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Ten Ways to Look Hot While Staying Cool This Summer

Ten Ways to Look Hot While Staying Cool This Summer

As we jump into the summer season, warm weather is just around the corner. Whether you’re planning a beach day or a European city break, the last thing you want to do is overheat.

Not only does protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays carry enormous health benefits, but keeping cool in high temperatures makes it easier to spend more time having fun outside. 

However, if you’re still hoping to catch a tan and enjoy the heat, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten ways to still look hot while keeping cool this summer. 

Woven clutches

We’re also excited to see woven bags back in style this summer. Designed to be lightweight and breathable, woven-style bags are the perfect beach accessory.

Better still, why not cry a woven clutch on your next European mini-break. As the perfect accompaniment to a flowing maxi dress and roman style sandals, get ready to enjoy your evening Aperol Spritz like one of the locals.

Long-line linen 

If you’re searching for an all-year-round fabric, look no further than linen. As one of the most breathable materials on the planet, you’ll be sure to stay cool while still looking hot this summer.

Why not pair some long-line linen trousers with a simple crop top and a straw hat. Finish the look off with some Parisian-style loafers, and you’ll be rocking summertime chic with next to no effort. 

Oversized sunnies 

For those of you excited for lazy days basking in the sunshine, there’s no better way to rock up to the seaside than with your very own pair of shades for the beach. Not only will these protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they make tucking into your favourite book that bit easier. Here’s a great list of options if you’re looking for a new pair.

2023 is the year of oversized sunnies. If you want to embrace your inner Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian, investing in a pair of oversized glamour frames will see you soaking up the sun in style.

Smock dresses

Don’t forget a smock dress in your list of holiday essentials. Not only do these flowy numbers act as a perfect swimwear cover-up, but smock dresses are perfect for keeping cool in the hot sun.

Why not search for vibrant colours that scream summer, such as burnt orange and hot pink. If you’re looking to make a statement, this all-in-one outfit will have you looking hot while keeping you cool. 

Block colour bucket hats

This ’90s essential is well and truly back. Bucket hats may be a staple of Britain’s summertime past, but in a range of bold colours, they are back and better than ever. 

If you’re planning on heading to a festival or spending long hours out in the heat, investing in one of these could save you from sunstroke while adding a pop of colour to your outfit.

Glamourous cat eyes

If you’re looking to embrace your inner Audrey Hepburn this summer look no further. Cat eye sunglasses never go out of style, making them the perfect glamorous accessory to add to your seasonal lookbook.

Not only will these shades protect your eyes from the sun, but you’ll effortlessly give off vintage vibes in this ’60s chic look. 

Straw hats

Who says you can’t stay cool in style? Like woven bags, straw and crochet-style hats have become Gen Z’s hottest trend in 2023. Whether you opt for a classic floppy design with a wide brim and a bowknot ribbon or embrace Cochella’s cowboy style, straw hats are excellent partners for a sunny day out. 

Why not opt for natural colours such as beige and tan that pair effortlessly with sunshine orange and cobalt blue?

Breathable bikini coverups

For those of you heading to an all-inclusive resort, bikini cover-ups are essential. As you make your way from the pool to the bar, a lightweight coverup allows you to ditch the beach towel and make a style statement with ease.

The key here is to choose a lightweight fabric. We’re talking viscose or cotton for a comfortable, breathable once piece that shades you from the sun. Why not get experimental and play around with sheer fabrics too, especially if you’re excited to show off your newest swimwear. 

Crochet crop tops

If you haven’t seen crochet creeping back onto the high street, have you been living under a rock? From jumpers to handbags, crochet patterns are quickly bringing the 60s couture back into style this summer. 

The best thing about crochet designs is breathability. Using woven structures that naturally let your skin breathe, it has become the go-to summer style for crop tops and seasonal dresses. 

All in one tote bag

Last but not least, if you’re heading on your next summer adventure, don’t forget your all-in-one tote bag. As a lightweight essential, fit to carry all of your cooling clothing, you won’t regret the purchase.

Better still, why not customise your tote bag with funny patterns and colours. This is a perfect way to bring a neutral outfit to life and add some personality to your summer lookbook of 2023.

SEE ALSO: The Final Stretch: Five Steps To Take Before Graduation

j crew

J Crew Files for Bankruptcy Protection

Fashion firm J Crew has filed for bankruptcy protection, making it the first big US retailer to do so amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The retailer announced that its parent company, Chinos Holdings, had filed for Chapter 11 protection in federal bankruptcy court for the Eastern District of Virginia. It is the first major retailer to fall during the coronavirus pandemic, but given the economic situation in the United States, J Crew probably won’t be the last.

Under the terms of the Transaction Support Agreement (“TSA”), the Company’s lenders will convert approximately $1.65 billion of the Company’s debt into equity. They are also providing about $400m of fresh financing to keep J Crew’s operations afloat.

