Finding Fashion: Luna Viola Design

Evening all!

You probably already know I graduated this summer, followed by a busy and exciting few months. Now I'm settled in Glasgow and looking to start a new journey for 2017. I’ve enjoyed seeing what fellow classmates have been up to over the past summer. Some have moved on to new courses, others, internships and grad jobs. This week I want to bring everyone’s attention to Sally at Luna Viola Design, a Fashion Management graduate who has proceeded to create a brand of her own selling handmade jewellery and homeware. I had a chat with Sally about prepping products, getting into the creative mood and her future plans. 

WHAT LED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BRAND?

I had always wanted to work for myself and loved being creative so when I was unable to find my dream job after university I decided to create it myself.

WHY ‘LUNA VIOLA’?

Well, to be honest, I wanted something short and snappy to begin with but kept coming back to Luna Viola Design for some reason. I’ve always loved the name ‘Luna’ and have a fascination with the moon and space and thought that I would be able to incorporate this aspect into my collection designs as the business progresses. ‘Viola’ is a family name – my grans cousin who died at the age of 14 in the 1940’s and I have always been fascinated by her beauty and the way that she stood out in photographs. Then… ‘Design’ to tie everything together – I hope it worked!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE LUNA VIOLA DESIGN IN 3 WORDS?

Colourful, Personal and Creative

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

This may sound cliché, but all around me. I love the seaside and adventure so that has become a big part of the inspiration for my first collections. Pinterest is great for on trend colour inspiration too!

WHAT'S BEEN THE HARDEST THING ABOUT STARTING UP LUNA VIOLA?

I do everything on my own from physically hand-sculpting the jewellery and gluing on countless buttons to photography for the website and social media to tracking down supplies and everything in between. It’s a lot of work for one person especially someone who is just out of uni and still trying to find her way in the world. But I love every minute of it.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOY LISTENING TO IN ORDER TO STAY FOCUSED? 

I love listening to various podcasts about creativity and business – TED Talks are great and really inspire my work and drive to keep pushing forward. I love a bit of country music too!

TAKE US THROUGH YOUR WORK PROCESS?

I usually begin with putting a Pinterest board together of colours, textures and shapes before moving onto sketching up some ideas. Once I have a clear idea in my head of what I want to produce I then get making. Most of my work is made from Polymer Clay so I would select the general colours that I wanted to work with, condition the clay and then go ahead and blend colours together to make a unique set of colours and patterns. Once I am happy with the combinations I would roll them into beads, or sculpt the clay into necklaces, little dishes or whatever else takes my fancy. If I am making beaded necklaces for example I take all the different beads and waxed cotton cord and decide on what look I am going for before stringing them and adding final touches. Then it’s time to shoot them for social media and the website and then they are available to buy. Working with polymer clay is quite a long process and can get a little frustrating at times but once I have the finished product sitting in front of me I know that it’s all totally worth it. Watching Netflix always helps too!

WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL WINTER MUST HAVES? 

Bright colourful necklace to add a little something to a cosy outfit – just like our SMILE necklace, Gilmore Girls on Netflix and Earl Grey tea.

WHAT DO YOU SEE IN LUNA VIOLA'S FUTURE?

I’d love to open my own shop alongside other creatives so it would kind of be a design collective. Hopefully a little café could be added to the shop along with a workshop area for people to come and learn different crafts. So really my ultimate dream is to have a design hub because I think creativity is really important in all aspects of life and handmade items should definitely be favoured over the mass produced items we see across the board.

Until the official website launches, you can always check out some products on the Luna Viola Design Etsy or check them out on Facebook and grab yourself a Black Friday/ Cyber Weekend deal.

Broke BB x

Back with the Music Monday

I'm officially done with classes and only have a couple of coursework deadlines  to go, then it's 'goodbye uni', hello adulthood! I am both excited and absolutely terrified but trying to stay positive about the unknown future.

