No Flour. No Sugar. 2 Weeks.

Ok so without wanting to bore you guys with a 'standard' diet blog post - you know, the ones usually consisting of an individuals expression of hatred towards their body through posting their new extreme, and ridiculous diets for the world to see. BUT not to fret, I am certainly not going to do that. Instead I am proposing to you a challenge I am setting myself in order to feel body confident before jetting off to Benicassim festival in less than 16 beautiful days!


I will be following the No Flour, No Sugar Diet - a weight-loss program developed by medical practitioner and health columnist Dr Peter Gott. His best-selling book of the same name shows how to reduce calories in your diet by eliminating flour-based and added-sugar foods.

After thousands of his patients and readers asked him for an easy, effective weight-loss plan, Dr. Gott developed the “no sugar, no flour” concept, and so a book was born.

So again without boring you with the science behind such theory, it is no surprise that by cutting out sugary foods and carbs I will be entering into a more calorie friendly daily intake. I'll be the first to admit I tried it before and a week in was close to killing the man on the train with a packet of Jelly Belly. BUT thats just it, I don't want a jelly belly and therefore I WILL NOT FAIL. 

Instead I have a delightful, varied and exciting meal plan ahead. Let me share it with you!

Breakfast - 30g Rice Crispies and skimmed milk.

Lunch - Chicken/tuna/prawn salad - minus the dressing.

Dinner - Chicken breast/fish with low calorie vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. In other words NO sweetcorn. I can't believe I am actually thinking that three days in I will miss the small yellow beaming veg in the same way as chocolate. 

Drink - water.

So there it is.. I told you it was exciting and varied :)

Lets be honest I'm not going to be eating exactly that for 2 weeks, but choices such as sweetener in my coffee as opposed to full on sugar will need to be made. And as for the no alcohol.. hmmm?? 

This whole idea is questionable and quite frankly a little insane - but if theres even the smallest chance I can loose a few pounds before baring all on that beach, I'm not going to miss it! OH and indulging in cheese and wine an hour ago was one of THE best experiences I have ever had knowing that tomorrow I'd be stupid to even question opening the fridge unless its for my greens.. on a more selfish note I do believe that in me posting this I simply cannot go back on my word, nor cheat, but surely that just counts as added motivation?

Wish me luck!!

Lula's Hula in Pictures. Alohaaaaa!!

So as I seem to be on an absolute blogging hype at present, I thought I'd share with you a certain epic night recently had by all!

Miss Jeane Louise Faure FINALLY joined us all in the world of adulthood.. gracing us with a Hawaiian themed shindig in celebration of her 21st birthday!

In all honesty I was pretty chipper before the cake had even been presented, no thanks to the lush but lethal punch! The evening went a little like this.

Setting up time. Banners, balloons, inflatable monkeys, bunting and a sofa to move. Thats right boys.. a sofa to MOVE. 6 men and a sofa - unfortunately I did not get photographic evidence of these same six attempting to get a double sofa out of the house and into the garage, via the walk way door. But the rest is captured below. Enjoy.

A cake to bake and make..

Decorations to be placed..

Costumes to complete..

add some coconuts..

some serious loving..

and the Oxford Brooke's babes..

LED balloons..

some tents and a pool..

some cheeky tricks..

some gaffe tape..

And you get.. 

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY LOUISE!! 

ALOHAAAAA

You know you're in trouble when you read a book about yourself. BIG trouble.

So this is where it all went wrong. I came home from Uni, clambered up the stairs, dramatically lugging my case behind me, in a bid to gesture some help from my brother who is standing, and in fact laughing at my feeble attempt. Swinging my bedroom door open, I find my mum has left me a book that she feels I will like - bare this in mind, she has already read this book, cover to cover.

It's not secret that the most intellectual reading I do comes from Cosmo, or a chick flick that can consume my mind for a series of several hours at a time. I love reading and adore writing, but both of these usually spur from a light hearted, comical source. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' aside, I'd rather just read mush where a happy ending is always included in the small print.

I'm not doubting Danielle Steel as a writer, nor her ability to mix romance with powerful cultural issues. BUT I somewhat resent this book of hers taking up space on my desk at this particular moment in time. Here's why..

