Lipstick & Loose Ends

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

London's little secret: the Soviet T-34 tank

Following my blog on Singapore and its lack of creativity and unconventionality, today I came across something which could only be found in a vibrant city like London... A city on the other end of the spectrum from Singapore.

See, this is why I cherish my home town. The very sight of something so random plonked on some land surrounded by Bermondsey estates makes my eyes smile.

Installed in 1995, you will find this Soviet T-34 tank at the corner of Mandela Way and Pages Walk - just minutes from where I once called home in Bermondsey, SE1.

Cool, right?

But guess what? It has a history with a message behind it.

The fascinating - what would now seem to be a landmark - was installed by a landowner who is said to have failed to get planning permission on the site. What makes it even more exciting is the gun's direction, facing towards the local council offices.

Give it a few days, weeks, or years and here you have it. A piece of art.

Graffiti, rust - you name it. The tank is truly reflective of London's artistic flair and personality.

And that, my friends, is one of the things that makes London rock my socks off.

God help Singaporeans if they ever found the Soviet T-34 tank in their city, however. The culprit would most likely be tortured, before being given the death sentence.

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

LOVING LOOKBOOK.NU

Are you a fashion and creativity lover who has yet to discover LOOKBOOK.nu? I suggest you check it out! The site is bursting with inspirational looks; from the classically beautiful, to ensembles you would never have thought would work.

Here's a few of my favourite looks to whet your appetite... Bon appetite!

Mirella Szymoniak brings us bling-tastic ghetto-chic! Brap, darling!

Adam G uses all of our favourite autumnal colours in one look - nicely done!

Quite the contrary: Who knew you could dress in the same colour head to toe and still look this gorgeous? Natalie Liao clearly did, through the use of a variety of textures...

Tamara Gonzalez Perea teams shocking pink and electric blue accents with stripy monochrome trousers in this daring look.

Tricia keeps things clean-cut and sophisticated with monochrome. Who needs contacts when you can look this chic in glasses?

Which is your favourite look?

Friday, 9 November 2012

Does life just feel like one big game?

If so, turn to Lauryn Hill. She is an absolutely inspiration to me. Not just because I love her music. Hear me out…

I may not believe in God in the same way as she does. I don’t aspire to be just like her. But I agree with the vast majority of her very considered and well thought-out ranting that features in her MTV Unplugged No.2 album of 1992.

Anyone that has spent 24 hours with me will have been subjected to at least a song or two of Lauryn’s. She keeps me sane. I find her meaningful lyrics and chatter so refreshing, instead of the usual “you sexy, I sexy, let’s do it” malarkey.

She constantly talks of “reality” and life lessons that she’s learnt… Whilst she still takes to the stage, she has now ‘retired’ from being a performer.

One of her most inspiration songs is ‘I Get Out’ which is about her no longer compromising and repressing her true inner self for other people:

‘I get out’ is directed towards the record company Lauryn was under. How it was in their best interests for her not to be herself. To sell records. To go far.

I think we can apply Lauryn’s lyrics to all situations.

But is that really how you should be living your life? One big game, parade, facade of false perfection?

Instead of trying to be something you’re not to feel accepted, why not just be yourself? You will still be liked! Stop trying so hard to be what you think people want you to be.

I think everyone’s guilty of this in some place or other. Even in the simplest instances… Refusing to leave the house without makeup, for example.

Face it. No one looks their best without a lashing of mascara. That is reality.

In the words of Ms Hill: “Fantasy is what people want when reality is what people need.”

Don't you agree?

Thursday, 8 November 2012

A Londoner’s love/hate relationship with Singapore

First timer’s to Singapore be warned: The first culture-shock that’ll smack you in the face is the immediate and distinct LACK of graffiti, tramps and chewing gum.

Lets not forget that the distance between your feet and a pavement-dwelling cigarette butt will span far over a metre. In fact, make that 1000 metres, a million metres, however many metres you bloody want. You won’t find one.

And no. It isn’t because Singaporean’s are genetically predisposed to be clean freaks. Obviously there’s got to be some laws laid down to create a place which probably squeaks if you rub it with your finger.

You might have heard Singapore being described as ‘a fine city‘, but never quite figured out exactly what’s what. To start, here’s a few things to avoid:

SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES: $500 fine - stick to designated smoking areas and bins
LITTERING: $1000 fine and litter picking duty
JAYWALKING, SPITTING, FAILURE TO FLUSH A TOILET: Sizeable fines
VANDALISM: Fines up to $2000, a prison sentence of up to 3 years and between 3 and 8 strokes of the cane. If you fancy yourself the next Banksy, Singapore isn’t a place you want to hit up
DRUGS: Lengthy prison sentence/ death penalty.

Harsh? It’s arguable.

Anyhow, the list goes on… It truly does. Did anyone mention even a sip of water on the tube will cost you $500?

But the result of all these rules is that Singapore, quite frankly, is pristine. It really is an achievement that they’ve managed to create such a rule following society.

Since I got there it was noted that I tend to walk with my handbag swung round the front of me, clutched close into my chest like a newborn baby. Then there’s how anal I am about hiding my pin when I withdraw money at a cash point. I won’t even leave my bag lying next to me when sat at a table outdoors. To me, every child without an adult is a pickpocket.

