How To - Play It Cool (Mellow Methods)

I've recently been faced with the realisation that not all boys that take your phone number will actually call you… shocker.

Years of reading dating columns from glossy magazines that belonged to my sister did not actually prepare me for the harsh reality - I don't know whether this was because I was completely naive and unexperienced or because, no. I do know. It's definitely because I was completely naive and unexperienced.

So, ladies and gentlemen, facing the 'real' world of crowded, stuffy pubs and letting people into my "personal bubble" in clubs, concluded in the inevitable happening - I gave out my phone number for the first time.

But now, less frigid about letting people know my number, (what are the chances I've actually given them to it correctly after a few drinks??) I've finally gotten the 'why hasn't he called me?' bug. Ew, right? My 12 year old self would never had guessed.

Anyways, back to the point  - stay fresco, amigos.

1. Don't believe that 'DON'T TALK TO HIM FIRST' bullshit. Let me remind you of the amount of guys that are mind readers: 0. They're not psychic. We all know that the dating game rules say 'let him make the first move', but what's that gonna lead to? Maybe you do, you lucky thing, get a guy who's intentions are wholeheartedly to call you - but spare a thought for us ladies that aren't so fortunate. Text or call him between a 2 - 4 day period. Don't wait for things to happen to you - make things happen.
2. Do be enthusiastic, but do not act as if you could care less. Having a monotonous attitude is unattractive in ANY aspect of your life, and should be avoided at all times! Don't play it so cool that you get frozen out. 
3. Don't tweet about it. I drunkenly tweeted about a guy that I met on a night out and received an almost immediate warning text informing me of what I'd just done. I like to stuff that mistake into the 'rookie error' pocket of my life. It gives the impression that all you're doing is thinking of him, and how, Lord tell me, do you explain it to your friends if he doesn't contact you?
4. Do tell somebody, though. If nothing comes out of it, at least you had the thrill of the possibility. It's supposed to be fun, not a gruelling game of 'It's A Knockout'. 
5. Don't let one experience prevent you from doing it again. Just because Jacob turned out to be a d*ck doesn't mean that Luke will be the same!

But remember that it is your phone number and treat it like your packet of gum: you can hand a couple out, but don't f*cking tell everyone.

L.

Long Time, No Post - London Life.

I apologise whole-heartedly for my absence to the 3 people (including myself) that actually read my blog, haha.

It's been a bit of a crazy couple of months away, and now that I've settled into London life, I think that blogging is definitely something I should take up again.

I'm currently at King's College London (if you care), studying English Language & Communication. I genuinely feel like London is the place to make things happen, and if I don't tell people (never mind if it is only the three of us - I need to remind myself sometimes!) what great things are happening, then I'm sure I'll regret it. Hopefully it will encourage you to go out and venture into unknown territory - permission granted, of course.

To start, I hope you had a lovely Christmas and will have an even better New Year.

I overheard a lady saying that 'New Year's was just a reminder that time was ticking on'. It is, lady with the charcoal grey peacoat and a fierce opinion, but I like to call it the 'bittersweet beginning'. It's the time of year to start sentences with 'remember when'. It's the time of year to float between the 4 digit numbers we stamp on the top right corner of our pages. It's the time of year to get excited about life again, before your schedule catches up with you.

Because let's be honest, who doesn't have a schedule? And even if you scoff at the idea of being controlled by something you willingly organised (be that a job, a degree, the magnet of the blue website heckling you to reblog images of The Fault in our Stars etc.) our lives always, always, always, follow a relentless pattern.

Anyways, like I mentioned before, my life has been switched up in terms of the patterns - I now zig-zag between dormant vehicles blocked up on Oxford Street and tessellate between the masses of tourists in Leicester Square. The smell of celebrities is fresh and exciting and I can literally TASTE the Chinese food from Covent Garden.

It's a city I'm blessed to live in and actually see between assignments and lectures, and I couldn't be more grateful it came at this point in my life.

I think that many people think about doing things, but how can you be content thinking about spending the whole day and possibly meeting Jennifer Lawrence at the Catching Fire premiere, when seeing her in person iS GUHREAET.

