There’s a lot of responsibility placed on fathers. Kids, are the first, most obvious burden (I mean, joy). And I could stop there.

But fatherhood often comes with the added commitments of making a lifetime partnership work; navigating a busy job; and for some of you, going to gym. Then, the modern father has many a social event to attend and down-time catch ups old mates. Is there room for anything else? A father’s appearance, of course.

While many see fatherhood as a reason to let it all hang out, having a mini-you (or several) isn’t reason enough to throw away your style. To get you off the couch and out of that horrible hoodie t-shirt, here are ten essential tips for being a dad – with style.

#1 Know Your Size

While it’s a generalisation, most guys pack on a few pounds when the kids come along. And if you’re on the older side, gaining weight is a ‘charming’ part of the ageing man’s journey. So, stop trying to fit into pre-father clothes or be a slim-fit if you’re more the larger gent. There’s nothing worse than seeing a guy who’s very fashion-conscious but not in shape and wearing clothes that are too small. Go a size up.

#2 Neutrally-Blocked

While patterns or prints are by no means off-limits, going for a more tonal look in neutral colours is a foolproof style palette – think camel, navy, olive green, dark grey, and white. Then, stick to traditional patterns to jazz things up – Breton stripes, pinstripes, Prince of Wales checks, micro-dots and plaids. Retire crazy prints accessories: pocket square, tie or socks; leaving outwear, separates, and shirting neutrally colour blocked.

#3 Make An Investment

At the age of fathering children or having raised a few, chances are you’re peaking in your career and have a bit more moolah to spend. So invest well; divulging in live-forever pieces like a leather bomber, cable knit sweater, superwool suit and a navy blazer.

As mentioned earlier, keep the colours masculine and sans fuss, and you’ll be looking sharp. Until the grandkids come along.

#4 Know What Brands Work

While skater brands may have served well back in university days, as a dad brand loyalties should reflect your current life stage. As your body changes, brands that fit well when you were younger may not so much anymore. And, dressing like your teenage son is embarrassing (you no longer sleep til noon). So, your go-to brands must cater to that lifestyle.

The biggest changes involve denim, button up shirts and trousers. Try a few different labels – both luxury and high-street – and once you’ve got a nice match – that is, the fit suits your body type and style – stock up, quick.

#5 Accessorise Away

Having bought up on neutral tones and investment pieces, splash out on accessories that take an outfit from average to absolutely smoking. Get yourself a watch (immediately), followed by a simple band or signet ring.

Then spruce up a suit or blazer with a pocket square, and silk woven tie, or instead, a scarf and a classic hat; the latter perfect for the dad who needs to cover any male patterned baldness.

#6 Brand Less To Impress

Over-branded anything signals: ‘insecure dad trying to be cool’.  While a subtle logo on the pocket of a shirt or seam can add a decorative touch to a plain tee, a statement-brand word or icon should never be visible from more than a few metres away.

Instead stick with garments that look expensive because of their impeccable fit to your dad-bod. Finally, luxury, quality materials portray a far better style message than a jumper that shouts ‘KENZO’ at every passer-by.

#7 Look To Style Icons

What do David Beckham, Chris Hemsworth and Brad Pitt have in common? They are dads. And look great at the same. Pitt is even getting on a bit now but still manages to style himself well: sharp suits, heavy cottons, and a very tonal colour palette which includes black, tan and grey.

Pick a celeb who fits your body type and age bracket and go from there. But don’t blatantly copy either. Remember, start off easy at first and ramp up the experimentation as you get more confident.

#8 Be A Grooming Guru

First off, get your beard in order, clipping it as meticulously as you do your hair. Can’t grow one? Then keep it clean shaven. Next, hair. As a rule, keep it hair short-back-sides with a little extra length on top. Starting to thin? Keep the sides very short or go the buzz. And here’s a superb guide to channeling the silver fox look for going grey.

Fragrance is an easy way to smell more ‘youthful’ without appearing too hip. But avoid heavily spiced colognes which scream ‘old man’. Moisturise to prevent dry skin (face and hands are a must). Long toe nails? Clip them. Fingernails? Stop biting them. Oh, and for your wife’s sake read this guide to grooming downstairs.

#9 Get Technical

Taking the focus away from your body and clothes, being tech-savvy (and actually owning a smartphone) lifts your style game. Owning a tablet too, shows that you’re part of the community, especially appeasing the judgment of the younger generation.

It’s not so much about having Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. More, you can actually work a touch screen and aren’t clunking around a Nokia 3315 (although Snake II is an well-missed game).

