Front Row View articles :)

http://http//www.front-row-view.com/2010/10/italian-vogue-mesh-glamour-2010.html

http://http//www.front-row-view.com/2010/10/2011-bringing-back-bicycle.html

http://http//www.front-row-view.com/2010/09/acne-label-introduces-new-transvestite.html

http://www.front-row-view.com/2010/09/decadence-rebellious-return.html

http://www.front-row-view.com/2010/08/borrow-from-your-boyfriend-for-fall.html

http://www.front-row-view.com/2010/08/trend-2010s-winter-warmers.html

http://www.front-row-view.com/2010/08/2011-age-of-androgyny.html

http://www.front-row-view.com/2010/08/hepburns-new-minimalist.html

http://www.front-row-view.com/2010/08/trend-1950s-resplendant-return.html

http://www.front-row-view.com/2010/08/jadore-paris.html

Rocking Treasures.. :)

Last year, me and the girls jumped on a last minute holiday to enjoy the sweltering heat of Turkey. As we eagerly perched on the edge of our seats in Thomas Cook, the intense excitement that spilled out of our smiling faces was an emotion that could only be conjured by the promise of sun, sea and shots! However this year, we would have no such luck; our holiday bender was an absolute failure..due to 'insufficient funds' on my part! In other words with minus pennies that sat in my bank account, the holiday became an impossibility; consequently our hope for a 7day glorious piss up was unfortunately out of reach for summer 2010.

So in order to look on a positive angle, i decided to use my weekly wages on charming additions to our new house at Wilton Avenue..my first purchase was one that i will absolutely treasure forever. A few days ago, once finishing my shift that consisted of serving cappuccinos and tuna sandwiches, i took a stroll down Hythe high street. Roaming in and out of the charity shops i stumbled across an old antique shop which captured a range of archaic treats; such as grand father clocks, classic vinyl, plus a pretty Victorian dressing table...to name a few. Although i adored many pieces within the shop, one number stood far above the rest..and that had to be the beautiful white, wooden rocking chair that sat in the corner of the room !!

With the traditional oak flooring and the old-fashioned fire place in my lovely room, i feel that this charismatic chair would be the perfect accompaniment, therefore there was no other option..it simply HAD to be mine :) I never imagined that i would ever become so excitable about furniture! But it seems that this delectable rocking chair has stolen my heart..

To add to the English country house theme of my new room, i popped into British Red Cross earlier today and managed to bag a gorgeous white wicker basket for as little as 50pence! Can't beat a bargain :) Now with my delicious furniture and adorable basket i am slowly building up my room to appear like an 80 year-old's cottage...perfection :)

So with a few more sneaky purchases, hopefully frying in the sun and downing sangria will be pedalled out of my mind with one rock on my lovable chair and a blissful peak at my enchanting basket. And if all else fails..there's always a cheeky sunbed !

Walt 'Horny' Disney..

When heading to cinema earlier this week, we came to the conclusion that the long-awaited new Toy Story film was a must see over all the other options. So we ventured to Ashford where we grabbed a cheeky lunch in the ever so 'stylish' Beefeater just minutes walk from Cineworld. After the meal we excitedly strolled over to buy our tickets; as the opening titles appeared, i couldn't hold back my childish delight as I was always a big fan of Woody and the gang. Embarrassingly, to this day, my Woody doll remains rested on my windowsill at my Dad's house!! Still a kid at heart i guess..

Well anyway, the film was incredible! Far better than i actually imagined; the way that Walt Disney has always captured such a varied audience in his films must be the key to his success. The adult humour weaved into the PG storyline was pure excellence; a favourite aspect of the movie had to be when Buzz transformed into a Spanish Hero, his accidental change of tongue turned him into a Spanish speaking heartthrob and won over the affection of the lovable cowgirl Jessy, with the help of his impressive salsa dance moves! And i can't forget the character Ken, with his 'pretty boy' appearance and the hilarious costume change scene. Consequently, it is a must see for summer 2010.

But once i had watched this follow-on from the original classic, i remembered an intriguing factor i had heard about Walt Disney's shocking 'additions' to many of his forever adored films. This was of course the suspicions of subliminal messages filtered into these childlike stories; including films such as Lion King and Aladdin. So in order to check out these messages for ourselves, we logged onto YouTube to gather evidence on the accusations. From what it seems in a large number of scenes throughout many of the Disney classics, the word 'Sex' has subtly been injected into objects within the background; places like in the leaves, or the shape of clouds..this is where the word will be found. As it is impressively camouflaged, it is cleverly invisible to the eye unless you are aware of its existence. However, Aladdin holds a far more alarming subliminal in a certain scene where he is peering out of the window and very quietly mutters "Good teenagers take off your clothes." (Click on the image of Walt above for a link to this video).

Although these may be just hearsay, after watching clips of each scene i do believe they exist within the films. Which makes me wonder that even the purest and most innocent aspects within this world have the potential and possibility to taint our minds. As children, it is a well known fact that their minds soak up information like a sponge; therefore as they watch their favourite Disney hero's saving the world, they are unaware that they're apparently being corrupted with the idea of sex! So no wonder young girls out there are '16 and pregnant'! Thanks to the King of childhood entertainment, the lovely Walt Disney and his mischievous imagination, we are being subtly encouraged to unzip our jeans and dance the horizontal hula! Who'd of thought it.. Never again will i look at Simba or Hercules in the same way again..kinky bastards !

