UPDATE

I just wanted to spread the news that our Freja has made it into Vogue's Best Dressed 2010. Would we expect anything less? I think not. Bravaaaa!

“Freja is the ultimate in boy/girl cool. She’s so down-played but everything she wears is exquisite. Every girl wants to look like Freja.” – Lucinda Chambers, Vogue fashion director.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Wardrobe

5 steps to Christmas fashion;

Skinny Belts

It's all about those subtle details that bring together an outfit and the skinny belt is just the thing!

Gilets

If you're a fan of layering then you'll be a fan of the gilet. Good to throw on with any winter outfit to keep you cosy through these chilly days!

Leather

It's sexy and it's so in. If you're feeling nervous about the powers of leather, soften with a cute blouse or shirt.

Low Heels

As much as I hate to say it because high heels are my saviour, any more than 3 inches and you are so last season.

Midi Skirts

Flashing less of the leg flesh, the better.

Tuition Triples

And so the Tories have successfully started what all us working class folk anticipated: a top-heavy society. I am not attempting to go into too much depth in relation to politics, as I would only be running the risk of sounding completely clueless in the matter. However with the tuition fees now trebled I can't help but think that 'making the rich richer and the poor poorer' is certainly the way things are going to slide in Britain.

I understand that we are in debt. Lots of cuts are needed aswell as taxes to be increased and one or two whips cracked to sharpen up the systems that people are abusing. Half of me also understands why the tuition fees have been increased; not only will it gain money for our country but it will also filter out all those who only go to university to avoid getting a job and facing the real world. However. Is a rise of 200% absolutely necessary? I'm not so sure. I mean with a price tag like that I really hope the education that future students will be receiving is worth every penny. All of us who have been already to university know that we have often wondered what our money (OK OK so some of us get it from Student Finance but we still have to pay it back) is covering, when the average amount of time physically spent in university is around 7 hours a week, whilst the rest of our 'education' is based on 'self study'. Oh right! Soooo, £9,000 a year is paying for what then, exactly?

They could start rolling off a list of what that money is needed for: use of all the university facilities, lecturers' wages, access to research resources, heating, lighting, blah blah blah... I don't know about you but I don't want to hear it. 4 years ago the fees were just over a grand. That worked for a bit, but then the government decided it wasn't enough and bumped the fees up (by 200% again by the way). That worked for a bit too... until now. Now apparently £9000 is going to be needed to be able to give the public a higher education. Yeah... for the middle class public. Working class girls like me won't get a look in.

I moan yet I hold no alternative solution; one could suggest making it harder to get into university, i.e. being less lenient on which A level results are accepted or introducing an entrance exam for all institutes, which would still filter out those who aren't really there for the degree; they just want a good time. That would then force them into getting a job and start paying taxes (because students are tax dodgers you know) which would collect some money for the country's pocket. But then it could be argued that this idea isn't fair on those who deserve a chance at higher education but didn't do too well in school. And so the debate goes on...

Do you want my advice? Save your money and don't waste your time. Although in some cases it helps, you don't need a degree to go far in life anyway, that's just what they want you to believe (with exception to those wanting to be doctors, dentists, etc... it would probably be best if you did go to university... if you can afford it) I'm not saying you should deny yourself knowledge and education; always be willing to learn, that's what really makes you smart. You can do anything and become anyone if you just put your hearts and minds to it. And in this world today, it's all about who you know rather than what you know.

Like I said, I'm no expert on politics and no doubt there are flaws in my argument but it's an opinion I am sticking by. Brush up on those networking skills I say, it will take you a lot further.

Lennon

I've been meaning to pay a small tribute to John Lennon this month to mark the 30th anniversary of his death. He died on the 8th December 1980 after Mark Chapman shot him several times outside his New York apartment.

Rather than write what many have done before, retelling what most of you already know, I have instead posted Lennon's infamous christmas tune to get you into the festive spirit. (Couldn't get the original vid 'cause of copyrights and all that!)

