ILLAMASQUA - The make-up for my alter ego

One of the perks about my job is I get to wear amazing things by designers and collaborate with incredibly talented people and this includes MAKE-UP. As you are all aware, (because I can't stop going on about her) I am lucky to have my own hair and make-up stylist - Jennifer Nash, and she has become one of the most important parts of our live show - making the band look great and not just great but completely different every gig and ALWAYS unique and eccentric. SHE IS A SAINT TO US...
So when we came across a make-up brand that has the same ethos as ours -to dress the alter ego that comes out of me when I am onstage - the showgirl, the vamp, the starlet, the circus ringleader etc. naturally we were eager to find out more.
This brand is:

http://www.illamasqua.com/

It just so happens that the people that run this brand are equally lovely and have taken me under there beautifully decorated wing and will be supporting myself and Jen to create the looks that we aspire to for the future. We are so excited and in love with there looks it appears to be a match made in heaven.

To start with I have recieved my own kit to use when Jen is not around for me to be creative with and l have just recieved a beautifully packaged box of Illamasqua make-up.

Now I have had a chance to play with it all I can honestly say that it is the best make-up I have ever had - it is a dream to apply and actually doesn't end up under my eyes or faded after a few hours which is what I have been used to for years (and that is from some high end brands not just Tesco's own!!)

Here is a run down of my specially chosen Illamasqua kit...

NB, I would do before and after pictures but I am too embarassed to be seen in my current no sleep or makeup state...

CONCEALER in CC15 - I am definitely human and have regular outbreaks (annoyingly this started after my 18th birthday which upset me as I always thought adults don't get spots!!)

ANYWAY I have found it hard to get a good concealer to cover these naughty bits but this one does the job (HALLELUJAH!!) it's light and masks a whole manner of marks.

POWDER FOUNDATION in PF 120 - I've been lead into using a liquid foundation before and always got it a bit wrong (being taken aside at a party to remove streaks from your neck is not so pretty!!) so I decided to go with powder and I am pleased I did. This really stays and gives me that clear complexion that I aim for.

ILLUMINATOR in POISED (rose pink) - A new thing for me but I tried it out on my cheeks, eyes and lips and really loved the glint it gave them - it has now replaced blusher and will be a great addition to my make-up bag. It does wonders for my cheekbones!

LIQUID EYELINER in SHATTER (black) - I have to admit I went off the pen type eyeliners because of smudging and dripping but was willing to try it again as the pot and brush is just a little bit trickier when you are in a hurry so WELL DONE ILLAMASQUA I finally have one that STAYS and is so easy to draw with- I like to do all sorts of curls and spots with my eyeliner and this one lets me be really creative. 

VOLUME MASCARA in HARNESS (blackest black) - Like most girls I know - mascara is the bain of my make-up life ... I have tried so many and although I like some and have stuck with them for a while I am yet to love one... could this be the love of my life?! I'm sure by now you must all be thinking - she can't love them all THIS MUCH but I'm telling the truth when I say I will NEVER use another Mascara... I have annoyingly short eyelashes and now I feel like Rita Heyworth!!!

LIPSTICK in BOX (red red red) - This was a colour designed by the mindblowing make-up artist Alex Box who happens to be Illamasqua's creative director:

Yup- this is her work.... WOW! The lipstick is wonderfully matt and a great colour so when I feel like vamping it up I know what to reach for!

NAIL VARNISH in Untold (Red Glitter) -Glitter nail varnishes always rely on many layers to look good and I did 3 for the ultimate glamourous diva look! Their varnishes glide on beautifully and the brush is easy to apply with so I will definitely be adding many of these to my collection.

PENCILS - FINE in EERIE (black) and MEDIUM in SPELL (pillar box red) - both of these are great - good colours and show up nicely on my skin. I used the fine pencil for under my eyes and it worked like a fine kohl which I was impressed by and then 'Spell' makes a great lip liner for 'Box' Lipstick- as above- too.

ACCESSORIES - EYELASH CURLER, LIP AND POWDER BRUSHES - My happiness at these products goes right the way through... I especially love the lip brush that gave me perfect precision.

