As usual, my study procrastination is manifesting itself through the medium of pop culture blog posts. This time on the gloriously Irish Una Healy, member of (finally) chart-topping girlband, The Saturdays.
She goes to LA and becomes x10 more Irish and hilarious
While all the other girls express how hot the Los Angeles heat is, Una butts in with one of the most iconic lines of the entire Chasing the Saturdays series. She says to the rest of The Sats, “Jesus, it’s roaaaaastin’ here, my back is drippin’!” Amazing. You can take the girl out of Tipperary etc…
This video
If ever there was a gift, this is it! I shouldn’t spoil the ingenuity of this video with unnecessary words or insignificant observations. Just watch it and let Una Healy entrance you with all the BillyBarryStageSchool exaggeration that we’ve come to love her for.
This video at 3.30, 3.45, 4.44 and again at 6.01
“They quoted me saying I’d cellulite on my boobs. Even if I was 20 stone, I wouldn’t have cellulite on my boobs!”
“It’s so hot in there, I’M SWEATING LIKE A PIG!”
“I had to give myself a forward wedgie. But I was wearing French knickers.”
Mollie (on The Saturdays having to draw a sketch of a naked man): “The downstairs department was out!”
Una (eating a salt and vinegar Walker’s crisp): “And I got GREEEAT attention to detail on that part!”
Her accent
The only accent more distinct and iconic than Una’s is Nadine’s but Una’s accent contrasts so beautifully and hilariously with whatever setting she’s in. Whether she’s in LA talking to Rochelle about Maaaaaaaaarvin, or talking about the weather, Una’s deliciously-pronounced Irish accent is all you need in life.
She actually has the perfect family
Not a word needed.
Her parents
John and Anne. They just look like GAS CRAIC!
Her reaction to Ben’s stripping at his stag
Una’s husband Ben made headlines when he stripped at his stag, but Una just brushed it off and said (it’s necessary to imagine this in her accent and with her exaggeration):
“He’s an eejt like. It’s just what lads do. With a few drinks down ‘em, they think they’re great so they do.” So Irish.
I have a confession to make, this post is billing itself as my favourite AWFUL pop songs, but in reality, these are probably my favourite songs full stop. However, for the purposes of self-preservation (which now seems rather pointless in the face of my revelation) and the feigning of any proper musical taste, I’ve decided to compile a list of the best 5 pop icons flops. From Kim Kardashian to Paris Hilton, sometimes songs are so dreadful that you have to look beyond the ear-ache-inducing clamour and just accept that they are simply genius and iconic.
Jam (Turn It Up) – Kim Kardashian
Not that I am in the business of likening Kim Kardashian’s musical efforts to significant events in Irish history, but when W.B. Yeats wrote of the Irish 1916 Rising that “a terrible beauty is born”, it seems a rather fitting description of Kim Kardashian’s hilarious attempt at singing. Sorry Willy. “I’m goin’ out tonight, it’s goin’ down, headin’ straight to the front of the line”, she mutters in the most deliciously monotone and uninterested voice you’ve ever heard. Watch the above video and try not to acknowledge how monstrously glorious this song really is. Thank you so much Kimberley, this really is a gift.
Stars are Blind – Paris Hilton
Ah, Paris. I remember the day the video for Stars are Blind premiered on MTV way back in 2006. I was 12 and on holidays in Bulgaria with my family. Of course, the only thing on my mind that day was how exactly I was going to see Paris’ debut. So, cunningly, as my family lounged by the pool, I suddenly came over all dizzy and clenched my stomach for dramatic effect. When my mother suggested I go to bed back in the apartment for a few hours, I reluctantly agreed and selflessly told everyone to stay by the pool. “I’ll be fine, I’ll just sleep it off.” Muahahahaha, you fools! As soon as I glided through the door and made some popcorn, I danced forebodingly around the apartment waiting for Paris to come on and wow me with her vocals. And wow me she did. Paris, you were my guilty pleasure in 2006 and in 2013, nothing has changed.
This Groove – Victoria Beckham
2003 marked a pivotal year for the Beckhams and indeed for me. As David signed his deal with Real Madrid, Victoria decided to head back into the studio and this was the beginning of my obsession with them. It was the kind of obsession that makes Directioners and Beliebers look sane. These were the days when Victoria’s D&G obsession was at its height and diamond-encrusted Jacob & Co. watches were synonymous with Posh ‘n’ Becks. When they released their Real Beckhams DVD, detailing David’s move to Spain and Victoria’s vocal exploits, it became a type of Bible for me. The Gospel according to the Beckhams was punctuated by the chimes of Victoria and This Groove is one of my favourites. Ah, it takes me back.
