It’s no secret that an accessory can totally skyrocket your outfit game!

All that we lack sometimes is a little bit of creativity, take for instance a scarf – something insanely inexpensive yet often underestimated. I’ve pulled some looks that you can totally recreate and make unique only to you. Check below to see how a scarf can take your outfit from 0 to 100:

#1 Tailored Suit + Silk Scarf

You know that suit of yours that you’ve only dared to wear at office and find incredibly boring and outdated? No more! Add a scarf to it and completely transform your look. Turn up the business like you own it! This look typically works best with a handkerchief scarf like the one here.

Gestuz suit | M Missoni scarf | Saint Laurent bag | Keds shoes

#2 Skinny Neck Scarf

This trend might ring a bell, right? Very common in rockstars like David Bowie and taken from the stage to the catwalks by Prada and Saint Laurent. Since then, we have spotted them everywhere on the streets in different textures and prints! I’ve worn it here with boyfriend jeans and a white blouse – now, imagine the look without the scarf? So boring… the skinny neck scarf is just like the cherry on top #ftw.

Levi’s jeans| Charles & Keith shoes | Wallis blouse | Nazanin Matin Rose Skinny Scarf

#3 Skinny Neck Scarf as a Tie

Bring out the tomboy in you and let it shine! Wrap the scarf around your neck once and then tie it to complete the look. Consider the power of luxe velvet and try pairing it with an oxford shirt and trousers!

Gestuz trousers | Ralph Lauren shirt | Ralph Lauren bag | Gestuz skinny tie | Jimmy Choo sunnies

Shop My Picks!

– Camila
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook

Image Source Credits – Camila Carril

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The post How to Upgrade Your Look By Wearing a Scarf appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Once you’ve decided that you want to be healthy and eat better and exercise regularly, that’s great! But a decision is useless unless you take action. If you’re struggling to execute your fitness goals, we have just the things to get you eating healthy and exercising now!

I’m definitely one who goes through phases of being super strict with my diet and then, I’ll add a glass of wine, some chocolate, or an almond croissant (while still eating healthily). I am also really passionate about exercising daily whether that’s on a big or small scale. If I don’t get some exercise in everyday, I’ll turn into a dragon lady. You probably think I’m some kind of crazy person at this point, but here are 5 tips to get you to where I’m at:

Work Towards Something

Setting goals are key to getting sh*t done! Pick a date or a special event and use this timeframe to keep you motivated. A goal can be as simple as running 1 mile nonstop, getting washboard abs for your next tropical escape, becoming for a healthier you!

Buy new clothes

Something that motivates me (and I’m sure most you would agree) is buying new sports gear. It creates a purpose and reason to want to wear the clothes, but it’s also a great way to look good at the gym. There’s an inexplicable outburst of energy after slipping into a sports bra, tights, and sneakers that makes you want to get sweaty. After all, you’ve been working so hard for that body, right?!

Start on a Monday

I see Mondays as a mental reset button so it’s my preferred day for challenges and new goals. Something about the beginning of a week feels just so fresh! Try it yourself – let me know if you’ve got a case of Mondays! But you don’t have to wait, start now!

Don’t Think, Just Do

If it’s important to you and you want it that badly, just do it. The more you sit there and ponder if you really feel like “going to the gym” or if you’d rather eat that artery-clogging dinner versus avocado and quinoa, the more likely you are to skip out on the healthy choices! I’d rather not think about it at all and just make healthy choices all the time. Remember, 21 days is a habit though I think this could be mastered in less. Don’t give in to failure!

Envision the Future

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is always hard in the beginning and you’ll feel like you just can’t commit. Remember, it’s that critical moment that determines your future – will stall or become better? Accept the crappy feeling and imagine your healthy future-self strong and free. In no time, you’ll realize how much better you feel once it’s done. That vision of success should overcome the shitty feelings. 

Everything always seems impossible until it’s done! Do it now!

Get Motivated

– Mon 

Follow Mon:  Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Youtube, BlogLovin

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The post Enough is Enough – How to Start Eating Healthy and Exercising Now appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Lemonade is causing quite the stir around here (no pun intended), as was my article “Why You Feel Down & How to Fix It”. Naturally, receiving any ounce of negative feedback is upsetting but you live, you learn, and you move on.

So, as I was writing my next posts for the weeks to come, I had Lemonade on repeat and BOOM! It hit me and “How to Handle Criticism Like Beyonce” was born.

Step 1: Write about it.

… or sing about it, dance about it, paint about it, etc. Let the experience teach you whatever you need to learn and then express yourself accordingly.

I use any criticism I get as blog post inspiration. If someone tells me I can’t do something, I write about it. If someone says something about my pictures, I post more pictures. The key is to use the criticism to propel you forward on your own terms. Your focus shouldn’t be to please other people.

You should never change for other people, otherwise you end up losing yourself entirely.

You want to use criticism as positively as possible, and for some, that means using it as inspiration. Beyonce did it in Formation by addressing Illuminati rumors, ‘y’all haters corny with that Illuminati mess’. Go Bey!

Step 2: Capitalize on the haters.

One of the best ways to handle criticism is to embrace it. Man Repeller, Eminem, Daddy Issues, The Fat Jewish, and Beyonce have mastered this technique. Beyonce got some heat after the release of the Formation video and police started a “Boycott Beyonce” movement, and what did Queen Bey do? She had Boycott Beyonce merchandise made for the Lemonade tour. Controversial? Yes, but controversy sells!

Step 3: Make no apologies.

In her new song Sorry, Beyonce makes her message clear by saying, ‘Sorry… I ain’t sorry’. There’s no mistaking she lives unapologetically and you should too.

Unless someone’s feelings got hurt from malicious intent, there is no reason you should apologize for being you.

It’s your life and no one should judge you for how you live it, but they will. It’s impossible to please everyone and you’re going to encounter people who just don’t like you no matter what you do. You’ll receive backlash, criticism, and hate but don’t let it get you down.

Because you know what they say, when in doubt “Be – yonce”.

How do you handle criticism? Tell us in the comments below!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Periscope Snapchat @notanothrblonde

Image Source Credits – Luxo

You Should Also Read:

 How to Deal With Life in Your Late 20s
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The post How to Handle Criticism Like Beyonce appeared first on Zanita Studio.

