Archive | Things to Do RSS feed for this section

If You Are in NY, There’s a Free Ghostface Show Tonight 24/4

By on April 24, 2013 in Events, Music, Things to Do

Hello. I meant to post up this flyer before but I forgot. Mainly because I’ve been busy not getting radioactive powers. (I was bitten by a spider. More later) If you like me, are lucky enough to live in New York, legally (or illegally for some of you) there is a free Ghostface Killah gig tonight on the LES. WU LIFE.

How do you get in? For plebs, RSVP at rsvp.vice.com/fightland

Please join us on April 24th in New York as we celebrate the launch of VICE’s latest video channel, FIGHTLAND.COM, a site capturing the culture, personalities and trends around one America’s fastest growing sports, MMA.

WHAT: The Official Launch Party for FIGHTLAND, VICE’s new MMA site dedicated to capturing the culture, personalities and trends around one America’s fastest growing sport.
WHEN: Wednesday April 24th | 8 – 12AM | 21+
WHERE: The DL | 95 Delancey St, NYC
TRANSPORT: F, J, Z at Delancey/Essex St; D at Grand St

Comments { 0 }

The Beta Generation by vInspired: Making Yourself Happy

By on January 31, 2013 in Social Responsibility, Things to Do

2013 was meant to be the year I blog more regularly eh…? Some things never change. Anyway, happy new year. I still think it’s 2012, considering I keep forgetting to write 2013 on everything.

Charity and volunteering have always been a big part of my life. My mother ran a local charity for most of my life so I and my sisters would usually be involved in some capacity, usually involuntarily. When you’re a kid, you don’t think that taking time out to help and do sometimes monotonous jobs, is particularly fun. But as I’ve matured, I’ve definitely grown to appreciate the time my mother made us put into helping.

Currently I live in New York, and I helped volunteer for City Harvest (a local food bank) during post-Sandy efforts. Having lived my entire life in the rather safe and not climate diverse London, experiencing a hurricane was something entirely new and unsettling. A friend suggested we go help pack food packages, and we did. Not only did I build some slight upper body strength by slinging cans around (not really) and have my first experience with Viennese sausage (not an euphemism) but I got to meet very interesting and different people. And not forgetting the biggest volunteer opportunity I ever did (and most time consuming) was the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.

HELLO!

A lot of people do ask, why do I volunteer? Is it to show off? To make myself look better. I can honestly say it isn’t. Sounds selfish but it was first to make myself feel better. And also to branch out, and to get out of my comfort zone. The experiences and people you meet during volunteering is invaluable, and pretty fun too. Not to mention that it’s great for networking, and opportunities for another selfish reason. But mostly, it’s helped my self-confidence to no end. People who know me laugh about that because to them I have confidence falling out my butt. Not true.

Being a young person is hard. Of course, all the adults in your life tell you that “You’re young, what do you have to worry about? Enjoy life while you can.” Maybe the things you feel now won’t be important in the future, maybe they will be. But the most important thing is that they’re important right now. Feeling lost and out of place is something we all know what feels like. I definitely know what that feels like. One of the biggest issues is uncertainty.

I always think back and sometimes wish I was more confident in myself and abilities, but live and let learn. The frustration that comes along with it can be lonely. And the scaremongering that comes along in the media isn’t a help. Don’t get me wrong, yes, it’s a tough economy. I worried for ages about finding a job, paying off my student loans.

I’m a firm believer in going out there to find your own opportunities and make your own way in the world. When I couldn’t find a job after I graduated (which for me, seems to be always) I won’t lie, I was pretty despondent. So I kept interning. And interning. And interning. But I also started a blog based on my experience with writing on another blog which I loved. And the rest they say – is history.

 

I have worked with vInspired before I even forayed into the world of fashion. I can truly say hand on my heart, that they are a fantastic charity. Whether it’s an one off thing, or a continuous ongoing project, give it a go. Check it out. I can truly say that it’s not something you will regret. To get involved with the Beta Generation or just to find out more information check out vinspired.org

Comments { 0 }

Watch David Blaine Get (Almost) Electrocuted (I mean Electrified) This Weekend!

By on October 5, 2012 in Events, FREE STUFF, Installations, Things to Do

David Blaine: Electrified Press Conference by Intel Ultrabook

Wait David Blaine is still relevant? (Was that rude, I regret nothing) I thought he was in retirement, but when the invitation to his press conference for ELECTRIFIED dropped into my inbox, I was much too curious not to go. The possibility that he might get electrocuted was a huge bonus.


