Category: Lifestyle

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Winter Work Wear Essentials

The weather has spoken and as Jon Snow would say, winter is coming (it’s basically here, we know). At this time of year, we know how important it is to feel cosy – even when you’re at work! We’re here to lend a helping hand and help you look great but feel cosy during these Winter months.

Turtlenecks & Roll-Necks

Roll or Turtle neck jumper under a suit / tweed jacket

Let’s be honest, wearing a turtleneck is like receiving a big hug every second of the day. They’re not only cosy, but they look good. Pair a long-sleeved roll neck thin knit with a pair of paper bag trousers if you’re woman or some slim-fit suit trousers if you’re a man, slide on some black boots and throw on some cute gold accessories or a statement watch and you’re in for one cosy (but stylish) day in the office.

Take a look at Moss Bros Wine Merino Wool Roll-Neck Jumper for men here and sign up for their newsletter for even more stylish Winter pick, right here.

Dress up this Cotton Stripe Roll Neck from Lands’ End with a cute wool blazer and keep yourself warm and looking good through this season. If you love their stuff, order their catalogue here for deals and updates on their clothing.

Winter boots

Annabelle Fleur of the Viva Luxury Blog in the TIELAND in Black Suede.

We love UGGs as much as the next person, but, for some reason, they aren’t work-attire – I know, crazy! So, we’re talking about investing in a good quality pair of cosy smart boots – perfect for office wear, meetings and a nice dinner with the partner.

Walktall has men with big feet sorted and we’re in love with these Chatham Aplin Boots – don’t they just look cosy as heck?! Sign up to their newsletter for incredibly BIG deals on their selection of large shoes.

These Ring Pull Cleated Ankle Boots from Select Fashion are to die for. We’re seriously loving these and know they’ll keep your feet super warm – looks like there is definitely room for a fluffy sock. They have great savings in their newsletter if you’re looking for a bargain!

Cable Knits

Burberry London Cable Knit Sweater

You’re probably wondering how a cable knit can possibly pass as work wear right? We’re here to tell you that it’s possible and it’s actually quite easy. Pair a beautifully chunky pink cable knit (we like this one from Yumi) with a pleather black skirt, some wool tights and your new boots and you’ve got a cosy, but sophisticated work look. Their newsletter is filled with great winter fashion inspo!

If you’re a guy who isn’t quite feeling the pleather skirt, we have you covered too. Choose a light-coloured chunky knit, like this one from Culture Vulture and pair it with a slim-fit shirt (collar out), some tailored chinos and some brogues and you’ve got yourself a smart but warm work look. If you like Culture Vulture as much as we do, order their catalogue – they have loads more great winter fashion picks just waiting for you.

Hopefully, these ideas have given you enough inspiration to create the most stylish but, most importantly, cosy outfits for work this Winter. Be sure to send us pictures of your outfits – we’d love to see them.

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5 Things to do with your kids this Halloween

With Halloween right around the corner, it’s a good time to start planning this year’s Halloween event for the kids! If you, like us, are Halloween crazy, then you’ll probably want to make it super special for your little ones. We’re here to give you some super simple ideas for the kids this Halloween.

Halloween Sleepover

This works no matter the age – it’s a tried and tested way to get the kids into the ghostly spirit. Arrange an old-fashioned sleepover with some of their friends, decorate the living room and leave a selection of spooky movies for them to watch. There are so many age-appropriate films for Halloween, so no matter their age, there’s a definite scary movie out there for them. We’re all about going all out so be sure to request a theme and get the kids to come in spooky, Halloween inspired PJ’s like the ones over at Lands’ End Kids – it’s sure to be a winner.

Have a pumpkin picking party

 

This will be a pre-Halloween party, but what’s not to love! Get a group of their friends together and take the kids to a local (there are plenty across the whole of the UK) pumpkin picking farm and watch them go wild. Nothing is more fun (apart from trick-or-treating of course) on Halloween than picking out your own pumpkin. Most counties have plenty of farms that cater to pumpkin picking – The Lake District has a beautiful selection!

Have a pumpkin carving party

Whether you’ve picked your own pumpkins or popped over to the nearest supermarket, pumpkin carving is a massive part of Halloween. Print out a bunch of stencils for the kids (and yourself of course), cover the table and decorate the kitchen with spooky lights and bats and watch your little ones release their creativity. Truth is, you’ll probably have to finish theirs off for them or worst of all, scrape the seeds out because it’s far too “yucky” for them to do, but they’ll still have a blast.

Make your decorations

Creativity is what kids’ do, it’s what they love and what they remind us about every day. So why not make your household Halloween decorations this year? Head over to Bureau Direct Stationery to stock up on the essentials for your DIY party. Go wild with bats, ghouls, ghosts and witches – the more the scarier – and don’t forget orange and black is a must and glitter just makes it more fun.

Bake spooktacular treats

No season is complete without some fun home baked goods. We’re talking spooky cupcakes, toffee covered apples, ghostly cookies, toasted marshmallows and tons of orange frosting! Stock up that baking cupboard, get yourself some spooky cookie cutters and spend a few hours in the kitchen with the kids. You could even make it a Halloween baking party and invite their friends. Choose simple cookies and perhaps even pre-make or buy the cupcakes and let the kids decorate them – that’s the fun part after all!

