secondhand rose: Rest in peace, Amy Winehouse

14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011

I can't believe that it has been two years since this woman left us. Amy Winehouse has been one of my favourite artists for years and I remember where I was when I heard the news of her passing. To say that I was heartbroken when I found out would be an understatement. In all honesty, I'm still in mourning. I wore all black today with heart shaped Union Jack earrings to pay tribute to her life, and I'm 100% serious when I say that. Her music is the equivalent to an old friend for me, her albums Frank, Back to Black and Lioness: Hidden Treasures, are always there for me when I am feeling down and out. I'm still in shock that we will never hear another new work by her.

Amy Winehouse had an original style, in every sense of the word. Her voice was unique and her fashion choices definitely made people turn their heads. Her hair and makeup were nothing short of iconic and I admire the fact that she wore what ever she wanted and didn't let others change her as her fame grew.

The world will never know another talent like her. A lot of people I've spoken to about her have a poor attitude towards her, they act as though she is just another tragic story. When I bring her up in conversation with most people, they try to shift the conversation to her drug issues, they try to devalue her life and her music because of it and they are a genuinely shocked when I stand up for her. I just want to clarify that I am not turning a blind eye to her many issues (most of them to do with drugs), I just believe that there is a lot more to her than her demons. I'm not saying that she is a fantastic role model either but everyone deserves respect, especially in their death. Amy Winehouse made a great impact on this world and she did a lot with her young life. She was a remarkable talent and the world misses her a great deal. We will never know another talent like her.