FEATURED ART: WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF 2012

For almost 50 years the Wildlife Photographer of the Year  awards has graced London’s Natural History Museum, showcasing an array of artistic talent whilst inspiring and encouraging us amateurs to pick up a camera. The first contest, in 1964, had just 3 categories and 600 entries. Today, however, there are 19 categories and entries come in their thousands from all over the world. The exhibition has grown so popular that it now tours Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, South Africa, Switzerland and The Netherlands.

All entries at the exhibition this year were breathtaking, incredibly detailed and others so dangerous close to wildlife that you simply cannot believe your eyeballs. The photographer’s courage and dedication to their craft is so captivating and exhilarating that’s it’s a struggle to believe that non of the photographs are digitally manipulated.

The exhibition is one of the artistic highlights of the year and if you haven’t already been then relish the chance before it closes in March. The beauty here is how each image exhibits iconic, nature photography that’s exceptional to almost an unfathomable level. We’re totally enamoured by the craftsmanship here that we’d probably give our right arm to have one of this eye-grabbing images emblazoned on one of our modal t-shirts.

Here’s the list of categories and winners/commended photographs from this year’s exhibition:

* Nature In Black & WhiteSpecially Commended- Lookout for Lions by Charlie Hamilton James (UK) [above]

Wildlife Photojournalist of the YearWinner: The Tiger’s Tale by Steve Winter (USA) [below]

The Gerald Durrell Award for Endangered WildlifeWinner – Dog Days by Kim Wolhurter (South Africa) [below]

The World In Our Hands AwardWinner – Ice Matters by Anna Henly (UK) [below]

Behaviour: BirdsWinner – Frozen Moment by Paul Nicklen (Canada) [below]

Animal PortraitsCommended – Relaxation by Jasper Doest (Netherlands) [below]

Urban Wildlife
Specially Commended – Midnight Snack by Alexander Badyaev (Russia/USA) [below]

Animals in their Environment
Winner – Living On Thin Ice by Ole Jørgen Liodden (Norway)

Tickets prices 
Adult  £10, Concessions/Children £5, Free for members and children under 3.
The exhibition runs until 3^rd of March 2013 

THE 12 DAYS OF ARTEECOLLAGE T-SHIRTS

We’ve been deeply immersed in the festive spirit thanks to our bespoke advent calendar of tees. If you’re not already in the loop, over on our Facebook page  we’ve been counting down the days to Christmas by dedicating a t-shirt to each day that passes before the big day!

As a special thank you to all our ace customers who have been so grand over the past 12 months, for 12 days we’re offering a special T-shirt discounted at a special rate just for you. The aim? Sharing the sartorial spirit with 12 Days of T-shirts (ho, ho, ho)

We’re already on day 8, but above is a rundown of what we’ve offered so far.

Today’s featured T-shirt is our Navy Blue Modal V T-shirt. Ideal for guys, but also fits as a boyfriend tee. Currently this modal top is available on our Daily Deals page with 50% off and so can be your’s for just £17.50 (reduced from £35). Wowzas.

SHOP BY 8PM TONIGHT FOR DELIVERY IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

Keep your eyes peeled for the remaining four Christmas Deals of The Day over on Arteecollage.

FOUR DAYS AND COUNTING

RESIDENT BLOGGER: PARTY PERFECT

‘Party Perfect’, by Sophie Mayanne

As more and more days are teased open on the Christmas advent calendar, the day is drawing closer, eyes glisten with excitement and the high streets shine with an abundance of decorations, gleaming lights and tinsel.

Christmas is coming, the party season of all seasons. So how can you face the 12 days of Christmas stylishly and sparkle your way to the top of the best dressed less this Christmas?

With cocktail parties, dinners with the family, the all favourite work Christmas party and New Years following around the corner, there are a multitude of events for the modern socialite to attend in style.

For me personally, I like to pick out a selection of items that I can style differently for each occasion, items that can be reworked in a way time and time again to make you the star of that all-important party, or catch the eye of that gorgeous ‘New guy’ at the work-do.

So what key additions do you add to your wardrobe to see you through the party season?

