Tree, Line by Zander Olsen

The 'Tree, Line' Project by artist Zander Olsen. See more here.

Miss Selfridge Stone Seam Detail Biker Jacket

Why? As mentioned in a previous post, I have been looking for a non-black leather jacket for a while. I am very pleased with this purchase.

Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman Costume

Ever since buying the boots in January, I knew my next fancy dress opportunity had to make use of them. And who wore the most iconic pair of thigh highs in cinema? Vivian Ward, also known as Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

Here's what I used to make my costume:

Wig: Blonde bob style wig (£5.99, Luvyababes)

Dress: White vest top (£2, Primark) and Turquoise miniskirt (£3.99, H&M) cut to pattern and sewn together around a silver loop earring (6 pairs, £1, Primark)

Boots: Topshop thigh high boots, a previous purchase.

I had a wonderful time at my birthday party and my costume lasted the night in one piece. Not sure how soon I'll be re-wearing the prostitute look, but I certainly had a good night as Julia Roberts.

My 20th Birthday Party

Will be taking place tomorrow, the 25th April 2012, at 21 Sutton Street, Durham starting at 8pm.

The theme is Idols and Icons, and fancy dress is most encouraged.

I will be dressing as my idol in both fashion and lifestyle, Vivian Ward - the original Pretty Woman.

Looking forward to seeing as many people there as possible.

June in the Netherlands

From June 1st 2012 until 4th, I will be in the Netherlands' capital city, Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a place I have aspired to travel to for many years and I cannot articulate how excited I am to have the opportunity, time and funding to have booked a city break there this summer.

I will be staying in the Red Light District and attempting to soak up as much culture as possible during my stay. I have to main points on my to do list so far: visit Anne Frank's house and see a live sex show. Maybe entertain some recreational drug use too, but lets not talk about that here.

If anybody I know -or anyone who has stumbled across my blog- has visited the city and has some recommendations on what to see and do, they would be most welcome. Get in touch or post in the comments below.

RIP ANTM

You are no longer in the running to become America's Next Top Model...

J Alexander, Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker will no longer be appearing on America's Next Top Model in attempt to boost the recently-flagging ratings. Whilst I'm sure Tyra Bank's new panel will do an excellent job, I cannot help but feel at a loss. I will particularly miss Nigel Barker and his excellent taste in couture.

Good look to whoever attempts to fill the enormous shoes of Nigel, Jay and Miss J. They have a tough act to follow.

New Look Suede Peep Toe Heels

Why? Because Klute ruined my last pair of standard black stilettos.

Suit Up

I love a man in a good suit. A slender torso, obvious height and good style can transform a garment on a hanger into a look on a man that never fails to get me hot under the collar. So why is it that I, as a woman, cannot have my own collar on an outfit that makes me feel just as hot?

Rather than donning yet another gown to a event, a woman at a formal occasion in a well-tailored suit exudes power, dominance and chicness - everything that I find sexy. As a fan of sharp tailoring, I've been wearing blazers and peg-legged trousers for years, but have never owned a suit. Maybe I'll resent them once forced into a work uniform, but right now I'm all for pushing gender boundaries and see no reason why women shouldn't wear suits as formal wear like men.

So here, my favourite power suits on my favourite powerful ladies.

The Height of Fashion

Models take to a 24-storey vertical catwalk in Boston for Ted Baker London.

Fudge Paintbox Hair Colourant in Blueberry Hill

Why? I am a huge fan of dip dye and ombre hair. After falling in love with a cherry red version at Christmas and watching it fade ombre-style to ginger, I knew I wasn't done with this trend. Work permits that my hair be a natural colour this summer, so in my last months of freedom I wanted to do something a little out there with my hair.

Bedtime

Happy Birthday Victoria

Today Victoria Beckham turns 38 years old; there is no day more apt to honour her achievements. I still, after over a decade, admire her. I hope the Beckham family have a wonderful day and a future of continued success.

