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Day: 28 November 2014

Live: Little Dragon

Written by Alyssa Vongapai on . Posted in Music.

22nd November

Albert Hall

7.5/10

Little Dragon have proven to be an eclectic electronic band that can mix dance music well with “Janet Jackson slow jams”. The high school friends Yukimi Nagano, Erik Bodin, Fred Wallin, and Håkan Wirenstrand finally released their fourth album Nabuma Rubberband last May via independent London based label Because Music (Justice, Erol Alkan, Daniel Avery), coming nearly three years since their breakthrough album Ritual Union. The band have shown everyone that they definitely aren’t a one hit wonder, and have real staying power. This is down to their constant evolution: mixing dance music with dreamy down tempo synth pop.

Their unique front woman, Yukimi, came on the stage, banging a cowbell dramatically. You can’t deny that Nagano is gorgeous, but the focus was not just on her beauty and cool outfit. She flirts with audience with her dreamlike voice and dancing, and her delivery was phenomenal. I couldn’t help but feel happy to know that there are still some sick bands out there that don’t use their image to sell their music. They are Swedish, and Yukimi is half Asian, so perhaps style is innate for them anyway.

They won over the crowd with their heart thumping songs, especially ‘klapp klapp’. Their energy as a band oozes out with the upright bass and mesmerizing synth. They made Albert Hall feel magical and exciting. I felt like I was in Hogwarts and Yukimi was singing a bunch of cool spells. I reckon Little Dragon’s patronus charm would be Prince riding a unicorn.

They have has a string of sold out shows; no doubt the future is bright for Little Dragon. They are one of the best things that have happened to current music – wrestling wonderful slow-burners and fun electronic music.

Student Action Manchester: Christmas shoebox appeal

Written by Mancunion on . Posted in News.

There were 2,114 rough sleepers in England in 2013. These statistics show an increase of 5% from the previous year.
81,000 households in England were accepted as homeless last year, with 7,908 in the North West alone.

A household comprises one person or a group of people who share living accommodation.

Student Action Manchester is collecting shoeboxes to give to homeless people in Manchester this Christmas time.
The boxes will be delivered by Student Action’s Outreach and Street Support teams to people on the street, as well as to women and children’s shelters.

There will be a stall in the reception area of the Students’ Union from 1st – 5th of December, where you can leave your shoebox or any other individual items you’d like to donate.

Items you could include in your box: warm clothing (hats, gloves, scarves, socks, underwear, rain ponchos), toiletries (deodorant, moisturiser, wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, Vaseline, bars of soap, antiseptic cream), blankets, notebooks, pens and pencils, books to read, toys for children, food items, food vouchers, gift items. We are collecting boxes for men, women and children.

Student Actions Manchester suggests “wrapping your box and including a Christmas card would be lovely too. And if anyone can make a bag rather than a box that would be great – rucksacks will be particularly useful.”

Jo Harris, one of the organisers of the appeal said “Homelessness remains a huge and incredibly sad, frustrating issue – it is not going away

All of us students see the devastating effects of homelessness almost daily, when we walk down Oxford Road or through Piccadilly gardens and see people living on the street.

These are people like us who are going through a hugely difficult time.

This is why the shoebox appeal is so important – society is failing these people, therefore helping them this Christmas time will be make a huge difference.

Your shoebox, or bag, or anything you can give, could make someone happier this Christmas – and that is such a lovely thought. Please give what you can!

Student Action runs loads of different projects and we are always looking for new volunteers, drivers and project leaders.”

You can find more about the shoebox appeal on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1521963538057264/

For more information on Student Action and how to get involved look at their website: www.manchesterstudentsunion.com/studentaction or email:[email protected].

Charity shop challenge: the Altrincham edition

Written by Aimee Grant Cumberbatch on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

By now you’re hopefully all acquainted with the charity shops of Fallowfield, Withington and Didsbury. But if your thirst for style steals is still unsatisfied, or if you simply fancy a change of shopping scenery, why not try some of Manchester’s urban outskirts for size? Our intrepid editor Aimée Grant Cumberbatch headed to Altrincham to see if its second hand stores measured up to its city centre rivals. Here are the best buys she found for £10 and under.

Winter is making its frosty presence felt in Manchester at the moment, and there’s nothing sadder than having to hide an artfully arranged outfit under last year’s coat. However if you’re already well into your overdraft, forking out for a brand new model isn’t always an option. But charity shops are the perfect place to stock up on all things outerwear without hurting your bank balance. I spotted this gorgeous green suede number (pictured above) for exactly £10 in Altrincham’s branch of Cancer Research, not only is it real leather but its faux fur collar and cuffs make it extra toasty.

Also high up on anyone’s wish list at this time of year are cosy knits, and again charity shops are a gold mine for these kinds of garms, particularly if you’re a jazzy jumper fan. This colourful cardie came in at a saintly £3.50 from Headway.

Colourful cardie and velvet drawstring bag, Photo: Aimée Grant Cumberbatch

I also couldn’t resist this luxurious velvet drawstring bag, costing a bank-balance friendly £2. Perfect for party season.

DIY halterneck crop top

Written by Nikki Patel on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

What you will need:

-A large piece of fabric in your designed colour/pattern

-A sewing machine, and failing that a needle and thread in a colour that complements your fabric

-Pins

-Fabric scissors

-Ruler

Step 1:

Fold your fabric in half lengthways and draw the above shape onto it, leaving a seam allowance of about half an inch. This will be the front part of your crop top. I used the shown proportions and am a size 8/10 so adjust as desired.

