The Pin Stripe Prince

Wasps & War

2012-01-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

Every month I usually try and take a stab in the dark at a brand new bright colour. Last month it was coral orange, and today it's the hazzard loud yellow. I picked up a mustard toned trench jacket from a vintage shop that has a world war weight and tailoring to it. With my slim frame I can sometimes look a little drowned in the classic black trench, but a pop of colour is just the ticket to regiment it into my wardrobe for that Bottega Veneta feel. I also thought I'd feature a recent collection by Christian Westphal. I adore the practically 'glow in the dark' attention to yellow, adding a pop of colour to a lookbook that focuses on unexpected funnel shapes and movement. He's a designer that transforms quirky textures into minimal elegance, and I love it!

Thoughts Like Gravity

2012-01-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Coral is one of the hottest photographers in London at the moment, and his new project cobwebs all the men of fashion into an upcoming exhibition called 'The Relations.' From artists, to stylists, journalists, models and more, it's a unique initiative that adds a patchwork and photographic formula for how the menswear industry collaborates and comes together. I was thrilled to be involved, and below is some of the moody results that focused on unconventional lighting that teased towards the supernatural. I also thought I'd showcase some more black suited aesthetics from the new collection by Acne. The peter pan collars and hidden bobbled textures within the sharp and aggressive black layers made for a hard yet youthful take on the suit.

Citizens Of Farah

2012-01-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

From the casuals of the 80s to young artists today, Farah is a brand that connects with all the movements and moods of creative city characters. I was thrilled to be involved in their SS12 lookbook and campaign, where DJ's, artists, producers and the odd blogger came together to present the collection. Mixing rusty pastel colours, the clothes have an outdoor energy and effortless funk about them.

Lucid

2012-01-19T07:56:00.000-08:00

It's all about menswear at the moment, with Milan overdosing in the luxe utopia's of the likes of Dolce & Gabanna. What struck me about the recent AW collection is the indulgence in unadulterated wealth, with coats and capes looking bolder and more epic than ever. With gorilla texture collars, velvet style lining, and regal gold tapestry detailing to the shoes, it looks like power is the menswear premise this season. With this in mind, I turned to my trusted structured peacoat for a smaller frame interpretation. My top is from unconditional, which has bullet shot buttons drilled down the middle for a little toughness. I also wanted to give a little shout out to Glossybox, a brand new initiative that I signed up to immediately. They send a luxe and structured box of the latest high end beauty tester products for men, ranging from aftershave to skin care. It's already got me addicted to some new must-have morning revivals; infact, it's probably going to become my new first-aid-kit!

Colour Me Coral

2012-01-16T06:42:00.000-08:00

At the weekend I wrote the upcoming AW press release for the prince of darkness, Asger Juel Larsen. He's the gothic puppet master of fusing acidic references to hip hop with brutal leather agression, and as always I'm a fan of colour clashing and conflict. My friend recently lent me a coral orange jacket, which I thought would be perfect to violently pop out from a simplistic punk look. I could probably front an 80s revival band in the outfit, but the guilty pleasure side of life is controlling my tastes today! There's also some coral colour loving from Marc Jacobs below. [My hair was styled by the upcoming stylist Jason from Bloww in London.] And if you'd care to follow my erratic notes on Twitter, my account is www.twitter.com/charlestonm

See Through Dreams

2012-01-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

The new SS12 campaign from Emporio Armani popped into my inbox, and its fresh take on the future was too irresistible not to feast on and share for the blogging banquet. The outfits are deliciously stripped to artistic minimalism, with sharp lined suits, architectual sheer shirts, and a hint of harem flow to the trousers that clash with the cutting edge haircuts. I couldn't help but try out my own interpretation!

Never Missed Such A Wild Stranger Before

2012-01-07T04:12:00.000-08:00

This week I've come across collections and editorials with a animal theme to them. Whether it's the kooky use of a plastic fox as a clutch bag, a wild digital print on a silk jacket, or ragged and tribal fur accessories to embody something nomadic, I've been digging it. In my outfit below I'm sporting the t-rex tote bag from Christopher Kane, and teasing leopard print socks for an urban jungle feel.

Goth + Glam

2012-01-03T01:16:00.001-08:00

I love fusing trends together, particularly when they're an 'off the track' route that you'd assume would lead you to a dead end... or in this context... to a car crash outfit. But I've been so inspired by the fashion forward rebels online that intricately make a marriage of clashing textures and print. Pelayo recently adapted sickly sweet leather to gothic and masculine-glam shorts, and then teamed this with a minimal black sweater to embody adventure and sophistication at the same time. For me, I fused a hint of goth with something glam, customising a dusty glitter top with spikey and studded accessories. The vintage Parisian trousers have subtle 70s flare to them with a print from a vintage romance. I also thought I'd introduce an amazing new accessories brand called Moi Non Plus who explore the dark side of glamour with eccentric pieces that scare and excite at the same time.

Ice Ice Baby

2012-01-01T16:59:00.001-08:00

So 2011 was an amazing concoction of career highlights at Cosmo and fashion infused adventures around London. This year I've engraved a New Years resolution novel of tasks to tick off, including the constant evolution of my wardrobe. One of these outfit ideas in mind is to finally master leather trousers; a material that usually makes me look like a wannabe biker on Gaga's Judas highway! This editorial below though adds an eclectic length and dimension, giving high waisted hope to pull it off. I love the corset texture with the tucked in shirt, taking a western vibe into gothic and indsutrial illumination. While craving this sort of ambition though, I also can't deny the laid back days, and my recent pair of acid wash jeans from loveclothing is the antidote for the faded 90s tone that never fades out of trend.

Fresh Prince Of The Village

2011-12-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

I've had a taste for the 80s after being home for Christmas. Not because my family live in a time warped village, but because of the retro tv I greedily enjoyed. The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air might be true tacky-vision, but I couldn't help but love the kaleidoscope prints that practically jumped off the screen. Colours so bold they're blinding, and silky materials dominating the silhouette; it's a style Vivienne Westwood often uses as a tapestry to her designs, and I fancied trying out the fresh prince persona aswell! My vintage shirt is an infusion of sheer and sheer delight colour. Teamed with a chunky biker jacket, the look is something-sorta-80's with a village punk twist.

The Vintage Cinema Runaway

2011-12-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

I found myself lost in vintage cinematic flickers when seeing the SS12 Dolce and Gabbana menswear campaign. Like stills from a sepia soaked moment, the images revel in an enriched sense of family style; with masculine strength and pride in the sharp and sculpted suits, but also the relaxed 'at home' attitude of ice white shirts and crisp trousers, the looks are destined to be worn for slick daydreaming bliss in a secret Italian village that embodies rustic style without even realising. Inspired by this, I kidnapped the essence of D&G by modernising some 'Bugsy Malone' trousers. Tucking them into a ferocious SINSTAR t-shirt with a print that could have come to life from a marvel magazine, the clash of attitude with the laid back trousers makes for my own Italian interpretation of a chilled out manerism and masculinity.

You Put The Beat In My Bones

2011-12-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

When I came across Tommy Hilfiger's christmas-clad retreat to plaid, I must admit I was suprisingly impressed by the head-to-toe grid locked dedication to the checkered print. Trousers that look like jazzy pyjama's begging for a military boot invite outside, lumberjacks that exude rural exuberance, and cardigans that look oh so intricate; it seems that plaid could easily monopolise a lot of editorials. Inspired by this, I decided to freeze a hoody and jumper together for an arctic overdose.

The Great Gatsby

2011-12-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

Why not make Winter a suited ice crisp season? I'm all about bow ties at the moment, and I fell in love with the silky treats from Saville Row. They were perfect for bringing to life the pages from The Great Gasby with the wonderfully talented Roberta in these photos. On another swarv' note, I'm in the running for Hackett's Sartorial Man competition on facebook. Click here to check it out and enter yourself! And if you fancy a few bargains in your stocking, ASOS Brighterman are selling a number of my lookbook pieces...

Sandy Dunes, Dusty Blues

2011-12-06T02:48:00.000-08:00

It was all about Barbour back at the start of the year, but Burberry Prorsum's recent parkas couldn't get any more epic and impressive. They look like a designer stumbled into the shire, dismantled a tangled tent and tassled it into a jacket. You don't even need a fur embellished collar to create the momentous appeal, as the sharpness of the red parka daggers around the neck like Henry 8th in a futuristic era. The kaleidoscope owl eye prints underneath also modernise the countryside reflection, and the classic blue jeans are given a skinny revamp to an amazing standard. My parka might not be at the sharp end of the scale like this, but it certainly takes inspiration from the farmers. It has a 'falling apart' effect, with crinkled gritty draping and pockets piecing together the jacket. With a slouched hood for the urban-ites, and a sandy brown for the bohemians, it manages to be a parka that puts itself in the middle of the wheel of fortune for all styles and tastes.

A Frozen Forest Of Fireworks

2011-12-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

While in Winter it's a luxury to cocoon in clusters of cashmere, I've found that warmth can be warped into loud, atmospheric and angst anchored clothes. A photoshoot in Hysteria balloons the Adidas logo like a bodyguard across the body, with the sharp minimalism of black and white chanelling a sinister Chanel, and looking like the comfiest and cutting edge of all tracksuits. B-Trend also execute a crisp twist on keeping warm, where draped layers are given modern sharpness with coats that dagger at the collars. Inspired by this, my outfit involves the heaviest patchwork shirt of the pack. It looks and feels like a collage of clothes galore, and jigsaws perfectly in with my jeans that also hijack stitching and vibes from all walks. I'm quite the gadget addict when it comes to christmas, and I find it a retro awakening and opening to bring techno hedonism to my wardrobe heart. Swapping ear muffs for mega headphones is the must-have accessory to soundtrack my style for a while, and I'm caught in the irresistible beat of these i-Mego Infinity ones. The injection of purple in the veins of the funky framework is born for Brick Lane in London, and adds a loud blast to a rebellious winter outfit. i-Mego are also currently launching 'The Decks Factor' competition for amateur DJ's to get a dubstep awakening by DJ Hatcha. Head here to find out more. [Could I also ask everyone to send positive thoughts this way to my Mum, as she's not very well at the moment. Thankyou in these oh so kind brackets]

They Say That This World Was Built For Two

2011-11-24T03:37:00.000-08:00

Fred Perry at Size

'Tis the season to start wearing that cuddly frosty feeling, and for me I become a 'santa wishlist' addict to knits that enjoy an icy acid attack of kooky seasonal prints. In a previous post I galloped reindeers across my jumper like a wonderfully ironic flashback to Darcy in Bridget Jones at a family event. But now my attention has turned to fairisle, escaping to thoughts of frozen picturesque planets. I love the simple colour tones of blackened blues with misty greys and whites, with patchwork looking like intricate snowflakes. The collection at size? is a particular highlight at the moment, destined to be worn with skinny wax jeans and the chunkiest military boots to make a real footprint with epic mountain appeal in the snow with the comfy and tough clash. Check out more here, including inspired items from Fred Perry, a retro favourite of mine. Fred Perry at Size

Unconventional Collars

2011-11-23T00:56:00.000-08:00

It might not be the most common catchphrase circulating around the compliment cloakroom, but 'cute collar' is the understated, intimate and quirky way I'm buttoning up my style this season. Serving as a tailored way of transforming a simple structured shirt, curvacious, sharp or non existent collars make all the difference in my eye. Take the outfit I'm wearing below, where a Peter Pan design adds smooth structure to the white shirt, perfect when poking out of a texture frenzied jumper and sharp Winter jacket. There's handfuls of inspiration along this line on the runway, with Unconventional's frozen landscape collection being particularly spellbinding. I love the disconnected collars that are sharp and jagged as ice, fusing perfectly into an aesthetic that looks misty, magical, almost delicate, but with subtle sharp daggers that give Winter a beautifully sinister twist. Songzio also offer a sparkling structure collar below.

