Pieboy

There are two simple rules to style in New York. 

1. Always wear black
2. Layers layers layers

So on those rare occasions where I want to throw a bit of colour into the mix I end up looking like a total boy. Sneakers, oversized tees, check shirts. It's almost as if I'm reverting back to my childhood days of being a complete tomboy. Recently Pieboy reached out to me and sent me one of their iconic bobble hats. Now I'm partial to a bobble or two with the bobble hat being my absolute go to item whenever I hit the slopes, and with this guy being one of their limited edition original hats. Yeah you can't win me over more than that. Starting as an urban street wear brand in 2011, Pieboy have now grown to have a cult following at university towns across England creating a unique line of varsity bobble hats in a certain special groups of universities signature colours - of course Leeds is one of the select few. 

With the sun shining in New York and spring looking like it might be here to stay, I can't wait to wear this hat with a teenie pair of Daisy Dukes and black swing tank. How would you style your Pieboy?

Highline

What I'm Wearing: Artizia Silk Cap, Missguided Swing Vest, Zara Wool Coat, Vintage Levi's & Gap Leopard Sneakers

The Highline is one of my absolute favourite spots in the city. A small tranquil route, elevated one story above the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Only New York would use an old historical freight rail line and transform it into the cutest of public parks. Hopping on right by my apartment and wondering all the way down to Chelsea market, its like a breath of fresh air. Artwork, sculptures, greenery and flowers line the track - which are all pretty sparse in the city. A recommended visit for all those visiting New York, grab a coffee and wonder on down for the perfect getaway without actually getting away at all.

Winter Coat

What I'm Wearing: Urban Outfitters Panama Hat & Sweater, Zara Coat, Gap Jeans & Topshop Boots. 

Say hello to my newest winter wardrobe addition. This double breasted little beaut is totally my new obsession for this oh so chilly season. When it comes down to winter coats I have a million and one difference styles furs, leathers, trenches you name it, but for some bizarre reason I have never had a wool pea type coat - hence why this is such an exciting purchase. Teamed with a vintage hat from Urban Outfitters which by some miraculous reason fits my giant head perfectly. Sorry about the lack of outfits posts recently, be crazy busy sorting out everything for New York. Less than two weeks till the big moving date now. Absolutely buzzing! 

Last Day

It's over. Today was officially the last university lecture I will ever have. Like ever. I have been looking forward to this day for goodness knows how long, so I could at last be done with education and start making my mark on this big ol' fashion world, but now that it has come around I am actually really sad. University has been the most amazing experience for me and obviously there has been all the highs and the lows, but what really has made it an experience of a lifetime are all the amazing friends I have made. I know that sounds like such a cliche "guys you've made this experience, like, totes amaze". But seriously, I'm going to miss seeing all of them every week in our usual stressed out yet extremely stylish state. Suppose it's not all bad, when we're all off living in LA, New York, Paris, Sydney & Dubai, we have the perfect excuse for a cheeky vacation. Naturally, I had to shoot this with the University's iconic red brick walls of the Clothworker's building as my backdrop and have fellow fashion student, Jess, taking the snaps. It just wouldn't have seemed right any other way. On another note, I haven't seen the back of this place quite yet, with an obscene amount of work to complete in just over two weeks, graduate shows, design catalogues, portfolios, it seems as though I'll be donning the title of 'Fashion Student' for quite a while longer and long may it last.

Before I forget, I need to tell you all about my gorgeous new bracelet by Eleonor de Casanovas from Lewis Andrews. If you follow me on Instagram (@georgiabenj) you would have already got a sneak peak, but I am literally obsessed with it! If you're thinking of jet-setting off to the Algarve this summer then you all need to head over to the no. 1 store in Portugal's, Almancil. Lewis Andrews is the go-to lifestyle store stocking some of the cutest brands and Eleonor de Casanovas jewellery is just one of them, be sure to check them out on Facebook (click here) for the most up-to-date info on all the latest products to hit the store. 

