Fashion: Spring/ Summer 2013
17 December 2012
Spring/ Summer fashion can sometimes fall a little short. Winter always tends to come up victorious in the style stakes, but this year I struggled to find anything different from previous years. Oh look, there's another woolly jumper! This Spring/ Summer, however appears to be one of the most exciting yet if the catwalks are anything to go by, I've compiled a little list of some of my favourites.
1. Flashback to the 80s
I'm sure you can already guess who designed this outfit, Jean Paul Gaultier went back to that decade where Madonna was the Queen of Pop and you could never had enough jewellery on. Think power shoulders and that greasy slicked back hair and you're onto a winner, if you are on the shy stakes and don't want to go all out with this look just add a little bit of piping here and there and you'll still hit the trend on the head.
2. Go Graphic
It was everywhere this fashion season and with good reason, the right kind of graphic in the right body type can make a world of difference, pick your right stripe and you're golden. Black and white is always a classic look and most of the designers have just revitalised it and brought it from the MOD sixties era to the modern day. Designers like Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger and Louis Vuitton all showcased this look on the catwalk, keep it linear and simple.
3. Embellish Me
Be ready to get your shine on this Summer season with small embellishments added here and there, Alberta Ferreti and Viktor & Rolf all showcased this trend on the catwalk and most were left stunned when they saw just how small and intricate the sequins were. V&R were inspired by mirrors, embellishment is normally seen as the party-season staple but that doesn't mean it can't be carried on to another season, just tone it down a tad.
4. Neon Supreme
Pastel was a hit on the runway but so was neon brights, and when I say bright I really mean it, think hot pink, orange and striking blue. I'm not such a fan of the orange but the pink and blues were divine. Matthew Williamson and Proenza Schouler were amongst the designers who showed of their bright side in London and New York. It was the hot trend all over the fashion world and it is one of my favourites, you may think it would be hard to pull off but just team it with crisp white and it's one of the most easy trends to follow.
5. Simply White
A lot of the trends were very extreme and wanted to grab everyone's attention, but there is a much simpler and understated way to be noticed this Summer. It was Jil Sander and of course the Queen of clean cut, Celine who triumphed with this minimalist trend. There is always room for neon accessories or a dash of black but white has to be one of my favourite trends, it comes back every season and never fails to look fresh and new.
Sports Personality of the Year 2012
Bradley Wiggins, the deserved winner
Last night I found myself plonked on the sofa between my dad and brother, both of whom are avid sports watchers, about to watch Sports Personality of the Year (something I never thought I'd watch) and feeling almost excited. It has been a great year of sport for us Brits, there really is no denying it, the Olympics being held here certainly helped to put us on the map as serious sports stars.
Poster girl, Jessica Ennis worked her fantastic tooshe off to achieve greatness in the two day heptathlon event under the beady eyes of an entire nation and our Paralympic team reined supreme with over 100 medals won in those few short weeks.
The night gave us many sports stars all worthy of the title, the top three (no Mo Farah?) could have all taken the title. Andy Murray was given his third place trophy to him in Miami by Lennox Lewis and the aforementioned Jessica Ennis was picked to the 'almost not quite' first runner up. But it was time to announce the winner and was it really a shock?
He took the Tour de France crown with a CLEAN bike ride and came back to win Gold at the London Olympics. Not only that but in a sea of 1980's style prom dresses and clunky gladiator heels at the awards he also stood out in the fashion stakes. His typical MOD look made him my fashionista of the night, double breasted velvet jacket and friends with the Gallaghers?
What more do you want from a winner?
New look Ferrell
15 December 2012
Looking a hell of a lot more dapper in a recent interview with Port magazine, Will Ferrell shakes off his funny man persona and opts for the somewhat more demure look. He takes this opportunity to talk about his somewhat 'awkward' audition on American SNL where he became intimidated and slumped back in his chair.
Still America's favourite comic he has stolen the limelight in many films such as; Step Brothers, The Other Guys, Anchorman, even christmas favourite Elf. With Anchorman 2 coming soon we are in for more classic Will Ferrell.
Port magazine is out NOW, go go go!!!
Perverting
11 December 2012
I went to Southampton as the weekend to visit one of my close friends, it was her boyfriends birthday and she needed another girl there for a little company. It was a small(ish) group of people, I think there was about eight of us in the end and me and Larissa were the only two girls.
Turns out all the guys were lovely, some we already knew, so we set out to see what the night held for us. No sooner had we stepped outside their flat were we both accosted by two guys whose chosen chat up line was simply "Damn, you two girls are too hot to be cold!"
Originality at its best.
We shrugged it off, we had both lived in Southampton for three years or more so we were aware of the locals and what they were like. But when we got to a busier part of the little city, Bedford Place, we were once again chosen by a group of guys who just simply stared at us and licked their lips, this time we thought we should get some back-up so made some of the guys out with us come and walk with us to the club.
Some people tend to say that the girls bring it on their selves by dressing too provocatively or whatever, but my friend was in a long sleeve skater dress and I was covered up by my jacket (I feel the cold easily), so how are we bringing it on ourselves?
