It has occurred to me whilst thinking about kids clothing, that all bets are now off. No longer do the girls have to wear pink, the boys in blue, cutesy animal pictures and teddy bear logos on the front, delicate and un-noticeable. Now, kids can be edgy, funny, trendy and dare I say it…risqué!

On the scout for the ultimate in trendy, funky baby clothing I recently came across a label called Nappyhead. Their designs range from the traditional simple pastels to bright, bold and just that little bit naughty. There’s something there for the yummy mummy, the traditional mum or the quite ridiculously outrageous mum. Furthermore there’s something there for the dads too, t-shirts with slogans matching those of the children, great fun to wear at a party or fun get together.

One design that has caught my eye is the Pac Man eighties inspired t-shirt, incorporating the baby milk bottles with the infamous Pacman yellow guy logo; this is not only cute but fun and rather contemporary for a child’s t-shirt, pure genius. Available in black and funky pink, any toddler I’m sure would very proud to wear (although obviously at such a young age they may not quite have much choice in what they’re parents dress them in, poor defenceless kids!).

Tee Boy

The obligatory Hen night or Stag night (or bachelor/bachelorette party in the US and a Buck party to our Aussie cousins) is a time honoured tradition for those that have decided to bite the bullet and get married. Usually associated with t-shirts and sometimes ridiculous themed outfits, this night (or it seems here in the 21^st Century, perhaps a week or a fortnight!) is one of merriment, shenanigans and dare I say it debauchery! One thing that I can’t help but wonder however, is where this festive activity comes from? Does anyone know? Does anyone care?! Well I for one decided to find out.

Unfortunately even the internet couldn’t divulge a complete history of where the idea came from but there are a few hints. Perhaps the most prominent dates back to the Spartans (yes you saw the film!), members of their military would celebrate a comrade/friend’s upcoming betrothal by drinking and feasting through the night, usually the day before the wedding day. Obviously now the night before the wedding has significantly declined in acting as the day of the stag/hen party.  The reference to Stag being the literal leader of a group, a masculine symbol that represents it’s purpose. As to the Hen, perhaps a reference to future motherhood or the care of her own group. Whatever the reason, these terms are well and truly part of our regular vocabulary.

Nowadays it is perfectly normal to celebrate at least a few weeks prior to the main event, perhaps due to risk of hair loss, embarrassing tattoos or whatever else has happened on the night/weekend/week long excursion, there is now time left to grow back that hair that was shaved off in your sleep, have that tattoo removed from a very visible area or even arrange to sort out a misunderstanding after the incident with the pole dancer. Whatever the reason it’s fairly obvious that like most things in the last few decades, more effort, more money and more wild ideas are being ploughed into this tradition. With the eventual addition of the ladies also going out onto the town and celebrating their last days as a single girl, this worldwide phenomenon is now a common sight on any street in any city in any country. Much to the disappointment of certain bar stewards or door staff that have the unenviable task of keeping these merry makers in order! You know who you are!

With the events themselves, comes the desire to dress up, have a uniform or quite simply let the planet know why you are all dressed in stockings and suspenders wandering around Swindon at 3am…yes boys you were seen!  Stag and Hen T-shirts are the most popular way of making the night or holiday into a fun one, the message on most is literally an giving the name of the soon to be Groom/Bride and maybe a little play on his/her likes or dislikes, usually incorporating some level of impropriety, but overall just a bit of fun that usually brings a smile to most passer-by’s faces.

All in all, the purpose and activities relating to this once sacred right of passage have exploded and been added to quite outrageously over the years and today a great deal of fun and profit can be made.

For those of you planning your celebration, have a fantastic time and go all out, that’s what it’s there for. Enjoy your friendships, enjoy the beer and go out in style, you only get married once…apparently!

Tee Boy

This week a little something for those Emo’s amongst us (emotionally unstable for those of you not in the know, like myself I had no idea), I noticed during a visit to one of those funky student come-indie come-goth shops, the very colourful label called David & Goliath.

This silly and fun company’s policy is to apparently create the funniest and stupidest products in the world. Their t-shirts employ a simple bright, funny character based humour, a take on words, a play on current street slang being heard from the youth of today.

