CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Sneakers are the perfect shoes to complete your casual wear. They announce your sense of style and will determine your comfort while you walk or work. They will be the first attire a person notices when you meet.

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The casual look will fit your outdoor spirit. You will be at ease while hiking or going for picnics. Use My Paper Writer to get your homework sorted as you enjoy a more engaging casual lifestyle. The helpers ensure that your academic work is sorted even while you travel or enjoy night-outs.

Here are the top luxury sneakers for a casual look

Oliver Cabell Low 1 Frost

Oliver Cabell is stamping his authority in the sneaker market. He has a perfect shoe for men who want to feel easy without attracting a lot of attention. It is a shoe for the minimalist dresser.

The most popular item in this category is the plain white Frost variety. It is low cut and will not attract attention whenever you walk into a room. It has a thick sole that makes it comfortable to walk around. It is a stylish choice made from the best materials and through world-class ethical practices. It is affordable and durable, giving you the best value for money.

Nike Air Max 95

Nike is one of the most innovative brands of all time. It has sneakers for all social classes and style preferences. The Max 95 sneaker is one of the most popular shoes of 2021 and will continue to dominate in 2022.

Nike Air Max 95 features a firm sole, giving you the perfect grip while you walk. The interior is professionally designed to take care of your feet and also guarantee comfort. It is light and comfortable for casual as well as semi-casual wear. It announces your sense of class whenever you walk into a room. You have a range of colors to choose from. You will also enjoy the affordable price.

Koio Kapri Kastagna

Looking for a perfect casual shoe for your jeans? Koio Kapri Kastagna is the way to go. It has a white sole and a brown or black top. The top is made of pure leather, helping you to enjoy the taste of class and luxury. The shoe is designed in the USA and produced in Italy. The experience and expertise of the joint producers guarantee the best value for money for your sneakers.

Adidas Original Superstar

The shoe is for the classic sneaker lover. The design is also appealing to newcomers who want to stamp authority by acquiring a pioneer brand. It comes with a solid sole that allows you to walk everywhere. It is a timeless choice available in a variety of colors. It is also affordable and durable, cementing its reputation of offering great value for money.

The sneakers market has numerous shoe varieties to offer. While personal preference counts, you must consider the quality of the sole as well as the top to guarantee value for money. If you are looking for luxury, the history of a brand could be worth considering.

Words By Tiffany Kelly, Beyond Bamboo

Ever felt baffled and confused by the eco-friendly and environmental terminology you see in advertising and media? With the impacts of climate change having disastrous effects on human, animal and plant life around the world, more and more of us are becoming concerned about what we buy and interested in how we can make a positive difference. Brands across most industries are making all sorts of green claims but sometimes it can feel hard to make sense of the jargon and know for sure what it all really means.

Recently conducted research* found that almost two thirds of those questioned said they want to take climate action but feel overwhelmed by the numbers or jargon or are often put off by the lack of information available on the topic. The same study found that four in five would do more for the environment if they saw less ‘carbon jargon’ and instead received simpler information about what they could do to reduce their impact on the planet.

Here is Beyond Bamboo’s glossary of Green Terms to help you navigate these green claims and eco buzz words. This will help you make the best choices for you, the well-being of others and the health of our planet.

Net zero

Net zero refers to achieving an equal balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. This can be done by changing business processes to reduce emissions in the first place–for example by switching to renewable energy or minimising plastic in products or packaging –while also actively removing the remaining greenhouse gases from the atmosphere for example, by contributing to projects that conserve natural habitats or plant trees to absorb carbon. You can also subscribe to you have carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere and stored safely underground where it turns to stone. It tends to refer to current emissions, not historic ones.

Carbon offsetting

Offsetting is a way of paying for others to reduce emissions or absorb CO2 to compensate for a company’s own emissions. For example, a business may pay towards tree planting or the delivery of energy-efficient cooking stoves to communities in developing countries. BUT brands should be doing that as well as cutting emissions directly, not just substituting them. Offsetting doesn’t actually cancel out – or ‘offset’ – the emissions to which they are linked. Also, contributing to a project that was going ahead anyway doesn’t help remove EXTRA carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. So offsetting is beset with problems which is why it is falling out of favour.

