Album of the week: Lana Del rey "Ultraviolence"

So anyone that knows me knows just how much I love the ever sultry singer Lana Del Rey and how much I have been anticipating her third album titled "Ultraviolence", which was released just earlier this week.

Like most people, Lana first came to my attention when she burst into the pop world with her beautiful raspy vocals on her smash hit second album, "Born to Die". As a massive fan of the old/vintage Hollywood style that Lana incorporated into her cinematic styled videos I was immediately enthralled by this new talent. Not to mention Lana's voice is one of the most haunting I have heard for a while and quite frankly cannot be compared with any other artist on the scene right now.

2012's "Born to Die" was an album of Siren songs about a dream unfulfilled and had an idea of 1950's romanticism. "Ultraviolence" still sees Lana use her hauntingly raspy vocals to portray her gloomy, depressing lyrics but this album also portrays Lana's more absorbing and matured music as "Ultraviolence" sees the singer move away from the pop friendly tracks that you heard on "Born to die" and shed her Lolita image as it embraces a much more darker and menacing atmosphere and lyrics......and it works perfectly.

The tone and atmosphere is pretty much set as the album opens with "Cruel World" which is a slow six and a half minutes where Del Rey dances on the funeral of a relationship as she sings "I shared my body and my mind with you. That's all over now. I did what I had to do. I found another anyhow". Her soft voice croons over a slow thumping beat.

From there on the album takes on a much more dramatic production than "Born to Die" could ever live up to, with songs such as the title track "Ultraviolent" which is about an abusive relationship with Lana singing softly and sadly "He hit me and it felt like a kiss". Yes of course the subject of violence within a relationship makes you twinge but overall this song is probably one of the best tracks on the album as it is well produced in the way it is smart yet also tragic as Del Rey sings "I can hear violins. I can hear sirens".

Another track which in my opinion is a pivotal moment for Lana embracing her more darker side is "Sad Girl" as the opening lyrics to the song are "Being a mistress on the side it might not appeal to fools like you" shows Lana unapologetic for taking on a married man and effectively portrays what she thinks of women who don't agree with her.

Overall I personally feel as though Lana Del rey has created an absolute cinematic masterpiece of an album. It's not your average pop album that will be released on the market and that makes Lana stand out from the rest of her peers within the pop industry at the moment.

Vocally and lyrically I feel as though this is an accomplished piece of work for Lana Del Rey as her already powerful voice reaches notable highs and also reaches impressive lows throughout the whole album.

Another factor that makes "Ultraviolence" so good is that it is a brave, unapologetic and intense album that features very few radio friendly tracks and this is what the music industry has been missing for quite some time right now. A female artist to come along and not be afraid of who she is and embrace her darker nature without feeling the need to sugar coat any of her gloomy lyrics to appeal to appeal to a wider audience. "Ultraviolence" is a punch at her critics who shrugged of her work without recognizing her talent, and she feels no remorse. "Ultraviolent" also sees Lana finally recognise who she is as an artist and become more comfortable within her own skin and the whole album feels like her own honest American dream.

Overall rating: 9/10

Loved tracks: Cruel world, Ultraviolence, West coast, sad girl, fucked my way to the top.

End of term Fashion Show: "Noble Savage" Jacket and Skirt.

So as of Monday this week I have successfully completed and passed my 2 year HND: fashion Design with production & retail at Fife college! It's been an extremely tough two years but I have enjoyed every moment of the course, meeting fabulous new friends and realizing where I want to be in the fashion industry after I have finished my degree at university.

So as I have now completed my HND our Business class and the creative students of the course had an end of term Fashion show just last Thursday, where all of us students got to show of our designs that we had been working on for the last few months. 

