Gang Signs & Prayer

Image from Stefan Heinrichs

Gang Signs & Prayer is the debut album from Stormzy and trust me when I say, I'm glad it's here. As soon as I started listening to it, I could tell how hard the 23-year-old grime artist has worked to create an album that emphasises his passion and determination for what he does. And why not? He's pulled it off. The album is brilliant - he's made grime music mainstream, broken records and his collaborations are like nothing else.

While he made the album, Stormzy silenced his social media and came back with the biggest announcement of his life. It's pretty much kicked off from there and I can only imagine what lies in store over the next few years but I can't wait to hear more of Stormzy and what he has to offer. Gang Signs & Prayer is such a good start to 2017, a year that's going to be big for this London born artist. 

At the moment, all I'm hearing from entertainment stories and programmes is 'who's Stormzy up against?' Being compared to other artists is something that definitely doesn't come to mind when you hear Stormzy's interviews, watch his snapchats or even read his tweets. He's offering something different to everyone else at the moment and he's very gracious in his album and the meaning behind it. However, Gang Signs & Prayer is a serious contender and this album is going to take him a long way. Whether it throws the album chart or not, it will most definitely go down as one of the best grime hip-hop albums of this time.

After other huge grime albums released in the last year from the likes of Skepta, Kano and Wiley, Stormzy has finally made his own mark on the scene. The album has already been celebrated by so many other iconic artists and the praise keeps on coming. The catchy 'Big For Your Boots' combined with the determination behind 'First Things First' and the softness of 'Blinded By Your Grace' have done it for me - it's an album that I think I'll always go back to.

From watching his YouTube videos to seeing him live in 2015 and now this breakthrough album, it's clear to see that Stormzy is grateful for the opportunities he has been given and the journey that it's taken him on. This is just the beginning for Stormzy and this album is like no other. In his own words, "nothing can define you."

My debut album "Gang Signs & Prayer" is OUT NOW - https://t.co/5PLL98qT0t 🙏🏿🌎 pic.twitter.com/XaghlRl1IP

— 24/02 (@Stormzy1) February 24, 2017

LFW: My highlights, top trends and model of the moment

Image from Flickr

Top 5 Shows

Sophia Webster

Sophia Webster's show is a must-watch for me every year. Her statement butterfly winged heels and beautiful colours always take centre stage - and this year was no exception. The brave over-the-knee ice cold boots won the audience over and for me, those princess heels are just utterly gorgeous.

Burberry

Burberry pulled off a spectacular show again this year, in front of the most star-studded audience of LFW. I always spot massive trends at Burberry's show and this year saw asymmetric dresses, stunning beading and a whole load of capelets. Neutral colours and beautiful fabrics owned every piece, making the show gracious and elegant, with just a hint of fierceness.

Mary Katrantzou

Inspired by Disney's Fantasia, Mary Katrantzou's collection shone with glitter and sequins, and I loved it. I couldn't help but gawp at the beautiful colours and patterns of this year's show and prints are something that definitely weren't held back. Florals, surprising comic prints, textures and embellishments were all out in force.

Topshop Unique

Never one to disappoint, Topshop Unique's show was full of floral dresses, statement colours and oversized pieces, all finished with a spash of 80's. However, the audience won it over for me this year. Sofia Richie wore a beautiful sheer top, definitely a trend that was highlighted at Topshop's show, and Lydia Millen looked stunning in statement sleeves and Gucci loafers.

Halpern

Michael Halpern has won me over. The New York designer has officially vamped up the runway with non other than disco. We're talking a lot of sequins, bright colours and clashing textures and I absolutely love this look. Personally, a statement sequinned mini is more my thing, but I am in awe over the bold flared leg jumpsuits.

Trends I Love

Pink

My forever favourite rocked the runways this year. Different shades of pink with a mix of textures are an easy to wear statement that we'll see all over both designer and high street pieces. A gorgeous transition from spring to summer to autumn!

Volume

This trend is definitely one for the more confident but pulled off correctly and it can look beautiful. Volume skirts and dresses carried the runway, however, for a more subtle look, hunt the high street for a volume sleeve to transform your style.

