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WONDER FULL 

When I was a child, running in the night

After an amazing Christmas with the majority of my close family and a chilled but fun New Year, I am back with a new post. 

It is my Mum's birthday tomorrow (which is another excuse to have a big get together with lots of wine) and this is a celebration of that, as my Mum is and always has been a massive fan. If you are not familiar with her music, you should definitely listen to some of what she has created over the years. I give my own recommendations.

Happy New Year to everyone and enjoy the post. Do let me know what you think.

Kate Bush is just as much part of my childhood playlist as the Spice Girls (is this not the case for any girl born in the 90s?), M People and Robin S. Show Me Love has got to be one of the best dance songs ever to be produced. I will always remember listening to Bush when either my Mum was cleaning or when I was standing in the centre of the living-room singing my heart out into a hairbrush. Babooshka (its literal definition is Russian for ‘grandmother’, according to the Urban Dictionary) is the one song I remember learning all the words to at such a young age. I recall the huge amount of fascination and curiosity over the album cover for Never For Ever, in which this song was released, with the floating animals and ugly looking sea creatures swirling out from underneath Bush’s dress. It is probably one of her most memorable songs- the lyrical verses tapping into the ideologies of revenge, paranoia and ambush, as it tells the story of a woman’s yearning for the faithfulness of her husband.

 

My Mum was thirteen years old when Bush was signed aged 19 in 1978 and surprisingly has only ever had one number one single in the UK with Wuthering Heights, despite having released 10 studio albums with a maximum of 12 years between releases – The Red Shoes released in 1993 and Aerial in 2005- throughout her massively successful career spanning over an impressive 36 years. Her musical style has altered somewhat over the years, newer material edging more towards her earlier folk style with a fairly vast emphasis on instrumental segments. Wuthering Heights, to those of you who are not familiar with the song but have read the book or watched a film adaptation (I myself really need to soon), is aptly startling, moving and varying in tempo and pitch. It begins with piano beats and ends with amazing electric guitar, amidst the high-pitched, menacing voice of Bush and the drop of drum beat with which you cannot help but move your head in time to.

  

What I love so much about Bush is the incredibly unique tone and the trembling characteristic to her voice- unusual voices are always the best I find. Not only that, the aptitude at which she reaches when altering her voice from deep to very high, powerful, almost screaming at times, is an ability for which she should be admired. Adapting it from each song to the next to suit the melodies and musical choices, ensures that what you are listening to is certainly interesting and grasps you as a listener. Cloudbusting is my personal favourite because of this and the song of the moment (the opeining lyrics of which forms the title) has to be Hounds of Love, inspired by Hitchcock's film The 39 Steps. 

She is undeniably, a fantastic songwriter- completely powerful, startling and I feel there is always a story to her songs, which she maintains throughout from the beginning to the very last note. As for her look, she was always in tight Lycra dance leotards and leggings at the height of her fame during the late 70s, early 80s (who wasn’t?), floating floor length, long-sleeved sheer gowns or futuristic two pieces, as the header picture shows, worn on her one and only tour aged just 20. That large mane of hair, which I vividly remember as the artwork for Lionheart was her trademark, as well as her big brown eyes, porcelain skin and rosy lips. She is one beautiful, talented lady whose niche style of music has gained her a huge, dedicated fan base, one of whom is my mum- a massive one at that. The fact that she vows never to tour again as she claims to be ‘shy’ is something I find hard to understand but it certainly doesn’t lessen her triumph as the most successful solo female artist the UK has ever seen.

WONDER FULL

But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be on your own front door

First of all, I'd like to wish Merry Christmas to you all and a huge thank-you to those who have taken a great interest in my blog over the past year. In case you've forgotten, it is 4 days until the merriment, over-eating, routine drinking and massive family get togethers begin. For me, it all starts on 23rd December, my dear Nan's birthday. My paternal family all gather together as per usual to drink, nibble and generally have a really good laugh. It's how we do things and it tends to get us all in the mood.

I have been working this week at a new role, which I am really enjoying and which has only made me look forward that little bit more to the end of this week (although not wishing it away at all) - listening to the Love Actually soundtrack and the most beautiful Christmas melodies in the office had gotten me slightly more excited with every note, as well as the adornment of twinkling lights and carol singers at the tube station. This year it has taken me a while to get into the Christmas spirit, purely because to me it doesn't feel like Christmas time yet, as it has done in previous years. My only explanation for this is the fact that I am no longer at University, instead living at home and working full-time in the city. This time last year, I had begun writing my dissertation and was somewhat excited to come home for three weeks for the Christmas holidays. 