"Living in Hythe is like Training to be Old."

Cecil Beaton's iconic 1934 'Hat Box'.

"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace or the slaves of the ordinary!" (CECIL BEATON). In simple words, don't be afraid to be brave.

As Beaton had a great interest in fashion photography, i can only believe that this aspiring message was directed to style and how the world should embrace individuality and unconventionality in dress, rather than being hesitant to contradict the generalisations in fashion. I am very much a fashion enthusiast; i love reading about it, learning about it, looking at it, buying into it..the list goes on. However, there have been many occasions when i visit a store and i rule off certain outfits due to their outlandish appearance. I truly admire the people who flaunt their fashion extravagance with no concern if others dislike or sneer at the unusual style, although I'm not sure that my little home-town would be ready for 'underwear as outerwear' or see-through fabrics! With a town oozing with OAPs, tearooms and charity shops, walking down the high-street in a maxi dress may cause multiple strokes! I was recently enjoying a nice hot chocolate and a pot of tea with a few friends, the conversation lead onto the excitement of Hythe. Jon gave the perfect definition to our stale home-town: "Living in Hythe is like training to be old." That quote has stuck in my mind ever since. I might as well hobble down the high-street in a woolly jumper and beige flats!

However, as i have quite a quirky and girlish dress sense, i feel i can avoid appearing too flamboyant and inordinate whilst walking past all the Betty's and Albert's shuffling through town. However, recently i have had a desire to delve into the delicious land of jumpsuits! Although I'm only 5'3 and not exactly model height for this unlikely new trend, i can't resist the urge to splurge! There are so many colours and styles that i simply adore, but there is that one fraction that keeps the purse glued inside my satchel...Hythe. I can only dream that one day I'll live in an area like London or Brighton, where the excitement in fashion is far from hidden and is in-fact celebrated. Hythe is camouflaging my passion for fashion! So to take note of Beaton's wise words, screw all the Betty's and Albert's, if we want to strut down the high-street in a cheeky jumpsuit and some delectable brogues..we shall!! No longer will we play it safe; Coco Channel stated: "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." So Hythe, get ready for bras over tees and high waisted hot pants.. :)

Soccer Vs Speidi..

As the world cup kicks off and is in full swing, i thought I'd tune in to the celebratory opening; but after watching hours of African dancing and colourful parades, i decided to divert my attention to a programme of far more importance than the footy!! And that is of course..The Hills :)

The series that follows the drama-injected lives of fabulously superficial Americans has never been so gripping. With Stephanie Pratt's jail sentence for drink driving, Kristin Cavallari's alleged drug problems, Spencer Pratt's obsession with his 'psychic' crystals, Audrina Partridge's constant love affairs, and of course not forgetting Heidi Pratt's outrageous surgery addiction. However, i then began to wonder if your place of residence truly does have a significant impact on the person we become; such as the clothes we purchase or the personalities we adopt.

In the very first few seasons of The Hills, i would go as far as to say that Heidi was a rather normal being! I feel that her once grounded personality simply must have been a reflection of her childhood up-bringing and home-town; the snowy, isolated land of Colorado, as it is far removed from the suffocating world of plastic pressures. Therefore, Heidi was a confident and happy young women, but as she moved to LA the temptations arose as she began to mold her body into society's version of 'perfection.' Watching the rapid deterioration of these characters mental health seems a tad wrong, but the voyeuristic incentives to watch the show is a guilty pleasure that i simply can't resist!

However, regarding the infamous World Cup, i have to confess that i do adore the way in which Britain suddenly turns immensely passionate and patriotic throughout the period. So to show my support for the England boys, i will be momentarily forgetting the lives of Audrina and Speidi as i cheer on the lads! But as soon as the season has come to a conclusion..i can't wait to snatch the remote and escape into the frivolous lives of the Hollywood theatricals that is of course The Hills!!

Brogue Bliss :)

Since last summer i have desperately wanted a pair of tan coloured brogue shoes, but with their high price tag it was always something that i simply couldn't justify; consequently, i have not found the suited pair just yet. Therefore, i have come to the conclusion that 2010 is the year i will bag a brogue!

However, after combing through an array of internet shopping sites, i am yet to conquer the search for the perfect pair of feet friends! Although, hours later i am still glued to my laptop foraging through each brogue shoe; my tired eyes, collapsing into their sockets have began to blur my excitement for this spending splash. So i have decided to put the task to rest and i will hope to achieve brogue bliss tomorrow.

With the latest sock and shoe trend hitting the high street, i have decided that i simply NEED to indulge; a lovely pair of frilly socks are the ideal companion for my future shoes :) I have fallen deeply in love with the geek feet fashion, as i have always been a prominent follower and zealous fan of quirky clothing; therefore this sock and shoe trend is the icing on the cake (the cake being a delicious new pair of brogues!) Now i just cannot wait to hunt and scour through Topshop for their adorable selection of ankle socks; grey, white, black, red..the world is my oyster!

In relation to this recent fashion necessity, it has become apparent that the trend has a very similar resemblance to the uniforms we used to sport at primary school. Thinking about other popular trends of 2010's spring season, hair accessories couldn't help but spring to mind! As i have mentioned a fair few times, i am partial to a cheeky floral headband or an adorable bow clip. However is does remind me of being a young girl, as my mum would place these little treats in my hair just to make me look sweet and innocent (although I'm not sure it quite did the trick!) So are the trends of 2010 rewinding our more mature sense of dress and reversing it back to our childhood days? With socks peeking out of our sandals and flowers tying our locks into french braids..we've now captured an excuse to be immature! We can now act the age we dress!! I say everyone should forget the monotonous routines of adult life and venture to the playground...let the pressures of work or studies float away with one spin on the merry-go-round or a bounce on the sea-saw. Fashion is not just clothes...its what those clothes encourage us to do that make them important :)

Olives, Cheese and Maccy D's...

