Tag Archives: sunglasses

What I wore to Lovebox

So festival season is in full swing, and I went to Lovebox on Sunday. I finally had an excuse to wear my Givenchy Rottweiler tshirt, here is what I wore it with (apologies to anyone on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook who may have seen the picture already):

Sunglasses: Mykita
Tshirt: Givenchy
Shorts: Burberry Brit
Wellies: Hunter

For me festival wear is about two things; practicality, and fun. Statement tshirts, and sunglasses are spot on. Kneevage is the new cleavage, or so I have decided (saying that I saw a lot of horrendous sights in far too short short shorts; which is really not a thing)! I actually bought the hood that attaches to my Barbour waxed jacket in case it rained – however I did not even need it in the end.

It was a very good thing that the sun was out so I could wear my Mykita sunglasses – I had a rather late night before Lovebox (it’s funny how another bottle of champagne at nearly 2.30 am seems perfectly reasonable at the time). I was originally going to wear my Tom Ford sunglasses however I decided that my Mykita are much more fun to wear for the occasion.

The Burberry Brit shorts are one of the pairs I bought for when I went to Spain earlier this year. I opted for my Hunter wellies in case it was muddy – fortunately that was not the case; however I would rather be safe than ruin a pair of beloved shoes.

What do you wear to festivals? Are you going to any this year?

Get The Great Gatsby Look

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The age of jazz, and clandestine excess is back. I am feeling inspired by summer, and the fast approaching release of Baz Luhrmann’s film adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (possibly one of my favourite novels!). So get starching your linen trousers, and pour yourself a glass of champagne it’s all about the understated twenties glitz, and glamour. It’s a time of prohibition, and a time of speakeasies, underground clubs, and elaborate parties. You know it feels so much better when it’s wrong.

one: bow tie by Lanvin – £75
two: card holder by Bottega Veneta – £160
three: single breasted jacket by Lanvin – £558
four: chino trousers by Z Zegna – £235
five: flower pin by Lanvin – £100
six: classic shirt by Hardy Amies – £185
seven: car shoe loafers by Bottega Veneta – £365
eight: cotton hold all by Calabrese – £290
nine: vintage sunglasses by Persol – £208
ten: patch pocket cardigan by Valentino – £378

at Matches

Get The Great Gatsby Look, Mr Porter

one: straw panama hat by Lock & Co – £150
two: wool suit by Ralph Lauren Black Label – £990
three: silk scarf by Paul Smith – £125
four: alligator penny loafers by Ralph Lauren Purple Label – £2,215
five: pocket square by Turnbull & Asser – £45
six: contrast collar shirt by Ralph Lauren Purple Label – £345
seven: suede penny loafers by Gucci – £385
eight: sunglasses by Linda Farrow Luxe – £320
nine: waxed cotton belt by Loro Piana – £280
ten: derby shoes by O’Keeffe – £395

at Mr Porter

Go back to basics opulent, focus on tailoring but more relaxed materials, brown, and grey neutrals, and throw in some cool pastel, and team with luxe accessories. Right now who’s ready to play some croquet?

Wet Weather

Shopping at TK Maxx

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I had a phone call from my brother earlier today telling me about some Versace trousers in clearance at TK Maxx, at first I was a little apprehensive – I have not had the best experiences at TK Maxx. I am not sure if it is just specific to my local store, but it just seems like an illogical jumble sale. The staff seem to stand grouped at the till chatting nonchalantly, moving at a particularly glacial pace, and seeming displeased if you need any form of assistance whatsoever. They do not seem capable of attaching the right size labels to clothes in my local store either; in a hurry a few weeks ago I grabbed a pair of Calvin Klein bed shorts marked a ‘S’. I got back to work to discover not only were they a ‘L’, or something they had a massive slash on them (go figure). Due to being generally busy, and not desiring another trip back to TK Maxx they are still sat in the carrier bag with the receipt at my desk at work, too late to return them, remaining completely useless to me, a total waste of my money, and more importantly my time.

