The UK loves to shop but is it the luxurious packaging that gives us that shopping buzz?

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The UK loves to shop and it is not surprising considering the amount of opportunities that are available to us. Enabling us to nurture our shopping addiction further is the fact that we have some big cities like Birmingham, London and Manchester, on our doorsteps which all boast large shopping centres and well-known exclusive stores giving us enough choice to spend a full day submerged in retail heaven much to the joy of our partners!!

Part of the enjoyment in acquiring a new piece of clothing, footwear, make up or jewellery is the packaging. Brightly coloured polythene bags, beautifully finished boxes, luxury printed paper bags not to mention the little bespoke accessories we find secretly hidden among our goods when we have shopped at an exclusive store – it just adds to the excitement of it.

If it weren’t for the beautiful packaging and pretty accessories like soft silk ribbon and neatly folded tissue paper wrapped round our prized new possession; would we find shopping so enjoyable?

The makers of packaging such as this have it down to a fine art: they know exactly how to produce luxurious, brightly coloured; on-trend bags which we are proud to carry. Not only does the packaging make us want to shop at the certain store time and time again just so that we can add to our growing collection of bags but it also grabs the attention of other women passing by as they stare incessantly at the bags we are carrying.

The brand is the first thing you see before you even step into the store so obviously it’s all about promotion and who can do a better job at promoting than shopping obsessed women.

The more eye-catching the bags and packing the more revenue the stores attract. Revenue is the most important aspect; so many big named stores will go to the ends of the earth to find a retail and product packaging specialist that will deliver innovative and cutting-edge designs for every season which we the shoppers can’t resist.

Crochet your way into spring

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Three crocheted lions have been unveiled recently as part of the cultural Olympiad. The three lions took Shauna Richardson three years and 36 miles of wool to create, but these are not going to be the only crocheted things being talked about this season with Spring/Summer 2012 seeing the return of all things crochet. So start digging to the back of the wardrobe to see if those once much-loved pieces of clothing from 2006 (and even earlier!) are still lingering around.

There are some theories suggesting that crochet has been around for 2,000 years but there is no strong evidence of it before the 1800’s when women and children would sit at home and crochet as much as they could in order to bring some money into the household.

Even though crochet has become quite popular over the last couple of centuries some people are quick to ridicule and look down upon those who choose to do it as a hobby or even as a way to relax after a hard day’s work; but with the return of this popular method of creating fabric from yarn, it is unlikely that those same people will be making fun of the individuals who have become experts at producing items which are going to be now most wanted.

Spring 2012 is going to see the return of this creative process in the shape of tops, bags, scarf’s and belts but if you don’t fancy sitting at home with your hooks and material then turning to the high-street stores is your only option.

Not only will you look fashionable but you will also be investing in an item of clothing which will last for many years to come especially since the process of crochet will stand up to any amount of wear and tear because the stitches are formed in such a way that if one breaks the others around it will stay intact.

So with mint green being the big colour trend for spring/summer 2012 it would be most sensible to go to the first high street store you come across and purchases a mint green crochet item of clothing: not only will you be the envy of all your friends but you can rest assured that your item will last for many years to come ready for the next time crochet hits the catwalk.

Organza bags and pouches

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Organza bags and pouches are an excellent buy as they are very versatile. They come in a range of sizes are a lovely way to package a gift.

Some gifts can be an awkward size to wrap and some paper gift bags just don’t look pretty. An organza gift bag or pouch is ideal in this situation. They are great for stocking fillers and even for party favours. Sugared almonds at weddings can be placed inside an organza pouch for a simple yet pretty addition to the table. Party favours or Christmas table gifts can be kept in an organza gift bag or pouch, making them easily transportable in a bag too.

The organza gift bags come in a range of colours and sizes. They are great for bridal showers, baby showers, or just as simple packaging for a small gift such as jewellery. They are small, light and really cost effective, which can be an important factor for an event such as a wedding that can often cost a lot of money when all the finishing touches have been included in the budget. The wide range of available colours, including red, black, gold and white, means that they will be suitable for any event’s colour scheme.

