DollyMix

Forget the vajazzle: it's all about the pejazzle now!

2012-05-16T16:35:49Z

After TOWIE introduced the concept of Vajazzling into our hitherto innocent minds, the bizarre trend for adornments 'down there' has been a bit of a joke - mostly at the expense of us girls. So in the interest of equality we couldn't help but be impressed that men can now vajazzle too - but it's called pejazzling. For reasons that we hope we don't have to go into...

The 'pejazzle', currently quite a niche bit of male grooming, is available in a few specialist beauty parlours and involves the same basic idea of having your naughty bits waxed, then replaced with sparkling rhinestones. We enjoyed this article from Buzzfeed editor Gavon, who 'got himself pejazzled and lived to tell the tale'. And he photographed it too.

So, we've got equal-opportunities 'jazzling now! What a crazy old world it is.

[Image: Buzzfeed]

YAY OR NAY: Do all straight-haired women want curls?

2012-05-16T11:35:16Z

Sitting in the hairdresser's chair last night I did my best to smile sweetly as the usual praise was heaped on my curly (but very unruly) hair. "Your hair is amazing! I wish I had curls" she gushed. "Oh no you don't" I inwardly thought, but I kept my mouth shut to avoid the tedium of that everyone wants the hair they don't have conversation that we've all had a million times.

The thing is, I find it really hard to believe that anyone does want curly hair. Even when they're "on trend", curls are a nightmare to care for. GHD straighteners have been a godsend admittedly, but even their transformational power takes the best part of an hour with long hair, and I just haven't got that sort of time in the morning. I've seen straight haired women get ready: they run a comb through it, and it looks great! And when they have more time, they can sculpt it into all sorts of shapes without it flying into orbit on them. That is the sort of hair I want.

Untamed and unstyled, my hair essentially resembles a curly mop. I hate it. I have always hated it and suspect I will continue to do so until someone really does invent a permanent blow-dry (they almost had us with the Brazilian blowdry, didn't they?) and all hair can be equal. Curls CAN look great, and I don't deny that a bouncing head of hair is a beautiful thing, but for most curly girls, this look is only achieved with some hefty maintenance.

So there you have it: I'm a typical curly who thinks the grass is greener. But could a straight-haired woman have written an equally impassioned rant on how she wishes her hair had a bit more texture and bounce to it? Let's lay this beast to rest once and for all...

Cellulite: Who Cares?

2012-05-16T08:50:40Z

Today in the Speakeasy, actor, writer and editor Catherine Balavage tells us why we need to get over our fear of our own flesh as 'bikini season' approaches...

If you google "cellulite" you will get 30,900,000 results. Britney Spears came under fire for having it in her X-Factor photocall this morning, Heat magazine has a red circle of shame and women's magazine's are full of articles on how to get ride of the 'dreaded orange peal'. But, really, who cares? Are women really upset about cellulite or is it just economical for the cosmetic industry for us to be so? The companies who make cellulite cream have made millions out of women by telling them a normal, natural thing is wrong or fixable. And here is the rub: men have cellulite too. Oh, and so do newborn babies.

Now here is a secret; every women has cellulite. It is not something we should be paying hundred of pounds to get rid of, nor something to feel insecure about. It's normal. I know costume people in the acting and modeling world who say that every women they have every dressed has cellulite to some degree. Gwyneth Paltrow exercises for twelve hours a week and sticks to a macrobiotic diet, if she has cellulite, trust me: it's normal and not possible to completely get rid of it.

Cellulite creams only change the appearance of your skin for as long as you use them, and if they really did completely get rid of cellulite they would have to be FDA approved.

But all of this is not even my main point, this is: think about what else women could spend their time and money on. I saw the cover of a magazine recently with the cover line: 'Win the War Against Cellulite'. There are a few real wars on, one of them in Syria. It's not the same thing, is it?

Instead of over thinking about something that is normal to lower our own self-esteem we could be building our careers, learning new things, spending time with family and friends or do things to try and make a difference to the world.

The subject of cellulite should rarely enter a women's mind. We should have more important things to do. As long as you eat well and exercise nothing else should matter. Men never even notice a women's flaws anyway. If you are naked in front of a man he only has one response; gratitude.

