Whether
you need some stylish gift ideas for a gentlemen friend, or you’re adding to
your own Christmas wish list, my new piece for Off The Cuff LND could help. For
inspiration check it out on through the link below! Happy Shopping!
Monday 30 November 2015
Sunday 8 November 2015
Dressing For November OTCL
Gentlemen follow the link below to see my advice on how to dress this November!
http://offthecuffldn.co.uk/blog/mens-style/style-notes/bbqs-to-bonfires/
Off The Cuff LDN also has more super style points for this season.. I recommend a little look!
http://offthecuffldn.co.uk/blog/mens-style/style-notes/bbqs-to-bonfires/
http://offthecuffldn.co.uk/blog/mens-style/style-notes/bbqs-to-bonfires/
Off The Cuff LDN also has more super style points for this season.. I recommend a little look!
http://offthecuffldn.co.uk/blog/mens-style/style-notes/bbqs-to-bonfires/
Monday 19 October 2015
Wrap-up for Winter
They re-imerged into the retail arena last year and they're back with further fashionable force this fall. The winter wrap is back! Cape, poncho, or blanket; not always the most practical outerwear, but an easy and wonderfully warm cover-up. Stores on all levels of the market have adopted this trend, you just have to find the right style for you and your budget.
Burberry
Next
River Island
*Detachable faux fur collar*
Ted Baker
ASOS
Monday 5 October 2015
Off The Cuff LDN- Autumn's Approach to Knitwear
For my latest menswear article for Off The Cuff LDN, and help with your woollies this season:
[FARFETCH.COM]
Tuesday 29 September 2015
Selecting the Unexpected - Gorgeously Glamorous Garments from S/S16
So for fashion lovers this is one of the most exciting few weeks of the year as the world showcases their up and coming styles in the fashion capitals.
With Paris proceeding today with a fantastic line up of talented designers, I have been looking back on the shows from Milan, Copenhagen, New York and London.
Here I have tried to look at designers that have not necessarily caught my eye in the past but have overly impressed me with their Spring Summer 2016 Collections.
New York - Calvin Klein Collection
Copenhagen - Mark Kenly Domino Tan
London - Bora Aksu
With no bias intentions what-so-ever I would like to congratulate those that showed at London fashion week as there were so many successful collections and I seriously struggled to choose which to display! It is definitely worth a browse!
Milan - Ermanno Scervino
There is a definite colour pallet prevailing, no prizes goes to those who guess it...But what gorgeously glamorous garments it aids to create!
Now who's excited for Paris Fashion week?...I certainly am!
Thursday 24 September 2015
Lets Get Realistic
Unless you're very luck we won't all be able to buy our wardrobe for the winter off of the catwalk.
This doesn't mean that we cannot be on trend or have quality garments! Below I have chosen an item for each of my previous article topics from the past week that you should snap from the high-street ASAP.
White Outerwear and Shearling- ASOS currently stock the Paisie, faux shearling coat with contrast collar. This purchase is a promising one covering both the "white outerwear" trend as well as being made of realistic faux shearling.
80s Sparkle- Zara has some beautiful garments for this coming season. One of my favourites has to be the Accordion Pleat Skirt with metallic silver stripes. There is no way you could get more stylish with some sparkle!
[http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/skirts/view-all/accordion-pleat-skirt-c733908p2926093.html]
Interior Inspirations- Riverisland have addressed the catwalks interior influences and produced a lovely wearable shirt dress with blue tile print.
Classy Classic Clutch- I am in LOVE with this L.K. Bennet, Laura Saf Ballerina Nude clutch. Available at NEXT, there is no better bag to have this season!
Black- With this being the colour of the season there is a definite need for a LBD in your wardrobe for that much needed celebration. Topshop has a variety of LBD for everyone. This staple garment will never go out of style. This particular black dress is by Rare, giving you that little bit more exclusivity.
Tuesday 22 September 2015
Interior Inspiration
Mary Katrantzou Fall15
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/mary-katrantzou/slideshow/collection#12]
I have always been influenced by interiors when it comes to designing clothing, this was made even more prominent when I met my boyfriend, an interior designer. One of the most talented fashion designers that focuses on interior design as an influence is Mary Katrantzou.
