Automatic GMT watches have a special complication with an additional hand that rotates once every 24 hours. This hand indicates the time in a second time zone, allowing the wearer to easily reference a number of places at once. These watches are complex because the movement needs to be engineered so that the GMT hand can run independently of the hour and minute hands. This is especially useful for frequent travelers or anyone who frequently needs to communicate across time zones.

Into collecting watches? Take a look at what makes an excellent diving watch

Who can benefit the most from automatic GMT watches?

Choosing an automatic GMT watch largely depends on your lifestyle. Below are some important considerations:

Travel Frequency

Automatic GMT watches can be indispensable if you make many international trips. It helps you check your home time and adjust the local hour hand when flying forward or backward between time zones. Business men and women can benefit greatly from this feature as they are required to schedule meetings in other regions.

Family and Friends Abroad

Owning a GMT watch can remind you of your loved ones scattered across the globe. Also, the fact that you can look at your wrist and know what time it is where they are might keep you close and engaging in timely conversations.

Professional Needs

Accountants, financial professionals, and global ops are often mindful of various time zones. This can be streamlined through an automatic GMT watch, and the process becomes much faster since there would be no need to consult the phone or computer for relevant times.

Aesthetic Preferences

While functionality is primarily why most people buy a watch, the design and look of a watch is paramount for many. Your style will determine whether you choose a sporty or dressy automatic GMT watch. There are plenty of styles, so you can easily find one that suits your personal wardrobe.

Durability and Comfort

Based on your job, consider how tough you need your wristwatch to be. For active lifestyles or demanding working environments, opt for watches that are durable without compromising on looks. The same goes for the watch’s fit. It must be comfortable, as you will be wearing it throughout the whole day.

Features to look for when buying an automatic GMT watch

When shopping for an automatic GMT watch, keep an eye out for a few features that enhance usability:

• Independent Hour Hand Adjustment: You can adjust the local time without affecting the GMT hand, which is a great feature for travelers.
• Simple Dial Design: A clean dial with simple markers allows you to read time in two zones at the same time.
• Water Resistance: If you intend to wear your watch while engaging in outdoor activities or swimming, make sure it comes with sufficient water resistance.
• Material Quality: Choose quality materials for durability and aesthetics, preferably stainless steel or ceramic cases.

So now you know…

When choosing the correct automatic GMT watch, one must weigh the merits of functionality against personal style preferences.

A perfect automatic GMT watch provides functionality, but it should always try to balance the other features according to his/her style. By taking into account your personal lifestyle requirements, you can find a timepiece that is more than a timepiece that is more than just a tool, but also an extension of yourself.

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Men’s health in winter is vital to keep on top of, and self-care for men can be overlooked. But with the added pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, investing in yourself is more important than ever before.

You don’t need to replace your usual hobbies – instead, try to see a new routine as an enrichment to the way you live now. It’s never too late to start caring for your body, health, and mind. Here’s how you can get started and feel better this winter.

Self-care for men: Four simple steps towards becoming your best self

1. Style your hair

Refreshing your hairstyle can be one of the most effective ways to feel better. Winter often calls for major haircuts, especially if your hair is dry or starting to grow out beyond a length that’s easy to maintain.

By styling your hair, you can feel ready to tackle almost anything the day throws at you. If you’ve had your confidence knocked by a period of thinning or balding, specialised products like hair building fibres could help you to get back on track and feel unstoppable again.

2. Find a winter skincare routine

Your skin and hair might need more maintenance through colder weather, especially if you’re working long hours outside. Following a skincare routine will help you show off that healthy glow all through the season, no matter how extreme the outdoor conditions become.

Nourished skin not only helps you to appear healthy but could even make you look younger too. Of course, there’s a confidence-boosting element to having clear skin, too. When you feel more presentable, especially at work, you’ll be able to handle any task with enthusiasm and vigour.

Read more: Collagen for pro-ageing skincare

3. Improve your posture

The way you carry yourself could influence the way you feel throughout the day. Scientific studies suggest that improving your posture not only helps your body but has been linked to higher brain processing speeds and positive mood changes.

