Tuesday 30 October 2012

HerUni: The Halloween Special - Watch And Listen

If you are all partied out for Halloween this year, why not gather your friends and have a scary night in on Wednesday? Grab the popcorn, spooky sweets, crisps and chocolate and prepare yourselves for a night of fright. You can still dress up in blood and gore if you want to in order to make the night even freakier, and follow this guide to the films, music, and TV shows to make sure you don’t get a wink of sleep this Halloween.
 
Film
 
Rasha Touqan has a more in-depth guide of films to watch here. However, I am still going to share with you some of the classics (which I actually had to study during A Level Film Studies).
 
Halloween (1978)
 
 
It seems an obvious choice with the name of the film having the same name of the holiday and all, but it is a classic horror movie. Michael Myers is sent to a mental home at the tender age of six after slaughtering his own sister on Halloween 1963 in Haddonfield, IL. Fifteen years later, he escapes and makes his way back home. His psychiatrist, Dr Loomis, rushes ahead to Haddonfield to warn the police of his return, whilst Myers comes across a teenage studious girl, Laurie Strode. He starts following her and her two friends around the town. As her two best friends make Halloween party plans, Laurie takes on two babysitting jobs for All Hallows Eve – one of them being her friends – and attempts to study. It is obvious who will survive in this story, but be prepared for some old school frights with a twisted ending that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
 
Scream (1996)
 
 
With the unlikely kill of a famous actress (Drew Barrymore) at the beginning of the film, you know you are in for a roller-coaster ride with this one. It is the start of a new sub-genre for horror: the slasher. A new killer is on the loose in Woodsboro with the nickname ‘Ghost Face’ due to that iconic mask and black cloak for an outfit. The media circulates throughout the town, and everybody is a suspect, especially in the local high school. A teenager girl, Sidney Prescott is at the centre of this story with the back story of having experienced somebody murdering her mother. This story is also intertwined in the ongoings of the ‘Ghost Face’ murders. With comic scenes combined with a lot of blood, it is a game of Guess Who? along with that familiar gruesome question: “What’s your favourite scary movie?” This film also brings in the conventions of the horror genre, as the teenagers try to beat the outcome of this murder spree.
 
The Exorcist (1973)
 
 
Everybody has heard of this film. My cousin first watched it when she was nine. Safe to say, she had nightmares for weeks. I’d always avoided watching this one, until Year 13 when, in Film class, I had to study it. I was horrified. I didn’t think I could watch it. It turned out, it was more the suspense part, and not actually seeing the little girl twisting her head in a full 360 degree circle, that was the worst. Some of the actual exorcism parts were quite funny. When the film first came out, it was banned, for obvious reasons. A little girl becomes possessed by a demonic force, and her mother tries everything to get rid of this demon. Regan, the young girl, suffers a lot of horrific injuries because of the demon living inside of her, and the priest does too. Prepare yourselves for a series of creepy scenes with a demonic voice coming out of Regan’s mouth swearing profusely, It still gives me the shivers, and I will never be watching it again.
 
Antichrist (2009)
 
 
This film is not the conventional horror, but the horror of what humans are capable of. The story opens with a husband and wife having sex in the bathroom (very visual!) whilst their young son climbs out of his crib and falls out of his bedroom window. The woman is beside herself with grief, and after spending a substantial amount of time in the hospital, her husband, a psychiatrist (like her) decides they should take a trip to their cabin in the woods named ‘Eden’. Here is where the darkness of nature is unleashed. This is a psychological horror with plenty of bloodshed. Some parts you will not want to watch as things turn sour between the couple.
 
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
 
 
This is a classic Tim Burton film, one which combines two of the best times of the year: Halloween and Christmas. In this film there are towns for different times of the year. Jack Skellington is the king of Halloweentown, where everything is gruesome and scary. He has all he ever wanted, or so he thought. Unlike his people, Jack wishes for more than just darkness, witches and pumpkins. He wants to celebrate something else for a change. This is when he stumbles across Santa and Christmastown. He doesn’t understand the concept of snow, elves, constant happy faces and a fat man dressed in red. He tries to become Santa himself. Enjoy the ride with musical classics such as ‘This Is Halloween’ and ‘Kidnap Mr Sandy Claws’.
 
