It’s October, which means it’s the season to get spooky Halloween often allows people to enjoy a myriad of trends and decorations, along with spooky reruns on TV as it starts to chill outside.

However, not all Halloween trends bring the spook factor and can end up looking tacky. To help you navigate the treacherous waters of spooky aesthetics, Zara O’Hare, interior designer at Land of Rugs, has compiled a guide on Halloween decorations you should avoid at all costs.

Ditch Faux Materials and Anything Covered in Glitter

It’s time to hang up the glitter, at least until Christmas time.

“One of the cardinal sins of Halloween decorating is overindulging in faux materials and anything covered in glitter. 

While glitter may add a touch of sparkle, it can quickly turn your spooky setup into a garish mess.

Faux materials like plastic skeletons, fake cobwebs and synthetic spider webs can make your decorations look cheap and inauthentic,” recommends the expert. 

Steer Clear of Anything That Makes Loud Noises

Loud noises as part of your Halloween set may be tempting, but very quickly cross the line from spooky to obnoxious. 

Screeching sound machines, heckling witches, or loud, repetitive music can be more of an annoyance than a source of fright – let’s not bewitch our neighbours for eternity.

Inflatable Garden Decor Is a Big No-No

If you’re in the UK, inflatable garden decor in October should already sound like a pretty worthless decision.

“While some inflatables can be charming, they often lean towards the tacky side. 

Oversized inflatable pumpkins, ghosts, and zombies can quickly detract from the spooky ambience you’re trying to create. 

They’re also likely to end up drifting into your neighbour’s garden or further afield,” says the expert.

Stick to the Classics and Natural Elements

Try to embrace the timeless charm of classic Halloween elements, by carving real pumpkins with intricate designs or traditional faces to line your front steps.

Hang out in nature and find cornstalks and dark leaves to drape around your door frame. 

Consider Something Interactive

If you’re looking to make your Halloween display memorable and engaging, consider something interactive that your guests and visitors can get involved with.

Instead of inflatable decorations, think about creating a maze or corn pit in your garden. A spooky labyrinth is bound to get your quests in the mood.

Imagery

Vino Li

Styler Sawyer

Šimom Caban

Nik

Monty Lov

Aerie Vincent

With Halloween just around the corner, fashion experts from Boohoo have predicted this year’s hottest pop-culture themed Halloween costumes inspired by the most memorable moments from 2023 so far.

 Costumes for men 

Billy the Puppet from SAW
For fans of scarier Halloween costumes, Jigsaw’s tricycle-riding puppet Billy will be a popular choice this year. The newest instalment in the Saw franchise, Saw X, has recently hit cinemas, perfect timing for fans to dress as the horror icon by piecing together a suit, red bow tie and Billy’s signature face makeup. 

Ken (and Allan)
One for the lads,  just like Barbie, we can expect to see a variety of Ken costumes this Halloween. From Ken’s tie-dyed ‘I am Kenough’ hoodie to his signature denim vest, there are plenty of Ryan Gosling’s looks from the film to replicate. For a more unique costume, however, grab a pair of blue shorts and a multicoloured stripy shirt to dress as Michael Cera’s character from the film, Allan.

Ted Lasso 

Arguably one of the most popular and most-anticipated shows of the year, Ted Lasso will likely be among the most popular Halloween looks this year. Jason Sudeikis’ character has a casual style that is easy to replicate using items you likely already own, consisting of a tracksuit, trainers, aviator sunglasses and visor. Most importantly, you’ll need a fake moustache to match Ted’s most distinguishing feature, as well as a whistle and football to complete the look.

Indiana Jones
Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones is another popular men’s Halloween costume we can expect to see this Halloween. A classic costume every year, but the new Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has reignited interest in the classic 80s film, sparking 11,000 average monthly searches for ‘Indiana Jones costume’ worldwide. A button-down shirt, satchel and classic cowboy hat make the ideal minimal-effort costume, perfect for those obsessed with the franchise. 

