Reading, Watching & Listening #3

Reading

Autumn by Ali Smith
About friendships coming in all shapes and forms. 

Lace by Shirley Conran
Lace has been named the original and much better 50 shades of Grey. Set in late 1978 this book follows the lives of four women living in London, Paris and New York. I'm only one chapter in but so far I'm hooked.

Watching (on Netflix)

The Crown -Series 2
I've just finished another brilliant series of The Crown, but I am sceptical about how true the events and incidents displayed are, but still an interesting watch whether true or not.

Minimalists
An inspiring watch about living a minimalist lifestyle. It made me want to blitz my home of any unneeded items.

The Durrells
Set in 1935 a single mother who's had enough of life in England relocates to Corfu with her four teenage children. Funny, charming and heart warming and all set in the most beautiful location. Perfect for a Rainy Sunday.

Listening

The High Low (As always)
A funny and intellectual news and pop culture podcast with journalists and writers Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton. 

Ph Credit - Buzzfeed

The friendships we don't have

So much time and energy is put into finding a boyfriend/spouse/lover/husband/partner or whatever you may name it. There's plentiful dating apps/websites and even television shows all designed to help you meet your other half, that person you want to settle down and fall in love with.There are many, many ways to find that someone, but non of the above are in place to find a friend. 

No commonly used app or website to meet someone who is like minded, on the same wave length and shares similar interests. It has become known to myself and probably others that making friends and meeting new people is difficult. Where can you meet new people? How do you go about it?

Meeting new people (outside of social norms - work or study) is daunting and nerve racking. It’s often assumed by a certain age most people have a large circle of friends from school, college or university. Friends who know you well, speak with regularly and go to in a crisis. But what if you don’t have this?  

What if like myself you have gone through life and only met a few people who you feel you connect with and have managed to stay in touch with. We all know how hard it is staying connected with friends. People’s lives and priorities change and making time for new or current friends can take a back seat. Plus our personalities and expectations of friendships change over time and what we expected from a friend ten years ago maybe somewhat different today. You have to be willing to make the effort but also understand and acknowledge that not all friendships will last forever.

I have recently read many articles about the great female friendships (squads, tribes and ride or die's) many women have in their lives and they wasp on about learning so much from these individuals. It all makes me feel rather envious. Yes, I love and appreciate the few friends I have but I feel it’s always great to meet new people who bring something new to your life and help you grow and learn. However, by the time you reach thirty most people don’t need or have time for new friends. This is something I have experienced when meeting new people over the last few years. 

The Friendships we don’t have feels like a taboo subject. A topic that’s rarely discussed on social media and in women’s magazines.Yet the majority of other difficult subjects such as sex or money are discussed daily. 

It’s probably assumed that everyone is surrounded by an amazing group of supportive friends who enrich their lives and are there for them no matter what, therefore this subject is dismissed. However, a recent study found that a large percentage of the UK are lonely, so much so they’ve appointed a minister for loneliness to try and solve this growing issue among uk citizens. I am very interested to see what framework Tracey Crouch will put into practice to tackle this growing issue that effects about nine million UK people, both young and old.

These statistics prove that I’m not the only one without that large circle of friends, but admitting this is difficult. I’m not writing this for pity, I am writing this because this is an untouched subject that I have read very little about. Maybe people are afraid to admit this or possibly this can be a sad subject to talk about, but I feel the more this topic is addressed the more improvements are being made.

The small amount of articles and books I have read and listened to about this subject has been something I can definitely relate to. What I don’t come across often is useful advice on how to meet new people or make new friends whatever age. Articles I have read recommended joining a hobby group but again that can be daunting and unsuccessful. I’ve been to many gym classes and never  sparked up a conversation with anyone. Social media groups are also another suggested resource but does this have a certain stigma around it?

I often feel where you live and what stage of life you are at can effect friendships. Living in the city where there is a larger group of younger, socially active individuals could make it easier to meet people than say somewhere rural and quiet. Wherever you may live you have to build up the confidence and put yourselves out there. After all when trying to meet new people you have nothing to lose only something to gain.

In my wedding speech (curve-ball) I named my husband as my best friend. I’m sure this is common now but previous stereotypes would have it be that as a women your best friend would be a female. 