The pouches are available in both satin and velvet, which again make perfect gift packaging. The velvet bags are a little more solid than the organza bags and so are ideal for slightly heavier gifts or maybe gifts with sharp points, such as earrings or other jewellery.

Scarves

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Scarves are not just for keeping warm in the winter. Winter scarves are very good at warming the neck, head and chest on a really cold day, and are usually made form wool, fleece or a similar warm or insulating material. Summer scarves, however, can be worn purely to make a fashion statement, to accent an outfit, or to keep the sun off the head and neck on a really hot day.

Summer scarves are made from lightweight fabrics such as voile and viscose. They are also available in a wide choice of colours and styles. Whether it has a plain block colour or a tasteful pattern, the summer scarf is a handy accessory that everyone should own.

By choosing a scarf such as the viscose fabric scarf with appliquéd rose detailing, it can accompany any outfit. It is very feminine in style and would look just as good to brighten up and soften a work suit as to accentuate a summer dress on a warm day. The scarf itself comes in several colours, such as black, teal, purple and red, and is extremely versatile.

The endless scarf is a tube of fabric rather like the snood. It is a little warmer than the lighter summery scarves, so is ideal to be worn on a cooler spring evening. It also comes in a range of colours, including, teal, red, purple and brown. There is also a black option.

As the scarves are reasonably priced with a small minimum order quantity, there is no risk to the purchaser and they are sure to fly off the shelves.

Bridal fabrics

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For anyone planning a summer wedding who would like to do it on a budget, making the wedding dress at home might be a good option. A homemade wedding dress is more personal and it can be perfectly tailored to fit not just in size but also in fabric and style to suit the individual character and personality of the blushing bride.

It is possible to buy fabrics in a variety of styles and compositions. Lace and embroidery fabrics also make great veils. The polyester satin blend comes in a wide range of colours. It is suitable for the complete wedding dress, whether wanting plain white, coloured or white with a contrasting colour effect. The contrasting colour can also be used for the bridesmaids’ dresses and the groomsmen’s ties, handkerchiefs or cummerbunds, depending on what style of suit they will be wearing. It is a quick and easy way to ensure that the whole wedding party is completely co-ordinated at very little expense.

Accessories and decorations for around the church and reception area can also be made from the same fabrics. The ring bearer’s cushion is one example. Party favour pouches and bows, and swags and tails can all look stunning when using the wedding party colour scheme.

This means for those on a tight wedding budget that their money can go just that little bit further. The great quality fabrics can create the illusion of a fabulously lavish, no expense spared wedding, when in fact the actual cost could be just a fraction of that.

Men’s canvas shoes for summer

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When it comes to purchasing shoes for summer, many men are not sure where to begin. Sandals come in a variety of styles, but there are some men who prefer something a little different. Canvas shoes are a great option for summer. They are very light shoes and comfortable to wear. They come in a range of styles and they are very inexpensive. They are suitable for wearing on the beach or for when simply dressing down.

Slip-on styles are a popular option, as they require minimum effort. These cover the heel and the front of the foot. Alternatively, the lace-up versions are also popular. These have the advantage of being fastened so that they are unlikely to slip off the foot when walking. These are a very basic shoe and are inexpensive; having more than one pair, perhaps in different colours, is an option. They are a great addition to a holiday wardrobe. Styles that have a Velcro fastening across the foot are now becoming very popular; they have all the same advantages as the other styles.

Colour ranges come in grey, beige, blue and black, all of which are easy to match with different outfits. The neutral shades are perfect for a summer wardrobe and are properly lined. They have synthetic soles, which are hardwearing and ideal for those who want to spend a few hours walking around town. Some styles come complete with small elasticated sections on the sides to ensure an easy fit.

Matching bags and shoes

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Any woman who has ever had an invite to a wedding or other function knows that finding bags and shoes that match can be difficult. It is often the case that when a colour can be matched the style of one or the other is not to the taste of the buyer, so that they have to compromise. On many occasions an expensive purchase is made for the one event and then put to the back of the wardrobe and not seen again for a long time.

