Southport: Britain's Favourite Family Day Out

There are few things us Brits enjoy more than a great day out. When it comes to making family time extra special, what better way to share the moments than in a town that offers a treasure trove of stuff to see and do!

When you picture your fun-filled day out, what springs to mind... a trip to the fun fair, taking in beautiful scenery, delicious food to fill your tum, or perhaps a combination of everything? Visit Southport and you can expect to find the hallmarks of British culture at your disposal, all within one convenient location.

If you're already a regular visitor of Southport, this quaint seaside town needs no introduction. But if you're new to North West England, from out of town, or you just need some inspiration for a vibrant place to go sightseeing, you won't be disappointed - that's a promise!

Southport dates back to 1792 and was originally a Victorian town centred around leisure and tourism. While the town used to be part of Lancashire, Southport is primarily known as a place that's close to Liverpool's heart, in Merseyside. Easy to access by car and public transport, this lovable British hotspot is a must-see if you and the family fancy a change of scenery from big cities.

Southport Tourism and Redevelopment

Today, Southport is famous for its holiday resort look and feel, and has undergone lots of development over the years. From the magnificent Marine Way Bridge next to Southport Pier and a revamped theatre on the promenade, to eateries, cafes and local businesses setting up shop on Lord Street - there's always plenty going on here. Popular events include Southport Air Show and Southport Flower Show, not to mention a roster of food and drink festivals, street concerts, theatre and live music to look forward to.

So whether you prefer to ogle historic architecture, enjoy a slice of fairground fun at PleasureLand, or you're looking for modern nightlife and entertainment options, you won't be disappointed on your arrival. In fact, once you've had a taste of what Southport's really like to experience, you may find it becomes your go-to choice for fun family days out, any time of the year.

With guaranteed attractions and exciting events coming around often, here's a few things to add to your September social calendar...

'Rip It Up' at Southport Theatre

Happening this evening at 7.30 pm, this fun theatrical production is all about getting involved in a good ol' 50's sing-along. If you love listening to a retro jukebox, complete with live musicians and plenty of high-octane dancing, don't miss this rock 'n' roll stage show tonight at Southport Theatre. More details here. Be sure to check out the arts in Southport throughout September.

Image Source: Stereoboard

Southport Pier

If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing stroll, why not head down Southport Pier where you'll have sea, sandy beaches and coastal views for miles. Don't forget to grab a pink and white ice-cream or some fish 'n' chips on the way. Yes, these British treats are sold 24/7 here, so you can enjoy them even after summer ends.

Silcock's Funland

A popular Southport attraction for the whole family, take cover and go nuts on Funland's slot machines, indoor rides, prize vendors and so much more. With free entry all year round, this Victorian amusement arcade is nostalgia that never goes out of season.

*All Photography Credits: Ray Wood @gr8lite (Except 'Rip It Up' Theatre Image.)

Athleisure: NOT Just Another Fashion Trend

Written by Dawn Wood

Move over prim and proper, it's time for athleisure to take charge of your smart-casual dress-code. While temperatures outside may be hotting up, nevertheless, fashion continues to hone in on the importance of comfort. July is all about creating a summer wardrobe that's stylish, accessible and wearable. But if the thought of shelving your favourite sweatshirts is making you anxious, not to worry ladies - the athleisure trend has got you covered from head to toe.

Imagine this... if sports and fashion had an offspring, athleisure would be the beautiful hybrid result. Think second-skin lycra leggings with bright graphic prints, slouchy jersey hoodies with modern mesh textures, black trainers with neon laces, oversized sweaters adorned with sporty slogans... the list goes on.

Many of us are choosing to take charge of our health and fitness goals right now. Setting realistic life goals is always a good habit to get into, especially if you want to make exercise a regular lifestyle choice. If you've made joining the gym your number one priority, you've freed up more time to walk the dog, or even if it's something as simple as walking to work and back, there's endless exciting ways to keep moving this summer. And it's reassuring to know that even the smallest active changes can make a big difference to your well being.

