Review: Beachwear for my honeymoon with David Iconique

I think it's pretty well known I'm getting married in a matter of weeks. After the usual questions are answered (where's the wedding, what's the dress like, have you sorted the cake yet, what wedding underwear are you going for?) all people want to know about is the honeymoon.

Being as Mr W and I have just moved in together, we decided the honeymoon should be next year. Not to mention when it's cold, dark and rainy we'll be jetting off the Jamaica and all-inclusive poolside butler luxury.

I've never been to the Caribbean before, but February is set to be hot. And although I hardly ever burn unless I'm being lean with the factor 8, I've decided next year I need to be grown up about it. I've got my hands on a kaftan.

Usual High Street stores have been full of them this summer, but I'm not a massive Aztec print fan, and Mr W things leopard print belongs on Manbearpig rather than me.

In swoops Wendy, who's kindly let me get my hands on a David Iconique kaftan from last season to save me from the hot Jamaican sun.

When I first saw it, I'll admit I wasn't a massive fan. It looked great on the model, but was a bit too, well, grown up for me. I tried it on, thought it was meh, and promptly folded it to languish in my holiday drawer.

One house move later and I decided to give it a wash after its travels. And that did the trick. You see, to me, beachwear should be a bit crumpled and a bit weathered and the problem I had at first was that it was just a bit too pristine. There's no room for an iron in my suitcase, so I don't really tend to bother taking clothes that need maintenance. Creases are for the beach, definitely, along with non-brushed hair #frizzyhairdontcare

I tried it on again and it looks great! With a few creases it clings to the hips and is loose enough on tiny, tiny me to not be too uncomfortable on the beach.

Although this was last season's beachwear, so this print is mine and mine alone, the new range is available now.

Have you managed to bag a getaway this year, or are you waiting on some winter sun?

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Here's how to... pack a suitcase like a WAG

With a lifestyle most of us could only dream of - if being attached to someone like Wayne Rooney and his, er, face, is your idea of dreamy living -  it's been revealed the average World Cup WAGs' suitcases could be worth just under £7,000, making a Brit's £315 spend look like a terrible effort.

So how can you pack a suitcase like a WAG? Oh it's simple. You may just need a spare credit card or two to fund it though.

It starts with the luggage itself. No self-respecting Posh-wannabe would dare to be papped dragging along anything other than a designer case. TK Maxx? No thanks! Make sure you spend at least £800 so the baggage handlers know there's a £300 bikini inside, obviously. Even better, have you assistant deal with the drudgery of check in while you sip champers in the first class lounge while tweeting endless selfies.

To show everyone you're minted, start with a Chanel quilted bag worth £3,425, more than small car, or a five star all-inclusive holiday to Brazil in itself. Keep your phone and tissues in here.

You'll need a bag to carry on all your designer make up so you can look fresh-faced on the tarmac, so a Mulberry Bayswater buckle weighing in at £1,200 is the way to go. With TWO INTERNAL SLIP POCKETS (OMG!) to hide all your goodies in, the suede lining will mean your gold and diamond encrusted iPad stands no chance of getting damaged in transit.

Now for the clothes. Louboutins, worn by everyone from the Zedders of the TOWIE crew to Kimmy K, are a definite feature. Wedges scream summer fun, and also scream overdraft, at £535 a pop. The great thing about them, though, is they can be worn around the pool while sporting your £246 Mara Hoffman swimsuit, and a £458 Versace kaftan. Hey, even WAGs need a bit over cover up now and then. And for the ultimate in stylish eye protection, Prada sunglasses are a steal at £200.

For after-footie fun, dress prices really do vary with a piece-of-string starting price from at least £600. Evenings spent coiffing hair and touching up make up really do require a dress worth at least that much, you see.

Personally, I couldn't think of a better way to spend £7,000. After all, who needs a luxury stay in a treetop hotel on some idyllic paradise island for a month or three when you literally can spend that much on a day at the pool in Brazil?

Interested? Read on...

Review: Rosa Faia Marinera Bikini

Ah big boobs. Aren't they wonderful? Well, when they're not painfully crippling your back, when you're not running, and when you're not laying on your front. But aside from that, they're pretty awesome.

As you may or may not have noticed, I upped anchor and headed over to the Greek island of Kos for a week without work or the stresses of everyday life. It was beautiful, and a wonderful spur of the moment treat. So when it was all booked, a mere three weeks before jetting off, I needed to get a bikini. Now. On a budget. In a 32E. And herein lays the problem.

