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Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
These are my top summer picks to buy from FatFace
With warmer weather finally here, these are the new arrivals we'll be adding to our baskets for summer Warmer weather is finally here and those who could do with a wardrobe refresh are in for a treat, because one high-street favourite has released a plethora of new arrivals for summer. Enter FatFace, the British lifestyle brand is best known for its laid-back and feel-good pieces. Whether you're chasing sunsets on the coast, heading to a garden party, or just looking for comfy, breathable staples to see you through heatwave days, FatFace has delivered this season. From floaty midi dresses to classic linen shirts you'll wear on repeat, their latest collection is packed with versatile pieces. Of course virtual racks are full of great new options for the warm weather. Check out Joules for a range of new arrivals in summerwear, you can also find up to 30% off full-price dresses at Boden for a limited time. But for effortless, low key style FatFace might just be the way - see our picks of some of the best below. Pink Ombre Stripe Knitted Tee - £48 Looking for a new favourite staple to wear throughout the warm weather spells? This ombré stripe knitted t-shirt is the kind of wardrobe staple fashion fans will want to reach for on repeat, no matter the day or occasion. Boasting a soft, breathable fabric and relaxed fit, it's made for everything from lazy weekend brunches to casual officewear. The classic summer stripe design has a fresh update with its subtle ombré detailing, which adds a hint of character without feeling bold. Short sleeves and a flattering slouched neckline keep the look effortless and easy to wear, however you decide to style it. Designed with comfort in mind, this knitted tee is lightweight, airy, and perfect for those balmy days. Pair it with trainers for daytime or dress it up with gold jewellery and sandals for drinks at sunset. Shop Pink Ombre Stripe Knitted Tee from FatFace Remi Dark Teal Linen Midi Dress If there's a special occasion coming up, this linen midi dress is a top contender. Breezy, effortless, and made for sun-soaked days, this is a summer essential you'll want on standby. It's crafted from lightweight and breathable linen, so it's designed to keep you cool and comfortable, while a flattering V-neckline and subtly gathered balloon sleeves add a touch of understated elegance. The soft cinched waist creates a flattering, relaxed shape without feeling too structured, and the easy, flowing silhouette makes it perfect for every occasion. It's one of those throw-on-and-go pieces you'll find yourself reaching for whenever the forecast promises blue skies. Shoppers think so too, one five-star rating said: "A really nice dress. Fits well, and is a lovely colour. Also quite flattering for someone with a curvy figure. It will be very useful over the summer." A second shopper shared: "Love the colour of this dress, a beautiful dark teal. It feels cool to wear and is a lovely quality linen, also very happy it has pockets!" While a third customer noted: "I love this colour. The dress fits perfectly and looks really classy. I am looking forward to wearing it at a family meal." Aubreay Tan Brown Wide Leg Cropped Trousers Fashion fans after a pair of trousers that can do it all, meet the Aubrey wide leg cropped trousers. Designed with versatility in mind, they strike the perfect balance between smart and laid-back, making them an easy go-to for everyday wear. The sleek, wide leg silhouette gives them a polished edge that's ideal for office days or al fresco dinner plans. Meanwhile, thanks to their soft, lightweight fabric and relaxed cropped fit, they're equally easy to dress down. Finished with a flattering drawstring waist for all-day comfort, these trousers are made to move with you, whatever your day has in store. Shop Aubreay Tan Brown Wide Leg Cropped Trousers from FatFace Iris Light Blue Denim Dress - Ready for sun-drenched days, the Iris linen midi dress is your warm-weather wardrobe's new best friend. It's crafted from lightweight, breathable linen with a denim look, designed to keep you cool and comfortable on even the hottest days. With a classic round neckline and sleeveless design, this dress is simple and effortlessly stylish. The relaxed, flowy silhouette hugs the body in all the right places, offering a flattering fit without being restrictive. Its midi length also makes it super versatile. In the comments, customers have awarded the stylish number five stars. One review said: "I love this dress, it skims over bumpy bits, looks elegant, and is a lovely lightweight and practical dress." A second customer wrote: "Lovely dress and had lots of compliments." A third happy shopper noted: "A lovely comfortable summer dress." Arabella Claret Puff Sleeve Top - £65 Designed for those balmy evenings and special occasions, the Arabella top is an easy statement piece for special occasions. Crafted from soft, breathable fabric, this top keeps you cool and comfortable while serving up plenty of standout style. Boasting a rich claret hue, it's the kind of top that instantly elevates any look, whether you're dressing it up or keeping it casual.. It features a flattering, deep plunge neckline, puffed sleeves, and a flattering cinched waist to shape you in all of the right places. The Arabella top is the piece you'll want in your wardrobe for every sun-soaked plan this season.