Tuesday 24 November 2009

You're not 25 forever

So for my 25th I decided to have a Musical themed birthday party as fancy dress is super fun. Between the midst of the dorothy's, the tin men and the Oliver twist's was me, Tallulah from Bugsy Malone. I wanted to share some pics on here and to say thankyou to one of my BFF's Hannah for hosting such a great bash for me. Next years theme is social misfits. I totally might go as myself...







Wednesday 18 November 2009

Little red number




Everyone who's anyone needs a little red dress. If in doubt do take note of this piece of Alexa inspiration at CFDA Fashion Fund Awards in New York City. Coming up top trumps yet again Alexa has combined this dress with super red lipstick, making the outfit more eye catching and as a result utterly adorable. I love!


Saturday 14 November 2009

Feminine Fancy



Last week I received an email regarding some illustrations that a friend of mine Natalie Hughes had designed. Before I had the chance to check out the images I became distracted by a pretty dress in another email and completely forgot to check them out.  So yesterday I took the time in between frantic face booking and severe spluttering (suffering from some kind of pig related illness) to look the images, and when I did I realised... her designs were actually really really good.  Quirky, fun and indulgent in all things feminine, I Love!






Natalie is a writer by day and an artist by night... When I asked her about her new found passion she informed me that ‘drawing waifish girls in expensive outfits’ was her perfect way to while away a winter evening. (I wish I could agree, instead I rely on painting by numbers)



As I’m moving out next month (ridiculously excited) I need some new artwork to decorate my wall... (I’m sharing with my boyf, and not sure he will approve.)  All the same, I’m totally investing.  If you, like me are interested in purchasing one of these beauty’s they are available on the ever adorable Honey Tree Publishing site. Also if none of the available pictures tickle your fancy as of yet, keep your eyes peeled.  I have a feeling this young lady is one to watch.


Monday 9 November 2009

Time out for Topman

"Model?" says the girl behind me raising a dubious eyebrow. "Oh no, definitely not, I hear there's free booze though." I stand in the queue, it's surprisingly long for a Wednesday. For a Wednesday? What does that mean? Maybe my brain has been programmed to believe that all Wednesday nights means Football at the pub. Well, not tonight. I raise a faint smile - Did she say "free booze?" I try to remain alert outside Oxford Circus at 7pm. It's dark, it's incredibly cold but as I finally make it up the escalators, it starts to make sense. This could be an X Factor audition.

The premise couldn't be simpler. A party held in Topman’s flagship store in Oxford Circus. Oh Top man, the mother of men’s fashion that is synonymous with successful branding in a nationwide 21st century fashion market. Just ask the cast of Hollyoaks.

Tonight, Top man have put a unique selection of new and limited edition clothes. Add a limited audience, some freebies, Time Out memorabilia, Rough Trade DJ's and free alcohol what you get is, a sort of shop/pub/ lock in… Cool kids vying to be seen, heard and let’s face it, get drunk. As I enter the second floor, with my camera clutched tightly, I start to recall my objective - Take as much new menswear as you can, document what's new, cool, super trendy, think..Tuborg? It's free? I take a bottle. Swiftly followed by another four.

If you haven't realized, winter's here, so I start to concentrate on the things that really matter. I started with Footwear.   When did I start thinking it was a good idea to wear plimsolls all year round anyway? Few sights are less appealing that a bloke in torrential rain in a pair of sodden pumps or half dead trainers, no matter how 'rare' they are.  A good welted shoe is the perfect accompaniment for any sort of denim. And my god, designer brand Hudson has an impeccable collection that has made Top man the standard bearers of men’s footwear. All boots here are intricately finished and distinctively textured - Extremely practical for the winter months. But it's the brown suede boots that really catch my eye - These are more rough and ready than spit and polish (Hudson have cleverly treated them to keep the shine off) - Altogether, a winning return to solidity in the shoe department. Real lads should use shoes for just about anything - prissy pumps don’t cut it. All hail shoes of substance.