(oh hey mate, thanks for signing my book.)

And I know that not many people get the opportunity to do this, but I just wanted to share this tidbit of my life.

I guess you could call me Jenna Hamilton (minus the weed and I'd NEVER ditch Matty Mckibben, c'mon) - this is my life journal.

Next chapter - you are mine, Laborious London.

L.

BENICASSIM

GUESS WHAT.

I went to Benicassim Festival (or FiB) from the 16th of July to the 22nd of July. I thought I'd share some of it with you because it's definitely an experience worth having.

We flew to Barcelona on Tuesday the 16th, and caught the Renfe train (cheap as chips and so relaxing) to Benicassim. It took about 2 hours, and we arrived after the sun had already set.

After meandering through the barricades to get our wristband and be allowed onto the festival grounds, we faced the task of finding a spot to set up camp. There were 7 of us, and we needed enough room for 4 tents.

We finally made 10G our home. It wasn't under the shade of trees nor tarpaulin, but that was a feat we had to overcome whether we liked it or not.

The festival itself (as in, when the live music started) didn't commence until Thursday, so we spent Tuesday through to Thursday roaming Benicassim town, sleeping on the beach and getting to know our new neighbours.

But when the festival kicked in, oh my, did it kick in.

I believe we saw La Roux first, followed by Dizzee Rascal. Both were amazing live. La Roux had an amazing atmosphere when the hits came on, and everybody sang in an overwhelming unison.

To contrast, Dizzee's set was just as energetic, but a little more carefree. He talked and interacted with the crowd a lot, and even crowd surfed. It was completely astounding to be so close.

I can't remember specifically when/where we saw artists, but here's a list of the ones I do remember:

The Killers. THE KILLERS.

The Arctic Monkeys. THE ARCTIC MONKEYS.

Rudimental.

Woodkid.

Johnny Marr. 

Jake Bugg.

Aluna George.

Bastille.

...just to name a few. How completely astounding does my week sound to you?

Everybody at Beni was utterly fantastic, and so fun to be around. I think that if you're debating whether to go or not, do it.

Of course, be street-smart about your valuables etc. and stay as safe as you can, but other than that, go for it. Why not go to a festival where you know your wellies can be left at home?

Skins Pure - (Warning: Spoilers)

Cassie 'Motherfucking' Ainsworth (as Mike Bailey himself so eloquently put), is back.

It's a no-bullshit, straight to the point, not-everything's-lovely Cassie, and I adore her just as much now as I did back then.

But I don't think her episodes did her any justice. Her plot line thrived on suspense and action and adrenaline, and the twist with the modelling contract in Part II was beautifully timed and I didn't actually suspect that would happen, but to contrast, there wasn't a tingly aura that made you think, 'yeah, this is the Cassie. This is how she was when we left her.'

Which, I think, in some ways is great. I think I'm so bitter about Cassie's episodes because she was my favourite, and I'd hoped they'd kept her frozen in time.

I hadn't gotten my hopes up about Sid (I'd thought she'd moved past that and bringing him up again would be old news, although, welcome news I'm sure) but I didn't think that the character would have grown up so fast in such a short space of time.

Say goodbye to Cassie's catchphrases, 'oh wow' and 'lovely' and say hello to a controlled young lady, bustling through London life.

The development in Cassie's life in our absence has seen her Mum pass away and her Dad in not such a good shape - I wondered whether this was a necessary subplot or something to tipper the action of the 'main' story, as it were.

I have to admit, I did think that the story was very 'Maxxie/Sketch' at first, and definitely as the adverts limited our knowledge to 'somebody's taking secret pictures of Cassie, guess who'.

But it developed into a nice story. It was beautifully raw and honest and Cassie-like (she still dances the same way!), and I really enjoyed Skins Pure: Hannah Murray is so captivating to watch in the role of Cassie that she holds a chilling capability to suck you in and make you seem as though you were a first hand witness.