A few weeks ago, i decided to plan a surprise trip to my home town in Kent; as my friends and family were under the impression that i wouldn't be back until the beginning of June, i felt that this surprise would be a definite shocker :) On my farewell night in Southampton, it's safe to say it was messy, which is all you can hope for when on the chaotic club crawl 'Carnage'. Unfortunately, after a few too many bevvies i was a tad tipsy (lets just say) and managed to lose the battery out of my mobile...the hangover the following day was horrendous.

After lugging two large holdalls, as well as my intoxicated self on the long journey of public transport, the struggle to keep down my jacket potato was a success (thank god), and i eagerly awaited to open the door to see my mum's excited expression. However, she was not in...typical.

Well, when she finally arrived home later that evening, i managed to achieve my goal, as the bewilderment in my mothers face appeared very shocked that i was back. Then Monday came, so i decided to make a few cheeky phone calls to all the girls and encourage them to venture to Soap in Canterbury that night. As i was home for summer, i thought this was a well deserved reason to go out on the razz! My friends were still rather unsure of my exact whereabouts and didn't quite believe that i was back in town..well this was until they turned up to my door ready for a night of pissed up antics!!

As per, Monday was one of those very memorable nights that in fact you cant remember..a classic adventure filled with vodka redbulls, cheesy tunes and many tumbling heels. Perfection. In my enthusiastic state when we eventually climbed into bed, i did not sleep for too long, and was glad to learn that my friend Amy had also woken..the hunt for food had begun. But as we had all camped at a house in Canterbury, the chance for anything edible was scarce; although i did manage to chomp on a few naughty slices of cheese and several green olives. As the rest of the troops rose from their drunken coma, we decided to venture to Maccy D's for that desperately needed quarter-pounder! The nasty stodge was just the thing everyone yearned for; an attempt to raise us from hanging like a gorilla. All in all it was one hell of a night and was great to be back :)

After being home for over a week now, i have enjoyed the relaxation and have successfully diminished the constant hangover that freshers year had delightfully donated to me; however, after my many countless baths and home-cooked meals, i have to confess i am missing the wild lifestyle that uni entails. So i will aim to drag the girls out for a many more crazy nights of flowing drinks and constant dancing..just to keep life interesting :) And they call me a wino...why ??? ;)

Diana...Johnson??

I have recently been told several times, by a number of different people, that i remind them of / look a little like the X Factor runner up, Diana Vickers (you know...the one with the hands!) I'm guessing it's only due to the fact that my curly bees-nest barnet is quite alike her wild tresses; other than that, i can't see the comparason myself. However, i have always admired her style, therefore i feel rather chuffed to even be slightly compared to her. From the very first auditions, i have always hoped that Diana would have won the competition; i simply loved her unique voice and quirky fashion sense..so i voted for her a fair few times (however dorky that makes me sound!) So i was gutted when she lost the battle of the votes in the final weeks.

Nevertheless, after these recent observations regarding my 'similarities' with the 'Once' singer, i was eager to take a brief glimpse at her recent fashion choices. I am a great fan of celebrity trends; people like Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, Lily Cole and of course Diana Vickers, never fail to inspire my own style and chosen purchases. I adore the boho/romantic look that such female stars parade; hence the many floral dresses, summery jackets and tanned shoes that float about my wardrobe.

Once i had dabbled on her fashion blog, i discovered a world of clothing treats to feast my eyes upon. I especially liked an outfit that she had sported on an X Factor live performance; it was a sparkly white fringed dress, complimented by a matching beret. Although this outfit is a tad excessive for your usual Saturday night bender, I'm sure there is a cheeky little equivalent somewhere on London Oxford Street...the land of fashion opportunities!

So on my visit to London tomorrow, as i cruise in and out of the alluring shops, i will hunt for a dazzling fringed dress, courtesy of Miss Vickers. Urban Outfitters here i come!! Fingers crossed.... :)

To Clog..or Not to Clog??

After flicking through the pages of a recent Elle issue, i came across an unusual entity in the 'fashion latest' feature. Forget gladiator sandals, brogues or over the knee boots..this summer, the ultimate accessory for your feet is...(apparently)...CLOGS!!

Of course the designs have been updated to correspond with the savvy shoppers of today's society; however, i still can't help but visualize clogs as a childhood novelty. You know, the ones that young girls would tiptoe around on with their fluffy pink handbags and baby dolls. Therefore, imagining the wooden shoe clip-clopping down the runway seems far too conflicting on the feet of a tall, beautiful model. I feel the look is slightly humorous; as the clumpy and frumpish trend would challenge to compliment any outfit. However, although i am currently satirizing this trend, it is highly possible that i will be eating my words very soon; as July creeps in and the summer footwear transpires, i can just see myself striding to the beach in a floral dress swaying over some charming clogs!

