Candid Article 7

Jessie J, the new face of Pretty Polly

Oct 17th saw the launch of the new House of Holland collaboration with hosiery manufacturer Pretty Polly. The ‘Christmas Party’ collection continues the working relationship between the two companies, whose trademark suspender tights featuring the House of Holland logo of a house have been a major wardrobe staple since last year. It includes adapted versions of two of their previous designs – the Alphabet Tights, where this time the letters are in gold lurex, and the Suspender Tights, which are now available as fishnets. There is also a nude pair that say ‘I’m Laddered’ in black down the back seam, and have chunky black tops.

In the past, starlets such as Jamelia and Rachel Stevens have been the ambassadors for Pretty Polly products, but this time feisty 4 times MOBO award winner Jessie J has been chosen as the face of the latest collection. The 23 year old is well known for her outlandish style and statement haircut, and has sported some of the brand’s tights on stage before, as well as being snapped roaming the streets of London in them on her days off.

David Hinchcliffe, the brand director, was very happy with the decision, declaring, ‘She’s got awesome style, but her attitude and her persona make a terrific choice for our collection.’ This attitude is played upon in the advertisements, which are made to look like comic strips, and depict Jessie modelling a pair of the tights with a gloomy skyline as her background, and the word ‘WHAM!’ emblazoned across the bottom, complete with cartoon flames. There is also video advertising content on Youtube, and a campaign tailored specifically for Facebook.

In an interview, Jessie claimed that she has a box of unworn tights under her bed, as she receives so many pairs from designers, so it appears that her latest venture may have been a long time coming. After being stuck on crutches for the majority of summer, I daresay she’s been dying to show off those killer pins of hers. She says, ‘When you put on a pair of tights, you feel sexy and powerful’, and judging by the outcome of the ad campaign, that is exactly what they have done.

House of Holland for Pretty Polly tights are available online and in selected stores, and there is a pop-up store in London’s Covent Garden from now until January 31^st to endorse the products. Starting at just £15, they are the perfect Christmas ‘stocking’ filler!

Weekly Update!

New York Plans, Skirts & Pint-pulling!

This week didn't involve a great deal yet again, except for something very exciting - I booked flights to New York! I can't wait until April now. I'm going with two of my friends to visit my friend Abi who is living there for this year, so we should get a proper insider's view of the city, as she knows lots of cool places to go.

On my day off on Thursday I went for a coffee and some gorgeous chocolate cake with my friend Charlotte, and we mooched around Altrincham for a while. I stumbled across an amazing crinoline in a charity shop for just £4 so snapped that up! On Friday I worked in the morning and evening so had a very rushed meeting in the middle with Lydia, who was back from York for a few days.

On Saturday I did my first mini-shift at the new pub that I work at - The Greyhound in Ashley. It was fairly quiet, which was good for me to practise pulling pints and getting accustomed to a different till. After I had finished at 2pm, I rushed home and went to Stockport with my mum for a little wander. I have never been before and was pleasantly surprised at the range of shops, especially as there was a Primark! I bought a nice pleated silk skirt from Topshop's sale using a voucher that I got for my birthday in June. I love using old vouchers, it feels like free clothes!

We drove home, and shortly afterwards I headed to Millington to babysit. Charlotte came with me, and we had a fun night making candyfloss with the kids, before watching The Other Boleyn Girl once they were asleep. We were home by 1am so it wasn't too bad, and with the clocks going back, even getting up at 9am felt like a lie-in.

I went to the gym for a much needed workout, and then worked my last ever shift at Spar in the evening. It was bizarre to think I'll never have to work there again, but though I'll miss a few of the customers, I am well and truly glad I'll never break another nail stacking shelves, or have to deal with smelly stale beer!

Autumn Reads...

