Style Sunday: Dressing for Winter

Thanks to global warming, the cold weather has made an abrupt entrance instead of its usual slow transition this winter. People were getting too used to the abnormally warm weather and forgot they lived in the chilly state of Wisconsin.

Dressing for the cold can be a drag and means wearing multiple layers of thick, heavy and bulky clothing. While considering the necessity of removing said layers when entering a heat-blasting classroom, there is a lot to keep in mind and consider when getting dressed.

There are different ways to tackle winter dressing. Here are some suggestions:

Try a versatile overcoat.

The key to sporting this look is finding a coat that has both versatility and the ability to elevate any ensemble. Puffer jackets are nice and cozy, but they don’t do any favors to an outfit. An overcoat with a clean design and tailored fit will definitely do the trick. Finding that “it” coat can be a life-changing.
This coat in particular is one of my absolute favorites. I bought while I was studying abroad in England because my red Betsey Johnson jacket was not cutting it. It gives off lots of London vibes, which I love. I pair this coat with almost everything, no matter how dressed up or down I am.

Try a leather jacket.

Out of all the options here, rocking a leather jacket in the cold is probably the most unexpected choice. No one thinks “leather jacket” when they want to dress warm. Leather jackets don’t have a reputation for fighting the cold, but it doesn’t mean they can’t. Depending on the make and quality of a leather jacket, it can be lined well enough to fend off the cold breeze.
I probably have two or three leather jackets in my closet, but this one is my go-to. It grabs the attention of anyone within a 3-foot radius with its distractingly fun fringes. I bought this leather jacket from a vintage shop on an impulse. It is little bit big, but I personally prefer that because that allows me to wear thick sweaters under it.

Try a fur vest.

For a more sophisticated look, opt for a fur vest. Faux fur vests are a great way to combat the cold while looking exceptionally stylish. A fur vest (or coat) is another versatile piece that can be thrown on easily. They have a similar styling power to overcoats and they simply make an outfit look better.

When it comes to layering, have a little fun. Take a hint from fashion icon Iris Apfel and ignore the rules of fashion. Some rules were made to be broken. Experiment by mixing patterns that don’t traditionally go together. Something interesting might come out of it.

I wear the button-down in this picture all the time. At least once every two weeks. It is so comfortable and soft (which is surprising since it is actually a men’s shirt). It goes really well with my usual tomboy aesthetic. I paired this men’s button-down with my cheetah print sweater because the two pieces looked like they didn’t belong together. The idea of mis-matching is what drew me to wear them as a set.

The Anti-Aging Treatments Pain Scale You Need To Know About

Discomfort and beauty are always in tension, so we teach ourselves the algorithm of: Is it worth it? We learn the calculations between ouch and better skin (or flatter abs, or a firmer jawline, or...). But you can’t do the math without knowing what kind of pain you’re in for. We went to the people who know best—the patients—to find out exactly what it feels like to be on the receiving end of all those needles, blades, and lasers.

*Pain Meter runs on a scale of 1-5.

Botox: An injectable neurotoxin used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles and smooth wrinkles

The Patient Report: “I get it every four to six months to erase the etched lines on my forehead. Most doctors numb the area first with ice. I dislike that more than the needle—it’s like a brain freeze. Each injection is quick; usually I don’t feel a thing. But the area just underneath the eyebrows really hurts. Like a bee sting. The pain goes away immediately, though. Sometimes I get bruises that last a few days, but I can cover them with concealer. After a week or so, my brow feels a little heavy, like when your hand falls asleep. That’s right around the time people start telling me I look really relaxed, as if I was just on vacation.” —Andrea Modlin, 41

The Doctor’s Note: “I put a little pressure on each injection site right afterward to help with the sting and get very anxious people to do Lamaze-style breathing. The muscles start to feel kind of stiff, once the Botox kicks in, about five days later. You get used to that after a week or so, and soon you almost forget how to frown. Research even shows that you’ll actually feel happier.” —Ava Shamban, a dermatologist in Beverly Hills

The Pain Meter: 1

Restylane and Juvéderm: Hyaluronic acid–based gels injected to restore contours and fullness to the face and lips

The Patient Report: “My upper lip is much smaller than my lower one. I’ve gotten it filled with Restylane or Juvéderm twice a year for about six years. My first treatment was at a spa, and it was a horror story—they completely overfilled my lips, and it really hurt. I had to go to a doctor for another injection to undo it. Now I always go to a dermatologist. I don’t use numbing cream, just close my eyes and center myself. The needle feels sort of like a splinter, but the pain doesn’t linger. I think a paper cut is worse. My lips are a little swollen for a few hours, but by the next day, kissing and eating feel completely normal.” —Elaine*, 31**

