THE VIEW FROM ABOVE

Sometimes a different perspective on reality offers nothing but despair at every turn.

Last weeks terrifyingly shocking US election result feels like one of those moments, where every which way you look, it seems as though the world has gone mad.

Like, actually mad this time.

But sometimes, just sometimes, a different perspective can reveal a beauty that you couldn't originally make out.

I haven't found this perspective yet on this election; I'm struggling to see it. I'm struggling to get my head around this decision, as are millions of people around the world.

But it's happened, and so we have to be pragmatic and maybe take a look at it from a alternative perspective.

For now I'm just enjoying the beautiful birds eye photos taken by Loes Heerink of street vendors in Hanoi. 

They are amazing and made even more so by the fact that you'd never appreciate the daily work of these vendors unless you were looking at them from above, from a fresh, new persepctive.

So thank you for this beautiful little series Loes.

And here's to looking at things from a different perspective. 

Or at least trying to.

Vendors from Above

by Loes Heerink

More mesmerising shots after the jump.

THE TALE OF THOMAS BURBERRY

This video is poetry in motion.

Beautifully shot, with beautiful people and beautiful clothes, I felt like it was just the trailer to an even greater epic shimmering on the horizon. (*Spoiler* not confirmed, just wishful thinking).

The tale of Thomas Burberry is one that I wasn't familiar with, but then again I wasn't that familiar with the story of the house itself.

I didn't know that it was Thomas who started his own brand at the age of 21; who pioneered the mac material gabardine; and that it was Thomas who dressed British explorer Ernest Shackleton? 

In fact it's Burberry who have dressed more incredible people than arguably any other brand. From a Royal Warrant as Tailors, to the soldiers of both the First and Second World Wars, to Betty Kirby Green (played by the gorgeous Lily James in the above video), Burberry has kitted out the best of them.

Basically Thomas Burberry was really quite amazing. And this video is too.

The Tale of Thomas Burberry

Directed by Asif Kapadia

Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Sienna Miller, Dominic West and Lily James

BORROWED FROM THE BOYS

As it gets colder and colder, my ability to dress myself in nice and interesting attire disappears, replaced with a desire to wear layer upon layer of cashmere and thermal underwear.

This shoot featuring the gorgeous Toni Garrn and shot by the incredible Matthew Brookes proves that actually, layering is key. And it can be really rather sexy. 

A slouchy hoodie underneath an oversized blazer.

A huge bomber worn with a straight legged trouser.

It appears there are ways of beating the cold in a non-bag-lady, I'm so basic, kinda way.

I also enjoy the fact that, even though this is a shoot for a men's mag, the model's sexiness is subtle and understated, hidden beneath men's clothing rather than overtly, nakedly revealed to the male readers.

She looks beautifully undone, something I'm currently trying to master.

For now though, I'll keep my ten year old beanie and thermal undies I guess.

GQ Germany November 2016

Model: Toni Garrn

Photographer: Matthew Brookes

Stylist: Manuela Hainz

A DARK INFATUATION

Emma Cline's debut novel was one of those books that I read more words about before it was even released, than there are words in the novel itself.

So much hype - how to live up to that sort of pressure?!

Thankfully Cline did not falter and also did not seem all that bothered by the attention.

And "The Girls" is a masterclass in modern fiction. 

It astounds and it captivates. 

But actually at times, it makes you feel quite uncomfortable, more so for the fact that you're not sure why you feel uncomfortable.

The raw portrayal of each character and the frank description of each harrowing moment, combine to form a fiction that reads like a poignantly truthful diary.

One girl's account of her summer holidays is I guess how you'd strip it back to its barest bones.

But it's so so much more than that. Trust me.

If you're after a brilliantly powerful read, check out my review over on Riddle.

The Girls by Emma Cline

CARE TO OVERSHARE?

So in my regular travels on tube, I've noticed that the personal grooming that takes place there has got out of control. We are now oversharing to the max.

And I for one, am not a fan. At all.

Has this come along with our tendency to document every aspect of our life, including even the most unsavoury of our actions?

Power to women, freedom of expression and all that but I mean seriously?! Can't you just wait, or do it in a loo somewhere? Every second doorway in central London houses a cafe with a free loo that will undoubtably have a mirror you can use while you're at it.

I can't imagine my granny daring to do anything to do with her toilet anywhere other than her home. It would be unspeakable.

So here goes. The real pits of human behaviour. Seen most days on the central line.

STOP BEING BASIC

In the daily stress of getting myself dressed when my eyes are still too tired to be fully open, I long for a matching trouser suit.

Gone are my longings for 501s and Stan Smiths. Gone are those feelings of angst every time I remember that white tee I didn't buy.

For now I'm done with being basic.

Kind of.

But a trouser suit is so chic, so easy and so darn cool, especially with a punchy red lip. And it covers all manner of working uniform requirements. 

Go for a muted shade if your boss is a little on the strict side.

Or choose an incredible print like this gorgeous gal above and rock that suit jacket with nothing but your skimpiest lace underneath.

For today however, I'll pull on jeans and a tee because, well, you know, I'm still a basic bitch at heart.

Oh and I haven't had time to go shopping.

Pic WeThePeopleStyle (who by the way has the most incredible site)

SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED

Why hello there and I'm terribly sorry for my absence of late. I've started a 9-5 job, been on a holiday, been busy exploring London and now, recently, started looking for a new house...

WHICH IS COMPLETELY IMPOSSIBLE!!

Why, fellow residents of London, do you all have to be moving just when I want to, as well?

I mean really, that's so selfish of you.

Anyway I've been getting some serious house inspo from the likes of Pinterest, Refinery29 and Dezeen...and all I can think of is how I might just buy a van, pack up my shit, leave it at my parents house and run away with my toothbrush and a clean pair of pants.

Or, living in this pretty perfect tiny house could be another possibility...

See more of this idyllic place after the jump.