In Chicago they dye the river green. In Gloucester a lone man pretends to talk in an Irish accent whilst drinking Guinness...

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all you little leprechauns out there! And Happy Mother's Day for tomorrow for all you scrummy mummys.

I have come home for the weekend, to tell my mother I appreciate her, to enjoy my friend's birthday and just to generally cause havoc with a group of friends I have not seen in a long time. All in all shaping up to be a good weekend. A few more weird things for you to enjoy that happened on the tube this week:

• People have apparently moved back in time and no longer listen to iPods. Instead a man on the tube played the guitar and I sat directly opposite (this is true) a guy practising for an opera...
• A lot of people pray on the tube - all religions
• People make this 'SIGGGGGHHHHH' noise when a pregnant woman/old person/the infirm etc get on the tube and they have to get up to let them sit down - oh social conventions, you lovely little blighters - the best part is when you can see their brain trying to work out whether she is pregnant or just carrying a little extra weight
• Having to listen to loud phone calls about: 1 - why you hate your boyfriend and are breaking up with him, 2 - why you hate your job and will be leaving, 3 - how you have always thought your Spanish teacher looks like Sophia Vergara, 4 - tell your friend how you want to punch so and so in the face and will do so this weekend ... ever the classy city London
• People eating: McDonalds, sandwiches, an ENTIRE pizza, soup!!!!!!
• Realising foreign people don't care what they do in front of English people - most likely because they will never do anything to top the ridiculous things on the tube that we do. On Friday a HUGE, white guy was literally coughing like he had the plague. The Indian couple across the tube from him wrap scarves around their faces and start waving the air in front of them....HILARIOUS!! We are too polite to do things like draw attention to something someone else is doing, but we will cough everywhere, shout on the phone, eat obnoxious food on the tube and generally be gross... once again, way to be classy London.

W

£19.99
(www.faux.uk.com)

£59.99
(www.faux.uk.com)

Fashion Trend: Wild!! By this I mean fur!! Now, I am leaving you to make your own choice about whether to wear real or faux, but you can get some great fake stuff for a fraction of the price! The A/W12 catwalks saw fur: collars, stoles, jackets, cloaks, trim, handbags, boots, gloves, hats....EVERYTHING!! This was also a great theme at Cheltenham Ladies Day (remember you can still read my report of the day at www.jpfestival.com). Pick up something this season, wear it until summer then rock it, knowing you bought it cheaper this S/S, in A/W!! Remember, it's always better to be where the wild things are!! Found a GREAT website www.faux.uk.com which sells anything faux fur you could ever want and it is all SO cheap!!



River Island £100
http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/coats--jackets/leather--non-leather-jackets/black-faux-fur-collar-fallaway-jacket-613118

Fashion Item: Wedge - It is coming to spring so we want to leave the clunky footwear of the winter behind. The only problem is, it is still a trend very much in full swing. My suggestion is that you turn to the mighty wedge!!! It is clunky, but summery! You can carry off any trend with a wedge that you are afraid to try in a full outfit, EG: Snakeskin, pastels, heavily embellished etc. Also, you can buy cute pairs from everyone from Matalan through to Mulberry so you can find one to suit your budget! Here are some cute ones:

Maddox Shoe - LK Bennett £175
http://www.lkbennett.com/shoes/courts/CCMADDOX687SNAKE

Princess Wedge Schuh £68
http://www.schuh.co.uk/womens-multi-schuh-princess-wedge-glitter/1137259960

Floral Wedge - New Look £27.99
http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/shoes/multi-coloured-floral-print-wedges_247426899


Store or Label: Winter Kate by Nicole Richie - If you haven't seen any of her stuff yet, you MUST look at it before you judge. It is in no way the same creepy stuff she wore running round America with Paris Hilton in The Simple Life show. It is floaty, boho and free spirited. There was a sheer floaty jacket that she did a few years back which I am STILL kicking myself about not buying. Her pieces are the sort of stuff you see on other people and have to ask where they are from; the company is still not so well known in this country, so you can buy something and feel quite safe in the knowledge you wont see anyone else wearing it. I love the separates because you can always guarantee they will be the statement piece of your outfit. Also I think the name of the brand is the cutest thing ever...

