Amor spring 2015

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2015 -

APPS FOR BUSY BEES

BEAUTY

ZOELLA SPRING WARDROBE Top 10

On Leaving Cash Money & Future Plans

MUSIC INTERVIEW TEYANA TAYLOR

LFW 2015 FILM RELEASES

Jade Avia

BEAUTY

How To Contour

Eddie Griffin

Saving Money Effectively

Grammy Awards

Issue 21 Spring 2015

on Capital Xtra ‘Lipgloss and Candyfloss’ & Drake

HEALTH

Spring Lamb With A Cranberry, Tomato and Thyme Crust

Lamb is a great source of protein and the cranberry gravy gives a lovely warm feel to it. Making it the perfect meal for the spring season.

Ingredients for Cranberry gravy Method • 1 clove of garlic, crushed • 1 bottle of rosé wine 1. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas • 1 large sprig of fresh thyme mark 6. Place the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, • 4 tbsp. cranberry sauce • 2 tsp caster sugar cranberry sauce and thyme into a food proces• 25 g butter, olive oil spread can be used to make it sor using it to form a smooth paste. Season well healthier.

Ingredients for Lamb with freshly ground black pepper.

• 2 garlic cloves 2. Trim most of the fat off the lamb. Spread the • 1 red onion, chopped • 1 leek, sliced cranberry mixture generously onto the outer • 1 green pepper sliced and deseeded side of the lamb to coating it evenly. Put the • 1 Green Pepper • 50 g sun-dried tomatoes crust side up onto a roasting tray season with • 3 tbsp cranberry sauce a pinch of sea salt and a generous amount of • 2 tsp thyme leaves • 3 racks of lamb, chined. Recommend asking your butcher ground black pepper. to do this for you 3. Boil the kettle and pour a small amount • Pinch of sea salt • Ground black pepper of water in the tray around the lamb. Add the

pepper, sliced leek and onion to the water in the tray.

4. Place in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes for medium-rare or for well done 30 minutes. If the crust starts to burn cover lamb loosely with foil.

5. Whilst the Lamb is cooking, this is a good time to prepare the cranberry gravy.

Put the garlic, rose wine and thyme into a large pan, bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 15 minutes or until reduced by half of the liquid. Strain, discard the thyme and return the wine to the pan. Add the cranberry sauce and caster sugar and stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside.

6. After the lamb is cooked to perfection take it out from the oven. Transfer it to a warm plate and leave to rest in a warm place for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, pour the rose wine mixture into the roasting tin and bring to the boil, scraping up all the pan juices into the gravy. Whisk in the butter until glossy and season to taste.

Cut each rack of lamb into cutlets and serve with the cranberry gravy, roasted or mashed .

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Lemon and Lime Risotto

Ingredients 357 Calories per portion • 2 shallots • 1 stick of celery • 60 g unsalted butter • 1 tbsp olive oil • 300 g risotto rice • 1 litre vegetable stock • unwaxed 1 lemon and 1 lime, juice and zest • 2 sprigs rosemary, leaves picked and finely chopped, plus extra to garnish • 1 egg yolk • 4 tbsp parmesan, grated, plus more to sprinkle • 60 ml double cream

This Risotto is for the days when there is the light blue sky and a small breeze, but the chill factor is still there. The creamy texture fills you up keeping the energy going for the cold day, and the lemon is refreshing to keep the day beaming.

Method

1. Place the shallots and celery into a food processor. Do not leave food processor on, start and stop the machine quickly until they are a finely chopped mush.

2. Heat half the butter, the oil and the shallot and celery mixture in a wide saucepan, and cook, to soften the mixture approximately for about 5 minutes. Make sure the mixture doesn’t start turning into brown kind of colour.

3. Add and Mix the rice in, stirring it in giving a good coating of oil and butter.

4. Heat the stock in another saucepan, keeping it at simmering point.

5. Pour in a cup full of the stock into the rice and keep stirring until the stock is absorbed.

Then add another cup full and stir again, continue doing this until the rice is al dente. You may not need all of the stock, equally, you may need to add hot water from the kettle.

6. Mix the lemon and lime zest with the rosemary into the risotto, and in a small bowl beat the egg yolk, lemon juice, parmesan, cream and a pinch of black pepper.

7. When the risotto is ready - when the rice is no longer chalky but still has some bite - take it off the heat and add the bowl of eggy lemon and lime mixture, and the remaining butter and season with salt to taste. Serve with more grated parmesan if you wish. It is ready to dive in.

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HEALTH

Banana and Nutella Cake Bar with a Zing

This cheeky cake idea, is good for the pallet and for the calorie counting. Once in a while we are allowed a treat so make it chocolatey!

Ingredients for Cake 200 calories per slice • 150 g softened butter • 75 g light soft brown sugar • 50 g golden caster sugar • The zest of 1 large orange • ½ tsp vanilla extract • 3 large eggs, beaten • 175 g self-raising flour • 2 medium bananas, approx 180-200g peeled weight • 2 tbsp Nutella Ingredients for Icing • 75 g icing sugar • 1 tbsp cocoa powder • 25 g butter, softened • 1½ tbsp milk • 1 tbsp Nutella • Small hand full of grated cocoa beans

Method 1. Pre-heat oven to 180C/160 fan/gas 4. Line an 18cm square baking tray.

Grab a bowl and cream together the softened butter, sugars and vanilla, until pale and fluffy.

Beat the eggs into the mixture, a small bit at a time, adding a spoonful of the flour each time to avoid curdling. Sift the remaining flour into the bowl, and fold in gently.

2. Pound the bananas in a bowl with a fork, making sure no large pieces remain.

Fold into the cake mixture, adding the zest of the orange and the same time. Spread half the mixture into the bottom of the tin.

3.

Gently warm the Nutella in a small saucepan or microwave. Mix the grated coco beans in with the Nutella (add as much as you desire depending on how chocolaty you want it.) Using a teaspoon, dot the Nutella across the surface of the cake mixture in the tin and use a sharp knife or toothpick to marble it evenly throughout.

4.

Cover the Nutella layer with the remaining cake mix and spread evenly.

5.

Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cake starts to shrink away from the edges of the tin. Remove from the tin and leave to cool on a wire rack.

6.

While the cake is cooking, this is good time to prepare the icing.

Sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder into a bowl. Rub the softened butter into the icing sugar using a spatula, then add the milk and Nutella. Whisk with an electric mixer.

7.

Once the Cake has cooled down add the icing on top evenly spreading it out.

There you have your Nutella banana cake bar. For decoration add chopped hazelnuts on the top and cut in to slices of your choice.

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Rhubarb and Straw

berry Trifles

Ingredients for Trifle 291 Calories per portion This refreshing sweet dessert • 8 soft amaretti biscuits really hits the spot. It will keep you Ingredients for the custard • 2 tbsp golden caster sugar satisfied from craving any other sweet • 2 tsp custard powder things for the rest of the day. Good for • 4 tsp corn flour • 300 ml milk the portion control.

• 2 medium egg yolks • 1 vanilla pod, slit lengthways Method • 200 ml carton creme fraiche 1. Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Rinse Ingredients for Roasted fruits the rhubarb then slice into 4cm lengths. Scatter them • 300 g rhubarb, ends trimmed over a large, heavy baking tray with sides, sprinkle • 2 tbsp honey over the 2 tablespoons of sugar and toss together.

