Author: Igor

  • Soccer Style: Jesse Lingard Bringing Couture to the Terraces in the UK

    Despite the rise of the ‘casuals’ movement in the 1980s, soccer is a sport that has largely been devoid of fashion protagonists through the ages.

    There have been those that have tried: who can forget David Beckham’s sarong, Liverpool’s cream-colored Armani suits for the 1995 FA Cup final and Mario Balotelli’s obsession with MC Hammer inspired parachute pants.

    Lionel Messi, one of the greatest stars to ever grace the turf, could even release his own catalog of fashion faux pas monstrosities.

    One soccer ace that is looking to rectify the sport’s let’s say ‘checkered’ history with fashion is Jesse Lingard, the Manchester United midfielder.

    ‘Jesse Lingard‘ by Unknown (CC BY-SA 3.0)

    He has launched his own clothing brand named after his own moniker, JLINGZ, with an aim to bring a sense of catwalk style to the terraces of stadiums across the UK. In his own words, Lingard’s collection ‘….is a celebration of ready to wear streetwear with occasional limited drops.’

    There is menswear, women’s and a children’s line, as well as a specialist ‘sportsline’ label that is designed for those who want to look good in the gym despite the sweat and the red face.

    The general theme of the collection is urban and modern, with a monochrome color palette the norm over bright and bold tones.

    Fashionistas can get their hands on a range of accessories too, from socks and sports bags to mobile phone cases and more.

    It’s a label that continues to set Lingard apart from the rest of the crowd in his chosen profession. The 26-year-old also has his own range of fragrances, and with more than five million Instagram followers he is clearly an influencer of some power.

    But not everybody is a supporter of his off-pitch endeavors. Some pundits inside soccer believe he should be concentrating more on his efforts for Manchester United, with legendary former player Paul Ince writing in a column that Lingard ‘needs to remember who he is’. And with United as low as ninth place in the division, and a firm outsider in the latest English Premier League betting top four finish odds, maybe they have a point when they suggest the midfielder should focus on his performances in the famous red shirt than those of his own couture label.

    Soccer and Fashion: A Match Made in….Hell?

    Despite the amount of money that those in the sport make, it’s amazing how many times soccer players get it wrong in the fashion stakes.

    It seems that subtle is not a watchword for many stars in the game, with particularly garish items handpicked from the leading fashion lines a ubiquitous presence outside of the regulation sweats and sportswear that they have to wear for sponsorship reasons.

    Soccer fans have their own fashion identities too. From replica team shirts and retro sportswear to brands like Stone Island and Sergio Tacchini, the casuals vibe that grew from the era of terrace hooliganism is alive and well.

    Maybe its time that soccer had its own fashion makeover then….could JLINGZ be the collection to provide it?  

  • How to Get the Most Out of Traveling to A New Place

    Travelling to a brand new place can be daunting.

    Travelling is such a beautiful thing, it’s the worst when we feel stressed, overwhelmed by options, or unsure of what to do.

    But it doesn’t have to be daunting. It should invoke a sense of curiosity, freedom, and freshness. It should open your mind to new possibilities, new ways of thinking, and new cultures.

    Here are a few ways to get the most out of travelling to a new place.

    Image Credit

    Make Some Plans

    Going into a new country, place, or region with no plans can be exciting. But it can also prevent you from seeing or experiencing the best things your destination has to offer.

    When exploring a new place, make some plans to ensure you hit up the best places to stay, eat, shop, and visit. If you’re going to be in a place for a few days, a good rule of thumb is to plan about half of each day. 

    But Don’t Over Plan

    Under planning can leave you with regrets, but over planning can do the same. Be careful not to fill your schedule and put your travel into a box. In addition, making a checklist is one great option for vacations made easy. There are some fantastic guides and itineraries out there, but you never know when you may run across something new or hidden that no one has prepared you for.

    When this happens, you don’t want a rigid itinerary that prevents you from taking advantage of an awesome opportunity. You want to be able to easily slide it into your day. So plan half of your days, but leave the other half of your schedule open for unplanned adventures unforeseen opportunities.

    Seek Convenience

    Take advantage of opportunities to save yourself time and hassle so you can get the most out of your trip. Some conveniences may cost money, but it will likely be worth it if it means more time exploring this new place.

    Consider things like luggage storage, taxis, buses, staying near your activities, and international data plans. Doing things the hard way may put a few extra dollars in your pocket, but you can’t pay for an incredible experience.

    Live in the Moment

    Though it may be tempting to film or photograph every single moment of your adventure, try to soak up the moments by just being present. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of your destination.  Look for educational trips and tours to make the most of your experience.

    Sometimes documenting every single moment can distract us from the beauty in front of us. Try to think more about what you want to get out of your trip rather than what you want others to see of your trip. As awesome as a great social media post may be, it can’t replace a killer memory.

    Document Just a Little

    Having said that, you do want to document some parts of your journey. Take a couple of photos in each location you visit, grab a few snippets of video, and do some journaling throughout your adventure to save some memories.

