British Style Bloggers

Style Icon James Dean

JOShYlOftY — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 21:39:58 +0100

When I found out my article you see before you was to be based on a style icon, I couldn't have been more excited. The first person that came to mind for me was James Dean; in my opinion the most trend-setting and modern icons of his time.

James had one of those attitudes that had everything to do with his style--- a stylitude, if you will. This man couldn't have been a better idol for myself. He was undeniably a "cool cat" wearing untraditional pieces such as his blue jeans, fitted T-shirts, his "Texas" vest, or red windbreaker--- regardless, he stood out. Not only did he dress the part of "cool", he oozed it just walking down the street to the market.

As I said, this young man's style was more than just what he wore. He walked down the street not only with his daring sense, but he also had that sexy-cool "swagger" that most men dream of today. And lets not forget that cigarette that seemed to always be clinging to his bottom lip for dear life. His hair was always either greased back or slightly messy in an undecidedly "Johnny Depp" demeanor. But even Johnny doesn't hold a candle to James. Regardless, James always looked cool. James' immortal style had a hold on his every day life too, from his clothes to his fast cars he loved to race down winding roads. Sadly, James' cool cars couldn't keep up with the rest of his demeanor.

So how do you grasp James' sense of style? One must always feel comfortable first of all. If you don't feel comfortable dressed as James, the look isn't for you. Don't fret, just move on. Surprisingly, this style can be transformed from a men's style to a women's style quite easily. You may already be almost there! Anyone can look at James and think "Ok, I get it. Jeans, shirt, jacket. Done!" No. The jeans are a slim-fit boot-cut, always, and usually darker in color. Shirts must be tight or form fitting, the simpler the better. He was also known for his basic single-color windbreakers, usually red. Add a lovely pair of classic Ray-Ban glasses for the added touch. Insert cigarette. For men, you would opt for a leather black boot. Something vintage would work best--- 2nd hand clothing store anyone? For women, throw on some black soft-leather heels, a "worn" purse, and maybe even an adorable fedora for the added touch. And don't forget the Porsche 550 Spyder.... But hopefully you can drive it a little bit safer than James could.

Model Says.... How To: Find Your Personal Style

JOShYlOftY — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:04:49 +0000

Style is something you're born with. You either have it or you don't. You can't really LEARN it. You can follow trends, sure, but not everyone can really ROCK what they're wearing. Thats because personal style comes from within. You have to look deep within yourself and figure out what you are really like. Think: self expression. The only way you can truly express yourself, though, is to be happy with who you are. You have to be comfortable with who you are inside and know that your differences are just your uniquenesses.

So how does one learn how to develop that personal sense of style? Well, remember those uniquenesses? This is where those come in handy. You have to embrace your qualities and really let lose and be yourself. I'll use myself for reference... I'm a character. I have a whacky sense of humor, I love to act crazy, and really let go with my friends. In fact, my personality is so strong that it comes out in everything I do. Over the years I've been able to really learn that the crazy things that I do, say, like, or wear, etc. are qualities that I should really embrace. In doing so, I really learned my personal style. I went from being a (natural) blonde to a fiery red-head, I really started getting into the many facets of fashion and how each piece can really express who I am, or sometimes just how I'm feeling that day. I start with the shoes and work my way up. Custom Pumas usually or some hi-top Nike Dunks-- the crazier the better. Then pants, I always go for a low-rise boot cut, its just what looks best on me but I get as many washes or colors I can find. Shirts are easy, they can probably be the most expressive part of the attire-- or would it be the shoes!? I always try to find fun patterns or things going on to express myself. Don't forget you can always layer! But accessories are always what sells the outfit; hats, belts, jewelry, watches, scarves, etc. can always express personal attributes. By the time I'm all dressed I'm usually either a mesh of name-brand clothing of all the brightest and most exclusive, or rare, variety. But I stand out, feel like a million bucks and like I could take over the world. And it shows. I'm much more of an extrovert and more likely to be the life of the party when I know I look as good as I feel. My personal style at that time would have officially taken over my body and made me a much happier person.

Think about it. When you're dressed to the best of your personal likings, in your personal confident zone, you are more likely to have a great time and be more social. It's like you glow when you enter the room and people sense it.

So as it seems I've come to the realization that fashion and emotion truly are connected. There are those who turn their nose at fashion saying that its either too flashy, to which I say those people are stuck in their shell. Or that it costs too much, a white T-shirt goes a long way and can look good with anything. But no matter what you wear just always go with your gut feeling. Don't let yourself fall into a fashion rut, put on whatever you want as long as you feel good.

Introducing... Joshy - model, actor & new BSB staff member

Amy C Thompson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:01 +0000

Hello, hello! Well, today, we have a very special post. We're introducing a new member of our team. His name is Josh, he's a model, actor, and just about everything else, and, yes; he's American. We know we're British Style Bloggers, but we want international opinion to make this campaign work, and Josh had so much to say that we couldn't resist!

You can catch his first column here on Thursday.

Image: HERE

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Where do I start? I'm extremely busy seems like at ALL times. I'm a Model. Writer. Actor. & Singer-- In that order. I'm signed openly with 4 agencies around the country (& looking for more outside the U.S.) and I travel around frequently for live shows, photoshoots, etc. I've been published many times as well, even in foreign countries. As a writer, I have many projects going on. I work fulltime publishing articles for a Medical Tourism company. I'm also working on getting a TV sitcom off the ground as well as a full-length movie. Sadly, both projects are in a stage where they can't openly be talked about. Recently, I've done work on a couple "Indie films" but I've been in talks working on making it into Hollywood. I plan to produce an album as well, eventually. Vocally, I sound a bit like Adam Lambert with a little Darren Hayes or Daniel Bedingfield thrown in-- but my style is a mix of Lady Sovereign & Lily Allen. Unfortunately for me, however, I've been way too busy to put more focus into my last two endeavors but I like to conquer one thing at a time. 2 down, 2 to go.

We asked you to join our team because of your enthusiasm for the Body Image cause. Can you tell us why it means so much to you?

Body image is something I've secretly battled most of my life. However, I've never dealt with eating disorders or anything like that. I love food. In fact, if i had an eating disorder it would be that i eat TOO MUCH! My answer to body image is basically something we all must just get over. I feel as though nobody seems to be happy with the way they look-- by getting plastic surgeries, or even mildly complaining about it off & on-- nobody's happy! I was no different. I'd never thought I was all that gorgeous to look at but I'm comfortable with myself and the way I look and I think I happen to take great pictures. I've never been completely HAPPY with the way I look, but I'm comfortable.

How did you first get up the guts to be as unique and original as you are?

I have tons of drive. A lot of self inspiration. And basically I'm out to prove I can do anything. And in order to do anything one must do.everything. Plain and simple. :)

You've obviously got tonnes of confidence! Have you got any advice for others who may be struggling with that?

Like I mentioned before, it all comes from within. You have to be happy with who you are inside & what you're doing with your life. Once you're happy, it will show. People will sense that something about you as well-- you'll have that mysterious edge. Self confidence is a very powerful thing.

Can you tell us a little sneaky tiny bit about what your column's going to be about? We're really excited!

I'll tell you a little. I don't want to give it ALL away, right?! :) Fashion and self-awareness. I'll start my path with a little how-to find your own individual style, then teeter-totter back and forth with Fashion and Self-Awareness. Obviously what I have to say is all very positive so I'm sure it'll all be very uplifting.

Don't forget to check back on Thursday for Josh's first column!