I was never really into sneakers like that until 2020, I wouldn’t call myself a sneakerhead but I can appreciate a nice pair of trainers. And over time I’ve come to learn that no sneaker is ugly, it all depends on how you style it – there is a sneaker out there for everyone and everyone’s unique style, so just because it’s not for you, it doesn’t mean it’s not for anyone else!
Everyone these days is a so-called sneaker-head thanks to the rise in streetwear culture over the last 6 years. Collecting, loving, buying and wearing trainers is so different from what it used to be. We’re living in a new world where sneakers like Jordans reign supreme and are taking the industry by storm because unlike designer items such as your Chanels and Guccis, sneakers are accessible to a lot more people. Although sneaker collecting has long been trending thanks to resell sites like StockX and GOAT I really believe that it hit its peak in 2020, it’s so hard to get a pair of Jordans these days! I remember when there was a time that only American rap artists cared about sneakers like Jordans and low dunks, now it seems like EVERYONE cares. But how long will this last? Is this a trend or is it something that will continue on for generations to come?
There’s a lot of great sneakers from the past twelve months but these are my personal faves, I’m not saying they’re the best or that they’re most historically important, these are just my PERSONAL faves;
Nike SB x Ben & Jerry’s Dunk Low “Chunky Dunky” sneaker
Dior x Air Jordan 1 Retro High sneaker
Grateful Dead Bears Nike SB Dunk Low
Comme des Garçons Homme Plus x Nike Air Max 95
Air Jordan 4 Retro “Black Cat”
Air Jordan 4 Retro “Fire Red”
Nike Dunk Low “Syracuse”
Travis Scott x Dunk Low Premium QS SB “Cactus Jack”
I don’t think anything can compare or will ever compare to 2020, it has been a year that I will never forget, that’s for sure, it’s been a whirlwind, to say the least, and I am so happy it’s finally over. It’s so weird but in my head, I honestly thought that on the 1st of January (which is today) that COVID would magically disappear and that I would be able to go back to enjoying my prime years but unfortunately, that is not the case.
Almost nothing about 2020 was at all expected. It was the year of surprises and I think one of the biggest lessons I learnt this past year was to just enjoy life and live in the moment because tomorrow really isn’t promised, 2020 taught us that the hard way – life can be taken away from us at any moment so why should we sweat over the small things? This year we all survived and I am forever grateful but in the year 2021, I want us all to actually LIVE life, stop waiting for the right moment and just go for it!
This was the fastest yet shortest year of my life, and while a majority of us might not have dressed up as much as we thought that we would have or got a chance to wear or holiday outfits for obvious reasons there were still some very great trends that came out of this year and ones that we can probably wear into 2021! The fashion trends from the past 12 months felt normal or predictable, loungewear became not just acceptable but fashionable as it has been over the last 3 years, and multiple ‘90s styles made their triumphant return to our closets as they have been for the last 5 years but this year these trends really made their mark, hence why I said that they were predictable and felt normal and I envision that over the next 5 years we’ll see the rise of 2000s fashion. No one can even argue with me on this one because every trend in this list I have been rocking since 2018, I am ahead of my time when it comes to fashion hence why I still blog. Here are my top trends of 2020;
Maxi Faux Leather Coats
Grunge was the new normal this year and maxi leather jackets were leading the wave – high fashion or funky with a grunge twist, these long-line pieces are perfect all year round, after all, we do live in the UK. This is another ’90s staple that just got a fresh upgrade!
Printed tights
I have a love-hate relationship with tights, I wore them for 5 years straight during high school so for me I can appreciate the printed tights trend, however, I don’t tink you’ll ever see me rocking them, they’re cute but they’re not for me
Square-Toed Heels
We call it the Bottega Effect, Bottega’s influence in terms of trends is astonishes me every single season – after so many seasons of pointed-toe shoes reigning supreme, the square toe is making a triumphant comeback thanks to Bottega Veneta!
Oversized Gold Chain Necklaces
If you’re looking for just one jewellery trend to magically make your outfit no matter how simple it is – it is a chunky necklace. It is an accessory that has risen above the rest thanks to our Scandinavian fashionistas.
