Who says cereal is just for breakfast ?

Sometimes the best dinner is really just a bowl of your favourite cereal.

It happens to the best of us.  You get home late after a long day of work and all you want is to put your feet up and have something quick and easy to satisfy your hunger.

1) Take one bowl

2) Pour as much cereal as your little heart desires

3) Splash with milk 

Ahhhhhhhhh, bliss in a bowl.

2011 Is the Year of Change

There are some news that you may have not noticed and then there are some news that you must have taken a sabbatical to a remote Monogolian village not to have heard of.

Having reported on the fashion trends during London's Fashion Week, I decide to speak about another kind of trend - public revolution.

Tunisia started it, Egypt followed and now the focus is on Libya. It seems like this surge of civil resistance is increasing and working I might add -  Hosseini Mubarak's 30 year regime has been finally put to an end.

With a 30% population of the country working for 30 US dollars a month, and the richest 20% of the population own 40% of the country's wealth this was long overdue if you ask me.

Now it's Libyas turn. Another dictator, Mummar Gaddafi has given a long mindless ranting about how he will "die a martyr in his country" and refuses to resign. Looks like someone has officially lost the plot.

2011 - blame it on the economy, people's awareness, like the famous Greek writer and revolutionist Antonis Samarakis said, lets all wake up from lethargy of the monotonic system! 

LFW DIARIES: VAUXHALL FASHION SCOUT 2011

It still amazes me how I didnt sprain an ankle that hectic day when I think about the amount of running back and forth from office to venue.

What is even more suprising is how I even managed to get into half of these shows ! I mean for 2 of the shows I had the name 'Celebrities Worldwide' to thank, but for the rest other 2 - dumb luck.

One of my friends went as a buyer and managed to get me an extra pass to the show. The other? Some random girl who had one SEATED pass too many, decided to do her good-deed of the day and give one to some less-priviledged individual a.k.a: Me.

Before you could say the words 'Daaaarling' and blow air kisses, I was holding the priviledged 'Blue' marked ticket and sitting in the second row as the alter ego of Alex Socher, head stylist at Toni and Guy.

That day, I was a suffering schitsophrenic with a triple personality of head stylist Alex, International Buyer Ioanna, and Christina, celebrity intern wannabe fashion journalist.

ANYWAY, the show was brill - a showcase of emerging talents and 'Ones to Watch' designers including the names of Kirsty Ward, Tze Goh, Anja Mlakar, Sara Bro Jorgensen, and Eudon Choi.

I wasnt the only one out to interview people, there was a girl standing in the [manic] queue behind me who was being interviewed for a survey:

Do you know who is sponsoring the Vauxhall fashion scout show today?

Erm, erm.................

Sign. 

LFW DIARIES: AMINAKA WILMONT

Passionate about the idea of silhouette and shape, head designers Maki Aminaka Löfvander and Marcus Wilmont accentuated draped designs distorted in both print and print for their autumn/winter 2011 collection.

The duo’s inspiration this season is totems, native America, tribal influences, and animals in their natural habitat. Their flowing designs, inspired by the movement of animals, matched with soft fur, alligator prints, feather capes, and leather outerwear. Accessories also remained loyal to this ethnic aesthetic, with models wearing yellow coloured contact lenses, ‘Amazonian’ gold lame necklaces and long chained earrings as they strut down the runway to the resounding electronic beats. 

Key pieces to the collection were the avant-garde tailored jackets where sheepskin leather was reworked with soft draping and fur trims. The main colour of the show was brown, though watercolour splashes of aubergine, stone and russet appeared on just about every piece from halter neck dresses to relaxed fit blouses.

Aminaka Wilmont saved the best for last with a striking little pheasant cape with elaborate plumage and intricate detail which had everyone talking.

Seamlessly transitioning from ready-to-wear to red-carpet, the Aminaka show’s message was that glamour can be accessible and wearable.

LFW DIARIES: MARIA GRACHVOGEL

My most glamorous weekend yet, I headed along with the rest of the fashion pack to Somerset House for the 4 most important days in London's fashion calendar.

Taking place in a romantic Georgian setting at the Savoy Hotel in London was Maria Grachvogel’s A/W ’11 collection. Inspired by The Brothers Grimm, the clothes told a different kind of fairy tale, with breaks of shadow, colour and light.

Her troupe of models were sent down the runway rocking the ‘fierce but feminine oriental warrior princess’ look with black lips, heavy eyebrows, glossy eyelids and high- scraped back hair.

Recognized for her unique artwork prints, the London based designer worked the technique over ready – to –wear drape dresses, and printed wool trousers in steel and jewel shades for the coming season.

