lifestyle

Today I realised that I like fashion that is weird, and not in the hipster ironic way. There's just something I love about people feeling so comfortable to just wear what they want, whether its 'too' colourful, 'too' out there, oversize, granny-ish or bending the gender boundaries - I love it. I think this is because I look up to so many people that kinda say 'fuck you' to expectations of them. There is something so valuable in just not caring, or caring to the point where you only wear things you feel 100% comfortable in because you're so passionate that you only want people to view you in that way. Any-who, here are my favourite celebrities that like to go their own way - not necessarily 'anti' fashion, but rather just disregarding the 'rules'.

Now, if you've read my blog before you've probably realised that I really really love Claire Boucher, or grimes as her stage name. Following the kinda weird aesthetic her music conjures, her style really doesn't have any boundaries. Granny jumpers, socks with sandals, funky jackets, over-sized sunglasses are a few of her staples and I just love the eclectic feel you get from her. It almost feels as if she wears her life on her, like each piece of clothing has come from a different show, or moment in her life that is represented through the fabric. Whether I'm just romanticizing something that really is someone just not giving a fuck and wearing whatever feels like them, I don't know. I guess I like to think everything has a deep meaning or something. Either way she looks bomb.

Now FKA Twigs is not 'anti' fashion, in fact she wears a lot of beautiful designers, but the way she puts it together is pretty unique and that's why I included her in this. Unlike a lot of musicians who have access to a plethora of expensive and designer clothes, she hasn't gone down the route that so many do. Instead of becoming polished and always on the latest trends (Like Beyonce, Jordan Dunn, Taylor Swift etc) she just goes with what she loves. I love that her wardrobe is so diverse and includes so many styles. Her performance outfits are always amazing as well.

I've always had an affinity for Helena Bonham Carter, partly because of her amazing name and partly because of her amazing style. Yes, it's very particular but I love it. I call it Gothic Boho, because if it were more colourful it would be boho, but the vampy colours give it a bit of punch - just like her. After growing up watching her ace the character of Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter series, I've always felt like I could trust her, like she's just a really cool person. Do you know what I mean? Like those people that you've never met, but know you could trust them with anything. Kinda like Morgan Freeman, or Tom Hiddleston or the Queen or Beyonce, you know? Anyway I just love her attitude and how it shows through her clothes.

Ah, Tavi Gevinson. The ridiculously talented and lucky teenager that rocketed to recognition after running a fashion blog from the age of 13. Tavi used to be one of the biggest advocates of funky fashion (I feel like I'm going to regret saying that but it feels right), not so much anymore, but her wonderfully weird creations are still on her blog - The Style Rookie and are great for inspiration when you've lost your way in clothes.

Onto possible my favourite on this list. Harry Styles. Pop superstar and newly budding actor, he is worlds away from where he was in 2010. I like to think is his style transformation kind of like a caterpillar. Started of cute and small, and then transformed into a beautifully colour flamboyant butterfly. Okay, so maybe that's another bit of romanticising, but if you read my post about guilty pleasures, you'll know that I quite like 1D so it's natural I'd like them to be themselves right? Seeing the change in not only the clothes (I'll get onto that in a minute) but stage presences is so fun, during the last tour he was dancing round and acting like a mini-rock star, very empowering. Why? Because in a time where gender boundaries are being challenge and at the same time others are fighting hard to keep them, having someone in the public eye and as well know as Harry Styles is like opening the eyes of so many people. If a fan of One Direction (who are normally teenagers) see's a man experimenting with flamboyant actions, colourful and feminine clothes and working long hair (R.I.P), it sends the message that it is 100% okay to express yourself any way you want, it doesn't matter what gender you are, you can do whatever. I think that's pretty awesome.

Also can we just appreciate his collection of boots.

Hope you enjoyed this post, I loved making it! I'm thinking of maybe doing a fashion post based on some of their styles, what do you think?

lifestyle

Places I NEED To Visit

14:21

Like many other people my age i'm contemplating a gap year. While most of the places listed in this post are distant dreams that are far out of my budget, I would like to hopefully visit at least one of these beautiful countries and towns. So here are my top 12 places I NEED to visit!

1. Groningen - Netherlands

This beautiful city is a wonderful alternative to visiting the cliché capital, Amsterdam, and offers just as many wonderful things to do. With beautiful historic monuments like the Martini Tower, five star resturants and idealic canals, this is a definite stop on my next trip to Europe.

Must See:
- Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival Groningen
- Groninger Museum
- Eurosonic Noorderslag

2. Ostia Antica - Italy

The rich heritage of this archaeological site is astonishing, dating back to possibly be the first colonia of Rome, these ruins are unmissable. (Also those rocks look very similar to the ones in Spirited Away and it would be cool to recreate scenes)

Must See:
- Literally all of it

3. Ronda - Spain

I feel like I don't really have to explain why this destination is on here - I mean the photos speak for themselves! Living in a small city on the precipice with views of luscious greenery and bright blue pools - sounds good to me.

