BESPOKE TAILORING

Today was my first day of my 2nd Year, an exciting and fresh new challenge.

I started my new Bespoke Tailoring class today, for a long time I've wanted to learn these skills, tailoring is something which I'm just amazed by, I guess it's cause I'm such a sewing geek!

So, after a long lecture we finally got to do some practical work. We got given a single breasted men's suit jacket pattern pack to trace (I guess we won't be drafting our own jacket patterns until we've learnt the basics), and we concentrated on creating the patterns for the foundations of the jacket.

Not my own work, this was a example mock-up of what we're trying to achieve.

3 different fabrics.. the mixed hair canvas, the horse hair and domette. All different fabrics to help shape the chest, it's like sculpting in a way, we're sculpting the male form into perfection. As we were told in the lecture, a suit can change your posture, your silhouette and create the illusion on perfection.

We also got given a pack of all the different interfacings and fabrics we'll be needing for this course, I'm really happy they did that, it would cost a small fortune to buy everything ourselves! I'm going to try and post more about what I've done in class, not only to share with you guys but it'll be a good record of my learning.

ILLUSTRATING MEN

Men.. I am one, I know other men, but I have never drawn one until tonight.

As a fashion designer I've always drawn and illustrated women because that's who I designed for, this past year I've been working hard on refining and improving my skill illustrating women. But now I have a new challenge, when I return to University I will be doing menswear so obviously that means I have to illustrate men.

This is my first attempt, I think it's alright for my first go. Obviously men's bodies are very different from women's, they're much blockier and with a lot less curves. So I tried to draw a convincing male body, not too muscular.. didn't want him looking like a body builder! I really need to learn how to draw hands, feet and faces.. those are my big 3 illustration 'let downs'.

I will be practicing a lot more and will just keep drawing until I find a style that I'm happy with! I am trying to experiment with a more sketchy/loose look to my figures and working with messy shading as you cans see above. I used a picture of the Moon's surface for the jacket print which I put in on Photoshop, I will always complete my illustrations digitally, I think it's my signature.

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CLOUDS

As part of my Fashion Visualization brief I've been learning all aspects of how to visualize design ideas.. from figure drawing, rendering fabrics, fashion illustrations in many different media and technical spec drawings. 

This is the first technical spec drawing I've done, it's a classic men's shirt from my own wardrobe. It's hand drawn then cleaned up in Photoshop, I then used a scan of a cute cloud print fabric to 'color' it in using the digital collage technique I'm quite fond of for my illustrations.

I'm really please at how it turned out as it was the first one I've ever done, if you are interested in doing some technical spec drawings here are a few tips that I used:

1. Use a ruler and french curves, it's really important that you have smooth lines.
2. Always look down at the garment from a 'birds eye' perspective.
3. Keep everything in scale with each other e.g. the arms in scale with the body. 

Hope those help, if you have any questions or a comment you can leave one below or tweet me!

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REVIEW: PACO RABANNE - 1 MILLION

As it's the new year it's the perfect time to change up a few things and one of those is what fragrances I wear, I've worn nothing but dVb fragrances for almost four years now and I really do fancy a change, I fancy mixing it up a little!

So, I've been interested in Paco Rabanne -  '1 Million' since it came out a few years ago, but when I initially smelt it (as much as I actually loved it) it reminded me of someone who'd I'd rather forget and as I said in one of my previous fragrance posts when a memory get attached to a particular smell it's very hard to get over/forget that. But a few months ago I smelt it again, on a passer-by in a club and I was absolutely blown away.. I knew straight away what it was and it smelt incredible.

I was wary of buying it at first, but for me now this fragrance doesn't remind me of the past, it signals the future.. an intoxicating future. That's the best word to describe '1 Million' - intoxicating - when I smell it it's like a world of seductive indulgence, sex, power and exquisite decadence in a beautiful bottle shaped like a gold bullion bar.

"The fragrance opens with sparkling fresh fruits, including notes of frosted grapefruit, blood mandarin and peppermint. The heart is spicy and masculine with rose absolute, musk and cinnamon bark. In the base, sensual leather notes of blond leather, tonka bean and amber ketal round out the fragrance."

I bought the 50ml bottle which was £35.99 from Superdrug, prices don't really vary across the shops for this fragrance, but from what I've heard from sales assistants it's one of every store's bestsellers and I did notice over the Christmas period it was sold out in Boots. I highly recommend '1 Million' to any guy out there who's looking for a new fragrance that will really make them stand out from the crowd and drive your senses wild with desire.

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INSPIRATION: ALEXANDER WANG LACE SHIRT

This summer I set out to make myself clothes and accessories for university, especially using fabrics and notions from my existing stash. I need to use some of it up because there is just so much and it wouldn't cost me a penny to make something, just time.

I know now what's the first item of clothing I want to make for myself, an Alexander Wang Lace Shirt. I was just randomly looking through my Inspirations folder last night and I came across these pictures which I saved ages ago, and instantly I was like 'I have to make this!'. The only shirts I wear currently are white 'school-boy' shirts, I can never seem to find any other shirts that really suit me and most mens shirts are quite boring.

This Alexander Wang piece is amazing.. I've always wondered how a man could wear lace and this is the perfect platform for that, in a masculine piece. The contrasting fabric collar and cuffs are great too, I love how the cuffs are extra long.. extra long sleeves are my thing! I think this wouldn't be too hard to DIY, I'll probably just take apart a shirt that fits me to use as the pattern, all I would have to do differently is extend the cuff pattern. Also my version wouldn't have any bust darts as I don't need any extra shaping in that area, I might include some back darts though.. just to keep a nice nipped in and streamlined look.