While I have a little more time I'm going to get back to blogging and, as it's a Monday and a new month, why not start today?

For my music Monday, I've picked a selection of songs that I'm clearly obsessed with... Apologies to my sleeping flatmate who overheard me singing along to these tracks the other night. It was basically a full-blown kitchen performance. There's nothing particularly new and special about these songs, I just love them, there is no criteria.

1. Meghan Trainor- NO ft. Almost every girl in the club.

I actually couldn't stand Meghan Trainor but this song is converting me because, not only does it sound like a R&B girlband from the noughties, but it speaks the truth. Go away.

2. Jenifer Lopez- Ain't Your Mamma

It would probably help if she stopped dating guys young enough to be her son but I love this song and I love J-Lo so no shade here.

3. Blonde and Craig David- Nothing Like This

Craig David keeping garage alive. Nothing but good vibes!

Nick Jonas ft. Tove Lo- Close

4. Space is just a word made up for someone who's afraid to get too close. Poetic love or psychotic ex? You choose. Either way this song is perfect.

5. Beyonce- Eveything that is Beyonce

So I clearly couldn't put up every LEMONADE track and about 1 week from releasing it, all the videos have now been removed from social media and Youtube. So i've got Formation repping the album because I'm STILL not sick of it. Slay


Peace and love
Broke BB xx

Music Monday: LION BABE

Today I've gone for a song that, compared to previous Music Mondays, is pretty old. I picked this song as my Monday sound 100% because it just makes me happy. Today's been a "swollen throat, sneeze every 5 seconds and put honey in everything I drink" kind of days, but none the less, I powered through work. I'm home and have a load more stuff to sort out so 1st things 1st, imma need a power track. The right song can change your entire mind set and, today, mine has to be LION BABE- Wonder Woman. I've picked the Joel Compass Remix because as it took something great and made it perfection!! 

There's no music video but I hope you love the song. Turn this right up!!! 

Broke BB xx

Finding Fashion: ELB Handmade

Today's fashion find is ELB Handmade- a cute and affordable handmade lingerie brand.
Around 7 months ago, I basically gave up bras. I hated the restricting wires and cups and decided decided that they were an uncomfortable way to make other people comfortable around your body, but that was before I bought my first ELB Handmade bra! Yes, I know, some girls have no choice but to go full support when bra hunting, but for others like me these wireless ones are the perfect solution. They feel great on and the price is perfection, with sets starting from only £15!! Emma Brown has definitely won me over and, after this, I'm hoping she'll win you too!

WHEN DID YOU START CREATING LINGERIE AND WHY?

“I started creating lingerie when I moved to Norwich – I’ve known how to sew since I was little (thanks mum!) and I’d been walking past this fabric shop on my way into uni for a few weeks when I finally decided to go in and have a look around. By chance they sold some beautiful lace so I got some, had a little experiment and that was it! I remember uploading it to Depop one night never imagining it would get me this far, when I woke up the next morning I couldn’t believe the response it had received and I still can’t!”

DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND IN 3 WORDS.

“Flirty, simplistic, and lightweight.”

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING ON YOUR LINGERIE BRAND?

“Whenever I’m not sewing lingerie or planning new designs I’m either working towards my photography degree or sewing clothes for my boyfriend and myself – my poor sewing machine never gets much of a break!”

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO STYLE AN ELB BRALET?

“They can be styled any way that you’d like! I wear them every day in so many different ways – it’s really up to you”

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE ELB SET ?

“I think my favourite set has to be the classic short bralet with the boy short pants – it’s my go to set almost every day, so comfy and still super flattering”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TREND FOR THIS SEASON?

“I really love henna tattoos at the moment, and there are so many amazing pairs of lace up shoes around”

WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER ESSENTIALS?

“Bralets (of course) to keep you cool and comfy in the heat, loose fit trousers, and Dove intensive treatment conditioner to keep my hair happy”

HAVE YOU BEEN TO ANY FESTIVALS THIS SUMMER AND WHO WAS YOUR FAVOURITE ACT?

