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Day: 6 February 2013

The Pride and Prejudice 200th Anniversary Quiz

28th January marked the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which passed with fitting media flurry – testament to its enduring popularity. From the screen adaptation of Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary, starring Colin Firth (who else?) as Mark Darcy, forever ingrained in the British psyche as the definitive Mr. Darcy, to P.D. James’ murder mystery sequel, Death Comes to Pemberley, references to P&P in popular culture abound. But why has Pride and Prejudice retained its relevance, remaining such a steadfast public favourite?

For us, it’s because Austen was more than just a storyteller: she was a satirist of her characters – one so subtle that their traits remain universal, mirrored in each reader’s own acquaintances. That gorgeous but seemingly up-himself guy? Clearly a Mr. Darcy. The girl who posts videos of herself on YouTube singing like a strangled cat? A veritable Mary Bennett. So which Pride and Prejudice character are you? Take our definitive quiz to find out…

1. Which mode of transport are you most likely to use?
a) Your own two feet – nothing like a brisk walk for clearing the mind. It is only three miles after all.
b) Your horse – such a beautiful creature always elicits people’s admiration (as does its rider).
c) Your fancy sports car – what’s the point of having money and not showing the world?
d) You don’t – you’re going to spend all you time hiding from people in the library so no need to go anywhere.

2. What is your favourite pastime?
a) Anything and everything – reading, music, dancing; you take pleasure in it all.
b) Flirting – nothing like exercising a bit of charm, especially when it could lead to financial gain.
c) Listening to others play music and criticising it – you could have been a great musician, if only given a proper chance.
d) Reading – the only way to escape the drab life and the annoying people around you.

3. What do you look for in a partner?
a) Someone who is kind and clever – you’d rather marry for love than money.
b) Someone who is attractive, charming and most definitely loaded – gambling debts don’t disappear by themselves.
c) Someone who is of equal rank – anything less would be insufferable.
d) Nothing – you’re not going to be able to put up with their silliness after a year anyway so what does it matter?

4. What is your favourite song?
a) ‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin – you like women who can think for themselves.
b) ‘Sex Bomb’ by Tom Jones – obviously.
c) Anything by Mahler – for someone with your musical ear, it’s not pretentious.
d) ‘A Well-Respected Man’ by the Kinks – you enjoy sniggering at your neighbours’ expense.

5. How do you view your family?
a) As flesh and blood – they might be objectionable but you can’t change them.
b) As disadvantaged – they were cheated by others and so were you.
c) As nobility – after all, social standing determines all.
d) As stupidity personified – not a wit among them.

6. What is your favourite book?
a) Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment – witty, gritty political drama.
b) Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – you’ve never read but it gets people into the bedroom.
c) You’ve got a whole library full, you couldn’t possibly choose one.
d) J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings – nothing like a long trilogy to pass away the dull hours.

If you answered mainly…
a) you are an Elizabeth Bennet – bright and witty, but a bit headstrong.
b) you are a Mr. Wickham – an enchanting rouge who loves to woo but is ultimately a gold-digger.
c) you are a Lady Catherine de Bourgh – stinking rich and not afraid to show it.
d) you are a Mr. Bennet – you have a cynical sense of humour, which hides your good heart.

Students do Lent

This week marks the start of Lent. On Wednesday 13th February (Ash Wednesday), people will be attempting to give up their favourite indulgences for a painstaking forty days – my housemates and I included.

For some unknown reason (a reason which I now regret), we all decided to set ourselves the challenge of abstaining from something and sticking to it for the six week period. We then put our own student stamp on the Christian tradition and agreed that whoever failed to do so should face a penalty, which was quickly decided upon.

The guilty party would have to run down our road completely naked (with a high possibility of being filmed), while apologising for their lack of willpower. Working out what to give up involved much more discussion, however, with masturbation being swiftly ruled out by the two guys. We eventually managed to compile our list, settling on tea, coffee, ready meals, crisps, chocolate . . . and alcohol. Oh yes, and guess who drew the short straw? That’s right, me.

Why would I agree to give up alcohol, I hear you ask? Something I am now beginning to wonder myself. It started out as a joke, as the one thing everyone thought that I wouldn’t be able to give up. In one of those ‘I’m going to prove you all wrong’ moments, I told my housemates of little faith that I would in fact be able to survive without so much as a sip of my beloved Sainsbury’s cava or a Font cocktail passing my lips.

