Category Archives: Casual

Aug 10 0 comments
Casual, Fashion, High Street Fashion, Officewear

LWD

I spy a trend ALERT!! No more LBD this season, it’s all about the LWD. Team with gladiator sandals on the days the sun still shines, wear with nude accessories for a relaxed look, team with black jacket and black flats for an instant Channel feel that would be perfect for the office, and wear with black heels and black clutch for a fun evening look. So versatile, so now!

Remember 2 things: 1 – flesh cloured underwear, as white can be see through; and 2, napkins when you eat! You don’t want ketchup ruining the monochrome look you’ve pieced together so carefully.

So go for it ladies, try a new LWD to bring your wardrobe up to date. And of course the other brilliant thing about this trend is, if it doesn’t last or you decide it’s not for you, you can always dye the dress black for the winter! Perfect!

Aug 04 0 comments
Casual, Fashion, High Street Fashion, Online Shopping

Cyclist Chic!

Last week saw the launch of Transport for London’s Barclays Cycle Hire scheme which allows members free use of the bikes for all journeys that take less than 30 minutes. It is, in principle, a great idea to get more people travelling in an eco-friendly way, fewer people clogging up public transport and perhaps one could argue, to get people fitter however, with most bike journeys lasting less than 20 minutes and considering we’ll all be cycling through the London smog, I’m not sure how valid an argument this is. Certainly, it does offer users a lot more freedom than public transport ever could and if the bike belongs to Barclays you won’t need to worry about its maintenance. You will, however, have to pay an annual fee of £45 for the privilege and considering you can pick up a second hand (notably, most likely stolen) bike from Brick Lane market for less than this, I wonder if this new scheme will appeal to all demographics of society. Also worth noting is the fact this scheme unleashes approximately 6,000 inexperienced cyclists onto the London roads, as a cyclist myself I have observed them moving tentatively through the lanes of London traffic; they are borderline dangerous and definitely slow things down.

At Help with Style however, we are less concerned with the success of the scheme or the cost to its users, what is far more interesting is Cyclist Chic! Obviously it goes without saying that safety is important. The roads are dangerous so the first essential accessory is a helmet and the second some high visibility bands round the ankles and arms and on any backpacks, especially at night. Aside from that, my only other rule would be to steer clear of Lycra!

One can have an incredibly romantic view of cycling. I imagine floaty summer dresses billowing in the wind, a couple riding side by side in the summer sun, baguette in the front basket, smiles on faces… After today’s rain though, I am less optimistic that anyone, regardless of the baguette and floaty dress, will be riding in the sun at all this summer. This can mean only one thing: rain coats! This needn’t heed the Cyclist Chic however; there is an array of coloured waterproof jackets out there to put shame to a rubix cube. Webtogs sell a wide variety at really reasonable prices, all of which will go perfectly with the bright colours in your summer wardrobe on the days the weather lets you down. The North Face also does a really cute black women’s jacket, tapered in at the waist for a very flattering shape. Perhaps not quite evening wear but as waterproof jackets go, definitely chic!


Jun 22 0 comments
Accessories, Casual, Celebrity, Fashion

Join the Hat revival

If there’s one item I’d like to see come back into fashion, it’s the hat. Remember the old black and white films, when no-one was properly dressed without a hat? I love hats, and wear them all year round. When it’s chilly in winter, I wear them to keep warm, and in the warmer weather I need to protect my head from the sun. They also look good and add a stylish touch to any outfit. Think you don’t suit hats? Think again. Take a browse around the ladies wear shops and try on lots of different styles. You’ll be sure to find something that suits you – maybe a type of hat that you never thought was ‘you’.

Now that summer is here, I’m on the lookout for a trendy yet practical hat to keep cool and help keep the sun off my face. In fact I’d recommend that everyone wears a hat when out in the sun. There is such a vast range of styles available, and you’re sure to find something to suit. So when you pack your case for your holidays, don’t forget to include a hat. A wide-brimmed straw or cotton style will be perfect for the heat, and there are many hats that are designed to fold up, so that they won’t get squashed in your case or bag.

When winter comes round, I love getting out my collection of headwear. There is even more choice than in the summer. I have wool caps, berets in different colours, a floppy 70s vintage hat, a fedora, and fake fur. I’m always on the lookout for more styles and particularly love rooting round vintage stores, where you can be sure of finding something different (who wants to look like everyone else!). So why not join me in the hat revival?

Mar 02 0 comments
Accessories, Casual, Denim, Fashion, High Street Fashion, Officewear

Spring and Summer 2010 Fashion Tips

Spring is definitely on it’s way so to celebrate this week I’ve put together my must haves for the new season that will suit most body shapes and sizes. We’re all familiar with the feeling of seeing a new trend, falling in love with it, rushing out to try it on… only to discover it’s the most unflattering and awful trend for your shape no matter how you wear it! Here’s our spring-inspiration for 2010!

