weequizzie

I’m enjoying updating Hair Advice From My Heroes way too much. I love it.

BOOKS
I’m still reading The Marriage Plot and it’s still an utter joy.

FILMS
I headed off to the BFI with my lovely cousin to check out the Woody Allen season and kick back in a nice cinema for a couple of hours. We decided on Bullets Over Broadway which was fine by me because anything John (and/or Joan) Cusack is in = fine with me. Weirdly, the only 35mm they could source was in Spain and came with Spanish subtitles. Lucky us – a film and a chance to brush up on my GCSE Spanish skillz.

Best line: “You stand on the brink of greatness. The world will open to you like an oyster. No… not like an oyster. The world will open to you like a magnificent vagina.”

CLOTHES
I’m going back to basics for a while – no more dresses. Nope. It’s all about the jeans and the boots. The knitted jumper and the vest. Let’s see how long it lasts…

Last week I mentioned the Whistles pineapple dress and I’ve got to say it was a bit of a disappointment. I ordered online (a mad move) and when it arrived I found it covered in little (but obvious) lighter marks in the fabric. So, goodbye pineapple dress, it seems as though we’re not destined to be friends. A shame but a blessing in disguise as I don’t have that kind of dough right now.

Some nice threads
Topshop Boutique has some nice stuff at the moment including this neon jumper. I’m also a little bit in love with these ballet pumps and this bag.
The woman inside me who thinks she can walk elegantly in (6″) high heels wants these t-bars from Michael Kors, shame she’s broke and they’d fester like a sore in a box, wailing “You never wear me’.

MUSIC
I really don’t know what to expect from The Long Count at the Barbican. Well, anything that involves The National, the Deal sisters and Tunde Adebimpe has my vote:

RIP Etta James.

FOOD
We found a deal! A deal for fish and chips and wine at J. Sheekey for just £15.95. So Janey Mac and I duly got our backsides on nice seats and prepared to enjoy. It was good but it was a shame about the level of embarrassment that the staff seemed to feel upon having to serve us. Dudes, if you want (or need) to provide an offer do it in such a way that it doesn’t damage your brand and upset your guests. I’ve been to J. Sheekey before, a very kind present from my family and they spent a ton of money and it was fabulous. I want to feel the same fabulous at J.Sheekey whether it’s £15.95 or £500 being spent. It appears that they may be doing themselves more harm than good. Buck up your ideas – serve those coming for the deal in the same area of the restaurant with staff who are glad to serve up the fish and chips and not add cover charges etc. in a lame attempt to wangle more money. The good news? The salt and pepper shakers are still satisfyingly heavy and pints of Guinness come in silver tankards.

INSTAGRAM
I love Instagram. That is all.

The days are brimming with tunes and words. It’s hard to contain.

BOOKS
I’ve been reading A LOT lately. It goes like this – “Oh! It’s the new year. I need to read more books.” *Emma reads 10 books in 10 days then sits down for 200 days and looks at the internet*

Annnnd nothing’s changed, here I am sat in the middle of January popping books like Pringles.

The Sisters Brothers What a beaut of a book. Dark and beguiling, you’ll fall in love with Eli Sisters (and forget he’s a murderer with the murdering skillz).
Look at Me One of Jennifer Egan’s other books. Egan addresses the things I love to read about – identity and the search for knowledge/truth – and does it thoughtfully with a sprawling cast of characters, all equally messed up and enmeshed in their own plight to understand and be understood.
Into the Darkest Corner I read this in one sitting, so you could say it’s gripping. A tale of domestic violence, at times hard to read but the hardest part seemed to be the breaking up of the self, shorn and set asunder, the quietest voice your own. Frightening.
The End Specialist Immortality meets contract killing. It’s a good read but whatever he writes next will be better.
The Tiny Wife Twee alert. A bank robber chooses not to raid the safe but instead takes the most personal possession each individual carries with them. Question: What happens when it’s gone? Answer: Weird shit. It’s short and sweet.

At the moment I’m reading The Marriage Plot and The Basic Eight. Back to the good old days of two books at once. I am liking both of them, well, I’m liking The Marriage Plot more because it’s Jeffrey Eugenides and that dude knows his words.

CLOTHES
I was obsessing over this Nadinoo dress I found in Betty Magazine and then I went and BOUGHT IT. I hope it’s just as beautiful in real life because I intend to wear the shit out of it. The print was also designed from sketches by Edwyn Collins – “In 2005 Edwyn suffered a severe cerebral haemorrhage that he took six months to recover from. As part of his rehabilitation he drew a bird a day, like a sketchbook on fabric complete with names of birds and dates when they were drawn.” This makes me love it even more.
The Whistles pineapple dress just landed and it looks gooood.
The Carin Wester Aida boots were in the Urban Outfitters sale, sold out instantly (unless you’re a size 3) and I’m still dreaming of them. The heel looks a bit dodgey but check out those pom poms. Damn you, pom poms, you’ll be the death of me.
Who wants a pale blue shirt with weird lace-y bits and buttons that say “Hello”? Me! I do. At least, I think I do. This Henry Holland shirt looks brilliant in dark blue on the cover of Betty Magazine but seems less spectacular in pale blue. Whatcha think?