Anyone who has a small back and bigger-than-a-B-cup boobs will realise the issues this brings. New Look, Topshop and Dotty P stock gorgeous lines in all manner of tribal, leopard, and vintage prints. But there's no point buying a standard two piece set, because either the bottoms will be too big and the top just right, or vice versa. String bikinis provide no coverage (unless you start getting into size 16s, and as a size 8, it's just not comfortable).

Freya has been my saving grace in the form of an oriental style bikini perfect for swimming, but terrible for sunbathing, as was a flimsy little number from Tu at Sainsbury's that I managed to pick up for £6, and which I paired with a black pair of bottoms. But these were just make-do bits of cloth really, and even though most of the people around the pool were topless, I felt a little bit self conscious with my make do and match efforts.

A week after I got home, and lamenting the lack of bikinis out there, I received a package from Anita's Rosa Faia range with a gorgeous sample called Suzy from the Marinera line  inside. So, how did it compare to my tried and tested Freya and the Saino's string offering?

Look

The bikini looks huge. HUGE. When I first saw it I thought I'd never fit into that and was convinced I wouldn't look good i it at all. The cups were well padded though, and the gingham pattern was so pretty. I'm sure this is what Dorothy would wear after her jaunt in Oz. The model image on the website makes the bikini look gorgeous, more of a bandeau style in the cup than a traditional bra, which is a massive plus.

Touch

Its soft as silk. So comfy against the skin, and with no annoying scratchy labels to boot. You can tell the designers have gone for comfort as a priority but still managed to cram in bags of style. I tested the bikini in water and, with the way the cups are padded and the material used, it doesn't get heavy at all. No more soaking wet towels!

Fit

The bottoms, a size eight, fit perfectly. Even better, they cling to my bum without being too tight and giving my muffin top a squeeze which is exactly what my Freya bottoms do sadly, and why I always feel self conscious in them. No such issues with Suzy. The top is a shade on the big size in the E cup, so I'd probably feel more comfy with a cup down rather than the 32E. Saying that, the back is true to size and didn't pinch. I actually love how I looked in this two set - it's a gorgeous shape and so very flattering.

Alas, my holiday is now long since over, but keep an eye out for this gorgeous bikini making an appearance in my travels over the next few months. With the level of design and comfort that's gone into it, this easily blows Freya and the cheapy string bikini out of the water (no pun intended). It's definitely going in the backpack ready for the next adventure.

Rosa Faia Marinera can be bought online for £86.

Interested? Read on...

Here's How To... buy yourself some decent underwear

Love it or hate it, the last few weeks have all been about boys and girls displaying their love in the most soppiest of ways. But why should the fun end at Valentine's? What if you're a single lady who loves wearing flirty, sexy underwear just for your own personal enjoyment? We asked stylist Courtney Smith, to come up with her top suggestions on high street lingerie this season. Well, she has styled celebs, doncha know...

I’m not usually the Valentine’s type… the flowers, the chocolates, the cupcakes with love-hearts, the sickly cute messages coming up on my social media news feeds every 2 seconds. It’s all just a big Hallmark occasion invented to encourage us to spend even more money, right? On the 14th last year I was all about ignoring the day.

I'll admit, my viewpoint on this once-despised holiday has changed this year; new boy, new start and a WHOLE NEW OUTLOOK on lingerie and underwear. So now it’s time to indulge and make up for all the times I missed out on and use the excuse to go lingerie shopping. Yeah, I know it was technically two weeks ago. But why limit yourself to being sexy for your other half on one day of the year?

I adore lingerie – the idea that you could have the most sexy, sensual items underneath your clothes and nobody has a clue gives it, dare I say, a naughty feeling. It is the perfect way to play up your personality from flirty lace, to vampy black suspenders, to girly pinks and feminine nudes, sexy red satins and sultry demi-cup cleavages. The variety is endless.

For the vampish amongst you, try www.petitsbisous.com for the most stunning bodysuits and two-pieces like this sheer lace red bodysuit - the perfect under-garment for a sheer shirt or plunging neckline dress to showcase what’s underneath. But definitely an eye-catching look for the bedroom too, and if you channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw, you could even have some fun with their fluffy mules..

