GAGA—welcome back to the video world. Now, I imagine a few folks frequenting this blog know Lady Gaga whipped our crew into a tizzy with her new single, "Born This Way." It's been ages since a new, danceable, utterly queertastic anthem burnt through the stereo speakers, and I will be the first to celebrate Our Lady of Gaga for once again busting the closet door off its hinges.
But oh—that video.
Where? Where do I start? I am but one blogette still reeling from the glitz of the Oscars last night (which will earn its own post, just you kiddies wait).
Rather than attempting to explain said video, I will offer this blog space to debut what was hailed as Lady Gaga's first video for "Born This Way." I will offer this comment—I hope video number two turns out a bit more, well, queer-focused. Though, admittedly, an intro featuring a pink triangle with a glittery unicorn is fairly gay…
…Are we queers supposed to be the alien life forms birthed by a Metropolis-esque Gaga Mother Ship? And yes, I noticed the writhing group of ladies in the middle of all that shadowy dancing, but…hmm. Decidedly not hot.
For once, I am quite floored. I know Gaga is "out there," but I didn't think she would be out of the atmosphere with the inherent strangeness, per se. Granted, the inner sci fi nerd loved the tribute to Hollywood's Golden Age of otherworldly film, but I was anticipating a different kind of video. You know, one with awesome queer people in it—preferably making out. Like the song would suggest.
Though, after the confusing "Alejandro" video of last summer, I suppose this lyric/image incongruity is the norm now.
I really cannot think of anything to blog about. Seriously, I'm stuck in a rut. In fact, Laura Whiston of Whisty has just given me a lovely idea. I'm now inviting bloggers to do a "5 things I can't live without at the moment" post on my blog. I'm inviting anyone who wants to take part to choose music, fashion, food, makeup and 1 random item and send them to me at glamglueblog@hotmail.com.
I did do a street style post for the Trinity's newspaper the University Times last week with my friend Anna of StyleGirl last week though. It worked out pretty well, so if any of you would like to check it out over on the UT website, you can click here.
I have a week off this week (how wonderful), so hopefully I'll get my inspiration back while I still have ample time to write things.
Remember, you can find me on: Facebook here. Bloglovin' here.
For now I just provide you with some pretty pictures of five things I can't live without at the moment.
Morrissey, as always.
Whittard of Chelsea- Dreamtime instant tea drink.
(my parents brought me this from London- it is absolutely gorgeous, and perfect for drinking before you go to bed.)
MAC Lip Conditioner.
American Apparel Herringbone Long Sleeve Raglan Pullover.
I may have a small obsession with the ancient greek It was a good afternoon. I went with two friends who study classics and I made them give me a tour. Like a sponge information just… I shall leave you with the famous horse *geek fest over* Ps: I find afternoons like that so chilled, I rather go to museums, art galleries than clubs or so. ( also if you’re into fashion you must go to the V&A, last time I went there there was this exhibition about designer fashion through the years. I died.) I’m a massive geek and I just love getting cultured, well after shopping & make up of course… Also I must say that I'm so thankful, seriously everyone who's following me, Virtual big hug and XXXXXX
I know everyone and their queer aunt has landed on the Born This Way photo blog/essay in the last month now, but I wanted to toss in a thought or two on the subject for the record (since that's what us nosy bloggettes are notorious for).
Once a queer kid has taken the steps to accept herself, or to start sharing her real self to others, one of the greatest moments beyond the closet door arrives in the form of retrospection—we go back to excavate the photo albums for evidence of the baby gays we were. More often than not, we stumble across those blatant, obvious photos screaming out our proto-queerness, and we marvel over the fact our loved ones were somehow shocked when we chose to come out.
O'Neill sent me this link a few weeks ago, and I cannot stop poring over the personal stories and the adorable photos that queers across the Internet have submitted. I find it overwhelming (in the awesome sense) to see photos ranging across the twentieth-century. It's fascinating to read the accounts of queer people growing up throughout different decades among various cultural backgrounds. Despite our differences, we all share that one common experience of emerging from our own fears and insecurities to finally embrace that tiny version of ourselves from so long ago. Born This Way achieved the one goal I wished to see—a space where queer-identified people of all ages could gather, reminisce, and find our similarities despite the generation gaps.
Brilliant! Enlightenment, at last!
Of course, the next morning, I ran to the photo albums to find pictures of me in full baby dyke regalia, but—
I'll be damned.