Arteecollage have an array of subtle wardrobe additions that can be styled efficiently for social events or dressed down for low- key dinners, or drinks with friends.  I personally would select three items to see me through the festive season. Firstly, the white t-shirt - the ultimate staple for monochrome chic or to accompany any statement piece. Secondly, black leggings. Ultimately comfortable and versatile- these will also work with any eye catching party-season piece. And thirdly, the asymmetric, single sleeved modal dress.

With these foundations from Arteecollage , you can build any outfit  around them that is perfect for the twilight hours visiting that new bar that’s just opened, or for coffee, cake and secret santa with friends on a winter afternoon.

Next, select eye catching additions to accompany Arteecollage’s wardrobe basics – at this point you can go as extreme as you want- as the selection from Arteecollage offer so much versatility, the choices are endless.

For my standout pieces I’ve selected:

1. A blazer or a jacket. Teamed with Arteecollage’s leggings and white t-shirt, you have a classic monochrome look that is effortlessly chic. Sometimes simplicity is key in styling and achieving that party-perfect look. If jackets aren’t in your comfort zone, blouses open can also give a casual, chic edge to your outfit.

2. A statement necklace or collar. This immediately improves the appearance of an outfit, giving it an extra edge of glamour and sophistication.

3. A pair of heels. Opt for a pair that work with everything. Black or Nudes are safe options that can look sophisticated, sexy or urban- and work well in combination with Arteecollage’s leggings for an elongated leg.

4. A clutch. No party outfit is completed without a clutch- a necessity as well as a style statement.

5. Lastly, add a statement skirt into the mix- alongside Arteecollage’s white vest it will help to create a balanced, eye catching outfit. For more of an urban take on this outfit style with a leather jacket.

So for that party- perfect look start the foundations of your outfit with Arteecollage. With strong, versatile items to help form the basis of your wardrobe, you can then create any look imaginable. So turn heads this party season with Arteecollage and these statement party pieces.

Follow @arteecollage

SPANKING NEW MUSIC MONDAY: SAINT LOU LOU

Swedish/Australian twins Elektra and Miranda Kilbey, aka Saint Lou Lou, have propelled themselves onto our radar thanks to “Maybe You”, their first ever release, being really rather amazing. Accompanied by an equally smashing video, if this track is anything to go by, the Scandipodean sisters are undeniably on-track for colossal success thanks to this ace recipe for musical glory.

Rapidly blogged and Tweeted about, ‘Maybe You’ received a glowing reception from music aficionados widespread. The very permanent force of the song and its longevity over the past few months is testament both to the talented songwriting as well as the pairs’ delectable and engrossing performance. It’s elegant, effortless and enticing from start to finish.

The very swish black and white video for the track is all glorious in slow mo and features a saucy threesome storyline with a hunky male. Also rather enticing and glorious is the the chic, simplistic styling that we’re enjoying oh so much. Check it here.

XLR8R: BEST DOWNLOADS OF 2012

As we enter the last few days of another year, the music gurus over at XLR8R are marking the occasion by  evaluating the barrage of brilliant – and the not so brilliant – downloads that have either dazzled or haunted us over 2012.

They’ve put their noggins together to check stats for the most popular downloads from their site over the past 12 months and the result is a list bursting with the most epic 100 beats, as selected from their Downloads section.

And, ever the loyal puryerors of free music, XLR8R are also offering a free download of every track featured on their list in one single ZIP file- score!

The first half of the list can be streamed and downloaded from the top link below, and the second half can be found in the Part Two link, along with access to download all 100 songs.

The collection is an assortment of music featuring many XLR8R regulars such as Shlohmo, Lapalux, FaltyDL, etc. But what’s more is that there’s also newbies aplenty that seemingly appear in its ranks.  G’warn and download ahoy – there’s plenty to explore and hours of great music that won’t cost you a penny.

Simple and free, this list will undeniably make for an ace playlist for those imminent Christmas/NYE house parties. Enjoy.

http://www.xlr8r.com/features/2012/12/xlr8rs-best-2012-top-downloads

http://www.xlr8r.com/features/2012/12/xlr8rs-best-2012-top-downloads-part-two

INTRODUCING: DECK YOURSELF WITH CHICTOPIA

For weeks we’ve been bursting to tell you all about an exciting, new venture for our online shop. And now we’re finally able to reveal that we’ve hooked up with the glorious, virtual style bible that isChictopia, where we’ll be selling on their marketplace, blogging with them and sponsoring free, wearable “Chic Rewards”!

