What to Wear to a Wedding

Wedding season is in full swing, and I have to admit I really do love it. I've always enjoyed weddings, and now that I'm planning my own I find them even more exciting, and take more notice of all the tiny little details and efforts that go into such a special event.

However being a wedding guest can take its toll on the old wardrobe and wallet...especially if you have quite a few weddings to go to in the same year. You can't exactly wear the same outfit twice! It's also a bit of a dilemma if you're only going to the wedding reception - do you still need to get as dressed up, or will everyone have changed into flat shoes by then?! Is wearing white still out of the question in the evening?

I recently went shopping for a new outfit for a wedding reception, even though I'd promised myself I couldn't buy anything new. There isn't much on the high street at all at the moment when it comes to occasionwear, as all the stores have summer sales on beachwear and are introducing the A/W lines. It was hard work, but Miss Selfridge came to the rescue, as it often does.

For the night...

I found this mint bodycon dress, which I thought was a lovely pastel colour for a summer wedding, and a bit of a steal at £28. 

For the day...

But while I was there I also tried on another outfit which was absolutely gorgeous. I decided it was more of a 'day wedding guest' ensemble, so decided to buy it for the next wedding I'm attending next March! No harm in being prepared ;) Plus it was in the sale, so how could I refuse?! I think the colour and fancy jacquard fabric scream wedding, and the two piece is a bit different from the standard dress most guests choose to wear.

What do you think about wedding fashion - have you found any bargains? Please share them! J x 

Interview with a Dancer: Joseph Mannion

Joseph Mannion is an inspiration to the local dance community in Manchester and around the North West. Teaching his experimental fusion movement style across the region, he has his sights set on international ventures and starting his own dance academy. I found out how he manages such a busy schedule and still finds time to dream big...

As a dancer, teacher and choreographer, you have a lot going on! What is your most exciting project at the moment?

Well I have a lot going on at the moment which is a great thing! Always best to be busy in what I do. The most exciting project I'm currently working on at the moment is I'm in talks with dancers in selected European countries on setting up international workshops. This involves me bringing them over to the UK to share their talent and visa versa, building more of a dance community around the world.

Your contemporary fusion style is very popular with students - when did you discover this individual style? 

I began experimenting with the style around 3 years ago, I was taking a lot of classes during my student training and never knew where I could fit in style wise. I use to think "Okay, this style is popular now, maybe I should dance like this or like that guy" but then I  took the decision to just go away and really do what felt right to me movement wise. After all, an original is always worth more than a copy! 3 years on, I'm mostly known for my Contemporary Fusion style within the community and people are starting to appreciate that individuality and my workshops are always well received which I'm very grateful for!

You're a current member of Allegiant Dance Theatre, a Manchester-based dance company. When can we see what you're working on?

I'm the newest member of the company and I've been working with the founding members in the studio to get a sense of each other's style. We're currently in the process of acquiring funding for the company which will allow us to work on creation and touring the UK and eventually Europe in 2016, so it's an exciting time to be apart of ADT!

You're in the process of starting up your very own dance academy in September. Tell us more!

At the moment, myself and my business partner are still drafting up ideas and looking at areas within Manchester that don't have a dance scene but have the potential. We're basing it around the idea of one full day of training which will consist of a versatility of Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz & House and bring in teachers to give students a variety of styles. Financially we've had to consider costs such as studio hire, tax and what students would be able to afford, comparing it with what we can offer, so a lot of ideas are floating around!

You're also looking for dancers to compete as a contemporary team in Paris next March. This is an amazing opportunity for upcoming dancers in the region - what are you looking for exactly?

That's correct! I'm currently looking for dancers who are interested in my style of contemporary, who are willing to work hard and bring their own sense of individuality to compete at a dance convention/competition in Disneyland Paris. I want to put together two teams, Under 14's & Over 14's, this will be an incredible opportunity to travel, gain performance experience and really just have fun doing what you enjoy. We'll be starting rehearsals for this in September so anyone who is interested should contact myself directly via my email. (josephmannion5392@hotmail.co.uk)

What else would you like to achieve in the future?

Oh there's so much, but in relation to career wise, I want to teach workshops around Europe and be touring with Allegiant Dance Theatre by next year. The combination of travelling, which is a love of mine, plus teaching whilst doing so, is a future that I want almost everyday. That's my own self fulfilment, but I also want to give back to my community because a lot of dance is focused within London, where the opportunities lie for many performers. I just know there is so much talent within the North that I'd like to set up my own project which will help develop young performers so they can pursue their dreams - without having to move to London.

