us how
I
’ve always been the person least likely to just get up and jet off. When I left school, I started working full time as a travel agent whilst all of my friends went to college then university. If anyone was going to take out a year out to travel the world it would be one of them. Selling people holidays all day every day gave me a taste for travelling. I wanted to go to all of these amazing places, not just hear from others how fantastic they were. I decided
SAVE SAVE SAVE Although I loved my job as a travel agent it didn’t pay enough for me to save. I started working full time in a call centre that paid a lot more. I left a job I loved for one I hated but I never could have travelled without the extra money. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices. CONSULT A TRAVEL GUIDE I didn’t have a clue where to start when planning my trip. I went to see the guys at STA Travel and they were fabulous. They give me spot-on advice and loads of top trips for travelling. I started my adventure in beautiful Thailand and have made my way over to Australia where I am staying for a few months. I’d have been lost without the professional support from the travel guides.
I definitely did want to travel the world someday but put my plans on hold when I met my now ex-boyfriend. I got stuck in a routine for a couple of years. I’d do the same things day in day out. Go to work, come home, see my boyfriend, see my friends at the weekend. I was bored. When me and my ex broke up, it gave me the kick-start I needed to make my dream a reality. Now I’m living and loving life as I travel around the world. Inspired? Here’s how I did it and you can do it too:
alone. It’s just too scary; especially for a young girl. I’m travelling with my good friend Lucy, who I know from working as a travel agent. It’s better because you don’t feel lonely with a friend by your side although it can get a bit intense when you are together 24/7. LOSE YOUR INHIBITIONS At home I would never leave the house without a full face of make up. I’m known amongst my friends for being notoriously late every time we go out and they all laughed at me when I packed my hair straighteners for Leeds festival. Since travelling, I’m a changed girl. I go out fresh-faced and tie my hair back instead of spending hours styling it. You have to dress practically for the weather.
BE BRAVE I had to quit my job to begin my adventure. It’s scary to think when I come home I won’t have a job but I’m not worrying about that too much at the moment. I’m having way too much fun to think about work.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH HOME Friends and family will constantly worry about you whilst you are away: my mum is never off Skype. Although you’re having the time of your life, don’t forget about your loved ones at home. A quick call will help when you are feeling homesick.
GO WITH A FRIEND I can’t imagine how anyone can travel
Read more at http://www.offexploring.com/ kayleighrichardson 39
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4
DIY Queen
Why buy new
when you can be you?
W
hen hearing the term DIY most of us would associate it with being dragged around Homebase looking for the perfect shade of periwinkle blue and endless days and nights of stripping wallpaper, cleaning up and getting covered in paint. Not an appealing prospect in the slightest and definitely not a term you would associate with fashion. But for some girls, doing it yourself and customizing clothes is as important and exciting as shopping. Have you ever seen someone wearing a really unusual and different piece but can never find it in the shops yourself? The chances are it’s probably not there. A homemade item of clothing is original, alternative and most importantly unique so you can wear it and feel smug that you are the only person in the world to own it. Have we got you convinced? Good! At this point you’re probably thinking that you’re going to need the artistic talents of Van Gogh to be able to pull it off. This is definitely not the case. You don’t have to sew, you don’t have to knit, and you don’t even have to cross-stitch, although
you really should be able to do that by now. In all honesty, you don’t even have to be that creative. All you need is an idea of the kind of things you like and an open mind. Customizing clothes is a cheap alternative to buying something new. Instead of spending money on a new dress or top, go to your local haberdashery store and buy some bits and bobs to make something old new again. It’s actually a lot of fun. If you need some inspiration there are a lot of good DIY blogs out there. We have an exclusive interview with Kirsten Nunez, the author of Studs and Pearls over the page so make sure she you read it for all of her insider information. Also, Gem Fatale, as seen on Channel Four show Super Scrimpers, has a great DIY section to her blog and howtogal.com has loads of ideas on fashion and jewellery DIY as well as home-ware. To get you started the girls at THREADS have roadtested some DIY methods to give you an easy step-by-step guide (the things we do for you!). Follow our instructions and you can’t go wrong. Don’t forget to tweet us your pics of your new creations. We can’t wait to see them!
peace print t-shirt step by step guide
1. You will need
2.
Stuff the t-shirt with the brown paper bag. This will prevent the bleach from seeping through to the back of the t-shirt.
One plain t-shirt (a small mans size will be better if you want to customize the shape A brown paper bag A pair of scissors Some household bleach A paintbrush
3. Use a dinner plate as a guide for drawing your design.
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Blogger Profile
4.
Name: Kirsten Nunez Blog: studs-and-pearls.com Age: 23 years old Lives: NYC, USA Blogged since: 2009 Favourite piece: Zig zag denim shorts paired with a homemade tie-dye t-shirt. Looks great for the Spring.
