21st February 2016No Comments

Leeds, West Yorkshire // Photography Journal 35

Even though I live in one of the busiest cities in the world it's always nice to get a breath of fresh air (literally and figuratively) and venture back to Yorkshire, a county full of history and until last year a place I called home. I've returned to Leeds a number of times in the past but during each visit it's rewarding to find new areas to explore or even find new perspectives around everyday places people take for granted.

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Leeds, West Yorkshire

My love affair with Leeds started in 2012 when I was a lone graduate with no clue about the world or even blogging for that matter. With an expensive piece of paper from an international university under my belt I decided to take my chances and make the big move up north. Settling in was surprisingly easy although it does help that Yorkshire residents are a friendly bunch. The city itself is surprisingly small although where it lacks in size it more than makes up in fun and character.

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Leeds Kirkgate Market

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Leeds Kirkgate Market holds a special place in my heart as this was the place I came to every Sunday looking for fresh produce, chatting with the loud locals and grabbing a crepe with chocolates and bananas. Sometimes you just gotta treat yourself, unfortunately my 'sometimes' was becoming 'oftentimes' and I had to kick the habit no matter how much my stomach pleaded. If you do find yourself in Leeds do yourself a favour and visit this magical place, you won't regret it.

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Bellroy Leather Goods

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bellroy phone cases leather lookbook

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It wouldn't be a Style Division post without a mini lookbook thrown in 🙂 Recently I've been enjoying the leather products from a company called Bellroy who manufacture leather accessories such as wallets, passport holders and phone cases.

As someone who tends not to carry a wallet I've become fiercely attached to mine. The attention to detail and immaculate designs instantly separate them from the pack and of course there's the undeniable durability factor that makes these accessories perfect for unfavourable weather conditions.

BUY HERE

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Leeds, West Yorkshire VSCOCAM

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I've had a few questions from people asking me about filters that I put on my photos. The truth is that VSCOCam has saved me time and time again and their darker, grungier filters give my photos the look that I'm really proud of. Minimal, dark and understated although I would advise you to play around, you never know what your eye might like.

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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 be featured in one of my next roundups please contact anton@thestyledivision.com or tag your post with #styledivision

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18th September 2015No Comments

Budva, Montenegro // Photography Journal 20

You may remember a few weeks ago I posted my playlist from Montenegro as the Sea Dance Festival left me with some unforgettable memories. Unfortunately I lost pretty much all of my pictures so I was delighted when I realised that my trusty Fujifilm XE-1 was by my side during one of our gyros filled excursions.

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I've been a fan of Montenegro in general ever since watching The Brother's Bloom so when the opportunity to see one of my favourite bands (The Prodigy) arose I simply snapped at the chance. We stayed in a town called Budva which is over 2,500 years old and is home to just 14,000 people. It's surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and forms part of the Budva riviera which is home to some of the cleanest seas and rivers in Europe.

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Budva is the epicentre of Montenegrin tourism, known for its well preserved medieval walled city, sandy beaches and diverse nightlife. The medieval walled city, known as Old Town was a welcome surprise as it felt like walking through a scene from Game of Thrones. Small boutiques and narrow alleys, paved streets and traditional Montenegrian wine all came together for an unbelievable experience.

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Montenegrins themselves are pretty hedonistic. I love that one of their main goals in life is to relax and enjoy themselves as much as possible. Because the country is used to fighting and endless wars the mentality of the older generation is a little bit jaded yet everyone we met under the age of 30 seemed to be on our level.

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BUDVA AT NIGHT

Budva at night is a completely different place and there's a certain buzz of expectation in the air. Don't be surprised to see scantily dressed Russian tourists as Montenegro is one of the most popular destinations for Eastern European visitors and don't get distracted by the club reps who will try every trick in the book to get you into their open air nightclubs and bars.

We managed to stay off the beaten path and relax on a little private beach that was opposite all the commotion. Sometimes you just have to sit down and take in the moment to truly appreciate it and in that sense Budva gave me exactly what I was looking for.

