As many people may have noticed, this blog has become quite stagnant lately. I haven't been dedicated to it, and that's partly because I haven't really known what it is supposed to be. It hasn't provided me with any passion to write, because I didn't know where this blog was heading. For me, it's been in need of rejuvenation for a while. Because of this, I'm going to turn this blog into something completely new, with a new name, new design, and new life.
The new blog is going to be is going to be about travel, music, fashion, health, and beyond. It's going to be for everyone, but especially those people in life who like to do things a little differently. It will be for the creatives, and the people who appreciate hidden beauty. It will be for those who are fearless, willing to try new things, and get excited about life.
I'm working on the new blog as we speak. It has a name, but that is all to be revealed.
Watch this space. x
Tuesday 5 November 2013
Monday 5 August 2013
Punk is back? Did it ever go?
Open any September issue of any fashion magazine and you will of course find the A/W 13 trends we are all going to be coveting. In amongst the androgynous looks and the ladylike looks is the look of the 'Rebel', as Elle UK have dubbed it.
The Rebel look is 80's punk and 90's grunge, brought back simultaneously into the 21st century. The thought of grunge and punk being put together into the same name and reincarnated may sound a bit, well, much. But this look has been updated, and given a lick of (black) glossy paint. It's sophisticated. It's a look that any modern woman can rock with attitude.
For me, I don't think it's a trend that ever really went away. I've always loved and lived the grunge/punk looks in various ways, from my well worn Doc Martens to my absolute love of studded things. (bags, shoes, collars of shirts... even my IPhone case has studs on). I've always loved a 'rock chick' look. For me, you could always make this look work no matter what was 'on trend'. It was just about having the right attitude to pull it off.
However, the fact it is officially 'back' still makes me happy. Now there will be an abundance of tartan, leather, lace, and oversized jackets all over the high street, surely? Of course, it's been brewing for a while. Even the Met Ball was Punk themed. Tartan skirts, trousers and leggings have been every where the last few months, and all of a sudden Doc Martens were no longer just for skinheads, and creepers were no longer just for the goths of Camden. They've been catapulted into the mainstream, with everyone from New Look to Missguided doing their own versions. But now you can expect to see it everywhere. I don't know if this will come to denounce punk in a way. Hasn't punk always been about NOT conforming after all? Then again, despite it's new high fashion status, it still takes a type of gal to pull it off. Some girls just wont dig it. Preferring the ladylike looks that will also define the season, such as the pink coat or the continuation of the midi-skirt.
Having said that, the great thing about this new punk/grunge look, is you can embrace it however you like. You can go in full force, with every inch of you, from the lashings of black kohl around your eyes to the buckles of your chunky 'man-repeller' boots being punked out. Or you can do it subtley. A tartan jumper with some black skinnys, or a leather jacket and chunky boots with a girly dress. You can do it your own way. My way will be to go in full force. But it will also be cheap. Because that's the problem with 'new trends'. It breaks your fucking bank. It's not fair to be confronted with all these gorgeous shiny new things in the window of Topshop and in the glossy magazines. But punk, you can do cheap. By digging out your old clothes, and seeing value in a few key pieces.
Instead of spending your entire student loan, just make sure you have some essentials to see you through this trend. A lot of which will outlast the trend, and you may already have in your wardrobe?
Chunky Shoes. Some call them 'man repellers', which entertains me. Some call them 'the wrong shoe' (ok one columnist in Elle, but I enjoyed that also), for me, they are just a nice, chunky, clumpy shoe or boot. Preferably in black. If you want to go for a real investment go for some Doc Marten boots, or alternatively for their smart manly shoes, which will tick so many boxes. Alternatively, go for some creepers. They're comfy and go with everything. You can splash out on an Underground pair, or go for some of New Look's own. I also love the 'cut out' boot that's been around this season. It is a boot, and will work in winter with some chunky tights or knitted socks, but the cut-out bit also makes it barmy weather suitable. I recently bought these gorgeous gold buckled pair from River Island, which look the spitting image of Jeffrey Campells 'Coltrane', for a fraction of the price (studded ones pictured below).
For me, with any look, it's all in the shoe. Work from the ground up. Once you have your shoes, you can wear anything really and still be rocking a look.
Tartan. Omg OBVO. You can not go for punk this season without getting some tartan in your life. Get one or two pieces, and don't be afraid to wear them a lot with different clothes and accessories, to inject a bit of punk into any outfit. I recently bought a tartan skirt from Primark, but i've also been eyeing up these sexy leggings from Black Milk. I'm desperate for them but can not justify it quite yet. Whether you go for a jumper, blouse, trousers, leggings or skirt in tartan, make it work for you. I feel that this trend will last.
A decent jacket. For any A/W trend, the choice of jacket plays a major part. Mostly out of necessity. it will be chilly out there. To rock this trend, you can go for denim, or you can go for leather.
The denim jacket has always been a grunge staple. A nice, oversized jacket, either in dark denim or stonewash. To be honest, you could probably find a decent one in any good vintage shop. The best part is, the grunge trend encourages customisation. And nothing is more fun than going back in time to a year 4 art class and DIYing a denim jacket. Put studs on it, paint it, dip dye it, sew other materials on to it. If you get a cheap one thats worth wrecking of course.
If you prefer a more sophisticated look, then a nice leather jacket is the obvious choice. The best part about the leather jacket is it's never a one trick pony. It's always in style. And you can wear it in any season, to work whatever look you are going for. I'm still searching for the perfect one. I want a jacket that will be reliable, comfortable, and not too expensive. But I don't want the zip to break either. If anyone has any ideas where I can find this, let me know. Please.