It then dawned on me that I would have to become a social recluse. Under no circumstances could I be ‘the sober friend’ on a night out. I am not one of those people who can have a ‘quiet one.’ A single drink magically morphs into about twenty, which at best, turns into eating more than is humanly possible in McDonald’s and spending the following day with my head stuck in the toilet. Or, at worst, turns into a serious case of life ruining. Under this category, I put activities such as drunk texting my whole phonebook (family members included as well as past or potential love interests), face planting the dance floor (painful and embarrassing), arguing with taxi drivers and being kicked out of the club by a drag queen called Miss Penny Crayon (an all-time low, one of my best friends and I will admit).

So alas, it looks as though my fate is imminent. Indecent exposure awaits my criminal record. Or, alternatively, I could emerge on Saturday 30th March as a reformed and highly dignified young lady. Frankly though, this seems to be the less likely of the two. Only time will tell.

Butcher’s ham hock and lentils

Buy a meaty ham hock for only a couple of pounds from your butcher, and make this delicious meal!

Stock ingredients

1 ham hock (or 2 if you want it extra meaty and don’t mind spending a little extra)

1 onion, quartered

2 carrots, quartered

2 celery sticks, roughly chopped

2 bay leaves

Put all these ingredients in a pan, cover in cold water and simmer for 3 hours, skimming of any froth if it appears on the surface of the water. When they are done the meat should come away from the bone easily. Remove and set aside to cool for 20-30 mins, which will allow the meat to rest and soften, and save the liquid that they cooked in, discarding the vegetables.

Lentil ingredients

1 tbsp butter

1 onion, diced

1 carrot, diced

250g green lentils (or Puy if you prefer, although check the packet as the cooking time may be different)

1 tbsp chopped parsley

Meanwhile, fry the onion and carrot in butter, and when softened add the lentils along with 1.5 pints (about 900ml) of the cooking liquid from the ham. Simmer for around 20-30 mins or until tender (you may need to add a little more stock as they cook). At the same time, remove the fat from the ham hocks and shred the meat. Once the lentils are cooked then drain them, season with salt, a drizzle of olive oil and the parsley, and serve topped with the shredded meat.

Having a butcher’s

I’ve noticed the difference in taste since I made the same cottage pie twice, one with butcher minced beef and the other with Sainsbury’s minced beef. The meat in the first one had an incredibly rich flavour and the texture was really beautiful, melting and soft. The Sainsbury’s version was disappointing – bland and the meat slightly chewy.

Forgetting this important discovery for a few weeks, I continued to food shop as before, until I chanced upon some handsome minted lamb chops from the butcher in the Arndale. They were cheap, and I was hungry.  After half an hour in the oven, I had before me some of the best lamb I have ever eaten. Being Welsh, I am very discerning about lamb.

So I stopped and thought about it. I decided never to buy supermarket meat again. Like ever. Not every butcher is likely to be great, but I think it’s worth finding a good one. Supermarket meat often just isn’t as good on the three most important counts – taste, value, source.

Arndale Food Market

I’ve been to a few, but certainly not all, butchers in Manchester now and I’d recommend the one in Arndale Food Market. The produce looks so much fatter and healthier than the miserably packaged meat on the supermarket shelf.

But let the price tempt – chicken legs, drumsticks, wings, breasts are all £5.70 per kilogram, whereas chicken breasts from Sainsbury’s typically are around £9 per kilo.  Minced beef is £4.96 per kilo, whereas Sainsbury’s mid-range is around £8 per kilogram. Six free range eggs are £1.10 and six duck eggs are only £1.99.

Their sausages are also delicious, I tried their pork and apple. They were lean and stayed fat through cooking and were really packed full of meat, rather than pillowcasing or some such. The sausages are all £5.25 per kilo, whereas Sainbury’s mid-range are £4.38. I love both brands, but felt that the butcher ones were a little meatier.

It’s also worth mentioning the variety of produce, a great improvement on supermarket stock – cow and chicken feet, goat, rabbit, chicken frames for homemade stock, duck, quail and plenty more besides.

It’s nice to know where the meat is from – and their website tells us it is all sourced from local farms, under the company name Gabbots Farm.

Emily Clark

Axon’s of East Didsbury 

This butchers is expensive but justifiably so. Situated in this middle class self-contained suburban village you must expect to hear mummy shouting after baby Hugo who has nabbed a jar of hollandaise. Anyway, the establishment, though pricey, is very traditional and of the highest quality. The window and counter are continually resplendent with richly marbled joints of sirloin, the plumpest poussin, and luscious legs of lamb.

