As London gets geared up for fashion show season, we’ve found the top 10 weird and wonderful backstage beauty secrets from the people in the know.
SUNKISSED YOUTH
One of the easiest ways to cheat a youthful look is to draw on freckles. Makeup artist, Lynsey Alexander says that Kate Moss always asks for a smattering of freckles, “It gives you that youthful freshness and glow, the trick is to use your brow pencil and dot randomly before smudging it with your finger, so it looks like skin rather than make-up”.
BEE STUNG LIPS
To create an enviably full pout, Creative Makeup Director at Estée Lauder, Tom Pecheux, says: “Outline them with a pale gloss, then colour in with a darker gloss. Over time, the deeper shade will fade into the paler one, making lips look full and sensual.”
60S LASHS
Celebrity makeup artist Hannah Murray is the master of Twiggy lashes that are making a comeback. She recommends: “Curl first, then immediately apply waterproof mascara as it holds lashes up much better than a regular formula. Follow with 2-3 coats of black mascara, wiggling the brush through.” She sometimes dries out the mascara: “I leave the lid off for a day or two to get the right texture – it makes all the difference.
HOMEMADE FACELIFT
A pain-free facelift? Yes please! Niki Metz, Director of Artistry for Jouer says: “As a little girl, I would watch my mother apply egg whites to her face (especially around her eyes) about an hour or two before going out to a special event. She would take one egg, separate it, whisk it until it was frothy, and apply the egg white all over her face and leave it on for 20 minutes. After, she would wash it off with lukewarm water and immediately apply her makeup. The egg white tightens the skin and wrinkles to give you a temporary facelift.”
THICKER BROWS
Eyebrows are in for the foreseeable future. If you haven’t been blessed with Delevingne eyebrows, Terry de Gunzburg, founder of ByTerry says: “Apply a nourishing balm to your eyebrows before going to bed. This will guarantee extra strength and growth—thicker eyebrows in two weeks.”
DARK CIRCLES
We’re always looking for the latest remedy to get rid of the dark circles under our eyes. Brazilian beauty, Victoria Brito, loves her home remedies: “For example, to get rid of dark circles, take a potato, cut it into slices like a pepperoni, and put one slice over each eye for about 15 to 20 minutes once a week. I swear, after doing it about five times, you’ll start to see a drastic reduction of dark circles. The potato literally starts to get dark and shrivel up while you use it—it’s crazy!”
MIX AND MATCH
Matte foundations can settle on the skin and often exaggerate pores and wrinkles. Joanna Czech, Uma Thurman’s facialist, says: “Skin looks younger and fresher when you can see it through your foundation, unlike water-based versions, they won’t highlight enlarged pores and fine lines.”
Czech also says: “Make your own by mixing your favourite serum or facial oil in with your regular foundation.”
Mixing serum into your foundation is a great way to ensure your skin stays hydrated all day. Skincare expert at What Skin Needs, Sonja Dymalovski, recommends using a serum that includes natural oils as they reduce the chance of breakouts.
Sonja says: “Hydration is the key to young looking skin, and adding a serum to your foundation is a great way to get that youthful dewy look. I would go for a serum with oils that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties like Jojoba oil and Plantolin. Try Hydrating Facial Serum by What Skin Needs (www.whatskinneeds.co.uk, £17.99)
HYDRATE YOUR HAIR
Who knew that you could find a great conditioner tucked away in your fridge! Blake Lively told Brydie: “My mom taught me this really great beauty tip. She used to put oil or mayonnaise on the bottom half of her hair before she would shower. That way, when she would shampoo, the soap wouldn’t strip the bottom of the hair and dry it out making it brittle.”
CHEEKY GLOW
British icon, Kate Moss, always looks fresh-faced despite being a party girl, she says: “Dick Page taught me this: After applying your lipstick, blot your lips with your fingers and then pat the remaining colour on your cheeks for an instant glow.”
HOMEMADE MASKS
Michelle Peck, skincare expert whose past clients include, Australia beauty, Miranda Kerr: “We use various different homemade masks to prep her skin, from a delicious Pineapple Enzyme Peel to a Papaya Mask. We also use an avocado and olive oil mask for hydration and a coconut cream mask that we whip up to use for dehydrated skin.”
To celebrate oyster season, Michelin Star chef Steve Smith of Bohemia shares his recipe for Poached Jersey Oysters with Oyster Velouté
Created by Head Chef Steve Smith, who has held a Michelin Star for over 15 years from the age of just 24, this recipe for poached oysters is just the tip and makes a luxurious treat. Steve is known for creating a truly outstanding dining experience with his ingredient and flavour driven tasting menus. Bohemia was recently listed as the best restaurant in Jersey in Square Meal’s Top 100 Best Restaurants 2016.
