30. AMERICAN RUST- PHILIPP MAYER
The defining work of recession fiction, twenty-first century novel American Rust brilliantly documents life in small town USA. Beautifully written and constructed from intersecting narratives, Meyer's only novel deals with love, sex, family, friendship and the American dream in a dying Pennsylvania steel town. Full of desperation, American Rust is a truly moving and powerful book.
29. MEMORIES OF MY MELANCHOLY WHORES- GABRIEL GARCIA MARQUEZ
Often overshadowed by Marquez's other wonderful works, the much shorter Memories of my Melancholy Whores is an unmissable poetic triumph which deserves far more attention. Less epic and more realistic than his other novels, Memories of my Melancholy Whores is an intensely deep and reflective book, focusing on the somewhat distorted love affair between a 90 year old man and a pubescent girl. Brimming with speculations on love, life and memories, this is a somewhat uncomfortable yet brilliant book.
28. NOUGHTS AND CROSSES- MALORIE BLACKMAN
The first in Blackman's fantastic teen fiction trilogy, Noughts and Crosses is set in a racially segregated dystopia, which reverses racial history in order to portray a world where the natives of Africa historically gained a technological and organisational advantage over white Europeans. As a result the crosses (African descent) have power over the noughts (European descent.) Following the maturation of wealthy cross Sephy and less fortunate nought, Callum, the Noughts and Crosses series is an incredible novel of friendship, love, and a shocking observation on racism and terrorism, making it an essential read for young adults.
27. THE GRAPES OF WRATH- JOHN STEINBECK
Penned by the definitive twentieth-century American realist writer, The Grapes of Wrath is a brutal and moving telling of the progression of a family from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. Perhaps never as relevant as in today's economic situation, The Grapes of Wrath is a tale of hardship and humanity which is as beautiful as it is tragic.
26. NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR- GEORGE ORWELL
"Big Brother is watching you." An expression echoed down generations. Another dystopian novel, Orwell's 1949 work imagines himself into a fictional 80's world where life has descended into a state of surveillance and totalitarianism. Although not personally a fan of political fiction, the brilliance with which Orwell imagines mind-controlling Oceania makes this a frightening and thought-provoking book.
25. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA- C.S.LEWIS
Perhaps the most magical and fantastical works of children's fiction to exist, the incredibly crafted world of Narnia is still well worth exploring for adults. Far more than the famed classic The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, the series of seven books has everything a fantasy novel could need; a cast of colourful characters, a bizarre setting, and creative and crazy creatures. Set in a truly engaging and absorbing realm, the Chronicles of Narnia is children's fantasy at it's very best.
24. JANE EYRE- CHARLOTTE BRONTE
As a huge fan of the Bronte sisters, it would be impossible to miss Jane Eyre from this list. Truly Victorian in its story of dark and damaging childhood, rich and cruel families, and a cruel and Byronic love, Jane Eyre is admittedly a tale of struggle and hardship. However, it's also a powerful novel which explores female characterisation in a manner rare in mid-nineteenth century fiction, whilst being brilliantly socially critical and wonderfully written.
23. PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER- STEPHEN CHBOSKY
Catcher in the Rye for 90's kids, Perks of Being a Wallflower is a fantastic coming of age novel penned as letters to an unknown recipient. Documenting the awkwardness of growing up, Perks of Being a Wallflower also explores the darker side of the transition to adulthood, with drugs, abuse and sexuality all central themes. Something of a cult novel, the friendships and relationships portrayed are incredibly touching, and Chbosky's writing style is incredibly emotive and skillful as he perfectly portrays the mind of a troubled teenager.
22. HIGH FIDELITY- NICK HORNBY
The best of Hornby's many novels is an incredible portrayal of relationships in a modern world. Following a break up, central character Rob evaluates his past loves, confronting commitment and death in an easy-to-read but incredibly thought-provoking and moving work.
21. THE BELL JAR- SYLVIA PLATH
Certainly not a cheerful book, Plath's only novel is a semi-autobiographical account of the pressures of twentieth-century life for women, documenting the protagonists descent into mental illness, enforced electroconvulsive therapy, and a somewhat unfinished semblance of recovery. Given new levels of meaning as a result of Plath's experiences and suicide, The Bell Jar is an incredibly dark and unsettling work, but is also crucial in understanding the brutalities of mental illness, and struggles of womanhood.
