56.___Hello, Is Anybody Out There?

From the counter, I know that there are people reading this, but it'd be great if you commented, let me know what you think, be honest! It's my birthday tomorrow, it'd be a brilliant present if you commented, so I know what you think. Hope you're all okay and having a good week!

55.____Relationships.

Why can't we leave relationships to the people in them? Kate Winslet and Charlotte Church have both been on the receiving end of speculation this week for having friends who are male and whom they may or may not have feelings for. At the end of the day, why is it our business?

I heard a song which I haven’t for a while yesterday; one line hit me, which really applies to me right now; “Isn’t this the best part of breaking up, finding someone else you can’t get enough of?”

Then of course this leads into what constitutes a relationship, are you only allowed to feel like this if you are in a relationship, ignoring the question of who asked who and should it be a man’s job, what happens if you’ve known them a week? Are you a whore, or is it really a deep, heart stopping bond? Should you ignore it because of what people say, because of how you feel, because circumstance timed it badly, or do you do the teenage thing, throw all caution to the wind and follow your heart even if it’s damming you?

But then for doing this are you a whore or are you simply someone who is lucky enough to have found ‘the one’ even if they turn out to be temporary? How can anyone tell how anything is going to work out? They can’t. This therefore makes labels pointless; you definitely have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince, allowing mistakes to be made, rectified and learnt from. Why have to endure times of pain through someone’s misjudgement of you, when at the end of the day at least you had the courage to try, did they? Think about it, the real reason people put labels on things are either because they are new and scary, people don’t quite understand them or simply they are jealous. They wish that when they were twenty four they had had the courage to go for drinks with the guy from work, not caring about the rumours or rules which could apply.

On the other hand there is always the fantastic part of any relationship; the prospect of giving yourself to someone completely is undeniably scary, letting go of every hang up, putting control not in your head, with its rational capabilities but into your emotions, the unknown. However scary it may seem the benefits of doing so outweigh the scariness, being with someone completely is thrilling.

Before throwing yourself into the chasm that is the unknown, one must step on eggshells over the ever thinning ice, facing a battle within yourself. ‘Is this the right thing to do?’ ‘Am I being stupid?’ The answer to both of these questions is: ‘Yes of course’, even if everything goes wrong, you tried it, you risked everything, for what you thought was right. For love.

Doing this is hard, giving someone else control, telling them your most intimate thoughts, giving them both your body and your mind. It’s completely exhilarating, but terrifying at the same time, the prospect of losing everything doesn’t seem so bad when you have the prospect of gaining everything if it works.

When it works, its bliss, there’s a smile almost tattooed on your face, suddenly you light up everyone around you, there’s a noticeable different in your composure.

Waiting by the phone is no longer desperate but exciting, hearing your ring tone makes you jump, panic slightly; “What if it’s him?” “Oh my God it is!!!” Seeing him pop up on messenger makes your heart skip a beat and a grin appear.

There is only one thing that annoys me about being in a couple, suddenly you morph into one being, one person, constantly being asked how the other one is, which is fine, but if you’re friends with both people, couldn’t you ask separately? Yes we’re together but we’re still the same people we were.

Some people claim not to be relationship people, they can’t deal with the closeness that a relationship requires, the truthfulness, the openness. They prefer their ‘space’ to be theirs, ultimately though, they are just scared. Scared of being that close to someone else, scared of having to think about someone else besides themselves, before themselves, they don’t realise though that that is the point. Relationships are there for many reasons, one of which to give yourself completely to someone else, to have someone who sticks out the bad times as well as the good and to have one person who you can trust with anything.

54.____Eliza Doolittle

Is a breath of fresh air when it comes to todays music, she has a unique style of jazz, old music with a new twist. Her album, creatively named Eliza Doolittle, is wonderful. This is my favourite song of hers, see what you think.

53.____Stephen Fry is God

I completely and utterly love Stephen Fry and to my complete and utter excitement, he's doing some live shows in September! I've managed to get tickets to the London show at the Southbank Centre, I'm so excited! Unfortunately, The Boyfriend is less so - not because of the show, but because Mr Fry is signing books afterwards and he knows I'm going to embarrass him, I'm not sure what he thinks I'm going to do....Swoon?!?

