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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The post Fashion transition from winter to spring appeared first on Silver Magazine.

This is more than just a fashion shoot – this is a fairy story. Looking for inspiration for a fashion shoot, I found myself in a forest, observing the changing seasons. And I remembered the beautiful Flower Fairies and how they held me spellbound as a child. So I talked to the amazing creatives here, and we set out to create a beautiful shoot inspired by the original fairies.

The Cicely Mary Barker Estate kindly gave us permission to use the original fairy images, and also reproduce the poems that Cicely wrote with them. Below you’ll see the looks we created, and then the fairies that inspired the looks. This was absolutely magical to create, I hope you love it too.

Mountain Ash / Rowan Tree Fairy

Mountain Ash Fairy – Tanja wears: –
Rust lace insert mini dress with button detail in velvet, ASOS design, £55. Black sheer petticoat, stylist’s own. Frangipane tights, in rust, Moshulu, £9. Green textile autumn heeled ankle boots, Lotus, £59.99

The Mountain Ash Fairy

They thought me, once, a magic tree
Of wondrous lucky charm,
And at the door they planted me
To keep the house from harm.

They have no fear of witchcraft now,
Yet here am I today;
I’ve hung my berries from the bough,
And merrily I say:

“Come, all you blackbirds, bring your wives,
Your sons and daughters too;
The finest banquet of your lives
Is here prepared for you.”

(The Mountain Ash’s other name is Rowan; and it used to be called Witchentree and Witch-wood too)

The Yew Tree Fairy

Yew Tree Fairy – Lindsay wears: – Forest green bare shoulder prom mini dress, ASOS design, £62. Frangipane tights, in raspberry, Moshulu, £10. Bardo textile Cassandra heeled ankle boots, Lotus, £65

Yew Tree Fairy

Here, on the dark and solemn Yew,
A marvel may be seen,
Where waxen berries, pink and new,
Appear amid the green.

I sit a-dreaming in the tree,
So old and yet so new;
One hundred years, or two, or three
Are little to the Yew.

I think of bygone centuries,
And seem to see anew
The archers face their enemies
With bended bows of Yew.

Dogwood Fairy

Dogwood Fairy – Tanja wears: –
Vintage Art Deco dress, stylist’s own. Art Deco Gourd Necklace, Tatty Devine, £195
Gold chain necklace, stud earrings, stylist’s own

Dogwood Fairy

I was a warrior,
When, long ago,
Arrows of Dogwood
Flew from the bow.
Passers-by, nowadays,
Go up and down,
Not one remembering
My old renown.
Yet when the Autumn sun
Colours the trees,
Should you come seeking me,
Know me by these:
Bronze leaves and crimson leaves,
Soon to be shed;
Dark little berries,
On stalks turning red.

Poppy Fairy

Poppy Fairy – Lindsay wears: –
Autumn Red pleated maxi dress, Little Mistress, £64. Art Deco Gourd Necklace, Tatty Devine, £195. Black vintage lace shrug, stylist’s own

Poppy Fairy

The green wheat’s a-growing,
The lark sings on high;
In scarlet silk a-glowing,
Here stand I.

The wheat’s turning yellow,
Ripening for sheaves;
I hear the little fellow
Who scares the bird-thieves.

Now the harvest’s ended,
The wheat-field is bare;
But still, red and splendid,
I am there.

Elderberry Fairy

Elderberry Fairy – Lindsay wears: –
Bridesmaid Bardot maxi dress, Little Mistress, £85. All accessories stylist’s own

Elderberry Fairy

Tread quietly:
O people, hush!
—For don’t you see
A spotted thrush,
One thrush or two,
Or even three,
In every laden elder-tree?

They pull and lug,
They flap and push,
They peck and tug
To strip the bush;
They have forsaken
Snail and slug;
Unseen I watch them, safe and snug!

Christmas Tree Fairy

Christmas Tree Fairy – Tanja wears: – Halter maxi dress with bias ruffle detail in white, ASOS design, £56. Baroque garland statement necklace, Tatty Devine, £475. Stud earrings, silver ring, stylist’s own. Gold Currans pointed-toe ankle boots, Ravel, £80

The Christmas Tree Fairy

The little Christmas Tree was born
And dwelt in open air;
It did not guess how bright a dress
Some day its boughs would wear;
Brown cones were all, it thought, a tall
And grown-up Fir would bear.

O little Fir! Your forest home
Is far and far away;
And here indoors these boughs of yours
With coloured balls are gay,
With candle-light, and tinsel bright,
For this is Christmas Day!

A dolly-fairy stands on top,
Till children sleep; then she
(A live one now!) from bough to bough
Goes gliding silently.
O magic sight, this joyous night!
O laden, sparkling tree!

