17 Filles, le nouveau rêve hippie

 

THIS POST IS IN FRENCH

Après moultes tourmentes, je suis enfin allée voir 17 Filles, le premier film des soeurs Coulin.
Laissez-moi vous mettre en contexte.

Ce film, je n'en avais pas entendu parlé jusqu'à ce qu'un ami m'annonce qu'il avait gagné deux places pour cette production au Vendôme. En principe, c'était prévu pour le 5 décembre mais vu les manifs congolaises révoltées à cause des élections du 28 novembre, ça n'a pas été possible. Le beau quartier Matongé où l'on peut habituellement se faire coiffer, manger des bananes plantins et acquérir le dernier sac Guchi au même endroit, a été pris pour cible par les expat's en colère face à tant d'anormalités dans les procédures de votes. Rien à la Poutine, cependant. Ou du moins, il n'y avait pas de caméras pour filmer les ballots pleins avant même l'ouverture des bureaux. Au RDC, c'est plus du "tu votes pour moi ou t'es mort" et du "dégage de là sale juge, mon ami va te remplacer dans ta fonction; toi t'as qu'à prendre des vacances et fermer ta gueule". Parfois, dans le sud, c'est même du "je te tue, même si je suis pas du pays... enfoiré". Bref, il y a de quoi sortir de ses gonds. Mais comme dans toutes les manifestations, il y'a toujours des gros connards pour venir foutre le dawah, cassant des vitrines à tout va et chopant les dernières Air Max 90 au passage. Ah et aussi, ils aiment bien frapper les policiers. Sans raison apparente souvent. Peut-être bien qu'ils ont juste le bras qui démange.

Bref, le Vendôme étant sur chaussée de Wavre, vous imaginez bien qu'il a pris cher lui aussi. On a reporté la séance à un jour plus calme pour mon plus grand plaisir vu que le 5, j'étais encore à Londres.

Donc hier, armée de mon appareil photo, je suis allée Porte de Namur en espérant bien pouvoir capturer un peu d'action malgré les nouvelles mesures de protection du genre "pas de rassemblement de groupe". Mais rien. Nada. Niet. Le plus excitant a été un petit djeune qui a murmuré un "nique ta mère" à trois policiers pendant leur ronde. Epoustouflant.

Quant au film, et bien c'est à peu près tout ce qu'on voit dans la bande annonce ou dans les journaux. 17 nanas en mal d'indépendance qui veulent changer le monde en faisant des bébés. Grosses tarées de hippies à deux francs. Toutefois, il y a quand même quelques points sympas à la narrative. Notamment le conseil de classe au sujet de la tendance, hilarant tant c'est absurde. Et puis la jeunesse bretonne des Coulin change de la jeunesse amércaine de Clark, en positif. Ca reste des cons insupportables à baffer, mais ils sont un peu moins malsains. Sans doute parce qu'ils sont Français. Et puis comme c'est basé sur une histoire vraie, ça pose questions. Qu'est-ce qu'il leur est passé par le crâne?!

En tous cas, ça m'a rappelé beaucoup de souvenirs, et ça en rappellera à toute fille ayant eu un passage par la case "je fais ma crise et je fcuk le monde". Franchement, si je me croisais il y'a 5 ans, je m'arracherais les dents.

A voir.




LONG STORY SHORT

17 Filles (film): Seventeen 17-year-old teenage girls thrive to change the world with babies. Silly times.

Matongé - Calme après la tempête

MUSIC: PATRICE - AIN'T GOT NO (I GOT LIFE)

What have I been doing? (and not just for fun) Part 1/2

MUSIC: SUSUMU HIRASAWA - PARADE (INSTRUMENTAL)

A post is coming !

I solemnly swear that I haven't stopped posting.
Kindly,

Me.

MUSIC: ROOTS MANUVA - SHAN-AH-SHAN

The Odd Chronicle: a date with myself

If you live East, you'd probably have noticed that there was no train at all on the hammersmith&city and the district lines this weekend. Apparently, there're some improvement works going on for the Olympics. But frankly, when you find out about this on your way home from a very long night with way too many intoxicating substances, you're pissed and want to kill the world. Instead, I boycotted tfl in my own terms by staying home and waited until Monday to reconnect with the life outside my flat by going on a date with myself to celebrate this recovered freedom.

On a traditional date (understand with someone else on your side to pay for all your expenses), you go to the movies or restaurant and finish the day under your sheets even though you only meant to have "a last cup of coffee".

Mine was a bit different given that it was just me. I walked around Portobello and did absolutely everything I never do on an actual date.

• I went to Hummingbird and had the most wonderful brownie. 300 kilo calories of pure happiness - normally you fake pretend not eating sweets because they're unhealthy but here I had no one to lie to. 