A touch of black lace. Black lace gives a feminine touch to an otherwise harsh look. Get a nice lacy body. Wear it with your tartan leggings, leather jacket and chunky boots. I bet you look well hot.
Of course, obtaining all of these things can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. Another great thing about this trend is it triumphs creativity. You know when you look at the photo-shoots in a magazine and all the clothes put together look really crazy, and you go, 'well thats great, but you can't do that in real life can you? lets face it'. Well with this trend, you can! You can make it work for you. Like I said above, this trend enjoys the DIY treatment. So get some studs, safety pins and paint, get your old clothes out, and start DIYing the shit out of everything. It will cost you pennies, and will give you a unique look none of your friends have. Plus, as I said above, this trend has been creeping around for a while, and you can probably still use the stuff you picked up last season. For example, camo might not be on the catwalk, but if camo aint grunge I don't know what is. The same with the S/S trend of dungerees. It;s so grunge it hurts. So make the most of these still recent purchases. Don't let the fash pack tell you they are last season. They are last seasons this season, is what you'll say back. Savvy.
Of course, the easiest way to get the punk look isn't even in the realm of clothes. It's in the realm of hair and make up my friends. And unless all you have in the way of make up is vaseline, and you don't know what a comb is, it probably won't cost you a lot either.
In terms of make up, I like to do my face how I normally would. A nice foundation, followed by a touch of bronzer. If you usually use bronzer like I do, only use a bit. Punk doesn't like an orange face. Then again, you don't need to look dead either. A bit of colour doesn't hurt. Channel the punk look in your eyes. Apply lashings of kohl, but before you go all emo on us, don't just circle your eyeliner around your eyes carelessly. Apply most of it on your bottom lashes. Don't be afraid to go thick, adding some black eyeshadow to define and soften the look. On the top lid, go for some black or grey shadow. If you really want to embrace the look, be daring and add a flick of liquid eyeliner, and of course, lashings of mascara.
Stick to the eyes for 'subtle', or go all out, and go for a dark red on the lip. I like mixing my classic red lipstick with a dark purple, to give an oozing, sexy, 'don't mess with me' lip colour.
For hair, if your hair is short, lucky you. Punk likes you. Go cray cray gurl. Backcomb your hair to your hearts desire. Go for a mohawk if you wish. This trend is all about being rebellious so do things a little differently.
However if you have longer hair, like me, then go for a sophisticated mess, as I like to call it. I'll ruffle my hair a bit, tease the roots to give some volume, and use hairspray to hold. I also like using some of this powder too to really give volume and texture (I always nick it off of my friend). And of course, for added texture, there is always dry shampoo.
See, all you need is a decent comb, hairspray, and dry shampoo, and maybe a bit of wax if you want to get creative. It's hardly going to break the bank and gives you the chance to actually be creative with your hair, in an easy, effortless way.
That, my friends, in a nutshell, is 21st century punk/grunge (punge? grunk? REBEL?). It's what I think of it, it's how to do it, and it's how to do it cheaply.
P.S. This was my first post, really, on fashion trends. I've done posts before on what i'm wearing, micro-trends I like, or what i've been buying, but this is the first time I've done a real comprehensive look on new trends. To be honest, I really enjoyed it, because most fashion articles are more pictures, less words. I would love to know what you thought, even if you've never read this blog before. Is this something you enjoyed reading? And is it helpful for the fashion lover who can't afford all the designer clothes that frequent the fashion mags? And also, what do you think of the punk trend? Is this something you'll be rocking? Let me know in the comments below!
The Rebel look is 80's punk and 90's grunge, brought back simultaneously into the 21st century. The thought of grunge and punk being put together into the same name and reincarnated may sound a bit, well, much. But this look has been updated, and given a lick of (black) glossy paint. It's sophisticated. It's a look that any modern woman can rock with attitude.
From Elle Uk. The Rebel look. Saint Laurent grunge look.
For me, I don't think it's a trend that ever really went away. I've always loved and lived the grunge/punk looks in various ways, from my well worn Doc Martens to my absolute love of studded things. (bags, shoes, collars of shirts... even my IPhone case has studs on). I've always loved a 'rock chick' look. For me, you could always make this look work no matter what was 'on trend'. It was just about having the right attitude to pull it off.
However, the fact it is officially 'back' still makes me happy. Now there will be an abundance of tartan, leather, lace, and oversized jackets all over the high street, surely? Of course, it's been brewing for a while. Even the Met Ball was Punk themed. Tartan skirts, trousers and leggings have been every where the last few months, and all of a sudden Doc Martens were no longer just for skinheads, and creepers were no longer just for the goths of Camden. They've been catapulted into the mainstream, with everyone from New Look to Missguided doing their own versions. But now you can expect to see it everywhere. I don't know if this will come to denounce punk in a way. Hasn't punk always been about NOT conforming after all? Then again, despite it's new high fashion status, it still takes a type of gal to pull it off. Some girls just wont dig it. Preferring the ladylike looks that will also define the season, such as the pink coat or the continuation of the midi-skirt.
Givenchy. The perfect mix of feminine and grunge, with plaid and floral prints.