As we’re always eager to craft new ways to get stylish, now you’ll be able to shop our exclusively discounted items, as well as showcase your Arteecollage purchases for their millions of users to ogle at via their painfully cool blogger community.

Not only this, we’ll also be sponsoring their “Chic Rewards Scheme” so the more active you are on the blog, means you’ll have more points to swap in exchange for FREE Arteecollage items. AND, if you then blog about your Arteecollage reward, you’ll get all your points back! Free, stylish clothes for lovely, stylish bloggers, what more could you need?

Now that we’re official sellers on Chictopia’s super cool marketplace, we’ve been invited to participate in their festive “DECK YOURSELF” campaign. During this, we’ll be listing our most stylish statement holiday pieces for the season. The site will certainly be bustling, and there will also be a “Naughty or Nice?” contest for the Chictopia bloggers to show off their most alluring – or sweetest – festive attire.

So go forth and put some sparkle in your christmas outfits by shopping, blogging and rewarding yourself with Arteecollage on Chictopia.

Take a look at our current sale items that feature an extra 20% off with Chictopia.

- BLACK MODAL TANK VEST. SHOP. 

- BLUE MODAL LONG VEST. SHOP. 

- BATWING LONG MODAL TUNIC. SHOP. 

FEATURED ARTIST: MARIANNA MICHAEL

Last week we revealed the winner and finalists of our Talent House competition. If you’re not already in the loop about this *slightly* exciting comp, then for the past two months we ran a “design-a-tee” competition. Entries from across the globe were submitted and thousands of you lovely readers voted. The results were revealed last week, and as part of the prize for the five finalists, we promised to dedicate a post to each of their original minds and the fruits of their creative labour.

First up we have Marianna Michael, who wowed us with her structural, and intriguingly obscure graphic print (pictured below).

When creating prints and design-led work, Marianna looks to architecture for inspiration. Working on progressing with this theme, Marianna applied her admiration for complex structures in order to design a print for Arteecollage. What’s also a standout notion for us is how her winning design took particular references from previous print projects that she has worked on (pictured throughout).

Of her prints, Marianna says that London architecture especially gets her artistic juices flowing, and when working on the competition she developed her print by hand and decided to place the image in the centre of the t-shirt for a striking look.

Part time blogger, part time artist and part time designer, Marianna also divides her time admiring fashion and performance, as well as rustling up baked goods. How she then finds time to make breathtaking collages based on her current obsessions is beyond us. Take a look at her most recent cool creations:

As well as imaginative collages that fuse whimsical vibes with nostalgia, Marianna is indeed an uber talented print designer, which is why we made her our first runner-up and why we would love to collaborate with her in the future.

If you’re as besotted with her talents as we are, contact Marianna here:

Twitter: @mariannamic1
Blog:  mariannamic.tumblr.com

SPANKING NEW MUSIC MONDAY: ANGEL HAZE

ANGEL HAZE 

It’s been pretty hard to ignore the news of BBC’s Sound of 2013 List. As of today, fifteen of the most promising new music acts have been named as ‘ones to watch’ for the next 12 months. Aimed at showcasing the hottest talent, the list was compiled using tips from 213 tastemakers, who each named their favourite three new acts.

Among the longlist of inspiring, new artists are boy-girl pop duo AlunaGeorge, who we’re already mahoosive fans of, then there’s Birmingham indie group Peace and Californian sisters Haim.

But seems as it’s Spanking New Music Monday, we thought we’d introduce you to an upcoming solo singer who’s been making a bit of a ruckus lately. Aged 21, Angel Haze is fast gaining a reputation as the Queen of Rap and here’s why. In the past six months alone she’s released two mixtapes – July’s Reservation and October’sClassick –  both of which received rave reviews from the likes of The Guardian, NME, and Pitchfork.