Draw on your design using the bleach. We’ve gone for the peace sign which is very popular at the moment.
5.
Now for an interview with super-blogger Kirsten Nunez about life as a serial recycler and why she always does it herself.
Snip of the sleeves of the t-shirt, using the seam as a guide.
Twenty-three-year-old jewellery designer Kirsten Nunez has dedicated her blog to DIY fashion. Born and bred in New York, Kirsten started her blog Studs and Pearls in 2009 as a way to show others just how easy customising clothes can be. Now a writer at monthly magazine We Heart This and website About.com, Kirsten is making a living off doing something she loves most; sharing her passion and creativity with the world. Kirsten your blog is amazing! You’re so good at customizing clothes and jewellery. How long have you been doing it? How did you first become interested in DIY fashion? I’ve been making and creating my entire life. I was always a bit crafty, for as long as I can remember. During my high school and college years, my craft projects turned into more wearable fashion items. My focus on fashion evolved as I grew older and began to develop my own personal style and fashion taste. Of course, I love to create anything, but I love the concept of ultimate self-expression through DIY and fashion. I would say for about the past 6 or 7 years I’ve been consistently altering and customizing clothing and jewellery that have become an actual part of my wardrobe.
6.
There you go! The finished product.
have fun!
What was the first piece of clothing/jewellery you gave a makeover? It was most likely a t-shirt related project, as t-shirt reconstructions are the most basic DIY fashion project out there since they’re inexpensive and so easy to find! When I was teaching myself how to sew, I often altered band t-shirts and old clothes. Why do you think DIY fashion is so important? I’ve always believed that DIY fashion is the best form of self-expression. Fashion is something that will always be around, as clothing will always be a significant part of our life. It’s also something that’s easily influenced
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by the media and what is available in stores. When a person goes shopping, they are technically limited to whatever they will come across, even if they were to visit every store out there. With DIY fashion, you can literally make any thing you’d like and making is the best way to personalise and express yourself. Every step of the project is entirely up to you. What inspired you to start blogging about DIY fashion? Growing up I noticed that there wasn’t that much variety in stores. I would always be on the hunt for something unique, and something that expressed who I am, as I was changing and growing as a person. However this would be really hard to come by. Between this – and my life long interest of creating – I decided to start a blog. Not only is it more personal and interactive than a website but I wanted to share my ideas and prove to others that true style doesn’t always have to come straight out of the store. I wanted to show that there’s more to fashion than the monetary value. Even if I didn’t have a blog, I would still be making all of those projects because it’s what I do, and it’s part of who I am – the only difference is that I’m sharing them with readers from all over the world.
D
IKE P S Y
DI
CRY
What advice would you give to people looking to customize their clothes but don’t think they have the skills/confidence to do so? Just take a deep breath and go for it. The worst that can happen is that you start the project all over again - and there’s nothing wrong with that. Even long time DIY’ers like myself do this once in a while. There’s really nothing to be scared of! If you’re worried about messing up a valuable or favourite item then you can always practice on a cheaper version. Once you perfect whatever you’re trying to do, then you can give the actual project a go. The more you DIY, the better you will get, which will only increase your confidence in creating and altering. How much of your wardrobe is customized? At this point I would say about 50% of my closet has been altered or created by myself. Many of my clothes have been reconstructed from thrifted pieces. As for my jewellery, I would say about 85% of my collection is handmade in some way.
ING
LR STA
from this...
to this... just like
What’s your top tip for customizing/doing it yourself? Make what you like. Don’t be too concerned with whether or not other people will like it; that’s what store bought items are for. There isn’t anything wrong with store bought pieces of course, but the point of DIY is to make what you want, how you like it. You can find Kirsten’s blog at http://www.studsand-pearls.com/
Tarantino Jessicka 3 Spike Ring, £175
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all that glitte rs Storm in a Teacup is one of our favourite online jewellery stores. Owner and designer Jennifer Farrell speaks to us about her passion for making things we love