And improving your posture couldn’t be more straightforward. A few of the quick ways to fix your posture include:

• Sit properly: If you have a job that requires you to spend a lot of time sitting at your desk, this is vital. Try to sit with both feet on the floor, with your legs uncrossed. Your shoulders should be relaxed, and if possible, try to keep your knees facing forward.
• Stand tall: Thinking about improving your posture will naturally improve it over time. Concentrate on how you hold your shoulders and back, even when you’re doing something as simple as making a coffee.
  Work your muscles: Did you know that one of the biggest causes of joint and muscle pain is a lack of movement? Get up, shake out your legs, or hit the gym – you’ll notice the benefits quickly.

4. Consider nail care

Low temperatures and harsh, dry air have been proven to cause skin irritation and even eczema flare-ups during winter. If your hair and skin are suffering, your nails will likely be too – since they’re made of keratin, the same key protein in hair.

Nailcare is not just for women. If you’ve got a partner at home, they’ll likely notice any time and effort you might put into cleaning and restoring your nails. Once you know that you’re not walking around with dirty nails anymore, there’s bound to be an inevitable confidence boost too.

A final note

You don’t need to change much to feel more energised through winter. By taking care of your skin, hair, and body, you’ll notice benefits that seep into your emotional well-being too.

Read more: Are men bad at self care?

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For any fashion-conscious individual, there are certain statement pieces that you’ll want to invest in. These are the kind of items that you can wear for life and, in many cases, will increase in value over time.

Investing in these pieces is how you build a sophisticated, elegant and eye-catching wardrobe. So, let’s look at a few of the best pieces, and why they’re worth splurging for.

Leather jackets

A leather jacket is something that should be in every person’s wardrobe. They’re timeless and can add plenty of style to your wardrobe, but they’re also items that look better with age.

Often, leather jackets are passed down in a family and you might find that your mum’s leather jacket is worth a fair amount now!

Leather boots

Similarly, a pair of high-quality leather boots will only get better with age and be a worthwhile investment. When it comes to footwear, it is always worth spending that little bit more. Your feet will thank you for the quality.

Leather boots are also incredibly versatile. You can dress them up or down, and will fit with most outfits, no matter what your style is.

Watches

Pre-owned Rolex watches

Out of all fashion items, it is watches that have the potential to appreciate the most and there is a big demand for luxury, rare and vintage watches.

Rolex, in particular, is a highly desirable brand and you can find a pre-owned Rolex online that makes it a lot easier to afford this investment piece. This will be an item that will elevate your personal style, impress others and boost your self-confidence, which makes it a great wardrobe upgrade.

Sunglasses

Vintage sunglasses are always in style

Cheap sunglasses can be good for certain situations, like going to a music festival, but they can’t compete in terms of style and functionality with designer sunglasses.

Designer sunglasses not only look fantastic, but they provide important UV protection. The key is to find a pair of sunglasses that suit your face shape – this is why you should always try on different pairs and get expert advice before pulling the trigger.

Why do some pieces increase in value?

Fashion items increase in value over time because of demand, rarity, craftsmanship, and uniqueness.

In order for items to hold their value or appreciate, it is vital that they are kept in good condition. So take the time to research how to look after your investment pieces, like cleaning according to instructions, safe storage and only wearing items in a safe environment.

Adding statement pieces to your wardrobe can elevate your personal style and give you greater self-confidence, but it could also be a smart financial move as well.

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Wardrobe investment pieces that only improve with age appeared first on Silver Magazine.

As we (thankfully) head into spring and gradually shed the multiple layers we’ve been living under for the better part of four months, many of us will find dressing at this time of year somewhat awkward. How do we make that fashion transition from winter to spring?

And as we pack away some of our bulkier items, we might also want to take care of any damage done to our trusty coats and jumpers that have been worn non-stop and braced all kinds of weather conditions. With this in mind, here are a few things to consider.

Time to layer

It’s that time of year where your bulky winter jacket is slightly too warm, but it’s not warm enough that you dare venture out without an extra layer. 

This period between winter and spring can vary massively, so still hold on tight to black stockings, cardigans, and underlayers. With these by your side, you can still wear those spring clothes you’ve been hankering after for so long. 

You can also have fun layering long-sleeved tops under summery blouses and wearing floral maxi dresses with tights or leggings underneath. 

Add colour

Another great way to embrace the change in season is by introducing a pop of colour into your wardrobe. Typically associated with pastel shades and flowery patterns, spring is a great time to dig out the bolder pieces of your wardrobe.

