Month: August 2019

Essential Coats

August 16, 2019

The leather jacket is always one that has been at the forefront of fashion. The style is often seen on cool and collected characters but is also an over garment that has been around for many years in the fashion industry. The style began when aviators and military servicemen praised the garment for its comfort and durability. It has also been linked to music sub cultures such as punks, Goths and metal heads who wore the wardrobe staple. Hollywood later took on the cover up and turned it into an iconic part of the silver screen after it appeared in many blockbuster movies.

The trench coat is one that has travelled a long journey through time. It started out as an alternative to the weighty serge coats that were worn by servicemen from Britain and France during World War one and two. It then evolved into a businessman’s outer garment that gives off a sense of respect and sophistication. The style of coat later appeared on many famous fictional heroes which also added to its gentry look. It is now known to many as an essential coat.

The pea coat originates from the sailors of American and European navies. Generally the cover up is made from navy coloured heavy wool, but these days it can be found in a range of colours. Its characteristics consist of broad lapels and a double breasted front with large buttons.

In modern day you will find these jackets and coats incorporating a range of different designs. Contemporary looks and on trends styles have modernised the cover ups to make them wearable in today’s fashion fuelled society. Whichever one you choose to wear you will certainly find one to help you update your look each winter season.

Avoid Stress During Christmas Shopping

August 15, 2019
  • Do your shopping as early as possible. While you may think you’re not going to be able to get the “last minute Christmas sales”, you’d be surprised at how much money you may be able to save by shopping early. Get your family members to give you their Christmas lists as soon as possible or pay attention to comments they make such as, “I really wish I had this or that…..”. When you hear comments like this, write them down and keep your eyes open for when these items are on sale.
  • Pay attention to weekly sales. Another thing that will really surprise you is how many things you’d planned to buy for gifts are often found on sale weeks or months prior to Christmas. Even if you’re only getting one or two gifts out of the way, you’re gradually getting your shopping done and saving money at the same time. Many stores frequently have “Buy one get second one free or 50% off”. This is a great way to take care of two gifts and still save money.
  • Consider giving give certificates. Gift buying seems to be getting more difficult every year, particularly with children and teens. Gift certificates are always appreciated. While you may consider a gift certificate to be an impersonal gift, it’s a gift they’ll love and isn’t that your ultimate goal? With gas prices constantly fluctuating, a gas card is a gift that anyone will love, but is particularly loved by teen drivers that always seem to be low on cash and lower on gas! You can buy them a gift card to their favorite store or a cash card that can be used in any store. Buying gift cards and certificates is a real stress-free way to get your Christmas shopping done and it’s a way you can do it all year long rather than doing it all in one month.
  • Give cash as Christmas gifts. Many people will love the idea of opening an envelope with cash inside. Gift cards and gift certificates are a great idea but cash can be even better. Christmas shopping is a financial drain on most people and receiving cash as a gift may be a great way to “replenish” some of the money they’ve spent. Cash is also the perfect choice for children that are difficult to buy for. When they open a card with cash inside, they know they can go to their favorite store and get what they really want.
  • Use stores that still have layaway. Layaway offers a great way to get a lot of your shopping done in one day and offers convenient payment plans that most can afford. While you may be purchasing the items at full price, most stores will adjust your balance if the items go on sale.
  • Shop online. Shopping online is becoming more popular each year. Shopping online offers you not only the convenience of not having to fight traffic and stand in long lines, but can save you a lot of money. With so many stores available online, you can easily find exactly what you’re looking for by using the search engines.

Orla Kiely Bag Sale

August 14, 2019

They come in a variety of stylish designs to suit a wide range of needs of women. You will find them in a range of models from pack-away grocery bags, cosmetic cases, totes, shoulder bags, laptop skins and even baby changing bags.

They are made of coated canvas with waterproof nylon lining, making them hardy enough for everyday use. Some pack-away bags are made of polyester. All bags come in beautiful contemporary prints in neutral or bright colours to suit individual preferences and you will have a wide variety of colours and prints to select from.

This is what some reviewers had to say about them:

  • The words ‘wipe clean’ don’t usually carry associations of glamorous designer bags, but allow these to be the exception. Available in blue, brown and red, they’re a mess free solution to make up storage, and also include brush holders to stop that squashed brush effect which is so common when you just throw your brushes in a loose bag. There is a small glitch in it though: the cost of pairing the words ‘wipe clean’ with ‘designer’? 53.
  • I fell in love with this purse after a friend wore it to work. It’s a great size and a good casual bag. Spruces up a simple jeans and cardigan outfit, makes a good commuter purse and works fabulously with a casual wardrobe that’s heavy on fall colors (olives, browns, golds, navy and other warm, earthy tones).
  • This is my third Orla Kiely classic shoulder bag. I love this pattern and the laminate finish. This bag has a shinny glossy finish much like patent leather. At first the bag does feel a bit stiff but once you load it up with your wallet and other personal things it becomes a really comfortable bag. It is also deceiving how much you can fit into the bag. It looks petite but I can fit an umbrella, full size wallet, Jackie O sun glasses with case, a paperback book, cloth grocery bag, and I still have room for more. It is my everyday, run out the door, no fuss handbag.