take some time out to resuscitate my soul

 Dress - Cow Vintage Manchester // Cardi - Primark // Lips - Rimmel Apocalips in Luna

After what has been the longest winter ever, the snow is finally beginning to clear, the snow drops are making an overdue appearance and the sun has been shining. After months of wearing autumnal colours I was excited to brighten up my wardrobe with this minty combo. I have been absent of late, this is a combination of work, uni and spending time with a special someone. 

I have been over worked and definitely under rested but the hint of sunshine and the lighter nights have made me smile, along with a few added quiz nights with great friends and dancing my pants off at local gigs. 

Tonight I plan to drink gin, sing excessively and make my rather embarrassing dance moves look cool.

I picked this little beauty up last year at Cow Vintage in Manchester but haven't had a chance to wear it until today, I added the mint green cardi to pick out the delicate floral pattern on the dress. I also have a fresh head of hair (weave) which always gives me a confidence boost, the little things in life eh. 

Laurie Rose

OOTD

Cow Vintage.

Today we enjoyed the sunshine in Llangollen, one of my most favourite places to go to relax & just walk. For years I have admired the sights, one of my favourites places is this wonderfully bright door way, I thought why not take the opportunity to show off my new dress to you lovely folks.

Dress - Cow Vintage (thrifted)

Leggings - New Look

Boot - Primark

Sunglasses - Primark (50p)

Bag - Primark (old)

Scarf - Thrifted

The large sky blue floral print really stands out on the deep pink background and the delicate pussy bow neckline is somehow flattering for my fuller bust. The elasticated empire line sits perfectly on my waist, which helps to nip me in at my smallest part.

 

I'm slowly getting used to my new locks.

I instantly fell in love with this dress when I bought it for only £5 at Cow Vintage in Manchester, the shop layout is fun and the vast collection of all things vintage seems endless, I felt like I was in heaven. For a city centre boutique I was suprised at their resonable prices. There are a number of boutiqes spread accross the UK in Sheffield, Nottingham, Birmigham & Manchester so spread out enough for you lovelies to get your hands on some thrifty goodies at great prices.

Laurie Rose xx 

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Am I an Ear Traitor?

A story of a girl who's ears have been swayed.

Johnny Flynn - Hop Farm Festival Summer 2010.

Since hearing Johnny Flynn for the first time at Hop Farm Festival in 2010 I was infatuated with his incredible talent, multi instrumental genius Flynn melted my heart. His poetic lyrics left me breathless in the July heat. Performing his classics such as "The Wrote & The Writ" & "The Water" (which can I just add is performed with Laura Marling) I could envisage many happy year spent being totally dedicated to just him & his wonderful music. For the months to come I couldn't spend a day without Johnny ringing through my ears, generally whilst ironing or on my long bus rides to work I would indulge my ears in beauty, time alone with Johnny became a regular occurrence. In the winter of 2010 I heard he was playing in Manchester at a tiny venue, this time I could appreciate him in all his splendour, it happened to be my best friends birthday so we were able to woo at him once again.

Johnny Flynn - Manchester, Winter 2010.

His intimate performance could have quite easily made me cry, I was star struck to be this close to the person responsible for this ear romance I was having on a daily basis. Not only was I sat on the stage staring in amazement I even got to meet him....

Aime & I with Johnny Flynn. 

Year's have gone by now and I still listen to Johnny A LOT! But recently I have been moved by a new love, The Tallest Man on Earth is a Swedish solo artist who's gravely tones and complex guitar work have mesmerised my ears for weeks now. I have reached my maximum plays on the majority of his songs on Spotify. (I am far too poor to pay for it) 

Krisitan Matsson of The Tallest Man on Earth.

As a classically trained Guitarist, Kristian in his youth regarded it as boring, he was tired with this style, saying it was like studying Maths. In his early Twenties he found Nick Drake. This was to begin the moulding of The Tallest Man on Earth. Admiring Drakes style of open tuning it enabled him to concentrate on his singing while still being able to play intricate compositions. I would just like to say he has been compared to Bob Dylan in style and lyrical tone, but I for one has to agree with Krisitan when he said, this is how I play & this is how I write music. 

Often Krisitan will ask Amanda Bergman of Idiot Wind to accompany him on stage. Amanda's voice is a delight when merged with his, perfect match I would say. It's a good job Kristian snapped her up and they are now married, the loving look they exchange is a powerful bond of unity they share.

Amanda Bergman & Kristian Matsson performing Thrown Right At Me.

What I would give to see them perform live, unfortunately there is nothing scheduled for any time soon, if anyone hears of anything coming up before I do, I would appreciate a nod so I can get those all important tickets.

The comparison is few and far between, I will never be able to decided who my allegiances lie with. I never thought I could replace Johnny in anyway, but now I have tainted my ears with the overwhelming tones of TMOE, I am lost in my own headphone, my mind often wonders but I get well and truly sucked in, it's hard to have reality pull me back out these days.

This is my collection of my favourites from both, see what you think!

You could always help me decide.

 

Laurie Rose x

Walking in a Winter Wonderland.
A romantic day out in Manchester

Today I experienced something quite magical. Albert Square in Manchester not to be mistaken for the Soap Opera setting in East London, was transformed into what can only be described as a Winter Wonderland. As we approached, I could see the wonderful twinkling light - it was a rather mild December afternoon but as it being the shortest day of the year, you can only imagine it being eerily dark for 2pm. The aromas were tickling my nostrils, as I hadn't eaten a single thing all day I was hoping to sample some of these incredible looking goodies all around me. I was spoilt for choice, there was everything from German Hot Dogs to Paella, Macaroons to Belgium Chocolate covered banana's.
First stop though had to be the famous German beer stall. Not being a big drinker any more I now prefer drinking for pleasure and appreciation rather than to get drunk. The beer had a strong flavour but was cold and crisp, yummm.

Here I am sampling the German beer, I'm not going to lie this got me merrily on my way, no more for Laurie Rose that was for sure.

Henry & I (he could have smiled)
A day out in Manchester never fails to amaze me everytime, I always uncover new wonders. The northern quarter is probably one of my most favourite places to visit, the array of vintage shops, musky vinyl outlets get me lost in wonder.
Definitely a day out for everyone.
Laurie Rose x