Archive for December, 2020

5 best spots for a winter walk

Make the most of your new coat.

 

5 BEST SPOTS FOR A WINTER WALK

Words: C. Stewart

2020: the year the local walk went from an occasional Sunday pastime to as near to an every-single-day occurrence as we could get.

And now winter is here and everyone’s forced indoors even more, so all the more reason to get out and make the most of the great outdoors whenever you can. Plus, what better excuse do you need to pull on your winter’s finest?

Here, our pick of some of Blighty’s nicest winter walks.

SHOP COATS

 

Image: ysp.org.uk

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Yorkshire

If you’d like your stroll with a side of art (and you live in the North), this is the one for you. Yes, there’s an entrance fee, but with large-scale installations from the likes of Henry Moore, Damien Hirst and Barbara Hepworth alongside sweeping views of the Yorkshire countryside, it’s more than worth it. A great shout for a wintry date, too.

 

Image: nationaltrust.org.uk

Wenlock Edge, Shropshire

Any amateur geologists might already be aware of Wenlock Edge. For the rest of us, it’s an ancient forest and even older limestone ridge (we’re talking some 400 million years old) that used to sit somewhere south of the equator. You’ll definitely not get south-of-the-equator temps there today, but it is a really good place to get some welcome peace and quiet in the idyllic English countryside.

 

Image: nationaltrust.org.uk

Box Hill, Surrey

The fact this summit of the North Downs is in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty should tell you something about the kind of scenery you’ll get here. Depending on your energy levels, you can take on a gentle hour’s stroll or a challenging day-long hike. Pick a good clear day to go and you’ll enjoy views of some of Surrey’s finest countryside just about as far as the eye can see from the top.

 

Image: tfl.gov.uk.jpg

 

The London Loop, Greater London

Any London-dwellers craving some nature don’t need to go far to feel far away from the city. The London Loop – aka the London Outer Orbital Path – offers 24 walking routes circling the capital. It takes in rivers, woods, farms, marshes and, well, some housing estates with impressive panoramic skylines along the way. And as it’s part of Transport for London, it’s all really accessible too.

 

Image: nts.org.uk

The Hermitage, Perthshire

Originally designed as an eighteenth-century pleasure ground, the Hermitage’s towering fir trees and waterfall still make a pretty impressive spot for outdoor recreational time today. And if you’re lucky, you’ll spot otters belly-sliding over icy rocks into the river. We’re sure even lacklustre wildlife enthusiasts can agree that’d make a very nice change from the same-old boxsets for winter entertainment.

 

SHOP COATS

Posted December 16th, 2020 in Expertise.

Three reasons you need a party jacket

And how to wear it well.

THREE REASONS YOU NEED A PARTY JACKET

Words: C. Stewart

If there’s any time to go big with your outfit, it’s the festive season. This year especially. In fact, rather than being something you could do, dressing up is something you should do.

And there’s little that’ll do the job better than a party jacket.

 

 

It’s the easiest way to make a statement

Here’s the thing about a statement party jacket: it needs very little styling. Whether brightly coloured or loudly patterned, your party jacket is your hero piece so let it shine by keeping everything else understated. Or, if you’re up for it, dial it up with a printed shirt instead.

 

 

It looks amazing in after-hours lighting

It’s a truth that the festive season comes at the darkest time of the year and most eveningwear tends to reflect this by coming in similarly dark colours. And while you’ll never go wrong with a midnight-blue or sleek black tuxedo, neither will come alive in candlelight or a moodily lit bar/your kitchen quite like a high-octane jacket. Try one in lurex yarns for a metallic finish that catches the light (and all the attention).

 

 

It’s more versatile than you think

Your party jacket is designed with late-night revelry in mind but styled with more casual pieces you’d be surprised how versatile it can be on other occasions too. Take the look down a notch for a family party or dinner date by styling it with a knitted jumper underneath. Not only does this make the look feel instantly more relaxed, but you’ll appreciate the extra warmth if you step outside for a break from the in-laws.

 

SHOP PARTY JACKETS

Posted December 9th, 2020 in Style.

What to wear to make the moment merrier

Festive feelings, this way.

MAKE THE KITCHEN FLOOR YOUR DANCE FLOOR

Words: C. Stewart

Celebrating’s definitely different this year. But rather than dwell on the things that aren’t happening, make any moment feel merrier by wearing things that lift your spirits.

 

 

It starts with how you dress. We strongly believe dressing up is good for your mental wellbeing. And there are actual studies that support this too, with the theory of enclothed cognition telling us we embody the meaning we attach to our clothes. It follows, then, that the clothes you associate with good times are also the clothes that will lift your spirits.

So, the remedy to a festive season of staying in? Go all out with your outfit instead.

 

 

Bring the dance floor to your kitchen floor with some feel-good tunes and a party-ready outfit – we challenge you not to feel festive in a plush velvet jacket.

Bringing out the boardgames? Match the nostalgic comfort of retro entertainment with a deep-toned rollneck jumper or this season’s trending cord shirt.

 

 

And if you’re having select few over for some festive food, everybody will appreciate a host that’s made the effort.

After a year like this year, wearing a suit will be a small change but a welcome one. It’s the little ways we show up this season that’ll make it all the merrier.

SHOP FEEL-GOOD FESTIVE STYLE

Posted December 4th, 2020 in Uncategorised.