That's Life!

Things change. It's not always for how you want it to, and you can't always stop it but it can be negative and positive, depends how you look at it.
It has just hit me now coming home for easter, 7 months into my first year at uni how things have changed. Now i'm not going to say my friends and family have changed but i haven't, because that would be lying, i can see changes in myself but it scares me to think others can probably see the changes more drastically. I think i have become more independant - before uni i wouldn't even take my plate out when i finished dinner but now not am i only cooking that meal but washing up after as well (although i still try to get out of that if i can!). But also, I'm not as afraid to say what i really think anymore, fair enough i still think you shouldnt say something if it will upset them - unless it's my sister or best friends because they can take it. But i mean if someone is being a lemon, i will tell them they're being a lemon, after all i'd like to be told and it doesn't have to be in a bitchy manner.
However, it is sad to notice your friends moving on with their new uni friends and everyone who didn't go to uni growing closer or forming new groups which you used to be a key member in. I've found it particularly hard coming to terms with my best friends having new best friends. I hate thinking I might not necessarily be the first person they ring when something funny/cringey/bad has happened, though it is nice when out of the blue that does happen, like a little reminder they still remember and value you. But i would be a hypocrite if i left this one sided. Although i like to think i try to keep incontact with my friends and family enough while I'm at uni i know i don't do it as much as i could - or would even like to. Plus i ALWAYS talk about my friends at uni saying "so and so did this" and "omg we did this" but then again i don't stop talking so my friends practically know my whole life story including what jimjams i wore to bed last night.
Although i don't really like change, i don't want to accept my friends have new friends and i don't know everything that's going on with my family, for me gong to uni has been the most positive move i have ever made, and that would be the same for my friends at their universities, so although it's negative for the rest of us, it's a positive change for them.
 But i have to admit i am lucky, new friends aside and everything when i come back it mainly feels like i have never left, everyone is just more excited to meet up which can only be a positive thing right? Life does change so we all have to deal with that,we'd be bored if it didn't!

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. Coco Chanel

Off the Chain.. Daisy Chain that is.

          Its true what they say, fashion trends go round full circle, and that’s no difference with the 70s laid back hippy look. It’s time to let loose those locks, loosen your waistband and drop those hem lines.
          Let your bohemian beauty free with this summer’s biggest fashion statement; the maxi dress. With a dropped hemline and floaty, breezy fabrics the maxi dress is the ultimate 70s statement, especially teamed with floral prints in warm colours. However, seeing as I’m 5ft nothing they seem to drown me, so I guess I’ll leave the maxi dress to the leggy ladies. I also might leave them to flares which are revisiting the shops, they don’t really work for me but can look amazing teamed with a simple vest, signature oversized sunnies and a vintage floppy hat if you want to nail this trend.

        

 Something I am able to wear though is the knitted crochet waistcoat. I seriously need to invest in one, as I think it’s a summer statement this year, and could easily go over anything. Browns, creams and burnt orange are the colours to have, if you’re brave enough, a waistcoat fashioned with fringing can tackle two trends at once and push you to the top of the daisy chain.
          Relive the rebellion and express yourself with rich colours and clashing prints. The best thing about this trend is the freedom to wear anything… with anything! You can be bold with floral prints at the same time as powerful paisley. It’s also quite retro to throw in an animal print clutch or belt to seal the deal. However, too many prints can look like you’ve rolled around in a jumble sale rather than daisies. For me, what puts the hippy in the chick is the accessories. And I don’t just mean putting a flower in your hair, the iconic peace sign necklace or a floppy hat; which I recommend for a low key 70s style. But I’m talking about the big, natural hair. Bigger is better, hairspray is a must (as if it isn’t anyway) so you better get perfecting your backcombing. Natural waves are easy to handle, day or night, so I can see it tying in well with the beach look this summer fashioned with a floral headband. But if you want to step it up a notch and hit that 70s glamour then go for the static brushed out crimp, your hair will look wild and free, just what the 70s fought for. This trend has the perfect pieces for you to make love, not war!

Put a Spring in your Step!

In preparation for Spring, fashion is taking a leaf out of nature’s book and dusting the catwalk with petals. That’s right, floral prints are going to be huge this season in order to get you in the mood for summer loving. You’ve seen it everywhere, even in Rihanna’s “Only Girl in the World” video she can’t get enough, so find out how you can be rolling in it.

                Flirty floral prints were seen all over the catwalk this season ranging from D&G maxi dresses to Carolina Herrera knee touching one pieces that can be adaptable to anyone’s taste. Hem lines were a major reoccurrence throughout the catwalk and are featuring all over the high-street with floor skimming skirts, dresses and palazzo trousers. Other than D&G; Etro and Jil Sander had the floral maxi dress blossoming over their spring/summer collections as well, showcasing that petal prints are going to be the highlight of all our wardrobes this season.

(Carolina Herrera's collection)

                Whatever your style, the flower frenzy can tailor to anyone’s taste; whether you’re being bold and bright and wanting to attract attention, by mixing prints in neon and block colours or making peace with your floral tee and recreating the 70s. And for the feminine females, the floral minimalism look in nude tones can flatter the romance within any girl.