In order to delve further into this surprising comeback, i have gazed over a few fashion sites to embrace their own designs of the unusual fashion. After peeking on ASOS' collection, none of the timbered cheekys stood out to me..which resulted in my further lack of interest in this recent clog craze. However, i then researched more on the trend, and discovered a pair that might just succeed in hauling me back into the dark side of strange footwear! It was love at first sight when i ogled at the screen; I'm not sure what it was about this pair that encouraged me to change my views, but i just adored their tan brushed colour and thick chunky heel. They are the only soles that i can imagine actually wearing myself, as they would look great with navy skinnies, or a floaty summer dress. Although, according to the site they are not currently up for sale just yet..but on the day of their release you can be sure that i will be first in line for this alluring pair of wooden lovelies!

So it has become apparent that i am no longer a true hater of this season's foot friend; thankfully i am now, in fact, a self-confessed clog fanatic! Congrats to Topshop once again for showing me the light...watch this space :)

Shrunken Knickers and Charcoal Sausages :)

As freshers year is coming to an end, and i will soon be forced to empty my beautifully cluttered bedroom at halls, i have been feasting my eyes on all things furniture. As i peer at the pretty delights glimmering over Urban Outfitters 'gifts at home' pages, I am already envisioning my new bedroom at 59 Wilton Avenue :)

However, even though i am already grieving the abandonment of our adorable cook flat, i have decided to focus on all the positive attributes that second year holds; which is mainly the excitement of renting a REAL house. But the thought of actually living somewhere without my parents, or any other forms of supervision (such as the pestering security guards of Lucia Foster), just sounds enormously grown up! Although i am turning 20 this September, i am far from the mature young woman that i was expecting to be at this 'ancient' age. I still cook all my meals in the microwave, spend all my money on useless rubbish, get excited by the antics of hide and seek, and continue to dodge the punishing price of an adult bus ticket, as i pay the meagre sum of £2.50 for a child explorer.

So the thought of moving into our new house makes me feel like a kid in a candy store! I simply can't wait to make it our own with the combination of our homely touches. I can just imagine picture frames of our fresher adventures scattered around the living room, silky pillows circling the wooden coffee table (ready for pre-lash shenanigans), plus colourful biscuit tins and an array of fridge magnets animating our kitchen. There's obviously only one place that entraps such endless decorative possibilities, and that is of course, IKEA. I'm now incredibly eager to splash my unearned dollar on everything from cutlery to beanbags!

So as first year comes to a conclusion and we now edge nearer to the world of 'adulthood', i have decided that this is the year that i will attempt to mature...which doesn't mean i won't stop giggling at the word penis, or put away my childhood bear, but i will aim to successfully overcome my fears of the washing machine and conquer the conundrums of the cooker! Good luck to my housemates; watch out for shrunken knickers and charcoal sausages...

Old Soul at Heart...

I have always been told that i was born in the wrong era.; from clothes to music i should belong in the swinging 60s or funky 70s! I just adore the spirit and freedom that enveloped throughout the 70' decade, plus the colourful fashions of the 60s, although I'm not exactly a hippie!

About a year ago i decided that i 'needed' a classic record player in my life; but as my wages were usually scattered away on cheeky vodka redbulls and cab rides home, i had little left in the pit of my bank account. Therefore, i knew the only option would be a second hand eBay jobby; i was desperate for an original Dansette player, but their value tip toed far above my price limit, so i settled for a replica. Its wooden and nostalgic appearance automatically forced me to purchase the beauty; so i then scoured many boot fairs for some musical gems. Buddy Holly, Everly Brothers, The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Elvis are now all treasured vinyl that belongs in my collection. Although i enjoy a lot of modern music, such as Ellie Goulding and Bombay Bicycle Club, my true passions lie with the heroes of the 50s; a night out wouldn't be the same without Buddy Holly's 'Rave On' spinning out of my tune box.

However, regarding fashion, without a doubt, my absolute favourite decade has to be the 1920s. My enchantment with the classic trends of the 20s has prominent influence on my style of dress; as i flutter around Topshop or H&M, my desirous pupils never fail to elate with the views of fussy headbands and fringed dresses. I am completely infatuated with the grace and simplicity that can be created with a modest hair accessory and flowing dress, which is clearly conjured by the trends of the 1920s. After many countless watches of the fantastic film 'Singing in the Rain', i have always cherished the clothing worn by the female characters; especially Kathy Selden. The dusty lilac dress worn in one of the scenes, is an item that i am determined to posses; so i have been scanning the shops to find a quirky semblance of the original..no luck just yet!

So as i search the streets for 50s records and 20s dresses, I'll attempt to remind myself that we actually live in the 21st century!! But maybe another cheeky floral headband won't be such a sin ;)

Pork Pies and Cheese Sandwiches...

Sitting in the library with a black coffee and a cheeky kitkat, i feel i need a well deserved break from the suffocation of uni work. So i couldn't resist a little peek on eBay!

A few weeks ago i suddenly had a strong desire to purchase a bike...this is very unlike me as i am the biggest boob at cycling. I generally can only handle pavements and flat surfaces; indicating is far from smooth and will most likely result in the bike trampling over my bruised knees! So, as i can barely ride this wheeled contraption, my urge to buy one came as quite a shock.

However, the one i have my eye on is not your typical bike; it is a classic 1970s retro bike! Its creamy colour and wicker basket rested on the front, immediately provoked my excitable grin...i thought, if i was to have a bike, this was definitely the one for me! So i bid a comfortable £40 on the teasing item eagerly awaiting on eBay; as i believed that i was safe with my bid and quietly confident that i could win, i regrettably left the site and typically lost the auction. My dreams of riding blissfully underneath the blue skies had been crushed by this ruthless bidder!