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini- 4 stars ****

This is a brilliant, if at times harrowing story, that was made into a film in 2007. It tells the tale of Amir, a wealthy Pashtun boy in Kabul, Afghanistan, who is best friends with his Hazara servant, Hassan. They have a very close relationship despite their immensely different places in society, which is often tested by the views of other children that they encounter, in particular the school and local bully Assef.

Following a local kite running tournament (in which tradition states that the greatest honour is given to the person who returns with the last kite remaining in the sky) Hassan bumps into Assef whilst trying to claim the kite for Amir, and is subjected to a brutal physical and sexual assault. Amir sees it all from a distance, but is so desperate for his father Baba's approval that he is more interested in claiming the kite, than helping his friend.

Racked with guilt at ignoring his friend in his most desperate hour, Amir resorts to cutting contact with Hassan believing it is the only way he can live with himself. He plants some valuables in the servant's hut so that they are forced to leave the house, and watches as Hassan remains loyal to him until the end, lying to Baba about stealing in order to protect Amir from the consequences of his plot.

Following the invasion of the Soviet Union, Amir and Baba escape to America, where their riches are lost and they live in relative poverty. He goes to college and becomes a successful writer, marrying a girl he meets at a market, but they fail to have any children. His father dies, and years later he receives a letter, asking him to return to Afghanistan. It is there that he learns that Hassan is dead, and has left his son an orphan, amongst other shocking revelations, and the past that he has tried so hard to cover up, threatens to break the surface.

Considering that the novel deals with such dark subject matter, the language that Hosseini uses is exquisite at times, and he has a true talent for capturing things in a way unlike any other I have encountered in books before:

'I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.'

He uses metaphors so that there is no denying what is being discussed, yet it remains fresh and innovative. The following passage shows this to a certain degree, addressing Amir's feelings upon returning to Kabul for the first time since living in America.

'I stepped outside. Stood in the silver tarnish of a half-moon and glanced up to a sky riddled with stars. Crickets chirped in the shuttered darkness and a wind wafted through the trees. The ground was cool under my bare feet and suddenly, for the first time since we had crossed the border, I felt like I was back.'

One of the main themes throughout the book is the feeling of guilt and self-loathing that Amir faces after his decision to do nothing about the ordeal that Hassan suffered. The writer uses an interesting technique to tell the reader about these feelings without making it too obvious. In places, he seems to be explaining how another character must feel, but one can't help but see that it is due to Amir himself having had the same feelings that he can understand them so clearly. A good example of this occurs towards the end, when Amir takes Hassan's son Sohrab back to America with him:

'What he yearned for was his old life. What he got was me and America. Not that it was such a bad fate, everything considered, but I couldn't tell him that. Perspective was a luxury when your head was constantly buzzing with a swarm of demons.'

I would highly recommend this book. It is a unique and complex story that manages to be both immensely delightful and sickeningly grim, showing the joys of childhood, but also the haunting effect that secrets can have upon life. A pensive read.

Candid Article 6

Phoebe English- One To Watch

Fashion is a crazy thing, this we all know. But weird and wonderful has been taken to a whole new level, by up-and-coming clothes designer Phoebe English. For her section in the Central St Martin’s Autumn/ Winter 2011 MA show, the flaxen haired twenty five year old sent models down the catwalk wearing creations made from leather and… hair. But rather than producing shocked looks of horror from the audience, as may be expected at the prospect of a skirt made from dark tresses, English’s designs were very well received. Her work has been described as ‘complex, disciplined and detailed’ and she considers the female form and movement of the body in her garments.

After very nearly pursuing a career in acting, the designer claims that ‘there is an art to wearing clothes’ and mentions Florence Welch, Tilda Swinton and Catherine BaBa as some of her favourite dressers.

She came away from the event as joint recipient of the highly coveted L’Oreal Professionnel Creative award, which is given to ‘recognise and help design talent further their careers’. Her collection was predominantly black, and featured lattice PVC work as well as her signature usage of raven hair. She states that her choice of colour is the ‘best way to get [the fabrics] to match and black is a colour you can usually always find things in’. She took her inspiration for this collection from her walk to work in her studio in East London, crediting light, gravity and motion as factors in her decision making processes. Despite the initial severity of the clothes, the contrasting surfaces of the different materials form a unique aspect that is ornamental and dynamic.

