She’s kept it classy.

I’m a big believer in the monochromatic wardrobe, and here’s a collection that appreciates there are some women out here who’ve really had enough of the day-glo activewear. I’m personally loving the black, white and gray combos, but the little bit of colour she’s thrown in – royal blue, baby pink and red – isn’t offensive either.

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Apr 14, 2016 at 4:43am PDT

The prices are great.

Given the mega-celebrity endorsement,  I was expecting pieces from the collection to hurt my feelings (and my pocket) – but paying just £30 for a cap and vest (in the yummiest fabric, I might add) was a pleasant surprise. There are plenty of sportswear brands that are more than comfortable with their premium pricing, but B’s approach looks like it wants more people to access her stuff so she’ll be on course to becoming a real contender in this market.

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Apr 14, 2016 at 4:23am PDT

There’s room for more. 

There’s ALOT in this first collection – hats, leggings, jackets, shirts, vests, sports bras – but I’m excited by the possibility that design-wise, her people could really push the boat. She’s played it safe this time round and that will obviously work in her favour. But there’s nothing novelty about debut, which makes me think she’s gonna come back even stronger.

Have you checked out the new Ivy Park collection? What do you think of it? Let me know in the comments. 

The post Three reasons why I’m here for Beyonce’s Ivy Park collection appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Guess who’s just launched a book and exhibition celebrating the weird and wonderfully sartorial world of socks…? #style #culture #london

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Mar 3, 2016 at 11:12am PST

I left the party with a goodie bag, and in it, a pair of woolley, argyle socks in bright orange. I’ve wore them once – and doubt I’ll wear them again. That’s just too much, too soon. But coincidentally, another sartorial friend (Fred Butler) just put me in touch with a PR who was putting on this fitness event I couldn’t attend. Turns out one of the PR’s other clients is the mighty Stance – official sock providers of the NBA and makers of all kinds of bold and beautiful stockings that look amazing on your feet.  They’re the folks who designed those brilliant Biggie socks, so with a philosophy for cutting edge style, it’s no wonder trendies like Willow Smith and Rihanna are ambassadors.

  A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Mar 22, 2016 at 1:04am PDT

They’ve also got a lovely performance range for sporty women and I’ve been sent a batch to try, which includes:

Night Run – a bold low-cut, breathable sock that offers arch support (yes!) and a reinforced heel and toe for durability. These will be my new running socks, for sure.

The Fitness Crew – I wore these under my leggings yesterday and wish I hadn’t. They need to be flaunted! I love the style of these mid-rise athletic socks (very arty); they’re also super breathable and provide arch support and extra padding on the feet.

The Pro Crew – These socks are HOT. I love the graffiti / 90s era design – and they’re also good for moisture control and cushioning.

Are you a fan of Stance socks? Or are you all about that trusty,plain black? Let me know in the comments! 

The post Functional fashion: those dope socks from Stance appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.