adventures after hours

ACNE FW 2012/13 Acne’s FW collection follows on from their...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:29:52 +0000

ACNE FW 2012/13

Acne’s FW collection follows on from their summer show perfectly - retaining the neutral colours and colour blocking that prevailed but giving it a stylish twist perfect for winter. This being a winter collection, layering and knitwear are in heavy use but in Acne’s usual style nothing is too over the top.

The colour palette though still muted features different shades that would still mix well with any of the garments from the summer collection, along with prints inspired by love. My favorite of which being the suit patterned with the tiniest of grey hearts, so minute that it is a detail one would only notice up close.

The fit’s remain casual but overall smart, with blazers and trousers that could mix and match with anything else featured in the show - once again Acne’s collection is all entirely wearable and could literally be picked off the catwalk right into your wardrobe. Once again, I want it all!

Dolce & Gabbana FW 2012/13 Dolce & Gabbana’s FW...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:06:27 +0000

Dolce & Gabbana FW 2012/13

Dolce & Gabbana’s FW offering might be my absolute favorite in terms of a coherent collection, everything that appeared onto the catwalk was not only perfectly made, incredibly dapper but also blended perfectly with every other garment on show.

The collection features too many suit/suit combinations for me to even comprehend but each one is perfectly realised in both colour and fit. My personal favorite being the plain black double breasted affair, something that will never go out of style.

The trousers, following the trend seen in other shows this season offer a more relaxed fit something that teams quite well with the fitted blazers giving perfect balance to the outfits Dolce & Gabbana have on show.

One of the parts of the show however, that stands out to me above all else is the underwear Dolce & Gabbana present - something that other designers seem to have forgotten about Dolce & Gabbana have not only embraced, but gotten (for once) perfect. Taking inspiration from vintage undergarments and attire, the items on show have varying styles and fit but each look like they are perfect for not only the winter weather but the exact accessory to the suits shown earlier. All they need to add now are sock suspenders, and I’d be crowning this my favorite collection of them all!

D.R Harris Milk of Cucumber & Roses D.R Harris & CO....

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:17:20 +0000

D.R Harris Milk of Cucumber & Roses

D.R Harris & CO. LTD. one of London’s oldest pharmacies has been in St James’s Street for over 200 years. Their products are produced by traditional methods, handmade and packed on the premises. I’ve been using their Milk of Cucumber & Roses as a cleanser on and off for a week or two now, however it is a great multi-tasking product - it’s white milky consistency lends itself well not only to a cleansing wash but also to a moisturiser (it has little in the way of smell) or makeup base. It serves well as a cleanser however, and has been leaving my skin feel soft and smooth. It probably won’t replace my Angels on Bare Skin but it’s a lovely product from a charming brand that is great for when you don’t feel you need that exfoliation

Alexis Mabille FW 2012/13 The relaxed trouser fit has been...

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:11:22 +0000

Alexis Mabille FW 2012/13

The relaxed trouser fit has been something steadily creeping back into menswear and this has not been ignored in Alexis Mabille’s FW collection, the trousers featured here are a mixture between well fitted but with a looser fit along side unstructured, slouchier fit’s. Where personally I prefer the more fitted of the two, the more unstructured trousers fit in well with the collection and are definitely the way the industry is heading.

The triumph within the offerings on show for me are most certainly the lace inspired shirts, combining the dainty and soft look of lace with some of the harder garments featured - the all white outfit is so incredibly beautiful, I adore anything with lace but this is a complete stand out piece to me from all of the FW shows this year. How well it would wear during the cold winter weather however is something I am unsure of, but either way it is beautiful.

The anatomy of love, by Le Labo

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:00:01 +0000

The anatomy of love, by Le Labo

Photo

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:34:00 +0000

Cold Weather Casual Keeping warm on a budget. Coat - Primark...

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:09:35 +0000

Cold Weather Casual

Keeping warm on a budget.

Coat - Primark (Customised) £12
Jeans - Cheap Monday (ebay) £14
Shoes - F-Troupe (ebay) £6
Socks - Topman (4 pack) £12
Glasses - ebay £4.50

Dries Van Noten FW 2012/13 ‘Now for something a little...