I am extremely proud of the friendship I have with my husband, we have been together for 12 years and it’s often known that when meeting young you can grow apart. I have been extremely lucky that we have grown together and we have positively impacted each other’s lives in many ways. We can discuss all topics and most importantly he makes me laugh. 

Lastly, he’s stood by me and supported me through the most toughest times. When life’s fallen apart around me he’s the friend who has picked me up and carried me on because that's what best friends do, male or female.

Reading, watching & listening #2

Reading

The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer (still) - Even though its taken me three weeks to read this book I'm loving it and the wide selection of topics and themes covered.

Bloody good period - The Standard - https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/health/government-uk-tampon-tax-end-period-poverty-amika-george-a3799796.html
A fantastic article that finally announced how the government tampon tax funding will go towards ending period poverty for the first time.

Making Friends as an Adult - Vogue - http://www.vogue.co.uk/article/making-friends-as-an-adult
Articles about making friends are difficult to come by, this one discusses making friends as an adult and how these new friends differ from life long friendships.

Watching

Testament of Youth
An aspiring writer (Alicia Vikander) and a young solider (Kit Harrington) come of age during World War 1. Based on the life of Writer Vera Briton.

Happy Valley
Gritty crime drama Filmed in my Town. Staring the brilliant Sarah Lancashire and James Norton.

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia present Romeo and Juliet
An amazing evening of ballet and music at The Victoria Theatre.

Listening

Fashion no Filter - Modern Muse. Hosts Monica and Camille set out in pursuit of the modern fashion muse.

The High Low - After a 6 week hiatus The High Low is back. This weeks episode covered a whole host of topics from 'The Farcical Arc of the Weight Loss Reality Star' to the 'Ulster Rugby Rape case'.

Ph Credit - The Red List

Reading, Watching & Listening #1

A new type of post including discussion and recommendations from me on what I've loved reading, watching and listening to this week.

Reading...
Meg Wolitzer - The Interestings
An insight into the lives of six teenagers who met in the mid 1970’s and always vowed to be interesting. Fast forward two decades and their once strong friendship is put under strain by envy and crushing disappointment.

Faux vs Fur - Fashions hairiest debate - ft.com
An extremely relevant read, debating the impacts Faux Fur has on the environment and whether using real fur is better or worse.

Watching...
Netflix Original
Joan Didion ‘The Centre will not hold'
Great insight into the life of Writer and Journalist Joan Didion. Brilliant film clips and photography from 1970’s LA.

Netflix Original
Power
Low brow, easy watching crime drama. Perfect after a long day in the office.

Listening...
Podcasts
Love Stories with Dolly Alderton
Individuals from popular culture discussing their life love stories with writer and journalists Dolly Alderton. Witty, honest and insightful.

You me and the Big C
Three very brave women discussing their experiences of cancer in all shapes and form.

Radio Fours Women’s Hour
Topical discussion from a female perspective - particularly loved their interview with Margot Robbie star of new biopic I, Tonya.

Ph Credit -Pinterest

Party Train

A couple of Friday's ago I joined the office girls and headed in to Manchester for Christmas cocktails and dinner in the Northern Quarter. The night was a blast but living outside the city becomes a drag when your evening comes to an abrupt end because you have to get the last train back to your semi rural abode. I love seeing trees and fields outside of my bedroom window but on nights like that it would be so convenient to live in the city. 

As I headed for the 10:29 train, one could have been fooled into thinking that the night was over, when in actual fact many similar individuals were continuing the party on the last Northern Rail Manchester to Leeds service. 

Yes, that festive time of year is upon us when the last train home on a Friday night becomes the party train - filled with post Christmas party goers ready to get an affordable ride home. Let's just say I didn't get the party train memo. I turned up with my bottle of M&S lemonade ready to avoid the wine hangover before I arrived at my destination in 50 minutes time. It seemed everyone else had turned up with something stronger. 

The journey home consisted of cider quaffing office workers singing Oasis anthems whilst banging the tune on the windows. I was actually enjoying the sing along until the girl sat on the floor next to me almost puked on my favourite gold heels. But we all get a little giddy during the festive season so possible puking is more than forgivable. 

