A MUSTARD MUST HAVE

 MARCH LOOKBOOK PART 1/4

Did someone say spring is coming?! Jump straight into the warmer weather by wearing the ultimate happy colour, yellow! This mustard jumper from Newlook is a great transition piece for your wardrobe. Head into town in a stylish jumper and leave the coat at home. This scalloped denim skirt paired with these knee-high boots is a great way to make a statement this spring! (This jumper is now ON SALE, click the link found below!) 

 JUMPER: NEWLOOK

SKIRT: URBAN OUTFITTERS

BOOTS: ORIGINALS RIVER ISLAND -  DUPES HERE.
BAG: NEWLOOK
NECKLACE: BLUE NILE


Photography by Chloe Debonnaire.

The Next Generation: Katarina Hardy

GET TO KNOW: KAT HARDY
Coming to the West End is Katarina Hardy! Known as Kat, this twenty-year-old student from South-East London is smashing her career in musical theatre. Having roles in multiple plays, from 'Robinson Crusoe' to 'Something Old, Something New' her journey is just beginning! 

At just twenty years old you’re smashing the performance industry at the moment. You’ve recently been in a pantomime called ‘Robinson Crusoe’ over Christmas, as well as preforming in a musical called ‘Animus’. What roles did you play?

Thank you! In the Panto Robinson Crusoe, I played the Fairy god mother/Buttons character of the show, she was this brilliant hippy goddess called “Mama.” It was such a fun character to play; I even wore blue dread-locks! 

Animus, on the other hand, was extremely different in the sense it was a musical set in 18^th century London. I played a Chamber Maid in the 'Dunn' house-hold. The show itself was extremely dark, with death being the main theme.

Two very different roles. Do you prefer playing serious roles, or having fun with the audience?

For me, personally, serious plays are a lot easier, because I love playing ‘Real’ characters. This is partly the reason why TV and film is so appealing to me, because when you’re on screen you don’t have to be as over dramatic as when you’re on stage.

When I’m doing something like panto however, I’m acting for children. This means I have to be on their level of energy, which is very high! Kids are a harsh critic. When a child is bored in the middle of a panto they will let you know. So while I found panto work much more challenging than naturalism, I still really enjoyed it. To have kids hugging you and saying how much they loved your character at the end of a show is an amazing feeling.

To answer your question, I would say in the future I would prefer to do more serious work; but in this industry you can’t be too picky.

You’re currently a student at ‘The Musical Theatre Academy (TheMTA)’ studying performing arts. What do the lessons on the course entail?

The MTA is a very intense two-year course.  We do Four Shows a year and when we aren’t in rehearsals we’re either TV acting, stage acting, voice acting or singing. We also do three hours of dance, every morning!

What would you say you prefer out of the activities above, and did any surprise you when you discovered you liked them?

I’ve always enjoyed singing and acting. I didn’t start dancing until I was accepted into the brit school when I was fifteen. We had to do ballet, which I thought I would be terrible at. But it’s actually something I really enjoy.

Some individuals would argue that students who go to ‘The Brit School’ or schools such as ‘The MTA’ find it easier to gain work in their chosen profession after graduating, would you agree?

Going to any type of drama school will always help people looking for a profession in this industry. I’ve already been given so many opportunities at The MTA, from working with incredible directors, to professional backing singing. Most of the teachers at these types of schools are in (or have been) in the industry themselves; so they can help you. 

That doesn’t go to say that people who don’t go to drama school won’t get their big break, in most cases it’s a “Right time, Right place” kind of deal.

Some individuals will argue that a career in performance is a hard profession to succeed in financially, especially in the beginning years. What was the turning point in your life when you decided to take the brave leap into having a performing career?

My advice is, if you’re looking to become an actress because you want to be rich and famous you need to turn around and get a new career; or perhaps do a Kim Kardashian if you know what I mean. There’s little money in this career, especially in the beginning. However, I’d rather be acting in a play earning little money, than be unhappy in a 9-5 office job. I know there will be times when I’m extremely broke, but at least I’ll be doing what I love! 

How long have you been singing, acting and dancing for?