So let's move on because when you really think about cellulite what you should be thinking is: who cares?

Catherine Balavage is an actor, writer and the editor and founder of Frost Magazine. She has appeared in the West End, Luther, Junkhearts, a Placebo music video and Hugo. She is also directing her first feature film "Prose & Cons" which she co-wrote and co-produced.

She also writes for a variety of other publications and blogs. Including The Huffington Post and The Guestlist Network. She is currently working on her first book. She loves animals, politics, reading and film. She lives in West London.

Daybreak casts new presenters - but will it fail again?

2012-05-15T15:05:08Z

ITV's weekday breakfast show Daybreak has had a rocky ride since it replaced GMTV, and it looks set to continue with its bumpy journey as the bosses have decided to shake up the format once more.

In a move that seems to be making the disastrous show more like its preferred predecessor, Daybreak have announced yet another duo to take over the show's sofa - ITV's Lorraine Kelly, and Songs of Praise presenter Aled Jones. Yes, we're yawning too...

We're still not entirely sure what was wrong with GMTV in the first place. It did what it needed to; some of the presenters were a bit iffy but we quite enjoyed Fiona Phillips' awkwardness, and we certainly liked Ben Shephard once we were used to him (and he joined Twitter. He seemed nice).

Daybreak, on the other hand, was a train wreck from the start. The plan seemed to be to make it less cosy and living room-like, but by placing the irritatingly tanned Christina Bleakley alongside boring Adrian Chiles (he makes Eamonn Holmes look perky) as its lead presenters it was over before it began. Christine tried to perfect a fake laugh for all of Adrian's appalling jokes while interviewees looked on in despair, and their presenting skills left a lot to be desired. Add to that the very odd addition of Four Poofs and a Piano (of well-loved Friday Night With Jonathon Ross fame) who awkwardly rounded up the week in camp song until they were axed, and you can see why it was criticised by anyone with eyes and ears.

The format wasn't even particularly different to GMTV in the beginning, except they jump about from weathergirl to guest in a blur of complete confusion before giving in at 8.30am and allowing Lorraine to take over with her little show. Thankfully, the bosses came to their senses and ditched the tanned and tiring new duo, welcoming back instead inoffensive Kate Garraway and agreeable Dan Lobb who have made the show far more watchable - but now they're changing faces again.

Lorraine Kelly we can understand. Maybe. Her own show is quite pleasant, save for the odd awkward question to a difficult guest, and the content is light and entertaining. She also has a sense of humour which is always handy. Though why they would choose Aled Jones - a guy who gets annoyed if you so much as mention snow to him - to become the leading man for our morning dose of television, we really aren't sure.

It is interesting that they've picked a male and female presenter so close in age; the debate over using a young woman with an older man rather than vice versa has long been around, but there's usually a difference either way now that the days of Richard and Judy and Phil and Fern are over (ah, those were simpler times).

Time will tell whether reverting back toward a GMTV format will help their dwindling ratings - and perhaps just proves what we knew already: given that we're half asleep at 7am anyway, it was fine just as it was. Ever heard of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it', ITV?

Rebekah Brooks charged with phone hacking

2012-05-15T09:24:55Z

Rebekah Brooks and her husband Charlie have been charged with perverting the course of justice over the roles they played in the phone-hacking scandal, it emerged this morning. The pair were arrested on Friday, as part of the Leveson inquiry; the ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal activity at News International.

The pair were charged along with Mrs Brookes' PA, Cheryl Carter, her chauffeur, Paul Edwards, security staff member Daryl Jorsling and News International security head Mark Hanna - all accused of the same offense. Their response was terse: "We deplore this weak and unjust decision. After the further unprecedented posturing of the CPS we will respond later today after our return from the police station."

Mrs. Brooks arrest is largely due to her high-ranking position at both the News of the World and the Sun while the alleged offenses were taking place - including the interception of the mobile phone belonging to murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, relatives of deceased soldiers and victims of the 7/7 bombings.

Further evidence against the pair included the alleged discovery of a bag containing a laptop, mobile phone and paperwork, dumped in a bin near the couple's home last year. It had been left there on the day of Mrs. Brook's first arrest in connection with intercepting communications.

