Black and Blue - Mix of menswear and Womenswear  

- Ok first of all I know I haven’t posted in A MONTH. I have many excuses including I’ve been super busy with work and also I had this nasty throat infection thing that made me so tired all the time. I actually prepared this post a month ago before I was ill so I have completely forgotten where the denim bag is from.. So I’m sorry about that. BUT you can find similar ones from American Apparel, and I believe I saw one in Primark too but that was a little while ago. Ive also forgotten wear the Navy pinafore and the Jeans is from… Again im sorry *sigh*

Also, I cant even remember why I was making a post on black and blue items… I think it had something to do with the crappy weather at the time. But its been sunny lately.. So this no longer makes sense but the items are still great so bleehh. Here is what I actually remembered:

(Click the product description for a link to the site)

• Navy Croc print boots - Dr Marten 
• Mens Striped Bomber Jacket - Topman (They also do matching shorts!)
• ‘H’ weed top - HUF
• Black Joggers - Ragged Priest 
• Long Sleeve Crop - Topshop
• ”Rapper” Skirt - Romwe 
• Heart Purse - designed by Agyness Deyn for Dr. Martens
• Silver Pharaoh Sweatshirt - Beloved Shirts

Instagram is full of amazing people with amazing personal styles. I love Insta because it allows people to share their personal life and styles with everyone. It can be a great source of inspiration. These people are a small selection of people who I have found to be really inspirational style wise on Insta. Some of them I know personally  some I don’t  Some have a very high following, others don’t. But they are all incredible. Make sure you check them out :) 

- Just in case you wanted to know, my Instagram name is Byron_London

xxx

SUMMER WISH LIST:

(Click the items description to find its source) 

Batman Character Repeat Short Sleeve Shirt £28 - Lazy Oaf

BUZZ KILL Tee £90 - Henry Holland

SHEER DRESS (Could be worn as a Tee) £20 - Monki

DREAM BOY TEE £30 - Once Youth

Have a Crap Day Bobble Hat £20 - Lazy Oaf

Stripe denim packpack £34 - TOPSHOP

Polka Shorts £60 - Lazy Oaf

Turn up shorts £35 - Ragged Priest

Pro Play Trainers £62 - Adidas

Spitfire Round Sunglasses £18 - ASOS

Neoprene Backpack £28 - TOPSHOP

Jagged Leopard Top £70 - ADIDAS X JEREMY SCOTT 

INTERVIEW: MR FOX OF FACTORY FOX

The lovely Marciano Lansu Fox first contacted me a couple of weeks ago to introduce himself, his new label FACTORY FOX and its debut collection for SS13. The Netherlands based designer showed me his current online look book and his online store. I was impressed with what I saw and wanted to find out a little more about the brand. 

BL: Whats the story behind the name FACTORY FOX, what does it mean and what does it represent?

MF: FACTORY FOX was founded by me in 2010 as a creative underground network with the idea to support young talent and their creativity. Inspired by Warhol, we used ‘factory’ in the name, as we were a creative team. We have done many things from art videos and installations to interviews with musicians, and even organized parties. Part of it since the very beginning was an online T-shirt and accessories shop, designed and curated by me.

Now, in 2013, I decided to relaunch FACTORY FOX focused on the fashion, but still with the core value of working together with incredible artists. Like a collaborative collection with a graphic artist, a look book shoot by an amazing photography student, a fashion show with a performance of a singer who is the big next thing, it’s all possible.

BL: Do you remember where you were when you first came up with the idea to start FACTORY FOX?

MF: I have no idea! I think it all happened as a very organic process, like all great things in life. You don’t have to obsess about it, it just comes to you naturally.

BL: I know I have my favorites, including the two pieces you kindly gifted me. What is your personal favorite piece from the collection?

MF: To be honest, I love the entire collection and I am unconsciously wearing pieces of it in all of my outfits. But if I have to choose, my favorite of the moment is the Stamp T-shirt with our logo on it. Ellie Goulding has recently been spotted in that Tee, and I really lucky when wearing it because her support is an amazing way to reach more people and introduce them to FACTORY FOX. I am very thankful for that.

