Scottish Textiles

With major fashion houses releasing their own street-wear brands, their retail cousins need to think of innovative ideas to match the competition. Beck and Hersey clothing has made branded clothes functional, stylish and comfortable to wear, while still maintaining a freshness of design.

Bored with high street fashion?

People are getting bored of the couture that looks good on magazine covers and runways, but finds itself out of place in the concrete jungle. Beck and Hersey clothing has understood this need and incorporated fashion, style and designer apparel into everyday wear. Some of the brand’s most popular designs include the popular vintage Beck and Hersey logo t-shirt.

Beck and Hersey has a wide range of clothing for men, including jeans, knitwear, t-shirts, coats and hoodies that can be worn as casual wear. Fashionable street-wear epitomises the ethos of the Beck and Hersey line. Wearing Beck and Hersey attire seeks to emphasise masculinity with its understated, yet cool colours and materials.

Though Beck and Hersey started its range of clothing based on urban influences and strong graphics the company has since expanded its range of designs to include other lines, such as denim, jackets and casual trousers in continental Europe and the United Kingdom They also have a wide range of hats, scarves, and other accessories for men. With affordable pricing and designs that stand out Beck and Hersey clothing is something men can wear with ease and confidence.

Like all branded clothing, Beck and Hersey also have a range of summer, winter, beach and sportswear collections, the difference lies in their affordability and distinctive minimalist design, which makes the basics stand out; the brand is stocked by all major retailers.

Although all we seem to be getting at the moment is rain and cold, there sunshine is on its way. This summer’s fashion focus is all about bright and neon colours, quirky patterns and lots and lots of handbags. Handbags are the key fashion accessory this summer and here are a few hints and tips to ensure that you are “in with the trends”:

Modern Embellishment

This trend seems to be growing quickly and emerging from nowhere. Bags this summer are becoming a lot more sophisticated and are often decorated with lots of diamonds, jewels and bling. With this trend though, you need to be careful not to over-do it, the key to pulling this look of successfully is remembering that less is more.

Animal skin

Leopard print was all the range last season, however we have moved on from this. When it comes to bags this summer, animal skin is in! Whether it is snake skin or crocodile skin, as long as it is wild, but classy, then it will sure grab you some attention! Again, like with the ‘Modern Embellishment’, less is more. You should try more subtle and neutral colours for a more expensive and up-market look.

Invisible

We have witnessed a new sporting theme coming about in our spring clothes and it is set to be pretty big for the summer too. To go along with this, many designers are making their bags “see-through” with a sporting twist. Clear bowling bags and gym bags will be everywhere this summer and although it is a strange trend, it is sure to be a big hit!

Pastel shades

Gorgeous pastel and ice cream colours have proven to be a favourite when it came to handbag colours this spring, and the trend will be sure to carry on all through this summer! The colours are easy to wear and will go with all most any outfit. This is a perfect summer handbag style and is especially good for those who like to follow the fashion trends without making too much of a statement.

As we look forward to the first signs of spring, it is time to shed the heavy, dark layers of winter and don some cheery, colourful clothes instead. Men’s fashions are boldly stepping up this year with a wide range of options that are sure to appeal to varied tastes. This is about more than just clothing, a few trendy accessories and accent pieces are also top on the lists.

Starting with colours, top choices for men this spring include bright oranges and sunny yellows paired with neutral tans or darker shades. Bring in a sense of calm and freshness with lighter blue tones, and round them off with khaki colours, or greys.

When the warmer weather arrives, we all seem to breathe a huge collective sigh of relief as we unwind and relax. Clothing choices can also reflect this attitude, by making use of breezy linens, light jackets and soft tailored pieces. At this time, blazers can be a little shorter, while trouser cuffs are rolled up to the ankle for a carefree look.

To add a bit of punch, pick a check-patterned suit in subtle colours, or even monotone shades, and put it together with a lighter solid shirt and dark brogues. The final result should look smart but laid-back at the same time. Prints on suits, shirts and pants are big this season! If a patterned suit sounds like a bit much, then try incorporating small-patterned accessories instead. A patterned tie, silk scarf, or a pocket square, for example, are perfect for adding subtle points of interest to a look without over-powering it. Wear a smart hat of your choice and finish with sunglasses for some practical, sun-safe style.

The options available when it comes to women’s jacket styles are numerous. The type of jacket a woman chooses to wear depends on where she is going and the weather outside. A thin, lightweight blazer is a great option for wearing to work when the weather is warm but not hot, but is usually not a great pick for wearing over an evening dress, for example.