#10 Style Is A State Of Mind

Some men panic when they become a father: “No time for me”. You’re already shooting yourself in the, erm, brogue. Instead of packing it all in, bring your family along for the ride. Having kids can actually keep you in the loop with what’s going on in the fashion world; especially when they reach their late teens and starting caring about how they look.

As you age, stay young in the mind. That proverbial saying – “men getting better looking with age” is actually true; that is, if you look after yourself and trulu ‘feel’ like you’ve still got it. To quote Phil Dunphy, let this wisdom fill your head: “I’m a cool dad.” Confidence is key, so be a man about it.

The post How To Be A Fashionable Dad appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Furniture is an absolute deal-breaker for any room in your home. Mismatch it to the colour scheme or the shape of the room and you’ll end have a house that you may as well demolish, only to start from scratch. The items you furnish your home with can also, potentially, stay with you for a lifetime, so investing in pieces that are going to see you through to the end is paramount every time you go shopping.

So rather than head to everyone’s favourite flatpack furniture paradise, next time you’re redecorating or looking for that last piece to put in your living room, think about buying something of genuine value. Better yet, think closer to home and invest in Australian furniture.

Buying from an independent furniture retailer will usually guarantee you or items that are handcrafted and made from solid materials, especially in the case of wooden furniture. You may have to pay for the premium, but you’ll reap the rewards in no time at all.

But just which Australian furniture brands should you be looking out for? Wonder no longer, as we’ve done the hard work for you and put together this definitive guide of the brands you should be adding to your shopping list.

Read Next

• Coolest Designer Furniture Stores In Sydney
• The Best Vintage Furniture Shops In Sydney

The post Cool Australian Furniture Brands To Spruce & Impress At Home appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

At the beginning of student life, there’s something charming about just scraping by. You’re sleeping no more than 2 hours a night, skipping any class that happens before 11 am, and surviving on nothing but kebabs, coffee and Adderall stolen from your roommate. You can’t remember the last time you did laundry (in fact, you’re not even sure you remember how to do laundry). And although you may not have learned much about Proust or theoretical physics, you have learned a ton of new drinking games. It’s university life at its most romantic. As far as your student fashion sense goes, you have none.

But then the charm wears off. You’re not quite ready to be a real adult, but you know it’s time to introduce things like “vegetables” and “responsible bedtimes” into your life. And along with the newfound urges for kale and extra beauty sleep comes something else: the desire to dress like a man.

Out go the torn jeans and worn hoodies, and in come …crippling debts? Not if we have anything to say about it. Revamping your wardrobe doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you know what you’re doing. Taste and money are not the same things, and all you really need is the former. It’s not that you shouldn’t invest in your clothes – do it when you can, and you’ll be glad you did – but real men of style know when to splurge and when to save.

With that in mind, we present the A Student’s Guide To Dressing Well.

The Lowdown: Student Fashion Do’s & Don’ts

Let’s start with the basics. Before you ditch a study group in favour of an online shopping spree, brush up on the smart spending principles you need to know.

Shop Within Your Budget

The brand new credit card you got before starting school is burning a hole in your pocket, but don’t touch it. Spend what you can afford to spend and save the rest for all the dates you’ll be going on now that you’re so well-dressed. Look for sales at major stores, shop at outlets and get discounts with your student ID when possible. Remember this: it’s all in the fit. You’ll look 1000x better in a great-fitting budget brand than you will in a big-name designer that’s 2 sizes too big.

Easy To Match Colour Combos

You’re going for the colour version of quality over quantity. That salmon pink blazer may look appealing on the rack, but it will be useless for all but the rarest of occasions. You want to get the most wear possible out of everything you purchase, so stick with easy to match colour combos. If everything goes with everything, the effective size of your wardrobe is significantly amplified.

Dress Appropriately For The Occasion

Part of dressing well is the clothes themselves, but the second piece of the puzzle is the occasion. A suit won’t look good at a pool party, and your sister won’t appreciate you showing up to her wedding in swim shorts. If you have any doubts about what constitutes appropriate dress for an occasion, don’t just wing it. Ask the host and impress when you totally nail it.

Buy Wardrobe Essentials

If you don’t have a lot to spend, spend it on what you really need. One day you will own that bespoke tuxedo. Today is not that day. For now, build a solid foundation of essential pieces like dark denim, neutral t-shirts and button-downs, a blue blazer, a stylish winter coat and a few must-have pairs of shoes. And don’t forget the socks and underwear. Aim for things you can mix and match for maximum versatility.

Key Pieces To Own

Speaking of wardrobe-essentials… Here they are. These are musts for every man, whether a student, a high-flying business mogul or an ageing playboy.