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
Underrated Welsh market town is all about biking, beers, and big Sunday lunches
Underrated Welsh market town is all about biking, beers, and big Sunday lunches This historic town was once a stop-off for weary drovers and is now positioning itself as the 'outdoors capital of Wales' Home to the spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys this underrated market town is an ideal hub for biking, hiking, and wildlife watching (Image: Portia Jones ) As I drove through the undulating hills of mid Wales the landscape began to change gradually. The single-track roads wound through steep valleys, past dense woodlands, and over ancient stone bridges that spanned fast-flowing streams. After passing by farmlands and small clusters of houses I soon found myself in the first town on the River Wye, Rhayader. Home to the spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys this underrated market town is an ideal hub for biking, hiking, and wildlife watching. Rhayader has remained true to its farming roots and continues to be an important centre for the farming community with a thriving livestock market serving a large rural area. Rhayader has long been a mid Wales hub for weary travellers and was used as a staging post for drovers and those travelling the long route from London to Aberystwyth. Today it's known as the gateway to the Elan Valley and can be found just outside the vast estate. It's a convenient base with several independent shops, cafés, and pubs, and also positions itself as the 'outdoors capital of Wales'. This destination is definitely one of my favourite places in Wales for an epic bike ride and a massive Sunday lunch at one of the many pubs dotted around the town. Here's how to make the most of a visit to Rhayader. Shopping One of the more atypical shopping options here is Hafod Hardware – a retro, family-run hardware store that has been open since 1895 (Image: Portia Jones ) Article continues below Along the main drag you'll find a compact shopping area where you can browse a selection of antiques, local crafts, prints, pottery, upcycled clothing, and local souvenirs. One of the more uncommon shopping options here is Hafod Hardware which is a retro, family-run hardware store that has been open since 1895. Alongside typical DIY items and kitchenware you can also pick up vintage-style tourism prints of Wales, specially-made Elan Valley mugs, and chocolate bars. Quillies is worth a visit for its lush locally-made crafts including pottery, textiles, jewellery, and fused glass. Get your retail fix at family-run No8 Clothing where you'll find men's, women's, and children's clothing, accessories, and gifts. Gift shops sell locally-made crafts including pottery, textiles, jewellery, and fused glass (Image: Portia Jones ) There are two floors stocking well-known brands including Joules, Brakeburn, Seasalt, Soya Concept, Mistral, Joe Browns, Wrangler, Pachamama, Jellycat, and Powder. River Wood is the only gallery-bookshop in the UK dedicated solely to wildlife and wild places and is packed with original paintings, prints, cards, and books. Upstairs is a working artist's studio and space for creative workshops. For outdoor gear Hill Walking offers a decent variety of clothing, boots, and accessories featuring brands like Urban Road, Game, Regatta, Trespass, and Craghoppers, all suited to walking in Wales' unpredictable weather conditions. Explore the dams Rhayader is the gateway to the spectacular Elan Valley (Image: Portia Jones ) Rhayader is the gateway to the spectacular Elan Valley where the estate's Victorian dams are found among the undulating green hills. Built more than 100 years ago to supply water to a heavily urbanised and thirsty Birmingham these distinctive gravity dams are a massive draw for photographers who come to snap the cascading waters. The story of the Elan Valley begins in the late 19th century when Birmingham, an urban hub at the height of the industrial revolution, was undergoing rapid expansion. The city needed a clean reliable water source and, after much searching, engineers