My Jacket and Skirt creation was adapted from my Designing and producing fashion garments project that I had been working on since the start of my second year. I named my project/collection "Noble Savage" as my collection was influenced by the amazon Rainforest and the indigenous tribes that lived within the amazon that have been completely unconnected to modern civilization. One of the main influences was the book "Noble Savages: my life among two dangerous tribes the Yanomamo and the anthropologists" by Naopoleon A. Chagnon, who disproved the theory, after spending over 30 years with the yanomamo tribe, that indigenous tribes live in peace and also raised questions about our own humanity. The book itself is a fascinating read and for those who are not familiar with Napoleon and the controversies that surrounded his work, this book provides brilliant insight into his work with the Yanomamo tribe and also the controversy that surrounded his work.

To represent the "Natural" theme of the amazonian rain forest, I used a load of natural man made fabrics. As you can see from my Jacket and Skirt creation I my two main fabrics that I have used are Leather and Army print cotton. In Particular the leather was used to represent the oil spillage within the amazon and other rainforests, which is threatening all life force within these beautiful areas. 

Overall I was extremely proud of the way my design turned out and see it modeled in my Graduate fashion show was a brilliant ending to an extremely educating and fabulous two years that I spent at my college.

Coloured/Working Drawing

Final Jacket & Skirt Design  

Much love, Rachel Couture xoxo

Foxes: Style Icon & Artist of the moment

So I have been listening to the beautiful album "Glorious" by the super talented Foxes on repeat these last few weeks and I have to admit that I have become obsessed with this talented young lady and her sultry fashion sense and lyrics.

The first time I had heard foxes magnificent voice was on Fall Out boy's "one more yesterday" from their latest record "Save Rock and Roll" and from that moment I was instantly hooked by this new and enchanting voice. As a massive music enthusiast I am always looking for new artists that I can add to my playlist and Foxes was instantly added.

After first hearing her I came across the debut album "Glorious" and I was overcome by how talented and beautiful this album was. It's mash up of futuristic beats and lush melodies that highlight Foxes, real name Louisa Rose Allen, ethereal voice. "Glorious" was the kind of anthemic pop album that I had been waiting for, for a very long time.

Okay so not only am I in love with her music, I am also a massive fan of Foxes retro fashion style. It's always a plus in my book when an artist that I really love has a good sense of fashion and this is where Foxes again ticks all the right boxes for me. The blend of 60's femininity with a tomboyishness reflects her music, it's a complete mash up which shouldn't work, but in Foxes case, It works extremely well and reflects everything about her. Foxes fashion is like the effortless girl next door and she describes her fashion style as "A mix of vintage with high street"....A girl after my own fashion loving heart.

So if your a music and fashion enthusiast like me then I'd recommend that you check out Foxes, you truly won't be dissapointed. This is one lady who has a truly raw talent for what she does and her debut "Glorious" will be the soundtrack to my 2014 summer.

The Tonics Present "Dress to impress" charity fashion show.

Good evening ladies,

So as you all know I am a fashion Business student, well I just thought to to let you all know that if you love fashion and great night outs, that me and my College girls are hosting a "Dress to impress" ladies night fashion show at our St Brycedale Campus in Kirkaldy this Friday that is in association with Style Conscience in Markinch.

Style Conscience is Fife's premier dress agency that specializes in quality pre - owned clothing, shoes & accessories that range from M&S to Mulberry and where you can get the "Look for less". The Tonics Charity fashion show will be revealing Style Conscience's brilliant stock of designer & leading fashion brands for this Spring/Summer 2014.  

It's sure to be a brilliant night out for all you ladies who are looking to let your hair down and have a great night that will include exclusive pop up shops and fantastic prizes to be won throughout the night and all of the proceedings go to a fantastic charity, Maggie's Fife.

Tickets are just £10 per lady and if you need to know anymore details or if you'd like to purchase a ticket for this fabulous night please contact thetonics@hotmail.co.uk and like us on facebook for more details about this Exclusive night out!

Urban Outfitters brings back 90's Grunge with revived Betsey Johnson dresses

So it's no secret that 90's grunge has been a massive trend for this Spring/Summer season and I for one have always been a massive fan of the grunge decade, so of course I was extremely ecstatic to hear that one of my favourite high street store's, Urban Outfitters, has replicated the much loved fashion decade with a collaboration with Betsey Johnson.

