Not Giving In

ED Sheeran dubbed this video as 'one of the best music videos of the year' and I couldn't agree more. Following two brothers through the rough streets of Manila, Philippines, the video is apparently based on world champion breakdancer Mouse and his older brother; he makes it and his brother gets engulfed by drugs and gun crime. I don't think that I would like the song half as much if it wasn't for the video. It has the feel good aspects of the vibrant bassline but also the powerful aspects of the darker times the brothers face. The scene where the older broter is shot and the camera pans around him in slow motion in contrast to his brother in the same position but in completely different contexts is beautiful.

Written and Directed by Josh Cole < major props to this guy.
 

Hope any New Yorkers are safe after the hurricane! The images are crazy.

"London Baby!" - Joey Tribbiani

Les Miserables • Chinatown • Ballgown Exhibition and the Fashion Gallery at the V&A • Pretty ornaments and patterns from the Asia Gallery • M&M STORE

Oh my gosh how freaking amazing is the M&M Store?! Look at all the different colours! The only thing missing is a pool of M&M's to jump in.

On the first day, we visited Westfield shopping centre (which is effing awesome) to view the Olympic Stadium and indulge in a little bit of retail therapy. All the shops are just so big and spacious. There was even a Victoria's Secret store, I watch the Fashion Show every year so it was amazing to see the wings on the lingerie set in the window. In the evening we went to see Les Miserables, the longest running musical in the world. It was quite long winded but the stage direction and use of props was really spectacular. On the way to the theatre we walked down Wardour Street and it was full of little bars and cool hangouts that you imagine the stylish Londoners who live in an apartment decorated with art and batik to visit. The theatre was just opposite Chinatown so we had a walk (and a smell) through there too. I was in food heaven.

The next day we visited the V&A Museum  to see the Ballgown Exhibition. There were some amazing fairytale gowns from the 1950's until now. I loved seeing the Erdem dress; the colour and detail in the print was even more captivating in person. Looking at fashion from the forties was really interesting too, it's so chic and timeless. We also visited the Asia Gallery; I was enamoured with the Buddha-inspired ornaments and patterns found in their fabrics - I want my room decorated with it all. Just before the return journey, when I was walking through St. Pancras, I saw a little pink piano located at the bottom of a lift for anyone to use. When I walked past, an elderly man was playing songs from Les Miserables (what a coincidence) to his wife who sat nearby tapping her foot. My  heart melted, it really did.

It was a bit of a mad rush once I got home; I was going to a Halloween party that started at eight and my train got in at nine. Once I did arrive it was pretty darn good though.

p.s. Have you seen the adorable statue in St. Pancras of the couple locked in an embrace after reuniting? It's so romantic.

Hair Up, Stripped Back

He's only gone and done it again. Matt Corby, my lover, my babe, has produced another phenomenal performance of Brother in addition to this and this. With his expertise in performing this song being exuded through his casual yet  perfectly timed approach, everything about him just puts you at ease. It seems so effortless. I don't think I'm going to be able to control myself  when I see him perform in exactly one month's time. ONE MONTH! Wazawazaa.

Take My Body, Take My Body

Well hi there! Long time no see. I have been so caught up with school work recently (as is the main consensus swirling around the blogosphere) that I haven't had time to post anything in eleven days! But here I am and I just thought I'd do a little update of what I'm currently up to.

Listening to:
Kodaline - All I Want
Aside from the song being downright beautiful, the video makes it all the more heart-warming. If it didn't have a happy ending, I'd be a crying mess right now. The live version is just as good. I think I've just found my new favourite band in this gorgeous Irish four-piece. I listened to their other songs on the EP and no two are alike; I think that's such a good quality as I often skip songs on certain albums because it becomes too repetitive. The style of music is changed between each song but the constant use of vocal power and guitar patterns remain.

Reading:
Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts
I've only read twenty eight out of the nine hundred and thirty three pages but it's going to be a good one. The writer recounts his own experiences of being in the Bombay mafia, acting in Bollywood and fighting in Afghanistan all after escaping from an Australian prison and becoming a part of the most wanted list. I also ordered Birdsong (I loved the tv adaptation...mainly due to Eddie Redmayne) and Looking For Alaska.

Waiting For:
My trip to London to see Les Miserables! I'm a sucker for a good musical. We're also going to see the Ballgown exhibition at the V&A museum which will be rather fan-dabby-dozey. I had wanted to see the Movie Costumes exhibition as film and theatre wardrobe had always fascinated me but there wasn't any convenient time slots. Speaking of Eddie Redmayne, he's starring in the film adaptation of Les Mis. Hawwwt.

Getting excited about:
Halloween! I love dressing up so I was really excited when two of my friends organised a massive Halloween party this year. As you can see, I had contemplated being a cat but now I'm going as a dark Little Red Riding Hood, with a red cape and dark make-up.

 Is there anything you're really excited about in the near future?

Art Of The Trench

We are approaching the middle of October, almost time to pull on our beloved scarves and coats, so I was pleased to find a tumblr that acts as a source of inspiration for all things Burberry trench coat. The timeless, classic style is shown through both men and women street style shots taken from all over the world.

This just gets me in such an autumnal mood. I need a trench coat.

ART OF THE TRENCH: burberry.tumblr.com

James Arthur

James Arthur is my favourite X Factor contestant this year by far. His amazing rendition of I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt at the judges houses stage (how suave was Ne-Yo looking by the way) was so incredible. James evoked such passion through his throaty tone, reinventing the delicate song. I am really looking forward to what he has to offer in tonight's live show. Plus, I'm a sucker for tattoos and blue eyes.

My other favourites include Jahmene, he's such a cutie, and Times Red...so I'm hoping they're voted in as a wildcard tonight. I do love a good reality tv show.

Who are your favourite contestants so far?

Sigur Ros - Fjögur Píanó

Sigur Rós - Fjögur píanó from Sigur Rós Valtari Mystery Films on Vimeo.

This video is so effing beautiful. Yes Shia adds to the beauty of it but the concept and incorporation of butterflies as a running theme just builds up a fascinating imagery for the simplistic, sombre piano melody. The leading characters played by Shia LaBeouf and Denna Thomsen are seemingly caught up in a destructive spiral fuelled by addiction and dependance.

The short film was written and directed by Alma Har'el as part of Sigur Rós Mystery Film Experiment in which a handful of filmmakers must create a video to one of the songs from the bands record, Valtari. The bassist, Georg Holm, describes the video perfectly, stating that "It seems to have no beginning and no end, and just makes you think about what might and might not be going on. It's a puzzle, and I think it's absolutely amazing."

Speaking of the symbolic meaning of the butterflies, Har'el says that they represent "very beautiful things that die very fast". Her concept of the film is based on "addiction to drugs, or sex, or anything – and how you get stuck in a cycle...For me, it’s about not knowing how to get out of something without causing pain to somebody else" says Har’el. "For other people it might be about candy and fish. I’m down with that."

Behind the scenes video here
Watch other entries for the film experiment here. They are all captivating.