The last time I did a travel post, I was living in Bristol, savouring the last of the Summer sunshine at St Paul's Carnival. Well, in the last month, I've packed up my bags and job, and moved 17,000 kilometres across the globe to my birthplace of Sydney, Australia. It's funny how even in this day and age, with the technological advantages of Skype, email, Facebook, and the various apps on our smartphones, we can still physically feel distance. I've been back 3 weeks and already, my 12 years spent in the UK feel like a lifetime ago; at times, like a prolonged dream sequence. I've missed this place - the sights, sounds, and smells. The proximity of the ocean, the light, the lifestyle.
This Easter, I travelled 2 hours south of Sydney to the small town of Bowral in the Southern Highlands, where my grandparents lived and where my friend's family has a country bolt hole. The climate down there is noticeably cooler and less humid than on the coast and in the city; making it perfect for walking and exploring the beautifully typical Australian landscape that surrounds it. The smells of Eucalyptus from the gum trees and freshness of the tall pine trees mix with the dry earth; bottlebrush trees shade cultivated roses and camellias. Under the pure azure of an Autumn sky, we rubbed shoulders with wombats (quite literally), explored the lush surroundings of the house, and walked through the countryside with Diesel, the beloved family pooch. Here are some photos of our adventures…
To all who might assume, from the title of this post, that I have returned to critiquing films, a word of warning: this is not my interpretation of one of Leonardo DiCaprio’s finest hours. This isn’t to say this will never happen, it’s just to say this isn’t it - yet. I have just returned from an amazing week in Paris with my friend (let’s call her Julia, for artistic purposes), who is quite remarkable for many reasons - not least for her amazing ability to inception anyone she chooses. In this particular case, the person that she chose to flex her mind-altering muscles on, was me. Let me paint a picture for you…
Julia is not wholly remarkable for her amazing ability to plant ideas into people’s heads. Oh no. In my case, she is also unique in the aspect that she is a friend, who also happens to be my ex’s sister (for more information on this topic, read my previous post, Don’t Worry, Baby). To all intensive purposes, we had a marvelous trip. Despite Paris being, on average, a scorching 32 degrees (that’s in Celsius, for all you American lovers of Fahrenheit), we managed to see, and enjoy, a plethora of cultural activities. But I won’t bore you with a myriad of Instagram-doctored photos of Paris and its attractions, instead I’d rather talk about our last night. There I was, winding down after a week of sightseeing and cultural exploits of the French capital, quietly packing my bag in the private confines of our beautiful hotel off the Champs Elysees (how’s this picture working for you?), making general small-talk about what we’ve got to look forward to after this trip has ended, when she interrupts me to say: “You’re so sad.” I stop packing and slowly turn to her. “What do you mean, like, ‘gay’ sad?” (Not one of my most mature interpretations, I admit.) “No,” she continued, “you’re just so unhappy - and the saddest thing is, you don’t even realise it.” Well, that last part was certainly true. As far as I was concerned, I am pretty happy - I mean, I haven’t got much to get down about at the moment: I’ve recently graduated with a not-too-shabby 2.1, I’ve landed a dream job in fashion marketing, I’m living in a lovely house, in a new city, and have money to shop, see friends, and travel with. Why would I be sad? “It pains me to see you so depressed about your ex-boyfriends,” she finished with. Well hold on there, Sally. I don’t remember mentioning anything about my ex-boyfriends. In fact, apart from the passing thought, I really don’t dwell on them much at all. Until now.
What I hadn’t realized was, with one, carefully placed comment, I had been totally inceptioned. I began to doubt whether I really was happy. Was I just pretending to be happy because I didn’t think I had anything to be sad about? Did I not have any time to be sad anymore because of the job? Was I so out of touch with myself that I project an exterior of sadness and depression that I was not even aware of? In other words, was what she was saying right? Shortly after our subsequent conversation, in which I talked - for the first time in months - about my disappointment in my inability to sustain friendship with my exes, we went to sleep. But this was only the beginning of her carefully planted seed. On the Eurostar home, I didn’t reminisce on our time in Paris. I reminisced about my old relationships, on where it went wrong after they ended, on where they went wrong before they ended - poisonous, black musings that plunged me right back to a mindset that I hadn’t wished to revisit ever again. Like a bad dream that I couldn’t wake myself from, I let every memory of failure, regret, and remorse wash over me, accompanied by the most depressing songs in my iTunes library. I started doubting whether I was truly over my relationships, whether I should have stuck them out, not ended them when I did, whether things would have gotten better.
