Jonny Says Relax!

It has been brought to my attention that my blog name also happens to be a strip club in Birmingham? I'd just like to point out that i had no idea about that and that my name has no link WHAT SO EVER to said club!

Moving on! I hate that i havn't blogged for so long, but my recent schedule has been keeping me pretty busy!

I spent my weekend in Southampton, with Jonny, my lovely Mr, and attended a very exciting taster day at Southampton Solent University, as part of my university decision making!

On the morning of Monday 22nd November, i was so SO nervous about the taster course, and i have no idea why as i fell in love with Southampton and Sarah/Suzanne (the course leaders) when i previously visited on an open day! BUT, the Mr can tell you that i was awfully quiet which is my way of dealing with nerves. ON TOP OF THIS, i had to work the Southampton buses all by myself! I was so scared, seeing as i had never been on a bus on my own before.

That's right, i've never been on a bus on my own!

But i made it! And saw where all the other students were waiting, and sat next to a girl with bubblegum pink hair! I later found out her name was called Emma, but it was quite obvious at first meeting that we were both too nervous to ask for each other's name! I spent my morning with her, and sat with her in the lecture - which was a new experience for me - and we sort of clung to each other, for support.

Our next task was a piece of writing, and emma, and i, got split (not exactly sure why) but we did, and i ended up sitting next to a lovely girl called Laura, we just seemed to click! Our task was on pairs, one person was the journalist and the other could chose to be either Alexandra Schulman (Editor of Vogue UK), Lucy Yeomans (Editor of Harper's Bazaar) or Jefferson Hack (Editor of Dazed & Confused). Between us, we decided that i would be the journalist and Laura chose to be Alexandra Schulman. The journalist's role was to ask questions and type as fast as possible the other persons true or made up answers. So, we had a little time to read up on our icon, and could refer back to the internet. I found out that it's very hard to type, listen and do it quickly! But it was a fun task, we swapped over so Laura was the journalist and then Sarah stopped us. She gave us about twenty minutes to start making our notes into a piece in the style of A Life In The Day (A column in The Times) & i'm actually pretty happy with how mine turned out:

Kathryn Adams

A Life In The Day: Alexandra Schulman

Editor of Vogue UK for 16 years; Named one of the most powerful women in fashion, a working mother and an outwardly strong and passionate, modern day woman.
________________________________________________________

Spending time with my son is something I wish I could do all day, every day but it isn’t practical or realistic. My very early mornings are swamped with preparing for the difficult questions and problems of the long day ahead; as well as juggling spending time with my son, before he goes to school.

After growing up in such a creative, and hard-working, family, my mother being a journalist/editor and my father a critic, it may have seemed like my only option was this path – but it was also the only one that felt right.

Being the editor of Vogue for 16 years is something that I am proud to brag, and boast, about, as I believe it’s an honour and a privilege. Despite the pressures of such a high-powered job, I feel like a free spirit. I spend my life feeling 25, wafting around in second-hand cocktail dresses, when in reality I’m just your average 47-year-old businesswoman.

I lead an exciting, fast paced life – it’s fabulous bus I’m fed up of anorexia, drug abuse and every other teenage related issue being pinned on me, and my magazine. I really wish that models were a bit bigger because then I wouldn't have to deal with this the whole time. There is pressure on them to stay thin, and I'm always talking to the designers about it, asking why they can't just be a bit closer to a real woman's physique in terms of their ideal, but they're not going to do it. Clothes look better to all of our eyes on people who are thinner. I have written to designers to draw their attention to the situation calling for larger sized samples to be produced, but alas, my plead just seems to fall on deaf ears. We’re so stuck in a rut, it’s hard to change how we think things should look, and be.

“Anti Fashion” is spreading, globally, and is becoming a ridiculous issue. Our industry is all about expression, it’s supposed to be a lift in our day-to-day lives. With my job, I am expected to be obsessed with retail and all the latest trends but I think i’m just a real sucker for that feeling that your world can change because of something you’ve bought, whether it’s not in the shops yet or vintage.
I have one of the most high-power, high-pressure jobs; add single mother to my job description and things can get pretty hectic. Despite being criticized and scrutinized every day of my life, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

After lunch we spent about an hour getting to grips with Indesign and re creating the Cosmopolitan christmas gift guide front (which i can't find a picture of at the moment!) I really enjoyed it, i find photoshop a nightmare! (Fortunately, the Mr is a dab hand at using photoshop and just about every other complicated computer software, So he's going to teach me a thing or two!) It was good to learn something new! To round of the day we just had a Q&A session with Sarah and some current students, who all seemed lovely and i think i can safetly say i love Southampton!

