Byron Bay is having a moment right now. Celebrities are moving in, buying hemp shirts, banging bongos and calling themselves locals (or something to that effect, apparently) and long time residents are both irritated and aware of the ironies of their resistance.Earlier this year we reported on ‘the most Byron Bay photo ever.’ Today it’s the real estate market’s turn, with the following property demonstrating the ‘Hollywood Hills Effect’ currently sweeping Byron.The Range is a 12 guest, 5 bedroom, 9 bed, 5.5 bath monument to luxury. It foists Spanish style on the hills outside Byron Bay, in the form of a rustic retreat, resting upon 120 acres of rolling hills.“Furnishings inside and out were hand-crafted by local artisans,” the Airbnb blurb reads, “but inspired by the breezy sophistication of European summer homes – think simple lines and a mix of textures in fabrics and finishes.”

It offers guests privacy as well as (if you’ve got a car) access, with Byron Bay’s beaches sitting pretty less than 15 kilometres from the villa.The Range is made for entertaining friends and family, with the villa’s timber decks featuring “shaded al-fresco living and dining areas,” and a 15-meter pool offering a shimmering chance to escape the heat. To cap it off, “not only is the outdoor table made from 200-year-old teak,” the place’s Airbnb’s description explains, but “the amphitheatre-like firepit was crafted from rocks pulled from the rainforest on the property.”

“There’s also an outdoor hot tub, trampoline, wood-fired barbecue, and pizza oven, as well as a TV, Sonos sound system, and Wi-Fi indoors.”

Add on services include housekeeping, airport transfers, car rental, fresh groceries, a butler, a driver, a chef, childcare, equipment rental, spa services, restaurant concierge and family gear.

 

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The most interesting aspect, however, is the price tag, which – at the time of writing – is AU$545,177 for two months. That translates to $272,588 per month, $77,882 per week; $8,937 per night.That’s right: more than half a million dollars for the privilege of living in the Byron Bay hills for 61 days.This equates to more than two million dollars for an eight-month stay.No wonder celebrities are buying up houses. If you plan to be in the Hinterland (in style) for more than a year, it could be cheaper to buy a house (then sell it when you leave) than to stay long term in an Airbnb (particularly one like The Range).The Range is not even Byron Bay’s most expensive Airbnb. The Residence at Belongil pips it to the post, going for AU$578,905 for two months, compared to The Range’s price of $545,177.

To put that in perspective, some incredible stays in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills are going for roughly a fifth of the price, for exactly the same dates (see the ‘Hollywood Dream Villa’ below).

In fact, though there are a few Hollywood Hills properties that surpass The Range’s price, it’s only when you extend your search to include nearby Beverly Hills, or Malibu, that there becomes an abundance of Airbnb’s well over the high tide mark set by Byron (this Beverly Hills mansion with 17,000 square feet, going for AU$810,331 for two months, is one of them).

Our personal favourite? This French Baroque estate in Beverly Hills – Chateau de Laurel – which costs a cool million (and a bit) bucks for a two-month Airbnb stay (more than eight million for eight months).

Zumper reports, “the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hollywood Hills West, Los Angeles, CA is currently $1,948. This is a 9% decrease compared to the previous year.”Byron Bay meanwhile, realestate.com.au reports, has seen steadily increasing prices (both in terms of property and rentals). Its median rent price? For a unit, it’s $600 per week.

As news.com.au reported in December 2020, Byron Bay’s housing prices “have increased more than 40 per cent in the past 12 months,” topping strongest property price growth in Australia as regional house prices surge.The Northern Star reported in 2017 that an Airbnb host had made $3.7 million from Byron Bay rentals. That was before Australia’s work from home and ‘van life‘ revolutions sky-rocketed in 2020. Given the market’s continuing boom, expect more announcements in the coming years about hosts raking in even more than that.It’s not all sunshine and fat cheques though. As the ABC reports, the rise of Airbnb and holiday letting has contributed to the Byron Bay region’s homelessness issues.Domain has also reported on the strained market and the risk of residents being priced out.At the time of writing Byron Bay has “21 properties available for rent and 26 properties for sale,” according to realestate.com.au.

“Median property prices over the last year range from $1,885,000 for houses to $847,500 for units. If you are looking for an investment property, consider houses in Byron Bay rent out for $750 PW with an annual rental yield of 2.1% and units rent for $590 PW with a rental yield of 3.6%. Based on five years of sales, Byron Bay has seen a compound growth rate of 13.9% for houses and 7.2% for units.”