Black Jeans

What I'm Wearing:Vintage Hat & Tee, Gap Skimmer Jeans, New Look Neon Necklace, ASOS Gilet & Kurt Geiger Boots.

The search is over! I have finally found the perfect pair of black jeans. For guys, jeans is such a non issue, but for us girls it is literally a miracle when you find the pair that just fit, not too long, not too tight ,the perfect rise and the perfect colour. These jeans are GAP's latest edition to their almighty denim collection. The 'Jean Legging Skimmer' only have 3% elastine in them so they won't grow and grow till you can almost fit two legs in one, the perfect low rise and are actually black. I know that sounds strange but these jeans are really black. I loved my Topshop Leigh Jeans but with every wash they turned a shade lighter until they were pretty much charcoal. With the jeans being new in, GAP have them on a special promotion for only £30 absolute bargain! I need to go back and buy one in every colour. Hallelujah for GAP Jeans!

Vogue - Strike A Pose

What I'm Wearing: Karl Alley Vogue Hat from Nasty Gal, ASOS Mongolian Fun Gillet, American Apparel Leotard, Miss Selfridge Jeans & Kurt Geiger 'London Calling' Sneakers.

I literally jumped for joy when the rather large Nasty Gal box came through my door earlier this week containing my gorgeous new 'Vogue' hat & I could not wait to take it out for a spin. Dropping off my brother back at Oxford today, I took advantage of the perfect opportunity to stand out amongst the tweed and chino clad crowd. A couple of complements and odd glances later, I was very glad of my choice of head attire. “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect”. Mark Twain has hit the nail on the head with this quote. Sartorially speaking, what is the point of fitting in? It really is great to stand out from the crowd from time to time, don't you agree?

PS. Sorry about being off the blogging radar for a while, had the most obsecene amount of work to complete for my hand in earlier this week. But with very little sleep and way too many expresso's it was all handed in. Now I've got 2 weeks of well deserved R&R before heading back up north to knuckle down again. Let the shopping commence!

It's Been Bitching 2012

New Years Eve is built up to be a night full of dreams, fireworks and frivolity. But deciding what to do on the "big night" is always tricky with so many of us not having plans till the very last minute. Who better to see in the new year than a big group of your closest and oldest friends? 

Very kindly, Mark offered up his humble abode for this years little shindig where we drank dance and sung the night away all the way into 2013. 

Lets start the night off right wrong so wrong. Roll on the black sambuca.

Say hello to my party hat!

Black, gold and studded all over. The perfect accessory to make my New Year's eve outfit. Sadly it didn't stay on my head for very long with everyone channelling their inner 'G' as soon as they put it on.

With the music blaring, we almost missed the countdown. Lucky managed to get there in the nick of time for a jubilant chorus of Auld Lang Syne.

Champagne time!

Lets get this party popping!

Entering the new year all became a bit of a blur at this point, but it sure is a dead cert that these Old Grammarians know how to have a good time!

And of course Mr Williamson was stripped of his clothing.

Hats off to Mark for throwing a fantastic party and what a way to welcome in the new year. 

Its now that time again. The good old new years resolutions that we try to keep for at least the month of January (my 'healthy eating' resolution has already gone out the window day 1, a huge crepe followed by Chinese takeaway - well I needed to get over this hangover somehow, I'll just start tomorrow...).

Starting a new year is always so exciting, but its looking back at what you've done throughout the year that always makes me smile. The loves and the losses, the places visited and the new friends. 2012 has been a big year for me, lets just see what 2013 has in store. 

I want to go into this new year with a quote from photographer Hans Feurer.

"But you must not try to do too many things. You need to find out what it is you really love and concentrate on that and all of a sudden your life gets juicier and more meaningful. You have to follow your guts even if it doesn't make sense or generate money. Either you are one of the robots queueing with a number stamped on your ass, or you are a free individual who makes up his own mind. You have to hold on to what you love and what you really think is exciting - and go for it!"

Roll on 2013! Happy New Year!