Title: Big Girl

Blurb: For Victoria, growing up isn't a happy experience, (Ok so that's a little unfair of me to compare to). Born to picture-perfect parents, she never feels pretty enough to meet their expectations. But when her parent's have a second child, Victoria is thrilled. (So lets just role reverse this and say I was born first, sorry Matt!) And since this child is the image of them, her parents finally have the perfect child they always wanted. Meanwhile, Victoria still never seems to get it quite right - she battles with her weight (understatement of the year!), she's told she'll never find a man if she's too clever, (I'm told I'll never find a man full stop), and the one career she feels passionate about her parents don't approve of, (there's no money in it!).

And so Victoria decides to move to New York to fulfil her dreams and escape her family. (Excellent choice on my part) Though her new life is exciting, the old temptations remain, and she continues to wage war with the scales, (greaaaat, looks like the scales are going to be my enemy for longer than I anticipated!). 


Mums statement of "This made a good read, she reminded me of someone very much" was the ultimate insult and has in fact left me turning the pages faster than ever. I'm half way through and intend to discover whether or not I do eventually drop a stone.. and find a man.

In the words of my character
"Watch out, world. Here I come!"


Thanks mum. Love you too! x

My attempt at Sports Journalism.. Harlequins vs. Stade Francais

So here it is, a glance into the world of Sports Journalism via a fashion dedicated blog. I must admit, on first attempt it appears harder than it reads! In order not to bore those who really couldn't care less about rugby, I've included my own Bridget take on the game.

Amlin Challenge Cup Final

Harlequins vs. Stade Francais

Cardiff 2011

Harlequins snatch a dramatic victory: 19-18

Friday the 20th May saw Harlequins and Stade Francais battle it out in the Amlin Challenge Cup Final. Ending the season on a high, it was of course Harlequins that held the cup in the centre of the Cardiff City Stadium, assuring them of Heineken Cup rugby next year. Unexpected victors over Munster, Harlequins were the favourites to win after playing some sublime rugby this year, and they certainly didn't fall at the last hurdle. 

So we're in the car on the way to Cardiff. An hour in I standardly get bored and suggest an all time childhood favourite game of Eye Spy. BIG MISTAKE. This only leads to new found *intelligence within the car. By intelligence, I mean *stupidity. This stupidity is followed by dire attempts to pronounce the Welsh language and remain completely oblivious when crossing the Cardiff Bridge. 

Anyway, we arrive at the game to see flashes of pink among the sea of green and brown shirts around the stadium. It's not long before it becomes clear that these are jolly French supporters dressed entirely in Barbies signature colour, accompanied by glittery wigs and candy umbrellas. This only spurs us five on in a bid to settle the domestic with the French. Of course, this game is not like football. The word Hooligan does not even come into it. Instead, such rivaling consists of a joint visit to the bar.

5 minutes before kick-off and we have befriended a group of VERY intoxicated Romanian men, so flushed from Carling it's difficult to establish their pink shirts from their round faces. We part and take to our seats.

It is not long before the Quins score their first penalty, despite a strong start from the French. It is of course none other than Nick Evans who is to congratulate. After recovering from the knock he picked up against Munster earlier in the season, he proudly takes his place on the pitch in the starting line up alongside Danny Care at halfback. WHAT a duo in both talent and easiness on the eye :)

10 minutes in sees the French picking up their first penalty also. Warm up's over boys, let the game begin.. 

Ok so I've sat down and thought about this but I just can't see me reliving every try/conversion/penalty or drop-goal that occurred throughout the exhilarating 90 minutes. And therefore have decided to take you straight to half time, the current score being.. 

HALF-TIME: HARLEQUINS 9-6 STADE FRANCAIS

This is also the time for more beer, chanting and of course the famous Mexican Wave that comes with any stadium crowd.

Now, it's no secret that loo breaks at half time are a little more than hectic. Especially for us girls that end up missing ten minutes of the second half because there is a queue coming close to the length of the Great Wall. I make it back just 2 minutes in. The score currently at a stand still.

It was the second half that saw blood, sweat and tears - but none of the fake kind. Evans's place in Heineken Cup history was assured when he hobbled back on to The Stoop after a fake blood substitution 2 years ago in what became the most shameful event in the history of the tournament.

