Jenny Packham is a British designer with a gift of creating the most beautiful, whimsical couture dresses that a girl could dream of wearing. And I'm not plucking those words out of the air - the creme de la crop of uppercrust society, Hollywood and even royalty agrees. Here are a few of my favourite gowns donned by some famous faces:
Vanessa Hudgens in lovely floral dress at the Sucker Punch premiere. I love how she's made it her own by accessorising with her hippie jewelry and wearing a loose romantic curly hairstyle.
Blake Lively stuns in a yellow ombre silk chiffon dress as Serena in Gossip Girl.
She looks perfect. Just like an elegant New York tea garden wedding hostess should look.
Katy Perry attends the Grammys in a fun and flirty pink ruffled number. I like it better on the runway
I am so in love with this dress its unexplainable. The beautiful lace back makes me think of an intricate Indian design and the flowy fabric in a most exquisite ocean blue is just perfect. Kate Middleton looks like an elegant, tasteful, turquoise crystal champagne flute. In a good way of course.
I just posted these dresses because I think they represent everything that the Jenny Packham line is; etheeral, princess-like and supremely elegant.
Another shimmery number. I think it looks very royal ;) My favourite part would probably be the floaty shoulders though
I've always been a huge fan of Dita von Teese's style ('cause you know, I'm a big fan of fifties style and everything) and she looks beyond amaziing here. The dress fits in all the right places, makes her look taller and everything. Also, I love the soft colour and how it contrast with her red lips and the patterend shoulders and neck design just put the cherry on top.
I know this dress was a big crowd pleaser. Although I think it would've looked better on a teller person, Emma Roberts still carries it off pretty well. The silver design in the front makes me think of a metallic moon exploding into the night.
Very metaphorical of me to say, I know.
Again, I love the beautiful silvery detail on the champagne flow of the gown. Favourite part would be the draping of the top and the exquisitely designed shoulder. Definitely an Oscar-worthy dress, so kudos to Sandra Bullock.
October 22nd was marked on my calendar literally a month ago- written "The Red era begins!"
Like, I have been excited about this new album since well, forever.
Being one of those hardcore Swift fans you know?
I don't know, I hear everyday, people talking about they much hate Taylor Swift and her music. And I think, how?
How could you possible dislike her music? Well, I don't know. I guess people have their different opinions.
For me, I love Taylor because she writes the most meaningful songs you hear today. They come from who she is, her heart and soul.
I think that when artists sing songs made by other composers and lyricists, it's meaningless. It's not music from the soul. It's like singing words put into your mouth by somebody else. And where's the passion and emotion in that?
With Taylor's songs, I know that everything she's singing about is from her and she is actually feeling and thinking about what she's singing about. Her love, passion for her music and the emotions she puts in her songs, is contagious, which is why she has such a huge fan base.
Her songs resonate and relate. And that's why I love her.
She gives music a meaning.
So I figured, maybe if there are some Swifties out there who think of her like that or just, if you wanna hear the album, then I'd let you hear it right here:
State of Grace is the opening track and its one hell of a opener. Great thumping beat, like a big brass fanfare, almost like saying "Hey, you're in for a big ride when listening to this record!!"
It's not one of my favourite tracks but there's something oddly hypnotic about it which will keep it stuck in your head. Also, it's quite reminiscent of some good relatable rock, and it sounds like it got a little bit of a U2 soak.
Best lyric: Love is a ruthless game
Unless you play it good and right
Ahh, now here's the big, loud title song which is meant to hook you in. I think it's really good, another one of the more pop songs about a "burning red relationship"
I think with time, we'll all figure out who it's about ;) There's a lot of electronic influence in the chorus which will certainly appeal to the more Top 40-minded fans.
Best lyric: Faster than the wind, passionate as sin, ending so suddenly
In order to catch our breath after the platter of different, experimental songs we just heard, Taylor takes us back in time to her more rich, country songs. Think a melancholy version of Love Story or Fifteen but with a little bit of New Taylor mixed in. It's more mellow, one of those wallflower tracks that nobody really pays too much attention to. Still, It's lovely and the longing lyrics are beautiful in their simplicity.
Best lyric: And all we are is skin and bone trained to get along Forever going with the flow but you're friction
*I don't know, there's something so raw and real about that lyric. Just makes you want to contemplate life and love all over again.*
I think the whole world was pretty much stoked/shocked/horrified/excited/freaked out/excited to hear Taylor Swift, yes, Taylor Swift, do dubstep. The song starts off with a good ol' bublegum pop guitar melody, which reminds me of a heavy pop Katy Perry/Jessie J song, and then smoothly flabbergasts us with the change over to dubstep in the chorus. The lyrics are definitely weaker here compared to the other tracks, but I think that's probably because Taylor wanted the main focus to be obviously, the music. Also, another thing I loved was the resounding "Troubles" in the chorus, perfectly in sync with the dubstep thing, you know?