The Doctor’s Note: “The lips are one of the most sensitive areas on the body, so sometimes we start with an injectable anesthetic. Icing first is often enough, though. Plus, the most commonly used fillers, like Juvéderm and Restylane, have numbing lidocaine mixed in. The temporary swelling of the gel might feel a little creepy but should never be painful. The swelling dissipates after about a week. And if a patient doesn’t like the results, there’s an exit strategy: We can inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase that breaks down the hyaluronic acid completely over a couple of days.” —Shamban

The Pain Meter: 2

Kybella: Deoxycholic acid, a fat-dissolving chemical injected to reduce a double chin

The Patient Report: “I’m skinny, but the fullness under my chin really bothered me. I went in for four Kybella sessions over six months. With the first two, they injected lidocaine before the acid, and I didn’t feel anything after that. I thought the lidocaine increased my swelling afterward, though, so I skipped it for the last two. Without it, the acid felt like a deep, throbbing pain and burned for about 15 minutes. It wasn’t unbearable, but it made my eyes water. There was swelling for a week—a couple days less when I didn’t do the lidocaine—but not so much that people were staring at me. I just wore a scarf.” —Jenny, 35

The Doctor’s Note: “I start with a numbing cream, then draw a grid across the area of about 20 spots. I inject lidocaine in each one, followed by the Kybella. Once the lidocaine wears off, the area can be achy for a few hours and will sometimes bruise. One hundred-percent of patients have some swelling that can last up to two weeks.” —Anne Chapas, a dermatologist in New York City

The Pain Meter: 3

Fraxel Dual Restore: A fractional CO2 laser that diminishes wrinkles, brown spots, scars, and pores

The Patient Report: “I got a bad sunburn on my chest that left huge, dark sun spots. When a dermatologist suggested Fraxel, I went for it. She used a numbing cream first, but the pain was still an eight on a scale of one to ten. The first zaps weren’t incredibly painful, but the pain kept building as she covered the area. It became almost unbearable. The whole thing took roughly 15 minutes, and once the laser was turned off, my chest felt like it was on absolute fire for an hour. After that, there was no pain. My skin was red for two weeks and felt rough as it healed. A month later, though, my chest had completely changed: The dark spots had radically lightened or disappeared.” —Sarah, 24

The Doctor’s Note: “The laser makes tiny holes in the skin, so it does create a pinprick-y feeling. We always start with lidocaine cream. We also use a Zimmer fan, which blows supercold air, and I give people squeezy stress balls. Afterward, you may feel badly sunburned for a day. By day three, your skin has a sandpapery texture that lasts a week or two.” —Ellen Marmur, a dermatologist in New York City

The Pain Meter: 4

Ultherapy: An ultrasound-based technology for tightening skin on the face and body

The Patient Report: “Over the last several years, I’ve done Ultherapy three times on my face and neck. The first time, I took Percocet beforehand for the pain, but it didn’t help much. The doctor held the handpiece against my skin and delivered zaps from the middle of my neck to just above my jaw. With each one, there was an intense burning feeling that lasted two or three seconds. Pain-wise, it was an eight on a scale of one to ten. The next two times, I took Demerol; the pain was more like a three—I just felt a hot sensation every time there was a pulse. Afterward, my skin was slightly flushed, but I didn’t need more painkillers. My jawline definitely looks tighter now.” —Amanda, 42

The Doctor’s Note: “I usually give Valium or Demerol, but some of my patients use no painkillers or sedatives at all. The machine delivers heat into the muscles that tighten up coils of collagen; it feels like a sparkler hitting your skin. We ‘stamp’ it across the face. Most of the time the pain is a four or five out of ten, but you get some zingers of nine. Treating the whole face takes a few hundred pulses—that can wear on you. Most patients see results in about a month.” —Paul Jarrod Frank, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City

The Pain Meter: 5

CoolSculpting: A freezing procedure shown to reduce fat on the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms

The Patient Report: “I work out and eat well, but I had this ring of fat around my belly, like a life preserver, so I tried CoolSculpting. A vacuum-like contraption—around the size of an iPad mini—sucks in about two inches of your skin, which feels bizarre. The area starts to feel increasingly cold, but not painfully so...then you go numb. I didn’t need an anesthetic or a painkiller. I did three areas—my love handles and the area below my belly button; each one took 45 minutes. The most uncomfortable part was sitting in the same position for three hours. Afterward, my skin was a little red and felt cold for a while, but I went to dinner that night and the gym the next day. About a month later, the life preserver was gone.” —Allison, 28