Having said that, the great thing about this new punk/grunge look, is you can embrace it however you like. You can go in full force, with every inch of you, from the lashings of black kohl around your eyes to the buckles of your chunky 'man-repeller' boots being punked out. Or you can do it subtley. A tartan jumper with some black skinnys, or a leather jacket and chunky boots with a girly dress. You can do it your own way. My way will be to go in full force. But it will also be cheap. Because that's the problem with 'new trends'. It breaks your fucking bank. It's not fair to be confronted with all these gorgeous shiny new things in the window of Topshop and in the glossy magazines. But punk, you can do cheap. By digging out your old clothes, and seeing value in a few key pieces.
Instead of spending your entire student loan, just make sure you have some essentials to see you through this trend. A lot of which will outlast the trend, and you may already have in your wardrobe?
Chunky Shoes. Some call them 'man repellers', which entertains me. Some call them 'the wrong shoe' (ok one columnist in Elle, but I enjoyed that also), for me, they are just a nice, chunky, clumpy shoe or boot. Preferably in black. If you want to go for a real investment go for some Doc Marten boots, or alternatively for their smart manly shoes, which will tick so many boxes. Alternatively, go for some creepers. They're comfy and go with everything. You can splash out on an Underground pair, or go for some of New Look's own. I also love the 'cut out' boot that's been around this season. It is a boot, and will work in winter with some chunky tights or knitted socks, but the cut-out bit also makes it barmy weather suitable. I recently bought these gorgeous gold buckled pair from River Island, which look the spitting image of Jeffrey Campells 'Coltrane', for a fraction of the price (studded ones pictured below).
For me, with any look, it's all in the shoe. Work from the ground up. Once you have your shoes, you can wear anything really and still be rocking a look.
Tartan. Omg OBVO. You can not go for punk this season without getting some tartan in your life. Get one or two pieces, and don't be afraid to wear them a lot with different clothes and accessories, to inject a bit of punk into any outfit. I recently bought a tartan skirt from Primark, but i've also been eyeing up these sexy leggings from Black Milk. I'm desperate for them but can not justify it quite yet. Whether you go for a jumper, blouse, trousers, leggings or skirt in tartan, make it work for you. I feel that this trend will last.
Saint Laurent are really working grunge this season. This Tartan Dress is cute and punky.
A decent jacket. For any A/W trend, the choice of jacket plays a major part. Mostly out of necessity. it will be chilly out there. To rock this trend, you can go for denim, or you can go for leather.
The denim jacket has always been a grunge staple. A nice, oversized jacket, either in dark denim or stonewash. To be honest, you could probably find a decent one in any good vintage shop. The best part is, the grunge trend encourages customisation. And nothing is more fun than going back in time to a year 4 art class and DIYing a denim jacket. Put studs on it, paint it, dip dye it, sew other materials on to it. If you get a cheap one thats worth wrecking of course.
If you prefer a more sophisticated look, then a nice leather jacket is the obvious choice. The best part about the leather jacket is it's never a one trick pony. It's always in style. And you can wear it in any season, to work whatever look you are going for. I'm still searching for the perfect one. I want a jacket that will be reliable, comfortable, and not too expensive. But I don't want the zip to break either. If anyone has any ideas where I can find this, let me know. Please.
This biker Jacket from Topshop (£75) has a sherling touch for extra grunge, mixed with extra sophisticaiton
A touch of black lace. Black lace gives a feminine touch to an otherwise harsh look. Get a nice lacy body. Wear it with your tartan leggings, leather jacket and chunky boots. I bet you look well hot.
Of course, obtaining all of these things can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. Another great thing about this trend is it triumphs creativity. You know when you look at the photo-shoots in a magazine and all the clothes put together look really crazy, and you go, 'well thats great, but you can't do that in real life can you? lets face it'. Well with this trend, you can! You can make it work for you. Like I said above, this trend enjoys the DIY treatment. So get some studs, safety pins and paint, get your old clothes out, and start DIYing the shit out of everything. It will cost you pennies, and will give you a unique look none of your friends have. Plus, as I said above, this trend has been creeping around for a while, and you can probably still use the stuff you picked up last season. For example, camo might not be on the catwalk, but if camo aint grunge I don't know what is. The same with the S/S trend of dungerees. It;s so grunge it hurts. So make the most of these still recent purchases. Don't let the fash pack tell you they are last season. They are last seasons this season, is what you'll say back. Savvy.
Of course, the easiest way to get the punk look isn't even in the realm of clothes. It's in the realm of hair and make up my friends. And unless all you have in the way of make up is vaseline, and you don't know what a comb is, it probably won't cost you a lot either.
In terms of make up, I like to do my face how I normally would. A nice foundation, followed by a touch of bronzer. If you usually use bronzer like I do, only use a bit. Punk doesn't like an orange face. Then again, you don't need to look dead either. A bit of colour doesn't hurt. Channel the punk look in your eyes. Apply lashings of kohl, but before you go all emo on us, don't just circle your eyeliner around your eyes carelessly. Apply most of it on your bottom lashes. Don't be afraid to go thick, adding some black eyeshadow to define and soften the look. On the top lid, go for some black or grey shadow. If you really want to embrace the look, be daring and add a flick of liquid eyeliner, and of course, lashings of mascara.
Stick to the eyes for 'subtle', or go all out, and go for a dark red on the lip. I like mixing my classic red lipstick with a dark purple, to give an oozing, sexy, 'don't mess with me' lip colour.
Dark, Sultry eyes will make an impact.
For hair, if your hair is short, lucky you. Punk likes you. Go cray cray gurl. Backcomb your hair to your hearts desire. Go for a mohawk if you wish. This trend is all about being rebellious so do things a little differently.