An enormous thanks to everyone involved in making this shoot a reality. All Flower Fairy images and poetry reproduced with kind permission from The Estate of Cicely Mary Barker © 2022 (Penguin RandomHouse)

www.flowerfairies.com

Shot on location at Stanmer Park, Brighton, UK with kind permission from The One Garden

The team

Photographer: Erika Szostak @erikaszostak
Photographer’s assistant: Matt Ryan
Hair: Gary Forde @garyforde_starhaircare
Makeup: Annelie Bystrom-Turner @annelie_bystrom
Shoot assistant: Lana Hall @larliie
Shoot producer: Sam Harrington-Lowe @samhl
Location manager: Deborah Collcutt @deborah_collcutt
Videographer: Cameron Antony @ǫᴄᴏʟʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇʟᴏɴᴅᴏɴ

Models:

Tanja Hansson @tanjahansson79
Lindsay Tipping @lindsayuk1

Silver Magazine Instagram: @SilverMagUK

Fashion forward fifty-something? Meet the mature fashionistas

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Flower Fairies fashion – winter woodland glamour appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Style icons such as David Niven and Ronald Coleman, usually swaddled in dashing winter wear for photographs, provide little guidance for sartorial holiday wear for chaps.

What we do know is that the winter layering process must be stripped down in balmier climes. Wearing fewer layers requires more thought, as each of those fewer layers must be the sine qua non of their function.

How to pare to the bone

You may only have space for one jacket in your luggage, so make sure it will cover all eventualities – including feeling rather warm under the collar. The temptation may be to ‘go native’ and loaf about in khaki shorts, flip-flops, and a T-shirt. This, for a chap, would be a dereliction of duty, a sop to the multitude.

If the clobber outlined below sounds like it will need several trunks to be transported, the answer is to wear the main components on the journey and fill your hand luggage with the rest of the lighter items. It is perfectly plausible to visit a hot country, including the UK with its legendary three-day heatwaves, in an ensemble that not only prevents one from slowly melting in the midday sun, but which displays gentlemanly sartorial credentials.

You never know; a chance encounter with a stray countess at the beach bar may lead to an invitation to a cocktail party, and that’s where your flip-flops would severely let you down.

More – see Autumn wear from Gustav

Footwear

A word of warning to the travelling chap, whether to foreign climes or the English Riviera: you are very likely to encounter the shoeless. While exterior temperatures will, it must be admitted, preclude the full brogue boot on the beach, there is no need to allow standards to drop as low as the flip-flop.

Even the popular Birkenstock sandal flies dangerously close to being infra dig. Why would a grown man wish to be shod like a five-year-old boy? It is worth adding that there is no known trouser that looks good with such a scandalous sandal.

“…there is no need to allow standards to drop as low as the flip-flop.”

Grenson has produced the Quincy Sandal, priced at £180, based on those available in most traditional shoe shops in southern Europe, which at least covers the toes and the heel. A more economical pair, the Angulus, is available at £116.

For a shoe that one could actually enter a restaurant wearing, saddle shoes are another light option. Rocket Originals and Collectif make them for men, priced at £99 and £95 respectively. Loafers also cut the mustard. Jones the Bootmaker makes an acceptable penny loafer for £89, and don’t forget to stick a penny into the upper for that preppy detail. But don’t go too preppy and wear them without socks. Only an aged Italian rogue can get away with this look.

Grenson Quincy Sandal, £180

Trousers

Lightness of cloth is paramount when strolling about during the passeggiata hour; but so too is lightness of colour, especially if wearing a dark blazer.

Although sartorial rules dictate that one’s trousers should always be darker than one’s jacket, the Riviera look is the exception, and obeys the light chino/dark blazer diktat. For the vintage look, Darcy Clothing offer a lightweight cotton moleskin cricket trouser at £86, while those unafraid to clothe their pins in a more contemporary silhouette can head straight over to Spoke London for a pair of their cotton lightweights at £99. Walker Slater’s linen pantaloons are also worth a try, especially their Edward Trousers at £145, for which the matching jacket may also be acquired.

Spoke London trousers, £99

Shirt

If (or rather, because) you are wearing a jacket or blazer, this is very likely to be removed when the sun is high in the sky, so opt for something that tells its own story, such as this navy striped linen shirt from Sirplus, priced at £95. This company also makes short-sleeved shirts, which may be necessary in the tropics, such as a yellow Tencel Cuban shirt in cotton, £95. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to wear a Hawaiian shirt; unless you have been invited to a fancy-dress party while on your hols.

Sirplus linen shirt, £95

Jacket

This will be your most essential item, as you will need it for the journey abroad, so as many pockets as possible is a prerequisite for all the millions of forms, vaccine certificates et cetera you will need to present at the airport.

