Topman X Black On Black

There has been a huge expanse of streetwear labels in the last few years, fed by the popularity of hip-hop culture and powered by the strength of social media.  Subsequently brands that may have remained small scale have now become a force to be reckoned with.  Streetwear label Hype is a fine example of this.  With 11,000+ twitter followers and stockists including the influential Topman this fresh label has burst into the limelight.

Stylitz Hype X Topman 2

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Stylitz Hype X Topman 3

This week sees the launch of their first ever collaboration – a chic range of black garments, including printed bandanas, gloss textured tees, a cotton sweatshirt and leggings (for men!). Appropriately named TOPMAN X Black On Black, and available exclusively in Topman Oxford Street and General store, online and at www.justhype.co.uk, the collection is clean, effortless and affordable.  Each item is limited to a production run of only 100 pieces, with prices ranging from £14.99 to £75.  Also their customer service is second to none.  When I needed some beanies for a TV show I was work on, a request on twitter was answered within hours.  The next day 6 identical beanies arrived at my door.  Genius!

Hype X Topman Black Gloss £28Hype X Topman Black on Black printed tee - £28

Hype X Topman Black on Black tops, both £28

Today sees the launch party of the range at Topman General store in Shoreditch (5-8:30pm), where DJ Cable will be spinning the tunes as you shop.  An after party follows at Casa Negra hosted by @ShorebitchUK, so be sure to pick up your wrist bands in store.  Exclusive clothes, beer and an after party –  what more could you want from this rather dull Thursday?

Stylitz Hype X Topman wristbands

Launch party tonight at Topman General Store, 98 Commercial Street, Shoreditch (5-8:30pm); after party at Casa Negra, 54-56 Great Eastern St London, EC2A 3QR (9-2am).

Or visit www.justhype.co.uk or www.topman.com to shop the collection.  

All images from the Topman X Black on Black range, courtesy of Hype Clothing.

One for the kids

If you have children, or nieces and nephews that you love to buy clothes for, then you’ll be excited to hear today’s news. One of my fave stores Uniqlo – the Japanese brand that has been bringing us staples such as merino wool jumpers in a Pantone style range of colours for several years – is launching a range of kids wear. I am a huge fan of Uniqlo, and have long extolled its virtues – their jumpers and flannel check shirts are 100% cotton and a snip at just under £20. So it’s safe to say I am very excited about today’s store launch.

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The collection includes adult favourites such as their poly filled down parkas and colourful skinny jeans being downsized for kids up to 12 years old. Jackets come with name labels sewn into the interior so you can ensure your mini-me returns home with their new duffle coat (a clever touch considering these pieces will be the envy of the playground). Many trousers also come with adjustable waistbands for ultimate comfort and reinforced seam pockets to reduce tears.

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Furthermore, next Saturday (31st Aug), three key Uniqlo stores will host a special event to celebrate. Head to Uniqlo in Bluewater, or Westfield Stratford or White City and enjoy an interactive photo experience and if you’re lucky, a free kids goody bag (available to the first 100 customers to purchase from the collection on the day). If you’re not near London, you can still get your hands on the lovely range as all items are available online. Ready, steady, shop…

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Kids wear collection launches in store today. Or shop online at http://www.uniqlo.com/uk

All images provided by Uniqlo

Private styling session

Last week I did my first private personal styling session. Despite working for many years as a professional stylist for TV & editorial, I have never offered this service before.

My first client was the lovely Susy, a self-confessed shopaholic who felt she never looked polished or put together. After a quick wardrobe edit I realised the problem lay with her lack of accessories & her love of simple easy-to-wear dresses. The brief was outfits for work & play, with the ideal being office-to-evening looks in bold colours. After a busy 6 hours of shopping, Susy came away with numerous separates that could all be interspersed – the ultimate capsule wardrobe. I even tempted her into several prints (something that didn’t feature heavily in her existing wardrobe), which worked brilliantly with all the bold blouses & silk tees we picked up. Above are only a couple of the outfits – there were over 10 in total. I think you’ll agree she looks fab.

If you are interested in a wardrobe edit & personal styling session, please contact me for prices. Details can be found in the About Me page.

Get Your Rocks On

We all know that ladies are partial to a gem or two.  And if like me the offer of a unique accessory has you pulling on your favourite shopping-friendly flats before you can say Tiffany’s, then pop along to Somerset House for this weekend’s jewellery show, the aptly named Treasure.

Featuring more than 100 contemporary jewellery designers, this is where to spot the new Stephen Webster or Solange Azagury-Partridge, & better still commission your own perfect piece. With inspirational talks from jewellery experts & on-hand fashion stylists to help make sure you don’t make a jewel faux-pas (heaven forbid) this is the ultimate weekend venue for all you magpies.  Why not drag along your fella & drop some not-so-subtle hints around your favourite stands. Or if he’s a fan of some man-bling there is a special dedicated men’s section to coincide with Father’s Day.  Gold sovereign ring wearers need not apply…

http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/treasure-2013