The Corpse Bride (2005)
 
 
Starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, this Tim Burton classic tells the tale of a shy groom who messes up his vows during the practise of his wedding to a woman who he immediately falls in love with. Full of shame, he runs out into the woods to try and practice. He says everything perfectly but, by accident, puts the wedding ring on the finger of a corpse bride who was robbed and left for dead. All she ever wanted was the perfect wedding, and to be a perfect bride. Victor (Depp) tries to explain that it was all a mistake, but the bride does not listen and drags him to the land of the dead. Victor agrees to marry the bride as he sees no other option after his true love has been told to marry another. The dead come to the land of the living for the biggest wedding ever. Funny, heartfelt, loving moments make up this film, and one not to be missed.
 
The last two are for those of you out there who are wimps when it comes to horror movies like me!
 
Television
 
Vampires
 
The Vampire Diaries (2009 – present)
 
 
Based on the books by L.J. Smith, this American show is about Elena, a human girl, torn between two vampire brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvitore. Mystic Falls attracts all kinds of supernatural attention including vampires, werewolves, witches, doppelgangers, hybrids and slayers of all kinds. At some point, all the human protagonist turn into something more, whether it’s a hybrid, or a human blood bank. If you loved Twilight, you’ll love this even more! If I am honest, it was a lot scarier during the first season when Damon was a threat. The fright factor has died down a bit now, but I still love it, and it has all the ingredients for the perfect recipe for Halloween television.
 
True Blood (2008 – present)
 
 
I would say this is probably the vampire TV show for grown ups. The fright factor, blood gushing and the like with sex. I have never seen this programme myself (or read the books!) but both are highly recommended by friends. In this series – unlike others – it is a time where vampires have been integrated into the land of the living. The story centres on waitress, Stookie Stackhouse, who knows what is like to be an outcast as she has been gifted (or cursed?) with the ability of listening to people’s thoughts. She is open-minded when it comes to this new integration, especially when that involves a 173 year old vampire named Bill Compton. This, surely, will be the scarier edition of The Vampire Diaries.
 
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997 – 2003)
 
 
Take a trip back in time to your childhood. Do you remember watching mini Sarah Michelle Gellar kick ass of roaming vampires? I never did. I dipped in and out of watching this show, never really ‘getting it’. Buffy is the ‘Chosen One’, forced to slay vampires and other demonic creatures instead of living the normal American high school life of homework, boys, and cheer-leading. Buffy’s close friends become powerful in some way or another and are able to aid Buffy in killing each seasons ‘Big Baddy’. There is even a musical episode. What other television show about vampires is offering that?
 
The Walking Dead (2010 – present)
 
 
This centres on Rick Grimes, a former police officer who has been in a coma for several months after being shot whilst on duty. When he wakes, he finds a world that has been taken over by zombies. This is not only the typical ‘must kill all the zombies’ telly; his wife and son are missing, and the only thing he wants to do, is find them, and somehow save them. He finds various humans on the way. They help each other, and try to fight off the zombies as best as they can. Prepare for jumpy scenes, horrific faces and stomach-clenching moments right from the first episode.
 
Supernatural (2005 – present)
 
 
A hit TV show starring two very sexy men. Girls, surely this is a good enough reason to watch it! Sam and Dean are brothers whose father raised them to hunt and banish every demon they come across. When the brothers were young, their mother was killed by a demon; something Sam and Dean’s father never got over. After 22 years, the brothers set out on a journey, ultimately to find their lost father, and get rid of all things demonic. A show about ghosts, demons, ghosts of demons, and in later seasons, things become even more twisted.
 
Dexter (2006 – present)
 
 
This centres on a man named Dexter, who is seemingly a normal criminalist for the police: a blood spatter pattern expert for the Miami Metropolitan Police. He should be an expert on blood considering that after hours, he is a serial killer. This is an excellent example of leading a double life. However, Dexter doesn’t just kill anybody because that would go against moral code. Instead, he kills specific people who live in certain ways aka, in his eyes, they do not deserve to live at all. This is something for people who love a good murder, and solving it.
 