For a lightweight cotton twill jacket, Universal Works presents the most favourable option, the London jacket, £175, which boasts a total of five pockets, including one for a pocket square. It comes in colours ranging from cream to dark navy.

Walker Slater’s collaboration with The Chap resulted in the Chap Linen Suit (jacket £245, as worn by yours truly, pictured). A cream linen three-piece suit is the ideal garment in which to saunter about the summer streets of any resort in the world. The cut of the jacket gives a relaxed fit with soft shoulders, a single vent, two flap pockets and a breast pocket and three-button fastening. The lightweight satin viscose part-lining ensures further relaxation potential when temperatures begin to soar.

The Chap linen suit, jacket £245

Neckwear

It is around the throat that a chap may display his dandy credentials most effectively, and the least sweltering neck adornment is of course the cravat.

The more sartorially adventurous may wish to brave the foulard, or neckerchief, for a slightly more playboy look. Geoff Stocker has turned his pocket square skills to what he has named a bandana, in 30% silk and 70% cotton, measuring 24 inches on each side. It is designed to be thrown around the throat carelessly, so that it flaps in the breeze and pretty ladies can spot one from a distance. It is appropriately called ‘The Waking Dream’ and costs £85. The Chap cravat, £35, based on the peacock pocket square, will liven up any plain shirt with its splashes of purple, aquamarine and burgundy.

Geoff Stocker cravat, £85

Headwear

A Panama is clearly the only acceptable option for sultry climes, and Pachacuti make the highest grade, peddled from a website site called www.panamas.co.uk. Prices for their ethically produced Ecuadorean Panamas range from £85 to £320, but their prices reflect a product built to survive the fierce summers and tropical downpours of equatorial regions.

“…the main purpose of wearing a Panama is to advertise that a British gentleman is in town, but if you wish to rule out every last shred of uncertainty, then wear a straw boater.”

Olney’s Panamas are more affordable, starting at £60 for a white one with a traditional black band – a tradition that began with the death of Queen Victoria and never stopped. Of course, the main purpose of wearing a Panama is to advertise to the other tourists that a British gentleman is in town, but if you wish to rule out every last shred of uncertainty, then wear a straw boater.

Sunglasses

Probably the most important accessory to pack is one’s lunettes de soleil, for without these you will be so blinded by the sunlight that admiring glances from the local populace will go unnoticed.

Why are decent sunglasses, or spectacles for that matter, so darned expensive? Nobody knows, but the answer is not to grab a cheap pair at the airport. Kirk Originals‘ Warwick in amber tortoiseshell with dark green lenses will set you back £225, but you will never grow out of them.

The more economical option comes from Dead Men’s Spex, whose range is so vast – and helpfully categorised by decade – that you are likely to find something similar to those you covet elsewhere, at a much more affordable price. Their Classic American Atomic Age frames in black acetate frame with metal brow detailing are £60, plus £45 for non-prescription polarised lenses.

Kirk Originals Warwick sunglasses, £22

Socks

You could try strutting about in a pair of loafers or deck shoes without socks, but this will not mark you out as a man of style, and certainly not as a British gentleman. The lightest socks on the market that eschew any absurd patterns or motifs are from Dueple (dueplesocks.com), who also make rather fetching ribbed socks for winter. Their Fine Guage 220 Needle Socks, £9.90, come in a huge range of plain bold colours, as well as white or black.

Gustav Temple has been editor of The Chap Magazine – Britain’s longest-serving gentleman’s quarterly – for 20 years.

Gustav Temple

The post Sartorial holiday wear for chaps appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Yes, that early summer fashion dilemma – warm in the daytime, but chilly at night. And yes, there’s still rain. What to do? Let’s look at your wardrobe…

We’re all about minimalism and colour blocking this early summer fashion season, and keeping warm and dry! Gotta love the British weather. So whether you’re looking for summery warm bits for festivals and outdoor events, or you just want to sit outside for longer, read on…

Barbour Portree Umbrella, £32.95

M&CO, Lurex Straw Hat, £18.99

M&CO, Cat Eye Sunglasses, £12.99

Oliver Bonas, Pink and Camel Colour Block Scarf, £38

Joe Browns, Ravishing Ruched Sweater, £45

White Stuff, Knitted Stripe Wrap, £59

White Stuff, Abstract Wool Mix Funnel Neck Jumper Plum, £59

TK Maxx, Zebra Umbrella, £6.99

Soho House, Eloise Linen Short Pyjamas Oatmeal, £140

Regatta, Women’s Fairweather II Wellies Multi Stripe, £34.95

Oliver Bonas, Turquoise Tie Dye Fabric Shopper, £14.50

Oliver Bonas, Pretty Orange Check Scarf, £35

Looking for hot summer 70s looks?

