Feb 01 0 comments
Childrens Fashion, Shoes

Fashion Reminiscing: School Uniform Days

When did your passion for fashion start? I think the first time I was interested in fashion was when I was a teenager and had to get creative with my school uniform to stand out and express myself.

My brother and I went to a strict co-ed private school with and even stricter dress code. Strict to the point that our teachers would measure the length of our woollen pleated skirts and send us home if they were too short. Enviously we would watch the local school girls jump off their bus in the afternoons wearing whatever they wanted to school while we felt we were stuck looking identical and ridiculous.

The first couple of years were a fashion struggle against the system for us, until one fateful day when I couldn’t find the hideous high-waisted-tapered-leg-inch-too-short girls trousers and grabbed a pair of my brothers instead and started a mini fashion revolution.

The low waist, wide leg trousers fit like a dream and were just the right length, and to my surprise, the school didn’t, and couldn’t, do anything about it. Suddenly it was clear, the way to express our fashion sense through our school uniforms wasn’t through raising our hemlines against the rules, but skirting so close to the rules and obeying the rules in a way that they couldn’t do anything to stop us.

One by one, girls started wearing the boys trousers. Next we started experimenting by donning the tie, something that was not compulsory and we had never seen anyone wear before.

Hair accessories were only allowed in our school colours, so weekends were spent in craft stores and sewing rooms creating impressive array of headbands, hair ties and clips and devouring magazines on different ways to wear our hair. We also discovered to our surprise, the uniform manual stated our tights were allowed to be black, skin tone or match the school colours, so out came the quest to find tights that fitted in with our three-shades-of-blue school uniform in every texture and pattern available without breaking the rules.

But the biggest revelation came with the school shoes. Thanks to our new found wide leg boys trousers, we were able to get away with the most amazing of school shoes, as long as they were black. Our boring black lace ups were replaced with everything from Doc Martin boots to ballet flats to Mary Jane pumps in any material from patent leather to suede. We were no longer envious of the girls who got to wear whatever they wanted to school – we felt sorry for them! My 10 year high school reunion was last year, and I still remember that time of fashion awakening like it was yesterday. If you’ve got a similar story, let us know below!

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Dec 28 0 comments
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Dress to impress

Yes, I think that shirts and cufflinks are a must in the offiice.

I live by the mantra that if you dress well, then you work well.

In order for a man to work at his best performance level he needs to feel the part. A great way of doing this is by dressing smartly and this means, suits, ties and cufflinks.

People judge us and we judge others on what we wear, a man who wears shirts and cufflinks to work gives an auror of confidence and calm. People are more likely to take you seriously in meetings and in what you say than they are if you are wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

Suits, shirts and cufflinks are especially appropriate if you are higher up in the business. This makes you look more impressive to both your collegues and to outsiders.

A business is represented by its workers, if your workers look smart and savvy then people assume your business is good and you can be trusted. Ensure that your workers look great and you may find that your business revenue improves too!

Live by the phrase: dress to impress!

Nov 02 0 comments
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Working in comfort

I find that on the whole, work shoes or boots are more comfortable than hiking boots, but that is obviously dependent on what type of shoes you wear for work. Typical low heel boots or shoes are much easier on the feet than heavy hiking shoes which tend to be rather restrictive and do not let the feet breathe. Because of the lace up styles, they do need to be done up quite tightly. Work shoes or boots tend to be softer on the feet and more suitable for everyday conditions, but hiking boots do have their uses though as I would not want to be wearing anything else if I was out in terrible weather conditions climbing a mountain or trudging through heavy snow. They are designed for all weather conditions so they need to be tough in order for them to last and to keep your feet dry at all times.

At my office I am allowed to wear any style of shoes as there are no restrictions in place, although judgement and common sense has to be upheld when choosing footwear. Open toes, boots or shoes are acceptable, but I feel that heavy army style boots or trainers for example would be frowned upon as they do not reflect the professional environment that the office has. Working in trainers and a Berghaus Fleece top can be acceptable while walking in with heavy boots and a thick hiking jacket may be seen inappropriate in a corporate or creative situation.

