Fashion
Uterqüe: Fashion’s Best-Kept Secret, From The People Who Gave You Zara
Before we get into the detail of the article, I really want to thank the team here for letting me post here with them. It means a lot to be able to get something published for my Mens Fashion and Footwear Blog at a great site like this.
Queen Letizia of Spain is a fan and fashion editors love the timeless style, quality fabrics, and purse-friendly prices.
Not so very long ago, if you asked a fashion editor where they got their high street hit, they would have said: “Zara”. They knew what day the flagship store on Regent Street had its deliveries and on that day they were standing outside on the pavement, waiting for it to open. They didn’t leave until they’d scored that perfect tweed jacket that could pass for Chanel or the very-Erdem floral skirt.
It’s the reason why, by the time the likes of you and I got there, there was nothing left: the jacket we saw in Grazia had long since left for Vogue House. Recently, however, the fashion pack has shifted allegiance, but without telling the rest of us. This is blatantly unfair, so allow me to spill the beans: the brand they all want now is Uterqüe, which just happens to be owned by Inditex, the Spanish owner of Zara.
“Being an Inditex brand has been key to the popularity of Uterqüe, but there are also differences from Zara,” says Carla Sierra, fashion features editor of Vogue Spain. “It’s not just in the price range, it’s in the business strategy. All the other Inditex brands are based in Arteixo in Galicia, but Uterqüe’s headquarters are in the much more cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. Also, they have limited production runs, they do capsule collections and, unlike Zara, they advertise. They’re aware of trends, but they have a much more timeless approach to fashion than Zara, which is much more trend-focused.”
And as well as those in-the-know fashion editors, Uterqüe — pronounced ooterkwey — boasts a royal fan in the trim form of the Queen of Spain. Letizia — hands-down Europe’s most stylish royal — has whole swathes of Uterqüe clothes, from natty tweed jackets to colour-block dresses, trousers, and skirts. Why? Because they’re on-trend without being trendy; the labels say 100 percent silk and 100 percent wool, not polyester mix; and the price tags are mostly under £200, apart from the leather.
“Like many contemporary royals, including Kate Middleton and Mary Donaldson, Crown Princess of Denmark, Queen Letizia wears a perfect balance of high and low-cost fashion,” says Sierra. “It’s a sign of the times — they all aim to look glamorous but still in touch with the reality of their countries. Letizia has worn Uterqüe many, many times as it’s one of those retailers that allows her to wear elegant pieces at competitive prices. That’s probably the secret of their success.”
Launched in 2008 as an accessories brand, it rapidly expanded into women’s ready-to-wear and now stocks everything from a £24 keyring to a biscuit-colored reversible sheepskin coat for £1,095. Collections are kept tight, prices are reasonable and the materials are the best. Look on the Uterqüe website now and you’ll find a pair of supremely glamorous white 100 percent wool trousers for £99, a pale grey silk/cotton fine-knit sweater for £64, and a 100 percent silk T-shirt, a snip at £54 in the sale. And don’t get me started on the black leather leggings at £285 (for comparison, Joseph’s are £695) and the perfect £64 plain black cropped stretch trousers. The pleated leather bucket bag with a bamboo handle is purest Gucci for £185 and the snow-white cashmere sweater at £185 is as desirable as it is impractical. The shoes are mostly a little flat or low-heeled for my taste, but if flat and low-heeled is your thing, I expect you will love them. If I were an ankle-boot sort of girl, I’d be very happy with the high-heel style in tan suede for £125.
“Uterqüe is a smarter, less asymmetrical alternative to Cos,” believes Sasha Slater, deputy editor of Harper’s Bazaar, who has her eye on the £185 camel cape-coat with three-quarter sleeves for her autumn wardrobe. “The junior fashion editors at Bazaar all love the shirts: they have nice detailing but are not too wacky and the prices won’t frighten the horses. And the quality is definitely a cut above.”
Indeed it is. Many of the clothes have mass-produced counterparts at Zara, albeit made of lower-quality fabric and with a price to match. Zara, for instance, has a camel cape similar to that coveted by Slater for £69.99, an oversize white cashmere jumper for £129.99 and fake leather leggings for £25.99. But the key to shopping like a fashion editor — or indeed a queen — is to go to Zara for low-price, one-season trendy pieces and then, as Sierra says, “If you want a pair of great, affordable, Made in Italy leather loafers to wear to work, go to Uterqüe.”