CSI (2000 – present)
 
 
CSI is one of my favourite shows. It always has been since I started watching it with my Mum some years ago. I love the way all the CSI’s intricately tear apart the evidence and put it all together to point at one person. It is always interesting to know the reason why somebody murders the victim in cold blood. That is the great thing about CSI; every episode, there is an explanation as to why ‘x’ person was killed. There are three CSI programmes; the original, Las Vegas, and two others: Miami and New York. Solving murders is not only these persons job, but their passion in life. They crave the knowledge of knowing how and why. An easy watch and, if you’re like me, you’ll be guessing the murderer from the beginning.
 
Pretty Little Liars (2010 – present)
 
 
I have become obsessed with this programme! Centered in the small, manicured town of Roosevelt, don’t believe a girl with a pretty face: they all lie. There was a ring of five best friends with Alison DeLaurentis as the ring leader aka biggest bitch ever at the age of fifteen. Alison liked to know everyone’s dirty little secrets, especially those of her friends: Aria, Hanna, Emily and Spencer. Alison goes missing and a year later she turns up dead, murdered. After a year apart, the four girls are thrown back together by ‘A’, a mysterious person who keeps messaging the four girls. ‘A’ knows all their dirty secrets and promises to out them unless they do everything A says. The girls need to know who ‘A’ is, and they need to know who Alison’s killer is. It is nail biting, and it certainly keeps you at the edge of your seat.
 
Music
 
Michael Jackson: Thriller. This classic from the King of Pop himself must be at the top of your playlist!
 
 
Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. Especially the song ‘This is Halloween’.
 
Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack is enough to put good feeling shivers down the back of your spine. It is one of those films that you love even though you don’t know why. The wacky song ‘Time Warp’ will be played at some point during the day.
 
 
Ray Parker, Jr: Ghostbusters. A song that every adult and child knows by heart. This gives the fun factor at your Halloween party.
 
 
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins: I Put A Spell On You. I prefer the Hocus Pocus soundtrack myself.
 
 
AC/DC: Highway To Hell. A classic rock anthem to get the air guitars going later on during the night.
 
The Rolling Stones: Sympathy for the Devil. Another rock classic.
 
Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers: Monster Mash. I don’t really know what to say about this one.
 
Metallica: Enter Sandman. Keep the air guitars out for this one too.
 
Warren Zevon: Werewolves of London. A song about werewolves is enough to put on your Halloween playlist.
 
Rihanna: Disturbia. A wacky song by the pop star herself. She’s in a mental prison of some kind in the video, and it has spooky noises in the background.
 
 

Saturday 27 October 2012

Long Hair Problems

I love my long hair. I have always loved having long hair. I still want longer hair. But, I NEED a haircut ASAP! All I want is more layers, and a couple (?!) of inches off the bottom. The worst thing is, is that I have to wait 61 days until my next hair appointment! You're probably thinking, why don't you just go to a local hairdressers in Spain? NO! They might cut a load of my hair off! And then I'd cry myself to sleep every single night until it grew back longer. I once cried myself to sleep about how short my hair was and it miraculously grew back the next day. Weird.
 



 
Sorry some are a bit blurry.
 
So, not only am I counting down the days until I go home, Christmas Day, New Years Eve etc., I am counting down the days until I can get some life thrown back into my hair! At least it'll be ready for the party season.
 
 

Friday 26 October 2012

Topshop Turns Spooky

This is yet another Halloween post. I am going all out this year because I have come to love the entirety of it; the dressing up, the pretending to be someone else, the spooky music, scary films (not so much because I hate horrors!) and the decorations. I wish Britain was a little more like America in this way as they go all out for Halloween!

This post is Topshop crazy, as is the majority of my fashion & style posts!

 
As always, I would love to buy every single item on this inspiration board, and the one below! 
 
 
It's true that we all like to dress up as something completely different for the Halloween weekend, Halloween party or Halloween night out. But, during the day, we don't really think about it. It is just another day in the office/classroom/home etc. Why not this year, take some inspiration from Topshop? Wear black lace, black nail varnish, black accessories during the day to get into the spirit!
 
Black is back.
 
Shop the Little Shop Of Horrors here.
 
Look out for even more Halloween related posts very soon.
 