Let Your Head Go – Victoria Beckham *Amazing video alert, just sayin’*
Yes, I know, Victoria gets to appear twice, but I’m not going to lie; I’d fill this post up with her albums if I could. Let Your Head Go was released as a double-A side with This Groove and it’s probably one of Victoria’s best. I don’t mean to fill this paragraph with superlatives, but the video is mind-blowingly brilliant. It sees Victoria playing an exaggerated version of herself, where she tears up clothes and flowers, has nightmares where she sees her head on a crow, as she edges closer to a coveted OBE (remember David had just received one in 2003) and we get to see her being taken away by psychologists as she descends into an imagined madness. Hamlet say whaaah? If you watch one video from this post, make it Let Your Head Go. It will change your life. If you’re unwilling to watch it all (ARE YOU CRAZY??!), then skip to the end, where you can see Victoria sitting on a throne, polishing her crown. And that’s not a euphemism. How amazing is she?!
Insatiable – (KWEEN) Nadine Coyle
Okay, we all know how I feel about Nadine and I’m sure nobody thinks that I truly believe this song is awful or a guilty pleasure. I obviously adore this woman and think she’s flawlessly gifted, but I’m told this song is a dreadful flop (ugh, peasants), so it seems appropriate to include Insatiable as the final tune in this list. Nadine’s ‘exclusive retailing deal with Tesco’ failed to set the charts alight and Insatiable didn’t have the same industry impact as Cheryl’s debut song Fight for This Love did. But, bless, you have to love Nadine for trying. Apparently she recorded most of this song in her bathroom because ‘theeee acooosticks wur beytur’ and surprisingly you can’t even hear the sound of a toilet flushing in the background. Hair flicking, dodgy accents and mediocre marketing: it’s all perfection. Love you long time Nadine.
Nadine is the queen of indifference. Flicking that hair, talking like a transatlantic explosion of brilliance, she just doesn’t give a shit. Take this video for example: as Cheryl worries about looking like a “dickhead”, Nadine just continues to play with her hair and feigns interest. Don’t you love it? This link also further elucidates my point.
Steal the show
Nadine is a notorious show stealer and anytime she has ever been on stage with Girls Aloud, her ad libs are fantastically and hilariously flamboyant, often causing Nicola to give her the odd dirty look.
Embellish the truth
For example: “Date of birth? 15/6/85 making me a Gemini!” or “yes, Cheryl and I still talk and we’re good friends!” Nobody can fully become Nadine Coyle without telling a few porkies!
Literally invent an accent
Nadine swears blind that she can’t fathom why anyone would think her accent is any different to other people from Derry, but there’s no denying that Nadine’s Northern brogue has all the inflections of a Californian princess. The result is a transatlantic twang that manifests itself when Nadine sings, so much so that the exaggeration and show-stealing adds to her iconic persona. Shhh, don’t question it. Click on this link to watch an old Daybreak interview where Nadine is quizzed on her eclectic accent.
Flick your hair
When Nadine released Insatiable (which I obviously adore), she gave a lesson in flicking your hair. She even said that she pulled a muscle from tossing her mane around so ferociously (not a euphemism). It has become her signature dance move and it’s an essential part of her iconic allure.
Judi Dench singing “Send in the Clowns” from Stephen Sondheim’s musical A Little Night Music is the anthem of my study procrastination and an all round ingenious performance. Enjoy.
You’re the ruthless moneymaker and you’ll do practically anything to get to the top, even if it means pimping out your nearest and dearest! Your natural business brain means you know a good opportunity when it comes knocking and more importantly, you know how to exploit it to your own advantage. You’re a charismatic, social and intuitive person but all that is closely followed by a strong lust for attention and money.
Kim
You’re the spoiled, bread-winning, family favourite. Everyone loves you, but not nearly as much as you love yourself. Like Kris, you have a good business brain, but you, at least on the surface, seem more family-orientated and ultimately you follow your heart. You’re a hopeless romantic and act impulsively and this is probably your downfall.
Kourtney
You’re the smart one in the family. You’re the person who doesn’t take any bullshit and family always comes first. When it comes to your career, unlike Kim and Kris, you don’t act totally out of self interest and your business acumen and natural ability is more impressive than theirs, but often gets overshadowed. You’re a leader but your no-nonsense approach can seem cold at times.
Khloe
You’re probably the most genuine person in your family. You’re certainly the most talented and because you always say what’s on your mind, people respect you all the more for it. You’re not always the most confident person but you should be, because you’re a natural people person. You’re funny and caring in equal measure and your personality is one of your best traits.
Kendall and Kyle (obviously if you’re one, you’re also the other and the same story as Kris applies – Jenner etc.)