• 2 tbsp golden caster sugar, plus 2 tsp Spread the rhubarb out on the tray then roast for • 200 g strawberries, halved or quartered 8-10 minutes or until just starting to soften. Scatter depending on size the strawberries over the top, sprinkle over the 2 teaIngredients for topping spoons of sugar and drizzle 1 tablespoons of honey.

• 200 g double cream Roast for 4 more minutes until the fruits are just • Toasted almonds tender but still holding their shape and the juices are syrupy. Remove and leave on the baking tray to cool.

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey again once cooled.

The Roasted Fruits are now ready.

2. Mix the sugar, custard powder and corn flour in a medium saucepan with 2 tablespoons of the milk to make a runny paste.

Beat in the egg yolks then stir in the rest of the milk.

Scrape in the vanilla seeds, then drop in the pod.

Cook, stirring constantly, over a medium-low heat, until the mixture is thick. Just before it boils, remove from the heat and stir in the creme fraiche until smooth. Pour into a bowl, cover the surface with cling film to stop a skin forming, cool, then refrigerate until completely cold.

That is the custard prepared.

3. When both the custard and roasted fruits are ready, crumble the amaretti biscuits into 4 serving dishes of your choice.

4. Meanwhile, whip the cream till soft. Layer the fruits over the amaretti biscuits, along with some of the leftover juices. Remove the vanilla pod from the custard, then spoon the custard over the fruit. Finish with a dollop of the cream and a sprinkling of chopped almonds.

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@MakeUpByAn’s

5 Favourite Beauty Products

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utch Instagrammer and Blogger @MakeUpByAn is taking over the internet with her make up creativity! We had to catch up with the young and ambitious, Certified Anastasia Beverly Hills brow specialist and make-up guru to asked her what her 5 favourite beauty products are!

Check her out: www.makeupbyan.blogspot.com Instagram: @makeupbyan

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1. Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lipgloss Bare Sparkle (Bobbi Brown, £18.50)

When I wear this lipgloss shade everyone compliments me - I think every women would like that.

3. NYX Matte Lipsticks (nyxcosmetics.co.uk, £6) I notice I constantly reach out to these, my favorite colours are: Nude, Hippie Chic and Indie Flick.

2. Dior Gel Top Coat (Boots, £17.10)

Lately everyone is trying gel nails.

With this topcoat you can turn all your nail polishes into gel without having to buy special gel nail polish.

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4. Bobbi Brown Longwear Even Finish Foundation (Bobbi Brown, 30ml £31)

Gives you full coverage without looking like you got tons of makeup on your face.

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5. Mary Lou Manizer by theBalm (Asos, £16)

The perfect highlighter for my skin, it has incredible pigmentation.

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BEAUTY

Glitter Glitter Glitter

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ant to give your makeup looks a RE-VAMP this Spring? Why not add some glitter into the mix! Check out some of our glitter favourites.

Words : Jasmin Woodward

Maybelline Color Tattoo Crème Eye Shadows £4.99 Boots

Stila Kitten Glitter Eyeliner £10.00 Boots Using glitter eyeliner is a perfect way to add glitter with simplicity. There are many out there to buy, they are applied the same as a normal liquid eyeliner, and the intensity of the glitter can be built up depending on how many coats you put on. Stila Kitten Glitter Eyeliner has an extra thin brush for easy application and added chamomile to stop skin irritation.

For those who want a quick and easy eye make-up look with extra sparkle the Maybelline Color Tattoo Crème Eye Shadows are for you. They can be applied with your finger all over the lid with minimal effort, with several colors from pink gold and metallic pomegranate, it can switch a normal everyday makeup look to something special for the evening.

Bobbi Brown glitter lip gloss £18.50 Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Glitter Lip Gloss can be applied over any lip color or on its own. The high light catching shimmer can add dimension and stay colour true all evening. You can either have a subtle glitter or build it up for a more eye catching and bold look.

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Barry M Glitter Lashes £3.99 Boots

For a bolder look glittery eyelashes can work well with simple and the lashes being a main feature to the look. Barry M Glitter Lashes allows you to put glitter in your eyelashes with ease, you can either put it on the tips of your lashes or over black mascara.

MAC glitter can be applied directly to the face or mixed in with products such as highlighter to create a high level sparkle. It can also be brushed onto your skin in places such as your collar bones as well as being put in your hair. They have a range of different colours to suit any look.

‘Zoella Beauty’ The latest addition to Superdrug’s beauty department is brought to you by YouTube’s very own 24 year old stunning YouTuber & blogging sensation, Zoe Sugg!

‘Zoella Beauty’ - available to purchase in most larger Superdrug stores – has been arguably one of the most anticipated beauty launches of the year.

Beautiful blogger Zoe’s ‘Zoella Beauty’ line is not only super affordable, but also adorably cute in terms of design! In fact, I don’t know a girl who wouldn’t be interested in her new range – fantastic news for all beauty addicts alike!

‘Zoella Beauty’ covers everything from body lotion to shower cream, from body mist to cosmetics purses – she even includes a scented candle in her range!

Zoe’s new line has been thoughtfully and beautifully designed, and it is clear that a great deal of attention to detail has been paid to every single piece in the range.

I will definitely be purchasing the body mist and bath soak!

Which products will you be trying?

Words : Alice Crick

Mac Glitter £17.00 Mac Amor Spring 2015 11

BEAUTY

How To Contour his winter natural skin is in, but that doesn’t mean we have to lose our summer glow. Contouring is the perfect way to add definition to your face whilst achieving a healthy sheen by highlighting your best features. The shading technique is used to enhance and define your natural facial structure, focusing on cheekbones, the nose, forehead and chin areas to subtly sculpt the face. We’ve put together a few tips on how to achieve this look.

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It’s all about subtle definition, so choose a palette that will complement your skin tone.

I recommend Sleek’s Face Contour Kit which comes in three different shades: light, medium and dark; so there’s something for everyone. You’ll also need a contouring brush Real Techniques include one in their fantastic Core Collection Kit.

1.Start with the cheekbones.

Using a contour brush, apply the powder just under the curve of the cheeks from the ear towards the direction of 12 Amor Spring 2015

Words : Araminta Pender your mouth, blending as you go to create a soft natural line.

Then apply the highlighter to the apples of the cheeks, blending in the same direction for a healthy glow. A touch of pink blusher helps to further enhance your complexion. . Next, the nose - use a smaller brush to apply contour powder inside the bridge and down the sides of the nose in a straight line. Again, blend in to avoid harsh lines and finally finish with a touch of highlighter down the centre of the nose.

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. Some people like to stop here but for a full facial contour, we move onto the jawline.

Apply contour powder down the neck, darkening it more so closer to the jawline.

Don’t forget to blend and shade (I like to have a face powder handy to help). Once again, blend the highlighter powder lightly above the jawline or directly on the chin. This draws the focus to the face.

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. Finally finish by dusting the highlighting powder onto the forehead to complete accentuating the t-zone.

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Here are a few celebrities that do it best‌

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BEAUTY

BLACK HAIR – BRINGING THE ‘FRO BACK!

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ep it has come again…time for some long-winded blow dries, disturbing headaches and the collection of broken pieces of your wooden comb; you’ve gone back to natural afro hair.

