Leather coats

You don’t need to spend a mint on a decent leather jacket – many quality stores often have sales, and not always on last season’s stock. Clearance lines may be the end of the run; stock that is still current but not being made again. An inexpensive coat could be yours, if you simply bide your time and are prepared to shop around. If you take the time to try on a few, you’ll find one to suit your unique shape and size.

The next thing to consider is whether you want a short, medium or full length jacket. All can be worn with practically any outfit, but all give quite different looks. For example, a long leather coat teamed with a short skirt and low cut blouse might not be appropriate for the theatre. However a short, classic, tailored jacket would look great with a straight skirt and dress blouse (or trousers and shirt) for a dinner date. A jacket that covers the bottom is better suited to cooler weather, while a short cropped jacket is ideal for summer evenings.

If budget is a constraint, you might need to think about whether or not you want something timeless or current. A classic leather jacket won’t date, and can be paired with many items in your wardrobe – and will last you many years. A fashionable, up-to-the-minute jacket will possibly date quickly, and perhaps necessitate a new jacket next season. They might be more pricey, too, although expensive doesn’t always mean trend-setting!

The kind of leather will also dictate the look, to a large extent. Soft, luxurious nappa will be more suited to a classic style jacket while a thicker, coarser leather might be more in keeping with a biker jacket or similar.

There are a multitude of places, even online, where you can source a decent leather jacket. Bearing in mind your requirements and budget, you’re sure to find one to suit you, as long as you are prepared to shop around and try some one – after all, that’s half the fun!

Luckily, you can get around this, should it ever happen to you. If you’re shopping for leather jackets online, and find that what you want is no longer available, you can email us, and hand over your vital measurements. We’ll not only check that there’s really, truly no more in stock, we’ll check what we do have to make sure there’s nothing else that will suit your measurements.

The measurements needed have to be exact – no fudging to hide that Christmas pudding you’re carrying. Remember to measure wearing what you’ll normally wear under the leather jacket – a t-shirt or jumper etc. The chest should be measured around the widest part, as too, the waist. Throwing in your shoe size will give an indication of how tall you are, and your frame. However, telling us how tall you are will help, too! Let us know your build (don’t be shy) – are you large, small, thin? What size do you normally take? And lastly, tell us how you want the jacket to fit: fitted is 1" larger than your chest, semi-fitted is 2", comfort is 3 and loose is 4. Oh, don’t forget the actual jacket you saw – the name of the style, the colour and the kind of leather you’d like it in.

By sending in these details we can see if there’s something that you might like, if we don’t have the actual jacket in stock. Bear in mind, however, that with sale stock it’s generally what we have at the time. Usually, there’s no more and so once that particular style, colour or whatever is sold out, that’s it. Having said all that, clearance and sale items are a great way of picking up cheap leather jackets that will boost your wardrobe with a piece that can be worn anywhere, with anything, and by anyone. Whether timeless and classic or modern and hip, a decent leather coat is something that everybody should own.

Ethical cooking and dining

Whether you’re cooking the family meal or you’re having a dinner party for friends, there are a few easy steps you can take to ensure a successful and ethical dinner:

Ingredients

We’ve already mentioned the popularity of free range eggs and sales are now hitting the £2 billion per year mark. Battery egg sales are plummeting and by 2012, eggs laid by caged hens will be a thing of the past as a ban is due to be implemented. All the major supermarkets are joining in to support free range produce because the demand from the public is stronger than ever.

Take an interest in where your ingredients come from and how they were grown or raised. Free range and organic produce is not only more ethically sound, it is also more nutritious which can only be a good thing for health.

Try to buy produce that is in season. We’ve become so used to having any type of fruit and vegetable at any time of the year but the fact remains that buying produce that is in season is more cost-effective, fresher and better for the environment.

Environmental impact

Actively seek out information about your food. ‘Food miles’ is an often used phrase and relates to the distance travelled from source to point of purchase. Be aware however that fuel consumption is not always judged on distance. A container ship full of apples travelling from another country can use less fuel than trucks driving hundreds of miles up and down this country. Buying locally is best to maintain freshness of food but don’t be over-enthusiastic as many poor countries rely on income from fruit and vegetable exports.

