*Bristol.[bored]

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...ok...so it wasn't all that boring...but the title's punny no? haha..

Last Sunday, I was able to spend the day at my cousin's in Bristol. For those who don't know, Bristol is a little town on the coast of England, about 2 hours outside of London.

First impressions? 

It's cute and quaint and looks nice enough...but right off the bat I could see why my cousin wouldn't be entirely happy there.

You see, and my opinions may be a little off, but England, to me, as compared to New York, seems more 'settle-downy.' My cousin has countlessly expressed her desire to live in the more urban, hustle-and-bustle, metropolitan London rather than the more laid-back, seaside Bristol. However, while we were there, after a wonderfully prepared lunch, she showed us around town.

I guess I was lucky in that it not have been the routine Bristolian weekend as the annual Bristol Harbor Festival was on. With the always-welcome warm weather that England was experiencing, it was perfect shorts weather for a day out. And many were out indeed...

From performers in the park, magicians and samba dancers, to kiosks selling everything ranging from jewellery to churros and kebabs to sunglasses to fudge?!...you name it, they had it. And every block had something different!

My family and I ended up watching some local dance troupes perform, with many patrons getting very into the music. I have attached a picture of some African tribal dancers who were very good and, in trying to be inspired by all around me, they got me thinking about designing again.

From a fashion perspective, the use of print seems to be very current right now, and I always lament the fact that male fashion, which as a whole I think is lacking, definitely lacks in the print department. While those around me know that I like to wear bright, outstanding clothes, and I do in fact have some print tops, I wish I had more print in my wardrobe.The prints on the dancers' wraps were wonderfully vivid and raw, something that I would love to capture in both my clothing and designs one day. What a simple and effective way to add some 'pop' to an outfit...

ok..so I made a 'quick' little mood board...

It was such a lively weekend and somewhat reminded me not only of home *sad face*...but also how much inspiration lies around us...and how in amazement I still am of things around me...

*picks up pencil, starts sketching*

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