MUSIC
Since I’ve gone freelance I’m listening to way more music. So, here’s another playlist to turn on in a dark corner of the afternoon.

It’s 2012 and I can think of 2012 reasons why I’m glad it’s 2012.

I hope that at least 2012 great (little) things happen to you this year. I hope you’re appreciated and understood. I hope you’re left alone when you want to be left alone. I hope you’re listened to in a way that means you’re heard. I hope you remember what keeps your eyes open and your lungs flapping. Be good to people. Just don’t be a dick.

That’s my resolution – don’t be a dick. The 11th Commandment.

I don’t have a round-up yet but I will next week. In the meantime here’s a playlist.

Happy January. May all your dreams come true.

‘sup?

What’s going on with you? This week I lost 4lbs, dreamt of people I used to know, made cookies that were basically 100% butter, ate tofu and read about the creation of false selves. Hardcore.

It’s a late and tiny …going on? but it’s been a bit busy and I’ve been a bit moany so brevity is probably best.

WISHLIST
It’s Christmas! Nearly. So, here’s a ridiculous wishlist of things that I don’t need:
I’m not usually a fan of her clothes and accessories but this Orla Kiely bag makes me want to run around in circles, jump up and down and drink lemonade. It’s fun.

Paper & Chain make simple jewellery and I love them for it. This chevron necklace is perfect.

We all need boots. Every year a new pair. Like everyone else I’ve been eyeing up these from Topshop but I’m also liking the look of the Fran boots over at Oasis.

I hate jumpsuits but I love pineapples so this offering from Whistles confuses me to my very core. Do I like it? Do I not like it? I think I like it but I’d like a dress better.

THINGS
David Foster Wallace’s The Pale King drafts.
I’m going to be baking bacon brownies this weekend thanks to Andrea. Bacon x chocolate = win?

Right, so that’s what’s going on. Next week we should have our tree all decked out in ridiculous decorations and I’ll have a bad case of mulled wine mouth.

Merry Christmas! Season’s Greetings! Ho ho ho!

I missed a What’s going on? post last week and this one is surely late? I blame the cold I had. So, what is going on?

BLOGS
I haven’t had much of a chance to scope out new blogs so I thought I’d highlight a few that I return to visit almost daily. I tried to explain what it is that draws me back again and again but I can’t quite get a handle on it. I think it’s mostly because they’re honest. Honest and beautiful.

For Me, For You
vic
ungt blod
Sunken Treasure

TELLY
I’ve been watching New Girl and so far, so good. Any show that plays my favourite tune of all time (“Eye of the Tiger”) on handbells wins my vote. Plus Zooey Deschanel’s hair is made of awesome. I’ve got a picture of her hair in a locket around my neck and look at it every day to remind myself that amazing hair is possible. Also, do I want my fringe back?

BOOKS
I’ve finally started reading 1Q84 and I’m smitten. I love that the first character we encounter is called Aomame, literally meaning ‘green peas’. It makes me smile and smiles are sometimes hard to come by.

CLOTHES
I’m obsessing over peter pan collars. I. NEED. TO. STOP. THIS. I. WILL. NEVER. WEAR. THEM. So, here are a few I like the look of:
I like the cut of this glitter collar affair over at Jaeger Boutique but I’m not so keen on the lack of arms but at half price maybe wanting some arm coverage is asking too much.
This leopard collar at Zara is one of many good offerings they have on their website and this spotty see through one is ace and verging on the “I may seem sweet in my peter pan collar blouse but you can see my boobies” look.
The current queen of peter pan collars is Charlotte Taylor and she’s definitely the way to go if you’ve also got a penchant for a sweet print. Expensive though, so maybe save up all your xmas dough.

INSTAGRAM
Sometimes it’s easier to show you what’s been going on.

So, that’s that. Not a hella lot of of excitement but those times are ahead. Now, time for tea and porridge. What are you having for breakfast?

This week has brought us the good and the bad.

The good:

WEEKEND WANDERINGS
We jumped on a bus and found ourselves at the National Portrait Gallery wandering around Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition. It wasn’t great, the exhibition space was tiny so we were shunted along at quite a pace with no time, or space, to get a good look. Once again I disagreed with the prize winners but what’s new? I have a thing about portraits, which I’ve mentioned before, I find them almost awkward, like a conversation only the other person is way smarter than you so there’s no real chance of engagement. After a quick scoot around we headed to the Royal Academy for the Soviet Art and Architecture exhibition but the queue was mad so we satisfied ourselves with a look at Tatlin’s Tower and took a stroll to the ICA to sink a few pints of Guinness. Dinner was at Wuli Wuli in Camberwell, the Sichuan section of the menu is hot, hot, hot and delicious.

BLOGS
What Katie Does has become a daily read. A web designer who take brilliant photos, shares recipes and always has a picture of two of Yoni to make you smile.

CLOTHES
I’ll take this floral print blouse from Zara. Not too masculine, pretty perfect.
Pricey but nice Jaeger Boutique sequin collar top.
More sequins on this knitted jacket from Topshop.

