Our Trendy Town: Happy Hunting

Do not despair for our charming town has much to offer besides history and academia. Touring the streets of St. Andrews reveals great fashion finds. This map marks areas of interest, why not scour the streets and discover St. Andrews’ best kept secrets. Remember X marks the spot…

Hunter Wellington’s:
Female students take note, this is one type of rubber you want - strictly as part your rainy day uniform though.

Sunny St. Andrews?
Believe it or not some days truly are glorious. Avoid premature botox and wear sunglasses. Why not a good pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers? The frames may be old but surely are classic.

Melegrano’s:
In dire need of Missoni? This boutique stocks it ergo you should buy it.


Mappin’ and Webb at the Old Course Hotel Resort and Spa:
All that glitters is golden, or platinum for that matter. While browsing through a selection of Mont Blanc’s why not join the Kohler Spa. And who said multitasking was hard?

Farmore Interiors:
Did you just wake-up and hate everything? Me too. That’s why furniture stores like this one exist. Careful you might just make yourself at home. PS. we love the goldfish.

Senisble Shopping

Apparently this winter will be one of the coldest ever, so what better time to invest in layers of cashmere, merino, mink and python? These luxurious materials are warm, durable and exquisite, and have conveniently been used by designers for the upcoming Fall/Winter and pre-collections.

As a columnist for Style it is my duty to discuss key trends, brands and coveted items. Yet in the credit crunch’s climate justifying an £11,000 Cartier watch when your Swatch adequately keeps the time is a challenge. Although you may not think buying expensive clothes and accessories is wise, certain costly purchases should be regarded as investments. True buying power it seems lies in quality and sustainability, not in trends.
Granted, it remains painfully obvious that we are still in the midst of a global recession, now is the essential time to invest. In these trying economic times financial experts continue to advise us to guard our gold and to invest when the price is right. Yet surely these ‘investments’ can move beyond the realms of real estate and into ready-to-wear?

Here is a crucial piece of advice: take part in various department stores’ 70 percent-off sales whilst they last, because when the flailing economy finally does recover you will continue to reap-in the benefits of the best bargains you ever bagged. Buying pieces that are effortlessly chic and timeless is a mission, a mission that if fulfilled is incredibly rewarding. So in your new crusade for couture know that longevity in fashion terms essentially means ditching the trendy-ness of the highstreet for solid design pieces that most often hail from the major fashion houses. Yet keep a keen and conscious eye out for quality, and importantly do not adopt a nouveau attitude by being lured solely by big names.


Why not visit one of the many local shops in St. Andrews that sell beautifully crafted top quality cashmere and merino scarves, sweaters and even socks. Johnstons (on 4 Pilmour Links) offers a wide range of throws and knitwear in a pleasing array of soft pastel tones. Their attractive cream cashmere polo neck (£135 johnstonscashmere.com) is the epitome of understated elegance and can be easily paired with a classic Burberry Prorsum double breasted navy blazer, surely a staple in any gentleman’s wardrobe. Visiting The Old Course Golf Shop on the Links is definitely worthwhile as most stock (ranging from Mulberry, Brics and Ralph Lauren) is classic and comfortable. In terms of neckwear, look out for Burberry’s selection of luxurious billowing cashmere snoods (£175 uk.burberry.com). These unisex round scarves create the perfect shape without hassle, and can easily transcend trends. Regarding outerwear key colors for this winter are shades of grey, charcoal and black. Conveniently these colors are classic and can be recycled season after season, ensuring that they become strong investment pieces. Pringle offers a great selection of women’s coats, notably the classic ‘Herringbone Pea Coat’ (£1,095 net-a-porter.com). This type of coat is instantly modernized and made youthful if paired with a leather miniskirt for instance.

My message is clear; hunt for ageless pieces with a few unique design elements to add interest. Hoarding from Primark will only cost you more money in the long run. The wise shopper chooses only a few key pieces each season thereby progressively building a wardrobe with sturdy foundations.

Pastel Bouquet

Spring/summer seems to have finally emerged from the usual rainy cold days that we have become so accustomed to. Befittingly and as the Highstreet dictates florals are hot, yet surely summer chic can be achieved without looking like a poppy garden. At any rate avoiding Laura Ashley (unless you are wallpaper-shopping is good advice), except if you are counseling annoying flat-mates. This season should be all about light breezy layers, try combining simple linens with neutral pastels to achieve effortless style. Essentially simple pastel color combinations, creams and whites will accentuate form. Become the petal; bloom into beautiful layers of immaculately cut cardigans, shirts and uncomplicated tunics.

