Knight to see you, to see you, Knight!

So the long-awaited moment has finally arrived after much campaigning and speculation on behalf of the public. Bruce Forsyth, entertainer of the masses, has received a knighthood after a mere 70 years in show business! The 83-year-old star, who entered the industry at a tender age of 14, was made a Knight Bachelor in the 2011 Birthday Honours last Thursday, 12 October. The knighthood came after a year-long campaign by fans who were adamant that Bruce, or ‘Brucie’ as he is affectionately known, should receive recognition for his services to charity and entertainment.

Bruce was accompanied to the ceremony at Buckingham Palace by his stunning 54-year-old wife, a former Miss World, Wilnelia Merced, and his children Jonathan, Charlotte and Laura. When asked at how long he’d been in the entertainment business for, the Queen seemed to express surprise at the answer. Bruce joked after the ceremony: “Maybe I’ve been in the job longer than she has!”

Bruce’s success began in 1958 on a weekly variety show, Sunday Night at the London Palladium, where he established himself as a natural performer and all-round variety star. Bruce’s talents include singing, acting, dancing and telling jokes (albeit slightly more cringe-y ones nowadays). He then became even more famous by presenting his own game shows, Bruce Forsyth and the Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and The Price is Right. It is through these shows that he developed his famous catchphrases, such as “It’s a Brucie bonus”, “Didn’t they do well?” and his show-starter “It’s nice to see you to see you...nice!” Nowadays, he is still using the catchphrases by co-presenting the successful ballroom dancing show Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly.

Despite his long career and success, Bruce remains humble about his award, thanking his fans first and foremost for being so incredibly supportive. He attributes his success to being a family performer and always working on family shows that can entertain any age. And, he doesn’t intend on retiring any time soon!

Some may hate him and his dodgy jokes but I think it’s wonderful that ‘Brucie’ has finally got the recognition he deserves after a lifetime of serving the public through our TV screens! Although he stumbles over his lines, looks in the wrong direction and drops jokes like a lead balloon, we wouldn’t have him any other way. The words on his autocue are also rumoured to be so big that the audience in Strictly Come Dancing have to be asked not to mouth along. However, he is a true entertainer. A type of performer who near-enough ceases to exist with the death of variety shows and the swearing edu-comics that exist today. And I, for one, will be sad to see him go, as it will mark the end of an era. Thanks Sir Bruce Forsyth CBE for entertaining us, and here’s hoping it lasts for many years to come!

Strictly my own views...

Strictly Come Dancing 2011 has begun!

So the new series of Strictly Come Dancing has kicked off and already we’ve had our fair share of bitching, moaning and tantrums. (Yes, I’m looking at you Nancy Dell’Olio).

The 9th series of the popular ballroom dancing show began on September 6, 2011 and the familiar faces of the professional dance partners are back to entertain us, including Italian stallion Vincent Simone, trash-talker Brendan Cole and long-suffering Anton du Beke. And of course, this year’s show provides the public with a host of famous celebs (and some not-so famous, yes I’m looking at you Nancy Dell’Olio) to strut their stuff and try not to humiliate themselves in front of the judging panel. The line-up this year includes The One Show presenter Alex Jones, impressionist Rory Bremner, footballer Robbie Savage, actress and ex-Eastender Anita Dobson and many more.

The first send-off has been and gone with politician Edwina Curry waving goodbye to the glitz and glamour of Strictly last week. And let’s face it, she wasn’t the worst but I’m not exactly upset she’s left. Her dancing wasn’t exactly up to par against the celebrities who are in it to win it (see Holly Valance and Jason Donovan). Also, her cougar attitude was downright disgusting. I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with having a cheeky flirt with your prospective dance partner, but growling at the camera and talking about her suddenly wonderful sex life is a bit too far for my liking Edwina! ‘Red hot Curry’ you were certainly not, I’m afraid!

But some of the dancers are obviously in it for the long haul. Aussie, Jason Donovan, pulls out all the stops week after week, determined to be the best and putting the work in to do so.  Holly Valance steams up the dance floor with her sex appeal and Latin American dance moves; her performance as Roxy from Chicago this week astounded both the judges and the audience. I also feel that McFly’s Harry Judd is destined to go far but as of yet hasn’t had the recognition from the judges that he deserves. He surely has the rhythm, from being a drummer, he certainly has the looks, and all he needs now is the technique!

