Tag: CWDaily

May 15, 2020 at 07:00AM Hey, you there. Yeah, I’m talking to you, the one who hates cooking. I get it: Looking for a recipe, finding the right ingredients, chopping up said ingredients and mixing them together seems like a whole load of faff when Deliveroo is merely a swipe away. But here’s what no one tells you: Cooking can be really soothing—a sort of active mindfulness if you will. (I’d wager jigsaws have the same effect.) Like most people, since lockdown began, I’ve spent a lot more time in the kitchen. I’ll spare you the list of meals I’ve cooked (although I have baked banana bread because of course I have), but I will say that having a good idea of what I’m going to cook for my evening meal has been a real joy.  And the easiest way to get inspiration for that evening’s menu? Some great recipe books. Now, I don’t own loads, but a few have been really helpful to give me ideas, even if I don’t have all the ingredients to hand. There is, however, one stipulation I have for these tomes: They have to look great. Yes, I know how ridiculous this sounds, but as William Morris said: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” I basically want all my cookbooks to look as good as a high-fashion coffee table tome but still offer me ways to create delicious food. I know—I don’t ask for

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May 15, 2020 at 06:30AM If, like me, you’re used to regular visits to the salon for a manicure, chances are your nails aren’t in a great way right now. My mani skills are a little weak, to say the least. I absolutely hate the feeling of filing my nails, and whenever I attempt to paint them myself, they turn into a total mess.  Approximately six weeks ago, I had no choice but to remove the remnants of my last salon manicure. After soaking off the gel polish and attempting to tidy up the monstrosities that were my cuticles, for the first time in months, my nails were in their natural state. And quite frankly, I absolutely hated it. Don’t get me wrong. I love the look of well-looked-after natural nails, but mine were dry, brittle and starved of any TLC. I tried cuticle oils, hand creams and a rainbow of different nail polishes in a bid to get them looking even a little bit better, but nothing worked. So because misery loves company, I thought I’d turn to Instagram to see how other people were taking care of their nails. However, when I clicked on a close friend’s page (a close friend who loves acrylics, might I add), I noticed that actually her nails didn’t look bad at all. In fact, they looked freshly done and chic at that. Desperate to find out what this sorcery was, I called her.  When she told me that actually her nails in all of her recent

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May 15, 2020 at 06:15AM In the midst of the COVID-19 global crisis, it is always heart-warming to see the people, brands and companies that step forward in an effort to help make a difference. Whether it be doctors coming out of retirement to support the NHS or friendly local neighbours helping to deliver groceries to those in need, the uplifting stories that emerge during these times help us all to retain perspective that there are still positive things happening in the world.  When it comes to fashion, several brands have also stepped up in an effort to do their bit, creating initiatives to donate profits to the NHS and other worthy causes. One such example is Chinti & Parker. The brand created a specific Hearts for the NHS range, which vows to donate 100% of profits to the Meals for the NHS charity. Holly Willoughby has already shown her support, posting a jumper from the collection to her Instagram.  While other brands including Rixo, Sandro and more have also created specific products whose sales will go to benefiting the NHS and other global charities. Some brands—including Valle & Vik and Palmer Harding—have taken an alternate route, instead pledging to donate a portion of any product sold on their website to charity.  There is absolutely no denying that times are tough right now, but seeing the way various brands are vowing to help has certainly made me feel a little brighter. Keep scrolling for 29 brands that are donating to charity in an effort to help this global

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May 15, 2020 at 06:00AM Last September, post–fashion week, we knew what we were going to see everywhere come summer 2020. The biggest trends included leather (for summer? Actually groundbreaking), pretty white dresses and Bermuda-style shorts. While these trends and many others were pretty much guaranteed at the beginning of the year, January now feels very much like a lifetime ago. Since then, countries across the world have been locked down with few people spending time outside their homes. This has, undoubtedly, led to a whole host of other trends emerging for summer 2020 that we couldn’t have predicted even six weeks ago. With plenty of people now working from home, basic white vest tops and joggers have shot to the top of our shopping lists. But it’s also the cancelled weddings and holidays that have indicated a change in how we’ve been dressing or planned to dress.  However, the great British high street has been able to adapt to this change, and among the expected pieces, we’ve also been able to nab those WFH essentials that make us feel as comfortable as they do smart. There are few shops on the high street that do this better than H&M. I haven’t shopped all year, but I’ve found some incredible summer trends that I’ll be investing in for the warmer months. Keep scrolling for my edit of the H&M summer collection. Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2020 fashion trends you need to know.  Author Elinor Block | Whowhatwear Selected by CWC

