Christmas Jumper Alternatives (and the history of the Christmas jumper)

Let’s face it, Christmas jumpers can be a bit naff! There’s a huge range of options available but most people already have at least one in their wardrobe.

I’ve got some tips and alternatives to share with you in this blog because you don’t have to feel your style has to be compromised.

Christmas Jumper Day

The official ‘Christmas Jumper Day’ was introduced in 2012 to help raise funds for children facing serious issues like war, hunger and poverty. It’s an annual event, by Save the Children charity. Here’s more information and how to get involved: https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-jumper-day

In 2023, Christmas Jumper Day takes place on Thursday 7 December.

Christmas Jumper history

There’s many articles in circulation about where Christmas jumpers originated from. Norway, Scandinavia and Iceland are all named. Often knitted by hand in heavy, locally sourced wool and designed to keep people warm during the cold winters. Similar nordic style patterns still feature today which are much more traditional and less garish than some we see.

Pounds per wear vs cost

Are you like me and roll out the same ones every year?

Let’s say you buy a new festive-themed jumper from the high street giant: H&M. Currently they have Christmas jumpers online from £15.99.

Using my £’s per wear calculation, if you only wear it once, it’s £15.99 per wear.

Wear it another day and it becomes £8 per wear.

Roll it out next year and wear it twice more and you’re down to £4 per wear. Repeat again the following year and it’s £2 per wear.

These principles are the same for any clothes and not just for Christmas festive wear!

Christmas jumper alternatives

The cheap, comedy festive jumper might not be your style, so how about something more stylish which you can wear throughout the year?

I’ve researched and picked out 25 alternative festive styles which you can view (with links) here.

Do check eBay, Vinted and charity shops too.

A Christmas Jumper is not just for Christmas!

Finally, there is a serious side to the production of Christmas jumpers.

Millions are produced every year on top of the millions already in circulation. Arguably, it’s a prime example of fast fashion. Cheaply made by people who aren’t paid a fair living wage where the environmental impacts are questionable.

Get more use out of yours by wearing it every day – a jumper’s not just for Christmas after all!

Garments made from acrylic, will not be sustainable or biodegradable. Acrylic is a plastic which is made by fossil-fuels. When washing, they release microplastics into marine environments, polluting our oceans.

Those made with recycled plastic bottles might not be a better option. Once turned into clothing, the plastic cannot be recycled again so it removes them from the circular recycling loop. Plastic bottles can be collected and recycled multiple times, clothing made from plastic cannot, so it’s destined for landfill.

This year, why not keep wearing what you already have or consider a swap with family and friends. You could even customise your own by adding decorations to it. Or, why not knit your own like Mark Darcey’s mum in Bridget Jones!

Remember: buy less, choose well  and make it last. Don’t compromise, even if it is just a Christmas jumper! If it doesn’t tick all of the boxes that suits you (colour, style, fit, fabric) that you can wear again and again, then does it deserve a place in your wardrobe?

Festive update 2023

The festive season is well under-way and now the Black Friday madness is out of the way, I wanted to use this week’s blog to update you about the festive season.

Studio Christmas opening hours

The studio will close and there will be no appointments available between 22 December 2023 and 4 January 2024.

Emails will be monitored during this period, but there may be a short delay in response. The diary is open for 2024 so do get in touch to secure your preferred appointment date: toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk

Christmas postage

For all gifts (see below for some special packages) and physical gift vouchers for Christmas, please note the following deadline dates apply in the UK.

Monday 18 December is the last posting date for second class post and first class is Wednesday 20 December.

If you’re later than this, it means you’ll need to pay the extra charges for Special Delivery. The last posting date from the studio will be Thursday 21 December. 

Collection is available from the studio but this will be Thursday 21 December. Please do get in touch as early as possible to ensure that any gifts are in stock and available for collection! I would hate for anyone to be disappointed.

