This week’s rather late nomination is from the boys and girls at Eio Clothing other wise known as Excess is OK (definitely my new mantra! Something to live by).  Having recently uber updated their website into a nice clean cut and my I say stylish site, they’re designs pretty much speak for themselves. Incorporating very contemporary and sometimes retro designs with neon and colourful gradients makes for a great combination and their prices aren’t too bad either.

These conscientious designers now only know what they’re doing with fashionable prints but they are also trying to ensure that the customers like what theyre wearing. After endeavouring to find a great source of well fitted, soft and comfortable fabrics, they now boast the use of a soft cotton known as esmeril, which is produced in Portugal. So you get a nice fit and perhaps the advantage of forgetting you’re even wearing clothing! Oh what fun!

My fave on the site has to be the colourful sunglasses design, to me it screams elements of Sam Sparro or Calvin Harris with a hint of the 80s, but I will let you decide.

Put with skinny jeans, shorts, straw hat and big retro sunnies and you’ve got yourself an album cover. Excess is definitely okay if it involves excessive use of a fashion accessory!

Keep it up people, loving your work.

Tee Boy

Please accept this humble blogger’s most humble apologies for the lack of updates this week, I’m afraid to say that Tee Boy has been extremely busy producing wonderful and exciting products for you very lucky people!

Had a quick 15 minute break in the middle of a very busy day so thought I’d have a quick gander around the internet and the fashion world in general and see what’s on offer and what fun things are worth discovering.

My favourite T-Shirt buys recently have been the retrospective Y-Neck Tees that according to most High Street stores are now a staple or “essential”, whilst loving the comparison of fashion with such things as air, water and food, the staples and essentials of life, I have to agree. It really is a necessity to have a selection (be it small or large, or in my case humongous!) of basic items that you can throw on (or off!) at any time, that go nicely with every ensemble and aren’t too formal, flashy or event/occasion specific. Going to the shops? Why wear your fave Diesel t-shirt, walking the dog or just heading home from the gym? Why wear those jeans that you’re afraid to wear out because they cost too much and are your “going out jeans”. All in all it’s great to have those simple and cheap items that can either be partnered with other things to create a great outfit for a casual evening or for just general wear and tear without you wearing and tearing your posh clobber and your wallet! Y-Neck tees have hit the high street with a bang, coming in a range of great bright colours. The bit I love (apart from the 3 for £15 or 2 for a tenner deals that are currently everywhere you look) is the nice little extras that are being done to these garments, the trims of the arms and necks are now being made into different colours, either a different shade of the same colour as the tee, or insane neon colours on each arm, they’re pretty great and put with jeans or shorts, you’ll have no need of much else to make you hot this summer.

Vests have also done a complete U-turn it seems are are now a very popular street garment for those of us brave enough and buff enough (emphasis on the buffness, cos I for one wouldn’t be wearing one without the aid of the much covetet pectorals!). Coming in the usual variety of colours and styles it looks like the summer of 2009 will be one off more flesh the better. Tee Boy is running to the gym after typing this….

Tee Boy

With the recent worrying news that the Swine Flu has travelled across continents and suspected cases have now been recorded bother here in the UK, we’re all feeling perhaps a little concerned. Of course our hearts go out to those that have died from the virus and the families and loved ones that have been equally affected.

As with all things going on in the world however be it illness, war or poverty, we still have to go on with our daily lives; it’s a given that we cannot control what is going on around us and that we have to persevere and do our best to help ourselves and those around us.

It is my belief that those living in Mexico are a testament to this by not only doing what they can to prevent the spread of the bug but some (perhaps) fashion conscious residents have gone that little bit further recently by not only protecting themselves with the habitual medical masks to wear whilst commuting and going about their usual business but trying to lighten the mood and keeping things a little upbeat by decorating their masks with fun and amusing designs. Masks with the stereotypical Mexican moustache have frequently been seen in the newspapers and day by day more people seem to be taking this idea and putting their mark on it by inventing weird and wonderful ways to express themselves. Some may feel that this perhaps mocks the state of things at the moment but I personally believe that there isn’t anything wrong with people who are being directly affected by this awful tragedy trying to brighten up their day and trying to tone down the seriousness of the situation by doing so. Hat’s off (or should I say “Masks on” to them).

In other fashion news, it seems that the legend herself, Naomi Campbell has been quoted as stating that she shall be shortly hanging up her heels after nearly 30 years of modelling, so it just goes to show that even the beautiful people get older and have to stand down on occasion.

Marks and Spencers have recently announced that their 125^th anniversary of producing womenswear next month will be celebrated with the release of a new exclusive line of clothing! Simply entitled “125”, the range will include swimwear, underwear and accessories and will incorporate many influences from the many decades of M&S’s reign; including the forties and roaring twenties in some of the aspects of the pieces that will be created. I look forward to seeing what they come up with!

And finally the Bafta’s this week presented a wide and interesting variety opinions as to whom dressed up and those that (ahem) dressed down. The ladies were generally a sensation in vibrant reds to co-incide with the much coveted red carpet experience, although some of the celebrities perhaps decided that the most flesh on display was a good way to get featured in the magazines the following day. The gents turned up in a variety of experimental suits, Graham Norton himself presented the ceremony in nothing other than a fabulous silver grey embroidered suit jacket that only he could get away with. All in all a great show (although perhaps Mrs Jonathan Ross could have left the silver horns at home, but hey! We can hope!).

