2nd July 2016No Comments

Barcelona, Spain // Photography Journal 53

Lets be honest, the sheer act of traveling is a little bit of a hassle. I can never sit by the pool and just put my feet up for a few days but the unpredictable flight schedules, hotels and taxi troubles makes me understand the people who do. I was over in Rome and Bologna a couple of months ago and had to wait a day in Barcelona because of a cancelled flight. My Fuji was already smashed (as you will see by the dark marks in several of the pictures) so I thought Barcelona could serve as a perfect backdrop for its farewell.

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Architecture in Barcelona

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Many great painters and artists lived in Barcelona at some point in their lives and their influence is still evident throughout the city. Picasso and Miró have museums dedicated to their works while the Sagrada Família which was designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí continues to generate a sense of awe.

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The Sagrada Familia has three grand façades: the Nativity façade to the East, the Passion façade to the West, and the Glory façade to the South which is yet to be completed. Taking a small break by the pond and listening to a cello playing musician allowed me to really think about where I wish to take this platform. Over the course of the next 6 months all will be revealed but I still find myself thinking back to that moment and whether the gothic architecture had a part to play in my inspiration.

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AIRBNB to the rescue

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Once you've stayed in one nice hotel you've pretty much tried them all. The location might differ yet I always yearn for more. Airbnb allows me to really experience the city I'm staying in by linking up with a local and spending a few nights in their home.

While in Barcelona I stayed on a houseboat with a man called Mark who didn't take life too seriously and invited me along to a small party with his pals. Riding around Barcelona, sea breeze hitting my face, I thought you really cannot put a price on experiences. There is a monetary cost involved, of course, but the value you gain from the experience cannot be underestimated.

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Camp Nou, Barcelona

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Its always been a dream of mine to see Lionel Messi in action. Although I support Chelsea FC it's difficult not to admire the little magician and what he's doing at FC Barcelona. The energy of the ground was pulsating as over 70,000 took the time out of their busy schedules to come together and create a one of a kind atmosphere.

They say football grounds are the modern day cathedrals and I'm inclined to agree. You come together to support a cause, sing songs and generally get delirious if your team scores a goal. By the 90 minute mark Suarez and Neymar both put one in the back of the next but Messi was nowhere to be seen. As I was contemplating leaving to beat the traffic Barcelona got a free kick in the 93rd minute. You can guess what happened next 🙂

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STYLEGRAM

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If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below. If you wish to see my latest lookbook check out my Topman - Great Britain, Great Suits campaign or for more travel journals check out my trip to Bologna.

barcelona airport shadowsAs always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of our roundups please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #styledivision

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18th June 2016No Comments

Bologna, Italy // Photography Journal 52

Every time I visit Italy my train passes Bologna and I just can't help but jump out, even for a couple of hours. Bologna boasts a one of a kind atmosphere that's hard to replicate, even with other Italian cities. As the touristy crowds flock to Milan or Florence, Bologna holds its own with a long mediaeval history, intricate architecture and best of all - amazing locals.

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Bologna, Italy

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I was born in Ivano Frankivsk, Ukraine so I feel that Bologna and its architectural style remind me of my childhood. As you grow you begin to have a deeper appreciation for the smaller things in life many take for granted. Luckily my phone doesn't work properly abroad so instead of staring down I look up and try to find pleasure in geometry. An intersection of straight and curved lines, Bologna with its many porticoes and medieval Roman buildings is always a delight.

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I started this blog for myself, not for anyone else. I wanted to have a space that reflects my vision of the world rather than just dumping pictures on Facebook and forgetting about them. I want you guys to come on this journey with me. My writing may not always be the best but believe me I'm trying 🙂 While in Italy I decided to try my hand at poetry. All that wine and culture must have got to me and I had an insatiable urge to write something from within. You can check it out below:

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"Come take me young demons away from this slump

Come take me to where we started from

The years they went by and we thought we've not changed

But our heart's had enough of this mess we're in

You've snapped enough times for that title to ring true

But deep down you know the gem's always been you"

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STYLEGRAM

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bologna art of visuals travel blogger italy-22If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out my latest lookbook in which I explore the North / South divide wearing a custom made Farah shirt.