It was my official office Christmas party last Friday and I was somewhat sad that I wasn't a member of the party train again. But a drunk ride home in a warm car with my sober Husband and Christmas music on full was just as entertaining.

Back to the habit

Its been a while since my last post but it's now time to get back in the habit. In the last 6 months, I've started a new job and got married and sadly my little blog has taken a back seat amist all the organisnig and planning. 
It's time to get back into my writing habits and as always my blog will be a platform for my love of writing, fashion, style, pop culture and news. I aim to amuse and inform with the added personal and serious topic thrown in for good measure, because while the low brow is fun and easy reading we need the high brow to feed the intellectual side of our brains.   

Ph credit - The Red List

Prosecco Gate

It's come to the end of summer, we've already started to dig out our boots, winter coats and used that umbrella far too many times, but hey that's the great British weather. At least we have our summer memories right? Trips to the beach, wine in the garden you know the drill.  I'm pretty sure your summer as well as mine involved consuming copious amounts of Prosecco and if not then where have you been, what have you been doing?! Literally everywhere I've looked these past few months, homosapiens of all ages and genders have been drinking Prosecco. It's the talk of the town! I've seen it on trains in screw cap bottles, accompanying woo girls at tables donned with fireworks, in far too many Instagram stories and stacked on the shelves of Aldi in the largest bottles you have ever seen for only £23.00!! 

It now even comes in organic (yes, I've tried it) and reduced sugar versions, us British people have jumped on the Prosecco band waggon even to the point of sharing running out scare stories on Facebook!! 

 

Although this summer I've enjoyed a few glasses (bottles) of fizz myself I have to say it's not my friend when it comes to hangovers. I'm guessing there's a reason it's cheap - those bubbles seem to cause nausea, head aches and that hangover induced anxiety I often feel the day after! 

I've decided I'm changing to champagne. This year has involved a few reasons to celebrate, my upcoming wedding, turning 30, graduation and as such, I've become accustommed to champagne. Which delightfully doesn't leave me feeling like I want to face plant the sofa the next day (most of the time) but unfortunately pulls on the purse strings. But hey who says you can't enjoy a bottle of Veuve on the couch just because it's Friday!! It's cheaper from the supermarket and if all else fails, Aldi do a great version for £10!! 

Ph Credit : Pinterest

GIRLBOSS - "what follows is a loose retelling of true events.........real loose."

The opening credits to Girlboss reads "what follows is a loose retelling of true events......real loose." and this is certainly true, within the first 5 minutes you see Sophia Amoruso (founder of Nasty Gal)  or the actress playing her, Britt Robertson pushing her broken down car up a very steep hill in San Francisco. Seriously shes a petite 20-something, this would not be possible.

For those who are not aware of Girlboss the new Netflix Original Series, its based on the same titled book which follows the rise of Amoruso's multi-million dollar fashion empire, Nasty Gal. A brand that in 2016 filed for bankruptcy. Nasty Gal however still remains but under the British-owned BooHoo profile. The brand is not as it was originally know - its more fast fashion with a vintage look than original one off vintage pieces.

The 13 part series follows Sophia through the ups and downs of launching her online business selling vintage clothing. The series covers some random moments from Sophias life - including a fear of bridges to a hernia explosion. I've heard mixed reviews but I've binged watched all 13 episodes in 3 sittings. If you can ignore the cringe worthy acting, cheesy one liners and annoying attitude of the main character, Sophia, you will love it. 
Plus the fashion and music is amazing which is definitely a reason to watch. Think platform boots, extra wide flares and an amazing 1970's multi coloured calf skin biker jacket. 

ph credit - fashion magazine

What the f*** is everyone wearing at Coachella

Coachella is now behind us for another year (thank goodness) but after scrolling through various websites, my reaction was "what the f*** is everyone wearing?" 

RITA ORA was wearing white and blue checked cowboy boots, a metallic dress and a hat that resembles a shit white 90's Kangol version. I know it's each to their own and I always encourage anyone to wear whatever they want but there is a difference between creativity and fashion victim. 

