Monthly Archives: February 2011

Prêt-à-Porter

I have been awaiting the opening of Mr. Porter for quite a while now, and today it finally opened. You may be asking what is Mr. Porter? It’s the Male equivalent of Net-A-Porter. An online store with a selection of some of the world’s best designers; just for men. It stocks the excellent likes of Burberry, Lanvin, Balmain, and even more obscure brands such as Aubin & Wills.

As a male I have always found it frustrating shopping for designer clothes online. There are not many reputable online stores, and any that seem reputable mark up the clothes so much it’s simply out of the question. The selection you get online for department stores in regards to menswear is often out dated, and generally a lack lustre selection. A lot of designer boutiques, and brands do not sell their own clothes/ranges online themselves, and there has always been a gap in the market for a decent online menswear retailer. Finally, it’s here!

I highly suggest you go check it out, I don’t think you will be disappointed. The website is easy to navigate, and laid out in quite an inspiring way. Each item has clear crisp photographs with multiple views, and angles, and in some cases a video clip of the item in motion – so you can really judge what it is like, how it hangs et cetera. So head on over to http://www.mrporter.com/, and have a look, or two – definitely a site I will be using myself.

I thought I would share two looks with you I put together using items from http://www.mrporter.com/. Not necessarily everyone’s taste, or epically original – but my taste. I like classic items, I don’t think classics should be disregarded because they are not ‘original’. There is nothing wrong with a classic, it’s a classic for a reason after all…

Trousers: Burberry London – £175
Shirt: Maison Martin Margiela – £200
Jacket: Belstaff – £380
Shoes: Jack Purcell – £45
Bag: Mulberry – £1,015

I love contrast. There is something about a stylish waxed jacket (or even leather) with a crisp shirt, and chinos that I love – plus a wax jacket is a very practical piece to own. It’s attitude, and style working hand in hand together. Team it with a slick Mulberry (you know how much I just love Mulberry) classic hold all (the Piccadilly) in black for urban sophistication, then throw on some fun white ‘sneakers’ just because. I like wearing things together that you don’t expect to see together, unlikely combinations (albeit not outlandish!) can sometimes yield the best results – experimentation with your wardrobe is always fun. There is something about the colour of the chinos, and shirt, complimented with black that I just think works.

Jumper: John Smedley – £120
Jeans: Acne – £130
Trench: Burberry London – £650
Shoes: Gucci – £405
Bag: Mulberry – £585

Sometimes nothing feels greater than throwing on a gorgeously soft jumper, this look incorporates comfort with style. I love dark jeans in slim fit, the more trousers like they look the better. Everyone knows I have a thing for shiny shoes, perhaps not for every day wear (unless you are ridiculous like me) – however a spot of patent livens up any outfit. I don’t think there is a coat as classic as the Burberry trench, I love this short trench – it retains the classic look of the trench, but is shorter, and much more suited to the modern man, and the modern lifestyle. For the bag I chose the classic Mulberry Elkington, I love the almost satchel style of this brief case (it also does have detachable shoulder straps) – the colour of it really compliments the trench, and provides a softer edge to the entire look. This look is very me…

I had an unfortunate end to my weekend. One of my cats had a seizure late Sunday evening, and unfortunately we had to call a vet out, and have her put down. I found it quite upsetting as you can imagine. I don’t tend to cry at much, however I was bawling my dear eyes out. I don’t cope with death very well… However, it was for the best, and the most humane thing to do in the situation. Just very sad, almost like the end of an era! Moving on… it’s a new week, and a busy one at that.

p.s. Plans for a John Lewis in Birmingham (with the New Street Station renovations) announced, exciting times!

Look after your skin

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As you are probably aware, I like to cover a plethora of lifestyle related topics on here. In this entry I am going to discuss a little part of skin care.

Did you know it is a myth that drinking x glasses of water a week keeps your skin looking more radiant, and healthy (yes, most of us were lied to our entire lives!)? Drinking water does not really have any impact on the external appearance of your skin, this has been scientifically proved – however it is still a good idea to stay adequately hydrated.

However it is NOT a myth that moisturising your skin improves your complexion, and the general appearance of your skin.

