Cornerstone | Subscribe and Shave

Beards, unlike bow ties, are not my forte. By which I mean I am useless at growing one. That's not to say I don't try, but biology seems to be against me on this matter. After a week without shaving, all I have to show for my patience is an ever-so-slow-growing, patchy mess of prickly splinters. Sometimes I might briefly enter the "sexy stubble" stage, in which I look slightly more Mediterranean, but before I know it, my mother is soon saying I look dirty, and politely asking me to shave the dark fuzz from around my face.

With that in mind, regular shaving is important. So agrees Oliver Bridge, founder of Cornerstone, who wondered if I might like to sample his company's brand spanking new shaving supplies. Never one to say no to a spot of pampering, my shave set promptly arrived the following week, in which I found all the essentials and, rather kindly, an aluminium razor handle engraved with my initials. (Scroll down for details on how to win your own personalised shave set!)

Cornerstone shave sets are sold as part of a tailored subscription package, supplying the customer with regular deliveries of their desired products - including face scrub, shave gel, post-shave balm and razors - reflecting the rhythm of one's shaving routine. For example, those who shave nearly every day would receive a new set every six weeks, whereas those who shave once a week or less would be re-supplied every 24 weeks. The idea is so remarkably simple, I am surprised nobody had thought of it before now.

The important question, then, is: does the quality of products reflect the ingenuity of the concept? In short, yes, although each step of my shaving experience came with a pleasant surprise. I admit I am not an expert in male grooming and skincare, but a face scrub reminiscent of Turkish mud baths was unexpected to say the least. The dark grey scrub, made with volcanic sand, exfoliated my skin and gave my reflection a wild visage.

After rinsing my face clean, I then applied the ginger and eucalyptus shave gel - which smells amazing - and prepared for a foamy face. But much to my surprise (again), the gel remained... well, like a gel. I suppose the profusive froth produced by competitor products is rather unnecessary, collecting like fluffy clouds on the razor, before dissolving away in the sink.

Despite its minimality, the Cornerstone shave gel kept my face well-lubricated for the razor, which glided across my skin effortlessly, due in part also to the flexible, rubbery head. Best of all, even with one or two annoying spots, the blades didn't nick me once. In fact, I barely felt the razor mowing through my facial fuzz at all. How about that? Following another rinse and a towel-dry, I finally freshened my face with the post-shave balm, this one scented with mint and honey (which, according to my workmates, makes my face smell like chewing gum - but that's what every man wants, right?). 

And the result? A clean face, a smooth finish, and no prickles in sight. I know shaving isn't exactly the hardest skill in a man's repertoire, but after my first shave with Cornerstone, I understand at last what all those TV ads mean by a "close and comfortable shave". And if that isn't the bees knees, my face smells absolutely delightful. Now, if somebody can sort out my patchy eyebrows, we will be good to go...

And now your chance to win your very own Cornerstone shave set, complete with personalised razor - simply follow this link, enter your e-mail address, and you're away! All entrants will also be offered a runner-up prize of a £10 gift voucher to spend at www.cornerstone.co.uk. The winner will be announced in the next couple of weeks, so keep a close eye on your inbox.

Summer Short Piece

When you think of summery outfits, I can imagine a onesie isn't the first image which comes to mind. A stifling jumpsuit in soaring temperatures? JK, please. What I described shortly before Xmas as the comfiest piece of clothing I own won't be so comfortable, when it feels more like a sweaty rag than a cosy all-in-one. That said, kicking back in my OnePiece sure beats mooching about in a dressing gown. Or in the buff, which I've gathered is frowned upon in most family households.

So I decided to try out OnePiece's aptly named "Short Piece" - much like their classic onesie, only less onesie. Cropped legs and lightweight fabric are the key differences in keeping the wearer cooler than a cucumber. In my preferred Chill College Onesie, the colours are neutral, and the hood has also been swapped with a snug shawl collar. My family still comment that I am, once again, sporting an oversized babygrow (if a babygrow resembles a Quarter Quell wetsuit), but why take any notice, when I feel happily lazy in the comfort of my own home?

Fancy a OnePiece for yourself? Until Friday 18th July, receive 15% discount at www.onepiece.co.uk with my exclusive promo code: SUMMERSHORTPIECE.

