#mytoppicks

Carmen is a timeless opera and, like other timeless works, is a standard piece of repertoire and consequently has been subjected to numerous interpretations. Likewise, the eponymous title role has had its fair share of singers attempting to portray, in their own way, the character– some good, some bad, some excellent; some a sweet victim, some raunchy. Each Carmen has her own merit. Still, here are a few of the more noteworthy Carmens performing the famous aria “L’amour est un oiseaux rebelle”, or the Habanera aria: 

1. Elīna Garanča, Latvian mezzo-soprano, in concert and at the Metropolitan Opera. I love Elina Garanca as Carmen, because her voice is very deep and rich. Moreover, she just owns the stage, and her acting is just so natural. She embodies the Carmen that we all know. 

2. Nana Mouskouri, who is not an opera singer, does her take of the ‘Habanera’- I like Nana Mouskouri in general, so I may be a little biased. However, she does a really good job of portraying a sultrier Carmen. (Also, her diction is pretty good.)

3. Julia Migenes-Johnson in the film Carmen. In this clip Julia interprets Carmen in the usual way; that is, she portrayed the character as flirty and with a commanding presence. Still, I enjoy how light and beautiful this Carmen is. These qualities of voice add a little innocence.

10. Gyaru Pastel Jfashion   winter dress coats/Jackets

Some are very expensive but worth it especially if you can find tailor made. A good coat can make an outfit sometimes In winter ... let's face it we  want to be comfy and warm at the same time as fashionable  and if you need to quickly dress up your everyday outfit  to hit the town- these are a perfect wardrobe fix !If you're a bit of a fashion forward lady and love to look sweet as well as trendy  these are oh so classy and timeless! <3 

9.Chocolatey Lipstick Hues!

Forget reds,forget Lime Crime pastels! This season make a 90's inspired anti-statement and team your palest dewy foundations and finishing powders with glimmering highlighted eyes and a blend of rustic gold and smudged soft winged liner with intense lashes, contoured ever so lightly bronze,blushed cheekbones and a matte pearly chocolatey or cherry/plum/wine hue to tantalise your tastebuds and eye for the latest looks!Try these with all your fave witchy grunge looks!: MAC -Cyber and Soulfully Rich.

8.ShopJeen!

Definitely my favourite spot for awesome random  bits and pieces like super cute and quirky tees and pillows for my bedroom. 

http://www.shopjeen.com/collections/lifestyle

7.Glitters For Dinner! <3 *swoon*

Say goodbye to being another average basic  bitch  and hello to feeling Fancy like  you stepped right out of an episode of Clueless (yes it was a series before a movie) or Iggy Azalea's music video once you have some of these handmade closet staples!

Check out their instagram @gfdstore!

https://www.facebook.com/GlittersForDinnerShop 

6.Pop That Cassette

https://www.etsy.com/shop/popthatcassette?ref=pr_shop_more#

'Like' Pop That Cassette on Facebook: www.facebook.com/popthatcassette

So much awesome pieces and for everyone who wants o know where I got my furby- this lovely lady Alicia is the go to gal  <3 She may have a few left! She also makes super cool pinup hair  accessories! popthatcassette

5.Caramel Popcorn Cupcakes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAu_46_blLA

I did my own take though.METHOD:

Box cake mix, half filled the cupcake case pans then put a singular square of caramel filled chocolate in each then topped a little more with mix, cook for 10-15, Allow to cool completely then frost with a caramel or vanilla bean frosting in desired texture and decorate with caramel popcorn so it looks like a retro red and white striped popcorn bucket from the cinemas! (i used red and white hard paper cupcake cases) Great for sharing with friends on a stormy night during  movie marathon or set up a bake off day if sleepovers and movie nights aren't your thing and find other awesome creative and fun to make yummy treats on channels like Cupcake Addiction and Nerdy Nummies.

4.The Worker Boot!

http://www.famousfootwear.com.au/Product/Naughty-Monkey_Boxer/LPBOXER.MST

I found this pair at Famous Footwear and have seen many similar around but think they look super cute with vintage looking prints and hues like mustard, earthy greens, golden tan and rustic oranges and work well in contrast with a touch of grunge for example: Opaque black  full foot tights, worker inspired boots in either fawn, grey, or wine burgundy tones teamed with gold studded black denim shorts, a printed singlet, open flannel/plaid print collared shirt, hooded light vest, and beanie, faux suspender tights,   indie vintage look dress or basic peter pan collared dress, belt faux fur vest or dress coat and flat rim bowler-like hat or beanie. Simple looks that allow you to contrast and play up an outfit to dress up or down depending on your mood and how you want to match it to your shoe colour of choice. They look super cute and are one of  the most comfiest pairs of shoes I have purchased so far this year. :)

3.XBOX ONE

This is on my wishlist still but for gamer girls and boys out there who love their xbox 360 there has been news of more great new releases that will only be available to the updated console so time to save those pennies so you can stay snug in bed gaming with friends and chatting in a party with friends enjoying all the improved tweaks of the newer model .

2.Badges!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PopDecor?ref=pr_faveshops

I am becoming obsessed with covering my leather jackets in cute badges and fell in love with this Etsy store called Pop Decor :) have a look for yourself. You can get some too for as little as a few dollars plus shipping.Spuer funky and look great on jackets like mine or on shirt collars, even good for covering an entire denim or vinyl skater skirt for a super cool 80s/90s street style look.

1.Chokers!

I still can't go without them  no matter what I wear  and recently found even cheaper cute ones on https://www.etsy.com/shop/BadassBoutiqueVN?ref=pr_faveshops so have a look at the range and see if you see something you like. Each item is made to order.

HAPPY SHOPPING   !!!!

Cream Blushes – My Top Picks

 Cream Blushes – My Collection + Favourites

You may have heard me talk about how much I don’t like cream blushes, but ever since more and more cosmetic brands are coming out with cream blushes I’ve had no choice but to figure out why they’re so darn likeable. Now don’t get me wrong I haven’t turned to the dark side, I still love me a good ole powder blush but I’m slowly converting and finding…