As it’s a limited collection it’s only available in certain stores but you might just be saved a trip.

The lovely bods at Topman have very kindly offered you folk the chance to win some LTD pieces. Looky below, see the picture? Well you can win everything in it (except the model) Just fill in your details below, who knows, you might be the dandiest boy in town come Spring.

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T & C’s

From time to time we may send you information about fabulous products, services and brands that may interest you. If you mind terribly, email david@69-247.com otherwise keep your eyes peeled.

Firetrap will be opening its seventh store in Nottingham this weekend (13-14th March) and the launch is gonna be quite special, with a whole lot of stuff going on instore.

The first 50 purchase each day will also bag themselves a limited edition tshirt customised by graffiti artist, The Urbanist, so hurry along.

Keep an eye out for their beautiful buys and gals will be wandering the streets of Nottingham handing out goodie bags.

For two floors of fabulousness, head over to 58 Bridlesmith Gate Nottingham NG1 2GP

Developed by yoga master Bikram Choudry in the 1960’s after he obtained a knee injury in a weightlifting accident, Bikram Yoga has grown and grown and there are currently over 700 Bikram Studios worldwide.

The lovely people at Bikram Yoga Studio on Friar Lane in Leicester city centre have some fantastic prizes to give away to 69 readers who fancy a go at this popular new exercise craze.

Not just one, but TWO winners will receive a year’s unlimited pass to Bikram Yoga in Leicester.

And it doesn’t end there! THREE lucky runners-up will each get a 30 day-trial at Bikram Yoga, Leicester.

To enter, fill in the forms below.

T & C’s

From time to time we may send you information about fabulous products, services and brands that may interest you. If you mind terribly, email david@69-247.com otherwise keep your eyes peeled.

How did you get started as a songwriter?

Going regularly to the open mic at the Sidewalk café had everything to do with it. I became inspired to write better lyrics by studying the other songwriter-performers there.  It’s a very special open mic… and the vibe is great there.

Tell us about your band members?

They’re grrrrreat, We get along – Cole is a nasty dresser, watch out for him!

You only play with four strings on your guitar. Why not the usual six?

The story of this is that back when I was very inspired by Animal Collective (and very rusty on the guitar), and I experimented with three strings (later four) in various random tunings, some of which were very low, in order to get a unique tone.  Also, I find that restrictions and limitations really pique my creativity.

Your lyrics go from blissfully sunny to achingly lonesome. Where do you get your inspiration?

‘Constellations’ was very inspired by existential philosophy, and the re-appropriation of a nursery rhyme was an idea I stole from fellow sidewalk-er Bell.  I’ve been through some lonely-ass times in my life, and on the unreleased album that I made before this one; all the songs were about that. I was in a “severe solo angst” at that time in my life (to quote Timothy “Speed” Levitch).

You’re working on your debut album. What’s it going to sound like?

The forthcoming Darwin Deez debut (which will be self-titled) is done and it sounds a lot like ‘Constellations’: up-tempo, energetic, indie homebrew.

Where are you recording it?

I recorded and mixed it all at my apartment in Manhattan.

When’s it going to be released?

April 12th, baby.

We’ve waved a magic wand and you can make a guest appearance in any band of your choice past or present. What band would it be?

Hmm….I think I’m going to go with Antelope -  they’re a minimal, polyrhythmic band from DC.  Can I use the magic wand for evil?

When are you going tour in the UK?

April/May, but we’ll be in London in early March for a few shows.

What can we expect from your live shows?

Man, you can expect us to rip through all the Deez hits, sweat, and dance our asses off to my custom mash-ups.

Whilst you were on tour you posted some free style raps on your blog. Would you ever do a rap side project?

You know, I never really thought it would be appropriate, but the existence of Weezy’s ROCK ALBUM made me think again.  Bottom line, if I felt people wanted to hear that from me I would be game, for sure, but I want to make radio music, and I think radio rap is mostly shit.  It does move people’s bodies, though, and I’m into that, obviously, but I’ve tried very hard on this album to make music that is capable of making a listener dance and also cry. I like to do both simultaneously, is that weird?

You cut a very dashing shape. Describe your style in three words?

Big granny sweaters.

Who are you style icons?

Uh, Twiggy?  Just kidding! Um, Jacob Ciocci, from Paperrad, whom I’ve known for years (family friend) is a style hero of mine, but I don’t think I have any icons really, other than him, I dig Natasha Khan’s style [Bat For Lashes].

What’s your favourite outfit and why?

