Nov 1989, the year the Berlin wall comes down,Nintendo released its popular handheld video game player the 'Game Boy', The Simpsons premier and of course the year that I came into the world. Yes i am technically a child of the 80's well i like to think so anyway.
I grew up however in the 90's where the fashion was as unmemorable and quite frankly as dull as dish water and the music industry was pumping out artificial generic pop music. Artificially put together cleverly marketed boy and girl 'bands'(using that word loosely as I'm sure none of the spice girls truly possess an amazing vocal talent). Even though as a child I did have a slight obsession with Boyzone, which included pj's, bedspreads, stationary and various other memorabilia.
The thing that confuses me is what was the transitional point for music, fashion and the culture in general. How did we go from the mix match subcultures in the 80's to well the 90's?
I first started considering this one evening when discussing music with a housemate, he concluded from this discussion I should of grown up in the 80's and that I'm from the wrong decade. My response to him was "Who wouldn't want to have grown up in the 80's?" I grew up listening to my parents music(as they were teens in the 80's)and hearing stories of concerts and fashions. I grew up listening to my parents play early Madonna, Blondie, UB40 and Micheal Jackson. I still listened to Steps, S-club 7 and A1 (remember them?) of course I did, however now I find myself listening to 80's music again. I'll spend hours you-tubing Blondie, The smiths and The cure. They still hold so much relevance in today's youth culture, there is a sudden trend for all things 80's. And I for one am glad, and very proud to call myself an 80's baby.
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Friday, 9 December 2011
New York I Love You!
I have been in love a couple of times, and I love that tingly feeling you get when you see that person, the way you breathe in every inch of them, the way you feel totally at ease with that person. You can just relax and be yourself, and even if the love isn't felt back you still hold a special place in your heart for them.
This is how I feel about New York. I knew i would adore it from the stories people have told me, books I've read, films seen and endless episodes of 'Sex And The City' I have watched. However I wasn't aware of how hard I would fall for it. I have fallen hook line and sinker for this big city. Full of life, New York has a buzz that you can not describe unless you have experienced it for yourself.
Standing in the middle of times square on a busy Thursday night, looking up at the blinding lights,huge billboards, and enjoying the hustle and bustle of Christmas shoppers rushing by whilst taxis honk their horns in frustration. I have never experienced anything quite like it, yet i have never felt so at home.
When looking out at the sun setting behind the skyscrapers, I breathed in the nights air and made a promise to myself and the city that I will return, maybe not this year, maybe not even the next, but I will return and until that day I will hold New York City closely to my heart.
This is how I feel about New York. I knew i would adore it from the stories people have told me, books I've read, films seen and endless episodes of 'Sex And The City' I have watched. However I wasn't aware of how hard I would fall for it. I have fallen hook line and sinker for this big city. Full of life, New York has a buzz that you can not describe unless you have experienced it for yourself.
Standing in the middle of times square on a busy Thursday night, looking up at the blinding lights,huge billboards, and enjoying the hustle and bustle of Christmas shoppers rushing by whilst taxis honk their horns in frustration. I have never experienced anything quite like it, yet i have never felt so at home.
When looking out at the sun setting behind the skyscrapers, I breathed in the nights air and made a promise to myself and the city that I will return, maybe not this year, maybe not even the next, but I will return and until that day I will hold New York City closely to my heart.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Are you dazed and confused...
As part of one of my core units for second year we have been asked to pitch a potential magazine to a publishing house... this project immediately excited me. The chance to put ideas together, my ideas something that will open peoples minds, broaden their interests and Draw people in with witty but thought provoking articles.
The first thing me and my group had to do was figure our target market, it became immediately clear that the teen market was seriously lacking in what I would class as good reading material. Therefore it became abundantly obvious that this was the market we should tackle.
Yes, of course you get the standard gender pacific girly magazines and sport magazines for the lads, however is this really enough? I know as a teen I would read the likes of bliss, it being filled to the brim with tips on how to attract boys and all of the stuff I undoubtedly loved during my teen years,However are these interests just a product of society telling me what it is I should like and be concerned with, distracting me from the issues I should of been interested in with all of their fancy type, bright colours and freebies.
This got us thinking why isn't there any alternative magazines out there for teenagers, something less mainstream and less blah,something less gender defining, something appealing to the teenagers out there who care about gigs, unique fashion,comedy,bands,films,plays,books....
