Saturday 28 November 2015

Reasons Why The Simple Life is The Best Thing To Happen. Ever.

After watching a bit of Candidly Nicole the other day (which if you haven't seen it, errrm why not?! it is one of the best things on television) I was inspired to re-watch some old episodes of the Simple Life. And I'm ashamed to say that, until I re-watched this visual masterpiece, I had forgotten quite how amazing it truly was. 

And it's not just the ah-may-zing noughties style to enjoy that makes it so good. I'm talking hipster jeans and rara skirts aplenty. But also the priceless life lessons that can be learnt from everyone's two favourite heiresses. Who knew more than ten years later they would still be so relevant and relatable. Here are some of the best things we can learn from our dream best friends (enjoy their outfit choices) (and if you're reading ladies, please be friends again.)



This is probably the best advice that has ever been given in the history of the world.


Who can honestly say they haven't been in this situation? Look at them- teaching younger viewers to be thrifty with their money. Well done ladies.


See, look at these progressive, go getting women embracing the modern world, an inspiration to one and all.


Timeless advice for if anyone is ever being a dick or just generally annoying you. Well said, Nicole.


Has a truer word ever been spoken? Getting up early is NEVER cute. 


Yeeppp, not much has changed since good old 2kai4. Sex sells, guys, gotta face the facts, Nicole is just teaching people to be realistic.  


And look at this optimism- our gals inspiring everyone to stay positive in all situations... even if that situation is being arrested.

All images- Pinterest and buzzfeed.com

Wednesday 25 November 2015

SISTAAAS are doing it for themselves

2015 was definitely the year of the sister.

Not that sisters haven't always and will always be the best thing evaaa (shout out to my own two lovely ladies) but this year saw fashion become obsessed with them. And rightly so. I mean what's better than one person with a ridiculously good gene pool? Two. That's just maths. 



But I also particularly enjoyed fashion's latest obsession because. for me, it was really nice just to see pictures of strong sexy ladies hanging out together rather than said ladies being draped over a man or staring at a handbag. I think it said something about society right now and how people are starting to think of feminism as a lot more, not only appropriate (which it obvs should be) but also necessary, to talk about. 

These fashion campaigns using the genetically blessed sisters didn't just make me endlessly jealous, but also inspired and empowered and reminded me that girls are just bloody ace. The Spice Girls proved it first that there's nothing like a group of independent women (preferably in kick ass poses) to remind us all that girls are strong, particularly when together. GIRL POWER. 


Also, btw, boys are nice too but there wasn't many brother campaigns this year, sorry. Maybe 2016. In fact, if any brothers want their picture taken I am more than willing to lend a hand. 


Photograph- fashionista.com

Sunday 22 November 2015

Something Like Happiness

On Wednesday night London-reared band The Maccabees started their 'Marks to Prove It' tour, playing their first date in Nottingham's very own Rock City. So, I dragged myself out of the comfort of my single bed and braved hurricane Barney (finding a both hurricane and gig appropriate outfit is a surprisingly hard challenge by the way) to catch Orlando Weeks and co. in action. 


                                The Maccabees performing Something like Happiness on 'Later with Jools Holland'

Being 5ft 3, gigs for me are normally spent dancing to my favourite songs whilst enjoying the view of a balding man's head. If I'm lucky I can sometimes catch a glimpse of the band through a half drunk beer cup or the screen of someone's phone. But it was on Wednesday, as I was desperately straining to see the band, that I realised that the person I really wanted to witness in action was lead singer, Orlando Weeks. And that got me thinking, what is it about a lead singer, and in particular their style, that is so irresistible?

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a drummer, and I like a bass player as much as the next girl but it's undeniable that there's something about lead singers. Alexa Chung herself admitted to only ever having dated the lead singers of rock bands. They're often elusive creatures, with a Midas touch making everything they touch turn to cool. Let's call it the Mick Jagger effect. And Weeks doesn't disappoint. 

I'm not sure if the first time they stand in front of a microphone lead singers are presented with some sort of bible on effortless style but they generally nail it every time. Since first emerging in late 2006, Weeks' style has evolved with his music, growing from parka-clad indie kid to his all black and denim uniform of today. And like so many of his kind, Weeks' has perfected the formula for always looking good. The combination of attention to detail (see the hoop earring, the buttoning of his shirt) whilst still maintaining his air of nonchalance is enviable; the best rock stars will always make you question whether or not they have just rolled out of bed or a bar.

http://fashionfinder.asos.com/
But does it really matter what a lead singer wears? Or will whatever the latest rock star comes out on stage in just always look good? Let's face it someone is always going to look approximately 90% cooler holding a guitar. 

But, in my opinion, a rock star's not doing it right unless everybody else wants to look like them. And that includes girls. My obsession with musicians and their style is not just part of a romantic day dream (of course it partly is, call me any time Orlando). I want to wear what they wear. Is that weird? I've recently realised is the best indication for if I fancy someone, famous or not, is if I'm dressing exactly like them...

Maybe it is just me, though. 



