Fashion: New brand Needle & Thread

29 April 2013

Needle & Thread

Top left clockwise: Arizuma mini dress £125, Maxi prom dress £195, Texcoco mini dress £175,  Mexica mini skirt £95
Needle & Thread is the hot new label. Based in both Delhi and London they have now found a perfect collaboration with uber fashionable online shop ASOS. Creative director Hannah Coffin has presented a 25 piece collection filled with Aztec patterns, taking Mexican art as inspiration.

Filled with bold prints, gorgeous colours and expensive cuts the collection is sure to be a big hit on ASOS. The collection ranges from the casual mini skirts to the more outlandish prom dresses that sweep the floor beautifully.


"Created with a beach to bar feel, these standout pieces are embellished by hand in India and are destined to take pride of place in your wardrobe" - ASOS.com


 Of course not everyone is going to be able to afford these gorgeous pieces as an everyday occurrence but they are pretty hard to resist. The skirt is my favourite but all of them will have you lusting after them and get you ready for those summer parties. 

Shop here: Needle & Thread
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Music: She & Him "Volume 3"

She & Him "Volume 3"


Track List
1. I've Got Your Number, Son
2. Never Wanted Your Love
3. Baby
4. I Could've Been Your Girl
5. Turn to White
6. Somebody Sweet To Talk To
7. Something's Haunting You
8. Together
9. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me
10. Snow Queen
11. Sunday Girl
12. London
13. Shadow Of Love
14. Reprise (I Could've Been Your Girl)

Zooey Deschanel - that kooky 'oh so girly' girl from US television show New Girl - was on the set of her film The Go-Getter (2007) when she was first introduced to her now music collaborator Matt Ward. Director Martin Hynes thought they would be perfect together and asked them to sing a duet together for the end credits of the film.

The two clicked, Deschanel even decided to share some of the songs she had written but never had the time or confidence to take further with Ward and the rest is history. "Volume Two", "Volume Three" and "A Very She & Him Christmas" have all been successful for the duo - especially Volume Two which hit the US charts at number six and got the number one spot on the US indie/ folk and rock charts in 2010.

Deschanel said in an interview: "I always have loved music, ever since I was really little. I just loved to sing."

The oh so originally named new album "Volume 3" sees the same She & Him sound - why change something that works so perfectly? - but there's a definite difference from their previous releases and this one. Could it be the slower pace or the orchestral and choir  undertones that makes it so different? Maybe both. The two have grown, it seems, into an even more romantic and whimsical duo, not quite as good as "Volume One" and "Volume Two" but still that indie folk couple fans know, love and now expect.

The first single from the album, "I Never Wanted Your Love" is She & Him at their best. The strings in the background and Deschanel's soft 50s sound have you imagining her floating around in a pretty floral dress as she sings into the mic. The song is charismatic and sometimes sad with silly, catchy lyrics that hold a deeper meaning "Take a win/ Take a fall/ I never wanted your love but I needed it, oh." 

The album does hold a couple of golden covers. Starting with just a guitar and gradually building "Hold Me, Thrill Me Kiss Me"- probably the Mel Carter version not Estefan's sadly - is a highlight of the whole record. Blondie's "Sunday Girl" is also there along with french lyrics, every indie guy out there will be in a Deschanel lust mess once they've heard that whispy voice serenading them.

"Volume 3" is full of some great tracks, "I Could've Been Your Girl" in particular holds the memorable melody, sad but not depressing lyrics and Dusty Springfield-esque vocals. But there is not a single comparison with She & Him classics such as "Sentimental Heart" and "Sweet Darlin'" from previous albums. 

Skip to: I Could've Been Your Girl/ Sunday Girl/ Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me


Volume 3 is out 6 May
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Music: Ayre Point "Through Darkness"

28 April 2013

Ayre Point "Through Darkness"


A couple of weeks ago I blogged about a Bristol band just starting out on their musical indie adventure and now here they are releasing their first single Through Darkness. 

The song - a great first single by any means - is filled with romantic harmonies, fast guitar strums and a thumping drum-induced bass. Sometimes posing similarities to Mumford and Sons but with a much rockier and upbeat sound.

"I hope you see in time you define your own life"

The song (just three minutes long) is a quick jolt of what this band from Bristol is all about. Check them out on their various social media pages and have a listen to their new single just below.




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Music: Frank Turner "Tape Deck Heart"

22 April 2013

Frank Turner "Tape Deck Heart"

                                             
Track list 
1. Recovery
2. Losing Days
3. The Way I Tend To Be
4. Plain Sailing Weather
5. Good & Gone
6. Tell Tale Signs
7. Four Simple Words
8. Polaroid Picture
9. The Fisher King Blues
10. Anymore
11. Oh Brother
12. Broken Piano
13. We Shall Not Overcome
14. Wherefore Art Thou Gene Simmons?
15. Tattoos
16. Undeveloped Film
17. Time Machine
18. Cowboy Chords
19. Oh Brother (Live)
20. Plain Sailing Weather (Live)
Born in Bahrain but educated at Eton College alongside Prince William Frank Turner started out his known music career in punk rock band Million Dead. After four years the band decided to call it quits in 2005, this is when Turner was able to explore his folkier sound. 