I think I'll miss Cassie the most. I think that her character, from the start, was somewhat of an underdog that the writers could apply any script to and still see an artistically stunning outcome to.

Also, her little brother Rueben, is the cutest ever.

Skins Fire Part II - (Warning: Spoilers)

Part II definitely brought the heat. If you say that you weren't moved by the storyline, either you're an 'evil, emotionless, miserable, human being …or a robot.'
As I said before, I liked the contrast of surroundings and indeed characters that were introduced into the life of our dear Elizabeth Stonem. For example, Craig Roberts (also known for 'Rio Wellard' in Tracy Beaker and 'Simon Daldry' in The First Time) brings such a delicateness to Effy's wall.
His somewhat feminine features like his empathy toward Naomi, his kindness and his warmth somehow clash into Effy's headstrong, poker face facade: and by George don't I like this mix. This blending of gender roles is also something I praise, be it intentional or not.
I also like the awkwardness Dominic puts between them; it kind of brought back the element of 'where do I stand?', which is, to me, a definite connotation of the dreaded 'teen age'.
But this was all amidst a serious issue that we should know is prevalent in our modern day society: fraud, discrepancies in not just our society but our workforces too, and other issues that we so often get shunned from because of our age. But yet, we're expected to be thrust into the "working world" in a matter of years, and act as if we're comfortable in it.
We're supposed to act professional. WHICH, is why I fall in love with Skins Fire the more I talk about it. It's about transition, it's about merging, and it's about cooperation between two environments and even two sides of a person that are supposed to work in harmonious synchronisation from the word 'go'.
We're also taught to recognise and avoid cancer, but so very few are brave enough to confront a whole nation of adolescents with the consequences and outcomes.
It's hard hitting reality, but it's definitely doses of something imperative. It's dramatic. It's exercised entertainment. And yes, you're perfectly entitled to ask yourself, 'what are the chances?' but in the grand scheme of things, what aren't the chances?
So thank you, Jamie Brittain and Brian Elsley, for treating your audience as adults, and for allowing the demographic SKINS is aimed at to grow with the characters.

WAAAHHH

I have so many posts (Skins reviews, Benicassim review and a Barcelona blog entry) to upload which makes me anxious because time is a precious thing!

They WILL be up shortly.

Skins Fire Part I - (Warning: Spoilers)

As 10 o'clock grew nearer and nearer, I fluctuated between a state of panic and anticipation as I was still at work. The clock hand clawed its way past half 9, which was to my relief, the time my Mum dismissed me (I am employed by my parents…)
I felt sick and dizzy from the cold that invaded my head and nose and throat, but I knew that those symptoms would have to be second priority for an hour.
And so, as 10 o'clock struck and the advert played, I found that the anxiousness took over my body. And there she was, the ever brilliant Effy Stonem.
The atmosphere was different because she was different. I couldn't help but think how her surroundings largely contrasted the Bristolian estate that she emerged into on the first episode of Skins (EVER). The business-y set up, in my opinion, reflected not only her change in profession and age, but her change in the way she carried herself, with a bit more of a careful confidence than what she once had. I say careful confidence, because although somewhat majestic in her character, Kaya plays a subtle version of Effy that portrays layers and a continuous barrier that we've all grown to love. A lot more subtle than the mute barrier we were first introduced to.
Skins Fire sees Effy in a stock-market environment, juggling the balance between her role as an assistant and her urge for something more. Her teenage days seem long gone, with only Naomi as her flatmate to remind her of the world we once peaked into.
We see sparks of her teenage character in her attitude though, so don't you worry your little minds, Effy fans, she's still here.
…And her thirst for a good party is still here too. WHICH I LOVED. I loved the contrast between her day job and her night life. She at first seemed more toned down, more monotonous in her daily structure, and for a moment I thought the Effy we 'knew' had disappeared. The Effy that lead Panda to Cassie's house to pick up drugs, and the Effy that hit Katie Fitch in the head in a nighttime brawl. But her love for strobe lights are ever present, hidden ever so discretely in the wee hours of the morning.
More and more complications happen as the story unfolds, and the snippet of next week's episode built just the right amount of tension and suspense to liven the seemingly mundane 'business' life up - the beginnings of an illegal scandal. OH MY. (A Wellard from Tracy Beaker is on it. Small world.)
A lot of people complained that they didn't want to see her job, or that they don't care for the business world. A lot of people complained that it seemed like she'd forgotten about Freddie or anybody else that was in the 2nd Generation. But I'm glad that the writers didn't succumb to our want of old characters. It would feel too familiar. It would feel like there was no progression, wouldn't it?
I so desperately wanted to hear a knock on the door and see Nicholas Hoult's gorgeous face on the other side, checking up on his baby sister, but that didn't happen. Good, I say. It's not their story. It's not "Skins - 2nd Generation catch up". It's Skins Fire. It's the burn from the pressure of the real world, and it's the flame that keeps you going.
I really enjoyed part one, and I'm so so excited for part two - NOAMILY. The sub-plot of Noamily might, in my opinion, override Effy's. But I also think the mash of the two should develop a decent mini storyline that everybody will be sad to see an end to.
I'm heartbroken already, and we've only just dipped our toes in.
Bring on Skins Fire Part II.
(You can catch Skins Fire Part II on Monday, 8th July at 10pm.)

