I'VE HAD A BATON THROWN AT ME...

...Don't worry, it didn't hit me in the face - I caught it. 

The effervescent as ever Glitterbird (a.k.a George) passed this little soul prober and blog tradition my way, now you all get to know what makes me tick. You lucky things you.

1. What never fails to cheer you up? 

Stupid associations with words. A "poof" of white powder and the word "Wildies"*. Realising I have more money than I thought I did (v rare). Ikea £1.50 meatball wednesdays. Ikea in general. A nice drive. A good spot in the park. When the flat's tidy (bore). Trying a new shampoo or lipstick. Anything cheap. Spotting a celebrity. Getting a good work email. ROFL with my besties. Ambling around Mayfair choosing which houses to live in when I'm older. When your dirty KFC hits just the right spot. Laundry that smells like home. My fam. Smoking.

DREAMS

*N.B. White powder is nothing to do with Columbia - it's from White Chicks: "Your mama's so old, her breast milk looks like THIS *poof*" And "Wildies" is a scouse term you'll have to google, I have absolutely no idea why it makes me laugh so much but it does... so juvenile. 

2. If you could live one day of your life over again what would it be? 

I think this is a pretty dangerous path to start going down, the odd bad day re-write could quite easily turn into a massive cloud of regret lingering over you like that bloody Icelandic ash. I am a big believer in "que sera sera" - even if something's god awful, you still have it as a comparative point for other, better experiences thus making everything else seem marvellous in comparison, n'est-ce pas? Believe me, I've had more than my fair share of really, really, (really) embarrassing moments and upsets, but at least now, when I'm having a pretty mediocre day and feeling a little melancholy, I can think back and go "Jesus Christ at least I haven't just woken up after doing that again." You know?

3. What do you like best about yourself? 

Ooooh where to start... I am obviously amazing in every possible way so writing this could take, like, ages. BUT, if I were to be serious and take off my Paris Hilton head, I'd maybe say my positivity, inherited from my wonderful PaPa. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not some kind of sunshine freak who seizes every opportunity to clap their hands and grin like a nutter whilst saying "Isn't this FUN?!" - I just like to think about the different aspects of situations and try and focus on a good angle if you get me? Example: can't afford to get the tube so have to get the bus and leave earlier to get anywhere = get to know town better and look at the nice views etc etc. Boring I know, but it does make life's little bumps and brushes a tad easier.

4. What would you change about yourself? 

Loooooooooooooooooong list. Physically - I can think of a fault with pretty much everything, even down to my cuticles. Personality wise - I'm pretty stubborn, which in turn can mean I'm a pretty big pain in the arse.

5. What have you enjoyed most about blogging? 

I'm still not sure how comfortable I am with the whole concept to be honest, I still feel, and am, a bit of a loser for thinking anyone would actually want to read anything I go on about. It's nice as a little posting board for things that you like, and of course, don't like, but I don't really feel like it's anything particularly to do with my "career" as it would be a little like taking your diary to a job interview to show how you write. What I say about the numerous detritus that tickle my fancy on a day to day basis is not obviously what I'd say if I were commissioned an article - however, I did get free tickets to go and see the Grace Kelly exhibition off the back of this so that was pretty sweet to say the least. 

6. Who or what is your ultimate source of inspiration?

Oh god, shoot me with a cheese dart but I'd have to say happiness. Life's too short to spend all your time prolonging it, stop reading the "Cancer Is Caused By..." headlines and go and enjoy yourself. 

7. If you could be anywhere in the world where would you be?

Well, seeing as it's highly unlikely that I'd get to be anywhere in the world I want to be anyway, I'll extend the implausibility of the equation by suggesting multiple locations. I've always fancied a little Parisian apartment up in the rafters overlooking a petit courtyard and with a string of cliched cafes outside to go and smoke Galoises till the cows come home; oh and as this is all pretend anyway I'm fluent in French obviously and make idle chit chat with disgruntled old men. Secondly, a spacious New York property on Park Avenue wouldn't go amiss, intermittent visits from Chuck Bass and Nate Archibald would help to ease any Upper East Side iciness nicely. Lastly, I'd also like to be in the midst of a Californian road trip (a la Glitterbird) with enough bacon and hashbrowns covered in syrup to make the journey end up with a Thelma and Louise style finish - not because of being chased by the po po, merely I would be unable to control the car as my feet would have gotten so fat off all the diners along the way. 