Stade's points came from 4 penalties and 2 drop goals. Quins were typically animated from the start, running the ball from anywhere and everywhere, but like Stade they committed unforced errors and execution did not match ambition.

It was a 77th minute conversion from man of the match Nick Evans, following a last-gasp try from winger Gonzalo Camacho, saw the Premiership side edge out their French rivals and complete a hat-trick of victories in the competition.

Stade Francais were looking for their first European triumph. Unfortunately they did not find it.

I have to say witnessing all of this from Cardiff air really was something spectacular. Flags galore, fireworks and hearing nothing but the chant of overwhelmed fans "Come all without, come all within, you'll not see nothing like the Mighty Quins!" only adds to the list of reasons as to why I refused to take off my shirt for a few days after.

And as for the Sports Journalism part.. I think I'll stick to fashion.. and just watching the game. 

Mulberry turns 40

“What I love doing is making gorgeous things that women want.”

Mulberry creative director Emma Hill

 That’s right, the forever-famous brand Mulberry will be celebrating its 40^th birthday later on this year, much to the public’s delight. So how has this high end luxury brand defied the current recession?

Mulberry was born in the early 1970’s in a garage in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, and has remained the public’s favourite for all these years after. Founder, Roger Saul, set up the company with the £500 he inherited on his 21^st birthday. Since then, this small-scale company has grown over the years to produce alluring and luxurious bags for all to enjoy.

However, it is no secret that these little ‘bags of fun’ come at a price. With a typical price tag for a Mulberry handbag starting at a costly £600, it’s a surprise sales haven’t been dented considering the current recession. Yet in spite of this, Mulberry sales have in fact risen with pre-tax profits for the brand jumping by 207% from £1.5m to £4.7m.

Beating competition such as Burberry, Pringle of Scotland and Victoria Beckham in winning designer brand of the year in 2010, Mulberry has since gone on to thrive in all of its endeavors. Designer, Emma Hill, being none other than accountable.

Designer handbags have historically been of French or Italian heritage, though Mulberry proudly celebrates its Englishness. What is intelligent about the brand is that the Britishness it embraces is not a twee, traditional version, instead one that embraces contradictions and quirks. Mulberry invests its money and employees in fashion week parties that have become most iconic in the industry. This association with fun has had a colossal affect on how consumers perceive the bags, leaving sales at a constant all time high – much like the guests at such parties.

The Alexa, which is of course named after and inspired by modern British fashion icon, Alexa Chung, has been causing a stir since its launch at Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Week. Being one of the “celebrities” of the Mulberry world in having a named bag, T.V presenter Chung is responsible for the Bayswater bag, a kind of hybrid of a traditional English doctor’s satchel.  All Mulberry bags come in different shapes and sizes to appeal to a variety of customers. Tiny, doll-sized Alexa bags have been seen on the dance floors of Paris, larger ones stuffed with baby essentials among the school-run mums. The Alexa has made the biggest impact in comparison to that of any other Mulberry bag to date.

It seems the Mulberry customer is buying the bag for their inherent value and usability – not just for its name.  And these beauties aren’t just to be enjoyed by woman. 2010 saw ‘man bags’ flying off the shelves, the Mulberry brand being no exception. With a range of messenger bags, brief cases, gym bags and holdall’s on sale for men, Mulberry has dramatically expanded its sales.

Going that one step further than most bag brands, it is celebrating its success in launching a new womenswear range of clothing, equally as high end as the bags. Not only are quirky dresses and jackets available, but women’s best friend to the bag… shoes! Now every woman can have her accessories matching from hand to toe… simply idyllic.

So Mulberry has avoided the recession with credit cards overpowering the credit crunch. Perhaps being one of the last remaining English indulgence brands out there is responsible for such success? Lets look forward to the new and exciting launches this year in collaboration with its 40^th Birthday bash!  

Grazia Review

Secret Diary of a Call Girl ****
Final Series

“Sexy secrets. Naughty boys. Wriggles, giggles and a touch of class. It’s been a great ride, now comes the climax..”

Belle is back and she’s raunchier than ever. Hitting our screens in the 4^th and final edition of the forever-popular T.V series, Billie Piper shares with us yet more secrets on Belle’s life as a high-class call girl working in London.

