Finding my Style - Part 2

Whilst I was studying at Uni, one of my friends - Arabella introduced me to the beauty of Dita von Teese. Before then I had never heard of Burlesque or even thought about the glamour of the 50’s style pin up. Now, however, I love the style, the confidence and the individuality of Burlesque (and we’re not talking about the Cher & Christina Aguilera film!)

I’ve never been to a Burlesque show but I like the idea of them. I’ve known people who have been part of a show, and they always tell me how much confidence it gives them, and how you don’t have to be skinny and blonde with big tits to get involved. Now don’t get me wrong, I have no intention of stripping off in a giant martini glass for you, but I would watch others do it! So that is one thing I want to add to my list of things to do – watch a burlesque show. I live in London so that shouldn’t be much of an issue, I just need to get my arse in gear to go!I

Now onto the reason we are all here, the style of the 50’s Pin up…

I don’t know if it is a style I could ever pull off, but what I love about it is the understated glamour; the pale complexions, the perfect (yet subtle) make up, with the hair staying exactly as it should. Also, in my mind anyway, a true burlesque/50’s pin up always looks immaculate. You would never see her sweaty, or out of breath, or flustered. And they always go out looking glamorous, no trackpants and old t-shirt for them, hell no. What has made me think about Burlesque and Dita recently is an event of my own I have happening late next summer, where I need to find something special to wear. I don’t wear dresses. As we’ve established in earlier blogs I like my jeans and t-shirts. However this is a style I want to try and embrace – eventually.

Whilst I get my body 'dress ready’ here of some of my favourite dresses around at the moment to help inspire me.

I love, love, love this dress. It is from Vivien of Holloway and is absolutely stunning. You can get different colours but red with polka dots is easily my favourite. http://www.vivienofholloway.com/

This one is a little smaller in the skirt size, but nicely understated, yet still glamorous. It is from Dig for Victory and you can have your own dress custom made. http://www.digforvictoryclothing.com/

Well I hope you like them, yes it's quite different from the surfer style but I'm sure we all have an inner glamour goddess trying to get out every now and then, and this is the perfect style for them!

Sweet Treats

So yesterday the Filing Cabinet and I became re-acquainted - in a big way. My friend returned to work after a holiday to New Zealand and she brought with her so many goodies from the Southern Hemisphere that I couldn't resist. There were Tim Tams, Caramello Koalas, Pineapple lumps and Perkynanas. Now this may sound like gobblygook to most but they are all lovely chocolate based treats.

I was lucky enough to travel around New Zealand and the east coast of Australia for a couple of months way back in 2007 and all these treats (not to mention the photos) made me reminisce for the time I spent there. It was simply the best holiday I've ever had. I was 23, finished my degree and my Masters and without a 'proper' job. I went with my boyfriend and I think it is the closest I have ever felt to being truly carefree. The scenery was simply spectacular. Because we could only afford to be there for a couple of months we fit so much in a short space of time. Every day was something different from walks around mountains (certainly not up them) trying to swim with dolphins (they swam away when we jumped in the freezing sea) snorkelling at the barrier reef to a relaxing trip to the cinema.

As we had such a great time that sometimes I consider if it would be worth upping sticks and emigrating but it is such a difficult decision – and it's so far away, it’s not like moving to Spain! At the moment I actually have a job I kind of enjoy and although I don’t have any commitments like a mortgage or (god help me) children I also do not have any savings – which would definitely be required. And what if we went for a year, got bored, or couldn’t find jobs, or simply didn’t like it? It would mean having to come back to start all over again in London. New jobs, new house, new savings. I guess this is why the people that do emigrate are the brave ones – there is so much to risk, and no guarantee the grass is greener. So that is why I have decided to embrace and enjoy life more here rather than think what if…

There is so much in Europe alone I have yet to see, which is why I have booked a holiday to Iceland in November and am planning to go to Wales with Skinny Jeans in the Spring (to climb Mt Snowdon!!!) As well as that my days since I started this blog have overall been so much busier and fun. I’ve had friends up to visit with trips to the theatre, attended a couple of concerts, had some lovely meals out and gone dancing! As Christmas approaches I have my Iceland holiday, a trip home, gigs, friend’s birthdays and hopefully more to look forward to. And don’t worry I still have the Friday night drinks with work! And these are the reasons why I am not going to beat myself up for having more NZ treats yesterday then perhaps I should have done. It was a one off, and the Tim Tams that are left will not be touched by me, well at least until Friday.

So here is a picture of Hobbiton to brighten your day!

Born to Run

As the evenings get darker and colder it takes me more effort to drag myself out for a jog. However there is a saviour out there in the form of my ipod and my fantastic taste in music that keeps me inspired. Normally you can get those cheap "101 songs for running" or " Best running song" CDs and although these have some great tunes on they tend to be a bit to centred on dance music so I have put together my own mixtape! I hope you the selection of some of my favourite songs to jog to and if anyone is reading this feel free to suggest your own!

Foo Fighters - My Hero. Who doesn't love Dave Grohl?

Legally Blonde, the Musical - Whipped into Shape. This is an excellent song for running to, you just have to imagine you'll end up with a body like the girls have in the musical to keep going. It almost makes me want to take up skipping.

Spice Girls - Who do you think you are? The less said about this choice the better.

Britney Spears - Toxic. You should now be seeing a pattern clearly showing that I love cheese.

Ash - Arcadia. I love Ash, they are easily my favourite band and have so many great songs. This one is particularly inspiring and one of my favourite songs ever.

Tim Minchin - Bears don't dig on dancing. If anyone hasn't seen Tim Minchin I urge you to, he is a musical comedy genius!

The Boy from Oz, the musical - Continental American. Hugh Jackman serenading me as I run, what more could a girl ask for?!

Alexander Rybak - Fairytale. A Eurovision classic.

Destiny's Child - Bootylicious. I feel this one needs no explanation!

Avenue Q, the Musical - If you were gay. This is one of the funniest musicals I have ever seen and hearing any of the songs from this cheers me up as I run.

Mumford and Songs - Little Lion Man. It's got a banjo, is catchy, quite simply it's great.

Glee cast - Loser like me. Come on there has to be some Glee in there somewhere!

Ash - Walking Barefoot. Another great Ash song. This one reminds me of summer.

Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the heart. Power Ballads FTW! Plus this is my go to karaoke song

Just reading through them now makes me want to pull on my trainers, stuff my headphones in my ears and hit the pavement!