The Final Cut #4: Natalie Portman

Round four of my countdown focuses on one of my most loved actresses - a beautiful little lady with an SNL potty mouth; the Portman. Let's get started.

5. Garden State (2004) - I love this film for the soundtrack as much as anything and the combo of Natalie Portman and Zach Braff is impossible to resist. As I'm sure I've mentioned before, I have trouble separating actors from their characters, so to me Zach Braff will always be J.D./Dorothy/Gladys/whatever other girl name Dr Cox feels like throwing at him that day, but it is very nice to see him in a completely different role. Natalie plays a warm-hearted and likeable character with a penchant for French plaits and telling more than a couple of little lies - she basically represents everything that Zach's character isn't. If you like an atypical romance film, this is probably for you.

4. V for Vendetta (2005) - I love a good action-packed thriller and this one has it all - a creepy mask, Stephen Fry and Natalie's attempt at a British accent. Can we also just take a second to appreciate how good she looks with a shaved head? I mean really, it's just not fair on the rest of us who would most definitely end up resembling Grant Mitchell and not even in a cool Ross Kemp on Gangs way.

3. Darjeeling Limited (2007) - I have a confession; this one is a bit of a cheat. Natalie's actually only in the film for approximately 10 seconds and doesn't have any lines BUT she is in the related short film Hotel Chevalier, and that's on the DVD, so I think it counts. I just wanted to mention Darjeeling Limited while we're here anyway - it's a wonderful film featuring three brilliant actors (Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman) and as with any Wes Anderson film, is visually pretty stunning. If you haven't seen it, give it a go.

2. Black Swan (2010) - I doubt that I need to say much about this because everyone and their Mother has seen it, but it really is a fantastic film. I'm probably the most ungraceful person ever, but after watching it I definitely felt like I should join some kind of ballet company and adopt a black leotard as my everyday look; lucky for the rest of the world, that hasn't happened yet. It's a gripping psychological thriller following Natalie's character as she slowly loses touch with reality and becomes obsessive over playing her dream part. It continually builds and reaches a very dramatic climax at the end!

1. No Strings Attached (2011) - This is probably a controversial choice for the number one spot. I can definitely go for a thought-provoking film when I want to, but there comes a certain time when I just want to watch a good, old-fashioned, harmless romcom. Yes, the plot is predictable and yes, it's pretty much the same film as Friends With Benefits, but I've seen both too many times to count so who cares?! It was very difficult to rank these five films in order so maybe just consider them a collection of favourites rather than a true hierarchy...that way no one can shout at me for putting this at the top of my list mainly due to Ashton Kutcher's face.

If we're talking other films which almost made the cut, I'm afraid that Star Wars Episode 1/2 don't get a look in - I was toying with The Other Boleyn Girl (I love me some Henry VIII) as well as Closer, but I've made my decisions and I'm sticking with them. I love Natalie Portman not only because she's a great actress, but because she always seems like such a nice person...oh and we're also kindred spirits because we're both the height of a twelve year old. Another one to add to my Hollywood bff list!

Blushing

(Shades L-R: Kitten, Peony, Gerbera, Rose, Petunia)

Stila is a brand that I've heard a lot about, but I've never actually had the chance to try any of their products before. It isn't stocked at my local Boots, however on a recent mooch around one of the Manchester stores, I noticed that they had a Stila stand and decided to have a little swatching sesh. 

Their Convertible Colours, which are a cream product to be used on your cheeks or lips as you please, are the thing that seem to stand out for a lot of people. I spotted them straight away and studied them carefully, had a little poke at the (slightly gross & sticky) testers and came to the conclusion that I couldn't actually come to a conclusion at all. I couldn't decide between three of the shades; Peony, Gerbera and Rose. They come in at £16.00 a pop which, for someone who a) can't commit to a decision and b) isn't all that versed in the ways of the cream blush, is pretty pricey. So, I stared at them a little longer until I finally did the sensible thing and walked away empty handed. On the same day, I also queued for twenty minutes in a swelteringly hot Zara to buy a top I didn't really need...but you win some and you lose some, don't you?

It wasn't until I got home that I remembered seeing talk of their Colour Me Pretty palette circulating around Christmas time. After a quick Google search, it turned out that this collection of five shades (including all of the three that I couldn't quite decide between) came in at a grand total of £19.50 - only £3.50 more than a single colour. They are obviously smaller than the full size, however as an introduction to the brand, this is a brilliant buy and pretty ideal for someone like me who has enough trouble deciding what to have for breakfast in the mornings, let alone choosing just one of these beautiful shades. I think they'll be perfect for spring and summer for adding a bit of colour to the cheeks whilst looking extremely natural and providing a pretty, dewy finish.

Southern Eleven, Manchester

Like a lot of people, I'm trying to exercise a bit of restraint after the whole Christmas pig out thing. Generally, it's been going quite well; we have a no doughnut policy at work (yep, that had to be an actual agreement) and the left over sweets and chocolate from December have been hoovered up by the human dustbin, ie. my dad. However, it all went slightly down the pan this weekend. One of the main culprits was a top notch meal from Southern Eleven in Manchester's Spinningfields.

