Back in 2019, when that damn virus wasn’t even a blip on our radar, Who What Wear reported that we were embracing an altogether more utilitarian mood as “designers have taken cargo trousers, combat boots and utility jackets and combined them with luxe fabrics to create a distinctively grown-up twist on a previously grungy trend.” 

And now, after a year spent in our sweats, we finally have a chance to embrace that utilitarian trend outside and in full view of the public!  

Utilitarian style is all about functionality and influenced by the military and working menswear. Yep, whatever your views on the military (or gendered clothing, for that matter) there’s no denying the influence that it has had on the fashion industry.  

Indeed, combat trousers, khakis and army boots have worked their way into the lexicon of the fashion world and many of us don’t even think twice about it. 

Interestingly, the Guardian reports that “The US army appears to be aware of the sticking power of this trend; it has licensed the Authentic Apparel Group to produce a range of civilian clothes inspired by army uniforms, with sales benefiting the families of the military.’’  

Here in the UK, if you’re looking for army apparel, you don’t have to look further than the high street. For a fashion forward but no nonsense look, here are 5 utilitarian fashion pieces for your wardrobe. 

THE STYLISH SHACKET 

Is it a shirt? Is it a jacket? No, it’s the ever so trendy sartorial hybrid – the shacket. Combining the smart look of a shirt with the cosy feel of a jacket, the shacket is ideal for your transeasonal wardrobe. 

The perfect transitional piece for that move from spring to summer and then summer to autumn, shackets are effortlessly cool, with an oversized silhouette which can be worn casually when undone and hanging off your shoulders, or more formal when fastened. Get yours in a lumberjack print to really amp up the utilitarian vibe. 

THE ALWAYS TRENDY TRENCH COAT 

Another transeasonal piece is the utilitarian trench coat, which was originally, as Vogue writes, “intended as outerwear for the well-dressed man whose days involved riding, shooting, fishing, outdoor activities and military service”. 

Since then, trench coats have withstood the test of time and have been featured on catwalks year after year, proving that you really can’t go wrong with a timeless cut in unpredictable times. 

Such reliable mainstays currently feel more important than ever, as we transition from outdoor dining and drinking to indoors, and then back out again to savour the sun. We think that neutral, unassuming colours like beiges and greys generally remain the safest bet for trenches, but statement pieces certainly shouldn’t be dismissed, either.

THE BRILLIANT BOILERSUIT 

Here at IDEAL, boilersuits are a mainstay in our wardrobes. Originally a workwear staple during the industrial revolution in hues of blue, khaki and neutral, today, fashion-forward boiler suits can be found in all colours of the rainbow. 

Our favourite thing is just how easy they are to wear, requiring minimal effort while exuding maximum style. Indeed, zero hard labour is needed to wear this one piece. Simply style with some trainers for a laid back look or some strappy ankle sandals to take it into the evening with you. 

THE CASUAL CARGO PANTS  

We’ll tell you what you need, what you really need – some combat trousers. As net-a-porter writes, “In the ’90s they were girl-band standard issue, with everyone from TLC to the Spice Girls showing their love for the practical cargo pant”. 

Love them or hate them, cargo pants are making a comeback, emerging from our Y2K wardrobes and striding into 2021. Now, all you need to do is figure out what to put in all those extra, handy pockets – ideal for all those extras like hand sanitisers, facemasks, disinfectant wipes, don’t you think? How very utilitarian. 

THE MODERN MILITARY COAT 

Sometimes the act of keeping warm but with style and swagger requires a military-like precision in the preparation stage. A military coat, with its funnel neck collar offering the ultimate protection from the cold and windy weather, is a good way to go. 

In a season lacking much colour and verve, the traditional green hues can bring a subtle brightening of darker days. Bring it on!

If you’re buying a gift for your cosmetically-inclined pals this year, chances are you’ve already thought about makeup and skincare sets. No doubt you’ve looked at bath bombs, bath salts, hand and body lotions, and felt a little uninspired…

But if you’re bored of giving and receiving the same old beauty products, then we have just the thing – K-Beauty products. 

If you aren’t well versed in K-Beauty, first of all; where have you been for the last year? Korean beauty products are everywhere and we love it! That said, there isn’t actually an overarching definition of this branch of cosmetics; as Vogue points out, “like most cultural phenomena, K-beauty is ever-changing — what was big last year may not be as popular this year.’’ 

That said, we’re particularly fond of SKINFOOD, one of the first cosmetic brands to root itself in food, and dates all the way back to 1957. Their philosophy is simple, encouraging us to “believe that nutritive food results in nutritive beauty for healthy, beautiful skin”. 

And we do, indeed, believe. Here are 8 gift-worthy SKINFOOD products for your loved ones.

