CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

New Era has been handcrafting some of the finest headwear in the world since 1920. Today, with apparel and accessories lines, the brand and its products sold in more than 80 countries.

So with the arrival of the colder seasons, New Era is embarking on a nostalgic journey through its extensive legacy of iconic campus fashion essentials and long history of warm varsity staples. Calling out retro letterman jackets, sweaters, hoodies, t-shirts, and headwear, New Era’s latest winter offering will keep you out of the cold this season. Kicking off the season, two adjustable 9FORTY curved visor styles top the collection. Made from recycled REPREVE fabrics, both styles feature a tonal colour palette which reflects the retro aesthetic of the collection with embroidered shoutouts to the brand’s founding hometown of Buffalo, New York and the company’s founding year – 1920. A series of recycled Polylana ribbed tonal beanies finish the headwear collection with minimal branding with a subtle New Era flag logo on the left side.

Reflecting previous seasons, pinstripe is a mainstay in the new collection and is featured on casual hoodies and t-shirts throughout. Referencing New Era’s early roots in the field of American baseball, contrasting pinstripes of dark green and black are set on a grey and white background. An archive New Era logo is also featured on the left breast of each casual in the brand’s historic cursive font.

A matching letterman jacket and sweater wrap up the collection in premium faux leathers, wool, and thick reverse weave cotton. Comparable to the headwear offering, the number ‘20’ features throughout, again a nod to the brand’s founding year and a celebration of New Era’s long history.

Every year, many people are caught off guard by seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD symptoms include reduced energy levels, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and cravings for sugary and high-carbohydrate foods, among others.

With this in mind, the brain health experts at Brainworks Neurotherapy have shared their tips on how to combat the winter blues and what can be done beyond the well-known light therapy. 

The best strategy for tackling this condition is to adopt a holistic approach to your health, and the simple and easy-to-implement lifestyle changes outlined below aim to simultaneously address mood, sleep, physical health, and lifestyle factors to mitigate the impact of SAD symptoms.

Strategic Sunlight Exposure

No matter how dreary the weather outside may be, make it a point to step outside for 10-15 minutes every day before 12:00. To maximise the benefits of this exercise, position yourself toface east, as this aligns you with the direction of the morning sun. It’s also important to repeat this practice in the evening, during sunset. This time, you should face west as the sun sets in that direction.

Exposure to natural light in this way and time frame is essential for supporting your hormonal system. This is because the amount of light that enters your eyes during these times directly influences the production and regulation of hormones in your body, such as serotonin, melatonin and cortisol, which play a critical role in mood and sleep patterns. This effectiveness extends even to areas with cloudy weather, as the light can penetrate through clouds.

Grounding

Grounding, also known as earthing, is a practice that involves physically connecting with the Earth’s surface to absorb its natural, subtle electrical charge. The idea behind grounding is that in our modern lives, we are often insulated from direct contact with the Earth due to the prevalence of rubber-soled shoes, buildings, and other non-conductive materials. Research indicates that grounding can reduce inflammation, help manage stress levels, and improve sleep patterns.

To practise grounding, all you need is to locate a patch of grass, sand, or even mud, and let your bare skin make contact with the natural earth. You can either walk or stand barefoot on the ground to experience its benefits. Aim to spend at least 20 minutes every day practising this to see the benefits. Even as the weather gets colder, you can continue this practice with reduced time spent, just remember to dress warmly to stay comfortable.

Bedtime Routine

Set a fixed bedtime for every night, and as the clock ticks, put away your phone, turn off the lights, and gently close your eyes. This simple lifestyle adjustment is often underrated, yet it stands as one of the most effective anti-stress habits. Going to bed at the same time every day offers multiple benefits: It aids in regulating our circadian rhythms, ensuring our body’s internal clock is in sync. This, in turn, helps stabilise the production of crucial hormones like melatonin and cortisol. Such regularity not only contributes to improved sleep quality but also plays a vital role in stabilising mood and promoting better mental health.

Connections

While the natural reaction when experiencing SAD symptoms might be to isolate oneself, it’s essential to try the opposite by nurturing connections with others. Engaging in social activities, whether with friends, family, or support groups, can offer a sense of connection and belonging that acts as a potent antidote to the winter blues. These interactions not only provide emotional support but also serve as a reminder that you are not alone in your battle against SAD.

Please note that cases of SAD with more severe symptoms should be evaluated and treated by medical professionals. Treatment options may include cognitive-behavioural therapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination of therapies. In such cases, your GP should be your first point of contact for guidance and appropriate care.

Photo via Pexels

Navigating through the challenges of modern life requires an intentional focus on well-being. A dynamic approach encompassing both mental and physical health is not merely a luxury, but a necessity if you want to maintain balance. This guide, courtesy of Clothes Make The Man, offers actionable insights to uplift your spirits, enhance your appearance, and fuel your journey towards becoming your most exceptional self.

Cultivate Lasting Bonds

Interpersonal relationships serve as the bedrock of emotional well-being. Engaging in deep conversations and shared activities with friends and family is more than just socializing; it’s an investment in your mental health. The emotional sustenance gained from these connections serves as a buffer against stress and elevates your sense of contentment. Such meaningful interactions have a measurable impact on your long-term health and happiness.

Streamline Health Documentation

A radiant smile can be a game-changer. Regular dental check-ups, along with consistent brushing and flossing, contribute to optimal oral health. This, in turn, prevents other issues such as heart disease. Beyond the functional benefits, maintaining your dental health elevates your appearance. For those looking to take it a step further, professional teeth whitening offers an opportunity to enhance your smile, adding a dash of confidence to your interactions.

