We’re just days away from June, just days, and the second J-beginning month of the year means one thing to me: it’s officially summer. To jump straight into summer without pausing to see if the sun will shine, let’s think about swimwear. This summer I will be tanning my mozzerella skin in the tropics of Manchester and Dublin, with a possible scorching weekend visit to a friend in Luxembourg with it’s many famous beaches, that’s right isn’t is? The pretty coastal country? So what better way to get in the mood than by drooling over lucious bikinis and all-in-one swimming costumes that I can neither use nor afford? Maybe eating some ice-cream? On the list for afterwards. One of my favourite summer smells is the lycra, sea-salty scent of the bikini, drip drying in the bath and you can tell that these summer-licious swimwear pieces from Anthropologie will not only look a million euros, but they will smell oh. so. summery.

Anthropologie’s 2011 summer collection reminds me of a Haagen Daaz advert, or that luxorious *crack* noise when a model goddess bites into a Magnum. You know what I’m talking about. I’m sure you’ll agree that this swimwear range would look great accessorized with a double-choc magnum, and maybe a glass of Sangria, go on, it’s summer – treat yourself!

This 1950s style swim suit would be perfect for those who aren’t fond of itsy-bitsy. With a halter-tie and polka dots its classy, stylish and with a splash of red-lipstick and a pair of cut off denim shorts – there’s not even any real need to go swimming.

Next up (again for the swimsuit lovers) is this modern and utterly sophisticated creation. The colour palette is clean and timeless. Wear with a floppy straw hat, factor 20 sunscreen & a classic summer read.

For those of us who are bikini ready, this combo from Anthropolgie’s vast mix-and-match range is stunning. The black top is beautifully tailored (can you say I bikini is tailored? really?) with a curving shape and ruffle details, and the bottoms add a summery splash of colour and print. I’d wear this with classic brown gladiator sandals and this pair of Ray-Bans.

But until that day I will sit here with my ice-cream and watch workout videos from the 90s. Happy swimming!

If you are a Cambridge Alumni, do head by the Cambridge Alumni store for some cool Cambridge iPhone 4 cases too!

UPDATE 07/06/11: Summer Sale now on at CamUni.co.uk – 35% discount on hoodies, t-shirts and bags!

And this is precisely what the company Formalitees and their concept of ‘Tie Tees‘ has looked to exploit in the most ironic way possible. They have invented a t-shirt with a neck-tie permanently attached to it, a simple idea that surprisingly has not been replicated as a product before. Its ideological motivation is a massive two fingers up to the establishment of suited professionals and multinational corporations. They want to reinvent the idea of the modern professional as ethical, egalitarian and ultimately non-conformist. Credit to them, its about time someone saved us from ironing our shirts and dry cleaning our jackets, slipping on a t-shirt every morning is much more ‘stylo’.

The question is, will it catch on? A predecessor of sorts was the tuxedo t-shirt, but although funny as a novelty item it didn’t necessarily have such a large ideological motivation behind it.

Hopefully more than a gag? (via flickr@thehanner

You feel that with the Tie Tee people might actually wear it for a reason outside a piece of fancy dress for a hipster rave in a ‘secret’ warehouse in Shoreditch. I’m not suggesting that suddenly the dress code for your next job interview is going to be strictly Tie Tee but rather that people might be willing to use it as a means to question what could be acceptable. I don’t think it is going to be challenging the suited establishment any time soon but how about that enigma that is the ‘smart-casual’ look? I’ve always seen it as a bit of a nothing dress code that tends towards under-dressing or over-dressing but never just right. So surely if anything epitomizes the smart-casual look then surely it is a tie that is smart and a tee that is casual. A fashion conundrum cracked.

Maybe the broader point to take from this is that t-shirts are comfortable and they should be pushed into more formal or professional spheres. It is time to push the boundaries of clothing categories and Indigo Clothing is happy to jump onto the bandwagon.

The orange and brown colour is perfect for Autumn/Halloween! All you Apple fans should also check out the ‘Charge Tee‘ too!

The clog has a great deal of versatility as a form of footwear, but this summer it has become more than a tourist’s souvenir. No longer fashion roadkill, the clog will have you hop, skipping and toe tapping your way onto the catwalk. In its most perfect form, the clog should look like you just slipped it on in a hot second. It likes to be kept low key. It’s a low maintenance kind of shoe. This said, don’t underestimate its stylish charm. In that hot second it can transform you from average Joe into towering Dutch goddess. Ironically, the Australian brand (famous for their well-loved boots) UGG have had their elves hard at work hammering nails in a new range of slip on clogs. With a pair of dark denim skinny jeans folded up at the bottom, these could quite easily become the new boot, showing that UGG are not a one trick pony.

UGGS and Kisses

But if slip on doesn’t do it for you, have a glance at the clog creations from Creatures of Comfort. These handmade Honey coloured clogs are made with Nubuck leather and shiny silver buckles. Their open toe and ankle strap shows how the clog has been summered up, and they are self-branded as ‘Incredibly Comfortable,’ though there’s only one real way to find out……..