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budva at night photography

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STYLEGRAM

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Wedged between the gorgeous Tara Canyon and the coast, Budva is a stunning and historic city in it's own right. From what I've seen it's young and ambitious population are a welcome addition to European culture and with growing popularity of Sea Dance festival I'm expecting great things.

Make sure to listen to my Sea Dance Festival playlist and keep up to date with Style Division using the links below:

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8th September 2015No Comments

Camden Town, London Stylegram // Photography Journal 16

Time really does fly and last week I realised that it has been a year since I made the big move to London! On one hand I feel like I've only scratched the surface of this city but on the other I'm really proud of all the things I managed to accomplish over the last 365 days. This post will serve as a 'pic dump' as there's no unifying theme, I just wanted to share some of my Instagram snaps that otherwise would never see the light of day.

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Camden has actually been very hospitable to me, barring a few late night adventures and scary canal walks it's actually one of the most vibrant places in the capital. The market is always teeming with people and the side streets give you a chance for some quiet exploration. Most people associate Camden with the markets and the music scene but that's just the start of it.

Over the next few days I will be expanding my 'Ode to Camden' by talking a little bit more about it's architecture and the blossoming street art scene. There's also a small lookbook I want to share as autumn is upon us and a wardrobe rethink has got to be in order.

Cherry blossoms adorn the streets in spring and luscious greenery spreads like wildfire in the summer months as the seasons dictate the colour palette of the area. Most of these photos were taken on an iPhone 4 which in my opinion still has one of the best cameras around and it's versatility and colour capture is yet to be matched by my new Android device.

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STYLEGRAM

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As most things in life my time in Camden was very black and white but you kinda need the black moments to truly appreciate the white ones 🙂 Make sure to visit Style Division in the next few days to see more from Camden Town or read my latest Photo Journals from The Shard and Barbican

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15th August 2015No Comments

Getting Acquainted with Padua // Photography Journal 13

My mini tour of Northern Italy continues and after being overwhelmed by Venice I decided to hunt for a nearby destination that's not so popular with tourists. Within 5 minutes of stepping out of the train station I knew that Padua, or Padova as it's known in Italy, was a fantastic choice.

Below, you'll find some tidbits that will whet your appetite for a visit along with some personal VSCO snaps. For the other Italian cities I visited make sure to check out the Ferrara, Bologna and Venice photo journals.

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padua italy padova blogger photography travel vsco-33According to Trojan history, Padua was founded in 1183 B.C. by Antenor, who supposedly was a counselor to Priam during the Trojan War. It's also home to a university that was founded in 1222 and has the notable distinction of being one of the oldest in Europe. Because of this long history, ancient architecture and ruins are found nearly everywhere you might look.

padua italy padova blogger photography travel vsco-13Like other cities in Northern Italy, Padua has cobblestoned streets, open-air markets and spacious squares where you can stop and admire the scenery. In fact, Padua has one of the largest elliptical squares in Europe. I was totally overwhelmed by the architectural diversity of the city, which again reminded me of Ukraine. Specifically the town of Ivano Frankivsk, which is also known for it's cobbled streets and rich history.

padua italy padova blogger photography travel vsco-24Padua is generally a flat city, and its historical center is not very large. This means you can easily explore your surroundings on foot; however, as we're in Italy people opt to ride bicycles. If you're not up for a walk or cycling excursion, there's also a handy tramline that stops close to many notable sites such as the botanical gardens, Santo Basilica and some of the city's museums.

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Trying to navigate Padua in a car isn't recommended. The narrow streets are very prone to traffic jams, especially during peak travel hours. I ended up getting lost on foot as there's no better way to explore a new city especially when you're trying to find those unique photo spots.

padua italy padova blogger photography travel vsco-3Although Padua has two basilicas that are worth looking at, don't pass up the Piazza del Duomo. It's smaller than either of the basilicas, but Michelangelo had a hand in designing the building. Furthermore, you'll find statues and artwork inside, plus several frescoes that were relied on when the Piazza del Duomo was used for baptismal services.

padua italy padova blogger photography travel vsco-32Also, be sure to check out Padua's Arena as it's a great example of Roman ruins. They aren't as extensive as what you'll find in Rome or Venice, but still very interesting to see with about three quarters of the Arena's walls are still standing. During the summer months, the Arena is used for outdoor film-screenings.