I have some white lace, but I really want to use black.. so I might just have to buy a little bit of new fabric... but the contrasting fabric, thread, buttons and bias binding for the inside seams I already have.

Are you guys planning any sewing projects/DIYs? Let me know in the comments below or on my Twitter!

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ASOS COLLECTION A/W 2010

Inevitably the Summer is coming to the end and now Autumn is almost upon us we must start planning our new season wardrobes! This Autumn/Winter season I am determined to stay warm in a fashionable way.. no more bulky layers, mismatched knitwear (I can't stand it when my scarf and gloves don't match!) and unflattering outerwear.

I have started to put together a 'to buy' list for this season and one of the collection that I looked at was the ASOS COLLECTION, I adore the fur and knitwear.. two of the greatest things about the cold weather: the chance to wear two of my favorite fabrics.

Anyway, these are my personal favorites and will hopefully be in my closet in the following months!

These are fabulous, they would add touch of English countryside aristocratic glamour to any outfit.

This headband is super cute and would definitely keep my ears warm, also this plain grey marl hoody is perfect for layering on those lazy days.

I love these vintage inspired satchels, can't decide what color to buy, so I might have to buy both!

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Recent Purchases

Today I bought this awesome mock leather jacket from Topman, I've been wanting a leather jacket for ages now and this is perfect. I love all the zips and epaulette details. The leather jacket is such a iconic garment, it can be sexy, it can be rough and it can be effortlessly chic (sometimes all at the same time). I cant wait to wear this in the autumn and pair it with some great jeans and vintage look t-shirts. 

I think that a good quality, simple leather jacket is a wardrobe staple as it can be teamed with almost anything and suits the majority of body shapes. This is available to buy here for £55, sizes from XXS to XXL. 

xoxo

Get Smart

Topman is definitely my store of choice as I'm sure it is for many men, you can't walk down a street or into a club without seeing someone wearing a Topman t-shirt, jeans, shirts ect. 

Recently this smart polo shirt has been very popular, as seen by the sales of them. These tops all sold out within days of being released online and in store, the white one with black trim sold out within 3 days, I was lucky to get one in my size. They have been released again and Topman have introduced new colors (red, yellow and gray) to the black, white and blue they originally released. So go get one before they all sell out again!

These are the 3 new colors available, they cost £18 and are available here. 

xoxo

Black

I recently felt the urge buy more 'going out' clothes today, felt like buying myself something really smart. When I do go out I usually tend to wear a lot of black as its classy, sexy and makes me look more mature than I am. So today I ordered a black smart shirt from Topman, which has a curved collar and contrasting white trim. 

This is an outfit that I would team up with the shirt for a night out with my friends, a posh restaurant or even an wedding reception. 

Curved Collar Shirt. £30. Topman

Super Skinny Jeans. £40. Topman

Patent Pointed Shoes. £45. Topman

xoxo

This Week's Hottest Item...

This week's hottest item are these Renegade swimming trunks by L.A. based brand N2N Bodywear. I'm really tempted to buy these, they are so sexy and would make anyone look great on the beach or in the pool! 

The Renegade combines sporty sexiness with practical design. The suit to be seen in no matter where you live or what you do. Four great color combinations to satisfy anyone's likes! They have an unlined/draw cord and are made from a non-shiny matte tricot (nylon spandex). They are available to buy here, for around £23. 

I'm definitely going to get myself a pair, hard to choose what color to get though! 

xoxo

Summer Style From Diesel

Diesel have released some very colorful and 'will get you noticed' t-shirts ready for the summer weather, I love Diesel, their clothes exude confidence, masculinity and fun. 

These are my favourites from their summer collection, all available from ASOS.

Blue Stripe. £30. asos.com

Yellow. £35. asos.com

Blue Industry. £30. asos.com

xoxo

Boys Can Wear Pink Too

This summer the color to be seen in is Pink! This is a really casual and fun look for hanging out around town or going down to the beach, the t-shirt is a bargain at only £6. 

Denim Shorts. £25. Topman

Pink T-shirt. £6. Topman

Canvas Plimsoles. £15. NewLook

xoxo

Sale!

Heyy, there is a Mid-Season sale at USC, with great savings up to 50%. 

I've found this cool Diesel Mike Bag, it has a large folder over flap, large branding print with yellow contrast trim and brand embossed adjustable strap. It would be great for college or university, big enough to carry your files. 

It is now £29.99 from £45 and comes in either black or grey. 

xoxo

Grey Vintage T-shirts

'Vintage look' T-shirts and the color grey are very trendy right now for men, and these 3 from New Look encompass these 2 trends perfectly. 

These T-shirts are £15 each, come in sizes XS to XXL. They are distressed to look as if you have had them for years and will continue to do so every time you wash them. 

I would wear these with dark skinny jeans and bright colored plimsoles to add a splash of color. Red goes amazingly well with grey and will make you 'pop' out of the crowd. 

xoxo

Sale!

Go over and check out Topman, they are having a 50% sale. It started today so still lots of bargins to be had. 

I've bought this purple jacket I've had my eye on for a while, £30 down to £15 in the sale. So happy!

Good Luck

xoxo

Mens Spring/Summer T-shirts

Well it's that time of year that we need to start updating our Spring/Summer wardrobes, its finally warming up and good enough weather to skip wearing bulky jackets. 

It's the perfect chance to invest in some new funky T-shirts to last through the Spring and Summer months. Bright, retro and colorful are the way to go. 

These 3 are from www.Topman.com, I actually have the 2nd and 3rd T-shirts. They fit great and are perfect for the sunny weather. Prices range from between £12 and £16, totally affordable. 

xoxo