The summer sales are now well underway with top high street stores offering up to 75% off on some of last season’s styles. Some of the biggest stores are literally giving clothes away, but part of me thinks; if no one wanted these clothes before and during the season, who would want them now? But let me tell you, the sales are a perfect chance to buy staple clothes for any wardrobe. Going away this summer? You can buy some shorts for half price from French Connection. Even though they might be from last season, you’ll still look stylish sitting around a scorching pool in the South of France.
Of course, there’s always the chance to shop ahead for upcoming seasons. Last year I brought an Armani coat with a price tag with £100 off. I knew that style of coat was style going to be in fashion next season and that I would be stupid to miss the opportunity. You can also buy (relatively cheaper) clothes you can customise without the fear of going wrong and messing up an expensive garment. Add materials, take in hems, tear off sleeves etc without worrying of wasting all that money.
Garments such as suits and shirts never go out of fashion and if you shop around you can buy some classic pieces with amazing discounts. Selfridges has (well, had) a numerous array of luxury designer shirts with prices starting from around £50 for a Hugo Boss shirt. The same goes for dress shoes. I bagged a pair of Kurt Geiger’s for an amazing price. And of course, for the ladies, classic shoes and evening gowns are meant to last forever so why not save a fortune and buy them in the sale? It’s pretty logical to shop in a sale.
However, let’s face it. Not all of us have a qualification in “shopping the sales”. A few lifesaving tips are listed below:
- Make sure you get in fast to get the best pieces.
- Shop online to avoid the mad hustle of the store.
- Know the seasons, really, ponchos aren’t making a comeback anytime soon so don’t get one.
- Know if you’re actually getting a good bargain.
- Know what you have already so you’re not just buying repeat items.
- Know what you’re looking for.
- Make sure you’re buying for a reason, not just “because it’s a sale”.
- Have fun... Sales are gifts from heaven.
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Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Beat the Sales.
Labels:
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Sunday, 23 May 2010
Top Summer Beauty Tips for Lads and Lasses
We all know how the weather can play havoc on our skin, especially when you're trying to catch a tan so I've compiled a list of my top tips for summer skin...
1) Not a fan of sun tan lotion on your face? I for one hate the greasey texture it leaves behind, therefore, I use a moisturiser with built in SPF. My favourite ones are "Asda skinsystem: face" with an SPF 8 and "Boots Botanics Active Plant Extracts" with SPF 12. The latter is part of a general male skin care set that includes face wash and shaving gel. The moisturiser keeps your skin protected and hydrated during those long summer evenings.
2) Caught the sun but not a fan of those icky aftersun lotions? Use cocoa butter. It hydrates your skin taking away the redness, it smells so much better and they often have natural ingrediants. Plus it can be used as a general skin care product.
3) We've all spent fortunes on spot products over the years and we all know hardly any of them work. I've started to use TCP, yes, that's right, TCP. It works as an antiseptic and literally burns you spot away. Use sparingly and a couple times a week to get rid of those major spots. (Take precautions and read the label for this one!)
And there you have it. My top tips for lads and lasses for perfect summer skin.
What are your rituals? Are you a fan of the aftersun lotion or do you prefer cocoa butter? Leave a comment to share your tips!
1) Not a fan of sun tan lotion on your face? I for one hate the greasey texture it leaves behind, therefore, I use a moisturiser with built in SPF. My favourite ones are "Asda skinsystem: face" with an SPF 8 and "Boots Botanics Active Plant Extracts" with SPF 12. The latter is part of a general male skin care set that includes face wash and shaving gel. The moisturiser keeps your skin protected and hydrated during those long summer evenings.
2) Caught the sun but not a fan of those icky aftersun lotions? Use cocoa butter. It hydrates your skin taking away the redness, it smells so much better and they often have natural ingrediants. Plus it can be used as a general skin care product.
3) We've all spent fortunes on spot products over the years and we all know hardly any of them work. I've started to use TCP, yes, that's right, TCP. It works as an antiseptic and literally burns you spot away. Use sparingly and a couple times a week to get rid of those major spots. (Take precautions and read the label for this one!)
And there you have it. My top tips for lads and lasses for perfect summer skin.
What are your rituals? Are you a fan of the aftersun lotion or do you prefer cocoa butter? Leave a comment to share your tips!
