2012 was a very successful year for Scarlett London in terms of content, as we covered a variety of events, topics, fashion launches, interviews and beauty reviews. However, if you’ve just started reading my blog, then you may have missed out on some of my most popular favourites. So here’s a little re-cap!
JANUARY 2012
Dior Skin Nude Foundation Review: this perhaps isn’t the most picturesque of reviews I’ve done (in other words, this was before I discovered the art of natural lighting in photographs and relied heavily on flash), but at least you can see how my blog has developed. Dior Skin Nude still remains to be one of my favourite foundations of all time, and I used it an awful lot in 2012. I haven’t got round to replacing my depressingly empty bottle yet, but am going to very soon!
How Fame Transforms Celebrities: in this post, I begin to explore how people in the public eye change so dramatically as a result of their new found attention. From new haircuts, to new teeth – I need to expand a little on what I’ve included, but it’s a starting point!
Do Fashion Models Alienate Real Women: Although I have vowed to not discuss weight issues with regards to celebrities, in this article I explore just how different fashion models look to real women (through a size 12/size 0 photo shoot). I personally think fashion models alienate real women to the extent they don’t know what to shop for anymore, or what suits their shape. It’s all very well seeing that gorgeous Topshop dress on a waif like, stick figure mannquin, but how would it look on a real girl, with real proportions – one who isn’t 6ft tall.
FEBRUARY 2012
The High Street Alternative To Jeffrey Campbells: this post has remained extremely popular since it’s publishing date, as the high street alternatives are extremely convincing. Modeled by yours truly, this black pair are compared with the more expensive ‘litas’.
Sex & London City LFW Party: Nixalina from Sex & London City blog kindly invited me to her amazing party at the Kensington Roof Gardens in February and to say the night was amazing would be a complete understatement. I met Pandemonia (don’t tell me you’ve never heard of the 7ft blow up, leather clad woman), held snowy (her dog) and partied the night away with Claire from The London Whisperer, Amy Willerton and several of her gorgeous friends.
The Pia Michi Party: My very first (and favourite) showbiz party, where I mixed with the likes of Amy Childs, Gemma Collins, Josie Gibson, Cindy Jackson, Jess & Carol Wright, Nicola McLean and Sue Moxley! I went all out and had my nails, my hair and my spray tan done for the big night!
MARCH 2012
The Photo Shop Behind The Barbie: You may remember Dakota Rose, a beautiful American girl with (quite literally) out of this world features, which spiralled many to conspire that her videos and images might not be entirely truthful (and more so, the work of Photo Shop). As a bit of fun, I decided to turn myself into a Scarlett ‘barbie’, through using photo shop rather excessively. The results are a very alien looking me.
The TOWIE Wrap Party: Whilst I might of not actually seen any genuine TOWIE stars (Diags doesn’t really count), the night itself was fantastic and I got to wear the most amazing dress from Desire Clothing!
Feigned by Katie Price: After winning Katie Price’s show ‘Signed By Katie Price’ earlier the previous year, Amy Willerton decided to drop her contract with Katie’s management, after they failed to give her the prizes she had won on the show. Having considered Amy a close friend, and hearing her side of the story in person, I decided to write an article to defend the Katie Price clan who were attacking Amy’s decision. My article was met with lots of opinionated comments, that’s for sure!
APRIL 2012
The Make-Up Chameleon: Blogger Promise Tamang Phan was revealed in April as being the ‘Make-Up Chameleon’, after seemingly having the ability to transform herself into any celebrity (male or female) quite convincingly, using the power of make-up alone. If you still haven’t witnessed her amazing skills, you simply must! It’s amazing!
Essex Fashion Week: Wearing an sparkly, Essex inspired outfit that I had bought during the Moneysupermarket Shopping Challenge, I attended the TOWIE studded event with my friend, television presenter Jac Coxall (who is soon to be launching a celebrity column, so it might be worth searching him on Twitter!), and interviewed the stars live from the red carpet. It was amazing being up close and personal with the stars of the show, as well as being front row for the ‘vajazzled’ catwalk.
