fashion tips

When shopping or making a big purchase, there may be times when, rather than paying for it straightaway or all in one go, spreading out the cost into smaller instalments or delaying the payment altogether. This is where buy now pay later (BNPL) schemes might be helpful. As well as this, you may also find BNPL a more convenient payment method if you want to try things out before paying, such as if you need to order things in a range of sizes or colours.

But, one thing to remember with buy now pay later is that it is a form of credit and, as such, needs to be a considered use. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how buy now pay later works.

What Is Buy Now Pay Later?

Buy now pay later does exactly what it says – it offers a way for shoppers to buy goods now, but pay for them at a later date. BNPL schemes vary, but on average the period for spreading out the cost of goods can range from 30 to 90 days. Millions of people use buy now pay later providers such as Klarna, Laybuy and Clearpay and, when used correctly, it can be a quick and easy way to access credit and help you manage your finances. But, many users of BNPL aren’t aware that if there are late payments or something goes wrong, you risk having marks put against your credit file.

How Much Does Buy Now Pay Later Cost?

If you use buy now pay later to pay for goods within the delay period chosen at checkout, then you won’t pay interest on the purchase. If you use buy now pay later carefully and manage it well, then you can avoid paying interest on purchases for perhaps months, which is good for larger or more expensive purchases. If you clear your balance before your payment date, then you will likely also benefit from interest-free purchases.

Put simply, if you pay on time, then BNPL will only cost the price of the products you’ve purchased. Some providers, however, will add late fees or interest charges to purchases that have been missed, therefore increasing the cost of the products purchased.

Will Buy Now Pay Later Affect My Credit Score?

When you use buy now pay later for a purchase, it is important to remember that you are still borrowing money from a lender. As with most other forms of credit, if you don’t meet the payments, then you could face additional fees or have the purchase affect your credit score. Buy now pay later currently is largely unregulated, meaning that it isn’t mandatory for lenders to report BNPL to credit agencies.

However, the government has recently announced that regulation of BNPL is slowly being introduced, meaning that more accounts will see effects on their credit report if they make late payments, making it harder to get credit in the future.

Many debt advisors will warn against individuals who … Read More..

fashion tips

If you don’t already have your clothes repaired when they break or tear you should definitely be doing so, and by you we actually mean you! Learning how to repair your own clothes can allow you to save money next time your clothes need to be repaired because you are able to repair them yourself! Next time your heavyweight tracksuits tear or break you should try your hand at repairing them yourself.

Google It

By Googling how to repair different items of clothing it is highly likely that you will be able to access quality resources that show how to fix your clothing in an easy-to-follow step-by-step process. Allowing you to break down a potentially daunting task of repairing your own clothes for the first time into smaller, easier-to-manage goals that once achieved you will have repaired your clothing and learnt how to repair clothes at the same time.

YouTube

YouTube is a fantastic resource for teaching yourself new skills as you can access countless videos on almost everything you can think of. People with knowledge about the subject produce and upload helpful videos teaching others the intricacies of their knowledge, enabling people who want to learn and improve their skills on certain things to easily be able to do so. There is a significant amount of videos about repairing clothes, you will be able to find a video explaining how to fix just about every piece of clothing. If you have a piece of clothing that there isn’t a video already explaining how to repair it you have an opportunity to create your own video once you have learnt how to repair the product yourself. In this case, you can look on the internet and see if there is any guidance you can use to teach yourself how to repair the piece of clothing yourself.

Ask Friends Or Family

It is possible that you may have a friend or family member who may be able to repair clothes, by asking around you may find someone who can teach you how to repair your own clothes, you never know it might be the person you least expect!

Attend A Clothes Repair/Clothes Making Class

There may be instructors in your local area who offer classes on making alterations or repairs to clothing, you can either join a 1-1 session or a group session where you may be taught alongside several other people who want to learn the art of repairing their own clothes. These classes can be a great way to make new friends and meet people with the same interests.

Practice On Old Clothes

Instead of practising on your luxury streetwear, you should practice on old clothes that you have lying around that you are going to get rid of anyway. If you make mistakes it is not a big deal, you can learn from them.

Conclusion

Repairing your own clothes can be the starting point of a fantastic new hobby for you and can help you save money … Read More..

fashion style, fashion style

In the rich history of men’s fashion, very few garments that are still made to this day embody the pure essence of refinement and timeless elegance quite like a smoking jacket. Steeped in history and imbued with a sense of sophistication, the smoking jacket has captured the eye and hearts of gentlemen alike for centuries.

However, as cultural perception shifts and awareness of health hazards grows, the statue of the smoking jacket as a simple piece of quality fashion statement finds itself at a crossroads, caught between historical and practical significance and the contemporary context of smoking.

A Legacy of Elegance and Glamour

Originating from the 19th century, the smoking jacket, a garment primarily worn by men, was designed as an after-dinner coat while you indulged in tobacco. Crafted from luxurious fabrics such as velvet or even silk, these jackets were made specifically for those of higher status and class.

They exuded wealth and refinement, often adorned with intricate embroidery or opulent patterns. Their allure lay not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in the air of sophistication. As times have changed, they are becoming more accessible. Of course, there are still brands and jackets that are only aimed at those who can afford them.

The Modern Interpretation

While the smoking jacket retains its classic charm, its more updated and modern interpretation has evolved to suit contemporary tastes.

Today, smoking jackets are available in a variety of styles and materials, allowing men to express their style. The best part about this modern interpretation is that it can be worn without smoking. As a lot of men might appreciate the style and not the purpose, they can either indulge in killa nicopods instead and still wear them unapologetically to an event.