Originating with a young man called Todd in Florida, USA; this unlikely visionary’s doodles soon became the main characters and designs for a range of t-shirts for men, women and children alike. Over the years this interesting and rather amusing brand has exploded onto the street and fashion scene. Perhaps a little unfortunate for those rebellious teenagers who don’t want to be seen wearing something that has appeared in Cosmo magazine recently, but obviously great news for the man himself! Progressing to pyjamas, hooded sweatshirts, underwear and socks this brand is fast expanding now with over 5000 individual characters and the diversification into books and greeting cards (the book “Boys are stupid, throw rocks at them!” has recently been a huge hit, full of silly jokes and fun doodle like illustrations. Overall, the only word that can be used is “fun”, if you’re looking for bright, colourful, amusing without being crude t-shirts and clothing; then look no further. Available on the high street and on-line, check them out, the website alone is worth a look.

Tee Boy

As a rule I’m not a baby person but within the coming months it looks like I will be surrounded by the little lovelies as a number of friends have announced (threatened) the potential patter of tiny feet.

Whilst obviously having a look at the possible gifts that no doubt have to be purchased in the upcoming visits to homes to ooh and ahhh, I’ve also had a think about what children can wear. As a rule of the eons it’s been a simple case of girls wearing pink, and the boys wearing blue. How dull (and extremely limiting) is that?! Thankfully in the 21^st century we are somewhat less shocked and all for change in the traditions that we have grown accustomed to. No longer do all babies have to be wearing the obligatory pink and blue grab, they can now wear bright fun colours and even, yes even printed clothing. Oh the joy! With this in mind I’ve been scouring the net in search of the ultimate in baby clothing. On a weekly basis in addition to my T-Shirt of the week articles, in honour of the exciting prospect of these little people coming into the world I will explore what’s on offer for the little tikes in this ever changing fashion world where you are what or who you wear.

My first find is a rather funky company called Raspberry Blowers (a rather whimsical choice of name too!), their approach is to bring a little humour into the clothing for the kids, simple plays on wording or catchphrases made famous throughout the globe, partnered with bright and simple colours and images, a pleasure to wear for the child (as well as being made from 100% organic cotton) and perhaps a giggle for any tired parents. My favourite would be the Ipod inspired “Ipoo” t-shirt which is literally just the wording formatted to imitate the infamous logo, simple and rather funny without being too crude or inappropriate for even the yummiest of mummies. Definitely a winner. I also like their presentation, each garment arrives in its own little labelled box (free of charge too), meaning that present buying is made that little bit easier, what could be better?

Tee Boy

Yes, today is officially the first day of Spring. The birds are singing, the sky is blue, the sun is out and people seem to be a lot happier. Amazing what a little bit of good weather can do for you.

With the Spring season comes a new season in fashion and style. Gone are the thick jumpers, the body coverings of grey, black and brown and out come the bright colours, short skirts, shorts and skimpy footwear. Unfortunately here in the UK we aren’t blessed with much by way of sunshine so I think it’s safe to say that as soon as that sun does rear its head, then soon enough the shorts, flip flops, skimpy tops and sunglasses emerge in throngs. The parks are once again populated with people playing games, reading books, generally just chilling out. Bars start adding piazza style dining areas outside their windows, enticing young professionals to partake of a glass or two and a light snack to reward their hard working selves for being in the office when the outside sunshine has so much to offer. Yes I perhaps am really rather wistful looking outside myself, but more so am I also contemplating what will my choice of wardrobe be for the coming warmer climate?

Shorts are a definite, this year the boardies (surf style funnily enough never goes out of style) and combat style shorts are back with a vengeance, camouflage won’t cut it this year however, the more preppy checked and striped “smarter” look is one of the hot looks in the gents stores at present, or the rolled up short jeans are a must, teamed with either the understated white plimsolls (and no socks, please no socks) and casual bright baggy t-shirts (or tight for those of us that can pull it off), printed retro bold designs are definately hanging around for a while so hang onto those ones you had for Christmas or picked up in the sales, they are an investment.

Bright rolled up sleeve shirts left open with plain white t-shirts for those wanting a more serious yet summer look for an afternoon session with friends in true metropolitan style.

Flip-flops as always are an easy, comfortable (if you’re lucky enough not to have to spend a few days with sore feet from trying to get used to them) bit of footwear that can be worn with shorts, jeans or anything else. Available in pretty much any colour or style you can imagine (but please, do try and stay away from sandals, there is a limit to which you can stray too far) all the designers have added their brands to them, or if you’re not too worried about what’s on your feet, especially when you can’t see the brand, then the high street stores have a great variety of colourful, plain or designed ones to suit any budget from as little as a fiver; so there’s definitely no excuse for anyone to be seen without at least a hint of style and taste upon themselves! You have been warned.