Other highlights of my weekend include this:

The scrummy roast the Mr made me on Sunday night! Yummmmm.

I have to say, that my Mr is also a dab hand in the kitchen! Considering he's a student he feeds & looks after me very well! We had stir fry as well! But for our final night, i bought us a takeaway, yummm. It's just rubbish he's so far away!

& Finally seeing my gorgeous Mr's new glasses! Also Yummmmm.

All in all i had a fabulous weekend! It's making me more & more excited about my future, hurry up present - i've got lots to look forward to!

Popped the Question!

So, it's about time that Prince William got down on one knee and popped that all important question! Apparently, he did it last month on a personal trip to Kenya, and they've kept it quiet ever since! Well, i for one want to see that rock that Wills has presented to Kate! I've heard it's the ring that was given to Diana?! But i, personally, havn't seen that ring, so whatever it looks like - i'm dying to see!

BUT, the real question is.. Who's going to design the wedding dress!?!?

I don't know, but what i do know is that it's going to be nothing like Diana's disaster! It was designed by David Emanuel, but it was huuuge and creased terribly!

I don't think that Kate would ever think of having anything like that, but i don't think the royals would let her have anything too simple, and go under the radar, either! Personally, i think she would look devine in a simple, but extravagent gown, maybe a Vera Wang or maybe something a little more interesting but equally as elegant - an Oscar De La Renta, (his fall 2011 collection is gorgeous! Check it out Here)

(Via Google)
(In white, obviously!)

(Via Oscardelarenta.com)

I just hope that the royals give them enough room for Kate to decide how she wants her special day!

A to B

As part of my latest project, Artist Book, i am looking at travel and journeys as they have become a very important part of my life, lately. I have written a short piece about how i feel about travelling and what i means to me - i thought i would share it with you!

I find travelling quite a personal thing, but it wasn’t always this way. In the past, I felt that a journey was only about getting from A to B, doesn’t matter how, it’s just a way to get where you need to be, but this is no longer about the past – it’s all about my present and future. I have never really enjoyed travelling, until I really needed to do it. From never having been on a bus on my own, to travelling across London, with a suitcase, to get to my final destination – Southampton, all by myself. But now I have the bug.

There has never been a time in my life where travelling has been more important to me, and my daily life, than it is now. Whether it’s travelling to college, half an hour down the road, or travelling to see my boyfriend, about four hours away, in Southampton. Wherever my journey takes me, I now thoroughly enjoy every second. I have come to be a regular train passenger, and I enjoy every step. I’m quite a city girl, so the hustle and bustle of train stations keeps me excited. Obviously, my favourite journey is to Southampton, as the reward of my journey is the most wanted, needed and most exciting. However, they do say absence makes the heart grow fonder! It is, probably, also the most complex. However, it is split into manageable chunks – Huntingdon to London, Kings Cross – London Kings Cross, Southbound Victoria Line, to Warren Street – Warren Street, Southbound Northern Line, Waterloo – Waterloo to Southampton Central.

Regardless of being an avid train user, my other favourite way of travelling is by car – my car. Despite taking almost a year to learn to drive, consistent putting off of my driving test, due to nerves, I now love to drive. Knowing that it’s all down to me to get myself around, the independence I have always wanted. Preferably on my own, and it usually is (unless going to college), I can listen to my music and go wherever I want to go. However, driving with passengers is just as exciting – now we have the opportunity to get ourselves around, it gives my friends and I the perfect excuse to take adventures to nearby cities and attractions.

Now all my friends, and boyfriend, are off at universities – pretty much all the most important things to me are a journey away. They’re scattered all over the country, from the north to the south, and the only way to keep things the way I want them is to travel all over the place.

