Is Fake The New Real?

Instagram. I'm all for it! Although I don't post consistently on it, double tapping might as well be my best friend! But, the headline does give you a sense of what it's like on there from time to time; fake being real, and that's without me talking about the topic I actually have at hand.

If you use Instagram, which I'm guessing you probably do, we are continuously inundated with images of superficial happiness, seemingly un-achievable body types, and food that not only makes those body types difficult to achieve, nine times out of ten, the food is impossible to make and looks like a hot bowl of something inedible. *Sigh*. But in true Instagram fashion, something new seems to slowly becoming a trend and to be totally honest, I'm in two minds about it.

It's models. And I'm not talking about human models, although they can occasionally be problematic in themselves for many reasons. I'm talking about computer generated females that for a while had people stumped as to whether they were real or fake.

As per usual, I'm late to this, but these 'Com-Mods' as I like to call them, don clothing from brands some of us only dream of being able to afford, are photogenic to envious levels and seem to be able to pose for the godssss!

They are a particular type of art form. And that's why I have an appreciation for them. Additionally, since they are not human, the sky is the limit in regards to the content their creator posts; which can I say should be the case for all accounts. Plus, 'Com-Mods' are not new. Take Hatsune Miku, created in Japan as a humanoid persona, who quickly rose to fame as a musician. What I do find interesting is lilmiquela is also an artist and has been compared to Hatsune Miku. Maybe computer generated artists is the new direction of music? But I digress. When taking being an artist out of the equation, the stark difference between Hatsune Miku and both lilmiquela and opalslutuniverse is that the creators of the latter two have chosen to design them with the human form in mind.

This is where a part of me feels creeped out. I find it slightly disturbing that these accounts are gaining as much popularity are they are; I imagine this is a first for many in regards to how they are both marketed to emulate the lives of many, and people are intrigued and curious as the comments suggest. I also think that these pages will continue to perpetuate this standard image of women in regards to body types. One good thing I have to say is that both of the accounts host 'Com-Mods' of colour.

I do get it, times are changing and technology is progressing. I also understand that this type of art is fresh and inclusive of today's generation, i.e. me, because I am very much feeling the aesthetic of these two. What I not necessarily fear, but am concerned about is their lack of relatability in terms of how incredibly real they seem. I like being able to differentiate between real and fake. I like when social media influencers have a warm moment of realness with their followers, I admire when they share a period of reality of their "broadcast it to the world" life, how ever boring it may be for some. But I personally don't get that feeling from these accounts. To me, all the pop culture in the world could be pumped into it and I still get the sense of "this feels too fake, even for Instagram".

I guess all types of social media has a tendency to sweep people away in the moment and you don't really get a chance to break away from that until you realise that pleasing social media has become your main goal in life. I feel that these 'Com-Mods' are the new version of that. Whether or not everyone and their mother will have a 'Com-Mod' who knows. I could be over exaggerating. But one thing is for sure, 'Com-Mods' aren't going anywhere.

Carla Creary xo

*Disclaimer: All photos and videos for this post belong to their rightful owners. I do not own any of the attached images or videos.

On Point: 4 Shoes Giving Me Life!

For a long time I was TOTALLY against pointed shoes in any form; heeled, flat, wedge, you name it, I wasn't wearing it. I assumed that they had an effect of elongating my already, (in my mind) massive size 7 feet, which looking back, is ridiculous. I also deemed shoes donning a point to be "OTT"; a little too much.
Obviously, I'm a changed woman now. Pointed shoes are to me as Curry Goat is to us Jamaicans. Necessary.

Since it's winter right now, it's a risk to wear the two styles of ballet pumps featured below, but that doesn't mean I won't risk it all to look cute! Fashion is pain and all that right? With the pink ruffle ballet flats being super cute, and my favourite out of the lot, it would be a shame not to wear them through every season of the year. The green ballet flats are perfect for casual trips into town or hanging with your cat!
Finally, the two black pairs. The boots are stunning, but slightly weird to walk in, so caution is advised; she says after going to her brothers graduation in Nottingham, and stomping around all day in them! Alas, I love them and their lace up front. Plus they look great with a good jean. Likewise with the sling back heeled shoes. Great with jeans and can still be pulled off at work!

Now I feel like going shoe shopping. Because what's better than spending all of your money on shoes...? Nothing, nothing is better.

Carla Creary xo

5 Cheap Items That'll Jazz Up Your First Flat.

After graduating from university, a lot of "soon to be thrown into the world of work" young adults are faced with the decision of either moving back home with "The Rents", or struggling to figure out being independent and live alone. If the latter ends up being your chosen option, somehow, someway, you'll have to figure out decking out your sparkly new abode. It's a weird cross between not having to sell a kidney to get some cute trinkets, but not wanting to be forced to fill the gaps in your apartment with your thoughts. So to combat this, I have come up with five cheap and cheerful items that you probably shouldn't throw out in your post uni clear out, that will look amazing around your new space.

Fairy Lights

However "basic" you may think fairy lights are... you're right. I mean, every student and their dorm mates have them. But, for moving into a new space, they do create a warm, comforting atmosphere without having to really try too hard. They are also great for pre-bedtime reading if you're in to that like I am.

Posters

This one can be tricky since landlords tend to prohibit the usage of tacks or blue tack usage on the walls. But once you've found a way around that issue, posters can allow you to cheaply decorate the walls of your flat, allowing you to really put your stamp on the place. Again, this is an item that you would have come across whilst in uni at poster sales; I was that girl that was first to arrive and the last to leave, cause being indecisive took precedent over everything #priorities. 

Jam Jars

This one is really great since there are an abundance of usages for it. Glass jam jars; I typically like the type pictured below, tend to be thrown out after the contents has been consumed. However, by doing this a possible cup, candle holder or pen pot is being disposed of. I have many jam jars since strawberry jam is just amazing; and they are literally all over my flat, without it looking tacky of course. Basically my point is, save some money, keep your jam jars.

Small Ornaments

Small ornaments never fail when looking to adorn the rooms in your flat. These ones shown above I got while studying abroad in Japan. Small enough to show what I am interested in but big enough to not take up too much room.

*Sidenote: I say 'small' because, unless you are lucky, most newly renting adults only earn enough to rent a place just big enough to swing a cat. With that in mind, and including all the space you'll need to showcase the other crap you collected during your years of studying, small is probably for the best. Plus, small usually means cheap right?

Magazines

Now it doesn't necessarily have to be magazines. Books, records, manga, comics, DVDs, anything that can be stacked side by side, I personally find visually appealing. As a English Literature graduate, I have an extensive collection of reading material. Magazines and books just look incredibly great dotted around a home, like for instance, stacked on a coffee table. 

And there you have it. My five items that will have you spending less, because let's be honest, you've probably already spent the money you put aside for most of this stuff. But at least your place will be looking great at no extra cost!

Carla Creary xo