Desk to Dancefloor

When I was invited to style a Marks & Spencer suit for both the desk and the dancefloor, I didn't anticipate how hard that might be, given my all-round disposition for smart attire. In truth, what I would wear to the office and what I would wear to the office party may have very few differences, if any at all. The lines between business and pleasure are often blurred in my life, and perhaps that has come to reflect in my choice of outfits.

Nonetheless, were I to let my proverbial hair down at the end of a working day, the most proficient means to switch from work to play would be simply to change my shirt. After a long and potentially mind-numbing shift at the office, even a small alteration can breathe a fresh lease of life into an outfit and, consequently, an individual's mindset. For example, I have swapped my white shirt and orange tie for a blue shirt with contrasting buttons, which, while maintaining sharp lines and a pop of colour, appears better suited for the bar than the boardroom.

OnePiece Xmas Onesie

From a two-piece to OnePiece - I bet you never thought you'd see me in a onesie, did you? I was quick to poke fun at them in the past, but those Primark knock-offs have nothing on my heavy-knit jumpsuit, which frankly beats everything else in my winter wardrobe as the snuggest, warmest, and most comfortable piece of clothing I own. (Now, if that isn't a positive review in a paragraph, I don't know what is!)

This winter, onesies rival the traditional Xmas jumper as the go-to outfit on Xmas Day. It sounds wonderfully lazy, yet there is still something profoundly cosy and quaint about wearing a festive knit. OnePiece, inventors of the modern onesie, found a compromise in their Marius Heavy Knit Onesie, by combining the company's original jumpsuit design with the aesthetic of a festive jumper.

As its name suggests, this jumpsuit is made of a heavier material than its siblings, but all the better for keeping the wearer toasty. Whenever I put mine on, I never want to take it off, even if I do look like I am wearing an oversized babygrow. I love the bright colours and wintry pattern, and I love how incredibly comfy it is. I do have one query, however...

 

Why the heck does the zipper fasten all the way to the top of the hood? Perhaps people have been known to die from laziness as a consequence of a onesie's sheer comfort, and therefore the garment has been redesigned to double up as a body bag. Suffice it to say, my family take delight in telling me my looks are much improved when I am completely zipped up. Aren't they the kindest?

Drop the BassBuds

I have an odd relationship with music. When a song I like starts playing, I tend to start dancing. Nothing strange about that, you may think, until you see me moonwalking or body popping down the meat aisle in the supermarket, much to the embarrassment of my friends. Throw an MP3 player and a pair of headphones into the mix, I suddenly become the star of "Dance Like Nobody's Watching".

When shooting street style, I acknowledge that headphones are now as much a fashion accessory as a bow tie or necklace. BassBuds recently sent me these in-ear headphones from their Fashion Collection, so at least I will look stylish when my friends disown me for dancing the robot. A three-tone colourway plus Swarovski Elements crystals are the key aesthetics to the design. BassBuds pride themselves in having twenty colour options to choose from, and I suspect more styles are around the corner.

But ultimately, the most important aspect of the design is the crisp sound quality, which is matched only by its counterpart, the bluetooth Bassboomz speaker. Unlike headphones, a portable speaker is not something I would always have on my person, yet I am mightily impressed by the sound that comes out of this device, given how small it is. If summer intends on returning, I should like to listen to music in the garden again.

Dr Martens Langston Boots

Everybody remembers their first pair of Dr Martens - or so the brand postulates in their present marketing campaign, titled "First and Forever". Coincidentally, these Langston boots are my first from the iconic shoe label.

I had always been somewhat apprehensive of Dr Martens. I suppose I found their heavy appearance intimidating, compared with my more formal choices of footwear. However, when the brand invited me to their Bristol flagship store for an appointment, it prompted me to take a closer look at the entire Dr Martens collection, which includes far more than the traditional 1460 boots.

I came to adore the Langston boots, part of the 'Made in England' collection. While they share the same number of eyelets as the 1460, they are taller, smarter, and constructed from a supple leather with a polished finish. The overall look combines Dr Martens flair with my tendency to dress prim and proper.

(See my previous outfit post - "Raincoat & Dr Martens")

Having tried and tested these boots for two weeks, I can confirm the comfort of the air-cushioned sole, plus the warmth my feet retain even on a a chilly afternoon in London. Although the one recommendation I would offer to future and present owners of the Langston is to wear tall boot socks - without them, the tops of the boots will chafe the sides of your legs, as I have painfully discovered.