BL: What do you think the differences are between the fashion where you are from in the Netherlands and the fashion here in the UK?

MF: My impression is that the UK has more of a fashion identity, with an international bespoke Fashion week and many influential designers. In The Netherlands they are really trying to push fashion forward and I think that’s great, but we’re not there yet! Though I’m very proud of Viktor & Rolf and brands like G-Star Raw. But you know what, in the current time it really doesn’t matter anymore where you live. We have the internet and borders of countries are fading more and more. Finding your way in life has never been this easy, it’s an open road. This is also something FACTORY FOX stands for. For example, our online store delivers all orders free to every location in the world. No difference whether you live in Europe or Asia, everybody is warmly welcomed.

BL: How would you describe the ideal FACTORY FOX boy or girl in 3 words?

MF: Adventurous, confident and trendsetting.

BL: What can we expect to see from FACTORY FOX next?

MF: My main focus at the moment is to introduce and involve people in the brand, to show what FACTORY FOX is all about. It’s not just fashion label, it’s about an energy, a movement in youth culture. And it has only just began.

Check more out at http://factoryfox.com/

‘’You must never underestimate the power of the eyebrow’’, I wish I could say this quote was by someone highly glamours and chic but regrettably I have to confess it was said by Jack Black. But regardless of that unfortunate fact, I thought it would be a good start to this post. I was considering doing this post a while ago, but I thought it might be super boring for you to read about eyebrows, but if I’m ever complimented on anything ever, it’s my eyebrows. So I tweeted asking if anyone would be interested if I made this post and it had a great response. So here we go! 

First of all I’m just going to say that this is based on how I like to do my eyebrows, although all the techniques and products could be used to create the shape for you. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect brow and what shape will compliment their features best. As gay as this is to admit my brow Icon is Elizabeth Taylor. She had a strong defined arch and her brows were always thick and dark. The return of the chunky brow has been long overdue and I’m so glad to see them all over fashion campaigns and on the runways. I’m so bored of seeing matchstick thin eyebrows that are poorly drawn on.

I have a confession to make, if you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you may have seen me reply to peoples’ comments about my eyebrows saying I don’t draw them on. This is half true. Basically I am a huge fan of eyebrow tinting. It makes brows look thicker and more defined and I think EVERYONE should tint their brows, it will rock your fucking world. Here’s where the truth comes out… After a while the tint will begin to fade and they will be less defined and strong. I can’t afford to get my brows tinted all the time and I don’t like doing it myself as I’ve not yet found a tint on the market as good as the one where I get mine done (Benefit in Debenhams, Oxford Street). So when I am low on cash and I can’t get them tinted I do use a brow kit by The Body Shop. I never use a pencil, my theory is if you don’t want your eyebrows to look drawn on then don’t draw them on. I prefer a powder because it gives a much more natural finish. Here is a little step by step guide of how I do my brows. 

Ok so here is my little step by step from scraggy brow (what my eyebrows look like when I wake up) to complete finished brow.

1. Plucky plucky

For shaping, I get my brows waxed, but to maintain them for as long as possible to save money getting them waxed all the time I use Mr Tweezerman tweezers (that’s not some gay cute nickname I have for them, that’s their actual brand… Just saying).  I like them because they are super thin so they are easier to use. Knowing me I’d pluck a massive chunk out with regular tweezers. The ones I use are actually designed to get out ingrown hairs, but whatever they work for me. 

So with plucking I tend to avoid doing too much to the top of my brows, I like to leave that for the lady at Benefit to wax because its just too risky to mess that up. But the bottom of the brow is pretty straight forward, what ever looks like its not meant to be there, pluck pluck pluck. I try to pay close attention to between my brows because I have to admit if I wanted to I could grow a mean mono-brow.  I try to keep the arch as even and tidy as I can.

2. Eye brow gel

Eyebrow gel is a gift from the gods. If you have bigger brows like me that like to be uncooperative you could find your brows could get messy through out the day. I use the gel before I apply any brow powder because I feel like it helps the powder stick to the brow and helps me even it all out in the end. The gel I use is by Palladio, it is a herbal brow gel with all natural ingredients. Its not the best gel I’ve ever used. I’m still searching for the perfect gel. I was recently contacted via Twitter by a great company that only make products dedicated to brows. I will be testing out some of their products soon so maybe their gel is better! I will let you guys know. 