Cheap Denim

Is there anything more foundational in a student’s wardrobe? Keep it dark and keep it slim. Dark denim is easiest to dress up (as ‘up’ as denim gets, anyway) or down. And note: we said ‘slim’ not ‘skinny.’ Avoid jeans that look like they were meant for Barbie (not even Ken – Barbie).

Jackets

You’ll need some kind of outerwear to get you through the cooler months. Because you’re going for utility, you’ll want to stick with the classics. You can’t go wrong with traditional looks like a leather jacket, trench coat, peacoat or wool overcoat in a neutral shade.

Blazers

The navy blazer appears on every single wardrobe basics list, ever. Invest in other basic colours if you have the cash and enough occasions to wear them. Steer clear of trends – you want a style that could get lost for the remainder of your university years and still look good when you graduate.

Shoes

If you’re going to splurge at all, this would be the place. Quality footwear goes a long way, but you don’t have to spend hundreds if you don’t have them. You’ll need a few different pairs to get by, including a dress shoe (black Oxfords are the safest), sneakers for the gym, and nicer kicks for non-workout casual occasions.

Shirts / T-Shirts

There’s no such thing as too many t-shirts. Wear them on their own or under a blazer for a more upscale look. Because you can get tees for dirt-cheap prices, you’re free to experiment more with colours, prints and patterns. The acquisition of a few classic dress shirts – again in wearable, neutral colours – is also obligatory.

Where To Shop

Once upon a time, you either got stylish or affordable. The former would look great but cost a pretty penny. The latter were oversized, out-dated hand-me-downs from well-meaning friends and family (but hey – at least you could afford groceries that week!).

• Everlane: Fast, friendly and good for the environment.
• Frank & Oak: Just a fast men’s fashion without the big price tag.
• Topman: The men’s only counterpart of Topshop. Good for hip, indie-rock-influenced casual clothing and slim-fit, contemporary suits.
• ASOS: One of your best bets for basics. A go-to destination for the fundamentals like t-shirts and denim, plus of-the-moment trendy pieces for cheap. They have regular sales too.
• Uniqlo: For all your sportswear and outerwear needs. A great selection of casual button-downs, basic pullovers, blazers, etc., that won’t break the bank.

The key to smart shopping is finding what each retailer does well for your tastes and body type. Once you’ve got something that works, stick with it.

Read Next

• Cheap Denim Brands For Men
• Cheap Sneaker Brands You Need In Your Life

The post How To Dress Well When You’re A Broke-Ass Student appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (the FAA) is cracking down on bad behaviour. Unruly acts at 40,000ft will now be met with harsher fines.This comes after US airlines have banned more than 2,000 travellers for refusing to follow mask requirements. It also comes after The Political Pinch reached a boiling point last month, preceding President Joe Biden’s election, as Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.What’s that got to do with unruly airline passengers? Mask wearing has become politicised. As CNBC reported in January, when the hefty fine system was introduced, “Tensions are rising in air travel, prompting safety concerns as airlines continue to reel from the coronavirus pandemic’s impact.”

“In the wake of the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol and a spate of disruptions on board, airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration promised zero tolerance for bad behaviour. Airlines, airports and the Transportation Security Administration are adding staff and increasing security measures ahead of President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday.”

In terms of the rise in bad behaviour, CNBC referenced Delta Air Lines banning six travellers from a January 5th flight for yelling “traitor” at Utah Republican Senator Mitt Romney as well as an incident on January the 8th where Alaska Airlines allegedly banned 14 travellers for being mask averse, argumentative and harassing crew members.Another example of recent bad behaviour, CNBC reported, comes from a January the 5th American Airlines flight, upon which a traveller projected “Trump 2020” on a cabin wall, “while travellers got into a profanity-laced shouting match, prompting a flight attendant to turn on the lights and order people to their seats.”Though, as DMARGE has reported numerous times over the past two years, bad behaviour in the skies is by no means a new phenomenon, statistics show that – in the US at least – it has become more frequent. According to CNBC, “From January through the end of November, the latest available data, the FAA pursued 108 enforcement actions for such behaviour. That put it at a rate of 3.1 per 10 million enplaned passengers on U.S. airlines, double last year’s rate and the highest since 2004.”A December 2020 press release from the FAA suggests the writing had been on the wall since at least the end of last year.The result? The FAA in January announced it would drain travellers’ bank accounts to the tune of (a maximum of) $35,000 for unruly behaviour, instead of a usual warnings procedure.As one flight attendant anonymously told media, crew are tired of playing “babysitter for adults.”FAA Administrator Steve Dickson told CNBC during a television program last month, “This is about flight safety. Anytime we see a trend like this we need to take action.”Boston.com reports the stricter policy will be in place until March 30th.

