2014: Music Predictions: BANKS

I came across BANKS in August of this year. 

When I heard 'Waiting Game,' I was pretty sure I hadn't heard anything like it before. 

BANKS - Waiting Game

There was a slight buzz around BANKS this year, but nothing substantial enough to really allow her career to take off. BANKS did cause a stir, however, when she posted her mobile number on the internet: 

[Excerpt taken from newspaper article] 

"I like making connections outside of a computer screen. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have never really been my thing. So my manager is going to run the Social Media stuff. If you ever want to talk call me – (323) 362-2658 - BANKS."

Not sure what to make of that? Well, to be honest I didn't either. Assuming it was a publicity stunt to try and reign in more popularity, it wasn't until I actually heard BANKS, that I realised this interaction with the public wasn't needed for success. With tracks already produced by TEED and Jamie Woon, it's clear she has a lot of support already. 

My favourite so far has to be:

BANKS - 'This is What it Feels Like' (Prod. by Lil Silva & Jamie Woon)

  

BANK's is bringing that raw edge back into the R'n'B genre. All the synth intricacies in this particular track are so cleverly paired with BANK's vocals where she can really show off her range. From Los Angeles, BANKS is like the US version of the UK's Jessie Ware. She's cool, sultry, incredibly talented and more than welcome to produce more musical genius.

She's also tipped to be the "Artist To Look Out For" in 2014 by iTunes.

2014: Music Predictions: WOLF ALICE

I always root for the underdog. Especially when it comes to music. I'm always on the lookout for those secret hidden gems. Bands who still have that rawness you'll only find on an early demo tape, before all the polishing and airbrushing. Whilst sat here writing three pages of New Years Resolutions for myself, I decided to write a post on some musical predictions for 2014. 

Wolf Alice:

I wrote a blog post about them in March this year, but it was just when I was getting to grips with the world of Tumblr and felt it got pushed under the carpet a little. So thought I'd do a re-post:

"Forget about the Hounds of Love; it’s all about the Howls of Love as we welcome new North-London band Wolf Alice into our speakers and headphones.

Wolf Alice - 'Fluffy'

I listened to the full 2mins and 58 seconds of ‘Fluffy’ and instantly needed more to fulfil the rapid growth of my Wolf Alice cravings. The four-piece prove that short bursts of guitar are not all they have to offer with ‘White Leather’ which lays out a stripped down 90’s grunge-esque melodic track alongside Ellie Roswell’s sultry vocals. In other words, its ace; Not what I expected to hear after ‘Fluffy,’ which shows the band are still at that early stage of experimenting, trying to figure out which musical route they want to go down. It shows their rawness and when you find a track in 2013 which sounds like it could’ve been from The Cure’s discography, you know you’ve hit the jackpot."

I saw Wolf Alice play in March at Camden's KOKO and knew 2013 would only be the starting point for them. Now in December, about to grab hold of 2014, I came across this NME sessions video from the band's latest track 'Love's Whore.' Again, the three-piece are showing re-growth and give us a taste of what they are hopefully planning to release next year.

Wolf Alice - 'Love's Whore.' 

Previous Releases include: 

Blush EP (Release Date: 07/10/13)

Tracks:

Blush

She

Nosedive

90 Mile Beach

Apple & Blackberry Jam Recipe

 I felt so Christmassy at the start of November. Perhaps a little too early for some... (definitely too early, happens to me every year), and now I can't believe it has crept up on us so quickly and we'll be tuckin' into our turkeys NEXT WEEK. I did begin to worry that I'd used up all my festive fever too early, when my excitement faded slightly last week, but I knew what would get me back in the mood: 

Apple and Blackberry Jam.

Blackberries are the fruit I link most with Winter (well those and cranberries of course!)and I've always wanted to make jam so thought little pots of these would make great presents. I've bought my family other gifts but thought something homemade would make the present giving a little more special.

For me, Apple and Blackberry is the perfect winter combination so couldn't wait to get stuck in when I came across a recipe from Delicious Magazine online.

First things first; The Ingredients:

500g Blackberries

500g Cooking Apples (peeled, cored & chopped)

1 Small Lemon (juice of)

1kg Jam Sugar

Now, let's begin! Preparation Method:

1.Put the blackberries and apples into a preserving or large pan with the lemon juice and 100ml of water. Place over a medium heat and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.

2. Pop a couple of saucers into the freezer to chill. Add the sugar to the pan and cook, stirring to dissolve. *IMPORTANT* Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. (Make sure you use a stopwatch, timing is key!)

