Latest news with #summeraccessories
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The hottest trend of the summer? Mini fans
Tiny Nineties shades? Woven wicker clutches? Those mildly menacing Labubu charms that glare out from the handle of your bag, clenching their pointy plastic teeth? Forget them. From the fields of Glastonbury to the stands at Royal Ascot to the subterranean inferno of the Central line, there's one standout accessory that has taken this summer by storm. I'm referring, of course, to the humble battery-powered portable fan, the little device that has become ubiquitous over the past month or so, as sweaty Brits try desperately to deal with high temperatures that our infrastructure just wasn't built to withstand. It's small enough to stash in a tote as you rush out of the house in the morning, and it emits the sort of weirdly comforting white noise that helps you ascend to another level of zen during your commute. You'll see these handy bits of tech in train carriages, at office desks and in pub gardens, as their devotees bask in the temporary respite offered by a slightly cooler blast of air, soothing their tomato-red faces and dispersing some of the perspiration that's started to take up residence on their upper lip. It doesn't hurt, either, that the wind machine effect tends to give long hair a bit of a zhush, too, so you can briefly pretend you're in a Mariah Carey video when you're in fact standing at a bus stop looking like a wilted houseplant. The handheld fan is not a new invention. When I cast my mind back to primary school, I can remember a craze for colourful versions with soft plastic blades made from balloon-like material (they could still cause a bit of pain if you held them too close to your skin, which, being primary school kids, we obviously did; we also spoke into them to 'hilariously' make our little voices sound robotic). But the 2025 iteration is a much more sophisticated beast. Unlike the ones you might recall from childhood, the miniature fan of the moment tends to have a case around the blades, to prevent your hair or clothes getting tangled up. Some of them are foldable, so you can fit them into the tiniest handbag or pocket. Some can be plugged into your phone's charging socket. And some have built-in flashlights, in case you want to add an element of disco to your Tube journey. Inevitably, they're available in a whole range of colourways, and if you want to amp up the twee factor, you can invest in a fan with cutesy animal ears and a smiling face emblazoned on the centre of its motor. Pandas, cats, frogs – just name the tiny creature and you'll be able to find some form of equally tiny ventilation device fashioned in its image. The true tech pioneers, though, seem to be opting for wearable fans that rest on your neck, gently circulating air around your face; the aesthetic is somewhere between off-duty athlete and televangelist shouting into a headset. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly when the mini-fan became such a summer must-have. But over the past half decade or so, their popularity seems to have grown and grown. New research from Material Focus, the non-profit group that campaigns for better recycling for waste electrical and electronic equipment (a category also known by the slightly unfortunate acronym Weee) has found that British people have bought around 7.1 million mini fans over the last 12 months. Google searches for the products, meanwhile, were up by 16 per cent in May compared to the same period last year. British people have bought around 7.1 million mini fans over the last 12 months And it can hardly be a coincidence that they've become increasingly ubiquitous as our summers have got hotter, for longer. The Met Office recently pointed out a 'clear upward trend' in the number of days in June with temperatures hitting above 30C, for instance, and also published a study last month revealing that the chances of UK temperatures exceeding 40C are 'accelerating at pace'. Our public spaces and transport systems just weren't made to account for such high temperatures, so it's no wonder that we're trying to make the experience of, well, merely existing during summertime slightly less swampy. There is a slightly bleak irony, though, in the fact that we're stuck attempting to deal with our changing climate by… buying into products that aren't necessarily all that great for the planet. Portable fans fall under the umbrella of 'fast tech', cheap, even novelty devices that are often tough to repair and tend to get chucked in the bin at the end of the season. Think of it as the tech world's equivalent of fast fashion. Material Focus has estimated that around 3.5 million fans have been discarded or forgotten over the past year. And because these products often feature plastics and electronic components, they can be especially difficult to properly recycle. When you take into account that many of the novelty designs are being sold on massive online platforms that are notoriously unfussed about the environmental impact of their supply chain and delivery process, they don't seem quite so cool. It's all worth bearing in mind when you find your eyes inexorably drawn to the candy-coloured fan with the endearingly cute animal ears during your next unbearably sticky train journey. The tiny novelty fan might be alluring, sure, but do you really need one that matches your outfit when you already have a few knocking around in your junk drawer at home?
