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It’s known as the ‘cool girl’ brand, and if there’s one thing ALIGNE knows how to do (and do really well), it’s denim.

It’s not just part of the collection – it’s the beating heart of the brand. After a string of sell-out styles that had fashion fans scrambling to get their hands on a pair, the team has spent the last 10 months behind the scenes, fine-tuning every stitch, seam and silhouette – so they are perfect for everybody (literally).

The result? A core denim range that’s as flattering as it is fashion-forward, if we do say so ourselves.

With five key shapes, each one designed to suit different moods, vibes, and body types – because let’s be honest, no two denim days are the same.

There’s the Loose Wide, for that effortlessly cool, borrowed-from-the-boys look. The Straight, a timeless classic that goes with literally everything. The Straight Flare, which gives a subtle nod to the ‘70s without going full disco.

Then there’s the Slim Flare – a personal fave of ALIGNE’s CEO, and for good reason. It hugs in all the right places and kicks out just enough to make a statement. And finally, the Skinny – because some silhouettes never go out of style.

Shop ALIGNE’s Top Denim Styles Here:

Low Rise Loose Wide-Leg Jeans

These relaxed, wide-leg jeans are crafted from 100% organic cotton denim and designed to sit low on the hips for an effortlessly cool look. Featuring a dramatic puddle-length hem, subtle whiskering, and a classic five-pocket design, they offer a true-to-size fit with a zip fly and button fastening.

Buy Now for £99

High Rise Straight Leg Jeans

These high-rise, straight-leg jeans from ALIGNE's denim capsule are designed to gently skim the hips and thighs, offering a clean, structured silhouette. Made from 100% organic, rigid cotton denim with no stretch, they feature a classic five-pocket design, zip fly, and button fastening, and fit true to size.

Buy Now for £99

Mid Rise Straight Flare Jeans

These classic straight-cut jeans feature a subtle flare and a relaxed fit through the thigh and knee for a flattering, easygoing silhouette. Made with just the right amount of stretch for all-day comfort, they come in a mid to high rise, with a five-pocket design, zip fly, and button fastening, and fit true to size.

Buy Now FOR £99

Mid Rise Slim Flare Jeans

These slim flare jeans are designed to elongate the legs, offering a flattering silhouette with a comfortable mid-rise fit. Made from 99% organic cotton and 1% elastane, they provide just the right amount of stretch for ease of movement, and feature a classic five-pocket design with a zip fly and button fastening. They fit true to size for a sleek yet comfortable everyday style.

Buy Now for £99

Mid Rise Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans are making a comeback, and this iconic Y2K-inspired pair is a standout. Crafted from 99% organic cotton and 1% elastane, they hug the body from hip to ankle with added stretch for all-day comfort and flexibility. Featuring a mid-rise fit, classic five-pocket styling, and a zip fly with button fastening, they fit true to size.

Buy Now for £99

Each pair has been crafted with the kind of attention to detail that makes you feel like they were made just for you. Think premium fabrics, perfected fits, and that elusive combo of comfort and structure that’s surprisingly hard to find in a pair of jeans.

Whether you’re dressing them up with a blazer and boots or keeping it casual with a tee and trainers, ALIGNE’s denim is designed to move with you – from weekday errands to weekend brunches and everything in between.

And ALIGNE isn’t just slaying denim when it comes to jeans, but dresses, shorts, tops and skirts too! All of which are easy to dress up and down – trust us. Our shopping expert has been filling her virtual basket with everything and anything ALIGNE – and very much has her eye on the Ariella Buttoned Denim Top for £79.

So, if your denim drawer is in need of a refresh, this is your sign. Trust us – your wardrobe (and your bum) will thank you.

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The fashion on Netflix show Sirens has me obsessed. From Devon’s stylish makeover to Simone’s colorful closet and Michaela’s all-white looks.

‘I think I’ve been stabbed.’

