Monthly Archives: January 2011

Spring & Summer 2011 – Part One – Fashion Looks – Wear It Like You Know It! {Fashion}

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So here it is – the start of a fresh new year, with the fashion world upon us. For all you keen fashion lovers out there, prepare to be geared up for a wonderful selection of bright, uniformed, geometrics and an array of textures and bedazzling patterns. 2011 is indeed the year for dynamic fashion.

We see a variety of emerging and reinvented trends, year by year. This year makes a stand for some interesting themes.

Here’s a look into the Spring/Summer Key themes – Military meets Biker. Yes, the military style has been on the fashion scene for quite some time now, and even though this look is great; screaming versatility and can be worn on both a formal and casual basis, this year will highlight room for change.

Introducing the Biker/Motorcycle theme, I remember spying a biker jacket last year whilst strutting down the streets of Soho myself. This is a look that has been in the shadows of fashion since forever, and this year will be a crystal replacement to the military mode we are so used to. Quilted and zipped sleeves will also be a big look, with the added accessory of belts and shimmering bags to accompany. Alexander Wang and Balmain (a personal favourite) have a great range – for the more affordable take – be prepared to hoist River Island‘s asymmetric zip jacket – striking and edgy.

Punk Fashion – Again, this look has been in the mix of a la Rock meets Boy George, largely appealing through 2010. However and somewhat measured by the ‘crowd’ it is most suited to, probably because this look is one that is pretty hard to master, but continuously influential in the fashion world.

2011 will make an iconic stand in Punk Wear – more so in the way it will be experimented with, within other genres. Renowned brand Balmain are at the top of their league when it comes to this look – a real one to look out for – if you can configure the art of Punk to your wardrobe collection, you are doing pretty well! Think Chuck Taylor’s and Motorcycle boots! Treat yourself and take a trip down to Camden Lock and Soho, and be dazzled by the sheer range of punk enthused clothing – at a much more affordable price!

The 70’s Look – 70’s style is all about glamour, so it’s no wonder the striking geometrics and elegance of the bohemian look, are making such a comeback. Flowing dresses, silks and satins being prominent, creating a look of sophistication and feminine, earthy glamour. Faye Dunaway, Angelica Huston and Bianca Jagger are just a few examples of the range to this unique glamour.

The key to winning this style is confidence and boldness. Being experimental is a must. By day – sophisticated block patterns, deep colours. High waisted Wide Leg trousers, accompanied by cute, silk/satin blouses in lighter colours, rolled up sweaters and turtle necks – indeed a Farrah Fawcett look by day. For the evening – silks, satins and metallic patterns. Beautiful dresses with low neck cuts and sexy slits.

The 60’s Fashion Spot – 2011 makes a gateway for one of the most illustrated and sought after looks of all time. Be prepared for bright colours, fresh looking pastels, an array of florals and pinks. Check out Louis Vuitton and Jayson Brunsdon for inspiration. High waisted floral and checked skirts – pinstripe dresses in calming colours, high waisted belts in a multitude of reds, yellows and greens. Bold accessories which make for completion of this look will include heavy beads, 60’s cat-like glasses and sunglasses. Think Jacqueline Kennedy, Twiggy and Edie Sedgewick.

A Bug’s Life – Kafka’s ‘Metamorphosis’ set to emerge on big screen

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One of the great works of world literature that, surprisingly, has never made it to the big screen is Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, the story of travelling salesman Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed in his bed into a repulsive and verminous insect-like creature of human proportions.

Finally, nearly a century after it was written, Metamorphosis is being brought to cinema screens for the first time by London-based Attractive Features.

The film stars Maureen Lipman as the Mother, Robert Pugh as the Father, Laura Rees as the Sister and Chris New as Gregor Samsa.

Written in a three-week burst at the end of 1912, Kafka’s amazing novella has caught the imagination of generations of readers since its publication in 1915.

What started out as an intensely personal expression of self-doubt, self-disgust, despair, desperation and isolation, touched a universal chord – with Kafka’s private themes seen as symbolising the far wider political and social struggles of minority religions, cultures and movements.

