With Christmas only 3 months away it has never looked so good.

The PrettyLittleThing Beauty Advent Calendar is back and bigger than ever for 2021.

 A total sell-out last year, this 24-day calendar is perfect for yourself or your bestie this festive season.

Packed full of must-have beauty essentials, you’ll find all the lust-worthy skin and makeup products that will keep you glowing through the holiday season. Featuring goodies from your favourite brands including Morphe, Pixi, Bondi Sands, Illamasqua, Star Skin, Eyeko and PLTSkin, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Being the beauty queen you already are, you’ll have 24 reasons to pamper yourself every day and why not? With a value of £204, you can buy all of this for £55.

‘Tis the season to shop the PLT Beauty Advent Calendar from 20.09.21 available

Fast Fashion is so last season, meet Aqua & Rock a high-quality premium sustainable fashion and lifestyle brand.

Their motto ‘Where ethical meets aesthetic’ hits the spot. Too often people still associate sustainability with strong limitations and unsightliness. Aqua & Rock surely prove this to be a false prejudice.

If you think sustainable fashion must have a dated aesthetic and cannot possibly look stunning and modern without any compromise, then read on to get to know this brand and pay their new flagship store in Covent Garden a visit when your interest is sparked.

An interior collection consisting of lamps and vases uses naturally sourced materials. All items are one of a kind due to the variable key components of wood grain, natural sand, clay and alpine hay, which naturally do not appear uniform. Furthermore, they are carefully crafted by hand.

This store is unique, since every little detail, down to the lamps, hangers and even drinks is produced 100% sustainable and guilt-free, reflecting the genuine dedication and passion behind the brand. Aqua & Rock was established in 2019 and has been driving forward innovative concepts for ethical fashion ever since. Everybody is more than eager to put a ‘sustainable’ stamp on their clothes now with younger generations, especially Gen Z becoming ever more aware of shortcomings and accordingly concerned about our planet’s future. 'Green washing’ developed to become a huge issue. Customers are getting blatantly misinformed about the background of their goods and continue to shop with a false sense of righteousness. We all know those high street companies for instance, that suddenly hop on the bandwagon by realising an allegedly sustainable line when we honestly ask ourselves: who are they trying to fool? Huge fast-fashion retailers aim to transform their il repute, however, in the end, merely a minority can really state that their company meets the necessary regulations in all areas. Founder Dea Baker and her team instead showcase what true passion and competence in the industry can look like. That is why they also deservedly won the award for “Innovator” of the year at the Drapers Independent Awards 2021 this September.

The Blue Thetis Trench Coat pictured at the front is a centrepiece of the 2021 collection. It incorporates wooden buckles and is made from 100% organic cotton.

Each piece of the latest collection is designed to be ‘seasonless’, so it can be reworked according to season and mood. Not only can they be either composted, recycled or biodegraded, but also include the use of fertiliser to support organic farming. The main concept is based upon a bio-circular model with four components, them being: organic, natural, recycled, and upcycled. All the resources like wood, hay, leaves, cotton, hemp, and flowers are organically grown. Wood, aloe vera, cotton, hemp, wool, as well as the colouring are naturally sourced. Existing materials are updated and reinvented within the upcycling process.

The model is designed to avoid the use of chemicals during manufacturing. Aqua & Rock have even created their own sustainable fabric dubbed 'Aqua Triblend', which is inspired by the French riviera. Among organic cotton, it incorporates recycled plastic and upcycled clothing. With overwhelming numbers regarding beef consumption, the brand saves the by-product of the meat industry from organic farms. Thereby, waste that otherwise would hit the landfill sites is further minimised.

According to Baker this variant of recycled leather is even more sustainable than buying vegan leather, which many people would never assume.

And that is by far not all, since the leather is going through a 'Wet-White' process it is completely free of chrome and other harmful chemicals. So, it is not only better for mother nature, but also for our own bodies. Due to this way of production the Ecotan leather items can be sent to their organic fertiliser partners. After being turned into organic fertiliser it is then used to fertilise fields and plants on organic farms, resulting in the regrowth of organic harm-free vegetation. In being reverted back to nature the bio circle is closed, ending where we started, the animal, which can gaily graze on these natural fields again.

The collection has been designed and produced in the UK, no sweatshops or underpaid labour included in any form, that the customer can be certain of. All pieces of the 2021 collection come in muted colour tones like brown, mint, white, and crème, all easy on the eyes and extremely versatile, giving customers lots of room for creative combining.

British musician Elle L gave the attendees an exclusive glimpse into her new single 'Hoping'. She took on the role of first brand ambassador because she is personally very passionate about the subject in all areas of her life and wants to advocate for less waste. As a public figure, she feels like having a responsibility to inform and positively influence others to have an impact on a larger scale and act as a role model for younger people. She aims to actively contribute to 'leaving a legacy for future generations' by not only talking about it but committing to an accordingly lifestyle.

Fashions Finest thinks this store is a great addition to the Covent Garden area and will hopefully attract lots of new customers to join forces with for a better world. Supporting this goal by shopping for beautiful clothes does sound dreamy, right? Yes, it is actually that easy to partake and conduce a little bit. Maybe this shop will be a starting point for some people to become more immersed and engaged in sustainability in other areas of their everyday life as well. Aqua & Rock officially opened their doors on the 27th of September, a visit is not only highly recommended but a must for everyone interested in sustainability and all its facets. The power for real change lies in our consumer behaviour, supply and demand regulate the market after all and progressive brands like Aqua & Rock are successfully leading the way in a current turnover. The aim does not have to be a Utopia!

Gen Z is fashion-forward and makes a big slice of the global fashion customer base with its generous $200 billion (more than £147 billion) annual global spend power. A new study by UNiDAYS shed light on the decisional power of the 'zoomers' and their commitment to clean and ethical fashion.

A new report commissioned by UNiDAYS, the world’s largest student affinity network, looked into the approach of Gen Z toward fashion, trends, e-commerce, and more. The result: Gen Z demands ethical fashion out loud.