But aside from that one point, I have no further criticism of the Langston boots. I have surprised myself to have acquired a pair of Dr Martens, and while I am still getting used to wearing them, they are my new favourite footwear. I may even be tempted to buy a pair of Dr Martens brogues or wellies in the not-so-distant future.

Etre Fivepoint touchscreen gloves

Perhaps the most useful accessories I have been asked to review, Etre Fivepoint gloves are my saviour during these colder months. Their practicality is twofold - keeping your hands warm, whilst maintaining compatibility for touchscreen devices. Because I suffer from poor blood circulation in my hands, I tend to wear gloves from October onwards, therefore a pair of Etre gloves were a most welcome addition to my winter wardrobe.

Bags of Love

My aim in the long run is to turn Unlimited by JK into a recognisable brand, rather than purely a fashion blog. At present, it does not get much better than flashing my logo (or trademark, as it were) on a personalised shopper bag.

Courtesy of 'Bags of Love', a company specialising in personalised gifts, the bag has the Unlimited by JK logo superimposed onto its canvas sides - a sure albeit subtle means of promoting myself while out and about. After all, a trademark or logo tends to be more memorable and iconic than the name of the brand it emblamatises.

However, my blog's logo was not the only image I considered having printed onto the shopper bag. Bags of Love did offer me an unlimited choice, that being any photo I sent them. If you try their service for yourself, you will find you can upload virtually any image to feature on their range of products. Hence I toyed with the idea of having my favourite street style photo printed onto a laptop case.

But evidently, the shopper bag won me over. Its dimensions are 35cm x 35cm x 13cm, which provides ample space for my computer and camera equipment (ideal for London Fashion Week!), or even for a spot of high street shopping. The bag is also made with my choice of black patent vinyl, plus black leather handles, making it strong as well as stylish.

I suppose one could say this shopper bag is one-of-a-kind, which is perhaps the greatest benefit of any personalised product. So thank you, Bags of Love, for gifting me with such a lovely accessory. I look forward to taking it for a spin.

(RRP: £55.00 + £3.85 delivery. You can see more products at www.bagsoflove.co.uk.)

Star Wars Olympics

In this Olympic year, the sports theme is seeping into fashion, and my favourite example so far has to be this Star Wars t-shirt from Next. Suffice it to say, I snapped it up faster than Usain Bolt can sprint the men's 100m (okay, maybe not that fast).

For a reasonable £18, the t-shirt pleases my inner geek. This is now my second Star Wars t-shirt, but for its comical cartoon, this is my favourite of the two. The illustration depicts three Stormtroopers, Darth Vader and Boba Fett, all raring to race in what could either be a Star Wars equivalent of the Olympics, or perhaps a corporate day out for the Galactic Empire. I like to think that Darth Vader would implement Force speed and outlap his fellow contenders, but admittedly, he is more or less an asthmatic.

In fact, the t-shirt's graphic reminds me of an occasion not too long ago, when I had the pleasure of watching two Dorset Troopers race each other at the Kinson Donkey Derby. It is not everyday you see a Scout Trooper and a Shadow Trooper running the 100m.

But aside from its sci-fi resplendence, I have also noticed the Star Wars t-shirt feels softer and somewhat thicker than my other t-shirts. Of course, this is no less than a good thing, since comfort is key to any purchase. I suppose you could argue that paying a little extra for something as basic as a t-shirt does indeed make a difference.

Dude Shoes: A Review

(as featured in the BHbeat newspaper, 16th September)

As a wearer of mostly smart boots and lace-ups, a pair of casual shoes from Poole-based footwear company Hey Dude would have generally gone unnoticed. But having put these, as they have been dubbed, “super light shoes” to the test, they have proven to be the lightest and most comfortable shoes I have so far experienced.

The DuPont sole is the not-so-secret magic that makes Dude Shoes so light, as well as giving them the strength and elasticity to endure and absorb rough terrain. Their special engineering means a pair of Dude Shoes can weigh as little as 150g a pair.

However, it is not the shoes' lightness or sturdiness, but rather the spongy leather in-sole that really sells this brand. Dude Shoes make walking a comfortable affair even after several hours of rambling.