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
The Summer Style starts to sweet stores...
Just as we've finally managed to get our spring outfits to perfectly match and coordinate with the weather, the shops decide to pull out the new summer collections. Thankfully, it's pretty much a smooth transition from the spring style, merged with hints from the last year's summer collections. We are seeing the return of the polo t shirt, mixed with coloured shorts to inject some "summer-ness" into your style. Trainers are out, boots are in. Sloppiness should be a thing of the past as your turn your look from casual to dapper, simply by changing a certain t shirt, you can turn your Spring look into a Summer style setter.
TOP BUYS FOR THE SUMMER 10 SEASON:
Number 1: A Summer Polo
A light toned polo shirt is a must, but this season they're becoming more fitted and less casual. Ted Baker has some great t shirts available (I especially like the button details on the collar).

Click Here To Purchase
(Remember to use lighter tones on top to avoid looking top heavy).
Number 2: Nautical Shorts
It’s hot, therefore we need shorts! Gone are the combat shorts, it’s all about looking smart! What’s a better way to look dapper than taking the style designs from navy personal? Light tones, or crystal white seem to be popular among the fashion houses this season. Go for yellows, light blues and (for the brave!) light pinks to create a clean cut yet casual vibe. Lacoste are big on the nautical shorts this season.
Number 3: Boots
Trainers are a no no, plimsolls are boring, shoes are too much. Therefore, it’s time to invest in a good pair of boots. Don’t bodge the cost and get a cheap(er) pair. INVEST! Go for trusted brands like Timberland. Not only can you wear them with shorts in the daytime, they will transition perfectly into in the double denim look of the spring for a night out, and they’re sure to carry on looking hot during the autumn / winter season.
So, with that in mind: get shopping! Get the style before your friends and colleagues do because before you know, you’ll be giving your wardrobe a spring clean for the autumn / winter season.
TOP BUYS FOR THE SUMMER 10 SEASON:
Number 1: A Summer Polo
A light toned polo shirt is a must, but this season they're becoming more fitted and less casual. Ted Baker has some great t shirts available (I especially like the button details on the collar).
Click Here To Purchase
(Remember to use lighter tones on top to avoid looking top heavy).
Number 2: Nautical Shorts
It’s hot, therefore we need shorts! Gone are the combat shorts, it’s all about looking smart! What’s a better way to look dapper than taking the style designs from navy personal? Light tones, or crystal white seem to be popular among the fashion houses this season. Go for yellows, light blues and (for the brave!) light pinks to create a clean cut yet casual vibe. Lacoste are big on the nautical shorts this season.
Number 3: Boots
Trainers are a no no, plimsolls are boring, shoes are too much. Therefore, it’s time to invest in a good pair of boots. Don’t bodge the cost and get a cheap(er) pair. INVEST! Go for trusted brands like Timberland. Not only can you wear them with shorts in the daytime, they will transition perfectly into in the double denim look of the spring for a night out, and they’re sure to carry on looking hot during the autumn / winter season.
So, with that in mind: get shopping! Get the style before your friends and colleagues do because before you know, you’ll be giving your wardrobe a spring clean for the autumn / winter season.
Labels:
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Tuesday, 30 March 2010
D&G Men Spring / Summer 2010 Collection: My thoughts.
Instantly logging onto the D&G Store website you see the words "Spring Summer 2010, Summer Tailored Mood". This tagline really sums up the new D&G collection as many of the catwalk outfits feature the suit and blazer look. After checking out the latest styles of D&G the main look I seem to be getting is the "stylish preppy with a tailored attitude". Blazer jackets, waistcoats and straight cut jeans seem to play a big role in this collection. The featured colours of this new collection are browns and pastel blues, completely contrasting with last year's rainbow colours.
The new collection definately feautres some staple wardrobe items, such as this "virgin wool stripped waistcaot":
http://store.dolcegabbana.com/item/store/DG/tskay/436A8784/rr/1/cod10/49113011NM/areaid//sts/ .
A definate investment buy as it features that all important tailored look yet has an aura of relaxment about it. This stylish piece can be worn for any occassion (that is, of course, if you dress it properly). Neatly matched with a shirt and straight cut trousers it can be the perfect look for the office, or if desired, dress down with a pair of dark toned jeans for an image ready for a casual night out with the mates.