Once in a while it is worth a venture to a store you do get some good finds. I did once buy a divine pair of Ralph Lauren sunglasses for £25 – the exact same pair were £125 at The Sunglass Hut at the time. The past few years I tend to avoid the store really seeing as I do not have the time to dig around the mess, and patience for crap customer service. Out of curiosity I went in to see the trousers my brother was on about. I left with them, and a pair of Allsaints trousers – both good purchases, but quelle surprise I spent more time in the queue than in the store itself. Despite a floor full of staff all talking to each other only one person was on the till, a particularly slow uncharismatic member of staff (tip: a little bit of quality customer service goes a long way), and of course the card machine was not working properly. I eventually left the store with my new purchases.

I need to take the Versace trousers to get pinned, and finished at a tailors when I get chance. They were originally £280, TK Maxx priced them at £99, and I got them for £33 in the TK Maxx Clearance – what a complete bargain! They are a really good weight, and quality cotton, and feel really soft to the touch. I am looking forward to wearing them once I get them finished. My hurried photographs do not show this pair, or the Allsaints pair in their best light – both pairs look much better on.

Versace trousers back

Versace trousers inside

Whilst looking at the other 30 inch waist trousers in the clearance aisle I came across the Allsaints wool trousers I mentioned (they are called Nitrate if it’s of interest to anyone) reduced from £95 to £12 – at that price it is really rude not to get them (at least that’s what I tell myself)! They are rather different to any other trousers I have – they are drop crotched, tapered, and have a ribbed insert at the bottom of the inside trouser leg on each side. You can never have TOO many pairs of black trousers.

Allsaints trousers ribbed detailing

Maybe rubbish customer service is something isolated to my local TK Maxx alone? Who knows! Despite a few good purchases once in a while I will not be hurrying back (my brother can remain my informant ha). Do you shop at TK Maxx? What is the customer service like at your local store?

Mykita Franz

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Around this time every year I treat myself to a new pair of sunglasses, last year was my Tom Ford Alphonse sunglasses. this year I have opted for something a little different seeing as most of my current pairs of classics, and rather similar to each other. It also makes a change from the plastic frames I tend to go for.

So what do Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, Daniel Craig, and I (probably a few of my readers too!) have in common? We all have Mykita sunglasses! Mykita sunglasses are hand made in Berlin, and as a brand Mykita hold many design accolades. Mykita produce quality eyewear, and sunglasses.

iPhone shot of me in my Mykita aviators

I opted for the Mykita & Bernhard Willhelm Franz aviator sunglasses in gold. This particular pair is from Mykita’s collaboration with the artist Bernhard Willhelm that launched in 2009, and was so successful that it is a long standing collab. They are inspired by the 1976 Winter Olympics. Took these photographs quickly so not the best, and you can see the camera in the reflection ha (well iPhone in the second one!).

Mykita & Bernhard Willhelm Franz sunglasses in gold

Mykita Franz aviator sunglasses in gold

Mykita sunglass arm

Mykita’s Franz definitely makes a statement as far as sunglasses are concerned. They are a little ‘bling’, but I am still ALL over them. There was something about the gold that drew me in; which is unusual as I tend to opt for silver over gold, and they do a silver pair – but gold just won me over.

They are made of surgical grade stainless steel making them super-lightweight, and durable whilst corrison resistant. I often find a lot of metal, or aviator style sunglasses get heavy, and can give you a headache – this is not the case with these Mykitas. The hinges are screwless, this is a trademark of Mykita – at first the way you fold them closed seemed a little odd, but you soon get used to it. Now I just need some real sun so I can wear them…

Oscar Magnuson

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Tord Oscar Frederik Magnuson known more often simply as Oscar Magnuson is a member of the Swedish Royal family – he is the son of Princess Christina, and an entrepreneur in his own right. Respected among many circles Oscar Magnuson has made a name for himself at the cutting edge of Scandinavian design – he has even worked for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana.

Oscar Magnuson has really made his mark in the world of eyewear from his ophthalmic frames full of character to his sophisticated luxe finished sunglasses. Oscar has a unique take on glasses giving them a name reflecting the inspiration behind his glasses. For example one of his spectacles Peggy is named after the notorious heiress, art collector, and socialite Peggy Guggenheim who was the inspiration behind that particular pair. His collection of eyewear is hand made in Sweden, and he takes glasses back to basics focusing on a level of high quality that results in a sophisticated frame with style.

