I decided it was time for a change of scene. The solution to my pledge was to move my blog to pastures new. Find it here and enjoy,
https://lindsayjblair.wordpress.com/
See you on the other side, L x
Monday, 18 April 2011
Thursday, 14 April 2011
It may have been a while but I've been busy
And here is what I have been doing. Whilst my last days as a student are drawing to a rather anti-climactic close, I am very proud of the projects I have worked on, with my fellow journalism students, over the past five months.
Have a peek at our lovely magazines and accompanying websites.
The Arcade, a gaming magazine aimed at seven to 12 year olds...
Our flipbook shows the design and content...
OutBound, a B2B for outdoor activity instructors is here...
And to see the website, click here...
Have a peek at our lovely magazines and accompanying websites.
The Arcade, a gaming magazine aimed at seven to 12 year olds...
Our flipbook shows the design and content...
OutBound, a B2B for outdoor activity instructors is here...
And to see the website, click here...
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
From Spring fling to Summer love
Spring is finally in the air and it’s that time of the year again when tiny chicks, teetering lambs and all things ‘baby’ in nature turn all of our insides to mush.
Now I may just be referring to the majority of females here, but who can really deny that their spirits aren’t lifted by the onset of light nights, singing birds and the flirtation-inducing feel of the summer sun edging its way closer? Mine, for one, are.
The evolution of the warmer months of the year (my favourite by far) makes everyone feel better and, it has to be said, makes people feel more loving and loveable. The sun has some strange effects on us mere mortals.
Now ‘summer of love’ is more reminiscent of a scene out of Grease than a true representation of how good the coming season makes us feel, but if musical cheese is what it takes to get the point across, then grease lightening is what it shall be.
So summer and love, do they go hand in hand? A general lifting of spirits leads to a more sexy society. I am not just referring to the general lack of clothing here but to something a whole lot more exciting; the hand-held walks on the beach, picnics in the park, BBQ parties until dawn, the ability to leave the house without the safeguard of an umbrella and of course the glorious feeling of actual warmth on your skin that doesn’t come from standing too close to the radiator.
Ok so relationships blossom in these months, holiday romances commence (even if they do fade as quick as your tan) and there is plenty of joyous fun to be had, whether that be with a significant other or a trusty bunch of friends.
Summer is proven to lift your spirits. Endorphins are let loose and the gloomy, bleak days of winter are washed away with an altogether sunnier outlook on life.
Whether you will spend your summer looking for The One or trawling the totty on the beaches of this year’s holiday hotspots or even enjoying the time with an already someone special, the sun is bound to make you gush just as much as the first sign of a blooming daffodil or a lamb cutely following its mother around a freshly mown field.
So far I have seen some pretty sprouting flowers and get excited when it is still light at 6pm, this year I am definitely confirming my love for the summer. Are you?
Now I may just be referring to the majority of females here, but who can really deny that their spirits aren’t lifted by the onset of light nights, singing birds and the flirtation-inducing feel of the summer sun edging its way closer? Mine, for one, are.
The evolution of the warmer months of the year (my favourite by far) makes everyone feel better and, it has to be said, makes people feel more loving and loveable. The sun has some strange effects on us mere mortals.
Now ‘summer of love’ is more reminiscent of a scene out of Grease than a true representation of how good the coming season makes us feel, but if musical cheese is what it takes to get the point across, then grease lightening is what it shall be.
So summer and love, do they go hand in hand? A general lifting of spirits leads to a more sexy society. I am not just referring to the general lack of clothing here but to something a whole lot more exciting; the hand-held walks on the beach, picnics in the park, BBQ parties until dawn, the ability to leave the house without the safeguard of an umbrella and of course the glorious feeling of actual warmth on your skin that doesn’t come from standing too close to the radiator.
Ok so relationships blossom in these months, holiday romances commence (even if they do fade as quick as your tan) and there is plenty of joyous fun to be had, whether that be with a significant other or a trusty bunch of friends.
Summer is proven to lift your spirits. Endorphins are let loose and the gloomy, bleak days of winter are washed away with an altogether sunnier outlook on life.
