Festival Fashion

Don't let the mud, rain and the crowds cramp your festival style this year; we've brought together some of our favourite items, combining style and practicality, to see you effortlessly through the summers festivities and whatever they may throw at you.

Wellies are the number 1, and only sensible, choice for festival footwear. Durable, waterproof and comfortable they have in recent years enjoyed a fashion revival and you can now find beautiful designs, stylish detailing and high fashion to keep you elegant and on trend in even the deepest of mud! Check out the beautiful, original designs from much loved brand Joules, or for the fashion conscious we have some beautiful new shades available in the Hunter Gloss range. Alternatively, the Hunter Tour is a clever little welly that can be easily rolled down to fit into your rucksack.

Joules Wellyprint in Brown Floral and Hunter Original Gloss in Lipstick the Tour in Bitter Chocolate. 

The Wax Jacket first found favour in the field but over the last few years has enjoyed increasing popularity. A festival must, these hardy jackets will withstand mud and resist the worst downpour. Lighter summer options are available such as the Stanley Jacket from Barbour for men and the ladies Eland Jacket.

If you're packing very light, a waterproof Poncho is a great little accessory to fold away in your bag and will be easy to dry at the end of the day. Joules' Poncho is available in both pink and navy designs and is perfect for those pesky summer showers.

Shorts are great festival-wear and look fantastic paired with wellies. Joules have options for men - the Fenlow Cargo Shorts in Dark Chino and for women, the Elspeth Shorts in Navy or Red. Pair them with a casual vest or T-shirt, like the Mimi Vest for women in four bright colours, or the Just Joules Polo Shirt for men in Navy or Red. Barbour's Cross Flags Tee-Shirt is a casual but eyecatching option for men and the feminine Fox Tee features a striking design on a pastel blue base.

Joules Elspeth Shorts and Mimi Vest with the Just Joules Mens Polo and Fenlow Shorts.

Accessories can really help your outfit stand out in the crowd as well as serving practical purposes. Keep cool in the Austwick hat from Joules for women, or wrap up your hair in a pretty silk scarf - a look that seems set to be as popular this year as it was last summer.

Finally you'll need somewhere to keep your phone and money (and lip gloss for the ladies!) A beautiful range of Messenger and Tarras Bags are available from Barbour. In waxed leather and canvas they are guaranteed to be strong and durable and will see you through many summers (and winters) to come.

Discover the full ranges of the brands listed above:

Shop Barbour >  Shop Hunter >  Shop Joules >

INSPIRING GIFT IDEAS FOR FATHERS DAY.

With Father's Day on the horizon (June 15) we have been drawing together some of our favourite menswear items which we think would make perfect gifts for discerning dads of all ages. We've found ourselves a little bit spoiled for choice, it's been tricky to narrow down our great range of menswear and accessories, but here's a few things to get you started...

This year's biggest menswear trend story sees heritage, country styles making themselves at home in the modern city. Evoking imagery of a cricket tea, famous detective novels and upper class safari holidays, many of our ranges embrace classic tailoring, natural colours, fine craftsmanship and dandy detailing.

Fashion conscious Fathers will love our beautiful footwear from heritage rich, British bootmaker, Sowerby. Their stunningly crafted, stitch-welted leather Dealer Boots have retained the same high standards of craftsmanship and superb fit throughout their 87 year history. Equally at home in a country pub, at the office or in the city these boots are sure to be a much loved wardrobe essential for years to come.

Sowerby's Cheltenham Boot

Always a favourite, top brand Barbour is a go-to for stylish menswear. Kit Dad out in their smart-casual FourfoldLongsleeve Rugby Shirt, a stylish, versatile jersey shirt that will see him comfortably through long summer days and winter chill. Alternatively, Barbour's Gingham Laundered Shirt is an on-trend distressed look option for Dad's who like to make a statement!

Barbour's Gingham Laundered Shirt in Nevada Green 

Much loved countrywear brand Joules continue the heritage theme. Amongst their bright collection of inspired and original clothing you will find beautiful knitwear in crèmes and soft pastels. One of our favourites is the Harrington Jumper; with its undeniable cricketing style it is right on this year's key trend. Sporty Dad's will appreciate the Just Joules Men's Polo, available in Navy, or Pink if you think Dad's bold enough!

We also stock a fun and quirky range of Joules accessories which are ideal for smaller gifts. Their cheeky but charming Crown Joules range is a colourful collection of boxer shorts featuring bold, country inspired prints. Alternatively, the 'OldTrout' Leather Gift Set includes a wallet and iPhone case with an aged effect trout embellishment.

Joules Harrington Jumper

For dads on-the-go our range of travel bags, garment bags and briefcases would make a stylish and practical gift. Our collection of leather Barbour bags boast high quality and durability with subtle and thoughtful detailing. Busy Dads will love their dark brown leather Briefcase with understated logo and buckle detail and the Garment Bag is perfect for overnight business trips.

Ideal for adding finishing touches, Tootal Scarves are a striking accessory with which to make a statement or add flair to a simple outfit. In bold designs and colours these celebrity favourites will ensure Dad's great sense of style never goes unnoticed!

Our shooting stockings and classic hats will find favour with more traditional Dad's. Let him unleash his patriotic side with Coxmoore's Union Jack Shooting Stockings in Cardinal Red. Alternatively, he can dress to impress in Olney's Newbury Felt Hat, in a rich Sable shade.

Coxmoore Union Shooting Sock

       

Further finishing touches can be added with our range of country Ties, Hankies and Cufflinks. Our printed silk ties will add country style to an outfit and our handkerchiefs are another perfect accessory for creating a heritage look – Barbour's paisleyHandkerchiefs would create a bold, dapper look peeking out of a breast pocket.

Our entire range can be viewed online at www.bestinthecountry.co.uk

Felfies - The Farming Selfies

When is a selfie not a selfie? When it's a felfie of course! For the uninitiated amongst you a 'felfie' is a farming selfie. Around the world the latest social media craze has seen farmers, animal lovers and country folk posting selfies of themselves hard at work on the farm or taking a break with their beloved animals.

And it's not just 'felfies'; farming Twitter accounts and YouTube channels are gaining followers in their thousands, hinting that more and more people around the world are taking an interest in agriculture and where our food comes from. A blog on the subject - www.farmingselfie.com - created by Essex farmer @willwilson100 collects them all, resulting in a collection of farming selfies from around the world

We love this trend and think it's a great way to show off the hard work and dedication of farmers and makes the farming world a little more accessible. Here's a selection of our favourites!....

The winner of the Irish Farmers Journal 'Selfie on the Farm' competition, P.J. Ryan from Co. Tipperary, with his pipe and cows...





A dairy farmer in Kansas snaps a quick 'felfie' with his very photogenic friend!



A cute and compliant companion make for a great felfie!





Put your best nose forward...





Why not tweet us your 'Felfie' to @BitC_Country using the hashtag #felfie and we will re-tweet and add your pics to our blog!