The other award winner, Viktor Smedinge, showcased tailored black and cream dresses made from parchment.

The judge for the award was Elle Magazine’s Fashion Features Director Rebecca Lowthorpe, and style icons such as Daphne Guinness and Maria Diamandis of Marina and the Diamonds fame had prime seats for the show.

This is not the young talent’s first success, as previously she has won the Chloe award, and the Ungaro bursary, and worked for the likes of John Galliano, Diane Von Furstenburg, and world renowned corsetier Mr Pearl. She appeared in October’s edition of Vogue magazine, and some of her creations were put on display in ‘British-ish’, an exhibition in London’s Victoria and Albert museum during Fashion Week, curated by Giles Deacon. Her designs in the past have heavily featured knitwork and other handmade crafts to add decorative detail.

Past graduates of Central St Martins include many staple names in the industry such as Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Zac Posen and Christopher Kane. With the favourable reaction Phoebe English has received thus far, it appears that she may well follow in their highly fashionable footsteps.

Weekly Update!

Hutches, Hair Dye and Havoc!

This week mainly revolved around the weekend, as it seems to be continuously for me now that I've finished uni and am stuck in the wonderful world of employment. My grandpa came to stay for a few days this week, and it was nice to have another person in the house. Another bonus was that my rabbit Saffy got a new hutch made for her, which she desperately needed after having become drastically larger since she was a little bunny!

On Thursday my friend Charlotte came to mine for a natter and a coffee, and we booked our tickets for The Blitz Party, which is a 1940s night on in London, that a group of us are heading to for her birthday in November. I am so excited as I adore the era, and am planning my outfit already! In the evening I dyed my hair and for once it went perfectly, so I am lovely and bright blonde again.

On Friday I caught the train and went out in Knutsford with Charlotte and Tasha. We had a drink in Piccolino's restaurant to begin with, before heading on to Knutsford Wine Bar, which has a great atmosphere and live bands on which always adds a bit of a different swing to a night. We didn't stay too late as Tasha had work the following morning, but it was nice to have a few drinks and to get out of the house for an evening.

On Saturday morning I headed out to the gym for the third time this week (go me!) and had a good ol' workout to wake me up. Once I'd got home I chilled out for a bit and watched some TV before doing my hair and makeup ready for going out that evening. I worked from 5-10pm so was a bit of a sight all trussed up! It did mean that I was super speedy after finishing, and was in Manchester for 10.45pm which is a bit of a record. I went to Moho Live for the first time, and really enjoyed it there. It was only £3 to get in before 11.30pm and that included 2 free drinks, and it was their Indie/ Rock night, so the music was right up my street. We left for home fairly early at around 2am but I was pretty tired from working all week so didn't complain.

On Sunday I was at work at 12pm so didn't get much of a lie-in, but fortunately as I hadn't drunk much the night before I wasn't suffering from going out for once. After work I had an interview in High Legh, where I got hopelessly lost down dark back roads in the middle of nowhere which was pretty scary; and I didn't particularly want the position afterwards, despite the interview seeming to go well. You win some you lose some I guess!

Autumn Views...

Midnight In Paris- 3 stars ***

I saw that Marion Cotillard was in this and instantly wanted to see it before even knowing what it was about, as I adore her! However, I was surprised by a few other names when looking at her co-stars - Owen Wilson and Rachael McAdams made me instantly think the film must be a rom-com, and then I saw Michael Sheen and Adrian Brody, and that it is directed by Woody Allen, and it appeared there must be more to it than meets the eye. So I ventured to the cinema to see what to make of it.

