Every little girl's favourite, iconic doll gets a make-under.

From a young, delicate and impressionable age girls are presented with iconic Barbie dolls as gifts and as such, grow up believing that she was designed beautifully to portray the ideal female physique. Disgracefully, without us even realising it, we have been brought up to believe that this is the most desirable way to look. It seems that in a day and age where the #selfie is pivotal and ‘sex sells’, Barbie represents everything a young woman aspires to be. She owns a fancy dream house, has her hunky love interest Ken at her beck and call, a fabulous car and a drop-dead-gorgeous figure. Who wouldn't want to look like Barbie, right?

Last year, I was somewhat shocked to learn that statistics gathered by Finland’s University Central Hospital in Helsinki suggest that if Barbie were a life size, real woman, she would lack the 17-22% body fat required for a woman to menstruate. So, while Barbie does not boast an entirely unobtainable frame, it is by no means a healthy one. Surely something that can seriously modify the female anatomy in such a damaging way is not something to experiment with? And yet, there are women out there volunteering their already beautiful bodies as canvases for such dramatic and unnatural changes. 

My hours of browsing for answers also taught me that research from the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College, London suggests that the promotion of dolls with such a body shape among other things like the size zero label have wider public health implications such as an increased risk of eating disorders.

I can’t help but to find it discomforting that in an age where independent, passionate and beautiful women of all shapes and sizes are making such positive changes to the world, they are so keen to make permanent and not so positive changes to themselves. We seem to be succumbing ourselves to the mercy of an unforgiving, plastic doll. 

And it seems that I’m not alone in feeling that the entire concept of Barbie is an unnatural and unfair portrayal of the ideal female. Designer Nickolay Lamm is seeking to change the unrealistic representation of women portrayed by an iconic figurine. Lamm created the first normal Barbie doll, naturally christened 'Lammily'  earlier this year. She was molded delicately to reflect the realistic and healthy proportions of an average 19-year-old woman. 

Traditional Barbie alongside Lamm's realistic portrayal of the average 19-year-old. 

Now, Lamm has introduced a new accessory for his reassuring dolls: a range of stickers that intensify how the body of a woman actually looks. Bruising, stretch marks, cellulite, moles, mosquito bites and scratches are all developments that are very normal to the lives of real women. Lamm wanted to create dolls that would emulate such 'imperfections', teaching those young and impressionable of us that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes regardless of the imperfections which, in reality, set us aside as unique and individual. 

Lamm believes that stretch marks make Barbie more relatable. 

Whilst Lamm's realistic take on the traditional Barbie doll has been the topic of many a controversial argument, he believes that the younger generations have responded in a positive and reassuring way to the launch of the doll. He recently told BuzzFeed news: "I've seen kids playing with these stickers and saw how they put the stickers on and off, laughing and showing their customized doll to their parents. The 'imperfect' nature of it isn't an issue. I feel it makes the doll more relatable." 

Should us older, wiser and mature women who are allegedly setting the example for the next generation of powerful women be taking some guidance from those younger than us? If young and uncontaminated minds are so capable of welcoming a realistic representation of beautiful, modern day women with open arms...should we stop punishing ourselves and accept who we are, stretch marks and all? 

What do you think about Lamm's realistic take on every little girl's favourite doll? 

Follow me @_Loulocket. 

All my love, 

Lou x

The Lazy Girl's Ultimate Guide to Great Hair.

As a young and fashion conscious woman yearning to look fabulous, but also a woman who cherishes every moment of sleep, I regularly find myself battling between the heavenly concept of an additional fifteen minutes' slumber in the morning, or washing, drying and styling my hair in an effort to look my best for the day ahead. Weighing up the pros and cons of each whilst nervously watching the hands of my clock skipping from one minute to the next, I decided to compromise. 

The lazy girl's (a.k.a my) ultimate guide to great hair. 