Lions In Cages, Lovers Until Dawn

2011-11-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

I recently worked for Brighterman's vintage ASOS campaign, chanelling a ladder of ties from all the big names with the whacky prints. It's funny how the retro designs from the likes of YSL were for no-strings-attached formal intentions back in the day, yet now they've been brought out of hibernation and grandparents attics, it suits the east-end irony and modern pop that everyones craving. I usually opt for skinny twig ties, but the Brighterman collection has some funky wide designs with knitted texture that make the accessory much more of a statement.

On the theme of accessories and essentials, I was also approached recently by the latest underwear phenomenon to give the package more purpose (forgive the pun!) I like to make sure that even essential wear has an edge to it, and Jac5 is comfortable and stylish but with a sense of colour popping humour. Branded as 'barking mad', this editorial is barking brilliant.

Check out the collection at http://www.jac5.com/home and see Brighterman's Asos collection here. Happy shopping!

Lazy Reindeer Prints

2011-11-12T03:19:00.000-08:00

In the lead up to Christmas when the winter lights are sprinkled and exploded above Oxford Street and beyond, there's also an attack of the festive feeling that hijacks the 'comfort jumper'. I personally love this allowance for a print that could almost be interpreted as cringe, whereas in this season the more rebellious and attentive take on Christmas the better! I love this Lazy Oaf campaign that takes reindeers to a video game pacman platform in playground colours. I'm wearing an equally charming jumper from www.loveclothing.com that mists reindeers into snow, making for a subtle but just as seasonal design. For me I love wearing these sort of seasonal treats with tough trousers and boots that accomodate my usual city vibe. So black wax style jeans from www.loveclothing.com is just the ticket.

Thoughts In Whirls At Waters Frosty Edge

2011-11-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to be involved in Farah's S/S12 lookbook campaign the other week, and am eagerly looking forward to seeing the photos. In the meantime, I've delved into the vintage bliss of their collections, and I can't get enough of their immaculate mix of modern mod with the comforting and soft coloured textures that touch on a harry potter geek influence. Plastic style ties look amazing with the sticky parka's, the chino and lumberjack funk is given the swarv' mascara makeover thanks to heavy peacoats, and scarves camoflage into the tops. I'm wearing a classic Farah polo top that's a chocolatey brown intoxication, perfect when teamed with a minimalist peacoat. Check out more at www.farah.co.uk

Black Poppies & Werewolf's At Night

2011-10-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

It's halloween, so here's a post that creeps into gothic territory with a DIY t-shirt shredded and torn like werewolf scars, a necklace that looks like silver skeleton bones, and a jacket injected with black sequins and crystals. I've also included an inspired editorial that corsets sophistication with darker desires. Out of this world platform boots, dominating buckles and harnesses, complete with an air of the masquerade makes for something enchanting.

Blind Before I Met You

2011-10-24T10:00:00.001-07:00

Wearing parka jackets to combat the cold is an essential religion in my winter wear, but I sometime's find it tricky to come across unique ones that don't scream out 'deconstructed tent' material. Thankfully the likes of Jezebel & Toff have restored my faith in the eclectic, with jackets that manipulate reggae flavours with scratchings of art and attitude under the comfort blanket of an urban coloured parka. Inspired by this, I'm sporting my boyfriend's Jamaican infused jacket that tackles acidic colours and takes the spice of Versace into its stitching. Who says the cold can't be colourful? For more parka prints with a difference, head to www.jezebelandtoff.com

Filling These Spaces Up With Days

2011-10-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of the London life is the ability to flicker past high fashion shop windows and reflect their luxurious imagination in your own scrapbook thoughts. I can always spot an Armani suit on the way to work, where it becomes its own exclusive dimension beyond the 2D flock of wannabee 'smart'sters' surrounding the 9am rush. What makes Armani stand out for other reasons as well though is the brands ability to embody a richness while accomodating for a gritty youth and attention to texture. The lookbook below is the perfect example of a suited impression that knuckles in unexpected toughness and a hint'n'pinch of the countryside. Lumberjacks creep out of leather jackets that rewind the zip, 'don't mess with me gloves' juxtapose the casual fit blazer, and scuffed and shiny shoes serenade the trousers that have an organic earthy undertone to the smart charcoal proceedings. Taking inspiration from this, I'm wearing a look that from afar is a smart shirt and wax trouser marriage, but up close is sprinkled with intricate glitter and detail. The shirt takes the paisley print and trend into a Victorian gothic masquerade, the jacket is crystallized with 80s gameshow style glitter, and the scarf is misty and dark.

Switching back to Armani Exchange again, they've teamed up with Toolroom Knights for a series of DJ nights at their flagship stores within the UK that I'm craving to attend and disco at very soon. Fashion and Armani fused together sounds like the perfect soundtrack to me. This weekend on OCTOBER 22 the mixtape calls at REGENT ST, LONDON – JESSE JAMES / WESTFIELD, LONDON – JAMES MURRAY / BULLRING, BIRMINGHAM – KRIS SHAW / BLUEWATER, KENT – LARUA ESSENCE/ TRAFFORD CENTRE, MANCHESTER – TONI JARVIS / METQUARTER, LIVERPOOL – LES CALVERT

Houseclouds

2011-10-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Devendra Banhart masters the delicate bohemian feel like a poet, but I've recently come across a designer called Kornerd who stains the conventions with rusty intensity. I just love how the vests have a workers pawprint, as if they were dragged through an underground misty warehouse and caught in an aftershock art explosion. The colours are so subtle they look aged, but this is so effective; and the strangled jumpers and shredded cardigans emphasise this 'jesus from the coalmines' vibe that I'm so inspired by. Taking the 'working bohemian boy' in a different twist though, I'm wearing earthy rusty colours and a woodland of layers. My cardigan is from www.luke1977.com and it creates a farmer fairytale out of an outfit, with a pastry lacing pattern, a creamy coffee colour and the softest material that could easily be the lovechild of clouds and tree bark. Be sure to check out their site for more inspired indie.

Pocahontas

2011-10-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

Keeping the bohemian beach grunge melodies in-tune for the chilly season, a poncho is the perfect parachute into it. Women have been wearing the fairisle ones like seaside daydreamers this year, but maybe it's time for the men to adopt the tented experience. I love how they keep you toasty but indulge in erratic shape and flow. Draped down creates something static, modern and monotone, pulling it out brings the poncho to life, and scrunching it up plays with the inside-out-eye.

London Je T'aime

2011-10-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

I'm always keen to support a bite of British, and even though I'm routed to grunge gears, there's the odd pop of gritty sophistication in my wardrobe. Simon Carter is a designer that encourages swarv' luxury in an un-intimidating terrain with accessories. Whispers of silk through to rustic tweed and melting leather take beanies, bags and gloves to a modern aristocratic level. His previous collection clashed sophistication with pop art, so I can't wait to see what's in store next. Simon Carter's hosting a store launch at Conduit Street in London this Thursday from 6pm. With Prosecco and popular faces expected, I'm hoping to be on the list... and hoping to see you there.

Excuse Me While I Kiss The Sky

2011-10-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

Taking a floral print temporarily away from paisley print estuaries into an unconventional ocean, I love this shirt I'm wearing that enforces structure to the petals and stem. In a concrete blue, it has a tough crinkled feel to it that gives off a military vibe, with the floral designs looking more like badges of honour. It gets a high rank from me this autumn, and can be bought from www.loveclothing.com

You Walked Through My Dreams

2011-09-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

We might be experiencing a swarm of sunshine at the moment while the seasons struggle to recover from their hangover and realise their correct order; but this hasn't stopped me romancing my way into a wardrobe of thick industrial knits in time for winter. Last year it was all about the loud grandad-on-acid print jumpers, taking Rudolph the reindeer designs to retro and ironic depths. But I'm a fool for the darker ways of the wardrobe cave, and Am Golhar is a designer that's exploding onto Asos soon with intense knits. The snoods creep around the neck like untamed explosions, and the jumpers have wonderfully erratic punched holes and patterns to them with a dedication to simplicity and the futuristic touch. The most innovative aspect of the Golhar graft is the knitted harems that I'm wearing, stitching the urban and industrial sides of life into a gothic patchwork of sorts. Who says a knit can't cobweb the entire body? To see more of Am Golhar, check out www.am-golhar.com

Crocodile Rock

2011-09-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

Back when I enjoyed a touch of decadent rebellion as a teenager, I wore the likes of Lacoste around the bus shelter with happy-go-lucky attitude. But after recent years spent investing in layers and texture, I've enjoyed a nostalgic blast pack to pastels and charm. This season in London enjoyed a collage of egyptian elegance with urban attitude on the runway, and Lacoste have certainly reinvented their interpretation of city funk. Integrating their way into the skateboarding arena, the traditional crocodile bite meets mod, with a relaxed coolness and even cooler colours that verge on ice cream and frosty tones. It might not be my usual style, but there's something retro about the simplicity of pastels and polos. To see more of their collection, head to www.lacoste.co.uk

You Tell Me I'm a Beautiful Freak Just Like You

2011-09-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend has a DIY way about him, raiding my wardrobe and mixing up the order to make something magical. .Yesterday we used a victorian flared bow tie as a pocket buckle, and wound up an asos orb necklace to create an elevated neck brooch. I'm destined to nestle into denim most seasons, and I'm back to my tightly buttoned shirts at the moment. Replay have a great lookbook at the moment that showcases faded denim for the relaxed urban tackle. I'm also wearing a boyfriend blazer below that has a chunky charcoal toughness about it for work but with a soft gravel touch that makes it perfect for attempting something smart without looking like a shoulder pad business reject. Lagerfeld's recent campaign takes the suit to the next intoxicating level, exuding all things luxe and man about business town.