The Doctor’s Note: “The best candidates have fat that’s ‘squeezy’—not the hard, beer-belly type. If you make it through the first six minutes of the cold, you’ll be fine. That’s when you go numb. Afterward, we use a massaging device on the area. As the skin comes back to life, it feels sort of good—like your hands warming back up after a snowball fight. You might have some bruising and light soreness, but you can go straight back to work and working out. It takes two to six weeks to start seeing results, and some patients need more than one session.” —Marmur

The Pain Meter: 1

Cellfina: A device with a small blade to sever the fibers under the skin that create cellulite

The Patient Report: “You lie on your stomach, and the most painful part is the injection of the lidocaine. Once that kicks in, you can’t feel anything. The blade’s motorized, though, and the sound—like an electric knife—is jarring. I had 21 dimples treated across my butt and thighs; it took 45 minutes. The dimples were gone immediately. For 48 hours I had soreness, like after a workout, but it didn’t hurt enough to even take Tylenol. The bruises lasted about ten days.”—Mickey Williams, 42

The Doctor’s Note: “The ideal candidate is under 50, so her skin has enough elasticity to spring back. The device—it looks like a petri dish—hovers over the area being treated and delivers a shot of lidocaine. Then a suction cup grabs the skin and inserts a tiny knife below the skin to cut the fiber that creates the dimple. The sound of the blade is a little disturbing; we offer noise-canceling headphones so you can listen to music. Most patients have tenderness and bruising afterward; improvements are visible in a few days.” —Melanie Palm, a dermatologist in Solana Beach, California

The Pain Meter: 1

MonaLisa Touch: A fractional CO2 laser used to treat signs of aging and atrophy on the vaginal walls

The Patient Report: “I wasn’t experiencing the vaginal dryness that can come with menopause but did this preventively—three treatments, each two months apart. Your feet are in stirrups—like at a pelvic exam—and they insert a probe that’s like a big metal tampon. You feel a slight vibration that’s somewhat pleasant—imagine a very low-intensity vibrator. It was done in ten minutes. I haven’t noticed major differences, but there’s a bit more moisture, and I’ll go in for the recommended yearly touch-up appointment.” —Michele Cloud, 49

The Doctor’s Note: “Decreased estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort. This laser triggers cellular regeneration that leads to new blood vessels and more collagen and elastin. Some women feel a little pain around the vaginal opening during the treatment, so we might apply a numbing cream. But others say it feels good; a patient or two has even come close to orgasming. A few weeks after, a lot of women say things feel more ‘juicy,’ and for many, it’s totally life-changing.” —Maria Sophocles, a gynecologist in Princeton, New Jersey

The Pain Meter: ?

Tommy Hilfiger: 'I've been buried under an avalanche in Austria'

I used to adore Mickey Mouse and watching The Mickey Mouse Club. I grew up in Elmira, New York. The house was small, but very pleasant. I had eight brothers and sisters so it was noisy. Our television was black and white and we’d all huddle round to watch.

My relationship with my father in the earlier years was strange. He wanted me to be a grade A student. He wanted me to go to an Ivy League school. I wasn’t great at school. It was only after I became successful that he realised I was more disciplined than he’d thought.

Being a fashion brand doesn’t have that depth of importance. I would rather be remembered for my philanthropy and for my involvement with autism. I have children who have been affected by autism, a sister with MS and a daughter with Lyme disease. I want to do what I can.

Michael Jackson didn’t really eat. We had lunch at his house – grilled chicken and some salad. He was drinking a lot of Diet Coke. It was surreal meeting him. He was in his 30s, but like a little boy. So nice, so sweet, so talented, but a bit troubled. We lost touch later on.

I’ve been buried under an avalanche in Austria. I was helicopter skiing and went off a cliff. I went into shock. I was with a ski instructor and I was trying to follow him and got caught on an edge. Luckily I was wearing a beeper and he dug me out. I was buried for just under an hour.

I don’t cook. You wouldn’t want anything I cooked anyway. At home we eat organic, but I travel a lot and tend to eat out. I love Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami. The crabs are only in season in the months of April and December. You put a bib on, crack them open and dip them in an amazing sauce.

I used to really mind getting older, but I’m calm about it now. I had a lot fun when I was younger. But I feel grounded and secure with my life and in my youth I wasn’t completely satisfied with where I was. I always thought I needed to be more successful. I now avoid drama and trauma.

I wore bell bottoms and silky shirts to Studio 54. I wanted to dress like a rock star. I got to know Andy Warhol and he was very inspirational. We spent time in Factory, in Studio 54, La Grenouille. John F Kennedy Jr and I were friends. His death shook us all.

I had dinner with Zaha Hadid three days before she died. We were beginning to talk about doing a project together. She was incredibly talented. At the time I thought she was a bit under the weather with a cold.

