Category: STYLE

Shopping up a storm? Let The Urge do the work for you

Online shopping laptop credit card

Know what’s nice? It’s that centuries ago, shopping for nice things you want used to be reserved for the privileged and aristocrats. Then they died out, capitalism set in, retail became faster and our desires became stronger, giving us more and more of a reason than ever to basically never stop shopping. And no one’s mad about it. Online retail isn’t a new thing, but it’s how it’s done that’s forever changing and keeping the whole world of spending money without having to move that much more enticing. Just today, for example, I spent $400 on a new pair of sunnies. Didn’t need to, but did. And when there are businesses out there like The Urge that make it that much more possible to do from basically – and literally – ALL over the internet, there’s no reason not to. They’re an Australian retail platform that takes a term like, ‘Rayban’, or ‘Miansai’ and throws it open to the worldwide web, serving you results from every retailer who’s got anything that might tick the boxes of what you’re after. Why? Simple, really. Shoppers on the hunt for a specific fashion item often spend hours bouncing from site to site, scrolling miles with their thumb, trying to find where they can buy it. They’ll have hundreds of tabs open, go back and forth between sites to compare prices, come across sold out stock, and often end up on a store that doesn’t even ship to their country.  The Urge makes it easy. And quick. And simple…. Read More

Meet the new Nike Joyride Run Flyknit

FA19 Nike RN Joyride

Nike’s not afraid to admit it, running isn’t always fun but with the new Nike Joyride Run Flyknit they’re hoping to make it a whole lot easier and more enjoyable for all. Everyone’s after that “runner’s high” but keeping motivation and energy levels high through a 10km run is hard, and worst of all every bone in your body aches, this is where Nike comes in. Here’s everything you need to know about their new kicks. The most exciting innovation in Nike’s new shoe is the colourful beads, they don’t just look cool but they actually help you run. “Every runner faces the sameproblem: stress from poundingthe pavement. We knew weneeded a completely newcushioning system” Made up of thousands of tiny beads (the average men’s shoe has over 7,000) they cushion your run and provide 14% better impact absorption. Pretty much, they are softer on your joints in comparison to your other shoes. Each and every one of the tiny beads are working hard as you run so you don’t have to, it’s a win-win. Plus, download the Nike + Run Club app to help find your perfecting running buddy, the app also features Guided Runs to help you along the way. See more at the Nike website.

Fjällräven has a new shop, right in the middle of Sydney

Fjallraven 1

Sydney Fjällräven fans rejoice! Your prayers have been answered as the Swedish heritage outdoor brand announces the opening of its Australian flagship store located at 38 York Street.  With a wall full of your favourite Kånken backpacks in almost every essential colour you could think of as well as a decent selection of mens and womens clothing, there’s no need to go anywhere else for your outdoor life accessories. For those who love the original Kånken, there is an impressive variety of colours to choose from – so be warned – it won’t be a quick process when deciding. For something a little more striking and super durable, you might want to check out the Kånken No.2, which features leather handles and is produced using G-1000 Heavy Duty fabric, which is classified as ‘extra hard-wearing’, so perfect for both travelling and outdoor life.  If you’re not familiar with the story behind Fjällräven (which translated from Swedish means Arctic fox), it’s worth understanding how it came to life, as it gives you a better appreciation of the brand’s mission and how it has stayed true to it after all these years. Stepping back in time to 1960, Fjällräven founder Åke Nordin was only 14-years-old when he customised his backpack to go hiking, as he was not satisfied with the one he had. He made improvements to his original backpack by attaching a wooden frame, providing better stability and more functionality. Little did he know this was going to be the beginning of an iconic Swedish outdoor… Read More

A gentleman’s guide – How to dress for each business occasion

Stylish man

Navigating your way around business events has never been an easy task for the modern man. From questioning whether to pop on a tie, wear a suit, or rock a tux – we sat down with the experts at leading Australian made-to-measure tailors Oscar Hunt to help guide us through dressing for each business occasion. Cocktail Dress When it comes to cocktail events, often it can be confusing to balance smart business with casual. The rules however, are quite simple. Do: The cocktail dress code is one of the most fun and exciting, as it gives you the greatest opportunity to express your own sense of style. Distinction to stand out is key and also a great opportunity to try new combinations and stretch the rules. We recommend experimenting with colours and patterns, whether it be a bold shirt, bold pocket square or playful socks. Do Not: Steer away from formal ties and black suits to keep it moderately casual. Also, dress to the appropriate atmosphere of your workplace (i.e. sombre tones over a bright orange shirt if your workplace is quite conservative). The Lounge Look  The lounge dress code is one of the least familiar, however one of the easiest to pull off. Much like the new kid on the block, the lounge suit sits just under the cocktail dress code – initially worn during periods of leisure (think relaxed tailoring). Do: Dress conservatively. You are expected to wear a dark suit and tie. If in doubt, select a charcoal or navy. Pair with… Read More

Your face can save lives: WWF Australia and VisionDirect create sustainable sunglasses

Vision Direct sunglasses 2

They’re now turning gill nets into sunglasses and the world’s bloody thankful! The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia and eyewear company VisionDirect are teaming up to upcycle the plastic net, taking enough of the stuff to make 1,000 pairs of shades for the environmentally-minded trendsetter amongst us. It all comes after the initiative from 2018, where thousands of supporter donations helped WWF-Australia buy and retire the licence for the last commercial gill net operating full-time in the northern Great Barrier Reef. Talk about success. At the end of the day, it was all to protect dugongs and other endangered marine creatures which can be accidentally caught as bycatch and quickly drown; but not anymore. VisionDirect CEO David Menning said upcycling old nets is another way to give back to the community, following on from the company’s program to donate eyeglasses in less fortunate nations. But what will they do with the first thousand pairs they’ve made? Well, they come embossed with a marine animal whose future depends on a Net Free North, and half of the money they make from sales will go back to WWF for conservation work like advocacy for a #NetFreeNorth. For more info and to be apart of it all, head to the Vision Direct website.