BLACK SUGAR MASK WASH OFF

Black sugar is a natural hero ingredient in Korean skincare, with its fine granules effectively penetrating and cleansing the pores while simultaneously brightening and nourishing the skin, meaning it’s an excellent exfoliator – even for sensitive skin. This is because it is gentle and doesn’t mess with the skin’s oil-water balance.

This black sugar, leave on mask by SKINFOOD is a luxurious wash-off mask that nourishes and exfoliates at the same time. The mask exfoliates clogged pores and removes dead skin cells, and is formulated with black sugar, macadamia seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil and shea butter to nourish, moisturise and improve skin complexion. 

AVOCADO & OIL LIP BALM

A lip balm is something most of us use; as such, it makes the ideal gift. You can, however, give your friend something truly unique and far removed from your ordinary chapstick; check this avocado lip balm that comes in a cute tin container and contains a powerful lip balm infused with avocado oil and virgin olive oil. It’s all natural and all fantastic!

The healthy fats and vitamins found in avocados have been said to prevent skin damage and skin aging, and have the power to moisturise and soothe troubled skin. It can also aid in severe skin conditions like eczema.

AQUA GRAPE BOUNCE ESSENCE LOTION

If you’ve ever had a Christmas present from your aunt, then you won’t be surprised to hear that lotions are the top-gifted beauty product every year. Hell, you’ve probably given one before. Unfortunately, most of those heavily scented body gift sets end up going to waste, cluttering people’s bathroom cabinets until they’re binned in a clearout. Enter the Aqua Grape Bounce Essence Lotion.

A lotion you’ll actually want to use, time and time again, this gorgeous concoction comes filled with an anti-wrinkling formula made with marine ingredients. It has also passed the European Commision’s skin irritation test, and who can say fairer than that? 

Aqua grape extract is a marine ingredient that can significantly strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier to keep the skin soft and bouncy. Aqua grapes, also called green caviar, are natural humectants that can draw moisture from outside into the skin, keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised while helping it be healthier and brighter, too. It is also rich in amino acids that can even out the skin tone and boost skin elasticity.

EGG WHITE PORE CLEANSING OIL

Egg whites have long been used for DIY facemasks, but you rarely see a beauty product on UK shelves which contain them. That might all change with SKINFOOD’s egg white pore cleansing oil.

Egg whites are rich in protein and other vitamins that can benefit our skin, and are known for their tightening effect, which can make your pores look less visible. 

This cleanser is not something you often see at your local store. First, don’t be alarmed with the egg white element infused in this product. However, it is generally better to use a product that beauty companies professionally formulate. This gentle cleansing oil is a perfect gift for a loved one who wants to diminish their visible pores. 

SHEA BUTTER PERFUMED HAND CREAM

Many people are suckers for hand creams, and lately, with all the hand washing we’ve been doing, our hands have been feeling rougher than ever. If your loved one uses hand creams, we recommend you this food-inspired cream powered by shea butter. You can choose from 10 flavours, or buy them all at once since this product is affordable, even for those on a tight budget.

Shea butter has always been a holy grail product but did you know it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties? It also contains Vitamin A & E to provide skin protection. Hands up who wants some? 

GOLD CAVIAR EX EMULSION

Gold and caviar in a beauty product? Yep, you can certainly make your loved ones feel fancy by gifting this emulsion enriched with gold extracts and caviar concentrate. The product contains omega-3 and omega-6, both of which help maintain the skin’s moisture levels while restoring the skin’s elasticity, too. 

Caviar is not a common ingredient in beauty products, we accept, but it has actually been used in cosmetics for decades now. Surprisingly, this one is packed with different nutrients that are good for our skin, with the combination of gold and caviar extract making a powerful emulsion and working together to provide intense moisture to the skin while keeping it supple at the same time.

ROYAL HONEY MOISTURE TONER

Toners play a vital role in even the most simple of skincare routines, and are ideal after cleansing to remove any impurities left behind. This toner contains 3,600mg royal jelly extract, 900mg honey extract, and trehalose to strengthen and moisturise the skin. The best bit? It’s surprisingly affordable compared to other high-end toners that deliver the same benefits.

Royal jelly is a popular ingredient Korean beauty companies use, favoured for its apparent antibacterial and anti-aging properties. Many believe that this ingredient enhances collagen production to prevent our skin from sagging and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

BEAUTY IN A FOOD MASK SHEET

Sheet masks are the most affordable gift on our list, and also a hugely popular one to receive! SKINFOOD’s sheet masks are available in 23 flavours, including aloe, blueberry, coconut, caviar, ginseng, kale, and Jeju tangerine, all of which come with different benefits for the skin. 

Sounds delicious! So, why not feed yours today?

