What Are You Carrying?

In Shakespeare's "Advice to the young" it was said "The apparel oft maketh the man" and this is true - each of us dresses to portray an image and even if we don't mean to, we know that being the guy in the straight-cut jeans (a waist size too big), printed t-shirt, striped hoodie, New Balance sneakers and mismatched satchel means we're the new guy in town or more commonly (in American TV stereotype, that is) the nerd. 

What Shakespeare did not say, possibly because they weren't a part of the 'standard' outfit was that "The accessories too, speak of oneself". Yes, guys and dolls, we have all looked after our outfits - being careful not to team palazzo pants with oversized and baggy shirts as they would completely hide a figure but what we have neglected (for too long in my opinion) is our accessories. A simple all-black ensemble can be brought to life with the right purse/man-bag. 

After benig stopped by a few fashion students for the sheepskin and mink man-purses (yes they do exist) that I had been holding, I quickly realised that in a city where fashion is at the fore and (unfortunately) people's styles begin to look very similar, people turn to the smaller details in the outfit for fashion joy. So now, I pose the question to you. "What are YOU carrying?"

The most interesting 'carriables' I've seen recently are a product of Fashion Student turned Uber-Designer Kzeniya Oudenot. Graduating Central St Martin's, Kzeniya worked in events and designed costumes and sets. Working for Alexander McQueen, Royal Opera House and Scottish Ballet to name a few, Kzeniya soon found that her love was in creating leather accessories and so started on creating her statement leather pieces.

Upon seeing her work, I found myself wanting one for myself! (She only does womens' pieces so that's saying something!) It was no surprise I found myself feeling this way as once her complete work was viewed, it was seen in the hands of Jennifer Lopez, Fergie and featured in many-a-fashion Bible (Elle, Vogue, Cosmopolitan and then some!) I don't think there's anything more chic and edgy than this right now in purses! It's exciting and so fashion-forward - I simply love it! (A word to the designer, please make men's accessories!)

If you're looking to carry one of Kzeniya's pieces, look no further than Selfridges (and look nowhere else) - they bought her whole first collection!

Ciao Bellissimi!

Mr. Darkwah

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"You needn't be unstylish when looking for comfort!" - Mr. Darkwah

If you remember, a while ago I wrote about taking a day off to see the sites and relax - break the monotony of a the London rat race. I've been having a lot of those days recently and with the Easter break and bank holiday, I may as well have been going backwards!

J. Shoes was one of the brands featured in the accompanying shoot for their unrivalled comfort and beauty. I've just received some information on their new A/W collection and feel I must share it! The shoes and the shoot are everything you want from your shoes. You needn't be unstylish when looking for comfort and you needn't be impractical or completely avant-garde when looking for style!

Here's a little behind the scenes footage from J. Shoes! Enjoy!

I hope you all had a great Easter!

Ciao Bellissimi!
Mr. Darkwah
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Like Candy!

There is always the worry that going to an established designer that your accessories will cost you an arm and a leg. It's said that beauty is pain but I like to think that's only the case in your first pair of Louboutins. You needn't break the bank to look good and besides, this Spring/Summer is all about bringing about that youthful London edge. Colours are in all areas of the spectrum - from understated pastels right the way through to neon brights!

Thomas Sabo has recently released Candy Collectables, a line built to keep you looking chic without the heart-stopping price tag! I can already hear people mumbling to themselves "There's got to be a catch" and "It's probably some mass-produced item that bears no sense of personality". Shame on you if you thought that! This range is tailored to YOU!

Step 1:

Choose Your Colour

With a range of colours that take you from flirtatious baby pink right the way through to bold and beautiful purple, you can be sure that your bracelet reflects you!

Step 2:

Choose Your Charm

You have the widest range to choose from when it comes to picking your charms as Thomas Sabo offers charms that reflect every mood, character and fashion preference! Don't go for one! Aim to have them all! Collect your charms and mix and match them as and when you please. There is nothing beter than being in control and having fun and Candy Collectables gives you both!

 

Get collecting! 

I know I've started!

Ciao Bellissimi!

Mr. Darkwah