LIFE// New Years Resolutions

It's a whole new year and as such people everywhere are laying out aspirations for it. They might go unfulfilled and that's absolutely fine but it's still nice to think of some. Anyway if you didn't what would you have to be depressed about next New Year. Here's mine:

1. Commit more to blogging

I spent a lot of time in the past month putting together an editorial calendar for 2013 to help me with a posting schedule and I actually a had a whole bunch of holiday posts lined up and infinite time to make them happen since I'm off work and college at the moment and I still didn't manage to make it happen. This is something I wanna change starting yesterday. Infact I'll hopefully be posting an outfit post later.

2. Continue to establish a Personal Style

This is something everyone might want to think about, as we get older we form solid opinions on what we like and don't like and that's all a part of growing up. This year I want to embrace that and develop my own style, it's all well and good to follow trends but you've gotta make it work for you not the other way around. You all know what I'm talking about, you've all seen em, that slightly, ermm let's say chubby guy trying to cram his ass into the tightest jeans he can (been there) for what he thinks is fashionable and yeah it ain't pretty.

3. Not expect too much out of myself

Now, this might seem a little backward but it isn't, my biggest problem is that I'm not 100% perfect 100% of the time and as soon as I slip I feel like there isn't any point in trying (hence the dusty treadmill I haven't used since a lazy day back in september) but who the F is! Don't let it get to you!

Disclaimer: (if this post comes across weird it's probably because I wrote it 6 in the morning after a sleepless night) but if it comes across totes inspirational then that's just because I'm talented

MISC// What to ask for this Christmas

It's that time of year again and that means you've probably already been asked, "What do you want for Christmas?', personally I hate this question. I always feel rude asking for actual things, I'd rather a person take notice of things I like or if it's a relative money is nice. 

But if someone really does insist on getting you an actual present without being creative, here are some things you could ask for. I've tried to include a range of price points depending on how generous the gifter is:

1. Canon EOS 500D - from £299 (used)

This is the Camera I use and honestly I cant fault it, I've had it a while now and it's still great. It shoots full HD as well which is a nice bonus, I was told it's used to shoot Sherlock Holmes but I've never looked into if that's true or not.

2. Canon EF 50mm - f/1.4 USM Lens - £279 (Brand New)

Perhaps you already own the camera, then this is an absolutely phenomenal little thing to add on.This is on my christmas list, they can be a little pricy but for me it's a must, they photos they produce are amazing and I need it for my blog.

3 . Pierre Hard Electric Blue Backpack - £720

Okay so maybe this a little too much to ask for but lets dare to dream... and technically it is on sale.

4. Kaare Anorak from Norse Projects in Grey - £210

Everyone needs an anorak and these ones are really great.

5. Vallelunga Chronograph by Autodromo - £320ish

These watches are really nicely minimal without having any fads, perfectly timeless.

6. H&M Bright Blue Beanie - £2.99

See some of these are cheap...

7. Navy Wool Biker Jacket - £190

This is a little pricey but it is sooo nice that I think I'll be getting myself one this christmas.

TRENDS // Monochromatic Matte & Sheen

Jil Sander Autumn Winter 2012

Jil Sander Autumn Winter 2012

T By Alexander Wang Fall 2012

Louis Vuitton Footwear Autumn Winter 2012

A lot of designers take A/W as their opportunity to use a monochromatic colour scheme, this pattern can make things feel a little repetitive, so it's interesting to see how different designers make it feel new and also make it their own. This is usually done using some combination of textures and this season is no exception, I've noticed a lot of designers using Matte and Sheen (whether sheen be a treated fabric, leather or some form of plastic) to create the feeling of variety that's needed in a monochromatic collection and I think I kinda like it and it really reminds me of a recent purchase I made (more on that later).

LOOKBOOKS: Pierre Balmain 2012 Spring/Summer Lookbook

Balmain has a long-lived reputation of luxury and elegance and has recently started to attain a rebellious 'punk' edge. I fell in love with the Autumn/Winter Collections this year and have yet again with their Spring/Summer lookbook which is absolutely stunning, although if I had to pick fault it would be with the footwear but I'm very picky in that respect. The rest of the lookbook can be seen below.

TREND SPOTTED: FLORALS FOR MEN?

Florals are nothing ground-breaking for spring but for men?

Now, this is definitely a trend for the brave man, and isn't easy to pull off. Donatella plastered florals throughout her Spring/Summer collection this season at Milan and they all looked great on the quintessentially masculine models she used, I'm not sure they'd have the same affect teamed with a softer jawline but lets say no more.

I'm not sure I'd feel totally comfortable in any of these looks, but some more accessible and played down male florals I might consider can be seen below:

     

 

T by Alexander Wang 2012 Fall/Winter Collection

Alexander Wang's T by Alexander Wang collection for fall winter 2012 collection really caught my eye when I came across it this afternoon. It has a classy but urban feel to it, which is hard to balance and can all too easily turn out cheesy but I really love this collection, the colours are restrained and the fit sticks to the modern style that Wang does so well with, which is probably what keeps this collection classy.

It's nice to see that Harrington Jackets will be around next fall, as well as waffle knits, makes me feel a bit more comfortable with investing in a Harrington Jacket this late into the season, which I think I'll consider soon, especially considering the steals I've seen on eBay for them.

Versace Winter 2012 Fashion Show at Milan Fashion Week

Whilst many feel that Donatella has, as of late only delivered 90s throwbacks, which I can't fully disagree with whilst looking at arguably her most famous design since she took ownership of Versace; the 'Jungle Dress', worn by Jennifer Lopez to the year 2000 Grammys, in comparison to some of the pieces from her H&M collaboration:

But then who could blame her, it is fitting considering she started with that design for her career at Versace and used similar designs for her first collaboration with H&M. Anyway, I do feel that she does simple elegance very well when using black white and gold, which is showcased perfectly in the newest show:

I'm not the biggest fan of all the coloured designs in this show, but that said, I do love Donatella's work with leather and embellishment and the simple black and white gowns, very much stick to what I feel Donatella is good at. 

H&M Men's Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook Revealed!

Following the somewhat flamboyant Versace for H&M collection certainly isn't an easy task for the H&M team, however the Men's Spring/Summer Lookbook, whilst still going back to its H&M roots seems to have taken inspiration from the high fashion house that is Versace.

Calvin Klein Collection Pre-Fall 2012

Just came across this Calvin Klein Pre-Fall show by accident and since it was very recent I thought I'd write about it.