Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Music Meets Fashion

(Yves):
Saint Laurent Music Project 

It's usually when you see music performers coming into fashion and certain campaigns that you begin to get a feel for that particular brands personality, what they believe in and the kinds of people that they're likely to converse with. The Saint Laurent music campaign imagery - photographed by Hedi Slimane in various locations from NY to LA - reminds us of the brands relationships with rock stars in the past (Yves dressed Mick & Bianca Jagger for their wedding in St Tropez in 1971) and has each music star styling themselves in an outfit from collections over the years. As you can see by the post title, I'm never quite going to forgive Hedi Slimane for dropping the whole "Yves" thing, but I actually quite like his decisions with the types of rock stars to include in the campaign. 

Google Courtney Love for Saint Laurent & you'll see some of her more 'rough' looking photos.
The one I've chosen at least gives her a little credit.
For starters, he gave us Marylin Manson - a complete God to some in his field. Even if you don't like his look or music, you can't deny that he must have been doing something right when he bagged Dita Von Teese once upon a time. I definitely liked this decision, as I was a fan during my little goth phase in my teens. Then came Courtney Love however, and I was little more skeptical. Yes, she's possibly just as controversial as Marylin Manson and her outfit choices did get some brownie points from me, but I'm still not 100% sold. She's known for her less than stellar antics and habits, so perhaps that isn't something that you want to associate with a brand that radiates luxury and edgy class. People can change, yeah, but don't photograph her when she looks as though she's nursing a hungover if you want people to think that.


Next up was Kim Gordon from the band Sonic Youth and Ariel Pink. I'm going to be honest here and say that I haven't really got a clue who these people are - sure, I've Googled them but that's as far as it goes. They both have a good look though and I love the outfits that they've chosen to wear for each shoot, so I can't really fault them. Oh and I found a quote from Ariel Pink in a previous interview with LA Weekly when he was talking about his live performances to an audience. It kind of made me relate to him a little. What can I say? I can have a personality like Marmite at the best of times, so I know how he feels:
"People boo me everywhere...They don't even hide their contempt. I'm used to it now...Hey, I'm giving audiences the real thing...For better or worse, I'm out there, and those are the circumstances. People don't like it when it seems like you don't know what's happening, or I'm getting bummed out with certain aspects and I can't hide it. I think people feel that pain and just think it's bad."


The most recent stars to join the Saint Laurent music campaign - and thus gets two thumbs up from me - are the French duo, Daft Punk. I can remember going to unders clubs in Glasgow when I was 17 and this was all they would play. It makes me feel nostalgic and happy whenever I see them, so it's brilliant to see them in the campaign. Wearing their signature LED helmets for the shoot, I think their campaigns are my favourites so far.

What do you think of the campaign and artists chosen so far? Do you think there will be many more artists being added to the list?

Photo Credit: www.marieclaire.co.uk

Monday, 15 April 2013

"The Great Gatsby" Fashion Inspirations

Guest Post:
Get Like Gatsby

After a three week break (and telling off from various people for a lack of posts), I think it could be safe to say that I've had a slightly longer than needed Easter at home and should start getting new content up for you all to read. So whilst I get on that, I thought this little 'get the look' guest post would do nicely to occupy your time. I absolutely love The Great Gatsby and the 20s style, so it's a win/win in my opinion. Enjoy!

From the lavish indulgent soirees to the impeccable, dazzling style of American royalty during the flourishing Jazz Age, "The Great Gatsby," F. Scott Fitzgerald's timeless classic, evokes the grandeur of the roaring 20s. As the novel's film adaptation approaches, the greatest Gatsby fans wait in anticipation and replicate the ostentatious beauty of that era by mirroring looks that are reminiscent of that world-class style and splendor. While waiting for the movie to hit the silver screen, celebrate Fitzgerald's epic literary tragedy by intoxicating yourself with the opulent style of yore.