Although we love the idea of natural ‘fros and embrace not having to put silly chemicals on our hair to fit the ‘westernised’ hair look, we can’t help but feel a bit disheartened when we are faced with the reality of what it actually costs to maintain a healthy afro. So what do we do? Well, first things first, you must get the essentials:

Aloe Vera Gel Want some growth

Model: Indiana Ifill Photographer: Jovon Lennon

to your hair? Stick a tiny bit of this in your hair in the morning and night! It provides good nutrients for your ‘fro.

Organic Shea Butter

Afro hair is very dry and brittle, so it is vital to keep putting some moisture into it so it stays strong!

Shea butter leaves your hair looking amazingly healthy (even when it is not at its best).

L’Ooccitane - Shea Butter Organic Certified 10ml £8.50

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Wooden Afro Comb

Did you know that the type of comb you use can affect the amount of breakage in your hair? Avoid small tooth combs, which are better suited to more silky hair and grab a wider toothed comb that is wooden!

Afro Friendly Blow Dryer

Wahl ZX052-800 PowerPik Turbo Hair Dryer ÂŁ16 (Tesco)

You know you have afro hair if it shrinks when it is washed! So imagine the intensity when combing it out?! Get a blow dryer with an attached comb and be sure to put some sort of detangler to make the hair soft before combing.

Shampoo & Conditioner

The type of shampoo and conditioner you use, together with how often you use it is vital to how well your afro hair will look! Be sure to focus on products that concentrate on restoring moisture and try to co-wash your hair weekly or at least twice a month.

Good luck on your natural hair journey ladies!

Words : Beauty Editor, Patricia Obaro Odje

Solonge rocking the Afro on her wedding day

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BEAUTY

SPRING WAVES & WONDERS Words : Maisie Bovingdon @BovingdonMaisie

here’s T better an up-do

nothing than as the perfect way to avoid windswept hair in the harsh end of the winter months.

Ballerina buns, whether high buns, low, sleek tight buns or slightly loose and tousled buns are all acceptable for this season. However, ‘tis the season to be jolly, so to spruce up this beloved hairstyle, why not disguise the hairpieces/hair bands by wrapping hair around the bun to create an elegant

appearance?

Glossy ponytails, as sported by the Kardashians and Jenners, are popular at the moment as it is exhibited on the Balmain catwalk. The sleek ponytail is a great way to tame your hair in tumultuous weather conditions.

However, if an updo does not suit you and you are one of those that solely goes ‘out out’ with your hair down, then sleek your hair back and leave it off your shoulder like

models at Jeremy Scott.

This way you achieve the androgynous look; staying feminine with your hair down, but also suitable and practical to endure the wind and rain, and your hair is guaranteed to stay in the same position and keep its hold the entire night.

If you want to vary the classic ponytail, then accessorise!

Tie a lot of hair bands around the body of the ponytail to enhance the neatness of this hair style, as seen at Valentino.

The BEST tip for ALL updo’s: alter your parting whether that is the parting of your whole hair or just your side fringe.

You can sleek your fringe to the centre, slightly to one side or more

16 Amor Spring 2015

extremely to one side, like Alexander Wang, or loosely pinned back 1940s style like the models at Rodarte… the choice is yours!

Amor Talks to Real Techniques

ho has seen the new collection from Real Techniques makeup brushes?

‘Nic’s Picks’ have been very popular, such an ideal mini beauty Christmas gift too!

We caught up with the dynamic duo to discuss their journey, family life and advice

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to aspiring beauty entrepreneurs….

First of all, congratulations on the success of your duo YouTube Channels and Real Techniques! It is amazing to see companies like yours making your

mark in the beauty industry.

“Thank you very much.”

Tell us a little bit about what led you to launch Real Techniques and why you decided to make it a US company.

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BEAUTY “Well actually when Sam and I had about 30,000 subscribers Real Techniques approached us about the idea to start a brush brand with social media talent. From YouTube and being a make up artist one of the most asked question to us was ‘What sort of brush can I use’ and ‘Can you tell me a more affordable alternative’.

So we knew we wanted to produce affordable brushes that both make up artist and general public enjoyed using and could afford. We also wanted them to be cruelty free and I think we achieved all of those things.”

It is amazing how you juggle family life with working life, especially as you both have to fly out to the US a lot.

How do you stay on top of things?

“Haha to everyone else it may look like we are on top of thing but to us it’s a different story.

Most importantly are our family and we are lucky to have an amazing family that are very supportive. We do have to travel a lot but we make sure we have plenty of home time as well.”

The unique thing about the both of you is that you are able to interact with your customers because of your YouTube channel. It sets you apart from other beauty brands and shows 18 Amor Spring 2015

your real personalities –we feel like we know you!

“Sam and I are just normal girls that have a love for makeup and making people feel good about themselves.

We are very lucky to get feedback from all of our subscribers which helps us know what they want to see.

I think it also really helps that we are sisters so we bounce off each other and really respect each other.”

We love how you keep evolving and branching out into other beauty essentials with your night owl makeupkit and modern natural makeupkit. Would you ever consider launching foundations or other makeup products like eyeliner and mascara?

“It’s definitely something we wouldn’t rule out but it would have to be products we are really proud of for us to launch something.”

We are excited about Real Techniques ‘Nic’s Picks’ limited edition which has recently launched! Nic, what makes these five brushes your favourite?

“I totally and utterly love this collection. There are three exclusive brushes in the collection a cheek brush, which I’m sure will be a lot of people’s new favourite. It’s has an amazing shape and firmness perfect for applying cream or powder products it’s also lovely for foundation.

We have an angled shadow brush which is perfect socket size but also works fantastically for under eye concealer.

The new angled liner brush is lovely for gel liner powder liner but it also works for perfectly defined brows which everyone seems to want at the moment.

Also in ‘Nic’s Pick’s there are two existing brushes from our collection which are the duo fibre powder brush and the base shadow brush.

These have made it into ‘Nic’s Picks’ as they are really important and versatile brushes.”

Here at Amor, we love being able to give advice to young people to break into the creative industry. What would each of you say is an important factor when launching your own beauty company?

“That you are incredibly passionate about what it is, otherwise you will soon get fed up. I also think it’s important you are realistic that nothing happens overnight. Time, patience and hard work are the key.”

Finally, what is the most unforgettable moment in your beauty journey so far?

“Getting to meet the people that have helped us to where we are now from all over the world and of course seeing our faces on the back of the Real Techniques brushes in shops is unreal.”

Check out our review of their brushes on our website amormagazine.co.uk Words : Beauty Editor, Patricia Obaro Odje Amor Spring 2015 19

BEAUTY NO OIL, OIL BY PERCY & REED £14 | percyandreed.com For frizz-free hair that remains smooth and silky our Beauty Editorial Assistant Minty Pender recommends No Oil, Oil containing pomegranate seed oil from Percy & Reed. It provides moisture, repair and heat protection (Vitamin B5). There are also two different types suitable for thin and thick hair, and is suitable to apply on wet and dry hair.

Editor’s Pick by Patricia Obaro Odje

Here are four of our favourite brands that would be perfect for this season’s beauty buys!

HAIRFINITY £24 | hairfinity.co.uk Who has heard about the most recent hair product gaining popularity in the hair world? One word…Hairfinity.

Our Fashion Editor Wardah Sempa tried them out and she immediately already noticed the

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ELLAJANE CELEBRITY ORGANIC FACE WIPES

BY HEAVEN SKINCARE £7.50 | heavenskincare.com How we treat our skin is so important.

Although it is always best to cleanse and tone to remove makeup/ dirt from your face we can all relate to just not having enough patience!