Another time we were spoken to like that was when we decided to go to the midnight viewing of The Hangover 2. As we settled into our seats one of the boys (I say boys as they were only just 18 at least) next to us whispered, "Hey, you can sit on my face," I was in the cinema, it was dark how on earth is that provocative in any way?
I think they way men choose to talk to women now is vulgar and expectant, you would not have found such language back when our parents were younger. Where's the respect and quality?
It seems we, as a society, are going a little backwards.
My top 5...
10 December 2012
Christmas Films
5. The Santa Clause (1994)
The film about an ordinary man who inadvertently kills Santa then finds out that he is the only person who is able to fill his boots. This has made it into my top 5 for a number of reasons, it's one of the films that my whole family likes (Tim Allen is a big hit in our household) and it's a Disney, say no more. Starring 'that kid from Dunston Checks in' and a few adult stars is all this heartwarming tale needs, a father on the cusp of losing his son to his wife and her husband is given a second chance at happiness.
Cheesey but not nauseating.
4. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
The film takes us back to Kevin McCallister and his massive brood, wishing he was away from his family during the holiday season once again he finds himself in New York all alone with two 'wet bandits' after him. It is unusual for a sequel to be better than the first but I think the fact that it is set in New York makes it that much more festive. I went to New York when I was 20 and I felt like a child again when I spotted the Plaza Hotel sign, this films sticks with you forever.
Childhood flashbacks.
3. The Grinch (2000)
The film that is all about a strange creature wanting to steal christmas, but christmas spirit from the 'Who's down in Whoville' prevails and he joins in with the celebrations. Anything to do with Dr Seuss then I am already a fan, but throw Jim Carrey into the mix and you are definitely on to a winner, it is his own take on Mr Grinch that makes the film so timeless. Whilst it is obviously aimed at the younger generation, there are still small jokes here and there for the adults making it perfect for any age.
Oh Max, I love ya!
2. Elf (2003)
The film where one orphaned baby wreaks havoc on the Elf community in the North Pole as he is just too tall, he is sent on an adventure to New York to find his true family and who he really is. Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel are two of my favourite actors, their roles gel perfectly together and their on screen chemistry is heartwarming. This film is all about getting people to believe in Father Christmas again, every time I watch it I can't help but get sucked in to the enchanting christmas spirit.
Father Christmas does exist.
1. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The film sees the Muppet characters tell their own version of the classic tale of a bitter, cold hearted man who is taken on a journey of redemption on Christmas Eve. It may seem a weird number 1 to have but this is the film that we have watched every christmas in my family since I can remember. It is a funny yet moving take on the infamous Dickens story which is of course told by Gonzo in this instance, who else? Whilst it is incredibly unrealistic, the human form of Michael Caine as Scrooge brings you back to reality and him singing 'Thankful Heart' at the end brings a tear to the eye.
Muppet's telling their story.
New Years Let Down
5 December 2012
It's almost that time of year again, the ultimate anti climatic experience that is New Years Eve. I have never really been a huge fan of this particular event, I often find it a let down and sort of unnecessary and this year a lot of my friends are all coupled up so it is even harder to organise something that everyone can get to.
Luckily I think I have it sorted, I am not going to be a hermit this New Years Eve! Last year was actually my first New Years celebrating properly (I know, 22 years old and never had a proper New Years, how sad) and needless to say I ruined it. We had managed to all book the time off our various part time jobs and make our way to Southampton where we ready to celebrate.
But a bottle or two of champers (the cheap, nasty stuff) later and I was ready to call it quits at 11pm, a whole hour before the big countdown! Though I had no hangover the next morning, with ten hours passed out under the covers I felt fresh as a daisy, I definitely missed out on the NYE shenanigans and had to hear everything I had missed out on from my friends.
What.A.Mess.
This year I want it to be different, I want NY's to prove me wrong and be one of the best nights out I have ever had, though I don't have a concrete plan at the moment I like to think it will just fall into place. I have heard so many stories about people's best NY's, my friends have great stories of their NYS...I want these good memories of what I consider to be a tainted date for me.
Fingers crossed I stay awake to see the fireworks this year!
Winter Jackets
4 December 2012
For some reason this winter I have been having trouble finding that perfect coat, it could be because there is not that one statement coat out there, or it could be me just being fussy. After much deliberation, girl problems hey?, I finally found one that I love. It seems to be the jacket that has overtaken the coat in the style stakes this year, the khaki and leather sleeved jacket is everywhere right now with Red Herring, Topshop, TKMaxx, even ASDA and Primark having their own version.
But it was New Look where I decided to get mine, at £45.99 it was in the medium price range but the thing I liked about it more than the others was that it didn't have the annoying drawstrings that a lot of them had. It's warm, stylish and comfortable, I even get kinda sad when I have to take it off inside. How sad.
