VICTORIES OF 2019 : MASTERING THE CARRY-ON

Today marks the end of the year; the deep inhale of breath as we exhale 365 days worth of life lived, the peaks, the troughs and the Mondays, only to wake up to a whole new decade. It's hard not to become a little reflexive this time of year and it's important to acknowledge all that has happened, congratulate oneself on the good and learn from the not so good. It was during my own bout of self-reflection that I realised that I had conquered something that had previously escaped me: I had managed a week away with only a carry-on, and a small one at that.

Now the build up to this statement may have been steep and I'm sure some were disappointed by what they perceive to be an easy feat. However, having spoken previously of my struggles with packing, particularly packing for specific occasions and hotter climes, this was an accomplishment. The difference from previous packing attempts was that I decided to think practically, something that all too often alludes me. 

I started with the basics: one pair of black jeans. I opted for straight legged as opposed to skinny for the purpose of comfort, but I must admit that I find the shape far more modern than its drainpiped cousin. Unsure of what the nightlife would behold, I chose a pair of black leather trousers, an easy day to night transitional piece. Shoes; I chose my chunky black and silver Nike Falcon trainers and a pair of black boots with exaggerated silver buckles (because practical but make it fashion). 

I followed up with two plain t-shirts, one grey and one white as just incase filler pieces. Then I packed two long sleeved, polo necked tops, navy and cream and because I needed some quirk to break up the mundanity of all this practicality, I packed a tie-dye blue and orange polo-neck too. I took a black band t-shirt and a black jumper because anything black is a saviour. I decided to take my bright green, Barbour puffer jacket which conveniently rolls into a nifty bag hidden in the pocket - again practical but fun with an exclamation. To round it out I packed a vest (my grandmother's voice echoing the importance of one) and a going out blouse in case we found ourselves somewhere fancy - we didn't.

I travelled in a pair of black trousers, that despite appearing formal (I also wear them to work) have a considerable amount of stretch, making them almost yoga pant-like. I wore the previously mentioned white t-shirt, buckled boots, leather jacket and black jumper slung over my shoulders and took a big black scarf and the most travel-friendly black and gold vintage Moschino cross-body bag. It was probably the chicest I had ever looked at the airport and *almost* most importantly, I was comfortable.

Of course space limitation meant that some items were worn more than once. However, due to the relatively neutral colour palette and each items' versatility, everything was interchangeable and with every new combination, a sense of accomplishment buoyed up inside of me, as I smugly congratulated myself for my apparently limitless ingenuity. The aesthetic was pared back, with the lack of excess refreshing. Each item was chosen with purpose and the subsequent cohesion of all the pieces meant that details came into focus as opposed to vying for attention.

My takeaways from the experiment were that sometimes practicality must be considered, though should not be a stifling factor; a carefully chosen colour palette aids in indecisiveness and is combative for the unknown (i.e changes in weather - pile everything on); unplanned events are navigated with anything black and/or leather for day or night; and two pairs of shoes are advisable due to the eight million steps that are mandatory on all holidays.

I can't say that I adopted this means of dressing once I returned home, alas my restraint is weak. However, for future gallivanting all of the above will be employed. I must add that other milestones have been reached during this year. However, this particular one needed to be documented for future reference. It is also a reminder to commend the little victories as they do so often get eclipsed by the messiness of life. So here's to many many more big and small victories in 2020, may we acknowledge and take heed of them all!  

(Photos via: unknown, style caster.com & the window.barneys.com   

UNLIKELY ICONS : THE BIG BANG THEORY

The 'Big Bang Theory' almost made my head go bang, when late night bingeing turned into sartorial appreciation.

As with most things this time of year, to avoid the bitter cold I sought refuge in the comforting embrace of Netflix. It was after one such headlong binge that I discovered 'The Big Bang Theory' - a programme that I had long associated with past uni days when it was the only respite from the endless stream of 'Friends' nostalgia. It began as easy watching, background noise if you will, yet 12 seasons later I was hooked and it was for reasons most unexpected.  

It was unassuming at first, my focus rested solely upon their off kilter friendships, aptitude for big words and dry witticisms. Of course I noticed their zany outfits. Though initially I saw their worth as a prop to visually signify their general cluelessness to all things other than genius level smarts. 

Actually I'm not quite sure when I noticed the fashion as anything more than a vehicle to promote their brand of 'geekiness'. I can't even say that it was one particular outfit, perhaps it was the immersion of watching back-to-back seasons? Whatever the genesis, once my attention had been piqued, I was fixated and in all honesty, I can't believe I hadn't noticed it sooner.

For those in need of a little more convincing, let's begin with what is perhaps the most striking; colour. Primary colours, all the colours, in one outfit and in all the outfits. As a group they look like Mr Tumble's back-up dancers. However, the brash colours are contagious, perhaps it is the contrast they provide to the bleak weather? or perhaps the festive cheer has finally taken me in? 

Either way the colour is impactful, whether clashed or worn monochromatically. Howard, the most colourful of the quad, favours an arrestingly tonal look. Donning many an untypical hue of skinny trouser, which thus informs the rest of his outfit, often leaving him the personified embodiment of a Crayola. 