I did an acoustic gig on Friday at Marlborough Jazz Festival and wore some of my Illamasqua kit and after 10mins in the bathroom this is how I looked :

Dress By Lira Leirner ... but more on that later...

Jen will be able to create some amazing looks with these products so keep an eye out for my alter ego!

This is also a perfect time to intro you all to Illamasqua because at the moment they are running a brilliant campaign where you can take in your old makeup and replace it for new with 25% off everything!

It's also an inexpensive way to add some high end products to your collection - there is something for everyone!

Do go and check it out for yourself...

I assure you that I feel passionate about this brand I don't want you to think I have been in any way swayed to write this blog, I just wanted to do my bit to thank them for their generosity and spread the word to you as they are worth it and you are too!!

Till next time,

Gabbamasqua (!)

Xoxxoxoxoxoxox

STORM THE CHARTS

Ok so I know this has not much to do with my style but I think music and style go hand in hand so I hope you don't mind me pleading with you a little...

 

http://www.gabbyyoung.co.uk

(Amazon have discounted all 40 tracks in Storm The Charts to 49p for the week but you can also buy it on itunes and play.com)

For more info: 

  

http://www.run-riot.com/storm-the-charts-gabby-young-and-other-animals
http://stormthecharts.com/ 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmPOrNwIY6A

Our Facebook event... http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128299670540740 

With all your help WE JUST COULD DO THIS!!

We are already No.1 in the Amazon Folk and Rock charts and No.45 in Amazon's top downloads!!

Please pass it on and support independant music...

Also REVERE are also part of the campaign withe their amazing new single 'We Won't Be Here Tomorrow' which you can buy for 49p as well here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wont-Here-Tomorrow-Album-Version/dp/B003KSMXCC/ref=dm_ap_trk1

Thankyou SOOOO much!

Gabstorm

xoxooox 

Art Car Boot Fair, the BAFTAs and more!

Well whether the weather reflects it or not, the summer has well and truly begun for us! We had a fantastic day at the Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair where I was performing, curating a fashion show and running the Gabberdashery car-phew!I got to wear an incredible creation by the super talented Amelia Mullins, who also helped me with the fashion show which featured work by some incredible designers, as well as the awesome King's road fashion boutique Ad Hoc who lent us some great pieces. Rosa Bloom's handmade pieces were also on display, not only in the fashion show in the wrestling wring, but also for sale in our Gabberdashery car, alongside arts and crafts by my sister Nicky, Vicki Sennet of HungaMunga, Merrimaking animal hoods and artists Tinsel Edwards and Twinkle Troughton. Here's a close up of the content of our boot- all these pics were taken by Katie Antoniou, my Gabberdashery partner; you can see more photos and read more about the event on her blog here, and on the CultureLabel blog too.

As usual, Jennifer Nash did my amazing make-up; the art car boot fair being something of a dress rehearsal for the most exciting gig ever; the BAFTAs after party!I'm still speechless about the whole affair; performing in a venue like The Natural History Museum is just a dream come true. You can see me making my entrance, walking down the massive staircase here- I had to be very careful not to trip up!There are a few pics on the official BAFTAs website, and here's a video Johnny Levene made for us. These photos are by Anthony Ellis.



We've also made a start on the festival circuit, playing Sunrise where I wore a great ensemble generously lent to me by Ad Hoc; I just love the feathered headpiece!

Heres a very giggly interview we did literally just after the gig so we are hyper and a little sweaty - so all the boys makeup was dripping off them!!


We also performed at the Wiltshire Jazz festival- heres a pic of the whole band doing 'jazz hands'!

Next up; Glastonbury! We're performing four times over the weekend, so if you've got a ticket, do try and catch one of our shows!
AVALON STAGE -2.20PM is our main show and the only full band one so don't miss it!

I'm just planning what to wear for all 4 days now... hope it doesn't rain!

Muchas love
Gabbalina
xoxoxoxooxoxoxooxox

Gabberdashery!

Hello everyone! Last week I was lucky enough to play an exclusive gig at a really stunning venue; 22 Portsea place. Owned by the lovely Fran, this Georgian building is home to over 3000 works of art, its like living in a museum or art gallery! The gig was in aid of Cancer Research, a cause very close to my heart, so guests were plied with champagne and delicious cupcakes kindly supplied by LoveBakery to encourage everyone to donate generously!My gorgeous dress was lent to me by vintage superstore Beyond Retro, and as usual, my wonderful hair and make-up was done by the incredibly talented Jennifer Nash.