Whether you will spend your summer looking for The One or trawling the totty on the beaches of this year’s holiday hotspots or even enjoying the time with an already someone special, the sun is bound to make you gush just as much as the first sign of a blooming daffodil or a lamb cutely following its mother around a freshly mown field.
So far I have seen some pretty sprouting flowers and get excited when it is still light at 6pm, this year I am definitely confirming my love for the summer. Are you?
Dance craze: boom or bust?
What do you think of when you think of dance films? Films which incorporate ballet, tap, contemporary or street dance have all had their place in the box office in years gone by but is the dance craze in Hollywood in boom or bust?
We've heard lots about Natalie Portman's travails as a fictional prima ballerina in Darren Aronofsky's film, but she's just the latest in a long line of doomed cinematic dancers. Or is she?
When Natalie Portman took on the role of the Black Swan in the newest box office smash, she really did take it on. She became the character, embodying the attitudes and dark sinister tones of the story and creating an underworld to the usually up-beat, inspirational themes seen in this movie genre.
Straying away from the typical hip hop, street dance film, Black Swan takes a leap ahead of the tired plot of the dance movie and combines the art of ballet with the raw abilities of the human mind and human interaction. Portman, as an actress makes a new debut as not just an accomplished actress but as a dancer, one in the long line of actors to do so. She even spent a year before filming learning ballet.
Natalie isn’t the first actor or actress to turn her attentions to the more physical art-form. Some, such as Channing Tatum, Julia Stiles and Jennifer Grey have made their names in dance films and used their active talents to spring-board them into Hollywood. Step Up 1, 2 and 3 (in 3D), Save the Last Dance and Dirty Dancing are frequently synonymous with the said actors and you’d be hard pushed to find someone not familiar with these famed films. They all have their place in the collection of guilty pleasure dance films. For dance enthusiasts, they inspire choreography and technique but for the masses, who for an hour and a half think they could be dance lovers, the dance film is something really entertaining, harmless and cheerful, aspirational even.
Inspirations aside, there has been a fair share of dance flops in this genre. Anyone heard of Stomp the Yard, Honey or Take the Lead where Antonia Banderas swaps his cape and Zorro mask for a more svelte ensemble? These few amongst many box office disasters are by no means the worst, but as dance films go, people’s interpretations seem to generally be laced with apprehension and an affinity to a cheesy story line.
Black Swan may just have begun to change the perceptions of combining film with dance by scooping awards at both the Baftas and the Golden Globes. Although the acclaimed Black Swan was not really all it was cracked up to be, Natalie Portman definitely showed that a spot of talent and dedication really do go a long way in creating an art that is worth the watch.
We've heard lots about Natalie Portman's travails as a fictional prima ballerina in Darren Aronofsky's film, but she's just the latest in a long line of doomed cinematic dancers. Or is she?
When Natalie Portman took on the role of the Black Swan in the newest box office smash, she really did take it on. She became the character, embodying the attitudes and dark sinister tones of the story and creating an underworld to the usually up-beat, inspirational themes seen in this movie genre.
Straying away from the typical hip hop, street dance film, Black Swan takes a leap ahead of the tired plot of the dance movie and combines the art of ballet with the raw abilities of the human mind and human interaction. Portman, as an actress makes a new debut as not just an accomplished actress but as a dancer, one in the long line of actors to do so. She even spent a year before filming learning ballet.
Natalie isn’t the first actor or actress to turn her attentions to the more physical art-form. Some, such as Channing Tatum, Julia Stiles and Jennifer Grey have made their names in dance films and used their active talents to spring-board them into Hollywood. Step Up 1, 2 and 3 (in 3D), Save the Last Dance and Dirty Dancing are frequently synonymous with the said actors and you’d be hard pushed to find someone not familiar with these famed films. They all have their place in the collection of guilty pleasure dance films. For dance enthusiasts, they inspire choreography and technique but for the masses, who for an hour and a half think they could be dance lovers, the dance film is something really entertaining, harmless and cheerful, aspirational even.
