How to cause minimal environmental harm when travelling...

...check out www.greentraveller.co.uk - a website that I have been working for recently, which is a really clear, clean, useful and non-preachy source of information and inspiration for amazing holidays and journeys across Europe and beyond. It tells you step by step how to travel without flying, as well as giving some great holiday ideas and linking to accommodation en route. The blog section gives you all the latest green and ethical travel news as well as further trip ideas and entertaining stories from top travel writers. Enjoy!

I ♥ McQueen

Saturday dawned one of those glorious late autumn days: crisp air, a clear blue sky, and bright sunshine that still offered a little warmth. Better still, I awoke to the promise of an Alexander McQueen sample sale. Barely able to contain ourselves, my friends and I joined the melée in a crowded room in Clerkenwell. Whilst the men's section was somewhat meagre compared to the huge range of dresses and other pieces beautiful shapes and structures floating off the women's rails, there were still some sharp trousers, an industrial navy jumpsuit I desperate tried to think of an occasion I could wear on, a handful of shirts that were sadly not in my size, a luxurious burgundy blazer that fitted like a dream and cost a fortune, and a selection of wonderful shoes. I have wanted another pair of boots for a while, and the cherry creepers would have been perfect, were they not three sizes too big. Industrial silver DM-style boots caught my eye but bizzarely all six sizes had been cornered by two men who presumably have now sold them on at inflated prices. In the end though, I found my prize, a rhapsody in patent leather: a pair of dark forest green lace-up Oxfords. To say they fitted like a dream would be, at a size too small, an exaggeration; however after their first outing on Saturday night the leather had softened a little and they were definitely extremely comfortable. Now I just need a full McQueen suit to complete the outfit.

The joys of springtime are back!

Vampire. Weekend.

Andddd you can download the obviously lovely 'Horchata' for free on their website,
http://www.vampireweekend.com/horchata/

The home page is now the video for the fantastic new single, 'Cousins' - which you can also view on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e0u11rgd9Q

Typically upbeat, with a sense of humour that comes through the giggling guitar and African-influenced percussion, this could almost be straight off their debut, but for a stronger, rockier sound that starts to come through. Whilst the humour and satire that has always permeated their lyrics remains fairly gentle, and I think we're all relieved that Koenig et al aren't exactly angry, it could be an interesting departure...

I personally can't wait til January to find out!

Genius

Passion Pit's incredible 'Sleepyhead'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bfseWNmlds

I know it's been around for a while now, but this has to be one of the best new songs out in a LONG time. I can't wait for the album. It's just such a beautiful, refreshing, euphoric track; rich with lush electronic layers that far outstrip most of the many electropop offerings of today's music scene. It feels like being sprayed with fresh, cool water on a hot summer's day. Less than three minutes, but guaranteed to lift your mood.

I'm also loving the new Jack Penate and Dizzee Rascal singles:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SfrVnYsu1c
So upbeat and so carnival, just a fun song for sunny spring days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4lvdOeNUmI
I could only find a live clip, the full intense must-dance-now atmosphere doesn't come across quite as well, but you get the idea.