One of my personal favourites is a sweet set from Next; not an obvious Valentine’s choice, but it’s super-wearable and will last in your wardrobe but not only that, the soft nude/peach tone is really flattering against a tan and the sheer lace elements make it alluring in a very subtle way. The briefs matching this are great for a little more coverage if you are not a fan of the thong kind!

Primark does playful like nobody else; this season they featured cute sets in a vibrant yet sexy Victoria’s Secret kind of way. Balconette-style bras are the biggest sellers because they give you ample support and cleavage at the same time and seem to suit both small and bigger busts. For someone looking for more of a colour pop, try harnessing the flirty nature of colourful lace against nude lining… definitely one for the free spirits amongst you.

New Look has gone a little sporty yet still sexy with their ranges this season; think deep teal satin making the lucy wearer feel nothing grown up and sophisticated. Little cut-out details and black piping give their collectin a sporty fresh take - add in a flash of lace and it’s ultimately sexed up. Who says sexy has to be flimsy?

For fun and frills, look no further than online fashion mecca ASOS; its cute and girly frilly sets won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but this cropped cami-style bralet and the low-cut briefs are a welcome break from the obvious black and red lace we usually see around Valentines.

My must-have Valentine’s lingerie brand has to be Elle MacPherson; it just oozes sex appeal, it’s cheeky and saucy with peekaboo nipples and sheer lace. You won’t get a whole lot of support with this but these ones aren’t really for practicality and more for a bedroom mood.

The newest lingerie brand on the market is L'Agent, which is the diffusion line from Agent Provocateur designed by the sexy sisters Penelope and Monica Cruz. Much more affordable prices and yet the same vavavoom effect we expect with Agent Provocateur, with a killer array of colours and styles. This navy lace 3-piece set is the perfect alternative to a black lace set and the floral lace applique gives it just the right amount of softness to counteract the sexiness. This one is on my wish list.

So there you have it, my must-have boudoir beauties for women wanting to surprise their partner whne they least expect, or for ladies who love to wear nothing but the best just for themselves.

I think the most important tip of all is to be comfortable – there are a million different styles and fits of lingerie – make sure you choose one to complement your curves, and your attitude!

Interested? Read on...

Why I'll never be a fashion blogger.

We asked Erica, who co-hosts #mybchat (a PR and marketing chat for bloggers, held on Tuesdays at 7pm *join in hint hint*) with us and blogs over at www.imbeingerica.com to give her opinion on trends hitting many a fashion blog at the moment. All opinions (although agreed by many) are her own. So if you happen to love cropped jumpers and midi skirts, well, take it up with her really. 

I am a blogger, yes. I wear clothes too. those two things in no way qualify me to have an opinion on fashion, and yet... somehow, I didn't get the memo. If you're of a sensitive disposition, I suggest you stop reading now because things are about to get judgemental up in here...


1. Midi Rings: Rings on the bendy part of your fingers is just so, so illogical that I really wonder if I need to go into this in any sort of detail at all? I mean, I struggle to wear 'regular' rings because I have terrible memories of that time I almost cut my middle finger off while I was wearing a ring, and remember the absolute horror and torture of trying to take said ring off while half of my finger hung on for dear life (it's okay now, if not slightly bendy... thanks for asking); to wear one half way up my finger and increase the risk of knuckle suffocation? NOPE.

2. High Neck Crop Tops: These remind me of That Guy Who Wears Shorts With A Snow Jacket. Why have the extra warmth up around the neckline, if you're planning to expose your midriff? it maketh no sense to me. This applies to cropped anything, really, unless it's an outer layer (see: item 5.), or worn tucked into a high-waisted something. If not, then no. Redundant clothing is redundant. I'd rather wear a regular top or a scarf and be done with it.

3. Anything Labelled 'Boyfriend': The hint is in the name. if it was designed for a boy, chances are it's not going to flatter my God-given shape. Boyfriend jeans? NOPE. Men's hips are lower than women's and almost always narrower - couple that with my short, water retained legs, and I'm almost always going to look wider than I am, and with the unflattering shape of the jeans, probably squat. Oh! you're wearing heels with your cuffed boyfriend jeans to promote your femininity! Just no. "But my Boyfriend Coat is baby pink! It's so retro and girlie and cool!" It isn't. It's ill-fitting; it hugs my bum, hangs off my boobs and makes me look like a turnip in a power-coat. Hey, ho! I'm all for being androgynous, but you don't see the guys wearing our pencil skirts or pussy bows just yet, so maybe there is a line that needs to be drawn. I'm drawing it.

