The REAL Disney Fairytales

Everyone loves a good fairytale - from wishing that they were a princess just waiting to be whisked off into the sunset by a handsome prince and live happily ever after to singing along to all the Disney classics without a care in the world. 

With the latest trailer for the Beauty and the Beast live-action remake being revealed yesterday, we got thinking about the origins of some of our favourite Disney classics - and they're not exactly full of happy endings - be prepared, they're pretty horrendous...

 

Cinderella

In the Brothers Grimm version there is no fairy godmother - instead Cinderella plants a tree by her mother's grave and prays underneath it everyday. It's under this tree where she finds the three dresses to where to each ball - in the story there is more than one ball. As for losing her glass slipper; she doesn't lose it because she is in a rush - the prince covers the steps in pitch to make her stick to them but instead she loses a slipper.

Now for the gruesome bit - to be able to fit into the slippers, her stepsisters cut off their toes and their heels so that they can fit into the tiny glass slippers. Cinderella's trustee bird friends then notify the prince that the slipper is covered in blood, it is then that he realises that Cinderella is the true owner. The stepsisters attend the wedding of Cinderella and the prince to get on her good side, but they end up having their eyes pecked out by doves.

 

 

Beauty and the Beast

  The Disney version is pretty much the same as the original tale by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve but one thing that was left out what that not only did her father used to be rich, then lost his fortune to debt, but she also had two sisters. Her sisters got so jealous at the life Belle was living in the castle with Beast that when she goes home to visit them, they try to persuade her to stay longer, in the hope that the Beast gets angry and upon her return will eat her alive.

The Little Mermaid

The major twist in this story is what will happen to Ariel if she fails to make the prince kiss her and fall in love with her. In the Hans Christian Andersen tale, the punishment for failing to marry is prince is not turning back into a mermaid, but death. Another thing that Disney failed to mention is that whilst Ariel has legs, every step she takes will feel like she is walking on sharp shards of glass.

Just like the film, the prince does end up marrying another woman - the one he thinks saved him but instead of Ariel and her friends driving the sea witch back to the ocean, Ariel has to kill the prince. If she kills the prince, then she can turn back into a mermaid and doesn't have to die. But she just can't bring herself to kill him. Instead she throws herself back into ocean, where she turns into sea foam.

 

Sleeping Beauty

 Now this one is rather messed up - in the Giambattista Basile story, a king stumbled upon Sleeping Beauty's castle and climbs up the ladder through a window when no one answers to his knocking. There he finds the princess, unconscious and unresponsive to his calls. He then carries her off to the bed and rapes her then leaves. She then awakens after she gives birth to twins that suck the flax - from the spindle - out of her finger. The king then returns and they both end up falling in love, despite him being married to somebody else.

His wife then seeks revenge and attempts to kill the twins, cook them and feed them to the king as well as trying to burn the princess at the stake. Unsuccessful, the king and Aurora end up getting married and living happily ever after.

 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

 In the Brothers Grimm story, just like the Disney movie, the evil queen asks the hunter to take Snow White into the forest, kill her and return with her lungs and liver. Unable to do this, he tells her to run and returns with a boar's lungs and liver instead. Thinking that the organs are in fact Snow White's the queen then eats them. After finding out that Snow White is well and truly alive, the queen takes matters into her own hands - by giving her a poison apple.

Just like the film, she bites the apple and is unable to be awoken and placed in a glass coffin. When a prince comes by, he wants to take her away, instead of giving her the kiss of life. The dwarves reluctantly agree. Whilst she is being carried away, the carriers trip, causing the poison apple to become dislodged from her throat. Her and the prince get married, and as punishment, the queen is invited and forced to wear burning hot iron shoes and dance until she dies.

 

Goodbye January

It's the last day of January and as we say goodbye to the first month of 2017, here's all the fun stuff to look forward to in February..

 If you're into your American Football and an avid fan, then this one's for you. This Sunday at 11:30pm the 51st Super Bowl will take place in Houston Texas, where the New England Patriots take on the Atlanta Falcons. We're not big on American Football so this is just words to us, but to put it into perspective, think it as the title match for the Premiership! TBH we're only excited for the half-time show, where Lady Gaga will be performing to a crowd of over 70,000 people.

If you're no sporty spice and more into your fashion then February is the month for you. Starting in New York on the 9th February, then to London on the 17th, Milan on the 22nd and finally Paris on the 28th - the fashion capital's of the world will bring the world's best designers to showcase their AW17 collections. One that we cannot wait for is the debut collection from Raf Simons at Calvin Klein, along with other favourites Victoria Beckham, Givenchy, Burberry, Alexander Wang Gucci and Prada.