Hey Dude's headquarters are located in Poole, but their shoes are sold on a nationwide level – their biggest stockist being multiple shoe retailer tReds. Trish Martin, senior buyer at tReds said: “It is one of the best-selling brands in-store, and we are glad to be supporting a fellow independent Dorset-based company.”

Hey Dude produce a range of alternative styles, with quirky names to match, like Farty and Wally. Designs include fur-lined logger boots and suede desert boots, all with the same lightweight materials and comfy soles.

Yet super light does not necessarily equate to super cheap – the Wally, for example, retails at £40 a pair. But for the sheer comfort of the in-soles and the convenience of their near-weightlessness, Dude Shoes are definitely worth considering.

(To visit the Hey Dude website, click here)

Grandad T-shirts: A Review

Unbutton this relaxed summer tee

Summer is a season for shorts and t-shirts, no doubt about it. But with so many styles of t-shirt available, which is the best for keeping cool and looking chilled? For me, there's nothing better than the grandad tee. Just don't let the name fool you - there isn't anything old-fashioned about this particular style.

Irish Dance Dresses: A Review

High-kicking the feis into fashion

Yesterday, I was officially introduced to the world of feis (pronounced 'fesh'), the world of Irish dance competition. Having been educated in the goings-on and customs of such contests by my friend, Aisling, I had a fair idea of what to expect, but despite this prior knowledge, those few hours at Salesian School in Chertsey were a surreal experience.

The principle reason for attending the Emerald Championships was to support Aisling at her first competition in two-and-a-half years. The fashion element - aka the dresses - was purely a secondary interest. Nonetheless, the various designs and colours of dresses were, shall we say, interesting...

UT, UniQlo T-Shirts: A Review

Brand new 2011 collections

Just in time for the impending summer sun, UniQlo have once again teamed up with a range of designers, artists, photographers and well-known brands to produce their new printed t-shirt collections for men and women. With a wide variety of designs, each collection is a celebration of our modern culture.

Launched in April 2007 at a Harajuku store, the UT Project began with printed t-shirts packaged in plastic cylinders similar to tennis ball containers, which customers could take from rows of steel shelves just as they would do with products in a supermarket. Unfortunately, this quirky means of t-shirt shopping is not available in UK stores, but you'll still find the same great printed t-shirts awaiting your eager perusal.

This year, designs for women include Tweety, Carebears and the soft patterns of Franche Lippée, while Naruto manga, Mickey Mouse and Dragonball Z, for example, can be found emblazoned on t-shirts for men. For both sexes, however, there is also corporate collaboration - a series of t-shirts incorporating logos and designs from Japanese and other foreign companies.

The variety of designs is outstanding, and with prices ranging from £7.99 - £12.99, you'd be grabbing a sure bargain. I personally favour the t-shirts from the men's Disney collection, featuring an old-style Mickey Mouse with famous captions and slogans. There is also a Cath Kidston collection for women I find cute, which incorporates Cath Kidston's famous floral prints into bleached designs. Sales from this particular collection will also go to help the Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP), which funds a safe motherhood program in Zambia.

However, looking at this year's designs, I do feel the men's collections are much stronger than women's. Although the idea is that women maintain a sense of femininity in the clothes they wear, the designs need not be so simple or subtle. For example, Naruto and One Piece manga t-shirts for men include bold prints, which I believe should be reflected in the women's collections too. Of course, one solution is that women purchase men's t-shirts, which - with the recent introduction of size XXS - could be feasible, but UniQlo should provide bolder prints for women specifically.

Nonetheless, the current collections for both men and women this year are superb in their own rights. Although I have not purchased a printed t-shirt on the two recent occasions I could have done so, I will most probably order a t-shirt or two online very soon. With summer on its way, I'd recommend you do the same.

(To view this year's UT collections, visit the UniQlo website)

Ray-Ban vs Topman

During my day trip to London, my friend, Shehryar, decided to pop into Selfridges on Oxford Street to buy himself a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. Whilst browsing through the different styles available, I came across a pair that looked extremely familiar to my own Topman shades...

Friends, Claire and Lilly, demonstrating the stark similarity between both styles of

shades. Claire (left) wears a pair of Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses while Lilly (right)

sports the exceedingly cheaper equivalent from Topman

Priced at £123, the Ray-Ban Clubmasters cost roughly 10 times as much as my pair from Topman, even though their browline designs are strikingly similar. But does the higher cost mean they are any better in quality and aesthetics?