4. Smocked Dresses: What is this, art college? The pictured dress is really a bad example, because the more I look at it, the more I want it. Hey, I get the retro thing - trust me, but smock dresses were originally for the impregnated (or heavy set); used in place of zips or buttons, and to eliminate the need to buy different sized clothes. What's your excuse? it's FASHUN? Just no. Belt it up and we can talk.

5. Cropped Jumpers: I am guilty of a cropped jumper, but not in the same way that some FASHUN BLOGGAHZ are. I wear mine over a collared, fitted dress - to keep warm but still flatter my shape. Not with see-through leggings, a slouchy, slogan beanie and cut out boots. More evidence of redundant clothing can be found in item 2.

6. Midi Skirts: Euurgh. My cankles are the widest part of my leg (not including my tharse), why oh why would I wear something that stops right where the height of my water retention starts? Just saaah unflattering. Sure, I could add a heel and that would potentially lengthen my legs but trust me: this is one trend not suitable for this particular human's confidence.

7. I Don't Even Know What To Call These: Is it a sandal? Is it a shoe? One thing's for certain, it looks like a tractor tyre, and certainly not comfortable. I am so unimpressed with the 90's revamp that continues to invade the high street, because I abhorred the 90s the first time around. The girls and boys out there embracing the current trend were obvvvviously born after these horrors had their initial day in the sun, and instead must've grown up looking adoringly at photos of their brothers and sisters' awful fashion crimes as kids. It's the only plausible explanation for these hybrid school-shoe platform monsters being considered hip. The ONLY ONE.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why - despite my obvious good looks, ability to pose in my bedroom like a pro, and wax lyrical about "why adoorrrrrreeeee [insert current boutique brand here], I shall never cut it as a FASHUN BLOGGAH. I appreciate my well-hidden waist and the comfort of a brogue all too much.

Interested? Read on...

Return of the Mack - A New Look Story and an Update

So, most of you have probably opened presents and gorged yourself on food. Now it's time to settle down with your laptop or iPad, get away from the family argument, and have a little read of what I like to call, a New Look story (seriously though, it's just about returning a coat with some mainly fictional drama).

I needed a new coat. I'm not about faux fur trims or looking like I should don a pair of Hunter wellies, a shotgun, and four dead fox carcasses. I know how to wear a jumper, rather than just sling it around my shoulders. The Made in Chelsea look wasn't for me. I wanted something with pockets and a hood. Not a hugely massive challenge by any means, right? Oh reader, how could you be so wrong and misguided and quite honestly, a little bit stupid.

I spent weeks looking for the perfect coat.

Interested? Read on...

Colourful shoes to beat drab dark nights

1. Michael Kors Zebra Print Calfhair | 2. Paul Smith Madlyn Swirl Heel | 3. Melissa Vanilla Ice Cream Heel | 4. New Look Monochrome Dalmatian Heel | 5. Topshop Metallic Sandals

Interested? Read on...

Is borrowing clothes from stores really such a bad idea? #cheapskate

It’s fair to say money’s tight. For those of us who work, a hefty chunk is taxed, a hefty chunk is spent on bills, rent and phones, and another hefty chunk is probably spent on trains, buses or petrol to, y’know, actually make enough money to spend on rent, bills, phones, trains buses and taxis after your earnings are taxed heftily.

So with wallets being pulled every which way, is it really so bad to buy a dress, wear it, then return it for a refund? Is borrowing really so bad?

I don’t think so. And sure, it may shock you and you might judge me for being a bit of a skinflint, a cheapskate, a tightarse, but hear me out. Because if my late-grandad taught me one thing, it was the value of money. And that year out-of-date Corn Flakes really aren't that bad if you forget you're eating them.

I had a wedding to go to a few years back. It was a wedding of someone who was once really special to me, but through circumstance things changed. Of course, I was going to be invited to the happy day. And of course, I needed to make an impression. After seeing how much was in my account (literal tears began to form in the corner of my eyes) I took my first step into borrowed buying.

