B E T H M A Y H A L L

Maccabee's - 26th Jan Brixton Academy

2012-01-27T09:55:00.000-08:00

Nick Pickles Photography.

The Maccabees - Brixton Academy 27th January 2012

2012-01-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

Review of Maccabee's 27th Jan show in London

I have just returned from yet another amazing Maccabee's gig. The first date of their London shows, Brixton Academy was heaving with fans. I thought from previous experience, that being at the front of the Maccabee's gig would be fine - it would be a great gig to stand and watch. How wrong i was! The crowd leapt up and threw themselves into the music, with what can only be described as a mosh in front of my eyes.
The band opened with the intro to their new album 'Given to the Wild' which was calm and collected, followed by raging drums and guitar's taking us through a journey of new and old. The first live performances on their new tracks - including Child and Pelican had the crowd hyped from start to end, obviously dedicated fans with the album only being out a couple of weeks.
The golden oldies which everyone loves including; X Ray, Can You give It and No kind Words were the three that stood out for me. orlando, a calm if not shy member of the band, tested the audience with his soothing vocals with an exstatic Felix being unable to contain himself while he watched the crowd chant lyrics to their songs.
While performing, you can see the band true en joy what they do. Smiles and personal acknowledgments of eachother didn't go a miss and with Orlando mouthing to Felix during a guitar solo - 'fuck' - it is true to say that these boys never imagined what success they would have.
With a new date added at Alexandra Palace on the 8th June, this band have gone from selling out cricket venues in Eastbourne to Brixton and now 10,000 capacity, Ally Pally.
Following in the footsteps of Bombay Bicycle club who also started off in the smaller venues, growing as their albums matured, the Maccabee's new album shows progress from a bunch of songs from their first album to a more organic and raw 3rd album.

Rupert, probably one of the band members who is least in the lime light, was amazed by the crowd. He took a moment to pause, sing a long to the song 'No Kind Words' and reflect - look where we have come'

Hugging on stage and closing with the 'First Love' it was a high for the band who have still got the same followers since their first album Color It In.
missing the after party where they were set to DJ i am a little gutted as i know this band, despite how big they will get they will still always drink in Camberwell, have the same friends and still enjoy playing Brixton Academy.

Nice one boys, you are amazing.

New Hair for 2012 - Bleach London.

2012-01-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

I found these lovely ladies in Topshop in Oxford St. the other day. Full of charm they offered to colour my hair (at a price of course) into a punk-style pink and purple that my mother would have kittens if she saw me.

I am in awe. I want to have hair like this, just for a little while. I dont want to loose the dark on the top, but fancy some colour below - a la Caroline Flack?

Help - what should i do?

BleachLondon are located in Dalston and W1 so if you want to go and have a consultation, a whole head of colour is around £75.00 and if you want a tie dye its around £50.00.

The Maccabee's - Given To The Wile (Album Review)

2012-01-16T00:57:00.000-08:00

So the Maccabee’s have finally released their long awaited third album. The first who are pretty hard to live up to, especially Color It In – an amazing debut from the Birghton band. I am a huge fan and love nothing more than the wispy vocals fromn lead singer, Orlando Weeks.

The band have always impressed my ears with their quirky synths and riveting rifts. After seeing them around 3 yesrs ago at the NME tour, it was one of the best gigs I had been too – closely followed by their main stage antics at Bestival last year.

Hyped, the new album ‘Given to the Wild’ it is a studio album that has taken over 2 years to complete. Spotted drinking in the local pubs around Camberwell and Brixton, the band are not fazed by their success – they are accessible and are a likeable bunch.

Pelican – the first single off the album is a joyous mix of elegant song writing mixed with ambitious drums. The intro is by far the most beautiful [part of the bum – it fits in nicely, opening what can only be described as a choir sound to the ears. The only thing about the Maccabee’s is that sometimes their tunes can become a little repetitive with the same structure and finishing on a high abrupt end.

Those who have been avid fans of the band will know that Toothpaste Kisses, X-Ray and Can you Give It are songs that are hard to follow up to. This album is more mature, and despite being an adult sound it does lack the Maccabee’s spirit in some of the tracks midway through the album.
On the whole, they have not waited the last few years. Songwriters and musicians, this is a fabulous album that for any Maccabee fan they will love/ Just remember where they came from, its hyped up a lot – i suggest giving their old albums a listen to see how far they have come

Happy New Year.

2012-01-05T10:05:00.000-08:00

Jesus, its 2012. I completely missed the switchover- buring my head into a glass of Vodka i think. I remember the clocks stricking twelve, however everything in between I do not have a clue.

I just found these images of Maryln. I bet she didnt get so drunk she keeled over and forgot her own name.

Merry Christmas!- Get crafty...

2011-12-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

Have not updated again in a while- had my fake Christmas day the other day, which was dfull of drink and food, which i am still trying to push down my mouth.
With 4 days left before Christmas, i still have a few presents to get and have not even thought about anything else other than items i want for NYE. Its black tie at a friend’s and with black tie comes the heels, hair and the nails. I am getting stressed over it.
Asos have a sale at the moment, which is torture as i do not get paid till NYE!!
Spotted this amazing site which offers homemade gift ideas. My friend makes all her own gifts and its a great personal way to show those you care.

Jill’s make your own Christmas Orniments are great!

The Craft Chicks are also some fantastic people who manage to make everything! Check out their blog which shows an easy way to peroonalise any gifts this christmas.

Look at their Christmas Bingo! It's a simple way to play games with this christmas. Such a good idea. I didn't realise how much cheaper it was to make eveyrthing you eat as well. Check these scrummy looking pieces.

We Make London is a great blog if you want to get involved yourself. Head down to their tutorial's across the city.
The best blog, which is my stylist, Marie - is incrediable! It shows how you can make decorations, gifts and also beautiful assessories. A whole Lot Of Lovely is my favourite by far!

Marie used to work for Ideal Home Magazine but now freelances in Sydney as an interior stylist! How magical must her home be?

December.

2011-12-09T10:57:00.000-08:00

Its been a while - this time of year is always manic.

A few things that have caught my attention this month - I just completed reading The Girl With THe Draggon Tattoo, which is a great thriller. I am a massive fan of the original Swedish film, however I am not too sure on the USA blockbuster.

I went to the premiere of Hugo the other week. The event was full of Glitz and glam, however they do rush you down the carpet. I was delighted to be invited down by my contact on the night, Staurt. Thank you!

Just found out I have 2 tickets to see Rihanna this December. I am elated! I am a massive fan and she puts on a great show.

What is eveyrone getting friends and family for Christmas? If you go to Urban Outfitters, New Look and Miss Selfridge, there are discounts on party wear. I managed to blag a dress, £25 cheaper!

One of my favourite sites, Magculture has a pop-up shop in the ehart of East London. If you are a fan of all the weird and wacky editorials from all over the world, pop in and lay your hands on some fine print.

71 Leonard St, EC1.

Loving this cover of SNAP! Magazine as well.

Kat eon Vogue has also raised some eyebrows...

Argentina - Buenos Aires

2011-11-26T08:29:00.000-08:00

I have just come back from an epic trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Never have I had the desire to go to the South American city, however with friends moving out there and expressing how exciting it is, i needed to see it for myself. Luckily for me, a friend of mine lives there, so we managed to stay with him a few days while we explored the city.

No what I expected at all, the city has a very European influence in it’s architecture and it’s relaxed way of life. I have never visited South America before, so expected for some reason a more run down, less developed part of the country. It never occurred to me that this ‘city’ was in fact a great metropolis.
After touching down on Friday morning, pretty jet lagged from our 12 hour flight- not to mention a 10 hour stopover in Madrid! We met our friend who lives in the lovely district of Almagro. Funnily enough, a friend from work lived just down the road from Mario Bravo where we were staying, just off Corrientes, a popular street that offers a range of shops and a LOT of Burger Kings.

The first epic adventure was to Creamfields – a better slightly less annoying version of the Liverpool festival, with a better vibe and a place where I actually felt really safe, despite it being in the area of La Boca, which tourists are advised to avoid if possible. La Boca however, has a great and interesting street with shanty houses that are painted beautiful colours and live tango dancing. We managed to survive the bus ride which took some getting used to. Unlike London buses, despite dropping you off on the side of the road one way, you may have to walk another 2 blocks to get back on the rite stop to get back. While trying to co-ordinate 6 friends at 6am in the morning when I had no clue where I was going, we were also crammed onto a buss, which was something like a ride in India!

We did the tourist things, went to go see the different areas including Recoletta, San Telmo and also Palermo, which is probably an area which most reminded me of being in Miami perhaps – large wide streets, roller bladders and a lot of palm looking tree’s. It was also full of interesting bars, cafés and expensive shops, which was totally different to the vibe of San Telmo, which was intriguing with its markets, bars and restaurants – a more real vibe to BA.
We explored the beautiful markets in San Telmo, filled with other peoples junk, photographs and fresh fruit. Random ET figurines and pictures of Eva Peron covered stands and most remarkably, Hitler memorabilia. After speaking with an owner of one stall, apparently a lot of nazi war men fled to Argentina to escape after Hitler went into Hiding. It has since been thought, Hitler himself lived in Argentina (and Liverpool?) which could explain the following.

Watching a live tango show was lovely, especially in the summer sun,. Drinking a Quilmes, the local beer. Cocktails are also a popular choice, with Long Island Ice Teas and Pina Colada’s. I don’t think I have ever drunk so much alcohol as I had on this holiday.
The nights were filled with drinking at the Hostel, which in hindsight was a waste when I could of explored the many hidden gems of the city. Bahrein was a good club we went to on a Tuesday to see some Drum and bass, with Kika a choice for the Thursday night. A city that obviously doesn’t sleep much, despite walking back to my room at 7am, the city seemed to be more alive than it was at 7pm the night before. Buses constantly roaming the streets.

The street art was one of my favourite part’s of the city. The intricate detail of artists work plastered over walls across buildings, car parks and bins was fascinating. You sometimes caught teenagers in San Telmo, lurking around buildings with the intentions of graphitising over the paint, but after dark you don’t want to stop and stare, especially if you are not from round those parts.
The botanical gardens were beautiful, with the most hilarious security guards I have ever met. ‘Keep off the grass!!’ they would shout and blow their whistle’s, which was a shame as it was the most beautiful grass I had ever seen.
We visited the University of Law and noticed that governors from their were also street names. This supported an idea that my friend had thought of, that the city doesn’t really have an iconic history. Yes they had Evita, and they have a great diplomatic union, however apart from smashing England in the world cup all those years ago, what else is there to remember? There are no particular ruins that stand out, apart from the cemetery which covers an exhausting amount of caskets, but when you think of a huge city such as BA, you would imagine more intimate areas which support its nationality. However, the street names which reflected influences in the 21st centaury and plaza’s, it seems it is trying to find it’s own place in history now.

If I could go back to Argentina again, I would delicately try and make sure I ate more steak. The meat was beautiful and the service from a little argentine family in the suburb of Almagro was wonderful. I would love to try Locro, a dish with meat, fat and corn as well as some interesting meat platters with intestines.
I have taken many pictures myself of my trip, however they don’t quite capture what I really saw. Check out some of the images below, or even better still read Andy Donohoe’s blog – a friend of mine who lived there for a while and captured his movements through a lens.

This man must be famous, as I saw him when I was in Sna Telmo! The cutest man ever.

La Boca, where they have beautiful houses and amazing live Tango

Anydonohoe's http://blog./

I will update with my own pictures very soon

Streatham - save it!

2011-11-26T02:57:00.000-08:00

Most people think Streatham is somewhat of a ‘ghetto; with no prospects and an area of deprivation. As with all South West areas of London, it is given a bad name and because it has no tube or boys shuffling around in skinny jeans, it is seen as an area of low aspiration. I am a fond believe of Streatham, Moving to the borough a year ago, i was excited to move to a suburban area with a great sense of community. Living close to the common which hosts the Streatham Festival, Circus and also Farmers market was a great place to live. I had lived by a common for 4 years while at university and living in London it can get extremely hectic at times walking around those paved streets, and when we had our heat weave ion October, it was a delight laying on the common.
Plans to split the 4 areas of Streatham, into different constituency not only breaks the spirit of Streatham but now allows for other boroughs to change religious activities which the council have worked hard to maintain within the area. Some may say, Streatham, has improved over the years, as like Brixton into an interesting and vibrant area. Streatham High Road has some amazing shops, cafés and bars with some interesting Lebanese and Spanish restaurants. Streatham Common has great pubs, outdoor activities and with his neighbouring Gipsy Hill and Tooting, it is becoming an area where property buyers are laying down their first payments.
Streatham Hill is planned to become part of the Clapham constituency – does this mean an increase in house prices and cost of ;living? To have the ;’privileged’ of being part of that area means more focus on making it up and coming rather than supporting the needs of the residents. Streatham has always had its bad rap in the past and recently their seems to have been a bar lifted in the attitude of the area. Its become a place where residents have enjoyed being part of the community and have got involved working with each other to create a suburban life.
I have signed the petition to stop Streatham Common becoming part of Mitcham, which is a borough south of the area. Mitcham’s needed are different to Streatham’s and voting for a chancellor who doesn’t appreciate the differences between the two boroughs means Streatham will lose out. Think of East London trying to buy out West – it just doesn’t work. Each area has it’s identity and it needs to stay.

Save Our Streatham Petition | GoPetition

Away for 2 weeks!

2011-11-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

I have been awol lately - work has started to take over my life and the last thing I want to do when i get home is sit in front of the computer (no offence guys!) But alas - I have a new camera. PC World have helped be savour the holiday where out of 5 people, no one had a camera. Now, 2 days before I fly I have one and I cannot wait to start snapping all the street art, colours, random stuff all around Argentina.

I fly on Thursday and after more than 8 hours in Madrid, I need to kill the time so will be heading out and about before we catch our connecting. Things I deffinately reccomend for long haul flights -

-Eye mask (no one likes to be gauped at)
- Book
-Ipod
-Mints (its been 12 hours...)
-Face wipes
-Mirror
-Lipstick (forget the make up, just have a great mouth!)