People who care about the environment they are growing up into, people who want to make a difference to the world we live. People who want to be influential in the future and get their voices heard. So we are putting together a pitch aimed at these people,boys who are sick of nuts, match of the day and kerrang. And for the girls who just want something other than to learn about how to dress to get boys attention. Im hoping our magazine goes down a treat... will keep you informed... let me know what your feelings are?
Kylie
xxx
The first thing me and my group had to do was figure our target market, it became immediately clear that the teen market was seriously lacking in what I would class as good reading material. Therefore it became abundantly obvious that this was the market we should tackle.
Yes, of course you get the standard gender pacific girly magazines and sport magazines for the lads, however is this really enough? I know as a teen I would read the likes of bliss, it being filled to the brim with tips on how to attract boys and all of the stuff I undoubtedly loved during my teen years,However are these interests just a product of society telling me what it is I should like and be concerned with, distracting me from the issues I should of been interested in with all of their fancy type, bright colours and freebies.
This got us thinking why isn't there any alternative magazines out there for teenagers, something less mainstream and less blah,something less gender defining, something appealing to the teenagers out there who care about gigs, unique fashion,comedy,bands,films,plays,books....
People who care about the environment they are growing up into, people who want to make a difference to the world we live. People who want to be influential in the future and get their voices heard. So we are putting together a pitch aimed at these people,boys who are sick of nuts, match of the day and kerrang. And for the girls who just want something other than to learn about how to dress to get boys attention. Im hoping our magazine goes down a treat... will keep you informed... let me know what your feelings are?
Kylie
xxx
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Can't blame it on the weather man...
The thought of summer is what drives us British through the months of horrific winter weather, endless months of trying to keep our toes and fingers from falling off.
When summer eventually rolls around we get very excited and dig out the summer shorts and flip flops with such an air of optimism, yet year after year we are bitterly disappointed. We average around a week of actually what could be described as summer weather, and everything in between is disastrous. Being inside watching the rain blast against my window for yet another day got me contemplating why it is that there always seems to be a mad rush for all things summer come spring time? For example T.V adverts blast us with images of the perfect nuclear family enjoying a bbq on a beautiful summer day, bathing in the heat on their new garden furniture sets. It plants this idea in our heads that summer must be coming ,and we must rush down to B&Q and get a new bbq and patio set, so we too can enjoy this bliss just like the family on the T.V seem to be. This of course as we all know from previous experience is totally unnecessary, as by the time we have mowed the lawn, re-planted the flowers that winter has so carefully destroyed and brought a new summer dress, the sun will have disappeared from its five minute appearance and been replaced by big fat rain clouds.
So if we know this is going to happen why do we subject ourselves to this false hope of sunny days filled picnics and long walks? There is one good thing about the summer in this country being so awful it allows us to appreciate the sunshine when it does come out, as we all pull out the summer clothes and head into it hoping to gain a little bit of colour. Sure enough within the blink of an eye it is time to wrap up warm again, pull on layer upon layer and head into the icy cold British winter, with the thoughts of summer pulling us through.
When summer eventually rolls around we get very excited and dig out the summer shorts and flip flops with such an air of optimism, yet year after year we are bitterly disappointed. We average around a week of actually what could be described as summer weather, and everything in between is disastrous. Being inside watching the rain blast against my window for yet another day got me contemplating why it is that there always seems to be a mad rush for all things summer come spring time? For example T.V adverts blast us with images of the perfect nuclear family enjoying a bbq on a beautiful summer day, bathing in the heat on their new garden furniture sets. It plants this idea in our heads that summer must be coming ,and we must rush down to B&Q and get a new bbq and patio set, so we too can enjoy this bliss just like the family on the T.V seem to be. This of course as we all know from previous experience is totally unnecessary, as by the time we have mowed the lawn, re-planted the flowers that winter has so carefully destroyed and brought a new summer dress, the sun will have disappeared from its five minute appearance and been replaced by big fat rain clouds.
So if we know this is going to happen why do we subject ourselves to this false hope of sunny days filled picnics and long walks? There is one good thing about the summer in this country being so awful it allows us to appreciate the sunshine when it does come out, as we all pull out the summer clothes and head into it hoping to gain a little bit of colour. Sure enough within the blink of an eye it is time to wrap up warm again, pull on layer upon layer and head into the icy cold British winter, with the thoughts of summer pulling us through.
