Anthems of Our Time (& a bit earlier)

I'll admit to being a little disillusioned by most modern music. From where I'm standing, we're being constantly inundated with teeny-bopper boy bands (1 Direction *ahem*), or generic, over synthesised pop that sounds good only when played in a club at 1 AM. Yet, thanks to talent both old &new, we can look upon the music of our time with a glimmer of hope. These are the people with gumption enough to make music that not only sounds good, but has real depth to it; the stuff to get really excited about. So, in my own little celebration of these artists, here is my list of what I think are the Anthems of Our Time (in no particular order)...

Delilah, Shades of Grey

I've written about this particular lady before, and now that she's released her début album, I am convinced that she is one of the best British artists of the tenties. All of her tracks are easy to listen to, with her sultry vocals &heartfelt lyrics. Yet, Shades of Grey really stands out. When it comes to relationships, we all have our bad experiences. Feelings of loneliness, frustration, the inevitable end; swiftly followed by the drive to get over it &move on: all of these sentiments Delilah communicates with heart &sincerity, in a way anyone can relate to. This is a song that doesn't make you feel sorry for yourself, but will make you want to have a party, much like the one Delilah has in the video. Plus, it will leave you with a grin plastered over your face, something everyone needs after a bad break up. What more can you ask for from an anthem?

Via Helen Oh on Pinterest

Razorlight, Golden Touch

Ok, so we're rewinding a little bit here, but isn't this such a tune?! I remember when 'Golden Touch' came out, &every girl in school was swooning over Johnny Borrell, giggling nervously at that nude photo of him on the cover of NME. Yes, my fifteen year old self was also one of those girls, &I listened to this track on loop for about two weeks. Under 18 club nights always played this song, and everyone would just get happy at the first bar, and on my first big night out in Oxford, the DJ played this song &it still managed to have exactly the same effect on everyone in the room. Imagine my excitement when the boy I 'fancied' back in 2004 (eeesh) played it to me on his guitar, down the phone. Oh happy days!

Elbow, Open Arms

So, maybe I could have chosen 'First Steps' as one of these anthems, but whenever I listen to Elbow I'm always reminded of their belting performance of 'Open Arms' & 'One Day Like This' at the Olympics closing ceremony. Oh my gosh, wasn't it amazing? With the athletes walking in to the stadium in true carnival fashion, dancing &smiling along to Guy Garvey's booming yet sweet vocals, I turned into a gushing wreck, welling up to the brink. I'm pretty certain that everyone else watching felt exactly the same way. When the closing ceremony promised to deliver a symphony of British music, these guys were a stand out act, representing the heart&soul of British alternative rock with insurmountable class. It's not just Garvey's vocal delivery that makes 'Open Arms' such a brilliant track, nor the jangly crescendos that fill it, it's the sincerity& simplicity of the lyrics:

'And you're not the man who fell to earth,

You're the man of La Mancha,

And we've love enough to light the street, 

'Cause everybody's here.'

Really, this was always cut out to be an anthem.

R.E.M, It's the End of the World as We Know it

Ok, so we're rewinding back to 1987. I wasn't even born when this song came out, but, like many others I have always tried (and failed) to keep up with Michael Stipe's speedy singing on this track. I like R.E.M because their songs always made a point about something, rather than just being facile croonings about puppy love or whatever else. Yes, it's a bit political, and I get that that can turn some people off, but their music carried on the revolutionary streak in the industry from the sixties and seventies. They made points that needed to be made, and with this particular track, I love how the listener is lulled into thinking that it's a cheery party song with an upbeat tempo, but, listen to Stipe's voice and you'll hear a relevant reminder of a few issues that the world still needs to face up to. 

Via Sharon Autenrieth on Pinterest

Jamiroquai, Canned Heat

&Off we go to 1999. Wasn't it a good year? We were all really really excited about the Millennium, and I turned ten. I was so excited. This song really sums up the party mood of the year. We were ready to move on to a new decade with the internet, mobile phones & Brit Pop. I guess, in a way, we felt like we really could dance all our cares away. Even now, my friend Kate &I try our hardest to perfect Jon Heder's legendary dance from 'Napoleon Dynamite'. Truly, this is a song that has continued to make us happy until today, and I'm sure it will for many years more.

