04.08.2010- 'Don't rain on my parade!'

The September issue of US Harper's Bazaar features cover star Jennifer Aniston in a starring role as Barbra Streisand, in a shoot which sees her recreate some of Streisand's most stylish looks from the Funny Girl era.

Seeing Jennifer styled like this, I think that she bears quite an uncanny resemblance to Barbra, and I love the way the shoot has been given a retro feeling through the way the clothes have been styled and thanks to the 60's inspired hair and makeup. It's also nice to see Jennifer given a more kooky look, in contrast to her usually neutral red carpet uniform. I don't know whether Jen can sing, but if the producers of the rumoured Funny Girl Broadway revival see this shoot, I'd say she's got a fighting chance of bagging the lead role. After all, how fabulous would it be to see Jen belt out this showstopper?

(Image credit: harpersbazaar.com. Video credit: Youtube.)

04.08.2010- To Kill A Mockingbird

Forty years ago this year, Harper Lee's seminal, Pulitzer prize winning novel To Kill A Mockingbird was published. Apart from watching a few extracts from the film version starring Gregory Peck at school, I wasn't that familiar with Lee's novel, although it consistently tops literature polls and has sold a staggering number of copies since it was originally published in 1960. With this in mind, I bought To Kill A Mockingbird to take away with me on holiday, and soon found that I couldn't put it down. Lee's narrative tells the story of a miscarriage of justice in Depression era Alabama, when a black man, Tom Robinson, is found guilty of allegedly raping a white woman. This occurs despite the best efforts of the book's protagonist, lawyer Atticus Finch, and stark physical evidence which proves that Robinson would have been incapable of such an assault. The sub-plot centres on the reclusive figure of Boo Radley, along with the childhood adventures and coming of age of Scout Finch and her brother Jem, Atticus' two children. Lee crafts her novel so that events are characterised through the eyes of Scout, and this first person narrative is extremely engaging. We become endeared to Scout, her family and the difficulties they go through; from the first day of school to the final day of the trial and the tragic repercussions of the racial inequalities that prevail in Maycomb County. The novel is also beautifully crafted and perfectly paced, as Lee introduces the reader to the inhabitants of Maycomb and the idiosyncrasies of the neighbourhood before vividly describing the events of the trial and the ensuing fallout of the guilty verdict. Given that Lee herself grew up in Alabama and was the daughter of a lawyer, it is easy to see where her authentic style of storytelling has its origins, although Lee has always played down any autobiographical parallels. Indeed, since the book was published, she has not written any more novels, and still remains largely out of the public eye. It is perhaps then a testament to the enduring legacy, power and message of To Kill A Mockingbird that it stands alone as a mark of Harper Lee's brilliance as a writer, social commentator and literary icon of our time.

I can't recommend the book highly enough. What better way to celebrate its fortieth anniversary than to pick up a copy next time you're in a bookshop?

(Image credit: Google Images.)

02.08.2010- Heading for the Fall...

It's only the second of August, but already some of the Autumn/Winter collections are hitting the high street. As usual, the British Summer weather isn't really up to much, and I'm already anticipating what I'll be buying to see me through the autumn and into winter. With that in mind, here's my list of top five must have pieces for your Autumn/Winter 2010 wardrobe:

The Burberry Prorsum show, where Christopher Bailey showcased a flock of shearling jackets, is surely the show that has launched a thousand high street copies. I've already seen a few good imitations online and on the high street, and the Topshop flying jacket, despite its hefty price tag, sold out in a flash online. I'm loving the look of the Warehouse aviator jackets, and the ASOS version has a really authentic feel to it, with functional zips a plenty.

Trousers are having something of a resurgence at present. Whether they be hareem, high waisted, chinos or peg leg, there are plenty of styles to choose from. Either stick to the neutral tones seen at Chloé, the sophisticated blacks á la Celine or, if you're feeling bold plump for a pair in a bright colour or with a printed design.

What better way to spend a winter's evening than curled up with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate whilst snuggled up in a chunky knit. From a practical perspective, if our winter is anywhere near as cold this year as it was last, I'll be investing in many a wooly jumper to keep the cold at bay! Whether worn with jeans, trousers, a midi-skirt or over a dress, a chunky knit is an extremely versatile way to see you warmly through until the spring.

The dress. A wardrobe staple that never goes out of fashion. This season's dress shapes paid homage to the 1950's (think the costume department of Mad Men), and baroque styles made a reappearance, as seen at Alexander McQueen, Mulberry and Balmain. Go for embellishment, beaded details and bold hues for a welcome escape from the winter blues.

The Mulberry Alexa, a sell out when it was first launched, has set the trend for Autumn/Winter's must have bag- the satchel. Whether you plump for a vintage bag, are lucky enough to be able to afford a Mulberry original, or pick up yours from the many available on the high street, the satchel is the key accessory for the coming season.

What do you think? What pieces will you be looking to pick up on the high street for Autumn/Winter?

(Image credit: style.com, TOPSHOP, WAREHOUSE, Rokit, mulberry, instyle.co.uk, ASOS, riverisland.com, Oasis and frenchconnection.com.)