Interview with Betty magazine

Isn't it lovely when you come across a bashed up little magazine stall and come across a magazine that is not only full of fashion, beauty and features, but interesting articles and angles that inspire you?
Well, this is how I feel about Betty magazine. When it first came out, I loved the cocktails shot so beautifully and the way a team of students had pulled together a pretty robust magazine.
So, in my quest to talk to interesting people, I have grabbed some time (with the promise of tea and cakes) with Charlotte Jacklin, editor of Betty, to celebrate issue 2.

What outfit/items make you feel good?
A lace dress! I don't know why, it doesn't matter what colour or style it is I feel good. I have red ones, black ones, white ones.....I love wearing them!


Who/what/where (or all of the above) inspire you?
In fashion terms, icons of the 60s and 70s. The Rolling Stones and their girlfriends are the style I always try to reflect. I love that late 60s early 70s look.


I am mostly inspired when I am near nature, I grew up in a seaside town and I live near the country now, something about all the open space gets your creative juices flowing.


In regards to what inspires me, pretty much anything! Anyone who is individual and stays true to themselves I really admire.


How do you plan your issues of Betty?
I start of brainstorming, which then develops into a page plan. However there is no set format, inspiration and ideas come to me when I least expecting them, mostly doing really mundane things. I take photos of everything, so if I am out and about I snap it to remind me later as I have such a bad memory. My phone has over 3000 photos on it.


What made you want to create Betty?
Betty was created with my friend from university Hannah, we had similar tastes and Betty was created because there is not really a magazine out there that we truly loved, that I think has all the aspects I would like to see in a magazine in one place.
There are magazines out there I love to read, of course, it was putting the bits I loved the most together and adding them to parts other magazines didn't have and going from there.


Also I don't believe there are a lot of positive magazines out there in the mainstream, too many gossip columns and diet tips. It is not what young girls should be reading, it is detrimental in the long run. One minute something is in and the next it's out, whether it's a piece of clothing or a person, things are too easily disposable.

Which part of creation do you love most?
Seeing an idea come to life. Having something in your head and then seeing it in front of your eyes - sometimes a lot better than you thought- is great.


Do you have a style icon (s)?
Florence Welch - she always looks amazing and stays true to her style.
As previously mentioned style icons of the past, Anita Pallenberg, Marianne Faithful and everyone's mums when they were younger....they all look so chic no matter what decade!


Favourite designers?
Ooooooo a tough one!! Erdem, Mui Mui, Charlotte Taylor, Vivetta, Orla Kiely, American Vintage, TBA, Moschino Cheap & Chic.....the list goes on but these are my favourites!!
I don't think I'll ever get over Luella going under!


Best or most frequented high street shops?
I don't stay loyal to a particular one to be honest. I get a lot of things from boutiques instead. I of course shop at Topshop however I do try to limit what I buy from there.


Your all time make-up brands?
I love Chanel foundation and I have just started using bare minerals which is really good. However no-one can persuade me to stop using Rimmel liquid eye liner, a staple in my beauty bag for a decade!


Describe a look and what you would wear on a night out
It varies, depends where I am going and who I am going with. At the moment I keep wearing cropped flares or palazzo pants with a soft blouse with platforms. Lots of chains and rings, with a vintage bag. Come winter I will be back in maxi dresses and platforms for a more 70s rock n roll vibe.


Most treasured item?
My collection of polaroid’s of my friends and me and then a ring given to me by my late uncle that I wear everyday on my little finger. There was a man who knew how to accessorise!

Most recent purchase?
Velvet platforms from eBay and Leopard print faux fur coat for winter - it was to good a buy to leave (even if it is June!)


How many pairs of shoes do you own?
a lot..... but I've never counted.


Places to relax..?
At my friends farm, on a hot day there is nothing better than running around with nothing but open space.


Best things in life?
Friends and records


Fav novels/literature/books?
Valley of the Dolls was life changing for me, I read it 2 years ago and I wish I could go back to re-discovering it again. I was unreachable for a week.


Must have accessories?
Charms, whether it be rings, necklaces or bracelets, things that mean something to you are the most precious and look the best.