Opening Large Oysters
When working with large oysters, that are too big to fit snugly in the palm of the hand, start by laying them on a cloth on the work surface with another cloth on top. (The curved shell should be underneath)
Insert the oyster-knife point as close to the hinge as possible. Work it in to a depth of about 2cm.
Once the knife is in, pick up the oyster so the rounded shell sits in the flat of the hand. Twist the knife downwards and inwards to loosen the two shells and separate them at the hinge.
The meat is attached to the top shell by an adductor muscle. Move the blade along the top (flat) shell and loosen the oyster from it without cutting into the fleshy part.
At this point oyster and oyster juices will sit in the rounded shell as though in a cup. Discard the flat shell.
Washing oysters and clarifying the juices
As you open each muscle empty the juices into a bowl, expect about 200ml juice from 10-12 large oysters.
Pass the juice through the finest sieve and reserve.
Rinse the oysters in this juice to remove any grit or traces of shell.
Take them out of this liquid and reserve.
Sieve the juice again and store for the sauce, the poaching emulsion and the oyster mayonnaise – about 350ml in all.
Oyster Velouté Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 8)
60g finely diced shallots
100ml Noilly Prat
100g Oyster Juices
120g Fresh Oysters
200ml Double Cream, 200ml Crème Fraîche
40ml Chardonnay Vinegar
Lemon Juice and Salt to taste
Method
Put the shallots and Noilly Pratt into a medium-sized pan. Reduce by half over a gentle heat so that the shallots become transparent.
Add half of the oyster juice and half the oysters.
Bring back to the boil and reduce by a quarter.
Add double cream and crème fraîche then bring back to the boil, take off the heat and blend.
Return to the pan and add the remaining oyster juices and oysters. Bring to the boil and take off the heat.
Add Chardonnay vinegar and blend.
Pass the sauce through a fine sieve.
Add lemon and salt as necessary.
Oyster Emulsion
20g Seaweed butter
60g Finely sliced shallots
100ml Noilly Prat
120g Raw Oyster
100ml Oyster juice
120g Raw Oyster
40ml Champagne vinegar
200ml Double cream
200ml Creme Fraiche
A Pinch of salt
Lemon juice
Method
In a saucepan, combine the shallots and Noilly Prat. Reduce by half over a medium heat. Add half the oysters and oyster juice and reduce by 1/4. Add the cream and creme fraiche, cover in cling film and leave to steep for 20 minutes.
Add the remaining oyster, juice and the seaweed butter. Place in a blender and blend till smooth. Pass through a chinois and add the vinegar. Season with salt and a little lemon juice if required.
Oyster Poaching Liquid
100 ml Champagne
100ml Oyster juice
25g Seaweed butter
Method
Warm all the ingredients to 62°C.
Oyster tapioca
50g cooked tapioca
50ml oyster veloute
2 tbspn finely chopped cucumber
1 tbspn finely chopped fennel cress/dill
5-10ml Yuzu juice
Salt
Method
Warm the oyster veloute and tapioca, mix thoroughly. Allow to cool. Add all the other ingredients and season.
Cucumber pickle
1/4 cucumber finely diced
2 normal shallots finely chopped
1 tbspn chopped dill/fennel
3 tbspn white balsamic vinegar
Method
Place the cucumber into a vac bag with the vinegar and vac on the highest setting. Open straight away and drain the vinegar. Lay on a blue cloth to drain for a few minutes.
Place in a small bowl and mix in the shallot and fennel fronds. Keep at room temperature.
Place a little pickle on each oyster when serving.
Let’s face it, as beautiful as Britain is, summer isn’t our forte. With the exception of a few days of blistering heat (which always take us by surprise) we spend the majority of the summer months with an emergency brolly in our bags.
It may be the end of the UK summer holidays, but that doesn’t mean we’re ready to pack away our flip flops just yet. In fact, with September bringing us some of the balmiest of days in recent years, there’s still time for one final fling to send your summer out with a bang. Treat yourself to one last trip to end the season with these top destinations from LateRooms.com, perfect for your summer finale.
THE HIPSTER GETAWAY: CANAL ST MARTIN, PARIS
It doesn’t get much hipper than Canal St Martin, which, set in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, is the place to see and be seen in the French capital. And summer brings the area into its own as well-heeled hipsters and model-types dangle their feet along the waterside whilst philosophising (in true Parisian style) over a bottle of red wine or a couple of craft beers.
In warm weather, impromptu gigs pop up close to the water’s edge and casually beautiful people traverse the canal’s quaint iron footbridges in search of the next high fashion boutique, record shop and independent coffeehouse – all available en masse. For film buffs, the area famously appeared in Amélie and Hôtel du Ñord.