When my geography teacher, Mr Aldis donned one in 1994, the baggy cardigan became expressive of middle age and MOR conservatism. I made an oath never to own one. (but then again I was eleven and my most prized item of clothing was an eclipse bomber jacket)

Low and behold, the cardigan is now infallibly cool. Topman's very own, blue and green designs are suitably chunky with an attachable thick scarf. And it works very well. This much maligned garment has a flattering design and is becoming repositioned as statement menswear. Think classic Steve Mc Queen, modern Jude Law, even gangly Mr Aldis, these newly designed cardigans are must haves for those crisp winter days.




And so we cross over to Topman’s for your eyes only newbie collection; Tweed like the cardigans, the collection has taken on a rather cool edge. Topman Tweed jackets are having a moment. Outcome the connotations of posh farmers, Jack Tweed and weirdo’s (same thing) IN comes the notion of the assured, confident male. Admittedly, I’ve always had a guilty pleasure for Tweed; like brut aqua tonic it's overbearing but that doesn’t stop you from wanting it. Topman’s collection is reassuringly warm, smart and authentic. Gents - Cash in; Tweed could be the indispensable weapon in menswear’s winter armoury - Go mad for it. Hey, I'll even buy you a pint.

The evening concludes with the clothes that should really make a stand this Winter. Burberry's signature piece has always been the trench coat. Topman have a trench coat that not only keeps its authenticity but is an investment piece that only gets better with age. A timeless classic for £75, the price is truly head and shoulders above any other retailer.



Slim denim shirts are also making head waves. Ladies are said to love a man in a good shirt (by and large this affection does not always extend to the Crystal Palace home shirt or a Peter Andre style vest..) and men now seem to like denim shirts just as much. Topman's new design cleverly incorporates the classic denim shirt with a corduroy collar. Incongruous you say? Just try it, you'll know what I mean. Smashing stuff.




But I must confess. Topman's inventory is simply huge. It becomes apparent that a lot of the menswear here is just too easy to forget. Why? Because of practicality. A return to perennials in Topman's catalogue can only be seen as a sensible response to recessionary times. Don’t get me wrong, the gems which I’ve highlighted only reinforce this notion but the overwhelming force to compromise on fodder which makes us replace that jacket, with another… and another. Gents, we can avoid this- If we can assess the long term gains.

Well done Topman. You've done your homework. Dapper chap approves.  Practical and cool, what’s not to love? Now, let’s hope John and Edward ruin all your efforts by donning the range this Saturday…

Dapper Chap is a 26 year old actor with a keen eye for a bargain buy, otherwise known as Simon. Often be found bouncing up and down to a nostalgic hit from the 90’s at somewhere suitably indie, he also loves Hitch (apparently Will Smith is a genius) and swears by Barbour Jackets (trendy but practical, whats not to love?)

His hometown is South East London as it’s “incredibly creative without being incredibly pretentious” and when he’s not acting, dancing or sniffing out his latest investment buy he can often be found chowing down in his local pie and mash shop.

Monday 2 November 2009

The Teaches of Peaches




I have never disliked Peaches Geldof. I find her amusing and generally quite an entertaining spectacle.  So when I sat down to watch Ferne Cotton meets Peaches Geldof last night there was a part of me rooting for her to reveal to the world that underneath her tabloid persona she really IS nice person.

Instead Peaches revealed herself as everything that she claims she was not. By beginning the programme proclaiming she is not an it girl, she is in fact a ‘total geek’ with a love for scientology and Sci Fi, it became clear that for Peaches words and shocking statements are far more powerful than actions. 


My issue with this revelation was if this truly was the case then I suggest Peaches darling you practise what you preach, as I'm not quite convinced trend reporting for two hours a day on behalf of Nylon magazine makes one a expert on quatum physics.

All the same her leather jacket was hot. As was her short blonde crop. Also working at Nylon, living in Brooklyn, nice work if you can get it.  Highly amusing and slightly appalling the programme has me glued to it the same way a car crash does. I can’t wait to see the second instalment.