Coffee Culture

So I have drank A LOT of coffee since I've been in NYC. I have tried some of the best and worst of the City's caffeine, and I think I have finally found my favourite. Ironically, super close to both my work and accommodation, I have only just stumbled across this quaint cafe: Culture 36. The fact that it is independent and locally owned is a bonus in this dominantly chain filled area of New York!

With a sister shop, Culture Espresso two streets down on 38th, this West 36th Street wonder is definitely where I will be getting my lunchtime treat from now on! 

http://www.cultureespresso.com

A Book of Walls

You are never too old of a bit of colouring in! Many tease this is the content of my Bachelors course… and in this case I will refrain from commenting!

Creativity is something that human kind needs to regularly exercise in order for the continuation of an interesting and developing world. The problem with our species is that we worry too much of what others think of us. I have, at times, been a prime example of this 

unfortunately, however this is something we all need to change. Creative expression is good for you! As I stress in many of my posts, inspiration is often found in everyday life. 

[http://michelleward.typepad.com/michelleward/2009/03/off-the-wall.html]

A friend of mine who is also n fashion asked me to aid her in her research process by adding an entry to her book. To my delight this book was different from most sketchbooks: each double page spread was comprised of an image of a wall. Who knew that there could be such a diverse array of walls! It was very difficult to choose which one I was to make my mark on! I had great fun forgetting troubles and focusing on filling what was in front of me! 

There are a variety of these books available widely. They are a great way to record moments in life, or even those whom are close to you at these times!

Here are just a few:

[https://www.google.com/shopping/product/1827438539958788009?q=letters+of+my+future+self&client]

[https://www.google.com/shopping]

[http://www.walmart.com/ip/20931211?]

Weekend in Washington

What was I expecting? Honestly I do not know, but it most certainly wasn’t what I was welcomed with! The only way I can describe this spectacular city is like Wisteria Drive from Desperate Housewives, minus the housewives! Almost too perfect, the silence was almost scary…coming from New York I felt as though I had gone deaf! To me this weekend acted as a welcome retreat from the chaos of the city that never sleeps, although a lot of walking did take place.

Most of the main monuments are within walking distance of one-another and all very touching. I recommend a visit to them all both in the daylight and in the dark when the moonbeams bring forth and emphasise the historic importance of each. 

If there is a place to experience College life, DC definitely has to be a contender with a large student population there are a multitude of activities to try for a variety of budgets including some fabulous food focused favourites!

Recalling the past weekend now, it still feels like a dream because of place’s peculiar perfection. Time passes quickly quite often, but here the days raced exceptionally rapidly!

This has to be on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit in a lifetime.

You may never want to leave!

What Defines A Garment?

Student life comes with its complications… what to wear is one of the most regular but less serious. Furthermore studying fashion comes with certain expectations… that we all dress wacky, well or occasionally both if we are lucky! However dressing for occasion and to the latest styles can prove ridiculously pricey. This weekend I took it upon myself to experiment with limited resources to quickly create garments fitting for various occasions. How? Using fabric: just fabric. Here are four examples that I came up with in no more than half an hour. Many feel that creativity is a skill only certain possess. I do not believe this to be true, and even if it is this task takes very little artistic talent! Tying, folding and occasionally pinning for secure, publicly acceptable pieces can create each item.

First Freelance Fashion Feature

This last month I have started writing for Off The Cuff LDN. 

A feel privileged to be contributing to such a fabulous resource for men. London is a hub for inspiration for men world wide and often this is hard to refine well. 

Focusing on the modern gentleman, of whom's style I love, and a brilliant team, I am excited for this sites future! 

Check out my first article!

http://offthecuffldn.co.uk/blog/style-notes/the-perfect-printed-man/

Finding Street Style in a Garden

Last sunny Sunday was specatcular. My friends and I had heard of the beautiful blossom at Brooklyn Botanical gardens and hoped to see it in all of it's glory. 

It did not disappoint.

With a brilliant photograph opportunity infront of the fabulous flowers, the fashion was also fascinating... If I hadn't taken so many pictures of the scenery, I would have certainly found inspiration from the visitors of the gardens! 

A popular but perfect relaxed resort to prepare you for the working week. 

Catch the Cherry Blossom whilst it is in bloom!

The Skill of Minimalism

Being a minimalist is definitely not something that comes naturally to me: I am a creative who has become a hoarder in many respects. I feel as though the design world is populated by a juxtaposition of minimalists and hoarders. As a result of this I have grown to greatly admire Minimalists.

A talented young designer, who I had the pleasure of living under the same roof as for several weeks, is the main inspiration for this post. On a daily basis I envied how this lovely lady always looked effortlessly fashionable, cool and yet comfortable in her clothing, especially as she informed us of the minimal amount of clothes she had with her.  

Furthermore my supervisor at my internship has been reading a book which encourages a minimalist lifestyle, and the revelations are quite fascinating! 

[http://de-smitten.com/2013/08/27/minimalist-design-interiors-imitate-fashion/]

There has always been the conflict in fashion of quality versus quantity when it comes to comprising a wardrobe and more recently I have become increasingly aware of the importance and positives of  owning a few quality garments over many outfits of a lower standard. An obvious increase in the importance of brands in America, in contrast to the United Kingdom can suggest many things, both controversial and not (which would make my post far from minimalistic if I were to cove these). New Yorkers on the whole do tend to have a more casual style than British Fashion. I do feel like it has changed my approach to dressing and shopping, and probably for the better! 

Here are a few fabulous sites which talk in more depth about the beauty of a minimalistic wardrobe and life, offering advise to those who want to follow this way of living: 

http://into-mind.com/category/minimalist-wardrobe/

http://www.becomingminimalist.com/a-practical-guide-to-owning-fewer-clothes/

http://www.styleandminimalism.com

The obvious advice though is to create a wardrobe of essentials... perhaps with one or two adventurous feel good pieces. Many style sites offer their take on wardrobe essentials, but I think it comes down tot the individual and your style. 

[Image from: http://www.elle.com/fashion/g8259/ten-closet-essentials/]

http://www.whowhatwear.com/wardrobe-essentials-every-woman-needs-2014/

http://www.elle.com/fashion/g8259/ten-closet-essentials/?slide=9

http://www.instyle.com/fashion/10-wardrobe-essentials

If it doesn't come naturally to you, becoming a minimalist could prove to be very hard. I am not saying everyone should become one, the variation of style is what makes us identifiably individual, but learning about this sector in fashion is definitely interesting!