I always pottered around with jewellery making when I was younger. But it wasn’t until I started making all my friends’ birthday presents one year that I started practicing my skills a bit more. It became a regular hobby and I started displaying my jewels at craft events at the weekends but it never occurred to me I might be able to make a career out of it. Everything I know I’ve taught myself. But like many things there’s a lot to be said for practice and trial and error. I started by just buying a few very cheap tools, some basic wire and some beads and practicing from there. I’m really keen to expand my range of skills though and I have plans to study some exciting new techniques. I was encouraged to try pursuing my jewellery full time and at this point I felt like I had nothing to lose! It was always going to be difficult to leave a long career behind but I decided to take the leap and start out alone with something new. It was a gradual process to get everything set-up and it takes time to get established and get your name out there but you learn so much along the way. Throughout my teens I always wanted to open up a little late-night tea and cake shop when I ‘grew up’ and name it Storm in a Teacup. I was always jealous of those late night coffee places in America when in England they always closed at 6 or 7pm and even after uni I still thought one day that’s what I might do. I’d even designed the swinging shop sign I’d have! When I started making jewellery as a hobby I thought it would tie in nicely with this imaginary tea and cake shop and that one day I’d sell my jewellery there so I used the same name I’d always had in my head. I didn’t realise I would love the
jewellery making so much and that it would completely overtake my idea for a tea shop! I love making my vintage range because the pieces are so unique. Sometimes they are one-off items and sometimes they comprise of rare, old pieces. In particular I like creating necklaces Jennifer Farrell, 25, because I model them on myself and look at runs kitsch jewellery them through the eyes of a customer when deciding what length looks best and how store Storm in a Teacup colours sit next to each other. The “Emma” multi-way tie is the most popular item on the website. It’s so versatile and has so many uses. It’s also a bit unusual so it’s really popular as a gift. After that the “Helen” feather necklace is the next best seller! Fearne Cotton purchased from our stall when we had a spot at London’s Portobello market. I’m not sure if it was for herself or a gift to someone else! And I know my items have been put into celeb goody bags after a wellknown panel-show but I’m looking forward to seeing with my own eyes some celebs wearing my items! I’d like to reach even more lovely customers and see my items appear in more beautiful shops. Customers have been so kind and often take the time to write to me when they’re happy with their items and that just absolutely makes my day. My favourite bit is still hand wrapping each order I send out - I love it! So I’d like to be able to keep the personal touch. It would be great to one day spend less time on the administration and have more time for the designing and making but until then I’m still as happy as Larry!
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The “Emma” multiway tie
The “Helen” feather necklace 17/05/2012 11:29
Suit jacket, £17, Primark. Suit trousers, £13, Primark. White Blouse, £55, Reiss. Socks, £3.50,Topshop. Shoes, £75, Topshop.
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Pale and Interesting take a walk in the park with__ the prettiest pastels around model: katie hall photos: patrick carney
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Dress, £34.99, New Look. Socks, £3.50, Topshop. Shoes, £30, Office.
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Socks, £3.50 or 3 pairs for £8, Topshop.
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Dress, £44.99, River Island. Shirt (worn underneath), £39.99, Zara. Blouse, £55, Reiss. Socks, £3.50, Topshop. Shoes, £85, Topshop.
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Suit jacket, £17, Primark. Shorts, £32, Topshop. White blouse, £55, Reiss. Socks, £3.50, Topshop. Shoes, £25, Matalan. Clutch Bag, £9.99, H&M. Scarf, £9.99, Miss Selfridge.
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Shirt, £39.99, Zara. Jeans, £30 Asos. Belt, £7.99, Zara. Shoes, £25, Matalan.
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Dress, ÂŁ8, Primark. Collared blouse (worn underneath), ÂŁ15, New Look.
For behind the scenes photos and how-to tutorials visit
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Dress, £34.99, H&M. Hat, £17, Miss Selfridge. Necklace, £18, Warehouse. 54 THREADS Magazine.indd 54
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Rule Britannia Lizzy has ruled Blighty for 60 years next month so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to celebrate in style. Get your friends together and throw a Diamond Jubilee party! Model: Natalie Swalwell Photographer: Patrick Carney
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White Dress, £32, Romwe. Top (worn over dress), £32, Topshop. Gloves, £22, Zara. Belt, £9.99, H&M. Shoes, £125, Carvella. Necklace, models own.
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Dress, £32, Romwe. Kimono, £45, Mango. Necklace, models own.
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Dress, £85, French Connection. Jacket, £35, H&M. Headband, £12, Reiss. 58 THREADS Magazine.indd 58
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Dress, £95, Reiss. Jacket, £35, H&M. Shoes, £95, LK Bennett. Bag, £28, Accessorize. THREADS Magazine.indd 60
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Dress, £25, Shambles vintage store. Fur stole, £20, Topshop. Hat, £18, Zara. Necklace, models own. 17/05/2012 11:34
Dress, £32, Romwe. Kimono, £45, Mango. Necklace, models own.
Silver Clutch, £30, Aldo
Get the look
Union Jack Tee, £15, River Island
Cath Kidston Union Jack Drop Earrings, £16, Asos
Sadie Jersey Dress, £67, French Connection Class, £210, Kurt Geiger 62 THREADS Magazine.indd 62
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Get stuck in Beauty stick ons and transfers are all the rage at the minute and they seem like the ideal way to get the perfect manicure or a precision graphic eye. A quick fix beauty product with a professional finish? Are they just too good to be true?