                Continuing the feminine yet floral collaboration, the main material that reoccurred was silk. This includes short sunflower skirts, wide leg wild flower flares and sexy shirts. Shirts have made a huge comeback this season within male and female fashion, and therefore Mother Nature becomes father nature this season. With floral shirts hitting the high-street men are able to create that vintage look with one item. They can also water their sophisticated work wear with a floral tie or shirt can inject to any outfit.

However, if a floral dress seems too much for you flower buds but still want to bloom with the fashion felines then why not try floral accessories instead. To step into this fashion phase, flowery footwear is growing rapidly through the high-street with painted wooden wedges to entice our inner hippy chicks as well as cute peep toes for a sexy but feminine style. On the other hand, if statement shoes aren’t you’re cup of tea then how about jewellery? Giant rings in the shape of a rose are flying off shelves in pinks, reds and cream to resemble those roses we all wish for by our special someone. And for those who are feeling more adventurous, statement floral necklaces are key this season, as seen by celebrities like Keira Knightly fashioning them. Bright colours such as red are sure to get you noticed.

                For the revival of the 70s also being a hot trend for spring/summer 2011, ditsy prints and headbands mean you can tackle both trends at the same time, reliving those peace making and daisy chain wearing days that we couldn’t the first time. If you want to jump into this trend head first then the high-street is bubbling with bands catered for you. Large roses are reoccurring throughout the stores and appear to be a popular sight of the summer, however if you think this trend is going to be like a thorn in your side and can’t deal with the other girly style then smaller, plaited ditsy printed bands are the path for you.

                Fashion doesn’t only have to be what you see on the outside though, the most desired part of a flower is it’s nectar, which bees have to get passed the petals for so why not you do the same? Underwear can be on trend too, and floral lingerie is the ultimate girly fashion statement that would make any woman feel feminine. But don’t stop there as sexy nightwear can do the same trick, the only trouble you will have is being able to get out of your flowerbed.

(D&G collection)



Pass the Bucket...

Kitten heels? ✔
Leather skirt? ✔
Low-cut top? ✔
The perfect checklist for that 50 year old women attempting to relive her youth, in other words, mutton dressed as lamb.
Kitten heels, where to start with kitten heels? One moment while i vom. Quite possibly the worst thing known to fashion since the bonnet back in the 18th century. Now we all love Audrey Hepburn and her classic look, she truely is a fashion icon from her head to her... Ankle? Yes, Audrey is the culprit for what has become almost an insult to fashion. There is even a Facebook group dedicated to the hate for the kitten heel, luckily for me, i'm not the only saddo taking time out to vent my distress towards this eye sore.
Who knew that extra 3.5 centimetres could take away most of the dignity that you had. Even at the mere thought of buying a pair, you'd be better off taking a trip to the psychiatrist instead as im sure the only explanation could be a nasty bump to the head.
Pass the bucket, that feelings coming back. I can't help but want to puke on every leather skirt. I lost some respect for Topshop the day i walked in and was greeted by a leather skirt, giving me an evil stare. I felt as though i was a helpless 15 year old being picked on by the older kids in school. Now, i understand the fashion revival and how everything comes back into the limelight, but the leather skirt is definitely something that should have stayed in the 1980's, just like the Nolans.
Don't get me wrong, it is possible to work the leather skirt, aslong as its tasteful. Look at Lauren Conrad, she never gets it wrong.

Talking of keeping it tasteful, its common sense to know that letting it all hang out is the ultimate fashion mistake. I'm all for the mini skirt, but only if the neckline isnt plunging, and vice versa. We all know its either legs or boobs, never both, unless its the cheap hooker look you're aiming for.

Vodka and Coke Please.

It seems to me that today; young adults are unable to enjoy a drink without being frowned upon. There has been so much bad press about teen drinking especially, with the boozy breaks abroad and underage drinking but what is so wrong with a 19 year old university student enjoying a night out at a club that only students are able to get in?

I like to drink for many reasons, firstly, it brings everyone together – I wouldn’t have bonded with the people I live with and course mates if it wasn’t for the little bottle of vodka we all had in common. Secondly, it relaxes you – you’re less conscious about how you are coming across and just want to have fun. And lastly, I don’t get hangovers!

I can understand where all the controversy comes from though; being a student in a highly based student town I have witnessed it first hand. Don’t get me wrong, I can't judge them – I too have hugged the pavement on a night out thinking it was my best friend, but if it becomes a regular habit it can become a problem.

As a student, especially in Southampton, everyday is an opportunity to get drunk. I wake up with constant flyers being posted under my doors about drink offers and even come back from a night out with a handful of flyers I can’t help but accept. But drinking around three times a week does not make me an alcoholic, so can someone please tell my mum?

The older generations enjoy it too, my parents are at the pub at least twice a week for a good socialise, but can’t help but judge when I tell them that I’m going to get drunk with the girls over a few cocktails for the third time this week already and it’s only Thursday. It’s inevitable that I will go out when there is somewhere different that offers a pound a drink every night, I take it easy compared to some of the hardcore boozers I know. To be honest witnessing someone chucking their guts up in my kitchen sink is enough to put anyone off binge drinking – and using that sink ever again!