The brand finally arrived in the UK, online-only, in 2011 and has been amassing its fanbase of fashion people ever since. Although they now have 66 stores in 13 countries, there are no plans to open one here: why Qatar, Kuwait, Portugal and even the Canary Islands deserve a store more than us is a source of considerable personal bitterness, but there we are. We will have to content ourselves with the website.
“Uterqüe isn’t as popular as Zara, even in Spain,” says Sierra, “and they probably won’t ever be. Having said that, I don’t think they pretend to; they’re different. After all, you can’t really compete with the most popular fashion phenomena in the world.”
This post was contributed by the weddingfolio.co.uk who is a regular poster both here on their own blog. You can catch them on twitter, Facebook, or even their very popular youtube channel.
Summer is here, and it’s time to gear up for outdoor adventures. When it comes to staying relaxed and comfortable during the warm months, staple men’s shorts are an absolute must-have. These versatile garments provide the perfect blend of style and functionality and offer the freedom and flexibility required for all your summer escapades. Whether heading to the beach, hiking, or simply enjoying a casual day out, staple men’s shorts are the ultimate summer wardrobe essential.
Staple men’s shorts offer a fantastic combination of style, comfort, and functionality, making them an essential wardrobe item for every man. This article will explore the speciality of Staple Men’s Shorts.
The versatility-Main factor of speciality
Staple men’s shorts are incredibly versatile, allowing you to create various outfits suitable for different occasions. They can be easily paired with casual t-shirts, polo shirts, or even dressier button-up shirts, offering a wide range of styling options. These shorts are suitable for a day at the beach, a backyard barbecue, or even a casual dinner with friends. Their adaptability makes them a must-have item for any man’s summer wardrobe.
When it comes to staple boundless shorts, you’ll find they are available in different inseam lengths to suit personal preferences. Two popular options are the 5-inch inseam and the 7-inch inseam.
The 5-inch inseam shorts are shorter, typically ending above the knee. These shorts provide a more modern and trendier look, perfect for those who prefer a slightly more concise style. They are great for showcasing your legs and can give off a more casual and youthful vibe.
On the other hand, the 7-inch inseam shorts offer a slightly longer length, typically reaching the mid-thigh. These shorts provide a bit more coverage while allowing for a comfortable and stylish fit. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Comfort and Breathability
When the temperature rises, finding comfortable clothing becomes essential. If you’re searching for staple men’s shorts that offer comfort and breathability, look no further than Bamboo Shorts. These shorts are designed with your ultimate comfort in mind, allowing you to fully enjoy your summer activities without feeling restricted or uncomfortable.
Bamboo shorts are famous for being incredibly soft and comfortable. They are made from lightweight and breathable materials like cotton, linen, or both. These shorts allow air to circulate well, keeping you cool and preventing sweat even in the hottest weather. Whether relaxing, exercising, swimming, or going about daily activities, these shorts will keep you incredibly comfortable and at ease all day.
Not only are Bamboo Shorts designed for your comfort, but they also prioritize sustainability. These shorts are made using innovative materials, including a blend of fabrics sourced from at least four plastic bottles and two upcycled coconuts. By incorporating recycled materials into their production, Bamboo Shorts actively contribute to reducing waste and minimizing their environmental impact. So you can feel good about your choice while enjoying their comfort.
Durability for Outdoor Activities
Regarding summer adventures and outdoor activities, it’s essential to have durable clothing, especially for men’s shorts. These shorts are designed to handle the challenges of hiking, camping, and water sports. They are built to be tough and long-lasting, with features like solid stitching, dedicated buttons or zippers, and high-quality materials that can withstand regular use and potential rough handling.
Conclusion
If you want to upgrade your summer wardrobe with staple men’s shorts, consider buying from Bamboo Shorts. Not only will you be getting comfortable and durable shorts, but you’ll also make an environmentally conscious choice. By supporting brands that prioritize sustainability, you can reduce waste and minimize your environmental impact.
So, gear up for your summer adventures with staple men’s shorts from Bamboo Shorts and embrace the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality. Your summer wardrobe will thank you!
