Capes: A Few Thoughts

The 'must-have' look for the new year?

When browsing the post-Christmas sales in my hometown, I came across a few mannequins in Topshop sporting capes. Now, I don't know if capes have been the new trend for a while (though they probably have, and I've just been too ignorant of ladies' fashion recently to have noticed them earlier), but this is definitely the first time they've caught my eye.

So what do I think of them? Well, it should firstly be noted that - as evident from the title - this is not a review. It would be imprudent of me to properly judge such an item when I've had no one try any on. However, from what I saw in Topshop, ladies' capes look so chic. Although probably not as warm as actual coats, they're certainly a lighter alternative and come in a sufficient variety of styles and colours. 

But after finding these capes, two questions popped into my head: Will fashion retailers one day stock equally stylish capes for men? And will an emergence of capes eventually lead to a future appearance of cloaks on the high street? In my opinion, it's worth discussing.

Westfield Shopping Centre, London: A Review

Possibly a shopper's paradise...

My first impression of the Westfield Shopping Centre was that it was big. Very big. And that was just by looking at the interactive map on the web. When I actually found myself wandering past its numerous stores, only then did I realise how huge the complex is. Though it must be said that size isn't the only aspect in which it has merit. This is one amazing place to do your Christmas shopping.

Dusting off the snow, I entered the shopping centre via 'The Village', where shoppers with deeper pockets can buy from a selection of designer stores - including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Fred Perry - and sip on a casual drink at a champagne bar. Of course, I didn't buy any items from here, though the various selections of designer bags are always pleasing enough to just admire.

  Thankfully, in the rest of the centre, there are a great number of more affordable and recognisable high street stores, such as New Look, Schuh, Uniqlo and Superdry. These I browsed in and purchased from with much pleasure, with most having more items to choose from due to their larger sizes. Christmas shopping here was easy.

However, if you're looking for a really cheap deal, don't expect to find one unless there's a sale. You won't find a Primark in Westfield, which to some extent can be a little annoying. I, for example, wanted to purchase one or two pairs of cheap jeans, but alas, I could not. Nonetheless, this did not matter much, since the many other stores kept me otherwise entertained.

And for when you're feeling rather peckish after a round of browsing and buying, there are plenty of restaurants and food outlets to choose from - some widely recognised, others I believe to be exclusive to Westfield. However, just make sure you get a seat beforehand, otherwise you'll be doing laps with a heavy tray of food and your many bags of shopping. Trust me - it's not pleasant.

But all in all, Westfield Shopping Centre is by far one of the best shopping experiences I have had thus far. And if you're still in need of doing some Christmas shopping, I would certainly recommend visiting, because in its massive complex, you're bound to find the right gift for someone this festive season.

(For further information, visit the Westfield website)

University Branded Clothing: A Review

A statement of pride over a statement of style

University branded clothing and accessories... Not exactly the height of fashion, to be fair. Then again, such clothing isn't about being fashionable - more about student identity and university pride. 

With the university's name or logo stitched into the material, university clothing is almost - in a way - uniform. Not that everyone has to wear it, mind you. I, for example, have yet to purchase any BU branded clothing from the Student Union shop (see right).

But many students have done. And the logo or university name... It's a label. Not a designer label expressing they can afford the priciest clothes on offer, but a label expressing a belonging with that particular university or college.

The university hoodie, for instance, albeit the most expensive choice, is the most popular when it comes to university clothing - probably because it's so practical in keeping students warm when the weather turns chilly. But regardless of the weather, a university hoodie - or any university branded clothing for that matter - screams to the world where a person studies or has studied, thus giving a glimpse into their identity and conveying a sense of pride in their uni.

So in essence, university branded clothing is more a statement of pride than a statement of fashion. I'm not saying uni clothing can't be made to look amazing in an outfit - I'll probably find someone on campus one day who'll do just that. But in all fairness, the important message it expresses isn't that you look fabulous in your hoodie, but rather you feel fabulous attending your uni.

Anime Club, Bournemouth University

I said I'd take photos of amazing fancy dress, so here we are... Bournemouth 

University Anime Club, dressed up in a bid to gather extra members. The two 

individuals on the left have particularly awesome costumes, in my opinion. And

in case you're wondering, members don't have to dress up like this all the time.