Beading

Beading is probably my favourite trend at this year's London Fashion Week. It's elegant and classy but super wearable - go for a beaded jumper in the daytime and a beaded mini at night. My favourite piece has to be this sweatshirt from the Burberry collection.

Red

Extremely eye-catching but I'm sure everyone has at least one red item in their wardrobe! Dress it up with different textures and statement jewellery or keep it understated with clean cuts and simple colour combinations.

Sheer

I absolutely love sheer textures at the moment and LFW hit all the right notes with their take on the trend. From dresses to rain coats, embellishment to t-shirts, there's no covering-up from your favourite pieces this year.

Model of the Moment

Come on, it's got to be hasn't it?! Over the last couple of years, Gigi Hadid has completely changed the game with modelling. You can tell that she's a down-to-earth family girl who is living her dream and right from the get go, well, her Victoria Secret Fashion Show debut in 2015, she has been the one to look out for. And now with her new TOMMY X GIGI HADID collection rocking the runway, there's no stopping the 21 year old...

Who run the world? GIRLS.

I love reading other blogs and finding my favourites when it comes to travel, beauty, lifestyle and fashion. I typically follow UK bloggers as I prefer their style of writing and can relate myself to the places they visit, restaurants they eat at and the brands they wear! Reading other blogger's posts and watching their vlogs definitely motivates my style of writing and gives me ideas for posts myself, however, I do really just enjoy looking at their work and finding out how they got where they are now.

Here's my 5 favourite female bloggers:

1. Carrie at wishwishwish.net

Carrie's blog is full of wedding ideas at the moment; calligraphy, honeymooning, decor and dresses. But hunt through her posts and you'll find fun travel features, from Disneyland to European city breaks, with serious style throughout.

2. Victoria at inthefrow.com

You'll find everything from holiday styles, destinations and top tips to reflection posts about bullying and anxiety on Victoria's blog. She writes something for everyone and her latest trip to LA is already giving me serious holiday envy!

3. Lydia at lydiaelisemillen.com

Lydia's style is impeccable and her clothing haul vlogs are brilliant to watch. From fitness tips to holiday's, her engagement video to London shopping trips... she's definitely one to add on snapchat too for a great insight into what she does.

4. Suzie at hello-october.com

City breaks, high-street fashion and beautiful interiors own Suzie's blog and Instagram. Her eye for design is obviously something that she entwines through all of her work... even the clothes she wears! Her nude and black wardrobe is seriously amazing.

5. Claire at chouquette.co.uk

As well as her incredible Chanel bag collection, Claire's blog is full of beautiful clothing, shoes, makeup and lifestyle tips. Her wardrobe tour vlog is enough to make anyone jealous, but there's no doubt she's a down-to-earth girl who works hard for her style!

10 places I want to visit before I'm 30

Image from Tumblr

I love travelling. Career and education options have meant that I don't have a free 6 months to actually leave the UK and explore the world but that doesn't stop me from visiting as many different countries as possible, immersing myself into different cultures and dreaming of a couple of weeks away. Travelling is my main motivation. When I had a part-time job, any extra shifts I saw as an addition to my holiday fund or spending money for an upcoming holiday. Now, I save as much money as possible and think ahead... places I want to visit in the near future and which destinations will be best for me once I start teaching!

I love looking ahead and setting a holiday as my ambition, whether it be saving for a couple of years for a long-haul dream holiday or looking forward to a well needed European break. Turning 30 seems a million miles away right now, but it's only 9 years and will probably fly by. So, here's my 10 (maybe a bit too optimistic) destinations I would love to travel to before I turn 30:

1. Rome

I always wanted to travel through Italy but I don't think that will be possible for now. I'd love to still travel to Italy and have a lot of Italian destinations on my 'to do' list, with Rome being the first one. Starting in the Capital seems like a good idea and there's plenty to see and do; architecture, shopping, culture and food, not to forget a trip to watch Roma (with strict instructions: 'we HAVE to go before Totti retires'). Better get booking up then!