I’m pretty boring when it comes to clothes. I have 50 white shirts, 50 chinos, 50 pairs of jeans and 25 pairs of white sneakers. Some navy and grey suits and black and brown shoes. It’s more of a uniform, really.

Banish Dry Skin with These Winter Skin Care Solutions

While lighter creams and masks might do the job in summer, getting the hydration your skin needs is even more important when the weather cools down. Luckily, there are a whole host of skincare developments specially designed for that purpose, from heavy creams and plumping gels to nourishing moisturisers that promise an instant hit of hydration.

During winter the cold, harsh weather combined with central heating can leave your skin feeling dry, tight and drearily lacklustre so it’s important to preserve your moisture levels.

Your woolly jumpers aren’t the only thing that should be getting heavier as cooler climes set in, so should your skin care. Fortunately, a superior class of rich cold-weather creams are here to help but which one should you choose?

Most people’s skin gets drier as the temperature drops but everybody’s needs vary. If you have dry skin you really need to knuckle down that hydration to stop your skin from getting flaky so opt for a cream specifically designed to prevent moisture loss. Make sure to look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid which is known for its extra hydrating properties.

For those with oily skin, applying a heavy cream can feel too much but you can still benefit from additional moisturisation come winter. Instead of skipping it altogether look for a light, oil-free formula.

If you have combination skin it’s a case of altering your routine as and when; if your skin is looking dry or feeling tight swap out your standard moisturiser for something more protective and make sure you’re using a cream or oil-based cleanser.

While having the right formula will certainly give your skin care an upgrade there are a few tricks you can do to maximise your moisturiser’s impact. First make sure to exfoliate regularly as dead skin cells can prevent it from sinking in. Next, try to always apply your lotion onto damp skin; post-shower and getting it on within a three minute window will give you the best results.

Winter throws up a whole new set of skin care needs our way but by promoting your product you can safe I the knowledge that your skin has the best chance at combating the blustery months ahead.

Dressing For Your Body Type - Apple (Part Three)

In an age where women's wear online shopping has made it increasingly easy to find different styles and kinds of clothes, you're undoubtedly spoilt for choice. As long as you have a strong internet connection and a decent budget, you can lay your hands on all kinds of clothes.

However, not everything you buy and wear will look amazing on you. Often, we end up buying a particular dress only because it looked good on someone else. This is a rather disastrous move.

In order to ensure that you look your best no matter what you wear, we've compiled a cheat-sheet for you that elaborate dressing right for your body type. In this article, we talk about one of the most appreciated body types during the Renaissance period - the 'Apple'.

Apple: Fuller midriff with comparatively slimmer limbs.

The best part about having an apple shaped figure is that you have thinner hips than most other body types. While most body types have a bigger tummy, with the right kind of dressing, you have the power to simply recreate your body's silhouette.

Top wear - Ideal tops for apple shaped women are ones that skim close enough to show off your curves, but do not cling to your body in any way. Opt for tops that flow and drop in a way that leaves just the right amount to the imagination but still gives away the basic shape of your silhouette. While picking colors always choose to dress in shades of the same color rather than color blocking as you won't end up dividing colors at your midriff. Always pick tops with darker colors around the mid-section so as to take the attention away from the problem area and instead go ahead with tops that have details around the bust. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to buying tops for women online shopping. However, make sure to consider your own body type before a purchase. Just because something looks good on a Women's casual western wear model, doesn't mean that it will look good on you too.

Bottom wear - Women with apple shaped bodies are best complimented by A-line skirts as they tend to give your silhouette a very hour-glass appearance. Stick to shorter skirts and shorts as they draw the eye to your hips and thighs and accentuate the best areas of your body. Avoid any skirts that are too tight as these can bring too much attention to the midriff and make you look bulky. Honestly speaking, unless absolutely necessary, never opt for anything that is too tight or mid-length as it makes you look frumpy. If you are wearing trousers, find a pair that is just slightly pleated - this makes your waist appear smaller. The next time you're shopping from your favorite Women's fashion clothing brand online make sure to select styles that complement your apple-shape.

Dresses - Drop-waist dresses that end around your waist, but not too obviously as well as empire-waist dresses are great options as long as your mid-riff does not become the centre of attention. Just like the skirts, your dresses should be ones that just skim around your waist without clinging. The most flattering necklines include ones that are sharp - such as the V-neck or accentuate your bust line. Stay away from halter necks as they accentuate your upper body and are rather unflattering.

