Two albums of 2013 that you must have

I've been slacking and lacking on blog posts. The first semester of uni was pretty intense for the most part, but it seems as if I've got a grip on it all now. Finally I've found some free time to blog and write.

So it's a new year 2014. I'm a month already in it but I just have to mention my favourite things of 2013.

I could talk about my favourite beauty, skin and hair products of 2013, but I've been using the same brands since time began. But I could do a post on my all-time-fav products? Maybe.

There's one thing that does change every year. Music. New artists, new albums, new sounds.

Here are two albums that I believe are slightly under-rated and are probably my favourite sounds of 2013.

The first is:

Haim - Days are Gone

After hearing Nick Grimshaw rambling on Radio 1 for his undying love for sister act Haim, I was intrigued to find out what the obsession was all about. 

The only songs I knew at first were 'Don't Save Me' and 'Falling'. The songs reminded me of something that I'd play blasting through my headphones and washes the dishes as do a lil girly 80s popping. 

Looking at the Haim girls I thought their sound would be something more grunge or rock n roll. Their long hair and leather jackets made them look like the feminine version of Kings of Leon (fun fact: they are supporting KoL in concert some time this year in Milton Keynes - wish I had tickets). 

The album consists of solemn, smooth bass and drums songs; like 'Let Me Go', 'Running If You Call My Name' and my favourite song that has a splash of r'n'b 'My Song 5'. There are also pop-rock girl power songs that you'd sing over and over and over again on a train journey; like 'The Wire', 'If I Could Change Your Mind' and 'Days are Gone'. Their harmonies are such a breath of sweet new fresh air, you would hear no contrived or over-the-top vocal belting. 

Definitely worth listening to. Especially fans of: Gwen Stefani, Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys.

Major Lazer - Free the Universe

When I hear this album three words come into my head, Notting Hill Carnival. Girls in shorts that seem as if they were shrunk in the wash, grimy trainers that survived the battlefield at All Saint's Road, cans of Red Stripe in a heap by the pavement and the sweet wafts of Mary-Jane that tickles your nose hairs. 

You may not understand what I'm talking about but this album is a fusion of Jamaican dancehall mixed with a lil bit of trap and electronic. 

The collaborations on here are incredible: Shaggy, Bruno Mars, Elephant Man, Santigold, Flux Pavilion, Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig and even Haim's Danielle Haim. Weird mix ain't it? 

Songs like 'Jessica' and 'Jah No Partial' have that chilled neo-Rasta vibe going on. The type of songs where you wished you had floor lengthen dreads that you sway when Ezra Koenig says 'you're the girl - I love you lots, and your locks'. 

Whereas there are other songs that make you twerk like a you had a Nicki Minaj derriere, such as 'Bubble Butt', 'Sweat' and 'Wind Up'. 

Generally all the songs on this album makes you want to dance, especially 'Mashup The Dance' and 'Watch Out For This'. I think I've overplayed this album over this winter - please bring on the summertime !


Fans of: Vybz Kartel, Ms Dynamite, Diplo (obvs cos this is his band), Skrillex and Chase & Status

The return of the Scrunchie

Whether you like it or not, scrunchies are making a come back. By the likes of Cara Delevigne, Selena Gomez and J-Lo they are bringing back the 80s vibe.

Harper's Bazaar gives five reasons to why you must step far far away from scrunchies. One reason being, it is an 'unsophisticated accessory' that should be avoided like the bandana and the bum-bag.

Sod what Bazaar thinks. Ever since I purchased my scrunchie from American Apparel, I can't see what you could dislike? They create volume, great for your hair (made with anti-breakage material), so comfortable and create more bursts of colour to an outfit. Fashion designers such as Marc Jacobs, Vivenne Westwood and Missoni are bringing the cringe from the 80s to the present. Who doesn't love a bit of tackiness?

STYLE CHEAT:

Opt for a cheaper scrunchie than Marc Jacobs £20 ones. 

These American Apparel beauties are for £4.50

 (collage maker by fotor, harpersbazaar, the guardian, dailymail, american apparel)

"It's a celebration of the elegant woman; she's becoming an endangered species," - Prabal Gurung - NYFW S/S 2013

I'm trying to stay up-to-date with all these Fashion Weeks ahead. So firstly, we start of with New York Fashion Week. I've been spying on some Tommy Ton candid street style, and all I can say, these fashionistas are taking sophisticated sportswear to the max. I can tell that the trends for spring/summer next year we will still be sporting the athletic attire.