ITV2’s hooker-with-a-heart drama, written by Lucy Prebble, will reach its climax on March 22 at 9pm.

Based on the book “The Intimate Adventures of a London Call Girl” the series finale draws to a close the witty diary entries of the woman herself, Belle de Jour, and we see the decision Belle makes between love and the love of her career.

To her friends she is Hannah, a legal secretary clocking in regular hours. To her clients, she is Belle, the answer to all their fantasies. Her challenge is to keep her two lives separate. Inevitably they begin to blur..

This time it’s not all seduction and sex, but the story of Belles loved ones, and their reaction to her lifestyle. Actor Iddo Goldberg who plays Ben, the best friend that is ultimately in love with a high-class prostitute, finally gets his wish to be with Hannah, but it doesn’t all run as smoothly as he’d hoped. With Stephanie in jail for her corrupt finances, Belle finds herself being an - albeit reluctant - Madam, whilst also becoming the unlikely guardian of Stephanie’s innocent 19 year old daughter, Poppy.

New character, Poppy, played by Lily James, pushes Ben and Hannah’s relationship to breaking point. Obsessed with Ben, she finds ways to manipulate herself into situations with him. Friction soon arises as the cracks in Hannah and Ben’s relationship become harder to fix. Hannah is addicted to her work, as Ben becomes less addicted to Hannah.

Furthermore, Belle’s ability to separate work from pleasure is tested when she meets an alluring and dangerous new client, Harry. Appealing to her wilder side, she goes beyond her job as an escort, adding to her vulnerability when the two men finally collide with each other.

A series of misunderstandings with loyal, loving Ben, the unraveling and corruption of ‘good girl’ Poppy, and the introduction of dangerous and alluring vice cop Harry, all force Belle to question who she really is and what she wants her future to be.

The season finale is that of a teary one, as all loose ends become tied up and we see just what future the London call girl chooses. Swiftly dealt with is the matter of Stephanie, played by actress Cherie Lunghi, who is cleared of solicitation by a Judge who, we are shown, she’s been soliciting after hours. Stephanie takes back her daughter, Poppy, leaving Hannah and Ben alone in their relationship for the very first time. Harry wants to take Belle of Ben’s hands, but whose hand does Belle want to hold?

It’s not long before Ben forces Hannah to choose between him and the job that she loves, unaware Harry lies somewhere within the mix. Accompanied by Adele’s heart felt hit single ‘Someone like you’ viewers witness an emotional and dramatic closing scene to what has been ITV2’s sexiest series to date.

Playdays

I don’t have a maternal bone in my body. Possibly a little harsh, and a little untrue.

I have a maternal bone; it’s just not very big? Slightly more accurate, yet I still sound like a demon.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, I like kids, I just don’t LOVE them. I’m not the girl cooing over the pram, pulling faces and talking in that cutesy voice in order to try and get a reaction from a 2 week old baby. When asked to hold a baby, more often than not, it will be at arms length, as if I’d just been passed a muddy football. Perhaps I just don’t trust myself.

That’s not to say I don’t enjoy my job as a play worker for a local afterschool/holiday club. In fact, since working there I’ve had the opportunity to see many a 5 year old and their wonderful ways of playing. It’s easy to forget just how naïve and innocent you are at such an age, and how in reality something that doesn’t even matter seems like the biggest thing in the world.

It brings back memories of the hours I used to spend in the garden collecting cheesey bobs (yes, that IS what they’re called) or insisting on styling the babysitters hair when playing hairdressers – no matter how much pain would be inflicted on her, and the hours it would take for her to be free of my ‘fabulous’ creation.

That being said, a child’s intuition is usually right. When referred to as “rubbish” when helping with the lego, it typically means you need more practise at piecing those multi-coloured bricks together. A task that for a 21 year old, you’d think would be a breeze.. apparently not.

As a teacher you can go from being the class favourite to the devil in a matter of seconds, depending on how many sweets you have in your hand, or how long you’re prepared to carry numerous children on your shoulders for. Note to self, beating their famous skipping score does not bode well with a tired and irritable little girl! But you know you’ve done a good job when there’s hugs all round and smiley, not tearful faces.

