Saturday 29 December 2012

OMG HI!

Heeeere's Mollie.
How long has it been?! Since I've been gone, it has been pretty hectic...hence why I've been gone. I turned 17 at the beginning of December, had too much revision / school stuff to do and who can forget Christmas? I know, it's no excuse really, I hang my head in shame. I guess this is a bit of an update and a catch-up post.

So for ma burffday I didn't really have any celebration but I treated myself to a new piercing and got a ticket for Boardmasters WHICH I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED ABOUT. It's in Cornwall and last year Rudimental played there so I have my fingers crossed that they do this year too! For Christmas I was delighted to get a new digital piano. I've paid my dues with an electric keyboard for five years now so you can't say I haven't earned it. I was considering getting a new phone but, in the long term, a piano is much less transient than the phone which would be replaced within twelve months. Also, to improve my Francais, I received the book of Les Miserables, accompanied by the entertainment of My Week With Marilyn DVD just so I can imagine Eddie Redmayne as Marius in the film adaptation that I cannot wait for.

Not much else has happened other than I watched my boxset of the Harry Potter series and fell slightly more in love with Rupert Grint. Oh! Did you see the Victoria's Secret fashion show? I love seeing all the gorgeous sequinned lingerie, and obviously the models. My favourite is Candice but British favourite Cara Delvingne made an appearance this year too! I don't think there is any young girl who doesn't wish she could walk that catwalk one day. I loved Bruno Mars singing 'Young Girls' and Rihanna performing 'Fresh Off The Runway'.

Sunday 25 November 2012

Into The Flame

Friday night was epic. I went to see Matt Corby perform at the HMV Institute Birmingham and it was possibly my favourite gig I've ever been to. Granted, it was no raving dance party but, in terms of talent, he was incredible.
 The gig itself was in a quite a small room so it was really intimate - I was literally two people away from Matt. Lucy Mason and Bears Den were the two support acts, both really talented too. Lucy had a gorgeous voice (I was mainly envious of her Australian accent) and Bears Den were a more folksy group. Me and Meghan were fascinated with the banjo and the drummer even started playing the bass and drums at the same time! And the fact that the lead singer looked like Francis Boulle. All the men appearing on stage were either bearded or Australian so I was in a good place.
After their performances, and numerous sound altercations, it was time for the main man...although he'd already walked across the stage a few times, going incognito in a hat. Heading straight to the microphone to perform, everyone went silent as he began to sing. His voice is infallible. He just had this way of creating an atmosphere that no-one dared to interrupt. Matt completely loses himself in the music, letting his emotion escape through his voice. He told us the story behind 'Untitled' when a girl, specifically the closest thing he'd had to love (he still hasn't met me), wrote him a letter about all the thing he'd down wrong in the relationship. Boo. Matt looked genuinely distraught, I just wanted to hug him. The encore included his cover of Lonely Boy and My False, two of my favourites.
Matt Corby is one of those rare musicians who sounds even better live.

Here's an interview he Matt did the following day -> outofthefamiliar

Thursday 15 November 2012

Tigers


I love rugby players so much. Wednesday night was only my second ever rugby match, the first one being around this time last year, and my oh my it was a good one: Leicester Tigers v Maori All Blacks. As in the Maoris from New Zealand. Hamuna hamuna.
We got there super early at the request of my friend Ellie who is a rugby fanatic, for the game and not just the players, and after refuelling at the fish and chip shop we assumed our position behind the NZ players' seat box. Before the game began, the Maoris did the Haka which was so exciting to watch. Their tribal calls echoed around the stadium, although the spectator behind us remarked "oh look it's the Spice Girls". Brilliant. Whilst there, I also found a variety of eligible future husbands; specifically Ed Slater and Jamison Gibson-Park. I'm such a rugby player whore. On a positive note, we won 32-24!

In other news, I went to see Kevin Bridges last night and it was hilarious.

Monday 12 November 2012

Sunday 4 November 2012

Who's That Girrrrl

Just a little bit of a babble about my weekend really.
random firework pictures from weheartit    me and Sally dancing the Tanzania Dance

On Friday me and my homies went to watch fireworks at the local park for the third year in a row, so it's become a bit of a tradition now. The fireworks were pleasant enough but my lord it was freezing! I had walked at least two miles prior to standing in my flats on a cold, wet field. I would've worn my wellies but I was going to a party with my friend Hannah afterwards so I didn't want to look like a complete tramp...We warmed up inside for a bit after the spectacle, listened to some live music and watched enviously as some of my friends ate their Chinese food. Damn, that was a good idea.