Platform Clogs

…..I say there’s only one way to find out…..

purely in the interest of research I have sampled a few of this season’s clogs, and have to admit that they were incredibly comfortable. But just to let you know, they might take a bit of getting used to. Don’t head straight for the catwalk without a practise session. When I took my first clog stroll I did feel a little bit like I was walking on a rocking horse. It’s good to be aware that the clog is a whole new sensation.

The only possible solution to this scenario is to combat heat with devilishly nice clothes. Breezy lightwear is essential for the melting months, and though the oppressive warmth might make you feel like you need to look like a troll, the opposite is true. For ladies, what could be more perfect than a floaty summer dress which drapes and flows away like a pretty cool stream in material so light you’ll barely know it’s there? Clothiers Eskell know what it’s like to be hot (double-entendre intended) and it’s likely that this was the inspiration behind their Luna Dress which is green and white in all the right places. Decorative and elasticated, the two summer essentials, you won’t melt with this dress on your team. Promise.

Yes. Summer Dress.

For the man, it’s shortie time. Pop out the pins and slip into a pair of lightweight tailored shorts by Original Penguin. These seersucker shorts won’t leave you looking like a sucker. Combining the trend for denim shorts, the lightness of cargo and the tailoring of Original Penguin, you’ll be chill. And for your own personal reassurance they look great accessorized with a cold beer.

Man Shorts

What is it about the Ray-Ban that makes everyone from the Men in Black to Sarah Jessica Parker slide a pair up their celebrified noses? And aside from the celebridoodles, a pair of Ray-Bans have become indispensable to the non-famous. Take a stroll around your nearest city and you’ll outcount your fingers by the number of Ray-Banners you see protecting the population from the sun’s glare.This summer the shades that have experienced recurring patterns of slump and revival since their original creation in 1952 are experiencing a large scale return. But what is it about these shades that seems so accessible to everyone? Is it that they suit all faces, is it that they are seen as an investment in quality, or is it simply that

in the

“black suit with the black Ray Ban’s on”

you can

“Walk in shadow move in silence
Guard against extra-terrestrial violence”?

Debatable, but this year Ray-Ban has introduced more than colour to the simple black shades, today we have print. Collaborating with some of the world’s best print makers, Ray-Ban have extended from sunglasses to limited edition posters to publicize their new collection.

Alongside the posters, the rare prints collection is nothing if not exciting. These subway map style shades will make sure you always find your way around. Though if your attraction to the original wayfarer can never be lost, why not try a twist on the classic with an insider flower print.

Subway

Secret Flowers

Das Monk is a graphic clothing label, the creative collaboration of husband and wife team Marc Hendrick and Anna Lunoe. Since 2007, they have been inspired by everything from cassette covers to cubicle wall doodles in their Sydney studio, and have found a happy urban home within Australia’s art and music scene. They rendez-vous artistically with emerging artists worldwide, enjoy wonderful weirdness, and their designs are fresher than home grown tomatoes.

In these designs, diamonds within diamonds produce colourful kaleidoscopic effects, and hexagons are home to fluid explosions of colour and shape, as Das Monk graphically display fusions of colour and shape structures that catch the eye, stay in the mind and rest perfectly against the chest.

But the visual repertoire of Das Monk is neither repetitive or limited. Alongside these structural representations there is playful design and optical illusion. Das Monk design is a world where precisely peeled apples become serpents, pencil sharpening shapes turn into gazelles, and ice-cream is acid. This monk ain’t never been so wild.

The world of leg-wear has however, suddenly come up trumps. Poor leggies are not poor leggies any more because they just got two new best friends: Les Queues de Sardines and Henry Holland.

With a helping hand from Les Queues de Sardines, leggies become fancy fancy. Slipping into a pair of these can transform them into anything from……

Mermaid…….

to the sky……..

to Lara Croft……..

to scary hairy monsters. Eugh.

Henry Holland might be a little less attention grabbing, but all the same the legs love them. Henry Holland enjoys making tights which are less opaque than the creations by Les Queues de Sardines. With this edge of see-through-ness, the Henry Holland tights will help you to learn your ABC’s in alphabet tights.

And following the new trend for “Mock Socks” – that would be tights pretending to be socks – Henry is your main man. His ‘House Mock Over the Knee Tights’ may be a mouthful, but more importantly they’re a whole legful.

But you know what we should do? Instead of complaining we should roll around in the snow, go sledging, look up at the sky and stick out our tongues to catch cold drops. We should take a leaf out of this t-shirt company’s book and ‘Cheer Up!’ because summer has got to be on its way. Right?

Cheer Up! Clothing started back in 2006 through a collaboration of besties Matt and Ed. They loved to design clothes so they decided to embark on an adventure in the business world. With a brand called ‘Cheer Up!’ who wasn’t going to love them? From t-shirts which remind you of your Momma telling you to ‘Enjoy yourself’ to scribble shirts which brightly tell everyone who sees you to ‘Cheer Up!’ this company’s ethic is clear. It’s even depicted in their company logo which is an old-school milkshake silhouette. What could make you happier than milkshake? Who knows? I can’t think of anything that’s made me happier than milkshake.