Holly's stunning performance as Roxie Hart from Chicago in Strictly's  Broadway week.

So this year’s Strictly is guaranteed to be another roller-coaster ride. Will romance blossom between Waterloo Road’s Chelsee Healey and new professional Pasha Kovalev? Will Lulu and Brendan’s feisty relationship result in him carting her off the dancefloor over his shoulder once again? Will there be any more costume disasters? (Yes, Nancy Dell’Olio). There’s only one way to find out..

How to... create Newspaper Nails!

Recently I stumbled upon some pictures of this gorgeous, unique and readable nail art! Don’t they look fantastic? And they are extremely easy to do at home, which is perfect for me and any others who are a novice at creating nail designs. Plus, as I’ve just began a Print Journalism Masters, these designs are pretty apt and are a great way to use those used papers I have lying around!

What you’ll need: Light-coloured nail varnish, top-coat nail polish, rubbing alcohol, an old newspaper (make sure everybody’s finished reading it!) and a small container.

What to do:

1.       Paint your nails in a light colour so the newspaper print can be seen easily, such as white, cream or pale colours of green, pink, etc. Allow the varnish to dry completely before moving onto the next step!

2.       Next, pour some of the rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit in the UK, which is available in Boots, into a small container. Once your nails are dry, dip your nail into the container for about 5 seconds.

3.       Take a small piece of newspaper and press it firmly onto your nail for about 15 seconds. Peel it off and the ink from the words will be left behind! If needed, you can then use a cotton bud and nail polish remover to clean up the nail.

4.       Next, you should ideally use a top coat to keep the design intact. Plus, it gives the nails are lovely shine.

Et voila! Your eye-catching newspaper nails are complete and you are now ready to wow the public with your stunning nail art!

Hope you enjoyed this beauty post,

Love,

Emma! Xx

What I'm listening to... Latino Summer!

Disc 1 1.       On The Floor - Jennifer Lopez 2.      We No Speak Americano - Yolanda Be Cool and DCup 3.      She Bangs - Ricky Martin 4.      Alejandro - Lady Gaga 5.      Whenever, Wherever - Shakira 6.      Rhythm Is Gonna Get You - Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine 7.      Copacabana (At The Copa) - Barry Manilow 8.      All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie 9.      Hey Sexy Lady - Shaggy and Brian & Tony Gold 10.   Guantanamera - Wyclef Jean 11.    Macarena - Los Del Rio 12.   (Mucho Mambo) Sway - Shaft 13.   La Bamba - Los Lobos 14.   Bamboleo - Gipsy Kings 15.   Ran Kan Kan - Tito Puente 16.   Carnaval 2010 - Dario G. 17.   Samba Pa Ti - Santana 18.   Tu Es Foutu - In-Grid 19.   Miss California - Dante Thomas 20.  La Camisa Negra - Juanes 21.   Coco Jamboo - Mr. President 22.  Oye Como Va - Santana

Disc 2 1.       Hot - Inna 2.      Stereo Love - Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina 3.      Sway - The Pussycat Dolls 4.      Te Amo - Rihanna 5.      Mambo No.5 - Lou Bega 6.      Let's Get Loud - Jennifer Lopez 7.      Rhythm Of The Night - DeBarge 8.      Mambo Italiano - Shaft 9.      Quando Quando Quando (Tell Me When) - Connie Francis 10.   Guaglione - Perez Prado and his Orchestra 11.    Soul Bossa Nova - Quincy Jones & His Orchestra 12.   Spanish Eyes - Engelbert Humperdinck 13.   Maria Maria - Carlos Santana and The Product G&B 14.   Mambo - Helena Paparizou 15.   Inside Out - Imelda May 16.   Annie, I'm Not Your Daddy - Kid Creole And The Coconuts 17.   Me Río De Ti - Gloria Trevi 18.   Mas Que Nada - Sergio Mendes and The Black Eyed Peas 19.   Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood - Santa Esmeralda 20.  Nah Neh Nah - Vaya Con Dios and Rico Bernasconi 21.   Babara Batiri - Beny More

Latino Summer is a collection of hot latin-influenced pop, which includes a whole host of stars who use the Latin flavour to create their summer anthems, such as Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Shakira, Ricky Martin and many more. Although we are heading into Autumn now with Summer (what Summer?) most definitely behind us, these fast-paced, sing-along tunes get your hips swinging at any time of the year and sure make that housework/homework a whole lot more bearable!

