Spring in my Step

Ray Ban sunglasses | Hawes & Curtis shirt | ASOS jeans | Arkk Copenhagen Asymtrix Mesh F-PRO90 [gifted]

I used to be hesitant of wearing white trainers. The thought that I might potentially tarnish their pristine glow with even the smallest of smudges would set me on edge. But they've become a staple accessory for many of my spring/summer ensembles - a flash of tasteful streetwear that completes a coloured suit or, as in this instance, complements a floral shirt.

After putting my all-white ASOS hi-tops through their paces, I thought it was time for another style to join the ranks, and I couldn't help falling for these Asymtrix sneakers from Arkk Copenhagen's newest collection. As is typical of Scandinavian design, there is cleanness and simplicity in their neutral colourway, combined with the comfort and utility of the mesh and leather upper with a chunky F-PRO90 sole. Arkk describe them as a "90s-inspired reinterpretation of the dad shoe", yet I think the minimalist design is almost futuristic in appearance.

I chose to wear my sneakers as part of a smart-casual look over the recent Easter weekend, teamed with black skinny jeans, statement socks to make my ankles pop, and one of my favourite Hawes & Curtis patterned shirts that superbly mirrors the blossom and spring blooms. There's a distinct spring in my step as I amble along my sister and brother-in-law's street in Royston, Hertfordshire - it may be my soaking up the sunshine and readying myself for summer to officially commence (that February heatwave was a right tease), or perhaps it's the simple truth that my new sneakers are terrifically comfortable?

Shoes courtesy of Arkk Copenhagen, however all views are my own | Photos shot lovingly by Leanne Kent

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.

Jack & Jones Footwear x Tuan Le Launch Party

There are three things I can virtually guarantee when I attend a party as a blogger: 1) I will make liberal use of the open bar; 2) I will dance like nobody is watching; 3) I will surprise myself by how well I can still take photos after several glasses of wine. And a Shoreditch soirée hosted by menswear label Jack & Jones was no exception to such antics, especially when accompanied by my partner-in-crime.

 

The party was in full swing when Maddy and I arrived at Hackney House, which had been outfitted for the launch of the brand new "Fusion" sneaker collection, an exclusive collaboration between Jack & Jones Footwear and renowned sneaker designer Tuan Le. Proudly displayed around the event space, the stylish sneakers gave an air of streetwear supremacy with their distinctive wedge soles and futuristic aesthetic, as if commanding the way forward for sneakerkind.

It was only fitting I wore the "Fusion" sneakers to their own launch party - mine in a minimalist colourway of a black leather upper and white rubber outsole, the two materials fused together by a leather welt. Between taking full advantage of the bar and taking full advantage of the photo booth, Maddy and I hit the dancefloor, where I was genuinely astonished to discover the sneakers had passed the ultimate test for every pair of shoes I own. I wasn't just able to dance in them comfortably, I could dance in them amazingly, a quality which had previously been exclusive to my Cuban heel boots.

City Kicks

Style and sensibility are two attributes which don't frequently go hand-in-hand. But for the hardened city commuter, the most important style essential is unquestionably a pair of comfortable shoes. Kicks, sneakers, trainers - whatever you choose to call them - dominate the footpaths on a typical London morning, as a sea of black, grey and navy suits teem past with multicoloured feet. Equally so, sneakers are my personal preference for comfort and convenience. Albeit given the only walking I do to and from work is the few steps to and from my car, a pair of my sneakers would do plenty more mileage on a weekend stroll.

Nike Roshe Daybreak sneakers c/o MR PORTER | Formal shirt c/o Hawes & Curtis
Selected Homme slim-fit trousers | Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses

If not purely for practicality, finding the balance between a shoe designed for sports and an outfit styled for formality is understandably a tad more of a challenge than, say, picking a pair of formal lace-ups to accessorise a new suit. I believe, however, a pair of sneakers should stand out on their own as much as they complement the full outfit. That's why I love these Nike Roshe sneakers from MR PORTER, in an orange, navy and white colourway that punches from the pavement. Even more so when they're the perfect contrast to the fifty shades of blue in my wardrobe, such as the pictured Hawes & Curtis striped shirt and Selected Homme trousers. Add the comfort and bounce of the cushioned "Roshe" soles, and we have a solid 10/10.

Before the summer, I hadn't contemplated shoe shopping with MR PORTER. However, as one of the top online destinations for designer menswear, their curated collection is enough to make a shoe lover swoon. There's even a dedicated Shoe Guide for the discerning shoe shopper, looking to find - and maintain - the perfect pair of designer footwear. Albeit I needed no additional advice or encouragement when I spotted these Nike Roshes. I wouldn't yet call myself a sneakerhead, but I was seduced. Move over Cuban heels.