Candid Article 2

Your Jewellery Box Treasures!

Following the success of Swarovski’s collaboration with Disney in 2010 for their Alice In Wonderland jewellery collection, April this year saw a continuation of the partnership, with a range based on the popular Pirates Of The Caribbean films.

Swarovski Creative Director Nathalie Colin and her team have designed a series of 25 pieces which fall into four different lines: ‘Angelica’ (the character played by Penelope Cruz in the latest motion picture), ‘High Sea’, ‘Black Pearl’ and ‘Skulls and Swords’. It is a ‘modern rock-inspired, edgy collection’ that uses pearls, gothic symbolism and elements within the films to create quirky, statement items that reflect the uniqueness of the franchise.

‘Angelica’ pays homage to the character from the film’s feistiness, making use of guns and gem encrusted swords, with red stones to add a touch of colour. It is one of the largest lines, made up of three necklaces, a bracelet, a pendant, a pair of earrings and two rings. The pendant is an exact replica of the gold cross that Penelope Cruz wore on-screen, as is one of the rings, which is studded with green crystals with a leaping dragon layered over them. Swarovski Creative Director Nathalie Colin and her team have designed a series of 25 pieces which fall into four different lines: ‘Angelica’ (the character played by Penelope Cruz in the latest motion picture), ‘High Sea’, ‘Black Pearl’ and ‘Skulls and Swords’. It is a ‘modern rock-inspired, edgy collection’ that uses pearls, gothic symbolism and elements within the films to create quirky, statement items that reflect the uniqueness of the franchise.

The ‘Black Pearl’ line is named after the ship owned by the infamous pirate from the saga, Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp. It includes a ring and earrings that are made with twisted metal to look like rope, and have dangling anchor and pearl charms hanging from them; as well as a further two necklaces, a bracelet, and a pendant, ring and earrings design that form a set. These final three are my personal favourites of the whole collection, as they are very understated and elegant, and would provide the perfect finishing touch to a simple dress for a special occasion.ements within the films to create quirky, statement items that reflect the uniqueness of the franchise.

The final two lines, ‘High Sea’ and ‘Skulls and Swords’, contain jewellery that is more unisex – there is a chunky chain bracelet with a skull adorned dog tag on it, and a necklace featuring a replica of the iconic compass that is used by Jack Sparrow throughout all four films. It is black with white crystals embedded on the outside, and clicks open to reveal a coloured compass with a moving dial.

There are some more feminine pieces however, such as the gold coloured ‘Chalice’ pendant. It has a spray of white gems dripping from its brim, and is one of a few limited edition pieces that are only available online. There is also a charm bracelet with pirate themed attachments, including a message in a bottle, and an anchor.

Given the craftsmanship and quality synonymous with Swarovski, the collection is very reasonably priced, varying from £61 to £150. The pieces are available both online and, for a limited time only, in certain Swarovski shops. There is definitely something for everyone available, as there are adventurous costume-style items, as well as more traditional creations that maintain the brand’s image. Also, the range appears to be relatively unheard of, so you are not likely to bump into hundreds of people wearing the same piece of jewellery, a problem often encountered when buying accessories on the high street!

Weekly Update!

Return to Lancaster (& a Mexican!)

This week started slowly, as I worked an eight hour shift on Monday, from 9am until 5pm. It perked up when I got home though, as I went to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean film with my family (see previous post).

On Tuesday I went into Masquerade Magazine again, probably for the final time due to some complications which is unfortunate. In the evening we had smoked haddock in a cheese and chive sauce which was delicious, and then I decided to chance watching the new MTV show, Geordie Shore. I can't recommend it for quality of viewing, but it certainly made me laugh, as some of the characters on it are tragic!

On Wednesday I had a much required lie-in followed by a nice run and then did a spot of shopping, ready to return to university at the weekend. I had a gorgeous salad for tea, so felt like I had a very healthy day overall! Thursday was another early morning ready for work at 7am, but afterwards I did some packing and sorted out some food to take on my return to Lancaster.

I worked Friday morning as well, but it went really fast as I knew it was my last shift until I finish uni for good. After a quick nap and packing the last few bits, I set off with my mum at around half six. We left it until later as we had heard that there was a crash on the motorway, but we still managed to hit traffic, and it took us nearly two and a half hours to get there! I was driving, and it is definitely the worst traffic I have been in before, but at least it gave me some clutch control practice.

Yesterday I went onto campus to use the gym for the first time in ages, and I loved doing a good ol' workout, though I was rather stiff this morning! After some lunch and a shower I started getting ready for my first Lancaster night out in 11 weeks. I left the house at half eight, and got a lift to Crows Restaurant to celebrate my friend Natasha's 20th birthday. I had the Chicken Santa Fe, which was strips of chicken breast in a spicy barbecue style chipotle sauce with peppers, served in a deep fried tortilla basket with mexican rice and sour cream. It was my fourth visit to the restaurant, and I've tried something different each time, so thought I should stick with tradition. I also shared a jug of white wine sangria, which I hadn't heard of, but it was lovely and helped to cool my mouth down after the hot meal!

After the meal we went for a few shooters and a boogie in Hustle before finishing the night in Sugar, where I met some other friends that I hadn't seen since before Easter. It was the perfect start to the summer term!

Spring Views...

Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides- 3 stars ***

Yesterday I went to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean film. I was really excited, despite being slightly disappointed with the last one (At World's End).

At the beginning of the film, the audience is thrown straight into the action as the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) tries to escape capture for his usual crimes against the crown. It worked well as it showcased the main character in all his mischievous glory. As the film progressed, some other favourites popped up, including Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) and Mr Gibbs (Kevin McNally) as well as newbies Penelope Cruz as Sparrow's love interest Angelica, and Ian McShane as her father, the merciless Blackbeard.

I'll be honest, the plot was very loose. It basically involves a race between several ships to find the fountain of youth. Blackbeard wants its water as a prophecy has foretold of his death, but the Spanish want to destroy the site as they believe it to be against the work of God. Barbossa wants to kill Blackbeard, and Jack wants to reclaim his ship, the Black Pearl, that is in Blackbeard's possession. So all set off on a jolly jaunt across the ocean.

Despite the departure of screen totties Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom, this is still a film well worth watching, if not just to enjoy another fun filled instalment to the pirate saga, as the visual aspects are brilliant. The addition of some sexy yet sinister mermaids, led by ex-supermodel Gemma Ward, creates another dimension to the film, and the relationship between one of them and a religious prisoner on Blackbeard's ship throws a romantic element into the mix.

The end was left open once again, with another 'lost treasure' being mentioned, so who knows if a fifth will be in the pipeline...(I have just Googled it, and theyre planning a 5th and 6th!) I just hope it doesn't get to the ridiculous levels of films such as Saw, now on its seventh release. Quit while you're ahead Disney!