Influenced #1 ~ Hayley Williams

A few weeks ago I bought the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's book Influenced and have read most of it (I will get to the end of it soon, I'm just a suuuper slow reader!).  I've found it really interesting reading about the people who have had an impact on their lives in terms of fashion, art, attitude etc. and thought I'd like to make my own version as a little series on here.  I want to share with you the people who have inspired and ultimately influenced me across my 22 years, so here goes, the first of what I hope to be many!

Source - hayleywilliamsedits.tumblr.com

Thinking about people who have influenced me the first person to come to mind had to be Hayley Williams.  The the lead singer of Paramore, a band I discovered aged 14/15 and have loved ever since, her style has evolved as she, and the band, have grown up, and I feel that she has had such a lasting influence on me, and many others, as we've grown up with her over the years.

Hayley is a couple of years older than me and being able to watch her go through the transition from tomboy teenager to the style icon she has now become for many has definitely influenced the way in which I grew up and tackled the awkward teenage years.  As Julie Greenwald (Atlantic records) says 'She was never a young, fabricated artist.  She still styles herself.  She knows who she is and who she wants to be.' 

That self assurance and self belief is definitely one of the ways in which Hayley has influenced me and my style.  She made it okay to be 'that weirdo with five colours in her hair' (anyone who was a McFly fan back in the day will get that one!) or to wear what ever the hell you pleased, because it's your life and what's the point of not being yourself.

Source - hayleywilliamsedits.tumblr.com

'Baby Bangs' and bright orange hair ~ source - omghayley.tumblr.com

Hayley's hair is one of the things she is most known for.  She has been almost every colour of the rainbow and managed to suit all of them.  She does, however, always seem to come back to vibrant reds and oranges in varying shades giving her a flame like look, especially when leaping about on stage!

Hayley's ever-changing hair ~ source - welovewilliams.tumblr.com

Hayley writes many of Paramore's songs and her lyrics are always so relatable that you are able to connect with what she is saying every time.  She manages to write songs that feel as though she's singing straight to you while at the same time commanding an arena full of people.  Jeremy Davis (Paramore's bass player) puts it perfectly 'I think the reason why most people respond to Hayley is because of her lyrics.  Even though some of her songs are dark and heavy, if you listen to the words there's hope.  She writes her life stories really.'

' Last Hope' ~ source - alliwantedwasbands.tumblr.com


Hayley's fashion has ranged over the years from polo shirts and skinny jeans with distinctly tomboy touches to her looks today, tough outfits with feminine touches and punk over tones.  Her look has always just seem ed so achingly cool to me and she always always pulls off whatever she is wearing with such flare and attitude that it just works.

A little selection of Hayley's style ~ sources - tumblr tag #hayleywilliams

Hayley Williams is definitely one of my biggest style influences and icons and has been for almost 10 years now, and hopefully will be for another 10 to come!

Are you a fan of Hayley Williams' style? Let me know in the comments what you think of her looks and also who else I should feature in this series in the future.

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Paws and Claws

Recently I ordered some nail transfers from Janchriste, a nail design shop I discovered through Zoella's blog.  I thought the little stickers looked so cute and at £1.80 a sheet they are a litle bargain!

I gave into my cat obsession and ordered two sheets of cat prints, but there are so many styles in the shop in various colours and designs.  They also sent me a few little extras to practice with so I knew how to apply them and not waste the ones I'd paid for, which I thought was really generous.

Janchriste Nail DesignsApplying the transfers is really easy once you get the hang of it and didn't take too long at all.

~ First apply a base of a pale colour, the paler the better, you can put the transfers straight on a non-painted nail too but I liked the look of the coloured background.  ~ Once the polish is completely dry cut around the image you want as close to the picture as possible.
~ Next peel off the paper backing, I found it easier to do this with tweezers to stop the sticker from rolling or stretching, and stick it onto the nail of choice!
~ A few coats of clear polish or topcoat and you are good to go!  I found two layers of clear polish was best and then topped it up a couple of days later to stop the transfer from lifting.

I really love these little transfers, they give such a unique look to your nails for a fraction of a professional manicure and make it easy to chop and change your mind.  I can't wait for Halloween to roll around so I can use my little black cats with a bright orange background!

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Autumn Loves ~ Boots

Each year as autumn approaches I get the urge to purchase a couple of winter essentials to keep me going through the harsher months, in particular cosy coats and chunky, functional boots.

This year my desire for boots got the better of me early (in my defense I did need a new pair!). My old boots have sat woefully in the wardrobe with the soles hanging on by a thread for the past six months, thanks to one to many cycle to and from uni up Welsh Valleys in countless storms, they really had given up.

My New Loves!

As sad as I will be to part with my old faithfuls I am far too excited to wear my gorgeous new pair and am already planning my winter outfits (too soon?!).  After a hunt round the high street I found a pair which were not only practical, with a nice thick sole, grip and fleecy lining for snow and ice (I am ever hopeful!) and a good bit of style to boot!

These lovelies are from Primark and cost £25, a fair price for a good pair of winter boots in my opinion, and I can't wait to wear them.  I've been experimenting with folding the tops down to reveal sections of the lining and to cut the leg off in different places and I think I like them best when they're rolled down.  Primark had a bunch of other styles and I can see myself heading back there to pick up another pair, funds permitting!

Now I've just got to resist the urge of the winter coats, I've got my eye on a gorgeous leather one in Topshop, I'll have to see if I can save up for that one!

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