All you need is a hug

Spent the festive period pondering the loves of Christmas past?

Worried about being on your own for New Years eve?

Already paniced at the thought of a card-less valentines day?

Well all the ladies in Japan can rejoice because a strong, yet soft cuddle is now at hand!

It doesn't snore, it doesn't need feeding, it won't betray you and it won't leave wet towels on the bed.

The Boyfriend's Arm Pillow is a girls new best friend! Sometimes all you need is a little hug.

www.fat-quarter.co.uk

Check out My friend Katie's website for more little gems like this:

R.I.P Brittany Murphy

So American actress, Brittany Murphy died at the age of 32 of a heart attack. The fact that her mother found dead in the shower makes my heart bleed a little bit.

I first witnessed Brittany’s charms when I was twelve years old. Me and my two buddies from school went on a Friday night adventure to see Clueless at Purley cinema in Croydon. We also necked a bottle of something sweet and alcoholic before we went, which resulted in me passing our cold on the way – this happens, more than I’d like to admit. This is beside the point though.

That film changed my world. I fell in love with the costumes and dreamt of Cher’s electronic wardrobe for months after. I wanted to be her and I wanted Tai (Brittany’s character) to be my friend. The girl from the wrong side of the track trying to impressed the glamorous rich kids. I could empathise.

She was so sweet and adorable, you could tell she had a great future in films ahead of her. Clueless will always be one of my favourites and I'll always think fondly of Brittany Murphy. I've been humming that Mentos song for over a decade now, infact I'm doing it right now!

Check out some of my favourite Tai-ism’s:

Tai: “Cher, I don't want to do this anymore. And my buns: they don't feel nothin' like steel.”

Tai: “I could really use some sort of herbal refreshment”

Dionne: “Oh, well we do lunch in ten minutes. We don't have any tea, but we have Coke and stuff.”

Tai: “No shit. You guys got Coke here?”

Dionne: “Well, yeah.”

Cher: “Yeah, this is America”

Tai: “Wow, you guys talk like grown-ups!”

Tai: “Shit, you guys, I have never had straight friends before!”

Give me paws and puuurrrrrrrs

It's Christmas, I am allowed to want everything. It's fine.  Seeing as my obsession with the most feline of the species it running over to every area of my life, I am on the hunt for new and varied ways to express my love for those poor pussy, poor pussy, poor pussy cats.

I WANT A CAT'S LIFE

Ok, fine, I'll settle for a gradual morphing process and start with one of these amazing furry hoods from www.merrimaking.co.uk.

Prices start from £15 and if you can opt for either a lined or unlined style. THE LINED HAS FLOWERS ON THE INSIDE. Blimey.

If a kitten head isn't making your heart flutter, why not try the lamb hood or the panda version. Merrymaking even custom make these beauties if you have something a little bit special in mind.

Fur with shiny gold ears? Oh just watch me weep.

Dear Father Christmas

I hope you and Mrs Claus are both well and enjoying the busy lead-up to Christmas? I bet those Elves are busy making all of the presents, if they get sore fingers I know of a great Ahava hand cream that'll sort those rough digits right out!

I like to think I have been a really good girl this year. I have saved up my tax money, been generous with free samples and made countless cups of tea for those in need.

Santa, all I want for Christmas is a Barbie by Christian Louboutin.

Since pretty much birth I have been a huge fan of Ms Barbara Millicent Roberts and the idea of her working with one of the most wonderful men in the world (Mr Louboutin), has sent me into complete wonderlust. Seriously it's made me a little dizzy.

If the elves are having a bit of trouble getting those red sole just right, the whole 50th anniversary range is available on www.Net-a-porter.com. They have Cat Burglar Barbie, Shopping Barbie, Showgirl Barbie, Safari Barbie, Sightseeing Barbie and a Canne Film Festival Barbie.