Play around with pastel pinks, light blues, lilac and burnt orange, even adding a pop of fuchsia into the mix. With these colours, you’ll feel a surge in optimism about the warmer months ahead. 

Don’t be afraid to re-wear your old favourites

The beauty about these months is that you can wear that dress again, don your absolute favourite pair of shorts or pull out that shirt that has become something of a trademark. However, with social media constantly telling us to buy the latest trends, consumers are convinced that they need to buy more in order to stay on trend. 

Re-wearing your wardrobe will not only help you cut costs. It will also reduce your impact on the environment. Invest in your existing one by buying accessories to refresh certain pieces, trying out different outfit combinations and buying good quality staples that will see you through all seasons.

Store your winter wear

As your winter clothes go back into hibernation, make sure that it’s still in good shape the next time you need them. Store them correctly by folding or hanging them properly, doing any mending that needs doing and placing them in protective bags if needed.

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Calming colours, natural fabrics, ethical accessories – grab those final few days of late summer fashion, and get your float on.

Here are our top picks:

Kimono karma: Easy to wear and incredibly versatile, this cotton and rayon mix kimono dresses up jeans and a T-shirt, provides cool coverage over swimwear and looks great with a belt. By Mimi’s Edit, £42.

Ghana glass: Recycled glass is collected by Ghanaian artisans, crushed by hand into a fine powder, fired in clay moulds and smoothed with water and sand to create these rustic beads. By Lola & Mawu, £33 for a set of three.

Serene shopper: The ‘Serenity’ tote bag, perfect for the shops, the pool or the beach, is vegan-friendly and adorned with an image of one of Louise Mead’s original paintings. By Louise Mead, £25.

Clipped tones: Clip-on earrings have made a comeback in recent years – there is more choice than ever for those who have eschewed pierced lobes. These green globes are nickel-free. By Joloba, £23.

Love seventies fashion?

Tie one on: Whether there’s a nip in the evening air or you want extra sun protection, a light scarf is a summer essential. This soft, silk-viscose scarf has a gentle texture and elegant drape. By Susan Holton Knitwear, £65.

Sunny honey: Classic round sunglasses get a summer update with honey-coloured frames. For every pair sold, a donation is made to Solar Aid, which gives clean, safe light to central African families. By Ethical Market, £99.

It’s a wrap: In pure silk, a head wrap is the perfect antidote to bad hair days, it fights off frizz and is gentle on sensitive scalps. This print is created by Liberty of London artist Manning Green. By Tot Knots of Brighton, £85. 

Dry style: The humble poolside towel is taken to the next level in this fresh shade of ‘Flowerbomb’ green – it looks just as good on a sun lounger as it does as a sarong to stroll to the bar. By Hamamtuch, £25.

Chattering class: Even your phone can have a summery style update with a protective case in a delicate dandelion design. The case is dual-layered to protect from shock and has a scratch-resistant matte coating. By Clarissa Hulse, £30.

Party piece: Made from silicone, this shoulder bag can be configured in two different ways by changing the position of the handle in the eyelets. The perfect party bag, especially if you’re prone to spilling your tipple… By Dampai, £55.

Bamboo birds: In fresh summer shades, this ‘Love Birds’ fan made from ecologically friendly bamboo can be whisked out with a flourish when it gets a bit toasty. By Rex London, £6.95. 

Heroine chic: Celebrate the work of Marianne North, a Victorian artist and botanist who created 848 paintings of the natural world in her global travels, with this cropped kimono featuring one of her designs. By Curated Living, £42.

Just ducking out: A holdall for weekends away can be pretty as well as practical. This one, printed with flying ducks, has plenty of room plus handy internal pockets. By Sophie Allport, £56.

Sage advice: Because of unpredictable British summers, a light jumper is a wardrobe staple. This cashmere classic in sage green sits at mid-hip level and has side splits for added comfort. By  Cashmere & Cotton, £159.

Fair fan club: Made in Ghana from sustainable natural straw, these fairtrade fans come in a range of cheerful colour combinations. By Lola & Mawu, £33.

Local hero: A striking triangular glass pendant in bold lime green makes an instant summer statement, it is handmade by Sussex artist Barbara Hibbart. By  Fragments of Glass, £24.95.