Moisturising your face is something a lot of us over look (well I did). However it should be a part of your daily routine. Moisturising promotes hydration, healing, skin cell regeneration, protects your skin from damage such as UV rays (which could ultimately prevent skin cancer!), cold winds, and ultimately can lessen wrinkles, and lines by protecting you from the external factors e.g. harsh weather conditions, central heating et cetera that add to skin aging.

I never used to moisturise my skin often at all. Being a man we are not as good at following skin care regimes… Been there, done that, bought the whole Clinique Skin Supplies for Men range, and mostly just leave it looking pretty in the bathroom (well I like the packaging!).

The thing is with most skin care products for ‘men’, they are not any different than say a normal product – however because they have the label of mens (in an effort to reinforce masculinity), they tend to be priced higher for what is essentially the same product – don’t fall for this.

Lately I have made a conscientious effort to moisturise twice a day; in the morning, and at night. It is important to moisturise at night as well as in the day, as your skin cell division is much more active at night – cell division is partly responsible for skin renewal – moisturising gives it that little bit of help. Night creams differ slightly from day creams, they tend to be thicker, and soak in slower – however they can, because it’s not like you are going anywhere!

As a result of moisturising twice a day my complexion, and general appearance of my skin has actually improved. Sure my skin is no Neutrogena, or Noxema advert, but I have noticed an actual improvement myself in the aesthetics, and feeling of my face.

I have been using:

- Olay Anti-Wrinkle Firming Day Cream SPF 15

- Olay Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream

Olay are known for their skin care ranges, and are considered one of the best reasonable priced options in skin care. Both of them are cream based, as personally I prefer cream based on my skin.

When it comes down to skin care it’s very subjective, what may work great on my skin, may be a nightmare on yours – a lot of it is down to trial, and error; to learn what works best with your skin – remember everyone’s skin is different.

The Olay ones I have been using soak in easily, and leave your skin feeling great. They did not leave my skin looking, or feeling greasy either which is an important factor to consider when choosing a moisturiser. I think it’s very vital that your day time moisturiser has some SPF, after all it’s important to protect your skin from harmful rays (no-one wants too look older than they actually are, do they now?).

Both are 50ml, however they last quite a long time as you don’t need to use too much. They retail at about £9.99 on the high street, however considering they last quite a lot time, and the price of other moisturisers such as Clinique – this is quite reasonable. You can pick them up online on sites such as Amazon.co.uk for around £6.80 each.

Things to remember:

Moisturise twice a day; at night, and in the morning.
Ideally have two separate moisturisers, one for day, and one designed for night.
Use a moisturiser in the day time with SPF (mine is SPF 15 for example).
If you have oily skin use a water based moisturiser, or moisturisers that are a gel, as opposed to a cream.
Look for nourishing fatty ingredients such as glycerin, silicone, shea butter et cetera.
If you have sensitive skin look for moisturisers designed for sensitive skin that are dermatologically tested/hypoallergenic (they are usually labelled as such).
Like most things in life; less is more. Do not oversaturate your skin as it could make it greasy, and block pores.
Wash your hands, and apply in gentle circular movements around your ‘clean’ face, and neck; paying particular attention to any dry areas if applicable.
Ladies (and some men I guess!); remember moisturiser makes a great base for make up.
Look after your skin, and it’ll look after you (okay it won’t, but it’ll help!)

I think giving your skin a little tender love, and care is the least you can do for it. I know I put mine through more than enough abuse – especially when it’s the weekend!

On that note I am off, bonne weekend, and remember to moisturise.

p.s. don’t forget to follow lorien.me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/lorienme.

Burberry is back

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So a couple of months ago (around November was it?) I made a little item wish list, and on it was a Burberry scarf… well a couple of weeks ago I treated (there I go again using that word!) myself to one. I took the attitude at the time if I still wanted it in X months (by which point I think my friends were sick of hearing about Burberry scarves…) then I would go for it, quelle surprise I still wanted it, and thus I did buy it.

I went for the Burberry giant check scarf in the classic Burberry camel colouring. I went for the larger one as I wanted something long to hang down for that added comfort, and I went for the classic camel, as in my opinion it’s traditional Burberry at it’s best.