3. Powder, not paint

This is the step where I think a lot of people go wrong. I’ve seen some interesting brows online lately and I’m so confused. What are people using to draw on their eyebrows with? Liquid eyeliner? Black paint? Maker pens?? I think for me its important for brows not to look too fake. Some people don’t mind but for those who are more comfortable with having natural looking brows, powder is a winner. I use the body shop brow kit (Shade brunette to brown). The kit comes with two shades, a darker more chocolaty shade and a lighter brown. I use the darker one as it blends in with my natural brow more. It does come with a little applicator but I don’t personally like it, I prefer a brow brush, I feel like I have more control with a brush. The key to this step is if you want to have natural looking brows, don’t try and draw anything on that’s not already there. Just accentuation what is already there. 

4. Finishing up

After I have put the powder on top of the gel I leave them to completely dry. Then I use the other side of my Palladio brow gel kit, which is a brow comb and brush, to brush the brows into the shape I want them. And taaahhh daaaaahhh, eyebrows done. 

Random tips for eyebrows: 

• Ok so say you have slept over at your friends house and woken up the next day with wacko sticky out eyebrows but don’t have a gel or brush. This is a little gross to some people but what ever don’t judge me… Use a wet tooth brush, they are actually pretty great for shaping eyebrows, and keeping them minty fresh. 
• If you are stuck for finding a brow powder that suits you, find a brown eye-shadow. Eye shadows come in a lot more shades, so it may be easier to find one that way. 
• If you have super thin brows because you have over plucked. To grow them back put some Vaseline on them before you go to bed every night. Vaseline is great for growing eyebrows or lashes. 

I hope you enjoyed this post, look out for a post coming soon on some new eyebrow products being sent my way including a do it yourself brow tint kit ooooooh. 

Photo Essay: My Room

Ok so this post is a little different to my other posts. Its not really fashion or beauty related but I felt like I wanted to show you guys a bit more of myself. This post was actually a suggestion from a friend while I was trying to think of posts that would show you a little more into my world. I guess showing you where I live and how I live is a pretty good window into my life. This is where I spend a lot of my time alone, its where I like to relax and get away from negativity. Although looking at photos of my own room is a bit boring for me, I hope you enjoy the post! 

Some fun facts about this photo essay and my room in general: 

• The big chest under my mirror was found down the road from me outside somebodies house next to a skip. My and my best friend lugged it all the way to my house and up the stairs into my room. It cost no money, I don’t even keep anything in it as the doors are pretty crappy to open, but its actually my favorite piece of furniture   
• The wooden Stools use to belong to my mothers boss, Im pretty sure they are bar stools. 
• I only ever keep books that I’ve actually read. If I take time to read a book, I’m keeping it. 
• I got the idea of hanging magazines on hangers as wall decorations from a post I saw on Instagram. The Notion Mag is up there because I’m featured in it and the Hero mag is up there because the model on the cover is hot as hell. 
• The kittys in the post are Tigger and Bert, my boys <3

B, x

Ok this post is WAY overdue. I’ve been getting tweets, asks on ask fm and even Facebook messages asking me when this post will be up, thank you to those people who have shown an interest  I have promised it for so long but I’ve been so busy! But here it is! I use many products but not all of them every day. Although I am calling this post my ‘Daily skin care routine’ I don’t actually use all 9 of these products every day, but they are my favorite and most used products. (Pre-warning, I’m aware of how much Body Shop products their is in this post, I cant help it, I’m addicted) P.S They Offered me a job today, SO happy. 

BOOTS BOTANICS MENS SHAVE GEL

Starting off from left to right, the first product I want to talk about is a shaving gel from the BOOTS Botanics range. I have very sensitive skin and I find if I use any sort of shaving foams from a can it just irritates my skin and stings. My skin is never more sensitive than when im shaving so it made sense to try and find a gel that wouldn’t aggravate my skin. I have tried and tested a few different ones and this one is my favorite so far. It has a lovely ginseng scent, very musky and refreshing. It feels very cool on my face and softens my skin while I shave. Only negative with this product is that as its a gel and not a foam it can clog up my razor quickly and means shaving can take longer because you have to keep rinsing your razor. 