8. Who would you invite to your ideal dinner party?

Sophie Dahl (she can cook too), Hadley Freeman, Liv Tyler, Leo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, Scarlett Johansson, Neil Kinnock, Tom Ford, Beyonce, Courtney Love (imagine ! ), John James and Josie from BB (soz I love them beyond reason), George Clooney, Marilyn Monroe, Ryan Reynolds, Ryan Gosling (only if he has a beard), Raylan Givens, Alabama and Clarence Worley, Patsy Stone and Edina Monsoon, Bardot, Grace Coddington, David Milliband, my real life friends... There are lots more but I can't think right now. Soz to Brad Pitt for leaving you off the guest list but I think Ange is a bit doo-lally and would siphon my blood in my sleep or something if you came. I now pass the baton to: T Shirts & Cupcakes, Shiny! Shiny! Shiny Boots of Leather and My Style Vista. Phew.

See what I mean about the beard?

TOTES GOING TO BE ME ON HOLIDAY

However, in all likelihood the chlorine shall turn my hair green and my make-up will melt into a striking similarity of Heath Ledger in Dark Knight... But this is how I will think I look in my head. Wowsa, glad there's going to be no one around to witness all this apart from my poor family.

ON ANOTHER MUSICAL NOTE

I think I've made my feelings for Taylor Momsen pretty clear previously - but I've gone and shot myself in the foot by bloody liking this song. Now, unless I'm alone in this, watching the video will make you want to hurt her or yourself or someone nearby, but try and focus on the her without accidentally snapping your laptop in two. This wannabe Courtney Love slash Shirley Manson shiz she's trying to pull is a joke of epic proportions, especially seeing as she looks like she was sponsored by Claire's Accessories 'Bad Ass' range. I mean what on earth is with those trainee hairdresser extensions? Video aside, the song is pretty catchy, I particularly like the chorus - my best advice to enjoy it: DO NOT look at the screen, sit back, and pretend it's a Kelly Clarkson/Pink! duet - much better.

FUN

TRAFFIC PEOPLE AND SCARLET VINTAGE UNITE

So I took a much needed break from the Big Smoke this past weekend and headed back to the homestead in search of a little West Country leisure. To my delight, Milsom Place in Bath was playing host to a rather fabulous shopping event - a joining of forces if you will of Traffic People and Scarlet Vintage. Both shops were offering on the day discounts, as well as copious amounts of free champagne which certainly goes well with a spot of retail therapy. 

This is the only Traffic People store outside of London, and having been given free range with the decor and direction of the place, it truly shines. It's wonderfully light location in this Georgian playground can't help but emphasise the gorgeously delicate stock, and a trip there is a must if you find yourself in the city. 

Scarlet Vintage is another charming addition to Bath's already renowned 'found fashion' scene - Alison Goldfrapp is famous for finding numerous phenomenal stage costumes here. Owner Debbie, who was previously an Air Stewardess, began bringing clothes back from LA, San Paolo and Hawaii, and seeing the potential, left the skies and opened her own shop last year. Nestled amongst the back streets of this historic city you'll find Halston, Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenburg to name but a few; as well as an array of gorgeous silk scarves to add interest to any outfit.

Promoting the event, and adding a humongous amount of Glamour to a saturday afternoon, were The House Of Go Disco - a fantastic collective of Burlesque dancers from the South West region. With club nights, tutorials and special performances, these girls add a little much needed "OOOMPH" to your life, check them out - they're a sexy bunch.

The Event Took Place At The Traffic People Store in Milsom Place

A Selection Of Scarlet Vintage's Unique Stock

Garments Were Showcased To Perfection With A Touch Of Burlesque Glamour

Traffic People - Milsom Place, Bath

Scarlet Vintage - 5 Queen Street, Bath (01225) 338677

The House Of Go Disco - www.houseofgodisco.com

LOVELY

Hyper real prints and ethereal qualities make up this other worldly label’s core. With exquisite usage of draping, intelligent cuts and futuristic influences, these are gorgeous pieces that fit no stereotypical box.

The label is created with the joint talent of Peter Pilotto and Christophe de Vos who graduated from the esteemed Royal Academy of Fine Art, Antwerp in 2000. Together, they draw influence from nature through a scientific lens, and incorporate sublime tailoring and unique print in an amalgamation of all that is sublime.

