Marilyn - Getty Images

(Photograph curtesy of Emma Rose Tully @ Daydreamer)

My London exursion with my dad last month started with my second visit to the Marilyn exhibition at Getty Images Gallery, 46 Eastcastle Street W1

The one room exhibition displays a well put together collection of photographs and exceptional outfits to commemorate 50 years since the untimely death of Marilyn Monroe. 

I'm not quite sure when my love for Marilyn started. Maybe it's just natural ambition for blonde girls with a passion for 1950's movies to aspire to the confident, curvy star from an early age. 

On a family holiday to Barcelona (quite a few years ago now), we were lucky enough that a colletors exhibition was being held in the city at the same time.  It is then at least I began to uncover the real Marilyn for myself. THAT dress from Seven Year Itch, the pill box that was by her bedside at her death - certainly a Valley of the Dolls Hollywood reality. 

I found the Getty Images exhibition haunting to some degree. Images capturing the Norma Jean without her guard amongst those where the Marilyn persona - the woman most know her as - is very much turned "on." The switch in characters was perfectly captured by Michelle Willliams in the recent film. Previous Marilyn blog features (you may not have guessed, I'm a fan):

Bingo, Oxford, Marilyn 1Xtra Live                  "It's all make believe, isn't it?"

Still, I will always be undeniable drawn to her mysteries and magic and am determined to continue making my way through her achievements. Next on the list; Bus Stop (1956) - see costume image below

Catch it quick:

Ends 23rd May @ Eastcastle street, W1W 8DX

23rd May - 1st June @ Westfields, Stratford 

Pop Up Design @ Stour Space

Business card from the event and photographs curtesy of Eva @ Pop Up Design

Last Saturday I headed down to Stour Space, Hackney Wick, to check out the very first Pop Up Design boutique.

Situated amongst Dan Ainsworth's 'An Exhibition of Sculpture' with the backdrop of the Moon, the essentially British collection ranges from established brands to talented graduates. The variety of jewellery, homeware, textile and station has been selected upon their unique, fresh, innovative designs.

The organisers were loverly and keen to help with the designs. What a perfect way to introduce my visiting friend the best of my local area. 

I have totally fallen in love with this stunning upcycled hand jewellery piece by Emma Ware. The artist uses rubber and designs wearable art that frames the body whilst reflecting our curves to "emphasize the beauty in nature." I need one of her statement pieces in my life please! 

However, my budget suited the cute heart keyring shown below.

Don't miss out on Pop Up Design Boutique at Stour Space for a perfect Saturday brunch/lunch, exhibition and shopping. Still to come:

Saturday 28th April

Saturday 5th May 

Looking forward to following the group to see how the collection develops and where they pop up next!

Grab breakfast, culture and something unique for you or your home.
Temptation: The Counter Cafe blog post

For more information visit their website at:

http://www.popupdesign.co.uk/

Treats of the Tate Modern

Last week, I was lucky enough to be treated to lunch at the Tate Modern's Members Room. The salad selection was the perfect reward for achy feet after we'd enjoyed a tour of the Houses of Parliament.  We both chose the salmon, spiced aubergines, couscous and wild rice. The flavours, sunshine and view couldn't have better. 

Before heading to the Lucian Freud exhibition at the Portrait Gallery, we couldn't resist a sugar hit from the gorgeous almond tarts.  

Sunday cuppa and... Lucy Rose

I discovered this before realising "Red Face" was being played on the radio. This song really touched me  after discovering her whilst watching the current season of Skins (episode 2) - which featured "Don't You Worry"another beautiful song. She's toured with Bombay Bicycle Club (providing backing vocals) and Noah & The Whale. Triniman describes her vocals as "quiet and precious."

Lucy Rose knows her feet, her style and I've read she serves cups of Tea at her gigs. What more in a modern singer/ songwriter do we need?

Also heavily addicted to Jack Steadman's remix. Go out with this, wake up to the original. Listen here:

Buds of Spring

It's been a while - I'm happy to have a weekend free to relax about London. February was a busy one and my extreme case of bad luck seems to have eased (I can safely say I am touching wood.) So I am happily back to writing about what I love. 

A catchup on the last few fashion fuelled weeks is my first priority. Namely the street style prints I have been saving and dreaming about. The sun has been peaking out here in London so let spring begin!

Hackney Picturehouse; Dinner and a movie

Katie from Whirlygig Cinema treated me to Hackney Picture House to see The Descendants. 

The film was defiantly my favourite so far in 2012, and not just because of George Clooney. I loved all the strong characters and was moved by every performance. The Guardian summed up Clooney, who plays Matt King, perfectly as " eager to play the fool... yet here he clings to to his dignity while doing it."  Alexander, Matt's eldest daughter, brings along her stoner friend Sid for the ride and moral support. His lines are hilarious and he's always on standby to lighten the mood. The family's story is heart-breaking and director Alexander Payne (Sideways, 2004) is refreshing honest about the physical effects of comer patients. By my standards, a film in which I am constantly either crying or laughing is a definite winner. Read The Guardian’s spot on review here

Out of the films I've seen recently; The Artist is a requirement, Shame isn't everyones cup of tea, and The Descendants is a safe bet.

After the film, we descended (...) to the bar & kitchen. We chose two pizzettes along with homemade spring rolls to share. It was all satisfying on the taste buds and I am keen to go back to try their burgers which have recieved rave reviews.  There is also a range of yummy cakes on offer for those sweet cravings. In addition to the bar & kitchen on the ground floor, there is a bar on the second floor and the Hackney Attic that hosts a film quiz and live music events.

Spotlight; Jonathan Saunders

(images from Style Bubble)

Since becoming aware of Jonathan Saunders' signature style, I have spotted his accessable collections on sporting by both women and men of all ages more and more.

It is fantastic news that he has won this years BFC/ Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. The Scottish-born designer will receive a £200,000 cash price as well as a bespoke mentoring programme which will help him to achieve his business goals over the next 12 months. I am looking forward to seeing where his talents progress to with this opportunity.

The Independant described his spring collection, Resort, as "part 1950's housewife, part Miami-resort vibrancy" as his "finest yet." The show puts the 'pop' into current pop-culture and beautifully embraces the spot-on fashion trends of the season.   

Read the full article from Vogue here.