As always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of our roundups please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #styledivision

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25th May 2016No Comments

Rome at Night – A Mindless Wander // Photography Journal 50

Everyone should have a role model, someone whose character and achievements you admire. For me that person is Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin and all round crazy guy who does not like to act his age. My admiration of Richard has shaped my personality as I have a clear disregard of authority and love to take the occasional risk. Sometimes you need to take it easy and just clear your head which is why mindless wanders are becoming one of my favourite pastimes.

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If you're a regular reader of Style Division you may have seen a few of my previous posts where I explore the hidden and touristy sides of Rome but what they failed to show was just how charming the city becomes when the sun goes down. The streets aren't littered with tourists getting in your way with selfie sticks and you can explore Rome at your own leisure. Walking without purpose has a similar effect on your body as meditation as you put your mind to rest, even for a minute, and allow your subconscious to absorb the details that surround you.

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Without looking at maps or guides my stroll led me to St. Peter's www.healthsupportyou.com/accutane-isotretinoin/ Basilica situated right in the centre of the deserted Vatican. Although I managed to smash my camera lens getting that perfect shot it was kind of worth it as it allowed me to see how I deal with situations I have no control over. The old me would have panicked and started the following day in a foul mood but with a clear head and plenty of time to think it's easy to see that the only way out of those situations is to disregard them completely.

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Night Photography, Rome

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Make taking a walk a daily habit – I do every morning, it sets me up for the day ahead - Richard Branson

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STYLEGRAM

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vsco cam photography travelling wanderlustIf you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out the other post from my Italian adventure in which I explore an area of Rome that's forgotten by most - EUR.

As always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of our roundups please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #styledivision

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22nd May 2016No Comments

City of London // Photography Journal 48

I would consider myself somewhat of a shutterbug. During my endless mindless wanders I take pictures of things without really thinking about where I'm going to use them in the future. The City of London has been my latest 'victim' in this regard as its imposing architecture and rich history ensured the lens caps stayed firmly in my pocket.

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The City of London is widely referred to simply as the City. Often written as just City and is also colloquially known as the Square Mile, as it is 1.12 sq mi in area. Packed into this small area are a number of historic institutions such as the London Stock Exchange, Lloyd's of London and the Bank of England.

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You'll be surprised to find a number of parks and open spaces such as the Finsbury Circus or Jubilee Garden tucked in between the grandiose structures. There is also a lovely intersection of old and new with the Lloyd's building becoming a personal favourite of mine.

The Lloyds building is a perfect example of Bowellism architecture in which the services for the building, such as ducts and lifts, are located on the exterior to maximise space in the interior. The whole structure feels like a living organism and it almost feels like a waste that it's main purpose is housing an archaic financial institution.

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Street Style

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Never one to turn down a few street style shots here are a few I grabbed on my mini adventure. I'm off to Paris and Amsterdam in the next few weeks so this long forgotten passion of mine will be undergoing a much needed revival.

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STYLEGRAM

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If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out my latest photography post where I explore the iconic Canary Wharf.

As always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of my next roundups please contact anton@thestyledivision.com or tag your post with #styledivision

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19th May 2016No Comments

Topman Knightsbridge, This Is Tailoring

A few days ago I was invited to the Topman store in Knightsbridge to sample their ‘THIS IS TAILORING’ collection and start my personal summer a few weeks earlier than expected. In keeping with tailoring traditions the suits on offer have been reimagined in new ‘warmer handle textures’. Perfect for al those prom, wedding and race days coming up this summer.

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Exploring Knightsbridge

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Although I've been in London for almost two years now I don't think I've fully explored Knightsbidge before this day. Knightsbridge is home to many luxury shops, including the department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and flagship stores of many British and international fashion houses, including those of London-based shoe designers Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik.

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Topman - This Is Tailoring

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As of last Thursday TOPMAN occupies the basement of the existing TOPSHOP space at 70 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge. The original store space opened in May 2010 trading over 3 floors, with TOPMAN moving into the lower ground floor the total shopping space increases to 14,400sq.ft.

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To replicate the success of the Oxford Circus Personal Shopping service a brand new Personal Shopping suite will be installed serving both TOPSHOP and TOPMAN customers, with a personal shopper specifically dedicated to TOPMAN appointments. I found the personal shopper to be super friendly and honest which is what you need if you're not entirely sure about the colour or the fit.

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Whichever style you settle on make sure to take it to the onsite tailors who will ensure the perfect fit for your body shape. As a man it's a nice feeling to wear a well tailored suit, it almost puts an extra spring in your step so don't cut corners! I settled on a skinny two button burgundy suit although the light blue and grey styles were ridiculously tempting.

