Bow down bitches. Beyonce's taken over.

 I'd never paid much attention to the Queen Bey before. Sure, I liked the tracks she built in Destiny's Child and little dittys like 'Bootylicious', 'irreplacable' and 'Halo' but she never hit me as hard as she has with her new album 'The Visual'.

No one saw it coming. I've been told there were 80 songs recorded and I have heard a good 9. Don't judge. I'm taking it slow.

Every song has been given a video.
"I see music," Beyonce said in a video announcing the album, “It’s more than just what I hear.  When I’m connected to something, I immediately see a visual or a series of images that are tied to a feeling or an emotion, a memory from my childhood, thoughts about life, my dreams or my fantasies.  And they’re all connected to the music.”

Isn't she just gorgeous?!

After watching http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcN6Ke2V-rQ  Self Titled part 1 and 2 ('a mini art feature comprised of several parts to give a glimpse into the entire project')  I was astonished by her sensibility and down to earth groundedness that is hard to come by in performers these days. I see her as both a mother and an artist- a strong woman who can dance and sing and nurture and think and impress and be fabulous all in one go.

The first song from the Visual that hooked me was, ofcourse, Pretty Hurts.

Any woman whose any woman will relate in one way or another to this song- the feeling of competition and self worth being rocky and the idea of body and image consuming one's time and thoughts.

I waited and waited and eventually the video for Pretty Hurts was released and it was both shocking, sad and empowering.

 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ebcsGuU55E

'Its the soul that needs the surgery'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIv1z6n3Xxo

The next song to grasp my attention was the sultry Yonce. That base line is sexy, the calm, sassy lyrics are snappy and the video is filled with leather, red lip stick and dancer limbs. Too catchy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzrSbfpZ8-g

Beyonce is not weak in either body or mind. She has IT. That special something that comes from the hardest of hard work. As she said in a Self Titled video 'I work harder than anyone I know.' I don't doubt it.

I have rediscovered a new role model.
 
x

Review: Lime Crime Red Velvet Lip Stain.

I got home from work today to find a package on my bed- don't you just love that feeling?? When you don't quite know what it is because you've done so much online shopping recently... a good thing and a bad thing... I should probably cut the card up but lets be honest... I'm not gonna do that... ever.

So I open the box to find a picture of two unicorn heads on the inside of a pink lid and nestled in an excessive cocoon of lime green tissue paper I found my purchase: the Lime Crime Velvetine liquid to matte 'lip stain'.

This has been my first ever purchase from Lime Crime and I cannot stress how excited I was to see that unicorn logo. Whats not to like about unicorns?!

Its very ideal the package arrived today because tonight I had a friend's farewell dinner- and what better time to test this bad girl out!

Now be warned!!! When I first applied it was messy business! It performs as a very watery lip gloss that one applies to the shape of one's lips and it dries into matte form. I may have gotten a bit carried away thus staining my chin and teeth but after a few wipes with a tissue it was fine. You are basically painting your lips and you have to be careful to get the right shape and make it even on top and bottom lip because this stuff is BOLD.

The end result is divine as velvet though.

Please excuse my fuzzy pictures. I have a terrible camera. That'll change when I'm rich and famous though ;)

This product is HIGHLY recommended for those of you who want to make a sophisticated statement that is both fun and a little bit dark.

I can't wait to buy more Lime Crime makeup!!

x

Pearls.

Pearls:

A friend of mine let me play with her camera at a Christmas shindig last year. Seeing as we were both wearing pearls, we had a giggly time snapping these ever so sophisticated pictures!

These decadent balls of calcium carbonate remind us of the chic ladies of high society who drape themselves from chin to collar with ropes and ropes of pearls!! We are ever so jealous!!

I purchased my short strand of fresh water pearls cheap in Vietnam after a nervous haggling war. They are sold cheaper than perfect pearls because, well, in comparison they are a dime a dozen, with little dents and odd curves to make them more lumpy than smooth and round.

My friend's pearls however are made of glass and were purchased in an op shop. REGARDLESS... one gets what one can get. These beauties are still beauties never mind the cost, they are sturdy and just as elegant as the real deal, only with more character.
 