My First Glipho

After writing my Halloween post This Is Halloween, a community blog, Glipho, asked me to write on their blog, so I thought why not? I was watching Revenge and I offered to review the show.
 
It is another writing platform which is a great thing right now. I keep making promises and more lists of writing pieces that I just haven't gotten around to, mainly because of my new obsession with Pretty Little Liars. I will most likely write a review about the whole two and a half seasons that I have watched (in less than a week). It is safe to safe that I am obsessed.
 
Onto the article...
 
Sexy, vengeful, dark, thrilling, Revenge is back for another season of suspense, lies, deceit and murder. If you haven't heard of it yet, where have you been for the past year? And, if you haven't seen it yet, get on 4oD right now!
 
Amanda Clarke's father was wrongly prosecuted for a crime he didn't commit. As a little girl, he was all she had left in the world, and he was taken away from her, locked up, and later, murdered, but never forgotten. David Clarke left his daughter a box, a box with their symbol carved into the lid: infinity. In this box was clues to what really happened: multiple diaries, pictures of Amanda as a child, and one other photograph. It was a photograph of all those who had conspired against David Clarke, a hit list. It was, and still is, Amanda Clarke's road to revenge.
 
During Season One, you meet Amanda Clarke as Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp), having exchanged identities with her Juvenile's cell mate. To everyone else, Emily Thorne is the new arrival in the Hamptons, renting David Clarke's old place. To the community, she is the beautiful, sweet, successful blond who moved in next door to Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe), Queen Bee of the Hamptons, and the woman of David Clarke's passionate affair. Emily Thorne is just that, a thorn in the midst of Victoria's perfect rose garden. Victoria knows that there is something not quite right with this newcomer, but that does not stop her son Daniel from falling in love with this stranger, and eventually asking her hand in marriage.
 
Season One is full of drama, the kind that would make your life seem exciting from the outside, but to the characters of Revenge, it is a massive ball of tangled spiderwebs, and it is hard to tell who are the flies, and who are the spiders.
 
The first season ends with an explosion of a cliffhanger, forcing it's fans to wait impatiently for Season Two. The first episode opens with the aftermath of Season One. The main storyline consists of the true Amanda Clarke searching for answers to her mother's disappearance. She has believed for the past twenty years that her mother was dead. Queue flashbacks to a younger Amanda Clarke who we have not seen before: truly happy with both parents at her side. The last Amanda Clarke knows of her mother is when she was strapped down in a hospital bed, crying because she cannot hold her daughter, and eventually being sedated.
 
It seems that - as everything in Emily Thorne's life - Victoria has something to do with the disappearance of her mother, as did her father's murderer. Confused? So was I. Let's just say, in this programme, there is a lot to take in, and you have to keep up with the actions of the characters. Otherwise, you will truly be lost.
 
There are more characters this time around. There is a new hunk of a man. It turns out he used to be more involved with Amanda Clarke than you first imagine. He is up to no good, but we like that in a gorgeous new character. It adds more of a mystery.
 
People are dating other people. For example, a true shocker, Daniel (Emily's ex fiancé) and Ashley (Victoria's P.A/Emily's best friend) are now dating. First of all, what is Ashley thinking? Where are her priorities? Second of all, Emily seems happy for them. She has bigger things on her mind. Nolan's work colleagues come into the picture a little bit more, creating a possible love story for Emily Thorne's sidekick/technical genius/best friend (although they never admit it).
 
A baby bump aka the real Emily Thorne's/fake Amanda Clarke's baby who is with the real Amanda Clarke's/fake Emily Thorne's lifelong love, Jack Porter.
 
Even more confused? I'll stop there because that isn't even half of the twists and turns in this fantastic drama.
 
If I haven't convinced you to watch this amazing piece of television, I don't know what will, apart from a cast of beautiful people, young and old, with a storyline you can really sink your teeth into, plus the added 'OMG! Did they really just do that?!' moments.




Hope you enjoyed.
 
I feel like I should get some more writing done tomorrow, and get out of these four walls. I might even go on a run and to the library.
 
The Vampire Diaries will have to be watched in bed with a bowl of cereal first though.
 
 
P.S. I have thought of a brand new story to tell. It's my third proper one (for now). But, it is a secret as I want to see where it takes me.

