OK, so with the rain hitting us all hard here in the UK, you’d be forgiven for not realising its festival time already.  We’ve all had gloomy weather for weeks now in the British Isles, but that can only mean one thing, right? The sunshine is just around the corner.  And what better way to enjoy it than taking in one or more of the many UK festivals we have on offer?

There’s plenty going on this year all around the UK – so forget this current deluge and get in the festival spirit.  Why not take advantage of Zee and Co’s free postage and start putting together your look for this season?  Check out our festival look on this blog if you want some inspiration.

In the meantime, we’ve put together some festival info and a brief guide to the various events taking place…

Getting Into Festivals… for Free

 Regardless of where you plan to go, there’s no getting away from one basic truth – festivals aren’t cheap.  That’s not even taking into account travel costs, refreshments and food.  But if you’re planning on a tight budget, don’t despair – there’s ways to get there for minimal (or zero) cost.

Here’s our list of what we think are the best ways:  

Become a Steward: If you’re prepared to arrive early (and/or stay late), work an eight hour shift on site and in some cases drop down a returnable deposit, you can in turn enjoy the benefits of an exclusive campsite, private washing/toilet facilities, some food and refreshments, and most importantly – free entry to the entire event.  Both Hotbox Events and Oxfam have well-established methods of becoming a festival steward (just follow the links).

Blag it as a Journalist: If you’re really into a particular genre or scene and you have a talent with words, consider writing as a way in.  Many local papers, websites, magazines and blogs will take submissions if they don’t have someone covering the event you’re going to.  First, you’ll need to find a publication that will ordinarily cover the festival you’re interested in. Festivals have allocated tickets for press attendees, so if you can find an outlet for your write-up, chances are they can arrange a free pass for you.  In most cases, you’ll have to submit some samples of your work when you approach a magazine, paper or website (to prove you can write), and of course you’ll have the obligation of doing some work writing it up when you get back home. But who knows? It could be a free ticket to a festival… maybe even the start of a new career.

Pick Litter: Most festivals require an army of litter pickers throughout the course of the event. Some organisers will use commercial businesses to handle this, but many rely on volunteers to make it happen.  In return for your graft, you’ll get the usual perks you’d expect (see ‘becoming a steward’, above). If picking up cans and wrappers gets you on the inside loop, why not go for it? Contact your festival organisers first and see how they are organising litter collection for their event.

Be a Campaigner: Many charities have a presence at the big festivals, using the event as a way to spread their message.  You’ll need to spend a chunk of the event meeting people and spreading the message to whoever you decide to represent, but in return you’ll be fed and watered and get to see live acts for no cost.  Find out which organisations are represented at your favourite festival; check their message and if it’s a song you want to sing, why not get involved? Get in touch with the head office of the relevant organisation and say you’d like to volunteer your services.

Sometimes, it’s the really obvious things you forget.  Here’s our list.

1.       Assume nothing about the weather. Pack for sun (hat, sunblock), rain (wellies/boots, mac), plus random changes of temperature (consider light extra layers).  A lightweight jacket is always a good idea; also, consider a pair of durable, all-weather trainers.

2.       Leave way in advance – get there early!

3.       Find a really good spot – if you’re camping, note where the toilets and fences are – then set your pitch as far from both as possible.  See also #2 above.

4.       Take food.  You won’t need lots of it – there’s plenty at the event, after all – but if you’re on a budget, pre-cooked pasta, fruit or energy bars are all good to have in your bag.

5.       Two words: wet wipes.

(Think we’ve missed something? Feel free to hit us up on Facebook or tweet with your suggestions: @ZeeandCoLtd )

Our model is wearing: G-Star shorts £85/Dr Denim Ringo shirt £36/Cuckoos Nest T-shirt £30/Mitchell & Ness cap £30/Ralph Lauren socks £10/Converse trainers £42/G-Shock ‘Crazy’ watch £110/Ray-Ban sunglasses £125

Summer 2012 Festival Highlights: May – July

MAY kicks it all off – and Derbyshire hosts one of the bigger early events with 2012 Bearded Theory (18-20^th May, Kedleston Hall, Derby: lineup includes Terrorvision, The Damned, Dr Feelgood and Wheatus amongst many others),as well as Off The Tracks Spring Festival (25-27^th May, Castle Donington: includes Wilko Johnson, The Fallows, Hawkwind and Dub Pistols), while over in Gloucestershire there’s Lakefest (18-19^th May, Croft Farm Waterpark, Nr Tewkesbury: includes Athlete, Dodgy, Adrian Styles).

