JJDP ain't one to brag but - I've been ahead of the curve here for a while folks.
Above is an shot from D-squared's Spring/summer 10 range which has just debuted and alongside of it is a JJDP shot from December 2008.
Can we see some distinct similarities here - Glasses, Sox, boots, Vibrant colours. (also refer to my section on super short shorts in a previous entry)
Do yourself a favour - purchase a pair of Havaianas now. They are the perfect flip flop for summer. Light - and comfortable.
I got my first pair in Brazil about 5 years ago and since then no other FF has come close. These gems were literally the only footwear i wore - even in winter. hmm.
Accessorise with the perfect summer foot tan and pedicure. Please make sure to trim your nails and moisturise your heels. No-one wants to see dirt and grime and cracked heels.
Ps - Tanned feet are one of the top five sexiest things ever!
Taken from the Middle East this nifty trick not only comes in handy when you are having a bad hair day but also for the super daring and bold out there.
Men need to take more risks with headgear - lets move on from baseball caps and beanies - although they are staples but we need to embrace other cultures out there and make it work.
It's relatively easy to tie - just find a scarf of your choice and then wrap around your crowning glory. Doesn't matter how you do it - its your style - do it your way.
Where you live in London informs your dress sense to a great extent. I live in the gloriously hippiest of hippievilles - Hackney. Oh E2 - good times.
Now living here, and being indie is all about the look. A strange mix-mash of clothing some vintage, some new, some from Primarni. Rest assured its all how you carry it off as well.
Note some really interesting things happening in this hot. First is the hair - side partings are back, and then its very fly-away and unkempt in the back. The huge - science geek glasses - a real addition to any wardrobe. The Fred Perry Wimbledon pull-over and then the arm full of 'friends i've made bangles'.
Worn separately these items stand out - but seem to scream i need help - but thrown headfirst into a hurricane - it all but leaves you swept off your feet.
Treeeeend alert. Tights are going to be big. Here is another clothing item that has transcended genders.
They give shape and support and well if you are needing some extra bit of tuckage but risk showing unsightlyundie lines why not try a pair of these lovelies.
I would say as it's quite new you might want to start with a plain black pair and as you get more comfortable work your way into natural shades and then when you don't mind showing off your shapely legs go bold and bright. It also helps heat things up - if you fear getting a chill wearing your extra short shorts.
Tell me about this again in the upcoming months. You will love it.
I've been banging on about these babies for a long while now. You can basically wear anything with them and you would look great. I'm sure you can even wear a second pair with them and you would still look amazing.
Just ensure they aren't too tight as being able to sit might need to happen. Uniqlo does great skinnies in a range of supaaaaa colours.
A pair of thick rimmed black glasses adds a bit of intellectualism to any one's look. You can go quirky worn with bright citrus hues or more traditional with black and white but rest assured someone will be making some passes at you in those glasses. *Wink*
From the smell to the touch, there is something primal and sexy about leather. Nothing gets me more grrrr and ready to pounce than seeing a hottie in a hot black touch me leather jacket. Classic and iconic pair with skinny black jeans and a plain white T - you will look ultra cool, no questions ask - no matter what season. all that's missing is a cigarette in your mouth and you could have walked off screen.
This year things are getting a bit tighter with the 'Almost too tight ultra-fitted leather jacket'. It accentuates and elongates your torso so not only do you look slimmer but also taller. Why would you argue. Just ensure you buy genuine leather as this is an investment piece and it will only get better with age.
As a child I could not wait to shave. But alas when the beardy bits kicked in I realised I could never use a traditional razor. Darn it. I always wanted a hot towel shave but alas the electric revolution was there to save the day.
Often frowned upon in the workplace, the 5 o'clock shadow and facial hair in general has made a comeback and oh what pleasure it has been for me to only trim twice a week. ( A good week that is)
But do take care of those nasty ingrown hairs, a good facial exfoliation should do it. A good time is to take a fruit acid like orange/lemon juice or even some vinegar and some sugar granules. Just add enough liquid to to moisten the sugar and then apply to your face and give it a good gentle rub. This should slough off all the rough shin that your razor normally would and you can look forward to a bump free face.
Remember to wash and remove all of the sugar after or else you will end up with some interesting grains in random place as I so often have.
Why not take a little bit of it wherever you go. Seeing as the English summer is upon us and well its raining - take it upon yourself to add some cheer to anyone near.
Ok seriously though this colour has grown on me and and trust me its not only going to be big this season but SS10 as well. And not just in little hints - everywhere - can you imagine an entire suit in bright and audacious Yell-o! Why yes I can.
This is just a little taster of the zingy and tangyness to follow. Full fashion spread to follow in the upcoming weeks.
The super-doooper busy jumper/jersey is back. It's kitch but look up some Missoni and Viviene Westwood for the upcoming seasons and you will see why. Get in Now!!
I would always cringe when this little number was worn, but now I see the error in my ways. Rummage through your parents cupboards and find those oh so wonderful multi-patterned 80's throwbacks that well were in fashion waaaaay back when.
The key to wearing this particular trend is to not over-do it. Keep it simple. Black skinny jeans - and a killer 'Cubist' inspired hair-do will have looking totally radical.
If there is one thing that my Mom and Gran have taught me it is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Therefore every little bit you can do to help make a difference in the world - do it.
And if you ain't got loads of cash - not to worry get yourself aligned with a worthy cause to help spread the world. The above mentioned charity does loads of work to help those less fortunate and what a styling T they have come up with to. A little bright flash of one of the season's hottest colours to not only bring a bit of change to your wardrobe but to the lives of sooo many.