“I actually managed to get tickets to both days of Radio One’s Big Weekend – I was most excited to see Florence and the Machine and she was amazing! There were so many people to look forward to, Imagine Dragons were great and of course so was Taylor Swift”

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

“There’s an artist named Lorraine Loots who paints and draws a different miniature every day – They’re always so delicate, intricate and cute! Seeing her work always inspires me to push a little bit every day and keep going.”

WHO WOULD BE YOUR ULTIMATE MODEL FOR ELB HANDMADE?

“Jourdan Dunn or maybe Kendall Jenner”

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR THE BRAND?

“I’ve got a few collections brewing up in my office, some new lace on the way, and I’m hoping to expand to a website so that I’m more accessible to everyone! I’d love to have a little shop somewhere one day too.”

 If you have any questions about the fit of these bras (I'm taking about you gals in the E+ club), send an e-mail to (emmadepop@hotmail.com) or a message on Depop and Emma will help you out. Check out Emma’s Instagram and Depop for a peak into her new season products and chances to win some gorgeous pieces for yourself!!

Broke BB xx

Music Monday: Josef Salvat

This week's Music Monday tune is Open Season by Australian artist, Josef Salvat. I've been a lover of this lad since his song, This Life, came up on a Youtube mix that I listened to back when I was a poor naïve fresher, all stressed about coursework. That minimal, deep bass came blasting through my headphones and I was hypnotized into chilldom- his tracks just have that effect on me.

The song Open Season was written by Josef in 2013 during a new chapter of his career as he was about to sign a new record deal after a recent move to the hustle and bustle of LDN from Austalia.

Here's a little newsletter snippet (join the mailing list yo!):

"On paper everything looked so bloody exciting but the reality was a bit lonely and frustrating...So Open Season was, structurally, melodically and lyrically, a readjustment of priorities. In many ways so is the video.

It seemed to me that the whole process of making music videos can sometimes be frustrating for everyone involved... So we decided to lay that bare, remove the 'torture', and just make something beautiful and fun."- Josef Salvat 

Check out the wonderful and witty video shot in Cadaques, Spain and directed by Ollie Wolfe. WARNING: SUMMER FEELS AND HOLIDAY CRAVINGS AHEAD!

Music Monday: Everything Everything

An album I have been obsessively playing on repeat is Get To Heaven by Everything Everything (Duluxe). Why? Because everything EVERYTHING they produce is beautifully intense.
I am a mad fan of these guys and need everyone else to appreciate their magnificence so here's my favourite track off the album, Hapsburg Lippp. I genuinely believe that the hip hop vibe of this song combined with the distorted guitar can only lead to a love of this band. But have a listen and decide for yourself!

Broke BB xx

12 Wonders of Black Hair & Skin

Maybe you've got yourself your first black friend or you're just intrigued, but you have so many questions but don't want to come across like a clueless country bumpkin. From my primary to university years, I am used to being one of very few (if any) black kids in my class and I'm pretty light hearted about other people's curiosity and have decided to list a few of the most common queries I get.

Source: shutterstock

Black hair probably sparks the most questions as the difference of coarse Nigerian hair compared to theirs can be intriguing. Now I'm not easy to annoy but one thing I do have to insist when it comes to all black people- ASK BEFORE YOU GO PETTING SOMEONE'S HAIR... I'm likely to say no. Respect that.

1. When I have extensions- "What part is your real hair?"
 Extensions have become much more mainstream as I got older but people do still ask this so check below about how it works. Still confused? Google it!

2. With braids- "How do they put it in?"

Here's a tutorial vid by Kali Kashmere because, after repeating myself to multiple people for15 odd years, it can get tiring...

3. "How long does it take?"
6 hours and a sore bum later- I look fabulous! Sitting on a chair for half a day obviously isn't fun but after all these years, it's not as big of a deal as you think.

