Archive for the ‘Advertorial’ Category

Advertorial

Start your journey to becoming a Superstar DJ with the Acer Aspire P3 Ultrabook

By shinychris on May 9th, 2013
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Meet DJ Vernon, the hapless assistant to Superstar DJ Tiësto. He’s about to get famous – well almost. OK he may not have what it takes to become a world famous DJ, but thanks to the Acer Aspire P3 he is least able to explore beyond the day job. Instead of having to carry several gadgets around, with the Acer Aspire P3 everything is fitted neatly into one.

Sitting at a desk he can use the device as an Ultrabook while on the move it magically transforms into a tablet device. Boasting a 178 degree viewing mode, the Acer Aspire P3 Ultrabook inspires everything. Open it up in its protective cover, then flip and switch into tablet mode in one quick movement.

Providing true multi-tasking, the new Acer Aspire P3 Ultrabook™ has upto an Intel® Core™ i5 processor, giving you the power to handle several complex tasks all at the same time. This is made even more possible by Windows 8 Snap splitscreen, which lets you switch between applications without having to look for them.

And while Acer can’t guarantee you will become a superstar DJ, you can at least start your journey to international fame and fortune with a free customized and touch-enabled version of Virtual DJ when you buy an Acer touch product. Register your newly purchased Acer product to download your free version along with exclusive stems from Tiesto at Acer.com.



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Advertorial

A fancy robe makes a man much more important…and funny

By shinychris on February 7th, 2013
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It’s not often that you see a fluffy, ginger-jowled, curly-haired man wearing a red, velvet robe, patterned bow tie and white button-up shirt. But it’s becoming a signature style of filthy rich men. If this style really takes off like the new Compare the Market ads, then we could be seeing more men going about their business in this formal nightwear look.

This semi-inappropriate, bed-time-made-day-time style became a symbol of status thanks to Hugh Hefner. It now stands as the ultimate symbol of wealth. If a business man can go through his life wearing a robe and smoking a cigar without anyone advising otherwise, then he’s made it.

This is definitely true of Maurice Wigglethorpe-Throom. As the CEO and founder of comparethemarket.com, Mr Wigglethorpe-Throom very confidently pulls off the look. And so too does his business arch-enemy, CEO of Compare the Meerkat, Alexsandr Orlov.

Granted, these characters are fictitious, but under their eclectic attire sit a very funny approach to advertising. In an astutely clever tact, the online insurance comparison site, comparethemarket.com has brought in Peep Show comic Robert Webb to theatrically demonstrate the need for all kinds of insurance.

In the latest instalment, available exclusively on Brandish.tv, Mr Wigglethorpe-Throom uses his very black sense of humour to show how easy it is to find life insurance deals on comparethemarket.com.

Clothing aside, it’s funny, and a whole lot more entertaining than you’d expect an insurance ad to be. But, not everyone will be happy with the change. Brand mascot and head meerkat Alexsandr Orlov is no doubt fuming that he’s been side lined from his role as ambassador.

But who do you think wears it better?



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Advertorial, Sports, Sportswear

How to motivate yourself to get fit in the New Year

By shinychris on January 15th, 2013
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Did you make a resolution to get fit this year? For a lot of you, the answer is yes. According to a blog by The Independent, to get fit or lose weight is the third most popular New Year’s resolution for 2013. It sits just behind people’s aims to save more money and get out of debt. But, how many people go on to fulfil their resolutions? Men’s Fitness magazine claims of the people who give up on their fitness resolutions, the majority do so after six weeks.

The secret to achieving your fitness goals is being consistent. There’s no point going to the gym once a fortnight and waiting for results to appear. In the same way, regularly doing workouts but eating whatever you want will be no help either. It’s all about maintaining a routine until it becomes a lifestyle.

A lot of people believe that the hardest part is getting started. This is often the case, but even the fittest people lose motivation at some point and struggle to get back to the gym. It’s just a matter of finding ways to tackle the problem and getting yourself back on track to success.