In contrast, Raj's outfits are of a subdued palette reminiscent of the AW19 collections, favouring rust, toffee and caramel tones. In one particular episode, Raj wore an argyle jumper, brown corduroy trousers, white ribbed socks and black and white checkered Vans slip ons. A quick flick through instagram and one could be mistaken that I hadn't just listed the wears of every influencer over the past 6 months. 

Pattern, in all manner of rendition is heavily featured; checkered, plaid, the occasional floral. Sometimes worn as shirts, sometimes as knitwear. With Burberry forever making a case for the check and Raj's staple argyle diamond knits seen at Victoria Beckham's AW19 show, it's difficult to ignore where their true smarts lie. Their style is effortless, one might even go so far as to say clueless, but it is undeniably bang on.

With the stark colours and mismatched prints, it's easy to overlook the construction of the outfits, namely the dexterous layering. Sheldon is rarely seen without a long sleeved top peeking out of his t-shirt. Embodying (albeit unknowingly) the recent suffer-vibe embraced by the likes of Proenzer Schouler and Prada. Howard's neck is forever warm in his turtle neck, layered under his selection of 70's inspired western shirts (the 70's being a trend in and of itself - hello, Chloe & Stella McCartney). Whilst Raj favours a knitted vest paired over his extensive collection of vintage shirts. Something similarly seen at Gucci who, it should be known, has long been making geek chic.

As briefly mentioned, corduroy - the fabric of the season - should be elucidated further. In a case of the chicken and the egg, what was once relegated to the stereotypical uniform of academics, is now on the bodies of fashion editors the world over. As academics then, are the Big Bang boys embracing a trend or starting one? Either way, they've garnered fashion acclaim which is on par with a Noble prize, right?

Lastly, you may think that I had forgotten Leonard, but you'd be wrong. His indelible commitment to a military-style jacket is not unnoticed. Favouring to pair khaki with everything - an undeniably smart move. And of course his forever shoe of choice, the Converse, a stalwart for all sartorially savvy. Perhaps the only downfall is Penny's example of noughties bad-taste, which contrarily has also seen its own revival.

They may say that television rots your mind, but amongst the brainiac banter, science-fiction quips and rich fashion underpinnings, I feel smarter already. 

(Photos via : metro.co.uk, stylecaster.com, pinterest, thefashiontag.com, theindependent.co.uk, thefashionspot.com, refinery29.com & tvinsider.com)

THE 411 ON INTERESTING THINGS

As ever, it's been a while and now we're almost at the year's end. However, in amongst this down time, a lot of interesting things have happened and now here we find ourselves. So read on if you like interesting things that are satisfactorily unrelated to the festive period, all succinctly laid out in list form. You're welcome.

Watered Down

Though I offer this list up as respite from the ho-ho-ho-dom of Christmas time, this first one does allude to the season of abundance, but rest assured it doesn't involve redeeming your indulgence wholly. It's merely a handy reminder not only to drink water, but tips on how to easily include the wet stuff into your routine. Think of it as a counterbalance to the yule log you're about to inhale. This is the time to be merry after all, so eat and party on as much as you desire, but remember to take a sip of water in between swigs of fun. 

Life in looks

The no holds barred sensibilities of social media encourage an inquisitiveness that beforehand couldn't satisfied. However, now we can literally see what people eat, keep in their handbag, where they holiday, where they live... Personally, my curiosity lies, as ever, with the fashion. And the clever people over at Vogue have capitalised on this sartorial nosiness, gathering the memorable looks of icons throughout the decades. Having them explain the who, what, when and why of their most infamous looks. Personal favourites include Cher (because Cher!) and Kim K West (because who doesn't love a throwback to Kim pre Yeezy closet clear out). 

Lizzie McGuire 3.0

OMG! I feel like what else is there to be said. Fifteen years later, Lizzie is back and rest assured, so is her little alter ego, espousing her inner most thoughts, this time around as a 30-something living in Brooklyn. Details are scarce, though promotional pictures have been void of the mid-noughties hairstyles that involved much crimping and fluro coloured extensions - phew! Best pal Gordo and the McGuire family are all also set to return and the rest I guess "we'll figure out on the way" - if you know you know ;)

Optimising Happiness - A How To

During the festive period, there is an unspoken pressure to have it all, buy it all and do it all. And while you're doing all of this, you're supposed to be happy about it. But what is true happiness? Often it's based off of selfish motivations and whilst the immediate reaction may be one of positivity, it is often fleeting. To help navigate this season of good will and to make sure you're doing happiness right, read here.

A Sustainable Christmas

Needless to say, I have been doing a lot of shopping, mostly for others, although I'd be lying if I said that a few selfish purchases hadn't crept into my shopping bag... However, in my quest to be more thrifty with my spends (see here & here) I stumbled upon Vestiaire collective; a resale website that specialises in facilitating the safe sale and authentication of designer goods. And whilst I'm here, don't forget about the old favourite Ebay and -thanks to Stacey Dooley- By Rotation Collective, a peer-to-peer fashion rental app, built upon the mantra "rent what you need and lend what you don't". It is the time of giving after all, so why not give back to the environment.

(Photos via: @lucywilliams02, video.vogue.com, youtube.com, vogue.com & chathamhouse.org)