It really depends on what kind of job you do as to what footwear you should be allowed to wear, as company standards and health and safety matters need to be considered, so some companies would not be so flexible regarding footwear and clothing. A factory worker for example would not be able to wear open toe shoes, so closed boots or shoes would be the only style accepted. In this instance, hiking boots may well be accepted as a means of work footwear, if you find them comfortable enough to wear all day. Some people prefer the more rugged footwear, but they are not something that I would want to wear for long periods of time.

Oct 28 0 comments
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Winter boots and children’s clothing

Now that winter is upon us, it’s important to ensure our children are well wrapped up. The winter woollies and winter boots may be coming out and you might well need to buy new items if your child has grown a lot since last year. Once children reach a certain age they may also become interested in fashion so what is the best way to ensure they wear their warm clothes, keep warm, and don’t catch cold during the winter, while also choosing items that they will be willing to wear?

You have probably heard this before, but it’s true and very important, so I’ll say it here: layers! Layers help keep the child warm because warm air is trapped between the layers of clothing. If it’s very cold the most important layer is a thermal two piece – thermal long johns and a thermal vest or top, which goes on first. The next layer will then work with the thermal item to keep warm air between them, and this insulates the child against the extreme cold weather. For the fashion conscious child, they don’t really have a complaint because nobody will be able to tell they’re wearing thermals! In this country it’s not always essential to wear thermals but some winter days can be extremely cold so it’s a good idea to be prepared.

A t-shirt will provide a second layer – then you should make sure to dress your child in a warm jumper or sweater and thick trousers – and thick socks followed by properly insulated boots with non-slip tracks. Of course, if you have an older child, you can let them choose their own jumpers and trousers, but make sure they’re going to be warm enough. Remind them nothing is less fashionable than blue skin in winter and catching a cold! Jeans are not a great idea if it’s snowy
as when they get wet they can become very heavy. The solution is to tuck them into the child’s boots.

Finally a waterproof coat will keep out any snow or rain – make sure it has a hood and zips up high. If the coat has elasticised sleeves this also helps to keep out snow and wind. There are lots of great
coats available for children so they can be involved in choosing what they like and as long as you ensure its waterproof and will keep them well protected you can be sure it’s going to work. A hat, scarf and gloves will help further in keeping heat in and by now your child should be ready to face even the coldest winter days.

Oct 22 0 comments
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Winter cooking

Keeping warm in winter might seem like a bit of a challenge, but it can be done. The obvious answer is to turn the central heating up to maximum, but this is both expensive and wasteful (just think of the bills and turn the thermostat down). This doesn´t mean that you have to freeze. It should go without saying that it is important to wear suitable Damart clothing; put on a sweater, and you may not need the fire on. When it´s really cold, wear a Damart thermal top under your sweater and don’t forget the fur-lined slippers (so what if they make you look like your grandma, it´s better than frostbite).

One often overlooked way of warming yourself up is by eating the right foods. The Scots know a thing or two about surviving the winter chill, when they start the day off with porridge. Oats retain heat well, and can also be added to stews to thicken them. Eating flapjack doesn´t count, unless you eat it warm, which is a good excuse for baking and not waiting for the flapjack to cool down.

Forget salads and sandwiches for lunch, and think seasonal. Stock up on root vegetables, and make lots of hearty soup (freeze some for a quick and easy lunch). You could even try baking some fresh bread (use a mix to save time) to accompany your soup. That will keep you warm all afternoon, and satisfy your appetite. Toasted sandwiches, warm quiche, or pasta with tomato sauce are other alternative hot lunches.

Many classic English dishes are designed for the cold weather. You won´t feel the cold after a good serving of Toad in the Hole (sausages in batter, for any confused foreign readers). Hearty and filling, it’s a perfect winter dish. Think also of Shepherd’s Pie (mashed potato topping a thick minced meat sauce – vegetarians can use soya mince). And can you imagine cooking a classic Sunday roast dinner on a hot summer’s day? Roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding will keep the chill out.