I do not know what to expect in regards to fashion, music or anything really. I understand that I will be going to Creamfields, so yes, Liverpool, it will be a festival however what will the town be like, what will the people be like?

This is my first mission abroad with friends that has not been a mini european adventure and I cannot wait. I will be sure to keep you all updated with some interesting photo's on my return. In the meantime, check out some wants for this Christmas. Despite running away for 2 weeks for a hot holiday, I love walking out of work down Oxford Street and get that warm feeling - espcially around Hamleys!

ASOS - yum!

Britney Spears- The O2 Arena

2011-10-28T05:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to see Britney Spears at the O2. Yes, I know what you are thinking – Sad! However, with these 90’’s flashbacks, regurgitated for us to lick up this year, it seems more of a novelty to go see those artists that you once adored – come to think about it, 14 years ago!

Britney – the ever once beautiful, energetic entertainer who was famed more for her abs than her songs, was one of my idols as a young girl. I went to her Oops I did It Again tour when I was around 14 and loved it. She had an explosive show and sang live for most of the performance- most I say...

Flash forward 10 years and she is at the O2 on her Femme Fatale tour, whimpering around on stage, tired, not in sync and ion fact, quite embarrassing. She is not sexy anymore (take a hint Madonna) and her limbs are flung around the stage by the help of her dancers. Now, I understand she has had a bad time (remember that crazy hair incident) and she gets a lot of stick from the press, but come on Brit – sing one song live and look like you are enjoying it. Knowing only 8 words from the English dictionary she bellows to the crowd- ‘London, Omg You are awesome. I love you!’ this, like Lana Del rey at the moment, was on repeat for the whole evening. She could of personalised the performance, which did get a little cringe when she got over personal with a ‘fan’ (crazy stooge who was at front of stage and ‘won’ a lap dance from Britney) on stage. Giving him a lap dance and wrapping her legs around his head, i didn’t quite imagine Britney needed that to sell her tour.

With Rihanna selling out all 10 of her O2 dates, it’s no wonder to see that these days it really is talent that cuts the mustard. Do not get me wrong, it was fun being in the O2 crowd dancing to some of the disco anthems that the gay audience love (being with 8 gay guys myself, who kept bellowing ’she is an angel;) it was good entertainment. If you are looking for a flashback of Britney when she was 19, its not going to happen. Gone are the crazy dance moves and the likeability factor of a pop princess and instead is an insecure, tired woman trying to cling on to her last minute of fame.

I doubt she will do another tour. I doubt i will go to it, but Britney despite being an absolute car crash – I do love you.

Katy B- Sheppards Bush Empire

2011-10-26T02:34:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite venues in London for its intimate surroundings, Sheppard’s Bush Empire played host to Rinse Fm’s queen – Katy B.

Understandably one of the best female vocalists around – hailing from London and sticking to her roots, she wowed the crowd over with her energy and live band. Not hiding behind sexy dance routines or all in one suits, make up done with a shovel, Katy elegantly performed on stage in jeans and a jumper, proving it is all about the voice.

Rinse FM dj’s were out in force to warm the crowd up with P Money supporting, Dubstep and Grime – what a way to make an audience move! The live band played electric renditions of Lights On and Katy On A Mission as well as Magnetic Man’s Perfect Stranger. For a Tuesday, there was more energy in that room than there was on Friday night at Brixton Academy.

She is definitely one to watch, one of the few girls who doesn’t intimidate, could probably be one or your mates – she just IS too cool.

BFI Film Festival - reviews

2011-10-23T01:52:00.000-07:00

Headhunters

Yesterday I went to go see Headhunters- the Norwegian thriller directed by Morten Tyldum, the film was a fast paced action thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Most films taken from books are deemed incomparable to the original form, however not speaking the language myself, I had nothing to fall back on. There is dark black Scandinavian humour in the 2 hour film, about a corporate recruiter, Roger,, who seems to have it all yet falls into art burglary to make the extra money to keep his wife, Diana in diamonds. What starts off as what seemed to be a bland movie about the relationships between an obnoxious, self righteous 30-something, turned out to be a thriller where in the end you had warmed to the cold, materialistic Headhunter who had once been the bully, not the victim.

At the opening of his wife’s new art gallery, Roger meets Clas Greve, a perfect candidate for his client, Pathfinder – who happens to be in possession of a rare and valuable piece of art. With what started out as a simple art raid – replacing the original with a copy, Roger embarks on an action packed ride when who he thought was just candidate for his recruitment firm, is actually someone who is out to ruin Roger, despite the remarkable coincidence’s.

A ludicrous story, which seems to quickly spin from introductions to characters to cars being thrown off cliffs and ‘tracking devices’ through hair follicles, that Georg Orwell in his book 1884 would of been proud of, it did get a little lost in the action and the plot seemed to get confusing. Despite the twists and turns in the plot, it was engaging and kept me e entertained throughout.

Martha Marcy May Marlene

The second film i went to see was: Martha Marcy May Marlene, directed by Sean Durkin’s which is an intense drama about a young woman who is trying to overcome her experiences within a religious cult in America, while trying to rebuild her relationship with her sister whom she did not speak to for 2 years. The plot is slow moving and the film itself is intense with awkward silences, flashbacks of abuse when she was in the cult, on the ‘farm’ and cringe worthy moments that never really explained anything. Despite the superb acting skills from Elizabeth Olsen, nothing really gets explained within the film and with an abrupt ending, you never really find out why she ended up there, why she left and what the next move is from being admitted to a psychiatric hospital – which you never really know she goes to.

I felt a little lost throughout the film and didn’t really know where it could go. Does it live up to the film festival hype – it was praised in Cannes, I don’t think it does. The cinematography by Jody Lee Lipes is beautiful and the moments of skinny dipping in the lake, the unromantic ‘cleansing’ where ‘Marcy’ loses her virginity to Patrick – all are still beautifully made and conjure no terror although it is very chilling. The storyline is not challenging and there are no twists and turns, but it does keep you engaged through the beauty of the shot.

Jaded - Bugged Out

2011-10-19T07:26:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday was the fun fuelled and skinny jean wearing, Bugged Out 17th Birthday. Erol – who never seems to disapoint and Boys Noize who made sure their tunes were chanted packed the Cornet in SE London to the brim.

The epic venue of the Cornoet – an old theatre with more stairs you can shake stick at, offered a great atmosphere and an excellent couple of sets from some of the best artists in electronic music. Erol completely blew my mind with a remix of Metronomy’s The Bay - a great tune to throw your hands in the air at.

Following the energizing sets which accompanied a very hyped crowd, Jaded at London’s Cable was the next stop for a warm down with the soulful and lovely Raymundo who makes any morning, a Jaded morning. Despite rolling out the club at 11am and having been on my feet for 12 hours, the warm feeling inside from Thugfucker’s ‘Disco Gnome stayed with me all weekend.

The thing is about Jaded – people who go there are not the people who go their to cause trouble, stay out for the sake of staying out or enjoy licking walls in a safe environment. Everyone that goes attends for the music. The door’s when they open remind me of the moment when in The Secret Garden, all is revealed. Taking my small steps out my wheelchair after being bedbound for the last 4 years, I am able to touch those cobbles and step ever so softly to the morning tunes. You see the same faces, hear the same songs and enjoy moving about the not so busy room,. Which is so simple yet is a haven for those who come to two step. The bar staff are friendly, the cloakroom staff are happy to see you and you can have a reasonable conversation with the bouncers outside. The smoking area is full of chit chat and there is no rush to do anything. If you are looking for a place to sit down, relax with a cocktail and have a chat while you enjoy the spins, do so. Jaded is that sort of magical place. Only when the daylight outside breaks and the birds start cheeping, then you realise, perhaps its time to go home. Around 12 noon the crowds leave and the dance floor empties but the feeling of leaving the warm womb of jaded stays, all the way to your bed.

I have got up at 6am once and headed to jaded for a good 6 hours of fun. I think going when you have just woken up does not have the same effect as you realise you need to embrace the Jaded moment after you have been out. One person will say ‘Jaded?’ another will smile ‘Jaded? And before you know it a select few will enter the dream.
One tune that has had me going mental while in my room recently is Lana Del Rey – Video Games (Joy Orbison Remix). Another tune I am sure I can see myself stepping too while the sun rises.

LAZY OAF - 10th Birthday

2011-10-07T04:34:00.000-07:00

Last night I headed down to Lady Oa'f 10th Birthday party at CAMP, east London. The venue was literally like a small kiddie's party with amazing choices of chocolates, drinks and tatoo's to keep us entertained.

Rubbing shoulders with the fashion blogger's and some of London's fionest skinny jeans, I was having a field day with the amazing Burger Choclatees, complimentary from We are Reightons. They are a struggle to eat, but god are they worth it!

WAH! Nails were in force to create some great talons, which are making my day as i type this...arts and crafts, tatoos and not to mention a Say Fromage Photobooth, which was one of my highlights.

Cox and Cox

2011-10-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

While i live with boys and I love it, dont get me wrong - endless fun on the xbox and a lot of banter to get you by, it sometimes dawns on me that someitmes you need to have a female touch when you live in a house. Me and my flatmate are constantly cleaning up after them, you wouldnt think they are 26!

Anyway, while looking at some interesting blogs today, I found Cox and Cox. A great site dedicated to homeware, and is a favourite of UKTV's home channel.

Beautiful items to make your home look fresh and light. Something that Xbox's and pint glasses just do not do.

Window stickets- £12.50

carved wings- £35.00

Lazy Oaf

2011-10-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

This week I am off to the Lazy Oaf's 10th Birthday party, courtesy of Miss Kaur.

If you have not checked what fantastic t-shorts and other items they have available, you can do so here. I am going to be expecting a lot of cider and a photobooth- what a great combination!

This saturday I am heading to Marco Pierre's restaurant and grill on Kings Road, which I am looking forward to as I have yet to taste some great steak in London. I am heading to Argentina in November so hoping I will eat as much as I can their. After dinner we are heading to the Bluebird Café in Chelsea so my mum can be pampered on her birthday.

Headliners

2011-09-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

One website that has had me glued to the screen this week is Magculture. if showcasses the best in Magazine design with some of the best covers. This, i thought, was fantastic - not because of the typography or the magazine headlines itself, look at him. Just look at him...

Also check out Nas Capas.

Winter

2011-09-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

I must admit, work has taken over my life at the moment and I seem to be booking VIP seats for London and Paris Fashion Week - but not going myself!

I am off to Argentina in a month and did not predict how much flights would be. I am therefore selling a lot of clothing on Ebay. If you fancy sifting through what I may call vinatage, new and unused then please do. I will have them up over the weekend so do have a look. I have some KG shoes and Pucci sunglasses.

I went to Marks and Spencer today and it really suprised me. The Limited Collection has some fantastic coast, leggings and t-shirts that Urban Outfitters will be proud of. Check out some of the collection here. Reasonably priced too!

I need some new winter shows. I know , I know it is going to be an 'Indian Summer' but I dont think event London can dodge the rain and wind. I have my eyes on these items, wish list here I come - after my holiday, obviously!
I love the acne shoes after seeing them on Rosie from Made in Chelsea - check her fashion blog here.

I know they are Sprin 2010, but If i could find a similar pair of boots. They would look lovely!

Do you have any winter staples for London?

VICE UK- lAUNCH PARTY

2011-09-22T02:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the ViceUK Launch party. Free drink and a lot of skinny jeans. Expect a hangover tomorrow.

2011-09-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

Do not realkly do many posts about fashion these days - been a bit preoccupied with living the London life all summer. I had my camera stolen and my phone, so updated via web and contacts with the virtual world is non exisitant.

Nicole Maire Winker

I dont really have anything else to say apart from Bestival - not much on the fancy dress this year, I loved The Cure, fell in love with orlando Weeks from the Macabees and loved spangling out to Tensnake and also FatboySlim.

Greenwich Comedy Festival

2011-09-06T04:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the opening night of the Greenwich Comedy Festival. Set up in the lavish grounds of the Naval College, thousands of fans entered the big tent to see the fantastic Tim Michin. Warmed up by Dan Atkinson, who is a resident of the Sunday Special in Greenwich and also a writer for Russell Howards Big News, Atkinson had the crowd in fits with his witty and quick humour, using the audience and making reference to the looters of London and how one member of the audience is really ‘unemployable’ rather than ‘unemployed. He was also very charming, donning a grey suit which gave me references of the cast of Black Books.

Some of the jokes by Dan Antopolski, the Jewish comedian – which he made a bombing reference too, was a vert theatrical performer, with random antidotes of his wife he calls ‘Wi:Fi’ and his two children, who live with him in Brixton. Slightly funny, not really my sense of humour – I like crude, wit and sarcasm more than clean humour.

Tim Michin, never seen him before live but I was impressed with his musical hands – not to mention the couple in front of me who had obviously spent more nights in watching his DVD than being out, you know, having a social life. I would of loved to put them on the stage, would of got a few laughs..

Tim Key – reminded me of a guest at a wedding, the best man trying to get a few laughs from the in-laws, or a drunk who has just been jilted, wearing a suit, spilling beer down himself and reciting poetry from playing cards. The most random of the acts, he read: ‘Eva, wear those Wrangler Jeans...Eva,’ I didn’t quite get his humour for the first few recitals, however his randomness was intriguing and had me in fits.

Michin with his crazy hair, trademark eyeliner and dancing fingers was quite shocking with his references to ‘fucking the pope’ and a song about being Ginger, but overall the music was clever and his poetry made me chuckle, sometimes.

I didn’t realise how much I would enjoy the comedy evening. Sitting in an 1800 strong tent with chuckles from every corner, it was a great evening which made me feel warm inside.

One Day

2011-09-01T05:24:00.001-07:00

Last night I went to see One Day. Despite being an avid fan of the book, I went with open arms to embrace the film, which despite has had bad reviews I did enjoy...

