Fashion

Wardrobe Basics for Great Style

Published

3 years ago

February 15, 2020

Great style really evolves from great basics, without the proper building blocks, your outfits aren’t going very far. We all know the frustration that hits when you’re faced with a wardrobe full of clothes, with absolutely nothing to wear. How is it possible? Because you don’t have the right basics to work with! Once you’ve grabbed yourself a few classic pieces, you’ll find that you’re never left with nothing to wear again. What are these elusive, life-saving items, you ask? Read on to find out…

A perfect pair of jeans

Yes, the perfect pair of jeans is tricky to find – but not impossible, promise! The key is to have a direction whilst you’re trying on, that way you’re not going to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice. Try and stick to slightly relaxed fit straight leg cuts that either taper slightly or kick out at the ankle. Next, wash, you’ll want to stick to either a mid-wash or dark-wash for maximum wearability (light wash is a little 2002). Finally, the waist, a mid-rise or high-waist style is usually the most comfortable and flattering. If you’re really having a tough time of it, you can always buy a style that you love and recruit a tailor to make them fit like a glove.

Straight fit, lightweight chinos

These are always going to come in handy, whether you’re heading to the office, on a night out or you’re just doing your chores, a straight fit pair of chinos will be your friend. Stick to a lightweight twill cotton in black to keep your chinos appropriate for every occasion. A mid-rise style that seams just above your ankle will work best.

Crew neck tee-shirts

White, black and grey crew neck tee-shirts can come with you everywhere. Layer under suits, camis and slip dresses or wear alone with jeans, chinos, mini, midi and maxi skirts. Look for high-quality, thick cotton in a slightly oversized style. Wide sleeves will bring a touch of 90s cool to this classic cut.

A block colour turtleneck

A turtleneck is a cold-weather and eveningwear essential. Choose a close-fitting style in cotton (for warmer climates) or cashmere (for colder). The colour is absolutely up to you, black is a classic, but cream, white, grey, pink or yellow are all beautiful options to consider.

A-line leather skirt

No wardrobe is complete without a little leather (or pleather) in there somewhere! A leather skirt is a great addition, it works for office hours, evening wear and weekends. The A-line cut is the most universally flattering, it cinches in your waist and falls in a flattering shape. Whether you’re more of midi or mini kind of dresser is up to you! Wear with tees, button-ups and jumpers, all year round.

Cashmere jumper

We all need a cosy jumper, no matter where you live! Choose a soft cream or camel tone in a relaxed, crew neck fit. This can be paired with skirts, denim, statement pants and layered over your favourite slip dresses.

Oversized button-up

Everyone should have a loose fit white button-up shirt in their wardrobe. Wear with pants and pencil skirts to the office, skirts for evening out, shorts and denim for the weekend and even open over your swimmers at the beach.

Tailored blazer

A tailored blazer is that style staple that lots of people are reluctant to invest in at first, but once you grab one you really won’t know how you lived without it. Look for an expertly tailored, wool-blend jacket in a grey herringbone or solid black to complete your closet.

Fashion

How the Kimberley Process Is Making A Difference in Global Diamond Trade

Published

1 week ago

January 29, 2023

pamelajohnson

Unethical and unlawful practices have plagued the global diamond industry for many years. The Kimberley Process is a critical mechanism to help protect the integrity of the diamond supply chain and ensure that consumers worldwide can have confidence that the diamonds they purchase are conflict-free. By working together, governments, civil society, and the diamond industry have made a real difference in the global diamond trade. The Kimberley Process has provided a robust framework to prevent, detect, and combat the illegal trade of diamonds. This process has helped prevent the exploitation of diamond-rich countries and the funding of armed conflicts. The Kimberley Process has been instrumental in transforming the diamond trade and improving people’s lives in diamond-producing countries.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is a system for tracking and controlling the trade of rough diamonds to ensure that the lab grown diamonds are from non-conflict areas and are not financing violent armed groups. The KP has helped combat the illegal mining of conflict minerals. In 2017, the KP transitioned from an inspection and certification regime to a certification-only regime. Under the new system, countries that produce and export rough diamonds have agreed to implement a third-party audit system to ensure full compliance with the KP’s requirements.

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Benefits and Challenges of the Kimberley Process

The KP has helped transform the global diamond industry. For example, it has helped improve the lives of people living in diamond-producing countries. Diamond producers have also been able to boost their economies and generate more revenue by participating in the KP. The KP has also made it easier for consumers to purchase diamonds. Since the implementation of the KP, it has become easier for people to be assured that the diamonds they purchase are conflict-free and that their purchases are helping to reduce poverty in diamond-producing countries. The KP has also helped transform business practices in the diamond industry. For example, the KP has helped spark innovation and growth in the diamond-testing industry. The KP has also helped spark innovation and growth in technologies that track diamonds from the mine to the retailer. Consumers can also use a smartphone app to trace diamonds to their source.

Impact of the Kimberley Process

The KP has had a major impact on the global diamond trade. For example, diamonds are now synonymous with ethical practices, and the KP is recognized as a robust mechanism that helps protect the integrity of the diamond supply chain. As a result, many retailers and manufacturers have adopted the KP standards and gained assurance that their diamonds are ethically sourced. Consumers can track diamonds’ sources using a smartphone app or handheld scanner. They can also be assured that their purchases are conflict-free and help people in diamond-producing countries. Their retailer’s assurance that the diamonds are KP-compliant helps with that.

Conclusion

The Kimberley Process is an international effort to fight the conflict diamond trade. The KP has helped protect the integrity of the diamond supply chain and ensure consumers can be confident in their purchases.