This trailer tells you nothing so don’t watch it.

On a rainy Tuesday on Pier 54, a bunch of journalists huddled under a tent while David Blaine explained what he was doing and reminded us that he still has a mortgage to pay why he was doing it. I knew I wouldn’t remember so I filmed it. He said he was inspired by Tesla (what what) and he wanted to recreate that scene from The Prestige (sic). Personally I was more bothered about the waste of energy. Global warming anyone?

Don’t get me wrong, I used to have a major crush on David Blaine. So much so I considered standing under his Glass Box in Tower Bridge with a sign saying I would take him for a Big Mac after he got out. Then I saw him throw his literal shit sack out the box and I went off him.


That is a groan you hear, because the bathroom thing came up. *shudder*

Blaine gets in a special chainmail suit (the kind divers wear when they go diving with Great Whites) and is enclosed in seven Tesla coils which are transmitting (transponding?) a million volts of electricity. One important thing to note is that Blaine is not allowed to touch his face, so has to stand there with his arms in the air for 72 hours, a bit like an electric Messiah, because he might electrocute himself.


Totes amaze brah.

David Blaine: Electrified Press Conference by Intel Ultrabook

David Blaine: Electrified Press Conference by Intel Ultrabook

David Blaine: Electrified Press Conference by Intel Ultrabook

David Blaine: Electrified Press Conference by Intel Ultrabook

The possibility for shenanigans is too great, but I will resist. You might think it looks a bit crap, but we press did not get the full show, because why would we. NOBODY CARES ABOUT US. Also because, it was raining, they were still building it, etc etc. He ends this on Monday with a “shocking” finale. (PUN INTENDED)

Deal With It

David Blaine: Electrified Press Conference by Intel Ultrabook
DB on E! News. Yes, that’s right. E!

Global viewers can watch a livestream on YouTube or if you’re not in the United States of Freedom *cough* or parts of the world where Google is tantamount to eating a baby, you can watch on LeTV (China).

David Blaine: Electrified – One Million Volts Always On is sponsored by Intel Ultrabook and is running 5-8 October.
Free admission.
Doors open tonight at 6.30PM on Pier 54/Hudson River Park, W14th St, New York.
Nearest Subway: 14th St (A,C,E) or 8 Av (L) 

Photos and video taken on a Fujifilm X10 courtesy of TALK PR. Thanks to VICE for the invite.

Comments { 0 }

Levi’s Print Workshop with Anthony Burrill – 13th July to 3rd Aug #PrintLondon

By on July 16, 2012 in Collaborations, Events, Fashion, Limited Edition, Things to Do

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

The joys of full time employment is that I no longer have to worry so much about money and cobbling together my pennies for travel. The downside is that I can no longer rock up to things in the middle of the day. Luckily Levi’s began their Print London workshop at 8am, enough time to head over, have some breakfast and get to work on time. And *bonus* onus, at 8am, it isn’t as busy.

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill Obligatory food shot

I headed to the Regent Street flagship for the launch of the Levi’s Print Workshop in conjunction with graphic artist and typographist (is that a word? COINED IT) Anthony Burrill. The Print Workshop is the fifth of its kind for Levi’s and is running during the Olympics, following previous workshops in San Fran, LA, New York and Berlin.

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

There are three iconic graphics created by Mr Burrill; THE CITY IS OURS TONIGHT – DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE? and THIS IS NOT THE WEST which is only available in the Levi’s in Boxpark in Shoreditch. Because, obviously, the East is where it’s at.

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

Our print for the day (Thursday) was WORDS HAVE POWER. Damn straight. The power of the word is mightier than the sword.

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

I was scared that I was going to burn myself, which is nothing new, considering I burn myself on an almost everyday occurrence, but success! I didn’t, and now I have a new t-shirt which gives people even more of an excuse to look at my chest!

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill
PRINTING WITH PURPOSE. My new motto for life.

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill
Additionally, if you fancy yourself as a bit of a wordsmith, you can get involved by tweeting @Levis_UK with the hashtag #PrintLondon with your own bit of lyrical genius. Tweet a Londonesque quote of 6 words or less, and if it’s the most popular that day, it’ll be the print graphic for the next day in the live workshop. If you’re around the area, you can also pop into store and pin it to the memo board.

