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Online retail is on the rise and almost anything you might want to buy can be found online. However, when it comes to finding the perfect pair of glasses, is it better to shop in-store or buy them from an online wholesale eyewear supplier? Here are a few pros and cons for each.

The Options Available

Glasses in-store often have a curated selection available, which is great for those who are indecisive or get overwhelmed when there are too many choices. Most stores will have in stock their shelves with the frames that are currently in demand, instead of filling them with a variety of frames. However, the downside to having a limited option is exactly that, it is limited. It can be stressful for those who are unable to find the glasses that they want.

Purchasing glasses online allows you to find a range of wholesale eyewear suppliers, who have a vast selection of frames to choose from. Whilst this can be overwhelming, wholesale eyewear supplier, such as International Eyewear, provide the option to refine your search for the perfect frame. These filters can narrow down your search to find the right frame shape, colour and frame material. A con of buying glasses online is that the overwhelming choice to choose from. Whilst there might be the perfect pair on one website, there could be three or four on another.

Finding The Right Fit

Purchasing glasses allows the opportunity to communicate with one of the trained experts. They will be able to take measurements, correctly interpret prescriptions and make any adjustments so the new frames fit perfectly. In addition to this, they can cater to any head size to ensure the frames properly fit. The downside is that when looking for the perfect pair, there may be pressure to buy frames there and then, which could lead to purchasing a pair of glasses that you do not love.

With shopping online, wholesale eyewear suppliers offer an option to put in the measurements for your face shape. This will narrow down the search to what frame options are available, still leaving an excellent choice of glasses to choose from. The issue with buying glasses online is not being able to try them on until they have been delivered. Whilst the description might provide what the material the frames are made from and the images show the colour, they could look and feel different in person than what you imagined.

Time Taken To Find The Right Pair

Looking for glasses in-store provides you with the ability to look at each pair in person and take the time to try them on. The issue with looking in-store is finding the time to go. For most people who work a 9-5 job, the best time they can go is either after work or on the weekend. Going in-store at either of these times means that you will be faced with a crowd of people to navigate around.

Taking your search online eliminates waiting in a line to try on a pair or be seen by an expert. Instead, it provides the flexibility to search whenever and for however long you wish.

The Verdict?

Just like your choice of finding the perfect pair, it is your choice on whether you take your search in-store or online. Both come with their pros and cons, but whichever suits you and your lifestyle is the route to take.

Ever since people started wearing wristwatches as opposed to pocket watches on chains, we’ve seen a huge number of different styles grace our fashion magazines (and our arms).

But although trends come and go, a select number of watches are stand-out classics. From the Rolex Submariner to the first watch that went into space, these iconic accessories might keep perfect time – but they’re truly timeless when it comes to style.

Whether you’re an avid watch collector or someone who’s simply looking for their next everyday timepiece, read on to find out about the four watches that will never go out of fashion.

The Omega Speedmaster

What better model to top our list of the most timeless watches than one which has literally crossed the barriers of space (and time)? Introducing the first watch on the moon: The Speedmaster.

Designed by the luxury Swiss watchmaker brand, Omega SA, the Speedmaster is a chronograph watch which was first launched in 1957. It was originally intended as a sport and racing chronograph, a homage to Omega’s status as the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games.

But following rigorous qualification tests to find a watch that would withstand the extreme conditions in space, the Omega Speedmaster was selected by astronauts aboard early space missions – and after the success of the Apollo 11 mission in 1966, when both Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin wore the model, it quickly became known as the ‘Moon watch’.

The Rolex Submariner

This list of the most iconic watches has taken us from the depths of space to the depths of the ocean. As its name suggests, the Rolex Submariner is fully resistant to water and corrosion, and is designed for deep-sea diving and other extreme sports.

The watch was first showcased at the Basel Watch Fair in 1954. It’s now considered a classic by everyone from exclusive luxury watch collectors to spy film buffs (the Rolex Submariner was worn by Sean Connery in his role as James Bond).