The selection of sausage is deservedly award-winning, containing experimental fillings as well as an ancient Didsbury recipe which is pure pork delight. Axon’s is a family-run operation with real love for butchery and high quality meat. It’s a real treat to shop here.

Ben Walker

Robinson’s in Withington

This family butchers in Withington is pretty much the ultimate local butcher. They are incredibly friendly, always have brilliant suggestions on how to cook something new and can source you pretty much any meat you could want if you suddenly decide you just have to cook that recipe for ox cheek stew with dumplings. Try sourcing those in Sainsbury’s! Not only is their meat really tasty and good quality, lots of it is actually cheaper than Lidl, and that’s before they throw in a couple of bits of bacon or a piece of lamb’s liver for you to try for free. One of their best deals is a huge ham hock you can get for £2.30, which can be stretched to feed four with the recipe on the side.

Maddy Hubbard

The Art of Tea, Didsbury

Tucked away down Barlow Moor Road, The Art of Tea is an arty-chic café/bar combined with the Didsbury Village Bookshop. On first impressions, the eclectic collection of chairs and tables and dark wood interior makes for a relaxed and creative mood, and the red sofas are perfect for curling up with a book. Their tea, coffee and cakes all come highly recommended, so you certainly wouldn’t go hungry or thirsty if you were to work here for a few hours!

At the back of the café a few steps lead down into a chaotic second-hand bookshop. Hundreds of Penguin Classics, and some lovely old leather bound editions are piled precariously on every available surface – not only on a maze of mismatched bookcases, but on boxes, chairs and floor-space. If you had the time to trawl through the thousands of volumes there are sure to be many hidden gems, but, as in most second-hand bookshops, finding anything in particular would be tricky.

On a quiet morning The Art of Tea would be a charming place to read or study. When I was there last week, however, most people were discussing their latest reads or socialising over a few drinks, so maybe leave the work behind and spend time with the books (or even some friends).

Lost and disenchanted: Murakami and the student experience

How many times have you stared blankly as a copy of the Socialist Worker is pushed into your hand on Oxford Road? How many times have you gone to the library intending to work and instead repeatedly refreshed Facebook, read Charlie Brooker’s column and browsed The Mancunion online, of course? And have any of us actually worked out why we go to terrible clubs with sticky floors and sticky drinks, only to miss every morning lecture?

Norwegian Wood is the 1987 book by Haruki Murakami, titled after the eponymous Beatles song; a novel about coming-of-age and the loss that goes with it, that, for me, encapsulates perfectly the disillusionment, boredom and the often paradoxical nature of university life.

Set in the anti-establishment atmosphere of student culture in early ‘60s Tokyo, Norwegian Wood follows student Toru Wantanabe as he wanders passively through further education. Toru takes drama. He has little passion for the subject, nor sees it as a viable career – a situation that may sound familiar to plenty of undergrads today in Britain’s degree-obsessed culture. Toru does not react with anger or vitriol to the banal realities of university life, in fact he seems not to react at all, but casts a disinterested eye over the hypocritical nature of Tokyo’s student movement. His own interest lies in a fondness for Western literature, which few of his peers care about.

But it’s not all self-loathing and midnight brandy swilled down with Fitzgerald, Toru also likes to get ‘crunk’. Toru periodically plays wingman to highflying, Owens-Park-Tower-type, Nagasawa. Nagasawa has a charming and long-suffering girlfriend, Hatsumi, to whom he pays little attention. These two students go out and do what male students tend (or try) to do: pick up women. His experience is unfulfilling and pointless, but that doesn’t stop Toru. Murakmi captures something of the essence of university social life in this complex semi-recluse’s sex life. Toru isn’t sure why he continues to seek out casual sex. And I’m not sure why I’ve ever been to BOP.

Toru’s anti-climactic, doubt-filled university experience is interrupted intermittently by the two central female characters in the novel. Female no. 1, Naoko, represents the perennially tragic undercurrent of the book, whilst no. 2, Midiori is an exciting and vivacious female who embodies an escape for Toru from his university peers. Midiori rails against the chauvinistic nature of a Marxist reading group she joins, and bemoans the use of ideology as a means of self-promotion and vanity. Having been involved in the utterly uninspiring world of student politics myself, Midori’s complaint unfortunately does not ring false.