Nearly seven in ten (68%) of Gen Z members demand that their clothes are manufactured to the highest ethical standards and 57% feel brands championing sustainability, equality and diversity are getting it right. These figures come from the recent report run by UNiDAYS surveying a panel of more than 18k Gen Z students to explore Gen Z’ fashion trends and preferences, their attitudes to retailers, sustainability, pricing and more.

Ph. Rodnae Production, Pexels

UNiDAYS Gen Z Fashion Report – Clean Fashion And Gendered Clothing

UNiDAYS asked a panel of their 20m+ verified student members for their opinions on all things fashion, in a series of surveys and polls. Over 18k Gen Z students provided insights about their relationships with their devices, platforms, fashion favourites and retail habits. The polls revealed passionate feelings towards clean-washing, conversation commerce, brand intrusion, third gender marketing and lack of trust when shopping through new social media checkout features.

As the role of real-world fashion adapts, fluid and device-driven business models must emerge for the fashion industry to serve the world’s first, and largest, generation of digital natives.

With global digital ad spend on social platforms predicted to hit $517 billion by 2023 (more than £380 billion), insight into the world’s biggest consumer demographic will support the bricks-and-mortar survivors and define the establishment of new fashion brands rising through the metaverse, all with Gen Z at their core.

Meet Gen Z

Born between 1996–2012, Gen Z is the most hyper-informed, hyper-connected and demanding generation of consumers in history. At 40% of total consumers, 'zoomers' are the biggest generation globally with a $3 trillion indirect annual spending power.

Unique Behaviours

Zoomers expect customised, personalised products and services plus value, across every device and every platform all with free delivery. Their real-world and digital existence are basically one and the same, with nuanced values that can seem contradictory on the surface: they love filters but resent retouching, they live and breathe social media, instant messaging, video games and live-streaming often all at the same time.

Gen Z' attention span is 8 seconds. Compared to 12 seconds for Millenials.

Make Connections

Their unwavering style, ethics and thrift make Gen Z the ultimate Apex Consumer. Brands must urgently connect with this high-potential, savvy, digital-native generation that is reshaping social commerce. Both start-ups and legacy brands could find this new world order daunting, but it represents great possibility.

• 2 BN direct annual global spending power
• 92% use discount codes 
• 40% of total consumers in the UK, US, Europe & BRIC

Fashion-phoria

• 90% say looking good is important to them
• 96% say fabulous clothes make them feel confident
• 93% love how great clothes make them feel
• 80% enjoy a mix of styles
• 87% say great clothes make them feel sexy
• 56% say they do not follow fashion trends

GEN Z members are full-on fashionistas, their style, habits and ethics drive and dominate the trends and patterns are seen through social media and the surrounding generations today. 87% of zoomers agree that great clothes make them feel sexy, 96% say fabulous clothes make them feel confident and 79% state sustainable fashion is important to them. But they never pay full price. For anything.

If Gen Z Is Not Your Core Consumer Now, They Soon Will Be...

Gen Z maintains its own personal brands physically and across their platforms, with defined standards and values that dictate the brands they associate with. The average Gen Z spends 10.6 hours a day online (Adobe), 93% love great clothes, and 85% of them research everything online before buying. Zoomers' appetite for social is huge and brands have been quick to embrace the fun and engagement that quality content generates. But with 75% of Gen Z stating they do not trust shopping on social media, there is a disconnect between entertainment and commerce which brands must fast address. Gen Z is consuming culture and marketing in a fundamentally different way than Millennials or Gen X (the over the forties).

Of those surveyed, 87% of Gen Z mostly communicate with their friends through instant messaging, just 13% call them direct, and only 14% would try a new fashion retailer based on seeing a TV ad. Fashion brands must get creative to establish and nurture these new relationships to ensure they stand the test of time.

Viviane Paxinos, global GM at UNiDAYS, states: 'We found that, for Gen Z, TikTok is the place to be on social, followed by Instagram. Given that fashion purchases made by 49% of those we spoke to were influenced by brands they saw on social media, platforms like TikTok and Instagram are a growth opportunity for fashion retail marketers looking to drive brand awareness and social commerce. Another important factor stems from TikTok's early guidance to marketers: don’t make ads. Make TikTok's.'

Good News For Fashions

• 76% are looking forward to partying again
• 64% expect to spend more on outfits for events now
• 78% plan to dress up party now that lockdown has eased
• 54% will spend more on beauty now social occasions are back

Despite 18 months in lockdown, 90% of Gen Z still value looking good. However, 65% expect their fashion purchases not only to be affordable but to be made to the highest ethical standards. Fashion, fast or otherwise, can no longer rely on value alone.

'Audiences go to the likes of TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube for exclusive moments, entertainment, advice, humour, and authenticity in content. Fashion brands need to create content that feels genuine for the environment, or Gen Z consumers will swipe to the next video. Fashion brands should also be looking at social commerce as part of their wider omnichannel retail strategy, driving consumers in-store for brands where bricks and mortar play an important role. 84% of Gen Z are looking forward to returning to shops, and it shouldn’t be underestimated how impactful a shareable, interactive store experience would be in driving positive online endorsement and sales.'
Viviane Paxinos, global GM at UNiDAYS

Extreme Value

• 95% always keep an eye out for a bargain or offer
• 75% are used to buying clothes solely online due to lockdowns
• 53% say shopping is a social experience shared with friends
• 85% research online before committing to a purchase
• 82% are loyal to brands that offer regular discounts
• 66% intend to spend more on clothes when they go back to Uni
• 63% spent less on clothes during lockdown while 37% spent more
• 84% are looking forward to returning to shops

Trust And Confidence

• 49% do not mind advertising if it’s relevant to them
• 76% see too many ads on their feeds
• 83% want to cut their time spent on social media
• 75% do not trust shopping directly on social media
• 53% believe social media is bad for society
• 93% say social media promotes unrealistic life and body goals/ beauty standards
• 90% believe that unlabelled, retouched imagery should be illegal for influencers to use when endorsing brands/products

For the majority of Gen Z, online is its preferred way to shop; 85% research online first but 75% do not trust shopping directly on social media. Brands creating Instagram and TikTok content and those collaborating with influencers should be cautious, 90% of Gen Z believe it should be illegal for Influencers to use unlabelled and retouched images, while 93% believe social media promotes unrealistic life and body goals. Despite being the world’s first fully digital native consumer whose digital presence is as real as their physical one, they challenge everything they see.