Disney with a Difference
I am a sucker for anything to do with Disney, in a previous post I have shown the fashionable side and now I have been mesmerised by these pieces I found on Deviant Art created by Jeffrey Thomas. You can find more of his art work on the site, just follow this link: DeviantArt
Jasmine Aladdin
Belle Beauty and the Beast
Mulan Mulan
Nala The Lion King
Pocahontas Pocahontas
Rapunzel Tangled
December Playlist
3 December 2012
(Left to Right)
Top: Alt-J ∆, Mumford & Sons, The Vaccines, Django Django
Bottom: Vampire Weekend, Fleetwood Mac, Arctic Monkeys, Of Monsters and Men
Alt-J ∆
My Top Track: Matilda
The alternative band scooped the mercury music prize this year whilst up against some stiff competition, with the likes of Django Django and The Maccabees as competitors the band were said to be 'shocked' that they were even considered. In my book there is not a single band you can compare these guys to, their originality is what singles them out and has kept their debut album An Awesome Wave on my playlist for the past five months.
Mumford & Sons
My Top Track: I will Wait
Even though I was slightly disappointed with the second Mumford album Babel, it doesn't mean that I still don't love it. I Will Wait was the bands first single from the new record and what a great choice they made. The song has still got the Mumford charm and the lyrics are just as beautiful as they were on the first album, and that can be said for all the tracks. Mumford will always be on one of my playlists at least, they were the band who brought folk to life.
The Vaccines
My Top Track: Aftershave Ocean
Anyone who knows me well enough will already be aware of what a huge fan I am of this indie band, first noticing them at Glastonbury Festival back in 2011 they have become one of my go-to's for whatever mood I am in. Aftershave Ocean is a song taken from their second album Come of Age and just proves to all The Vaccines critics that they can write songs with substance.
Django Django
My Top Track: Firewater
Already mentioned in my list as being nominated for the Mercury Music Prize earlier this year Django Django have forced their way into their own genre, much like Alt-J ∆. Their unique sound means they are a welcome change to the normal indie/ pop/ alternative I listen to, I also think they will be working the music festival scene this year so watch out for them.
Vampire Weekend
My Top Track: Horchata
Before people think I'm really behind here, I am not only going to be talking about music from this year but also music from the past. Where have Vampire Weekend gone? I first properly heard their music at Isle of Wight Festival 2010 and since then they have been on every single playlist I have created since then. The perfect mix of alternative and pop creates their individual music style.
Fleetwood Mac
My Top Track: Everything
It was a close call between talking about The Beatles or Fleetwood Mac here, but I figured I bore enough people with my Beatles chat and so here they are. Mac have the songs that are sort of timeless (man, that sounds cheesy but it's true) and any generation loves to listen to them. It was my mum who introduced me to their music at a young age and I have now passed it on to my 17-year old brother whose normal music taste includes Gangnam Style.
Arctic Monkeys
My Top Track: Fluorescent Adolescent
This band takes me back to my time at secondary school, it was played at almost every party I went to and I have nothing but love for Alex Turner's rocky and lyrically perfect sound. Fluorescent Adolescent is my top track simply because. There are so many tracks to pick from, with four albums already under their belt, it took me a while to choose. Essentially, all I have to do is listen to the lyrics and I'm taken away from the real world, hurled into Alex Turner's mystical mind.
Of Monsters and Men
My Top Track: Little Talks
This band from Iceland were introduced to me in February of this year, quite a while before they hit the big time with their debut single Little Talks. I don't know if you've noticed, but I like a band to have a completely different sound to the band I have just listened to and OMAM provide just that. The five-piece have now got their music in the mainstream market with performances at various festivals this year including Reading and Leeds.
Other Tracks: The Black Keys Lonely Boy, The Beatles All My Loving, Bob Dylan Like a Rolling Stone, King Charles Lady Percy, The Kinks Shangri-La, The Crookes Sofie, Electric Light Orchestra Don't Bring Me Down, Friends Friend Crush, Florence and the Machine I'm Not Calling you a Liar, The Lumineers Hey Ho, Jay Jay Pistolet Hooked Up on Us, Bastille Flaws, Lord Huron Ends of the Earth, The Maccabees Ayla...
...the list is endless.
Bambi & Manson
(images taken from Bambi&Manson facebook page)
One of my new favourite fashion sites I just happened to stumble upon, Bambi&Manson. It was founded in 2011 by Polly O'Connell and boyfriend Jim Cubitt and since then it has gone from strength to strength counting reality TV stars Kylie Jenner and Millie Mackintosh as avid followers and the lucky girls who get to wear a pair of 'BAMS.'
They bring edgy studs to their shorts as well as pretty girly decorations, a combination that ultimately makes the perfect shorts!
Few of the BAMS...
Millie from Made in Chelsea in her BAMS back in July.
My personal favourite BAMS that I am hoping will be in my size soon (sadly, I'm not a size zero) and the ones that have been handed to Kylie Jenner.
While the main website is currently down as their fans wait for B&M's new line they still have giveaways on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (they are social media machines) all these inks you can find just below. Get following, tweeting and liking.
Their Motto:
MAKING THE WORLD A HOTTER PLACE ONE GIRL AT A TIME
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