Winter Kate Dress S/S12
http://winterkate.com/

Winter Kate Jumpsuit £346
www.winterkate.co.uk

Designer or Celebrity: Madonna - No I have not suddenly lost all ability to understand letters. What I really mean is W.E the movie that Madonna co-produced and wrote. I know it came out months ago and is not released until 4th June on DVD etc, but I have to talk about it here. For those of you who didn't go because you don't like Madge - well I can understand because I wasn't sure to begin with. But, it would be a waste if you didn't see it at some point. The acting is stupendous and the costumes are even better. It is a film about the romance between Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson and how much they had to give up to be together. Described as one of the most tragic love stories ever, there is not even a hint of cone bras or wearing too much make-up over 50... It instead ties in well with the princess/vintage trend circulating at the moment because Wallis Simpson was never known for her beauty, but always remembered for her style. Take tips from her and her future counterpart in the film, Wally, by wearing black shifts with big cream pearls, drip in diamonds and sequins and finish your ensemble with a vintage hair do. We may not all be as beautiful as the royals but Wallis proved we can all be as stylish. Also - My Week With Marilyn came out this week - fabulous costumes, fabulous storyline, Michelle Williams is to die for and Eddie Redmayne is a sight for sore eyes!! Buy it and watch it 9,000 times before W.E comes out.

Have a good weekend!!
Becky xx

Strike A Pose

Afternoon sleepy heads - I am guessing most of you/your boyfriends/friends/family (delete as applicable) stayed up to watch the Superbowl last night? And what a corker. The only time you can really say Spandex is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen heh? Having met a few American football players in my time...and a couple soon to be NFLers as well I must say, they are as partial to a little tight skinned bodywear as last night's half time act herself. The Superbowl must be the only sporting event where the uniform and the entertainment is camper than a weekend with Alan Carr...and I am guessing he wears A LOT less padding.

Anyway, I cant help it - all day I have been battling with whether or not to blog on it - but I have to...Madonna and the Superbowl half time show. You have most likely read everything you can handle about this already today, but she is a fashion in herself so I feel I have no choice but to comment.

The first three items to be commended on the agenda: Philip Treacy headdress, Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy wardrobe and Bulgari jewellery. It is impossible to look foolish when three of the biggest names in their respective fields are dressing you. This was perhaps Madonna's thoughts as she has worked with Tisci before and rightly so decided he was a better choice than looking like a 13 year old goth in her own line. Stick to what you know I suppose. Although I was, as always, in awe of the fashion on display here, I felt it a little disjointed. It appears that Ancient Egypt and the 300 movie have had a love affair and given birth to Madonna. Luckily it all made sense later when Cee Lo Green came on dressed like he was in Sister Act....huh? I just didnt like the transition between King Leonidas, cheerleader and then Whoopi Goldberg. They arent really related...or perhaps it is just me that thinks that? Judging by the press today it is not...

Dont get me wrong, I will forever be in love with the Madonna classics and if anyone bought me a Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra I would wear it with pride, but perhaps this is where Madge should draw the line. End on a high? If you have read my past posts you can see how I RAVED about W.E the movie Madonna co-wrote and directed; perhaps it is time for her to continue her journey into film and leave music to the people who accompanied her on stage last night - M.I.A, Nicki Minaj, LMFAO and Cee Lo Green.

The actual fashion itself with magnificent. Tisci had created a hand embroidered gold cape that was draped to perfection over a black mini dress with studded belt. An embellished black coat finished off the look. The jewellery was simple gold and diamonds, hopefully not overlooked by those of us who dream in Bulgari. Finally the headdress was breath taking and I am looking forward to seeing how many knockoffs I see floating above the crowd at Cheltenham race week. If there is one thing to be said about Madonna - she certainly doesnt do things by halves. And lets be honest, who among us hasnt fantasized about being a goddess?

She is still a style icon and a business woman to be reckoned with. Dont get me wrong either, that girl looks GOOOOOD. The performance, as always, last night was spectacular and in most cases has drawn more interest than the actual final score (21-17 to the New York Giants, if anyone wants to know). The only issue is that nearly all the articles today have said that she is getting too old for this. Her moves werent what they were although in some ways her body is better now than it was in her coming out days.

I suppose the real and final question is: is 50 something too old to be wearing over the knee leather boots with fish net tights? I guess life is a mystery and everyone must stand alone when it comes to this issue.

Enjoy the rest of your Monday.
Becky xx

Do It Like A Brother? or Do It Like Vivienne Westwood?

Dear Unemployed Friends,

I am specifically addressing this to you today as "There IS a light at the end of the tunnel" (to quote one of my favourite musicals, Starlight Express - no I have not taken on a position as Buffy the Buffet car)!!! Yesterday I was called by a company that I REALLY want to intern for and was offered an interview next week - score. Also, I was asked to write a guest post on a local but well known blog. I will not divulge the details of either until (hopefully) the internship is awarded and (hopefully) the blog piece is published.

So yesterday was a great day. I thought, why not treat myself to more chocolate than the body can handle? Side note - you may notice that this was also my treat when getting turned down for a job, what can I say, there is more than a slight chance I am related to the Vicar of Dibley...we've all watched Sharpe (Sean Bean) whilst eating a Crunchie have we not? Anyway, so as I dance round the aisles of Tesco looking to pick myself up some celebratory chocolate, whilst constantly having to tell passers-by that I am NOT Beyonce (body of Beyonce voice of Michelle McManus you wonder?....or perhaps the other way round after the chocolate run) I freeze in horror.....for that is right my friends I have realised I have a fashion interview in ONE WEEK.