Photograph your progress

One of the main reasons that people lose motivation to exercise is that they’re not seeing results. When it comes to getting fit, it’s a slow process and results don’t happen overnight. It usually takes 12 weeks to notice a substantial difference in your body, but along the way you’re always changing, even if you don’t notice it. Taking a before picture and then subsequent monthly snapshots will show your body gradually changing and help you to realise that your hard work is paying off. It’s best if you wear your underwear or tight-fitting clothes for these pictures as then you’ll really be able to notice the changes.

In a similar fashion, documenting your progress through measurements is another solution. Take initial measurements of your upper arms, chest, waist, hips, thighs and calves and then re-measure yourself every week or two. Writing these numbers down will give you solid proof that your body is responding to the exercise. Just make sure you always take the measurements from the same spot or your figures could be misleading.

Look the part

People go to the gym to look better and a lot of our motivation comes from looking good while we’re there. Wearing old and unflattering exercise gear isn’t going to inspire you. But investing in some fashionable workout threads can get you going to the gym more often. Where else are you going to show them off?

Dressing right not only makes you feel better, it also aids your work out. Although they look good, the gym is one place where both women’s and men’s denim jeans are not acceptable attire. They inhibit movement, can get caught in equipment and aren’t designed to handle immense sweating. You need something designed specifically for exercise which gives you a full range of movement and absorbs sweat.

The right footwear is also vital. For most exercise, your foot needs to be stabilised and supported to ensure you don’t injure yourself. Nike are one of the leading brands in sportswear simply because they provide immensely researched and rigorously tested trainers to give wearers the best support while exercising.

Make it social

A lot of people enjoy going to the gym for its social aspect. Exercise is an opportunity to work off the stresses of your day to day life and being surrounded by friends while you’re working out is a great way to take your mind off work.

Having a gym buddy is a fantastic motivational tool as the other person expects that you’ll be there to workout with them. But if you’re going alone, remember, everyone who goes to the gym is there for the same reason as you – to get fitter – so you’ll have some



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Advertorial, Tablets

Connected and on the go: The benefits of the iPad

By shinychris on January 3rd, 2013
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In the current day and age, the average person needs to stay connected at all times. We rely on the internet for various reasons. Email, the latest news and many other services take place online and feature in our daily lives, often more than we probably realise or appreciate.

With this in mind, there are devices that can help to make this part of life much easier. Technology and smart devices have adapted to allow us greater connectivity. With this in mind, here are a few examples of just how useful an iPad 3 can be:

On the go

Before the tablet came along and sky-rocketed sales in stores like Carphone Warehouse, the laptop was the traditional device used on the go. This, unfortunately, was rather clunky. It has to be set up, turned on, and used like a traditional computer with mouse and keyboard. It slowed you down and wasn’t designed for being truly on the move.

Yet the tablet circumvents most laptops. While a laptop is useful in many ways, a tablet is quicker and more intuitive. You don’t need to wait for it to load up or unpack it. You simply use the touchscreen controls to get to whatever it is you want to do.

Furthermore, whereas laptops require you to sit down somewhere, the modern tablet is much more flexible. You can use your iPad on the move; you’re not confined to a desk or tablet whenever you want to do some quick internet browsing.

Apps

The iPad, like any other smart device, has access to all kinds of apps. This gives you all the functionality and flexibility you’ll ever need from one device. Whether you need apps for work or fun, you can find anything you need to help your iPad 3 reflect your personality.

Furthermore, you can download countless games and fun apps, giving you plenty to do both in and out of work. With iPad 3, you have access to the Apple Store, one of the leading app markets available.

For the modern individual who is keen to keep up to date with the latest trends, this simply extends the appeal of the tablet. With the ability to download new apps, you’ll never get bored. Even when on the go, the modern smart tablet is always providing a new experience.