However if you have longer hair, like me, then go for a sophisticated mess, as I like to call it. I'll ruffle my hair a bit, tease the roots to give some volume, and use hairspray to hold. I also like using some of this powder too to really give volume and texture (I always nick it off of my friend). And of course, for added texture, there is always dry shampoo.
See, all you need is a decent comb, hairspray, and dry shampoo, and maybe a bit of wax if you want to get creative. It's hardly going to break the bank and gives you the chance to actually be creative with your hair, in an easy, effortless way.
There she is again. Check out that texture and effortless waves.
That, my friends, in a nutshell, is 21st century punk/grunge (punge? grunk? REBEL?). It's what I think of it, it's how to do it, and it's how to do it cheaply.
P.S. This was my first post, really, on fashion trends. I've done posts before on what i'm wearing, micro-trends I like, or what i've been buying, but this is the first time I've done a real comprehensive look on new trends. To be honest, I really enjoyed it, because most fashion articles are more pictures, less words. I would love to know what you thought, even if you've never read this blog before. Is this something you enjoyed reading? And is it helpful for the fashion lover who can't afford all the designer clothes that frequent the fashion mags? And also, what do you think of the punk trend? Is this something you'll be rocking? Let me know in the comments below!
Monday 24 June 2013
Glastonbury!! Prep, What I'm Wearing, Who I'm Seeing.
Oops. I'm guilty. I have been meaning to do a glasto post for ageeees. but unfortunately work commitments/not feeling 100% have gotten in the way. I initially really wanted to do a sort of mini series in preparation for glastonbury, which would of been really fun, but time has now run out and I literally haven't had time!! Especially as I leave tomorrow. I'm going to Devon where my friends are before we set off for Worthy Farm on Wednesday morning. I could not be more excited!! I love festivals, but I have never been to Glastonbury before. Glasto is the biggest festival in the world, so to say i'm excited is such an understatement. With so many things that will be going on, from great bands, top DJs, circus acts, amongst other things, I think I'll just be entirely in awe the entire time. I also feel blessed that I even have a ticket. I remember the moment we got it. I'd been up and staring at my laptop screen. It was half an hour before tickets even went on sale and already the page wouldn't load because of the amount of traffic. I kept trying and trying to get a ticket. My flatmate strolled in to the living room casually and decided she would try to help. She got through to the booking page. It was the most intense and terrifying moment. When I realised that yes, we actually had our order confirmed, all I could do was text my friends who I had got tickets for as well, the word 'GOT'. I couldn't even type any more than that out of sheer excitement.
That was back in October. Time flys eh? Now, as already mentioned, glastonbury is the biggest festival in the world and you really are spoilt for choice in terms of acts. Anyone could go to glastonbury and find musicians they would want to see. Naturally, I want to see sooooo many people and there are a lot of clashes, but this is my take on the line up...Music.
The headliners are what most people tend to immediately judge a festival on. This is pretty simplistic because a festival is so much more than headliners, but to be fair to Glastonbury, the headliners for 2013 are pretty great. Arctic Monkeys are a band I've always wanted to see, with their cool indie rock. I just hope they play plenty of oldies!! Rolling Stones are classic rock n roll and it seems like a once in a lifetime chance. Mumford & Sons are a sort of love em or hate em band. Which is awkward, because I really am in between. While my love for them isn't intense and burning, I do like them and I think their folksy music is perfect for Glastonbury's english hippy vibes. Other than that, I have to say I'm not overly fussed about the pyramid stage. While the pyramid stage is iconic, other acts are, without sounding like a major hipster/knob right now, a bit mainstream. Rita Ora anyone?
So what about the rest? On the Friday I'm definitely gonna be digging some Alt-J on the Other Stage, and Disclosure in the Sonic Tent. A perfect mix of indie cool and raving it up. I'd also like to head over to Williams Green to catch The 1975 and Tribes. Last time I saw tribes was when they just started so I'd love to see if their sound has changed, and The 1975 are a band I'm keen to see ASAP, because they are bound to get big. Oh, and I'm also super keen to see Peace again on the John Peel stage. They're music is hypnotic and heavenly.
On the Saturday The Other Stage seems like the place to be, with more of The 1975, Dry The River, Two Door, Alabama Shakes, and Chase and Status. I know C&S clash with The Rolling Stones, but C&S at Global Gathering was one of the best live music experiences I've had so I may have to take the risk!! The legend that is Johnny Marr is also playing on the John Peel Stage, while my fave girl Iggy Azalea is hitting up the Sonic Tent.
Sunday doesn't bare thinking about because that means it is the last day!! But it is also a day of Zulu Winter, Tyler the Creator (who I can not can not can not miss), and an amazing line up in the sonic tent with Zane Lowe, Redlight, TEED, Flux Pavillion and Sub Focus.
Of course, theres some pretty sweet DJ's playing on thursday night too. I'm keen to see Eats Everything again in the Wow Tent for a nice pre-fest rave, as well as the 2 bears and T. Williams.
So we've discussed music, phew! what about clothes.
Glasto Fash-to
Sorry for the totes cringe sub title. couldn't resist!! Festival fashion for me is all about denim shorts and crop tops. Shorts are best for me because I'm quite small, and luckily get offers to sit on people's shoulders to see the stage better. Of course, a skirt isn't really suitable for this.
The thing about festival fashion is you want to look awesome, but it has to also be practical. Boring I know, but it really does!! So playsuits might not be best if you can't stand doing it up while standing in the long drops, being surrounded by THAT smell.