Eddie Vedder, Hard Sun

So here it is, the last in my little line up. Mr Vedder did a top job when he worked on the soundtrack for 'Into the Wild', the biopic of Christopher McCandless, but this song is the real stand out track. A drum and guitar bubble away in the background as Eddie works his magic with the vocals, telling a story of human exploits lived out under 'a big hard sun, beating on the big people in a big hard world'. It's evocative because we all know what it's like, or will do at various points in our lives. That's an anthem right there.


So go on, give these anthems of our time a listen. They'll make you happy, I'm sure of it. :) 

Miss D x

Moroccan Argan Oil: Our Verdict

Happy bank holiday readers! Miss D and I were having a catch up recently and both of us were talking about how great a particular type of product was, hence we decided to write a review together on Argan oil! Both of us have from loose wavy to corkscrew curly tresses on the hair-spectrum, and we love products which don’t weigh our hair down, keep our hair smooth and eradicate any frizziness! What products do you use that have argan oil? By all means comment underneath.

Tresemmé Liquid Gold Restorative Complex

Versatility in a hair product is rare, since normally the product is to be used either on dry hair, or on freshly washed hair before it has dried. With the Tresammé Liquid gold, you can apply to drenched or dried hair, making it a really dependable product. The other day I was about to go out when I noticed my newly washed dry hair looked dry on the ends, making them seem unruly and not-intentionally un-brushed. A couple of pumps of this oil defined my waves and sorted out the ends of my hair. My hair is quite long but I don’t need more than two pumps to sort my hair out, showing the ‘restorative’ nature of this product. The product is quite reasonably priced I think, and suitable for hair of whatever length and style.

Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner

I love how Organix have travel size conditioners, because you aren’t having to then stick with a big bottle of conditioner that lasts a long time if you don’t actually think much of it after your first use! I had just coloured my hair and wanted a conditioner that would be gentle and protective. I am still getting used to the fact my hair is magnificently frizz-free, and shiny! I was a bit apprehensive that the product might be too rich and heavy, but my waves just seem to be invigorated.  Treat yourself to their travel size bottles, and tell your hair frizz where to go.

Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream

I'll admit that the Moroccan Argan Oil craze pretty much flew over my head until recently, when I took a much needed trip to the hairdressers (no, really, I cut my hair once a year, if that). I do like my natural curls, but I've found that searching for a product that really works is a rather irksome chore. Step in Moroccan Oil. After the stylist I saw used the product on my hair, I was convinced. No longer were my curls weighed down, limp, or frizzy. Instead, the product delivered incredible results: smooth, silky ringlets which maintained their natural shape. I often find that most products make my hair too 'big' or turn the curls into an uncontrollable, unnatural looking mess, and despite the steep price tag (one helping will set you back about £23), I'm more than happy with the results, and the huge bottle lasts for ages- get in. 

Miss D&V x

Cologne and Cotton

Everyone likes to take a little time to get lost in beautiful shops, and this is what I did when I re-visited my much loved haunt of Cologne and Cotton. After a few years spent close by to the Kensington store, this shop is a place I like to come to look at the gorgeous soaps, perfumes and cottons that this store encapsulates. The items in the shop are quite unique and all of a very high quality, and the presentation of the shop is of a significant level of sophistication. The staff are welcoming, allowing you the space to look around but on hand should you have a query. In my view this is a fabulous place to pick up gifts, as everything is something you would want to receive! If you have the chance do go in if you see a Cologne and Cotton. It certainly won’t be long till I return !

Miss V x

Very simple Watercress Pasta Salad!

I adore pasta dishes but don’t want a lot of hassle when I am enjoying the summer sun with friends. This recipe which my mother taught me is so quick, effortless, and tastes scrummy! Prepare it for lunch or have for a relaxed dinner with friends.

You will need: Tube pasta, watercress, parmesan, black pepper, balsamic and olive oil.

After cooking the pasta, and once you have drained the water, place in a large bowl. Wash the watercress and put with the pasta. Grate parmesan on top and drizzle the oil and balsamic, before serving with black pepper. Tell me if you try it, and what you think!

Miss V x

Is Feminism still relevant?

A little while back, a friend of mine asked me, quite casually, 'Devi, are you a feminist?' To which I responded, 'Yeah, sure I am! But I wouldn't burn my bras in protest or anything.' I'm ashamed to say that my response was naive and dismissive at the very least. Anyway, the topic of feminism has come up in recent conversations with both men and women, & some of the ideas and opinions expressed have made me want to say something more about the subject.