Winter jackets come in a number of styles. Brands such as G Star make winter coats with details that are inspired by the military, such as plenty of pockets and fur lining around the hood. Other jacket styles which are perfect for winter feature padding to keep the wearer warm. The jackets may be cropped and hit at the hip for a casual look or fall to mid-thigh for more warmth.

Lightweight jackets play a number of different roles. A lightweight mac keeps a woman dry in the rain. Some styles come in cute colours, such as pink and bright blue, so the wearer looks cute too. Denim jackets with jeans styling are great for relaxed days when the weather is slightly chilly. Trendy denim jackets can be cropped or feature worn or ripped detailing for a grunge-style look.

The blazer is a great jacket to wear in cool but not freezing weather. It is also a great pick for dressing up a casual outfit or for wearing to work. Blazers come in a range of shapes and styles, from tailored coats to more loose fitting styles. Some blazers feature details such as patches on the chest or double-breasted buttons. They may have patches on the elbows as well. Women can find blazers in a range of colours too. Navy blue and black are standard neutral shades. Red blazers, as well as pink or striped blazers are also available for the woman who wants to make a statement.

Clothing from Soul Cal Deluxe has a laid-back, California beach vibe. The brand’s women’s line is designed for both comfort and style and features pieces that can be worn together or on their own. Skinny jeans and T-shirts are great for relaxing on the weekend, while cute bandeau tops are perfect for pairing with a flirty denim mini-skirt for a night out. The brand offers a great selection of outerwear, from warm vests and puffers to school-inspired blazers.

The theme of Soul Cal Deluxe is mix and match. Women will find pieces in a range of different fabrics, such as tops made of soft flannel and hoodies made of a cotton-polyester blend fleece as well as padded vests trimmed with fur. The patterns available from Soul Cal Deluxe are mix and match too. Women can find plaid tops, Navajo printed knit cardigans and sweaters with a Fair Isle pattern. Dresses are available in cute floral prints or striped patterns. Trims and decoration add to the appeal of the brand. Coats feature toggle buttons or snap closures. Hoodies and tops have drawstring closures or ties at the waist.

While skinny jeans and tapered jeans have been popular for a few years, bootleg jeans remain a favourite cut for many women. The jeans are a little more forgiving in terms of fit when compared to tight-fitting skinny jeans. Bootlegs flatter almost any body shape, from the classic hourglass figure to a ruler-straight body. The slight flare at the bottom of the legs gives the illusion of curves to women who otherwise have none.

The higher waist on some styles provides coverage for women who have wider hips. Unlike skinny jeans, bootleg jeans are not super tight through the thighs and calves, this is something to think about when you choose your jeans, because fit is everything.

Bootleg jeans usually have a bit of stretch built in, in the form of Elastane. The jeans are otherwise made of cotton denim. Standard washes for bootlegs include a dark rinse and a lighter blue wash. The darker rinse wash can be dressed up with a fancy blouse or worn casually with a T-shirt on the weekend. Lighter washes are best for weekend and casual wear.

The flared hem of most bootleg jeans is not very wide. Usually, the bottom hem is just wide enough to cover the top of a boot. It is nowhere near as dramatic as bell bottoms or flared-leg jeans.

Firetrap and G Star Raw are excellent brands for bootleg jeans. The denim is usually a premium, high-quality denim that is built to last and withstand a lot of wear and tear. Women can find bootlegs in a number of different sizes, from petite or short legs to tall or long legs and from narrow waists to wider waists.

Lace is one of the latest trends in the world of women’s fashion. Major fashion designers such as Miu Miu, Ellie Saab and Valentino all feature lace pieces in their spring and summer 2012 collections. The lace trend has also been seen on a number of celebrities at red carpet events recently.

The latest lace clothing can be worn in a variety of ways. On the catwalk, some designers dressed models in lace on the top and bottom, combining different pieces together. At recent fashion weeks, lace featured in many forms. Lace ranged from delicate vintage textiles to bold, modern takes on the lace look. Lace colours also varied greatly, including monochromes shades, nude colours and bright, neon colours.

The high street also offers a number of ways to wear the lace trend. To make a stylish statement on an evening out, lace dresses are available in a range of colours and in a number of styles to suit any shape, including maxi dresses, prom dresses and shift dresses. For those who would prefer to introduce a smaller amount of lace to their outfit, lace tops or leggings can be combined with plainer items of clothing. For a casual daytime look, tops and cardigans with lace panels or trimmings can be worn with jeans to bring an outfit up to date. A simple accessory such as a lace scarf can also update a wardrobe and is a low-cost way to follow the lace trend.