I didn’t think I’d utter those words, but in 2020, walking back to my nan’s house after her funeral, I was headed towards an underpass when three strangers appeared out of nowhere and attacked me.

There was a blow to the back of my head, then another to my back causing me to stumble forwards. 

Luckily, I had enough of my wits about me to grab one of my attackers by the arm and shout: ‘What are you doing?’ but as quick as the assault started it was over. The three men ran away.

I started walking away again, dazed, dizzy and confused at what had just happened, assuming I’d been punched. And then I noticed my shirt.

What had been pristine white just moments before, was now soaked with blood. 

From about the age of seven, my nan was my world.

Mum had left when I was a baby and dad was in and out of prison, so it wasn’t long before she stepped in to give my brother and I stability.

Nan tended to our every need: buying our school uniforms, cooking our meals and washing our clothes. She was a strong, resilient woman and the beating heart of our family.

So when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in her eighties, it was hard to watch her slowly decline.

By that point I had a wife and two kids of my own and long moved out of my hometown, but I still made sure to check in often.

Sadly, in early 2020 I learned that she had cancer and wasn’t having treatment. She said she was ready to go.

Of course that didn’t make it any easier for us as a family when, in late February, she did indeed pass away – and it crushed me that I never quite made it to her bedside to say goodbye in time. 

But I never could have imagined what would happen on the day of her funeral.

On March 27, 2020, five weeks after she passed and quite early into the first lockdown, 16 of us socially distanced in a church to say goodbye. 

After, as we couldn’t have a traditional wake, a few of us (in our bubble) decided to go to Nan’s and raise a glass in her garden. I got dropped off at the shops, which were walking distance away, to pick up beer.

A simple, routine, task.

Instead, as I walked home, those three men turned what was already a bad day into the worst of my life.

After they’d scattered, a woman pulled up beside me in her car to ask if I was okay. That’s the last thing I really remember. 

At one poin,t I was surrounded by paramedics and police. I could hear screaming, and I vaguely remember telling someone to tell my kids I love them. 

In hospital, I can recall a doctor saying I had internal bleeding and that I was being rushed to surgery. As they wheeled me to an operating room, I caught a glimpse of my wife standing outside of A&E. I can only imagine how scared she must have been.

My first memory after waking up is seeing the scar down my stomach. I burst into tears.

Back then, I was pretty naive about knife crime. I thought it happened to certain people and only in certain parts of the country. It didn’t feel real or even possible that this could happen to me.

But as I now know, knife crime can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

After calming me down, the doctors and police explained I’d been stabbed eight times: four times in the back (one of which had ruptured my spleen), twice in the head, once under my chest, and once under my arm.

I don’t think I properly processed any of this. Even after I went home, the numbness remained, but so did terror.

It didn’t matter that I was now miles away from where the attack had happened – I was terrified to leave the house, even someone knocking on the door unexpectedly was enough to make me panic.

Unsurprisingly, my mental health declined as a result, and at my lowest, I didn’t see the point in carrying on. I’ve only managed to learn how to navigate these feelings because of my wife and kids.

Even though it’s been five years since the attack, and at my wife’s urging, I underwent therapy, I still struggle with big crowds and aggressive behaviour because I’m always afraid it could happen again.

And sadly, that is a very real risk as, in the year ending March 2024, there were around 50,500 offences involving a sharp instrument in England and Wales. That’s an increase of 4.4% from the previous year. 

Even more worryingly, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 83% of homicide victims aged between 13 and 19 were killed with a sharp instrument in that same time period. 

What more is it going to take for the Government to take this seriously? 

Yes, the men who attacked me were all arrested, charged, and sentenced. However, they only received around seven or eight years’ jail time – it isn’t enough considering the scars and trauma I have been left with for a lifetime.

I just want to live a normal life. I don’t want to have to worry about my kids being stabbed or for them to have to worry about me being hurt again.

