Scottish Textiles

Scottish Tartans & History

July 15, 2010

Denim

When it comes to fashion, denim is one of the most popular fabrics around. It was first developed as a fabric for work wear, but rapidly became popular as a fashion fabric. Most people have at least one denim item of clothing in their wardrobe, but more than half the population will have at least two pairs of jeans

Denim is no longer limited to one colour. There is a range of ‘washes’ available for different looks, from vintage wash, which is a faded colour, giving the impression of a well-worn fabric, to a standard wash, which is the dark blue denim that we are all familiar with. Two of the other washes that are popular include bleached and stone. 

When looking for denim clothes, most will be searching for the perfect pair of jeans. They come in a number of different styles, with leg cuts such as boot cut and straight leg as well as a wide range of waist styles. It is a good idea to try on several different pairs before buying, so that you find one that is the most flattering for your body shape and offers the most comfort. 

A denim jacket is the ultimate casual fashion item. There are lightweight versions, which are ideal for cooler summer days or heavier fabrics that are suitable for milder winter days. 

Denim clothing is available from most designers, although for those on a budget there is always a wide range of affordable shops to choose from. This fabric is always a popular choice when considering vintage clothing and jeans from the 1960s are much sought after. 

Denim, jeans especially really do go with most things and can be easily dressed down for a casual day look with a t-shirt or vest top or dressed up for a glamorous evening look with a pretty top and great accessories.

Denim selection

Denim selection

July 8, 2010

Smart style

Men have it so much easier to women when it comes to fashion choices, and for most this is just fine, it makes it easy to choose what to wear and generally doesn’t require much looking into what’s ‘in’ fashion every season. However there are a number of you guys who seem to be unable to dress with a bit of style, wearing men’s clothing that’s ten years out of date, ill fitting clothes and generally not being able to dress your age.

You don’t have to be a fashion expert to dress smartly all it takes is a bit of common sense and realise that you are no longer a teenager so some things are not suitable to wear anymore. Most of you will spend most of your time when you’re out wearing jeans so you need to make sure they fit properly, you don’t want them sliding down your bottom showing off your not so nice pants, trust me the world does not want to see that. Instead opt for a well fitting pair of straight leg designer jeans, and if they are not snug around the waist pop on a belt, not only will it keep them in place but it also finishes off an outfit.

If you like going out on a night to pubs and clubs you may find that many have a dress code policy, wearing smart dark jeans and a fitted shirt with shoes should stop you from being denied entry but it will also make look much more smart than wearing trainers and a logo t-shirt.

May 25, 2010

Men’s Fashion: Keeping it simple

Not every guy is a style expert, probably far from it however there are ways to keep stylish without much effort and that keeping it simple. For those who don’t particularly like shopping, buying the basics is a great way to have simple style. You don’t have to follow the trends instead opt for non fashion items that are wardrobe staples and don’t tend to really go out of fashion. Summer is a great time to mix and match your wardrobe to get the most out of it.

Jeans are a staple in anyone’s wardrobe, and are also great for the summer as we are not known to have that many scorching days, straight cut darker denims are a great base for any style, simple and go with anything. For a smarter look accessorise your jeans with a belt, preferably the same colour as your shoes! Shirts, long sleeved and short sleeved are always handy to have to smarten up any look, as well as t-shirts and polo shirts and if you like the style vest tops are also good for summer.

During the warmer summer months you probably won’t want to be wearing your heavy trainers and shoes so why not opt for some light shoes such as plimsolls and when and if it gets hot have some flip flops ready.

Once you have your wardrobe staples sorted out you can then look for a couple of accessorise to mix and match for your looks, sunglasses, hats and if its chilly a light scarf.

Wardrobe staples

Wardrobe staples

March 18, 2010

Some wardrobe essentials for 2010

There are wardrobe essentials that you can wear year after year no matter what fashion dictates like straight cut jeans, plain white t-shirt, vest tops and cardigans, you also get the wardrobe essentials that fashion dictates, the items of clothing that are a must for this seasons fashion follower. Below is a selection of items that are a welcomed addition to anyone’s wardrobe.

Pale denim – Designers such as Reiss, Uniqlo and Stella McCartney featured a lot of pale denim in their collections this year so no wonder many highstreet stores and other small designers have also picked up on it, it works wonderfully well with the nude and pastel trends as well as a great way to wear the full denim look.

Pale blue denim jeans

The biker cardigan – Rather than a leather biker jacket which can be a bit too heavy for spring you can invest in a biker cardigan which is a tough yet feminine alternative.  It has the same cut as a leather jacket but is made from a light wool or sued materiel in the light pastel shades of spring.

Biker Cardigan

The waterfall jacket – A jacket or cardigan that is a great alternative to a chunky knit, it does not fasten however it instead ripples down at either side falling like a waterfall. It looks great in the pale colours of spring and great to wear over a plain t-shirt or dress.

Waterfall Cardigan

The flippy dress – Although set to be a summer best seller flippy dresses can also be worn now as we enter spring with tights and boots and with other great must haves such as the biker cardigan and it’s great for versatility especially when we get the transition from spring to summer.

Flippy dress

March 1, 2010

Parisian Chic

A big trend coming out at the moment is the Parisian chic look. The French have always had a great sense of style so it’s no surprise that, that style is working its way into fashion at the moment. It works so well with so many different styles because it’s normally very simple. This style also goes well with another big trend, the nautical look.

Work the Parisian look with a blue sailor style dress and some chunky gold jewelry for day and evening wear, feel like you are about to set off on a yacht from St Tropez. Or team a navy top and skinny jeans and a jacket and team with some quilted flat pumps for day then swap them for suede high heeled courts for evening.

Parisian Chic Style

February 24, 2010

Underwear as outerwear

At the end of last year a trend that started to filter out into women’s clothing was underwear being worn as outerwear, over winter it was black lace and sequins however as we are heading into spring summer the trend is still here but now in pastel and ice-cream shades.

Some celebrities braved this look last winter however a few more have this year the look doesn’t mean you have to wear your lacy underwear above your other clothes but more like a lacy light top mixed with a jacket or a lace body and skinny jeans. As well as lace corsets are also back in girly colours from this season pallet.

underwear outerwear

January 22, 2010

How to look trendy but still be comfortable

Jeans are the key in men’s clothing for comfort, ease and style hence if you’re looking to be trendy and comfortable then a great pair jeans is where you need to start. Depending on the style of jeans you can dress either smart or smart casual, if you’re going for smart casual but want comfort for everyday wear, try a faded loose fit jean and team it with a funky t-shirt and hoody as well as a pair of smart trainers and a belt, like below.

G Star comfort

G Star comfort

If you want something for a night out and need to look fairly smart to get into clubs and such opt for a smart straight cut jean, shirt or smart t-shirt and jacket, not forgetting a funky hat, you still get the comfortable jean style but with a smart dressy edge.

Crafted smart casual men's

Crafted smart casual men's