All the town needs now is a shrill reality show to scare people off visiting ever again. Oh, wait…

Read Next

• Sydney Man’s ‘Unbearable’ Experience Reveals The Perils Of Moving Too Far Away From The City
• Grim Photo Exposes Absurdity Of Sydney Rental Market

The post Luxury Byron Bay Airbnbs Now As Expensive As 'Dream Hollywood Villas' appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

As winter (or summer for our northern friends) draws to a close, it’s a poignant time to think about wardrobe organisation.

While most of us spend hundreds on new gear each season, we purchase a lot of stuff we already have for failure of not accessing what we actually own already. It all comes down to lack of guided wardrobe placement and maintenance of the expensive clothes we own.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a simple, down-the-line guide to keeping a wardrobe. We’d rather you get the most out of your clothes, and stopped wasting time with mess. It even affects getting dressed.

We’ve all been there (in our jocks), peering into our jumbled-excuse-for-a-wardrobe. Overflowing with topcoats and shoes, that whinge-y, high-pitched voice (that’s solely reserved for times like these) pierces the silent air: “Why do I always have nothing to wear?”

Get A Vision Of Your Style

A bit of style vision for your fashion future is needed: Why the sudden urgency to get organised in the wardrobe? Are you going through a style overhaul or transition? Turning toward a minimal style has been the trend for a while now, focusing on classic pieces that are relatively unprinted and neutral in tone.

Another is sportsluxe, street chic or athleisure with most blokes blending luxury with active wear for a transient style workable from the gym to the street.

Whatever the case, men’s style is seeing a focus on simple, with quirks thrown in via accessories and incredible tailoring. So, a flexible wardrobe is your friend; keep the pieces that are foundational, and can be used for a few different outfits – both smart and casual.

Cleanse Regularly

Stocktake time! First things: what exactly lurks within your monstrous closet? Understanding what stock you have (and where it’s placed) lets you know what pieces you need – and what style you have way too much of! Most guys will find unwanted tees with hideous prints are taking up too much space. Or a favourite sweater with an uncompromising stain or hole is sitting on a shelf, for sentimental reasons – loose them!

Making two piles – ‘keep’ or ‘go’ – is the next step. Like a break-up, be ruthless; remembering exactly how that old, ill-looking overcoat really makes you feel when you go to wear it, no matter how familiar it feels. With this in your closet, a hot new Chesterfield or trench simply has no room to set up home, right?

Stock Like-With-Like

Getting ready in the morning for some of you is already a chore. So, don’t make it more difficult with a disorganised closet. The system is simple: categorise like with like. This means hanging all garments that belong in the same category together (think work shirts with work shirts, and sweaters next to sweaters).

Contrary to popular belief, colour coordinating your closet, instead of categories, will only cause confusion. Essentially, clothing’s function is the primary motivator behind choice, before deciding on colour (for instance, you need to dress smart casual for a thirtieth birthday, which involves a blazer – flick to the jacket section on your rack, and a pair of chinos – easily found folded neatly on the second shelf).

While you may colour coordinate your closet, do this within the perimeters of each clothing category, pairing blue dress shirts with other blue dress shirts – and moving from lightest to darkest.

Keep Your Wardrobe Seasonal

Another way to separate and organise is in accordance with the seasons. In the winter, take all your summer clothes – be it, shorts, swimwear and singlets and store them in a suitcase or drawers under the bed. And, likewise with your overcoats, woollen trousers and knitwear in the winter. Fold and place them into plastic bins or fabric storage bags, with the heaviest garments at the bottom.

Be sure to store within a dry, dark place – sans humidity, to avoid mould and strange smells permeating your clothes. And for expensive coats, it’s actually better to loosely fold them; removing everything from pockets and fastening all snaps, buttons or zippers. This will help the coat retain its shape.

Should You Hang Or Fold Your Clothes

Another thing to consider: What items take pride of place on the rack? And what can simply be folded and placed on shelve? Let’s look at the list:

The hang brigade: suit jackets, trousers, outerwear, dress shirts, belts, ties are essential hanger items, while casual shirts and tees are a personal choice thing (hanging them if you have the rack room will save on ironing time later on). And, keep a centimetre between each hung piece to give the item some breathing room.

The fold fellows: socks and jocks, tees, jeans, shorts and chinos can all be folded and shelved. A big one is heavy sweaters – fold them, as hanging will only stretch the fabric. If you’re using draws, don’t stuff the pieces in, but neatly fold them with room on the sides. And if you can’t fit them into one, it’s time to get more draw space, as part of your new found closet tool kit.

Invest In The Tools For Your Wardrobe

As mention earlier, having things organised properly will make it easier to remember what you own, put together outfits and it will make your clothes last longer.

But tools are required.

Closet Organisers: These add extra dividers to your space. There are a lot of great models out there that are inexpensive, easy to assemble and install. Check out your local hardware shop to find a style and size that suits you.