set their sights on the remote Elan Valley. With its high rainfall and steep, narrow landscape the valley was the perfect location for a chain of reservoirs. In 1892 work began on one of the most ambitious water supply projects of its time. More than 3,000 workers were brought in to build dams, reservoirs, and aqueducts by hand with the assistance of steam-powered machinery. By the time the project was completed in 1904 the Elan Valley had undergone a significant transformation. A map of the estate can be procured from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre and staff are also happy to advise on scenic routes to see the dams (Image: Portia Jones ) Four main dams were constructed – Caban Coch, Garreg Ddu, Pen y Garreg, and Craig Goch. Each dam is an engineering marvel, built from local stone and designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape. The Caban Coch Dam, for example, appears to be a natural cliff face from a distance yet up close its sheer size and the sound of water cascading over its edge are nothing short of awe-inspiring. The reservoirs themselves, vast and deep bodies of water, reflect the surrounding hills and sky creating a picture-perfect spot. A map of the estate can be procured from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre and staff are also happy to advise on scenic routes to see the dams. The best time to take a slow drive around the estate is after heavy rainfall (not exactly a difficult feat in Wales) when reservoir water spills over the steep, 'Birmingham Baroque'-style structures. Want to be guided by a local expert? You can book a bespoke tour of the Elan Valley and the Cambrian Mountains area with Cambrian Safaris and find all the hidden corners with a local expert. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here. Bike the Elan Valley trail One of the best ways to explore Elan Valley is by strolling or cycling along the Elan Valley Trail (Image: Portia Jones ) One of the best ways to explore Elan Valley is by strolling or cycling along the Elan Valley Trail. This 13-mile (21km) path follows the route of the old railway that brought materials to the valley during the dam's construction. Today a well-maintained trail winds through some of the valley's most scenic spots. Starting in the small village of Cwmdeuddwr, just west of Rhayader, you'll follow the old Birmingham Corporation Railway line, perfectly positioned to show off Elan's best Victorian dams. The linear trail is mostly flat, except for a few inclines, with a few tarmacked stretches making it ideal for cyclists of all abilities, including older kids. And if you want to give your legs a bit of extra help you can always hire an E-bike in Rhayader – after all who says you can't cruise through the valley in style? If you aren't bringing your own bike head to the market town of Rhayader first to rent push bikes or E-bikes from either Neil's Wheels or Clive Powell Mountain Bikes. The trail should take around three hours so renting a bike for half a day should give you plenty of time for photo stops and coffee breaks. The route climbs 165ft from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre and passes the impressive Caban Coch and Garreg Ddu reservoirs. When they are full millions of gallons of water cascade over the historic 120ft-high dam walls of Cabin Coch – get your camera ready. Go wildlife spotting The visitor centre at Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Centre (Image: Gigrin Farm ) Rhayader is on the doorstep of the wildlife-rich Elan Valley and you can also spot red kites circling above the town. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water owns the nearby Elan Estate, although a more significant part is vested in the Elan Valley Trust. While the estate's principal function is providing a clean water supply it also serves as a carefully-managed beauty spot for curious visitors. More than 80% of the valley is designated a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), rich in wildlife and remarkable landscapes. Thanks to its diverse habitats and careful management the Elan Valley is a haven for a wide range of wildlife. The valley's woodlands, moorlands, and wetlands provide habitats for a diverse range of species including birds, mammals, insects, and plants. Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse array of species found here. The reservoirs attract waterfowl like tufted ducks, great crested grebes, and goosanders while the surrounding forests are home to woodpeckers and nuthatches. The open moorland serves as a hunting ground for birds of prey with red kites, buzzards, and occasionally peregrine falcons spotted soaring high above. Thanks to its diverse habitats and careful management the Elan Valley is a haven for a wide range of wildlife (Image: Portia Jones ) To get a closer look at the resident red kites head to Gigrin Farm, famous for its red kite feeding. Located half a mile from Rhayader, hundreds of red kites feed here, and it's the best place in the UK to see and photograph hundreds of wild red kites (including rare leucistic red kites). Small-scale cattle-keeping is also a crucial part of farming in Elan Valley. Today only a handful of farms continue this practice. Keep an eye out and you'll see cattle grazing extensively on the open hills and in some enclosed habitats. The Elan Valley's flora is just as impressive. Dense woodlands are home to ancient oaks and the moorlands are covered in a carpet of heather, bilberry, and mosses. In the spring and summer the valley's meadows burst into life with wildflowers, adding a splash of colour to the landscape. Try stargazing The Elan Valley Estate has several prime locations for stargazing (Image: Portia Jones / Dafydd Wyn Morgan ) Did you know that Rhyader and the Elan Valley are home to some of the darkest, clearest, and most unpolluted skies in the world? With its 45,000 acres of protected land the Elan Valley has led this movement since achieving its International Dark Sky Park status in 2015, becoming the first privately-owned but publicly-accessible park in the world to do so. This special status now means that the Elan Valley is protected against light pollution and also provides sanctuary for the abundance of wildlife and nature that can be found here on the estate. Since its dark sky designation the Elan Valley is now recognised as one of the top stargazing destinations in the world and has been featured in many stargazing guides, talks, and books. But what does that mean for stargazers? In simple terms it means minimal light pollution and skies so clear that you can see the Milky Way, meteor showers, and even the faint glow of neighbouring galaxies with the naked eye. The valley's remote location and thoughtful conservation efforts make it a standout spot for those seeking a deeper connection with the cosmos. Here you'll find several prime locations for stargazing. Each offers a unique perspective on the night sky whether you're a casual observer or an avid astrophotographer. The Elan Valley isn't just for stargazing as it's also a dream destination for astrophotographers (Image: Ewan Lo Turco ) Craig Goch Dam Car Park : A popular spot with wide open views, it's ideal for seeing the Milky Way or setting up for long-exposure photography. : A popular spot with wide open views, it's ideal for seeing the Milky Way or setting up for long-exposure photography. Claerwen Dam : Known for its dramatic backdrop, this site combines the grandeur of Victorian engineering with the infinite beauty of the stars above. : Known for its dramatic backdrop, this site combines the grandeur of Victorian engineering with the infinite beauty of the stars above. Teifi Pools : Remote and serene, these pools reflect the starlight, creating a mesmerising experience. : Remote and serene, these pools reflect the starlight, creating a mesmerising experience. Pont ar Elan: Easily accessible yet wonderfully secluded, it's a fantastic spot to gaze at constellations or catch a meteor shower. Bring a red-light torch to preserve your night vision and allow your eyes 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness for the full experience. For a more interactive experience look out for organised stargazing events in the area to connect with the cosmos or try your hand at astrophotography. The Elan Valley Trust and Dark Sky Wales regularly host guided tours and workshops offering expert insights and access to telescopes. For dark sky events look at the Elan Valley's What's On webpage, Facebook (ElanValley), and Instagram (@elanvalley). Eating and drinking in Rhayader There are loads of great food and drink options in Rhayader (Image: Portia Jones ) Swing by The Lost ARC for lunch and coffee in this kooky community café. Definitely order my favourite – a tasty Welsh rarebit comprising toasted bread smothered in warm, mature cheddar, Welsh ale, and a smidge of laverbread and mustard. They also have coffee, cakes, light lunches, and plenty of vegan eats to choose from By night this hip establishment transforms into a live music venue showcasing emerging acts and hosting popular pizza nights. The Old Swan Tea Rooms is a traditional family-run tea room and cake shop offering a lovely spot for homemade pasties, cakes, and lunches. Try their incredibly moreish chicken curry made from a family recipe. For an epic Sunday lunch, head to The Crown for generous portions of meat and veg and a Yorkshire pudding. This is Sunday lunch just like Mam makes it – fuss-free, filling, and with boatloads of gravy. You won't go home hungry. For an epic Sunday Lunch head to The Crown for generous