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Today I'm trying to share the wonderful Igor Grubic's Angels with Dirty Faces - a photographic and video-based work that draws on an historic incident that happened in Belgrade in 2000.
But sadly I have the internet connection from hell, so please bear with me....
Queen Marie
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As many of you will know, last week in ballet class I only went and tore my calf muscle. One minute I was just about to glissade my way into a split leap, and the next minute I feel something like a taut elastic band snapping inside my leg, before falling over in excrutiating pain.
Since then I've been on crutches after a visit to A&E.
Injury is part of a dancers life and so far this is my third injury which has put me out of action. But whilst injury may come part and parcel with such a technically and physically difficult artform such as ballet, it doesn't make it any easier to cope with. It would not be an exaggeration to tell you that my heart is breaking at the thought of not dancing for weeks or even months. I have heard the expression, "Dancers don't want to dance, they need to dance" and have never felt that more accutely than now. Ballet has a been a huge part of my life for almost 5 years now, so to find myself without it has left me a bit lost.
Still, it hasn't stopped me buying new pointe shoes and Yumiko leotards, anticipating my happy return to dance next year! I have ordered the Sofiane in pale pink velvet and the Laura in a pretty shade of earthy green. And of course, I will be teaming them with pieces from our Danseuse label, which will be launching in a few weeks hopefully.
None of the leotards will be here this year but hopefully they will arrive in time for my return.
In the meantime, I am trying to learn ways to protect myself for having this happen again after I have recovered. Unfortunately it's usually only after suffering an injury that you really bother to properly take care of your muscles or at least learn the reasons why it might happen. Calf strains and tears are ridiculously common in dancers due to the amount of jumps and turns we do, but after a little conversation with Juliet Burnett from the Australian Ballet I learned that there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the instances of such injuries, such as slow rises in parallel. I watched the Australian Ballet do this in class during World Ballet Day and wondered why, but as it turns out it's to reduce calf strains. So whilst I can't do anything on the injured leg at the moment, when I do start my programme of physiotherapy I will be including parallel rises into the mix.
Crutches bring their own challenges too, such as navigating your way around public transport. For the most part people are helpful but the ones who aren't, really aren't. Luckily Prince B has been there to help me on and off buses to and from work, which has made a shitty situation more bearable. He's also there ready with a withering glare for those people who insist upon sitting on the seats for the less able and won't move. If Prince B tells you to move, you better move!
I have also been doing tiny little micro stretches when sitting at my desk or at home and can now at least put my foot almost flat on the ground. When I do hobble about without my crutches at home, I bear more than a passing resemblence to Ozzie Osbourne.
I can at least be thankful that there are only a few weeks left of ballet class before stopping for the holidays anyway, so I won't be missing too much of graded class. I only hope I'm back in action before our Grade 5 exam early next year.
Hurrumph.
QMichelle
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There are few things more luscious in life than a beautiful leather bag.
Despite the fact that I never use them, The Palace is full of them. It's just as well I am on a total spending embargo until 2015, as my heart has been totally captured by this Landmarks and Lions Overnight Bag!
Landmarks & Lions was founded in 2010 and developed a philosophy which says - celebrate the well lived life by instilling sophistication and adventure into every day.
These bags certainly do that!
Each item is designed and handmade in Minneapolis, MN, USA where owner and founder, Canyon Crosby draws inspiration from his travels to inspire each new collection of leather goods, catering to a lifestyle of "leisure and refinement" ( that's me counted out then!!!) not ever forgetting the requirements of the modern world. Using classic artisanal techniques, each piece of the Landmarks & Lions collection is cut, sewn, and finished by hand (as all the best things are!)
Sophisticated and roomy, the CLASSICS overnight bag has you covered for 24 hours and then some. Crafted from supple brown leather with a black and white striped canvas-lined interior, these classic elements make this bag an ideal match with any wardrobe. It's generous size, slouchy silhouette and multiple pockets ensure that all of your essentials are packed and secure in effortless style. Whatever your overnight looks like, this bag will prove to be an invaluable part of it...
The Classics Overnight bag is far from cheap at $725 but each bag is made to order.
It's sobering to think, that a bag of this quality, would not only last a lifetime but could outlive and outlast me. Oh Lordy, I had better go and look at some pictures of Budapest to try and cheer myself up...
