CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Urban adventure means uncharted territory, a boundless curiosity for the city around you. Explore your city anew with advanced technical apparel purpose built for urban adventure with The North Face UE.

Through countless encounters with your favourite city, you move with its movements, its character is reflected in you. Navigating side streets and blending into crowds, a boundless curiosity for the city around you. Finding the secrets hidden behind the landmarks, waking up with the alarm and chasing sunsets.

Crafted by guest designers this season are Yuzuki, founder and chief designer of FLOAT and YUZUKI, and Kazuki Kuraishi, founder of THE FOURNESS. They worked with The North Face APAC design team to bring the new collection to life. Their style mixes street and urban outdoor elements to create dramatic pieces re-imagined garments inspired by archival technical pieces to create a definitive moment for this season.

Forming innovative, forward-thinking fashion staples, The North Face UE is a labour of love designed to unite and empower. Each designer brought their unique opinion of urban street style to the table. Re-imagine the garments that express the performance world of The North Face. Reflecting the evolution of exploration in city spaces around the world.

The North Face UE collection contains a tech romantic design reshaping the icons with 3D a-shapes for women and a reimagined vintage TNF jacket for men that plays with The North Face ratios through fleece fabric blocking. Highlights include the layering down jacket, patchwork crew and the casual pants in classic black for women. For men the highlights alongside the jacket are the fleece jacket and casual pants in vintage style.

Wherever the adventure takes you, it’s never the destination but the dialogue with the city that matters. The North Face UE collection enables explorers to find that connection to their environment, in both the natural and urban worlds.

James Clark, Technical Training Manager at Wiser – makers of smart home heating – reveals the common mistakes homeowners are making when it comes to saving on energy usage and bills,

revealing the common mistakes homeowners are making when it comes to reducing energy bills. 

Leaving your heating on low all day

“A lot of people think that leaving your heating on low all day can help save energy and money, however, this isn’t necessarily true. In some instances (for example in a large house with underfloor heating and a heat pump system) it may be cheaper to have your heating on low all day; but what we do know from research is for many UK homes, having the heating on only when you need it is the best way to reduce your energy costs.”

Not investing in smart heating

“Upgrading from basic thermostat controls to a smart heating system, such as Wiser, can help you to save money on your annual energy bills. With Wiser, you could have the heating on in bedrooms and bathrooms for the first hour of the day, then simply swap it to the home office and lounge for the afternoon via your phone. In fact, by switching to a smart heating system, you can save up to 30% on your annual energy bills. 

A smart multi-room heating system is a great long-term investment that will save you both energy and money, by only heating the rooms you choose, at the times you decide.”

Opting for non-energy efficient appliances  

“Research shows that swapping your old kitchen appliances for energy-saving models could save you hundreds of pounds per year, so when it comes to replacing or upgrading your appliances, make sure you take into consideration their energy efficiency credentials. The easiest way to compare different models is to look at the energy-efficiency rating label.”

Not balancing your heating system 

“A balanced heating system is a much more energy efficient one – by balancing your radiators you’re making sure that hot water from your boiler is reaching all of them. By simply asking your heating engineer to lower the flow temperature to around 55ºC and balance the heating system, you could significantly reduce your energy bills.”

Opting for high temperatures

“Often, many of us use higher temperatures than we need around the home, most commonly for our heating and washing. By dropping the temperature of your average cycle down to 40ºC, 30ºC, or even 20ºC depending on your machine, you can make serious savings. You needn’t worry about your clothes being properly clean; modern detergents and softeners wash clothes effectively at a lower temperature. I would also suggest turning your thermostat down by just 1ºC – you’ll likely not notice a difference in temperature, and this small change can make a big difference to the amount of energy you use, while saving you money off your energy bills.”

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.