After wandering around the village in the hope that it would pass some time so that everyone would be good and drunk before we arrived, me and Hannah headed to the party, in all our frizzy hair, casual clothing and fire-smelling selves. It was so funny at how terrified we were; the birthday boy was in the year above so we only knew a small handful of the people going. We crept up to the door but were greeted (thankfully) by some familiar faces. Most of the Tanzania crew was there too so we had a little reunion, with Sally and I resurrecting the Tanzania Dance.

Oh, and to top off the weekend, Benson from Tanzania said "missing you a lot dada" (dada meaning sister) to me on Facebook today. Yeah, be jealous. Anyway, to try and give this post a little bit of a purpose I just want to say that this is my favourite time of year. It's the perfect time to go running too, I went last night and was entertained by the fireworks exploding left, right and centre as well as a bit of drum and bass in the form of Camo and Krooked. Autumn/Winter is so pretty. But that's only if you wrap up warm and don't catch a cold folks.

Tuesday 30 October 2012

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.

Saturday 27 October 2012

"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.

Tuesday 23 October 2012

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.

Saturday 20 October 2012

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?

Tuesday 9 October 2012

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

Saturday 6 October 2012

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?

Thursday 4 October 2012

Sigur Ros - Fjögur Píanó

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.

Sunday 30 September 2012

Bohemian Homes

all images via bohemianhomes.tumblr.com
Open spaces, batik and aztec print along with rows and rows of books. I could spend hours scrolling through this tumblr dedicated to bohemian-style interiors.

Tuesday 25 September 2012

Pyramid Video

Perfection. Frank Ocean has created the most perfect imagery to match the wonderful song that is Pyramid. BOOM.
Oh! Guess who likes French again? I had been feeling like I hit a brick wall with French recently but I've decided that I'm going to be alrighty, it was just a bit of a shock going from AS to A2. Especially when there's a fair few people in the year above who are practically natives. I have a feeling the return of the French assistant Richard may have something to do with my sudden enthusiasm though. Babe.

Wednesday 19 September 2012

Frothers

Ever since I began watching Bondi Rescue I have been fascinated by surf photography. Mainly because one day I plan to ride a wave. Right on. Seen as I don't live remotely close to the ocean, these images from frothers are the next best thing.
How perfect would it be to live by the ocean and be able to use the sea as your personal playground? One of my travelling ambitions is to visit Bondi Beach (as well as Bronte, Tamarama and Maroubra) in Sydney, Australia to learn how to surf...and of course to see the Waverley Council Lifeguards. Jesse, the latest trainee, is my favourite. Yewwww.

Friday 14 September 2012

Matt Corby

I have just ordered two tickets to see Matt Corby's November 'Into The Flame' tour. My excitement levels are sky high right now. His song 'Brother' was (finally) played on Radio 1 two day ago so things seem to be going well for the curly haired Australian that just so happens to have the most gorgeous voice and the ability to play both the guitar and piano. If his Secret garden shows are anything to go by, I am in for a delightful time when I see him perform in November.
You have no idea how much would love to be sat in a Garden dusted with fairy lights, listening to the beautiful sounds of Matt Corby.
Must Listens: My False, Brother, Souls A Fire

Tuesday 11 September 2012

'Films To See' List



ON THE ROAD
"The only people that interest me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing but burn, burn, burn like roman candles across the night"
I read Jack Kerouac's novel On The Road this summer just so I could have my own interpretation before the film arrives. As a a defining work of the Beat generation, it follows the story of Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty as they travel across America looking for 'it', who are inspired by everything they come across. With Kristen Stewart, Sam Riley and Garret Hedlund starring, I've got a feeling that this will be a good 'un.

LAWLESS
"I'm a Bondurant...we don't  lay down for nobody."
Shia LaBefouf and Tom Hardy are in this film. Need I say more? Set in Franklin, Virginia during the era of the Great Depression, Lawless follows the three Bondurant brothers who take pride in their gangster image. As other well dressed but terribly violent gangsters chase the outlaws, shooting, slashing and rape ensue. With a host of powerful actors, it looks like a great action movie.