All I'm going to do is ask for him to sign my copy of 'The Liar' and ask for a photo with me!

Can't wait!!

52.____Steve McCurry

Last Wednesday The Boyfriend and I made a jaunt to Birmingham, intentionally to get my little brother some Krispie Kreme donuts for his 14th birthday, and as we were there, thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and see an exhibition that I'd read about.

Steve McCurry is an amazing photographer, he's been taking photos for 3 decades in some really amazing places, his portfolio spans Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Africa and Afghanistan.

His photos are moving, haunting but most of all honest, they simply tell the truth. No picture he takes is staged, which is part of the most captivating thing.

The exhibition is called Retrospective Exhibition at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery until 17th October, it's the only one in England for a while, and is definitely worth going to.

51.____Marc, My Hero

I completely and utterly love Marc Jacobs, especially Marc by Marc Jacobs...

I've fallen for his bags and shoes (not to mention the rest of the range!)

The Genius himself.

This is the Natasha bag, from www.net-a-porter.com at £290

I love the detail that goes into them, the plaque on the bag is wonderful -

Then of course, there is the Hillier Hobo Leather Bag which is beautiful, £350

I'm gutted I missed these shoes in the sale! They're gorgeous and so dainty!

50.____Nails

Chanel have released a gorgeous new colour, if only it was a tad more affordable...oh well...

49.____Money Money Money

On the way home from work, you can tell my dad was driving, because radio 4 was on - and I never thought that I'd ever say this...but...it was actually quite good! They were doing a piece on money and the history of it, how initially, people bargained with gold, which led to gold standard.

The only reason paper money became so popular was because it was a universal consensus that it was valuable. They made the very interesting point, that if everyone took a bit less interested in cold hard cash then it would be less valuable.

If we did in fact, start trading things with an actual value such as food, shelter, clothes etc then cash would be worthless and we, as a society would be richer. Whether they mean morally, intellectually or physically rich is unclear.

It is an interesting point though, maybe one day it'll happen... Who knows...

48.____Jared Leto is Beautiful

Jared Leto, lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars and American Psycho Actor is a beautiful man. He really is, whether he is brunette or blonde.

He has really piercing blue eyes, which, I, for one wouldn't mind getting lost into for hours! He's currently on Alan Carr's Chatty Man (yes I am watching that), he's really funny and a nice guy.

Lily Cole and Jared Leto 

I think I prefer him blonde, I love his music, 30 Seconds to Mars have just released a brilliant album and hopefully, I'll be going to see them soon!

47.___Boots

I think I'm a bit late to join the military boot bandwagon, I meant to, I really did but I genuinely thought that I'd look ridiculous, I'm about 5"2' and just didn't think they'd look right. Although, recently, the more I've seen them the more I wish I'd bought some sooner. Alas, I don't think I'll find any now, but I have found these, this is my wish list, as it's my birthday soon hopefully I'll be able to afford the Miss KG ones, fingers crossed.

These are my favourite, Taupe Skye ankle boots by Miss KG, £80.00, they do come in black too (as seen below) but I just can't help preferring these.

Topshop also do some great ones, which I might just be able to justify as it will be winter and I will be living further north than I'm used to....

These are the Acton Double Buckle Boots and are £65.00

These are the Ambrose Cuff Lace Up Boots and are also £65.00

I've also seen some nice ones in the Dune sale at £39.00 which I think is a bargain! So maybe they are a more realistic pair to go for.

46.____Yesterday I...

Had a CACI facial at Mimi Spa in Burton - the girls are so lovely there, I'd definitely recommend going.


According to www.faceliftadvice.com

"CACI Facial Toning

A CACI non surgical face lift is an electronic beauty treatment using a CACI machine. CACI face lift treatments lift the face by toning facial muscles, smoothing away fine lines and wrinkles and preventing sagging skin. 

When you go to the gym, you work your muscles to give yourself a better body shape, so why not work out your face and keep that in better shape too.