Read Next

• The Day I Realised The Golden Age Of Business Class Was Over
• Business Class Passenger Kicked Off Flight After Sneaky Act

The post No More 'Playing Babysitter For Adults': USA Cracks Down On Rude Passengers appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Method acting is a brutal art. Not all actors are capable of attempting it and of those that do, not all are guaranteed Oscar-worthy performances.

However, when an actor truly immerses themselves into a character’s backstory, beliefs and motives, the on-screen results are far more realistic to moviegoers while they’re gorging on popcorn.

Notable method actors include Daniel Day-Lewis, Heath Ledger and Marlon Brando, but one man who consistently commits himself to the cause is Christian Bale. The British actor has starred in several blockbusters and, following a few movie roles in his younger years, burst onto the Hollywood scene with his portrayal of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. 

But, other than giving us possibly the best interpretation of Batman in The Dark Knight trilogy, Bale is a man who undergoes insane weight fluctuations in preparation for various roles. His commitment to drastic weight loss was first apparent in 2004’s The Machinist, which saw him drop from the 81kg physique he sported in American Psycho, to the 55kg required for his role as the psychologically-troubled Trevor Reznik.

 

 

 

 

 

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Former NRL player turned fitness coach and owner of Flow Athletic, Ben Lucas, tells DMARGE that these severe weight fluctuations “is not healthy, nor is it a healthy way to live mentally.”

Once filming was finished, Bale had Batman Begins to prepare for, and so needed to put on some 45kg of weight in just six months, most of which needed to be muscle.

“Bale has gone from fit and muscly, to dangerously underweight, to overweight. These drastic changes can harm your metabolism but also a lot of the major organs we need to survive”, Lucas relates.

“It is also bad for your mental health, especially when a healthy person drastically loses or gains weight, which is not good for himself, his family or the others around him.”

Bale then needed to drop another 25kg for his role in 2006’s Rescue Dawn, before putting it all back on once more for his reprisal as Batman in The Dark Knight. 

Following another drastic weight loss for The Fighter, Bale was then asked to become practically obese for his leading role in 2013’s American Hustle. His final appearance as Batman came just before this too, so once again he had to say bye-bye to his washboard abs.

One of his most recent roles, a portrayal of former US Vice President Dick Cheney saw him reach one of his highest weights to date at 102kg.

Safe to say, Bale is a man who puts his body through serious trauma, all in the name of entertainment. Impressive, yes, but not recommendable.

The iconic actor has previously admitted to The Sunday Times (via Cinema Blend), that he is hanging up his weight gain and weight loss methods.

“I can’t keep doing it. I really can’t. My mortality is staring me in the face.”

We, and Ben, wouldn’t recommend you attempt such drastic transformations, but if you want to bulk up, put on some lean muscle, or lose weight, how easily can this be achieved in a short space of time?

Ben says it “depends on your metabolism in terms of how easy/difficult it is and your willpower.”

“Some people can put on weight easily, others can’t and vice versa. It would take strong dedication to achieve these looks over a period of a year, especially if you have already messed with your metabolism with other transformations.”

If you know your body type and you’re willing to commit to achieving your goals, you need to factor in not only the time in the gym but also in the kitchen. And in Bale’s case, Ben says “nutrition would come into play a lot more.”

“Especially for losing the amount of weight he lost for The Machinist and gaining that weight for American Hustle and Vice.“

“Fitness and weight training would be more important for roles like Batman where he is ripped, however, nutrition would still have the majority importance at 80%/20%.”

Registered dietician Jo Travers has said the same. Speaking to inews.co.uk magazine, she was reported saying, “What Christian is doing for these roles is a form of yo-yo dieting, which is unhealthy.”

“The trouble is after you lose weight and then gain it back agian, there is a certain amount of muscle breakdown, so the body tends to gain the fat without gaining the muscle back.”

“When you eat a lot of carbs in one go, it spikes blood sugar level, and then the body responds by releasing loads of insulin to bring the blood sugar level back down. But instead of taking the sugar out of the blood and putting into the cells where it can be converted into a useable form of energy, it stores it in fat cells around the middle.”

“Once you have created a fat cell, you can’t really get rid of it, it can either just get emptied or filled – and more easily. By doing this yo-yo dieting, he will have made lots of fat cells that will remain in his body, making it much harder to maintain a healthy physique.”

Naturally, Bale will have the time to commit to six months of weight gain/loss, along with a team of experts to help him achieve his transformations. Unfortunately, the Average Joe doesn’t get such a luxury, so how can we expect to see results in a short amount of time?

