Clothes are memories

Ah. Feeling euphoric right now. The reason is pretty lame: coursework is done. But what that means is a bit less lame: summer can finally begin! No more being stuck in the library with a book called 'Does Spelling Matter?' (Surely it does, for if I started wrighting lyke thes you wud tink I ad gawn maad)


the infamous book written by my tutor

 



Digression over, today, as part of my celebrations, I decided to take out my blue satchel. Box structured with silver buckles and in a vibrant shade of blue, it made me feel even more delighted to be done.

The satchel had unfortunately not been big enough for my English folders so has been neglected these past few days. Instead, I had to make do with a boring, black, industrial size rucksack. It did the job but it got a rather depressing sight by the end.

Probably because I associate it with the library.

The satchel, meanwhile, I associate with the time I bought it last summer. It was on a sunny day shopping in Covent Gardens and I just KNEW I had to buy it. What was even better was the fact my mum - my number one go-to for approval - liked it just as much.





It made me think about how we relate what we own to something - a place, a time, a person, even a feeling. (Jogging bottoms and a miserable break up with an ex anyone?)

It's a bit like how we relate a perfume to someone or a smell to somewhere. Whether it's a sentimental necklace passed down from your grandma or a pair of flip-flops you bought for that crazy holiday in Ibiza: the items we wear are memories.

Each has it's own story, each was bought or received at a particular time and place.

One of my worst memories was being given an awful pink jumper a few Christmas's ago. It was from a relative in Australia who had come to England for the holidays and clearly didn't get the memo that pink is my least favourite colour. When I saw it in the attic, I thought back to the awkward moment but I also thought back to HER -how she was, what she was doing.....

 



The point is that the item of clothing bought on an association. 

Just as that blue satchel did. And now, in a few years time, the satchel might also be associated with the euphoric feeling of finishing my coursework.

So the next time you put on something to wear, ask yourself 'what's it history?, where did it come from? when did I buy this or who gave this to me?'.

The answer might leave you with a fond smile on your face.

Sports Luxe

Here’s a question: when it comes to working out, can fashion and sports be combined? As in, when killing yourself on the treadmill, is it possible to look ‘stylish’ too? Now, if someone had asked me this a few months ago my answer would have been a resounding NO. Sweatiness + out of breath- ness = not the best recipe for looking stylish. Moreover, there is the pressing issue of practicality. Tight denim shorts might look great when casually strolling the streets but doing the downward facing dog (sounds wrong, it’s a core yoga move) would probably cause them to split.

Tudor sports gear anyone?
Image: nextbyathena

Thus, my thoughts were that working out had to mean the same old – vest top and black legging ¾’s. Don’t get me wrong – this is exactly my go to when heading out running. But as I was browsing online with the aim of buying some new gear last week, I was absolutely shocked at the sheer variety of sports gear out there – sports gear that LOOKS stylish in its own right. 

 Flicking through women's Health magazine - a spread that wouldn't seem out of place in Elle

Neon sports tops – once plain – are now available come in some brilliant printed designs. AT LAST there are some fabulous slouchy joggers available which have such a fantastic fit that you needn’t worry about the dreaded ‘slob look’. And when it comes to trainers – don’t get me started! Once only in black and white and perhaps blue (or a combination of all three) they are available in virtually every colour under the sun. There are even some glittering beauties out there that could take you from the gym to the club – literally.  

Marc Jacobs trainers. Nope, you're not dreaming.

It would be a bit far to say that sports gear has suddenly been ‘made’ fashionable and should be positioned on the catwalk rather than the treadmill. Having said this, recent years have seen a number of catwalk designers using sportswear as their inspiration and conversely top model Karie Kloss has even been used in Nike adverts. 

What is clear is that with more of us exercising than ever – and often wearing the gear throughout the day or to nip to the shops - there has been an increased push for sportswear to be both practical AND look stylish. Once an irreconcilable combination, working out and wearing clothes that are comfortable but also look chic is a real possibility. 

Now you really can have your cake and eat it (hey, you’ll be at the gym tomorrow!)

Image: Pininterest

Holiday Must Haves

With the summer holidays near approaching, I’m sure you’ve already started thinking about those trips you’ve got planned. What are the best tourist attractions? What bars and restaurants should you be visiting? What’s the walking distance to the beach? But it’s also time to ask that other niggling question: what should I pack?

Yep, there’s no doubt packing is a headache. And it’s often very last minute (at least in my experience). When packing, there are the obvious necessities – suncream, first aid kit and of course passport (God forbid being that woman on Airline). But there’s also the great dilemma of what clothes to take. Too many and you risk not getting through baggage control. Too little and you risk having to do a load of washing whilst on holiday……not ideal.

The tequila's and sangria couldn't come any sooner
Image: staticcommunity

The main thing is to pack clothes you know you’ll be comfortable in. You’re on holiday and the last thing you want is to have blisters from those new swanky sandals, no matter how gorgeous they are! But packing needn’t be a drag. Whatever holiday you’ve got planned, here’s a list of some wardrobe essentials to take. 