Lili Lowe

Lili works across all the channels; writing articles, taking photographs, creating content, and designing eye-capturing imagery. She’s an animal-lover who cries just seeing a picture of a baby sloth.

The post Early summer fashion edit – it’s not that hot yet! appeared first on Silver Magazine.

She’s famously sober these days, so her skin will benefit from increased hydration, and there’s no doubt she can afford great skin care. But if you’ve been using the same makeup forever, it’s time for a change. Makeup for mature skin requires a different routine and products. Our skin is simply different, and it’s important to recognise this before we attempt to replicate a makeup look we’ve seen on YouTube.

Aim for dewy and fresh, not cake and bake

Using the right primers, foundations, and concealers can make a world of difference. Less is more. Heavy makeup accentuates pores and creases; and too much powder dries out skin and makes it look flaky. Aim for dewy and fresh, not cake and bake.

Preparing the skin

Prepare your skin with a light and lovely primer, and it’ll help soften open pores, fine lines etc. We love the Pro-Collagen Insta-Smooth primer from Elemis, £58.

Once your skin is prepped, aim for a light concealer. The Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer, £25, is a really flexible option. It can act as a primer too, meaning one less layer, and less chance of caking and creasing.

Foundation: pick something light with a dewy sheen, rather than a heavy matte finish. We love the Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation, £33.

For blush, go for a light liquid, like the Armani Neo Nude, £32, and just pat a small amount on the apple of your cheek. A light dusting of very fine powder will do to finish.

Making your eyes pop

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Douceur et Serenite

Naomi’s colouring and brown eyes make it possible for her to go for black eyeliner, but those with fairer skin should swap for browns. Stick to ONLY the top lid, with just a sweep of eyeshadow colour along the lower line. Mascara; again, brown is less harsh for more mature fair skin, but for some real pizzazz or a night out, don’t shy away from some false eyelashes to make your eyes pop!

For eyeshadow, Naomi has some lovely warm russets fading to palest lilac on her lids here. Accentuate the outside of the top lid with the darker colours, and bring lighter colour closer to the nose. We found this gorgeous little Chanel palette, Les 4 Ombres – 378 Douceur et Sérénité, £47, had a really simple range of colours to create a similar look. Beware of too much sparkle though – it can travel around your face and settle into creases.

VB Beauty Posh lip pout

Accentuating your lips

Finally lips. Warmer nudes will work better than garish brights for this look. Use a slightly darker lip pencil around the outside edges, and blot to help avoid bleeding. A softer glossy type lipstick always brings the glamour. We’ve fallen in love with Victoria Beckham’s Posh Lipstick – shown here in ‘Pout’, £34.

Carly Pepperell

Carly gets to do everything under the sun, including writing, editing, taking photos, creating stories, and swanning around at launches. She can down a glass of Prosecco without pausing for breath, and aims to be the youngest Pulitzer winner ever.

The post Naomi Campbell – a makeup masterclass for mature skin appeared first on Silver Magazine.

‘What to wear to a festival when you’re older’ turns out to be a fairly common search term on the google. We know, we’ve checked.

The answer is, of course, wear whatever you want – go comfy or go crazy. It’s nobody else’s damn business.

Have you tried our Pro-Ageing Stem Cell Serum yet?

It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go crazy for colour, slap on the glitter, and dress like a fairy (or a wizard!). But if you DO fancy that, then these festival looks are for you. And yes, you can. Get on with it!

Above and below – Helene wears…

Sunglasses: Heart Shaped Sunglasses with Pink Lens, ASOS DESIGN, £14
Dress: Cami Wrap Maxi Dress with Lace Up Back, ASOS DESIGN, £35
Pink Fur Coat: Model’s own
Shoes: It’s Always Sunny trainers, Irregular Choice, £119
Bag: It’s Always Sunny Crossbody Bag, Irregular Choice, £39.99
Necklace: Poodle Oodle Necklace, Irregular Choice, £19

Below – Laura wears…

Sunglasses: Mid Square Sunglasses with Pink Lens in Green, ASOS DESIGN, £13.50
Co-ord: Vendala Fringed Crop Top, L.O.M Fashion, £120 and Vendala Leggings, L.O.M Fashion, £99

Below – Helene wears…

Co-ord: Tall Exclusive Modal Palm Short Sleeve Pyjama Set in Orange, ASOS DESIGN, £32
Vest: Model’s own
Shoes: Summer Slips, Irregular Choice, £99
Sunglasses: Mid Square Sunglasses with Bevel in Pale Yellow, ASOS DESIGN, £12
Necklace: Beaded Necklace in Turquoise, & Other Stories, £17