Rhianna, a Coachella regular wore a diamante encrusted all in one. Probably not the most practical of outfits for the Californian weather but shock and awe is the key when dressing for this festival.  

Illustrator Joolee Loren depicted what the rest of the Coachella attending individuals wore and this illustration couldn't have been more fitting - hilarious. Fringing, suede, lace up sandals, chokers and my favourite, a groovy world view. Each of these sartorial items worn separately may be plausible but all together they look, in my opinion, damn ridiculous.

Ph credit:Vogue and Instagram

NYLON Magazine - Natural Beauty

These beautiful photographs were quickly spotted whilst flicking through a copy of this months Nylon magazine in the university library, hence the poor image quality. I love how the camera has caught the models natural beauty.

Ph credit - Nylon, Nov/Dec

Are we supposed to love all the shows at fashion week?

 

 

As fashion month comes to a close, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the shows that have filled our social media feeds for the last few weeks. 

I sometimes think we should love all the shows - so much time and effort goes into creating these amazing fashion pieces, don't they deserve the credit? Is it even okay to say you dislike or hate something, even if it's one of the hottest shows on the fashion month calendar?

After I witnessed (via the worldwide web) the Chanel SS17 show I have to admit I didn't love any of the pieces even though I really wanted to. I actually hate saying this, having learnt about the amazingly talented individuals (the 'petite mains') that work behind the scenes creating such exquisite designs. It feels very rude, which is unlike me - like every other English person I say sorry a million times in a day. But I just didn't enjoy it as much as other shows this season or even as much as previous Chanel shows. 

Some of the designs seemed a little dated and over done. Chanel is famous for it's tweed suiting but seeing today's pieces parade the catwalk AKA the Data Centre Chanel I felt as though I'd seen it all before. I understand that fashion houses need to represent themselves and reflect the handwriting and history behind the brand but maybe it could have been done with more modernity. The fabric and craftsmanship is amazing, I would never disrespect that but I just wasn't wowed. 

However, it wasn't all negative, there were some highlights - the letters CHANEL flashing from outside of the perfectly shaped clutch bags was creative and the robot shaped purse was very cute. I also loved the data centre theme, very futuristic and fun. The set up of every Chanel show is often discussed more than the actual clothes. Chanel has set a precedent for creating a mind blowing catwalk space and maybe that's all those who attend look forward to. Every season a different theme, airport, fairground or old school couture house. Man repeller mentioned 'When any other designer does this, the media shouts “Death to fashion!” But when Chanel is the perpetrator? Genius'

Maybe it's time to alert our attention back to the most important part of a fashion show - and that's the clothes!! 

Image source: The Telegraph

The Original Self Portrait (or Selfie)

Image Source | artyfactory.com

The self-portrait or what we call in the 21st century - the selfie.
We are all guilty of taking one, whether its to create a brand, a Facebook profile picture or just to reinvent ourselves we can't get enough of the selfie, I myself am guilty of one or two. But I have to say its sometimes a little embarrassing seeing my reflection in my iPhone screen but its a great way to create that perfect picture for the world to see, whether this be a true reflection or not.
 

What I have discovered this week is the original selfie artist, Frida Kahlo. She painted only self portraits but with depth and meaning, her portraits reflected different points in here life. Born on 6th July 1907 in New Mexico, Frida lived a some what eventful life. Physical trauma, heart ache and coping with a philanthropist husband Diego Rivera who she had a obsessive, tempestuous relationship with. Her first portrait was painted while bedridden for three months after a car accident, Self Portrait in A Velvet Dress (1926) (above image). Frida created a certain persona within her portraits, she understood how this illusion was perceived by individuals. The same is achieved today when uploading a selfie to instagram, we create an illusion of ourselves, an illusion of how we want to be seen. Frida went on to create many masterpieces including The Two Frida's (1939) this was a double self portrait whilst Frida was going through her divorce and What I Saw in the Water (1938). 

Sadly Frida passed on 13th July 1954 aged 47, this is said to have been almost certainly suicide by overdose. She left these words "I hope the exit is full and joyful - and I hope never to return - Frida". Ever since her death Frida's work has gathered momentum and thanks to today's self-portraitist world her work continues to gather more and more meaning.