Fashionable

Finally, like any other device or accessory you take with you, there’s nothing wrong in wanting your technology to be as fashionable as possible. The modern tablet is sleek, thin and ultra-modern, so it looks great in addition to fulfilling so many functions in your day to day life. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the iPad 3 was one of the top technology items searched for in Google this year.

In short, this is just a quick look at the benefits of a tablet, such as iPad 3. Whether you are planning to use the tablet for work, home or anywhere in between, the portable nature of the device, combined with its many uses and advantages, make it quite a proposition.



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Advertorial, Clothing

Staying warm and stylish this winter

By shinychris on December 21st, 2012
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The Quipsy Waterproof Jacket from Penguin really is stylish and functional

As the temperature drops you don’t need to make the choice between keeping warm and looking stylish. In fact, to achieve any kind of confident look staying warm is essential, as the shivering look is definitely not in fashion. There are plenty of ways to stay warm while looking great, but if you don’t know where to start these tips are a great place to begin.

Firstly, don’t be afraid of wearing thermal underwear if you’ll be outdoors for extended periods of time – these are definitely not recommended if you’re heading out for a night on the town however. Nobody can tell you’ve got them on, and with that super practical base layer you’ll be able to make more fashionable choices when it comes to the surface layers.

As far as the surface layer is concerned, it’s hard to go wrong with a Christmas sweater. Christmas sweaters might only have been worn by embarrassing uncles just a few years ago, but last winter they became super fashionable. This year, now that everyone has agreed that even the most ghastly of Christmas sweaters can be excused as stylish in an ironic sense you can be as adventurous as you like without fear of festive humiliation. Everyone from big name fashion brands to the cheapest of the high street megastores are cashing in on the trend, so there’s plenty of choice available, but if you want to guarantee originality scour your local vintage and charity shops.

As well as layering up, accessories are vital for keeping warm. When it comes to scarves, gloves, and hats there’s a simple rule to make sure you look cool while keeping warm: if your outfit is already quite busy with different colours or a festive print or pattern keep the accessories plain. If your outfit is an otherwise classic look, however, you have the choice between contrasting it with more elaborate, colourful accessories, or keeping it simple and elegant with traditional winter colours such as black or grey.

Even if you’ve found a way to keep warm, you’ll often have to contend with rain. Unfortunately most waterproof jackets leave a lot to be desired when it comes to looking good, sacrificing any sense of style for function but the Quipsy Waterproof Jacket from Penguin really is an exception. Rather than transforming you into some shoddy arctic explorer, this jacket has a casual look that suggests its wearer isn’t affected by weather like other mere mortals.

Looking good throughout winter isn’t purely about the clothes however – you need to look after your skin, and particularly your lips, which don’t respond well to the harsh weather. While lip balm isn’t the manliest thing you can keep in your pockets, chapped lips are painful and can quickly ruin any outfit.



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Advertorial, T-shirts, Polos & Shirts

What to wear on New Year’s Eve – tips for looking great

By shinychris on December 20th, 2012
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Tailored polos from Hackett help accentuate the pecs and biceps, making you look fitter

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As far as nights out are concerned, there are few that match the excitement and hype of New Year’s Eve. While many people will plan where they’re going weeks if not months in advance, many men will leave thinking about what to wear until the night itself. This inevitably leads to many people ringing in the New Year in a way that leaves them cringing when they finally see their photos pop up on Facebook. Looking good doesn’t need to be difficult however, if you follow these tips.

Don’t go overboard – some people have the temptation to dress themselves up like a Christmas tree, but an understated, elegant look demonstrates an inner confidence. Saying that, dress too casual and you’ll still be standing out for all the wrong reasons. Wearing a classic polo shirt is a great way to balance the need to be smart without trying, but if you’re going to keep it this simple you’ll need quality. Tailored polos from Hackett are ideal, as the way they’re cut helps accentuate the pecs and biceps, making you naturally look fitter.