You may have remembered my Black Spaghetti + Calamari recipe from a while back…

Well I had some leftover pieces in my freezer and have been meaning to make good use out of them. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at crispy fried calamari and so I did. This is no ordinary fried calamari though – it’s encrusted in ground almonds, cous cous, and spices. The ultimate flavour is warm and nutty with slight kick from the spices. But don’t underestimate the crust – it’s still super crunchy without the grease of other fried foods. These are best served with a generous squirt of lemon juice and dash of fresh parsley or mint.

Almond Crusted Fried Calamari Recipe

Serves 2-4 people

Ingredients:

• 100g calamari rings
• 50g flour
• 2 eggs
• 80g ground almonds
• 30g cous cous
• 1 tsp sea salt, plus a little extra for later
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• ¼ tsp cracked pepper
• ½ tsp oregano
• 500ml sunflower oil for deep-frying

Method:

Pour your flour onto a plate. This will be Station #1.

In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs together. This will be Station 2.

Combine the ground almonds, cous cous, sea salt, ground paprika, pepper, and oregano onto a final plate. This will be Station 3.

Once you have all stations ready, you can begin. You may need to follow the next steps in stages, but before you do, here’s my #1 tip: use one hand for the dry ingredients and the other for the wet. Dip the squid into Station 1. Then, remove and dust off any excess flour. Place into Station 2 and coat. And finally, onto Station 3. Be sure to coat completely in Station 3.

Place the prepared calamari onto a tray and let it rest in the fridge.

Pour the sunflower oil into a large saucepan over medium heat until hot. You can find out if it’s hot enough by testing the oil with a sea salt flake or a drop of batter. If it bubbles, the oil is definitely hot enough. Fry the coated calamari for about 30 seconds or until golden. You’ll want to do this part in stages.

Once golden, remove from the oil and onto a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb the oil. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.

Serve with lemon and fresh parsley or mint.

Happy cooking!
–Ben
Instagram @benorkin + Blog + Pinterest
Snapchat: @benorks

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The post NOT Your Ordinary Fried Calamari Recipe appeared first on Zanita Studio.

To understand the requisite labor being a mom adjures, you have to be a mom… It can’t be fathomed unless it’s ensuing here and now, and only then is there a newfound appreciation for your own mother(s) (on a totally different level). Motherhood happens to be one of those things I have a love-hate relationship with. There’s an indescribable magic in coming home to the most adorable creatures in the world – innocent and brimming with love. Then there’s the ass-beating late nights and bratty moments that make you wonder, “WTF IS THIS?!” No matter what corner you’re sitting in right now, Mother’s Day is one of those days you’ll be overwhelmed with love… So to kick it off, I thought I’d share some of the epiphanies unveiled in my 5 years of motherhood.

#1 Having kids isn’t so terrifying.

I’ve given birth with and without the epidural… The painful contractions, the pushing, and the tearing all sound like a nightmare. And in the moment, it actually is a pretty agonizing nightmare you seem to never wake up from. But when it’s done, you’re like superwoman…

Bet your husband couldn’t handle that pain!

On a serious note, you’re really not going to give a damn when the pain kicks in so don’t even stress about it.

#2 I’m far more capable than I realized.

4 hours of sleep nightly… Full-time work… Full-time mom… Gym… Maid Duties… Homework… Hobbies… Never knew I could accomplish so much on so little sleep! Motherhood really pushes you to the max.

#3 I’m a master multi-tasker.

Motherhood necessitates efficiency and it’s something you pick up lightning fast. I could change a baby’s diaper in my lap, talk on the phone, and watch makeup tutorials on YouTube (not literally but basically). If not, I’d go insane. And for that reason, I’m also a master delegator! #BOSS

#4 I’m selfless & compassionate.

Not that I was selfish before, but motherhood makes you practice selflessness all. the. time. whether or not you want to. It’s also a reality check to put yourself first when you need it (or you’ll really go insane).

#5 It’s okay to not “have it all”.

If you haven’t learned this prior to kids, I’ll tell you now – it’s no different after you have kids. Simply put, you cannot have it all. Life’s about balancing the imbalance, pushing and pulling where needed.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

Image Source Credits – Vogue

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The post All the Fun Things Motherhood Taught Me appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I’ve been at an all time low when it comes to highlighters.

Who can blame me when the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector is as amazing as it is? Over the last two days though, I had the humbling luxury of testing the Pat McGrath Skin Fetish 003 in Golden – it’s been quite the buzz as it should be when Makeup God, herself, unleashes the hidden weapon behind her strobing mastery. But before we start, let’s take a moment to admire this ingenius packaging – THOUSANDS of gold sequins…all that glitters really is gold in this case! I swear this was probably how Kings & Queens received gifts in the past.

There are three products drowning in the pool: the cream highlighter stick, a powder highlighter, and a brush, which can all be mixed or worn separately. Now, I’ve touched quite a few highlighters in my lifetime, but what makes the Skin Fetish 003 so distinct is that it’s two sided – the actual creamy, golden highlighter on one side and a translucent balm on the other.

The balm side might seem strange initially (who the hell wants a balm?), but it was actually my favorite part of this set! If you’re not really into gleaming up your cheekbones because it can be too intense, coming off like you’re trying too hard, then the balm is your solution. It cannot be substituted for vaseline either so don’t even think about it. The balm is super creamy without the tackiness and adds a hint of gloss that looks really natural. It makes a great adhesive for cosmetic glitter and that sort of thing too. It’s surprisingly long lasting and PERFECT for glossing up your eyelids or creating a sexy, smudgy smokey eye. The golden-champagne highlighter itself is as sublime as you can imagine. It’s super easy to apply and one swipe is enough for a hint of radiance, but can be layered for a vivid glow.

Now the powder highlighter reminded me of an intense Nars Albatross, which I’ve never really been a fan of. I’m afraid it looks a bit disco-ball in real life, but photographs quite exquisitely. I’d put this one in my Instagram arsenal. The brush is also really soft and handy – together, they make a lovely companion.

