Monday 27 October 2014

Recommended Reads 1 | HERO Magazine

HERO Magazine - Published only twice a year in April and October, HERO Magazine is a publication like no other. Featuring some of the most prestigious photographers (Hedi Slimane) juxtaposed with some much lesser known figures, HERO doesn't stick to the usual constraints of most mainstream magazines exploring much broader realms and horizons. HERO is a 'fashion magazine' but don't be fooled by the name, this isn't your usual advert filled supplement. 
INTERVIEWS - HERO always explores not only people in the fashion limelight but also delves into social and cultural issues. Many of the interview techniques make the issues at hand easily digestible even when tackling some more difficult and complex subjects. A very poignant interview to me was when Linda Papadopoulos voiced her opinions (HERO 11) on the younger generation of today and how the current climate, including technology and other issues, affects the way they think. In short, HERO explores all walks of life.

THE UNORTHODOX LAYOUT - The magazine contains an incredible amount of visual feasts.  From the main text body to the photos themselves, every inch of the magazine is thought out and considered. Anyone and everyone will appreciate the artistic flair

POETIC JUSTICE - This is just one example of thousands as to why this magazine is amazing. You won't find a gritty poem (or any kind for that matter) in a conventional fashion magazine. 


THE OVERALL EFFECT - This is a magazine that you truly won't want to ever end. There is something amazing that your can't quite put your finger on. It could possibly be the fact that it is only released twice a year so you won't ever over indulge, or a mix of the eclectic content and visual masterpieces. The content almost has an 'underground' feel and tends to stray away from mainstream media and leaves you feeling enlightened.
You can purchase previous issues here: store.hero-magazine.com




Sunday 12 October 2014

Playlist Of The Month | 2

1. SBTRKT - Temporary View ft Sampha
2. Frank Ocean - Super Rich Kids 
3. James Blake - Digital Lion 
4. Peace - White Noise (Disclosure Cover) 
5. Tame Impala - Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

Friday 3 October 2014

Autumn Walks 4 | Shades Of Blue


THE OVERALL LOOK - A new take on a classic, classy look.
Coat - Topman (£90)
T-shirt - ACNE Studios (£80)
Belt - Topman (£12)
Trousers - ACNE Studios (£170)
Socks - Nike (£14 - Pack of Six)
Shoes - POSTE (£105) 
YOU FIRST - ACNE Studios is a high end brand that offer amazing and unique clothes. Both the T-shirt and Trousers were purchased in their London store on Dover Street. The T-shirt is sheer and has more of a satin than matte finish. It is of real quality and extremely versatile, enhancing almost any look; smart or casual. Pair it with either a pair of denim jeans for a more casual yet considered look; or some smarter trousers (as seen in these photos) to add a different facet. 
THE PERFECT RELAXED YET WELL PRESENTED LOOK - This is the perfect look for a stroll around town. It will get heads turning and not look to dressy; looking smart without being overdressed. A personal favorite place to relax in is Pie & Vinyl, Southsea, Portsmouth. What you get is pretty much in the name. With vinyl really becoming a thing again, it is the perfect place to browse endlessly. Ranging from options of older to brand new music, Pie and Vinyl is the ideal place if you like... well.. Pies and Vinyls? 

DOUBLE MONK STRAPS - Monk straps have been a favorite of any well dressed man for years. They are less smart than most dress shoes and perfect for a slightly relaxed feel. They also look good when worn in a tiny amount so you won't have to worry too much about wear. Again, these shoes look good with white socks but also look good sockless.   
SUNDAYS - Sundays weren't made for just laying around. Visit some independent shops and you will usually find some unusual and quirky things (or people) and support the local economy! This road in Portsmouth was voted 'Best Dressed Street', rather coincidental that we chose to randomly shoot here today!

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD - Recently purchase - this Vivienne Westwood Skeleton Bracelet Silver (£105) is amazing. It features the iconic Vivienne Westwood orb and moving details. It gives a modern grunge vibe but still looks surprisingly classy. When receiving/purchasing anything from Vivienne Westwood you will receive an amazing box which is definitely a keepsake too.  
THE GREAT FROG - Sticking with the grunge appeal this Skull Ring (£90) from The Great Frog is made of 'British Hallmarked 925 Silver' and is a different class in the jewelry game. It is subtle yet a real attention grabber. Skulls aren't for a lot of people, but they are and have been a real trend for the last few years. The Great Frog have a huge range of rings all made to measure. If you get a chance, visit there shop in London just off Carnaby Street (10 Ganton Street) as the rings look even more impressive than in pictures. They also have a shop in New York (72 Orchard Street) along with an online shop. 


STAPLE TROUSERS - If you are going to invest a large amount of money into trousers then they should wearable, durable and a staple item too. You don't want to find that they are out of style the next season. Stick to block, solid colours and avoid 'trends' and unorthodox fits. Paying more money for a pair of trousers will mean they will (mostly) be a better fit, an incredible material and have a totally different dimension to your cheaper purchases. These trousers were purchased from ACNE Studios and appear different colours in different lights. They feel amazing from the moment you pull them on and can be dressed up or down. They have a different feel to cheaper trousers; being a good fit and an incredibly durable feel. ACNE offer many different fits and finishes when it comes to trousers (and jeans!) so take a look on their website or visit one of there minimalistic and modern stores. The trousers shown are 'Max Satin Navy Chino Trousers' (£170).
COAT SLINGING - The Mac is back in fashion. When the weather isn't so cold, use the 'coat slinging' method to avoid getting too warm or having to carry your heavy and bulky jacket. It creates an entirely different silhouette to your look and can complete change an outfit. 

Wednesday 1 October 2014

Item Spotlight 2 | Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extrême

PRODUCT OVERVIEW -  Every man should have a signature scent that allures the preying eyes; that reminds that specific someone of you and adds a 4D effect to your outfit of choice. A particularly good scent can be the finishing touch and evoke certain memories. The Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extrême Eau de toilette (£72) is all of the above. 

THE QUALITY - This is a fragrance that lingers all day due to the Eau Extrême formula being far more concentrated than the original. Chanel always offers particularly classy scents at pretty high prices, there is however a reason for this as with most other cheaper options the scent doesn't last anywhere near as long. 


THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SCENT - There are 3 'notes' to every perfume - the top/head notes; middle/heart notes and base notes. Each 'note' produces different aromas over time respectively. In this featured aftershave, the notes are as follows:
  1. Top/Head Notes (perceived when first applied) - Aldehydes, Mandarin, Orange, Aquatic Note 
  2. Middle/Heart Notes (perceived when top/head notes lessen) - Black Pepper, Neroli, Cedar 
  3. Base Notes - (usually perceived after 30 mins of application) - Tonka, Vetiver, Amber, White Musk
If you would like to read more about the science behind perfume, have a read into this link on WIKIPEDIA.
OVERALL OPINION - the Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extrême Eau de toilette (£72) may seem like a very steep price to pay but it will a) last for a long time due to the concentration and b) offer a very unique and classy scent. Not only is the fragrance fresh and unorthodox but as you can see the bottle it comes in will look great anywhere you put it. If this scent isn't for you, other recommendations are 'Valentino' (£49.75 - 100ml) or 'Armani' (£55.50 - 75ml)