Wear a watch – It goes without saying that knowing the time on New Year’s Eve is handy – just make sure that it’s correct to the exact second. If you’re the type of person that usually just checks their phone for the time make this night the exception. As well as being practical the right watch can complement and enhance any outfit.

Dress well from the feet up – While people might look at your face and top first, it won’t be long before they’ve looked at your feet, and an unflattering pair of shoes can be the undoing of even the most stylish of outfits. If wearing smart trousers it’s particularly important to ensure that your shoes match – black trousers and brown shoes have never looked good together and they still don’t. A final note: don’t choose New Year’s Eve to be the first night you wear a pair of shoes or you might not make it till midnight if you find out they’re particularly painful.

Focus on the smaller details – Often an outfit can be transformed by the right belt, a skinny tie or even a pair of glasses. Once you’ve decided on your main items of clothing feel free to experiment with accessories to achieve that killer look.

Smell as good as you look – It really doesn’t matter how good you look if someone is put off by your smell as soon as they approach you. Ensuring your clothes are cleans and your body is deodorised is the bare minimum, while cologne or aftershave, used in moderation, can transform any outfit.

As always, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident with what you’re wearing. Since you’re more likely to feel confident if you look good, however, it wouldn’t hurt to start thinking about what to wear now, so you can make sure you start the year as you mean to go on.



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Advertorial, Clothing, Shirts

Dressing well in the festive periods

By shinychris on December 19th, 2012
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When it comes to dressing to impress during the festive season there are a number of different styles to go for, as well as a few that should be avoided at all costs. The most important thing is confidence, if you feel good in what you’re wearing it’ll show and you’ll look great too.

Dress for the occasion

Tailor what you’re wearing to what you’re doing. If it’s for you work Christmas party then jeans and a shirt are always a good option. Stick to smarter cuts and shades with dark jeans being the safest choice. If you want to put your own stamp on it then pick a shirt that shows your personality, or a funky belt. Don’t forget, smart shoes are a must! When picking from the variety of men’s shirts available stick to a colour you feel good in, there’s no point going for the latest trend if it doesn’t suit you!

For Christmas day with the family dress smartly but comfortably. There’s nothing worse than feeling restricted after your Christmas dinner. If you’re just doing some shopping then a cardigan or jacket is a good choice with jeans and canvas trainers. Smart but casual at the same time, you’ll look great and feel it too!

Pick a style and stick to it

Don’t try to mix too many different styles at once, it’s a recipe for disaster. Even the most fashion forward of guys find it difficult to get right. Whether you’re dressing alternative, fashionably or just in a style that suits you, choose neutral colours with one signature shade. For example if you pick a shirt with a red stripe, then don’t mix another colour in. Stick to dark trousers and a tie with a red accent in it where necessary.

Get the right fit

Getting clothes that fit well is absolutely essential, it’s a sure fire way to look and feel good. A too tight shirt or trousers that are too short will ruin even the sharpest style. Get properly measured or stick to a brand that you know fits you well and offers a wide range of options. If you’re into branded gear then make sure they carry your size too.

Overall, getting the best in festive style is just like any time of the year, make sure you feel great, it fits well and suits the occasion and you can’t go far wrong. Confidence always shines through so as long as you feel good and there are no glaring faux pas’ then it’ll show. If you’re not so into fashion then don’t try to get ‘the latest trend’, just nod to it. Otherwise you’ll feel uncomfortable and that shows too. Stick to wearing an on trend colour, or cut of jeans for example for a simple way to get the look.



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Advertorial

Less Privacy for Lower Premium – Insurance Gadgets

By Stefano on December 13th, 2012
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Technology has been evolving rapidly over the past decade with many devices becoming almost vital to our everyday lives. What was once a cordless brick of a telephone attached to a backpack for signal has now become something not only more advanced but also far removed from the original idea. The innovative concept of a world wide web of news and information has now evolved to become a representation of our personalities and interests. Technology is not only something you can switch on with a button, but rather something switched on intuitively to our every want and demand.