I’ve always found it difficult to sugar coat in regards to those niggling children’s questions you know you’ll have to face one day. I’m sorry but the birds and the bees don’t work for me. Not to worry though, at no point would I dare consider informing them of the actual scenario. When it comes to “where do babies come from?” my answer always remains the same, “Ask your dad.”

However, when asked a question from the adult side of the spectrum such as “do you want kids?” I never quite know what to say, and never quite know why. If I’m honest, I’m not a fan of kids being places they shouldn’t. A recent experience of my dad cheering for the team at a rugby match and making the baby in front cry, didn’t move me. I mean, who takes a child that’s been on earth only a year to an environment full of loud, merry, cheering supporters in a stadium holding just over 50,000 people? Exactly.

I’ve never looked in the mirror and thought, ‘you look like a mum,’ but I have looked and thought, there was a moment you thought you never could be a mum. And that’s a scary thought to have. At that point, every pram and every child’s cry becomes an obsession, bringing the upturned feeling in your stomach you get when dread is implanted into your body. When you think you can’t have something, you always want it ten times more. I suppose that’s our child psyche coming back out to play. I can’t really imagine life without kids, I just think it’s a ridiculous question to ask someone who’s yet to graduate.

Lets be honest I know that if I were to be deluded enough to inflict motherhood on some poor unbeknown child, I know just how many, their sexes, how far apart in years they would be and both their names. Although as my brother often states: “you need to find a man first!”

SO little terrors, in order to make a better play worker and be rewarded with smiles, not tears:

I promise not to hold you like a football.

I promise to brush up on my lego skills.

And I promise to keep the hairstyle you’ve just created with my locks for at least an hour afterwards – despite the pain deconstructing this tangled mess will bring.

As for the skipping, I can’t promise not to jump one higher.. but I’ll be sure to tell you it was one lower than yours. After all, if you can't say something nice - don't say anything at all!!

Happy playdays

A Girls Guide to Rugby

It’s a known fact that rugby is a little like marmite. You either love it.. or you hate it. The most likely reason for hating it, no doubt has something to do with loving the complete opposite sport.. football. Ok so that’s all a little confusing. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I have always loved marmite on my toast, and therefore rugby it is!

I’m not denying the talent footballers possess when bending it like Beckham and dribbling all over the pitch. And I’m not denying the fact some fans are quite literally dribbling all over the toned bodies revealed when shirts are removed at the end of a game, often following a victory. BUT what is it that makes Rugby the clear winner for me you ask? It may have something to do with not grasping the offside rule, despite numerous attempts by boyfriends via the tomato ketchup and vinegar bottles after an evening meal. 

All jokes aside about rugby being the game for “gays,” it in fact revolves around strong, talented individuals who are determined to drive that ball over the try line no matter who gets in their way. After being brought up in a household where visits to Twickenham and grounds alike are as regular as trips to the supermarket, I hold much respect for those men getting out there and getting dirty in order to bring home a try. Unfortunately after enduring lessons as a child in the ‘under sevens’ team, I decided ballet and remaining mud free was actually for me, as opposed to countless manic seven-year-old boys wrestling with you in order to give up the ball. From then on I’ve watched my dad and brother from the sidelines, and been quite content in doing just that.

At the height of the Six Nations this is no doubt the most exciting time for all rugby fanatics. With the competition rising, so is the pressure for each and every player, in particular those playing for England. England’s date with destiny will be the final game of the championship this weekend when they take on Ireland, the team that have one won six of the past seven Tests between the two sides. 2003 saw England clinch a Grand Slam with an impressive 42-6 win over Ireland, but can they do it again in Dublin in the final part of what has been a fantastic sporting event for them?

I’m not going to lie, if they play anything like they did on the 12^h February against Italy.. then it’s a sure bet. Witnessing the 59-13 triumph from Twickenham air was an experience I’ll never forget. Sitting next to the Italian girlfriend of an England supporter is also something that will stay with me for a long time to come, especially her reaction when the whistle was blown, and the future of their relationship fell under serious jeopardy! Flood was on form as ever, with conversations coming as easy to him as us fans found cheering for each converstion made. Other favourite players, Wilkinson and Care, found their feet as England made a raft of replacements, and ultimately concluded in Italy’s defeat.