NAILS:
Product: Nail transfers Brand: Nail Rock Price: £6.70
Not the newest of transfer products on the market, nail wraps have been in the shops since early 2011. Designed to give a funky, fashionable effect without the hassle of trying to create the nail art yourself, the transfers claim to be easy to apply and long lasting. Aztec prints are massive right now so why not add a touch of the trend to your nails? At £6.70 Nail Rock transfers are very reasonably priced They claim to last ten days but our model wore them for around four before getting bored of the design and taking them off. The in-pack instructions advise to roughen over the nail and use the preparation wipe (included) to get the surface of the nail ready for application. The transfers are very wide so if you have narrow nail beds, be prepared to trim the sides of the stickers for a more accurate fit. Starting from the cuticle, apply the sticker and press and smooth upwards to ensure
there are no creases or blobs of air underneath. Getting this bit right is difficult as the stickers take well to the top of your nail but not so much the sides. We found using a little bit of heat to warm the glue allowed the transfer to mould more easily to the shape of your nail. Having your hairdryer handy is key but make sure you apply the heat evenly so you don’t burn your fingers. As the transfers used were gold foil effect they really showed up the bits that didn’t look quite right so we would recommend trying a coloured set of transfers for your first attempt rather than foils. Also, we feel that Nail Rock transfers work better on longer nails as there is more surface area for the nail to stick to. If you wear nail extensions these would look perfect and would probably stick to them easier, as acrylic and gel nails are already very smooth. Nail Rock transfers are a great ‘party product’ for when you want to make that little bit extra effort. They were all over the FROW at London Fashion Week and designer Meadham Kirchhoff has also collaborated with Nail Rock and brought out a kitsch range of wraps. Jump on the bandwagon girls because this trend is going nowhere fast.
THE
PRO
DUC
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EYES:
ke x
CT
Product: Eye stickers Brand: Eye Rock Price: £7.00
THE PRODUCT The Eye Rock transfers are seemingly designed for those who aren’t great at doing complicated eye make up. If you want ‘Winehouse’ style flicks but don’t have a steady hand, Eye Rock stickers supposedly are the answer: supposedly being the key word. The pack we used contained four different designs, bringing the cost of each pair of transfers down to around £1.75, which is good value for money. However, out of the four pack, there are only two designs which are actually wearable; the ‘Amy’ style flicks and the ‘Twiggy’ crease designs. When it comes to applying the sticker it is best to use tweezers as the transfer loses its stickiness quickly if it touches your fingers. This obviously causes a big problem when trying to get the sticker to stay on your eye. The transfers are very wide to the point where you wonder if
they were made for alien eyes. Most people would need to trim the sticker which can be quite unnerving if you’re not confident with make up and the shape of your eyes and totally defeats the object of these transfers being easy use. We asked our model to have a go at applying one of the stickers herself and she found it very hard so if you’ve got someone around to help you then ask them to do it instead. The Eye Rock transfers would definitely benefit from having some sort of glue with them or being a little more temporary tattoo-like and using water to apply them. This would make the stickers feel a little less heavy, as they feel similar to fake eyelashes when on the eye. The designs do look good when applied correctly but they are a lot of hassle to get right and they definitely wouldn’t last 16 hours like they claim. With a little perseverance you could achieve this look with liquid eyeliner so we recommend being brave and giving that a go instead of buying these.
I could not app ly these on my own - as k a frie nd for help
g a Z ig Z e Th
The se ou h e wi n
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LIPS:
Product: Lip transfers Brand: Violent Lips Price: £10.00
Tattoos for your lips? That’s right. Take inspiration from the likes of Jessie J and Lady Gaga and make your lips come alive with colour. These transfers are applied to the lips using water and a damp cloth are relatively easy to get right. The hard part is cutting the transfer to the shape of your lips which can be a little tricky to get right first time. You get three tattoos in the packet and it took two attempts for us to get it right on our model. Violent Lips will definitely look better if you have plump, even lips. If your lips are thin, or your bottom lip is bigger than your top lip and visa versa, they won’t be as effective. You can buy Violent Lips in a range of different colours and designs. The polka
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dot pink used on our model would be a good alternative to a neon lip without looking too out of place in the pub after work. Other designs such as the Union Jack look cool but are very ‘out-there’ and not for the timid. Make sure that your lips are in good condition before attempting to apply. Dry or flaky skin will only look worse with a lip tattoo on top so fully exfoliate for the best results. We think these tattoos are a great way to inject a bit of fun into any outfit. If you’re going for bright and colourful lips, make sure you follow basic make up rules and tone down your eyes. Both intricate eyes and lips will look like you are auditioning for clown school. Overall, a66 really good product for those who are wild at heart. 17/05/2012 11:36
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Hot Hair The latest styling tools and products guaranteed to give your friends serious hair envy TRESemme Liquid Gold, £6.99.