I discovered I remembered life a lil' differently from the photos populating our albums. Most of the shots taken of Lil' Miz Moffatt were from family gatherings which meant I was decked out in full-on party dresses for the occasion. I come from a British-Scottish-Newfoundlander background, and I can tell you it's a traditional scene when it comes to gender norms. Now, of course, we've all relaxed a touch with age, but we were not exempt from formal attire as kiddies. And, having an older sister guaranteed girly hand-me-downs in the dozens…
Of course, I know assuming stereotypes tends to be more hurtful than helpful—I know of a large contingent of queer femmes who would be rightly pissed at the assumption that butch little girl = queer (and I know of some butch straight gals who would take offence to being stereotyped, too). But, when I remember the clothes I loved wearing as a child, I know for a fact it revolved around overalls and baseball tees.
So…where are those shots?
A few exist, but the overwhelming image skews me toward the opposite end of the spectrum.
Regardless of the strange absence of the everyday shots, I'll still take to skimming through the albums to get that shot of the baby dyke I was. In the meantime, I suggest you check out Born This Way if you haven't already—it's a guaranteed smile waiting to happen.
Scarf-Primark/Blazer-Topshop/Necklace-River Island/Peter Pan Dress-Primark ( £6!!!) Also I finally went shopping, I'm piss poor now but it’s worth it :) Primark have great thing at the moment, seriously. Need to go there more often…
With Trinity Ball just around the corner (well ok, it's over a month away), I've been trawling the internet for the perfect dress, and needless to say, I've come across a few beauties. I've been avoiding the shops as of late because I really can't afford to buy anything, but am simply unable to let this issue stop me (thus I consequently have to endure prolonged periods of financial stress). Anyway I think I want a dress which isn't quite floor length, but I'm doubtful as to whether or not anyone can make ankle-length work. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm quite fond of black..
SAVE: (..kinda)
I adore this maxi dress which I saw in the window of Ted Baker on Grafton St. It says on the website however, that the model is 5"9 (almost two inches taller than I am) and so I'm pretty sure it would be a tad too long..
ZAIDE Printed maxi dress- Ted Baker, £229.
I love the deep scarlett hue of this dress, and it's gorgeous texture.
Freya Dress- Whistles (available at ASOS)- €196.80.
SPLURGE:
Though perhaps a little too dressy for Trinity Ball, this dress is absolutely beautiful.
Elyseon Silk Dress- Roksanda Ilincic (available at Net-A-Porter.com), €1,795.
The fact that it's Marchesa is almost a guarantee that it's going to be a beautiful dress.
Knife-pleated metallic silk-organza dress- Marchesa (also available on Net-A-Porter), €5135.31.
So, I think I have made it quite clear that I love Felicia Day and her hot brand of unabashed (and hot) nerdiness. Remember how I came close to swooning all over her at FanExpo 2010? Well, apparently, I need to waterproof the ol' computer box now because I am gearing up to drool all over it when the new Dragon Age II six-part webseries breaks this summer.
(And I totally wrote "sex" instead of "six" the first time I wrote this post. Freudian slip, anyone?)
Ms. Day portrays the elven assassin, Tallis, who's hired on to take down a rogue mage causing massive problems in their world. Epic? Indeed. Does Ms. Day sporting a pair of pointed elf ears sound oh-so-irresistable? Heck yes, kids. I admit, I have no previous experience with the Dragon Age franchise, but I am willing to overlook my ignorance if it means ogling Ms. Day in a battle tunic.
Check out io9's website for a delicious Q&A with the fairest auburn in the land, and then hit play on the latest Dragon Age II trailer below:
First, it's a week filled with the gayest moments in music EVER; now, it's Felicia Day kicking ass in an epic fantasy world? Um, best week ever.
I've been thinking about rather a lot summer lately, because I've been trying to come up with some sort of plan as to how I'm going to spend it. I really want to go back to London, and maybe visit Brighton also. To me, summer just isn't summer without a holiday, and I've gone to California every year since I moved back to Ireland when I was nine. Can't wait to dust off my Ray Bans and ditch the tights- I'm also really looking forward to chilling out though, and having a few months off college- who isn't?
(I've been visting weheartit.com rather a lot recently, it's becoming an addiction. They just have the prettiest and most unusual photos, and no matter how long I spend on it, I keep finding shots and edits that I absolutely love
… when the skies cracked open and the Goddess did lower a shining pair of headphones fitted for all the queer girls of this world.
I kidd-eth thee not, mere mortals—we are crashing through quite the blissful week for queer ears (when it comes to the music scene, of course). We started off with a glittery Grammy celebration, and we followed the fireworks up with a stunning array of new releases. I'm still recovering from the shock of great tracks, hence the late post.
But as you will discover, 'tis better late than never.