Fav films - old and new or want to see this year?
Almost Famous is my favourite film of all time, I can quote it word for word....I watched it at an impressionable age and have never quite gotten over it. Recently I started watching Wes Anderson films, so beautifully shot. One more to mention is Julie and Julia, i loved this film, you can't fail to be inspired after that, I was walking around with a warm glow for two days. I love it when films leave you with a feeling like that.
As for films I need to see the list is endless! I have been so busy with Betty I haven't gotten round to watching any, I really want to watch Submarine, I am reading the book at the moment and it is a hilarious laugh out loud - I can't wait to see the film.

Best places to visit in London (your secret haunts) and local to you?

I have recently moved outside of London and the three places I miss the most are:
The Commercial Tavern - the prettiest pub there ever was
Liberty - I just want to live there
And Princi's on Wardour Street for the best Cannolli's in town

Name 3 things you want to achieve this year.
I am learning to drive (at 25 it is hard!) so I would like to pass my test please.
Be able to have Betty in a print format
An visit three states in America ( I hoping to do NYC, San Fran and LA in September)

see betty here:  http://issuu.com/bettymagazine/docs/betty_issue_2_the_perfect_summer

Follow Betty on Twitter: @BettyMagazine

Karin Andreasson jewellery

BIG fan of horseshoes and this is gorgeous. Designer Karin Andreasson makes the horseshoe look delicate and gorgeous enough to wear with a day dress or evening attire.
I think my obsession horseshoes started with Carrie in SATC - now I have a collection of about 4 or 5 and I must defo add this one to the treasure trove.

From £102 www.karinareassonjewellery.com

Eco Tools eyemask

I must admit something. I have never been a fan of the eyemask. Even on long haul flights, there has been something scary about not immediately seeing something. Freaked me out a little. After my house burnt down I felt even more wary of tools to help you sleep - ear plugs, pills, lavender...anything that could possibly render me unaware or useless in an emergency (FYI - the house burnt down in the middle of the night, we were in bed and just managed to get out).
However, having had trouble sleeping since and going to a series of festivals this year, I have been sent some super festival survival kits. This has now got to be the best thing that has happened in a long time.
To offer you a little background, I usually wake up about 10 times a night and average on 5 hours sleep a night. I need about 6-7 to feel super duper.
I thought I would try this eyemask one night after a particularly sleepless night. I tentatively popped the mask over my eyes, adjusted it, accepted the inevitable jokes about batman from boy and nodded off. The next thing I know, it is 5.30am and I have slept through the night.
Weird. So I tried it again and again and have also asked boy to test this magical device. He loves it. So it would appear we are both converts. But, as ever, being the cynical old witch that I am. I decided to test It out at Isle of Wight Festival. The tent fills with light as soon as anyone lights a bloody candle or sweeps a torch across the site, so you can imagine the agony of going to sleep at 2-3am after the Foo's and being woken at 4.30am by a) sunlight and at 5.30am by a) sunlight and b) mental people.
on goes the mask and voila darkness. EXCEPTIONAL.
Highly recommended. Soft towelling fabric makes this a clean and comfortable mask. Love it.
Go.Get.Now.

Interview: Author Lindsey Kelk

1)      Name the celebs around your table for perfect dinner and what you would be eating/drinking.
Ooh, this is a tough one... eight is a good number for a dinner, isn't it? Let's see, for the boys I'd go Brian Cox because he's ever so clever and pretty to look at but we could talk about music as well. Bill Murray because who wouldn't want Bill Murray at the table, Alan Rickman because I love him and Alexander Skarsgard because if I cooked dinner, I deserve a treat. As for the ladies, alongside my good self, I'd have Cheryl Cole because I reckon she could do with a good feed and a nice night in, Kristen Wiig since I just saw Bridesmaids and loved it then Carrie Brownstein, guitarist from my all time favourite band Sleater Kinney and hilarious lady of Portlandia. Mainly because I love her but also because I need to apologise for the time I told her I loved her at a Bishop Allen gig. Oh, wait. That won't work, will it?