Merry Christmas everyone xo

Was that...?

So today I was stood on the train waiting to get off at platform 4 when I noticed a very nice pair of dark brown suede boots. After admiring them for a while my eyes slowly made their way up a beautifully trimmed suit, dark navy in colour with a cheeky little scarf to finish off at the top. I was impressed. This guy clearly has a bob or two in his pocket.

Then I noticed the lugagge which I swear was Tom Ford and I looked at this guy's face; it was Jimmy bloody Carr!

Surely not though I thought, not on a scabby Nottingham train? And on his own? Nah, it couldn't have been him. I had to keep a sneaky peek to double check until he copped me looking and he gave me that look... that 'yes it's me but please don't bother me' kind of look.

I never said a word.

Apparently Jimmy has a gig in Nottingham tonight so it was more than likely him who I saw on the train today. I kinda admire his 'no frills' means of travel. And what I admire even more so is that just last month I bumped into 'fashion guru' Gok Wan in Manchester, protected by security guards. Carr defo sported the better attire!

HELP!

I am an amateur at this blogging malarky when it comes to the technical shtuffs. HTML and I were once close acquaintances but it's been a while since I've messed around with it so we are now strangers.

If anyone would like to help that would be greatly appreciated!
xo

Hats off to you sir! I mean on...

A recent hat exhibition at the York Art Gallery and my 2 month long desire for a bowler hat has brought me to the keyboard front line to fire bullets of hat ideas in your direction.

In my opinion, we simply don't wear hats enough. I mean, we might dare to pop on the odd bobble hat when the days turn frosty but a part from that, there aren't many who would think of a hat as a vital part of their day to day look. Back in the day an outfit wouldn't have been complete without one. Take a look at some of the greats - My Fair Lady casted an abundance of hats, Coco Chanel's career in fashion began with making hats. Jamiroquai made a statement with always wearing a hat... Matt Cardle from X Factor seems to be following his lead...! And it's not as if the high street retailers are depriving us of them, there are so many out there right now to choose from.

To get your thinking caps on, up and running let's have a gander at a few familiar faces styling the head pieces:

Mary-Kate Olsen

Sienna Miller

Pete Doherty

Alexa Chung

Coco Sumner

You must also feast your eyes upon this AMAZING photo shoot taken for Vogue back in 2007 -'Paris Je t'aime'... a collaboration of the culture of Paris and hats... parfait!

So whether you're a floppy, trilby, bowler, boater, beanie, bell, trapper, hunter, cossack, beret, stalker or a bonnet (phew), don't be shy to get the hats out this season, they could be the key to those final finishing touches.


"Without my hat, I'm just your garden variety six-foot tall talking cat" - Cat in a Hat (my favourite hat quote!)

Untitled.

I must remember, remember to get a scribble on this November... and to kick it off I've decided to share a poem or two (yes yes my very own hand did write them so!) in attempt to set the mind-a-boggling. It's hard to get inspiration through these long ass winter nights, but I bet a flick through Vogue and Acne will certainly help!!

Have a read, have a discussion, have a Kit Kat.

***

A period of uncertainty,

ambiguity;

not clear.

Choked words and nerves

when that telephone rings.

Desperate attempts

to feel connected,

not rejected.

Subliminal messages sent in the post.

Acts of rebellion

against... something...

But what?

A shot

of Absinthe

and bruised knees follow

a thousand messages,

read but not answered.

Sickness.

Sadness.

Erratic and paranoid;

something to avoid

expressing.

Tormented sleep

and dragging days.

These are the ways

of an unknowing fool.

The brain is an enemy,

it'll turn you against me.

Ironic really.

I just want you

to want me.

It certainly looks as though

you're slowly letting go

and

as true or false as that may be,

it's still out there

and in my head to get me.

***

I'm sorry little seed,

For what I've done to you.

To let you think it would be OK

To break through that rubber force field

And cause a race riot.