Visit Bamboo Shorts’ website today and explore their staple men’s shorts collection to elevate your summer style and make a sustainable choice.
According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. do not get enough sleep and an estimated 40% of them reported having unintentionally fallen asleep during the day during other activities. Most of the sleep-deprived people in this world are male. Men so often feel ‘beauty sleep’ is a term that applies only to women when the reality is that men need sleep just as much. Without enough quality sleep, men cannot be their best. Inadequate sleep affects his overall well-being, and may cause a lack of productivity, lack of focus, and may affect our mood and worsen our skin and digestive systems. Men should prioritize sleep as part of their self-care regimen.
Benefits of a Good Night of Sleep
We briefly mentioned above the risks of not getting enough quality sleep, let’s delve into the benefits of a good night’s sleep. This information should inspire you to make sleep part a top priority.
Stay Fit: Studies suggest a lack of sleep affects workouts since it plays a huge role in metabolism. Sleep-deprived men cannot reap the same benefits of a workout as well-rested men.
Improved Focus: A lack of focus and attention to detail can lead to faulty and risky decisions and actions in business and personal life. Men who get enough sleep at night are less likely to lose their attention to detail and can better maintain focus throughout the day.
Stay Healthy: Sleep is good for our brain, our physique, and mental well-being, as well as the heart. Getting enough sleep increases blood flow to the heart, reduces blood pressure rates, and reduces stress levels, all working to help keep the heart healthy. Heart-healthy individuals face fewer cardiovascular health problems, a benefit important to anyone, especially aging men. Sleep eight hours or more each night to keep your heart healthy.
Better Sex: Men who prioritize and consistently get quality sleep tend to experience a better sex life. Sufficient sleep contributes to hormonal balance, particularly testosterone levels. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy sex drive and libido. Additionally, quality sleep provides men with increased energy, stamina, and overall physical well-being, allowing them to perform better during sexual activities.
How Men Can Improve Their Sleep Quality
Sleep is essential to a man’s overall well-being. Men who don’t already prioritize sleep as part of their self-care routine should start today. There is no better time than the present to provide yourself with the benefits offered to men who get enough sleep each night! Getting enough sleep might require making a few changes, although resolving most insomnia woes happen without effort once you’ve slipped into a pair of luxurious pajamas at night.
A few ways men can improve their sleep quality and ensure it’s a top priority in their self-care plan:
Avoid Using Electronics at Night: Social media keeps most people up at night. Scrolling the latest posts one more time becomes sort of an obsession that turns into an hours-long scroll-fest, even though work comes in a few hours. Avoid using electronic devices before bedtime since the blue light can be detrimental to your rest state. Although falling asleep might happen easily, numerous studies show electronics before bedtime negatively impact sleep quality/sleep patterns since they stimulate the nervous system.
Use Your Bedroom Only for Sleep: Read a book or magazine to help lull you into dreamland versus a television. We mentioned why you should avoid using electronics at bedtime above, and now have even more reasons why it’s so important. Your bedroom should only be used for rest to avoid sending mixed signals to the body. When we use the bedroom for activity, the body may not differentiate the room as a place of rest.
Reduce Caffeine and Sugar Intake: Caffeine should be avoided or consumed moderately at night if you want to fall asleep easily, especially for men already deprived of sleep. Caffeine and sugar are stimulants and may cause racing thoughts that keep you up at night.
Slip a Pair of High-Quality Luxurious Pajamas
Along with the tips offered above, slip on luxurious pajamas like those offered by Lunya before bedtime for the best rest of your life.
Matching sets so you can match your SOS. Silky, satin, soft against the skin. Shorts, pants, long-sleeved and short-sleeved tops, and other styles are designed to accommodate the preferences of every man. Luxurious pajamas are an essential part of self-care and getting adequate beauty sleep at night. Luxurious pajamas feature premium materials for softness, breathability, and style. When you lay down in your bed, you feel the utmost comfort. Fabrics like silk, satin, and 100% cotton feel gentle against the skin, promoting relaxation. You’ll be fast off to dreamland wearing luxury pajamas.
The well-designed cuts and attention to detail allow freedom of movement as you sleep, making it easy to get cozy and move around. Freedom of movement is important when you are sleeping so that you do not wake up from discomfort.
