Summer Films

This summer hasn't exactly what I thought it was going to (it was even better). I honestly thought that I would return from my session in school and lie in my bed reading and watching films, lying in the sun, making frozen slushies, and essentially wasting another summer doing absolutely nothing and hoping that next year will be different. Thankfully and fortunately, it was different. I didn't watch as much television (or the telly, as the English colloquium calls it) but I didn't read as much as I wanted to due to the fact that I had to finish eight weeks of school in four in order to go to Europe worry-free. While I did not have a social life for four weeks in order to complete that task, once I finished, I was confused as I did not know what to do. I didn't want to watch the crud that on airs, so, naturally, I resorted to films.

1. Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging

I'm fairly certain I've watched this film three times already in a course of 10 days. This movie is so perfect, that I cannot stress enough how much I enjoy it. Georgia's sassiness, Robbie's attractiveness, the curious and fascinating way English teens speak (which immediately sparked my interest in an English accent), and the overall film. Having Eastbourne as the backdrop of the film creates is just absolutely perfect. Every time I watch it, I always tell myself that I am going to visit the UK, explore London, Brighton, and Eastbourne. And seriously, any girl that dresses up as a stuffed olive to a Halloween party needs to be my best friend. Georgia Nicholson is the coolest fourteen-year-old I know. 

2. Contagion

I watched Contagion on the plane to Europe. Bad idea. It also happened to be late (or early in the morning). Even worse idea. It is a creepy movie at first but then it begins to showcase how civilization would react to a global pandemic and that perhaps was even more frightening than the disease's symptoms. The first ten minutes, I have to admit, made me cringe in my seat. People who were coughing in the film eventually displayed the contagion's symptoms, so imagine my reaction when I heard people coughing in the airplane and then in the airport. Shudder. I wasn't eager to touch things without immediately washing my hands after. Also, on a side note, I paid close attention to Marion Cotillard's character wardrobe, wondering if that is how she dresses normally, or at least Parisian women. 

3. Monte Carlo

I've already seen this film in theatres and on DVD at school, but after watching it immediately after coming back from Europe was bittersweet. The action in the film itself is sweet and cute, with my eyes captivated by Pierre Boulanger's character, Theo's charm, looks, and heart. However, seeing Paris and Monte Carlo, I quickly took my journal and jotted down those two locations as one of the places I want to travel to, complete with the over-ambitious touristic experience. Exploring the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, and lying on the beach in Nice. I'm fair to say that Europe has stolen my heart.

4. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

This was a quirky film, unsure of what the plot would be. I mean, judging by the film's title, I did figure it would involve salmon fishing in the Yemen. I didn't however expect that it would be full of heart, a wonderful vocabulary, tender moments, a pure love (not having the main protagonists end in bed at the end of the movie, as many American films portray), and good messages that mostly came straight from the Sheik's mouth. A very, very good film that I believe is severely underrated.

A Summer Haze

For the past three weeks, record hits have plunged the majority of the globe in a summer heat have, with temperatures hitting mid- to high 30s C or rising past 100 F degrees. Staying reasonably fashionable even in the midst of a blistering heat wave is extremely difficult. (I was touring Timisoara, Romania in 41 C weather, under direct sunlight.) While a simple tank top and lightweight shorts may not necessarily be the best option, it is possible to look cool even when it feels that the sidewalk is melting.

The first thing that is a must-know is not to wear heavy fabrics. That may seem redundant, but anything that feels heavy will cling to your skin, making the heat even more unbearable. The second thing that should be noted is to wear light colors. Pastels and neutrals are preferred in warm weather because the sun will not radiate heat as it would do with dark colors. Wear clothing that will not make you sweat due to the weight of the clothing. Also, wear something comfortable. In the hot days is not the best day to try those heels for the wedding or wear a fitted skirt that doesn't allow you to breathe.

taken from tumblr

taken from tumblr

white blouse, white peplum top, dress

mint dress, mint maxi skirt, pleated skirt

taken from tumblr

 

taken from tumblr

Style Journal: Eleanor Calder

I personally don't waste time wondering what celebrities are wearing, what they're doing, what sort of debacle they're in now, and what other sorts of piccadilly they've entered in simply because that would be a waste of time. I'm not friends with celebrities, so I'm one to spend hours on the internet scouting Kim K's latest move (or miss). However, I do find myself enamoured by the styles that emerge. For example, as many readers know, I am partial to European style. Nothing against American style, and its colorful variations; it just happens to be my personal style. I've always enjoyed the simple, delicate, and sophisticated silhouettes that emerge from the London, Paris, and Milan runways.

