Monday, June 27, 2011

Heatwave!

Fancy cooling off? Then why not head to this fountain outside Festival Hall...Perfect for a day like today...not just for kids!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Fashion by Federer

It is that time of year again, where the Pimms starts flowing, eating kilos of strawberries feels normal and us Brits get to demonstrate our superiority when it comes to queuing...in the rain! Wimbledon is by far my favourite of the slams. I just love the atmosphere and down right 'Britishness' of the whole tournament, meaning i inevitably lose two weeks, hypnotised by its lush grass. I also love the fashion that comes with it. Well, when i say fashion, I only want to see what Federer will be wearing (although it's always fun to heckle some of the more questionable female ensembles!). Ah Roger, your sartorial elegance never fails to live up to your beautiful game...

2006. the year of the cream blazer and round neck white tee. The white and gold colourway makes its first of many appearances.
2007. the blazer returns, this time teamed with a white polo shirt and pressed post-game trousers
2008. my favourite so far, shame he couldn't finish it with the gold trophy (this was the year of the epic 5 set duel with Nadal). Federer was definitely ahead of the trend in this chunky, oversized knit.
2009. the year of the layers. going all out with the military style jacket, crisp waistcoat and relaxed trousers, finished with gold trimmed accessories..including the trophy!
There was even an outfit change for the final...
2010. simple and elegant. the pin tuck bib detail on last years polo shirt was classic and subtle, once again teamed with a relaxed knit. this is my second fave of the last few years.
2011. always mixing it up...this is the year of the tank. can't think of many men who could pull this off, but of course Federer makes everything look effortlessly stylish. This years Nike kit sees him step away from the gold and white colourway of the last few years, for a new green trim. Lets hope it brings him luck...

Monday, June 20, 2011

Art Car Boot Fair

Quite possibly the best car boot i've ever been to. The opportunity to pick something up from the likes of Polly Morgan, Peter Blake, Damien Hirst as well as other big and not-so-big-but-still-amazing names, was too good to miss! I'm always up for a bargain and a good rummage, so this was right up my street, especially on a Sunday - it just feels like such a British thing to do! As well as all the amazing art work on offer there was also a lot of good food and fun to be had...spanking and smashing things being favourites (see below)! Plus it was held behind The Old Truman Brewery and a trip to Brick Lane is always a huge inspiration. 
Guts for Garters
Smashing things seemed to be a theme of the day...
the weapons of choice...

Monday, June 13, 2011

Fastastic Mr (Urban) Fox

Born and bred in the countryside, this ambitious fox said goodbye to his family and headed down the M1 (imagine the sight), to try and make it in the big smoke. He looked a little sad when i saw him, but i'm sure he will settle in in no time...
the making of...
Part of the Southbank celebrations of the Festival of Britain's 60th anniversary.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Cinema Paradiso

We're a demanding lot, us generation Y'ers. We are constantly expecting more and more from every possible experience and the cinema is no exception. Gone are the days when a simple trip to the local multiplex is enough (although no doubt they will pull their socks up and become cool again at some point). Now it's all about getting as much of an experience as you can out of a film, whether that comes from the surroundings or extras that can be added on, like integrated live performances, food and music. Of course London is all over this trend and was churning out different experiences before we even realised we wanted them! So here are a few film feasts of the moment, but there are plenty more out there (too many to fit into one post), so get researching!

Everyman in Hampstead
One of my indoor favourites - it's so decadent. The acoustics are really good, plus with added extras like comfy sofas, waiter service (there is a personal button at your seat!) and the yummiest nibbles (the humous is delicious), it's always a joy to watch films there.

The Scoop -  starting September
i think i could quite possibly be the only person in the country who hasn't seen The Kings Speech. I just never got round to it and when every man and his dog told me I ''just had to see it'', all it did was make me not want to see it (it took me years to actually watch the matrix because of this same issue!). So i think i am going to hold out a little while longer and wait for the free screening at The Scoop in September. Check out their website for the full programme list. Blanket, cushion and bottle of wine required!

Rooftop Film Club
With a view like that i'm not sure I would actually concentrate on the film, so i'd better choose a good one! One of my favourite films EVER is Amelie, which these guys are due to screen this summer. Definitely the film for me...how romantic! See the site and be spoilt for choice.

Lexi Cinema presents The Nomad  - July onwards
There is nothing I like more than a theme...and The Nomad experience gives you just that. A pop-up, travelling film circus, if you will, that chooses it's locations with great care, to give maximum impact. There may be a few other surprises along the way, to enhance the mood, so keep your eyes peeled. My fancies are Raging Bull in the renowned boxing venue that is York Hall and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet in Regents Park Open Air Theatre or maybe Pan's Labyrinth in Brompton Cemetery- what to do?? One thing is for sure...i am going to spend a fortune on film this summer!

Another venue that likes a good theme. Expect brilliant music, decorations and more-ish food to enhance the expertly chosen films. The sounds of the city are blocked out by wireless headphones, helping you zone into the film and your surroundings. A great venue in a great area of town.

The Floating Cinema - starts July 2011
How awesome! This illustration gives us an idea of how this amazing customised narrow boat will look when it's up and running in a few weeks time. The concept was dreamt up by the Hackney based architects Studio Weave and artist duo Somewhere (Nina Pope and Karen Guthrie) and is set to sail around the Olympic host boroughs this summer, with a packed programme of entertainment. With on board screenings, projections onto waterside buildings and much, much more, this concept is sure to bring lots of fun to the East London waterways. We are sure to see a lot more projects centered around the river in the run up to 2012 - can't wait to see what's to come!

film 4 summer screen at somerset house 27th July - 7th August

Always a good event. Being a big fan of Pedro Almodovar, i was so gutted to miss the premier of Broken Embraces a couple of years ago. AND Penelope Cruz was there with him to introduce the film...arrrraaagghh! I must get over this, it's not healthy! Anyways, there are some great films on show again this year, so check it out before it's too late!

*all images other than Everyman and York Hall taken from the subjects respective sites.

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Made in Chelsea

Now, I promise that this is the last Chelsea related post until next year - cross my heart and hope to drown in flower photos! I just love this installation so much, that i couldn't pass up the chance of  a post... 
these fluttery caramel coloured flowers are actually made from tea bags...