The bomber jacket derives its shape and cut from WWI and II era pilots of the same name. Intended to protect pilots from cold without limiting mobility, bomber jackets were constructed with narrow bands at the wrists and waist. The fitted openings prevented air from blowing up into the coat during flight. For this same reason, jackets were also constructed with large collars. The jackets typically fit snug against the body. The coats were also lined with fur or wool for additional warmth.

As planes evolved so did the garment. Yet the styling of the bomber has retained its popularity to this day. The fitted body and structural design give warmth without sacrificing form. Although constructed to fit close to the body, the leather fabric grants mobility and ease-of-wear. For these reasons leather jackets have become a fashionable wardrobe staple.

The leather jacket is remarkably easy to wear. Women can pair the jacket with a floral print dress or oversize T-shirt and skinny jeans when out and about on the weekend. For the office, a bomber jacket can be worn in place of a jumper or blazer. When paired with plaid or pinstripe trousers and a woven shirt, almost any leather bomber jacket becomes work-appropriate. The jacket can seamlessly transition when meeting friends for cocktails after work. In the morning, layer a printed camisole under a woven shirt. After work is over, wear the jacket and camisole together. The hard/soft pairing is perfect for socializing and appropriate for night. A few stashed statement jewelry pieces brought out from the pocketbook en route complete the look.

For men, the bomber jacket is equally appropriate. A bomber jacket worn in place of suit coat or jumper is an edgy-take on traditional work-wear. The jacket is great for a weekend road trip. Bringing to mind images of motorcycles or adventurers, the leather jacket represents a life outside the office. Best of all, the leather jacket can protect the wearer from rain, sleet, snow and wind. No weather is any match for the bomber jacket. Its construction and fabric, intended to protect a pilot, will protect any man during his morning commute.

Bomber jackets originated during the Great Wars of the early twentieth century. Perhaps one its the greatest contributions, the fitted styling and functionality of the leather jacket have made it a contemporary fashion essential. It is both practical and stylish; a rare combination for today’s fashion economy.

Everyone has a favorite color that they love to wear, but usually, they do not think about mixing that color with another color. If you are a girly girl, you probably love pink. In fact, there is a good chance that about half or more of your closet consists of pink clothing. If this is the case, why not try wearing pink with one of this season’s hottest colors? Taken from the British Royal Navy uniform, navy blue is a classy dark, almost black blue, and it can really make your pink pop. There are many ways you can wear this color combination, so you will never get bored.

Try Pink Shorts and Navy Blouse

The first way that you can wear hot pink with navy blue is to pick up a pair of pink shorts. It does not matter what kind of shorts they are. You can buy hot pink denim shorts and rock them. You will want to pick up a navy blue blouse to wear with them. You can then get a pair of dip-dyed feather earrings to accessorize with. You can also wear some white or silver sandals with this look for added fashion.

Or How About a Pink Tank and Navy Shorts?

Another great look that you can try with hot pink and navy blue includes wearing a hot pink tank top with a pair of cropped jeans or capris. You will want to wear a pair of navy blue sneakers, such as Vans or Keds with this look. You can accessorize with pink and navy as well. White sunglasses and a white crossbody bag will look cute with this outfit as well.

Have Fun ‘Cause Spring is in the Air

The truth of the matter is that there are so many different ways you can wear hot pink and navy blue. These two colors can be worn casually to class or even be glammed up for a night out on the town with friends. You can combine them in any way and still look great. Try these mentioned outfits or come up with a fun, springtime ensemble of your own. It’s easy and you really can’t go wrong.

Other Color Combos

If pink really isn’t your thing, you can always go with your favorite shade of pastel color with navy. Because navy is next to black on the color wheel, it will really make the bright color of any pastel look hot. You can also play around with texture. Try a silk blouse with a denim skirt for a fun, flirty look that has just a touch of class.

Throw a dark denim jacket over the blouse and you have a semi casual/semi formal look that is great for a night out. Accessorize with light colored jewelry. Avoid dark stones as they will get lost in the jacket.

Hot pink and navy blue are going to be two of this season’s hottest colors and go together well. Because the pink is so vibrant, the navy blue will do a great job at balancing it out. The next time that you are looking to wear your favorite girly color, try mixing in some navy blue as well. You will look cute and fashionable.