Flowers Disguised As Daggers

2011-09-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

I've had a recent love affair with all things floral, particularly the vintage finds that are encrusted with a carnival of colourful prints. I've seen men gardening a taste for the firey flower vibe more than ever around London recently, and the different interpretations of the crop has been inspired. From belts that look like tough daisy chains, to an ecstacy trip print that pops off the collar, there's been a spring fling in the air. My personal attraction has been to sheer related shirts, like the one I'm wearing below. I love the melting flower tapestry that offers a nod back to victorian times. Spicing and spiking it up though, I'm wearing a host of 90s gothic jewellery, which includes handcuffs around my collar and necklaces with the gaga bite. I've also included some editorials below from B store in association and collaboration with Liberty, giving the floral trend some sharp structure and also an air off innocence. And last but not least, there's a few snapshots of myself and the gorgeous Alexxi, taken after the Vivienne Westwood party the other day for Vogue's Fashion Night Out. They were taken by the hot name designer in the making, Charlie May from http://www.girlalamode.co.uk/

Carving A Mark In Your Wooden Heart

2011-09-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

Chinos were the addictive bite of spring and summer, where Oxford Street would be a spicy sea of mustard pin legs. And while it was the perfect condoment to the relaxed sharp status, I'm already attracted to different ways of carving something swarv to my heart. And these high waisted cargo style chinos from http://www.loveclothing.com/ certainly knuckles something unusual. They can chav-crinkle and crop out of trainers, enjoy a titanic clash with moody draped tops like my Crystal Castles inspired downward vibe below, or alternatively you can embrace the high waist by tucking and bulleting a sheer shirt in. That sounds very Simon Cowell of me I know. I've also included some editorials that showcase chinos in their own unique and relaxed manners. New York Assembly offer a stripped back grunge flow on an ice white runway, and Burkman Bros captivate the art of adventure and discovery with trousers that evolve and come to life in a cultured travelling scenery.

Faded Dreams / Starlit Shadows

2011-08-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

I might not have run away with the gypsies to a festival this summer, or hibernated much in The Shire back home, but this hasn't stopped me being a sort of pixie in the city. Taking time-off from the trilby for a while, I've nestled my hay of hair into beanies in anticipation for the autumn rustle, giving that perfect bohemian slouch. Scrap influences from stubbled music-makers and undercover hippies however, as my recent style is a foxtrot towards the one they call The Fantastic Mr Fox. He might be created by crayons, but the suited corrogated vibe of that cartoon flickers autumn colours in the smoothest caramel of manners. Taking a few tips from the trendy animal of mischief, I'm wearing a cardigan that looks like rippling tree bark, a cut up jumper stained with fading flowers, a tie as a popping belt by Coral Garett, and amber coloured trousers that have a thick and earthy texture to them. My Dad's vintage brogues then top off the new season look. I've also posted below a few designers that offer little twists that catch my eye as summer hides. Stolen Girlfriends Club gives Amish a modern victorian juxtaposition, where sharp shirts meet tight punk shorts and unique harem tinted trousers. And Orschel Read gives couture an earthy interpretation, with layers of exotic carnival texture that even tip-toes into an urban sort of funk.

Word Up From The Street

2011-08-26T13:55:00.001-07:00

I found out today that my interview for Malaysia's Esquire Magazine has just been published. To say I was chuffed would be an understatement. I might have earthy tendancies but there's no denying the satisfaction of 'the glossy', and where better to be laminated to this landscape than Esquire. They've done a great feature about the influence and wealth of male bloggers that bring to life the runway on the streets, so I thought I'd mirror their piece with a selection of my favourite fashion kings and princes that have a regal presence online. First up there's Andre who manages to make couture a step closer to accessible. His designs are innovative, surreal, and clustered with crystals and fantasy. Then the bohemian boy Bobby naturally exudes the desert sun kissed atmosphere that the likes of All Saints take a fancy to. I'm a huge fan of Blake's romantic takes on industrial and city frames, and Spencer is the ultimate intoxicating dealer of vibrant colour. All their vital links are punched below for you.

http://lookbook.nu/user/66083-Andre-J /http://lookbook.nu/bobbyraffin/

http://www.thestylemanual.net / http://lookbook.nu/user/54430-Spencer-E

The Mad Hatter

2011-08-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

I'm attending a twisted masquerade this coming weekend. Encouraging the ambiguous, it's set to be a dancefloor of disguise and couture designs. I've got in mind the victorian poptastic theatrics that the Mad Hatter channels. So for starters I played my cards right with a lucky break at a Brick Lane market the other day, picking up a shirt that's clustered with kings and queens of hearts.

Time & Time Again

2011-08-20T05:13:00.001-07:00

I started a blog to scratch together a constantly evolving diary, but I've always been pre-historic with my time-keeping ability. I was too concerned with the feeding and upkeep of my precious tamagotchi as a kid to ever want a watch as my hand held pet. But my fast pace of late has called for a clockwork change. With my constant endeavour to initiate colour into all spectrums of an outfit, these popping watches from HipHop are a retro essential. There's an 80's sportswear feel to them, with a rippling wrist strap and simplistic design, which lends all the A-List attention to the acid trip colours. I love the slogan they go by on their site: Hip Hop is colour. It's that desire for change. It's that ability to choose. It's knowing how to have fun. It's being, so you like yourself. It's experiencing the 80s nowadays. So what are you waiting for, HipHopIze yourself by heading to http://www.hiphopwatches.eu/en-EN/home/

You Walked Through My Dreams

2011-08-15T14:37:00.001-07:00

One of my scarfs from Topman AAA is so deliciously thin and misty that it whispered to me to encorporate it into something unconventional this summer. I love how it faintly bleeds a tapestry design, offering a gothic splinter in the suns sharp reflection. Seeing as a scarf found itself in the academy of outcasts this season, I thought I'd enlist more to this class. Wearing a wool jumper during a muggy weekend might hint at sunstroke behaviour, but my vintage find below looks like King Kong from afar, but light and almost mesh like up close. Suprisingly comfy in the sun to put it simply.

I also thought I'd share some pictures from the dark warrior desires of Jose Duran. I love the oversized epic nature of the clothes. The cardigans deliciously drown the models, with a deconstructed appeal in rustic industrial tones. The vibe is like an immaculate work in progress, showing the distressed aesthetic in a true raw primitive state. Romantic vampires from an industrial side of town springs to mind.

Whispering Into Misty Mirrors

2011-08-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been invisible this week; I've been working at Men's Health, offering a few fashion ideas to the suited ones. It's a refreshing and unique scene to be around so many men that embody that perfectly groomed 'gilette' mood. I thought it was only fiction, but their suits are suitably making me look like a tramp in comparison. Perhaps I'll endeavour to add some tailoring to my tracks soon. Anyway, I'll be back on the blogging roll properly next week, but in the meantime here's some editorials of the 'gilette' admiration, and an outfit I wore to work the other day. Ciao!

Dream Of Californication

2011-08-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

It's not really the time to be the proudest brit of the pack at the moment with London's current plague of pointless riots. So for now I'm dressing myself in stars and stripes instead! I loved how the retail trends went all exotic this summer with Aztec prints, and I was also drawn in by the Americana about. My jumper below from www.loveclothing.com is a popping use of the famous flag, with the stars sprinkled around the shoulders and the sharp red jetting across the chest. It's got the serious comfort factor, and is going to befriend me well into the Winter. I've also included some editorials below that indulge in the idea too. Erin Wasson quite literally drapes herself in a flag, and designer Reneg Urskov adds a galactic angle.

The Sigh Of Wild Electricity

2011-08-04T22:31:00.001-07:00

On my runway travels I recently came across the most literal collection that cropped up the countryside grit and spirit. While I didn't really 'dig' the look as a whole, Junya Watanabe certainly aimed to take the farmer out from the 2D mud into a look that copy and pasted inspiration from all walks of life. Parka coats, lumberjacks, postman shorts, stumpy doc martens, fisherman hats and even dungarees were all in the pasture. I like this idea of the slick fisherman in particular. And one of my recent looks has a faint reflection of this in the ripples, where my postman shorts are teamed with a casual light sweater, farmer cap and creamy countryside brogues. An outfit designed for dreaming away the days by a lake.

I also thought I'd introduce you to some shots from my good friend and designer Damian Marquez. His new collection is an innovative take on texture, pairing intricate sheer shirts under tough pop art barbour jackets, introducing indulgent creamy coats and asymmetric knits with gritty trousers, and encouraging the manly skirt; something I'd love to dare into soon. It's refreshing to see feminine esque colours being used in a male palette, and there's also an interesting sci-fi and war-like vibe about the collection. A name to watch, check out his site for more at http://www.damianmarquez.com/

Desert Eyes & Egyptian Desires

2011-08-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

It seems my previous post with parrots was as tropical as a trip to Butlins in comparison to some of the Rio esque runways recently. I absolutely loved Dolce & Gabbana's adventure this season, where the shorts had melted treasure maps on them, tops had aztec looking calligraphy to be royally admired, and the jackets looked like snapshots of egyptian architecture. Canali also offer something rich and exotic with seductive lace that looks like something regal from another world, and Givenchy gave tropical a retro pop art edge. I've also included my own interpretation below, which is 'treasure from a charity shop.'

Parrots Without The Pirates

2011-07-31T05:48:00.000-07:00

I've never personally liked animalistic prints, in particular the leopard obsession. Lanvin's collection at H&M worked, where the trend was dipped in purple rather than sticking to the safari stereotype. And recently I came across an Alex Christopher vest that was a tropical and colourful treat away from the norm, showing that 'animalistic' doesn't have to just ignite attitude. I love the tapestry of parrots that adds a touch of fun to all things urban. I also loved a previous Etro collection that took animal inspiration in a swarv and suited direction. The trousers looked like they had delicate scars hidden in them, and the velvet edge to the jackets almost has an Aztec vibe about it. A treasure to the eye.

