Friday, January 27th, 2012,
by
Pete,
Fashion tips, Womens wear,
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The ‘must have’ denim trends for this season are:
Coloured jeans – A pop of primary colours, you should really get a pair of coloured Republic jeans for this season. You don’t need several pairs, just a colour which suits your style and works with your skin tone and what you already have in your wardrobe. You can be really greedy though and go for a rainbow collection of coloured jeans! If you’re wondering what to wear with coloured jeans then I suggest you follow the designers and go for colour blocking, really simple and really effective.
Printed jeans – Jeans with a light pattern printed on top of them have such a vintagey feel to them, cute and whimsical and perfect for this season. Clashing prints were high on the fashion agenda so having a pair will make a change to your normal denims, plus you can really work the double denim look too! Patterned shirts and blouses may seem a bit too much with patterned jeans but I find they add to the overall look.
Bleached jeans- These remind me of the nineties, many thought they would have been long forgotten, but it seems designers have other ideas! Perfect for the summer months keep a look out for nearly white bleached jeans and cut offs for that retro feel. As its summer anything white works well with bleached denim, faded t-shirts, cut off vests and a bit of fringing will give you the perfect summer look.
Monday, January 23rd, 2012,
by
Pete,
Designers,
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Julien Macdonald
Inspired by his mothers knitting circles that she held at their home in Merthyr Tydfil, Julien Macdonald’s sophisticated knitwear was what landed him a scholarship at London’s Royal College of Art. Graduating in 1996 with an impressive collection, Julien had already designed for Karl Lagerfeld and Alexander McQueen. In 1997, Julien’s knitwear was spotted by Lagerfeld and he was appointed as Chanel’s head knitwear designer.
Julien has gained a vivacious reputation for his designs. Truly devoted to the form of the female body, his glitzy and glamorous red carpet creations of revealing crochet slips made from crystals, shocking furs and frocks has drawn attention from celebrities worldwide. In 2001, Julien Macdonald won the British Glamour Designer of the Year award, and he went on to work as creative director of Givenchy.
Julien Macdonald
Paul Smith
Paul Smith kick started his career when he opened his own store in his native city of Nottingham, where he sold designs that were inspired by the type of clothing that he loved but was not able to buy elsewhere. During the evening, he took classes in fashion design, and worked closely with his wife Pauline Denyer. By 1976, he had developed a full range of menswear that he showed in Paris.
His traditional English attire combined with witty and unusual prints, is what makes Paul Smith’s designs so distinctive. With 300 stores in Japan alone, and wholesaling his designs to thirty-five countries across the globe, Paul Smith’s commercial accomplishments are world-renowned.
Paul Smith
Stella McCartney
In 1995, Stella McCartney graduated from Central Saint Martins, where her final year collection was picked up by some of the biggest names in retail, including Bergdorf Goodman and Browns. Her trademark style can be seen in her trouser suits, jet-setting holiday wear, and vintage inspired dresses.
After working as creative director for Chloe, McCartney decided to focus on re launching her own line. She opened her first store in New York, shortly followed by stores in Los Angeles and London. Passionate about animal rights, Stella refuses to work with leather or fur, and she has been acknowledged for winning a Women of Courage Award due to her involvement with cancer charities.
Stella McCartney
Thursday, January 19th, 2012,
by
Pete,
Cruises, Shopping, Travel,
No Comments
There is so much that can be discovered on a European cruise holiday, it’s a great was to visit different destinations that you may have never been to before and get a taste for then to visit in the future. Europe is also good if you’re looking for last minute cruises, there are hundreds running throughout the year to destinations all across Europe.
Looking at Mediterranean cruise holidays you can find itineraries which hit popular destinations such as Monaco, Cannes, Santorini, Naples, Rome and Barcelona to name but a few! On here fashion is important to us and you will be amazed at some of the top fashion destinations you can visit. One option is to book a cruise and stay holiday, which offers you the chance to cruise to a number of different ports of call for a week and then stay at your final destination for a week before flying home.
How amazing would it be to see the sights of the Western Mediterranean such as France, Spain, Portugal and Italy before stopping off in one of these fabulous countries for a week, or the Western Mediterranean taking in Greece, Turkey, Malta and Israel and stopping off to sunbath or take in the scenery for a week.