Ok, so Hathaway’s accent is appalling, we all know that – it doesn’t really cut the mustard, however 30 minutes in you forget about the American twang and become more obsessed with how the film just doesn’t create the best moment of Emma and Dexter.

I found that while we glided through the 20 years, at an exceptional rate, key moments were missed that really did give Dexter that obnoxious and selfish attire, which we loved and also loathed in the book. Hathaway, despite being the wrong casting, I did grow to like and actually love towards the end of the film where the actors seem to fall into their characters more comfortably. Ian – a great casting for someone who in the book was always the down and out comedian who Emma could never love, was fantastic. His Essex accent and his mannerisms were exactly how I imagined him to be Suki, on the other hand – the Lock In presenter that Dex has a fling with, was more middle class socialite than London TV presenter. Despite some errors in the casting, there is no shadow of a doubt that lead man, Jim Sturgess was fantastic. The grief he portrayed when Emma dies was believable and was as intense as in the book. He had the confidence, slimy and immaturity of Dexter, which in the book was evident through his cocaine binges, late nights partying and attitude towards Emma as a sex object.Of course, we are always going to compare everything with the book – the accents, what they look like and how they act in the film, but one thing that did drop like a bomb as the fact that you couldn’t tell if the 2 of them were friends, or lovers.
In the book you can see how close they are, how Dexter depends on Emma and how despite their differences they are the best of friends with sincerity. The Film was too quick to move from when they met to how they became infatuated with each other in a sexual way, so that you didn’t really feel they were friends. They didn’t seem close and you wouldn’t assume they had been friends for 20 years. More work needed to be down grounding the two together, however despite a lot of criticism, i thought it did ok. I had years and i had laughs, exactly how the book made me feel.

Queen of Hearts - EP Launch, The Lexington

2011-08-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending the Queen of Hearts EP launch, which was filled with the very best of Electro Pop. Something of a fashionista as well, the Queen donned a fantastic outfit, courtesy of fantastic styling by Oliver Vaughn. A collected, poised and very seductive Queen of Hearts wowed the packed venue, The Lexington, with songs of her EP, ‘The Arrival’, which is a fantastic title for someone who is definitely one to watch!

With songs written by Grammy Award winning Stuart Price, who has also written songs for the likes of The Killers, Kylie Minogue and Gwen Stefani, the songs were perfected with an undertone of dub and electronica. The Highlight of my evening was Freestyle, which can be heard here. Definately a tune you can listen to when getting ready to go out, having a drink with friends in a bar – basically, a perfect pop electro tune that is catchy, funky and sexy.
Dueting with Monarchy at this year’s Coachella festival in the US, Queen of Hearts bought her superstar presence to that small little venue in Islington, with a polished performances joined with her ‘creatures’’ on stage, who were dancers with skulls, her elegant hand movements and swaying of the hips reminded me of the amazing Alison Goldfrapp.
One thing that stood out for me was the fantastic outfit, which was designed by Katrina Ferrari. The shoulder piece by Ada Zanditon, needed a stage for itself! Showcasing at London Fashion Week, I will be eager to see what she has to offer with her biomimicry clothing.

Keep your eyes peeled for Queen of Hearts. Popjustice has already declared it’s love for the Queen, and I am right behind them.

Daisy Lowe- Playboy

2011-08-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

Amazing shoot with Daisy Lowe for Playboy. Love that she has the guts to do this. If i had her body, i would too. Love it.

Hannah Makes Things...

2011-08-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

Both £6 from Hannahmakesthings.com

I have not updated in ages, not about fashion anyway, but I have been seeing Hannah's creations everywhere, and I really want to get my hands on some of these cute little pieces.

I will be reviewing some comedy in the coming months. I am off to see Tim Michin in September and Micky Flanagan, as well as Katy B and Britney Spears. (Yeah, alright...) but I am most looking forward to Bestival 2011. I have an idea of what my friends and I are going to be..but i don't want to find out you lot have stolen it, so it will be a suprise.

Check out Oh Land yet? If not do so. I am loving Metonomy's new album so that is also one for the ipod when you get a chance.

If you are in and around London over the coming weeks, check out Somerset House for it's classic film4 collection. Tickets are limited, but do not fear as head to Bow, East London and jump on a shuttle cinema on the canal. It is around £14 but moves when you watch classicals such as Labrinth.

Oh Land!

2011-07-22T02:33:00.000-07:00

I am really banging on about this chick recently - OH Land. She is amazing. I am gutted i missed her at Glasto, which was a HUGE error but her album is fabulous and everyone is starting to oick her up - remixes in tow.

Source: The Organic Jam

Oh Land is a peculiar new cinematic electropop Dane who recently sailed across the sea to the artistic haven of Brooklyn, NY. With an opera singer for a mother, a theater organist for a father and Björk’s Homogenic on constant rotation, Oh Land was enraptured by the combination of experimental and classical arts. “My goal is to sound like I’m from 2050, but still feel really classic, like the music is an old friend,” said Oh Land. She spent her days pirouetting as a ballet dancer at the Danish Royal Ballet Academy when an injury forced her to reinvent herself and discover her true talent and passion as a musician. Oh Land soon released her first album, Fauna, which garnered critical acclaim in her homeland of Denmark. Her soundscapes are lavish, crunchy, symphonic, brute and captivated with rhythms that fly apart. She translates the sounds live via her “contraption” – a homemade one-woman-band music box topped with balloon video projections (seeing is believing). Her music is for movement and new songs such as the thumping “Sun of a Gun” and euphoric “White Nights” have proven to make even the most portentous get up and dance. Having been discovered by Epic Records at 2009’s SXSW, she is currently putting the finishing touches on her US debut album and an EP to be released this fall. In anticipation for that release Oh Land also has a great run of remixes for her first single ‘Sun of a Gun’.

Balaton Sound Fetsival, Hungary 2011

2011-07-15T01:34:00.000-07:00

So i am back from Hungary, what an amazing time I had. Hungary has some fantastic history as well as amazing architecture and some beautiful places to relax including the Turkish baths, which sadly for the second time I didn’t get to try out. The city is made up of Buda and Pest and again, we stayed at the fantastic Casa De La Musica in District 1V of the city. The hostel is run by Alex, who we met two years ago when we stayed at the old ballet school when we went to Balaton Sound in 2009. The hostel offers a range of outdoor activities including bike rides, canoeing and also now runs a bar and serves breakfast and dinner by a rather interesting French chap. The whole experience doesn’t feel like a hostel at all, it serves well and the staff are amazing.

Around the corner you can find many hidden gems including the Szimpla bar which now runs in Balaton and Berlin. The bar is a kitsch place that offers tagged walls, bathtubs and hanging bikes from the walls as well as random computer screens with jargon and keyboards that light up. It is a bit of a shambles and looks like an antique shop but at night the outdoor patio is lit up with lights, a cinema screen and beautiful lights. The hidden bar doesn’t look much from the outside but the derelict building is huge and offers many little cubby holes where you can sip on beer or cocktails. On our first night we stumbles across an amazing club, which i cannot remember the name of. Playing a wide range if dubstep, it was packed by 12 and for a Wednesday, I was impressed. The beer was around 400 Forint which is about £2 and after a couple of hours dancing we went back to the hostel, legs aching from all the -mud stepping

After a 2 hour sweaty but interesting trip from Budapest Déli station we arrived in Zámardi to a beautiful lake with the sounds of music from the festival. Sponsored by Henieken there was a great stage in the lake that played a range of European techno with playful antidotes including hammocks and volleyball. The main stages were filled with beer and bands as well as headliners such as Snoop Dog, Tiesto and Portishead. The only thing about the festival is that because of the heat you only really have the lake a a bit of shade, which we slept under every night. If you are looking for all the cosmetics you would get at Glastonbury or Bestival, this is not for you. The Festival is about the music and the lake, not the healing fields, comedy tents or cinema. The sunset and sunrise each day was incredible. Snuggling into my sleeping bag and donning my sleep mask, It was a beautiful experience every day to wake up to the sun beating on your face and the sound of Techno and House blaring from the T Mobile stage.

There was a little too much Techno, Villalobos didn’t do it for me despite me being a fan. He seems to faff around playing weird experimental stuff until he really lets into the bangers around 5 hours later. Luciano was a great mix of progressive house as well as Techno and minimal. The highlights of my weekend included Hercules and Love Affair on the main stage, Snoop Dog, Thievery Corporation and Keryáni, who was banging out some amazing summer anthems while the sun beat down on Sunday at the T Mobile stage. Next time – MORE HIP HOP and bands.

I have taken loads of photo's, so watch this space.

You can check out all of the photo's from this years festival on the official website.

Busy Week

2011-07-04T02:10:00.000-07:00

My work kindly gave me a pair os free tickets to go and see Take That on Thursday, which was in fact a jolly good show. I am not a huge Take That fan and I am deffinately not a boyband lover but the quality of their performance was fantastic. The band opened the show with Patience, with only 4 of the members on stage, I was left wondering whether the reason I had been given the free tickets was because Robbie had left the band once again... Alas, the now tee-total singer ran onto the stage and filled the crowd with some of his greatest hits, including Let Me Entertain You and as always, Angels. After a brief chat (or rather a singalong) with the audience, the 5 members rejoyced on the stage to sing songs from theitr album, Progress. I have not bought any of the bands 2 albums, and didnt see their Circus tour, however I was not left out in the cold when the band did renditions of their classic hits, 'Could it Be Magic?' and 'Do Whatcha Like' which are two songs my sister used to play all the time when I was younger (she also arrived with her army of 35 year old friends, boozed up and ready to let their hair down). I was 9 when Take That split up, so for me, the show was as any other performance, but for those mad fans it was as if jesus was walking on water.
Wembley Stadium was packed to the brim, with me being able to blag two seats in the middle tier directly opposite the stage, it was hard to see anything but the screen but with acrobats and a large robot that increased in size and stance during the show, i was taken aback by the quality of the production.

Passout at wimbledon

Friday I managed to get myself into Wimbledon, thanks to my friend being one reliable security guard. Henman Hill was packed to the brim with eager fans of Nadal and Murray mixing together with Pimms and sun. Chants of 'Come on Murray' got a bit tedious after 3 hours, as did the monkey feet gripping to the sil, trying not to fall down onto the picnic below me. It was a great day, me and James headed to court 18 to watch Schett, which was an intense but great game. Why is it that people care more about the men's finals instead of the women's?

This Wednesday I am off to Hungary for Balaton Sound, which I am really looking forward to. There are some great acts including Snoop Dog, Tiesto and Ricardo Villalobos. Not only will their be sun and Techno but those hungarians make a bloody good Goulash!

Warpaint

2011-06-30T03:41:00.000-07:00

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Amazing at Glasto 2011.

David Bath

2011-06-29T02:55:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have not been out and about in London or explored in a while. I have been scouring blogs and it seems summer is in the air and people and getting out to the Serpentine and the Tate to see some great art. Check thsi dude out. He is 12, has autism but is an AMAZING artist.

Glasto 2011

2011-06-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

I got back from Glastonbury last night, and what a great 6 days it was. It went by so quickly, and thank god I only have anothe 7 days before I head to Hungary to another great festival.
I have never been to Glastonbury before, so it really was a great experience. I volunteered with the Dance Stewards and had to work a few l;ate evening shifts which meant I mnissed, White Lies, Beyoncé, Cold Play and few headline DJ's but I managed to meet Sub Focus and steward his set, which was exciting.
Despite not being on foranother year, I am definately going to register for tickets. It is so big, you need to explore everywhere so really, the day is jut not enough. When finishing at 2am we headed to Shangra-La, whcih is a sketchy haven full of workshops, knooks and cranny's as well as dubstep and drum and bass. I have a lotr of photo's, which I will update you on soon.
Fashion wise, it seemed the Hunters were out in force with the Barbour jackets and the animal hats. I borrowed a friends Cat hat, which saved my life. Not washing your hair for 7 days makes you look like Nick Carter.

Anyway, whats new. Let me know your thoughts on any Glastonbury Headliners this year, the site and any issues you had. Only complaint I really had was there was too much drum and bass and dub-step. Dont get me wrong, I love a goof stomp but seriously - TOO MUCH.

Wet and Muddy

2011-06-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

I am off to Glastonbury tomorrow and I am so unorganised it is silly. I have no wellies - the ones I want below are only in size 6 online and it is too later to purchase so it looks like I will have to make do with some oversized green ones I found in the back of my car.

I have no idea what the weather will be like. I am looking forward to seeing Julio Bashmore on Thursday evening, my evening off. However, I will be missing the amazing Beyoncé on the last night due to being a tseward in the Drum and Bass tent.

Nevermind, I could have worse. Its been a hectic week and there has not been much going on apart from the gym, going our and Fathers day, which was lovely.

However, I am perving over this Max Mara cut out dress.

I also need to get one of thesse - will they sell them their? Hats are great for hiding greasy hair, tangles and also for keeping warm.

Dazed and Confused

2011-06-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

I just love this. The conceptt of the shoot - trailer trash emets designer chic, but also the fact that beyoncé is incred.

The photos were shot by Sharif Hamza and Beyonce is wearing one-off creations by Gareth Pugh, Tom Ford, Riccardo Tisci, Stefano Pilati, Haider Ackermannand Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton.

I love Pugh's creations that have some inspiration and remind me of space, futuristic and also arectecture.

Mags

2011-06-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

Despite being a fiend for a good read, I have not really posted about any magazines in a while. Tokion has always been a favourite of mine and apart from my local Newsie in W1 and The Tate Modern, I find it hard to find copies of the bi-monthly. This time round I have decided to spend my hard earned cash not on cider and Cosmopolitan’s, which are quite frankly full of the most predictable stories and ‘feel good’ articles on losing weight, nabbing ‘the one’ and booze Britain – but to try some new magazines which offer an insight into not only fashion but art, design and politics.