Get Outside

Walking is far more than a simple mode of transportation; it’s a multi-faceted approach to improving your well-being. Choosing neighborhoods or routes with a high Walk Score can significantly amplify these benefits, as it allows you to walk safely while maintaining access to businesses and other needs. The physical exercise derived from this simple activity bolsters cardiovascular health, while the rhythmic, meditative aspects of walking can act as a stress reliever.

Prioritise Scalp and Strand Care

Your hair serves as a natural accessory, impacting your overall look. Investing in quality products that match your hair type ensures that your locks remain healthy and vibrant. Regular trims, deep conditioning, and avoiding excessive heat styling contribute to maintaining a lustrous mane, thereby elevating your appearance and boosting your self-assurance.

By integrating these multidimensional strategies into your life, you set the stage for a deeper, more enriching existence. Each initiative, from prioritizing relationships to conscious nutritional choices, serves as a component in a holistic framework designed to amplify your well-being. This isn’t just about looking good on the surface, but about cultivating a harmonious internal landscape. The beauty of this approach lies in its adaptability perpetually guiding you towards becoming the best version of yourself.

A living room is often said to be the heart of a family’s home. As it is the room that pumps life into both your private and social life, many wish for it to feel and look as special as it possibly can be. However, achieving that perfect balance of comfort and aesthetic is no easy task. With that in mind, home furnishing experts Englanderline have provided some specialist tips around the topic of arranging your dream living room.

Think about your needs

Determine what furniture is best for you – Firstly, think about what furniture is best for you. Do you need cosy, modern living room furniture or would you prefer something fun and vibrant? Preferences will inevitably change from family to family, but it is important to accommodate what you partly envision before anything else.

Consider spacing – According to how big your living room space is, agree on whether you will need a big, small, or square couch in your living room. For example, if your room is large, it is obviously best to search for large living room ideas. What we ultimately learn from this is that spacing is imperative to your plan. 

There are two types of spacing to be aware of: positive and negative. Positive spacing is where your furniture will go, whilst negative spacing is the empty space left in the room. Considering spacing is ultimately beneficial because it allows you to visualise what should go where.

How should you arrange your living room furniture? 

Avoid facing everything towards a television – Try to avoid facing all your furniture towards the television. One way to do this is by arranging your seats in either a U-shape or an L-shape. These types of arrangements work well for directing one’s eye to another prominent part of your room – a fireplace for instance.  

Do not let technology dominate – As we live in the 21st century, technology is pretty much unavoidable everywhere we go. Most family living rooms tend to include a television or other technological devices. The advice here is to include technological devices in your living room if that is what you want, but do not allow them to dominate your spacing. Instead, if you have the spacing to allow for it, arrange for some built-in shelves to put your devices on.  

Cabinets and sideboards – what to consider 

Grab your guests’ attention – Of course, we agree that comfort comes first. However, if you want to grab your guests’ attention from time to time, and you do not own the luxury of a fireplace or another architecturally attractive feature, you can turn to custom-made cabinets or sideboards. Perhaps they can help to hold a collection of ornaments, or indeed any objects of personal importance. Either way, with them being there, you have added that little bit extra to your ideal living room.

Always consider measurements – Remember to bear in mind that if you are planning to add specific objects to your cabinet, you need to make sure that they will fit. Measuring said objects is a very simple step, but it is one that many people forget. Also, be sure to note the difference in height between the shelves of your cabinet.  

Do not worry about size proportion – Do not panic if you feel that the cabinet’s size is not proportionate to the rest of the room. Woodworks often tend to look bigger when they are empty.  

Try not to put same-scale scale items side by side – When placing objects on your cabinet, try not to place items of the same scale beside one another. By doing you will create a stimulating effect that both you and your guests will love.  

Images

Maria Orlova

Kara Eads

Sven Brandsma

Phil

Kam Idris

Online luxury etailer, MR PORTER’s own brand Mr P. launches exclusive capsule collections with Swedish outdoor brand Houdini and Italian performance footwear brand Diemme for MR PORTER’s annual Go Out series, which raises awareness and funds for MR PORTER Health In Mind.

Houdini is an odd band of adventurers, artists, designers and engineers, reimagining the future of outdoor apparel. Ever since Houdini evolved from a project among climbing buddies into a company in 1993, responsible business has been their way.

Houdini offers a complete wardrobe of progressive performance apparel for the outdoors and a live-large- with-less way of life. The brand is based in Stockholm, Sweden and their products can be found at select retailers worldwide.

As innovators of sustainable design and pioneers of circular business models, Houdini wants to inspire and enable more people to experience the splendor of our home planet and transform our way of living to reconnect the bond between humans and the natural world.

Then, Diemme is inspired by the heritage of hiking boots that have been made for centuries in our home region in Italy’s spectacular Dolomite mountains. Diemme designs evolve those traditions, using the finest materials and techniques to make hiking boots and sneakers that go the distance in mountain terrains or pounding city sidewalks. We make all Diemme products under one roof at our family factory in Onè di Fonte, Veneto, a small town in north-eastern Italy. For centuries, this region has been regarded as the spiritual home of handmade outdoor footwear. Every Diemme pair is handcrafted by expert workers producing limited production runs of high-quality artisan products. Diemme is sold by some of the world’s most esteemed retailers.

The collaborative collections celebrate the great outdoors through championing performance wear and raising awareness, funds and community engagement in support of MR PORTER Health In Mind powered by Movember. All pieces are available at MR PORTER alongside the Mr P. x Houdini collection online at Houdini. Net profits* of each piece sold during the first two weeks on MR PORTER and Houdini will be donated to the Fund, supporting men’s mental and physical health initiatives to help men lead healthier, longer lives.