Disclaimer: I'm aware there are no clothes pictures here but the idea is to work with what's already in your wardrobe. Also because I couldn't resist including a picture of a beach. 

Beach holiday in Greece

Image:pinstopin

•  Maxi dress. So much choice out there. Especially perfect for lounging around during balmy evenings
• Flip flops that you don’t mind getting sandy/potentially losing in the sea. Walking on hot sand barefoot can be a very painful experience, as those who have tried will know!
• Multi-purpose sarong. Throw it over a bikini for when you want to cover up or wear it as a dress for moments where you don’t have time to change
•  A VERY big beach bag. When it’s hot the last thing you want  is trying to shove towels, suncream, water etc into multiple bags. Buy a big, durable one and shove everything in!

City break in Rome

Image: viator

•  Denim crop trousers. Super comfy and laid back – perfect for exploring the streets
• A good rucksack. Okay, something we might associate with year 9 backpackers, but there are some delightful designs out there
• Ray bans. No urban trip is compete without these babies.
• A white shirt. Cool and crisp, this is the ultimate versatile piece for your city wardrobe 

Clubbing holiday in Ibiza

Image: Ibizaspotlight

• Corkscrew wedges. These are perfect for taking you from day to night and the wedges will ensure you have no problem dancing into the early hours 
•  Sling over bag. Hassle free and super chick
• 3 pieces of jewellery. It’s all too easy to go mad on the accessories and before you know it you’ll have too much to choose from. Decide on ones which will go with most things (gold dangly earrings are great)
• High waisted shorts – a must-have for any party animal. Go fitted but ensure there’s enough room to tuck in a sheer blouse or top 

Seaside holiday in Devon

Image:country-ways

•  Slouchy blazer. A change from your usual cardi, this can be paired with pretty much anything for an effortless look
•  Playsuit. Very much on trend, chose from a pick of floral or patterned designs. If this isn’t your thing, dungarees are a great all-in one alternative
•  Loafers. A must have for walking along the seafront - and rocking that nautical vibe
•  A raincoat. No matter what the weather forecast says, we all know British weather is temperamental….

    So there's a few things to get you started. The rest, of course, is up to you (and how much room is left in your suitcase…)

Happy Holidays ! x

KAZOO SPY: Sacha and Blazers

‘A few years ago I only had my school blazer. Now I have a fair few. I have the iconic velvet navy blue blazer, the recently acquired Half-Blue blazer, I have my tweed jacket-blazer…at the moment I’m looking for a corduroy one’. Yep, I think Sacha Mehta has his fair share of blazers and I’m here to find out more. KAZOO SPY is a new feature which finds people who have something in particular that defines their wardrobe, whether that be a single item or a category of clothing - and asks them about it. And so que Sacha and his blazers. 

Donning a blazer and oozing authority after a night out

After describing his style as ‘comfortable, timeless and eccentric’, I ask him what statement he thinks a man makes when wearing a blazer. His answer is so meticulous the guy may as well have a PHD in blazers. There are, apparently, three categories:

1. The man in a blazer who is a man with a plan, a man in demand, a man who effortlessly mixes business with pleasure
2. The man in a blazer wearing jeans and t-shirt who doesn’t know what he’s doing and, according to Sacha, looks a little hopeless and pitiable.
3. The man in a blazer with a slightly ruffled shirt with two buttons undone, wearing smart black trousers and black shoes in need of a polish…’a rough diamond - the best type’

Ascot, at the races

Needless to say, Sacha places himself in the third category, which, when it comes to the ladies ‘is statistically my most successful outfit in terms of pulling power’. But aside from clubbing, I want to know where else Sacha’s blazers make an appearance. After all, this blog is about positioning fashion within day to day life. As ever, his answer is wonderfully enthusiastic as he explains his blazers accompany him everywhere, from punting to eating and even sleeping. Whether he’s in India or Switzerland (Sacha has both Indian and Swiss blood in him) he’s never without his trusty blazers. 

With his swiss grandparents at a cousins's wedding 

He even tells me that sometimes he wears nothing but his blazers. Blazers as pyjamas anyone? 

But what I love about Sacha, aside from the fact he emits sheer exuberance, is how he recognises that blazers – like all clothes –must be comfortable. ‘There is no point in sacrificing comfort for fashion. So I like soft fabrics (velvet, corduroy) or hot fuzzy itchy ones (tweed)’. He may as well don on a blazer and become a comedian. Or a musician. When asked what song a blazer would be, he answers “Fly” by Ludovico Einaudi, because, like a blazer, it has the ability to make one weep with joy and feel a sense of wonder. Indeed, Sacha and his blazers might create that sense of wonder in anyone.    

Pre-debate at the Oxford Union

WHEN I SAY FASHION YOU SAY ‘FASHION’S FADE, STYLE IS ETERNAL’ 

With his other half at St Peter's ball.

Sacha Mehta is a 2^nd year student at St Peter’s College Oxford studying Russian and Portuguese. He is the Keeper of the Gloves at OUEFC (Oxford University Eton Fives Club) and is part Swiss, Indian, French and British.