ISLAND GETAWAY: MALLORCA
An ever-popular gem of the Med, Mallorca combines some of the quintessential requirements for an island getaway: hidden coves, sapphire seas, stretches of sandy beach, Instagram-worthy sunsets and scented breezes are here in abundance. If you can tear your eyes away from the crystal clear waters and pine-backed beaches, you’ll be rewarded with acre upon acre of vineyards, breathtaking mountains, super fresh seafood and charming historic towns to explore come sundown.
THE UK BEACH BREAK: NEWQUAY
If you’re looking to make the most of summer on home turf, the Great British seaside is tough to beat. Fistral Beach in Newquay offers close to a kilometre of golden sands, backed by high cliffs and rolling dunes. A favourite with surfers, lessons are available for first timers and the delights of the Cornish coastline- including Padstow and Mawgan Porth – are on your doorstep too. Take a long walk on the beach, build a sandcastle and grab some fish and chips. This is the British summer at its finest.
THE FOODIE CITY BREAK: PORTO
There’s much more to Portugal’s food capital than its fortified wine (although it’s not a bad place to start). Set in a winning location where the Atlantic Ocean and a host of the country’s finest vineyards are neighbours, Porto is a foodie’s dream. Smoked meats, tangy cheeses and fresh seafood are all on offer to tempt you, as well as plenty of innovative dining options and the city’s Mercado do Bolhao food market – stacked to the rafters with delicious treats – to explore. The city itself is a picture postcard of zigzagging alleyways and winding lanes set against soaring belltowers, with charming alfresco dining options overlooking the Douro river. Accent your trip with a visit to a local winery or a stop off at one of its many contemporary creative spaces. It’ll give you chance to digest before the next meal. Read our guide IDEAL city guide to Porto here
THE ROMANTIC RETREAT: COTSWOLDS
Golden hued villages, chocolate box cottages, rolling hills and honeyed fields make the Cotswolds one of the UK’s largest areas of natural beauty. This is Thomas Hardy country and if you’re looking for a romantic idyll to while away the lazy last days of summer, this is pretty tough to beat. Settle down to a champagne cream tea, stock up at a farmer’s market before picnicking in the long grass, and wander thatched-cottage filled villages before making like Lord and Lady of the Manor and settling down to a luxury dinner for two in one of the area’s award-winning restaurants.
The closing parties may be ringing in the end of the Ibiza season, but if you’re looking to continue the party, make Barcelona your next stop. If ever there was a city for night owls then Barcelona – where not even dinner happens before midnight – is it. Bringing together the holy grail of buzzing city, golden beaches, and averages of 26 degrees even in September, boy does Barcelona do party hub well. Spend your day on the sands, lounging at one of the beachside cafes, then head out late to one of the city’s world class clubs and renowned DJs – from La Terrazza to La Macarena and the exclusive CDLC, set right on the beachfront.
The British countryside doesn’t get much more awe inspiring than the Lake District and as the home to England’s largest lake, Windermere is on point when it comes to nailing the country escape. Miles of the country’s most sunning walking routes surround you – encompassing grassy valleys, mesmerising blue waters and heart-stoppingly beautiful peaks. After all that fresh air, Windermere itself has some of the quaintest pubs and tearooms on offer to refuel in, or simply sit back and enjoy a pint over that view.
Travelling to the sprawling metropolis of Dubai? Lucky you! In the past 20 years the city of Dubai has evolved into a cosmopolitan paradise which is practically bursting at the seams with recreational attractions. From fantastic architecture to themed entertainment centres, find out how to get the most out of your visit to the city of gold.
#1: Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is not for the faint hearted. At 2,722 ft high, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and a focal point of Dubai. Marvel at the view from the top, hurtle down the world’s 3rd fastest elevator and eat fine food 22 floors up. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
#2 KidZania
If you had your time again, would you be a pirate, a banker or a journalist? At the innovative adventure park KidZania, children get the opportunity to live and work just as they would in adult life. For one fun filled day, kids can perform regular working jobs and earn money in the fictional currency of Kidzo’s. An excellent role play activity for children, they won’t want to leave.
#3 Ravi Restaurant
Take some time out from the gastronomic glitz and glamour of Dubai and head to Ravi for honest Pakistani curry served with a smile. You won’t find any embellishments here, all the focus is on the food which by the way, is outstanding. Order the chicken boti, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the rare privilege of paying under £20 for a meal for 4.