Tuesday 29 January 2013
Monday 21 January 2013
50 Books to Read before you Die (Part Two)
40. NOTES FROM A BIG COUNTRY- BILL BRYSON
Made up from Mail on Sunday articles through the 90's, witty travel writer Bill Bryson's definitive book documents his return to America after years of living in England. Witty and self-depreciating, Notes from a Big Country is an easy but illuminating sideways glance at small town American culture.
39. THE RAILWAY CHILDREN- EDITH NESBIT
Another Nesbit novel, The Railway Children is one of the best books portraying the classic innocence of Edwardian childhood. As comforting as tea and toast on a wet Sunday afternoon, this is a touching tale of children out to prove their father's innocence against the backdrop of chocolate-box-esque cottage and countryside scenes.
38. THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL- PHILLIPA GREGORY
It may not be high brow or historically accurate, but Gregory is up there with the best of them when it comes to telling a sexy, dramatic, Tudor tale. Known for her portrayal of lesser characters in big historical events, Gregory here focuses on the sister of Anne Boleyn, and the very probable belief that she mothered two of Henry VIII's children. Although the storytelling has to be taken with a pinch of salt, this book brilliantly portrays the claustrophobic feel, and the placement of women in the Tudor court.
37. THE BLOODY CHAMBER- ANGELA CARTER
A fundamental feminist read, 'The Bloody Chamber' is a shocking and heavily gothic collection of classic fairy tales, cleverly challenged by Carter. Subverting traditional marriage plots and knights in shining armour ideologies, Carter stands up to the patriarchal undertones of culturally inherent narratives by reclaiming heroic deeds, sex and freedom for womankind in a collection which questions the stories and messages which underlie our society.
36. THE CANTERBURY TALES- GEOFFREY CHAUCER
It may be every literature student's worst nightmare, and yes, I myself have complained that it's one of the multitude of books you're supposed to appreciate, but aren't quite sure why, but Chaucer's magnum opus is still well worth a read. Commonly believed to be part of the early movement introducing the English language to its written form, The Canterbury Tales is a wry, satirical observation of Medieval society. It may be a struggle to get through, but romantic tales of knights questing after their fair ladies, bawdy rhymes on the sexual antics of promiscuous wives, and even the odd moral thought, make this a varied and interesting read.
35. MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN- SALMAN RUSHDIE
Focusing on the story of a character born at the exact moment of India's independence, one of Rushdie's most famous works is an epic read, allegorising postcolonial culture in India. The wonderfully fantastical tone of the novel keeps it getting bogged down in the political and historical background, and it creates a real sense of a nation finding it's feet.
34. LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER- D.H.LAWRENCE
50 shades of Grey for the post World War One generation, Lady Chatterley's lover created worldwide controversy, being banned or censored in many countries. However, a more open modern view on sexuality has thankfully made this wondrous book more readily available. Perhaps more saucy for the deliciously illicit and sometimes guarded tone of the novel's sex scenes, Lady Chatterley's lover is a sensual early celebration of female sexuality. Even more than this, it captures the confusion of class, marriage and love in a society torn apart by war, yet clinging to English values.
33. MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA- ARTHUR GOLDEN
A historical novel which again perfectly captures the feel of a world suspended between two world wars, Golden's only novel is a beautiful portrait of early twentieth century Japan. In his focusing on the Geisha culture, Golden creates a novel which portrays the strange sense of a country clinging to wonderful yet sometimes brutal tradition, whilst being slowly broken down by the approach of World War Two.
32. BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S- TRUMAN CAPOTE
Don't be fooled by the film; Breakfast at Tiffany's is certainly no sweet rom-com with a happy ending. Concluding far more less satisfactory, and far more open about the less than upstanding occupation of Holly Golightly, Capote's novella is still as charming and wonderful as the film which takes it's name. Endlessly fascinating, Holly is one of the most complex and incredible characters in American literature, and her gradually revealed story is full of life lessons and far more questions than answers.
31. A LITTLE PRINCESS- FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT
Another lovely and essential children's novel, A Little Princess is the definitive riches-to-rags-and-back-again tale. Immortalising the mantra that every little girl is a princess, Hodgson Burnett's beautiful story is wonderfully sweet and imaginative, and a classic of children's fiction.