 

Two important dates not to be forgotten - Valentine's Day and Pancake Day. We don't need to remind you when Valentine's Day is, and if we do, then you need to sort yourself out. But Pancake Day is later than usual this year. Normally around the same time as Valentine's Day, this year we have to wait until the very end of the month - 28th - to enjoy a day's full of pancake deliciousness. Then the day after, it's time to give up something you love and stick to if for a full 40 days!

In terms of entertainment,  we're well into awards season but the main one that everyone looks forward to is The Oscars. With 14 nominations, La La Land, is leading the pack with both Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling up for Best Actress and Best Actor. But the biggest talked about release of the year (so-far) is the second film in the 50 Shades of Grey franchise, 50 Shades Darker, on February 10th - expect the cinema's to be packed come Valentine's Day. 

If you're more of a crime kinda person, then American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson is the series for you. Available only on Netflix, the series premiers February 15th and looks into the trial of O.J. Simpson and the murder of his wife and her friend. Already renewed for another season due to it's popularity, this is one not to be missed.

And don't forget the Grammy's and the BRIT Awards.. it's going to be one busy month!

MoM Takeover

 

@itsmegantaylor

Last night I made a batch of my husbands (@elevatesport) LCHF granola from his new book to keep me going during this busy week.

It was to die for!

@fittingsdivision 

Clare Waight Keller to leave Chloé

 

Creative Director of Chloé, Clare Waight Keller is set to leave the French fashion house after six years. The womenswear collection to be shown in Paris in March will be her last.

Rumours have been circulating the fashion world for some time about her departure with no successor to be officially named. It is thought that he commute from London to Paris is the sole reason behind her leaving the brand.

Responsible for the brands infamous tracksuit that helped elevate the sportswear trend to the next level, her aesthetic and flare will sure be missed.

As for her successor? Right-hand woman to Nicolas Ghesquière at Louis Vuitton, Natacha Ramsay-Levi is firm favourite.

SAG Awards 2017

Another awards show, another red carpet..

Here are our best dressed from the 2017 SAG Awards:

 

Kerry Washington causing a 'scandal' in Roberto Cavalli

 

#CoupleGoals - Emily Blunt in a Roberto Cavalli number with husband John  Krasinski

 

British Riz Ahmed in an Ermenegildo Zegna suit

 

Westworld star, James Marsden in Valentino

 

Sophie Turner stunning in Louis Vuitton

 

Last years female actor winner, Brie Larson in Jason Wu

 

Saved the best til last - Taraji P. Henson in a beautiful Reem Acra gown

Model of the Moment Takeover

 

@itsmegantaylor

I started my day with a fast 5km run which was exhausting, but I know I have a busy week ahead and can't fit in much exercise so it had to be done.

Now I have changed into some cleaner sports clothes for a sporty commerical casting at Spotlight. After this casting I am heading on over to Battersea for an afternoon of fittings.

@fittingsdivision

 

Prosecco Springs

 

There's a Prosecco festival coming to London, and we're more than excited!

 For the first-time ever, Italy's top producers of the fizz are coming together, under one roof to bring the ultimate festival for all Prosecco lovers out there.

Held at East London's Oval Space, the three-day extravaganza will feature tastings, masterclasses, live music and Italian food - what more could you ask for!

For £35 a ticket, this not only gets you access to some of the finest Prosecco from Italy, but this ticket allows you to try a glass of the good stuff from all the producers at the event. Yes, that's right... for £35 you get eight glasses! Eight glasses.. 

 What more could we possibly ask for?

 For all the info and tickets, visit their website.

Chinese New Year

To celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rooster, yesterday we went down to Chinatown to join in on all the fun. From lanterns and dragons, to stalls and firecrackers, it was an exciting atmosphere for all to enjoy..

 

Interview: Model of the Moment

 

(@itsmegantaylor)

Name:

Megan Taylor

Nationality:

British

Hometown:

Surrey

What were you doing before you became a model?

I was training as a dancer

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love that with every job there is a possibility that something new and exciting can happen

Essentials you take to castings?

Model portfolio, ugly flesh coloured underwear, black heels, hair tie

Dream job?

Oooo I have so many dreams - I would loved to have had Emma Stone's role as Mia in La La Land📽

Currently listening to?

 Other than having Britney on repeat since 1998... I am loving the La La Land soundtrack and I love Human by Rag 'n' Bone Man. Oh and I can't stop playing Run by Tiggs Da Author, have a listen, I bet you can't help but have a joggle around in your seat💃

Fave movie?

Elf, Elf and more Elf🙌

Obsessed with right now?

Copper and marble homeware😍

Guilty pleasure?

Chocolate🍫

Last book you read?

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Biggest pet peeve?

Rude and scary people

Twitter or Instagram?

