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.