Made up from Mail on Sunday articles through the 90's, witty travel writer Bill Bryson's definitive book documents his return to America after years of living in England. Witty and self-depreciating, Notes from a Big Country is an easy but illuminating sideways glance at small town American culture.
39. THE RAILWAY CHILDREN- EDITH NESBIT
Another Nesbit novel, The Railway Children is one of the best books portraying the classic innocence of Edwardian childhood. As comforting as tea and toast on a wet Sunday afternoon, this is a touching tale of children out to prove their father's innocence against the backdrop of chocolate-box-esque cottage and countryside scenes.
38. THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL- PHILLIPA GREGORY
It may not be high brow or historically accurate, but Gregory is up there with the best of them when it comes to telling a sexy, dramatic, Tudor tale. Known for her portrayal of lesser characters in big historical events, Gregory here focuses on the sister of Anne Boleyn, and the very probable belief that she mothered two of Henry VIII's children. Although the storytelling has to be taken with a pinch of salt, this book brilliantly portrays the claustrophobic feel, and the placement of women in the Tudor court.
37. THE BLOODY CHAMBER- ANGELA CARTER
A fundamental feminist read, 'The Bloody Chamber' is a shocking and heavily gothic collection of classic fairy tales, cleverly challenged by Carter. Subverting traditional marriage plots and knights in shining armour ideologies, Carter stands up to the patriarchal undertones of culturally inherent narratives by reclaiming heroic deeds, sex and freedom for womankind in a collection which questions the stories and messages which underlie our society.
36. THE CANTERBURY TALES- GEOFFREY CHAUCER
It may be every literature student's worst nightmare, and yes, I myself have complained that it's one of the multitude of books you're supposed to appreciate, but aren't quite sure why, but Chaucer's magnum opus is still well worth a read. Commonly believed to be part of the early movement introducing the English language to its written form, The Canterbury Tales is a wry, satirical observation of Medieval society. It may be a struggle to get through, but romantic tales of knights questing after their fair ladies, bawdy rhymes on the sexual antics of promiscuous wives, and even the odd moral thought, make this a varied and interesting read.
35. MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN- SALMAN RUSHDIE
Focusing on the story of a character born at the exact moment of India's independence, one of Rushdie's most famous works is an epic read, allegorising postcolonial culture in India. The wonderfully fantastical tone of the novel keeps it getting bogged down in the political and historical background, and it creates a real sense of a nation finding it's feet.
34. LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER- D.H.LAWRENCE
50 shades of Grey for the post World War One generation, Lady Chatterley's lover created worldwide controversy, being banned or censored in many countries. However, a more open modern view on sexuality has thankfully made this wondrous book more readily available. Perhaps more saucy for the deliciously illicit and sometimes guarded tone of the novel's sex scenes, Lady Chatterley's lover is a sensual early celebration of female sexuality. Even more than this, it captures the confusion of class, marriage and love in a society torn apart by war, yet clinging to English values.
33. MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA- ARTHUR GOLDEN
A historical novel which again perfectly captures the feel of a world suspended between two world wars, Golden's only novel is a beautiful portrait of early twentieth century Japan. In his focusing on the Geisha culture, Golden creates a novel which portrays the strange sense of a country clinging to wonderful yet sometimes brutal tradition, whilst being slowly broken down by the approach of World War Two.
32. BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S- TRUMAN CAPOTE
Don't be fooled by the film; Breakfast at Tiffany's is certainly no sweet rom-com with a happy ending. Concluding far more less satisfactory, and far more open about the less than upstanding occupation of Holly Golightly, Capote's novella is still as charming and wonderful as the film which takes it's name. Endlessly fascinating, Holly is one of the most complex and incredible characters in American literature, and her gradually revealed story is full of life lessons and far more questions than answers.
31. A LITTLE PRINCESS- FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT
Another lovely and essential children's novel, A Little Princess is the definitive riches-to-rags-and-back-again tale. Immortalising the mantra that every little girl is a princess, Hodgson Burnett's beautiful story is wonderfully sweet and imaginative, and a classic of children's fiction.
Tuesday 15 January 2013
GIRLS just wanna have fun
And it's certainly not a let down. Awkward sex scenes, drama fueled parties and run-in with exes all feature in the return of the programme every girl in her twenties should be watching.