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The Scrovegni Chapel sculpture garden was an interesting place to stroll through as every conceivable type of art was on display here. From surrealist to modernist sculptures it was almost too much to take in. As I was in the mood for some solitude, Padua's Botanical Gardens helped me out.

Although the grounds are not especially large, they are laid out well enough to prevent visitors from feeling overwhelmed. Worth noting that it's the first garden of its type in the world and almost felt like it was built especially for this city.

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PADUA, ITALY - VSCO JOURNAL

Although Padua has more than two hundred thousand permanent residents, it's still a place that hasn't been overrun with curious tourists. Plan to spend at least a day there, especially if you're already in Italy and searching for a cool place to take a day trip.

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STYLEGRAM

I hope you enjoyed taking this trip to Italy with me. For the other Italian cities I visited make sure to check out the Ferrara, Bologna and Venice photo journals. I have one more post coming up with a slightly different twist, while I was in Italy I tried my hand at some people photography which was a brilliant learning experience.

Buildings and still areas are beautiful but capturing a moment that you can remember or relate when you see the picture later on is a totally different feeling.

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8th August 2015No Comments

A Night at the Hippodrome // Photography Journal 12

London has a number of well-known casinos, one of the most famous being the London Hippodrome. The Hippodrome Casino has three different gaming floors where players can enjoy table games such as roulette, blackjack and baccarat, as well as a wide variety of slots. The main gaming floor can be viewed from above from a minstrel’s gallery, there are gaming rooms upstairs and Lola’s Underground Casino downstairs.

There’s also a private gaming room for VIP players and a poker deck. With a 180-seat theatre, there’s plenty of opportunity to watch a variety of live acts and different shows. It’s unsurprising that a night out to the London Hippodrome makes it onto the itinerary of many London visitors and residents alike.

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When you first walk through the doors at the Hippodrome, you might assume that it was originally designed to be a casino. The whole venue screams ‘James Bond’ decadence and it’s a great place to have a glamorous night out with friends. The third floor cocktail bar is an ideal place to order a ‘Martini, shaken not stirred’. But actually, the Hippodrome has a rich history and has gone through many guises over the years.

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For anyone who’s never played, it’s definitely worth going online and having some practice before you play at a venue such as the Hippodrome. For instance, when you try roulette from 32Red.com you can have a read of their handy guide which explains the different types of roulette available and with their blackjack you can even play in demo mode until you’re confident in how the game works, only putting real money bets down when you’re ready. With a few rounds of practice in different table games online with likes of 32red or Caesars, you’ll feel like a pro when you walk up to a gaming table in the famous London venue.

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Originally, it was a circus variety theatre when it opened in 1900, with a key feature being a 100,000 gallon tank that had live polar bears and sea lions swimming in it. In later years, the variety performances took centre stage and Houdini was one of the most famous performers there. The Hippodrome was also the first venue for a UK performance of ballet Swan Lake. By the fifties, the Hippodrome had changed name and become The Talk of the Town, playing host to acts such as Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland and Sammy Davis Jr.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Hippodrome had changed again and was run as a nightclub, managed by Peter Stringfellow. Many a paparazzi shot was taken of celebs at ‘Stringfellows’, the most well-remembered being one of Princess Di, wearing a black tuxedo and red bow tie. In 2008, the Hippodrome became a circus venue once again, being the resident venue for cabaret act La Clique. Then the building underwent a £40 million renovation before it reopened as a casino in 2012.

Feng shui expert Paul Darby was involved in the renovation and ensured that the famous statue that sits on the top of the building was incorporated into the new logo and sign for the Hippodrome that sits over the entrance. The horse and charioteer represent success and determination, and so everyone who enters the building should enjoy a bit of good luck from passing under the sign (that’s the theory, at least!).

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The London Hippodrome certainly makes a great venue for a night out, but for those times you just want a relaxed gaming experience at home, there’s always the alternative of logging in to a huge choice of casinos online instead, where you can play for real money, or just for fun.