For those of you who are unaware, a fashion interview is completely different to the normal interview. A normal interview you follow the moderate heel, skirt below knee, hair in a bun ritual - basically make your self as un-feminine as possible.You concoct answers about your weaknesses, your past achievements and basically create a SWOT about your life that if you were a fly would send you weak at the knees. In the fashion interview the above could cause you to not even be admitted to the interview room. Do you know what the fashion will be next week, month, year? No? Well I have to be wearing it, talking about it, living it at this interview. Do you know who Felicity Jones is and why she has been crowned 'England's new IT girl'? No? I have to talk about her as if she is my best friend. My hair, nails, shoes, accessories and most of all outfit have to be between the highest fashion statement and someone going for an interview. So I am thinking Madonna on top, Lord Sugar on bottom?? What is this fashion girl to do?

This weekend I will shop as if my life depends on it - and really I suppose it does; happiness anyway. Will my nails and eye make-up match? Will I wear a dress with statement tights or trousers with a statement top? Shall I display my enjoyment of vintage or do I go for fresh off the highstreet, Alexa Chung eat your heart out look? All I can say girls is when we make it and I mean REALLY make it, we will be free, saved. Why is this you ask? Because my fellow fashionistas....Chanel may be expensive, but when you can afford to drop a couple Mulberry suitcases filled with cash, you will realise Chanel makes a suit for every occasion and she is willing, for the right price, to share these wonders with you.

Keep trying.
Becky xx

I love men, but not as much as I love my Louis!!

Afternoon Bloggers,

For those of you, who like me, are unemployed, you know that the most excruciating part of this lifestyle is the boredom. People think sitting at home watching "My Mum Is Actually My Grandfather" or "My Brother Is Under The Delusion He Is Eminem and Has Impregnated Everyone Within An 8 Mile Radius" on Jeremy Kyle all day everyday is a break - but it isnt. It merely reminds you that the people on the television may be ...unconventional...in their ways, but at least they are getting paid to be so.

So, what does one do when she has all this time on her hands? Movies!! My friend Kate and I can usually be found on an Orange Wednesday pooling our resources - she is also part of our job hunt crew -  watching a film. Together Kate and I rather resemble David Dickinson, as I relish a bargain and she shares her colouring with a Satsuma. I joke, she has been known to resemble a cross of Audrey Hepburn and Zooey Deschanel....see K, it's not all horrible! Anyway... last week we found ourselves enjoying the delights of W.E. Now, if you are not going to see this movie because you dont like the fact it is written and directed by Madonna, PLEASE reconsider. It would be the same injustice as if we didnt eat chocolate because we knew it would make us fat - not acceptable. The movie is poignant, moving and there is not a cone bra in sight. In fact, the costuming in this piece is rather beautiful. There is one line in the movie where Wallis Simpson admits she is neither beautiful, nor clever but that she dresses better than any woman she knows and that if everyone in the room looks at her when she enters, she knows she will have made Edward proud. For those of you who dont know W.E is the movie about Wallis Simpson and her marriage to Prince Edward. It has been deemed one of the most tragic love-stories of all time.

Wallis confessing that she dressed to make her husband proud makes me think. Throughout history there has often been the misconception that women dress to please the other sex. This is not true. Yes, Audrey Hepburn may have worn that long black sheath to impress her sugar daddy in jail and yes Marilyn Monroe may have worn a white dress that happened to become the thing of men's dreams, but who really has the control here? As is shown in that well known scene in The Devil Wears Prada where a cerulean belt becomes the starring actress, there is never a moment when most of us women do not calculate to the point of perfection what we will be wearing and why. Style is not a thing only some women have - if you wear only jeans and a t-shirt, then that is your style. Those who deny they follow trends, are merely making their own. Fashion for women is all empowering. It is one thing that men will trail behind us in. They may make more money as the CEO,  but we will we be the one turning heads as their assistant CEO in the new to die for McCartney trouser suit; cut so perfectly to our body shape you almost feel it rude to look at us.

Everyday I wear a dress, or jeans, or sweatpants, or a t-shirt or a cardigan, but it is my choice. If a woman walks into a room and everyone stares at her, she should not be worried if her husband is proud, but more is she portraying the seductress, business woman, best friend or daughter that she wants to be seen as in this outfit? So if today you want to look classy like Wallis or you want to look businessy in pearls like the Iron Lady, make sure you remember to be proud of your beloved partners, but to be proud of your Prada more.

Becky xx