Over here - Party Next Door x Drake

I've had this song on repeat for a couple of hours now, I'm just in love with Party Next Door's hazy voice. I'm currently a huge fan of alternative R&B, the sounds of Frank Ocean (my babes) , Jhene Aiko, The Weeknd, Miguel and James Fauntleroy have made a reoccurring appearance in my recently played playlist. If you haven't heard of Party Next Door before then definitely check out his debut self-titled mixtape. Party Next Door. 

I've noticed a lot of people saying that music nowadays isn't as good as it was in the 90's for example. This is partially true, 90's R&B and Hip Hop will always have a place in my heart. However I think it also depends on where you're looking. If you listen to the charts all the time you generally will be disappointed because most of it is commercial.

Hop onto YouTube and discover someone new, an underground artist? Download a mixtape. Let yourself be inspired by something different, something fresh and alternative. The reason why I favour underground, indie or non-mainstream artists (I'm not a 'hipster' I promise) so much is because they don't have to meet the expectations of an opinionated society. They can stay true to themselves and their art because they don't have a big time record label focusing them on sales.

Sales are great, don't get me wrong but when money becomes the sole purpose for doing something, everything else is lost along the way. That is also why I like mixtapes. They don't have to sell, they just need to be heard and when you focus on the music rather than the number of album sales then the true artist is unvieled.

Back to the artists I mentioned above, they are bringing something new to the table which we wouldn't have necessarily heard back in the 90's. So I'm not completely disheartened. Music has to evolve just like everything else and so we couldn't have stayed in the 90's forever.

Hackney Street Style School

As I mentioned in a previous post, I took part in 3 day styling and image making workshop in East London called the Hackney Street Style School (run by Slashstroke Magazine and Create London) at the beginning of July. We were introduced to the fashion industry as a whole and the history of style.

We had a talk with dynamic menswear designer Martine Rose and Diverse fashion buyer Alex Mein. They gave us an insight into what it's like working in the industry, their inspirations and their struggles (which occur in almost every career).

It was then onto styling. We were given three rails full of intriguing garments and accessories by London based designers such as ZDDZ, Use it up Wear it out, Noel Stewart, Martine Rose, Mirja Rosendahl, Electronic Sheep, Makinjanma and Roberto Piqueras, as well as vintage clothing from Beyond Retro. Our task was to create or select a style tribe of our choice. A style tribe being a group or generation of people who's characters are reflected in what they wear. Once we'd established our style tribe, we composed outfits to suit it, cast models and then shot the outfits.

My partner Sian and I chose a tribe of people who were experimental, weren't afraid to stand out and didn't care what anyone had to say. Having done all the shooting, we took a trip to Middlesex University where we edited our photographs ready for print. We also had an insightful chat with the head of fashion Meg Ausborne, who really helped us understand what you need to succeed as a fashion student and how to build your self up towards it.

Overall it was such a great experience and I left with a greater understanding of the industry and how it works, how shoots are planned and what it's like being the the studio.

I also got the chance to meet some amazing people and some fellow bloggers: Bella @ fashioncultt.blogspot.co.uk, Ally @ allysworldd.blogspot.co.uk @RiannaJacques and @StephiieBlahh. Make sure to visit their blogs and/or follow them on Twitter!
If you want to see more photographs from the event or find out more about the event, you can go to slashstrokemagzine.com.

ONE MORE THING

On the subject of street style. I took a trip to Oxford for my birthday on Thursday (All I want for my birthday is a... let me stop). I had intentions of doing some street style photography but my phone ran out of battery so I only managed to get this one snap of this really cool Italian guy. He was sat on a stool near KFC doing dreadlocks for £2 a lock in these lively trousers. Like I said he was a really cool guy.

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HYPETHRASH RUE PORTER

hrueporter.co.uk | Photography by VDR @ vintagedollrisa.blogspot.com

Hypethrash Rue Porter. A brand new label from London town that is the epitome of the phrase "simple yet effective". 

Hypethrash's minimalistic and monochromic approach, possesses an aesthetic that is pleasing to the eye. The designs are consistent and stick to a colour scheme of white, grey and black. The limitation of colour allows you to focus more on the design of the garments and yields an effortlessly cool vibe. 

The name Hypethrash is a tribute to two magazines, Hypebeast and Thrasher Magazine, that introduced creative director/owner Tej Adenuga into the world of Fashion and the skateboarding culture. Tej says "I felt it was right to pay homage to those two publications because that is where I get most of my design inspirations from".

The SS13 collection presents a series of military inspired t-shirts. Perfect for throwing on during the summer months, as well as layering up as the temperatures begin to drop. The versatility of the t-shirts make them great wardrobe staples. Everyday garments that make you look as though you have made an effort, what more could you ask for? I am in love with the simplicity of the SS13 collection and the use of complimentary shades of colour. 

Plans for the future? Hypethrash Rue Porter aims to branch out into other forms of clothing as the label progresses. The store opens tomorrow so make sure to head over to hrueporter.co.uk and have a look for yourself and let me know what you think!

You can also follow the label's Instagram and Twitter accounts to keep to up to date.