BODY SHOP VITAMIN E FACIAL CLEANSING BAR

I picked up this product about a month ago because I have always been told to never wash my face with soap. I have always used cleansers and face scrubs etc. When I saw this and saw that it was from Body Shop’s Vitamin E range, I had to give it a go. Its specially designed for your face, so its not harsh at all. It never leaves me with dry skin but it does make my skin feel a bit tight so Id always recommend using moisturizer after washing your face, but to be honest id recommend that regardless of what product you use, nobody wants a dry ass crusty face! 

SUDOCREM 

I know some people are a little funny about putting nappy rash cream on their face but for people who suffer with spots it is a gift from the gods. It reduces the redness of spots over night and helps clear spots very quickly. People are always afraid that it is too thick but honestly it does not clog my pores at all. The reason why its so good is because Sudocrem is an antiseptic, and while a spot is healing it is technically a very small wound. I normally put a little bit on any spots or blemishes I may have just before I go to bed. 

BODY SHOP SEAWEED CLARIFYING CLEANSER AND TONER

I use to struggle with finding a toner that works for my skin. Toners that you can by from drug stores like boots and superdrug will most likely be mainly Alcohol based. For my skin harsh alcohols irritate my skin and leave me with a burning sensation. Eventually I found this Body Shop toner from their Seaweed range, it does contain alcohol but not as a main ingredient. I was pretty happy with the cleanser I was using before I found this toner but I felt like I may as well buy the matching cleanser from the same range. The seaweed cleanser is very good, its not drying, its not greasy, it removes dirt efficiently. So over all both the cleanser and the toner are winners for me.  

ORGANIC ROSE WATER

Rose water is by far my favorite skin care discovery. If I feel tired through out the day I can dab some rose water on a cotton pad and wipe my face. It then not only makes my skin feel more refreshed but it makes me feel more refreshed. It comforts me that all it is is pressed liquid from rose petals mixed with water. Oh and if you have a head ache, damp some cotton pads with rose water, lay down and leave the pads on your eyelids. Instant quick fix. So far I have not been able to find anywhere where I can buy organic rose water apart from online. Its easy to find on Amazon, and its super cheap. 

BODY SHOP ALOE GENTLE EXFOLIATOR

Don’t you hate it when you buy an exfoliator that feels like your rubbing sand on your face? This one is super soft, perfect for sensitive skin. Its very clarifying and helps prevent spots. I like to use it in the morning before I put on any day creams. Just helps start the day all fresh. 

NEUTROGENA VISIBLY CLEAR PINK GRAPEFRUIT MOISTURIZER

What I love about this moisturizer is that it contains no oil. All the other products I use are to balance out the oils in my skin so why would I want to then slap on some oily cream. Its very light, makes my skin plump and smooth. It hydrates my sin and helps keep it clear. As it contains no oil it does not clog pores and you don’t look like a shiny greasy ass mother fucker. I also LOVE the smell and the fact that it comes in such a handy sized and shaped bottle. 

BODY SHOP SEAWEED CLARIFYING NIGHT TREATMENT 

I’ve left this one till last as its my favvvvvveeee. Yes, another Body Shop product! But seriously, this shit is so good. After my face is clean, I put this on and by the morning my skin feels baby soft and visibly clearer, less red and over all better looking. When I run out of this product I always think oh I wont bother getting it again and BOOM about three days of not using it and spots appear. I love this product, I know its wrong to love an object but I don’t care. Going to marry this product and have little clarified seaweed babies with it.  

B, x

INTERVIEWED: Designer Lucinda Sinclair talks about her label SANCTUS

I first met the lovely Lucinda Sinclair a few seasons ago at London Fashion week. She was one of the bloggers I use to follow on my old blog. Once we got chatting and I found out she followed my blog too ~Mutual blogga luvin~. Later that day I ran over to her as she was queuing for a show and asked her to model for my friend’s brand, IRL LDN, as I was styling the shoot. Since that shoot I’ve been following what Lucinda has been up to. Lucinda is the proud owner of the brand Sanctus. I managed to catch up with her this week and chat about her latest collection ‘ADRAMELECH’.