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:58:30 +0000

Dries Van Noten FW 2012/13

‘Now for something a little less subtle’ Is how I feel about Dries Van Noten’s FW collection, not that this is a bad thing. Teaming classic cut’s with garish print for once actually works with some of the suits in this collection being perfect for those that want to make an impact whilst still looking smart - these definitely aren’t your dads Hawaiian shirts.

The outerwear is an absolute triumph and I would give my right arm for some of the coats featured in the collection, elegant takes on the classic pea coat in plain dark colours stop the overall collection from being too ‘showy’ and I just love it!

The Thoroughly Modern Gentleman Quality skin care,...

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:20:53 +0000

The Thoroughly Modern Gentleman

Quality skin care, classic accessories, a good wallet, and the odd indulgence are pretty much everything the ‘Modern Gentleman’ needs. Click the picture to take a look at some of these treasures… soon to be clearing out my bank balance!

Christian Lacroix Homme FW 2012/13 Lacroix’s FW...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:58 +0000

Christian Lacroix Homme FW 2012/13

Lacroix’s FW collection is very much a lesson in ‘sharp’ dressing that any modern gentleman would be proud of. Classic cut’s that contour the bodies shape perfectly are massively on show, and I can’t help but love the bold lines featuring on shirt plackets as well as collars - helping to add that touch of interest and style to some of the more simple suits on show, proving that sometimes understated is best.

The ‘skinny’ leg has slowly been fading away from recent catwalks and Lacroix’s show is no exception, with the suit trousers having a more relaxed fit whilst still remaining dapper - the suits on show would not be out of place on ‘Mad Men’ and that’s just how I like my suits.

Gässling’s Button-up Boxers These button up boxers by...

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:38:26 +0000

Gässling’s Button-up Boxers

These button up boxers by designer Gässling are just the added interest that mens underwear needs. In a market where female underwear is designed to be appealing, interesting and stand out - why can’t the men have the same attention, especially in a world where the media tells us we are supposed to look as good out of our clothes as in them?

Gässling’s eco-friendly underwear come in a plain style also, but the button boxer version is clearly the more interesting, with the care instructions printed onto the fabric to avoid any tags showing and a waistband covered in fabric it’s clear that though these are an eco-friendly option the quality has not been forgotten.

Candy Colors - January's Top Pick's

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:00:06 +0000

Blue Wide Stripe Oxford Shirt - Topman (£26.00)
Tipped Linen Pocket Square - J.Crew (£35.19)
Blue Oxford Cinch Tailored Shorts - Topman (£32.00)
Peach Oxford Skinny Blazer - Topman (£70.00)
Suede Wedge Brogues - ASOS (£65.00)
Nude Skinny Belt - ASOS (£15.00)
Mustard Square Rucksack - River Island (£25.00)
Pastel Textured Socks - Topman (£12.00)
Wooden Sunglasses - ASOS (£12.00)

Acne Spring/Summer 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:09:00 +0000

The Acne Spring/Summer preview from Paris Men’s fashion week is absolutely perfect, styled with a 1970’s flare that is often imitated but nearly always badly executed - this is done just right. The shirt collars alone are enough to make me fall in love, this teamed with mint cable knits and a muted colour palette brings colours usually saved for autumnal wear into the brighter months serving as a perfect contrast to shades favored by some. The neutral colour matching is done with style and perfection, the blazers teamed with the ‘too short’ trousers from the apposing matching suit injects the summer vibe into the collection whilst stopping it from seeming too formal. Probably the most important thing however, it is all incredibly wearable! And I would wear it all, but if this is a taste of the summer months I’m going to need a much bigger wardrobe.

Jason Wu for Target

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:22:24 +0000

I don’t often utter the words ‘If I was a woman’ - however, if I was a woman I would be so incredibly excited for the Jason We capsule collection appearing at Target soon! Not only are the pieces sophisticated and demure, but also rather cute (a combination quite difficult to achieve.) The accessories that complete the collection are equally stunning, ranging from flower printed bags to scarfs featuring kittens. The collection pulling influence from the 1960s is going to be available at target stores from Feb 5th, and is actually incredibly affordable, leaving me incredibly jealous. I just wish menswear with such sophistication was easy enough to find at such perfect pricing, we can only hope!

Shades of blue Blazer - Topman Plain ‘Buttermilk’...

