Rising Stars: Ones to watch in 2013

I can't go a day without listening to music, music is my life. I'm always on the lookout for new artists to listen to. Here's a few artists I think are definitely gonna be the ones to watch this year.

Disclosure

Best known for their song "Latch" featuring the vocals of Sam Smith, Disclosure is made up of two brothers; Guy and Howard Lawrence. Now "Latch" was my favourite song of 2012 and I'm sure I have played it every single day since I first heard it. It's one of them songs that you can't help but get up and shake a leg to. If you're into your house and future music then you'll definitely love this duo. Last year they released their EP; The Face, which included the popular remix of Jessie Ware's Running. Look out for their album which they set to release in March. I MUST see them live this year, I know it will be EPIC.

DISCLOSURE Official Website

Lucy Rose

I first came across this pretty talented young lady whilst randomly browsing someones blog. I instantly fell in love with her voice. You may have heard of her before as her vocals have been on Bombay Bicycle Club's last two albums. If you're into your indie music and love a little Gabrielle Aplin, Bombay Bicycle Club and The Staves then have a listen to the laidback, kooky styled Lucy Rose. Her promising and effortless voice is bound to melt your heart.

LUCY ROSE Official Website

AlunaGeorge

This electronic duo are made up of Aluna Francis' vocal harmonies and George Reid on production. I first came across this band back in April 2012, working in River Island you eventually know every single word of every single song on the stores playlist, so I found myself singing (8)You know you like it but it drives you insane(8)  whilst walking around the shop floor! They recently done a BBC Radio One Live Lounge, covering the Frank Ocean song; Thinking About You and they'll be releasing their debut album titled Body Music in June 2013.

ALUNAGEORGE Official Website

Purple Ferdinand

Unlike the other artists/bands, I've only just heard about Purple Ferdinand a month ago, thanks to BBC Radio 1xtra. Mix a little bit of folk with sultry and soul...plus elements of nostalgic and ta-da.you get Purple Ferdinand; a 23yr old singer/songwriter East Londoner. Not to mention, she's also a ukelele player and a tattooist! How talented is she?! Although she's currently unsigned, expect big things from this up + coming rising star who somehow reminds me of the amazing Lianne La Havas. She's also been referred to as the female Ed Sheeran.

Shakka

If I had to use one word to describe Shakka it would be a-bloody-mindblowing-oustandlingly-talented-individual. Now technically that's six words, I could have just said WOW but that word just isn't enough for the singer/songwriter/producer hailing from West London. I first came across this rising star in 2012. A friend played me Shakka's version of Beyonce's End Of Time. For those that have heard of him before, you would know that he's well known for his covers of popular songs with the use of beatbox and harmony and a hint of comedy. He IS the definition of talent.

SHAKKA Official Website 

Gabrielle Aplin

This 20-year-old first started out by posting videos of acoustic covers on YouTube, and now her angelic, subtle, gentle and captivating voice has got her noticed and signed! Luckily, I got the chance to see Gabrielle Aplin in September 2012 live at the iTunes Festival (along with Bastille and Emile Sande). This was the first time I had heard of the young singer and her vocals sent chills down my spine. As soon as I got home, I downloaded her EP; Home. If you're into your acoustic, alternative, indie-folk sounds then check her out. She'll also be supporting Ed Sheeran on his 2013 tour

GABRIELLE APLIN Official Website

My pick of the Midi Dresses...

If you're a self-conscious, fashion loving individual like myself who hates their legs then you must love midi dresses! I've never been one to wear a dress because of body issues but as soon as midi dresses and midi skirts hit the shelves, I hit the shops! Not only do they cover all the body bits I'm iffy about but they're so shapely and comfortable.

When I do occasionally buy dresses I always seem to get them from Topshop or Asos, Here's a few that have caught my eye lately...

From L-R:

- Purple high neck midi bodycon dress, Topshop, £26

- Plain black midi bodycon dress, Topshop, £28

- Clutter font midi dress,  Topshop, £32

- Plain bottle green midi bodycon dress, Topshop, £28

- Plain burgundy midi bodycon dress, Topshop, £28

- Midi bodycon dress in stripe, Asos, £40

- Midi bodycon dress in baroque print, Asos, £30

- Red midi bodycon dress with long sleeves, Asos, £22

H&M Wishlist

Working in H&M has its perks, and when I say "perks" I mean their staff discount! I can't go a day at work without either putting an item on hold or just lusting after the new arrivals! I've had a look on the website and put together a few things I'll be buying on payday (Couldn't find everything I was looking for, not everything in my shop is online!)

- Knit Jumper £7

-White Shirt with Leopard Print Sleeves £29.99

- Ballet Pumps £14.99

- Spotty Trousers £5

- Black Clutch £14.99

- Black Handbag £29.99

- Leopard Print Scarf £4.99

- Spiked Necklace £7.99

The Secret: The Power

I'm not really much of a reader but for Christmas my cousin got me a book called "The Secret: The Power" It's a self help and spirituality book written by Rhonda Byrne.

It's a handbook to the greatest force in the universe - The Power to have everything you want.

Now I'm only a few pages in but this book is proving to be a very very good read. I'm on my way to having an amazing because the only way is up! I'll be back soon for a book review :-)

Without Love, There Would Be No Life.

Bingo!

When it comes to footwear, I'm a sucker for ankle boots (as you can see from one of my previous posts!) Now I use to just have my eye on tan/brown ankle boots but recently I've been on the look out for a black pair.