Moody Red Sunset

2011-07-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

Adding a new streak of colour to my rainbow railings, red is my current flavour. Women are fizzing in acidic blue and orange recently, so why can't guys go bold with a similar beat!? My stripey top from www.loveclothing.com below 'ticks'n'literally'checks' the boxes for this decision, where it makes a bright statement whilst also nestling perfectly into the trendy geek feel. It reminds me of a Marc Jacobs collection from many moons and palletes ago, where kaleidoscope patchwork was the irresistible vibe. I loved how geek met aztec, as if Seth from The OC was suddenly injected with a wealth of attitude. Back to the initial red in mention though, I'm never one to just simply rely on a colour as the main aesthetic for a style, so I've also played around with it through a vested venture with different textures. I picked up a heavy knit vest that looks like it was dripped in a sunset. And I punked up the 'loveclothing' stripes with an industrial vest jacket from Asos.

The Poison That Never Neglects Him

2011-07-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

I've had a two day flash return home, where it's been so speedy I feel that my shadow has been left behind in city traffic. Hearing that my youngest brother has been stencilling his way into the fashion industry aswell with some graphic designs though, I decided to have a 'brotherly blue peter' DIY day while briefly back. His illustrations look like an episode of 'Skins' in cartoon form, and they went perfectly with the 'city scruff' look that just about managed to bundle up in my travelling satchel. With a tough duffle coat that has a patent coating like melted liquorice, and off cream esque netting that I've cut into to create a top of sorts, I'm bringing a bit of attitude back to the shire. Get in touch if you're interested in ordering one of my brothers t-shirts for the 15 pound bargain and margin!

Dreaming Of Another World

2011-07-15T02:11:00.000-07:00

Having an ambient last few days, I've fallen into editorial dreams. From the likes of magical photographer-sorcerer Tim Walker, the spellbinding Ann He's striking use of natural light, and these misty haunted views of Paris, I'm constantly inspired by the cracked and unconventional photos and ideas. Hope you all enjoy them too. My outfit below also mirrors this ambient vision, with a heavy knit cardigan I find it far too easy to dream away in during a Summer evening.

The Raging Englishman

2011-07-09T02:05:00.000-07:00

One of my designers to watch is New York based gentleman William Watson. Marrying the suited look with something dark and delicious, this lookbook has innovation engraved all over it. The suits are sinister and twisted, with sharp jagged detail in the collars that look like dagger weapons, and blood red jackets that spike out puzzle shapes and shoulder detail. The victorian style ties take a life of their own, juxtaposing perfectly with the corseted and restrained vibe that comes from the taped up face. There's an infectious intensity about the restrain from the clothes, as if the model is bubbling with rage that Jekyll and Hyde would relate to. Without doubt a name to watch, check out more of the collection at http://www.williamwatsonnyc.com/

And in my own current style stakes, I've deflated my quilted farmer jacket in favour of a puffa jacket twist. The recent Versace campaign introduces leather quilting which has a sticky sweet appearance to it, and my Dexter Wong jacket offers something different too. Maybe it's a bit 'East 17', but I love the puffa jacket pop.

To Him The Moon Was A Stranger

2011-07-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

There's always been a bit of geek in me, and there's always a big bang catalyst to inject 'the prep' when I come across something-sorta-nerdy on the runway. Viktor & Rolf's new collection is a delicious expression of creamy 70s colours, with widened peter pan school collars, misty tapestry detail on shirts like intriguing equations, silky trousers, and kooky dolphin print tops straight out of Napoleon Dynamite's imaginarium. For me it represents a geek who's found himself mingling with the rich and famous. I've also included editorials that embrace the inner fun-freak, where tartan, polka dots and creamy hues add up to the perfect style sums. My own interpretation includes a frilly shirt from Dexter Wong, a razor tie and burnt burgandy trousers that has a cool shyness to it.

Firework

2011-07-01T04:01:00.000-07:00

As much as I love a chain that invests and prides themselves on a staple trend and a-list essential, I've always been a fan of the unexpected. Particularly when you can find a gem that's lurking in a labyrinth of clothes rails; the puzzle games to find it makes the prize of the lottery kind. I've always been a 'TK addict to the max', having a mathmatical shimmy through the carnival of clothes to find some treasure. It caters for my taste of juxtaposition, as there's every top and look imaginable; and for me I love playing with different style soundtracks that's out of my itunes norm. With summer and sunshine here to stay and play right now, festivals are calling for a wardrobe that's ready to live and breathe the grunge lifestyle. So on a recent stop off to TK Maxx, I found a feast of items to add some eclectic flavour to the current trends. The ragged denim shorts and open shirt combo has travelled across my teenage years into my indie boy days, but to tattoo a touch more punk and clash into the mix, I picked up a tartan hat that pencils in perfectly with the loud and bright shirt of a similar vein. Then for the lazy days in parks with cider and the sound of Bon Iver, khaki is the camoflage colour of choice to fit in with the bohemian landscape pallete. Sometimes people forget just how chilly a festival gets in the evening, where you suddenly realise you're stranded in a t-shirt...in a field...at midnight. So for me a heavy armor knit cardigan is an essential. I love the muddy green one I'm sporting, adding corrogated texture and emmerdale-edge to the alternative. I also figured that since I intoxicated my hair with a new and bold colour, a touch of colour blocking should probably be tried out soon. So I picked up an unconventional golfing style top that has a shimmering sporty quality and reflection to it, but looks great when teamed under an industrial leather jacket. With electric ocean blue jeans, it's my own little way of looking like a firework on a festival night. Be sure to check out some of the items and more at http://www.tkmaxx.com/mens/superbrands-mens/icat/2147/

Tainted Love

2011-06-27T08:31:00.001-07:00

I don't know where it came from, but while Glastonbury was swarmed in mud, London was drowning in heat. Not that I'm complaining, as the sun is more than welcome to pitch up its tent for good. And it's the perfect time to bring out the lightest of t-shirts that practically dissolve at the slightest touch. I love graphic prints at the moment that almost look like an accident, as opposed to the blinding 'in your face' attack of louder designs. My fading top below is from Zara and looks like a kid has got creative on it with a crayon, looking messy in the artistic way. Teamed with this I'm wearing my staple denim shirt that travels with me across all the seasons. Perfect for daydreaming by the beach and then heading to a gritty indie bar in the evening, I particularly love the checkered print that reveals itself when the sleeves are rolled up. It feels like Kings Of Leon's outlaw style back in the highlight hillbilly days of their first album. The shirt is from Criminal Damage and can be bought along with the shades I'm sporting at http://www.loveclothing.com/

Menswear is currently the craving at Milan right now aswell. And while I've seen a lot that electrifies all sorts of inspiration, my flame is yet again burning brightest for Ann Demeulemeester. I love her clash and collage of the black and white pallete this season, whilst also injecting subtle caramels into the mix. Reminding me of a tainted romantic, the ice white blazers have blackened looking roses broched and crackled to the heart. And I love how the charcoal concrete shorts mist out at the bottom like a whisper. Demeulemeester always manages to magically tame the gothic vibe, indulging in all the shadowed curiosity she's renowned for but adding sparks of lightness to appeal to all. Suits have never looked as eclectic as this.

Back To School

2011-06-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

Schools almost out for Summer, but preppy blazers have found themselves in a desirable detention in shops this season. I've never been fond of the typical suit, but Topman have delivered a range of looks in quirky pastels that have a creamy vintage appeal to them. I love this cloudy blue one that looks like a cambridge boy with a rebellious streak. And teamed with the new vintage collection from www.brighterman.com , the look is very 'Byker Grove' meets the modern day. Brighterman's new collection of ties features tweed and prints that you'd even struggle to find in an offbeat charity shop. Some of the collection will be featured on the owner Paul's lookbook: http://lookbook.nu/brighterpaul

Haunted Heartbeats

2011-06-16T00:10:00.000-07:00

My flatmate Connie happens to be quite the exceptional photographer, so alongside our friendly ways of dancing days and drinking tea together, it's also quite fun to fuse our imagination together for shoots at times. And below is a little editorial we phantomed up in the always atmospheric graveyard location. The concept was gothic with a regal appeal, aiming for something haunting but equally romantic. Connie's photography is one intoxicating frame after another, so head to www.constance-victoria.blogspot.com to check out more

Hang Me Up To Dry

2011-06-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry my posts haven't been quite as frequent this month. I haven't divorced my blog for a second; I'm merely having Summer flirts with a load of exciting projects and pipelines. I've been on the go like a marathon man...minus the silky cycling shorts, and the fast pace has sprinted back to my teenage love of converse. There's also something suprisingly swarv' about encorporating the skateboarding sneakers into more tailored looks. Scuffy shoes with something suited is a clash I'll be stamping my footprint to. For now though, it's my day off today so I'm enjoying the sunshine and wearing my shoes below with no marathon in mind.

I'll Be Your Mirror

2011-06-07T17:22:00.001-07:00

I'm always attracted to a trend or design when its twisted out of context. When the chains are unlocked, it's amazing to make something popular look disconected but just as emphatic. I've always had a soft spot for something-kinda-punk for example, even though I might not have the personality to match the irresistible aggression. But the manner in which clothes are torn together so carelessly is the mark of unaware art. It's like a patchwork of all the trends are bolted together so bluntly, putting two fingers up to the retail world and finding a way of mirroring it in a more surreal 'Alice in Wonderland On Acid' landscape. Take the editorial below, which scrunches bohemian lumberjacks into urban attitude tie-ups, nestled with drop crotch trousers and teamed with titanic trench coats that showcase exquisite tailoring. I've tried my own interpretation below, taking punk stencils into my own delicate silhouette.

Purple Haze

2011-06-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

Festival season is pitching its tent and presence upon us soon. I might come away from them looking like a tramp that happened across a military shirt to sleep on, but I go to them with the intention of looking a stairway to heaven-presentable. And a site that make t-shirts the perfect soundtrack for standing out are www.wornby.co.uk . They take the essence and flavour of iconic musicians and pluck a chord into the prints, making the t-shirts just as much about the meaning as the marvel. Take this Jimi Hendrix one, which is a faded throwback to the vintage days of jazz and grit. I took his 'purple haze' song as the colour coded excuse to reveal my plum dyed haircut, with a jafar esque jacket that mirrors the bohemian smoke and playful gangster vibe from the Hendrix man himself. Be sure to check out the wornby.co.uk site for more influences from the likes of Cat Stevens.

