A Tribute to The King

Two years ago today, music died. The legendary King of Pop, Rock and Soul (or simply Music) passed away 25th June 2009. His lengthy career began way back in the 60s, when he was just five years old. He became known by the time he was eleven as the youngest member of the Jackson Five  along with four of his brothers. However, many people say the extraordinary magic he possessed, which set him apart from the rest of his family. His solo career brought him world wide fame and success. By the time he was twenty-five, he Jackson mania took over the world. Even the mention of his name brought craze. Unfortunately, partially because of his career, he followed onto the path of the many short lived lives my musicians such as Elvis Presley, and lived to be only 50 years old.  

Anyways, I just want to say a bit about why he is so inspiring.

Music

First of all, there is a reason he is called the King of Pop; his music was innovative, touching and timeless. Thriller will forever be a classic; it will NEVER get old, that's how amazing his talent is. People still jam to Don't Stop Till  You Get Enough the second they hear it and bust out on the dance floor to Billie Jean.   

Dance

In addition to his wonderful music, he compliments it with totally awesome dance moves! So many iconic moves- the Moonwalk, the spin, the knee-kick thing, the 'forward' moonwalk, the anti-gravity lean... SO MUCH MORE. Who doesn't wanna learn how to dance like him? What's even more amazing is that it's all self-taught. He never went to a billion dance classes like current dancers, he just danced with his heart and soul. He danced with the music and kept it all in perfect tune.

Video

Thriller is the first music video to be entered in the National Film Registry. He didn't like to think of music videos as videos as such, but rather as a mini film, and this really showed. When I watched Thriller when I was a little girl, I thought that it was actually a movie, silly me. Anyways. The storyline of the video is wonderful, and he looks so adorable, just like the perfect boyfriend... except that he's a warewolf boyfriend and a zombie boyfriend... Regardless of this, the whole video, with its music, plot, and awesome dance, which was done very well, because if you think about it, it's actually really hard to make zombies dance in a non-comic way. Anyways, with all of this, from just one video, which literally made a huge imprint in the music world, he really did raise the bar for other artists. 

Just a little note, Thriller is awesome. FACT. But it certainly isn't the only awesome MJ video. Smooth Criminal is actually my favourite, I think the choreography was genius. And the song was incredible too. Beat It, was also done very well, and gave a strong and good message. Anyways, just don't overlook the brilliance of his other videos. 

Fashion

MJ was 100% the most fashionable celeb guy. Think about it. Sequins- everybody wears 'em now, the whole military look with the shoulder pads- literally came back into fashion everywhere right after he passed away. Ray-Ban Aviators- EVERYBODY'S wearing them now, the matching accessories (socks, ties, shirts), the fedora, the one-glove look- The list is endless. His sense of style was certainly innovative. I've been wearing outfits strongly inspired by him this week, and I have to say, it was really fun. His fashion does inspire me generally on a day-to-day basis, but this week i went all out. The compliments last for days too!

Ladies, check this out for more on how to incorporate his fashion style into yours and how to allow him to inspire :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tXy0vktN9c

Here's s little article didicated to his fashion style
http://www.myfashionlife.com/archives/2009/06/26/a-fashion-tribute-to-michael-jackson-the-king-of-pop/
 

Humanitarian

He was such a wonderful humanitarian. Man, the amount of charities he gave money to and helped, not to mention the fact that he started his own charity. He once refused to perform until he could raise enough money to help a child- so caring! 

I remember exactly where I was when I found out, and what I was doing. It was a Friday morning, as I went to my room after dinner on Thursday and so I didn't watch the news and my parents didn't even know how to tell me about it.  I had almost finished getting ready for school, and I  got a text from a friend saying "michel jaksen hd a hert attak last nite!" (Gosh, text language is painful for me to endure!) I texted her back, simply saying "What?" I really didn't believe her, I just thought it was a cruel joke or something. But then she replies "I KNOW!" and I knew she meant it. I literally collapsed on my bed with shock. I didn't know what to make of it. I ran down to my mum, who was making me some breakfast, and I asked her about it. I went the whole day in complete shock. Everyone was obviously talking about it. I just didn't know what to say or think. I was numb of emotions. It was as if a part of me had died. I felt emotion on the Saturday, when I watched a montage of him to 'Man In The Mirror'. It was the images and videos showing a timeline of his life that made me burst out in tears for hours. I have never cried for anything or anybody so much, may be it's because I've never actually had any one close to me pass away, but it still makes me cry a bit. Oh well.  

I know I never knew him, if I could have one wish in the world, it will always be I wish I knew him, personally. The thing is, I, along with many other MJ fans, felt I knew him, because he was so relatable and pure, that even to think of the pain he endured hurt. Anyways, two quick years have passed, and I still can't believe he died. 

I don't really know how to end this blog, so I'll leave it with a quote: 
"If you enter this world knowing you are loved, and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between cna be dealt with." - Michael Jackson, 1958-2009 

Summer hair trends and ideas

Hey everybody, I just want to post a quick blog on some summer hairstyles and just give you guys some ideas on how to change it up, but still keep in tone with the season.