Chunky Boots
My favourite trend of 2020 and one that I will rock until the day I die, Chunky boots are just that BITCH in terms of fashion. If you ask me they are a staple piece, they go with anything and almost everything!
TIE DYE
A trend I’ve hated from the get-go, to me it’s just so tacky and I just don’t understand the hype, I really hope we leave this 60’s throwback in 2020
SWEATSUITS
I have literally been posting about tracksuits and athleisure wear every year since i started this series but this year, it really hit its peak during quarantine. SO many of us got so used to being comfortable that we completely forgot that jeans and other forms of bottoms existed!
BIKE SHORTS
I’m so over biker shorts, they’re just unflattering and belong in the gym and the gym only or as loungewear
Fringe
Although this trend didn’t pop as expected this year, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing everyone this summer rocking fringe. Mark my words, hop onto this trend before the rest of the world!
Harnesses
My problem with harnesses is that my generation don’t appreciate them as much as I do and just think that they can pair it with every outfit they wear so even though i still love them, I also hate them. It all depends on how it’s worn
Apparently, this whole mesh has been around for the last 7 years – since 2013. Either I haven’t been paying attention or I’m not the fashion connoisseur I thought I was. Personally, for me, I saw mesh become mainstream in 2015 after I discovered Coachella and it was always based around the idea of festival fashion but you never really saw people wear it as a ‘normal’ fashion piece until maybe late 2017 when underwear became the new outerwear. And now I think mesh has hit its peak within mainstream fashion and I am LIVING for it. I don’t what it is but mesh and I are spiritually bonded to one another, everything mesh that I see I instantly need it in my life!
Last year on the runway we saw A LOT of mesh, this material is a great transitional piece for summer to autumn to winter because you can layer it! There are so many ways to wear this trend – those bold enough can even go completely braless and rock mesh in all of its glory but odds are most women who aren’t Rihanna wouldn’t dream of leaving the house in a full mesh or sheer top with her breasts totally exposed, especially in the U.K because the people here are super bad vibes sometimes lol. But I promise you, one day I’m gonna rock mesh the way its meant to be worn, like a true 90s supermodel, it’ll be a true moment!
Like I say all the time Fashion trends are cyclical, they’re always coming in and out of fashion and I’m sure that you can all guess that this trend is in fact from the 90s – slightly transparent, lightweight and majorly sexy, it’s a look that is largely associated with the iconic fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier, whose slinky, tattooed meshes first sauntered down the runway back in the early ’90s.
There are also many ways of wearing it and you can shop some of my fave mesh pieces here;
Cropped jackets have been around since winter of 2017 and I don’t think they’re going anytime soon, they’re the perfect layering item and my favourite type of jacket to wear. For one, they keep you somewhat warm but at the same time you can still show off your outfit! A cropped jacket is the perfect outerwear piece to have during the summer, in all honesty, it should be one of your wardrobe staples.
The evolution of the cropped jackets over the last 3 years is one of my favourites – we’ve seen it go from being just cropped denim jackets to now cropped blazers (which I am LIVING FOR), cropped tweed jackets and cropped leather too! The item has been given a much-needed touch of elegance and we really love to see it.
Shortened to hit right at the waistline, this cut is seriously flattering too and here are my faves atm;
Ever since I started buying makeup at 14, I’ve always asked myself, do I really need a primer? I suffer a lot from oily skin so makeup literally does not last as much as I’d hope to on my face but every time I go to buy a primer I never know where to start because there’s so many, if not too many options available; there’s hydrating, brightening, mattifying, blurring, luminising, and more — so which one do I pick??? Then I’ve seen people use different types of primers for different areas of their face, then do you guys remember that time people were using men’s Nivea shaving balm as primer?? Makeup is actually so confusing sometimes because what works for other people may not work for you, and it’s one of those situations where you actually have to test it out yourself until you actually find what works for you.
Some people love primer, some people hate it and I still don’t know if it’s actually a necessity in my makeup draw or if just haven’t found the perfect one for me.
What exactly is primer and what does it do?
