CURIOUSDRIVE – Page 60

1 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments

Confidence-boosting colours stylists swear by – and the clothes you should avoid

This fashion stylist breaks down the colours that will make you feel confident, in control, and calm – and those that will do the opposite as you put together your autumn 2025 wardrobe

Royal style

1 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments

Princess Kate's 'sensual' lace gown that she re-wore – and no one noticed

The Princess of Wales wore a teal Jenny Packham gown to the 2018 Tusk Conservation Awards, having first worn it to the premiere of Our Greatest Team Rises BOA Olympic Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012 – and no one noticed.

Royal style

1 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments

Lady Gabriella Windsor just wore the most Carrie Bradshaw-style dress – in sumptuous satin

Lady Gabriella Windsor looked incredible at the 25th annual BrazilFoundation gala in New York, wearing a corsage-style dress that looked very like one Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw wore.

Royal style

1 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments

If you can do these 7 things in your 40s, you’re in great shape

How can you tell if you’re physically fit for your age? Is it being able to run up the stairs without getting out of breath? Or is it being able to touch your toes without bending your knees? In this edition of ‘if you can do these 7 things, you’re in great shape,’ we’ll be looking at those in their 40s, and highlighting some of the main physical activities that can determine whether or not you might need to spend some extra time looking after yourself to ensure longevity (Picture: Getty Images)

**Metro** consulted Dr Claire Merrifield, medical director at Selph, to draw up a list of challenges. However, in case you find these difficult, she states that she picked ‘aspirational’ tests which are not meant to be easy. Meaning, whether you master them instantly or it takes a few months, they’re goals towards a healthy body. Bottom line? Don’t be disheartened if you’re not there yet. ‘Just think about how you can incorporate more movement into your days and your life so that you naturally train your ability to do these things,’ Dr Merrifield says. One step, squat, walk, ruck at a time… (Picture: Getty Images)

1. Do a full bridge for one minute

Hands up, who remembers doing these at school? It’s likely been a hot minute since you’ve attempted a bridge, and honestly, even though they look pretty easy, they’re a lot harder to manage in your 40s. For those not familiar with the bridge (some may remember it as the ‘crab’), it involves lying on your back, planting your feet firmly on the floor, your palms on the floor either side of your head, and raising your body up with your back arched (Picture: Getty Images)

1. Do a full bridge for one minute

‘This is something most of us did for fun when we were children, but we lose flexibility and strength as we get older. Most of us also start to become more hunched as we become less active and spend more time on screens,’ explains Dr Merrifield. With that, she recommends trying the difficult pose with support for the first few times, as you may find that your arms/shoulders aren’t strong enough initially to hold or lift your full body weight off the floor. ‘This is why it’s an aim,’ she reassures (Picture: Getty Images)

1. Do a full bridge for one minute

‘If you can hold a full bridge pose for even a couple of seconds, it shows really great upper and lower body strength and flexibility.’ The expert then advises working up to a minute. However, if you can’t get up at all, start by working on your upper body strength, doing half bridges to help with your leg strength and then working your way up. Ultimately, she says that if you can’t do a half bridge in your 40s and don’t have any physical limitations, it’s time to start moving more. ‘Speak to a personal trainer or physiotherapist to help you get started,’ the doctor recommends (Picture: Getty Images)

2. Run or jog for 20 minutes without stopping

‘You may be very out of breath by the time you’ve run for 20 minutes, especially if you don’t do any cardio regularly,’ notes Dr Merrifield. It may be that you can’t do it the first time you try, and it takes a few weeks to work up to this. But, the doctor explains that for someone without physical limitations, being able to run consistently for 20 minutes in your 40s demonstrates a fantastic exercise capacity (Picture: Getty Images)

3. Ruck

If you’ve never heard of rucking, it’s basically a fitness activity that involves walking or hiking with a weighted backpack. According to Dr Merrifield, a good goal is to aim for around a third of your body weight, so around 20kg if you’re 60kg for example. ‘This is a brilliant strength trainer and helps convert a walk into a workout,’ the expert notes, adding that it also gets you out into nature and puts your body under enough pressure to build muscle and stamina. For those in their 40s with small kids, the doctor says the exercise can be a great bonding parent-child session. Because rather than carrying around a backpack, pop your son or daughter in their carrier and carry them instead (Picture: Getty Images)