The storyline is fairly simple, Gil and Inez (Owen and McAdams) are an engaged couple from America who tag along to Paris with Inez's parents for a holiday. Writer Gil embraces the French way of life, while Inez struggles to accept the relaxed and cultured sophistication that it offers, favouring shopping and spending time with Paul (Sheen) and Carol, some friends that they bump into whilst they are out. One evening, a drunken Gil gets lost, and on the stroke of midnight, an old fashioned car pulls up containing a group of partygoers dressed in 1920s clothing, an era Gil is particularly fascinated with. They invite him to join them, and take him to a bar, where upon meeting the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Cole Porter and F. Scott Fitzgerald he begins to realise that he has been transported back in time.

Following his revelation, he continues to adventure back to the same place every night at midnight, where he meets more famous faces, such as Picasso and Salvador Dali (Brody) and gets his book read by famous writer and poet Gertrude Stein. It is on his midnight jaunts that he meets Picasso's mistress Adriana (Cotillard) and falls for her. Meanwhile his fiancée is having an affair with Paul, who is one of those annoying people who appears to know everything, and lets you know about it.

This film has a good idea at the heart of it - that everyone is nostalgic to a certain degree and wishes for a more perfect era, but it just doesn't quite get there. It is never explained why or how Gil manages to time travel, and personally, I feel that Owen Wilson wasn't the correct choice of actor for the part. If someone a little less comic had been chosen, then the film would have had a completely different, and perhaps more subtle, feel to it. Instead, it seems over-acted in parts, and he portrays a caricature of a struggling novelist, rather than it being that convincing.

Cotillard, as ever, is beautiful as Adriana, and many of the other actors are very believable in their roles, I especially enjoyed Alison Pill as ballsy Zelda Fitzgerald, and Corey Stoll as Ernest Hemingway was magnificent.

Aside from the plot difficulties, aesthetically it is a gorgeous production. As a fan of the decadence of the 20s, especially in Paris, I thoroughly enjoyed being transported back to a time where fashion roams free, decor is elaborate and architecture is revolutionary. It was worth a watch just for the visual feast!

Candid Article 5

Kasabian vs. Blink 182

The last fortnight has seen the release of two records that have been highly anticipated.

Let’s start with the album cover. I expected Blink’s comeback to boast some impressive artwork, if only to draw attention to the fact that they are ready for action. However, graphic designer Mike Grant has depicted a simple industrial styled monochrome skyline, with the band’s name emblazoned across the front, which I found a bit disappointing. In comparison to Kasabian’s cover, a cartoon style optical illusion featuring a bearded man’s face, it just doesn’t have that wow factor. Though perhaps with Kasabian winning an NME award for best album artwork with their last album, they felt the pressure to keep up to the standard they had already set.

‘Velociraptor!’ is the fourth studio album from Leicester’s famous Kasabian, while ‘Neighbourhoods’ is the first album to be released in six years from rock-pop trio Blink 182. Although the bands are miles apart in the music world, not least because they hail from opposite sides of the pond, I thought it would be good to compare the two albums, to discover the merits and pitfalls of both, and if they are worth a listen. Both bands have released two tracks off the albums prior to their release.

First impressions aside, the crucial thing of course is the music itself. Tom DeLonge, lead singer with Blink 182, describes their latest effort as ‘ambitious, weird and expansive’, and it is unquestionably their darkest album yet. This has been put down to the events which have inspired the member’s song writing, most notably their substantial career break, when disagreements led to a parting of the ways. As well as this, drummer Travis Barker was injured in a serious plane crash, and the producer of all the band’s previous albums, Jerry Finn, died suddenly of a cerebral haemorrhage.

However, despite the more serious subject matter, the album remains quintessentially Blink, still using ‘fast sunny hooks’ as was described of their original sound. Track 8 on the album, ‘This Is Home’, is definitely the catchiest tune, and harks back to the band’s more carefree songs of the late 90s.