JUNE gets busy – just a sample of what’s going on: There’s Evolution Festival  in Tyne and Wear (3-4^th June, Gateshead: includes Dizzie Rascal, Maximo Park and Noah and the Whale), while it’s back to Donington for the massive Download Festival (8-10^th June, Donington Park, Derby: includes The Prodigy, Metallica, Biffy Clyro), now in its tenth year; Rockness is the same weekend, but in the stunning Scottish Highlands (Loch Ness; includes Mumford & Sons, Noah and the Whale).

Dub step and dance fans should head to London’s Lovebox festival in Victoria Park (15-17th June; pop into our Bow store in Roman Road and say hello while you’re in the neighbourhood), while blues aficionados will want to be at this year’s BluesFest (26^th June- 5^th July: a week-long celebration in both Manchester and London); don’t forget the historic Isle of Wight Festival (22-24^th June) for the usual mix of eclectic and stadium acts (Bruce Springsteen, Elbow, Pearl Jam).

JULY brings some of the biggest name festivals: T in the Park, Scotland’s premier music event (Balado, Kinross-Shire 6-8^th July), East Anglia gets Latitude (Beccles, Suffolk – 12-15^th July), whereas folk, roots and acoustic fans will head for the Cambridge Folk Festival (Cambridge, 26-29^th July).  Finally, dance enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in the Midlands at Global Gathering (Warwickshire, 27-28^th July).  

Whichever event you end up going to, have a great time! And if you’re wearing some of our clothes there, why not send us a shot of you in your outfit? We’ll publish the best right here on our blog.

For our style guide this month we bring you the essence of smart-casual, a funky look combining a cool graphic t-shirt with a sharp tailored jacket and some of the latest bright coloured chinos. The combination of colours really stands out, making this look perfect for making an impression in the bar or the club.

Our model is wearing a t-shirt from Original Geek, one of our newest labels. Featuring large full colour graphic print of a sexy girl, this eye-catching t-shirt is totally on-trend and guaranteed to get you noticed.

We have teamed this up with some Rusty Red chinos from Dr Denim, a great warm colour that will take you all through the season. Perfect for warm evenings out on the town, they can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

Accessorising the chinos we have a multi-colour woven belt from Anderson’s, perfect for brightening up an outfit with a dash of colour.

This smart tailored jacket is by another of our new labels, J. Lindeberg. A classic tailored wool jacket in navy, this ‘Hopper’ jacket brings a classy edge to any outfit, worn with a shirt, a smart polo or a casual t-shirt.

Reflecting the navy in the jacket we have these navy Maians tassel loafers. Loafers are everywhere this season, and this cool canvas Amador version from Maians is the perfect accompaniment to chinos.

Finally, the look is completed with a pair of classic Ray-Ban sunglasses. This version is a lightweight plastic frame with a shiny black finish, containing crystal grey graduated lenses, and the iconic Ray-Ban logo – the ultimate cool look.

The outfit comprises:

80123 Original Geek ‘Love Geek’ off-white t-shirt

82739 Dr Denim Donk chino pant in Rusty Red

86334 J. Lindeberg Hopper dressed wool jacket in navy

86097 Maians Amador tassel loafer in navy

80450 Anderson’s multi-colour woven stretch belt

82905 Ray-Ban shiny black sunglasses with crystal grey lenses

Stylist: Michael Nugent

The winner was drawn at random from the correct entries on Friday, and we are happy to announce that university student Hayden Kaya is now the proud owner of the bike.

Congratulations Hayden, we’re sure it will come in very handy!

