Author: Frances Harder

How much does your wardrobe change when the weather gets colder? Many business professionals have two wardrobes: office clothing for the warmer months and office clothing for the winter season. As the seasonal changes are setting in, it’s time to evaluate your cold weather styles and see if any updates are needed for your winter wardrobe this year.

Cold Weather Styles You’ll Love

Here are a few of the trendiest cold-weather styles we’re going to see in the office this winter:

1. Straight-Leg Pants & a Stylish Sweater: All men and women need a classic pair of straight-leg slacks. These pants can be paired in many different combinations. Choose a neutral color like black or navy, then have a variety of cute tops you can rotate through. Add a bit of jewelry and a few shoe options, and you can create endless combinations.
2. Wide-Leg Trousers and a Long Jacket: Have you noticed that the wide-leg look is coming back into style? This cut is a relaxed fit and helps to elongate the appearance of the legs. Finish the outfit with a button-up collared shirt and a long, stylish jacket. Both men and women should have at least 1 mid-thigh or knee-length jacket in their wardrobes.
3. Knee Length Dress and Tall Boots: Women: just because the weather is getting cold doesn’t mean that your dresses must be stored away. Often, summer dresses can be layered with other clothing to create a classic style. Add a sweater over the dress. Put on a pair of cute tights and use knee-length boots to keep your legs warm.
4. Suit and Leather Shoes: This classic combination will never go out of style for men. If you are heading to an important meeting, dress the part by wearing a fitted suit. The right pair of leather shoes will make the outfit “pop” and show your clients or colleagues that you are a professional.

Even though professional office clothing can be an investment, building a comfortable and stylish closet is worth the cost. When you have the right clothing, it sets your mindset to be more productive and effective in everything that you are doing throughout the workday.

 –Written by Becki Andrus in partnership with designer furniture retailer Bauhaus 2 Your House

Traveling by air offers the promise of new adventures and experiences, but it often comes with the challenge of staying comfortable during long flights. However, who says you can’t look stylish while feeling at ease on your flight? We’ve curated a list of fantastic outfit ideas for both men and women that strike the perfect balance between style and comfort. Let’s dive in and discover your ideal air travel attire!

• Athleisure and Activewear. For both men and women, the athleisure trend has become a go-to choice for air travel. Pairing comfy joggers or leggings with a stylish sweatshirt not only provides unrestricted movement but also keeps you cozy throughout the journey. Add a pair of sleek sneakers to complete the look, and you’re ready to conquer the skies in style!

• Chic Travel Dresses. Consider slipping into a maxi dress made from a soft, breathable fabric. This effortless option not only looks graceful but also allows you to move freely in the tight space available on planes. Layer with a light cardigan and wear slip-on shoes to maintain a sophisticated yet comfortable appearance.

• Tailored Comfort for Men. For gentlemen who prefer a polished look, opt for well-fitted chinos or other travel-friendly trousers. Combine them with a relaxed-fit button-down shirt in a wrinkle-resistant material. Loafers or slip-on shoes complete the outfit, providing comfort without sacrificing style.

• Cozy Layers for All. Layering is the key to adapting to varying cabin temperatures! Start with a comfortable base layer like a soft tee or tank top. Top it off with a lightweight sweater or a stylish jacket. This way, you can easily adjust your clothing to stay cozy when the plane’s temperature fluctuates and the air conditioning gets switched on and off.

• Functional Accessories. Both men and women can enhance their travel outfits with functional accessories. A spacious tote bag or backpack not only complements your attire but also serves as a convenient carry-on for essentials. Don’t forget a versatile scarf – it can be used as a blanket or neck pillow during the flight.

• Travel-Friendly Footwear. Choosing the right footwear is essential for comfort and style. Men can opt for slip-on loafers or comfortable sneakers that allow easy security checks. Ladies can choose stylish yet comfortable flats or ankle boots, ensuring a fashionable look without compromising on ease.

• Wrinkle-Resistant Fabric. Opt for garments made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics. This ensures you step off the plane looking as fresh as when you boarded. A simple yet elegant blouse or a wrinkle-free button-down shirt is an excellent choice for both men and women.

Your choice of travel attire should reflect your personal style while keeping comfort at the forefront of your mind. By selecting the right pieces and paying attention to fabric choices, you can glide through the skies in style and make your journey comfortable from takeoff to touchdown!

–Written by Jack Vale in partnership with Faxage online faxing services.

