My weekend in Shakespeare's county... Harry Potter town!

Reminiscent of diagon alley it has to be said Stratford-upon-avon (in the county of Warwick shire) is a town like no other. A mark on the British map of a heritage we all knew once, penned as Shakespeare's county, Warwick shire has alot to be loved. Acres of farmland, hour long drives surrounded by endless farm houses and converted barns, this is an area that has remained as unspoiled as possible by the hand of the modern world.

I got the delightful opportunity to wallow in its splendour for all of a weekend and the pride I felt made me understand why this is one of England's premiere counties. The birth and death place of the icon that is Shakespeare himself, you can't help but feel like a character in a Midsummer nights dream or Romeo and Juliet when you visit this enchanted area. With many rural retreats and wonderful "old school" pubs and restaurants I can't help but feel a certain awkwardness walking through town with my Mulberry Alexa Satchel and seebychloe studded boots. Theres always time for fashion, I know, but this might be the kind of exception to that ever-lasting rule. But that aside its safe to say the people of this town (and my new area of living) are very proud of what they have preserved, which is an area so quintessentially British its a wonder as to why this isn't the true home of Buckingham palace.

But never mind, Hunter wellington boots in hand I will take to the fields and bask in what is the beauty of Warwick shire. Long live Shakespeare...

Dwele ... prince of smoooth!

Ohhh god this week has been an r'n'b soul and jazz week for me, and a man who ticks all these boxes and fits in with all these categories oh so smooothly is the man of the moment himself, DWELE !!!

How could i NOT feature the sexiest, soulful voice since maxwell on here. Mmm his voice is like butter, what he does is beyond singing. Such a talented human being writing all his own songs, and emerging from his home town detroit as a force to be reconed with when he wrote a collaboration to be remembered, with Slum Village on "Tainted". Writing tracks such as "flashin lights" for Kanye West and for people like Common and Earth Wind and Fire he really made his mark all over the industry.

His music is a blend of maxwell and an early stevie wonder with some marvin gaye soul thrown in there to give it a little sex appeal. DWELE's new album Sketches Of A Man is a classic in the making ! I dont think I have heard such creative content come from a male artist since Luthers very last album. Im more than impressed and his vocals speak for himself just you go and find out and prepare to be life changed forever.

So people check DWELE out and let his words seduce your mind into a frenzy of jazz soul and sensual r'n'b' .... get lost with a loved one or even alone, but rest assured once you enter there's no going back as DWELE is the new face of love music for time to come.

http://www.myspace.com/dwele

http://twitter.com/THEREALDWELE

Love Peace and Music beats xxx

Well in the words of my best friend "you lucky bitch lungi!", ha indeed I am babe, indeed! This is because not only did I get to spend a day at the Kiss 100 Academy at the roundhouse camden, I also got to interview the U.K's prince of grime and all round future world dominator DJ IRONIK!

How this all came about is nothing short of a sheer hard-ass work and a miracle if Im honest. One lovely person at Kiss read a paragraph I wrote about myself and my lil old essex life and decided that "maybe we should give this girl a chance?" and so they did.

Now before I embark on the wonderful story of my luck filled day spent in the camden roundhouse, I must give Kiss 100 they're due. They brought it upon themselves to organise some of the best talent in the industry behind and infront of the scenes to hold workshops for young people like myself looking to take over this wonderful media industry. I was lucky enough to spend my day with people like Manny Norte, Charlie (Kiss 100 breakfast show, and yes she's from essex too so naturally we got on like a house on fire!) and of course DJ Ironik himself. Opportunities like this are so scarce in the media industry with less and less chances to find that "big break" a girl like me can only pray for someone to hold an academy like this, and luckily Kiss played God for a day and answered my prayers. Being in association with The Apprenticeship website which is government run and dedicated to listing every single apprenticeship available in Britain for young people, I even got an insight into how I could get my size 6 feet through the door. So I can't thank Kiss enough for this opportunity as it gives us young people a hope that our dreams are real and they can be achieved with hard work, be it may, but wheres the reward without the work anyway hey?!