So, I thought what better time than to share with you a series of somewhat beautiful, magical and aptly 'festive' images. I predict that blogging will slow right down when I rediscover lie-ins and too many bottles of anything have been emptied- plus I will be working from home- so I shall leave you to enjoy these until we are officially into the New Year, in which case I will be posting a brand new batch of festive delights in the form of amazing editorial photographs, like these beauties. 

I hope you all have brilliant Christmases and remember, it's not all about the presents. Reflect on the good times throughout the year (for me it was an amazing holiday, meeting new faces, graduating and gaining paid work), make the most of your families and being at home, keep safe and most of all have a really good time and enjoy yourselves the best you can. This year has been a great one, but I also cannot help but think of those who I have missed too...

Enjoy the images and have F U N  ! 

Where will you be spending Christmas Day? What are your plans for the lead up? 

What are you hoping for on the big day?

All images from fashiongonerogue.com

Ttile: Lyrics from It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

WONDER FULL

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

& A HAPPY NEW YEAR

x

Trend sets for A/W '11: JIL SANDER & floral print

I am fast becoming a huge fan of Jil Sander's work and her catwalk collections- she always has me on Look 1. Going back to S/S '11, I adored the blocked colour floor-length skirts; so easy to wear, breezy, summery and colour was certainly back in moderate spurts for autumn. The 49 looks were constituted of clean lines, blocks of bright red and turquoise here and there and boxy shapes. There was an avoidance of overt detailing or overbearing design additions- quite simply a no frills, complete breath of fresh air, bar red lips and striped/clashing/knitted sleeves peeking out from underneath billowing capes. Then the shocking red floral print began to appear, like a flower coming into bloom, in the form of platformed footwear. They were straight on my wish list. It was then that the eye-catching floral print washed over the catwalk for just 6 looks- breaking up the collection with an element of fun- and spring- in the form of exaggerated collared loose-fitting dresses, (the bright blue and red is my favourite) a coat and cute jumpsuit which highlights the waist.

I enjoy the 60s vibe of the overall collection- entwined monochrome reminicent of dog-tooth check, Christmas jumpers, sleek beehive, ladylike glamour without being over the top- a creation of refined elegance, beautifully finished with a retro twist. The glossy hair complemented the straight cut of the trouser and the blocked leather platform boots gave an edgy feel to the prettiness that came from the swirly floral pattern. 

The 60s remains to be my favourite era and this collection has just reignited my adoration for that time, combined with the craftsmanship of the 21st Century. And florals for winter? It's exactly what we need to brighten up our days.

WONDER FULL

Pack Up, Let's Fly Away...

2011 has been hectic from the word go and at the moment I have so much to at the same time- writing my dissertation began the never ending workload then it was onto the beginning of my Final Major Project, planning the writing for competition entries, interning, work experience, squeezing in the odd pub visit and flicking through the glossies. Plus- I have a New York/Parsons trip to think about, graduating and then turning 21 in the summer... the list really is endless.

I have been thinking about where to whisk off to for a while now as I really crave a holiday (even though my last was only August and time moves by so swiftly) and want to be somewhere amazing when I hit the big (but dreaded) 2-1. Having a birthday abroad just makes it that bit more special- my 11th (ha, seems like forever ago) in Calpe, a beautiful region on the east coast of Spain was one of the funnest times and definitely one of the best birthdays!

Walking around Chelsea whilst interning the other day I spotted a handful of planes overhead darting about the skies racing to what I imagined to be amazing locations- sunny, scorching hot, heaving with culture, cool places to eat... off on a tangent I go again. Well anyway, it got me thinking about the places I would possibly like to be for my birthday or potential destinations for the next journey I take to where the sun actually shines... one can dream, eh?

Have you been to any of these locations? What was your best ever holiday?

R i o   d e   J a n e i r o

I have never had a craving to go somewhere quite as much as I have for Rio- the nightlife simply looks incredible. So that's why I want to go. Plus, it has the most breath taking architecture and perfectly golden, sandy beaches.

Carnival Street Party, Rio

B a r c e l o n a

I have actually been before and want to go back soo badly. I went a few years ago and absolutely loved it- there is so much to see and do. Art is one of my passions and it really is one of the best places to go for that- culture is everywhere, plus it has a beautiful harbour and city centre full of eclectic places to shop.

Highly recommended.

Sagrada de Familia


 S i n g a p o r e

I've never had a strong urge to go visit the east, but lately have really warmed to venturing into the unknown. I really want to sample the food, see the bright lights and explore into such a diverse part of the world.

Raffles Place, Singapore City


C y p r u s

It's just a place I want to visit- it looks so tranquil and set amongst the ruins you could explore for hours. Looks and sounds idyllic and a holiday destination I am sure I will love as much as Turkey where I have been 6 years in a row and Greek Islands I have visited twice.

