Review: Life of Pi

The film version of Life of Pi graced our screens this December after being adapted from the book by Yann Martel.

I had read the book many years ago and the storyline and wonderful writing stuck in my mind, so when it came out I was excited to see it. 

The story begins as a middle aged Piscine (Pi) Patel is approached by a journalist who was told he had an excellent story to tell. Pi then tells the journalist about his life in India as a child when his family owned a zoo, but they had to sell it and decided to move to Canada. The family travelled by ship but a storm resulted in it sinking, with Pi being the only survivor. It moves on to become a story in which Pi manages to cope on board on a small boat with Richard Parker (a Bengal tiger), and how he (Pi) battles with his spiritual beliefs whilst he drifts in the ocean.

I was kind of disappointed when I heard that Ang Lee was directing this film. Not because I dislike Ang Lee's films, but because one of my favourite directors, - Jean Pierre Jeunet, was originally going to direct Life of Pi but had to pull out due to budgetary reasons.

Upon seeing the trailer, I did suspect that the film might have used too much CGI and it would look fake. However when I did actually see the film this wasn't the case at all. Life of Pi is so beautiful visually. and the opening to introduce the film was wonderful.

What was also brilliant about the film was that it stuck to the book; using little details which drew you to remember key points in the story. Suraj Sharma showed so much emotion and was the perfect person to play the role of Pi. 

So to all those considering going to watch Life of Pi, it is definitely recommended. The film will stick with you  for a long time afterwards. I'm even tempted to go and see it a second time!

Have you seen Life of Pi? What did you think of it? Let me know.

Alice
  x

Spending Christmas back in Sheffield.

Christmas means a month off university. HURRAH RELAXATION AND NO WORK*. And with that means a month spent at home celebrating the festive season with my family and seeing all my Sheffield friends for a big catch up! The build up to Christmas is my favourite time of year and I'm always interested to see how others spend it.

Here are some photos from my Instagram (alicelucyrose_x) of what I've been up to this December:

Photo 1: A Christmassy living room                Photo 2: Santa hat and a Lush bubble bar           Photo 3: Carousel 

Photo 4: Missed this fluffball (She's called Betty)          Photo 5: An early xmas present                    Photo 6: Catch up with a friend

Photos 7, 8 & 9: Going Lush crazy. Their Christmas range is fantastic!

Photo 10: Some of my Christmas presents               Photo 11: Xmas lights in Meadowhall                     Photo 12: Boxing sale buys 

It's so nice being home for Christmas. I love my family and I love the feeling when I travel back to Sheffield to see everyone. The only downside is I sink into becoming too comfortable. Think I'll be a bit sad going back to Lincoln after the New Year and my birthday, but being back in a routine is always a good thing.

What did you guys get up to this Christmas? 

*I lied. I have a law essay to do over the holidays (depressing).

Alice

  x

Happy Holidays!

Okay so it doesn't feel like it was Christmas yesterday at all. Well, to me anyway. Is this a trait with becoming older? I swear Christmas comes around faster every year!

Anyway I hope you all had a wonderful day spent with your relatives & got what you wanted! I spent the day with my parents, nan and uncle which was rather nice. Although sadly my mum has been ill with the flu all week bless her, but she still cooked the Christmas dinner and was determined to do it all herself! 

Not long now until 2013 is here. 2012 has been a great year. Can't wait to see what next year holds!

Since I'm kind of new to the whole 'blogging' scene I think I need more practice, so I'll try and keep up with posting more frequently on here. This will happen so be patient! But for now I'm concentrating on celebrating the rest of the Christmas holidays and New Year with family & friends so...

Here's a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Alice
x

Christmas Wishlist

Being an extremely skint student begins to drag; especially around the Christmas period. While doing uni work in the past few weeks some interesting things have caught my eye on the interweb (*cough* not procrastinating *cough*) . These are some of my favourites I'd love to be able to afford this Christmas.

1. I love the new dresses on the Topshop website. This dress is one I particularly like as I love everything velvet. I also like the fact that this dress has three quarter sleeves and looks wintery. It's pretty yet elegant. The only problem is I own too many velvet dresses already...

2. Another dress I love on the Topshop site is this one. I originally spotted one similar on the lovely Champagne Diamond's blog, went on the Topshop website and found this one as well. A dress is always more appealing when you see someone wearing it as it gives you an idea of how it looks, rather than seeing it on a shape-less mannequin. The reviews of this on the Topshop website are mixed which has put me off a little bit. Some say it's wonderful whereas others are saying £46 is overpriced and the glitter falls off quickly. However it's a gorgeous dress for the winter season and would look lovely on a night out so those facts alone are still drawing me to it.

3. I've been wanting some original Doc Marten shoes for so so long now. I have the black matte classic boots but after watching Amelie I've been desperate for a pair of these. The search has been long and unsuccessful so far, as all the ones I've found in shoe shops are either shiny or without the yellow stitching (yes I am difficult and want only these)! I know I could buy them online but I'd rather try them on for the perfect fit before buying. Although a new shop has just opened up in Meadowhall and a knowledgeable source has told me I may find a pair in there. Really hoping so!

4. Loafers are shoes I've always liked. They're kind of a smart shoe you picture people wearing to school but I love them. Smart shoes are the best! When I found these on the Office website I fell in love. Might have to purchase after Christmas...