Ben says it is important to “commit to eating a good diet: high protein, healthy veggies and fruits, healthy carbs like sweet potato.”

“Eat the right portions for your body type and your goal and use a calorie tracking app to closely monitor your calorie intake.”

“Weight train 4 days a week, and do some cardio if you are trying to lose weight too, such as walking running, cycling, HIIT training.”

“Sleep! Sleep is so important for getting results, as is getting rid of alcohol and sugary drinks, as consuming these won’t help you achieve your goals in 2-3 months.”

“Get up every hour or two at work and walk around or stretch for a few minutes.”

Read Next

• Australian Fitness ‘Commando’ Shares Brutal Workout Only To Be Attempted By The Brave
• Man’s Incredible Transformation Proves What 12 Months Of Hard Work Can Achieve

The post Christian Bale’s Body Transformation Must Be Seen To Be Believed appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Fashion independence is something we take for granted. After World War II, our forefathers redefined expectations of what it meant to dress as a modern man, leading to many iconic men’s wear movements (and some not-so brilliant ones).

Making the most of our style liberties, it’s time to push the fashion boundaries once more, breaking ideas that box-in men’s wear still – for some. Here are seven small yet powerful style updates to play around with this season. The best part? You’re not required to buy a thing.

Roll With The Cuff Gang

Proving more than a fleeting trend, rolling the cuff of a trouser or jean should be common style practice for men nowadays. The DIY crop creates an instant tapering at the ankle without forgoing the roomier fit up top – a silhouette that men’s casual bottoms (especially chinos) are taking on this season in rebellion against the skinny jean.

Just be sure not to roll more than two-three inches and keep the roll relatively thin in the beginning as you fold the cuff upward. Play around with neatness too; the cuff roll shouldn’t look too ‘planned’. Style should appear easy and effortless – even if this means spending some time in the beginning, perfecting that this-just-happened roll.

Need more help? See our guide to mastering the casual sleeve and cuff roll.

Lose Your Socks

In keeping with the ankle theme, going sockless (or appearing that way) is a fresh look for the warmer months. Boots aside, the no socks look works with most footwear – loafers, sneakers, brogues and even the dressier monk shoes.

Obviously, it’s a casual approach to styling but works brilliantly with soft tailoring. Keep it dapper with a relaxed blazer, cotton shirt, chinos and leather lace-ups – sans socks.

Or opt for sockettes/socklets to keep the feet feeling fresh when things really heat up; ensuring none of the mini-sock is showing for an on point Pitti Uomo reference.

Button Up Your Shirt

Going against the airiness of the first two style updates, a collared shirt turns dapper when buttoned-up to neck. Dubbed the ‘air tie’ by some, buttoning a casual shirt all the way up to the collar – and not wearing a tie at all – is a fresher approach to shirting, as most men continue with the same-old open-neck look, sans tie.

A fully buttoned-up white dress shirt creates a super-clean, minimalist aesthetic, and looks especially crisp under a well-tailored suit jacket. Or, if you’re more the short sleeve kind, a buttoned up shirt creates a more formal aesthetic – taking the top into smart casual territory for summer with khaki chinos and a leather belt.

Learn Your Perfect Tuck

Playing around with the shirt tuck is an easy way to change a regular look. Tucking a plain t-shirt into relaxed fit chinos or pleated trousers is more common for men this season and the Marlon Brando-esque aesthetic is a great way to take an everyday look and make it more classic.

Polo shirts tucked into tailored shorts create a preppy accent too. Or if want instant summer, take a lightweight cotton button down instead and pair it – open necked – with a leather belted slim fit denim in mid blue. Loafers or boat shoes complete the look.

Need more help? See our guide to tucking like a man.

Master Your Sneaker Swap

There isn’t a single piece of footwear that’s hotter than the sneaker right now. Going beyond the gym, team up the trainer with more refined pieces – a relaxed cotton suit – keeping the silhouette of the sneaker lean and low, opting for white or black for a cool minimalism with a basic t-shirt under the jacket.

Another brutish switch? Wearing boots with shorts. This play-up is riskier and fashions the leaner gent. Make sure the boots aren’t too punk – sticking to leather Derby, desert or hiker style types, in black or earthy suede. Team them with chino shorts or a jersey cotton variety under a simple tee – letting the newly arranged footwear be the style statement here.

Take Your Denim Upscale

If your denim game is not yet on-point, start looking to tailored and trim types, like the jeans were made for you. That sorted, the blazer-jean combination is top priority. Dropping your chinos or woollen trousers for a slim-fit, mid-blue pair is an immediate style update – ideal for casual Fridays and the weekend.