Keep an eye out for more great competitions coming soon from Zee & Co – watch this space!

The latest NFL Draft caps at Zee & Co

The New Era range at Zee & Co has recently received some new additions, in the form of these superb NFL snapback caps. They are available in a huge range of colours and NFL team logos, including iconic names such as Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Area 59 – The Laboratory of Headwear Science and Capology

Developed in a top secret facility known only as ‘Area 59’, these classic caps are the ultimate in sports headwear. This video has recently come to light giving a sneak peek behind the scenes…

The ultimate headwear for snapback afficionados

New Era caps are huge – and I mean huge – all around the world. Start your collection today with one of our selection of classic New Era snapbacks, but be warned – once you’ve bought one, you’ll want to own them all!

Here at Zee & Co, we’re always proud to get behind a good idea – especially if it’s something we can share with our customers.

So, when we decided to carry the exciting range of TOMS footwear, we were particularly taken with their great incentive: buy a pair of TOMS shoes and they will provide a child in need with their own pair of shoes.

We’re sure you’ll agree, it’s a great concept.  Here’s a brief description of how it came to be – and why the idea has already proved to be a huge success.

TOMS shoes/Friend of TOMS – Their Shoes, Their Philosophy

The classic TOMS design

Californian shoemakers TOMS are based in Santa Monica.  Started by Texan entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie in 2006, the firm has quickly gained a reputation for both its shoes, as well as its innovative approach to giving.

The journey from concept to multi-million dollar business has taken less than ten years, beginning at an unlikely place – with the founder appearing as the contestant on a reality TV show…

It began with a game show – then an idea.

Blake Mycoskie first visited Argentina when he was a contestant in the US reality television show The Amazing Race.  Taken by the country, he returned in 2006 and noticed how many of the local children played barefoot outside. While ruminating on life during a stay at a farm, he had a sudden revelation – to start a shoe company and, for every pair of shoes he would sell, he would give another pair to someone in need.

Blake Mycoskie, checking out one of his alpargatas inspired shoes

Being one of those guys to never sit still for long, he returned home to the US, selling off his existing driving school business to finance his gamble into the world of shoes.

The inspiration of the TOMS design: the alpargatas

While he was out in Argentina, Mycoskie took to wearing the local ‘alpargatas’ shoe, popular with the locals who could afford to wear them. Taking his inspiration from the centuries-old design, the shoe became the classic, signature TOMS design.

Blake helps a happy recipient into one of his TOM shoes

From the start, Blake envisioned a better world from the simple premise that the planet would be a nicer place if more people had something covering their feet.  Initially, it was called ‘The Shoes for Tomorrow Project’, only Mycoskie figured that was a bit of a mouthful.  Instead, they shortened it to TOMS (from the first part of ‘tomorrow’) and set about manufacturing their first pairs of shoes.

From Gameshow to Whitehouse

Since then, over a million TOMS shoes have been given to children in need in over twenty countries around the world.  The company, still under a decade old, has since received major design awards and become a successful model of social entrepreneurship.  Mycoskie has become a noted speaker at international events and conferences, attending meetings with Obama’s senior administration with other key business leaders to present ideas and initiatives, designed to bolster the US economy.

We think it’s a pretty remarkable story.  Take a look at the TOMS section of the Zee & Co site – we think you’ll like their distinctive footwear.  And if you do make a purchase, remember the folks at TOMS will match you one-for-one and make sure another pair of their shoes makes their way to a child in need somewhere in the world.

An assortment of TOMS from our current stock

Spring is finally here, the weather is warming up and it’s time to ditch the jackets and heavy knits for lighter, cooler options. This month we are bringing you a bright, casual look for the new season which will last you all the way through the summer, featuring colourful lightweight pieces and some superb footwear and accessories.

Our model is wearing a Humör Vio t-shirt in a stripe pattern of white, navy, red and blue. This classic crew neck regular fit t-shirt will be suitable for teaming up with anything; shorts, chinos, jeans or sweatpants would all look equally great with this bold stripe design.