We'd go with sharey food, maybe a ton of tapas. I used to do a very good tapas spread, I could totally do it again - albondigas, garlic and chili prawns, lemon chicken,patatas bravas, tons of bread. Dessert would be sharing platters too - cookies, brownies, cupcakes, that kind of thing. That way no one has to eat anything they don't want to and those of us who wanted to be pigs (me and Bill I reckon) could stuff our faces. As for booze, loads. Loads of it. You've got to cater for everyone, haven't you?

2)       In the name of food – name your fav comfort/happiness meals
I love food. Seriously, it makes me so happy and living in New York, it has the potential to make me really fat. The day The Single Girl's To-Do List was published, me and my friends (yes, single girls) went to the Churrascaria Tribeca and stuffed our faces with cow. Steak is probably my favourite meal but then, when I get home sick, it's shepherd's pie. I love mash potato and something about making the shepherd's pie from scratch - sauteeing the mince, making the mash, chopping all the veg - and then force feeding my American friends with it makes me incredibly happy. Failing all else, Cadbury's Dairy Milk or Percy Pigs, depending on the mood.

3)      Give me some yummy cocktails you drink on a very, very regular basis
I'm such a lush. I love margaritas. I was in Texas earlier this year and couldn't physically order anything else. On the rocks, lots of lime, no salt. Delicious. Failing that, there's a cocktail at The Bubble Lounge in Tribeca called Bubbly Cider, which sounds incredibly trampy but it's actually delicious. Lots of apple and pear, topped off with champagne. Yummers. If I'm making the cocktails, it's Hendricks gin, Saint Germain, fresh lime juice and lemonade over ice. Mmmmm.

4)       Who are what inspires you everyday?
My friends are brilliant inspiration and more than one of them would be able to point to our conversations or adventures in my books. I'm shameless. Mostly, I'm inspired by the fact that I love what I do. It really does kick your arse to get you out of bed every day when you think, 'wow, I get to write for a living'. And on the days that doesn't work, that fact that I don't have a monthly pay check every month is a good motivator...

5)      Tell us your beauty regime
As you probably know, I'm a total beauty whore. LOVE products and am terrified of waking up looking like Zelda from Terrahawks one day (outdated reference, I know). I cleanse with Elemis products, I've got the Melting Cleansing Gel in the shower and the Triple Enzyme Cleansing Wash by the sink, then for eye make up remover, I really like the Philosophy one but you get really good ones in the chemists in NYC too. I've got Bliss at the minute because I was caught short but my eyes don't really like it as much. Then in a morning, I use the Estee Lauder Idealist EVen Skintone Illuminator and Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator - I've only had them in my regime for a few weeks but I'm obsessed. I follow that with Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and a high SPF. La Mer SPF is great and I try to pick it up on the cheap at Duty Free whenever I travel. It's much more affordable than the moisturiser and I feel like it does make a difference. At night, I've been trying Jurlique recently after a brilliant facial. I love their Herbal Recovery Gel and Night Cream, my skin feels super hydrated the next morning. And I use Elemis Pro-intense Eye and Lip Contour Cream. And that's without getting into masks, exfoliators or body products... Jesus, no wonder I'm broke.

6)      Fav places to shop in NY and UK and anywhere else for that matter
The first place that came to mind was M&S. I literally land in London, go up to my mum's or wherever I'm staying and I've already got my M&S underwear order in my head. Online research is the best. Other than that, Topshop, obviously, and in London, I love Beyond Retro for vintage but mostly, I'm plundering the high street. Primark is still one of my favourites. In NYC, it's harder to find a bargain but I never leave Beacon's Closet without something (more awesome vintage) and Urban Outfitters is a total bargain compared to the UK. Anthropologie is fantastic if you can drop on a bargain. And obviously, Marc Jacobs and Christian Louboutin in the West Village if I really want to torture myself.

7)      Absolute top books you love and read again and again
My favourite all time book is The Secret History by Donn Tartt. Read it!

8)      Same with films/TV shows (like SATC or Friends) (did you like the NY reference?)
I watch far too much TV and if you could see my DVR list, you'd think I was a 14 year old boy. WWE, Family Guy and American Dad take up  a lot of space. I love Arrested Development and I was a HUGE Buffy fan. Often watch rereuns of those bad boys. Other than that, I love True Blood and we've become Game of Thrones fanatics in our apartment of late. John Snow? Rowr.

