Designers and Fashion

Winter is approaching and even though adults may feel the cold, children will want to play outside whatever the weather. So it is important to dress them in warm comfortable clothing and winter boots to protect them from the elements.

The secret of winter dressing is to wear layers so that you can take some off when you go inside. Most people have central heating and if you are going to visit someone, you may find your child is roasting when you get inside a warm house.

Our grandmothers always made us wear vests as children but if you don’t like the idea of a vest a t-shirt is just as good and probably a more versatile option. If you and your child are likely to be out in the cold for a long time or the weather is very extreme you might want to consider getting some thermal underwear.

A thin turtle neck top is a good choice to wear next and a warm sweater or fleece is a must. Make sure that sweaters are soft and comfortable and not made of fabric that will irritate the skin. Fleeces have the advantage of being light and soft as well as being warm. Sweaters and fleeces can easily be removed when going indoors.

Warm trousers, preferably comfortable stretchy ones, come next. If you are going out in the snow you might choose to put a thin waterproof pair over the top so that your child does not get too wet.

A thick coat preferably fleecy lined and with a hood goes over the top of the outfit. For babies and younger children all-in-one snow suits are very useful instead of a coat as they don’t leave any drafty gaps and are ideal for sledging and snowball fights.

A lot of heat is lost through the head so make sure your child wears a warm hat. These can be made of wool or fleece. Some have ear flaps and fasten under the chin. These are especially useful if your little one is very active.
Your child will also need a warm pair of gloves or mittens to protect their little fingers from the cold and a soft scarf to wear around their neck.

Warm footwear completes the outfit so keep those little feet snug and warm in a pair of fur lined winter boots. However if your child is planning to do a lot of stamping about in puddles, you might decide to put them in Wellington boots instead. These are fine but make sure your child has a couple of pairs of warm winter socks on as they are not warm enough otherwise. Fleecy insoles that go inside the Wellington are also a good idea to keep out the winter chill.

Now you have no excuse for staying indoors so off you both go to enjoy the winter weather!

Thermal clothing is specifically designed to retain body heat when it is rather cold.  Unlike the days of horse and carriage, winter clothing has been updated to include thermal clothing and retain style, fashion and passion! Damart thermal clothing for woman is no longer restricted to ugly bloomers but developed into a lovely range of gloves, socks, underwear, frocks, jumpers and more.

For men, winter wear need not be a struggle to hide the fact that under the layer of pin-stripes you are covered in goose bumps from the cold. Thermal clothing for men is no longer restricted to Long Johns either. Fashionable jumpers, underwear, socks and accessories are available to keep you comfortably smiling throughout the day. And should you be of the mind to stick to your trusted Long Johns, and then know that they too were updated with a fantastic layer of thermal protection. You can even take a leaf from the army boys and get your winter, thermal clothing in a camo print.

The beauty about winter clothing, and in particular thermal clothing, is that outdoors activities can be continued with ease. Cycling- camping- and general outdoors gear is snuggly lined and comfortable enough to wear out whilst still looking fantastically stylish. Even water sports are still within winter weathered grasp with thermal AND waterproof combination or sports gear.

Britain, amongst many other European countries, suffers from the coldest temperatures during winter. This year is no different from any other time. Invest in some fashionable thermal clothing. Before you have a complete hysterical breakdown, know that winter clothing need not be the disaster pieces they were in the times of your childhood.

It is a tongue in cheek fact that Brits are very obsessed with the weather, and this goes far beyond the practical concern of merely staying dry or being cool; understandingly so.  It is a rather big tug of war between making a political statement and keeping up with the European fashions.  Winter is a rather confusing time too as it may look sunny outside but it is freezing cold or some pressure system is keeping it overcast, but humid and warm.

The thing that impresses me most is that the winter ranges these days do not make the whole of Britain (or Europe) look like over dressed, heavy clothed Telly Tubbies at all.  I do not have to hang my head in shame as I waddle on my way to work and back and there is no greater passion killer in my bedroom during the very cold winter nights.

To sum it up, even if you are a hardened Hells Angel biker, a diehard kayaking enthusiast or a corporate professional, winter clothing and thermal clothing need not be the stumbling block that prevents you from making the most of winter.

On the whole, I think it would be very difficult for the general public to tell the difference between real Berghaus jackets and a fake one on Ebay or other auction style websites.

There are many different styles and colours of these jackets available and the photos of the items for sale on Ebay, especially clothes are not usually very close up as the photos show the whole of the jacket, making it impossible to pick out small details that may expose it as being a fake. Many photos are taken in a professional manner, using a light box or product table to make them look like catalogue photos rather than a photo that was taken in someone’s living room, giving the impression of authenticity.

