Tuesday 22 February 2011

Krispy Kreme & Glamour Magazine


I spotted this yesterday whilst I was out food shopping and havnt been able to stop thinking about it - and that's not just because I'm a sucker for the Original glaze!

Fashion is notorious for collaborations. Be it H&M and Lanvin, Armani and Reebok or Gucci and Marc Ronson, a fashion collaboration seems to have been fashionable in itself. And why wouldnt it be? It is a simple and easy solution to give the brand a new edge, appeal to a different audience and drive sales. Perhaps this is what Glamour magazine are aiming to achieve, and albeit, it is certainly an alternative way from the usual etiquete of 10th birthday company celebrations.

However, I cant help but wonder whether something lies deeper in the meaning. Is it a meaningless publicity stunt, or is it also a message about the magazines ethos?

Glamour magazine are successful enough to have teamed up with a good choice of designers, brands and products. In fact, had I been asked just now to think of a good partner for them to hook up with, I think I may have indeed gone with the cliche and chosen a makeup brand or  clothing label which the magazine publicises a lot or that they think best reflects the 'woman' of their magazine. 

But Krispy Kremes...an interesting choice. A food product at most, and although fashionable, not necessarily the obvious choice. Perhaps, Glamour magazine are trying to defeat the glossy stereotype; the connotations of fashion magazine usually can be summed up in a word: thinspiration. With countless controversies about what lies beneath the pages of print, it is a brave and clever move of Glamour, almost persuading their readers to go out and buy donuts. Eating has become fashionable again. 
Thank God for that!


Saturday 19 February 2011

H&M Conscious Collection


It seems that over the past few years, everything is green. Not literally of course, as that would be a complete nightmare for those of us who resemble a leprechaun in certain shades. But environmentally, we are constantly encouraged to stay clean and 'think green', and it seems that fashion is no exception.

As of April this year, you'll be able to do your part. 
H&M are releasing a new collection this Spring named the 'Conscious Collection' which, in keeping with the motif of this post, is made from 'greener' materials; such as organic cotton, organic linen, recycled polyester and Tencel. 

Ann-Sofie Johansson (Head of Design) says that 'shades of white are the season’s biggest fashion trend and it feels right for this collection", and personally I think she couldnt be more correct. 
The various shades of whites, ranging from pale peaches to pastel pinks, reflect both the innocence and romanticism about the garments, whilst still being bang on trend and accessible to everyone.

Having had a flick through of the press release pictures myself, it appears that simplicity is key; with loose, angelic fits for the women and a mixture of straight-cut tailoring for the men. It is clear from the images that the designers were looking for their ethical message to speak through their clothes, leaving behind the frivolous frills of our fashion society.

Overall, I think that the 'Conscious Collection' looks like it could be roaring success, as it appeals to many different genres - the fashion lover, the global carer, and the penny watcher - dress (above) selling at £29.99. So which ever way you look at it, you're doing something good; both for yourself, and for everyone else. Look good and feel great!

To check it out for yourself, click here!

Wednesday 16 February 2011

Band of Outsiders Fall'11 RTW


Possibly a little naive of me, and maybe something which I shouldn't admit on a fashion blog, but I had never heard of Band of Outsiders before; and having had their latest collection saved in my images for nearly a week now, I think it's about time that I spread the word.

Seeing as they started out as a menswear brand, I feel a little more at easy with my lack of knowledge. The inspiration and creation behind the label lies in the clever hands of Scott Sternberg, releasing the brand to the world in 2004.
 The more recent womenswear addition to the collection 'girl', has also made an impressive start, whilst the original womens line 'boy' encaptured straight-cut tailoring and fairly monotone colouring, allowing the overall essence of the masculine brand to stay in tact - dare I say, almost like an urbanised 21st Century version of Chanel.

With a general feel of ease about the clothes in the entire collection, there were elements of both preppy casual and urban chic. Teaming together polo shirts and fur jackets in the 'band' menswear line may seem like a bit of an odd combination, but somehow it worked perfectly, creating a laidback style of its own.

Only 7 years under the belt, but having gained a repitoire with clients such as Kid Cudi, James Marsden and Kirsten Dunst, this brand is definitely one to watch.

Monday 14 February 2011

Mistakes



Do it the best that you can.
Life has no undo button.

Thursday 10 February 2011

Charlotte Ronson SS11 RTW


 Seeing as this is meant to be both a fashion and lifestyle blog, maybe it's about time that I actually returned to talking about the former.

I've gone and picked my four favourite looks from Charlotte Ronson's latest collection, which she says was inspired by 'dressing down, but in a romantic way'. 
And I think it does just that.

With a mixture of chiffons, pastels, darks and denims, the collection covers every aspect of city chic. Reflecting fashions from the nineties, the 'grungy yet feminine' aura about the garments are shown off with a combination of loose fits and tapered waitstlines, making the style look effortless.

Perhaps on a more personal note, the reason why the collection appeals so much to me is because every outfit looks like something that I would pick out for myself. And in true keeping with my own personal style, all the models wore nose rings.

Sunday 6 February 2011

Absense


Perhaps the hardest thing that I have ever learned about life,
 is that nobody stays in it forever.