A while back we were sent luxury cleansing wipes for Heaven Skincare and the results were fantastic. Skin is left feeling lush and smooth. Try them out ladies, you won’t be disappointed!

different! It is known to help repair and boost the growth of all hair types perfect for all Amorelles!

VELVET BLISS EYELASHES £2.99 | velvet-bliss.com Looking for some statement lashes to give some edge to your makeup look? Why not try Velvet Bliss Eyelashes! They provide both individual and strip lashes that are long-

lasting, strong and high quality.

Lashes come with user friendly applicators – we love!

“A GOSSIP SITE WITH THE JUICIEST NEWS & INTERVIEWS!” www.Bitchyonline.com | Twitter/Instagram : @Bitchyonlineuk

FASHION

Creative Director: Wardah Sempa Stylist: Sian Maher Make Up : Felicity Marie Hair : Laura Todd Photographer: Tyler Model: Rosie Ann Brock Fur Gilet - House of Jam | Flowery Jumpsuit, Shoes - Fashion Union | Jewellery - New Look | Hat - Primark

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Amor Spring 2015 23

FASHION

Creative Director : Wardah Sempa Stylist : Sian Maher Make Up : Felicity Marie Hair : Laura Todd Photographer : Tyler Model : Rosie Ann Brock Fur gilet - Urban Code | Khaki jumpsuit, shoes Fashion Union | Jewellery - New Look

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Creative Director : Wardah Sempa Stylist : Sian Maher Make Up : Felicity Marie Hair : Laura Todd Photographer : Tyler Model : Rosie Ann Brock Orange Coat - Urban Code | Green Dress, Checked Cape, Shoes - Fashion Union | Jewellery - New Look | Sunglasses - Sunday Somewhere

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FASHION

Creative Director : Wardah Sempa Stylist : Sian Maher Make Up : Felicity Marie Hair : Laura Todd Photographer : Tyler Model : Rosie Ann Brock Colourful Fur Coat Vintage - House of Jam | Blue Top - Fashion Union | Necklace Clare Hynes Jewellery | Sunglasses - Sunday Somewhere

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Spring 15 Key Trends GINGHAM

RELAXED TRENCH COAT

Oscar de la Renta & Altuzarra This season the catwalks braced us with gingham covered everything.

Look out for adorable gingham print dresses guaranteed to make you feel on trend for S/S 15.

And remember whatever colour goes.

Tracy Reese, Thakoon, Tibi Slouchy, lightweight trench coats—belted just so—were spotted all over the runways this season. These lightweight trenches are comfortable, stylish mix between a robe, a proper coat, and a kimono. These super light coats are a must have for Spring and will be perfect for the warming weather. .

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FASHION

Spring 15 Key Trends Now we are fully into 2015, it’s time to look ahead to a new year and a new wardrobe. September’s Fashion Week gave us an insight into what trends we will be expecting to see this Spring. The catwalks seemed to show nostalgia for the 1970’s with sporty looks, lots of gingham print (whether it be a coat or a mini dress) along with a whole lot of monochrome. Check the following trends to see what to expect for Spring 2015 and what you will be wearing in the forthcoming months.

MONOCHROME

DKNY, Public School, Thakoon Whilst monochrome is not a new trend, this Spring there is a new twist on things with black and white patterns like you have never seen before.

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Spring 15 Key Trends SUEDE Loewe & Derek Lamb Suede is here for Spring 15.

From trench coats, two pieces to A-line skirts everything is coming with a soft touch.

CULOTTES

J. Crew, Tibi, Thakoon Addition Forget skirts and shorts, the skort is here to stay. A summer 2014 trend which is continuing into the New Year. Team with a matching blazer and high heels for office chic.

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FASHION

Spring Wardrobes Top 10

Words: Bethan Thomas

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ASOS - £35

Zara - £45.99

Turtle necks and high necklines not only stop those unwanted drafts but look fresh and clean cut, we love this jumper from Zara! How

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ASOS - £6.00

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River Island - £40

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Topshop - £58

River Island - £90

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his Spring is all about keeping it sophisticated and stylish. It’s time to ditch those skimpy skirts and opt for something more cool and casual. Layering it up and high necklines may not be your usual cup of tea... but these winter wardrobe picks are about We all to bring the real fashionista out from underneath know those cosey covers! the most important purchase in the winter chills is a staple coat - this River Island beauty is screaming black on black and is of Brogues and loafers have made a huge course teamed with a comeback this year and are a must have for any classic fav, the faux fur wardrobe, how about these Amor favourites collar. Now all we need for some footspiration? The brogue style boots is a walk through the are smart, cute and even weather friendly; take snowflakes and a mug note girls, we must be feeling extra sensible! of hot choc! Very Millie The polished patent adds class to any outfit and Mackintosh, the queen of makes us feel uber expensive. sophistication.

about we just wear this and a pair of ripped black jeans like... everyday?

Yes please.

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30 Amor Winter 2014

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all off the search for the perfect party ensemble because we’ve got it covered.

Whether you’re looking for a

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River Island - £25

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La Moda UK - £19.99

ASOS - £40

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We are all still loving the high waisted denim but have you trued it swinging at the ankles? This ASOS pair looks so high fashion and should definitely be teamed with a cute pair of ankle boots for a match made in heaven. If you’re wanting to turn heads and try something different then it’s time for you to rock this look.

Winter is never complete without keeping our heads warm and cosey. This coral bobble hat is super sweet and at only £13 from River Island an absolute steal! If you haven’t already it’s time to invest in a black fedora, maybe not as cosey, but certainly just as important! Team this hat with just about anything and your outfit just got ten times better.

And when you just about thought you were finished strutting with sophistication, don’t forget the perfect winter bag. This style steal from La Moda adds the perfect pop of colour to our wardrobes and we are loving the pretty tassle detail . . . .well . . . . who . . . . .wouldn’t? ...........

Celebrate The First Month Of The Year In Style!

gorgeous top, a dress that will make you feel a million dollars or some statement accessories to inject some wow in to those wardrobe

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FASHION staples, click through our gallery of inspiring fashion ideas that will make feeling and looking great on an evening out ever so easy, whatever you’ve got planned...

Aspinal of London Star Clutch, £595 Make everyone jealous with this stunning Aspinal of London clutch. Perfect for adding some muchneeded sparkle to an otherwise plain outfit, it’s an investment that’ll get compliments for years to come.

Reiss Aphrodite Black Luxe Beaded Dress, £495 Make this year, the year you really push the boat out with a swathe of sparkling embellishment.

This Reiss dress is guaranteed to turn heads.

32 Amor Winter 2014

Whistles Lulu Frost Statement Earrings, £65 We’ve been lusting after these Art Deco-inspired chandelier earrings at Whistles for weeks. Why? They’re the perfect touch of sparkle to ramp up a simple outfit.

Topshop Premium Gunmetal Cigarette Trousers, £55 Even your trousers can be sparkly this festive season! We love the grey hue of these Topshop trousers - it means they’ll go with everything in your wardrobe. And add a sparkly sheen, of course!

Kurt Geiger Bubble Court Shoes, £99 Step out in style with a pair of killer heels! These stunning Kurt Geiger red velvet courts remind us of a modern version of Dorothy’s red slippers, arguably the most fabulous shoes to ever exist.

What’s not to love?