If you’re buying fish, find out how it has been caught and whether the stocks are sustainable. Fish is a rapidly depleting food source across the planet and some of the methods involved in fishing are detrimental to animal welfare and the environment.

Meat farming is having a major impact on the environment. While you don’t necessarily have to abstain from eating it, having a few meat free days every week can make a big difference. Did you know that a steak dinner for a family of four is roughly equivalent (energy wise) to driving around in 4×4 family car while leaving all your house lights on.

Grow your own

It is possible to become self-sufficient by growing your own vegetables and fruit. If you’ve a garden, patio or even just a window box, you’ll be amazed at how much you can actually grow yourself. Why not buy an organic garden gift voucher and grow your own tomatoes, peas, courgettes, runner beans and even strawberries.

Serving your food

You can even be ethical in the way you prepare and serve your food. Buy plates, utensils, chopping boards and bowls made from sustainable materials such as bamboo. Bamboo is a fast growing plant which is easily renewable therefore having very little impact on the environment. There are a number of stylish bamboo products for the kitchen and home.

Some great bargain buys can be picked up in clearance sales. Cheap leather jackets are now being sported by the younger generation due to their versatility and low cost. They can be worn with anything, and their affordability makes them attractive to the younger crowd. They can be seen to and from work (and even some schools), in town with pals or out with families.

Leather blazers, on the other hand, scream expensive – but need not be. A well-cut leather coat can look like it cost a packet but actually cost very little; it all depends on where you source it. Of course, having one tailor-made might run up the price, but it’ll fit you like a glove and no doubt look like it cost far more than it actually did. And if you don’t put on too much weight as you get older, a leather jacket made to your measurements can be worn well into your twilight years!

Leather biker jackets are huge at the moment, especially with the current tattoo trend. It seems everyone these days is sporting ink somewhere on their bodies, and what better way to compliment the look than with chunky, belted, zippered, low-slung leather coats. Designed to be functional and practical, a biker jacket will ensure your back doesn’t get too cold while you’re motoring down the highway with your gal (or guy) riding shotgun. And slung over the bike when you pull up, you can still maintain the look as you show off your tatts.

Classic ladies’ leather jackets are indeed timeless. Whether made-to-measure or off-the-shelf, a women’s leather jacket can be teamed with jeans, a skirt, or trousers. In an emergency it can be worn over a formal outfit and not look too out of place. It is equally at home on a picnic or out at dinner.

Even the not-so-humble red leather jackets are still being seen (how can you miss them!). Can be worn to revive an old outfit or set alight a new one, a red coat can make you stand out in the crowd – it’s just up to you how much and how good you’ll look while doing it!

Europe leads the way in ethical skincare

In 2007, the UK, along with France, accounted for 74 per cent of all ethical beauty product launches proving that as a country, we are trying to align our environmental outlook with our shopping habits. Choosing to buy products that are produced using natural sustainable materials, that do not harm animals in the testing process, and are manufactured in a way that reduces the negative impact on the environment, shows the market is gradually being driven by the ‘green factor’ and not by profit margins alone.

What ethics do we look for in our beauty products?

The largest group of ethical beauty products bought in the UK is cruelty free goods i.e. not tested on animals. Over half of women in the UK say this is what they look for when buying skin and hair care products. That’s great progress given that within the space of twenty years, this has gone from being a niche market into a mainstream requirement.

More good news is that the fastest growth group is for products packaged in an eco-friendly way. This demand has led to manufacturers focusing on packaging that is made from recycled materials and can be recycled after use. The next stage is to reduce packaging to an absolute minimum.

Skin and hair care products that are termed ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ are also a huge growth area for ethical beauty and in France this is the top priority for female consumers. The ‘organic’ label is an interesting topic as some manufacturers have strayed into the grey areas of the term. To be sure, you should buy products that are certified by independent bodies such as ECOCERT or the Soil Association and don’t just rely on the manufacturer labelling the bottle ‘organic’.