I've been a drama queen since birth! In year five and six I always wanted the main parts in our primary school shows, and most of the time I got them! A few mums were annoyed I always got the main parts…sorry about that. It was then in secondary school when drama became my life!  I didn’t start properly singing and dancing until The BRIT School. Sometimes I watch shows like ‘Half a Sixpence’ which has some of the best dancers I’ve ever seen in it, I wish I could dance like them!  

Do you write any of your own scripts or music?

I love writing! I wrote a ‘Love Actually’ style scene about a lesbian couple at university. Two of my friends acted it out for me. To see my scene with real voices and actors was incredible. I plan on writing a lot more this year!

Kat as the Fairy GodMother in Robinson Crusoe

Some believe that talent is passed through generations in the family. Would you say you have a musically talented family?

I’m not sure. My brother is very musical, and I think there are a few actors in the family. However, I’m pretty sure we didn’t get our talent from our mum, because I’ve heard her singing in the car… and it isn’t great.  

Are you working on anything interesting in 2017, that you can tell us about?

YES! I’m currently in rehearsals for ‘Something Old Something New’ which is a review show with lots of different numbers from lots of different shows! I’m so excited for it this year, I can’t say the numbers yet but they’re going to be incredible! It’s at the ‘Bernie Grant Art Centre’ March 15^th – 18^th so if you want to see a show, get your butt down to Seven Sisters. 

I’m also doing a musical called ‘All Shook Up’ which is an Elvis Presley Duke Box musical which is also going to be so fun! That will be in June this year! I’m also graduating in September this year, so all big achievements for me!

Are you nervous about the future, and what it holds for you?

Of course I am. The worst thing about this industry is how unpredictable it is. There’s always times when I put myself down, and think “I could to a much better job playing that part than this person." But at the end of the day you’ve got to keep going. I’m career driven, I know it’s going to happen for me eventually; I just know it.

Where do you want to be in five years from now?

The dream is to be in a main channel series, like ‘Skins’ or Misfits’, that kind of genre. But realistically I don’t know if that will happen for me in five years! As long as I’m working I’ll be happy!  

Well we look forward to seeing you on the west end! Where can my readers find more of you?

Soon I’ll be on the ‘Spotlight’ website for career opportunities. For now, you can follow me on my twitter to keep updated with my shows, and also for your chance to WIN a trip to the theatre!

Thanks for talking with me today Kat! I wish you all the best in your career!

Thank you so much for having me on your blog Alex!

VELVET VALENTINE

JANUARY LOOKBOOK PART 4/4

Hello everyone, this week I'm back with another outfit perfect for Valentines Day! I would just like to make a quick apology for the late upload, but I'll be uploading part 1 of my February Look Book next Tuesday! As you can see in my outfit I have used this gorgeous red as the main colour. I've styled this gorgeous crushed velvet jumper with a skater skirt and doctor martens; perfect for a casual date this Valentines Day! 

Velvet Cap: Asos

Jumper: Original Topshop. Dupe found here. 

Skirt: Asos

Tights: Primark 

Shoes: Dr. Martens, Office. 

JANUARY BLUES

JANUARY LOOKBOOK PART 3/4

In this look I have used blue/navy as my main accent colour. With a blue hat, shirt, jeans and shoes it's such a simple colour to rock. Tying a shirt around your waist is a great way to add a pop of colour to your outfit, or make a statement. This casual look is great for running errands or popping into Uni for a lecture. 

Jeans: Topshop 

Top: H&M

Shirt: Asos Men

Hat: Asos (Original from New York)

Shoes: Dr. Martins 

Photography: Becky Alice-Louise 

The next generation: Saphi Bartlett

GET TO KNOW: SAPHI BARTLETT

Saphi Barlett is an aspiring entrepreneur. At just twenty-one years of age, Saphi has quit her full time job as a make-up artist, and has taken it upon herself to become her own boss! Now working with the company 'Forever Living' Saphi works from home selling products 'Forever' products. 

Hello Saphi, thanks for participating in this Q&A today. You’ve recently gone full time working for yourself. At just twenty-one years old you’re killing the business industry. Other twenty-one year olds may find working for themselves a little daunting. What’s your advice to those looking to be their own boss?

Starting your own business at a young age is one of the best things you can do. Just imagine where you could be in 5 years. One of my favourite quotes is 'If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you're not sure you can do it - say yes, then learn how to do it later.' If you're not willing to take risks in life, you'll live the rest of your life just 'getting by' and how boring is that? You can only fail if you don’t try!