(For more information, visit their official Facebook page)

On campus, Bournemouth University

A thick knitted cable dress and a faux fur coat may make this outfit appear
somewhat top-heavy, but when applied correctly, top-heavy arrangements such
as this can be particularly stylish. However, what makes Anushka's outfit really
stand out for me is the grey trilby perched on her head and her long dark hair
flowing from beneath it. Even the smallest details can make a big difference.

On campus, Bournemouth University

The girl's bright-red military coat might be the eye-catching statement piece of this 
outfit, but if you draw your eyes elsewhere, you'll notice other, more subtle details.
The soft-coloured dress and the jeweled necklace add a delicate touch, and the
leopard print bag adorned with badges introduces a personal flair.

Bournemouth Station

Bowler hat, spectacles, faux fur coat, check and flower print skirt... This style is 
irrefutably and fashionably retro. I mean, you don't see this kind of outfit every
day, do you? The pear print bag is also a very eye-catching addition.

Ken Brown, Bournemouth University

For those who know Ken Brown, you'll know he always dresses well. Ken
told me once that it's not because he always dresses up, but rather that he
never dresses down. This coat, for instance, is not only practical in the cold
Autumn chill, but also very chic, working well as an alternative to his usual
double-breasted blazer. Expect more photos of Ken in future posts!

Arc Leg Jeans: A Review

When strutting your stuff means waddling your stuff

When I first discovered Arc Leg jeans on the Topman website about a year back, my initial reaction was more or less 'WTF?' only without the crudeness. With the crotch dropped to near enough the knees, this extreme version of carrot jeans seemed to suggest that the young men of today prefer to waddle rather than walk. It was only recently whilst in Exeter that I finally managed to find a pair and try them on. The result... You'd be better off with a different cut.

Priced at £44 from Topman, denim Arc Leg jeans are worn on the waist and hang low at the crotch, with the legs then tapering down towards the ankles, which, according to Topman, gives "an almost hareem look".

For long-legged people such as myself, this style benefits in making the body look somewhat more in proportion, since when worn with an untucked shirt or top, it gives the impression the hips are lower than actuality without the need for pulling down the waistband. The tight fit on the lower half of the legs also allows those of a slimmer frame to maintain an appearance of slimness, just as with skinny jeans.

The issue with this style, however, is its impracticality and discomfort when walking. Having tried to move in these jeans, I found I could not take as big as strides as usual, and in addition, found the loose denim below my actual crotch flapping about unnecessarily. Wearing and walking in them was, to say the least, irritating.

Notwithstanding, I will admit that these jeans must have appeal to some individuals, for why else would Topman continue to restock the style? But for me, and I would guess for many others too, paying £44 for a pair of these would be a waste of a purchase. Save your money for something else.

(To see Topman's full range of Arc Leg jeans, visit the Topman website)

Retro jumper, Bournemouth University

I don't know about you, but this guy's jumper definitely caught my eye. With Winter
looming, fairisle knitwear is the more popular choice in high street stores this season,
but this is something beautifully different. Sure, dancing elephants and contrasting 
colours aren't everyone's slice of cake, but this snazzy jumper from Beyond Retro
is unconventionally stylish, proving that one needs not conform to the fashion trends 
of mainstream high street brands in order to look good.

Purbeck House, Bournemouth

Philli's outfit seems so casually put together, nevertheless it works. Small details 
such as the rose-head headband and the brown belt tucking the hooded knit to 
her waist are what makes this look more special than ordinary.

On the street, Bournemouth

A simple outfit brought to life with a fiery-coloured, floral scarf. The patterned 
cardigan also adds an extra layer of interest (pardon the pun), making the outfit 
seem, in a way, 'busier'. As for the sandals... They work well aesthetically, but
surely you'll get cold feet, Tal?

On campus, Bournemouth University

The centrepiece of Rosanna's look is ultimately her coat, which hangs loose, yet 

brings the rest of this smart but chic outfit together.

What makes Maddy's outfit special, in my opinion, is how well the colour block of
white, grey and cream work together in contrast with the darker tones of black 
and brown. The stripy top is also particularly effective, as the horizontal stripes 
emphasise the waist while the vertical stripes below seemingly add height.