While organic beauty is proving popular, there has been even bigger interest in the use of fair trade ingredients. Ensuring the planet’s survival is imperative, but the rights and fair treatment of people in impoverished communities who are affected by the cosmetics industry is equally important. Given that Fair Trade skin care is such a big growth area, it shows that as consumers we care about the people within the environment as much as the environment itself.

Buying your ethical beauty products

It’s not difficult to find ethical skin and hair care products these days because supply is now meeting demand. What you must be mindful of is the tactics employed by some of the less credible manufacturers and suppliers who will bend the rules to suit their needs. A good way to ensure the products you buy have met the right ethical standards is to use an online retailer that specialises in eco-friendly goods. Websites such as www.greentulip.co.uk stock a wide range of ethical beauty gifts.

If you know someone who hasn’t yet altered their buying habits then a gift is a great way to get them started. How about some natural lotions and body creams, organic bath and shower products or natural soaps? Not only will they love receiving a gift, they’ll also see there are alternatives available which equal, if not better, what they already use, but with the minimum impact to people and the planet.

All of these appliances drain electric, gas and water which ultimately costs money and has a major impact on the environment. Here are some tips to make your kitchen more ‘green’ plus some Ethical and fair trade kitchen products for cooking and serving your food.

Ethical cooking tips

• Cook several dishes in one go – If cooking vegetables on the hob, use a tiered steamer rather than lots of pans. If using the oven, use all the shelves.
• When using the oven, try to avoid opening the door too often as the temperature drops by 15°C each time making your oven work harder.
• If cooking with pans, keep the lids on as this will use less gas. When bringing the pan to the boil, adjust the flame to the pan’s diameter to avoid heat wastage.
• Use a microwave to save time and energy.
• Don’t buy too many gadgets – Labour saving devices may look like a good idea but six million end up in landfill each year. If you don’t really need it, don’t buy it.

One product every kitchen needs is a chopping board to prevent damaging your kitchen surfaces when preparing food. The best boards are made from wood but as a natural resource, wood is depleting fast so buy fairtrade bamboo chopping boards. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world and therefore endlessly renewable.

Medium Bambu Cutting Board

For tasting, stirring, serving and eating, ethical kitchen utensils made from organic bamboo look great and will serve the amateur cook in your house for many years. Fairtrade serving bowls made from lacquered coiled bamboo are a stylish and colourful way to present salads and pasta dishes.

‘Give It A Rest’ Utensil Collection

Ethical washing tips

• Wash clothes on cooler settings – For most people that’s 40°C although newer machines will now wash at 15°C. A 40°C wash will use a third less power than one at 60°C.
• Prewash settings are not necessary so don’t use them.
• If you need to buy a new washing machine, choose the smallest one possible for your needs and make sure it has a hot water inlet.
• Dishwashers can be economical if used correctly. A full load on an economy setting can use less water than hand washing although bear in mind the electrical usage. If you’re considering buying dishwasher ask yourself if you really do need one.
• Rather than buying expensive and chemical-laden cleaning products to remove scale from your dishwasher or washing machine, use a cupful of vinegar on a full cycle (without any clothes or dishes inside though!).

Ethical appliance tips

• All new appliances by law must display an energy rating. This is displayed on a scale of A-G with A being the most energy efficient (an ‘energy plus’ model is even more efficient still). If you’re buying a new appliance, always make sure you’re aware of the rating and the materials used in the manufacturing process. Look for CFC and HFC free fridge/freezers and ones with an "R600a" hydrocarbon coolant label.
• When disposing of old appliances, check with your local council for a disposal depot which will reuse, recycle or recondition certain parts. This reduces the amount going to landfill.

Why choose organic skin care products?

Firstly, who wouldn’t want to eliminate as many harmful toxins from their body as possible. Non-organic hair care products and skin care products are produced using chemicals which the body absorbs and consumes through the scalp, hair and skin. This can never be a good thing for your long-term health.