Just ensure the denim is clean – think raw and dark or vintage blue, and not overly distressed. And keep the blazer soft-shouldered and comfortable; riding easily over the denim which in itself is an casual item.

Traditional Add-Ons

While jacket proportions and suit cuts have changed over the years, those half a century ago accessories will get you far today. We’re talking the little things modernity has tried to stifle: lapel pins, tie clips and neckerchiefs. And they’re not expensive if you look in the right places.

From the boutonniere to pin, adding a decoration to the lapel of a sports jacket, blazer or suit coat adds personalised interest to a typical navy or grey jacket. In summer time, a neckerchief is an old-world way of freshening up a tie-less open necked shirt too – giving off a European vibe.

Jazzing up the shirt cuff is easy too, dusting off those mother of pearl cufflinks you bought for a ‘special occasion’ and wearing them with your three-piece work suit. No one ever got told off for looking too dapper, now did they?

Your Final Trick

The above style updates should be played around with, adjusting the finer details with other pieces of clothing that you own.

If the new look conflicts with your personal or professional style, try reworking certain elements to fit in with your taste and immediate environment. Otherwise, ditch it and stick to traditions.

The post How To Expand Your Wardrobe Without Spending Any Money appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There are three main rites of passage for the modern young Australian: your first Flat White, your first round of ‘Goon of Fortune‘, and your first heated conversation about the property market: every Australia’s favourite past-time.

That said, many young Australians have resigned themselves to a life without property ownership – citing years of record low wage growth combined with a climbing cost of living; a sluggish economy that’s got even worse thanks to The Spicy Cough and government inaction; plus an increasingly challenging and insecure job market.

But it seems some young Australians are bucking the trend (as well as the doom and gloom). Dr Cameron Murray, an economist at the University of Sydney, shared an interesting graph on Twitter that shows how “first home buying is booming in all Australian states”, with the last 12-24 months showing a sharp rise in new loan commitments to owner/occupier first home buyers.

Naturally, the Tweet got Reddit’s /r/AusFinance hot under the collar, with the community sharing a wide variety of insights regarding this apparent first home buying boom.

First home buying is booming in all Australian states. pic.twitter.com/EPFwyavYXt

— Cameron Murray (@DrCameronMurray) February 1, 2021

While many Redditors were wondering if the growth is thanks to young people pulling money out of their super during COVID-19, one of the top comments suggests that it’s “more like people in their 20’s and 30’s whose income was unchanged [who] dramatically increased their savings due to restrictions (no fancy dinners or brunches out, hairdressers/spas closed, no overseas trips etc).” Another commenter reaffirmed this take:

“I am just one situation, but this ‘forced slow-down’ of life has meant I’m in a better financial position than I’ve ever been, including the most savings I’ve ever had (while taking a significant pay cut at work). Instead of pre-COVID where every second meal you’re eating out and regularly going to the pub, it’s just all gone straight into savings… if I can maintain the current rate of savings I will have a 10-15% deposit saved (post-stamp-duty/expenses) on [a] $600k apartment somewhere in Melbourne.”

“Many professional ~25-35-year-olds’ incomes [haven’t] been affected by COVID,” another continues, “and a small per cent are actually taking advantage of WFH arrangements and moving further out of cities which actually opens up the possibility to buy a place.”

Another pointed out that “most banks won’t lend to you if you took your super out” and that it’s “just low rates and loose credit.”

The dream hasn’t come true for all young Aussies, however, with many commenters relating that for many young Aussies the goal of first home ownership seems further away than ever.

“We have preapproval and are ready to go but there’s no stock, the prices have jumped up above our budget … would have been fine three months ago but now I feel hopeless and wasting my time,” a couple shared.

“I was in the market, after doing some research it looks like I can buy a beautiful Canadian alpine lodge in a good location for around the same price as a dingy 2 bedroom unit in western Sydney. [The] Aussie market is a waste of time in my eyes. I know where I’ll be retiring,” another cheekily (but rather darkly) quipped.

It’s also telling that the last time there was a big boom in first home buyers according to Dr Murray’s data was in 2008-09, during the midst of the Global Financial Crisis. The growth in first home buying might be good news for young professionals, but it might hint at how the economy more broadly is struggling.