I have never owned a Berghaus jacket, and on first inspection of the couple of hundred that appear to be listed at present, it would be impossible for me to pick out a real one from a fake. If I was looking for a Berghaus Jacket in particular I would have to do some thorough research into the jackets from a reputable supplier before embarking on a possible Ebay purchase. Even then, I would make sure that the seller has a fantastic feedback rating and I would also read the comments which would indicate what other buyers think about the clothing offered for sale.

Photos can be very deceiving, and text can be glorified to make the buyer believe that they are buying a genuine article. Ebay themselves would not want to have fake items listed on their site, but we all know that the replicas do slip through the net as it is often impossible to spot them by looking at photos.

The question is, if Ebay cannot always spot the replica items, then surely it is an impossible task for members of the buying public to differentiate the fakes from the real articles?

Well there’s nothing children like better than walking in the rain and splashing about in puddles and what better to do it in than a funky pair of wellies?  It’s not so very long ago that wellies were mostly black or green (green-welly brigade) or for young children bright red.  But today that is no longer the case.  The traditional wellies are still available of course, but now there is so much more choice.

Of course young children like to make a splash and the brighter their wellies the better, especially for the younger children.  Take a look around and you’ll be dazzled by the wide choice in wellies.  Bright coloured wellies, camouflage wellies (if you want to fade into the background), wellies with sunflowers, wellies with fish.  There are even psychedelic print wellies in the shops now.  If you and your children wish to be creative, you can even buy wellies that you all can decorate yourself.  Now that’s something they can show off to their friends.  And perhaps something they will treasure even when the wellies are past their best and all worn down.  Wellies as a keepsake or family heirloom – well it does make a change from jewellery.

Wellies come in different sizes – there are ankle wellies, calf wellies or wellies that go right up to the knee.  Long ones are better if your children intend to wade in rivers or go fishing – you can buy special long ones for this, called waders.  But for just walking the streets, maybe ankle or calf wellies may be more suitable for younger children – they won’t be so heavy on their feet.  And for older children, shorter wellies may be suitable for a night out or fancy-dress party.

So, when buying wellingtons, take the age of the children into account.  The younger will love the garish, bright ones where the older children may prefer the more sedate variety.  Check that they’re well lined and warm.  Go for long wellies if there’s going to be a lot of splashing about or ankle and calf wellies if preferred if they’re just for walking around town.

Older children may wish to make a statement with their wellies and look like they’re part of the country set or the “green welly brigade”, even if they hardly ever set foot in the country.  Or they may prefer the army look with the camouflage wellies.  Again like everything else, their wellies will be a statement of their individuality.

When buying wellies, it’s best to look around, try the wellies on if possible to check which type fits your child’s leg.  You can also look online where there are always bargains to be had.  If you invest in a good pair for yourself and your children, then they will probably last for a long, long time.

Every market stall, it seems, can sell you a backpack, these days. Practical and stylish, they’re great if all you want to do is a little light shopping and have something to carry your sandwiches to work in.
Where quality and a brand name counts, though, is when you’re looking for a decent rucksack for travel, or sport - and yes, brand names do count!

Choosing a backpack, depends on what you intend to use it for, how long is your trip? How much equipment will you be carrying? What are the elements/terrain like where you are going? Backpack material is definitely important in influencing buying decisions; it has to be able to serve a specific purpose.

When buying a backpack it is not just pretty colours that come into play, it needs to be colourfast, rip and abrasion proof; it needs to be able to dry out quickly if it gets wet, and has to be lightweight but also durable to stand the test of time and the elements when outdoors. Gore-Tex is by far one of the best materials for outdoor back packs as it is globally renowned for its protective, waterproof qualities.

Not only the material, but the style offered also has an influence on purchasing decisions, if I am going on a 4 day trek then I want something large and substantial with a frame. If it is a simple one day hike, then a frameless backpack will suffice. It has to be comfortable with an excellent fit at the waist or hips to take the majority of the weight off my shoulders and back. So while the material is important when choosing a back pack, it also needs to meet a variety of criteria, to be the one I elect to purchase.

I’d suggest a trip to your local outdoor clothing store, to check out the range of brands on offer.
The ‘good’ names, like North Face, for example, are worth paying that bit extra for, as not only are they virtually indestructible, being very hardwearing and exceptionally tough, but they are also ergonomically designed for comfort.

You’ll be really glad you bought a bag with, for example, extra compartments, or a foldaway rain cover [who wants their sleeping bag rained on, after all?!] or a pole attachment to use when hiking or climbing.

Webtogs are a new company which sells outdoor clothing and camping equipment. They sell brand-name footwear such as Craghoppers & Keen shoes, outdoor jackets, tents and rucksacks. They also have a Carbon Neutral delivery policy in place.