The neutral palette of ivory – ebony, bone, buttermilk, winter white – was pleasantly interrupted by pops of zingy tangerine orange which complemented the jewel prints beautifully.

From her perfectly tailored, high-waisted signature ‘magic pants’ as they have been called, to flared jumpsuits and flowing evening dresses the collection exuded effortless sophistication and elegance with every look.

With emerges of limbs and contours, through silks and peek-a-boo lace, her latest fashion offering is a classic example of how less material is not necessarily more, maintaining a sexy silhouette without giving away too much.

Abstract, ethereal and attainable, it was a stunning collection in an equally stunning venue.

Sitting in the front row were Jamie Winstone, Laura Whitmore, Marie Helvin with Jason Gardiner, fashion model Yasmin Le Bon, Telegraph’s fashion critic Hilary Alexander, and model/presenter Lisa Butcher.

Highlight of the show: I manage to catch up with Irish MTV presenter, the beautiful Laura Whitmore after the show who told us what she thought about the collection! “I loved the black catsuit, and the lace pieces. They were so sophisticated and chic. Maria works with really good materials – you can feel the femininity in her clothes. I love Fashion Week!”

Before heading off she said that she was looking forward to seeing some of the other shows, like the John Rocha, Bora Aksu, Felder and Felder and PPQ presentations. What a darling! [Even though I had absolutely NO idea who she was when I was interviewing her!]

LOL.

Sleep deprived, running late, only to discover my friend (who of course had my ticket) was stuck in the tube while 'there is a good service on all other London underground lines' IN HEELS. Ah, for the name of fashion..!!!!!

FASHION DIARIES: STEPHANE ST. JAYMES S/S '11

We can almost smell the hairspray and fragrances in the air with London Fashion Week around the corner, and kicking off the most stylish week of the year is haute couture designer Stephane St.Jaymes.

The fashion pack gathered last night at the Westburry Hotel in London for a star studded event where the designer was showcasing his Spring / Summer '11 Kodaak debut collection.

The designer has sparked some national news after Alesha Dixon was seen at the National Television Awards wearing one of his designs as well as designing for Strictly Come Dancing final.

The Gossip: Simon Cowell's next and ex (Jackie St. Claire and Mezghan Khan) are clearly close as they sat in the front row together, laughing and looking like BFFS.

The Celebs: Princess Michael of Kent, Ross Kemp, Nancy Sorrell, John Burton Race. (It wouldnt be a fashion show without the wannabe socialites and fashionstas of course.)

The collection reminded me of glamorous stewardesses meet retro. While other designers take on a 70s twist, Stephane brings us back to the 1960s where metallics and neon brights were all on the rage. Stephane proves once again that 2011 is the year of colour, where we saw bright splashes of orange, magenta and yellows. With a combination of short and longer lenght skirts, luxe fabrics like silk, and floral patterns  this couture designer is adopting the "sexy stewardess" look.

Although I wasn't sure about the huge ribbon centrepieces on some of the dresses, look number 6 was definitely my (and the crowd's) favourite. The sensual flow of the dress complemented those diamond embellishments perfectly.

Should Love be this Timely ?

In most parts of the world, Valentine’s Day provides couples with a salient opportunity to express their love and commitment. It is supposed to be a day of romance and hope, when secret admirers make themselves known, when couples in love exchange tokens of their affection, and when millions experience that frivolous anticipation for that poetic endearment, heart-shaped box of chocolate, bouquet of roses, or perhaps small velvety box.

Mind you – there’s a drawback. If no gifts show up, or the wrong ones do, that anticipation often turns into an immediate disappointment or dismay and sometimes this day can feel less like a holiday and more like an emotional minefield. So I can’t help but wonder, is there more to this day than mere commercial hype, and moreover, why do we feel so much pressure on this day?

Although there are many versions of the exact origins of this holiday, the most popular adaptation dates back to third century ancient Rome where the Emperor at the time, Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men, realizing that single men made better soldiers. Valentinus, a priest, performed secret marriages for lovers in defiance for this law he believed to be unjust. When this was discovered, he was put to death.

According to legend, while Valentinus spent his days in prison awaiting his death, he fell in love with a young woman who happened to be the daughter of his jailor. He sent her a letter, which he signed, “From a Valentine,” an expression we still use today.

Statistics show that such holidays are particularly problematic for couples , when they turn round to their partner and think: What are we doing together?? Gift buying is another issue. If you've been dating for a while, then you may be in that stage of the relationship where your guy's idea of Valentines Day is letting you hold the remote. Sign. Where has the romance gone?

If you are just starting to see someone,  do you buy them a present, let alone a card with those special three little words? What if you dont end up buying anything at all, only to discover a huge trophy engraved with "Champion of my heart" while your other half eagerly awaits a response as you feel slightly nauseated, and start to utter a slurry series of "Oh, you shouldn't haves.."

