MR PORTER Summer Social

It's a real pity the MR PORTER Summer Social wasn't held only a few days later, when the South of England was graced with soaring temperatures and continual sunshine. Had that been the case, I would almost definitely have taken full advantage of the designer gifts offered to MR PORTER's party guests - dressed a sunlounger with a Cleverly Laundry swim towel, pulled on pairs of Thorsun swimshorts and Garrett Leight sunglasses, then taken a plunge into The Curtain's rooftop pool. (Or is splashing about not fashion week etiquette?)

Alas, our perch on the Shoreditch skyline was a tad breezy, with black and white beach balls attempting to escape from the Moroccan-style pool and across the terrace. But beneath the shelter of a glass-covered event space, in which some of MR PORTER's favourite summer labels were showcased, no spell of wind was going to stop the fashion week regulars from winding down after a weekend of shows.

As per usual, however, I was far too focused on documenting everybody else having fun to let myself enjoy the party. For one, it's very difficult to operate a Canon 6D while cluthing a gin and tonic. Perhaps it would make a pleasant change to give myself a break one fashion week, and not attend without a camera surgically attached to my right arm. Although I think we all know that's not going to happen any time soon.

Stars and Velvet

Blue velvet blazer c/o ASOS | Blue patent Chelsea boots c/o ASOS | Noose & Monkey star print shirt
Selected Homme slim-fit suit trousers | Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses

Christmas and New Year's Eve parties are the biggest nights out on the average Joe's social calendar, so it's no wonder that thousands of us hit the December sales in search of our newest and shiniest gladrags. Personally, I prescribe to the ASOS partygoer philosophy of "any party, any time, anything goes", which is why I'm all for attending or even throwing a shindig at any point in the year, and for no other reason than to dress up - whether in fancy dress or a fancy tux - and pop bottles of prosecco.

However, while the magic of social media may make my life seem fairly glamorous at times, said celebrations are traditionally hosted in a privately rented Zone 2 flat. It's not quite the Made In Chelsea lifestyle (Kennington is one letter and a world apart from Kensington), but a cosy gathering of companions and familiar faces, fuelled by inexpensive wine, a personal collection of craft gins, and generous platters of pulled pork and oozing cheeses, is often more enjoyable than a potentially pricey night out in the heart of the city.

Notwithstanding, my friends and I will still go all out when dressing up for a house party, the girls often raiding one another's wardrobes for that perfect dress or playsuit. I on the other hand prefer a smart jacket and a snazzy shirt to a bodycon or ballgown, which is excuse enough to do some online shopping - even if I cannot physically fit anything else in my own wardrobe.

Last month, ASOS invited me to preview the new AW16 releases, including a plenitude of statement party pieces. Patterned silks and colourful velvets take precendent across both the mens- and womenswear collections, which is how I came to fall in love with my deep blue velvet blazer with contrasting shawl lapels, naturally accompanied by matching blue Chelsea boots in patent leather.

Holidays with MR PORTER

MR PORTER's prelude to Christmas saw a Baker Street event space turned into a festive affair of gifts, grooming and gin cocktails. As the online menswear retailer showcased their favourite gifts and accessories for the holiday season, their guests were treated to a few pre-Christmas goodies of their own, as well as a selection of interactive experiences to perfect the art of gifting.

Among these, grooming brand Pankhurst London provided a pop-up barbershop beside the Sipsmith gin bar, calligraphers Lamplighter London monogrammed Montblanc passport holders to an ever growing queue of wanderlusters, and there was even pick 'n' mix sweets to satisfy one's inner child - without the extortionate cinema prices. And throughout the night, stationers Esme Winter wrapped present after present for guests to take home after their thoroughly festive evening.