About the Author: Jenny Lyons is an undergrad student who loves to blog about fashion, celebrities, beauty and makeup. She is a frequent reader of the Mandalyn Academy‘s monthly newsletter.

British model and actress Lily Cole is known for her love of nature and her concern for the environment, so it’s no surprised that she’s putting her fashion sense to good use for an environmental cause. The beautiful 25-year-old redhead has just launched a range of unique eco-friendly jewellery in collaboration with Sky Rainforest Rescue, a WWF and Sky initiative that aims to save one billion trees in the Amazon rainforest. Lily Cole, who has worked on numerous high-profile environmental campaigns over the years, became an ambassador for with Sky Rainforest Rescue in 2012.

The Amazon Plight

Lily’s limited edition jewellery collection includes bracelets, rings and pendants made from a raw material known as Amazonian wild rubber. Ms Cole was involved in every step of the design process, including the rubber tapping from trees in Acre, Northwest Brazil, where the Sky Rainforest Rescue project area is situated. During the process she spent some time with the rubber tappers and their families, and was inspired by their stories. Their livelihood is under threat as cheaper plantation rubber and synthetic rubber has started replacing naturally sourced rubber. This has seen many local communities turn to agriculture to earn a living, cutting down trees and damaging the surrounding rainforest in the process. All proceeds from sales of Lily Cole’s beautiful rubber jewellery line will go towards Sky Rainforest Rescue’s efforts to save the traditional wild rubber harvesting industry. This will save both the trees and the communities.

Handle with Care

“I wanted the jewellery to feel valuable but also vulnerable – as a metaphor for the rainforest” says Lily Cole; “I wanted it to be something people would both love and treat delicately.” There are many more possible uses for sustainable wild rubber, particularly in the fashion world; Lily demonstrated this beautifully when she worked with world-famous designer Vivienne Westwood to create a bespoke wild rubber corset gown. She wore this impressive piece of sustainable fashion to this year’s Met Ball.

While fundraising certainly plays a part in this latest project, the main aim behind Lily Allen’s cool eco jewellery is to create awareness around the threats facing the rainforest, and gather supporters for the cause. “I am excited to explore the rubber industry as a vehicle to green economics” she says.

True Beauty

The fashion industry as a whole is becoming progressively more sustainable, with designers like Stella McCartney leading the way and more consumers becoming environmentally aware. Lily Cole is living proof that it’s possible to be fashionable and earth-friendly at the same time. She’s been involved in numerous campaigns and hands-on work for ethical brands, including the Body Shop and eco-friendly knitwear company The North Circular. She also recently launched an altruistic social network called Impossible.com, which encourages people to help each other without expecting anything in return.

Lily Cole is an avid advocate of sustainable lifestyle choices, and believes in beauty without cruelty. Her eco-friendly wild rubber accessories are stylish pieces that supporters of the cause can wear with pride!

Featured images license: Creative Commons image source

Nicky Warner is a UK-based fashion and lifestyle blogger who cares about protecting the environment. She’s looking forward to seeing how many more silver jewellery designers start making their products more sustainable.

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With spring almost up and summer fast approaching, fashionista’s across the UK have been eyeing last year’s wardrobes, wondering what’s coming up when the sun comes out (properly). Here we’ve listed some of this years must have items and accessories to ensure you enter summer looking the way everybody else wants to look.

Loose-Fitting White Shirts

Kick off your classic summer look with a cool, flowing white shirt. From Victoria Beckham’s elegant take (mytheresa.com) to Lacoste’s casually cool look (Lacoste.com), the oversized white shirt is a simple choice you can’t go wrong with. Try adding faded denim skinny jeans and a BOSS women’s watch for that super preppy look. Or, try a white pencil skirt and a black or white waist belt for a touch of elegance. Either way, the oversized white shirt is a zero-effort look for a cool summer.