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STYLEGRAM

Make sure to check out Exploring Camden - PHOTOGRAPHY JOURNAL 06 for my latest photography post and follow Style Division to keep up to date.

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5th August 2015No Comments

Discovering the Magic of Venice, Italy // Photography Journal 11

Back in spring I went over to Italy for a few days to visit an old friend and basically give my brain a little reset after a hectic start to 2015. After spending a day in Ferrara naturally the next destination had to be the historical city of Venice.

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VENICE, ITALY

Venice is a scene from a romantic movie brought to life, a place where gondolas glide through scenic canals and where magnificent Venetian-style architecture is likely to overwhelm. Going by impulse is my favourite way to explore a new location but when in Venice there are sights that need to be on your agenda .

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GRAND CANAL

The Grand Canal is one of the jewels of Venice, and this exquisite waterway meanders through the bustling city. Gondolas, colourful homes and restaurants highlight the unique neighborhoods that line the canal.

The Rialto Bridge is one of the true landmarks of the city and provides fabulous views of the Grand Canal. The bridge, built in the 1590s, was once the only way to cross the canal by foot. Now it's home to people selling selfie sticks and other trinkets that in some twisted way live up to the mercantile nature of the city.

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Another place that's well worth a visit is the San Rocco church which is located very close to the canal. The artist Jacopo Tintoretto took 20 years to complete it's murals and canvasses and his magnificent artwork traces his vision of Christian history.

If you're into art then the Academy Gallery will likely satiate any of your tastes. The gallery was started by Napoleon and includes an amazing number of historic pieces from artists such as Tintoretto, Titian, Bellini and Veronese.

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BASILICA DI SAN MARCO

Be prepared for an amazing experience if you visit Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark's Square) — one of the most popular destinations in Venice. Distinguished Italian and European artists created its classic architecture and beautiful mosaic interior. As a lover of architecture it's an amazing feeling when you're strolling though history, knowing that hundreds of years ago someone else was walking these streets, hopefully having the same reaction.

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For a truly unique experience, consider making a trip to the top of Campanile San Marco to see the stunning views of Venice. Note, that although the tower provides a breathtaking panorama of the city and it's impressive architecture the queues outside can get awfully long so either get there early or keep exploring. Shuffling around for a few hours is just not worth it when you have the rest of Venice to discover.

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As a massive Assassins's Creed fan the atmosphere of St. Mark's Square made it feel like I was walking through a video game. All that was missing was Leonardo Da Vinci's flying machine and the nostalgia trip would have been complete.

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VENETA STYLE

Zara have always impressed me with their trench coat selection and when I received a trenchie from their latest spring/summer collection I knew this coat was made to be worn in Italy. Complemented by a navy stripe jumper and chinos the look was truly complete by my trusted Ray Ban sunglasses. 5 years on and they're still one of the most reliable pairs of sunnies I've ever owned.

Just out of sight and adjoining the Procuratie Vecchie and St Mark's Square is the St Mark's Clock. Sitting its in a clocktower by the father / son duo Gian Paolo and Gian Carlo Rainieri. It took them 3 years to construct and was considered one of a number of large public astronomical clocks built throughout Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries.

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GONDOLA ADVENTURE

Aside from the popular tourist attractions, the magic of the city is also found in the simple pleasures such as exploring shops and cafés and taking gondola rides. The iconic landmarks and quaint pleasures meld beautifully and the gondola (which I unfortunately kept calling 'granola') ride is an awesome time I guarantee you will cherish.

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The gondolier we had on this trip was of course a charming Italian man who showed us notable places of interest such as the house of Marco Polo. On the way we also spotted Casanova's house which was by far the most interesting. Instead of having extravagant gargoyles he decorated the outside of it with women's faces. Truly living up to his debaucherous reputation.

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VENICE VAPORETTO

Time truly does fly when you're having fun and after exploring the beautiful Riva Degli Schiavoni waterfront we grabbed a watertaxi and saw Venice from a totally new angle. It's probably not sustainable but imagine thousands of people taking a relaxing boat ride to work in London. The Thames would be a sight to behold.

venice canals gondola photography

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On the vaporetto route you can also see Doge’s Palace which offers a remarkable glimpse into Venice’s historic past with its stunning Gothic architecture and artwork. Once the center of political life in Venice, the palace now stands as one of the key historical symbols of the city.