Now of course the chances of being one of the only 5 people who got to Interview DJ Ironik (out of 50 people) is lets just say, fucking lucky! And yes it was an amazing experience, the type of encounter that gives you the realisation that your meant to be there, that is what I was born to do. Simple. So I guess I can only thank him for being an amazing interviewee that me and the four other girls got on well with and found utterly charming. All I really have left to say is please watch this space.... and read these blogs as they will be so much more frequent, they may become like tweets !! Oh and that reminds me follow me on twitter also www.twitter.com/lungiedollface and get ready for an online blogging phenomenon because I plan on giving you all something your going to want to talk about again...

Love Dollface xxx

New School VS Old School ..

So the topic that can devide nations in politics, buisness and especially music what rules are the right ones to follow or who do we follow, those representing the newer "mtv generation" or the classics who set the standards in the first place, the old school?

I guess both arguments have reason, right? I mean you cannot dispute that amazing artists have found they're running ground in the 21st century with phenemenons such as Lily Allen, Lady Gaga and the true queen herself Beyoncé Knowles. With the lazyness that is our young generation where technology is being made even more convinient everyday to the point where we don't really have to go out and buy an album EVER (THE DOWNLOAD DEMON!) its hard to even judge new artists on their talent, but more on they're fan base. The new school are all about who's in and forgetting who's not. Your judged on how many twitter fans you have, facebook friends you've got and myspace plays you can rake in and really thats all that counts. I mean don't get me wrong the music is still amazing and somehow mind-blowing but not as life changing as it was back in the day when it really was all about what you were singing.

There were no social networking sites back in the dizz-ay, I mean did the internet even exist? In those years it was all about the superstar, the phenomenon and the ultimate divas. These were the years when Icons were made, not just celebrities, legends were born not just stars and standards were set so high, our celebs nowadays just can't quite compare. When an era can bring about an artist of such a high calibre as Michael Jackson who has sold in total 700million records in his entire career, one cannot question the standards set when the message was simple, give us a hit or go home. No gimmicks, tricks or myspace hits were needed in order for these guys to sell records, as they all had the sheer determination fueled by the realisation, that you either made it, or you didn't. Unlike nowadays when celebrities can rely on programs like "Strictly Come Dancing", "Celebrity Big Brother" and "Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here" to once again revive they're dwindling careers and give them the fame they crave.

So I guess its fair to point out that the internet has not only made this new generation of stars, but also destroyed them. While giving them a new platform to connect with their fans through twitter and myspace it has removed they're ability to sell records through illegal downloads and album leaking. I mean who knows if the Old school artists would have survived the cyber space world we live in everyday, or would they have crumbled under the pressure to be more popular than you are talented. But what we can say is they definetly set the standards and even after they're retirement, demise or death they're music is eternal which is a note that should be taken by every artist that emerges today. New school VS Old school? Dust of your vinyls folks because it's pretty clear that our golden oldies have made a home run.

Love Dollface xxx

Amber Rose Make-up ... On a budget !!

Ladies its about time I gave you all the tips and tricks I know from being a black make-up artist in the amazing industry. It's hard for us women of colour out there in the beauty world, and especially here in the U.K. with good products not being readily available to us, but I have hunted and I have gathered and Im here to share with you all. I will be reviewing everything from primers to concealers to even the best hair weaves (and the best weavists in the U.K.). Now having taken me a long time to create my baby (this would be my make-up cases full of the most amazing tools and products known to dolls all around), I understand how hard it is too keep up with the current trends and beauty tricks. So here I am, the leader of all you gorgeous and talented dolls who only really need a little nudge in the right direction to beautify yourselves to perfection. Eventually I will be creating video tutorials so you can all take actual note (and try not to laugh at my very essex accent lol!), but for now until my webcam is here I will talk you through step by step my creations.

First up is the wonderful vixen that is Amber Rose. Who is she you ask ? Well get taking notes guys because she is the model that everyone was talking about on the front row of paris fashion week and she just so happens to be the girlfriend of the ultimate male fashion icon in the hip-hop world, Kanye west. (P.S. for those of you who don't know West is now a protegé for Louis Vuitton where he has the pleasure of learning alongside Henry Holland, and of course getting his uber-fabulous girlfriend Miss.Rose to model for the amazing brand... trés magnifique!!). So shes definetly someone to watch as she turns from model to fashion icon for all you beautiful ladies out there who aren't afraid to be different and hold no prisoners.

This photo is taken from the launch of the new fragrance, Boadicea the Victorious which Amber is the new face of. The make-up look I copied was a favourite of mine for Amber very sharp smoky eyes, beautiful pale pink pout and amazing glowng skin (Rose's trademark, the skin is ALWAYS glowing!).