3. Put a teaspoon of jam onto a chilled saucer for 1 minute. Drag your finger lightly over the jam. If it wrinkles, it has reached setting point, if it doesn't, boil for a couple more minutes, then turn off the heat and try again with another chilled saucer. Set aside to cool for 1 hour.

4. Once cooled, stir the jam, then ladle into each jar, seal and label.

 

"I'm Late, I'm Late, For A Very Important Date!"

Indulging in a scrummy cream tea!

I felt like the luckiest girl last week when my boyfriend treated me to Afternoon Tea at The Randolph Hotel in Oxford during our mini UK getaway. Those who know me, know I love love LOVE most cakes and going for cream tea is what I love to do with my girlfriends. I love hosting friends and always make sure we have something sweet in the cupboards for them. 

When Aiden told me he was taking me for Afternoon Tea, I was so excited, especially when I realised it would be at The Randolph, a 5* hotel! The interior was beautiful and the tea room carried an Alice in Wonderland theme throughout, (One of my other favourite things and definitely my favourite Disney film!) Cream tea for one and coffee were the only items in our price range, but I could've just sipped tap water the whole time as it felt like we had entered another world. It definitely gave Harrods competition, as we sat next to the most beautiful Christmas tree. Still continuing its theme, large, gold watches were placed on various branches and large playing cards hidden intricately alongside them. "We're painting the roses red," came to mind when the centrepiece for each table had a red rose with miniature playing cards around them, all contained in an elegant glass ornament. 

I really felt like we had escaped reality for a little while as the whole atmosphere was so relaxing and comfortable, and quite magical! I always think its important to collect some of those hard-earned pennies and take yourself away for a little while to experience something out of the ordinary, your very own Wonderland. 

My Top 5 CHRISTMAS Tracks!!

Surely it's acceptable to have these on the ipod now right? Not that I've been listening to Christmas songs already or anything... It's the first of December and I don't know about you, but I can really "feel" that Christmas buzz in the air now. Seen people carrying their Christmas trees home to be decorated, others trudging around with bags full of presents and wooly hats and scarves out unashamedly.

So, I thought I would share with you my Top 5 festive tracks, just in case you need some new additions to your ready made playlists.

1. Raveonettes - The Christmas Song

Definitely the Christmas song I play the most.

2. She & Him - Christmas Day

The She & Him Christmas album is a must-have/listen to this time of year.

3. Lucy Rose - Driving Home For Christmas

Lucy Rose's soft vocals really transform this track into a Christmas lullaby. Just so peaceful and beautiful.

4. Amy Winehouse - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

I couldn't imagine anyone else taking on The Ronettes classic.

***

Let's not forget the other classics...

5. Doris Days - Silver Bells (An oldie, but still a very goodie)

                                            

This song will always remind me of decorating the Christmas tree with my mum. 'Silver Bells' was on a mixed tape my Dad had made and the cassette was so old that it would cut out sometimes, but it was like a tradition to play it every year. Doris Day and Judy Garland used to be my idols growing up, particularly Judy as I loved Meet Me in St. Louis when she sang 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.' That's what I love about this time of year. These songs may be decades old, but they're timeless and quintessentially Christmas.

Charlie xo

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

Well... there's not a snowflake in sight, and it's far too early for Christmas trees... So that must mean one thing; It's time to dust off your best, worst Christmas Jumpers!

Christmas is my favourite time of year and I discovered these themed jumpers whilst working in a vintage store during University. I earned my much needed pennies every weekend at WILD Clothing in Nottingham. Independently run, it had all the foundations of an authentic, second-hand store. Autumn/Winter was my favourite time working there as that's when all the colourful 80's knits, Halloween Crewsweats and Christmas Jumpers made an appearance.

So, I thought I would show you my first time wearing a festive jumper in 2013! 

Christmas Jumper: WILD Clothing
Jeans: "Spray On Skinny" Topman (my pal gave them to me!)
Shoes: Underground Creepers

I asked my boyfriend to take these photos outside on our balcony just outside our room as the setting is really Autumnal and the area is surprisingly rural for living in the city! 

Hope you like this post! Have any of you got your Christmas Jumpers out yet? Drop your links here!

Thank you for stopping by :) 

Charlie xo

About Me...

Hello there :)

I thought it was about time that I wrote a little introductory piece about myself. 

We'll start with the basics first...

Name: Charlie (Charlotte)

Age: 22

Now for the more juicy stuff...

I graduated from University last year, studying English Literature in the hope to write about music one day as it is one my biggest passions in life. I relish going to gigs, listening to new music and re-fuelling my love for old classics. 