Jeans - The key point of consideration when buying jeans is that you should always pick pairs that accentuate your backside rather than your waist or tummy areas. Choosing jeans that have back pockets with flaps or detailing is a great idea as it gives the illusion of a fuller bottom, balancing out your heavier midriff. Wider bottomed or boot-cut jeans are also great to balance out the width of your waist and legs. You can also go for Plazzos for Women Online Shopping as their wider bottoms take the attention away from your middle.

All-girl punk group Dolores Haze front Monki’s latest denim campaign

Pop stars and fashion brands are regular bedfellows, although not all such love affairs are a match made in heaven, with some seeming to place more importance on the publicity generated than the actual pieces on the rails.

Happily, youthful Swedish High Street brand, Monki, have come up with a far more user-friendly approach to working with rock stars. Their AW16 denim collection, and the first ever to be made using 100 per cent organic cotton (not bad at all for price tags of £25 upwards) was made with Dolores Haze in mind. The inspiration started from the band’s motto, "all for fun" and their empowering attitude, one that reflects the foursome’s desire to inspire other young women. "I think you’re being role model enough for just being in a band taking the space that you want to take," explains rhythm guitarist Tyra, aka Groovy Fuck.

The Swedish punk rock foursome; singer and bassist, Groovy Nickz, Tyra, lead guitarist Lucky Lollo and drummer Foxy Sagz have been described as a dirty, loud punk version of the Spice Girls, have shared the stage with legends such as Iggy Pop and have recently released their debut album, The Haze is Forever.

The four piece model the collection and have lent some of their feisty lyrics to be slogans on sweatshirts as well as the cool-girl accessory du jour; some iron-on embroidered patches. Of course, they have crafted a playlist of their favourite tunes too, to be played in store and on Monki’s Spotify channel.

The pieces themselves are everything denim a wardrobe could want this autumn. The denim polka dot culottes possibly sum up every element of the season in a single garment. Elsewhere there are five different style of pinafore dress, several playsuits and numerous dungarees. For those preferring their OOTD to come in two pieces, there are some brilliant denim shirts, some boxy and cropped, others voguishly oversized, and one, in navy denim with white polka dots again. The denim styles vary from skinny to loose fit with something for everyone.

Coco Chanel Birthday: See The Top Chanel Runway Looks

Friday marks Coco Chanel's birthday. The famed French fashion designer, who passed away in 1971, would have been 133 years old today.

Chanel is one of the most well-known fashion designers of all time, and even decades after her death, her brand - which Karl Lagerfeld has been at the helm of since 1983 - continues to dominate the industry.

From her Chanel No. 5 perfume — still the best selling fragrance in the world — to her stylish suits or perfect little black dresses, Chanel's influence on fashion is unwavering.

In honor of Chanel's birthday, we've rounded up some of our favorite runway looks from recent years. Click through the slide show above to see our picks. You can also keep reading for a roundup of some of the designer's best quotes.

• "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous."
• "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different."
• "The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud." 
• "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman." 
• "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." 

Romancing History Through Fashion

There’s a certain charm that draws Poonam Bhagat to museums. Perhaps, it’s the glorious artefacts preserved over the ages. And it’s this element of timelessness that’s evident in her collection, Romance of the Mughals. One can almost imagine Nur Jahan or Jahanara draped in them, gingerly strolling across their rose gardens. At the same time, these garments would not be out of place on a 20-something at a cocktail gathering. “It’s a modern person’s version of 17th Century pieces,” she says, fondly cradling a rich red lehenga.

Showcased at the Amazon India Fashion Week Autumn Winter ’16, this line is now on display at Collage. In luxurious raw silks, chanderis, and voiles, they spell grandeur with their royal appeal. The collection is every bit feminine, and comprises column-style tunics with palazzos, anarkalis with gathers, short tissue blouses with long skirts, long tunics with decorative yokes, jamas, dhilja pajamas… The colour palette is dominated by ivories, corals, oranges and blacks, and then there’s the occasional refreshing shade of sage and one that’s a brilliant blend of an unripe aubergine and a glass of red wine.

Her penchant for intricate detailing is visible in this collection: it’s rich with surface embroidery like dori work, burnished gold embroidery and tissue appliqué. There are floral motifs comprising lotus, poppies, kilims and lattice designs as well. There are prints inspired by Central Asian tapestry — Samarkhand, Bukhara and Tashkent to be specific.

“I have always been into vintage and museum pieces. They aren’t available to wear, but even if someone were to replicate them, they would be very expensive,” says Poonam. The idea for this line has been on her mind ever since her visit to the Art Institute of Chicago a few years back. “The South Asian wing had such beautiful costumes from Mughal, Asian and Himalayan royalty. These images remained in my mind. Mughal miniature paintings also inspired me,” she recalls. With the markets flooded with anarkalis, the designer says that as a theme, Mughal-inspired clothing is not unusual, but it depends on how one interprets it.