The Freudians, Expressionists, Absurdists, Avant-Gardists, Existentialists, Marxists and Zionists all claimed him as their representative and spokesman.

Yet, apart from the various short films, animated versions and films loosely based on Kafka’s story, there have been only three airings of Metamorphosis on television over the years – a German production in 1975 (Die Verwandlung), a Swedish version in 1976 (Förvandlingen), and the 1987 television version by the BBC of Steven Berkoff’s brilliant theatre adaptation (The Metamorphosis) originally staged in 1969.

Director Chris Swanton said: “My overriding approach was to get the film as close to the original story as I could,” while Attractive Features added: “It is a difficult, even prohibitive undertaking to turn such an iconic and much-loved story into a feature film, but that is not good enough reason to shy away from the challenge.”

Filmed at Halliford Studios in Shepperton, the film is currently in post-production and will be doing the rounds at various film festivals later this year as the company hopes to secure the release deal that their weighty endeavour so richly deserves.

In the meantime, the teaser trailer can be seen on the film’s own website: www.metamorphosisthemovie.com.

Text reproduced and adapted from the Metamorphosis Facebook page and film website by kind permission of director Chris Swanton.

SKIERS HEAD TO SCOTLAND FOR BARGAIN BREAKS. {Travel}

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Scottish Independent Hostels are reporting a boost in visitor numbers, thanks to the early arrival of the white stuff!

All of Scotland’s ski centres are open, including Lecht, Glenshee and Cairngorm Mountain, with near-perfect skiing conditions – and as a result, lovers of snow sports are heading north and bunking up in nearby hostels.

For Ardenbeg Bunkhouse in the Cairngorms National Park, Christmas and New Year was extremely busy with no let-up in numbers over the coming weeks.

Rebecca Reid explains: “We have had a good number of bookings over the last few weeks, mainly for skiers looking to take advantage of the great conditions. Last year’s successful ski season and the bumper start to this year’s, has given snow lovers the confidence to make the trip to Scotland.”

Chase The Wild Goose Hostel in Banavie near Fort William is another perfect location for snowboarders and skiers.

Liz Fairclough from Chase the Wild Goose Hostel adds: “The benefits of hostel and bunkhouse accommodation is that it offers so much accommodation options, from en-suite family rooms, to the more traditional dorm-style sleeping arrangements. This works well for families and groups who like the relaxed environment and cost-effective catering, as well as the option to eat in local pubs and restaurants.”

Fraoch Lodge near Aviemore is within striking distance of the slopes, but also caters for other winter sports. The team offer guided walking tours, including a winter walking skills course.

For the more adventurous Fraoch Lodge also runs Snow Hole Expeditions during the winter months where participants help construct a communal snowhole. Once complete, Andy, the guide, cooks a three-course dinner by candlelight before bedding down for the night.

Andy enthused: “Nothing can compare to waking up in the absolute silence of a pristine winter wonderland bathed in the soft light of a Cairngorm dawn. It is truly magical!”

The Roy Bridge Hostel in Lochaber provides bunkhouse style accommodation at the budget price of £12.50 per person per night. It sleeps up to 28 people in private rooms for two, four or eight people. Just five miles from the Nevis Range, The Roy Bridge Hotel next-door serves bar meals daily and the friendly bar is open for après ski.

Andrew Donaldson, chair of Scottish Independent Hostels, concluded: “The year of austerity shouldn’t mean an end to holidays. A stay in a hostel is not only great value, it is also a great way to explore Scotland with friends or family. Our members offer so much individuality from collecting your own eggs for breakfast, to building a snow hole. The experiences are endless and all are star-rated by Visit Scotland.”

Details of all the hostels mentioned can be found on www.hostel-scotland.co.uk

Kiss offers Aspiring Presenters a once in a lifetime opportunity {Radio}

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Kiss and Blackberry are on the hunt for a new presenter and this time around, it’s not about who you know, but all about personality. The open auditions will tour shopping centres to find their “Chosen One”

Aspiring broadcasters will be given the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of current Kiss talent and former listeners Rickie, Melvin and Charlie, and get their voice heard by millions of listeners on the UK’s number one youth station.