portions of meat and veg (Image: Portia Jones ) Pub-wise the Historic Triangle is a gorgeous 16th-century drover's inn located a short stroll away in Cwmdauddwr. Here you'll find a roaring fire, real cask ales on tap, and homemade food including several pub classics. The Lamb and Flag is another good spot for ales, traditional bar meals, and Sunday carveries while the bright green Elan Hotel also has a decent selection of drinks at their bar. Where to stay These handsome red-brick converted townhouses are perfect for groups of friends or families travelling together (Image: Portia Jones ) Mid Wales Holiday Lets These reasonably-priced holiday lets can sleep up to 44 people with Glandwr House, Afonwy House, The Old Drapers, The Bakehouse, and The Cwtch all available. The handsome red-brick converted townhouses are perfect for groups of friends or families travelling together in the Elan Valley area. They are also well-equipped for cyclists, offering secure bike storage to keep your gear safe. After a long day of hitting the trails you can unwind in the bubbly outdoor hot tub, which is perfect for soothing those aching muscles. Ty Morgans For a stay in the heart of Rhayader Ty Morgans is a historic townhouse that blends traditional charm with a modern feel. This boutique and well-priced accommodation is situated at the crossroads of Rhayader making it a perfect base for exploring the town and the Elan Valley area. It is thoughtfully designed, incorporating original features like oak beams and stone fireplaces while offering all the modern amenities you'd expect including en suite bathrooms. Ty Morgans also features an on-site bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy a variety of meals ranging from full Welsh breakfasts to evening dinners. The central location means you're just a short stroll away from local shops, pubs, and the Riverside Walk. Elan Valley Hotel Located just a short drive from the Elan Valley the Elan Valley Hotel is a top choice for a blend of comfort and convenience wrapped up in a boutique hotel experience. Here you'll find well-appointed rooms with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Each room is designed with comfort in mind featuring plush beds and modern amenities. The hotel's restaurant is renowned for its exceptional menu, which features locally-sourced ingredients and offers a truly authentic taste of Wales. It's an ideal spot for easy access to the Elan Valley's many trails and reservoirs while enjoying a touch of luxury. Getting to Rhayader Rhayader, the gateway to the Elan Valley, is easily accessible from various parts of Wales and England. By car: If you're driving Rhayader is well-connected via the A470 and A44, making it a scenic road trip from cities like Cardiff (approximately two and a half hours), Birmingham (just over two hours), or Shrewsbury (around 90 minutes). The roads into mid Wales wind through picturesque countryside so allow a little extra time for slower rural routes and photo stops. By public transport: Travelling by train and bus is also an option though services are limited in this rural area. The nearest train station is in Llandrindod Wells, around 12 miles away, with connections via Transport for Wales. From there you can take a local bus to reach Rhayader. For more information and timetables check Traveline Cymru or use transport apps to help plan your journey. Article continues below
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Wales Online
Next's 'classy' and 'smart' trench coat now more than £100 off
Next's 'classy' and 'smart' trench coat now more than £100 off Next says that this is a 'true investment-worthy coat' and it's now for sale for £71 The coat was £179 but is now £71, offering a £108 save for Next shoppers (Image: Next ) While the weather is sunnier and drier this time of year it can get chillier at times, which means we need add layers to our outfits. Trench coats can be the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe as they are light but yet thick enough to keep yourself warm and still look stylish. In Next's clearance section the retailer currently has a discount on its Joules Epwell Brown Waterproof Belted Trench Coat. The coat was £179 but is now £71, offering a £108 saving for thrifty shoppers. The trench coat is waterproof and is a longline with a slight A-line shape. It has a functional adjustable belt with a D-ring and a collar with fixed throat latch. READ MORE: Shoppers hail Next's £34 linen trousers in six colours as 'cool and comfortable' READ MORE: Amazon smartwatch 'to rival Apple' now 40% off in limited-time sale The clothing item also comes with faux horn button fastenings to the front and cuffs. It also comes with welt pockets, raglan sleeves for a relaxed feel, checked undercollar with Joules embroidery, full heritage