For an A-list look that is quicker to achieve than your morning commute to work, opt for this gorgeous side-swept look complete with simple-to-achieve plaits. 

Step one: work your favourite texturiser (I would personally recommend Umberto Giannini's rough texture paste available at Boots) through completely dry hair using a soft bristle brush. Whilst the paste serves to thicken the hair, the softness of the brush will give your hair that gorgeous, bouncy softness that makes this look so fabulous!

Step two: spray a generous amount of hairspray onto a vent brush and then tease the hair at the crown of your head to introduce height. This will give your look the 'just rolled out of bed' character that in fact, often, takes hours to achieve.

Step three: grab the top section of your hair (to which you applied your hairspray) and sweep loosely to the side, securing with your favourite hair accessory. A checkered bow looks great as the festive season approaches!

Step four: section off two pieces from the bulk of your hair. These sections will become the plaits. Plait each section as tightly or as loosely as you wish, and secure with invisible bands.

Step five: Cover your entire head in a mist of light hairspray to

keep that sexy, tousled look in place all day. Voila! Red carpet ready! 

As winter approaches, it can be so easy to forget those wonderful summer memories of late nights, barbecues and beach hair. This look is so adored for the beachy ends and perfect amount of lift at the roots. Why not recreate it all year round? 

Step one: spray a volumiser generously over the roots and blow dry immediately. Be sure to aim the nozzle of your hairdryer right at your roots. This will activate the product and give your hair the ultimate lift needed to complete the look. 

Step two: towel dry the rest of your hair thoroughly. 

Step three: saturate the hair you just towel dried with a beachy salt spray to achieve a laid back, undone texture. I use the Umberto Giannini salt spray, but why not get creative and make your own? 

Sea salt hairspray is flourishing in popularity, and whilst it can look gorgeous on your hair, it can also be quite damaging to your bank balance. Luckily, creating your own is incredibly easy and kind to your purse!  

You will need: one cup of hot water (not boiling), two tablespoons of epsom salts (you can add more for extra texture, but please be aware that this can be pretty drying to the hair), 1/2 tsp sea salt, one teaspoon of aloe vera gel, 1/2 tsp conditioner OR a couple of drops of almond or jojoba oil. You may wish to add a couple of drops of essential oils, or perhaps a spritz of your favourite fragrance. 

Get to work: purchase a spray bottle in a size of your choice. Pour the hot water into the spray bottle and introduce the epsom salts, sea salt, aloe vera, conditioner and, if you wish, your favourite fragrance for good measure. Secure the cap in place and shake vigorously for one or two minutes, or until the epsom salts and sea salt have dissolved. Your finished product should last for 2-4 months. 

Step four: flip your head upside down and shake out your hair to distribute and activate your sea salt product. Allow remaining dry areas to dry naturally during your commute to work. Beachy and beautiful. 

There's nothing wrong with pulling it together with a ponytail. After all, it is the ultimate easy style. 

Step one: again, spray a generous mist of hairspray onto a vent brush, and then tease the hair at the crown of your head to introduce height. Height makes all the difference when it comes to ponytails, transforming the simplest look from drab to fab. 

Step two: pull your hair back haphazardly with your fingers and secure at the nape of your neck with a bobble. 

Step three: using a bristle brush, tease the hair to give it lift, texture and volume. If your hair is on the thin-side, you may wish to reintroduce the texturising paste to thicken. Do so by applying the paste and teasing the hair with a softer bristle brush.

Step four: finally, twist a stray tendril around the bobble until it is hidden and secure beneath using a bobby pin. C0ver y0ur head in a generous mist of hairspray and you're good to go!

Do you have a favourite simple-to-achieve look? 

Lou x

Destructive trends, heartwarming creativity and the ultimate geek squad. Oh, and some lovely little treats, too.

A beautifully customised Zazzy necklace. 

