Sunday, 22 May 2011

Stubble

WARNING SHAMELESS PLUG.


Done a spot of writing for a new and different magazine, "Stubble"

Released on 1st June - head to Magma in covent garden to pick up your copy. First 100 are free, then it's £2.25

It won't tell you what to wear (like I do!), but it focuses on important issues, fashion, grooming - and being yourself all the while.

Trust me, it'll be a brilliant read :-)

G'wan


-FB

AAA

Aware that I have not blogged in a while. I should be ashamed of myself. I know.

Went to Westfields the other day and spotted AAA collection in Topman. Ideal if your channelling your inner rock god for Glasto this year.

I'll let the Big Guy (Gordon Richardson, the design director) explain. "AAA was born out of a seed of an idea whilst styling bands & musicians for our Flagship New York store opening. it became apparent that whilst we may happen to have a fleeting Rock and Roll trend in store what we needed was a more permanent one with a music DNA that our customer could buy into regardless of seasonal influences. A range that made you feel and look like a rock star."

My favourite picks are..

This 'sheer tulip shape jersey crew' (£28)

This 'black leather hooded gilet' (£100)

This 'black marble print vest' (£16)

Aaaaaand this 'stone straw trilby' (£18)


-FB

Wednesday, 6 April 2011

Saving Face

Saving Face: To keep your reputation and the respect of other people. Or the name of an exciting and original jewellery business that has only recently began designing for men. The design duo Kate Wood and Tiffany Pitchforth have been best friends for over 10 years, and their compatibility shows. “We don’t follow trends. And we’re not that girly either.” Kate confesses. “We both have degrees in design but neither of us wanted to sit at a drawing board for hours. We construct pieces [by hand] as we go along – and the spontaneity and creative freedom it gives us is far more enjoyable.” Their passion and personal tastes are reflected in the pieces. Whilst Kate is collecting all objects with a natural fabric, a good colour or a sensual texture [I like a mixture of leather and metal, quite masculine looking styles really], Tiff is inspired by simple lines, the aesthetics of Scandanavian and Dutch designers, and fine art within jewellery.



With a constant stream of jewellery being produced, you’d be mistaken for thinking ideas may be running short. “We’re influenced by a mutual love of travelling (the business was meant to be a side project to help them raise money to do a bit more globe-trotting together). Our inspiration can come from anywhere, you just need to keep your eyes open. We’ve recently been to Rio de Janeiro which has influenced our materials and even our logo”. The name for the business came about from their idea to contain a watch in all their pieces. “When we first started I worked a vintage watch into a necklace,” explains Tiff. “Recycling vintage watches, pieces that people once loved but have now discarded became our trademark. All of our pieces therefore and now one of a kind, unique and include a time piece. When it came to naming our business, it was Kate who recalled the saying ‘saving face’”.



Although the menswear collection will not include a time piece, they still include a vintage trinket. However, if you want to regenerate an old pocket watch don’t hesitate to ask. “We have a lovely studio in Elland in Yorkshire and we’re in the process of setting up our own website. In the meantime though, we’ve expanded all around the country and online with independent galleries, boutiques, Facebook and most recently, ASOS marketplace, all stocking our jewellery. We also create bespoke pieces for individuals at their request and vision.” With their highest priced piece currently at £200, Saving Face seems like a hidden treasure eager to be discovered.


-FB

Wednesday, 16 March 2011

Lomography Love

J'adore this parisian style camera.




Sold only at Urban Outfitters, this Diana camera (which dates back to the 60's in Hong Kong) has had a french makeover.

For those who may be unaware, the Diana camera produces soft-focus pictures, radiant colours and brilliant contrasts. This camera can also take pinhole and endless panorama shots.

HOW perfect and ideal for the Summer. Teamed with rolled up jeans and espadrilles - channel your inner European man. Tandem bike is optional.


-FB

ASOS Marketplace

Bored of high-street?
Bored of high-end?
Fancy something that no one else is going to have, or want to go out with the feeling that you’re not going to bump into someone wearing the same t-shirt or trousers?

Make yourself a bit more individual with a touch of an independent designer.
A personal champion of these, ASOS has really helped back my whole ethos of staying away from the mainstream whenever you can.



ASOS marketplace is a destination for all you men (womenswear too) that want something a bit more personal. And it’s not just independent online boutiques, but also just normal people selling factors of their own personal style and vintage retailers. Even the photography style showcasing the clothes and accessories is more of a street style, a rather casual method of capturing the items.

Join the community now on ASOS.com

-FB

BieberFever

Now, I am not advocating Justin Bieber in any way, shape, or form.
But I do admire his stylist slightly.

Where I'm coming from is his shoes. Let's be honest, he can't swan about next to Colin Firth at the Oscars, or pose next to P Diddy at the Grammys dressed as smartly and maturely as they do. So he does it with a twist.



Oscars after party with Selena Gomez



Grammys

Shirt - check
Tie - check
Waiscoat - check (instead of blazer which may drown him, smart move, well done)
Suit trousers - check (awful material, but that's by the by)
Shoes - check (well not shoes, but trainers, but smart trainers, high tops - let's ignore the high platform sole!)




At a price of £625, you may think these are unreasonable. But they're no ordinary black trainers. They're real leather high-tops designed by the great Rick Owens. Although you can't see on this picture, the inside of the trainers have a zip detail and the laces and panelling detail make for a better alternative to military boots, brogues or your everyday trainers.
Available at www.mrporter.com.

-FB

Friday, 11 March 2011

Denim Week

Boys,

save a few pennies and treat yourself to a pair of brand new jeans from River Island. Heck, with 25% off you could afford two!

Available between 11th and 20th march in store and online.

Here are a few of my recommendations:


Grey Denim Slouch Jeans. Were £49.99, Now £37.49.



Light Wash Denim Skinny Fit Jeans. Were £34.99, Now £26.24.



Dark Denim Carrot Fit Jeans. Were £44.99, Now £33.74.


-FB