A year ago, I wrote a journal. Well, I call it a journal, but what it really was was therapy. I had come out of a relationship that had obliterated me to the core. I was working, so had no time to talk to anyone about it, so instead I worked through my thoughts by putting them down on paper (sound familiar?). I was sad then. In fact, sad would probably be an understatement. But am I still sad? No. There are memories, people, places, that bring up feelings of sadness. But if I let every one of those affect me, I’d be a nervous wreck. I think that goes for everyone. I have a scar on my wrist. I got it at boarding school when some girls pressed the heated metal on a lighter against my skin. People ask me about it, and I tell them that it hurt, but it used to be redder and now it’s faded. I think that’s like relationships. Time heals scars, but scars are still scars. People will ask you how you got them, and you will tell them the story. It doesn’t diminish their healing process, or the pain you felt when you got them. Julia’s inception was like pointing to the scar on my wrist and telling me “it’s bleeding”. All I had to do was look down to see it was fine.
Well, Britain, what a bloody fantastic weekend. Not only did Andy Murray become the first Briton to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry 77 years ago, we were also treated to a weekend of pure, unadulterated sunshine - something that also hasn't happened in 77 years. This weekend I celebrated the hot weather by heading down to St. Paul's carnival, a Caribbean Street Festival hailed as the "better, and less commercial" Notting Hill Carnival. And, having sampled both in my lifetime, I'd have to say I agree. Bristol's older equivalent seems far more authentic - more music, more food, and less hectic - altogether, far more Caribbean. The carnival started on Friday night and lasted into the early hours of this morning. If it hadn't clashed with Wimbledon, you would have had some trouble stopping me from pitching a tent and staying there the whole weekend. Here's what I got up to...
This time in a month, I'll be in Barcelona. I've never been, and I'm really excited. So excited that I'm already planning a wardrobe for when I get there. I'm envisaging sunny days spent meandering through the Old City, pedalling along the seafront in the evening, and drinks at rooftop bars under the stars. As usual, my style-spiration is, as always, Audrey Hepburn: cropped capri pants with chiffon shirts, cats-eye sunglasses, and when night falls, jewels to catch the candlelight. Sounds all very nice, doesn't it. If only I was as good as Holly Golightly at living a champagne lifestyle whilst on a lemonade budget...
Look 1: 1. Chiffon Blouse, H&M, £20. Buy it here. 2. Coral Heart-Print Pinafore Dress, River Island, £22. Buy it here. 4. Star Print Clutch Bag, Zara, £40. Buy it here. 5. Rotating Globe Adventure Watch, ASOS, £22. Buy it here. 8. 'Hampi' Caged Toed Sandals, Topshop, £26. Buy them here. Look 2:
3. Black Tribal Print Dress, River Island, £15. Buy it here. 6. Black Shopper Bag, H&M, £25. Buy it here. 7. Leather Belt, H&M, £13. Buy it here. 9. 'Woo-Hoo' 2-Part Platforms, Topshop, £45.
Look 3: 1. Leto-Print Georgette Blouse by Preen, Matches, £538. Buy it here. 2. Limited Edition Vintage Look Jewel Earrings, ASOS, £10. Buy them here. 4. Moto Indigo Crop Skinny Jeans, Topshop, £35. Buy them here. 5. Structured Ribbon Boater Hat, Topshop, £22. Buy it here. 7. Cat Eye Sunglasses by Spitfire Helix, ASOS, £24. Buy them here. 9. Basic Messenger 'Grocery' Bag, Zara, £20. Buy it here. 10. 'Harriet' Tan Ostrich Ballet Flats, French Sole, £60 (half price!). Buy them here. Look 4: 3. Féline Cotton Tshirt by Brian Lichtenberg, Net-a-Porter, £65. Buy it here. 6. Shorts with Beaded Embroidery, H&M, £30. Buy them here. 8. Pave Link Chain Bracelet by Love Rocks, ASOS, £35. Buy it here. 11. Rising Star Shoes by Charlotte Olympia, Matches, £895. Buy them here. If anyone has any recommendations for things to do/see/eat in Barca, then you know where to holler. Love, Belle x
In case you're wondering what kind of saddo is at home on a Friday night, punching away at her keyboard, look no further. It's the saddo who handed in their university dissertation early. Now, while this was cause for applause (that rhymed) earlier today, I'm now regretting the decision, as anyone that I would be celebrating with is actually finishing their dissertation to give in on the CORRECT day. By which time, I'll be pretty over the whole 'I've just handed over 25% of my entire degree' thing. Timing, apparently, is not my forté. Nevertheless, I refuse to have nothing to show for my Friday night - hence, after a long hiatus, I have decided to bring back Film Fest Fridays! In case you've forgotten/weren't aware of its existence in the first place, Film Fest Fridays was born out of a challenge I set myself: to watch every single film in IMDB's Top 100 List. Now, while I did pretty well, I didn't quite finish it before the deadline of Christmas, so I created FFF in a bid to not only finish what I'd started, but also review any new films I thought were noteworthy. This week, I'm doing something a bit different. I want to give back. So, I've gone through IMDB's Top 100 again, and noted down any films that I think really deserve a place up there. To make it fair, I haven't included any Disney films (they've got a whole post to themselves), otherwise we'd be here all day. Instead of putting screenshots, I've chosen to include the trailers instead, incase any of you haven't seen them. Ok. Let's start.