Above and below – Laura wears…

Shoes: Chillaxing Sandals, Irregular Choice, £49.99
Top hat: Model’s own
Sunglasses: Model’s own
Catsuit: Mitosis Party Catsuit, L.O.M Fashion, £155
Cape: Körpermitose Shoulder Cape, L.O.M Fashion, £120

Below – Helene wears…

Catsuit: Körpermitose Fringed Catsuit, L.O.M Fashion, £185
Robe: Forest of Dreams Sequin Festival Robe, L.O.M Fashion, £160
Sunglasses: Model’s own

Below – Laura wears…

Sunglasses: Street Ready Sunglasses in Pink, Vans, £12
Shoes: It’s Always Sunny Trainers, Irregular Choice, £119
Co-ord: Indus Sequin Leggings in Dahlia, £135 and Twinks Sequin Crop Top in Dahlia, £48, both Rosa Bloom
Bracelet: Model’s own

Header photo and below: In the van…

Laura as previous image
Helene wears…
Sunglasses: Model’s own
Catsuit: Körpermitose Fringed Catsuit, L.O.M Fashion, £185
Robe: Forest of Dreams Sequin Festival Robe, L.O.M Fashion, £160
Shoes: Booyah Sandals in Purple, Irregular Choice, £49.99

SHOOT CREDITS

Photographer: Erika Szostak
Lighting assistant: Lili Harrington-Lowe
Production assistant: Carly Pepperell
Makeup artist: Charlene Howells
Hair: Melodie at Restore
Models: Helene Evans and Laura Hazeldine
Dressers: Genevieve Ng and Bella Currie
Social/locations: Nathalie Everlong
Stylist/producer: Sam

SHOOT STOCKISTS

L.O.M Fashion: lomfashion.co.uk
Irregular Choice: irregularchoice.com
ASOS: asos.com
& Other Stories: stories.com
Rosa Bloom: rosabloom.com
Vans: vans.co.uk

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The post What to wear to a festival when you’re not 21 anymore appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In some quarters it is believed that when a person passes the half century, all attempts to be stylish should be abandoned in favour of comfortable, practical, and often beige clothing. This is of course a complete travesty, as proved by these fellows sporting their looks on Instagram.

Show your true colours; purchase that racy pocket square you always fancied but never dared to wear when 25. Wear a selection of hats that replace a bald pate or greying locks with aplomb. Also perfect for you to doff elegantly when the mood takes you.

Get ready for the cooler months

As the seasons pass (and Christmas looms, egad), one must up one’s game in the face of the sartorial peccadilloes about to be unleashed. Yes, I’m talking about those dreary outdoor togs, ‘ironically’ worn snowflake jumpers, and woolly hats with antlers.

A chap approaches all events and occasions spreading awe via a sensational wardrobe. It’s the perfect opportunity to raise your sartorial game a notch or two. Those cherry-red trousers you never find the nerve to wear. That midnight blue dinner jacket with shawl lapels can be livened up with a colourful pocket square instead of the standard white. Yes chaps, unleash the inner dandy, and step forth.

More from Gustav – still looking for new summer togs or going on holiday?

CHAP PICKS

1. A bow tie from La Bowtique
These are hand-made adornments with a touch of flamboyance. Even their standard black tie is slightly larger than average.
From £150 Instagram: @labowtique

2. A Chap silk pocket square
A must-have to finish any chap’s outfit. This Absinthe-green pure silk pocket square is versatile and can be worn in a number of ways, producing entirely different variations to suit one’s mood.
£25 www.thechap.co.uk

3. Long scarf, autumn is on the horizon
Dress like a duke… accessorise like an anarchist. Furious Goose long scarves keep the cold weather at bay. Autumn Hare design
£290 www.furiousgoose.co.uk

4. Raffish titfer
Launch yourself into the imminent party season by acquiring a brand new hat. Push the boat out with a trilby from Laird London.
Signature in burgundy, £230 www.lairdlondon.co.uk

5. Traditional tweeds
If you prefer a tweed cap, Sussex Tweed have opened up the range into bright estate tweeds and racy designs.
Limited edition tweed caps, £95 www.sussextweed.co.uk

6. Mad dogs and Englishmen…
Finally, be prepared for unexpected visits from maiden aunts. With no time to dress properly, you’ll need a dressing gown that screams Noel Coward.
Constellation dressing gown, £495 www.geoffstocker.com

Gustav Temple has been editor of The Chap Magazine – Britain’s longest-serving gentleman’s quarterly – for 20 years. The Chap aims to help men up their sartorial game. ‘Best of The Chap’ is a 300-page collection of the finest features from the last 20 years.
www.thechap.co.uk

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The post Sartorial elegance for chaps – what to wear to make a real impact appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Judi flying the silver flag
Photo Todd Jacobucci

Over lockdown I have worn my hair in a ponytail the whole time. And slowly but surely a new, braver me is emerging. At 56 it’s one I’m beginning to accept, and it seems I’m not alone.