The maximum charge for being found guilty of the offense is life imprisonment.

After Hours: Terrie McCann on bass

2012-05-14T11:04:13Z

Fundraising consultant Terrie McCann picked up a bass guitar two years ago and within weeks was playing in a band, tackling complex basslines and writing her own material. Now part of North London trio The Red Queens, she shares her musical journey with us in the Speakeasy today, proving that those crazy ideas we sometimes entertain really can come to fruition.

At the age of 30, I didn't expect to start a whole new career as a bass player. As we sat in the pub one night (of course!), a friend announced her engagement and jokingly assigned wedding roles to those of us there. My job as backing vocalist turned into something a bit more, as our now front-man ran with it and set up a band to play at the reception. He persuaded me that playing the bass was no different to playing the violin, which I'd learnt to do growing up. A few days later, Amazon delivered me a brand new guitar. Many rehearsals and an hour of cheesy covers at a drunken reception later, a band was born.

Things have moved on quite a bit since those early days of wondering which Madonna or Depeche Mode song to play. The Red Queens, as we're now called, is a fully-fledged songwriting and gigging team. We still do an occasional cover, but mainly we're focused on our own material.

The biggest revelation for me is how much I love playing the bass. It's not an instrument you probably picture a 5 foot 2 woman play and I've had to come up with a slightly unusual (self-taught) way of playing, to accommodate for my tiny hands. But the bass is the driving force of a song - you probably don't always notice when it's there, but you can definitely tell when it's not! Just check out this clip of Franz Ferdinand at Glastonbury if you don't believe me!

There's also a great range of what you can play. I try and follow my musical hero, Paul McCartney, in thinking of bass lines as lead lines - trying to weave a tune that fits with the guitar and voice, while still keeping the beat going.

It's quite difficult keeping up such a time consuming hobby - we rehearse every weekend and I try to write the occasional song, at the same time working a fairly high pressured, long hour job. There's also a need to practice every day or every other day to keep finger callouses in place - very rock and roll!

But it's absolutely worth it. The thrill of being on stage, playing something you've created, in a team with other awesome musicians and with a keen audience watching you, is amazing. Doing that full time would be an absolute dream come true. In the meantime, we'll just keep gigging...

The Red Queens are opening the FESTIVAL: LIVE event at Monto Water Rats on Saturday 12 May, from 6.30pm. Come early to see them, then stay for no fewer than seven more acts! 328 Grays Inn Road, Kings Cross, WC1X 8BZ London, United Kingdom

Terrie McCann is a fundraising consultant by day and rocking bass player by night. She lives in North London, existing on a steady diet of coffee, Beatles albums and NBC's Thursday night comedy line-up.

Find out more about the Red Queens here!

Save Sherlock's Home: final chapter for the Undershaw campaign

2012-05-11T09:39:56Z

If you're a Sherlock Holmes fan and you haven't yet heard about the battle to save what can quite reasonably be referred to as his 'home', now is the time to sit up and take notice: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's former home is under threat of redevelopment - and the final judgement on its future is set to take place on 23rd May.

The house, called Undershaw, has been the subject of a Save Undershaw campaign for many years. Based in in Hindhead, Surrey, Undershaw was not only owned but designed by Conan Doyle, who made the initial sketches before passing them on to an architect friend. He chose the location having heard good reports of the 'healthy air' in Hindhead, with hopes that it would help his wife Louise, known as "Touie" recover from tuberculosis. Touie sadly succumed to the illness, but Conan Doyle wrote many of his greatest works here, including The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Now the long-running battle is coming to a head, a book called Sherlock's Home, The Empty House (8.99 at Amazon) has been released to coincide with the upcoming judicial review. Fans from dozens of countries around the world have entered stories and poems for inclusion in the book with the top 20 or so being chosen from more than 350 entries. Famous contributors supporting this book from the Holmesian world, include many well known actors and writers such as Mark Gatiss, Stephen Fry and Douglas Wilmer to name but a few.