We must put an end to knife crime. Because if it can happen to me, it really can happen to anyone.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s oldest daughter experimented with her summer break style in family photos

Brit brand Aligne has just launched their dreamy new denim collection – here’s what we’re adding to our baskets…

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Holiday season is here, and LOOKFANTASTIC are treating us to yet another bountiful beauty box to help us get us geared up for the sunny season.

The Summer Heroes Edit, a new curated beauty box from LOOKFANTASTIC, features all the skin and haircare goodies your next getaway needs, boasting the perfect mix of product sizes to enjoy.

Worth over £150 but yours for just £45, this limited-edition edit is the perfect way to stock up on cult-favourite products for your next sun-soaked getaway, with four full-size and two deluxe-size heroes across skincare, sun care and haircare.

LOOKFANTASTIC The Summer Heroes Edit

Worth over £150 but yours for just £45, this limited-edition edit is the perfect way to stock up on cult-favourite products for your next sun-soaked getaway, with four full-size and two deluxe-size heroes across skincare, suncare and haircare.

shop £45 (Worth Over £150)

From Color Wow to Caudalie, this curated edit is chocka with labels you know and love – truly one that’s not to be missed.

A standout product for us is the ESPA Optimal Skin Pro Serum 30ml – a full-sized product that’s ideal for bringing hydration and glow to dry, lacklustre skin.

Priced at £55 alone (£10 more than the entire box), this ESPA must-have makes the Summer Heroes Edit more than a total steal.

The box also contains a full-size Color Wow Pop & Lock High Gloss Finish, a top-rated product that you’ll want in your holiday haircare kit.

This high-gloss hair serum adds mirror-like shine to your style while providing conditioning benefits and radiance-reviving properties.

Looking for the perfect hand-luggage hydration hero for beach days and beyond? The affordable edit features a deluxe-size of the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, perfect for slipping in your bag and delivering lift and hydration when you need it.

Despite being a new release, shoppers are already obsessed with the LOOKFANTASTIC summer edit, calling it ‘such a bargain’ and the ‘perfect selection’.

‘I love the ESPA and Caudalie in this box,’ raved one five-star reviewer. ‘Both smell divine. The ESPA I used overnight and awoke to beautifully soft skin which still feels great hours later. Box is totally worth it for these 2 products and the colour wow!’

Another added: ‘LookFantastic, you’ve smashed it again! Where else will you get these well-known brands & high-quality items for such a bargain price?! Over the moon with it all!’

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Here at Metro HQ, we love a sale – and Dunelm have just kicked off one that’s unmissable. For a limited time only, Dunelm’s big homeware sale is here, and it’s a total interiors dream.

We’re talking up to 50% off thousands of must-have pieces, from dreamy bedding and statement lighting to chic furniture, cosy rugs, and those finishing touches that make a house a home.

Whether you’re zhuzhing up a single room or giving your whole space a glow-up, there’s something to suit every style (and budget).

Better yet? You can shop online, swing by your local store, or click and collect – just don’t hang about, these deals won’t stick around forever.

As per, we’ve enlisted the help of our shopping expert to have a look at Dunelm’s sale, and find some bits and bobs that will give your home a new lease of life. Of course you can also shop the full sale here.

Top Dunelm Deals to Buy Now

Harby 2-3 Seater Dining Table

Channelling retro charm with a modern twist, this table is a total scene-stealer. Its beautifully curved top is paired with elegant, tapered legs for a look that’s both timeless and on-trend. Crafted from oak veneers and rubberwood, the natural finish brings a warm, organic feel that’ll instantly elevate your space.

Buy Now for £159.20 (was £199)

Amalfi Reactive Glaze 12 Piece Dinner Set

Looking to elevate your everyday dining? This 12-piece Amalfi dinner set is a total table-topper. Crafted from high-quality stoneware, it features a modern colourway that’ll slot seamlessly into just about any home décor. Each piece is finished with a reactive glaze and organic edges, meaning no two are quite the same – hello, effortless charm. It’s dishwasher and microwave safe too, so it’s as practical as it is pretty. Available in a range of colours to suit every style.