4. "What is a weave?"

Aaand another tutorial, this time by HairByLin.

5. "How do you wash it?" 

The same as how you wash yours really...
When hair is in braids or a weave, it's really not necessary to wash it much but when I have natural hair, I probably was it every 3ish weeks. No, it's not dirty. White hair gets greasy if you don't wash it often however afro-caribbean hair dries out and breaks if you wash it too frequently. Natural oils take longer to affect black skin, I assume it's because of the fact that black skin is thicker with more layers than white (but I'm no doctor) which is why we apply hair oil and other products to give it more moisture.

6. "So is your hair, like, an afro?"

No. My hair is relaxed instead of 100% natural. Relaxer is a type of long-term straightening formula however I do cheat an 'afro' every now and then using bantu knots.

7. "Why don't you keep your hair natural?"

I know afros are just oh so more interesting but I relax my hair because it makes it easier to maintain and I'm super lazy with my hair. Props to the girls taking that #NaturalHairJourney, it's just not my choice at the moment.

8. "You change your hair all the time!"
Well I can't sit with the same weave for 2 years now, can I? Black people can use braids and weaves as a way of protecting natural hair whilst still looking uber cute but, eventually, it will get messy so it kinda needs to be redone. Just sit back and enjoy the variation.

9. That "Yes, I have tights on my head" moment...

Night Time Weave Routine Using Tights | Edee Beau

If I stay over, I'll probably put on a head scarf to stop it getting messy and dry, but you know what's just as good?? Tights! Perfectly elasticated for ideal hair protection.

10. "Do you have to moisturise EVERY day?"
I usually have to explain this when it comes to changing after swimming and everyone's like "what are you doing?". Yes, I moisturise on a daily basis because dry skin feels as bad as it looks. Just accept it as something every black person does and move on. The faves are Palmer's Coco Butter and, for the dry winter, Vaseline jelly (because it's not just for lips!).

11. "Why are your palms and the bottom of your feet white?"

Why does it matter? They just are...

12. "Do you tan?" 
Well yes, I get darker in the sun. Although, for me, it has to be super sunny so this British summer isn't really cutting it.

So that's all I have to tell you this time round. Take this information, hold it close to your heart and avoid asking again. 

Broke BB xx

P.S. No, I won't teach you how to twerk and no you're not 'blacker' than me because you listen to more rap music. 

Love ya!

Related articles.

6 Questions People Should Stop Asking Black Girls - Sierra Andrew

10 Things You’ll Only Understand If You’re A Black Girl Dating A White Dude - gurl.com

Music Monday: Lianne La Havas

I've decided to introduce a new weekly feature on my blog where, every week, I bring you the song getting me through that ever dreaded Monday. From chart hits to nostalgic oldies- I got you!

In anticipation of the release of the luscious Lianne La Havas' new album, Blood, I have decided to pick a couple of her tracks, What You Don't Do and Green and Gold. Both are from the upcoming album which will be released this Friday (31st July).

The first Lianne track that I heard was Is Your Love Big Enough? from her 2012 album, of the same name, which was just stunning. After experiencing the entrancing voice live at a show in Bournemouth, it was official, I was a FAN! A few years on, Unstoppable popped up and it was the much needed reminder of this babe's talent. I'm always ready for more Lianne La Havas and FINALLY the new parcel of musical perfection is nigh! Click here to pre order Lianne's album and check out her live dates here- trust me, you will NOT regret it!

Check out Lianne in the video for What You Don't Do which is the perfect combo of 60s Jazz and modern pop.

Here's her brand new single, Green and Gold, a charmingly jazzy chill tune. Enjoy! 

Broke BB xx

WIN: MDMflow

Want to win a gorgeous handmade lipstick by MDMflow? Of course!

This Monday I launched my first every Twitter competition so just follow and retweet to be in with the chance to win the stunning Von Dutch.