Live auditions will be taking place in various shopping centres around London, kicking off at the Westfield complex on Saturday 15 January. It’s not about having DJ skills, a BRIT Award-winning singing voice or dance moves to put Diversity to shame to enter. All you need is the charisma and confidence to entertain the nation alongside some of the country’s leading radio personalities.

The Kiss Chosen One, Sponsored by BlackBerry will be the first time Kiss have held live, open auditions where members of the public will be able to win a hallowed spot on the award-winning Kiss presenting team.

Audition Dates:

Saturday 15 January: Westfield, White City
Saturday 22 January: Lakeside, Thurrock
Saturday 29 January: Whitgift Centre, Croydon
Saturday 5 February: Central London

As well as these live auditions, entrants will be able to upload their audition online, for the chance to be seen by the judges.

The judging panel will comprise of Kiss Group Programme Director Andy Roberts and a Kiss presenter at each event, including Manny Norté, Rickie, Melvin and Charlie who will shortlist the five best entrants from each heat. From there, a gauntlet of trials and challenges will be set, where the most successful contestant will be crowned The Kiss Chosen One.

Click this link for more information on The Kiss Chosen One, Sponsored by BlackBerry.

And the video below has some handy tips and advice for this competition…

THE TOP BABY NAMES OF 2010 REVEALED.

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Katie and Amy have fallen out of the list of the top 20 female christian names, it emerged yesterday (30th January 2010).

The monikers of troubled stars Katie Price and Amy Winehouse have been replaced by prettier and less infamous names, Maisie and Isabella.

The highest climber in the list of the most popular girls’ names in the UK today is Bella, due in no small part to the lead character in Twilight, played by actress Kristen Stewart. Lacey, as in EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, is also on the up, soaring from number 57 up to 37. Florence is also becoming increasingly popular, moving up 33 places, as is Maisy.

Olivia is still top after 3 years and Sophie is still second. Lily is now third, up from 8th place, with Emily and Ruby completing the top five.

In the boys list Jack has finally been bumped off top spot by Oliver after 16 years in first place. Jack is now second while Harry, Charlie and Alfie, all non-movers, make up the top five.

Another bad year for F1 ace Lewis Hamilton has seen the popularity of his first name drop from 13th to 19th place, whilst his singer girlfriend Nicole Sherzinger fares even worse, with the name Nicole dropping seven places down the girls list to 84th place.

Ollie emerged as the biggest climber – up 56 places to number 53 – while Zachary, perhaps inspired by High School Musical’s Zac Efron or even the son of jungle queen Stacey Soloman, has also become more common.

Bobby – the name of the late Jade Goody’s son – is another big climber, up 25 places to number 70. And Kai – Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s son has stepped up 10 places to number 56, despite his father’s indiscretions.

The list was compiled by parenting club Bounty from names given to 423,000 children born in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during 2010.

Yesterday, Faye Mingo, spokeswoman for bounty.com said: ”Our records show that parents are continuing to be influenced by popular culture and celebrity trends.

“The remarkable rise in popularity of names such as Ollie and Florence are most probably due to the X Factor star Olly Murs and the singer from Florence and the Machine experiencing their time in the limelight.

“However, parents are looking to a wide range of sources for influence and also seem to be rediscovering more traditional, ‘old-fashioned’ names like Ava and Stanley which have been more associated with grandparents in the past.

“Biblical names are also proving popular with Noah rising 20 places to 15th place and Jacob up 7, just missing the top ten.”

Olivia is enjoying its third year in top spot after deposing Grace in 2008.

Jessica climbed one place to sixth, while Chloe dropped from fifth to seventh. Ava made it into the top ten for the first time while Grace slipped to ninth from sixth.

Amelia completed the top ten. Lucy was a non-mover at 13 while the next four places were all taken up by new names, including Isabella which climbed eight places to 14th.

Megan, Isla and Freya have all become more popular as has Lilly, most probably inspired by the singer Lily Allen.

On the boys list Jack finally surrendered top spot to Oliver but very little of the rest of the top ten changed. William climbed one spot to eighth as did Daniel to ninth while James slipped two to tenth.

