Style Blog

I’ve been on the hunt for my own personal winter holy grail – a fashionable and affordable winter jacket that is going to keep me warm no matter what.  Whether it is snowing, drizzling or blowing freezing arctic winds I want to know that I can step out of the house without feeling like I am carrying my own body weight. Also, I want to make sure what I am wearing looks good.

Thinking of Your Winter Jacket as an Investment

Sure there are plenty of jackets out there that will keep me warm, almost fool me that its not really as cold outside as it is.  But, and I will take the liberty of generalising – they rarely ever pass fashion muster. That is from years of experience of shopping for a winter jacket with my budget conscious mother.  Every time she bundled me in yet another sleeping bag with buttons masquerading as a jacket, either my facial expressions gave me away or a small groan of disgust passed my lips. It was at this point I was reminded that life was not a fashion parade. 

Oh, but it is!!

Although I didn’t inherit her disdain for fashion over function I did inherit her quest for value for money. I wouldn’t say I was tight with money – I just like to know that I am getting what I’m paying for.  And over the years I’ve applied it to my wardrobe and its worked without fail.  So of course I’m taking that approach to my quest for a winter jacket.  I know I’ll be able to find a jacket that is stylish and functional, will keep me warm and will be totally affordable.  Just look at the jackets like the one in this great little article – trendy, super functional and you just know that is going to keep you warm, all at a reasonable price.

To Each Their Own

Over the past few years, it has become noticeable that men are taking much better care of themselves than they used to. This includes using skincare products, dressing smartly, and wearing designer pieces of clothing – all within their means of course. Whether we get to see them or not, men seem to have some kind of obsession with buying designer underwear from premium brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. Here we take a look at three of the must-have underwear brands that all men should own.

Armani

One of the biggest designer brands in the world, there is no surprise that Armani is within our top three underwear brands for men. The style is often kept simple and most commonly follows a black-and-white color scheme with a branded waistband. With some of the globe's most successful figures gracing the adverts such as Mr and Mrs Beckham, Rihanna, and Cristiano Ronaldo, there is no wonder everyone wants a piece of Armani! 

(Image Source - http://www.hollywire.com/2009/06/david-beckhams-new-armani-underwear-ads)

Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein is another top underwear brand for men that follows a simple yet iconic structure. Available as briefs or boxer shorts, Calvin Klein underwear lets you have the best of both worlds. With the famous branded rim along the top of the boxers, many men purchase from this brand because they provide extreme comfort and classic designer fashion. 

(Image Source - http://www.rickliebling.com/tag/calvin-klein-underwear/)

Step out of the shadows and into the bright, bold light of this year’s loudest fashion trends. In 2013, the runways of Paris, Milan, London and New York lit up for the spring, summer, autumn and winter designer collections for year round decadence and fun. Use the following looks to highlight an outfit or dress from head to toe to make a colourful entrance.

Outerwear

The autumn designer collections saw coats and jackets come in an array of styles, shapes and colours, making this trend one of the most versatile this year. Altuzarra followed in the white footsteps of designers such as Derek Lam and Tommy Hilfiger with oversized white fur coats with black panelling, whilst Jason Wu followed on from his spring collection with colour blocks and durable materials like his black panelled, camel trench coat. Marchesa was perhaps the most flamboyant with oriental motifs in billowing, shimmering satin.

Eyes

The eyes and brows were very much a main beauty focus in the spring and summer collections. Marc Jacobs transformed his models into the style icon Edie Sedgwick with unmistakable bold brows and heavily lined eyes with a blonde pixie cut. Blue and red/pink tones were also a big trend with designer such as Donna Karan and Vera Wang, brightening the eyes of their models with vibrant neon pink shadows and more delicate red tones respectively. Jazz up a smoky eye with blue or red tints to mix up a staple evening look. Brows were also bold and filled at Prada. Many of the designers following this trend left the rest of the face neutral in order for the eyes to have full impact on the catwalk. Visit Zanda to see how the celebs are styling their makeup this year.