Appearance-wise, there are a few subtle differences. For starters, Topman's sunglasses have slightly wider lenses than the Clubmasters. The colour of the metal used in each style is also different, with Ray-Ban preferring gold rather than silver. In addition, there is a small variation in the detail at the corners of the frames. Therefore, in terms of aesthetics, personal preference ultimately decides which style looks the best.

However, in terms of overall quality, Ray-Ban is victorious. Unlike the pair from Topman, the Clubmasters' plastic frame is reinforced with metal, naturally lessening the chance of breakage. Of course, this also makes the sunglasses heavier, but I believe this is acceptable if there is added strength.

Nonetheless, in my view, a price tag of £123 does seem much for a pair of sunglasses, regardless of how good the quality might be. However, this did not stop Shehryar from purchasing a pair of black Wayfarers at the same price. I suppose at the end of the day, you just need to ask yourself whether you want to pay for the designer label or not. For me, the cheaper pair from Topman will do.

Kingston Shopping: A Review

A true shopping experience

If you desire a shopping experience as diverse as Oxford Street without losing yourself among the imposingly huge stores, Kingston-upon-Thames is the answer. When I lived in nearby Thames Ditton, I came to love the town for its riverside setting and many stores, although its prime as a fashion hub did not catch my eye until I was 15. With a vast array of high street and designer retailers, a shopping trip here is never worthless. 

The focal point of the Kingston shopping scene is The Bentall Centre, where you'll find 80+ well-known retailers, most of which aim to provide you with the latest fashions. The main outlet is the Bentalls department store, which stocks a vast collection of designer brands, including All Saints, Fred Perry and Karen Millen. The make-up department also has many popular beauty brands to choose from, including MAC and Bobbi Brown.

Within the rest of the shopping centre are four floors of high street and designer stores. My personal favourite is naturally the double-storey H&M, which - due to the rise in metrosexuality - now has a whole floor dedicated to menswear. Other retailers include Zara, Esprit, Republic, Levi's, Bank and a brand new Hollister.

If you're looking for a bite to eat, Bentalls has a selection of cafés and eateries, although the cheaper option of McDonalds can be found on the lower ground level. However, if you choose to eat here, do not be surprised if you have to sit outside the fast food outlet on the shopping centre floor, as this particular McDonalds is always busy and doesn't have additional seating. Out on the streets, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants dotted about, although - if the weather is fine - I would personally recommend purchasing food from the nearby Marks and Spencer or Sainsbury's and eat beside the river. A loaf of bread wouldn't go down too badly with the local community of swans and geese either.

Also on the streets are many more well-known fashion retailers. The pedestrianised Clarence Street has the largest number of shops, including Gap, French Connection, River Island, two Marks and Spencer stores, and separate Topshop and Topman outlets. My favourite here, however, is the UniQlo at the far end of Clarence Street, which has recently been refurbished to provide a larger menswear department.

The newly refurbished menswear department in UniQlo

At the other end of Clarence Street, towards the River Thames, is a TK Maxx, but opposite this on Wood Street is Kingston's other large department store, John Lewis, which - like Bentalls - provides a huge selection of designer clothes and beauty products. Even if you don't want to purchase anything from here, I find it's still nice to have a brief wander around each open-spaced level. There is also a Waitrose below should you wish to buy any food or drink.

But don't think that's all there is to Kingston shopping. Opposite the Bentall Centre, towards the market square, you can find more popular fashion stores such as Accessorize, Office, White Stuff and JD Sports. Then at Market Place itself, you'll find Sunglass Hut, Next, and a Cath Kidston just around the corner on Thames Street.

In addition, there is a second smaller shopping centre in Kingston, the Eden Walk Shopping Centre, which can be found on the other side of the larger Marks and Spencer. Here you'll find even more retailers, including Boots, BHS, Ann Summers and a smaller H&M. However, if cheap clothes are what you're after, there is a three-floor Primark opposite Eden Walk on Effingham Road, which tends to be relatively tidy despite being rather busy.

As a whole, I would say Kingston-upon-Thames is the best shopping location in Surrey. Whether it's for a shopping trip or a shopping spree, Kingston will have what you're looking for and so much more. There are dozens of stores to choose from, so if you're a dedicated shopper, you'll need to give yourself at least a few hours. But don't worry about car parking - there's plenty of that too.