Wednesday 17 October 2012

HerUni: The Halloween Special - What To Wear?

 Halloween is right around the corner with just two weeks to go! It is that time of year that we have always loved since childhood. Those were the times we spent getting dressed up, going to scary parties, and knocking on neighbours doors shouting “Trick or Treat!” Now, there is usually a massive fancy dress party in the local Union or club.
What is on every girls mind in the run up to Halloween is, what do I wear on that night out? Nowadays, the normality is to be as sexy as you can with your outfit. Think Mean Girls when Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) turns up to that house party full of sixteen year olds who look like they should not be wearing those clothes at their age, especially that unforgettable bunny outfit that Regina George (Rachel McAdams) pulls off. Another theme of outfits that seem to be all over the shelves nowadays is Halloween versions of Alice In Wonderland and Little Red Riding Hood. When I was a little girl, all I wanted to dress up as was a witch, not a fairy tale or Disney character.
Nevertheless, with our busy student schedules, and lack of money to throw away on just one fancy dress outfit, why not buy clothes from the high street that you can dress up to suit one of the classic Halloween personas this year? This way, you have a brand new outfit that can be worn more than once a year.
Welcome to the firey pits of Hell. The female version of the Devil is deemed to be sexy, powerful, and the ultimate ‘Lady in Red’. Instead of buying a tacky PVC dress, or the shortest red skirt imaginable, go towards the more elegant look with a long red dress and red stilettos. Wear strong black liner with mascara, and complete the look with blood red lips and nails. You will feel sexy and sophisticated with this look, and you will definitely turn heads in this outfit.
Welcome to the darkness. Another classic is the vampire. As young women, we can allow ourselves to be a little more sexy. Historically (and if you have seen all the vampire films and television shows, old and new), the female vampire is flawless, beautiful and seductive. For this night, and every other without the fangs, you can mirror the same image with a simple fitted LBD, bloodstained lips, dark eye makeup, bloodied nails with a cracking pair of sky high black stilletos to complete the look.
Welcome to the Witching Hour. As I said before, transforming into a witch when I was a kid was so exciting. To have my mother make me up with her dark red lipstick, completed with a spider drawn on my cheek with black eyeliner is one of my cherished moments from early childhood. Now that I’m twenty, if I were to become a classic witch, I would be doing my own makeup using black everything. Create a black smoky eye, using dark greys with black around the outer corner. A black laced dress with laced tights creates the perfect witch silhouette, and to top it off, a tall black hat. For your feet, witches can magic up anything, so why not a pair of beautiful laced up boots? You are bound to be the tallest girl in the room with all the added inches.
Welcome to your nine lives. A witches pet, the cat, is another simple yet traditional Halloween costume. Or, you could become the Catwoman. Either way, the following high street outfit will inspire you to head in the right direction. Black wet look leggings are easy to put on, plus a black strapless bralet – both of which can be worn again and again casually or dressed up – are the base of your outfit. Add black shoe-boots to add height, and you are practically there. A cat mask is a must. If not, find some cat ears that you can buy from the high street at stores such as Topshop, River Island, or Claire’s Accessories. Makeup wise, again it is the classic black liner. Create cat eyes with this, and add a spectacular amount of mascara to your lashes. Red lips and black nails complete the look.
Welcome to the graveyard. As a skeleton, you will have been dead for years, but that doesn’t mean you have to look rough and dirty. In the fashion world, a skeleton editorial would never be like this. Instead, the model would look a little bit edgy with full skeleton makeup, and fabulous clothes. Head to Topshop where they have gone skull and bone crazy with their clothes and accessories. Grab a pair of black leggings with bones painted on, plus a black and white bralet to create the balance of black and white. Add a black heel with buckles to create the edgy look of a high-fashion skeleton. For your makeup, head to a fancy dress store for black and white face paint, and get creative.
These are my top five classic looks for Halloween with a fashion twist. If you bought an entire outfit from one of those boards, think how many times you could wear it after Halloween, perhaps even once a month. More importantly, you can mix and match, these pieces to suit the rest of your wardrobe and your style.
What is a fashion post without the accessories? Even dead, evil, and magical creatures need pieces of jewellery to complete their entire look! Following is a huge amount of accessories to mix and match with the outfit of your choice. All items are from Topshop, currently available on the website.
 