DRUGS AND BAD BEHAVIOUR
Don't judge me for it, but in general, these are my favourite types of movies. Gritty documentaries of life at its very bleakest. These films are like watching a car crash in slow motion - you know the outcome's gonna be bad, but you just can't help watching . None of us are angels, but these guys take it to a whole new level. Which makes for fascinating, memorable viewing.
1. Trainspotting (1996)
This film starts with probably the best monologue in cinematic history. In case any of you haven't seen in (you should be ashamed), it's basically the best anti-heroin ad you'll ever see. It's about a group of Scottish lads who steal, shoot up, have sex, shoot up, go cold turkey, shoot up, get into tricky situations, and shoot up again. Probably best known for its 'crawling baby' scene, which is as close to a bad trip as you're ever going to get from eating a bag of salted popcorn sober. Four words: choose life, choose Trainspotting.
2. The Basketball Diaries (1995)
Shot one year prior to Trainspotting, this is pretty much the American equivalent. Centering around a group of Catholic school boys, led by a young, pre-Rom+Ju Leonardo di Caprio, they get swept along into the dark underworld of drugs and crime. It's based on the true story of Jim Carroll (played by di Caprio), who wrote the book of the same name - largely a collection of diary entries which started around the time he was playing basketball for his school (hence the title). In this film, there's no big heist, no amusing run ins with drug dealers, or liaisons with schoolgirls - it's real, unfiltered, inglorious life. And it's amazing. In case you need any more reason to watch it - it features Marky Mark Wahlberg in one of his first screen performances, which he absolutely nails.
3. Thirteen (2003)
I first watched this film when I was thirteen myself, and I remember it making a massive impression on me. It was a time when girls at my school were getting into this kind of stuff - staying out late, having sex, wearing inappropriate clothes - basically trying desperately not to be 13. This film takes it to another level, but the mental attitude was still the same. We didn't want to be kids, but to all intensive purposes, and to everybody else, we were. The film centres around Tracy, a previously family-orientated 'Momma's girl', who sees the glamorous popular girls in school seemingly having such a great time, that when she gets her 'in' with one of them, she clings onto that social ledge with such tenacity that her life spirals out of control. The story is based on the actress and co-star Nikki Reed's experiences, who co-wrote the script for the film. You can really tell that these episodes really happened, because you just can't make up stuff like this. It makes for intense viewing, but is a stark warning of the dangers that can befall kids who grow up too fast.
4. Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Along with One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, this is one of the best films ever made about mental illness. Set in 1969 against a backdrop of social change and shifting attitudes towards what is 'normal' in relation to the human psyche, Girl, Interrupted is a film which documents what life is like inside a woman's mental institution. Winona Ryder, who plays Susanna, a girl unsure of herself and her future, is sent here by her parents - a couple who belong staunchly to the pre-1960's school of 'Stepford wife' attitudes. She's a thoroughly relatable character, placed in an environment that tests and shapes her view on 'real life' in a new world. With a cast that includes Angelina Jolie, Vanessa Redgrave, and the late Brittany Murphy, it's an amazing insight into the ideals that would eventually result in the feminist movement.
CULT CLASSICS
These two films are, in the most honest and non-cheesy way possible, timeless. They're what so many films have emulated but been unable to touch. Everyone knows and worships James Dean and Rita Hayworth for their look that encapsulates a by-gone age, but not everyone knows the reasons why they enjoyed such status in the first place. I hope these films can explain - they deserve to be appreciated as much as their famous cast members.
5. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
If any film can capture the baffling world of a teenager, it's Rebel Without A Cause. James Dean plays Jim Stark, a young man who is misunderstood by both his parents and his classmates. He gets into trouble, says weird stuff, and is generally just a bit 'off the wall'. The film spans one day in the life of Jim - one of those days that changes a person's life forever. Set in Los Angeles, it's got everything that a film needs: fast cars, pretty girls, hot guys, an amazing script, and a memorable ending that is guaranteed to engrain itself into your psyche forever. The trailer might be cheesy as hell, but the film is anything but.
6. Gilda (1946)
In my first year at university, I did a module on Film Noir. I'd never been much of a fan of black and white movies; I thought them dull, trite and cheesy. Until Gilda. Gilda is pretty much the sexiest, most bad-ass woman to ever grace the silver screen. She's a proper femme-fatale - none of this 'Stepford Wife' bullshit; she's a proper firecracker, and knows how to work it. In summary, Gilda is a film about the lengths a woman will go to to get revenge on a lover who scorned her in the past. I mean, what girl can't relate to that - and what man doesn't fear it. I wish I had her balls, is all I can say. Girls: watch and take note. Guys: just watch Gilda. She hot.
BEST SCRIPTS
Just as I love good lyrics in a song, I love good scripts in a film. The script is what lives on between two friends who watch a film together - I mean, how many personal jokes between you and your mates are taken from great lines in films or TV series'? Pretty much all of them. Well these films, if you haven't seen them, are guaranteed to provide many more...
7. Withnail & I (1987)
A small geeky admission: I pretty much know this whole film by heart. That's how many times I've watched it. I cannot think of a film with more one liners that you can use with your friends, or simply on your own with strangers for your own amusement. For those that haven't seen it, this film basically follows a pair of weird aspiring actors who escape the confines of London's Camden Town for a weekend in the country. The result is hilarious. Richard E Grant plays Withnail, a privileged 'lost boy' with an appetite for drugs and anti-freeze; whose sidekick is the reluctant 'I' (whose real name you never find out). It's a film about the loveable eccentricities of the upper classes - think Boris Johnson with less sleep and more hallucinogens.
8. Annie Hall (1977)
In my opnion, Annie Hall is Woody Allen's best film. Forget Manhattan, or Vicky Christina Barcelona, this one is his finest. It follows the dysfunctional love life of the neurotic Alvy (Allen), largely focusing on his relationship with the beautiful and sweet Annie Hall. Alvy has a severe case of 'foot-in-mouth' disease, which has hilariously disastrous consequences in every social situation he encounters. I think it's his best film because it's the one which doesn't try too hard. It doesn't try to be something it's not, or overcomplicate the plot to get your attention. It's funny, but it's charmingly relatable: we've all got a little Alvy in us, and we've all had a relationship similar to his and Annie Hall's. If for no other reason, watch it for the line: "Don't knock masturbation - it's sex with a person you love." Genius.
9. Before Sunrise (1995)
Anyone who's travelled, or wants to travel, needs to see this film. It plays out the situation that every traveller-at-heart dreams of happening: you meet your dream girl/guy on a train, take a leap of faith, and spend a day with them. But only a day; the next morning, you go your separate ways, never knowing what might have happened if you'd stayed. Jesse, played by Ethan Hawke, gets talking to a girl on the train to Vienna. He's got one night there, before he catches a plane back to the US. He invites her to explore the city with him. This movie might not have a script full of sharp one-liners, but it is an example of pure poetry in motion - a film that explores the philosophies of young dreamers, full of hopes, fears, and naive ideologies that encapsulates what it's like to be on the foothills of adulthood. Apart from being a brilliant advertisement for not only Vienna but the virtues of travel, it's one of those films that has an open-ending. In other words, it's life. Full of the unknown, the 'to-be-continued', the 'what-ifs'. Just make sure you have enough money in the bank to book an inter-railing ticket afterwards.
10. Blue Valentine (2010)
I thought I'd end 'Part One' on both a high and a low. Blue Valentine is one of the most incredible films I've ever seen. It's about as close as you'll get to a 'real' relationship without actually going through it yourself. Through flashbacks, it documents a pair's relationship from its infancy - the highs of the honeymoon period, the obstacles that they face and continue to face, and the strain of unrealised dreams and shattered expectations that plagues nearly every serious relationship. Starring Ryan Gosling (hel-looo) and Michelle Williams, and with a stellar soundtrack from the incredible Grizzly Bear, it's one of those films that, when it finishes, you'll want to rewind it right back to the beginning and watch it again. It's painfully addictive viewing, and one of those films that stays with you long after it's finished. I highly recommend.
