Get Ready With Me: Featuring Lookswithlayla

It’s a Friday afternoon in April and it feels as though the UK is having a heatwave. What a better time to see Dua Lipa as she brings tropical vibes to Alexandra Palace. Before the gig, we catch up with Fashion and Beauty Blogger, Layla Nicholson, who runs Lookswithlayla. We follow her journey throughout the process of getting ready for a gig, as she lets us into her tips and tricks to ensure you slay the night away.

3pm: It’s the afternoon before the gig and of course excitement is in the air. While the gig does not start until 7.30pm its important to ensure you leave extra time to travel, as we find out later. The hardest part of attending a gig is choosing what to wear. While usually you have the ‘Do I take a coat?’ debate, due to the temperatures during the gig as well as the horrendous queue for the cloakroom afterwards, the unexpected hot temperatures mean coats can stay at home this time. Layla advises “ You want to be comfortable yet confident in your outfit. Wear something that stands out but also something you can chill in on the train.” With the change in climate, all previous choices of gig attire go out the window, as we begin to reconsider our outfits. The outcome? I choose a bodysuit and shorts and Layla opts for a yellow T-shirt dress.

While outfits don’t always go to plan, Layla suggests its always important to declutter your wardrobe and put potential outfits in an easy to find place. “I own so many clothes that things seem to get lost all the time. It's always good a couple of days before a show to go through your wardrobe and pick out some potential outfits and shoes so you're not rushing around on the day looking for an item of clothing you just can't find.”

4pm: Ehile usually Layla will do her own makeup for a gig, today, her friend Sadie, a makeup artist for Kat Von D has agreed to create her look. “ While I normally do my own makeup, its important to have some down-time before the gig. You’re more than likely going to be standing and dancing all night, and your feet will start to ache. Make sure you relax beforehand. "In terms of gig makeup? My advice as the weather heats up is to go bold and colourful. Its starting to draw closer to festival season and bold clothes and makeup looks are taking over the internet. Choose something fun for the night, although make sure you set with setting spray to avoid panda eyes. Layla adds: "Mix a bold eye look- something pink, orange, yellow, with a nude lipstick. Create a sunset on the eyelid.”

6pm: We head for the train station and in the time between the train arriving at the platform, Layla transforms me into her personal photographer. “ Wait do it again!” She exclaims. Layla later on advises me, “ I always have to leave enough time to take photos for my outfits. Its not just so I can update my Blog once home, but also because when I'm dressed up, I feel good, I want photos of myself.” Again, this supports the fact you need confidence in your outfit. Layla has seamlessly paired a sunshine T-shirt slogan dress with black boots, which looks effortless.

7pm: After issues with our train, followed by our Snapchat rants, we decide to call for back up and end up getting a lift to the gig. “ At least we don’t have to walk up the hill!” Layla jokes. This is one of the most important bits of advice to give when attending a gig at Ally Pally.”Don’t wear heels. I was going to wear sock boots today, but because of the hill, I didn’t. You need to wear shoes which are going to be comfortable all night, or pack a pair of slippers that you can walk home in.” This is something I have never thought about before, and a piece of advice I will keep with me. Layla explains “ I always bring a bag to a gig, despite the fact people think its difficult, you can find small enough bags that you can throw over your shoulder and just won't get in the way. You can also buy tiny foldaway slippers to fit in neatly!”

8pm: After eventually arriving at the gig, we head straight to Merchandise. “Even if you don’t think you want Merch, always check it out.” Layla advises “ Being so into clothes and fashion, I always enjoy looking at the designs in which artists create.” I also agree with this statement. With the increasing difficulty for artists to make money, with a rise in streaming services and decline in CD sales, Live music and the money generated from Merch is extremely important, and there's no better way to look back on the moment. Not a fan of Merch? Check out our post on Peoples favourite band Merch to see what it really means to them, and how it can be displayed in other ways than just being worn.

10:30pm: It’s the end of an incredible set from Dua Lipa (Read our review here) and we’re full of energy while heading to leave Alexandra Palace, with I Wanna Dance With Somebody accompanying us in the background. Layla has one more piece of advice before we exit ( and spend what feels like hours searching for our lift in the car park.) “Always make sure to grab a cup of water from the bar before leaving. You're probably loosing your voice and feeling a bit out of it and I promise you the water will revive you.”

11pm: As Layla exits the car, I take her words of wisdom with me and am excited to edit our Vlog, to gain an insight into the life of a Fashion Blogger. Before she closes the door, she exclaims “Oh! Don’t forget to remind everyone to take their makeup off before they go to sleep!" Showing she's just like us.

You can visit Laylas Blog for outfit inspiration here

Watch our Vlog video below:

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