On the surface, you’re seen as a bubblegum, pampered princess, but people need to realise that you mean business! You may be young and shy, but it’s endearing. Like all the other sisters, you have inherited a propensity to sift out a good business opportunity, but you’re more concerned with living your life one step at a time. You strike a good balance between work and pleasure!
As thousands of red and white feathers descended from the roof of Dublin’s O2 arena on Saturday night (March 16th), Girls Aloud belted out The Promise to a 14,000-strong encore. Nicola, Cheryl, Nadine, Kimberley and Sarah were in town for the Irish date of their Ten tour and as they gave it their all on stage, shimmering in figure-hugging Jessica Rabbit-style gowns, amidst the floating feathers and glitter was an obvious sense of nostalgia and sadness. It was probably one of the last times that these five women would be on stage as Girls Aloud again. Loathe me to say it, but the Ten tour, which was packed from start to finish with crowd-pleasing hits had all the hallmarks of a farewell concert.
Making their way to the stage by descending from the roof, the iconic chimes of Sound of the Underground kicked off proceedings and Nadine’s transatlantic brogue was out in all its fabulous form from the concert’s outset. Split into four acts, the girls revelled in the camp pageantry, as they donned embellished leotards, elaborate feathered headpieces and finally show-stopping ball gowns. The crowd erupted into hysteria and I felt like I was watching my destiny being played out on stage – caught somewhere between the ingenious self-interest of Nadine, the nonchalance of Sarah and the perfection of Cheryl.
The girls sang all their hits – Love Machine, Jump, Biology, Can’t Speak French, and Call the Shots to name but a few, and it wasn’t hard to see that they were having the time of their lives – particularly Nadine, who exaggerated every move and lyric to impeccable faultlessness. I couldn’t help but worship her.
As Cheryl and Co. held hands for the encore, a montage of the girls was projected onto a screen and they sang Stand by You. It was sublime, but it felt like this was them saying goodbye to the end of an era – they were looking back on the last ten years with fondness, but these girls are now women and it’s time to spread those deliciously-OTT pink wings. It was emotional to say the least.
Whatever happens to Girls Aloud after their Ten tour, they have immortalised themselves in musical history. I’m totally unbiased and this is a wholly objective review. (And if you believe that, you’ll believe that Nadine was born on the 15/6/85, making her a Gemini).
If you ask me, the word ‘timeless’ is bandied around far too freely in the fashion world. The term is overused and all-too-readily applied to any garment that has an indefinable quality or an undeniable allure. Very few items deserve or merit the immortality that is so willingly placed upon them, but I don’t think I’m bestowing superfluous or hyperbolic praise on the Trench Coat, when I say that it is one of the few items of clothing that can truly be referred to as ‘timeless’.
The origins of the Trench Coat date back to the late 1800s, with both Burberry and Aquascutum laying claim to its genesis. Undoubtedly, hundreds of years later, it is the former of these brands that has become synonymous with the Trench Coat and while its initial inception was merely borne out of militarian function, the Trench has become one of fashion’s most recreated and loved items, with designer offerings existing alongside more affordable high-street versions. Originally constructed for soldiers, the Trench Coat has permeated popular culture and become a fully-fledged go-to item for millions of men and women all over the world.
Today, the Trench Coat isn’t the reserve of the front-line or even Wall-Street businessmen, but an all-encompassing fashion must-have that looks good on any guy, regardless of age. Amazingly, the design of the Trench Coat has changed very little since its days as part of a functional uniform, with the classic, ten-buttoned, double-breasted coat still being the style’s most prominent example.
The beauty of the Trench Coat really does lay in its versatility and I can’t think of many items that can make an outfit look better than a trench can. Wear with a suit for the ultimate lesson in power-dressing or pair it with a more casual ensemble of jeans and a shirt to let your Trench Coat do all the talking. The devil is in the detailing and Burberry have it covered with their impeccably-designed trenches, with the epaulettes, throat latch, hook and bar, back rain shield and the D-ring on the belt all harking back to the pre-War aesthetic. The Trench Coat is one that was intended for battle and with one of these bad boys on your back, nobody is going to mess with you!
Check out some alternative options to the Burberry Trench below:
Mark Twain once said, “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence in society” and when it comes to the potent power of apparel, the men on our list have enjoyed mighty and stylish reigns as all-round fashion kings. From 50s movie stars to 21st century supermodels, we take a look at some of the century’s best-dressed gents and pay homage to their supreme style.
Steve McQueen
Topping every style icon list, it may be predictable to include Steve McQueen in this line-up, but to leave him out would be nonsensical and frankly blasphemous. The anti-hero of American film has become immortalised as one of the big screen’s best-dressed stars thanks to his rugged and masculine style. A keen motorbike racer, McQueen was at his best in a sports jacket, a classic white t-shirt and denims, paired with aviator shades, but effortlessly made the transition into a slim-fit tailored suit when the occasion called for it. For “The King of Cool”, style was all about purpose, masculinity and the right amount of nonchalance.