However, Prabal Gurung is showing a different story. He wants to bring back elegance. And I don't blame him! His collection blends an opulent Marilyn Monroe-esque 50s woman with the 21st futuristic female. Patterns of beautifully sketched roses are screen-printed onto plastics creating a high-tech effect and modernising elegance.

His influence, I'd say, is Gaga meets Marilyn. Fluorescent meets pastel. Harshness and daring meets beauty and grace. The grace is shown by the perfectly draped dreamy satin of pastels. The bold cuts and structures of the garments enhances the futuristic element.

This is the first collection of Prabal Gurung that I've seen - yes, I admit it. And I will confess that I have already fallen in lurveee.

I wonder what is next to see for the rest NYFW... I'm way too excited.

(all images taken from Style.com)

Must Watch: The Power of Pussy

I said to myself, "tonight will be an early night". I'm getting fed up of not having enough sleeping hours. So I said to myself, 11pm I'll be asleep.

But I couldn't get to sleep.

I found myself on Facebook, something that I never go on any more. And when I do it's only for the occasionally stalking or to contact friends/family abroad. So when I heard that lil "pop" of a notification at 11.31pm I hesitated to consider either reading the message, which will keep me up for probably another 30mins or so, or, to pretend I heard nothing and 'by accident' sign off.

It turned out to be my friend sending me a link of a YouTube video. She asked "have you seen the power of pussy yet???"

The Power of Pussy? What in the hell was that? I instantly thought it'd be about some scientific feminists proclaiming how the vagina possess some magical powers.

I told her, "no". She replied,  "I'm going to bed but if u haven't watched it, you'll love it".

So this left me in a dilemma. So, struggle going to sleep whilst pondering what this video could be about? Or watch it, be happy, then moan about my little sleep in the morning?

The second one sounded much much better.

An hour and a bit later. I was buzzing. I didn't care if I had 7 hours sleep left... My life was complete.

You may be wondering now what was this video about????

One word. Strippers.

Yes, strippers. The Power of Pussy is a online documentary, four part series of strippers working in Atlanta, Magic City - Premier Adult Entertainment.

Initially I thought it would be glamourising stripping and boost about how much they make and all they do is dance. But this doc ain't glamourising nothing. It showed how difficult and frustrating it can be. Not only do they fear of being semi-naked (and fully) in front of a room of people, but they also fear if this job would turn into a life-long career. Being labelled as as stripper leads to many negative opinions... Could they ever find a serious job, despite their past?

'Strippers' is the incorrect word, 'adult entertainer' fits their features. They. Are. Fit. Girls. They climb up the pole, then to drop back down, then spin their whole body around the pole, just using one arm - and don't forget they are wearing stilettos whilst making themselves look effortlessly sexy throughout without showing a spec of tiredness or pain... and this, ladies and gentleman, is the sport of pole dancing.

Although they know it's not the ideal job, but these girls interviewed didn't seem unhappy in their jobs. They get to be with other girls that have been through the same rough past that has led them to working at Magic City. Like a sense of community within the club. But the best thing is, they also learn how to 'twerk' and shake their derriere in a 'classy way' in front of a 'gentleman'.
All the girls have a nickname, like the name of their alter-ego. Once they get up on stage their ultra provocative ego can be unleashed to a room of the unknown drowsy men. 

The Power of Pussy neither glamourised nor demoralise these women. It was a doc that made me totally respect strippers adult entertainers even more. I always have, especially because it's amusing to think that us women can get paid for flaunting our assets - the things our mama gave us.


WAAAATTCHH ITTTT!

(youtube)

Top Japanese Restaurants in London

Are you tired of having cold sushi with the hard rice inside? Are you tired of the same old Katsu Curry and Teriyaki stuff?? Are you tired of soups that just taste like tasteless water???

Forget YO Sushi and Wagamama's  (...for like a sec, cos I know they are yummy places)

And read about my favourite Japanese restaurants!

