A Right Royal Flush...

Just picture it. Its 1947. And you are about to see one of the most influential people in all your world, get married before your very eyes. There's parties. There's flags everywhere. Everyone is happy, they're smiling, they're singing out in the streets. Today is one of best days of your life. Its the day that Queen Elizabeth II gets married...and you get to be a part of it.




More than half a century later, and the world is still enraptured with following the perfect love story. Its not just about that though, in these modern times community spirit or national pride are not phrases that often find their way into the conversations of the public, but today - 29th April 2011 - they did. Today, Prince William and Catherine Middleton got married in front of over 2 billion people watching live worldwide. Now, I'm the first to admit that I watched all of it, I was totally engrossed - seeing Wills leave for Westminster, seeing guests in their fabulous (and sometimes, not so...) outfits taking their places and of course, seeing the most important aspect of all, THE dress. Its not only this part of it either, its because we have come together as a country to celebrate together, an occasion that unites us all, we witnessed an amazing piece of history today, which I for one, will never forget.

But for some people, today was filled with cynicism, I was called 'deluded' for believing that Will and Kate were truly in love, and a wonderful fairytale couple. Why shouldn't I believe that? It happens! People fall in love and that's often the way it stays and what girl doesn't want to believe in Prince Charming? There's also a belief that a Royal Family isn't important, well, they may not make decisions any more, but look at what they did today! Billions of people were watching our little country because they were enraptured by it; now what other event or country can do that? Nobody can do patriotism like we can, that's for sure. The wedding is over, and we're still celebrating - we were so good at queueing to see the wedding and then celebrating it in a totally orderly fashion!

This post, is basically just to say, I loved the wedding. I loved everything about it. The atmosphere in my house was electric and it was only my Mum, me and my Nan! I loved the anticipation about the dress, the ceremony and the kiss on the balcony...What a wonderful day to be British and I am so glad I got to be a part of it.

So here I am, a modern, independent girl who loves our Royal Family. And of course, a good knees up. So before you judge me, my views or the royal family, just think how you've enjoyed today. Just think of what they have done for this country.

Before I go, here's a few snaps of the best parts of today...


Kate's beautiful dress, by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.


The lovely, romantic - if ever so brief - kiss.

Now...where's this street party?!

The Crimson Petal and the White: Review

Its probably important to state that I am extremely bias when it comes to period dramas, mainly because I am ever so slightly obsessed with them - and when I say them, I really do mean pretty much all of them. Its unsurprising then, that I am absolutely head over corset in love with the BBC's new period offering 'The Crimson Petal and the White' adapted from the novel by Michael Faber.

It follows Sugar, the young prostitute with ambitions to become a writer and make a name for herself in dark, dank Victorian London. She's truly a wonderful character, and although normally prostitution is normally upsetting to watch in fictional programmes, it wasn't this time. It just looked like a woman in control of her life; making things happen for herself. Now, Sugar has become the infatuation of William Rackham; a powerful patriarch who just happens to have connections within the publishing world. Unfortunately for him, he is tied down by his slightly disturbed wife, Mrs Rackham whose character is very disturbing to watch, especially the abuse she receives from her Doctor - played by the fabulous Richard E Grant.

Now, I have only watched the first episode - I am desperate to watch the second, but my Mother would kill me! It's quite different to light fluffy period dramas I am normally accustomed to; Cranford, Lost in Austen, Downton Abbey etc...Don't get me wrong, I love each and everyone of them - especially Downton! But its rare that such a dark period drama could be so enjoyable to watch without desperately wincing away from the screen. I think its Faber's novel that makes it quite so brilliant, as it has stayed fairly close to the original text which is fabulous. The setting and costumes are also beautiful, despite the grungy and generally unclean atmosphere they give off.

All in all, I would highly recommend this programme this to anyone who is looking for something a bit different from a period drama; it feels real, it feels gritty and you will be completely absorbed in the world of the characters...



So, in the words of the wonderful protagonist Sugar; "Watch your step. Keep your wits about you; you will need them. This city I am bringing you to is vast and intricate, and you have not been here before..."

A life lived in fear, is a life half lived...

Baz Luhrmann just knows everything, I swear. My wonderful film group and I did a presentation on him today, and this is the motto through which he lives his life and creates his amazingly innovative films. This got me thinking; why am I so scared of everything? I really am. Scared of being hurt. Scared of being happy. Scared of being on my own. The list goes on really. But what do I have to be scared about? Nothing. I have a good life, and I should start to live it, instead of being terrified of what might happen if I let go and just enjoy myself for a change...It will be hard, of course, but if I have learned anything over the past few weeks, its that good times are so closely knit with bad times, and that you need both to survive; without the good times we wouldn't do anything, and without the bad we wouldn't learn.

So in aid of this Eureka moment, I have decided to post my top inspirational people, people who lived their lives without fear or trepidation, but simply lived the life they led, embracing the bumps with the smooth. Enjoy.

