"It's like an ice-cream man getting his twirls mixed up with flakes."

Amazing title quoted from Joe Steel (aka Trentsmate.. youtube him)

Friday...

It suddenly dawned on me that I did not commentate on my experience in Manchester, on Friday, and for this I am deeply sorry and apologise wholeheartedly.

It took all of forty minutes for me to become “transfixed by the independent stores and beautiful back-streets” of the city. The more commercial part of the up-coming city (“rated 42 in the world” – Daily Mail, dailymail.co.uk/news/article) isn’t as original as the rest of the place, but still communicates a really exciting, buzzing, fresh vibe. It’s one of the best new places I’ve visited in time at Uni and exploration.

My guide, Rocko, aka Roskami, aka Michael Roskell was exceptional, a true Lancaster born and bred boy, who’s grown up visiting the city and consequently fallen inlove with the place. Very enthusiastic about this modern city. He is also a brilliant ‘shopping wing-man’ and has an impeccable eye for what looks good on any male, defining your personality and likes and matching them to fabrics that ‘work’ when draped over your frame. We were both dressed up to the 9’s in chinos and smart shirts, willing to impress on our day-trip to Manchester. This is important, because this results in me purchasing a lovely dark brown lightweight round-necked jumper, which has a perfect contrast to the pale blue, white-buttoned shirt I was wearing at the time. This ‘outfit’ was intended to be used for a ‘couples’ night the following day (Saturday 1^st October) which ultimately never happened.

However, it wasn’t just all shopping and people-watching, taking the piss-outta’ them fun, I did attempt some acknowledgement of the retail design on show.

One particular shop, Urban Outfitters stood out above the rest.

I exceptionally like the use of the colours, very bright and very vibrant. The layout is very well thought out, and the space is broken up well but use of ‘fuck-off’ angles at each floor. Another part of the interior that confused me yet become gradually attracted me was the huge industrial steel I-beams running through the centre of the men’s stairs. The steps themselves were made of concrete slabs which were roughly 4000(l)x500(w)x150(d)mm.

Interior Visual.

Facade Visual.

Today...I woke up at 7am and got ready for work. My girlfriend stayed in my flat and continued to look beautiful as she slept. I worked 8am – 3.30pm, and the overall shift was very chilled and easy-going, not bad for a Sunday (especially when it’s time and a half. I earned about £63 today.)

After work I picked up Roskell (mentioned earlier), Jimbob (soon to hear more in forth-coming posts) and Jack Osbourne. I picked up my keys from the earlier mentioned Sleeping beauty, Daisy Jackson, and then we headed to Warehouse to watch the North London Derby of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Spurs (THFC) won 2-1. I continued my detox and supped on Pepsi all game.

Bore day, with nice chill after work. Clocking off for the night now boys and girls. I’ll try and fit some more design likes and interest in this design blog soon! Promise.