Hangers: Invest in wooden hangers to hold the weight of tweedy or wool suits and retain the shape of jacket shoulders. And clip ones for trousers or separates. Hangers are great too for freeing up space on your shelves, so hang as many shirts and tops as you can, folding the rest.

Plastic bins: Clothes – those off-season pieces stowed away or your collection of vintage tees – need to breathe, so plastic bins are fine for non-delicate. This includes shirts, jeans, and sweaters. And pack them in loosely to maximise air flow.

Shoe Trees: These should be mandatory with a leather dress shoe purchase. When you remove a pair of shoes, the wooden apparatus absorbs the moisture from the leather and soles. And, they maintain the shape of the shoe when not being worn.

Brushes: A firm-bristled brush is essential for suiting and those delicate items that are never washed – but occasionally dry cleaned. Brush jackets or trousers down after wearing to dislodge food or dust particles to preserve look and feel of the fabric. And a lint brush is essential in removing closet dust and specks before heading out.

Shoe Rack: A separate rack for your shoes will free up some much needed shelf space in your closet. Racks will help organise your wardrobe more efficiently and keep your remaining clothes in better condition for longer. No brainer.

Final Word

A new season or deciding on a change of style is a perfect time to have a wardrobe overhaul. Or maybe it’s been a while and you’re well over due. It gives you eyes to see exactly what you have before you go out and buy more of the same thing, and it gives you room for those nice, new things you’ve been eyeing-off.

The key is to plan and discern, and then don’t hold back. Taking the time out to clean out, and then put back in the stuff you really want and need – with the tools you’ve purchased to make them fit best – is a sign of style maturity. It’s a nice feeling, being all grown-up.

The post The Men's Wardrobe Checklist For Every Season & Style appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

In the world of haute couture, competition is fierce and all businesses – from independent designers and small labels to the big luxury houses – need to innovate to survive.

Gucci, after a rocky period at the start of the 21st century, has emerged as perhaps the most innovative luxury fashion brand active today. Under current creative director Alessandro Michele, the nearly 100-year-old fashion house has pioneered a highly 70s-inspired ‘geek chic’ aesthetic that’s been widely imitated across the fashion industry. The brand’s never been more relevant or interesting, and they’re only continuing to evolve.

The last 12 months have seen Michele refine his aesthetic even further, maintaining that 70s playfulness while making things more accessible; more versatile for the average wardrobe, particularly where men’s suiting is concerned. Last year saw Gucci release an exciting new men’s tailoring collection with a campaign featuring musical heavyweights A$AP Rocky, Iggy Pop, and Tyler, the Creator. Not only does such a campaign prove that Gucci’s got their finger on the pulse when it comes to popular culture, but also that they know where men’s fashion is headed.

With that in mind, the latest addition to this collection is what’s got us so hot under the collar today: a jacquard wool suit that shows off a new Gucci monogram design, as well as some seriously huge, Anchorman-worthy lapels – the biggest Gucci have made in a long time and an emphatic statement about where men’s formalwear is headed in 2021.

Just as 90s and 00s style is currently the flavour of the month, we’re anticipating that 70s and 80s style will become the dominant men’s fashion trend as the 2020s roll on. Think big lapels and flared trousers; warm, sun-kissed colours like red, orange and brown; a move back to big eyewear (forget those late 90s tiny rave glasses) and footwear options like Jodhpur boots, dress shoes with monk straps, Jesus sandals and of course, loafers. Can’t forget the Gucci loafers with your Gucci suit now, can you?

RELATED: The Best Loafer Brands For Men To Buy In 2021

Another big element of 70s style that’s already coming back into fashion in a big way is the mullet, which is bizarrely shedding its bogan or lower-class connotations and become downright cool. Indeed, VICE reported last year that the mullet has even infiltrated the snooty world of English private schools, where it’s become the must-have ‘do. It’s better than the ‘roadman cut’, we guess.

If you’re looking for some more style inspiration, some other labels that are getting in on the 70s wave with their newest collections include Levi’s, Saint Laurent and visvim. And this is just the tip of the iceberg – Gucci might be blazing the trail but mark our words, 70s style is something worth getting on board with in 2021.

Now go forth and be kind of a big deal.

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The post Gucci Drops Most Ron Burgundy Suit Ever That'll Change The Way Men Wear Suits In 2021 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We’ve all had to put up with our fair share of “when I was a boy” stories from a nostalgic grandfather or two. Happy to entertain pop’s relishing of days gone by, the familial raconteur does have a point when it comes to how men of his day approached their personal style. As a generation, they set the bar high for getting dressed in the morning.

Even the men’s fashion staples we take granted today were largely pioneered by today’s old-timers – from the flapper Twenties era to the ferocious Fifties. And for that, we ought to revisit some of the must-have – and more unlikely – fashion items, gifted to us by our style forefathers.