BOOKS
I read The Help. I didn’t hate it. Honestly? Honestly, there’s a lot of good dialogue and shifting between characters to capture the development of the story but one thing really got on my wick – the boyfriend. Why? His inclusion is totally unnecessary, he doesn’t add anything to character development, or story and seems like he was crowbarred in there otherwise we might think she’s a lesbian. A woman without a man?! She must be a lesbian. Tiresome.

THEATRE
My bestie is so good to me that she takes me to the theatre. We saw a preview of Juno and the Paycock at The National on Friday and it was ace. ACE. I loved every moment but I think my favourite bit about the whole experience was the set design.

The bad:

WORKING LIFE
I’m having a bit of a freak-out given that I’m owed quite a bit of money by my former employer and it seems unlikely that I’m going to get all of that money back, it’s also up in the air about when I might receive it. The whole thing puts a dampener on my plans to start working for myself (I was relying on the money), buy lovely xmas presents for my friends and family, and more than anything, it fills me with dread, anxiety and loathing that this has happened, not only to me, but to a great deal of good people. Sometimes I want to scream, other days I want to cry but all I can really do is keep my fingers crossed that we’ll all get what we’re owed.

A week has almost been and gone so here’s a roundup of good stuff I found, saw, thought about, heard and wished for:

BLOGS
A couple of the blogs I’ve enjoyed this week:
I'm Revolting is pure genius, the Pinterest boards are also amazing.
That Kate is a lovely blog depicting what Kate’s been up to. She always seems to have the best times and the photos are just beautiful. She also has a set on Flickr that I always go back to – I Like Words.

The Movie Title Stills Collection is all kinds of awesome.

WISHLIST
I keep my wishlist going strong over on Pinterest as it’s a great place to store all the things that inspire me (all the stuff I wish I could afford), as well as see what inspires everyone else. Typically, my wishlist is full of clothes…
Cute Zara wool messenger bag.
I’m a sucker for animal jewellery so I love this Lazy Oaf leopard necklace and this bumblebee necklace from Alex Munroe.
This David Shrigley pillowcase set would definitely help me sleep better. Definitely.
Topshop scatter stud dress – this looks and feels good in real life.
Bright blue cardi from ASOS.
This necklace from Dannijo is the best collar necklace I’ve seen so far. Beautiful. Topshop is knocking out some but they’re nowhere near as pretty as this.

Amazing mog plate from Donna Wilson.

ART
We caught the last day of the Edgar Martins exhibition at The Wapping Project on Saturday. I did a little blog about it.

ASSIGNMENT
I’ve been invited to participate in The Wing Assignment. I love an assignment, I think it’s because I’m at my most productive when I’ve got a brief. This is especially appealing as all those involved are given the actual wing or wings of a bird which they’ll use in an artwork, or as inspiration. (The wings are a by-product of the food industry.) Exciting stuff. My friend, the super talented Nina Farrell, is the brains behind the Assignment.

MUSIC
Since I heard about Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon splitting up I’ve been listening to A LOT of Sonic Youth. Turns out forever is not always forever.

Other good stuff:
Wild Flag – Romance
Little Roy – Come As You Are
Dive – Sometime
Jay Electronica w/ Mobb Deep – Call of Duty
I am listening to everything by Vondelpark.

Hello, November.

Here’s a roundup of bits I’ve seen, heard, thought about and enjoyed.

NEW-FOUND FAVOURITE BLOGS
Seventy Tree, by illustrator Kerry Layton. I love her prints.
Owl On Holiday, by Isabelle. She finds the greatest stuff and shares it with us via the infrawebs.

BOOKS
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. WOW. Just WOW. This book makes me scream with the joy of reading. I want to thrust it into the hands of everyone I know, and don’t. Remarkable writing. I’ve got Everything is Illuminated lined up next and Murakami’s 1Q84 downloaded onto the iPad.

KNITTING
I really want to knit this crazy owl jumper by Kate Davies but I don’t think my knitting knowledge is up to scratch so it’s on hold until I’ve got my stitching skills back on track. Thanks to Jools over at Vélo-City-Girl for sharing.

FILMS
Happiness by Todd Solondz. This left me flushed, awkward and ill, but in a good way.
I also watched Norwegian Wood by Anh Hung Tran. I read the Murakami novel a while ago and enjoyed it, as I enjoy most Murakami novels, in a detached, “WTF is going on?” sort of way. I found the film awful, beautifully shot but awfully boring, Sofia Coppola post-2005, vapid vaseline-smeared soft focus tedium.

FOOD
I’m living on noodles at the moment. Noodles with prawns, noodles with vegetables, noodles with chicken and just noodles with noodles. Soupy noodles are my favourite so I love this chicken noodle soup recipe from Crumbs for Dinner.

CLOTHES
Eley Kishimoto AW1112 now for sale in the EK online shop. Bats are involved.

MUSIC
It’s been twee music week and I’ve been filling my ears with Camera Obscura and the Carpenters. I know, what am I doing?

The tune that kept the household going this week was Metronomy ‘Everything Goes My Way’.

Photo by Hilda Grahnat