 
 
I'll be writing another HerUni Halloween post soon!
 


Motivation Mood

It is coming to that time of year, after the excitement of returning to university - for me, starting a new life in Spain - when all you want it to be is the Christmas holidays, and you want it to be here now. This is exactly how I'm feeling, so much so that I am literally counting down the days until I'm back on that plane heading home. I know I shouldn't be thinking like that, but honestly, I really miss England itself, and of course all my friends and family from home and Roey. I've already started making my festive plans including a meal with my parents at the local indian, getting my hair redone (it seriously needs a new look!), a night out in Liverpool with my friends, seeing my friend and her beautiful newborn baby, and New Years. I want to actually enjoy New Years for once, and not get into arguments, or, like last year, stay completely sober.
 
Back to not wishing my life away, in the here and now, I thought I'd create a Motivation Board for various things in my life such as: getting fit, eating healthily, going to all my lectures, making the most of the moment etc.
 
 
Now, everytime I need some motivation, I'm going to look at this board and think I can do it. There is plenty to think about when looking at this board. Every little helps to getting through the next two months! Plus, there's a lot to look forward to before Christmas which helps too.
 
Get motivated and inspired!
 


Monday 15 October 2012

Winter Warmers

Another Saturday afternoon was spent at Nueva Condimina, buying things which I may not be able to afford. To be fair to myself, the majority of the money I spent was for various birthday/Christmas presents. I did, however, buy myself three things which are Winter Warmers and things that I will definitely be taking home with me this December.
 




 
Coat: Pull & Bear
Scarf: Zara
Top: Shana
 
At the moment, I am going through a stage of wanting black things, with studs on, combined with skull prints, topped off with heavy jewellery. I remember, during first year how I'd always wear bright colours despite it being Winter, and my flatmates would say that I always looked summery. Last year, I went through a stage of living in black tops and black leggings. Now, I get to wear summery clothes all the time, but can't really wear anything black because it is just too warm. That's another reason why I want to return to England (apart from missing home loads lately), I want to be able to wear Autumn/Winter fashion, and wrap up in a chunky knit with my leggings on, and a blanket wrapped around me, in front of the fire. I worked out that it is 65 days until I return home! I am beyond excited!
 
Until then, I have my new friends, nights out, the beach, and the sun to keep me going.
 
 


Friday 12 October 2012

This Is Halloween

October is the month of freaky faces, spooky sounds, crazy costumes, and one of the best reasons to throw a party, or go on a mad night out with your friends.
I am looking forward to the end of the month, and I am throwing a Halloween party myself this year. It is my first one, and what a better place to throw it: in Spain! Then, we'll probably all go out to a club or bar somewhere.
 
As with all my recent posts, this is another inspiration post, so enjoy the pictures, and get inspired for costumes, makeup, decorations, food and drink, and much more!
 
 
 
This picture is a bit larger than normal, but I can't have it half the size because there is so much shown here.
 
I have started the Halloween countdown already (19 days!) and this is the kickstart of my Halloween preparations!
 
 


Tuesday 9 October 2012

Moulin Rouge

Tomorrow night, there is a Moulin Rouge party at Teatro Circo club in Murcia. It is a themed night (obviously) and takes me back to the days when I used to dress up every Friday for BOP in first year. I don't tend to dress up anymore, but I will next year, as it is my final year *sob*.
 
I have never dressed up as a character from Moulin Rouge before, and I don't plan on dressing up loads like the characters in the film because I don't want to walk around the streets of Spain half naked with random men leering. I think I'm going to opt for the classic LBD, crazy coloured heels, and add a feather boa, and clip on hat (the last two I will have to find and buy tomorrow in the short free hours I have during the day).
 
I have created an inspiration board - it seems the blog is full of them this month - for Moulin Rouge.
 
 
I think the theme of Moulin Rouge is a fantastic idea for a birthday theme also (or any kind of party if you feel like dressing up).
 
I love the film too! It always makes me cry at the end. I might watch it in bed tonight before my early start tomorrow. I can get into the spirit of the theme even though I am already really excited to have another night out!