Koya

A few weeks ago, on a Saturday night I had a dinner date with my friend at Koya, Soho, London. Koya is small and compact authentic Japanese restaurant where you can find the best tempura, udon noodles and soups. Being my second time having a meal at Koya, you would think that I'd try something unusual and interesting that appeals to me because I've been there before. But no, I chose the exact same meal as before. Even though it was months and months ago that I went for the first time, I could still taste that crispy prawn tempura, slowly melting in the hot refreshing soup. Mmm...

If you are ever in the area of Central London, freezing your butt off, and feel like your fingers, toes and nose are going to fall off then waddle yourself into Koya so you can warm up with a tempura soup you'll never forget.

Tokyo Diner

Before my dad and I went to see that new Spiderman film. We always, religiously, go and find somewhere to eat first - so we don't pig out on popcorn and ice cream in the cinema. So we found this place on the corner of Chinatown that looked quite special. 

We have this theory that if you see Japanese people eating in a Japanese restaurant, then you know it's a good Japanese restaurant. Right?

It was probably the most authentic Japanese restaurant I've ever been to because they told us as a Japanese tradition they do expect tips. Any tips left mistakenly would be taken to the Homeless centre. As a student you'd be pleased to hear this, but I'm not gonna lie, the prices of meals seemed as if the tips were added on by itself. 

The menu was jam packed with a wider range of meals all popping out at me. I usually order chicken teriyaki meals, as a safe bet in Japanese restaurants that I'm unsure of. As I knew this place was authentic as it gets, I decided to choose something that I knew the taste of - so I would know the difference between real and unique, and chain restaurants. 

I've never tasted such a fresh chicken glazed in mouth-watering seasoned teriyaki sauce before. Just look at the picture, you can even see how good it looks.

I haven't been there since, but from what I remember they give you great portions of food, miso soups with meals, gallons of  Jasmine tea and heaps of goodness. 

'Girls' crushing

I'm thinking of her right now. There's more than one girl. I used to have many of them when I was younger, but now I think I've grown up a little bit more.

No, I'm not coming out of the closet here. I'm talking about that one girl/friend that you can't help but admire and you're so intrigued in her life that you end up wanting to look and be like her. You know, the girl that can walk into a party and say 'I didn't even get properly dressed for this' but she still looks flawless, probably a lot better than you and your pre-organised outfit that you assembled a week or two before.
This is what I think was running in Lena Dunham's (creator of tv show Girls) mind when she was creating the role for Jessa; a bohemian, free-spirit and extremely popular girl. In an interview I read, Lena had to persuade her real-life friend, Jemima Kirke (cousin of Alice Dellal and the Dellal clan) to play the part of Jessa. Jemima was hesitation at first, as painting is more her forte, but gave in. Lena knew that she'd would be perfect to play the part of Jessa, because it was in fact Jemima that gave her the inspiration for Jessa. Can you imagine asking your girl crush to play a effortlessly cool character that you created because of them? Awkward, or what?

If you don't understand what I'm talking about, then, WATCH GIRLS! It's the greatest female comedy since Sex and the City. I've even blogged about it before.

Getting back on track, the real question is, who's your girl crush? Not a celebrity, but a person that you actually know. The girl that you'd love to spend a whole day with her so you can copy the cool things she does and to experience what it's like to be a bit on the wild side. A bit like a girl like 'Carmen' by Lana Del Rey.
Although, my personal experience of this never turns out to be so lovely. After a while of being with your girl crush, it seems like too much for me. It feels as if I was never being truly myself because I was trying to hard to match her personality. I could only spend a day with her, or else I'd become a clone. I wonder if anyone else feels like this?

Relating it back to Girls, Hannah (Lena Dunham) always seems in awe of Jessa's situations and lightens up in her presence. She's that type of girl Hannah wants in her life, the adventurous and courageous girl who doesn't mind hopping into the same bath as her friend, despite the fact of nakedness.

I have to admit, I don't have a girl crush anymore. Generally these girls end up being my close friends or I lose contact with ( possibly because I can't match up with their hectic lifestyle). Do I want another girl crush? Maybe... I want someone who can just remind me that 'life isn't that hard' and to 'take a walk on the wild side' - too many Lana Del Rey quotes.

Then again, I hate that feeling of wanting to be someone you're not. I'm fine who I am (finally).

But I do want a friend like Jessa though.