Must See:
- Baños los Arabes (Arab baths)
- Balcony of Paseos
- The Paseo Hemingway

4. Playa del Carmen - Mexico

Although it won't offer much of a cultural enrichment, I'm a sucker for sandy white beaches and clear seas, so this looks perfect. Nothing better than lounging by the sea on warm sand sipping on coconut juice.

Must see:
- The beach (duh)
- La Qunita

5. Ubud - Indonesia

A center for traditional arts and dance, this stunning town in the uplands of Bali is my perfect place. Covered with greenery and beautiful architecture, just walking around would make me never want to leave.

Must see:
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace

6. Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia

Ever wanted to be feel like Jesus? Well here's your chance. These incredible salt flats in Bolivia allow someone to walk across the world with the sky beneath them. Even if I could only visit for a few minutes, it'd be worth it.

7. Badab-e Surt - Iran

Created over thousands of years and coloured by natural organisms, these extensive brightly coloured travertine terrace's look like something that belongs on Mars. I would love to see these and feel like I was in another world.

8. Marieta Islands - Mexico

While all of the islands are beautiful, the place that I really want to visit is the 'invisible beach'. Created by a bomb test during the second world war, this beach is probably the most secluded you could get. Definitly something out of a fairytale.

9. Bussaco National Forest - Portugal

First made home by 6th century monks, this lush forest is simply stunning. I think I would feel like I was walking through something out of the Secret Garden, or something from the past when things were all so built up and modernised.

10. Koh Lanta - Thailand

Clear blue seas, private beaches, traditional Thai food and warm, constant sun. Sounds pretty good to me, I'd definitely feel like I was part of the 1% (Or a member of Top Gear in that special where they all failed at creating car boats)

What are your bucket list places you really want to visit?

Credits of photos in order:

Groningen: Daniel Bosma, Fair Fashion Festival Ostia Antica: civitavecchia.portmobility.it/en Ronda: Mystery Of Life (blogspot), Francisco Marin Playa Del Carmen: Traveltats, Playa-delcarmen.com Ubud: www.ghmhotels.com/en/tanah-gajah/destination, balitouroffice.com/bali-rafting-and-ubud-tour/ Salar De Uyuni: Planetden.com Badab-e Surt: Siamaksabet, http://www.georama.com Marieta Islands: www.vallartatoday.com, Vallaria Adventures Bussaco National Forest: Wikimapia.org, www.rotadabairrada.pt Koh Lanta: lantapocketguide.com, Narcosis Nick

lifestyle

Going Braless

14:00

For a while now, me and my only other friend who isn't part of the itty bitty titty committee have said that if it was socially acceptable to go braless, we would. The constriction of bras, the uncomfortable sweat, twisted bra strap, that extra roll that magically appears when you put one on are my main reasons for wanting to not where a bra, but other factors apply as well. I feel so frustrated that something that I was born with, and can't help having, prevents me from doing what makes me comfortable because it has been hyper-sexualised.

I once had to have a surgery and the placement of the incisions made me have to go braless for two weeks. After a PE lesson a gross boy in my class thought it would be great to come up to me and say 'Damn, your nipples are out'. Now, bare in mind this was in year 7, so I was eleven. I was so embarrassed and humiliated. Ever since then, I have been so self conscious of my nipples and boobs in general, that I haven't gone braless again, even in my own house around my family I wear a bra.

Today, I went braless. (Well, when you're reading this it might be a few days later because of scheduling). I bit the bullet and just said "Fuck it". It was too hot to wear a bra and I was just tired of being constantly aware of this stupid, tight and uncomfortable thing.

At first it was uncomfortable. I felt self-conscience and that everyone was looking at me. As the day went by though, I began to become more comfortable in myself and stood taller and pulled my shoulders out of the hunch they had been in from the beginning of the day.

By the end of the day I felt so confident, but kind of bitter sweet. The only reason I felt confident enough to go braless in the first place was because I was going to only see people I'd most likely never have to see again, and when I realized that I wouldn't feel confident enough to do that at school it was kind of frustrating. Here I was feeling all confident and empowered and as soon as I thought about doing that in my everyday world I was terrified again.

I hope that one day I'll be able to walk into college with no bra on, and it not be a big deal. My boobs are part of me and I decide when they are sexualised and when they are not. When I am being educated and I am learning my way in the world, they are nothing more than oversized pecks, and I and only I will decide when they become more. Not some snotty little boy, not some old teacher telling me it's inappropriate to be me naturally and definitely not the bra bands that try and sell me something that is considered necessary in today's society, for a price that is a luxury.

#FREETHENIPPLE