Goodness glamoury—I do love the Grammys. And lo, true talent prevailed in the major award categories for the first time in decades. I know some reviewers termed the two big winners in question an "upset" to the natural order of the More Albums Sold = "Best" Artist reasoning, but I find it refreshing to see the academy push for more alternatives to the mainstream ear. Who ever decided an independent album is inferior to a major label's production? Ah, but the politics—one can never be free of 'em.
Anyhow, on to a rundown of the highlights:
Lady Gaga debuts her queertastic new single, "Born This Way"
Did anyone else feel Lady Gaga was channeling the Alien franchise with this entrance? Or, at least the Cocoon flicks? We all figured Gaga was another life form, so the comparisons seem appropriate. I know she was gunning for her last single, "Alejandro ", to be the definitive gay anthem of the new millennium (which still baffles me), but I do believe she's figured out the formula at last. Throughout the entire performance, I kept projecting myself into the 2011 Pride celebrations and you know for a fact—THIS SONG WILL DOMINATE THE ENTIRE MONTH OF JUNE AND BEYOND. Guaranteed. And, I admit, I will approve.
…though, we all sort of expected that one, am I right? Monáe electrifies when she touches the microphone, and she doesn't need a black-and-white camera filter to achieve an old school, soul-inflected sound (*cough*brunomars*cough, cough*). Though, I give points to B.o.B. for rocking a monocle on stage—I do like his brand of rap, and I have to dedicate a piece of my heart to his duet with Paramore lead singer, Hayley Williams. And then he adds a monocle to the mix? Brilliant. But overall, the stage shuddered along with Monáe's "Cold War"—and now I know who I'm fightin' for.
Behold the staggering influence of The Bob Dylan, able to consume the talents of new stars and put their powers to use on an old-timey stage. I wanted to highlight this performance because, A) I'd never seen Mumford & Sons perform before, and the lads seem awesome, B) Ditto for The Avett Brothers, and C) WOW, Bob Dylan—I cannot understand a word you utter. Before, you mumbled; now, you gurgle…? People call you a living legend, but are you really alive, or are you pre-zombified?
Cee Lo Out-Glams Gaga, and Gwyneth Paltrow Survives Epic Heels
I am not sure how this duo formed. I don't know that a clear answer exists. Despite the oddity, I loved the performance. How could one not love the brightest, queerest stage show of the night—a performance that managed to upstage Gaga's "Born This Way"? I mean, Cee Lo's feathers? A plethora of puppets for a band? Gwyneth Paltrow in the most dangerous-looking heels I've ever seen a straight gal descend from a staircase wearing? You ought to YouTube this one if you missed it. Quite the sideshow.
Esperanza Spalding snags Best New Artist Award in the First "Upset" of the Night
I never thought a talented artist winning an award could be deemed an "upset," but the Grammy reports prove otherwise. Esperanza Spalding bested the kaleidoscopic Florence & The Machine, the boisterous Mumford & Sons, and the young'uns from the North, Drake and Justin Bieber. True, it is a rare occurrence for a jazz musician to snag an award for Best New Artist, but Spalding proves to be a towering new talent.
Album of the Year winners, Arcade Fire, overturn the status quo of the Grammy night and prove artistry and independence trumps the big wheels of the music biz to the south. I know our household was ecstatic with the announcement, and with the sheer fact that Arcade Fire performed both "Month of May" and "Ready to Start" to round off the 53rd Grammy Awards. I imagine the kids in Montreal and Quebec in general are elated—Arcade Fire's The Suburbs bested Eminem's comeback album, Lady Antebellum's new country classic, Katy Perry's Top 40 knockout, and Lady Gaga's international behemoth. Heh, no pressure, right? CONGRATS, ARCADE FIRE!
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This Week in New Releases
Lady Gaga, "Born This Way" (Single)
Get out the glitter and all those rainbow flags, kids—Lady Gaga breaks the winter blues with a burst of Pride. Better start memorizing the lyrics now so you're up-to-speed once the June/July season rolls around.
At last—a new shot of PJ Harvey for the stereo. I needed a good aural thrashing to start the week, and I am forever dedicated to Harvey's brand of brass. Let England Shake offers a dark dystopian treat for listeners harbouring a penchant for dictatorial swagger and iron-fisted guitar riffs. I do love music spiked with speculative fiction—the fact an album of this nature is coming from Harvey makes the combination that much sweeter.
See what I mean, gay ladies? When I spotted a new k.d. lang single for sale, I knew we were being rewarded. On "I Confess", we are treated to lang in fine lamenting form— she confesses to the mistreatment of her lady love and begs for a second chance (um, and who would be daft enough to not offer her one million extra chances?) I would recommend updating your queer tracks now by adding "I Confess" to the mix—we've only got a handful of months before Pride, you know.