Emulate the beautiful and radiant fashions with these Gatsby-style tips and inspirations:

Gatsby Costume & Couture 

 

Sashay into a 1920s jazz-age party in a sensational flapper dress adorned with a sparkling headpiece, pearls and a drop-dead smile. Any gal can dazzle in a 20s-inspired dress, whether you're looking for an embellished plus-size costume to accentuate your curves or gushing over an all-over sparkling beaded gown by Tory Burch. If you want to design your own flapper costume and Gatsby look, think tassels, glittery beading, feathers, sheath materials that shimmer and androgynous, yet sensual silhouettes. Fashion blog Refinery29.com suggest avoiding 20s-inspired stereotypes by focusing on "drop-waist tea dresses, Peter Pan collars and marabou trims."
With a customized headpiece, glitzy accessories and a feather boa, the following dresses can make a jaw-dropping impression:

  • Beatrice Dress by Guess by Marciano: The "sheer chiffon peasant dress" and its "long bell sleeves" flows with delicacy and whimsy.
     
  • Scallop Lace Dress by Juicy Couture: Accented with feminine lace and a scalloped hem, Juicy's angel-color frock will look Gatsby gorgeous with an elongated vintage gold necklace, jeweled chandelier earrings and bold statement rings.
     
  • Lefkara Lace Dress by Anthropologie: The Lefkara Lace Dress's soft champagne color and pretty lace detail reflect the vintage feel, playfulness and femininity of the glamorous era.
     
  • Honeyed Lattice Dress by Anthropologie: Designed in subtle honey-yellow and lattice floral lace, this dress will sparkle opulently with an art deco headdress and buckle flapper heels.

Art Deco Accents & Vintage Accessories

 

An art deco headband adorned with rhinestones, marabou feathers, lace and pearls stylishly reflects the rebellious sprit of the jazz age. Create your own unique Gatsby headpiece by hot gluing glitzy and glittery accessories to an elastic headband. The more extravagant and over-the-top, the more fabulous you'll look. Glue rows of diamond studs and an oversize feather or string of pearls to one side.
Actress Carey Mulligan who plays Daisy Buchanan in the Baz Luhrmann Gatsby adaptation also dons a patterned head scarf that accentuates her sleek bob. Emulate the fabulous look by wrapping a silk scarf around your head, tying a knot at the side nape of the neck and letting the ends drape across the shoulders. Nordstrom's Echo Springtime Paisley Silk Scarf, Burberry Print Silk Scarf and Emillio Pucci Leaf Profile Timeless Silk Scarf can glam up the hair for that Gatsby chic.

Your roaring 20s fashionable accouterments must include layers of pearls dripping around the neck and gemstone baubles to decorate the wrists. While accessorizing your Gatsby dress, don't be afraid to go for jewelry that's flashy and gaudy in platinum and gold.

Written by:
Jordan Frasier
Born in Chicago, Jordan comes from a family that has its history stitched throughout the world of fashion; her father was a tailor and her mother was a hat designer. So it makes sense that she would become a fashion writer. At least it makes sense to her.

Thursday, 7 March 2013

Don't Be A Drag, Just Wear McQueen


As you know, I'm a fan of all things dark and gothic - I mean, I think I'll only ever stop wearing black when they can make a darker colour - and when I think of these things I automatically think Alexander McQueen. Now, from time to time I like to imagine that I have a bank account with an endless sum of money and can buy whatever I like, so recently I felt the need to have one of these imaginary shopping trips over on the McQueen website. As you do.



As soon as I saw those jackets, I fell in love. The leather biker is a classic piece that would get worn with pretty much every outfit I could ever think of putting together and never go out of style; whereas the honeycomb print jacket would help make any basic black pieces look planned and thought out - don't you just love effortless style?

In terms of accessories, I've been looking at nude pieces for Spring as they go with just about anything and that blush Heroin bag is stunning, so I knew I had to have it - in my imaginary shopping bag of course. Today wasn't anything to go by, but it's been pretty sunny recently here in the North East and I've had to remember where I stored those sunglasses before winter. I think it's safe to say that I'm definitely in need of a new pair, so I went for the good ole' aviator and slightly retro styles. Simple, stylish, they'll go with everything, sorted.

Nothing compares to a little retail therapy every now and then - even if it is just in the form of a wish list.

Wednesday, 6 March 2013

Accessorising SS'13

Accessorising SS'13;
CaseApp

If you're anything like me then your iPhone will literally never be more than a few feet away at all times. That's if you've somehow managed to surgically remove it from your hands of course - something that has only ever happened to me a few times since I first got it. It's my life line, what can I say. This, mixed in with the fact that I'm a fashion enthusiast means that I like to match my iPhone case to my outfits whenever possible and have it looking cool in its own right. I mean most people do, right?

