The Rise of Normcore

If you are a young adult living in 2015 you'll most certainly be  aware of the term 'hipster'. 

Hipster fashion has swiftly consumed pretty much all walks of life, whether that be the streets of London or the campus's of most Universities around the globe. Being 'hipster' essentially means that you are part of a contemporary subculture which focuses on non-mainstream fashion, music, art and culture. 

However, in the last decade there has also been a great focus on the idea of 'normcore', especially amongst British and American youth. 'Normcore' is another youth subculture that focuses on non-mainstream fashion. Though many similarities can be drawn between these groups, there are clear differences that also set them apart. 

Unlike the tie dye, fur jacket, pink haired and plaid shirt wearing hipsters, 'normcore' focuses on wearing sports apparel with as many outfits as possible, with the main focus being not to distinguish themselves from others, but instead blend in to the background. Think Kanye's latest Yeezy show. 

'Normcore' means both 'normal' and 'hardcore'...yes I am aware this is a ridiculous oxymoron, but hey ho, its their subculture. 'Normcore' focuses on being minimal and aesthetically pleasing, whilst being super comfy, relaxed and completely unambiguous. The stone greys, wishy washy browns and array of whites and creams are completely intentional. By dressing so normally, this subculture has caught the attention of many fashion writers, due to its futuristic, Brave New World-esque, idea of having one mass expressionless and even unisex identity (according to Kanye).

Whoever thought of pairing a Nike sweater with a Zara camel coat, your ex's trackies bums and a pair of worn out air max, was a lazy genius!

Keep it basic bitches.

Think easy breezy Yeezy when it comes to getting dressed!

UNIF - The Internet Girl's Guide to Fashion

Fancy something a little bit different? UNIF. Something a little bit out there? UNIF. Maybe even some PVC leather, metal buckles or a rainbow flatform...? Yep..UNIF. 

UNIF, the obviously Californian clothing brand is by far one of my favourite online labels. Starting as a small shop of hand washed and ripped colourful tie-dye, the brand quickly flourished thanks to  all the colourful hipsters and internet girls around the world eager to buy. And by internet girl I mean any blogger or instagrammer cool enough to jump right on the UNIF hype, back in 2010. 

The company has been around for half a decade now and in that time has grown massively, even having managed to make its way to the distant UK, but only if you're willing to pay a small fortune on tax and shipping. The brand takes clear influences from music and culture, whilst remaining individual, exciting, and unfortunately, pretty expensive. It aims at giving girls with an anti-norm style and a hipster edge somewhere to shop. 

This post is basically just a 'OMG LOOK AT THE AW15 STUFF!' Unfortunately, however, there are limits to my funds, and the only item from the collection I've managed to buy (so far hehe) is the new Relly Dress in Black. (pictured below) 

                                      

But here are a few more items I'm dreaming of purchasing...

All in all I would need about a billion £'s to purchase my dream wardrobe, so in the meantime I'm just going to keep on dreaming...

10 Songs Proving That Female Artists Are Currently Dominating Our Music Scene

The music industry has changed phenomenally over the last few years, leading to a noticeable rise in the strength and popularity of female artists across the globe, particularly in the UK. Yes, women are still greatly objectified in numerous music videos, and this has, and most likely will, always be a problem. BUT for the first time in a while there is an increasingly clear depiction of strong musically talented women throughout the industry, and not only that, these women are also projecting this sense of empowerment to every single one of their fans and frankly it's fabulous!

Below are my choice of songs that clearly prove women are dominating the music industry...don't believe me? Just have a listen.

1) FKA twigs - Two Weeks

2) Robyn & Rökysopp - Monument (The Inevitable End Version)

3) Kate Boy - In Your Eyes

4) Selah Sue - Alive

5) Tei Shi - Bassically

6) Lucy Rose - Köln 

7) CHVRCHES - Leave A Trace 

(Have a listen to the recent Four Tet remix)



8) Florence & The Machine - What Kind Of Man 

(St Jude is also Great!)



9) Taylor Swift - Blank Space

10) Sia - Elastic Heart

(Her whole album is INCREDIBLE and super empowering during a tough gym session!) 

Now by NO means am I suggesting that ALL female artist prior to the last few years have not shown this quality. But by ALL means I am suggesting there has been a decrease in the need for the sexualisation of female artists in music and instead there has been an increase in the reliance and dependence on the music itself. Take Sia for example, though her plan eventually fell short, for a while she kept her identity secret, to allow the focus to be on her music instead!

Whether it has been intentional or not, some female artists have relied too heavily on their relationship with male audiences, and less so on their strength as an individual musical talent.

Controversial as this may be, what I am really trying to get too is that right now we are living in a time that celebrates women in an incredible way, and this cannot be overlooked. This post is essentially an ode to the super amazing female artists who are completely dominating the music scene at the moment. 

This is not a feminist rant, instead it is a musical celebration.

Hairclickers...the path to total 90s hair?

REGAL ROSE - undeniably the coolest jewelerry shop online - has recently released the amazing 'hairclicker'. At £12 for each packet of 10, these clickers come in a huge variety of colours, materials, shapes and sizes. These little hair gems are super easy to use, and for someone like me who has a ridiculously limited knowledge of hairstyles , these are a great way to make my hair that little bit more interesting. 

Pictured below are the original hair rings that REGAL ROSE created last year and next to them, the new hair clickers. Although most women can do a simple plait...I tend to struggle. So for me the hair rings were quickly tossed to the bottom of my makeup bag. However, the hair clickers simply open up to hold the hair, and then shut again to keep everything in place. 

Although festival season may be over for now, I can safely say these little clickers will most certainly be back again next summer! So keep an eye out and practise those plaits!