5 Things To Smile About

I was feeling really down today, but a lot of people around me radiated a kind of warmness and joy that teases you in despite the dark clouds that hang above you. I reminded myself that moods are contagious, and you should always keep people that won't induce negativity as company. There's nothing worse than a Negative Nancy (or Natalie, or Niamh, or Norman or Nathan.. I don't know why Nancy gets picked on) so here are a couple of things that happen in life that you could smile about.

1) When you pull your curtains back and you see that it has snowed overnight:
As a kid in primary school, waking up at 6am was no problem if it was to listen to the radio (see that... Radio, not Facebook or Twitter!) and keep your ears open for your primary school's name to be called. And it's not much different now I'm 18. I doubt it's very much different for adults with full time occupations! Planning a completely different day ahead to welcome Jack Frost was, (and still is) the most exhilarating thing! It's spontaneous, and it keeps us on our toes: and whether we stay in with a hot drink or go out and embrace the snow, is up to us. And that goes for ANY type of weather! (Hear that sun? It'd be nice if you showed your face too... we like it!)

2) Discounts:
I complimented a lady on her maxi-dress yesterday evening and asked her if she'd been anywhere nice: she replied she hadn't, and that the sun was enough of an excuse to wear it (can you tell we live in England?). She proceeded on to tell me that she'd seen it in the Monsoon sale, with a £25 discount. BUT, as it scanned through, it came out even more cheaper. HOW GREAT IS THAT. I, not the benefitee of the sale, was ecstatic for her because those little perks are something great, aren't they?

3) The Stranger Smile:
In my Tumblr bio (you can take a peek here!), I write that I'm 'appreciative of the stranger smile'. I smile to strangers as much as I can. I grew up in a tiny village where everybody says hello to each other, and so I think I've developed an inability of fearing strangers, but trying to remove the stigma associated with them. "But stranger danger is a THING, Lol", I hear you say. I know, but weren't all your friends strangers once?
Try it - smiles are contagious. Smile right now. See if it makes you just that teeny bit happier. And if it doesn't, think about how silly you looked smiling to yourself. Weirdo.

4) Opportunities:
Hey kid, how cool is it that we have so much to choose from? You can wake up tomorrow and choose to be someone who is intellectually stimulating, or a movie-nerd, or an athlete, or a basket case (...sorry, that turned very "The Breakfast Club". Guess which one I am). You might think it weird or you may have just not grasped the concept of freedom or liberty as severe as I see it, but it's your life, and it may take a couple of weeks, months or years and a few pennies but you can do it. That's something to smile about. Solidifying your dreams. Cheesy, but who doesn't like cheese?