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May 15, 2020 at 06:00AM Over the last 12 months the athleisure trend has definitely waned in popularity. The proliferation of boldly branded track pants and sports leggings is declining in favour of matching trackie sets in muted tones and split-hem leggings paired with elegant mules. However, sneakers still remain popular. After everyone and their gran was wearing Stan Smiths (thanks to Phoebe Philo), it was the turn of “ugly” and bold sneakers, with Balenciaga‘s Triple S and Louis Vuitton’s Archlight styles ruling the scene. Today’s favoured sneaker is, I think, somewhere in between. Seen at Copenhagen Fashion Week on mega-influencer Pernille Teisbaek, the New Balance 990v5s have become the fashion set’s sneaker of choice. The 990v5s adhere to the more quiet tones for the coming season and were originally created in 1982. The style gives off a dad sneaker vibe and are still chunky without being ostentatious. Wear them with jeans and a blazer for the Princess Di look or just pair with your favourite printed dress. Keep scrolling on how to style yours, and then shop our edit of the best New Balance sneakers. Style Notes: Confused about what shoes to wear with split-hem leggings? Wonder no more.  Style Notes: Wear some eye-catching socks and your favourite skirt and puffer coat.  Style Notes: New Balance are the sort of sneakers that look unexpectedly good with smart tailored suits.  Style Notes: If in doubt, just clash your prints and add the sneakers.  Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2020 fashion trends you need to know.  Author Elinor Block |

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May 15, 2020 at 06:00AM And before we knew it, it was almost summer. It’s hard to believe that we’ve almost come out the other side of spring (and what a weird one it’s been), but now we’re here, clad in our favourite leggings and gearing up for a slightly different summer than we’re used to. So whether you’re working from home or heading out for the usual 9-to-5, we wanted to bring a little light relief to your week with picks from the high street’s most beautiful new-season collection.  This year, we’ve tried to stick to classic shapes and time-tested staples, so you know that everything will keep its value for many more seasons to come. Think Breton stripes, chunky sandals, straw totes, shirt dresses and tailored shorts. Of course, we understand that not everyone will be in a position to invest in newness right now, but if this is the case, then we would recommend checking out our wardrobe organisation guide and using the below as a way to help you decide which old favourites to reinvigorate for the coming months. Ready? From Arket to H&M, scroll down to see everything that has caught our eye in the high street’s summer collections.  PS: Topshop’s seasonal sale has just started, so you can get all your fave pieces for less! Go, go, go.  Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2020 fashion trends you need to know.  Author Joy Montgomery | Whowhatwear Selected by CWC

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May 15, 2020 at 06:00AM I’m incredibly lucky that I get sent some of the most premium beauty products on the market to try out as part of my job. From £205 moisturisers to £109 facial steamers, I’ve had the chance to test some of the most luxurious formulations and beauty tools in the UK to find out what’s worth the hype. So does expensive always equal best? In a word, no. Despite having access to extravagant products and high-end beauty brands, there are tons of affordable options that rival their more expensive counterparts. In fact, there are plenty even the most experienced of beauty editors would struggle to differentiate between once applied to the skin. So whether you’re trying to stick to a budget or you just don’t want to spend excessively on a pricier counterpart when you don’t have to, here are 16 high-end products that I love and their affordable alternatives that will do the trick just as well. A dozen shades of amber-inspired eye shadows in metallic, matte and shimmer finishes but with a huge difference in price point. Disclaimer: I’m a huge fan of Urban Decay and think that its eye shadows are genuinely some of the best in the business. However, if you’re not a regular eye shadow wearer or are just dipping your toe in the fiery-hued trend, this affordable palette from Rimmel offers amazing value—and the shadows are pigmented, blendable and long-lasting. To me, there is no better makeup sponge than the Beautyblender, particularly when it comes

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May 15, 2020 at 05:00AM After weeks of slouching, the novelty of wearing jogging bottoms has well and truly worn off. I want to feel comfortable, for sure, but now I miss feeling put-together and am slowly revisiting the smarter items in my wardrobe. This week, we wrote about a pair of linen jogging bottoms from H&M on Who What Wear, and it’s clear from the number of clicks it generated in 24 hours that I’m not the only one wanting to swap my slobbing-around clothes for something a little more polished. I’m normally a dress person in summer, however, I am finding myself drawn towards relaxed trousers in either lightweight linens or with uplifting summer shades. The H&M jogging bottoms are now sadly low in stock, but I’ve found lots of other equally tempting pairs from brands including Arket, COS and Faithfull the Brand. The one thing all of these trousers I’ve found have in common is how easy they are to style: Simply add a tank top, silk camisole or white Oxford shirt and you’ll have a considered, chic throw-on look in no time. Keep scrolling for styling inspiration and my edit of comfortable yet polished summer trousers. Style Notes: Pair navy high-waisted trousers with flip-flops (these are from The Row) and a white Oxford shirt. Style Notes: These H&M Studio collection trousers might now be sold out, but re-create this look with a pair of neutral linen trousers and a white shirt. Knot the shirt for an interesting

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