Now if strobing is totally your vibe, then you’ve met your match (a love at first sight situation).

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

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The post First Impressions: Pat McGrath Skin Fetish 003 appeared first on Zanita Studio.

WARNING: This is a 3-part series so get ready to take notes…

Initially this post was called, “How to Use Instagram, YouTube, & Snapchat to Build a Brand”, but then it got way too long so I decided to make it a 3-part series. Stay tuned in the coming weeks.

One of the most important things to understand about social media is that the followers from each platform digest content in a different way.

Social media is not a one-size-fits-all type deal.

Each platform speaks to its own audience in a very specific way and what works for Instagram may not work for Snapchat or YouTube and vice versa.

Once you learn how to use Instagram to build your brand, you can start to implement a similar technique for any social media platform as long as you understand the language and user behaviors.

Why Only Instagram, Snapchat, & YouTube?

For one, I’m most familiar with these 3 platforms and study them pretty intricately so it only makes sense to speak from experience. Secondly, amidst my studies, I’ve found these social platforms to be the most relevant right now. (If you disagree, share in the comments. I’m always interested to hear other opinions!)

Use Instagram to Build Your Brand

Even though Instagram is first on the list, it’s not necessarily the most important; however, it’s still a great tool to build a brand.

When someone lands on your Instagram, the first thing their eyes are drawn to is your bio to see what you’re all about. Your bio should include your name, a one to three word brief of what you do, your e-mail, and most importantly, your blog URL. Bonus info: include other social media platforms you’re trying to push like YouTube or Snapchat.

Next, visitors look at your feed as a whole to see if your pictures are aesthetically pleasing enough for a follow. If you really want to use Instagram to build a brand, start curating beautiful photos that send a message of what your style is about. If you’re into a girly aesthetic, you may want to focus on pastels and pink in your pictures. Or if you’re minimal like me, you may want to focus on warm tones like grey, black, and white.

From a blogger and business standpoint, Instagram’s sole purpose is to deliver beautiful, carefully curated photos. There’s a reason bloggers like Zanita have 300K+ followers. Her pictures are outstanding and she gets Instagram’s language.

No one cares about your car selfies with your mom or your sweaty gym “sesh” (unless you’re like Karlie Kloss or an expert like Mon) – no offense, but that content doesn’t really perform well on Instagram. People also don’t want to read a novel of a caption either unless you have a strong, interesting angle.

The important thing is you want your pictures to do most of the talking because Instagram is for visual browsers.

But for those that are interested in reading…

You should be equipped with an action caption. Captions like “Sunday funday!” with a bunch of emojis are so unoriginal, (don’t worry, I’m guilty of saying it too). Instead, caption your picture with highlights from your blog post for the day, an inspirational lesson you learned, a comical anecdote, a recipe, or a style tip. Tell a good story. These captions will catch your followers’ attention and keep them coming back for more.

You can get more Insta tips from Zanita HERE!

Do you know Instagram’s language and do you use it to build your brand? Tell us your story in the comments below! 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Periscope Snapchat @notanothrblonde

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The post How to Use Instagram to Build Your Brand appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Once you discern how one fashion blogger collaboration can rake in 4x your monthly income, you realize quickly you’re in the wrong business.

But first, you’re probably wondering, “How in the hell?!”. Lucky for you, Zanita’s divulging the ins & outs of banking on blogging today! So if you were wondering, here’s how fashion bloggers make money (and now you can too):

#1 Brand Collaborations

This is the most obvious and commonly seen method of creating income that we see from bloggers and influencers. Sometimes referred to as advertorial, it’s where a brand will pay for a feature on a blog or social media. We see some pretty impressive brand collaborations coming from bloggers today – like this beautiful post for H&M by Oracle Fox or this one for Chanel Beauty by Gary Pepper. A brand collaboration can be as simple as wearing a garment for a brand or a full-fledged fashion production. This is not a new concept. Magazines have been producing editorial content for years and it’s been an exciting development to see bloggers and influencers make their own commercial interpretations.

#2 Affiliate Marketing

Anyone with a website can utilize affiliate marketing. Sites like Shopstyle and Rewardstyle are the most common platforms used by bloggers – the latter being the brainchild of blogger Amber Venz-Box and her husband Baxter. Amber hatched the idea after realizing she’d cut herself out her own work as a Personal Shopping Assistant through creating her blog. Her clients were able to get style advice from her for free! She created Rewardstyle as a method to support her recommendations with commission from online stores. By using affiliates, the reader doesn’t pay any excess through links – rather, online stores like Nordstrom and Net-a-Porter, pay a commission for products purchased through influencer leads. This method isn’t exclusive to bloggers. Almost every fashion site you’re reading has these links, including Vogue, Fashionista, WhoWhatWear, and more.

#3 Product Lines/Book Deals

Once a Blogger/Influencer has established an audience, it’s an obvious step to create a product that they believe will suit their audience! Jules Sarinana from Sincerely Jules has created a hugely successful business out of selling t-shirts – and now other pieces, Shea from PeaceLoveShea has her own swimwear line called Same Swim, and Louise Roe has a fashion and lifestyle book, Front Roe. It’s also quite common for bloggers to create capsule collections in collaboration with existing brands for a percentage, such as Jacey Duprie (Damsel in Dior) for Splendid.

#4 Consulting

The business of blogging and social media is a totally new frontier not only for individuals, but for brands and small businesses. Therefore, it makes real sense for those in the know to capitalize from their newfound knowledge and share it with those who need it – at a fee! Bloggers who have worked and strategized to cultivate an engaged following can help businesses do the same by acting as consultants. It’s a perfect match!

#5 Modeling/Marketing Campaigns

This is simple – in the 90s, models were featured in brand campaigns and today, it’s shifted to social media stars stepping into the spotlight. We’ve seen Leandra Medine (Manrepeller) for Uniqlo, Kristina Bazan (Kayture) for L’oreal, and Chiara Ferragni (The Blonde Salad) for Redken.

As the influencer industry grows, this is only going to become a bigger part of the income they generate.

