My Thoughts - Essena O'Neill 'Quitting Social Media!"

Hey Everyone!

So during the week the buzz word on social media was "Essena O'Neill" and "Quitting Social Media"... Yup, ironic that this idea of quitting social media was trending ON SOCIAL MEDIA..
Anyway - as someone who is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, has a blog and is trying to build a YouTube channel.. I thought I would write (use social media, lol) to give my two cents on this idea and Essena's trending video...

If you haven't seen the video then watch it first so you have some clue about what I'm talking about...

Ok here's the thing...I personally had never heard of Essena O'Neill or seen any of her pictures/videos before this video went viral.. I know I saw many saying the same online... so in complete contradiction that shows the absolute power of social media! 

When I first watched the video I could relate to her message and what she was saying... I personally can, at times, find social media very draining! so I get it! A part of me was saying "good on you" and "you go girl!" as she did make some very good points.. I even shared the video on my facebook and said that I found it very interesting... because I did! 

The part that left me very confused was the end... the part where Essena says that as a result of quitting her job(social media) she will not be able to pay for her rent and she asks her followers to donate money to her via her new website... This left me with a bit of a weird feeling in my stomach, I almost felt like a bad person for feeling a little negative about that part and this young girl... You see the thing is, as far as I'm concerned, if you truly want to quit social media because you feel it is doing you personal damage (which I can understand why/how it could do that) surely you would just post the video and then delete all social media accounts? At 19 years old (Essena was just about to celebrate her 19th birthday the day after making this video) most normal teenagers don't have a career yet anyway... many have no idea what they are going to do with their life and most have little or no money to their name.. Therefore it would be my thinking that you would just do some soul searching, decide what it is you want to do, even move back in with family if you need to(if that's an option) and then go back out into the real world and get a regular job.. it may not be the fulfilling job that you want immediately but something to pay the bills until you decided what it is you do want to do and what is it that will make you HAPPY (because that's what's most important and again no rush as Essena is only 19).  

There is something in me that really does not agree with Essena asking her followers for money(for the reason she has given at least)because she alone has chosen not to have social media as her career any longer and that was solely her choice. Not just that but money is made off of ad-sense and clicks on both websites and YouTube (all be it a teeny tiny amount) but having a video that goes viral and creating a new website which has a lot of interest as a result will gain some revenue in itself (which totally goes against the idea of "quitting social media" btw anyway). 

Look... each to their own - it's an individual's choice whether they want to donate money to Essena or not and I am certainly not judge and jury over what's right or what's wrong in that case... or what people should or shouldn't do with their own money but it is my personal opinion that while the original message was a strong one, and I, personally, can relate to the message in many ways as I've said (some days more than others, ha.) and I'm also sure Essena means well in her message and feelings behind the whole thing (she may even feel a bit overwhelmed by the attention it has since received..?) I do however feel in my gut that the end part makes the video somewhat hypercritical.. 

Anyway, that's my opinion on Essena O'Neill's video... now my opinion on social media in general... 

There was a time when I thought I was a queen of networking and social media... for Ireland I was doing pretty well with regards to my online growth - facebook/twitter/my blog etc... however then two things happened 1) Instagram came a long and 2) I moved to Los Angeles... 

Both of these things combined made me feel a tad more negative toward social media as a whole and here's why... 

Because it became an uneven playing ground for work and work = money and money = surviving financially! 

I'm not talking about money made off of views, clicks or endorsements.. to me that would never amount to being a job (not on the small scale that I'm currently on anyway) but jobs with regards to modelling and acting which I am pursuing here in tinsel town! 

