Moving on to pastures new...

Joaquin Phoenix

... well as you may have noticed I have been neglecting this blog as of late and kind of lost my focus. To be honest the initial passion and intentions I had for this blog are no-more. So I will be shutting up shop and will cease to update indefinitely.

However, I am not leaving the blogsphere altogether and I have actually set up another site focused more on the things I love - fashion, technology/gadgets, music and pop culture in general. So if you wish to continue following my musings and are interested in reading my posts you can find me over at FashionBytes.

Thanks for those of you who took the time out to read, subscribe and comment on all the posts on 'A Day Late' it was definitely appreciated, hopefully I will continue to see you over at http://fashion-bytes.blogspot.com/.

Mwah
Queen of Sheba xx

This is too funny!

I can't stop laughing or rewinding...sorry Rachel, you've got a nice singing voice but for me this will always be your defining x-factor moment!!!

Fame Kills Tour...sooo jealous

Fame Kills from kwest on Vimeo.

Promo clip for Kanye West and Lady Gaga's tour (spotted over at Necole Bitchie's website)...if only this was coming to the UK!  The tour is currently scheduled for the USA only, fingers crossed they bring it international!

***UPDATE***  Well looks like it was a good thing that this tour wasn't coming to the UK, as its been cancelled...speculation is that the cancellation may have something to do with the negative publicity Kanye has subsequently faced following the 'Taylor Swift/MTV incident'. :-(

Wish List - Mulberry Bayswater Bag

I have been coveting one of these for years (no preference any Bayswater will do) but fundage has always been very limited...a girl can simply dream for now and also stare lovingly via the Westfield store and the Internet *sigh*

The below is my current favourite...grey suede with croc detail...sooooo pretty :-(

Jordan

OK, I'll hold my hands up and say that at one point in time I liked Jordan/Katie Price. I had a smidgen of respect for her business hustle and her confidence. I even bought the relationship with Peter Andre...it took a long while for me to believe that two narcissists could really truly love each other but like the rest of Britain I swallowed it up.

Over the past few months during the Andre’s divorce we have seen the ‘respectable’ Katie Price disappear (as if she even existed, lol) and Jordan reappear with a vengeance…slutting it up in Ibiza, sleeping with a variety of different men, plastering the front cover of OK! Magazine every week and wearing the least amount of clothes possible! All of this stuff really doesn’t bother me, this is what we must come to expect from an attention seeker. 

Her latest stunt however is disgusting, to allege that you have been raped by a ‘mystery celeb’ and then refuse to tell the police when quizzed is a pretty strange thing to do…what was the purpose of announcing that claim via OK! Magazine, to then go and clam up about it when quizzed by the authorities…seems kinda suspect to me!!!!! I hope for her sake that these allegations are not embellishments on the truth.

(Image: Grace Dent's Twitpic)

Christopher Kane for Topshop

(Image source: Daily Mail)

Christopher Kane launched his new Topshop collection yesterday...according the the Daily Mail hundreds of 'fashionistas' camped outside of the Oxford Street Flagship store prior to opening time. I understand the passion people have for fashion but I do not get the mass hysterics...anyway, having had a look through the range it consists primarily of a few statement print t-shirts/dresses (a huge crocodile face, nice) and a lot of eylets.

You can find the full range here, below are a handful of items I would probably purchase if I had the money or the inclination!

Eyelet Lace Dress - £150

Embellished Hoodie - £75

Small Eyelet Bag - £65

Obligatory Cat Post - No. 5

*WARNING: If you don't like gory images then please don't watch this clip!*



I hate animal well cat cruelty, poor Brownie ran away from home and managed to limp back with a 13 inch arrow stuck in his head.  Luckily the arrow just missed his skull and the vets were able to remove it!!! Yay!

Mrs Beckham Covers US Elle

Those who know me understand that unfortunately I like Victoria Beckham, try and try as I may to dislike her I can't....I love her style and that cold, steely attitude.  Here Vicky is covering US Elle (second cover is the subscribers issue) and looking great (apart from the fake boobs), I think I may have to purchase this issue, and I NEVER buy US glossies!!

Image Source - Daily Mail

Rihanna - Italian Vogue shoot

Here are some of the pics from Rihanna's Vogue Italia Extreme Couture Supplement Magazine shoot (photographed by Steven Klein).  I'm not a major fan of Ms Fenty, however she looks FIERCE in these images and appears to be channelling her inner Grace Jones.