#6 Creative Services

More than just pretty faces, many bloggers use their skills beyond their own sites and channels to generate income. Take for instance, Bryan Yambao and Susie Lau, who contribute their writing skills to major publications. Then, we have bloggers like Zanita herself and Amanda Shadforth (Oracle Fox) who lend their photographic talents to fashion brands and magazines.

#7 Appearances and Hosting

Many brands will take advantage of a blogger’s following by enlisting them to host or even attend an event in the same way celebrities have done for runway shows or parties. Often the blogger will be contracted to promote or mention the event on social media and invite their followers to join them.

You Should Also Read:

How to Use Instagram to Build Your Brand
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The post How Fashion Bloggers Make Money & You Can Too appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The work of Freddie Harrel is about fighting the way women are pigeonholed into ‘types’ and ‘kinds’, so I know it’s clichè, but I’m telling you – she really is a one-of-a-kind woman.

Freddie’s blog is about so much more than personal style. She teaches ‘She UNLEASHED’ workshops, gives talks, and makes videos that are all about self-acceptance and breaking down the barriers that are in the way of women reaching their full potential.

If you’re like me, you approach all these “self-help” and “self-discovery” ideas with a healthy dose of cynicism, but holy moly, Freddie practices what she preaches and the proof is right in front of you. Watch her videos, read about her journey, and take a look at how unleashed this woman is. It makes you want to learn more.

In craving to understand how Freddie came to be such a wonderful, powerhouse woman, I began to understand myself.

Freddie used to be an ASOS stylist and that was when a lot of ideas for She Unleashed emerged:

“I used to help women shop through the stylist interface, and I realised that many of them were just like I used to be: dressing to look like the person they wanted to be perceived as, and not themselves.”

We spoke a lot about how dangerous social media can be – encouraging women to constantly compare themselves to each other. Freddie said that her core message is that each one of us is so complex, made up of so many delightful different parts and personalities that are so easy to overlook, that there is no baseline from which we can compare each other.

Her messages for women about empowerment and self-acceptance appear on her blog alongside thoughtful pieces about feminism and girl gangs. One of my favourite things about her blog is how it feels like you’re on the journey with her. A while ago she posted about not knowing whether or not to call herself a feminist, and we’ve all been there before, so I asked her about it.

“I have no fear to call myself a feminist now.”

“I never really understood the backlash around it so I was nervous about that term, but now I’m more and more unapologetic about who I am and I actually don’t understand people who claim they’re not feminist.”

One of the other terms Freddie has coined is “Lady Guilt” and it’s a personal favourite. I remember watching her video about it and realising that all the feelings she was having – about clothes and her partner and about cleaning their apartment – were identical to mine. “Oh, the Lady Guilt! I think we all suffer with guilt, but women especially, we spend so much time beating ourselves up. Feeling or acting like we’re not doing enough, not performing enough – that’s definitely something I struggle with too.”

We finished on a topic I know she’s passionate about – diversity in fashion. I asked her if she had any opinions or experiences she’d like to share as a woman of colour in the industry and, true to Freddie form, she didn’t hold back.

“It’s a tricky thing because I think that everyone gets used in the end. There are brands that clearly approach me so they can tap into the black market, but I guess blonde girls are used the same way too.”

What really makes her angry though, are brands who don’t use black models at all.

“What can possibly be the reason? We don’t sell? We’re not beautiful enough? It angers me but I also can’t help but feeling sorry for these brands. Black women are responsible for a big chunk of the global beauty spending, same for fashion. If brands don’t want to work with us, that’s their loss.”

When recently working with a French brand who make t-shirts, mostly with Beyonce, Kanye West and Drake lyrics, but don’t use black bloggers or models on their site, Freddie confronted them about it. “Do you know what their reply was? We’re just about to use an Asian model.” Not good enough.

“We’re beautiful and matter just as much. And if you’re in for the money, we have some too!”

Start following Freddie Harrel on Instagram, Facebook, and blog, and you’ll see it too. How beautiful she is and how much her positive messages matter.

– Bri
Follow me: Instagram Twitter Portfolio Blog

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The post Meet Freddie Harrel – She’s Here to UNLEASH You appeared first on Zanita Studio.

If there’s one thing I’ve never been, it’s a mascara junkie, especially a high-end mascara junkie!

However, I’ve accumulated a strangely extensive collection over the last several months – extensive for me anyway. So I thought now would be the perfect time to scour the stash and do some quick mini reviews of my current mascara edit – all the ones I’ve been keeping in rotation.

Diorshow Maximizer 3D Lash Primer

I’ve always found lash primers to be useless until I tried this one by Dior – it’s one of a kind. My lashes are a decent length; however, volume and curl is where the problem’s at. This product gives a nice thick coat to my wimpy lashes so that when I actually comb through them with an actual mascara, they’re full and lush. The best part is it holds throughout the day with no flaking or wearing down.

Diorshow Mascara

This one here has a wet formula that dries rather quickly and contains a thick, fiber-bristled brush. I do love me a wet mascara formula and the Diorshow is everything I’ve ever wished for in a volumizing one. It produces long-lasting volume and extension – hello doll eyes!

Tarte Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara

I thought I was over these plastic wands, but Tarte proves they’re still entirely relevant! The wand gets deep into the roots of my lashes and instantly lifts them as I brush upwards. We’ve got another wet formula here, hence the “lash paint” – it does remind me of black paint that needs to be thinned out. I love the super black, calligraphic color and the fullness it delivers. Together with the Diorshow mascara, the effect is divine! They’re both pretty comparable in results actually, but the Tarteist does a better job separating and doesn’t thicken quite as much.

Benefit They’re Real Mascara

This mascara is a close call to the Tarteist, but it sits on the drier side. I do like this mascara; however, I’m not the biggest fan of the wand as it’s super spiky to the point where it actually hurts a little. I avoid mascara on the lower lashes altogether with this one – too risky.

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious

Good thing I decided to write these mini reviews because I just learned that Revlon disco’d this line and I’m pretty freakin’ mad about it. The formula and wand make a proximate drugstore dupe for the Diorshow, which is why I love it so much. But I guess I need not say much else because you won’t be able to get your hands on it anyway. In the meantime, I’ll need to find a new replacement. Boo! (Taking suggestions!)