#4 Dubai Fountains
You may be wondering why fountains have made it to the top 10 attraction list. Well, what you need to realise about Dubai is that despite all the buildings, shopping malls and water features you’ve seen previously, Dubai are doing it taller, bigger and louder. And Dubai Fountains are no exception. This is one of those “you have to be there” moments. Trust us.
#5 Ski Dubai
If you want to have your cake and eat it too, Ski Dubai is just the ticket. Cool off from that sizzling desert heat by skiing down runs in sub-zero temperatures. The gigantic ski slope is situated in Mall of the Emirates and covers a generous 3000 square metres. Hurtle down the toboggan run, head for the steepest slope and enjoy a spectacular view from the chairlift.
#6 Desert Safari
Get acquainted with the Bedouin way of life by taking a trip back in time courtesy of the desert safari. Four wheel drive vehicles will transport you to an authentic campsite where you’ll have the opportunity to experience shisha, traditional cuisine, belly dancing and henna painting. Indulge your adventurous side by participating in a spot of dune bashing. This adrenaline fuelled activity will have you racing across the bumpy sand dunes at terrific speeds- its nail biting stuff!
#7 Wild Wadi
Introducing Wild Wadi, the best water park since records began. Winner of the 2013 Travellers Choice Award, Wild Wadi is an aqua fairyland for kids and adults alike. Boasting 30 water slides -including a master blaster rollercoaster style affair – and the largest wave pool in the Middle East, visitors will find no shortage of fun here.
#8 Dubai Creek
One for the history buffs, Dubai Creek gives visitors a taste of Dubai’s roots. Sailing along the creek on a traditional abra or on a unique dhow cruise, you will be confronted by the oldest and most scenic surroundings of Dubai. Hop aboard and watch the sunset, enjoy fine food on a cruise or simply sit back and soak up the jocund view.
#9 Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is the world’s first 7 star hotel. For most of us, staying in such a place is unimaginable however that doesn’t mean we can’t visit the sky bar and steal a few glances at the magnificent view from the top. For a super extravagant overnight stay or afternoon tea in a lavish setting, head to Burj Al Arab.
#10 Dolphin Bay
Most people reserve a place on their bucket list for swimming with dolphins. At Dolphin Bay, you can achieve all that and more with scuba diving, educational programmes and of course dolphin encounters notable packages. Interact with these sublime creatures on a once-in-a-lifetime swim.
Author Note:My Dubai Stay are a group of beautifully furnished Dubai holiday rentals situated in 9 desirable locations across the city. Whether you’re searching for a three bedroom villa on the Dubai Marina or a one bedroom apartment in the Palm, visit their website to see what’s available.
A beach wedding could be a truly beautiful, unique, and unforgettable occasion. After all, what could be more romantic than watching a couple exchange their vows with the ocean breeze blowing through their hair, the sun shining down, and the sound of waves crashing on the shore? But if you have never attended a beach wedding before, you may be wondering what you should expect. If that’s the case, keep reading to learn more.
FOLLOW THE DRESS CODE
Just because the vibe associated with being on the beach is a relaxed one, a beach wedding can still be a formal event. The groom will likely wear a formal suit or tuxedo, while the bride will wear a gorgeous bridal gown. The same formal attire will be expected of you and the rest of the guests, so do not assume that you can get away with wearing sandals, a pair of shorts, and a t-shirt just because you will be watching the ceremony on the sand.
The guys at formaltailor.com tell us that men should have a suit or tuxedo fitted properly if the wedding invitations specify the event will be formal, and women should wear a short or long dress that is appropriate for the season and expectations of the bride and groom.
IT MAY GET HOT AND UNCOMFORTABLE
If you are going to be attending a wedding on the beach, especially during the summer or in a tropical location, you should expect that it may be quite hot, and it could get uncomfortable.
This is especially true if the event is a formal one that requires that you wear formal attire. No matter what, do not complain about the weather or the heat.
Be kind and courteous, and avoid complaining to the bride and groom or any of the other guests. It is likely that the bride and groom have already thought about the heat, and you may even find a little fan that you can use at your seat during the ceremony to stay cool.
Don’t ruin the day by getting burnt! Remember to bring your sunscreen and consider bringing a wide brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun’s rays. Your chosen sun hat can look great too and add a touch of style to your wedding outfit.
Even if the beach wedding will be a formal one, you may not be able to wear the formal shoes that you would typically wear with your dress or suit. In fact, beach weddings can be particularly tricky when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes because you will be on the sand, and heels don’t work in the sand because they will cause you to sink. At the same time, however, you also do not want to wear a pair of really casual flip-flops that could ruin your outfit. Therefore, the best route to take would be to wear dressier flat sandals if you’re a woman. If you’re a man, a loafer style shoe could be the ideal option while on the sand.