It's my fault little seed,

I should have put you straight.

But you see I didn't know

How strong and able you were

To stick around and grow.

It's not fair little seed,

Not for you, him or I.

Maybe in another lifetime

When you don't scare the shit out of me

Will I accept that you are mine.

I'm sorry little seed,

For what I've done to you.

To let them take you away from me,

Always wondering but never knowing

What you might have become.

***

You built me a platform
Bigger than I expected
For a girl you hardly knew.

I could wander across
To any side that I wished,
Do a hop, skip, jump if I fancied.

Sometimes I'd turn to find more;
New paths leading me
To unfamiliar rooms and floors.

An entire household,
Every brick laid by you.
I loved to explore every crevis.

But over just one night
You stripped the foundations;
Whipped away like a cloth from a table.

You left me uncertain,
Unbalanced on a wooden beam,
You left me for dead in the dark.

Now I'm terrified to move,
Stuck in this demolished wreck,
Scared of further damage.

Did I make a wrong turn?
What step too far did I take?
Had I discovered a forbidden wing?

I gave you the blueprints
Of my weird and wonderful world,
There were no boundaries restricting you.

Yet you will let me sit here
Dangling my trembling legs,
Not knowing what lies beneath.

FREJA FEVER

If you don't immediately recognise this face then then I only have one question for you: where on earth have you been for the past 6 months?! May I introduce Freja Beha Erichsen: this seasons new 'It' girl and boy is she hot right now. Young, sleek and super cool, this girl is literally on every magazine page I turn like a whirl wind of Freja frenzy.

Having strutted, snapped and posed for the likes of Balenciaga, Valentino, Armani and Calvin Klein, Freya already harbours a hefty amount of highly respectable campaigns under her belt and she's only 22 years old. It was almost fate for Freja, as she was spotted whilst walking down the street by a model scout who just so happened to be passing by in a taxi. After that, it wasn't long before Freja made her modelling debut, effortlessly strolling straight onto the catwalk for all the world to witness her beauty.

It now seems she is bigger than ever. The list of work she has done this year is endless. Even her boyish, playful hair cut has been officially named 'The Freja', becoming the most popular hair cut since 'The Rachel', according to last month's Grazia magazine. And that Danish charm has definitely rubbed off on me; I'm smitten. I think I may have even dribbled a little when I stumbled over her Vogue shoot last month. Mmm... Freja...

Anyway I've picked out a handful of her most recent works for you to feast your eyes upon. Prepare to awe and adore my fellow fashion fiends.

L'hiver avant l'hiver: Vogue Paris (editorial) August 2010

Balenciaga campaign, A/W 2010

Maxmara campaign, A/W 2010

Vogue Paris August 2010 cover

Colour Shock: British Vogue (editorial) August 2010

Modern Love: Interview August 2010

Vogue Paris (editorial) August 2010

Bad Bad Bird

No there isn't a naughty bird causing chaos in my back garden, but there is a new band on the scene who I believe are gonna go further than your local bar.

Bad Bad Bird are a fresh sound that you simply MUST plug your ears into. Quirky, psychedelic and full of soul, this massive group of musical eclectics (there are seven of them!) are sure to leave a lasting impression and I daresay they have potential to be the next big thing.

Check out this video of 'Wire Tongue' played live at Town Mill, Mansfield.



And there's plenny more where that came from!

Bad Bad Bird played their first ever gig in Nottingham earlier this month at the Creative Notts - Acoustic Sessions at The Bodega Social club. They went down a storm!

Next gig will be at The Maze on 22nd August - take this chance to experience them for yourself. And don't forget about The Hockley Hustle Festival which will be kicking off for the fifth year running this October where Bad Bad Bird will be playing a huge set along side many other talented bands.

Have a gander at their Myspace and Facebook pages to indulge more into the fabulous works of Bad Bad Bird and take a peek at where in the country they are playing next!