That's where CaseApp comes in handy. They're a Swedish company with offices in both Sweden and the UK who specialise in custom iPhone 4/4S/5 cases. You simply pop over to their website, upload an image of your liking, choose a case colour (black, white or transparent to match your phone) and add some text if you want to fully customise it. You then add it to your basket, fill in your details and it'll get shipped out to you ASAP with free delivery. Couldn't be simpler if it tried. No matter what design you choose, the cases stay the same price at £19. It is a little pricier than some, I'll admit but cheaper companies on the market will only send you a sticker or 'wrap' with your design on it. You get what you pay for, that's all I'm saying!

I customised my own case recently and decided to go with an image of Arabella Drummond - an alternative model who you might recognise from various tattoo conventions, Front magazine or even a website called Suicide Girls (don't worry, this has nothing to do with dying or attempting to die). Being interested in tattoos and alternative ideals of beauty, I think it's safe to say that I definitely appreciate Arabella and her style, so that's what I chose to have on my case!

What's great about custom cases and CaseApp is that it allows you to have a little creative freedom and ability to express your personality. You could design your own cover, scan it into your laptop/pc and upload that image when creating your case. No one will have that design and it'll be totally unique - something every fashionista likes to be. So why not head over to the website (here) and get accessorising!

Guest Post: Spring Is Coming

Guest Post;
Spring is coming

It’s that time of year again, when the nights are getting lighter and the weather is getting brighter, and everyone is in a cheerful mood because it is nearly spring.
I love this time as it means we can bring out all of those gorgeous bright colours that we couldn’t wear in the winter, and buy ballerina pumps without the fear of going out for a walk and getting them ruined by the unexpected snow. 

Just a little bit of sunshine 

This may look slightly optimistic, but considering the gorgeous bright sunshine we have had for the past few days it seems only appropriate to begin to plan our spring /summer wardrobe; and what better way to begin than to invest in a pair of fabulous shorts and a cute T-shirt.
I love wearing neutral colours as they can be worn with absolutely everything, however despite these fabulous shorts looking great with a simple top, they would also work with a bright coloured crop top, a statement bag and a pair of cute sandals. It’s easy to get stuck wearing dark colours considering the winters that we have in the UK, however use your creativity and imagination, and I can assure you that you will feel and look great straying away from the standard black.

Night out in spring 

I know it is nearly spring, and we want to invest in bright colours and floral patterns, but don’t forget those trusted skinny jeans. When our spring evenings aren’t as warm was we expected, these are great to wear with a bright coloured top for an evening out.
Team your skinnies and a cute shirt with a pair of court shoes and a oversized handbag for that smart/chic look. If you love colour why not swop the black jeans for a pair of red jeans and change that red blouse for the black alternative. You will find that adding a splash of colour makes a big difference your outfit.

  



I should own a yacht in this outfit 

What better way to feel like summer than to dress ourselves in this gorgeous sailor attire. White and blue stripes are amazing colours to wear when wanting to feel and look summery, and luckily for us ladies, bold stripes are very in this season.
Opt for a pair of bright blue skinnies and a casual white blouse for that stylish look. You can wear this outfit for a stroll around the shops or for a lunch with the family.
It can be tricky deciding what colour shoes to wear with white and blue, however I feel that going neutral is the better alternative to wearing black or bright white. These will match with the outfit; however not look too over the top considering you have a striped bag and bright jeans.

It is never too early to begin to plan your seasonal wardrobe, so invest in those gorgeous outfits now, so when the sunshine does come, you will be ready with your perfect outfit choices.

For products shown in this feature and more gorgeous clothes and shoes visit www.houseoffraser.co.uk


Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Heir of Royalty

MFW AW'13;
Dolce & Gabbana

If the D&G AW'13 show was one thing, it was elaborate. There was an heir of royalty (see what I did there?) amidst the models with their gold crowns, jewels, cross necklaces/earrings and religious mosaic print garments. Even backstage before the show, the D&G army were dressed in slick, liquid black dressing gowns complete with 'DG' gold embroidery across the chest. I really want to own one of those now that I've seen them. It was luxurious, bold and everything you expect to see from the Italian design duo at Milan Fashion Week.

