e2 #279

e2 Urban Legend

Editor: Morwenna Scott living@ epigram.org.uk

Deputy: Sofia Gymer sofia.gymer@ epigram.org.uk

City Preconceptions

The University of Bristol, some might say, has a bit of a reputation. I will never forget going to London during my first year to meet up with my four oldest friends and being taken aback that they burst out laughing as soon as I opened my mouth. Apparently I had adopted a definitively ‘Bristol’ demeanour; posh, hyperbolic and naturally prone to explosion if Waitrose runs out of hummus.

Now I for one would never have called myself posh. I come from a standard background, went to state school and have always held a job alongside studying, but a moment like that makes you think about the realities of your surroundings. With regards to studying at Bristol, I certainly had my preconceptions. I was told to keep an eye out for three main categories: posh kids, gap yah spiritualists, and soon to be Olympians. I dismissed these rumours feeling sure that no university could ever be so polarised in its culture, but I have to say Bristol does live up to its reputation in many ways.

From the memorable guy in first year who suggested that I must have got lucky with my essay grade to the hilarious posts on ‘Overheard at Bristol Uni’, there is a certain sense of snobbery which has pervaded my university experience. And,

to the ridicule of my friends from home, I relish it. Although there are lost causes, the kind who see anything less than a private school education as abject poverty, our university community is primarily one of acceptance. University is one of those experiences in which everyone finds their niche, but also adapts themselves a little.

I like to think of myself as hardworking and down to earth but that has been peppered with a lacrosse stick and a love for almond milk (once you try it you never go back).

With regards to Bristol misconceptions, I think there is a fine line between being decent and being self-important. I am grateful to say that most people I have met fall on the correct side of that line, but within this environment it is important to be self-aware: being true to yourself and good to others is more important than pretension or pride.

Kati Taylor

Meet the e2 team

What’s On

Online: Jordan Kelly-Linden livingonline@epigram.org.uk

Flickr:TempusVolat

Style

Travel

Living

@e2Living

Deputy: Becki Murray becki.murray@ epigram.org.uk

the m Fro Bridget . l l a sion Cabo t i n t t, Living: Morwenna Scott, Becki Murray, Sofia has Suspehops a s Crof r l Gymer and Jordan Kelly-Linden will meet o e o e s f t k u Bristuresq , to the in Sto thing at 4pm on Tuesday 11 November in The Hawthorns. pic lifton earpit some in C the B has e issu ’s Style: Maddy Streets, Hattie Bottom, Emma and city . d n e iving ’ g Ward and Beth Laverack will meet at e our ryone n L om L ngle a e 12:30 on Friday 14 November in the b v u r r e e U king f reer j opean ASS cafe. h t is s loo ca Eur nges ‘ s i i e Th e2 n th s on halle Travel: Rowena Ball, Rosie Quigley and ice o ’s focu yle’s c and Constance Malleret will meet l t v ad Trave to S at The Refectory at 4pm on to et art yths.

Monday 10 November. strehion m s fa

10.11.2014

Banksy by Banksy Now then, let’s start with the most obvious one, the man hanging from the window on Park Street:

Flickr:GregMarshall

But did you know there’s another one round the corner?

A Legendary Guide to Bristol Before moving to Bristol I’d visited it once for an open day, and on that open day I got so hopelessly lost in the Royal Fort Gardens that even in my second year I’m still too scared to go back. But despite all that stress, and despite the fact that I literally saw nothing of the University that day, I still chose to come here.

You might be thinking why on earth did I do that? Well, I tell you why, but before I do, I want to ask you this: what made you choose Bristol? Out of all the four or five university choices you had, why did UoB make the cut? ... Well, I don’t know about you guys but one of the things that influenced my decision was Banksy.

You see, I’m an English student, and no matter what university I could have gone to, it was guaranteed that I would

be studying pretty much the same kind of literature regardless of where I was in the country.

Therefore, the five universities I put down on my UCAS form were there because there was something special about them.

With Bristol, it was Banksy that caught my eye. His artwork had fuelled my English Language A-level coursework, and all the way up in Manchester I’d already mapped out Bristol image by image. Before I could even locate Park Street, I could tell you that there was a Banksy at the bottom of it. Known all over the world for his satirical street art, he is Bristol’s ultimate Urban Legend.

And for that reason, I want to take you step by step, Banksy by Banksy, through the streets of Bristol in exactly the same way I did almost two years ago.

And finally, one of his most recent pieces.

The Girl with the pierced eardrum:

In Eastville you’ll find a masked Gorilla:

With this guide, you’re unlikely to get lost ... but don’t take my word for it, you’re reading This one didn’t last long in St about a girl who once lost her way in a garden with one path right in the middle of campus. Paul’s but you can still find it on his

Thekla has that extra special touch:

website:

Flickr:dazsmith

Image:http://livingoffcaffeineandglitter. wordpress.com

Over to Stokes Croft and above the Canteen there’s a rowdy teddy bear:

On Upper Maudlin Street, things are a little tense:

All images, unless specified, are taken from: http://www. bristol-street-art.co.uk

Jordan Kelly-Linden

Travel

Style

The year is 2012: you’ve got your Leavers hoodie on with that

Flickr:achimh

witty nickname, you’re blubbering with friends whilst you reminisce about those pranks you played in the common room all as you say goodbye to the comfort zone of those school walls. That’s it right? University is next and then everything will be plain sailing.

You’ll get that first and then magically know exactly what you want to do after you go to that workshop at the Careers Service.

Think again.

Fast forward two years and it’s 2014: you’ve got one more year left. One more year where you can make a mess and it won’t matter, one more year of being a student, one more year of having ‘the plan’. As of July 2015, those plans go out the window and you enter the big, bad, urban jungle out there. It’s great for you medics, lawyers, engineers, to name but a few faculties that have a set

plan after receiving that piece of paper…but what about us Arts students? Yes, granted we can do anything and everything, but that just makes it even more difficult to choose a path, especially for an indecisive faff like me.

“the big, bad, urban jungle” So, I could be like every other English student and go for Marketing, PR, Journalism even or I could chose to be the rogue one in my year and chase zoology or bee-keeping…Maybe not.

Whatever you chose it’s important to keep calm. Did you know that most of the big shots on the Forbes Rich List didn’t even have a university degree, let alone the slightest clue of what to do

to make it big?

Ralph Lauren, for example, was a clerk at Brooks Brothers before he started his own brand. Howard Schultz, CEO of our old faithful Starbucks, grew up in a housing complex for the poor and worked at Xerox, which couldn’t be further from the coffee industry even if it tried, before hitting up the brewing market. See, you don’t need a plan. At least that’s what I’m telling myself as the year speeds on. Watch out, the next sushi master is on its way…

Stephanie Rihon

Future for the Taking What do you want to be when you grow up? Where do you see yourself in ten years time? Some instinctively know that they need to be a doctor; others since age four have wanted to be a palaeontologist.