The thing I’m most excited to wear at the moment is an oversize bat-winged denim jacket with huge pockets, a puffy lapel, and big wooden buttons, which I found on the street a few weeks ago.  I’m going to pair it with some normal looking tight jeans and low tops to maximise its effect.

You have beautiful curly locks. How do you keep them in tip-top condition?

Why thannnnk you!  Answer: no shampoo, no conditioner, no nothing.  Just hot water rinse and drip dry.  That’s right – you’ve been shampoozled!! Shampooing is a vicious, oily cycle and you’ve got to break FREE, mannnn!

You sell some very fetching handmade Darwin Deez tote bags. What other merchandise or clothes would you like to make?

Umm, maybe underwears [sic] that say “deez nuts”??

You now live in NYC – we have 24 hours in the city, where would you take us?

Most likely to a new loft/DIY venue that I haven’t yet heard of or been to myself.  Grab a falafel at Oasis afterwards and then go home to make out!

You’ve posted awesome videos on YouTube of you and your friends doing choreographed dances called Spring Dance. Are you going to do Spring Dance III?

Oh thank you. um, yes!  Spring dance 3 is in the can and it’s called Winter’s Splinter, and it’s to a mash up of Passion Pit and Was (Not Was).  But after that maybe some Enya, as per a great suggestion from someone I met on tour.  Tears for Fears?

Britney, Beyonce and Lady GaGa are all one dancer short on their forthcoming tours and they want you to fill in for them. Who would you dance for?

Hmm….whoever paid the most!

You’re a follower of Meher Baba who adopted silence from the age of 31 until his death. If you were to adopt complete silence, what would you last words be?

Hmm, well I can still write, right? I’d probably say “Jai Baba” which is something we Baba Lovers say to give Him props. We also say, “Avatar Meher Baba Ki Jai”, if we really want to big him up.

Where do you want to be this time next year?

Writing jokes in LA; or on a big tour bus; writing a great new song upstate; performing at a big awards show; on MTV; wooing Zooey Deschanel away from Ben Gibbard; making history; desiring something I don’t have; cashing cheques out the mail [sic].  Basically, everything they say in that Dire Straits song.

www.myspace.com/darwindeez

Helping you to plan your special day will be a collection of the best wedding suppliers in Leicestershire and all set against the stunning backdrop of Hotel Maiyango.

The showcase takes place from 11am until 4:30pm and entry is completelyfree, but pre-register to be entered into a free prize draw to win a complementary night’s stay at the Hotel!

Refreshments and nibbles on arrival (yummy!)

Email Joanne@maiyango.com or call 0116 251 8898 to pre-register.

Hotel Maiyango: 13-21 St Nicholas Place, Leicester, LE1 4LD

Upstairs will continue to house some of the city’s hottest labels by the likes of Luke, G Star, Fred Perry, Elvis Jesus and John Richmond to Zee Branding and Religion…it’s an exhaustive list, so we won’t exhaust ourselves by telling you them all – you can check their website for the full list if you’re not able to pop in.

But pop in you really should, as it’s really worth having a gander both inside and out of this rather impressive listed building, which now has over 5000 square feet of designer loveliness. That’s a lot of clobber.  As manager Garth Coverdale told us, “It really gives us the opportunity to show everyone what we do as a business.”

And Garth should know, he started as a wet behind the ears teenager and has seen Pilot through 25 years of transitions to its latest incarnation as a leading light amongst independent retailers.

Now that the new store is completed, Pilot is turning its attention to its website, which will be massively expanded over the coming months. As it is, there’s new product online all the time.

So, with new S/S10 stock hitting the shiny new rails every day, what are their key pieces?  Ladies, it’s time to work on your legs as it’s the 2812 utility wear silk all in one short suit.  And for the boys? It’s Polo shirts in bright colours.  Better head off and get one, people.  Or two.

Pilot is @ 58 High Street, Leicester.  Tel 0116 262 8200  netclothing.net

Like most women I’ve had my fair share of diets and gym memberships-nothing has ever really worked to the extent where I’ve been happy about it. It’s programmed into women I think, to link their happiness and self worth to how they look. And whilst I know in my head this is utter tosh, that the measure of a person is so much more than that, that my intelligence and sense of humour don’t count for nothing, that I am basically a decent and good person (most of the time), sometimes ( I can’t believe I’m going to say this) sometimes I feel I’d give all those things up, just to look good. You know, really good. How pathetic is that? Terrible.  (Don’t get me wrong. I abhor those vapid vacuous wannabees who trade on looks and nothing else. It’s not those women I want to look like. Or be like. ) More like Liv Tyler in the new G Star campaign. Or Joan from Mad Men . She is smokin’.