• Then I stopped at a pop-up shop, the French Designer Sale "Petit Bazaar". The reason I went in was the weather: windy, cold and wet. Cheers to London! But once in I took my camera out and started shooting this emulsion of colours and cuteness. Usually, I'd want to throw up in front of such an alice-in-wonderland-like atmosphere (plus you don't want to freak out your date by going into a kid's shop). But strangely, everything was well-balanced, peaceful and very attractive. Like a trip back to your 6 year-old bedroom. The concept is simple: 7 designers getting together for a couple of days. And because it's a pop-up, you should probably run by asap before it vanishes - it goes on until Sunday 27th of November.*

• My next stop was around the bridge down Portobello road. I wanted a cup of tea after my frosted brownie so I sat down next to two women who were arguing about how people don't take time to just sit and have a conversation with strangers - or perhaps was it because I precisely did it that the subject came up. 

•  Afterwards, as I was walking and stopping at every little furniture and vinyls stores, I ended up at the Graffik gallery which is usually closed on Mondays. Well actually the gallery was closed, but Rosanna, the tattoo artist from the tattoo shop below the gallery was sitting inside, drawing some new designs for her portfolio. The conversation started off on the eventuality of me getting a tattoo and ended on how London - and the rest of the world - was packed of useless people, prententious enough to pretend knowing everything about life (no offense).

•  As I walked back towards the station I entered The Gold pub, literally pulled into it by the smell of mulled wine that had my brains erase any other thoughts. I sat in a corner, drank my wine and finally read my newspaper. In the process, I also managed to burn my fringe with the candle on the table (I told you it was a date) and was rescued from what could have turned into serious hairstyle injuries by one of the members of the band that was sitting in the boot in front of me, getting ready for their concert.

• At the end of the day, I got home but not for "coffee". I did however order myself a nice dinner and enjoyed it under my blanket while watching the latest episode of Top Chef. 

In overall, I have to admit, this date was one of the best I'd ever had. I wish I had gotten this beautiful teddy bear though, but my "escort" was broke.

*Here are the websites of the designers's collections: check them out, you might catch them on the road to do some of your Christmas shopping in case you miss the pop-up shop (it's on until this Sunday 27/11)

Ville et Campagne , Kensington Imaging, Juliet and the Band, Batchi Batcha, Les Tricots de Margot

 and Febronie

TV SHOW: EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS

Five things I would do if I wasn't so tired

Last week I finally turned 20. It might not seem as a big deal for you guys but to me it's a huge phase. I am now TWO DECADES old. And lord, I can feel it in my body! Not that I ever was a big athlete, but at least I was doing things aside waking up, going to the fridge and back to bed. I have no energy at all. Yesterday I woke up at 2pm and went back to sleep at 9pm. That's only 7 hours awake, and believe it or not, I still don't feel like I've got my rest back. I probably need some sort of kick in the ass to get me back outside. Anyway, here are some stuff I would do if I wasn't feeling so old. Drop me your own list if you feel like it!

1 - Going to the London Jazz Festival 

2 - Going to Hackney City Farm (I am missing the ginger pig)

3 - Read a book, ANY book

4 - Look for a new flat

5 - I'm just too tired to think of it.

TV SHOW/CITATION: FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR - "I guess I can kiss heaven goodbye because it's got to be a sin to look this good"

Eat cheap but good!

Tomatoes, mushrooms and eggs? NO THANKS

Whilst living in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, it is hard not to got out to save a few quids. Plus if you’re a student like I am, you would know you’re often too tired to cook anything or simply have no skills whatsoever at it. And as much as I could say thousands of good reviews on various fast-foods like KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Wazzabi and so on -God knows they’re live-savers after a night out- there’re also a couple downsides that come in mind and I’m not only talking of the obvious health issues a regular consumption would cause. Hopefully, there’re alternatives: cheap restaurants! And you don’t even need to go far out London to find them. One of my favourite is in the very heart of the most touristic high street in the city: Oxford Circus, West End !

The Odd Chronicle: DIY decoration

As I said in the "About Me" section, I have no particular talent. We would just assume someone comes to earth with that one thing that makes him/her special, but it is not true. Most of the time, you have to work to develop your gift and if you're gifted by nature, you're just a lucky bastard! Anyway, being untalented doesn't stop me from trying out stuff, and this time, I've decided to put my hands to work with some home-made craft. All that in just 5 steps! If I can do it, you probably can too.

Decorasia.wordpress.com

Cork boards are very convenient and useful to have around. Not only do they dress up the walls or help covering some nasty after-party stains (like the vomit of your friend George who strangely you never hear about anymore), but you can also hook pictures of your loved-ones on them or memo notes. And if you have earrings you tend to lose, why not hang them on it as well. Long story short everyone should have one. But in these times, why bother buying a 20 quid board while you could do it yourself with a piece of styrofoam and some paint?