5) That time when you did that really awesome thing:
You've lived a couple years by now, (I'm guessing.. unless the children from "Baby Geniuses" are reading this. What's up Sly?) so you've got a collection of memories that make you smile. No doubt. You've got that time when that thing happened and you were like 'woah' and that time when that other thing happened that made you feel really anxious and crappy but now you're like 'hahhahah lmfao lol'. Y'know?! Those little things shouldn't be forgotten - try and squeeze them tight to embed them into that little noggin of yours, and save them for a day when the sun isn't shining so brightly, and your smile isn't as wide as it could be.

As you might be able to tell, this kind of progressed into something a little deeper than intended. But let's cut the stuffy, philosophical tension and list a couple of other things that might make you smile:

6) Jennifer Lawrence.
7) Junk food.
8) Trashy reality TV.
9) Alcohol (disclaimer: this may also make you cry. Side affects include headaches and sickness.)
10) Tumblr/Twitter
11) Photos!
12) PoorMichelle


...please feel free to add your own in the comments below! :)

L.

Oops! ...I Did It Again.

I'm just going to say it.

...I got a new tattoo.

And it feels great! Not like the kind of great that churns your stomach, or the kind of great that pinches at the goosebumps on your skin, but the kind of great that makes you feel light and carefree.

I personally love this tattoo (I should hope so, wouldn't you?) and it reminds me of one of my most treasured friendships and it reminds me of luck.

 IIXXV

Ness and I have known each other since we were 3 year old dumplings, and to get something permanent to pay homage to that friendship was something that I was utterly keen for.

I know Roman Numerals are overdone and may even be seen as incessant to some, but I like it.

But to get something inked for someone who wrote to you when she moved away, who you set up an e-mail account for at the age of 7, someone you'd fight off your heavy eyelids just to stay awake and receive their phone calls, someone you'd dress like Avril Lavigne with, someone you see as a little sister, and someone you'd do anything for, is inevitable, in my eyes. 

Sorry Mum. Sorry Dad.

L.

OOTD - 6th June, 2013

Two posts in one day! What the eff! Hahah.

I think the sun is making me more productive (when it comes to my blog, not so much revision) and so I took a couple of snaps of what I am wearing this glorious evening!

It's a super casual OOTD... and admittedly my second outfit of the day.

The grey v-neck is from H&M - a great staple to your wardrobe! (Just realised I haven't even really showed you the v-neck! ...But you can use your imagination, haha)

My trousers are from the Topshop sale!

They are so light and airy and perfect for summer!

...My trusty Docs have once again appeared.

L.

A Cheeky Little Something...

If you read my last blog post, you might have picked up on the hint that I did something a teeny weeny bit exciting.

Last Friday, the 31st of May, I booked a tattoo.

I've wanted a tattoo for quite a while, but wasn't quite sure if I was ready to take the plunge and have ink on me forever! I thought it wouldn't do me any harm to book an appointment, and if need be, cancel it if I chickened out. ...But I realised I'd booked an appointment for the same day as my exam, and so had to pull it forward. To today.

Today came around quicker than I thought it would, and so soon enough I found myself in the seat, ready to be inked.

And it was fine. No tears, no drama! It genuinely did not hurt a single bit.

So, if you're curious enough to want to take a peek, I'll happily show you :)

I got 'wonderland' because of Alice In Wonderland... "We're all mad here". It symbolises, to me, the only place where crazy doesn't matter and where you as yourself is good enough. It also kinda reminds me that there is always a place to go to, a place to escape if need be: whether that be through books, films, holidays, art etc.

L.

OOTD - 31st May, 2013

Just a quick little cheeky OOTD for today.
I had such a busy day, and breaking in these new boots has whipped my calves into shape (and maybe punished my feet a little too much...)

I had a grown up bank appointment at 10 o'clock, met my lovelies Matty and Alex for lunch, and spent the rest of the afternoon with them.

I also did something very very cheeky, but you'll probably see it up in a post within the next week!
Then I spent the rest of the evening at work. Wahooooo.


Anyhows, here are a couple of snaps... I hope you forgive me for the terribleness that these photos are: (thanks New Look for the setting, haha) but I'm sure you'll get the gist!