 Guys and Girls    

Barbie and Ken  

This Halloween’s most popular couples costume will undoubtedly be Barbie and Ken, based on Greta Gerwig’s hugely successful Barbie. Ever since the announcement of Barbie and those pictures of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were leaked online, ‘Barbiecore’ has skyrocketed in popularity, so we can expect to see many couples dressed as the iconic plastic duo this Halloween. Couples primarily have two iconic matching outfits from the film to choose from, either Barbie and Ken’s matching neon rollerblading outfits or their hot pink cowboy costumes. 

Mario and Princess Peach  

Another popular couple costume this year will be Mario and Princess Peach, thanks to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the blockbuster animated hit that debuted this spring. To complete Mario’s look, you will need blue overalls, a red hat and long-sleeve top, as well as a fake moustache, whereas Princess Peach will need a pretty pink dress, signature blonde hair and tiara. Alternatively, gather your friends and turn this into a group costume, including other popular characters from the beloved franchise, including Luigi, Toad and Bowser.  

Elvis and Priscilla  

Elvis and Priscilla Presley will undoubtedly be one of the most popular couples costumes again this Halloween. Between Austin Butler portraying the King of Rock in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic Elvis and Sofia Coppola’s upcoming A24 film Priscilla, this Halloween is the perfect time to dress as the iconic couple. Replicate Priscilla’s classic look with a 60s-inspired mini dress and bouffant hair, and style a white jumpsuit or two-piece with gelled-back hair for the signature Elvis image.   

Founded in 1996, RINGANA is a pioneering Austrian company in the fresh skin care and food supplements industry. RINGANA meanwhile employs over 500 people and achieved net turnover of around 172.8 million euro in 2022. The cornerstones of RINGANA’s success are: freshness, efficacy and sustainability. The products are vegan and contain no artificial preservatives or additives. They are manufactured at RINGANA’s new facility in St. Johann in der Haide and are shipped from there to international customers in 34 countries.

The importance of male well-being and effective skin care is also growing year by year. RINGANA products provide every opportunity to restore the natural radiance of men’s skin, and to cleanse, groom and hydrate it – from within and on the outside.

Four steps to full radiance

1: Cleanse gently

 Our hand-scooped, hand-cut and hand-stamped FRESH soap bears the Austrian Ecolabel and it’s bursting with natural talents from nigella oil, aloe vera fresh plant juice and almond oil. It has a harmonising, hydrating and lipid-replenishing effect. When used it forms a pleasant, lightly-scented lather that cleanses the skin gently. 

2: Quench the skin’s thirst

Light FRESH hydro serum hydrates, reduces redness and strengthens the skin barrier. Thanks to Iceland moss extract, a protective layer of water is formed on the skin which optimally hydrates the skin, producing a plumply fresh and radiant look.

3: Boost energy and elasticity

The complexes of ingredients in FRESH moisturiser for men were specially blended to meet the needs of male skin. Because of its regenerating, antibacterial and cell-renewing effect, the moisturiser provides all-round grooming and also reduces impurities. Walnut and beech bud extract strengthen the skin barrier, while mountain hops protect against environmental impacts.

4: Male power from within

CAPS mascu are real all-rounders in terms of male well-being. Selected, study-based plant extracts combined with Vitamin C from acerola, along with zinc and selenium, support the mental, physical and sexual well-being of healthy adult men of all ages.

When it comes to getting the perfect breakaway, finding a spot to take stunning pictures and make memories that will last a lifetime is key. After all, what is a good holiday if you can’t make your friends, family, and colleagues a little bit jealous?

We all know how instagrammable London and Paris can be, with 160 million and 139 million posts on Instagram, respectively. But which locations are often overlooked, though they have the potential to be Instagram-worthy?

Valencia, Spain

With 28.8 million posts on Instagram, Valencia is worth visiting. It’s beautiful, and it is the perfect place for anyone who loves a warm relax by the water.

If you’re a fan of stunning architecture, brilliant water features, and warm weather, then Valencia is the right choice for you. Who doesn’t want the perfect golden-hour picture by the sea when in Spain? And with temperatures up to 30 degrees Celsius during the day, Spain offers the best weather for tight dresses, sandals, and cocktails.

And with the City of Arts and Science, there is plenty to learn, see, and do in Valencia, with stunning architecture for you to explore, whether you’re a history buff or an art lover. If you’re interested in a specific exhibition, you will have to buy tickets; otherwise, it is free to see!