This watch can withstand depths of up to 300m, or 1000ft. That’s almost three times the depth of the English Channel!

The Movado Museum

Any model known as ‘the museum’ is bound to endure the test of time – and this is certainly true for the Movado Museum watch. Built by the American watchmaker Movado, which takes its name from the phrase ‘always in motion’ in Esperanto, the Museum was first unveiled in 1947. Its now-classic design is a true minimalist masterpiece, with a black dial-face, an hour hand, a minute hand, and a single dot at 12 o’clock.

The Movado Museum was designed by Nathan George Horwitt, who chose the dot at 12 o’clock to symbolise the midday sun. In 1960, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York selected the dial to include in its permanent design collection. It was the first watch in history to be awarded this status – a distinction which more than warrants its place on this list.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is one of the most innovative watch designs in the world. Released in 1931 to enable British officers to play polo in India without risking their watches, this model features a fully reversible watch case – meaning the watch face can be easily hidden away to keep it safe from accidental knocks or damage during sport.

Trench coats are personal favorites of almost every woman. Especially if you have a little knowledge of fashion and current trends, your wardrobe can never miss this item. Trench coats are amazing to keep you warm while grabbing others’ eyeballs.

While there are readymade trench coats available in the market, we don’t recommend to have you one. Because these are not always fittings, they are either too tight or too loose. And such an ill-fitted garment is sure to ruin your entire outlook.

Significance of a tailored trench coat lies

Such a trench coat demands you to provide proper measurements and in turn, you can get an item that perfectly fits your body. Now, here’s a guide of how you can pick the right trench coat from a tailoring site.

Design the coat –

Choose the length of the trench coat women, long or short, determine whether you want it to be single or double-breasted, measure the fittings, ensure the gun flaps, shoulder epaulettes and sleeve ribbons are at proper places. You do not necessarily add all of the mentioned items, but you can always mix them as you want. Remember, a trench coat is a reflection of your personality so you better design it the way you can carry.

Pick the fabric –

There are a wide variety of fabrics and colors. Pick your favorite color and pattern. Choices are many – a classic beige fabric or a trendy green color.

Measure properly –

Insert your measurement and voila! You are about to get a brand new custom-designed trench coat within a few dresses.

When it comes to trench coats, you need to remember a few things. The length of a trench coat should be ideally a little higher than the knee. A longer trench coat will make you look shorter, again a short trench coat will not remain a trench coat anymore as it will become more of a jacket. Therefore, keep an eye (we mean both the eyes!) on the length of the trench coat while picking one.

Again, if you are looking to wear a trench coat, you need to ensure what you are wearing inside it. For example, a lighter colored top like that of white or beige, inside the coat will make a dark-colored trench coat, maroon or black, look more gorgeous. Again, if you are wearing a light-colored coat like white or pink, then a maroon or red top inside it will make the look more vibrant. Mixing up multiple colors make the entire look glamorous.

You can wear boots, stilettos or palm shoes with a trench coat. But make sure that you are comfortable at it.

Occasion Perfect Trench Coat

A trench coat is a perfect pick for any occasion. Be it an office event, or a friend’s party, a birthday bonanza or a date night – a trench coat can elevate your appeal and make you more trendy and beautiful. Trench coats, unlike regular coats, are more feminine. Therefore, you can wear it with any type of dress you want. No matter whether you seek to wear formals at the office or casual wear at a family dinner – simply team it up with a trench coat and you are good to go.

A red or blue trench coat can produce a strong appeal whereas a white or beige trench coat can make a sophisticated outlook. In a formal party, you may consider white or beige trench coats but for a date night or a casual evening out, a colorful trench coat will enhance your presence and make you stand out among the crowd.

So, what colored trench coat is your next purchase?

We had to have a quick half a pint at the White Rabbit before the hard work and posing took place… don’t you agree?!