Topshop on Topshop on Topshop, quite literally!

Everything you see is from Topshop!

Easiest OOTD ever.

L.

The Stranger Smile

I know the title is borderline creepy, but I hope it intrigues you too. See, this blog post is about you: as a person, as someone who emits their feelings into the world, and as someone who might seem insignificant, but in the light of things, in the telescopic tunnel of 'retrospect', has impacted more lives than you could ever imagine.

I recently started to think about people who have 'made my day'. A lot of these people I could put a name to: my nearest, my dearest, and ...well, a couple strangers to add to the mix.
I live in a small-knit community, and so even walking to the bus stop ensures me of a couple 'good morning's. And those minute gestures are important.

What I'm trying to say is that we're all in this rat race, and a couple kind words here and there are the final knots to a compliment. You don't have to be Angel Gabriel and carry messages of gold or go out of your way to compliment someone, but these social cues, these iconic gestures have developed in our world for one reason - to communicate, no?

This technological era has brought so many opportunities to branch out and communicate with people that are out of arm's reach. But it has also brought solitude and independence and isolation - not necessarily bad attributes, but ones that suffocate an open community.

It's almost like the dying art of whistling in public - the stranger smile is hidden underneath parallel-to-the-floor foreheads and tucked into the gap between your upper and lower front teeth.

Don't stranger grin though. Now THAT is creepy.

L.

Special Sunday Skincare!

Every Sunday, I have a special 'pampering' routine that I use to treat my skin, instead of the mundane skincare I use from day to day.

I thought I'd share what products I use, and I hope it gives you the encouragement to give your skin a little something extra once in a while :)

 Firstly, I use No7's 'Beautiful Skin, Purifying Exfoliator'. (£8, Boots)

 If you have normal to oily skin, I'd recommend using this cleanser, perhaps even on a three-times-a-week basis, despite the packaging saying once or twice a week. It also makes a great partner to No7 'Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush' (£24.95, Boots)!

I like this product because you can feel the difference - the gel like consistency applies easily to your skin, whilst the embedded beads penetrate your pores to ensure a good scrub! It always provides a good start to my routine, and makes sure that my skin is ready for the other products.

The packaging is also travel-sized, which is perfect for bringing on trips! It still fits a hefty 75ml though, and is still lasting me after several weeks!

Moving on...

I recently purchased Soap & Glory's 'Scrub Your Nose In It'. (£7.50, Boots - I bought this along with 2 other S&G products as part of Boots' 3for2 offer/S&G website)

Soap & Glory receive an incredible hype when it comes to their skincare, but I've often found myself hesitant to fall into the crowd. However, I decided to buy this product for myself (the other 2 products were for a friend's present) and so far, I'm pleased with the results.

'Scrub Your Nose In It' is a toothpaste-like consistency, and doubles up as both a mask and scrub, which is a factor that definitely appealed to me.

The packaging boasts a 'Special Fruit-Acid Formula', which is sadly not so prominent in its smell - a rather subtle peppermint, with a teeny hint of lemon.

It's early days yet, but so far I am enjoying this product, and it does leave my skin that little bit cleaner.

After the first two cleanses, I use The Body Shop's 'Honey & Oat 3-In-1 Scrub Mask'. (£10, The Body Shop)

This, my friends, is DIVINE.

I use this as a special special treat, as it is quite time consuming and very messy!

I apply a generous layer to my clean, dry face and neck, and leave it for about 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, I usually wash my make-up brushes and clean my teeth! How productive!

After the allotted time, I wash my face thoroughly, making sure not to get any in my hair (although this NEVER works out!)

I've had this product for well over a year now, and the 100ml is lasting me brilliantly! I have just under half of it left, which is surprising as when I do use it, I make sure to USE it... the picture is not representative of how much I use: it's easily 4 times more than that.

As well as making my skin feel smooth and fresh, the scrub surrounds me in a heavenly porridge-like scent! It's gorgeous, and not a bad smell for Sunday night. The smell, for those of you worried you'll have a porridge face, does not linger on your skin after you wash it off, which is definitely a plus for me.