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

Levi's Print London Workshop with Anthony Burrill

I also ran into Niran who took some hilarious photos of me which are on Hypebeast.

The Levi’s® Print Workshop runs from 13th July to 3rd August at Levi’s Flagship, 174-176 Regent Street,
London W1. Get involved by tweeting @Levis_UK with #PrintLondon.

Photos taken on a Fujifilm X10 courtesy of TALK PR.

Comments { 1 }

SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Exhibition @ The Hellenic Centre, London – 12th to 22nd March

By on March 13, 2012 in Exhibitions, Fashion, FREE STUFF, Things to Do

SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Private View
I belatedly realised after I went to this exhibition that I should have invited my very good friend, and also very Greek friend, Melina. Melina, I disappoint. I am a terrible friend.

Much as I love to party party, and dance to um, celeb DJs (iTunes Party Shuffle), what I really love are exhibitions, and being able to be in a room and if not touch, stand very close to clothes that I will never own, but am just happy to be next to them. I suggest never going to an exhibition with me because I do get very absorbed in clothes and pictures. And my mouth is open a lot.

I headed to the private view of the SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Exhibition at the Hellenic Centre, in Marylebone with my good friend and fellow blogger/writer/and all around top banana Akeela. Upon arriving at the Hellenic Centre, a deceptively slim townhouse, but a lovely high ceilinged space inside, we listened to a speech by Ioanna Papantoniou, President of the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation on the exhibition.

The exhibition shows six contemporary Greek designers of the 20th Century who revolutionised the concept of couture in Greek, Jean Dessès, Yannis Evangelides, James Galanos, Dimis Kritsas, George Stavrapoulos, and Yannis Tsekenis. Alongside these six designers were three Greek international designers, Mary Katrantzou, Marios Schwab (whose stuff I adore) and Sophia Kokosolaki.

SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Private View

SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Private View

SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Private View

SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Private View

SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Private View

SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Private View

Top to bottom: Mary Katrantzou AW11, Mary Katrantzou SS11, Sophia Kokosolaki, Mary Katrantzou, Mario Schwab SS12, Sophia Kokosolaki.

Mary Katrantzou was the flavour du jour, with several attendees decked out in her clothes.

SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Private View
Greeks need to stop being so bloody cool. I don’t know many other guys who’d pull off the ladies blazer. Except Matthew Zorpas – another GREEK.

It was a rather lovely evening as we also ran into Kristabel of I Want You To Know and her painfully stylish mother Sandria (in Mary K no less), and spent a rather pleasant time, talking, standing too close to the mannequins (because I don’t get invites to the shows *cough* not that fancy a blogger really), chasing waiters for canapes and discussing my inability to talk like a normal person in mixed company.

SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Private View
I spent the rest of the night next to this plate.

SIX plus THREE DESIGNERS Private View
My lipstick is red not orange

If you’re in the Baker St area, the exhibition runs until the 22 March and is free entry. Highly recommend popping down there, especially if you’re a fan of Mary, Marios or Sophia.

The Universal Greek Fashion Designers Exhibition runs from to 12th to 22nd March at the Great Hall @ The Hellenic Centre.

The Hellenic Centre
6-18 Paddington Street
W1U 5AS
Nearest station – Baker St
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm; Saturday and Sunday, 12am-4pm.

Photos courtesy of Akeela Bhattay

Comments { 5 }

Weekend Whatnot: Bourjois Boutique & NFD Pop Up @ Beach Blanket Babylon, Shoreditch

By on February 17, 2012 in Events, Fashion, FREE STUFF, Limited Edition, Make Upz, Things to Do

If you’re interested in the LFW hype, and not a card carrying narcissist* (aka a blawger like me perhaps) and are in the East London area, you should check out the pop-up concept store Bourjois Boutique at Beach Blanket Babylon in conjunction with Never Fully Dressed who are showcasing and selling some of their newest summer collection as well as goody bags being given away, make overs, discount prices and T4 on the scene to do some filming on location. Fulfil all your hopes and dreams, when it’s time for Jameela Jamil to present Hollyoaks on T4, you could be fannying around in the background.

 

The Bourjois Boutique with NFD runs from the 16th – 20th February at Beach Blanket Babylon, Shoreditch.