Long wavy hair

These beachy waves have always been bang on trend, however they've been a particular favourite this year. It's perfect for all of you with long hair and if you don't want to cut it off just yet. You can get the look by adding in layers into your locks, so when you allow your hair to dry naturally, it will get that tousled holiday look. Think Cameron Diaz and Megan Fox. You can also add in Schwarzkorf Osis+ Dust It, which you simply dust onto dry hair and then rub in to texturise your hair. You could also tease you hair to add volume to it, however I wouldn't recommend to do this on a regular basis, as teasing can lead to unhealthy, brittle hair and split ends if done excessively.  You can also add Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray, which you just spray into damp hair. You can let your hair dry naturally to get those perfect sexy waves or you can blow dry it if you're in a rush. Bubble & Bumble Surf Spray also works this way and has been praised for its effects, however I myself have not used it. You can also make your own Sea Salt Spray - for more information on how to this, check out this video:  http://www.youtube.com/user/SecretLifeOfaBioNerd#p/c/06ADA52042B1809B/13/Ezx4oMPxT40 

Lob

The long bob has taken over this summer, as seen by the likes of Jennifer Anniston and Jessica Alba. It's a striking summer look as well as relaxed, simple and low-maintenance to go with the summer mood and is the perfect way to cut off all that dead hair. If you're not too keen on the look or don't fancy it's "awkward" length, you could just cut your hair short an get the plain, simple and classic bob, as sported by Alexa Chung, who makes it even more fun by messing it up and adding those sexy waves and tousled look, proving that you don't have to have long hair to pull of the beachy stlye. 

Highlights

Highlights are the perfect way to add texture and depth to liven up any hairstyle, particularly for all you brunettes. It's also brilliant in the sense that you won't feel like you've got a block of colour on your hair, as it's important to embrace your natural beauty, which includes your hair colour.

Dip Dye

As well as a lovely trend on fabrics, it also looks great in your hair. It's kind of like a relaxed vision of highlights.  What's so great about it is that it can look natural; for example, if you are a brunette and you dip dye a caramel tone into your locks, it can look like natural sun-bleached hair growing out. Think Mila Kunis and Rachel Bilson. I really wanted to get this this summer, but as it turns out, once you spend your money, you don't get it back! Shocker! You can also get some funky colours if you don't want the natural look- go on, be daring! 

Lowlights


Lowlights may not seem like an obvious style trend at the moment, however it's still perfect to add some colour and a new shade to your hair to make it different. The undertones in your hair gives it a more subtle, yet beautiful impact and can also maintain a natural appearance. I did this a few years ago, but I had red lowlights put in; I really liked that it's subtle and that when people saw my hair, they knew something was new, they just couldn't figure out what! This look is great if you don't want an obvious new look or attention.

Bleach Blonde

Having said that bit about how highlights are great as you won't have a whole new block of colour on your head, diving into an all-over warm summer tone, like blonde fits perfectly this year, as the warm tone is energising and lively. Think of Kate Bosworth's lovely locks. 

The Fringe

Fringes are perfect for summer. The most common or obvious fringe style is the straight forward bangs, (look to Jessie J, Sandra Bullock or Taylor Swift for this, or Alexandra Burke if you don't want your bangs in your eyes) but not everyone can pull this off. If you have curly hair, bangs like these tend to make you look younger, so depending on how old you are and what kind of look you are going for, I'd say for curly haired women, either get a side fringe or no fringe; your hair is so awesome, there's no need to add any bangs! Wavy haired girls, side fringe is your best bet, and for anybody who wares the poker straight hairstyle, forward full on bangs is perfect for you. 

In terms of "temporary" styles and up-dos, plaits have completely taken over Summer 2011 by storm. Just take a quick flick through a magazine for ideas, or go on youtube. This year is loving fish-tale plaits, halo braids, french brides etc. Check out these awesome braids at Alexander McQueen S/S 2011! Probably really difficult, but inspiring :) 

Centre partings are also seeming popular, by the looks of designers such as Channel and Burberry, but if it doesn't suit you or it isn't comfortable for you, don't force yourself into it. Messy up-do's are also in so be wild and do whatever messy bun you fancy! I always resort to the messy bun, regardless if it's in or not, its just so casual and easy and always looks hot, so it doesn't matter whether it's in or not to me. As well as messy buns, sleek buns are also on trend. You could also try the top-knot, which is a perfect way to turn around a bad hair day. It's also a good look for anyone with a small forehead, as it pulls all you hair back, therefore bringing emphasis onto your forehead. You can style the top-knot neatly like Kate Botsworth or Jessica Alba, or if you want to go for a more rugged or messy look, look to Nicole Richie for inspiration. Note the bumpiness in her hair. (Sorry I can't find the picture online, but just tie it kind of loose and bumpy. Any hair that's out of place can add to the look.) If you don't like the messy look, you can go for a ballet bun, which is perfect for anyone who fears frizz and is a bit of a perfectionist. If you are going for a ballet bun, you need to straighten you hair to get that sleek, elegant look. Opt for a matte lipstick with this. Summer is also loving the use of hair accessories, so be creative and unafraid. Girlies with long hair, ponytails are looking hot this season. Sleek and slick or messy and effortless, up to you what style you choose.

Anyways, that's all for now. Hope I inspired some of you on hair ideas. Please leave your comments bellow, See Ya! x

First Post

"To Inspire Just One Person" - Betty Suarez (or America Ferrera, if you prefer!)


Whilst watching numerous re-runs of Ugly Betty during my study leave, I ironically became inspired by this fictional character and her aim; Oh the humour of it! I may be just a college girl at the moment, but I have big dreams in the world of, well, many things... "What things?" you ask, well, my dear reader/s, you will just have to wait for a few more blog posts!

Anyways, I want to keep this 'short and sweet', so, Hi, my name is Sarah and I love writing - what about is yet to be discovered, but I hope that whatever I write of will be somewhat inspiring, thought-provoking, or at the very least, memorable to at least one person.

So this is my first blog, a light introduction to myself... But please, fellow bloggers and readers, give me the chance to prove myself and allow me to interest you with some of my passions and to hopefully inspire, or even humour you!