Safe sweat — choosing natural deodorants
This is definitely the right time of year to talk about sweating¼
ALTHOUGH the link between breast cancer and anti-perspirants containing aluminium hasn’t been conclusively proved, many more of us are erring on the side of caution and buying natural deodorants instead.
You don’t need a degree in science to know that blocking your sweat glands with chemicals (which is how regular anti-perspirants work) is a pretty bad idea – especially when there are natural alternatives available which do a good job.
The British beauty chain Lush sells a deodorant soap that is superb (www.lush.co.uk). Also, there is the brilliant range by US company Tom’s of Maine (www.tomsofmaine.com) which has been making natural care products for 30 years. Both the anti-perspirant and deodorant use the power of plants: coriander oil fights odour, aloe vera and lichen soothe the skin, and the anti-perspirant uses alum to help control sweating.
Religion spread the word – clothes for summer
SOMETIMES a label that’s been around for a while just suddenly seems to come into its own. This summer Religion — a streetwear label launched back in the 90s, has a look that just works. While you sip your alcopop, just shooting the breeze in the summer twilight, you could just look and feel the moment. The summer women’s wear has asymmetrical denim mini skirts and rouched, gathered, flouncy tops with fluted sleeves in groovy colours, along with reworked T-shirts.
The men’s range offers ‘Die Young’ T-shirts, fitted tops in gentle fabrics and zipped shirts. You can buy a selection at www.zoovillage.com or see their new collection on their website www.religionclothing.co.uk
Grate jeans — how to butcher denim
BACK in the 80s ripped jeans were made cool by the Bros brothers and George Michael. Now in 2003 we’re seeing a resurgence in destroyed denim. As well as holes and frayed edges, people are experimenting with household appliances to achieve unique effects.
While you can pay for someone else to rough up your trousers — Levi’s has its own in-store customising service and designers including D&G as well as high street stores are selling their own destroyed denim — it’s more fun to do it yourself.
Rubbing a cheese grater over denim can create a brilliant look (and it makes a great noise too), as can stabbing your jeans with a fork or working the edges with a vegetable peeler.
Be careful if you attack your jeans with scissors, though: it’s easy to get over-excited and you might find you end up with large gaping holes. Sandpaper on denim works well and you can use it to make small holes which you can then fray. And don’t be afraid to use a marker pen to make a statement — try simple words or motifs.
Brogue boys — shoes for the serious
THE ultimate footwear for fellas this autumn could be a pair of beautiful brogues. This classic shoe has also been reworked for spring/summer by master of menswear Paul Smith. As you’d expect, they are gorgeous and look set to be a favourite among Smith’s male customers.
For classic, quintessentially English brogues, check out Church’s (www.churchsshoes.com). This company has been making shoes since 1873 and their Chepstow handmade brogues in calfskin with rubber soles have everything you could want from a shoe (and cost around £200).
For a funkier version which is still true to the original, have a look at Pokit (www.pokit.co.uk). This independent boutique/label has transformed the brogue into a cool and comfy leather slip-on. Happy shopping, boys!
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