Ever since then i can't resist a sneaky peak on the site to repeatedly review my chances of owning my own retro wheels! 'Old fashioned bicycle with basket' are the only words that hit the search engine lately; so as I'm stuck in the library all day, i feel that it this a perfect opportunity to pop the magical words into eBay. A bike ride with friends just seems like an ideal and CHEAP way to spend the summer; especially with the world of opportunities that my wicker basket will hold...pork pies and cheese sandwiches definitely won't go a miss! I simply have to invest.

But my luck on eBay seems to be vastly dissolving, as evidence of my dreamy bicycle is non existent. But nevertheless..I'll continue inspecting each hopeful page and will eventually secure my very own vintage vehicle :) But for now its back to the monotony of work..2000 words on medieval fashion. Kill. Me. Now!

Summer Lovin'

After months of bleak and dismal weather..the cheeky little sun has finally popped its head out of the clouds to shine on the city of Southampton. Every spring, it appears that whenever the temperature tickles above 14 degrees, every English citizen believes that it is time to get their kit off! T-shirts, shorts, bikinis and flip-flops surround the streets. Regardless of that biting wind, we refuse to put a cardy on..even if us girls are smuggling peanuts underneath our bikini tops!

A few days ago my flatmates and i enjoyed our first barbecue of the year; we went to Lidyl for cheap supplies, including a £1 disposable BBQ, some sausages, burgers, Hovis buns and lemonade! Whilst the boys brought the most essential items of the trip..beer and a football. So after we had eaten our burgers and washed them down with a lick of beer, the boys had a kick about while us girls attempted to sunbathe in the warm(ish) weather. Loving life!

The next day, after spending hours on my monotonous uni work, along with a gruelling session at the gym, i was relieved that it was over and that the weekend was looming. Saturday was bliss, but held a slight sting of embarrassment. At 2pm Kelly, Katie and i went on a much needed shopping trip, as the grey materials of winter were suffocating our wardrobes. So we scouted for floral tees and summery dresses as we fluttered around Topshop, New Look and obviously Primark! I can safely say it was an impressive trip as the remainder of our student loans were successfully rinsed :) We then met Andy and Carl in the park, along with a few others. I couldn't help but steal a sip of Fosters and pinch a sneaky sausage as the alluring smell of the barbecue was simply IMPOSSIBLE to resist! The rest of the day consisted of what you would expect; footy, sunbathing and burnt kebabs; however, i became slightly tired of lounging about, so i requested a running race!! I'm guessing it only reached 100metres at a push, but regardless, it was a race. So Kelly and i 'zoomed' off, up to the tree and back barefoot..MISTAKE. As i landed back at the finish line, i peered down at my feet and saw that i had stepped in shit..brilliant. As Kelly and all the boys took the piss out of my pooey toes i began to wash it off, although as there was no evidence of water around, i used beer. Just as good.

So all in all the day was victorious..minus the crap squelching in between my toes; thanks to student finance i now have a healthy serving of summery treats brightening up my wardrobe. I salute you retail therapy!!

Calling Doctor Jones !!

After watching Indianna Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, my love adoration with the gorgeous Harrison Ford has risen once again. After researching his exact age, i was completely startled to discover that he is in fact 67!! Is it wrong to lust after an ageing pensioner? I'm going to say..YES. However, i feel my cringe worthy crush on the elderly actionman, is in fact fictional; the solitary time that i yearn for his muddy skin and masculine behaviour is when he plays the character. In reality the Ford is probably a simple family man with two kids and a labrador..YAWN! So i have come to the conclusion that i am in love with Indianna Jones..

In general most girls have a certain 'type' that they would look for in a fella, the majority of my girl friends would go for the attractive, cleancut male with tanned skin and a six pack. This is far removed from my desires in the opposite sex; every time i see a grubby bloke with an unshaven face and dishevelled hair, i immediatly want to rip his scruffy clothes off! For me, there is simply NOTHING hotter than the homeless look in a man; basically my ideal gent would be based on a cave person (without the clubbing your wife part!) I'm not sure whether its their strong and manly nature, or their nonchalant and unkept appearance; i just can't help but admire any guy with a messy barnet and shabby facial hair...although a full on Jesus beard slightly crosses the line!

Not to stereotype, but it has become apparent that the traditional modern 21st century man will now spend hours on his appearance..male wrinkle creams, hair gel and gradual tanning creams seem to be an essential part in many men's morning routine these days. Not that men should retract all the way back to the caveman era, (unfortunately for me!) but i feel that the extremities and obsessions with appearance are going too far and can only get worse. Today, vanity is not just affecting women; men have also been enticed into the world of perfection. Magazines such as Men's Health target these impressionable males who believe that the latest fake tan will help you bed any woman you desire. It's insane..all blokes need is to not give a shit about what they look like! That's surely the most appealing element about a man? Why would we want a boyfriend who spends more time in the mirror than us? Pretty soon men are going to look like women, and every straight female will look like a lesbian as they stroll down the street with their perfectly groomed other half!

I say, bring on Indianna!!....I'm sure Doctor Jones could help straighten out today's effeminate sissies; with just one swing of his bull whip lasso! Watch this space ;)

Ode to eBay..