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STYLEGRAM

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I hope you enjoyed taking this trip with me. Make sure to check out my first post about Ferrara and follow Style Division to keep up to date.

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8th July 2015No Comments

Visit Bologna, the Jewel of Northern Italy // Photography Journal 10

My Italian travels continue and on this week's menu we have the famous city of Bologna. Many people associate the term Bologna with cured pork or a savory spaghetti sauce. The name, however, refers to one of the most vibrant and visually appealing cities in the world. Its history dates as far back as 1000 B.C., and despite numerous uprisings and two world wars, the city prevailed and is now a fusion of history and modernity that rivals that of Paris or Rome.

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BOLOGNA, ITALY

Bologna’s architecture, history and religion are well intertwined. Its Basilica Di San Petroneo was built in the 12th century to honour the city’s patron saint Petronius. Although its never been finished, it’s unorthodox beauty still stands today in defiance of more modern and sophisticated skyscrapers piercing the Bologna skyline.

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As a crossroad for the road and rail system in Northern Italy, Bologna is considered to be one of the biggest transportation and technology hubs in the country. Not only is Bologna one of the most affluent cities in the region, but according to Italians the city is believed to have a high quality of life that is difficult to find elsewhere.

Think that Pisa is the only city with a leaning tower? Think again! Bologna's two leaning towers, Asinelli and Garisenda are famous landmarks in their own right. The shorter of the two, Grisenda, gained popularity after it was referenced in Dante Alighieri’s "Divine Comedy," but unlike it's counterpart, it is not open to the public due to its perilous tilt.

The diversity of architecture can be seen in the images above as just a few minutes out of the bustling city center I found this brutalist piece that mimics the two leaning towers almost identically.

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Given that it is essentially a college town, Bologna has a vivacious night life. The Teatro Comunale offers theater lovers memorable opera and classical music, and the Chet Baker Jazz Club doles soothing live jazz music for more cosmopolitan crowds. The city also has a bevy of trendy nightclubs such as Kinki and Link, which are guaranteed to keep you dancing.

During my wanders I came across a little market place and stumbled into an acoustic guitar player by the name of Palko Gonda. His music completed the scene and weeks after this trip I find myself revisiting his videos. Make sure to check out his YouTube and Facebook pages as this dude definitely deserves more recognition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0myypjzfEmg

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Bologna hosts many cultural and musical festivals such as the Biografilm Festival, Gender Bender, Bologna Festival and the Bologna Jazz Festival. Furthermore, the presence of porticoes along the streets of Bologna allows visitors to see the city's attractions while shielded from rain or extreme sunshine.

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BOLOGNA, VIEWS FROM ABOVE

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Back to the two leaning towers and although Garisenda is closed to the public, the Asinelli tower was open for visitors and seeing this this and it's orange glow is an experience to behold. You do have to traverse an ungodly amount of narrow, windy stairs but the view of the watchtowers that litter the city and the maze of streets below make it all worthwhile.

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Bologna is famous for its culinary delights served in the many trattoria's and restaurants around town, thus earning the endearing nickname of "La Grassa," which translates to the "Fat One."

If you ever visit make sure you take a culinary tour of the city and follow it up with a trip to the Bologna countryside for some wine tasting; doing so will provide the ultimate gastronomical experience.

I hope you enjoyed taking this little trip with me. Make sure to read the previous posts about VENICE and FERRARA and keep an eye out for another entry into my travel journal in which I visit the famous city of Padua.

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6th June 2015No Comments

Exploring Camden // Photography Journal 9

I've lived in Camden for over 9 months and it's sad to say that our happy relationship has come to an end. The busy and hectic London life catches up with you and so it's time (yet again) to start flat hunting and organising my life into tiny little boxes.

I thought I'd put together a little post about this under-appreciated area of London and possibly inspire a few of you to come over for a visit.