Step 2:

Carefully cut out your shape, making sure the scissors don’t snag your fabric. Unfold, and there you have your front piece!

Step 3:

Repeat the same process for the back piece and neck strap using the shapes below, but this time with just one, unfolded layer of fabric.

Step 4:

Neaten up your raw edges with a zigzag stitch and then double fold them a couple of times, securing with pins. Now it’s time to sew!! Secure your neat edges with a short, straight stitch.

Step 5:

Join your front and back pieces by laying them on top of each other, right sides together and pinning them together, leaving the seam allowance as excess. Again, bang out a short straight stitch to connect your pieces.

Step 6:

Fold over the top or your front piece by about half an inch. The space in between will be where your neck strap lies. Finally attach a safety pin to the strap and snake it through the gap, pull it taut and your neckline should create a ruched effect.

And there you have it: a stylish halter neck crop to breathe new life into your Saturday night ensemble (plus you get to tell all your friends that you make your own clothes!)

Fashion finals

Written by Kathryn Murray on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

With coursework deadlines approaching and exams just around the corner the university campus is teeming with panic stricken students. Take this fashion and beauty quiz to find out if your studying, shopping and browsing has paid off this semester.

1. It’s getting chilly and you need a new coat. Would you:
a) Pick up a long, boyfriend-style pastel number

b) Root around in your local charity shop

c) Go for a black peplum coat

2. You’re having a hair mare. Do you:
a) Tie it in a topknot

b) Dye it ombre, loving those blonde ends

c) Brush it

3. Your favourite jeans are ripped in a rather unsightly location and need replacing:
a) You find a cool, more strategically ripped pair which might go nicely with your new crop top

b) Skinny jeans never fail me

c) Bell bottom flares

4. You have half an hour to kill in Superdrug. What do you buy?
a)Matte oxblood lipstick

b) Glitter nail polish

c) Blue mascara – so striking!

5. Which of these items are you most drawn to?
a) High neck, cropped jumper

b) Floral shorts

c) Denim gilet with fur lining

6. It is time to go to uni! What shoes do you opt for?
a) Probably my Nike Air Max trainers

b) Nude ballet flats à la Victoria Beckham

c) Ugg boots, it’s Winter – duh!

7. Which skirt length is a must have this year?
A) Midi

b) Maxi

c) Who cares? It’s just a skirt

8. What is your go-to colour scheme?
a) Cool pastels on luxe materials

b) Monochrome for life

c) Are jeans a colour scheme?

9. You’re in desperate need of some new garms.Where do you head to restock your wardrobe?
a) Your favourite vintage store in the Northern Quarter

b) Can’t go wrong with River Island

c) Primark, I’m on a budget and it’s right by the bus stop

How did you do?

Mainly A’s: You are fashion savvy! You know your bralets from your crop tops. There is no need to
worry about your style, you are 100% bang on trend.

Mainly B’s: You’re still kickin’ it 2012! You may need some extra study sessions browsing the Topshop website to bring your style up to scratch.

Mainly C’s: A little mentoring may be needed, time to step outside the library and into Style Central. Although when it comes to originality, you’re on your way to a first.

The semester may nearly be over but there is still a lot to learn, more for some than others perhaps…Luckily, the Fashion and Beauty team are on hand for style advice, fashion feedback and guidance. You’ll be top of the class in no time. Style Central.

Craving and Saving: Satchels

Written by Kassi Allcock on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

Whoever had the wise idea to strategically place exams directly after Christmas had no compassion – how am I supposed to ding dong merrily on high whilst cramming endless revision notes down my throat? I would much rather turkey and stuffing… As torturous as they may be, January exams are never going to go away, no matter how many times we put their disappearance on our Christmas wish list. The only way that we can fight back is to be prepared – which is going to require a sturdy bag to transport our heavy books to the library.

Photo: Cambridge Satchel Company

When dreaming of the perfect satchel, you’d be lying if you denied stalking the Cambridge Satchel Company’s website for hours on end. Their collection of styles has grown extensively over the years, allowing you to stray from a stereotypical satchel, and pretty much make it your own. There’s a size for every need – have a 13″ laptop? There’s a bag for you. what about a 15″? There’s a bag for you. iPad owner? There’s a smaller bag for you! If  you needed to, you could squeeze your entire life into your bag, and it wouldn’t show a single sign of breaking. The practicalities of a Cambridge satchel are countless, but it’s also an amazing fashion accessory too. With a sleek and professional look, you really do get the best of both worlds. The price is a little hard to swallow though, with their workbag coming in at a whopping £195.

Photo: Accessorize

And so, I have found you all a high street alternative. The Kingston Satchel from Accessorize has a much more appealing price tag of £32 (or a grand total of £28.80 with our trusty friend student discount). Let’s be honest – Christmas presents are a real burden on our bank balance, and the next instalment of our student loan doesn’t appear on the horizon until mid-January. We need to be realistic, and this alternate book bag is a life (and money) saver! With an equally stylish vibe, this less expensive satchel will still add a little pizazz to your not so exciting trips to the library. Whether you need your laptop, your books, your lunch, or all of the above, your stylish little satchel has got you covered and you don’t even need to splash your cash! Maybe a Cambridge satchel will have to wait for graduation…