The What's About Town Blog

Emma Jones - 'Dreams Play Apart'

Recently some of our collection has appeared in a new independent film from young film-maker Emma Jones called 'Dreams Play Apart' and edgy romantic drama shot and completed in LA earlier this year.

'Kyra and Adam where soul mates meeting at 8 years old they spent the first half of their lives together, but as life’s decisions are thrown at them the consequences make Adam & Kyra take their separate paths. Their lives contrasting changing who they really are. Years later they meet again in the most unexpected of places and their whole worlds open up, changing their lives forever. Dreams play apart is a story about how a persons dreams can guide your life, a story of twisting turning relationships. Where did your dreams go?'

We met up with Emma earlier this year whilst in LA,

'Dreams Play Apart was always about the story for me, I wanted to share these characters their trials and tribulations. I want to show how life can change, how dreams can affect that. This film is a reminder to all to stop, think and remember their true happiness and embark on a journey to find it. Every human being deserves that chance in one way or another. This was an incredible journey for me, from day one writing to the final day editing six months later. I was lucky enough to have an amazing team, amazing mentors, a group of young talented fresh individuals all ready to make their mark on this project. We are a young new fresh group of talent and this film is way of embarking on all our individual dreams, never stop chasing the dream.'

You can see the trailer on youtube -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApgwiYtHUIk

We look forward to seeing what's next from this young budding film-maker, Emma is currently working on a music video for american artist 'Brian Judah'. Below are some stills from the film with the characters in the 'whatsabouttown' line.

Samantha Park O2 X Award Finalist

Young Entrepreneur from Oxshott, Surrey short listed for National O2 X Awards

O2 reveals the best of Surrey’s emerging business talent

04 September 2009

O2 today announced that a young woman from Surrey has been short listed for the prestigious O2 X Awards 2009.  A hotly contested title, this up and coming businesswoman has been identified as one of the most inspirational young people in her field, showing business acumen beyond her years and thriving in challenging economic conditions. 

Samantha Park’s online business, What’s About Town, stocks well known clothing and accessories lines as well as its own new jewellery line, called WAT? Samantha’s creativity and the growing success of her business sees her nominated for this year’s O2 X Awards.
 
The finalists from the Young Entrepreneur category will be invited to attend the national finals for the O2 X Awards in London in October of this year, where the O2 X Female and Male Entrepreneur of the Year will also be announced.

The O2 Young Entrepreneur of the Year is a new category for business owners aged 25 and under. It has been set up to recognise the increasing influence of young entrepreneurs on the UK’s small business community. The winner from each category will receive a winners’ package of £5,000, PR support and mentoring from a business expert.

Simon Devonshire, Head of Small Business Marketing at O2, comments: “The level of business talent, innovation and creativity evident in the entries we have received reveals a whole new generation of young entrepreneurs emerging from the South East. It’s fantastic to see and integral to the continued success of the UKs small business community as a whole and we are delighted to be able to recognise the contribution and success of these young business men and women through this new X Award’s category.”

Now in their 6th year, the O2 X Awards are a celebration of entrepreneurial talent across the UK and aim to recognise and reward the men and women who are responsible for doing business in a creative and innovative way. The new generation of small businesses are responsible for driving forward business development in an increasingly tough economic climate.

Launched in 2003, The O2 X Awards provide a valuable platform for small businesses to highlight their achievements at a grass roots level through to national awareness.  Selection criteria focus on cutting edge innovation, creative vision and a drive to succeed.

Samantha Park, What’s About Town

What’s About Town launched in 2003 with just £10 backing by its then 15 year old funder. Nowadays, What’s About Town has grown into a VAT registered online retail store specialising in jewellery, accessories and clothing. It stocks well known brands and have just started featuring its own jewellery range, called WAT?. In addition to online selling it also supports up and coming artists, and recently worked with Girls Aloud’s support act, Emma Deigman.

http://www.whatsabouttown.com/

Feathertastic!

