Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Sinstar Pop-up, Boxpark, Shoreditch | Spring Summer 2013
Freshly opened in Boxpark pop-up mall in Shoreditch, the new flagship for Essex brand Sin Star offers a range of graphic tees and funky separates where the rock kid look meets a sportier, summer vibe. Founded in 2010 and grown into big name on ASOS as well as a hit with independents, the brand started off doing printed tee shirt but has expanded into a full range for the modern lad's lifestyle. I caught up with designers Sam Bell and Ryan Stipe to chat about the new range.
"It’s about having a good time; it’s about not regretting stuff," says Sam. "It’s quite a rock n roll look; it’s about music, really. That’s where all of this comes from; music." Originally the pair started out as musicians, playing together in band, and that is what informs their design process. Leather jackets and denim are also key.
Though they are intended for boys, girls could easily nick a Sin Star tee or two from their better half's wardrobe, or indeed pick up one for themselves. "It’s a lot of acid washes, really bright colours and some really dark stuff, which I really like," said Sam. "It's basically just sort of get the party vibe out there."
I love the saucy glamour model prints. For Sam, it made perfect sense. "Yeah, these are amazing, we worked with an artist who works up front, and we just made a few adjustments, and to be honest, they’re a match made in heaven; they are like a rock n roll magazine."
With the cheeky girls and funny animal face prints, there is definitely a sense of humour to it all that shows these boys aren't about to take themselves too seriously. "We know people like to buy the more fun stuff as well, I like the more serious, graphic designs, in terms of what they say; Ryan has fun with stuff and he designed the Panda Party one which is amazing."
On the back of the Boxpark exposure, the boys have big plans for this year, and sunshine and parties seems a good head space to begin. "I’m looking forward to doing a pop up shop in LA", Ryan says. "We’re also just looking forward to giving our customers online and out customers that like our brand, like the lifestyle behind it, because that’s what I would want, if I supported a brand."
Check out the Sin Star pop up shop at Boxpark, Shoreditch High Street, open until aprox. 9th June, 2013.
Fantasy Shopper, or How To Misspend Your Sundays
So recently I was invited to meet the people behind this great little site Fantasy Shopper. Starting out as an online game, it has developed into something somewhere between a shopping directory and social media site. Users "shop" a from directory of items - a simple click adds your item to your wardrobe - and from there you can do the above kind of editorial spread of images to create whole outfits!
Being an inspiration-rich but cash-poor kinda gal, this was an absolute ball - to make my first outfit I needed shoes, but am I headed over to New Look as I would in real life to find the best wear-them-once-if-they-disintegrate I can get away with? Hell, no! I went to Harrod's, darling! And for my jewels? Barney's! Give me Fendi and McQueen by the bucket load, bitchez, grrl be shoppin'! Before long I earned the "Top Spender" badge, which tickled my pickles because it's not even real, right? Still, I be VIP, y'all.
As a real online shopping tool, though, it's sorta awesome. Red fur jacket? Purple fedora? Specific searches make trawling through the world wide web redundant, since most major high street brands are there, plus a few online boutiques and bigger department stores. For me, online shopping is as much a research tool as anything. This tends to happen even more so on those weddings/big night out/fashion week moments you need to get to all in one sartorial-savvy piece, so why not plan my ensemble in full? Who knows, if you do find the dream dress, you can shop it straight from your sofa. Even if I plan on using something I already own, I can always grab something similar from the virtual shelves for the purpose of planning.
The main fun is the planning, though, and in the social media aspect of things, you can easily garner likes and followers for your efforts, and like and follow back. You can also plan under a brief for the competition section. One of my favourite little corners is the "Style Assist" function - people pose clothing questions and the likes of you and me get to respond. Ace, because out of all the tasks retail work throws at you, advising people was the one that made me feel least like a cog in a machine. As innate as style is, some people need direction and appreciate an informed opinion. It's awesome that this site allows those less style savvy or simply stuck in a rut to get a second opinion, all from the masses themselves. If social media is the future of democracy, Fantasy Shopper is fashion very own little Arab Spring moment...
To see my profile on Fantasy Shopper and say hi, click here.
Ivory Jar @ Brick Lane Market
A-wandering around Brick Lane last weekend, we came across this awesome little stall of gothic jewels and punky clothing by brand Ivory Jar. I was totally mesmerised by the jewellery, appazza inspired by witchcraft this season - the skulls, tusks and natural stones play off beautifully against the crucifixes and cross motifs. Oh, and the bluish green necklace? They would be bona fide beetle shells imported from Indonesia, natch.
For their brilliant look book with apocalyptic description, click here. It almost feels like the retreating, goth sister (who lights candles in her room listening to creepy death rock) to Glasgow punk fashionistas Obscure Couture.
For the full collection of collars, headpieces, bags, shorts, dresses and more, click here
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