Friday 28 November 2014

It's all about the fun jumpers!


Hello again!
Winter is coming...

Well technically it is already here but I couldn't resist. The days are darker, the temperature has dropped and drinking warm alcohol during the day is totally acceptable. Yes winter is truly here and this means it's time to get cosy!
I'm actually a big fan of winter fashion. For someone who is a little self conscious, summer isn't a great time of the year for me. Bare legs and vests are not my favourites. I love being able to wear thick tights, cute hats, warm coats and most importantly a good jumper.

So for this post I'm going to share with you a recent 'wintery' OOTD and some jumpers that I am seriously lusting after.

Jumper: H&M
Shirt: Primark
Necklace: Primark
Jeans: New Look
Boots: New Look

 As soon as I saw this jumper in H&M I knew it had to be mine. It has my favourite things on it, pizza, fries and hot dogs! It's more of a sweatshirt type of material so it's not exactly the warmest thing around, so I paired it with a simple white shirt. 
I've said it before but I'm not a massive fan of jeans but I do love a simple black skinny. The fact that this old pair still fit me is a shock really! 
(They may have cut the circulation off slightly in my legs mind you)

After I wore this outfit, I decided I need to get more fun jumpers to jazz up my wardrobe. So here are a few amazing ones I've found in my search!

WARNING! SOME OF THESE MIGHT BE CHRISTMAS BASED!

Joy Louche Maple Sweat: £35.00
It has a massive cat on it and covered in maple leaves. What more do you want?

H&M Christmas Jumper: £24.99

It's a little tacky but come on the best Christmas jumpers are. I love it!

River Island Grey Popcorn Jumper: £35.00

Going with the theme of my favourite junk foods, I am massive popcorn fiend and this jumper just gets me. 

H&M Jacquard Knit Jumper: £39.99

The colours are fabulous and it could easily work on a day look and night look!


It's a Street Fighter christmas jumper.... Need I say more?

 ASOS Pull&Bear New Paper Knitted Top: £29.99
I weirdly like news paper printed clothes so this jumper is right up my street. 


I found so much more and could go on forever but that was selection of some of my favourites. I especially love the Street Fighter one. I may have to add it to my Christmas list!

Let me know what one you liked the best and if you will be rocking a fun jumper this winter!

Till the next time

X

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Finding my 'Boot Tribe' with DUO


Hello again!
Last month I got a very exciting email. One of those emails that you read back just to make sure you got it all. I was getting to pop along to the DUO shop in Edinburgh (Fitting Rooms they call them).
I had previously never really seen much of what DUO offer but I was definitely excited to go along and find out more.

The DUO brand was born in 1974 in Bath with their first collection of Italian made shoes. Since then they have opened up three other stores in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. They have became a brand known for their quality and diverse range. Winning several awards and lauching their website into countries across Europe. 

One of the most exciting things I learned about DUO was the massive range in sizes. They offer up to 21 calf sizes in boots and shoes in 3 widths. 

The Edinburgh store is gorgeous!




The ever so lovely PR girls in their DUO boots.

On entering the shop, we were greeted by the lovely PR ladies from Octane Communication Studio and the amazing shop stuff from the Edinburgh branch of DUO. The shop is just gorgeous inside. Floral walls, massive mirrors, chandeliers and most importantly lots of boots!

Also for us bloggers, there was lots of food and fizz on offer for us. I made friends pretty quickly with the cheese bread stick things. In fact I may have consumed most of them...

Boots everywhere!

I miss those cheese sticks. 



After learning all about DUO, we got to find out what boot tribe we are apart of. The choices were ankle, knee high or over the knee!
The most amazing part of the evening was the fact once we found our dream boot, we would get them sent out to us free of charge. How amazing is that?  I felt like a right lucky lady indeed.

Before the event, I had a little nosy at the website and had a good idea what I was looking out for.
I think it's safe to say that I am apart of the Ankle boot tribe. You just can't go wrong with them! I was slightly temped by the idea of a Over The Knee but sadly I lack the confidence to go for that right now.

Us blogging ladies do enjoy a glass of fizz!

Massive mirrors are the best

I thought finding my boot of choice would be easily but alas not! They have so many ankle boots on offer, I was a bit like a child in a sweetie shop.
There comes a moment in your life when you find the one and just know it. Be that a partner, a handbag, a job...
Well I had my 'the one' boot moment in the form of these gorgeous bad boys:

We even had tags to clip on the boots with our blog headers!

I just fell in love with them instantly. These are called Sanna and they are just fabulous.
I'm not great with heels at all so for a second I was a little worried that they might be bad for my little feet but due to the platform sole and chunky heel, they feel like a dream. It's nice to find a pair of shoes that give me height but don't have me almost crying in pain.

DUO promo photo of the 'Sanna' boots.

The staff were just fantastic in the shop. There was a good few of us there and they made sure we all got help to find the perfect pair of boots. I was really impressed by the service we all received. Since I went for ankle boots, I didn't need a calf measuring but I am now intrigued to how that all goes. Maybe next time I am on a hunt for new boots, I may be brave enough to go for something a little different!