The good side of the bad side

I grew up in one of the worser areas of Nottingham. Reknowned for once being the biggest council estate in Europe and still inhabiting over 22,000 residents today, Clifton is a cacophony of endless houses that all look the same, teenaged mothers, benefit busters and ofcourse the occasional crack whore. Apart from a few old biddies who have lived here since day one and the younger families who are just starting out here because it's cheap... you could say Clifton is pretty awful.

But alas! All hope is not lost. If you take a stroll across to the other side of the A453 you will discover that actually, even in a place where Sun Valley Amusements is the hotspot of town, there is beauty to be found. My friend and I took some photos of it today whilst taking the dog for a walk. I will apologise for the quality of these snaps... Chester was a handful and the sunny sights were distracting! I guess the title of this blog works on many levels!

Terry Richardson

"Terry Richardson is an international celebrity as well as one of the most prolific and compelling photographers of his generation. Known for his uncanny ability to cut to the raw essence of whomever appears before his lens, Mr. Richardson's vision is at once humorous, tragic, often beautiful, and always provocative".

I stole the above introduction from Terry's very own website, simply because there was no better way to say it... the guy is a genius! And ofcourse, he's a New Yorker (all the good ones usually are) who has managed to capture some of the biggest labels out there; Gucci, Sisley, Miu Miu, Chloe, and his editorial work has appeared in magazines such as French Vogue, British Vogue, i-D, GQ, Harper's Bazaar and Purple.

I've selected some of my favourite snaps of his to share with you and the rest of the world. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

I always knew Batman and Robin had a thing going on.

My favourite celebrity photo from Terry's portfolio.

From the Jackass project. I fucking loved Steve-O back in the day.

Terry's mother, from his 'Mom' project... amazing.

YES OBAMA!!

Got milk?

Can I have it like that? You got it like that.

Check out Terry's website to truly appreciate his lensmenship: www.terryrichardson.com

Naughty, naughty!

So here I am again 4 months later with no blogs posted in between. What a terrible blogger I am! This time I shall leave no promises of blogging anything, as I am clearly not to be relied upon. But please do keep watching this space... I'm working on a few blinders! xo

Sprrrrring!

Not only does this blog stand for the turn of the season, but it is also an onomatospherical* word to describe the sound of my brain in realising that I must to get back to this blogging business pronto.

*Onomatospherical is not a word that can be found in the Oxford English dictionary, but a word I simply made up.

So (hopefully) the Sun Gods will be blessing us with their presence any time now and there's only one thing on my mind to embrace that fact... les vetements! I have decided to share a few gems with you that I personally cannot take my eyes off.

There is only one dress that centres the world 'a la mode' this season for me, having been on my wish list for quite some time now. Yes TopShop, you never fail to please us! Click here to see.

As you may well discover by having a snoop around on the site, this is not the only little beauty up for sale. TopShop are really going for the floral/dreamy look this spring and quite frankly, I don't blame them. The winter months seemed never-ending and it's about time we ditched the gothic glitz and grunge for a bit of subtle softness. After all, less is more!

Yet with the danger of contradicting myself, I am also feeling the clash of chunky heels and utility boots with these delightfully frilly numbers. Browns, tans and pastel colours are most definitely in. I'd love to plaster the images of my mind all over this blog but due to copyright laws I must indeed carrying on with submitting links to websites. Kurt Geiger know what I'm talking about: clicky-di-click!

And of course the sunny life cannot be complete without the perfect pair of shades. We all know that choosing a pair is very important in making a statement, even if there is the odd tool who takes it too far by wearing them indoors, at night, in a club... *cough*. Raybans are a classic, and it's all about the Clubmasters. <--- that's a link too!

Now I know it's a little ambitious to start thinking about swimwear but here's a piece of advice; you're better off buying it sooner rather than later! That's right. I found out the hard way that waiting and scouring the high street for a half decent bikini in July is going to end in tears. All the best stuff for spring/summer comes out at the very beginning of the s/s season. Go figure.