1. It has to be, one of my most favourite women of all time. Judy Garland. She's pretty much inspirational to everyone in at least one way. To me though, he just expresses the turbulent nature of life; she was amazingly successful and talented, but she had a very troubled existence. She inspires me to take the good with the bad, to live life to the fullest everyday; if something bad happens, its not the end of the world. So this is for you Judy; you are wonderful.



2. I'm going to try something a little different now. And use something very personal to me, basically, my Grandad. The most amazing man in my life, ever. He was like a Dad to me and I never got chance to tell him that. Its something I deeply regret in every way. He was so inspirational, because before he died he was very ill, but still his usual self; still desperate to hear about my day, telling jokes. To me that shows so much courage, knowing that the end is coming, but embracing the life you have left. I hope when I'm an old lady, I will be just like my amazing Henry (: Thanks for being the best. I love you, always.

3. Another old film star now, perhaps my favourite, Bette Davis. She was so fabulous. She fought her way to becoming one of the best actresses of all time, she fought against the male run industry, against the fact she wasn't a typical beauty...and she made it. Which is the most inspirational aspect ever. I love how she wouldn't take no for an answer, she knew what she wanted, so she went and got it. She is exactly the kind of woman I aspire to be. You go Bette!



4. You may not be familiar with my next choice, but next up is my favourite author, Lindsey Kelk. She's inspirational to me in a few ways, firstly being that she writes amazing novels that I definitely relate too in every way, not only this, but its inspired me to pursue my writing and make it happen for myself. Which is an amazing gift. Secondly, she decided she wasn't happy with her life, so she made changes so that she was, which included moving to NYC (Who wouldn't be happy with that?!) which isn't necessarily for everyone, but the fact is she made a change for HER. Which is the most important thing; don't ever change your life, unless its your choice. Especially don't change for a man, because they will never change for you. Amaze, love you Lindsey!



5. Finally we come to the most inspirational woman I know. My wonderful, amazing, funny, beautiful Mum. She has basically brought me up on her own, and she has given me everything. She has taught me so much about life, and I have learned so much from her, in fact, I still have a lot to learn from her. She embraces life, even in its bad moments, and she reminds me to be strong, hold my head high and take life by the balls. So even if I don't achieve the amazing characteristics of any of the above inspirational people I have mentioned, I really hope I can become even a tiny bit like my Mum. She's my best friend, and I love her tonnes.



I hope this list has inspired you, as much as it has inspired me. So, go out there folks, and seize the day! (:

Review: Submarine

As a film student I suppose I should actually do some film reviews on this blog, as opposed to posting a lot (and I mean A LOT) of pictures of very beautiful people. So, here we go! My very first, proper film review...

Before I start properly, I think its probably important to mention that I've never really seen a true independent film before, so I wasn't really sure what to expect of Submarine. Thankfully though, I wasn't disappointed - isn't that always the way? You look forward to a film, you see it, you hate it.

Submarine was directed and written by the marvellous Richard Ayoade ala, The IT Crowd. From this I did expect to be creased up in laughter for most of this film, but I wasn't. It had its funny moments - mainly funny, ever so slightly, cringy moments, but this surprising lack of rip-roaring comedy didn't detract from the film at all. In fact, I would say that it was better without it; this film is definitely not a straight comedy. It follows Oliver Tate your average teenage boy (on the surface at least..) who lives in a very small, very welsh town. He has his eye set upon the girl of his dreams, Jordana; the very mysterious, pretty, sort of bully girl who likes setting fire to things. If the stress of securing Jordana as his girlfriend wasn't enough, he also has to deal with his parents, Lloyd and Jill (the FABULOUS, Sally Hawkins) whose marriage is at breaking point.

The whole film is seen through Oliver's eyes, so you see every paranoid delusion and every worry he has. It sounds clichéd, but this film - particularly Oliver's character - is deeper than your average teen flick, mainly because it seems as though Oliver is bordering on depression, like his Father. This creates some very emotional scenes, particularly with Jordana. His character definitely appears far older than he is supposed to be, and I think this really aids your connection with his character - the most important part of a film, of course!

The most wonderful thing about Submarine, was definitely the soundtrack which was performed and written by Alex Turner (Yes, the guy from Arctic Monkeys) which was just beautiful. It was very slow, ballad type indie, which fit perfectly with the film and particularly Oliver's character, who does look a little bit like Alex Turner...Yum. Anyway, the soundtrack is available to buy on itunes as an EP for around £4 - bargain! So, if you don't see the film, which you all should! You should definitely give the soundtrack a go, its gorgeous.

So, before I leave you all to check your cinema listings to see when Submarine is on, I will leave you a cheeky picture, to tickle those film taste buds!



You didn't think I'd leave you without a lovely picture, did you?

Star Cross'd Lovers...

Happy V-day! I hope it has been a wonderful day for lots of people, but for those of you have not been adorned with armfuls of roses, chocolates or champagne-star lit- balloon rides - let us rejoice in the world of film and literature (because let's face it, Mr Darcy is just better than the real thing.

Of course, it is only right to begin with the aforementioned man of every girl's dreams; Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy. He is a total cock to start off with, but there is something deeply charming about him, his long intense stares, his complete admiration of Elizabeth. If only the world was awash with Darcy's?



