| Lace Bra - Topshop |

If you don't treat yourself nobody else will.

I should have that string of eight little words flashing in a somewhat subliminal way across the screen.

It is true though; ever since my recent departure from let's say... another chapter in my life? I've developed an overwhelming desire to indulge in anything intimate and pulchritudinous - now there's a word for you.

That's not to say I've been walking around in off-white and mismatched undergarments for the past 20-odd years...

Purchasing sensual little lace numbers that don't allow for any second thoughts; let's make that my version of sweats and a tub (or two) of Ben and his sweet-toothed partner in crime Jerry.

I can't say that I've ever been a girl who encourages a bit of kitsch into her wardrobe.

I love NY about as much as I love a doner kebab at four in the morning and THAT is saying something.

The very idea of taking a crisp, clean tee and murdering it with a cheesy slogan or garish image...   cue convulsions ( bit dramatic?)

Then again there's always a first for everything and when I say everything, I mean e v e r y t h i n g.

Call it a new found guilty pleasure; the understated t-shirts and sweats from European label Civissum may just be the key to opening up my motto loving heart.

I am a, or Ich Bin Ein respectively, allows you to choose just which hip and possibly happening city you'd like to hail from, all with the addition of a quirky little 'er'.

Ingenious.

With a price point of no more than 80 euros; now you can flaunt it like a Stockholmer living in a Bricklaner and all without the I LOVE STHLM.

| Civissum | Facebook |

Menswear. For reason's I'm not quite clear on, I find the opposite sex's style of dress so much more appealing than that of womens.

Perhaps it's because sartorially, men are more limited than us girls, and we all know that limits give way for deeper thinking. That, or I've spent way too much time googling male models.... Who knows? Whatever the reason, as a first for Forty Five, allow me to introduce a new label to the menswear scene and one to remember...

FINELINER

 A name, a brand, a concept and even an art form. A label, dare I say it, set for sartorial domination.

The brainchild of a group of designers/friends from right here 'Up North', who together have fused their creative talents and sheer love for all things arty, to produce a line of men's clothing catered for the fashion-forward male. (Or female - here's hoping)

Or to put it simply, that kick that casual menswear needed.

"Deriving from the fineliner pen - the link that combines all external artistic elements, giving the brand a common ground and the basis for what is going to be an upbeat, upcoming and innovative T-shirt and sweat brand"

Seizing the opportunity to stand out from the crowd; Fineliner's debut range showcases products that are right at the centre of contemporary design. Taking clear inspiration from various cultural backgrounds and modern society; each piece cleverly incorporates some sort of handmade illustration from one of the designers. See.. they're not just another printed tee brand.

"Street art, illustrations, fine art and most importantly handmade prints, are the sources as to which the brand is able to show off its expertise"

With an aesthetic as strong as this one, it's hard not to notice just how much dedication and attention to detail has gone into the creative process - from start to finish.
The primary collection will comprise of no more than a line of high quality t-shirts and sweats (which plans to expand), all mirroring the visionary illustrations that give the brand its unique identity and edge.

"Our ranges display products which are right at the centre of contemporary design, with detailed graphics so dominant, they speak on behalf of our company"

So for something a little more up your cultural street, be sure to check out the brand when it launches this coming AW.

Model | Suren [AMCK Models]

| Fineliner Clothing | Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram |

I personally would like to thank Phoebe Philo for the recent resurgence of the classic Stan Smith sneaker and sports luxe at that. If it wasn't for her, women everywhere would be wearing flip flops, peep-toe sandals and (heaven forbid) skyscraper heels this Spring.

Yes, I know.

 For those who took notice of what the sartorial élite were wearing during fashion week, you'd discover that sportswear, particularly anything branded Adidas, has become somewhat of a fashion obsession and is well on its way to establishing itself as the outfit of choice for Spring/Summer.

I'm talking sneakers, pool slides, joggers... the lot.

 Just as well then that Topshop have announced that it's first capsule collection with Adidas Originals will launch in stores and online on the 20th March.

(Calendars? Noted? Good.)

The highly anticipated collection, which pays homage to the brands heritage, comes complete with the brand's signature triple stripe and trefoil, whilst combining the youthful and feminine influence of Topshop. Sportswear that will make even the toughest of workouts look like a walk in flower-laden, picnic filled park. If you catch my drift.

Amassing no more than 20 pieces and at a cost that will still see us through to payday; come the 20th, make sure you've booked your space in the queue outside Toppers, or well, just loaded up your basket online.

| Images - British Vogue |

Some of you may be already aware of my level of admiration for the underdog.

The artistic minds and the visionaries behind them who are on the verge of making it big in the industry, fashion or otherwise.

From designers to photographers, illustrators to models - you name it, I'm more than ready to give them their fifteen minutes.

That's why here on level forty five I'm up to my old tricks again, sitting down and getting personal with the creatives who really deserve it; starting with the immensely talented and totally divine, Manchester based jewellery designer Ciara Clark.

Now taking up residency at the creative haven that is the We_are_kin studio, keep your eyes peeled for an exclusive interview with the designer, coming soon.

| We_are_kin facebook |

 | Left to Right - Tibi || 3.1 Phillip Lim || Tibi |

My morning went a little something like this...

7:30am Wake up.

7:31am Locate phone.

7:33am Go online and purchase a pair of the sleekest, black mules in a size 5.

7:36am Resume sleeping.

Clearly my subconscious has been in yearning for another pair of shoes since the pool slide incident (which arrived this morning) and to be fair I can't blame her. 

Making key appearances across countless SS14 catwalks; the 1990's influenced 'It' shoe, better known as the Mule, has been busy establishing itself as everybody's must-have shoe for Spring and ultimately our newest wardrobe staple.

Teaming with crisp, clean whites (Tibi) or minimal layers; the mule makes some serious headway when it comes to effortless seasonal dressing. Let's just hope mine arrive before the sun regains consciousness and realises it's mistake of shining down over the UK.

| Topshop - GABI || Jeffery Campbell - Hobbs || Nelly - NYL || Stella McCartney - Yasmine || Tibi - Bee |

| Images - Various via Google |

Kate Merrick Illustration.

I'm a firm believer in discovering natural talent.

Some of us are born to sing, some to dance, others to make a mean banana crumble. (Hand well and truly up in the air)

Kate Merrick though, well, she can produce some of the best illustrations Manchester has to offer.

Just see for yourself.

| Manchester skyline - created exclusively by Kate Merrick for Level forty five |

| Slides: Adidas Adilette |

 Mix together a pitiful resistance towards temptation, too many nights spent ogling over Aitken Jolly's shoot for B Mag and a secure PayPal account and what do you get?

A two day wait for the postman and some seriously questionable footwear.

What? I plan on visiting a lot of pools this summer.

Bananas (check)

Milk (check)

Tea bags (check) 

Coco Chanel Coco pops & Soda Chanel (err?)

Something tells me Karl Lagerfeld may have discovered a new found love for Dale's Supermarket Sweep over on Challenge. That, or perhaps the runway setting for Chanel's AW14 ready-to-wear show today in Paris was his best to date.

Indeed, in true Lagerfeld style, this morning Le Grand Palais was subject to it's biannual Chanel show transformation, only this time, the makeover left the museum resembling a real-life, Warhol-esque supermarket! Complete with bespoke Chanel goodies, custom shopping trolleys and a team of divine supermodels including that of Cara Delevingne and Kim K's sister - Kendall Jenner; casually browsing through the aisles in Chanel couture.

Makes that quick trip to Aldi with no make up and sans bra look almost high street.

Every little helps. 

| Images c/o graziadaily.co.uk|