Month: September 2013

Contemporary light fixtures

We all want to spice up and change our decor every now and then. New seasons bring new feelings and new trends. But for many people, it just isn’t possible to renovate and change things every time the urge strikes.

Thankfully there are ways for you to change the look of a room without having to completely change everything in it. Using a piece of decor as a focal point in the room will draw the eye to it and set the tone.

If you are looking for a way to bring your home up into the modern times, then contemporary light fixtures might be a great choice for you. These pieces are often done in bright metallic and chrome finishes, giving the whole room a more modern and industrial feel.

Want to make your room feel a little bit more homey and classic? An area rug can give you the feel you need to be satisfied with your sitting room. Antique style area rugs are often done in shades of red and gold, and they can add warmth and depth to any room.

To add a little whimsy and imagination to your home decor, you need look no further than your windows. Many companies are beginning to sell window films that look like stained glass. These films fit easily to the window and are sealed in with heat to form a perfect fit. They are easily removable and can add a little color and light to an otherwise drab room.

Dream jeans

If there’s one bugbear that most ladies harbour it’s finding the perfect pair of jeans. Ironically, it’s usually the hardest wardrobe item to find as a good fit is difficult to achieve, but once the ideal pair has been found the confidence boost is immeasurable. And despite many ladies thinking that jeans just aren’t for them it’s not true. No matter their shape and size every woman can look great in jeans, you just need to know what style suits you best.

Curvy ladies should look for styles with a bit of stretch. Traditionally bootcut jeans balance out larger thighs, giving the illusion of balance. Coupled with this (as the name suggests) they look great with boots, meaning they are the ideal style for day to day wear all year round. However, bootcuts are easy to smarten up for the evening too, by adding a glamorous top and a smart blazer, meaning that for weekends away and holidays they save you from having to pack another pair of trousers for the evening.

For solely daytime wear boyfriend jeans suit most body shapes but look particularly good for petite wearers. Channelling a modern Audrey Hepburn in her capri pants and ballet pumps, boyfriend jeans, when rolled up at the ankle, look great with little canvas deck shoes for everyday comfort. Primarily a style that befits younger fashions, the slouchy jeans can also be contrasted brilliantly with a super sharp pair of stilettos when sipping on mixologist creations in Brick Lane.

If your thoughts are more towards babies than cocktails then sourcing the ideal maternity jeans should be a priority. Deciding between under the bump and roll top jeans is dependent on what style of tops you’ll be wearing and also the weather – if you’re going to be full term during the hot summer months roll top jeans could be too warm, as they add an extra layer over the bump. Luckily now most maternity clothes shops offer a range of styles so if you’re usually a fan of skinny jeans you don’t have to stop wearing them just because baby’s on the way. Visit a specialist maternity website such as Heavenly Bump for lots of ideas.

And let’s not forget those blessed with gorgeous slim, long legs. Although viewed as a blessing by everyone else, finding flattering jeans can seem tricky. This is where the joy of jeggings kicks in. Teamed with an oversized t-shirt and chunky ankle boots jeggings offer brilliant comfort and the illusion of legs that go on and on forever – which for those who are already leggy, is the perfect fit!

Shoes for walking to school

The daily ‘school run’ has sadly been dominated by the car in recent years, with the old fashioned groups of kids all walking together nearly disappearing from our morning streets altogether. Luckily, with the help of health campaigns and England’s beloved lollipop ladies, walking to school is regaining its popularity, despite concerns regarding safety with busy roads. An easy way to integrate exercise into children’s daily routines, walking to school encourages children to stay active and gives a healthy dose of fresh air to boost their braincells before a day’s studying.

One common excuse for reaching for the car keys rather than the walking shoes is that the weather’s too bad to walk to school. This sets a bad example to children who are raised to believe that the outside is only to be enjoyed in sunny weather, which, let’s be honest, equates to about three days a year in the UK, wasting the rest of the year.

With sensible clothing, walking to school in any weather shouldn’t be a problem. Endorsed by the ultimate super nanny Mary Poppins, an umbrella might seem like the best defence against the rain and snow but it ties up a hand for holding it – not ideal when there are children’s hands that need holding and lunch boxes etc. to carry. A sensible waterproof is better, especially for particularly active children who are likely to run in and out from under an umbrella and would end up soaked anyway! Finding a waterproof with sealed seams and an integral hood means they will be prepared for any weather. A traditional anorak style that can be worn with a fleece underneath in cooler weather or without one when it’s warmer offers choice all year round.

Another good idea in winter or periods of very wet weather is to arrange with the school if it’s OK for a pair of school shoes to be left in the classroom so it’s easier to just pop wellies on in the morning if the weather for the day looks bad. This tactic is particularly valuable in snow, as clunky snowboots aren’t suitable for the classroom, but are essential when the ground’s slippery and treacherous.

The best thing about encouraging walking rather than driving to school is that the more popular it becomes the safer it is as well. As more people walk fewer cars will be out and about and drivers will have to be more aware of pedestrians, especially kids.