Maybe I'm being a little bias, but I absolutely adore MFW and think that it possibly tops the other capitals during Fashion Month every season; the collections are just so bold, yet don't run the risk of looking cheap or tacky as can be the case at some London shows. Let's face it, London likes to push boundaries and sometimes this just comes across less than appealing. Taste is something which is definitely always present in Milan though and I think that the D&G show showed this quality off to a T.




Just like Versace's AW'13-14 show however, I found that I was attracted to the little details and accessories just as much as the collection itself. Well, I mean with gold crowns how could I not be? It's not something that I would march down the high street wearing, but I'd definitely wear one around the flat - It would certainly make washing dirty dishes a lot more fun anyway. Every girl wanted to be a Princess or Queen for the day at some stage in her life and now she can be.  

I loved the gold courts and miniature hand bags the most - after the crowns of course - but although those floral caged wedges are undoubtedly a pretty cool concept, I just can't bring myself to like them. It's sort of like the Prada geisha platform shoe from SS'13 all over again for me. Hated those unfortunately. The velvet court shoes with floral caged heel I can deal with more though. I think it's just a case of 'less is more' with that design.


Overall it was a great collection, with an end series of ruby red looks that were seriously stunning as the models took their final walk down the runway. There has just always been something about that colour that screams Italian luxury to me. What did you think of the collection?

  Photo Credit: www.vogue.co.uk - edited using Polyvore

Sunday, 24 February 2013

Tattoo Acceptance In Fashion

Gaining Acceptance:
Tattoos in The Fashion Industry

If you're a regular here at Vita di Moda, then you'll be well aware that I have a very high appreciation for tattoo's and those heavily covered in them. I myself have a half sleeve at the moment (soon to be a full sleeve) and various others on my body, so to have people approach me and tell me that I'm crazy or worse, tell me that my existing and future tattoo's are going to "ruin my looks" just pisses me off to be frank. 

I'm well aware of tattoos having an association with inmates, thugs, chavs and generally anything with a bad reputation, but are people forgetting that we're now in 2013 - a time where almost every second person you meet has at least one tattoo? Doctors, soldiers and even lawyers have full body suits under their uniforms, yet if you saw them during their personal time off, they would be getting looks thrown at them from all angles. It's ridiculous and I'm fed up with the stereotype that people attach to you as soon as they see that you have ink on your skin. I don't know how many times I've gotten on the train to go home to Glasgow, taken my jacket off and had people stare at my arm with a look of absolute disgust on their face. (I travel first class, so the people I'm talking about are men and women who travel with their LV handbags and wear sunglasses indoors. Whilst it's snowing outside.) Hello! Do you not realise that your staring is more offensive than whatever ink I have on my body? That reminds me actually. I had my blood pressure checked just last week at the doctors and the nurse physically turned her nose up when she saw my half sleeve. I nearly fell off the chair I was that taken aback. Having art on your body is not something to be ashamed of and it should definitely, 100,000,000% not be something that stops you from getting employment in the area of your choosing. I say this because whenever someone see's my tattoos, their first question is "how are you going to get your dream job now?". My answer to them? The same way everyone else does it - by working my ass off and proving that I can do it better than anyone else. I have ink on my skin, it does not make me a bad person and it certainly does not mean that I am incapable of getting the job done. If a company chooses someone else over me just because they have clear skin, then so be it. That's their loss.

My point is, tattoos - and those covered in them - should be accepted without having preconceived opinions present. This thought led me to start searching for heavily tattooed individuals in the fashion industry and what I found was that the rather wonderful Vivienne Westwood is already a fan of male models covered head to toe in ink. I knew there was a deeper reason for loving her.


The images above are from both her SS'11 & 12 menswear shows at London Fashion Week. When I look at these images, all I think is "well these lads know who they are and what they want from life" - and that they're insanely hot, but that's besides the point. To get tattoo's like these, you need confidence and bags of self assurance - these are qualities that, in my books, put you higher than those without. I think this looks good and that more models and people within the fashion industry should look like this. Women especially. Think of a full sleeve, neck or chest piece as an accessory if you want, that's what I do!

What do you think about tattoos in the workplace these days? Do you think they should be covered up, or that people should be allowed to express themselves without being judged and singled out?