The beauty of the CACI face lift is that it is actually a pleasant relaxing facial treatment which may be combined with  products to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin. So lay back on the couch while the CACI machine does the hard work!

Think of a CACI face lift as insurance your face, a monthly pampering treatment to keep you looking young."

I know I'm generally considered a bit young for this sort of treatment but following 2 neck operations 2 years ago, I had some nerve damage which has left me with an irritating droopy eye. I know The Boyfriend keeps saying that I'm the only one that notices it but it really gets on my nerves! 

Hopefully I'll see some positive results and my winky eye will have gone! I'll let you know about the results, I'm really excited!

45.____Sue me, I'm a Politics student.

I hate telling people what degree I'm doing - Politics at Leeds University. The usual reaction is a pained look, followed by a sharp intake of breath and a "Oooo that sounds hard.....?".

So, for all those people who react this way,

1. Yes it is hard, but then aren't degrees supposed to be?
2. Why did I choose it? I'm not completely sure, but I did and I'm loving it.
3. No, genuinely, I don't want to be the next Maggie Thatcher, and thank you for your support, it means a lot that should I ever run you'd vote for me.

I'm not the only one who gets this, I've spoken to a lot of my female friends also doing politics and they get the same reaction, surprisingly the boys dont.

Next time some one asks I'm telling them I do Astrophysics, that really is hard!

44._____The Mulberry Alexa

What I wouldn't give for one of these bags, they are beautiful, named after Alexa Chung, who appears to have one in every style Mulberry make! Unfortunately the price is also beautiful at a staggering £695.00 which I don't have, although if any one fancies buying me one, I would be eternally grateful!

43.____Louis Vuitton AW Bags 2010

Its no secret that I'm a bag and shoes girl, and when I saw Louis Vuitton's new bag collection I won't deny I was swooning, they've definitely reinvented themselves leaving the almost dated tan LV behind. Today the LV is still there just in a more subtle form, in these beautiful bags.

The more subtle LV in this dark leather classic bag.

The LV is seen here again, not instantly noticeable, but it's enough to be seen.

Here there is some of the classic tan bag, with a new twist, which I love.

This bag has to be my favourite, and for me, epitomises understated chic.

42.____Burberry

I saw this brilliant picture, it's Ken dressed in Burberry Prorsum. 

41.____Topshop A/W 2010

Topshop have got some great pieces coming up, some brilliant takes on elegant classics, keeping them up to date and perfect for the teenage market. They appear to be bringing in a sense of 'grown up' fashion and sophistication, with a mix of eclectic pieces which still have Topshop's signature all over them.

It looks as though warm carmel tones are a big favourite of the collection, I can't wait to try their knitwear, I love layers!

40.____Victoria Beckham

After a career in music with one of the most successful girl bands ever, she has turned her hand to designing and boy does she do it well. After 11 years with David, they appear to be stronger than ever, and it's no surprise that she's ventured into fashion, after all, she's always been 'fashionable'.

Army Chic

Chanel hand bag - gorgeous!

Happy couple in Burberry

Caramel Couture

Stunning in Lemon

Public Displays of Affection - still sweet after 11 years.

Back in the beginning.

Victoria looks wonderful, but I can't help admiring David's suit.

Victoria looking smashing, David in his own Adidas range.

Happy Family.

Victoria Beckham Dresses have got a huge celebrity following, and I, for one would join them if I wasn't on a student's budget.

Gwyneth Paltrow at the Iron Man 2 Premiere

Jessica Simpson

Katherine Heigl

Emma Bunton

Cameron Diaz

The lady herself

Sarah Jessica Parker

Demi Moore

Drew Barrymore

Heidi Klum

Elle MacPherson

Dannii Minogue

Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf on set of Gossip Girl

JLo

Courtney Cox Arquette

Blake Lively

Katharine Jenkins

Blake Lively

The dresses vary in style and colour, I couldn't pick out a favourite, I love them all, that's another one to go in the 'If money was no object...' pile. Maybe one day...

Pictures courtesy of www.marieclaire.co.uk