A mixture of new summer hits and cheesy old classics reminiscent of the sizzling Spanish holidays of the past, such as Bamboleo, La Bamba and Mambo Italiano, this album is the only one you want to be listening to (and singing to) right now! Listening to these sexy summer anthems reminds me of those hot summer nights by the beach and always makes me want to break out the Latin American dance moves!

Although some songs have a pretty tenuous link to Latino pop, such as Engelbert Humperdink’s Spanish Eyes, I simply love this collection of songs and if I’m ever having a bad mood moment, putting this album on certainly cheers those blues away and is always a good start to a party!

Does anyone else own this album, what you think?

Adios + te amo,

Emma xx

Fashion Forward: Kate Fearnley Boutique

If you hail from my hometown of Middlesbrough, the Kate Fearnley fashion label is one which you will not only know, but adore. However, those of you who are not familiar with this fashion forward designer will soon wonder why not? Loved by many A-list celebrities, such as Cheryl Cole, Katie Price, The Saturdays, Amy Childs and Alexandra Burke to name a few, Kate Fearnley’s quirky, edgy style has risen from the picturesque, seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea to the glittering glamour of the red carpets!

Katie Price and daughter Princess both wearing  Kate Fearnley in an OK magazine shoot.

Graduating from Northumbria University in Newcastle in 1997 with a BA (Hons) in Fashion, Kate made her dreams come true when she won the Princes Trust in 2002 and established her own label. Nowadays, her eclectic style and exquisite collections made up of unusual fabrics, textures and shapes have propelled her popularity so much so that her little boutique in Middlesbrough have fans all over the country. This stylish store is a frequent haunt of the locals and her beautiful dresses are always a must-go-to whenever a special event is on the cards!

In 2010, Kate Fearnley was rewarded for her grit, determination and fashion flair with the prestigious Cosmopoliton award for the ‘Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year’. Cosmo said of the young, up-and-coming designer: “We loved Kate’s fun and fearless determination to burst on to the fashion scene. She never gave up and has truly succeeded in bringing her designs to life, making them accessible on the high street. She’s a true inspiration.”

Kate Fearnley winning the ‘Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year’ award at top women’s fashion magazine, Cosmopoliton. Pictured here with TV presenter, Zoe Salmon, who also wears Kate Fearnley.

The Kate Fearnley fashion label continues to surprise and delight with her Autumn/Winter collection for 2011 where a mix of fabrics and unusual adornments show an insight into her flirtatious, creative mind. Although her dresses aren’t particularly cheap at around £160 to £200 a dress, they are most certainly one of a kind, bang on trend and scream haute couture. When you buy a Kate Fearnley dress, you will be wearing something bold, new and exciting. And you certainly won’t be overlooked in a crowd wearing these gorgeous numbers:

       Left: Paige. This knee-length dress features a luxurious, bold yet feminine print with oversized, contrasting shoulder detail.

      Right: How amazing is this ‘Mendes’ dress!? The unusual mix of bold colours combined with the striped waistband gives this classic design the ‘wow’ factor. Add sequin collar and pocket detail and you’ve got yourself a winner.

      Below: Francis. This gorgeous, vibrant dress features boxed sleeves and a key hole cut to the back. 

            Above: The print and lace three-quarter sleeves showcase this ‘Gracey’ dress to its full potential. Wow!

      Left: The LBD has a unique edge with this ‘Astrid’ dress. The beautiful corsage detailing on the one shoulder and striped fabric makes this dress simply stunning.

           Right: Buttercup. This 50’s inspired dress looks divine with charming bow detail, underskirt and provocative colours.