I suppose what I’m trying to get at is that, I enjoy a drink quite a few times a week, but that doesn’t mean I’m one of those out of control teenagers you catch on the television causing a riot, it’s not fair to associate all teenagers with that image!

The Holiday

Arriving at five to six for a six o’clock start I’m greeted by a half ready male in jeans tighter than mine adjusting his tie as he approaches. “Erm, we’re just about to start our sound check now, we’ll be on at about seven, can’t you like go to the bar or something for a bit?” Although having to wait for an hour their suggestion of the bar had a positive effect on me and left me expecting them to be fun time boys with a healthy appetite for a good night out. But I couldn’t help but wonder if this first impression would last?

As seven o’clock struck I had to work my way through the tiny room full of girls, with banging hand bags and hair flicking in each other’s faces fighting to get to the front. Struggling to see through the dim lighting, a moody atmosphere falls upon the crowd with no one knowing what to expect of the unsigned and unheard of band. But still sound checking when everyone was patiently waiting gave the new band an unprofessional, laid back impression they possessed. Flashes of coloured lights hit the crowd, diminishing the glum atmosphere and anticipation as they quietly crept on stage.

This was The Holiday. A bunch of messy lads with a “fuck it lets go” attitude, just looking to perform to anyone that would listen to their “indie rock and cheesy pop” sound that can cater to many peoples taste. With five members to the band, there’s cheeky chap lead vocalist Jamie Smart, on bass and vocals is slightly shy James Harding, alongside him plays James Broderick with the only sound to come out of him is the amazing chords between his fingers in sync with the comedian of the band Daniel Cobb, and finally Jonathon Royston-Claire on drums with a personality as big as himself. Although within the band they have their different roles and play different parts within their friendships, the band that formed in Wetherspoons over a pint still want to give a sense of unity between them. 

They try to set the bands image with their similar preppy style. Skinny jeans; check, white shirts; check, tie; check, plimsolls; check, scruffy stubble; check. Although they may seem like five robots they all have an individual take on their outfits to match their contrasting personalities that are brought together by their muddy plimsolls. Front man of the band Jamie clearly has a fashion head hiding beneath his shiny brown locks as he sports a double breasted jacket over his Beatle inspired look. Whereas the shaggy haired guitarist, Dan kept his laidback look up with a Ralph Lauren bomber jacket and green tie to make his mark within the band; which is a major contrast to Harding who fashioned a smart blazer with his skinny jeans. Leaving the outspoken drummer; who liked to make a racket even at the most inappropriate times, and the silent guitarist who spoke through his guitar wearing basic jumpers over their shirts, to let their music do the talking instead of their image.

Although I had never heard of the band before, and I am sure I am not on my own with that as they confessed to enjoy being under the radar at the moment and being difficult to find online, on stage it felt like they had been performing together for ages. Jumping around and having a laugh with each other whilst performing seemed to be their main priority as they tapped their left legs in sync and bobbed around the stage with their mouths open, head banging to the beat, even those without a microphone were singing along. They generally enjoy their music themselves as Jonathon admitted “I played our new song, ‘The Weekend’ 106 times in 48 hours”. However it came most naturally to front man Jamie who spoke to the crowd while the others were still playing, struggling to be heard by the audience, whereas it appeared more awkward for both guitarists and even supporting vocalist who would look up at the coloured lights to avoid eye contact with the audience. To show their good time abilities and create a fun loving atmosphere they even try to encourage the audience to join in at their gigs by singing “hello sun, goodbye rain” in their self-confessed favourite song, “Cue the rain”.

The fun doesn’t stop once off stage though as the five lads seem to generally enjoy each other’s company with the banter flowing between them and soft play fighting every now and then. Although the band’s lead singer doesn’t like to get too involved with the physical jokes as he likes to play it cool slumped back in his chair with his left hand hanging over the back and a pint in the other. While the others, excluding overly talkative Jonathon who only gives the other members a chance to talk when he stops for a breath, the others sit nervously on the edge of their seats, clutching their hands and crossing over, then uncrossing their legs from time to time, sitting forward in a nervous manner every time they uttered a word.

But underneath the shy exterior laid a funny, light hearted band who could laugh at themselves, James Harding confessed: “This is really embarrassing but once I went on a three day bender and I pissed myself, twice!” to which the whole band burst into fits of laughter about, never tiring of hearing the same story or to mock him about it. To be honest this statement seemed to sum the band up. Although it was hard to get a word in edge ways with the huge drummer and difficult to get a word out Guitarist James, the banter between the boys was refreshing and really gave a sense of what it’s like to be a member of The Holiday.

Where there is believed to be a gap in the market for this Brit-pop guitar band with a self-proclaimed “fresh sound and attitude” the motor mouth member continues, “because we’re not like those other moody bands, we’re like a double rainbow”, the Southampton based band just wants to follow their dream of making it in the industry, as well as having a laugh along the way, which I don’t doubt for a second.