L’oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara

Here, we get a skinny plastic wand, which is perfectly suited for your lower lashes and excellent at grabbing every single lash. What you don’t get is volume. The masterful lengthening effect makes up for that though! From the drugstore, I loved cocktailing this one with the Revlon one above, but again, I’ll need to find it a new companion.

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara

When it comes to lash separation and curling, Lancome wins it all. The formula photographed is the waterproof version, which I find a pain in the ass the remove (that’s my only gripe). The irony in that is that the waterproof ones are best at holding curls! I typically prefer straight-wand mascaras, but learned to appreciate the s-curve of this one. It’s nice for grabbing a hold of the stubborn baby lashes on the inner corners. While you do get a bit of body with this mascara, it can’t amount to the Tarteist or Diorshow. But again, extension, separation, and curl can’t be beat.

One thing to note is that I love mixing mascaras and the results are boundless when it comes the ones here.

My favorite medleys are Tarteist + Diorshow, They’re Real + Hypnose Drama, and L’oreal + Revlon. The primer of course, does each one of these wonders!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

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The post The Mascara Edit: My Top Picks appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Deep breaths lovers… We’re about to discuss 50 PERCENT OFF at Moda Operandi…

click to buy!

Frankly, I don’t care to admit how much time I spend trawling online stores and putting things in my shopping cart. Maybe it’s an addiction, maybe it’s cathartic – maybe it’s one of the universe’s great questions we’ll never know the answer to.

Either way, being a major lover of designer fashion is a hard burden… That is – an expensive burden to bear – sorry! I admit I mostly buy pieces when I can get a discount in some way otherwise it’s really expensive. Half off a thousand dollar skirt? You could buy 144 friends a double burger at In-N-Out with all that savings. What a wonderful thing!

So the Moda Operandi Friends and Family Sale is happening now. You can get 50% off a whole bunch of brands like my Aussie favourites Tome and Ellery, and a bunch of fancy fresh designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Giamba. That’s really Hot.

Use the Code MOMAY50 – offer ends on the 16th.

This post was brought to you by our pals at Moda Operandi

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The post Let Your Credit Card Sweat! It’s The Freakin’ Moda Operandi Friends and Family Sale appeared first on Zanita Studio.

We’re launching an educational site where you can master digital branding with your favorite influencers from around the world! Register HERE to get first dibs on Building and Branding a YouTube Channel by Chloe Morello!

In my last post, we talked about building your brand with Instagram and now it’s time for YouTube… Its followers are unlike anything I’ve ever seen – they will love you forever and increase by the thousands in a short amount of time if your content and branding is just right. Many of these “Instastars” we see today started on YouTube because they knew how to utilize their personalities to build a brand and garner a following.

Using YouTube to Build a Brand & Cult-Following

YouTube subscribers are the best if you understand how to communicate with them.

Its language is simple: deliver high-quality and super valuable content in 5-10 minutes.

There are exceptions for lengthy videos if you’re Gary Vee, Marie Forleo, or someone of similar stature because of their credibility. They’ve developed an audience that cares enough to listen to everything they have to say. But if you’re just starting out and testing the waters, keep your videos short and sweet. That gives you more opportunity to experiment without wasting time.

The reason I say short is because with apps like Snapchat, our attention spans have become shorter and shorter. That means you want to deliver your message loud and clear in 5 minutes or less – be clever, be entertaining. Once you start to gain momentum, you’ll know when it’s appropriate to incorporate longer videos.

YouTube is like the video form of Instagram.

People go there to be inspired, educated, or entertained.

If you want to build that cult-like following, stick to doing one of the three. For example, Jenna Marbles entertains us every Wednesday, Marie Forleo inspires us with every “Q&A Tuesday”, and Gary Vee educates us everyday on “The Daily Vee”.

Capturing Your Target Audience

The beauty of YouTube is there’s so much room to be creative. Everyone has a unique perspective and when you bring that to the table, you can really succeed if your angle is different and alluring enough. In order to capture your target audience on YouTube, you need a strategy. There are two ways to document/film that I find most effective: “raw” and “cookie-cutter”.

The cookie-cutter content is carefully curated and aesthetically pleasing (meaning it’s pretty). This is a method often used by beauty bloggers, DIYers, and celebrities.

Then there’s raw footage that budget bloggers like myself and travel bloggers often lean towards. Raw documenting can also take on a highly creative yet personal and approachable tone like what Alexa Chung did with British Vogue. When it’s raw, you feel like you get a sense of who the person really is; hence the reason why Snapchat is so successful. (Watch this space to get the low down on Snapchat next week!)

The video below is a prime example of Zanita using her down-to-earth and frivolous personality to show us how she gets ready in NYC. The video is cleverly cut with a good mix of upbeat music and musings – it’s proof that a video can be like a document, to the point, and catchy with the right attitude.

What has been your experience with YouTube? Do you document in “cookie-cutter” or “raw” form? Tell us in the comments below!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Periscope Snapchat @notanothrblonde

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The post How to Use YouTube to Build a Brand appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Health Freaks, Free Spirits, Vegans – just to name a few of Instagram’s famous Acai Bowl photographers.

What’s all the hype about? I bet you’ve heard of the infamous acai bowl and more than likely tried one. If you’re into superfoods, but have never tried a little purple bowl of cold deliciousness, that’s ok! I have the perfect recipe for you to lose your Acai Virginity.

Acai Bowls are one of those things that people love or hate. There is no in-between. I am partial to one on a sunny morning after the gym! They’re super refreshing as they contain a lot of fresh fruit, some nuts and seeds, and of course, some good ol’ coconut!

Acai is a South American palm tree that produces edible berries, which we receive in powder form, and then toss into smoothies or acai bowls to make a super bright and Instagram friendly photo!

I love making them at home because I know 100% what I want to throw into them. They’re also convenient and can be changed up with different toppings or you can just keep them super simple.

Mon’s Acai Bowl

Ingredients

1 ½ cup Mixed Frozen Berries
1 Banana
3 Tbs Acai Powder
1 tsp Maca Powder
1 Tbs Vanilla Protein
½ Cup of Coconut Water
Handful of Goji Berries
Ice

To Top

Banana
Raspberries
Strawberries
Chia Seeds
Shredded Coconut
Almonds
Passionfruit
Goji Berries

Procedure

Place all the ingredients into a NutriBullet or blender and mix it all up. Then, place the mixture into a bowl and finish off with your desired toppings. Enjoy.  