But for many of us, the ever present burden to decide on a career path is a cause of anxiety, stress and anything but a straightforward decision.

At university the effect is catalysed as we enter an artificial, high pressure environment saturated with intelligent, ambitious, competitive students (let’s be honest, we all have to be to have got here). It is overwhelming. The task can seem impossible. From the outside it seems like everyone else has direction, if not job offers, and you’re floundering in a world of ‘I don’t know’. The thought of entering the world of work leaves you thinking: ‘but I’m only twenty... I have no bloody idea what I want to be when I grow up’.

Despite being a cause of stress in itself, the whole process also causes somewhat of an existential crisis. It causes you to dissect your values and ask ‘what is really most

important to me?’ Stability, money, freedom, or what about chasing the secret dream that you’re terrified you will never realise, but you know you will always wish you had tried? This train of thought continues until you find yourself questioning

Flickr:wwarby

What’s On

Career Jungle

everything from your level of self-knowledge to the future of your future children.

As I enter my third and final year I have come to some realisations. Although they won’t make my perfect career drop out of the sky into my lap, they are food for thought and somewhat of a comfort…

1) The choices you make now are not immutable Just because you begin to walk along one path does not mean that you can’t take a turning, or head off the beaten

track and forge your own. It is a rarity that a person will stay within one profession for their whole life, and even rarer that they will stay in one specific job. At any point you can train in another profession, start your own business or even go back to university.

2) Without decisions there is no progression Don’t be afraid to make choices and try things you aren’t sure about. If you hesitate and worry about making the wrong choice you will just flounder until you fall into something, which might not be what you would have chosen for yourself.

Reach out and email people for advice. Apply for work experience and internships.

From each new experience you will gain knowledge that will help you to make more informed choices as you progress. Even if you decide that you really dislike something, by process of elimination you are moving towards your goal.

3) Passion is cultivated, rarely found Passion is often portrayed as this phenomenal, isolated state that simply ‘exists’, however I have now come to

the comforting realization that passion is, more often than not, cultivated and developed from prolonged exposure. For example, a person does not wake up and suddenly have a passion for Korean cooking.

Said person tries it once and enjoys it, so tries it again and again, and finally realises that they are insatiable.

4) We are still very young Perhaps the most important thing I’ve realised is that we are all still very young. To be all consumed by a fear of being unable to settle, by not knowing how we want to be tied down, is to take for granted that these are the freest years of our lives.

To view this plethora of choice as a burden is unnecessary stress. Embrace the indecision; embrace the opportunity to embark upon any lifestyle you choose. Don’t be afraid to try and fail and evolve and adapt.

In the words of my dad (albeit Albert Einstein said something similar): ‘he who never made a mistake, never made anything new’.

Sofia Gymer

Flickr:pierofix

Living

@e2Living

10.11.2014

The City or The Country? they picked up at Sports Night – giving a whole new meaning to things that go bump in the night…

Nights out have a lot more variety in the city. In the country options are slim. In my area, the night of choice is one ‘Winkers Nightclub’. A converted barn, the club boasts a House room and a Cheese room – take your pick! You thought Lounge was questionable, head on out to Chalfont St Giles to find the worst club in the country. It even boasts its own bus!

Connection to the outside world is difficult in the country.

Phone service is laughable, and BT has a nasty habit of cutting off the Internet to all of us down country lanes. I had assumed that Bristol would offer some improvement. It would seem not however. Enter Virgin Media student wifi. A less than reliable service – leaves you in constant

fear of losing the Internet before that all-important essay deadline. Of course, the bonus of living within walking distance of all friends and University buildings does make Facebook less necessary.

A walk has a very different meaning in the city. In the country a walk can be a pleasant stroll through the woods after a slap up Sunday lunch at the pub. In Bristol a walk can only be a hike. Everything is uphill in Bristol making for some rather sweaty walks to uni, or a treacherous journey home after a night out. Yet with some confidence, and a nice alcohol jacket, the walk home up Park Street and Whiteladies isn’t all that bad!

City vs country? Not sure I could choose… But if you’re feeling nostalgic for some green fields then Bristol isn’t the worst place to live – just go and run

around on the Downs, or if you’re feeling more adventurous cross the Suspension Bridge (don’t worry, you will survive over there) and explore Somerset. I hear there is countryside out there.

Ella Wills

Flickr:wwarby

Having spent the end of my teenage years living slap bang in the middle of a field, with not a road in sight, the move to the fairly big city of Bristol was an exciting time. To be amongst actual people, and live within actual walking distance of shops was almost too much to handle.

A year down the line, here’s a few things I’ve noticed about city-life…

Noise has a very different meaning when living on a road of student houses. Back home there are the not-soidyllic sounds of angry sheep, or my Dad discovering the dogs have left him a present in the morning. In Bristol on the other hand, you may perhaps drift off to the melody of a nearby house party, or the call of a group leader gathering their flock to hit Bunker. Or you may be rudely awoken at 5am by a partygoer bringing back the boy

Autumn Essentials Everything you need to see you through the chilly weeks ahead

4.) Is there anything on earth better than a hot breakfast on days when you can see your breath? Porridge is a cheap and healthy breakfast option, and not only will it keep you full for hours, it’ll barely make a dent in your weekly budget.

If you can’t stand plain oats try adding fresh fruit, honey or stir in some cocoa powder or jam.

5) When all your housemates are proudly letting everyone know that your house is going the whole winter without heating because you’re all ‘hard-core students’, it may be time to find yourself a hot water bottle or two. Great for cuddling up to in bed, they’re also fantastic if you’re just sitting working – stick it down your jumper and you’ll be able to power through hours of work!

Flickr: HedgehogFibres

Flickr:AlexandraGuerson

Flickr: BrendaAnnerl

2) As students we’re known for having cold houses. After all, when choosing between heating and eating, food will always win. That’s why a thick blanket is an absolute staple for the winter months. Get something big enough to wrap up in when you’re at your desk, and that’s soft enough to wear to bed, and you won’t even notice the frost at your window.

3) Fingerless gloves come hand in hand with the necessary blanket, as unfortunately the freezing temperatures don’t mean that the workload lessens.

Trying to type up notes or thumb through a book becomes pretty much impossible with frozen fingers or with thick gloves, so invest in some nifty fingerless gloves.

Flickr: Ennor

Flickr:SorazG

1) At least one autumn themed drink a week, such as Starbuck’s amazing Pumpkin Spiced Lattes or Costa’s warming Hot Spiced Apple. Alternatively, have a go at making your own delicious drink!

Think cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, cloves and chocolate sprinkles.

Martha Male

Editor: Deputy: Rowena Ball Rosanna Quigley travel@ deputytravel@ epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk

Style

Although it has been nearly two years now since the death of Brazilian architect Oscar Ribeiro de Almeida Niemeyer Soares Filho, better known as Oscar Niemeyer, his incredible legacy lives on.

Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1907, he has been hailed as a great artist and one of the greatest architects of his generation. Having lived in Rio de Janeiro for seven months, I can safely say that his influence within the city is unmistakeable.

From the towering Gustavo Capanema Palace in downtown Rio - completed in 1943 and used by the Ministry of Education and Health - to the Contemporary Art Museum in Nitéroi (a town just across the bay from Rio), his works are varied not only in style, but also in function.

For me, one of his most impressive and iconic projects has to be the Sambadrome.

It covers a 700m stretch of the Marquês de Sapucaí street, which was converted into a permanent outdoor parade ground with bleachers on either side for the spectators, of which it can fit a whopping 90,000. As the name suggests, it is where the famous samba schools of Rio de Janeiro dance their hearts out for a few nights every year during the week of Carnival, in the hopes of being crowned the best school

in the competition. I am lucky enough to have visited it myself during Carnival; the colours, the electric atmosphere and the roaring crowds meant I barely noticed that the parades didn’t finish until five in the morning!

What’s brilliant about the Sambadrome is that it is also a cultural symbol. Samba – both the style of music and the dance - is a huge part of Brazilian life. Speaking to a Brazilian friend about Niemeyer’s importance, he highlighted the fact that ‘his works are symbolic, not only architecturally but also of Brazil’s history’. The Sambadrome is a celebration of a dance which is ingrained in the country’s history. It serves as a space where tens of thousands of people can come together and enjoy one of the things for which Brazil is worldr e n o w n e d .

A key distinguishing feature of Niemeyer’s work is his use of curves, of shaping concrete in a way which makes it seem fluid and free. As he said himself: ‘I am not attracted to straight angles or to the straight line, hard and inflexible, created by man. I am attracted to free-flowing, sensual curves. The curves that I find in the mountains of my country, in the sinuousness of its rivers,

in the waves of the ocean, and on the body of the beloved woman. Curves make up the entire Universe, the curved Universe of Einstein’. The National Congress of Brazil in Brasilia - a city comprised almost entirely of the architect’s works - is a fine example of this, with its two semi-spherical structures which seat the Senate and the Chamber of the Deputies.

Over a career spanning an incredible 78 years, Niemeyer designed nearly 600 projects.

His buildings, ranging from universities to hospitals, musems to airports and everything in between, are as varied as they are emblematic and will, for the foreseeable future, serve to commemorate this man’s unique vision.

Rosanna Quigley

Rosanna Quigley

Fabrication or observation?

Perceptions of the UK

We are all guilty of having preconceptions about certain countries and nationalities. We think the French eat frogs, love baguettes and are rude to tourists (especially Americans). We think the Spanish are bull fighting fanatics who live off paella and party all the time. But what does the world think of us? Through curiosity and with the aid of some international students here at Bristol, I was able to get an insight into the rest of the world’s opinion of England.

Firstly, we are not renowned for our food.

I spoke to three people from three different countries: Spain, France and South Korea. All of them assumed that our food would be bland and boring. The French girl explained that English food is known for being greasy, which she was not particularly excited to try on arrival (I guess our beloved fish and chips isn’t exactly healthy). The Spaniard claimed that English food is ‘too complicated’ (clearly he hasn’t experienced beans on toast). He believes food should remain simple and that the English ruin otherwise good food with excessive herbs and spices. Outside of Europe, however, things seem different. The Korean girl did not have any idea about English food at all. I asked if our ‘Sunday roast’ was known at all - her perplexed expression and her queries of ‘what exactly is a roast?’ sufficed as a resounding ‘no’.

After discovering that food wasn’t our forte, I moved on to their ideas of the typical English manin-the-street. The Korean’s main concern was that we were going to be a very sceptic, gloomy bunch, and she was delighted to find that we’re not as grumpy as she had expected. We may not be the most excitable nation but, seriously, who smiles on a bus? The European idea of us Brits, however, was quite different. They explained that, as far as they could tell, English youths go on holiday with the sole intention of sleeping with as many people as possible and drinking more alcohol than they can physically handle. I asked whether coming to the UK had confirmed these beliefs. Perhaps it was because they were speaking to an English person but both hesitated to answer and gave a prolonged, ‘Erm…’ instead.

When I finally got an answer, it was, ‘Not as much as I expected.’ Not exactly promising. The Spaniard explained to me that England has a reputation for being full of party animals that practically live in clubs and bars. He said that living in the UK has just reinforced this belief but, then again, he is a Fresher.

So, if we can learn something about ourselves from the assumptions of our foreign guests, it’s that we can’t cook and we’re constantly drunk. It’s a far cry from the tea-drinking, bulldog-walking,

top hat-wearing image that we previously had.

I can’t help but wonder why our reputation has changed. Maybe the infamous teenage holidays to destinations where the alcohol is cheap and plentiful have something to do with it. Or perhaps our love of discovering different countries and their cuisines means we are less concerned with our own. One thing’s for certain though; throughout my discussions there was one aspect of Britishness that seem to have stayed constant throughout time and which all the foreigners agreed on: we are obsessed with tea. Some things never change.

Alice O’Brien

flickr: markhassize11feet

What’s On

Oscar Niemeyer: homage to an architectural legend

flickr: Rodrigo_Soldon

Travel

Living

@e2Travel

Online: Constance Malleret travelonline@ epigram.org.uk

10.11.2014

Right up your street?

Lucy Bairstow

killing her cat. From Mitte to Friedrichshain you can find Lucy butchering her cat in a number of ways: being cooked as a kebab, drowning in a washing machine or being macerated in a blender. Staring into her large doe-eyes, she quickly becomes surprisingly cute and you soon become desensitized to her murderous hobby.

After the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city offered opportunities for all to celebrate their newfound freedom. This brought with it an array of beautiful street art. Take for example a popular first stop on any student interrailing trip to Berlin; East Side gallery. The 1.3km long section of the Berlin wall boasts incredible pieces of graffiti and is a beautiful celebration of the history of the city.

Heading even further east we get to Belgrade, a hidden gem tucked away in the south eastern part of Europe, and a newcomer on the street art scene. When visiting this city, there is a strong sense that it is silently murmuring ‘watch this space’. Give the city five years or so, and I think the resemblance to Berlin will be uncanny. Large abandoned warehouses and derelict train lines are crying out to be drawn upon. At the moment, a few impressive pieces can already been seen throughout the city, such as the picture of a man with blocks of flats as his teeth. The meaning behind it? You tell me. However, the size of it is captivating, and it certainly makes a tall grey building much more interesting to look at.

From the winding streets of bohemian Paris to the warehouses of Belgrade and everywhere in between, street art has taken Europe by storm. Whether it is a welcome craze is yet to be decided, but while the debate over whether it is really art continues, we are left to enjoy these free, often unexpected snippets of culture.

