FASHION

‘How do you say thank you?’ A two hour introductory style and colour session with Jane at her Olney studio will transform how you think about your wardrobe

This month I have decided to share with you two lovely messages received from ladies who were looking to update their look with out changing out of all recognition.

“–Thank you are two simple words, but with such a big meaning. I was so ready for a challenge and to change the way I look at clothes and you gave me all that. My husband loved the things I bought and today he has bought the trousers and shirt so, as he said, ‘looks more in tune with me’. He was surprised I was looking at things I normally would never have looked at, and we both decided what I really needed was a ‘virtual Jane’ that I could pop into my handbag and bring out when required! Perhaps one day technology will go that far. I think rather than high street stores I need to look at more specialised brands, as there was little in MK that inspired me – like the things you showed me. Yes, it may take time to find the right items but at least I know what I'm looking for and if it goes pear shaped I know I can contact you. I am truly grateful. Thank you Jane.” Sandra

“I had a colour analysis session with Jane as I was struggling with how to develop my wardrobe. Jane was warm and easy to talk to and got me set up with some great tips and guides to follow, and enough information to move me to the next level without being slavish to strict rules.” Mia Spencer

Making the first contact with me can, I know, seem a little scary but I promise that you won’t regret it. Initially you will receive a lifestyle questionnaire from me to see what challenges you face when trying to buying clothes. (This is normally why so many women hate shopping). I will then have a much clearer picture of how I can help you best and the brands that will work for you and your budget – It is definitely NOT designer labels. Most women I help are working on a very limited budget. For some the first part is to give you advice on style to suit your body shape, for others it’s all about colour.

Next is working out what you already have in your wardrobe that does work for you BEFORE rushing out to buy more clothes. By going through this process you will gain a valuable insight into what does and does not suit you. No more relying on friends, family, or unhelpful shop assistants only looking for a sale. You will be able to make good judgements based on the expert advice I provide. I am passionate about helping women find the perfect capsule wardrobe tailored for your life. With the autumn/winter season fast approaching why not call or email me to find out how I can help you save money and fall back in love with shopping once more.

Jane Sumner Image Matters 07779 585323 www.imagemattersuk.com

Two hour introductory colour and style session for just £99

Normally £150, available from Monday 15th August - 27th September 2022 Quote MK or NN Pulse when booking your appointment.

Image Matters | Fashion Styling | Colour Analysis | Personal Styling Email Jane on: jane@imagemattersuk.com or call: 07779 585323 www.imagemattersuk.com

<< New Look £13.99

Hot Right Now

With the weather working hard to keep us undressed, it’s time to think strategically about what to wear. Trying to look hot while keeping cool in the latest trends might have us doing a meltdown every morning in front of the wardrobe, otherwise. Be proactive and take inspiration from the catwalks - think thin straps and cute cut-outs, a la the looks at Michael Kors, Christian Siriano, Altuzarra, and Rejina Pyo. And if you can brave it, swap your shorts for a mini skirt, as seen in Prada, Dior and Versace. Showing skin is so ‘in’ right now, and with lots of options (modest, courageous, crazy, understated) on the high street (and in your wardrobe already, probably) there’s little reason to sweat over your outfit. Just choose well-placed cutouts that suit your shape, like those that reveal your upper ribs, the triangle at the top of your torso, or which fall just over the hip - silhouettes that compliment your figure and provide enough style and ventilation for strolls around the shops or along a shore somewhere. Shy ones who want to go super strappy instead should try binding themselves in a bikini, worn under a blazer or open shirt - one of the hottest looks to take you from day brunching to the poolside or out for Instagrammable dinners. Just pair with denim, wide leg trousers or chunky sandals to come over all casual, else sass things up with a strappy heel and big earrings. Whichever way you plan to go, you’re sure to keep your wardrobe looking cool, and in competition with the temperature til summer’s over.

F&F @ Tesco £22

River Island £35 All Items River Island

New Look £27.99

Tu @ Sainsbury’s £17

SALE << Zara £25.99

River Island £35

River Island £40 >> Monsoon £170 River Island £40

Zara £29.99

Sustainable Holidays and the Carbon Impact of Flying

Although it’s still the case that half the UK population is not taking an international flight in a typical year, we Brits fly abroad more than any other nation in the world.

The question is: Do we realise the environmental damage we are making with our choice of holidays?

How planes heat up the planet

The International Council of Clean Transportation reports that around 2.4% of global CO2 emissions come from aviation, and together with other gases and the water vapour trails produced by aircraft, the industry is responsible for around 5% of global warming. So it’s sad to find that a flight from London to Edinburgh can be five times cheaper than travelling by train, and yet can release more than five times the amount of greenhouse gases.

A question of social justice?

Only a very small percentage of the world flies frequently. In fact, in richer countries like ours, 70% of flights are taken by just 15% of the population. With (predominantly wealthy and business) frequent flyers creating the brunt of the problem, the “A Free Ride” campaign has an interesting perspective on fairness in flying. They point out that whilst flying is the fastest growing cause of climate change, the UK Government gives an annual tax subsidy to air travel of more than £11 billion. The campaign identifies that by charging a bit more tax for each extra flight in the form of a Frequent Flyer Levy, it would allow everyone one tax-free return flight a year.

Mile for mile, flying is the most damaging way to travel for climate

For those of us that do fly, it is likely to make up a significant slice of our personal carbon footprint. According to research from Lund University, a return flight from London to San Francisco emits around 5.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per person.