– Mon 

Follow Mon:  Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Youtube, BlogLovin

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The post Instagram Friendly Acai Bowl appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Before researching and drafting this post I honestly didn’t think plastic surgery was a big deal. All of us do all kinds of weird and wonderful things to our bodies! We make big alterations and small alterations – who’s to say a little lip injection is that much different from getting long, blonde extensions after having a black bob? 

We’ve obviously drawn some kind of absurd imaginary line between what’s “okay” and what’s “not”. Remember when pictures of Lil Kim came out the other week and people said she was “unrecognizable”? Or Renée Zellweger a few years back? Celebrities have always been this awful kind of unofficial weathervane for what levels of aesthetic alteration are acceptable.

As far as I can tell, it’s a combination of permanence and positioning. Apparently getting temporary lip fillers is way less of a big deal than getting a nose job.

And nobody cares about boob jobs anymore, but if you accuse someone of getting butt implants you better have some evidence to back it up because apparently a fake tush is a faux pas.

Butt implants and butt lifts have had one of the largest spike in popularity since 2014 (up 36%) but in one episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kim got an x-ray of her butt to prove it was real – to her sisters. Despite this, she’s quoted saying: “I’m totally not against plastic surgery. Trust me honey, if I take this bra off you will tell me I need to get them done.” Why the distinction between the boobs and the butt?

Nicki Minaj kept silent about boob jobs and butt jobs for years but totally lashed out when people finally accused her of getting facial work done. At least there seems like a clear distinction there – that changing your face is a different thing. On a really basic level, this makes sense, right? Altering your waist-to-hip ratio is one thing. Bigger boobs? Sure. But altering the face you were born with… most of us baulk at that. Our faces make us who we are.

What about an area of our body that barely anyone else ever sees? Here’s something that’s definitely. Not. Okay:

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Between 2014 and 2015, there was an 80% increase in the number of girls 18 and younger receiving genital plastic surgery.

*Record scratches* – Wait. What?

Before we even start dissecting why this is happening, we need to understand and appreciate that labiaplasty can cause loss of sexual sensation, numbness, pain or scarring. That means that really young women hate the way their private parts look enough to potentially sacrifice the level at which they can enjoy sex for the rest of their lives.

I may not know where the moral line lays, but this stuff is definitely on the wrong side of it.

Teens are getting way more boob jobs too.  More than 8,000 teen girls received augmentation breast surgery in 2014, nearly double the number from just four years earlier. The numbers were so shocking that now the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have new guidelines. They’re supposed to do some screening now to make sure these girls don’t have body dysmorphia.

But what can we expect? Young women are more empowered and independent than ever. They’re also more connected, educated, and feel worse about themselves than ever before. Seems like we need a bit more of Kate Winslet around the place: “It goes against my morals, the way that my parents brought me up and what I consider to be natural beauty. I will never give in.” To finish, I think Cher said it best in 2002:

“If I want to put my tits on my back, it’s nobody’s business but my own.”

Trust Cher to keep it, er, real.

– Bri
Follow me: Instagram Twitter Portfolio Blog

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The post What’s up with Plastic Surgery? Would You? Have You? appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Hi, I’m Susan Hang – always mistaken for Hong because it sounds more Asian, but it’s actually Hang as in “let’s go hang out” – my Asian American story.

How is it Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and I had no clue?

American-born and bred, but I couldn’t tell you much about Asian American History beyond the Japanese quandary during WW2 and the grief of the Vietnam War – there sure as hell wasn’t an emphasis on Asian American history in the month of May pre-college… Meanwhile, we obsess daily over Chinese takeout and sushi, Korean beauty brands, drive Japanese-manufactured cars, and go nuts over some of the world’s most talented designers (e.g. Joseph Altuzarra, Phillip Lim, Prabal Gurung, and more) – can’t forget our all-star digital influencers (Song of Style, Bryan Boy, Michelle Phan, etc). But beyond food and technology, you probably couldn’t tell me more (same goes for me to you)…

As a first-generation Asian American, the balancing act of respecting my roots (parents) and assimilating in American culture was a heated ongoing clash I’ve learned to embrace. First off, if you’re a first generation AsAm, English was very likely your second language – you enter grade school not knowing a single word, but you attend cluelessly and willingly, envy all the cool things your friends get to do that you can’t, come straight home to schoolwork and chores, and then replay. My parents never read a book to me, taught me my ABCs, or practiced counting jelly beans… But they modeled by example – focus on what’s important (e.g. education) and work hard, and that’s the way most of us are ever really taught. I never spoke of these things in my upbringing, which almost felt a little embarrassing at the time, but I’m realizing how much

it reinforced independence, hard work, and perseverance – the way to the American Dream – why we’re here in the first place.

That’s not to say American or other minority communities lack these values, but it’s something inherent across almost all AsAm families you come across and perhaps can explain some of the statistics out there… But even with these impressive numbers, it almost feels like AsAm history is undervalued in that there’s very marginal focus in our education system when we have an entire month devoted to Black History and only few colleges that offer Asian American Studies programs where Latin and African American Studies are prevalent. There are such rich contributions made by the community to our history…let’s not forget the LA riots and Vincent Chin among others… So why aren’t we taught the slightest of these things?

For cultures built on hierarchies, respecting authority, and never back-talking nor being vocal, that might explain some of it, but it’s been refreshing to hear the voices within the community about their #MyAsianAmericanStory #MyBananaStory – thanks to social media…is that enough?

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

Image Source Credits – Fashion Gone Rogue, Vogue

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The post My Asian American Story appeared first on Zanita Studio.

So it’s one of those days you wake up on the wrong side of the bed…

Had a break up, got out of bed long after the alarm went off, maybe hung over, shit’s just not smooth sailing… Even worse is if all of this is happening when you’ve got an interview or a crucial business meeting in the next few minutes or hours. Okay, maybe that’s extreme, but the point is, we all have days that begin in the negative space. Good thing is you’re about to learn how to pull yourself together in 5 minutes for the next time that happens.

