Pringle?

Some of the best general election memes. You're welcome.

Don't just push air through your nose, VOTE!

We've Got To Love And Rub-A-Dub

Hippie birthday Lenny Kravitz. We're not worthy:

LK photographed for the cover of his 2004 album, Baptism.

Suite Dreams

This Friday at the Fashion & Textile museum in London it's the opening of The World of Anna Sui. To celebrate, here's one of my favourite shows of hers. Let me take you back to Spring 1994.

The misty-carefreeness of it all!

BZZZ

Last night's abhorrent attack was too close to home. Our city is grieving.

Please keep sending love and light to Manchester, Lord knows we need 'em.

Make Goth Not Steampunk Again

It's world goth day apparently.

MAKE JUNE THE END OF MAY

Don't be apathetic.

We Haven't Had That Spirit Here Since 1969

During my final year of uni I decided to hostel hop, as we all know rent in London is notoriously expensive. It worked out cheaper travelling to and fro Manchester each week and crashing in hostels, than it did to rent a shed in zone 4. This Dazed article highlights the lengths students go to to avoid adding to their stomach churning debt.

I was no stranger to hostels as I'd visited many whilst backpacking and always loved the thrill of meeting fascinating motley crews. I'd wholeheartedly recommend HH to fellow laid-back Lukes who are on a shoestring and open minded. The biggest perks were the cool cats I met along the way and calling a different part of London home each week. Also as a creative writing student, I soon found the outrageous stories I overheard in the common room at 4am seeping into my work.

Advent calendar spotted in Clink 78.

If this is something you'd consider, there are three key things I'd recommend: investing in a 16-25 railcard, braving megabus coach journeys and finally to ditch your earphones. They instantly make you unapproachable and you never know what wacky stories Kylie Minogue is blaring over.

Most hostels I visited were groovy, but there were two in particular that I frequented. The electric Clink 78 in Kings Cross is packed with character and travellers down for a good time. The impressive building is an old courthouse where The Clash once stood trial and Charles Dickens worked as a scribe.

The much tamer St.Christopher's Inn in Greenwich also became a second home to me, not just because of the convenience of my uni being a stone's throw away, but because of the stellar staff! One minute we're singing (PERFORMING) Man I Feel Like a Woman, the next we're at Jazz cafe in Camden listening to an all choir cover Outcast's 2003 album Speakerboxxx / The Love Below.

& My biggest tip for saving cash? Stop eating. Start photosynthesising.

Style Crush #9 Padmé Amidala

To celebrate May the 4th, I thought I'd confess my love for the Queen who didn't let a lil thing called fighting for democracy stand in her way of serving some serious looks. This one's for my intergalactic girl crush, Padmé Amidala. What a babe.

The extravagant costumes, the hair and makeup, and the extensive research that resulted in a rainbow of culture shining on the Queens wardrobe is remarkable.

For those of you just as enamoured with Padmé's costumes as I, here is a fascinating read about just how impressive the concept artist Ian McCaig and costume designer Trisha Biggar were. These Episode III webisodes (1 & 2) and this ace costume site are super informative too.

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

The phenomenal Trisha actually released a book which explores in great detail the intricate designs behind each outfit. Apparently the special edition version of the book comes with fabric swatches from the same bolt of fabric they used on Darth Vader's cape!!!

To celebrate Padmé's lavish wardrobe, I've cherry picked my favourite iconic costumes of hers. Now there may be a ridiculous amount, but do remember - a Queen can't be seen in the same outfit twice ;-) 

Regal Gown:

Trisha Biggar said this costume had "a sort of Chinese Imperial feel."

Did you know that the lanterns on her cumbersome dress actually lit up?

The Black Invasion Gown:

Senator Dress:

Galactic Senate Dress:

This outfit is is taken straight from Mongolian royalty:

...With Cloak:

Loyalist Committee Gown:

The Tatooine Disguise:

Handmaiden Dress:

The Final Parade Gown:

Concept artist Iain McCaig said "I designed a parasol-like collar that almost

makes her look like an angel."

Foreign Residence Dress:

"The paint that divided her lower lip was called the "scar of remembrance", which marked Naboo's time of suffering before the Great Time of Peace."

Senatorial Dress:

Travelling Dress:

Coruscant Apartment Robe:

Refugee Dress (with hood down):

...With Hood Up:

Packing Dress:

Geonosis attire:

Delegation Dress:

Meadow Picnic Dress:

Wedding Gown:

Mustafar attire:

Veranda Nightdress:

Nightdress & Robe:

Velvet Cloak:

Funeral Dress:

I'm actually off out on the raz tonight and first stop is my local, thirsty beak ~ a bar frequently compared to the The Mos Eisley cantina... how fitting! 

I guess there's only one last thing to say: May the 4th be with you!

Yes, you!