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet the Lululemon bag that's flying off shelves — and it's under $40!
When it comes to summer accessories, less is definitely more, and nothing beats a bag that holds your essentials but keeps your hands free. Whether you're off to a music festival, dog park, run club or anywhere in between, a belt bag gives you freedom. This small-but-mighty one from Lululemon ticks all the boxes — it's under $40 and just dropped in a new summer-ready pink colour. Meet the Everywhere Belt Bag Mini — a smaller spin on the cult-favourite original Everywhere Belt Bag. This mini version is just as functional, compact, and chic. It packs a serious style punch and is continuously racking up hundreds of glowing reviews, so it's no wonder you're likely seeing it everywhere. Shop in four colours: Pink Organza (pictured), Army Green, White and Black. Sleek in style but made for action, this bag is made with water-repellent fabric and features an adjustable strap that can be worn crossbody or around the waist. Giving a low-maintenance yet high-style vibe, this mini size is perfect for days when you're majorly on the go and only want to carry the essentials. Think keys, wallet, phone and so on. If that's not enough, it also features roomy interior pockets to keep your everyday essentials organized, and comes in a range of versatile colours that make outfit-matching effortless. Designed without flashy hardware, it's finished with a sporty buckle that feels both secure and easy to adjust. 👜 100+ reviews ⭐ 4.7/5 stars 🏅 "It fits everything I need!" With a near-perfect rating, it's clear to see that this mini belt bag is a fan favourite. One happy shopper in particular notes, "It's so convenient for summer — it goes with me everywhere!" $38 at Lululemon One shopper even called it their dog-walking must-have, sharing: 'It fits everything I need — my phone, treats and a few extras with no problem at all.' While most shoppers are sharing rave reviews, a few feel the bag is too small for what they need: 'It's cute and functional, but a bit smaller than I expected. I wish it had just a little more space." It's important to note that this bag really lives up to its mini name and truly fits just the essentials. If you're looking to carry more, the Everywhere Belt Bag Mini may not be for you. Whether you're hitting up a farmer's market, outdoor concert, or just walking the dog around the block, Lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag Mini has you covered and enjoying hands-free life. Priced under $40, it's a smart buy and with its soaring popularity, it may not stay in stock for long! Another viral find to scoop up before it's out of stock is this tote. Besides its high-end designer look, this carry-all is super functional and made to last. If you're in search of a roomier bag, look no further. This crossbody fits a whopping 2L, so there's no need to leave any essentials behind. Available in a wide range of colours, including trending leopard print, it's an easy yes. Whether you're post-pilates or need a comfy tee, this crop is chic, lightweight and versatile. Available in a range of colourways, it easily pairs with everything from high-rise leggings to relaxed denim. On the hunt for a larger carry-all? This bag makes toting groceries, your laptop and everything in between a breeze and it looks good doing it. Available in a range of fun and fresh colour options, it's an easy yes from us. Whether you're completing the look with the coordinating skirt or styling it with relaxed trousers for an off-duty vibe, this piece adds a soft, elegant touch to any outfit. No barre class required! Labubu who? This adorable bag charm is as functional as it is cute. Perfect for keeping your keys, lip gloss or hand sanitizer within easy reach, it's the kind of accessory you'll wonder how you ever lived without. It may be hard to believe with Canada's weather this week, but sometimes summer can be a bit chilly. Super soft and available in 10 colourways, its fleecy feel and cozy fit are bound to win you over. Wear your pride loud and proud when you sport this crossbody. It has many pockets to keep everything organized and secure. This cute-as-a-button crochet bucket hat is as sweet as it is stylish. Made by hand, each hat is unique and the lightweight cotton blend keeps things breathable on warm days. This isn't your average jumpsuit. Made from lightweight, water-repellent material, this sleek one-piece is designed to feel effortlessly cool and ultra-functional, no matter what's on the agenda.