Apparently all that jazz is simply not necessary there.

Everywhere is safe. Everything is so clean. Hypochondriacs, get your butts over there, the place is heaven.

How they managed to keep it that way is beyond us all. It’s fantastic. Grand. Amazing!

Take London; there are fines for littering. However, even taking one step out of your front door will show that clearly the rule isn’t enforced enough - if at all.

Yet Singapore is perfect. Or is it?

Well, no. I’m afraid not.

Sure, it’s got its plus sides. The city is beautiful. It’s kind of nice that everything’s so god damn perfect.

If you happen to find yourself in the area, get a cable car ride round to Sentosa at night. The panoramic views over the city are stunning. Sentosa on the other hand… not so much.

Either way, the novelty of a “perfect” city soon wears off.

You get bombarded with disappointment when you’ve spent your time searching for something a little quirky and it’s just not there. Say you fancy a dance, the authorities have even set up a designated ‘partying area’. Draw your own conclusions.

The place is so ‘staged’. People say there’s no such thing as perfect. Well, they are right…

To live there would be like becoming a kid whose parents keep them in a cocoon, hidden from the harsh realities of life. Or in this case, the dirty habits of back home.

The place has no soul. It drones through life.

You never thought you’d miss the singing tramps stumbling through the roads late at night. Or avoiding gangs of kids outside fast food shops on your way home, for fear of being stabbed. But these are things that come from a place where rules are not so strict.

In Singapore, the most out-of-the-ordinary thing I’ve seen is a man with bright red hair. Fascinating, or just plain dull?

On the other hand I do love the place. It’s fantastic. It could be seen as the ideal city. But only if all you want to do is eat, work and sleep.

I’m no extremist. I don’t jump off the world’s tallest buildings for thrills. But it really is the sense of 'unusual' - subculture, rebellion, danger, that a new piece of graffiti will turn up - which make life interesting.

Friday, 19 October 2012

STYLE SECRETS: Winter accessories

Unable to rely on fierce colours to keep your wardrobe happy? Don't have enough money to keep buying a new dress each week?

Winter - with it's black and grey tones - is a hard season to dress for on a low budget. Don't do it right and you could end up looking as drab as the sky above you.

That's what makes winter accessories so important. So I'm going to share my secrets with you...

If you invest in the right accessories, you can mix and match them with the plain, winter-friendly garments you already have in your wardrobe - which makes keeping up your fashionista image much simpler!

Here's a list of they key items you need to get you through:

#1 A BAG

Firstly, you need a decent bag. Black bags are lovely, elegant and classy. They go with everything, so you won't have to change bags permanently either.

When you're choosing a black winter bag, look out for those with statement features - you don't want it looking like 'yet another black bag'. You also want a bag which is big enough to fit your winter essentials, such as gloves and tissues for the inevitable sniffles.

Try this one:

TOPSHOP, £32 - buy here

Incorporating black, white and gold, this bag will compliment any outfit without dictating what you have to wear with it!

#2 A SNOOD

Investing in a snood is the best way to keep your neck warm this winter. The simplicity of putting them on saves the hassle of wrapping a long scarf around your neck a million times and stuffing the excess down your coat.

Treat your snood as if it's a statement necklace. A warm statement necklace. It's no use wearing a snood which hangs down your chest and doesn't even cover your neck.

Assuming that you have a black coat - as most people do - a scarf of the opposite colour can give your coat an edge.

Try this one:

TOPSHOP, £25 - buy here

Seriously fluffy and super soft, this snood will go with any colour, suit any outfit and keep you warm!

#3 TIGHTS

Tights are my best friend! It's often hard to remember to look in hoisery sections of shops, as you're too busy checking out the latest garments on offer. But the search pays off!

For me, it's my key accessory. Tights come in so many different patterns, prints and fabrics. They can completely change your 'look' even if you're wearing the same black jumper dress you were 2 days ago!

Start by buying yourself a pair of tights in each of your favourite winter colours. For me it's got to be burgundy and navy blue. Then branch out to different patterns and fabrics.

Try these:

Jonathan Aston Heritage Carnaby Tights, £15 - buy here

#4 BELTS

Same as tights - you need a good bank of belts to spice up anything. In my wardrobe I have 5 belts: black, gold, red, brown and studded. However, it really is down to your favourite winter colours.

I'm a fan of thin belts but get whatever suits you - thin, fat, whatever!

Here's a suggestion:

River Island, £15 - buy here

#5 EARRINGS

Statement jewellery is a must during winter. If you're entire body is covered from toe to neck, the least you can do is show some earring. Think big, chunky and bright - so they stand out!

Try these:

Forever 21, £5.65 - buy here

Those are my winter fashion secrets! What are yours?

MORE: For my winter footwear recommendations, click here!

Wednesday, 17 October 2012

Illamasqua Awards 2012

Illamasqua - one of the most inspirational and unique make up brands out there - held their Distinction in Make-up Artistry Awards 2012 at there flagship Beak Street Store on Saturday 13th October. Now it's time for you to do your part and vote for the artist in each category who you think should win!

FINALISTS: Non-professional MUA category

#1 Anastasija Bondareno