Buy Now for £48 (was £60)

Herringbone Jute Border Doormat

Add a touch of timeless style to your space with the Herringbone Border Doormat, crafted from durable jute with a soft cotton border and slip-resistant backing – perfect for busy areas. Each natural fibre rug is unique, and with a little care (think regular vacuuming, no water, and gentle blotting for spills), it’ll stay looking fresh for years to come.

Buy Now from £7.20 (was from £9)

Linen Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set

Looking to turn your bedroom into a blissed-out sanctuary? This linen duvet set might just be your dream ticket. Crafted from premium linen, it brings that effortlessly luxe, lived-in look while keeping things breathable all year round- cosy in winter, cool in summer. The texture? Soft, supple, and oh-so-inviting, like a gentle hug at the end of a long day. It’s durable too, so it’ll stay looking lovely wash after wash, and its timeless design means it’ll slot into any bedroom setup with ease.

Buy Now from £72 (was from £90)

Chenille Spot Rectangular Cushion

Soft, stylish, and seriously snuggle-worthy – this chenille cushion is a quiet little showstopper. Made from beautifully smooth chenille with a subtle spot texture, it adds just the right amount of interest without stealing the spotlight. Its plain design makes it a dream to layer with other colours and fabrics, whether you're going bold or keeping things calm. Generously filled for that perfect plumpness, it also comes with a removable, machine-washable cover – because comfort and convenience should always go hand in hand.

Buy Now for £8

Olney Extendable Coffee Table

Small space, big style – the Olney coffee table is here to do the most. With its clever extending top, you’ll have extra surface space when you need it, and a sleek, compact look when you don’t. There’s an open shelf and handy drawer for all your living room bits and bobs, and the stone finish with a wood-effect top means it’ll slot effortlessly into both modern and traditional interiors.

Buy Now for £159.20 (was £199)

Beatrice Folkstone Stripe Snuggle Chair

In the market for a snuggle chair that brings both comfort and character? This one ticks all the boxes. With its roomy single-seat design, square arms, and fixed back, it’s the perfect perch for curling up with a cuppa or your latest binge-watch. The cotton-blend fabric feels as good as it looks, while the bold stripe pattern adds just the right pop of personality. And thanks to its foam and fibre-filled cushions, it’s as comfy as it is eye-catching.

Buy Now for £319.20 (was £399)

Artificial Olive Tree in Black Plastic Plant Pot

Bring a little Mediterranean magic to your doorstep with this beautifully lifelike olive tree. With soft green leaves and a realistic trunk, it’s the perfect way to frame a porch or covered entrance—no watering can required. A fab option for allergy sufferers or pet owners, this faux beauty delivers all the charm of the real thing without the upkeep. Pop it in a planter of your choice to create a look that’s uniquely yours.

Buy Now from £44

Soft Fleece Recycled Throw, 130x170cm

Cold night? Lazy weekend? This fleece throw has you covered – literally. Made from ultra-soft, premium-quality fleece, it’s the kind of snuggly essential you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re curled up on the sofa, deep into a Netflix binge, or lost in your latest read, this throw wraps you in velvety-soft comfort. Available in a range of dreamy shades – from calming neutrals to rich jewel tones – it’s as stylish as it is snug. And when it needs a refresh? Just pop it in the machine on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low. Easy.

Buy Now for £5.60 (was £7)

Reversible Striped Cotton Towel

Want to give your bathroom a little lift? This striped towel is just the ticket. With its bold, modern design and vibrant colour palette, it’s perfect for adding a splash of personality to your space. Made from 100% cotton for that soft, fluffy feel, it comes in three handy sizes and a range of gorgeous shades. Pair it with the matching Egyptian cotton range to create a look that’s totally you.

Buy Now from £4.80 (was from £6)

So what are you waiting for?

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