Southern Eleven specialises in the BBQ fare of the deep south. Its founder, James Hitchen, learnt his craft in Tennessee from a guy who goes by the name of 'Dustin the pit boss' (so you know it's gonna be good, right?) before bringing his knowledge back to the UK, starting with a spot at Manchester food and drink festival before opening his restaurant. With such glowing credentials, it's no wonder the food is so incredible. 

I've been to Southern Eleven before, but that didn't make the deliberations over the menu any easier. Eventually I opted for the BBQ slider selection; three mini burgers with pickles, coleslaw and fries. There was a classic beef burger, a brisket burger and a pulled pork burger all served on those light and fluffy brioche buns I can't get enough of! They also had an immense selection of sauces including a cherry bourbon option - I went for BBQ, hot BBQ and BBQ mustard. In case you can't tell, BBQ sauce is essentially my kryptonite; on one morning after a night out, I went to put on the leather jacket I'd worn the evening before to find the arm was encrusted in it - I'd clearly had a bit of a 2 AM craving for chips and the good stuff. Disgusting human being.

One of the other options which I've also had before was 18-hour smoked pulled pork, coleslaw and what can only be described as a delicious cloud of jalepeño corn bread. This stuff is an amazing combination, especially with a side order of parmesan truffle fries...what was that about a January detox?

Then, just because I'm an absolute sucker for a good chocolate brownie, the above happened. I'll try to justify it by saying it was shared, but the ratio was around 75:25 so realistically, it was all for me. It's not often I come across a brownie that has the perfect crisp texture to the outside whilst still having a gooey, fudgey middle, and I make it my mission to sample a good few, but this one hit the nail on the head. It was studded with hazelnuts and served with a raspberry compote and creamy vanilla ice cream. I was absolutely stuffed, but it was so worth it.

Manchester has an abundance of great food on offer and Southern Eleven is no exception. I really can't recommend it enough and with our climate, it's an added bonus that you don't have to hold out until the summer before you get a taste of some BBQ goodness!

The Staples #4: The Non-T-Shirt

Lace Top / Miss Selfridge Striped T-shirt / Cameo Rose Cap Sleeve Top / Topshop Pencil Skirt / Topshop Black Jeans / Topshop Blue Jeans / Topshop Orange Platform Sandals / Office Black and White Platforms / Topshop Metal Trim Slippers / Zara Necklace / Sleek Matte Me in Rioja Red

It's not often you'll hear me talking about t-shirts whilst we're still in temperatures below 10°C, but these aren't just your usual jersey options - these are t-shirts, but not as we know them. In the evening, I like to opt for the 'smart, but not too smart' option, and throwing on a simple, boxy top which can be easily dressed up hits the perfect balance. 

If you're going day-to-night, I'm a big fan of this textured striped tee teamed with your favourite jeans and some black flats. For the day time, I'd layer it underneath a jumper and oversized coat (I'm definitely cold-blooded or something...), then when it hits gin o'clock, whip off the insulation and top it all off with a bold red lip for a laid-back but chic look to rival any wannabe Parisian. 

For something a little more daring, pair a neutral-coloured silky tee with a statement piece like this slightly cray royal blue PVC skirt. If you're going to rock the PVC, chances are you're not afraid of colour - these chunky orange platforms and bright floral necklace come together to create a look which is pretty out there and sure to get you noticed. It might not be for everyone, but as a colour-phobe on a journey of discovery, this kind of colour combination is the ultimate goal! I can't quite decide if the PVC trend is hideous or brilliant, but any interesting texture or vibrant pattern will do - the point is to create a bit of contrast which really makes the simple top into something special.

If you're not quite on cat-woman levels of comfort with PVC, step into my world - the safety zone of all-black everything but with a twist. A lace or sheer panel gives a classic black tee a bit of an edge, then pull on a pair of black jeans or leather look trousers - this Topshop pair is the best of both worlds with a leather front and classic denim back. A final bit of variety comes in the form of a statement shoe and this monochrome leather pair is perfect for injecting something different without going too over the top.

These kinds of tops can be the ideal smart-casual option for the evening and whether you choose something patterned, plain or panelled, they're always a good staple to have on-hand for when you're having a last-minute panic about what to wear. There are times when I can be bothered to spend days planning an outfit and there are times when I just can't, and for those times, open your heart to the non-t-shirt t-shirt!

Look Lively

The beginning of January isn't the most fun time of year - dragging yourself out of bed and doing actual, everyday, functioning things after a week of lie ins and only removing the onesie in order to seek out alcohol is, in a word, hell. I'm tired and grumpy in the mornings and when I wake up it's written all over my face in the form of dark circles the size of Australia. I know I'm not the only one suffering, so here are the products I choose to slap on when I want to fake like I've had a glorious night's sleep...