With the right preparations, particularly when it comes to what you will wear, you can attend a beach wedding and take in all of the beauty and love that surrounds this special event.
If you’re not au fait with the developments in the courier industry, you’re missing out on some excellent savings on your postage. Many will flock to the Post-Office on their lunch breaks to be met with large queues and high shipping costs. The good news is, there are far better options out there, especially for important or difficult parcels. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL money and time saving tips for sending parcels.
PICK THE RIGHT WEIGHT CATEGORY
Since many postal services like Royal Mail will charge by weight, if you’re looking to cut costs, it can be tempting to try and save money by putting your parcel in a cheaper weight class than it actually is. However, if your parcel is found to be over the limit, you could come up against extra charges, or your delivery could be delayed – it’s just not worth the risk. Always weigh your parcel properly, complete with any packaging.
GET YOUR PACKING RIGHT
Make sure your parcel gets from A to B in perfect condition at precisely the right time by ensuring you’ve packed it right and all the labelling is clear.
Pick a container of appropriate size – under filled boxes may collapse, especially if there’s not enough padding or cushioning to keep the contents in place.
Make sure your box and your items are firmly secured with strong and durable tape, double layered boxes and use flexible plastic liners or box coverings.
Consider the climate of where you’re sending the parcel to. Is it snowing or does it rain frequently? Then waterproof packaging is a must.
DON’T ALWAYS RELY ON THE POST OFFICE
Contrary to popular belief, charges from the Post Office will often be higher than couriers as their operations cost more. Plus, the post isn’t always reliable and can’t guarantee a specific time or date that your package will arrive. Whereas, couriers can tell you exactly what day and time (down to the hour in some cases) it will get there.
If you’ve got something very large, heavy, temperature or time sensitive, or simply something that requires customer service that goes above and beyond what traditional post, then a courier may be the way forward for you. They can even offer handling specialists, CO2 offset services, import and export expertise, and liability cover. However, when you send something via any courier service is absolutely essential you use a reliable one. Always read online reviews to find the best courier company for you.
IN A HURRY? USE A COURIER
Couriers offer far more flexibility in terms of pricing, time frames, international delivery, and options for specialised delivery. Many couriers make use of freight pooling, which is a method used by express shipping companies to share space, splitting the costs, making it cheaper for all parties. When considering interstate freight cost, in particular, pooling is a great way to share the financial burden.
If you’re in a hurry to get your parcel to its destination, couriers have the upper hand as they have expertise in international logistics, plus their fees take into account customs paperwork which can hold processes up if not done correctly by the individual sender. You can even get door-to-door same day and next day delivery.
REMEMBER TO PROVIDE CONTACT DETAILS
Don’t want your package to get lost or delayed? Remember to provide your contact details as well the receivers. Either a phone or email address will be fine. If you’re sending your parcel abroad some countries won’t even attempt to deliver it without a phone number for the recipient. So don’t forget the contact details.
Remember these tips whenever you have a parcel to send and you can be sure it’ll reach its destination without a hitch.
Based on the classic Persian dish, Javaher Polow, this fruity rice is truly fit for a king and really shows off the amazing grain length of Amira Superior Aromatic rice. It makes a great side dish for a spicy stew or a succulent roast chicken. The buttery golden crust that develops on the bottom of the pan – traditionally called the tahdig – is a truly delicious treat.
What You Need
300 g Amira Superior Aromatic rice
Generous pinch of saffron threads
150 g Dried cranberries
1 Large Onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
60 g Unsalted Butter
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp Cardamon pods
1 cumin seeds
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
To serve:
100 g Walnuts, roughly chopped
Seeds picked from 1 large pomegranate or 110g pack ready prepared pomegranate seeds
Generous bunch of parsley, chopped
Finely grated zest from 1 orange
1 Garlic clove, very finely chopped
Simply mix all of the ingredients together, and enjoy!
Amira’s Superior Aromatic and Pure Basmati products offer the highest quality rice available to consumers and can be found in Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose and Tesco.
A easy, tasty and fresh dip! Serve this minted beetroot & feta dip with Manomasa, an exciting and versatile brand of premium tortillas with spirit
Offering a range of tortilla chips, “born in the backstreets of Mexico,” Manomasa pays tribute to the original tortilla chip – the totopo – using traditional Mexican techniques to create authentic tortillas,combined with exciting and original global flavours and ingredients.
If you have a food processor or stick blender this vibrant coloured dip can be blitzed together in minutes. Beetroot is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre, energy boosting natural sugars and body building protein, no wonder it is regarded as a super food.
