MTV VMAs 2014: Must See Looks

Last night marked one of the most glamorous events in music, the annual MTV Video Music Awards. It is always my favourite award show, bound to be filled with glitz, drama and stellar performances from world-class artists. This year was no different, with dazzling productions from Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and a spotlight stealing super medley from cultural icon Beyoncé. Not all of the attention was focused inside the arena though, as the red carpet was lined with stars dressed up to the nines. Below I have gathered a collection of the must see looks from this years' awards, including J Lo's stunning sequinned number and the Kardsahian's effortless glam. Other noticable looks were Taylor Swift's 'not-so-flattering' blue leotard and Miley's surprisingly dressed down bandeau top with co-ordinate trousers.  Ariana Grande looked hotter than ever in a black leather Moschino minidress and trademark thigh high go-go boots- her cutesy prom girl looks are fast becoming a distant memory. Controversially, Katy Perry arrived at the carpet fashionably late with hiphop rapper RiFF RAFF, sporting a double denim ensemble that was unmistakably an echo of Britney Spears' and Justin Timberlake's now iconic get-up back in the day. Amber Rose also shocked onlookers with a revealing draped bead 'dress' that was reminiscent of Rose McGowan's unforgettable 1998 VMA outfit. All the hottest pictures are below, let me know which is your favourite. 

ps. if you're in the UK, the 2014 VMAs air TONIGHT (Monday 25th August) on MTV! Don't miss it! 

Results Day - Experience and Advice

Results day is almost upon us, I think I've had the date etched on my brain for about 12 months. This Thursday (or next if your waiting for GCSE results) all will be revealed and we'll find out whether it was worth all the hard work. Looking back on the exam period, I realise it was probably the most serious, stressful and important two months of my life so far. It's so daunting to imagine how different my life could be depending on how hard I work now- and it's even crazier that our lives are shaped by these tests which are over within an hour and a half time slot.  Right now I'm feeling an uncomfortable combination of anxiety and impatience- everyone's in the same boat. 

Our results could go either way, and I really hope I'm the Beyoncé on the left! What I am confident in, is the fact that I worked myself into exhaustion back in May/June- I honestly feel like I couldn't have done anymore. I remember feeling tired, worn out, and irritated at the fact I couldn't just watch a film, or spend the day with friends. Most of my day was dedicated to revising, and even when I was resting, quotes and theories were swirling around my head. In other words, if my results are disappointing, that's just the way it's meant to be.

I remember my GCSE results day, when we were give a brown envelope with our final grades written down a tiny column inside. This year is different though, because my sixth form are sending our results via email at 7.30am. That means I'll read them blurry eyed from my bed, probably after limited sleep. In a way I wish we HAD to go into college, there's something about getting your results the old fashioned way and seeing them printed next to your name which feels more rewarding. Either way, I'll just be happy to finally know how I've done. 

I'm also preparing myself for results day as a whole. Searching through twitter to see how everyone else has done. Texting my friends and hopefully all being able to celebrate. Running though the house in the early hours announcing my grades to annoy and relieve my parents who are secretly more nervous than me. 

I've thought of a few general tips for the day myself- 

1) Don't boast; nobody likes a show off. This doesn't mean however, that you can't be proud of yourself. You've worked for it, you're allowed to be happy. Make sure your facebook status sounds more relieved than obnoxious, but also avoid mock modesty such as "I don't know how I did it... maybe the examiner got my papers mixed up with someone else's!" Just tell it how it is, people will be happy for you nonetheless.

2) Don't wallow in self pity. If it hasn't gone to plan, do not freak out. It isn't the end of the world as we know it, there are so many opportunities for you. Academic study is not for everyone, I can assure you. No matter how patronising it sounds, you probably are suited to something different that you haven't tried yet. You're a teenager, not 55- you don't have to find your way in life just yet. If you end up going to a different university, or even not going at all- this could be the best thing that's ever happened to you.

3) Talk to your friends and family. You've gone though it all together, and it's important not to forget about the people close to you. If someone you know doesn't give a clear answer to what they've got though, don't push them. Not everyone wants to publish their life and story online, some things are private and personal- let it go. Be supportive and tactful no matter what the outcome. 

4) CELEBRATE! We definitely deserve to let our hair down after months of panic and stress. Remember all those restless nights worrying about exams and revision, it's all over and it's finally time to let loose. See your friends, go out for a meal with your family, do whatever it is that you love. I'll probably be doing all of the above, results day should be a day of celebrating all of the hard work you've put in no matter the outcome of the exam. 