When you choose fashion and comfort, this conjures the best of both worlds – you can go about your busy day and look fabulous while doing it!

Let's face it though, no-frills sportswear starts to look a little drab when you're wearing it day in day out. So it's the fashion-meets-function element that really makes the athleisure trend so appealing. If you're the type of person who's always on the move, but you never leave home without a slick of lipstick and a stylish outfit to boot, athleisure pieces are your best friend!

Remember: your wardrobe should work for you come rain or shine, so there's no excuse not to look glam with so many trendy options available online, and on the high street today.

So how should we be channeling this super cool fashion look? Here are two versatile ways to get the athleisure look:

For Fitness

There's a new wave of fashion and lifestyle brands showcasing matching workout top and legging sets, and these are ideal to wear whenever you're hitting the gym. Athleisure clothing offers a wide selection of colours, prints, cuts and fits for everybody, so you can easily mix 'n' match an outfit to suit your fitness activity that day. Whether you're colour co-ordinating a water bottle and towel with your sports bra, or a long sleeve moisture wicking top with UV accents is your must-have outer layer for an evening run; the athleisure trend means you'll be spoiled for practical outfit choices any day of the week.

Outside the Gym

Heading out for a health-kick smoothie straight after your workout? No problem. Go for a lightweight bomber jacket for your outerwear layer. Underneath, your base layer might be a cute crop top, or a slouchy tee if you feel like rocking your favourite sportswear brand.

Athleisure prides itself on layering, so feel free to add or subtract pieces when you're heading outdoors.

Of course, make sure you're dressed for the occasion too. If you want to turn up the colour, include a few neon accents to complement any neutral or darker pieces in your outfit. Fluro soles and laces, yoga pants with striped accents and coloured waistbands work well, especially for hi-vis radar!

Not a fan of neon? Go for lycra leggings with just a few graphic sections on the legs to give your look a fashion-forward touch. An embroidered silk bomber or classic denim jacket are two other popular choices to throw over your casual tee for fun leisure and free time dates.

With athleisure upping the game for sportswear, and steering fashion towards comfort as well as aesthetics - this is one lifestyle trend that's relevant no matter what season is on your calendar.  

Sex Sells: Do Female Artists Need to Strip Off to Stay in the Spotlight?

Enough is NEVER Enough for Fame

By Dawn Wood.

Image Courtesy of Jack Bruunhammond.

When it comes to the music and entertainment industry, sex sells. There's no denying that sex seems to be everywhere: on the covers of magazines, in music videos, and in marketing campaigns. But the question we need to be asking is, do artists need to strip off in order to try and boost their record sales?

The answer to this is both yes and no – there are two sides to every story, and the music industry is no exception. In fact, now more than ever it has become apparent that if you're a female singer in any musical niche, you should be showing some flesh.

However, this idea is not necessarily a new idea. Take a look at the likes of Madonna, Janet Jackson and Grace Jones - all three ladies are incredibly strong artists who have and continue to take extra risks with how creative and sexual their video content is. After all, they were certainly considered to be at the height of their music careers back in the 80's. This just goes to show that either women have chosen to seduce their audiences with their raunchy dance routines, racy stage shows, and empowering imagery willingly, or their record labels are telling them to act a certain way in front of the camera, with the aim of selling more records as a result.

According to a recent article from Hello Magazine, Madonna admitted that starting out in the music business as a young female was no easy task to accomplish, saying "I became an over-achiever to get approval from the world." 

Women definitely seem to have a shorter shelf-life than men, a fact that has almost become common knowledge. It may sound unfair that men don't seem to have to go to such great lengths in order to 'get ahead' in their careers, but rather they are the dominant gender, especially in the tough world of media. This opinion is expressed in further depth in this article.