(https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/the-biggest-problem-with-carbon-offsetting-is-that-it-doesnt-really-work/)

Carbon Neutral

Carbon neutrality is a state of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. This can be achieved by balancing emissions of carbon dioxide with its removal (often through carbon offsetting) or by eliminating emissions completely. Again, this is generally used to describe current carbon dioxide emissions, not historic ones (which also need to be removed).

Carbon Positive

This is a step beyond carbon neutral. Once net zero or carbon neutral status is achieved, a business can start to tackle removing its historic emissions or, for new businesses additional CO2 can be removed to create a wider environmental benefit.

Vegan and Vegan Friendly

If something is vegan it does not contain any animal ingredients or animal-derived ingredients. Often brands claim a food item is vegan-friendly if it contains no animal ingredients but was made in a factory where other non-vegan items are made. The terminology is used to indicate that they cannot guarantee there is absolutely no cross contamination (but, on balance, the product can be considered vegan). Vegan should also mean that no animals or animal products were used in any part of the product’s creation.

Animal exploitation for food and products is directly related to biodiversity and wildlife loss, either through the loss of habitat, the slaughter and starving of wild animals, overfishing and/or the pollution of ecosystems. Livestock farming is a major contributor of greenhouse gases and deforestation.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty-free is a label for products that do not harm or kill animals anywhere along its supply chain. Products tested on animals are not considered cruelty-free, since these tests are often painful and cause the suffering and death of animals. Look for the Leaping Bunny logo to be sure an item is genuinely cruelty-free.

Plant Based

The word ‘plant-based’ has been thrown around A LOT in recent times. This move away from meat is fantastic news for the environment, our health and for animals. Big companies are now seeing the marketing value of the word ‘plant-based’, realising that people are more educated than ever about the environmental impact of food and the health benefits of eating ‘plant-based’foods rather than ‘animal-based’ ones. Though some people, including food bloggers, may use the terms “plant-based” and “vegan” interchangeably, plant-based is an “umbrella term” and does not always equate to being vegan – so do check the labels and ask if the item really is vegan. Eating plant-based foods is the single biggest way we can reduce our impact on the environment as individuals.

Biodegradable/Compostable

Biodegradable materials or products are those that are able tobreak down to their basic components when given the right conditions and presence of microorganisms, fungi or bacteria. This is great as it keeps the item out of landfill and saves space. Some items are biodegradable/compostable in home composting bins, other require industrial composting silos where very high temperatures are reached. So, check if it is suitable for home composting as you can do this yourself, without the need for additional transport, and it also indicates that the item will break down relatively quickly. Once degraded/composted the item leaves nothing harmful behind. (https://www.thebalancesmb.com/what-does-biodegradable-mean-2538213)

Accreditation

Accreditation is an independent, third-party evaluation by an assessment body (such as certification body, inspection body or laboratory) against recognised standards. A brand having gained an industry accreditation ensures that due diligence has been done for that particular claim. Be aware that not all accreditation schemes are created equal so make sure the assessment body is widely recognised or else transparent in how it establishes the validity of claims.

Sustainable

This word is really thrown around a lot these days, but its real meaning is seldom well understood. Simply put, sustainable products and practices are those that do not jeopardise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It has become too broad a term with such little accountability that it can hardly be taken at face value. Brands that are operating “more sustainably” should always explain specifically how they are doing so.

Zero Waste

Zero waste is a set of principles focused on waste prevention that encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused. The goal is for no trash to be sent to landfills, incinerators or the ocean.

Did you know that since its creation, over 4 billion pairs of Havaianas have been sold. If lined up all together, they would go around the Earth about 40 times

Back in 1962, while the rest of the world was busy with more ‘serious’ matters, the shoe which has become synonymous with holidaying was born in Brazil: Havaianas, the original, 100% rubber flip-flop. Modelled on the Japanese Zori slipper, Havaianas insoles still have a textured rice pattern to this day and was named Havaianas in honour of the Hawaiian pleasure-centred approach to life.