However with technology we do pay a price; the price of our privacy. Between Google and Facebook, the internet knows everything about you. Your hobbies, favourite restaurants, who your friends are, what your job is and all your naughty secrets. New technologies might make your life easier, but let’s face it; they also make your life a lot more public.

Can less privacy in technology ever be used for the power of good I hear you ask? According to the car insurance industry, one gadget might do just that. Telematics car devices have been emerging all over the car insurance market and have considerably grown in popularity in recent times. The gadget is designed to monitor when, how far and how fast you drive in order to determine how ‘safe’ of a driver you actually are, and also potentially be eligible for up to 30% off current car insurance premiums.

Car insurance compare site, comparethemarket.com says that for the estimated 90% of drivers who believe they are safe behind the wheel, the Telematics gadget would be an ideal way for them to save money on their insurance premiums. By encouraging safer driving, Telematics monitoring systems also have the added value of making the roads a much safer place with less crashes and fatalities.

There have been a number of gadgets and technologies designed for safer driving, such as the reverse camera and sensors which have become a staple in new car ranges, but until now, none that have been designed to award the driver for taking the necessary precautions to making roads safer for everyone.

Less privacy, some might say, is not a problem if you have nothing to hide. In the circumstance of Telematics car gadgets, this assumption couldn’t be closer to the truth. If you are a conscientious and careful driver and you let that be known to your insurer, then you get rewarded by saving money on your insurance premium. If you have been known to drive a little erratic at times, then stick to your current insurance plan. A simple solution for all involved.

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Advertorial, Christmas 2012 goodies

Have an unusual Christmas with Selfridges

By shinychris on November 15th, 2012
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What happens if you put one ballerina, a pair of Pearly Kings and Queens dancing, two shirtless male models by a fir tree, five cute puppies and a Father Christmas with dreadlocks in a studio all themed to swinging Christmassy jazz tunes? The result is not your usual Christmas…

This festive season Selfridges has teamed up with photographer and film maker Bruce Weber for their Christmas ad, which certainly is a non-traditional take on Yuletide. Check out the video below to see what we’re on about, but if you’re looking for an unusual gift for a loved one the famous London department store’s Christmas Gift guide is packed full of extraordinary presents ideas for him, her and the kids to place under the tree this year.

Don’t be a bah humbug, plan your Christmas early!



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Advertorial, Video

Sponsored post: Crack the case and become the next James Bond with Heineken

By shinychris on October 25th, 2012
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Think you’ve got what it takes to be the next James Bond? Then take part in this interactive video courtesy of Heineken below.

Challenging you to defy Bond’s enemies and ‘Crack the Case’, you will be taken on an epic journey. The interactive experience begins exactly where the TV advert leaves off, with viewers invited onto a train by the smouldering Bond girl Bérénice before it embarks on a voyage through a spectacular vista of snowy mountains.

Putting your through you paces, a series of gruelling tests will lead you to – quite literally – ‘Crack the Case’ while  protecting its contents from ferocious Bond villains.

You can either connect through Facebook or upload a photo and name to get a personalized experience. After being successful, your own movie trailer will await you, ready to be shared with friends as proof of your achievements as a special agent. So what are you waiting for?

 

Viral video by ebuzzing

 

 



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Advertorial, Shoes

Go Pro with Converse and Share your Moves with the World

By shinychris on October 8th, 2012
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New Pro Streets game launches in six European cities alongside Pro Leather Vulcs

The new Converse Pro Leather Vulcs range has launched, and Converse has kicked off a European-wide celebration of street culture to mark the occasion. Pro Streets is an innovative game that seeks to find out what’s buzzing on the streets of six of the world’s most culturally diverse cities: London, Madrid, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam and Milan.