In the UK, us girls are pretty lucky. Thanks to past generations, and some not too long ago, we are secure in the knowledge that we have sexual freedom, are able to plan if and when we have children, and now, divorce is a viable way out of an unhappy marriage, an action no longer stigmatised by society. Yet, we still have 'Women's Hour' and talk of the sisterhood; it looks like we're still fighting for something. It's clear to see why: the glass ceiling is still a real problem, with women earning 14.9% less than men per hour, and FGM on the rise in this country, a shocking trend in our liberal democracy. At this point, then, it seems logical, nay, wholly correct that feminism is still seen as relevant and necessary to us, even in a 'progressive' society like ours. Surely?

I want to make it absolutely clear that I don't intend for this post to be a rant, or a tirade against men. What I hope to do is try to piece together a clearer picture of how people respond to the 'F' word, particularly men, because I think that theirs is a perspective that is often dismissed in this discussion.

All this started when the aforementioned word came up in conversation with a male relative of mine, who quipped that women don't need feminism anymore, as it does more damage than good. In his mind, all it does is widen the gap between men and women, something very few of us want. I pressed him, asking that he recognise that there are issues which women face, such as the glass ceiling, and many others. This he didn't deny, but what crept beneath the surface of his argument was the perception that feminism, as it is understood today, wishes to supplant men, to out-do them and prove that women are somehow bigger and better. Now, I'll admit that at first, I was aghast. How could he make such an outlandish statement?! Needless to say, we proceeded to have a rather heated debate about the issue, ending, finally, with the age-old attempt at diplomacy: 'let's agree to disagree.' Me being me, I wasn't satisfied, so I decided to look for answers from more people.

I took to Facebook & Twitter (as you do these days) to do a little research. I was pretty very excited when Cherry Healey responded to the title of this post, answering: 'It depends on your definition. If it's 'equality& freedom of choice', then I hope it is.' Isn't this the crux of the issue? Isn't this what Emmeline Pankhurst and Mary Wollstonecraft were fighting for? Yes, of course it is, but as I have had to realise, this idealised picture of feminism and its goals isn't always accurate.

After talking to a few men about it, I have come to appreciate that there is a very real issue: there are some feminist voices which can alienate men, and even intimidate them. Why? After talking to a few blokes about this, I began to understand that it's an all too frequent reality that feminists, or feminism, are seen to create a divide between men and women, perpetuating a 'battle of the sexes' of sorts, in which us girls are seen to pit ourselves against men, staunchly dedicated to a game of one-upmanship. It's this breed of feminism which is oh so close to looking like women want to supplant men, and unfortunately, tips gender balance over the edge: a symptom we should always be wary of, whichever sex it disadvantages. I won't deny that women do still face gender inequality, trust me, this is something I don't wish to downplay. Aside from the really serious offences, such as FGM and pay inequality, the objectification of women is an issue that needs to be tackled. Yet, let's not forget that men face it too- even if it doesn't happen as often. I wonder... if 'Magic Mike' was a facile portrayal a band of female strippers in Amsterdam's red light district and their woes, with bits bouncing around, would feminist groups rise up in protest, or no? Think about it. What makes it OK to paint men as sexual objects, implying that their worth depends solely on their physicality, when it's definitely unacceptable for this to happen to women?

After listening to some men who were quite clearly wary of the 'F' word, it became evident that the question of whether feminism is relevant or not depends on a return to its original aims: the achievement of gender equality and respect for men and women in equal and just measure. Remember, men face gender inequality too. There's a good reason why Fathers for Justice are in existence, and the underlying issues which provoke the organisation should be a concern for all of us, including feminists.

What I'm trying to say, is that if we want feminism to be relevant, we need to make it relevant. Somewhere down the line, it's become a dirty word, something to shy away from. Maybe this is why I got defensive when I was quizzed about my feminism, instantly insisting that I have not, and probably never will, burn one of my bras. I admit that my reaction was naive because the original ideals the 'F' word represents are still in demand, and it's thanks to the actions of women of past generations that we've come so far. While gender inequality persists (whoever it disadvantages), these values need to be put into practise, let's just do it in a way that puts well-thinking people on side, not solely other women. As Jane Galvin Lewis put it bluntly: 'You don't have to be anti-man to be pro-woman.'

