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.