The problem with the record overall is that having been produced solely by the band members for the first time, as well as being recorded mainly at three separate studios to suit each of them, means that the finished product feels slightly disjointed and erratic at times. Barker’s drumming hints at his more hip-hop based projects, while bassist Mark Hoppus admits he has manipulated ‘weird indie rock’ into some of the songs he wrote. It is however, a good attempt to break back into the market, and will no doubt have old fans queuing up to see them tour the UK next year, despite them cancelling their previous one due to delays in album production.

Kasabian’s ‘Velociraptor!’ has been put together much more quickly (work started in November 2010) but by no means does it impair the quality of the outcome. It is a widely varied album, with 80s inspired beats such as on ‘I Hear Voices’, as well as unmistakeably Kasabian tracks such as latest release ‘Days Are Forgotten’ and opening song ‘Let’s Roll Like We Used To’. Having already made it to the top spot of BBC Radio 1’s Album Chart in just a week, it looks like it is set to rival the awards won by their previous albums, which include a Q award for Best Album in 2009, and an NME award for Best Album in 2010, both for ‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’.

Music magazine ‘Rolling Stone’ has been very complimentary of both the band’s latest work; awarding 3 out of 5 stars for ‘Neighbourhoods’, and announcing ‘Velociraptor!’ as Kasabian’s best album yet, predicting an even bigger future for the foursome. With ‘Neighbourhoods’ recent release (27^th September) we’ll have to wait until Sunday to find out if Kasabian will be knocked off the top spot by the popular US band’s eagerly awaited 7^th album. Until then, I’d recommend downloading them both, and casting an ear to the latest offerings from these two successful bands.

Weekly Update!

Work, Work, Work, Pool Party!

This week was my second of two crazy weeks, working twelve hours a day, but at least its all over now.

On Wednesday night I went to see Midnight in Paris with a couple of friends and Chris (see next week's post) and on my day off on Thursday I went for a wander around TK Maxx and the retail park, but unfortunately didn't buy anything.

On Friday to celebrate finishing work, I went with Charlotte and Tasha to The House restaurant in Goose Green, Altrincham. It's somewhere I've always wanted to go, and so suggested it when we were deciding on a venue. We had bread on the table to start with, and for main I had scallop, king prawn and

chorizo skewers, which were amazing (if a little pricey at £15.90). They were served with rice and a peppery rocket salad, which went well with the flavours from the seafood, and the spiciness of the chorizo. For dessert I had a caramel and pecan tart, which I gladly would have eaten all night, as it was gorgeous. It was served with rich vanilla ice cream, and raspberry coulis. I shared a bottle of nice wine with Charlotte, and with a 25% off voucher we had, my part of the bill came to £24, which I thought very reasonable for the quality of the food. I would definitely go again, and for anyone local - try it!

We were all dead by ten o'clock so headed home to bed, and I very much enjoyed the novelty of a lie-in on Saturday. When I got up the sun was shining, so I went on a lovely run near my house, along some back roads that passed fields with cows and horses in, which was nicer scenery than sweaty men at the gym! That evening I headed to a friend's house for a pool party. I had a really good night, and we spontaneously decided to venture into Manchester at 2am, so that was an interesting outcome. I went back to bed after getting home on the Sunday, as my head was feeling the 2 bottles of wine I had consumed, and the severe lack of sleep - we got in at 6am! It was something different though I guess, and totally suitable as a celebration of finishing working crazy hours for the time being!

Autumn Reads...

A Clash Of Kings by George R.R. Martin- 3 stars ***

This is the second book in the series 'A Song Of Ice And Fire', the first of which I read over summer after watching the series on Sky Atlantic, which was amazing. This continues the story of the Starks after the death of their father Eddard, whose eldest legitimate son Robb is crowned 'King Of The North' upon his death. However, the current King is the late King 's son Joffrey Baratheon (who is not actually his true heir), and his brothers Renly and Stannis also lay a claim to the throne, and so a civil war breaks out across the land.