Festive gifts

I’ve introduced a new range of fine wool scarves but these are limited in their availability. You can check them out on Facebook and instagram. They’re available alongside my Colour me Beautiful Super Soft scarves and Mulberry Silk Scarves.

This year, I’m delighted to offer you the following gift sets packaged by Colour me Beautiful. Each one comes in a gift box.

Festive Lips Gift Set

Festive Lips – £24.50

Choose your perfect lipstick and lip pencil combo.

A retractable lip brush is included which is ideal for touching up your lipstick mid-party and makes application super easy!

RRP £30.80

 

 

 

 

Party Lips Gift set

Party Lips – £28.00

If a pencil is not for you, choose your perfect lipstick and lip gloss combo instead. Also includes a retractable lip brush – ideal for touching up your lipstick mid-party!

RRP £35.75

 

 

 

 

 

Festive Eyes Gift set

Festive Eyes – £35.50

Not just black!

Choose your shade of eye pencil and volumising mascara to define your eyes.

Includes CMB’s best-selling eye base which will help to keep your eye makeup in place all day!

RRP £40.78

 

 

 

Velvet Perfection Gift Set

Velvet Perfection – £35.50

Create a flawless finish with the velvet perfection foundation primer and morning light foundation.

Each gift box contains your chosen shade of foundation and velvet primer – the perfect duo.

RRP £41.80

 

 

 

 

Primer Trio gift set

Primer Trio – £39.00

This gift set includes:

1 x Neutral (yellow) Primer (perfect to disguise under eye circles)

1 x Mint (green) Primer (perfect for neutralising redness and pesky spots)

1 x Concealer

RRP £44.94

 

 

Primed & Ready – £58.50

Create a flawless finish with this set which includes a concealer, both the mint & neutral primer along with your chosen shade of morning light foundation.

RRP £66.24

 

 

 

 

Party Ready – £65.00

Get party ready this festive season and beyond with this perfectly prescribed gift set.

A pre-filled magnetic compact complete with 4 x eye shadows, 1 x highlighter, 1 x cream blush/lip gloss and a handy applicator brush. You’ll also receive a complimentary eye pencil within the set too.

Available in six pre-selected combinations to suit your dominant colouring type. Choose from light, deep, warm, cool, clear or soft.

RRP £72.15.

 

 

The Festive Compact – £69.00

A filled magnetic refillable compact complete with products for eyes, lips and cheeks. You’ll also receive your perfect festive shade of red lipstick!

Inside each pre-filled magnetic compact you’ll find:

1 x Blush refill
1 x Highlighter refill
1 x Lip gloss/cream blush refill
3 x Eye shadow refills
1 x Intense Eye shadow refill

Shades are pre-selected and available in a choice of ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ shades.

RRP £87.00

 

These gift sets are available to browse and buy online direct from Colour me Beautiful here. When ordering online, the sets will be packaged and posted by CMB HO. If you would prefer to collect from the studio in Wakefield, West Yorkshire do note that there’s no need to order online. Simply get in touch with me to pre-order yours: toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk

All festive gift sets are subject to availability and the offers will expire on 22 December 2023.

Gift vouchers and E-gift vouchers

Gift vouchers are available electronically so you don’t need to rely on the post! Simply browse and buy online here and once your payment has been processed, an electronic gift card will be sent to the email address you have selected. Do check your spam mail when ordering so you don’t miss it!

If you would prefer to give a physical gift voucher, please get in touch as I will be happy to prepare one for you. Additional costs apply to all physical gift vouchers as they are posted via special delivery. Do remember that the last date for Christmas orders is Thursday 21 December. This applies to both collection and UK postal orders.

Both digital and physical gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. There is no cash alternative and they are non-refundable.

Get in touch: toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk

Christmas gift and wish list

Finally, you’ll find all available products including the special festive offers, listed on the gift wish list. This is perfect if you need help dropping some firm hints!

You can download, print, select and supply to whoever needs it (or leave it hanging around of course).