Julia, age 37.

Weight: Too Much

Aims: To not weigh Too Much. To be fitter and healthier.

Weight Loss so Far:  3 weeks in and 5lb down.

March 9  Session Seven

The alarm goes off at 6.40. It physically hurts to get out of bed.  Still feel so full of cold and am really really bored of it, (as I’m sure you are). Today Dan teaches me how big our sinuses,(sinusi?) are. They take up a whole lotta face.  Hence the snot monster.

I actually do some running  (intervals on the treadmill) and it scares me how quickly it tires me out. This cold really is taking it out of me.  Nothing to do with me being totally unfit at all.

Strength wise, back to the squats and the chest press. There’s more weight on it it this time, plus I’m using the free one rather than the attached bar (technical terms aren’t my forte here.) It’s really hard. As are the pull ups which are still at a ridiculously low level. I’m practically on the floor. Then I’m told off for being practically on the floor.  I do them though. Three reps of 15. Dan refuses my request for sets of 10. He can be unreasonable like that.

The weight has come down again though.  I’ve now lost five lbs in total. Yay me. Just wish it was going a bit faster. Maybe now I’ve started the cardio in earnest, it will have a greater impact. Meanwhile, my arms are a bit wobbly and I’m not looking forward to the pain tomorrow.

March 8

It’s my husband’s birthday this weekend, and one of my best friends. Due to the cold I don’t go clubbing (gutted) but have a few drinks on the Friday at her party . On Saturday Pete and I go to the cinema (where I have a few sneaky Malteasers) and then for dinner. I have the lamb and dauphinoise potatoes but only eat about half of it. Though I’m not a massive dessert person, the baileys and coffee cheesecake is too good to resist. Two glasses of wine. Not bad really. On Sunday we have Chateaubriand with (oven) chips and onion rings, sweetcorn, peas, grilled tomato and mushrooms.  It was delicious. And it was his birthday.  Sue me.

Monday Morning-Gym. Cardio. Zone 2 for half an hour. Wish I’d taken my book. Feel absolutely terrible afterwards and think my cold has got worse .

March 5

Off to the gym for session three of the cardio. I’m glad now it’s not heavy going as I couldn’t physically do it feeling like this. It’s intervals on the treadmill, which get longer in Zone 2 as the session goes on. I’m realising more how I can help control my heart rate with my breathing, getting me back into the lower zone quicker. I have a swim afterwards but the screaming kids in the pool curtails my laps. Fifteen minutes in the steam room helps my cold no end.

March 4-Session Six

Go in to Nutrafit despite being a snot monster. Dan takes one look at me and says there’s no point doing cardio. This time it’s squats on the bar (get your bum on that seat, get down) and chest presses and the stupidly hard pull ups. And this time for added fun they are even harder. The bar has lowered loads. Like about 4 pegs. ” Isn’t this meant to be incremental?”  I ask. “It is” Says Dan. We’ve obviously got different dictionaries.

Fact Fans: Your back hurts when you have a cold because all the moisture from it has been diverted out of your nose. Or something like that.  You learn something new every day at Nutrafit.

March 3

Wake up with a stinking cold and sore throat. Cheers then. However, it makes me realise it’s the first time in a few weeks I’ve woken up feeling utterly awful. This is a good thing. It used to be every day. Stagger into the office feeling sorry for myself only to be met with a world of IT traumas. Could this day get any worse?? Apparently yes. I get some bad news and by the time I get home I feel so rubbish and miserable and every part of me is screaming for a large glass of wine. I reel myself in and grab a can of pop instead. (And yes, there was wine in the house so it would have been ridiculously easy to pour one) We have a cold busting home made chilli and I give up trying to calculate the calories in it. It can’t be too many, and I have a small amount of rice. And no wine. And I feel stupidly proud.

March 2

I decide it’s about time Is start my cardio programme properly and pop off to the gym before work. I’m convinced that people will be looking at me wondering why I’m walking a bit, then walking a bit faster, then slowing down a bit on the treadmill.  It does feel a bit weird but this is what Dan has told me to do so I’m doing it.  There’s no pint in me doing more, apparently as it won’t be burning the fat. What it will burn I’m not quite sure, but if it’s not the fat I don’t wanna know.