When I first received an email from Niamh O'Dea, I was delighted. Following one of my famous online browsing sessions (those that are prone to lasting several hours and often reduce me to bankruptcy) I happened across the nifty little company that is Zazzy. On a mission to fire up the creativity of shoppers, inspiring them to become their very own jewellery designers, Zazzy believe that the jewellery worn by a person should tell their story. Inspired by their unique concept, I decided to research further. Much to my surprise, as I searched for their Twitter page, I found that they were already following me. It was surely fate. 

I was incredibly flattered when Niamh told me that she'd explored my website and taken a fancy to my writing, particularly to my product reviews. Of course, to hear such lovely things when I have only just begun to establish myself as a feature writer is a beautiful revelation in itself. When she armed me with an oh-so-lovely voucher for €100, I was even more thrilled. On behalf of the Zazzy 'geeks', Niamh invited me to treat myself to some gorgeous customised jewellery, if I would be kind enough to return the favour by writing one of my reviews. It was a deal. 

Whilst I waited (in great anticipation, might I add) for my beautifully unique gifts to arrive, I decided to step into the minds of the Zazzy creators. I believed that such a unique and truly adorable business must have a story to match. So, I caught up with the lovely Niamh during a lunch break and picked her brains for a while. 

What originally inspired the concept of Zazzy? It's so unique and so lovely, and so personal! I'd love to know what originally influenced the idea? 

Well, the idea came from our two co-founders, Gert-Jan and Martijn. They both have a background in 3D printing, and saw the opportunities it was going to open for customers early on. They recognised that 3D printing was going to allow customisation on a mass scale and, seeing the jewellery market saturated with pre-designed pieces with little personality, decided it was a great place to start. Jewellery has always been an intimate and personal affair, whether you are buying it for yourself or gifting it, and while bespoke designs and personalised pieces have always existed, they've also always been quite expensive. 3D printing can change this, but the skills needed to engage with it are out of reach for many of us. So, we build the technology that allows people to customise and design themselves, without needing any 3D modelling, rendering or printing know-how. That's where our tagline, you do the chic, we do the geek, comes in. We've seen more than 100,000 designs created on our platform so far, which is nice proof that this is something people really, really want. 

You believe that jewellery should tell a story. What do you believe the designs on offer say about the minds behind Zazzy and their own story? 

Interesting question! When we start creating a new collection, or 'editor' as we call them, we ask ourselves one question repeatedly; does this offer design freedom to the customer? We started with a text bracelet when Zazzy launched, which allowed shoppers to enter any word, choose their materials and cords and see an instant photo-realistic image of their design. Whilst it doesn't offer a blank canvas, in terms of creativity, it's something people loved and still loved. These days we have nine different editors including, for example, Origami, which encourages users to create really cool linear jewellery by moving straight lines. Better still, we're launching an editor soon that will let you transform any simple sketch, drawing or outline into a piece of jewellery. So hopefully, that's what people see when they look at what we offer: our endless desire to put the customer in the driving seat, to let the customer tell their own story. 

A Zazzy creation should always tell a story. 

What is the strangest design you've ever had to make? What is the funniest? What has been the most inventive? I'm sure there are too many to choose from! 

Strangest? We've had a few curses that we wouldn't dare repeat, although we could be tempted to wear them! The funniest to us tend to be the nerdiest: people are making really interesting pop-culture references using the 8Bit editor, which we love to see! The most inventive was probably an Origami pendant that somebody designed; it was an optical illusion that made one piece look like it was floating. We're constantly surprised by how creative people are. One thing we've discovered time and time again is that you can't predict what people are going to do with the editors. People who don't even consider themselves creative or artistic end up coming up with some of the most startlingly imaginative designs. It really is an awesome thing to see in people, that desire to create something beautiful and unique is heartwarming! 

Users are flocking to the Zazzy 8Bit creator! 

If the Zazzy team could use their 'geek' to change the world, what would they do? 

