I want the exact opposite of what I’ve got now. Chilly feet, possible SAD (I took a test in the newspaper this morning – all signs point to glum), and no end to the grey sky in sight. Hence I’ve spent the morning digging up my favourite beach tracks – think sandy ska, road trip dub and smooth 80′s sounds.
Fat Freddy’s Drop – Wandering Eye. A new New Zealand classic, perfect for chilling out to.
The Beach Boys – Kokomo. Featuring scenes from one of the best movies ever, Cocktail!
Bob Marley – Jamming.
Sublime - Santeria. Sublime always reminds me of my little brother singing his lungs out on family road trips. Yup we have that kind of family, parents that would let us put Busted 2 on repeat for hours.
Of course nothing is as perfect for bringing back the sunny feelings as George Gershwin’s Summertime and Mungo Jerry’s In the Summertime. Both have been recorded by a plethora of artists and they never fail to make me smile.
When there’s frost on your car, when 3 duvets aren’t enough and when your friends won’t hush about how great the London weather is – what songs do you pull out to remind you that your world one day won’t be so bleak?
While grappling with insomnia the other night, I started reading D-Listed, as I often do when my brain just wants some cud to chew on. And that’s when I saw them…
How cool are they? Nothing like a plushie animal head on your wrist. The moose is a bit extravagant though. Also, LOOK WHAT THE GIRLS ARE WEARING. (No, not the watches. The clothes. I swear I saw these kids down at the club last week.)
All this retro goodness got me thinking about my favourite toy commercials from when I was kid.
First up is Skip-It , Skiiiiiiip-It! I had a pink one, it was totally gnarly. I could try and beat my very best score for hours – making my siblings and pet rabbit watch me. Um, tiny warning – if you watch this it may take hours to purge the jingle from your brain.
Connect 4: I never owned this, save a crappy travel version. All the pieces were the size of fingernails and I’m sure my sister ate some. This makes me very sad. Perhaps I’ll have to invest in a Connect 4 set for my next drinking and games night!
There is nothing better than sitting around watching roaring flames or glowing embers… it’s an event for all seasons too! On the beach, or in a cabin or even at home. If you have a little outdoor area, it’s not too much effort to procure a little brazier for some good quality fire time. My fire lighting technique involves crumpling up newspaper, creating a teepee of kindling with larger bits of wood lying on the base to push in – similar to this gorgeous photo:
Whether you are camping or snuggling beside a hearth, you might need a couple of accessories to perfect the experience. These hip-flasks from I Don’t Like Mondays would look adorable by your side. If you’re going to do it (my sneaky wee it being vodka or pink lemonade), you may as well do it in style.
5 other essentials you need to make your fireside moment magical…
Blankets, preferably plaid. Marshmallows for roasting and toasting – I set mine on fire till they are almost destroyed. A cute little beanie or cap for your head. A guitar for making music and singing along to. A camera for savouring the moment – I love taking long exposures of flames and sparks. Snap, crackle, pop!
I’m sure every girl has dreamed of wearing their very own ruby red slippers at some time. Impressively, Swarovski is making your dreams possible! 20 iconic designers are collaborating with the luxe crystal company and Warner Brothers to create fresh and sexy new interpretations of the slippers.
The well heeled group include: Amedeo Testoni, Abaete, Alberta Ferretti, Betsey Johnson, Botkier, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Lisa Pliner, Manolo Blahnik, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Sergio Rossi, Stuart Weitzman, Tibi, and Tuleh.
After exhibition around the States, including Art Basel Miami, the shoes will be auctioned off in support of an Aids charity in (the northern) autumn 2009.
I’m really interested to see what will be designed by L.A.M.B – the Wizard of Oz look is a key part of Gwen’s style – but it would be wonderful if she took it to the next kooky level. My favourite of the sketches above is the darling Moschinos, with the split bow (I’m all about pretty bows at the moment). However, were you to give me any of them I would be in love! What would be your pick?
I first heard the crooning of Lee Hazlewood while ensconced in the changing road of a K-Road boutique. However, at the time I was too wrapped up in trying on a complicated dress than to ask the shopkeeper who was currently riding the record player. Later that afternoon, a quick Google search for snow and buffaloes provided the goods.
After delving into his archives and checking out his musical history (why hadn’t I heard of him earlier?!), what struck me the most was Hazlewood’s sensational sense of style.
A man not afraid to accessorize (neither was Nancy!), Lee successfully modeled the Cyclops glasses, ruffles, the fleecy jacket, the handlebar moustache, aviators and cowboy chaps. A man of all trends, here’s to you, Lee!
Hello! My name is Amber Parkin. I'm a New Zealander living in London. I'm a writer obsessed with fondue, chesterfield sofas, vintage dresses, foxes, and 35mm.