A quick search of Instagram reveals the hashtag #greyhair has over two million posts. And there’s a proliferation of similar accounts, positively promoting women with platinum, grey, or silver hair colour.

Celebrities including Emma Thompson, Cate Blanchett, Helen Mirren, and Dame Judi Dench have undoubtedly helped this trend. As have articles saturating national media, and hashtags (like one of our own favourites, #SilverIsTheNewBlack). And stars like Lady Gaga are making silver hair a positive choice for even younger women.

It’s hip to be grey

Caroline Gray

Where it was once associated with images of old crones and witches, it’s now become positively trendy to grow out the grey hair. And finally women are feeling like they can be silver tops, and wear it with pride.

Former model turned jewellery designer, Caroline Gray, 52, says, ‘’My hair really started to turn in my mid-40s. The first time the grey conversation happened with my now husband was when I was about 47, just before marrying. We were in the cinema when he said, ‘when are you going to start dyeing your hair?’

Pippa Best

“The look on his face was priceless when I said I wasn’t. Of course I care about my appearance, but I’m also a great believer in being true to yourself. And it’s your body, so your choice.’’

Script editor Pippa Best, 47, went grey at 35 after becoming a mum. She says whilst initially unsure, she now gets so many compliments on her long silver hair that she has grown to love it.

Inspiring others

Sarah Laker

For others, changing colour was not such a surprise. Sarah Laker, 50, who runs Marple Stationery in Stockport, says her grandma went white in her thirties and she followed the same path: “I started dyeing in my 20s, but then when I was 34 I was off work with vertigo. I couldn’t bear my hair being touched so I had it cut really short. Then when I was well and it was time to go back to work I actually liked the grey! So I was grey before it was a trendy thing to do.”

Friends have dubbed her their ‘ginspiration’ and many have also stopped colouring, but she hasn’t been without her critics. Sarah was annoyed to be told by a customer that she could look 10 years younger if she dyed her hair. She says: ’Why would I want to look 10 years younger? I’m completely happy with myself and my life; I have a lovely husband of nearly 28 years, two beautiful daughters, and my own business.’’

Why do people judge the grey?

…we have to fight the fear of ageing from a very early age. Ageism is an implicit bias

Behavioural psychologist Prof Carolyn Mair PhD, author of The Psychology of Fashion, says such comments happen because there is still a preoccupation with eternal youth.

‘’Women, and increasingly men, are socialised into believing that to be successful in any aspect of life, they have to be beautiful. And as being beautiful is equated with being young, we have to fight the fear of ageing from a very early age. Ageism is an implicit bias.

“Since Lady Gaga dyed her hair silver, it has been a trend for younger women too. But this is different to naturally greying hair, which is an explicit sign of ageing and which has been seen negatively.’’

Want to boost the feel-good endophins in your brain naturally?

Is it different for men?

Historically, men have never really had to deal with such judgement when they grow out the grey. Older men are often tagged as distinguished ‘silver foxes’. Think George Clooney, Jeff Goldblum, Pierce Brosnan and many more.

Michael Facherty, 69, says he was ‘salt and pepper’ in his 40s, and grey by his 50s, but welcomed the change. “I used to be ginger, and I bless the day that my hair and beard turned white. There is a lot of demand for a Father Christmas/ Santa with a real white beard! Also, not being called Ginge is good too.’’

Former BBC Midlands Today newsreader Richard Uridge, 59, says going grey was never issue for him. “I honestly can’t remember, it was so long ago. I probably started going grey 20 years ago but it was so incremental I barely noticed it happening. And even now I only realise I’m fully silver (well, let’s be honest, white) when I look back at pictures of the young raven-haired me.”

Richard Uridge before and after

He acknowledges women have a harder time than men in the ageing process adding ‘’I think men are partly (possibly largely) to blame for that inequality. Personally I have no problem with grey-haired women. My mum went grey prematurely – as they used to say – so I had a positive role model for the natural look.’’

Time for rebrand?!

Award-winning celebrity hairdresser, Phil Smith, believes whilst things are changing, ageing is still an issue. He says, “After 30 years of being a hairstylist, going grey is definitely a recurring concern for clients. It seems to me the fear isn’t about going grey or having grey hair, but the idea that it is associated with getting older and the fear of ageing.