Queen Marie
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I wonder how many of you are writing your Christmas wishlists. Calling upon Santa to deliver special little parcels, wrapped in bows and ribbons, holding within them luxurious delights you'd never buy for yourself but would love as a gift.
Prince B and I don't exchange gifts at Christmas because he has a reasonably large family to buy for and I have no family, so adding me to his list would be unfair, but I do remember the days of Christmas gifts and wishlists when I was younger. If I still made lists, top of it would be a cuff from Clara de Souza.
Clara de Souza was born in Spain and grew up in Togo. She arrived in France after high school, studied archaeology and art history, then switched to a master of arts. After various experiences in fashion, she decided to create her own accessories brand. Primarily working in leather, she creates all her pieces in her studio in Paris by hand.
The leather cuffs retail between 45 and 80 euros, which I think is extremely reasonable for hand-crafted leather.
Maybe if Santa has a space on his list, he could find his way to sending me the black single spike cuff below. I've been a good girl all year.
She hasn't released a collection in a year so not sure if she's still designing unfortunately.
QMichelle
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There is nothing like a battered old suitcase to conjure up romantic dreams of long forgotten adventures.
But thanks to those clever clogs Kelly and Andy over at Bass Trunkies, lots of old suitcases and trunks are now going on to have a fabulous exciting new lease of life.
A very musical lease of life!
Basss Trunkies is an environmentally friendly British company, that specialises in producing rechargeable, portable, vintage suitcase speakers.
They take great pride in creating stylish designs from retro cases that incorporate rare hard to find speakers.Each Bass Trunkie suitcase speaker is unique and handcrafted making them truly one of a kind. Every aspect from design, aesthetics and audio quality is considered ensuring each unit sounds and looks amazing...
With a rechargeable battery with over 12 hours of life and up to 100 watts of power, these deliver serious volume and sound quality!
If you like you can even design your very own bespoke Bass Trunkie.
Customers are sending them all kinds of cases. Some have sentimental value, while other people are just looking to give a sewing box/coffee trunk a second lease of life.
If you don't have a case at home you want to use, you can do it all online - simply pick your case, pick your speakers and finish it off with your custom add ons
It was really tricky to pick just one but I think the Black widow is my favourite by far...
The Black Widow...
Packing your own sound in your suitcase! what a perfect way to travel...
Queen Marie
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When I went up a few sizes, I had to do a mass cull of my closet. I know, in my heart of hearts, I just won't ever be the size I was previously ever again, thanks mostly to middle-age spread (yeah that's totally a thing, as I discovered which I reached my late 30's). So lots and lots of clothing went to charity and to eBay. Then further clothing ended up having to go too because I gained back/shoulder muscles. But even when I have given probably 80% of my clothing away, there are some things I really can't bear to part with, even if the items in question only barely fit me.
Throw back to a few weeks ago when I discovered one such item - my The Kooples blazer. They sent me this many years ago and whilst I'm not usually a tailored blazer kinda gal, the Kooples do it in such a way it looks far more rock 'n' roll than smart. I can just about fit it if I don't ever raise my arms. A small trade-off to keep this lovely item.
The Kooples Blazer
ASOS Jumpsuit
Vintage Scarf
Vintage Hat
All Saints Boots
Balenciaga Bag
I do like a bit of a 'dandy' look, so I have been wearing it with my jumpsuits and a little bit of neck drama.
QMichelle
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As we have said before, sometimes it's the littlest things in life that bring the biggest smile to your face.
Today that thing is ceramic buttons
But not just any buttons. These little beauties are the latest creations of Kingdom favourite A Alicia.
Each ceramic button is handmade in her London studio using stoneware clay and unique textured patterns, then brought to life with beautiful high-fire glazes.
Great for giving an old cardi a new life or for finishing off your knitting or sewing projects ( or if you are like Queen Michelle and I keeping them safe in a box!)
These handmade buttons also make great Christmas gifts for the crafty person in your life!
Even better Anna is currently offering 20% off her new '£30 and Under' shop section!
Just use code '20OFF30' when you check out before the end of November.
Now all you have to do is decide which buttons to choose and believe me that is not going to be easy...
If buttons are not your thing then how about some ceramic decorations?
These handmade stoneware Christmas decorations would look just as beautiful hung in a window all year round as it would on your Christmas tree! You can choose a single decoration (£9) from the 3 designs or buy a set of all 3 (£24)!
