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