This collaboration between Urban Outfitters and Betsey Johnson is completely unlike anything that has been on the high street for a long time now. It's a mix match grunge awesomeness that has been crafted into eight exclusive styles for the collection Betsey Johnson Vintage for Urban outfitters. The dresses are mostly a sheer, floaty fabric with washed out floral prints and ruffles. Teamed with black bomber jackets, over sized shirts, biker boots & of course messy girly hair gives you the cool 90's kid look again

Now alright, I am technically a 90's kid. I mean I was born in 1993 but it doesn't really count because I always wanted to be a teenager in the 90's and with this new collection I will be able to relive the much missed fashion era which is extremely exciting for me, so of course I know where I will be heading next time I am in town!

I think the great thing about the new Betsey Johnson collection is is replica's of the fashion that you try to buy from ebay these days and can very rarely get your hands anymore. One thing I have to say is if you want to bring back the 90's, Urban Outfitters have gone down the right path with Betsey Johnson.

Lush goodies & Skin care.....

So just the other day there I had a fabulous day out in Glasgow visiting my big sister and I had some money to spare, (Being a student, that is an absolute blessing!) so I decided that I needed some new skin care products and good bath bombs since I had been running out and with the cold weather that we had been having over here in Britain my skin tends to get sore & dry which can be a nightmare! So of course I visited Lush, seeing as the place has been a save haven for me and my skin in recent years. One thing that I love about Lush is the brilliant customer service, every time I go in one of their stores one of the staff members always asks me if I need any help and take their time out to figure what would be the best products for my skin & what would be the best products that I would enjoy.

At this particular visit I was looking for a couple of different products that work really well for my dry skin and keep it moisturized and fresh looking as well as a few bath bombs and I must admit like usual I am always given the best advice and shown the best products. After about an hour of being in the store I finally had a basket full of new lush goodies that I couldn't wait to try out. Check out my basket;

King of skin

Now this little goodie was recommended to me by one of the store assistants for my dry skin and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by how good it has turned out to be, seeing as it is a new product I had never tried before. The sales assistant tried this lovely solid body bar on me in the store so I could check out the results and I fell in love, after just one simple use my skin was extremely smooth and soft! If anyone is like me and suffers from dry skin or if your just looking for a moisturizer buy the king of Skin. Made with bananas, avocados, oat milk and lavender it softens the skin in just one wash. Just hop in the shower (or bath) and smooth this body bar onto your wet skin then towel off to dry and you'll notice how royally soft your skin will become. 

Skin's Shangri La 

Now this was another new product for me that I had never tried before. Come to think of it I don't think I had ever bought a moisturizer from Lush before now. For my skin I usually buy rose water moisturizer but I had ran out and I needed a change. When I bought the Skin's Shangri La I must admit I did not expect it to be as thick as it was seeing as I am used to the more thin moisturizers to tame my skin. However after the first use my skin was much smoother than it had been before. This Moisturizer has also been a blessing for me when the cold weather hits and my skin gets really dry. With the wheatgrass infusion my skin is completely rejuvenated with a healthy glow. Also I have heard that this product is good for fine lines & wrinkles!, I may be only 20 but you've got to start early, right? ;). (Top tip!, Use this product with A breath of fresh air facial toner from Lush from extra smooth and healthy looking skin)

BB seaweed Face mask

 

Now this face mask is hands down one of the best products I have ever invested in from Lush. I have tried other face masks before and have never been dissapointed, they are all exceptional for any skin type! but this little beauty is an absolute must for my dry skin and to make my skin look more healthy. I originally used to use the Oatifix face mask, which was brilliant at making my skin soft! but I always found it rather hard to apply with all the oats getting everywhere so I decided to try out a new face mask. This face mask was recommended to me at a time when my skin was really sensitive, dry and breaking out in dry patches and I have to tell you that I have never looked back since. It's become a must have for me every time I shop there. The BB seaweed face mask instantly soothes the skin when it is applied, even if you have sensitive skin! If your anything like me when your skin becomes super sensitive anything you apply hurts, but not this face mask. Also with it's huge 7 pounds of seaweed, (yeah 7 pounds!) your skin is well nourished. Not to mention the gentle exfoliation from the softly ground almonds and the aloe vera gel and rose oil really tones the redness in my skin. Honestly this is a favourite product of mine and if you ever get dry/sensitive skin you should try the bb seaweed face mask.  