Clean Fashion

Gen Z is conflicted: 59% of zoomers consider themselves woke, but one in four do not know where their clothes are manufactured.

Fast fashion serves zoomers' obsession for new and fresh, but grates against their ethical guilty conscience of quality not quantity. The rise of Depop and co. signifies a new dawn for wardrobe resale hacks that do not cost the earth, but where does that leave fast fashion brands? How deep does their culture of sustainability go?

Gen Z’s Earth-friendly attitudes and spending behaviours have triggered fashion to clean up their emissions and exploitation records, so a happy medium is emerging. Sustainability is finally being addressed by brands keen to be on the right side of history and stay relevant. Gen Z has zero tolerance for irresponsible brands, they are the sole demographic with the passion, power and platforms to take sustainability into the corporate boardrooms. Their digital and physical life are one of the same, which ensures their social media posts will continue to elevate those brands that champion change and shame those that blatantly do not.

Sad But True

It takes 3,781 litres of water and 33.4 Kg of carbon emissions to make one pair of jeans. Up to 175,000 tonnes of plastic microfibres are dumped into the ocean each year, equivalent to over 17bn plastic bottles, all from synthetic clothing. Microfibres cannot be easily extracted from water and pollute the marine wildlife food chain.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Gen Z on Clean Clothing

• 26% unsure where their clothes are manufactured
• 79% say sustainable fashion is important to them
• 68% want clothes manufactured to the highest ethical standards
• 59% consider themselves ‘woke’
• 23% feel peer pressure to shop more sustainably
• 39% would buy pre-loved because it is more sustainable
• 33% pick recycled items because they are cheaper
• 67% prefer fashion brands that appeal to their social conscience
• 33% feel that brands who champion sustainability do so in the right way

Gen Z On Clean Beauty

• 86% say clean beauty is important to them
• 33% always read the ingredients label before a purchase
• 88% prefer natural beauty and skincare products
• 78% have returned a product to the shelf because of the ingredient

Responsibility

Who does Gen Z think should be responsible for regulating the beauty industry to ensure they use sustainable and harmless ingredients in their products?

• 20% the government
• 47% the brands themselves
• 29% an independent industry regulator

Increased Desire For Gender Neutrality

'More than ever, mainstream consumers are being challenged to rethink accepted societal norms and structures driven solely by gen z’s passion for post-gender diversity and inclusion.'
Viviane Paxinos, global GM at UNiDAYS

Gen Z embraces gender-neutral products and marketing. Zoomers acceptance has generated a wave of opportunity for fashion and beauty brands to expand into non-binary clothing and product lines. Six years ago, at its height of popularity, Facebook added a third, customisable gender choice that offers 58 identity options such as androgyne, transmale, trans-person and more other brands soon followed.

The beauty industry saw campaigns for cosmetics start to include trans models and cis straight men. Global fashion brands including Farfetch, Missguided, ASOS and Boohoo have all recently launched high profile campaigns featuring diverse and empowering models to promote their inclusive collections.

Blurred Lines

Generation gender-neutral has the least concern over owning ‘gender appropriate’ clothing, preferring to shop by personal style of self-expression, rather than traditional labels.

• 43% believe that assigned gender does not play a role in choosing clothes
• 23% think gendered language in stores is outdated or offensive
• 79% are not put off buying clothes that are marketed to the opposite gender
• 64% have bought clothing for themselves that is marketed to the opposite gender

Luxury Brands Must Adapt...

'Be aware, brand equity that triggers gen x will not trigger Gen Z. 79% of young consumers agree that sustainable fashion is important to them and 68% want clothes manufactured to the highest ethical standards. Luxury brands must adapt their narrative to apply to the new apex consumer that is gen z. Generic claims of craftsmanship will not cut it with this demanding ethics driven group, they want specifics.' Josh Rathour, found and CEO of UNIDAYS

Label Lovers

Luxury brands obviously find engaging with young consumers difficult as 71% of Gen Z feel designer brands are not relevant to them. But by over-focusing on Gen X (the over the forties) and not connecting with a younger audience, aspirational brands risk not only alienating their appeal to Millennials but their future core consumer too. Brands that underestimate Gen Z risk their relevance and label longevity. Gen Z is the most demanding, informed and least loyal consumers in history, if they find a brand irrelevant now, the likelihood is they will never buy into the brand at all. Affinity is seeded in youth. Luxury brands that do not emotionally engage with their future consumer will ultimately fail.

Designer Desire

• 32% follow designers
• 47% buy luxury clothing as a treat
• 40% have an eye for limited-editions
• 27% buy luxury clothing for the quality
• 54% describe themselves as loyal to certain fashion brands

Loving Luxe

• 30% have bought 1-2 pieces of designer clothing this year
• 50% say they have bought more fashion in 2021 than previous years
• 47% name design as their top consideration when buying luxury fashion
• 64% name price as their top consideration when buying luxury fashion

HOWEVER...

• 54% do not love labels
• 27% believe designer clothes are of higher quality
• 77% say they cannot afford designer brands
• 54% have not bought any luxury fashion this year
• 71% do not feel designer brands are relevant to them

Do Not Survive, Thrive

If Gen Z is not your core consumer now, they soon will be.
Gen Z is defining which fashion brands survive and which brands thrive. Those labels comfortable with Gen X and Millennials must learn what triggers Gen Z and fast. Affinity is seeded in the young, fashion brands that do not bother engaging Gen Z will ultimately fail. But despite being the world’s first fully digital native consumer with defined personal brands, and whose digital presence is as real as their physical one, Gen Z’s relationship with the platforms they populate is guarded at best.