The front cover features some of the many faces of Sherlock Holmes; Peter Cushing, Basil Rathbone, Jeremy Brett and Benedict Cumberbatch, who are just a small selection of the actors who have portrayed the character over the decades. "Holmes was resurrected from Reichenbach Falls at Undershaw; we cannot let him die there", say the contributors, and if you feel as strongly as we do that Sherlock's home should not be destroyed, you can help further the cause by joining the Save Undershaw Facebook page, where campaigners are aiming to reach 12,000 likes before the case goes to court in two weeks' time.

WIN a pair of tickets to Spirit of Summer with StarBlu

2012-05-11T09:16:11Z

Looking for some inspiration for your home, wardrobe and lifestyle? The Spirit of Summer fair, is the place to go for fresh new ideas to help you spruce up your life, from creative ideas for the home and garden to new trends for 2012. The event takes place at London's Olympia exhibition hall, from 16th 19th May - next weekend.

Not got anything in the diary? The lovely people at StarBlu - makers of gorgeous beach and resort wear have offered us some tickets to give away to Dollymix readres, so why not enter today? You could be there to sample the innovative, hand-picked collection of original products that you won't find on the high street - geared specially towards the warmer summer months that are finally on their way!

Starblu 'Bondi' maxi dress

Tickets are normally £16 per person, but we'll let you have a pair for nothing! Simply leave a comment below, making sure you leave an email address you check regularly, answering the question: "what is the name of Sherlock Holmes' house currently under threat of re-development" (clue, you'll find the answer in this article!)

Good luck!

Terms & Conditions

1. Registering is completely free of charge and no purchase of products or services from StarBlu is necessary.
2. There is one prize (a pair of tickets) to be won, for one person, to be accompanied by a friend of their choice.
3. Only one entry is allowed per person.
4. Competition closing date:14th May 2012.
5. The prize consists of a pair of tickets to the Spirit of Summer Fair, Olympia Exhibition Centre, London on one day only, from Wednesday 16 May to Saturday 19th May.
6. Winners will be expected to make their own travel arrangements to and from the venue.
7. This competition is open to UK residents only. Employees of, or those representing, StarBlu or their affiliated companies, their families, cohabitants, agents or anyone else connected with the promotion, are not eligible to enter.
8. The prize is non-negotiable and non-refundable.
9. The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
10. Entry must be made by the entrant. Entries made by any other individual or any entity, including but limited to commercial competitions, subscription, notification and/or entering service sites, will be declared invalid and disqualified from this free prize draw. The use of any device to automate the entry process is prohibited.
11. StarBlu has the right to change/update these terms and conditions from time to time.
12. StarBlu is the promoter of this competition and can be contacted at Cherish PR The Swan Business Centre Fishers lane Chiswick London W4 1RX

Time Magazine's breastfeeding cover causes controversy

2012-05-11T08:00:52Z

As anyone who's hung out on internet forums where discussion of babies takes place knows, breastfeeding is an explosive topic. Its ability to whip up venom is so universally feared online that some forums I've frequented have all-but banned discussion of it, so disruptive is the 'drama' than invariably follows. I can't pretend I entirely get it, but the core issue seems to be that some people haven't yet got the memo that passing judgement on other people's lifestyle choices isn't on, but somehow the 'debate' rages on. For whatever odd reasons of their own, someone out there does want to make you baby's dinner their business...

I can only assume that this sort of reaction is what Time Magazine were actively seeking when they decided to put a breastfeeding three-year-old on its cover. The image is deliberately, provocatively posed, making the child look as old as possible by placing him on a chair and clever camera angles. His clothing looks quite 'mature' for a toddler and his mother - either through coincidence or design' is wearing a 'defiant' look on her face.

And here we go again with the 'us vs. them' mentality of child-rearing choices...

The thing is, there doesn't need to be such a war over breastfeeding: if you can do it and want to, go for it. If you can't/don't want to. don't do it. I really don't see why it has to be any more complicated than that. But this cover seems to be doing its best to create as much of a division as possible amongst the different 'camps', or even create them where they don't exist. I for one have no issue with breastfeeding in public, but I do have a bit of an issue with people who want to turn what is an entirely normal process common to all mammals into some sort of heroic gesture, or worse - a fashion statement that will put pressure on others to conform.