Let’s go!

– Put the phone down. (15 secs)

Cell phones will be the death of us if we don’t put them down. All these handy dandy, too damn accessible, social media apps only prolong your tardiness, instigate the envy, and make you feel worse at times like this. Throw it deep in the alleys of your handbag and leave it there.

– Think ‘big picture’. (60 secs)

Take a step back and think about the bigger picture, not just the matter at hand. Then, breathe. You don’t have to be fit, eat right, buy amazing things, make friends, hustle hard, and have this “perfect, ideal” life every single day. Today’s just one day… There are 365 days in a year and tomorrow’s a new beginning so prioritize that to-do list and work towards the bigger frame.

– Capitalize on the bed head, then even out your skin tone. (2.5 mins)

Feeling like shit doesn’t mean you have to look like it. Bed head hair makes one of the best kinds of hair days so work up a good top knot or a texturized, tousled do. But your skin, find that one savior and work it on a day like this (side note: BB creams and cushion compacts are your BFFs).

– Power dress. (60 secs)

Keep it simple. Now’s not the time for complex layers and matching patterns. Think power pieces like classic black, button ups, your favorite jeans, and heels. Dress like a boss and you’ll feel like a boss.

– Put your mask on. (15 secs)

Starting off a bad day doesn’t mean manifest it to the world and ruin everyone else’s. No one likes a Debbie Downer so before you walk out that door, put your mask on – your happy face and smile. Think about Point #2 and carry on – that’ll trigger happier feelings in no time.

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The post How to Pull Yourself Together in 5 Minutes appeared first on Zanita Studio.

There’s no denying, the singular most inspiring aspect of fashion and beauty is that it’s transformational. It’s why, despite our disadvantages, I’ll always love being a woman because we’ve claimed the creativity to express different versions of ourselves more successfully than men. (There, I said it.)

Shout out to my wonderful friends at Swarovski for supporting me in bringing this editorial to life. My dream opportunity to envision myself in a whole series of characters from natural to glam and everywhere in-between and the jewellery – the ultimate complement to take me there. This is a homage to the transformational quality of every woman and the fashion and beauty tools in her arsenal (aided by some pretty fabulous lighting and digital tweaks!).

Let me address the mystery here of crediting the ‘photographer’, which I know I’ve been asked more times than I can count. I no longer use my old self-portrait methods because it’s ultra challenging to keep the subject in focus and time consuming – running back and forth to constantly check the preview and see if everything looks great (only to find you’ve sliced your head out of frame). I love to have a flow with my modelling, moving from pose to pose and stopping to regroup – so this time it was Gustav behind the lens! I select the settings, the framing, the focus points, the lighting, and he does the clicking. My handsome human tripod – and so much more!

I hope you like these images as much as I enjoyed making them; truly, it was a real thrill transforming my look, becoming a new person with each aesthetic. I hope it helps you see that many versions of yourself are possible. As women, we can use make-up and styling like an armour, sometimes life isn’t easy… adding a little sparkle and glamour can help. Thanks so much again Swarovski for lending these beautiful pieces to my million characters!

Photography, Gustav Carlson (kinda)

Creative Director, Styling and Editing, Zanita Whittington

Hair and Make-up, Linda Jefferyes

Supported by Swarovski

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The post A Million Versions of Yourself appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Can’t pretend I’m not quite excited to put my 2 cents here.

This past week, there was an article on Digiday from some social media exec explaining how the ‘Influencer economy’ is bursting. Publications everywhere are jumping on the bandwagon, from Gawker to Pedestrian, excitedly pronouncing that the era of Insta-stars is out.

This anonymous guy on Digiday certainly had some legit points, but the discussion was really just about the bad experiences he had with people selling Instagrams. He explains the process to the editor…

“Tell me about the process.
We’ll do a meet and greet. Tell them what we’re thinking and ask them for concepts. You can tell right away who is serious: The good ones come back within a day with ideas. Some send us decks or presentations that are pretty, but not tailored to the brand. They’re all nuts. “I want to take a car and pick it up in London and drive it around Europe, so give me $100,000,” they say. Nope, let’s totally never do that ever. These people don’t understand budgets.”

Obviously this sounds crazy – $100k to drive a car? Ludicrous. But an incredibly talented Youtuber, like Casey Niestat, also mentioned in the article, with millions of engaged followers across all platforms – that’s an unparalleled content creator with a proven track record of real talent, built-in production, and marketing finesse. Imagine a road trip video series, complemented with snaps and short videos on Instagram… I’d watch that – and so would hundreds of thousands others.

Casey is one of many.

Other examples are the gorgeous Nicole Warne and Chriselle Lim. Not photographers, but visionaries in style, voice, and branding – setting the standard in communicating with audiences through social platforms and connecting with brands in an organic and elevated way. These women aren’t going anywhere.

I can’t pretend it doesn’t irk me – the stigma attached to the terms  ‘blogger’ and ‘influencer’. I’ve been part of this game for a long time now and I wear those badges proudly. Unfortunately, there is a sad truth, a particular shallowness that has infiltrated the ranks, and it’s that which has tarnished the good name. Those just in ‘it for the money’ as they say, are the reason why these articles have been written. We all gotta make a dollar and there’s a lot of diet tea being shelled on the ‘gram. Brands today are wising up to this quick-fix marketing and these hashtag campaigns trumped across any and every Instagram account… Viewers are also no longer fooled by these transparent methods. But still, up to 50 percent of marketing expenditures are going toward social.

There’s a clear turning point here – and it’s for the best. Like any new industry, there’s going to be a teething period and now that’s over, the real business can begin. The cream will rise to the top. The influencer economy isn’t going anywhere because social media marketing isn’t going anywhere. And in fact, it’s only growing stronger and stronger. Where does that leave us on the conversation? You should be following the best of the best – the content creators who captivate and excite – and that doesn’t mean you can only enter the game if you’re rocking hundreds of thousands of followers. It just means you gotta learn from the best, strive for originality, and engage your audience no matter how niche…

And we’ve got more of that coming real soon.