checked lining, and a back vent. Next's description of the coat reads: "The trench coat has long been referred to as a transitional piece taking wearers from winter through to spring. "The Epwell is the perfect bridge for those in-between seasons as it's longline, waterproof, and is the epitome of functional style. "A slight A-line shape and adjustable belt enhances the fit of the piece while a throat latch, heritage check under the collar, and internal lining draws inspiration from country attire. "Faux horn button fastenings to the front and cuffs elevate the coat further and a back vent and side pockets are essential finishing touches. "This is a true investment-worthy coat that will be a favourite for a very long time." The main part of the coat is made out of 73% cotton and 27% nylon while the lining is 100% cotton with the sleeve lining made out of 100% polyester. The trench coat is also machine-washable making it easy to maintain. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . You can wear this trench coat with pretty much anything you have in your wardrobe, from a nice T-shirt to your favourite pair of blue jeans for a casual look, or for a formal event you can wear it with a dress or skirt. The trench coat is now available in UK sizes 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 24 but was not available in sizes six, eight, 20, 22, and 26 at time of writing. Many shoppers have been raving about this trench coach, which has so far received a rating of 4.5 out of five stars and 14 reviews. "Absolutely love this coat," one reviewer said. "So pleased with it and an absolute bargain in the sale. Looks very classy and smart, hopefully I will have it for a few years to come." Another happy customer remarked: "Great fit beautiful lining and absolute classic". One satisfied shopper said: "The coat was well-tailored with a lot attention to detail. the Quality, style and fit was excellent." But not everyone was pleased with their purchase. One reviewer said: "Very stylish and practical. Slightly disappointed with the colour which looked like caramel/tan on the website but is actually more of a yellowish khaki shade." If you are looking for a coat that can be worn during the slightly chillier days of spring and summer Boden has plenty of options, including the Windsor Heritage Mac for £250. Article continues below Meanwhile Uniqlo currently has a sale on various items, including on its beige-coloured trench coat which was £99.90 but is now £59.90.
Spectator
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
Women don't want to dress like Kate Middleton anymore
Look, if you will, at Kate Middleton on the Isle of Mull for her wedding anniversary. There she was in skinny jeans, tucked-in blue shirt and tweed blazer, shod in what looked like sensible walking boots. It's a look I like to call Royal Prep School Mummy, and she's been at it for years: on school runs, at charity netball matches, and Anmer Hall photoshoots. It works, as it always has done, by combining registers. The tweed blazer nods to all sorts of Balmoral-ish, elitist accents – but we forget all about that because of the blue shirt and skinny jeans, items we might well own ourselves. Hilary Mantel may have famously called Kate a 'shop window mannequin', but I want to know which one. Joules, Boden or Cath Kidston? Nowadays, haute-ordinary brands once associated with the princess's soft power – such as Joules, Boden, and Cath Kidston, not to mention Orla Kiely and Jack Wills – are anachronisms. Most of them – bar Jack Wills, which is now worn almost exclusively by chavs – have gone bust. Cath Kidston, once the darling of the middle-class kitchen and downstairs loo with all its make-do-and-mend, chintzy, found-it-in-the-attic vibes, went into administration in 2020. Joules – the brand first established as a market stall by founder Tom Joule, known for its Norfolk beach-striped raincoats and clean Breton tops – went down the pan not long after, in 2023. Both labels were bought out by Next – the hugely successful but doomed graveyard for troubled brands. Both cited Covid and lack of investment as reasons for their demise. But I think it's simply that we have aged out of aspirational ordinariness – or, as one retail analyst at JP Morgan told me, 'the brand DNA had withered'. Ouch. In short, middle-class tastes have moved on. Where once Prep School Mummy might have wanted to emulate a clean-lines Kate vibe, these days she is far more likely to want to signal quiet wealth and a safe, don't-scare-the-horses eccentricity: think an Aspiga quilted coat, barrel jeans (a nightmare for walking the dogs in the mud, just saying) and bright red Adidas Sambas. In warm weather, the jean hem will rise to wide-leg culottes and be paired with Penelope Chilvers espadrilles and a Maison Labiche top