Hello student loan! On Monday 12th April, joy and excitement was delivered to me and my bank balance, as the long awaited installment finally entered my account. The very first thought that floated into my mind, as i saw the sparkling view of my bank summery was, 'how can i spend this wisely?' There was obviously only one place to abuse this delicious helping of cash, and it was of course, eBay.

What is not to love about this genius site? Even at the end of each semester, when buying cuppa soup is a bit of a stretch, i just can't resist a sneaky peer on eBay as the possibilities of finding a bargain are significantly high. So as my bank account got less lonely and my overdraft got a tad shorter, i let loose in the world of bidding! Not knowing what exactly i was looking for, i typed 'vintage clothing' into the enticing little search engine; a field of all things pretty stared back at me. Everything from bags to dresses sent thrills down my spine! I tossed an array of bids on several appealing items; these included a dark brown leather satchel from 1972, a pair of second hand cream shades, plus a black and white polkadot playsuit, which was first worn in the late 1960s :)

Audrey Hepburn is a prominent style icon of mine; i just adore her natural relationship with fashion and how she could pull anything off with such elegance and grace, even if it was a binbag! I saw the playsuit and couldn't resist; although polkadots is not something she would have exactly worn, i feel that it sits in close proxemics to her style of clothing, so it simply had to be mine! This meant, the war of the auction had commenced, and i was not going to back down easily...especially now i had a comforting number waiting in my bank account!

After an hour of addictive bidding, i was suffering from eBay insania. With my aching eyes blurry from my constant glaring at these alluring treats, i decided to tear myself away and do something productive..like going out with the girls!

The next morning, i was delighted as i saw these satisfying words on my screen; 'i need to pay for three items'. So after all, i had successfully won the battle of the bid, and will soon have a scrumptious parcel coming my way, full of vintage charmers :) Farewell student loan!!

Anyone for Scrabble?

After a week into my Easter holiday, i have been enjoying the break with a lot of relaxation and unfortunately work. However, by Saturday i was desperate to get out of the house and get on it with the girlies! So i invited Mic, Amy, Claud, Han, Jaz and Harley round my gaff for the very important pre-lash session (essential for penniless folk like ourselves!) Next, there was the outfit..a task that takes hours of frustration with the limited options in my lonely wardrobe. Eventually i decided to wear my cream Topshop dress; with my dusty pink heels and of course a colossal sized flower in my newly highlighted hair.

As everyone was back from their individual universities..our local Weatherspoons was completely rammed. Faces i hadn't seen for ages were queuing up for their alcopops! Although i wasn't exactly hammered, my memory of the night is rather foggy as usual. But i do remember a classic tumble on the dancefloor as soon as we hit the 'grizly' (shockingly bad but brilliant nightclub in Folkestone). And without fail..my cream dress fell above my head which enabled the crowds to see all..fantastic. The day after, Amy said to me "All i saw was this bum on the floor an i thought who the hell is that....ohhh god its Maisie." Typical. However the rest of the night consisted of cheap booze and a lot more dancing!

After the hilariously drunken antics of Saturday night, i felt saddened by the thought that we hadn't yet planned another night out! So Monday we all journeyed to Claud's house for a birthday gathering; after a few minutes, Canterbury was thrown into the equation..Studio Nightclub was suggested as a possible place for us to venture. After a little persuasion on mine and Claud's part, we convinced the others to join us for another drunken outing :)

With an eager 45minutes to transform ourselves, we all rushed home to change! The date with my wardrobe was here again..this time i just chucked on my ASOS floral dress and rosey flower headband. After shoving a lick of mascara on and a dash of lippy i was ready to get on the Budweiser!!

I can only blame my pissed and excitable self on Studio's offering of £1 Vodka Redbulls. Again i saw many Folkestone chums out in the club..which just made it another brilliant night. After all the dancing and drinking, we taxied back to Claud's for a very entertaining house party. Hot tubs, trampolines, scrabble, basketball and cheese sandwiches were all thrown into the night..and in my strangely energetic state, i forbid ANYONE to sleep. At 7am everyone managed to get in an hours kip. However, my scrabble playing was far too exciting for sleep, so i woke everyone up with my 'accidental' dropping of the letter pieces all over the wooden floor. They were not impressed! But of course, the conversation started as we all reminisced about the nights antics, so luckily the need to sleep was soon forgotten.

All in all the bank holiday weekend was definitely one to remember, thanks to those cheeky Vodka Redbulls and that sparklingly witty banter!

Bring on the next adventure :)

Imagining the Impossible...

Weeks before the cinema release of the long-awaited Alice and Wonderland remake, i attempted to go and watch the film countless times, however a number of things got in the way, such as uni and drinking! Eventually, two days ago, i finally got the chance to see Tim Burton's reformation of this vintage classic. It was exactly what i was expecting, only better. Magical, dark, colourful and eccentric; the fact that we saw it in 3d just made the experience more exhilarating! One of my favourite aspects of the film was the scenes involving the 'Mad Hatter'; the wonderfully weird atmosphere that the character brought to the screen enlightened the other solemn elements of the story.

I simply can not praise the film enough; Burton cleverly stirred mystery, laughter and sorrow into his remake of the Disney classic. Another appealing edge to the film was the fact that it involved an impressive collection of stars, such as Johnny Depp, Stephen Fry, Anne Hathaway and of course Helena Bonham Carter who played the evil red queen. This character never failed to amuse me; her extremely over-sized head and abusive manner was a delightful take on the original character. And of course Johnny Depp, who was another absorbing factor about the film; you cant help but fall in love with the character's strange appearance and quirky nature.