As such people will say themselves, 'it's only natural' - which is absolutely true. Cats do it, cows do it, and so do some humans. So get over it! It does not make you a goddess and you are not saving the planet by doing it. All you can be sure of is that your kid will love you for it and that's a wonderful thing - but let's get it in perspective!

Top 5 Pampering treatments for a rainy day

2012-05-10T07:36:36Z

Scroll to the end and let us know your top tip for beating the winter blues to win a free Floatation Tank experience at Floatworks!

This weather is just beyond a joke now isn't it? Call me spoilt, but when it starts peeing down without any obvious end in sight, the first thing I start hankering after is a nice bit of pampering - whether that's a hot bath with smellies, or an indulgent trip to a spa if I'm feeling flush. Thinking about what's helped me through the gloom over the years, I've put together a list of treats, treatments and therapies to clear the cobwebs - with possibilities for all budgets.

1. A Facial

Rubbish weather can lead to dull skin, and it's hard to feel totally confident when your face is covered in dry patches and chapped blemishes. The great thing about a facial is that it has the dual benefits of improving and brightening your outward appearance, while relaxing you on the inside at the same time - particularly if you opt for a treatment with an aromatherapy element.

I've had particularly blissful and lovely facials at The Sanctuary in London's Covent Garden (the dimly lit treatment rooms and the gorgeous scented products really help!) but you can get a great facial anywhere in the UK if you know where to look! Wahanda is a good place to start, and there are some great offers on facials here. If you're looking for an at-home facial to DIY the experience, I'd particularly recommend the Sanctuary's 'Facial in a Box', which you can buy online here.

2. At-home spa experience in the tub

All you need for this method of pampering is a bath tub, your smelly potions of choice and a few scented candles. You might want to enhance the experience by adding in a glass of vino or a bit of relaxing mood music, but I usually find the simple pleasure of soaking in the hot water while the rain pelts down on the window is quite enough to send me well on my way to deep calm and a clearer head.

In terms of recommended products, it really depends if you're after something skin-conditioning, fragrant or uplifting: I'm a big fan of the Philosophy range, which seems to tick all the boxes and is always turning out scrummy new products in interesting scents.

3. A stint in the sauna

There's nothing like a bit of warm, dry heat when it's freezing cold and raining outside. Saunas are the closest thing we get to having this sort of climate naturally most of the year in the UK, so if you're craving the feeling of warm, comforting air on your skin, why not track one down and book a session?

If you have a gym membership or can book in some time in a health club or spa, a sauna is usually part of the package, but a cheaper way to get sauna time could be found in your local swimming pool. Many subsidised local pools have a small sauna and/or steam room attached, with sessions usually costing about £7-8.

4. Floatation Therapy

Don't knock it till you've tried it! Sitting in a floatation tank may sound like hippie nonsense, or even a claustrophobic nightmare. But speaking as someone who does suffer from claustrophobia and is a little bit allergic to hippies, I can assure readers that neither assumption is fair.

Sensory deprivation in a warm and comfortable space has proven health benefits - including reduction in blood pressure and even increased immunity - and it's enormously relaxing to boot. A lesser-known benefit is that the high salt concentration used in the tanks is great for the skin, and helps to heal wounds and blemishes in the same way sea water does. I'm a huge fan of the floatation centre at Floatworks in London, and benefit from visits there especially when the weather is grim,

If you're keen to try out floatation for yourself, read on for a little treat from us...

5. A trip to a Turkish Bath

I have to admit that I haven't tried this one yet, but having heard great things about Turkish Baths, I recently booked myself in to Crystal Palace Spa: a Turkish Hammam in Central London. There are lots of these places up and down the country, and many are decked out in beautiful traditional tile and marble.

Devotees of this method of spa-going tell me it's a great experience for mind and body, as the oils and fragrant steam envelops body and mind - and there are some amazing treatments to choose from if you want the full experience.

Competition time!

Looking for an unusual experience that will help you beat the blues? We have two tickets to give away for Floatworks flotation centre in London Bridge. To enter, just reply below with your favoured method of beating the winter (or in this case, spring) blues, and we'll pick a winner within two weeks.