SAVAGES
"You let people think you're weak, sooner or later you're going to have to kill them"
I saw the trailer for this on my last trip to the cinema. Although it isn't my usual comedy film that I would watch, it looks like a really good, gritty film that only uses the violence when necessary as opposed to using it purely for the gore. Blake Lively plays Ophelia ("O") who has two boyfriends, who are coincidently best friends, with a successful marijuana growing empire. The film is set to hit a climax when violent Mexican drug cartels plan to partner with the two men against their will.

Good picks? What films are you excited to see?

Saturday 8 September 2012

YMCMB @ MTV VMA's 2012



The coolest kids in the business.
I'm really into Lil Wayne at the moment...I always have the unconventional crushes. Maybe it's the tattoos, maybe it's the dreads, or maybe it's because he was sat throughout the event listening to music on his headphones. The coolest.

Round Up: As much as I don't enjoy cheesy pop songs, I love seeing the reactions and losing faces of the artists. Amongst the night's performers was Rihanna doing a combination of Cockiness and We Found Love, One Direction being their perfect boyband selves (much to the dismay of The Wanted) and the beautiful Frank Ocean singing Thinking Bout You with the stage setting resembling a starry night by the campfire. Calvin Harris was the house DJ, he's looking rather good these days. However, Rihanna seemed to forget to mention him when We Found Love won Video Of The Year...nonetheless I am so glad that the video got the recognition it deserved. Where the winners are concerned, I was a little disappointed that Frank Ocean didn't win Best New Artist. I don't mean to be judgemental but I feel like One Direction won purely because of their legion of fans. They are my guilty pleasure but Frank Ocean is just so good.

Video of the Year: Rihanna, "We Found Love"
Best New Artist: One Direction
Best Female Video: Nicki Minaj, "Starships"
Best Male Video: Chris Brown, "Turn Up The Music"
Video With a Message: Demi Lovato, "Skyscraper"
Best Hip-Hop Video: Drake feat. Lil Wayne, "HYFR"
Best Rock Video: Coldplay, "Paradise"
Best Pop Video: One Direction, "What Makes You Beautiful"
Best Electronic Dance Music Video: Calvin Harris, "Feel So Close"
Most Share-Worthy Video: One Direction, "What Makes You Beautiful"
Best Choreography: Chris Brown, "Turn Up the Music"
Best Editing: Beyonce, "Countdown"
Best Visual Effects: Skrillex, "First of the Year (Equinox)"
Best Cinematography: M.I.A., "Bad Girls"
Best Art Direction: Katy Perry, "Wide Awake"
Best Direction: M.I.A., "Bad Girls"

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Suave Like Sauve

    Sebastian Sauve
More often than not, the boys that attract my eye have dark hair, blue eyes and a host of endearing tattoos; think Cole Mohr, Jimmy Q and Ash Stymest. So I was refreshed to see a picture of American-German model Sebastian Sauve with his sunkissed hair, prominent pout and clear blue eyes. Oh, he's got skills too.

Sunday 2 September 2012

Shia

I was pleasantly surprised when I read an article in this morning's Sunday Times magazine based on an interview with Shia LaBeouf. The way the actor presented himself sat in a low-key pancakes-and-eggs joint whilst wearing a ripped t-shirt and pulling on a cigarette, the aura he emitted when expressing his views so passionately and philosophically about his job, ethics and background, I found myself falling for him the more I continued to read. Plus, the feature image of him looking smoulderingly good didn't do anything to deter this opinion.
The extracted quote about Shia 'letting his hair down' reminds me of the characters in On The Road, the ones who are mad to live. I love the last one too, about him having space to plant his feet into a project and just experience it. I felt the same way when I was on my expedition and purposely didn't have any contact with home.
It's wonderful that we also have the same views on marriage, I'll be ready and waiting Shia.

Friday 31 August 2012

Burgundy and Camo

I was planning on going shopping today but this morning was lovely and sunny so I decided to stay at home and have a bit of "TAN TIME". Just as I went to sit outside this afternoon the sun went in and a breeze began sweeping through my garden. Cheers Mother Nature. So, instead, I made some back to school inspiration outfits out of some of the items that I was planning on trying on...
I have already ordered the Topshop geek tee and checked shirt. This year, I'm going to try and invest in more shirts seen as they're a good staple to cover up with and have such versatility...especially as this year we aren't allowed to bare our sexual shoulders. Oh the scandal! I also need to invest in some cream coloured converse, considering I've been wearing the same ones for the past four years, that are a size too small and have been through the sea and sand of Africa. They are literally the perfect shoe.

What are your staple items for college?