Image Source: Rihanna Daily Photo Gallery

Drake & Trey Songz - Successful - Video

Much better than the 'Best I Ever Had' vid...any thoughts?

Cupcakes

I have been hit with the cake baking bug, cupcakes in particular.  Above is a pic of some delightful little vanilla flavoured treats I made topped with fondant icing and sprinkles...yum!

Jodeci - Lately

Obviously the Stevie Wonder version is better, however this is one of my favourite Jodeci ballads and always makes me feel a lil bit emotional!

Obligatory Cat Post - No. 4

They call him Arnold nickname Goliath...hmm I wonder why? He was caught trying to sneak in some ladies garage to scoff some food and got stuck in her cat/dog flap...greedy so and so.

Alexander Wang Handbag

Spotted this in Alexander Wang 'Diego' handbag in Grazia and absolutely love it, unfortunately I'm not married to a Russian millionaire so the £730 price tag has definately put a kibosh on this potential purchase...I will however opt for this similar (but better coloured) leather bag from TopShop (£55)! Roll on pay day!

Image sources - Alexander Wang Bag; Topshop Bag

The Tudors - Series 3

Being a sucker for period dramas, I cannot WAIT for 'The Tudors' to return to UK televison screens...Series 3 starts on 21st August at 9pm on BBC2!!  Will you be tuning in?

Trends: Shoulder Details

In some way, shape or form 80’s trends always seem to make a revival…leggings, neon colours, retro sunglasses, the list is endless. For A/W 2009/10 the power shoulder is making a comeback with both the fashion houses and high street stores embracing the trend. I’m happy and relieved to see that the emphasis on shoulders has not been limited to the Krystle and Alexis Carrington Shoulder Pad!

The trend first popped up on the Balmain catwalk in Spring 2009, with the focus being on military/drummer boy style jackets worn by ex-popstars and wannabe style icons alike. This time around the details are vast and extensive and not limited to foam inserts (I’m not a shoulder pad lover), we now have puff sleeves, structural peaks, lace, over the top futuristic looks and sequins. It’s advisable, if going for a really dramatic shoulder that you keep the bottom half of your outfit on the straight and narrow and definately keep in unfussy so that you can achieve a balanced look.

Below are a handful of items I am currently lusting after…enjoy!

ASOS - £35

NB - Topshop does a similar version of this dress in Black...guaranteed to be a bestseller

Urban Outfitters - £48

Topshop - £30

Urban Outfitters - £55

Brain Food

I used to be a self-confessed bookworm, above are a selection of some of the books I own...half of which have never been read.  As I've gotten older my attention span has declined, long gone are the days when I could read a gripping novel in one or two days...now it takes me weeks to even get past the first chapter!

A few weeks ago a friend borrowed me The Book Thief I have failed to get past page 27, said book is currently residing on my bedside table gathering dust!  Furthermore being a compulsive shopaholic I recently went to waterstones and purchased (with a gift voucher may I add) 3 additional books for the collection, namely The Corner, Homicide and Dead Until Dark...all purchases were based on my current TV additions - The Wire and True Blood (yep i'm one of those people who likes to read books that have been adapted or have inspired TV programmes and films...SO WHAT!!).   I've decided to set myself a little challenge...I will attempt to read at least one of my new books by mid-September...and try and write a mini review about it - wish me luck!

The Lovely Bones - Film Trailer

I spotted this over on Kanye West's blog and all I can say is OMG....I cannot wait to see this film!!!!!!!!!  The Lovely Bones is one of my favourite books, Peter Jackson (of Lord of the Rings fame) is the director, and it stars Mark Wahlberg, need I say more?

Obligatory Cat Post - No. 3

Meet Casper the cat from Devon.  Everyday he queues up and catches the number 3 bus (who knows where he is heading to), he likes to curl up on the front seat and does the 11 mile journey back home.  He has been catching the bus so frequently that the drivers all know when he needs to get off...how cute! 

See Casper going through his daily routine in the BBC News video here.

Miss Campbell has another tantrum

She has gone and (allegedly) done it again...our Nomes has been accused of assaulting Gaetano Di Giovanni, an Italian photographer (weapon of choice on this occasion was a handbag) who claims he suffered scratches and bruises as a result of the incident and ended up having to go to the hospital!!!