Best lyric: A new notch in your belt is all I’ll ever be
Before we get too caught up in the dubstep whirlwind, we're hit by this refreshing, classic Taylor song *which I'm pretty sure is about Jake Gyllenhaal* and it feels like...like every old Taylor song from Fearless and Speak Now, just rolled into one. The start of the song takes me back to my bedroom two years ago, staring out the window, listening to the Fearless album on repeat after school. This was definitely one of the best tracks, lyrically speaking. There's so much emotion in them and it feels like the music is just there to accompany the story of the lyrics.
Best lyric: I'm a crumbled up piece of paper lying here Cause I remember it all all all too well
This is probably my least favourite track on the entire album. It's such blunt "bubblegum pop" almost, that well, I don't like it, honestly. Also, it reminds me WAY too much of I Like It Like That by Hot Chelle Rae. Way too much
Best lyric: We're happy free confused and lonely at the same time
For a change, Taylor sings about her actually breaking someone else's heart. Well. That's new.
This song sometimes feels like it belongs in Speak Now alongside Back to December. I'm not too much of a fan of the chords but the gentle acoustic guitar is a comforting and lovely presence. The bridge is beautiful by the way. Changes your whole perception of the whole song, lyrically and musically.
Best lyric: And I hope sometimes you wonder about me
What can I say about this one? Everybody loves it. I think it's a little too pop-y and kitschy for me but it's certainly VERY catchy. Let me tell you, this song spells nothing but that wonderful, gleeful feeling of finally being over that someone.
Best lyric: And you, would hide away and find your peace of mind
With some indie record that's much cooler than mine
Now we've got this hunky-dory country song. Again, I'm not a super fan of this but the lyrics are honest and ring true.
Best lyric: Cause I read you should never leave a file unresolved
Definitely my favourite track on the whole album. Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody and Taylor Swift's hushed duet brings chills. From the soft, sombre start to the dramatic, harmonious coda that leaves you wishing the song was just a little longer. Also, their voices together are just perfect. His, full of honesty, maturity and reminiscence. Hers, a girlish confessional full of innocence.
Best lyric: You break my heart in the blink of an eye
I quite like this one. It's fun. It starts off with a little bit of acoustic guitar and then you're pleasantly surprised by this toe-tapping drum beat and you're taken on this explosive ride of a song. I think a nioce word to describe it would be to say it's exhilarating. And you feel like you're living the song right along with Taylor. The lyrics are also ace by the way.
Best lyric: Back when you fit my poems like a perfect rhyme
Also, another one of my favourites. The song is a rich, swaying number with a gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment and this lovely haunting guitar melody that is a continuous feature throughout the song. It's lovely and the lyrics are quite literally like pouring your heart out, excuse the cliche. However, they're emotional and beautiful. The harmonies and strings that drop in at the end add to the haunting melodrama are a big plus point.
Best lyric: Words, how little they mean when you're a little too late
I'm a huge fan of this track because it's different. It's not about boys or love stories (refreshingly) but instead, Taylor's written about the folk-pop star Joni Mitchell whom she's meant to play in a movie called "Girls Like Us". The lilting rhythm and the amazing acoustic guitar are big reasons for it sounding great. The lyrics are a masterpiece, cautionary and open but not clearly blatant. It's also very catchy (I caught myself humming it in drama class today) and kudos to Taylor for writing such a great song and adding the perfect music to compliment it. Also, its the thirteenth track so you gotta know it's already special.
Best lyric: Cause you don’t feel pretty, you just feel used.
Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift are my top two favourite artists ever so when I found out they were doing a duet together...well, let's just say it was scream-worthy news for me. I think this is just beautiful. The gorgeous guitar melody and the sweet lyrics about meeting someone who you just can't shake out of your mind and thinking it's love. Gosh, I love it. My only regret is that Ed didn't sing a lot.
Best lyric: Your eyes look like coming home
This another one of those pop anthems, strategically placed to take a breather from those heart-wrenching, deep songs previously heard. It's fun and I like it better than 22 certainly. The lyrics were fantastic though.
Best lyric: You spend your whole life singing the blues that you keep thinking that way
This is one of those songs where you have to wait for a while for it grown on you and hit you with its full impact. Regardless, it's a sweet romantic love song with the classic guitar and Taylor's forlorn lyrics and it feels like it may as well have slipped off Speak Now. Even so, this song is like a lovely French macaroon. Devour it like a dream.
And can I just say that the video is set in Paris and Taylor looks like she's in the fifties (my favourite era) and that guy is so gorgeous and ohmygod the whole video reminds me of The Notebook??
Fangirling never felt this good.
And it's funny how the last track of the album is called "Begin Again", telling you to start the album all over again :)
Best lyric: Thinking all love ever does is break and burn and end
Listening to Red is like reading a particularly delectable book on a rainy day and crying and laughing and sighing along with it.
Ohmygosh I love this song.
Haha.
Ew that sounded lame.
I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing
Just praying to a God that I don't believe in
'Cause I got time while she got freedom
'Cause when a heart breaks, no, it don't break even
Her best days were some of my worst
She finally met a man that's gonna put her first
While I'm wide awake she's no trouble sleeping
'Cause when a heart breaks no it don't break even... even... no
What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always you?