Bomber Jackets

For the cooler evenings, add a bad-boy bomber jacket to your outfit and give yourself an edge. Choose Stella Mccartney’s snow white bomber jacket (stellamccartney.com) and boost your white combo, or go for Topshop’s Printed Oversize Bomber Jacket (topshop.com) for that vintage feel. Offering one-tone, reserved style or all out leather or nylon pieces, the bomber jacket is as versatile a look as you’ll find in 2013.

Low Heeled Shoes

Heels take a backseat this summer to a more poised, ergonomic option: the low heeled shoe. An essential item for 1920′s debutantes and starlets, the low heeled shoe is officially back. Favourites include Louis Vuitton’s beige, lounge-wear pointers (louisvuitton.co.uk) and Next’s glamorous Mono Silver Sandals (next.co.uk). Low heeled shoes offer all the style and none of the pain of high heels. One thing’s for sure, your feet are going to love you.

Striped Skinny Jeans/ Trousers

In 2013, it’s less about the dresses and more about the shaping, slender feel of striped skinny trousers and pencil skirts. Striped trousers offer a bonus vintage angle as well as that sleek look everyone’s after this summer. Equally great buys are Philosophy by Albert Ferretti’s crimson-stripe silk trousers (profilefashion.com), Motel’s pinstripe Roxy Trousers (topshop.com) and Zara’s shapely pleated stripe trousers (zara.com). Few items look as smart and define your legs as well as a classic pair of striped skinny trousers.

The Orient

Western eyes are looking east in 2013. Inspired by an influx of Japanese styles at last years fashion shows, oriental patterns are set to be huge. To get there first, try Prada’s sleek black kimono (out early spring) or Bibo’s sequin knitted kimono (houseoffraser.co.uk). Kimonos and kimono tops are ideal for adding unique class to evening-wear or stunning your friends at a summer party. Kimono tops can add to a summer feel over short shorts and a low cut vest. Try it for instant eastern charm.

Bold Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a nifty little accessory to a summer outfit. They aren’t easy to get wrong, but it can be tricky getting them to fit seamlessly with your style. This spring/ summer, consider Jean Paul Gautier’s vintage Cat Eye Sunglasses (farfetch.com) for a strictly personal look, or Topshop’s polka dot brow sunglasses (topshop.com) for a Zooey Deschanel-esque accessory. Colourful sunglasses are going to be big this summer; match them carefully with a bright outfit and give yourself that mysterious, rock star look.

Overall, there are a few common themes for 2013. Monochrome is blowing up, you name the catwalk, it was there. Striped skinny trousers and pencil skirts have come back, as have bomber jackets. Both are ideal for a taste of summer chic. Low heeled shoes are making a return; take advantage of it. And for colour, look no further than an eastern-style kimono top and the bolder the sunglasses, the better. Follow this guide and heads will be turning long before the summer ends.

Sources used:

- http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG9839524/Fashion-trends-springsummer-2013-and-how-to-shop-them.html

- http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2012/09/spring-2013-most-wearable-fashion-trends

-http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/trends

Featured image license: Creative Commons image source

Author Bio:
Katherine is a huge fan of British fashion and looks forward to seeing alot more polka dots in the next few months..! She currently writes on behalf of the Berkeley – a luxury hotel in Knightsbridge, London.

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I was starting to feel like I was never going to see the sun shine again after the cold weather and grey skies we’ve had over the past few months. Now it’s (finally) getting a bit warmer and it’s time to pack away your winter wardrobe and start thinking about summer.

Obviously it’s not warm enough to crack out the shorts and maxi dresses just yet, which means you need to come up with some gorgeous trans-seasonal outfits that’ll mean you’re not too hot or too cold.

Here’s five ideas to get you started…

Show off your legs

When the sun shines, the first thing I want to do is slap on the fake tan and get my legs out. After all, they have been hiding away in jeans and tights for the past six months! Obviously it’s not really warm enough to start strutting round in hot pants and a vest top, so balance your outfit by covering up on your top half.

To a pair of blue or black denim shorts, add a loose fitting T-shirt and put a woolly jumper or a sweater over the top. Some Chelsea boots will look really cool with this look and you can always add a khaki jacket if it looks like it might rain. Add a bit of glamour with a gold chain strap bag and a statement gold necklace.