Shopping Wednesday: are you buying less in the bad weather?

2012-05-09T12:37:36Z

We're hearing today that the UK high street is being hit hard by slipping sales this spring. A combination of godawful weather, a double-dip recession and an early March heatwave (when many of us over-spent) has dealt the stores a lethal blow, without the apparently sales-boosting influence of a Royal Wedding to get tills ringing.

These factors, along with general malaise and worry about job security and frozen salaries have essentially made us all want to stay home, wrapping up warm in whatever moth-eaten rags we can find in our wardrobes. Shopping just seems like a bit of an extravagance right now, doesn't it? And if we can't even wear the summer clothing currently in stock, we're really out of excuses to spend.

What about online shopping, you might well ask? Surely this part of the market could benefit from a period of bad weather, while we're stuck in front of our screens at home? Sadly for the retailers, it seems out general reluctance to open our wallets goes deeper than a lack of high street footfall, as we're not really spending online either.

The only retailers seeing strong sales figures during quarter 1 of 2012 are supermarkets - in particular Sainsburys where 'winter' foods like porridge and soups are flying off the shelves - and homeware stores, as shoppers look to sprucing up their homes to try and combat the gloom. Many of these same retailers have lost out on gardening products, however, which are usually in peak season around now.

So it's a grim picture on Britain's high streets, in what should perhaps be a lesson to those selling 'seasonal' fashions, weeks or even months ahead of time. Anyone who's ever needed to buy a hat or a scarf on a freezing April day will share my frustration at shops who want us to believe it's spring as soon as the January sales are over!

Looking on the bright side, think of the inevitable early summer sales *rubs palms with glee*

If the male Avengers posed like the female ones...

2012-05-09T10:21:20Z

Avengers Assemble has been a massive hulk-smash of a movie in box offices worldwide since its release last month: it immediately set a box office record for the biggest opening weekend in North Amreica, and has received positive reviews across the board. It's the geeky film that even non-geeks enjoy, and the Dollymix crew are huge fans.

Our love for the film didn't stop us from being amused by a blog post that's been doing the rounds this week, however: one that highlights the differences in how the male and female cast members are portrayed in promotional material for the film. Specifically, how would it look if Captain America, Thor, The Hulk et. al were pictured in the same poses adopted by their female counterparts? The question is answered by the distressingly hilarious picture below:

The characters' macho images are immediately turned on their heads (or should we say, bottoms) in the sketch, where naughty bits are also exaggerated and the facial expressions (where not covered by masks) have suggestive expressions - just like the female characters' in an average pose. Hulk even appears to be asking: "does my bum look big in this?"!

Much has been said about the 'male gaze' in comic and fantasy art, and the unrealistic proportions and oddly seductive tendencies of female superheroes throughout history. Until now, one might fairly have argued that it's no real surprise that comic books are written with a male readership in mind: go into any comic shop and you'll quickly figure out the gender split amongst hardcore readers.

But is that still a fair assessment in an age where films like The Avengers hold such universal appeal that they shatter box office records and make gazillions?

Dollymix TV Pick: Top five US dramas

2012-05-09T09:31:22Z

As Homeland rose to its highly anticipated series finale this weekend, fans across the UK were split between those who thought it wasn't enough to satisfy audiences and those who cheered it on and eagerly await season two. Whatever you thought of the big ending, there's no doubt the series has gripped the nation over the past few months and will be sorely missed from our screens - and it's not alone in its success.

We thought we'd take a look back at the best TV dramas that have had us on the edges of our sofas and tweeting 'OMG' with the programme's hashtag - how many do you own on boxset?

Lost
Well, obviously this had to be top of the list. Did Twitter even exist back then? Lost swept us off our feet and onto our sofas back in 2004, where we watched as the survivors of a plane crash forged a life on a mysterious island. It was confusing, surprising, seemingly endless but brilliantly done; a fantastic cast and out of this world storylines had audiences hooked and it's often been dubbed one of the best TV serials of all time (and oh look, we just said it again). Our hats go off to those who made it through all six seasons - and even more so to those who totally understood the phenomenal ending...

