Sizing up: Making sure your clothes fit properly

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I’m writing this piece through gritted teeth as I struggled into my jeans this morning, then promptly split them on the school run. I’m between sizes at the moment and this sort of thing is an all too frequent occurrence.

Yet, it surely illustrates the need for good fitting clothes; that hug you tightly in the right places, whilst giving lots of wriggle room where you need it most. Never is this more apparent than with leg wear - be that trousers, jeggings or jeans. Getting it wrong can result in embarrassing tears or splits that leave you red-faced and out of pocket.

With this in mind, it’s worth investing in tailored trousers available in a selection of width and leg fittings, like these cotton trousers from Chums. This means if you’re sporting a bit of a mum tum, and God didn’t exactly bless you in the leg department, you can ensure a comfortable fit that perfectly suits your frame.

Yet, finding trousers that are the perfect fit isn’t just a problem for us ladies. With men-folk the UK over coming in all shapes and sizes, and most with an aversion to shopping, many are left with ill fitting internet-bought jeans, that do nothing to flatter their bodies. Moreover, this isn’t just a problem for Joe Public, many celebrities also get it wrong.

Yes, despite them paying through the nose for personal stylists, many stand in front of the camera looking like they’ve raided someone else’s wardrobe blindfolded. As much as I love him, Jeremy Clarkson is no exception, and our friends at Chums have cheekily given him a virtual makeover to prove what a difference perfectly sized clothes can make.

In fact, watching this video, I can spot several mistakes my OH can be accused of making. Let’s face it, we’ve all tugged at our old man’s tie as he’s dashing out of the door on his way to the office.

So here’s the main points for ensuring you look on point before heading out of the door:

  1. However tall you are, aim for a small and subtle trouser break between your trousers and shoes
  2. A perfectly tailored suit jacket shouldn’t pucker around the closure, nor show off your shirt above your waistline
  3. Pick a block coloured tie, in a similar tone to your suit for a smart professional look

What are your top tips for ensuring you achieve the perfect fit with your clothes? And who would you like to see Chums give a cheeky makeover in the future? Join in the discussion using the hashtag #CharacterOfFashion on your social channels.

 


What to do in Liverpool #LiverpoolGuide2019

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I love Liverpool. My brother moved there some 4 years ago, so any trip there has the kids excited, even if just to see their favourite uncle. Yet every time we go there, there’s plenty more to do than simply visiting family. It has a special buzz about it; a city steeped in both popular and historical culture, with a vast array of fabulous places to eat and drink.

Many of Liverpool’s attractions are no secret, with the famous Beatles Tour, Anfield Stadium, and frequent cruises along the River Mersey. Yet with many other big events planned, 2019 is set to be a big year for Liverpool. Whether you’re into comedy, music, theatre or are looking for something special for the whole family, there’s plenty to do and see.

Liverpool ONE have put together this handy guide of some of 2019′s biggest events, and it’s definitely worthy of a share or two.

What would I pick?

Well our next scheduled visit just so happens to coincide with some showings of Disney on Ice. Having almost booked this in London a few months back, this looks like the ideal way to reward the kids after the (no doubt tortuous) drive from Reading.

Of course though, part of the beauty of visiting relatives is cheekily having them babysit the children so Craig and I can get out for a few hours on our own (hey, a good sitter is hard to come by when you live in the sticks!). There’s nothing we like better than a day at the races, so the Randox Health Grand National is right up our street. And then there’s Bon Jovi live in concert at the Anfield Stadium, and Mumford & Sons at the M&S Bank Arena… I’m half tempted to say we’ll just take an extended vacation up there and camp out in my brother’s spare room for the summer!

Which Liverpool event would you pick? Do share on social using the hashtag #LiverpoolGuide2019


How to Enjoy A Holiday With Babies and Toddlers

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Raising a family is hard work whatever age your kids are, but most parents would agree that the baby and toddler years are some of the most exhausting! Very young children need constant attention, and if you’ve got youngsters, you’ll be familiar with the fatigue and lack of sleep.

The idea of a holiday probably sounds great, but the idea of taking young children on holiday might sound like very hard work, and many parents feel reluctant to invest in a family holiday that might turn out to be hard graft. The good news is that there are ways to maximise your chances of having a fun, relaxing holiday, babies, toddlers and all.

Choose the right accommodation

If you’re on holiday, the last thing you want is to be worrying about your kids crying or screaming and disturbing other guests, so a hotel is probably not the best idea. There are a few family-friendly hotels around that are set up for children, but they aren’t that common. One of the best ideas is to book a holiday cottage or villa, where you’re self-contained and you don’t have to worry about noisy kids disturbing your neighbours.

The other key factor to take into account when thinking about accommodation is safety. It’s not always easy to find a rental that’s fully equipped with safety features like stair gates, child locks, gated pools, and secure access, and you don’t want to have to spend your time away worrying about keeping your little ones safe. The ideal solution is to go for baby and toddler-friendly package villa holidays, where safety and security are assured.

Choosing your destination

When deciding where to go, take into account travel times, because the journey is the biggest challenge you’ll face. Time passes much more slowly in a child’s perception, so the less time you have to spend travelling, the better. Sticking with a UK or European destination is a good idea, at least for your first trip away, as you won’t have to spend a lot of time on the road or in the air.

Very young children have their advantages in some respects, as they aren’t focused on what they want to do, unlike older children. Babies and toddlers tend to go with the flow and do whatever you’re doing – and if you fancy a trip around a museum or a spot of retail therapy, you can time it so they’ll be having their nap. Therefore, you can choose a destination that suits the kinds of activities you enjoy, rather than thinking it has to revolve around the children.

Going on holiday is a great way to relax, get a change of scenery, and recharge your batteries, and as parents of young kids, that’s an important consideration. A holiday with your little ones doesn’t have to be a stressful, tiring experience if you take some time to plan where you’re going and what you’ll be doing so that the kids are taken care of and have a fun time too.

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