If I’ve tempted you a little bit to look into taking a cruise holiday then why not check out Imagine Cruising to see what last minute deals they have for spring!
Santorini
Picture courtesy of photographerglen
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012,
by
Pete,
Designers,
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Ralph Lauren, a designer brand name known everywhere, is also a fashion designer of classic and elegant fashion. Ralph Lauren has designed for both men and women as well as for home products. Ralph Lauren really is the epitome of success within the fashion world, and this article offers you more information about him.
Autobiography
Ralph Lauren was born on October 14th in 1939 in the Bronx in New York. He was born into a poor family, and had to share his bedroom with two of his brothers. His mother raised him and his brothers in a Jewish family home, whilst his father painted houses.
Ralph Lauren attended both fashion design school and business school at City College in Manhattan. He did not manage to reach the end of his business degree, dropping out soon before it was awarded.
Before he entered his career in fashion, Ralph Lauren served in the US army between 1962 and 1964. He married Ricky Low-Beer, and has three children, Andrew, David and Dylan.
Fashion
Ralph Lauren was interested in fashion from an early age, and he would often buy expensive suits with the money he earned from his after school job. He had a desire to look stylish and wear expensive clothes.
It was Ralph Lauren’s job at a tie manufacturer named A. Rivetz & Co which led to his sparkling fashion career. Ralph Lauren started to design wide ties. He then took these designs and a loan of $50,000 and started the company Polo Fashions in 1986. Bloomingdale’s advised that Ralph Lauren make the ties thinner, but Ralph refused. Once the ties became successful elsewhere, Bloomingdale’s later came back with a view to buy the ties for the department store.
Soon Ralph Lauren designed a line of women’s clothing, and following this a line of sheets, towels and furniture. This was in the early 1980s. Soon Ralph Lauren had a company that was worth $900 million, and he was the founder, designer and chairman of the company. He was selling a lifestyle image that many people wanted, as it was one of sophistication and class.
It is fair to say that Ralph Lauren’s collection of clothing has become timeless.
Saturday, January 14th, 2012,
by
Pete,
Travel,
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The town of Waterford in Ireland is located two hours southwest of Dublin It sits on the banks of the River Suir and is an ideal holiday destination.
History lovers will want to visit the medieval structure known as Reginald’s Tower, which was constructed in the 13th century as part of the town’s defences. It has been used as a mint and a prison and is now fully restored and open to visitors. Another point of interest is the ruins of a Franciscan monastery located at French Church. Explore the past at the Granary Museum and then try an historical walking tour of the town.
Any holiday in Waterford should include a visit to the grand Christ Church Cathedral, which was constructed in 1773 and the Waterford Crystal Factory, founded in 1793, where you will learn about moulding and engraving crystal glass. Stroll along the Mall and take in the Waterford City Hall or spend your time exploring the waterfront quay with its clock tower.
The town abounds with dining establishments, live theatre and music. The Spraoi Festival, in August, is a display of street performers, live music, food and fun for the whole family. For a day trip, head out to Tramore and take in the sandy beach and amusement park.
Waterford is reached by the Bus Eireann national service, while trains arrive directly from Limerick, Rosslare and Dublin. Finding a holiday property in Waterford will be simple, given the large selection available. Accommodation ranges from castles to boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Thursday, January 12th, 2012,
by
Pete,
Fashion tips, Menswear, Sports, style,
No Comments
Sportswear doesn’t necessarily need to be consigned to the gym, in fact more and more designers are creating sportswear styles for their clothing lines which can be worn as every day wear and they still look stylish and smart rather than casual.
When talking about sportswear style, we don’t mean going out in trackie b’s, hooded top and trainers. No you need to look for clothing which has a sportswear cut but still style which is smart, Jack & Jones clothing have a great choice of clothing which fits perfectly into this style.
Trousers, chino’s and cargo trousers in slim cuts are a must have. T-shirts and vests as well as light fitting track tops will be a welcomed addition to your wardrobe. Smart trainers, pumps and plimsolls will work for footwear. Finally a holdall style back or backpack can also be handy, plus many have had a stylish upgrade since you were at school.