As winter approaches, it’s all too tempting to adopt the human equivalent of hibernation. This entails bundling yourself up in layers of Damart winter clothing, closing the curtains, turning up the central heating, and trying to forget there’s a very cold world out there, except in Australia where it’s summer and that’s so unfair. For women, it also involves vast quantities of chocolate and severe neglect of the beauty regime. After all, why bother looking after yourself in winter? It’s not as if anyone’s going to see you, is it?

Well, girls, there’s no excuse for letting yourself go. No matter that you won’t be displaying your bikini body on the beach, and that your boyfriend, if you have one, doesn’t care if your legs look like they belong to a gorilla. Take some pride in yourself! It’s time to stop being lax, and start caring about how you look. Beauty is not restricted just to the summer, or when you head off on holidays; you should be taking care of your looks all year round. This will help you feel good in the long, dark, cold days of winter, and mean that when the warm weather finally arrives, you won´t need a lawn mower to de-fuzz your legs.

So get thee to the beauty salon and have those legs waxed regularly. If you´re proficient enough to do it yourself, you could save yourself a few bob. Whichever option you choose, consider it an investment in yourself. It´s also important to get your hair regularly cut and coloured, and give it a good conditioning treatment if the central heating starts to make it dry and dull. Using a scrub in the shower will help keep your body in good condition and get rid of dead skin cells; follow up with a rich body moisturizer.

Your face will be exposed to the extremes of cold and warmth, so don´t forget to give it some attention. As well as your other beauty treatments, regular facials will help keep it in good condition. You may find that you need a richer moisturizer in winter, as your skin may be drier (central heating is notorious for affecting skin in this way). Even in winter, it is important to continue using sunscreen, and not assume that it is only a summer necessity.

At some point, however, you will have to venture outside. Go shopping and buy yourself some lovely new Damart winter outfits, so when you do have to brave the Great Outdoors, you will not only look good, but be dressed for the climate. This is part of the image – how can you look good if you’re shivering? So shop, shop, shop!

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… C: wait… SD: wait…

I am lucky enough to live in a European city where individual style is valued more highly than conventionality, and the small boutique-style shops far outnumber the chain stores; a pleasant change from the identical appearance of many high streets in the UK. Among those shops are many selling designer jewellery, with some highly talented individuals working in this field. Many agreeable afternoons can be spent strolling around the city, browsing in the shop windows and looking at their work. In addition to the shops, there are also regular craft markets where artisans sell their own work, including jewellery stalls; it seems that artistic endeavours and creativity are greatly encouraged here, a pleasure to see in this age of conformity.

Anyone looking for a unique piece here will certainly not lack a choice. True art must be unique; it can certainly be reproduced, but the imitation is never as good as the real thing, lacking the imagination that went into the creation of the original. Furthermore, the original then becomes overly familiar, perhaps even boring; happily, there is a lesser risk of this happening with jewellery than with visual art, which has a greater exposure in the media, and is easily reproduced in the form of posters and postcards. A jewellery designer is as much an artist as anyone working in painting, sculpture or filmmaking. In fact, since art requires talent, I would consider that someone who designs and produces a beautiful necklace is far more of an artist than Damien Hirst, and most contenders for the Turner Prize.

The problem with mass-produced items is that the manufacturing process does not allow for individuality, as the priority is to produce items at low cost and high speed. Art cannot be ´manufactured´ - instead it has to be created. Of course, this requires time and an inventive mind, which may be reflected in the price. Factory-produced jewellery, by contrast, can be manufactured cheaply in countries with cheaper costs and can consequently be sold at cheaper prices, even allowing for the profits of the manufacturer, wholesaler and store. One cannot expect to buy an original piece for the same price as these items.

For those who want to purchase something different, however, a designer piece offers the chance to reflect their own creativity and style. This brings me back to my earlier point about art being unique. Why look like everybody else? I deplore articles in fashion magazines that recommend a particular item of clothing or accessory as this season´s ´essential´, and tell readers where to purchase that item. The risks are that you will look like you are wearing the piece because you have been told that jewelled chokers are the must-have accessory for spring, and that many women at the party will be wearing something similar! Genuine style cannot be an imitation, but rather stems from selecting clothing and accessories that suit you as an individual, and reflect that individuality. Slavishly following guidelines laid down by writers who are scarcely impartial will not allow you to appear stylish.

By contrast, wearing a beautiful piece of jewellery that will never be available elsewhere is like displaying a portable artwork. It provides the perfect opportunity to display your acquisition which, unlike a conventional piece of art, can be seen by many rather than being confined to a particular location. In addition, it is a type of art that is available at relatively low cost. Of course, designer jewellery is available at high prices, but since it need not be outrageously expensive, is easily accessible. The majority of those designers will never become well-known names, but they are nevertheless creating something unique, inventive, and therefore artistic.