Polka polka!

Spring Clothing

This season I’m not even going to mention the word ‘mini shorts’. They look set to make some big appearances this year, but problem is they’re incredibly difficult to pull off for anyone over the age of 15. One trend I am keen to here that should be hanging around is the structured jacket and denim jacket which are flattering for just about everyone and an ideal way to update your spring look with one staple piece.

Patterns and prints are also set to be a big favourite this spring and summer – our tip for a pattern that suits pretty much everyone? Polka Dot! Whether you wear them big and bold in contrasting colours or small and petite in pretty pastels, there’s a polka dot design that’s perfect for you. Outfits with small polka dots on a structured dress or skirt are great for the office, while big bold prints are fabulous for a retro vintage look on a casual summer dress. The bonus? The bold print means your new denim jacket or boyfriend blazer will look great over the top! Wear with flat ballet pumps for daywear and add a pair of heels for evening wear and you’ve got a foolproof summer look.

Accessories

The simplest way to freshen your look for Spring – Summer 2010 is of course by updating your accessories. Oversize bags are still the style for 2010, so if you haven’t got a great size carry all, it’s time to invest.  The great thing about bags however is that if you buy a quality one that you love that goes with everything, you don’t need to buy them too often.

If you’re trying to save this season, opt of bold accessories from high street stores with reasonable prices, such as this amazing bangle at plus size fashion retailer Elvi, or these fabulous earrings from Topshop.com:

Nov 27 0 comments
Casual, Shopping

Paying a premium to stay warm

For outdoor activities I am dubious as to whether I need to be spending £200 upwards on Mountain Equipment Jackets, there are some activities where spending that little bit extra may be essential but not for all. However for safety reasons, you should not scrimp money wise and leave yourself potentially exposed to harmful conditions, you need to fully research what you are purchasing.

Take skiing for example, do I really need to be spending two to three hundred pounds on a ski shell, if it is snowing then the majority of snow will bounce off as I ski down the slopes, if it is raining then I know I won’t be going out skiing that day, so cannot really justify spending such an extortionate amount of money on a jacket, as the Gore-tex properties would not really benefit me. Now ski pants, that’s another matter, not being a particularly proficient skier, Gore-tex trousers are a godsend (as I spend about half my time on my backside!).

Gore-tex ski jackets are probably the most expensive there is, however if you know you don’t need this supreme material, there are several other options out there that will not be so hard on the wallet, yet will serve the purpose you intend to use them for. Many manufacturers today have their own breathable and waterproof fabric that will be just as effective without breaking the bank, Marmot, Patagonia, The North Face and Berghaus to name just a few.

When out hiking or walking in all elements, I do not mind spending that little bit (or sometimes rather a lot!) extra on a jacket I know I will make full use of, one of my more extravagant purchases, though at £90 it wasn’t that expensive, was a The North Face Denali Jacket, a multipurpose fleece jacket that has taken a real hammering, but it is still as effective as when it was brand new. For someone who enjoys outdoor activities it is wholly comfortable to wear, without sacrificing functionality, it keeps me warm and protects me from the harsher British elements. It has the versatility that puts it way ahead of its competitors, and can handle varied weather conditions one experiences when outside, from the rather cold, to the milder climates, although in extremely cold weather I do tend to wear a lightweight shell over the top. Not only that, but away from the trail, the jacket’s fashionable enough to wear around town. So in this instance the extra money has been well spent, as it has proved to be durable with full performance maintained.

Another property of a jacket I feel is essential is its ability to keep the rain out when hiking or climbing, in Britain you can bet good money on a downpour during your voyage. Walking or climbing when saturated through to the skin is miserable and could even be life threatening, so this is another area I would insist on paying a little more. At the lower end of the market, you can buy a cheap (supposedly) waterproof jacket for as little as £10, however this is madness if you’re a regular hiker or even a novice if you know the weather situation is poor. Inexpensive jackets are not breathable, and while they will stop water from getting in, they won’t allow perspiration to escape, resulting in condensation inside and damp clothing, very unpleasant to wear and once you stop will make you feel cold very quickly.

Another old faithful is my battered navy Barbour, again not one of the cheapest options (but this was a gift 17 years ago, so didn’t impose on my pocket!), but it has certainly stood the test of time. Yes it looks well loved (worn), but it is still capable of performing its duties, though admittedly it has been well looked after i.e. cleaned as per manufacturers instruction and it gets re-proofed annually.
I think with many jackets you are paying for the technology, rather than the design and performance factors, you are also paying extra for the logo or brand name, and in some situations it really isn’t worth the extra money. Ultimately however it is the activity, style, fashion value, fit, personal taste and budget that will dictate which jacket an individual will purchase.