Minted Beetroot & Feta Dip
Preparation: 15 minutes – Serves 4
Ingredients:
250 g (9oz) pack cooked beetroot in natural juices
11/2 teaspoons harissa spice paste
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
110g (4oz) feta cheese, drained, crumbled
3 stems fresh mint, leaves torn from stems
4 tablespoons 0% fat Greek yogurt
1/2 pomegranate, seeds removed
160 g pack of Manomasa White Cheddar Tortilla Chips
Method:
Drain the beetroot juices into a processor or stick blender cup. Roughly chop the beetroot then blitz with the harissa, vinegar and a little salt and pepper until a coarse puree.
Reserve one quarter of the feta and a few tiny mint leaves for garnish, strip the remaining leaves from the stems and add to the beetroot with the yogurt. Blend again until smooth.
Spoon the dip into a bowl, garnish with the remaining feta, reserved mint leaves and pomegranate seeds. Serve with the tortilla chips for dunking.
Cook’s Tip
Not a fan of mint or feta then flavour the dip with a little horseradish cream and chopped chives
The use of Manomasa’s adventurous flavours including Chipotle and Lime, White Cheddar & the brand new Tomatillo Salsa are ideal for making quick and easy canapés, and are destined to show off the host’s culinary skills this summer. Manomasa is available from Ocado (RRP: £1.99 per 160g pack) www.manomasa.co.uk
We have become extremely dependant on our cars. And, whilst cars do have many benefits, there are many negative side-effects when we over-use them. Using cars for every small trip can affect our health, the environment and the amount of money we spend on travel each year. Over the years, many experts have looked at ways to reduce this dependence on cars. In many cases, the best solutions are often the simplest solutions when it comes to travel. Below are some of the most effective alternative travel methods that will save you money and improve your health.
WALKING
We’re not taking you for fools by saying this, walking is obviously the most basic way to get from one location to another. However, the widespread use of cars has reduced the amount of time we spend walking. In many cases, we use our cars for short journeys instead of walking. Over a long period of time this can add up to a lot of wasted fuel and excess money being spent. Getting into the habit of walking to local stores and other nearby places will reduce these unnecessary costs and keep you healthy as well. Encouraging family members to walk more will reduce the overall costs your family have to pay each year.
KICK SCOOTERS
Bring back your inner kid. These foot driven scooters are extremely popular with all age groups. They’re an effective way to travel, but they’re also an enjoyable way to go from one location to another. A wide range of these products are available from online stores like Skates.co.uk. The most popular models include stunt scooters, dirt scooters, foldable scooters, scissor scooters and carving scooters.
CYCLING
Cycling; it’s the perfect way to travel to destinations that may be too far away to walk to. If you live close to work, hopping on your bike each morning and evening can greatly reduce your daily travel costs to work.
Sure the initial cost of a good quality bike is a bit of a blow, however it will save you money in the long run. Your work may even have a cycle to work scheme where employers can pay for your bicycle and you can pay it back through a salary sacrifice arrangement of up to 12 months. Cycling is also a fantastic way to keep fit.
ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
If you’re looking for a more powerful type of scooter, electric scooters could be the perfect solution for your travel needs. These scooters are available in a wide range of sizes, styles and models. There is less effort involved when you’re using this type of scooter and it’s an enjoyable way to travel.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
The electric car is getting more mainstream. It’s moved in from leftfield and is now driving in the middle of the road. With the UK government announcing plans to ban all petrol and diesel transport by 2040, hopefully saving the planet in the process, the electric vehicle (EV) is ready to take centre stage in an eco-friendly revolution over the next few years.
Electric vehicles aren’t only good for the planet, they’re good for your pocket too. According to the Guardian, an overnight charge of an EV that has a battery that can cover a 100-mile range will only cost £3–4, compared to travelling the same distance in a regular car that needs £18–19 of fuel.
Navigating spring’s sartorial landscape in Britain requires versatility. The season’s changeable nature means creating a workwear collection that balances practicality with style. Here are 7 inspired spring fashion concepts to maintain your professional polish whatever the weather brings.
The Renaissance Of Floral Expression
This season, immerse yourself in botanical splendour. This timeless pattern infuses even the most understated garments with visual interest.
For 2025, the trend favours magnified florals—a departure from previous seasons’ smaller prints. Think bold blossoms in unexpected colour combinations that command attention while remaining workplace-appropriate. A midi dress with watercolour florals beneath a tailored blazer strikes an excellent balance between professionalism and playfulness.
For those preferring subtlety, consider botanical accents through accessories—a silk scarf with painted blooms, a statement bag, or floral-embellished footwear can elevate your ensemble while maintaining restraint.