Lucy Bairstow

Rosanna Quigley

nearly every warehouse and trendy apartment block in the city, there is hardly a surface which remains untouched. From houses to doorways, façades and walls, virtually anywhere in the city can become canvases for an art form that usually holds a political message. El Bocho is no stranger on the Berlin street art scene, having been a regular contributer for the last decade. His iconic character ‘Little Lucy’ is plastered all around the city. The figure is inspired by a Czech TV-series called: ‘Little Lucy – Fear of the Streets’. Whilst in the original series, Lucy adores her cat, El Bocho’s dark humor has given her a new hobby:

flickr:gillesklein

Wander the streets of Paris and within seconds you will understand why the city is worldrenowned for its culture and profound art scene.

There is no denying that the streets of the French capital are beautiful, picturesque, exquisite even.

Walking around Montmartre feels as though you have been transported back in time to the very streets that inspired Lautrec himself. However, look a little closer in amongst the neoclassical architecture that remains from the 19th century, and you will spot the odd piece of Parisian street art, much of which unfortunately feels unwanted.

A desperate attempt by the marginalized youths from the banlieues to get their voices heard, a lot of the works seem rushed - done with whatever tool was at hand - and much of it reminds you of a toddler’s crayon scribbles on a wall.

Shockingly, on a recent trip to Paris, I saw the words ‘Ton père travail dans le hammam’ (which translates as ‘your dad works in a hammam’) scrawled across a pastel coloured wall in the 18th arrondissement, not far from the Sacré-Cœur. This would be the equivalent of writing a ‘your mum’ joke on a wall a stone’s throw away from Westminster Abbey.

There is still a long way for street art to come in order to be taken seriously in this city. However, big international street artists are currently helping to shift the negative associations of this art form. Last year, Shepard Fairey (creator of the famous Obey logo) created ‘Street Art 13’′, a community street art project which saw an abandoned tower block in the 13th arrondissement of Paris completely filled with artworks by local and foreign street artists. The building, known as ‘Tour 13’, was demolished only a few months after it opened. Its temporary nature and impressive size received a great reception from Parisians.

Moving further into Europe, Berlin is a city which is world famous for its street art. Embellishing

Travel

Style

Camping halfway up a mountain in the Swiss Alps, enjoying incredible views and eating Toblerone for two weeks sounds idyllic, but when a storm begins it can quickly turn sour. A river of water running through the centre of your tent, thunder and lightning all around and the toilets a fiveminute walk away through the downpour all serve to somewhat dampen the mood.

Especially when your 11-year-old brother has a very recently broken leg. Likewise, camping on a cliff in Dorset during English monsoon season (aka August) can be pretty miserable, and results in an empty campsite the next day as everyone - except your own family of course - gives up and goes home.

But rural holidays can be complete heaven! We are lucky enough to be able to use my uncle’s house in the mountains of rural Andalusia in southern Spain every now and then. The very fact that you have to get in the car to find any form of civilisation (which turns out to be a tiny village with only a handful of shops that rarely open) and half an hour to the nearest proper supermarket down the mountain has to be its biggest charm. All you can do is relax, read, swim, watch the sun set over the mountains, lie in the sun - or shade in my case - and enjoy the fact that you’re on holiday.

City breaks are also a great way to get away; a few days exploring a new city, absorbing the culture, enjoying the food (crucial), getting lost but having nowhere you need to be and generally feeling sophisticated and adventurous. The biggest benefit of living in Europe is that we’re just a couple of hours and a cheap Easyjet flight away from a never ending list of fascinating cities, something I only learnt to appreciate from talking to American and Australian friends, who

flickr: Stuck in Customs

don’t have such variety on their doorsteps.

My most recent city break was a week spent in Barcelona with a friend at the end of August. It was a great holiday and a week is just long enough to feel like you’re starting to get to know a city. We did a bit of hostel-hopping, staying in four different hostels all over the city, which meant that we got to know different neighbourhoods and learned more about Barcelona beyond the typical tourist traps. This, for me, is the problem with city breaks; you don’t really see the actual city, just what the tourists are supposed to see. After a week in Barcelona I wouldn’t say that I know it properly at all. Only after living for 5 months in Munich and for 6 months in Seville can I say that I really understand these cities and how the locals actually live.

City breaks are a brilliant way of getting a snapshot of a particular city and a few days in a city is, for me, a good way of deciding whether it’s somewhere I’d be interested in going back to and living in for a while, to truly get to know. Rural breaks, although somewhat more weather dependent, can be a lot more relaxing and being cut off from the nonstop nature of everyday life is a great way to unwind. Despite the rain, I do have fond memories of those holidays in Switzerland and Dorset. Getting away is great, no matter where you go, but for me the perfect holiday is a couple of weeks relaxing on a rural Spanish mountain with a couple of day trips to some of the gorgeous nearby cities like Seville, Malaga and Granada. Why choose one type of holiday when you can have both?

Anna Collier

The power of one golden legend From Voltaire’s famous novel Candide, set in El Dorado, to the Disney film The Road to El Dorado, and even the Electric Light Orchestra’s 1974 album, the lost city of gold undoubtedly has an enduring power. As with any urban myth or legend, the separation of fact from fiction is littered with controversy and conflicting information. European and South American ideas of the true origins of this myth differ enormously, but recent archaeological research has shown that that there may be more truth in the stories than previously thought.

In Europe, El Dorado began as a city of immense wealth and splendour, lost and awaiting discovery

“For natives, El Dorado was not a city, but a ruler” by an intrepid explorer. The myth became more and more fantastic as the years went by, and more adventurers went seeking it to no avail, often losing their lives in the process. The German conquistadors were followed by the Spanish, and then famously by Sir Walter Raleigh. He even

went searching for it twice - once in 1594 and again in 1617. His attempts lost him his son, Watt, who died in a battle with the Spaniards, and eventually his own head, as he was forced to return empty handed and disgraced to a King who had ordered him not to fight the Spanish.

Such was the strength of Raleigh’s belief in the existence and wealth of El Dorado that he decided to do it anyway. This famous courtier was by no means the only European to become obsessed with the ideal of a city of unimaginable riches, but the South American population developed a different, no less intoxicating idea of what El Dorado had been and could be.

For natives, El Dorado was not a city, but a ruler. This leader had amassed such great wealth that he was able to cover himself in gold in the morning and wash it off in a lake every evening. Chronicles written at the time of Spanish colonisation speak of such rites, where new leaders of the Muisca peoples of Central Columbia would paddle out on a raft with offerings of gold showered upon them. It is thought that the rite came to an end when the tribe was conquered, but the amount of gold deposited over hundreds of years was considerable. The combination of these exotic tales, and the existence of real gold around the lake that they drained only strengthened the motivation of Europeans looking to exploit South American resources.

