Fine Print

This is a quick post with some prints I was developing in my free time. So tell me, would you wear any of 'em?

Castles in the air

Poppy Mania!

Andy Warhol x Marilyn

Disclaimer: I don't really own the PSD brushes/images I used to make these patterns so I don't claim ownership.

Can I just say...

...Well done Mr. Simons!

Raf Simons' first Dior Couture show in Paris was a smash hit in my books! Yes, it was less opulent than Galliano, and less dramatic but it was a refreshing, stylish change. Structured suits, restrained dresses and interesting prints and luxurious-yet-simple textures are definitely a departure from Dior under Galliano's usual grandeur, but this tangent may be the best way for Dior to veer out of its theatrical, almost dated image. This collection should sell really well! All in all, I loved what I saw. What must also be said that there was a lot less showmanship, but you can't have your cake and eat it too!

Raf Simons for Christian Dior Couture Fall 2012, Paris

Images via : TheCut

5 Wearable Trends from the Spring '13 Men's Shows

Yes trends like 'floral' and 'super-saturated colour' did surface in the men's shows in Milan and Paris, but let's get real for a second, how many men are going to wear them? So, I took it upon myself (Yes, I'm that important...not.) to pick out catwalk trends that a broad spectrum of men could put to practice and sport on sidewalks. They're not "Oh-So-Editorial!" and definitely not eyebrow raising but if done right they can look damn good. Read on to find out what you need to be wearing, come Spring!

Trend #1 THE BLUE SUIT

The blue suit has been a go-to for traditionalists since, well, the suit was invented but a little modification goes a long way in amping the 'cool' factor on this classic.

From L to R, Top to Bottom: 

Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Bottega Veneta, Prada,

Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Ermanno Scervino, Valentino,

Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Jil Sander, Burberry Prorsum

From paler tone-on-tone outfits at Bottega Veneta to the darker ones at Vivienne Westwood and Jil Sander, blue suits dominated the runways. The slim double-breasted jacket is still chic and rightfully so! Throw on a pair of tan brogues to look sharp at a business meeting and if you're dressing for casual Friday try white canvas sneakers. Embrace the heat - skip the socks and if you're feeling particularly cheeky, skip the shirt!

Trend #2 KHAKI, KHAKI, KHAKI

You don't need to be leading a squadron or braving the savannah to be sporting Khaki in Spring, it makes for perfectly appropriate yet whimsical work wear. If you want to rough up your look, put on dark suede ankle chukka boots or heavy brogues and for an unconventional approach slip into a pair of jewel hued suede loafers, maybe Tod's?

From L to R, Top to Bottom: 

Balmain, Christian Lacroix, Ermanno Scervino,

Valentino, Balmain, Bottega Veneta

The key piece for the season is the Khaki suit, choose from Balmain's military jacket-crop cuffed pants  version or Bottega Veneta's earthy double-breasted number. For an evening out, a little sheen à-la-Valentino will ensure you turn heads. Pair Khaki pieces with neutrals but on a special occasion put on a pair of coloured pants, it is Spring after all!

Trend #3 ROOMY PANTS

After the barrage of second skin pants that we've seen in the past seasons, this season saw the advent of wider legs which, I'm sure, will come as a breath of fresh air. Up the comfort factor while keeping the style quotient high, what a sweet deal!

From L to R, Top to Bottom:

Jean Paul Gaultier, Marni, Giorgio Armani

Yohji Yamamoto, Etro, Etro

Everything from dhoti pants to baggy jumpsuits were shown but special mention must be given to Etro's flowy pajamas and kurta-blazer looks. The Jean Paul Gaultier jumpsuit is something Chuck Bass would rock although I'm not a fan of the Sikh-esque turbans (In bad taste, no?). And interestingly, the cropped, wide-leg pant at Marni could very well be menswear's answer to culottes.

Trend #4 NORTHBOUND HEMLINES

Cropped pants cropped up again on runways (Pardon the less than dazzling wordplay) as more designers show the cropped pant in a suit. While this may not cut it for most boardrooms, it makes for perfect evening wear. The ubiquity of short shorts sadly means more hours at the gym burning off that muffin you got with your coffee. But remember, anything shorter than boxers should be reserved for Italians. (They can pull off anything)

From L to R, Top to Bottom:

Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain

Ermenegildo Zegna, Ermanno Scervino

Dolce & Gabbana showed shorts in a myriad (I love using that word) of hues and patterns, some were wearable while others were abstract-printed, tiny and tight. Spend your weekends in ankle-baring trousers cut close to the leg like at Ermanno Scervino and Balmain.

Trend #5 PRINTS, PATTERNS & PACKAGING

Prints made a big impact this season and while florals did reign supreme, these patterns caught my eye. Graphic striped pants are an easier way to dip your toes in this trend and "print on print" is a great way to dive in headfirst!

From L to R, Top to Bottom:

Alexander McQueen, Marni, Jean Paul Gaultier

Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, Moschino

Dolce & Gabbana showed fantastic patterned separates, great for resort wear while Marni's printed pieces, although far and few between, punctuated the collection perfectly. Of course, Moschino's tongue-in-chic faux detergent pack and beer can print drew attention, but fortunately it was all good attention; ideal for a fun night out, I'd say.