Sports style
Sunday, January 8th, 2012,
by
Pete,
Fashion tips,
No Comments
Every man has a skin tone. Regardless of the colour of the skin, the tone will be warm, cool or neutral. The best way to determine skin tone is to view skin in natural light and compare it to warm and cool objects. Darker skin tends to have warmer tones while lighter skin tends to have cooler tones.
Once the skin tone has been determined, it is easy to play to it using colours. Warm skin tones will respond to warm colours. A man with a warm skin tone who chooses a warm colour, such as red or brown, will see that this colour visibly complements his skin. Similarly, a man with a cool skin tone who chooses a cool colour, such as blue, green or purple, will see that this colour complements his skin nicely.
Some men have neutral skin tones and this is actually an advantage. Men with neutral skin tones can choose warm or cool colours and will look great either way.
Thursday, January 5th, 2012,
by
Pete,
Designers, fashion, style, Vintage,
No Comments
With the highly anticipated release this year of The Great Gatsby starring Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan, designers have come all retro with a heavy influence from the 1920’s. Plenty of glamour shine and shimmer in beaded flapper style dresses which have had a modern update bringing them into the 21st Century.
Key pieces to look out for from Lipsy clothing include the drop-waist cocktail dress, faux fur, T-bar shoes and plenty of pearls. You can add twenties influences easily to your everyday wardrobe, with satin blouses, mullet style skirts and boxy jackets. To give this style a modern twist, designers added neon colours peeking out under sheer creams and pastel colours.
Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman and Marc Jacobs based a lot of their collection around this style and influences were also seen at Gucci and from Victoria Beckham all with a great air of femininity for spring/summer. No doubt these styles will be ready on the highstreet for when the weather gets better.
Designers also used the twenties as inspiration for their accessories, Ralph Lauren went for bell-shaped hats with Dior following suit and at Balenciaga we saw oversized ‘mullet’ cloches. Heavier winter versions will be perfect to take you into spring, but keep an eye out for lighter softer version for later on in the season.
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012,
by
Pete,
Cruises,
Cruises, Travel,
No Comments
Cruising has become one of the most popular ways to travel, especially during the winter months. Taking a cruise often implies a warm climate and sunny beaches but it can be more. Cruise companies have expanded their cruising itineraries to include almost every corner of the globe.
European cruise destinations have become a very popular choice for holidaymakers. Sailing past towering castles, sky-high cliffs and centuries of history will make for a very different cruise experience than that of a tropical cruise.
For travellers wishing to visit places such as Italy, Greece Turkey, Venice or Croatia you will need to choose an eastern Mediterranean cruise. That also goes for holidaymakers wanting to see exotic locations such as Egypt, Lebanon or Cyprus. These areas of the Mediterranean are loaded with ancient, historical monuments.
Greece - Temple of Athena
Picture courtesy of archer10 (Dennis) OFF
The Baltic Islands are also a favourite cruise choice. On a Scandinavian cruise you will visit many of the capital cities such as Copenhagen, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Oslo and Riga.
A western Mediterranean cruise will have you heading to the southern part of Italy and the straits of Gibraltar. This will be the main route as you venture into places such as Naples, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Mallorca, Monte Carlo and the French Riviera.
Mallorca
Picture courtesy of Franz59
Monday, December 26th, 2011,
by
Pete,
fashion, Fashion news,
No Comments
Fashion for spring 2012 will soon be upon us, and stores are already preparing for the new collections. There are some strong trends coming up in 2012 and it is a very exciting time for men’s fashion.
Strong colours featured regularly on the catwalks during fashion weeks, with some wear-if-you-dare shades including blues, oranges and mustards. When experimenting with bold colours, it is a good idea to colour block with a single colour, with a polo in orange or with a blue jacket.
Tailoring remains right on trend and suits is an absolute feature across the collections. Trouser shapes were wider than previously seen, and next season the boot cut and even the flared leg looks set to make a comeback for jeans as well as trousers.
In outerwear, double-breasted jackets featured across the catwalks of Yves Saint Laurent and Paul Smith. Look out for oversized jackets in stores next season – in direct contrast to the skinny blazers seen of late. Layering will be the look of the season, with the larger-proportioned jackets worn over shirts and polos.