I went to a high street store to buy a really special dress, a twenties inspired beaded flapper style dress. It would have cost me £120 – something I’d never spend on a dress that was only going to be worn once or twice EVER – but at least I knew my overdraft could handle it until Monday. I tried it on to ensure I got the right fit, and handed over my debit card mumbling an excuse about not knowing whether I wanted to keep it. The cashier was more than happy to explain I had 28 days to return it. Which suited me just fine.

The day came and went and a jolly time was had by all. Then it was time to face the store and get my non-existent money back. But, not being a monster, I’d had the dress dry cleaned so I knew wherever it went next, whether a bargain rail or to someone else, it wasn’t covered in the night before. So basically, it was a clean, shiny dress almost brand new. The cashier had no quibbles about taking it back and my overdraft was soon back on track.

So my argument is this: I’ve bought clothes before completely knowing I’m in two minds about them. I’ve bought a jumper, worn it and the boy’d turn around and say it was hideous and had to go (I never suited the granny cardi craze). 

So what’s the difference between changing your mind about a garment and returning it a month later? It’s been worn, sat in a bag, not washed and covered in the smells, dust and other detritus houses have. In fact, half the clothes I buy have been tried on by hundreds of people and thrown into the 'no' pile. Whereas my borrowed dress was clean, fresh and even wrinkle-free. It’s not a habit I indulge in often, mainly because I’d only really do it for that special dress, or an interview outfit, or something equally as rare. But I am a borrower, and I will keep on borrowing (unless I become a millionaire, in which case I’d only ever need a bikini because Bora Bora).

So what do you think? Am I being stingy? Should I just pay out and be done with? Are you a borrower too? Let us know below and we’ll reply!

By Laura.

Interested? Read on...

What's on your winter wishlist?

Unpopular though it may be, I'm actually quite glad to see the back of summer.

I enjoyed the sun, the summer clothes and spending my graduation boiling in a black robe (alright, that one a bit less), but I'm happy to see the darker evenings and feel the autumnal bite in the air. And now the trees are turning all shades of the rainbow, it won't be long before we're in the throes of autumnal weather.

Probably the top reason for this negative attitude, is the winter fashion - I, and I think many others, love winter fashion. While I claim to have no fashion qualifications or expertise as such - I own a pink leopard print onesie so judge as you will - I love clothes, and shopping, and feel relatively qualified to write a "winter wishlist" sort of article. So here goes.

Interested? Read on...

Four fads of the 90s that were awesome, then a bit rubbish, and are now awesome once again

The 90s were a wondrous time. Britney was young and innocent in her schoolgirl outfit and years away from shaving her head, the Friends were entertaining us with a new adventure every week (OH ROSS HOW COULD YOU SAY RACHEL'S NAME AT THE ALTAR?!?!11?!) and the Spice Girls weren't old and mothers and were instead teaching all us young girls how awesome Margaret Thatcher was because girl power.

As with any decade, fads in the 90s came and went with wild abandon. We've picked four trends which were amazing at the time, then embarrassing as we tried to impress others with and new jobs and Nokia 3330s with interchangeable cases, and then rejoined the ranks as precious memories, rather than cringeworthy recollections, because clearly we're much more mature and comfortable with ourselves now us 90s kids are nearing our 30s.

Interested? Read on...

Plum, and The Stylist's Rail: Frugal fashion from Henry Holland to the High Street

Every now and then, we stumble upon someone who's turned a really great idea into a reality. So when Plum, a lifestyle blogger and freelance PR consultant, got in touch about her pet project The Stylist’s Rail, we just had to find out more. Frugal fashion fans, this is definitely one for you.

So Plum, just what is The Stylist’s Rail?

The Stylist’s Rail is a wardrobe sale where the stallholders are a collective of stylists, vintage aficianados, independent brands, and stylish folk with cast-offs to covet. I currently hold it on the 1st Saturday of the month in Dalston, but throughout the summer have run pop-ups and collaborations.

Where did the idea for The Stylist’s Rail come from?

Interested? Read on...

Here's how to... make and customise your own clothes

Have you ever bought a dress that looks lovely, but could do with a little tweak here and there to fit better? Or a pair of trousers that are slightly too baggy around the waist, but fit like a dream everywhere else? I have. And it's a real pain not having basic sewing skills to fix those little niggles.

But with household names Eva Longoria, Katie Holmes and Chris Martin all confessing to picking up a sewing needle, as well as a clutch of crafty programmes bursting onto our screens, 2013 is proving to be the year of the great sewing revival. Not to mention it helps keep your wardrobe fresh and ever-changing without spending loads. So we spoke to Simplicity’s sewing specialist Wendy Gardiner, who's been kind enough to offer her top tips for beginners. Once you know the basics, making and customising your own clothes will be oh sew simple!