I would be happy with anyone of these designs (allofthempleaseallofthemplease) but if I have to pick one it would be Safari Barbie. I played in the jungle with elephants a couple of weeks ago - she's perfect for me. And please, those boots are amazing. AMAZING!

Anyway Santa, I'm sure you have a million things to do so i'll leave you in peace. If whilst reading my behavioral history report from the past year you do come across some discrepancies, just run them past me before you make any rash decisions please? I can explain everything.

I love you always.

Sophie x

Just a thought...

"Could you believe that despite everything I've put you through, I love you too?"

Edward Cullen

When I grow up I want to be Karen O. In a big way.

A new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album is always something I look forward to and this years, It's Blitz proved to be a departure from their synonymous garage rock sound. It is a punky dance offering which lends itself to a live performance perfectly. 

As Karen Orzolek sung softly from backstage to the gentle start of 'Runaway', the Brixton Academy crowd instantly sat up and took notice. As the drum and guitar broke through the tenderness and the stage curtain fell, it was obvious to all that this was going to be a pure rock & roll gig. 

Enthralling the crowd with her unique stage presence Karen O swooped onstage in a long Christian Joy designed cape complete with large chin high collar. It was almost as if she was the High Priest and we were her ever present disciples, ready and willing to bow down at the alter of The O. 

'Pin' was a highlight with drummer Brian Chase and guitarist Nick Zinner coming into their own; I was really reminded that the best bands are truly made-up of talent from every direction. Zinner's technically brilliant guitar playing stood-out even amongst Karen's dominance. 

Orzolek put her leather's on for the disco sounding, 'Zero' and created one of the biggest reactions of the night. As the tickertape flew, one of the stage prop signature eyeballs was unleashed into the audience. Although she eventually got bored of it flying around her stage ("I've had enough of that fucking eyeball, man!"), it was said with jest. 

The Christian Joy designed costumes suit O's energetic personality perfectly and the array of colours and fabrics that were on show just added to the eclectic feel of the performance. The headdress from that now infamous Glastonbury performance once again appeared for 'Skeletons', pushing the boundaries of costume dressing forward once again. 

As the encore ensued Karen O charmed her crowd with a simply stunning acoustic version of Maps. Her tenderness is as effective as her madness and the crowd was completely romanced by the performance. 

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs formed 10 years ago in New York and for me, they have been a musical force that has been unchallenged throughout the noughties with Karen O an unstoppable icon and front-woman. I actually can't wait until they're in London again.

Look what I've found

I don't love Christmas time but I do love Christmas parties and this dress from www.Missguided.co.uk should see me through a couple of events. I really like combination of the nude tone with the black lace. It's pretty with a punky edge.

It's only £23.99 too so I refuse to feel guilty about spending money on myself in December. These boots are cool too, I'm fond of a studded trim and they're only £37.99!

While it's cold outside...

Thank God for Chanel. I only have to look at this catwalk look and my cockles warm a little. The gothic undertones combined with the feminine A-line shape make me yearn for the summer months. I just love a little lace. And look at those clogs, they are just so cool - massive trend alert. Who knew I'd be lusting over clogs?!

King Karl Rules The Waves.

I love Lily

Lily Allen played her second night at the O2 Brixton Academy on Saturday the 28th November and I toddled along to see her with my Dad, my 16 year old sister and my 19 year old brother. With all her swearing, smoking and sexual innuedo ranting I did wonder if it was gonna be a suitable family outing event, but with her sweet London charm, Lily had something to offer each one of us.

Bounding on stage in a nude coloured embellished tunic dress, seductive over the knee House of Holland tights and a super sleek bob wig, she opened up her show with the brutally honest 'Everyone's At It'. As she glided from song to song it was interesting to see how this 5'1 giggling, 24 year old managed to flirt succesfully with the whole audience. Offering and pouring hardcore fans from the front row pints of Guiness, she danced and sung her way through a variety of hits from her first and second albums.