2. Cambodia

Cambodia looks absolutely incredible. Ideally, I'd love to do a multi-centre trip, stopping in either Vietnam or Thailand too, as it works out much cheaper than visiting the countries at different times. However, Cambodia is probably number 1 on the list, specifically, Angkor Wat. Just looking at images and other posts about this amazing temple complex is enough to want to visit.

3. Morocco

Marrakech is a destination that I seem to always be on the lookout for. You can grab some bargains at secluded Riads which lie down maze-like side streets, close to the hustle and bustle of the centre. I'd love to explore the incredible mosques, palaces and gardens that this city has to offer, not to mention the traditional marketplaces where you can find brilliant hidden gems.

4. Madrid

Madrid is another city that I've always wanted to travel to, especially since my uncle moved out there. There's plenty to see and do, from tasty restaurants to traditional markets and I can easily do this city on a budget from all the suggestions and tips I've received from my family!

5. Odessa

This one may seem a little unusual, but I seem to have fallen for this city since reading about what it has to offer. The Southern Ukrainian city has some of the most beautiful beaches and the grand Primorsky Boulevard, which lies parallel to the ocean, is lined with impressive mansions and monuments. Seriously picturesque, and the weather's not bad in the summer too.

6. Mauritius

Another holiday destination that we nearly booked up for this year, but decided against, is Mauritius. However, it's still somewhere I would absolutely love to visit for many reasons; the culture, food, beaches and beautiful scenery. One of those 'once in a lifetime' holidays full of luxurious beaches, exquisite food and pinch-yourself moments.

7. Dublin

Staying a little closer to home for this one! Dublin has always been somewhere I'd like to give a go for a long weekend away. My best friend visited last year and family have also told me about their drunken Dublin adventures, and it seems like the perfect place to escape to. There's plenty to do; shopping, sights, pubs and restaurants, the ideal weekend getaway.

8. Florence

My second Italian escape on the list is Florence. I recently watched a television programme on the Tuscan city and it just made my decision even clearer. It's full to the brim with culture, art and architecture and looks insanely beautiful from every angle. Perhaps a little quieter than Rome, but that doesn't stop it from being just as cultural and ideal for a couple's holiday.

9. Jamaica

My Mum often speaks of her holiday's to Jamaica and it gives me serious holiday envy. From the famous Dunns River Falls to Kingston Town, Seven Mile beach to the secluded Miracle Spring, the picturesque island seems so inclusive and I'd love to explore the wonders it has to offer.

10. Moscow

I never thought I loved cities as much as beach holidays... until I wrote this list. There's a definite theme developing! Moscow is another wonderfully pretty city that I want to visit, for many reasons. The city seems to wow visitors with its majesty and history, not to mention it's wonderful landmarks and impressive skyline.

What will 2017 bring?

Image from nstpictures.com

For me, the new year doesn't mean resolutions and becoming a 'better person', it's all about reflecting on good times and trying your best to make this year just as good as the last.

2016 was a brilliant year, full of personal achievements, holidays and realisations. I finally figured out what it is I want to do and how I want to do it, along with my plans for the end of 2017. Now that we're fully immersed into the new year, I thought I'd let you know what my plans are for this year, and why, for me, 2017 is going to be big.

So far, plans include:

• Final Semester - I want to finish my final year at UoG proud of what I have achieved and knowing that I have put 100% into every piece of work.

• 21st Birthday - Although I'll still be focusing on grades and my final assignment, my 21st in May kick starts the summer nicely and I'm sure to be celebrating in style.

• Mexico - A country I've always wanted and now I finally get to; I'm so glad we booked this last year. I can't wait to spend 2 weeks soaking up the sun and sipping on cocktails!

• Graduation - I can't wait for graduation. After 3 years of hard work and deadlines, graduating will definitely be my biggest achievement to date.

• Postgraduate course - I decided last year to apply for a postgraduate PGCE, and have since placed my firm choice with a lovely school in Pershore. The beginning of a new journey.