Times
26-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Times
The best mini fans to keep you cool in a heatwave — tried and tested
Once only seen in the hands of hot, dispirited tourists staggering through European cities in August, portable fans have become the hottest commuter accessory to combat Britain's recent heatwaves. From hands-free neck fans to a bargain £12 buy, here are six of the best picks to stay cool this summer. A similar model to the John Lewis handheld fan (below), but slightly larger and feels a little more powerful (though this does make it a bit noisier on the full-speed setting). It handily folds in half to become a desktop fan, takes four hours to charge fully, and the battery will last for 4-12 hours depending on the speed you Probably the chicest fan we tried (it looks more expensive than its bargain price), it is compact, quiet and has three speed settings. Like the Bush fan, the handle turns into a fold-out stand. It takes about five hours to charge, and the battery will last about nine hours on low speed, six hours on medium and four hours on high. • The best standing and desk fans to buy now The flexible tripod legs on this are super handy for wrapping around the handle of a buggy or desk lamp — or can be used as a stand to set the fan on a table. It's very powerful at full speed and has a long battery life: the charge will last for 12-24 hours depending on which of its four speed settings you're Lightweight, comfortable to wear and stays in place well — great if you're wearing it on a sunny walk or bike ride. There are three speeds to choose between, however the top speed setting is less powerful than some of the other options. The battery lasts 4-16 hours depending on the speed • Don't sleep naked — the nine best tips on how to sleep in the heat A brilliant hands-free option. The top speed (it has three in total) does sound a bit like a hairdryer if you're using it somewhere quiet, but this and the Jisulife neck fan option are great if you want something that looks low-key — both could pass as a pair of headphones at a • Heatwaves set to break UK weather records — but not today A compact, powerful — and actually quite stylish — handheld fan. It's lightweight, has a dial rather than fixed settings to adjust the speed, and can be fully charged in just an hour and a half. The quickest of the lot. The one downside is the battery charge doesn't last as long as some of the other options when used on full power — only three hours on average.
Vogue Arabia
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
The Straw Bucket Bag is the It-Girl Bag This Summer
There's no doubt that when it comes to summer accessories, the straw bucket bag is the star of the show. Not only is it the perfect accessory to suit every look and occasion, but the straw bucket bag is a must-have for the summer season specifically. A true passepartout for the summer, the bag is light and often comes in natural colours. It is big enough to hold everything you need, and at the same time, it is more contained than a tote. A symbol of sophistication and effortlessness, the straw bucket bag is a staple of a quite luxury that pays the utmost attention to detail and quality without being ostentatious. The vintage accessory is both reminiscent of outdoor picnics and suitable for everyday life, between the office, coffee breaks at the bar or at a park and last-minute evening aperitifs. The straw bucket bag can be carried anytime and with anything, and is never out of place. In fact, it is the cutest accessory you can wear in summer 2025. Launchmetrics/ Launchmetrics/ The Birkin-style straw bucket bag, a model that never goes out of style A nod to Italian summers and 1970s style icons including Jane Birkin, this particular basket bag won everyone over with its unique and unmistakable style, emphasising how cool the straw bucket bag can be. An accessory that owes its popularity to French women, an integral part of Parisian style which saw its first sunrise in the summers of the French Riviera. And which Jane Birkin herself used to wear as early as in the 1960s on the city streets. Then in 1974, she used it for the first time on the red carpet at Cannes, pairing the Jane Birkin Basket with a mini dress, bleu navy tights and silver sandals. A bag she had found a few years earlier at the Portobello road market and loved so much, wearing it very frequently, on every occasion and on the arm of women all over the world. Ruslan Baginskiy The Iza Basket Bag, AED1,500 The straw bucket bag with leather details, perfect for a city look This bag that is not just an accessory; it is a lifestyle, an element of everyday life and that accompanies you in every situation. A trend that has never stopped since it was born, so much so that today, straw, raffia or wicker bucket bags are must-haves for those who love a chic style with natural notes, refined yet effortless—urban but with a country touch. Bags that can be larger or smaller depending on your tastes and needs, spacious, light and versatile, the best companions of the summer season and ready to accompany you from morning to evening with their unmistakable style and shape. A garment that you can wear with anything, with a skirt, with a mini dress, jeans and a super basic white T-shirt, with a long dress or with a pair of shorts. In short, it's not so much with what—what matters is to have it on your arm and give every look a truly unsurpassed touch of easy chic sophistication. Saint Laurent Le 37 mini leather-trimmed raffia bucket bag, AED9,300 Article originally published on Vogue Italy