Nov 27 0 comments
Casual, Clothes For Occasions, Shopping

Help fund cancer research

In the UK, someone is diagnosed with breast cancer every 11 minutes and breast cancer charities are all committed to fighting the disease by performing research, campaigning and by educating people on how to check themselves and look out for the early warning signs. The ultimate goal of any cancer charities is to help to prevent people from getting cancer and this means spreading the word and reaching out to people’s generosity. This could be either in the form of donations or time spent organising or taking part in fundraising events such as jumble sales or fun runs.

Breast cancer charities campaign for all women to have access to a screening programme and to make sure that early detection takes place. They campaign for all patient’s that have been referred from their GP get seen by a specialist within 2 weeks. These campaigns cost a great deal of money but are so important.

Breast cancer charities need donations no matter how small in order for them to carry on with the magnificent work they do. They rely on volunteers to help out and fund raising is constant to ensure that the money is available. Everyone can make a difference by donating to charity. If you cannot afford to make a payment directly, then there are things like buying charity Christmas cards and choosing Christmas or birthday gifts from the charity websites or charity shops. The majority of charity shops now sell a wide range of brand new specially crafted items that are not available in other high street stores and that make fabulous gifts.

The most recognised breast cancer fund raising items are the “in the pink” items which range from pin badges through to special edition items such as pink GHD hair stylers where a percentage of the sales goes straight to the breakthrough breast cancer charity. Most major retailers sell a range of the in the pink items, including T shirts with the breast cancer pink ribbon on. Damart is one of the companies that sells clothing designed specifically to raise money for breast cancer research. These items are fashionable and will help to show your support.

Research is a huge part of any charity, and breast cancer charities need funds for their researchers to find out what causes cancer and how the cancer forms and grows, how cancer can be prevented and how it can be treated, and hopefully one day a cure will be found. Any new treatments need to be constantly researched and tested to make sure they are safe, and any side effects need to be researched. Without donations and fundraising, this vital research would not be possible.

Nov 27 0 comments
Casual, Childrens Fashion, Shoes

Dressing for winter cold

With the leaves shedding their leaves and the amount of daylight rapidly decreasing, it can only mean one thing … winter is nearly here. Despite the fact that recent winters have been warm compared to the weather of the more ‘traditional’ winters of years gone by, this winter is set to be cooler than recent winters so don’t be surprised if we do get a fair few chilly snaps during the winter months! When winter arrives we must have our wardrobes prepared with all of the correct clothing and wellies because although it might not be that cold outside, colds and pneumonia can easily be picked up if one isn’t wrapped up. This is especially true for young children as they can be extremely susceptible to the cold.

Dressing children is not easy at the best of times but it is especially difficult during the winter months because numerous layers need to be worn, especially on icy days. I believe that the most important item of clothing for a child during winter is a thermal vest, I used to wear one every icy day! These are especially important because children have a tendency to remove their coats in the playground when the sun comes and they are running about because the temperature can feel quite deceptive.  If this does happen then their chests have more protection than usual and could keep away the dreaded colds.

It is also a necessity to keep a child dry because sitting in wet clothes for long periods of time can bring about colds and other illnesses. This means that a good branded waterproof coat is needed that also has a good quality hood that can block the wind from the child’s head.

On particularly cold days it is always important for a child to wear the good old combination of a hat, scarf and gloves! It is highly important to keep a child heads nice and warm as the majority of body heat is lost through the head. A scarf is important to keep the chest extra toasty and keep cold and flu at bay. Furthermore, children’s hands are very delicate and become cold very quickly so gloves are a must, especially in the snow.

Finally, wellingtons or other kinds of boots are good for a child to wear in winter. This is mostly to ensure that the feet are kept dry because the extremities of the body can become extremely cold when wet and when your feet and socks are wet it certainly isn’t a nice feeling!

Keeping a child warm on cold winter days is of extreme importance because they are extremely susceptible to the cold. However, with only a few precautions they will be able to enjoy the snow, when it comes, and you will not have to worry.

Nov 03 0 comments
Casual, Celebrity, Clothes For Occasions, Shoes, Shopping

Celebrities and their business partners

Celebrities are very important to a large section of the public, especially the young. Some are only celebrities for a few weeks, but their moment of fame is no less significant. Using them to sell a company’s products and services can prove of great benefit and can significantly boost market share. Whether a company chooses to do so or not would depend on the product they are trying to sell or advertise and the expectations of the company.

A local celebrity provides a vastly more cost effective means of gaining publicity for a business. You can pay a few hundred pounds for a local hero or a few million for a national celebrity. This would clearly be way outside the budgetary constraints of most businesses.

A local slimming club that is very popular in the area may choose to use last year’s ‘biggest weight loss entrant’ to advertise what a great idea it would be to join them. That person could be a figure-head for the company who could spread what joining them had done for her. A number of book stores will get the author to their store for a book signing session. This has been known to significantly boost both interest and sales.