How did you know that quitting your day job and choosing to go full time as your own boss was the right decision for you?

In my last job I didn't get treated very nicely. I thought it was my dream job and I was so proud when I got it, but it turned out to be very different. It was December of last year when I had had enough. I made the decision to leave and become my own boss full time. Who wouldn't want time and financial freedom, and also be able to book as many holidays as you want without getting told you've taken too much time off work? It was a no brainer for me.

You currently work with the company Forever Living selling aloe products. How did you get into the industry?

Forever Living is a network marketing company. Luckily my mum started her own business with Forever, and after many years her business is very successful. I then thought to myself, if my mum can build a successful company then I can too!

Why would you say Forever’s products better than other aloe products?

With a lot of aloe products out there, they tend to be filled with other ingredients as well as aloe. All of our products are primarily made with pure Aloe Vera. We only use the inner fillet gel of the leaf which is where all the goodness is, and we could process it to make sure you don't lose any of the goodness along the way. The aloe is transferred from plant to bottle in under 30 minutes; this means the aloe is as active in the bottle as it would be straight from the plant! We also have an amazing bee hive product range too, which include creams and supplements which are amazing for your skin and health.

Are there any products that you would definitely recommend to my readers? If so, why?

Our flagship product is our Aloe Vera drinking gel, packed with vitamins and minerals this all round health tonic will help keep you feeling healthy and energised. I drink a small shot of this product every day, and haven't been ill for over a year! It helps to cleanse the body of toxins and renews your skin cells which means it's being amazing for your hair, skin and nails!

You’re currently training a handful of independent females to become a part of your growing team. Is there a particular reason why you’re only working with females?

At the moment my team mainly consists of females but there are a lot of guys who have very successful business within Forever. Especially those in the sports industry as our health and fitness products are second to none. The founder of Forever Living is a man named Rex Maughan. So there are definitely plenty of guys in this business. I guess I have just surrounded myself with females within my current team.
When working with Forever Living it's not about selling the products. A large part of having a successful career is building a strong team, and helping others around you.

How important would you say it is for young individuals to set business/financial goals and try to achieve these goals?

Goals are extremely important because you need to have your 'WHY' to do anything in life. You need to break down why you want the things you work for. For example - Why do you go to work? To make money. Why? To pay for nice things. Why? So I can enjoy a life of being able to afford a nice house and car and extras on top. You need to keep asking yourself why. I find this helps motivate me to set goals, and work hard for my achievements.  

Where would you say you want to be in five years from now?

In the next 5 years, I would have liked to have travelled most of the world, own my dream house and car, and most importantly, be very happy.

Are you nervous about the future, and what it holds for you?

Nerves are one of the only things that drive you in life. Leaving my full time job to become my own boss was nerve wracking; but fear drives you to work harder and focus on what you want.  I would say I’m nervous about the future, but very confident and excited at the same time.

Thank you for chatting with me today. Where can my readers find more of you?

You're very welcome! I have a Facebook page called 'health,fitness and beauty with aloe' 
or alternately my normal Facebook and Instagram. 

PRETTY IN PINK

JANUARY LOOK BOOK PART 2/4

Anyone that knows me, knows that I love baby-pink everything! As you can tell this look was inspired by my favourite colour. For all of you who wear too much black, try adding a pop of colour into your wardrobe. Any 'Mom' jeans paired with a coloured jumper is a great way to spice up your outfit. Accessorised with this amazing missguided bag, this outfit is super casual, yet super cute. 

Follow HelloAlexGrace instagram for outfit posts! 

SHOP THE LOOK:

Photographs taken by Anya Greenwood, for booking enquiries contact her via email @ Anyajulia@outlook.com

CAPTURED IN KHAKI

JANUARY LOOK BOOK PART 1/4 

January can be a hard month to look stylish in; especially because all you want to do is wrap up warm. However, I’ve managed to pull together a classy yet cozy outfit, that you can adapt with items of clothing from your own wardrobe. This khaki roll neck jumper is perfect for the cold weather; pair it with pin leg trousers and heeled court shoes and create a the perfect winter look. 

Shop the look:

 

Photography taken Anya Greenwood. For booking enquiries contact her via email @ Anyajulia@outlook.com