Another love of mine is Fashion. As you can probably tell, I'm still a bit of a novice with the fashion blogging side of things, but I'll get there... (I hope!) Now, I haven't forgotten my passion for music journalism, which is why I now contribute to thegirlsare website on a monthly basis, which allows me to put my reviews and opinions out there for everyone to see.

What was the idea behind the blog name "Reflect & The City?" 

Well, I first started out as a music blogger but found myself wanting to write about more. The idea to write a lifestyle blog came to me when I moved from a little market town, where I lived with my parents, to the country's capital, London. My little blog aims to share with you my new adventures, chapters and experiences in the hope to conquer the fashion industry and life in general! As well as this, I'll be able to show a bit more of my personality through the occasional outfit post, music I've been listening to, music reviews, editorial pieces, baking recipes and any getaways I've been on. 

Sound good?

Hope this helps to create a little narrative behind my blog.

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading this.

Charlie xo

Oh Baby, All I Want For Christmas is... ALL OF THIS!

So here is my first, proper wishlist! For ages I had been chopping and changing between Tumblr and Blogspot and didn't know what would be best for my blog. I'm still quite a novice at blogging and have only just discovered Polyvore which can be used for fashion posts! (I know right, have I been living under a rock!?)I'm determined to make this blog successful! Keep those fingers crossed for me! 

(So, if we start from the top left and go clockwise...)

1) Alix Sequin Top Strappy Playsuit in Black - Missguided

I'm definitely going through a bit of a Missguided phase at them moment and I'm in love with most of their Christmas party gear! I've already bought myself a few dresses but I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to sparkles and sequins. I instantly think "Christmas and NYE!"

2) Jimmy Choo - Eau De Parfum

I love getting new fragrances on Christmas and Birthdays. I can never really justify spending over £40 on a bottle of a sweet-smelling scent, so I always have my fingers crossed that someone (my boyfriend *cough*) gets all the hints I'm making... I've even showed him where he can get it on offer. Subtle right?

3)Great Gatsby Movie Blu-Ray

I saw this movie and totally fell in love with it. Baz Luhrmann is a total genius and I love the way he combined all the elements of a 1920's film with those from a modern-day classic. It might not be everyone's cup of tea but I was certainly spellbound.

4)Nike Junior Air Max Trainers - JD Sports

I'm in dire need of some decent trainers. I bought, what I thought were authentic vintage black Nike trainers on e-Bay a while back, but I soon realised I might've been fooled... They'll suffice as exercise trainers for now (ha, more like collecting dust) but I really want some proper trainers. I can use them to experiment with my style a bit, pair them with some high-waisted American Apparel jeans, crop top... you get the idea!

5) Morrissey's Autobiography - Waterstones

Since leaving University, I admit, I fell out of love with reading. It seems odd as I studied English Literature but I think I just got fed up with fiction and having someone tell you what you have to read. I guess I sort of rebelled, (ooooo so rebellious ha!) What I do love reading though are autobiographies/biographies of some of my favourite music artists and when I heard Morrissey was releasing one, this went to the top of my list! NME tells me there's a hardback version coming out on December 5th so I'm really hoping I get that! 

6) Pastel Pink Fluffy Coat - Topshop

It's the coat that's on everyone's wishlist, but Topshop have got this trend spot on. Every girl's wardrobes are certainly filling up with Winter pastels and I just love that it's a boyfriend coat too! They look like just the right amount of baggy. All my coats are vintage and seem to be treble the size of me which, at the time, was what I was going for but I think it's time for a new look. With its hefty looking price tag, I highly doubt I'll get this but it's always just nice to look at...

7) Black Tassel Loafers - Topshop

Brogues are my favourite type of shoe and my creepers are my go-to pair, so when I came across these Matrix tassel loafers sold in Topshop Oxford Circus, I fell in love! I'm really enjoying the platform trend at the moment as it means I can have a bit of height and not worry about falling over my own feet! In conclusion, I just think they would be very happy on my feet! I sound like a crazy shoe lady...

8) Baking Scales - House of Fraser

Since I've moved away from home, every time I've attempted baking I've had to search for cup measurement recipes as I still haven't bought any scales. For someone who likes to bake and eat a lot of cake, this is just embarrassing right?!

9) Alexa Chung's Autobiography, "It" - Urban Outfitters

Call me shallow, but the cover is pastel pink for a start! I'm totally judging a book by it's cover here... Appauling. I was also very intrigued by this book. With its mixed reviews and critics not being able to put a finger on why they like it/why they didn't like it, I thought I better take a look for myself. Hopefully this will beat my reader's block once and for all!

So there you have it Santa, better get that plastic out and start spendin'

Thank you for stopping by!