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:38:00 +0000

Shades of blue

Blazer - Topman
Plain ‘Buttermilk’ shirt - Topman
Belt - Vintage
Trousers - Topman
Blue suede brogues - Peter Werth

Flossie Fern's Vulgar Medicinals

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:59:00 +0000

Two purchases that I made myself for christmas were from the Etsy seller Flossie Fern, a provider of ‘Herbal body care for modern flappers’ a brand that combines 1920s style alongside a natural and rustic charm that I can’t help but find appealing.

Their ‘Lost in the Forest’ scented dry shampoo is about as natural as dry shampoo get’s, I’m a strong believer in dry shampoos to aid in shaping the perfect quiff so am no stranger to the popular and less popular brands - Flossie Fern’s however may just be my favorite yet! The powder itself contains a blend of ceadarwood and sage, giving it a warm, earthy smell (no bubblegum scents here, thank god) - one that is almost medicinal in the top notes but fades away to the feeling of a walk through an autumnal forest.
The talc-free formula pleases me incredibly as dry shampoo without talc within it’s contents is so hard to find. The lack of talc in Flossie Fern’s concoction doesn’t make the dry shampoo any less effective, it’s been doing an amazing job at getting rid of any grease in my ‘day after’ hair as well as helping give it that volume needed for the quiff I usually desire.

Now, I have always been incredibly disappointed with perfumes ordered from Etsy (especially solids), I’m quite a particular person when it comes to fragrance and often words and lists of perfume notes can make a scent sound much more appealing than it actually smells and what is ‘earthy’, ‘tobacco’ or even ‘lavender’ to one person is actually something completely different to a different nose. So it was a little bit of a risk for me to order Flossie Fern’s ‘Gold Spice’ christmas solid perfume, I am however a fiend for seasonal scents and found it hard not giving it a try. I wasn’t disappointed and it’s no small thing when I say that this is by far the best solid perfume I have not only ever experienced from Etsy, but that I have ever tried. It really is that good! Firstly the tin, it’s larger than most solid tins and hefty too it has a weight to it that smaller tins just don’t have. It feels good in the palm of your hand, if you know what I mean. Small things like this matter to me.
The consistency of the solid fragrance itself is the most wonderful thing about the item itself. I’ve tried so many solid’s in the past, most far to firm in consistency, difficult to apply to the skin with a scent that fades almost immediately. Flossie Fern’s base is the complete opposite to this, it is a soft, creamy organic olive and jojoba oils base that just glides out of the tin on your fingers and more importantly rather than whispering it’s way onto your wrists the heat from your body warms the base and the fragrance itself bursts out.

Gold Spice itself is festive scent without the usual trappings of such a title, it still maintains that 1920s appeal playing it’s way onto your skin in a cheeky, naughty manner. The cinnamon and nutmeg stand out on my own skin and feel like a warm drink on a cold day, with a small hint of cedar creeping out adding to the warm and spicy mixture - all this rounded off with a breath of bitter orange just holding the fragrance back from being too woody - walking the line between sweet and spicy but still strong enough in my opinion to last as long as I like my fragrances to.
This solid has restored my faith in Etsy fragrances and I’m actually completely looking forward to trying some more of Flossie Fern’s scents if they’re all as nice as Gold Spice I know I won’t be disappointed.

So, if you like your cosmetics with a hint of old world charm and you like your fragrances strong enough to be smelled I’d highly recommend giving Flossie Fern’s Vulgar Medicinals a try!

3D Paper Ball Ornaments Tutorial

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:44:00 +0000

Another amazing tutorial from How About Orange, these paper ball ornaments are actually super easy to make but look so cute. I especially like the vintage look of the ornaments made using pop coloured printer paper, and you can even attach a small ribbon to them to turn them into… you guessed it, decorations! So adorable!

Find the templates and full tutorial to make some of your very own here.

Weekend - Afterthoughts

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:13:40 +0000

So, having finally managed to see the movie Weekend after what felt like months of waiting was it worth the wait?

In a sentence yes it was, the movie was visually outstanding and so beautifully shot it felt like being inside of a toy camera. There were so many scenes where depth of field was used in such a way that anyone with an eye for photography would admire, and shots were framed with such delicate care (my personal favorite being an entire scene where the protagonists conversation is filmed through the gap between two standing passengers on the same bus) that I would say second to A Picnic at Hanging Rock (which is all together a very different movie) for me the cinematography made the movie all the more special.