Here's a few of my faves:

1. Topshop 1
2. Reiss
3. Topshop 2
4. American Apparel

What can I say? I'm a sucker for TopShop! To conclude, get your half-sculptured-almost-ready-for-summer tooshies in the shops now.

Until next time, that is all.

2010

And so we drift into 2010 with a new found hope in our hearts and determination to make our lives better this year. 'A new decade, a new you' as the 'zines are saying, and I've decided to share a few things I discovered in 2009 that may just make your 2010 a little brighter.

Twitter.

OK OK so this one may be a bit obvious and out-dated for some of you, but unbelievably there are still many of my friends who are not tuned into this site and they are missing out!

I would agree that following celebrities' every move (if they're sad enough to update their every move) and doing the same yourself is a little creepy, but admittedly there is so much more to twitter than just that. If you follow the right people, it becomes a rich pool of networking. For example: Alexa Chung, Peaches Geldoff, Vogue Paris and Topshop post some pretty cool links to fashion websites, designer blogs, vintage blogs and other quirky sites to help stay clued up. Even Ashton Kutcher (yes I did just say that) shares some pretty interesting stuff for you to watch and read. Other twitter treasures are Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross and Eddie Izzard. They are guaranteed to enrich your mind with fruitful seeds of knowledge, plus the witty banter thrown back and forth between them is enough to entertain you through these cold, long winter nights.

*Be sure the twitter page you want is authentic; it'll say 'verified account' with a little tick in the right hand corner if it's the real deal.


Galeries Lafayette, Paris.

I had the privilege of going to Paris for my 21st in October last year and it was divine! Parisian lifestyle suited me perfectly with cafe after cafe, the art, the history and of course the fashion.

I am usually all for the independent boutiques and vintage shops, banging the drum of uniqueness, but this is a retail store that cannot be shrouded. A four floored fashion haven under a beautiful glass dome, Galeries Lafayette is a hall of luxury not to be missed. It is home to some of the biggest designers in the world, including Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.

Not to send you into depression early this month, but this place really makes your mouth water. I saw so many women dripped in furs and jewels here, clutching onto their handbags and Blackberrys whilst executing their next purchase. A smell of success lingers around them; I'm talking self-made women, the ones who don't leech off their wealthy spouses but make the moolah themselves. Every inch of that ensemble she's wearing is well deserved. I look into my purse - 12 euros. Sigh. Off to H&M I go!

Though it could be something to aspire to, Galeries Lafayette is not just about the shopping and the beautiful women who make you feel slightly sick inside, no. Some of the best fashion shows in Paris are held here so make sure you find out when they are before booking your next trip. Oh and make sure you save your pennies well in advance. Trust me, you'll thank me later.

www.galerieslafayette.com


Liebe Marlene Vintage.

Funnily enough, I found this blog and vintage shop via Alexa Chung's twitter - proof that we can gain valuable fashion tips from our fellow celebrities themselves.

Liebe Marlene is an American vintage store on ebay full of floaty dresses and frilly rompers, with a blog that is definitely worth a read. It shares new looks and fashion ideas aswell as the latest season collections by many established designers.

While this is my newest discovery that I am still yet to learn a lot about, it has certainly influenced some of my choices of clothing already this year. Perhaps it'll have that impact on you too.

http://liebemarlene.blogspot.com/

Afflecks Palace.

Admittedly I am a little behind when it comes to this bad boy, only just experiencing it's delights before Christmas. Yet I still feel compelled to share the experience with you all, it would be simply criminal not to.

Afflecks Palace is an Aladdin's cave full of vintage wonders right in the middle of Manchester. It's hard not to get excited over the never ending maze of shops, boutiques and stalls selling everything from top hats to tattoos.

If you now feel an overwhelming urge to jump on the next train to Manc City, please do find the address you desire below. Dive in and enjoy the swim!

52 Church Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester. Open 10.30-6pm.