Talking of puddings, winter is the perfect excuse to pass on the yoghurts and enjoy some good filling desserts. What could be nicer than apple pie or a fruit crumble (peaches or rhubarb are alternatives to apples), straight from the oven, with some hot custard? For custard haters, cream is also divine poured over a hot dessert. Or get out the recipe books and bake some cakes to eat fresh from the oven. This is no time to be thinking about diets. Bon appétit!

Oct 02 0 comments
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Tradition vs Trend in Jewellery

Jewellery has been a popular fashion statement for many a year and this stems back hundreds of years. What makes jewellery so incredibly popular? I believe that jewellery has the ability to set any outfit alight. For example, a standard every day outfit can soon look eye-catching with the simple addition of an elegant necklace or other piece of contemporary jewellery. Whereas fine jewellery has been popular for centuries, fashion jewellery is relatively new to the market and there has been a sudden boom in the sales of fashion jewellery. Fashion jewellery cost only a small portion of the price of a piece of fine jewellery and it is also feasible that you could just buy a piece of fashion jewellery for an individual occasion.

So, what makes the better item of jewellery, traditional classic jewellery or the cheaper fashion alternative? I believe that the answer is either; it all depends upon the specific occasion. Let us analyse fine jewellery. I think that it is more common for fine jewellery to be selected for special occasions. I think that everybody likes to feel special during special occasions; therefore wearing expensive, fine jewellery is a necessity. Despite the fact that a nice piece of fine jewellery will set you back a hefty amount, it will most definitely be worth it for special occasions. However, fine jewellery is not always practical. Many people worry about damaging or even losing their expensive jewellery when they are out so decide not to wear it. This can sometimes mean that an elegant item of jewellery can be left in a jewellery box somewhere gathering dust, which is rather a shame. I think it would be fair to say that one or two items of expensive jewellery is enough for the majority of us because if it is only being worn a few times a year then it doesn’t offer value for money.

Fashion jewellery has always been popular too but in recent years there has been a definite surge in the sales of fashion jewellery, especially within the younger market. Nearly all of the high street clothing stores sell fashion jewellery for both men and women, you really are spoilt for choice! There are so many different styles of fashion jewellery then you can have an item of jewellery to fit every single outfit. Furthermore, with fashion jewellery you can quite easily change your jewellery combinations to suit the fashion whereas with fine jewellery you are forced to hold on to it because of the high price. Fashion jewellery is extremely practical and you can quite easily wear it without the fear of it breaking or being lost because it will only cost a few pounds to replace the item. The only downfall of fashion jewellery is the durability. Fashion jewellery can rust quickly and lose its sparkly shine only a few weeks after the purchase so you will have to replace your collection quite often. However, if items of fashion jewellery cost so little then it shouldn’t be too much of a nuisance to people.

All in all, I think the ideal situation for anybody is to have a mix between fine jewellery and fashion jewellery. Fashion jewellery is needed for everyday practicality and with so much variety on offer, you will always have an item of jewellery to match and enhance your outfit. In addition, a wonderful item of fine jewellery is also a necessity to because it can make you feel extra special when you do find the occasion to wear it and it also carries that extra amount of added quality. No matter if your preference lies with fine jewellery or fashion jewellery, with the scale of choice on offer you will be sure to find many items that are just right for you.

Sep 20 0 comments
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The Celebrity – Advertising Team Up

I feel that companies who utilise the talents of celebrities they feel to be known to a minority only is quite cutting edge, they are daring to be different and it works for them. They feel they are using subtle marketing but as a general rule that may not be the case. Take for example Ray Mears andBear Grylls , I went in to work today and asked my colleagues if they had ever heard of them, not one person in the whole room said yes. Then again, neither had I until recently, I was introduced to these delectable characters by a partner who is obsessed with the outdoors and outdoor survival tactics.

Nightly viewings on Sky have made them both a household name in this dwelling, and if we miss them the dear man records them for later viewing! I could now trap a squirrel with a piece of cotton, and cook a hock of deer in an underground barbecue made of stone and mud thanks to these guys, whose names certainly do not roll off the tongue of the majority!