Tee Boy

With Spring comes the idea of flowers, new life and all measure of exciting and wonderful things, and of course it seems that the birth of new babies is also very much a Spring theme.

With these little cherubs in mind it’s safe to say that a whole industry and fashion movement has fast grown around these tiny little people, and of course the money involved in this has boomed over the year with the introduction of the Yummy Mummy and the celebrity mums and dads.

Over the years, the clothing of children has fast become a huge deal, and more and more mums and dads are increasingly conscious of what their little ones are wearing. The colours are becoming brighter and bolder; designs are no longer just simple teddy bears and fairy princesses. They are now getting edgier, more risqué with attitude and I like it!

I am happy to see that Gap have managed to keep up with  contemporary children’s clothing without losing their initial Gap feel and look that they have always been famous for. Having had a quick peek at what they have on offer online it’s easy to see why they remain a huge name in baby fashion.

My favourite I have to say is the cuteness personified that is their BYOB bodysuit. Playing on the theme of bringing your own alcohol (hence the bottle term), this put together with a cartoon-esque baby milk bottle is very much a must have for any fashion conscious infant and mum!

Tee Boy

Hi peeps, unfortunately (or fortunately, whichever way you look at it I suppose!) we’ve been pretty busy in the office so I’ve been neglecting my blog duties (I know tut tut, but we can’t all print t-shirts, answer the phone, write emails AND create fantastic in depth and interesting blog articles can we?!).

On this lovely Friday afternoon I just have 5 minutes while the printer works its magic to regale you all with my findings in the world of T-shirt designing and printing. My favourite this week comes from America as usual (those imaginative cousins of ours), from a company called Glenz, they’re philosophy seems to be that they aren’t content with producing run of the mill retro and current well known images, but they would rather put their own little comedic spin on something that perhaps even though cute or popular, is rather dull. So hats off to you guys across the atlantic, you’ve got a sense of style and most importantly a sense of humour. Amongst the gems are the Darth Vader buffing his helmet, Nemo being custard pie’d by another “Clown fish”, a very famous fast food clown appearing in a rather whimsically ironic coffin come burger box; and finally my favourite simply titled “Mushroom Soup”, a rather innocent dish design with what appears to be a floating Smurf corpse, yes perhaps a little macabre but I like it (yes I am slightly twisted). Come on, enough of the sweet, cutesy Mr Men designs, enough with the pinks and the pastels, lets have some fun and show our dark sides, and then wear them proudly to show the world and influence the next generation to see things that little bit more realistically!

Tee Boy

Happy belated Easter to you all. I trust that you had a nice long fun filled weekend, I know I did, the sun was out, four whole blissful days to enjoy it. What could be better.

I picked up a few titbits of style information over those 4 days whilst perusing the high street and the internet for bargains.

Firstly, the dreaded 80’s has more to answer for this season as once again we are being told to delve into or wardrobes and dust off those denim jackets because yes people they have returned. It’s all about distressed, faded worn in denim this time so if you’ve got it, use it or if not, then I’m sure they’ll be appearing in a store near you very soon, already ripped, scagged, torn and bleached within an inch of it’s life for you to wear and enjoy. The likes of Nicole Richie and Miquiter Oliver of T4 Fame are already showing theirs off.

Sunglasses, a big yes over the weekend as the rays came out and the sunnies went on. The big frames are back once again this year, the likes of Katy Perry and Paris Hilton having done their bit for consumerism by telling the ladies that 50s glamour is back, meaning dark huge frames are a must have for that chic and sophisticated look. For the lads, the aviators are definitely here to stay or for those of you with a hankering for something a bit more practical, stylish and that little bit more pricey then Ray Bans in the true eighties style are a big yes and the Oakley’s for those more sporty people of amongst us are never going to go out of style.

I was happy to notice that checked short sleeve shirts are being worn again so all those I bought last year in the vain hope of a summer and a holiday were not in vein so out they come again casually worn open over a t-shirt or (for those of us brave enough of buff enough) open with nothing underneath to expose those coveted six pack abs. I’m working on it believe me!

Polo shirts are definitely back with a bang, both for the girls and the lads, bright colours, stripes and distressed collars are all a factor.

The new or old depending on which way you look at it style of Y neck t-shirts with different colour neck and sleeves is definitely one to watch and embrace at the moment, the brighter colours the better and the bigger the pecs the better so it seems

One of my favourite style websites Yoox has recently announced their intention to release a environmentally friendly range of clothing including slogan t-shirts, expect some simple yet fun and trendy designs to explode onto the fashion scene later this month, although saving up may be an option because those guys don’t believe in budget buying even during a recession!

All in all, summer is a coming so get the jumpers off, get your t-shirts and sunnies on and let the festivals and BBQ’s begin.

Tee Boy

Looking forward to a long bank holiday weekend it’s time to start thinking about what I’m going to be doing, where I may be going and who am I going to see, and of course what I may be wearing when I do so!