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Oceans - Jay Z x Frank Ocean

I was so glad to hear some new music from my main squeeze Mr Lonny Breaux aka Frank Ocean. This new music is in the form of Oceans, featured on Jigga's new album Magna Carta Holy Grail.

One thing I have always adored about Frank Ocean is not only his soft raspy voice and runs/riffs that come like a cool breeze on a humid summer's day, but his lyricism. Frank Ocean is a perceptive story teller, who's music is like a mine of metaphorical titles that link to continuous allegories. I have gotten into the habit of studying and researching his lyrics. Each time I discover a new link, a new theme, a new story. I could go on for ages about how much I love not only Frank's music, but his mind. Is that weird?

Now, Oceans has a reminiscent sound that's parallel to Frank's use of the ocean as a metaphor for his heritage. The lyrics successfully depict the journey of African Americans to get to where they are now (across the oceans, during slavery) and present a comparison between today's African Americans and their ancestors. The change from "a sailing lady docked on the Ivory Coast" to "Mercedes in a row", from enslavement to success.

The captivating chorus aligns with Jay-Z's thought provoking opinions on the likes of Christopher Columbus, who supposedly discovered America (whilst on a voyage across the ocean). The reason why I felt the need to write about this song is because of the message Jay-Z has put forward. The idea of the song really caught my attention and got me thinking. I personally think that young people in general (including myself) don't know a lot or enough about their history and that you can't trust everything you read from a history textbook. They tend to be one-sided and again that's just my own opinion.

In case you're wondering why I'm publishing posts like these. My blog, as I said in The Introduction, is a documentation of myself and my inspirations, although it is mainly a style blog. In any case style isn't just putting an outfit together well, it's putting together an outfit with a mindset that comes from things in your life that inspire you. Allowing your dressing to reflect who you are is what makes you 'stylish'. So music, television, culture and experiences are all a part of style, which is why I write posts like these.

Buuuuuut, I should have another fashion related post up tomorrow, so keep a look out for that and thank you  for reading all that and visiting my blog.

Hip Hop as an Art Form/Recent Purchase

"Only make moves when ya heart's in it, and live the phrase Sky's the limit"

Biggie Smalls, one of my favourite artists from the 90's and also one of my favourite rappers of all time. He had this vibe about him, I don't want to call it 'swag' but it's definitely a very cool vibe of which I find so intriguing. 

The thing about Hip-Hop is people tend to look at it from the surface and see it as "tales about the struggle, get money and get b#tches" and they don't see the art form. A lot of Hip-Hop music is a form of story telling. It portrays the lifestyle of a generation and the reality of the circumstances they had to endure. The rappers are not necessarily encouraging the behavior they rap about but the truth of the matter is for some at that time, crime was the only way out. The struggle they speak of is in fact real. If you look past the unruly principals and 'foul language' and look into the word play, the symbolism and the way it makes you feel when the beat drops. Then that's when you discover Hip-Hop.

I personally think Hip-Hop music could be and should be included in the set texts for English Literature studies. The skill and the depth that you'll find in the lyrics are no different to that of Shakespeare himself. It's obviously a whole different genre but the components are all the same. I also think it would broaden the minds of many, including the teachers themselves. 

I know guys I waffle a lot. I basically am a fan of Biggie's music and Hip-Hop in general, which is why I bought this top when I saw it in Primark. That's it in a nutshell. 

As a disclaimer I'm not saying ALL Hip-Hop music has a deeper meaning some of it literally is just "get money, get b#tches" especially nowadays, but the original Hip-Hop was/is a means of story telling.

Why Not Primark?

Today's post is based on a few bits and pieces I've picked up in Primark recently. I also want to talk about (it's becoming evident that I like to talk) the stigma attached to shopping in Primark. How ever I will start off with my recent purchases as not to bore you.

Oversized Varsity T-Shirt - £3 // Blue Skater Dress - £5 //

Necklace - £3 // Spike earrings - £1 // Dollar Sign Ring - £1.50 //

Now for today's topic of discussion. There seems to be this idea that being stylish and/or 'fashionable' is determined by where you shop. It's like you have to shop in Topshop, River Island, Zara and all the other renowned high street brands in order to be considered 'fashionable'. I have a dislike for that word.

I personally will shop any where from Tesco to Topshop to a Market Stall. Why? Because I don't believe that where you shop, owning a popular clothing item and/or how much money you spend determines how well you can dress. Secondly, your style should not be determined by or limited to a selection of well marketed brands.

Style (to me anyway) is about taking something from anywhere and being able to make it look good for YOU. Without going off topic, there seems to be this stigma attached to shopping in Primark. So many people (including myself at one point) have adopted this idea that if you shop in Primark it makes you "less fashionable" than say if you shopped in Topshop for example. I went through a phase where I wouldn't buy anything from Primark except maybe socks and bobby pins, I soon got over that and rekindled my love for the store. Although, they are getting a bit brave with some of their prices.

Style is personal, style is art, style is making do with what you've got. Style is not a brand, it's not a label or a price tag.