This just in; driving tests are currently ‘like gold dust’, with the BBC reporting that “Most centres are currently booked up until August, with a backlog of around 420,000 tests because of the pandemic”. 

Yep, you read that right; a whopping 420,000 are on the waiting list to take their test. That’s nearly half a million folk taking the bus for the foreseeable future. 

STV explains that the DVSA are urging students to be patient while it takes “steps to ease the backlog caused by the pandemic”. This includes training more examiners and making extra slots available at weekends and out of hours. 

However, they’ve stressed that students must be “test ready” when their call comes in. All of this risks adding up to extra stress for those taking the tests, with the lack of those much coveted tests meaning there is a lot of pressure for learner drivers to pass first time. If they fail, they may face an equally long wait to retake their driving test. 

The experience of learning to drive can be daunting and nerve-wracking, but the scariest part, for the majority of learner drivers, is that final practical test. With driving tests beginning to resume post-lockdown, you may be sitting at home with your test day drawing closer, and with it, you feel your nervousness rise.

Fear not. With the help of driving lesson extraordinaire Beverly Slater, here are some top tips on how to help you stay cool, calm, and collected once the big day finally arrives. 

PREPARATION IS KEY 

To ease your pre-test nerves, it is always best to prepare. Eat a good breakfast as your brain is going to need fuel to help you concentrate. It’s a good idea to skip any coffee before your test as caffeine can wreak havoc on your nerves. Swap your cup of Joe for a soothing and calming tea and stay hydrated, which will help with your concentration levels, too.

Wearing a comfortable outfit, including some suitable shoes, is also key. And to ensure you enter the test centre on the front foot, make sure you arrive there in good time to avoid rushing and any unwanted stress. 

Perhaps repeat a few mantras in the mirror in the lead up to your test, telling yourself that you’re ready. Remember, if your driving instructor believes that you’re ready to take your rest and you’re properly prepared, then have confidence in yourself that you’re ready, too. 

Your instructor will likely offer to book a lesson with you just before the test. This is highly recommended as you can go over any rules, manoeuvres and tips before the actual test. Getting behind the wheel a few hours prior to the test will also get you comfortable in the driver’s seat, particularly if you’ve not had a lesson for a while. 

KEEP IT A SECRET

For many learners, the pressure of passing the first time can make test day a much more frightening experience. Take the pressure off yourself and keep your test date a secret. There is no harm in this and if you unfortunately don’t pass, no one will have to know. Feeling as though you must pass for the approval of others will only make the nerves (and your driving) worse.  

FOCUS ON YOUR DRIVING 

Once the test begins, pay attention and listen carefully to your examiner. Remember that the actual test is very similar to a typical driving lesson; the only difference is you are being marked. Focus on the road and driving the car, not on the examiner and their marking. 

As much as you may want to know how it’s going, it is best to complete the test and let the examiner do their job; they will let you know the final results at the end of the test. Remember that if they need to stop the test for any reason, they’ll inform you, so just keep calm and carry on driving until that moment. 

Rest assured that the examiner isn’t trying to ‘catch you out’ and wait for you to make mistakes. They simply want to know if you’re competent and can drive safely on the road. 

THINK ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR 

Many learners have said in the past that it might help you to pretend that you’re doing a mock test and to imagine your instructor in the passenger seat, instead of the examiner. 

Although it’s currently not allowed because of COVID-19, some learner drivers like to have their instructor sit in the back of the car for moral support during their test. If government legislation allows passengers to ride along by the time you take your test, this may be something you want to do, too. 

WHAT IF YOU DON’T PASS? 

In the event that you don’t pass your driving test, it can be very easy to beat yourself up and, inevitably, allow this to knock your driving confidence. 

The best thing to do is to reflect on the mistakes made during the test with your instructor and address these in new lessons. You will soon be ready to take the test again and get that all important pass mark. 

Good luck to all learner drivers with forthcoming practical tests. As much as the big day seems daunting, once it is done you will be so pleased with yourselves. Learning to drive is a huge accomplishment and a great life skill. Be proud, you have put the time and dedication into learning this valuable skill!

“God I miss the pub”. It’s a lament nearly all of us have uttered at some point during lockdown. Just being able to say “let’s go down the pub” out loud – in other words, let’s forget about what’s happening in our lives right now and lose ourselves in the bottom of a pint glass – is something we’ve all relished since April 12th. 

Is there anything better than days spent hanging out in a pub garden, laughing with friends? While we’re of course overjoyed that pub beer gardens have reopened, let’s face it; getting a seat and getting served has been tough these past few weeks.

The spontaneity of going down the boozer, footloose and fancy free, still hasn’t quite been realised. So, why not bring the pub vibes into your backyard for the next few weeks and create your own beer garden for whenever you fancy a pint? With that in mind and with an ineptly poured pint in hand, here’s our 5 top tips for creating your very own beer garden at home. 