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Faundation in no. 5 - This provides the best coverage whilst imparting a nice glow on my skin when the only vitamin it has been receiving recently is vitamin T(urkey). I choose this when I'm feeling extravagant, otherwise I got for a cheaper but still much-loved option in the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation.

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Powder - I always top off my foundation with this powder and this really is my absolute favourite. There's something about the office environment which my skin doesn't like - I don't know if it's the air con itself or just the general lack of fresh air, but I usually need a bit of powder to keep the shine at bay. This is so finely milled you literally can't detect it on your skin, and being translucent, it doesn't mess with the colour of your face or give you an oompa loompa edge, which would not be ideal.

Rimmel Blusher in Santa Rose - This peachy pink blush is perfect for adding a nice flush to your cheeks and injecting a little of that colour you may have lost after too many After Eights and not enough veg. The slight shimmer is something which would usually put me off, however it's very subtle and just adds a little highlight and radiance without looking too obvious.  

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla - My eyes are the place you can instantly recognise that I've stayed up later than I should watching one too many episodes of Catfish: The TV Show. I've always struggled to find anything that I think covers my dark circles sufficiently but having heard about this Nars concealer numerous times, I finally invested in it and I'm so pleased that I did. It's incredibly hydrating so it doesn't feel heavy, but despite its formula, the coverage is still amazing - you literally need the tiniest amount. I occasionally pair this with the Seventeen Phoarr Paint in fair underneath, which is quite a thick consistency but makes an ideal base for when I'm really suffering from a lack of shuteye.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Khol Kajal in Nude - It's no secret that a nude or white eyeliner used in your waterline does wonders to brighten up tired eyes. I always reach for this nude offering from Rimmel when I'm looking to cancel out any redness and make me look all in all more awake. One swipe of this bad boy is equivalent to at least another five hours sleep!

Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara - This is my favourite mascara for creating a wide eyed look and its dense black colour is perfect for those of us with fairer lashes. I really do think it makes all the difference, especially when I'm feeling less than well rested (ie. every day).

Sometimes we all need a helping hand to make us feel prepared to face the world and for me, that involves at the very least a little bit of concealer and mascara to make me look slightly more alert and less like all that's going through my mind is what I'm having for my tea. Slap on these little wonders and no-one will be any the wiser!

Thank Haim It's Friday

In case you didn't notice, after what feels like the longest week in the history of the universe since the dawning of time (a.k.a first full week back after Christmas), it's finally Friday. This can mean one of two things: it's time to start the weekend off with a bang, drink away your work-related stresses and revel in the idea of sleeping through the pain tomorrow, or, it's time to don the panda onesie and settle in for a Breaking Bad marathon, complete with unlimited Pepsi Max. I'll leave it up to you to guess which one is reflective of my evening. I've been counting down all week, but unfortunately this also means that ever since I woke up and thought 'YESSS it's Friday', my brain has been reciting Rebecca Black's mind numbingly irritating song at various intervals throughout the day. Just when I thought it was gone, it would rear its ugly head from the depths of my subconscious. The last time this happened, it was down to the Trololo song and it lasted for a good week - ain't nobody got time for that.

So, I'm currently in the process of rectifying this situation the only way I know how - listening to an equally catchy song but one that won't drive me clinically insane. I've been feeling some serious love for Haim's album recently and Save Me is my current favourite track (there's also a fantastic remix here). I'm a big fan of anything with a touch of the '80s so they are right up my street. In fact, I'm actually contemplating growing my hair and trying to pose as a new member, but I'll keep you posted how that goes.  

Book Club #1: The Man Repeller

If you don't read the hilarious blog, The Man Repeller, then you definitely should. When I heard that its founder, Leandra Medine, had written a book of memoirs, I knew I was going to love it, but I didn't anticipate quite how much. I was given the book as a Christmas present and probably read around half of it on the big day, amongst stuffing my face with chocolate/meat/pudding/meat (in that order) and watching Home Alone 2. It was finished within a couple of days and I honestly can't recommend it enough. You're probably wondering what exactly a 'Man Repeller' is, and who better to explain than the woman herself (see this post):

'she who outfits herself in a sartorially offensive mode that may result in repelling members of the opposite sex. Such garments include but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls, shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.'

So you get the picture. The book is entitled Man Repeller: Seeking Love. Finding Overalls. and, as the name suggests, maps Medine's love-life alongside her fashion choices. It begins right at the start with her favourite party dress and first crush, and explores everything from her first internship to her time at university, right up to the success of her blog. Her writing is so incredibly readable and packs more wit and genuinely funny one-liners than I thought possible. Even though Leandra may be a ridiculously cool 24 year old with an even cooler job, that doesn't stop her from being very relatable. As always, she writes as though she's talking to a friend - she isn't afraid to share even the most embarrassing moment and doesn't ever take herself too seriously. As cringey as it sounds, she really is just being her true self and that person is extremely likeable. In fact, I really think we should be friends.

Buy this masterpiece here. DO IT.