See? Obama gets it! {Via Stephanie Speer on Pinterest}

Miss D x

Montage

Manicure! Barry M in Vivid Purple

Literature

NYC Kiss Gloss in Sugar Hill Shine, MAC eyeliner in Engraved, No 7 brush

Miss V x

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes and Bourjois Black Jack Volume Clubbing Mascara

I don’t know where I would be without mascara and I know a lot of you would agree with me! I get a bit overwhelmed with all the different options out there for mascaras, and the prices can vary a great deal. So I thought I would compare two volumizing mascaras with different price tags and tell you what I thought!

The first is the highly acclaimed Givenchy Phenomen-Eyes. Most notably is the packaging of this mascara – it is gorgeous! I couldn’t wait to try this out when I received it as a present, and was very intrigued by the orb like brush. So did my lashes have volume? When you first put on this mascara, it is quite striking and does really open up your eyes. I felt like all my lashes were covered and it gives enough volume for a day-time look. Another reason why I wanted to do this review however is that I am a contact lense wearer, so I need my mascara to last all day without smudging and that is compatible with wearing contacts. Unfortunately, as the day went on, this mascara did smudge around my eye area. It isn’t a massive downfall, as it takes a few seconds to wipe away the smudge – but it wasn’t what I expected from Givenchy cosmetics! However I am aware that maybe this is because I wear contacts – so it would be great to hear if anyone else disagrees with me, or has also had this problem.

The volume mascara that I am comparing Givenchy’s mascara with is the Black Jack Volume Clubbing Mascara from Bourjois. I am afraid I am probably already biased towards Bourjois Volume Clubbing mascaras because I think they are all absolutely fantastic! I first tried Volume Clubbing mascara a couple of years ago and couldn’t believe the volume! My eyes literally looked double their normal size, and I was wearing it during the day with natural makeup, and also when going out in the evening. The major thing for me with this mascara is that is never smudges. A day in a gale wouldn’t  budge this range of mascaras! The volume is significant and for me it is probably better than Givenchy. It says on the Black Jack mascara that it has ‘light-reflecting micro-particles of gold’ in its composition, but I think this mascara isn’t dissimilar to the rest of the volume clubbing mascaras. As a contact lense wearer this is a perfect mascara for me, and lasts a long time.

Quite honestly if the volume clubbing range had the packaging of the Givenchy phenomenal eyes it would be the ultimate mascara! Let me know if you have tried these mascaras, or if you think another mascara gives shocking volume!

Miss V x

Avène Cleanance K

I was chuffed to re-discover this rather cool skin product from Avène not so long ago. Avène is a really mild and caring range for skin that needs a little more assistance. I am one who is always watching for good products to help my combination/ zit prone skin that can be incredibly annoying at times.

Surveying the products in Boots this grabbed my attention due to the fact it claimed to be a creamy gel texture that not only provides hydration but apparently ‘exfoliates’ too. Sounds a multi-tasker I can definitely put to good use. The sales assistant spoke very highly of the product after asking for her advice, so I went ahead and bought ‘Clearance K’ by Avène.

Now having used this quite a few times, it really is a worthwhile product if like me your skin can be challenging when it comes to zits. I find this tightens the pores, clams down spots present and future to appear, but leaves skin soft and moisturized. I personally use this at night, as for me it works as a good overnight treatment, and gives my skin a clean slate (as it were) for the next day. The cream is weightless and does have a gel-quality that blends in with no fuss.  I would love to know any readers who have used this product and how  it has helped them, or whether you have used any of the other products from Avène which you would rate highly?

Miss V x

Pastel Polish Adore

I got this polish from Pixi in Carnaby treet - a fabulous make up boutique that has some really great products ( feel free to click here to have a peek at my Pixi review !). One of the polish brands they do is Pop beauty. I really like their polishes because the colours are bold and they are also a really good quality. 

   

I really like this quite neutral, yet quite confident 'Lavender Love' shade. It is actually quite hard to be sure what the colour is - I would say it is like a very very pale grey, with a hint of indigo (the colour is so washed out I would say lavender is a bit strong, but it is gorgeous anyway!). I wear a lot of neutral colours so this fits my wardrobe perfectly, and the colour will stay put for a good week. 

One thing you could do is add a mattifying top coat to really create that subdued colour effect. This Rimmel one literally does last 10 days as the bottle claims, and is great for any of your pastel polishes.