9)      Do you cook? If so what are the signature dishes?
I do! I'm a good cook! Angela stole my Balinese chicken recipe, that's my best dish. Other than that, I make a mean batch of brownies and can pretty much turn my hand to anything. I love to cook tapas and now I'm in NYC, a nice Brit feast is always a winner - toad in the hole, shepherd's pie, sunday roast, yum...

10)   Can you do maths?
Um, no. Sorry Mr Sim/Mr Hare. I'm shat.

11)   Magazines you buy every month?
I subscribe to all the American glossies - Elle, InStyle, Lucky, Allure, Cosmo, Glamour... I claim it's research but really, I'm just a magazine whore. I usually pick up British Elle too and if I'm home, Grazia and Look are must haves.

12)   Tell us about writing – do you feel the need to writer every day?
When I started writing I Heart New York it was part of a New Year's Resolution to write every day. Now I pretty much end up writing every day whether I plan to or not, whether it's a blog post, a bit of BeautyMecca or some of whatever book I'm working on. Sometimes I go a couple of weeks without writing a word (bookwise anyway) but I'm always working. I'll be editing or doing promo or proofreading or something. I find it really hard to switch off. Plus, when I start writing seriously, when I'm about 30,000 words into a book, I find it really hard to stop and become a bit of a hermit.

New Cid i-gel

I am definitely an eyeliner kinda gal. Since I was 12 an started experimenting with make-up, eyeliner has always been a staple within my make-up bag and I have played with liquid, powder, gel and pencil. One of my favourites is the Guerlain Terracotta Eyes Loose Powder. It offers the wearer the option of a slick, precise line or equally, a smudgy, smokey effect that looks great with dramatic shadow and neat eyebrows.

So you can imagine my excitement when I get the chance to play with the New

I opted for the Indigo and loved it. The small, slanted firm bristle brush is really accurate, making this the perfect tool for people just dipping their toes in the eyeliner pond. With one swipe you can achieve a perfect line and feline flick. 
I let the first coat dry and swept the brush over once again for a more intense colour. The colour pops and looks clean, however, like with a nail polish, a second coat always gives it a better finish.
With three shades to a pot, it allows you to experiment to your hearts content.
Buy here 
From £19

Interview: Abi from The Zutons

Chat with Abi harding from The Zutons

Radio 1 Big Weekend. What an amazing weekend. One of the biggst highlights was getting to meet Abi from The Zutons - who I love. She is amazing...her hair, her style, her effortless chic. Top chick.

She looked amazing in her Diane Von Furstenberg playsuit and Stella McCartney pumps.

BSG: You look amazing as usual, what are you wearing?

AH: DVF and Stella; I love these two designers and I love to wear things that are different. I am a huge fan of the High Street, but to be honest, I have to look elsewhere a lot of the time cos' I like my style to be very individual.

BSG: What do you look for in an outfit?

AH: It has to stand out. No matter what. I like colourful outfits and if I see something that catches my eye I just have to have it.

BSG: Why did you choose this particular outfit today?

AH: Well, I had found this amazing t-shirt in Miss Selfridge that looked exactly like one that Dave wore for every gig. I bought it and thought, yeah I'm gonna wear this and we will match. Lucky I didn't wear it that night: I saw a girl in the front row wearing the very same t-shirt. I was mortified!

This stood out to me and I knew it would be comfy and cool too - it is so hot today!

Thanks Abi, we love you even more.

Here is the link to Cosmopolitan.co.uk - I covered the event for them and had a chat with the likes of Colin Murray and Jo Whiley - when she was pregnant (looking fantastic as ever)

http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/lifestyle/radio-ones-big-weekend-festival-report-82101?click=img_sr

Interview: Lindsey Kelk

Interview with Chic Lit author and beauty mecca blogger, Lindsey Kelk

Well hellllloo...
So I managed to blag an interview with superstar blogger and author of I Heart New York, Lindsey Kelk.
Talk about living the dream - this girl is my hero.
She decided to get pen to paper, wrote her book, won a multiple book deal and is now living in New York a la her lead character.
I love her. The writing is refreshing, honest and pacey. Now, I'm not usually a big fan of Chic Lit, I have always been one of those who would prefer to be reading To Kill a Mockingbird on the beach rather than Daisy does Danny or Fanny's fanny diaries. Nope not me at all.
So, imagine my surprise when I genuinely fell in love with the character and Lindsey's inspirational writing. She rocks and I can't wait for her next installment....
K

What inspired you to write the I heart series...?