Some of them you may already be wearing, but others are not so obvious – until now. Here’s how to use the menswear pieces of yesteryear to enhance your wardrobe of today.

Corduroy Suits

Known as velvet’s poindexter bro, corduroy has often been shoved into the stuffy-professor-box. However, cord’s vertically ridged lines are a sure point of difference in a fashion world obsessed with minimalist aesthetes, providing texture to drab black trousers or white button-up shirts. Cord’s rifts even act as a great cool weather insulator, perfect for winter.

Opt for coloured corduroy in sombre shades such as burgundy, mustard and bottle green – avoiding the traditional muddy hues – which keep it looking dated-Woody Allen. Tailored jogger pants or bomber jackets in the new season are ways to incorporate cord into the wardrobe, ensuring that the fit is modern and streamline so the old-school fabric looks contemporary – nothing saggy or like a beat poet (as cool as they were back then).

Chalk Stripe Suits

Not to be confused with the common pin stripe, chalk stripe is having a moment – and the bolder the better this season. Unlike pin stripe, chalk stripe is a series of threads weaved to form a stripe that resembles a drawn line like chalk or thin rope. The width of the stripe varies but it is much wider and more defined than pin stripe.

The chalk stripe looks dashing over a double-breast suit, lifting the style game of a black mohair or flannel grey two-piece. When going chalk, keep the rest of the outfit – shirting, tie and pocket square comparatively understated. And if you go for a striped patterned accessory make sure the print is on par with the chalk stripe, adhering to the rules of colour matching and varying the thickness of the stripes to provide clear definition between pieces. Then add some grandpa-envied leather shoes. For the type, read on.

Camp Collar Shirts (Cuban Collar Shirts)

The camp collar shirt is also affably known as the Cuban shirt and it’s as old school as it gets. With inspiration derived from Elvis’ hey day and American bowling teams, the camp collar shirt would soon reach tacky status before being reinvented for the modern men’s wardrobe. These days it’s more wearable thanks to a rethink of fit, textures, patterns and colours. Come summer time and it’s camp collar shirt time for that authentic Americana look. Pair it with denim or a nice pair of cuffed chinos and you’re onto a winning look that pops would be proud of.

Neckerchief With A Suit

While the traditional tie has been shunned of late – no longer accompanying the clean white shirt done up to the neck under a suit jacket – the neckerchief is returning this season as a great way to add some la-di-da to your smart casual wear. Also known as a cravat, bandana or scarf, the lightweight cloth is common in silk/cotton for breathability and warmth.

Then – like most accessories – pick your style. Printed or block colour, the fanciful neckerchief (rooted in Oscar Wilde’s day) is designed to be grandiose, ensuring the remaining parts of your outfit – blazer, shirt and chino shorts  – are neutral in colour or print.

Not just for tailoring, the neckerchief sits well over a smart sweater or basic t-shirt – making sure the neckerchief is tied correctly (think effortless), even if you spent the better part of the morning perfecting it. Shhh.

Pocket Watch With A Suit

The original timepiece for men, pocket watches first went out of fashion after highly miniaturised wrist watches became famous at the time of World War I. A riff on the aristocratic, the antique watch face and metal chain adds some class to a dapper suit or blazer-chino combination.

But the three-piece suit – featuring the waistcoat – is what makes the pocket watch tick; worn attached to a single Albert style chain is brassy gold or silver.

For the less formal guy, a pocket watch can be attached to chinos or jeans with a leather fob – used like a pocket watch chain by attaching the buckle end of the fob to the bow of the watch. Mix it up for work and play.

Chesterfield Coats

The chesterfield – like the luxury leather lounge bearing the same name – is one of the most famous gentleman’s style pieces (again) today. Rumour has it the 6th Earl of Chesterfield invented this coat in the mid 19^th century.

And the regal topcoat is a surefire way to make a powerful winter coat statement: single breasted or double cut, sturdy woollen fabric and in different patterns. However, the classic version is typically heavy, plain, black or charcoal fabric.

In modern times the Chesterfield matches the sophistication of a suit to work or cool evening out. But, try wearing it over tee, cropped wide-legged trousers or jogger pants and sneakers for a much cooler-than-your-granddad outfit that is smart casual and street chic.

Old School Advice

Dressing like a grandpa  – that is, riffing on the old school style of our forefathers – is a stylish way to mix some tradition into your outfit. Avoid pairing all of the above items together into one outfit, however – for fear of looking like you’re going to a themed Forties party.

Instead, rock the antique pieces with modernised and even sporty pieces – tailored jogger pants and satiny bombers – for a peaceful blend of the old and new world. That’s the best kind of style existence.