In addition to this, Poonam has also designed a capsule exclusively for Collage. These retain the same silhouette as Romance of the Mughals, but have a “flirty, fun and feisty” vibe about them. With carefree butterflies and dragonflies embroidered and printed on them, these are more of elegant day-wear in bright pink and green voiles.

Celebrating her 25th year in the fashion industry with her label Taika, the designer says she notices design aesthetics are changing. With a lot of experimentation taking place, people often compromise on their style to wear a particular kind of outfit just because it’s in fashion. “Don’t blindly follow fashion,” she says and adds, “It’s important to wear what suits your personality and body. The collection that I have brought here is wearable, classic and suits every body type.”

Mel B Suffers Embarrassing Fashion Faux Pas In Camel Toe-flashing Jumpsuit

Singer Mel B was centre of attention last night for all the wrong reasons.

As Scary Spice posed up a storm for pictures before the latest episode of America's Got Talent, it wasn't her age-defying face that everyone was looking at.

Unfortunately for the star, she suffered a MAJOR fashion fail as she hit the red carpet.

The star's purple jumpsuit clung to her curves in all the right places - well... almost all the right places.

Despite looking gorgeous as she showed off her cleavage in the stylish plunging outfit, nothing could distract from her camel toe mishap.

That didn't Mel from flashing a huge grin at camera though and we can't blame her - with a body like that who wouldn't be happy?

Earlier this week, the girlband star took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse of her incredibly toned figure .

The America's Got Talent judge showed off her age-defying abs as she posed in a skimpy two-piece.

She captioned the fitness snap: "Workout in my home gym finished boom see you all tonight live for@nbcagt #nofilterneeded"

Last week, Mel out-did women half her age as she hit Maxim's Hot 100 party with her other half .

The sexy star put on a leggy display and almost flashed a little bit too much at the showbiz bash.

Leicestershire Textiles Industry Is Back In Fashion

Leicestershire's textile industry is seeing a renaissance, which also means new jobs. Business Reporter Isobel Frodsham finds out more

The county's textiles industry is famous thanks to names like Nathaniel Corah & Sons, Cherub, Symington's and Pick's. They were once kings of British manufacturing but were forced to close after retailers moved their manufacturing overseas in the 1970s and 80s.

But now the demand is back for British brands made by British people, and Leicestershire is set to see a renaissance.

Earlier this year, the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership published a document that said 88 per cent of employers expect their businesses to grow in the next three years, leading to new jobs.

It also said the textile manufacturing industry in the LLEP area is the second largest employment area in the UK, with around 9,480 people in jobs. There are about 1,480 textile manufacturing firms in the area.

Sue Tilley, economic strategy manager at the LLEP, said: "Leicestershire's textile scene is seeing a huge renaissance. It's incredibly exciting."

Thanks to a rise in 'fast fashion' – where catwalk trends quickly move from the runways to the high street to keep up with demand – and online retail, the county's textile industry is seeing an increase in demand.

Sue said: "Businesses here will run off 500 pieces as opposed to 50,000.

"If you went to China, it wouldn't pay you to do 500 pieces there because you have to fly them in.

"People and retailers expect to get things quickly.

"It's very difficult in this country to expect what is going to be required, so companies need to be nimble to produce things quickly when the season changes. You can't do that overseas."

Even if machinery is brought in to replace workers, there are still job opportunities because people are needed to programme the machines and work with them.

Sue said: "The fashion industry enables a lot of activities.

"These include manufacturing the garment, marketing it, programming websites to sell it, promotion and point of sale in stores.

"Then there are soft furnishings as well, like Dunelm, who are part of the textile market, and we've got big retailers here too. Next, for example, is a massive company and employs a lot of people.

"Then you have the supply chains who deal with things like compliance with ethical manufacturing.

"There are a lot of opportunities that are being driven by the internet and this is great for young designers who are coming out of university and launching their own brands."

A great example of a young designer making her mark in the industry is Tayla-Blue Mitchell-Jarvis, founder of HOT!MESS clothing in Hinckley, which was launched in 2013.

HOT!MESS processes around 10,000 orders a week, which can increase depending on sale days and one-offs like Black Friday.

Tayla said: "The amazing staff in my warehouse go into robot mode in periods like that, but they love it. They also thrive at the success of the business."

She employs 13 people but is looking to relocate at the end of the year and take on a further five to 10 staff.

Tayla said: "Leicester has some great factories. We have extremely close relationships with a couple of factories in Leicester.

"We've grown together from the bottom, where we were making 20 to 50 pieces per style, to now where we're making 4 to 5,000 of each piece we sell online.