With the popularity of One Direction reaching across the globe, many fans are paying close attention to the people closest to their hearts: girlfriends. Louis Tomlinson's girlfriend, Eleanor, has a unique and enviable wardrobe. With most pieces hailing from Topshop and Zara, it's no wonder many girls are paying extra charge to emulate her style. Myself included. I find her style very similar to my own. She wears a lot of the same pieces (albeit a slight moderation to the ones she did wear) and has gained a reputation, style-wise. She has clean, simple, and modern look that is a breath of fresh air. Pastels, blouses, and flowy skirts and tops are slowing become ubiquitous for her. She is very classy without looking stuffy, modern without looking too avant-garde, and classic without looking outdated. I may attentively take notes because her wardrobe is of high caliber.

Eleanor was recently spotted wearing this ensemble with her beau while vacationing in Nice. She is known for not having complicated ensembles, but the first time I saw this, I actually thought to myself, I need everything she's wearing. The simplicity of a white low-high hemline maxi, a black top, a leather belt, and flat sandals would do. She not only epitomized Southern France chic, but made it look enviably cool.

leather belt , black bag, black top, white skirt

As you can see, she rotates around the same palettes, look, and style. She knows what she likes and what looks good and her and sticks to that. (Kudos to that, Eleanor.) Skinny jeans, peterpan collar blouses, messenger totes, flats, structured bags, aviator sunglasses, and black jackets have quickly become synonymous with her name. For being Louis's girlfriend, she's quickly making sure that she's not just come ditzy, fangirling girlfriend. She's a student with some serious style.

pink top, lace top, white shirt, mocassin flats, denim jeans, skinny jeans, peach blouse , white blouse, bag

Bit By the Travelling Bug

I recently returned from my time abroad in Europe. There were good times, not-so-good times, learning times, and other times that I don't think would fit into a single category. It was a humbling experience, it broadened my horizons, and it produced an opportunity of self-reflection. This time in Europe, I not only matured my personal taste, but it also permitted me to see different cultures, different mindsets, different ways of living, and different scenery. The experience I received while being there will remain with me for as long as I shall live. Right before leaving, an amalgam of emotions swept over. I didn't want to leave, yet I wanted to the luxury of being home with the pleasures and delicacies of Europe. That being said, I definitely want to go back. I shall go back. I want to go to different places, see different sceneries, and experiences the different cultures in Europe.
Since I have been severely bit by the travelling bug, whenever I go on Amazon or venture into the nearest book store, I always, without fail, veer towards the international travel section. Scanning the different places I want to go (and mentally plan to go as well), I develop a list of the travel guides that will be of good use when it shall be the time to go to that specific places.

The first is Spain. I've longed to experience the allure of the Spanish culture. I want to go through the streets of Barcelona and Madrid. Given, watching the second instalment of The Cheetah Girls may have sparked more genuine interest after seeing the backdrop of the city. Given, these are tentative plans and may not occur within the next 10 years. But still, it's good to plan ahead.

The next place that I immediately turn my attention span to the south of France. Nice, Cannes, St. Tropez, the luxurious hotels and beaches that have been iconic and the epitome of French luxury. Sigh. 

For something a little different, a trip to Scandinavia would also be a cultured and fruitful trip. Visit Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and other various locations would provide a well-rounded and broad experience.

Not in Europe, but a tourist harbor all year round, Australia is one of the top 5 places I want to go to. I really would wish to go in detail about the beaches, the local scene, and the wonders of the country, but I don't want to spoil myself for when it's time to go there. I like to be surprised when it comes to these sorts of things. Good surprises. 

Clearly, it's obvious that travelling is in my nature and that a change of scenery is not only good but healthy for the soul.