For example many vine stars are now landing movie roles... not for their love of acting or that they even had any interest in it before (don't get me wrong some have so there are exceptions) but simply because they have a large following they are handed it... tell that to an actor who moved here 5 years ago has worked their butt off to get into acting classes and workshops and lived off of very little in order to do so but when it comes down to the audition the vine star gets the job... that seems unfair?... because, basically, it is unfair! but that's life and that's the social media world that we live in. (I have met many of these actors)

I once read an article by the New York Post saying how in the world of modelling you need more than 10,000 Instagram followers to stand any chance of booking "the" job. And lets be real... 10,000 on Instagram is nothing these days when there are 'Instagram models' who were unknown but have carved a following of a million+ on their account. (To read that article click here) 

Fair enough.. when it comes to modelling the larger the following the easier it is for the company to promote the product (for eg) and the more attention it will receive and I totally understand that from a business point of view and if you have put genuine time and effort into building your Instagram and real people are genuinely interested in following you then that's amazing and you probably should get the job!! however where it becomes unfair is where fake followers come into account:  On Instagram, in particular, I would argue that there are so many fake followers everywhere you look...to me this is purely obvious based on the follows to likes/comments ratio.. I'm sorry, I realize that more people 'like' than comment on Instagram', but if you're picture has 2,000 likes and 4 comments I would call suspect on that one..
(the thing about fake followers is it attracts real ones because people think this person has a lot of followers so they must be worth following. Therefore i'd suggest we don't judge on numbers alone but on content and interest:)

What pisses me off is that numbers seem to matter so much so that someone with 100,000 fake followers would get a job over someone with 20,000 real ones? That just doesn't seem right...

BUT unfortunately It is a like game, it is a follow game and it is unfair and uneven. What hasn't been said  it that it is also a rich persons game... even if you're not paying for followers a picture of your Louboutin shoes placed perfectly on the seat of your expensive car or on your sparkling white rug will gain attention because Instagram is also a dream world where ordinary people aspire to have those Louboutin shoes, drive that car or go on that exclusive Bora Bora holiday! put up a picture of your hatch back and crocks and you won't be getting as much interest that's for sure!! (haha)

There is definitely a downside to social media: the above with regards to jobs (particularly in the entertainment industry) would be a huge one for me but also I can see Essena's point of view with regards to it not being "real life" and it playing havoc on people's self esteem... Perhaps a young girl who looks at the likes of Jen Selter and comes away from her phone feeling shit about her own body..social media can definitely do that...however, it could be said that they are the downsides to an otherwise positive platform because it can also do the complete opposite and inspire - be it fitness,lifestyle or something else: it may set another girl/boys dreams higher, it may inspire them to eat healthier, workout or to travel etc... and It may give people who never had a voice the chance to have one... 

I believe what is important is that when looking at social media nobody take it too seriously...A person is not defined by 'likes' and 'followers'..when judgement day comes and its all put in perspective what does that matter anyway? And definitely don't think your life is bad because your comparing it to that of someone you see on social media because you definitely don't see the half of it! Everyone wants to post their best pics, I don't think there is anything wrong with that, nobody is going to post pictures from the day they feel awful, haven't washed their hair in days and have been lazing around in sweats. I can give you a direct example: yesterday I was sick all day! I literally did not leave my house - I missed my audition due to a migraine, I also had bad cramps, was feeling homesick, lonely and extremely anxious..I didn't put on a spot of makeup or brush my hair, I ordered take out and ate fairly unhealthy: I felt horrendous on the inside and out and I cried a number of times (my hormones were all over the place to make things worse)... yet I also posted a "selfie" on Instagram that was taken about three days earlier - that selfie was not taken yesterday!! the last thing I wanted was any type of picture to be taken with how I was feeling yesterday but to the world or people who follow me on Instagram they probably thought that that picture was from yesterday and I had a much different type of day than I had in fact had! so there ya go! 

My advice to people trying to build their social media organically: 

• Post content you actually like and believe in e.g. don't post about any brand just because they ask you to: if you don't like the brand.. don't post about it: simple. 
• Don't compete with others on social media - no good can come of it and it's impossible in a world where a lot (not all) is contrived.
• Don't become consumed - it's true that it's not real life - make sure you are enjoying your real life first and foremost! 
• Use it as a form of self-expression! 
• Celebrate life - be proud of who you are and express the real you!!x!!
• Think of followers like friends... it's better to have one real one than a hundred fake ones :)

So to conclude: 

Social Media is Like Television, Stage, Radio or Magazines - There's really not a huge difference. It is basically "entertainment" so take it with a pinch of salt and ENJOY! 