Whilst this could be a real boost for a local business, it is debatable whether this would assist a large public company. It is unlikely that sufficient market share would be generated to interest a Tesco or Woolworth’s. Their bottom line would not be impacted enough to get the interest of the powers that be.

It would also depend upon the type of company that is utilising the celebrity. It is improbable that a local accountancy or law firm would benefit greatly as most of the clients are wealthy individuals and other businesses. The entire basis of how the firm generates business is very different to a local store, gym or fitness club.

Webtogs are a new company which sells outdoor clothing and camping equipment. They sell brand-name footwear such as craghoppers & keen shoes, outdoor jackets, tents and rucksacks. They also have a ‘carbon neutral delivery’ policy in place.

Nov 03 0 comments
Casual, Childrens Fashion, Shoes

Warm feet for healthy kids

It does not matter whether you need snow boots or just winter shoes for children, the important thing is that you need to keep those little feet warm. Look at the choices between winter boots and snow boots. The local condition will prescribe the type of shoe; icy, wet or snowy environment are the main considerations.

It is very important to know the difference between snow boots and winter boots too.  Warm winter boots will merely keep little toes warmer, whereas snow boots will add more traction to the mix against slippery conditions.  Of course, you do want to keep them stylish and in fashion still! Winter shoes for children, as any other item, comes in varieties and styles to suite their personalities too.
Younger children will prefer Velcro over laces and it will be easier for you to take the shoes on and off.

You will want to ease the pain of shopping for winter shoes by making it as quick as possible. You will find that by spending a little time on the internet with your child to see what catch their eye, will already make it easier. Don’t assume that you can shop for your little one, you may just be surprised! Children have not made their minds up with what they like, and today’s favourite orange is tomorrow’s favourite red!

Discuss the types of winter boots with your child, and make it clear which ones you are NOT buying. The last thing you want is a tantrum in the shop and a frustrated sales assistant. In the end, it is important to grant your child their own choice with a clear understanding of your own expectations.
Choose a store that sells quality winter boots for children and make sure your child is properly sized. Buying online is well and good, but you must make sure you know the perfect/correct size for your child.

At the store, allow your child to try shoes on and taking it off without assistance. If she struggles, you may want to consider another choice.

Top five things to Consider:
1. Will the shoes be worn indoors or out? Many styles and variety comes pintsize variety suitable for both.
2. Does your child wear uniform to school? If so, how will the chosen winter shoes for your child fit with their school uniform?
3. Can the shoes be worn in milder climates? It would be good as you will get value for money all year round!
4. Are the winter shoes child friendly?
5. Will your child’s feet be protected against the elements by the materials used?

Any item of clothing not willingly worn by the young ones is a waste of time and money! If the shoe fits their taste and style, they will wear it.

Oct 23 0 comments
Casual

Winter in Spain

How often can you sit in an English park in October, sunning yourself in a short-sleeved t-shirt? It´s possible, granted, although without the sun putting in an appearance, your arms will look like a plucked chicken. At times like this, basking in the warmth of the sun, I remember why I moved. I couldn´t face another grey, cold English winter, and snow is almost completely unknown in the region where I live. With only ten days remaining until November, we are still experiencing days of 24C (that´s 75F for those of you who haven´t obeyed the EC directive and gone metric).

Strangely enough, though, all things being relative, a temperature that the English would be glad to experience in summer – let’s face it, anything vaguely resembling a summer is an almost unknown concept – isn´t that impressive here (except to boast about to friends and relatives unfortunate enough to still be living ´back home´). You know you´ve gone native when 24C seems a touch on the cool side, after endless summer days of 32C.

It’s not all sun and sangria though, and anyone visiting Spain in winter would be well advised to pack some clothes for colder weather. When it rains here, which happens more than you might think, it really rains, not like that pathetic English excuse for rainfall which leaves you wondering if it’s worth putting up your umbrella. Still, it provides a source of great amusement to watch tourists dressed in shorts and flip-flops even when it is raining. With their ´I´m in the Mediterranean, so it must be warm, even if it´s winter´ attitude, you just know they have to be British. There are also plenty of ‘I’m so tough, I don’t need to wear a coat’ stag parties, all of whom seem immune to the fact that it’s only 10C (yes, I know that’s summer in England).

While Damart thermal clothing might not be an essential item for Spanish residents, it might come as a surprise to learn that in certain areas, such as the Basque Country in the north, winters can actually be quite cold. In the mountains, it can be downright freezing. Central heating is not ubiquitous in Spanish homes, so a heater is a useful purchase, especially when it comes to taking a shower (brrr). Nights can be chilly, and a blanket and warm Damart pyjamas are needed to keep you warm. Better still would be a handsome young Spanish man, but alas, you can’t buy those at the shops. Sadly, Spain doesn’t have everything …