“Despite grey hair being sported by influential celebs and the fashion industry’s finest – take Sarah Harris, Stacey London, and Tennille Murphy as examples – the fear of going grey is deep rooted. I try to encourage my clients to see the beauty in their greys, showing and explaining options on how it could enhance their look. But ultimately the decision is theirs.’’

A trip to the hairdressers can help ease the transition, and he recommends highlights or lowlights as blending through the roots and coloured ends will allow the grey not to be so obvious.

Growing out the shades of grey

Author Annemarie Flanagan

Grey is not a favourable word and is often still used in a negative sense; ‘what a grey day’, ‘you’re looking a bit grey – are you ill?’, so I prefer to say my hair is turning ‘silver’ and rather than feel defeated I’m welcoming this new stage.

As Prof Mair says, “Many women have decided to embrace the natural signs of ageing and not dye their hair. This can be empowering as it enables them to be authentic and not simply conform to societal norms and ageist prejudices.

“We all age, and as we do, we are likely to become more confident, more tolerant and more certain about what matters.’’

Lockdown has brought many positive developments; cleaner air, less traffic, shopping locally, getting to know your neighbours and letting nature take its course. Finally ditching the dye is one such silver lining.

THINKING OF GROWING OUT THE GREY?

• For a slow transition talk to your hairdresser consider highlights/lowlights
• Alternatively, go bold and get a shorter cut, start afresh! Grow out the grey hair without having to colour it
• The texture of grey hair is different as it loses colour and melanin. Swap out your usual shampoo and conditioner for silver-specific products
• Hair will also feel more wiry, so invest in some good hair masks and treat yourself
• Grey hair can yellow, so try a purple shampoo once a week this is aimed at enhancing the silver tones in your new natural colour
• Consider your natural colours and clothing too. Having different hair will affect how your clothes look on you
• Also revisit your makeup – it might be that you need a more dramatic look, or to tone down a bit

Annemarie Flanagan

The post Silver linings – lockdown meant I could finally grow out my grey appeared first on Silver Magazine.

I’m a bit of a spa lover – one of my favourite things in the world is having a massage. But that’s because my back is always in shreds. Too many hours at the laptop.

I’m not particularly high maintenance. I love lash extensions, because I’m a lazy moo when it comes to makeup, and it means I don’t have to bother with mascara. And I like getting my nails done, and hair of course. But I’m not bigly into tanning or facials. So I thought I’d pick out the things that I’m really missing, and see how I got on at home.

Colouring my hair

I keep my hair blonde – my natural colour is a dark blondey mouse, the colour of wet sand. In the old days I’d have styled out the roots in lockdown and gone all balayage baby. But these days the roots are some dark blonde, some grey, and some white. And really patchy. I’m not quite ready for that yet, the white wings like bloody Dickie Davies.

I know salons are open soon, but I couldn’t wait and decided to bust out the box colour. Hair stylists everywhere are groaning now and putting their heads in their hands. But actually, this was ok.

I chose Clairol Nice n Easy Ultra Light Ash Blonde – because I’ve used the brand before and guessed I wouldn’t react to it. Also the ash part I was hoping would stop my hair going brassy yellowy blonde. Whacked it on, and was instantly impressed with how much better it was than box stuff used to be.

No rank smell, nice creamy stuff that was easy to apply. No purple splodges where I inevitably spilled it on the bathrooms tiles. All in all pretty straightforward.

VERDICT

So you can see in the picture that the colour isn’t uniform, which is actually a good thing. Where it’s gone really light is basically where my white wings are, so it’s gone much lighter there. I’m not unhappy with this at all, but it’s not like going to the salon and having that whole nice experience where someone does your hair. I missed the interaction, and stuff like someone else washing your hair, which I love! I’d do this again though, definitely. Worth the risk.

Getting a massage

So this is a biggie for me. I love, love, love massage. I try and get massages every month, absolute minimum. I’ve got a bad back, and I’m a massage connoisseur. And I’m really missing someone kneading the knots out of my shoulders and thoracic area.

I tried the HoMedics Gel Shiatsu Back & Shoulder Massager chair thing (£299.99). And oh my word. This has been an absolute lifesaver during lockdown. It’s got several different functions – shiatsu massage setting, rolling setting, heat – and I can quite literally sit on it and slide into a coma. It’s lovely.

If you position yourself right, you can get a really deep knuckling right in the knotted areas, and this has two sections. So you can get your back done, and there’s a top unit too for neck and shoulders.

I’m going to keep using it, even when I can get a salon massage again, because the de-stressing aspect of this is enormous. It is permanently on the sofa now, and I often have a bash after a day in front of the laptop. I’m a drooling fool within about ten minutes. Better than five gin and tonics.

