The 'It' Factor

Like the young-hearted 40-somethings who never wish to grow up, Alexa Chung is the “It” girl who never wished to be.

Up until now, Chung has been the spit-fire VJ giving you music updates with a raspy British accent, and the model convincing you that there is ease in trendiness without uttering a single accented word. Now, she has taken to ink and quill—rather, some lengthy emails to her publisher—to let her style evolution and love of ‘selfies’ come forth.  

Photo by Kyle Thonburg

Offering up advice about the self-portrait science, Chung says, “There are two ways to compose this shot: you can either hide your face behind the camera or, if you’re having a good day, peek out from behind it – but for God’s sake, please don’t look directly into the lens.” Taking part in the ‘selfie’ movement means you have maintained relevance, but taking a non-incriminating selfie helps people to take you seriously. The last tip, Chung rattles off, is to rid of the evidence. Having someone thumb across photos that never saw the likes of Instagram is an embarrassing conversation everyone should avoid.

Photo by Kyle Thornburg

Wrapped in a pink, textured armor, the book’s exterior is a prelude to the highbrow, vintage scrapbook that awaits you in the pages. If there were ever a chronology of book layouts that were acceptable with age (i.e. picture book, photo essays, novels), well, Chung has gone and scribbled all over this unwritten rule. With her own illustrations and photographs, this fashion bible marries tomboy with femme fatal in the most seamless manner.

In a culture where we consume everything, or nothing, reading memoirs of public figures is often the telling sign that you have reached the end of your celebrity crush. The same cannot be said regarding Alexa Chung’s “It”. Covering all of the essential topics, Chung will be a shoe-in for your next famed infatuation before you have finished reading from pink cover to pink cover.

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Watch Andrew Bevan, of Teen Vogue, talk with Alexa Chung about the release of her new book in the online series, "Breakfast with Bevan".

From Catwalk to Closet: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014

If you don’t live in an urban jungle, it’s likely that you resonate more with the soundtrack of fashion shows than the fashion itself. Season to season, art walks down runways backed by twinkling flash-photographers with a cool factor that would not translate well outside of the city. That is until Burberry Prorsum took to catwalks with a Fall 2014 ensemble of ease.

Ripe with artfulness and wear-ability, as described in this review on Reckless Animals, this line was made for the young urban dweller no matter the amount of skyscrapers—or the lack thereof—that surround you. From olive-toned capes to full-bodied trenches, Burberry’s menswear begs to be worn on the back of free spirits with a not-so-free itinerary.

Three looks from the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014 menswear collection.
Photos courtesy of recklessanimals.wordpress.com.

As a 20-something living in Colorado, the neighborhood name brands include the likes of North Face and Columbia. While I’ve trusted them both to get me to the bus stop with a normal body temperature, the spring and fall allow for comfort without resembling your favorite marshmallow dessert.

This fall, Burberry will walk much further than the stretches of the runway. Forego your classic denim jacket a time or two this fall and mix in the layered capes and collars of Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014. 

Complete Slideshow

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We owe Trendiness to England

What do fish and chips, Emma Watson, and the term “bollocks” all have in common? Aside from the healing process of your latest break-up, these articles also all originate from England. To continue the thread of English trendiness aforementioned, America has been introduced to the timeless clothing brand called ASOS launched in the United Kingdom in 2000.

Unless you’re making a summer holiday in London, the brand can be found at ASOS.com. With shipping to over 190 countries, and payments available in a number of currencies, you’re sure to get your fingers on your favourite finds.

A recent t-shirt splurge, $45.00

Laden with simplicity, color, and utterly reasonable price tags, ASOS is the middle sibling who has sat quietly between Urban Outfitters and American Apparel for far too long. This is not to say that one cannot dabble between the three brands. There are no forbidden fruits when you’re young, and if there are then you can deal with the repercussions later. Until then, add some of the crisp qualities to your closet that ASOS has to offer.

Fit for the duties of daytime and the adventures brought forth from nightlife, this brand abides by the fashion rules of today and combs in some promising hints for styles on the forefront. The Earthy color palette and fitted pant motif in menswear promises that guys will be taken seriously and look bold all the while. Likewise, ladies can find solace in the simple, form-fitting dresses and denim that attract the eye with a little lace here and a little off-the-shoulder there.

And if ever there is the opportunity to be cheekier in your endeavors, ASOS gives a proper amount of possibility for unique printed tees, sleek logos, and daring structure for both guys and girls.

Photos from ASOS, "New Clothing"

Beyond the racks—or pages, in our case—of clothing on ASOS.com, there lies footwear, accessories and sunglasses to be praised, as well. Hell, there are even pages of onesies that you’ll undoubtedly save in your wish list for a time when you frequent sitting by the fireplace once again.

The point is that this brand is one to be backed because it skews a little from the typical path found in American shopping malls. Let ASOS serve as your outlet for variety. Even if you’re the biggest vanilla enthusiast out there, everyone enjoys some caramel syrup on occasion.

As an American youth, part of outgrowing teenage years is acknowledging that you were not, in fact, the pioneer of style, music and slang that you once thought you were. Instead, when you come into your twenties as an American, you find that you owe all your hip capabilities to our overseas neighbors, the English. Go ahead; take a peek at the sharp styles at ASOS.com —English accent not included.

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