There's a very fine line between chav and chic, and it's a line I like to walk dangerously close to - much to the disapproving looks from my own mother. I remember being 13, and all I wanted was a pair of chunky gold hoops from Elizabeth Duke at Argos. My mum hated them, and I didn't have the finances. Eight years later,  I think I've got some sort of complex, because statement earrings still make me feel the same kinda way.

A woman at the forefront of this trend; Eastenders' Pat Butcher has been mocked for her courageous jewellery choices. Although earrings have a much longer and more complex history than most people realise, the iconic Pat might be the catalyst to statement earrings being all over SS17 catwalks - and I'm not ready to let go of the trend just yet. 

 

[Pictured] A small sample of my superfluous collection. The yellow pair were the first I bought which could be categorised as 'statement', and I wear them when I want to feel more like Frida Kahlo. Since then, I've become more partial to a bolder look - hence the green and pink pair being a more recent acquisition.

N.B. Lemon not worn as earring, obvs. 

   

[L-R: Asos, Into The Gloss, Zara]

A statement pair of earrings has the same magical ability as a bold lipstick - creating the illusion you made much more effort than you really did. Pulling your hair into a bun takes two minutes, but adding earrings makes the look night-out-worthy. I honestly can't remember the last time I went out without a pair, so maybe I should give my earlobes a break... probs won't though.

BEST READ - The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

After reading and loving the author-establishing Interpreter of Maladies for my degree, I decided to explore more of Jhumpa Lahiri's writing. The Namesake is her first novel and, just like her debut collection of short stories, is inspired by her Bengali heritage. 

The novel begins with the story of the Ganguli family as they leave behind their life in Calcutta to settle in Massachusetts. When their first son is born, Bengali tradition says Ashima and Ashoke's new baby will be named by Ashima's grandmother, and she will send her choice by post. When no letter arrives, Ashoke settles on Gogol - an ode to the Russian dramatist whose work nursed him through an accident years prior.

Conflicted between his parents' Bengali ideas and traditions and the North-East American world he's growing up in, Gogol Ganguli becomes Nikhil. The story resonates Lahiri's own experiences, teaching otherwise unknowing readers of her own culture and struggles as the daughter of Bengali Indian emigrants. 

Crafted with pleasing language and an unpretentious narrative, The Namesake has deservedly received a plethora of positive reviews and a number of awards. 

★★★★★

UNFINISHED READ - Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

My first encounter with Margaret Atwood was in 2013 when I read The Handmaid's Tale, and have since re-read twice. Atwood's writing was enthralling, and the novel shocked me. The opening book of a three-part series, I intended to feel the same way about Oryx and Crake and its two sequels, yet I gave up 3/4 of the way through only the first novel. 

Surrounded by a post-apocalyptic world, Snowman (previously known as Jimmy) is struggling to survive. He narrates the stories of his life before mankind was consumed by plague, including his infatuation with Oryx, and the death of his best friend Crake. 

For me, the narrative of the life of Oryx (and Snowman's relationship with her) was unusually tragic - it seemed almost ill-fitting. As the novel progresses, the science fiction themes become increasingly prominent, which is maybe what caused me to lose interest. Margaret Atwood's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, but the genre of this book just wasn't for me. 

★★☆☆☆

OTHER PUBLICATIONS - Oh Comely

I've read magazines my entire life, but towards the end of last year I'd fallen out of love with my numerous subscriptions. I wanted to read something inspiring, joyful, and refreshing; then I discovered Oh Comely.

Oh Comely claims to be 'a curious, honest and playful independent magazine'. Each issue is centred around a theme, and it comes together with the submissions of readers all over the country. Their latest issue, 'Touch', is inspired by feeling. It features an interview with Josie Long about our political climate, life models' experiences, and instructions for making origami cranes. It's a bi-monthly magazine that encourages readers to be unapologetic, to create, to learn, to live - and each issue is printed on the back with #onegoodthing to be grateful for. 

Issue 38 is already with subscribers, but will be in shops from August 10th.