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STYLEGRAM

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If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out my latest lookbook with Topman and their Great Britain, Great Suits range.

knightbridge london exploring empty streetsAs always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of our roundups please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #styledivision

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10th May 2016No Comments

New Faces 02 // Journal 47

In my early photography days I played it safe, taking pictures of buildings and landscapes and simply honing my skills. Over the last few months however I picked up a Canon 7D and a Sigma lens to take some interesting pictures during LCM and LFW for Fucking Young Mag. After that trial by fire I became a lot more relaxed about approaching people I've never met on the street and asking for a photo.

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Style Division - New Faces

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During my time at Unsigned I also got the opportunity to take a few test shots with their models Josh Bartley, Max Rendell, Sven de Vries, Diego Barrueco and Jasmin Clarke. The gorgeous setting of Princelet Street and the Unsigned townhouse itself really enhanced the look and feel of the shots. Make sure to visit the Unsigned models page for more.

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As always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of our roundups please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #styledivision

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1st May 2016No Comments

Photography Journal 45

I'm always a fan of an impromptu photowalk so when Richard Harris invited me to hang with his friends Jess, Jonathon, Ed, Zsuzsa and Koray I jumped at the opportunity. It was literally my first day out with the new Canon 7D so I was still getting adjusted to the multitude of functions it offered. To make the process easier I tend to photograph still objects such as buildings until I find the perfect angle and then play around with shutter speeds to get the perfect snap first time.

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We strolled around the backstreets of Oxford Street and then onto the bohemian paradise of Fitzrovia. I'm still completely enchanted with the way neighbourhoods and areas of the city flow into each other, as one architectural style slowly takes over and dominates the view. At first we found ourselves surrounded by Victorian architecture (referring to the reign of Queen Victoria) and as we moved closer to Russell Square classic Brutalist structures such as the Institute of Education took over.

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Zsuzsa was kind enough to snap this pic of me outside the police station in Fitzrovia with a funky little wall mosaic. Still loving my Bailey Nelson specs which is surprising as I have never found a pair I stuck with for more than a few months. Sometimes you just gotta find a style that suits you rather than just following the latest trends 🙂

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STYLEGRAM

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If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out Photography Journal 10 back from September where I explore a treasure trove of Brutalist architecture - The Barbican

As always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of our roundups please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #styledivision

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30th April 2016No Comments

Exploring Marylebone // Photography Journal 44

Ever since my move to London I promised myself that I will explore every single nook and cranny of this magical little city. I did this by creating a little game that anyone can play. All you need is a monopoly board and a friend who's just as silly as you. Next time you're bored or have nothing to do grab a monopoly board and pick out a card at random and that's where you're spending the afternoon. No second chances.

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Marylebone, London

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My luck of the draw took me to Marylebone (which is much harder to spell than it looks). Marylebone is famous for its quiet streets, beautiful Gothic, Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian architecture and quaint 'not at all London' atmosphere. Shopping and eating is what Marylebone is all about and landlords tend to rent out spaces based on an individuals suitability to the area rather than pure financial matters. This ensures Marylebone retains it's quant aesthetic and doesn't turn into the next Oxford Street where the crowds can cause some weariness.

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While in Marylebone my friends over at Blogosphere Magazine were having a little tea party and as it's practically a sin to turn down cake and a good conversation I popped over for a visit. The Editor-in-chief Alice Audley filled me in about Blogosphere, its humble beginnings and ambitious plans for the future. I believe blogging and personal conversations with people are much more interesting to read than a generic fashion shoot as you get to extrapolate little details that may have been overlooked otherwise.

Editorial Assistant Albertine Brandon was also kinda enough to interview me for the next issue of Blogosphere so if you get your hands on one please let me know what you think 🙂 Overall it was great to meet some young bloggers and vloggers who are just starting to find their voice but have all the ambition and enthusiasm to be successful. Hard work pays off but you have to put in the hours. It's that simple and that hard.

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Marylebone Photography

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If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out my latest lookbook in which I explore the North / South divide wearing a custom made Farah shirt.

As always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of our roundups please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #styledivision

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST

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24th April 2016No Comments

A Stroll Through Rome // Photography Journal 43

With the amount of time I spend in Italy it's actually starting to feel like my second home. This time I actually had a camera with me (pre-accident with the lens) and decided to become a tourist for the day. I actually watched Gladiator on the flight over so feeling like Maximus Decimus a trip to the Colleseum was on the cards.