Bahama Mama @ Swankys

On NYE I treated myself on a birthday voucher I had for a 'Classic Manicure' at Swanky Lash & Brow Bar in Kensal Rise, London.  So many times I have walked past Swanky but never taken a peek inside. I don't really like spending money on nails, especially when I can do it at home. But once in a while (one of my new New Year resolution) you gotta treat yourself. And Swanky is the place to get treated.

On a typical dark rainy London afternoon, Swanky was illuminated with pinkness in the middle of a gloomy street. A petite beauty shop decorated with pink baroque wallpapers, white ornate framed mirrors, rows of a wide range of nails polishes and chatty beauticians. At first I was a bit taken back by the extremely friendly chatter amongst customers and staff - this is London, who genuinely cares about what you're doing tonight?
But that is what makes Swanky stand out from going to those rapid, silent, uncomfortable yet so cheap, run-in-and-run-out Oriental populated nails shops. It was the familiar conversations that made the nail polish flow.

Ladies scurried in to get a quick fix-up on their tiny problems of chipped nails whilst boosting out their [insert incredibly posh accent] 'trip to the Bahamas, darling' or gossiping about the weekend before on what really went on at the trendy pub down the road. I was so surprised to know that my very own hometown actually has hot gossip about the hipster yuppie clique living in Kensal Rise (especially without the mention of exclusive Ladbroke Grove or Westbourne Park).

Apart from the chitter-chatter inside and the pitter-patter rain outside, I had possibly one of the best nail colours I have ever seen...

Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to introduce to you, the colours of all colours, a fusion of red plum with cherry and blackcurrant pie - put your hands together for...!

BAHAMA MAMA - Essie

Berry nice, dontcha think?

My Verdict

So, would I be going back to Swanky again?

- Deffooo. (when I have the money of course)

Do I recommend yous lots to go in?

- It's a must. If you're ever in the area then you're in treat to go to a place where you can get your eyebrows and eyelashes plus manicures and pedicures done under one roof.  

Rating:

4/5

Was a bit too claustrophobic when heated convos steamed the room. 

Bit pricey - but worth it!

It's also a New Years resolution to start blogging on here more!

The Kimye Situation

Having a trendy and fashionable guy/girl on your arm is the latest accessory. Well, to be honest, we all know this; it's been a fact for decades. Johnny Depp and Kate Moss, Brangelina, Posh & Becks, Barack and Michelle Obama... etc. They would never be caught dead wearing matching outfits, but some how their different styles compliment each others so perfectly. Some may think it's the woman in relationship who tells the guy what to wear and what matches with what. But in the 'Kimye' situation, we all know who wears the fashion pants in that relationship; designer leather fashion pants in fact.

It is clear to see that Kim Kardashian's style has changed, pre-Kanye West she wore colour blocking and figure-hugging dresses that looked like 'eh, typical Kardashian style, nothing new to see'. But now... I haven't seen her wear as much leather, fur, black, high pony tails and high neck tops than ever before. From Yeti-like coats and to studded encrusted dresses, what he makes; she wears. I must admit Kanye's RTW collections looks stunning on her.  Maybe Mr. West sees her as promoting his own designer products? ... No. I doubt it. I know what they have is true love, but how far would you change your style to suit the candy on your arm? 

To be honest if I had a fashion icon boyfriend I wouldn't mind if he suggested what I should wear. Although, I question, does she miss the old Kim?

Exhibit A: notice the Pre-Kanye style. Doesn't it look like the usual Kardashian style? Even her hair styling has changed. High buns and high pony tails; it definitely contours her features but it loses her fun and girly vibe that we see in Pre-Kanye images. 

From sources, (it's probably not so valid) Kanye was embarrassed to take Kim on his trip to Paris Fashion Week. I guess it's understandable because I can't imagine a flock of designers pleading her to be in their Front Row. So in order for Kanye to take his girl to all the fashion capitals, a transformation was needed. 

Kanye has definitely taken the 'one or the other' concept into action. You know the rule of if you decide to show your cleavage you must cover up your legs and bum, and vice versa. Nowadays I rarely see her cleavage, now I just see many pencil skirts that exaggerate her famous buttocks. Actually, I tell a lie, I have she her show her cleavage 'with Kanye' and that dress was a showstopper; a green velvet deep V-neck beauty. But thinking about that, the dress was below knee length and shoulder-arm length. SEE! My conspiracy is proven!