The midi dress

Midi dresses are my must-have item for the spring-to-summer months. I can’t live without mine at the moment! When it’s really hot you can wear them with sandals, but for now go for stretchy fitted dresses in fairly dark colours or with a bold pattern. This makes sure they don’t look too summery. Add a leather jacket and a pair of zip-up heeled ankle boots and you’re ready to go. A bowler hat adds a quirky touch.

Summer office dresses

An easy way to make summer dresses work for the colder months is by layering them up over a white shirt. This look will still be fresh, clean and girly, but adding a crisp white shirt underneath means you’re smartening it up a bit – and obviously keeping yourself warm as well. Wear with a blazer and heels or a pair of tasselled loafers for a preppy look.

The power of print

Printed trousers were really popular last summer and you can still find them in loads of shops. I love these because they’re sooo easy to wear and look great for pretty much any occasion, whether it’s shopping or sipping cocktails in a bar.

When the weather is chilly, dress your printed trousers down with a casual sweater – just pick out one of the colours from the pattern. It’s quite tricky to wear boots with ankle grazer trousers unless you’ve got endless legs, so go for a pair of lace-up brogues or even a pair of plimsoles. A denim jacket will work well with this look.

Snuggle up in faux fur

Obviously a faux fur coats will be far too hot for spring, but a gilet on the other hand is a totally different story. Instead of a jacket, add a faux fur gilet to a simple outfit of skinny jeans and a long-sleeved top. It’ll keep you warm without making you too hot and look amazing at the same time. Add some ankle boots with gold buckles to finish the outfit.

What’s your favourite spring to summer outfit?

Guest post contributed by Lauren Mclaughlin, an avid fashion blogger who loves sharing tips & knowledge across the web. A big fan of Missguided Women’s Shorts for the upcoming summer months!

Leaving school marks the end of an era for many teenagers.

There’s no more running through the playground to get to registration on time; no more detentions to attend; no more clambering around for a decent excuse for not bringing your gym kit to P.E.; no more desperately waiting for the bell to ring on a Friday afternoon  – the list could go on and on.

It marks the end of one era and the beginning of another – either the real world of full-time work or a continuation of education in college, sixth form, and later university. And when one era draws to a close, it tends to be marked with a special item; a kind of commemoration, if you will – albeit nothing like the royal china mums and dads rushed out to buy when Princess Diana married Prince Charles, might I add!

No, schools instead schools will typically provide their leavers with custom hoodies and yearbooks.

A staple item in American high school culture, school yearbooks have begun to gain in popularity in the UK over the past couple of years, as have custom hoodies.

Printed Custom Hoodies

There are a number of companies that specialise solely in manufacturing personalised items of clothing – from sports kits, to custom hoodies featuring printed messages and embroidered logos. This has made it possible for schools, and other places of education, such as universities, and colleges, to provide a parting for the academic year’s leaving group of students.

Most school leaver’s custom hoodies feature the year – so 2013, for this – printed on the back, and the name of school on the front. However, they don’t all have to follow this design – it’s just the one that seems to be most popular.

The Girl In The Red Hoodie: A Scary Fairy Tale

Some manufacturers offer versions that can feature the names of everyone in that particular year group or class – giving it a far more personal touch. Other will go a step further with the names accompanied by the person’s signature. You can also get the names printed in the shape of a number – like a concrete poem.

One thing’s for sure – you’re certainly not short of options.

Taking It A Step Further With Embroidery

A slightly more expensive option, but one that definitely brings a touch of class, schools can get their logo embroidered onto these custom hoodies. It’s a great option as it allows them to be differentiated from plethora of leaver’s hoodies worn by pupils from other schools.

However, in order to this and get a fantastic finish, it’s important that you have a high quality version of your school’s logo. Printers and manufacturers might have access to the best technology, but they can only do the best with what they’re given.

Therefore if the original image isn’t up to scratch, don’t expect the end result to be.

School leavers’ hoodies are the type of garments that hold a huge amount of sentimental value. It’s the type of thing someone’s likely to find as an adult; reminding them of all the good times they had during their teenage years – a fitting item to mark the end of an era.

Author Bio:

Louisa Jenkins is a freelance blogger with an interest in fashion. Here she blogs on the increasingly popular choice of custom hoodies as a way to mark the end of school or university.