Click here to download your copy.

Festive gift ideas and Christmas update 2022

There’s less than three weeks to go until Christmas! If you’re not quite sorted then here’s some colourful festive offers and ideas to delight your loved ones. Plus a reminder over postage and opening hours this festive period.

Festive gift boxes

These Colour me Beautiful gift sets are available to order now! Each one comes gift boxed and tree-ready!

Christmas gift ideas

Festive Lips – £24.50

Choose your perfect lipstick and lip pencil combo in shades to suit you perfectly.  The offer includes a retractable lip brush – ideal for touching up your lipstick mid-party! (save £5.95)

Party Lips – £28.00

Choose your perfect lipstick and lip gloss combo in shades to suit you perfectly.  The offer includes a retractable lip brush – ideal for touching up your lipstick mid-party! (save £7.40)

Festive Eye trio – £35.50

Choose your perfect eye pencil and mascara shades to define your eyes. The offer includes the best-selling eye base which will help keep your eye make-up in place all day! (save £4.65)

Velvet Perfection – £35.50

Create a flawless finish with the velvet perfection foundation primer and morning light foundation. Each gift box contains your chosen foundation shade and velvet primer. (save £5.30)

Primer Trio – £39.00

The primer trio contains 1 x Neutral Primer, 1 x Mint Primer, 1 x Concealer. (Save £5.10)

Primed & Ready – £58.50

Create a flawless finish with a concealer, mint & neutral primer along with your perfect shade of foundation. (save £6.50)

Party Ready – £65.00

Everything you need to become party ready during the festive season and beyond! Each magnetic compact comes complete with 4 x eye shadows, 1 x highlighter, 1 x cream blush/lip gloss and a handy applicator brush. The pack also contains a complementing eye pencil. Available in 6 combinations. (save £7.15)

You can browse the sets and buy them online here.  They are subject to availability and will expire on 22 December.

Gift vouchers

My gift vouchers are available electronically so you don’t need to rely on the post! Simply browse online here, click to buy and pay and you’ll receive an electronic gift card via email.

Should you prefer to give a physical gift voucher, please get in touch. These need to be manually prepared and additional tracked postage costs apply to all orders. Contact Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk with your requirements.

Christmas postage and deadlines

Royal Mail strikes have had an impact on stock and deliveries and this unfortunately will continue in the run up to Christmas.

Final postage dates have been advertised and are much earlier than usual. Second class post is Monday 12 December and first class is Friday 16 December. For guaranteed Special Delivery; the final date is Wednesday 21 December.

Of course, there’s no guarantee so it’s best to get organised early and ensure your loved one receives their gift in time for the big day!

Please take these timescales into account for any collections you wish to make from the studio. Collection is free of charge but onward postage is extra. Special delivery is recommended for items of value or if you want to ensure they arrive and not be impacted by any strike action.

Christmas gift wish list

If you need help dropping those hints then this will help!

The gift and wish list has been updated with the festive offers mentioned above and you can download, print, mark off and supply to whoever needs it (or leave it hanging around of course).   Click here to download your copy.

Christmas opening hours

Finally, I do hope that you enjoy the festivities! There will be no appointments between 23 December 2022 and 4 January 2023.

Emails will be monitored for any enquiries in the new year so if you need help, do get in touch: Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk

Festive gifts, offers and party wear tips

Christmas is approaching at speed so here’s some festive special offers and ideas to help you this festive season.

Festive gift boxes

These gift sets are all available to order online and from the studio. These special offers end on 21st December and each one comes gift boxed making it tree-ready!

Lip sync – Your choice of lipstick, lip pencil, lip gloss and retractable lip brush – £37.30 (save £7).

Festive eyes – Your choice of volumising mascara, eye pencil and eye base – £32.90 (save £6).

Velvet perfection – The velvet touch foundation primer and your choice of morning light foundation – £33.40 (save £6).