24
Also hailed as one of the greatest TV dramas ever made, high speed political thriller 24 turned Kiefer Sutherland into a legend as Jack Bauer, a special agent who put an end to many a terrorist plot. A Golden Globe winner, the show was so damn good that it lasted for eight seasons and is now being made into a film with the original actor himself - one that's bound to be a blockbuster since the drama was critically acclaimed for its film-like direction and production. Save us a seat!

Damages
For those of us who love a good thriller, US show Damages was a breath of fresh air - so tense and brilliantly scripted that it was almost cinema-worthy. Starring Glenn Close as Patty Hewes, a top-notch lawyer who'll do anything to win her case (like, anything) and Rose Byrne, an initially irritatingly wet young lawyer who later has to get tough to survive - literally - Damages was so full of murder and conspiracy that it was hard to keep up but worth the hours put in. Behind Close, Ted Danson was the star of the show thanks to his almost comedic approach to such a complicated bad guy, and he made a welcome return in later seasons. The latest series is yet to come back to our UK screens but if the third is anything to go by, it'll have us tearing our hair out in anguish - but the good kind...

The Wire
Who hasn't heard about The Wire? Written by David Simon, a former police reporter, The Wire is set in Baltimore where each season focuses on different parts and goings on of the city. Gritty, hard-hitting and incredibly 'real', the series was well-loved for its use of little-known actors and outstanding performances from Dominic West and Idris Elba. With five seasons under their belts, the writers covered topics of drugs, education, the media and more, all with a great honesty that's ever enhanced by the Baltimore backdrop. Please Mr Simon, can we have some more?

Band of Brothers
If the cast isn't enough to get this series in the drama hall of fame, we don't know what is. Colin Firth, David Schwimmer (seriously, it turns out Ross wasn't actually real), Michael Fassbender, Damian Lewis (aka Homeland's Brody) and James McAvoy are just a few of the big names to star in this ten part World War II mini series. Add to that that it was produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and you've got yourself an A-list drama. Band of Brothers was commended for its depiction of the war and won six Emmy awards among others - not bad for a one-off show, eh?

There were plenty of flops too, of course - Flashforward and The Event are the most notorious in recent years for disappointing us all, but thankfully there were enough great ones to keep us going including plenty more that didn't make our top five. What are your favourites?

The History of Lingerie: M&S takes a backward glance

2012-05-08T16:06:33Z

Lingerie is a subject that's always close to our hearts (and, let's face it, bodies in general) but most of us know very little about its history. In fact, many otherwise well-educated people will swear blind that the bra was invented by a man named Otto Titzling, which is of course an urban myth...

To de-mystify some of the stories surrounding underwear and its origins, the lovely people at M&S have created an illustrated history of lingerie as stocked in their high street stores - from the first bra they ever stocked back in 1926 to the 'Tropicana' range of bold printed lingerie in the 1980s. It's a fascinating insight into how trends in undergarments have changed, and how the earliest pieces were designed to flatten, rather than enhance.

To coincide with this focus on all-things retro, they've also launched a new range of vintage-inspired lingerie that's coming into stores from tomorrow. We're big vintage-loving girls here at Dollymix and love a bit of frilly goodness, check out a few pieces from this cute new range:

Available from tomorrow, 10th May in their lingerie section, the pieces all evoke a bygone era without some of the expense associated with real vintage clothing: prices start at just £17. Sweet!

Tech Tuesday: Kitten Cam - the ultimate comfort break

2012-05-08T09:16:26Z

Reality TV has now pervaded almost every area of our lives, and frankly we're sick of seeing human beings doing stupid things for the cameras. Cats, on the other hand, provide a whole different dimension in entertainment, and this week we're all over Kitten Cam: a live broadcast service that does exactly what it says on the tin.

As a nation of office workers trudged reluctantly back into work after a long weekend this morning, thousands of web browsers were pointed towards the Kitten Cam site (there are more out there if you want to get your kitten fix 24 hours a day) with hopes of fuzzy little tails and pink noses. It's certainly one of the better forms of stress relief we've recently encountered, and by all accounts it's a hugely effective way for cat rescue shelters to advertise their latest residents, too. Kittens!