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*Dabs brow with a handkerchief*
Feels good to write an epic update for once, especially when it is of the music variety. I get distracted with new tracks and triumphant awards, and I often forget to comment on 'em.
As you are all probably aware, I shy away from outfit posts as I am horribly unphotogenic, and always have the urge to scribble over my face in photos. Nonetheless, I enjoy looking at outfit posts, so I want to have them on my blog also. Hopefully I'll have a few more soon (no promises). And apologies again for the weird facial expressions..
I'd literally just arrived in from college when these were taken, hence the almost windswept look.. This type of thing is what I'd wear to lectures on a day-to-day basis.
Peter caught me off guard with this one, I thought it was funny!
Nicola kindly nominated me for a Stylish Blogger Award, so after a joyous happy dance here it goes...
The Rules: 7 things you didn't know about me...
1. I'm German, born and raised in Stuttgart baby...
2. I'm an Actor (sounds so pretentious) but the theatre is my 2nd home :)
3. I love Make Up, in fact i could open my own Make Up store...
4. I play the Violin.
5. I love cleaning, I'm a bit OCD in that way, especially Sundays, yes cleaning on a Sunday...BLISS.
6. I'm a law student, reason why i'm such an inconsistent blogger, I wish I was studying Fashion or something like that. But try telling that Nigerian Parents.
7. I read a lot, not just law books. I love reading Terms and Conditions etc.
A callow junior freshman, Trinity Ball seems but a distant myth to me. A legendary event which takes place annually on the hallowed grounds of my beloved Trinity, a place so adversely familiar. Older acquaintances had also passed on tales of the hushed rumours which were due to circulate the cobbled paths of the college- rumours regarding who would be appearing at the Ball weeks before it was ever announced. As you can well imagine, I was suitably disappointed when no such rumours seemed to materialise this year. However, I still await the Ball with baited breath and concentrate on the two substantial acts which have been announced- Jessie J and Glasser.
Now, I’m going to be absolutely honest here. Jessie J and Glasser have never been on my list of favourites. Not that I disliked them, but more that I hadn’t ever explored their work. Of course I’d seen the music video for Jessie J’s “Do It Like A Dude” on NME while perusing the music chanels, and been intrigued by the whole aesthetic of the artist; her extroverted attitude, out-there costumery and decadent makeup. But while the tune of the track was admitedly quite catchy, I found the lyrics to be rather perplexing. All this talk of crotch-grabbing and “rollin’ money like a pimp” sounded more to me like something I would expect to hear in a 50 Cent song than that of a 22-year-old English girl named Jessica Ellen Cornish. However, on further investigation, I discovered that Jessie J is no novice to the music business, having written tracks for the likes of Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus. She has already been announced the winner of BBC’s Sound of 2011, and been named second in MTV Brand New’s ‘Next Big Thing’. All in all, Jessie J seems like a pretty impressive act to have been secured by Trinity Ball 2011, and once she plays her hit “Do It Like A Dude”, a song to which I have now (strangely) become quite attached, she will be keeping the majority of the drunken crowd entirely satisfied.
As I’ve previously stated, Glasser isn’t an artist that I have a lot of past experience of listening to. When I searched for her in my iTunes, I came across a Delorean remix of her song ‘Glad’, which I managed to acquire by accident, as part of some complimentary playlist or other. Despite the track being quite good, and most definitely on a similar wavelength to many other bands I’m rather fond of, it seems I hadn’t bothered to amass any more of her work, that is, until I heard that she would be performing at our very own Trinity Ball in April. Without even a Wikipedia page to her name, New York-based Cameron Mesirow is daughter of Casey Cameron, founder of 70’s Boston new-wave band ‘Human Sexual Response’ (heard of them? me neither). Her experimental, electronic music, displaying a multitude of layered sounds, could be compared to that of Björk or Bat For Lashes, and is quite relaxed due to her angelic vocals, but also rather dense in places, a characteristic which can be attributed to the strict beats and bewitching synth. All in all, I think Glasser is another act that we can all look forward to at this year’s Ball.
I love Zara. It's probably one of my favourite places to shop, though I don't go there that often (which is probably a good thing on account of the fact that I find it very difficult to leave without first making a purchase). Today, I decided to take a visit (stupidly, as I'm completely broke) and I loved what I saw. Seriously- I wanted everything. It is a wonderful collection of light chiffon, luxurious leather and simplistic cotton, in a gorgeous variety of classy hues- camel, black, white, nudes and cornflower blue- amongst others. I was also taken by the pops of neon colour they had on offer, which is really on trend at the moment.