Guess what you should do...

Their milkshake logo is displayed with pride of place in this simple fitted polo shirt, which is my favourite item from their range. It’s polo-tastic. Back to milkshakes now; this reddish colour reminds me of the cherry on top of milkshakes, though interestingly enough I’ve never had one of these in real life. Where can you get a good milkshake with a cherry on a stalk on the top? Hmm, only in the films I think.

Spot the milkshake

Sumi Ink Club’s beautiful designs have been transferred onto the tee, and they are striking to say the least. The design detail is almost on a parallel with an optical illusion – it looks kinetic, but it isn’t, and mexican waves of changing colour on these shirts will definitely get you noticed. When you’re wearing your shades and stalking down the street people will stop you to say ‘wow’. All you will have to say in return is: ‘Sumi’, and maybe do the peace sign with your fingers.

for him

for her

Your look will be made complete with this hot bag they’ve added to the line. The perfect reusable shopping bag. Eco, and chic-o. I like it, lots.

Available here.

But in the fantastical world of caverns: [definition: a cave, or a chamber in a cave, typically a large one], the treasures it can hold all depend on individual taste. For my Father, I am sure the cavern would hold gadgets, for my friend it would definitely hold Snickers bars, and for myself? Well obviously: books….or shoes……too much choice, can I have a combination of both?

For a brand that affiliates itself with chambers of treasure, Cavern Collection has high standards to live up to. This ‘collaboration of ideas’ was born in 2005 by L.A. based artists Adam Tullie and Angeline Rivas. Their designs are focused on a core base of original, hand-drawn offerings. I can hazard a guess that their imaginary cavern would therefore, be filled with pencils and paper.

The designs on their t-shirts really do evoke an impression of graphic originality, native american/egyptian inspirations, and a printed evocation of texture which is fascinating to the eye.

Feathery

Accessories can be found in this Cavern too

Aladdin?

I think you’ll agree, it’s all beautifully Pocahontas.

And if you felt like decorating your home in the same style as your clothes, you sure can with Cavern Collection. My home would have this driftwood, manilla rope chandelier because it would make me feel like life in a tent, a simple life.

So Sahara

But in the world of cycling there are some important considerations to make. Are you going to be a practical biker, or a super-styler? Do you roll up the right leg of your trouser and risk creasing or do you invest in some snug cycle leggings with a padded bottom? Are you going to wear a few well-positioned reflective strips here and there, or go the full whammy and get a disco ball jacket? Will you have an uber-cool short strap courier bag, or a 1930s schoolteacher wicker basket?

In the Netherlands, they know how to ride with the style, it’s something about being effortlessly European. But regardless of your nationality, you too can ooze Euro on your set of wheels with a Bagaboo, Hungarian slice of courier cool on your back.

Also handy for when you're not on the bike

Bagaboo were the sponsers of the 2009 European Cycle Messenger Championships, and are set to rise to even greater heights of cycle-fashion-fame in 2010, Budapest. Tearproof and water resistant, you can customize your Bagaboo and select your perfect colour combo, size, and any special little extras like laptop sleeves, key clips, and champion stripes.

Team it with one of these super cool Bern helmets (safety first), and you’ll look just like you’re from the Netherlands: Goede reis!

In case of accident

All our hoodies are ideal for promotional branding via digital or screen printing, transfer (vinyl) or embroidery. This makes them ideal for university hoodies or leavers hoodies.

Using our online quote tool will give you a price guide to work with, all you need to specify is ‘Quantity’, ‘Print Type’ and whether you’re choosing ‘Embroidery’ or ‘Print’.

We can supply our hoodies in a wide range of colours from Arctic White and Military Green to Hot Pink and Jet Black.
We cater for many sizes as well from XXXL which is suitable to a 52” all the way down to a Small 36”.

Our College Hoodie has a Kangaroo pouch pocket and features a double fabric hood and colour coordinated draw string. Both the cuffs and hem are ribbed keeping the warmth in and the cold out.

Hoodies

Polo Shirts

Polo Shirts are ideal for promotional work wear as they portray a smart yet casual dress code for your company, and they keep all your staff looking uniform!

If you’re on budget, then you can always opt for a slightly more affordable range of polo shirts, but just because they are cheaper option don’t worry about the quality of material been any lower, as you will often find that they are still made by a reputable company such as Fruit Of The Loom.

Our Standard Weight Polo Shirt is the most popular purchase out of our Polo Shirt range. They come in a range of colours such as Red, Blue, White and Black.

The Standard Weight Polo Shirt is made from 65% Polyester and 35% Combed Cotton.

We can also supply Polo Shirts in a wide range of sizes from a Small 36/38″ to a XXXL 50/52″.

If you’re looking for a small amount of Polo Shirts for promotional branding, then Digital printing or Vinyl will provide the most economical costings, where as quantities over 20 will benefit from be screen printed or having an embroidered logo.