What We Wore // Summer Sun

You know that gorgeous sunny bank holiday weekend a couple of weeks ago? Well I was invited to a birthday BBQ and decided to make a bit of an effort, instead of donning my usual leggings and oversize top uniform that has been my default the past few months. It's a bit "leggy" but  then again, I figured as it was the end of May, and actually sunny (!) it was about time to get the legs out. 

Top: H&M / Cardigan: Lindex / Skirt: Zara / Shoes: Vintage / Bag: Burberry / Nails: Opi / Jewelry: J's Own

Side note: Remember to check the wind speed before wearing a floaty skirt people... I spent the entire journey trying to maintain my modesty!

J x

London Collections: Men // Topman Design

As you may or my not be aware, today kicks off the SS14 London Collections: Men.  Happy coincidence I think, that it's Father's Day too, but today really is all about the boys.  While we may not be sat on the front row at the shows, some of the retailers and design houses are forward thinking enough to engage with social media and stream their shows live on the internet for all and sundry.  Yes, that means you and me.

First up, and these guys really are paving the way for the great British high street here, is Topman Design.  Topman Design was previously shown at MAN, created by Topman and Lulu Kennedy of Fashion East, which is credited with having started the Men's schedule at London Fashion Week.  The collection has since grown and grown, and with retailers across the globe; Topman Design is establishing itself as a name to be known in menswear.

Today the models paced round the awkwardly angular catwalk a seamless blend of Ian Curtis, Johnny Cash and a young matador. The collection consisted of the lovely tailored separates we've come to expect from Topman design, but this season the lines got looser, the silhouettes less boxy and the overall look was more louche, luxe, and laid back.  

This is a confident collection.  The point being driven home by the heavy use of florals on shirts, knits, and jackes; this is a man happy in his masculinity and with nothing to prove, safe in the knowledge that he is exactly who he is.  Picture Gene Kelly; there he is in his loosely tailored trousers, fitted tank top and toe-tapping shoes, every bit the manly man.

This more relaxed aesthetic carries through to the use of colour. Where previous collections have been littered with brights, this time the palette was limited to black, cream, and burgundy.  Highlights are of gold and silver, continuing the metallics trend kick started by Burberry, and carried right through to the mirrored sunglasses.

With a touch of Americana, the confession that fashion still loves the bomber jacket, and a whiff of the "oh, I just picked this up in a nifty little vintage store, darling" about it, this SS14 collection is easily cool enough for the London hipster and hipsters all around the world.

Feeling the need to brush up on your menswear?  Check out our mini series from the last LCM on getting to grips with menswear.


A x

Blogs In Brief: What a week!

This weak has been quite the week! I can't speak for A, J or E but I feel like I've been climbing a steep hill all the way to Friday. I have spent the weekend so far simply recuperating and trying to regain some optimism! However, all is not lost. This week we have had some delightful blog posts including one of J wearing her new lovely R~A~J~E top available from our online shop. 

I hope you enjoy flicking through our Blogs In Brief this week. I'm off to cook up a sugar free Mexican and indulge in a gin and slim line tonic or three!

What We Wore // J's Twit Twoo

It's in the bag

Stop and have an espresso

R x

Stop and have an espresso

My parents recently indulged in a trip to Florence and they returned with a delightful gift of some adorable Bialetti espresso cups. I have endless happy memories of Saturday mornings spent eating croissants and brioche while sipping an espresso and these espresso cups take me straight back! I was determined to make myself like coffee from an early age and I began with espressos, hey why not tackle the strongest first?! So from my early teens I was sipping this bittersweet drink, pulling apart perfectly flaky croissants and soaking up the love, intelligence, passion and comedy that resides in my family's conversations. 

This past weekend I utilised my new cups and recreated a little espresso magic, making my Favourite his first ever espresso! He is thankfully a fan and so hopefully we can share many more espresso fuelled moments...

R x