Think Chanel. Think Babe Paley. Think Jacqueline Kennedy. Think Daisy Buchanan. Think mermaids.

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A Woman You Should Know...

Waris Dirie.

I believe its very important to know of as many interesting, intelligent, influential and inspiring women as possible because there are so many and yet I find I can name more '' '', '' '', and '' '' men than I can women. So here is one I want to share because she is such an amazing woman and everyone should know about her:

Waris Dirie was born to a nomadic family in Somalia in 1965.

At 13 years old she ran away to escape an arranged marriage to a man as old as her father. She eventually moved to London where she worked for an uncle who had been appointed Somali ambassador. But when his term in office ended, Waris took a job at McDonalds.

One day in McDonalds Waris was discovered by a photographer called Terence Donovan. From then on her modeling career took off and she became a world famous super model.

At the height of her modelling career, Waris spoke of the female genital mutilation she had undergone as a child.

She has written a book called Desert Flower which I am currently reading.

I first learned about Waris after watching the stunning film Desert Flower staring Liya Kebede. Highly recommended. It has won many awards.

In 2010 Waris was appointed Peace ambassador for the Year Of Peace and Security by the African Union.

After an attack on herself and her home, also a kidnapping, Waris quit her modelling career to focus on her work against female genital mutilation. She has founded the Desert Flower foundation, founded the PPR Foundation for Women's Dignity and Rights, raising money for schools and clinics in Somalia. She has also won many awards, written books, and starred in one James Bond film.

I believe her to be a truly remarkable woman, with a name that fits her- she not only survives but manages to blossom in harsh and challenging conditions, whether it be the desert, London or New York.

L.D.R.

ON LANA....

I'm surprised my first ever post wasn't about the raven haired angel headed hipster that is Lana Del Rey.
That queen of disaster... that black beauty... light of my life, fire of my loins... you get my point. I'm slightly obsessed and have been for about a year. Not sure when its gonna wear out, but the love is going strong and I embrace it with arms wide open unlike some crazy cats who like to conceal. Idiots.

The first song that hooked me was the melancholy, reminiscent 'Video Games'. Those strings being stroked like the strings of a rainbow... am I getting a little carried away? Not sorry. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE6wxDqdOV0   and that music video? Perfection!!! The old clips are warm, textured, childish and a little wild in a summery sort of way. Another example that would fit well in my previous post about nostalgia, she depicts what I was talking about quite sweetly... but there is always an darkness to Lana that cannot be overlooked.

I have read many an article about this striking artist- many a nasty article. Yes, people say she has been moulded by the music industry. I don't give a fuck. So is everyone else in the entertainment universe. Sure, Lorde bitches about her, but don't get me started on Lorde!!! That kid needs to quite bitchin and keep playin cos she has 'IT' but keeps ruining 'IT' by focusing on the flaws of other performers... she despises 'phonies' who have been created by fat cats to catch the attention of pop culture public, yet she is one herself. To coin a phrase dear Lorde: 'LEAVE LANA ALONE!!!' (she says with mascara drizzled cheeks beneath the covers of her bed sheets).

Besides, part of the appeal of Lana are her flaws... she gets nervous when she performs live, her voice is girlish and she stammers now and then, some of the messages in her music aren't messages at all, they are simple things that mean something only to her and to those who keep minds open and are willing to understand the vulnerability of this artist. She is human- despite the IMAGE that has been formed about her. I see her flaws and silly moments and I appreciate them because they make her more intriguing to me. Theres always gonna be dirt on someone- I'd rather listen to their music and see where it takes me than focus on rumors and gossip. Keep it pure people.

Her music videos are indeed works of art- that ol American nostalgia captured quite well in the video 'Ride' along with its base line and those piano chords... it just works ok?! Most covers of her music are rubbish because no one can get that purr of a voice that she creates.

She never fails to surprise me- for example, her cover of 'Heart Shaped Box' by Nirvana is flawless. I have never heard her voice reach such heights for such a duration of time, it is a song that suits her. WATCH IT NOW!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPIJk0MKSWM

Ofcourse, with some songs, it does take a few plays to really get obsessed, but thats ok. I have time.