The jeans are also by Humör, from their Santiago range. These are super-cool drop crotch jeans in a classic stonewash denim finish, with the arc-leg shape which is everywhere right now. We have given them a cool summer twist by rolling up the hems, which really highlights the footwear.

If you’ve never heard of Toms, you soon won’t be able to avoid them. A massive success in the States, Toms are canvas espadrille-style shoes based on the traditional Argentine alpargata shoe. They are superbly stylish casual lightweight shoes – with a conscience. Company founder Blake Mycoskie hit upon the idea for Toms during a trip to Argentina, where he witnessed extreme poverty and children walking without shoes. For every pair of Toms sold, the company donates a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for one. Guilt-free shoe shopping – can’t be bad! Our model is wearing a red canvas shoe from the Toms Classics range.

No Spring/Summer outfit is complete without a really great pair of sunglasses. These Ray-Ban Wayfarers are from their latest collection, inspired by the original classic 1952 Wayfarer design. This version has brown frames and brown-tinted gradient lenses, all with the iconic Ray-Ban logo. These will give any outfit a super-cool edge.

The outfit comprises:

Humör Vio t-shirt in white, red and blue stripe SKU: 85292

Humör Santiago drop crotch arc leg jean in super stonewash SKU: 85281

Toms Classics red canvas slip-on shoe SKU: 84166

Ray-Ban classic Wayfarer in brown gradient SKU: 81579

Stylist: Michael Nugent

Last year we told you about the superb Johnny Loco / Dockers bike that was on display in our Loughton store. We promised you the opportunity to win the bike, and here it is!

This orange beauty is a limited edition collaboration between Dutch bike company Johnny Loco and Dockers. Only 150 of these were ever made, so this really is an exclusive prize! You can see the bike in action in this promotional video – be prepared to fall in love!

In order to be in with a chance of winning the bike, simply answer the question below, and email the answer, along with your name, address, date of birth and telephone number to competitions.zeeandco@hotmail.co.uk.

Question: In what year was Zee & Co founded? (Find the answer on the Zee & Co website - look for the ‘About Us’ page!)

This competition is only open to subscribers to our email newsletter. If you have not already signed up, entry to the competition will automatically add your email address to the mailing list. You will receive occasional emails detailing new stock and promotional offers, including exclusive email-only offers. Don’t worry, we don’t share your information with anyone else, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please read the terms and conditions below before entering.

Good luck – we will announce the winner via the blog so watch this space!

PLEASE NOTE – THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED – THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY

Terms and conditions

1. This competition is open to UK residents only. Entrants must be over 18.
2. No purchase necessary.
3. One entry per person.
4. By entering the competition the participant will be subscribed to the Zee & Co email newsletter.
5. Cash alternatives shall not be offered. The prize must be accepted by the winner and may not be given or assigned to another person.
6. Zee & Co shall not be responsible for any malfunction or maintenance of the bike.
7. Zee & Co shall not be responsible for any accident, damage, injury, theft or loss as a result of using the bike.
8. The winner will be drawn at random from the correct entries and will be contacted by email or telephone. Unsuccessful entrants will not be contacted. The name of the winner will be announced via the Zee & Co blog.
9. The winner must collect the bike from the Essex area.
10. All competition entrants are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions, and agree to abide by them.

Here at Zee & Co, we are proud to be teaming up again with Grenson, the Good Shoe people, for another season.

There’s something so perennial about their footwear; their shoes exude quintessential Englishness and timeless charm, yet at the same time, they embrace an edgy modernity.

We’re showcasing a selection of their 2012 collection and look forward to introducing more Grenson shoes over the year.  If you’re new to Grenson, allow us to give you some insight into their fascinating story…

Grenson Shoes – Past to Present

A pair of classic Grensons

Grenson Shoes was founded in 1866 in Northamptonshire, the shoe-making capital of England, by William Green who, at the age of 31, had already spent most of his life crafting footwear.

Fate dictated his trade: at the tender age of four, William’s father died, leaving his mother to make the family income by making men’s boots. She soon taught William the necessary skills to assist her from their modest cottage, where they built the business up over the next twenty-five years. Even when he moved out of the family home, William continued to manufacture the footwear from his new home.