I know that Kanye isn't controlling her and I am sure she also decides what she wants to wear. Even though her style has changed, she still adds that Kardashian essence. I can definitely say that the fashion figures are taking her more seriously now. I believe her style before was to show off her appearance, now I see her style is to show off her fashion sense. If my boyfriend told me what I should and shouldn't wear constantly, I would start to think he wants to change my individuality, but if he is a fashion icon, then maybe I would consider his suggestions - maybe. 

Overall, Kanye is the right boyfriend for her, and the perfect stylist too!

Back To Braces

Braces are back. Really? I don't know if I'd actually be able to pull this one off, but I'll like to see this on the models or real fashionistas.

I remember when I used to wear braces with neon blue skinny jeans, pink Nike top and multi-coloured hearts on a blue hoodie from Primark. And, I thought I looked good. I guess I could get a picture of me wearing this... But every organ in me will cringe to the fullest that I would not be able to even type this post. Ok, bit extreme, but it would be embarrassing.  

Reading September issue of Elle with Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley, there were sections of must wear for A/W. Braces caught my eye because I still have them in my draw, but thinking how could I wear them? Maybe wear them something like these two lovelies:

Or maybe it's just them that makes braces look super cool.

Hit, or miss?

Sienna + Journalism Rant

I remember seeing Vogue's April 2012 edition of cover girl Sienna Miller. I've never been a fan of Sienna, heck, I've never seen a film that she's been in.

But after I saw Alfie (2004) I understood the excitement. She's effortlessly cool and so pretty it makes your confidence in yourself cry. Watching Alfie it is blatantly obvious to see the chemistry between Jude Law and her. I mean, who wouldn't want to run up to her and kiss her face off?

Ok. Bit too far.

I wanted to highlight this particular column in Vogue was because whilst talking about Sienna and her troubles with paparazzi it also states the problem of journalists becoming spies.
May sound strange, but journalists are wanting to know anything and everything about celebrities. From raiding bins and sneaking into deleted emails, Sienna has experienced it all from these Showbiz mags.
As an inspiring journalist, I don't see the joy in knowing the bees knees and all the dirty little secrets and rumors. Although I do enjoy the guilty pleasure of watching E! news, I still find it strange when you know who's dating who or who's talking to who. Especially when they have no clue who YOU are. We forget that celebs are individuals, humans, people! Just doing a job! They want privacy. Let's give it to them.

When did journalism become hated by celebs? When did entertainment become loving gossip about celebrity affairs?

Sorry, I'm having a big blog rant right now. But it's an issue that has to be dealt with. I hate the feeling of people questioning my job ambition wondering why I want to spend my career following celeb lives?... that's not what I want to do.

I want to talk about interesting and thrilling news, and not this silly childish bedroom bitchy gossip. Let's write about what they want us to write about, not what they are hiding away from us.

Word.

Oh, yes. To leave on a happier note. Aren't these pictures beautiful? Haven't seen a better editorial than this is Vogue in a while. 

The gracefulness of the birds and petals fluttering away leaving Sienna looking effortlessly peaceful, as always.

The last image of Sienna holding those funeral flowers are quite daunting, but yet remarkably pretty and quite humorous, right? 

Girls

A HBO new series of four twenty-something girls living in New York. Sounding familiar? Reminding you of Sex And The City? Complete opposite.


First aired on 15th April, 2012. Created by Lena Dunham, directed by Lena Dunham, Executive produced by Lena Dunham and also starring Lena Dunham. This girl is a TV genius.


The reason why it is becoming my favourite TV show is because it does not show the glossy image of young life, e.g; finding a job after parents stop giving you money, trying soo hard to break up with a tender womanly boyfriend and wondering if it is too early to settle down. The amount of laugh out loud cringing moments that happen are so much that I refrain myself from drinking anything or else it will go all over my laptop screen.


I love this so show much. For so many reasons. Dunham says "Gossip Girl was teens duking it out on the Upper East Side and Sex and the City was women who figured out work and friends and now want to nail family life. There was this whole in between space that hadn't really been addressed," 
It's a show that I don't constantly lust over the clothes or attractive characters, but instead I'm concentrating on the plot. I don't see any cliché moments or repeats of other shows, just realistic and original dilemmas in life. 