Brands must work hard to win trust in the social space. Gen Z' unwavering standards, ethics and thrift make Gen Z the ultimate Apex Consumer. Brands must urgently connect with this unfamiliar, contrary, digital-native generation who are reshaping social commerce. Fashion start-ups and legacy brands could find this new world order daunting, but it represents great possibility.

Winters are just around the corner, and it is high time that you start thinking about investing in the right clothing items that can boost your fashion statement this winter.

Ph. Tima Miroshnichenko, Pexels

The cold season has its charm, and it brings out its own set of unique clothing items. However, one winter garment that stands out from the rest is the evergreen leather jacket.

These clothes are generally divided into layers. Each layer has its purpose; the first two layers are there to keep you warm and safe from the harsh weather; however, the outer layer plays a massive role in deciding your overall look. Many clothing items fall in the external layer category, such as sweaters, cardigans, and a wide array of distinct jackets and coats.

Leather jackets have been trending since they came out, and when we look at their history, it would not be odd to say that they might never go out of fashion.

Why Leather Jackets

A leather jacket is the most versatile piece of clothing, and every guy must have at least one leather jacket in his wardrobe. We think that leather jackets are a must for every man because men have always shown adoration towards strong style statements; however, it turns out to be challenging for most men. A leather jacket is the fashion staple capable of giving you a classic look and making your presence stronger than other men.

Different Types Of Leather Jackets

Since leather jackets got so much recognition, the manufacturers started evolving them into different types and shapes. Like we mentioned earlier, there is an immense range in which the jackets are made. Some of the leather jackets prominent among many men include racer, biker, bomber, and flight jackets.

Different Styles For Each Look

Getting a leather jacket according to your personality does the job; however, it does not entirely make you stand out in a room full of people. To achieve that and to look fashionable, you need to style your leather jacket differently for each look. Here are some ways you can rock your leather jackets according to each face.

Black On Black

Ph. Ramón Mula Garcia, Unsplash

Let's start with the basics; wearing a black leather jacket on a black outfit is our first pick because the colour black can make you look bold, confident, and even robust. The best thing about styling your leather jacket with black is that it looks good on almost everyone, and it is one of the safest outfit choices you can make. All black also helps you look fit and is a classic combo for every casual occasion.

The Rugged Look

Leather jackets possess the power to make a man look more masculine and help them give off a rugged vibe. Leather jackets are the only piece of clothing that looks good even when they get old; you can achieve the tough and rugged look by wearing your old jacket. Another worn-out piece that looks stylish in most situations is ripped denim jeans; you can combine these two articles of clothing and achieve a unique distressed style. You can style your old leather jackets with this rugged look and attend events like concerts and parties. You can also add some accessories with this to achieve a funky and rock star-like style.

The Pilot Style Outfit

Ph. Mirco Violent blur, Pexels

Leather jackets were initially made for pilots, and to this day, people style their looks just like those pilots by combining a simple bomber jacket with a white shirt and a tie. This outfit goes exceptionally well for men who are well built or aspire to achieve a handsome look. A tip would be to pair this look with blue denim or navy blue formal pants. Make sure your shoes are shiny.

The Young College Look

Not only it helps you look elegant, but a leather jacket can also make you look younger if you style it appropriately and embrace your boyish side. To attain this style, you can either wear a bomber leather jacket or a biker jacket.

If you want to show off your innerwear, such as a graphic t-shirt, you should go with the bomber jacket. Bomber leather jackets can also be paired with hoodies for a youthful look; however, you can wear biker jackets if you do not want everyone's focus on your innerwear. Apart from making you look younger, biker jackets can instantly gain the crown's attention as these jackets have a lot of zippers and buttons.

The Sport Luxe

Ph. Royal Anwar, Pexels

The term sports luxe is used when you combine sports clothing with luxury items. In this case, the sports clothing we refer to is baggy trousers and t-shirts worn underneath a leather jacket. You can also add zip-through hoodies to the outfit for a cosy and comforting vibe; you can top off this outfit with sneakers and street-styled shoes such as converse. A baseball cap fills the department of accessories. These outfits look incredibly comfortable and, in some cases, give off a lazy vibe which is why adding a luxury item such as a leather jacket enhances your style.

The Semi-formal Look

Ph. Dami Adebayo, Unsplash

The semi-formal look has been trending for a while now. This look allows you to experiment with different colours and styles; however, it is essential to know that these styles and colours are exquisite and would mainly focus on the formal feel of the outfit.

You can pair your leather jackets with a white or any other single-coloured button-down shirt and some grey trousers. The shoes that look perfect with these kinds of outfits are the oxford shoes. An important to remember is that the shade of your jacket and shoes must match. You can also experiment with discoloured textures in your leather jacket for a unique look.

Black And White Color Combination

When it comes to black and white clothing, people mostly think of combinations such as black jeans and a black leather jacket with a white t-shirt and shoes, although that is not the only way to combine these colours. White leather jackets have been on the rise as they are something many people don't wear and have a distinctive vibe.

Dark outer layers are becoming overrated, which is why people are moving towards light colours. White is the most delicate colour on the visible chromatic spectrum. When paired with black jeans and a black t-shirt, it makes a super casual outfit into a more stylish suit and makes your ensemble more luxurious and expensive.

Final Note

These were some of the best ways to style your leather jackets according to each look. Due to such versatility and timelessness, leather jackets have remained a fashion staple for decades. When styling your leather jacket, an important thing to remember is that you do not compromise on the quality when buying a coat and make sure that you purchase something that suits your personality and fashion statement.

Autumn and winter might not be quite as highly anticipated by some of us as the summer months, but let’s all take a moment to appreciate those cosy vibes - thick jumpers, hot chocolate, spiced candles and lovely homemade soups with crusty bread all really hit the spot!

