Doing it Danish Style | Style (OOTD)

danish styleTop: Mads Nørgaard | Trousers: New Look | Sneakers: Converse

Danish style. What does that mean to you? For me it conjures up images of tailored clothes, layers, and white sneakers. Washed down with fresh sea air and delectable pastries. All of which – you’ll be pleased to know – I managed to make the most of whilst travelling in Copenhagen last week. Pastries and gorgeous landscapes aside, I was beyond giddy to finally be in the capital of my style-inspiration. I reckon 99% of my Tumblr and Pinterest combined are made up of Danish brands (homeware & clothing). Danish style is the ultimate for me.

Doing it Danish Style

As well as being the land of clean, minimalist style, Denmark has a few other tricks up it’s sleeve. The country is jam packed full of designers you’ve probably heard of/seen, but never realised were Danish. Wood Wood, Samsøe & Samsøe, and Baum und Pferdgarten to name a few. Yep, Danish designers have a pretty strong hold on the fashion industry, and they’re not letting go anytime soon. I just knew my trip to Copenhagen was going to be heavily influenced by my love of fashion, and these brands.

The Mads Nørgaard store was always going to be on my to-do list, whilst travelling to Copenhagen. I’ve been a fan of the brand ever since I discovered it earlier this year. It’s simplistic style appealed to my minimalist palette almost straight away. The Nørgaard store in Copenhagen is also the home of Nørgaard Paa Strøget #101, the award winning rib t-shirt with long sleeves. The t-shirt – which is made in Denmark – comes in a variety of colors and most importantly, in signature stripes. So it’s no surprise that this little number I’m sporting fell into my hands and onto the register…alongside 3 others.

Check out my previous style posts here.

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Review: Guess Connect Smartwatch | Style & Tech

guess connect smartwatchGuess Connect Smartwatch *

I love technology. Whenever something new and innovative comes out I’m the first one to jump on the bandwagon. As geeky as it may sound, wearable tech has found it’s way into our everyday lives. The smart watch is no longer something you’d only see in a James Bond movie. It’s a reality. In fact it’s so common now that it’s become a part of people’s personal style. The future is here!

The Guess Connect Smartwatch: Review

As much as I love smart watches I have never actually invested in one. Why? Well I already carry a ton of tech products on me, and I like to switch my watches depending on my outfit. There wasn’t much choice either, and I like to have my pick of the best tech out there. So when I was recently sent the Guess Connect smartwatch I was eager to try it out, and see what the fuss was all about.

The Look

This smart watch is the perfect combination of old and new, with a 41mm analog face. You can find it in 4 colours, one of which is a striking blue and rose gold. Personally the black and gold combo was right up my style alley. It’s definitely something I’d look for in a regular watch. That said, the watch itself is quite chunky for my taste. But this is a general problem for me with my oddly tiny hands and wrists. However my friends told me that as chunky as it was, it didn’t look out of place, which was a relief to hear.

The Tech

Tech-wise, this has all the basics you’d expect from a smart watch: connected via bluetooth, call and voice command, the ability to receive notifications, camera and music control, as well as other features. I tested the watch out and it synced up with my phone easily; I was receiving notifications in no time. I personally like the scrolling text and email feature. It allows me to preview my messages before checking them on my phone later. Not to mention the weather, music and camera functions, which are great. You can’t download apps onto the watch, but then this smartwatch isn’t about that.

Final thoughts?

As an introduction to the world of smart watches, this is perfect for any style driven person. At £250 it may seem expensive, but if you’re after a smart watch then this one certainly won’t break the bank. Plus it does pretty much everything you’d expect a fashion forward smart watch to do. It’s interesting that Guess have been one of the first designers to jump on the smart watch bandwagon. And I don’t think they’ve done too bad a job. Think along the lines of style-meets-tech, that’s when you’ll start to understand what the Guess Connect smartwatch is all about.

You can buy the Guess Connect smart watch at Debenhams.

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London Style, Quite Literally | Style (OOTD)

london styleTop: Marks and Spencer | Culottes: Warehouse* | Sneakers: Converse | Backpack: New Look*

Since my post on The London Look, it would seem that I’ve begun to take London style in the most literal sense possible. This top was one of those amazing finds you happen upon by chance – and it was in the sale too! I absolutely loved the colours, stripes (duh) and the cut. I had to have it! Yet however much I love this top, it’s fair to say that not everyone does. In fact funnily enough, it’s caused quite a bit of controversy. And I’m stuck in the middle of it all.

London Style, Quite Literally

First off, my friends think it’s weird I’m wearing a top with London written on it. They seem to think it’s not cool, because it looks too touristy. Heaven forbid you are mistaken for a tourist in London. We all know how painful that is. Which leads me on to my second problem – the mistaken tourist. This lovely lovely top has caused some confusion between me and the “locals”. It would seem that some people think I’m a tourist in London. Recently whilst out at the pub with friends, I had an East Ender try to talk to me in broken French. Coz French colours and stripes. Of course.

Sure I’m not one for buying tops emblazoned with the city I’m currently travelling in, but problems aside, I don’t see why I shouldn’t wear this in my own city. I mean after all, where will people return me to if I get lost?

Check out my previous London style posts here.

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An Urban Jungle at Kew Gardens | Style (OOTD)

Kew GardensT-shirt: COS | Jeans: Topshop | Shoes: COS

Continuing my natural Mori Gal vibe, I recently headed to Kew Gardens for the afternoon, with VA and Dodo. Kew Gardens is somewhere I’ve been planning to go and shoot for a year or so now. The gardens are vast, however it’s the conservatories that interest me the most. They house a variety of plants, big and small, and are absolutely stunning. I love stopping by the Prince of Wales conservatory, but the Palm House is my number one recommendation when visiting Kew.