    Your future self will thank you for capturing some of the moments. Just don’t go overboard and sacrifice your experience.

    Wherever you go and whatever you do, soak it up.

  • Dating In 2021? Best Apps To Choose From

    Have you started your search for love, your significant other? While some men and women like casual dating, others are serious about it. But, digital technologies have transformed the way of hunting for love. You no longer need to stick to your locality to find your earnest love. Dating has become fun with the introduction of dating apps. Singles, LGBTQ and several other users can rely on dating apps. But, which are the best dating apps in 2021? Let us make a list of it.

    Chispa

    As one of the Latino dating apps, Chispa has achieved big success. The major intention behind creating the app is to help Latino singles in finding partners of similar interests and preferences. By swiping the screen, you can easily look for your matches. 

    There are several options for customizing your search for your dates. Based on your preferred body type and height, you can find your partner. You can upgrade the free app by paying for a monthly subscription. With the Elite membership, you can identify members who like you. 

    Tinder

    Tinder is always one of the most famous names in the world of dating. But, to use the Tinder app, your age must be at least 18 years.  You have to create a profile with a bio and images. You can display selfies and any casual photos with your friends. Moreover, you can connect Tinder to Instagram. From the Discovery settings, you can set preferences for those who can reach your profile. Other Tinder users can see your name, age, and photo. There is also a video chat option, which enables you to engage in direct communication. But, for unlimited swipes, you need to become a premium member.

    Raya

    Raya is one of the best-known dating apps for celebrities. However, you do not always need to be a celeb to join the app. But, you have to send an application to become a member of the community. The process is not easy, as only 8% of the application is accepted. Moreover, members have to pay a monthly amount to get benefits from the Raya community.

    Grindr

    As a gay, transsexual, and queer person, you can sign up with Grindr. It is one of the biggest dating apps for the LGTBQ community. You can use your Facebook account to register with the app. Find your partner and enjoy a hookup.

    It will be easy to find your love from the local places. You can see the pictures of your matches. Click on the messaging sign and communicate with your partner. 

    The free version has some limits, as the users can find only 100 profiles in their locality. But, to increase this limit, you have to purchase subscriptions. Grindr XTRA displays 600 profiles in the local regions. Moreover, you can choose the Incognito mode while using the Grindr dating app. The photo mode is another option for sending images, which disappear after 10 seconds. Keep in mind that there are many gay hook up apps that you can try if Grindr doesn’t work.

    Tastebuds

    From age and location to profession, there are different matching criteria to find partners. But have you searched for partners who have interests in your favorite music and tunes? Tastebuds enable you to choose this criterion to identify the right partner. As you have varying tastes, you may add your Spotify profile. Tastebuds members can also become your friends, as they have similar tastes in music. 

    OkCupid

    OkCupid is one of the prominent dating apps with a desktop version available for users. You have to create your username and fill out the profile details. You may also link OkCupid to Instagram. You may also check the compatibility score while finding your matches.

    There is a Quickmatch option showing you the photo-only result. Premium members can find who has seen and liked their profiles. The monthly subscription can cost about $10 a month. Moreover, the paid version removes advertisements, and users do not feel any disturbance.

    However, some users claim that the interface of OkCupid is clunky. Still, it has drawn the attention of several users.

    These are some popular apps for dating. You can download the app and find the best partner for dating. Check the features of our chosen apps and select the right one.

  • Listening to Music on Your Phone? Here’s How to Improve Your Listening Experience

    Do you love to listen to music on your phone? Whether your phone is your go-to device when listening to music or you only listen to it when running or on your journey to work; listening to music on the go is a great way to bring your favourite tracks with you, wherever you are. If you enjoy having a soundtrack to your daily life, you will be all too aware that at times the listening experience on your phone can be a little disappointing. Low sound quality and a lack of accessible features can make listening to music a chore rather than a pleasure. However, there are many ways that you can enhance your listening experience and make sure that listening to music on your phone is an enjoyable experience. Take a look at just some of the ways that you can improve the entire listening experience on your phone:

    Image Pixabay CC0 License

    Choose the Best Speakers

    If you love music, you will know sound quality is everything. Choosing the best bluetooth speaker is essential to help you listen to your music at its best. There are loads of bluetooth speakers on the market right now, so choosing one that is right for you can be a tough choice. Comparing their features is an excellent place to start. Look out for battery-powered options if you want to use your bluetooth speaker on the move, WiFi connectivity so that you can listen anywhere, and many have Amazon Alexa built-in too making them super convenient.

    Find the Right Headphones

    When you are listening to music on the go, you need headphones that are up to the job and won’t compromise on sound quality. As well as choosing headphones based on sound quality, you also need to consider comfort and fit. Choosing headphones is very much a personal choice. Some people prefer to wear earbuds, whereas others prefer over the ear style headphones. If you are looking for an on-trend option, you may want to choose AirPods or similar and see if they deliver the sound quality and comfort that you are looking for. It is well worth shopping around for headphones and doing your research to find a pair that perfectly suit your needs, especially if you plan to wear them regularly.