Would love to know what are on all your Christmas wishlists! Drop your links and I'll have a look :)

Charlie xo

Faux Fur #1

Faux Fur Coat: Primark
Floral Blouse: Rokit Vintage
Black High-Waisted Jeans: American Apparel
Black Lace Ups: Office

My sister gave me this faux fur cropped coat years ago but I didn't start wearing it straight away. I think I felt a bit too young for it as I was in my early teens, so it wasn't until I went to University that I started to come into my own a bit and appreciate the "look" of vintage. I'm currently working in central London and with a Rokit Vintage store right round the corner, it keeps me occupied on my lunches but is dangerous to my bank balance. I bought this blouse last week and just loved the 80's floral colours. It's a little oversized which is one of my fave styles. Tucking my blouse into my American Apparel high-waisted jeans, my current "fat day" woes had disappeared (quite literally into the jeans).

Handbag: Topshop

Some of you may remember this bag from a previous post. I've probably used it everyday since I bought it. Think it works really well with the coat and helps to complete the look. Definitely worth the pennies so far!

Brooch: My Nana's

What I love to do most with this coat, is pin an eye-catching brooch onto the collar. What I love even more is that this brooch used to be my Nana's. She loved a bit of glitter and glam, so feel she would be very happy to see this combination. It's a very sentimental piece and is treasured everyday.
Hope you enjoyed what I wore today and would love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you for stopping by :)

Charlie xo

Walking in a "Wimbledon Wonderland"

My first festive post:

Day one of Christmas shopping commenced this afternoon!

Might be too early for some and when my boyfriend and I trudged through Starbucks with our shopping bags for a quick pick-me-up, someone said "You know Christmas isn't till next month?" But what's wrong with being organised eh! Anyway, I came and met my boyfriend in Wimbledon after he finished work and brought my faux fur out for the first time. That Christmas chill is definitely in the air.

I'm so pleased to say that I've nearly finished my Christmas shopping now which I hope will mean that December will stay relatively stress-free! I've decided to make my family some home-made jam as one of their presents so had to buy all the necessary products for it and Lakeland took care of all my needs! I was one very satisfied customer.

 As you can see, I'm pretty kitted out! I love the little, cute labels and the gorgeous gingham covers for the lids. It will hopefully make my Christmas present vision a reality. (now all I need to do is make the jam, fingers crossed!) 

After taking this little excursion, me and Aiden got lost in a world of toys at The Entertainer, searching for presents for my little nephews and his little sisters, tempted by chocolates in Thorntons and spoilt for choice in Paperchase searching for Christmas cards. Overall, I'd say its been a productive and successful day! 

Have you guys started your Christmas shopping yet?

Thanks for stopping by!

XO

My Top Three Tracks of the Week!

I'D been fleeting between my music blog and fashion for ages, until I decided it would be best to combine both and condense them into one! Here's my NEW music post! What I'm listening to at the moment...

1) Metronomy - I'm Aquarius

2) Bombay Bicycle Club - Carry Me

3) Dum Dum Girls - Lost Boys & Girls Club

1)

I remember the first time I saw Metronomy. It was accidental. I was at Brighton Dome to see CSS and Metronomy were the support act. Just three guys, who me and my friend initially thought were the technicians tuning Lovefoxxx's microphone. How wrong we were. It was the first time I heard 'Heartbreaker' 'Radio Ladio' 'Black Eye, Burnt Thumb' and I was spellbound. Their sound was so different and they were definitely the soundtrack to my years at 6th form. Over the last couple of years, the band has evolved and grown (literally as well as musically) and their new track 'I'm Aquarius'shows they are still creating their distinctive, minimalist but magnificent sounds. 

2)

Firstly, I've got to announce that I will be seeing Bombay Bicycle Club next year in Brixton! Far too excited! I've waited far too long to see them. My advice would be if you like a new band, and can sense a huge tidal wave of hype and fans about to bombard them, trust your instincts and buy a ticket! I liked Bombay Bicycle Club way-back-when, before their first album was even released and stupidly never did anything about it. Luckily, my sister got two for their 2014 tour on the pre-sale so that's my Christmas present sorted! 'Carry Me' is their new track and I really love how they continue to produce more and more spine-tingling melodies. The chorus is infectious with its quick pace and high energy, it'll have crowds jumping, shuffling and I Can't wait to be in and amongst it.

