Style Blog

In the past, dedicated shops selling clothing to runners were few and far between. Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of outlets catering specifically for running and triathlons. Many stores pride themselves on employing staff, who are runners themselves.

Running in the UK

One would think the UK with its perpetual rain is far from the ideal place to go jogging. In fact the all year round mild temperatures are ideal for running as it is rarely too hot or too cold. Since the credit crunch running has gained new popularity, as it is a cheap and effective way of staying fit.

One of the best items you can go for if you want to complete different Summer outfits, espadrilles are a lightweight form of footwear that can be worn as a slip on shoe for heading to and from the beach. Espadrilles are flexible enough to be worn as an alternative to flip flops, and as a harder wearing choice of footwear that can be paired with chinos and cropped trousers, as well as with casual shorts and dresses, depending on the circumstances.

Espadrilles, and canvas espadrilles in particular, were first worn by peasants as an easy to wear slip on shoe during hot weather; they’re actually a bit like slippers or loafers, and can be found in harder wearing canvas styles, as well as lighter cotton versions; canvas espadrilles are best for wearing day to day, while cotton versions are more suitable for trips to the beach, and for avoiding damp weather - they’re also a good way to mix up flip flops with more stylish options.

Canvas espadrilles can be an ideal item to finish off a Summer outfit - being more hard wearing, they can be worn as a comfortable shoe for different outfits, and can be paired with denim and cargo shorts, as well as with white t shirts and blazers for men; the European style of espadrilles also makes them anessential item for a Mediterranean holiday, where they can be combined with fedoras and sunglasses. However, you can also wear them just as well with jeans and chinos.

For women, espadrilles can be worn in plain styles, or with open toes and in wedge versions with strips - again, you can wear espadrilles as a good alternative to flip flops, and as a practical and more inexpensive way to mix up your collection of ballet flats and boots. In terms of colour and style, it’s possible to find espadrilles in brighter prints, as well as with softer, plainer cotton that can make them ideal for the beach.

It is important to remember, though, that espadrilles are primarily Summer footwear - wearing them in the rain or at a muddy festival probably isn’t the best idea, as they’re liable to get ruined if you’re not careful - take the same sort of care as you would with Converse sneakers, and consider having a few different pairs of espadrilles handy if you want to experiment with colours and styles.

1. The North Face

The North face brand was established in 1968 in San Francisco. The name was chosen because the north face of a mountain in the northern hemisphere is generally the most difficult face to climb. By the 1980s, skiwear was added to the line of products, and eventually camping equipment was added as well. The North Face is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the VF Corporation.

1. Patagonia

Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia's founder, got his start as a climber in 1953 as a 14-year-old. Yvon’s love for climbing grew and he met otgers who shared his love for the adventure. Patagonia began to see clothing as a way to help support the marginally profitable hardware business, and by 1972 they were selling polyurethane rain cagoules and bivouac sacks from Scotland, boiled-wool gloves and mittens from Austria, and hand-knit reversible "schizo" hats from Boulder. You can find this, along wuith many other top outdoor clothing brands at theepicentre.co.uk

1. Mountain Equipment

Mountain Equipment was established in 1961 and since have been equipping expeditions for the hardest conditions on Earth. They have participated in every British first ascent of an 8000m peak, been part of more than 175 Everest summits by International Mountain Guides and Sherpas and equipped unsupported trips to the North and South Poles.