Just like in high street fashion stores and in cosy little coffee shops, the mood changes in the lash industry when the season shifts, and what was trending in the summer becomes a distant memory.

To help you prepare for the shift in season, we’ve put together our top 3 autumn/winter eyelash extensions trends, so grab your pumpkin spiced latte and your thick woolen socks, and let’s get cosy for a minute…

Kim K Styling

Okay, okay - this one isn’t exactly news, it’s ALWAYS on trend to have that coveted and sexy spiky finish. If you haven’t tried it yet, this is absolutely the time to do so! This lash styling can be applied to any lash map, so if you have one client who needs a Dolly style, and another who favours a Cat, both can still have a Kim K set!

To add the spikes to your lash set, use Flat Lashes or closed fans and apply them at regular intervals throughout the set! This video goes into more detail about how exactly to map a Kim K set!

Brown Lashes

Often overlooked, a chocolate brown lash set is to autumn/winter what florals are to the spring. Brown lashes are the most complementary for our very fair clients so you may already be accustomed to them, but if you’re not, now is the time to try something new!

Chocolate brown lashes give your look an extra layer of luxury, and a little bit of softness without taking away any of the drama from your lash set!

Unsplash

Coloured Lashes

As much as we love a cosy vibe in the autumn/winter, we can’t overlook the fact that those cosy evenings by the fire are swiftly followed by the party season! Whether you’re looking for a fun look to go alongside your bonfire night plans, or something even more out there and eye-catching for new year’s eve, there is a colour and style for you!

It might seem odd at first to opt for coloured lashes when we’re so used to seeing black lashes, but there is so much you can do with a tray of coloured lashes! Maybe you just want a few volume fans on the bottom layer to give you a little pop of pink, perhaps you want to go all out with an electric blue set - you can even make your Kim K spikes with coloured lashes in a closed fan - the only limit is your own imagination!

Unsplash

Wet Lashes

Finally, the rise in popularity of the wet lash look isn’t likely to stop throughout the colder months. ‘Fresh out the shower’ glam made popular by the likes of Kim K’s 2019 Met Gala look and Megan Fox’s 2021 VMAs look proves just how on trend this overall aesthetic is. It screams effortless glamour.

The growing demand for the wet lash look is seemingly a nod to this trend. Closed volume fans create a spiky texture, creating the illusion of darker, fuller looking lashes - similar to the added depth given to natural lashes when wet.

We can’t wait to see these lash styles flourish as we move into autumn/winter 2021!

The '70s are back! An era full of glam, disco, Bowie, Jagger, bell bottoms, bold prints, crochet, dagger collar blouses and so much more. '70s style pieces are full-fledged on again. So, stock up your autumn wardrobe with these five essentials that should not be missed in anyone’s closet this autumn season.

Ph. Julian Myles, Unsplash

'70s kaleidoscopic style is the hottest fashion trend on Instagram, a good source of inspiration to make vintage looks truly yours. Perfect vibes for the upcoming autumn season, these are our 5 essentials for your wardrobe.

Retro aesthetics of the ‘70s are taking over our social media pages, and surely we all know what this era’s fashion stands for, right? You may have a lot of associations but read on to find out how you can also adapt those to contemporary trends.

Penny Lane Coats

A black & white example embellished with silver star and moon stitching, seen on influencer @hannahlouisef.

Showcased on everyone’s Instagram feed at the moment, contemporary brands like House of Sunny and Saks Pott brought about the resurgence of an absolute classic, the Penny Lane coat. Not only do they look fabulous, but also keep you warm and cosy throughout those stormy autumn days about to be faced. Simultaneously, these statement piece coats are spreading huge ‘Almost Famous’ vibes, whose character of Penny Lane is where its name originally stems from.

Formerly better known as Afghan coats, the style was brought into mainstream fashion mainly by celebrities, especially musicians like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix throughout the late '60s and early '70s, which created all the associations it has with Rock n’ Roll nowadays. Available in plain suede or embellished with stitching and embroidery, they add an effortlessly chic twist to even the most basic outfit, a real no-brainer. Penny Lane coats are here to stay!

Funky Prints

London-based influencer @mounakae effortlessly sports a '70s-inspired swirl patterned set. The halter neck top adds to an overall retro atmosphere.

Battle the upcoming gloomy autumn days with ever more vibrant colours and funky prints. They appear in numerous forms and can be incorporated through basically every form of clothing. No matter if it is a top, blouse, trousers, skirt, jacket, or if you do not want to go all the way simply add a colourful headband or scarf. Chevron and flame stitch, argyle, paisley, swirls, zebra, floral and abstract geometric patterns are just a few infamous '70s patterns to be named. All were influenced by folk and psychedelic rock of the era. Matching sets are an easy way to pull off a nice fit without much effort. Bright colours and bold patterns can complement each other or clash in an offbeat way. This season there is no such thing as too radiant or vibrant. Multi-coloured clothes all the way, it is about mixing and matching, so be bold.

Flared Trousers

@hannahlouisef wears a classic denim flare with a middle line seam.

First popularised by Cher and Sonny in the mid-'60s, flared trousers became a staple piece of the era, and are interconnected with the counterculture hippie movement.

They are extremely versatile and can be styled in either '70s Americana style, feminine chic, androgynous with a pantsuit, or in a glam rock/disco manner for those nights out and about. Extra points if they are corduroy or in flower print, for the ultimate retro style. A more classic approach would be a pair of simple blue denim in true Farrah Fawcett manner, worn with a colourful top and white trainers. The choice of fabric is key here, they are available in either denim, cotton, corduroy, or polyester and vary in terms of how wide they flare at the bottom and whether they have an additional split hem. One thing is for certain, every kind of flared trousers will give legs for days since the shape is known to elongate the silhouette.