Since having moved from the countryside village of Lingfield, to the forever inspiring city of Brighton, my style and fashion influences having become a lot more varied and open minded. I also spent a lot of time in London, Shoreditch mainly. There are definitely hints of Brighton style within London, however shapes tend to be a lot more clean cut and Celine-like. Brighton has an emphasis on an eclectic mix of grunge and vintage style. As a result I thought I would take advantage of my more recent surroundings and see how I could take on this style. It’s a definite change from my wholly monochrome palette, although I couldn’t help have some prominent black features (that’s grunge style, right?!?!)

My dad bought me these vintage Levi 501 jeans from a vintage store in the North Lanes called Dirty Harry, along with a beautiful, chunky, black shearling coat for himself. This is one of the most popular vintage shops in Brighton, emphasised by the fact that they also sell their own brand hoodies, T’s etc.

Seeing as I’m becoming quite settled in Brighton, I can see my style evolving a lot in the near future to something a little more interesting as I’m constantly inspired by new styles outside of London. I’ll be experimenting quite a lot in the upcoming posts. Do you think this is something you guys might like?

Vintage and estate jewellery are timeless pieces that exude stately beauty and gorgeous design. When you look into each dazzling piece of precious metal or gemstone, you can imagine yourself travelling back in time to the world it has lived through. Each antique jewellery tells a unique past and story. With thousands of unique and interesting pieces available for you, you can be confused which item to choose. Lets not also forget one of the main reasons us girls go for antique jewellery in the first place; it looks amazing! It’s quickly coming back into fashion so make sure you’re ahead of the curve and get looking now! For the benefits of this article, Beauty and Ruin spoke with online vintage jewellery experts Love Antiques, to get some helpful tips on looking for the best deals online and how best to get the pieces you’re after.

Know the seller

When searching antique jewellery online, it is essential to first know the seller. Is the dealer a reliable seller? What other items are up for sale? There may also be obvious cues to scams, for example, a seller that lists 10 of the same heirloom ring is downright suspicious. Read through reviews from other clients. Are they satisfied with the items bought? Investigating the seller is a must. If you are looking to buy designer jewellery brands, make sure they are actually, in fact by the designer.

Ask questions

Know more about the piece so that you can decide whether it is an authentic one. Get in touch with the seller and ask about how the piece came to his possession; whether the seller won it from auction, estate sale, antique hunting, or a family heirloom. A reliable seller can give you details about where the jewellery came from, its origin, relevant history, and overall condition.

Look for a mark

Antique jewellers almost always leave an imprint on their creations. Vintage jewellery pieces produced before 1950s comes with a special mark, such as initials of the maker. You can search online for the prominent vintage jewellery marks.

Consider the cost

Compare the price of the prospective antique piece with other antique shops. What are the current rates for similar metal, stones? Remember that authentic estate jewellery comes for a price. Be wary of items sold at an unbelievably low price. Don’t fall for these too-good-to-be-true pieces.

What do you wear to the school run when it is cold, dark and wet outside? It is tempting to pull on the same jumper, parka coat, and pair of trainers every day but, when it comes to getting dressed for a busy day, it is possible to achieve both comfort and style.

Whether it’s layering statement knitwear or introducing simple accessories, here, Seasalt Cornwall shares some useful pointers for busy mums who are looking to elevate their wardrobe this winter.

Statement Knitwear

When it comes to winter style, knitwear is justifiably described as a hero of the wardrobe. For mums on the go, choosing the right roll neck, cardigan or sweatshirt can bring a simple outfit to life without compromising on comfort.

Knitwear staples are often reserved for winter months however, if styled right, they can be rotated all year round. Versatile knitwear will allow you to layer in various ways and help achieve a smart casual look that can work for both a corporate lunch and the school pick up. When choosing knitwear, we’re advocates of quality over quantity as, with the right care, the right garments will last year after year.