I was in a bit of a general rut and really playing 'anywhere but here'. I was broke after Christmas, stuck in cold, wet London in January with a rubbish boyfriend when I really wanted to be shopping in sunny New York, chasing after hot boys. Since I couldn't up sticks and leave, the only thing I could do was write about it!


How much do you resemble the protagonist Angela?
A lot at the beginning of the book. We have similar jobs, similar relationships, I just never broke anyone's hand or weed in their washbag. As far as they know... But as the book (and now books!) went on, she really started to become her own character. I'd write something and then think, 'no, that's something I'd say, Angela would never say that.' And before I knew it, she had a life of her own.


When writing about Angela's make-overs, did you use your make-up experience to make it as true-to-life as possible?

A lot of people ask if I did a lot of research for the books and by God, did I use the makeover parts as an excuse to shop myself stupid. My credit card is still hurting. I LOVE make up and write a blog, http://beautymecca.blogspot.com, which I started at the same time as I started writing I Heart New York. I didn't want the makeover part to be too over the top so I just wrote in what I would want to read about. I don't know if everyone gets as hot under the collar at the idea of spending hundreds of dollars at MAC as I do but, god, those parts of just as exciting as the sex scenes for me.
And yes, in case you were wondering, I am single. This is why.


How long did it take you to write the books?

I Heart New York was really quick, just six weeks from start to finish on the first draft but I was so bored and really not doing anything with my life at all so it was exciting to come home every night and write it. By the time I came to write Hollywood a year later, things had changed massively - I'd just broken up with my boyfriend, I was going out a lot more, I was busier at work - but once I got into it, I got it out in a couple of months. I write really quickly, I think because I've spent so long writing for my day job, and once I get on a roll, I can't stop. I'm completely knackered today because I was up until one writing I Heart Paris!


Tell us about your career as an editor:

I work in licensed children's books just like Angela, so I write books for brands like Noddy, Fifi and the Flowertots, Shrek and Hello Kitty. It's different to general editorial work because we actually write a lot of the books as well as edit them but that's been great experience. And who can complain about watching kids' TV and movies all day and then writing stories? It's criminal really.


When did you start your blog Beauty Mecca an dhow many followers have you now amassed?

I started BeautyMecca in 2007 at the same time as I started writing I Heart New York. They were both part of my New Year's Resolution to write every day and I'm really proud of both of them. I get about 2000 readers a month but that's going up now the book is out - the pressure is too much!


What are your dreams for the next year?
Well, I'm actually moving to New York in two weeks! I'm moving to the US HarperCollins office to work with their kids team and help develop new brands and series. It's going to be very exciting but super scary too. I need to borrow some of Angela's bravery... and hopefully she'll let me borrow Alex too. I'm going to be living around the corner from him in Williamsburg, so I'm sure she won't mind. I Heart Hollywood is out in January so I really hope that does as well as I Heart New York and (whisper this part) we're at really, really early stages of talking to people about making I Heart New York into a movie or a TV series and I would LOVE that to happen.


And finally...what advice would you give to aspiring writers who feel challenged, downtrodden and lack inspiration for the kick up the bum they need?

Just open your laptop, pick up your notebook and start. Seriously, there's no big secret, no magical inspiration fairy that comes and plants ideas in your head when you're asleep. Think of something that excites you and start writing. For me it was escaping my boring life, getting back to New York oh, and my massive crush on All Boys in Bands, the rest of the story just evolved as I went along. And once you start, don't stop. Don't re-read and then convince yourself it's crap, there are plenty of people out there who will tell you that. You just need to believe in yourself and carry on writing.