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CAMDEN LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Camden is perhaps the most colourful and offbeat part of Greater London and it's no surprise that it has become synonymous with the the capitals alternative music scene and vibrant night life.

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Although Camden is located close to greater London and pretty much walking distance from Kings Cross you'll likely see few suits and ties while strolling down the streets. During the day, innumerable vendors and independent retailers populate the area, making the borough one of the most popular places to shop in London. At night the neighborhood comes alive with throbbing tunes blasting from some of the best live music venues in Europe.

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It's been like this for a long time, too. Camden was founded in 1790, and ever since then it has been a thriving marketplace where commerce and the arts meet. This blending is reflected in the list of artists, past and present, who have lived there. Charles Dickens, one of the English language's finest authors, called Camden Town home for a very long time, as well as playwright Alan Bennett and novelist Beryl Bainbridge.

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camden lock cars

As for musicians, the famous ska band Madness originated in Camden, and party animal Amy Winehouse lived on Camden Square until her death in 2011. Currently, actress Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband Chris Martin, the lead vocalist for Coldplay, live in the neighborhood.

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Camden Town is a real breeding ground for new musical talent. Its many bars and theaters have hosted quite a few British bands before they became famous and after as well. The most famous is the Roundhouse Theater, which in days gone by serviced locomotives before becoming what it is today.

Other big names on the scene include Koko, Underworld and the Electric Ballroom; and intrepid explorers will have little trouble finding dozens more tucked away on both the high street as well as its alleys.

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If you're not much of a night owl and prefer to stroll about and browse some unique wares, then Camden Town's street markets are for you. Camden Stables is arguably the most famous and a must-see, as well as the fruit and vegetable market on Inverness Street.

If you’d rather keep your money in your wallet, you may simply wander around soaking up the atmosphere. The neighborhood's eclectic mix of cultures has given it a unique ambiance that cannot be found anywhere else.

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Camden Town should definitely be a place of interest you consider if you ever come to the capital. If you’re an outgoing traveler looking to experience diverse cultures, vibrant nightlife, or lively marketplaces, then make sure to visit Camden Town—a place I was proud to call home.

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Make sure to check out Exploring Camden - Street Style Journal 03 for some street style shots from Camden and follow Style Division to keep up to date:

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9th May 2015No Comments

Exploring Leeds // Photography Journal 8

Last month I had a chance to see off an old mate who was off an whirlwind adventure in Asia and it gave me a chance to return to the city that started it all - Leeds. It hasn't even been a year since I moved from Leeds but coming back knowing that it would only be for one debaucherous night felt a little strange.

The day started off at 8am with a searing toothache and a Bloody Mary at The Booking Office. Of all the days to choose my wisdom teeth decided to pop through and forced me to question my sanity. Dulling the pain with an insane amount of alcohol and the adventure has begun.

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Leeds is one of the oldest and largest cities in the UK and many people overlook that fact. Leeds developed as a market town in the Middle Ages and the booming economy has helped build some of it's historic landmarks such as the Corn Exchange, Leeds Markets and the Town Hall.

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leeds 2015 street style fashion photography architecture-4 leeds 2015 street style fashion photography architecture-4Modern influence is felt throughout the city with street art dispersed between the historic buildings and clear glass shopping malls. The main shopping streets in Leeds were teaming with people and I got to see the stunning domed roof of Leeds Corn Exchange (cover photo above).

I also used to work at Louis Vuitton in the upmarket shopping area called the Victoria Quarter so a trip down memory lane was in order. The place hadn't changed all that much but it did put a lot of things in perspective that I had no chance of knowing only a few years prior. Sometimes living in the past can have it's benefits.

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LEEDS - THE ARCHITECTURE

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LEEDS - STREET STYLE

Leeds has always been a stylish city, an influx of young students every year certainly helps, the annual Leeds Festival adds to the cool factor but historically it's always had a great vibe about it.

Living in Leeds you're never too far from a random house party or a random adventure in Headingley so doing some street style shots has never been easier. Here are some of my favourites from the afternoon:

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OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY

Leeds is not short on gorgeous places to explore so my only regret was not being able to stay longer. Enveloped by it's charm and history and looking at the city from a new perspective I can definitely see what made me fall in love with it in the first place.