Modern artists including Nicki Minaj, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna and Beyonce seem to have stolen the limelight from their 80's icons and taken the meaning behind 'sex sells' to a whole new extreme. For example, in Nicki Minaj's video for one of her most recent singles 'Anaconda', the American star can be seen 'twerking' and lap dancing provocatively in front of male rapper, Drake - her token male interest. But critics have argued that she may have taken her sexuality too far this time. 

Twerking has become a trend in its own right. On the one hand, this can be seen as just a bit of fun for the dance floor, but when female audiences are subjected to constant booty shaking from scantily-clad celebrities, it can actually detract from the credibility of an artist.

That being said, there are some modern day female artists who have stood the test of time and continue to evolve vocally, artistically, and with how they empower us. Beyonce is a perfect example of how you don't have to be 21 and talentless to be able to capture the attention of an audience. She is inspirational in that she always manages to sell records based on her vocal talent. Now of course, Beyonce does experiment with her own sexuality, but she does this in a way that is creative and tasteful, as opposed to cheap and nasty.

As far as the future of the music industry is concerned, we are likely to continue seeing 'the next big thing' in terms of new solo artists, female groups, and reality TV stars, as unfortunately we do live in an ageist society. All we can do is take the positives from our favourite role models and hope that record labels will help to promote women in the best light possible, without having to force them to act in a distasteful manner.

Note: All images not taken by me.

Kit Harington for Jimmy Choo Autumn/Winter 2014 Campaign

Luxury footwear brand Jimmy Choo recently unveiled an exciting Autumn/Winter 2014 campaign starring British Game of Thrones actor, Kit Harington.

Immaculately photographed by Peter Lindbergh in Los Angeles, the campaign images were carefully captured at a private home designed by the late American architect, John Lautner. Known for his progressive engineering and space-age creative flair, there really couldn’t have been a more appropriate setting for Jimmy Choo’s latest luxury effort.

Now I must admit, I'm a huge fan of a celebrity fashion campaign or two, so when I heard the news that Kit Harington would be starring, naturally I was stoked. Kit, who is most famous for his role as Jon Snow in HBO’s critically acclaimed Game of Thrones series, models a series of fresh designer products, including eyewear, footwear and accessories. I love the fact that actors like to elude their talent on projects of all nature, and who better to have starring in a global campaign than a man who has it all. Kit is somebody who can act as well as look the part, both of which are certainly portrayed throughout his dramatic advertorial imagery.

This slick new campaign tells a story of the British actor and a female model in a love affair, with a modern backdrop intertwined with luxurious fashion pieces. Both the campaign video and striking images showcase the new men’s Autumn/Winter collection in an edgy light, as well as introducing Kit as the new face of Jimmy Choo’s first fragrance for men, Jimmy Choo MAN. And if that wasn’t enough to appeal to your senses, the Carrera by Jimmy Choo sunglasses capsule collection is also highlighted.

Lindbergh’s imagery captures the electric atmosphere of some intense romantic emotions, while Kit’s masculinity and sensuality seduce throughout.

Sandra Choi, Creative Director at Jimmy Choo expressed her thoughts on the outcome of her latest fashion campaign:

“Kit was the perfect choice for the campaign – he has an innate confidence and projects a playfully rebellious nature. He has an overtly masculine style that feels effortlessly cool and a great sense of humour. Beneath that intensity he is a true gentleman. Peter Lindbergh perfectly captured the spirit of the Jimmy Choo man.”

Set to appear in September issues of high fashion publications across the globe, the Autumn/Winter campaign is accompanied by an exclusive behind the scenes interview with Kit Harington himself. This can be viewed on Youtube here.

Note: All images not taken by me.

Inspiring Words...

Editorial: Articles in Print

Just a little post to show you my 'Style section' articles which have both recently been published in student magazine, 'PR1'. Most of my journalism portfolio is featured online, so it was a nice transition to have some in print too! In time I am hoping to get alot more of my work published, so watch this space... :)

I could not fit all of article 1 into a photograph, so for anybody who would like to read about Zoe's Style in full, just send me a quick e-mail and I will forward you a copy :)

Note: All images taken by Myself (Dawn)