    Adjust Your Settings

    As well as buying the best headphones and bluetooth speaker to match your needs, it is also worth tweaking with your phone’s settings to see if that improves the quality of sound that you get from your phone. Adjusting the settings on your music app so that they are on the highest quality setting could help make a significant difference, but be warned; if you are out and about it could use up far more data. Another option is to download your music at home and then listen to it on the go; this will eat into your storage, but you could just do it for your favourite tracks so that you can enjoy them sounding at their best.

    Another key factor to achieve the optimal listening experience is choosing the right phone or device to play your music. When comparing smartphone options, consider the sound quality, battery life, storage capacity, and additional features like high-resolution audio support and built-in equalisers. Some smartphones are designed with enhanced audio capabilities, such as better DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) chips, which can significantly improve sound quality. Brands like Apple, Samsung, and Sony offer phones with advanced audio features. Additionally, look at user reviews and professional evaluations to determine how each device performs in real-world scenarios. Investing in a phone with superior audio capabilities can make a huge difference in how you experience your music.

  • How To Choose The Best Luxury Chalet For You

    Your home is your castle. You change the environment that you live in to best reflect your personality and to maximise comfort. Travelling should be no different. Ideally, when you travel, you want to find the right luxury accommodation that helps to augment your holiday experience without needlessly spending huge sums of money on a place that only dampen your holiday spirit. Easier said than done right? Well if you’re travelling to the Alps anytime soon, you’ll be glad to know that there are so many different types of accommodation available and with just a little bit of research and initiative, you’ll find the perfect ski chalet!

    Thankfully, we’ve been around the block a full times and we know the best tips and secrets that’ll help you narrow your search. Take a peek at our guide to find out more.

    The importance of location

    When it boils down to it, the location of your holiday is going to make or break your experience. How far is the airport? What is the nightlife like? Are there any skiing schools? Is it good for children? Understandably, with so many resorts to choose from, this can be quite overwhelming and these are only a handful of important questions that you will have to ask yourself before setting off on your next adventure. The best way to tackle this problem is to write a full list of all the main features you want in your resort and then build your search around that list. Tedious perhaps but certainly effective, this straightforward tactic will help you to narrow your search.  

    Undoubtedly, the money factor will play a key role as well. From the more budget-friendly ski resorts in Bulgaria, to the more expensive resorts in Switzerland and everything in between, you certainly aren’t spoilt for choice.

    Style & Personality

    How would you like your chalet? Do you prefer the contemporary chalets that effectively blends steel and wood, or are you looking for those that have huge panoramic windows? Or are you more endeared to the traditional local charm of the Alpine chalets that have wood and traditional beam features? Or is the quality of services provided more of a concern?? If the former or the latter, then Hunter Chalets in Morzine is what you want, where their lush interior design is just as golden as the premium services they offer. Always placing the customer’s needs at the forefront, they have established a reputation for their stellar customer services. Their versatility goes as far as into the kitchen – which a lot of ski chalets are still catching up on. If you have any special dietary requirements then don’t hesitate to let the chefs know and they’ll happily make the necessary changes to your meal. 

    How many bedrooms do you need?

    This may seem like an obvious one but you’d be surprised as to how many people fail to read the details about the bedrooms. Simple and understandable, but certainly avoidable mistakes made include failing to recognise that one of the ‘beds’ is a pull-out sofa, or that the bed you have to share with your partner is actually a bunk bed. 

    If you’re travelling with a small group, then you may want to get a shared chalet to save some money but if you can, we’d recommend going for a private chalet to really make the ultimate skiing holiday!

    What are the important services to you?

    Everyone’s different so it’s important that the ski chalet you opt for can cater to your needs. A good approach to this is to distinguish between what facilities are essential and which ones are desirable. Going on a luxury ski holiday, a hot-tub will be at the very top of the list for many people, but for others, it may be a sauna, a steam room, or even a sun terrace? A good spa is a pre-requisite to many, since there really isn’t a more effective way to soften and relax those tired muscles after a taxing day on the slopes. 

    If you’re planning on bringing children, a cinema room would be handy since you can drop off the kids to watch their favourite movies while you and your loved one can wind down at the bar. The younger crowds may want to make sure their luxury ski chalet has a bar that’s barely a chihuahua’s walk away from their rooms – the hangovers are real here.

    Once you nailed all of the desired facilities, the next step will be to identify what services are mandatory. Are you looking for a catered or a self-catered chalet? Are there any private chauffeur services that can take you to straight to the ski resorts? The latest health trends surrounding diet have encouraged many ski chalets to adopting a more versatile kitchen to cater to the specific dietary requirements of their guests. However, it would be worth double-checking to see if their menus are vegan-friendly for example.

    Time to book!

    Now you know exactly everything that you want and you’ve identified the perfect luxury ski chalet for you, so all you’ve got to do now is make your dream ski holiday a reality! Be quick, because ski holidays are always high in demand so you don’t want to miss out on anything. One final important note is to be wary of the all the extra additional services as an add-on you might find when booking your chalet. This is a clever and easy way of sneakily rising your initial fee to almost double.