I have worn it in many ways; wrapped around, folded, twisted… however I prefer it just loosely hanging down. It instants adds a spot of style to any jumper, or shirt, or coat. In my opinion it can bring an item to life, however you have to be careful that it is not too much – so it cannot be worn with just anything.

(not the most flattering photographs of me, but I love it!)

It’s a classic, and we all know how fond I am of classic pieces… It’s beautifully soft (100% cashmere), and the pearl fringing just finishes it right off. The scarf is also made in Scotland, and as everyone has probably guessed I like to support UK industry, especially the UK fashion industry… I mean come on, Burberry is about as British in origins as you can get!

Burberry is back, and better than ever. Burberry moved back to London in 2009; in time for London fashion week’s 25th anniversary, and Burberry had their first show at London fashion week in quite a few years. With Christopher Bailey at the helm Burberry certainly came back with a bang! We reclaimed our check, and restored Burberry to it’s prominence as an extraordinary epitome of British fashion, and style. No doubt Burberry will impress at London Fashion Week A/W 2011.

I have a new item on my “wish” list, however unfortunately this item will not be a get if I still want in X months item. Sadly at £1,016 it is not exactly something I could just pop out, and buy. Maybe one day ha (…and even that’s wishful thinking)!

Mulberry Piccadilly in Oak Natural Leather

Mulberry Piccadilly Hold All in Oak Natural Leather – £1,016

I just think it is such a stylish hold all, and we all know how much I love my Mulberry… I saw a man with one on the train the other day, he was sat opposite me, I had to refrain from dribbling. The Mulberry postman lock, and the slouched manner of the bag just really does it for me. It would make a great weekend bag, you could just throw everything in (that’s what I do with my Paul Smith bag anyway).

I prefer it in the oak natural leather as opposed to chocolate, or black natural leathers. There is something about the oak colouring I simply love (would match my Mulberry iPad sleeve also!), and oak always adds a good bit of contrast to outfits.

I’ve had a pleasant day; went for lunch with a close friend, and now I’m lounging about at my desk, oh, and I got more film developed, so I shall share with you some more of my lomography (I just love my half frame double exposures):

p.s. discovering I need to think more before I speak the hard way is not fun!

Touch of Middleton

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I have noticed a lot of criticism lately for the way Kate Middleton dresses from wearing American brands over British (because we all consider that when dressing eh?), and idiotic things such as her penchant for black tights, a lot of this criticism particularly from Liz Jones of the Daily Mail online (how she is a stylist in beyond me (I’ve seen photographs of how she herself dresses), but then again it is the Daily Mail!).

I personally disagree, I think she dresses excellently, and has a great personal style. I do not understand why anyone would criticise such a well dressed figure, when there are really awfully dressed people in the spot light who are just left alone. I think Kate Middleton dresses classy, albeit modest, and understated – however I do not see anything wrong with that at all. She is well dressed, and well groomed.

I love this dress, and blazer combination on her. The flowing nature, and pattern of the dress, against the structured blazer. The blazer also contrasts the delicate over all look of the outfit, and in my opinion adds strength to it.

She is criticised by Liz Jones for the sort of heels she wears – I do not see anything wrong with them myself. Sure they are not Louboutins, however that is not Middleton’s image. I do not think there is anything wrong with her understated image. She isn’t show offish, or too much, and I would like it to stay like that. As they say less is more, and there is nothing wrong with a spot of demureness.

Her glossy locks have become one of the most requested hair styles in England, and quite possibly other parts of the world. The phenomena of Middleton Mania is in full effect. In short she has great hair. The little waves, and curls really bring it to life – the colouring makes her look serious, yet glamourous at the same time.

Liz Jones also criticises her for her black accessories, and use of clutch bags. I don’t see what is wrong with the colour black, it’s a classic – black is the new black. So what she prefers minimalistic clutches over giant IT girl bags? She isn’t an ‘IT’ girl, she is a Princess in waiting, and quite possibly the future Queen of England.

I loved one of her outfits where she used a Mulberry (is that English enough for you Liz?) locked cosmetics purse chocolate (with the classic postman lock) as a clutch bag. Liz Jones of course didn’t like that, although saying that when she was raving on about it she didn’t even get the price of it right, or the name – which is a little odd considering it’s ALL on the Mulberry website (Daily Mail, and Liz Jones professionalism at it’s best eh?).