The breathability of the luxurious materials regulates your body temperature during the night, preventing you from overheating. It is difficult to stay asleep if your body overheats, which happens fairly often to men wearing the wrong sleepwear. You won’t sweat at night, allowing more restful sleep without interruptions.
Luxury pajamas even provide psychological benefits. Investing in high-quality sleepwear is a commitment to your well-being. You’ll look good while you sleep, allowing you to feel your best when you wake up in the morning. It boosts confidence, fosters a sense of self-worth, and contributes to an overall positive mindset.
Sleep is the Best Self-Care for Men
Sleep truly is the best act of self-care men can take for themselves. The tips above help you drift off into dreamland and stay asleep all night long, delivering the aforementioned benefits and many others. Make sure luxury pajamas are on your wish list since they prioritize all the benefits sleep brings.
Fashion is often seen as a matter of personal style and preference. Yet, in the era of modern menswear, it has become something far more intricate and influential. Today, it serves as a conduit of expression, self-confidence, and personal transformation. Whether you’re a seasoned fashion guru or a novice stepping into the realm of style, everyone can benefit from some key insights to elevate their fashion game.
In this blog post, we’re going to delve into eight transformative tips to help you shift from ‘flab’ to ‘fab’, and impress the world with your stylish flair.
Dress For The Body You Have
Often, men with extra pounds worry about their wardrobe, believing that a weight loss transformation is a prerequisite to dress well. However, style isn’t about the size you wear but how you wear your size.
The first rule of thumb is to dress for the body you have right now. Opt for clothes that fit well and flatter your current shape. Don’t wait until you’ve lost weight to invest in your wardrobe, instead make strategic choices that can accommodate changes in your body. Clothes that are too tight or too loose can emphasize weight, whereas the right fit can enhance your appearance immediately.
Embrace Vertical Stripes
The power of vertical stripes in menswear is undeniable. They create an illusion of a taller and slimmer silhouette, making them a must-have for every man aiming to look stylish. Whether it’s a classic pinstripe suit for a formal event or a casual striped tee for a laid-back Sunday, incorporating vertical stripes into your attire can instantly elevate your style.
Invest In A Good Tailor
A good tailor can be a man’s best friend when it comes to fashion. Tailored clothes not only fit better but also help in enhancing your best features while downplaying any imperfections. If you have clothes in your wardrobe that you love but don’t fit perfectly, take them to a professional tailor for alterations.
Remember, a well-fitted garment can make a world of difference to your overall look.
Accessorize Wisely
Accessories can either make or break your outfit. Choosing the right ones can add a touch of elegance and personality to your attire. Watches, ties, pocket squares, belts, and glasses can all contribute to a refined look. Opt for classic, timeless pieces and avoid over-accessorizing, which can make your outfit look cluttered.
Focus On Quality Over Quantity
When building your wardrobe, prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of splurging on trendy pieces that will soon go out of style, invest in high-quality, timeless garments. These staple items might be more expensive upfront, but their cost per wear will be lower in the long run, proving to be a smarter investment.
Color Coordinate Your Outfits
Mastering the art of color coordination can take your style game to the next level. Understand which colors complement each other and which ones contrast well.
Additionally, learning about color theory and understanding which colors work best with your skin tone can significantly enhance your overall look.
Pay Attention To Your Footwear
Footwear is an essential part of any outfit and is often the first thing people notice. Investing in good-quality shoes and keeping them well-maintained can significantly elevate your overall style. Whether you prefer boots, loafers, sneakers, or formal shoes, ensure they are clean, polished, and complement your outfit.
Practice Good Grooming
Last but not least, good grooming is essential. No matter how stylish your outfit is, unkempt hair, an untrimmed beard, or poor skin hygiene can detract from your overall look. Investing time and effort in maintaining good personal hygiene and a well-groomed appearance is as crucial as investing in your wardrobe.
Conclusion
Stepping from ‘flab’ to ‘fab’ isn’t about a complete overhaul of your wardrobe or losing weight overnight. Instead, it’s about understanding your body, embracing your individual style, and making strategic style choices. Remember, fashion is personal and subjective. What matters most is how you feel in what you wear. By implementing these eight style tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming more confident, stylish, and, most importantly, comfortable in your own skin.