After watching Alice in Wonderland, i was so taken by the mystery and magic that seeped from the screen, i began to imagine what life would be like if we lived in a kooky and supernatural place much like Wonderland. Wouldn't our days be so much more exciting with talking pets and special potions? Instead of our monotonous daily routines, if only we could just jump out of bed and plunge into a hole that traps a fascinating world of impossibilities.

"My father used to say: 'Sometimes i imagine more than six impossible things before breakfast.'"(Alice). This memorable opening quote encouraged me to believe beyond the bounds of possibility. Regardless of the fact that its fiction; this heart warming film has taught me to believe in the enthralling world of the impossible. And why not? Surely life is better with a dash of fantasia and sprinkle of imagination !?

The Age of Fashion

Many people stereotype the word fashion. The belief that the industry is shallow, vain and insignificant couldn't be further from the truth. Fashion is a career, a hobby, a lifestyle; not forgetting the charitable work it is involved with. (Fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org.uk).

Countless times my dad has emphasised his opinion on fashion as a pointless and dull factor in life (although i think he might exaggerate this just to push my buttons!) He has always believed that clothes should simply be made well and last for years; he would say: "I'll buy a classic suit, a well-made pair of jeans and a few t-shirts that will last me five years! Trends exist just for stores to steal our wages each season." However, throughout his youth my dad went through a number of phases, including punk and mod. To this day he still owns a collection of ska buttons that he once pinned to the lappel of his black blazer, as a stylish teen.

The clothes he wore as a mod consisted of boot-cut black trousers, a black or coloured blazer and a white Fred Perry shirt. His hair resembled the 'flat-top' cut, made popular by the ska band Madness. Even now, my dad will dribble on about his favourite childhood memories of the great music and charismatic trends of the late 70s. So why has his his interests diluted and his disregard for the industry amplified?

This leads me to wonder..does the excitement of fashion disintegrate as the wrinkles appear and our youth is forgotten? Of course this concept is notably generalised; but for the majority of people past their 30th birthday, is it possible that the appetite for fashion has been flushed away with the baby nappies? Although I'm speaking from a young persons perspective i cant envision my life without my thrill and infatuation in fashion; i acknowledge that as we grow older our free time becomes rare, but however naive it may come across, i simply will try my utmost to maintain my devotion for style and never loose my adoration for fashion.

So bit by bit, i will attempt to nudge my dad back into desiring clothes and believing that the industry is far from insignificant. Why does our passion for fashion have to fade as we age? Screw that..I simply won't let it. I'm now off to chew on this subject with a bite of my marmite crumpet and a flick through April's Vogue :)

A friend for your feet!

Peering across the tantalizing beauties that sit among the ASOS shoe collection, my jealous eyes shoot from blue to green; as the wonderful view of these little feet friends glare back at me. My longing to purchase each mouth-watering pair is devastating; due to the solemn appearance of my bank balance, none of these gems will ever be in my life!

Countless shoes allured and almost persuaded me to dip further into my overdraft; but they thankfully failed. Until..from the corner of my eye i spotted an unusual looking pair. I knew immediately that i HAD to own these treasures. Their colourful appearance just simply enhanced my desperate need to purchase them! I couldn't help but fall in love with every aspect of these shoes; i adored the random array of flowers placed on the toe; the striking heel of blue glass; plus the ditsy floral pattern covering them. ASOS themselves called them an 'irregular choice'; but the fact that they're a very unconventional pair, only encouraged me to believe that that these sweet beauties must be mine! The only aspect that was holding me back was the £70 price tag. However, their charming perfection just took over my seemingly sensible attitude and i just thought..without a doubt, they're worth it!

I automatically logged onto my internet banking account and the depressing number that stared back at me was simply mortifying. Available balance £9.72 (fantastic). That bloody Lloyd had once again deprived me of my shopping needs! Those shoes were now without a home..and i am without my pretty feet friends!! So in an act of revenge i have decided to make my own replica..just for ornamental purposes, as i don't exactly have the art of shoe-making! I know that it will most likely end up like looking like it was made by a 6 year old, but nevertheless, if you cant buy it..create it :)

A moment on the lips..a muffin on the hips!

Although I'm an average size 8, the idea that the dreaded bikini months are rapidly approaching sends me into a wild flurry of anxiety! This may be down to my bingo wings and giant heiny choosing my figure as their current accommodation; their stubborn nature just has no hunger to flee. No matter how much i spend on the ghastly treadmill, the extra pounds of my, lets just say, 'curvy' behind simply refuses to disappear.

I believe every girl or woman will know the extreme aggravations with that small extra bit of fat that just sits above your waist..there are a number of nicknames for this irritating little sod. 'The tyre', 'The muffin top' 'The jelly belly'. Regardless of how slim we may be, from size 6 to 16, this determined little beast never fails to hover over our skinny jeans. So as the summer months crawl in and the clothes get thinner and shorter, the conundrum of the muffin top returns once again.

The ongoing female furry with weight is something that will loiter forever; however i feel that our obsession with the perfect figure is something that tickles the back of most women's minds every single day. But it never used to be such an issue; remember the Spice Girls in the 90s? Ginger Spice (Geri Halliwell) emphasised her curves in that infamous union jack dress; whilst Baby (Emma Bunton) showed off her healthy figure in their 'Wannabee' music video. These women were considered very much as eye candy for many men. However, since the 21st century fixation with perfection, why has size zero become sexy?