4. Balance on one leg, without holding onto anything, for 2 minutes

Dr Merrifield explains that this exercise puts a lot of strain on the small muscles of your feet and lower legs, and also challenges your balance and proprioception. For an extra challenge, she recommends trying it with your eyes closed. ‘A great tip is to stand on one leg while brushing your teeth, and alternate between legs,’ she says, adding that maintaining balance is absolutely essential for healthy ageing (Picture: Getty Images)

5. Carry two really heavy weights, one in each hand, for a minute

With this activity, Dr Merrifield says the heavier the better. Don’t have weights? No problem. The expert says you can test yourself with household items: load up two shopping bags fairly equally with heavy items and see how far you can walk. According to the doctor, this exercise trains your grip strength, which is an important predictor of mortality. ‘The ability to carry heavy weights for at least a minute shows good current strength that can be trained further,’ she states (Picture: Getty Images)

6. Hang for 1-2 minutes

Again, this was something we did with ease when we were children. But being able to hang from a bar for over a minute in your 40s demonstrates powerful shoulder stabiliser strength. Dr Merrifield says this is crucial for helping us balance, move and carry as we age (Picture: Getty Images)

7. Hold a plank for 3 minutes

From the bridge to the plank, this one is harder than it looks, too. To get into position, put either your hands or forearms on the ground, raise your body onto your toes and hold your body elevated with your back straight. ‘Plank poses are fabulous for core strength, and to be able to hold one for three minutes requires training,’ states Dr Merrifield. She explains that doing regular planks is a form of isometric contraction, which helps reduce blood pressure. ‘This has benefits for reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes,’ she adds. Our advice to you? Get planking, people (Picture: Getty Images)

Health

1 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments

'My boyfriend issued odd request for family holiday and people say he doesn't trust me'

A woman’s holiday plans have hit a bump after her boyfriend made a request that’s left her feeling uncomfortable, and people shared they think it shows he doesn’t trust her

sex-relationships

1 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments

Zara Tindall's sparkling princess dress has her looking like Disney's Cinderella

Zara Tindall looked incredible in a sparkling, pastel blue gown by Paolo Sebastian, an Australian brand, in this throwback fashion snap alongside husband Mike Tindall in 2022.

Royal style

1 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments

Cheaper Zara sister brand set to rival Primark with UK high street launch

Oxford Street storefront of Zara in London, United Kingdom — A Zara sister brand from Spain is headed to the UK high street (Picture: Getty Images)

From that polka dot dress to a new viral jacket for every season, Zara is a high street favourite.

But did you know the 50-year-old fashion favourite is part of a bigger family?

Parent company Inditex also owns popular brands like Bershka, Pull & Bear, and Massimo Dutti — as well as one you might never have heard of: Lefties.

Hailing from Spain, and with stores currently across Europe and the UAE, Lefties is set to rival the likes of Primark, with on-trend clothing at a budget price point.

Where will the first Lefties store open?

There are currently four UK locations being considered for Lefties’ UK debut, all of which could get a store next year.

Lefties is a store set to rival Primark in the UK market, with some bargains on its shelves (Picture: SOPA Images)

There’s the Lakeside shopping centre in Essex, which is home to a Zara, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear, and, of course, the rival market of Primark.

Bluewater shopping centre in Kent is another location, which already houses many Inditex brands, and a Primark, too.

In the capital, there are two possible homes for Lefties, the first beingtheinternational shopping hub Oxford Street, which is set to be pedestrianised, or Westfield London in White City.

Inside Lefties

First opening its doors in 1993, the store was originally an outlet for Zara’s last season stock. Essentially, it was where the leftovers went – hence the name.

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 2023: Lefties Digital Store Montera on January 21, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Cristina Arias/Cover/Getty Images) — Lefties has very cheap prices compared to its sister company Zara (Picture: Cristina Arias/Cover/Getty Images)

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There are currently stores in the main cities of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, Morocco, the UAE, and more.

With lines for women, men, girls, boys, and babies – all with accessory and footwear collections, too – it has also branched out into homeware, sportswear, and underwear, leaving no stone unturned.

The new store is expected to be around 20,000 square feet, and when inside, you could easily mistake it for a Primark store, with a similar layout and clothing presentation.

While the UK website is not yet live, the Spanish site offers dresses from around £8 and basic tees from £5. It’s far cheaper than the likes of Zara, where basics start at around £12.99.

Primark’s competition

Primark is by no means a small fish in the fashion world, with a reported 6% increase in sales in 2024, taking it from £9billion in profits in 2023 to £9.44billion.

