Has (E)Stella got her groove back? - Nunya Gemegah (28/04/2014)

It's been a while since we've heard from our London girl Estelle, who’s settled across the pond. For those who may have forgotten, she debuted on our radios in 2004 with records such as "Free" ft So Solid Crew’s Mega man, “1980” and Freedom featuring Talib Kweli  andJohn Legend. With such a vast collaboration resume, it’s no wonder the UK couldn't hold on to Estelle for too long. Once she recorded “American Boy” featuring Kanye West, Estelle was pretty much set to settle in the states. Making a few features every once and again and two more albums, but she seemed to be another “R&B/ soul” artist that faded away.

Thankfully she is back , but not as the tomboyish girl we remember, now 34 Estelle is all about being “true to her self” through her music. She makes it clear to her fans that, she wants to be seen as A R&B singer, a soul singer and a rapper , an artist in her own right in the three genres, not a merging of the three. To many this may all sound like the same thing but Estelle assures us it is not. Having to conform to those genres’s especially as a female artist had left her feeling restricted, with only a few topics to discuss:

Romance

Love

Breakups

Hurt

Trust issues

Past traumas and stress

But these topics all seemed a bit tedious. Reaching her first decade in the business, she wanted to make sure she covered all bases, venturing into every aspect of relationships. Including what she sits and talks about on a daily basis with her friends such as Sex.

Her latest single Make her say (Beat it up) came as a complete shock to me on my first listen (bear in mind I listened to the radio version first). Once I got over the topic I had to give Estelle a round of applause from my side of the laptop screen. The beat is as she describes “tribal”, which instantly brought her to nature, her natural urges and funnily enough to the bedroom and I have to say it had me hooked.

Although my viewing of the video left me applauding Estelle it is not to say the song sat well with me right away. It was clear to me she was exploring a completely different side to her music, and I guess her self. Which seems to be something most artists get ridiculed for once their fans and record labels have boxed them into a particular category. However I must admit I found it slightly disturbing when hearing her “seductive tone” and harsh London accent, on what felt like to me a very American beat, almost suited for the likes of Azealia Banks.

It is hard to see an artist you may of related to, completely change what and how they are expressing themselves, but as viewers and consumers we forget that they are human too. They mature, they learn, they are excited by new trends and blush at pictures of fashion blunders from 10 years ago.  We tend to place everyone especially entertainers under functions, forgetting that before the fame they were once regular people like ourselves.  They should be able to use their talents as a platform to explore and express what matters to them and the things they encounter.

Seeing Estelle completely transformed in “make her say”, with her

hair presentable, teeth straight, and body on show was definitely pleasant surprise. Conveying everything I've discussed, in terms of embracing change, ones self and individuality. The brand new video displays an array of couples, large, ginger, lesbian, interracial having very sweet conversations discussing their relationships with their partners, with shots of them in their favourite sex positions, definitely not a video for the young viewing audience. But the message it carries is as beautiful as any Vogue magazine cover.

 

Estelle’s Ep. Love and Happiness Vol. III: How Stella got her groove back is set for release later this year. 

Make her say(Beat it up )Official video:

Australian Fashion Week 2014 - Jade Olugbemi ( 21/04/2014)

How often do you think of Australia when you hear the word fashion? Hardly ever right?  I've always loved the fashion in Australia. I personally think Australia in terms of fashion kills it every year, they’re ability to do something that’s never been done before is amazing. I love street style, because it is somewhat inspirational; being able to see what people are wearing at fashion shows and festivals, gives you an insight of what you need to be wearing and how you should be wearing it. I think the street style at the Australian fashion week is the best I've seen yet, everyone’s style is so different and there are some pieces that I would never think of wearing however they are managing to pull it off.

Now let’s scope on my favourite street style shots…

Denim on Denim// If you’re not aware already denim on denim has got to be one of fashion’s greatest faux pas', however she managed to pull it off incredibly well. What I like the most about her outfit is the fact that both denims are a different type. Her oversized denim jacket is more of an acid wash while her mini skirt is light wash. I think they compliment each other well. 

Prints// I love this outfit!! I've always thought about putting two different prints together, but thought it would be too risky but she does it so well. Her fit is so effortlessly simple which is what I love the most. I believe less is more; I’m not one for outrageous outfits just to make a statement.

Plaid/Flannel shirt// I am sucker for plaid/flannel. I love how simple this outfit is too, the simplicity of the white tee and skort just makes up the whole outfit. 

Colour block// Why not add a dash of colour to your life ? Many people are going overboard with this whole ‘I’m going to stop wearing black when they find a darker colour. I do think it is the season to ditch black, because it’s spring/summer and  wearing black in this heat is not smart. This outfit is gorgeous, I love how well both colours compliment each other. This coat is vibrant. This outfit screams loud. Which surprisingly I do quite like.

Black// in comparison to the last street style shot,  does not scream anything. This dress alone is quite a minimalist piece, which I love. One of the main reasons I love black is because of how versatile it is and how easy it is to style. Black can literally go with anything. It goes to show that fashion has no boundaries; you can do what you want with it. Everyone should keep up to date with Australia and keep a look out for designers, and creative people out there as they are very unique with what they do.