that she might have bought in Burford Garden Centre's ladies' fashion department, next to the Pooky lampshades. As ensembles go, these looks gesture towards a louder femininity than the Kate look of old – untethered from convention. Could it be, perhaps, that fashion's middle ground is no longer that middle? Maybe, like our politics, fashion is becoming polarised – the middle market crushed. At one end of the spectrum, you have the obvious luxury of Louis Vuitton, Sloane Street brands; at the other, the fast fashion of Zara and Topshop – now reputed to be making a Gen Z revival. Prestige-lite brands still exist – Boden, the White Company, Sarah K – but their ability to make the middle classes feel like they're getting the good life for less without feeling somehow lesser has waned. Her look, now held in a kind of sartorial aspic, is essential to the Firm's ability to convince us of its middle-class credentials Boden in particular used to lead the pack on the strength of its brand pedigree, not simply its DNA. Owned by Old Etonian Johnny Boden, it tapped spectacularly into the national psyche – windy days on British beaches, drawing-room drinks parties – while providing upscale wardrobe basics (leopard-print ankle boots) and toned-down avant-garde trends (jazzy block-colour coats). But then it went wrong, and the brand was forced to scale back its disastrous men's offering and make a formal apology. Johnny Boden has attributed the losses to 'forgetting' his core customer, but the collective demise of similar brands points to the fact that fashion no longer meets its customers in the middle. In a world of Trump-ish opulence and Reform-style excess, we don't just want to feel nice any more – we aspire to luxury. A nice Breton and a pair of skinny jeans just isn't going to do it any more, even if it is made of organic cotton. Kate Middleton, of course, doesn't have to change at all. Her look, now held in a kind of sartorial aspic, is essential to the Firm's ability to convince us of its middle-class credentials. Her influence will always be powerful, as it was when she first 'broke the internet' with her engagement Issa stretchy dress. As every brand specialist will tell you, no customer – and we are all consumers of Kate, let's be clear – wants to be confused. In the meantime, I'm off to walk the dogs before school pick-up. Just a shame I can't fit my barrel jeans into my Chameau wellies.
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
7 easy to style and comfy to wear co-ords from high street brands like Reserved and Joules
Co-ords are the ultimate low-effort, maximum-style outfit, and we've found the very best sets for summer from brands including Joules, Forever New and Joules. Co-ords have become a go-to spring/summer staple, and it looks like they're not going anywhere anytime soon. If you're struggling to put an outfit together in the morning, a matching set could be your new best friend. Not only do they make getting dressed effortless (ideal for those rushed mornings), but each piece can be styled separately with your existing wardrobe, giving you even more bang for your buck. From workdays to beach getaways, we've rounded up the best co-ords to shop now – including a stylish pick from Reserved that's perfect for holiday. ALBARAY You can't go wrong with a linen matching set in the warmer months. Lightweight and breathable, this stylish fabric will keep you cool all summer long, and this skirt and waistcoat combo is so versatile. FOREVER NEW If you're heading off on a European holiday and are looking for those 'dolce vita' vibes in your outfit, this lemon co-ord from Forever New will be right up your street. And the best bit is that you can mix and match them with other pieces in your holiday wardrobe. RESERVED If minimalist, neutral tones aren't for you, this jewel-tone green set from Reserved is the perfect alternative. It's bright, fun and playful but still maintains a level of chicness. MARKS & SPENCER Brown is a huge colour trend this year, and stripes are always a good idea, so this set really is the perfect combination of both. Dresss up for the office with a pair of chunky loafers or make it more casual with some white trainers and a suede jacket. JOULES As mentioned above, stripes are always on trend and always look good. We love that this Joules set plays around with different colours, but still manages to look effortless and chic. KAREN MILLEN Denim on denim is a perfect choice if you want to fit into the popular cowboycore trend. And the best bit about this Karen Millen set is that its an elevated, chic take on the Canadian tuxedo. ME + EM With big celeb fans, ME + EM has cemented itself as a must-have high-end British label, and we love their stylish, classy pieces. This smock top and skirt co ord is the perfect spring/summer set