So back to the debate of which sport rules the pitch.. it is what happens off the pitch that is equally important, and therefore I believe this to be another advantage rugby has over football. Despite the exception, in general, rugby fans hold a high reputation for taking games in their stride, with the word ‘hooligan’ often falling after that of the word ‘football.’  It is not unusual to hear of football fans being trampled down after an unwanted result by an extremely competitive fan based side.

Both being contact sports, it is also the players that appear to suffer through foul play and bad sportsmanship. Yet is it a fair statement to make that one of these two sports inflicts much more pain and angst on its players? Scrums and tackles find rugby players being battered and bruised, although this abides by the rules of the game. Kicking up a storm in the mud is not quite a footballers idea of kicking a ball. Scoring a goal untouched is the idyllic game for any Wayne Rooney, and with the average footballer earning enough for numerous cosmetic surgery procedures a week, it is in fact those that play rugby whose play comes at a price. Broken noses and the famous ‘cauliflower ears’ are just some painful trophies that these ‘rugger buggers’ famously endure, in comparison to the gold studded boots and associated with Becks and his pecks.

The controversy between whether football or rugby should take to the top will never cease, but for now, lets just enjoy those men in shorts.. what ever shape ball their playing with!

“Clothes Have No Sex”

It is fashion, not biology that defines us..

That feeling of androgyny finds us all in the fashion world. Despite the actual fact of our gender, whether we are male or female, we attach other characteristics to the experience we believe should coincide with it, clothing being no exception. This becomes our gender 'identity,’ but what if we want a mix between the two?

It is fair to say a lot of controversy comes with the word ‘Transgender.’ This may have something to do with the fact that not everyone is entirely sure of its definition, and the unfair stigma that surrounds those believing they were born into the wrong body.

Some argue having a gender identity is not only unavoidable, but a necessary stage in our development. Others state it can restrict our ability to be ourselves, often having an impact on our perception, in this, giving us a stereotype. It is an accurate statement that gender identity solely comes down to fashion, or at least in the respect that clothing holds the key to the gender we want to be identified with.

It is not uncommon to walk down the street and see those that are difficult to associate as either male or female, due to the items they have chosen to wear. I myself sometimes prefer to browse in Topman, rather than Topshop, for that oversized hoody you want for either lounging around in sofa-style, or to run in when you’re feeling that little but more productive. It is fashion, not biology that should define us. In the words of Lionel Vermeil “Clothes have no sex.”

We, as women, are often taught to celebrate our bodies, dressing them in a way to suit our shape. It would be deemed fashion suicide for a curvaceous girl to cover up in a frumpy jumper, as this is considered both unflattering and unfeminine. But with more and more fashion lines releasing items usually associated with the opposite sex, no wonder it all gets a little confusing. 2010 saw man bags flying off the shelves for all the wrong, and right, reasons.

Yet it remains unacceptable for a guy to bare all in lingerie and heels when they decide they prefer to present themselves in a more feminine light. Is it because he is not in fact female by outer biology, or because women feel threatened by this sexually confident individual imitating woman and their ‘assets?’  The real question posed is whether we should doubt someones sexuality based merely on the clothes they choose to present themselves in. With idols such as Nick Rhodes remaining the most feminine straight man in pop 33 years after he co-founded Duran Duran, and Marc Jacobs presenting a camp epicene spring collection on androgynously styled girls for Louis Vuitton, the answer should really be no.

Last week ‘Love’ magazine released their fifth issue titled ‘The Androgyny Issue.’ Gracing the cover was model Kate Moss captured in an intimate pose with famous transgender phenomenon Lea T, an immediate eye catcher for any fashionista who loves ‘Love.’ As the public face of Givenchy through modeling and its advertising campaign, Lea T has kicked up a media storm ever since her reveal as transgender. Lea T's andogynous looks have caught the attention of the fashion world after Riccardo Tisci spotted potential in his young assistant. Lea, born Leandro Cerezo, the son of football player Toninho Cerezo, first discovered her transsexuality when Tisci encouraged her to attend a party wearing high heels.

Katie Grand, editor of the successful bi-annual magazine states: “Glamour, flamboyance, decadence; hair, clothes and make-up, all exaggerated and souffléd up to a rousing crescendo of excess, creating a glorious sense of artifice that entrances the beholder so much more profoundly than the matter of the gender of the person beneath it all.”