Firstly,. While scouring various fashion blogs I was enlightened to find Apartmento Magazine. I had seen a few issues previously but assumed it was like I-D with no articles, just portraits of models and artists. In fact it is an interesting read of some of the most influential people to walk in design and styling. I have always been intrigued as to how stylists manage to get their shoots and make a living in such a large market, where it’s a dog eat dog world. I have always felt the same about magazines, with so many independent writers and designers creating PDF magazines for the net fiends and using all savings to print bi-monthly copies of their recycled paper. First released in 2008, it is what i would call the ‘funkier’ and more ‘interesting’ version of Country Home – scrap that, it is not full of middle class nannies and polo players, but it does focus on interesting homes and living spaces with design solutions. It aims to shun the ostentatious and úber-marketing of large homes and those within money but look into what really makes a home and its interior real.

Another magazine that I love to have a flick through is Tokion. It is a New York based magazine that takes influences from fashion, art and music in Japan and the UK. Many of the faces that have graced the cover include Marina from Marina and The Diamonds and Jarvis Cocker. I am in awe of its snappy articles and amazing styling on shoots, with heart-on sleeve exterior. The magazine which was set upin 1996 by Lucas Badtke-Berkow and Adam Glickman, two American expatriates living in Japan, is a fabulous read for any aspiring writer, stylist or designer.

Diesel Island Life

2011-06-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend was packed full of free booze, food and good company.
Friday kicked off with Diesel's free party with Goldie, Aeroplane and Yu Fing with free Kopperberg and Beer all night. We thought they would at least cap the bottle's around 11pm but it was all night and god did we make the most of it. The free event was held at The Islington Metal Works, which is a great art space which is also used for a range of other events. Hidden away down a small alleyway behind Angel tube, it had a fantastic court yard, with an old tube carriage as a bar. Then detail that Diesel created to ensure eveyrone had a great time was fanastic, I managed to steal some cardboard animals which manged to get home safely.

Areoplane played some great tunes, wuth Goldie packing out the whole second room with Jungle and drum and bass. Definately a great evening thanks to Kopperberg and Diesel. Thanks for having us down!
Saturday was a great day for a BBQ. I managed to make myself trot to Rayners Lane, which was far north than I ever expected to be. A family BBQ went down a treat with The Cousins and we finished off the evening with a party at ours.

Ai.

2011-06-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

I want to have an 80's party.

2020 Vision - Slightly blind.

2011-05-31T03:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend was another epic bank holiday full of sun, music and friends. The Saturday started a great weekend off with a trip to Brixton Academy to see Annie Mac presents, which to be honest wasn’t the highlight of the weekend. I love Annie Mac, do not get me wrong. She always manages to get the listeners of Radio one pumped for the weekend, but at Brixton Academy, with the majority of Sarrrf Landaaan's massive out in force, too much Dubstep and Drum and Bass tipped me over the edge. The venue itself, it is not a great place to enjoy good music. I like venues that are intimate, have some places where you can chill and not get threatened by the heaving crowd. Fake Blood didn’t really impress me - despite being the only act I danced solidly too, his performance inside a cube which projected images of blood and splutter, didn’t get the crowd pumped. 'Is he actually here?' every one asked while looking around the room confused about how they paid £20 and cant' even catch a glimpse of him. The crowd was very young - a lot of 18 year olds sniffing poppers on the dance floor and angry meatheads racing through crowds pulling trigger fingers. But 4am - 4 hours after getting in, I left.
10am and I am back in the thick of it. Shoreditch tube station, again transformed into an Ibiza paradise with sun, sunglasses, Techno and some house. The crowd was a lot more friendly with some magician s pulling some pranks on the vulnerable. Cider was flowing and the tunes kept coming with crowds busting through the decking to catch some rays as the sun set over East London. I wish that 2020 Vision kept the event at Shoreditch tube despite being over capacity. The venue, Village Underground never really impresses me when I have gone. It is one massive room with two speakers at the front, which when turned up, still are not loud enough. The open space seems wasted, with one stretch of dancefloor and nothing to relax on - after 12 hours dancing, a few sofas would of been nice. In comparison to Dubfire last month, this was a much better crowd. The people were friendly and the music was of course a little less dark. Maya Jane Coles smashed it, being the only DJ I actually knew. After 6 hours in the venue, I left feeling a little broken after a good 16 hours dancing.One thing about Village Underground, despite it being a massive venue, queuing outside and being toldf it is 1 in and 1 our after paying £25 for entry for both events, the crowds were not happy! The venue needs to sort out that smoking area as well which is smaller than my bathroom.

Next time 2020, I know you want more money for the event but seriously, sack off Village Underground, it's not a great club, not a great sound system and it really isn’t the best venue to showcase good talent. I understand it is an arts venue, which it is amazing for. However I like a good set of stairs, some crevices and some sofas to lie on.

The 17th June is Alex Metric at the Nest, Dalston. This will be a good event as I have seen him there before and I like the small venue. £6 advance - do it!

Some people need to chill..

2011-05-23T04:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the 'constructive' comments on the last post. I suppose some people take blogging a hell of a lot more seriously than i intend. Sorry I am not the best writer in the world, I didn't mean to offend anyone. I am not a hardcore Queens fan and I am not a copywriter. But yes, I am quite shit at getting those commas and quotes in the right place. Suzanne, you happy soul, I will indeed take your rather harsh but valued comments on board. I suggest you go out for a drink as well, losen up.

Well, if i may carry on Suzanne.

Photo: Raspberry Beret Girl's Blog.(Thanks!)

I found a great place for a drink and chill in the heart of Brixton. Not one to usually hit the SW bars and clubs I The Duke of Edinburgh is a lovely drinking hole that offers a spacious beer garden with bunting, a flea market on a Sunday and a Cider Festival (11-12 June) The staff are friendly, the music is a mix between Indie and Soul and the punters are in their early to mid twenties - funky, chilled and friendly.
I ended up in The Whitehouse in Clapham on Friday, which is somewhere I will never be going again. I need to start suing Qype and check the Hype. £8 for a single and an appaling layout for a bar/club. Nah. Not for me.
Sunday I spent the whole day walking around Brick Lane with my flatmates, sampling the Thai curry's in the food hall and sipping fresh smoothies while listening to some Raggae. The afternoon was filled in the WaterPoet, which is another fab pub with lots of random collections of pictures, tables and cairs and wall hangings.

Beyonce - Run the World (Girls)

2011-05-19T04:06:00.001-07:00

Beyoncé - everytime that woman does a video, I am in awe. I cannot wait to see her at Glastonbury. This song samples Major Lazer and it works. Bloody hell, she looks incrediable. Where the hell did she get those amazing gold shoes in the video? Better still, who designed that gold claw ring and that outfit?

Queens of The Stone Age - Camden, Roundhouse.

2011-05-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

Last night i spent 4 hours in the middle of a mosh, sweating, rubbing myself up against teenage boys and hairy men. No, It wasn’t your usual clubbing experience on Croydon, it was 4 hours of pure bliss at The Roundhouse seeing Queens of The Stone Age. Taking to the stage at 8.45, Josh Homme beckoned the crowd with a Vodka bottle and a cigarette, throwing it onto the stage before opening the set with blasts from the past of their self titled debut album. Celebrating his 38th Birthday, Homme was serenaded by the crowd with a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ where the front man replied; ‘ you guys can stop singing now, I haven’t got all night. Let me sing my songs’. With that, the band continued through half of their set with more hair and sweat swinging than a Marylyn Manson concert.

After a short break, the band returned with more recognisable songs (for me anyway!) ‘Make Love’ was played for the ‘Ladies here tonight’ and Josh paced the stage with cigarette in mouth, eyes closed and hands on strings, completely taking the moment in. ‘It’s so good to be back in London!’ he fed to the crowd, which drove them wild, throwing arms and beer cups in the air. The hotter it got, the more the beer stuck to the floor and peoples bodies. Sharing the Vodka with the crowd, Josh and the other band members ended the evening with ‘Go With the Flow’ – Little Sister rocked the crowd, sending them into a frenzy.
With a performance at Glastonbury, it is definitely something to look forward to to. I have never seen or known a man of 38 years of age make my knee’s quiver by just singing into a microphone and smoking a cigarette. Nice work Josh.

Photo's thanks to GIGWISE

Berwick Street

2011-05-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to save money recently and being a little creative by creating everything by hand. I have so many clothes that i do not wear adn could be used for something else. I can easily spent £30 ona top and after afew wears get bored of it. I have now decided to embrace the sewing machine I got for Christmas and start making new from old.
On my lunch break from busy Oxford Street the other day, I found myself lost down Berwick Street in Soho which is full of little gems. I ventured into the Silk Society where I picked up a meter of red netting fro £1.90, to create my mad hatters tea party headpiece. There was a great little shop called The Berwick Cloth Shop. I found some fantastic fabrics, which I wish i could of captured on camera, and thlough a l;ittlen out of my price range, they were delicate and very beautiful.

I found myself getting lost down Berwick Street, finding The Cloth House, which was filled with Cath Kidston inspired fabrics and bunting, which was so pretty.

The Clothes Whisperer@ blogger.com photo's.

I have been trying to find some new cafes, pubs and shops that are not just the usual in London. I am going to start spending my weekends out in the city rather than tucked up in bed with a cup of tea nursing a hangover, there are so many great places to see in the city and with full time work I never get to see it all!

I went to a TEED dancing lesson the other day, thanks to I-D and Disel putting on the workshops around the capital.

Hello Linds

2011-05-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

Lindsay is back and what better way to show everyone you have overcome all of your addictions, than stripping off for a magazine? Not that she has had a film or a single out for years, but the woman is not smoking, drinking or going out anymore. (I give her 5 months...) Blank Magazine shows her while lounging around some fancy objects in New York hotel, eating Burgers and slipping into something 'more comfortable'. Either way, she looks bloody good.

Mixmag Party

2011-05-02T02:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday to mark yet another Monday off work (for some, not for me...) Mixmag hosted a fantastic day party in the heart of East London, Shoreditch. The old Shoreditch tube was transformed into a ravers paradise with the old tube line decked out so that you could dance on the stairs with the sun light beaming on your face. Not a cloud in the sky and a mix of techno, house and disco, the venue soon packed out by 5pm, sunglasses everywhere and tippled of Strawberry Kopperberg and Majitos. The crowd were fun loving, trendy east Londoners with the occasional Essex guys and gals who were out in force with their Fake Bake. Standing behind the decks, watching the crowd get down to disco was no other than Hervé. With Moet chilling on the decks and the sun going down, it really was a tremendous afternoon spent in the heart of London.

After a quick trip back to Dalston for pre drinking before we headed back East, we dropped into Village Underground to see Dubfire. Jaded’s very on Raymundo was opening the night which after a few hours was packed to the brim with the German’s biggest fans. Those who had seen the 4 day weekend in, in style were in force with their sunglasses and stomping boots. The sound system was not the best I had heard – having a conversation while standing in front of the speaker was a bit disappointing, but as soon as Dubfire came on the stage they seemed to had turned it up a notch. There was a few technical difficulties, resulting in one build up to a track lasting around 10 minutes, which caused me to slow down my dancing to a point of standing still and aiding, hand on hip. After a few slow burners, the good Dubfire we all know and love brought the crowd back from the dead with a 2 hour set.
The morning was complemented by an after party at Cable’s, Jaded. The morning of techno and house is always a great way to get ready for the week ahead..

Easter Weekend.

2011-04-26T02:29:00.000-07:00

Easter Weekend was a little shorter than I had hoped. When most people started their weekend on Thursday, I was at work till Saturday. Despite this I endedb up going on a couple of great adventures, ending up in my bed all day Bank Holiday Monday.
AIR London put on a free event at the Rivington Studios in Shoreditch. Quing for ages it was a packed out event with no air conditioning and a sweatbox for a room. The building had 2 floors and a random outdie/inside section upstairs where you couldnt smoke, but it was outsidE? Anyway, packed to the brim of the unusal Shoreditch possé I am usually used to, it was a great event none the less. Going with 3 boys I had to step up my game and ended up in Cable at 6am on Sunday. Once again Cabvle didnt fail, with 2 rooms open for its extravaganza. Unfortunately a copious anmount of Cider and a stupid lack of sleep, I bailed at 8am with the sun in my eyes. I didnt really remember much as it seemed a blur but a 12 hour rampage of Techno and House made me sleep for a solid 6 hours. The next day a gorgeous summer sun belted down in my garden where Techno was born again, into a quiet suburban street in Streatham where the bank holiday weekend continued to 8pm last night.

Tuesday has come around too quickly. I have 3 days of work, 1 day to celebrate the Royal Wedding (which it seems, I am the only one exciterd about it!) and then back to Work on Saturday and Monday bank holiday. Why the hell did i just not embrace the 4 day weekend?...
Next week is Dubfire at Village Underghround,. for Free! It is also Secret Sundaze, which is now sold out. Why is it at the end of the Month you are elft with nothing but pasta, £3 in your account and nopthing to show for your last pay check? This event will have to be a door job.

London Fakes

2011-04-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

I Love Fake Magazine is now moving from the digital world to the print shelves, where I can actually touch it. I love I Love Fake - think of Vice, but a bit more classier with some extrodinary new up and coming photographers and artists. It is an interesting mix of urban culture with fashion and society. It isnt obnoxious and is welcoming.

I love how the magazine captures the youth of today but somehow it seems as though I have stepped back in time.

Expect it in London stores soon.

Kill your Friends.

2011-04-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

So steven is a record exec - so he wishes. He is a dark and wonderfully rude man who enjoys nothing more than constantly taking the piss out of not only his work colleagues, but anyone who enters his existance. Go back to the 1990's when The Spice Girls took over the charts and it was the war between Oasis and Blur. The music industry was having it's far share of hits including Radiohead, All Saints had just been signed and Steven, an A&R Executive has had no hits, no large signings and is spending more on coke, prostitutes and Marlboro Lights than he is making money for the company. Take a binge drinking twentysomething who thinks he is the 'Big I am' and add a couple of horrendous murders and you have probably, one of the most hated men in London. The book is filled with toilet humour, disgusting and shocking events of sex, murder and gluntony which in turn make this Steven character sound worse than what was intended. The book is a good and comfortable read - it is not deep, nor is it full of philosophical escapades where Steven finds himself. Usually he finds himself in a pool of his own piss and a headache from the night before. It realyl is a book to laugh, squirm and joke about, life in the 1990's when Music was 'real music' and all about the 'Talent'.