Mulberry Locked Cosmetics Purse in Chocolate

So Liz Jones, I can conclude your criticism is essentially a load of ‘tosh’. It’s such unnecessarily criticism, and I strongly believe such ‘tosh’ added to the down fall of the late Diana. Kate Middleton considering the circumstances is doing great, in any case she certainly dresses better than Liz Jones… I think the girl has got style!

How avant garde!

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Hello February, now where did you come from?! Or, perhaps a better question is where have I been? …that’d be telling. Uhm! This year is flying by already…

The past few weeks have made me re-evaluate, and consider quite a few things in my life. I have learnt a few things; some quite insignificant, and others possibly food for thought so to speak.

Never underestimate the power of silence. Silence can be quite remarkable. As you probably would know, I am generally one for speaking my mind, however not saying a thing sometimes has just about as much power, and effect as speaking up. Silence really is golden, and I see it as a “weapon” which should be used sparingly for maximum effect.
The past always has a funny way of coming back to haunt you. Nothing lasts forever, but you will be surprised what lingers about waiting to bite you in the arse when you least expect it. You cannot change the past, what’s done is done – but perhaps build upon your mistakes, and create a positive future. Oh, and never underestimate the power of damage control.
Living “de rigueur” is over rated. Unconventionality is something to be prized. Sometimes something can be so crazy it works, and the same goes for people – live the life you wish to lead. Don’t ever forget that ‘normality’ is a human social construct, don’t let others define who you are. People will value you more for who you are, than who you try, and be – so be yourself.
Apparently there is more to life than sex, not that I ever thought that sex was the only thing in life. I read an article in a magazine proclaiming this so I thought I’d throw it in, however I would take it with a pinch of salt as the same article also stated no one likes one night stands (well even I know that’s a massive lie). Perhaps the article writer is the same woman who started the myth that females don’t masturbate (pardon my crude ness!)?
Everything in life has a price tag. Money certainly doesn’t make you happy, but it sure as hell motivates you. It is money that makes the world go around sadly, not compassion. If you ever sell out, I just hope to god you get a decent price, and make it worth your while. Money makes people act crazy.
People will continually astound you, and not in a good way. This is a part of life that will never change, well the people may change, but there will always be someone else to astound, or disgust you. Accept it, and move on – there is nothing else you can do, don’t dwell on it.
Hold on to your dreams. Never let go of them, they are one thing no one else can take away from you. If you don’t dream, you may as well cease to exist. To dream is to live, to live is to dream; live the dream.
Cocktails are much more fun than lunch, and often more economically viable. Lunch equates to cocktails, coffee equates to champagne – it’s quite simple really. I like my cocktails very much so… a dry martini please if you would!

So today is Valentines day, naturally I treated (it’s becoming my favourite word) myself to bubbles, fine confectionary, and all manners of truffles, and chocolates (hello Hotel Chocolat, Charbonnel et Walker, and Artisan du Chocolat!):

Hotel Chocolat, Charbonnel et Walker treats for Lorien

Presented so lovely, because clearly I have too much time on my hands. No-one else is going to treat me (forever alone), so I figure I may as well treat myself right? However if any one wants to send me a sign of affection, feel free . In lieu of a Valentine’s Day card (I highly doubt I’ll be getting any this year), I also accept affection in the form of a Mulberry Piccadilly – just thought I’d throw that one out there.

I hope every one of you has a fabulous Valentine’s Day, I shall be working hard keeping myself busy (last Valentine’s was a mistake…) so that I may momentarily forget my male Bridget Jones esque existence (however I must add that I think it is well known my pants are far from huge).

The avant-garde makes more sense to me.

- John Cale

p.s. I ventured into the world of lomography the other week (love my Diana Mini film lomography camera!). Who knew film would become so post modern, and avant garde (this blog title is more ironic than anything) ha – must be the “hipster” inside me. So I leave you with a photograph I took in my garden:

A picture I took on my Diana Mini film lomography camera

Lorien.Me

My affaire de cœur with life, fashion, and anything that may fascinate, or astound me.