Enrapture Encode Totem Styler, £79.99
TRESemme Liquid Gold is a brand new product that is hitting the market this spring. Enhanced with Argan oil, it can be used on wet or dry hair to nourish and repair dry or damaged locks. Liquid Gold is very similar to the Queen of all hair products MoroccanOil but with an added extra; a reduced price tag. Hair oils can be very expensive habits so this is a great price if you are on a budget. You can use lashings of it on your hair without feeling guilty about your bank balance. For best effects use on the ends of wet hair before blow drying or use as a styling product to tame frizz in between washes. It has a gorgeous sweet smell and a runny consistency so you only need to use a little bit of product at a time. Pack it in your suitcase to keep locks in top-top condition in the sun.
e Th
Let’s start by saying, this is not your average hot iron styler. The Encode Totem styler brought to you by Enrapture is a multifunctional iron designed to give you the power to create your own curls, waves and kinks. The barrel is split into three sections and each section can heat up to a different temperature. For example, if you wanted a relaxed curl, select the lowest setting (number one) for all three sections. If it’s a tight curl you are looking for, switch the settings to number three for each compartment and the result is a springy curl. To mix it up put each section on a different setting for a curl which is looser in some parts than in others. The Totem styler comes massively recommended from our favourite beauty bloggers including THREADS’ own, Katie Hall, who said, “this styler is life changing. I hated curling my hair before I discovered it.”
O by Cloud N ine
Batiste Dry Shampoo XXL Volume, £3.99
For those who use dry shampoo to give their hair that ‘second day wash’ feel, this product is for you. Not just your ordinary ‘de-greaser’, Batiste XXL actually contains hair volumising powder to lift your hair from the roots. Unlike any other dry shampoo in the Batiste range, XXL combines the usual formula with a root booster and it’s a marriage made in heaven. The dry shampoo holds like hairspray but leaves your hair soft and bouncy. It has a gorgeous floral smell which is a bonus as some dry shampoos have that giveaway talc scent. At £3.99 for 200ml this product is a steal. Get it in your haircare draw now.
Available online, £199
Made by the company who have GHD quaking in their boots, The O is a new innovative product which combines the effects of both heated and velcro rollers. The O heats up the inside of the roller in just four seconds, leaving the outside cool to the touch so you don’t burn your fingers when placing it in your hair. Leave the rollers in until they cool down (approx 10 minutes) and take them out for bouncy, volumised, ‘Cheryl-esque’ hair. Costing almost £200, The O isn’t cheap but the effects it gives are well worth the money. There’s no waiting around for rollers to heat up or for your hair to dry. The whole process literally takes 30 mins. You won’t regret it.
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Sample Bo I
f you don’t know what sample boxes are by now then surely you have been living in a cage for the last year or so. Designed to give a variety of high-end beauty products each month to subscribers, there are a few different sample boxes on the market available at a range of prices. The big question
is, however, how do we feel about them now the honeymoon period has worn off? Are we still loving our monthly packages filled with samples or are we bored of beauty boxes now? We take a look at the latest offerings from sample suppliers GlossyBox, Carmine and Jolie Box and THREADS reader (and serial sample box subscriber) Nikki Briggs, 27, gives us her verdict on each.
Glossy Box
THREADS reader Nikki Briggs
RRP. £10 + p&p
The original beauty box is about to celebrate its first birthday next month and it promises to be a special one. Regular monthly boxes offer new niche beauty brands as well as timeless classics we all know and love. Priced at £10 plus P&P a month, GlossyBox is the most well known sample box on the market.
Nikki says:
“GlossyBox was the first ever beauty box I subscribed too. Once the initial excitement of getting a box each month has passed, you do lose interest. Recently GlossyBox have been doing themed boxes including a bright pink box for Valentine’s day and a collaboration box with highend department store Harrods. This month they have their natural box. On a whole, the products each month are a bit hit and miss. Some months I will get stuff I love, other months I get products which I would never use again. I think if it weren’t for the recent themed boxes, I’d have unsubscribed to GlossyBox by now.”
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oxes: Jolie Box
RRP. £10 + p&p
The newest sample box to join the market, She Said Beauty, launched in March this year. It’s the cheapest box at £9 but is the quality still as good?
Nikki says:
“When I heard about this box I subscribed straight away being the sucker that I am for anything new to the market. Two boxes later and I’m cancelling my subscription. The quality of the products just don’t compare to any other box. I was sent a Collection 2000 Crème Puff which I could pick up in Boots for £2.99. This box just isn’t as exciting or luxurious as the others. I’m really not impressed.”
THE VERDICT
Value for money or what a waste? We investigate If you were ever subscribed to the Boudoir Prive box then you will know that it has joined forces with Parisian beauty giants Jolie Box. Again, the Jolie Box gives you four to five products each month. As well as the monthly subscription option you can get three months for £30 plus P&P and a one year subscription for only £100 plus P&P. We like the sound of two boxes free.
Nikki says:
“The products in the Jolie Box are very different to what I get in any other sample box. They are always products I have never heard of but I prefer it that way. This month’s box includes a heat protectant for your hair, a bath oil, a mascara, a face balm and a skin reviver. This is a great mix of products for me. I prefer receiving skincare and hair products over make up. I think make up is something you invest in and pick yourself so I don’t like to see it included in my beauty boxes.