As I know, especially at this time of year, we are all on a budget I completed this make-up looking using 80% cosmetic store make-up and skin care. So here we go ....

1. CLEANSE: First thing ensure your skin is cleansed correctly, I use an amazing cleanser by No.7 called 'Beautifully Balanced Purifying Cleanser for Oily/Combination Skin', which works wonders on my skin but doesn't leave it too dry, oh and its only £7.00 in boots (advantage card points anyone??). No.7 cleansers work wonders for all skin types and aren't pricey at all. However if you have a bit more extra-cash to spare Elizabeth Arden do a wonderful cleanser called 'Ceramide Purifying Cream Cleanser' which retails at just under £30 (for all you ladies with dry/combination skin).

TONE: Now because the No.7 cleanser really is a miracle product I never feel I need to tone after using it as I dont wish to strip my skin too much, however if you do wish to tone your skin the one I recommend is 'Mattifying Purifying Toner Oily Skin' (£19.00) from Lancome as it doesn't leave the skin to dry and you still feel hydrated (think cold water splashed on your face freshness).

MOISTURISE: Hydrate your skin again ladies, this step is essential in ensuring your skin stays smooth, supple and protected. There is a horrible myth going around that if you have oily skin (which alot of us ladies of colour tend to have), you shouldn't moisturise your skin. WRONG, you just need to know the right moisturiser to use or find an alternative. Now for me the simpler my beauty regime the better so every day I use 'Amie Morning Dew Matte Finish Moisturiser' from boots which is an absolute bargain at £4.49 you can't go wrong. At night I find myself using a richer moisturiser as it has all night to sink in my skin as skin can get extremely dry at night (especially after a night out, if you do anything when you get in from a long night please please PLEASE remove all your make-up and moisturise your skin to perfection, trust me you will thank me later!). I apply 'Weleda Wild Rose Night Cream', is a revitalising and harmonising intensive nourishment night cream and it a steal at only £9.95. Or also a cheaper and equally effective alternative is the 'Biore Shine Control Moisturiser' which is free of oil and controls all your shine for just £4.99.

SERUM: A serum or primer acts as an adhesive to your makeup it provides an even base fill in any fine lines and controls problem areas like dry patches or excess oil. My serum of choice would be perfect someone who shys away from moisturisers (very oily skin)

'Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful Super Rejuvenating Face Serum' from boots (again!) and is a beautiful £8.97. Now even though I am one who hates gimiccy products this one actually does as it says and it keeps the skin youthful (its always best to start young).

PRIMER: Absolutely without fail my favourite primer from a cosmetic store or pharmacy has to be 'L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Anti-Shine Mattifying Primer' its like a miracle worker. Your skin will be smooth, plumped, supple and above all oil free.

(Oh and remember, cleanse, tone and moisturise should all be applied with the hands, as should the serum and primer. This is to heat the product and let the skin absorb it quicker).

2. FOUNDATION: Now the skin is primed to perfection we can get to the good bit . The foundation I use is actually one I created from an exciting aray of products mixed together, this is for various reasons. I have noticed that with my skin being oily it is definetly a good idea for me to wear a matt-finish foundation, but being black and living in the U.K. (and trying to ensure I complete this tutorial on a lovely small budget) I found an alternative. I made my own foundation using various budget brand products. To create this gorgeous matt-liquid/cream/dewy foundation (as Amber's look is ALL about the dewy glow) I mixed the following-

Half K By Beverly Knight 'Full Coverage Oil Free Foundation' in Mocha, 6 Pumps of L'oreal 'True Match Foundation' in N6, 10 scrapes (2 teapoons full ) of L'oreal 'Matt Finish Compact Powder' in caramel dream (bought in the U.S.) and 6 scrapes (just over 1 Teaspoon) of Collection 2000 'Mosaic Glow'. The powders I've added made the foundation a fuller coverage and the 'Mosaic Glow' is an amazing shimmer highlighting bronzer which has given my skin a beautiful dewy glow. Matt foundations can tend to just be matt so by creating mine this way I can still achieve the dewy glow that I love whilst keeping my skin shine-free!

(Applied with Make-up Forever 'Foundation Brush' No.30N 24mm, using outward and upwards brushstrokes starting at the nose all the way up to the forehead and hairline).