Platform Boots

@letsgetflashy goes all in with a Bowie-esque approach on colour coordinating platform boots, perfectly fitting her ginger mullet. (Ph. Alexandre Alaux)

The '70s surely were an innovative decade for fashion, as the clothing represented youths newly found carefree mentality and desire to deviate from their parents' generation’s norms regarding outward appearances and attire. The way they dressed was an act of rebellion in itself. Platform boots were mainly popularised by glam rock performers like Elton John, the New York Dolls, and especially David Bowie during his alter ego Ziggy Stardust phase. This made the trend gender-neutral, since Bowie incorporated various queering elements in his stage performances and photoshoots, so a lot of men adopted this element and could be spotted wearing heels.

Due to being considered the era’s disco shoe, the connection to present events seems fitting. Now that clubs have reopened after long months of social distancing, expressing a newfound sense of liberty is once again expressed through head-turning clothes. Online shops frequently advertise new 'going out wear' with phrases and puns referencing a need for customers to prepare for their comeback to the club floors with fitting party outfits, predominantly targeting teens and 20-somethings. Just like the trend was originally about catching attention, the intention remains the same. On a side note, the shoes are particularly petite friendly and can add a good few inches of height, while also keeping your feet dry when stomping through those leaf-covered parks and forests once foliage hits the ground.

Bulky Square-shaped Tinted Sunglasses

@annacascarina stuns in a simple, yet eye-catching black-framed model with yellow/orange-tinted glasses, which harmonizes very well with her floral printed Resume blouse.

A drastic opposition to the previous tiny sunglasses trend, originally stemming from the '90s. Now the motto certainly is 'the bigger the better!'.

Don’t shy away from colourful tinted glasses to give your fit this extra pop of colour. Particularly popular now are blue, yellow, amber, and red-tinted glasses with a tortoiseshell look frame. A perfect companion when having to hide nasty dark under-eye circles or puffy eyes in the morning.

Where To Get The Look?

It is apparent that these trends are interconnected in cultural significance, socio-political influence, and historical context. A feeling of exuberance seems to be around, which is expressed and underlined through fashion.

Though all items are in some form currently available at the established high street fashion houses, we recommend you take a look at your local thrift store or browse online through secondhand apps like Vinted, Depop, and Etsy to find a truly unique and long-lasting piece of clothing with an attached history. Not only is the quality of fabric and construction usually higher, but buying used clothes contributes to more conscious and sustainable consumption, therefore helping to protect our planet and spreading awareness. If these options do not fit size-wise, upcycling in DIY, or bringing it to a local tailor can easily fix any issue and simultaneously make it more distinctive and individual. Fashion cycles have always existed and will continue to do so, however, now with constant online access to fast-fashion retailers they are speeding up more and more. Nevertheless, the aforementioned trends are certainly not fleeting or just adaptable for this season, because true vintage never goes out of style.

Candice Brathwaite, face of Oxford Street and its #BEYONDNOW campaign, arrives in stores with her sustainable capsule collection featuring 30 of the most loved brands from Oxford Street.

Candice Brathwaite’s #BEYONDNOW Edit is now available in stores, an A/W 2021 capsule collection with selected pieces from 30 Oxford Street high street brands. The collaboration inspires a positive approach to shopping and fashion.

Candice Brathwaite’s edit is a 54-piece capsule collection using products from the responsible and conscious collections of 30 Oxford Street brands. The collaborative collection is curated into nine 9 Autumn/Winter looks all available in-store on Oxford Street. Oxford Street BEYOND NOW is the destination’s first sustainable awareness initiative showcasing the positive changes that some of the UK’s most beloved high street brands are making to create a brighter future for our high street and how we shop.

Look 1

Urban Outfitters, BDG Recycled Denim Jacket, 200 Oxford Street, £56
Nike Air Force 1 Crater Flyknit Trainers, 236 Oxford Street, £69.95
Ganni Dress part of Selfridges Planet Earth Collection, 400 Oxford Street, £205
Pandora Brilliance Collection Lab Grown Teardrop Diamond Bracelet, 257/259 Oxford Street, £250

Look 2

John Lewis & Partners Sustainable and Traceable Cashmere Jumper, 300 Oxford Street, £99
Zara Join Life Wrap Skirt, 333 Oxford Street, £29.99
Adidas Vegan Stan Smiths from Schuh, 200 Oxford Street, £75
H.Samuel Diamond Story 18ct White Gold Diamond Ring, 250 Oxford Street, £1,699
Pandora Brilliance Collection Lab Grown Diamond Earrings, 257/259 Oxford Street, £690

Look 3

H&M Conscious Knit Dress Made With Certified Recycled Materials, 174-175 Oxford Street, £34.99
Ganni Recycled Chelsea Boots Part Of Selfridges Planet Earth, 400 Oxford Street, £195
Acne Studios Vally Checked Wool Scarf Part Of Selfridges Planet Earth, £220
Swatch Big Bold BIOCERAMIC Watch, 313 Oxford Street, £108
John Lewis & Partners Matt & Nat Recycled Vegan Cross Body, 300 Oxford Street, £65
H&M Conscious Earrings, 174-175 Oxford Street, £5.99

Look 4

River Island Hoodie Made From Organic & Recycled Materials, 473 Oxford Street, £38
River Island New Leaf Mid Rise Jean, £42
Teva Sandals From Schuh With REPREVE® Polyester Yarn By Unified And Recycled Plastic Webbing, 200 Oxford Street, £60
Parley For The Oceans Clean Waves Sunglasses From Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, £200
H&M Conscious Rings, 174-175 Oxford Street £6.99
H&M Conscious Hair Clips, 174-175 Oxford Street, £3.99
Lush Zig Zag Knot Wrap, 175-179 Oxford Street, £4

Look 5

Sandro Dress Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £359
John Lewis Trench Coat Supporting BCI Cotton Farmers, 300 Oxford St, £99
Tezenis Paris Recycled Microfibre Balconette Bra, 266-270 Oxford St, £14.99
VEJA Womens V-10 Logo Embroidered Leather Trainers, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £125
Monica Vinader Earrings, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £140
H&M Ring, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £2.99
H&M Patterned Scarf, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £6.99

