GUEST BLOGGER: NEW BEGINNINGS

To begin what’s undeniably going to be a fab year, we’re excited to introduce to you a brand spanking new resident writer. Kirsten Ferguson, of Fergie’s Fashion Fun, joins our ever-growing series of guest bloggers. Over the next week we’ll be showcasing our ace collection of talented writers, but for now, immerse yourself in Fergie’s first post! 

“New Beginnings, New Wardrobe”, by Kirsten Ferguson

It’s that time of year again when we reflect on the months passed and attempt to make resolutions that we are bound to break. To kick-start a new era, I’ve endeavoured to cleanse my wardrobe. Too often does a typical morning entail standing before my crammed wardrobe and being lost for something to wear. But, as a resolution, I’m taking my wardrobe back to basics with the help ofArteecollage clothing.

Firstly, I’m overhauling my wardrobe with this Women’s Black Modal Tank Vest. Flattering with its dark hue, which is just what I need after raiding the Quality Street tin over Christmas, this women’s plain black top can be easily adapted to any occasion. The black modal vest is on sale at £12 so it won’t break the bank and is a steal considering the luxe Modal fabric.

To achieve an urban chic look, I pair my black Arteecollage vest with Oasis Khaki Jeans, which makes this outfit ideal and easy to wear for a lunch date or for evening cocktails. Throw on a Topshop Zip charm collar and a pair of Miss Selfridge Black Point Court Heels and the effortless look is complete!

For the transition into night, a skirt is a must. This Ursula Heavy Sequin mini skirt from boohoo.com is perfect. The Aztec print catches the eye and complements the Arteecollage vest by setting it off effortlessly. For accessories, this short necklace from River Island draws attention without taking away from the detail of the skirt. The Miss Selfridge heels are used here again as the simplicity of the heels do not distract from the standout skirt.

  This black modal vest can easily become a staple in any wardrobe and be worn for just about any occasion in 2013. The adaptability means that it can be paired with different accessories and garments to create a totally different look every day of the week!

Dont forget to follow Arteecollage on Twitter and hit ‘Like’ on Facebook, where we also have acompetition to win £100 worth of clothing for free!

- Kirsten Ferguson from Fergie’s Fashion Fun

FREE DOWNLOAD: KATY B X GEENEUS X JESSIE WARE

A spiritual tribute to the much loved and much remixed Aaliyah, this transfixing new track from Katy B and Jessie Ware far exceeds the usual expectations of a producer’s ability to reinterpret Aaliyah’s archive of iconic R&B. Mixing things up a tad, here the Aaliyah which the pair croon over is not the actual legendary singer, but another girl on the dancefloor, one whose emanating an aura so magnetic that she’s transfixing everyone around her.

What the track does so blissfully is reference Aaliyah’s presence as the idea of something seemingly tangible but untouchable, so wonderfully enigmatic that it renders you totally captivated and eager to hook her gaze. Those R&B aficionados out there will see the parallells here and how it was indeed Aaliyah’s ”grounded mysticism”, that’s encapsulated in this track, which elevated her music, and not just the top-notch production and her rapturous vocals.

The track’s taken from Katy B’s new EP, Danger, which also features collaborations with Diplo, Jacques Greene, Iggy Azalea, Zinc and Wiley.

You can download the EP for free via Katy B Official 

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