Girls is the show we've all been waiting for. Following a group of young women trying to figure out their lives in modern-day New York, Girls is Sex and the City for a new generation. Avoiding a predictable sitcom based in glamour filled Manhattan, where the highly paid stars sip cocktails and shop at Prada, creator Lena Dunham is brutally and wonderfully honest about life for young women fresh out of college. Expect to hear all about the pains of unpaid internships, the bank of Mum and Dad and even STIs in a script which is as funny as it is heart wrenching.
Even better, the fantastic cast of actresses is refreshingly ordinary looking. Forget size eight glamour pusses, the Girls cast is made up of real looking women with very real looking scenes to compliment them. Never seen a TV show portray that awkward fumbling-for-a-condom moment? Now you can!
Perhaps the thing that makes Girls most appealing, however, is its starkly honest portrayal of relationships. From the often fraught, yet still touching, friendships of the central cast of girls, to their pursual of inappropriate men, the scenarios we all can't help but relate to are all sensitively and perfectly presented. When Marnie breaks up with her long term boyfriend do we see her sobbing over Haagen Daas before making a swift recovery? No. The break up is long, spanning most of an entire season, with the final ultimatum beautifully interspersed with scenes of the couple's first meeting. The recovery process is shaping up to be equally long, and full of Facebook stalking, inappropriate hook ups with strangers, and multiple awkward encounters. It's agonising, yet incredibly sensitive to the reality of break ups, just one example of Dunham's incredibly thoughtful scripting and characterisation.
However, it's not all heartbreak. Girls is intelligent, funny and uplifting. Bursting with quotable moments, its admission that life isn't all grand romances and wild parties is both refreshing and comforting.
So if you find yourself at a bit of a loss of what to do these cold winters nights, get your own girls together and give it a watch. You'll be giggling at disastrous drug experimentation, cringey bosses and the never-ending quest to 'find yourself' before you know it.
Sunday 13 January 2013
50 books to read before you die (part one)
Moving in to a new term in my final year as an English literature student is a strange thing. Having wallowed through Medieval tomes, dusty Dickensian novels and more modernist poetry than T.S.Eliot would have wished on anyone, it's come to a time to contemplate what I've learned.
The sad thing about studying literature is that in many respects it takes some of the joy out of reading. Liking nothing more than a night in good book and a few glasses of wine is a penchant which quickly evaporates once cramming in three novels and numerous articles a week becomes a dreary routine. So I've decided, in a bid to inspire me to love my subject and throw myself into my penultimate term with gusto, to try and remember just why I love literature.
So here it is, in five super-fun installments, my 50 best loved books. It's not exactly high brow, but these are the books that have made me laugh, cry and keep on reading, even when analysing just why Lizzie and Mr Darcy click makes me want to do anything but. Enjoy!
50. DEAD FAMOUS- BEN ELTON
A work of comedic brilliance, oozing with sarcasm and satire, whodunit 'Dead Famous' burst into early twenty-first century literature as reality TV was taking over our lives. Set in a Big-Brother style television set-up, Elton introduces a cast of crazy characters in his wry take on trash TV, throwing in a murder and a hilariously exaggerated portrayal of the sexualised, bizarre nature of reality television.
49. ONE DAY- DAVID NICHOLLS
It may be poolside reading, but 'One Day' perfectly hits the spot for light reading with a heart. A sweet romance that deals with the trials of founding yourself in adult life, the novel catches up with its two central characters on one day annually for 20 years. Fast forwarding through a slow-burning love affair, as well as the highs and lows of adulthood, you'll need tissues at the ready for this heart wrenching blockbuster.
48. FIVE CHILDREN AND IT- EDITH NESBIT
A classic 'be careful what you wish for, it might come true,' this early twentieth century children's novel is a funny and heart-warming tale. With all the elements of magic, adventure and family perfect for a children's book, this is a literary classic.
47. THE DA VINCI CODE- DAN BROWN
Another summer read, this story of conspiracy, deceit and murder seized the public imagination. A dark tale delving into the secrets of Christianity, 'The Da Vinci Code' is intelligent and interesting as a speculative work of non-fiction, whilst also being a gripping piece of fiction.