* Narcissists also welcome.

Comments { 0 }

The Weekend

By on July 25, 2011 in Events, Things to Do, What's Poppin'

Weekends are usually time for relaxing, doing laundry, and sleeping late. I get asked what I do with my “spare” time when I’m not working. Well I’m still working as such, but one also has to drag oneself away from one’s computer… I thought I should write a blog about it (as you do).

This weekend, I attended 5 separate events. For someone who likes to stay in and watch Parks and Rec and Louie, that was… an effort for me. One was a meeting so that doesn’t count, but there was Eggs Florentine.

Mmmm

Onwards!

1. 44 Frocks

I finally managed to attend 44 Frocks this weekend. 44 Frocks is the brainchild of Laura Henson and Hania Elkington, who hold fabulous secret frock parties, with fizz, cake and specially shop an array of dresses from 6 to 16; Laura goes out to hunt amazing designer dresses and you get to try and buy in a gorgeous environment along with accessories. Each party has 44 specially curated frocks (hence the name) as well as expert advice from the ladies. This weekend’s one was at their Broadway Market venue. I didn’t get a dress, alas, as I turned up a tad late, as well as pleading poverty but I had a rather delightful afternoon sitting around, drinking tea and eating cake, and having a girly chitchat. 44 Frocks now has a boutique open in East London. To request invites for future parties you can sign up for the guestlist here

2. The FORBIDDEN DANCE Capsule Collection: GRIND x Bounty

After the frock fun, I went on a cake hunt for Akeela’s party and found out about Amy Winehouse when I was in Tesco (they have flat screen TVs in Liverpool St Tesco), and then proceeded to the Red Bull Studios in London Bridge for the launch of GRIND’s latest collaboration. As well as Bounty DJs spinning tunes and a special guest appearance from Terri Walker, the one off exhibition showcases five t-shirts designed with Kevin Morosky’s photography and GRIND London’s cult t-shirts.

At this point, not only had my camera died, but my phone was on it’s last dregs, and my spare battery was dead too. Twas rather annoying, but I got a photo of the window before my phone passed out.

3. Actually Akeela’s Birthday Do

Since my phone had died, I did some detective work to find out where Akeela actually lived. Rocking up with my cream cake, twas a night of joviality and fun. And since it was an actual private event that is all I shall say.

4. The Truvia Voyage of Discovery with Bompas & Parr on the roof of Selfridges

Dear Max informed me about this a week or so ago, so I signed up for free tickets. Truvia (which is a new, rather interesting sweetener) aligned forces with culinary wizards Bompas & Parr to transform the rooftop of Selfridgesinto a magical island and boating lake. Known for doing everything at the last minute, I had invited my cousin who was visiting who then MADE OTHER PLANS.

After mistakenly going up escalators in the belief that the magic lift to the roof was up there, I was spun around in many directions before finding the private book lined lift heading up to the roof. Melina and Constantine were none the wiser as I told them it was a surprise. (Aren’t they wonderful to just trust me?).

Upon arrival we were greeted by a fellow in a fetching green and white ensemble and a dashing mustache, who told us we were going on an adventure and handed us some crystals for trading (quartz, not crack rocks as I initially said). My compatriots were still none the wiser but followed dutifully… TO THE ROOF!

And today was a beautiful, beautiful day as well. Swapping our crystals for drinks, we lazed on the deck before getting in our boats, where we came across a lady feeding us leaves (not weed) and strawberries dipped in Truvia, who also gave us a second crystal. Rowing over to the lady by the waterfall, she alas, drove a hard bargain and wouldn’t barter with me. Reluctantly, I handed over both crystals for some suspicious looking bottles. And then there was a waterfall and we got wet, even though we were handed umbrellas. BUT AT LEAST I DIDN’T FALL OUT like a couple I saw (how embarrassing). Upon leaving, we were handed a Stevia plant which I then gave to my mother and made her eat a leaf.

Virgin Smash. Lolololol.

So yeah, that’s what I did this weekend. And now I’m lying in bed, catching up on work and blogging. Time flies when you have none.

Eggs Florentine image via: BBC Food

Comments { 0 }

Behind the Screen with BAFTA as part of Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House with American Express®

By on July 15, 2011 in Limited Edition, Sabrina likes, Things to Do


Come on Jaws, I’ll only be gone for the weekend. You won’t even notice I’m not here. I’ve left out some carrot sticks for you, and a DVD of Carry On Camping.

