GUEST BLOGGER – JEN POW #5: SPORTS CHIC

It seems we’ve all been bitten by the sports bug in times of late. Not just on our screens over the summer, sports vibes have even infiltrated the catwalks and Lookbooks aplenty. Blogger Jen Pow explores this newest, functional fad and how you can achieve the look with Arteecollage apparel.

‘Arteecollage  – Sports Luxe Chic’, by Jen Pow

This trend has been growing over the last year, especially with the inspirational Olympics and the massive success of hidden heel trainers. What I love about sports luxe chic is that you can style it your own way with bright colours or monochrome, comfort and an urban edge.

Sports luxe has been featured heavily on the catwalk for S/S by the trend setting Isabel Marant, Rag & Bone and even Victoria Beckham:

 I love Isabel Marant’s cool and casual take on the trend with statement colours and on trend prints. 

 Rag and Bone really went for the urban edge with block colours, hoods, zips and silhouettes, the collection just screams sports luxe.

 Sports luxe is a major trend that has really taken off on the street, here’s some great exmples of how people style the sports luxe trend for 2012.

There are lots of different ways to wear sports luxe chic and I like that you can add tights or leggings to a dress for an Autumn / Winter take on the trend. Be sure to check out Arteecollage’s Urban Chic Hooded Dress:

Made of super silky modal fabric this elastic dress will cling to all the right places to show off your curves. Available in blue and grey this urban chic dress is so versatile and can easily be dressed up or down. The long sleeves provide extra warmth for the winter months and the hood gives the dress that extra sporty look. Get the dress now at Amazon for the bargain price of £15 – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Arteecollage-Exceptional-Quality-Hoodies-Leggings/dp/B0076PI1VW .

Arteecollage is great for urban chic essentials whether it’s vests, tee’s or great statement pieces like this dress, get the best bargains from Artecollage at Amazon and be sure to keep up to date with Arteecollage by following them on Twitter and liking the Arteecollage Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/Arteecollage and https://twitter.com/arteecollage

- Jen Pow XOXO

FRESH MUSIC MONDAY #6: MELODY’S ECHO CHAMBER

She once sought tips from Tame Impala’s front man Kevin Parker after she demanded to know his secrets, so it’s no wonder there’s a new and upcoming psych-rock innovator floating about our stratosphere.

Melody Prochet, of Melody’s Echo Chamber, was soon supporting Tame with her solo material and began burgeoning as a dream pop artist. Now the lovely lady has recently released her debut and self-titled alum, which was recorded mostly at Kevin’s home studio in Perth. The result is delicious psych pop with dapples of rough edges for a subtly dark approach. She’s been lauded by critics aplenty, including Pitchfork and NME, and rightly ruddy so.

As well as loving her scuzzy sonics, and 60s pop influences, Melody’s laid-back elegance is overwhelmingly beguiling. We cannot help but be mesmerised by her simple but cool style, especially with that awesome graphic tee. There’s a definitive case of wardrobe envy over here for sure.

Enjoy the listen guys!

GUEST BLOGGER – AIMEE LONG #4: SPORTS LUXE

Hark now, would you believe that it’s nearly nine weeks until we wake up each morning to a chocolate from a cardboard advent calendar? YIKES. No matter if you want to escape it or embrace it, Christmas is coming. And with that we have office party after office party, which means only one thing – getting toned, buffed and looking fine in that LBD. We’re not ones for succumbing to the confines of a gym, we’re more outdoorsy and more active when we’re not enclosed. Running, outdoor pilates, hockey and even football are among our faves to do. But what to wear you ask? Let blogger Aimee Long be your guide.

‘Hockey attire with Arteecollege’, by Aimee Long 

Although I’m a fashion student, fashion blogger and general fashion obsessor, I do enjoy a spot of sport. Juxtaposing to my overall aesthetic, I am a keen hockey player and have played since the age of eleven. For matches we are all suited and booted, with our team uniform, but there is always a wonder  on what to wear to practices that can also adapt to wear after the match.

No one wears the typical tight lycra bottoms or tops to the weekly practice, what’s more efficient is adopting a more slouchy, comfortable approach for extra flexibility. Recently, I have been wearing Arteecollage’s Marine Blue Hoodie, the ‘Off Duty Aesthetic’.

Taken from their range of sports luxe apparel, it’s a great and soft garment that’s durable, comfortable and made out of the highly sought after Modal material. It’s a slim-fitting and natural garment and achieves a smart casual look upon each wear. What’s more is that even after a few washes the hoodie has kept its shape extremely well and does not disappoint in keeping me warm.

Now priced at £24.00, from £41.66, it is a basic wardrobe necessity that’s super versatile. Get yours from Arteecollage’s online store

Be sure to follow Arteecollage on Twitter for the latest fashion news and amazing discounts

- Aimee Long

GUEST BLOGGER – SARAH MAYBANK #4: GOOD SPORTS

This week Sarah Maybank gets down and sporty with our range of luxe apparel. When torn between high-end options with sky-high prices compared to quality which lasts far longer and that’s a fraction of the price, it’s clear to see why our range of  exceptional quality garments are the clothing of choice for those actively inclined. Soft, stretchy, durable, elegant and natural, our collection far exceeds expectations, but see for yourself Sarah’s comparison verdicts below. Who will come on top?

‘ArteeCollage win our Fair Play award with their wallet-friendly, designer-style active wear’, by Sarah Maybank

The jury’s out on whether London 2012 will leave the nation fitter, healthier and more streamlined. But whether it’s inspired millions to hit the gym or not, it’s already creating an ongoing Olympic legacy in our wardrobes.