Saturday, 2 July 2011
The Polygon
Finally the big day had arrived for me and my seven flat mates to make the big venture into our house. Our very own (well rented) town house, finally somewhere other than the small cramped accommodation that the university halls provided.
As our little family has been through so much for this house, so many problems, people dropping out, money worries etc.it finally felt as though we had gotten back up on our feet and had got a beautiful home to match our beautiful family.
Other than some disappointments with the general cleanliness of the property, the house went beyond what I remember it to be.
Its strange now, although we all moaned about halls, the size of the rooms, the state of our out-dated kitchen and many problems with the appliances. We all had a sense of loss as we said goodbye to our Deanry Halls, what had become our little piece of home for the last several months, will shortly become someone else’s piece of home.
We have had some great memories in that place, became different people to the people we went in there as, made many friendships and created our family from a group of total strangers.
And as we moved our stuff across to The Polygon House, I thought to myself , yes it is sad that we are no longer officially freshers and yes we no longer have the security that halls provides. I cant help but have the feeling of excitement buzzing through my veins.
I have a feeling this will be an amazing next couple of years in this house. We shall make loads of new memories, friends and throw some damn good parties.
So cheers to Deanry , but Hello The Polygon!!
Kylie xXx
As our little family has been through so much for this house, so many problems, people dropping out, money worries etc.it finally felt as though we had gotten back up on our feet and had got a beautiful home to match our beautiful family.
Other than some disappointments with the general cleanliness of the property, the house went beyond what I remember it to be.
Its strange now, although we all moaned about halls, the size of the rooms, the state of our out-dated kitchen and many problems with the appliances. We all had a sense of loss as we said goodbye to our Deanry Halls, what had become our little piece of home for the last several months, will shortly become someone else’s piece of home.
We have had some great memories in that place, became different people to the people we went in there as, made many friendships and created our family from a group of total strangers.
And as we moved our stuff across to The Polygon House, I thought to myself , yes it is sad that we are no longer officially freshers and yes we no longer have the security that halls provides. I cant help but have the feeling of excitement buzzing through my veins.
I have a feeling this will be an amazing next couple of years in this house. We shall make loads of new memories, friends and throw some damn good parties.
So cheers to Deanry , but Hello The Polygon!!
Kylie xXx
Friday, 27 May 2011
Men are like a well trusted make-up product...
What is it about a particular brand that makes us girls cry out for it?
This question I pondered when having a conversation with one of my closest friends about make-up. We all have our favourites one foundation, concealer or perhaps a mascara, that we stick to, that never steers us wrong.
Now imagine my friends horror when her concealer finally dies on her and she is forced to boots to purchase some more of her trusted brand, the same type and colour that she has used for years, but wait it is no longer there. She panics and thinks "what will i do if they have run out? Ill have to trudge around the stores looking for it!" she asks a shop assistant if they have any more left, out back or if not when will the next order be coming in? The shop assistant regretful informs my friend that "They discontinued that line, so we wont be getting any more in."
Oh the frustration, the panic the hatred toward the poor member of staff who delivered this devastating news. When my friend told me of her troubles, I instantly compared make-up and a relationship;
It starts with you picking it up, and thinking yes this could work for me, it looks appealing and will (if it does what it promises in the adverts) make you happy. So you buy the product, instantly committing yourself to it, and as you use it daily you begin to love this product, and when it runs out you go for exactly the same again. You trust it and feel that you will never stray from it. You may cheat on it with other brands, but you will always end up staying loyal to it coming back to purchase it again and again. And this is exactly why when you can no longer have it it breaks your heart. You feel at a loss, feel like you will never have anything as good as it again. However never fear , one day you will find something just as perfect, it may take a few tries and fails to get there but you will one day find love with a product again.
With this parting advice I told my friend "Go with benefit, it will never let you down."
Kylie xXx
This question I pondered when having a conversation with one of my closest friends about make-up. We all have our favourites one foundation, concealer or perhaps a mascara, that we stick to, that never steers us wrong.