Styling Tip: During cooler days, layer a fine-knit turtleneck beneath your floral dress or blouse for warmth without obscuring the pattern, creating a sophisticated silhouette perfect for professional environments.
The Artful Cinch
Belts have evolved beyond their practical origins. In skilled hands, they become statement pieces perfectly suited for professional settings.
This spring, enhance your blazers by cinching them at the waist, creating structure and defining your silhouette. This approach works particularly well with oversized blazers, transforming them from boxy to beautifully tailored instantly.
Consider how belts might elevate simple dresses, elongate cardigans, or add visual interest to high-waisted trousers. The 2025 belt aesthetic features richly textured leather, intricately woven designs, and sculptural metal buckles that adorn your waist like jewellery.
Styling Tip: Curate three essential belts—a slender leather version in neutral tones for everyday elegance, a wider statement piece with an interesting buckle for minimalist ensembles, and a softer fabric tie-belt for a more relaxed approach to waist definition.
The Wide-Legged Revolution
Embrace wide-legged trousers to enrich your professional aesthetic this spring. This tailored, classical trend presents a sophisticated profile perfect for asserting individualised style within workplace parameters.
For 2025, wide-legged trousers appear in diverse fabrics—from crisp linen blends (with sufficient synthetic content to resist excessive creasing) to lightweight wool and fluid silk-infused options.
The secret to successful styling lies in proportion. Balance voluminous lower elements with more streamlined upper components—a fitted blouse, form-following knit, or structured jacket.
Embrace brightness or pristine white, but don’t overlook subtle pinstripes, delicate checks, or jacquard patterns that introduce texture while maintaining office decorum.
Italian brand Fracomina offers particularly elegant interpretations of this trend—their spring collection features beautifully tailored wide-leg options in breathable fabrics. For pieces that transition seamlessly from office to evening, go to the website to explore their versatile range.
Styling Tip: Precise hem length is crucial with wide-legged trousers. They should either kiss the floor (maintaining approximately 1cm clearance) when paired with heels or rest just above the ankle for a contemporary interpretation. Professional tailoring to your specific height remains essential.
This non-colour excels at reflecting light—ensuring coolness, style, and comfort simultaneously. Furthermore, white’s remarkable versatility allows harmonious pairing with virtually any hue in your collection.
For 2025, textured whites command attention—think broderie anglaise, subtle ribbing, precision laser-cut details, and intriguing weaves that bring dimensional depth to the immaculate palette. A white cotton shirt featuring architectural elements like an unconventional collar or cuff will instantly elevate your professional presence.
If head-to-toe white seems impractical, consider white for regions less vulnerable to spills—perhaps a white blazer or pleated midi skirt paired with a coloured top.
Styling Tip: Various white tones layer beautifully together. Combine pure white with ivory, cream, and the palest beige for a richly textured ensemble that feels fresh without severity.
Refined Knitwear
Welcome your beloved knits into your capsule wardrobe this transitional season. These pieces transform effortlessly into spring staples when paired with lighter elements elsewhere in your ensemble. Consider a fine-gauge jumper with flowing culottes and elegant loafers, or explore knitted skirts, short-sleeved tops, or even complete dresses paired with classic ankle boots.
Spring 2025 witnesses knitwear’s evolution through open-weave details, subtle metallic threads illuminating otherwise conservative designs, and strategic shoulder cut-outs providing ventilation during warmer moments.
When selecting knitted dresses, remember to define your waist with a carefully chosen belt, creating structure appropriate for professional environments. Prioritise natural fibres—cotton, linen, and silk blends—that offer breathability while maintaining their shape.
Styling Tip: Master the half-tuck when pairing knitwear with trousers or skirts—secure just the front portion of your jumper to create waist definition while preserving the comfort of a relaxed silhouette.
There’s An Art To Layering
In Britain’s changeable spring climate, layering provides an elegant solution.
For the creatively inclined dresser, layering foundational wardrobe elements opens a realm of possibilities. The sophistication lies in seamlessly blending textures, proportions, and tonal variations.
Spring 2025 sees layering refined to an art form. Envision lightweight gilets beneath blazers, diaphanous blouses over camisoles, sleeveless knitted vests atop crisp shirts, and utilitarian shirt jackets (the elevated ‘shacket’) serving as outer layers bridging formality and functionality.
Intelligent layering transcends simply accumulating garments—it requires creating harmonious ensembles with pieces that complement one another while permitting effortless removal as needed.
Styling Tip: Ensure your foundation layer remains relatively fitted and composed of smooth fabric to prevent friction. A silk or silk-blend camisole or fine cotton t-shirt creates the perfect canvas for more textured or structured pieces above.
The Grounded Approach
For footwear that bridges seasons, consider flats as your solution—ideal for spring, allowing feet to breathe comfortably while remaining protected.