Acidic Stars

2011-05-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

When it comes to t-shirts, I usually opt for the subtle designs, with misting sheer or material that has an off-white dirty charm. But when it comes to Your Eyes Lie, I can never resist their gritty graphic prints. Their new collection is probably my favourite to date, with volcano's erupting across the whole shape, and galaxies cut up into sci-fi shapes with stars sprinkled along the sleeves. To see more of the collection head to www.youreyeslie.com . And the way to pop a perfect t-shirt comes from the 'skinny love' vibe as Bon Iver's poetry would say. Whereas I usually like minimalism with tops, I crave a sense of texture and dimension to jeans, even when they're static and skin tight. And my recent purchase that I wear religiously are these acid wash jeans from Criminal Damage at www.loveclothing.com . They look like a war of charcoal and gritty white, like a starry eyed night with a dark and sinister design. I love how in certain lights the white or dark sprinkles reign supreme, and they're without doubt the perfect partner for the volcano and electric t-shirt prints. They remind me of the Balmain art, where jeans are bolted, ripped, panelled and given the bruised and bullied treatment to a wonderfully infectious effect.

The Captain

2011-05-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

Menswear has always been dictated by The Kaiser of all items; the military jacket. From the colourful pages of history lessons and tapestry, to the trenches and no-mans-land of summer festivals, and even in the heart of the business districts, the military jacket is essentially...historic. And I've recently joined the ranks with a decadent one from http://www.loveclothing.com/ . It has all the indie charm of The Libertines and The Strokes, with a subtle throwback to The Beatles. Lined with a stinging red it's hard to resist, and the gold buttons electrify the design. It bullets all the way up to the neck, looking industrial and tough. But left undone with a distressed graphic t-shirt underneath, the jacket takes on the role of the 'camden man' who lives and dresses through his rock'n'roll calling and spirit. For those wanting to inject a bit of Vivienne Westwood flare into their festival and social soundtrack this Summer, a jacket like this is a high voltage essential. Head to http://www.loveclothing.com/ to see their military range in designs to suit every army mind and rank, or click the banner on the right.

Silent Roar

2011-05-20T07:29:00.001-07:00

I'm always on the prowl for new designers, and amidst the hunt I came across Roark. Their clothes have a 'silent scream' about them, with hidden intensity and intricacy that comes from muted colours and offbeat minimalism. Polo tops creep up to the face like a mysterious surgeon, coupled with gritty blazers to give the appearance of a gent with a dangerous secret. I love how the heavily textured items are given the effortless behaviour compared to the classic persona of draped silk. Gravel gold jumpers melt to the eye, and drop crotch jogger trousers waterfall in the most amazing manner. It's another adaptation of the gothic inside us that can be an addictive side to exorcise. My wardrobe is haunted with clothes like Roark, such as my bullet hole head scarf and crisp jacket that daggers out around the collar.

I've also got a number of exciting collaborations coming up with www.loveclothing.com soon. I urge you to check out their range of womens and menswear soon; there's a feast of on trend items I've added to my summer wish-list!

Where The Stars Hang Down

2011-05-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

After watching Into The Wild, I instantly wanted to escape to the countryside and get lost in the woods. Devendra Banhart is without doubt the bohemian prince of the creepy woodland kingdom. He has that natural 'festival' colour and spirit that most try and mimic at Glastonbury, wearing overwhelming knits you could live in and giving the 70s reflection some serious earthy grunge. Flares and offbeat poncho's are on my wish list thanks to this lyrical magician.

Ghost Poet

2011-05-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

The Topman AAA range has been one of my elusive obsessions for a while now; rare to buy before the exclusive rebellious clothes are sold out, and just as rare to come across such a unique style, with, forget the pun, sheer delight. The AAA is the epitome of grunge lux, where unconventional fabrics are encouraged and androgyny is given an accessible shadow of light. Tops have asymmetric zips, black wax trousers look like intoxicating tar, and blazers have that sequin studded stamp that exudes the well dressed dinner date goth. Meg Matthews has just designed a particularly inspired addition to the range which Topman has adopted, consisting of hand drawn sheer scarves that bleed out a wonderfully twisted graphic print. Showing that scarves can be involved in the company of the sun, I love playing around with the accessory as a lightweight friend to a vest look, or delicately knotted to form a bohemian head piece to tame my curly hair.

To check out more of Topman's AAA collection, head to http://www.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?catalogId=33056&storeId=12555&langId=-1&viewAllFlag=false&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=235529&parent_categoryId=207368&beginIndex=1&pageSize=20&interstitial=true

More Mohr More

2011-05-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't ever dedicated a post to a model before, but Cole Mohr takes an exception, seeing as he's one of the rare breeds who embodies a style without even meaning to. I love his playful punk attitude, where messy clothes look intricately inspired, and his raised eyebrow and smile serves as the perfect accessory to mind. Following on from my previous post about punk patchwork, Mohr would wear my broken tapestry jeans in the most effortless 'get out of bed and go with it' way.

Pop Ya' Collar

2011-05-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

Last Spring and Summer I faded into vision with bleached and acid washed denim, with crinkled and weathered shirts that looked like old western tapestry. But this time around I'm punching some punk into the Summer shirt trend, 'popping' my collar and adding attitude to the jean patchwork. I love the idea of adding 'subtle punk' to a structured and smart look, such as my Topman AAA shirt that has bullet studs taping the collar into hostage shape. 'Punk' can be fun, and Summer is the time to play with the offbeat and erratic flare, adding accessories to an unexpected canvas, and tearing up the conventions. Take the editorial below, where the jeans are carefully attacked and distressed to take a fitted appearance into a werewolf ripped and light-inviting look. I also love the denim jacket that looks like a colourful mosaic of toughness, exuding 'campness with attitude' that I think is such a unique and kooky combination. I think a lot of my tops are going to get a 'DIY gunshot' against them this season...!

Bright Shiny Lights

2011-04-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

Ever since Brighterman gave me a pair of shades, I've blinded my outfits with their presence. I love how they can flicker a ray and spark into every style, from 70's bohemian tint to a futuristic androgyny. But Burberry have taken the specs into a brand new electric vision, with colours that are creamy in vintage appeal but with a modern structure and architecture about them. Teamed with the muted jackets that crisp and seal the brands image, I love this twist on the 'summer essential.'

Gravel Pit

2011-04-20T01:47:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in a previous post how I’ve been blinding a slice of white into my wardrobe, and the colour has now made a literal footprint in my path. My recently adopted asos trainers buckle all the laid back rage of Alexander Wang, looking military with a basketball slamdunk style. Rather than bleaching out in white though, I’ve been misting it into a gritty grey collection, with light charcoal and cigarette jumpers that are oversized and slouch off the shoulder in a carefree funk. Black and white was designed to amazingly clash, and I can see why. And another designer I came across who revels in gritty grey with an urban summer stamp and swagger is Am Golhar. I love the unconventional knits that have bullethole designs, and the playful snoods that snake around the neck. The art to wearing heavy-ish knits in the spring is to wear them oversized, twisting them into shorts or slouched trousers like the inspired Am Golhar. To see more of the collection head to http://am-golhar.com/

Lost & Found

2011-04-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Menswear has a degree of detention to it compared to womenswear, in that the retail silhouette is a little more stencilled in place with a shirt or t-shirt with jeans or shorts combo. The runway breaks down all the boundaries, but sometimes this doesn't always de-construct the typical frame. Which is why a designer like Nico Didonna was such a refreshing thinker to collaborate with. His tapestry is to play with structure and texture, making a simple and polished coat from afar look like a labyrinth of intricate design and possibilities up close. There is a structure that can be camouflaged or played with, like a jigsaw puzzle with countless ways of completing. Nico introduces the ability to interpret shape, with coats that are craving to be moulded around each man and every mood. Asymmetric straps dart across like weaponry that asks for a stylish attack on the eyes, or could simply be used to corset a coat into a polished presentation. It's the subtle curves and weave of the coats that take the aesthetic on an unexpected adventure, where the coat transforms and evolves dependent on where you look at it from. He makes a tamed tailored creature into a wild and eccentric beast.

One of the best spectacles is the dark olive coat that oozes Gothic warrior intensity when the hooded waistcoat is buckled into the look. Taken off it could be a Prada man about town, but with the hood up and aware it becomes a man of the shadows who disguises himself with irresistible impact. Showing Nico's art in construction and deconstruction, I'm wearing his clothes against the art of the countryside, showing how the adaptive clothes can fuse into any landscape. Starting off with the olive green coat that looks like a quirky gentleman from the manor house, I then become a mysterious figure from the enchanted and Gothic woodland.

Nico's boutique is situated in Soho, and his website can be found at http://www.nico-d.com/ And credit where due to my brother George for taking the photos.

Dexter's Laboratory

2011-04-13T23:34:00.000-07:00

White isn't a colour I usually invest in; with it blindingly haunting and reflecting the snow chill of Winter, I also struggle to get enough grit and texture out of the pallete. Maybe I'm just stuck in childhood eyes, when white would entail a shapeless tent of a t-shirt that drowned me and screamed a lack of imagination with a simple sport tick or logo nervously hiding on it. But my 'vegas gambling' ways on the ebay slotmachine landed me with some vintage tops from the poptastic Dexter Wong. His aesthetics electrified the 90's club kids scene, putting a cocktail of psychadelic drug colours and sci-fi designs into the nightclub crowd. I love the white top below which feels like frozen silk structure from space, with sharp triangle teasing panels of mesh that look like barbed wire. With this playful pop, I guess I've realised that white can work with my style when structure is embodied rather than texture. I've also featured some unconventional ways with white below from Braille and Neil Barrett. The poncho looks like a parachuting concord, and the trousers look like the inside of a lava lamp; absolutely magical to the eye. And seeing as I'm on the Dexter Wong dancefloor, one of his iconic spikey jumpers had to be embedded, showing that his sci-fi structure works across all the colour spectrums.