That ‘unjustified’ nostalgia...

The Carrie Diaries.
I tried so hard for so long to avoid getting tripped into the glossy pit that is this tv show. But when exams began, procrastination came knocking- it was AnnaSophia Robb at my door of distraction, her blond curls bouncing around those baby doll eyes, her rainbow splashed handbag swinging... I gave her a chance and oops. Hooked tighter than a worm to a hook.
Don’t fight it, my friends said. Theres no point. So I let it take over. The addiction of it all!!!! The fashion!!!! The sheer happy go lucky fabulousness of the entire shabang. No regrets. I’m in LOVE with the Carrie Diaries.

It is my feel good show. After a boring, unglamorous day at work, I can sink down in my duvet covers with the lap top glowing before me and just let go. Life becomes ideal- I get excited for Carrie’s lucky moments, her triumphs and lessons, I am distraught every time she suddenly turns awkward around Sebastian, then I rejoice my little heart out when they reconcile.
This show has led me to this website:  http://wornontv.net/the-carrie-diaries/  where I drool over the fashion, making a mental wish list and pretending I can afford every garment.

Something I have noticed about watching the Carrie Diaries, and the effect it has on me, is the powerful feeling of nostalgia it promotes. While I was not born in the 1980s, seeing the telephones connected by curly cords, the milkshake bars, the shoulder pads, the thick brick ‘cell’ phones and outrageous tutu shirts make me glow with a familiar and reminiscent warmth that is, to quote a friend, ‘unjustified’. They just don’t get it though.

It is a universal feeling this nostalgia, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels it when watching such shows.
Another example is the film Clueless. Makes me tear up everytime. The tight strappy dresses, american teenage slang (as IF.... whatEVER), the fashion, the music, the fashion, the music THE FASHION, THE MUSIC!!!!

Another thing that hits my nostalgia button is To Kill A Mockingbird. The nature of childhood being a universal feeling. The tire swing, the overalls, the naivety, records, coca cola, porch swing chairs, neighborhoods, school fights...

In such films and tv shows, much of my nostalgia is triggered by AMERICA and the AMERICAN CULTURE. It makes me wonder at how influential that culture is... desert road trips, new york, southern manners, cadilacs, juke boxes.... LOLITA. The American road trip. Jazz and bebop. This culture fascinates me.

All in all, I highly recommend watching the Carrie Diaries for its simple pleasantness, incredible fashion and heartwarming, toe tapping music that radiates the good ol days when I wasn’t even born.

MARINA

'I'VE COME ALIVE...'
                                      Marina farewells our teen hood.

I'm talking about the super super song 'Teen Idle' by Marina and the Diamonds. The lyrics are pure poetry because they have a strong effect. They sit and fit so well with the melody, one can interpret them as one wants- boys or girls, old or young, it can be appreciated by anyone.

'I wanna be an idle teen,
I wish I hadn't been so clean'

To me she talks about the issue of experience, perhaps how experience can reflect your self worth? There is an illusion and confusion of identity laced through out the song. It flicks from peppy electric pop to something dark, sad and nostalgic, wishful, yearning, envy?

 'I want blood, guts and chocolate cake'

'I wanna be a virgin pure,
A 21st century whore'

She wants more than whats possible, like any young person does don't you think? Or perhaps it is possible but there is a catch- goals and dreams come with strings attached...
The song is packed with contrast and juxtaposition. The tune is cute, catchy and alive. A chorus of cheerleader like voices echo in the background like robots 'Feeling super super super!!!!' ...but still the lyrics cut at first listen...

And when she breaks it down:

'I wish I wasn't such a narcissist,
I wish I didn't really kiss,
The mirror when I'm on my own,
Oh god, I'm gonna die alone'

She holds us in that awkward, self conscious state of adolescence so familiar, so violent, so bittersweet and we can sense our own universal vulnerability seeping out of the song.

The archetype: Teenager.

The idolization of teenagers.

Is this song sarcastic? Regretful? Dissatisfaction. 'I wish I...'  A beautiful confessional.  I discovered that Marina apparently told Amazon that the song is a: "Story of my suicidal cheerleader youth! This song was like my last hurrah of adolescence."