Timelessly classical, yet breathtakingly modern, this duo have something very covetable in fashion these days – a truly unique product. With technology cited frequently as strong inspiration, using the pale shades from screen grabs of a Woody Allen film in previous collections for example, they are designers distinctly defined by their time. With their show in London attended by the most esteemed of Fashion Journalists such as Suzy Menkes, Peter Pilotto is without a doubt one of the most eagerly anticipated collections each season.

TOE-TALLY AMAZING

So, what with the 90's resurgence, it was about time these bad boys popped up again. I'd been eyeing up a couple of cheap versions in Primark for a couple of weeks before taking the plunge - but take it I eventually did.

Unfortunately, out of the £1.50 three pack I bought, two have already turned green - not exactly glamorous. This little Mariah Carey number has managed to stay relatively faux gold though, chavtastic, non?

Please excuse my appalling chipped polish, it's been a long week of tube trampling

My friend Shelly recently got back from what looked like a lovely holiday in Turkey, and being the beacon of all that I consider stylish and more, low and behold had pretty adorned feet. Now I know they're cool. Get your trotters out people, let's hop on the wrong foot and do the bad thing - you know you want to.

A TRIP TO THE FLICKS

I've been a bit uninspired by the cinema of late, summer has that way of turning a six week period of dreadful remakes into a cash cow of crap, so it had been a while since I had sat in a suspiciously sticky velour chair for a couple of hours. Last week I saw Woody Allen's new one - "Whatever Works" - I know that is one of the most toecurlingly awful, middle class, bourgeoisie sentences to fall out my mouth, I might as well be wearing elbow patches, buying a £7 organic loaf from "Bread Etcetera" whilst claiming not to watch any TV (apart from Newsnight). That aside, it was good, really good in fact. Proper laugh out loud funny, I've been a bit dubious of Woody since "Match Point" - but I think with his return to comedy, and vitally New York, he's back in the comfort zone and it works.

Secondly, I went to see Twilight, see I'm not a snob. Despite all the (really) bad reviews, I thought it was aight. You know what to expect so I don't see why people would turn up looking for some mad Academy Award winning skills; it's all heavy breathing and betrothals - very mid-western daydream. I do think the whole Mormon abstinence thing is a bit shambolic though, according to True Blood vampires are, err... demonic should we say? No wonder they're getting married.

So, this is what I have seen, and this is what I want to see, how exciting - I love film trailers.

OOOOH QUEST-CE QUE TU FAIS JEAN PAUL??

It was all a bit Marlene Dietrich meets Grace Jones this season at Jean Paul Gaultier’s stellar show in Paris. An awe-struck crowd looked on as models stalked out, cigarette in hand, wearing all that an art-deco fantasist could dream of and more. Upwards thrusting, turban-clad heads were ensconced in geometrically striking hoods that wound their way down the body with dizzying perfection. Legs came swathed in noir sequins and dresses seemed to sigh their way down the catwalk in the finest satins, silks and sheer organza’s. Skirts hugged fishnet bound stems in the snuggest of chocolate velvet, whilst one of the standout pieces took shape in the form of an achingly beautiful gold, oversized, draping jumpsuit with gathered batwing sleeves and cinched waist. There were injections of a few brighter hues, such as an apple green satin take on the classic safari dress; and surprise came in the form of modern day siren Dita von Teese, performing a striptease in the middle of the runway, removing her black pieced dress to reveal stunning La Perla lingerie and a cheeky bare behind. However, with clothes these divine, you’d never really want to take them off at all…

Read more of what I've been doing here:

Oh and my apologies for the previous post, this is slightly defeatist as I am now again addressing people that probably don't exist in some kind of self involved cyber diary type manner, but I've been told that it's really sad to think people mind if I don't update for a while... So basically I'm not really sure what I'm saying and I've confused myself.

Do I say goodnight? God knows.

SOZ

So I've been a bit awful at updating recently, it's cos I've been working so I shan't complain really. 

I'm going to put up a bit of my work for this other website, cheeky recycling but I wrote it didn't I?

OLIVER PEOPLE'S ARE A BIT GOOD AREN'T THEY?

Mind you, so is Tom Ford...