The post Old School Menswear Pieces That Will Turn You Into A Sartorial God appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The arrival of the office festive season is not a free pass to start rocking business shorts to work. Nor is it a nod to hitting on that cute HR lady. A true gentleman never drops his game even on the very last day of the working calendar.

Today we present to you the simple steps to cultivating a positive workplace style and keeping that suave reputation of yours intact in the office. We can’t guarantee you a promotion, but we can make sure you’ll be punching above your weight.

Have A Signature Scent

A man’s own scent is just as important as his clothes. We’re not talking about leaving your pheromones on every cubicle wall. Instead pick a subtle fragrance that isn’t too common and overpowering, and use it to build your office presence in a pleasant manner. Whether you’re in a lift or in a meeting, it’ll ensure you’re putting the right foot forward for being noticed.

Note: Banana Republic’s Creative Director Simon Kneen once told Forbes that “I don’t wear a fragrance to work. But I do think a modest scent is O.K. I do really believe in signature fragrances though. I have been wearing the same fragrance for 25 years.”

RELATED: Best Men’s Fragrances To Buy Right Now

Correct Your Posture

Too many years spent hunched over your PC playing DOOM has likely diminished your body’s natural posture. It’s now time to fix it. A bad posture emanates the wrong message in an office environment, making you appear run down and unfit for the job – not a good look if it’s only 10 a.m. Put your back into it. Sit up straight, get yourself a decent ergonomic chair, see a physio if you must and ride the wave of perceived success until the day’s end.

Eye Contact Is Everything

If you got down on one knee and asked your partner to marry you whilst looking at their feet, do you think they’d say yes? Possibly – if you both had a foot fetish. But the point is, maintaining eye contact assures that the party you’re engaging with is taking you seriously. Compulsive liars tend to avoid eye contact and when you’re about to shake on a multi-million dollar deal, this is the last impression you want to be giving off. So project your voice adequately and maintain eye contact with your subjects. It’s called respect.

Never Neglect The Shoes

Many men still believe that a good suit will excuse a bad pair of shoes. This is not the way of the Magnificent Bastard. The daily wear and tear will diminish even the nicest pair of work shoes so always keep them in check and out of the rain in order to look your best. See our guide on how to shine your shoes like a real man for maintenance and if you’re unsure as to what qualifies as a fine pair of work shoes, see our pick of the five most affordable and best looking dress shoes. Once you’ve chosen your weapon, learn how to style them correctly with your clothes.

RELATED: Best Dress Shoes For Men

Work On Your Accessories Collection

In some parts of the corporate world, men’s accessories such as ties, pocket squares and subtle jewellery get frowned upon by colleagues. This often stems from the casualisation of the work space where well-dressed men today are perceived as power hungry, attention-seeking fiends (also met with snide remarks of “you going for a job interview, mate?”.

We disagree with this movement and believe that keeping things simple yet stylish goes a long way in building your personal career profile. The right people will notice you along with those who don’t matter. So play up the average pastel shirt and dark grey suit with a bit more punch. Add a nice pocket square or a tie bar and be careful never to overdo it. The key is to stand out from the crowd by not looking like a walking dressing table.

Be Careful With Colour

Similarly, colour can be your friend and your worst enemy in the office so play it with absolute caution. Studies have shown that wearing colour can lead to pay rises and promotions as it emanates a degree of authority and confidence. We must stress to keep things restrained though.

Think a brighter tie or dress shirt as opposed to a full blown clown suit. What you also want to avoid is being more ‘colourful’ than your superiors. Remember your goal is to stand out from the crowd, not take away attention from your boss.

“Getting noticed is cool, but you want it for the right reasons. Don’t be the guy who wears loud clothing but has nothing under the surface. Opt for ‘sharpe’, this says professional and competent.” – Luc Wiesman, founder, D’Marge

RELATED: How To Wear Colour For Men

Maintain Your Facial Hair

Facial hair is one of the most natural ways a man can make a good impression in the workplace. The catch? Maintaining it to respectable standards is also the hardest part. Depending on the workplace, the traditional office is often not a place for the popular hipster beard.

A clean, crisp suit also won’t help much in masking this distraction so if you do intend to rock facial hair, keep the stubble short and clean to avoid the boyish look. A light beard is also fine as it projects a degree of maturity and authority in the workplace. Think Tony Stark minus the cockiness. See our guide on how to do it right.

Go For Quality

This is a general rule across the board that applies to everything from suiting to shoes to men’s grooming products and accessories. We’re not talking about wearing loudly branded clothing, it’s more about feeling comfortable in your own clothes through quality. The better the quality of the thread, the more likely it is you’ll perform at your peak at work. It’s an obvious point but often overlooked for cheaper alternatives. Ever wanted to shake hands with that sweaty polyester guy in the lift? Neither have we.