Primer is one of those words that literally explains itself, it is exactly what its name implies: It’s a prep product that’s applied after your skincare to create an almost clear canvas to hold onto whatever makeup you want to apply — from foundation to tinted moisturizer or even just concealer, primer will supposedly make sure nothing moves an inch whilst also blurring your pores, helping to fade fine lines and smoothening skin! Your primer might come in the form of a hyaluronic acid-spiked facial serum that boosts hydration, a sunscreen that protects and softens the appearance of pores, or a traditional silicone-based primer that smooths and blurs.
What’s the best way to apply them?
Primers are ALWAYS applied after your last skin-care step and before your makeup. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Many makeup artists recommend that you apply the product with your fingers to apply primer, as they say, it’s the best and easiest way to blend everything and get a seamless finish. It’s also advised that you wait a full minute for it to dry before layering anything on top in order to avoid disturbing the makeup. A little goes a long way with primer, and too much can ruin your makeup look before you even get to create it.
Skin type
Dry: Dry skin benefits from moisturizing primers with added glycerine, aloe, or shea butter. Look for words like nourishing and replenishing.
Normal: If your skin isn’t particularly dry or oily, choose a photo finish primer or a blurring primer made with silicone that minimizes pores and leaves a fresh, dewy finish.
Oily: If your skin is oily, look for primers that advertise shine reduction or mattifying to help keep shiny skin under control.
What are the most common primer mistakes?
Applying too much
Applying makeup straight after, rather than allowing for the primer to dry first
Choosing one completely wrong for your skin type
Picking a primer that does not go well with the formula of your foundation
Layering primers
So do I really need primer?
Whether or not you feel using a primer is necessary, it’s completely up to you and whether or not you’re happy with your current makeup routine. But it wouldn’t hurt to try it out and see if it actually makes an improvement or adds some sort of value to your life – you may find that primers don’t make a marked improvement in your face makeup, and in that case, skip the step. However, it could also mean you haven’t found the one. Whatever you do, before choosing a primer do your research, get recommendations, and try different formulas in store.
The bottom line: If you’re wondering whether or not you need a primer in your life, just ask yourself how happy you are with the overall look, feel, and finish of your face makeup. If there’s something off or missing — maybe you want to add more overall glow or trim shine from your T-zone — a primer could be precisely what you need.
Some people want to go to the Maldives but I have always wanted to go to the Seychelles. I feel like most people don’t actually know or have ever of this beautiful archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. This is literally one of Africa’s many hidden treasures. The Seychelles is a nation of 115 islands scattered over 400,000sq km surrounded by crystal clear blue waters. The islands were once known as a five-star destination with three-star hotels but fast forward to now and that’s far from the truth, new-look Seychelles offers areas of outstanding man-made beauty and the best of luxury!
Because each island in the Seychelles is very different, many visitors choose a two or three-stop holiday.
THINGS TO DO IN SEYCHELLES
BIRD ISLAND
Bird Island is situated about 60 miles from the main island of Mahe, and is easily reached by plane. Its 170 acres are covered in corals and lined with the purest white sand.
COUSINE ISLAND
A speck about 6km off the west coast of Praslin, Cousine Island is owned by a South African businessman, who has embarked on an intensive conservation programme to restore it to its primal state. About 2,000 indigenous trees have been planted, and 12 endangered magpie robins have been introduced to share the island with a couple of thousand nesting birds (fairy terns, sooty terns, shearwaters, Seychelles brush warblers, Fodies) and four giant tortoises (each of which, apparently, command around the same market value as a giraffe). Much of the rocky island is out of bounds to visitors.
FREGATE ISLAND
There are wonderful walks to be had on Frégate – through primeval jungle, up enormous granite outcrops and along white-sand beaches. Away from the resort, the rest of the island is given over to conservation projects (protecting the endangered magpie robin population, among others), cultivation (vegetables produced with a very sophisticated hydroponics system), livestock (pigs, cows, chickens) and recreation (water sports and scuba-diving; fishing boats, yachts, catamarans and motorboats).