Setting up CCTV-style Pro Streets cameras across Europe, Chucks fans are invited to show off their most original moves – from MC battles to breaking, skate tricks to dance routines. The game launched in London on August 29, with cameras in five of the city’s coolest boroughs: Camden, Brixton, Mile End, Finsbury Park and Ladbroke Grove, open to anyone to perform, any time. The footage is uploaded to the Pro Streets website, where you can view what’s happening at street level, and vote for your favourite vids.

Already, there are hundreds of videos online, showcasing a crazy array of moves and performances – from solo singers to guys showing off their prowess with a football, it’s giving young kids a platform to show the world their skills. There’s no big prize money involved, just the chance to get some recognition, and for people to explore the creativity at play in some of Europe’s grittiest neighbourhoods.

Encouraging creativity like this has become the heart of the Converse brand ethic. Since their first iconic All-Star basketball boot launched in 1917, Cons have grown up on the streets, becoming an essential part of the youth aesthetic for generation after generation. Punk through grunge, hip-hop through indie, A-list celebs to the world’s leading sports stars – Converse have graced the feet of some of the world’s most creative and talented bright young things. Keenly aware of this fact, Converse has set out to shine a spotlight on, celebrate, and encourage the urge to create, and their Pro Streets game is the latest in a string of initiatives that have set out to do just that.

Setting up a recording studio in Brooklyn, Rubber Tracks, that bands can use for free, promoting emerging artists and sports stars of all kinds on their website, saving London’s legendary 100 Club with sponsorship, and launching their Fix to Ride scheme – fixing up battered and cracked bowls to make them skateable again, then opening them up to the public for free – these are just some of the things that Converse has been doing to enable people, especially the young, to do what they love to do. Of course, this is all part of building the brand, but it’s also giving something back to communities and kids who love their Cons.

If you’re in London looking to get involved in the Pro Streets game, you’ll find cameras at the Sobell Leaisure Centre at Finsbury Park, Mile End Skate Park, Aytoun Place in Brixton, Camden’s Cantelowes Gardens and Portobello Green Fitness Centre in Ladbroke Grove.

The new Pro Leather Vulcs range takes inspiration from the original Converse Pro Leather shoe, launched in 1976, and is available exclusively from JD Sports in the UK.

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Advertorial, bags, Luggage, Luggage & Travel

Back to School Fashion: Rucksacks

By shinychris on October 3rd, 2012
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Back to school again – the best part of this is all the new gear you get to show off, right? Your stuff has to work hard – we know that, so here are a few backpacks new to the market including some from the new range at JD Sports that will look cool and fit everything you need, all while being tough enough to last the school year.

The Nike NSW

First up is the Nike NSW backpack. It’s all grey with a huge Nike logo on the front in black. It’s got two zipped compartments – the main one and a front pocket for your sweets and phone. It’s big enough for all your books and a drinks bottle as well. It has adjustable straps and a looped grip handle so you can grab and go, and not miss the bus. All this for £20? Bargain!

The Converse Stuff It

Next is the Converse Stuff It Backpack, and let’s face it, there’s never been a time when Converse wasn’t cool. This one is black with the Converse logo on the front. It has two zipped compartments, one main one and one on the front, and two elasticated side pockets big enough for a drinks bottle. It also has padded, adjustable straps and a padded back panel for those heavy-book days. Best of all it has an abrasion-resistant bottom so it’ll take a bit of a beating before it drops all your stuff on the floor. At £30, this one’s a steal.

The Timberland Pink Backpack

Here’s one for the girls – the Timberland Backpack in pink. This one has a zipped main compartment and front pocket, which has inside pockets for your phone and other bits. The straps are adjustable, and has a grab-and-go hook at the top. This one’s exclusive to JD, so you won’t get it anywhere else! For £25, you could do a lot worse.