Dreamtime Bath melt 

So this Dreamtime bath melt was another new investment for me from Lush. I had never used a bath melt before and honestly I had never been tempted to try one out, I know it sounds awful but I always stuck to the bath bombs as I absolutely love them! Now I regularly suffer from sleepless nights and insomnia so I always look for a good sleep inducing bath bomb but the sales assistant told me about their bath melts which she said can sometimes be much better than the bath bombs. In particular she showed me the Dreamtime bath melt which she described as a herbal sleep inducer from the scent. Now this caught my attention, natural sleep remedies are usually brilliant for me so I knew I had to try this out. I am not going to lie and I know this might sound really stupid but since this was my first ever bath melt I was confused as to how to use it! I didn't want to waste the product so I had to youtube it! Once my bath was run I dropped this bath melt in and waited for it to dissolve. As it was dissolving I knew why everyone says the secret lies within the scent. I was instantly hit with the relaxing smell of jasmine, lavender, chamomile & Sandalwood, it was like slipping into one of the most relaxing baths I have ever been in. Also plus point for the cocoa butter that this bath melt is made with, making my skin super soft once I was finished! 

So like usual I always come out of Lush with a brilliant product that never fails to disappoint me. However I have to give the most special mention to the new King of Skin body butter bar. I was really glad when the sales assistant told me to try it out, it is definitely one of the best products for my skin! Next time you are in Lush, you should really try this product out. You won't be dissapointed. 

Academy awards 2014: Best Dressed, who won and....Selfies?

Last night it was the 86th Academy Awards and if your anything like me, then this was an extremely exciting event. Why? Well as a fashion enthusiast the Oscars is the place where the celebrities choice of fashion on the red carpet can generate the same amount of buzz as the Academy awards themselves. Make the wrong choice and that decision will haunt you for the rest of your life. I am also a massive movie junkie, if that hadn't already come across so the Annual Academy year awards are like heaven to me and I have to admit this year was one of the best for many reasons; Ellen DeGeneres was a fantastic host, probably the best, the fashion was absolutely outstanding but when is it never?

Best dressed 

So like usual at the Oscars everybody was at the top of their game when it came to their fashion choices which makes it even harder for me to decide who was the best dresses so I'll stick to the few who really caught my eye.

1. Jennifer Lawrence

Of course the ever stunning Jennifer Lawrence was going to make it into my best dressed list, I mean she always has extremely elegant taste when it comes to her fashion and this stunning Scarlett red Dior gown suited her perfectly.

2. Kate Hudson

Okay if I have to choose who was the best dressed overall at last nights oscars, my award would go to the ever lovely Kate Hudson. She shone on the red carpet like a star in the most beautiful Atelier Versace gown that evoked the old Hollywood Glamour. This cleavage baring beaded gown was the ultimate winner for me, it accentuated Kate's curves perfectly and it also paired well with her light blonde hair and pale complexion. Ultimate winner of the night, she was just stunning!

3. Lupita Nyong'o

The absolutely gorgeous Lupita has already been hailed as the queen of the Red Carpet last night but of course I had to mention her in my best dressed list. The best supporting actress winner was the picture of grace last night in this beautiful floor length powder blue Prada gown. Teamed with a plunging neckline, minimal accessories and a simple hairband made the Oscar winner look extremely fresh and stunning.