Her camp have denied the claims, well they are hardly going to confirm the allegations with her track record for flying off the handle.

Naomi is one of my fav super's particularly around the time of her alleged feud with Tyra Banks (why would Nay-Nay even waste her breath on Tyra?!?).  I admired her confidence and versitility...but I am 100% certain that she needs some serious anger management classes, you don't throw BlackBerry's at your maid or spit at the police no matter how aggrieved you feel about a pair of misplaced designer jeans or some lost luggage at Terminal 5.  I think its time she settled down with her Russian billionaire and started having some kiddies who knows that might calm her down!

Image source 

You're Beautiful, Woman! Event

'You're Beautiful, Woman!' is an event that celebrates Black beauty in all forms.  The event takes place on Saturday 15th August at Highgate Newton Community Centre between 10.30am and 6pm.  There will be seminars throughout the day covering topics such as styling, fashion, natural hair & beauty, health, relationships, fitness and inner beauty. 

There will also be:  

• A huge market place with stalls, variety and bargains! Stalls will be selling items such as jewellery, clothing, greeting cards, books, accessories, make up and more.
• A beauty room where you can see live demonstrations and treat yourself to mini pampering session at special value prices.
• A workshop room where you can attend a workshop on dating or finance.
• Food and Drinks on sale all day.
• Goodie Bags & Raffle Prize Draw too

Please check out the event website for further information including ticket details (reasonably priced at £5): http://www.yourebeautifulwoman.com/ or check with fellow blogger Ondo Lady who has helped organise the event.

Whitney's New Album Cover?

Urm...I don't really have much to say about this but someone went overboard with the photoshopping didn't they (or has Whitney had a little nip/tuck?).  I hope they go back to the drawing board on this one.

Image Source: Sandra Rose

Marlo Stanfield

I'm not one of those peeps that managed to catch The Wire when it first aired on FX many moons ago (I caught a glimpse of some of season 5 and can admit that at the time I didn't 'get the hype'), so I am truly thankful that BBC2 acquired all 5 seasons and are now showing them back to back.  The scheduling is a bit meh and the fact the Beeb could not get any iPlayer rights is a bad thing, so thank goodness for Sky+.

Season 1 was great and I was hooked immediately; getting to grips with the range of characters and excellent storyline.  Season 2 was so-so, it adequately developed the plot and also demonstrated that the 'struggle' was not just confined to the black community...and I can genuinely say I was sad by what happened to Frank Sobotka in the end.  So far, Season 3 is my favourite primarily due to the introduction of Marlo Stanfield and his band of merry men (and woman...although that's debatable!?!).

Marlo epitomises every negative aspect of a dictator - he is controlling, has no empathy and excudes an air of quiet authority over his minions.   He thwarts all attempts by the Barksdale crew to participate in the newly formed drug coalition and creates all out war in an attempt to take over the West Baltimore corners.  

He is ruthless and sinister (as demonstrated in how he kills the Barksdale honeytrap Devonne - see below clip), managing to convey this evil image whilst using a minimum vocabularly.   I actually find him slightly attractive (!), more his attitude and tactics than his looks...I am looking forward to seeing how this character develops in remaining two seasons!

Childhood Memories of an 80's Baby - Neneh Cherry

MJ's untimely demise got me reminiscing on some of my childhood memories and I feel its only right for me to share them with you!  I am an 80's baby through and through and loved Neneh.  Ms Cherry's 'Raw Like Sushi' was the first LP I ever owned (yes as in vinyl, my mom weren't playing when she got my first mini hi-fi...lol!).  I played this everyday, often decked out in my fluorescent yellow lycra cycling shorts and crop top (you know the ones I'm talking bout!).

A couple of the songs I rinsed on a regular and knew all the words to (particularly the dodgy raps) were the wonderful 'Buffalo Stance' and 'Kisses in the Wind' - at the time I had no idea what she was going on about, but I loved her songs nonetheless.  I will end this post with a clip from my all time favourite Neneh tune. Enjoy!!

Neneh Cherry - Man Child
Uploaded by Stella78 - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Obligatory Cat Post - No. 2

I love cats (think thats obvious)...but this lady has 130 of them (all strays) in her tiny flat, she is clearly tapped in the head.  My fav part of the clip is how crazy the cats get at food time!