 One question. When you look at a person's outfit, shouldn't you judge by how well they have styled themselves (even though it's personal) instead of where they shopped for their clothes or who else wore it?

In a nutshell, you don't have to empty your purse to be 'fashionable' however we all have splurges, the main thing is that you are purchasing items because YOU like them and not to fit in with the multitudes.

Did that make any sense?

KOKON TO ZAI SS14

I know this post is slightly late in terms of when London Collections: Men happened, however today's post is on one of my favourite shows (which I watched from the comfort of my laptop screen). Renowned for their extravagant show-stopping designs. This is KTZ's (Kokon to Zai) SS14 collection.

Think Arabian Gangster. Fierce metal plated accessories and structured fits. The collection presents a collaboration of eccentric prints, monochrome themes, sporty influences and layering all displayed on loosely fitted kaftans that resemble the attire of a traditional Arabian man. Like artwork on a canvas, the elements all seem to compliment each other. 

As I watched the models walk down the catwalk (from my laptop screen), I envisioned a group of ELITE Arabian mobsters walking through a misty desert scene with a demeanour that cannot be achieved by many. Do you see it?

I was also excited by the richness of colour and print of which works well with the richness of culture presented in the collection. Head of design Koji Maruyama and creative director Marjan Pejoski did an astounding job with their take on the captivating geographical silhouettes of KTZ's latest collection. The garments stand out in every sense of the word and are most definitely not for the faint hearted.

On the more practical side of things. The light weight material and loosely fitted clothing is perfect for the hot (if we're lucky) spring/summer months. 

I see show-stopping printed kaftans and Arabian style outfits becoming a thing of the up and coming Summer (you heard it here first). The style is authentic as you can see from KTZ SS14 but it's achievable. It would be nice to see more men switch up their style a little bit and with the growth of London Collections: Men, I think this is very possible.

What's your take on the KTZ SS14 collection and/or what was your favourite show from LCM. Let me know in the comments box below or tweet me @CharisseeC!

Potential Purchases: Bomber Jackets

Most of you already know of my love for the 90's. T'was a beautiful era. An era that I would love to have experienced, as well as take a few style notes from the ladies (and the men of course) of those days.

I've been on the look out for a bold/printed bomber jacket and I thought I would share some of the jackets that I've been eyeing. 

1. Asos

2. Asos Marketplace

3. Boohoo (It looks so much like a Coogi sweater)

4. Asos

All White Everything

White Cropped T-shirt: River Island (find similar in Primark) // Skort: Zara // Watch: JD // Sun Glasses: Asos // Shoes: Vans // Leather Ruck Sack: Grafea 

I am currently in love with all white ensembles. They are such a contrast for me, a sucker for an all black outfit and someone who as has an unintentional habit of wearing/buying black and/or similarly darker coloured items of clothing. This outfit stems from my current obsession with the sports luxe look and my love for a simple white t-shirt during the summer months.  

CITIES MESH

Mesh Jersey: H&M // Midi Skirt: Boohoo // Shoes: Converse // Leather Rucksack: Primark // Rings: H&M //

Hi Guys, I'm so sorry for the lack of posts recently. I've just moved house and I had no internet connection for about a week. As a result, I've finished all mobile data and made use of literally every 'free wifi' opportunity there was. You've gotta do what you've gotta do right? 

Oh yes! I also participated in a styling and image making workshop called the Hackney Street Style School and I'm preparing a post on that, so keep posted!

I've FINALLY got my hands on an oversized mesh jersey and I picked this one up for £7 in the H&M sale! I've paired it with a high waisted midi skirt and my Converse. I actually wanted to wear my black flatform trainers but the sole's broken. No, the sole has been sliced. I have no idea how either.

Lastly, GFC (Google Friend Connect) has or is apparently closing down. I haven't seen anything official on it and so I'm not 100% sure if it's true, but you can now follow me blog lovin' here. You can also subscribe by email (in the side bar), or follow me on Twitter @CharisseeC I always tweet my new posts.

Desirable: Bukki Shirts

Images from https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/bukki

Desire. A sense of longing for a person or object. "When a person desires something, their sense of longing is excited by the enjoyment or the thought of the item or person". I think this could become a regular feature on this blog. Documentations of desirable items of the moment. I often see things which result in the flooding of one hundred and one visualisations of how I would, could wear an item. They also provoke all sorts of thought processes in this relatively large head of mine. I shall be sharing these with you all and you can hopefully catch a glimpse of what inspires me. Or not. There's always the possibility that you might find them hideous. I guess some things are a bit like marmite.

Anywhos! Today's desirables are these Bukki shirts. These beauties. They look like the type of shirts you would see on an episode of The Fresh Prince with an African twist. I love eccentric printed shirts and even t-shirts like these in all shapes and sizes. They make such a statement and I don't think I've seen shirts like these around. This is why I've been lusting over them, they are so lively. Yes lively.

I would wear shirts like these either oversized and on their own with a pair of trainers or low docs (like these), tucked into high waisted denim (taking it back to the nineties) or with a matching print if I had a sudden burst of confidence.

What do you guys think of them?