Super cheesy answer, but probably exactly what we are doing! Encouraging people to engage with their own products obviously makes for a really cool piece of jewellery, but, in the long-term, we believe our jewellery will be held as more precious or meaningful or important than mass-market fare, because each piece is bespoke. We're of a generation that thinks nothing of buying something to be worn or used once, if the price is right. Mass-customisation, whether it's jewellery, clothes or home wares, will hopefully help to turn the tide on this destructive trend. 

How do you hope to expand Zazzy in the future. You're based in Amsterdam (for those who didn't know), but as a multi-lingual company, do you see yourselves becoming an international brand? 

Absolutely. Already we have grown so much and expanded our customer base internationally. We have some pretty exciting plans that will help us to stand out on the international stage, such as a marketplace where users will be able to design and sell. 

What advice would you give to those with a great idea for a product (or editor) hoping to get involved in the Zazzy project?

Easy, get in touch! We love helping people bring their ideas to fruition and we're lucky that we get to do it regularly. And, of course, i'd urge them to sign up for our early entry to our marketplace, where they'll be able to monetise their brilliant ideas and share them with the world. 

Three weeks passed before the postman delivered my gorgeous gifts from Zazzy. I couldn't wait to tear off the wrapping and behold the creations inside. Packaged in the most delicate black pouches, each product came as beautifully wrapped as the last. Inspecting my jewellery, I was absolutely delighted. They were exactly what I'd hoped they would be and so much more besides! 

My gorgeous Oh Gosh bracelet created using the Wordplay editor. 

Sealed with a kiss from Zazzy, my Loulocket.com necklace is simply perfect! 

What sort of fiancee would I be without treating the boy to a little Honeycomb editor bracelet?

I am totally delighted that I discovered Zazzy. I can only despair that they are based all the way in Amsterdam, as I would love to make a visit to their factory a regular affair. However, I will cherish my creations forever. Zazzy use their geek to create the most unique, beautiful and personal designs to make the contents of their users' jewellery boxes that little more special. And I just love it so much! 

One more question, Niamh? 

Sure! Fire away! 

Can I get a woop woop?

Woop woop!

Do you have a favourite Zazzy editor?

Follow me @_Loulocket.

Lou x

Woodlands Health and Beauty Spa: Pampered for the very first time!

Considering that I am a fashion conscious girl who adores anything floral, somehow incorporates a splash of baby pink and a pastel pallet into my daily attire and still sing into my hairbrush on a daily basis, I am a terrible excuse for a woman. Seldom do I book myself in for a much-needed pamper session in my local beauticians (although such a thing seems obligatory for the majority of girls my age) and when I do, it simply consists of a HD brow treatment and the application of acrylic stiletto nail extensions. So, when my very feminine colleague started to explain the process of a facial she recently had, my brain went into hibernation. I suddenly realised, much to my dismay, that at almost twenty I had never experienced the divine range of beauty treatments that most girls thrive on to look their best. And of course, to feel their best!

I was absolutely delighted when Franki, the very friendly marketing manager from Woodlands Health and Beauty Spa, invited me to her Aigburth salon for some (very) long overdue pampering. I was greeted by Zoe, who is not only qualified to perform beauty treatments such as nail therapy and waxing, but is also the salon's appointed make-up artist and beauty therapist. I felt confident that I was in safe and professional hands, and when she kindly offered me a fruity tea (of which I am adoring) I took an instant shine to her. Clearly passionate about her chosen career, Zoe was more than willing to offer her advice from one female to another and to extend her professional expertise as she helped me to decide which colour to choose for my Shellac Rockstar Nails. We agreed on Cake-pop Pink, topped with a beautiful white glitter to create a 'candyfloss' effect. As soon as Zoe painted the first nail, it was clear that I was going to be delighted with the finished result. The colour was so me, and the glitter she used to finish the nail was gorgeous. So this is how glam girls feel!

