functional – The Cultural Exposé http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk A blog from a lifestyle journo covering culture, food and style in London and beyond. Mon, 23 Jul 2018 21:50:47 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/cropped-logo_2017-32x32.jpg functional – The Cultural Exposé http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk 32 32 Five Dope Tracks is a curation of dope music, five tracks at a time. Check out the monthly playlist each month on Spotify. functional – The Cultural Exposé clean episodic functional – The Cultural Exposé megerecooper@gmail.com megerecooper@gmail.com (functional – The Cultural Exposé) The Five Dope Tracks music podcast functional – The Cultural Exposé http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/five_dope_tracks_podcast_cover.jpg http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk Functional fashion: those dope socks from Stance http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/featured/functional-fashion-those-dope-socks-from-stance/ http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/featured/functional-fashion-those-dope-socks-from-stance/#comments Wed, 23 Mar 2016 13:00:43 +0000 http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/?p=11399 Until recently, I’ve always been a plain black socks girl. No stripes. No ribbing. No subtle trim of colour  or polka dots. Just safe, easy and  simple black. But that started to change after I went to the launch of a friend’s book Socks: The Rule Book. Although it’s aimed at sartorial man, it did […]

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]]> Until recently, I’ve always been a plain black socks girl. No stripes. No ribbing. No subtle trim of colour  or polka dots. Just safe, easy and  simple black. But that started to change after I went to the launch of a friend’s book Socks: The Rule Book. Although it’s aimed at sartorial man, it did get me wondering why I’ve never considered giving my wardrobe a bit of pizzazz where my socks were concerned.

I left the party with a goodie bag, and in it, a pair of woolley, argyle socks in bright orange. I’ve wore them once – and doubt I’ll wear them again. That’s just too much, too soon. But coincidentally, another sartorial friend (Fred Butler) just put me in touch with a PR who was putting on this fitness event I couldn’t attend. Turns out one of the PR’s other clients is the mighty Stance – official sock providers of the NBA and makers of all kinds of bold and beautiful stockings that look amazing on your feet.  They’re the folks who designed those brilliant Biggie socks, so with a philosophy for cutting edge style, it’s no wonder trendies like Willow Smith and Rihanna are ambassadors.

  A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on

They’ve also got a lovely performance range for sporty women and I’ve been sent a batch to try, which includes:

Night Run – a bold low-cut, breathable sock that offers arch support (yes!) and a reinforced heel and toe for durability. These will be my new running socks, for sure.

The Fitness Crew – I wore these under my leggings yesterday and wish I hadn’t. They need to be flaunted! I love the style of these mid-rise athletic socks (very arty); they’re also super breathable and provide arch support and extra padding on the feet.

The Pro Crew – These socks are HOT. I love the graffiti / 90s era design – and they’re also good for moisture control and cushioning.

Are you a fan of Stance socks? Or are you all about that trusty,plain black? Let me know in the comments! 

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]]> http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/featured/functional-fashion-those-dope-socks-from-stance/feed/ 356 Functional fashion: that long jersey dress (with the high slits) from H&M http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/style/functional-fashion-that-long-jersey-dress-with-the-high-slits-from-hm/ http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/style/functional-fashion-that-long-jersey-dress-with-the-high-slits-from-hm/#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:55:43 +0000 http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/?p=10863 I think it was two or three years ago that I stumbled across the concept of the “capsule wardrobe”.  It’s a simple philosophy: you commit to buying a few quality core items that can help you work a number of looks whatever the weather or season.  Tones are kept neutral to get the most out of the […]

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]]> I think it was two or three years ago that I stumbled across the concept of the “capsule wardrobe”.  It’s a simple philosophy: you commit to buying a few quality core items that can help you work a number of looks whatever the weather or season.  Tones are kept neutral to get the most out of the swappage (accessories and make-up can provide the colour pop), and in the long run, you always have something to wear. It saves money too (which you already know is crucial to living this London life right, okay somebody?)

But my challenge is the need to have clothes in the capsule that are not just multi-purpose, but multi-lifestyle. They need to be functional for the times I’m going from the bike to the boardroom and can’t afford to be a sweaty mess.  And if I’m off to a restaurant launch in the evening, I still need to be representing in the style stakes without looking like I’m about to race the Tour De France.

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So big up H&M for my new favourite capsule item right now, their long jersey dress. It’s my kind of minimal (I bought it in gray), a good price (only £14.99) and I love the 3/4 sleeves. But the clincher for me is the high slits.  I wore Ms Thang with a pair of leggings and my black Nike Lunar Glide 6‘s as I cycled into work yesterday, and  let me tell you, freedom reigned.

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The decent length meant the dress didn’t get caught in the chain (like my other jersey maxi dress, RIP). And it’s extremely breathable, thanks to the 50% rayon which also makes it quite comfy to wear.  The other 50% is polyester, so it’s pretty hard-wearing and should see me through many more commutes.  But more importantly, it can easily go from day to night with nothing more than a shoe swap and a belt. Win-win!

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