THE VIBE

Pub gardens come in so many styles these days. From classic boozers to gastropubs, all the way to those so-called hipster joints that you find in a Hackney car park. As such, we say simply pick the vibe of your favourite beer garden and copy it.

To create the right atmosphere for your very own beer garden, it’s all about the props. Start by naming your garden pub and creating some signage. Next, dig out your Christmas lights and string up them around the garden; nothing beats that twinkle, right? Otherwise, you’re just kinda huddled round, drinking in the dark…and where’s the fun in that? 

For us, the pub picnic table is the key focal point and aesthetic of any pub garden. B&Q sell one for around £90 while Argos has a bench for a slightly more expensive £100.

Or, if you’re a dab hand at DIY, 101pallets.com explains that it’s easy to make a pallet picnic table out of recycled wooden pallets. Alternatively, invest in a couple of oak barrels and bar stools, and enjoy your garden drinks, tapas-style. Oh, and outdoor heaters or even a fire pit to stay warm are a good idea – this is the UK, after all.

GLASSWARE SMARTS

Don’t have pint glasses? Firstly, we commend you for having not stolen any from your local. Secondly, don’t think you have to rush out to buy a load of cumbersome glassware that you can’t fit in your cupboard. You know, you don’t even have to serve beers in a traditional pint glass.

Not having pint glasses at home shouldn’t stop you from hosting your own beer garden; simply serve your drinks in jam jars instead, or offer up 330ml cans of pale ale, like a trendy East London hangout would. Done. 

THE BEER 

Though we do realise we just suggested cans, the most important part of any beer garden experience is surely that lovely draught ale, freshly poured and with just the right amount of froth.

The guys at beerdrivethru.com tell us that fresh beer is the best beer, and we couldn’t agree more. They can deliver freshly-tapped and dispatched craft ales straight to your door – wherever you are in the UK, saying that their “bag-in-a-box beer is the closest to a freshly-tapped pub pint you’ll get – and you get to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home.” Cheers!

Otherwise, there are several excellent beer keg dispensers currently on the market, helping you create that pulled pint feeling from home. At the budget end of the spectrum, the Pinter At Home costs just £75, whilst the Fizzics DraftPour clocks in at £149. Or, if you’re looking to spend a little more, then the Philips Perfect Draft is a smart investment, costing £399 and being compatible with over 40 different beers. 

Now, all you have to do is get your pouring technique right. Speaking of which…

LEARN HOW TO POUR A PINT 

It’s important to be able to pour a pint correctly. The guys at beerdrivethru.com explain that “pouring a pint badly won’t just leave you with a face full of foam, it will impact the taste too”.  

Indeed, from the glass you choose and how well you’ve cleaned it, all the way to the speed and angle of your pour, so much attention to detail determines how good your pint is. According to those experts, here’s how to pour the perfect pint…

• “Start by tilting your glass to a 45-degree angle, which allows the beer to travel smoothly down the glass. A smooth flow means less air – and less air means you have more control over the foam.”
• “As the beer reaches the lip of the glass, slowly straighten it out. At this point there should be little or no head”.
• “Once the glass is at a 90-degree angle, pour the remainder of the beer directly into the centre – leaving a gap between the tap and the glass. Pouring from higher up allows more air into the beer and helps produce more head.”
• “Keep pouring until the head bubbles just above the top of the glass – ideally around 1ins”
• “Now try to keep your head on! Because the head is made up of carbon dioxide bubbles, it will dissipate as they burst – taking those all-important aromas with it. But you can slow down the process by drinking carefully and trying not to sup too much of the head in one mouthful”

READ: 4 IDEAL beer pairing tips for your summer BBQ 

THE FOOD 

Perhaps what separates a good beer garden from a great one is the snacks. We’re not saying you have to go all out with a menu of shredded jackfruit vegan burgers and the like. But rather, having just a few traditional pub staples tucked away in your freezer to heat through whenever the urge for pub grub arises is perfect for satisfying the punters. Friends, we mean friends. 

Scotch Eggs are about as ideal a snack as you can get – consider making a batch up in and freezing them so you have them on hand. Other stuff to stock in your freezer includes whitebait, chicken wings and, of course, chips. A cupboard of pork scratchings and your crisp of choice, tyrrells, kettle or both, are also important. Perhaps, even more so.

If you want to go all out, we love the idea of adding a pizza oven to complete your beer garden set up. Sure, it changes the dynamic slightly, away from boozing and to more of a foodie focus, but that might be rather nice, don’t you think?

Speaking of which, check out these tips on how to build your own pizza oven for some inspiration!