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisper, it’s time to update your jewelry collection to match the enchanting Fall season. This 2023 season, jewelry trends are all about making a statement and adding a touch of warmth to your ensemble. We’ve rounded up some of the most captivating jewelry options that are sure to be your go-to accessories for the upcoming season.

Chunky Chains and Bold Links

This fall, it’s all about embracing the power of chunky chains and bold links. Whether adorning your neck, wrists, or ears, oversized chains are stealing the limelight. Layer multiple chunky chain necklaces for an edgy yet elegant look that commands attention. For added flair, consider mixing metals or incorporating statement pendants into the mix. Bracelets and earrings featuring bold links are also a fabulous way to infuse a touch of drama into your Fall outfits!

Vibrant Gemstones and Jewel Tones

Get ready to shine like a diamond this fall by incorporating vibrant gemstones and rich jewel tones into your jewelry collection. Deep emeralds, rich rubies, and luxurious blue sapphires are making a grand entrance. Look for cocktail rings, statement necklaces, and elegant drop earrings adorned with these dazzling gemstones. These jewel tones perfectly complement the warm and cozy colors of fall fashion, adding an opulent touch to your look.

Sculptural and Organic Designs

Embrace the beauty of nature with jewelry pieces featuring sculptural and organic designs. From abstract leaf motifs to flowing, curvaceous shapes, these pieces capture the essence of autumn’s natural beauty. Opt for earrings that mimic the delicate forms of leaves or necklaces with intricate twists and turns that evoke the winding paths of fallen foliage. These pieces offer a unique and artistic touch to your ensemble.

Modern Pearls with a Twist

Pearls have undergone a modern makeover for Fall 2023. The classic gem is now reimagined with unexpected placements, sizes, and colors. Look for asymmetrical pearl earrings that add an avant-garde flair to your look. Baroque pearls, with their irregular and unique shapes, are also gaining popularity, offering a contemporary take on a timeless favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with pearls in unexpected ways to make a chic statement!

These Fall jewelry trends are all about embracing boldness, elegance, and the captivating spirit of the season. Whether you’re drawn to chunky chains, dazzling gemstones, nature-inspired designs, or modern pearls, there’s a trend that will perfectly complement your style. So, get ready to equip yourself with these mesmerizing pieces and make a statement wherever you go this Fall 2023!

–Written by Jack Vale in partnership with silver wholesaler Silver Superstore.

The worlds of fashion and interior design have long been intertwined, drawing inspiration from each other to create beautiful pieces of art. Just as clothing trends evolve seasonally, so do interior design trends. This reflects the ever-changing tastes and preferences of consumers. The bond between fashion and interior design is a fascinating phenomenon that showcases the undeniable influence these creative industries have on each other.

How do these two sectors influence one another?

Color Palette Harmony: One of the most obvious ways fashion influences interior design is through the shared color palette. Fashion designers often set the tone for upcoming color trends, which interior designers then incorporate into their schemes for home decor and furnishings. Whether it’s the Pantone Color of the Year or a specific hue spotted on the runways, these colors find their way into interior spaces, creating a seamless connection between what we wear and how we decorate our homes.

Texture and Materials: Fashion designers experiment with various textures and materials to add depth and visual interest to their collections. These same materials and textures find their way into interior design elements such as upholstery, rugs, and accent pieces. The softness of cashmere, the sleekness of leather, or the richness of velvet can all be experienced both in our wardrobes and in our living spaces, creating a sense of tactile continuity.

Patterns and Prints: Bold patterns and prints are signature elements in both fashion and interior design. The use of stripes, florals, geometrics, and other patterns can be seen on clothing and then translated into interior textiles like wallpapers, curtains, and cushions. These patterns can add a dynamic flair to both personal style and home decor.

Architectural Inspirations: The relationship between fashion, interior design, and architecture is undeniable. Fashion often takes inspiration from iconic architectural landmarks, and this influence can be seen in both fabric patterns and clothing silhouettes. Similarly, architectural elements and designs find their way into interior spaces, defining the overall style and structure of a room.

Seasonal Trends: Just as fashion collections follow seasonal trends, interior design also experiences seasonal shifts. Lighter fabrics and bright colors dominate in the spring and summer, while cozy textiles and warm tones take center stage during autumn and winter. This cyclical nature of trends ensures a continuous interplay between fashion and interior design.