As well as shorts, ONE skirt (just in case, like, for the thursday), and plenty of cute tops, I also have a couple of beanies, a hoodie, and a big ass knitted jumper. I made the mistake of not taking a jumper to Reading last year. I was freezing on the wednesday night, so went to Tesco Extra and bought a really ugly jumper with words like 'Equine' across it. (I don't ride horses, ever). As well as these, I also have a cute camo jacket and a waterproof!! Another mistake I learnt from Reading last year: make sure your mac is actually waterproof. I got soaked to the bone in an ASOS pac-a-mac. Now I have this sweet bad boy from Topshop. It cost £45. I love the leopard print and the fact it's slightly see-through, and it's easy to put on.
As well as cute jackets, I also have plenty of over the knee socks and my trusted hunter wellies. DO NOT go to a festival without a pair of wellies. If it rains and gets muddy you will get trench foot. No joke. I'm also taking my vans for the dryer times when my feet need a rest. Another thing of course is a bag. Don't take a massive handbag but a small bag that will keep stuff safe when watching bands. Luckily for ravers and festival/gig goers, bum bags are back in fashion! What used to be regarded as so uncool is now all the rage, and I bought this totally cute fringed and studded baby from Urban Outfitters for £28:
So, if you have some cute yet practical clothes, waterproofs, cosy jumpers and wellies, you'll be fine. But to be MORE than fine, I also recommend getting some super-cool mosh-suitable jewellery, cute hair accessories, UV body paint, and PLENTY of glitter. Now they are the real fashion essentials!
Oh speaking of glitter, make sure you paint your nails a nice glittery colour before you go. I've gone for Topshop's Gypsy Night... a gorgeous glittery black.
And then there is the rest...
The essentials
So I'm not going to patronise you by telling you to make sure you have your camping gear (but you do, right?), but I will remind you of the extra little essentials you may forget:
- Loo Roll. Because you will need it.
- Baby Wipes. To clean yourself. Coz you aint showering guuuuurrrrl.
-a little first aid kit: Think painkillers, plasters, blister patches, pro-plus (oh, just me?) and lozengers, as well as anything else you may need. I also have beroccas to have in the morning for a little vitamin goodness.
-i know I said this above, but seriously, remember your wellies, remember your warm stuff. Hate to sound like your mum but it's true.
-And to kind of sound less like your mum: Take a hip flask. It'll come in handy. And don't forget booze to put in the hip flask (drink responsibly kids ;) )
-If your a girl and don't keep everything in your pockets, take a small bag that is easy to keep secure, like the bum bag I featured above, or a cross body bag with a zip.
-If you have a state of the art phone, it's tempting to take it, especially with the amazing Glastonbury App, but I personally won't be running the risk and have got a 'festival phone'.
-Another essential for me is disposable cameras. Along with phones I also have a tendency to lose cameras, so rather than taking my expensive canon I'm taking some disposables. Plus, the photos have a really cool look to them when developed.
- and last but definitely not least... TICKETS, TICKETS, TICKETS. last year when driving to global gathering, we got 10 minutes down the motorway before realising I had forgotten my tickets. Thankfully, I only live 45 minutes from Stratford, but I live a little further from somerset, so this bit is more of a reminder for me than you. But don't forget them. Because that really would be idiotic.
Last but not least, have a fabulous time!! And if you're not going, check out the BBC footage to get in on the action. I'm sorry for this super long post but I hoped it inspired you for your last minute festival needs and filled you in on the musical going's on. It's likely my next blog post will be a review of this epic weekend, so, see you in a week!!
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Yeezus Review: Kanye's Best Album Yet?
At the weekend something huge for hip-hop fans happened: Kanye Wests latest album, Yeezus, got leaked. And twitter/facebook/ the internet as a whole exploded.
Many agree that the leak was a purposeful tactic from Kanye, and boy it worked. Kanye West is a very clever man, and he created a storm of hype and publicity by this release. Of course, it hasn't been without it's controversy and not everyone has been a fan of the album, but to be honest, i think Kanye knew this. In fact, to me, the album very much sounds like he is doing exactly what he wants to do, taking it in exactly the direction he want's to take it in, without compromising for anyone (be it a producer or a fan) and doesn't care one bit if anyone doesn't like it. And the extreme mix in opinion which has been displayed by Kanye fans already just shows what a success the album is. Any album, or any piece of art at all, which creates this much debate, discussion, and division, is a huge success. The fact that anyone could listen to it before it's release date, on the internet, also puts up a challenge in it's accessibility: it poses the question, what does it mean to be successful? It doesn't necessarily mean huge album sales, making millions, and winning awards. While Kanye has done all of these things, and surely will with this album, that isn't what will measure the success of this album. What will measure the success is the way people take the album, the way they talk about it, write about it, dissect it. And not just the way they do these things, but the very fact they are doing these things. The fact they are writing about it, talking about it, dissecting it.