Oscar Magnuson box inside

Oscar Magnuson frames

I am short sighted, and needed some new glasses. I bought some Oscar Magnuson glasses on the weekend, I went for the pair called Damien (8671 140).

Side of my Oscar Magnuson glasses

Oscar Magnuson frame inside arm

Me, Lorien Adey, in my Oscar Magnuson glasses

I got my Oscar Magnuson’s from Piccadilly Opticians Birmingham – which is the best opticians in Birmingham if you are looking for designer eyewear, and perhaps this entire part of the country! The service is unbeatable (thank you!) it really has that personal touch that puts chains such as Specsavers to shame. The excellent array of frames, and styles stocked, and the unique collection sourced by Piccadilly is impressive. The staff regularly attend events all over the world to ensure they buy the best of what’s on the market each season. I highly recommend them if you are looking for an opticians that provides that little bit extra that makes a whole lot of difference.

I must admit I was originally going to get a pair of Tom Ford glasses, I am a massive Tom Ford fan, and madly in love with my Tom Ford sunglasses – however when I did not find a pair quite right for me (I certainly tried on enough pairs) Oscar Magnuson was suggested to me by one of the staff members, and I was instantly converted – Magnuson’s collections are simply superb. Oscar Magnuson is quickly becoming a cult brand for discerning men, and woman world wide.

Do you wear glasses? What’s your favourite brand?

Piccadilly Opticians
Piccadilly Arcade,
105 New Street,
Birmingham
B2 4HD

http://www.piccadillyopticians.co.uk/

A Weekend In The City

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This afternoon whilst having a nostalgic listen through my iTunes I was reminded of one of my favourite albums; Bloc Party’s A Weekend In The City (ah 2007 how I miss you!). I decided to take the album name in a more literal sense, and decided to do an edit showing various looks I would wear for ‘a weekend in the city’. The ‘city’ to me is London of course, and Bloc Party being a British band it only makes sense.

A weekend in the city, look one, Reiss tshirt, 7 For All Mankind Slimmy jeans, Burberry Brit leather jacket, Paul Smith striped trainers, Gucci scarf

one: Reiss Bless-Basic crew neck tshirt – £20 at Reiss
two: 7 For All Mankind Slimmy jeans – £179 at Harrods
three: Burberry Brit leather jacket – £695 at My Wardrobe
four: Paul Smith striped cotton trainers – £100 at Matches
five: Gucci tassi scarf – £175 at Matches

A weekend in the city, look two, Ami polo top, Gucci jeans, Balenciaga leather messenger bag, Yves Saint Laurent trainers, Prada Aviator sunglasses

one: Ami knitted polo top – £180 at Matches
two: Gucci slim fitting jeans – £360 at Mr Porter
three: Balenciaga leather messenger bag – £585 at Mr Porter
four: Yves Saint Laurent leather tennis trainers – £300 at Matches
five: Prada Aviator sunglasses – £235 at Harrods

A weekend in the city, look three, Burberry Brit blazer, Maison Martin Margiela slim fit shirt, Nudie jeans, Alexander McQueen loafers, Reiss twin zip briefcase

one: Burberry Brit contrast check lining blazer – £295 at Matches
two: Maison Martin Margiela slim fit shirt – £199 at Harrods
three: Nudie coated Thin Finn jeans – £90 at Liberty London
four: Alexander McQueen leather loafers – £375 at Matches
five: Reiss twin zip briefcase – £195 at Reiss

So I leave you with a song off Bloc Party’s “A Weekend In The City”; Song For Clay (Disappear Here), which is inspired by the character Clay in Bret Easton Ellis’ Less Than Zero. Bret Easton Ellis is one of my favourite authors, and Less Than Zero is one of my favourite novellas:

Feeling blue

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So I have been feeling really blue, and I’m not on about the mood. Long gone are the days of navy boredom, the colour blue is expanding, and having it’s long over due moment. From the chicest shades of cerulean blue, to azure, peacock, teal, and midnight blue in-between – it’s time to add a splash of blue to your wardrobe gentlemen.