Inspirations aside, there has been a fair share of dance flops in this genre. Anyone heard of Stomp the Yard, Honey or Take the Lead where Antonia Banderas swaps his cape and Zorro mask for a more svelte ensemble? These few amongst many box office disasters are by no means the worst, but as dance films go, people’s interpretations seem to generally be laced with apprehension and an affinity to a cheesy story line.
Black Swan may just have begun to change the perceptions of combining film with dance by scooping awards at both the Baftas and the Golden Globes. Although the acclaimed Black Swan was not really all it was cracked up to be, Natalie Portman definitely showed that a spot of talent and dedication really do go a long way in creating an art that is worth the watch.
Monday, 1 November 2010
Everyone's talking about
Willow Smith.
She's the daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinket-Smith, she accompanies her mother to New York Fashion Week and now she's landed a residency as the coolest nine-year-old going.
She has just released a new single, in which she sings and treats us to a spot of MC. Whip My Hair (watch it here via http://www.youtube.com/) is a sure-fire tune to get you in the party mood and did I mention she's NINE?
So along with living a pretty nifty life so far, Willow is set to make her own name as big as her parents. Watch this space.
She's the daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinket-Smith, she accompanies her mother to New York Fashion Week and now she's landed a residency as the coolest nine-year-old going.
She has just released a new single, in which she sings and treats us to a spot of MC. Whip My Hair (watch it here via http://www.youtube.com/) is a sure-fire tune to get you in the party mood and did I mention she's NINE?
So along with living a pretty nifty life so far, Willow is set to make her own name as big as her parents. Watch this space.
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Friday, 15 October 2010
The time of the cinema-goers
It's getting to that time of year again when going to the cinema is actually something to get really excited about. Yes, I do love a nice trip to see the latest film, my most recent one being The Town with Ben Affleck about a group of bank robbers in Charlestown, the "bank robbing capital of America", according to the action film's tagline, and tonight is no different.
My Friday night is going to be spent watching the much anticipated film about the creation of social networking phenomenon Facebook. The Social Network, which comes out today (15 October) follows Mark Zuckerberg and crew who dropped out of Harvard University only to become the world's youngest billionnaires. Pretty nifty ey?
The excitement goes beyond this little two hour stint in the movie theatre though, a much more exciting film to have popped up on my agenda for the 19 November is nothing other than the first part of the finale in the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part one in 2D (the second part will be shown in 3D) is taking Hollywood by storm and I for one can't wait.
Film promoters for the Harry Potter film are hammering the exposure (as they should) and have just released new character posters. Have a look for yourself here. The countdown begins here.
Want more? Watch the trailer here.
My Friday night is going to be spent watching the much anticipated film about the creation of social networking phenomenon Facebook. The Social Network, which comes out today (15 October) follows Mark Zuckerberg and crew who dropped out of Harvard University only to become the world's youngest billionnaires. Pretty nifty ey?
The excitement goes beyond this little two hour stint in the movie theatre though, a much more exciting film to have popped up on my agenda for the 19 November is nothing other than the first part of the finale in the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part one in 2D (the second part will be shown in 3D) is taking Hollywood by storm and I for one can't wait.
Film promoters for the Harry Potter film are hammering the exposure (as they should) and have just released new character posters. Have a look for yourself here. The countdown begins here.
Want more? Watch the trailer here.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Obsessed, I know
Just as the time since my last post becomes increasingly distant, I felt it apt to mention my latest hair crush (es). My hair-dar has found Dannii Minogue and Keira Knightley who both recently sported new bob do's. I just love the bob, what can I say?
The lenths, the 'roots' look and the gorge texture, yes, yes please.
The lenths, the 'roots' look and the gorge texture, yes, yes please.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Oh what a technical hitch
The presenter of Australia's Next Top Model may be in need of a career change after a reputation-staining mistake made during the announcement of the show's winner.
The wrong name was called as the winner, a mistake the presenter had to regretably correct just 30 seconds after celebrations commenced.
The show's producers said that there had been a mix up with the live feed to the presenter.