I thought I’d visit some of the current must have trends that are doing the rounds at the moment, you may already be sporting the, you may not, if not then take a look and see if one takes your fancy.

Ripped jeans. Yes this style has come and go more than Tina Turner’s career but it’s now back with a vengeance and everyone including celebs are doing it. I myself own a customised pair as I write this. You can buy them pre-ripped pretty much everywhere now, in preparation for the summer months. Or if you’re very brave and un afraid of experimentation, do it yourself! It’s simple! Start by skagging the knee and thigh area (or wherever you choose, just be aware that flesh will be shown!) with a razor blade or sharp knife, put in the washing machine on a very high temperature and voila! You have yourself a distressed pair of jeans! No idea how it works but it does (we are not responsible for any damage to clothing or injury inflicted from use of blades).

Stripey t-shirts, yup! For those of you with a fear of stripes making your lumps and bumps appear larger, look away now because they’re back! Look in any store or at any fashion conscious celebrity and the horizontal stripe is a big presence at the moment. Check out GAP, H&M and more traditional casual retailers for this cute and inexpensive addition to your daily ensemble.

Checked shirts, yet again this eighties and nineties has reared its (sometimes) ugly head. For the summer boys there’s the short sleeved fitted shirts in all manner of bright and neon colours paired with a variety of small and large (and in some cases over the top huge!) checked designs. For the girls the lumber jack shirt is most definitely a high player, partnered with the jeans and casual jacket and prerquisite heals and you girls are fast on your way to becoming a high street fashionista.

Anyway, enough of my rambling observations. All in all the looks are coming back so those of us that saved those monstrosities from long ago, well done because you can just grab them from the drawer from whence they came and let them have the comeback they deserve!

Tee Boy

This week’s nomination is from a designer based in Amsterdam called Rockwell. Based on hand drawn artwork, colourful fonts and interesting fun sayings this rather quaint brand has something going for it. Simplicity! They manage to fill the t-shirts with the design rather than keeping it minimal, meaning that you feel that you’ve purchased something worthwhile and not just a plain t-shirts with a label on it somewhere un-detectable for a rather large price tag. My favourite would be the Crazy Mixed Up Kids t-shirt, simply because it’s so simple! The use of the fun font and bright neon-like colours is just very appealing. There are no hidden agenda’s no crude slogans, just artistic prowess and the liberal use of fun!

This brand also produces a wide variety of other items such as bedding, cushions, stationery and even trainers! For those of you on the hunt for that little something that no one else has just yet, check them out, I reckon they’ll be over here in blighty in no time!

Hear it here first people!

Tee Boy

Before I introduce this week’s t-shirt of the week nomination I thought I’d highlight a fabulous addition to the world of Bag for Life. Upon visiting HMV the other evening and unfortunately for my wallet purchasing way too many retro DVDs in the current sale. At the til I noticed a rather funky looking black satchel/record bag with the logo on the front in white. Above it was the advert explaining that these rather novel versions of the traditional cotton bags were now available to purchase; and I have to say I love them! They’ve great for the boys who don’t fancy using the carrier bag style ones. They can be worn over the shoulder in true man bag style or folded up and put away, great for repeated use and they look great, which let’s face it, is the most important bit! Grab and use one, you’re covered when anyone asks if you do anything to help the environment because apparently these are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

Tee Boy

It dawned on me this morning that I may perhaps be neglecting the female of the species in that I haven’t really looked at girls clothing recently. Probably a good thing as me wandering around New Look or Top Shop picking up strappy tops and denim shorts may raise a few eyebrows and most certainly will get me escorted off site, and I do have a reputation to uphold (at least I think I do!).

Well I’m here to rectify this by doing a bit of research into what you girls want. The sun is starting to come out which means the layers are coming off, which means you want trendy t-shirts, tight fitting for those of you who want to show of your curves or lack of them. Colours are essential and so are edgy contemporary designs. Slogans are a must as it seems messages are cool at the moment. Retro as always is a big yes so we’re looking at cartoons, TV programmes, The Hof (!) and so on and so forth. With this in mind I’ve found a fab site that incorporates all of these essential things.

Thinkgeek seem to have hit the nail on the head with the use of excellent quality lady fit t-shirts, combined with fun simple designs that suit all tastes. I particularly love the glittery effect of some of the designs, something that you don’t often see in the high street, giving the designs a little bit more umph. I love the Wizard of Oz inspired red shoes design that’s says simply “there’s no place like” with an American postcode, bringing the famous slogan and Ruby Slippers into the next generation with an almighty bang! Love it!

I love “Futurama” and in particular Bender, the ever un-politically incorrect farting and drinking robot, so you can imagine my delight when I located a t-shirt on this site featured the one and only Bender, complete with a star filled sky backdrop. Truly a lovely t-shirt that most girls would grab without a thought…it makes you want to be a girl sometimes it really does!

All in all though, this goes to show that there is more to the printing, fashion, t-shirt, clothing type world than boy’s things, so I make this promise to the double X chromosomes amongst us, I will endeavour to find and divulge my findings for your tastes too!

Tee Boy