Robb's mother, Catelyn, tries to get the Baratheon brothers to form an alliance with the Starks, in order to defeat Joffrey and deliver the throne to its rightful owner, Stannis. However, both brothers are greedy and refuse. Renly is killed by a mysterious shadow, and whisperings of the supernatural begin to circulate.

Meanwhile Tyrion Lannister, the late King's brother, is named Hand of the King, and goes to King's Landing to advise his sister Cersei and her son Joffrey. He tries to rally together as many loyal subjects as possible and strengthens the castle in preparation for attack, which he suspects will arrive soon.

Bran Stark has recovered from his fall in the first book, but is still unable to walk, while Arya is on the run disguised as a boy. Sansa is held captive by Joffrey as his betrothed, and she is frequently beaten and mistreated. The Stark's bastard brother Jon is a man in the Night's Watch, and with his fellow men they are in search of his missing uncle. He is captured by wildlings near the end of the book, and betrays his partner (as he was told to do) in order to infiltrate their circle.

Daenerys Targaryen is on a quest for followers to help her back across the sea, with her three dragons. She is tricked and nearly loses her life in the House of the Undying, before she meets two men who turn out to be friends of her old ally Illyrio, and offer to help her to her homeland.

As you can see there are many storylines throughout the book, which is again split into chapters through the perspective of different characters; this time Arya, Sansa, Tyrion, Bran, Jon, Catelyn, Davos (a knight serving Stannis), Daenerys and Theon, the former ward of Eddard, who is trying to capture the throne for himself. This structure works as it separates each plot, making it easier to follow.

As before, the writing is very well structured, and the characters are all believable and easy to empathise with (or dislike!). The only negative I have is that at times, this seems like a bit of a stop-gap between the introductory book (Game Of Thrones) and when the action will start, but I suppose with a seven book series this is bound to happen now and again. I can't wait until next year when the second series of the television adaptation starts, so I can see this book on screen!

Candid Article 4

Up-and-coming: Joanna Briggs

In an industry that is fast becoming dominated by manufactured pop bands and reality TV personalities, the number of musicians who manage to achieve their dreams using raw talent and determination appears to be dwindling. Attempting to prove this claim wrong is new girl on the alternative music scene, Joanna Briggs.

After spending time as a successful freelance fashion and beauty photographer in London, the 23 year old from near Birmingham moved back to her roots to focus on her first passion - music. Having been to a specialist performing arts college, Joanna is by no means limited in her creativity. She not only sings, but is an accomplished violinist and writes her own material. She was first found performing her tracks online, and was soon snapped up and signed to independent label LoveRock Records late last year. In less than 12 months, the songstress has written and recorded her debut EP ‘Balloons’ which is due for release on September 26^th.

Listening to the product of her hard work (available to stream at www.jbriggs.co.uk or www.loverockrecords.co.uk) it is clear that Joanna is not afraid to push boundaries and experiment with her musical style. The opening song ‘Spiders’ begins with a dischordant bassline that would not be out of place on an industrial track, yet it gives way to distinctly feminine vocals that are reminiscent of Nina Persson of ‘The Cardigans’.

This unpredictability is in abundance throughout the six tracks on the record, where household items such as tin cans and a fire extinguisher were used as instruments. In the space of twenty minutes she creates an edgy and refreshing sound that is widely accessible due to its uniqueness. Worth a listen is ‘Longest Road’, which has a deliciously haunting quality thanks to the melancholic piano melody.

Citing artists as far apart as electro queen Robyn and folk singer Ingrid Michaelson as her influences, the genre of music that Joanna Briggs performs is hard to define. It is described by her label as a ‘unique blend of electro, indie and pop’ but for the full verdict? I guess you’ll just have to go and listen to it for yourself.

Weekly Update!

Nannying & Return to Lancaster!

