Tag: 2014

  • Travels | Taylor Swift @ The O2

    Red Tour opening
    *Warning: Photo heavy post!*
    So last Tuesday I hopped on a train and did a virtual prayer circle for minimal travel drama to get to London. Why? Oh…a little lady called Taylor Swift was playing at the 02 Arena!
    Red Tour montage1 O2 Arena exterior Taylor Swift O2 sign
    The Vamps Red Tour 2014 Red Red Tour The Lucky One Red Tour Taylor Swift Ellie Goulding Red Tour Trecherous Red Tour Long Live Red Tour Love Story Red Tour WANGBT finale Taylor WANGBT finale
    This was my first time seeing her live – it only took me about 4 flippin’ years to get to one of her concerts – but the wait was totally worth it. Me and bestie, Kath, decided to stay overnight in London (instead of braving trains home at midnight!), so we ended up getting to our hotel in Greenwich just after midday before heading up to the O2 at 4pm to grab a bite to eat at GBK Burger before the show. 
    Even walking around outside arena the atmosphere was spiked with excitement – and the attendees sprinkled with various red items of clothing and accessories ^_^. 
    We had pretty decent seats (despite the feeling of vertigo heading up the stairs) and waited patiently for the show to start. 
    I wasn’t too keen on her choice of warm up act – The Vamps – before heading into the arena, but as soon as they started playing I can honestly say I was pretty impressed! They were young, lively and kinda adorable, definitely playing off the crowd with McFLY-ish flair. 
    Then the main event itself. Taylor opened up with a rousing rendition of State Of Grace – flashing lights and everything – and launched herself into the show. 
    The set list was peppered with songs from ‘Red‘ itself as well as old favourites such as ‘Love Story‘ and ‘You Belong With Me‘, all laced around elaborate set and numerous costume changes (if you fancy seeing some of the costumes in full make sure you check out my post on her tour wardrobe from the other day). The highlights of the night included her singing my absolute favourite song ‘Long Live‘ as her surprise acoustic number on the B-stage, the added extra of Ellie Goulding coming on to join her in a duet of ‘Burn‘ and, of course, the lively finale of ‘We Are Never Getting Back Together‘ accompanied by red and white confetti cannons. I couldn’t have asked for a more impressive way to see Taylor live after so many years waiting, and the hysterical buzz from every as we left the the arena only confirmed how enjoyable the show was.
    p.s. I can also confirm she is as stunning in real life as she is in photos *swoon*

    R.xoxo
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  • TAG! | Blogger Love

    Blogger Love Header
    Happy Valentines day! As you know I’m flying the solo flag once again this year so instead of wallowing I’m sharing some love…BLOGGER love *hahahaha*. I found this tag thank to Jennie, who in turn got it originally from Make-Up Savvy and decided to give it a go too…

    What was the first blog you ever came across?
    I’m pretty sure it was either The Sartorialist, Red Carpet Fashion Awards or an now defunct blog called I love Fashion. 
    Favourite beauty blog reads.

    The Beauty Milk, Nouvelle Daily and ETC LLYMRS. Three blogs that I can always rely on for straightforward and to the point beauty reviews.

    Best blogging friend(s)
    My IRL best friend Kath (Sensitivity & Flair) and my fabulous blog co-captain Erin (E-Elise)

    Name a blog that enables your purchases.
    Daisybutter – dammit Michelle! – also Blogger’s Bookshelf cos y’know…books. 

    5 blogs everyone should be reading.
    Temporary: Secretary: For all things feminine fashion & beauty
    Thoroughly English: For drool-worthy food posts & recipes
    Elevatormusik: For must-follow lifestyle posts
    I Believe In Story: For lit-inspired posts & insights into publishing
    Delightfully Tacky: For quirky, girl-next-door style inspiration

    Your favourite way to read blogs.
    BlogLovin’s my go-to for blog updates, it’s super easy to scroll through on the computer and I’ve just started getting back into the android app too. 

    Bloggers that inspire you.
    Becky Bedbug: Becky is so fearless, isn’t afraid to state her opinion and has a fantastic writing style.
    The Man Repeller: Again, Leandra’s a fantastically confident lady with a kick-ass sense of humour that just bleeds through into her writing. 
    Style Bubble: Susie knows fashion and you leave her blog posts feeling like you’ve been schooled in Sartorial 101. 
    A Rosie Outlook: Lovely and down to earth, Rosie’s blog is not only a must read for fashion and beauty picks but her posts on health and fitness are truly inspirational.

    Favourite blog design/look.
    I’m never too fussed about this, my favourite blogs range from the most minimal to beautifully decorative, though I have a serious love for Carrie’s (WishWishWish) blog design.

    What is your favourite thing about blogging?
    Having an outpost to write about whatever I like – without having to chew the ears off my friends and family – and getting to meet the the amazing people I’ve met through this little corner of the Internet
    *awwww soppy sentence is soppy*

    Name a blogger you would most like to see write a book in the future.
    Toss up between Anjali (L&P to English Tea) writing a travel guide and a fashion/NYC book from Hallie (Corals + Cognacs)
    Over to you guys! Spread some love in the community and take the tag on!

    R.xoxo
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  • ‘Put Your Hands Up’ | The Single Ladies Guide For A Perfect Valentines Night In

    Being single when Valentine’s Day is just around the corner is a bummer. I know I’m not the only one inundated with emails from newsletters I’m subscribed to about getting the perfect Valentines gifts, or seeing red roses and chocolates front and centre in every store I walk into. 
    But hey World! Guess what? Not everyone on the planet is in a relationship *gasp* 
    So if you’re flying solo like me this year, instead of spending that hard earned cash on a significant other here’s some other ways to make the most of Valentines Day as a single lady/or lad…
    Valentines-Pamper
    Pamper The Night Away
    With Valentine’s Day landing on a Friday night, relieve the stress of long hard week at work/school/uni and set up your own mini spa-evening. Paint your nails, draw a soothing bubble bath, or slap on that mud mask. Whatever your poison…INDULGE. You could even turn it into a mini sleepover and invite your fellow singletons too!

    Three Words. Mega. DVD. Marathon.

    Not in a relationship? No problem! Grab your comfiest pj’s, go make-up free, and fire up the DVD player/Netflix for a night of escapism. Avoid rom-coms that are gonna make you hate your single status and check out something gloriously geeky, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or simply something with plenty of eye-candy to keep your brain occupied *hello Mr Cumberbatch!*

    Valentines-Charity
    Love A Stranger
    And I’m not talking about wandering into a bar and making out with the first human you see (unless you want to of course), I’m talking about being generous with your time or money and spreading some love through charity. Instead of splashing out on flowers for a crush, why not donate the cash to a charity of your choice? Not only will you be helping out a great cause, but you’ll get the warm and fuzzies inside knowing you were a little selfless that day. 
    Valentines-TS Playlist

    ‘We’re happy, free, confused, and lonely in the best way…’If all else fails, crank down the Celine Dion ballades and crank up the Taylor Swift. If there’s anyone who knows how to not give a crap about being single it’s Taylor, so plug in the iPod and have a solo dance party in your room. Steer clear of ‘Love Story’ and pump up the volume on ’22’ or ‘We Are Never Getting Back Together’ and sing your heart out.