The good news is that matching bags and shoes do not have to cost a great deal. Some retailers offer a mix and match deal on bags and shoes which can not only save money, but will also provide pretty and functional accessories which will last for a number of years if looked after properly.

The shoes are mainly evening shoes and are available in a variety of colours including purple, silver, fuchsia pink and beige/nude. The shades can be easily matched to outfits. The shoes are peep toe slingbacks with a small kitten heel and are perfect for a night out. Some styles have a slightly higher heel. The beige/nude colour is ideal for wearing with outfits of any colour and the shoes are decorated with a flower embellishment.

Clutch bags are available in the same shades and also come with flower embellishments. These are big enough to hold a small purse, mobile phone and some make-up, and make a very cost effective addition to any woman’s wardrobe.

Children’s ballet themed jewellery and accessories

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Ballet is one of the most fascinating things for a little girl, and classes are very popular. Anything with a ballet theme is also popular with children and there are plenty of items of children’s jewellery and other accessories that are ideal gifts for them.

Keeping hair neat and tidy for those who do take part in ballet is essential, and the bun nets are great for this. These come in both gold and silver and are ideal for giving that authentic ballerina style. Alternatively there are the black and pink beaded versions of the bun nets. In addition there is a range of beak clips and hairgrips, which can be used to keep the hair neat. These are embellished with ballerina designs.

However, being practical is not everything and there is a range of items that are must-haves for little girls. The silver purse has a ballet shoe motif and is great for keeping essentials in while at classes, and it also comes with three pink bands for tying hair back. Charms for hanging from bags or mobile phones are available in the shape of a ballerina or ballet shoes.

No little girl’s ballet outfit is complete without a ballerina themed bracelet. These come as chains or beads and have ballet charms added on to them to finish off the look. All of these items make great stocking filler gifts for Christmas or birthdays, and are sure to bring a smile to any child’s face when they see them.

Luxury gifts – designer clothing

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We all like to get luxury gifts every now and then, and a designer item is absolutely perfect. We can wear it and show the label off to great effect, and it is a sign of a good quality item that should last. For men it is not always easy to decide what to buy, as they can often be awkward with their tastes and the type of items that they already have in their wardrobe.

A good quality leather belt is always welcome and these come in a range of styles. This is something that can be worn with both smart and casual clothes, and it is something that will last for years to come. Leather slippers are also a good buy; even though they will get more wear and tear with daily use, they will still last longer than most standard styles. Team these with a designer dressing gown and pyjamas to complete the look.

Designer T-shirts are a great buy, as they are perfect for that holiday in the sun. The designer logo is ideal for making a statement to fellow holidaymakers and the T-shirts are quality items that will last for more than one season. Designer swimming shorts are also an ideal gift, particularly for those who are heading abroad for holidays. These have been designed to be comfortable to wear, as well as practical. It is important not to forget sun protection and the hats are a great way to protect the head from the effects of the sun.

Boys’ sandals for summer

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It is that time of year again when people are planning summer holidays and summer wardrobes. It can be difficult to get shoes right for kids, particularly for the summer as they still want to be out and about and active yet the shoes they wear in winter, which are more durable, are not really suitable. There is a wide range of boys’ sandals available, which should be perfect both for playing and for holidays on the beach.

Sporty type sandals are perfect for very young children and many styles are made from canvas, which is light on the feet and allows the skin to breathe. These have a T-bar across the front, which fastens at the side with a buckle. These are ideal as younger children have a tendency to lose things like shoes and these keep them firmly in place. Standard sandals tend to come now with Velcro straps, as these are easy to use, while sandals for older boys tend to be more of a sporty style, which helps to encourage them to wear them.

An alternative is the style that fastens with Velcro strips. These are also ideal for those who want to teach their children how to put on their own shoes, so these are great for toddlers. The sporty sandals offer a less enclosed shoe but still have the straps to keep the shoe in place. These also come embellished with a variety of characters and are perfect for both playing on the beach and just walking around. Character sandals available include Ben 10 and George Pig.