Read Next

• Expert’s Warning For Australians Looking To Capitalise On Silver Investment ‘Hype’
• Australia’s Latest Real Estate Trend A Symptom Of A Nation Gone Mad With Property

The post ‘This Is Nuts’: Australia Experiencing First Home Buying Boom appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

2008 and 2020 aren’t the only times Australia’s economy has teetered. It was in the drink in the 1930s too. After the Wall Street stock market crash in New York in 1929, the world was plunged into The Great Depression.Black Tuesday hit Australia hard, with the collapse of international commodity prices, including wheat and wool, meaning the debts run up by federal, state and territory governments were almost impossible to pay off at the previously agreed rate.According to myplace.edu, “Some politicians argued that the loan repayments shouldn’t be made as the money would be better used creating local jobs. Other politicians said that the most important thing was Australia’s financial standing and the debts had to be repaid or else the nation would be declared insolvent.”Others, it appeared, thought, screw this: I’m going to the beach. Enter: the following photo. Posted recently to Instagram by the Sydney Morning Herald (on its @smharchives Instagram page) the image, taken by an unidentified photographer for The Sun, depicts Bondi Baths in January 1935. The image features Dick Mooney, a competitive diver and swimmer from Sydney, training with his coach, Keith Martin.

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Bondi Icebergs has only been properly renovated twice or thrice since 1930. In 1931 it was given two centrifugal pumps, and a two-storey concrete clubhouse with a caretakers apartment.The baths were remodelled in 1932, according to allintoooceanpoolsinc.org, and in 1978 the pool was “repoured” using the existing structure as a framework.In 1999, “The Bondi Icebergs Club had about 500 swimming members who unanimously supported the Singleton scheme to redevelop the baths,” allintoooceanpoolsinc.org writes, and the proposal led the Department of Conservation and Land Management to “prepare a plan of management for the Bondi Baths Reserve, which included the pools and the Icebergs.”RELATED: The Australian Winter Ritual Americans Will Never UnderstandIn the year 2000 the pool was closed for the redevelopment of the site. This year the Bondi Icebergs Club had 700 members, “making it the world’s largest winter swimming club,” (allintoooceanpoolsinc.org).

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The new Bondi Icebergs pool complex opened in March 2002, featuring a large complex, a restaurant, the national headquarters of Surf Life Saving Australia and a clubhouse with the stunning views. The complex presided over a 50 metre, 8-lane main pool and a shallower 20-metre pool for kids.RELATED: ‘Most Bondi Photo Ever’ Sums Up Australian Cafe Culture In 2021Historical interest piqued? For those with a panache for the past, here are a few more facts, courtesy of allintoooceanpoolsinc.org.

• The southern end of Bondi Beach has for hundreds (perhaps thousands) of years had a natural rock pool, which increased in popularity in the early 1800s.
• In 1883 a man-made pool became a glint in the Council’s eye, as ratepayers petitioned for baths on the rock pool site.
• In 1886, at the Council’s request, the NSW government gave permission for Mr A. Williams, an engineer with the Harbour and Rivers Branch of the Department of Public Works, to design and supervise the construction of public baths at both the Bronte and Bondi Baths.

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Also interesting to note is that:

• The NSW Department of Lands gave permission for the baths in 1887.
• In 1888 the baths were completed for the coming summer swimming season.
• In 1889 Waverley Council paid for dressing-sheds at the baths and called tenders for the lease of the baths.
• By-law, in the late 1800s, number 145 of the borough of Waverley declared ‘Any person who, except in a public bath and proper bathing dress, shall bathe near to or within view of any inhabited house, reserve or place of public resort between the hours of 8 o’clock in the morning and 8 o’clock in the evening shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding five pounds nor less than five shillings’.
• In 1902 there were complaints about half-naked bathers in the surf.
• In 1929, The Bondi Icebergs Club, Australia’s best-known winter swimming club was founded as a means for local surf lifesavers to keep fit during the winter months.
• Bondi Icebergs Club held races every Sunday morning at Bondi Baths and were regarded as cranks, for swimming during the winter months. Then as now, the Bondi Icebergs Club membership rules required swimmers to compete in the open-air ocean pool on three winter Sundays out of four, for a period of five years.

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As for the hospitality aspect, according to the Bondi Icebergs Club, “The Bondi Icebergs become licensed in 1960 and the members moved from a tin shed into comfortable premises with bar & poker machines. A further update took place in the 1970’s enabling the Club to operate on two floors.”

“The Bondi Icebergs is the only licensed Winter Swimming Club in the world.”

We’ll drink to that.

Read Next

• ‘Bondi Icebergs’ Instagram Hashtag Reveals Little Known Australian Obsession
• Controversial Bondi Beach Photo Depicts Scene That Could Never Happen In America

The post 85 Year Old Photo Shows What Bondi Icebergs Looked Like In The 1930s appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Originally created for British soldiers during the First World War, the trench coat became popular among civilians when troops continued to wear the coats for everyday wear back home. So, how to wear a trench coat, nearly 100 years on? Let’s look back, in moving forward.