Looking to the audience for a little singing help with 'Smile' (a song she openly says she is bored of), a Drum & Bass beat broke through the familiarity of the pop classic and on came Professor Green, the South London MC. My heart literally soared as together they performed an updated version of the Beats International hit, 'Dub be good to me.' It was a perfect tribute to the 1980s revival that is so of-the-moment.

Returning to the stage for the encore she changed into a hot pant style jumpsuit and her third wig of the evening. Her use of wigs really caught my attention. It's almost like the loud mouth, opinionated Lily Allen of old has now decided to don a public stage persona. With her recent announcement that she is a 'Neo-luddite', it could be she is just concentrating on the performance element of her persona. I think Lily is growing up right before our eyes, I doubt we'll hear all about her dislike of Cheryl Cole or Katy Perry anymore, I think she keep those kind of thoughts private. It's as if she's learnt it's what gets her in trouble.

As she wrapped up the show with the ultimate payback song 'It's not fair', the whole crowd (included the wounded boys) sung out loud and proud. Overall the show was a success my only criticism would be at times the sound drowned out her delicate and ever-so slightly fragile voice. As she showered the audience with silver and gold confetti, I got the feeling this Chanel muse is well on he way to becoming a mature and accomplished UK artist as well as the voice of a generation.

My Goa dream

I've just returned from a weeks holiday in Goa and I have to say, India has captured my imagination. I learnt how to wear a sari, ate with my dinner with my fingers, swam with elephants, got robbed blind my ladies on the beach and walked down the street minus my make-up.

What caught my fashion eye the most was the array of stunning colours. There is literally something to look at everywhere you go. From the hundreds of dogs that randomly roam the streets  to the green that the rain brings, the beauty is all around.

Here are my colours from India:

Just a thought...

"Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Mad for Manoush

I was kindly invited to the lovely my-wardrobe.com SS10 press day and spotted this frothy little number from French label Manoush. And when I say spotted I mean ran across the room, past the canapes and almost into a Vogue editor. Oh good.

Anyway.

I've have a big a soft spot for Manoush and the selection the brilliant buyers at my-wardrobe.com have bought into for the summer scene are a feast for my eyes. It a wonderful mix of pretty pieces with signature intricate charm-filled detailing.

This dress is guaranteed to make me feel like a beautiful fairy (lifelong dream). All I need now is for Ray Winston to call me 'Princess' and I'll keep smiling. I think I'm going to wear it with a chunky cardigan, messy hair and some biker boots.

Just call me Rock Chick Barbie.

http://www.my-wardrobe.com/manoush.html

Luella I love you.

Two days ago my heart broke a little bit.


Luella Bartley has revealed that her Luella fashion label has ceased trading. Club 21, the London-based global license has pulled out of the brand, which it has backed since 2003. In a joint statement, VSQ Limited, the subsidiary of Club 21, had reluctantly ‘taken the decision not to invest further in its relationship with Luella Bartley Limited.’ Bartley added: 'This is a very disappointing situation for everyone involved with the brand… I very much appreciate the support that VSQ has given me, but it is upsetting not to be able to protect jobs in this difficult economic climate. We have a number of options open to us, and are considering these over the coming months.'



The spring summer 2010 collection will never grace a shop floor. Urgh I really dislike the current economic clmate, it hurts. The Luella brand always appealed to me. The bright colours, the kooky detailing, the links that are incorporated into the designs that show-off Luella's love of the English countryside.



I am going to treasure every Luella piece I own, SS08 you had me at hiya. I can't even write anymore. Get another backer fast. Please see below.

FTBC on the QT

There's nothing I like more than a good charity party; I get to don my highest heels, paint my lips the brighest colour and strut my stuff in a slinky dress all while doing a good deed.
One of my favourite charites Fashion Targets Breast Cancer has announced an exclusive one-off gig; FTBC On The QT to be held at The Proud Galleries on November 11th. Hosted by style icon Pearl Lowe with performances from Sophie Ellis Bextor and new band The Cheek, it's a guaranteed feel-good night of fashion and music. If that wasn't enough Ben Grimes will be hitting the decks after to get you on the dance floor. So give a little to a worthy cause and get ready to dance the night away with the cream of the fashion crop. I can't wait!