Your Time to Sparkle – Get shimmering with two highlighters inside a magnetic refillable compact – £24.85 (save £5).

Going undercover – A concealer, a mint primer and a neutral primer – £36.00 (save £6).

Cool Compact Collection – A filled Magnetic refillable compact with shades designed for the cooler skin tone. Includes 1 x blusher, 1 x highlighter, 1 x lip cream, 4 x eyeshadows (1 is intense) and a red lipstick – £75.00 (save £10.80).

Warm Compact Collection – A filled Magnetic refillable compact with shades designed for the warmer skin tone. Includes 1 x blusher, 1 x highlighter, 1 x lip cream, 4 x eyeshadows (1 is intense) and a red lipstick – £75.00 (save £10.80).

You can view and buy them online here.

Christmas postage and deadlines

Whilst the special offers are available until 21 December, Royal Mail have advised the final day for second class post is Saturday 18 December and first class post is Tuesday 21 December. Of course, there’s no guarantee so it’s best to get organised early and ensure your loved one receives their gift in time for the big day!

All orders from the studio will need to be placed before 11am on Friday 17 December please. Collection from the studio is free of charge but postage is extra. Special delivery is recommended for items of value including any physical gift vouchers you may require for colour, style or image services. The latest date for items requiring special delivery is Wednesday 22nd December.

Christmas gift wish list

If you need help dropping those hints then this will help!

The gift and wish list has been updated with the festive offers mentioned above and you can download, print, mark off and supply to whoever needs it (or leave it hanging around of course).   Click here to download your copy.

Party season clothes

The shops are awash with sequins, glitter and luxe fabrics which can only mean that the party season is on the way!

It can feel very tempting to want to shop for something new and if you’re a sucker for a bargain then revisit my blog with tips on curbing your impulse buying here.

That being said, here’s five tops tips for festive outfit shopping:

  1. Choose a flattering shade of colour, especially if you’re wearing it close to your face.
  2. Make sure it fits and flatters your shape. Broadly; if you’re straighter in the body chose boxier shapes and if you’ve got curves then choose fluid fabric that will mimic your curves.
  3. Go with your personality type. If shimmer is all a bit much for you, don’t buy it! Try and look for different fabric or textures to luxe up your look instead – there’s lots of velvet at this time of year too.
  4. If you’re looking to be more sustainable then consider shopping on Vinted, eBay and charity shops for a piece that you can give another life to. Garments don’t always have to be new, just new to you. Also consider using the rental marketplace sites for garments that you can rent for a few days. Read the previous blog on this here.
  5. Know your metal! Gold is perfect if you have a warmer skin tone. If you’re cooler toned then go silver! If you’re not sure or you have a neutral skin tone, pewter or rose gold will be a great option.

 

Finally, enjoy the festivities and if you need help, get in touch.

Fabulous reds this Christmas

Red is the colour most often seen at this festive time of year. The good news is that there is a shade to suit everyone!

Here are some options for you to try.

Soft & Romantic

Check out the back detail on this Reiss dress – this will no doubt appeal to those of you who have Romantic style personalities and the Geranium shade will work for those of you who fall into our Soft and Light colour categories.

Reiss dress

Why not complete your look with our Red Velvet or even Strawberry lipstick? Visit here to order online.

Deep & Dramatic

If you like to make a statement, why not do so in this Karen Millen sparkling number. You won’t need much accessorising as it is so stunning, so I’m sure it will appeal to those Dramatics out there.

If you fall into our Deep or Clear colour categories then this bold choice will work beautifully for you.

Karen millen

Why not complete your look with our Tomato or Ruby Lipstick? Buy it here.

 

Cool & Classic

Those of you with Cool colouring should be careful when it comes to wearing red and to avoid any with a yellow undertone which would make it warm. A Blue Red or purple/blue based shade, like this dress from Hobbs, will work best for you.

It’s a timeless and understated style which will appeal to those of you who have a Classic style personality – simply add your own accessories for a chic evening look.