Have a read, tell me what you think.

Limitless

2011-04-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to see the new Neil Burger ‘Techno Thriller’ –Limitless. The concept is pretty simple. You have a down and out ‘writer’ (how original) who loses pretty much everything. He bumps into an ex acquaintance who offers him an alternative – take this pill and you will become unstoppable. I have my doubts; Could it be a cheesy sci-fi thriller, will it be full of cliché millionaire big pimpin manic episodes of cocaine addiction and hooker hook ups? I was wrong. The film was clever, gripping and had me question powers and ability of my own mind.

Bradley Cooper played a fantastic Eddie Morra. Basing a film loosely on the book, The Dark Fields by Alan Gynn, it is always hard to replicate that mystery and power through using 100% of your brain, without becoming too overpowering. There were few special effects but those used made me understand what this ‘pill’ actually does to you. The cinematography was fantastic, a real eye opener to how Eddie was feeling when he became this incredible being. NZT as it is called, became the be all and end all of the film. With blackouts, misconceptions and a fluke within the Wall Street Market, Eddie becomes twice the man be used to be but with consequences.

I am instantly fascinated by how much inform action one brain can hold and why we can only access 20% of it. Insignificant information we pick up every day is kept for NZT to explore and create, your own future.

Who remembers?...

2011-04-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Nothing was as good as Sister Sister and Saved by The Bell. Jesus christ, i woke up before 9am for those shows! Very busy over the coming weeks including a total remoddle of the garden, home and a lot of work. Who will be going to the Royal Wedding? I cannot wait - I am all for going down Hyde Park and celebrating in style.

Vivienne Westwood - Royal Ascot Party

2011-04-07T03:19:00.000-07:00

I have been a little slow as of late AGAIN. This week I had the opportunity to attend the Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 2011 event at her store in Mayfair. The event was hosted by Ascot, who are one of our suppliers at work. The event was to showcase the hats and dresses sold at Royal Ascot, now in its 300th Year! Ascot’s hospitality was fantastic with Champers flowing all night and delicious canapés that were tantalising my taste buds. The evening was filled with beautiful dresses draped in florals and royal blues and greens. The hats were of course the fashion statement of the year, which is what ladies day is all about at the races.

Their was a raffle which blew me away. One winner got to take away a Vivienne Westwood bag and also a scarf! I was gutted. I think I found my wedding dress – a little extreme but Viv’s style is fantastic, especially in regards to the medieval influences she imposes on her designs. I adore her Blacks and Ruby Red’s.

The after party was at Boujis in Mayfair, however I needed an early night as this week I have been running around like a Blue ass fly. Tomorrow night is Justin Martin at Corsica Studios so looking forward to hearing some ‘;Angelic Demons’.

One Day by David Nicholls - Review

2011-03-29T02:47:00.000-07:00

I have been a bit of a book worm as of late and realised that my blogging is affected by this. I used to blog about fashion and what was in and what was not – its great to read blogs of people who can be arsed to take 50 photo’s of them a day and parade around Milan, Paris and London blogging as their job but when working 9 hour shifts, playing hard at weekends it is hard to find the time to mooch around Shoreditch’s alleyways and have a one to one with a Lomo.

One ready that has definitely made me feel all sorts of emotions while sitting restlessly on the tube is ‘One Day’ by David Nicholls. The play righter and journalist is the brains behind ‘Starter For Ten’ the book and then film, with James MC Evoy, which is a comedy based in the early 1980’s. One Day is also a mirroring image of early University life in the 1980’s with more Romantic punk than you can shake a stick at. The book, which was my weapon of choice to kill a 2 hours of commute a day as been my best read since Flowers in The Attic by Virgina Andrews.

Twp people: Two best friends who meet at university, one called Dexter and one called Emma. One is a total wanker; pompous, rich and obnoxious. The other? Emma, a new age hippy who protests against EVERYTHING and finds solice in the fact she may one day be a writer. The book follows their friendship from the first night of ‘passion’ (a kiss and cuddle in bed on graduation night) through travelling, fiancés, fuck ups, engagements, property ladder stepping and raving. For some part of the book, you see this obnoxious Dexter working the media, sniffing more coke than Kate Moss and having a ‘great time’ – as he thinks. He meets these ‘Amaaazzzzzing’ people under the disco light who turn out to be pretty shit in sunlight and ne finds all answers to his questions at the bottom of a Moet & Chandon bottle. Emma, who got a 1st is working in a Mexican restaurant, dating Ian a down and out comedian and fantasises about Dexter, who hse obviously loves. It sounds a bit girly, it seems like one of those shitty rom-com’s you would read on your lounger in Spain, but actually it is humorous, warm and definitely holds it’s own. You pass 20 years in the book, rigjt up till they are 41 years old. A lot happens, a lot of feelings immerse but throughout the book the ‘will they wont they’ you know, Ross and Rachel is what keeps you going. One hurdle after another, will they every get together?

Full of laddish anecdotes, it gives women an insight into men’s minds in the early twenties, mid thirties and early forties. Aspirtations of them, what they look for and how they feel about finally getting old. For the men it is the same . You are overcome with this feeling of ‘ they are best friends, do everything together, obviously fancy the hell out of eachother so why are they not together?’
Read it. Definitely read it. David Nicholls is a genius. I love his tongue in cheek and reminisance of the 1900’s when E’s were actually ‘real E’s’ and everyone smoked Marboro Lights – ‘We are the Marlborough Light era’.

Watch it as well - Anne Hathaway will play Emma. I cannot wait!!

Can you tell?...

2011-03-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

Norwegian Wood

2011-03-23T03:10:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to see Norweigan Wood. After an episode of London buses from Dalston to Holloway, we made it 30 minutes in, missing the death of one of the character s that influences the whole plot. Nether the less it was a film that not only touched me but also made me feel like there was still some sort of hope for love. The story unfolds through Toru’s eyes, who is in a bit of a predicament with falling in love with 2 women – one being the ex girlfriend of his best friend who killed himself, and the Alexa Chung lookalike, Midori. The Noako is a troubled teen, still yearning after her best friend and deceased Zuoki. The trials and tribulations of Toru and Naoko’s relationship hits highs and lows through meetings at the tranquil and beautiful, Norweigian Wood.

The sanctuary is a helping place for Naoko, who finds herself coming to terms with her sexuality as well as her desires.

The film itself was a surprise in many forms: full of sex and rampant Japanese teenagers, it is a cross between The OC and Skinsc – minus the drugs and the raves of course. I found it a beautiful film, touching and with a fanatic soundtrack which highlighted the pain of losing a loved one and your virginity. The pain and anger of those who witness from the outside was also inspiring. It gave me an insight into how women should be treated and the distance people will go to be with the one they care about.

*** STARS.

Wicked Musical - A Green Gem

2011-03-17T04:42:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night I went to see Wicked the musical. How have i not been before? I am not big on my musicals but recently I have been seeing some great shows. I went with work, courtesy of Steve our supplier who also attended with Frankie Sandford and Wayne Bridge in tow. To be honest, I was gauping a lot of the time. The two were sat one row behind me, so had a cranky neck the next day through turning round so much.
The show gains its creditability for having the most spectacular stage set up in the West End (technically not west end...). Winner of the Olivier Awards for best Musical in previous years, it has no competition when it comes to the production itself. Themed green with bubbles, costumes that resembled the emerald city, it was a delight to see a really magical show. I truely believed the characters, especially Elphaba, who was played by Rachel Tucker, the lungs on her – amazing. The two lead cast members Rachel and Louise Dearman who played Glinda, had such chemistry on stage you really could feel their pain and loss when they become best friends who lost one another. The story is a clever one, and for a person who has never been to fussed about the Wizard of OZ, intertextuality was used when the ‘Wicked Witch of The West’ Elphaba was melted by little innocent Dorothy, over a pair of shoes (and we all know where that one ends!)

It was smart, witty and provided me with a grin that a Cheshire cat would be proud of. I would definitely recommend going to see the how, purely for the set up on stage. Quick set changes and efficient costume swaps, you wouldn’t have seen a flaw if you tried.
Yesterday I helped out my flatmate with his coursework. Attending the Alchema college of Sound Enginerring, i put my ‘face for radio’ voice on his Break Beat Radio Show, which he has a copy of so will try and upload at a later date. The amount of buttons i wanted to press...jesus
This sat is Plump DJ’s at Digital. They were great at XOYO but I am hoping some rexies from there Global Underground album,. As they have now moved from Fingerlicking Records to Grand Hotel Records, influences of more Techno and House. Listen to that album, the remix of DJ Zinc’s Ghost Town is disgusting. I actually threw up.

DJ Yasmin

2011-03-14T03:36:00.000-07:00

I have a new girl crush. Since going from a blonde/ginger to a brunette, I am stalking other chocolate heads. My mate went to Chase and Status on Saturday with DJ Yasmin, who was supporting. Also a model, the singer and very talented 21 year old is the new GF of Mr Tinie Tempah. Ahh she is a dream to look at.

Umbrellas of Cherbourg

2011-03-10T05:56:00.000-08:00

The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg – an amazing, spectacular performance from a talented cast. From start to finish I was enthralled, emotionally involved with the characters and felt there hurt and pain of the two lovestruck teenagers. What amazed me about the production was the stage cosmetic. Cleaver sailor men that acted as invisible hands, moving chairs and characters around the stage in such beautiful motion. I thought I would be turned off by the fact that the whole performance is sung – and believe me, I am not a fan of musicals at all. Despite the singing and the cheesy love story, it was a humorous production that at times pushed the boundaries. A devilish sex scene where Geneivé and Guy consummated their love on the beach in Cherbourg – a metaphor of a balloon drifting off into the distance as a sign of virginity lost.

Other sex scenes between prostitutes were slighty off taste, but worked – I think the fantastic Maitresse, who introduced and closed the performance, was a lurker in the backgrounds of the scenes. She was a great asset to the musical despite not really having a purpose.. with cigarette in hand and a bottle of white in the other, she reminded me of an older Lady Gaga in her catsuit and ripped tights and red lipstick. One scene that really struck was her solo singing performance in French – beautiful. The show’s cast were fantastic at humming and singing in sync, dancing and all were light on their feet. I truly envisioned a boring French tale of woe but in fact It was joyous and at times hilariously funny.

Breakspoll 2011 Awards - Finger Lickin..

2011-03-09T07:28:00.000-08:00

I have been pretty slow with this blogging malarkey – apologies.

So recently I have been trying to shove my fingers in as many pies as possible, sometimes too many resulting in bloating and tiredness. Friday i went to Cable at London Bridge to witness the very best in Breakbeat with the likes of Slyde, Krafty Kuts and Elite Force. Changing venues at the last minute due to overwhelming demand, Breakspoll 2009 was at the sadly deceased Matter at the Millennium Dome. Packed to the brim and full of lasers, more than you could shake a stick at – it was one of my most memorable Matter moments to date. Cable, a lot busier and bigger than Counter Culture is a 2, 000 capacity venue that has one of the best sound systems in London, played host to a ridiculously, grimy and ear piercing mix of trance and break beat. Elite force was my toffee apple of the evening, playing some influences of hip-hop and techno as well as a bit of a dream with MJ Cole’s ‘Sincere’.

The crowd had travelled from afar, most of them coming from the Midlands. I met a lively sound who travelled the country visiting Breakbeat artists. The main room was packed out, with Slyde playing host to a smaller more chilled out room at the bar. The Finger Licking records member, was last seen by me at a house party my friend hosted ‘ You played in my living room mate’ he bellowed over the deck – I think Slyde remembered, it was a bit of a while back but Rennie Pilgruim also provided support for his Sliding man .

The winners were announced at 11.15 pm with Elite Force winning best Producers (rightly so) and Krafty winning best contribution to Breaks – yes!. Following his set, it seems voters were highly influenced by the Finger Licking team.
Best label went to West Records and best album went to Evil Nine for You Can Be Special Too.

Check the winners below.

Best Track – Hedflux – Mindcell

Best Remix – Freestylers – Cracks (Ctrl-Z Remix)

Best Album – Against The Grain Classics by Krafty Kuts

Best Label – U&A Recordings

Best New Label – Scarcity

Best Producer – Elite Force

Best New Producer – Run Riot

Best DJ – Krafty Kuts

Best New DJ – DJ Chamber

Best Large Event – Shambhala Music Festival

Best Small Event – The Drop

Best Website/Blog – NuSkoolBreaks.co.uk

Best Radio Station – NSB Radio

Best Radio Show – Annie Nightingale Breaks Show (BBC Radio One)

Outstanding Contribution to Breaks – Krafty Kuts
A truly spectacular evening that had more bass than breaks but no cutting on the talent. Thanks Jimmy for the Guest list!

Paris and London

2011-03-03T03:37:00.000-08:00

This week has been very manic at work! I am now the VIP specialist so have been in meetings with suppliers, one being the O2. There are some amazing benefits we can give our clients, including Chairmans lounge and bar for free! Anyway, with Paris week showcasing the likes of GaGa for Mugler, I have been keeping my head down low and trying to arrange guest list for a range of music events happening over the coming months. I have drawn myself into music more than fashion, and to be honest, I wasn’t that amused by what London or Milan fashion week had to offer.

I went to Battersea Arts last night for my first life drawing class. It was so much fun! I learnt a lot, as I always get proportions wrong when I draws and seeing a real person in front of me was very helpful. I will be going again. It was also set in a beautiful old theatre where they were showcasing the Red Shoes theatre show. Amazing!