Duffer of St George Miller

Lastly we have the Duffer of St George Miller Rucksack, and this one is pretty awesome. Its natural-coloured canvas and tumbled leather so it’s hard-wearing, and has two buckle straps and a drawstring to keep it closed. The buckled shoulder straps are adjustable and it has one zipped inner pocket. This is another JD exclusive, so make sure you grab yours while you can. For £25 this is a total bargain and looks really, really cool.

These are just a few of the rucksacks and backpacks on offer this September – there are plenty of other big names like Adidas, McKenzie, Umbro and Gio Goi to choose from as well but these are the hottest ones on the market. Make sure you check them out and go back to school looking sharp.

 



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Advertorial

A Brief History of the Contact Lens

By shinychris on September 28th, 2012
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From a Renaissance Visionary to Vision Correction for the Masses

As a contact lens wearer myself, I feel infinitely indebted to the tiny silicone discs I insert into my eyes daily. Being blind as a bat, I suspect I’d have been among the first to have been eaten by a saber tooth tiger in caveman times, and am thus grateful to the wonders of modern science for the powers of vision correction. That said, I was surprised to discover that the history of the contact lens actually goes back some 500 years.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s the ever forward thinking Leonardo da Vinci who is credited with the first concept for altering the eye’s optics. In his 1508 Codex of the Eye, Da Vinci made the perceptive observation that submerging your eyes into a bowl of water perceivably alters your vision. A century or so later, René Descartes proposed a different method for vision correction, whereby a glass tube filled with liquid is directly attached to the eye. Descartes’ notion was an interesting step in the right direction, albeit an impractical one, preventing the proposed wearer from blinking.

It would be another 200 years before a bright mind explored a more practical approach. In 1845 Sir John Herschel proposed a rather repulsive sounding solution for vision correction. He suggested that ‘a spherical capsule of glass filled with animal jelly’ could be fitted directly to the cornea. Though Herschel apparently never tested these ideas, others soon began taking the concept of the contact lens a step further.

Sticking glass in your eye may not sound like an advisable idea; however this is exactly what the next generation of experimental ophthalmologist began to try, with a surprising degree of success. 1887 saw German ophthalmologist Adolf Gaston Eugen Fick fit the first successful contact lenses made of heavy blown glass shells. He initially tested his lenses on a group of unlucky rabbits before popping them in his own eyes. Though they did the job, the thick glass covered the entire visible part of the eye and was never comfortable for the wearer. More importantly, these prototype glass lenses as well as later hard plastic models prevented the eye from ‘breathing’ properly.

It wasn’t until the end of the 1970s that hard lenses were developed to correct the problem of oxygen permeability. However the success of these lenses was rapidly eclipsed by the rise in popularity of soft lenses. Czech chemists Otto Wichterle and Drahoslav Lim are credited with the original breakthrough in soft lenses, published in their work “Hydrophilic gels for biological use” in 1959. Dr. Wichterle took his concept a step further by creating a means for the production of these lenses. In 1961, he began experimenting at home with his son’s erector set and bicycle parts. Using the unlikely tools at hand, Dr. Wichterle created the prototype of the spin-casting machine used to produce the world’s first soft contact lenses.

This concept was picked up by Bausch & Lomb, and in 1972 the soft, breathable lenses hit the mass market. However, it would take several decades before the materials of the soft contact lens were perfected, becoming the durable silicone hydrogels familiar today. Contact lenses have certainly come a long way from the sketches in da Vinci’s notebook to the daily disposables available at places like LensWay. I suppose among other things we have a group of German rabbits and some Czech children’s toys to thank for our modern vision advancement.



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Advertorial, Shoes, Sport

Gold Medal Style Winners: a look back at the standout style moments of the London 2012 Olympics

By shinychris on September 24th, 2012
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London’s always been an edgy trendsetter, and this summer it showed that sport can be just as sexy as the catwalk, thanks to some standout style stars on the track. Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Karen Elson may have strutted their stuff in Alexander McQueen to close the games, but when it comes to memorable fashion moments, this year’s gold medals go to these guys.