Looking east along Clarence Street

So if you're ever in need of satisfying any shopping cravings, get yourself over there! Because even if you don't end up spending any money, I promise you won't regret spending your day.

Jack Wills Gilet: A Review

A champion of the Jack Wills craze

During the cooler days of the year, it's a common sight to see my fellow BAMMJ buddy, Devon Francis, in her hooded navy gilet - a pink bird with a cane and top hat prominent on the breast. But she's not the only person I've spotted wearing this piece of designer outerwear at Bournemouth University. In spite of the £98 price tag, the sleeveless jacket has also been a common sight on numerous other students, which leads me to the obvious question: what makes the Jack Wills gilet so damn popular?

Devon Francis sporting her Jack Wills gilet

But before that can be answered, there's a more basic question that needs examining... How did these young people afford it? Because the last I heard, students are poor and would probably starve were they to spend their month's budget on a single, expensive, sartorial pleasure rather than the basic necessity we call food. In Devon's case, her gilet was given to her as a gift, and perhaps it's the same case with everyone else. But no matter who bought the gilet, someone bought it, so what about this Jack Wills jacket is worth delving down into the hidden depths of your pockets?

Kirkbridge Classic (Source: jackwills.com)

Bampton (Source: jackwills.com)

First of all, they do look good for outwerwear. Unlike other gilets which tend to be rather puffy and/or come in lucid eye-grabbing colours, Jack Wills' are slimmer and don't go overboard with vivid shades. In addition, a stylish check pattern features on the inside of the jacket and a fur-lined hood is an option should you choose the Kirkbridge Classic.

However, don't let the lack of bulk on these jackets fool you. With a thick layer of duck down feathers in between the fabrics, the Jack Wills gilet is very effective at keeping the wearer warm and snug. So although the gilet may not look like hiking or rambling material, it can certainly hold back the wind and chill.

So in terms of both appearance and practicality, I feel the Jack Wills gilet rates as a high quality jacket. Nonetheless, does this designer gilet deserve its designer cost? One could argue that being higher in quality doesn't necessarily have to mean a higher price, but in this case, Jack Wills appears to disagree. Personally, I am too conscious of my finances to spend nearly £100 on just one item of clothing, but regardless of spending habits, such a cost is still perhaps a little too steep. Yet unfortunately - as with any designer clothing - you don't just pay for the quaility, you also pay for the label. And although the label might not be as pronounced as the in-your-face branding of Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, that small grandiloquent birdie says everything you need to know.

All in all, if you're looking for a well-made and well-styled gilet, I would certainly recommend Jack Wills, but whether you think £98 is worth its designer warmth is entirely up to you.

(For a more critical review, visit the East Sea Axe Originals blog by Adam Fisher, or to visit the Jack Wills website, click here)

Men's Flare Jeans: A Review

Not only for disco

My personal pair of flare jeans from Topman

Question: Am I really the only guy who wears flare jeans? For 2 years I have owned a pair of flare jeans, and in those 2 years I have spotted no other guys wearing any. I can't seriously be the only one, can I?

My friends back home have criticised my choice for wearing flares, but I believe they're a stylish solution to a relaxed look without the need for buying baggy or larger sizes. Hanging on the hips, flare jeans are loose down the leg, flaring out from the knee downwards. And although this flare hides half your feet, it is particularly useful in preventing them from looking ridiculously big or long, which I find can happen when wearing slim- or skinny-fitting jeans with certain shoes.

Topman jeans currently on sale

As for what to wear with flare jeans, I've found they go well with all sorts of upper-body attire, especially long sleeve tops or lone jumpers, where the sleeves are pushed up to the elbow. Shirts are also an excellent option - smart-ish shirts open by two or three buttons if you're going for the smart-casual look, or, of course, a casual shirt for that laid-back style.

But don't take my word for it. Pop into town and try on a pair! Okay, I'll admit that when you look in the mirror, you may think you look like you've walked straight out of the 70s (I still do sometimes), but I assure you that - should you buy a pair - you will not be disappointed. Just choose the right colour and size for you, and you're away!

(To check out the current choice of flare jeans, visit the Topman website)

Warning: wearing flares may cause unexpected renditions of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. True story.

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.