The plot itself, a gay romance something now done many times within the world of cinema but in my opinion handled quite differently in ‘Weekend’, the two main characters here have issues that transcend the relationship that is trying to form on the screen and I found myself praying for that Disney style happy ending that you so often get in these sort of movies, I’m glad in hindsight that that isn’t what I was served as the director clearly had a point to make and it was made wonderfully in ‘Weekend’.

I’ll be honest and say that after the movie had finished and everyone left the cinema, it took me a good ten minutes to compose myself and actually speak again. I was left feeling quite empty, blank almost, even a little bit forlorn because never before have I wanted one character to say the words “Come with me!” to another so much in my life. Like I said however, I am glad that didn’t occur - because without that I left the cinema feeling that this was the most honest gay romance I had seen, it was everything it set out to be - it felt real, it felt current, it felt nostalgic, and it stuck two very homosexual fingers up at every American Rom-Com that has been fooling us into thinking that everything has, and more importantly needs a happy ending.

Weekend isn’t for everyone though, it isn’t a high speed movie - it meanders along at a nice pace (the cameo from Quinnford + Scout will hopefully please everyone as much as it did me) and with a brutal honesty that not everyone will enjoy. It’s not a movie that will leave you feeling fulfilled, but it will make you think - there are so many valid points raised by the two main characters (Russell’s theory on why he prefers ‘old’ things to ‘new’ ones was painfully like something I myself would say and Glen’s points on peoples views on homosexuality made me cheer a little inside), and of course the way in which the movie itself is shot is so unlike what is thrown at us on a daily basis (shock, horror it isn’t in 3D!) that it is incredibly refreshing that I recommend you see it on the big screen.

In short, I think Weekend is a little gem of a movie - that hopefully one day will be considered a classic in the Gay Cinema world. The best part of all however - there wasn’t a twink in sight!

A Few of my Favorite Things - Tobacco Vanille

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:45:00 +0000

In a world of recycled scents I am not a fan of the ‘barely there’, nor do I like the ‘fresh’ and ‘airy’ fragrances - the ones with just enough scent within them to be considered actual fragrance rather than bottled water in a more expensive (usually hideous) bottle.

Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille is none of these things, it is strong and lasting - there isn’t anything more satisfying than pulling my clothing out of the laundry basket only to be met with that familiar musky vanilla dry down on my shirt collar. It’s smell never seems to fade. I have worn it for about a year now and would completely consider it my signature scent. It is the complete opposite of everything I detest in perfumery - it is deep and earthy, a well dressed gentleman of a fragrance and that is exactly the image it conjours.

Now I am not a fan of cigarette smoke, nor am I a fan of tobacco fumes in any situation but Tobacco Vanille I would happily trap myself in a room with. The first sprays of Tobacco Vanille feel like a strong hand on your shoulder, a comforting grip that soon sweetens (but not too much) into something akin to burying your head in a pile of your old childhood books and taking a deep breath inwards. It’s comforting and warm and everything a man should be.

It is quite a simple perfume however, it is not crammed full of so many accords that you no longer know what you are smelling. What the name reads is pretty much what you get, it is a vanilla and tobacco scent with a slight hint of tonka on my own skin - but Tom Ford does it so wonderfully and with such class that I can’t help but think the simplicity is perfect, any more would ruin this for me.

Does it get compliments? Yes, every time I wear it. Is it worth the price tag? Yes! Is it for everyone? Definitely not, and to be quite honest I can’t think of anything worse than a world full of people wearing Tobacco Vanille. Is it one of my favorite things? Yes, and though I’m a complete fragrance fanatic this one is the one I always seem to come back to whenever I need a hug - and I’d probably dare to say that it is one of my favorite fragrances I’ve ever encountered (but don’t hold me that.)

Vintage Velvet Holiday Wreath Tutorial

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:36:49 +0000

Check out this absolutely amazing tutorial by Danielle Thompson of Thompson Family-Life. It is the coolest holiday wreath I have ever seen! Danielle uses velvet covered buttons, vintage and whimsical fabric bows and a lot of crafty know-how to make this absolutely amazing holiday decoration.
It’s so cute I want to make hundreds!