Session Six. (March 1) Bright and early Monday morning. As instructed last week, I’ve had a banana before the session so I don’t get the wobbles later.  Today was about core stability.  I do some work with the powerbags and kettle bells. It turns out I am considerably more capable with my right than left side. I hadn’t realised how your body enables one area to become dominant to such an extent.

Dan says that some people freak out a little when their weight remains stable or fluctuates back up, rather than constantly going down. This is normal and he doesn’t want me to freak out. I have no intention of freaking out. I have had a full on weekend -big Sunday lunch and far too much wine on Saturday night at an impromptu gathering at a friend’s.  Somehow the conversation gets around to body image, looks etc. I mention my comment in here, about giving up parts of myself to look good. That I’m embarrassed that I sometimes feel this way. One of my friends says ‘Sometimes? I always do’ I think she’s misheard me- but still, I don’t feel so bad now. It’s not just me.

I get on the scales. All I want is for it not to have gone up.  I don’t care if it’s stayed the same. It’s good news. Down  1 1/2lbs. That after a vat of wine and roast potatoes (you can never have too many roast potatoes. Especially not mine. I am a badass roasty maker. I am Queen of Roasties)  And I’ve not started my cardio programme properly yet. I have a good feeling about Nutrafit.

Session Five (Feb 26) I hadn’t seen the message from Dan that he can’t make it. As I’ve arrived at the studio anyway Jamie ( Nutrafit’s other trainer) says he can train me for a while. I do some weights but no cardio. He has a different style to Dan, slightly more army style but still friendly. We go through some mobility exercises too.

Feb 25-Two days later my arms are killing me. The left one particularly. I can barely bend it. I will give Dan gip at the Nutrafit launch tonight.

Note: I am still being good (ahem-unlike some other folk I could mention.) I am on it with my food diary and not cheating AT ALL in the week. No booze, no evil foods. To be honest I don’t really feel like I am missing out yet. I don’t eat chocolate/crisps/biscuits  anyway so am not missing those. I have my porridge with blueberries and cranberries for breakfast, my mid morning snack of fruit and yoghurt and my innocent veggie pot for lunch. This was how I ate before Nutrafit in the day anyway so it’s no biggy. It’s the evening more that has changed with smaller portions, less indulgence and no wine.  I have realised that reaching for the bottle every night (not like a lush, thank you,just one or two glasses of an evening) was a habit. I don’t need to do it and have broken the pattern.  That’s around 500 calories a day I’m no longer imbibing. And when I had a few glasses at the weekend I really appreciated it.

I do my first cardio session and it’s hard. It’s hard because I don’t really feel like I’m exercising.  I have to keep my heart rate between 92-107 for half an hour. It gets higher than that on the aerobics on the Wii fit.

Session Four-(First exercise Session though Feb 23) Tuesday morning. 7 am. It wasn’t so hard to get up today. This is my first proper session. I am told these will be my core exercises. I do chest presses, squats and pull ups, intermittently with time on the treadmill. The pull ups are incredibly difficult.  My arms feel like jelly. Dan goes through my cardio programme with me- I’ll be doing this on my own. There’s lots of graphs and zones and it’s been targeted especially at my weight loss, based on my metabolic rate and hoards of other actual FACTS.

Session Three (Feb 19) It’s three days later and I’m back for further assessments before my programme starts properly next week. Today it’s about finding out my biological age and having my bloods taken for a whole range of tests- cholesterol being the only one I can spell.  I have to do press ups and the plank (and god it’s hard when you do it properly)

To my astonishment I’ve already lost just under 2lbs. In three days! I totally wasn’t expecting any progress yet and it’s a real pleasant shock to the system. It seems if you do what Dan tells you to then results are indeed rapid. I’ve stuck to my calorie counts and not drank but not done any other exercise yet.  I leave the building with Dan’s cry of ‘Go on the weightloss’ ringing in my ears. There’s still a long long way to go, but I’ve taken the first step.

Session Two (Feb 16) It’s a Tuesday morning and I’m up at 6.40. Insane. Today was all about the metabolism tests and mobility assessment. Hence so early. I’ve not eaten or drank anything other than water since 7.30 last night. At the studio we go into the treatment room (Sports Massage and various other treatments are available there) I have to lie on the couch and put on a mask attached to a machine. Dan waits a while to ensure it’s all working properly then leaves me alone, popping in every few minutes. It’s an odd experience. I feel quite relaxed and am mindful that I could easily drift off. When the test is finished Dan tells me I am the most relaxed person they’ve ever had do the test. Some people take up to four goes before they can get an accurate reading. People apparently get stressed on it. Their minds are whirring and they can’t do the breathing properly. As I’m normally a whirry stressy kinda person it’s odd to hear that I’ve been the opposite.