Murakami’s detailed and understated prose chimes with Toru’s unassuming nature. His writing allows the reader to share in the complex relationships and passive skepticism that characterises Toru’s feelings toward his university life.
Current British university culture seems to share Toru’s ambivalence, a nihilistic obsession with the possibility that it all may be a bit meaningless. It’s a cliché of French new-wave films and Sartre-reading poetry students, but the ‘What is life?’ student mantra is sadly only too symbolic of the disillusion many idealistic high fee-paying students feel, given wads of student loan and 6 contact hours a week; with far too much time on their hands to stare out of windows and refresh Facebook. Norwegian Wood is the perfect story of student disenchantment, never more relevant than in 21st century Britain.

Health is for life, not just for (after) Christmas.

One in which fitness coaches, sportswear brands and nutritionists have rolled into one lean mean fat-busting machine, designed to not just change your body but your life. This new era of health and fitness hopefully spells the end of fad diets and crazes, which have thus far dominated the Noughties. From the cayenne pepper and maple syrup detox (Beyoncé, how could you?!), to the baby-food diet (WTF?), via the masquerading-as-healthy-but-actually-crap Atkins, these fads have left us stressed, toxic and, most tragically, fat.

So thank Our Lord of Celery that a new breed of healthy heroes have come to our rescue. I’m talking about nutritionist and trainer James Duigan, fitness freak Tracey Anderson, and sportswear lifestyle brand Sweaty Betty. These names are just a few which are designed to be a choice for life, not just for January, aiming to make healthy food delicious and simple, exercise effective and manageable, and gym wear that makes you want to actually go to the gym.

Duigan’s ‘Clean and Lean’ lifestyle diet is not revolutionary or groundbreaking, but simple and effective. He preaches the necessity of cutting out processed, fake foods and instead sticking to a diet of clean and natural nutrition which will de-stress your body and your mind, enabling all your hard work at the gym to actually show. Check out the whole plan, including his supplements, exercise regime and workout gear (told ya these guys did the full package) at Bodyism.com.

P.S: he is responsible for supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s utterly amazing body, and if that doesn’t convince you then I don’t know what will.

Tracy Anderson is another c’leb trainer – see Gwyneth Paltrow: 40 years old, 2 kids later, and in possession of an incredible figure – and while she too has a nutrition plan very similar to James Duigan’s, Anderson is more known for her gruelling, result-producing workouts. Her books and DVDs are the best place to fully submerge yourself into the healthy thoughts of this lady, who packs a lotta muscle into her teeny-tiny frame. Once again, Anderson places emphasis on a lifestyle change, not just a period of extreme exercise to lose weight quickly, only to pile it all back on again.

And what to wear during this healthy excursion? Sweaty Betty of course. The UK super-brand has transformed itself from a sportswear label (yoga, cycling, running, dancing, gymming, swimming – you name it, they’ve got the threads for it) to a lifestyle label. With their free (yes, free) work out classes in Pilates, yoga, Zumba and circuits to name but a few, SB aim to get every Betty in the UK sweating, in a fun, friendly and stylish environment. Hey, if you’re gonna get gross, you may as well start out looking great.

I, for one, welcome this new crew of health. It’s high time we ditched the short-term fads and started looking after our bodies for the long run. It goes without saying that the effects of this healthy lifestyle are not only visible on your tummy or the number on your dress label, but in your skin, hair, nails and eyes (yes, your eyes can actually glow with health. I’ve seen it.) No doubt this fresh approach bears a strong relationship to the new figures we’re seeing on the red carpet these days. Gone are the days of dangerously thin, Diet-Coke addicted Lindsay Lohans and Nicole Richies, and in come the new stars such as Blake Lively and Rosie H-W. Yes they’re still incredibly slim girls, yes they’re still not the average body type but at least they look healthy, strong and happy as opposed to stressed, skinny and starving.

Make up to get down

“OMG. He’s here. He’s here and I have no makeup on. Kill me now!”

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. Braving bare faced beauty in public is bad enough without your crush seeing you totally au naturel.

Unfortunately the once-quiet workout spot in your local hometown is now a university social hub equipped with hotties, friends and coursemates. Statistics show that 7 out of 10 women admit to wearing makeup to the gym, so how can we perfect this minimal look without finding it sliding onto our sports bras minutes later?