She really is a storm in a T cup..

Cupids Crash

Ok so with tomorrow being.. well.. THE DAY, it's no surprise the build up has been bigger than ever. I, like many singletons, am VERY aware of just what THE DAY is.. and exactly what emotion it holds.

I'm talking anything from big red heart balloons and giant white teddy bears, to the stencil us at Costa will be using for cappuccino dusting.. it is of course none other than Valentines Day!!

By definition, this day represents a time for you and your one and only spend time doing things you love together, showing each other just how much you care. Gifts are exchanged, along with cards that are to be kept and treasured for years to come.. thank god I'm working all day!

Don't get me wrong, I'm no cynic - if Cupid had been kind enough to point his bow in my direction previous to such a day.. I wouldn't even be sharing this post with you. For all the happy couples out there, I hope you do all of the above, just watch out for the bitter Barista ready to 'spill' coffee down anyone who orders ONE dessert and requests TWO spoons.

Most years, I've been mature enough to get the wine and takeaway in with the girlfriends.. and then some more wine, until our passing out chant becomes "It is JUST February the 14th. It is JUST another (enter the appropriate day of the week)!"

This year however, I think it will be me, tons of ice cream, and my bed.. one spoon only style :)

Oh.. and Cupid??
I'm sure you'll shoot that bow sometime soon, but until then
I'll give tomorrow a miss..

A trip down memory lane. Stiletto's cause this trip.

Pop Magazine, Issue 21, Autumn Winter

Tavi Gevinson

“In many ways Tavi Gevinson is your typical 13-year-old girl. She cares about fashion, loves to gossip with her friends, and does her homework after school."

 Dasha Zhukova - Pop magazine

This fashion series differs from that usually featured in Pop magazine. The model being 13-year-old Tavi Gevinson, the new and upcoming fashion inspiration. This particular shoot tells an enchanting story every woman can relate to. The days we experimented with our mothers make-up: lipstick around mouths, hands hidden under oversized coats, just to spend a moment in her shoes.. quite literally. Looking in the mirror and seeing a beautiful ‘grown-up,’ the harsh reality being a face covered in black, pink and red.. a little girls instant give-away to touching things she shouldn’t. Photographer Jamie Morgan has captured this memory beautifully. Tavi is shot in awkward positions, as if attempting to balance in the large platforms that swamp her feet. A channel bag flung over her arm with the long jeweled gloves that decorate them - she looks sophisticated, wise, and yet innocent at the same time.

Another image also portrays the want to ‘grow up,’ although is done through a varying style. Tavi appears the norm of a girl her age with simple clothing and minimal make-up. However, this time a glamorous heel is placed upon her head. An unusual composition for a fashion shot, but in having her eyes shut, it gives the impression she is wishing for such an item and all that is symbolic to it.

With short hair and a boyish figure, when dressed in a helmet and simple jumper, Tavi’s gender becomes difficult to establish. The photographer has added to the series through this particular image by creating another childhood memory, this time belonging to a boy. The printed text ‘BOY’ across the garment is a deliberate way to expose a possible emotion belonging to the model and provoke a reaction from the viewer.

The story is told within a studio, simple lighting and backdrops are used in order to draw attention to the props and accessories. These after all, are, and should be, the main focus. 

The future is Kitsch

"Kitsch pretends to demand nothing of its customers except their money -- not even their time" - Clement Greenberg

A quote that is no stranger to this blog.. and as you all know my love for kitsch is also no stranger to this blog. So its no surprise to hear that when given a Magazine Photography brief including the words 'future fashion,' I jumped at the chance to photograph my housemate in all things bright and exaggerated..

Lets hear it for NEW YORKKKKK!!

I say 'New York' and what do you think of?
I feel confident enough to predict its one of the following..

The Big Apple, Yellow taxi, Empire Estate, Macy's, F.R.I.E.N.D.S, Time Square.. no?
Lucky Charms perhaps.. ?

It's famously known as 'The City that never sleeps,' and I now know why. After having the fantastic opportunity of jetting out there last December, I was able to see the hectic lifestyle that comes with being  a New Yorker, and the magic that happens around such a festive time!