Sunglasses, sunnies, shades (all the same thing); it goes without saying are a big look as usual. If you’re a lover of the Oakley look and again you can pull them off (not everyone can, believe me!) then keep with it. For those of us on a tighter budget and not able to fork out for the likes of Ray Ban or Police, then again the high street stores are offering a great variety of retro, modern and downright strange styles that suit all budgets from as little as £8.00. Big glasses are back, wide rims, retro white frames and aviators have returned for another season. Perhaps not great with regards to the sun protection factors, but in the style stakes, you’re on to a winner.

Straw hats seem to have snuck in somewhere, not to my taste to be honest but some guys can just pull them off, put with rolled up jeans, t-shirt and plimsoles and you’re transformed into an English countryside picture circa 1950’s, quirky yet casual.

All in all, the general rule is quite plainly, there are no rules, wear what makes you comfortable, what makes you smile and black definitely should stay in the wardrobe for a few months.

Get some Spring in your style step!

Tee Boy

Even though I submitted a t-shirt of the week yesterday, I have to show this one, mainly because it is quite simply genius! Ask any child under the age of 14 what a video tape is and you are most likely to get a very blank face, it’s all about Blue Ray and MP3 nowadays but not so long ago I fondly remember popping into Woolies (another part of our lives that will never be the same again) and buying that tape that I’ve been saving for all month. Chunky plastic things that had such exciting covers with the brief overview of the plot on the reverse that even though you knew what was on it, you still had to read every mouth watering sentence.

As time has gone by and the VHS and video players alike have gone the way of the dinosaurs, this t-shirt is a fantastic tribute to a very large part of all our daily lives, for those of us around in the 70’s and 80’s of course!

A simple and novel approach that may raise a smirk on the street.

Tee Boy

This week’s nomination is from Quicksilver as part of their usually successful surf branded wear, they’ve started incorporating colour and edgy street looks to their collection. This item in particular is pure and blatant agenda pushing with the design being the label name written over and over fused with bright and funky colour usage. All in all, a great and simple design that for the summer months ahead would look great paired with boardies, combats or jeans, teamed with the usual beaded bracelets and other various surf gear that has been adopted as part of most gent’s summer wear, yes sir we have an ensemble!

On the subject of ensembles and perhaps digressing onto fashion in general; I’m off to see Confessions of a Shopaholic tomorrow. Having already read the entire series of books I’m quite keen to see how it has been translated onto the big screen. With the obligatory references to huge names and fashion designers it is sure to strike a smile on our faces, and having already picked up the soundtrack which contains a variety of not only great talents (Lady Gaga, Natasha Beddingfield, Akon and the Pussycat Dolls) but fantastic track titles geared towards fashion or even the items of clothing themselves (‘Blue Jeans’, ‘Fashion’ ‘Accessory’ to name but a few), definitely a must have for any fashion or music lover.

It strikes me that over the years, a film can even be about a simple thing as clothes, shoes and accessories. Yes perhaps a little materialistic but hey, that’s progress and the human condition for you!

Tee Boy

Unless you didn’t already know it, today is the 17^th March which means that it is St Patrick’s day. In Ireland this means celebrating the patron saint of Ireland, whom ironically was a citizen of Wales who was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. Having escaped and taking on religion he then returned to Ireland as a missionary where his work then earned him the title of saint.

In other parts of the world it is celebrated by those of us with an excuse to drink copious amounts of Guinness and the recent revelation that we are in fact Irish by descent, convenient don’t you think?

Whatever your excuse to celebrate this event, it goes without saying that green is the colour today, already I have seen a number of t-shirts hats and trousers worn (particularly by the students amongst us) on my journey to work this morning, along with the posters advertising various St Paddy’s day offers, drinks promotions and pub nights. Out of all the holiday’s this one seems to be one of the more popular ones and the one most likely to get people dressing up in more and more outrageous get ups with shamrock’s, pints of the black stuff and all manner of Irish-esque logos and famous slogans.

T-shirts especially are the most popular part of the ensembles, some with messages, some with jokes, most with drinking related subject matter.

There are plenty of websites advertising their own designs and I’m sure plenty of people have designed their on appropriate homage to this fast becoming non-religious holiday.

If you’re off out tonight, do the Irish people proud and do it properly, loud, proud and green!