Live In Chelsea: In April, my friends and I were invited onto the first screening of E4.com’s ‘Live In Chelsea’ to grill the stars of the show, on behalf of Scarlett London. Appearing with an albeit rather shiny face, I asked Spencer a question about his then failed relationship with co-star Caggie Dunlop, which was met with plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘good question!’. In my post, I reveal what the cast are really like off-camera and what it was like meeting them up close!
MAY 2012
Happy Birthday Scarlett London: In May 2012, my blog turned 1! It felt amazing to have been running a year and the post was greeted with lots of lovely comments from readers – so thank you!
Teeth Whitening Take Two: In May, I was lucky enough to have my teeth whitened as part of a review on my blog. It was something I’d wanted to have done (successfully) for a long time, so to come out of Ultra Smile with pearly white teeth to make the TOWIE lot envious was a real treat! My teeth have lasted (despite me giving in to tea and coffee) and I am considering having them re-done again this coming May!
An Interview With Olivia Purvis: One of my favourite bloggers, Olivia Purvis kindly agreed to be interviewed for Scarlett London Blog in May, so the interview – where I ask her about her highlights and lowlights of blogging, is definitely one of my favourite posts of the month!
JUNE 2012
Emotional Brilliance By Lush: After being contacted by one of the lovely ladies on the Lush press team, I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of their new make-up range – Emotional Brilliance. It was an experience like no other (which included spotting Chuck Bass – or Ed Westwick along the way), so I won’t spoil it by condensing it down. Have a read!
Barbie & Ken’s Secret Life: I’m a huge fan of photography, especially if there is something unique or creative about a set of photographs, so when I spotted Dina Goldstein’s ‘life-size Barbie and Ken’ series, which featured a hilarious ‘not so happily ever after’ story-line, I simply had to write about them!
Danger, Why’s & Rinsing Guys: After watching the rather shocking ‘Sex, Lies and Rinsing Guys’ documentary on Channel 4, I decided to interview Danica, who was featured on the show (and later stirred things up in Celebrity Big Brother) and question her about what she really does.
JULY 2012
Festival Frenzy: As a keen photographer myself, I decided to experiment with some outfits that Sugarhill Boutique had kindly sent over – on a model (my friend, Ana). I based the photographs and styling around festivals and did the hair, make-up, photography, editing and styling myself – very proud! I’m pleased with how the photographs turned out and although I didn’t have time to do a similar post every month, I am hoping to start this up again this year. Let me know what you think about this!
What Will Life Be Like In 2050: If you’re anything like me then you love reading about the gadgets of the future, and what we could expect life to be like in 35+ years time. Of course, it’s all speculation – and a little bit of fantasizing, but I did do a fair amount of research, and the potential gadgets are really interesting.
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter: In July, I was lucky enough to go on a fantastic family holiday to Florida, where I got to go to my dream destination – hogwarts! Although I was slightly disappointed by the excessively high prices, I did enjoy my time (a little too much) and bought chocolate frogs galore, drank butterbeer until I felt sick and ate lunch at the Three Broomsticks.
AUGUST 2012
Who Is The Real Samantha Brick?: After her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, and a column in the Daily Mail that sparked (ahem), a fair amount of controversy, Samantha Brick is a very talked about women. I decided to view the admirable journalist in a different light, and many of you shared my views.
Please Don’t Demean Exams: It seemed like EVERYONE in August just decided to start bad mouthing exams. GCSE’s and A-Levels were apparently ‘too easy’ and could be sat ‘by babies’, which I found rather insulting since I had studied hard for both sets of exams and I’m sure many students around the country felt the same way.
Photo Diary – Florida: I decided to put up a photo diary in August, containing my favourite snaps of the most amazing family holiday I’ve even been on (your never too old for Disney or Sea World).
SEPTEMBER 2012
Happy Ciate: The famous nail brand ‘Ciate’ made headlines with it’s fresh new take on an advent calender. I was one of the very first blogs to review and report on the gorgeous calender, as well as try out some of the fantastic new shades and caviar bottles.
Glam LFW Rimmel Lounge: Although I didn’t attend London Fashion Week in September, I did attend Glam Media’s Rimmel lounge, where I received possibly the most generous goodie bag in the world. I’m still working my way through all of the products, and am very grateful for the gorgeous BB cream, which has served me the entire winter!