But, the humble, footwear of choice to the Brazilian working class has created somewhat of a viva revolution in its own rights. It has evolved and spread it’s unique colourful love into espadrilles, trainers and even added a bit of Brazilian colour to the Great British Welly !

Now in 2022 Havaianas launch their next products of interests and have dived into athleisure with the Men’s Rainbow Eco Sweat Hoodie and Rainbow Eco Sweat Pants.

Embodying the laid back Havaianas lifestyle, the first apparel collection from Havaianas, both the Rainbow Eco Sweat Hoodie and Rainbow Eco Sweat Pants feature the classic brand rainbow stripe embroidery, and have a regular, relaxed, casual fit.  

Perfect for hitting the gym, relaxed weekend wear or to travel in, both the hoodie and sweat pants are available in classic black and olive.

The W7 Brand was created in 2002, the inspiration of two entrepreneurial young men from West London.

Their aim – that everyone should have access to an extensive range of high quality cosmetics at an affordable price – is now well on the way to becoming a reality. The brand’s tagline of “Who Will You Be Today?” opens up opportunity for the consumer to express themselves and use W7 products to be who they want to be. With a strong team behind the brand, W7 has grown year on year and now boasts a collection of over 500 products, none of which are tested on animals.

The hero products within the range include  the W7’s Mister Post Shave Lotion is a formula to soothe and refresh the skin after daily shave. The Mister Post Shave Lotion contains: Vitamin E – Offers significant antioxidant properties, including defence from pollution. Peony Root Extract – An antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory that works hard to brighten the complexion.

The W7 Mister Hair & Body Wash is a quick and easy 2-in-1 for the hair and body. Formulated to lock-in moisture; hair and skin will feel and stay fresh and soft throughout the day.

Lastly, The Mister Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick is a creamy and long-lasting Antiperspirant formula that battles against odours whilst leaving a fresh scent.The Mister Beard Oil contains:

Vitamin E – Antioxidant. Jojoba Oil – Antibacterial, antioxidant and deeply moisturising and Zinc Phenolsulfonate – Antimicrobial.

“A gentleman’s choice of timepiece says as much about him as does his Saville Row suit.” – Ian Fleming

Being gifted a great watch can be like a rite of passage for a person. A moment in time when people start to take them seriously – most of all, themselves.

It can also be the most significant gift you can give to someone.

Picking the right style for the right person is a tough job – the below should help you be as precise as possible for picking the perfect timepiece.

Read our guide on how to buy a luxury watch as a gift and find the perfect timepiece for that special someone.

The brands

Having a general understanding of the biggest watch brands will help you finalise your choice – picking the best is like asking someone on the street who the best football team is – you will always get a different opinion.

Rolex is the most well-known luxury watch brand. They soared in status during the late 1980s ‘yuppie’ culture, a fast-growing movement of young, affluent executives who wanted to show-off their rise in status.

Everyone loves a Rolex, but amongst those in the know, there are finer watches out there. Historic brands such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Cartier are respected by horologists all around the world for the brilliance of their design and technical features.

Success can sometimes spoil quality, so a lot of the lesser known names have retained a sense of identity over the years – if you are primarily after quality and not in the favour of public opinion, this will be your route.

The complicated part

Some watches have an incredible amount of features and settings. Using an annual calendar, winding the watch up or adjusting the chronograph takes knowledge of horology. So knowing the type of person should make you lean towards more or less complications on a watch.

Is the person a watch geek who loves using little features and available gadgetry? Or are they a minimalist who would prefer their watch to be a statement alone? It will be a waste of money to buy a timepiece with intricate features only for them not to be used and vice-versa, so take heed of a watch’s complications.