Dries Van Noten
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/dries-van-noten/slideshow/collection#62]
For Fall 2015 many other designers have taken inspiration from tapestries, brocades, and really the whole contents of houses through the centuries. Marc By Marc Jacobs, Erdem, Dolce and Gabbana, Celine, Tods, Louis Vuitton, Giambattista Valli, Suno, Dries Van Noten, Etro, Vivienne Westwood and Burberry Prossum are just part of the list of top designers that have joined the work of Katrantzou for the season, although often slightly less event garde!
Burberry Prorsum
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/burberry-prorsum/slideshow/collection#7]
So think flocked florals and prints of Liberty and LLB style and you're sorted!
Laurence Llewlyn-Bowen designs for Very.co.uk
[http://www.very.co.uk/laurence-llewelyn-bowen-queen-of-the-night-bedding-range/1438749483.prd]
Monday 21 September 2015
A/W 2015 Clothing Colour Pallet
Black- A favourite for many season after season, especially in the winter months, black has the boldest presence this A/W for email fashion. A decadently dark collection by Donna Karan displays this obviously.
Donna Karan A/W15
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/donna-karan#collection]
White- Outerwear has the biggest claim on this colour. It may not be the most practical colour for the garments it features on, but they do look magically marvellous! Fendi's collection features many fairytale-esque, white and wonderful pieces of clothing.
Fendi AW15
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/fendi#collection]
Greys- All shades of grey have gone down the catwalks for both men and women this season and so are set to have a significant presence in stores this soon. Balenciaga have used this colourless tone brilliantly; adding beauty and excitement to the grey garments.
Balenciaga AW15
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/balenciaga/slideshow/collection#34]
Reds, Pinks and Blues- These three colours also have contributed to the catwalks aiding the bold 80s trend among others. Alexander McQueen is the perfect collection to show how these colours have been used successfully.
Alexander McQueen AW15
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/alexander-mcqueen/slideshow/collection#3]
Orange, Yellow, Purple, Green and Brown- Elements of these less conventional colours will appear in high-street stores in someway or another. So if you're a fan of being a little different yet fashionable, these colours could be used to make you outfit pop! Balmain have produced some gorgeously glamorous garments using these brights in their colour pallet.
Green is also a prominent colour for menswear AW15!
Balmain AW15
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/balmain/slideshow/collection#7]
Sunday 20 September 2015
It's Not All About The Clothes
Time to talk accessories. Granted garments are very glamorous themselves this autumn/ winter: bling, bows and big, bold block print, but that does not mean an outfit should not be decorated even further with fabulous fashion finishings.
Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy A/W15
[Marie Claire Runway Autumn/ Winter 2015, Fashion]
Have a nosey at these nose rings- Riccardo Tisci has attracted a lot of attention with the Givenchy jewellery collection this season. Exceptional emeralds surrounded splendidly by beautiful diamonds, these elegant accessories are every magpie's dream. The most interesting pieces of the collection for me were the nose rings: elegantly alternative is not a combination that works successfully often!
Roberto Cavalli A/W15
[www.tumblr.com]
Glass heel - Ok, we are not quite talking Cinderella here, but Perspex heels sauntered down several catwalks for the fall collections. Simone Rocha has tackled this trend by combining it with that of shearling, whilst Roberto Cavalli has created a luxurious velvet boot with an embellished perspex heel. But my favourite boot by far has to be Christian Dior's baby blue boot with translucent pink heel.
Christian Dior AW15
[https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ab/60/0c/ab600ca45239a64be7abd0c725a83841.jpg]
The bag- For each of the dominant trends currently there is at least one brilliant bag to be bought... But one of the hardest hitting handbag styles for the season is the classy classic clutch, shoulder and basic bag ... Really you're safe as long as your bag boldly brings sophistication to your style !