Getting in touch with nature is all the rage this season and there is no better way to do this than with feathers. Whether you are going for a 1920’s flapper look or a tribal earthy look, feathers can help you achieve this. Dangling from your ears, hanging from your neck or in your hair, feathers can be worn in a number of different ways. Feathers ooze exoticism yet still retain the attachment of traditional glamour and it is this symbolic beauty which has brought feathers to fashion. Celebrities such as Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Mischa Barton, Kate Bosworth and Jade Hagger love to adorn themselves in clothes, jewellery and accessories evocative of birds of paradise. The dreamlike delicate detailing conjured up by a single feather has now been turned into an urban trend. ‘What’s About Town?’ stock a number of different feather designs to help you achieve this season’s new trend which can be worn day and night. Our ‘Silver Style Bird And Feather Pendant’ is a chunky alternative to wearing feathers whereas, our ‘Long Feather Necklace And Earring Set’ is a more delicate approach to decorate yourself with. However, if you fancy a bit of bling and adding some sparkle to your life, then check out our ‘Sparkling Swarovski Crystal Feather Earrings’. Float away with feathers this season and let’s make this winter a fairytale (feather boas not permitted)!

By Charlotte Barnett

Don’t skulk around but skull around!

It’s never too soon to prepare for What’s About Town’s? favourite holiday – Halloween, and what better way to do this than by adorning yourself in some kick ass skull and cross bone jewellery. Get in the ghoulish spirit and prepare yourself for ‘New Moon’ the sequel to ‘Twilight’ with a ‘WAT?’ ‘Sparking Crystal Smiley Skull And Crossbones Ring’. This edgy but yet oh so fashionable ring encrusted with crystals is the perfect way to accessorise your little black dress for a more stylised look. Top British designer Alexander McQueen is a seasonal sponsor of the elements of the skull and cross bone. Presenter Fearne Cotton, High School Musical sweetheart Ashley Tisdale and Gossip Girl goody two shoes Taylor Momsen are also avid fans of the rock chick look. For our more timid customers, our ‘Stretchy Skull Charm Bracelet’ with semi precious natural stone beads juxtaposed with an embellished crystal skull and cross bone charm is the perfect way to help you to pull off the rock chick look simply. However, don’t limit these pieces to just Halloween, wear these pieces all year round and put the punk and funk back into your jewellery box!

By Charlotte Barnett

September - Emmy Wemmy

Emrhys Cooper is the hot new hunk on the Hollywood scene. Born and raised in Devon, Emrhys decided to make the daring move across the Atlantic to pursue his acting career. Having appeared in the hit West End musical ‘We Will Rock You’, Emrhys has continued to succeed in the world of showbiz by appearing alongside Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Amanda Seyfried in the hit movie ‘Mamma Mia’. The 24 year old hunk caught our eye with his cheeky smile and beach blonde hair and not forgetting...his killer abs and we are pretty sure that his bright blue eyes will capture yours too. To find out more about our new hunk of the month, check out his official website http://www.emrhyscooper.co.uk/. Good luck in the competition Emrhys and we hope to be seeing a LOT more of you on the big screen!

By Charlotte Barnett

Pearl Talk

Although you might have seen your grandma wear them, pearls don’t have to be conservative and old. Pearls have been revamped and are a must-have addition to your jewellery box. They are timeless beads of class which many celebrities agree with. Stars such as; Rihanna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashlee Simpson, Angelina Jolie, Mischa Barton, Lauren Conrad, Paris Hilton, Sandra Bullok, Mary-Kate Olsen and Katherine Heigl are all admirers of the precious pearls. They come in all different colours, shapes and sizes and although they are soaked in tradition, costume jewellery pearls have become modern, funky and fashionable. Multi-strand pearls with different lengths and sizes, along with pearls accented by crystal embellishments appear to be the most popular styles at present and ‘What’s About Town?’ stock a selection of these. The ‘Luscious Layers of Cream Faux Pearls’, are the perfect accessory to spruce up a plain and simple outfit, whereas the, ‘Layers Of Cream Faux Pearls With Sparkling Crystal Bow’ will reflect a 1920’s style. Once seen as only prim and proper, pearls have become punk and popular so grab yours now before we run out!

By Charlotte Barnett