Angel Haze not only possesses one of the most talented set of vocals in rap music, but she’s also an incredibly versatile songwriter and, FYI, has killer contemporary style. See for yourself by having a gander and a listen to her video:

AT LONG LAST THE NEW SITE IS HERE! YIPPEE!

SHOP MEN’S GRAPHIC T-SHIRTS AND WOMEN’S URBAN WEAR AT ARTEECOLLAGE

ENTER CODE “XMAS50″ FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER.

WWW.ARTEECOLLAGE.COM

GUIDE TO A MANLY CHRISTMAS

‘A man’s christmas’, by Emma Salter

 Xmas shopping for men is one of the hardest and most stressful task’s a girlfriend, friend or parent can be lumbered with. But with this comes a humungous contest, which is why this is my favourite time of year. 

I love a good bargain, but when Christmas comes along it is time to pull out all the stops and dare to challenge mens fashion, putting my feminine skills to the test to dress the men in my life exactly how I want. Luckily it’s a time for giving and receiving, so with this good spirit means I can escape criticism of my choices!

Stockists:

Sweatshirt hoodie
£75 – topman.com

Nike
£50 skatewarehouse.com

Casio watch
£30 – asos.com

River Island Green Corduroy Stretch Skinny Trousers
£20 – riverisland.com

Lighweight Beanie
£15 urbanoutfitters.com

Navy Wool Mix Plaid Rucksack
£32 – topman.com

I got inspired by the Off-duty Menswear post on Arteecollage wordpress and decided to use the versatile graphic tee as my starting point to this Christmas ensemble. As part of the Arteecollage collection of graphic T-shirts, this righteous design features a retro tattoo print by contemporary artist Paul Engeris. In a regular fit, the short-sleeved grey and black print Tee shirt is ideal for updating any man’s wardrobe. Not shying away from my bargain hunting ways I am pleased to say this high quality tee is a fantastic £5 on the amazon site and is said to be heavenly comfortable.

Being the girlfriend of an amateur bmx’er I’m constantly reminded of his lack of high street fashion style, I’ve decided the best way to tackle this is to dress him with the help of Arteecollage for a stylishly modern look. And, as most skate parks are outside it is great to know this Arteecollage soft grey tee will adapt to the seasons by being cool in the summer and easily worn with multiple layers in the winter!

My favourite autumn material is corduroy and these green stretch skinny trousers from River Island go perfect with the graphic tee from Arteecollage. A matching lightweight beanie from Urban Outfitters will also keep my man warm whilst he’s out riding, warmth and colour co-ordination is a necessity!

A passionate bmx’er has his signature urban casual look and is not to be confused with skater boys, which is why this Topman sweater is perfect! I know he’ll appreciate the effortlessly cool slogan! These Nike Blazers are also a sure-fire hit and an urban alternative fashion that’s been seen all over Tumblr.

To complete this outfit with the addition of accessories, every bmx’er needs a statement rucksack and this navy wool plaid rucksack is in tone with the colour co-ordination as well as the classic tartan autumn/winter trend. Finally, the Casio watch from Asos is unisex, which means I’ll definitely be stealing it from him as soon as he takes it off!

Arteecollage offer some of the coolest street-wear online. Whatever you opt to do, one thing that’s certain is that the super soft, 100% cotton qualities of the printed t-shirts will make for a supple edition to any guy’s weekend wardrobe. Plus, the Amazon site has got a 75% off sale!

- Emma Salter

RESIDENT BLOGGER: WRAPPING UP THIS WINTER

This week our superb resident blogger gives us the ultimate guide to chic dressing for sub-zero temperatures. From combining our basic apparel range with high street gems, you’ll be amazed at how stylish dressing with multiple layers can be. 

‘Winter Wonder’, by Sophie Mayanne

As the nights are drawing in earlier- the frost embellishing the world on early mornings, cold winds dancing through the damp air. Summer’s clear skies are a distant memory, replaced by swirling clouds, soft rain and an inkling of snow.

A chill runs through the air, winter is here.

Winter can only mean one thing from a fashion perspective- it is time to pack away the endless pairs of summer shorts, silk summer dresses hidden away for another six months.  It is time to swap the lightness of your summer wardrobe for strong, durable fashion. Your winter wardrobe.

