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)

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. 

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!