Saturday, 23 February 2013

MFW: Versace Does 'Vunk'

MFW;
Versace AW'13 Collection

Is it just me that thinks this, or was Donatella feeling a little bit frisky when she came up with the Versace AW'13 collection? Don't get me wrong, I can't seem to get enough of the collection - those spiked cuff's/neck pieces and studded ankle boots are right up there on my wish list - but sex was definitely in the air at this particular MFW show!


Ladies and gentlemen, meet 'Vunk' - Versace's take on the punk trend. Definitely a little dominatrix meets punk, but I just can't get enough of it. It's not a collection to be taken on by those who aren't 200% sure of their identity and 1,000,000% confident enough to pull it off with some luster. I mean, the colour palette and fabrics (vinyl/latex/rubber/whatever that is, fur, silk and just about anything sheer) alone are enough to scare off most women. Versace have never been a label who stay within the limits though, so why should this season be any different? I actually can't help but think that those covered head to toe in tattoos would look great in this collection. I mean, there's just enough exposed panels in the clothes to show off that artwork and you're going to have bags of confidence to get so many tattoos, so why not!


Although the collection is undoubtedly jaw-dropping, it's the details and accessories that sold it for me. Just take a look at that spiked cuff and neck piece and you'll see what I'm talking about. Rivets, nails, studs, spikes, anything that's going to cause an injury and invoke a feeling of fear is present. One thing that's for sure is that no man is going to look at a woman dressed in Versace and underestimate her. Oh how I love when the ball is in the female court!

Photo Credit: www.vogue.co.uk - edited on Polyvore

Inspiring Thrift Shop Living

Macklemore & Lewis:
"Thrift Shop" Living

Here's something we haven't had in a while at Vita di Moda - a little guest post!
I don't know about you, but this Macklemore song has been stuck in my head for a solid week due to being played on a loop constantly, so when I saw this article inspired by the song I knew I wanted to post it. I really believe in thrift stores - a lot of my favourite pieces have come from second hand shops - so this article gets two thumbs up from me. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do.


At midnight on New Year’s Eve, there was one song that climbed to Spotify’s number two most-played slot — Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ “Thrift Shop.” It’s a testament to the rap duo’s growing popularity that their song has climbed up to number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the number two spot on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. This success comes through a strong social media strategy, clever branding, an aggressive tour schedule, and word-of-mouth, as Macklemore and Lewis released their debut album “The Heist” without help from a major record label.

Brand Clothing is Not Cool


“Thrift Shop” slyly skewers mainstream culture and even includes a not-so-subtle jab at R. Kelly’s sex tape scandal (“Probably shoulda washed this, smells like R. Kelly’s sheets.”). The irreverent take on thrift store living and embracing secondhand style was inspired by the artists’ dismay about commercial trends. In an extensive interview with Esquire, Macklemore talked candidly about his awareness of celebrity branding and marketing campaigns. Macklemore said, “I see brands being cool because of their name and because of who wears the brands ... the one thing I will never do is buy a shirt because of its name.”

Second-Hand Clothing


Not so many years ago, most consumers wouldn’t dream of shopping at thrift stores to expand their wardrobes. With the financial crisis, dismal unemployment numbers, and increased cost of living, many people turned to secondhand stores out of necessity. Now, they’re finding shopping at thrift stores can be as fun as it is frugal.
Macklemore and Lewis’ hit celebrates the thrill that comes with scoring a great shirt or pair of shoes for only a couple of dollars. The song glorifies unique finds (“gator shoes,” “brown leather jacket,” “flannel zebra jammies”) and rips into people who pay big money for a brand-name t-shirt. In many ways, it is the opposite of most rap songs that glorify money, brands, celebrity lifestyle, and flaunting excessive wealth. For Macklemore and Lewis, this was an intentional way to make their listeners think about looking amazing while spending as little as possible.

Go to Every Section


Take some tips from Macklemore’s Esquire interview: “It’s about searching for whatever comes up ... check out the women’s section, the home section, the hat section.” For these rappers, it’s all about the thrill of the hunt. Keep your mind option to possibilities and only buy pieces you’re sure you’ll use. This approach will keep your pocketbook full and your wardrobe fresh. It’s also important to look for the unexpected — crazy prints, unique shoes, unconventional silhouettes. Pairing your thrift store finds with some pieces from a department store creates a personal style that’s all your own.

