Always meet your idols.

I'm sorry for being silent blog-wise for the past few days (again!) - it seems I have gained a social life in the past few weeks. I spent the most amazing weekend ever with my best friend Becca of Dress me I'm your mannequin., which of course wasn't long enough, and now I wish I was still up there with her. In the next few days expect a super-long post full of our beautiful faces, because we got a little carried away with the camera on Sunday morning & were both pretty photogenic that day..

But for now you will have to content yourselves with reading about how we are so LUCKY (lucky, lucky), because not only did we go to the Kylie Minogue Anti Tour in Manchester on Sunday night, but we also met her on Monday. Yes, that's right, we met Kylie Minogue.

Before I get carried away I just want to say that the Anti Tour was incredible. Kylie played so many songs that I never thought I would hear live - so many personal favourites suddenly became even more amazing. I couldn't choose a favourite song, or even a favourite part of the concert because it was literally all beautiful. It was brilliant to see Kylie having such a good time up there, and I think we were a fantastic audience because you could just tell that everyone absolutely adored her! I really hope it was a memorable concert for Kylie, because it was possibly the best one I have ever been to, and will stick in my memory forever. I didn't take any photos or video because photography/recording wasn't supposed to be allowed (although there are videos/pics everywhere now), and I don't mind because I would rather look directly upon the beautiful Miss Minogue than stare through a camera lens.

While waiting for the Sunday Anti Tour concert we actually missed her coming in and were gutted, and then when we were waiting at the stage door afterwards she only waved and got in her Lexus. We did catch a glimpse of Andres though, and he was tall, gorgeous and completely fit. No, can't see what she sees in him either.. That's when we decided to enter super-fan territory and stake out that stage door on Monday!

We spent Monday morning writing letters & decorating the envelopes, then went back to the Manchester Academy and waited. It took two hours and we were freezing cold, but then Kylie appeared and it was all worth it. We both managed to give her our letters, and while everyone else was thrusting posters in her face I tried to have a bit more conversation. It's all a bit of an ecstatic blur right now, but as far as I remember I managed to get the letter across, tell her I loved her, and say that the show last night was the best thing ever. And she spoke back to me, and even signed my arm. Yes, it will rub off, but the fact remains that one of my idols was around a foot away from me, touched me, smiled at me and spoke to me. My life is complete.

There is even video evidence that my mum discovered, thanks to MrQwer1234qwer1234 on youtube, who videoed Kylie's entire signing circuit and caught us on camera! Lots of love for him for that. Watch it from around 1.20 to see yours truly!

Me meeting Kylie!

Sorry, you have to follow the link to see it, but believe me it is worth it. Now here's a snap of the lovely Kylie's signature on my arm. The writing will fade, but memories & photographs will last forever.

I also want to say how totally lovely Kylie is, making time to come and greet the fans on her way in and sign numerous autographs. People say don't meet your idols, probably because you will be disappointed by them or they will be rude or something, but if your idol is Kylie do everything you can to meet her! I may or may not sound like a crazy fan, but I'm cool with it. I am still riding the high of meeting Kylie and am bouncing along with the knowledge that life is beautiful because of that. One of my biggest dreams came true yesterday, and I still can't quite believe it..

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Today, dreams came true.

I literally cannot describe the feeling. I guess I will start by saying that my curiosity was piqued when my mum told me there was a surprise waiting for me at home - clueless, I waited impatiently to get in and find out what in the world it could be! Well, after the whole eyes-closed-hands-out ritual I found myself holding an H&M box. A small struggle ensued to get into said box. And if you are following my train of thought, you have probably already guessed what was inside... Yes, today was the day that this little shopaholic got her paws on some VERSACE!

As you are well aware, I was crazily excited about the Versace for H&M collection that burst into stores last Thursday, and it won't shock you that I had stalked all the pictures and devised a plan of action for the release day, consisting of my wonderful Mum agreeing to face the online shop head on and try to pick up one of my favourite pieces. However, the 17th came around and although my Mum tried diligently to get some Versace in my life, it seemed we were unsuccessful, and so I resigned myself to the fact that I would probably never own any of Donatella's masterpieces.. Then this happened. There are no words. And not only do I now own Versace, we managed to score my absolute favourite item from the collection..

How gorgeous?? It looks a little bit weird and short hung up on the back of the door, but come on. It's a stunning dress. I am in love with every single aspect of it, from the iconic Versace print to the all over sequins, and from the leopard print background to the simple, flattering shape. Oh, and it looks pretty amazing on. Even on a pint-sized blogger like me, this dress is a perfect length, and has a cut that suits me down to the ground. I will never get bored of this dress, and I could talk about how beautiful it is all day and night, but for now I will settle for saying that if any special event crops up, there is no question, I am wearing it. And with minimal accessories - this dress deserves to make a statement.

And to preserve my Versace in its current flawless condition, I will be storing it in the complimentary, fabulous garment bag that came with the dress - well played Versace, well played. I adore the vibrant print and colour, I am so ridiculously proud to have this hanging in my room that I don't even mind not being able to actually see the dress through it.. 

So yes, today was the day that one of my dreams became reality. I now possess a bona fide designer item, and not just any designer item, it's Versace! Okay, it's a diffusion high-street line, but it contains an iconic print and literally screams high-end. And honestly, my chances of getting a real Versace dress (at least for now) are pretty darn slim. This has made my year. 2011 = AMAZING. I think I will stop rambling now, and let you get on with your lives.. I am just in such a state of excitement that I am not even sure how much sense I am making! I'm off to go admire the dress again.. Love and kisses, Tara xox