Don’t forget that kids love a good old fashioned trick-or-treat session – how else will they ever get so many sweets in one go? Whatever you’re planning to do this year for Halloween, these ideas are a great accompaniment. Let us know in the comments what your traditions are for Halloween or what your children love to do this time of the year.

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How to Give Your Man a Makeover

Do you often look at your man and think that a makeover would be revolutionary? It’s not that you think they’re unattractive – duh! It’s simply the thought that a few simple nips and tucks would really transform him.

If you ever find yourself thinking this, but just don’t know where to start, we’re here to give you a little helping hand. These top tips are the best way to get that makeover ball rolling.

The face

Whether your man sports a thick and straggly beard, a little dash of stubble or thinks he is clean shaved, he probably can improve what he thinks is already pretty good. You know that saying: you don’t want it until you’ve had, well this is exactly that.

Take him to the barbers – choose one that is actually decent and has friendly, helpful staff. Get him in for a beard trim (we’ll talk hair later) and let the barber work his magic. With the help of some trained professionals, his beard will transform into a neat, sexy and tidy masterpiece.

If he’s ‘clean shaven’, get the barber to really clean shave him – they’ll be a difference.

It’s all about creating a canvas so that he can follow on and continue to make masterpieces. Once you’ve made that canvas, it’s time to get him the tools to turn it into a masterpiece everyday.

The Executive Shaving Company offers a range of high-quality male grooming products that will be truly revolutionary for your man. Once he has the tools, they’ll be no stopping him!

The hair

Hair products are not just for women. It’s important that every guy has their own, personal hair products that they can use every day – designed for their hair type and their needs. This is a must for any man’s bathroom essentials.

Get your man the products that he needs to tame his mane! Head over to The Beauty Store and order those important products today. If he has dry hair – find something made for that, if he has dandruff – find him something that will solve this.

All you have to do is give him the tools to work his mane and get it in shape.

The clothes

Oh, the clothes. If you love shopping (for yourself), you’ll probably love shopping for your guy just as much – okay, probably not as much, but you’ll still enjoy it.

Start simple – choose plain T’s, paired with rolled up shorts, slim fitted jeans and a classic pair of everyday shoes. Vans are a safe option – they’ll look good with everything and are super comfy and stylish. Walktall have a range of Vans, Nikes, Adidas and Converse shoes. Head on over to explore their range that will for sure fit your man’s large feet.

A refresh of their wardrobe can be simple, super easy and doable – if he’s resistant to change, starting with simple changes is perfect. However, if you’re all about going in all or nothing, head over to Moss Bros for an affordable range of shirts, suits and occasion wear – they do have casual wear, but we’ll keep quiet about that.

Now you have the tools, there’s nothing to stop you – enjoy every minute of it and share your transformations with us on our socials. Use the hashtag #catalinkstyle so we can find your images!

 

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5 Things to do when it’s sunny!

We’re going to continue the theme of sunshine, because, well, this is an event us Brits never thought we’d see – more than three days of summer. As it’s due to get very hot and sunny again, we thought we’d give you some great tips on things to do whilst the sun is around.

Head to the beach

There aren’t many occasions in England where we can lay on a British beach in our swimwear and not shiver and hide under a damp towel. So as this heatwave continues, we think this is the best opportunity to head the beach – windbreaks, picnic basket and kids in tow. Plus, there are always loads of things to do at the seaside; place such as Great Yarmouth have a little something for the whole family.

Make a night of it!

We tend to forget that throughout the UK, we have some incredible places to visit, so why not make the most of the sunshine and plan a staycation! Obviously, here at Catalink, we love a staycation, and that’s why we have so many options on offer for you to explore. Why not take a drive over to Nottingham and explore Sherwood forest – did you know, it’s the home of Robin Hood?  There are some great spots for summer walks. Or pop over to Southport and explore their beautiful coastline – fish and chips for sure!

BBQ

Come one! It’s a tried and tested classic! If you’re yet to have a BBQ this year, then firstly, what are you doing and secondly, it’s time. Dust off the grills or peel the plastic off that disposable BBQ and cook (possibly burn) some sausages. BBQs are the best opportunity to invite some friends and family over, chill out over a burger and drink copious amount of beer and Pimm’s. Nothing says British summer like a chargrilled sausage with lashings of tomato sauce and mustard.

Dining al fresco

Find a park, or if you’re lucky enough to have a beautifully size back garden, choose that. Grab yourself a picnic blanket, rustle up some scrummy picnic food – we’re talking, triangle sandwiches, sausage rolls and pork pies – grab some bevvies and enjoy the most chilled, simple picnic around. It’s a must. Check out Garden Trading’s incredible garden décor if you’re planning a garden dinner.

Head to the pool

If you’re lucky enough like us here in Cambridge, slide into your fave bikini or swimsuit (we love Fantasie’s swimwear collection), find an outdoor pool, throw your towel down and soak up the rays – after all, we don’t know how much time we have with the sunshine. If you get too hot, it’s no worry, just take a dip in the pool. We know, It’s such a brill idea!