Unexpected Style Heroes: Jo Brand

Jo Brand is a bloody legend. And it's not just because of her impressive comedy skills, feminist politics or the fact that she hosts Great British Bake Off's An Extra Slice (which you've gotta admit is a big plus though). She has got style.



Her signature head scarfs inspire me to whip mine out of the cupboard and attempt to pull of said look for the 30th time every time I see her on my telly screen, and her ever changing hair colour reminds us that pink hair will always be cool. But possibly the most stylish thing about Jo Brand is how apparent she makes it that she dresses to please nobody but herself, which is exactly the way it should be. Here's to always channelling our inner Jo Brand, bringing our head scarfs out of the cupboard, and never dressing for boys!

Friday 13 November 2015

The Perils of Internet Shopping

Order confirmed. The scariest combination of two words in the English language loom at me from my computer screen.

I, like many of us out there, have fallen victim to the perils of internet shopping. The internet, aside from ya know, being one of the most influential inventions of the 20th century and revolutionising modern society or whatevs, has been pretty disastrous for me and my shopping habits. I'm on first name terms with the local Hermes courier. Topshop, ASOS and Zara all know my bank account details. And before I moved to uni I was actually on an internet shopping ban. You name it, I've bought it online. Clothes, check, perfume, check, ice-cream maker (wait, what?!) check.


The thing is with internet shopping is that it's so impersonal, so distant, that I can fool myself into thinking that I'm not actually spending any money. It's easy enough to convince myself that it's actually just an elaborate game of Sims and it's Mary from Pleasantville who is buying a pair of leopard print loafers in a size too small (because hey they might fit) and not me.

And moving to uni has only enabled my dangerous habit. No more questions from my mum about why yet ANOTHER parcel has arrived for me and what's in it and Emma, why exactly do you need a polkadot fur pashmina. No, I don't get that from Andy and Bill. Ahh, lovely Andy and Bill the receptionists at my halls. They don't ask silly questions, they understand. No looks of disapproval and judgement from them as I go to collect my third parcel in a week. The only looks of disapproval I get now are from myself when I open my bank statement and take a long look at myself in the mirror.

So I'm going to try and cut down (she says, already accepting the futility of her efforts.) Next time Zara email me, enticing me in with their promise of discount and free delivery I will be strong. I will channel my energy into something more productive like charity work or cleaning my room or ok maybe I'll just eat some chocolate instead.



(Before the time of going to press, the author DID receive an email offering such a promotion and managed to successfully restrain herself... for now. Then celebrated with a cup of tea and a biscuit, obvs.)

Friday 6 November 2015

Pyjamas Are The Best Thing Ever.

And good news- they're coming to a high street near you! 

So everyone already knows pyjamas are the best thing ever right?? Don't they? If not, why don't they? How could anyone think anything was any better than beautiful comfortable clothes designed specifically for the greatest hobby of all time- napping?


I don't have time for people who say they sleep in just an old top or some pants. And don't get me started on those who say they sleep naked. Leave it out Marilyn- take off your Chanel No. 5 and get a nice pair of fluffy pyjamas adorned with squirrels/deers/insert other woodland creature here and I can guarantee you'll be a lot happier. 


My passion for pyjamas has been going a long time and although pink zebra print ones will always have a place in my heart, and my wardrobe, pyjamas are upping their game. And there is a whole new market designated to luxury sleepwear. These new pyjamas are now so good that people are even wearing them out... Yes, like actually making a conscious decision to do so, not just like in that nightmare you had that time where you turned up to work still wearing your old Minnie Mouse nighty. 



Look at her, she looks happy- that's because she didn't even have to get dressed today and still looks great!
(NB not everyone may look this good in pyjamas)

My only problem with this is that generally those wearing said pyjamas are gamine beauties attending red carpet events. So my initial excitement for an excuse to wear my lounge wear out of the house was replaced by worry for how well this would actually work in the real world. Bear in mind I'm still hoping that a male may one day enter my life, if only to put a stop to the questions of whether I am a lesbian from my mother. But is it really possible for a chubby 5ft4 girl to pull a boy whilst wearing pyjamas? This Christmas I'm hoping to get my hands on a pair so I can test this out once and for all. Watch out boys of my hometown, I'm coming for you, and I am going to be looking... comfortable. 


Photograph- asos.com

Sunday 1 November 2015

Fashion Loves Androgyny




And so do I. Probably another reason why I am eternally single is my constant need to dress like a man. I say man, my look of choice is normally more like an 8 year old boy.

Seriously, fashion loves it though. Oh yeah, good old fash can't get enough of a woman in man's clothes. Or, a man that looks like a woman. Lady with side burns? We'll have her. Man in high heels? Good to go. But this isn't a new thing. Fashion has been obsessed with androgyny for years. 

It was Marlene Dietrich who first proved that there's nothing as sexy as a woman in a man's suit and since then fashion hasn't looked back. From Kate Moss' androgynous figure in 90s Calvin Klein ads, to every shot ACNE studios produces today, the trend lives on. Eternal queen of androgyny Chloe Sevigny proves time and time again that androgyny is sexy, so I'm just going to keep wearing this look until the mass population agree.