The idea of viewing the world through rose-tinted glasses has been taken to a new extreme this year with celebrities showcasing a spectrum of coloured lens tints, from blue to red to green. Which is the best coloured tint to choose and how could they benefit your lifestyle?

Blue

Blue lens tints are available in a choice of deep navy to light aqua, such as the Ray Ban RB3025 112 and the RB3025 001.

Celebrity fans: Robert Downey Junior, Bradley Cooper, Johnny Depp, Daniel Craig, David Bowie

These Hollywood A-listers are all fans of this trend and have been spotted in their favourite sunnies with blue lens tints, with Robert Downey Junior even rocking his on the red carpet. He wore his with a round black acetate frame with a retro keyhole nose bridge. For a fun twist on this classic style, he added a light blue lens tint.

Why blue?

Apart from the added ‘cool’ factor, blue lens tints have been involved in research investigating the effects on food intake and weight loss. Studies in Japan suggest that wearing a pair of glasses with a blue lens tint makes the food in front of the wearer appear less appetizing, thus encouraging them to eat less and promote weight loss.

Red

The Fight Club classics are making a comeback this year as red tints are a big hit this summer, with a range of popular styles available on the high street.

Celebrity fans: Bradley Cooper, Poppy Delevingne

Cooper pops up again as a fan of the coloured lens tint, this time in hit comedy blockbuster, The Hangover. Starring as ¼ of a friend’s epic stag party, he wears a pair of gold metal aviators with a bright red tint. It may sound odd but it somehow works. Similarly, sister of model-of-the-moment, Cara, Poppy Delevingne favours a pair of round metal sunnies with a bright red tint. These are great for adding a quirky retro twist to a casual summer outfit.

Why red?

Red tint overlays are popularly used as an effective treated for people suffering from dyslexia. In some cases, red tints have been found to improve reading speeds. Using an Intuitive Colorimeter, tests can be carried out to determine the effectiveness of a coloured tint for each individual. Red is also useful for filtering out certain colours to enhance performance when fishing or shooting in bright light.

Pink

Pink tinted sunglasses were first made popular by The Beatles legend, John Lennon, who loved his round metal sunglasses and quickly came to become the iconic frames of the 1960s Hippy movement.

Celebrity fans: Mary-Kate Olsen, John Lennon

The pink lens tint has been given an update for 2013 with an oversized version of the Lennon classic. For Mary-Kate’s vintage look, choose a metal frame with oversized round lenses with a hot pink tint. For a softer take on this style, try the Ray Ban RB3025 001 with a gold aviator frame and light pink lenses.

Green

Green lenses are growing to be a popular statement style, often featuring an oversized, rimless frame for full fashion impact.

Celebrity fans: Keri Hilson

Although the Ray Ban ‘gun green’ has been a popular tint colour since the advent of the brand, celebrities such as Keri Hilson are now stepping away from the classics in favour of bold, contemporary style. Hilson’s favourites are oversized round frames with a retro keyhole nose bridge. The frame itself is rimless, with the emerald tint providing full coverage.

Why green?

Green lenses are believed to provide better contrast, visibility and truer perception of outside colours with minimum glare or light pollution. Green tints are particularly popular for golf players who benefit from the excellent contrast of the ball against a blue sky or green fairway.

A coloured lens tint can add a fun, creative twist to your eyewear and may even benefit your lifestyle. Check out the celebrity favourites for some summer fashion inspiration.

Victoria is a ray ban glasses blogger for DirectSight.

Buying jewellery online is becoming more and more popular due to the fact that it is so simple and convenient to do. Shopping online is not a new concept and we have been doing it for years buying anything from CD’s and DVD’s, to food and groceries. Buying something as expensive as jewellery over the internet can, however, feel a little daunting at times. If you do it correctly then buying from an online jeweller can be a rewarding and positive experience. So how can you avoid the pitfalls of buying your jewellery online and ensure that what you receive is the real thing? Read on to find out.

So Why Buy From an Online Jewellery Store?

First and foremost, why should you buy your jewellery online?