William Green

Then, in 1866, William took what was a literal cottage industry operation and – no doubt inspired by the spirit of the times – embraced the Industrial Age. Factoring materials and employing the best local craftsmen, the business (now under the watchful eye of William and his son Charles) then became known as William Green and Son. William himself took to shuttling between their Northamptonshire base and London, continually increasing wholesale orders, establishing themselves as a premium quality manufacturer and cementing a reputation for quality, craftsmanship and durability.

The hand-made approach to all Grenson shoes

As their reputation spread, William Green and Son attracted some of the country’s finest craftsmen to the fold, leading to the construction of their first dedicated factory, the ‘Greens Yard’, in 1874. From here, they established the world’s first patented Goodyear welt construction method and from that point on, manufactured under the brand name of ‘Grenson’ – one of the earliest brand identities to be established in England.

By 1895, demand was so high for Grenson footwear that new premises were built in Queen Street, Rushden – the same factory that is used today by the company.  Just a little over five years later, William died, leaving behind a legacy that continued to grow, thanks to the foundations of the business so carefully laid down during the preceding century.

The Grenson factory at it's height of manufacturing

Depression-era 20^th century saw the company face perhaps its bleakest time but, like so many business of that age, Grenson was pressed into service at the outbreak of the Second World War, manufacturing more shoes and boots than at any other point in their history, ultimately employing more than four hundred people.

Today, Grenson makes shoes in very much the same way as they did right in the beginning.  All of their shoes are still Goodyear welted and made from the very finest materials, retaining the classic integrity the company has become so famous for.

The Queen Street Grenson factory today

Our style guide this month draws together some of the choicest items from our brand new stock, fresh in at our stores and online. They combine to form this superb casual outfit, a bright and fresh look that will last you all through the season.

Our model is wearing a Stone Island hooded overshirt in a great vibrant orange. This ultra-lightweight shirt jacket is a really eye-catching colour. Worn over a plain white crew neck t-shirt, this will make a statement worn with any style or colour of denim jeans.

We have picked these brand new Armani J23 bleach jeans, absolutely on-trend with their slim-fit, low waist shape and classic distressed finish.

These are accompanied by some Armani AJ logo trainers. A low rise trainer in white leather, these will go with anything, a great versatile trainer ideal for everyday wear.

Snapback baseball caps are everywhere this season, and at Zee & Co we are stocking some of the best. This Mitchell & Ness classic pinstripe two-tone ‘Charlotte Hornets’ cap really sets off the orange in the jacket with its contrasting turquoise and black colour scheme.

To finish, our model is wearing a white G-Shock G-Lide GLX-5600-7ER watch. G-Shock watches are ultra-durable and available in a huge range of styles and colours, great for accessorising. This is a digital version with a multitude of practical features, a great collectable fashion watch.

This superb casual outfit consists of:

Stone Island hooded overshirt jacket in orange, SKU: 81503
Armani Jeans J23 bleach wash distressed jean, SKU: 89155
Armani Jeans AJ trainer in white leather, SKU: 89208
Mitchell & Ness Charlotte Hornets pinstripe two-tone cap, SKU: 87903
G-Shock G-Lide GLX-5600-7ER watch in white, SKU: 82197

Styling: Michael Nugent

Lifetime Achievement Award

Cutting a dash on the red carpet last night, George Clooney once again proves that style is timeless; at 50, he looks better than most guys half his age.

Most Outrageous Outfit

In typical over-the-top style, Sacha Baron Cohen appeared on the red carpet dressed as a character from his latest film, The Dictator. In full beard and white military uniform, Cohen’s publicity stunt worked like a charm, getting him escorted off the premises and into the global headlines.

Best Dressed Man

The winner of the award for Best Dressed Man has to go to Britain’s very own Gary Oldman. He may have missed out on the statuette, but he definitely won the style award hands down. Wearing a bespoke three-piece designed by Paul Smith, Oldman wowed the crowds with this distinctive but stylish outfit.