OBRIGADO

According to A Recent Survey*, it takes an average of two days and seventeen hours before you completely relax on holiday; but I distinctly remember the feeling around twenty-two hours into mine when I was lay on the beach with my chin in the sand, somewhere in that grey area between awake and asleep, and I felt relaxed. Completely and utterly. Holidays as a young adult were great: getting away from your parents and going crazy on the free shots provided by the neon bars who just want your nubile faces in the hope it'll attract further punters. But holidaying as a proper adult is different, and I felt it acutely this time. It was about reaching the point where my mind was full of nothing, except figuring out six degrees of random film stars, what to eat for lunch (at 4pm) and whether I would randomly bump into Paul Rudd around the Algarve. See, where did that thought even come from? From my brain being in an almost meditative state. My mind, when unoccupied, goes to Paul Rudd. Of course. What else?

Now I'm back, full of ideas and enthusiasm to do things other than sit in front of a computer. I want to eat fresh food, read interesting things, have friends over for dinner, sit outside, go for coffee. The trick is to keep tight hold of the enthusiasm even as the holiday tan - or in my case, freckles - starts to fade.

By the way.. funny how you take so much to wear on holiday and only end up wearing the same things, isn't it? It always happens. This time it was these funny little moccasin boots I got from a charity shop which I'd never even worn before, but turned out to be the ideal beach-to-bar (apologies for the Grazia-ism, but it's true) shoe.

Also, we managed to adopt a cat for the duration of our stay. He was adorable but also sat outside our apartment door at 5am screaming to come in. It could only happen to us.


I'm wearing:
a myriad of Wildfox, Evil Twin and Minkpink, plus some vintage,
charity shop, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, French Connection & Patrizia Pepe.





















* I don't like not referencing this Recent Survey, but I got the information from Zest magazine who didn't cite the source either. So we'll just have to believe.

OF BEASTS AND SUPERBEASTS

Ever since the exterior of the Manchester Art Gallery was overtaken with organic decoration in February, I'd been curious to see what the Raqib Shaw exhibition inside was all about. It wasn't until the outside had sprung into bloom that I finally made the trip and boy, am I ever glad I did.

The pieces of art were breathtakingly beautiful, painted with enamels, glitter and rhinestones, which sounds garish but the shiny brightness was just a ruse for the gruesome subject matters. Look closely and you will see all sorts of grimness, from airborne monsters attacking royal beasts, to monkey warriors being castrated, to intestines spilling out across the canvas. The last thing you see in the exhibition is a sculpture of a lobster/shrimp/thing attacking a naked half-man, half-bird. No amount of glitter could disguise its goriness and it was so overwhelming both my boyfriend and our friend had to have a little sit down to recollect themselves after seeing it up close (I was OK though, just fascinated. I'm clearly made of stronger stuff).

Those of a somewhat nervous disposition could just focus on the colour, glitter, and unusual painting technique of blending different colours of enamel to create a marble effect. My photos do not represent the grandeur of these pieces; I'd say they had to be seen to be really appreciated. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up from me, fine holiday fun. Though perhaps not one for the kiddies.

Oh, and I also wore an outfit. But how do I discuss clothes after seeing such a mind-bending exhibition?! Can't stop thinking about the psychedelic colours and unsettling images..!

I wore:

Miss Selfridge dress c/o the other Easter Bunny

Vintage/DIY waistcoat

Dad's trilby

Forever 21 bag

Topshop tights

Office shoes

#manchestercleanup

The past 24 hours have undoubtedly been the most bizarre of my life. I was up half the night listening to police helicopters and sirens. This morning, I went into town, feeling sick with anticipation at what I was about to encounter.

Thankfully, Manchester is more resilient than I thought. There were many broken windows, but I'd say only around five shops were completely gutted; Links of London, Miss Selfridge, Swarovski, Jessops, and Office. The Swarovski shop was only two weeks old, and was a gorgeous retail space.

The #manchestercleanup team met in Piccadilly Gardens, armed with brooms, gloves, and binbags. Most of the city had already been cleaned by the council, but we were determined to make our city safe and free of broken glass. I'd say it took around three hours for the streets to be completely clear. There was a huge sense of comraderie, with volunteers helping each other out, and small teams going inside devastated shops to help clear up broken windows.

I did want to feature window displays in this blog, it's just unfortunate that the first are in this state:

Massive congratulations to the team at Office St Ann's Square, who managed to get the shop organised and fully operational within the morning. I wish all retailers the very best at this hard time, and look forward to seeing what they will do with their brand spanking new stores.

I'm off for a well-deserved cup of tea, and maybe a nap while it's all quiet. Let's hope it remains quiet overnight.