Men aren’t often complimented for their ability to accessorise. While this may be true of men of the past, there is a sudden surge in men adding little details to their wardrobe. Nothing makes a man look more professional, charismatic and confident than one who can add little touches to his wardrobe, and pull it off perfectly.

Many men’s high-fashion and business magazines are strong proponents of one particular look, the tie bar. There’s been a sharp increase in men seen wearing them, both in the workplace and just out on the streets. Unfortunately, not all men know the secrets to making the tie bar work for them – until now.

There are some definite rules to wearing a tie bar that need to be taken into consideration. One of those is the placement of the accessory on the tie. The rule on this is quite simple, according to GQ Magazine it goes between the third and fourth buttons of the dress shirt. Anything any higher or lower is just not right and doesn’t give you the polished look that you want.

Another important rule is that tie bars should clip the entire tie to the shirt. This serves a practical purpose, keeping the tie in place while you move in your everyday life, but it also looks much sharper this way.

Tie bars should never be wider than your tie. If you are wearing a skinny tie, either make sure you have a very short tie bar or forego this look altogether. If the bar is wider than the tie, the look is just going to be unpolished and unprofessional.

If you manage to master all of these tie bar rules, you’re sure to impress everyone in your life, from your boss to your partner. Nothing exudes confidence more than a man who knows how to put the finishing touches on his sharp look.

If you want to keep up with fashion, then you not only need to be aware of the latest trends, but you also need to know when a trend has run its course.  Once you know what is out, you can start making space for what is in.

Midi Skirts

Midi skirts made a comeback this autumn/winter and we saw them on all the major runway shows, but unfortunately, it is already time for them to go.  Spring is now on its way, and there is no place amongst the super sexy styles that are about to hit the shelves, for the midi skirt. Instead try Republic clothing for super sexy minis in bright summer shades.

Stars

Dolce and Gabbana showed off these astrological prints during their autumn/winter 2011 runway show, but this print is making a swift exit from our wardrobes.  Stars do have a tendency of resurfacing in the fashion world though, so be ready for their return.

Single Prints

Last year, designers such as Marc Jacobs preferred the single print option with a less is more approach to the designs.  This year, a completely different attitude has been adopted, and the more the better is what we will be seeing on the runways.  Mix and match your prints to stay truly on trend this season.

Silver

In 2011, we saw plenty of cool and steely metallic slivers.  For 2012, metallics are still going to be prevalent, but this year they are warming up, so opt for gold instead.

The 50s

We all love the glamorous Fifties, but now it is all about the roaring Twenties.  It is time to trade in your full skirts and box handbags for flapper dresses and skullcaps.

Grey

The spring/summer 2012 styles centre on colour.  Whether it is bright, bold neon colour or pastel shades, it is time to embrace the colour and brighten up your wardrobe.  Grey was a great shade to utilize when trying to break away from the heaviness of black and Haider Ackermen showed us how to make this work during autumn and winter, but the days of grey are over. Coloured denim jeans is where it’s at for us ladies so make sure you wardrobe has a couple of pairs!

Some men find it difficult to gain weight and bulk up but that does not mean that they cannot look fashionable. There are some tricks and tips that slimmer men can use to look their best.

Many may think of shoulder pads as a fashion from the past yet many of today’s blazers still pack pads. Slimmer men should look for blazers that have some light shoulder padding. However, they should avoid opting for blazers with huge shoulder pads; a little padding can go a long way. Small shoulder pads will make a skinny man look bulkier but still in proportion.

Tailoring is a great asset in clothing for the skinnier man. Whether a man is choosing blazers or trousers, proper tailoring can ensure that clothing fits correctly and looks more flattering. Tailoring can help eliminate loose fabric under the arms or in the shoulder area. 

Skinny men should avoid very tight shirts. Shirts that are too clingy will fail to look flattering. Rather, just as with blazers, men should aim to purchase shirts that fit properly. A shirt with less elastic will prove more flattering. 

When it comes to trousers, flat-front trousers are a good bet for slim men. A classic cut and a simple flat front will flatter a skinnier man’s shape. Straight leg and boot cut pants are appropriate shapes for this body type. Skinny jeans, while currently popular, are not as safe a bet. Skinny jeans on a skinny man will only draw attention to how slim he is. 

Another tip for trousers is to look for pockets. Pockets are functional in more than one way. Pockets can help to add a little bit of volume, as can patterns, lines and cuffs.