Winter Wool Scarves

We've just finished printing and making some lovely wool scarves and they are now in our Afflecks store. Handprinted on beautiful vintage English made wool, we've got a few colours - black, grey, green or brown and a  mix of our feather and swallow prints.

A New Face at Me&Yu

It's always great when people appreciate what we do - it's even nicer when people offer their time to help us along the way. In the never-ending battle to grow our little label, finding time for promoting our brand is always tricky so when one of our lovely customers, Roxanne Nejad offered her time and expertise we just couldn't say no! Hallo Roxanne and welcome to the wonderful world of Me&Yu!

"Hi, I'm Roxanne, I'm working with Me&Yu for a while, making sure everyone knows about the great new styles, ideas and tips Angie and Gordon have created. I have a penchant for colour, aphorisms, contradictions and Rowntrees Fruit Gums. If you pop into the shop, post online any of the above you will make me a very happy dudette. You'll be hearing more from me soon!"

Keep an eye on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube and spread the Me&Yu love to all your friends - we love you all x 

Handrawn Text

We're just putting together our Christmas advertisements etc (we've got some amazing things happening!!!!) and rather than just use computer generated fonts we're using mostly handrawn text. It's quite a time consuming way to do things (it's just taken me a couple of seconds to type that - if I had to draw it it would take about 20 mins with scanning etc). It's definately worth it though, as the final output has a more interesting look - it's also more in keeping with what we are about. I would definately recommend drawing your own text - it makes you think more about what you are doing and the overall look of the piece (Checkout Mike Perrys handrawn text book - Hand Job - I think they sell it at Urban Outfitters)

Black Lace and Sultriness

This a photograph from the shoot I did with Danielle and Heather. I got a bit experimental and shot it through a black lace headscarf. I love the soft dappled effect - especially when taken into black and white. I think I definitely need to experiment with this more - I might need to make a frame to shoot through though - it was quite hard supporting the camera and flash in one hand while the black lace wafting around in the other!

Me&Yu dresses German Popstars!

It's always nice to be sent photographs of people wearing our clothes - its good to see our clothes out there enjoying themselves with their new owners. But it's even better to discover that our loyal customers are famous popstars! Here's some pictures sent by Mieze Katz from German band MIA - Yay!

If you've got some great pics of yourself wearing Me&Yu and would like to share them, please email to angie@meandyu.com - or simply tag yourself on Facebook -  we love your style!

Photoshoot with Hannah, Beth and Sasha

It's all about photoshoots at the moment! This is a selection of shots from a small shoot that Hannah, Beth and Sasha did around Manchester in half term week. Unfortunately it was a pretty miserable day, but I've managed to work some photoshop magic on the shots - I'm particularly proud of the layered umbrella shots - I think they really capture the mood of Manchester at this time of year!

All the new skirts and tees are either online now or coming soon!

We wanted to change the world.

We've done a lot of photo-art and text designs recently and I've really enjoyed getting back into photography. I had some great pictures that hadn't been used before so I decided to create a little art book as inspiration - perhaps some of these will make it into t-shirt designs or perhaps a range of cards....

Open publication - Free publishing - More photography

Bye Bye Scaffolding

You can't have missed the fact that our lovely Afflecks building has been shrouded in scaffolding and polythene for most of the summer. It's all part of a regeneration project for the building that will see Afflecks slowly restored to its former glory. Here's a sneak peek of the first layer of scaffolding being removed.

As you can see the refurbishment has worked wonders - we look loved once more! The building has had old wiring removed externally and internally, the outside of the building had been cleaned and restored. The next step is the removal of the rest of the scaffolding and the addition of temporary signage. Some permanent artworks have been commission to reflect Afflecks' unique heritage and these will be added next year. More internal improvements are scheduled next year - but don't worry we're not going to become another bland shopping centre - all the works are designed to add to Afflecks quirky character and charm.

Photoshoot with Danielle and Heather, photographed by Angie

Some new designs

We've got some new designs coming out over the next few days. I managed to print the first batch today and also make the screens for tomorrows print run. Hopefully should all be online on sunday and instore tomorrow and sunday.

Photoshopping Forever...

It seems like most of my life has been taken up by photoshop. I did a little shoot in the shop a few weeks ago and unfortunately the flash failed so I had to rely on the light in the building. Unfortunately strip lights give off a yellow cast so its been tricky to get a result I've been happy with.

This is an insight to the steps I've had to go through:

Stage 1: Straight from the camera

Stage 2: Use selection key to select background, use eyedropper to "pick up" suitable colour,

fill those areas.

Stage 3: Soften and blend background together with clone and blur tools

Stage 5: Reduce Vibrance

Stage 6: Reduce contrast and brighten

Stage 7: Colour correct and remove yellow

I love the finished results - but having to do this for 45 pictures and it drives you a bit crazy! Here's some more final images from that shoot....