Base

Your perfected-dewy-glow everyday routine isn’t going to cut it here. Think “mattify” or say “goodbye” to your post-workout dignity. If you’re a skin conscious gal like myself, a powder-based foundation is best for you. Award-winning bareMinerals Matte SPF foundation (£25) is a great choice for the gym, banishing any shine and any embarrassment when your friend starts checking her reflection in your face!

picture: Sephora.com

If you’re blessed with clearer skin, keep it bare or stick to just a concealer to hide those pesky late-night-essay eyes or the odd blemish. Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer is a beauty guru fave and not too harsh on the student budget either! (£4.19 at Boots)

picture: Collection Cosmetics

Eyes

When reinacting a Baywatch run towards your crush on the treadmill, nothing says Pamela-chic like a sultry glance. Cheap and cheerful Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (£4.99) won’t move a muscle whilst you’re busting yours, and besides, everybody loves cute packaging. It’s a gym bag must!

picture: Maybelline Cosmetics

Eyebrows

If your eyebrows are a little on the sparse side and you’re channelling more Voldemort than Ms.Delevingne, try using a pigmented brow gel. Me Me Me cosmetics’ Arch Angel brow and highlighter gel is a great 2-in-1 must-have (£8.50). Not only will it thicken out your wispy brows but it will also add a subtle highlight to compliment your post work out glow.

Lips

Perfect your pout with a simple swipe of lip butter or balm. Nivea Pearly Shine will not only moisturise your lips, but give them a subtle shine and shimmer too. (£2.29 Superdrug)

picture: Nivea

So that’s it girls, whilst you’re working towards that perfect bikini bod, you’ll now have a flawless face to assist you along the way, voilà!

Blogwatch: For The Young Dude (FTYD)

Forget GQ, Esquire, Men’s Health, all these monthly magazines for your metro-man living doctrines: blogs are the new way in. Though the net is littered with these guides for the female sex, finding a men’s blog to suit you can prove to be a hassle.

FTYD embodies style tips to help revamp your wardrobe, lifestyle and body. From detox juice diets to gym bag essentials I think every man can take something away from this blog.

There’s a personal twist from the author Dil, too, who also works in advertising, with the cool gadgets and things on his wish-list which is also great to see.

And if you’re craving more, there’s the brother blog SCFORM (Skin Care For Men.) So if you really want to scrub up for the new term, or hide those bags from dissertation stress, check this one out.

 

www.fortheyoungdude.com

www.scform.com

Gymwear 101

Gym wear is notoriously difficult to get right. Of course you could be the bog standard average joe in a pair of loose fitting cotton shorts, a t-shirt and a pair of trainers you’ve had since you were in high school, but you don’t really want this do you? You want to stand out, you want everyone present during your work-out to look at you twice or maybe even thrice and think, “who is THAT?” When you get on the treadmill you want the people running around you to remain, and when you get home, you want to open your gym bag and see no fewer than seven sheets of paper with phone numbers on them.

In order to achieve similar levels of success, a delicate balance between fashion, practicality and modernity needs to be struck. Below are the five things you need to keep in mind when you’re dressing for the gym.

1) Do not go Commando. Especially when running on the treadmill or doing anything that involves a mat.

2) If you’ve got the guns, don’t be afraid to show them off with a sleeveless tee but remember to give your armpits a trim first.

3) Go easy on the techie gear. Yes, we all know about their sweat-wicking and heat-providing properties, but a man dressed completely in under-armour borders on the obscene. Mix it up with more conventional work-out clothes like cotton t-shirts or even dri-fit t-shirts if you dislike the way cotton tends to hold on to sweat and moisture. Alternatively you can wear tees over your base layers. It is important to note that base layers and under armour are notorious for displaying all that there is to be seen. If there is anything you’d rather hide then avoid them like you would the bubonic plague!

4) It is all about the fit. While tight t-shirts might work for you in a night club they should never be brought to the gym. Not only do they constrict movement, they also have the added benefit of making you look like a douche. Shorts should be above the knee, and baggy sweats should be left at home. Extra fabric never hides it only ever amplifies and in the gym baggy sweats often catch on bits of machinery. These sports trousers from H&M should do nicely.

 

Photo: H&M

5) Gym shoes are the least-governed article of clothing that one wears in the gym. As long as they are in reasonable condition, they are perfectly acceptable. So why not use this opportunity to be really expressive and dandy? How about these bright yellow running shoes from Nike?