The remarkable diversity—dolly shoes, espadrilles, ballet flats, loafers, mules, and beyond—renders flats perfect companions for unpredictable seasons. They provide support while maintaining lightness, well-suited for professional environments.
Spring 2025 witnesses the ballet flat’s renaissance, now enhanced with intriguing details—ankle ties, squared toes, and quilted finishes. The contemporary loafer remains a workwear essential, reimagined with substantive soles ensuring comfort on rain-slicked pavements. Closed-toe mules offer perfect transitional options—business at the front with hints of summer in their slip-on styling.
Prioritise flats with supportive insoles for all-day comfort. Many contemporary brands now incorporate athletic cushioning technology into design-focused flats, offering an ideal fusion of form and function.
Styling Tip: Keep leather protector spray within your desk drawer to revitalise flats after unexpected showers. A quick application can preserve lighter-coloured footwear from water damage while extending their lifespan.
Rental services have evolved into mainstream options for office attire, allowing wardrobe refreshment with statement pieces without fast fashion’s environmental impact. Consider subscribing to a workwear rental service for significant meetings or presentations.
Styling Tip: Construct a capsule professional wardrobe comprising high-quality, sustainable essentials in neutral tones, then utilise rental services for trend-focused or seasonal items unlikely to maintain relevance beyond this spring.
The Bottom Line
Spring’s professional wardrobe needn’t present complications. With these seven key concepts—from botanical expressions to practical flats—you can curate a collection that adapts beautifully, projects sophistication, and aligns perfectly with the British spring.
Remember that adaptability remains paramount; pieces that layer effortlessly, transition between formality levels, and combine in multiple configurations will serve you faithfully during this season of change. Now, step forth and flourish in your vernal professional attire.
It is not a secret that eco-friendly materials have become increasingly important in today’s retail market, both to brands and to consumers.
Incredibly, the global sustainable plastic packaging market is predicted to grow by almost $30 billion between now and 2025, partly due to new laws and regulations, but also because consumer demand is shifting to more eco-friendly concerns. Brands keen to keep ahead are responding accordingly.
So, let’s explore this growing trend, for reasons both altruistic and expedient; here are are the benefits of sustainable packaging to your business.
Reduce Necessity For Recycling & Your Company’s Carbon Footprint
You can significantly reduce your business’ carbon footprint by using sustainable packaging instead of single use plastic and other options that may not respond favourably to recycling.
In fact, implementing effective recycling systems is essential to ensure your business keeps its environmental impact to a minimum. Single-use plastics, in particular, are a major environmental issue, contributing to overflowing landfill and polluting our rivers and oceans. Effective recycling of plastic waste helps to reduce this problem.
Reduce Shipping Fees
The evolution of sustainable packaging in the fast food and fashion industries – whether that’s custom rigid boxes or collapsible takeaway tubs – has been particularly promising. Interestingly, these industries’ reasons for switching to eco-friendly packaging isn’t only about image; it may actually save on costs, too.
Sure, they might be working towards a zero-waste strategy, but the savings made on reduced shipping fees also makes sustainable packaging a sensible choice.
Since the cost of food and fashion has increased in most countries, it is expedient for these companies to minimise the cost of other production units as much as possible. In a fascinating case study discussed in Industry Week Magazine, it was reported that a ‘’a global leader in computer hardware and accessories was able to realize a savings of more than $500,000 in packaging and eliminated 99,183 pounds of packaging on 4.3 million products shipped.’’
This is an excellent example of why being more nimble as a company in changing to sustainable packaging can have tangible benefits for your business.
Appeal To Target Audience
The modern day consumer cares deeply about the environment, and one of the most material ways this can be realised (and exploited) by a company is through sustainable packaging which is clear and obvious in its green credentials.
Packaging Strategies report that ‘’75% of international consumers would pay more for sustainable packaging.’’ To promote brand loyalty and increase profit margin, this one really is a no brainer.
Showcase Your Values & Corporate Social Responsibility
A brand’s reputation and image is more important than ever in the era of social media. To ensure that your company wears its values and corporate social responsibility on its sleeve for all to see, it’s essential that your brand has tangible evidence of its green credentials.
Sustainable packaging is one such way to demonstrate this, and in doing so, you’ll improve customer loyalty in a market increasingly keen to prioritise eco-conscious companies.
Usher In New Technologies In The Sustainability Sector
Companies can use advances in sustainable packaging to usher in greater awareness and use of such packaging, in doing so, showing themselves to be market leaders and influencers.
Sustainability plays a long-term role for everyone, serving the next generation, which has got to be a good thing, right?