3. CONCEALER: For my concealer I find that most drug-stores/pharmacies don't sell very good concealers at a low price for us colourful ladies. So to cheat I use Maybellines 'Dream Matte Mouse' in Caramel on all my problem areas with 'Finishing Brush No.20N' by Makeup forever.

4. EYESHADOWS: Used my concealer as a base I start to apply BarryM 'Dazzle Dust' in OldGold all across the eye socket with a brush by NK which can be found in any boots store for less than £10. Next I apply Collection 2000 'Dazzle Me' in No.1 (Navy Black) in the crease of the eye and outwards to below the end of the brow using my flat angle brush from Benefit £13.50. At first this can look very intense but then using my powder shadow brush by Benefit £13.50, I blend the to colours together to create a dramatic but sultry edge. Next I use my brush on Collection 2000 black liquid liner above the lashes and directly on the lashes also. I extend his outwards just below the brow once again and then follow it underneath the eyelid and just below the waterline to really add drama. To stop the eye from looking to dark and closed I use my Sleek eyeshadow palette "I-divine in original" £6.00, using my deep gold shade and place it on the inside corners of the eyes to make them pop.

5. LASHES: 'False Eyelashes Luxe' by Shu Uemura £12 (space NK or selfridges), applied using DUO lash glue £3.00 (maccosmetics.com) for a tube. Use tweezer to hold your lashes, apply glue to the strip on the top and allow glue to get tackiy for 20-25 seconds. With a steady hand place lashes in the centre of the eye first and then push down the 2 corners still using the tweezers for precision. These lashes will give the eye a dramatic effect so they will really match with the Amber look.

6. HIGHLIGHTING AND BLUSH: As Ambers look is all about the glowy skin to add even more glow without making the skin to shimmery use Benefit "Gilded pencil" £14.00. This multi-purpose pencil can be used anywhere so place it under the brows, on the inner corner of the eyes, on the cheek bone and blend it upwards to just below the black liner. This creates beautiful contours on the skin and an amazing glow. For blush I used a bronzer by Benefit called 'Hoola' £23.50 and placed it under the parietal bone (cheek bone) in the hollow of the cheek to create a deep dip in the face. Also place on the temples and on either side of the chin.

7. BROWS AND LIPS: This time I did the brows last just because they don't need alot of product for this look so using a plain medium brown matt eyeshadow I go through the brows using my Benefit hard angle brush brushing upwards at the fullest part of the brow and outwards when it gets nearer to the end. I then brush through the brows with a disposable mascara wand several times to remove the thickness of the brow product and even out the finish for a natural fullness. The lips I used a sleek lip base as part of the lip duos in a pale pink with my NK Lip brush (bought as a gift so unware of price but probably around £4), this dries matt so applied a full finish lipstick from Benefit once again in 'Jing-a-ling' £13.

Here is the final look ...

Love Dollface xxxx

Super-chick, shes bad and she knows it...

Shes the girl you look at and can't help but stare. Shes the woman who your boyfriend stares at and can't help but want, alot. She's the lady who drives every passer by into a frenzy 'cos she has the kind of sex appeal that can match that of the playboy mansion. Setting pulses racing, eyes glaring, tongues wagging, this bad ass is what I call the ultimate "super-chick" and she greets us in many forms.

There are only a handful of women who hold this kind of power and they come in the entrancing shapes of the four women I will mention to you. All hail the wonderwomen, Amber rose, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj.

"Amber Rose - Absolute BAD ASS!"

"Kim Kardashian- Ultimate temptress"

They are the mavericks of a generation of I-just-dont-give-a-fuck women and the figureheads for female-empowerment in the form of provocative clothing and even more provocative words. They don't care, and thus they get alot of attention. Inspiring a new genre of the un-apologetic art of being incredibly sexy and entirely in control these ladies know what they want and so they get it. At all costs. No ambition is too far and no answer is ever less than yes.

"Rihanna- queen of no questions asked!"

They are the ultimate female-hustlers hailing from all across the globe who all understand what it takes to be a successful female in the 21st century. More than just sex symbols they hold so much more, a mysterious promiscuity. But as women we find our natural instinct is to frown upon this kind of self-loving, NO! Take note and ultimately take charge as these ladies are here to remind you just how powerful you are and that you too, are a bad ass... Super-chicks reign all round.