The 2009 "Grandad" look still looks as stylish as ever, however, appearing in a more conformed style rather than the relaxed 60's look from last Summer. Knitwear plays a vital part in any man's wardrobe, giving off the more gentleman rather than caveman image. Branching off from the tailored image, D&G have created this 2 in 1 number:
http://store.dolcegabbana.com/item/store/DG/tskay/436A8784/rr/1/cod10/39159780JL/areaid//sts/
This piece can be worn by the larger male for a more casual outfit, however, still smart enough for the office. Although the piece is moving towards the tailored image of the new collection, I'd not bother in splashing the cash on an image that can be pulled off using items from last year's wardrobe.
It appears to be that the tailored look is best accesorised using eyewear. Many models seen in the Spring / Summer 2010 collection are decked out in the latest D&G glasses.
Sunglasses are a must for any stylish gent's wardrobe as they give off a confident and mysterious image (and sunglasses take many years to go out of style). Even when you find yourself not wanting to wear them anymore, they're sure to come back in style in 20 years or so. (Last Summer I found myself wearing Ray Ban's from the 80's). Some of my favourite sunglasses in the new D&G collection include the more earthy toned style.
http://store.dolcegabbana.com/item/store/DG/tskay/436A8784/rr/1/cod10/46150753HH/areaid//sts/
These shaded lenses give off style and confidence and will look good against any sun kissed skin in the late summer evenings.
On a side note, practical glasses seem to be edging into the smart cut image as well: with eyewear taking a more rectangular shape able to portray the perfect cut gent.
Gone are the days of chunky glasses lenses, along with the days of bright colours. This season's colours are the more earthly browns and the sky blues. In the new D&G collection it's all about smart, tailored and fitting clothes giving off the aura of a man who takes pride in his appearance. With this fashion line you're sure to have heads turning in the office and out of the office with the smart looks.
The new collection definately feautres some staple wardrobe items, such as this "virgin wool stripped waistcaot":
http://store.dolcegabbana.com/item/store/DG/tskay/436A8784/rr/1/cod10/49113011NM/areaid//sts/ .
A definate investment buy as it features that all important tailored look yet has an aura of relaxment about it. This stylish piece can be worn for any occassion (that is, of course, if you dress it properly). Neatly matched with a shirt and straight cut trousers it can be the perfect look for the office, or if desired, dress down with a pair of dark toned jeans for an image ready for a casual night out with the mates.
The 2009 "Grandad" look still looks as stylish as ever, however, appearing in a more conformed style rather than the relaxed 60's look from last Summer. Knitwear plays a vital part in any man's wardrobe, giving off the more gentleman rather than caveman image. Branching off from the tailored image, D&G have created this 2 in 1 number:
http://store.dolcegabbana.com/item/store/DG/tskay/436A8784/rr/1/cod10/39159780JL/areaid//sts/
This piece can be worn by the larger male for a more casual outfit, however, still smart enough for the office. Although the piece is moving towards the tailored image of the new collection, I'd not bother in splashing the cash on an image that can be pulled off using items from last year's wardrobe.
It appears to be that the tailored look is best accesorised using eyewear. Many models seen in the Spring / Summer 2010 collection are decked out in the latest D&G glasses.
Sunglasses are a must for any stylish gent's wardrobe as they give off a confident and mysterious image (and sunglasses take many years to go out of style). Even when you find yourself not wanting to wear them anymore, they're sure to come back in style in 20 years or so. (Last Summer I found myself wearing Ray Ban's from the 80's). Some of my favourite sunglasses in the new D&G collection include the more earthy toned style.
http://store.dolcegabbana.com/item/store/DG/tskay/436A8784/rr/1/cod10/46150753HH/areaid//sts/
These shaded lenses give off style and confidence and will look good against any sun kissed skin in the late summer evenings.
On a side note, practical glasses seem to be edging into the smart cut image as well: with eyewear taking a more rectangular shape able to portray the perfect cut gent.
Gone are the days of chunky glasses lenses, along with the days of bright colours. This season's colours are the more earthly browns and the sky blues. In the new D&G collection it's all about smart, tailored and fitting clothes giving off the aura of a man who takes pride in his appearance. With this fashion line you're sure to have heads turning in the office and out of the office with the smart looks.
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