“You get what you pay for. There’s nothing life how it feels to looking good. You don’t want to be distracted at work with poor quality clothing or shoes that will fall apart in a few months.” – Jeff Lack Stylist

Hygiene Is Prime

Personal hygiene is not only important in the workplace, it’s something every man needs to be accountable for. Start off by clipping those finger nails. No client wants to shake hands with you if you’re rocking grubby long finger nails or worse, the lone extended pinky nail. If you’re prone to sweating, shower in the morning before heading to work or leaving the gym. There’s nothing worse than the odour of men’s sweat masked by clothing masked by a lathering of cologne.

RELATED: The Great 2018 Bathroom Behaviour Survey

Let Others Take The Lead

Last but not least, let the authority fall to those who are calling the shots. If you’re new to a workplace, let those who are more respected set the example of fashion and attitude first and be sure not to diverge too far from that standard. It’s the key to integrating into any new workplace culture and could form the building blocks to your own reputation amongst peers.

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The post How To Make A Stylish & Professional Impression At Work appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Sports cars are great at attracting eyeballs and generating smiles per gallon, but they’re not great when it comes to driving over speedbumps.

Most performance vehicles have incredibly low ride heights, which might make them better at generating downforce but it makes them terrible at navigating speedbumps and steep driveways. In short: you wouldn’t take a supercar off-road, let alone into the snow.

No-one told car vlogger and social media star James Neese, however. The 31-year-old American, who goes by ‘TheStradman’ online, has recently completed perhaps the most insane off-road car build in history: putting snow tracks on a Lamborghini Aventador and taking it off-piste into some deep Utah powder.

The feisty Italian supercar performed surprisingly well in such tough off-road conditions. The Aventador’s all-wheel drive and torquey V12 engine probably helped it a fair bit – but it’s still a bizarre sight to see such a track-focused, incredibly expensive vehicle like a Lambo turned into a tank-like off-road weapon.

RELATED: Australians Ditching Luxury SUVs For This Pint Sized Japanese Alternative

TheStradman’s exploits are part of a broader trend in modern car culture of turning cars that were never designed to go off-road into trail-capable, apocalypse-ready beasts. It’s a phenomenon best encapsulated by the Facebook group Safari All The Cars, where like-minded automotive enthusiasts share how they’ve ‘safaried’ everyday vehicles.

When it comes to safari-ing, the more incongruous the car, the better. Mud tires and a lifted suspension for a Lexus LS400? Turning a Ford Crown Victoria into a beach buggy? The sky’s the limit. Other popular candidates for modification include the Volkswagen New Beetle, Porsche 911s and the venerable Fiat Panda.

Of course, TheStradman’s not the first car personality to put tracks on a car that really doesn’t need them. Richard Hammond (of The Grand Tour and Top Gear fame) once put tank tracks on a Ford Focus RS for a Madagascar special.

That same episode of The Grand Tour saw co-presenters James May and Jeremy Clarkson make similarly outrageous off-road modifications to vehicles entirely unsuited to go off-road, with Clarkson giving his staid Bentley Continental GT snorkel intakes and a front winch, and May blessing his Caterham 7 310R roadster with rally lights and a front roll bar.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way…

Read Next

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• ‘Lamborghini’s Huracán Evo Is The Most Impressive Car I’ve Driven In A Long Time’

The post 'Most Insane Offroad Car Build In History' Blows Automobile Lovers' Minds appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Need some beginner fashion tips? Look no further. When we were kids, most of us wore whatever happened to be clean. Day in, day out. This usually entailed a hyper-colour t-shirt and some parachute shorts. As adults we no longer have any excuses for leaving the house in a less than well groomed & impeccably styled manner.

Whether you are time poor or low in expendable income these are some of the best buying tips to help you put together a sharp and stylish wardrobe. Remember that all the money in the world can’t buy you style. Did somebody say Donald Trump?

Know Your Colours

Before you even think about buying anything, it’s worth spending time figuring out what colours suit you. Take into consideration your skin tone, eyes & hair colour then make sure you use these options as a general rule. Trust me, it helps narrow down most of what you don’t need. Here’s a few tips on choosing the best colours for you.

Know Your Size & What Suits Your Shape

We all come in different shapes and sizes, this is nothing new. Knowing what size shoe or jacket you are can save you countless hours when trawling through racks. Be realistic, just because you like skinny jeans, doesn’t mean they are going to suit you. Stick to fits that complement your build. (Learn more about dressing your body shape here… or dressing the dadbod.)

Set A Budget & Stick To It

However big or small, a budget should always be set when shopping. Retail staff are there to help you, but their job is to get the most amount of cash out of your pocket. So be firm and know when enough is enough. If you’re a bit light on cash then we recommend read our feature on shopping if you’re a tight ass.