Speaking of make-up, I had a very exciting meeting with British make-up brand Illamasqua earlier this week. They love my look and are going to help Jennifer continue to create it with their wonderful products!I love how theatrical their aesthetic is, and their slogan 'make-up for your alter ego' is so appropriate to musicians and artists who often have a different, more flamboyant persona they adopt on stage.
We took the opportunity to create a Gabberdashery boudoir in the bedroom at Portsea Place, where Rosa Bloom sold some of her beautiful handmade bustles, gloves, feather headpieces, jumpsuits, frilly knickers and much more.

Artists Tinsel Edwards and Twinkle Troughton are also on board as we take the Gabberdashery venture online- Twinkle has created our gorgeous logo, as well as a really stunning new t-shirt design:

Canvases and prints you can see in these pics will all be on sale tomorrow in the Gabberdashery car at the Art Car Boot Fair, as well as merchandise from a number of other amazing craftspeople; HungaMunga, HerCuriousNature headpieces, Merrimaking animal hoods and much, much more. Tinsel Edwards handpainted this amazing vintage jewelery box especially for us- I'm trying really hard not to buy it myself!If you make something in keeping with the Gabberdashery style- be it jewellery, accessories, artwork, or anything creative- then email me info@gabberdashery.com and we'll see if we can stock your work too. We're all in this together!

I'll be curating a fashion show too, wearing a truly stunning creation by Amelia Mullins. I'll also be wearing it to....drumroll.... the BAFTAs afterparty where we'll be performing Sunday night!!!!SCREAM!!!!!!
Really hope to see you all at the Art Car Boot Fair tomorrow- there'll be so much going on, wonderful stuff to buy and see, and I'll be performing a few songs too. Do come and say hello, and wish me luck for tomorrow night!!!
much love,
Gabster

And all that jazz...

 

Photo by Saul

Good day my pretties!
Last Saturday we played our best gig... yet! The Jazz Cafe was full to the brim of every kind of people all of which sang and swayed along wonderfully to our 1.5 hour set from the album and before. I even played a solo song right in the middle of the set- Button- which is my very appropriate ode to the government!! You could hear a pin drop- it was magical to have the stage all to myself and such a supporting audience... of course when the band joined in it was riotous again!
I won't go on about it but we have had amazing feedback and pictures... here is a sterling review from THE FLY
and the lovely people at EMERGING FERVOUR

We were lucky enough to be able to delve into the rails at bundles at BEYOND RETRO 
as they are kitting out the whole band for the festival season - the boys, and girl looked so chic for this gig- I almost felt under-dressed in my tasseled bodysuit (bargain from EBAY)  and various array of netted skirts, striped tights and Irregular Choice boots. As always, Jen spread her magic across the stage too doing all of our hair and makeup. We really enjoyed doing my 'candyfloss' inspired hairdo and will be posting a 'HOW TO' video guide to my gig styling soon!

Last week I got to be a model for the evening at LadyFest's 'Swallows and Amazons' life drawing class - I chose not to go naked but I did get elaborately dressed up in a theatrical 'pirate' shirt, black breeches, an Amelia Mullins feathered headpiece and my favourite I.C boots!! I was so flattered to be invited to take part in this and loved meetings the artists and seeing their beautiful work!

I even played a few songs for them to draw along too- making sure I stayed as still as possible!!

What else have I been up to?!
Oh yes... VIDEO BLOGGING... here are the first two:





Other than that I have been an extra in REVERE's new music video - spot me and my dog Hobbes! I have also been plotting fashion shows, organising my festival-filled summer and filming my '7 Days of Chic' for Fashionair

I was also in The Guardian last week :o)

 So it's been an exciting time for me - thankyou for all your lovely messages and comments - keep them 'acomin!!

lots and lots of cuddly love to you and you and YOU!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxox
gabsing

Sketchbook Style

Today I played a one-off intimate performance at the amazing Sketchbook magazine pop-up shop. The shop has been beautifully decorated by some of the artists who've worked on the magazine and great news; whilst today was meant to be the last day of its run, the shop will now be there til mid May! Check their blog for updates on more talks and bands coming up.