I found the perfect pair in the River Island sale, they were £40, went down to £20 and the were absolutely lush! Silly old me told myself that I'll come back for them, and when I returned...my beloved boots were gone :-(

So I took a trip up to Westfield on the look out for a new pair of shoes. I came across a shop called Parmar I've never heard of it before but they had some wonderful bargains! 

Now I've seen these boots EVERYWHERE for all different prices, which is why i was excited when I found them in the Parmars sale. They went down from £40 to £25 and I saw the exact same boots in another shop for £54.99!!!!!! If any ones interested in these then here's the link STUD BUCKLE MADONNA ANKLE BOOTS 

After spending what felt like a lifetime in Parmars I decided not to get the boots. I'm ridiculously indecisive! I was gonna purchase them then make up my mind at home but then I got told I wouldn't be able to get a refund, only a credit note. Plus another thing, as much as I think these boots are amazingly beautiful I think there's a bit too many studs, and they'll only go with a limited amount of outfits. Although it hurt, I had to let them go.

Today I went to work (H&M btw), and we had a delivery. Out of the tote were a gorgeous pair of leather ankle boots with gold studs at the back and on the heel! I instantly had to put them on hold. 

They're £29.99 but with my staff discount I'll be paying £22.49...KERCHING!

Lemme know what you think of them? :-)

Goodbye 2012. Hello 2013...

So here we have it. Page 1 of 365. New beginnings, new challenges, new memories. Now one thing I told myself before the year 2012 ended was that I'm going to keep a diary. My diary will include my thoughts, my feelings and my goals.

2012 has been a very long road with many, many bumps. It had it's ups and it had it's downs. Once again I was admitted into hospital on December 17th (the exact day I was admitted 2 years ago..and weirdly number 17 is my favourite number, how strange!) but thankfully I got to spend Christmas and New Years with my loved ones instead of on a hospital bed again! As much as it gets me down, I will not let this illness be the death of me.

Moving on..

I can't believe it's 2013 already. I hope this year will be a great one for me. I WILL be positive. I WILL learn to love myself and I WILL be the best that I can be.

I wrote a list of things I aim to achieve this year (like I do with every other year but never get halfway through the list!)

My 2013 list..

1. Blog more often - I wish I started this is college or even secondary school! Although I'm constantly busy with uni and work I will try my very best to blog as much as I can.

2. Graduate from uni with a 2:1 - It all counts on my special project. A Fashion and Music magazine.

3. Be more positive and learn to love myself.

4. Buy my acoustic guitar to sing and make videos.

5. Attend a festival.

6. Drink more water and herbal tea.

7. Visit Jamaica and Paris.

8. Make new friends.

9. Shop in charity shops more than the high street.

10. Clear out my wardrobe and sell all the clothes I do not wear on eBay.

11. Attend a car boot sale at least once a month - Now I've always wanted to go to one of these but I've just never known where to go! Kavita from "She Wears Fashion" has inspired me to start going to car boot sales. I'm an avid reader of her amazing blog and I'm absolutely jealous of her bargain buys. Shirts for 50p?!..YES PLEASE!!!

12. Keep a diary.

13. See Jessie J, Miguel, Jessie Ware, Ed Sheeran in concert.

14. Save £30 every month.

15. Explore London more often.

16. Become a size 8.

17. Rent a place by myself.

18. Take more pictures with my loved ones - Life's too short. Anything could happen.

19. Go to church.

20. Pray every day.

My first pic of 2013

# FASHION VOUCHERS Xmas Party Outfit Blogger Competition

After browsing the internet I came across Fashion Vouchers. They've launched a challenge for bloggers to find the best Christmas Party outfit for £100 and under. Now...when I read this I was excited coz I love putting outfits together (that's all I ever do on Polyvore and ASOS Fashion Finder!). 

So basically, all you have to do is pick a merchant from their page and create an outfit! Sounds easy doesn't it? Well it's not that easy when you're indecisive like me!..First I picked ASOS, then Boohoo then Missguided. Then fussy old me went onto New Look and eventually I went back to......ASOS after 675467 years!

My ASOS Xmas party outfit

- Lace dress with kimono sleeve : £48

- Mid heel peep toe shoes : £19.99

- Feather clutch : £25 £18.50

- Spot triangle doorknocker earrings : £6

- Two pack torque necklaces : £18

Total: £110.49

BUT...with my Fashion Vouchers 10% student discount on ASOS..my total is now...

*drumroll*

£99.44

Now usually, when people think of xmas party outfits..sequins and sparkles tend to be the first thing that pops into everyone's heads! I wanted to be different, I wanted to create an outfit that reflects my personal style. I love this pretty floral lace dress (and if your self conscious about your legs like I am..then you can always pop some tights underneath it!) Christmas parties always have us on our feet dancing, which is why I didn't want to pick the highest heels in the world. I went for these simple mid heel shoes coz I've really got a thing for chunky platforms nowadays...(and don't they just look sooo comfy!)

Now I'm the type of girl who gets tired of holding clutch bags in my hand on a night out, which is why I chose this bag coz it has a chain strap that you can pop over your shoulder!

...to add to my xmas outfit I chose the 2 pack bargain torque necklaces! I think both colours would go with my outfit but I'll probably be standing in the mirror for about an hour trying to decide which one to wear because I'm so fussy! I wanted to add a bowler hat but my budget couldn't stretch that far :-(

...lastly to finish off this look you could add a splash of red nail varnish, a dab of red lipstick, a spritz of your favourite perfume and then you're ready to go!

Hope you like it!

Head over to FashionVouchers.com for the latest fashion voucher codes and offers and if you wanna take part in the blogger competition for a chance to win an £100 fashion voucher then click this link Good luck!