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

HOMEMADE Ice Cream

Hey Blog Readers, 

So did you know it is really easy to make a healthy version of ice cream at home (granted you have to like the taste of Banana ice cream)... Well I didn't know just how easy it was until a couple of weeks ago! I saw a picture post about home made banana ice cream on (I think it was) Brooke Benson's page 'Shorething fitness' (follow her on instagram or facebook for daily fitness and health motivation) So I thought I would give it ago!
AND to my DELIGHT it worked out.. YUM!

It's as simple as 1, 2, 3

1. You cut up banana and put it in the freezer for at least two hours! 
2. You blend it until it creates a paste in a blender or smoothie maker! 
3. You scoop it out, put it in a bowl and enjoy! 

It sounds like mushy banana but believe me it doesn't taste like it! 

I added Honey and Peanut Butter to mine and it reminded me of Ben & Jerry's without the guilt! (no lie!!) 

 

 

 

 

You may need to use a fork to make a paste and stop it sticking to the sides (when blender if OFF!) 

 

  

(to make it look more presentable/like real ice cream use an ice cream scoop to round the mixture and even add sprinkles;) 

It's cooling and yummy just like ice cream but it's a healthy option and it cures a sweet tooth! ;) 

Try it for yourselves I think you'll be pleasantly surprised (just like I was!) 

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

What I Wore... Black Cutout Dress

Hey Blog Readers! 

So last night (Saturday August 15th) I went to a Saudi Prince's graduation party. The party was at one of his mansions (he owns like three in a row). It was in the Hollywood Hills over by the Hollywood reservoir and I wore one of my new dresses so I thought I'd show it off here :)

I got ready in record time (under an hour head to toe) & I was really happy with how the look came together! The sad part is I feel this particular party was a waste of the dress! I feel this way because it didn't start until 2am so we went to 1Oak first which was jammed! It was so packed that me and two of the girls left the club and went to Rock and Reilly's (an irish bar in weho) to wait until everyone we were with in 1oak was ready to go to the party. The three of us were way to dressed up for a pub! Anyway, eventually we headed over to the party but the security was top-notch: There was LAPD blocking the streets surrounding the house and we couldn't take the limo we were in up there - everyone had to take designated shuttles. When we reached the house everyone's phones had to be checked in - this meant zero photo opportunities at the party! That's why I feel the dress was wasted on that party! Luckily I did take a couple of snaps before leaving my place but without a doubt you will see me wearing this dress (and likely even styled the same?) to a better event (where I can get some proper pictures) in the near future! (so don't judge the recycling of outfits:)

Here's some more of the dress: 

 

This dress is from one of my new favorites The Kewl Shop.com! (retails for $149) and as you can see it is SUPER revealing!  It's made from bandage material so it hugs and stretches in all the right places and has cut-out openings all the way up one side! You definitely have to be daring to wear this dress because it is a head turner and perhaps an opinion divider for sure but I think it's fab and so many people I met loved it and asked me all about it! I feel that although it is "risque" you can get away with it because it has a high neckline (your not showing any cleavage)  and it also comes down to a reasonable knee length at the front! from one side it looks like an extremely elegant dress but from the other it's "sex bomb" all the way! I am in love with it and I already can't wait to wear it again!!

Makeup and Hair! 

I knew as soon as I saw the dress that I would have to pull back my hair to show off this dress because my hair is so black and long that it would just blend in with the dress if I was to wear it down and it wouldn't do the dress justice! I thought about doing a beehive, a bun or sleeking it back but due to time restrictions I ended up just putting it in a french plait/braid and I think it worked pretty well! (I got a lot of "lara croft" comments on the night). For my makeup I decided to do a red lip, gold eye shadow and contour... I love the way red lippy looks on others but I've never been a huge fan of it on myself until now! Last night I was feeling it and I think it's because I've finally found a good red lipstick! 'Fire Engine' by Gerard Cosmetics (code 'Barry' = 25% off). I've used Ruby-woo, lady danger (both by mac) and a heap of other brands over the years in my search for the perfect red pout but none of them ever filled my requirements! Fire Engine though, as with all the Gerard Cosmetics lipsticks, ticks all the right boxes! <3

Here is a Makeup Video I did for this

 

Click here to see the perfect purple dress I also got from The Kewl Shop! 