Miss V x

Be Beautiful (& nice about it)

As my better blogging half will tell you, I am a  sucker for natural & ethical beauty products. I spend an embarrassing amount of time looking up new eco/animal/pocket friendly brands, and as us girls (and some blokes) like to look good, to me it makes sense that the products we use do good too. Here are my three new-found favourite treats, all of which have their own special place in my grooming basket, and are the creations of two companies that are changing the face of the cosmetic industry.

L-R: Model's Own Nail Polish in Stormy Night, Trichomania by Lush, &Silky Underwear, also by Lush

Pro Nail Polish by Models Own (Stormy Night is my favourite)

I'll be honest, when it comes to make up, I'm pretty clueless &tend to use a mere slick of eyeliner, even when I'm going out. I make up for this lack of macquillage with a magpie like addiction to nail polish, especially the fruits of Models Own. What I like about this brand (besides the wealth of hues on offer), is their '3- Free' formula and no- go attitude towards animal testing. Kinder to you, furry creatures and the planet? A job well done.


Trichomania by Lush

Thanks to my Dad's genetic make-up, I've got a somewhat unruly mass of curls a'top my head. Judging from the beauty sections of many women's magazines, ringlets are much coveted. Yet, as I'm sure many curly haired folk will tell you, they can be a right royal pain in the behind. In my case, frizz abounds, and I have always been on the look out for something that will tame my misbehaving tresses. Step in Lush, with their wonder of a solid shampoo. It might look like an ordinary bar of soap in the above photo, but it packs a punch. This stuff not only smells beautiful (it's packed full of coconut), it lasts for ages due to its concentrated make-up, and it actually works, delivering soft, silky &defined curls that manage to stay frizz free all day long. Thanks to this wonder bar, my straighteners have been banished to the bottom drawer in my dressing table, & I'm beginning to understand all the fuss about curly hair.


Silky Underwear by Lush

Ok, don't confuse this for the talcum powder of yesteryear, it's much more exciting. I'll be honest, I brought this dusting powder mainly due to it's gorgeous jasmine scent, but as I soon found it, that's not all this humble looking bottle delivers. It's made up of lashings of crushed up cocoa butter, so it doubles up as a moisturiser of sorts, leaving your skin uber soft. They say 'it's all anyone needs to wear', and while I may not be brave enough to test the theory out, you may well be.


Miss D x

Great British Nails

Isn't the Olympics a wonderful opportunity to have fun with fashion? I am so proud of GB as it is my home team, but it is so fantastic how we are all rooting for each other, and making this a spectacular Olympics. Did my own manicure inspired by olympic cool :), catch them on Grazia Daily too!

Happy Olympics to all countries, you are all stars.

Miss V x

Stunned by The Phantom Card

Of late we have seen just slight glimpses of good weather. And every time we do, it’s a cause for celebrating. Not long ago I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening at Pepper Dining, a fabulous Indian restaurant with very good food. A little group of us had a very nice meal, but the evening was made perfect, all thanks to a bit of plastic. The highly acclaimed Phantom Card.

This card is causing quite a stir among twenty-something’s who enjoy sophisticated evenings out in so many different lovely restaurants, but are also wise with their cash, and I was excited to put it to the test myself. Now I am NOT someone who is easily swayed. Nor am I someone who tends to go along with such offers, because I always think they are a bit, well, naff. Somewhere there will be a catch, or the deal is never really that good. But this card is genuinely different.

With the Phantom Card, you sign up for a year’s membership that becomes your hot ticket to eating out and socializing at great venues for dramatic value. A one off payment and say goodbye to big bills and dampeners on your evening. Let’s get real – these economic times make going out harder, as we are watching what we spend, and spending less time going out with our friends and having a good time. It doesn’t have to stay like this. It’s time for us to have some wonderful food, glam up for some very exciting restaurants and do it all over again a week later. Because with this card, you can.

If you don’t believe me, then take a look for yourself. Here is a snapshot of my bill. The bill would have been £54.10. I paid £35.93. I know what you are thinking, I literally jumped for joy right there (don’t forget that often when using this card you are in rather lovely places, so proper behaviour is still your responsibility!)

The amount that the card is protecting you from having to pay is just unknown with any other discount scheme.  It is the evolutionary accessory that I now absolutely adore.

Plan ahead, get the card, spread the word.

We like to spoil you here on She Thinks She Speaks. Enter the very exclusive SHETHINKS code for £15 discount on membership. 

Miss V x