Compliment any breezy look with powerful accessories, in effect making these the focus points of an otherwise neutral outfit. Wearing House of Harlow’s ‘Black Gladiator Cuff’ (shopkitson.com) will give a rough edge to any layered feminine look. Alternatively Chanel’s white J12 watch is perfect for this summer season, its strong structure and design aesthetic will provide for an interesting contrast between stark forms and airy layers. Bottega Veneta’s (style.com) S/S 09 womens collection offers exceptional foundations for building a neutral layered combination. In particular Bottega’s earth-beige tulip-cut shift dress expresses organic shapes, yet avoids the busyness of a floral print, perfect as a basis for outfit cultivation. Stella McCartney’s take on summer style remains simplistic and incredibly elegant. Colors remain strictly tonal and luxurious materials are combined to add shine and subdued shifts in shade. McCartney’s cropped trouser and 80ies power blazer combination offers exquisite tailoring and is versatile especially for refined summer encounters.

Summer menswear has also been transformed; shorts have sprouted into cropped trousers whilst certain colors seem to be in full bloom. Take for instance Michael Kors’ royal blue blazer and white pant look. The shortened trousers put the shoes in the spotlight, ergo they should be stage-ready. Whilst Kors has opted for basic white plimsoles, this style of trouser necessitates Tod’s delicately crafted loafer. Whilst these loafers are not durable, they are versatile and offer understated masculine elegance (tods.com). Continental style moves away from jet-set influences, for a more clinical approach. Paul Helbers’ studio over at Louis Vuitton best exemplifies the monochromatic look whilst simultaneously transforming the average sandal into a truly gladiator shape, perfect for any Roman holiday or romantic conquest.

POWER PLAY

80ies power dressing may not be as outdated as we all like to believe. It so happens that a vast amount of designers are once again incorporating built-in shoulder pads to add incredible angles and structure to basic blazers and jackets. Both men and womenswear have been transformed back to the future, so to speak. Essentially this Fall it’s all about the strong power suit, yet retro concepts have definitely been redefined to suit modern needs.

Any man knows buying a suit that will stand the test of time is a mission…to cuff or not to cuff? The choice of skinny or baggy trouser legs creates many a moral dilemma on Saville Row, which now perhaps can be averted. Take for instance Jill Sander’s FW/09 charcoal suit styled with a dark turtleneck (men.style.com/fashion). The sharp lines with a slight hinge on the shoulders add to the subtle tailored look, giving any lean frame clear distinction and assertiveness. Vivienne Westwood’s take is directly reminiscent of 80ies masculine shapes (viviennewestwood.com). Her cream suit with waistcoat is incredibly versatile with regards to styling as the long jacket means business. Importantly this suit leaves enough room in the arms allowing for rolled up sleeves, giving the look a ready-to-work attitude.

The rolled up sleeve look is also a staple regarding womenswear currently. Hermès’ incredible ‘Indian Summer’ belted and rolled sleeved combinations actually managed to combine power shapes with fringe, the current hype of the Highstreet (try to avoid the Cowboy and Indians look though). Yet Acne provides perhaps the most potential for power (shop.acnestudios.com). The brand’s ‘Corine Pre’ suit jacket uses simple lines to maximum effect, as high placement of the pockets elongate the torso whilst the jacket’s square cut add stark angles to the shoulders. Combining these jackets with tights and Marni-esque heels will definitely update any look, giving a formal feel. Fashion tells us we are in the midst of an 80ies revival; surely we the babies of the 80ies should grab this opportunity by both hands?

Clever Kiwi Creations: New Zealand’s Debut at DON'T WALK

Although New Zealand may be ‘down under’, by no means should its fashion be considered backwards. A clear impression of the nation’s design aesthetic was made at Don’t Walk 2009. This year two incredibly diverse New Zealand designers were featured at the most fashion-focused show in town, and most certainly left their mark.

After a powerful opening, where the DJ’s blasted Justice’s killer beat ‘Planisphere’, Lower NZ (lower.co.nz) was the first New Zealand brand to make its debut at Don’t Walk. Lower NZ can only be described as the up and coming urban street-culture brand of Australasia. Inspired by the continent’s unique Hip Hop scene and the laid back lifestyle of Mt. Maunganui near Tauranga, Lower NZ prides itself on originality. In the brand’s ‘Hike’ collection, skinny distressed low rise jeans were paired with XXL t-shirts, creating total looks reminiscent of 80s urban wear. One look that was especially impressive was the ‘Mammoth’ t-shirt/jeans shirt combination, where a clear focus on layering was apparent. We can now only pray that Lower NZ globalizes its brand, as urban domination would be a real possibility.