1. It will save you money – Buying your jewellery this way really can save you money. This is because online stores do not have the same overheads that high street shops have. Because they are saving money by running their business this way they can pass their savings directly onto you! Great deals are to be had by buying your jewellery over the internet. It can also save you money in public transport or fuel. And with the rising costs of travelling these days that is not something to be sniffed at!
2. Convenience – Shopping in a crowded town takes more time and energy than sitting at your computer or laptop at home. At home you can browse in comfort when you feel like it, with no pressure from pushy salespeople. You do not have to push your way through crowds or wait in long queues to be served.
3. Avoid pushy salesman – Nobody likes dealing with pushy sales people, however when you walk in a shop you have to accept that the shop and there staff will try and sell you something. The beauty of shopping at home is tha if you don’t like what you see then you can just leave without being made to feel like you have wasted anyone’s time.

How to Buy Jewellery Safely Online

I think most of us will appreciate the advantages of shopping online but when faced with spending a large amount of money it is not surprising to see that most people are slightly more hesitant to do so online.

Follow these four simple steps to make your shopping experience a safe and happy one.

1. Secure Websites – Before you buy anything online make sure that the website is secure. Never leave your details and especially not your card details on a website that is not secured. You can tell when the website is secure because the website address will begin with ‘https://’. Wikipedia states that you can tell if a website is not secure because most web browsers alert the user when visiting sites that have invalid security certificates.
2. Reviews – Check out freeindex.co.uk and Google Places to find genuine third party reviews for all kinds of businesses. If other customers are satisfied with their purchases then you can usually tell by reading their reviews online.
3. Returns – All reputable online jewellery stores have a 30 day money back guarantee. This can take the worry out of making a purchase online because if you are not 100% happy with a piece of jewellery that you have bought then you can send it back. The guarantee should be no quibble and the policy should be clearly stated on the website. If a company does not offer a 30 day money back guarantee then find somewhere else to purchase your jewellery.
4. Customer Service – An online jewellery store should offer a good customer service. There should be a clearly stated phone number that you can call if you would like to ask any questions or have a query about your purchase. They should be able to help you if you make an order and then change your mind before it has been dispatched.

By following these tips above you can help to ensure that your online shopping experience is a good one. Knowing your financial data is secure, you are able to get a refund if you need to return the goods is a start. But also knowing that on the whole past customers are in fact happy with their purchases should all go to reassuring you it is okay to shop online with any particular retailer.

Pro Shopping Tip

Most online stores will have a section on their website explaining their returns policy, guarantees and online security. If they do not then perhaps it would be a good idea to contact them with any questions or indeed visit a site that does display them.

Shopping for your jewellery over the internet is much more convenient than travelling to the local store and it can save you money. Next time you would like a new diamond ring or necklace consider making your purchase online. Follow our tips for dafe shopping and kick back and browse the online stores from the comfort of your own home. Happy shopping.

Author Bio:
Ross Davies enjoys writing about jewellery and shopping online. He is a regular blogger on fashion and shopping blogs and enjoys shopping online. He is married with two children and lives in Bolton in the UK.

Most women love their handbags and enjoy showing off their designer creations and the latest pieces from funky collections, but let’s face it many of these styles are not practical for everyday use. Our bags get bumped about and bashed and as we rush around. We are exacting a great deal of wear and tear on our treasured accessories by constantly opening and closing them to retrieve our purses, phones and travel cards. If you have invested a lot of money in a bag you will not want to ruin it and so expensive and delicate pieces should be saved for when the working day is done. Happily it is possible to have an affordable handbag for everyday use which is still contemporary and stylish but will stand up to the rigours of the busy women’s life. Here are some great collections to consider:

Kipling

Durable Kipling bags are available in a variety of colours both bold and subdued and in a number of sizes and styles to suit all needs. The bags are washable, which is a big bonus and come complete with the signature furry monkey, each having its own name. The bags can be patterned or plain, loud and brash or restrained but all are practical with plenty of pockets and can be embellished with additional monkeys or charms to make each one an individual piece.