46. DISGRACE- J.M.COETZEE
One of the few books from my course to make this list, 'Disgrace' is a multi-prize winning tale of class, race and gender in post-apartheid South Africa. Following the rape of his daughter, womanising, disgraced former professor David Lurie is forced to confront his own values. A dark and unsettling novel, 'Disgrace' is unrelenting in its confrontation of the boundaries of violence and self in a disjointed society
45. DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS- JOHN WYNDHAM
A classic of 1950's post-apocalyptic fiction, all notions of bad black and white film versions must be put aside before reading this brilliant book. Fantastical and scary, 'Day of the Triffids' contains all the elements of a modern zombie novel way before its time-- man wakes up in hospital having avoided a catastrophe (in this case a meteor shower rendering everyone blind) to find the world completely changed. Belief must be suspended to engage with this tale of killer plants, but its a classic modern horror, perfectly engaging with the theoretical collapse of civilisation.
44. MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS- AGATHA CHRISTIE
Although more or less any Agatha Christie is worth a read, this classic detective novel has all the familiarity of an early twentieth century tale of murder, with perhaps Christie's most dramatic twist.
43. THE QUEEN AND I- SUE TOWNSEND
The hilarious queen of satire Sue Townsend wonderfully if a little harshly portrays 1990's benefits Britain in her take on what would happen if the Republican Party came to power. A genuinely funny novel, Townsend's imagination is boundless in her fantastic and exaggerated characterisation, in a story which speculates on how the royal family would cope if moved to a council estate.
42. THE INTIMATE ADVENTURES OF A LONDON CALL GIRL- BELLE DE JOUR
A perfect portrayal of the changing face of the novel, Dr Brooke Magnanti's collection of blogs documenting her time as a London escort is honest, funny, shocking, and contains more awkward sex moments than the problem pages of Cosmo.
41. CARRIE'S WAR- NINA BAWDEN
Another not-to-be-missed children's novel, 'Carrie's War' documents the fictional experiences of evacuees in the second world war. A perfect portrayal of a child's take on the disruption of family life, and the age-old secrets of country life, construed as mystery and horror through innocent eyes, 'Carrie's War' focuses on an unseen side of the wartime experience.
The sad thing about studying literature is that in many respects it takes some of the joy out of reading. Liking nothing more than a night in good book and a few glasses of wine is a penchant which quickly evaporates once cramming in three novels and numerous articles a week becomes a dreary routine. So I've decided, in a bid to inspire me to love my subject and throw myself into my penultimate term with gusto, to try and remember just why I love literature.
So here it is, in five super-fun installments, my 50 best loved books. It's not exactly high brow, but these are the books that have made me laugh, cry and keep on reading, even when analysing just why Lizzie and Mr Darcy click makes me want to do anything but. Enjoy!
50. DEAD FAMOUS- BEN ELTON
A work of comedic brilliance, oozing with sarcasm and satire, whodunit 'Dead Famous' burst into early twenty-first century literature as reality TV was taking over our lives. Set in a Big-Brother style television set-up, Elton introduces a cast of crazy characters in his wry take on trash TV, throwing in a murder and a hilariously exaggerated portrayal of the sexualised, bizarre nature of reality television.
49. ONE DAY- DAVID NICHOLLS
It may be poolside reading, but 'One Day' perfectly hits the spot for light reading with a heart. A sweet romance that deals with the trials of founding yourself in adult life, the novel catches up with its two central characters on one day annually for 20 years. Fast forwarding through a slow-burning love affair, as well as the highs and lows of adulthood, you'll need tissues at the ready for this heart wrenching blockbuster.
48. FIVE CHILDREN AND IT- EDITH NESBIT
A classic 'be careful what you wish for, it might come true,' this early twentieth century children's novel is a funny and heart-warming tale. With all the elements of magic, adventure and family perfect for a children's book, this is a literary classic.
47. THE DA VINCI CODE- DAN BROWN
Another summer read, this story of conspiracy, deceit and murder seized the public imagination. A dark tale delving into the secrets of Christianity, 'The Da Vinci Code' is intelligent and interesting as a speculative work of non-fiction, whilst also being a gripping piece of fiction.