VERDICT

This is an expensive gadget but if you’re going to use it a lot, probably well worth the cost. I found that I needed to play around with the controls and my position in the seat to ensure it hit all the right spots, but it didn’t take long to work that out, maybe two sessions. Obviously you’re missing human contact here, and you’re sitting up, rather than lying down. But the massaging action of the nobbly bits is really good. Very impressed.

Something else for my back

Someone ages ago recommended the Shakti Mat so I got one to try. This is essentially an Indian bed of nails to lie on, and works by stimulating blood flow around your back and body, easing blood back into tight muscles. The reason muscles ache and get tight is because of lack of blood flow. It’s why you go red when you get massaged.

Anyway, we were a bit sceptical, especially as when you touch the spiky bits it’s really, well, spiky. But somehow once you spread weight across the whole mat it’s not only bearable, it’s really nice. You get kind of rushes of heat, feel your skin and muscles warming up. Then you relax. I thought I’d hate this and actually loved it.

I also really like the ethics behind the production… “Shakti Mats are handmade by 72 women in an all-female purpose-built workshop. The word ‘Shakti’ in Sanskrit is a feminine principle, and symbolises empowerment, abundance and change. It is with these principles that we run the workshop.” There’s a whole welfare and funding program thing going on here that’s really commendable.

VERDICT

Apparently you can work up to standing on this for the reflexology vibe. Yeah, nah. Tried that and felt I was okay not working up to a daily stand on a bed of nails, although the others tried it. But lying on it, naked skin, yes. I’d really recommend this. It’s really good to use just before yoga, although I don’t know if that’s appropriate, but I liked it. Actually just writing about it now has made me want to go and lie on it again.

Gel nail manicure

I touch type and have to keep my nails really super short but I love having manicures and a have a gel set when I can. I’m guilty of picking off the gel varnish most times rather than going back and getting it soaked off, so I don’t do it regularly. But I like having pretty nails, and having gels is great because they last for yonks and they’re nice and shiny.

So I bought some kit off Amazon, figuring how hard can it be? I got a Bellanails Professional LED Nail Lamp, and a handy tool kit with all the stuff to do manicuring and removing the polish after. I also got some Bluesky products – the Bluesky base and top coat bundle was good, and then I bought a few gel colours, same brand. And some decent acetone. All in all, it was about £60 I think.

And so one Saturday morning I laid it all out on the table and had a bash at doing my own manicure and gel varnishing job. It was quietly satisfying, and I actually ended up with a pretty good set of nails.

It’s fiddly, I’m not going to lie. And it’s also really easy to get nail varnish on your cuticles etc, which you’ve then got to clean before zapping under the light. Because then it’s set super hard. It’s not like normal varnish where you can go in with an earbud and tidy it up. Once it’s zapped, it’s there for good. I nicked myself a couple of times with the cuticle clipper things too, but I got used to handling that as time passed.

VERDICT

This is great if you’re really super into having good nails without too much aggro. I mean, I wouldn’t want to have a bash at doing my own acrylics or anything, but this was totally doable. Pictured is my first attempt, and my second attempt was better a couple of weeks later. I forgot to take a photo though. But one of the nice things about having a manicure is all the other stuff that goes with it. The chit chat, the hand massage, the not having to do it. This is nice, but I’d definitely rather be in a nail place having someone else do the do.

Finally, lashes

Right. So I bought the ICONSIGN Lash Lift Kit off Amazon having watched this pop up about a billion times in my Facebook feed. The idea is that you increase the curl in your lashes (like you would get from using eyelash curlers) but it’s permanent. It’s a perm. Literally.

I’m going to tell you straight away that I haven’t managed to give it a bash. I couldn’t even get the funny little plastic things to stay on my eyelid, let alone glue my lashes to them to perm them.

I ended up throwing the plastic thing across the room like a five year old. So as at the time of writing, I can’t tell you much about this. I might give it another go and see if I can get this to work because I have heard good things. If I have any success (or otherwise) I’ll update this article.

If anyone has had a go at the lash thing and wants to let us know how it went, do comment below. I’d love to know!

THE TAKEOUT

So all in all, I guess you could say that with time and patience it’s possible to create most of those spa type experiences at home. The big thing missing of course, is the pleasure of other people. Chewing of the fat whilst your hair is coloured and cut, drinking coffee whilst your nails are made beautiful. Giving yourself up and lying in bliss whilst someone quietly works the knots out of your back and brings you a glass of water.

I am reasonably happy with all the things I’ve tried, but with the exception of the back massage things, I’ll definitely be going back to my favourite stylists as soon as I can for the rest of it.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Reviews of home spa options – massage, nails, hair, lashes. Here’s how it went appeared first on Silver Magazine.