So how might a modern-day explorer forge a new path on the road to El Dorado? Lake Guatavita in the Columbian Andes, 35 miles from Bogotá, is the focus of archaeological research, and thought to be where it all began. The town of Sesquilé is nearby, where ecotourism is growing and the legend is mined for all it is worth.

However, if you fancy a less literal tour, you might begin with El Dorado, Arkansas, a small city once the heart of a 1920s oil boom. Or any one of the 12 other US states with towns called Eldorado.

Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico and Canada all also have towns aspiring to equate themselves with the myth of a city of abundant gold.

Katy Barney

flickr: archer10 (Dennis)

What’s On

Online: Constance Malleret travelonline@ epigram.org.uk

Rural relaxation or city sightseeing?

flickr: Phahie • TomFahy.com

Living

@e2Travel

Editor: Deputy: Rowena Ball Rosanna Quigley travel@ deputytravel@ epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk

Editor: Maddy Streets style@ epigram.org.uk

Valentino Garavani. For Valentino, being ‘the King of Glamour’ is definitely not a difficult job, with endless celebrity worshippers and his own reflective exhibition just being the start of his incredible achievements. Italian glamour comes from every end of the spectrum, and the current jesters of the court are some of Italy’s finest exports. I refer to prison bad boys, Dominico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, but despite their prison uniform every fashionista knows that that classic LBD or Sicilian stripe will never lose its magic ability to make you feel incredibly feminine.

Topping the bad boy charts, to some a noble knight and to others a rowdy outlaw, we fall to

“

The German machine Karl Lagerfeld is our King of 2014 and shows no sign of abdicating Marc Jacobs. Representing the American nouveau, Jacobs has never been one for modesty, causing a stir in almost everything he does. From a nipplebaring Kendall Jenner to controversial Miley Cyrus campaigns, pop prints to gothic military jackets, Marcy knows how to mix things up and is one of the court’s most legendary. But runner up to this title hands down goes to newcomer Jeremy Scott, and his notorious marmite Moschino 2014 collections. Instigating probably one of the biggest schisms of the fashion world EVER is a sure-fire way to cement your name, and that is exactly what Jeremy Scott has done. You either love him or you hate him, or simply tolerate him, but this crazy cartoon dream of Scott’s is far from over.

The court of our 21st century fashion legends is probably the most expansive in all of history, and this brief summary is only the very start. The power of these lucrative masters of style knows no bounds. They may congregate in Milan, Paris and London, and even New York, but their subjects are everywhere; just look into any shop

Indigital

The world of fashion can quite neatly be likened to the Medieval era. A fashion faux pas is most certainly punishable by hanging, drawing and quartering; otherwise known as an Instagram ‘unfollow’.

The court of the trendy elite, one might suggest, was initiated by the creator of ready-to-wear Monsieur Christian Dior, which would make him the original King. Whilst his successors continue to reign supreme, the Dior legacy has been knocked from Kingship by a man with a gleaming white ponytail and a very spoilt cat. Yes, the German machine Karl Lagerfeld is our King of 2014 and shows no sign of abdicating. Said to be one of the most intimidating men in fashion, coming closely behind his ‘queen’ Anna Wintour, he has earned this nobility through his endless Chanel successes.

But extravagant shows and notorious attitudes are not the only way to get noticed by the court of Fashionista. Today’s industry holds some of the most influential designers ever. Take Phoebe Philo, known popularly for her work at Celine. She has made minimalist tomboy less of a trend and more of a lifesaving staple.

Obviously one can’t forget the predecessor of minimalist, the 90s spaghetti strap wizard that is Calvin Klein, who still storms the runway with hues of taupe and white desire.

From everyday to the extraordinary, Versace never fails to disappoint with its implicit sensuality that has won the hearts of so many red carpet legends. Yet this sassy, Italian label not only clings to the glitterati, but also has an enormous fan base amongst the hipster bunch, for their edgy tees and bright silk shirts. In this department Roberto Cavalli also excels. A household name for his adventurous animal prints, love of the semi-nude female figure and, let’s be honest, his scandalous Cannes yacht parties, Cavalli is part of the groundwork of this ever changing court of Fashion royalty.

The Italians have been ruling the roost for years, not only with the patterned fiesta of Versace and Cavalli, but also with the more demure, lascivious glamour of lace and, well, AP Photo/Antonio Calanni

Travel

Phoebe Jordan likens the 21st century fashion elite to medieval kings window and you are peering into the inner mind of Hedi Slimane. This royal court of designers may seem elite, but we can all wear the crown if we want to.

“

Style

Online Beth Laverack styleonline@ epigram.org.uk

Getty images

They may congregate in Milan, Paris and London, and even New York, but their subjects are everywhere Style.com

What’s On

Deputy: Hattie Bottom hattie@ epigram.org.uk

The Royal Court of Fashion Legends Flickr, archer10 (Dennis)

Living

@e2Style

Deputy: Emma Ward eward@ epigram.org.uk

Editor: Deputy: Deputy: Online Maddy Streets Emma Ward Hattie Bottom Beth Laverack style@ eward@ hattie@ styleonline@ epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk

@e2Style

Okay, so fun and fearless trailblazers in the fashion world put this myth to bed a long time ago, and yet so many of us reel at the idea of possibly wearing more than one print in an outfit. If you have a bold personality and bold wardrobe to match, unleash the prints to guarantee that your presence is always the main attraction at any party.

Myth 2: Double denim is double the fashion faux-pas

You say ridiculous, I say ridiculously chic. Head-to-toe denim looks have made a comeback across the catwalks in recent years, from the likes of Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren and Derek Lam, and yet it’s the one comeback trend we’ve all been less than eager to embrace. Just remember that denim doesn’t necessarily mean blue jeans. You’ve got the option of so many different coloured denims and washes that you can easily team up a pair of black or white jeans with denim jacket with an interesting wash and voila – you have one killer outfit.

Myth 3: Horizontal lines make you look fat

Myth 4: Black + Navy = disaster!

It’s a new era in fashion – there are no rules.

Alexander McQueen

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling black and blue! I honestly don’t understand why these two shades together in an outfit get such a beating. Some sources say this particular myth comes from the colours being associated with military wear or funeral wear. Another possible reason is that the two shades are so close in hue, you might worry that people will think you got dressed in a badly lit room… was the combination accidental or not? A fantastic and foolproof way to wear black and navy is to have fun with a variety of different fabrics and materials. Say, for instance, leather and wool – ta da, you have one gorgeous outfit.

Myth 5: You have to pick between gold and silver

This one’s been a steadfast rule for years, so much so that it’s almost second nature to me when choosing jewellery to think it has to be one or the other – silver or gold. And yet it’s been proved that these two statement colours create a dynamic dual when paired together. An effortless way to combine the two metals is by layering up necklaces or by wearing stacked, slender bangles – an instant arm party. Once you’ve got your two-tone jewellery in place, you’ll wonder why you ever separated them!

