My Quest for Shorts...

Okay, so, lately I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of shorts. With the summer months fast approaching and high street stores almost nearing the end of their summer season trend, time is of the essence to find a pair of shorts for myself.

At the minute all high street stores are filled with shorts so I find it hard to fathom how I don't like any of the shorts I see. Most of the time I find myself drifting around aimlessly as I know the chances of me finding a pair of shorts that I am going to fall in love with are extremely slim. 

But yesterday I finally accomplished the short term goal I had set myself - I found the pair of shorts that will see me through the summer months, summer holiday and, more importantly, my summer festival. They are as close to perfect as I think I'm going to get.

There they are! Whilst searching for the perfect pair of shorts, I noticed that stars and stripes are a prominent theme along the high street. Perhaps TOO prominent. I do like it but sometimes fashion tend to overkill certain trends. That said, I have only noticed this in relation to female clothing and trends. I have struggled to find any item of clothing, for guys, that is unique, affordable and wearable; my shorts are all of the above.

What I love is that these shorts are stocked only online or in London at the minute which means it could be a few weeks before an influx of these shorts appear. Hence why I've snapped them up. They're from Topman and Topman jeans/shorts are always fantastic quality, hence why they're perfect for me. Definitely a worthwhile buy.

As well as loving the above shorts, I also found some rather 'different' shorts that I like. I haven't bought them yet, but there's a good chance I will. I've been told by numerous people that I'll "never wear them" and that "they're awful". Well, I like a challenge.

They're very Dick Van Dyke, Mary Poppins era.

Cheryl - 'Call My Name - Video Debut

"The only way to a woman's heart is along the path of torment"

Marquis de Sade

So, it's finally here! Cheryl Cole's 'comeback' single, Call My Name, complete with an accompanying video!

Some people have very varied opinions on Cheryl - some love her, some hate her. Some are indifferent. Her musical talents are definitely questionable, but who really cares? Hell, if I could make as much money as her based on what she does I would definitely capitalise on my mass appeal! Haters be gone.

But this track is definitely a winner and her PERFECT 'comeback' single. It actually sounds modern and I can envision it coming on in clubs all over the country and everyone having a good ol' dance to it. Well, I would anyway. Calvin Harris has produced and wrote this track and it does allude to his recent collaboration with Rihanna on 'We Found Love'. To be perfectly honest, all of Calvin Harris' songs sound VERY similar. But this song is definitely more current for Cheryl than her previous releases. It sounds more mainstream and commercial and isn't as weak as past offerings.

But who really cares about the song? I care more about how amazing Cheryl looks in the video! The styling in the video is perfect; my favourite outfit is the neon crop top and crazy print trousers. Cheryl's styling is always impeccable and the image really suits her and the concept of the video. For some reason I don't think the styling and video would mesh as well if she was dancing like she is in a mini skirt and chiffon blouse.

So yes, I'm loving the song and loving the styling. Cheryl's back.

Rita Ora - 'How We Do (Party)'

I am seriously becoming obsessed with Rita Ora. For those of you who don't know who she is; she's signed to Roc Nation, founded by Jay Z, and she has already had a hit single this year when she featured on DJ Fresh's single 'Hot Right Now'. The single peaked at number one on the UK singles chart.

This single is Ora's debut US single 'How We Do (Party)' which is in the process of being released and is already impacting on US radio stations. Her first UK solo single is called 'R.I.P' and featured Tinie Tempah.

I love this song, it's one of my favourite tracks at the moment. Rita Ora is a breath of fresh air - she doesn't appear manufactured and seems to know what music best represents her as an artist. 'How We Do (Party)' is an uplifting track that's easy listening and infectious.

I think she's going to be huge and I cannot wait to see her live at Wireless Festival this summer!

Jessie J, 'We Found Love', Radio 1 Live Lounge Cover, 17th February 2012

Jessie J has SUCH an incredible voice and I found this video on YouTube this morning whilst browsing. I was actually looking for the version performed on The Voice UK last night by Jessica Hammond and Vince Kidd. They killed it. But then I stumbled across this little gem.

This was recorded for Radio One's Live Lounge segment back in February. Anyone who denies Jessie's vocal ability is only lying to themselves. I've seen her live in concert and her voice is just as phenomenal. Jessie J is an artist who can truly sing - her voice is second-to-none and it takes guts to take on a Rihanna song and attempt to put your own spin on the track; Jessie does it effortlessly.

I love this cover; I only wish I could sing as well as her :(

ENJOY! 

Confessions of a Workaholic

So, I've completely neglected my blog over the past couple of months; my last post was at the start of January. That's shameful. Truth be told, I genuinely haven't had any time to sit and post leisurely. I have plenty post yet very little time.

The reason I have no time whatsoever is because I am in the midst of my final few weeks of University. Yes, in less than four weeks I will have submitted my final assignment and will be basking in the freedom that I will have gained. When I'm not at University, I'm at work; when I'm not at work, I'm at University. I really do have no life and my social life is practically non-existent. But it's the final slog now and I just need to suck it up, cut the moaning and get on with it. I have no doubt that in a few weeks time I'll be moaning about how little I have to do as I'll be working, socialising (on a budget) and planning my 'next steps', which are yet to be planned and executed.