David Gandy
Unquestionably, David Gandy is the world’s most influential male model and most likely, he is the best-dressed of the sculpted bunch. Far be it for me to dish out the imperatives, but dare I say; this is how a man should dress! Gandy’s style is utterly timeless. With the cursive masculinity of the old Hollywood greats, combined with his own modern attention to detail, David Gandy is an all-encompassing style aficionado, who couldn’t put a foot wrong if he tried.
Nick Wooster
Nick Wooster is an internet sensation and probably one of the first original street-style icons. The Fashion Advisor for Gilt and Park & Bond favours brands with a heritage or lineage and the idea of the uniform is central to Wooster’s look. For this style king, his Zippo lighter is just as important as a tailored jacket and as the ‘bad ass’ of men’s fashion, Nick Wooster is an undisputed 21st century style icon. He combines classic tailoring with militarism and that impressive moustache to create a distinctly personal and innovative look.
Tom Ford
Tom Ford is one of those annoyingly talented guys. Not only did he save Gucci from bankruptcy, serve as the Creative Director of Yves Saint Laurent, and create a successful eponymous clothing line, but he also directed the stunningly-beautiful, Oscar-nominated movie, A Single Man. Oh and along the way, he cemented his own status as a style icon. Tom has said that he favours classic simplicity and when it comes to his beloved suit, he always wears one that gives him broad shoulders, a fitted waist and long legs. A sartorial success if ever there was one.
James Dean
Striving for originality, just like with Steve McQueen, I tried my best to ignore James Dean, but let’s face it, when something’s good, it’s good and there’s no denying or ignoring it. And James Dean, in all is rebellious goodness is certainly an unavoidable tour-de-force. The impossibly handsome star achieved fame in his short lifetime, but it was only posthumously that Dean was fully recognised as a style sage. The original Rebel Without a Cause epitomised effortless dressing – shedding any superfluous items and keeping his aesthetic minimalist, original and impossibly cool.
Check out this behind the scenes video from Victoria Beckham’s Elle cover shoot!
Looking stunning in Burberry on the March cover of fashion bible Elle, Victoria Beckham tells the magazine about her insecurities, her family dynamic and her work ethic.
On her work ethic:
“It was never my intention to prove anybody wrong. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I don’t have to work, I need to work. All these people [her fellow fashion designers], they’ve not just been given anything. They’ve worked hard. And I’ve never been given anything either. But I have a good work ethic; David has an incredible work ethic. I want my kids to have a good work ethic. I believe you can achieve anything if you work hard enough to get it.
You’ve got to trust people. And because I am a control freak, sometimes that’s difficult for me, because I want to micro-manage absolutely everything. I can’t hand over. But I’m trying to do that more. It’s hard because I have such a specific vision.”
On the Spice Girls and insecurities:
“When I was on stage with the Spice Girls, I thought people were there to see the other four and not me. And when I go out with David and people take pictures I think, ‘They’re here to take David’s picture.”
On her kids:
“You know what they say to me, because I’m not the best cook, although I try really hard? They always say to me, ‘Mummy, we know that the main ingredient in what you make is love’.”
The full interview appears in the March issue of Elle magazine, on sale January 30.
After a mini-sabbatical from blogging, the one and only Nigella Lawson guided me back into the blogosphere by flouncing her perfection over my life and generally elevating my obsession to insanely stratospheric levels.
The 53-year-old self-styled Domestic Goddess is one of four judges on a new ABC cooking reality TV-show called “The Taste” and she has already garnered headlines for refusing to let the network airbrush images of her stomach for their promotional shots.
Writing on her blog, Kitchen Witter, the TV presenter and food writer commented on the issue, saying,
Although it was very thrilling to think of being up on a billboard in LA and around the States, I was very strict and English and told them they weren’t allowed to airbrush my tummy out. Wise? Hmmm. But that tum is the truth and is come by honestly, as my granny would have said.
This just reaffirms my love for this glorious woman. In an industry consumed with unrealistic and often unhealthy portrayals of a warped image of perfection, Nigella is a tour-de-force of self-confidence and a keen promoter of a positive self-image.
Every day we are showered with Photoshopped and altered images of women looking like a bastardised ideal rather than a human being. Nigella’s acceptance of her “tum” isn’t just a stance against this debauched image of beauty, but more importantly it’s an expression of her antipathy towards such falsity and a recognition of what’s important – self-belief and comfort in one’s own skin.
As always Nigella, I love you and look forward to “The Taste.”