Whether you chose to enjoy it or ignore it, it is holidays like Valentine’s Day that bring the influences of the forces in the way we interact with others to the surface – forces often overlooked. So is there still hope out there or should this day be renamed St. Consumer’s Day as it seems more accurate? Perhaps it’s just me being cynical as I tuck into my extra large box of chocolates. Happy Heart Day everyone!

"Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."

While most of my friends are out hitting the gym in their (January) attempts to shed off that 'holiday-weight' here I am once again at the office snacking on ginger cookies. I believe I am having a 'fat day.'

Nearly everyone has had to endure a fat day.  Your jeans feel tighter on you, you  feel icky from head to toe, and glimpsing your reflection is enough to send you screaming in horror—from yourself.

Before you get the image of someone morbidly obese, typing away in self-pity, let me make it clear that this is not the case. I am of average weight, below - average height with freakishly below-average shoe-size.

Lets give a round of applause for the media for making people everywhere feel anything less than they should. And an even greater clap to the idiots (like myself) who fall victim to it.

Kate Moss, the model who made the 'heroin-look' chic, 'waif' - 'sexy 'and founder of the above famous quote, might disagree with me.

Models get a lot of negative press about body image consciousness and the messages they give out to young girls. "Coffee, cigarettes, vodka and champagne diets' , rib removal surgery to make your waist thinner, and the oddest I've read: "soaking cotton balls in orange juice and then eating them"?!?

I suppose don't believe everything you hear but some of the underlying messages here are sadly, very much true. Being 'healthy' I am a fan of. Dying to be size 0 ? Not so much.

Of course, this is not without taking into consideration the (lucky) people with a fast metabolism which allows them to be the weight that they are but for the rest of us can I just remind you - No one ever lay on their deathbed and thought, "Damn, what a waste of a life. If only I'd been a size zero." Believe.

MONEY MUST BE FUNNY IN A RICH MAN'S WORLD

What a hectic Monday ! a quick 7am stumble out of bed to an excruciating snoozefest of a lecture, to an equally dull seminar, met with a pile of admin work on my desk at the internship, to a skype US conference call about another placement, and before you know it im taking the bus to a group recruitment meeting at Ted Baker !!!!!

What happened to the days where you could get a degree at a decent enough university, to then get employed at a satisfying position that will allow you (with enough work and time) to climb the career ladder. Unfortunately, times have changed and the future seems very bleak for us youngsters. With youth unemployment at its highest it has ever been in years, this climb to the top seems to be a long and winding never ending mount up the Burj Khalifa.

With the current economic climate, the rise in student tuition, the cuts in public spending, has fuelled the need for university students to go that 'extra mile' to boost their candidacy for employment with more and more work experience, placements, exchange programs, all the while trying to maintain a decent 2.2, 2.1, 1st degree.  More importantly, this 'project' of oneself must start before entering university so that's basically the system telling us that if you're one of the many who aren't necessarily sure what they want to be doing for the rest of their lives from the age of 16 you're screwed.

If companies are using cheap, unpaid labour to get more work done, in return for hope of interns getting that 'big break' - sounds like a win -win situation, no?

There is that arguement that says that although these opportunities given (and I am not complaining!) are all well and good, you can't help but question just how much is this another way of 'exploitation?' by companies who are taking advantage of the situation because, frankly speaking, they can.

Yes, you cant pay your rent with 'opportunities' but that's capitalism for you. Hate it or love it, it is the only way forward in my opinion. You can fold your arms and sulk in self-pity or you can do something about it. And hopefully with enough blood, sweat and naive optimism, we find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Just like that Italian joke-  A poor man who goes to church every day and prays before the statue of a great saint begging: "Dear saint, please, please, please... Give me the grace to win the lottery." This lament goes on for months. Finally the exasperated statue comes to life, looks down at the begging m...an and says in weary disgust: "My son, please, please, please... Buy a ticket." ~ Eat Pray Love


Mmm I would not say no to one of those Neapolitan pizzas right now.

Let's Hop into 2011

If you are of Chinese descent, have Chinese friends, or just enjoy those cheap and cheerful trips to China Town, then you should be aware that this year is the year of the rabbit.

According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, those born in : 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999 belong to the bunny crowd.

These people are meant to be articulate, talented, reserved, kind, virtuous with impeccable taste. They are most compatible with those born in the year of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.

Having survived the ferocious year of the Tiger (global economic ression, natural disasters, oil spills) we could all use a basket of comfort and bliss that our dear bunny is meant to bring.

