Category Archives: News

INTRODUCING… EMPIRE DIVIDE

Alternative Indie outfit Empire Divide mark their entrance with debut video Velvet Sky, a mellow record sure to leave a titanic imprint.Radiohead and Muse spearhead Empire Divide’s list of inspirations and these influences have clearly done the Indie outfit no wrong; Velvet Sky is a stunning track propelled by an equally striking video.

Consisting of five members (singer/songwriter Niall Keels, producer/keys/guitarist Toby Bligh, drummer Sam Elliot, bassist Marcus Porter and lead guitarist Jake Faun) the British ensemble are set to take the reins in the UK as we head into the tail end of 2013.

Excitement around the talented quintuplet is rapidly building and they look set to capitalise on their mounting buzz with their first headline London show on December 10th; a perfect beginning to the Christmas festivities!

McQueen is King

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

 

A coat is not a purchase; it is an investment

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.

Solent Fashion Soldiers

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.