Northern Peak, West of Polis


E g y p t

In fact, I'd like to go anywhere in the UAE- including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In Egypt I imagine myself lying in the scorching heat or venturing out in search of my own discoveries- either option sounds exactly like something I could do with right now! Even the North African marvel that is Marrakesh in Morocco. Sex & The City 2 made it look so exciting and adventurous- the enchanting bazaars and mysteriousness that came at night fall. It sounds like I am there already- and so I'm off again...

Gaza


I s t a n b u l

I have been to Turkey many a time, as you know and I desperatley want to visit this enchanting city. Not only for picturesque views, historical value and stunning landscapes, but the atmospheric and exciting feel it has. I long to experience that. It is known for it's cosmopolitan feel, amazing architecture and fantastical nightlife- the darkened lounge bars in which to soak in the energy whilst drinking and dancing the night away. That's my perfect night and one that I want to spend in one of the best countries I have ever ventured to. The traditional way of life, places to ponder and people to meet is, for me, what makes it so special.

The Princes Islands

A s p e n

I have been to the West Coast and NYC (as well as countless American airports) so I know it is somewhere that the food is always perfect and the people friendly. As someone who loves skiing, snow and anything picturesque or sweetly charming in which to ponder, I feel this is the place I need to be as it offers all 3. Just imagine how magical it would be at Christmas time. Next on the American list is New York (which I will be visiting in April as part of a Uni competition), California and Arizona (simply for the Grand Canyon- I love a view, me!) and the latter 2 (as well as Cyprus) partly form the route of my dream travelling experience...

The St. Regis Hotel

Camel image from hiren.info

WONDER FULL 

The Ever Changing Faces of Goldie Hawn

I'm a big fan of Goldie Hawn- she is hilariously brilliant in her films and she seems to have an eternal youthful beauty (much like her character in Death Becomes Her, although not as fragile!) There were heaps of her films on over Christmas- Private Benjamin, Overboard and my one of my all time favourite films, Death Become Her which are all examples of such sheer comic genius. More recently, it was The First Wives's Club with it's all star cast and the strong theme of women empowerment. I would definitely recommend that you watch it. Although Hawn has starred in so many films, these three come in at top of the list both for both her and her funniness.




Take a look at the following film stills of some of Hawn's ever-changing looks from some the 80s and 90s comedies...

Overboard

The Snob 

The Housewife

                                                           

                


                     

Private Benjamin

The Bride



The Soldier



 

              

Death Becomes Her



The Slob

The Glamour Puss





I cannot go on enough about it enough, as you well know- I simply adore the 1960s era- the youth revolution, the clothes, the yet another change in society, especially for women. Goldie Hawn is a golden oldie and in her heydey she was much like Twiggy in that she wore short dresses, applied black eye liner and pale lipstick and had a short bobbed haircut. I love that too. Soo sixties. And later on, the Bardot-esque pumped up barnet. Effortless and absolutely stunning. Perhaps that's the reason why I'm beginning to love Duffy so much.

WONDER FULL

A fashionable Christmas

As I posted earlier, I didn't ask for much this Christmas but I did get the 2 things I really wanted- the leopard print dress from TOPSHOP and of course, the retro fur collar jacket. (The Mulberry pouch and floral dress I have had for a while now and the camel ZARA dress and uber high black leather platforms from ASOS were presents to myself!) The rest I unwrapped on Christmas morning, rather excitedly. The best surprise were the cork platform sandals, which I were given after dinner (a family tradition), especially as I never did manage to get my hands on them over the summer as I thought they had sold out.


On that note, I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and exciting New Year. Let's make it even more fashionable and eventful than the last...




What surprise additions were under your tree this year?

WONDER FULL

C A K E it on.

Just a little selection of pre-Christmas treats in the form of sweet and delightful cupcakes painted with icing and sprinkled with a variety of tasty treats for you to lust over. Thanks to my little sister who aspires to be a chef and own her own restaurant, baked these spongy delights the night before she had to ice them in school as part of her Food Technology course. She is loving it at the moment, creating tasty things to eat in the form of Victoria sponges, pastries and quiches. When she brought these home on Monday I got a little over excited, not only because they looked amazing, creative and most of all yummy, they gave me the perfect opportunity to grab the SLR again and get snapping. After all, I need all the practice I can get in preparation for my Final Major Project next year. I love my food and like my sister, have always helped out in the kitchen- stirring sauces, chopping vegetables, tasting here and there for seasoning. There is something fulfilling in creating something from a few ingredients that can become a meal for all the family to enjoy, if not a little fast-paced! I can't really say the same for fifteen cupcakes, as they are probably the most funnest things to make of all culinary creations, but they tasted gorgeous and Christmassy nonetheless with a cup of hot tea and a warm bed.

WONDER FULL(y yummy)!