For extra cold weather, you may want to add a thermal layer underneath, or you can opt for a roll neck jumper or crisp white shirt.

Comfort is Key

Leggings, tracksuits and jumpers will always be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘comfort’ but handy fastenings and soft materials have proven it is 100% possible to achieve both comfort and style in a single look.

Dressing up is often uncomfortable but opting for soft, natural fabrics that are gentle on the skin will help you to feel relaxed and unrestricted all day long. When you are in a rush, easy fastenings and comfortable waistbands can be a major factor for deciding what to wear. Simple yet secure magnetic or popper style buttons make adding and removing layers throughout the day much easier, especially for busy mums on the go. Likewise, the use of zips in place of buttons, for example a zip-up sweater, is a great way to be on trend and practical.

Opt for an All-In-One

There is something quite satisfying about only having to select one item of clothing in the morning! Dungarees are a stylish but effortless way to dress for any occasion, and can be coupled with tops, jumpers and accessories to dress up or down depending on your day.

Once only associated with factory or farm workers, dungarees have since become fairly mainstream, perhaps because they are so comfortable, easy and fun to wear.

Partner with a chunky boot for a dog walk or a flat leather shoes for a more dressed-up look. Alternative options include a jumpsuit, which can be loose or fitted, and playsuits, which are better suited for the warmer months.

The Perfect Pair of Jeans

Finding a pair of perfectly fitted, stylish jeans is not an easy task but, when you do, they will become the crux of every outfit. If you are lucky enough to have a well-loved, versatile pair of jeans, it will make rotating your wardrobe much easier and picking an outfit each morning will come effortless.

Whether they are slim, straight or tapered, everyone can wear jeans! Take time to research the different styles and sizes that suit you ahead of purchasing and, where possible, follow specific measurements for the waist and length to find a fit that is tailored to your body shape.

Don’t Neglect the Feet

When the weather is poor, your shoe options suddenly seem extremely limited. Most busy mums find themselves reaching for the same old (but familiar) pair of trainers however there are plenty of other options out there. A good pair of winter boots should be a wardrobe staple and can be worn for any occasion from a dog walk to going into the office. A well-made boot will not be dirt cheap, but will be worth the investment, especially if you want them to last.

When choosing footwear, pay careful attention to how and where they were made as well as the materials they are made from, for example good welting or stitching technique is a sign of a quality shoe.

A busy schedule can wreak havoc with our style, but if you tackle the day with these simple tips, then you won’t have anything to worry about.

If you live in a northern country, chances are you have seen your share of fur coats and jackets. They are the best solution to keep anyone warm, on a very cold day. However, throughout the years, fashion came and went regarding furs. So, what are the most popular furs today? Here are four that absolutely have to make it on the list.

The furs you will find below are the most used in the industry, when it comes to creating coats and jackets, but also for various clothing accessories. Depending on which fashion designers are using it inside their creations, they will vary widely in terms of colours, and the quality will also be quite different from one another, regarding softness amongst other characteristics. But all of them will keep its owner warm during the cold winter months.

Astrakhan

The Astrakhan fur coat is made from black or grey curly fur from the skins of lambs. It is used for making coats and hats. Thanks to its rich detailed layers, it is used on some of the most modern looking fur coats on the market. It can be used in dynamic, young and fun winter coat, as well as for luxurious models to be worn on special events evening out. It falls on the body and creates an entrancing look.

Mink

We can say that mink is the most popular fur in the world of fashion. That is true, anywhere around the world. Buyers will tend to look at a mink coat first, before comparing to other furs available. Mink hair is usually short, thick and soft; qualities that are important for anyone who knows and understands furs. It is durable and is available in a variety of natural colours which include pearls, blues, lavenders, and browns.

Chinchilla

The Chinchilla fur coat has grown in popularity over the years for one important reason: the fur has become less rare on the market. Before, a chinchilla coat was hard to find, but not anymore. Fashion designers look for them because they are ultra-soft. Another important quality that they have is that they are hypoallergenic.