It was also great to see some of my favourite blogging ladies again. I just adore the ladies in the above picture and you should check out their blogs: Love From Lou Lou & Wardrobe Conversations.

Here is what I wore for the event:

Top: The Gap
Leggings: Primark
Necklace: Primark
Boots: New Look
Bag: Primark

I had such an amazing evening and I was the happiest woman ever when my boots arrived a week after. I went to the Metropolitan Fashion Show event that night, so of course they came along with me. I can't wait to wear them to nights out during December. Infact I don't think they will ever leave my feet.

I will need to get a proper OOTD photo with my boots!

Massive thank you to DUO and Octane for organizing this amazing event and for the gorgeous boots. I'm so glad I found out about DUO, I think they will become my new favourites for shoes. Make sure you check them out!

What boot tribe are you part of?

Till the next time

X




Thursday 13 November 2014

Edinburgh Dungeons


Hello!

I had planned for this post to go live in October but sadly things got a little hectic and this did not happen. Better late then never though eh?

So last month, my blog was based around all things spooky. So in keeping with that theme I was invited to have a little day out at the Edinburgh Dungeons. (aka the day I realised that I am a massive chicken)


Yes, big old Emily who has spent the full month watching horror films and mostly going on about how much they don't scare me, ended up screeching like a banshee.

I had visited the dungeons before when I was younger and going through my 'goth' phase. So naturally I loved it then. Going back as an adult was a very different experience for me.

During the month of October Burke was back at the Edinburgh Dungeons!


Here is a little bit about what the Edinburgh Dungeons actually is from their website:


The Edinburgh Dungeon brings together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages, scenes and rides in a truly unique and exciting walkthrough experience that you see, hear, touch, smell and feel. It’s hilarious fun and it’s sometimes a bit scary.
We love it. We know you will too. Here's why:
  • Better, bolder and funnier for 2014 with a brand NEW show
  • 11 actor led shows with the finest and funniest of Scottish acting talent
  • State of the art theming and special effects
  • Two awesome underground rides
  • Laughs, screams and cutting edge storytelling
We're the black comedy of attractions; dark, atmospheric and very very funny.

The Edinburgh Dungeon is an 80 minute journey through 1000 years of Scotland 's horrible history. Tours leave around 10 minutes apart and guided by a full cast of actors, you and your companions then move from show to show. You will laugh and scream as you encounter gripping storytelling, exciting rides and thrilling special effects. It's based on real history and legend (minus the boring bits) where you come face-to-face with sinister characters from Scotland's gruesome past, including murderous twosome Burke and Hare and Scotland's Warrior Hero William Wallace. Experience the disastrous effects of the plague in Street of Sorrows, the fearsome torture chamber and the Legend of Sawney Bean.
It's a fully themed experience. That means 360° sets, full on authenticity and theatrical storytelling. On your journey you'll pass through the Caves of Galloway, plague-ravaged closes, the fearsome torture chamber... and witness the aftermath of William Wallace's execution. Believe us, it's better than a sightseeing or boring museum tour of Edinburgh.


 I'm someone that enjoys learning about the dark side of famous cities (blame my inner goth) so the Dungeons is right up my street.

They have several different attractions at The Dungeons. It starts off with your visit to The Judge. I got accused of crimes against fashion due to my 'wig' like hair. Damn you ginger fringe!

After that you get to meet The Torturer then it's off on a boat to uncover the lair of the infamous Sawney Bean clan. This part was bloody terrifying for me. It's in complete darkness, you hear creepy child like noises, things are touching you from above. Everything that creeps me out in life. I think I said several times to Sam that I wanted off the boat.

After all that creepiness you go to the Anatomy Theater and learn all about the grisly murders conducted by Burke and Hare. Much more interesting and fun than that awful film that came out in 2010. Sorry Simon Pegg.

At one point you end up in a graveyard. Without giving too much away, I believe I made several sequel like noises and may have slipped out a bad word.

There is also a part called Streets Of Sorrow, which I believe is a newer attraction. I don't recall it from that last time I went to the dungeons. You learn all about what life in 17th century Edinburgh was like during the plague. At one point I thought the plague doctor was going to actually pop about but sadly not. If you don't know what a plague doctor looks likes, then here you go:


As much as they creep the hell out of me, it would have been fun for someone to jump out dressed as one. My only criticism really!

At the end of the Dungeons, there is a finale little ride.
Look, I'm not a fan of rides. I've never even been on a proper roller coaster but after being a big chicken, I decided to try be brave.
Again without giving too much away, the ride I am talking about is one of those drop things. The whole point is to get that feeling of free falling. It ties into being executed by hanging.

I wish I had got the picture of my face from this ride because it was hilarious.
Imagine a scared frog with crazy ginger hair.

I did however get a little photo of Sam and I before we braved the dungeons.


I really enjoyed our little day out in the Dungeons. It's a lot of fun and all the actors involved are fantastic. I actually think I would like to visit more Dungeons attractions in over cities. I've heard the York one is supposed to be really good.

If you like to learn about the darker side of history, then I highly recommend you check out the Dungeons. Just don't be a complete wimp like I was!