Flying is likely to make up a significant percentage of our personal carbon footprint

The International Council of Clean Transportation reports that around 2.4% of global CO2 emissions come from aviation, and together with other gases and the water vapour trails produced by aircraft, the industry is responsible for around 5% of global warming

Astoundingly, that equates to more than twice the emissions produced by a family car in a year, and about half of the average carbon footprint of someone living in Britain. easiest routes, cheapest tickets, and where to book, and also includes information on the (increasingly popular) Eurostar night-train options, and ferries to Europe.

There are now a plethora of eco-labels for travel and holiday destinations worth exploring. Travel journalist Helen Coffey's book Zero Altitude is an inspiring resource to learn to travel without flying and provides ideas for sustainable holiday solutions that address some of the problems that tourism can bring too. For example, she points to travel company Much Better Adventures as a more sustainable option for booking your holiday to ensure tourist money flows to local economies instead of being captured by the multinational companies who run hotels and resorts and often import products to meet tourists’ demands.

Opting for more sustainable travel options

There is a joy in slower travel for opening up a new world of experiences. Taking longer journeys by train for example, can make the journey itself an exciting part of a holiday. Man in Seat 61 website is great for info on > For more information on Transition Town Milton Keynes, visit: www.transitiontownmk.org or email: transitiontownmk@protonmail.com

Adding sparkle to centre:mk

Loupe is a carefully curated concept designed to meet the rising demand for immersive, highly personal luxury retail

New luxury diamond, jewellery and watch brand, Loupe, has launched its flagship boutique at centre:mk in Milton Keynes. Pulse went to take a look.

Beaverbrooks, the 103-year-old family-owned jewellers with 71 stores nationwide, is expanding its portfolio with the launch of a new carefully curated concept luxury diamond, jewellery and watch brand – Loupe, which opened the doors of its highly anticipated flagship boutique on Thursday 9th June at centre:mk in Milton Keynes.

Set across 5,029 sq ft, Loupe Milton Keynes features a dedicated showroom for prestigious watch brand, ROLEX. The boutique also has a luxurious watch room housing its other Swiss watch brand partners, OMEGA, HUBLOT and ZENITH.

These sit alongside Loupe’s own collection of diamonds and contemporary fine jewellery, hand-selected by its experienced buying team, and distinguished by its own hallmark. It will also showcase several one-off pieces with rare, coloured gemstones and striking modern designs. Other jewellery brands that can be found in the boutique are Mikimoto, Gucci Fine Jewellery, Hearts on Fire and Royal Asscher diamonds. Loupe is a stockist of ROLEX, HUBLOT, ZENITH, Mikimoto and Royal Asscher in the Milton Keynes area.

Loupe is a carefully curated concept designed to meet the rising demand for immersive, highly personal luxury retail. From the luxurious macarons and cocktails served at its very own bar, to the Italian cotton velvet and classic twill furnishings – every element has been considered for a delightful shopping experience.

For a truly personalised touch, Loupe even boasts a secret room, ‘The Drum,’ which is completely private and allows clients to listen to their own playlist through its media wall. Clients can also explore a specially curated diamond space, to discover more about the Loupe brand and how our experts hand-pick the brand’s unique diamond collection.

Anna Blackburn, Managing Director at Beaverbrooks, who has spearheaded the development of the Loupe brand, added: “We are beyond excited to launch our luxurious new boutique brand, Loupe in Milton Keynes and are exceptionally proud to launch this new venture in partnership with ROLEX.

“While the brand was due to launch in summer 2021, we subsequently identified an opportunity to significantly expand our Milton Keynes boutique, which has now almost doubled in size since the original plan, to make it an even more impactful and prestigious shopping destination.

“Following the rising trend for experiential retail, and bringing a fresh approach to the luxury sector, Loupe has been carefully developed to offer the personal and immersive experience that we know is incredibly important to clients purchasing higher value items and investment pieces.

“Even the name itself – which signifies the magnifying glass used by jewellers and watchmakers – has been chosen to break conventions and be memorable. It represents the concept of looking through a portal into an exciting new world and

Curated to perfection, the Loupe fine jewellery collection has its own unique story to tell magnifying craft and beauty, offering luxuriously delightful experiences for both new and existing clients.”

Milton Keynes-born, Daniel Bailes, Boutique Manager at Loupe Milton Keynes, has worked in the watch and jewellery industry for 16 years. He commented on the boutique opening: “This is an incredibly exciting new brand concept for the jewellery and watch market, and we’re delighted that Loupe’s flagship boutique is set to open in Milton Keynes.

“The new boutique combines high specification fixtures and finishes with a chic, contemporary layout, designed to create an inspirational retail environment where clients can relax and spend time exploring the collections. We are looking forward to welcoming clients in Milton Keynes to enjoy a memorable and personalised retail experience like no other.”

Kevin Duffy, centre:mk’s Centre Director, added: “Loupe’s selection of centre:mk to launch its new luxury diamond, jewellery and watch brand cements the centre’s position as one of the top 10 retail destinations in the UK, serving an affluent catchment and committed customer base who will no doubt thoroughly enjoy this new concept.”

Tel: 01908 668621 73-75 Silbury Arcade, The Centre:MK, Milton Keynes, MK9 3ES Email: miltonkeynes@loupe.co.uk @LoupeUK on Instagram, www.facebook.com/LoupeUK on Facebook or @LoupeUK on Twitter.