Monday blues? Just follow me and retweet to win this gorgeous Von Dutch lipstick by @MDMflow! #competition #RTtoWin pic.twitter.com/ddXWImZZYK

— Broke.Black.Beautful (@Broke_BB) July 6, 2015

Competition ends 14/07/15

On the MDMFlow

Yay to new and original independent brands! I had a chat with Florence Adepoju, the creative mind behind MDMflow, about her handmade lipstick brand. If you love to finish an outfit off with an edgy lip colour then you need to get on that MDMflow.

   

HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?

I studied BSc Cosmetics Science at the London College of Fashion and decided upon graduation to create a brand that represented all my influences- 90s Hip hop, street style, colour and science.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

My main sources of inspiration are hip hop and street culture. I love that hip hop is all encompassing, its real and it raw yet its aspirational and flashy. I like things that contain depth and aren't just surface level sugar coated. At the moment I'm obsessed with watching rappers being interviewed and mini documentaries. My current fave to listen to is A$AP rocky. 

WHO’S YOUR ULTIMATE HIP-HOP ICON?

My male icon is Notorious B.I.G and my female changes all the time but right now I would say Eve. I listen to her hit, Satisfaction, every now and then and it really resonates. "Everything I am just because I had to make it happen they never thought that I would make it rappin'" that's how I feel right now. She was a female rapper that really said it how it was. 

SOME GIRLS CAN FEEL DISCOURAGED TO WEAR BRIGHT LIP COLOUR, IF ANY AT ALL, AND ARE WORRIED THAT IT WON’T SUIT THEM, DID YOU EVER EXPERIENCE THE SAME THING IN THE PAST AND WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR GIRLS WANTING TO CHANGE IT UP A LITTLE? 

I think I've always been a bit crazy and pushed the boat out with my beauty styling, I grew up around boys so I didn't really have an older female to lay down the rules and my mum isn't really into make-up. I always looked at music videos as inspiration, Kelis early 2000's styling still inspires me now. In my opinion the best way to change up your style is to work on your attitude and how you feel about yourself. Beauty should be an expression of how you feel and not to mask it. I don't think there is any point in rocking a look that doesn't represent you. If you are feeling classic rock try a Supreme red but if you are feeling punk, it’s Di La La black all the way. 

WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO SEE ROCKING THE MDMFLOW? 

Rihanna 

THE MDMFLOW GIRL IS… Confident and expressive 

COLOUR POP OR CHILL PASTEL?

Colour pop, I've just never really gotten into pastels, I find them very demure and I'm the opposite 

WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Gourmet burgers

WHO’S YOUR MOST PLAYED ARTIST AT THE MOMENT?

J.Cole

WHAT BRANDS SHOULD WE BE CHECKING OUT AND WHY?

 Caudalie, a really cool French skincare brand where all the active ingredients are derived from grapes. I love everything they do. For colour cosmetics it's Nars and, for fashion, I'm really into TTYA- the perfect brand for tall girls. I also love sequins and glitter so loving Ashish too. 

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF MDMFLOW HOLD?

More products, more visuals, I'm also hoping to do more pop-up events, I love meeting the girls that buy my products.

FAVE QUOTE? 

"Stay far from timid

Only make moves when your heart's in it

And live the phrase Sky's The Limit" 

- Notorious B.I.G 

Images sourced fromHigh Content by Joe Starbuck

Start your MDMflow collection now and check out the MDMflow mascara, Greater Than, out now!

Broke BB xx

Florence and the Machine- How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful review with The Retro

I've got together with The Retro Store again to bring you another album review. You can find the full article on The Retro's blog. 

On June 1st, something very wonderful happened. The hypnotic vibes of Florence + the Machine returned in the form of a 3rd studio album- How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. With Florence’s gripping voice and those spellbinding instrumentals, the band has stayed consistent in providing their classic, strong sound but bring something a little more mature and different to this album than previous. You’ll notice a bohemian ambience shine through from the very beginning with a fast tempo, psychedelic opening in Ship to Wreck, a rock and roll ending in Mother, and a tambourine backing spread through the middle to round off that flowerchild atmosphere. 