A definite must-watch. Just definite. 

- Lena Dunham, second right.

(google)

Zara's Inspirations

Whenever I walk into Zara, three things that come into mind instantly are: Chanel, Prada and Givenchy Resort.

And the first three things I actually say out loud are: Oh my god, I want this, I need this.

It's so easy to point out where Zara get their inspiration from for their Spring/Summer collections.

The sky blue lace skirts and blazer soft couching are uncertainly reminders of classic Chanel looks. 

I get the Prada essence when I see printed shirts and dresses that remind 50's American summer.

The bold and striking printed shirts look incredibly like the tropical captivating Givenchy Resort collection.

Here, take a lookie >

(zara, google, style.com) 

Carmen: LDR

3 hours ago my current love Lana Del Rey posted her new music video for 'Carmen'. Surprisingly, it is a quick release of another video after just releasing the remake of 'Blue Jeans'. 

'Blue Jeans' and 'Born To Die' are the typical music videos you would see nowadays, whereas 'Carmen' and 'Video Games' (also the original 'Blue Jeans' video) are short clips of  edited old film effect footage. I must admit, I love both types. The music videos ones have a plot, a fantastic and haunting storyline. It's great to see that Lana can act so tastefully and not that irritating over the top acting. It shows her versatility in artistic approaches - she knows how to stand out from all the other same old common music videos. However the short clips of film music videos shows that she is also a talented film maker. Truthfully she doesn't need to make those typical seen-before music videos - it's just refreshing to see something retro without being cliché. 

In my opinion, 'Carmen' tells a story about a girl who is known to be the hottest, coolest and the most popular girl known. "The boys, the girls. They all like Carmen"  Carmen is that typical girl that all girls want to be; her life seems so perfect on the outside... (I'm sure we can all name a girl we know like Carmen) but deep down there's something dark and troubling about her, "She says you don't wanna be like me..."

It's probably the song on the album that I listen to the least, nevertheless, it's still a beauty.

My new found favourite pictures of Lana. By my favourite, Terry Richardson.

(youtube, terrysdiary)

Bill Cunningham New York

There is no-one in the world who is more modest than Bill Cunningham, expect the Dalai Lama probably.  He is a photographer, the pioneer of street style fashion .  He casually rides his bike snapping pictures of, anyone really, who looks like they have made a piece of art by using clothes. He captures detailed photos whilst dodging cars and taxis in New York, at the age of 83! Yes, 83.

It's one of the best fashion documentary I've seen, move out of the way The September Issue!  I loved it because his quotations were the most inspiration sayings I've heard. He says it's not about taking pictures of celebrities who just effortlessly put together a boring outfit, but it's about the unknown fashion lovers who can create incredible show stopping outfits.

Wise words Bill, wise words.

Seriously, the film is so humorous! I was crying with laughter at many times.  I loved the fact that it was not about the young and reckless, but more focused on the mature hidden legends, ranging from ages 70 and above!  It was warming to know that they are so involved in fashion and they always live life to the fullest.  Even one lady mentioned that she was 'the oldest teenager' because she didn't care about consequences and did whatever she wanted to.  However, it was sad to see that some of the old time residents, including Bill, were being pushed out of their icon fashion apartments by the New York state governors.  Nevertheless, it had a sweet tale from the beginning to the end.

I could write even more about my love for this film, but I gotta get back to revision, essays and school work. Such is life.

"Fashion is the armor to survive everyday life."

"If you don't take money, they can't tell you what to do. That's the key to the whole thing."

(youtube, google)

Lana Del Replay

Lana Del Rey

A new music icon of mine. 

Always listening to her debut album on constant repeat.

Her jazzy airy sultry siren voice sings enchanting yet sinister love songs.

Whether her trout pout is real or fake, she is still so beautiful.

She may now be able to buy diamonds, but her tacky gold jewellery is a statement of her self named 'gangster Nancy Sinatra'.

There may be a backlash from the States, where she is from, saying how she isn't a breathe of fresh air and performed so awkwardly on SNL (Saturday Night Live). 

As it was her first major US performance, she probably wasn't that comfortable. I would be too, a year ago she was 'a nobody', it was only a few months ago she went viral on YouTube putting her name on the fame game.

Regardless, I love you Lana.