She Said Beauty RRP. £9 + p&p
So basically, some very mixed reviews about the boxes but all in all we think they might be a bit faddy. Carmine’s box didn’t last long before closing. Also, popular beauty website feelunique.com announced in February that they would no longer be distributing their box after only
months of trading. No reason was given for this other than they would be bringing out an ‘exciting, new product’ to replace the box. Did they realise that the market was oversaturated and have moved onto planning the next big thing we will all be talking, tweeting and blogging about? Who knows? One thing is for sure, we will be ready and waiting to subscribe.
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Diamonds are a girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend Take inspiration from the upcoming Diamond Jubilee and go colour crazy with colour clashing make up looks Model: Kathryn Cloughton Photographer: Patrick Carney
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Get a pallor that Her Majesty herself would be proud of using Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation (£7.98) for a royal glow. Keep cheeks simple adding a shimmer with Benefit High Beam (£17). Using a synthetic brush, pat Barry M
Dazzle Dust in Kingfisher (£4.59) across the whole of the lid carefully to avoid fall-out on your flawless foundation. Apply a Violent Lips Union Jack lip transfer (£10) to your lips for a headturning pout. Et voila! 73
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m e f or a Scan
how
to tutorial 17/05/2012 11:37
m e f or a Scan
how
to tutorial
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A Diamond Jubilee calls for some sparkle. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your eyelid as a base for your glitter. Using a cotton bud, dab Stargazer Glitter Shaker in Silver (£3.00) across the whole of the eye, layering up the product until you can
no longer see the eyelid. Set the glitter using MAC Fix + (£23) to ensure it stays put. Finally, apply Eyelure Double Lashes 205 (£5.79) to the lash line for a thicker, glamorous look. Finish the look with a slick of MAC Russian Red (£13.50).
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m e f or a Scan Blue eyes are a dead-cert for making eyes stand out. First prime the eyes with Urban Decay Primer Potion (£14.50) so that the colour is vibrant and more importantly sticks to the eye lid. Using a synthetic brush, smooth MAC
Paint Pot in Pure Creation (£14.50) over the eyelid and set with a layer of MAC Eyeshadow in Electric Eel (£12). Make your lips pop with MAC Lipstick in Show Orchard (£13.50). For a playful look, add a queen of diamonds car to your hair. 75
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to tutorial 17/05/2012 11:38
Competition
Win
An A-Lister Style Weekend in Cannes
T
his month Threads are giving our lucky readers the chance to win the ultimate prize for film buffs: a weekend for two at the Cannes International Film Festival. You and one friend will be treated to a 3 night all inclusive stay and £1,000 spending money. Prepare for a weekend full of celeb
• •
spotting as you mingle with the rich and famous in the beautiful French city, buzzing with luxury. Make sure you pack a wardrobe to remember as everyone in Cannes is glam. This once in a lifetime trip (from 16th to 27th of May) could be all yours for the price of a phone call. Check the box below for more details.
The Prize Includes
Three nights stay in the Four Seasons Provence Terre Blance. Full spa access and leisure facilities (swimming pools, sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath, gym, squash & tennis courts
• • • •
and games room). Champagne breakfast. Dinner every night at top beach front restaurants. Flights from any UK airport. £1000 spending money.
How To Enter For your chance to win. just tell us: In which country is Cannes? (a) England (b) Spain (c) France To enter call our UK hotline on: 0905 230 3200 or text THREADSA followed by a space, your answer and then your full name, house number, and postcode** to 87088 (UK). For example text THREDSA C CHLOE JONES 14 NN1 1LL. Texts cost £1.50 per text plus your usual operator costs. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Lines are open from 1st May until Midnight on 31st May. Entrants must be over 18. When you enter by text, you may in future get SMS marketing messages from THREADS magazine, if you don’t want this, please end your text with NO INFO> For normal competition rules please check our website: www.threads.com. **Please ensure that you provide your full name and address details as incomplete entries may be charged but not entered.
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Guilt free We give you the lowdown on the beauty brands that give back...
shopping?