Firstly comes the quest for the perfect winter coat, the winter coat with longevity to see you through many winters ahead,  be it the ‘casual-cool’ parka coat, or the glamorous fur ensemble, or the classical grey coat.  After this comes a second important task- defining the rest of your winter wardrobe.

Whether you are fighting the winter chill in the city, the comfort of your own home or somewhere more remote, Arteecollage has clothing that you can combine with your winter coat for the perfect cold defying, fashionable look.

For me, I would personally opt for Arteecollage’s leggings and their modal long sleeved t-shirt. Comfortable with silky qualities, these items offer a look that can be combined with any signature winter coat. Team with a pair of heeled ankle boots to look effortlessly chic- or with a pair of thigh-high boots to face the icy sheen on the pavements urban-chic style.

And when you return simply combine the pieces with a slouchy knit for a warm and comfortable look- one that you won’t be afraid to answer the door in!

So fight the winter chills this season, and wrap up warm with Arteecollage – which offers you wardrobe staples and the scope to create any luxurious winter outfit.

If you shop now, you can get this look for even less on the Arteecollage Amazon Outlet. There’s up to 75% off so check it out.

- Sophie Mayanne

REVEALED: THE WINNER OF OUR DESIGN A TEE COMP

After several months of being bombarded with exceptionally creative entries by exceptionally talented people, we are proud to FINALLY announce the winners of our Talent House competition.  You guys voted in your thousands and here are the results… *DRUMROLL PLEASE*

The winner, followed by the five finalists, of our competition are…

Winner

- Didi Hilda Bjorn

Finalists
- Amy Cartwright
- Marianna Michael
- Donald Juricev
- Letisha Stewart-Green
- Rengin G, who is also the People’s Choice.

The lucky winner has the chance to have their idea produced and to collaborate with us as a long-term designer for our forthcoming collection. They also receive a cash prize, along with a free tee and a voucher for £30!

The five runners-up all receive: 

• Their artwork featured on our social media channels

• Discount vouchers for 50% off all Arteecollage apparel on the online store

The People’s Choice receives:
• Their artwork featured on our social media channels
• Discount vouchers for 50% off all Arteecollage apparel on the online store•  A feature on the blog

We’ll be in touch shortly to send you your prizes!

GET THE LOOK: OFF-DUTY MENSWEAR STYLE

The weekend is within breathing distance from us so, naturally, we’re already planning outfits for the many activities that lay ahead.  But with such a variety of  plans, things can get slightly tricky when in need of an outfit that’ll work from am to pm. 

Whether you’re spending the first half of your saturday watching football from your sofa, or just visiting the fam before heading out for a pint in the evening, our versatile men’s graphic tee shirts are so, well versatile, that they can be transformed with just the addition of a simple, few accessories.

Because we love you readers nearly this <  _____________________> much (but probably more), we’ve put together this casual, cool look to coax you through whatever you’ve got planned for this imminent period of fun and relaxation. As part of our collection of graphic T-shirts, this righteous design that we’ve selected features a retro tattoo print by contemporary artist Paul Engeris. In a slightly oversized fit, the short-sleeved grey and black print T-shirt is positively ideal for updating your weekend wardrobe.

For a modern twist, we’ve layered this Arteecollage soft cotton tee under a black tailored blazer and added patent chelsea boots and black grey fitted jeans. With the addition of a leather bracelet and cuff, you’re ready to don this stylishly casual look.

Whatever you opt to do, one thing that’s certain is that the super soft, 100% cotton qualities of this printed tee will make for a supple edition to your weekend wardrobe. Plus, this old gem is now in the Amazon sale with 75% off! Aces.

Stockist:
Men’s printed tee shirt, Arteecollage, £5 (75% off in the sale) 
Black Men’s Blazer, Mr Porter
Black, Grey Jeans, Mr Porter
Patent Chelsea Boots, ASOS
Bag, Burton
Accessories, ASOS

RESIDENT BLOGGER: UNI DAYS WITH EMMA SALTER

We’ve all been victims of poor dressing as a result of a spectacular hangover. But here is where that all too frequent nightmare ends, particularly for you students who have a tendency to, ahem, rave on a school night. Hear how to achieve daytime chic without all the unnecessary effort straight from a hungover student’s mouth.