Gutted wouldn't be the word.
The wrong name was called as the winner, a mistake the presenter had to regretably correct just 30 seconds after celebrations commenced.
The show's producers said that there had been a mix up with the live feed to the presenter.
Gutted wouldn't be the word.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Striking
Could there be a better cover to celebrate 25 years of Elle UK? I think not.
October's issue of the magazine hosts cover girl Kate Hudson. And how beautiful she looks too.
First coming across this eye-catching cover at Carlisle train station I was immediately a fan. The cover just stands out amongst the tens of other magazines in a similar market.
25 years in the making, Elle, you did well, very well.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Save the date
Creative director of Lanvin, Alber Elbaz has announced that he will be collaborating with high street store, H&M.
The highly anticipated range will hit 200 stores worldwide on 23 November 2010.
The Lanvin designer follows in the footsteps of Sonia Rykiel, Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Madonna.
Lea Michele - cover star?
There's no doubt about it that Lea Michele, star of Glee and now a regular at red carpet events, always looks stunning. She graces the red carpet every time in an ensemble to really make waves in.
But I'm just not that sure if she's magazine cover material. Sure she is super talented and red carpet savvy, but covers, really?
In the latest issue of Glamour, the cover girl declares that she is "the girl who eats", well she isn't eating that much by the look of her svelte figure in an Oscar de la Rente gown at last week's Emmys.
But I'm just not that sure if she's magazine cover material. Sure she is super talented and red carpet savvy, but covers, really?
In the latest issue of Glamour, the cover girl declares that she is "the girl who eats", well she isn't eating that much by the look of her svelte figure in an Oscar de la Rente gown at last week's Emmys.
Lea on the cover of Glamour: "i'm the girl who eats"
In Oscar de la Renta at 2010 Emmy Awards.
At the People's Choice Awards.
Love the colour.
Daring in sunshine yellow. Statement red lips add glamour.
Sophisticated.
Snaps for Ben di Lisi
Debuted in the British press earlier this year, the Principles by Ben di Lisi range for Debenhams breaks the fashion boundaries by featuring the first disabled model in any High Street advertising campaign.
The new campaign was launched with the help of How to Look Good Naked's Gok Wan and was unveiled on his show last night on Channel 4.
Both beautiful and inspiring, the campaign includes models of all shapes and sizes; tall, short or plus-sized.
The designers said that he wanted to make clothes that can be worn by everyone, no matter their shape or size.
The new campaign was launched with the help of How to Look Good Naked's Gok Wan and was unveiled on his show last night on Channel 4.
Both beautiful and inspiring, the campaign includes models of all shapes and sizes; tall, short or plus-sized.
The designers said that he wanted to make clothes that can be worn by everyone, no matter their shape or size.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Dress for the occasion
It's September. Amongst the end of the school holidays, the beginning of Autumn and the drunken haze of Freshers' Week, this means one thing. My 21st birthday.
And in true party style, I am already looking for the dress.
The dress has to be gorge and accompanied by even more gorgeous shoes and what better way to start my search that the wonderment of internet shopping. Okay so I didn't actually shop (still trying to cut back) but I did find some styles that I quite like.
I have to admit that I am rather excited at properly shopping for the b-day outfit and will scoure the rails no end.
Here is the 'narrowed' down list of dresses that I am currently lusting over and if I had my way I would have them all, ahh the quiet delight of wishful thinking.
And in true party style, I am already looking for the dress.
The dress has to be gorge and accompanied by even more gorgeous shoes and what better way to start my search that the wonderment of internet shopping. Okay so I didn't actually shop (still trying to cut back) but I did find some styles that I quite like.
I have to admit that I am rather excited at properly shopping for the b-day outfit and will scoure the rails no end.
Here is the 'narrowed' down list of dresses that I am currently lusting over and if I had my way I would have them all, ahh the quiet delight of wishful thinking.