First, you'll need to get kitted out. To avoid a last minute dash to the craft store, make sure you tick these sewing kit must-haves off your list:
Patterns
First and foremost, choose your favourite patterns & fabric.
Scissors
Embroidery scissors are a must for every budding sewista.
Tape measure
An essential part of any sewing kit.
New needles
Ensure you have a good stock of sewing machine needles - use a new one for each project to avoid damaging fabric.
Thread
It always pays to choose a good quality thread. A long-lasting cotton-wrapped polyester thread will bring the best results.
Sharp pins
Always be armed with plenty of pins.
Marking pencil
These are great for helping mark out where to cut, and can help to avoid any sewing mistakes.
Seam Ripper
These are great for correcting any mistakes you make along the way, they effortlessly cut seams and not  fabric.

If you're new to sewing, then starting simply is a must. Don’t be tempted to jump in head first on a complex project. Instead opt for really basic patterns, like maxi dresses or summer tea dresses. Some Simplicity sewing patterns come with easy to follow instructions and essential tips - from what equipment to buy to the amount of fabric needed. Perfect for a beginner

Once you've chosen a pattern, the first step is always to make sure that you have selected the right size template, checking your measurements against the pattern envelope. Remember, with multi-size patterns - like Simplicity’s Amazing Fit range - you can easily and quickly cut from a small waist to bigger bust or hip- allowing you to adapt sewing patterns if you aren’t the same size as an off-the-peg garment from the high street.

In the early stages, make sure you opt for a fabric that’s easy to sew. Woven fabrics like cottons, linen and linen-like, polyester/cottons, gabardine, wools etc are firm fabrics that are easy to handle. Avoid slippery silks and chiffons until you have completed a few sewing projects.

Once you're confident, a sewing machine really helps speed the process up, giving you neater results too.
If you are yet to splash the cash on a sewing machine, then take a look at these pointers. A sewing machine is a real investment, so find one that meets your specific needs.

• Opt for a reputable brand. This means good access to spare parts and optional extras.
• Decide what type of project you’re buying the machine for. Find a machine that matches your particular needs.
• If your budget can stretch to it, a computerised model is ideal for beginners. Automatic settings offers a great helping hand.
• Try before you buy. Take your own fabric samples to try on the machine, from fleece to chiffon. Make sure it is the right machine for you and your favourite fabrics.
• Pick a machine that can do more than you want it to at this stage. If you do this it allows you to develop your skills with the same trusty sewing machine, rather than outgrow it early on.

If you’ve hit a stumbling block on a sewing project, then take a look at Simplicity’s website. It's bursting at the seams with how-to videos and essential advice for beginners.

So what about you? Will it be something you give a go? Or are you already a sewing-pro?

Interested? Read on...

From rats in hats to faux fur foxes... the story of the animal hood

It’s a well-known fact among all my friends, blog followers and well, to be honest, probably anyone who has ever seen me, that I’m a massive fan of animal hats, hoods, snoods and scarves. In fact, I think my collection of animal-themed head gear outnumbers my non-animal themed stuff about 2-1. I’m a girl who knows what she likes. In fact, it took all of my husband’s willpower and pleading to get me to remove my Merrimaking bear hood on our wedding day. What’s wrong with furry headwear instead of a veil?

So, I’m absolutely thrilled Merrimaking (otherwise known as Meg and Harri) have agreed to talk to me about their animal hoods and forays into business that moved them from a festival seller to a cult accessories maker. They count Ellie Goulding, Selfridges buyer Geraldine James and of course animal headwear-connoisseur, me among their fans.

Interested? Read on...

Abercrombie & Fitch says 'we don't want fat people wearing our stuff'

This week, Abercrombie & Fitch have taken a battering online after Robin Lewis, co-author of The New Rules of Retail, lifted the lid on the psychology behind the clothing company’s advertising strategy. Lewis spoke about an exclusionary and highly divisive marketing approach, and the way it reflects the company’s CEO Mike Griffiths' personal opinion: “We want to market to cool, good-looking people. We don’t market to anyone other than that."