This week was super busy as I have taken on nannying holiday cover for a fortnight, so I've literally been working twelve hour days! It's been hectic but well worth it for the money, and the little boy I look after is really sweet. He is always pretty busy doing after school activities and things, but there is some time to just mess around and play, and we made chilli together on Tuesday, which was fun.

After my working week was officially over, I came home, got changed and caught a train to Lancaster for the weekend. The first night I went straight to

my friend's birthday party, which was cops and robbers themed. Everyone had put in some effort, and we had jelly shots and cake, and took lots of photos. We then all headed to Sugarhouse, where luckily we had queue jump, as with it being Freshers Week it was pretty chaotic!

The following day I was feeling a little fragile, not helped by getting up at 8.30am to watch the rugby. After another hours nap once it had finished, I managed to crawl out of bed and get myself ready to go for late lunch with my friend Helen who is back for her fourth year. We went to the Whaletail Cafe, a vegetarian joint that had an

industrial feel to it as it was upstairs in what seemed like a warehouse. It had been decked out to look all pretty though, with fairy lights, comfy chairs and some lovely hand crafted paintings and sculptures. I had sweet potato, lentil and smoked cheese rissoles (sort of ball things) off the specials board, and they were served with crème fraiche, and a gorgeous salad with chickpeas, lentils and carrot. I was tempted by a dessert, as some of the cakes sounded delicious, but I was so full I gave it a miss, and bought a Yummy Cupcake for later on!

That evening I went out again, but this time with my friend Claire (also back for fourth year) and my flatmates from second year, who I was staying with. Chris was up for the weekend as well, and there were lots of graduates in Sugarhouse, so it was a proper little reunion. I paced myself a little better second time around, so on Sunday morning I felt a lot more alive, and after a sausage and bacon barm courtesy of Spar on campus, I was back on track for my next hard working week.

Candid Article 3

Take That Idol Unveils Latest Project

Amidst the glamour and hype of Mercedes- Benz’ New York Fashion Week, this week saw UK pop’s veritable cheeky chappie Robbie Williams launch his own fashion line. Named ‘Farrell’ after the singer’s grandfather, the logo features a Staffordshire knot, harking back to his Stoke-on-Trent roots. The brand bears the motto ‘wear it in, wear it out’ and is directed at men between the ages of 20-50 aiming for ‘the fusion between casual and formal’.

The premise of the collection is down to Marcus Love and Oliver Woods, who have previously worked with Take That, and are Robbie’s personal stylist and hairstylist. Although Williams was not involved directly with the design process, each garment was approved by the star before being put into production. Rather than featuring direct replicas of clothes that the star has in his own wardrobe, the range has been left adaptable so that it can incorporate new styles as they emerge in the future.

Available to buy are a quilted coat, chinos, and a dinner jacket, as well as more casual pieces such as lounge pants, sweaters and polo shirts. My personal favourites are the cable knit jumper, £125, and the Ben Sherman inspired dogtooth check shirt, £85. For those who want to embody the man himself, there are also two flat caps on sale for £50 each.

Currently exclusive to House of Fraser stores and www.very.co.uk (the site made famous by Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton) it has been classed as a mid-price line, with items ranging from £35 to £350. Thus far, it has been well received by the majority of men’s high-street fashion houses and it has been suggested that the brand will reap household success due to the celebrity’s likeability. Alex Bilmes, editor of Esquire magazine says being from the same era of ‘pop music, football and clobber’ as Robbie, he ‘would totally wear it’.

A launch was held last week on September 15^th in House of Fraser’s flagship store on Oxford Street, London. Looking dapper in a long black jacket and accompanied by wife Ayda Field, Robbie signed autographs and posed for pictures with the first 200 people to purchase a product.

Other famous faces to storm the fashion world include Pixie Lott for Lipsy, Emma Watson for People Tree and Liam Gallagher, whose brand Pretty Green is now sold in over 80 countries. Following the success of wife Victoria, David Beckham is also set to launch a menswear range in partnership with H&M in February 2012.