It's raining, It's pouring, the old man is snoring ( in the riverboat behind me)
Yip, mid-afternoon thunderstorms the stuff dreams are made of. I remember sitting on my bed and looking outside as the rain turned our garden into a lake. I loved it, because as soon as it stopped I was out there - splashing about!!! I love rainstorms!
But that's when you are at home and can have a warm shower after. In all other cases you would need a good ol umbrella. Some like it flashy, some like it bold, I say as long as it keeps me sorta dry and if I don't really mind if I loose it then its great. Black is best - it goes with everything.
A modern take on David Livingstone in Africa. It's jjdp in Lundaan.
This trend is all about mixing natural tones and also making the plain stand out more. It's all about how you customise. Linen shorts (with Roll-up) Tan leather belt (worn on the outside of belt loops for a 'unkempt' feel) also to create a higher waist. Ties on the sleeves of the shirt add extra shape and more interest to the outfit. Then the shirt-tuck - it's back. (How i hated my father for making me tuck in my shirt - but alas now its cool again)
Right. Make it your own cos we've all got to deal with the urban jungle sometimes - so why not look damn good while doing it.
I never go anywhere without my lip moisture! Noooo-where. A make-up artist once told me I've got some perfect lips. Hmm.* Wink*. I always thought they were too big, but now I realise... well think Little Red riding hood. OOh Grandma what big eyes you have. The better to see you my dear. OoohJJDP what big lips you have - the better to smooch you with my dear. And I ain't kidding.
I usually buy about 4 or so pots of Lip-butter so I can have it near me always. (Always) I always mix mine with a bit good ol Vaseline too. Gives you a little extra shine. There is no excuse to have dry chapped lips. If you like the flavoured varieties, peach, mango, strawberry and watermelon are good choices, smells nice and hmmm tastes good too - nothing like having stuff on your lips and when you taste it its ghastly.
Got to say - nothing is more attractive and inviting than a glistening pair and remember to get some with SPF as we oft forget that our lips (and nipples) can get burnt in the harsh sun!
In a sea of Vibrant trainers stand out with some white on black.
Yip, you can't go wrong with a pair of Chuck Taylor's. I have to admit that I never owned a pair until last year. But how things have changed. I own um too many to mention at the moment.
Wear them with anything. And I mean anything. Get a pair that make a statement like these above. I'm not too sure what I'm trying to say but they looked freek'n awesome paired with some Red jeans. (Flashback - me dancing to VV Brown - hot)
These fun little remnants from the early 2000's are back. But please take caution no Von-Dutch please!!!!!!. Anything but!
This time they are worn a little like they did back in the 80's with the peak flipped back. Think Spike Jones here. Bags are packed and I'm ready to get to hitchhiking!
This summer 'rolling' is one of the trends to beat. From jeans to shorts and even your sleeves. Roll-up! Roll up.
You can do the simple 'don't touch my ankle' roll which is a few rolls of your trousers to expose your sockless ankles. Or the deeper roll as show above. Also to note here is the knitted argyle vest worn with simple grey undershirt and matching grey trainers with lumo green laces - just to give it that extra kick of energy for the day!
Many people shy away from buying 'Second-hand' but I find that shopping vintage is the best way to ensure that you stand out in the crowd. You can be guaranteed to be the only person wearing your particular outfit.
Above I have taken a vintage Levis plaid shirt and teamed it with a basic white t and some skinny jeans. Perfect for day or night. You will look fresh and suitably cowboy-esqe as you lasso yourself a hottie at the next engagement you go to. Add a pair of metallic sunnies for day, and a simple pair of trainers and you are ready.
You will be cool comfortable and yeah free from worrying that another sucker will be wearing the same black, red and white plaid that are a dime a dozen these days.
So it's been sweltering and well as soon as the jacket comes off, we unbutton the shirt and then we are left with the age old conundrum of what to do with the tie. Hmmm doesn't take a brain surgeon does it.
Before we get to the latter stage of the day - when choosing which one to wear to work remember that bold, bright and patterns are back. Return to years of old with rich paisleys and embellishments. Be forewarned 'Cartoon' ties shall not be tolerated so don't even go there. Save theses 'gifts' for staking up the green beans in your allotment, cos no man should ever admit to - even if he has - purchasing one of those.
Now at the end of the day - remember how to untie the knots as you wouldn't want to be left attached to the radiator/bedpost/rugby poles for too long.
peace. xxl jjdp
Please note - jjdp was not injured during the shoot. Only mildly tickled.
This is what summer is about. Getting out in the sun and being active and getting that Bronzy Glow. You will be envied by all if you can pull this one off properly.
Rule one: Exfoliate - get rid of all the dead winter skin that will prevent the UV rays from illuminating you. Rule two: Protection - no matter how long or short you plan to tan - use protection - the higher the better - it leads to a much more even and lasting tan. Quick fixes = burns and peeling. Be safe rather than sorry. Rule three: Moisturise - inside and out. When out in hot weather drink loads of water/ liquids to keep hydrated and always apply a moisturising cream to help lock in you newly acquired sun-kissed skin!
Now - go out and get tanning. Don't forget your towel, ipod and Frisbee either.
We all have those days when well we have nothing to wear besides Black. There is nothing wrong with it, but in the midst of summer some colour wouldn't hurt right. That's where the signature neck-scarf comes in. Get one in a really bright audacious colour that well you wouldn't dare wear any other colour but black with.
Your wardrobe is instantly revived and if you get a few such accents you have just updated for a Recessionista price!!
The simple twist will this year reign supreme as the summer quick fix hair-do. It's easy enough to do for yourself and try and go as high as possible if you can.
