Hot new Headphones to take on Dre Beats in 2013? Beats have been topping the table for quite some time now as the headphones to get for style, comfort and sound quality. However, a new headset has come about which can raise the bar a little. The Parrot Zik headphones are similarly matched to Dr Dre Beats ‘Pro’ headphones when it comes to price. They are little bit more expensive, but for very good reason. I wont bother going into sound quality because they’re similar, nor will I go into style, as that’s each to their own. What I will go into however, is the technology behind the Parrot Zik. After 4 years of development, the special features were ready. The headphones include noise cancelling, and not by using thick foam or extra material. It uses 4 microphones to listen to your surroundings, and simply removes them. An extra feature with these microphones is that you can use 2 of them as a microphone and record yourself, or even talk to someone on the phone. However, this isn’t the main selling point of the headphones. On one of the headphones, is a touch pad, in which you can use to control everything to do with your music. You can play and pause with a simple tap, increase and lower volume with a quick stroke, and even change tracks with a stroke of your finger, you won’t even have to worry about pausing your music when taking them off, it does it for you. As it says on the box, they are the most advanced wireless headphones to date. - Alex Oakland
Fashion hot/not
- Amy Lucas
Hurrah! It’s January. The second favourite month in any fashionista’s diary (after September with its legendary vogue issue of course). Like it or not, you’ll see features in all the glossies telling you to out the old and bring in the new. Forget those reindeer-print jumpers because summer, in fashion terms, is well and truly on its way. Here’s what I’ve got my eye on for the coming months...
hot new Music With the dawn of the new year comes a fresh batch of sick toons, that’s good music to those of you that aren’t down with the lingo. 2012 was heralded as the re-breakthrough of electronic music into the mainstream and I predict 2013 will continue this beautiful renaissance. Keep your ears peeled for this lot...
Cycling shorts
Haim
As seen on the catwalks of Vera Wang, cycling shorts – yes off of the 90s – are back with a bang. They’re not made of Nylon this time and they’re slightly less clingy but I’m still not sure....
Merging dance, R&B and folk, these Californian sisters are bringing us the sounds of the hills. Confused? Don’t be. It’s nicely poppy, definitely catchy and they’ve got great hair. Get ready to sing along to Don’t Save Me.
Velvet trousers
Weirdly good January wardrobe option. Warm, regal and ideal with a plain jumper. They feel really luxurious too. Stick to deeper hues like plum and navy for an expensive aesthetic.
Bondax
Mingling the sounds of post-dubstep, R&B and garage, these Lancaster based producers are set for big things. Barely out of school – not that you’d know it listening to their creations – Adam and George have struck the proverbial Gold with their new one.
Bastille
All the way from that there London, Dan Smith writes the tunes and sings them as well, backed-up by his band. Arty and intelligent, this music’s about growing up, love and the heartbreak that goes with it. Try Bad Blood on for size.
Monochrome
You can’t go wrong with this. Think tapered black capris and a stripy tee that says ‘I’ve robbed a bank, but I did it in Chanel’. It’s inexpensive too. Dig out your black trousers, white shirt and finish it off with a patent stiletto - if you’re really daring, white ones...yes, they’re in!
Belly tops
Beekeeper hats
Insects are this years leopards. Take from that what you will. All I know is, I’d get some funny looks in the supermarket wearing one of these.
Another 90s through back, this midriff-revealer has grown up. This time it’s looser, longer and less acrylic but I still have reservations. Only for the brave!