Whether you be daring and attempt head to toe blue, or simply use a blue accessory to make your look pop you cannot deny blue is very of the moment. Wear the darkest shades of midnight blue in the richest of luxe materials for full effect glamour. The more velvet, and luxurious sheen the better! Or perhaps colour block with some matte eye catching teal, or cerulean – whatever you do give blue a chance, go on I dare you .

To save you the time I have picked out some of my favourites pieces in delicious shades of blue:

Burberry Prorsum blazer, Tateossian bracelet, and Kurt Geiger loafers

Blazer: Burberry Prorsum – £795
Bracelet: Tateossian Silver Cobra – £165
Shoes: Kurt Geiger Palladian Loafers – £190

Orlebar Brown poloshirt, Brooks Brothers jumper, and Burberry bag

Poloshirt: Orlebar Brown – £95
Jumper: Brooks Brothers – £79
Bag: Burberry – £695

Carrera sunglasses, Hardy Amies bow tie, Lanvin cufflinks

Sunglasses: Carrera – £105
Bow tie: Hardy Amies – £85
Cufflinks: Lanvin – £255

Scarf: Alexander McQueen – £165
Tie: Hermès – £130

Watch: ToyWatch Plasteramic Fluo – £125
Belt: Anderson’s – £75

…I definitely think those gorgeous Kurt Geiger loafers are finding their way on to my wish list, and hopefully into my wardrobe, and then on to my feet soon afterwards.

Tom Ford sunglasses

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Tom Ford sunglasses are demure, they are classy, they are are classics, and they ooze ounces of sex appeal. Like practically everything Tom Ford touches he gets it right. They are for the discerning men, and women out there with unparalleled tastes.

I fell in love with the Tom Ford Alphonse sunglasses when I first saw them at the airport when I was jetting off to Spain. However due to an irksome woman in the queue taking forever… I didn’t have chance to buy them. Fast forward a month, or two later, feeling a bit ‘meh’, I happen to find myself in Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge at the David Clulow sunglass concession.

Like a moth to the flame I was instantly drawn to the Tom Ford section. I saw them glistening away, and well before I knew it they were on my face, and I was staring in a mirror. They looked beautiful, and consequently my debit card found it’s way to my hand, and I found myself stood at a till awaiting my darling sunglasses.

Me in my new Tom Ford sunglasses

Aren’t they gorgeous?! I got the Tom Ford Alphonse sunglasses in tortoise (TF 195 61P). I love how they are minimalistic, but epically stylish. The silver t-bar only adds to the design. They are Wayfarer esque in styling, but larger in a chic not too large manner.

They have impact without being too intrusive, or over bearing. I like the colouring, although the Alphonse sunglasses come in various different shades, and patterning. I find tortoise a lot softer than the black, and I have a lot of black sunglasses as it is (and sunglasses in general ha!).

Tom Ford is one of the most influential modern designers of the moment, he took over the reigns at Gucci, and bought the brand back to life, and since then expanded to his own brand. Tom Ford sunglasses are known as the creme de la creme of design eyewear. Fashionistas left, right, and centre sport the design directional sunglasses. I am a massive fan of Mr. Ford, his ethos, his eyewear, his clothes, and especially his fragrances.

“Sex appeal is fifty percent what you’ve got and fifty percent what people think you’ve got.”

- Sophia Loren

…and I’m off.

Okay, so you’re probably going, “Is this like a RayBan commercial, or what?”

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I’m in bed unable to sleep (okay well I was at the time, it’s the next day now) writing this (on the BlackBerry, iPhone is on charge). I was absolutely exhausted earlier… so its beyond me why I cannot sleep. I have had this lot recently. I’ll be shattered then as soon as I get into bed I’m wide awake, and restless. It’s awfully irritating, but at least I am using my time productively I suppose! Tossing, turning, and staring at the ceiling isn’t much fun admittedly, and I cannot for the life of my stand counting sheep.