A watch style and different personalities

Every type of watch indicates something about the wearer. It is crucial that when you get this person their timepiece, you cannot mistake their personality for the type. Getting a sporty, outdoors type of stylish dress watch just won’t work. Not only will the watch not survive their lifestyle, but the relationship also may not recover from the misappropriation.

Types of watches range from field and racing to diving and pilot. Each one is built to accommodate a different wearer, so buying them the ‘correct’ type will not only show you understand them on a personal level but will also allow the watch to be used in its correct function.

Field

Originally created for soldiers in WWI, the field watch has developed into a timeless piece made for men of action. Today, it is the complete watch made for the modern man.

A field watch is simple in design with minimal complications and faff – it is sturdy, reliable and efficient – just like the person who wears them.

The style is iconic and the complications it has will suit anyone with a personality of style and adventure. The simplistic look, usability and durability make it a great choice for a first ‘serious’ watch.

If it works for fictional CIA agent Jack Ryan, it is probably going to be good enough for the rest of us.

Perfect for: rugged, sophisticated and active people

Chronograph

These highly accurate watches were a huge innovation for sports. Before the chronograph, runners could not measure their exact time during laps – it was impossible to be precise.

Since then, the chronograph watch has become pivotal to space travel, racing technology and the aviation industry. Equally as cool, Paul Newman wore a Rolex Daytona which would go on to be sold at auction for $17.75m.

The chronograph has the perfect balance between a cool, stylish, sleek appearance whilst having all the gadgetries and complications of a racing car dashboard.

This is why this watch is perfect for the cool yet fast-paced. Someone who is measured, on time and can look cool effortlessly.

Perfect for: The competitive & sporty type

Pilot

One of the most stylish types, these watches were at the forefront of the aviation world. The first real ‘computers’ onboard planes, these watches helped pilots navigate and gave them coordination.

A pilot watch usually consists of technical complications and stylish designs. The timepiece style is great for almost every occasion in looking fashionable, professional and being efficient.

This style suits the literal and figurative ‘high flyer’ and the extrovert who boasts a Maverick-style personality.

Perfect for: the fashionable extrovert

Dress

The king of elegance. This watch is more of a piece of jewellery than an accessory, something more modern that came during a time when style began to creep over function. This watch is usually simple, sleek and complementary. Perfect for someone who always dresses their best regardless of whether it is the boardroom or the pub.

Originally a dress watch donned a leather strap and was restricted to only the most formal occasions. As time has progressed, opulence allows a watch to qualify. If worn correctly, it can suit almost any setting.

Dress watches grew rapidly during the 80s and 90s. The yuppie culture of high-earning young executives keen to show their newfound wealth and class led to the mass increase in Rolex sales.

The Rolex brand was cemented in style – and ever since then, if you see someone boasting one of their dress watches you know they mean business.

A watch of refined taste that is difficult to pull off correctly. A must-have in any collection, it can essentially be worn in any situation. The key caveat is who is wearing it, not where or with what.

Perfect for: the classy executive

Diving

This watch came to the forefront in 1962 after Sean Connery’s James Bond in Dr. No wore a Rolex Submariner.

Ever since then, it has almost become a lifestyle symbol by those who wear it. It shows that its wearer is a person of adventure and style, of mystery and preparedness.

The retro feel, durable look and sophisticated style make it a perfect watch for the excitement in life. Whilst you aren’t going to be expected to dive with sharks in Nassau, you could be found wearing this travelling from city to beach and not look out of style in either.

Perfect for: the active adventurer

Racing

Drivers at the top level have always been renowned for their composure, precision and accuracy.

Born from the need for race drivers needing to measure distance over time, we saw this style become recognised more for the wearers than anything else.

Arguably one of the coolest styles and more versatile to wear, you can pick from your chunkier and dressier to the more stylish and squared away.

Of course, the coolest style can only be worn by the most debonair of people; enter Steve McQueen. He wore the 1969 TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre in the 1971 film Le Mans and immortalised the watch.

It became a style of watch that can only be worn by the most relaxed and assured among us.

Perfect for: the relaxed and cool headed individual