BL: Ok so the last time we spoke was at London fashion week. You looked amazing as always, repping your own brand, Sanctus, beautifully. Since then you’ve released your new SS13 collection ‘Adramelech’. Do you want to talk me through the name of the collection and the meaning behind it.

LS: You are so charming! Sure, well when I was studying for my degree I ended up buying loads of second hand books on symbolism, and the history of occultism. mainly to forge an understanding of it so as not to end up being too offensive with my imagery! While I was researching a few things I came across a demon named Adramelech who was ‘the Chancellor of Hell’ and was in charge of Satan’s wardrobe… I couldn’t resist but name the new collection after his amazing job! 

BL: I love that! I love that you started your research for the collection from a kind of non-fashion related source. Did your research have a large impact on your collection as a whole?

LS: Yes, I guess I feel more inclined to search for inspiration that way. Although I am largely inspired by subcultures I am probably the most trend-unaware designer… Although, there’s only so much I can create through 2D research and drawing - I prefer to develop garments through getting fabric up on the stand/mannequin straight away and manipulating it to create the more organic, draped silhouettes that I tend to design.

BL: Did you picture how the final product would look in your head or was it all through visual experimentation?

LS: Actually, I picture how something will look and 90% of the time it ends up changing and looking different! But I don’t mind that, it keeps things sort of spontaneous and fun!

BL: One of the things I love so much about your new collection is how wearable it all is. It would be very easy to manipulate the garments to wear them in many different ways. Is practicality important to you as a designer?

LS: Practicality never used to be something I considered important in clothing before I started designing, at all. However I’ve realised now how important it is to me that when someone invests in one of my pieces, I want it to really be worth it for them. I wanted the garment to outlive any trends that would kill many other things in people’s wardrobes, and the ability to change the way a garment can be worn (e.g. the Revenant Hoody with it’s swooping panel) is really attractive to me in a wardrobe staple and I hope it is for others too.

BL: Speaking of practicality… Obviously I am male, a lot of the time on my blog I post wish lists that I like to include items that are gender-less and can be worn by all. As for your collection I feel there are quite a few pieces that could be worn by men. In particular I love the Descent Tunic and the Levamentum Trousers. Is menswear something you think you would venture into in the future?

LS: Absolutely! Originally I didn’t consider menswear a strength of mine but after a wonderful response from people asking about mens sizes, I think your genderless comment is correct - which I’m so happy about. I definitely want to introduce mens versions of a few things, including both of the garments you’ve mentioned and the hooded tops.

BL: As a British designer, how have you dealt with the challenges of not being based in London. Do you think it is a disadvantage or do you think the power of the internet makes it a lot easier?

LS: The only disadvantage I have being based outside of London is not being able to network within London more, however being based about 50 minutes commute away is ok for traveling in once every fortnight or so. Although, not being able to invite people to pop in to the studio spontaneously is a little annoying! I do plan to relocate to London when the time is right for me.The internet is amazing and has been an incredible platform and launchpad for Sanctus!

You can check out the full collection at: www.sanctus.org.uk

And for updates you should check out the FB page: www.facebook.com/SanctusClothing

WISH LIST // Its a City tingg

The sunshine is starting to appear so I am getting very excited about chucking my jumpers and coats to the back of the wardrobe to make space for all kinds of summery goodies! As per usual my wish list seems to have formed into one outfit, un-planned, but I think it would look quite nice. Also as per usual I’ve made the look completely uni-sex. Although I have to say im not sure how long the top is and if it is suitable enough to wear with leggings if you are a guy (We dont want junk lumps, not nice) Anyways, after seeing pictures from the Givenchy AW13 show in Paris a few days ago I have got a new found love for flames! 