Time of your life: Bright and durable, this waterproof unisex watch is ideal for summer fun, especially if you’re at the beach or messing about in boats – and 1% of sales are donated to environmental charities. By Wearth London, £75.

Georgia Lewis

In a career that has spanned Australia, the Middle East and the UK, Georgia has written about all sorts of things, including sex, cars, food, oil and gas, insurance, fashion, travel, workplace safety, health, religious affairs, glass and glazing… When she’s not writing words for fun and profit, she can usually be found with a glass of something French and red in her hand.

The post Late summer fashion edit – making the most of it appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Great style has no age limit as Hilda Smith keeps proving. Wearing what she loves because she loves it and damn the begrudgers, she’s causing a stir in the fashion industry with her involvement in the Fierce 50 Campaign (#thefierce50).

Hilda provides an inspiring reminder to us all that fashion is not just a young person’s game – it’s an expression of one’s individuality, whatever your age. It’s a ‘stick it to the man’ kind of revolutionary attitude and above all else, it’s fun!

Ruby Deevoy caught up with Hilda in an exclusive interview…

Fashion is so often looked at as a young person’s game. Did you feel nervous stepping into the role of fashion blogger later in life?

I see myself more as a lifestyle blogger and, of course, fashion is a big part of life whatever your age.

My move into blogging came about through my frustration with the fashion industry and media who tend to ignore the older woman, despite the fact that we’ve often got more disposal income than younger generations (having paid off mortgages etc). I spend more on fashion items now than when I was working and rearing my family.

I am not an expert in the fashion stakes, but I admire others who display their personalities through what they wear and I am always careful not to ‘preach’ to my audience. Fashion is a way to express your personality and so show your individuality. There is no one-size-fits-all.

You were one of the women responsible for launching The Fierce 50 campaign – can you tell me a bit about what that is?

I became involved in the Fierce 50 Campaign because of an amazing woman, Catherine Grace O’Connell, from LA.  I made an effort to connect with other mature bloggers and after finding her on Facebook, we became friends. Like me, Catherine despaired of the dismissive attitude fashion brands have towards women over 50, so she asked if I would join forces with her in the launch of the Forever Fierce Revolution to try to change such attitudes.

I was honoured to be the only Irish woman and only one of a few Europeans in the original 50. The movement has grown beyond all our expectations and now is known as The Midlife Revolution. We’re really making waves! In America, brands like Chicos have embraced the idea and now champion the older woman, using them in advertising campaigns. It has been slower to take off here and I don’t go out of my way to promote myself, but I am now getting two to three requests a week to work with different brands in the beauty, fashion and travel arenas.

It is important to me that I only work with companies/brands that I feel I can endorse honestly. If a product doesn’t suit me, I decline the offer to be involved. I recently worked with Shaws Department Stores on promotional videos and I will be shortly collaborating with a top travel company, The Travel Department.

Retirement is so often seen as a time for slowing down, but you appear to have sped up! Do you feel being free from the constraints of work has allowed you to explore a new side of yourself?

Absolutely. I retired as an English teacher six years ago and was a complete technophobe. Turning the computer on was scary enough initially, but I have mastered that fear and am more comfortable on the keyboard now. My blog means I have a discipline to my week to ensure I research and write about a variety of topics while also enjoying Golf and Bridge (two activities I would never have thought about seriously years ago!). I also have more time to enjoy my grandson Logan (20 months old) – unashamedly besotted with the little man! Freed from the shackles of work, I can now enjoy more traveling with my husband Graham (known as GG on the blog) at home and abroad.

Has this influenced your fashion choices?  

If anything, I have become more daring in my choices.  During the day I tend to wear skinny jeans (mostly bought in Zara who do lovely high-waisted ones) and a T-shirt or jumper, boots in the winter. While I spend much of my days in casual gear, our active social life means we dine out a lot so I enjoy getting dressed up on these occasions.

Do you follow trends or do your own thing?

I don’t do most trends, but I try to stay current. I embraced the cold shoulder with gusto when it first appeared and have several cold-shoulder items in my wardrobe. I don’t do frumpy!