If architecture like Valencia Cathedral isn’t your style and you’d prefer to enjoy time in the sun, then the Botanical Garden could be the one for you.

Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg’s blend of German romanticism and gritty glamour can give you a unique and beautiful holiday experience. And with 22.9 million posts under #hamburg, there’s plenty of inspiration to take from this city. Hamburg, with its stunning harbour, is a city break often overlooked for Berlin, but no less exciting!

If you’re a fan of Netflix series like Below Deck, you’ll be in love with the harbour of Hamburg. There is something for every enthusiast passing through this port, and a mini photoshoot in front of a luxury yacht is enough to make any friend back home jealous.

And if you’re looking for your dream fairytale runway to get the perfect dress picture, the Venetian-inspired Alsterarkaden is not to be missed. With white stone, black accents, and waterfront access, any outfit will look right at home in this secretly super instagrammable spot. Not to mention the luxury shops and cafes selling everything from jewellery to cakes!

Budapest, Hungary

It doesn’t get much more Buda-ful than Budapest. With 15 million Instagram posts touring the city, night and day, there is enough content to make anyone want to jump on a plane right away.

If you and your girls want a true European fairytale-style getaway, then Fisherman’s Bastion will make you feel like a princess. With stunning city skyline and waterfront views, these 19th-century lookout towers give the perfect backdrop to any photo shoot.

And why not continue the height of luxury with a river cruise down the Danube? The lights of Budapest are certain to make you feel on top of the world. So, if you’re Hungary for an adventure and want to get those all-important memories recorded in style, then visiting Budapest must be on your list.

Stockholm, Sweden

And why not set up a home in Stockholm for your holidays? Whether it is a summer trip or enjoying the winter festivities, Sweden has a lot to offer. With 14 million posts on Instagram exploring cafes, waterfronts, and architecture, there is so much for you and your camera to explore.

The Old Town in Stockholm, Gamla Stan, is home to bright colours and narrow roads, making every fairytale dream come to life. Add in markets and some snow, and you are on to a winner! The asymmetric and colourful buildings make walking around a treat for the eyes. And with lanterns and amazing local cuisine, there is something soft but sweet about this magical place.

Stockholm is truly the city of colour and a place to add that splash of something to your grid! From the Djurgarden Blue Gate to the Brunkeberg Tunnel, you can add everything from photoshoot-worthy modelling to humble candids to your account.

So whether you’re wanting to visit the sunny south of Europe or a colder Northern destination, there are photo opportunities aplenty! From the stunning architectural beauty of cathedrals and museums to the height of class in a castle, there is something to fit everyone’s Instagram grid.

Images by

Hernan Gonzalez

Rachel Davies

Keszlethelyi Timi

Mikael Stenberg

CAT Footwear has joined forces with Nigel Cabourn for a collection to deliver two new style boots inspired by heritage-workwear and military styles.

This collection sees 2 new style each in 2 colour ways.

The Utah Zip, combines sketches from Nigel Cabourn himself and is a reinvention of last years Utah style. This features a zip to cover the draw cord lacing below to ensure warmth and protection. Black olive is a colour way that nods to the shoes military inspiration whereas Bison features more of a multi-one pallet.

The Omaha Lace, inspired by Nigel Cabourn’s iconic Expedition Parkas, the lace spans the entire instep, crisscrossing back and fourth, feeding through webbing loops before tying around the boot cuff. The All Black colour way and multi toned Olive both complete with dual CAT and Nigel Cabournbranding.

Looking at Cabourn and Cat Footwear, it’s clear that they share a passion for practical durability, functional- ity, and utility. It’s something you’ll see in bounds in this collection. But you’ll also see something else: a shared respect for provenance and storytelIing.

Designed to protect against the elements on any given expedition, the Seabees’ defiant spirit and elemental battle lives on in every last detail of this collection.

Cabourn is no stranger to the great doors and the elements. Over the years, his technical apparel has taken direct inspiration from a multitude of expeditions across the globe, creating perfect conditions for clothing that withstands all manner of extremes.