Sunday, 27 November 2011

'My Week with Marilyn'

'My Week with Marilyn' is a movie based on the diary of Colin Clark, of which he wrote during the filming of 'The Prince and The Showgirl' in 1956! It revolves around the experience Colin (played by 'Eddie Redmayne') had as a 'third' on the film set, and how this role led to him falling in love.
Marilyn Monroe was on her honeymoon at the time, with the author 'Arthur Miller' (played by Dougray Scott) but when he leaves the country, she is then escorted around the British countryside, where she escapes the Hollywood lifestyle and enjoys being free.... but Hollywood has a price to pay..

 I personally ADORE Marilyn Monroe, she is an icon! But never have I seen her portrayed in such a way. 'MWWM' provides an insight into the woman behind the glitz and glamour that is Marilyn Monroe - a darker, less-confident side, team this with the wonderous talent that is 'Michelle Williams', you cant help but feel responsible for the way she feels, almost wanting to reach into the screen and protect her!
With a number of close ups within the movie, you catch a glimpse of a breath-taking beauty that Williams portrays so well, it is understandable how Marilyn created such a reputation with men. She is shown to be very playful, flirtatious but also vulnerable, for example, in one scene she forgets a number of her lines, to the frustration of 'Olivier' (played by Kenneth Branagh), and in consequence she becomes very anxious and her confidence dissolves entirely! so if like me, you had an idea of her being a strong woman, after watching this, think again..

Of course there are some downfalls to the movie, but some cant be helped. For example, it's as if  sometimes Williams is trying too hard to capture the screen presence that belonged to the icon - in some scenes it got to the point of cringing! The film could have easily done with some real footage of Monroe herself, and in all honestly that is what I expected in some places, but I was only to be let down.

Overall, the movie is a MUST SEE, even if you are not a fan of Marilyn Monroe its a film that will play with you, make you feel a range of emotions and mesmerise you! Also expect to see a few familiar faces such as 'Emma Watson', 'Judi Dench' and 'Zoë Wanamaker'!

'My Week with Marilyn' - a most enjoyable movie!







Saturday, 26 November 2011

All that glitters....Part 1!

Believe it or not! A/W 11 is nearly over! It goes so fast don't you think? But with every new season, comes new trends! For S/S 12 keep an eye out for  high shine, metallics and glitter! I don't mean the twilight sort of glitter mind, i mean the glamourous kind - think Marilyn Monroe with a modern twist,  Dame Edna Everage but a bit more wearable!

What a way to break out of the cold and blacks of winter!

With this trend, its important to invest in quality materials, to avoid looking shabby! But don't worry! This doesn't mean you have to empty out your pockets! So for this half of the subject, here are a few key pieces with High Street prices!


This is an Emerald Shimmer Jersey Kimono, available at 'Topshop'! It is definitely an eye catcher, but in the good sense! Add this to any outfit for an instant spruce up and a touch of glamour! Costing £40, you are going to be left with pocket change!

A metallic crinkle tee, also available at 'Topshop'! Some people may think this to be a night out top, but worn correctly, it can easily be a everyday tee! Perhaps pair with some black, high waisted trousers to add a slight touch of formality, but remaining casual!



These AMAZING examples of unitards are for those willing to take a giant leap into individuality, for those brave fashionistas out there! You can do so much with these, think of layering, heaps of jewelry and dropping of jaws. Of course these can be toned down very easily with a few darker pieces, complementing the shimmer! but why not give it all you got and work these statement pieces!? Available at 'ASOS' for £30 each!


WARNING: Beware the magpies! ;D


Keep an eye out for 'All that glitters....Part 2!' where we go a little more 'High Fashion'!








Sunday, 13 November 2011

Behind The Line!

Behind The Line is a small band from my hometown of Cardiff!  Just discovered them tonight, and so glad to have done so! Their music is so fresh in comparison to whats currently in the charts, its different, but in a good way. The sort of music that gives you that feel-good belly feeling!
The band is made up of four members - Ieuan Lewis (Lead Guitar), Alex Tabero (Drums) , Zac Read (Bass) and Luci Vernon (Vocals) all aged 14 - 15, they're young, but when you listen to their music, you will realise the sheer talent behind each and every one of them! It can only get better!
They formed in July 2011, and have gone on to cover a number of songs as well as produce some of their own; they are hoping to release an album of original material fairly soon, of which i shall keep you guys updated!
Taking inspiration from bands such as 'Nirvana', 'Mumford and Sons' and legends such as 'Prince', Behind The Line are a band to take note of, beneath is a link to a free download of 'Perfect Hours' - an original track from the band, as well as a personal favourite that has been playing on repeat!

The Band's Logo!


The lead singer,Luci Vernon, also has a personal YouTube page in which she uploads a few of her own personal covers! This one being 'White Blank Page' by Mumford and Sons! Check it out! Her voice is so beautiful!






Wednesday, 2 November 2011

BIZARRE Fashion!

Fashion. 
To some its wearing the newest trends before anyone even catches a glimpse and breaking the bank for the designer labels. However, i believe its about self expression - you see some of the marvelous creations on the runway and think 'Im not wearing that!?', im guilty of such! But when you find the reasoning behind the design, you can understand why it is so. Fashion , at times, can be downright bizarre! From the meat dress created by the Haus Of Gaga , to the dreams of Alexander McQueen. Fashion is an art! and should be respected as such! Therefore in this post, i will be showing a number of these beautiful creations, starting of with, of course, McQueen!

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen has had experience in so many areas of fashion, from Savile Row tailoring, to the theatrical costumiers Angels and Bermans. All of which come through in his collections! As a designer, he tended to contrast different elements, for example, Fragility and Strength. He never held back and you can just see his imagination throughout his work!





"I think there is beauty in everything. What ‘normal’ people would perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it." - Alexander McQueen


Haus Of GaGa

The Haus Of Gaga is the creative team behind the driving force of Music, Art, Fashion, Politics - Lady GaGa!  They create the vast majority of her props, stage themes and of course, her outfits. Lady GaGa took inspiration from Andy Warhol, when creating the Haus Of GaGa, and everything they do. She believed that "He was able to make commercial art that was taken seriously as fine art..." Through all of this, GaGa sends messages to the world, builds connections to the world, and express herself as individual!




" I am a walking piece of art every day, with my dreams and my ambitions forward at all times in an effort to inspire my fans to lead their life in that way." - Lady GaGa


Yang Du

Yang Du is a surrealist fashion label created by Du Yang. Tending to blur the lines between art and fashion, (especially in her collection 'IT IS A DREAM IN COLOURS') Yang Du is an artist turned fashion desinger extravaganza! Some of you may have not heard of her, but she is fairly new on the scene, but definitely one to look out for! Having worked with the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Giles Deacon - she sure has a massive future in front of her!



"Are you a Shark or Sheep?" - Yang Du

Vivienne Westwood

The Queen of Punk. Vivienne Westwood's design are as flamboyant and extravagant as her flame orange hair. Known for such, she has spread over the world - a fashion icon in her own right! Appearing during the punk era, her designs are infused with safety pins, tartan and whatever takes her fancy! Westwood's first collection was called 'Worlds End' with which she opened her first store to sell, but now with collections such as 'Gold Label' and 'Red Label', her creativity as flourished beyond boundaries!




"Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well." - Vivienne Westwood