World Cup Wardrobe

World Cup fever has officially broken out and spread across the globe, with flags adorning almost every house and team shirts sported by fans on every street.

I've surprised myself by how much I have enjoyed watching the games so far, and how invested I have got into teams I know absolutely nothing about - vamos Columbia! - it's the dance that got me!

It's unsurprising considering my obsession with all things fashion that my eyes often wander from the players', sometimes less-so, intricate ball skills to their team kit and to the many interesting ensembles within the crowds. So far I haven't been overly enamored, nor hugely offended by any of the sporting outfits this world cup. 

However, although many won't have noticed nor cared, but I must comment on the Uruguay team kit and their oh-so-effeminate neckline which I find looks rather odd on a football shirt. 

It's clearly only a matter of opinion, and perhaps it has a functional purpose to allow for less neck-chafing for the players (?!) but I cannot support such a fashion choice. It's wrong...just wrong. Hopefully I won't have a raging band of crazed Uruguayans after me once I post this!

I'm undecided on my opinions on the French kit. It has an air of preppy street style whilst maintaining it's sense of practicality and sport functionality.

The players do look incredibly smart, which is often a rarity when it comes to football, but I suppose the French are renowned for their fashion credentials and why stop at the catwalk when you can take it to the World Cup stage?

Of course I can't write a World Cup kit themed post without mentioning our boys and their crystal white attire. Clearly I'm biased, but I have been impressed by the team's get-up this year - as well as their performance in Saturday night's game!

They're simple, understated and classic - exactly how a World Cup winning football team kit should look. Or at least the kit of a team who'll put their heart and soul into each and every game, wearing their country's coat of arms on their chest, and hopefully getting a ball or 2 in the back of the net.

In the fashion stakes, I would say that England are firmly up there with the best of them, so lets get behind our boys and cheer them through to the knock out stages!

Ashes To Ashes

The Ashes are here! We've got another sporting trophy in our sights, and the nation is behind our boys once again with plenty of support and encouragement.

Many love this cricket tradition for its true display of Aussie-Brit rivalry and the showcase of skill and sporting talent.

I, however, watch it (rather intermittently I have to admit) in awe and appreciation of their cricket whites which ooze effortless class. I’ve often pondered why they call them “whites” despite the fact they are clearly cream, but I’m in no position to campaign for it to be renamed.

Many follow the life mantra of “suffer for fashion”. I often agree and grit my teeth to strap on my peep toes in the full knowledge that my poor pinkies will be throbbing within minutes. To some that may seem absurd but as long as I internalise any expletive complaints there’s no harm in ensuring an outfit’s complete. The cricket boys must empathise to a certain extent when they throw on their chunky knit jumpers and trousers regardless of the summer sun. It looks good and that’s that.

One of this summer's key trends is sporting chic and our men are a great example of how sports wear can smarten up an outfit if worn in the appropriate way. I'm going to team this fun denim playsuit with a bright beaded necklace and these funky blue brogues. I see tennis meeting golf in perfect harmony with this young, bright and sporty outfit.    

Sometimes “no pain no gain” is all that needs to be said.