3)

As soon as I heard the first few chords of this track, I know it was going to be special. I'm such a big fan of the garage rock/pop sounds of Frankie Rose and Dum Dum Girls so I'm always excited to hear what these artists come with next. Their music allows me to believe I'm apart of the 80's (for those of you who don't know, I think I was meant for the 80s) and 'Lost Boys and Girls Club' doesn't shy away from this at all. Losing its rockier edge, this latest release embarks on enchanting echoes and smouldering strums. It's a dream.

Hope you guys enjoy! Let me know your thoughts!

XO

REVIEW: Ellie Goulding 'How Long Will I Love You'

Since the release of her first single and bagging herself a BRIT award in 2010, Ellie Gouldinghas had everyone starry-eyed. With already selling out venues across the globe and performing at Kate and Will’s wedding, there can’t have been much left on Miss Goulding’s “bucket list.” Well, a Children in Need single could have been on the it… Originally sung by The Waterboys, Ellie will be taking on ‘How Long Will I Love You’ for Children in Need 2013 (strike that one off the list!)

It’s a softly-sounding, short and sweet ballad, which doesn’t showcase anything spectacular vocally, but sometimes less is more. Its love-enthused lyrics: “How long will I love you / As long as the stars are above you / And longer if I can,” illustrate a romantic rhyming scheme and brings a poetical innocence to the song.

‘How Long Will I Love You’ will also feature on the soundtrack of recent rom-com ‘About Time’ starring Rachel McAdams, and if that wasn’t enough, Ellie Goulding is releasing a deluxe album Halycon Days which will include all the tracks from her previous album and ten more…Looks like Christmas has come early for Goulding fans!

[You can also find my review on TheGirlsAre website! http://www.thegirlsare.com/2013/11/07/ellie-goulding-how-long-will-i-love-you/ ]

Handbags & Gladrags

Topshop (Snakeskin Effect) Handbag £40

We all have a "vice." For some its shoes, others could be scarves, polka dots, zebra print, floral, tapestry... you get the idea. For a vast majority of us, its bags. I've never seen myself as a "bag" or "shoe" person. For me, I think my vice is skirts.  Hipster jeans and skirts were the cause of many-a-breakdown in Topshop changing rooms, so when I discovered high-waisted, it changed everything. With this realisation, came many trips to American Apparel and a large dent in my bank balance. But that's another story...

What I'm trying to get at is, bags never really excited me. I mean sure, I love a good tan leather satchel or rucksack but I always saw them as a necessity rather than a "splurge" on a shopping trip. That was until, I met the bag.  (see in pics on right... you'll see what I mean.) I just popped into Topshop to buy some new office attire and there it was... the colour, the snake skin effect, the vintage, classic feel to it... Perfect for a working girl right? 

By this point, however, I'd already made a lot of sensible purchases in H&M (what I'd originally set out on this journey for: work blouses, skirts, dresses) One more thing couldn't hurt and it really would look good with corporate outfits...

So yeah, I caved. 

I took back a few other items which were impulse buys so the money was there... See how I'm continually trying to justify this purchase? It's because I normally spend less than £10 for a bag by rummaging through a charity shop. It even took me three attempts to actually buy it. 

Seeing it hanging from my wardrobe though, assures me I made the right decision. My logic is if I use it more than 40 times, it will be worth every penny. We all deserve a cheeky buy when we've spent that long month earning it!  

Hope you like it! It can be found in most Topshop stores and maybe it will have the same effect on you as it did me! 

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Speak soon! XO

SHE WORE BLUE VELVET…

… On date night. 

Missguided  Navy Velvet Trapeze Dress
Kurt Geiger Plum Boots

I made my first Missguided purchase a little while ago. I’d heard good things: 1) It’s cheap, 2) It’s good for the money, 3) You won’t be disappointed. So I thought, why not? I love velvet and noticed the “Trapeze” dress is a popular style this season, so was delighted to see a velvet version of it! All I needed now was an occasion to wear it…  So I thought me and my boyfriend’s dinner and drinks celebrating our four years being together was perfect! It’s the kind of dress that makes you want to put your lippie on, wear your best shoes and dust off  your favourite, boxed “special” necklace.

A glass of Prosecco at the ready. 

I really love this dress. It’s comfortable, you can throw it on and dress it up, however, you like. On this occasion, I decided to pair it with my Kurt Geiger boots which I bought a year ago but have always been too scared to wear them in case they get ruined! They’re suede and Kurt Geiger.. need I say more? I decided to wear them as I knew I wouldn’t be shotting tequila in a sticky-floored club at the end of the night. It was a much more civilised, romantic affair, so was shoe-appropriate. 

Missguided’s velvet trapeze dress now holds prime place in my wardrobe and is a staple item. Every girl must have one!

Would love to know your thoughts. Have you got one and would like to share your review? Spill all here!