At one time no-one apart from Grannies would be seen dead wearing thermal garments. Even though thermal material keeps you warm and comfortable, the beige coloured long johns and basic utilitarian vests were scorned by the young and fashionable. They would rather shiver and freeze than wear such old-fashionable and ugly clothing.

However, Damart thermals have become fashionable and people of all ages are recognising the many benefits of this material which their elders already appreciated. Thermal materials are so versatile - providing optimum heat and comfort; when conditions change the material allows the skin to breathe by reducing perspiration. It is the ideal wear for everyone from young children, athletes, winter sports enthusiasts, and the elderly.

Modern designers have created a large number of fashionable ranges, from pretty pastel coloured under slips, short sleeved tops in modern, snazzy colours, such as fuchsia, heather and teal. Modern men’s sweatshirts, jackets and tops have been designed and manufactured using thermal materials. Children’s clothing hasn’t been left out either, with many smaller items of underwear and outerwear specially designed for the young.

Prices are affordable too; T shirts can be purchased from as little as £8, while a man’s sweater costs around £30. Thermal clothing is much more readily available these days - there is no need to order from a mail order catalogue and wait for the item to arrive. Many High Street stores carry large ranges and goods can also be ordered online.

The material is easily laundered and cared for, and lasts through many seasons. Due to the credit crunch and environmental reasons, we are all being encouraged to turn down the heating thermostat by several degrees. If all the family are wearing Damart thermal clothing, the difference in temperature would hardly be noticeable.

At one time young fashionistas invested in sexy silks and satins, but the discerning have discovered the more subtle delights of thermal fashion. It’s a wise investment for all.

Do you think that a group of children wearing uniform and smart school shoes look more or less trustworthy than children wearing anything?

We often read stories in the paper today of groups of youths terrifying elder people in the streets. Often no aggressive behaviour takes place and it is merely the fact that the children are in a large groups which seems to scare people. This means that we are judging these groups purely by appearance not by actual character traits or personality. I think that this does not occur so often when the group is smartly dressed in school uniform and smart school shoes rather than any home clothes and random shoes.

The reasons for this are two-fold. Firstly we tend to behave better the smarter we are dressed. The Uniform and school shoes give the children an identity and they know that they will be quickly held to account for bad behaviour to their school. We used to be told at school that whenever we wore our uniform we were ambassadors to the school.

Secondly we perceive people differently when they are wearing uniform. For instance when thugs appear in court they always put on a nice suit and shoes. This means that to the jury and judge they look a lot less threatening and trustworthy than they would in an old tracksuit and trainers.

When I was at school it seemed that my mother and I were always going shopping for new school shoes and glasses. I seemed to grow out of or loose these two essential pieces of school kit at an alarming rate. We would always go to the same shoe shop in town because they had pre-agreed with the school which models of school shoes were and were not acceptable for students to be wearing from their range.

I do not thing that children should have to wear uniform school shoes however if the school does have a uniform policy then the children should have to wear school shoes that conform to certain guidelines. For instance my shoes had to be plain black, lace up leather shoes.

To go as far as saying that children have to wear one specific model of school shoe is stupid. Every child’s feet are different and require a shoe to take their unique shape. I have very wide feet and as such there were only a few suitable models in the shoe shop that I would be comfortable in.

When it comes to outdoor clothing, I really don’t think it should matter whether it was manufactured in the UK or the US. Some people may think that outdoor clothing that is made in the UK is more suitable for UK climates, rather than clothes that are made abroad, but this is far from accurate.

Many top brands started off in the United States, but now they have a huge base in the United Kingdom and I doubt that many people would even realise which brands originated from which country. Some companies may start off small in one country, then expand and move their businesses to another country, so a brand that was once a UK brand, could now be thought of as a US brand name.

Regardless of where clothing is manufactured, if it is being marketed and sold in a particular country then it will be suitable for wear in that country. All aspects of clothing are considered when deciding which country to market them in, such as sizing, pricing and what sort of styles sell well in a certain country, as styles to tend to vary slightly of certain items in the UK and the US.

Some people are more patriotic and would prefer to only wear UK brands in the UK, in order to help support our industries and our economy, rather than helping out another country, but on the whole, I really don’t think that people mind whether they wear UK or US clothing and certainly do not judge other people for wearing American brands in the UK. American brands are widely advertised and are big business all around the world, not just in the US or UK, so it is acceptable for people all around the world to wear US brands if they want to.

When you see a brand you like, it is all about the style and the fashion statement, not about the country in which it was manufactured. So, if Haglofs is your favourite brand then buy their clothing, regardless of whatever anyone else says. Which country that a brand of clothing originates from is not usually the first thing that comes to mind when making a purchase and it is unlikely to change the minds of the majority of consumers.