SPRING NEUTRALS

L

Words : Holly O Brien

ooking into our wardrobes at this time of year, we probably see lots of darker colours. For a night out, there’s the trusty LBD and LBP (little black playsuit) - throw on pieces that are easy to wear and timeless. Big cosy jumpers, perhaps some black jeans and big black boots. Am I right?

Particularly during the darker and colder months, we tend to wrap up in alike darker colours. Looking at annual A/W trends, an array of shadier tartan, deep burgundies, navies and browns appear, all ‘colours of the season’.

Fashion seems to have always followed the same seasonal

Typical, somewhat predictable and now, shaken up a little, as winter neutrals are in, and what better way of standing out amongst the crowds than wowing in some softer, flattering and totally gorgeous neutral pieces?!

We start with creams, beiges and camels. These hues are perfect for your winter outerwear, as we can see through these gorgeous coats. Whether you’re doing a Kim K and wearing more neutral colours underneath, or an allblack arrangement, these colours fit on-top really well.

routine, whereby spring/summer and the ‘summer whites’ go hand

in hand. Wearing neutral shades has always seemed a

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FASHION

thing you can only do when the sun comes out, but no longer is this the case. Don’t wait until summer to be outshone by the sun in your gleaming brights, rather embrace them NOW, and get those heads turning.

For evenings out, brave the white dress and glow. Jourdan Dunn, Kylie Jenner and again, Kim K, seemingly the ambassador for neutral outfits, all look beautiful in their white dresses. If not a dress, then opt for another of Kim’s famous looks, the 2 piece co-ord.

‘But black goes with everything’ I hear you cry- think again. Further your neutrals with a beige or grey bag, or try a pop of colour with emerald green, fuscia pink, royal blue or bold reds. Any of these will wow, and compliment your outfit to a T. Another trend that seems to have carried over to winter is the white jean. A whole host of celebs have been papped in their softer-hued

30 Amor Spring 2015

jeans this season, proving that it’s not just a sunny-day choice. What better way of updating the everlasting monochrome trend? Pair some white jeans with a big cosy black jumper, black boots or brogues, and an overcoat. Sorted. High street stores all stock great choices for you to pick, whether you rock a skinny jean, MOM pants, or boyfriend fit, you know you’ll find your perfect match. These are all from Topshop, and we cannot wait to grab a pair and get strutting!

Naomi Campbell to kick off LFW It’s been announced that the stunning Naomi Campbell will get the ball rolling for LFW by opening with her Fashion For Relief show.

The organisation was put together by Naomi 10 years ago as a way to help raise funds to help those in disaster. She has helped raise money for several different causes over the years, including Hurricane Katrina. This time around she is hoping to raise awareness of the deadly disease Ebola to help educate and prevent further spread of the disease.

In the past, the likes of Kate Moss and Beyoncé have graced the catwalk. Not to mention the incredible

designers who have donated pieces for the show, Balmain, Givenchy and Stella McCartney just to mention a few. If that wasn’t enough, an auction will be taking place at the end of show where brands, designers and celebrities have all made donations.

It’s so warming to see individuals using their influence for a good cause, you go Miss Campbell.

Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster from Thursday 29th January. Words : Selene Shaw | @CocoShaw_

Amor Spring 2015 31

Photographer : Nasryne Ramazannezhad

COVER STORY

Jade Avia on Capital Xtra ‘Lipgloss and Candyfloss’ & Drake

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Amor Spring 2015 37

Photographer : Nasryne Ramazannezhad

COVER STORY

Y

ou may know Jade from her Capital XTRA breakfast show weekdays from 6 - 9am, or her Sunday afternoon slot ‘Avia’s Flava’ from 4 - 7pm on the same station. However there is so much more to Jade than that. For starters she has achieved a first-class honours degree in Media and Communication. She tells Mya Savannah, Amor’s official presenter “Radio is my love, radio is where I want to be”. As she says this, Jade beams and exudes an amount of passion, which leaves us in no doubt to the veracity of the statement. Waking up at God knows what time in order to be on air for 6am, further demonstrates her passion for what she does.

‘The girl everyone could be friends with’ is a phrase that springs to mind when talking to Jade, and even more so when watching her selfproclaimed ‘baby’, the YouTube series she founded, produces and presents, ‘Lipgloss and Candyfloss’.

This show isn’t about music, but is based around the topics us girls talk about with our sisters, friends and

colleagues. What should we do if a guy fails to respond to a text message we have sent him, if female intuition exists and if so, how reliable it is, and the biggest dating turnoffs, are just a few of the topics served up for discussion.

‘Lipgloss and Candyfloss’ is like ‘Loose Women’ but for the younger generation; less talk on husbands and the school run and more on hookups and public displays of affection.

Pioneer and forward thinker are words which can be used to describe Jade, she perused the entertainment industry and saw a gap in the chat show market, she didn’t see anything which appealed to her peers, so she decided to create it.

With the platform she has, you’d forgive her for resting on her laurels and being content. Instead she continues to fly forward and we see world domination ahead.

Words : Monique Haase

Check out our interview with Jade on www.youtube.com/ amormagazine - she talks about her squeezing Drake’s bum! haha!

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Amor Spring 2015 39

MUSIC

INTERVIEW At only 23 singer Teyana Taylor has worked with the best of the best in the music industry. Signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D music, the Harlem native recently released her album VII. Amor’s Josh Chowa caught up with the stateside starlet; find out what she had to say below.

Amor: Your album titled ‘VII’ is coming on November 5th, after such a long wait how do you feel to finally be able to release a full length album?

Teyana: It is definitely a blessing and it feels good to know that your hard work is paying off and that your hard work is being acknowledged. All i can say is that i am blessed and I’m thankful and I’m happy that everything is finally coming together and I have a support system.

Amor: Even though ‘Maybe’ featuring Pusha T and Yo Gotti is the current single, you recently released a new song from the album with Chris brown called ‘Do Not Disturb’ is a video for that coming out?

Teyana: Yes, there will be a full video. The snippet that we released, was a visual album snippet.

We wanted to spice it up and we didn’t want to just give a regular snippet of the record. There will definitely be a full video for ‘Do Not Disturb’.

Amor: Personally I like your music because it reminds me of 90s R&B, is that what you were going for?

Teyana: That’s exactly where i was going with it because thats my favorite music, that vintage 90s R&B, thats all that’s really on my playlist so when it came time to get in the studio and get focused and start recording, that is what came out creatively.

Amor: At the album listening session you had two of the biggest names in music No ID and of course Kanye, how involved were they with the album?

Teyana: Yes, they were actually very involved with the album but they also gave me my creative space. Like when i first went up to no id and told him what i wanted to do he respected it, both him and ‘Ye really gave me my creative space to do what i do and then at the end, kind of came to put the icing on the cake.

Amor: Now it seems like everyone in good music is gearing to drop projects right after you, will we be seeing you on any of their projects?

Teyana: Actually no, because we were all working on our albums at the same. I was in the middle of moving to New York, so kind of had my own thing going on Amor: Will we ever get to see Cruel Winter?

Teyana: Maybe, stayed tuned.

Amor: Will you be coming to London for a show?

Teyana: Hopefully, I love London. I’ve been to London twice, both times were absolutely amazing. Hopefully with the album i will be able to do an international tour and stop by London.