Dance The Way I Feel

2011-04-10T02:35:00.001-07:00

London is drenched in sunshine at the moment, with all the local parks transforming into a playground of tanning and fashion. And I recently did a photoshoot in the constantly magial Hampstead Heath with Brighterman, showing the ways of accessorising colour into the short and t-shirt canvas. Summer can quite often fall victim to being the cringe-factor season of style for the stereotypical man, where it's assumed that flip flops or sandals are essential, and Hawaaiin shirts that have a cardboard-cut-out shape and kaleidoscope-gone-wrong design add some fun to the sun. But even in the sizzling heat I don't like to sacrifice, and accessorising with little snippets of colour can really keep style alive and buzzing amongst the wasps. Military boots and brogues work wonderfully in every season, where colourful socks popping out of them give a quirky twist. A tie and shirt also works well with the off-duty postman short look, showing that all the persona's can leave a footprint in the sand. My designer friend Coral Garrett recently introduced a way of splicing two ties together to create an imaginative twist, which only adds to this eclectic mix of colour that I've reflected into my Summer look. [ More of his collection can be seen at http://www.coralgarrett.net/ ] So whatever your Blue Peter D.I.Y interpretation, accessorising is the key to keeping style on show and in sight when the sunglasses are on. And to see more style advice videos, be sure to subscribe to Brighterman TV where I'm featured. http://www.youtube.com/user/BrightermanTV

Trailer Park Poet

2011-04-07T01:15:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite designers that revels in every season is Lou Dalton. Her aesthetic electrifies a quirky take on the equestrian, with jodhpurs that have a military sort of patchwork, knits that look like tie dyed cobwebs, and a styling that stems back to young romantics; like if the 80’s adopted a touch of grunge. With this in mind, I couldn’t resist indulging in her palette, introducing a few leafs from her book into my own wear. My cardigan bobbles like a rural landscape on acid, with gritty leaves tattooed into the design. And my jumper from Topman LTD has equestrian shoulder pads that fit the Lou Dalton frame. With socks peeking out of brogues, and sunburnt burgundy trousers, my look conveys Spring with an 80’s romantic bohemian concoction.

I’ve also included a scan from the first issue of Conquer Magazine, for which I was heavily involved with as the fashion writer. The launch party was last night at Mayfair’s Babble Bar, and I was charmed to see the magazine come together into something slick and polished for the wealthy man about town.

Set Fire To The Rain

2011-04-02T01:11:00.000-07:00

Concluding my chemistry week that experimented and revolved around fusion, here's two looks that have shades as their staple and standout piece, but are miles apart in their style. The first outfit combines urban sport attitude with a quirky punk edge, with a silky hooded zip cardigan that works well under a sticky pvc panelled jacket. With shades looking like a crazy concoction of John Lennon with Tom Cruise's 'Top Gun', the outfit was fiesty but fun at the same time.

I'm also wearing shades in an outfit that teases it's way into Spring. My postman shorts are the transition into irresistible weather, with a safari toned shirt that looks oh so bohemian with the skeleton frame t-shirt. The sunglasses seem to convey 'The Beatles' in a modern shade, where the shape of them is vintage but the result is an intoxciating sci-fi vision.

The T-Shirt featured was from Ardentees, where using the code 'PINSTRIPE' on their site will reward you with a rather irresistible 10% discount. http://www.ardentees.com/ /http://www.facebook.com/#!/ARDENTEES?sk=wall / And the video below is from Brighterman TV : http://www.youtube.com/user/BrightermanTV. Now you're all linked up!

Dreams Loud & Awake By The Muted City Lake

2011-03-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

Continuing the feel of fusion, this recent look takes three trends and colours them together into a uniformed staple way of being adventurous without drowning in attention seeking colour. A military man battles into a cohesive agreement with a sailor to establish a muted pallete, where toughness finds serenity by the sea. A Vivienne Westwood t-shirt offers a playful twist, a Topman macintosh has a silky silver water ripple to it while also embodying titan armor strength, and the nautical holdall clashes perfectly with the chunky military boots. By adapting all these trends in the same pallete doesn't wash the ideas away, but more ropes them together. And in this instance, grey was the colour of choice, echoing muted vibes from the likes of Phillip Lim. I've included some editorial examples below of the splicing of 'the sea' in different atmospheres. And be sure to subscribe to the Brighterman youtube channel for upcoming videos of me offering styling tips such as this mixture of trends. It's an exciting project in the pipeline from a great accessories company. http://www.youtube.com/user/BrightermanTV

Colour My Life With The Chaos Of Trouble

2011-03-27T10:01:00.001-07:00

One of my favourite things to do is fuse trends together; I can be such an erratic man-about-town-and-mind, that tattooing a single style to my silhouette isn't a good idea. After all, a wardrobe has so much more life and colour to it when there's a treasure chest of activity within it. And I also like to evolve my outfit successes and failures, making a happy marriage of tops that previously left me lonesome. So why not bring Winter's influence into Spring, and keep the seasonal chain running through in subtle ways. Take a clash of a bohemian gypsy with an androgynous city man. Accessories that involve an earthy trilby and playful bow tie with a mystical and gothic sheer shirt teases the trends together, and I love the corrugated rust trousers that bark out of chunky military boots. The pieces are from my friends at Brighterman, where they also put together a video of the look in mind as a memory. I'm going to be collaborating with them more during the Spring, showcasing video snippets of tips to style ideas and bring them to life. Keep tabs through their site and channels at http://www.brighterman.com/ / http://www.youtube.com/user/BrightermanTV / http://brighterman.com/blog

I'm also sporting an inspired bag from Hackett's new collection that really personifies the tailored man with a twist. The light and dusty earth colours work wonders for my bohemian ideas with a difference. Check out more of the collection at http://www.hackett.com/

Rise & Shine

2011-03-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

So the sun has finally come out of the clouded closet, and while it might not be hot enough to put a first class stamp of constant wear in my postman shorts, I've rolled up most of my trousers to harmonise with the heat. The three quarter length look is usually associated with the more bohemian inclined and designed, but I like to think it equally suits the black and white pallete. With some black socks and blood red brogues, I look like a gothic Victorian boy with a camp streak that's coming through. I'm also wearing possibly one of the comfiest t-shirts in my current collection from the charming brand RISE. I love the minimalist design that looks like a canvas from the Tate Modern museum that lost its way into a wonderful wardrobe. No doubt I'll be wearing it throughout the sunshine period. To check out some of their designs, head to http://www.risecollective.us/

Consoler Of The Lonely

2011-03-19T03:20:00.000-07:00

One of my guilty admissions is the convict-creep into a friends' wardrobe when they're away to seek out styles that I'd never usually consider. My brother back home is a lover of punk, and his clothes are just as striking as the tattoos that landscape his body; and in a past post I weighted myself with his biker jacket that looked like a weathered animalistic shell of sorts. But thankfully my flatmate in London doesn't quite go to the extremity with this clothing form of leather weaponry, with a light jacket that has equal darkened pop. It's very much on my 'to buy list', because there's suprising charm in toughening up Spring with a jacket like I'm wearing below. Wearing a H&M jumper underneath that looks like smooth slate, the clash of hard and soft collages into something wonderful. And a designer who I can't get enough of recently that mirrors this is Damir Doma; the layer-upon-layer of earthy textures creates the idea of a weathered traveller with secrets, tales and intrigue within the style and threads. It's dark but also inviting; a vibe I'm set to convey next week on a photoshoot with the always creative Constance Phillips. I've posted some gothic inspiration of the gothic graveyard concept we're going to try and bring to life, and will post the images as soon as they're done.

Strangers In The Silky Wind

2011-03-15T11:44:00.001-07:00

There’s nothing worse than working in an office when the sun attends the sky, where the room fills with invisible tar that sticks and clings to uncomfortable clothes and expressions. Thankfully the fashion industry doesn’t stick like treacle to conventionally predictable shirt and tie styles that unconsciously crave this parched attention and persona. Christopher Shannon is a designer I’ve raved about on many an occasion, and there’s never better a seasonal time to indulge in the urban luxury when the humid office environment calls for comfortable and high-heated style. The trousers ripple and contort like melted silk, exuding sportswear charm with the stylish silver coating that make them appropriate for business intentions. Rucksacks corset the body like colourful shielding, and holdalls have a gritty quilt texture to them that again fuses together the city worker with the sport enthusiast. So with this in mind, I’ve sprinted into work in melting silver trousers with braces from www.brighterman.com that can be overlapped to create this rucksack corset idea. Hope everyone else is finding their own inventive little ways of funking up the stereotypical scenes out there.

Polaroid Dreams & Beautiful Freaks

2011-03-11T06:22:00.001-08:00

I recently collaborated with mens' accessories website www.brighterman.com . Their wasp coloured braces instantly stung me with inspiration to daydream back to my bohemian genes, and what better timing aswell with the recent injection of sunshine. The jewellery on offer is also a wonderful treasure of trendy rust, with bolts and keys looking like sacred pieces from the lord of the rings.

Spring's Red Scars

2011-03-06T14:01:00.001-08:00

In my review of London Fashion Week, I couldn't tame my love for James Long's delicate web of tweed. He has a knack of finding ways to thread and untangle material in such a spellbinding way, with inside-out jumpers that mesh and tie-dye like rodarte-art, to tweed blazers that have a softness but extreme construction to them at the same time. So with this in mind, I romantically kissed my wardrobe with the addition of a dusty pink blazer that has all the vintage swarv' charm I admire, but in a quirky colour that calls for the city and clubbing environment. Without doubt the best print of influence to come from Somerset House this season.

Aquarium's Key

2011-03-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

Without realising, a print of denim I've always been shy or dismissive of is the ice light blue. Maybe I was guilty of associating it with the 90s pallete ,when baggy wasn't a form of ghetto-funk but more a case of ill fitting jeans from a shameful supermarket. But in a bid to lighten up my style in time for Spring, I've bought some twisted seam jeans from Topman in a cartoon blue that I'm seriously fond of. They have an industrial appeal that's been tamed and acid washed to the eye, and teamed with my 'Another Man' t-shirt that looks like a chemistry close-up, there's something slightly aquarium and alluring about this introduction to the freshly faded blue. And it seemed convenient that the first editorial I came across today from Miharaysuhiro dipped into a rustic ocean with jackets that look like a marbled dip-dye ocean, and tops that look weathered with treasures from the depths of the sea.