 

Photo: Nike

Profile: Maria Sharapova

Russian Maria Sharapova has more than proved her tennis credentials over the years, and along the way she has exhibited herself as a champion of the style courts as well. Whether it’s on the red carpet or mid-set, Sharapova demonstrates her eye for well-tailored ensembles and striking designs. In 2010, the World No. 3 launched her very own line in collaboration with Nike and Cole Haan (The Maria Sharapova Colllection), furthering her place amongst the Fashion elite.

On the court, Sharapova has demonstrated her style prowess with daring and embellished cuts, this example (see featured image) from her very own collection which she debuted at the Australian Open in 2010 demonstrates her ability to balance her career aspirations with her unique sense of style, proving that athletics and aesthetics are not mutually exclusive. Sharapova’s fashion success can be attributed to her tasteful approach to dressing; her choice of ensembles accommodate, never hinder, her game. I would even go so far to say that her performances could be improved by the confidence her stylish looks no doubt afford her. Off the tennis court, Sharapova is equally renowned for her impeccable presentation. In fact, after winning the 2004 Wimbledon tournament, one of Sharapova’s first courses of action was to hit up the Oxford Circus Topshop – yes, she’s always had her priorities right.

 

Photo: CoolSpotters.com

Snapped here in Alexander McQueen, the tennis pro excels at demonstrating strength and femininity in a delicate frock one might only associate with wafer-thin models. Female sport stars are all too often dismissed as too ‘masculine’ and are thus distanced from fashion houses like McQueen, yet Sharapova defies such stereotypes – leading the way for others who may see themselves as outside the Fashion world.

Teacup

On an uneventful, rainy Tuesday afternoon I went to visit Teacup on Thomas Street, waylaid slightly by the enticing shop windows along the way. The scent of fresh tea filled my nostrils, the sight of the rainbow cake lit up my eyes, the sound of the friendly and enthusiastic waitress put me at ease – and the fact that it was warm and dry was enough to recommend it after the downpour I had just fled from. So far, it had ticked the box for every sense apart from one: taste.

As I waited for the £4 slice of carrot and coconut cake to arrive, my inner grumpy cat calculating that £4 would cover the cost of the entire cake, I took in my surroundings. There were scrubbed wooden tables, a commendable lack of standard teashop frippery, David Shrigley anti-psychotic tea blend and Mr Scruff memorabilia. Despite the pleasing aesthetics of the place I was still attempting to work out just how good this tea and cake would have to be to merit costing the best part of a tenner. I realised that if I were a physicist I might genuinely be able to work out an equation, which I could then proudly and conceitedly write on the bottom of the bill. Unfortunately, being a philosopher, I just carried on thinking about it without coming to a conclusion. The cake was good, but what combination of eggs, butter, flour and sugar wouldn’t be? At £4, it was going to have to be better than good.

My tea had arrived along with a cup and saucer, a strainer, a sand timer, a jug of milk and another empty teapot. If these theatrics were supposed to beguile me, they failed. Tea is tea; it is not a circus act. Once again my mathematically-impaired mind sought and failed to calculate the potential savings they could make if they forwent unnecessary empty teapots and pretentious timers.

So, my trip to Teacup left a lot to be desired. However, as I ambled back to Piccadilly, taking the long way round the Northern Quarter, I noticed a huge array of other shops, cafes and restaurants which may well fill the taste void left by Teacup. Takk, a new Icelandic coffee house has recently opened on Tariff Street and the bread and wine bar Bakerie on Lever Street looks like a great evening option. Like an old Fagin, Manchester’s Northern Quarter has, underneath its run down, disheveled outer layer, an assortment of glittering jewels: tea shops, wine bars, record stores, vintage clothing, tiny galleries and music venues. Teacup is certainly not the jewel in the crown but perhaps soon I will come across something that is.

Still chasing the American Apparel dream?