Words : Josh Chowa

40 Amor Spring 2015

amor meets JAY SEAN

I interviewed the UK’s very own Jay Sean, we talked about his recent announcement on leaving Cash Money, settling down and becoming a father and the release of his new mixtape 'The Mistress 2' which is looking to be a huge hit in the UK. Jay talked about Cash Money being too particular with the music he was allowed to release and felt like he lost himself. Currently unsigned Jay has released a new mixtape which is has the old school RnB sound that we all know and love.

"I have global fans that weren't hearing music. I'd rather be out of a deal catering to my core fans" It was a pleasure to interview such a humble, head strong and inspirational artist, I admire the decisions he has made and can't wait to hear his new music.

Words : Mya Savannah

In The Lonely Hour - Album Review After the arrival of his feature debut on Disclosure’s Latch and shortly after, Naughty Boy’s La La La, big things were expected for Sam Smith, and his album no doubt, did not disappoint. Within the album, Sam tells touching stories of unrequited love, and partnered with his outstanding vocals, it makes the album so much more beautiful and heartfelt.

You definitely get to hear and experience Sam’s incredible vocal range in this album, with tracks like ‘Stay With Me’ where he not only bares his vocals for his audience, but also completely exposes his emotions. Not only is his voice throughout the album full of soul and emotion, but his lyrics also gives an immense amount of feeling to the album, leaving a huge impression on people.

The extremely powerful theme of unrequited love is one that never fails to draw in an audience, because of its incredibly relatable nature. He presents this broken, hurt persona beautifully throughout the album, with extremely emotionally powerful tracks like ‘Not In That Way’ were he portrays his struggle with love, not just simply allowing you to hear his voice but also enabling you to completely feel his emotion and empathise with him, all through the power of his soulful voice.

I doubt anyone would be able to listen to this album without finding a track that completely touches their heart. Sam Smith seems to possess a completely effortless musical charm that carries itself through his voice and ultimately flowing through the whole album. ‘In The Lonely Hour’ really is an album to love.

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MUSIC

We dont have to sit down and cry over a man - K. Michelle on Men, Motherhood and Music.

Kimberley Michelle Pate

, better known as ‘K. Michelle’ is an American R&B recording artist, pianist, guitarist AND songwriter. This girls got skills!

Amor was lucky enough to catch up with the beautifully talented star in a recent interview, getting the low down on future musical happenings, hot gossip and the reality of being both a working business woman and a mother. Our fashion editor Wardah Sempa asked her what she’d been up to in London so far - “I got off the plane, starting working and then it’s started raining”, well why doesn’t that surprise us? Typical english weather! Most importantly K. Michelle headed to Nandos, there’s no better way to be welcomed into the country right! And she reckons that “the people are nice” here so we’re definitely in her good books.

Most of us know K. Michelle as a face on the series Love and Hip Hop (both Atlanta and New York), but she now has her very own show, which is super exciting! The VH1 series ‘My Life’ is now airing live so make sure you all tune in. K. Michelle believes that being a part of all these different shows, and now in having her own show, she has grown as an individual - telling us she’s learnt a lot about herself but most importantly about others too. Her new show is certainly one to be watched as she tells us “my new show is about me, my new album, me as a mother and me as a business woman”. If there is one woman that can run the world and do ten things at once it has gotta be K. Michelle! She doesn’t deny all this can get tough at times with “having to travel so much, then making sure schoolwork and homework is done whilst being on the road” - but hey, woman can multi task right!? We totally admire this girls dedication, that’s what makes her such a successful artist. From releasing a few singles with Jive Records back in 2009 to now hosting her very own show and soon to be releasing a new album, there is no denying that K. Michelle is making time for her fans and getting the best she possibly could from a career right now. Let that be an inspiration to all us young believers!

Since being in London K. Michelle has been doing a ton of interviews and “has a new album coming up so been doing a lot of promo for that”, it sounds like her fans are in for a treat with the new album being “super musical album”. She reckons people may be a little shocked at what’s to come as it is “a drama-based album, there are alot of different types of music” - this sounds pretty cool to us! Who doesn’t love a good mix up? K. Michelle gives us wise words that “as an artist you have to grow”, this is so true and what better way to keep people on their toes than to change things up a little, to try out something new. for all you lovely fans, we know this girl will not disappoint...

and hows that for an album title too!

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Keep your eyes peeled as the album: ‘ANYBODY WANNA BUY A HEART?’ will be out on the 9th of December so not too far away!

She loves artists like Rascal Flats, Mary J. Blige and of course a bit of Whitney Houston (who doesn’t?), and we weren’t surprised when she said “I just love people that sing!”. K. Michelle’s music has all been inspired by things she has “been through” and one of our current fav songs ‘Love em all’, she says, was “something for the ladies, showing we don’t have to sit down and cry over a man. It’s okay to go out there and date and do what you have to”. Now that is some serious girl power right there, it’s certainly time for us females to take a leaf from K. Michelle’s book.

On the topic of men we totally had to agree when K. Michelle told us that she has the hots for Bradley Cooper - who can blame her? But whilst admitting she used to be interested by a boys looks, K. Michelle reckons her type of man is nowadays “just a guy that can make me smile, I really like to have fun and be the guys friend, so sense of humour is very important to me”. Amen to K. Michelle on her choice in men then! As many of you probably know, K. Michelle is sometimes known to be pretty outspoken and occasionally her honesty seems to offend, but we were loving her attitude when she said “I don’t care, I’d prefer to be honest that not.” - You go girl. Recently rumours have sparked that there has been some beef between herself and Lil Kim - but K. Michelle tells us “It’s no beef because I don’t give a shit about her. Like also Nicki Minaj got mad because I said what I had to say, but that’s petty tbh she’s too old for that”. It sounds like K. Michelle is more interested in staying true to herself than playing the good guy so we can’t blame her for that. This lady has it all going for her right now and nobody can stop her or get in her way. Make sure you watch her show on VH1 and get listening to that album on the 9th of December!

Interviwee: Wardah Sempa Sub Editor: Bethan Thomas

Amor Spring 2015 43

36 Amor Spring 2015

1

9 UPCOMING SONGS AND ALBUMS TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS YEAR! Kanye West and Paul McCartney Paul McCartney is on the scene this year, working alongside Kanye West. The song ‘Only One’ written by ‘Yeezus’ himself featuring the legendary rock artist is certainly one to listen to.

Expect the unexpected with this song.

2

Rihanna, Kanye West and Paul McCartney Another appearance from McCartney is with Rihanna and Kanye West.

‘FourFiveSeconds,’ a relatable, artistic song typically sung by Rihanna with Kanye having his mostly his part near the end of the song and Paul McCartney playing guitar.

No doubt this song will be climbing its way up the charts.

3

Madonna ‘Rebel Heart’ Madonna is back on the music scene with a bang. Her new Instagram has definitely shown her creative side, with hints of her 2015 album coming out very soon. We are not sure what is has to hold for us but we are sure it will be very ‘Vogue.’

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MUSIC

4 Lyrica Anderson Young singer songwriter Lyrica Anderson, is one to look out for in the next couple of months. With already working alongside Ty Dolla $ign ‘Unlove You,’ she is rumoured to be the new Tinashe and take the lime light. Will this be war?

y Ft Sho wa Shins & Starboy 5Stormz W illz – Jupa

Stormzy the UK grime artist from south London is set to be doing his thing this year. 2014 MOBO winner has released a song ft Starboy Willz and Showa Shins and set to be a popular one with the fans.