Mo Farah

Britain’s golden boy of the track and field, Mo became a double Olympic champion at the 2012 Olympic Games, taking gold in both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres in breathtaking style. And as well as his eye catching smile as he crossed the finish line, Mo grabbed our attention with his custom-designed Nike Zoom Victory Elite neon-yellow spikes. He wasn’t the only one to step into the in-your-face trainers; in fact, more than 400 athletes wore bright yellow sneakers from the specially created Nike Volt range over the course of the games. The reason? Their high tech Flywire technology forms an ultra-lightweight upper, woven using featherweight single thread, to create a sock-like fit. Not to mention the gleaming, golden spike plate that helped 25 of the Nike wearers win gold for real.

Usain Bolt

The fastest man on the planet looked slick in his custom-designed Puma tracksuit pre-race. Draped in black from head to toe, hood up, and with plenty of attitude, Usain looked like a winner from the start. The Jamaican kit was designed especially for the games by Cedella Marley, daughter of reggae legend Bob. Featuring slogans like ‘Positive Vibrations’, and pictures of her father on some of the track jackets, she said that she’d been inspired by her dad’s style, and wanted to merge the worlds of Jamaican music and sport with her kit design. It certainly inspired the Lightning Bolt, who went on to create a new Olympic 100m record, and take home the gold in both the 100m and 200m finals.

Sanya Richards-Ross

American 400m gold medallist Sanya Richards-Ross caused a stir on the track with her imposing, feminine look. While most female athletes choose to tie their hair back, she braided just the front, leaving her tousled curls to hang loose down her back. Brushing back her hair, she revealed a pair of blingin’ Chanel earrings too. Teamed with her Nike athletic sleeves – designed to emphasise her muscular arms and shoulders, as Sanya stepped out onto the track she ensured that all eyes were on her – and an instant threat to her competitors before she’d got off the starting block.

Yohan Blake

Another trendsetter from the Jamaican team, Yohan turned heads and caused a little controversy with his OTT accessorising at the games. Violating the strict Olympic clothing regulations, which state that athletes are only allowed to wear apparel that is sponsored by their country, he flouted the rulebook and wore an eyepopping yellow watch during the 100m final. Custom-made for Yohan by designer Richard Mille, this bit of bling was impossible to miss, and cost an eyewatering $500,000 too.



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Sponsored Video: Be a creator with ASOS Black X Puma range and the Pixadores

By shinychris on September 18th, 2012
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Set to launch on September 25 is a new Autumn/Winter 2012 collection from Puma and ASOS. Boasting sport finishes and fashion shapes, the products will all feature embossed rubberised branding along with the ASOS Black x Puma logo.

The 40-piece collection comprises contemporary, modernised classics – strong tailored designs with a timeless sporting heritage – from gilets and padded jackets to T-shirts and knitwear, all topped out with exclusive ASOS Black x Puma bags, hats and belts.

To mark the launch, filmmaker Ben Newman has documented the lives of Brazilian graffiti collective, the Pixadores – see video below. Based in the Sao Paulo, they are regarded as being at the forefront of free expression and street culture, bombing the city with spray paint and foam rollers at night.

Involved in a renowned protest which took place in the Pavillion of the Arts Biennial of Sao Pauolo in 2008, they painted the white walls with messages of protest such as ‘down with the dictatorship’ and one of their activists, Caroline Pivetta de Mota, was even arrested.

With their blend of cultural content and guerrilla style, the Pixadores are considered the perfect ambassadors for ASOS Black X Puma’s latest range. Their message, ‘Be A Creator’, is also shared with the latest campaign. People are encouraged to express their creativity by sharing pictures, drawings, designs and videos using the #Beacreator tag.

Find out more in Asos’s website and Facebook page
Check out Asos’s Twitter
Join the competition by Tweeting/ Instagramming with the hashtag #beacreator

Post sponsored by ASOS

See the video featuring the Pixadores below:

 



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