MATERIAL REQUIRED 

- one piece of styrofoam
- couple of oil paint colours 
- brushes 
- glass of hot water to dip your brushes in 
- tack


STEPS

  

 Step 1

Prepare the field to avoid any damages. In other words, put a big cardboard or newspaper on the floor to prevent any paint to fall on it.

Step 2

Prepare your paint and water and place them on the cardboard/newspaper as well

Step 3
Apply your background colour, one or two coats should do.

Step 4
Let it dry for the required amount of time, usually one to two hours.

Step 5

Personalize it to give it some character ... And you're DONE, just stick it on your wall or door with some tack.

I hope you're ready to make your own! If you do, let me know how it is or even send a few pictures so I'll put them in the entry.

Cheers!

MUSIC: GUI BORATTO - COLORS

AMERICAN APPAREL RUMMAGE SALE ALL OVER AGAIN? HELL YA !

Everybody knows how hard it is to find nice basics theses days... And by 'nice' I mean basics that won't suddenly change colour or shape after a wash. It seems like the industry is sinking deep, selling us resistance-less tees that burst into fire if wore on a sunny day. But amongst all those corrupt stores, there're still some reliable brands we can count on to provide us with safe pieces of cloth that not only look good but remain unchanged even after a trash night out. One of these is American Apparel.

The brand has its controverse though. It screams 'Hipster'. And some might have a problem with this etiquette as they're too cool to wear such a globalised brand. Let's face it people, we need to have at least one nice shirt in our wardrobe that falls right whether it's worn on a pair of jeans or with a skirt. And don't pretend you don't take care of your style because that's just a bunch of crap. We ALL pay attention to our looks. As materialistic as it may sounds, it is the true face of our reality.


Last year's rummage
Even though I appreciate the quality of American Apparel garments, my credit card really doesn't and sometimes stops me from making any purchase at the store with two simple words: balance insufficient (doubled with a pleasant ear-splitting sound). Yes, that hurts. But there is a solution: the annual American Apparel Rummage Sale ! Cuts go to up to 90% off the regular price... Ain't that good news?

Those rummage sales or flea markets as they call it, use to happen mainly on the American continent over cities like Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Miami, etc. Since last year it has finally reached Europe, hitting two of the major stylish/hipsterish cities: Berlin and London.
Last year rummage's sale in London went mad... Police had to come to stop the people from crawling in front of the entrance doors. It is heard that even inside the store, people were fighting over some garments. The sale was shut down a couple of times during the three days it was supposed to run for.

by AAfailday

This year's flea market
Hopefully for us, that didn't stop the brand from organising another sale this year. But they've learnt from their mistakes. Security has been improved and a bigger space has been rented, plus it will go on for five whole days from 9am till 9pm. I'm guessing you must all be wondering where and when the sale will go on. Some of you may even have skipped the entire article and skimmed the entry to find out the date and address of the flea market. Well, that's rude... I feel used. I shouldn't even say anything and continue mumbling over some absurdity that goes in my mind just to keep you waiting. NAAAA I am not that mean and I totally understand why you would try to go down to the subject as fast as posible.

So this year's sale is held at the famous Brick Lane's Truman Brewery Market from the 20th to the 25th of October 2011 (yes this is now) from 9am till 9pm.

I went yesterday on the grand opening and, trust me, the queue was huge! So be sure you don't have anything planned for a couple of hours if you go. I stayed outside for about 45 minutes but once I got in, it was a dream come true. You know this scene of Alice in Wonderland when she enters the rabbit hole and feels confused but attracted at the same time? That's exactly how it felt. Especially since once in, you have to go up a couple of stairs in a dark corridor which reminds Alice falling. Then when you actually step inside the flea market, you're overwhelmed by all the light and the clothes everywhere. Pictures are better than words, here a couple.



LONG STORY SHORT

American Apparel's Flea Market in Brick Lane's Truman Brewery Market is happening from

the 20th to the 25th of October between 9 am and 9 pm. Be there if you're after great deals ;)

Outside queue, endless.

Like for every big sale, come prepared. skirt and tank so you can try on clothes easily

Naomie and Rebecca, second year King's college students who missed a lecture to come... Brave!

Inside queue to the checkout, worst than outside.

Perk: you get a 20%off voucher valid in every American Apparel store

1620 so far... and it was 2pm.

BOOK : THE REBEL SELL/HOW THE COUNTERCULTURE BECAME CONSUMER CULTURE

Anything to add? Put it down here

It's always weird to write down the first entry of your blog as it actually is the last entry everyone will see (if anyone ever sees this). But for those of you who'd have had the courage to make it to the end, let me know what you've thought of those few pages and if you have any requests/ideas you'd like me to look at, put them down here.

And because it is the end of a new beginning, there should be some dramatic sound effects like a solemn march chant. Instead, let it videos for each month spent on this blog.

June's one is Cré Sabe from Carlos Silva. It's old but there's not better to announce summer !

Cheers !