6 W izkid Ayo Wizkid the afro beats artist released his album ‘Ayo’ in 2014 but is supposed to explode on the Afro beats scene this year.

Certainly an album to put on the playlist.

46 Amor Spring 2015

7The We eknd ‘Earned it’

Valentine’s Day is coming and the famous film everyone is waiting for is being released. Fifty Shades of Grey, and who better to be on the sound track than The Weeknd. His very descriptive song lyrics were a winner for this movie and defiantly for the ladies.

8The ‘PinkPrint’ UK tour 2015

Nicki Minaj is coming to the UK in support of her third album ‘PinkPrint’ due to be released December 2015. Trey Songz will be coming on tour as her special guest star. Nicki is performing in London O2 Arena, Birmingham, Manchester and Belfast, she certainly will be putting on a show. Nicki says she has “More than a few surprises in store” with promises of it being the “biggest and best tour yet.”

9 R8 A lb u m to finally be release With Rihanna’s recent collaboration with Paul McCartney and Kanye West ‘FourFiveSeconds,’ it is now time for her release of the ‘R8’ Album. We are expected to hear collaborations with some well-known music artists.

Amor Spring 2015 47

ENTERTAINMENT

57th Grammy Awards 2015; Revealed, Round-ups and Predictions Jan-Marie Revers @JMRevers

Last year was a year full of musical excellence, stage flops and excessive booty shaking.

We look forward to our February fix of fashion and all things entertainment at the anticipated annual Grammy Awards on the 8th February 2015.

Nominations for the 57th Grammy Awards have been recently announced by the Recording Academy; a collaboration of votes made by the Academy’s voting members. Pharrell Williams - ‘Happy’ Top nominations go to Beyonce, Sam Smith and Pharrell Williams However, he’s up against strong contenders; with a sexy six each. With four such as Beyonce, Jhene Aiko, Mali Music and nominations each were the Pharrell Williams. likes of Iggy Azaelia, SIA, Drake, Usher, Jay-Z, Gordon Goodwin Speaking of Pharrell, who can forget that and Miranda Lambert. annoying but contageoulsy upbeat hit ‘Happy’? Surely, that will dance its way to an Predictions award, right?

According to Vevo, Iggy Azalea’s Now on to the app world… the most ‘Fancy’ was the most watched Shazamed song was John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ video of the 2014 so she stands which left everyone dreaming about that a chance of bagging an award perfect romance. Yes, even the guys - Don’t there. lie!

Some names just go without saying, even In contrast, the most watched if unspoken, for example Queen B and Sam male video of the year, Smith, he has done well this year. Make according to Vevo, was Chris sure you head to Amor to let us know your Brown’s ‘Loyal’. Now, his album predictions!

“X” is amongst the nominated General nomination categories below… bunch in the ‘Best Urban Contemporary’ category.

Album Of The Year nominees are ‘Morning

48 Amor Spring 2015

Phase’ — Beck; Beyoncé — Beyoncé; ‘X’ — Ed Sheeran; ‘In The Lonely Hour’ — Sam Smith; and ‘Girl’ — Pharrell Williams

Featuring Juicy J. Best Rap Performance are “3005” by Childish Gambino; “0 To 100/The Catch Up” by Drake; “Rap God” by Eminem; “I” by Kendrick Lamar; and “All I Need Is You” by Lecrae.

Best Rap Album, the nominees are ‘The New Classic’ by Iggy Azalea; ‘Because The Internet’ by Childish Gambino; ‘Nobody’s Smiling’ by Common; ‘The Marshall Mathers LP2’ by Eminem; ‘Oxymoron’ by Schoolboy Q; and Blacc ‘Hollywood’ by Wiz Khalifa.

Beyoncé Knowles is one of the most nominated female artist of all time

Iggy Azealea ‘Fancy’ Record Of The Year nominees are ‘Fancy’ — Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX; ‘Chandelier’ — Sia; ‘Stay With Me’ (Darkchild Version) — Sam Smith; ‘Shake It Off’ — Taylor Swift; and ‘All About That Bass’ — Meghan Trainor Best New Artist nominees are Iggy Azalea; Bastille; Brandy Clark; Haim; and Sam Smith We’re also excited about: Best Urban Contemporary Album nominees are ‘Sail Out’ by Jhené Aiko; ‘Beyoncé’ by Beyoncé; ‘X’ by Chris Brown; ‘Mali Is…’ by Mali Music; and ‘Girl’ by Pharrell Williams.

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, the nominees are ‘Fancy’ by Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX; ‘A Sky Full Of Stars’

by Coldplay; ‘Say Something’ by A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera; ‘Bang Bang’ by Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj; and ‘Dark Horse’ by Katy Perry

Beyonce Performing at 2014 Grammy’s with husband Jay-Z Beyoncé Knowles aka Queen B is the epitome of what it is to be the modern day super woman! She acts, she sings and dances whilst raising a family at the same time. On top of that Beyoncé has so many accolades under her belt for example she is the first artist to have a number-one single - ‘Check on It’, a number-one film – ‘The Pink Panther’, and win a Grammy Award in the same week – 2006. Speaking Of the Grammies she has new title under belt, this year’s Grammy nominations are out and Beyoncé Knowles is the most nominated female artist of all time receiving 6 nominations just this year

Amor Spring 2015 49

ENTERTAINMENT

alone! With so much success who knows what else she has up her sleeve for 2015?

We can only sit back and watch with great anticipation! Joining her this year as the front runners are Pharrell Williams and Sam Smith who have also been nominated 6 times, it will be interesting to see who will take a Grammy home this year.

Beyoncé won her first Grammy back in 2000 with the unforgettable Destiny’s Child hit single ‘Say My Name.’ Since then she has consecutively been nominated over 53 times and has won 17 awards to date, making her the third most honoured female artist by the Grammys, behind Alison Krauss and Aretha Franklin!

Beyonce won her 1st Grammy Awards with Destiny Child in 2000

Words : Simi Olumuyiwa

Aretha Franklin

GRAMMY’S 2013

50 Amor Spring 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

FILM DIARY

Amorelles, This year’s movie scene looks good! Here’s a list of the must see films for Feb – April

JANUARY

The Loft (30/01/15 USA Release) – Thriller Starring: Karl Urban, Wentworth Miller and James Marsden Though the UK release date has not yet been confirmed, The Loft had to make Amor’s must see list. This twisted thriller follows five married guys who secretly plan to share a penthouse to indulge in their deepest and darkest fantasies. Hidden affairs quickly turn disastrous as uninvited guests turn up.

FEBRUARY Fifty Shades of Grey (27/02/15) – Drama / Romance Starring: Karl Urban, Wentworth Miller and James Marsden Though the UK release date has not yet been confirmed, The Loft had to make Amor’s must see list. This twisted thriller follows five married guys who secretly plan to share a penthouse to indulge in their deepest and darkest fantasies. Hidden affairs quickly turn disastrous as uninvited guests turn up.

The Boy Next Door (27/02/15) – Thriller

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Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Kristin Chenoweth and Ryan Guzman A recently divorced “yummy mummy” falls for a younger man, who so happens to live next door, however, what she had thought would have been just fun turns out to be a downward spiral of chaos. He has a cute face and an even hotter body.

She couldn’t resist and neither can he. Lust meets obsession.

MARCH Cinderella (27/03/15) – Adventure / Drama / Family Starring: Lilly James, Hayley Atwell and Helena Carter The fad to renovate childhood fairy tales making them a tad more adult friendly is still going. The classic Cinderella had to be on the list of remakes with the likes of Tangled (Rapunzel), Snow White and the Huntsmen and Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters.