Follow me @ShahirBarry on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter to keep up to date! 

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

SO I got to work with the Kardashians!

Hey Blog Readers! 

So let me just begin by saying unfortunately due to nda(non-disclosure-agreement) I can't talk in any depth about the job or answer many questions so this blog will be short but on Friday I got to work along side the Kardashian/Jenners all day! 

As you all know this is not a celebrity gossip blog so that's not my intention at all with this post! But it was an exciting day for me because I have watched 'Keeping up with the Kardashian's' since the beginning! I am a fan of the show and I would definitely class the girls as some of my style icons - I love admiring both their fashion and beauty/hair/makeup! 

So why was I there? I was booked as kim's stand-in initially(stand-in is not to be confused with a body double-those girls have amazing bodies + kim is pregnant so they've no need for a body double but a stand in is someone who looks similar who "stands in" for set-up purposes to test everything before the celeb jumps in). I was very flattered and it was definitely a confidence boost because it came about the most bizarre way-I didn't apply or have an audition: I worked on a subway commercial over 4 months ago and one of the production members took my picture(as they take everyone's picture on set), thought I looked like a Kardashian, remembered me, and reached out to see if I would be interested! of course I was - if nothing else out of curiosity! My pictures were then sent off to 3 others to be approved and I was booked on the job! She actually didn't tell me who it was for until the day before the shoot so it was a nice surprise! and as a result I ended up standing in for all of the Kardashian/Jenner girls! 

What can I give away...

I guess what I can give away is what they gave away themselves on their Instagrams :) 

It was for a set of E! promo commercials. I am so sad that I won't get to keep/see any of the video/picture footage of me taken when I was standing in (well-jell) because the concept was so cool and the results looked amazing! This will be their best commercial yet!

Kris, Kylie, Kendall, Kourtney, Kim and Khloe were all there along with their glam squad and a large production group. WOW they are one beautiful family! I think they are actually better looking in person (not that they could be better looking but they look the same as they do on tv/in magazines, non-photoshop if that makes sense). I felt like they each bought there own individual personalities to the set and to the shoot (which is why KUWTK is so popular in the first place-you can always relate to someone in the family). Personality wise they were all the same as they are on TV which is refreshing! 

Here are some of their smedia posts from the day (I actually saw some of these selfies being taken - which is funny to think they then went on to get hundreds of thousands/millions of likes!)

 

What Did I learn? 

On most sets there is loads of junk food and you get so hungry you end up snacking(hellooo-I've put on 10pounds since moving to the US, lol) but on this set there was a guy with a tray bringing around small healthy snacks. I thought this was a great idea! as you were snacking but it was healthy and not too much-I had a little chicken salad, regular salad, fruit etc.. throughout the day as well as a beautifully catered full lunch. Eating healthy snacks regularly is a much better idea than becoming starving and indulging on sugar to lift your energy-I'll definitely take this on board. I also feel I learnt from watching each girl "bring it" for the camera! They each had their own way and individual style, their personalities came through but the over-all factor was confidence and just working it and going for it 100%! I feel like this will help me with my own shoots! I also learnt (which I knew already but many seem to question) that the Kardashian's are all extremely hardworking! They were on set about 10-12 hours the call time was 7am and they had a graduation party at their house the night before for Kendall and Kylie! I don't know about you guys but I think it shows a great work-ethic that both of the younger girls were there working hard and putting in the hours (I follow Kylie on snapchat and saw that she woke up at 6am) the day after their party! I don't think this would be done by many girls their age after a party night! I know I need my 8hours sleep just to function, lol! 