Other names we will be hearing more regularly includes Logan, which climbed seven places to 17th and Oscar, which moved up four to 22nd.

Callum and Liam seem to have had their day – they were the biggest fallers in the top 30, seven and nine places respectively.

And new entries into the bounty.com top 100 lists were Esme, Courtney, Jude, Elliot and Stanley.

Faye Mingo added: “A recent study we ran found that one in five parents regret the names they have chosen for their children, so it’s more important than ever for parents to choose a name them and their child will love for the rest of their life.

“It’s hard to predict what we’ll see next year but it’s most probable that celebrities and popular culture will again play a part – and with a royal wedding on the horizon we may well see an increase in Williams and Kates born in celebration!”

See the Top 100 boys and girls names of 2010 and check the latest regional popularity ratings at Bounty’s baby names section which features a host of unique and handy functions to help parents decide on baby names. As well as being able to search names using letters of the

alphabet, number of syllables, origin, and meaning, parents can also search trend graphs which show if names are declining/growing in popularity as well as popular sibling/middle names for their chosen name, amongst a host of other useful tools.

TOP 100 BOYS NAMES 2010

1. Oliver
2. Jack
3. Harry
4. Charlie
5. Alfie
6. Thomas
7. Joshua
8. William
9. Daniel
10. James
11. Jacob
12. George
13. Ethan
14. Lucas
15. Noah
16. Max
17. Logan
18. Joseph
19. Lewis
20. Dylan
21. Samuel
22. Oscar
23. Ryan
24. Archie
25. Riley
26. Jayden
27. Tyler
28. Jake
29. Callum
30. Liam
31. Alexander
32. Connor
33. Luke
34. Adam
35. Benjamin
36. Matthew
37. Leo
38. Finley
39. Jamie
40. Alex
41. Freddie
42. Mason
43. Harrison
44. Henry
45. Ben
46. Harvey
47. Nathan
48. Isaac
49. Cameron
50. Aaron
51. Theo
52. Edward
53. Ollie
54. Finlay
55. Owen
56. Kai
57. Harley
58. Aiden
59. Michael
60. Toby
61. Sam
62. Leon
63. Kyle
64. David
65. Rhys
66. Evan
67. Bailey
68. Reece
69. Zachary
70. Bobby
71. Ashton
72. Kian
73. Sebastian
74. Luca
75. Kayden
76. Louis
77. Zac
78. Taylor
79. Brandon
80. John
81. Hayden
82. Billy
83. Caleb
84. Jude
85. Blake
86. Joe
87. Louie
88. Jay
89. Christopher
90. Joel
91. Bradley
92. Ellis
93. Corey
94. Elliot
95. Zak
96. Robert
97. Stanley
98. Aidan
99. Jenson
100. Patrick

TOP 100 GIRLS NAMES 2010

1. Olivia
2. Sophie
3. Lily
4. Emily
5. Ruby
6. Jessica
7. Chloe
8. Ava
9. Grace
10. Amelia
11. Mia
12. Evie
13. Lucy
14. Isabella
15. Maisie
16. Poppy
17. Daisy
18. Ellie
19. Ella
20. Megan
21. Isla
22. Freya
23. Charlotte
24. Lilly
25. Summer
26. Isabelle
27. Holly
28. Sophia
29. Millie
30. Erin
31. Katie
32. Amy
33. Scarlett
34. Hannah
35. Lexi
36. Imogen
37. Lacey
38. Molly
39. Eva
40. Brooke
41. Lola
42. Phoebe
43. Layla
44. Emma
45. Leah
46. Abigail
47. Sienna
48. Gracie
49. Amber
50. Jasmine
51. Alice
52. Matilda
53. Elizabeth
54. Anna
55. Madison
56. Rosie
57. Paige
58. Lauren
59. Isabel
60. Bethany
61. Caitlin
62. Georgia
63. Faith
64. Lexie
65. Florence
66. Rebecca
67. Niamh
68. Zoe
69. Maya
70. Skye
71. Maddison
72. Tilly
73. Keira
74. Scarlet
75. Tia
76. Amelie
77. Libby
78. Sofia
79. Sarah
80. Aimee
81. Isobel
82. Esme
83. Zara
84. Nicole
85. Julia
86. Martha
87. Maisy
88. Heidi
89. Abbie
90. Mya
91. Darcy
92. Rose
93. Eleanor
94. Kayla
95. Miley
96. Hollie
97. Eve
98. Bella
99. Evelyn
100. Courtney