Expect a healthy dose of drums, harmonies and classic Florence howls. As usual, there’s an abundance of possible contemporary/lyrical dance tracks so all you dancers will love this!

MY TOP 5 TRACKS:

Queen of Peace

You've got to love an orchestral vibe. Queen of Peace (track 4) is one of the album’s anthem style songs, filled out with brass and strings. Surprisingly, the chorus doesn't feature the expected choir backing vocals which is fairly refreshing for a track like this but I probably wouldn't say no to a choral group cover!

Delilah 

Delilah is the 6th track and the 4th single released from the new album. It’s another strong, upbeat song that oozes the band’s signature style. It starts off modest but continuously builds with layers of Florence harmonizing with more Florence, a solid drum and that sneaky tambourine.

Long & Lost

The simple guitar, sparse instrumentals and toned down vocals are just stunning in track 7, Long & Lost but, as well as this, the actual lyrics are just as gorgeous as the voice that sings it. This is what I would call a ‘movie window-stare’ worthy song. Have a listen.

Third Eye

I have to go ahead and say Third Eye is my number one song from the record. It’s the 9th track on the album but, if you've bagged yourself the deluxe edition, you need to just stop everything and lose yourself in track 15- a beautiful and raw demo version of Third Eye. The demo has a slightly tribal feel that is also present in the unbelievably powerful bonus track Which Witch.

St Jude

St Jude (track 10) is a toned down song with a steady flow and slightly eerie vocals supporting the minimalist instrumentals. It’s got a lot less going on than most of the album but is still as effective and beautiful as the heavier songs. Check out the eerie video to match.

Gray's School of Art Graduate Fashion Show

Last night I headed to the Gray's School of Art Graduate Fashion Show where, as well as getting some free wine and chocolate, I got to lust over the beautiful designs of the talented RGU fashion and textiles students. A statement that's always a little frustrating to repeatedly hear as a fashion lover is 'You'd never be able to wear that!'. A couple things I definitely know is that (1) people can wear whatever they like and (2) some designs aren't meant to be worn but are conceptual pieces of art to just ADORE! So let's do just that...

Designer and collection from left to right: Jenny Holmes- Road Between; Michelle Hay- Anagen; Jenny McCraw- Persona

Katrina Andrews- BAIT; Hannah Robertson- Duvet Daze; Karen Korjus- Fashion Puzzle

My favourite collection of the night has to have been Ryan Cowie's Fembots. The pieces were all well fitted garments with stunning structures and a futuristic feel- it was basically the wardrobe of a powerful and fierce girlboss. I NEED IT ALL!!! 

Check out the full collection here and find out what the inspo was behind it all.

Stay Beautiful!

Broke BB xx

Fringe Fever

Bought this super hot fringe, suede effect jacket from H&M for only £24.99!!! <3

The Golden Show

It's that time when the business fashonistas of Robert Gordon's University team up to put on the show of the year. That's right, it's time for the annual Fashion Management catwalk event!

The show will be held on the 29th May at the Aberdeen Business School and, this year, the guys and gals at RGU will be raising funds for Down's Syndrome Scotland- a charity that aim to improve the quality of life for those with Down's syndrome and their families. Grab a ticket, contribute to this amazing cause aaand have a great night filled with fashion fabulousness!!

How cute are these tickets?!

To find out more or book a place, send a message to thegoldenshowrgu@outlook.com and don't forget to join the Facebook event page to stay up to date with everything going on and behind the scenes content. 

See you there!

Broke BB xx

Protein World... because why not?

So I'm a bit late on the band wagon (coursework and all) but I thought I'd get in on the big Protein World discussion. It really is EVERYWHERE!!!