M.A.C Cosmetics
The Back to M.A.C scheme is for all of you make up fanatics out there who get through a lot of product. Back to M.A.C gives you a free lipstick every time you take back six empty containers. Empty foundation bottles, powder compacts and lipgloss tubes amongst other things can all be returned and swapped for your favourite M.A.C lippy. Kristy Gibbon, makeup artist and representative for M.A.C said “the scheme is so popular with our customers. Whether you are a professional make-up artist or just love to expand your collection, it makes sense to deposit your products into a palette and bring back the excess packaging to us. Why throw something away when you can recycle? We love giving our lipsticks away to eco-conscious customers.” The Back to M.A.C scheme is available within every UK outlet as well as online at www.maccosmetics.co.uk
LUSH Cosmetics
Lush Cosmetics are finalists in the National Recycling Award 2012 for going the extra mile to reduce their carbon footprint. All of their pots and bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic and instead of expensive foam, the guys use popcorn to pack out and protect products sent in the post. They love giving back to you too. Simply wash out five black pots and take them to your nearest Lush store to receive a free Fresh Face mask. There’s no need to remove the labels as they are recyclable too. Becky Johnson works in the Lush store in Sunderland: “we get a lot of people bringing back the recyclable pots. It makes sense because you get a free face mask and you are giving back to the environment too. Our customers love recycling just as much as we do.” Lush also have recently introduced their Charity Pots, pots of hand cream where all profits minus VAT go to charity.
Yes To Carrots
In less than five short years, the Yes to Carrots brand has made a massive impression on the beauty industry in over 25 different countries. With five different ranges: face care, hair care, body care, lip care and baby care, the brand has one aim. It prides itself on making stuff that works entirely from organic fruit and vegetables. Not only do they spare us of all the chemicals involved in most products which can sometimes cause more harm than good, they are intent on giving back to the world. The Yes To Seed Fund gives a portion of all profits made to children in underprivileged countries so they can buy seeds to plant for crops. If you buy the Yes To Blueberries Gardener’s hand cream 100% of the profits go to the Seed Fund. At only £9 per tube, it’s a great way to give back to charity. Yes to Carrots products are available in Debenhams and online at www.asos.com.
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word of the nerd Our resident writer from the opposite sex, Paul Maughan, speaks geek chic...
G
eek chic, we are so reliably informed, is very much the order of the day. If it’s not some hip and trendy pop star wearing fake black-rim glasses (I’ve been told by that most reputable of sources, Wikipedia, that the artist to whom I refer is Tinie Tempah), it’s somebody watching 10 minutes of Professor Brian Cox and believing they’re some sort of real-life Sheldon Cooper. The thing is, with so many fashionistas and trendies trying their damndest to turn geeky into cool, what happens to the actual geeks? The ones with the real national health glasses, and with several asthma inhalers placed strategically around their brightyellow Matalan anorak? They’ve had their USP stolen from them by hipsters desperate to piggyback on the latest trend. And where will they be left when all this blows over, and we move onto the next ridiculous trend, such as spacesuit-chic or safarikarma? Because make no bones, this will blow over. These aren’t real geeks, they don’t really care about comic books and cartoons and cult films. Oh, they pretend, because it’s “sick” or “fly” or “cosmic”, or some other word which has had its original use stolen in order to be repositioned as a metaphor for “pretty good”. But they don’t really get it. They don’t get a giddy sense
of anticipation when they see that the latest Batman is available. They don’t spend an inordinate number of hours on the internet arguing about whether Dick Grayson was better than Tim Drake, about why Rory Williams keeps ‘coming back from the dead’, and about what exactly was in Marcellus Wallace’s briefcase. That’s what makes a geek: an obsessive need to know the minutiae of everything, and the intricate details of even the most banal of things. Believe me, I should know,
my yellow ‘Sacred Heart’ effort. It’s brilliant – I can wear what I want and have a small glimmer of what it feels like to be cool and trendy, even if that illusion is shattered the second I open my mouth and start talking about the ingenuity of the Kobayashi Maru. The difference between me, a proper geek, and the readers of Gentlemen’s Quarterly, is that when this fad passes, I’m stuffed. When all these pretendy geeks have moved onto wearing tin-foil blazers and cashmere leggings and whatever the next
I am one. I’m typing this out on a laptop, with the web browser open on the IMDB forums for Marvel Avengers Assemble, where I’m currently discussing/debating/ arguing furiously about whether it is better than the last X-Men film. Let’s break that down: I’m a 26-year-old adult, and I’m (rather heatedly) arguing, on the internet, with another adult, about whether one bunch of superheroes are better on celluloid than another bunch. All of a sudden, ‘chic’ doesn’t seem quite so appropriate... Of course, this recent trend toward geek is great in terms of fashion. Like geeks all over the land, I can happily show-off that side of me to all and sundry. I wander around like Marvel have vomited their Christmas annual up all over me. I have been known, on certain days, to wander around with a comic-book man-bag, matching wallet, Batman trainers and a Superman belt. I commonly wear t-shirts with geeky little film in-jokes, which I know only fellow (real) geeks will get; my current favourites are my ‘Sock It To Me’ white t-shirt, and
uber-trend is, us originals are left to fend for ourselves. It’ll revert back to the normal, which means industrial levels of self-loathing at walking around with matching wallet and satchel, and having to justify why there’s a Frank Castle graphic novel on my desk at work. No longer will geek be a term of endearment, no longer will pretty girls say “oh I really like geeks” (they don’t, they like trendy boys who dress a bit like geeks). Having lived through the glory days of cool geekdom, how will we survive once we revert back to our old, rejected type? We’ll have to do what do best: go on the internet, and bitch about how superior we are to everyone else, even if they don’t know it yet. As Cypher Reagan would say, “ignorance is bliss.”