TOP 100 BOYS NAMES 2009

1. Jack
2. Oliver
3. Charlie
4. Harry
5. Alfie
6. Thomas
7. Joshua
8. William
9. James
10. Daniel
11. George
12. Ethan
13. Lewis
14. Max
15. Lucas
16. Dylan
17. Archie
18. Joseph
19. Jacob
20. Samuel
21. Liam
22. Callum
23. Oscar
24. Jayden
25. Logan
26. Ryan
27. Jake
28. Tyler
29. Riley
30. Luke
31. Harvey
32. Ben
33. Adam
34. Alexander
35. Benjamin
36. Leo
37. Matthew
38. Noah
39. Connor
40. Alex
41. Jamie
42. Harrison
43. Mason
44. Cameron
45. Owen
46. Henry
47. Nathan
48. Finley
49. Aaron
50. Freddie
51. Issac
52. Sam
53. Finlay
54. Theo
55. Harley
56. Aiden
57. Toby
58. Edward
59. Rhys
60. Michael
61. Evan
62. Kyle
63. Leon
64. Reece
65. David
66. Kai
67. Ashton
68. Bailey
69. Kian
70. Louis
71. Taylor
72. Hayden
73. Brandon
74. Joe
75. Jay
76. Luca
77. Kayden
78. Ewan
79. Joel
80. Sebastian
81. Zac
82. Ellis
83. Josh
84. Aidan
85. John
86. Billy
87. Zak
88. Bradley
89. Kieran
90. Blake
91. Christopher
92. Morgan
93. Caleb
94. Louie
95. Andrew
96. Bobby
97. Gabriel
98. Robert
99. Elliot

100.Jude

TOP 100 GIRLS NAMES 2009

1. Olivia
2. Ruby
3. Sophie
4. Chloe
5. Emily
6. Grace
7. Jessica
8. Lily
9. Amelia
10. Evie
11. Mia
12. Lucy
13. Ava
14. Ella
15. Charlotte
16. Amy
17. Daisy
18. Katie
19. Megan
20. Summer
21. Ellie
22. Isabella
23. Holly
24. Millie
25. Poppy
26. Freya
27. Erin
28. Isla
29. Isabelle
30. Hannah
31. Emma
32. Brooke
33. Molly
34. Phoebe
35. Eva
36. Leah
37. Lilly
38. Abigail
39. Sophia
40. Imogen
41. Maisie
42. Scarlett
43. Lexi
44. Jasmine
45. Lola
46. Layla
47. Isabel
48. Lauren
49. Amber
50. Madison
51. Matilda
52. Elizabeth
53. Bethany
54. Sienna
55. Rosie
56. Anna
57. Gracie
58. Paige
59. Alice
60. Caitlin
61. Georgia
62. Maddison
63. Rebecca
64. Lacey
65. Isobel
66. Faith
67. Libby
68. Tia
69. Keira
70. Lexie
71. Niamh
72. Skye
73. Nicole
74. Aimee
75. Sarah
76. Zoe
77. Eleanor
78. Amelie
79. Julia
80. Eve
81. Maya
82. Tilly
83. Zara
84. Martha
85. Sofia
86. Scarlet
87. Darcy
88. Abbie
89. Victoria
90. Heidi
91. Alexandra
92. Taylor
93. Miley
94. Kayla
95. Mya
96. Lydia
97. Florence
98. Evelyn
99. Rose
100. Courtney

Mykea customises your Ikea furniture {Design}

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Ikea’s modular furniture might be fab, cheap and functional but it can be a bit drab. Mykea sells decals and decoration specifically for your Ikea furniture. They sell amazing and rather pretty pieces by designers. You also have the option of uploading your own photo or artwork which make a fantastic new way to display your memories and creativity rather than hanging them on your walls in the traditional manner.