I also thought I'd mention an award I've been nominated for which I'm so chuffed about. The trendy mens styling brand KINGS have included me as a potential King Of Style, and it would be great if you could spare a minute or two to pop to their facebook page and click a little vote my way. http://www.facebook.com/kings1965?sk=app_7146470109 x

Sportswear & Gypsies At London Fashion Week

2011-02-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

I'm in the process of writing a london fashion week menswear review for a magazine, but wanted to share some thoughts here aswell. Wednesday was the perfect illustration of how the modern man has electrified into senses of dare, adventure, and the breaking down of boundaries. trends and characters fused together on the runway landscape, such as E Tautz's 'fisherman in the city' vibe I illusioned, and Christopher Shannon's bohemian prints in the city sportswear sphere. I loved the rustic and rural pallete, where the countryside influence found its way into gritty wool trousers with a jogger angle. Quilted farmer jackets also blasted out intense black colour for a striking urban feel, and carnival patchwork lined the white shirts that would be perfect for the party monster crowd. other highlights of the day included James Long's fuzzy and distressed mohair with quirky romantic tweed blazers, and J W Anderson's high waisted business trousers. I've posted some photos below, alongside the outfit detail I wore myself. I channeled a 70's bohemian boy with slight gothic androgony. They were taken by my blogging friend at www.girlalamode.co.uk

Casting One Last Spell

2011-02-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

I might be temporarily distracted with my scribbling and sketching for the next few days. I'm writing from Fashion Week for Conquer Magazine, so no doubt will be wearing my biro thin. But to keep my blog ignited with a fashion fix, here's some pictures from a shoot I did in Hackney recently. Infusing Victorian posture and prints into the urban landscape was an exciting prospect, where I found the ambience of the industrial backdrop so inspiring. The grafitti would reflect across the canal, and the shadows from the bridges creeped and craved for mysterious fashion shoots. I'll be sure to venture there again soon. Oh, and the photos were taken by the talented Michael Golding, who can be contacted via michaelgolding@live.com

Strawberry Fields Forever

2011-02-18T05:39:00.000-08:00

Summer might be a distant mirage that teases but never seems to reflect proper heated anticipation our way, but it doesn't stop me romancing ideas of how the sunshine style could be. Lazing in gardens with my eyes trailing through the clouds and sky, I become a stoner without the pot of gold, hazing away to vintage and acoustic sounds. So with the likes of The Beatles playing strawberry fields with a delicious whisper, this soundtrack always brings about a flare for 70s trends. It's been great to see women bringing back flares into their grunge pallete, but I'm keen to see men adding this bohemian glamour into a masculine stance. There's something so intoxicatingly fun about the decade, where florals kaleidoscope over shirts, corrogated textures ripple down trousers, and jewellery teases all over the body. And recently it seems designers are slowly showing signs of a reinvention of this era. Marc Jacobs presents a glorious collection that has a twist on a 70s businessman. The colours are dusty oranges and grainy creams, the jumpers are fuzzy, and the working trousers parachute and ripple. And giving a modern footprint, trainers suprise the silhouette. With all this inspiration in mind, some of my outfits recently have kept me cool from the cold, but also spiced up a love for the trend. Suede coats with furry collars, and jumpers with vintage disco print.

Uncle Sam

2011-02-14T14:11:00.000-08:00

Fashion week is around the corner, and I'm going around the bend with love for up and coming designers like Asger Juel Larsen who I've championed for a while now. For those that aren't aware of his aesthetics yet, he's a dark and gothic romantic that suprises with twisted designs and textures. I've posted the recent press release I wrote for him below, but be sure to head to www.asgerjuellarsen.com to see more of the magic and spell he's sure to cast at London Fashion Week.

Caged Crystals & Secret Languages

2011-02-11T09:16:00.001-08:00

I've had quite a heavy week that's been infused with fashionable activity. Working behind the scenes of the cosmopolitan and esquire websites has been a great insight, looking at the 'nuts and bolts' and mechanisms of the industry. And alongside this, I've written a press release for the talented prince of twisted industrial gothic tailoring, Asger Juel Larsen. His alluring androgyny can be seen at www.asgerjuellarsen.blogspot.com . Meanwhile, within the world of my own wardrobe, my attention and addiction this week has turned to the inticing intricacy of jewellery. I love the way some chains can electrify a sci-fi vibe, etherial beads and crosses can embody the weathered traveller, or a bow tie can create the Victorian eccentric. Take my example below, where an offbeat suit that's sprinkled in flowers and accessories looks like a vintage clash against the urban jungle around me. And a brand I've become enchanted by is Bjorg, whose lookbook is a mysterious set of myths and quests. The jewellery explores 'inside out' aproaches, with ribbed bracelets that creep and corset along the arm, crystals that blind and chunk on the hand, and capsules with rare gems and feathers hanging from the neck with serious bohemian charm. To see more, head to www.bjorgshop.com/cms/

Tearing Up My Heart With Thunder

2011-02-06T06:35:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite womenswear trends over the chilly season was the fair isle spell. My stylish flatmate Connie would wear white waterfalling cardigans with irresistible frosty prints and patterns across them, exuding extreme comfort with a grunged flare. And it's this 'flare' and flame back to the 70's that I've been influenced to invest in this Spring. I used to assume that baggy trousers and corded materials would illuminate a lost boy in 'passed through the family tree' clothes, drowning in an unawareness of body shape and fit. But in a bohemian light, flare can be just the flavour away from the easy addition to skinny fit jeans and tee's. Take my heavy blue cardigan hood, and more importantly the recent pictures from Topman's new collection. There's something enchantingly etherial about them, with dusty electric spots sprinkled on the jumpers, and a lightness to the colours that melt to the eye.

Black Icebergs

2011-02-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

When I reflect on certain textures I've tested, while I never question the interpretation or adventure behind the time, there's occasionally 'that' coat that didn't quite fit. Take the nostalgic punk biker jacket I had a tug-of-war with to get out of the cupboard last year. It evolved into a fun and powerful shoot, but it would have drowned and bullied me to the floor with each step and walk if I went out in it. Some fabrics are just too heavy to handle when you don't have the broad shoulders of a man from the Milan runway. But this isn't to say that the vibe can't be trimmed down into a skinny latte version. So with a love of leather, I traded animalistic armor leather for a lighter retail interpretation. The Topman jacket I'm wearing below is sticky to the eye and light enough to crunch and crinkle into a tough urban shape. And an editorial from Iceberg has a similar appeal, where they've even creamed the aviator trend into something softer. Be sure to let me know of your own trend adaptations this season!

Midnight Rainbows

2011-01-26T23:32:00.000-08:00

London comes to life at night, where the shadows and streets prey on the clubbing kids. I sound like I've been reading a feast of Neil Gaiman, but there's something darkly magical about the transformation of a business city by day to the eccentric colour of the nightclub. And it's a time I love to revel in rainbows and wear embellishments to electrify the dark sky. And for the perfect 'work to dancefloor' styling soundtrack, John Varvatos U.S.A is a designer that captures day and night perfectly in one thread and swagger. The clothes are suited and polished from afar, but up close have a fuzzy and distressed texture that could be Russell Brand going to an interview. I've included an outfit example of mine below that mirrors this slick grunge number for the punk dancefloor with my flatmate Constance. An All Saints jumper with bulletholes for the thumbs and a potato sack texture was just the gunshot for my attention.

Safari In The City

2011-01-21T06:27:00.001-08:00

Milan has yet again been the wonderful jungle for menswear tease and tailoring. It's always so refreshing to see collections that aren't a diluted form of expression compared to ambitious womenswear. Take Cavalli, where flare and swing of the 70's is caramalised into a modern sort of sweetness. The colours of the suede suits are creamy, dusty, and sunburnt amber and rust, like antiques that have a velvet history and texture about them. Leopard print was the female trend to trek into fashion, and cavalli's male interpretation is trousers with a safari spark to them, with aboriginal graphics creating intense aesthetic. The jackets look like birds of prey that are melting into an illusion, such is the soft quality of them. The knits are just as impressive and unique, taking the drape and funnel neck to new heights, or should I say lows. They practically poncho from the neck like a thick knit waterfall, looking like an all-body scarf that cacoons. What also striked me about Cavalli's safari park was the impressive attention to accessories. The jewellery and cravats are a collection of earthly treasures, capturing bohemian slick spirit. Without doubt a highlight from Milan in my eyes.

Away from topic, I've also included a picture of me varying up my beloved parka jacket again. This time it's the turn of layers, with the hope of looking like a bohemian grunge traveller and explorer.

Who Gives A Wang

2011-01-17T10:01:00.001-08:00

Last year I plucked the petals and courage to populate my wardrobe with a subtle flare of florals. Designer Frankie Morello exploded the print in electric shock manner and 80's attitude into full body suits, shooting colour all across the male framework. It was a bold and playful idea, but like a rose, it was beautiful and a little sharp to the touch and tastes for everyday. So my attention has turned to Alexander Wang, whose t-shirts practically melt to the eye with the minimalist draping. I love the urban attitude that comes from the spring simplicity, and it's been one of the materials I've recently been dipping into. Prada also encourage construction-free tops in their collections that's just as impressive. And take the t-shirt I'm wearing below, where the flower pattern mists almost invisibly like the design is being seen underwater. I like to think it's another floral introduction and stemmed twist to the ever blossoming male wardrobe.

Rebel Without A Cause

2011-01-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

With a thin frame and fragile mind at times, I'm hardly the mannequin to host a punk fashion riot. But I've always loved the way clothes can create a festival of different style genres, and it can sometimes be fun to sneak into a different 'concert' to style up a different sound for a second. Recently for example, I stumbled upon Zac Efron's Wonderland shoot where he channelled the organic care-free attitude and swagger of James Dean. I love the way the titan like leather is tamed into first gear with simplistic poses and emotions. So with this in mind, and with a vintage jacket lying about back home, I enjoyably drowned and in a sticky and heavy biker jacket. Let me know if any of you have ever dipped into a treasure chest of fashionable fancy dress too!

We Are Nowhere, And It's Now

2011-01-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

Something I've been desperate to parachute into my wardrobe for months is a crinkled canvas parka that becomes an inviting no-mans-land of layers to get lost in. I love how a rough and tumbled jacket can tame but equally enhance a jumper underneath that electrifies embellishments on the shoulder. I'm always one to sport a sequin, but it makes it even more refreshing to execute such a spark in a masculine manner, and I feel a parka jacket is just the ticket. Teamed with a beanie, military jeans and boots, it was the perfect daywear for a day in the city. I've included a few runway examples of this parka print that's ignited my inspiration, from Bottega Veneta to Wood Wood. And I also need to leave a huge thanks to Kyle from lookbook for editing my image below; his own personal style can be found at http://lookbook.nu/kylejammeson

Give My Dreams To The Gypsies

2011-01-04T23:17:00.000-08:00

Mist marked the weather just before I left for London. There was an eery net that smoked the air and disguised the trees, and it immediately enchanted my mind with landscape destined for creepy gypsy fairytales. I played dress up quite a lot in my week at home, adding colour and quirk to silent times in the countryside; but I felt totally at home in the bohemian clothing tones. Take this gold leaf blazer I'm wearing, that looks like a fusion of Galliano and McQueen's twisted regal ideas. The pattern up close looks like victorian wallpaper, and there's a subtle glisten and silver spark to it when the light manages to pierce through the mist and catch it. Coupled with an aladdin ruby hat, I'm bringing this colourful but suited gypsy style back to the city. And a designer that has injected a similar feeling into suits for Spring is Tom Ford. I love how the blazers adopt retro colours and patterns, taking geek chic to an evolved level of lux.