With the start of every new year and our proclamations of ‘New Year, New Me!’ comes the inevitable dash to the shops to stock up on sportswear. However, it is no longer good enough to just be practically and comfortably dressed for exercise, you now need to look the part too. So where to shop for this workout chic look? Many of us, it seems, turn to American Apparel. This is a brand that prides itself on its ethics- the majority of the clothes are made in a factory in downtown L.A. by immigrant workers who are paid double the minimum wage- and the simplicity of the products is the unique selling point. Yet this is a brand whose fitness section sells thong bodysuits (£23.00) and unitards (£32.00), without a sports bra in sight; is it really workout friendly?

americanapparel.com

American Apparel may be a go-to for the fashion conscious youth and it is rare that a day at uni passes without spotting at least one girl in a pair of ‘Disco Pants’, but trying to replicate this look for the gym is perhaps, even for the fashion elite, a step too far. We all want to look our best, but exercise is the one aspect of our lives where we should be a tad more practical (you’ll thank your young self when various body parts are still in the right places and you haven’t been struck by the arthritic limp). However lovely the models wearing this ‘fitness wear’ on the website appear, as they contort their bodies into shapes a Yoga bunny would approve of, this is an unattainable look for myself and many of us who live in the real world.

We are not convinced by this workout : americanapparel.com

Workouts in the real world end in a sweaty mess, not rosy glowing faces.  One glance in one of the many mirrors lining the gym walls and my sensible alter ego reveals herself and praises the exercise Lord that I invested in those shock-impact trainers, sports bra (however unsightly we all know those things are) and clothes crafted from breathable fabric, rather than striving for the American Apparel look. Just imagine this: me, in an Aerobics class, going for the high kicks in a V-neck thong bodysuit (minus the sports bra), cleavage on full display and a slinky pair of leggings: literally the makings of a horror movie.

And let us not disregard the scandalous antics of founder Dov Charney, various controversial and hyper-sexualised advertising campaigns and the ‘are-you-having-a-laugh?’ price tag. I beg each and every one of you to save the Disco Pants and bodysuits for nights out and be practical, just for once!  For those who do want something fashionable and practical, there’s always Stella McCartney for Adidas and Liberty trainers for Nike. These products may cost a little bit more, but they are ultimately an investment; specifically designed for the gym, not the disco.

Top 5: Kids with attitude

5. Dash (The Incredibles, 2004)

Undoubtedly the best character in one of Pixar’s most celebrated films, Dash pulls off the ‘spirited kid’ label with vigour. Super competitive and certainly a bit of a show-off, this gutsy character is well worth a place on the list.

 

4. Tallulah (Bugsy Malone, 1976)

Jodie Foster’s A-list breakthrough in 1976 found her picking up two BAFTAs- for Taxi Driver and Bugsy Malone. But I chose Tallulah over Iris as her feistiness is pure entertainment.

 

3. Mathilda (Léon: The Professional, 1994)

Any kid with ambitions of becoming a hit man (or woman) warrants the opportunity to be considered for this list, but Natalie Portman embodied the grittiness of New York counter culture as Mathilda, making her fully deserving of third place.

 

2. Hit-Girl (Kick-Ass, 2010)

Defined more by what she does than by what she says, Chloë Moretz’s Hit-Girl is cooler than any of us will ever be, and she’s only thirteen.

 

1. Sam and Suzy (Moonrise Kingdom, 2012)

To be honest, I would give every spot on this list to these two if I could. Whether climbing onto church rooftops, stabbing their pursuers with scissors or, even, getting struck by lightning, Sam and Suzy show that they have limitless attitude. Anyone who hasn’t yet, see this film. We’ve told you enough times.

Gym Hair

From past experience I can honestly say that even putting just a little effort into my workout ‘look’ makes me feel stronger, more confident and consequently more motivated to push myself during my weekly sweat-fest. So I’ve ditched the heavy duty yet oh so reliable sumo bun and compiled a list of four hot gym-friendly hairstyles that will take your work-out from frizzy to fabulous…

SWEPT BACK:

Best for those with shorter hair that don’t want to scrape it all back, a simple elasticated headband will keep the hair off your face.

picture: Glamour.com

MESSY UP-DO:

Emphasis on the ‘messy’, this effortless style can be done in seconds and requires zero preparation or skill. Laziness disguised as glamour?! YES PLEASE.

picture: simplyseleta.com

SPORTY PONYTAIL:

Can make even the most docile amongst us look remotely athletic; this swept back style can be made even more sleek with a quick dab of serum over fly-aways pre-workout.

picture: PR photos

FISHTAIL BRAID

A quirkier relative of the French braid, the fishtail braid is pretty and compact. Keep it tight and tidy for cardio or loose and wispy for low-impact activities like yoga.

picture: Glamour.com

And to take yourself from gym to glam post-workout minus the shampoo/conditioning ordeal? Simply apply a spritz of Batiste Dry Shampoo to roots and blow-dry your tresses from roots to end using a paddle brush, VOILA!