46. DISGRACE- J.M.COETZEE
One of the few books from my course to make this list, 'Disgrace' is a multi-prize winning tale of class, race and gender in post-apartheid South Africa. Following the rape of his daughter, womanising, disgraced former professor David Lurie is forced to confront his own values. A dark and unsettling novel, 'Disgrace' is unrelenting in its confrontation of the boundaries of violence and self in a disjointed society
45. DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS- JOHN WYNDHAM
A classic of 1950's post-apocalyptic fiction, all notions of bad black and white film versions must be put aside before reading this brilliant book. Fantastical and scary, 'Day of the Triffids' contains all the elements of a modern zombie novel way before its time-- man wakes up in hospital having avoided a catastrophe (in this case a meteor shower rendering everyone blind) to find the world completely changed. Belief must be suspended to engage with this tale of killer plants, but its a classic modern horror, perfectly engaging with the theoretical collapse of civilisation.
44. MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS- AGATHA CHRISTIE
Although more or less any Agatha Christie is worth a read, this classic detective novel has all the familiarity of an early twentieth century tale of murder, with perhaps Christie's most dramatic twist.
43. THE QUEEN AND I- SUE TOWNSEND
The hilarious queen of satire Sue Townsend wonderfully if a little harshly portrays 1990's benefits Britain in her take on what would happen if the Republican Party came to power. A genuinely funny novel, Townsend's imagination is boundless in her fantastic and exaggerated characterisation, in a story which speculates on how the royal family would cope if moved to a council estate.
42. THE INTIMATE ADVENTURES OF A LONDON CALL GIRL- BELLE DE JOUR
A perfect portrayal of the changing face of the novel, Dr Brooke Magnanti's collection of blogs documenting her time as a London escort is honest, funny, shocking, and contains more awkward sex moments than the problem pages of Cosmo.
41. CARRIE'S WAR- NINA BAWDEN
Another not-to-be-missed children's novel, 'Carrie's War' documents the fictional experiences of evacuees in the second world war. A perfect portrayal of a child's take on the disruption of family life, and the age-old secrets of country life, construed as mystery and horror through innocent eyes, 'Carrie's War' focuses on an unseen side of the wartime experience.
Tuesday 8 January 2013
Getting "the one" (handbag)
It may be a bit late coming, but I think the time has finally come to sing the praises of one of my favourite Christmas presents.
Amongst a fairly mixed haul of presents (I seem to have reached the awkward stage where most people resort to body butter or manicure sets as a standard go-to gift) I received a much longed for Disaster Designs handbag.
Having lusted after Disaster Designs goodies since I was old enough to decide that a good handbag was preferable to toting a Billabong backpack, I've spent countless hours trawling ebay hoping to track down one on the cheap. Although not exactly designer price range, at about £60 for a large bag, Disaster Designs still checks in at wildly outside of my student budget. However, this year I decided it was finally time to get hold of the bag of my dreams.
Beautifully designed and created with immaculate attention to detail, from the butterfly zips to the envelope themed front pocket and doily patterning, the "With Love" overnight bag was an eventual winner after a week of zealously evaluating Disaster Designs products. If that wasn't enough, even the back of the bag is perfectly patterned with a green floral design, just another example of Disaster Design's dedication to every aspect of their handbags. Even better, the bag is perhaps almost too generously large, causing me to stagger into campus under the weight of my laptop, gym gear and enough books to start a small library, simply because I now have a bag that caters to this need.
And this is just the start. Disaster Designs have a whole range of treats, from purses to teacups, all beautiful offerings to everything vintage, quirky, and stylish. I've put together a few of my favourites here:
With their sweet by-lines and 50's style, Disaster Designs transports you back to an era of romance and elegance, bringing back love letters and thermos flasks as if the internet and Starbucks had never happened.
Not easy to get hold of, Disaster Designs products are certainly worth searching for. A limited stock is available at certain fashion-conscious high street stores, such as Yumi, but you're more likely to find them at quirky individual shops. Alternatively campusgifts.co.uk stocks their complete catalogue online, and sabrinafair.co.uk also has a good range.
So if you're looking for something a bit different accessories wise, have a browse and see what you think. I'll be busy building a small pedestal for mine, if I ever manage to empty it out...