Tickets are £30 each so go to www.ftbcontheqt.com and get your hands on one of the limited number available.

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer® is licensed by the Council of Fashion Designers of America / CFDA Foundation, Inc., USA.

While it's cold outside...

I am dreaming of the S/S10 collections. This catwalk look from the gorgeous Alexander Wang has me holding my breath.

The Asymmetric detailing, the khaki colour, the ties at the front, the hareem-esque trousers and the chic roll at the hem are all something I want a piece of.

BIG SIGH.

Desperate for Disaya

Whilst feasting on the delights of the press days, I spotted a stunning jewellery collection from award-winning Central St Martin's graduate Disaya Sorakraikitikul. My heart literally lept into my mouth when I saw the upcoming styles. Bright, fun and full of character I pretty much want everything.

Stocked at Harrods, Harvey Nicholls, ASOS and Spoiledbrat.co.uk, I actually can't stop thinking about the  the 'Yes' bangle! Oh dear, I feel a major splurge coming on.

http://www.disaya.com/

Just a thought...

"An Ounce Of Loyalty Is Worth A Pound Of Cleverness"

Elbert Hubberd

As spooky as I go!

I'm not really a Halloween fan, I just don't really get it. I don't mind treating the little kiddies to bundles of sweeties but that's about as far as I'll go.

I do however totally adore this slightly perverse photoshoot from Richard Avedon. The thought provoking and absurd love story between German model Nadja Auermann and her deceased husband is beautifully bizarre and in typical Avedon style, exquisitely documented.

Meet Mr & Mrs Comfort:

Never break the chain

I feel like all of my life I've been waiting to see Fleetwood Mac live. When I started this blog I decided to try and remain impartial and objective but I've decided; it's my blog, I'm going to just write what my fingers want me to.

Wembley Arena played host to Fleetwood Mac tonight, the incomparable, soft rock band that has for so long influenced my musical tastes. With my Dad stood next to me I was taken on a much needed journey through their classic hits and paid witness to a band that has stood the test of time and the torment of forbidden emotion.

Pronouncing, 'Let's get this party started!' Stevie Nicks launched into 'Dreams,' probably the bands most instantly recognisable hit. It wasn't all I had hope to be, mainly because Nicks wasn't the waif-like adolecent with the upper register of a dainty doll that I had studied in an 1979 YouTube published video, but I certainly wasn't disapointed. How can you be disapointed with a performance when the line 'Players only love you when they're playing' appears?

As they the quartet breezed through song after song it occured to me that although Christine McVie's presence wasn't missed, the tender element she bought to The Mac was. There was no Little Lies or Songbirds singing, this was a strong and powerful band that had a passive aggresive yet magical edge. Mostly evoked by Stevie's witch-like insistence.

Big Love arrived and as Lindsay Buckingham blew on his fingers and declared the song, '...as much about love as it is about the ability to change.' every guitarist (and mere mortal) in the audience watched on in awe. His fingers dance over strings like that is where they should always be, his finger picking and bass note agenda are something I have never seen. This man moves, plays and sings like a true performer, a one of a kind and a unique talent. And I could go on.

Gold dust woman mark a change in atmosphere and Nicks hyphotised her crowd and Mick Fleetwood stirred in his little drummer boy seat. With John McVie's deep bluesy bass-line pounding the band lept into the strongest part of the set. Again the word power comes to mind.

As the finale ensued the affection between Nicks and Buckingham is glaringly clear, having know each other since they were about 16 this is a set that seemingly cannot be separated - nor we we wish them too. The ulitimate break-up song 'Go your own way' got the crowd on their feet. After an astonishing solo performance from Mr Fleetwood, the crowd are left with the anthemic 'Don't Stop.'