Glossy Box September: The LFW inspired Glossy Box was one of my all time favourites, and it still takes pride of place on my shelf to this day! Although I didn’t necessarily rave about Lady Gaga’s new fragrance, I loved the other samples included in the box and am still a huge fan of the Body Shop Cream.
OCTOBER 2012
Monu Skincare: I was delighted to be approached by renowned skincare brand Monu to be one of their beauty panelists, reviewing and giving feedback on brand new products before they hit the market. Every month, I am sent a brand new product which I have to then report back on to the developers, which is really exciting!
It Doesn’t Count If: If you still haven’t watched KFC’s clever marketing viral video, then you really must. It’s simply amazing, and oh so true! I won’t reveal what it’s about (it’s nothing to do with Kentucky Fried Chicken, by the way) but you HAVE TO WATCH IT! I’m sure you’ll all be able to relate, in some way, shape or form.
Scarlett London Blogger’s Meet-Up: After introducing some new writers in March/May to help keep the content fresh and engaging, I decided to organise a small bloggers meet-up in October, where we could all meet together (in the swish Searcy’s Champagne Bar in London) and discuss ideas. It was a complete success and I am looking forward to organizing another event later this year, when I can dedicate some real time into putting it together! If you are interested in joining the team, please visit my contact page and drop me an email!
Cosmo Blog Awards: I know I have followed the ‘three per month’ suit throughout the year in this post, however I’m going to break tradition just for October’s sake (as it was a jam packed month). After being nominated by you lovely readers for a Cosmopolitan Newcomer Award, I attended the prestigious event at the Rose Club and met some amazing bloggers, drank some great cocktails and unfortunately didn’t win, but was so happy with the blogger who did, as she’s one of my favourites!
NOVEMBER 2012
Mahiki Mayfair: As part of the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards Goody bag, I was given a free ‘night out at Mahiki’ pass which entitled me to free entry, a table and one of their famous treasure chests, which despite initial hiccups, was absolutely amazing.
Champney’s Henlow Grange: Although I was given a free weekend at Champney’s, this post is a prime example of the fact that even though things might be free, I’ll still give my honest opinion – without a doubt. It’s a shame I didn’t enjoy my stay, as I’ve heard great things about Champney’s, but you can read exactly what was wrong in the post itself!
GOSH AW12: Some of you might remember the quick ‘first 10 commenters’ giveaway I did in November, where I showcased GOSH’s new AW collection of nail shades. Lots of you have tweeted me with a picture of your free bottles of GOSH polish, so I’m glad this post was so popular. But if you haven’t yet seen the gorgeous shades, then you simply can’t afford to miss out! 
DECEMBER 2012
Santa’s Stocking: As the month of festivity (and gifts), I decided after much deliberation that I would post about my Christmas gifts, despite some bloggers thinking it can come across a little arrogant and ‘ooh, look what I’ve got’. I had a great Christmas, and was extremely lucky to get some amazing presents, including an iPad, which I have been using to keep up with my blogging!
Keep Your Feet Warm & On Trend With Emu: After saving up for months for a pair of my dream ‘Emu’ boots, I was lucky enough to be given a pair to review – for free! Who says blogging doesn’t have perks! I literally wear my boots EVERY DAY and love how warm and cozy they are!
MSM’s Secret Santa Challenge: Another fantastic highlight of December was taking part in Money Supermarket’s Secret Santa Bloggers challenge, where each of us were allocated a blogger to buy for. I was given the lovely Hannah from Palindrome Poppet, and thoroughly enjoyed choosing several little gifts based on how her personality comes through in her blog!
If you’ve made it to the end of this post, you’re a truly amazing and dedicated reader (and deserve a medal for getting through all my waffling), however I hope it has been helpful in terms of catching up and seeing what I have been up to! If you want to catch up on my full archive, there is a little white drop down menu in the middle of my sidebar entitled ‘Catch Up On My Posts!’. Thank you all for being with me in 2012, and I hope we can enjoy 2013 together!