Autumn Views...

One Day- 3 stars ***

I went to see this film randomly with a friend and didn't really know what to expect. I had seen that the book was number one in the Times Bestseller list, so hoped the film would live up to the book's apparent reputation.

It starts with Emma (Anna Hathaway) riding through the streets of London on her bicycle on July 15th 2008. After a minute or two, the action is taken back to the same date in 1988, on her graduation day. This theme of zooming backwards and forwards through the years (though always on July 15th) is used throughout the film, so it gives a complete life story of Emma, and her co-starring main character Dexter (Jim Sturgess).

A general overview of the plot is that Emma is a nobody, a geeky student who grows up to be the average woman, and Dexter is charming, rich, and the girls love him. Despite their seemingly different lives, the pair become good friends after a drunken fumble on graduation night, and as viewers we watch as they embark on the journey that is the rest of their lives.

Fuelled by his ego and parent's money, Dexter goes into showbiz after university, where a world of drugs and debauchery await him. Emma struggles to make it as a writer, and makes ends meet by taking a job in a Mexican restaurant. She ends up spending far too much of her life in there, and meets Ian, a dorky but lovable chap who she falls into a half-hearted long term relationship with.

Emma and Dexter's friendship is the only thing that they have in common, and after a while this begins to take its toll on Emma, when Dexter becomes arrogant and completely ignorant to anyone but himself. After a few years of distance, he gets married, has a little girl and settles down, while Emma moves to Paris after her first novel is published, and leaves Ian behind.

Eventually Dexter's wife cheats on him, and he turns up in Paris. Finally both in the same place in life, the pair end up getting married and moving back to England, but this film shows just how cruel life can be when everything appears to be resolved.

It was a lovely film, though hugely sad at times (girls wear waterproof mascara!). Definitely worth a watch for something thought provoking, even though it does make you feel slightly depressed and pessimistic at its finale. The acting is great, especially Ian (Rafe Spall) who is adorable, although Hathaway's accent is extremely dubious at times. It also has a small role played by Romola Garai, who is my total girl crush at the moment!

Weekly Update!

Working Life & Roadtrips

This week I started a new job as a housekeeper and occasional nanny for a family who live in Millington near Knutsford. It is hard work, but keeps me busy and makes the time go quickly, so I am enjoying it so far, though they do have two sphyx cats that are quite unnerving! It is just in the mornings, and I get Thursday off, so it is a nice little earner that still leaves me time to do my writing.

On Monday it was Chris' birthday, so after my first day I went to his house and we went out for a meal at a local pub. I had fish and chips, which I had been craving for ages, and they definitely hit the spot. We had some of the cake I made (see previous post) when we got home, which turned out nice and moist, and he opened the presents that my parents and I had got him (they got him wine, I got him a trip to Dublin and a Where's Wally? mug!).

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent chilling out, catching up with some errands I had to run, and on Thursday I wrote my latest magazine article and then met up with a few friends in the evening for a chinwag and some sweeties!

On Friday I went to the gym and then babysat until the early hours, which left me with little sleep before I headed to Lancaster early on Saturday morning. I went with my mum to hand over the house keys to the new students that are moving in, and then we had a wander around the shops. I bought a lovely leather and sheepskin jacket from a little vintage boutique, and then we stopped for a sandwich and cream tea in The Novel Cafe, a really cute little place that is filled to the brim with books, and has a coffee menu that puts everywhere else to shame.

We drove home in a bit of a rush as I was at work at 5pm, but made it just in time. On Sunday we had another day trip together, this time to visit Jasmine at university in Leeds. She seems to have enjoyed her Fresher's week, and we even got tea and cake there, so it appears she is growing up! I drove home in the evening, and spent the night watching television and relaxing before a crazy week begins this week. I have another job nannying a little boy in the mornings and after school, which with my housekeeping job means I am working 12 hour days. I'll let you know how it is going next weekend!