The good ol’ British summer hasn’t been treating us well of late. I’ve suffered various maladies due to the ever changing nature of our fair climate, and have more than on one occasion dressed inappropiately. Today, I have a coat with me.

Even though the sun may not always shine, London is always full of wonderful summer specific events. The Film4 Summer Screen is one of those well known, and much loved events. I’ve never managed to get tickets because they always sell out/broke and/or everyone I know is rubbish and can’t do anything without at least a week or so worth of planning. (See my problem here?)

For those lucky enough to go to the Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House, and especially if you’re mushy over movies, you can Go Behind the Screen with BAFTA at Somerset House with a series of talks which accompanies Film4 Summer Screen. This is your chance to hear filmmakers and industry insiders explore themes and subjects linked to the film programme – your own personal Film Club with some of the best names in the business. A taste of what is coming up is listed below:

Thursday 28 July, 19.00pm: John Barry’s Golden Touch
The late John Barry is undoubtedly one of cinema’s greatest composers. Well known for his outstanding, brand-defining scores for the Bond series from Dr. No through The Living Daylights, he also wrote the music for countless other major features: Petulia, The Lion in Winter, Walkabout, Midnight Cowboy, Out of Africa, Body Heat, among them. Over the years, he received 5 Oscars, a BAFTA and 4 Grammys awards, an amazing record which also reflects the high regard in which he was held by the industry. In this event, Barry’s musical sons and daughters take us through a rich array of his spectacular scores to celebrate his particularly golden touch.

Friday 29 July, 19.00pm: 2011 BAFTA Nominated Short Films
Featuring some of the UK’s brightest filmmaker talents of the future, join us for an hour of highlights from 2011′s BAFTA nominations for short film and short animation award including the animation winner: The Eagleman Stag (dir. Michael Please).

Saturday 30 July, 19.00pm: Joe Cornish in Conversation
Writer/Director Joe Cornish’s Attack the Block is one of the year’s biggest home-grown hits, a brilliantly inventive south-London set sci-fi horror where ‘inner city meets outer space’, as the tagline memorably puts it. We’re delighted to welcome the filmmaker ahead of tonight’s screening to discuss some of the movies which influenced him, from the work of directors John Carpenter and Walter Hill, to E.T. and action-packed 80s extravaganzas such as the first part of tonight’s double bill, Die Hard.

Sunday 31 July, 9.00pm: Wild about Wilder
Sunset Blvd, The Seven Year Itch, Some Like it Hot, Double Indemnity, The Apartment- there is something in Billy Wilder’s work for anyone who loves movies; over the course of nearly 60 years at the top of the film industry, Wilder amassed enough famous fans to fill Universal Studios and left us with some of cinema’s most indelible memories. Here, a few of these high profile fans celebrate some wonderful Wilder moments.

The full schedule can be found on the BAFTA site and tickets can be purchased through Somerset House.

Thursday 4 August
6.30pm Behind the Screen: Playing Games with Cinema, supported by Nintendo
9.15pm Scott Pilgrim Vs The World

God I really want to go to this. Perhaps I’ll just go by myself and meet a nice fanboy. #everyoneIknowiscrap

Comments { 0 }

Things to Do in London: Travel Photographer of the Year exhibition

By on May 4, 2011 in Art, Exhibitions, Things to Do


Photo: James Morgan

When I was in Bradford this weekend, I was dying to visit the National Media Museum (to which Akmal replied to and said I was sad). Whatever. It was incredible. And they had all an arcade game exhibition on causing me to break my pound coins into 10p’s and bashing Street Fighter with abandoned glee.

Suffice to say, I like exhibitions, museums and galleries. That was an unwarranted and unneeded explanation but you got it anyway.

If like me, you are poor and live in The Big Smoke, I direct you to Travel Photographer of the Year opening this Thurs 5th May (you could go after voting) until June 10. Hosted at the National Geographic Society, you can see all of 2010′s best images, along with fantastic 19th century travel photos from the Society’s archives.

Oh, and the best part is, that it is free.

Travel Photographer of the Year
5 May – 10 June 2011

Royal Geographical Society (RGS-IBG)
1 Kensington Gore
London, SW7 2AR
Mon to Fri 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Gloucester Road


Comments { 0 }