Fashion’s Burberry and Acquascutum both claim to have invented the trench, which soared to celebrity heights via Humphrey Bogart in ‘Casablanca’. Then, stylish gents David Hockney and Jean-Paul Belmondo as the 20th century ticked on. But, whoever the creator or pop-culture pioneer, what’s absolutely certain is the jacket’s timelessness.

The trench is a wardrobe staple really due to the fact it hasn’t swayed all that much from its original design – functional, but with fashionable, masculine taste in mind.

Breaking Down The Trench Coat

A step up from the cotton blazer and less weighty than a wool overcoat, the fit and fabric of the trench coat makes the outerwear piece an essential for any season, adaptable to any type of weather.

Fabric & Construction

The true trench will bear the hallmarks of its military origins: wide lapels, double-breasted design and an adjustable belt around the waist held by ‘D’ rings (no longer used to attach map cases and other army equipment).

Most come made from cotton gabardine, a tightly woven and breathable fabric that protects against the elements. Storm shields, a throat latch and hook-and-eye collar provide protection from the weather with traditional trench coats, serving their purpose in style and function.

Trench Colour

When it comes to hue, you can’t go wrong with camel, beige or taupe, the original and the best. Again, this is fashion, and trends are what keeps style interesting. This season there are a bevy of bold colourways – blue, green and burgundy, and cautious prints – check, camouflage and even slogan prints on the back. Keep in mind dress codes before you invest in a crazy looking trench, versatility is key with this old-timer.

Trench Style

While from the classic double-breasted style is a winner, there are single-breasted trenches on the market, which serve their purpose as protectors and style leaders. They are even more subtle than their DB comrade, less regal with military motifs, more streamline and clean, reflections of minimalism.

Trench Coats For Your Body Type

Tall gents should be looking for longer styles that finish a couple of inches above the knee, breaking up their towering stature. Shorter men, opt for slightly cropped styles, which still cover the suit making you look taller, and not like a kid in dad’s clothes.

Tied up and sung, the trench also flatters a boxy body shape (perfect for the larger gent). Worn open, the sharp, square shoulder – crowned with epaulettes – broadens the torso, giving the illusion of width (perfect for the skinny guy). Read on for some trench coat styling tips.

How To Wear The Trench Coat

Work Approved Trench Coats 

Tailoring, whether a full suit or separates, is the perfect trench partnership. A grey suit for the office can be softened by a camel or beige trench. If it’s spring or autumn, wear it open, the collar slightly popped as a DIY-windbreak for the neck. Stick to black lace-ups to anchor the look or switch in a pair of brogues in brown (yes, even in ‘town’) to work with the earthen trench. Tortoiseshell shades and a neutral-stripe tie make for an accessories win.

In warmer weather, give away the blazer all-together and rock a trench instead of the suit jacket. It’s more streamline and neat, and perfect for the not-so-corporate office. Keep the shirt-and-tie combo tasteful, muted-colours and subtle patterns for the latter.

Coloured Trench Coats

While tan, black and navy are more common outerwear shades, the coloured trench has become de rigeur this season. A far more casual look, raincoat yellows, forest green and washed-burgundy are key blocks of colour, layered mostly over all-black ensembles for a stark contrast against the greyish urban landscape.

The sophisticated jacket – in a sparky shade – looks great over cropped trousers, a shirt and sweater or unstructured blazer. Look for an oversized shape too, to inject a streetwear edge to the tailoring.

Belting Up Your Trench Coat

Take some time to focus on the waistline. The trench’s built in belt cinches the torso for a tapered fit, which adds a chic finish to a suit or roll neck. Just like the Italians, a bit of nonchalant styling looks best. Don’t be too pedantic about tying the belt just right. Instead, half tied at the front, or a double-tie to the side.

In summer, leave an inch or two gap between the jacket meet – and tie the belt to side for a purposeful styling that looks effortless. Final tip? Pop the collar for a built-in scarf function and some added neck flare.

Sporty Trench Coats & Sneakers

If you haven’t already guessed it, your trousers and more importantly, shoes, will determine the style code for your trench. Enter sneakers and active pants. This duo will put a jog in your trench-step, ranging from the retro runner to the minimal low-cut trainer in white (perforated for a textural twist).

Coloured kicks are perfect base notes for active-pants, joggers in jersey with a cuffed hem being the most obvious trouser. But for those who don’t feel dressed unless they’re wearing trousers, moisture-wicking wool pants and elastane chinos are stylish and functional options.

The post How To Wear A Trench Coat If You’re A Guy appeared first on DMARGE Australia.