Good watches for good times: EverSwiss from Watch Shop

Watch

For the times in life you need something a bit nicer for that work meeting, dinner date, night at the opera or just to coordinate well with your non-around-the-house clothes, then maybe EverSwiss is the brand for you. From the people at the Watch Shop – one of the UK’s leading retailers of brand name designer watches that prides themselves on having one of the most efficient shopping systems available – EverSwiss fits the bill A Swiss made line of watches, they’re for the casual, the moderately stylish and the full-blown corporate amongst us, offering traditional leather bands, through to the more classic like a two-tone steel and brass range for men and women. Find more about the Watch Shop Official range at their website.

What to look forward to from Victorinox this year

Victorinox luggage 3

Seasoned travellers generally have a list of essentials they take with them and more often than not, that includes a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. And now Victorinox has upped the ante with their new design SwissCard – an in-wallet multitasker now available in rose and lilac-hued botanical print, with 10 clever functions incorporated in its credit-card-sized frame. Tools include a nail file, tweezers, scissors, tooth-pick, ballpoint pen and letter opener. Stylish yet super practical, it’s so compact you can pop it in your wallet or handbag for convenience. If chic luggage is your thing, Victorinox has also added more colours to the Connex Hardside range that will have heads turning at the baggage carousel. Colours includes rose gold, lilac and the same rose and lilac-hued botanical print that features in the new design SwissCard. In the Lexicon Hardside range, there is now a stunning gold version available, which is also going to be hard to miss when collecting this highly functional bag at the other end of your journey. And yes, you can enjoy style-matching your new gold case with the Alox Swiss Army Knife Limited Collection 2019, which also features this gorgeous shade. For a stylish, lightweight option for those outdoor adventurer types, Victorinox has also launched a large range of new backpacks including a roll-top, compact and duffle version in teal, red and black. Office goers needn’t feel left out, with a broad range of slimline laptop backpacks on offer, including the hip, flap over version. Going to work just became fun, with… Read More

Nike gets inclusive: The new BETRUE 2019 collection

Nike Betrue sneaker

As we approach the half way point of 2019, NIKE has joined the fold, becoming more inclusive than ever before and turning out a new collection that’s all about inclusivity. The Nike BETRUE 2019 collection pays homage to activist Gilbert Baker and his iconic rainbow flag design that 40 years later remains a worldwide symbol for the LGBTQIA community. For the first time, the footwear, apparel and accessories all feature the icon’s original eight-colour flag, a timely homage in this era of diversity and acceptance, that no one is alone. It also celebrates the fact that Baker handmade everything he designed. Nike designers gave each shoe a hand-crafted effect by embroidering symbols including the eight-layer Swoosh on the Nike Air Max 90 BETRUE and the rainbow flag on the Tailwind 79. Get the shoes from Supply and Sneakerboy and the clothes online.

MR PORTER launches its Japan edit: 15 collections from Japan’s most influential menswear brands

Studded leather jacket on MR PORTER

Some of Japan’s most revered labels are now available thanks to the efforts of MR PORTER. Japanese design is renowned for its unique takes, preference for quality fabrics and inimitable silhouettes, which make ranges some of the most desired by everyone all over the world. And now from 6 May, labels like Ambush, Auralee, Beams Plus, Blackmeans, Blue Blue Japan, Flagstuff, Hender Scheme, Human Made, Kapital, Mizuno, Needles, Neighborhood, Remi Relief, TakahiroMiyashita TheSoloist. and Wacko Maria x Fragment Design will offer 122 new pieces to the MR PORTER range online. Each brand has created a unique collection, interpreting their own take on Japanese style and culture as they nod to the leading and defining voices of Japanese design in contemporary and luxury casualwear. See the whole range at MR PORTER.

A whole new IKEA: Shop without the crowds and queues at Warringah Mall

IKEA Studio

Gone is the IKEA you know – and love. They’re opting for a new iteration of the Swedish look and feel without any of the crowds, queues, lanes on the footpath or aisles of self-serve furniture. It’s called the IKEA Home Planning Studio and you’re in the market for a refreshed take on kitchen and bedroom storage solutions, then it’s for you. It’s a new 98m? studio within the homewares section of Warringah Mall in Sydney that will provide one-on-one planning consultations and developments if you need. Everything is done online within the studio and delivered directly to the your home, so there’s none of that post-visit awkwardness in trying to fit a 10-seater anything into the back of your Mini Clubman. There’s a stylist and design consultant on-hand, too, for two hour sessions that are booked in advance, where you’re are guided through each stage of their kitchen or bedroom planning process, with a stunning end result. Make your booking here.