20 Things To Do Before 20

• Get GCSEs
-Achieved August 2008


• Get A Levels
-Achieved August 2010


• Get into university
-Achieved August 2010


• Avoid pregnancy
-Continued success


• Do a minimum wage job
-Achieved June 2010


• Go on holiday without your parents
-Achieved July 2010


• Visit America
-Achieved July 2003, again July 2007


• Dye your hair brightly
-Achieved December 2011


• Get a spontaneous piercing
-Achieved March 2012


• Fall in love
-Achieved September 2007, again April 2011


• Lose a friend
-Achieved June 2008


• Move away from home
-Achieved October 2010


• Get out-of-control drunk
-First achieved August 2010


• Lose your virginity
-Achieved January 2008


• Wear something ridiculous
-Achieved weekly


• Kiss a stranger
-First achieved January 2011


• Deal with grief
-Achieved December 2006, though an ongoing challenge


• Cry when you leave school
-Achieved June 2008


• Celebrate good results
-Achieved August 2008, August 2010 and June 2011


• Be happy with how life turned out
-Achieved November 2011

Ombre Hair

Having dabbled in the trend myself, first with red and ginger dip dye and now Jessie J-inspired purples and lilacs, I thought I'd share my favourite multicoloured looks. Gotta love a girl with five colours in her hair.

The Phantom of the Opera

I thoroughly enjoyed Phantom at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, tonight. The acting was impressive and the orchestra spot on. I was impressed by the use of the entire theatre and a particular highlight was being hit with breakaway glass when the chandelier dropped, as I was sitting in the second row.

The Phantom of the Opera is currently on tour in the UK and is playing in Manchester until May 19th. If you can go, do go - this version of Lloyd Webber's classic is a marvel.

Social Slut

An art installation at the Institute of Social Hypocrisy by Victor Boullet.

10 Women More Beautiful Than Samantha Brick

The 'beautiful' journalist Samantha Brick thinks exceedingly highly of herself. Unsurprisingly, the Great British public think less so. Now Samantha, they're is nothing too wrong with an overinflated self esteem, if you can back it up -but we're talking about something really special. Unless you actually are drop dead gorgeous, do not write articles telling us so. Samantha Brick is pretty but average at best; to make such a bold statement in the press, you need to be as bold looking.

I therefore present 10 women genuinely more gorgeous than Samantha Brick, for perspective purposes of course:

Megan Fox and Angelina Jolie: World renowned sex symbols, Fox and Jolie have what Samantha Brick can only dream of. Tall, dark and sexy, had either written Brick's article, I doubt that with that much raw sexuality, we'd have batted an eyelid.


Lily Cole and Karen Gillan: Again, these women have something Samantha Brick doesn't - uniqueness and intrigue. Striking red hair and china doll faces are not everyday features like Brick's middle aged wrinkles and peroxide dye job.


Christine Baranski and Helen Mirren: Here are two women considerably older and yet hotter than Samantha Brick. Ageing well and dressing accordingly, both Baranski and Mirren have embraced post-menopause chic with grace and class. Looks like Samantha Brick is going to have to try harder.


Victoria Beckham and Sarah Jessica Parker: Not typically good looking facially, both Victoria Beckham and Sarah Jessica Parker make usual face-shapes their own. Beckham styles her angular cheekbones with sharp tailoring and strict, neat hairstyles where Parker balances a long face with big hair, transforming both women into style icons. Samantha Brick has had no such look with her styling.


Susan Boyle and David Walliams Certified proof that you can put any moose with the right make up artist and come out with something sort of sexy. Samantha Brick take note - you need NARS, not Natural Collection.

& Other Stories

The fashion elite scoffed when high street super-giant H&M recently announced it's intentions to bring a higher-end store to our market and somehow I fear that the fashionistas amongst us will be even less impressed with today's developments.

Because H&M have named their luxury sister store '& Other Stories.'

Representative press officer for the Swedish brand, Camilla Emilsson explains that:

"It will be at a slightly higher price bracket and with a little better quality, but still stay within the framework of our business concept-fashion and quality at the best price."

Sounds promising. Here's hoping that H&M prove the fashion snobs wrong and have a runaway success in their new venture. Even if the name doesn't fill me with confidence just yet, I trust H&M's expertise in the high street.

And I trust anyone with that much attachment to the ampersand.

Meeting Alex Day

Finish This Book by Keri Smith

I'll let you know how I'm getting on.