Zambesi (zambesi.co.nz) was the second New Zealand based brand to feature at Don’t Walk. Compared to its native counterpart, Zambesi offers a completely different aesthetic and prides itself on being one of Australasia’s most established premier high-end studios. Founded in 1979, the brand represents true innovation regarding design, shape and structure. Sighting history, memory and imagination as central to its design philosophy, Zambesi essentially captures the spirit of influence and ingenuity. Essentially the looks featured most definitely transmitted the brand’s remarkable attitude. Regarding menswear, a vest made completely out of gold, silver and bronze zips conveyed Zambesi’s incredible attention to detail, whilst a khaki suit and red-fringed shirt offered an alternative twist to everyday wear that remained masculine and powerful. The most impressive women’s look was the black feathered and sequined skirt with structured shirt, expressing design ingenuity and practical imagination. Thankfully Zambesi is stocked at Elizabeth Charles in New York and Austique on the Kings Road in London; investing in any look would be wise, as these items will sustain.

FOCUS ON FASHION: FRONT ROW AT FS:09

Once again fashion show season has hit St. Andrews, and what better way to kick-off catwalk delirium than with the notorious FS:09? In its 17th year running organizers created great anticipation and hype, with a spectacle promised to be bigger and better than ever. The FS prophecy was immediately fulfilled if only by the massive tent pitched-up on Lower College Lawn (rather befitting as the theme of the show was ‘Circus’) and the huge 25 meter-long catwalk, which would put most at Milan to shame. Essentially the occasion proved to be the climactic event in FS’s academic year, a year that has been marked by numerous photoshoots and promotional campaigns.

The opening of the show definitely set the mood of the evening, as an aerial acrobat elegantly pulsated to the DJ’s beats. The models subsequently walked out wearing circus-inspired tulle collars and revealing leotards layered above stripped t-shirts. Especially impressive were the slicked-up ponytails sported by the female models, reminiscent of Balenciaga’s FW08 Ready-to-Wear Show. Paying close attention to detail seemed to be a priority as the fit and tailoring of the menswear Jaeger suits was immaculate; this in itself is quite an accomplishment. Certainly one of the most flamboyant looks of the first half was the giant feathered headpiece, which opened for the native Indian-esque themed designs that followed in the segment.

The always-pretty Luca Luca and Luella pieces proved interesting on the catwalk. Yet it was the elegant full silhouettes of the Junko Yoshioka dresses that were definitely most dramatic; the lengthy sweeping silk frames flowed effortlessly. Regarding menswear, it was a welcomed surprise to see that this year FS had scouted true design orientated brands that were obviously innovative regarding shapes and contours. A dynamic start to the second half of the show was marked by the militaristic creations of Three Cheers and a Tiger. Here powerful tailored jackets crafted out of rigid cotton in earthy greens and browns brought masculine power dressing to another level. Equally impressive were the Nikolaj d’Etoiles pieces, where breezy tailoring and sedate combinations gave onlookers tips for dressing effortlessly chic this summer. As always, Emporio Armani proved flawless. The stripped suits and the incredibly sleek, elegant total-looks proved yet again that Italian style rules supreme under any condition.

Sneaking a peek into the Platinum Ticket holder’s ‘goodie bags’ revealed such treats as Vitamin Water, Henley & Sloane socks and a whole range of Schwarzkopf hair gels. Led Zeppelin fans seemed pleased to bid on memorabilia during the auction as the signed disc sold for the respectable sum of £1400, whilst an internship at the Financial Times received heightened excitement from the crowd. The FS tradition has most definitely been upheld to the highest standard this year, as students managed to organize a professional show where real attention to fashion, design and aesthetic detail was paid.

BACKPACK ATTACK

This season Milan has shown that a dynamic fashion paradigm shift is amongst us, calling for all to retire their favorite satchels and totes for the simple backpack. Although most fashionistas would rather burn their beloved minks and join PETA’s forces than sport anything other than their prized Birkin, apparently backpacks are all the rage right now. Investigation into this phenomenon does reveal that some (emphasis on some!) backpacks are cool. Take for example Yohji Yamamoto’s Y3 line (adidas.com/campaigns/y-3/). These bags are incredibly sleek and simple. Note the green ‘Futuresport Shopper’ model, its clear-cut sophistication makes it an exceptional design piece. Of course it is impossible to hate Prada’s classic nylon models, especially those featured in the Milan S/S09 collection. The vibrant lilacs and purples combined with the soft shine of the material add a certain degree of understated elegance, perfect for travel. Yet despite the hype hold on to your messengers and speedy’s as backpacks attack lacks true occupational powers.