*taps side of nose, backs away*

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The post The Influencer Economy Isn’t Collapsing – It’s Just Getting Better appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Understanding Snapchat for Business

Right now Snapchat is the most important social media platform to be on. Why?

Because it happens in real-time and it’s dynamic. There are so many opportunities for businesses, bloggers, creatives – you name it – on Snapchat. From custom filters to sponsored Snap stories, the sky is the limit.

Although there’s no real way to monetize on Snapchat at the moment, I foresee sponsored stories mixed with your followers’ stories as a new advertising tactic, similar to what Instagram and Facebook have done. I can also see custom Snapchat filter designers make a killing in the near future. If you’re a graphic designer, this may be an avenue you want to look into.

If you’re a blogger without a Snapchat, get one immediately! … and then Snap us (notanothrblonde & ZanitaZanita).

Snapchat Brand Building Strategies

In order to fully know how to use Snapchat to build a brand, your goal must be to either entertain, educate, or inspire your followers as is the case with just about everything in the digital world. Day-to-day activities like getting coffee or Snapping your dog are boring unless you know how to bring depth!

• Snapchat takeovers – This is a great way to raise awareness about your brand because you have access to other follower’s followers when you takeover someone else’s Snapchat for the day. Since sharing is caring, be sure to exchange the love and let people take over your Snapchat too.
• Custom filters – When Drake released his latest album, Views, exclusively on iTunes, he had a custom filter on Snapchat for about 3-4 days. Naturally celebrities, bloggers, and fans used it for fun and it unexpectedly helped Drake promote the crap out of his new album. That’s millions of organic views that got people talking about Views.
• Mini movies – Kylie Jenner and “krew” were doing this for a while, and I have to admit was quite clever. Kylie incorporated her whole family in the fun and it was really engaging.
• Giveaways – WOW Airlines is hosting an exclusive Snapchat paid opportunity to travel the world with them for free; all you have to do is Snap why you deserve it. Not only does this increase WOW Airlines’ engagement but it grows their Snapchat following. Bravo, WOW Airlines!
• Tips & tricks – Giving away consistent, valuable information on any social media platform is key to growing an audience. Snapchat is great for tips and tricks because you only have a certain amount of time to view it which gives viewers incentive to follow you and check out your content.
• Q&As – With larger bloggers/influencers, Snapchat Q&As can end up being like 5 minutes, but you don’t want to miss a Snap in case he/she answers your question! I love Q&As and do them often on my own Snapchat.

Above all else, the real key to building a brand on Snapchat is to be unique.

Have an edge over others whether it be from your tips, funny mini movies, or even using Snapchat to express your killer art skills. Just be different!

Any questions about how to use Snapchat to build a brand? Comment below and we’ll be sure to answer!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Periscope Snapchat @notanothrblonde

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The post How to Use Snapchat to Build a Brand appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Just a quick post so you’re on top of all the biggest Cannes Film Festival chat. Don’t worry, girl, I’ve got your back. 

The “barefoot rebellion”

Do you remember last year’s “heelgate” scandal? The security guards weren’t letting women onto the red carpet unless they were in heels. Kristin Stewart has come out boldly against the policy saying “things have to change immediately” (and I definitely agree). The rebellion this year was started by Julia Roberts and I must admit, she had this loose wavy hairdo going and that gorgeous big smile of hers, and her dress was all class and her jewels were mind-boggling… It was such a perfect image. America’s Sweetheart doing exactly as she pleased.

I mean, when you’re walking up the stairs on the Cannes red carpet and George Clooney has his hand reached out to yours ready to pose with you for pictures, I think you’re at a time of your life when you can kick your heels off.

Aishwarya Rai wore this killer purple lipstick and got some strong feedback about it.

I happen to think it picks up on the purple tones of her beautifully embroidered dress and honestly, it’s just so. dang. refreshing. to see a star take a beauty risk like this.

Can I pause this post to ask a question: Why does Kendall Jenner seem to be the star of Cannes so far?

I’m not debating the fact that she looked damn hot. (I happen to be on the YES Kendall and Gigi are supermodels team.) I know her dress was Roberto Cavalli, but I don’t know much about From the Land to the Moon – the name of the film she was on the red carpet for. I mean, does Kendall even know much about the film? Is that mean of me to say?

I read somewhere that Kate Moss has being going to Cannes on-and-off since 1997. That’s almost a 10 years of Cannes with 0 movie roles. Must be some epic parties, huh?

The latest update in the Woody Allen “problem”

I’m not sure where to begin here…

In case you didn’t know, Woody’s daughter, Dylan, made public accusations about him sexually assaulting and inappropriately touching her when she was a child. She made this public a number of years ago and it’s become a sore point to see which movie stars do and don’t continue to work with him. At Cannes this year, Woody was premiering his latest film Café Society and it had a truly impressive list of stars: Steve Carell, Jesse Eisenberg, Blake Lively, Parker Posey, Kristen Stewart, and a ton more.

To heat up the situation, Woody’s son (Dylan’s brother) recently wrote in The Hollywood Reporter that he totally believes his sister and that he recalls much of Woody’s behaviour as being extremely inappropriate. It also doesn’t help that Allen has also made really weird comments about his wife being attracted to him because he was so “paternal” as a husband…

So where does Susan Sarandon fit into this? She was at Cannes accepting the “Women in Motion” award with Thelma & Louise BFF Geena Davis. And Susan said about Woody: “I think he sexually assaulted a child and I don’t think that’s right.”

Now’s also the time to mention something more constructive: it’s been 25 years since “Thelma and Louise” came out in 1991 and it was hailed as “groundbreaking” and everyone thought it finally signified a change for women in film, but no such luck…

so Gina Davis has founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. If you haven’t heard of it, get right on it now.

And to finish on a lighter note?

Today Kate Moss and Lottie Moss turned up on the red carpet today in kind-of-matching red dresses. They were both dripping in diamonds too. Ah Cannes, if nothing else that makes sense, you will always provide me with tasty eye-candy.

– Bri
Follow me: Instagram Twitter Portfolio Blog

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The post We’ve Got Your Cannes Update Right Here appeared first on Zanita Studio.