Four albums later he's back with "Tape Deck Heart" - a more 'fuck you romance' approach is evident and the whole record sounds like a diary and has a personal commitment unlike his earlier sound. As you roll from track to track you fell like you're trapped in this tornado of ups and downs in his love life - but not in a bad way.

The evident theme of love and losing it doesn't mean the album is a dreary sob fest, quite the opposite actually - it still holds the typical Turner complex lyrics and fast paced singing that his fans all love him for. 

The first single 'Recovery' is all about that post break-up feeling, finding yourself in these weird situations and not knowing how you got there, you start to drift."You know your life his heading in a questionable direction when you're up for days with strangers and you can't remember anything.."

'The Way I Tend To Be' is the surprise of the album, personal lyrics and not a single shout from Turner, a slower pace and reminiscent feel it grabs your attention in a different way than anything else on this album. It may be a little uncomfortable to hear but the music is so good you don't care.

It isn't until near the end of "Tape Deck Heart" that we hear about a different love story - Frank and England. 'Broken Piano' is Turner speaking about his previous love and takes us on a journey of what he used to do when he was there. "On the banks of the muddy Thames/ I have wandered through this city/ from Highgate Hill down to the river/ I sat down in my sadness."

This is Turner's fifth studio album and there's no doubt that it is the most intense and beautiful yet. His personal memories and love-lost anecdotes cause you to stop and listen, really listen to the words - as long as you can keep up with them.

Tape Deck Heart is out NOW!
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Fashion: Summer 2013

19 April 2013


1. The New Going Out Dress
Love for Topshop £28

On a dash from work to a night out? This is the perfect summer dress to change easily from a hot day at work to a late night tipple with friends. For day..team with a sharp grey blazer, hair tightly wrapped up in a high bun and satchel in tow. But when it comes to that 5pm deadline let your hair down and whack on the high heels for party time.

2. The Summer Bag
River Island £35

It's always hard to find that new favourite bag - I've had mine for a realllllyyy long time and can't bear to let it go - no matter how much it smells, gross I know. This tan suede fringed beauty is perfect for summer, it isn't going to spoil (if a dark cloud is looming leave it behind) and the colour will go with pretty much whatever print or shade you wear.

3. The Just Popping To The Shops Dress
New Look £16.99

 I'm having a serious love affair with tie-dye this season, I'm so happy that it's made a comeback - high 90s nostalgia for me right now. Give me a cut out bodycon dress WITH die-dye and I've DYED (get it..ahem) and gone to fashion heaven. This little beaut from New Look has been on my wish list for quite some time, a definite summer buy...just watch the tan lines.

4. The Teeny-Weeny Bikini
Miss Selfridge £26 

 Time to start the "I've left it too late, got to get slim quick" fitness regime and start ogling over countless bikinis the high street has to offer us ladies. The nautical trend is always huge in the warmer months and this bikini is little enough for you to be able to pack ten of them in the holiday suitcase. Great excuse for more shopping.

5. The Colour Blocking Wedge
Forever 21 £27.75

 Heels are often painful, uncomfortable and annoying so as a compromise stand tall in a wedge - or two. This Forever 21 pair in a summery mint green are one of the nicest I've seen but as the sun continues to shine you can be sure that you'll be finding it hard to choose which pair to get pretty soon.

6. The Strappy Cami
Oasis £20

 Creating a simple statement with a flattering cut, team this cami with a pair of white shorts and a tan (however fake that has to be right now) and you've got a super casual day outfit. Blouses and cami's are what summer fashion is all about, time to perk up the winter wardrobe with some intense colour and pattern. If you're bigger on top keep the pattern small and you'll look smaller, SIMPLE!

7. The Chunky Bracelet
Dorothy Perkins £14

 The perfect topper to any outfit is a big fat chunky bracelet. Perfect for festivals for that added hippy look or chilling on the beach on that friends holiday (take it off when trying to get a tan - tan marks are a no-no). The highstreet will be starting to stock up on these pretty statement accessories so you'll be spoilt for choice!
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Music: My Top Album Preorders

17 April 2013

My Top Album Preorders

Phoenix "Bankrupt" 22 April
My favourite band right now. The French foursome were formed way back when in 1995 and have since released three albums. After a long break they're back with "Bankrupt" this month. The album is a mix of electropop and rock, a sign that their 1980's upbringing made an impact on their music. Their debut album featured guest appearances such as Thomas Bangalter (Daft Punk)and family members like bassist Deck d'Arcy's mother providing her choral society on a track. They'll be playing Glastonbury later this year.

