All posts by Vanilla Bear

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McQueen is King

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I’m going back in the fashion calendar to January, where designers debuted the Menswear Autumn/Winter ’13-14 collections. Now, we’re starting the season that the fashion world have already set out trends for; so I’m going to remind you of them. That way there is no excuse for you to not be clued up on what’s hot, and what is definitely not, this season.

vuitton

Across all four fashion weeks, it was obvious to see that mono tones are a huge trend for men this season.

mcqueen

Alexander Wang had some sharp tailored suits in black and grey geometric print, whereas Vuitton paired their tailoring with dense black parkas, an obvious recurring trend of the season. Coats should finalise your look.

Interestingly, Louis Vuitton also brought in a mix of navy and burgundy to their collection, setting a bleak, dark colour palette for the season.

Balenciaga’s collection was very defined, with the clothes being block mono coloured, and frequently pairing white trousers with black jumpers and jackets, and vice versa. From all houses, this season is sharp, edgy and tailored.

But the house that stood out the most this season was Alexander McQueen. Their collection enveloped everything from the other houses, but stood out with a striking twist of electric red. Trousers, jackets, jumpers. A statement red piece was paired with smart tailoring to give a mono look a bold new feel.

Boys, hit the high street to try and replicate the style. By now the trends have trickled down and River Island and Topman have started to feature these trends in their winter collection. Hurry lads, before I buy everything…

 

tux jeans coat

 

News, Style

A coat is not a purchase; it is an investment

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As the winter months draw near to the little, bad-weather ridden island that is the UK, I found myself in the predicament that I did not pack a coat for university. now, coats are not something that should be bought and worn twice when you decide to actually emerge from the house in these arctic temperatures; bit of an exaggeration I know but have you felt the temperature recently?!

So hear my word of warning: do not buy a cheap coat. It will break and you will be cold. A coat should be something you want to wrap around yourself in the winter months because it looks and feels good. A coat should compliment and add to every outfit you wear this season. A coat should allow you to feel confident enough to step out into the cold and think that you look stylish and, above all, warm.

I spent £90 on this wool coat from Topman because a good coat is an investment, it will last for a while. I’m not a huge fan of shopping on the high street any more because I don’t like the idea of everyone owning the same clothes as me, but when I wandered into there with a friend, I literally could not resist.

So whenever someone is trying to talk you out of buying a new coat, do not let them. Think to yourself, “I will be warm this season. it is an investment.” because let’s face it, you’re going to buy the damn coat anyway.

News

Solent Fashion Soldiers

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You would think that trawling the streets at 9am on a Sunday morning, you’d be unable to find anybody with an interesting street style. With Southampton, that is not the case. With an array of Sotonians on the streets, finding people with an interesting street style was relatively easy. People use their clothing to tell a story to the world: their class, age, personality and interests all stem from the style of clothing that they wear. Here, 4 girls tell us what their shopping habits and street style inspiration are, as well as their favourite stores. Listen up ladies, you might get some info on where to look next for your newest, hottest, winter piece.

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Jess, 18, Student

Where do you most frequently shop?

Primark, River Island and H&M

Do you prefer the high street or vintage/designer clothes?

High street. Designer labels aren’t worth the price you pay for them.

Where was your last item of clothing bought from?

This denim jacket from Primark

What would you describe your style as in 3 words?

Girly, practical, comfortable

Is anyone a huge fashion inspiration to you?

Mainly mainstream celebrities such as Katy Perry and Eva Longoria

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Louise, 18, Student

Where do you most frequently shop?

H&M, Topshop and New Look

Do you prefer the high street or vintage/designer clothes?

High Street. It’s just easier

Where was your last item of clothing bought from?

A midi skirt from Topshop

What would you describe your style as in 3 words?

Girly, normal, laid back

Is anyone a huge fashion inspiration to you?

Rochelle Humes. I love her style

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Cara, 19, Student

Where do you most frequently shop?

Topshop, River Island and Primark

Do you prefer the high street or vintage/designer clothes?

High Street but I do occasionally buy from vintage boutiques

Where was your last item of clothing bought from?

A coat from New Look

What would you describe your style as in 3 words?

Casual, stylish and affordable

Is anyone a huge fashion inspiration to you?

Kate Moss. I take a lot of inspiration for my going out outfits from her

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Natalia, 19, Student

Where do you most frequently shop?

River Island, Topshop, ASOS

Do you prefer the high street or vintage/designer clothes?

High Street

Where was your last item of clothing bought from?

Shoes in River Island

What would you describe your style as in 3 words?

Quirky, girly, practical

Is anyone a huge fashion inspiration to you?

Not really. I look at magazines for a bit of inspiration but I mainly like to follow my own style.

 

So there you have it girls! Hit the high streets ASAP. Get your winter wardrobe decked out and own that pavement like you’re walking Dior’s S/S ’14 show.

News

I’m walking on sunshine

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Unfortunately Katrina (and the Waves, sorry guys) I don’t mean literally. but walking in my new Nike Air Force, I’m pretty sure is the equivalent of walking on a cloud. The comfort of these shoes makes good street style an effortless task, and the walk to university a delight. I’m telling you kids, they were worth the £65. pretty cheap for Nikes eh?!

The whole “Air Max” trend is getting a little tired now. Every man, woman and baby seem to have them on so I decided to go for something a little different. although, Air Forces are becoming more and more popular.

If you’re aiming for the retro sport style boys, try Nikes. If you’re not a fan, try Puma Suedes or Adidas trainers. A cheaper and equally stylish look!

News

Metrosexual: How far is too far?

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They’re coming. An army of preened, perfect, hair-gelled soldiers. They are: the metrosexual.

Come on boys, admit it. You’re turning into one of them. It’s happening slowly. Slow enough that you’re not able to notice it, but quick enough for your girlfriends, sisters, even mums, to notice. A bottle of extra firm hold hairspray here. A tube of Dove’s moisturiser there. You are slowly adding to the ever-expanding male aimed beauty scene, as boys continue to take more time attending to their appearance.

Studies show that men are spending a marginal 19p less than women on beauty products every month. Before you know it you’ll be buying “guyliner” and “male UGG boots.” Face it lads, it’s not a good look. You’ll end up looking like Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy.

I’m not saying that you can’t take care of your appearance boys, but face it, you don’t need to be putting concealer and foundation on. A girl wants her man to look rough, ready and manly (courtesy of my flatmates opinions). They don’t want a fake-tanned, hair-removal-creamed, eyebrow-plucked little boy.

http://mensfashionnow.tumblr.com/

Your clothes also reflect this femininity guys! Unless you are Marc Jacobs, it is very unlikely that you can pull off ‘meggings’ (male leggings). He can wear a skirt at the Met Ball and look stylish ‘cos lets face it, he’s the Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton for gods sake! You go out wearing a skirt and you’re going to look like a Scottish wedding reject. An occasional statement piece is acceptable. Personally I have been known to wear meggings, but I’m of the homosexual tendency and can sort of make it acceptable (completely adhering to stereotypes here).

So boys, let’s look at levels of the metrosexual and what you can do to make sure you don’t go full blown Rylan Clark. Style your hair, that’s fine. But when you start using more products in it than your girlfriends, and let’s face it, they need more, it’s becoming an issue. Make-up: personally I’m not a fan of the make-up-wearing male, but if you are going to do it, keep it minimal. A little bit of concealer to cover up those blemishes should be all it takes. Clothes: keep statement pieces like male skirts or leggings to a minimum. Look at GQ Style if you want to take some inspiration as to what key pieces this season are offering for you fashion conscious men out there. Over and Out boys. Speak soon.