‘Uni Days’, by Emma Salter

After a heavy partying session last night, figuring out what to wear for a 9am lecture was the last thing I needed to mull over this morning. In an ideal world I would much rather walk into uni in my cosy Sesame Street pyjama’s, but heck I’m no longer a dewy-eyed, opportunist first year.

Being a third year student about to step into the real world, I have to dress to impress. So earlier today I searched for the quick and easy fix in my wardrobe that is the legendary leggings and basic top combo and team it with a few cool accessories for a chic alternative to comfort dressing.

Stockists

Military jacket
£28 – fashionunion.com

Arteecollage black leggings
amazon.co.uk £12

Converse shoes
£40 – debenhams.com

Box chain necklace
£14 topshop.com

H m
£7.99 – hm.com

Womens Arteecollage Urban Casual T Shirts Smart Chic Exceptional…
£9.50 – amazon.co.uk

Black leggings are the saviour of all simple and easy dressing – they literally go with anything, and these modal, silky feel leggings from Arteecollage are my favourite. They are comfortable and the texture makes them elegant, chic and with a luxurious feel. But the trick with leggings is you need to be weary of the unwritten rule: never  wear a t-shirt that doesn’t cover your bum. No one, and I repeat no one, wants to see your VPL! So I’ve taken the safe route with this Arteecollage casual tee, which has a laid-back style that’s ideal for everyday outfits. The off-grey colour compliments my skin tone and the soft modal fabric makes it stretchable enough to cover my derrière.

To accentuate the soft neutral hues in this top I’ve accessorised with my box chain cross necklace from Topshop. The rosary bead style gives that extra edge. It’s also getting chillier as the weeks drag on towards Christmas so I’m never without my trusty camo jacket from Fashion Union. The heavyweight style bulks up my outfit and keeps me warm in winter. For added warmth I look to my faux fur stole from H&M. The two textures are very different but somehow work really well in the winter months, a bonus is also that faux fur never goes out of fashion! When it comes to off-duty, casual dressing, I have no trouble deciding which shoes to wear: my the reliable converses that will get me to uni in a flash!

The centre piece of today’s outfit is this urban casual top that’s extremely flattering, which means I can wear it with almost everything as it’s so simple. With Arteecollage apparel it’s easy to look chic when you’re in a rush and when you want something casual to help cure your hangover. This everyday look can be reinvigorated with different colours and this top comes in a range of colours to suit your style.

See the Arteecollage website for more styles and colours.

If you want to recreate my outfit for less, check out Arteecollages‘ Amazon sale which still has some amazing pieces available for super cheap! Many modal dresses, tops and trousers are 50% off! Prices start from just £6.50.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_6?url=search-alias=clothing&field-keywords=arteecollage&sprefix=arteec,aps,162

- Emma Salter

www.emmasalter.blogspot.co.uk

CREATIVE THIRST: BRISTOL STREET ART

London is arguably one of the front-runners of innovative street art, but for a while now there has been a new UK city that has been evolving its creativity so much so that it may soon steal LDN’s crown.

What’s so enchanting about Bristol’s street art scene is its extremely diverse quality that’s at the helm of many talented street artists who are constantly curating images of wonder upon any available space. Search the web and you’ll be bombarded with a catalogue of past and present work in photograph form.

As the city’s collection of inspiring work continues to grow, a unique visualisation of Bristol street art emerges. Bristol’s street art is so prolific that they even have their own festival. For the past couple of years in the summer, the ‘Seen No Evil’ street art bonanza takes over the city.

Internationally renowned artists take charge of the walls on Nelson Street, and with permission of each building’s owners, drab areas of the city is transformed with several hundred licks of paint. Indeed, for a while now, this enchanting street artwork has been the city’s best-kept secret. Until now…

 

From next month there will be a series of Bristol Street Art Walking Tours taking place all over the city and you can get involved too! If you fancy being shown the incredible sites then simply check out the website to book tickets to their December events: http://www.wherethewall.com/bristol-street-art-walking-tours

Bristol Street Art Walking Tours:

Walk dates - 01/12/2012
Walk dates - 08/12/2012