Instagram! I regularly get lost in an Instagram bubble and often find myself looking at someone's distant cousins holiday photos🙈 It's only then that I realise that I need to put my phone away

Favourite emoji?

✨

What do you get up to in your spare time?

 Binge on boxsets. My current favourites are Shooter, Designated Survivor, The Good Wife and Suits

If you have another job, how do you find a balance between the two and how do you cope?

I split my time between modelling, fittings modelling, acting and blogging. I never have a day off and I am often working until midnight catching up with emails and blogging work. My husband (@elevatesport) is also freelance and a blogger so we understand each others constant desire to work

Sum yourself up in three words:

Smiley, loyal, deteremined

Highlight of your career?

I filmed a commerical for NowTV last year, where I got to play my saxophone🎷 I loved every minute of that job as we had a couple of days of rehearsals in a really cool studio. I was able to experience what it's like to be a professional musician and it was so much fun

What does the rest of 2017 hold for you?

Hopefully some more exciting acting and modelling jobs. My blogging and writing work is also slowly taking over. I am currently a finalist in the UK Blog Awards. Please keep your fingers crossed for me at the awards in April😘 

Keep up to date with our 'Model of the Moment' both on our Instagram and hers:

@fittingsdivision

@itsmegantaylor

Topshop does Bridal

 

Are you in the midst of planning your perfect day and struggling to find THE dress to a reasonable budget that suits you?

If yes, then look no further...

Topshop have announced today, that come April, they will be launching their very own collection of bridal and bridesmaid dresses, accessories AND lingerie - boy, oh boy, do they spoil us!

Following in the footsteps of online retailer, ASOS, who successfully launched their very own bridal collection last year, the high-street retailer will produce a collection made up of five pieces, starting at £350, with a large selection of bridesmaid dresses starting at £85.

That's all we know for now, but judging by the gowns they've made for the likes of Kendall Jenner and Jourdan Dunn at the MET Gala's, we're excited! Bring on April.

Kayla

 

#RG

Kayla working hard over in Paris

@fittingsdivision

The Devil Wears Prada

 

 Today it has been announced that all time favourite book and film, The Devil Wears Prada, shall be adpated into a stage musical by none other than Sir Elton John.

Teaming up with the man behing Sister Act, Raul Rudnick, the pair will be bring both the book and film to Broadway to bring the story of Andy and sass queen Runway editor Miranda Priestly.

'Reimagining The Devil Wears Prada for the musical theatre is super exciting,' Elton said. 'I'm a huge fan both of the book and the feature film and a huge aficionado of the fashion world. I can't wait to sink my musical teeth into this hunk of popular culture.'

So what can we expect? Well after composing for, hands down, one of the best Disney films out there, The Lion King and working on West End production, Billy Elliot, you can expect big things.

Valentino Spring 2017 Couture

'Dreams make us human; they go down to who each of us are, in ourselves' 

The inspiration of dreams behind Pierpaolo Piccioli's first solo couture collection at Valentino led him onto turning to ancient Greek as the true visual inspiration.

Pure, classical aesthetics of ancient Greece, with statuesque floor-length gowns, the collection will sure be a hit when it come to the awards season.

As Sweet as Chocolate, As Light as Air

Are you like us and on a mission to shed those pounds you put on over the festive period, but still can't get enough of every treat out there - especially chocolate? Have you resorted to have a cheeky smell of your favourite chocolate bar or any other treat you find lying around your house? If you cried 'yessss' then we've found something for you.

Introducing, Le Whif, the answer to all chocoholics prayers. Le Whif is a lipstick-shaped aerosol that sprays particles of dark chocolate into the mouth - a way of enjoying chocolate without any of the calories.

David Edwards, a professor from Harvard, who invented the spray, says that it only take a touch of chocolate to satisfy our tastebuds.

"When you breathe the chocolate into your mouth, it dissolves immediately and coats the tongue and taste buds." Edwards said. "Le Whif is a new approach to eating, by breathing."

The product has been around for some time now, so we're not quite sure as to why we've never heard of this before - and we're also unsure of where to actually buy it! But it seems like a rather interesting concept.

Does it work though? Aren't smells supposed to make you even more hungry...

We're not sure on this one, but it would be interesting to try.

Model of the Moment

 

Introducing next week's Model of the Moment... Megan!

Keep a look out for everything she gets up to over on our Instagram and also check back here to see our interview with the beauty.

In the meantime, check out Megan's amazing blog here

Elie Saab S/S17 Couture

"Egypt - in it's great days - when everyone was there" said Elie Saab when describing his latest collection for Spring/Summer 17 Haute Couture.

Full of deep blues and golds paired with the most sophisticated embellishment - the collection was the closest thing to true elegance we have ever seen.

We'll let the images speak for themselves...