Here’s where you can find these items (Click the description to be taken to the site) :

• LUST Flat peak cap by Christian Cowan-Sanluis - (£30) 
• Men’s JS Wings 2.0 - Adidas - (£160)
• Its a city thing mesh vest - Monki - (£12) 
• “Burning Fire” Leggings - Romwe - ($26.99, about £17.84)
• London Ring - Asos - (£6)

Hope you are all having a lovely week!

B, x

A very quick photo essay of a few of my summer style inspirations. I know its a while until summer but I cant handle this cold bullshit anymore… so I’ve made this to cheer myself up. THERE is light at the end of the tunnel. I can make it through spring now Urghghg. 

Hope you are all well, 

B, X

LWF Style Diary - Day One

(First of all Id just like to say sorry for all the spelling and grammar mistakes you are about to witness. Im so ill and I cant be arsed to edit or check anything. So if you are one of those people who gets really angry over bad spelling, run)

Ok I know this is a bit late! But I have been so so so ill. I thought this season id make a little style diary post for every day this past London Fashion Week. My friend Conor was kind enough to offer his amazing camera skills and snap each look. Made my life a lot easier as I didn’t have to hunt down street style snaps from other blogs or websites and it also means the photos are at a consistent quality, so BIG thank you Conor! You can check out Conor’s work here:

www.conorclinch.com

www.facebook.com/conorclinchphotography

Ok so I guess I will start with what I’m wearing. The first day was the day I had the most shows to go to so I thought Id keep it comfy so I could run around easily. Sadly this did not work out as I split my jeans in the crotch region, woops. So therefore, DON’T buy TOPMAN jeans, they are the second pair to split! The Bomber jacket is made by ZDDZ London. I bumped into the designer of ZDDZ, the lovely Dasha Selyanova last season and kept in contact. Its such a beautiful print, mixing ornate detailed patterns with hard gritty imagery of fists and newsprint font. The shirt underneath was handmade by an Italian designer, Illaria Lepore, that I bought at SHOP172 on brick lane. I use to work in the shop and fell in love with it, you cant really see it properly but its sheer black with leather cuffs and collar. Unfortunately SHOP172 has closed down now :( 

Accessories: Cheap Monday Sunglasses, Black Dr. Marten Boots, Urban Outfitters bag

LFW Style Diary - Day Two 

On day two of LFW I got to catch up with one of my favorite bloggers Ellie Fox (www.thecomas.co). When I was getting ready in the morning I joked to myself that I looked like a Power Ranger, I stupidly didn’t keep that opinion to myself and blurted it out during an Interview with Yahoo. The next day I woke up to tweets from friends linking me to the interview and they put it in! How embarrassing  I also bumped into the Yahoo people again and they shouted ‘Power Ranger boy!’ at me. Urghh. Despite the Power ranger thing I actually love this two piece set. It was made by the amazing Laura from Hyena. Two days before Fashion week I was sent an image of the jumper and loved it, Laura then offered to make matching leggings and I jumped at the idea. She then made and sent the outfit with in ONE DAY. I was amazed! 

The shirt is by the amazing Melody Maker (MaKers LDN), I first heard of Melody when we where both featured in Notion Magazine in the Online Hyper Realz Article. I adore the print, and the shirt was SO silky, Loved it!

LFW Style Diary - Day Three

Me and my beautiful friend Tiffany thought it might be fun to go as a pair for a day. I didn’t realise this would involve being swarmed by photographers as soon as we walked into Summerset House. It was so intimidating! Later that day we went down to the Topshop Show space and Conor took some photos of us down by the river bank. It was FREEZING. 

Anyway I will move onto what we are wearing. The beautiful printed jumper and dress we are wearing is by Bill+Mar, an amazing brand that I use to work for. This print is one of my favorites they have ever done. Its an Image of a slab of marble that they then manipulated to create the beautiful colors. The gold hand chain and head piece were sent to me by DRONE jewels  I have loved drone for a while now and was so happy to get these amazing pieces. And how pretty does that head piece look on Tiff! Sexii Ladii. 

Tiffany’s extras: Topshop heel boots

My extras: Cheap Monday Sunglasses, Dr. Marten Boots, Religion drop crotch shorts, Urban Outfitters bag.