Be Frugal in Everything


The thrifty lifestyle glorified in the song is about more than just finding a killer outfit. Think about other ways you can save money and live thriftily, in keeping with the song’s principles. Most people seek out brand names everywhere from the department store to the grocery store. Start cutting coupons and buying off-brand food items to save yourself a bundle of money. If you need a car, consider a used vehicle and take just a few minutes to get quotes for used cars online. Or stop eating out a few nights a week and work on cooking yourself meals at home.
Many of us crave a champagne lifestyle on a Pabst Blue Ribbon budget, but Macklemore and Lewis’ “Thrift Store” is a great reminder of what’s important. Leaving the brand names behind and scouring your local thrift store for some amazing finds can liberate you from society’s incessant focus on consumerism.

Written by Marianne Posner

Wednesday, 20 February 2013

LFW Front Row Fashion: Tailoring

LFW:
Front Row Fashion

I don't know about you, but this fashion month I haven't really been all that interested in following the shows as religiously as I have been past seasons. Maybe I have my mind stuck elsewhere, but there seems to only be a few shows or events happening this month that have been the least bit impressionable on me. Don't get me wrong, I probably will do a few posts here and there about the various fashion week shows thus far, but right now I felt the need to show you what those on the front row have been wearing. In particular, looks from those attending the Burberry Prorsum AW'13 show. 

Sitting on the sofa, MTV on the telle box and I'm watching their little news recap thing that they do; up pops Rita Ora giving a brief interview before she goes into the Burberry show and I'm like "Hold up. What is she wearing?". Turns out that she was supposed to be wearing a dress, but Rita decided that she preferred the Burberry SS'13 mens suit instead and stole it from her stylist. Paired with a 'Queen Delevinge' white tee, some white peep-toe wedge heels and retro 90's oval shades, she actually looked amazing. I don't normally take notice of celebrity style, but I had to admit that what she had on was inspiring me to some degree.


Turns out that Rita wasn't the only front row celebrity making an appearance in some Burberry tailoring though; Victorias Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley also showed up to the show in a scarlet slim leg suit, paired with a simple black top and heeled sandal shoe. I can't decide whose look I preferred more, but there's no denying that both looked amazing in their own way. 

It has definitely got me considering some tailoring - menswear actually - in my own wardrobe, but what about you? Do you prefer Rita's take on menswear, or Rosie's lady like version best?


Monday, 4 February 2013

Tasty Threads

Tasty Threads:
Shelfies Outrageous Sweaters

Ever thought to yourself, 'Hmm I could really go something sweet right now. But oh no, shit, I'm on a diet...' - yeah, me too. January/February tends to have that effect on us all and it can be a complete test on the strength of your willpower and just how badly you want to fit into those size X jeans or tiny bikini come Summer. 

That's where a little brand called Shelfies and their self-named 'outrageous' sweaters comes into play. 
Instagram really is where I seem to be focusing the majority of my social media presence on these days and this is exactly where I came across this brand. 10k followers alone on Instagram and countless more on their other social media channels, this fresh faced brand have picked up a pretty good fan base for only just establishing themselves in 2013. Just look at their current designs and it's easy to see why. People like to be different and nothing quite says 'look at me' than a sweater with some weed printed all over it.

I naturally gravitated towards the top left sweater covered in gummy worms - different for me considering black makes up around 99.9% of my wardrobe, but I do have a sweet tooth so what can I say. The sweaters are brilliant from what I can see so far and with more designs in the pipe line, I'm pretty sure that this relatively new brand will have a name for themselves without a doubt by the end of the year. Just watch the street style scene. How fun would it be to have a collaboration with a brand like this? Pretty awesome if you ask me - the design opportunities would be endless!

Oh, the price. Retailing for $69.99, these sweaters are more of an investment piece if you're a student like myself, but oh so worth it. Satisfy your unhealthy cravings with some fashion and save your waist line; you'll thank me for it in the long run!

Fancy giving into temptation? Just click here and shop till you hearts content...

Photo Credit: Images via Shelfies website & collated at Polyvore.com.





Summer Loving

CAYTON BAY BEACH Photography by: A very appreciated boyfriend. Earlier this week myself and my boyfriend took a little road trip ...