Noah & the Whale "Heart of Nowhere" 6 May
One of the first significant folk bands. Originally with Laura Marling providing backing vocals - she left the band in 2008 - they released "Peaceful, the World Lay me down" and "Last Night on Earth" without her and found a more mainstream audience. The third album "Heart of Nowhere" is amplifying that same Noah & the Whale sound, certainly if the first single is anything to go by anyway. Their folk sound is still there with lead vocals Charlie Fink providing some ukulele and harmonica, making the tracks so easily identifiable.

She & Him "Volume 3" 6 May
Oh so kooky with sickeningly good lyrics. The unlikely duo of Zooey Deschanel and country-folk artist M. Ward began when they were asked by director Martin Hynes - the film "The Go-Getter" which Deschanel starred in - to perform together and it seemed to fit. With "Volume One" and "Volume Two" out the way and a holiday album called "A Very She & Him Christmas" released in 2011 it's now time for "Volume Three" no doubt still full of Deschanel's own quirky writings. The first single from the album "Never Wanted Your Love" is certainly what you would expect from the twosome, the rest of the album can only follow suit and impress surely?

Vampire Weekend "Modern Vampires of the City" 14 May
The album I've been waiting years for. The American indie rock four-piece have left their fans waiting since second album "Contra" was released back in 2010 - this could be due to keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij releasing new material with his electro side project Discovery. But their album is not too far away after being pushed back a few times they finally have a set date. The first single "Diane Young" is being played on loop from YouTube, it boasts intelligent lyrics and a bouncy pop melody - the classic Vampire Weekend sound. 

Tribes "Wish to Scream" 20 May
That difficult second album. The band were only formed in 2010 but they have already toured countless cities and had a successful debut album "Baby" in 2012. They've had a couple of festival spots already at Reading/ Leeds and Bestival and are hitting Glastonbury this year. The new album "Wish to Scream" is that difficult follow up album but, from the three songs they have already teased their fans with, it sounds like they've shrugged it off and grown more into their sound. Their tour is just around the corner and I have already bought tickets, definitely a must-see-live band.

Tom Odell "Long Way Down" 24 June
The Brits Critics Choice winner. Born in Chichester he decided to study at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music. Raised listening to Bob Dylan and Elton John it's easy to see where he gets his sound and lyric ideas from. The songs we have already heard from Odell "Another Love" and "Can't Pretend" from the EP "Songs from Another Love" and now new release "Hold Me" are raw with real twisted emotion. His debut album is one of the most eagerly anticipated of the year.

Oh, you want more?

 Frank Turner "Tape Deck Heart" 22 April

 Little Boots "Nocturnes" 5 May

 Swim Deep "She Changes the Weather" EP 12 May

 Primal Scream "More Light" 13 May

 Daft Punk "Random Access Memories" 20 May

 Laura Marling "Once I Was An Eagle" 37 May

 Haim "?" Sometime this summer
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Fashion: Bow down to Queen B

16 April 2013

Bow down to Queen B

Can this pop diva, mother and one half of the ultimate power couple do no wrong? Clearly not, as she starts her tour in America she still found some time to be the face of the new Pepsi campaign and create a bikini line for high street chain H&M.


Shot in Barbados by Inez & Vinoodh it exudes glamour, sex and of course Beyoncé's banging body. The campaign will be called "Beyoncé  as Mrs. Carter in H&M."


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Music: Ayre Point

Ayre Point


As my brother and I were leaving a King Charles gig last saturday night at The Fleece in Bristol we walked into a group of guys out flyering - a band doing some "old school" promotion. Thinking nothing of it until we got home, I decided to look them up and was surprised at how much I liked their sound after just one listen. Reminding me of a softer Biffy Clyro with the melancholy of Mumford and Sons and wistfulness of Fleet Foxes Ayre Point will not be unheard of for long.

Daniel Morgan,Richard Wilks, Ian Pring, Billy Smith and Tom McAndrew all bring this indie/ pop band together with excellent harmonies and well written lyrics. Definitely my ones to watch in the very very near future, you'll be raving to them at a festival soon.


The EP "Finding Footprints" is out now.

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Fashion: Those Summer Purchases

Those Summer Purchases

The sun is finally starting to rear it's hot head and get us all excited for summer. With festival season just around the corner the high street is starting to update its stores packing it full of pretty summer dresses and some seriously quirky items. Though it did surprise me which ones aren't that great at the moment, Topshop and River Island need to up their game while Primark and H&M are stealing the fashion show.

Here's a few staples I have already bought or are on my cyber space wish list - ASOS seems to be taking a lot of my money right now - stripes and tie dye seem to be the big trends. 


From left to right: tie dye dress, Primark, £10. red & white dungarees (also come in blue), Primark, £13. white lace dress, H&M, £9.99. blue and white stripe crop trousers, Primark, £11. round sunglasses, ASOS, £12. fringe bag, New Look, £29.99. selection of scarves, various vintage stores.
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