Good luck in your results and remember, what's done is done. There's nothing we can do to alter our results now... hope everything goes to plan for you! 

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(shamless self promo) On another note, thankyou to everyone who's read my blog so far and is retweeting my links etc. If you have a gmail account, please follow my blog- I've enabled members down in the side bar! 

Worth The Hype?

Whether it's the latest film to hit the box office, or an author that's causing a buzz amongst young readers- my twitter timeline is always bursting with excitement for new trends appearing to be the 'latest thing'.  This kind of hype can make anything seem like a craze that can't be missed, and is often how new fads are popularised. Falling victim to this kind of promotion, I have recently found myself exploring some of the albums, books and tv shows which are dominating the mainstream. Are they worth the hype?

American Horror Story is a thrilling television series produced by notable writers Ryan Murphy (creator of Glee) and Brad Falchuk. Three seasons in, this popular TV show has boomed in recent months- gaining popularity as new fans tweet amorously about the horror. After researching further into the show, I discovered that each season has an independent plot completely detached from the others. This means you can dip in at any time, not feeling the pressure to 'catch up' like many of us have with the likes of 'Breaking Bad' or '24'. I very quickly became glued to the third season of the show  'Coven', which follows the fantastical lives of modern day witches in New Orleans. The show is shocking, sensual and gritty, not to be misinterpreted as a childish fantasy which the plot overview could suggest. If you're looking for a sassy thriller to get your teeth into, this is the show for you. Look out for Jessica Lange's stand out performance as supreme witch Fiona Goode, her legendary one liners and reckless lifestyle had me gripped.

Another massively hyped item from 2014 has been Beyoncé's self titled album which she dropped unannounced earlier this year. Boasting seventeen new songs and videos, the sales of the recorded rocketed- everyone had to hear the latest tracks from Queen Bey. I have to hand it to her, who else could cause so much hype from releasing something so unexpected? When other artists rely on months of promotion and build up to sell their material, Beyoncé impressed all with her ability to rock the music world with her influence alone, cementing her position as self proclaimed 'queen'.  Stand out tracks are 'Drunk In Love' and 'Pretty Hurts', and the recently remixed 'Flawless' featuring Nicki Minaj. In my personal opinion, the album falls short of her supreme vocals and ballads on 2008's 'I Am... Sasha Fierce'- but her impressive ability to change genres and musical styles is indicative of her talent and artistry.

This next item has been a cult favourite for a long time, and is available to purchase exclusively at urban outfitters or online. 'Wreck This Journal' is a book in which every page instructs the reader to partake in specific destructive or decorative acts. Whether it's 'scribble with a marker' or 'splash with tea', every page allows the user to be both creative and vandalistic. In other words, it's a great stress reliever, as well as a novelty source of entertainment. It's the kind of thing an 11 year old boy would spend all summer completing, but can be just as amusing for people of any age. Although potentially overpriced, this kind of journal can be fun and entertaining and is a usual quirky gift idea for a friend.

Popular among fans on twitter, Veronica Roth's 'Divergent' series has been a favourite of mine for a while. I have recently completed reading the conclusive chapter and cannot recommend the series enough. I imagine the author is sick and tired of comparisons between her novels and 'The Hunger Games' series, but I also hope she views this comment as validation of her talent and success. Not only an incredibly hyped book series, a smash hit film adaptation was recently released starring fresh faced Hollywood newbie Shailene Woodley.  The tale follows characters Tris And Four as they struggle to maintain their dangerous relationship in a dystopian society. It's a great read and a brilliant movie- well worth the hype.

It's fair to say that 2014 has belonged to American author John Green. His books have increased in popularity dramatically over the last few months, partly due to the hype and excitement created by  fans online. His stories are insightful and clever, the most famous of which, 'The Fault In Our Stars', being made into a popular film also featuring rising star Shailene Woodley (she's definitely one to watch).  The book I have been most enjoying though is 'Paper Towns', a coming-of-age story following Q on his mission to find the girl he's always loved after she mysteriously disappears.  It's a gripping and thoughtful dramatic comedy, a definite must have for book lovers like myself.  John Green is a talented author who will probably be earning a lot of money over the next few years- well deserved in my eyes.

So, those are my pick of what's currently on trend. I've found that most of the time, products which are raved about usually are worth at least a look. It's interesting though, how hype can spread like wildfire and suddenly it's 'cool' to own an album or enjoy an author. These were a few examples of what I have enjoyed- let me know if you agree with my choices, or any other hyped products which did or did not live up to expectation. I might make this kind of item a regular thing on my blog? 

Thanks guys!