To finish the routine off, I use Soap & Glory's 'Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser'. (£10, Boots/S&G website)

This is a perfect end to my skincare, as it leaves my skin well polished and fresh!

My pores are cleansed by this cream-like product, by a 60 second massage followed by a 60 second leave. This 2 minute spectacle is well worth it, as when I finally wash off the product (with the wash cloth/flannel/face towel provided!) I can feel a definite freshness and smoothness to my skin, and a reduction in pores and oiliness, especially around my t-zone area.

After that, I moisturise using Nivea and I call it a day!

I think that all skin is deserving of that special treat every once in a while, as a continuous day-routine may make your skin susceptible to the products that are used. Changing and switching it up a bit every now and then really make your skin feel luxurious, and it's always fun to play around a little with some new products

Remember, water is your skin's best friend, whether you're drinking it or splashing it on your face! Keep hydrated, especially through these upcoming summer months.

I hope you enjoyed this post.

L.

(Disclaimer: I am no way affiliated with the brands that I have mentioned: these views are entirely my own. I am also not sponsored, nor sent any of the products shown above.)

OOTD - 24th May, 2013

WHERE HAVE THE YEARS GONE?

I finished college for GOOD today. I feel a lot of mixed emotions, but mostly just relief that I endured the 2 years. I'm also astounded as to how quickly it passed by - on to university in September (eek!)

Anyways, today's post is another OOTD. The weather wasn't particularly great, and it made me feel very melancholy... it's probably reflected in my outfit, haha! Here are a few cheeky snaps.

From head to toe -

Checkered shirt - Monki (around £15)

Black staple jump suit - Topshop (I think it was £38)

Men's wool cardigan - Charity Shop (£4)

Cross hatched tights - Present

Black, patent Dr. Martens

L.

(Disclaimer: I am no way affiliated with the brands that I have mentioned: these views are entirely my own. I am also not sponsored, nor sent any of the items shown above.)

OOTD - 21st May, 2013

Hello :)

Lovely day, isn't it? It started off really foggy, but by the time I got home, it was beautifullllll. I decided to slip out of the oversized jumper I went to college in, and slip into more summery attire.

This is what I came up with!

My lace, quasi-salmon pink crop top is from a cute little store called H&B.

Hearts & Bows (Manchester) is so dainty, and every time I visit my sister I always want to check it out. They do great grungey/punk clothes, for amazing prices - or, you can splash out on their super chic vintage section upstairs.

You can get cropped jumpers, dupes for disco pants, studded clothes and printed tees just to name a handful of things!

When I went, they were having a 20% off sale, so I think this top I purchased came to about £10!

It also came in the cutest bag.

(Sorry for the mirrored picture)

This top is thin, it's light and it's perfect for summer! What I really like about it is that it doesn't suffocate my arms like I felt the Topshop ones did - I think the colour also added a bit of excitement to the outfit, and its brightness is perfect for when the sun finally decides to show!

What I would recommend, though, is to wear a bandeau underneath it, as it is a bit revealing!

My a-line/asymmetrical skirt is from H&M (although I don't think it's sold online...) Once again, I think this was a really simple staple, which took a backseat in the outfit  - it acted as the foundation I worked around. I think the skirt was around £8.

I would advise wearing hot pants (or whatever coverage you prefer) underneath this as it isn't very opaque - the material is quite sheer, so you can see that cheeky butt!

What I think would be cool is to wear a leotard like this or this with this skirt... killing two birds with one stone, as they say!

Wearing a leotard would be a good alternative to a crop top, as you wouldn't have to show that bit of tummy if you didn't want to - for those of you out there that would rather keep it tucked in (including myself) a leotard is a fantastic alternative to simply tucking in a normal top because you don't get the 'bunching' that tends to happen around the waistline! 

And my trusty, over-worn Dr. Martens are from online (Amazon) but you can get them from so many places I'm sure you wouldn't need to search for long!

 :)

L.

OOTD - 19th May, 2013.