Although the crowd is slightly older and the the songs are oh-so-familiar, I never want Fleetwood Mac to stop, although of course they will. They are a band that take you on a journey and a band that in times of confusion and lack of clarity I subconsiously fall back on. You just know that every individualy talented member of this band has a story to tell. Each one has loved, lost, found and travelled and Mick's hippy-esque plea to the crowd to '... be kind to one another in this crazy world.' left me with safest feeling of content and gratitude.

Ignoring all Rumours, Fleetwood Mac are part of popular culture history and a damn fine live act.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEi7GPkxfsE

Motel Rocks!

Gosh I love a lively print.
I adore the way the way a gorgeous design can brighten up a simple style instantly. One of my favourite places to find a printed delight is http://www.motelrocks.com/ This fun website is packed full of statement styles and original looks.
Their current available collection shows off originality at excellent prices. I'm particularily fond of the body-con Amanda dress which has gorgeous rose panel detailing. I also can't wait to get stuck into the Joy jacket with the coverted baroque print (available to order 29th October. Nice.) and the houndstooth printed Allegra jumpsuit.
They're real show-stopping styles that are proving popular with the fash-pack. So make like Lily Allen, Little Boots and lead singer JuJu from new indie band Little Fish and let a little colour into your life with a quick click.
Ooooh 'citing!

Oh how I heart...

One of my more controversial style rules is cheap jewellery, expensive lingerie.

Hunt out a cute ring or a quirky necklace for a fiver and you're guaranteed more compliments than if you're wearing a generic Links of London (everybody on the tube has the same bracelet) style.

One site I constantly return to when I'm in need of a new jewellery gem is www.elsiebelle.com. My favourite purchase from said site has to be the Mini Harmonica (tuned to the C key). Hanging from my neck, people always point it out or have a quick glance. Yes it is a real harmonica and yes it does work!

They also have a Rubix Cube trinket, a Betty Basset hound ring, a Crayola pendant and a mini Matryoshkas charm bracelet

I've put the my harmonica with the black Hello Kitty plectrum on the same silver chain, it just feels like they belong together. A lovely mix of music and fashion.

The loveable Maccabees

I first saw The Maccabees live at the Camden Crawl in April 2009. Amongst the start of summer festival fever that was The Crawl, their headlining status was almost lost on me. I was already quite mesmerised by The Virgins who proceeded them at The Roundhouse and my eye had been caught by the many females that were fronting my playlists.

I mean, I had seen the Yeah Yeah Yeahs the night before - who was gonna beat that?

Well, in April The Maccabees didn't beat Karen O and her crew on performance but they had wooed me with their indie boy charm. These Brighton based South London boys are really made for me. After living in The Bright-Town for a few years I seem to gravitate towards all things hippiesque, hedonistic and experimental.

Fast forward to 3rd October Brixton Academy and I am once again in front of the self proclaimed non-religious Maccabees. Their second album 'Wall of Arms' has been available since May and the crowd is pack full of 'cool kids'.

Their infectious, yet well thought about lyrics are the perfect anecdote to those early twenties blues that so many of the crowd are clearly experiencing. Bouncing around the stage, Orlando Weekes is quite clearly what Ian Curtis could have been if the depression had lifted.

Joined on stage with three saxophonists, the set is clean, simple and unadulterated. 'No kind words' causes every arm in the crowd to raise, whilst 'Toothpaste kisses' makes every single soul in the audience wish for that particular morning glory. With the involvement of mandolins and accordions the show is understated and quietly technical.

Whilst you get the impression that the indie boy blues have affected their open-heart diagnosis of love, the band that were on stage at Brixton charmed the crowd with their obvious elation to be there. As the predictable and anticipated 'Love you better' encore ensued, Weekes told the crowd 'I think you've just given us the gig of our lives.' and their reluctance to leave the stage seemed to affirm this. It is such a joy to see a band grateful for the adoration that receive.