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As a lover of architecture Rome was an utter pleasure on the eyes. From Classical and Imperial architectural styles to Neoclassical and a style I honestly didn't expect - Fascist. The type of architecture normally found in Rome became popular in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries and it's influence is still around today, most notably in the US with The White House and Supreme Court Buildings feeling pleasant to the eye for that particular reason.

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Colosseum, Rome

Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built. Cialis brand and generic Cialis effectiveness reviews read on http://howmed.net/cialis-generic/. Unlike earlier Greek theatres that were built into hillsides, the Colosseum is an entirely free-standing structure although signs of deterioration have really begun to show. Like many beautiful things on earth it was constructed by slaves in 70–80 AD and hosted a number of gladiator fights, exotic animal hunts (which included leopards, crocodiles and bears), battle recreations and religious festivals. It is estimated that he Colosseum could hold between 50,000 - 80,000 spectators at once which is huge considering the time.

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STYLEGRAM

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If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out my latest lookbook in which I explore the North / South divide wearing a custom made Farah shirt.

As always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of our roundups please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #styledivision

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST

28th March 2016No Comments

Royal Observatory, Greenwich // A Fresh Start // Photography Journal 41

There's something I've been meaning to talk about for a while and to put it bluntly it's the very serious issue of mental health. I know many of you read my blog just to see nice pictures or maybe find some new songs to add to your playlist but how many of you actually know the boy behind the blog? There have been points over the last year that I never wish to experience again and now with the power of context I can look back and analyse the situation.

When our expectations and reality collide it can really get to us. That's not just a theory, but an observable fact. Because we're constantly comparing our lives to others whether it's your close friends or people you see on Instagram, our brain becomes our own worst enemy. Although it's easier said than done you should look for inspiration in someone's social highlight reels rather than assume this is how they live their lives. This blog has been a great source of memories and looking back through the posts I made last year it shows that whatever pain you're in, channel that into making art. Good art, bad art, it doesn't matter as at the end of the day the only person who can judge it without prejudice is yourself 🙂

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Style Division Explores: Tower Hill

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So for any of you out there quietly suffering from anxiety or depression make sure you know that you're not alone, all is not as hopeless as your brain has tricked you into believing and as cliche as it sounds, things do get better. Things do get better but with a caveat and that caveat is you. You have to make the first step yourself, accept this parasite that's living inside you and outline all the variables that YOU can change in YOUR life.

A hero is not someone who gets the girl and lives happily ever after, a hero is someone who succeeds despite the overwhelming odds against them and that's exactly the mentality you need to adopt. If you find yourself falling back into your old ways or the negative thoughts creep back in then distract yourself. Read a book, go for a run, www.namikeystonepa.org/valium-diazepam/ meet with a close friend or as I said above - MAKE GOOD ART

Don't think for a second that you're the only one going through this (although it may seem like it). Jon Hamm from Mad Men, Owen Wilson and even Winston Churchill all battled anxiety and depression throughout their lives. Winston Churchill famously called it his 'black dog' and the lesson he taught us about his condition was learning to live with it because it never completely goes away.

Churchill was actually so paralysed by despair that he spent time in bed, had little energy, few interests, lost his appetite, couldn’t concentrate. He was minimally functional – and this didn’t just happen once or twice in the 1930s, but also in the 1920s and 1910s and earlier. If this man can mastermind a war plan during WW2 then I'm sure taking that small risk won't be the worst thing you'll ever do 🙂

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Greenwich park observatory

The journey of my personal black dog ends at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. As the clocks went back on the 25th of October I decided to visit the Observatory and catch a glimpse of London through newly opened eyes. I first came here as a child with my dad although a decade later it's safe to say my experience this time was a little more profound.

As the crowds gathered to see the blistering red sunset over London it was difficult not to feel connected with everyone around. The simple act of living and being able to appreciate beauty is enough to make it worthwhile so open your eyes, do something everyday that scares you and you'll be surprised by the results.

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STYLEGRAM

If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out my latest photography post where I explore the iconic Canary Wharf. As always stay classy and if you wish to tell me your story or just share something you can leave a comment below or just email me on anton@thestyledivision.com

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ANTON DEE
+506 8361 3617
antondee@pm.me

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