5. On the 3rd me and my friend Guppy saw my favourite band Alexisonfire play their farewell tour at London's Brixton Academy. I can honestly say it was the best gig I've ever been to and I screamed along to every song. Emotions were sky high for the fans and the band themselves. It was one of the best experiences of 2012 I've had, I only wish I could replay it over and over. Since the gig was completely sold out the merchandise stall was crowded 24-7. At the end of the gig me and my friend pushed through the crowds at the hopes of getting a Crisis hoodie, but the only sizes left were women's extra small (which definitely wouldn't fit). I've tried searching online but either the prices are too high or I can't find one at all. So if any Alexis fans are reading please help me locate one!

6. I haven't had a new handbag in a long time! The one I currently use is about 3 years old and still going strong but as much as I love it, it'd be nice to have a new one. This particular bag is from River Island and the colour is lovely. I'm a big fan of bright red clothes and accessories so this is perfect. It looks smart and would be nice in any environment. Anyone fancy purchasing it for me? I would be eternally grateful.


What items are on your wishlist this Christmas?

Alice
  x

The Wonders of Daniel Clowes & Ghost World.

After reading a couple of his novels now I had to post about him because the man is a genius. No he really is! If you haven't heard of him before take a read and learn a little bit about Daniel Clowes.

Clowes is a graphic novelist whose comic Ghost World  is one which is still circling the cult scene today, despite being published in 1997. A work so popular it was made into a film version in 2001.

The comic depicts the life of two teenagers as they try and come to terms with what they want to do in their lives. Both being best friends, they begin to drift apart and develop tensions. The two friends, Enid and Rebecca, enjoy cynicism together, and often wander around criticising what they see. 

It's amazing how Clowes manages to encapsulate the teenage lifestyle. His artwork is equally stunning and the wit he puts into the writing draws you into his little animated world. Who would have thought of putting real life into a sarcastic cartoon and pulling it off? I have no idea how Clowes managed to do it but it definitely works.

Both the film and graphic novel of Ghost World are absolutely fantastic. A little different to the usual action packed graphic novels or the Marvel comics you'd usually see on a Waterstones shelf.

If you're unsure of graphic novels and want to give them a try then the work of Daniel Clowes is easy to get into. I'd recommend reading the novel of Ghost World before watching the film though; as the original (in this case the book) is always the best.

Have you watched the film Ghost World or read the graphic novel? What are your favourite graphic novels?

Alice
  x

P.S. Besitos

PsBesitos is an etsy shop and blogspot I found through reading Company magazine. Upon seeing their book-style clutch bags I was astounded. Who would have thought to combine a book cover with a bag?! What a fantastic idea! Imagine pairing your favourite novel with an evening outfit.. "Huckleberry Finn or The Phantom of the Opera? Which one looks best with my dress?" - Now those are questions I can't picture asking...

There are many different books to choose from, but, if you can't find a particular favourite amongst those on sale, you can get yourself one custom-made! All of the bags retail for around £40. I'd like a Bell Jar and an Alice in Wonderland one please (early Christmas/birthday present?!)

Will a P.S. Besitos badge be on your Christmas or birthday list?

Alice
  x

Film Noir.

Fashion is something we take for granted. Inspiration for what we wear can come from many different things and until recently I didn't realise how much films can inspire what we wear and how we style our outfits. Whether it's the Devil Wears Prada, - which is a film apparent on designer labels; or Breakfast at Tiffany's, featuring Audrey Hepburn styling long classy black dresses and silken gloves.

Here are some of my favourite films which I think include characters with an amazing dress sense.

Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain is a beautifully stunning film, as is the music, the setting and Audrey Tatou herself. Her style mixes feminine dresses and polka dot blouses teamed with clumpy Dr. Marten shoes. It's a classic parisian style of dressing. Simple, yet elegant.

Heathers is a film about 4 popular girls whose friendship (or should I say 'friendship') undertakes a dramatic turn of events. It's obvious from the pictures that the 4 girls have their own clique and dress similar. Throughout the film they regularly style 1980s padded shoulders, oversized blazers and pleated skirts. Another film styling femininity with a masculine touch, Heathers is brilliant.

Moonrise Kingdom has to have been my favourite film of 2012 so far. Everything about it is fantastic, especially the mise-en-scene for the entire film. The 60's look & feel in the film is wonderful, and adds so much colour. I especially love the dresses that Suzy wears, along with her beautiful suitcases.

Delicatessen is a film by the same director who created Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain. This film is supposed to be set in the post-apocalyptic future, yet channels a rather 'retro' fashion sense. I love the floral dresses that the women wear, but also the hilarious combination of a blazer and clown shoes from character Louison.

Are any of your outfit choices inspired by films? If so which ones?

Alice

  x

An Introduction of Sorts

Hello, hello, hello.

So I'm Alice. 19 years old. Originally from Yorkshire (meaning the mick is ALWAYS taken out of me due to my accent), but I live and study journalism in Lincoln.

I love reading other people's fashion blogs & fashion in general so after much deliberation I've decided to begin my own blog. Not too sure where it will lead but lets see shall we!

Hope you enjoy reading!

Alice
  x