But on to the album itself. All of Kanye's albums have a different sound to them, so this clearly was going to be something different. Kanye doesn't attempt to replicate himself. He is always trying new things, reaching to different parts of his creative potential. But it is fair to say this is unlike any of his past albums. Lets take My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. That album for me was a masterpiece. It featured not only some top collabs, but also an immense use of instrumentals and long, provocative rap verses. 'Runaway' wasn't just about the rapping, but about the piano, for example. While this album featured lots of classical instruments to create an orchestral feel, Yeezus almost goes in the opposite direction. For starters, it strips everything back. It is not about creating something epic, but using bare materials. It is minimalist. It is new wave. It is new. It's also less about the classic instruments and more about an electronic sound, with influences taken from house and trap music. Yet of course, with songs such as 'New Slaves' and 'Blood on the Leaves', there's a commentary on race differences and on slavery, something which is present in a lot of Kanye's work. Kanye is never afraid to just spit it out and say it, and this album is no different in terms of that. As always, nothing is held back. In fact with this album more than any others, I would say Kanye is not only not holding back, but rushing forward, in your face, at a ferocious speed. This album is very in your face, which is maybe also why some people have taken a dislike to it. With that first play of 'On Sight', which the intro of sounds like something out of space, followed by the fast and ferocious pace of 'Black Skinhead', you could easily get a little overwhelmed. Especially if you were expecting something more 'Watch the Throne-esque'. No. This album has nothing fancy to get in the way of the truth of it. It's not playing around. It's not distracting. It just is. It gets to the point that it wants to get to.
It's not only the music itself which has a) provided a point of controversy, and b) been stripped down to the bare minimum, but the cover art. Some people on twitter have slagged off the cover art for it's simplicity. I mean, there isn't anything there!! It's just empty, bar that little red square. I mean, anyone could do that right? Hahahahaha. Wrong. While technically anyone could, no one else could think of it, conceptualise it in the way Kanye has. Kanye West hasn't left the CD cover like this because he was feeling a little lazy and couldn't be bothered. I'm sure he interpreted this reaction too. Cover art always has a deeper meaning, no matter what musician it is. And this is no exception. The lack of cover art highlights how Kanye has stripped everything back. It is showing the minimalism of the album. The cover of the album is part of the album, as well as the music, and so it has to demonstrate something. What the artist want's to demonstrate. Kanye has been very clever in this way. He's showing this new direction he's going in that anyone can see simply by looking at the cover of the CD, even if they don't listen to his music. And what about that red square? He's chosen that to be there just like he's chosen to have a lack of album art. I think that right there is this form of iconography. When people think of the Yeezus album they will think of the cover art, because all there is to it is that red square. That red square that could represent anger, violence, sex, lust. It will become synonymous with Yeezus.
Everyone is of course entitled to their opinion and some people may genuinely not like the direction Kanye has taken this album in, but surely you can't help but admire his persistance to make an album exactly how he wants to, and his persistance to always be going in a new direction, always be trying new things and new sounds? Kanye West is so much more than a rapper. He is an artistic genius. If you've given the album one listen and hated it, I dare you to give it another listen, because despite it's minimalism there is so much more to it. I think this could well be one of his best album's yet.
Many agree that the leak was a purposeful tactic from Kanye, and boy it worked. Kanye West is a very clever man, and he created a storm of hype and publicity by this release. Of course, it hasn't been without it's controversy and not everyone has been a fan of the album, but to be honest, i think Kanye knew this. In fact, to me, the album very much sounds like he is doing exactly what he wants to do, taking it in exactly the direction he want's to take it in, without compromising for anyone (be it a producer or a fan) and doesn't care one bit if anyone doesn't like it. And the extreme mix in opinion which has been displayed by Kanye fans already just shows what a success the album is. Any album, or any piece of art at all, which creates this much debate, discussion, and division, is a huge success. The fact that anyone could listen to it before it's release date, on the internet, also puts up a challenge in it's accessibility: it poses the question, what does it mean to be successful? It doesn't necessarily mean huge album sales, making millions, and winning awards. While Kanye has done all of these things, and surely will with this album, that isn't what will measure the success of this album. What will measure the success is the way people take the album, the way they talk about it, write about it, dissect it. And not just the way they do these things, but the very fact they are doing these things. The fact they are writing about it, talking about it, dissecting it.
But on to the album itself. All of Kanye's albums have a different sound to them, so this clearly was going to be something different. Kanye doesn't attempt to replicate himself. He is always trying new things, reaching to different parts of his creative potential. But it is fair to say this is unlike any of his past albums. Lets take My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. That album for me was a masterpiece. It featured not only some top collabs, but also an immense use of instrumentals and long, provocative rap verses. 'Runaway' wasn't just about the rapping, but about the piano, for example. While this album featured lots of classical instruments to create an orchestral feel, Yeezus almost goes in the opposite direction. For starters, it strips everything back. It is not about creating something epic, but using bare materials. It is minimalist. It is new wave. It is new. It's also less about the classic instruments and more about an electronic sound, with influences taken from house and trap music. Yet of course, with songs such as 'New Slaves' and 'Blood on the Leaves', there's a commentary on race differences and on slavery, something which is present in a lot of Kanye's work. Kanye is never afraid to just spit it out and say it, and this album is no different in terms of that. As always, nothing is held back. In fact with this album more than any others, I would say Kanye is not only not holding back, but rushing forward, in your face, at a ferocious speed. This album is very in your face, which is maybe also why some people have taken a dislike to it. With that first play of 'On Sight', which the intro of sounds like something out of space, followed by the fast and ferocious pace of 'Black Skinhead', you could easily get a little overwhelmed. Especially if you were expecting something more 'Watch the Throne-esque'. No. This album has nothing fancy to get in the way of the truth of it. It's not playing around. It's not distracting. It just is. It gets to the point that it wants to get to.