The Palm House was designed by Decimus Burton during early Victorian times. The original structure is still standing now, and is the most important surviving Victorian iron and glass structure in the world. It’s difficult to explain just how awe inspiring it is, not only for architecture geeks like myself, but for anyone. I just couldn’t wait to do a photoshoot there.

An Urban Jungle at Kew Gardens

Finding a fitting outfit for the Palm House was difficult. Part of me wanted to go all out, and wear something overtly feminine and elegant. Something along the lines of an evening gown straight out of 1950s Hollywood. But let’s be serious, I don’t own anything like that. So I went for my new kicks, with matching t-shirt from COS. I actually bought these items separately, but my current love for dusky pink, and COS’s own colour palette meant I ended up accidentally coordinating. Maybe it was the relaxing atmosphere, or the way my off-pink outfit blended nicely with the wrought iron fixtures. I felt like I belonged. Well it certainly wasn’t the humidity, either way.

Check out my previous style posts here.
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

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Mori Gal | Style (OOTD)

mori galT-shirt: Delores Daywear | Trousers: New Look | Sneakers: Comme des Garcon x Converse | Sunglasses: Playn*

I’ve always been fascinated with nature. As a child I would beg my parents to let me explore woodlands, or dip my toes in a babbling brook. Whether it’s plants, animals, fractals…well, you get my point. Of course lifestyle choices often transfer over to personal style. That’s why I love the idea of the Mori Gal fashion trend so much.

But you’re not a Mori Gal?!

The first time I fell in love with the style and concept was with the character Shizuru Satonaka in Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru. Mori Gal literally translates to Forest Girl. This fashion subculture originates in Japan, and often features earthy tones, natural fabrics, and loose fitting clothes. The style itself has never really found a foothold in my own wardrobe. Loosely permed hair (natural waves), and always carrying a camera around is about as close as it gets for me. Still, I find the concept incredibly romantic. Being more ethical in your fashion choices. Slowing down your daily life. Spending more time with nature.

True, I may not embody mori gal, but I can be inspired by it. I can be reminded of it; in my love for nature, quality fabrics, and ethical clothing choices. At the end of the day, mori gal is supposed to be whimsical. And we all deserve to have a little whimsy in our lives.

If you like the idea of MG, you can find out more and how-to with “Mori Gal Rules“.

Check out my previous style posts here.
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

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A Love Affair with Italian Leather Shoes | Style

italian leather shoesA Love Affair with Italian Leather Shoes | Sandals by Lorena Paggi*

My press trip to Italy last October was something I will never forget. Discovering Fermo and the amazing artisan shoemakers of the region was enlightening. Since my visit I’ve definitely gained a new found love for Italian leather shoes, and a variety of new designers.

Italian Leather Shoes: Lorena Paggi SS16

One of the designers I visited during my trip to Italy was Lorena Paggi. Producing Italian leather shoes, bags and accessories, I fell in love with a pair of their brogues, and that was that. The brand had certainly left an impression on me. So when their Spring/Summer 2016 collection popped up on my Facebook feed I immediately clicked through. Dusky pinks, chunky heels and minimalist looks to name a few. These are stylish sandals with a difference.

Where to find them…

This is the question I asked myself…Lorena Paggi…and every social network possible, after I saw these sandals. The dirty pink shade was so perfect, and so perfectly on trend. The style is very me – minimalist, comfortable, high quality and stylish. You couldn’t ask for better. Lorena Paggi luckily saw my pleas on social media, as I desperately tried to find out where I could buy their new sandals. I can’t wait to wear these in Barcelona at the end of the month. And hopefully in London, but I don’t want to jinx this gorgeous weather just yet.

Unfortunately Lorena Paggi shoes are not available in the UK…yet! However if you happen to be in Italy or Eastern Europe/Russia, you will definitely be in luck. Keep an eye on their InstagramFacebook and Twitter accounts for more info.

Read more: Italy Travel Diaries

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Urban Research in Japan | Style (OOTD)

urban researchTie Waist Top: Urban Research | Trousers: Urban Research | Watch: Timex* | Sneakers: Comme des Garcon

When I visited Japan in March, one thing stood out to me. My personal style was miles away from what it was when I was living in Tokyo. It dawned on me that the stores and areas I once frequented during my time there were now alien to me. For this reason alone, I had resigned myself to the fact that I probably wouldn’t buy any clothes during my visit. However one rainy day, we decided to wander around the Sky Tree Mall – Solomachi. Filled with stores such as Punyus, Loft, and earth, music and ecology; I soon realised I was in good hands.

Urban Research

One store that stood out to me in particular was Urban Research. Sure the name might seem odd to English speakers, but the lifestyle element to the store intrigued me. It reminded me of my favourite London stores, but with a difference. However it was only when I went shopping with Renka that I properly investigated. I ended up picking up an ensemble that felt a little out of my comfort zone. Something I would admire on others, but would maybe be a little nervous to wear myself. Luckily Renka is a great shopping buddy. I knew I could trust her, and when she gushed at how much the outfit suited me I decided I had to have it. I had to admit, I felt kinda cool in it. And this is coming from the person who would never have considered wearing a matching two-piece outfit. As you probably guessed, that outfit was the one in this post. I mean, this story would have been entirely pointless otherwise, right?

Check out my previous style posts here.
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

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