And what am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok?
I'm falling to pieces, yeah,
I'm falling to pieces
They say bad things happen for a reason
But no wise words gonna stop the bleeding
'Cause she's moved on while I'm still grieving
And when a heart breaks no it don't break even, even... no
What am I gonna do when the best part of me was always you?
And what am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok?
I'm falling to pieces, yeah,
I'm falling to pieces, yeah,
I'm falling to pieces
(One still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces
('Cause when a heart breaks no it don't break even)
Oh, you got his heart and my heart and none of the pain
You took your suitcase, I took the blame.
Now I'm tryna make sense of what little remains, ooh
'Cause you left me with no love and honour to my name.
I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing
Just praying to a God that I don't believe in
'Cause I got time while she got freedom
'Cause when a heart breaks, no, it don't break...
No, it don't break
No, it don't break even, no
What am I gonna do when the best part of me was always you?
And what am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok?
(Oh glad you're okay now)
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
(Oh I'm glad you're okay)
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
(One still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces
('Cause when a heart breaks, no, it don't break even)
Oh, it don't break even no
Oh, it don't break even no
Oh, it don't break even no
Now I could get used to waking up to mornings like these. Where the sky is just thoroughly blanketed in a duvet of white clouds.
It's the most perfect weather to just listen to music, read a book and enjoy some coffee :)
And I feel super good because mid-term assessment week is over *YES!*
First of all, I can't explain how excited-slash-freaked out I was when I heard the preview of this.
DUBSTEP!?!
Yes, Ms Swift never ceases to amaze me. Somehow, she rolled her country pop, journal-like love song into a semi-dubstep number.
Wow.
Just wow.
Guys, say hello to my new favourite song. *Replay button will be dead in a few hours*
Once upon a time a few mistakes ago I was in your sights you got me alone You found me you found me, you found me I guess you didn't care, and I guess I liked that And when I fell hard you took a step back Without me without me, without me And he's long gone when he's next to me And I realize the blame is on me
Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in So shame on me now Flew me to places I've never been Till you put me down oh I knew you were trouble when you walked in So shame on me now Flew me to places I've never been Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground oh oh trouble trouble trouble oh oh trouble trouble trouble
No apologies, he'll never see you cry Pretend he doesn't know, that he's the reason why You're drowning, you're drowning, you're drowning Heard you moved on, from whispers on the street A new notch in your belt is all i'll ever be And now I see, now I see, now I see He was long gone when he met me And I realize the joke is on me
Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in So shame on me now Flew me to places I've never been Till you put me down oh I knew you were trouble when you walked in So shame on me now Flew me to places I've never been Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground oh oh trouble trouble trouble oh oh trouble trouble trouble
And the saddest fear comes creeping in That you never loved me, or her, or anyone or anything, yeah I knew you were trouble when you walked in So shame on me now Flew me to places I've never been Till you put me down oh I knew you were trouble when you walked in So shame on me now Flew me to places I've never been Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground oh oh trouble trouble trouble oh oh trouble trouble trouble I knew you were trouble when you walked in trouble trouble trouble I knew you were trouble when you walked in
I'm going through a serious fifties obsession right now *don't ask* so I figured, hey. Let's do a Snapshot Sunday post so yours truly I mean, you can feast your eyes ;)
Haha :D
Just, things to do, look at and listen to, when the going gets tough and you end up drowning in your sea of textbooks with only your endless cups of coffee as your lifeboat ^_^
Listen to the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack:
Ohmygosh, I can't even, like, explain. The music from this is movie is so beautiful and peaceful and calming and soothing. Think chilled piano, soaring violins and the most laid-back guitar tunes, with a little bit of whistling in the mix ;) Go check out the user SnafuOverYou on Youtube for the full, amazing soundtrack. My favourites?
This is literally like, the best beauty blog I've come across. You can find anything on here, and all tips and tricks are tried and tested, so you're getting legit stuff guys. I like the fact that it mixes old, traditional remedies with modern science. It's the cream of the crop, people :)
Seriously. Why not? I quite like this lovely hair bow.
5. Make yourself some fabulous frozen hot chocolate:
It's blithering hot here so this drink is quite well needed dontcha think?
Needed: 6 ounces of your favorite chocolate (we used dark chocolate),
1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional), 4 teaspoons hot cocoa mix, 4
tablespoons powdered sugar, 3 cups milk, 5-6 cups of ice and
marshmallows to garnish (you can toast them or sprinkle mini ones on
top).
In a pan melt the chocolate over low/medium heat. Whisk in the
espresso powder, cocoa mix and powder sugar until well combined and no
lumps remain. Allow this mixture to cool off. In a blender combine the
chocolate mixture, milk and ice; blend until well incorporated. If you
want to make this a milkshake instead you could use ice cream in stead
of milk and ice—up to you! Garnish with marshmallows and enjoy before it
melts away!
Recipe taken from HERE