They’ve got a great easy to use site but the number of furniture varieties they provide designs for is failry limited.

Take a look at the Mykea site

Being Human Series 3 Trailer {TV}

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That award winning BBC3 show Being Human’s back for a 3rd series and we’ve found the teaser trailer and sneak peek videos for you. The housemates will be relocating from their Bristol abode to a new residence in Wales. Russell Tovey, Aidan Turner and Lenora Critchlow will all be back and the eight episode series will also see a guest appearance from Lacey Turner fresh from her dramatic exit from Eastenders.

Teaser Trailer

Director Colin Teague

Sneak peek at the read through

Interview with the Make Up Artist

Director Phil on his view of the new series and the special guest star

Being Human returns to BBC Three on Sunday 23rd January 2011

Does My Bum Look Big in This? {Fashion}

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It has always been a wonder to me, as to many women, what drives our ideas of fashion? Is it the flamboyant array of sensual, yet edgy, designs we see displayed on city catwalks? Our individual idols, who we worship as fashion martyrs? Or do we simply see something, ask our peers and then deliver the asking price? Maybe the likes of Gok Wan could educate me.

This brings back memories of the days when my girlfriends and I would casually take off on ‘therapeutic’ shopping sprees, leaving with the good intentions of attending to our wardrobe essentials and returning with more than our arms could carry. Ahh, classic tale isn’t it?

The days of  ‘does my bum look big(ger) in this?’ are days I can personally look back on and laugh, it is now more appropriately replaced with ‘I like this,  I could wear it with a tie.’

It’s true to say that the days of periodic, segregated fashion are long gone. Replaced now with a much more dynamic, hybrid idea of ‘what to wear.’  In the streets of London, you will see women comprising jeans teamed up with kaftans, eastern designed jewellery with boho flair. This was even more evident in the Middle East. The women looked effortlessly elegant combining low cuts with hijabs – beautiful and dignified.

‘It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.’  We’ve all heard that and yes this is true, but i’m not referring to the lady who situates herself permanently on the right side of the Gucci counter, because her friends do. Sense my sarcasm here? Good.  It’s fine to experiment, but not essential to conform. For example, I wouldn’t wear leather trousers because other girls do,  but if  I myself find something interesting to wear, then I will do,  so all within reason.

What we wear is an illustration of what we feel good in, hence, want people to see.  Being experimental and flamboyant by nature can easily be represented in the clothes we wear,  It’s all down to choice. Anyone can be confident, regardless of shape and size. We are all judges of what looks good on us and what doesn’t.  Now I’m remembering the days of let down sweatys. Thank God the polaroids are gone.

One genre of fashion that is a definite yes in my book is Boho. It is fabulous, I cannot keep count of how many scarves, necklaces, skinny jeans and boots I keep in my closet.  It’s not just that it ‘looks’ good, but really represents the modern, streetwise young women of today.  Classy, sexy, diverse and relaxed.  It may initially have been labelled as a ‘celebrity look’, but then again, when it comes to fashion, what style isn’t?  Choicewise again, I’d team this up with vintage (I hope Gok is keeping notes). I so love vintage shopping,  it’s always the sneaky shops that play happy for me and the variety keeps me searching for hours.

So this again brings me back to my initial question. Who dictates our choice in fashion? Do our choices run deeper than what ‘we’ think looks good? Well, we can all make decisions on what we think looks good, but there are other factors that contribute to taste.

Take a young Muslim lady. She may have been bought up to believe that what looks exquisite does not involve wearing hotpants and a tiny t shirt. Instead,  she would feel teaming up traditional clothing (that covers both the legs and shoulders) is both feminine and beautiful.  Some may look to magazines such as Asian Woman, to derive their sense of what looks good.Therefore, it is not just individual thought that conducts the way we dress and what we see as fashionable, but exterior influence too.

I’ll stay with the belief that confidence in choice and awareness is everything. Whether it be a religious girl walking down the street or a cosmopolitan chick with an A to Z style list in her handbag – choice works in line with confidence and the words ‘I am individual’ are of upmost importance.