LA DIGUE ISLAND
The island’s stunning beaches of silky white sand are lapped by turquoise seas. The best beach, Anse Source D’Argent, is reachable by bicycle. Other good places to swim are Petite Anse, with its large smooth boulders. La Digue’s west coast, south of La Passe, is protected by a reef, creating calm water, ideal for snorkelling. Besides the pleasures of beach life, La Digue offers horse riding, diving, fishing and boat trips. The bird sanctuary is a woodland of takamaka and badamie (Indian almond) trees, home to several nesting pairs of the rare, endemic black paradise flycatcher. Horse riding is available at L’Union Estate and diving instruction, expeditions and boat trips to tiny Félicité Island (population 12) can be arranged at La Digue Island Lodge.
MAHE ISLAND
Mahé is the largest island, and home to 65,000 people. It has the highest mountain ranges in the Seychelles and the world’s smallest capital, Victoria. For a stylish souvenir, Michael Adams, Seychelles’ most famous artist, has a studio/gallery at his home at Anse aux Poules Bleues (00 248 361 006; michaeladamsart.com).
PRASLIN ISLAND
The archipelago’s second-largest island is a 15-minute plane hop from Mahé. It is most famous for the Vallée de Mai (open 8am-5.30pm), a World Heritage Site home to the distinctive coco de mer palm. It is a fascinating, friendly and unspoilt island to explore by foot, bicycle or hire-car. A number of excursions, including cruises, bird-watching and photographic expeditions are available from both Mahé and Praslin.
Where to stay;
North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort
Set on the private North Island in the Seychelles, this exclusive hotel offers 11 villas along the islands beautiful beaches. The Spa on North Island boasts the use of natural herbal ingredients found on the island, while the various dining options allow you to enjoy the island’s harvest. Villas start from €7,046 (£6,195). All-inclusive. Free Wi-Fi. Children under 17 stay free, however, those between the ages of 17 and 19 years old are charged at €773 (£680) per night.
In addition to the 30-minute complimentary welcome treatment at the spa, guests of North Island benefit from various activities and services included with their stay. These include scuba diving courses and activities, snorkelling in and around North Island, sunset cruises, guided walks and the use of stand-up paddleboards, sea kayaks and bicycles. Guests can join in on the group morning yoga class and set out on a shore-based or half-day fishing trip. The use of one island buggy is available per villa.
Tell me that doesn’t sound like the dreamiest of holidays.
I honestly feel like every blog post I start I always somehow manage to refer back to my childhood but that’s only because my mother made sure that I was a fashionista from birth! PERIOD. Like I remember I used to have a collection of sunglasses and I kid you not I had every single colour of the freaking rainbow because I loved matching my sunglasses to my outfits. I don’t know why I thought that was even appropriate at the time but back then, I really thought I was onto something but now, of course, I know better. A lot better for that matter.
Like clothing and shoes, sunglasses have trends too and this year 70s inspired frames are dominating the scene – I’m talking the return of oversize frames of all shapes, from round to square, yellow tints and of the map – tiny sunglasses. That’s the vibe for our 2020 summer, however, who really follows trends when it comes to sunglasses, no one! The key to finding the perfect sunglasses for you, of course, depends on your style but most importantly your face shape. NOT EVERY PAIR OF SUNGLASSES is for you so please try them on before buying.
In my lifetime, I have known there to be 3 different versions of the seven wonders of the world. Of the original Seven Wonders, sadly, only the Great Pyramids of Giza remains – the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Temple of Artemis, the Colossus of Rhodes have all faded to dust.
I first heard of the seven wonders of the world when I was in year 7 in geography, however, this list included Mount Everest, Victoria Falls, the Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, Great Barrier Reef, Paricutin Volcano, the Grand Canyon and the Northern Lights. Then today whilst writing this blog post, it came to my attention that there is a New7 Wonders of the World and apparently this was an initiative started in Switzerland in 2000 as a Millennium project. The aim was to cast a worldwide open vote to select the ‘Wonders of the World’ from 200 monuments of global recognition and these are the 7 places that received the most votes.