Now imagine my friends horror when her concealer finally dies on her and she is forced to boots to purchase some more of her trusted brand, the same type and colour that she has used for years, but wait it is no longer there. She panics and thinks "what will i do if they have run out? Ill have to trudge around the stores looking for it!" she asks a shop assistant if they have any more left, out back or if not when will the next order be coming in? The shop assistant regretful informs my friend that "They discontinued that line, so we wont be getting any more in."
Oh the frustration, the panic the hatred toward the poor member of staff who delivered this devastating news. When my friend told me of her troubles, I instantly compared make-up and a relationship;
It starts with you picking it up, and thinking yes this could work for me, it looks appealing and will (if it does what it promises in the adverts) make you happy. So you buy the product, instantly committing yourself to it, and as you use it daily you begin to love this product, and when it runs out you go for exactly the same again. You trust it and feel that you will never stray from it. You may cheat on it with other brands, but you will always end up staying loyal to it coming back to purchase it again and again. And this is exactly why when you can no longer have it it breaks your heart. You feel at a loss, feel like you will never have anything as good as it again. However never fear , one day you will find something just as perfect, it may take a few tries and fails to get there but you will one day find love with a product again.
With this parting advice I told my friend "Go with benefit, it will never let you down."
Kylie xXx
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
I do... Not ? or maybe I do ... urmmm Ill get back to you....?
Weddings: A beautiful day to celebrate a couples love and devotion to one another? A way for a couple to prove to the world (or a collection of friends and family) that they are the real thing and will last forever? Or simply a excuse to wear a nice dress, be the centre of attention and have a huge piss up in your honour. What ever way you look at them they are surely a good thing yes...??
I am contemplating the idea of marriage, not for myself but because I have a wedding to attend in about a weeks time. Which means I am faced with the dilemma of what to wear. I have been told by the bride that it is not a 'formal do' and 'It is something casual and like a family reunion with lots of alcohol'
So with this information, I decided to go for something casual, a little summer dress, I did not fancy rocking up to the wedding over dressed in a formal cocktail dress. I know the day should be more about the love and the coming together of two families, but it does bring on alot of concern and panic for the guests involved, well it does for me anyway.
I love to have everything planed when it comes to an outfit for a special occasion, everything down to the last detail. This may be an issue If some mad/crazy foolish man ever dares to make me his wife. I will be and to quote my mother "An ultimate bride-zilla" Slightly harsh, but undoubtedly the case, I have already (like most women) planned my wedding, well the important parts any way; The dress, The shoes, the colour scheme and the flowers. This I feel is not obsessive and Ill be sure to let the future Mr Kylie's Bitch have a few impacted decisions of how the day shall be. But lets face it us girls, dream of having this day a day to be admired, envied and praised, so I would expect nothing less.
So when It comes to picking an outfit for as a guest to the wedding, i believe it is a huge dilemma, one that should not be approached lightly.
Because the pictures taken from this day will be in the family album for years to come and I for one do not wish to look like I have been just woken up and am having a what is becoming increasingly common in my world 'slob day'
Kylie xXx
I am contemplating the idea of marriage, not for myself but because I have a wedding to attend in about a weeks time. Which means I am faced with the dilemma of what to wear. I have been told by the bride that it is not a 'formal do' and 'It is something casual and like a family reunion with lots of alcohol'
So with this information, I decided to go for something casual, a little summer dress, I did not fancy rocking up to the wedding over dressed in a formal cocktail dress. I know the day should be more about the love and the coming together of two families, but it does bring on alot of concern and panic for the guests involved, well it does for me anyway.
I love to have everything planed when it comes to an outfit for a special occasion, everything down to the last detail. This may be an issue If some mad/crazy foolish man ever dares to make me his wife. I will be and to quote my mother "An ultimate bride-zilla" Slightly harsh, but undoubtedly the case, I have already (like most women) planned my wedding, well the important parts any way; The dress, The shoes, the colour scheme and the flowers. This I feel is not obsessive and Ill be sure to let the future Mr Kylie's Bitch have a few impacted decisions of how the day shall be. But lets face it us girls, dream of having this day a day to be admired, envied and praised, so I would expect nothing less.
So when It comes to picking an outfit for as a guest to the wedding, i believe it is a huge dilemma, one that should not be approached lightly.
Because the pictures taken from this day will be in the family album for years to come and I for one do not wish to look like I have been just woken up and am having a what is becoming increasingly common in my world 'slob day'
Kylie xXx
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