1. Topshop
2. Miss Selfridge
3. Miss Selfridge
4. Miss Selfridge
5. Warehouse
6. Oasis
7. Oasis
8. Asos
9. Warehouse at Asos
Copy cat
After much covetting of Burberry's shearling aviator style bomber jacket and reading fellow bloggers swooning over the idea of adding one to their closet, I have willingly jumped on the copy cat bandwaggon.
While many designers and high street names are showcasing their versions for the coming season, there is yet to be one to look really good (hard in comparison to the perf Burberry one) and that doesn't break the bank.
New Look has launched their AW winter warmers range and it comes complete with the aviator knock-off.
For £39.99, this brown leather and sheepskin jacket is just a tad cheaper than the £2195 Burberry original.
While many designers and high street names are showcasing their versions for the coming season, there is yet to be one to look really good (hard in comparison to the perf Burberry one) and that doesn't break the bank.
New Look has launched their AW winter warmers range and it comes complete with the aviator knock-off.
For £39.99, this brown leather and sheepskin jacket is just a tad cheaper than the £2195 Burberry original.
£39.99, New Look
Burberry AW10, just gorge.
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Cover it up, AW style
When you think of a poncho, you think of something along the lines of a mariachi band, don't you?
Well not any more.
AW10 brings the southern American trend up to the high fashion stakes in an earthy wave of camel hues and thick knit wools that scream comfy days in front of the TV, hot choc in hand.
A recent investment into the AW trend came from the continent, H&M, Belgium to be precise. My new camel, thick knit poncho ticks all the boxes and is the perfect winter warmer.
The bargain H&M version is available in UK stores too, so get yours now.
And if you fancy something else, here's a round up of some other styles available on the high street, no sombreros in sight. Ariba.
Well not any more.
AW10 brings the southern American trend up to the high fashion stakes in an earthy wave of camel hues and thick knit wools that scream comfy days in front of the TV, hot choc in hand.
A recent investment into the AW trend came from the continent, H&M, Belgium to be precise. My new camel, thick knit poncho ticks all the boxes and is the perfect winter warmer.
The bargain H&M version is available in UK stores too, so get yours now.
And if you fancy something else, here's a round up of some other styles available on the high street, no sombreros in sight. Ariba.
£125, http://www.asos.com/
£80, http://www.asos.com/
Come on Julian, be nice
Julian Macdonald, acclaimed fashion designer and a regular judge on Project Runway and now Britain's Next Top Model, has always, in my mind, come across as rather rude and unnecassary.
His latest tactless jibes on BNTM have left me with very little respect for the Welsh designer (even if his AW10 collection is lust-worthy).
Calling BNTM contestant, Charlotte Holmes overweight is simply below the belt (no pun intended) and totally misguided.
He said that she had a rather rounded bottom and that this is not what catwalk models are made of. What happened to the fashion world being against the waif craze?
Tearful Charlotte hit back and said, "I don't want to be a size four, I am happy the way I am."
Well, J, I'm sure the lovely curvacious Tyra would have a few things to say to you.
Just be nice.
His latest tactless jibes on BNTM have left me with very little respect for the Welsh designer (even if his AW10 collection is lust-worthy).
Calling BNTM contestant, Charlotte Holmes overweight is simply below the belt (no pun intended) and totally misguided.
He said that she had a rather rounded bottom and that this is not what catwalk models are made of. What happened to the fashion world being against the waif craze?
Tearful Charlotte hit back and said, "I don't want to be a size four, I am happy the way I am."
Well, J, I'm sure the lovely curvacious Tyra would have a few things to say to you.
Just be nice.
Friday, 6 August 2010
Yes please.
Topshop's most recent collection Dark Nouveau mixes grunge with glamour. One of the first waves of AW10 lines, this one does exactly what it says on the tagline. I want it all.
At £25 this cape style jersey top with bug pattern is easy to wear casual and would look great in my wardrobe.
At £25 this cape style jersey top with bug pattern is easy to wear casual and would look great in my wardrobe.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Hello California Gurl
Katy Perry looks stunning in her latest photo shoot for US Rolling Stone magazine. Wearing only fishnet tights and cavorting on the beach (as you do), the singer showed a different and more natural side to her usual quirky self.
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