Jil Sander
[http://dynamic.forzieri.com/is/image/Forzieri/354X490TMPL?layer=comp&wid=354&hei=490&fmt=jpeg&qlt=100,0&op_sharpen=1&resMode=sharp&op_usm=1.0,0.18,7,0&iccEmbed=0&$fz_prd=is%7BForzieri/js130415-037-1x?scl=1%7D]
Belt- This autumn/ winter addresses the hourglass figure as a favourite. J.W.Anderson has produced a gorgeous geometric design to clinch the waist.
J.W.Anderson
[http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/BN-HB400_LFW022_GV_20150222162724.jpg]
Friday 18 September 2015
It's A Shearling Thing
So yesterday I had my locks cut and coloured like many fashionable sheep have for this season.
No I'm not going mad(der), shearling is a... or I'd even go as far as saying... THE thing right now. In fact there are so many designers looking to lambswool that I can not specify key brands for this style.
Sonia Rykiel A/W 15
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/sonia-rykiel/slideshow/collection#24]
However I can dare to discuss my favourite approaches to the trend. Sonia Rykiel has produced a beautiful patterned pink suede Mac with shearling lining that looks so snug, yet stylish it's
almost dreamlike.
As for Marco de Vincenzo, well the patchwork and carving of these creations are nothing less than pure genius.
Marco de Vincenzo A/W 15
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/marco-de-vincenzo/slideshow/collection#28]
Quick! Invest this woollen vest for winter, after all it is not very often being warm is stylish!
Thursday 17 September 2015
Fashion Focus and an 80s Evolution
The past few weeks I've been trying to bring myself to write more about experiences in New York, however, no longer in that concrete jungle it can be rather heartbreaking... Especially with Uni work deadlines! Furthermore this blog was loosing its fashion focus... So let's reel it in people!
I'm now aiming for a blog 60% fashion 25% art and 15% other fabulous subjects of living.
New York City
So now the explanation is over let's get to the fun bit... Fashion!
With the biannual big big fashion capital runways currently being strutted along, with awe inspiring collections of the highest quality and creativity it's easy to forget the current season's styles...
Especially when you're a designer and are working several seasons in advance! For the next few days I hope to recap and remind you of where you should direct your retail therapy in order to be on trend.
By no means am I saying stick rigidly to this blogged brief ... Personality is key-never forget that in fashion... Add your mark to the marvellous makings and mouldings of the greats, and style them so you feel comfortable.
Today leaving Newcastle, friends and a fabulous boyfriend at 7.30 am, I feel I need a bit of sparkle to excite me for the hair appointment I am travelling to (about time I go blond again I feel)...luckily enough sparkle is something that is set to dominate this party season.
The 80s have hit this season hard with an explosion of bold prints, sheen and of course the power shoulders! Sequins lurex and velvets, what more could a girl want?!
What's the colour pallet? Well for this trend think Christmas chocolate tins and candy wrappers. Golds,
silvers, greens, purples and reds, all with a metallic touch.
Christopher Kane A/W15
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/christopher-kane/slideshow/collection#34]
Christopher Kane is king of trend this A/W. Splendidly supported by the prince of the popping power shoulders this season, J.W. Anderson. But my favourite outfit has to be the tiered,metallic magenta, rara skirt, with a navy top and a Quality Street purple belt by Balmain.
Balmain A/W15
[http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/balmain/slideshow/collection#44]
So that's your party pieces sorted for sure, but why not be bold, brave and stylish this season by dressing down this 80s evolution? Go girl, I dare you!
Wednesday 12 August 2015
Breaking Ankles Beautifully
Why do we do it? My knees often hurt after walking in flats: in heels, well that is another degree of pain! To add to that I will openly admit that I cannot steadily walk (even ten steps,) like an average human being in anything higher than 2 inch heels! I may be more clumsy than most, however you do not have to go far to see women stumbling in stilettos. I would love to know the injury statistics of such stylish shoes. But would that stop us from stomping around in them? I highly doubt it! We may have a giggle or two as we recall our personal shoe predicaments ...But at the end of the day beautiful footwear just has to be worn and is worth the pain!
The history, of the hellish heel has been explained extensively but excitingly in an the exhibition:Shoes Pleasure & Pain at the V&A, London.
Some spectacular shoes, including iconic designs and cultural creations wall the wonderful space.
Upstairs describes the design and production process of producing the perfect pair and the future fashions for footwear.