Look 6

Mango Printed Cotton Top And Skirt Part Of The Committed Collection. 225-235 Oxford St, Top £19.99 And Skirt £29.99
Urban Outfitters Vintage Leather Blazer, Part Of Urban Renewal Collection, 200 Oxford St, £99
Adidas Gazelle Shoes, Part Of The Adidas Sustainable Collection Available From Schuh, 200 Oxford St, £70
H&M Bag, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £17.99
H&M Necklace, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £3.99
Tezenis Short Ribbed Recycled Cotton Socks, 266 Oxford St, £6.99

Look 7

Whistles Speckled Animal Skirt, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £59
Selfridges ROOP Satin Bag, Part Of Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £75
Selfridges Frame Cashmere Jumper, Part Of Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £350
H&M Earrings, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £12.99
H&M Grey Headband, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £9.99
Converse Khaki Run Star Hike Recycled Hi Trainers, Available From Schuh, 200 Oxford St, £90

Look 8

United Colors Of Benetton Pattern Dress, Made With 100% Sustainable Materials, 89 Oxford St, £59.95
New Balance 998 Remade in Pink, 287-291 Oxford St, £200
Uniqlo Recycled Jacket, 311 Oxford St, £79.90
Swatch Big Bold BIOCERAMIC, 313 Oxford St, £108
H&M Earring Crawler, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £3.99
Timberland Allington Boots With Rebotl ™ Fabric Lining & Recycled PET Laces. From Schuh 200 Oxford St, £120

Look 9

H&M Conscious Ribbed Knit Dress, 174-176 Oxford St, £39.99
H&M Conscious Patterned Scarf, 174-175 Oxford Street £6.99
H&M Conscious Hat, 174-176 Oxford St, £19.99
All Saints Coat, Part Of The Selfridges Project Earth, 400 Oxford St, £379
H&M Conscious Necklace, 174-175 Oxford Street £12.99
Acne Studios Cross Body Bag, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth, 400 Oxford St, £850

You can mix and match the selected pieces or steal a complete look from Candice Brathwaite's BEYOND NOW Edit capsule collection. It makes a small but relevant change in your style and fashion habits.

Find further information about the campaign online or discover more on Oxford Street Instagram page.

In 2021, as sustainability becomes a buzzword in the industry, we are increasingly opting for ‘pre-owned’ / ‘pre-loved’ garments found in charity shops, online auction sites, curated vintage shops, and luxury reseller platforms. But secondhand shopping is not the end of this movement towards a sustainable fashion future. This past year the creativity of looks has become an important marker of style, inspired often by snackable videos of DIY fashion projects proliferating Tiktok.

Photo by Nafinia Putra, Unsplash.

Sustainable fashion isn’t just about spending hours, physically and virtually, rummaging around secondhand shops to find the most unique item. By giving your garments a personalised touch with these 8 tips and tricks on crafting a sustainable style, we can wear our clothes with pride, no matter if it is ‘in fashion’ or not.

By reworking your secondhand steals or mending the back-of-the-wardrobe relics through these tips and tricks, not only will your wardrobe be reinvigorated by authentic staples at a low-to-no cost but it also builds your personalised style.  

Embroidering The Imagination

Nothing says sustainable style more than embellishing your clothes with DIY crafts. Hand embroidery has been practised all over the world for centuries, meaning there are multitudes of techniques and styles to try your hand at. Using transfers, stencils or going free-hand on your jean pockets or hems, around a logo on a t-shirt, or on the cuff and collar of a shirt will add your unique signature to your style.

You can also add beads or sequins to your embroidery too.

##sunflower ##embroidery ♬ sunflower -

To Paint Or To Print

Whilst embroidery may be for those who want a more subtle impact, painting or printing on garments you will achieve a large-scale, unapologetically bold impact. Fabric paints (acrylics can work too) can be used to create individual figurative or abstract designs. 100% cotton fabric will respond the best to the paint but you can try your designs on synthetic fabrics, silk or leather - but before you get going, make sure you test the paint out on a segment of your chosen fabric.

For those who have less time or are less confident in their artiste skills, you can print images through an ink-jet printer onto transfer paper and iron the product onto your chosen garment. 

##paintedjeans ##paintingart Programs - Mac Miller

Button It

However, DIY crafts can be fiddly and not everyone has the time or patience. There is a simpler way to rework your old garments such as simply adding or changing buttons on a shirt, jumper, trousers or skirt. If you’re like me, you have probably accumulated hundreds of stray buttons in your lifetime that you can use. If you are not, why not consider swapping some buttons from other garments around?

##learnontiktok ##tiktokpartner ##sewing BONES - Mahrah

Patch It Up

In the past 18 months, there has been a resurgence in the ‘make do and mend’ mentality, recalling the war-time sentiment. Rather than throwing away clothes with holes in or looking past a garment with a stain on, you can elongate the lifetime of your pieces through patchwork. By patching up holes or stains with scrap materials from pillows, table cloths or kitchen towels you can re-energise the signs of wear-and-tear. Darning holes with opposing coloured thread also offers a new lease of life to your garment.

Ready-made patches can also be bought or you can create your own through embroidery.

original sound - jitterbybug

New Day, New Dye

Dyeing your garment is a sure way to invigorate your clothes with a new lease of life. Some materials such as cotton, silk etc. will respond better to dyes. Reminiscent of the '60s Summer of Love, tie-dye has made a comeback. By following a tie-dye kit or the DIY bleach method, you can imbue your style with a blast of ecstasy whilst California Dreamin’ rings in your ear.

You can also simply dye your item in block colours with dyes from your local craft shop or online.

original “sound - Teresa Caruso

Alteration Station

Altering your clothes is another option. This is not for the faint-hearted though. If you are not confident with the processes of altering, find your nearest tailors. Before embarking on a journey to the tailors, make sure you have a measuring tape handy so you can go in prepared with the details of what you want to do. You can ask to get things taken in, up and sometimes out depending on the garment. You can also ask to change the style entirely.

original sound - Kaitlyn

 

Simply Accessorize

Sustainable styling can also be about reducing expenses. If you have got a big event coming up and you have the urge to buy something new that you might not wear again, why not just look for accessories to reinvigorate your outfit like a scarf or some jewellery?