Versatility and Style Contrary

At its heart, every smoking jacket is no longer confined to a smoking room. Its modernisation has given it a versatility that allows it to be worn on a variety of occasions, both formal and informal.

Paired with well-fitted trousers and a crisp formal shirt, the smoking jacket is a statement in itself and exudes an air of effortless elegance at black-tie events. Alternatively, it can be dressed down with a pair of fitted jeans for a more relaxed but sophisticated look for a cocktail party or an event.

A Timeless Investment

While fashion trends evolve and change constantly, the smoking jacket remains a steadfast and timeless investment, whether you’re a smoker, vaper or prefer nicopods. It’s a quality piece of clothing that’s unique and transcends passing fads, ensuring it will always hold a place of honour in a gentleman’s wardrobe.

With famous films that still remain popular, such as ‘The Godfather’, it’s hard for men to ignore these moments of fashion but also not be inspired to look and dress like these icons. With proper care and attention, a well-made smoking jacket will age gracefully and hopefully become a cherished heirloom to pass down.… Read More..

fashion style, winter fashion

With winter approaching it is important to ensure that you have winter accessories that can help keep you warm, many winter accessories are easy to carry and can be put on or taken off with ease. Meaning they can be paired easily with your men’s streetwear to not only look stylish but enable you to keep warm at the same time.

Gloves

Gloves are probably what you think of first comes to winter warming accessories, they help keep your hands warm during cold and intense weather. Our hands and feet lose heat faster than other parts of the body, which is why it is important to reduce the amount of heat lost. This is a reason why gloves are an incredibly popular accessory to keep warm this winter. Gloves can also be easily carried and put on or taken off at a moment’s notice. Gloves are made using different materials, but if you want the maximum benefits of wearing a pair of gloves you should be wearing thermal gloves which reduce the amount of heat escaping from your body.

Warm Socks 

Wearing thick socks can help your feet stay warm, this is an important consideration particularly when hands and feet lose heat than other parts of your body. Socks are made out of a variety of materials. However, if winter is coming up you should purchase some thick socks that are thermally resistant if possible, this way you will minimise heat escape and stay warm during winter. 

Scarves

Scarves can help keep your neck warm and are easily carried. They are easy to put on and take off. Scarves come in a wide variety of patterns and colours allowing you to stay warm in style this winter. You can also find thermal scarves for sale, which further improve the warmth benefit of wearing a scarf.

Boots

As your hands and feet lose heat faster than other parts of your body it is important to ensure that you are minimising heat transfer for both of these extremities. Wearing a pair of good-quality boots can help your feet stay warm and dry this winter; you should look at the grip on the soles of the boots before you make your purchase. Ideally, the grip should be enough to prevent you from slipping over on snow or ice in colder conditions.

Thermal Vests

Wearing a thermal vest underneath your regular clothing can help your body retain heat, you should look out for thermal vests made out of Merino wool for maximum heat retention. You should wait till the weather is especially cold before you break out the thermal vest, in the run-up to when you need to start wearing a thermal vest you should be layering your clothing. When you layer clothing it makes it easier for you to manage your body temperature, if you are feeling on the warmer side you can take a layer off. However, it can be difficult to take a thermal vest off during the day if you … Read More..

fashion style

There are so many different ear piercings to choose from, so it is important to do some research before heading to your piercer so that you know exactly what you want and where. If you’re nervous about getting a piercing, then knowing more about the piercing beforehand can help you to gauge how painful it may potentially be.

You might hear words such as tragus, daith, rook and conch – all of which are ear piercings – but where do these go on the ear, and how do they look? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ear piercings you can get.

Lobe Piercings

Healing Time: 2-6 months

Pain level: low

Lobe piercings are the more common ear piercing and as lobe piercings are done on a fleshy part of the ear, it is relatively painless. Depending on the size and shape of your lobes, you can get multiple piercings on this part of your ear. Healing takes between 2-6 months, depending on how well you look after the piercing. Once the piercing site has healed, you  can change the earrings, choosing from a wide range of styles and designs.

Helix Piercings

Healing Time: 6-12 months

Pain Level: medium

Helix, or cartilage piercings, are located on the upper cartilage of the outer ear. A helix piercing can be located anywhere on the outer side of the ear, from the top of your lobe right up to the top edge of the ear. It’s important that, with helix piercings, you take proper care of the area as if it isn’t regularly cleaned, or if you choose the wrong jewellery, you may develop cartilage bumps, which can be uncomfortable and look unsightly. Cleaning the area twice a day with saline solution can prevent this from happening.

Tragus Piercings

Healing Time: 12-18 months

Pain Level: medium

Your tragus is located on the small bit of cartilage which partially covers the ear canal, just above the lobe. As the piercing site is relatively small, this area is ideal for mini studs or hoops and there are plenty of different tragus earrings to choose from! The piercing is considered medium in terms of pain level, as the cartilage is quite thick, so just ensure to follow the aftercare steps provided by your piercer.

Conch Piercings

Healing Time: 6-12 months

Pain Level: Medium

Over the last few years, conch piercings have become increasingly more popular. Named after the conch shell, this piercing sits within the inner cup of your ear. You can pierce any part of this cartilage and choose to have more than one piercing in the area. This piercing works well with studs or a cuff which hangs around the ear.

Daith Piercings

Healing Time: 4-6 months

Pain Level: Medium

The daith piercing is located on the inner ridge of the ear, just below your rook, and the piercing hugs the cartilage inside of your ear. Not everyone can get a daith piercing, as it depends … Read More..