Halloween How To: Edward Scissorhands

It's the 11th hour and you're stuck. Worry not! Tim Burton exists for one simple reason; to inspire you every Halloween.
There are many things to thank Mr. Burton for (Beetlejuice, Mars Attacks!, and let's not forget the sheer awesomeness that is Sleepy Hollow), but Edward Scissorhands tops my list any day. Why? Vintage Johnny and Winona wrapped-up in an epic love story about a hairdresser (basically, right?) can't be topped. It's really that simple.  

Let's start from the top and work our way down. Know this: hair is everything. Either you spray yours black, or grab a wig and chop it to length (get into character, you're supposed to be good with your hands, right?). In terms of product we want to go thick, wild and promote extreme texture. Start by applying a dry shampoo to your roots - this will ensure volume from the scalp up. Alterna's Cleanse Extend Translucent option is ideal, partly because it smells like bamboo leaf which almost definitely means you'll end-up attracting a panda (which could be fun). Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Hairspray is your next step. Remember we're building volume here so apply generously. Finish the whole thing and achieve those clumpy strands with Jack Black's Body-Building Hair Gel. Finally seal the deal with your hairdryer. 

Don't be daunted by the makeup part. Keep it basic with Kryolan's Aqua Color in white. I'd recommend cleansing first, probably with Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser, followed by a healthy application of La Mer's The Concentrate (which will ensure easy application). Once you've painted your entire face white using a makeup sponge you'll want to use eye shadow for detailing. Urban Decay's Basics Palette has several neutral shades that will work perfectly under and around the eyes, but also as outlines for those lovely keloid scars.

In terms of the outfit, ideally you're veering towards something black and strappy. Anything Rick Owens would be exceptional (we're talking ideal situation here, FYI). But the real point is to have fun, duh! And if all else fails go as the Scarecrow from Batman - all you'll only need is a brown paper bag.

Stay spooky!

Hairspiration: The Man Bun (AKA The Mun)

Move aside Michael Douglas - there's a new bout of hairspiration on my radar. 'The Mun', aka the man bun - woah kids!
If you are a regular T Magazine reader you'll probably know all about it, but in spite of the numerous articles on seemingly stylish men (think David Beckham, Bradley Cooper, Orlando Bloom etc) sporting an example you may still be very confused and rather concerned - or in shock. 'Buns? On guys? Are you channelling a librarian or something?'. 

To be fair 'the mun' does have a dedicated Tumblr hashtag which for me basically translates to one thing; it's become legitimate. Perhaps you think a real-life mun sighting is rare, but looking around all I see are man buns. From the courts of Wimbledon to cafés of Williamsburg the mun has become a certified thing. Why? Well as a semi long-and-still-growing-haired individual it comes down to a few basic things. It's easy. It's utilitarian. It's sleek. And it makes a statement (plus it's a great place to store things, like pens!). Unsurprisingly, it also looks good with black. Love it or hate it, I'm doing it (until my next visit to the hairdresser at least).

Alexander Atkins, wearing Rick Owens and T by Alexander Wang, with Ai-Li Chiong-Martinson photographed by Camille Labat in Half Moon Bay.

A Time to Reflect - A Time to Predict

I know, I know - it's definitely spring. But sometimes it's good to take a moment to think about what you just did, right?
You know, reflect on all the choices you made during the those cold and gloomy winter months (the good, the bad, even the ugly). Besides, reflecting helps us think about what we should do next. So let's reflect. 

We obviously enjoyed some serious downtime with beanies, as did the entire sartorial world it seems. It makes sense - they still are the quickest and easiest way to cover-up any hair-issues. I mean I see absolutely no reason why the dominance of the beanie can't continue through summer. Especially when paired with some great tailored short-shorts and a basic tee. We can still be all about the beanie. That being said, hair is for hairspiration. Without it, dear reader, we are lost. So allow your follicles some well-deserved Vitamin D, they will thank you later. Also camouflage was (and actually still is) everywhere. But looking forward (in a crystal-ball kind of way) I'm feeling a new, deconstructed camouflage. Camo hues and tones worn together, but as separates. 'Camouflage 2.0' - or something.

Let's move on.

I'm very much about shorts. And Blazers. So obviously a combination of both is going to be my go-to, especially this summer. The whole thing allows you to be formally casual in an unoffensive way. Essentially your entire shorts-plus-blazer-combo can be formalized with a great pair of slippers, or casualized (?) with some superb Lanvin sneakers. Office-to-out at it's very best! On a separate note I OD'd on graphic tees in 2008 (this song definitely was responsible). So while I 'get' what people are doing, I'm not going to do it. Instead I'm looking to great cuts, panelling and exciting prints. A love affair with Missoni may just be re-awakened, and it has a lot to do with this tee. So the point here basically is that I need to start dressing like Pharrell. 

Alexander Atkins, in a Prada coat & Missoni Beanie, photographed by Sabrina Reddy at Alexander McQueen in NYC.

Pharrell Williams, wearing Bee Line & BBC, at Frieze NYC 2013.

*Click the arrows below to shop the inspiration.