The perfect size. I highly recommend those with a love for shoes or design to make time to visit this visually vibrant collection.
Can't get to the spectacular shoe showcase? Or maybe you need something to inspire and accompany an opulent visit to the V&A? If you haven't already, I highly recommend all fashion fanatics watch the Channel 4 Documentary: Louboutin - The Worlds Most Luxurious shoes. The designer's dedication to his job - his life - is admirable, inspirational and astonishing. His beautiful creations cry quality which more than justifies the fame and fortune the footwear brand bestows. Wear-ability isn't key for all of the decadent designs, but the desirability definitely does not falter as
a result, proving the pleasure is worth the pain!
Tuesday 11 August 2015
Economy and Cake, Past and Present
Sometimes I have too much to write about ... that often means I struggle to find time to collate all my thoughts into posts.
Like exercise, blogging is hard to return to after a break... especially when that break includes living my last few weeks in New York, and then mourning my move away from the city that never sleeps!
However, today I took my Grandma for a typically British morning delight, consisting of tea and scones. This is when my kick start story surprised me. Unfortunately I was made aware Jennie's Tea Room on Wellogate, Grimsby sadly closes its doors tomorrow. "A real family business offering premium quality teas, fresh coffee & delicious cakes" has been a favourite of mine with its old fashioned music, style and good service.
Enjoying the pleasant atmosphere today with the even more pleasant scone and hot chocolate that I devoured, it was clear to see how much the cafe will be missed by its regulars of all ages.
It is a real shame how much loved, independent businesses are those that struggle most in the current economical climate. Grimsby and the surrounding area is a prime example of this economic struggle for many businesses both independent and otherwise.
Come and support the truly tremendous tea rooms in its final day of service, and grab a scrumptious sweet or savoury snack... I definitely intend to go one last time to this cute coffee shop, so I may see you there!
Thank you Jennie's for your fabulous service!
Thank you Jennie's for your fabulous service!
Sentimental customers can also grab a piece of Jennie's at the closing sale Thursday 11th August also at the old shop.
Wednesday 17 June 2015
SWEET Treat
It's Wednesday, you're halfway through the working week well done!
In Boston today? Like Cupcakes? If so SWEET could be the place to treat yourself for all your hard work. With six beautiful bakeries in and around Boston, each with a variety of delectable delights its hard to resist!
Maybe the whole office is in need of a pick-me-up or are celebrating something? SWEET Bakery offer both an advance pick up and delivery service especially for such occasions. Convenient cupcakes...could it get any better? To take a look at the mouthwatering masterpieces or for more information check out their social media platforms.
Facebook: facebook.com/SweetBoston
Twitter: @SweetCupcakes_
Pintrest: pinterest.com/SweetBoston/
Instagram: instagram.com/SweetBakeryBoston
In Boston today? Like Cupcakes? If so SWEET could be the place to treat yourself for all your hard work. With six beautiful bakeries in and around Boston, each with a variety of delectable delights its hard to resist!
Maybe the whole office is in need of a pick-me-up or are celebrating something? SWEET Bakery offer both an advance pick up and delivery service especially for such occasions. Convenient cupcakes...could it get any better? To take a look at the mouthwatering masterpieces or for more information check out their social media platforms.
Facebook: facebook.com/SweetBoston
Twitter: @SweetCupcakes_
Pintrest: pinterest.com/SweetBoston/
Instagram: instagram.com/SweetBakeryBoston
Tuesday 16 June 2015
Designer Dover St.
I will admit that when I have visitors here I often learn something about the city I did not know. On this occasion I had never heard of Dover St. Market... in New York anyway! However, I am so glad I was introduced to it. A quirky, magical, and yet somehow sophisticated space combines collections from a mix of designers that you wouldn't usually see placed together.
The garments sold here have clearly been selectively chosen, which allows the focus to be on their amazing designs and construction.
This is arguably one of the best places I have been in the city for customer service: the intense training and briefings the staff have here is obvious.
From a design point of view the space has been used magnificently. Each floor was like a set for a modern show. This display definitely aids the sales of the beautiful clothes.