Previous to my visit to Woodlands, I had never before had a pedicure. Please, don't judge. I decided to give the treatment a try, and in the spirit of the imminent winter, decided to opt for something a little more festive. Zoe suggested using a black shellac as the base and using a glitter boasting beautiful tones of green, blue, silver and gold to mimic a firework display. The glitter stood out against the black base of the nails as glam and tres chic. It also struck me as a totally unique look, and only served to allude further to Zoe's flair for beauty. 

Once my nails had completely dried, she applied a special oil to my nails and cuticles, before explaining that it was important to do this regularly to hydrate the nail and surrounding skin. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure! What I did know, however, was that my fingers and toes had never looked (or felt) so good! I was absolutely overjoyed with my nails, and even more pleased to learn that with the right care and protection they can last for up to three weeks! 

Woodlands Health and Beauty Spa is a truly special place. A tranquil heaven located at the heart of Aigburth, the staff were passionate, patient and attentive. I cannot imagine a more peaceful place. The entire experience was completely refreshing, and I will certainly be returning for many more pampering sessions in the future. Stock up on your fruity tea, ladies!

I'm Paloma Faith and I'm proud to be a perfect contradiction.

Paloma was nothing short of flawless.

A soulful lady who has naturally established herself as a beautifully unique, quirky twist on a cooky retro vogue, Paloma Faith seems to do no wrong as she continues to flourish in her seventh perpetual year in a musical career. She has performed in Liverpool a couple of times before, and last night, it was clear to see that she is well equipped to sway a Liverpudlian audience. As she strutted across the gorgeously decorated stage in her Natalia Kaut jumpsuit and enviable Dolce and Gabbana stilettos, the audience sat back in a state of sheer bewilderment as she beautifully delivered each and every vocal without so much as a hint of imperfection. She is nothing short of flawless.

The show was dedicated entirely to her latest album, A Perfect Contradiction, which was released by Sony Music on the 10th March this year. Paloma urged the audience to purchase tickets for her upcoming show at Liverpool's Echo Arena in March 2015 before they took to Twitter to criticize her for failing to cover older tracks. She then proceeded to showcase her dynamic dance moves, charming wit and beguiling vocals, supported by her marvellous band and three fervent backing vocalists.

Paloma's energy was astonishing and her passion clear throughout the entire concert. A true artiste, Paloma encouraged her audience to get up dancing with her. She laughed as she told the audience a story about previous gigs, during which security told the audience not to dance because the venue was a sit-down arena. Giggling, she said: "Number one, this is Liverpool, since when did you ever listen to the rules?" Of course, an audience consisting mainly of vibrant scousers erupted in delight at her acknowledgement to their rebellion. She mused, before adding: "Plus, there are a lot more of you than there are of them, so if we all dance together then everybody's going to be fine!". 

Picture Credit: Michael Lamb - Instagram @lambiey.

Paloma delivered one track after the next, each delivered with such passion and emotion that the audience appeared too overwhelmed to sing along. When Paloma released her latest album back in March, I was satisfied that she had risen to her musical crescendo and successfully accomplished perfection. After watching her live, breathing in her ardour and commitment to music, I am confident that she will continue to impress with each and every single she releases.

Whilst the performance was a tribute to her latest album release, she teased the audience with previews from her brand new album, A Perfect Contradiction, The Outsiders' Edition, due to be released on November 10th. Paloma explained that she has had to come to terms with the way in which the music industry works. She said: "There's always somebody at the label who is terrified of being sacked if the album doesn't go out on time. They're scared that they're going to be...shot, basically. So, I decided that rather than live with the guilt of single-handedly ruining one man's life, i'd release the album early and continue to work on the other tracks. You know like when you go to a relative's house and they take your plate away before you've finished eating? That's how I felt with this album. I know you're probably thinking f***ing con, but it's not. It's a compromise!"