I have had a little bit of an obsession with films adapted from the works of Bret Easton Ellis (my favourite author by the way) recently. Consequently I’m falling in love with RayBan Wayfarers AGAIN. I got rather sick of them in the revival we have had the past few years… but I’m so back into them. Wayfarers really are a classic. They are effortlessy cool, and thanks to RayBan’s clever marketing, and endoresements they have become a bit of a cultural icon. At the time of their manufaction in 1952 Wayfarers were revolutionary, and extremely stylish (well they still are!). Consequently they soar to popularity, and ever since despite a slight decline in the 90s have been in favour with the likes of the A listers (Kate Moss (pictured below), Chloë Sevigny, Mary Kate Olsen, Lily Allen, Katy Perry et cetera), and of course the general public.

I also actually have a pair of really early RayBan Wayfarers from the late 1950s, early 1960s – they are a lot more demure than the latest redesign (i.e. they don’t say RayBan ALL over them). They also have B&L (Bausch and Lomb) lightly etched on the lens, which the new ones don’t. Bausch, and Lomb was (is? I’m not sure) RayBans parent company.

They are a unique style, and now come in a variety of styles, colours (I had a white pair once!) and patterns (including a novelty folding pair). In my opinion the classic black will always be THE Wayfarers. They are one of the most copied style of sunglasses up there with aviators. I want to throw on a pair, and find myself a la The Informers lounging by a pool sipping, a cocktail, soaking up the sun, and living life to the full.

Quite possibly this is an end of summer equivalent of a mid life crisis… but I don’t care, bring on the Wayfarers. It is probably cheaper buying sunglasses right now anyway, and you never know unpredictable British weather is! Albeit I am put off with how cliche they are, it is undeniable that they are classics. Now the hype has calmed down a bit (2007-8 was all about Wayfarers), I think its time to get them out again!

They may be £120 a pair, but they are so, so, so worth investing in. Providing you look after them they should last you along time. They aren’t considered the best selling sunglasses of all time for nothing you know. I have a feeling they are going to be in, and out of style for many years to come. After all a classic always comes back at sometime.

I had a delicious meal the other night (steak, champagne, naturally), tad sad though, as one of my closest friends is off to university, and I probably will not see her now until Christmas. We normally see other at least every three days, and she normally stays over at least once a week, and we go on our silly day trips to theme parks, and supermarkets (usually 24 hour ones late at night). Hell I’ve even had the pleasure of this ladies company in New York City (the city of all cities), oh, and that one time we had to catch a bus together. It was one of the most hilarious, and embarrassing moments ever – I don’t know how we didn’t end up dead (our nearest Sunglass Hut is in the ghetto!). Together we’ve gone through a lot (and I’m not just on about the time we got lost, and drove around the same ring road for 40 minutes ha, or the car park “accident”), we both share the same mentality, and we both are a little bit crazy to say the least. I like a bit crazy though, makes life interesting.

Suppose I should look on the bright side; many more adventures to come. We still need to go to that monkey park… Although I think we have more fun in the car en route to our destinations, than our actual destinations themselves. I still laugh thinking about that one time we went the wrong way because we got distracted by the most beautiful Aston Martin speeding past… Okay it was a beautiful Aston Martin, and in my opinion worth the next fifteen minutes we lost spending getting back on track…

I feel a tad abandoned by a lot of people, but I just need to get myself on track. I’m working on it, and slowly I’ll get there. I’m doing things my way, after all it’s my life – don’t you forget (in the words of Talk Talk). Leaving this entry a short one, I have lots, and lots to do (I’m a busy bee once in a while). Ciao for now. Or bisou, bisou (can you tell I’ve watched the new Gossip Girl episode ha?)

p.s. I have to return some videotapes (a little reference for you people out there in the know).

Lorien.Me

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

Tag Archives: sunglasses

What I wore to Lovebox

Get The Great Gatsby Look

Wet Weather

Shopping at TK Maxx

Mykita Franz

Oscar Magnuson

A Weekend In The City

Feeling blue

Tom Ford sunglasses

Okay, so you’re probably going, “Is this like a RayBan commercial, or what?”