Monday 13 December 2010

Any Human Heart - Genius Retro-Style Television!

Over the last two days I've sat and watched all four episodes of 'Any Human Heart' which is an adaptation of a book by William Boyd and has been shown in the UK on Channel 4. It's safe to say that it's blown me away, both in story and in style.
The story is set over the life of Logan Mountstuart, an English writer. His life spans the 20th century and the program is rich in the settings, costume and feel of the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and a tiny bit of the 80's. The 40's and 50's are the prevailing time-zones in this programme though, and the imagery was gorgeous.
The hair, the clothes, the make-up - it was all so inspiring! I loved how the mannerisms of the character changed throughout his life; how wonderful were the 40's when everyone raced to light your cigarette for you?!
I suggest you all go and watch it immediately! I'm not sure if anyone from the USA will be able to view it, although I don't see why they shouldn't be able to. The link to it is here. There are only 8 days left on the first episode, so hurry! It can also be bought here.
If you have seen it, let me know what you thought. Personally, I thought it was one of the most beautiful dramas to ever hit our screens, apart from 'Small Island' which is also a book adaptation (highly recommended!).



Wednesday 8 December 2010

Today I Was Mostly.....Yearbooking Myself!

I discovered Yearbook Yourself today - probably about 7 years later than the rest of you! It is absolutely hilarious! I had such a great time putting myself into some vintage yearbook pictures that I've decided to share the best ones with you all. If you want to do it to yourself (WARNING: It is addictive and will probably distract you from what you should be doing!) then here is the link.
I wish I had hair like this lot! (Especially the last one - what a retro doll!)




Monday 6 December 2010

When I Die, I Want To Be Buried In A Giant Lipstick

Since my post about the sale of Lee Harvey Oswald's coffin I've become a little obsessed with searching for coffin inspired furniture online, and I've found some really cool things. Today however, I stumbled upon something really awesome that I previously had no idea existed.
In Ghana coffins are rarely the traditional boring polished wood casket, they're works of art that show something about the life of the person inside. I've been looking at images of Ghanan coffin designs and some of them are out of this world!
Check out some of the pictures...


I'm obsessed! When I die I would love to be buried in a massive lipstick...or maybe have a guitar shaped coffin....or perhaps a pirate ship! I could go on forever!

Sunday 5 December 2010

The Delights of London Town

This weekend I ended up, very spontaneously, in London! My Mum was there for the weekend with friends but one of them couldn't make it due to the snow. As a result I got a very nice phonecall on Friday asking me if I could get to London and if I could, there was a free ticket to see Les Miserables and a free hotel room in it for me. After much deliberation (about a fifth of a second) I of course, said yes!
Les Miserables was absolutely incredible. I'm not a big 'musicals' person really so I wasn't particuarly bothered about seeing it. I went along mostly so that I could get out of the cold and I figured that it would be an all right way to spend the evening... well, what can I say? It was amazing!
The choreography, the singing, the story, the costumesthey were all perfect. I'm officially converted!
My favourite part, costumes wise, was definately the part with the whores. I want to walk around looking like this all the time:
After the awesomeness that was Les Mis, we decided to pay Camden market a visit. I'm going to save up some money and go on a spree there as soon as possible! Due to limited funds (gotta keep the tattoo fund healthy!) I only got myself these cute earrings...
...which I adore!
I tried on a few things in the vintage shops but was (for once) a very good girl. I so wanted a vintage patent kelly handbag but I stopped myself (I have no idea how!).
So...to sum up - I love London!
The End =D

Thursday 2 December 2010

Fancy Buying a USED Coffin?!

Lee Harvey Oswald's coffin is being sold at auction. I know, I didn't really know what to think either. Part of me is grossed out about the fact that his dead body was buried in it for 20 years (he was buried in a different coffin after he was exhumed to prove that it was really him down there) and part of me kinda thinks it would make for an awesome piece of furniture. Imagine making a chair or a cabinet out of it and being able to say - 'Yeah, that's my coffin chair.' I kinda wanna do that.
Lee Harvey Oswald was the guy who allegedly killed JFK so I imagine it's going to have a lot of interest from people that are into all that. Maybe a museum will buy it or something?
What I can't work out is who decided to auction it off? It's just a bit bizarre. I wonder if it smells??
I can't help but be interested in this, maybe it's my love for anything horror! The starting price is $1000 but I bet it'll go way over that. There's plenty of freaks out there with lots of monies!
I think it'd look gorgeous as a bookshelf!

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Half Sleeve Is Finally On The Way!

As a yuletide present to myself this year I'm getting my half sleeve done! I'm so excited to get this tattoo; it's been months and months in the planning stages. The plan is a covering of realistic flowers: roses, anemones and fuchsias. The tattoo is going to cover me from shoulder to elbow.
The roses represent my sister as they're her favourite flower and her second name is 'Rose'. The anemones are for my Mum as they have always been her favourite flower and the fuchsias are for my Dad, who sadly passed away in 2004. He loved fuchsias (although he would never admit to liking a pink flower!) and grew them out in the greenhouse for years.
I'm all booked in for February 9th so I'll be posting pics at each stage. The first sitting is 4 hours and hopefully the outlines will all be completed by then.
Now I've just got to keep myself occupied until then...