In white or blue each decoration is hand-cut from stoneware clay, so each one is as unique as a snowflake! The front and sides are glazed with classic white or a soft blue. The back is smooth, pale buff clay. They come strung on UK made ribbon, ready to hang up.
These are so pretty that I can easily imagine one of these on a longer ribbon worn as a necklace!
Queen Marie
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Apologies for my post today. I have had no time to prepare it since I spent Wednesday evening in A&E after tearing my calf muscle and I am now trying to get about on crutches. Going from the sofa to the desk has, quite frankly, become a bit of a lengthy and painful ordeal, even though it's mere yards away. Lugging your own body weight around on your arms is bloody knackering so when I sit myself down, I am rather reluctant to move again.
So a small post today where this is very little narrative. It's "oh look at this cute stuff" post.
The cute stuff in question isn't actually that cute since it's an S&M accessories label which features leather harnesses and harness inspired pieces. Miss Malwia is a Polish brand, I think, and I had the site bookmarked for a long time because I wanted the pentagram glove/hand harnesses.
If you still love body harnesses, these leather ones are very reasonably priced and all hand-made. If harnesses are not quite your thing, then she also has some beautiful neckpieces too.
I love the studded Peter Pan collar but I am rather distracted by the airbrushed out nipples.
Oh well, if you excuse me, I'm off now to begin my long journey back to the sofa, which is where I will remain for the foreseeable future.
QMichelle
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Today I've got a big date for Queen Michelle to put in her diary.
November 2015.
When she realises what is heading for the cinema then, she may start camping out in September.
Next November will see the release of a new Peanuts Movie which has been timed partially to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the comic strip and the 50th anniversary of the Christmas special.
Eeek......
A host of characters from the original comic strip and from the well-known Peanuts TV movies appear in the trailer .
Craig and Bryan Schulz, the son and grandson of the Peanuts creator - who died in 2000 - wrote the script with Cornelius Uliano and were clear in their goal to honour the original work.
One of the voices in the new movie also has a history in the Peanuts world: Bill Melendez, the director of A Charlie Brown Christmas, provided the original voice for Snoopy (who never actually spoke in the animated specials). The new movie will use recordings of Melendez to keep Snoopy sounding the same.
One of the most influential comic strips in history began its run on October 2, 1950, and Schulz kept it going on a daily basis until 2000.Syndicated versions of Peanuts comics still appear in most American newspapers and have been translated into more than 20 languages.
Their previous films - including A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) - which aired as television specials are some of my favourite ever animations
This new version features computer-graphics animation and will be released in 3D.
I'll be honest I don't know that I want to see the Peanuts gang in 3d. I'm already uncomfortable with how round everyone looks in the trailer.
They are telling us to 'Dream Big"
I shall try but oh please please don't ruin any of the magic...
Watching the trailer again raised a familiar concern, I really wish they would stop bullying poor Charlie Brown and calling him a blockhead.
Next November can't come soon enough...
Queen Marie
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Glasgow gets vast amounts of rainfall, if you hadn't noticed that by now. As someone who only shoots outfits at the weekend, relying on the weather to behave for those two precious days is a pointless waste of time. That's primarily the reason why I cut my outfits posts down from two a week to only one. That, and the fact we cut our amount of posts down overall - me posting three times and week and two of them being outfit posts would be overkill. But when I do manage to shoot an outfit, you'll notice that most of the time I do like to don a hat of some description. Mostly, it serves to cover bad hair, but often it's because I feel hats really do finish off an outfit.
Generally, I like to buy one 'special' hat each season. The first place I'm heading for a this season's new topper will be Bernstock Spiers.
Last autumn I bought the beautiful wool Rome hat. It's one of my most worn pieces and this season they have updated it in suede. I'm definitely going to get my hands on some of that action. Thelma also very helpfully amends the size for me to fit my small head. Lovely people, those Bernstock Spiers folks. They understand the annoyance of having freakishly small head.
This time I think I shall opt for the navy. Or maybe even the red!
It also comes in classic black of course.
Their famous veiled beanie has been given a lovely striped makeover.
New this season is also a pretty corset style laceup beanie as well as bows and feathers.
There's definitely a hat there for every head.
QMichelle
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