Follow Joseph on social media:

Facebook: /Joseph.Mannion

Twitter: @JosephMannion_

Instagram: JosephMannion

Steak: Simple but Sexy

So a couple of weeks ago, it was a Tuesday night and I fancied a steak. The other half had a night off work so I dragged him to Simple in the NQ, where I'd seen they do a pretty good offer.

On Tuesdays you can get two steaks and a bottle of wine for £20....heaven. For that price my expectations weren't too high, but I have to say it didn't disappoint at all.

Yep...from the picture you can see that we also treated ourselves to cocktails and beers too as it was also HAPPY HOUR.

I really can't say a bad word about the food, it was lovely. I even can't blame the man I spotted across the room who was digging into two steaks and a bottle of red alone. While the place itself is nothing fancy (the name gives it away) it was a nice enough bar for a good meal and a few midweek drinks. I also have to give a special mention to something unique on the menu which I absolutely loved:

So this is chicken skin popcorn. Crunchy, yummy chicken skin!! I've always loved it but you don't often find it on a menu. The Simple chefs have decided to mix this deep fried greatness with salted popcorn for the best bar snack of your life.

Have you found any too-good-to-be-true offers in Manchester? Let me know and I'll go try it out and give you my verdict. J x

Summer Style: Fashion Post

So I don't do many style posts but as I have bought so many new clothes for holidays and the hot weather (whoops) I thought I might as well share!

 

Floral high waisted bikini, Miss Selfridge
Platform floral sandals, H&M

 
Boho cover up beach dress, New Look
Floral platform sandals, H&M

Boho trousers and white crop top, both New Look. (**The boho pants make your bum look really good.**)

 

Lace maxi dress, Fabric boutique, Monton.
Floral chunky wedges, Bank (many seasons ago!)

So this is just a snippet of my summer style... hope you're enjoying the scorching weather! J x

Manchester International Festival Highlights

I know what you're thinking - how can this be a highlights post, MIF has only just begun! 
Well, I'm cherry picking what I predict to be the best of the wonderful cultural festival, what I'm excited to see and hoping to catch during the month.

Tree of Codes - Wayne McGregor
You probably know from the tiniest snoop around my blog that I favour dance over any other type of performance, so of course I'm looking forward to this the most. I have tickets for the preview night (tomorrow) and I can't wait. Not only is it set to feature beautiful choreography from McGregor - who I have only just realised is from Stockport - but he's also teamed up with talented music artist Jamie XX and a visual concept designer. I doubt it's going to disappoint!



Wonder.land

As a brand spanking new musical, this is particularly exciting as it has chosen its premiere right here in Manchester, before moving to the National Theatre in London. An adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, the production cast features the design team behind War Horse so we all have high hopes for this fresh Wonder.land concept.

The Skriker

Well, I won't be able to see this during Manchester International Festival as the whole run is already sold out. But it's continuing until 1st August, so I may just get the chance to see it yet. Maxine Peake, fresh from her Hamlet leading role, returns to The Royal Exchange with a gripping tale of an eerie shapeshifter in The Skriker.

So there is my top three, however everything looks great, I wish I could see it all. Let me know what you get to see during MIF15! J x

Gig Review: George Ezra, 02 Apollo Manchester

03/06/15

So I'm super super busy at the moment and don't have time to write a full scale review - but I had to share our pictures because they are pretty amazing. Plus no words can describe the smooth tones of Mr Ezra! After cancelling on Manchester during his official tour earlier in the year, I think everyone in the audience could agree he was worth the wait. He was also wonderfully charming and had me giggling like a school girl in between each of his catchy songs.

I've been following George right from the start of his career, before Budapest was played on the radio every single day and CassyO was re-released. So it was great to see him live after all this time (now everyone else has jumped on the bandwagon and decided to love him too haha) We love you George Ezra!

I was pretty close for the encore :) J x

Friday Food Fight, Manchester

If you're looking for something different to do for Friday after work drinks, then Friday Food Fight at B.EAT STREET MCR is for you. A wonderful mix of Manchester's best food vendors, quirky cocktails and banging tunes to get you in the mood for weekend - all in an industrial warehouse environment in the heart of the city. What's not to love?

Each Friday there's a different line up of DJs and a whole new range of dirty food on the menu. From lobster rolls to burgers filthy enough to compete with Almost Famous, it's actually difficult deciding on what to have. You might end up grabbing a snack and after a few more drinks find yourself trying all of the street food on offer!

There's also amazing desserts - the night I visited I couldn't take my eyes off Glamarang and their unbelievable sweet sensations.

So what are you waiting for? Start the weekend off right with a #FOODRAVE. Friday Food Fight takes place in The Great Northern Warehouse, Deansgate. Have fun, J x