Get Hard (27/03/15) – Comedy/ Family Starring: Kevin Hart, Will Ferrel and Alison Brie Lil man is at it again with yet another hit comedy, alongside his toweringly tall comedy counterpart Will Ferrel. When millionaire James King (Ferrel) is framed for fraud he quickly seeks help from Darnell Lewis (Hart) to make him prison ready.

APRIL Furious (03/04/15) – Action / Crime Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson Number seven of The Fast and Furious sequel is finally here.

Shaw avenges the death of his brother. He plans his attack against Dominic Toretto and his family. The big question; how did the film pan out after the passing of the beloved Paul Walker?

Avengers: Age of Ultron (24/04/15) – Action / Adventure / Fantasy Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo Age of the Ultron sees Tony Stark on another mission to resurrect an old peacekeeping programme. Plans don’t always work so the Avengers assemble to stop the Ultron’s malicious agenda.

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LIFESTYLE

A FEW MONTHS IN...New Year, New You: How to Make Your Resolution and STICK TO IT!

E

very new year presents the opportunity to realign your goals and reset your intensions for the year ahead.

Exciting? You bet your ass it is!

New year, a new chance, a new you - well, really it’s the same you you were last year, but maybe with few new goals and better intentions.

Harder than it sounds though, right? Making a goal is easy but keeping it: that can be a whole other ball game.

Here are 5 steps on how to make sure your resolution sticks:

1

. Look back at the last 12 months.

To know where you’re going you

54 Amor Spring 2015

need to look at how far you’ve come.

Consider the past year: what have been your highlights? Maybe you got a better job. Or you got your butt to the gym and now you have J.Lo abs. Good for you!

Now turn your sights to the future: What areas of your life could do with some TLC? What aspects may be lacking focus?

Where would you like to improve?

Why not talk to a friend, colleague or boss and find out what they think? For instance, if last year you got a great new job, now you might have your sights set on a promotion so why not ask your boss what areas you could improve to make the step up?

2

. Got your goals? Awesome. Now write them down.

In a 1979 Harvard MBA program they discovered that only 3% of the class had written down their goals and ambitions for the future. Ten years later, they discovered that those who had penned their aims were earning ten times as much as those who hadn’t. Why? Because writing your goals down gives clarity, focus and direction.

Once you’ve identified what you need to work on: WRITE IT DOWN. Then stick it on your fridge/wall/mirror or any place that you know that you’re going to see it.

Everyday.

Break down your goals into 3.manageable chunks.

‘Success consists of a series of little daily victories’ Laddie F. Hutar

There is nothing worse than making a crazy ass New Year’s resolution and then running out of steam a month later. Doh! Keep it real girl.

Hey, I’m all for dreaming big but great achievements are the outcome of lots of little steps. Make smaller, manageable goals throughout the year that you can keep track of and measure your progress.

4. Be flexible. Expect challenges.

Goals are important but remember that life is unpredictable.

Some resolutions, like getting that stellar record deal, finding the perfect partner or landing that dream job, are not always in your control. So focus on what you CAN do.

When you expect challenges you’ll be more prepared to deal with them and less likely to flake because shit got hard.

‘Adversity is the partner to progress’ John Maxwell Let your resolutions be your roadmap, but don’t be afraid of some detours.

The following year is an unwritten chapter in your story, full of possibility and hope. Oh yeah, and joy, don’t forget joy!

Words : Yazmin Joy Vigus aliljoy.com Twitter: @yazminjoy Amor Spring 2015 55

LIFESTYLE

e v a e L ee

Ren er g g e Zellw

! ! ! e n Alo

R

enee Zellweger caused a stir a few months ago when she appeared on “Elle’s women in Hollywood awards” red carpet with a strikingly obvious change in appearance.

Most reactions were negative with heavy insinuations that she had surgery.

However, the one factor that was taken out of consideration was her age and at 45, like most women, her appearance has evolved.

We have immortalised her character “Bridget Jones” as a forever

56 Amor Spring 2015

young vixen forgetting that Jones herself, was the poster child for imperfection.

Plus, Renee isn’t a star that frequents the tabloids so we haven’t had a gradual introduction to her changing appearance.

Besides all of that, if she has in fact had surgery, why are we so shocked?

Most actors and entertainers feel the pressure to have surgery in order to propel their careers, as Julia Roberts stated “by Hollywood standards, I guess I’ve already taken a big risk in not having had a facelift”.

The rapper T.I’s wife became the perfect example of this when she permanently changed her eye colour. For a long time people shot at her self-esteem because they did not deem her worthy of her husband’s love and now that she’s changed her appearance, people still aren’t happy.

When Renee rebutted the claims of plastic surgery with her witty “I’m glad that people think I look different! I’m living a different, happy, more fulfilling life, and I’m happy that perhaps it shows” in the midst of it all, that is all that matters.

Words : Siane Mullings

4 Reasons Why You Should Pursue Your Dreams Words : Siane Mullings

One day we will all look back at our lives and reflect on past mistakes but our deepest regrets will rest in the dreams that we didn’t pursue. Here are Amor’s 4 reasons on why you should take the leap:

1

. You attract positive energy.

Have you ever spoken to someone with a passion? You see their face light up, their words full of life and promise, and their demeanour full of positivity. It’s magnetic isn’t it?

When you indulge in your passion, people and opportunity will naturally gravitate towards you.

with their 9-5’s but wake up every morning feeling empty.

Having a reason to wake up every morning is one of life’s many pleasures. When you have a focus, everything can fall apart but you will still have a reason to keep going.

4

. It might happen.

The probability of failure is higher when you don’t try and . You expand your skills. the probability of succeeding is When you begin to indulge higher if you do. So whenever in your passion, you’ll pick up you starting thinking “why?” life as well as vocational skills consider the question “why along the way. One week you’ll not?” learn how to lead a group meeting and the next you’ll learn how to remain patient in the midst of chaos.

2

3

. You’ll feel fulfilled.

There are so many people that comfortably pay the bills Amor Spring 2015 57

Apps for busy bees The 21st century woman is a busy woman and our phones are an integral part of our lives. App’s can be fun be most importantly they can be helpful. We’ve compiled a 2 part list where you can find a range of apps for your convenience.

1. Cost

Sometimes your monthly or weekly outgoings can be hard to keep track of. This app helps you keep tabs on your finances: bills, savings, spending and earnings. It’s structured well, visual and easy to customise.

2. Dash

We all know about the dreaded moment of splitting the bill at a restaurant. It’s even worse when you’re left waiting too long for your bill.

Well this app does everything for you, it shows the progress of your bill as you dine and it gives you the option to pay from your phone.

3. Levo

We all know about the dreaded moment of splitting the bill at a restaurant. It’s even worse when you’re left waiting too long for your bill. Well this app does everything for you, it shows the progress of your bill as you dine and it gives you the option to pay from your phone.

4. EVERNOTE

This is the perfect sidekick for all of the above apps. Evernote is like a diary on steroids; you can organise your whole life with a few clicks. It’s great for students.

And there you have it! This list will have you ready to start a new year, in no time.

P.S most of these apps are for iPhones, but if you’re an androidian, like me, there’s plenty of great alternatives in the android playstore.

Written By Siane Mullings Amor Spring 2015 59