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Day: 6 December 2011

For the Boys: Festive Party wear

Written by Jake Pummintr on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

 

Whether it’s a Christmas dinner with the family or a soirée in the city with friends, here at The Mancunion, we’ve got Party-wear 101 sorted. Chinos and leavers’ hoodies are to be left in the wardrobe (not that we are condoning the usage of leavers’ hoodies) and it’s high time that blazers and smart shoes were welcomed back. The menswear must-have is a statement belt. It has the power to bring an outfit together, not to mention the fact that it keeps trousers on the waist rather than showcasing your embarrassing underwear for all to see… For all you colour-phobes out there who wear nothing but navy, black and grey clothes (myself included), a statement belt will justify your somewhat boring, or arguably “classic” colour choices. Steer clear from soft-material woven belts and opt instead for coloured leather or a belt with a bold buckle. This Vivienne Westwood belt might seem garish to some but it does the trick whilst bringing a little Christmas sparkle into the mix. Its meaty price tag of £120 does mean however, that it will most probably be on the Christmas wishlist but remember that there is always a high-street alternative. Go forth and spread the Christmas cheer…

 


The Twelve Faux Pas of Christmas Style

Written by Emma Williams on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

It’s the start of Christmas break, and you’ve conveniently swept the looming deadlines of January and essentiality of getting dressed for the day under the carpet of ignorant bliss. Parents at your beck and call- well, cooking and washing your clothes for you at the very least- and life seems simple and cosy again… so romantically care-free even, that your inhibitions and sense of style have been forgotten and left in Manchester with your lecture notes.

Here are some dreaded, but unfortunately common examples of potential Christmas disasters to avoid, lest you become a subject of ridicule over the holiday season.

 

 

(1st Day: Christmas Party)

The custom of fancy dress is rife come December with work ‘dos’ and end-of-term house parties. With this theme comes the lip-bitingly disastrous choice of animal ears to your party outfit, confusing the most festive of guests of the relevance of reindeer ears to the commemoration of the birth of Christ.

 

(3nd Day: Christmas Shopping)

The epitome of homecoming perks is shopping with Mum and Dad, and of course such a laborious mission will require practical yet stylish attire. However, calamity strikes when you realise and you’ll have to make do with that squeaky, seemingly astronaut-inspired puffer coat you’d abandoned at home. Note: take every vital garment back with you over term break.

 

(6rd Day: Christmas Night-out)

Swilling down those pigs in blankets with Bucks Fizz has resulted in a disheartening ‘food baby’, and made the option of form fitting partywear a no-go. Remember that the allure of Boxing Night body-con is very dangerous territory: that metallic dress can be flaunted at a later, less bloated date.

 

(9th Day: Opening Gifts)

The revival of the Christmas Jumper has been welcomed by the inner nerd in us all, but I highly doubt that the over-sized, home-made knit by yourNanencompasses that desired quirky, vintage look. Over-exaggerate your gratitude, but wear at your own risk outside of familial company.

 

(12th Day: January Sales)

You’ve awoken from your Christmas food-coma to hit the sales, but this is no excuse for deliriously purchasing anything you’ll regret later. So take note and avoid hideous Ugg cardigan socks, headache-inducing patterned leggings and any garment that plays a festive jingle. Your reputation and student loan will thank me later.


Christmas Market 2011 most popular ever

Written by Scott McEwan on . Posted in News.

Manchester’s Christmas Market saw more than 67,500 people visit its site at Albert Square on its opening weekend. A combination of frozen prices on beer and Glühwein with the ever early arrival of Christmas consumerism has drummed up the massive footfall in and around the town centre this year.

Manchester’s market is now one of the biggest German markets of its kind in the country in terms of the number of stalls trading. It is one of the many markets continually growing year on year as result of their increasing popularity.

Councillor Pat Karney believes the markets are an important festivity for the city: “In these difficult times, it is fantastic to see the markets bucking the trend. They have a vital role to play in attracting visitors to the city centre in the run-up to Christmas.

“If the opening weekend is anything to go by, we could be looking at the most successful Christmas Markets ever.”

Independent research carried out in 2009 suggests the market generates around £50m of economic benefit for the city. The swollen numbers of passing custom on the weeks of the market certainly benefit some outlets which are located in the presence of market sites all year round.

Tim Dolphin, store manager of a Starbucks branch on Albert Square, believes their weekly number of customers doubles during the Christmas Market season.

“The Christmas market brings in a lot of business, a lot of custom and a lot of sales…and as soon as the market finishes business gets quiet again.

“We get around 1,500-2,000 more customers each week as a result of the Christmas Market.”

However, it is appears the benefits of the market are not evenly spread amongst business in proximity to the market. Although chain establishments such as Starbucks, Slug and Lettuce and other outlets on Deansgate and Albert square stand to benefit greatly, the arrival of the Christmas Market poses trouble for other firms.

Small shops such as newsagents express concerns over the distraction the market creates for consumers. Smaller independent stores, which typically stock Christmas wares such as greeting cards and wrapping paper, often experience decreases in sales as a result of the Christmas Market.

While the great net benefits of the market can not disputed, the growing popularity of the market may be becoming a growing worry for some.