Hobbs dress

Why not wear our Red Carpet or Sheer Fiesta Lipstick to finish off your look? Shop for it here.

 

Warm & Natural

If you fall into our Warm dominant colour category, most shades of red will work of you but remember to avoid the blue-reds.

Why not try this Reiss jumpsuit – it’s the ultimate in easy evening dressing so simple and so chic.

Those of you with Natural style personalities will love this simple look and you can also easily wear flats with it too.

Jumpsuit

Why not complete your look with Red Velvet or Tomato? Buy it here.

 

Step into 2019 in style

If you want to learn the season’s key trends, update your wardrobe, go shopping or learn what suits you then why not make an appointment for next year?

Contact me to book or visit my services page.

Pre Christmas shopping event

Come along to my Christmas gift shopping event on Wednesday 13 December.

Shop for yourself, friends and loved ones from the following gift ideas:

  • New boxed compact gift vouchers as seen on my Facebook page
  • Limited edition purple Makeup Pouches
  • Gift vouchers
  • Top up your makeup supplies
  • Discover your most flattering lipstick shade or enchanting eye colours with a mini makeup assessment
  • Choose a lovely colourful raw silk scarf or pashmina to finish off any outfit
  • Buy any book at a special discounted price

Bring along a friend or family member too, they’re more than welcome.

Contact me for further details. Open between 4pm and 8pm.

Can’t make it? Pre-order and collect any last minute gifts on 20 December.

Last chance for colourful Christmas Gifts

With Christmas around the corner, this represents your last chance to treat yourself or a loved one. Give them the gift of colour this Christmas!

Available to take away:

  • New boxed compact gift vouchers as seen on my Facebook page
  • Limited edition purple Makeup Pouches
  • Buy gift vouchers
  • Top up your makeup supplies
  • Discover your most flattering lipstick shade or enchanting eye colours with a mini makeup assessment
  • Choose a lovely colourful raw silk scarf or pashmina to finish off any outfit
  • Buy any book at a special discounted price

Bring along a friend or family member too, they’re more than welcome.

Contact me for further details including any pre-orders as this is the last chance to collect any gifts.

Open between 2pm – 6pm on Wednesday 20 December.

Open studio event – 14th December

Open event times: 4pm until 7pm

Please feel free to come with a friend and once you’ve booked your place you can come along between the hours shown above.

There will be 10% off all purchases made at the event (excluding gift vouchers) AND discount vouchers will be provided to each guest which can to be used against a future booking of a makeup masterclass, colour or style analysis.

The Christmas season is fast approaching!

My pre-Christmas events are the perfect time to come along and discover your most flattering lipstick shade and enchanting eye colours to ensure that you look and feel fabulous this Christmas!

If you’ve already got your party dress or outfit sorted, feel free to bring it along to match up and complete your look with the beautiful range of pashminas and raw silk scarves.

Introduce your friend style and family to the wonderful world of colour and buy your last minute gifts and vouchers too.

Drinks and mince pies will be served.

Missed out? Check out the latest events here.

Open studio event – 7th December 2016

7th December

Open event times: 11am until 3pm

Please feel free to come with a friend and once you’ve booked your place you can come along between the hours shown above.

There will be 10% off all purchases made at the event (excluding gift vouchers) AND discount vouchers will be provided to each guest which can to be used against a future booking of a makeup masterclass, colour or style analysis.

The Christmas season is fast approaching!

My pre-Christmas events are the perfect time to come along and discover your most flattering lipstick shade and enchanting eye colours to ensure that you look and feel fabulous this Christmas!

If you’ve already got your party dress or outfit sorted, feel free to bring it along to match up and complete your look with the beautiful range of pashminas and raw silk scarves.

Introduce your friend style and family to the wonderful world of colour and buy your last minute gifts and vouchers too.

Drinks and mince pies will be served.

Missed out? Visit the latest events here.