A Journey Back To Innocence

I will be attending Jacket Required for the first time next week, representing The Reference Council family. It may be better described as 'along for the ride' but it's something I've wanted to experience and I'm grateful for the opportunity. Dubbed " The Homecoming " via the JR blog, AW14 sees the show return to Shoreditch for the first time since its conception in 2011. Lucky for me it's within walking distance as I work right around the corner.   What's not so lucky for me is I have absolutely no clue as to what I should wear. Being held in Shoreditch, common sense tells me I should layer up top, and wear selvedge denim pin-rolled obviously, wacky socks and brogues. Not forgetting the five-panel cap. So far all I have going for me is the hipster beard. So you see my dilemma. I'm going to be browsing some very well established brands as well as cool emerging labels. I'm also likely to be a decade older than most people there. Having

Now I know award shows are the least likely platform to find anything authentic, but this still got me and plenty of others heated. Best Rap Performance: "Thrift Shop," Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Best Rap Song: "Thrift Shop," Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Best Rap Album: "The Heist," Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Best Rap Album: The Heist, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis So they were all - But on hearing this I was more like - Maybe it's just me getting confused between what's Hip-Hop and what's Rap? I will be honest I've only heard the single " Thrift Shop ", albeit a billion times, and none of the album, but really? I mean you couldn't judge " Black Sunday " by Cypress Hill off the strength of " Insane In The Brain ", or House of Pain's first album off of " Jump Around " alone right? Maybe. So it could be I'm mistaken, only I know I'm not. 2013 had a shit ton of better son

Like James I met Bee through the Bapetalk2 forum years ago, and I've had the pleasure of watching her mature and grow like a rose. She is known for her selfies, style and her inspirational posts on Instagram. As a full time mother I have nothing but respect for her approach to life and the World around her. Oh and she's fiercely proud of her Dominican roots. Boricua, morena! Beatriz Urena - Mother, Fashionista, Model, Blogger, Mermaid B> Highlight of 2013 for you?  BU> Highlight of 2013 for me was being able to take two mini vacations from work and parenting aside from taking Abby to various children's concerts which she enjoyed greatly. B> What's it like seeing yourself on a t-shirt, and can we expect more in 2014?  BU> It's humbling that some people would actually want to wear my creation, but even more so with my face on it. I've been working on my second tee, its just a bit difficult being a mother and all to actually finish pro

I first saw Toshi at the International London Tattoo Convention in 2008 I think. He was being worked on by master of the single needle Chuey Quinatanar now of Deer's Eye Studio (then Good Time Charlies Tattooland). It wasn't until the following convention (or maybe the one after that) that I got to meet him and discuss some ideas around jewellery. A native of Japan, Toshi has a very distinct look about him, definitely punk rock with a dash of menacing. However this can be misleading. Then again, as a member of US Thugs and mates with the likes of Skinhead Rob and the members of Rancid, well you can make your own mind up. I find just being around Toshi inspiring. He exudes creativity and a certain spirituality. He's calm, focused and caring. The dude could be from another planet, here to enlighten us and bless us with his works of art. He's somewhat of a recluse and chooses to spend the majority of his time honing his skills, but when he does come out he's a riot. I

I met James many moons ago through the Bapetalk2 forum, we're both Gooners and pretty much into the same fashion and music too. If we hadn't shared the same space before I'd swear we were in alternate dimensions, or else he is me from the future. James lives in Nagoya, Japan and is an English teacher. He also writes and provides photos for the likes of Hypebeast and Highsnobiety. I am pretty sure his favourite night of the week is a Wednesday. James Skerman - Teacher, Photographer, Blogger B> What can you say about your 2013 in five words or less?  JS> Much better than originally expected. (I was convinced that a year with 13 in it and it being the year of the snake meant that I was screwed haha) B> Most cherished pick up from last year?  JS> When I sat down and thought about this, it actually turned out to be much more difficult than I thought it was gonna be haha. I've been lucky enough to purchase some great items this year including "G

It's the weekend and the sun is shining. Just time to post part two before it all kicks off. Have a great one and hope you enjoy the below.  I find Jess both absolutely lovely and super intimidating at the same time. I've known of her from many visits into the legendary Rock and Roll jewellery store The Great Frog. As time passed and I stopped being so clammy and nervous we struck up a conversation about what else, skulls. She loves them, in a big way. I don't think a day has gone by for (the Dark) Lord knows how long, if ever, where she hasn't come into contact with a skull. Normal everyday objects you may have at home, or at work, she has too but they are skulls. Her clothes and accessories are more often than not adorned with skulls. She also has tattoos and a funny accent. Jess Jade - Shop Manager of The Great Frog London, Rock Chick, Mean Mother Fucker B> What was your standout moment of 2013?  J> Reached a breaking point where my life shatte

Happy New Year! Hope you had a great NYE, are at least partially recovered by now and raring to go in 2014. Only three hundred and fifty-six more days until we're doing it all again. So I've asked a few of my friends to help me kick start my blog for the new year. Some of these good folk I've had the pleasure of actually spending time with, and others I've followed closely in appreciation and respect of who they are and what they do. I've asked each of them five questions that came to mind when I was choosing who to include. These questions should therefore be based on the person's attributes, as well as their online persona. First up is photographer Mark Whitfield. We have similar interests and were virtually -introduced by a mutual friend (photo #2 below). Collector of more bespoke AF1s than you could fathom, and lover of North London. More specifically N7. More on that later. Genuinely one of the nicest guys you could meet, but outstandingly miserable