Another of my favourites, is Captain Frederick Wentworth, from another Austen classic - Persuasion. As opposed to Darcy, he is only rude because his love was unrequited, because he was shunned, it his heartache that speaks rudely to Anne. My favourite moment from Persuasion is the love letter that he writes to Anne, so here it is for you all;

'I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating in.

F. W.

I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look, will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house this evening or never.'

Super-swoon. No wonder Anne runs through Bath to find him. Gosh, why can't I ever receive letters like this? Oh, and if the letter wasn't enough, here's a cheeky picture!



Next up, something a tad more modern - Patrick Verona ala 10 Things I Hate About You. Because does anyone know a guy who would sing to you and buy you a Fender? No. I didn't think so.



An 80s classic coming up for you now, Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles is the typical hot-high schooler...except he chooses the girl whose a nobody..Now who can say they honestly didn't dream of that in school? Hell, I still dream of that now. We love you Jake Ryan!



And, just to finish off, how about a bad boy? They are the most fun after all...The wonderful, the delicious, the total bad boy to the bone; Jason Dean aka Christian Slateer. Despite his desire to kill everyone, even the girl he loves, he is a hottie. Don't try and deny it! I know you WOULD...



There you have it, my Top Five Lovers...albeit fictional ones...but a girl can dream, right?

Don't be a drag, be a Queen...

As per usual, Lady Gaga once again shares her eternal wisdom with the world - even if her latest single sounds like Express yourself by Madonna, let's face it Madge has done it all before. But this line from Gaga's song, has got me thinking...

Drag Queens. There is something truly magnificent about the way they are far more female then I could ever be - don't worry, this isn't a revelation about me being a man. More about the fact that they channel every feminine aspect of body language perfectly. That and the drama; the total O.T.T performance that these ladies give the world. I literally love it so much - and I am a bit jealous.

Perhaps the most famous (in my eyes at least) of all the Queens, probably feature in Priscilla Queen of the Desert:



Ahh. I'm in love with Drag Queens. This film is so hilarious, and yet tactful in terms of its handling of gay stereotypes, and opinions of not only homosexuals, but of people who are different in general. It is so inspiring to see that they embrace their individuality, particularly where Tick is accepted by his 10 year old son as a gay Drag Queen. Simply wonderful. I think as performers, Drag Queens are seriously underrated and are so much fun to see! Plus, they do have the best makeup EVER...

Bonjour mon amour...

You know what I've always wondered? What is it about Europeans - I know we are technically European, but our way of life doesn't really match the title - they are so glamorous, it hurts my face too look directly at the people of such countries, like France and Italy in particular.

When I went on holiday with my Mother to Sicily, the true glamour, style and poise of the people around me is astounding. These people love life; they love food, wine, pleasure, family (not in a crazy Godfather way..obviously..ahem). Then in France, the style is flawless, everyone looks immaculate - even with disheveled hair and make up, how annoying! It just makes me wish that I lived somewhere like that, I'm not presuming my problems would disappear, but I adore the slow pace of life, the culture and the food.

It is the sense of style I perhaps admire the most, a certain air of confidence about Europeans that is so inspiring and so desperately sexy, of course. This is why I'm learning Italian, and why I wish to do a Grand Tour of Italy as soon as I'm finished with University. I don't know what exactly attracts my soul there so much, perhaps it feels as though the country brings out the best in me, its like stepping through time into a place more romantic and magical then any other place on earth.

So, in celebration of my love for the Europeans, here are my favourites...Enjoy!



I swear upon my very life, though this is a fictional BBC crime drama 'Zen', it is illegal for people to be that attractive. Could this picture be any sexier? It's not even the way they look (well, it is a bit..)but its mainly their characteristics, their confidence in this picture that make them look like true Italians. Yum-my.



Ahh, of course. What blog about the glamour of Europe could be complete without the wonderful Juliette Binoche. She acts, she paints, she dances. She can do everything, flawlessly. 'Chocolat' in particular, she's feisty and perfectly lovely in her full skirts and beautiful patent red heels. Stunning Juliette!



Sophia Loren has always said she owes her looks and figure to Pasta. My love for this lady has grown in miles from this. Bella Sophia! Still foxy even as an OAP.



Again, who can do a list of glamorous Europeans without Miss Audrey Tatou? 'Amelie', 'Priceless' and the list goes on...she holds herself like Hepburn, but she smokes on screen. She is also so beautiful in the Chanel No.5 advert, I fear that if I look upon her for too long, I may go blind. Plus, she has played Coco Chanel, who could become more glamorous then that?




Okay, I'm cheating a bit. He's Brazillian descent...but, his Father is Italian, so I'm keeping him in the list! He is one of the most beautiful Men I have had the pleasure of laying eyes upon. Plus, he was in Baz Luhrmann's Chanel No.5 Advert, which is one of the most stunning I've ever seen. Everything he touches becomes gorgeous!

Well, I hope you have enjoyed my mini list of European Loves...Stay tuned for more pictures of beautiful things...