So there you have it folks: A summary of what trends to follow next Spring. Which is your favourite? What are you planning to spend your emergency savings on?

All pictures courtesy TheCut and Vogue UK.

Summer Lovin'

The heat's been getting everyone down these days and when there's heat, there's beach holidays, poolside sojourns and languid afternoons spent in cafes. One way to feel better in the heat is to turn heads while staying cool which is exactly what these three outfits will ensure you do. Seize the sun and snag someone svelte!

POOL PROOF!

Etro Hat - Martin Maison Margiela Tee - Gant Rugger Swim Shorts - Zara Sandals

COOLING OFF AT THE CAFE

Ray Ban Sunglasses - Vivienne Westwood Tee - Orlebar Brown Swim Shorts - Jack Purcell Plimsolls

BEACH BUMMING

Asos Neckerchief - Oliver Spencer Tee - WeThePpl Ikat Chuddie - Zara Flip Flops

Digging the looks?

Thinking of Alber E

He is not only one of the finest designers of his time, he is also absolutely adorable. This quote from him made me chuckle.

Alber Elbaz on women

Lanvin <3 H&M

Easy Peasy DIY

Remember my buckle-less belt?

Well, I never did manage to find a buckle I liked and imagine my surprise when I found the perfect thing to salvage my belt on a 'mithai' box that came with some wedding invite!
This is the gold fastening, it looks really good with the brown leather. I'm not much of a silver guy anyway.

So with the help of a pair of scissors and a screwdriver, I have successfully revived my precious belt.
Five minutes and I had successfully re-created a minimalist, chic, versatile accessory!

Nice, yes?

Also, new header. Tell me!

Dearest.

Everyone has favourites in their wardrobes right? A tie with an interesting story behind it. A belt that goes with everything. 

These things get special loving, and you always reach for them when you want to feel good about yourself. Here are some of the things that I'm partial to. It's a collection I've curated over the past few years and one I hope to keep adding to once I bring home my own paycheck (which should be soon hopefully!).

These Ray Bans were given to me by my grandfather. He wore them and then my uncle did, and now I wear them! They're the perfect size and shape and there's something about the gold frames that gives them a cool vintage vibe.

Chunky watches have always been my go-to and when I saw this watch looking up at me in the display case, I had to buy it. You can see how well worn it is from the discoloured belt. I love the aeronautical vibe and wearing it makes me feel a little bit better everyday. Next up, a rose gold brown-leather strap beaut.

My favourite scarf is also my only one. This HE by Mango crushed muslin scarf makes a great accent for everything from blazers to T-shirts and even a kurta. And the best bit is that the messier I tie it, the better it looks.

 

I don't have too many pocket squares but I love these two silk squares I had made. My next one will be white linen with black piping and rounded edges.

I'm usually too picky when it comes to ties and these three are some of the very few I have liked, to date.  Presentations, events or parties, these have never let me down. The black tie is my go to when I want to go minimal and when I'm looking for some whimsy I head to the paisley. The dotted tie is my in-between/when I can't decide tie. My next purchases are decided: A slim knitted silk tie and one from Giraffe Japan.

If I'm picky about ties, I'm approximately 2322^6767 times more picky about the shoes I wear. Believe it or not, I went to 8 stores in under an hour before I found my pair of black dress shoes. After what felt like hours, I walked into a store I wasn't even planning on visiting and serendipitously found these. When I bought these I was desperate but I've grown to love them. I love the classic, traditional feel wingtips lend to a look and the fact that they're slightly long adds length to my frame. As for Kolhapuris, I have to say it's a relationship you have to build with them. The first few times you wear them, your feet are left smarting and bitten but over time, they become more comfortable than everything else you own. I usually buy the darker, oiled versions with no embellishment, but I bought these because the store didn't have a dark pair without the gold and not before long, I couldn't imagine wearing them without it!

Isn't there something wonderful about the way leather ages? I bought this belt at least five years ago and it's stuck with me all through my waistline/style fluctuations. I can't bear to let it go even though it's stretched out of shape and buckle-less now. The colour and texture are spot on and I haven't found a worthy replacement just yet. To think I picked this up from a Benetton factory store for only र 600.

My favourite scent changes fairly frequently, I guess I haven't quite found my signature yet, but it's always light and citrus inspired. Right now I'm loving La Bateleur from the D&G Anthology. I always appreciate minimalism and for me, just looking the bottle was half the battle won. I've been using it very generously and I must decide on what I'm trying next.

I couldn't go without posting a couple of shots of my paints, mostly because they're so colourful but they're also really good quality, I've been using them a lot of late.

It is obligatory that I say that all the photos were taken by me and the ones set against a magazine were taken on a copy of French Elle from 2005, when they celebrate 60 years of the magazine. I still remember when my dad brought it back from his trip, I pounced on it and read it every day after school! Well, I can't really say read, it was in French. Beautiful, beautiful magazine though.

So those were some things I love and treasure, what are your favourites?