That’s not to say it’s not feeling increasing pressure from the likes of other fast-fashion retailers such as Shein and Temu, with Primark’s parent company Associated British Foods Plc projecting a levelling out in sales for the second half of this year.

The arrival of Lefties in the UK would certainly add another element of competition on the high street and online, although the two brands already compete in Spain, which is Primark’s second-largest market.

And the Lefties expansion won’t just stop in Britain, it’s planning on expanding into the Middle East and North Africa, as well as relaunching in France.

Shopping

1 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments

Victoria Beckham goes full office siren with Hermès bag worth £20k

Fashion designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham went full office siren as she was spotted out with a Hermès bag worth £20k on her arm in Paris for Paris Fashion Week.

Royal style

1 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments

These 8 jewellery pieces from a new cult collection are chic, timeless and tarnish-free

Ernest Jones’ new Kleora collection features rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings across seven different themes. See our top picks…

Royal style

1 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments

From sexy maid to horny devil – these Halloween costumes from Ann Summers are spookily seductive

Three models wearing Halloween costumers from Ann Summers — Whatever you fancy dressing as this Halloween, Ann Summers have got you covered – or not… (Picture: Metro/Ann Summers/Linkby)

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Halloween is creeping closer and if you want to make the spooky season truly unforgettable, then Ann Summers is the place to go.

Yes, the pleasure experts have done it again with a range of devilishly deviant costumes that are equal parts sexy and fun.

From the iconic tuxedo bunny to a naughty nurse, there’s an outfit to suit your pleasure preferences and set your seduction game to strong.

Ann Summers has made shopping totally stress-free too with free delivery over £50, discreet packaging and free returns.

Female wears 'naughty devil' costume from Ann Summers — We’re feeling extra naughty this Halloween… (Picture: Metro/Ann Summers/Linkby)

Plus, there’s extra incentive to shop now. Shoppers who sign up for emails can get 15% off full-price items, while Blue Light Card holders and students can enjoy a generous 20% discount until 31 October.

Ready to turn heads and raise temperatures? Scroll down to browse some of the sauciest Halloween looks on sale now…

Female wears playful Ann Summers maid costume

Maid To Pleasure

Available in sizes XS to XXL, this seductive outfit features a flirty mini dress with delicate apron detailing and a stylish lace-up front for an adjustable, flattering fit. The set also includes a matching headband to complete your classic maid look with a naughty twist.

Buy Now for £30

Police Officer Body

This PVC-style, long-sleeved bodysuit features statement cuffs, a plunging zip-front lapel, and a cute Brazilian-style brief at the back. Complete with a police badge, logo, and detachable handcuffs, it’s available in sizes XS to XXL and pairs perfectly with the Police Hat for an unforgettable Halloween.

Buy Now for £30

Tuxedo Bunny Outfit

The gorgeous velvet Tuxedo Bunny Outfit from Ann Summers features a sweetheart neckline and removable straps. Finished with a furry white bunny tail, this set includes the body, bunny ears, tuxedo cuffs, and bow tie collar. Perfect for fancy dress parties or something a little naughtier.

Buy Now for £28

Beer Maid Dress

Cut to a chic Bardot shape, the Beer Maid Dress features soft cups, mock lace-up detail, and an attached apron for an authentic finish. The skirt includes netting underneath for added volume and curve-enhancing shape. Perfect for a cheeky night out or a fun evening in – just add hold-ups to complete the look.

Buy Now for £36

Hospital Hottie Nurse Outfit

The Hospital Hottie Nurse Outfit is made for bedside service. This fitted, thigh-skimming white dress features a full-length zip, waist detailing, red trim and an open collar for a sexy silhouette. Finished with crossed nipple covers and a matching headband, just add red and white stockings to complete the look.

Buy Now for £28

Wicked Temptations PU Body

Made from high-gloss PU, the Wicked Temptations Body features a high neckline and a full-length zip from front to back with three zip pulls. Just add devil horns, red gloves and stockings to complete the ultimate devilish ensemble.

Buy Now for £32

On The Prowl Body

Made from seamless stretch fabric with an all-over gold foil animal print, the On The Prowl Body is designed to get hearts racing. Featuring long sleeves, a criss-cross front detail, open back, and a Brazilian-style brief, it’s the perfect piece to unleash your wild side this Halloween. Add a pair of cat ears to complete the fierce feline look.

Buy Now for £24

We’re calling it now, this Halloween is guaranteed to be the most exciting one yet.

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