Well, that's it for Part One - depending on people's reactions, and whether next Friday I'll still be at home drinking wine in the bath - watch this space for the next installment...
HOLY SMOKES, BATMAN!La Belle et La Bête has reached 10,000 hits in just over 6 months! When I started this, on a rainy Sunday night, I never thought anybody would read it, let alone TEN THOUSAND bodies. So, before I start on this week's Wish List, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone for their support and views; it's really made my year. Today I made the trip back up North after an extended Easter break in Surrey. Falling out of the train very ungracefully, I had a strange experience: it was...hot. And sunny. In Manchester. Bearing in mind that Manchester is about as close in weatherly attributes to Narnia as you can get without going through a wardrobe, I was understandably surprised and overjoyed in equal measure. It also got me thinking about...say it quietly so not to jinx it...Summer! When I plan my holiday wardrobe, I have a few timeless looks I turn to for inspiration...
1. Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday Think cinched waists, gladiator sandals, and open-necked shirts. Perfect for those cultural Summer city breaks, strolling around the cobblestones, gelato in hand.
2. Gwyneth Paltrow in The Talented Mr Ripley If you want inspiration on how to update Aud's 1950's look, or how to transfer it to the beach, take a leaf out of Gwyn's book in The Talented Mr Ripley. Invest in high-waisted bikinis, bold prints, and suntan lotion. Lads - Jude Law is always a good look.
3. Brooke Shields in Blue Lagoon For those who haven't seen this, rent or buy it immediately as it will change your life. Or simply change you into a lesbian. A young Brooke Shields is possibly the most beautiful thing you will ever lay eyes upon. The look here is 'castaway' - crochet and lace, long hair and tanned limbs. Lush. So this week, I've scoured the internet and put together a Wish List that I hope manages to blend together all these styles in a way that you'll be proud to showcase on a city/beach/seaside resort near you...
1. Loose Fit Satin Blouse, H&M, £15. Buy it here. 2. Brushed-Chambray Playsuit by Thakoon Addition, Net-a-Porter, £332. Buy it here. 3. 'In Bloom' Crochet Dress, French Connection, £150. Buy it here. 4. Yellow Floral Pleat Skirt Dress, Topshop, £48. Buy it here. 5. White Pineapple Bikini, Topshop, £32. Buy it here. 6. Sicilana-Print Canvas Tote by Dolce & Gabanna, Matches, £1,115. Buy it here. 7. Stripe Canvas Mouse Espadrille by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Matches, £205. Buy them here. 8. Cat Eye Sunglasses with Contrast Highbrow, ASOS, £12. Buy them here. 9. 'Contra' Wedge, Kurt Geiger, £140. Buy them here. Finally, here are my personal best Summer styles I've worn over the years ...
Once in a blue moon, I get the opportunity to get away from it all. To escape to somewhere in the country that has no signal, terrible internet service, and a roaring fire. For the past few days, I've been at such a retreat: my friend Iona's farm in Leicestershire. As a life-long urbanite, I'm one of those exasperating people who gets excited by fields of sheep, coos at cows, and hadn't - until Tuesday - ever picked up a live chicken. Yes, folks, while you've been waiting with baited breath for my weekly music instalment, I've been frolicking around on snowy hills with a couple of dogs - Milly and Teasel (and Iona..!) - and warming my frozen tootsies on an open fire. To make you slightly jealous (and to prove that I haven't just been holed up watching TV in my PJ's), I thought I'd do a little photo post of what we got up to on one of our walks...
Dr Zhivago in Leicestershire?
Dude, Where's My Car...
Milly Might Be Small, But She's Mighty...
Teasel's Ready For Her Close-Up...
Snow Drift!
Where Did This Come From?!
Walking On Air (/Snow)
Footsteps In The Snow...
Teasel Got Cold, So We Wrapped Her Up.
La Belle...
...et La Bête.
Icicles!
Atop The Water Tower
SIMBA!
(It's The Circle Of Life...)
It looks like Teasel has a human body. Lol.
Tomorrow I'm back with an EPIC Tune Tape to make up for my absence - just in time for Easter!