Whether it’s by car, train, bus or aeroplane – I have the bug. You could say it’s been forced upon me, but either way, I’m appreciative of this change and I wouldn’t want to change things – not for a while, anyway.

How Sweet!

In a Previous Post i told you about a lovely little website i found, called American Sweets! Well, my sweet treats have finally flown their way into my hands and i thought i'd show you what i chose!

(From Top to Bottom: Hershey's Cherry Twizzlers Nibbles,

Wonka Bottle Caps Candy,

Wonka Cherry Laffy Taffy Rope)

And to top off this sweet little package, they threw in a:

A cheeky little Brach's Cinnomon Hard Candy! (I don't like cinnamon, but it's the thought that counts!)

IT'S HERE!!

IT IS FINALLY AND TRUELY THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!

I'm sure you all have your own feelings about what makes christmas, christmas, BUT the one thing that really means it's christmas for me is..

THE COCA COLA CHRISTMAS TRUCK ADVERT!

And i have finally seen it for the first time, this year! Nestled between the x factor, there it was! The infamous tune, the sparkling christmas lights and the little boy desperate to see the truck!

I can sleep happily tonight, knowing that the christmas season is not too far away!

(Via Google)

Your Song

I am being spoilt for choice with christmas advertising this year!

I don't know if anyone else has seen it yet, but the new John lewis christmas advert is not only a-dorable, but the music is gorgeous. Ellie Goulding isn't my number one go-to when i'm looking for new music to download but i have to say that her cover of 'Your Song' is simply lovely. Her voice compliments the lyrics beautifully and gives the song a whole new meaning than the Moulin Rouge version we have all come to know & love.

Check out the advert Here and the video for Goulding's 'Your Song' cover Here. Both are lovely, and have a lovely emotional feel - something to shed a tear to!

X Factor Confusion!

As you may, or may not, have seen in a previous post - i told you about how HAPPY i was that Katie Waissel had taken the plunge and dyed away her roots!

BUT is it just me, or have her roots miraculously appeared on this weeks x factor!?

WHAT IS GOING ON!

(Via Google)

Christmas Fever!

I, now, totally have christmas fever! After spending the day traipsing round the shops with all the other frantic christmas shoppers, with the queensgate (Peterborough) christmas decs dangling and swaying in the air and santa's grotto already busy and bustling with excited children's faces - i definitely have the fever.

However, nothing makes me more excited for this sparkly time of year than christmas advertising! And i have to say, my favourite so far is the M&S christmas musical! Packed with snow, dancing and celebrities - it's the perfect christmas package!

Check it out here Here!

(Also, if you pay the marksandspencertv channel a visit, it has behind the scenes videos and interviews with all the celebs who took part in the making of this fab advert!)

(ANNNNND, keep your eyes peeled at the end because my friend got the part for one of the dancing santas! He's a fabulous dancer, that attends Laines Theatre Arts! (He has also recently danced at GAY with Kerry Ellis! JEALOUS.) But i think that this is a brilliant claim to fame!)

(Via Youtube)

KG

I have been lusting over these GORRRRRRGEOUS Kurt Geiger shoes for ever so long now, & i thought i'd share them with you!

(Via Kurtgeiger.com)

The gorgeous (detachable) red, leather bow; The super high heel and the fabulous large leopard print - YUM-MY. If only i had £160 to spare!




Here are a few others that have tickled my fancy!

(Via Kurtgeiger.com)

I think KG is my new label lust! What do you think? Check out the entire collection Here!

Are you a KG lover or are you after another lust have?

Turner Prize 2010

As you may already know, from previous posts, i'm currently studying on a one year art foundation course and as part of said course, we look at anything and everything that's going on in the world of art, fashion and culture - so i thought i'd do a little post on what was discussed in this weeks contextual class!

I'm sure you've all, at least, heard of the Turner Prize - four contemporary artists nominated to win one prestigious award. The maximum age of entry is now fifty, which i personally think is too old - i think young, new, up and coming artists should get the chance to be nominated and at least get recognition for their work. ANYWAY, if you don't already know these are this years four nominees:

DEXTER DALWOOD

(Via Tate.org.uk)

He was born in Bristol, in 1960. He studied at Central St Martins, London, and at the Royal College of Art, London. He now lives and works in London. He has been nominated for his solo exhibition at Tate St Ives of paintings, that draw upon historical tradition as well as contemporary cultural and political events.