Big thank you to Melissa Wong at Tug Agency and Edinburgh Dungeons for having me along.

Till the next time!


X

Wednesday 5 November 2014

Online No One Can Hear You Scream: Week Four


Hello!
So yes, October is over but I still have one last week of my 'Online No One Can Hear You Scream' series left to share with you.

If you have seen my previous posts, you will know for the whole of October I have been watching loads of horror films and doing little reviews on them.

I've really enjoyed doing these posts, even if at times I've sadly not got them up in time. 
So here we go, my last horror film week!

The Blair Witch Project
  •  Year Released: 1999
  • Director: Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sanchez
  • Starring: Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, Joshua Leonard
Three student filmmakers set out to Burkittsville, Maryland to make a documentary about the urban legend of The Blair Witch. After camping in the woods, they soon after disappear. A year later their footage has been found.

Everyone probably will know this film by now. It was massive in 1999!
Personally, I will never really understand the hype that surrounded this film. Saying that even know it's not the first 'found footage' style of film, I do think it ended up inspiring a lot of the films we have. For better or worse...
 
It's a slow one that is for sure and personally it just never gets scary for me. The ending gets pretty darn close to it but sadly it just doesn't leave you very satisfied. It's also one of those films where you just struggle to really care about the characters. They spend so much of the film whining and moaning that you may end up rooting for the 'bad guy'. Whatever that bad guy actually was. 
 
Don't get me wrong, it's a highly watchable film. I enjoy the shaky camera work and the fact you don't ever actually see what is 'stalking' them, which is effective but after it I felt a bit, well, meh over the whole thing. 
 
It's a film that could have been great. The story behind it all is a disturbing one but sadly I just found myself frustrated by the whole thing. It really only gets good at the end (and I'm someone who likes a slow build up)


The Babadook
  • Year Released: 2014
  • Director: Jennifer Kent
  • Starring: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Daniel Henshall
 
   Since the death of her husband, a mother has had to bring up her son who seems to be having behavioral problems and eventually she has to take him out of school. After reading him a pop up book that is not what it seems, she finds herself being haunted by a sinister presence.

FINALLY!
I have found a new horror film that is actually good!
It's not a film that relies on gore or cheap jump scares but plays with your mind. It's a sad story and, excluding the paranormal parts of it, one that probably happens a lot to families. The two leads are just fantastic in their roles of a mother and son torn apart by tragedy. 

This is a film that will make you care but also scare the absolute crap out of you. It's lack of too much CGI is highly effective and I love how you never really see 'The Babadook'. It really plays into the whole, was it real or all in their heads business? 

Many horror films go for the whole 'creepy' child thing and at the start you do think this is going to go the same way, but it's all about the mother and her struggles that grips you.

 My only negative about this film is I felt some of the supporting characters really had no point being there. We got introduced to them then just nothing from them again. It seemed a little odd. Also sadly the climax of the film was a little bit lost and lacking a 'bang' as such but it is very emotional. 

I don't want to give too much away about this film as I really think you should all watch it. It's haunting and will really make you think for days after. 

(also you may never look at a coat hanging up in the way same way ever again)

28 Days Later
  • Year Released:  2002
  • Director: Danny Boyle
  • Starring: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Megan Burns, Brendan Gleeson

A group of animal activists break into a laboratory in the hope of saving chimpanzees that are being experimented on but it all goes wrong. Twenty eight days later, Jim wakes up in a coma to find that London is deserted and a virus that causes rage has infected almost everyone. 
  Zombie films are everywhere. From the classics like Night of The Living Dead to the highly popular The Walking Dead, it seems like we are a little obsessed with the idea. This could really be counted as a zombie flick but we aren't dealing with the usual slow walking, rotting, brain eating kind here. This type are faster and much more vicious. 

Like a lot of apocalyptic films, as well as shocking you with gore and fear, it also goes into how humans could cope with a situation like this. Sometimes that can be the scariest thing.
Cillian Murphy's character is a prime example of this. He finds him self thrust into this new world but still tries to keep his humanity by helping a family survive. However, even he succumbs to violence and ruthlessness to stay alive. 
 
This is one of my favourite films. Not just because Mr Murphy is in the buff at the start......
 
It's gruesome but not in a pointless shocking manner. It has it's jumpy scenes but it's the fear of 'what if' that is truly scary about this film. Again like Babadook, it starts to lose itself a little at the end but it's still a great film that hooks you from start to finish!


 
 So there you!
My horror film marathon is over. I really wish I could have had more time to speak about all the other films I watched, but here is a little list of my favourites that you should check out:
 
  •  The Shining
  • The Cabin In The Woods
  • Evil Dead
  • Rosemary's Baby
  • Nosferatu
  • Shaun Of The Dead
  • Carrie
  • Sinister
  • The Omen
  • The Descent 
  • Scream
  • REC
 I've really enjoyed these little film reviews even if it's just been me rambling about how rubbish a lot of them were...  
 
I may try do more themed film reviews in the future, so if you have any suggestions on ideas on things to watch, I would love to hear them!
 
Till the next time!
 
X