The difference between me and readers of GQ is that when this fad passes, I’m stuffed
*This is packed with moderately obscure film and comic references. If this is something you hadn’t been aware of, congratulations, you are merely geek chic. If you spotted every single reference, and perhaps even chuckled at one or two of them, then I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.
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advert
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A million memories... The most unsuspecting of objects can bring on a walk down memory lane. Editor Gemma Cloughton tells us what gets her reminiscing...
W
ho would ever have thought that a piece of plastic could be so thought provoking? Okay, so not just any old piece of plastic, but that’s essentially what a mood ring is isn’t it? A piece of silver coated plastic, moulded into the shape of a ring, with a decorative stone on top. Invented in 1975, mood rings were a short lived fad for the groovy chicks of the seventies, becoming popular with young girls and hippies. Today, they live on through young girls and boys alike who are fascinated with the concept. Cheap and mass-produced, everyone above the age of eight knows that a mood ring doesn’t project your mood at all. The thermochromic element (thermometer to me and you) inside the ring simply changes colour with your body temperature. As a child, often described as “beyond my years”, I think it took me all of five minutes to work this out. Still, it didn’t stop me wanting one when a colourful display full of mood rings caught my eye in the gift shop of our annual summer holiday destination: Pontin’s holiday camp in Somerset. I picked a turtle design, my mum bought it for me and I slipped it on my index finger. To my delight, it immediately turned a shade of yellow. “That’s because you’re happy,” she said. And I really was. I was even happier of course when I showed it to my little sister and she wanted one
immediately. If she had a mood ring in that moment it would have turned green with envy. My obsession started there. I wore my new accessory throughout the holiday, refusing to take it off despite it turning my finger a murky shade of green. Every time the stone changed colour I‘d reach for the free guide that came with it which explained to me I was feeling happy, sad, nervous, romantic, angry...the list goes on. Watching the ring change from royal blue to emerald green, from deep purple to burnt orange
Vada Sultenfuss had a mood ring. I was insanely jealous of her. mesmerized me for hours. I’ve always been a magpie for colour, perhaps it started there. In the movie My Girl, my favourite at the time, leading little lady Vada Sultenfuss had a mood ring. I was insanely jealous of her. Made from real silver, which would never turn her finger green, and with a big oval stone, which made my turtle look childish in comparison, her ring was so much better than mine. Thomas, played by Macaulay Culkin, died going back into the woods for that ring to cheer her up and I hated her for it. Years later, I was watching the movie with a friend who had known me throughout primary school, when she commented on how I looked similar to Vada as a child. She struck a nerve and I sat quiet for a few moments, jealously remembering her amazing mood ring. Flash forward a decade and a half and there I am again. On holiday, but in Portugal this time, with my boyfriend’s family, standing in a gift shop…scratch that, a tat shop, entranced by row upon row of mood rings wedged into a white sponge stand. Childhood memories came flooding back and I knew I had to buy myself one straight away. I picked a flower this time. One for me and one for my sister, who was also on holiday with us. I don’t know why but I couldn’t bring myself to buy one for my
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boyfriend’s sister. If I did, I would be letting her into our club, our childhood club where sister memories were made and I wanted to keep those between me and my only sister, Kathryn. As we climbed into the back of our nine-seat, rented death trap, made more so a death trap by the way my future father-in-law drove it on the unfamiliar roads, I handed Kathryn her mood ring and pressed a finger to my lips. Despite not buying a ring for my future sister in law, I wasn’t about to be a total bitch and parade the fact in front of her face. From Kathryn’s reaction of sheer delight, I knew the mood ring brought back for her the same fond memories I hold of our childhood. She proclaimed at the top of her voice that she loved it and so the sister in law found out anyway. I wonder how she felt at that moment in time. The two sisters, who were dating her two brothers, had selfishly embarked in some sort of sister pact that she could never be a part of, being the only girl amongst her siblings, leaving her out entirely. If only she had a mood ring of her own so we could all see for ourselves.
what brings back memories for you? tweet us and let us know @threadsmagazine 17/05/2012 11:39
HIGHLIGHTErs
Take inspiration from those office essentials to brighten up any outfit
002. 003.
001.
004.
001. Pack of Three Neon Love Rings, Asos, £4 002. Knitter Fluro Swing Top, Topshop, £36 003. NYX Nail Polish, River Island, £4.50 004. Neon Green Frosted Tote Bag, River Island, £26 005. Melissa Ultragirl Ballet Flats, Asos, £25 006. Pink Cambridge Company Satchel, £105, Company Satchels
006. 005.
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