The first time I saw one of these ads just chilling on the tube all bright and yellow, I thought "DAYUM, this girl is fine!". The sexy smize, the perky boobs and that unbelievably teeny tiny waist- Renee Somerfield, a great body buuuut not the great body, there are so many others.

Now I don't have a problem with people getting fit for summer- let's be honest, every year 90% of girls decide to bless social media with pics and statuses about their 'beach bod progress'. If I have a real problem with the advert at all, it's that the brand were aiming to promote healthy body image and yet encourage consumers switch meals with pills... seems a bit silly really. I don't think that the advert would have had the same response if it had been an ad for a gym group for example. Protein World are saying "eat less, look sexy" which is what we really don't need in this day and age. 

You're lucky if you feel great in your body but I think it's important to remember that there are young girls who are still getting used to theirs. These girls are becoming more and more aware of what is seen as 'hot', especially with the growth of social media, and some will do anything to reach a body shape that sometimes just isn't possible.

If you feel great as a size 16, that's a beautiful thing. If you feel great as a size 6, that's also a beautiful thing, the same goes for muscley girls, girls with wobbly thighs or girls in the ittie bitty titty committee. Seriously I think we should all stop watching measurements and just do you. Don't put down a woman in an ad to feel better about yourself but don't put a woman in the ad and declare her as the only IDEAL body.

Ma bae Cara, the stunning Denise Bidot and badass ballerina, Misty Copeland

All in all, I just want to say #MealsNotPills

Stay beautiful (because YOU ARE)

Broke BB x

The Black Keys- El Camino Review with The Retro

I teamed up with The Retro for a little review of El Camino from The Black Keys. Check out their blog here for the full review. Here's a little snippet.

Folk, soul or rock and roll- just give me good music and I’m happy...

I love the retro sound of The Black Keys, a band that gives the perfect combo of blues and rock. Every summer, especially when coursework starts building up, I head right back to my happy place- a playlist filled with Black Keys tunage. El Camino is one of my favourite albums of theirs and I say ‘one of’ because I physically can NOT choose between this, Brothers and Thickfreakness.

I've picked out my fave 5 songs but check out The Retro blog for the track-by-track reviews.

DEAD AND GONE

Psychedelic, soulful and strong- Very “70’s revival”. Keep the love alive!

GOLD ON THE CEILING

Retro groove with a touch of synth and a memorable riff.

MONEY MAKER

Just listen to those energetic blues vibes!

RUN RIGHT BACK

Dirty guitar and HOT vocals.

MIND ERASER

Auerbach’s effortlessly rough yet dreamy vocals are stunning in this song. Mind Eraser provides a perfectly simple ending to the whole album.

Overall, the El Camino is just filled unreal energy and is the perfect soundtrack to your summer! (You might as well just throw all the albums all in there…)

Broke BB xx

Use the code ‘Vinyl 10′ to get 10% discount on all vinyl from The Retro!!

Amandla Stenberg: Don't Cash Crop on my Cornrows

There's NOTHING wrong with being white and taking inspiration from black culture. That's not the issue...for me, it's...

Posted by Broke Black Beautiful on Friday, 17 April 2015

Original source:

http://clandesteen.tumblr.com/post/107484511963/dont-cash-crop-my-cornrows-a-crash-discourse-on

Shoreditch Daze

Top- Primark

Skirt- Primark

Sunglasses- Urban Outfitters

Hat- Forever 21

  

  

Over the weekend I soaked up the sun with my Motel Rocks buddy, Nicole and headed out on a day of overeating in Shoreditch. 

Lunch at The Diner was IDEAL and I'm not ashamed in the slightest for getting a side of fries with my pancakes. After, we headed on to the marketplaces and pop up shops around the area where I grabbed a couple of old pieces of costume jewellery before heading down Brick Lane.
I am soooo not ready for this stunning sun to go away but in 2 weeks I'll be saying goodbye to London and heading back up to Scotland to catch up with my uni babes. Crossing my fingers for a bight and toasty Aberdream!


Stay beautiful,

Broke BB x