 

There wasn't really room to bring all the animals along, so it was just Stephen and me doing an acoustic set

Here's the lovely Cleide from the Sketchbook team interviewing us outside the shop.

In other news, I won the best live photo, and the best hair and shoes categories in the Recharged Radio awards, am really chuffed! I'm also in this month's Company magazine- heres a sneaky peak, but you can buy your own copy and read the whole piece for only £1 !

I'm wearing the first Salon Gabrielle creation and shoes by Irregular choice.To see me in full Salon Gabrielle regalia with all my animals, come along to my next gig at the Jazz Cafe in Camden on 8th May!

Exciting Times!

 

Been super busy- SO much to tell you; I'll start with my performance at the Ivy...

TUESDAY 6TH APRIL
This place is decadent that's for sure... I was very disappointed to not spot ONE single celeb there but the decor impressed me... especially the glass- 'Charlie & The Chocolate Factory' style lift!! Tonight was the first outing of 2 new outfits- one being The Gabby Young trio - which is basically me and 2 'animals' who play trombone and double bass- they were all dressed up in their DJs and looked very smart! The second was the revealing of the second Salon Gabrielle dress- 'The Peacock dress'... It is a beautiful 30's inspired draped corset dress with a VERY long train of peacock feathered design.  Designed and made by Sofia Kalaitzidi, with fabric design by Kundalini Arts, with Robert Burton, I felt like a peacock princess in it and was honoured to stand tall in another of my own collaborated collection; Salon Gabrielle!Jennifer Nash did an amazing job at matching my hair and makeup with the dress- complete with peacock feathers in my hair.

WEDNESDAY 7TH APRIL
Today started with a visit to the Vintage Secret sale where I recieved a present from Naomi - a long green 40s dress and I also acquired 4 vintage hats to add to my evergrowing headwear collection!
Dingwalls was the gig tonight and I decided to rock the UglyLovely headdress with the new dress from Vintage Secret - this gig was mindblowing - we were lucky enough to support the world music LEGEND- Vieux Farka Toure (yes, Ali's son!) and we African danced the night away. I got a lot of people wanting to try on my headdress and even had a group of Japanese girls surrounding me taking pictures too!Here's a little video:

THURSDAY 8TH APRIL
I was up at ridiculous o'clock which could only mean I one thing - I was off to either the airport or Eurostar... it was the latter. My mum, sister and I went off to Paris to stay with my brother (who lives out there with his lovely wife and my 2 adorable nephews- Oliver and Henry) this is Oliver playing my Ukelele- I love these kids!!
It was mainly a baby sitting mission for us all but I did manage a bike ride to the Eiffel Tower from Place D'Italie and back in a MINI SKIRT!! This was a HUGE achievement for me as I haven't ridden a bike in over 5 years and NEVER in a city before - I couldn't help but feel pretty proud of myself (Ah, life's little wonders!)

MONDAY 12TH APRIL
I did a special rare acoustic show at Blacks members club tonight - it was a tiny space but very enjoyable. Stephen and I played a blinder, if I do say so myself and I wore a black vintage dress, Irregular Choice boots and a gorgeous feathered headpiece by my good friend - Amelia Mullins aka Miss Sassy's Spectaculars! I would have worn the Pandora dress tonight but my playing space was a tiny stall and there was no room for it's beautiful train so I had to think on my feet and stay in the dress I arrived in - I haven't gigged in a simple black dress in a while- I definitely prefer dressing up!!

This week has been mainly about packing up my room at my parents house (they are moving to London in less than a month!!), a photoshoot for Art Car Boot Fair- which I will show you soon, AMAZING news about festivals and waiting for Company Magazine to come out to see my feature!!

This weekend I have another special acoustic show at The Sketchbook Pop Up shop and I am so excited to be a part of this - especially on their last day. I am fan of their magazine and an avid follower of their brilliant blog and twitter page so I am honoured to play for them- and you if you come at 3pm on Sunday 18th April!