Despite the average UK woman’s dress size being a 16, Abercrombie & Fitch refuse to stock items  larger than a 14-16. Why? "[Griffiths] doesn't want larger people shopping in his store, he wants thin and beautiful people,” said Lewis. Presumably, his highly questionable attitude is ‘larger people’ look crap and would therefore be bad ambassadors for the brand. He only want one type of customer: stick thin, beautiful women, or toned and tanned men.

Interested? Read on...

Here's how to... wear it like a '90s kid

I was born in 1984 so really, most of my growing up was done in the 90s while wearing neon cycling shorts, a matching top, jelly shoes (like these made by Juju) and a mood ring.

When I got a bit older, I would regularly pretend to be the complete opposite of the boyband fiend I actually was (and still am) and would swamp myself in the baggiest checked shirt I could find whilst pestering my mum for a pair of massive boots, or ‘clodhoppers’ as my dad would not so affectionately call them.

I’ve spent many a giggly evening reminiscing with family about the cringy clothing choices of my childhood; Ying Yang printed leggings and Global Hypercolor t shirts (you know the heat sensitive ones? You could make hand prints on them and everything! AMAZING.) I wore it all. 

Well, it looks like I was a trendy child after all because one of the biggest fashion trends of the moment is the 90s and although it does make me feel slightly older than I’d like to, it’s great to see the shops packed with clothing I have such fond memories of. It makes me wonder if this is how my Grandma feels when she watches Mad Men.

If you fancy wearing a bit of 90s but don’t necessarily want to look like one of the Byker Grove gang, the 90s trend can easily be incorporated to suit everyday wear in 2013.

Dungaree shorts are everywhere at the moment and are a perfect way to keep cool, and look cool, on warmer days. Team them up with a simple t shirt, or a 90s style crop top if you don’t mind bearing a bit of midriff.

Thought jelly shoes were only for the beach? You thought wrong my fashionista friend. Perfect for summer, they’re great for everyday and could be a real statement piece to go along with your usual fashion choices. Available in such a huge range of colours and styles, they’re a really simple way of jumping on the 90s trend train. [Keep your eyes peeled for a jelly shoes outfit coming soon! - Laura]

Another easy way to incorporate current trends into your wardrobe is by making use of accessories. Swap your wayfarers for a pair of round framed sunglasses, pick up an aforementioned mood ring and tie your hair up with a scrunchie. Yes, scrunchies are back too. And those little mini hair clips.

But what if you’re more of a grunger than a clean-cut girly type? STILL madly in love with Eddie Vedder (ahem, Laura). From distressed band t-shirts to checked shirts, beanie hats and Dr. Marten boots, if you look anywhere on the high street you’ll find them.  

By Gail.


So what do you reckon? Will you be wearing the current trend for 90s fashion this spring? What were your favourite fashion memories, and which ones firmly belong at the back of the closet? Let us know below or tweet us @sixoutoftenmag

Interested? Read on...

Calling all cat ladies! The top five cat t-shirts for all occasions

It's fair to say we love our feline friends here. So what better way to tell the world you're a loving, caring cat lady than with your very own cat tee? I apologise in advance for the clawful puns (LOL).

Here's our pick of the best:

These Folk have designed a t-shirt worthy of any beginner cat fan. Called Copious Cats, we assume because it literally features every type of feline. There are Bengal cats, Persian cats and Scottish fold cats... it's a must for anyone who needs to brush up on their breed identification skills. Team this tee with skinny jeans and a retro Casio watch for full vintage effect. Have a look at their website for the full glorious image.

This purrfect t-shirt costs £20
Cat jumpers are also available.

Interested? Read on...

Those are some killer heels. Literally

I don't know about you, but I like my fashion wearable. Whilst most mags are packed with clothes and accessories impatiently waiting out of your grasp until payday, sneak a peak at the runways of London, Paris, Milan and New York and you’ll find fashion that makes your whole face scrunch up. They may kill your dignity - I don’t know many people who would wear a haystack hat but thumbs up if you’ve given it a go - but they ain't gonna kill you.

The same can’t be said of fashion trends from the past. Ouch.

Lead cosmetics
People as far back as the Ancient Greeks would use cosmetics to ensure that their skin appeared as flawless as possible. Yet, whilst Grecian goddesses avoided the stuff, no one else did. Throughout the world, women would trawl it on, applying more and more in an attempt to cover the damage that the lead had done in the first place.

Interested? Read on...