I have my mobility assessed by doing several movements and Dan watches my spine. I’m rubbish and don’t curve enough (my assessment not Dan’s) It explains why I get back pain. My right leg is also longer than my left. It’s all things like this that effect your ability to exercise properly and effectively, and minimises the risk of  injury. By knowing these things at the outset, Dan can design my programme accordingly.

He shows me some exercises that will help with my mobility and promises to email my results through later. He says I can start the food monitoring today. It’s Pancake Day. I love Pancake Day. It turns out I can have 1500 calories a day. I decide to knock drinking in the week on the head (bye bye New Zealand Sauvignon) and keep a food diary.

Later that evening my lovely husband pretends he doesn’t want pancakes in a self sacrificing show of support. As I’m no way near my allotted calorie count for the day I make us a small batch and only have 2 teeny ones myself.

In the Beginning…Well then. Strap yourself in. Here we go.  I’m not going to give you my facts and figures right now. I don’t want to commit them to the interweb forever. Suffice to say that I wouldn’t be doing this training malarkey blog if I were A) fit and B) my ideal weight. I’m neither. Part of this is my fault. I can be a little lazy and I do enjoy food. But I’m also reacting to the relatively recent diagnosis of a severely under-active thyroid. This has led to a not unsubstantial amount of weight finding its way to my legs, my bum, my upper arms and mainly my tummy. So not a good look.

I’d be thinking about thinking about getting back into the gym and just trying to do something.  So, when Dan at Nutrafit contacted us at 69 Towers, I practically bit his hand off.  Nutrafit are a personal training service that have recently moved into swanky new purpose designed premises.  They do things differently there. It’s all about being precise and tailor made. They use science, you know.  My first session (Feb 12) mainly involved chatting about my goals and an assessment.

I told Dan how I’d felt down since piling on almost a couple of stone over the last year, that I was tired of being so tired all the time  and that to me it wasn’t so much about a number but how I felt. I want to get rid of this rubber ring around my middle and be able to choose what clothes I wear, rather than having my shape (round) dictate them.

I told him about the amazing vintage dress I bought recently (Dolly Mix thank you very much) I fell in love with on the mannequin and could tell it wouldn’t fit me but I had to have it. Initially I was thinking I might just look at it forever but now I’ve decided to use it as a barometer. I want to wear it at my cousin’s wedding in Brighton in July. It’s such a Brighton dress.  Dan told me it would need to be taken in. My word. How’s that for motivation? How ace would that be? (Answer- the most acest thing almost in ever excluding world peace/cancer cures etc etc, obvs)

Anyhoo, back to the session-

I was weighed (eek) measured (short arse) and found wanting. We did a few bits of exercise as part of the assessment. It amazes me how long I must (and many others too, surely) have been doing things wrong. For instance, doing a bicep curl, Dan corrects my position by millimetres and the difference is incredible. It suddenly becomes harder and heavier. Technique. I didn’t have it before. Dan explains the body will always be looking for an easy way out.  I left feeling invigorated and hopeful. Dan talked to me differently than any other fitness/gym/ diet person ever had and somehow it felt right.

Trip into this magical world and experience a show with featured contributions from some of the hottest emerging fashion design talent, including the likes of Giles Deacon’s intern, Alex White, and the Britney Spears Circus tour designers, Eternal Spirits. The selection of pieces has been “compiled to experience an event of opulence and sophistication with a dreamy childlike twist, transporting you into a dream world of creativity”. Sounds divine.

As befits the reputation of The House of Coco Tang, the event will be full of intrigue and mystery. The limited key-shaped invitations will be presented on a silk wrist band. For more info head over to Facebook and look for Wonderland fashion event.

The House of Coco Tang is @ 45 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, NG1 2GN

But if you don’t fancy spending the teeny beanie amount of £23 we have managed to grab a Granny who will create a Beanie for five of our lucky readers. Just fill in your details below.

T & C’s

From time to time we may send you information about fabulous products, services and brands that may interest you. If you mind terribly, email david@69-247.com otherwise keep your eyes peeled.

To win a copy of this marvellous album just fill in your details below.

T’s & C’s

From time to time we may send you information about fabulous products, services and brands that may interest you. If you mind terribly, email david@69-247.com otherwise keep your eyes peeled.