However, this IS me we are talking about and as previous posts demonstrate, I don't always make things easy for myself. Next time I'm shopping in Duty Free and 'last boarding call for New York gate 17' is announced, I refuse to have security called on me.. although I have always wanted to run through an airport film-style :)

So as you can guess, I made the plane and had the pleasure of flying with Virgin. In fairness, as flights go, this one was pretty fantastic - compact television centers, spacious seating and choc ices all make for a good flight. Especially when you miss say choc ice for a loo break, ring your emergency bell and get brought not one, but TWO!

Back to the Big Apple.

In respect, America has never been top on my list of 'places to visit.' I never wanted to get dragged into the world of the L.A skinny, or the opposite extreme, being the addict to supersize MacDonalds. It's clear now these are unfair stereotypes and I can safely say my views have dramatically changed. Not only did I love its fast pace, but the adrenaline endured when racing from block to block having absolutely no idea which avenue you need to reach for particular destinations. I want to live there - with pancakes at 3am being the norm and a celebrity around almost every corner.. what's not to like!?

Although four days isn't exactly a huge amount of time to explore such a HUGE place, we managed to cram a lot of things into our adventure.. The Empire Estate, SATC tour, Yankees stadium tour, Time Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, FIT exhibition, Madison Square Gardens, not forgetting the emotional visit to Ground Zero.

I'd like to think this adventure has given me more knowledge, if only a little, into the world out there I am yet to explore. I hope to go traveling after my degree with NY definitely now making the top of the list! Hey, I may even wear my 'I <3 NY' jumper and see how many more policeman I can get to give me directions.

The Big 21 and the even bigger "Happily ever after"

Ok so yet again I have found myself lacking on the posting front, and with SO many exciting experiences I have had recently, I'm disappointed in myself not to have shared them with you. Its no understatement to say the end of 2010 was packed FULL of hectic-ness for me. The big 21 and New York being the main two, and obviously what with Christmas happening around the same time, I just never seemed to find a moment to myself.

WELL, you guys are in for a treat as the next few posts are going to take you through all of the above! (However, for those of you who click the 'Close' button in the top left corner of your screens right now, I do not blame, nor judge you..) I mean, I do have a tendency to rant on a little, but for me, Christmas celebrations and birthday bashes are without a doubt worth ranting about, story time style!

"There once lived a girl who at the age of twenty loved anything pink, anything loud, and anything alcoholic!"

So it was no surprise when opening my birthday card from the brother and finding his own interpretation of a 'loving memorable' card to give to his little sister the day she becomes an 'adult.'

See below:

To be fair.. his creative skills have to be valued, and labelled 'accurate' if anything :)

"She was fortunate enough to receive a few surprises on her coming of age."

What other wonders did I receive you ask? Well not only was I graced with a lush family meal, night on the town with everybody whose anybody, and several rounds of PINK bubbly, I was lucky enough to get some things in the form of small boxes. And as we all know, all the best things come in small packages..

The Jack Wills Fyfield starprint leggings are a personal fave, along with the beautiful charm that accompanies my Hot Diamonds bracelet, courtesy of the housies. OH and lets not forget those invaluable dollars for the up and coming trip to NYC! (We'll come to that later).

All in all, a perfect 21st. Thanks for all the lovely birthday messages, and thanks to that particular someone who posted possibly THE most motivating message on my facebook wall. "Happy Birthday Tors! You're 21 now, actually time to sort your life out!"

And this is how I'd like my story to end..


"Happy Birthday Tors! You're 21 now, actually time to sort your life out!"


"And so.. she did.. and she lived happily ever after"


"THE END"


Whaaaaaaaaaat!? I never said it was going to be an epic novel or anything. Short, sweet and to the point. I only had a certain amount of time to blow out the candles after all.

No light decision to go blonde..

Ok so as I've mentioned to you before, I've always been a brunette longing for blonde locks, and it was this week I decided it was time to do something about it. With the help of a highlighting kit from good old Asda, and the patience of my lovely housie Becki, we completed a transformation..

After several previous attempts at doing this through hairdressers and their pricey price lists, I honestly think this home kit is the best yet!

Hope you like :)

If its true when they say "Blondes have more fun" then I'm very much looking forward to the next few weeks!