Why didn't I take any pictures? 

Basically I was on set to work and wanted to be professional. I liked the job and would like to do it again in the future and be re-booked (not that I forever want to be a "stand-in" but it was a fun,easy job, as random as it was). I also didn't know if they were going to post any pictures on social media of the day just yet or if they're makeup and what they were wearing was to remain confidential until the promos come out on E! so I didn't want to ask to take a selfie. Anyway, they were all super down to earth, as they are on the show! it felt so random to me as I felt like I knew them but obviously I had to take into consideration that they didn't know me and not start talking about there recent trip to Montanna or anything else I'd watched on the show!lol! 

Anyway, I had a lot of fun - it was great to meet them and I also got a good first-hand look at their make-up and hair (the important stuff, lol) so I may try to do a few inspired videos on my YouTube! So make sure to subscribe to stay updated! 

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

Perfect Purple Bandage Dress

Hey Blog Readers! 

I LOVE shopping online and recently tried a new online store - TheKewlShop.com. I was so excited when I found them (who doesn't like discovering a new store?!) and I've been meaning to post about my purchase ever since but I was waiting until I got a chance to wear the dress to an event or shoot! Unfortunately I haven't had the right occasion for the dress YET (keep an eye on my Instagram because I'm sure I'll get to wear it properly very soon and I look forward to styling it with the right accessories, hairstyle and makeup).
However, even though I haven't worn the dress out as yet, I thought I would pop the dress on at home so that I could show it to you guys while it is definitely still in stock as I'm sure many of you will love it just like I do!

First a little you need to know about The Kewl Shop! They specialize in bandage dresses!(yay.. kim.k eat your heart out, lol) however they also sell a wide range of  other fab dresses, funky leggings, and gorgeous shoes! They have a celebrity section - which is a feature I always love when shopping online!.. so you can see which celebs rocked a similar style! They offer FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE (AMAZING!), plus size options, easy returns and 24hour costumer service!

SO with that said... which dress did I get?? 
I got the Purple Deep V Spaghetti Bandage Dress! which retails for $139 .. considering similar Herve Leger style dresses can range from hundreds to thousands it's not a bad price! ;) I got it in an XS which is a 2 in the US and a 6 in Ireland. I would consider myself more of a size 8 in Ireland in general.. therefore I feel the sizing is a little big so check the measurement section to discover your individual correct size!

here's the dress on their model:

 

And here's the dress on me earlier today! 

There are so many elements to this dress that I love! 

• It's a bandage material so it hugs in all the right places and holds you in! 
• I love the way the zip sits at the back.. there's something quite cheeky yet flattering about it! It makes your butt look good ;) 
• I like that from behind it looks like a 2 piece (skirt and top). 
• The cut outs at the side give the illusion of a tiny waist. 
• The cross over straps on the back are sexy and I also like the spaghetti style and cut outs on the bust. 
• It has a striking neckline and paneled detail throughout the middle along with a mesh cut out underneath the bust. 
• It is very low cut so it's not for the faint hearted but it's definitely very special and a head turner for sure! 

To shop the dress I bought just click here!! :) 

I am Super impressed by the Kewl Shop!! The quality of my dress is top notch, it fits amazingly, the color is vibrant, it looks exactly as it does on the online store(always a PHEWW moment when shopping online and your package arrives!) the staff are super helpful when you have a question, the delivery was super fast and I will definitely be picking up some more pieces form the Kewl shop very soon!

I CANNOT WAIT to wear my dress to something special! Keep an eye out @ShahiraBarry on instagram and all social media for the pics!x!

If you haven't already make sure to follow The Kewl Shop on facebook, instagram and twitter and most importantly visit their website! BTW If you tag them in a selfie wearing one of their items you'll receive 15% off your next purchase... because confidence deserves a sweet discount! lol #Selfie #TheKewlShopOfficial ;)

Em why are you still here??...What are you waiting for... CLICK here to get over to The Kewl Shop, check it out and get SHOPPINGGG :) 

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo 

 If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.