Amongst a fairly mixed haul of presents (I seem to have reached the awkward stage where most people resort to body butter or manicure sets as a standard go-to gift) I received a much longed for Disaster Designs handbag.
 |
| "With Love" Overnight Bag from Disaster Designs |
Beautifully designed and created with immaculate attention to detail, from the butterfly zips to the envelope themed front pocket and doily patterning, the "With Love" overnight bag was an eventual winner after a week of zealously evaluating Disaster Designs products. If that wasn't enough, even the back of the bag is perfectly patterned with a green floral design, just another example of Disaster Design's dedication to every aspect of their handbags. Even better, the bag is perhaps almost too generously large, causing me to stagger into campus under the weight of my laptop, gym gear and enough books to start a small library, simply because I now have a bag that caters to this need.
And this is just the start. Disaster Designs have a whole range of treats, from purses to teacups, all beautiful offerings to everything vintage, quirky, and stylish. I've put together a few of my favourites here:
 |
| Songbird Satchel from Disaster Designs |
 |
| Love Letters Wallet from Disaster Designs |
 |
| With Love Teacup from Disaster Designs |
 |
| Object d'art Make-up Bag from Disaster Designs |
 |
| Paper Plane Alarm Clock from Disaster Designs |
Not easy to get hold of, Disaster Designs products are certainly worth searching for. A limited stock is available at certain fashion-conscious high street stores, such as Yumi, but you're more likely to find them at quirky individual shops. Alternatively campusgifts.co.uk stocks their complete catalogue online, and sabrinafair.co.uk also has a good range.
So if you're looking for something a bit different accessories wise, have a browse and see what you think. I'll be busy building a small pedestal for mine, if I ever manage to empty it out...
Wednesday 2 January 2013
New Year... New You?
I will
go to the gym three times a week! I will follow my dream and get into my
perfect career! I will drop two dress sizes!
New
Year is undoubtedly the time of year when most of us are struck by new found
inspiration, proclaiming that THIS will be their year, usually after a few too
many glasses of prosecco under a firework lit sky at midnight. However, I can’t
be the only one feeling more like this:
I’m not
sure what it is that leaves me so cold about New Years Eve, but I’m fairly
certain I’m in the minority when I say I have never made a New Year’s
Resolution. Not once.
Perhaps
it’s the fact that my ambitions on New Year’s Eve are more tailored to my
immediate well being than future goals. Will I be able to make it into a club
tonight without paying half my weeks wages in entry? Will I manage to duck away
from the creepy drunkards trying to snog me when the clock chimes twelve? Does
anyone remember the words to Auld Lang Syne!?
Or
maybe it’s to do with the fact that I simply don’t think sticking to New Year’s
Resolutions is all that realistic.
I’m
aware that I’m going to come across as cynical. And of course, I wish you every
success in giving up alcohol, seeing the world and remembering to call your Mum
twice a week. But I feel there’s a certain symbolism and magnitude connected to
New Year’s Eve that just doesn’t cut it once the hangover wears off.
Now, I’m
all for self improvement. In fact, I adore targets, although perhaps because
convincing myself that I have them makes staying in my pyjamas until 4pm
watching Gossip Girl reruns a bit more acceptable.
In fact
last year I did manage to join a gym. I started applying for jobs
and managed to stick to a skincare routine that wasn’t based on the fact that
most of my make up rubs off before bedtime anyway. Nothing drastic, but definitely small victories, and totally unrelated to me needing a new calendar. But I think what’s important
to remember is that if you really want to make a difference to your life, you
have to be careful not to get carried away by the hype of New Year. It’s
certainly an inspiring concept, but are you really going to be drastically
overhauling your life just because the year on your diary is different? In
fact, I think that planning to make changes at the end of December can be a
convenient way of putting off things in life that really need addressing.
So if
you have taken on any resolutions good luck to you! But maybe lift the pressure
a bit. Focus on one thing at a time. Maybe you can get out of debt AFTER your
career overhaul? Or maybe it’s about the little changes. Spending less money on
nights out and walking instead of driving everywhere is realistic. Paying off
your entire overdraft and dropping a stone in a month? Probably a bit less so.
So yes,
embrace the New Year. Take with you the sense of positivity, and remember your
determination to change. Twelve months is a long time, and baby steps, if you
stick to them, are a better way forward than flinging yourself at
self-improvement manuals like Bridget Jones on speed. Remember you have a WHOLE
YEAR to achieve your goals, so let’s make it a good one. Happy 2013!
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