Rated R

Last night I went to Rihanna's Rated R tour at the o2 arena. Amazing production! Being a huge fan and knowing the suspense and general news that her previous dates began by turning up late on stage, I awaited patiently. Before hand o2 had set up a small exhibition for all ticket holders to see Rihanna's past costumes and dress. A darkly lit room showcasing her personal photos and iconic dress from music video's and shoots reflected a timeline of Rihanna. My most expectations would be to see a variety of designers each displaying their piece for Rihanna however every single garment was from Paris born designer Alexandre Vauthier.

And it seems not only has Rihanna got a wardrobe filled with Vauthier's designs. It appears Vauthier has also designed for the likes of Lady Gaga, Ciara and the infamous gold dress for Beyoncé at Glastonbury. Beyoncé features many of Vauthier's designs from her latest album 4.

  

With a very distinctive style, Vauthier creates showstopping silouhuette peices with a key feature focusing on statement shoulders. Whether it's furr or hard structured shoulders, Vauthier resembles an influence of a Balmain rock and spike appeal.

see more at http://www.alexandrevauthier.com/

Frank Usher Couture

On my charity shop raid I came across a vintage Frank Usher sequin crop Top (I wont reveal how much I snapped it up for). It was definately one of those moments where I snatch it off the rail where I very rarely come across anything this unique. Usually it isnt until I get home and realise what a great find pieces like these actually are. Even more so is if i purchased this from high street stores like Topshop or AllSaints, I would be looking at paying well over £70.

 

  

Not having much knowledge of who Frank Usher is naturally the internet helps. Frank Usher was a British designer who first stepped out in mid 1940's, along the same time when Christian Dior introduced the 'New Look' of the little black dress. It wasnt until the mid 1950's when Frank Usher was heavily featured in Vogue by, at the time, leading actresses and models. I love how couture pieces from this era has influenced and come back to our year today of sequin embellished pieces.

A Michael Truman film released in the 60's titled Go To Blazes starring Maggie Smith, is a british comedy based on a boutique being robbed which the entire wardrobe was created by Frank Usher for the film.

Quote of the Day...

Taken from the BBC documentary on Inside Facebook. This quote really stuck out to me in how we should observe our social activity.

"Changed from an art form into science. Artisits now have to be scientists"

Inside Facebook

Did you manage to catch the documentary on the in's and out's of Facebook?

Viewed on Sunday night on BBC Two, reporter Emily Maitlis investigates the life inside Facebook. Having looked heavily on social networking sites during my studies and having seen the film The Social Network starring Justin Timberlake, I generally new the overall story of how Facebook came about and the opposed 'stealing' of the whole sites concept.

Despite the documentary re-capping the story line, and even refferring to the film at points, it still amazes me how Facebook has become such a principle in our daily lives.

First being designed at Harvard university, creator Mark Zuckerberg described it being a 'student dream for a more connected world' which really relates to much more than just students today.

"Mission of the company is to make it more open and connected and to share"

Facebook, and further social networking sites for that matter, has proven to be a necessity rather than just a practice. Some users may find the whole idea quite random but yet is an addictive process which really has become a daily concern almost as the amount of time it consumes as part of your daily 'to do's'. Even I have been drawn into a routine the minute i wake up i first read any texts I've missed, then check Facebook, then check my Twitter, then browse Ebay until its time to drag myself out of bed.

The documentary shows numerous interviews of Facebook users commenting on how emails are generally obselete and everyone now uses Facebook to message and again how its just a natural process.

'Technology and psychology = The DNA of Facebook'

Maitlis focuses in the documentary how Facebook is generally a market research driven device rather than just a social networking site to which users believe it primarily is. Even myself when watching the documentary can completely now see how really it is one big advert, not necessarily just a soical chat site. It was proven through the programme how Facebook is the most valuable research tool that has ever existed. Holding literally everyones privacy details down to the point of likes and dislikes, recording every movement of the users life by the free-will of the users themselves updating their status, photo's and 'like' buttons.

Company moto - 'Move fast and break things'

As much as the whole idea seems pretty easy, its the fact how popular Facebook has become against other social networking sites. Why is Facebook more used than other sites? As much as competitors will come and go, their trouble they will find is doing something Facebook hasnt yet done - or better yet trying to out do what Facebook is already doing. Got to give credit to Twitter who is creeping up the social scale and landing well used place against Facebook for that even more instant message service. Primarily what Facebook gain from continuing to develop their processes, its the reaction from the users that determine not just what they are doing, but also what other sites need to watch out for. Maitlis states in the documentary how Facebook has the three steps forward, one step back approach, 100% guided by users reaction. Users have grown to conceal their privacy with less concern by allowing friends, other users, see more or less anything of their personal details again by choice of their own.

The documentary leaves us on the note to think; What are we doing for Facebook? Not what is Facebook doing for us

Other previous documentaries which you may be interested in also is The Virtual Revolution which was aired in 2010 by the BBC. Also view some of the backlash videos posted on YouTube - 'You need to get off Facebook'

Kingdom of Cole

Today I had, the first in a long time, a facial from a friend. Now I'm not one that is fortunate enough to indulge in these luxury treats but what was most nice about my treatment was the background music of Nat King Cole. Being 22 the only song I remember is the infamous christmas carol that, like the rest, is a classic to all christmas songs played and also remembering it being my dad's favourite christmas carol.

Proberly not the most stereotypical soundtrack to play at a beauty salon but to me the not so obvious choice works the best. Even watching video's of Cole brings that soft nostalgia, almost disney like vintage appeal. Old fashion is the new!

Beyond Time

Loving this watch! The D&G Medicine watch which has proven to be a savvy accessory which sold out in most stores and still out selling. Being a reminder of the BBC's 3am stand by TV screen or 'Test Cards' which made me actually remember the times when there virtually was nothing to watch! I forgot there was such thing! The Medicine watch comes in various strap styles whether its gold, silver or leather strap adding that lego 80's characteristic to every new mod outfit.

Girls version please D&G?? 

Bartie's Boutique

Bartie's Boutique is something I literally stumbled across online. Being someone who likes to visit every christmas craft fair going in my area I'ld like to share my new found experience with Bartie's Boutique and why Boutique's really do offer the best customer satisfaction.

Bartie's is an arts and crafts Saturday boutique which sell the most unusual yet lovely gift ideas that you wouldnt find anywhere else. Their philosphy is to bring the very best of arts and crafts under one roof at St Paul's in Worthing, Sussex. Donations from each event go towards the Breast Cancer Research charity. Even though its only on a Saturday event in Sussex on designated dates, they too have an online presence also for those who live out of Sussex.

I ordered a personalised limited edition vintage Scrabble board picture item where I requested a three name collage. Since first ordering straight away I had great communication in exactly what I want, how I want it too look and when I need it delivered by. Bartie's very kindly mocked up ideas of what it could look like and emailing photos for me to choose which one I would prefer. Even when half way through my order changing one of the names with no problems whatsoever.

I absolutely loved the item when it was delivered and really appreciated the time and effort Bartie's gave me to ensure I was happy with my item. To the final and last point of carefully gift wrapping my picture with ribbon and including a vintage style paper post tag and a complimentary gift card.

I would highly recommend and hope they expand and do events closer to London. Best of luck to Bartie's!

www.bartiesboutique.co.uk