Personal Expression: Both fashion and interior design provide opportunities for personal expression. Our clothing choices and home decor reflect our individual tastes, lifestyles, and personalities. This shared aspect of self-expression allows for a seamless integration of fashion trends into home design, creating spaces that feel authentic and personalized.

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Written by Jack Vale in partnership with Werever outdoor kitchen cabinets.

Building a robust brand presence is pivotal in today’s highly competitive business environment. We will explore some key branded materials your business should consider and how they can contribute to brand building.

1. Business Cards

Despite living in a digital age, business cards are still essential branded material. They are tangible, easily distributable, and provide a sense of professionalism. Ensure your business card reflects your brand ethos by incorporating your logo, brand colors, and typography.

2. Website

Your website is your brand’s digital home. It should reflect your brand’s personality and core values and offer an intuitive user experience. Consistent branding across your website, from color schemes to fonts, enhances credibility and customer loyalty.

3. Email Signature

An often overlooked yet crucial branding element is the email signature. It should include your logo, contact information, and links to your social media platforms. An email signature reinforces brand awareness each time you communicate with your audience.

4. Social Media Graphics

A consistent branding approach across social media reinforces your brand identity. Use branded visuals like banners, profile images, and posts that reflect your brand colors, fonts, and tone of voice.

5. Packaging

If your business sells physical products, your packaging should carry your brand identity. Unique, branded packaging enhances the customer’s unboxing experience and makes your product more memorable.

6. Promotional Products

These can range from t-shirts and pens to reusable bags and water bottles. When branded with your logo and colors, these items constantly remind your customers of your brand and can be an effective marketing tool.

7. Signage and Banners

Signage and banners can attract attention and create a lasting impression, whether at a trade show or your business location. They should be designed to be consistent with your brand identity.

8. Stationary

Letterheads, envelopes, and notepads branded with your logo and colors create a professional appearance and reaffirm your brand in all your business communications.

The choice of branded materials will depend on your business model, audience, and budget. However, consistency is key. It’s not just about having a logo or branded merchandise but ensuring these elements are harmoniously aligned to create a cohesive brand image.

Investing in branded materials is more than just a marketing strategy. It is a commitment to building a strong brand identity that resonates with your audience and stands the test of time. This may require an initial investment, but the returns in terms of brand recognition, loyalty, and, ultimately, sales can be immeasurable.

Hemp is one of the most versatile materials in existence. For years, hemp has been the go-to textile for suppliers looking for sustainable fabrics. From fashion to home decor, hemp is widely regarded as one of the most durable materials. Hemp textiles have antibacterial properties that keep furniture (and clothes) smelling fresh.

What are hemp textiles?

Hemp is a type of fabric that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. Yes, the same plant is used for marihuana. After the plant is harvested, hemp fibers are separated from the stalks and leaves. These fibers are then cleaned, spun, and woven into fabrics.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Hemp plants are harvested, and the stems are dried to remove moisture
2. The hemp stems are soaked in water to break down the fibers and help separate them from the plant material
3. Hemp fibers are then separated from the rest of the plant material
4. Hemp fibers are then hackled to remove impurities
5. Threads are now spun into yarn
6. The yarn is woven into the fabric

Where is hemp fabric used?

Hemp fabric is used in countless ways. Primarily, hemp is sued to make clothing items—everything from shirts, pants, dresses, and jackets.

More recently, though, hemp fabric has been used to create home textiles. Hemp is used to making curtains, upholstery, and even bedding. These products are highly praised for their eco-friendliness and natural look and feel.

Hemp is hypoallergenic, so it’s excellent for bedding. Hemp has a low risk of causing allergic reactions, making it an ideal choice for people sensitive to wool or silk. In fact, hemp fabric is even more breathable than cotton.

Why is hemp fabric so popular now?

There are many reasons why you should choose hemp-based textiles over other fabrics.  Hemp is hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t irritate sensitive skin like some synthetic fibers can. It’s also breathable, so your bedding will help regulate body temperature while sleeping.

Hemp is also resistant to mildew and odors, so you won’t have to worry about upkeep as much.

In decor, hemp has many benefits, including:

• Naturally pest-resistant
• Durable and long-lasting
• More durable than other natural fibers
• Absorbent
• Washable!

Not to mention, hemp can be dyed or printed in myriad ways, opening a new realm of possibilities for designers.

The truth is, we’re only scratching the surface regarding the fantastic benefits of using hemp textiles in clothing, bedding, and home textiles.

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Written by Geraldine Orentas in partnership with furniture retailer Bauhaus 2 Your House