This is a good year for making plans and business decisions. It calls for being vigorous, alert, decisive and bold and taking initiative. With these qualities you can take calculated risks in exploring new directions. You will have to stand up against challenges to assert yourself. On the other hand, if the afore mentioned qualities are not your style, you will have to show yourself to be trustworthy, upright, law abiding, responsible, disciplined and forthright in order to meet the demands of the time. Either way, you may be sure that you may receive assistance when it is needed. Be willing and prepared to give assistance to others as well. The year signs encourage people to help one another. The year signs also favor using divination and astrology to help you find the way forward. This also means that in your home you should have an area that is peaceful and quiet where you can reflect and work out your plans. Too many distractions will weaken you this year, so be careful not too overindulge.

Apparently, during Chinese New Year custom says that you:

shouldnt buy books. (since the word "book"is a synonym for 'lose.')

you should pay off all your debts so you dont ring in the new year poor.

Steer clear of neutral colours (black, white) and wear red - colour of prosperity.

Dont get a haircut because all your 'luck' will get chopped off (?!)

And my personal favourite, eat sweets ! So you have a sweet year!

Bring on the Chocolate.

Rabbits? Animal New Years?  Sounds like a load of supersticious bogus?

Whichever way you look at it, you gotta admit it gives us an excuse to (over)-eat dim-sum, and collect
Angpaos or Hongbaos, meaning red packets containing money. However, only children and unmarried adults are entitled to them.Hmm, thats gotta be saying something there..

God, I think I've eaten enough roast pork belly slices to last me till the year of the dragon.
GUNG HEI FAT CHOI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Black Swan, Get the Fuck out of My Head.

Heads up: you may want to sleep with the lights on for the next couple of nights. Don't feel bad - You're not the only one.

How do I even begin to comment on the movie 'Black Swan'?
The disturbing storyline. The underlying messages. The eery music.  Or, most importantly the fact that you DONT even listen to the music, because you're so consumed with your own thoughts and feelings the whole time.

Love it or hate it (I really dont know how on earth thats even possible) it is one of those movies that will linger long after you've walked out of the cinema.

You can only expect the best coming from Requiem for a Dream director, the great Darren Aronofsky.

Eloquently describing the destruction of oneself in the strive for perfection, you can't help but wonder the truth behind all this. How much of Hollywood's dark portrayal of the ballet world is real? In my opinion, just like in acting, modelling, you often see people totally emboding their 'character' it becomes part of them. And in this case, literally.  In my view, the movie (although obviously exaggerated at times) in many ways depicts a true reflection of the issues facing today's dancers.


I must say that the magnitude of promotion and advertising, cannot come close to what viewers anticipate and the sheer intensity of the film, exceeding even their wildest expectations.

Monday blues...

Monday mornings. Bluerrgh. Marking the End of our weekend and (for most of us) back to work.

I could go on and on about Monday Blues, the worst day of the week, my intolerance for mornings in general whatsoever, but today I decide to look at the brighter side of things.

1) The sun finally came out. As I walk towards to the office of my current internship (Yay!) you tend to put up with all the shoving and pushing, the oh so lovely Monday Morning rush hour on the underground in the city of smoke, when you step outside and the sun is ... wait for it.. shining!
2) £5 Mondays at My Old Dutch. Who says pancakes are just for breakfast ? Do like the Dutch and eat them throughout the day. Just make sure you hit the treadmill afterwards.
3) Great student nights out! Whether it's clubbing in the West End or just your local pub, its cheap drinks all the way !!! Woohoooo! let's get this party started !
4) Collecting the so-called 'fruit of your loins' that you've worked on through those 5 days running up to the weekend  (you never know what you're gonna get)
5) A fresh beginning to a new week. And God knows we could all use that.


Happy Monday everyone !

What the hell am I still doing up?

Call it boredom. Insomia. Or just plain old stupidity. It's waa-heyyy past midnight and here I am still trying to salvage what's left of the night - day by writing this silly blog. I think it's the aspiring journalist in me talking.

Thinking that Maybe, just Maybe I could start a blog of my own and turn it into some worldwide success.
Maybe write some best selling book and make millions in this growing unemployment line. Or, maybe I've just been watching too much Sex and the City and Californication. Can't decide. According to study carried out by Higher Education Careers Services (HECS) Media students face the highest unemployment rate.

Remind me WHY I'm studying Media  & Communications again? Either way, times are hard and a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Blogger = journalist may be a slightly naive way of thinking eh? That's the Internet for you. Or just a really s**** economy.

Anyway, I'm out. Gotta catch that 9am lecture on Media, Economics and Society. I say strike it when the irony is hot!

Goodnight peeps!



P.S Hank Moody is a legend.