Onto another seasonal subject. It’s March, the spring has arrived and so far the weather has been lovely, so lovely in fact that prematurely the lads and lasses out there have already been donning those shorts, flip flops and shades. If however some of you (like myself) aren’t quite ready to acknowledge that the temperatures haven’t really risen that much then here’s a helpful hint, wear shorts and flipflops but partner them with a trendy, warm yet cool (not idea how that works but it does) hooded sweatshirt. Should the weather suddenly turn nasty, you can quite simply throw them on over your t-shirt and voila, warmth plus style equals happy person. All the colours are out there, the high street itself is alive with labelled and non labelled sweatshirts in a variety of bright and fun colours perfect for the transition from Spring to Summer. I myself have my eye on a very bright yellow sweatshirt that will pretty much go with anything in my ever expanding wardrobe. Alas, apart from certain jeans that may perhaps have me looking like a representative of a very well known Scandinavian furniture store (it doesn’t dare thinking about does it?).

So, the main point of my ramblings today is that even though it’s warm, it really isn’t but you can still look the business without sacrificing your comfort and sanity.

Tee Boy

Upon discovering that my boss has acquired a very trendy pair of new trainers I was very keen to see them. Unfortunately, upon seeing them I have had to fight feelings of jealousy and envy over and over again, because they are quite simply fantastic. A bright blue meshing contrasting with a faux brushed suede grey, making them a retro yet modern example of what is being worn on the streets today. Yes people I want them!

Thinking about them and the colours they are available in, not one of them is a boring or light colour, all of them are bright, bold and edgy, I couldn’t help but wonder, is colour back in style?

For a long time we’ve been happy with white trainers, with perhaps a small amount of colour thrown in for good measure, but never anything too in your face. From there the usual basketball sneakers, skate wear and surf wear have had their influence and more colours have started to crop up. Gone are the days when you could only be seen on the street wearing a pristine pair of whiter than white daps (old school term for trainers, oh dear I really am getting old! Pass me my slippers and pipe would you dear?).

This isn’t just happening in the footwear world however, across the ranges colours are really coming to their own. T-shirts hardly ever come in pastels anymore, the bold red, blue, yellow and pink have come back with a vengeance and so have their neon cousins. Hooded sweatshirts have always been an item used to express an attitude and message are now showing up in bright purples’, greens and various shades of bright pinks. Jeans, an item of clothing traditionally known to be varying shades of blue are now available in black, red, white, green, purple, pink and upon visiting Topshop recently with a friend, gold and silver have also made an appearance. I have no idea how long these new members of the fashion family will be around but for the moment, colour is here to stay!!!

Not always something that goes with the wearer’s complexion of the rest of their ensemble (or hair even), in this time of the 80’s comeback, punk and skate looks, there are no rules when it comes to what is being put with what. It’s a great time to experiment, there’s no shock anymore to see someone with bright coloured hair paired with neon clothing of the complete opposite colour.

So with that in mind why not grab your neon pink jeans, your bright blue T-Shirt and gold trainers and go out in style (well it sounded good in my head anyway).

Get colourful!

Tee Boy

This week our t-shirt de-jour is one for the girls, or those lads brave enough to wear it!

I have to admit I am a fan of Elmo, as shameful as this revelation is, he is adorable, funny and have you seen a tickle me Elmo?! Hours of fun, well perhaps for me anyway. For those of you that haven’t check out the video below, I dare you not to laugh.

The colour and print of the t-shirt is very much an example of what is popular and on the high street at the moment. Retro images and that distressed t-shirt that I’ve had since the 80’s look is very prominent in both the ladies and men’s looks. Not a bad price and their quality is always very high and durable meaning that this retro top could be kept for years to come and perhaps even become actually retro in age as well as appearance.

Maybe not something to be given as a gift for Mother’s Day (22^nd March in case anyone’s forgotten!) unless your Mum happens to be around her early 20’s and in which case I have no idea how you could possibly be reading this blog or know what your belly button is.

Anyway, I digress; this t-shirt is pink, colourful, fun and would be perfect simply with a pair of jeans for going out with the girls to the cinema or bowling or perhaps slobbing around in your PJ’s watching your favourite guilty pleasure. Whatever the use, let’s face it, in this time of “recession” and all things money and misery it’s nice to see somethin bright and fun that may perhaps bring a little smile to your face.

Here’s to fun and colour, Spring is coming so let’s leave the browns, blacks and greys behind.

Tee Boy