Pick When You Go Shopping 

Peace and quiet is a rare commodity. On the off chance you get a day off during the week, it’s worth using it to do your shopping. Not only are there no crowds but you can generally get the undivided attention of sales staff at your disposal. Better still you can find a better range and often price if you shop online. Here’s a few online menswear retailers which should help.

Stick To Brands You Know & Like

For the guys who have no time to even think about shopping, try to stick to the brands that you know will fit you and of course like their product. Once you know what you are looking for, it’s an easy task to go in and ask: “do you have a slim fit black shirt in size 15?” Unsure of what brands you like? Read up on the best menswear brands from the UK or Australia.

The post Foolproof Tips & Tricks For Buying Menswear When You Hate Shopping appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It’s been a while since Australia has had good news on the international travel front. Instead, domestic quarantine hotel storms, ‘cringe’ Byron Bay photos and waterfall chasing faux pas keep blowing in.A recent announcement from Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, which “hints at a new travel bubble for Aussies,” (news.com.au) could provide your imagination with a bit of relief.Morrison has hinted his Government is working on new travel bubbles, meaning Australians could soon have a bunch of mojito-by-the-pool style destinations to choose from.Speaking on 2SM radio on Monday, Morrison said the COVID-19 vaccine could bring more itchy feet opportunities Down Under.That said, the keyword here is could. Morrison said: “We don’t have full confidence yet that they [countries like Vanuatu, Tonga, the Solomon Islands and Fiji] are just going to a complete what’s called a green lane. But we’re working with them to ensure we can just lift that confidence.”

“We’ll be seeking to support them with their testing over there and I hope we can make some real progress on that soon. I’d love to see a Pacific bubble.”

Such a travel bubble could allow more seasonal workers to travel to rural Australia where their help is needed, news.com.au reports.

Scott Morrison said Australia will be aiming to work with Pacific Island nations to improve testing and expedite the long awaited travel bubble. DETAILS: https://t.co/vkgHgDAwgA pic.twitter.com/OngLloH2j5

— The Daily Telegraph (@dailytelegraph) February 8, 2021

Twitter users have been jumping online to express their support of the idea since as early as February the 3rd, with some suggesting it could be mutually beneficial.

If Fiji has had 300 days without community transmission, and is begging Australia for a travel bubble, what is the delay? Might help the travel industry … and Fiji most particularly after two devastating cyclones.

— Dr Josie McSkimming (@JosieMcskimming) February 4, 2021

Fiji are calling for a travel bubble with Australia. Get it done asap. It’s the best thing we could do to help our Pacific neighbours.

— Darren from Newy (@DarrenKilminst1) February 3, 2021

Morrison pointed out that the risk of Australia infecting the aforementioned nations is impacted greatly by our rate of community transmission, of which there is currently “very little,” and which has significantly lessened in recent months.

“If the virus got into one of those Pacific countries, as you know, their health systems aren’t the same as ours… It would go through those countries and that would be devastating.”

“The first doses of the vaccine are set to be administered towards the end of this month, with the Government aiming to have the majority of the population vaccinated by October.”RELATED: Photo ‘You Won’t Believe Is In Australia’ Blows Minds Down UnderIf it all falls through though; never fear. As more and more Australians have realised over this last 12 months, almost every big-ticket overseas experience has an equivalent (or rival) Down Under.

 

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A post shared by Traveling Kameleon (@rajailiya)

Take the above cave in Tonga, for instance. You might not think such a place would be replicated on NSW’s humble South Coast, but you’d be surprised. Just take a look at the image below.

 

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A post shared by New South Wales (@visitnsw)

New horizons beckon.

Read Next

• The Little Known Tropical Travel Bubble Most Australians Have No Idea About
• Travel Gurus Unveil The Countries Most Likely To Open To Australians First

The post Fresh Tropical Travel Bubble Hopes Have Australians Salivating appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Humans are capable of seeing an entire rainbow of colours, but when it comes to what colours we choose to buy or wear, we tend to be quite unimaginative.

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When it comes to clothes, most people stick to basic hues. The kinds of cars we drive are even more conservative, with white, grey and silver responsible for well over half of all cars sold in Australia. Watches are a similar story, too: leading watch marketplace Chrono24’s stats consistently show year after year, black is the most popular dial colour for watches. Yawn.

But it seems as if brands (and their fans) are getting more imaginative when it comes to dial colours. For the last 12 months, the big trend in watch dials has been blue, with countless op-eds being written about ‘the year of the blue dial’. Models like the Tudor Black Bay 58 ‘Navy Blue’ or the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner collection have been flying off the shelves – demonstrative of the watch-buying public’s appetite for more than just black and silver-dialled pieces.