I shop in boutiques and shops like LK Bennett for dressier items, but was delighted to find wide off-white trousers in TopShop last year, which I wore to Ladies Day at The Horse Show where I was the guest of Qatar Airlines.

My one concession to ageing is shoes. I am unable to wear the very high heels I wore 10 years ago. Devastated!

Was a career in fashion always something you dreamed of?

Not at all. I actually fancied being a barrister when I was in school and then decided on teaching and feel that was my true calling. I love the vibrancy of young people and their enthusiasm, and feel privileged to have been a teacher. I remain friends with many of the young people in my classroom and follow their lives with huge interest.

Your daughter, Courtney Smith, is also a trend-setter as an international stylist. Despite the age gap, is there anything you share in your passion for fashion?

I was always interested in fashion but Courtney is very much in a league of her own. Unlike her, I never wanted to make my career in that field. Courtney was cutting up and sewing clothes when she was seven years of age and even when she was 16, she cut up an expensive pair of my leather trousers and res-styled them into a jacket for herself!

I shopped in second-hand shops when I was first married (money was tight back in the 80s) and found some wonderful bargains; Courtney is also an avid vintage shopper and loves trawling through such shopping meccas, especially when abroad.

Many people face the phenomenon of a ‘transitional style crisis’ when you suddenly realise that you have aged and now you have no idea how to dress. Have you ever experienced this?

I feel that there is no such thing as age-appropriate dressing. It has to do with being confident in your choices and being comfortable in them. I don’t hold with rules for dressing when you reach a certain age. My advice is to try everything on, look at it from every angle in a good mirror and trust your instincts.

If I am unsure about a purchase, my daughters soon put me right!

What has been your biggest fashion faux-pas?

I have had a problem thinking of any! Seriously, even the pink bell bottoms I wore in 1970 are fashionable again now. I have bought items of clothing which I have had to return because my daughters say ‘No Mum’! But I don’t look back and cringe at any photos and say, “What was I thinking?!” It is FASHION and fashion is meant to be fun!

I loved wearing minis, paisley patterned maxis, big shoulder pads, floral leggings and so on. They defined a time, a decade.

Who are you biggest fashions icons? Do you have a favourite fashionista?

My current favourite woman is Brigitte Macron, wife of the French President. She looks amazing! She dresses how she likes and is still a very sexy woman. She rocks whatever she wears and breaks many of the so-called ‘rules’. I also follow many wonderful over-50 bloggers who dress how they want and damn the begrudgers!

When it comes to style, are there any ‘rules’ you follow or are rules only made to be broken?

The older I get, I probably break more rules, take more risks and am less conservative! I don’t dress to please others, just to feel good in what I wear. I subscribe to the ‘Age is just a Number’ belief and the ‘I will wear what I damn well like’ brigade.

Recently, I was part of a world-wide ‘Rock Your Jeans’ movement, featuring in a video with over 100 other ‘older’ women rocking their jeans in answer to some ridiculous so-called style rule in some magazine, stating that women over 40 should not wear jeans.

What is the ‘style not age’ challenge? Is this something we can all get involved in?

I am one of four bloggers (three of them British: Jacqui Berry of Mummabstylish, Anna from annasislandstyle and Emma of style-splash) who collaborate each month to do a style challenge.

Last month we chose to be inspired by the colours of the rainbow and this month is ‘Jumpsuit for Joy’!  The age range between us is about 20 years and we have a lot of fun. Your readers can comment on our blogs and tell us who answered the challenge best. And of course, accept the challenge themselves at home!

What’s the one item in your wardrobe you can’t live without?

Probably my raincoat! Living in Ireland, you can’t live without one and I wasn’t going to be frumpy just because of a practicality! I have an Ilse Jacobsen, Danish design, black, bought in a boutique in my home town Malahide and cost-per-wear, it’s been one of my best buys in recent years. It’s stylish, lightweight and waterproof.

Do you have any top tips on how to pull an outfit together? Is there a hack that makes a good outfit great?

Throw a kimono over a pair of jeans and a top and suddenly you are dressed to go anywhere. I own several. It can be a real statement piece and add drama to a very simple outfit, plus my daughter has dozens and I have on occasion borrowed one or two. Nothing else in her wardrobe fits me!!

Ruby Deevoy

The post Finding fashion freedom at fiftyplus appeared first on Silver Magazine.