Ray Mears endorses a Viggy Vig Vig tent, do I own one? No, but it would certainly be one I would consider for our next purchase, only because he clearly knows what outdoor life is all about and has an authentic and “knowing” presence in an advert.

Advertisers globally are taking on emerging celebrities as they are offering a fresh take on things, a sort of novelty so to speak, who are benefiting both the company and the artist themselves. Take Pepsi for example, for the last few years it has employed a changing cast of obscure comedians, not world renowned celebrities such as Michael Jackson or Britney Spears for their commercials as they did previously.

For some companies, household names are not the priority when casting, today’s audiences are highly influential, taking cues from exciting new discoveries, rather than “old hats”. Audience chemistry now plays a big factor, do I want Peter Andre to tell me how good a tent is, he may have a six pack and a lovely tanned, toned body, but is he a really sincere about the product he is advertising, and is best person for the job when showing me mountain equipment? Bear Grylls on the other hand would make be believe the tent he was using was the best invention since sliced bread!

I think obscure and little known celebrities really do benefit a company, as they are casting people for individual talents, rather than international recognition. Consumers today are fully aware that top celebrities are not necessarily using the products they promote, and that it is just a facade (personally I can’t see Lenny Henry washing his crockery with Fairy!). I think being innovative with their choice of celebrities works in their favour and makes the product more believable.

Sep 08 0 comments
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Shirts and cufflinks in the office. Are they essential?

Many companies require their employees to abide by strict dress codes and there are consequences for not doing so. In this sense, a shirt in the office is essential if specified by company policy. If company policy is unclear, the employee should speak to their superiors before arriving to work in untraditional attire.

Wearing a shirt at work can help distinguish the workplace from the home and therefore encourage a work ethic in the office. However, wearing a shirt and cuff links is not always essential. Some employees may feel that dressing casually when arriving to work would allow them to feel more relaxed.

If after consulting with your supervisor they are happy for you to dress more casually when at work then by all means it may be worth doing so. You may feel more confident wearing clothes of your choice and find that what you wear has no effect on the way in which you carry out your work.

Aug 07 0 comments
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Is a tailored suit practical?

Tailored suits do still have a place in the contemporary office, but have diminished in popularity for a number of reasons.

One of those reasons is cost. It is so much easier to go to your local retailer and buy one off-the-rack at a vastly reduced price. For example, Tesco offer a number of suits of surprising quality for unbeatable prices.

People are also less patient. It takes seemingly ages to choose an off-the-rack suit, let alone a tailored one. Men simply aren’t good shoppers as a whole and would rather end their shopping experience as quickly as possible. Pain staking measurements don’t assist a man in terms of achieving that objective.

There are vastly more people than there used to be working in offices so the percentage of the workforce wearing them was always going to decline. Not every position requires that one invests in such an item. Holding a call centre job will usually just result in that person wearing a shirt and tie. To turn up each day wearing an expensive, tailored suit would make that individual feel out of place.

Jul 27 0 comments
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Give pearls a chance

Is pearl jewellery very old fashioned? Well, yes it is. There’s no denying that pearls were popular in a bygone age and that most women you see wearing them these days are in their 50s and 60s.

But wait! I’m told that pearls are making a comeback. Under the heading ‘retro-chic’ it’s now possible to wear your pearls with pride. The fashion for antiques has never been stronger, thanks to various tv programmes and the resurgence of auctions, both on and off-line, which have made these relics more readily available than ever before. But, no, I’m not suggesting you don a toby jug or whimsy in pursuit of an uber-trendy style. I’m just saying that pearls are joining Victoriana finery under the heading of antique jewels and have left their former category of fuddy-duddy officially behind.

It’s true that you won’t see many teenagers sporting pearls, but increasing numbers of women in their late twenties, thirties and forties are proud to be seen in them, and that’s as much about a revamping of the pearl’s image as it is about the way they actually look. Their well-known ability to lift the complexion (especially great for those in their thirties and beyond) and complement your face rather than competing with it, is just as desirable to todays’ women as it was to yesterdays’.