Myth 6: You need to match your shoes with your bag

Now there’s no problem with matching your shoes to your bag, and if you manage to do so successfully, and on more than one occasion, I applaud you. However, for me at least this is the source of a great deal of worry and panic-buying, especially when it comes to getting dressed up to the nines for a sophisticated night out (where ending up at Bunker or Lounge is not the goal). Luckily, making sure your clutch matches your heels just isn’t a rule we need to play by any more – complimentary shades are all you’re going for.

Myth 7: One for the men … you have to look like you didn’t try

Now I’m not kidding when I say I know this to be true and an unspoken rule that you men tell yourselves: that when you’re getting dressed in the morning, the aim in mind is to look like you didn’t premeditate or put any effort into your outfit. I can understand why; the ephemeral and sometimes daring trends us women jump on with the changing seasons aren’t always winners, so I understand the fear of possibly looking ridiculous.

But a little consideration into what you wear can go a long way.

Topshop dress, £70 and Leather look trousers £35

ASOS clutch, £28

“

So there is a bit of science behind this particular myth where the eyes are naturally drawn to the area of your body where you’re sporting something eye-catching – but that’s good news right? It’s easy to see why hoops that run across and around your torso might not be the most flattering of items, but that’s by no means any reason to avoid a striped number when out shopping. The key is picking the right kind of stripes: smaller stripes can give the illusion of curves, while thicker stripes can accentuate an already hourglass figure.

“

Travel

Myth 1: Mixing patterns or prints is the biggest crime

manrepeller.com

Style

The very idea that a rulebook exists in the world of fashion is an odd one. After all, do we not see designers and fashionistas pushing the boundaries of style just about every day, transforming the way we dress? And yet there are a few rules that we just can’t seem to get over. I’m not even sure how these fashion myths came into being, or how they became so ingrained in our minds, but if there’s one thing I do know it’s that rules are meant to be broken. For me, fashion is about being creative. It is most interesting when individuals get to express themselves freely and spontaneously. Alexander McQueen famously said, ‘It’s a new era in fashion – there are no rules.’ So let the debunking begin!

ootdmagazine.com

What’s On

Eve Crosbie tells us to stop worrying about ‘fashion faux-pas’

Mary Katrantzou for Topshop

Living

Debunk those Fashion Myths

Smaller stripes can give the illusion of curves, while thicker stripes can accentuate an already hourglass figure

10.11.2014

Dress sharp, Peaky Blinder style Lily Staunton Howe shares her tips on how to give this old-school look a modern update BBC

became more popular in the 20s. You could always steam press or spray with starch to add stiffness to a shirt collar.

Thomas wears a gold collar stud to keep his collar in place, not needed for a shirt with an attached collar, although it does add a nice touch. You can get them from Ebay or a haberdashery.

Finally, don’t wear your shirt too tight. It should be slim fitting but with room to breathe, and easy to tuck into your suit trousers.

1 .The well cut, three piece suit Thomas Shelby wears a three piece, herringbone tweed suit.

The trousers should be high waisted as this will make them hang much better. The bottom of the trousers should be slightly cropped so that they fall straight and do not bunch at the ankle.

4. Black boots Black, front laced leather half boots look perfect with a suit cut as above. Your trousers should meet the boots perfectly,

2.

Clifton Village Arcade Situated in the heart of Clifton Village is this beautiful Victorian arcade, in which you can (albeit at a higher price) find some real goodies. Otomí is one not to miss: an eclectic Mexican boutique selling authentic ceramics, handcrafted jewellery and Mexican folk art. Also, have a look at Vintage Boutique, an independent fashion emporium that effortlessly fuses the latest trends with timeless classics.

3.

Treasure, Gloucester Road As a self-proclaimed shop of ‘rough diamonds and little gems’, this is definitely one to watch. The philosophy behind this community charity shop is a great one, with all the profits being donated straight back into local community projects and funding hardship gifts for individuals in the Stokes Croft Area. The £1 box is a great place to nab a bargain, and they also stock a wide range of reworked clothing and accessories. The project is invested in local artists and designers and through its ‘we sell for you’ commissioning policy, local craftsmanship remains at the heart of Treasure.

not crinkling up and not swinging too high above the ankle.

5. The Overcoat A heavy overcoat will complete the look. It should be thick wool, and remember it should be big enough to swish around , not tight fitting. It will also need to fit over your suit, so buy the size up if necessary.

All images: Yannis Vlamos, Indigitalimages.com

Margaret Howell Spring 2015 collection

4.

BS8, Park Street BS8 is a definite favourite among students thanks to its bold prints and patterns, bright colours, low prices and convenient on-campus location. Its popularity lies in its ingenious combination of unique urban apparel and everyday essentials.

Head to the vintage section at the back for Levi cord jackets, beautiful silk shirts, 60s shift dresses and vintage denims.

Flickr, Takoyaki King

2. The shirt Just as important as the perfect suit is the prefect shirt.The peaky blinders wear shirts with club (rounded) collars buttoned up to the top. In the programme, they are actually wearing detachable stiff collar shirts that would have been worn at the time, before the soft collar

1.

Re-Pyscho, Gloucester Road This absolute gem on Gloucester road is the Mecca of vintage shopping in Bristol. Jam packed with retro shell jackets, knitted jumpers, playsuits and much, much more. There really is something for everyone - but do be prepared to have a rummage.

Topman

If you are also bored of the hipster look proliferating Bristol students’ wardrobes then I recommend you to take inspiration from the impeccable style of the Peaky Blinders.

As we all know, the current trend in menswear at uni seems to revolve around garish sports style items that look as if they were vaguely fashionable in the 90s; a carefully thought out look is executed in exactly the same way by every guy that loves house music and Stokes Croft. I would like to suggest a break from this overload of coloured shell jackets and Air Max trainers.

The BBC series Peaky Blinders, currently mid-way into its second series, has brought a new style to the forefront of men’s fashion.

In case you haven’t been watching (which you must), Peaky Blinders is a dark, grotesquely violent gangster drama set in 1919 Birmingham about the Peaky Blinder gang, led by Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy). The gang actually existed, gaining their name due to sewing razor blades into the peaks of their Stetson caps. The costume designer, Stephanie Collie, has taken care to remain historically accurate, but with the aim of inspiring a look that could influence the Autumn/Winter catwalks, something that a quick glance at current collections from the likes of Margaret Howell will confirm she has definitely succeeded in. I have compiled a list of the key items needed to perfect the ‘peaky blinder’ style and revamp your look this winter.