I feel like the title is a little misleading because I obviously cannot physically buy a world landmark but what I actually meant was that, if I ever won the lottery I would love to go on a month-long trip touring these places. For as long as I can remember I have loved history, I love asking questions and learning how the world came to be and those are some of the things that travelling offers – travelling is such an amazing way to educate yourself and fully immerse yourself into another culture. A well-travelled person to me always seems so much more open-minded and that’s why I don’t just want to travel as much as possible but I need to, it’s a must! How amazing would it be to spend the month travelling across 3 different continents, visiting 7 different countries? Imagine the stories you’ll have to tell your children. This is the perfect honeymoon idea or anniversary trip! This is the trip of a lifetime.
THE NEW 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD
DAY 1-3; COLOSSEUM, ROME, ITALY
DAY 4-7; PETRA, ARABIAN DESERT, JORDAN
DAY 8- 11; TAJ MAHAL, AGRA, INDIA
DAY 12- 15; GREAT WALL OF CHINA, CHINA
DAY 16- 19; CHICHÉN ITZA, YUCATAN, MEXICO
DAY 20 -23; MACHU PICCHU, ANDEAN MOUNTAINS, PERUVIAN AMAZON
DAY 24 – 27; CHRIST THE REDEEMER, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
I think out of all the brands, this was my oldest brothers favourite! I kid you not, there would be days that I’d see him in head to toe ROCAWEAR. I have the photos to prove it but I don’t want him to hate me hahaha. From its beginnings, ROCAWEAR planned on being the biggest player in this game we call fashion – but more specifically streetwear. They were on the way to becoming an international company that would compete with the biggest brands of our generation. I am talking Supreme, Dsquared, Comme des Garcon, bathing ape etc. So my question is, where did it all go wrong? Right now ROCAWEAR should be dominating the streetwear scene, we should be looking to them for our urban style outfits, not the likes of Givenchy and off white.
This brand had so much potential because ROCAWEAR was more than just your average fashion brand but a lifestyle. A lifestyle that everyone aspired to – one including; private jets, yachts, and penthouse suites but on top of that, it was also a community that was all about goodwill, and never forgetting your roots. That is what ROCAWEAR stood for. Style, music, the high life, sex appeal. They instinctively knew the definition of the latest trends and fashion because they lived them. From the streets to the design studio, they knew trust started with the people, so that’s where they took their inspiration from. They watched the trends on the New York City streets, then translated these into fresh looks that rocked that fashion world. Showing up on the runways in Milan, New York, London and Paris, ROCAWEAR introduced a new, casual glamour with a streetwise sensibility. They didn’t just sell clothes, they sold an image—and the brand took off, becoming one of the hottest in 90s fashion and an international sensation!
This was ROCAWEARS 20th anniversary collection;
The crazy thing is that I don’t hate the collection, everything about it actually has potential. But it’s the same thing with Akademiks. The entire team need to be FIRED. The design team, the branding team, marketing team, social media team. EVERYONE. They all need to get in the bing because how can they disgrace a brand that was once the king of the game like this!! Personally, I think if Jay Z gives me the opportunity to handle his brand, with my team of creatives, I could take ROCAWEAR to different levels. And the crazy thing is that I’m literally not even being cocky. I’m just speaking straight facts.
Times like this where people are coming to support black-owned brands, where streetwear and urban wear is dominating the scene, where 90s fashion is prominent in everyone’s wardrobes. Right now ROCAWEAR should be taking advantage but they’re here just making clothes for the purpose of making clothes. There is ZERO passion and that’s the thing that pisses me off. You can tell that no detailed market research has been done whatsoever because these are clothes that my dad and uncles would wear, not people of this generation. It’s sad really. The core values of ROCAWEAR that I previously describe in this post no longer live in the brand we see today.
Now let’s compare it to past campaigns
ARE YOU GUYS SEEING THE DIFFERENCE!!!!! Look at the passion that was placed in their old campaigns! Look at the lifestyle, the brand image, everything. I mean they had Naomi model for them yet in 2019 they think it’s appropriate to make DJ Khaled the brand ambassador??? You really can’t write this shit. I just pray that ROCAWEAR finally wake up one day and become the brand that it was set to be back when it first launched because really and truly this is not it!
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