It's not only the music itself which has a) provided a point of controversy, and b) been stripped down to the bare minimum, but the cover art. Some people on twitter have slagged off the cover art for it's simplicity. I mean, there isn't anything there!! It's just empty, bar that little red square. I mean, anyone could do that right? Hahahahaha. Wrong. While technically anyone could, no one else could think of it, conceptualise it in the way Kanye has. Kanye West hasn't left the CD cover like this because he was feeling a little lazy and couldn't be bothered. I'm sure he interpreted this reaction too. Cover art always has a deeper meaning, no matter what musician it is. And this is no exception. The lack of cover art highlights how Kanye has stripped everything back. It is showing the minimalism of the album. The cover of the album is part of the album, as well as the music, and so it has to demonstrate something. What the artist want's to demonstrate. Kanye has been very clever in this way. He's showing this new direction he's going in that anyone can see simply by looking at the cover of the CD, even if they don't listen to his music. And what about that red square? He's chosen that to be there just like he's chosen to have a lack of album art. I think that right there is this form of iconography. When people think of the Yeezus album they will think of the cover art, because all there is to it is that red square. That red square that could represent anger, violence, sex, lust. It will become synonymous with Yeezus.
Everyone is of course entitled to their opinion and some people may genuinely not like the direction Kanye has taken this album in, but surely you can't help but admire his persistance to make an album exactly how he wants to, and his persistance to always be going in a new direction, always be trying new things and new sounds? Kanye West is so much more than a rapper. He is an artistic genius. If you've given the album one listen and hated it, I dare you to give it another listen, because despite it's minimalism there is so much more to it. I think this could well be one of his best album's yet.
Sunday 19 May 2013
The Great Gatsby Review: 18/05/13
Yesterday I went to watch The Great Gatsby with my two friends. After studying the book at A-Level and seeing the older, black and white film, I was especially excited to see Baz Luhrmann's glittering, colourful version. Especially as, in the book reference to colour plays a major part. And obviously, you can't exactly tell what colour things are in black and white films.
We decided to watch the film in 2d, I have a real issue with 3d I have to admit, but it did feel as though the film was designed for 3d.
As soon as it started it was an assault on the senses, and it stayed that way until the end. So many colours and movements... it was so intense. But brilliant.
At the beginning it all moved a bit fast, and I did feel if you hadn't read the book, you'd be a bit overwhelmed and not really understand what was going on. It was extremely exaggerated, but I feel like it needed to be. The exaggerations only made it all the more fabulous.
What I loved about the film was, by an large, it stuck pretty accurately to the book, right down to the narrative by Nick Caraway, aka, Toby Maguire, who did a brilliant job in the film. There were a couple of bits missing from the book which I was gutted about, because they could of been included without any detriment to the film. I'm reluctant to say what though without spoiling the film for anyone who hasn't seen it or read the book!! At the beginning, there was also some incorporations of genuine footage from the 1920's, which I loved. It gave it a real nostalgic feel. Luhrmann did a brilliant job on the casting as well, Leonardo Dicaprio was perfect for the role of Gatsby, and Carey Mulligan suited the role of Daisy perfectly.
When I watched the film, I was pleased because it was exactly how I imagined it all when I read the book, from the way Tom Buchanan looked to the interior of Gatsby's house, it was just how I imagined it to be, and how often does that happen?! Plus, the soundtrack was awesome. The Roaring 20's was being played out before my eyes, all to the sound of Jay-Z, Lana Del Ray, and Nero. It was incredible. While I feel there were a couple of things that weren't incorporated, overall it was pretty spot on. It was the most glittering, sensational, colourful film in a while. And I can't wait to see it again
Thursday 9 May 2013
Like Abercrombie & Fitch? Well make sure you've got 'the look' first.
Yesterday, while scrolling through Facebook, I came across a link to this article. The article is on why CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch doesn’t like fat people, and why he won’t sell above an American size 10 (that’s a size 14 to my UK readers) in his stores. Obviously, this caused an outrage. But it also didn’t surprise me at all. This is the brand that brought us Gilly Hicks, an underwear store that won’t stock above a C cup in bras. This is the brand that has caused global outrage for a multitude of sins. This is a brand which prides appearance above all else. The ironic thing is, the ways in which it put’s good looks on a pedestal, is pretty damn ugly. This article that was published was the final straw in terms of the ridiculous, offensive, behavior.
It’s pretty obvious that all Abercrombie care about is looks. They openly admit they will only hire good looking people. This is the brand that charges muscular, toned men to stand by the doors of their stores while tons of teenage girls run up to them screaming. I walk past the Hollister or the Gilly Hicks in Cardiff to regularly see a poor bloke stood there with no top on, absolutely freezing. And he looks so awkward, because how do you stand when you are freezing cold, with no top on, in public? It’s awkward. It’s weird. And above all, it’s pretty sexist. When we said we wanted gender equality we didn’t mean for men to be objectified TOO guys. Like, that’s not how it’s done. It’s not just the guys either, the girls working in the shop have to be a certain ‘look’ too. That’s the thing, how do you define good looking? Take me, at a uk size 6-8 I’m not fat. I don’t have some sort of deformed face either. But I would never get a job in these stores. Why? Well i’m not tall, i’m not blonde/brunette (my hairs dyed purple), I don’t have those classic beach waves... oh and also... I HAVE AN ASS!! Because if Abercrombie and Fitch hate anything, it’s curves. I mean, yeah that’s clear with their ‘no fat policy’, but like I said above, Gilly Hicks don’t stock above a C. A C. A D cup is a pretty regular size. But no. If, like me, you don’t have massive breasts, but your size differs from a C to a D in different stores, you won’t find any luck here. I tried on a C in Gilly Hicks. I had overspill. Considering my boobs aren’t big in the slightest, I almost find this impressive.