With a plethora of independent shops in Bristol, the prospect of not seeing the wood for the trees and distinguishing the bargains from the rip offs is a little daunting. But fear not, we have done the hard work for you and have created the ultimate guide to independent shopping in Bristol. Here are our favourites:

treenaway.blogspot.co.uk/

3. Neutral colour palette The clothes worn in Peaky Blinders revolve around a neutral, dark colour scheme in fitting with the dark, cold look of the filming, and it is definitely worth sticking to grey, navy, brown or black when styling this look. The focus should be on well cut, beautifully designed pieces.

Shop local, Shop Bristol

5.

St. Nicholas’ Market With an abundance of independent shops housed under one roof, St Nicholas’ Market provides the perfect respite after a long day of lectures. Handmade Jewellery, Eastern European musical instruments, arts and craft and a boutique chocolatiers, St Nicholas’ Market encapsulates the perfect independent shopping experience. The Food Market on a Friday is definitely worth a visit, where the cuisine ranges from Caribbean street food to homemade pies and mash.

Isabel Rudgley

Editor: Deputy: Deputy: Online Maddy Streets Emma Ward Hattie Bottom Beth Laverack style@ eward@ hattie@ styleonline@ epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk

City Spotlight: Wake me up make-up Living life in the fast lane? You need Annisa Khan’s quick make-up tips...

Bourjois £8.99 Do you find that, at the end of a long working day, your make-up is starting to look a little worse for wear? Your eyeliner has smudged, lip colour has faded and foundation has altogether disappeared? Take inspo from our city girl crushes, Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn, and follow our tips to ensure your make-up stays put all day - so you look just as good on the commute home as you did in the morning!

PRIME Base is key to long lasting make-up. Use a light moisturizer before applying make-up, even if you have oily skin, to ensure make-up has something to cling on to. Next, prime the face with a silicone-based primer such as the Benefit POREfessional or the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. Not only will the primer sit in any large pores, allowing foundation to sit smoothly on your skin, but it will also act as a magnet to make-up, ensuring that your foundation stays put all day.

Style

www.vogue.co.uk

POWDER Long commutes on busy, sweaty trains or stuffy offices can often cause an unattractive sheen to grace our T-zones, which in turn can make make-up run. The best way to avoid this is to set your make-up with a large powder brush and translucent face powder, paying particular attention to your T-zone. On hot days, it’s useful to keep a powder compact in your handbag to top-up if you’re looking shiny.

Bare Minerals £22.00

SMUDGE PROOF Everyone has faced that embarrassing moment: when you look in the mirror and realize that you’ve had smudged mascara or eyeliner running down your face all day and no one has bothered to tell you. Nowadays, smudge-proof kohl eyeliner and mascaras are incredibly easy to find and are worth the little extra to ensure there are no panda-eyed disasters in the office. Be warned, though, that because they are formulated to stay put, you will need a good eye make-up remover to take them off at the end of the day. An eye shadow primer, such as the Urban Decay Primer Potion, is also essential if you have oily eyelids to prevent your eye shadow from creasing, and keeping your shadow in place all day.

SPRAY During your lunch break, when make-up can start to come off and look a bit dull, it’s a good idea to carry around a setting spray to give your make-up new life and keep it in place for a few more hours. Something like the MAC Fix+ spray or the Urban Decay Setting Spray - both of which come in travel sizes - are perfect for keeping in your drawer for the times when you need a quick spritz to freshen up your make-up.

Urban Decay £20.00

Making the city her real life runway Olivia Palermo: Winter inspiration from New York’s urban style icon Not only is she one half of the world’s most beautiful couple, she also owns one of the most enviable closets a woman can have. Olivia Palermo has dominated as an iconic city style icon.

www.vog ue.co.uk

ue.co.uk

; www.vog

PA Photos

Rex Features;www.vogue.co.uk

What’s On

LAYER Few things are more irritating than the constant need to reapply lipstick again and again. To prevent this, line and fill in your lips with a lip pencil the same colour as your lipstick, then layer your lipstick on top. For even longer staying power, try using a liquid lipstick, such as the Bourjois Rogue Edition Velvet. A couple of coats of this lipstick will act as a stain and will not budge throughout the day, even after eating and drinking.

en.vogue.frw

Travel

Living

@e2Style

Palermo was exposed to couture and costume jewellery early on in her childhood, but her road to fashion fame launched after being part of the American reality television show The City in 2008, which followed her working in PR for Diane von Furstenberg. She has since created an empire of modeling, designing, writing and blogging, all done in effortless style. Her most recent collaborations are with Aquazurra, for whom she designed a range of stunning stilettos, and Westward Leaning, a brand of sunglasses.

Living up to her reputation as a style queen, OP’s outfits never disappoint. And I mean never. (Really – who can pull of polka dots, stripes and checks in the same outfit?) Her appeal is her consistency in being able to strike an extraordinarily stylish balance between elegant glamour and sartorial adventure. And let’s not forget her killer sense for accessorising.

She once described her style in three words as ‘colourful, accessorized, and tailored’. While those may seem like ordinary words, Palermo always manages to add an innovative yet stylish dimension to her classic outfits and excels at putting her own twist into her clothes. Take her wedding outfit for example; where she teamed a quarter sleeve cashmere sweater with ostrich feathers with matching shorts and a full tulle and silk skirt, all from Carolina Herrera, and a pair of electric blue Manolo Blahniks.

Olivia Palermo’s style game is in a league of its own. Although she vows to stay away from Crocs, she is only one of a few who could make them look like next season’s fashion staple.

We may never find an accessory as gorgeous as her model husband, but by following these simple tips, you can add a pop of Palermo’s sophisticated style in to your winter wardrobe...

Adriana Chiu

Try a one pop colour outfit and add cool metallic jewels and accessories.

Topshop £30.00

Topshop £40.00 H&M Fringed Light Grey Shoulder Bag £19.99

Pair a statement necklace over a turtleneck. A winter must-try!

Spruce up an all black outfit with fringing in grey, white or even a pastel colour.

River Island Turtle Neck Fluffy Cropped Jumper £15.99

10.11.2014

From high end to high street Celina Brar delves into the history of the most legendary designer items and finds you the perfect high street alternative It’s a universal truth that if you’re walking in heels, you secretly want to be walking in Louboutins. We don’t need the sky-high crazy versions, just the simple pump. Even Monsieur Louboutin himself says that every woman should have a pair in her closet.

The iconic red sole apparently stems from a girl painting her nails at the time when Christian Louboutin was searching for inspiration when designing a pair of shoes. Since then it has stuck and become a universally accepted sign of his work; to the point where a law suit was once filed when rival fashion house Yves Saint Laurent designed a pair of shoes with a red sole. Quelle horreur! Today the famous Louboutin red sole is synonymous with sophistication, high quality cratmanship and, of course, an effortlessly stylish wearer! From courts to platforms, and maybe even a kitten heel or two, the Louboutin heel has been worn by everyone from Katy Perry to J.Lo, and you might even spot a pair on the most fashion savvy style bloggers.