Groove Is in the Heart - The 90’s Band!

Reducing Time / Reducing Choice

Sustainable style can also be about reducing choice and time spent on daily outfits. You could plan your outfits around what you're doing in a week to save time. Or even pick a colour you could focus around this week. Or perhaps a specific silhouette. This way you can really start to narrow down your wardrobe and realise that you don’t need a lot of clothes to be stylish.

This way you can really start to narrow down your wardrobe and realise that you don’t need a lot of clothes to develop your personal style. This narrow approach is perfect if you are packing to go away: reducing space in the suitcase.

original sound - BuzzFeed!

Conscious consumption habits are not the end of the discussion around sustainable fashion. By approaching your everyday fashion looks through the lens of constant renewal through creative means, we begin to gain a greater appreciation for our clothes. This renewed appreciation allows us to move toward a more cyclical fashion industry and away from our inclination to consume and waste. And TikTok has the answers!

Fuller eyebrows and thick eyelashes are very fashionable these days. Although you can find many products on the market that promise you dreamy results, you can try natural homemade remedies first before browsing the drugstore aisles.

A hot beauty trend seen on magazines, beauty blogs and Instagram is sporting fuller brows paired with feathery eyelashes. To achieve naturally full results, you can try these three well-known homemde remedies.

How To Grow Your Eyebrows With Olive Oil

Olive oil is a God-sent ingredient for your beauty because it contains vitamins A and E, which will increase the growth of your hair. Vitamin E nourishes each hair strand, while vitamin A promotes the production of natural body oil, which helps hair development.

How to: apply a drop of olive oil on the tip of the finger and then gently massage the eyebrows, leaving it for a couple of hours and then rinsing with a face cleanser. This step can be part of your beauty routine at least once a day to see its effects in a matter of a few weeks. Need more intensity for your eyebrows? You can always opt for a brow tint for more colour and drama at the end of your treatment.

Egg Yolks For Healthy Eyebrows And Eyelashes

Ph. Klaus Nielsen, Pexels

Hair is made of a protein known as keratin, and eggs are an excellent source of proteins. Moreover, egg yolks are also a good source of biotin, which stimulate the growth of your eyebrows and eyelashes. As you can spot in many haircare products for hair loss and hair growth, keratin and biotin are two natural allies.

Ph. Cottonbro, Pexels

How to: separate the egg yolk from its white, the beat the yolk until the consistency is uniform. Next, apply the mixture to your eyebrows with a brush and, for the eyelashes, a clean lash wand. Leave it for 20 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water. This homemade recipe can give you a faster growth rate if you use it twice a week. Be careful: use it in moderation because egg yolks can clog your pores and cause acne.

How To Grow Your Eyebrows and Eyelashes With Milk

Ph. Charlotte May, Pexels

Milk has well-known benefits for your skin and hair. Milk is used in many dermatological products because it contains casein and serum, two vital proteins that stimulate the development of healthy hair.

How to: moisten a cotton ball in milk and gently apply it to your eyebrows and eyelashes. When applying it to your eyes, remember to remove excess milk by gently squeezing the cotton. Keep it for 15 minutes and wash it off with water. Doing this every day will give you the desired results.

Day after day, you can admire longer and healthier eyelashes and brows because the simplest beauty solutions are a step away from you... in your kitchen.

Gyms can be fairly polarising places: people either love them or hate them. If you are looking to get in shape, working out at a gym can be useful, but what about if the gym is not for you? In that case, you can simply find other alternatives.

Ph. RF._.studio, Pexels

Gyms are not for everybody, but they are not the only places where you can tone up, get fit, and get healthy. Gyms can be intimidating for some or expensive; they can get crowded, and be time-consuming if you consider the time to get there. Luckily, gyms are not the only option when it comes to working out.

Whether you are working out indoors or outdoors, there are still plenty of options for people looking to get in shape, you just need to know where to look and what to do! Here are 3 ways to get fit and healthy without the gym.

Hiking

Ph. Kamaji Ogino, Pexels

One of the easiest ways to get fit without the gym is to take up hiking. Hiking is a great alternative because it allows you to get outdoors and get some fresh air, which does wonders for your mental health. Add to this, the fact that many hiking trails are set amongst stunning scenery, and it is easy to see why hiking is proving to be so popular amongst physically active individuals, especially since lockdown. Hiking is not just good for your mental health, it is also a great form of low-impact cardiovascular exercise, making it ideal for weight management, cardiovascular health, and fitness in general.

Ph. Jaime Reimer, Pexels

Cycling

Ph. The Lazy Artist Gallery, Pexels

Another fun outdoor activity proven to help shed those extra pounds is cycling. Cycling is a great form of cardio that burns a serious amount of calories, while also toning the muscles, especially in the lower body. If you want to shape and tone your legs and glutes to build a defined and shapely booty, cycling really works the lower body muscles, while also promoting cardiovascular fitness in the process.

Now, you could take up cycling and hit some of the many beautiful cycle trails near you several times a week, or you could just swap the car for a bike and cycle to work or to the local store to pick up a few essentials instead.

Stream-home Workouts

Ph. Marta Wave, Pexels

Thanks to websites like YouTube, finding workouts everyone can perform at home is now easier than ever before.

If you are not keen on working out at the gym, or if you simply cannot work out at the gym, why not exercise in the comfort of your own home instead? Home workout videos are great because they are designed to be done at home with minimal or no equipment at all. From dance workouts and HIIT, to bodyweight circuits and yoga, finding workout videos and programs that you can do at home in your own front room has never been easier.

Ph. Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels

If you commit to these workouts and gym alternatives by really giving them your all, you will burn hundreds of calories, tone up, and get an awesome endorphin rush. You will feel better than ever before without the gym.