I am off to see Wicked next week when I get back from Cornwall and another west end show. Thanks boss! Other tahn that, this week I have not had time to investigate the net much and have neglected my duties.

Look at Gaga though, what a legend.

Caribou and Drew.

2011-02-24T11:39:00.000-08:00

Doing 11-8 shifts at work is very tedious. I only get what, an extra 45 minutes in bed and then I have to leave an hour earlier purely because it is half term and the stations are swarming with the little school oiks. This week, I have had no time to even reflect on my London Fashion Week experience - what there was of it. I need to upload pictures and videos from Bora. Next year I will make sure I will have more time off work to go. September, plannng is underway!
I went to see Caribou on Tuesday, which was a nice change from a sweaty rave. I took Hardip for her birthday and I had been waiting ages to see them live. We missed first few minutes of the set but to be honest, they didnt realyl kick in with Odessa or Sun untill the end. They are great live, sporting white outfits. They broke down Sun for so long I thought it was a different song with synths and base different to what I had heard before. The DJ Caribou, I have seen twice, but do not remember much. This was a delight - I actualy rememberd the whole night.
Saturday is Mircon with David August and Dave Harbour - who is my mate from work who is closing the night at The Russian Bar in Dalston. Quantic I hear, are playing on the 25th in Dalston - cannot wait.

For now, I need new hair. I am getting bored and Drew Barrymore really is rocking that Tie Dye look at the moment. Topshop has its own pop up shop where you can get this look with a range of colours from green to pink - fancy a go? I do! But i do not know what work will think..

The Nest - Dalston

2011-02-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

I like finding new places to go for a night out. Perfect setting?- A dark, small club with more base than you can shake a stick at, friendly crowd, not too pretentious and people who are actually there for the music and not to be ‘seen;. Usually Dalston gives me the impression 1. It’s a shit hole, 2. It is full of Shoreditch glasses and 3. It’s expensive. Funnily enough, new combie The Nest proved me wrong. The tunes were amazing thanks to the lovely Alex Metric and the crowd was loving it and ‘avvvvin’ it as much as me, The pot holes in the floor were an added extra, filled with sweat, booze and rain? Who cares, i loved splashing in them. The toilets were simple, no fancy shit and the bar was easy enough to get to. What’s more it was dark and the sound system was bloody good. (XOYO take note..). There were some great tunes, for one The Proxy was rinsed. Ah I think i threw up over the guy in front of me.

Dalston upended my eyes to a side of East that wasn’t as trendy of Shoreditch, but cheaper and a lot friendlier. I think I said hello to someone and they smiled! Role on Hervé on the 18th March. As for now, Caribou are playing the Sheppard’s Bush Empire tomorrow. I cannot wait!

LFW - Bora Aksu

2011-02-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

So Friday was my first day at London Fashion Week. With my high street stompers in toe I managed to blag my way into a few of the press areas where a bemused Keisha from the Sugababes asked me ‘how do i get into the Bora show?’. After a few chats with some amazing talent including the incredible Holly Fenton, I made my way to the BFC space where I met a great Illustrator called Michael – Spanish, hair of envy and who was there to sketch some drawings along the catwalk. Bora’s show was buzzing and was bursting at the seams with bloggers, fashionistas and singers such as Marina and The Diamonds and LuLu. The paps were flashing their bulbs in the faces of anyone in the front row – some who looked just as bemused as I was.

I had been excited about Bora’s collection, and I knew tailoring was going to be a big influence. It was a highly charged performance with some interesting choice of textures, some that reminded me of costume from a dressing up box.

The tailoring looked too heavy and didn’t fit most of the models well. Shirts of emerald green shone connotations of royalty and a British emblem, however the silk in contrast with the heavy duty wool didn’t fit with me well – nor the models waists. Knits and heavy colours and materials were a surprise for me, who had previously witnessed lilacs and lighter cloth. Walking the runway in armour, the clothes didn’t sit perfectly on the models and I didn’t really appreciate what the collection had to offer until some of the final pieces came out. Black is always winner and with some draping and few netted areas I felt more comfortable although highly unlikely an outfit I would wear to work.

Brits 2011

2011-02-16T02:28:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I have updated. I have been really busy with the run up to the Brits and the BAFTAS. I watched it last night and what the hell? Where was Liam Gallagher spitting about how shit Blur are? Or Jarvis Cocker with his ass out mooning the legend that is Michael Jackson? Only in the 1990’s could we get away with the odd ‘FUCK’ on stage, bleeped out with the delay. Now? We have a pubescent 16 year old picking up a gong for being the best international artist, a tame Rihanna wearing a wedding cake for a dress and really fat guy called Ce-Lo green who blatantly ate everyone’s 3 courses.

On the upside, its good to see Tinie Tempah and Mumford and Sons winning awards for their contribution – a massive pat on the back.

In other news; I had a great valentine’s day with my mate, attending an auction in her local and waking up at 7am for work on Tuesday with heart shapes around my neck and a massive hangover to go with it. London Fashion Week is coming closer and i need to prepare what I am wearing and when I am going. Bora Aksu on Friday will be great, seeing as I did not get in last year... Saturday I will be attending the exhibitions in summerset house, which is where I got to meet the great Fannie last year.

What did you think of the Brits and how was your valentine’s day?

London Fashion Week

2011-02-10T05:17:00.000-08:00

Bora Aksu – missed last year’s beautiful catwalk show. The invitation was lovely, this year I hope they pimp it out again.

I will be heading down to London Fashion Week, thanks to Canon, heading to the exhibition halls and meeting with some up and coming designers. Last year I met Fannie Schiovanni, who I hope comes back this year. I will be chatting with bloggers and we all know that bloggers attend the event in toe with friends, cameras and tips on how to pimp your blog. I am hopefully meeting up with a few Bora Aksu fans as well as the usual muses who hit the LDN streets. If you are heading to London Fashion Week, drop me a Tweet or an email and we can meet up.

I am hoping this year I can actually interview more people. Last year I was a little rubbish, I need to get some cards printed – on my to do list! Moo.com, thanks Hardip, are cheap and cheerful. Exactly what I am looking for.! Hopefully they will come in time for the shows.

Aksu’s Spring/Summer 2011 was lovely. Cannot wait for the Autumn Winter 2011!

Plumps

2011-02-06T03:47:00.000-08:00

Next Saturday is going to be awesome. Plumps - have not seen them for a while and they have some digusting new bass I would like to throw up to. A 3 day week at work this week, roll on Saturday.

Leslie Jordan - The Apollo Theatre

2011-02-03T04:42:00.000-08:00

I am a massive fan of theatre and love a bit of stand up comedy, however, Lesley Jordan last night has more cringe than laughs. Called ‘My Trip Down The Pink Carpet’ It was a ‘stand up’ reflecting on the Will and Grace star’s encounters throughout his career with various celebrities and his Hollywood climb as a short gay man. The stage was awash with pink and LA star-studded premier-ness, and props for Lesley’s impressions of gay dancing in the 1960’s. Most of the time, the story reflected on relationships with boys at college, one being a Quaterback from his high school and a ‘red neck’ who shot him with a bow and arrow. The stories were funny, but not fascinating. His reminiscing youth years of growing up in Tennessee as a young Christian boy who was a closet gay was interesting not inspirational and his impressions of Tennessee Williams and Christopher Isherwood, some of the greatest writers of our time, were referred to as icons who his friends had compared him too., Yes he has a book out, but sorry, a literary icon? Lesley put on his glitzy performance with impressions of how the butch and pretty gay men dance, with tracks like ‘Its Raining Men’ and Diana Ross blaring from the speakers. Told through a timeline, I think I got bored at the age of 20 when the actor at a ‘defining moment’ when he went to the X Keys Lounge, the only gay club in his town. Unfortunately there were no such moments in this performance. When the show drew to a close there was an emotional reflection on how hard it is for a gay man to grow up – constant jokes about being a fag, queer and detailed accounts of ‘giving one’ to the red haired boy at school, a little too much information. 2 people from the row in front left, astonished.
In all fairness, it entertained. I on the other hand like wit and reflections on things I can relate too. Ok, I am not gay so I couldn’t relate but I feel the show was a little over the top and to match with his southern American accent, it all got a bit too Cabaret.

Sorry, again – Christopher Issherwood would be turning in his grave. Have you ever read goodbye to Berlin? He has more class and substance than Mr Leslie Jordan will ever find.

Matteo Molinari

2011-02-02T08:47:00.000-08:00

It is a shame I cannot make it down to the LCF show tonight in Holborn. I would love to go down and see who the next 'big thing' is. I am however, heading to the West End to see some comedy with my flatmate, so hopefully I will get some laughs out of the evening. One person who is going to shine at the LCF Fashion Show tonight is Matteo. Amazing tailoring and images in his portfolio.

Cat Wennekamp

2011-01-27T13:49:00.000-08:00

Stylist to the stars (above) who made it in just 4 months. I am in awe.

Check out some of her work - not bad for someone who 'fell' into styling.

MUGLER

2011-01-27T01:36:00.000-08:00

I am not usually a fan of blogging about menswear, I find it boring if I am honest, however, look at the prelaunch of Thierrey Mugler, who now just calls himself - MUGLER. Amazing haunting silhouettes with intersexuality of what I feel is another dimension, Star Wars comes to mind...

New creative director Nicola Formichetti even hand chose the models from Facebook! Yes, tatooed Rick Genest was found while Nicola was surfing online to find the perfect face to showcase the collection.

Perfect tailoring with added mystery and a devilish touch on sadism, I am a big, big fan.

WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK

Another man who has got me in a bit of a tiz 0 Walter Van Beirdendonck. Look at his marvelous collection of vibrant colours, pastels for the jump of spring and the light fabrics - contrast to the dark tailoring of Mugler. It is also more playful, lighthearted and feminine.

Jasper Wong

2011-01-24T02:59:00.000-08:00

Jasper Wong - a pretty hilarious artist. I have seen something similar on wrapping paper, once in a shop. I would love to have one of these blown up.

Today is a bit of a daunting day. I am now taking on the VIP events from work and have already spent £5,000 this morning and it's not even 11am. I am looking after the Brit Awards and BAFTA's as well as London Fashion Week. I am hoping to attend the weekend of London Fashion Week, applying for Acne and Vivienne Westwood. Last year I didnt get to see ASHISH which broke my heart, as I got right to the front of the que and they wouldnt let anymore people in. Note to self: get there a lot earlier next time.
This weekend was probably one of the quietest. I found out my local pub plays Hip-Hop on a saturday, and the good kind. I found myself and my flatmate James doing shots at the bar untill the early hours and crawling home. I like weekends where leaving the house is too much. I did spend most of my Sunday sprawled across the floor, while binging on Malteasers. Perfect Sunday afternoon if you ask me.

I am off to see Gold Panda in March, tickets are probably going to sell out so need to get on it. Other than that, Caribou are on the 22nd Feb which is something to look forward to as have not been out with Hardip on a girly mad one for ages.

Boom Shaka La.

2011-01-20T02:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Tumblr, - Well the very interesting John-James, I have just found another website to bring my days to a close. Endless searching through interesting art, design and photography.

I am feeling inspired this week. I think the Polaroid may come out for some fun.

B L E N D Magazine

2011-01-18T02:08:00.000-08:00

Love this cover. Quite sinister, erotic and at the same time, beautiful.

Saga Sig

2011-01-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

The last two are hot. For Dazed and Confused magazine by the fabulous Saga Sig. On this gloomy day and after a hectic weekend where I got my phone stolen, lost my sanity and ended up £100 poorer, I needed something to cheer me up. Ther first two images are also Saga, and I love them. Gipsy/chav chic perhaps?

The Naked and Famous

2011-01-14T04:23:00.000-08:00

While I am at work I find listening to X Fm a great way to get through the day. I usually go out to Techno or Dance clubs so being able to sit and sing along to songs is refreshing. One band who have been playing on loop in the office is The Naked and Famous. I really like their song, and when looking at the band I initially thought it was CSS – but I enjoy this sound a bit more. They are currently touring and are playing the NME tour in Feb in London, however I have tickets for the Caribou performance on the 22nd. What a moron! If only I had known – Heaven as well. Says it all really..

Anyway this weekend is going to be a busy one again. Tonight is A Skillz at the Old Queens Head and tomorrow is some random night in Shoreditch. Full of laughs I am sure, although having no internet at home is proving to be difficult. Apparently an engineer is coming out soon –n my ass. Stealing Skype when at other people’s houses is my new thing, amazingly if time it just right so I can see my mate floating around in OZ and my other fiend nursing a hangover.

I never heard of James Blake before, but my mate is going to see him tonight in Brixton. I have heard is songs more at work and yes, I like.

TOKION MAGAZINE - 2011

2011-01-13T03:51:00.000-08:00

I Love the magazine and I love Marina. I love this editorial, through the Kalediscope, perfect for the singer who has such a vibrant presence.

Victoria Topping

2011-01-12T06:08:00.000-08:00

Illustration from Victoria Topping

With all these cut backs at work, I am finding ti hard to know where to go. I am looking to possible taking up internships at magazines or digital communication companies, so that I can use my stalking habits of the internet, social networking. I have been looking into possibly dedicating more of my time to writing or even starting my own magazine, which of course is a long way off yet but with help from some of my very creative friends, it could occur.

Any ideas of what you would like in a perfect magazine? I would want to target an audience of 20-30 year olds who have time and money to go out in London, covering music, fashion and general shit that Vice seems to do so perfectly. I don’t want every bim-monlthy to be full of random posers off face hunter or morons from The Loop bar getting their peace signs out. I don’t really know what I want to capture, but I will start working on it asap.
When I was buying Tokion magazine, it featured a lot of illustration and music that I enjoyed looking at. I actually ripped out one image of a smiley face made out of fag ends, cats and nappies for a friend who was away for a few months. I think it may have brightened up his day and his walls.

Anyway, for now Vicotria Topping is keeping me a little sane and making me happy with her blog on her antics in London and Berlin.