“

Very few items of clothing have international museum exhibitions or entire books dedicated to them. However, the Chanel Little Black Jacket is far from just any ordinary piece of clothing. As King Karl said, the jacket has been made into “uniform for women”. This is because this timeless piece of clothing looks equally as stunning with a pair of jeans as it does with an evening dress. The exhibition made its way to the Saatchi Gallery in London after stopping off in Hong Kong, New York, Tokyo and Taipei. It featured style icons from US Vogue Editor Anna Wintour to Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker, and even rapper Kanye West made an appearance. Each icon was photographed by Largerfeld wearing the legendary jacket, proving that it can be worn almost universally and breaking down the barrier between women’s and men’s fashion. Originally launched in 1954, today the Chanel Little Black Jacket is unanimously accepted as one of the most iconic pieces of fashion of all time.

At the heart of British fashion lies the Burberry trench coat.

Angered at constantly ruining his clothes whilst going out in the rain, in 1879 Thomas Burberry decided to make a coat from a triple-proofed cloth to protect against the dreaded British weather. Originally designed for the military, the classic trench coat is one of the few items of clothing equally desired by both sexes. There is something about the honey-coloured Burberry check-lined coat that makes it symbolic of British fashion, having been modelled by British stars such as Emma Watson, Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, as well as being spotted on the Duchess of Cambridge.

The classic mac is the perfect dress up or dress down outfit option. Paired with a slick pencil skirt or tailored suit, it can add a masculine, smart edge to your work wardrobe. Alternatively you can take note from fashion’s leading lady and frequent Burberry advocate Alexa Chung, and wear with cute brogues and a floral dress for a more feminine look.

All images from www.graziadaily.co.uk

All images from uk.burberry.com

Beautiful craftmanship with something a bit broken up.

Christopher Bailey

All images from www.vogue.co.uk

“

Coco always borrowed from the boys. She took their jackets, and made them into uniforms for women.

Karl Lagerfeld

“

Shoes transform your body language and attitude.

Christian Louboutin

http://morethanalogo.blogspot.co.uk

Fresh from the couture catwalk ...

And straight in to your closet ...

If you are struggling to scrape together almost £3,000 for a jacket (as most students are), we can still aim to recreate the look with these fitted tweed jackets. Below are some alternatives that won’t make you want to cry when you see the price tag. The best thing about these jackets is that they add effortless elegance to any outfit, even when paired with just jeans and a shirt – the perfect university ‘uniform’!

In reality, wearing these £400 pair of shoes to Bunker or Lounge doesn’t seem like a good idea. But is it really possible to recreate a classic pair of shoes such as the black Louboutin pumps without spending hundreds of pounds? The short answer is yes! These pumps by H&M have been featured in Vogue magazine due to their sophisticated and chic simplicity. What’s more, they are £14.99, which makes them as affordable as they are stylish!

New Look £22.49

Kurt Geiger £120.00

Miss Selfridge £65.00

H & M £14.99

Zara £59.99

Topshop £58.00

River Island £55.00

H&M £34.99

Office £65.00

At around £1,000, it’s no surprise that Burberry trench coats aren’t often spotted around Whiteladies Road. However, if we forget about the classic Burberry check, a nice fitting trench coat is not as hard to find as one might expect. This Miss Selfridge version in cream will go with everything, and it’s just as flattering.

You’re welcome.

Living

32

What’sOn

Editor: Sam Mason-Jones whatson@ epigram.org.uk

The best pick of this fortnight’s theatre, film, music and more.

Music Royal Blood Bierkeller, 12 November

Travel

In the past twelve months, Royal Blood have skyrocketed from rogue Arctic Monkeys tip offs to heavy hitting chart behemoths, bringing their massive songs to the welcome ears of the masses. Having packed festival tents to their elastic limits with only a clutch of singles to their name this summer, the duo’s debut album justified rapturous levels of expectation, racing to number one and onto the Mercury Prize shortlist. The ten songs of this eponymous LP emulates the hugeness of their live shows, and has only fanned the flames of fervour surrounding their meteoric rise- this autumn tour sold out in four minutes, or something daft like that. As such, tickets will be scarce and might cost you an arm and a leg (and maybe a second arm), but the happy few who have them are in for one hell of a night.

Circa Waves

Thekla, 13 November Indie rock’s new Great White Hopes are testament to just how far a good chorus can take you. Keiran Shuddall, leader of the upbeat scouse outfit, certainly has a knack for penning a catchy tune- a prime example being debut single ‘Young Chasers’ with which they spilled out onto the scene at the end of last year, attracting an amount of critical attention and inevitable comparisons to The Strokes and The Libertines. Follow ups ‘Get Away’, ‘Stuck In My Teeth’ and ‘So Long’ have only served to whet the appetite for a long-player which they have been recording in recent months, and which they have promised will be ‘a riot’. Though more exact details are yet to be revealed, expect glimpses of the material to be offered when they clamber aboard H.M.S. Thekla this month.

Merchandise

flickr: Lee_Byway

Style

Start The Bus, 20 November

Art Josephine Pryde Photographer Josephine Pryde brings her latest show, These Are Just Things I Say, They Are Not My Opinions, to the riverside’s Arnolfini for a three month run which begins this month. The work, as its wonderful name suggests, focuses on the paradox of speech, what it conveys and does not. The notions of touch and doubt are also hit upon, in an exhibit that is as much concerned with the different presentation of the photographs as their content.

Conversation

At Motion Joey Bada$$ The Marble Factory, 24 November Coming to Motion’s fledgling venue The Marble Factory is Joey Bada$$, one of the East Coast’s finest young rappers, just two weeks before the scheduled release of debut album B4.DA.$$. The Pro Era man is bringing Waldo and some other friends along with him for the ride. I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest that this just might beat your average Bunker Monday.

Stephen Kelman

In:Motion’s 5th Birthday

Victoria Rooms, 13 November

14 November

Stephen Kelman is the author of the Man Booker shortlisted Pigeon English, the critically acclaimed account of life in a fictional London council estate narrated by a young Ghanaian immigrant. Mr Kelman will talk about his 2011 novel and answer questions in a reception that marks the culmination of the Man Booker Big Read. Tickets for the event are free but limited, and booking is advised.

Having invited DJs from Just Jack and Apex Collective, as well as many more to be announced, In:Motion clearly know how to throw a good party. It’s cheap as well, tickets finish at the paltry sum of £5- bargain!

flickr: Eric Lopezz

What’s On

Arnolfini, 21 November

Critics have struggled to come to a unanimous verdict on most of Merchandise’s output since their widely admired debut EP Children of Desire. One thing that all but the most fastidious haters agree upon, though, is the impressive energy that the Florida three-piece pack into their live shows. The band describe their genre as resting ‘somewhere in the grey area of punk, noise and pop music’- try and work out what this means at their Start The Bus show.