ANGELA DE LA CRUZ

(Via Tate.org.uk)

She was born in La Coruña, Spain in 1965. She moved to the UK in 1987 and studied at Goldsmiths College, London and the Slade School of Art, London. She now lives and works in London. She's been nominated for her solo exhibition, After, at Camden Arts Centre, London. SHe uses the language of painting and sculpture to create striking works that combine formal tension with a deeper emotional presence.

Susan Philpsz

She was born in 1965, in Glasgow. She studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee and the The University of Ulster. She now lives and works in Berlin. She's has been nominated for the presentations of her work, Lowlands, at the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art and 'Long Gone' in the group exhibition Mirrors at the Museo de Arte Contemporanea de Vigo, Spain. She uses her own voice to create uniquely evocative sound installations that play upon and extend the poetics of specific, often out-of-the-way spaces.

The Otolith Group

The Otolith Group was founded in 2002 by Kodwo Eshun and Anjalika Sagar. Eshun was born in London in 1966. He studied English Literature at University College, Oxford. Sagar was born in London in 1968. She studied Anthropology and Hindi at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. They have been nominated for their project 'A Long Time Between Suns', which took the form of exhibitions at Gasworks and The Showroom, London with accompanying publication. The collaborative and discursive practice of The Otolith Group questions the nature of documentary history across time by using material found within a range of disciplines, in particular the moving image.

NOW, i have to say, i'm not one for having humongous opinions on things - but i personally think there is a real lack of interest in these finalists. The Turner Prize is supposed to be about the best of British contemporary art, and i think these don't show the young British art scene in a particularly exciting, or interesting light! I think Susan Philipsz has the best work out of these four, but even her work doesn't exactly stand out to me. I think it's about time that the Turner Prize considered younger, and fresher artists!

What do you think? Who's your favourite? & do you think the age limit should be lowered or increased?

From Hershey's To Twizzlers!

Just a quick post to let all you know about a great little website, i found (especially if you have a sweet tooth!)

(Via Google)

It's called American Sweets and it's fabulous! They sell all your american favourites from Hershey's to Twizzers, from Mountain Dew to Root Beer! They have everything an all american (loving) girl could want! You should definitely check out their website, as their prices are also brilliant! They also have a range of British products that you maybe can no longer source - take a look, you may be surprised!


I've already ordered my sweet treats! What are your american favourites?

Spring 2011 RTW

As i am studying Fashion/Textiles on my Art Foundation course, and throughout the course they insist that we keep a contextual book of everything we find interesting and fascinating, whether it be fashion or nature, i decided to have a nosey through the Spring 2011 RTW collections - and i'm very glad i did as i landed myself directly in the safe hands of Frida Giannini, the creative director for Gucci. There collection is GORGEOUS, and bang on so many trends! From it's glorious oranges and purples, to it's bang on camel and finally to it's fabulous LDB's, leather trousers and tassles!

(Via Style.com)

I just thought that this was such a spot on collection for Gucci to bring to the table. What i find unusual is that if this collection had been completely rock 'n' roll black, perfect shades of camel or full on opulent colours, it would not have worked as well as it has done. But with a little of everything, it just seems to give it an edge that any other line up would have neglected. Personally, i'm usually interested in the slightly more eccentric and full on designers, such as Galliano and Mcqueen, but this little lovely took me by surprise and will bring the new year in with a bang!

Talking of bigger and (ever so slightly) better things, the one collection that did have me screaming at my computer screen was Marchesa's collection. It truely is to-die-for! As i said, i have always been that little bit more interested in opulence and extravagance, the bigger the better in my book! And marchesa has pulled of, yet another, seamless collection.

(Via Style.com)

The manipulation of fabric is amazing, in this collection. I thought that Marchesa had hit their peak in previous collections, but they have truely out done themselves! Check out the entire collection at Style.com to see the beautiful details they've put into there less extravagent, but equally gorgeous pieces!

What do you think of these collections? Are there any Spring 2011 RTW collections you've seen that you've fallen in love with?