Fox

Fox has always been popular, ever since fur accessories started being made. In fact, there is no other fur that can compare, when it comes to trimming and accessories, on the market. Its large variety of natural colours surely help its popularity, but it is its long, fluffy and silky fur that makes fox fur so in demand.

Winter has been around long enough and, thankfully, spring is making its approach. With the warmer weather comes a change in fashion, but that doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Certain strategic pieces could make all the difference in taking your outfits to the next level. You don’t even necessarily have to spend a lot of money. Just because they’re must-haves doesn’t mean must-break-the-bank. The following are seven fashion essentials that you’ll definitely want to stock up on this spring.

Floral dress or skirt

Spring is all about florals, and while there are a multitude of ways to sport the pattern, a dress or skirt is the way to go for the season. It’s finally time to shed those heavy winter layers and opt for lighter ensembles. Floral-patterned dresses and skirts are also ideal for professional and personal settings and can easily go from day to night with just a few minor adjustments.

White t-shirt

A white t-shirt is an absolute must-have for spring. It can go with anything whether you’re wearing jeans, a skirt, leggings, yoga pants, dress pants, etc. You can even wear it under certain dresses. Considering how easily white t-shirts can get stained whether it’s underneath the arms or after eating your favorite meal, it’s best to be prepared by keeping a few in your closet. Don’t forget to carry a stain remover pen around with you in the instance that any minor stains occur.

A great pair of jeans

There is not one person who doesn’t look great in jeans. They’re comfortable, look fabulous on everyone, come in a slew of different styles, textures, and colors, and they can go with practically everything. Even when you’re in a rush, throw on a pair of jeans, a pair of ballet flats, and a shirt you love and you’re good to go. Dress them up or down but jeans are a must-have fashion pick for spring.

Fake tan

If you’ve spent all winter watching your skin get pale and you’re in the mood for a change, then a fake tan might be just what you’re looking for. From airbrush tanning to self tanning products you can use at home, there are numerous options that you can use to get the fake tan you desire in spring without laying out in the sun or going in a tanning bed. Note that even with a fake tan it’s vital to wear sunscreen. There are many who opt to use it only in summer but it should actually be used year-round. Put it on about 30-minutes before you’re set to head outdoors and every couple of hours thereafter to ensure you protect your skin from UV rays.

Ballet flats

Ballet flats are simply wonderful. From the casual to the dressy, they come in so many designs and colors so they can be worn with an assortment of items in your closet. If you’re wearing an outfit that you feel is too plain and boring, opting for ballet flats in a funky pattern can help breathe new life into it. Pair them with dresses, jeans, or almost any outfit in between and they’re sure to help get you where you need to go in style and comfort.

A versatile watch

Yes, there’s a clock on your phone, but for those who love watches, it’s so much more than a way to tell time. It’s a statement piece, an accessory that completes an outfit, and maybe it’s even a treasured family heirloom that’s being passed from one generation to the next. As versatile as they are, they can complement a variety of outfits. From budget-friendly to luxury watches, each has their own special gorgeous style. It’s certainly an essential you’ll want for spring.

A spring tote

Once the warmer weather comes around, you’re likely going to be spending more time outdoors, and what better way to transport all your necessary items than via an irresistible spring tote? To ring in spring, consider one in a pale hue such as blue, beige, or pink, or in a fun floral or striped print. If you want to show off your bold and spunky side, opt for neon which adds a pop of vibrant color that can take you right into summer. Regardless of what you choose, make sure that it really adds something special to your wardrobe.

The world can be messy and complex, but your fashion choices don’t need to be. When you build up your wardrobe with fashion essentials and finish it off with an assortment of other clothing pieces you love, you set yourself up for fashion success regardless of the season. Don’t hesitate to take time to find the spring fashion essentials that you truly adore. Choose carefully and they can stay with you and stand up to constant wear year-after-year.