The Alpabet for the Human Heart

2011-01-11T04:08:00.000-08:00

A - is for Anger.

G is for Greed

Too much of a good thing is a bad thing.

J- Is for Jealousy

Jealous kills the love it seeks to protect.

I just came across a really sweet book – full of great illustration. I find self help books patronising and full of shit, telling me to write letters to myself, think positive about cheques and they will come flying through your door – whatever. This on the other hand, is great for just remembering to always be simple, be nice and not to be jealous.

The Alphabet of the Human Heart by Matthew Johnston and James Kerr.

Fannie Schiovoni - Cold Steel

2011-01-10T03:34:00.000-08:00

This weekend was hell of a random adventure. Not only did I manage to start the year against all of the resolutions I had persisted, I managed to come back from a drink fuelled day in Camden with a new piercing. Apart from a few Tatoo’s I am not the piercing type. I admit, I am a complete wimp when it comes to piercings of any sort of thing like that, which Is why Hardip had to come and sit in with me. Apparently getting your breasts out in public isn’t that much of a taboo anymore. Needless to say, I will probably be getting them out a bit more now.

Perhaps I should of taken a leaf out of Fannie Schiovoni’s book and just gone topless with some of her beautiful metal body jewellery. I cannot wait to see her again at London Fashion week in Feb. Work have made me the VIP point of call for tickets to some of the major shows. I hope that I can pop out for an afternoon of Ashish again or even Fannie, who has her new Lookbook out now. Check it here.

Sandy Kim

2011-01-06T03:19:00.000-08:00

So Christmas was full of cheese and wine and by god, did i indulge in wine. These images have made me think about reaching for that slice of bread and pint of cider (I regret that last night i did indulge, but hey, it was a pub quiz!) Perhaps I should start wearing this attire when I head to the party on Friday? I don’t seem to be finding anything in the sales in London, all piles of old rags and spotted dresses, which never suited me anyway.

Take the Lights Down Already - by Sandy Kim. Thanks Vice, you help me through the mornings at work.

Check out Sandy Kim’s photography here. She is the sort of photographer who makes me want to run around with my t-shirt over my head, smoking a cigarette and charge in tow a party swigging Gin. Capturing movements of down and outs, fashion conscious teens and quite frankly, fucked up nonsense, I love it.

2010-12-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas and I love nothing more than eating my body weight in bread, sprouts and turkey but this year it was suprisingly quiet. Christmas eve was spent throwing up the bottle of Cava i had before I went to the pub, while on the phone to a dear friend who couldnt make out if I was coughing or chucking up my guts. Christmas day was filled with awwardness and a hangover, as I had forgtotten my brother in laws present! Scatter brain that I am also got my niece something she has already. I am offically the shittest auntie ever. My sister however, did get me some lovely items for my new home, which made me feel even more guilty.

I love coming home but also hate the space to be able to think. The last few months have been stressfull and hectic and I have not had time to think of the things that made me feel so shit in those last few months of summer. I am one hundred per-cent better about most things, but hearing from and thinking about the one person that knows how to switch your buttons - really does get me in a state of paranoia and longing. I was happy watching Bridget Jones laughing at her till I realised, its actually me. Cant ski, can't hold a relationship down and a spinster, living in London with the TV and Ben and Jerry's for company.

Merry Christmas.

Massive Attack - Paradise Circus

2010-12-23T04:00:00.001-08:00

It's unfortunate that when we feel a storm

we can roll ourselves over 'cause we're uncomfortable

oh where the devil makes us sin

but we like it when we're spinning in his grip.

It's unfortunate that when we feel a storm

we can roll ourselves over when we're uncomfortable

oh well the devil makes us sin

but we like it when we're spinning in his grip.

Love is like a sin my love

For the one that feels it the most

Look at her with a smile like a flame

She will love you like a fly will never love you, again

Delicious. Makes me want to curl up into a ball and listen to t all day while hugging someone special.

Amanda Adomaitis

2010-12-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

Images by Martina Sprengart

Amanda Adomaitis. The MA graduate has some exceptional pieces and the imagery taken by photographer, Martina Sprengart is beautiful I love this fairy wonderland scene, urban and natural as well as the same time. I am not a fan of studio photography, and this is great location shooting. I am in awe of the natural sunset in the background through the tree’s and think it depicts a natural setting which is what the clothing forefronts.

NEXT - what else?

2010-12-20T08:10:00.000-08:00

5 days till Christmas and I am down to getting just my mum and brother in law something. Help NEXT!

Two Turtle Doves

3 French Hens

4 Humming Birds

5 Gold Rings

I dont think my mum would be happy with some farm animals or some rings, she has enough as it is. Perhaps she may be interested in some homeware?

NEXT sells electricals as well you know - perhaps the new Ipod?

Adele. Blimmin Gorgeous.

2010-12-20T03:18:00.000-08:00

Hello Adele. My, how different she looks here in comparrison to a couple of years ago at the Brits. Has she lost weight? Has she changed her hair? it seems she has had a complete revamp and she looks amazing. Announcing her tour over the weekend, tickets for Manchester and Birmingham has already sold out. The London beauty has also released her secret gig in Liverpool for the 5 January 2011, which I am finding it hard getting tickets for my clients for. Her album, '21' is a new era of her soutlful works from her '19' album which saw a booze drinking, fag sucking London 'bird' boast about her equality, her love for London and her heartbreak. Her new sound, more sophisticated and less Amy Winehouse is a culture shock between Elbow, Mary J Blige and Kanye West - I can't wait to hear it.

This weekend I finally moved into my house. Unfurnished and ice cold i love it. It has been warmed by many friends over the weekend, but now i find myself on the internet looking at freebies I can get to make it more homely. I am so excited, its a proper house in a lovely street. The snow makes it look beautiful.

Tumblr

2010-12-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

Tickets next week please.

Tumblr has taken me under it's wing. I already had one but I LOVE some of the blog I have found on there.

Next - The best place to shop this Christmas.

2010-12-13T05:34:00.000-08:00

So Christmas is upon us soon. I have not had any time to hit the shops for anyone, so will be hoping the internet can save my life! I have to be careful this year moving house has come at the wrong time.
One site that has got me in a flutter is NEXT. No matter what the time of year the store always manages to suprise me with its gifts, clothes and accessories. My sister is a massive fan of NEXT and I will be getting her one of their special Fondu sets that she will love. There are some great bed wear packs and gift sets which are prices reasonably too.
Next are going to help me with the countdown to Christmas – check out their fantastic range for your loved ones here!

Let the countdown begin! Each day I will treat you to a Next image with my pick of the day of what to get for some great gifts. Check out this Silver Jaquerd Dress at £69. It is lovely, not to glittery and is perfect for evening wear for any party.

£69

have a look here

Rhianna LOUD tour

2010-12-07T02:15:00.001-08:00

Rihanna's tour goes on sale on Saturday at 9am. Oh my god, I missed her last one I really want to go to this one. She is a goddess. Who else is game?

Claude Von Stroke My legs

2010-12-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

I went to see Justin Martin and Claude Von Stroke at Fabric nightclub on Saturday. Friday I was at The Queen Hoxton listening tio the sweet sounds of Kissy Sell out. Being right at the front of the crowd on the stage, i managed to have a word with the ma himself and acknowledge that last time I saw him he was indeed under some sort of influence at Notting hill Carnival – ‘Yeah I was fucked!’ he exclaimed before asking my name and loving it as he lives in ‘beth-nal green’. The guy was nice, played some amazing tunes and was a gentleman to the crowd. I have a lot of time for Kissy, I think he has a lot of time for his fans.

After a beautiful breakfast at The Breakfast Club in Hoxton, I was laying in a food coma before heading to Fabric to see Claude, My friend Hardip had made friends with Joe Brilliant, a guy who classes himself as a ‘Homey’ of the Justin Martin, who is gracing the covers of DJ Mag as we speak. I was loving his set, playing tunes I knew but never knew the names of and getting me lifted on just a double vodka. Claude of course smashed the dance floor, with Mandy ruling the other room with some lovely fidgeting. I however, was knackered from booze Britain binging on Friday. Laurent Garnier had played Village Underground which a friend of mine had got into for free, some people are just so Jammy. I will be keeping a low profile the next few weeks as Christmas as ruined me, as well as getting a new house. What are you guys going to do for New Years? I have found a few nights that look appealing and a few friends are going to Bugged Out at XOYO – I however am broke but I am tempted by The Nest or even Foals DJ set at Hoxton Pony. Who knows, but i know if i had £40 Together at Brixton Academy would be insane. Check the options below, looks insane!

Bestival - The Cure and Primal Scream.

2010-12-01T03:29:00.000-08:00

Its only just ended, but Festival season is already filling my inbox with jobs for tickets and VIP packages. I don’t know where to start. So many festivals and so little pennies to fund the habit. Its hard to think of sun and frolicking in the fields of glory when snow is falling out of the sky on a dismal London city. Bestival released its Headline acts today with The Cure and Primal Scream taking to the Isle of Wight stages. Voted as one of the best festivals, every year the headliners get better and better. Rob Da Bank’s pockets must be full of change...

I have been religious to Bestival for the last 3 years and I love the atmosphere and the various festivities. Lst year however, it was full of a much younger crowd, those who would have given Reading or Leeds a run for their money. The maturity within myself was evident when I moaned when i scrambled for exits after Prodigy or got caught in a mosh during their set. Usually I am one to get right involved but for me, too much overcrowding ruins it. Too many cooks comes to mind.

Tweeting throughout the morning, Mr Bank said that the sisze will stay ‘; as close as possible to last years’ – which basically means ‘ More people’. This obviously means more money, for him but less enjoyment for others. While working at the festival this year, I met a lot of locals who have been religious to the festival since its launch 6 years ago. ‘Its too busy, its got too big and the people who come here are not as friendly as those before’ I couldn’t agree more. I was always getting shoved or moaned for standing or pushing past people and while Chai Waller was a great place for seeing some amazing dubsetp, unless you pushed your way through and punched someone in the process, you would of had to listen 100 metres back in the campsite, which turned into a a littler bin. The Orange campsite for workers had to let festival goers in as the capacity was reached on the other sites.

Independent fe4stivals such as SGP have vowed to not increase its size in favour of a Christmas bonus. The smaller the better I say. Melt in Germany was 20,000 people max and I kept passing people who I had seen the day before, exchanging smiles and eventually exchanging words. Glastonbury is in a league of its own, it when bestival increased from 25,000 to 2011 with over 50,000 it just gets ridiculous.

European festivals here i come.

Otto Dix - Berlin's own storyteller.

2010-11-30T02:23:00.000-08:00

While laying on my deathbed and confusing 6am for 6pm, I managed to find a couple of hours to catch the BBC Four, Germany season. I have always been a fan of Berlin since visiting last year and its history fascinates me. I have never known a city to have as many ups and downs and political conflicts as Berlin. I was amazed to find out that ‘Goodbye Berlin’ written by Christopher Iserwood is in fact the smash hit, Cabaret. Based on the liberal city in the 1930’s, it focus’s on Iserwood’s portrayal of sex, drugs and transvestites before the Nazi’s shut cinema’s, dance clubs and parlours down. They called it the ‘Schizophrenic City’ where those who has no clue who they were would go and live. One artist who captured every moment of the red city was Otto Dix. His pictures of Berlin dancing with ‘death’ and cabaret singers, prostitutes in East Berlin were haunting yet very depictive. The Nazi’s hates the artwork deeming them ‘vile’.

Amazing Tours Announced.

2010-11-26T06:09:00.000-08:00

Just found out after a sell out performance at Heaven last month, Swedish beauty Lykke Li is touring the UK again next April. She will be hitting Sheppards Bush Empire on the 14th April and I cannot wait to get my hands on some tickets. She is incredible. I remember rinsing her album in my last year of university, coming across her when her song was played as a remix on Radio 1 on Rob Da Banks show. I then stalked the hell out of her, bought her album and got on the defensive. My flatmate Caz ended up loving her too and when they dropped a Techno remix at Melt, I was in heaven, Just to remind you, Little Bit is below. Talking of Rob, he is playing at The Queen Hoxton on Friday with Tom Middleton. Get involved! Its free!

I also managed to book 2 tickets for the NME tour today for next year. Last years headliners were The Big Pink, the Macabees and The Drums. I missed The Drums but the Macabees blew me away. This year I just had to get tickets as because of my blind drunkenness last week, I missed ‘Sun’ and ‘Jamelia’ by Caribou, who i also missed at The Big Chill. They are touring in Sheppard’s Bush in February and I bought tickets before they sold out. Again, hopefully i will remember this performance.

Today is Friday and work is manic as so many sales have gone,. Who is going to be buying festival tickets next week? Lattitude go on sale on the 3rd and Secret Garden are released to General public in Jan. I love that time of year..

John Smith - The Vortex, Dalston

2010-11-24T01:34:00.000-08:00

Full of hope and promise i entered the Vortex in the colourful and charismatic Dalston. Last time i was here I remember bumbling into the Dalston Superstore and being greeted by skinny Jeans and spectacles. I was pleasantly surprised when i entered the Vortex Jazz Club which for me feels like Blasphemy after being a true Ronnie Scott fan. John Smith, the British Folk singer played to a mesmerised crowd that hung onto his every husky word. The Essex twang was well and truly lost when he belted out the beautiful ‘Invisible Boy’. The sudden drumming of his guitar and his calming pace felt like he was telling as class full of inquisitive children a story.

Eager ears and eyes glued to the singer who was emotionally involved in is performance, especially Invisible Boy, which hides meaning of a traumatic period during his teens. I remember seeing John on the line-up at The Green man and thinking what an ordinary name for a singer. Surely he would fall into the background of other folk artists – a little pessimistic for a Beth i admit. Instead i had my ears chewed off about how this Essex boy won over the crowd. ‘The Horror’ was my favourite performance of the night, with myself slipping in at the back to catch the last few moments of the gig on stage behind the fans who swung from side to side in a motion of happiness and mourning at the same time. Folk always gets a bad rip for being depressing, boring and cheesy. This hoever was beautiful.