Winners and Nominee's

Of course we can't be forgetting what the Academy Awards are all about; Honoring some of the greatest talents within the film industry. As I have already said I am a massive film enthusiast so when the actual Academy awards begin underway I always feel a little nervous. It seems silly because I am not nominated but I always get on the edge of my seat wondering what name will be read out of the prestigious card that is held in the presenters grasp.

As always when the winners are read out you are never truly disappointed because every nominee in each category is worthy and I always feel immensely proud of the winner of the coveted statue in each category. Here are some of the winners of last night.

Matthew McConaughey  - Best actor in a leading role

There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that Matthew was going to walk away with the Best actor academy award. I had to admit that he was up against tough competition this year but ultimately he was absolutely deserving of his Oscar win. This was his first nomination and it has been a magnificent transformation for the once rom - com actor who has become the most in demand actors in the past year thanks to his stunning performances in films such as Mud, Magic Mike, Killer Joe, The Lincoln Lawyer and of course his Academy Award winning performance In Dallas Buyers club. I have not yet seen the film but I really want to, even from the clips and trailers that I have seen Matthew looks at his ultimate best and I am thoroughly proud of how far he has come in his career.

Jared Leto - Best Actor in a supporting role.

Out of all the nominations I can admit that I was not shocked that Jared Leto walked away with the Best supporting actor Oscar. Of course I have said that I am yet to see this film but he and McConaughey have garnered enough critical acclaim for their performances In the Dallas Buyers club, especially Leto who plays a HIV positive transgender woman. When I first heard about the film it was Leto's involvement that intrigued me, seeing as this is a completely different role for him to take on and it was the main reason for me to want to see this film. All in all a completely deserving win!. Not to mention his ombre hair is absolutely fabulous!.

Lupita Nyong'o - Best Actress In a leading role.

Every year there is always a standout contender and too me that was the winner of the Best supporting actress oscar, Lupita Nyong'o. Nyong'o gave the most spellbinding performance in the critically acclaimed drama "12 years a slave" and she certainly was the standout winner among the rest of the nominee's. Not only was she truly magnificent she had some extremely memorable scenes, for example the harrowing flogging scene? I just couldn't have pictured this award going to anyone better.

Films: Gravity and 12 years a slave 

Every film that was nominated were truly exceptional but of course in my opinion the truly best films were the ones that dominated the ceremony. "Gravity" was a visually stunning film that had me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole showing and was the winner of the 86th Academy Awards with 7 wins and it was absolutely deserving as it truly was a remarkable film!.

Also "12 years a slave" walked away with the Prestigious best picture Oscar and I was truly happy. This was one film that will always stick with me, it was truly a masterpiece and Steve McQueen couldn't have made a better film that made me cry but also made me think of hope at the same time. It has been a while since a film really hit me but "12 years a slave" was such a magnificent film about humanity and prejudice and to me each actor gave the performance of a lifetime.

The year of the best Selfies and pizza

What really made me laugh about this years academy awards was the truly remarkable host, Ellen DeGeneres. With wit and humor she has been the best host of the Academy Awards so far, not to mention how she started "Selfie Mania" at this years academy awards. Once Ellen got started everyone was in on the game. From Matthew Mcgonaughey and Jared Leto to Emma Watson and Joseph - Gordon Levitt. Not to mention the ultimate selfie of the year goes to Ellen and a host of celebrities at the event. Not to mention this picture set the internet into meltdown.

 Also we can't forget that Ellen just decided to ask the crowd if they were hungry and if she was to order Pizza who would eat it? The funny thing is she actually did and there was this pizza man walking about the Oscars with Pizza boxes!, What I wouldn't have given to have been a Pizza delivery person at that moment. I mean, how awesome can you get?

So overall the 86th Academy Awards were another year of great wins, fashion and Ellen DeGeneres. I always have to mention her because she is just brilliant and pretty much owned the show as a host! But I look forward to another year to pass by of Great films and talent that make me smile, laugh and cry. The academy awards will always be my favorite event of the year and maybe one day I can be there to see it all happening in person.