From high performance fabrics to streamlined styling and go-faster detailing, a luxe take on sportswear was all over the catwalks again for S/S ’13 – at prices you’d need to win a Premiership title to afford.

One of the more realistic ways to work the trend is to go for the big manufacturers’ boutique ranges, such as PUMA Black’s trainer collaboration with labels like Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan and Mihara Yasuhiro. But even then, you’re looking at a £250+ size hole burnt into your bank balance.

Make life easier for yourself and log on to ArteeCollage.com. Its range of sporty basics boasts a high end aesthetic at easy-street prices, giving brands such as Sweaty Betty and Stella McCartney for Adidas a serious run for their money. Even better, ArteeCollage uses modal fabric, one of the most prestigious materials on the luxury market, characterised by its exceptional quality and utilisation of the finest yarn properties. It offers amazing fit and the feel appeal of Bond Street labels five times the price.

Check out these winners – and the cash you’ll save compared with their designer equivalents…

- Long line top

Break the bank, Adidas SLVR Tank, £65:

On the money, ArteeCollage Modish French Body, £26.40:

- Classic vest

Break the bank, Stella McCartney for Adidas Seamless Tank, £65:

On the money, ArteeCollage Spaghetti Vest, £14.40:

- Easy sweat pants

Break the bank, Sweaty Betty Chesca Workout Pants, £65:

On the money, ArteeCollage Marine Track Pants, £30:

Find the full range of Women’s and Men’s modal casual wear, visit Arteecollage.com

Like Arteecollage on Facebook

Follow Arteecollage on Twitter

- Sarah Maybank

LONDON UNDERSTATED CHIC

London Understated Chic by arteecollage featuring high heels

We’ve been getting creative with Polyvore. This is definitely one bandwagon worth hopping on.

Vintage top
ebay.co.uk

Trench coat
$220 - charlotteandco.co.uk

Giambattista valli
net-a-porter.com

Madison Harding wedge boots
endless.com

H&M high heels
$48 - hm.com

Leather satchel
$125 - motelrocks.com

Necklace
angelcourt.com

Lulu Guinness tech accessory
luluguinness.com

Personalized Par-Tea Bag Bridal Shower Favor Bags
myweddingfavors.com

GUEST BLOGGER – LUCIA CABANOVA #4: ‘GETTING THE JOB DONE’

Ever wanted to know the secrets to achieving success in a job interview? Course you do! *Hint* It’s looking supremely chic and feeling confident as a result. Here the super talented blogger/designer/super woman Lucia Cabanova talks forging your path to your dream career whilst looking even dreamier in a heavenly blend of Arteecollage and high street apparel. 

‘Getting the Job Done with Arteecollage‘, by Lucia Cabanova

It’s certainly not easy to be job hunting, especially within the fashion industry where you cannot afford to mess up your interview with a bad, outdated look! I have been on a job hunt for a couple of weeks now, so I’ve also been thinking about the perfect interview outfit. You don’t want to be overdressed with some crazy in your face garments, but neither do you want to look too common and traditional. Therefore I say go for the minimalistic, classy look with a little bit of edge and don’t be afraid to mix your own personal style into it!

I tried to come up with something that’s a little girly and fun but sophisticated at the same time, so as a base for my look I chose the slim fit  City Slickers Tee from Arteecollage and added an embellished collar for a more refined style. Then I just wore a metallic pleated skirt over my stretchy modal Tee, added a nicely structured black blazer and a pair of black Brogues Wedges. I think this is just the right balance between fashion and comfort.

I really like my new City Slickers Tee, since it’s the perfect base to any of my outfits, whether I’m going to an interview or hitting the gym. Due to the silk like modal jersey, the Tee has a very luxurious appeal and in fact feels extremely soft against my body. I can easily wear it the whole day long, as it’s a super relaxed piece of clothing and a definite must in every girl’s wardrobe!

I suggest you visit the Arteecollage official online store to get your own City Slickers Tee for just £18and start experimenting with your personal interview outfit! Or visit their Amazon store to get the Tee on sale for only £10.50!!

-Xxx L.C.

FRESH MUSIC MONDAY #5: THE 2 BEARS

The 2 Bears are a London-based musical duo formed in 2009 composed of Joe Goddard (of electronic band Hot Chip) and Raf Rundell. The duo produces original material amalgamating various styles including 2-step, house, hip-hop and soul. The dynamic duo released their first album back in January this year and already have their second big release – a 2xCD mix album – prepped for imminent listening.

Above is the artwork for this new musical delight and we adore the graphic print that is as vibrant as it is inspiring. Needless to say they are a some talented and busy bears indeed.

Industry critics offer various descriptions of The 2 Bears’ sound including, ‘pop-hip-house’ and ‘rave garage’ but categorise them as you wish upon listening to this five minute mix comprised of songs from their new mix album ’1 Love’. Enjoy the sampler below:

Tracks featured in this sampler: 

Toddla T featuring Timberlee – Body Good
Heartbreak – Blaze Up
Wiley – I’m Skanking (The 2 Bears Remix)
The 2 Bears – Ghosts & Zombies (Todd Terry Dub)
Iz & Diz – Mouth (Pepé Bradock’s Ureleased Remix #1)
The 2 Bears – Be Strong (Ratcliffe Lil Whistle Remix)
Nneka – Shining Star (Joe Goddard Remix)
Paperclip People – Throw

Order it now from Amazon: http://amzn.to/Q2eICV