Starry Eyed: Forever 21

When Shakespeare said, "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves" he actually meant to say, "wear stars".

Like, you know, on your shirt, collar and sweatshirt. Essentially it's about wearing your destiny, and as an avid Shakespeare reader how could I not heed The Bard's advice? Stars had a big moment back in 2008 (YSL, Chanel et al. got celestial). But that was then, this is now. And 'now' is all about a great crewneck. They're easy. They're classic. They also look great with anything, on anyone. So it's pretty clear the basic crewneck should be a staple in every wardrobe. What's more this Fall will be all about the crewneck sweatshirt. Only a print-heavy version. Let's call it 'the crewneck 2.0'.

Here's the real point; thank god for Forever 21. Accessible and on-trend, their star print crewneck and short-sleeved shirt mean serious intergalactic fun. Paired together they become a force to be reckoned with. It goes without saying they will both be a huge part of my Fall essentials. It's that simple. Beam me up Scotty.

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Forever 21's Slim Fit Star Shirt and Star Print Sweatshirt, photographed by Irene de Jong in Golden Gate Park, California.

RVCA Mapreader: His & Hers

I wouldn't describe myself as a 'hat person' per se. But somehow this past weekend rapdily became all about the hat.

Having made a fashion-YOLO pact a while back means I'm continually forcing myself to try new things (kind of like those annoying people who are on a bizarre mission to eat exclusively raw, vegan food 'just because' - no offense, but ugh). I've done the beanie thing (perhaps that's an understatement - here's the proof), and I'll usually wear a cap of some variety to the gym. But a full on H-A-T? No. That was until my friend Nicole showed up in her RVCA Mapreader last Friday. 

The thing is, she looks good. That's undeniable. There's a whole free-spirited lovechild vibe happening - and it's incredibly lovely, but not exactly me. Nevertheless (and with that YOLO spirit kicking-in) I grabbed, I crowned and conquered. Besides, the best part about trying other people's things (aside from zero commitment) is you might actually learn something about yourself. I suppose I learnt I no longer hate hats. In fact, I might begin to maybe consider buying a wide-brimmed Stetson at some point (if I'm going there, I'm going there). And there's a lot to be said for that.   

Alexander Atkins and Nicole Umatum, both wearing RVCA's Mapreader, in San Francisco.

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Essentials: The Basics of Style

Sometimes it's good to take a moment and reflect on the details - our everyday items that we just can't live without.

I mean there are staples, and then there are staples (I'm referencing the latter). It's like when you leave your house without your keys or iPhone - you'll feel weird, potentially naked (not to mention all those missed selfie taking opportunities). Needless to say I used to think 'essentials' equated to many things. 'I totally need that aubergine pom-pom beanie, right?' One lost suitcase and much distress later taught me otherwise (and for that arduous lesson I'm grateful KLM - really). 

I suppose the point is there are three important things to do right. Wear great shades, always curate your wrist with something beautiful and wear sick kicks (for many the last is the most important). Sure, the three are completely interchangeable in that one day you'll want to wear a Rolex, and the next a Cartier Love Bracelet. And that's OK (it's actually really OK), however not the point. What I'm getting at is that every outfit has the potential to look polished (read put-together) when this 'trinity' is observed. 

And because I know you, dear reader, you might ask, 'perhaps there are rules and exceptions?'. Well, yes. Namely, piling on wrist 'gear' is never OK past the age of twenty-one whereas wearing apple-shaped red 'joke' shades are actually quite charming. Think of it as English grammar. There are rules and exceptions that you'll either get - just because - or you won't. And on that note, Happy Friday!

Alexander Atkins, wearing a Dolce & Gabbana bracelet, a Dries Van Noten sweatshirt, classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Prada shoes, photographed by Aleksander Tyszka in San Francisco.

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