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
All the bargains hitting Aldi middle aisle this week from holiday & travel gadgets to pet essentials
ALDI'S Specialbuys are hitting the shelves this week with many items perfect for the coming summer months. With prices starting at just 99p there is something for everybody at the German discounter supermarket chain. 10 Aldi's Specialbuys always have shoppers racing to their local stores to snap up the latest deals and we've got the entire list for you to have a lot for you to look through. Coming up this week from Thursday June 12, there's plenty to buy to spoil our beloved fur babies. Spoil Your Pets Some highlights of the exciting pet range up for grabs include, a soft pet blanket which comes in four colours and is machine washable for only £5.99. If you really want to go the extra mile for your four-legged friends, Aldi will be selling a Pet Birthday Box. For £3.99 the kit includes a bandana, party hat, bow tie, card and toy to help you party in style with your pooch. Also pet Special Buys is a treat tin for £4.49, rope toy at £1.99 and colourful harnesses for the bargain price of £5.99. Other amazing pet bargains this week include plush pet beds which range in price from £12.99 to £24.99 depending on the size of your pets. There are also plenty of summer accessories for pets, including a £6.99 collapsible folding pet pool and adorable pet water fountain. The water fountain is the perfect outdoor interactive water dispenser for dogs which provides fresh drinking water at the push of a paw and will only set you back £4.99. If you're more on the lookout for car accessories, look no further than the Washable Boot Mattress that comes in four designs and only costs £9.99. Aldi is selling a cheap $4.49 item that will transform your garden into a colorful summer paradise Just a few days after these excellent special items are released in Aldi stores, the mega-retailer will put even more middle aisle treats out. On Sunday, June 15 the Aldi Special Buys are all about summer holidays and keeping the kids entertained during the end of year break. What are the best Aldi beauty dupes? ALDI has become well-known for its affordable beauty dupes that often rival high-end brands in terms of quality and effectiveness. Here are some of the best Aldi beauty dupes that have garnered rave reviews: Lacura Healthy Glow Exfoliating Tonic Dupe for: Pixi Glow Tonic Price: £3.99 (compared to Pixi's £18) Description: This exfoliating tonic contains glycolic acid and works to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It's a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to the popular Pixi Glow Tonic. Lacura Q10 Renew Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream Dupe for: Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream Price: £1.45 (compared to Nivea's £10) Lacura Caviar Illumination Day Cream Dupe for: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Price: £6.99 (compared to La Prairie's £292) Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser Dupe for: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Price: £3.99 (compared to Liz Earle's £17.50) Lacura Snapshot Ready Foundation Primer Dupe for: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Price: £5.99 (compared to Smashbox's £26) Lacura Miracle Cream Dupe for: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Price: £3.99 (compared to Elizabeth Arden's £28) Lacura Ebony Rose Face Mask Dupe for: Fresh Rose Face Mask Price: £6.99 (compared to Fresh's £52) Lacura Charcoal Clearing Mudmask Dupe for: GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment Price: £5.99 (compared to GlamGlow's £42) Lacura Velvet Touch Foundation Dupe for: Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation Price: £5.99 (compared to Estée Lauder's £34) Lacura Tinted Lip Oils Dupe for: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Oil Price: £3.99 (compared to Rare Beauty's £20) Beach Party The children's swim vests with armbands are perfect for pro-paddlers or tots taking their first swim. They come in three colours and feature buckles and an adjustable strap for a secure fit all for just £11.99. Other holiday must-haves is children's activity travel tray for £7.99 which will keep little ones occupied on the move as they get creative. The tray includes five colour water pens, 20 papers and features a polyester table with plastic and zipper. One of the items that is sure to fly off the shelves is the £4.99 basic foldable bag that comes in two sizes and is a space saver that keeps clothes neat and tidy. For those lucky enough to be leaving Britain this summer and bringing electronics, Aldi has an EU power adapter up for grabs for only £5.99. School Holiday Fun Other school holiday savers available at Aldi in just a few days time include many activities such as Dough Art (£4.99), Colour Me Cuddle Me toys (£7.99), Paint Your Own Squishy (£3.99), and range of activity books starting at 99p to £4.99. But it's not just kids who will be able to pick up items to keep them entertained this summer. Many Harper Collins paperbacks will be up for grabs for just £2.99 or if you getting crafty is more up your alley, Aldi will be selling a Sew Your Own Bag (shopping or beauty bag) for just £3.99.