A little snippet of perfection, I knew that after listening to his album the first time round, I will now be ready to let it fall on repeat for the foreseeable future. I am not a huge folk fan, the most folk I have ever listended to being Mumford and Sons which is drummed down my throat at every opportunity, making me feel quite sick. I have however decided that after giving this Smith character a chance, I am now delighted in the prospect of attending another gig. After a manic tript o the Vortex, with transport and bad organisation skills from myself, a dead Blackberry and anxious behaviour to not dissapoint I made the gig only to catch a small moment. I have listended to the album beforehand, which I have since added to a playlist on my IPOD and now proud to bust out on crowded buses and trains. His music is soothing, and made my journey into work for 7am this morning a lot better. Usually listening to drum and bass, maybe some dub step i feel my angry monster side coming out as i push through the crowds on the Central line. Today, I blissfully slipped onto the platform and hung losely in the carriage listenging to the subtle tones of the talent of John Smith.

The Coronet - Fourtet and Caribou

2010-11-23T05:24:00.000-08:00

So Friday night i went to see Caribou and Fourtet joined by Nathan Fake and James Holden at The Coronet in Elephant and Castle. After a menacing Bootle of Apple Vodka and excitement for finally witnessing ‘Sun’ live, I was deluded and confused when I was watching the live performance of the band from the balcony sitting down. By popular demand, the dance floor was a heaving mess bodies and from where we were sitting, I could see the band but didn’t really get a piece of the atmosphere. After a short stint at the bar and toilet break I returned to my seats to find the boys ready to get involved. Missing ‘Sun, which was the one I was waiting for, The band closed on Odessa, which had the crowd in turmoil. Half the dance floor cleared for when Fourtet took to the stage, amazing dub of delight and green lasers sending me into a dancing frenzy. It was this point i wished I had not over indulged in Tequila shots and the three pints I just downed while Caribou where on. I danced and danced, forgetting it closes at 5 and somehow missing 4 hours of the night. Why is it that after 4 weeks of wetting my pants to see these two, I do not even remember who was on when and what they played? I am disgusted with myself.

The evening turned into a rather eventful and exciting one with nosy parkers roaming the streets of Bow and Stratford, staying at a friend’s mental Warehouse by the river. Machines and old office equipment made it very spooky but inquisitive as we were, it just got more and more interesting. Falling asleep around 9am I managed to get myself together before another night out on the tiles at the pretentious and rather bland, XOYO. Not a fan myself, I have heard good things about this new club in the heart of Shoreditch, with the promise of big name DJ’s. All i got was a white basement room that reminded me of the stock room where I used to work and 2 small tuck shop crevices for bars. The crowd was cold, the tunes were predictable and the night came to a close at 3.30am. I like hideaways, places to chill if you want but the only place was the smoking area which was the size of a toilet cubicle.

Roll on Sunday and a rather lethargic woman returns to the streets of North Finchley for much food and games of Cranium. There is nothing better than friends, food and wine. A send off it was and how they will be missed, Marie and Nikki. It makes me want to save up my pennies for the next year and troll out to Berlin and start a new life. I would love to go and visit the amigo’s in South America and Australia but Berlin is calling and so is that dirty Techno.

Tonight I am off to The Vortex in Dalston for a performance by John Smith. Folk here I come, something to break in the week until the weekend.

LN-CC Store Opening - Dalston, London

2010-11-19T03:53:00.000-08:00

Hidden amongst warehouses and industrial apparatus lingered three bouncers with a very stylish hostess taking names off the guest list, which was as long as the accounts from my office. Feeling as though I was walking into a nightclub, I was escorted down into the basement of a warehouse that honoured the Beauty that is nature. Entering a tunnel of woodland, soft orange lighting, I witnessed air kisses and long black cloaks gracing the floor in brogues and wedges. To each side of the tunnel were rooms of exquisite design, reminiscing the TATE modern or the Saachi. Open white space, contrasted with grey and black heavy fabrics, inspired by tribe and Africa within the menswear. The sweet tweeting of birds and morning crispness made the room a tranquil place to browse the garments. A little more to the left we entered a room that reminded me of a patio within my two bed semi – gravel and a tree house, which again is probably where you take a seat after walking around all day spending that hard earned cash. It became aware to me that the whole point of this shop, was for the experience of shopping. To have a wonder around the store, you need to have made a booking, something that for me puts the pleasure of out of shopping.

Enter the back room and the Vodka and Cranberries were flowing, the minimal house was playing and the collection of briefcases and Mac jackets, huddled in the corner preying on potential air kisses from up and coming designers or bloggers. I felt a little out of place while feeling the Vodka taking its toll, cracking a smile and being genuinely interested in who was who and what inspired these 2 guys to create such an inspirational store, while others tried to find every opportunity to clasp onto their dreams of becoming the new BBF for the next week. ‘Its who you know dahling’..

The Dalston Superstore opened its underground basement doors for the most stylish crowd I have seen in a long time. Those who could move in their skinny jeans danced to some Techno and House, while those who preferred to hide in their camel coats scowled at those able to crack a smile and have some fun. I will be honest, I completely forgot what I was out for, oh yeah, an opening of a store. I got caught up and lost in the fight to be ‘seen’ and found myself overlooking the beautiful fashion that showcases new designers from all over the world. One thing is for sure, The guy who runs the shop? He was a bit of alright..

Lanvin

2010-11-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

Oh Lanvin for H&M. I wish I was able to squeeze some more money out of my credit cards and have a jolly time purchasing LBD's and LLD'S. I however, will be spending my hard earned cash on these events over the next few weeks.

Caribou + Fourtet on 19th November

Claude Von Stroke on 18th December.

Oh how fun the run up to Christmas will be. So far i have bought NO presents what so ever, but I will be finding the time to spend some pennies finding a house.

So far we found a dream in East London but out of our budget - we are haggling so fingers crossed. Its Huge and is not top far from Mile End and is on the DLR. Fingers crossed.

Daft Punk, Magnetic and a Ferry called Bryan

2010-11-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

Crystal Castles and Robert Smith of The Cure. Who would of thought? A blast from the past with dreary sounds of heartbreak and potential suicide combined with a headache of electronic – somehow it works. It does however, remind me of a 1990’s club track, that Marilyn would be proud to call his own. However, if you enjoy a little bit of cheese and a break in-between thumping your fists in the air to something as lot harder, it could be for you.

Something that is really getting a repeat play on my I-Pod is the Magnetic Man album, which I am playing while fighting the tube every morning. The album gives me overwhelming power, as I feel confident, independent and like I can take any of those city bankers on. Obviously, the smash hit ‘I need Air’ is one that is on constant repeat, with soulful vocals of Katy B on Comeover’, which i feel is better than the ‘Perfect Stranger’ released as their second single. The only problem is, with these three tracks on constant play, there is not much room for anything else. All of the other songs filter into one mix, which is not a catchy, pounding or dirty enough to catch my attention.

So Daft Punk – remember them? I loved Daft Punk, their videos and their obscure ritual when performing. Their music was uplifting French Brie that made you smile. After a break and sometime in the studio they are back, with exclusive Plays on Radio 1, which i have to say I am not impressed by. With tracks as short as 1.30seconds and an array of random button pushing, some of the tracks I have heard thanks to the lovely Annie Mac, have reminded me of a 4 year old on their ABC spellchecker. Gone are the catchy lyrics and hopeful chants and instead are dark and frightening blends of nothing but ‘noise’.

Last but not least, my final rant comes from the Roxy Music album cover. Renowned for their saucy album covers, women from all over the world, mainly models showcasing beautiful assets – Roxy Music has now turned to Kate Moss to make sure their comeback album, Olympia is a hit. Jerry Hall graced the cover in the 1980’s, probably the highlight of her nonexistent career. Kate Moss however, is an icon within fashion and rock –despite no number 1 album or single. An eye for an eye?

Vogue December 2010

2010-11-04T05:10:00.000-07:00

DJ AWARDS 2010 -The Winner Is...

2010-10-29T05:29:00.000-07:00

ARMEN VAN BURREN!

Last night was the infamous DJ Awards in the legendary, Ministry of Sound. The doors swung open at 8 with ravers queing from as early as 6, some not making it in at all. I managed to get on down at 8pm, slipping in with Press, which led me to the Press Lounge in the Minsitry Headquarters. The lovely Julia was there to greet us and make sure we had everything we needed, providing us with free drinks upon arrival. I could’nt wait to get involved and was amazed at how professionall other bloggers and magazines were – microphones, cues and video cameras, I felt like a bit of a lamen with my old school pen and pad.

Boy George joined us all on the sofa for a chat, and he was really nice. He chatted openly about prison and the evening ahead, which he was hosting.

Jerome Isma-Ae opened the main room with an hour set of his great trance and dance to a crowd that couldn’t get enough. After his set I managed to get a chat with the German DJ, who is a man of many talents. From producing to DJing he also runs his own label called Jees Productions, which he is currently working on. ‘ We are looking to release my next album either on Jees or a major label’ he admitted. A resident at The Gallery at Ministry, Jerome was quick to add that ‘Ministry is like a family – I will be honest, I have never played any other clubs in London. But Ministry, it is like family’. We chatted about how he was finding the evening and was ecstatic by the crowd. So what constitutes as a good DJ for Jerome? ‘ someone who picks the right tracks, gets the crowd excited. It is not about perfect mixing, it is how you interact with the crowd’. With 100 Dj’s for the taking of the number 1 spot, Jerome confided that one DJ we should be watching out for is up and coming German DJ, Dinox. ‘ He is the best technical DJ I have ever seen!’. After a few minutes chatting Jermone was whisked away to have a natter with one of the other journalists.

I went out to check how the crowd was getting on and was amazed by how many people were going mental over Afrojack. The up and coming House DJ was tearning the Bar up, with crowds locked, not able to move. He played classics such as Duck Sauce’s Barbara Streisand and his own remix of Spencer and Cool – Hill. Of course he played ‘Take Over Control’ which sent the girls into a frenzy, with the balcony rammed full of students eager to catch a glimpse of the Sweedish mastermind. Afrojack gave the crowd exactly what they wanted, a surge of energy that took the fans onto a parrell state of mind. Clearly, loving his work, he was fearless and almost could of been crownded as Number 1.

Of course, 4 years running, Armin Van Buuren was crownded King of the decks and he managed to slip past me without noticing! Picking up his award and playing a 1 hour set to the crowd, I was able to sit down with a rather tipsy, but every so friendly Afrojack who was enjoying the comfort of the sofa, despite his entourage scaring quite a lot of the interviewers.

‘So, a two hour set – it was inredible, you have a lot of energy out their’ to which Nick (Afrokacj) responded with ‘Yeah of course’. I could feel a bit of awkwardness, especially as he was amazed I was writing and not recording. Bet-AT TV shone a few flickers in my face when we were chatting which made me even more nervous, missing key questions I had prepared. ‘ Who would you go to pay and see, out of the top 100, which DJ would you say is best?’ - Afrokack was quick to get a snidy comment about Buuren winning the crown ‘what? Apart from someone beginning with A and ending in N?’. Admitting he loved Deadmau5 for the reason of ‘ He is the only DJ i know who produces his own songs and then plays them all throughout his set, not anyone else, just his. He also added ‘ Its not about being a technical DJ, no one knows how to mix, out of 100 only 1 person would be like ‘oh no he made a mistke’. Its about sending a wave of energy, playing tracks in the right order’. Ushered by his entourage, I was rushed to finish my questions which then ended with ‘Have a great evening’ before I left the sofa. Still relaxed and enjoying a Coronas, he smoked a cigarette and went to chat with Laid Back Luke and some of his mates in the Press Lounge.

Needless to say, Afrojack went to see Deadmau5. As the Canadian opended his show, exactly 1 year after seeing him at The Roundhouse in Camden, the Sweedish DJ could be seen enjoying what he had to offer on the sidelines.

Check Highlights here....Thanks Sophie Eggleton for keeping on top form and posting some great videos. Check out her blog here .

James Neligan also reviewed the night for his own blog http://www.jamesneligan.blogspot.com/. Keep an eye out, he knows what is hot and not.

Minsitry Of Sound - DJ Top 100 Awards 2010

2010-10-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

Line–Ups and Set Times

Ministry of Sound

Main Room

Jerome Isma-ae 9pm – 10pm

Sasha 10pm -11:30pm

Winner Midnight – 1am

Deadmau5 (unhooked) 1pm – 3pm

Bar

Letsmix.com Competition Winner 9pm – 9:30pm

Afrojack 9:30pm – 11:30pm

Fedde Le Grand 11:30pm – 1am

Laidback Luke 1am – 3am

Eddie Halliwell 3pm – close

Loft – Hosted by KoolWaters and Pioneer

Marc Vedo

Boy George

So Called Scumbags

Deadmau5

2010-10-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

Deadmau5 is one of the acts playing at the DJ Top 100 DJ awards on the 27th. I am excited to see what he has been getting up to since i saw him last December at The Roundhouse in Camden.

Joel Zimmerman is clearly grinning, as he talks to DJmag from a far-flung airport lounge, midway between a manic schedule of tour dates and recording commitments. It's another typical day...- Which is why I am excited to see where he will come in the top 100 list.

Tour kicks off 8th December. Mau5 has assembled an amazing line up of electronic artistes to join him on the tour including:

Zane Lowe, Magnetic Man, Calvin Harris, (DJ Set) Stanton Warriors, Kim Fai.

Magnetic Man is another genius performer - the two dj's (Skream and Benga) i adore with their song ' I need Air' and 'I dont Know' the 'feminine' dubsetp just got a little bit cooler.

If you want to get on down and join the party with a line-up that would make your eyes water, get down to Ministry of Sound early.

The Nest

2010-10-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

The Nest, Dalston, London.

A new club that opened for the press at the weekend, promising yet another converted warehouse frenzy of dubstep and drum and bass. Simple, underground and dirty ...I can not wait to go there.