“This agreement with our lenders represents a critical milestone in the ongoing process to transform our business with the goal of driving long-term, sustainable growth for J.Crew and further enhancing Madewell’s growth momentum,” said Jan Singer, Chief Executive Officer, J.Crew Group in the statement. “Throughout this process, we will continue to provide our customers with the exceptional merchandise and service they expect from us, and we will continue all day-to-day operations, albeit under these extraordinary COVID-19-related circumstances. As we look to reopen our stores as quickly and safely as possible, this comprehensive financial restructuring should enable our business and brands to thrive for years to come.”

Next Steps

The Company has filed a series of customary “first day” motions with the Bankruptcy Court seeking to maintain its operations during the restructuring process to help facilitate a smooth transition into Chapter 11. Its 500 stores have been closed by the pandemic and some will not reopen.

 

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Animal Fur

Faux Real: End of Animal Fur

Historically, animal fur has been synonymous with the world of luxury fashion. But, in an until recently unprecedented stand, some major luxury fashion brands have pledged to ban fur from their lines once and for all.

The relationship between high-end luxury fashion brands and animal ethics groups has been fraught for decades. However, recent years have seen a rise in major fashion houses and designers denouncing the use of animal fur, marking a monumental victory for animal rights. Some American cities are also taking an independent stand to diminish the retail of the product. San Francisco voted to ban all sales of fur within its limits in March of this year. An historical moment for the city, this new legislation will go into effect January 2019. 

A worldwide stand against animal fur

There is no doubt that fur as clothing is drenched in the glitz of showbiz history. Adorning Hollywood starlets and wealthy clientele alike, female glamour was once defined by a mink coat. If recent years are anything to go by, however, this antiquated approach to style is getting the overhaul animals deserve, and its effects can be seen around the globe.

Norway, which was once the world’s largest producer of fox fur, has committed to phasing out the country’s fur farms by 2025. The Nordic country follows in the footsteps of the UK, Germany, Austria and Croatia, who have all prohibited fur farms. What’s more, according to the Financial Times, 850 retailers globally are now registered as Fur Free Retailers.

“Fur? I am out of that. I don’t want to kill animals to make fashion. It doesn’t feel right”—Donatella Versace

High time, high fashion

The Versace family’s eponymous brand joined the ever-growing list of fashion houses to eradicate fur products from its lines. Head of the family Donatella Versace said earlier this year, “Fur? I am out of that. I don’t want to kill animals to make fashion. It doesn’t feel right.” We’re with you there, Donatella.

Major Italian fashion house Gucci announced its move to eliminate animal fur from its label back in 2017 from its Spring 2018 line onwards. Any remaining fur stock, they said, would be auctioned with proceeds given to animal welfare charities. “Being socially responsible is one of Gucci’s core values, and we will continue to strive to do better for the environment and animals,” said Gucci president and CEO Marco Bizzarri at the London College of Fashion in October 2017. “Gucci is excited to take this next step and hopes it will help inspire innovation and raise awareness, changing the luxury fashion industry for the better,” he added.

According to the Financial Times, fur products in Gucci’s line account for just €10 million of their €6.21 billion worth. A change in consumer behavior also prompted the fashion titan to change course. With the rise of vegetarianism and veganism among millennials (the brand’s main consumer base), sales for animal products were likely to decrease anyway.

Not long ago, accessible luxury fashion brand Michael Kors also hopped onto the faux fur bandwagon. “Due to technological advances in fabrications, we now have the ability to create a luxe aesthetic using non-animal fur,” said Kors himself, following a statement that the company would join others in cutting the use of animal fur from its brand.

John D. Idol, chairman and chief executive at Michael Kors, said in a statement, “This decision marks a new chapter as our company continues to evolve its use of innovative materials.”

Is the future faux?

The concept of replacing animal fur with fake fur has been met with mixed reactions. While it undoubtedly eliminates the possibility of animal slaughter, some have argued that the material’s production is harmful to the environment and not as sustainable as we’d like to think. The principal materials used to make faux fur—including acrylic and polyesters—are made from non-renewable products such as coal and petroleum which deplete the Earth’s natural resources. Mark Oaten, CEO of the Fur Trade Association, said, “Fake fur requires the extraction and fractionating of petroleum, as well as the subsequent conversion into fibers and mass manufacturing into products. These are not only incredibly energy-intensive but also produce a lot of extremely unpleasant chemical compounds.” But is this argument against faux alternatives enough to slow the momentum gained to banish animal fur and encourage fur-aesthetic lovers to buy real?

While commitments to a fur-free future have made a powerful political statement, fur farming is still a major cash cow with the global fur industry estimated to be worth a staggering $40 billion. For now, though, the formidable solidarity between fashion houses renowned for their lavish excess, independent boutiques and countries around the world who are stepping into a cruelty-free future together shows that compassionate fashion is—for want of a better word—“in”.

$200m

is the value of mink fur industry each year

Source: truthaboutfur.com

Further reading: Making a Fashion Statement