A common chemical found in beauty and personal hygiene products (shampoos, toothpaste etc.) is sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). This product boosts the amount of foam produced when in contact with water but has long been associated as a skin irritant. The chemical is similar to detergent and it removes natural oils from the skin. Daily use and prolonged exposure results in dryness and peeling.

Mineral oil is a commonly used alternative to more expensive skin care oils but it is in fact a by-product of petrol. The oil acts like a barrier preventing the hair and skin from absorbing other ingredients of the product and is a known cause of acne.

Preservatives called ‘parabens’ are used in deodorants and have been linked to breast cancer as well as being a known irritant to eczema sufferers. Another preservative called methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDGN), is also considered an irritant. There are many more ingredients that are potentially harmful not just as allergens but also as carcinogens (substances involved in the development of cancer).

Secondly, the manufacturing of organic products is a more environmentally friendly process which is kinder to the planet and without the inhumane animal testing methods used by the major health and beauty companies.

Many people are now switching to organic skin and hair care products to protect themselves from harmful chemicals and distance themselves from morally questionable production methods.

Where to buy organic beauty products

Due to a loophole in the law, health and beauty products can be described as ‘organic’ yet contain potentially harmful chemicals. With no certification, a product can have one ingredient from organic agriculture and promote itself as being ‘organic’ even if the remaining ingredients are synthetic. Even the aforementioned sodium lauryl sulphate is often labelled as being ‘derived from coconut’ but its properties are so far removed there is little resemblance.

So, find a retailer who only stocks and sells organic beauty products that are certified by a respected certification body or buys from a supplier that is working toward certification. In the UK, the Soil Association certify organic products using these criteria:

• If a product has 95% organic ingredients then it can be marked ‘organic’
• If it has 70-95% organic ingredients then it can be marked ‘made with organic ingredients’
• If less than 70% then the product does not receive certification

Find an online store selling organic beauty products as they will lay out their code of ethics in simple terms telling you exactly where their products are sourced from and what certification they look for from a supplier.

The first Citizen Watch was created in 1924 using a new form of expertise to make it the smallest and thinnest of the time.  It is very hard to distinguish this timepiece against the watches that are made today but anybody with a little knowledge can readily identify the craftsmanship of the piece and know that it is a Citizen Watch. This was the springboard for the piece and it went all uphill from there. 

The actual Citizen Watch Company was formed six years later in 1930 and was an immediate success. This was due in part to the founders necessity to bring better and brighter things to the market as soon as possible. Unlike a lot of companies that will hold off on new technology so they do not hurt their current market, the Citizen Watch Company launched the many products that it developed from the start and made a big splash in the world.  

The Citizen Watch Company now employs more than 3,000 people the world over.  Based in Japan, they are the first company to make some of the finest innovations in the world and still sustain a market presence in the standard watches that they produced as well.  This is something that the other companies were having a lot of trouble with and making a lot of enemies along the way was a daily event for this business.

The Citizen Watch Company was the sole responsible party for the first shock resistant watch to ever be completed.  This was a big deal for the many hard working people in the world who were tired of having to take their watch in for repair because of shock problems.

Citizen also made its mark on the diving world with the first professional dive watch that features an electronic depth sensor.  This enhancement on the old design of diving watch has forever endeared the company to the many diving enthusiasts around the world. 

They were also responsible for the first Analog Quartz watch to be manufactured which single handed changed the way the world told time.  Today the Citizen Watch Company has taken the watch making world to a whole new level with Eco Drive System.  Tapping into the resource of being environmentally friendly, the Eco Drive System employs a hidden solar cell that is embedded into the works.  This cell derives power from the sun and artificial light sources and turns it into energy to power the watch.  By far this is the most popular watch to be found today and it has more benefits for the environment.  No longer do you need to go to the store to buy a new battery and worry about the old one polluting the ground in a land fill somewhere.

All in all the Citizen Watch Company has been responsible for some of the best things to happen in watches and timepieces for the past many years.  These days they are still one of the most popular watch brands in the world and make up a large share of the market with the newest products that can be found almost anywhere.