Doctor Foster (BBC ONE) [Review]

BBC ONE

BBC One is known for producing intriguing British dramas; you need look no further than gritty crime series, Luther, or complex literary detective drama, Sherlock. So it comes as no surprise that we are now introduced to new affair-ridden drama, Doctor Foster, which makes reference to the English nursery rhyme of the same name.

But just how dramatic can a series whose name conjures up images of puddles and old men, due to its notable attachment to a children’s rhyme, be? Apparently, pretty darn dramatic. The doctor (no, not that one) is Gemma Foster, portrayed by Suranne Jones, a partner and resident doctor of a local surgery. The series centres rather cleverly around the dissolution of her marriage, as it quickly emerges that her husband, Simon (Bertie Carvel), has been outrageously unfaithful, choosing to have an affair with a young woman named Kate Parks (Jodie Comer). This puts a strain on the family dynamic, as Jones struggles to cope with her child, Tom Foster (Tom Taylor) and her colleagues, particularly Ros (Thusitha Jayasundera). Of course, nothing is ever severed simply and Doctor Foster quickly realises that she may lose more than she bargained for in this war of woes.

Again, a little excerpt from the full review, which you can read here: 

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/doctor-foster-review/

The BBC are really stepping it up with their dramas, so it will be interesting to see what they come up with next. 

Melissa. 

Autumn Jackets: The ins and outs of Autumnal Outerwear

photo source: Tumblr; autumnd4y

With the blistering autumn winds creeping in and the cold crisp mornings becoming an ever more prominent feature, now is the perfect time to stock up on some new jackets. If you’re stuck for inspiration for your new autumn wardrobe, or if you’re struggling to part with that old hoodie you've had since high school, then never fear, we have some solutions for you.

Capes

Pinterest; forest-reverie.tumblr

Easy to slip on, comfortable, cosy, and available in a variety of colours and styles (tartan can look particularly season appropriate), the cape could be your answer to your jacket conundrum. Capes look best paired with slim-line jeans or with bare legs (if you’re brave enough!) and boots for that autumnal look. Beware though. Your arms may get chilly (perhaps wear with a long sleeve), it can be difficult to balance an over the shoulder bag and if you get a size too big you can look like you have stepped out in a duvet.

Blazer

fashionabletalk.com

If it’s just a little bit chilly, a blazer could be your way to go. The great thing about blazers is that they can be structured, fitted and even casual, like the boyfriend fit. Blazers can instantly make an outfit look smarter, so are a great choice if you want to create a more stylish edge to your outfit, whilst remaining comfortable and elegant. Pair with a turtle-neck jumper or top, a sheer shirt or blouse and you’re good to go. The only downside is depending on the fabric it can be quite impractical to wear. Unless you layer with another jacket on top, or multiple layers underneath, you may struggle to keep warm.

This is just an excerpt from a complete article I wrote for Concrete, you can read the full piece (including my favourite Autumn jacket) here: 

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/autumn-jackets-the-ins-and-outs-of-autumnal-outerwear/

I've been so bad at posting recently, but I'm hoping things will pick up. I've just been writing so much stuff for other sites that it's sort of taken over my life! Hope you enjoy this article. :) 

Melissa. 

Lana Del Rey - Honeymoon [Album Review]

When the self-described “gangsta Nancy Sinatra”, Lana Del Rey, announced her fourth studio album (and third major-label record) there was a mix of trepidation and excitement from fans and critics alike. Her moody and melodic Ultraviolence left some audiences crying out for a venture similar to Born to Die or the Paradise edition. And thus, Honeymoon was born, a completely new creation devised by Del Rey and in collaboration with long-time producers Rick Nowels and Kieron Menzies.
It would be unjust to say that Honeymoon is entirely indicative of the Born to Die or Paradise eras, but it certainly has the same breezy overtones and similar musical composition. This makes for compelling listening, but the album possesses a distinctive sense of timelessness that previous records did not. Every beat is orchestrated masterfully, every note hit in a most haunting manner. Honeymoon is clearly an album that has been constructed with the upmost care, precision and passion.

The above is a little snippet from an article I wrote about Lana Del Rey's Honeymoon album, and if you'd like to read the full review then you can check it out here (I really appreciate it): 

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/album-review-lana-del-rey-honeymoon/

The review was super fun to write, and it's always exciting to see what artists have to offer in the form of new music. Let me know if there's any albums you think I should check out as I'm always on the look out for new stuff. Also, sorry for the lack of posts recently, I've been super busy with Uni stuff lately (I know, I know).