"We sold them our dream when we began, pushed them to help us out and promised it would pay off, and it did.

"Many factories won't consider working with start-up brands, so we're forever thankful to them."

In the future, the LLEP aims to create an enterprise space, bringing together all of the existing textile companies in Leicestershire – from retailers to manufacturers – with the educational establishments to strengthen relations between the two.

It has begun early steps towards that already by forging a relationship with Kate Hills, founder and editor of Make It British.

Sue said: "We're holding an event with Make It British about the opportunities that are out there. It is the first time Make It British is holding an event like this outside of London and it will be a day of talks and activities for retailers and manufacturers.

"It will take place at the Vijay Patel Building, home to the faculty of Art, Design and Humanities at De Montfort University, on October 28.

"What we have here is lots of clusters of activity. But what want is to create a central hub where we can combine grassroots level skills with students, graduates and research and development.

"What we need though is the funds to enable it to come together, deliver the skills and training and showcase the textiles activity we have here."

Beauty: the best new hydrators

The reality of my job is that I often have to stop using products I like very much, purely in order to make room for testing new ones – time is finite, and I have only one face. I’ve rarely been so reluctant as I was when, last week, I parked my Hyaluronic Layering regime prescribed by Intraceuticals. This is a range for very dehydrated skins, the kind that cause a minority of readers to say “nothing works! My face still feels parched!” despite their drinking gallons of water and sampling every product from Superdrug to Selfridges.

On first glance, the Intraceuticals Rejuvenate system feels like too much work and cash (products start from a staggering £57.95). There’s a cleanser (which I abandoned because I don’t hold with face washes), serum, gel and cream, to be layered on in that order. All are rich in antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, so prized for its proven ability to hold a thousand times its weight in water, thus replumping and temporarily brightening skin. The effect on my own has been completely marvellous. Fine dehydration lines have been plumped to extinction, my skin has a glow of good health, and my makeup goes on like butter on warm toast. If you’ve got the budget, I recommend Rejuvenate without reservation (even despite the inclusion of alcohol in some of the products, which put me off initially).

However, next on the testing pile was something similarly brilliant. Sunday Riley’s Tidal Cream (£60) is also for dehydrated skin, but can be slotted into your existing routine as a day moisturiser. It saturates skin with dewy moisture (perhaps too much at first; I found I had to wait a few moments for the wetness to subside before applying makeup) that keeps skin comfortable and plump all day, while exfoliating papaya enzymes, known to be great at gobbling away dead, grey skin cells, leave it brighter and more glowing. I saw a clear difference in only one use.

At the other end of the price scale, Simple is just launching a lovely hydrating oil without the inclusion of mineral oil, as part of its new range of cleansers (from £4.49). This is another example of the high street’s increased, if overdue, understanding that oily skins can suffer dehydration, too, and need ingredients that won’t put them at greater risk of breakouts.

Fashion: From beach to bar - the cover story

From beach dresses to all-in-ones, holiday cover-ups are a practical fashion trend you can wear at home too. Stephanie Smith has tips.

Once upon a time, there were only sarongs. And, of course, towels. But now, there are so many ways of protecting both your skin and your modesty by the shore that the “beach cover-up” has become a fashion genre all of its own, encompassing the copious options and styles of garment that fall loosely into the category.

There are kaftans, beach dresses, kimonos, beach jumpsuits, beach shirts and cardigans, beach trousers, beach skirts and, yes, beach sarongs, also variously referred to as beach wraps, scarves, shawls or pashminas – basically a large piece of fabric, usually colourful and/or printed, that you can tie about your person and over your swimwear in a variety of clever ways to resemble a skirt, dress or kimono-style jacket.

The first rule when it comes to cover-ups is, don’t skimp, meaning don’t choose anything too snug-fitting. Go up at least a size, if you have to. Beach cover-ups, by their very nature, are designed to be worn over wet and damp swimwear.

They should be in natural fabrics such as pure cotton and linen, which absorb moisture effectively and dry out quickly. And they should be loose-fitting, allowing the air and heat to circulate around so body, so that it can dry out thoroughly too.

Anything tight-fitting or in man-made fibres will trap the moisture and allow it to mingle with perspiration – as anyone stuffed into in a polyester or stretch jersey bodycon shift dress on a boiling hot day while attending a wedding breakfast in a conservatory-style dining room will already know, much to their discomfort.

Kaftans and kimonos are a good place to start. Both are loose, but the difference is that a kimono ought to be open at the front, and is usually drawn in at the waist and fastened with a drawstring.

The current fashion love affair with the Seventies means that there are plenty of options, especially in sunset yellow and burnt orange, both of which are ideal for a beach holiday in the sun.

