Style Blog

Now that spring has finally sprung, we can now spend every moment of our free time in the garden. Whether you choose to invite your friends and family round for a BBQ or just sit back and relax in a lounger, you need to make sure your garden is in tip-top condition for the upcoming summer season. Here we take a look at some of the ways that you can enhance your garden to make your neighbours envious!

(Image Source - http://vithouse.com/redecorate-patio-design-paving-garden-designs/)

With summer approaching we can already see the weather improving and parts of the south of England have even been promised a heat wave is on its way! Phew, and we thought we were going to be stuck in the cold, miserable winter months for the rest of the year.

So, now Mr. Sunshine has peaked his head out and put his hat on isn’t it time we started to think about upgrading our wardrobe from winter to summer? We certainly think so. Throw your thick North Face coat to the back of the wardrobe and forget about it for another year, its time to think about, colours, patterns, t-shirts, dresses, shorts and anything else summer related!

Summer fashion gives us so much more choice than winter fashion does, we can experiment with colours and patterns we wouldn’t even dream of in the winter months. The high street is becoming filled with a fantastic range of summer wear which is just irresistible. Brands such as Carhartt and other streetwear brands are giving us a sporty yet stylish way to enjoy summer this year. Carhartt is available at iConsume.co.uk.

As well as Carhartt, Vans and Converse have fantastic new and bright designs for us to choose from, these shoes are the perfect choice for both men, women, boys and girls and are guaranteed to look great and feel great no matter what your outfit choice if for that day. The summer is all about having fun in the sun, so make sure you explore you colour choices and brighten up your day with a bright and colourful outfit.

With the men’s fashion market enjoying a midyear boom thanks to online sales, many retailers are taking advantage of new male focused fashion lines and showing men exactly how to style their look this summer. Trends may come and go but all top designers know that when it comes to making a statement, it’s the classic looks that will go the distance. Over the last few years the demand for stylish menswear has been increased thanks to the influence of icons such as David Beckham. Beckham’s take on classic men’s wear with a hint of modern style has led to the creation of his own menswear line for H&M, along with a horde of copycats looking to recreate the footballers look. The rise in online sales reflects the fact that shoppers and bargain hunters can now view a never ending stream of fashion updates and celebrity style spots. 68% of male shoppers now use their laptops to purchase clothing whilst a further 15% rely on their smart phones to make a purchase, ideal for those shopping on the go.

Retailers such as Frank Wright have noticed a boom in the demand for stylish menswear, with style hunters choosing to stick with classic styles in on trend colours. Menswear used to occupy a secondary space in the industry however 2013 is set to be the year where men’s fashion leaps into the forefront. Unlike women’s fashion, the male market has less disposable fashion trends, highlighting the demand for classic looks with contemporary twists.

With summer just around the corner, men’s fashion is set to become bigger than ever and we can’t wait to see what stylish looks will be coming off the catwalk and into our wardrobes.

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/)

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.