A little casual outfit, embracing the warmth! 

Def Leppard tour tee - Topshop

High waisted denim shorts - Topshop

Studded lemon bracelet - Topshop
I wore this with black patent Dr. Martens!

As you can see, a little OTT on the Topshop front, but why not!

L.

(Disclaimer: I am no way affiliated with the brands that I have mentioned: these views are entirely my own. I am also not sponsored, nor sent any of the items shown above.)

The Great Gatsby Review

Hi,

Today I finally watched the latest adaptation of The Great Gatsby, directed by Baz Luhrmann.
I watched it in 3D, and it was spectacular! The movie didn't rely on the 3D effects to carry it - it all fell upon the tragically beautiful novel that F. Scott Fitzgerald concocted so many moons ago.  ...The sprinkles of water, the green light beams and the screen protruding typewriter letters that flew your way were simply bonuses that added an extra 'oomph' to the movie. (Don't get me wrong - the visual effects were utterly discerning!)

What intrigued me first and foremost was the mixture of the periodic authenticity and the inclusion of elements of today, most noticeably in the soundtrack, including the likes of Kanye West, Emeli Sandé, and Jay Z to add to Jay G's story... highly influenced by one of the executive producers, none other than Shawn 'Jay Z' Carter, no doubt. And it worked. It most definitely worked. I couldn't help but think that an older generation would feel slightly betrayed by the use of mainstream music to counteract the 'Jazz Age', but it didn't counteract at all: if anything, it complemented.

The casting of the movie was nothing short of impeccable in my opinion.
True to the book, opening the story was our trusty, "judgement free" Nick Carraway, portrayed so eloquently by Tobey Maguire.

Without wanting to reveal too much, the interpretation of the "audience" that Nick addresses is clever. It's believable. It's fulfilling. It's another level to the story that Fitzgerald didn't ever specify, but I'm assuming the screen writers sculpted to perfection to execute.
Maguire portrays all the elements of Nick so well - he grasps his anger, his judgement and his content so deeply just by movement of his eyebrows or a simple intonation of his voice.

Leonardo DiCaprio deserves an Oscar already! He takes on the role of Gatsby with such believable confidence that the image I first had of Gatsby when I read the book might forever be replaced with Leo's face.

The first meeting between the two characters is electrifying - 'I'm afraid I haven't been a very good host, old sport. You see, I'm Gatsby'. Cue the fireworks... Quite literally. The extravaganza that is Gatsby is captured in a single screen, with bursts of colour in the backdrop and nothing but Leo's chiseled face. Goosebumps.

Carey Mulligan's acting was full of money (a quote that was missed out), creating a newly sculpted version that could probably give Mia Farrow a run for HER money. Joel Edgerton was the perfect brute for Daisy as Tom, Elizabeth Debicki created the most mysterious and intriguing Jordan, and Isla Fisher was a heart wrenching, pity-pulling Myrtle that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The downside for me, was the lack of reference to the Nick/Jordan relationship: a couple, I felt, paralleled Daisy and Tom in the fact that both were very much real and not careless... 'Angry, and half in love with her, and tremendously sorry, I turned away.'

I also wanted so much for the characters to say more quotes -

'So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.'
'It takes two to make an accident,'
'If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him.'

But, to conclude, just like Gatsby, the movie was clinquant.

L.

Ahoy!

Hi,


I'm Lorraine. This is my first blog post (as you can probably see) and I'm not really sure why I'm doing this, or what I'm attempting to achieve. But as I'm typing, I know it's what I want to do.

...and it's a way to procrastinate from revising for exams that will ultimately determine my future. Phew.

I'm, like I'm sure we all are, made up of so many different pieces that I'd feel uncomfortable naming this blog under anything - but I hope you like any little posts that come your way.
Just so you get a little taster, it'll probably be mini daily blogs, a couple of cheeky OOTDs, maybe a nail art tutorial or two, and a bunch of lust-driven reviews on books, music, movies or shows that I've decided to invested my time in.

Thank you for taking the time to read this :)

L.