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LEEDS STYLEGRAM

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Hope you enjoyed following my trip back to my home away from home. To receive regular updates from Style Division make sure to follow me on Twitter and Snapchat ('styledivision').

29th April 2015No Comments

Why Visit Florence When You Have Ferrara // Photography Journal 7

I want to start this post off with a confession. I've never been much of a traveller although the feeling of missing out was ever present. Over the last few years this has started to change as my work and studies have taken me all over Europe and now I'm slowly accumulating priceless experiences.

After Dubai, Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin in 2014 I thought a relaxing change of scenery was in order. My friend Michael lives in Emilia-Romagna, a region of Italy that's host to a number of awesome cities such as Ferrara, Padua and Bologna so after hours of planning (literally) I was on my way.

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First stop was Ferrara. The city that was once home to the House of Este, Ferrara is renowned for its rich history and vibrant architecture. As the capital of the Province of Ferrara, it boasts a long-held intellectual traditional and humanist culture dating back to its days as one of the most lavish Renaissance courts in the world.

Located in the southern plain of Emilia-Romagna, Ferrara is positioned on the Po di Volano riverbank. It gained prominence in 1391 with the establishment of the local university, which subsequently led to the House of Este golden age. This princely dynasty consisted of an incredibly powerful family that propelled the Este Court into the most prominent European circles. It was during this golden era that the city of Ferrara gained prestige by leaving its medieval roots behind and becoming the Renaissance masterpiece it was meant to be.

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All urban plans that have been underway for the city, even in modern times, have strived to maintain the city's Renaissance charm. In fact, Ferrara's old town center, consisting of green spaces, cloisters, historic buildings and monuments, is considered one of the world's best-preserved examples of medieval city architecture. Estense Castle is another prime example.

This historic fortress was built in 1385 at the request of Niccolo Il d'Este. It was a square-shaped castle surrounded by a moat and featuring four defensive towers, although it became home to the Este Court rather than being utilized as a fortress. Within the castle, www.fertileheart.com/buy-prednisone-online/ visitors can view portraits and frescos of the Este family, as well as tour the prison area, kitchens and flats.

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Ferrara's modern Town Hall, Palazzo Municipale, housed the Dukes of Este prior to Estense Castle's erection. This historic site was built in 1245 but was consistently added to well into the 15th century. During the 1900s, a Neo-Gothic façade was added as an attempt at restoration.

Palazzo Municipale has never fully separated from Estense Castle, as even today a walkway connects the two. Visitors to this area can enjoy the lovely courtyard and statues.

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Around other parts of the city, there are plenty of historical sites to explore. The Mill on the Po is an impressive reconstruction of the 20th-century watermill that once ran at Ro Ferrarese.

Comacchio features a series of bridges and canals that give it the nickname "Little Venice." The House of Ludovico Ariosto is here, preserving the residence of the famous author who passed away in 1533.

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While many travelers flock to Florence due to its popularity, those that find themselves in Ferrara will find unexpected history and deeply rooted culture at every turn.

During my time in Ferrara I really got to sample the intricacies of Italian life and although some stereotypes exist for a reason I could totally see myself becoming a leisurely old man, surviving on a diet of cheese and wine.

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STYLE DIVISION LOOKBOOK - FERRARA

style division all saints leather coat

style division all saints leather coat

Since it was my first day of travelling I opted for a light leather jacket from All Saints, a baseball tee and some Native Youth chinos. Nothing too extravagant but sufficient to say that the effortless sense of style most Italians seem to be born with did change my looks as the days went by.

Jacket - All Saints Leather Pea Coat, Top - Helmut Lang Techtelle Pocket Baseball T-Shirt, Chinos - Native Youth, Watch - Daniel Wellington Bristol Watch

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FERRARA TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

discover ferrara old theatre history castle moat discover ferrara old theatre history castle moat hotel europa ferrara

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Visit Style Division next week when I show off Part 2 of my Italian adventure. Next stop, Bologna! To keep upto date make sure you follow Style Division on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

ANTON DEE
+506 8361 3617
antondee@pm.me

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