      

Do you need to see more? Visit www.katefearnleyboutique.co.uk for more breathtakingly beautiful dresses, ideal for that special occasion. Kate Fearnley also custom makes dresses to introduce that special something that is just you!

Not only are her collections a parade of beautiful, feminine yet quirky dresses, they also prove the statement that with determination you can succeed. And for that Kate, I thank you.

Love,

Emma xx

The Bachelor arrives!

Gavin and his girls!

This month has seen the UK version of The Bachelor hit our TV screens and boy, has it arrived with a bang! The reality dating show stars Welsh Rugby Union player Gavin Henson as the ever-so-eligible bachelor and a variety of girls, each with gorgeous looks and often quite strange personalities, all vying for a place in Gavin’s heart.

The reality series aired on August 19, with Gavin meeting, greeting and judging all 25 girls who are competing against each other to snare the bachelor. And some girls certainly put on a show! 26-year-old Tia didn’t even introduce herself before going in for a cheeky kiss on the lips and one girl even groped his bum, causing a shocked Mr Henson to give his best ‘Help me!’ look to the camera. But Laura Blair, 23, a dancer from the Wirral, put on a performance of a lifetime, while her competitors merely looked on in despair. Slamming the limo door shut, she certainly grabbed Gavin’s attention by refusing to walk up the stairs to meet him and exclaiming: “Carry me up the stairs otherwise I’m going home.” Poor Gavin had nowhere to run to!

The series, with its fourth show airing this Friday, follows Gavin’s quest to find his ‘one true love’ after his very public split with singer, ex-fiancée and mother of his two children, Charlotte Church. After two years living in singledom, Gavin is ready to move on and find someone new, by taking the girls out on a variety of dates each week, from daredevil zip-lining to romantic picnics in the park. Each show culminates in a rose ceremony, where the bachelor distributes roses to his favourite girls, leaving one or two broken-

hearted and therefore whittling his prospective girlfriends down to just one.

Gavin with ex-fiancée Charlotte Church.

Although this series has been entertaining to say the least (especially to a 21 year old girl who can fantasise about snaring such a hunk!), the end result seems pretty far-fetched. Guaranteed to offer true love, The Bachelor claims to end the series with Gavin and his new girl setting off into the sunset in a fully-fledged serious relationship. Even I, a hopeless romantic, find that pretty hard to believe! For one thing, the girls didn’t even know who their prospective beau would be, only that he is single and famous. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to date a celebrity? (Here’s hoping I stumble into Prince Harry some day!) Also, in a competition against 24 other girls, I definitely don’t believe you can show off your true self, warts and all, to the bachelor. Nevertheless, I offer the best of luck to the ‘winner’ and her man, and my cynical self might be pleasantly surprised in the future to see Gavin Henson’s wedding on the front of OK! Magazine.

Has anyone else been watching The Bachelor? What do you think about it and does it differ to the US version?

Hope you all enjoyed this post!

Love, Emma xx

Hot on the High Street: Peter Pan Collar.

The newest style to hit the high street this month is the cute peter pan collar, seen adorning blouses and dresses alike. The sweet rounded collar is often accessorised with pussy bows and neck ties and is guaranteed to make you look cute as a button! Here are my favourite (and affordable) picks available online! I’m quite attracted to lace, can you tell?

(Click on the pictures to go to website.)

This navy printed dress from Red Herring is simply adorable. The print features flying birds and the vintage white lace collar just sets this dress off!  £40.

ASOS stuns with this gorgeous lace, fitted dress. The structured skirt and zig-zag hem is to die for and is available in the four colours of black, white, teal and navy. £45.

Lace features again in this jade-coloured sleeveless blouse from Topshop. With ribbon tie detail to show off the peter pan collar, I think this is my favourite! Also available in burgundy and white, £26.

The Peter Pan collar looks so cute on this sheer shift dress from Missguided.co.uk. In this season’s hot colour of rust, the black trim, long sleeves and pleated design showcase this dress beautifully. Also available in mustard, £22.99.

This peter pan collar shift dress by Vero Moda is reminiscent of the 60’s and features an A-line silhouette. Only £15!

Hope you like my choices, do you own anything with a Peter Pan collar and what do you think of this style?

Love, 

Emma xx