When it comes to their employees, unfortunately, the story gets a little darker than skinny blonde girls and muscular tanned boys giving it all they’ve got to look good, only to discover the shop is too dark for them to be seen anyway. You might remember the story of the shop assistant who didn’t have an arm. She was told to work in the stock room, where she wouldn’t be seen by customers. Isn’t that shocking? (P.S. that particular link is to an article on Jezabel which also tells of an incredibly underweight, anorexic girl who was employed for the brand for having 'the look') There’s also the story of an employee who was told to remove her remembrance day poppy, because it didn’t go with the brands aesthetic. Apparently, remembering the dead is SO UNCOOL NOW.
These guys have the perfect 'look' for the imperfect brand.
Or maybe it’s time that the Abercrombie brand faced the fact that maybe it’s them that’s uncool? At least, they're not cool to me. Because I don’t dig shops that are so pretentious, they have to pretend to be beach-houses rather than actual shops, shops that are so dark inside, customers have actually complained of getting lost (that still makes me laugh). I don’t dig objectification of bodies, whether they be male or female. I don’t dig a business that does business purely based on a certain look. I don’t dig a business that discriminates against the disabled. And now i need to stop saying the word dig, because that’s seriously uncool.
Of course, anyone who reads this who works for the brand, who likes the brand, whatever, will just laugh, because they’ll still make their millions. Of course they will. For some unknown reason people love paying £30 for a t-shirt that cost approx 2p to make, with the word ‘Hollister’ emblazoned across the front. For some ungodly reason, that is seen as fashionable. I don’t see that as fashion at all. I see it as a t-shirt. With a word on it. That’s it. A walking brand. A massive advert. And I think it'd be wrong to write all this and pretend I've never purchased anything from them. I bought a Hollister bikini once. I bought it back a couple of years ago, when I didn't hold these opinions, because I didn't know what a god-awful brand they were. I am proud to say though, that even then, I still didn't like the tops that just said Hollister on them .And now, I don't believe I would ever shop in there again, because as a brand,their ethics genuinely disgust me.
Abercrombie CEO ain't a looker himself though is he? Overcompensating are we Mike Jefferies?
Reading over some of the articles again to write this article has actually made my blood boil. Lot's of companies have questionable ethics, but the Abercrombie & Fitch brand is something else. They claim to be 'all American'. Aren't Americans supposed to be free, forward thinking individuals? If you're as shocked as I am by their ethics, you'd boycott the brand, just as I intend to do.
Tuesday 30 April 2013
Everything happens for a reason... work hard then let fate step in.
I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Some people will believe this too. Others will adamantly believe that that is bullshit. But it is something I believe and something I have been dwelling on lately.
In terms of beliefs, me and my boyfriend are, in some respects, polar opposites. Don’t get me wrong, in some ways, we have a lot in common. Like, we both think religion is ridiculous, we both believe there is no monotheistic god figure. However, he is atheist not just in terms of religion, but in terms of ideas concerning spirituality such as horoscopes. He believes horoscopes are bullshit as are tarots, palm-reading, and other forms of fortune telling. I however, while accepting of course some people are frauds who just want your money, do believe in these things. Because while I don’t believe in God, I do believe in magic. Not in a Harry Potter, everyone is waving a magic wand way (god i wish, massive HP fan up in here), but in a more direct way, which interferes with our lives. Not everything is black and white. Not everything is determined by cold, hard science. There is grey matter. Shit happens. Bad luck comes along. But good stuff happens too.
Sometimes we here bad news, or we don’t get what we want, not straight away anyway. But even though it’s hard to see it right then, I believe this stuff happens to make room for the good things, whatever that might be. Recently someone told me of how when they graduated they got a shitty little admin job for a company that sold photocopiers. Not exactly ideal. She then got a job at a local newspaper, when she found out, after doing the death-knock one day, that she wasn’t cut out to be a journalist. That person now works for PR for The Guardian. Without that little admin job, she would not have got her journalism job. And without that journalism job, she wouldn’t have got her job at The Guardian. The things which may have seemed like bumps in the road are what have got her to her overall destination today.
Work hard, and follow your dreams. Don’t be afraid to do this. Don’t hope that it will work out if you aren’t doing anything. Work your absolute hardest, but remember at the end of it, the hardest is all you can do. And if you did that, you can’t blame yourself if it doesn’t work out the way you planned. Like I said, you work hard, you make the best of what you’ve got, and then fate steps in.
In this day and age, we love a good plan. I know I do. I especially enjoy lists. To do lists. shopping lists. Lists of lists. I always plan essays when I write them, whether they are in exams or not. I’m not organised naturally, so I like to wake up when I’m busy and have a rough idea of what I’m going to do that day and how I will construct that. Plans are good from time to time, but our obsession with plans, and being organised individuals sometimes goes too far. Because no matter how hard you try, you can’t plan life. Like I said, I like to know what I want to do from day to day, but things change, the days go too quickly, you made a commitment you forgot about, life steps in and says ‘STFU I’m taking over now, and there is nothing you can do about it’. You literally have no idea what is going to happen in the future. You have no idea what is going to happen tomorrow. This is scary. This is exciting. It’s nice to have a little idea of where you want to go, but remember that that plan, will always remain a draft, and that is the best way for it to be, because when life comes along and tears up that draft, it will remind you of what life is really about. It’s not about knowing. It is about not knowing. It is about that moment when you have done all you can do and you have to let go and let fate take over. It is about that grey matter. It is the reason that it all happens for.
Plus, doesn’t a 5 year plan just sound really f*cking boring to you?
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