Converse

Converse footwear is all the rage and the bags are a triumph too. The collection includes practical messenger, shoulder and shopper styles principally in muted shades of blue and grey but with the odd piece in bright red and pink. The bags are reasonably priced and totally current and will withstand the stresses of travel and bad weather. If you wear Converse shoes these bags would certainly be a great addition to your wardrobe.

Fossil

Refashioned Bags: Upcycle Absolutely Anything Into High-Style Handbags

The Fossil collection of bags is an eclectic mix of styles ranging from plain dark leathers to brightly coloured and patterned pieces all with a vaguely retro look. The bags are at the top of end of what could be described as affordable but they are extremely hard wearing and highly practical. The range includes explorer bags with plenty of pockets, shoppers and shoulder bags with hard wearing straps. These bags are fun and funky and just the thing if you want a statement piece without spending a fortune.

Troop

This is a fine range of well-crafted bags in cotton canvas with fine Italian leather trim. These bags all have an air of class about them despite their functional appearance and there is a piece to suit all lifestyles. Troop handbags are all in muted shades of khaki and grey with a slightly military air and have numerous compartments for storing valuables. The collection is very reasonably priced for the quality and a Troop handbag should offer several years’ service.

Good Investment

Save your fancy bags for evenings and special occasions and invest in something durable and secure for busy days out and about. These contemporary but classic styles will stand the test of time and serve you very well indeed.

Featured image license: Creative Commons image source

Sally Stacey writes on a number of interesting topics and is lady who loves her handbags.

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If you like to keep on top of the latest trends, you’ll be well aware that fashion moves in circles. I found this out a few years ago when I stumbled across some old photos of my parents and took a look at what they were wearing. What on earth were you wearing? I thought. How mistaken I was to scoff, as the same fashion soon became trendy again and what’s more, I totally bought into it. The latest trend to make a comeback is the tie-dye look that was so popular during the 1960s.

Nostalgic fashion

Do you remember when you were little and you attended Brownies or Cub Scouts? Did you ever have to tie-dye your own Tee Shirt? No? What about in art lessons at school? You can pretty much guarantee that you’ll wear tie-dye at some point in your life, whether it’s an on-trend look or you gasp in horror as you see yourself sporting it in old school photographs.

Uniqueness

The great thing about tie-dye is that you can create many different patterns in a multitude of colours. You can get a unique look each time simply by twisting and turning your item of clothing differently. What’s more, you can create a tie-dye Tee Shirt or pair of tie-dye patterned jeans using any colours you like, although if you’re planning to be traditional, you may wish to stick to the primary red, blue and yellow colours.

How to style

Contemporary Dyecraft: Over 50 Tie-Dye Projects for Scarves, Dresses, T-Shirts and More

You may be wondering how to go about styling your tie-dye item with the rest of your outfit. Despite what you may think, it’s very easy to style a tie-dye piece of clothing. Take a tie-dye Tee Shirt for example; you can make it modern by opting for a crop top and team it with baggy fitting boyfriend jeans. Roll up your jeans at the cuffs to expose your slender feminine ankle and team with a pair of flat sandals.

The main thing to remember about tie-dye is not to clash too many prints. Clashing a tie-dye top with a pair of leopard print leggings is a no-no I’m afraid, simply because it’s far too busy on the eye. However, if you team your tie-dye item with something plain, you can draw attention to your favourite body parts. So if you’ve got amazing legs, wear a pair of tie-dye shorts with a cool white vest top and a pair of hi-tops. Show off a toned stomach with a crop tie-dye top or bandeau style top and a pair of black skinny jeans with flat sandals or ballet flats.

There’s no rule against wearing plenty of colours in your outfit however and tie-dye lets you do just that. You don’t have to team your tie-dye item with something black or white, although monochrome is a big look this season too. Instead, pick out one of the colours from your tie-dye item and choose the rest of your outfit in a matching shade. For instance, you could pick out the purple from a tie-dye top and invest in a pair of same-coloured purple jeans to help bring your whole outfit together and ensure it is colour co-ordinated. What’s more, wearing bright colours instantly lifts your mood so you’ll feel happier too as a result.

Featured image license: Creative Commons image source

Guest post contributed by Lauren Chan, an avid fashion blogger with too many dresses to count! coming up with new outfits around stylish floral jeans.