I have no doubt in my mind that Paloma's fans will be queuing to purchase the new album. Featuring her new track Leave While I'm Not Looking, written by Diane Warren as a romantic sequel to the biggest selling single of Paloma's career, Only Love Can Hurt Like This, she performed both tracks effortlessly and beautifully, with such vehemence that I have never before seen in an artist's live performance. She rounded up the concert with her heartwarming statement; I'm Paloma Faith, and i'm proud to be a perfect contradiction. 

For tickets and tour dates, visit www.palomafaith.com

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from infidelity.

"It's not you, it's me" said my ex-friend to his now ex-girlfriend. It wasn't him. In fact, it wasn't her either. It was fear. Fear that he couldn't resist the seemingly delicious temptation that is infidelity. Knowing that he was heading off to University and as such would be expected to engage in the typical freshers rituals, he couldn't handle the pressure of remaining faithful to his girlfriend whilst surrounded by beautiful and overly-keen girls, even though his girlfriend was beyond gorgeous herself. At least he had the decency to be honest with her, right? Desperately trying to console his devastated ex, I eventually managed to convince her that it was for the best. After all, could she really live with not knowing whether or not he cheated?And if he had, how could she rest assured that he'd never stray again?

According to a recent study, the saying "once a cheater, always a cheater" bears some truth. Kayla Knopp, a psychology graduate of the University of Denver, analysed 484 unmarried adults aged between 18-35 to uncover the truth about repeat cheating.

With questions such as "Have you had sexual relations with someone other than your partner since you began seriously dating?" and "Has your partner had sexual relations with someone other than you since you began seriously dating?" fired at her subjects, the results revealed that those confessing to an affair were three and a half times more likely to repeat offend in their next relationship. Sadly, that's not all that was revealed. According to Knopp's studies, the toxic cheating pattern carries on into the lives of non-cheaters, too. Research suggests that those who had unfaithful partners in a previous relationship were three times more likely to be cheated on again, and those who suspected their partners of cheating were 10 times as likely to be suspicious in subsequent relationships. 

As I desperately tried to convince my friend that everything would be okay in the end, a thought occurred to me. Maybe Knopp was really onto something. Cheating ruins so many lives. If somebody releases all inhibitions and cheats on somebody they allegedly love, then surely they are capable of doing it again without remorse? And if they can hurt somebody they love, how would they treat somebody they had just started dating? 

Whilst Knopp's study was certainly revealing, it failed to acknowledge those who are unfaithful in other ways. In an age where technology is pivotal, cheating has become so much easier for the unfaithful. So many affairs are started online, sexting shatters the trust in many a relationship and 'it's just kissing' has somehow become a get-out clause. Yet somehow, girls are running back to unfaithful exes with their dignity pushed aside. 

We're only human, and we were born to make mistakes from which we learn valuable lessons of life and of love. But to cheat on somebody seems to be the ultimate act of selfishness. Whilst I am a big believer in giving second chances, I simply don't think I could live with a cheater; I fear that i'd never be able to look at them in the same way again. If my fiance cheated (he wouldn't dare), I know that I couldn't help but to constantly punish him for a mistake I supposedly forgave. I couldn't do it to myself, and I couldn't do it to him. It wouldn't be fair. I would exist only as a shattered, paranoid wreck with zero self esteem. I would be the hollow shell of the person I once was. He would be the guy who messed up who can't so much as pick up his phone without me automatically assuming the worst of him. 

I believe that girls with unfaithful partners owe it to themselves to find somebody who can dedicate their love entirely, knowing that they themselves entered into the relationship with every thread of their heart and soul on the line. I am a forgiving person, and I can sympathise with those girls who find it hard to let go of somebody they love. Whilst I have never been cheated on, I can only imagine how hard it would be to let go of the man I loved. It's not always the act of cheating that breaks the girl. For many, it's harder to say goodbye forever than to be the victim of infidelity. But as far as i'm concerned, it needs to be done.