In the meantime I have promised myself that I will blog more; I'll have plenty of time so can't use that as an excuse anymore. I've been getting all connect-y over the past few days. I've recently set up a Tumblr account, which can be accessed via the page link at the top of my blog, and I've connected my Twitter/Tumblr/Blog so that each links to the other. I'm quite pleased about that; it's the first step towards becoming an all media-encompassing professional :)

To be continued... (I promise)

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

And so, in what seems like the blink of an eye, 2012 is upon us. For me, the last year has gone by so quickly. I do literally feel like I've blinked and I've time-traveled into 2012. It's quite scary how fast time goes by. But before I can say hello to 2012, I feel I should reflect on 2011.

2011 was a pretty defining year for me, personally. I turned 20 back in March and I felt that is when I truly 'grew'. As strange as it sounds, even though every single year I always say I never feel any different, when I turned 20 I really did feel different. Older. Liberated. I've enjoyed being 20. In the past year I have done so much. I've finished my second year of University and begun my third and final year; in just over six months I will have completed my degree and will be looking for full-time work out in the big, bad world. I'll be considering leaving home and moving out, and perhaps too a different city. I kind of have my heart set on London; it's definitely where my future lies and I will do everything within my power to make sure I get there.

But before that I need to graduate from University with a credible degree. This past academic year for me has been an eye-opener. I feel so much more focused in what I want for a future career, and this has been developed and aided by my studies. Many of my course mates bragged about work placements and internships and, at the time, I felt worried. I had applied for many, many placements but never heard anything back from the majority and the few I did hear back from all said their placement schemes were full. But not to be disheartened, I persevered; surely there was a company out there that could offer me a work placement, but I was seriously beginning to doubt it. However, I did manage to obtain a work placement at Lander PR in London, a music public relations company that specialized in national and regional radio coverage for unsigned artists. Although it wasn't dealing with Rihanna or Jessie J, like I would have loved, I did enjoy my work placement and although it was only a two week work placement, I felt I had learnt a lot in the time I was there and it was the perfect stepping stone to give me an insight into the industry I want to work in in the future. I loved working in London, although the daily commute was a killer, but it did solidify my future ambition; to live and work in London town.

University has been an amazing experience. To reflect on how unprepared I was for the real world three years ago is laughable. I really had no idea what I wanted from life in terms of a career, and I also had no idea what I would use my degree for. Really, it was a pretty crazy situation for me to be in, and an expensive one also. But I now feel that everything has lead to where I am now. I have developed academically and emotionally; I have become so skilled at dealing with stress I swear I could be a therapist. That said, I still get overwhelmed at times and I feel like everything is a too much for me to handle. But I just have to remember that it is preparing me for (hopefully) a successful career. I keep saying that I'll look back at my University years in five years time with fond memories and I'll laugh, Hopefully.

As well as preparing for my future job, I left my current job in October. I'd been working at the same place for three years when I decided to leave. And that was a big thing for me. I'd worked with the same people for the last three years and got myself into a routine; I had familiarity and consistency. But I had reached the point where I needed to move on. There was nothing left for me to gain by staying where I was, so I wanted to leave before the situation turned sour, and that's just what I did. I now have a new job that I'm enjoying and constantly learning new things; I enjoy my job again. And also it's a lot more relevant to me as a person; I actually have an interest in what my job represents.

On a personal level, I reconnected with old friends. In 2010, I lost a really good friend of mine. I'd go as far as to say that they were my best friend at the time, and losing them sucked. But it was the best thing to happen at the time as the situation that we were in at the time couldn't be resolved. But a year on, I felt I had grown up enough to forgive and forget, and that's exactly what happened. With friendships it's inevitable that over time friendships will wither and drift apart, but a real friendship can stand the test of time, as I have found out.

In 2012 I will graduate, secure a full-time job that I have dreamt of for the past year, consider moving to pastures greener and continue to grow professionally, emotionally and personally. I have a feeling that 2012 could be my year. Fingers crossed. Happy New Year!

Friends with Benefits - is it possible?

Last week I saw the new Hollywood creation 'Friends with Benefits', starring Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, with some friends and we loved it. It was funny, crude and rude, all in equal measure. Justin and Mila are so hot together; their chemistry is electric and I wish I had a friend with benefits that looked like either of them. Well, maybe not with 'benefits', but I'd sure as hell love a friend that looked like either of them!

But it really got me thinking about the basis of the movie - can friends really have benefits with each other and stay friends? Sure, in theory it's easy enough. But when it actually comes down to it, is it practical and wise?

I don't think it is.

Some say sex is sex. I disagree. I can't fathom how people can have sex just for the sake of it, with no attachments, feelings or emotions. Sex is a physical act between two people and to get THAT intimate with someone, and for it to not mean anything, freaks me out. It's like saying 'I Love You' if you don't mean it - if you don't mean it, don't say it. If the sex is meaningless, don't do it.

Not only that, but is it worth jeopardizing a friendship for the sake of sex? Sex can be great, but it can be just as dangerous, especially when bought into contact with friends. How awkward would it be the morning after the night before? I couldn't face it. Then the awkwardness would begin, then the avoidance, then the 'feelings', then more avoidance, etc. It's not worth it.

Justin and Mila make it look so easy. They're friends, they're lovers, they're friends, they're lovers, they're haters, then they're full-time lovers. But, sadly, not everyone is guaranteed the fairytale ending that is given in Hollywood movies. What happens if said friends can't be together in a full-time relationship, or if the 'arrangement', as it were, means more to one than the other? There are so many complications that come with such an arrangement and I feel it could do more harm than good.

Maybe I should conduct an experiment and gain first hand experience? HA, I think I'll pass this time. But for anyone reading this post, or for anyone that has seen the movie and think it's a good idea, I really advise you to consider the repercussions.

But, overall, I absolutely LOVED the movie.

*****

Five Stars