Following on from the basic concept that every piece in your suitcase has to work and double up in function, it makes sense that any cover-up you choose should be suitable for wearing not just on the beach or by the pool (where semi nudity is acceptable), but also sight-seeing and out to dinner (for which, generally speaking, it is not).

Thin cotton fabrics do tend to be see-through, especially in this summer’s must-have white, so make sure you have something to wear underneath. A cotton slip, such as the ones that often come on the peg with a transparent chiffon dress, is ideal, so check to see if you have any in nude, black or white. If you don’t, try LordandTaylor.com.

Obviously, you can also wear your kimonos and kaftans over tees and shorts, but a cotton slip lets you wear them properly as dresses.

Marks & Spencer has a great range of beach dresses, which tend to be of a higher quality than some other High Street stores and so can often be worn by themselves quite easily. Look out for lovely wrap and twist-front styles, falling to just below the knee and so flattering, you’ll be wanting to mix them into your at-home daywear and working wardrobe.

For this summer, off-the-shoulder beach dresses and all-in-ones are very much on-trend, and work well with swimwear. If you choose one that matches or suits the straps on your swimsuit or bikini, that’s a ready-made outfit you could go anywhere in, without anyone guessing you are actually stepping out in your beach gear.

Finally, don’t forget the humble sarong, not least because it can be fashioned to create different looks. Take a look at Fairwindssarongs.com, which gives descriptions of 21 ways including hareem jumpsuit and Toga dress. What more do you need?

Let's Talk About Why Some People Think Fashion Is Frivolous

From an early age, women are encouraged to pay attention to how they look and what they're wearing (how many times were you told, "You look so pretty in your dress!" versus "That's such a smart idea you had!" when you were a child?). And when we get older, we're made to feel ashamed for paying attention to something as trivial as our clothes. Fashion, we're told, isn't a serious hobby or interest. And that's not just coming from the patriarchy; feminists, too, often see fashion as a tool to keep women distracted, in debt, and in pain.

But you know instinctively that that's not the case — or at least, that fashion has the potential to be so much more than that. But if you've ever had a difficult time elucidating that fact, it helps to hear it straight from someone who's been thinking about the subject for two decades, and for whom fashion has played an important, crucial role in understanding who she is as a person. Our global editor-in-chief Christene Barberich recently sat down with Elisa Kreisinger, the host of our weekly podcast Strong Opinions Loosely Held, to discuss the value of fashion and the powerful function it can serve. We spoke with Kreisinger about their conversation.

Why do you think fashion has a reputation as something that's frivolous and shallow?

"From a young age, women are told their worth comes from what they look like. Then, we're told that we're narcissistic for caring about how we look. It exemplifies a culture that consistently pulls the rug out from under women and other minorities and changes the rules of the game. But when it comes to communities who desperately need to express themselves, it's historically been marginalised communities of colour and queer communities. Anything that is seen as 'feminine' (pop culture, makeup, fashion) is dismissed as frivolous, while traditionally 'masculine' activities such as baseball, fishing, and golf are upheld as pastimes. I think no mater your gender, bonding activities like sports and pop culture, manicures and shopping should be viewed for what they are: hobbies that foster bonds and help us make sense of our selves and the world around us."

Do you think that there's an element — or a perspective — that's crucial in loving style and fashion that elevates it from a petty pursuit that turns women into objects to be admired? Does it even matter?

"Saying it needs to be elevated plays into the stereotype that it's frivolous when it's not. But I understand your question. The element for me that elevates fashion and style is looking at it from an intellectual property standpoint. Fashion is one of the few industries with very little copyright protection. You can take a jacket and replicate it because apparel is viewed as utilitarian. So unlike other artists, filmmakers and musicians, designers can sample, remix, copy and reimagine other people's designs. This sampling not only leads to more creativity in the field, but much, much, higher returns. The food, fashion, and auto industries see much larger gross sales than film, book, and music industries who think copyright protection is the way to make more money. For me, this example of open culture and remixing in the fashion industry is what differentiates it from other industries in a way that is seriously threatening to the status quo."

Do you think that women's media companies and publishers have a responsibility to change how fashion is discussed and framed? 

"Certainly. Women's publishers have a history of selling a fantasy, not a social justice cause. So when women's and fashion publishers reclaim a movement it never really wanted to be involved with until it sold ads and brought in views, it's always problematic. I think women's media companies should acknowledge that fashion has a history that's flawed: placing a high value on youth, whiteness, thinness, cheap labor, and heteronormative perspectives. But here's how we, as publishers, are calling them out and how we are pushing the industry — and each other — to be better."