But regardless of the skinny debate surrounding the media; knowing that food plays an imperative part in the fluctuation of our clothes size, far from persuades me to quit my snack cupboard! The day i give up crumpets and peanut butter is the day i am put to my grave! So i guess ill have to learn to love my big ass and 'curvy' love handles..and if not, I'm sure a cheeky kaftan will do the trick...

Vodka Virgin to Vodka Victim..

I'm currently sitting in the alluring and delectable comfort that is my bed at uni (yes, sarcasm). But regardless of the springs poking into my bum, I'm actually in a strangely blissful mood.

Last night was the beloved Cook Flat's last night out before the Easter bunny breaks us up for a three week holiday; without fail..it was messy. The night began with the traditional routine that is the one and only Ring of Fire, a drinking game with a number of rules guaranteed to get you 'panineed'. As i normally attempt to demolish a few glasses of ASDA's £5 box of wine, i feel that my solo effort to finish off almost half a bottle of vodka was impressive. Bottoms up :) However, as the night progressed Cook Flat got rather emotional!

As our penultimate term comes to an end, the kings of banter, Alastair Horner and Andy Brint started us all off on two rounds of speeches. Although it was predominantly meant as a joke, i feel that locked away in the back of everyone's tipsy and blurry minds, held a moment of premature nostalgia regarding the memories of this incredible 1st year as young and bonkers freshers! After the fabulously cringe-worthy clinks of glasses, the antics continued as alcohol circulated around the room.

As always, in my slightly 'intoxicated' state of mind, when approximately 10.15 approaches i never forget to spend an essential 5 minutes in my room dancing to a few songs on my record player. The music that projects from the kitchen speakers is not exactly my cup of tea! So i feel i need a moment or two with my small but beloved record collection. The classics that usually tiptoe out of the crackly speakers include Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson or Buddy Holly; these musical legends never fail to send me off on a great night. However, last night as the vodka flowed, this part of my evening never quite happened! Still, as per usual, it was an eventful night.

Now camouflaged in my duvet, still maybe a tad 'merry', i can't help but think how insanely lucky i was to be thrown into a flat with a faultless crowd of flatmates. Hmm..reading this back later i can already feel myself gagging at the disgustingly corny tone of this blog..but I'm sure i can blame it on the leftover vodka still swirling around my brain! On a final note (at last I'm sure your thinking!) i just want to thank all of Lucia Foster Cook Block for a fantastic 1st year..bring on our last semester and just remember to 'down it fresher!!'

Because your Bum needs a Buddy...

Above are a few photos that i recently took of my friend Toni Ogle; she is wearing an unusual accessory that will hopefully make a delightful return!

After reading through a recent months issue of Vogue (February or March, i can't remember!), i discovered a feature regarding 2010's summer must-haves. And to my surprise i saw a shocker of an addition..The bumbag is back!

For my magazine design unit on my course, i have to research a new trend and create a two page spread about it. The Vogue fashion forecast regarding the revival of the bumbag inspired me to focus my spread on this legendary 80s accessory.

In previous years, the bumbag was pigeon holed into a stereotype regarding tourists and pensioners. It is simply a frumpy and ugly purse for OAP's on their SAGA cruises right? Wrong. Since researching this trend, i am intrigued and excited to discover that the king of fashion, Mark Jacobs has updated and transformed the bag into something 'cool' to purchase and be seen in. Lois Vuitton too has jumped on the bandwagon and now offers a more extravagant version of the bumbag; I also recently saw a photo of Rhianna sporting one in a subtle cream colour.

After the 90s, being seen wearing the infamous bumbag was social suicide! But with the help of fashion legends and celebrities joining in with the modern transformation, the bumbag will hopefully blossom into a necessity in your 2010 summer wardrobe.

Throughout my process of creating my magazine spread i feel that i have built connection and loving relationship with the trend, as if it is almost a living person! If anyone mentions to me that they would never be seen dead in a bumbag i get insulted and feel like i have to stand up for it..(No I'm not insane ha!) So i have decided to purchase my own little bum buddy. I will either be credited for my brave choice or mocked for my attempt to bring it back to life! Either way..watch this space :)

Flower Power

As the spring months approach, i can't help but tumble into the temptations of the fresh accessories sweeping the stores this season. I have always been a sucker for an over-sized ring, a woolen scarf or a quirky necklace; however, this time its the curse of the flower headband that's melting my bank account.

Studying fashion journalism at university always seemed a justified excuse for my obsession with shopping; i have to look presentable, I'm on a course surrounded by a swarm of delicious clothing. Therefore surely I'm allowed to spend my student loan in Topshop? Two semesters later..I'm already smothered with debt, but the only thing that crosses my mind is..three weeks till my next loan installment..Southampton town here i come!

The story of the flower headband is short but holds DEFINITE importance! (However pitiable that makes me sound!) Due to the fact that my hair resembles a birds nest kind of quality, i never believed that any hair accessory would tame the beast, so i steered clear of all things band-like. However, i recently approached a dusty pink number in Accessorize and the bond was formed..my fixation had begun.

The thing with the flower headband is that it transforms any outfit. A casual tee or plain dress is automatically uplifted by this modest little touch situated on my mess of frizz and curls. The stress caused by having 'nothing' in my wardrobe is relieved by the wonder of each flower-band. My love affair with this wonderful accessory may sound ridiculous, but another girls obsession with diamonds is my obsession with floral head-wear!