Love Letters Lost In The Mist

2011-01-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to start off with fashionable folk. This is the day of new year resolutions, but rather than swearing on make-believe oath to stick to utopian ideals, my traditional quest is to evolve and dare with what I wear. I think my most recycled and layered addiction last year was military and distressed vibes; and not being one to just dispose of a trend or taste, I've looked to ways of matching these prints with the white snow and the romance of the Spring in sight. And a designer like Julius is just the wonderfully faded ticket to achieve this look. The brand revel and mist in a mixture of light and dark. Crumbling white fabric floats around the neck in a life of its own, a vast number of pockets chunk out of shorts to give extra dimensions, with delicately placed tears and rips in trousers that look like animalistic scars. The clothes and concept remind me of a sci-fi romance, and I find the use of white within this dark gothic collection so inspired. So with this in mind, I've adopted a long and soft trench cardigan, white All Saints tops, and refreshing colour clashes with retro black holdalls. To see more of Julius, head to http://julius-garden.jp/

You Had A Flame In Your Heart

2010-12-26T23:16:00.000-08:00

I'd be a festive fool to swerv around the fact that Christmas just came and went. The snow seemed to camoflage the time, as it was surreal for 'santa' to be back again, but I'm never one to turn down a chance for an updated wardrobe. And this year my wish list was the holdall that took a hold of my heart. I love the leather effect bag from asos that has a cave of room inside, and a rich dark crinkle to it that gives commuting some military spirit. I've also invested in trousers with texture, such as mustard chino's or electric silk ones that dance in the wind. Someone on lookbook compared this vibe to that of the Duckie Brown runway, and I certainly took that as a compliment. The collection has an acid surfer punk to it, with psychadelic tops that melt into rippling trousers, and a clash of pre-school crayon colours that look at home together. It's given me even more inspiration for layering in a different way and length.

Frieze A Thought

2010-12-22T12:45:00.001-08:00

While this might not be the utopia view of a festive film, I've found myself watching a feast of sci-fi films recently. I'm in no way season-sinister or reclused during the Winter, but I seem to get a taste for dark colours and trench like vibes that intimidate in an addictive way. I guess I view the bitter wind as an enemy to my thin frame, and clothes become the obvious weapon of choice. So in this sci-fi sphere I speak of, I'm not referring to the geek chic, but more the bullet defying coats and shoes that bully the snow. And encoporating this into office days that fund the warmth to my London life, there couldn't have been a better designer to stumble across than Elliott J.Frieze. His A/W collection is the perfect example of slick suited twists.

What strikes me first is the crinkle texture socks that look tightly sprung at the ankle. One stride would look to explode and coil them out. They’re a wonderful intersection and earthly purgatory between the deliciously silken suit and fudge like hunting boots. It’s refreshing to see the silhouette being distorted from an unexpected height; so often I’m used to seeing tailoring around the jacket region, so this scrunched sock appeals to me greatly. This play of levels is only heightened through the crisp trousers that have a life of their own. They look like rustling shadows, or harems with a tailored business edge. Not being one to generic myself in a standard office suit, I love this explosion of fabric that looks like sport slamdunked into the workspace.

The jackets are also a marvel to the level bending eye. They statically waterfall down a wealth of the body, like black slate that’s stylishly drowning the model. And for the blazers with a more standard shape, even these are given waist belts that add some real flare. And colour wise, the collection sticks to faded greys, slate like blacks and oatmeal caramels, keeping the clothes cohesive and allowing the textures to hold the aesthetics. I could continue to melt in words with his clothes, so for now, head to http://www.elliottjfrieze.com/ to see more.

I've also included my own way with black layering. Last weekend my flatmate Connie did a shoot in the frozen forest for an exciting brand she's working with. And despite the bitter cold that could practically freeze our excitement in the air, me and Oli jumped at the chance to be involved in the background. It was the perfect end to my first winter in the city.

Our Broken Fairytale

2010-12-17T07:23:00.000-08:00

Winter has been frost biting the city, and while it doesn't bode well for a Victorian house that evaporates all existence of warmness, it at least makes the world outside a wonderland. I love wearing kooky print aran jumpers that clash with punk and tartan vibe trousers. It's like Vivienne Westwood in the wilderness, or a twisted narnia. I've also included some pictures of our days in the local park; my flatmate Connie took atmospheric pictures, and I slipped and skipped around by the bandstand.

Black Coffee

2010-12-12T08:17:00.001-08:00

Just as essential as a black coffee rush in the morning is the need to look stylish at work without a decaffeinated air of practicality. But luckily menswear isn't tied up to a suit and tie life anymore, and I've found ways to make office wear more of an adventure. Fitted t-shirts with matrix coding graphic prints look like slick sci-fi tapestry under a rolled up blazer or peacoat, and mesh can subtly net its way into unpredictable terrain when layered carefully. And jodhpurs can gallop their way to become a pole position way of wearing skinny trousers with an ice white twist. My christmas craving however comes in the form of a holdall bag. I've seen so many that leave me jaw dropped, and I just love the idea of the man handbag bulking its way onto the highstreet. There's sticky cave style ones that look neverending inside, and even sport inspired bags that have an urban slick sense to them. I've included a personal favourite of mine below; a titan but earthly looking suitcase holdall from Louis Vuitton. Commuting has never been trendier.

Frosti Aurora

2010-12-06T23:23:00.000-08:00

Sorry my updates haven't been quite as consistent as usual; it seems the thunderous snow has disguised the scenes for photoshoots and frozen all inspiration to pose. I really don't think the UK has been so cold before; it's felt like electric shocks of ice in the air. But luckily I've been working indoors at NatMags at the moment, and where better a place to defrost an idea into life, where business manners meet grunge reflections. Unless it's stripped and suited from the runway, I'd find it hard to generic myself into a monotone suit with the suffocating and shapeless thick tie, so mixing bohemian texture has given office wear a pop in my eyes. Slim fitting work trousers can look suprisingly punky when clashed and crammed into military boots, with the material silkenly rippling out of them. And my leafy cardigan companion is on hand to distort and bend a nautical top underneath. I've also included an editorial from Lithium Homme who introduce a harem hallucination of the office; the high waisted trousers look funky and quirky when paired with a blazer that looks like a golden tailcoat. And finally for photographic wonder during Winter, my friend Connie introduced me to a wonderful creatives work called Dylan Forsberg. His images are spellbinding and electric with romantic blur. Check out more of his work at www.dylanforsberg.blogspot.com, and inspired menswear at www.lithium-homme.com

Mist And Splinters

2010-12-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

Autumn is a kaleidoscope and tapestry of honey colours, but Winter marks a season of mystery and intrigue to me. People walk by in a cocoon of layers, tough boots crush the snow without sympathy, and the ice mist creates a mystical environment that’s enchantingly ambient and eerie in equal measure. So to mark the first post of December, I’ve included a style shoot set around frozen grass splinters, and a purple silk scarf that looks like it’s about to set alight with colour from the cold. I also came across an editorial I loved that indulged in darkness and cold static stances. I find the minimal editorial touch so captivating and intoxicating.

Your Eyes Lie

2010-11-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

So this week I was chuffed to receive a galaxy bag of graphic t-shirts from Camden brand YOUREYESLIE. Their designs are distressed, sci-fi esque, and the perfect fusion of grunge and slick. To check out their range which is taking over the trendy kids of London and beyond, head to www.youreyeslie.com

I've also included a picture of me and my flatmate Connie (from www.constance-victoria.blogspot.com.) Along with another funky and cultured type by the name of Oli, my London flat and experience so far has been enriched with fun times and upward career doings.

Barbour Has Me Barb Wired

2010-11-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

It's hard to be homesick in the city when the countryside has seemingly ploughed its print on the pavements. The trends might have been all about vintage charity shop charm for a few years, but recently the 'must have' has gone to all new rural routes, where the farmer has never been so chic. Quilted and wax barbour jackets tractor past me every few minutes along Carnaby Street, with a tough emmerdale texture that looks like organic military from the wilderness. It's amazing to see an every day jacket unknowingly ticking the aesthetics for a number of trends; the quilt has a slight sci-fi bobble tone, the wax regiments with the army retail ranks, and the patchwork has all the Burberry city cool. I went home at the weekend, and alongside getting a new haircut at the barbers, I picked up my very own barbour which has veiny corrogated sleeves and a creamy quilted pop in the middle. Hope you like it. I've also just been enlisted as the fashion sub editor for the upcoming mens magazine, Conquer, set for publishing and release at the start of next year. It's already looking to be an enriched and inspired magazine, so make note!

Smokey Taboo

2010-11-19T12:49:00.000-08:00

So this weekend I've gone back to my countryside routes for a few days, and I always seem to fall under an immediate bohemian dizzyspell when I camoflage and hibernate within the wilderness. The attire turns to corrogated cardigans that look like peeled off bark, earthly and grainy tops that crackle in the wind, and boots destined to drown in heavy pools of leaves. And if your ever looking for similar textures in the high street this season, Urban Outfitters revel in the wilderness with aran knits to melt even the stone-city obsessed heart.

Paradise Lost

2010-11-14T04:46:00.000-08:00

Even though some trends are intended to vanish and mist away in an instant, I personally like to keep the must-haves cushioned in my closet for rennovation when I feel like being creative. Take the military style that regimented a war-like obsession at the start of the year. While it might be behind enemy lines and in no-mans-land now, I still find ways to fuse it into current trends and the Autumn spirit. I've recently enjoyed layering silky materials together, meriting the patchwork of honey leaves around my neck of the city woods. And it shows that you don't need tough, urban textures and colours to complete the army appeal, because the glossy shoulder and button details on my red shirt tick the aesthetics I feel. If anything, it's an autumnal hybrid of military and rustic charm. And a designer I came across recently who revels in this is Shareef. His clothes are like pixie boy princes from mystical forests, who also have that subtle air of urban attitude and funk.