The customer can definitely be defined as artistic here: even people watching from the delicious cafe on the ground floor is fabulous.
With various locations world wide, I highly recommend a visit to at least one!
Thursday 11 June 2015
Polaroid in the Park
I had the pleasure of hosting my friend for the last few days of her six month stint in America. We have been close since the beginning of secondary school and so it was nice to share such a big experience as living abroad.
Both very much in love with all things retro, we just couldn't resist marking the occasion with a Polaroid picture when we came across the service in Central Park.
Central Park Polaroids is ran by Brian Fass, and for just $7 you can have a lovely keep sake to take home with you.
It is friendly service that appreciates both the art of photography and the special stories behind each image. The photographer even kindly took a second picture for us free of charge because the image didn't develop properly - which wasn't his fault at all!
The old style image adds that extra magic to each experience and Fass is very much aware of this, also documenting people's stories in a short film.
If you find yourself in Central Park anytime soon and want to remember the event find Fass!
Check out Central Park Polaroids on Facebook!
Tuesday 9 June 2015
Jumping over East River
Ok so you can't actually jump over East River but you can ride 200ft over it!
For just a standard New York MTA subway charge you can travel from New York to Roosevelt Island on a 4 minute cable car journey.
The views are outstanding, and even with a maximum of 125 other people sharing this fabulous experience with you!.. In fact if anything it adds to the atmosphere! Travelling at 16mph for a duration of four minutes, there is plenty of time to take some great pictures.
The trams run every quarter of an hour from 6am- 2.30am from the Tramway Plaza, 59th St., 2nd Ave. to Roosevelt Island.
The island itself is definitely worth the visit with the New and beautifully tranquil Franklin D. Roosevelt- Our Freedoms Park and spectacular views of New York City!
(Statistics from NY.com 09/06/2015)
Curiosities and Wonderments
For a special and beautiful, but different gift...even if that is a gift to yourself, these items designed and fabricated with love maybe what you're looking for!
Stern Design Works describes themselves perfectly as:
"Jewellery - Sculpture
Curiosities - Wonderments"
They could really add that little extra originality to an outfit and make it sparkle!
A magical stall of these wonderful pieces can be found in Chelsea Market, New York. Otherwise check out their website for their fabulous offerings: www.sterndesignworkd.com
Monday 8 June 2015
Champion Fix
It's Monday morning, therefore you need a coffee!
Get yourself ready for the week ahead with a coffee from Champion coffee at Gansevoort market.
High quality Expresso, at an easy to access bar just off of the street, it's so tempting you just can't say no!
Warning: there is such an array of fabulously mouthwatering food in this market that you'll be wanting to grab lunch for later as well!
Not in the Chelsea area? Maybe their Brooklyn base is better for you...
Have a good caffeinated week!
Sunday 7 June 2015
Favour for Favor
Last week I finally got to explore Williamsburg. The wonderful day, full of fashion, art and culture allowed me to find fabulous places that aren't necessarily in guide books, but right up my street...metaphorically of course!
On 1st street between Bedford and Driggs is one of these quaint places. I knew instantly when seeing the store's signage that I would like this place: it was British after all!
Full of fantastic, fashionable and astonishingly, artistically aesthetic pieces, this British design store specialises in furniture, lighting, wallpaper, gifts and accessories.
Cleverly called Grace & Favor, this shop also displayed its stock very well, making it clear the owner was creatively talented.
As soon as my boyfriend (an interior designer) and I entered this magical shop we felt very welcomed, but not pressured, by the lovely owner. It is very rare that you receive good customer service these days, however this lady was genuinely enthusiastic about her work and interested in our creative lives. Furthermore we expressed how oddly being a Brit abroad makes you get over enthused by anything of British origin even though we try not to!
At present, as much as I would love to, I do not have the money, space or indeed place to purchase well crafted furniture, but Grace & Favor is definitely the dream destination to go when decorating! Many of the pieces are limited edition with honourable heritage and values behind the product. Even this fabulous note book that I was kindly gifted is a decomposition book and 100% recyclable!
Thank you Grace & Favor not only for my brilliant book, but for your superb service and incredibly desirable designs!
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