We’re already seeing glimpses of the next big trend: green dials. Green-dialled watches have gone in and out of fashion over the years, with the colour experiencing a slight revival in the middle of the 2010s that was quickly subsumed by a return to black and the ascendancy of blue.

Now, green is back in a big way – and we’ve found a few brands worth investing in if you want to get in on the action.

Seiko Prospex

No serious discussion about watches – whether it be about affordable everyday pieces to the absolute crème de la crème of luxury wrist candy – can be had without mentioning Seiko. One of the largest watch brands in the world, Seiko has been responsible for a number of world firsts in the world of watchmaking, most notably introducing the world’s first quartz watch. Prospex is their sub-brand that specialises in dive watches, which are widely respected among professional divers and landlubber watch fans alike.

RELATED: The New ‘Holy Trinity’ Taking The Watch World By Storm

Seiko boasts one of the most passionate watch customisation scenes out of any watch brand, so green-dialled Seiko dive watches aren’t anything new. But for those who aren’t so keen on amateur watch surgery are in luck: the Japanese firm has just unveiled a limited-edition collection of green-dialled Prospexes that pay homage to Iriomote Island, an Okinawan diving Mecca famous for its verdant sights, surrounds and sea life.

We love a watch with a story behind it, and Iriomote-inspired dark green that colours these watches is particularly handsome. These might be serious tool watches but such a hue is surprisingly versatile and would suit the office just as well as the ocean. Retailing for between AU$1,250 and AU$4,995, they won’t break the bank either if you’re looking to get in on the green watch wave.

IWC Schaffhausen

The very first green-dialled watches were military watches, with the colour chosen for its functional benefits over any sense of aesthetic brilliance. While many watch manufacturers have supplied militaries over the years, one of the most famous is IWC Schaffhausen, whose famous Big Pilot model line pays homage to the pilot’s watches the brand produced during WWII.

Naturally, many of IWC’s pilot’s watches are available with a green dial, but just as military watches are but one facet of IWC’s oeuvre, it’s not just their pilot’s watches that are available with a green dial. In an industry that’s often eschewed the green dial (much to their future detriment, we’d say) IWC choose to bless their dressier models like their iconic Portugieser and Portofino with green dials, too. It’s easy to see why too: the colour works particularly well with the brand’s consistently minimalistic aesthetic.

Adding weight to the green dial trend is their latest release, unveiled at Watches & Wonders earlier this year: the IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Woodland” – and while that might be a bit of a mouthful, it’s perhaps the best green watch ever made. Not only is the Woodland Chrono’s case made out of 100% dark green ceramic, but its dial is also dark green, while its numerals and hour markers are printed in a lighter hue of green. It also has a matching green textile/rubber strap. That’s a lot of green.

RELATED: IWC Schaffhausen Has Made The Ultimate Green Watch

All we’ll say is if IWC is getting behind it, it bodes well for the trend. Watch this space.

H. Moser & Cie.

Also based out of Schaffhausen is H. Moser & Cie., a relatively small independent watchmaker that’s famous for their avant-garde designs. You might know them for their headline-grabbing, rather cheeky Swiss Alp Watch ‘Final Edition’, a mechanical watch that retails for over AU$40,000 which intentionally resembles an Apple Watch that’s crashed. But their oeuvre doesn’t just consist of pricey gag watches. What they’re really good at, actually, is making some of the best and most colourful dials in the business.

Specifically, they’re famous for repopularising fumé dials, also known as smoked, ombré or gradient dials. A complex process that involves a number of different dial treatments, the resulting effect is sublime, simultaneously shiny yet matte, faded yet brilliant all at once. H. Moser & Cie.’s fumé dials come in a wide variety of colours, too: blues, browns, greys, reds, and of course, greens.

Their Streamliner Centre Seconds is an example of how good the latter looks. A ‘retro-futurist’ masterpiece with a design inspired by the high-speed trains of the 1930s, its unique ‘Matrix Green’ dial might just be the prettiest watch face in the world. It’s no coincidence that the most modern-looking luxury watch in recent memory has a green face, too…

RELATED: H. Moser & Cie.’s New Streamliner Is A Modernist Masterpiece

Let’s put it this way. Dogs can only see two colours: blue and yellow. Humans, in comparison, can see thousands of different colours. What we’re saying is that if you limit yourself to blue or black-dialled watches, you may as well be a dog, so exercise your primate privilege and invest in a green-dialled watch. Your eyeballs will thank you later.

Read Next

• This ‘Olive Dial’ Patek Philippe Auction Is Very, Very Silly
• The German Brand That’s ‘Infiltrated’ The Swiss Watch Industry
• I Bought My First Automatic Watch. Here’s What I’ve Discovered

The post Green Dials Are The Next Big Thing In Watches appeared first on DMARGE Australia.