Check out more street style shots from the Australian Fashion Week here: http://www.vogue.com/fashion/street-style/article/australia-fashion-week-2014/#/gallery/australian-fashion-week-street-style/56

         Easter  - Boohema Boohene (14/04/2014)

As many of us have grown older, we have gradually lost the thrill for occasions which used to be so exciting and mean so much to us when we were younger such as Easter and Christmas. Why is this though? Is it because we don’t receive Easter eggs from our parents anymore I definitely know that is my reason. However as we all know Easter has a much deeper meaning than just chocolate. From a Christian perspective Easter is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and some may go to Church to celebrate this. However if you are not religious then Easter is a great time to spend with family and friends, as everyone has a three week holiday, there is plenty of time to fit in food and activities. If you’re in London during the Easter period and are unsure of what to do I've done some research on some activities that may be appealing. The Timeout website suggested many appealing options. Here’s a few that stood out for me.   If you’re looking for a great night out with friends how about you attend

   Hot Wuk Spring Break, On Friday 18^th April in Brixton a great place for a night out it will be consisting of Bashment, Garage, Funky House, Jungle, Grime and Dubstep.

   If your more family orientated then how about a trip to a nice restaurant for a Sunday roast, this will definitely be a winner as everyone loves food. The Hawksmoor Seven Dials in Spitafields does lovely succulent beef in big portions which would fill you up for the whole day.

   Lastly if you are more of the adventurous type there are many great attractions to see in central London such as the London Eye, Personally I believe it is best to go in the evening so you can see London in its prime with all the beautiful lights. Getting a combination ticket online will allow you to also visit other attractions such as: Madame Tussauds, The Aquarium, London Dungeons and The London Eye River Cruises. No matter your ticket, you’ll also get free entry to the Eye’s 4D cinema experience, a sort of seagull-eyed preview of the real deal, complete with fake snow and simulated fireworks.

SKINCARE - TOPE KUPOLUYI (07/04/2014)

Acne, scarring, uneven skin-tone.. no matter what skin issues you are dealing with, don't be ashamed of who you are or feel unattractive! What matters is that there's still beauty underneath it all. Remember: Nobody's Perfect!

So this is a post all about skincare and steps I personally do to look after my skin. Everyone is different, everyone has different skin types so what works for me may not necessarily work you. I'm definitely no expert in this stuff, I'm simply just sharing my experiences and thoughts.

Skincare is definitely a key factor is achieving a flawless face of makeup.. You always need a nice, clean & flawless canvas to start off with.

Here are some basic tips to start off with:

1. Drink at least 2 litres of water a day: helps to keep your skin hydrated - giving the appearance of more younger and radiant looking skin. Lack of hydration can lead to the skin being tight and is more prone to wrinkling!

2. Manage Stress: uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive which can trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin, take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back you to-do lists and make time to do the things you enjoy.

3. Ensure a proper, nutritious diet: A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can do wonders for your skin. Some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

4. Know your skin type: Different skin types need different types of care. It's very important to know what type of care you need to pick the best methods for clearing your skin.

5. Protect yourself from the sun: Sunlight on your skin is a great source of vitamin D, but it it can also lead to wrinkles, age spots — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. Wearing SPF sun protection is a good way of protecting your skin against too much exposure. Using a tinted moisturizer or a foundation that include SPF gives you the protection you need as well as the coverage. Like a 2 in 1!

6. Be sure to wash your face properly: Wash twice a day with a face wash and follow-up with toner. When washing your face, especially when washing off make-up, splash on cold water first as it helps to tighten the pores. Then apply cleanser or mild soap and rinse with warm water. Follow with a quick cold water splash.

* Warm water opens the pores of your skin, exposing your face to a build-up of bacteria, dirt and make-up. If your face is not washed properly, dirt, oil and bacteria can get smudged across your skin and does not effectively eliminate unwanted dirt and build-up.

* Splashing first with cold water contracts the pores, sealing them off from further contamination, allowing the complete removal of dirt and build-up without contributing to the spreading of dirt and bacteria.

* Rinsing with cold water after washing tightens the pores to seal them off from further exposure.


** Cleansing & exfoliating your skin is important as it helps to deep clean and decrease the size pores


Products I Use.

               Simple bar soap for sensitive skin or (Dudu Osun)

Clean and Clear daily exfoliating wash

Clean and Clear blackhead clearing cleanser or ( Lush Tea Tree water)

Simple light moisturizer 

Queen Helene Apricot face scrub or (St Ives)

MR SOUTHAMPTON BY OLA ADETOYE(1/04/14)

Southampton's academy is famed across the land for the conveyor-belt of talent it seems to churn out almost every season. A list of names include Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw, James Ward-Prowse, and finally the guy I've dubbed 'Mr Southampton and the current captain of their squad Adam Lallana. Joining their academy at the early age of 12 years old it was already apparent to those in charge that they might have a gem in their possession. During his early years from 2004 to 2006 he was involved in their Youth squad, but made the leap to the senior team at aged 18 and since then he hasn't looked back.

After becoming a first team regular in the 2008/09 season Lallana went on to score 20 goals, the highest tally for any 'Saints' midfielder since Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier notched 30 in the 94/95 season. Season after season this player grew in capability and was eventually made team captain in 2012 at 23. As of this year Adam Lallana is not only one of the first names in Pochettino's starting line-up but also someone who almost certainly has booked their place on the Plane to Brazil with the England's World Cup squad. He has proved himself to be a player that can not only create goals but also score them, he is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet and almost at times appears to glide on the pitch, everything just seems effortless. He plays with a style befitting of many of Spain's talented players. Which is hardly surprising as he has a little Spanish in his blood via his grandfather.           

In his albeit brief  appearances for his country Lallana has turned up and shown everyone just exactly the kind of creative flair he will bring to the squad, and I have no doubt that he will be an important player for England now and in the future. Unfortunately with all that talent and the displays he's put in this season, it's inevitable that bigger teams will come for the player. Having been lined to Manchester United Adam Lallana's move to one of the bigger English teams is fast approaching. A move that will be a step in the right direction for a player who will be wanting to take his football to the next level, to prove he can cut it with the very best.