This Mad Street Style Trend Has Finally Hit the Fashion Mainstream

Blue isn't often a colour we see rendered in vinyl.
Ellie from Slip Into Style forgoes the traditional vinyl options.

There was a time when a love for vinyl was a reference to your sizable record collection, but now this historically risqué fabric has entrenched itself in the mainstream (well, the fashion mainstream anyway). Wipe clean and high impact, every item of clothing you could think of has been given the vinyl treatment—from trousers and coats to skirts and accessories—instantly transforming any run-of-the-mill item into a serious statement piece.

The vinyl-ambivalent can rest assured that there are plenty of ways to work this look without looking like a bin-liner. If the idea of stepping out in a pair of vinyl trousers terrifies you then there are plenty of high-shine accessories around that will allow you to dip your toe in. Take your cues from Harriet Stewart who elevates her denim dungarees with a pair of red patent boots. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then the vinyl midi skirt is the thing for you. The secret is to keep the rest of your outfit simple a la Lisa Aiken (think white tee and heeled boots) and prepare to turn heads. Scroll down for our full edit of vinyl outfits.

BBC to premiere new Cillian Murphy film this Sunday

Source: <div class="sqs-html-content" data-sqsp-text-block-content> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b06fd9aa-4729-47cc-be7d-1e51e005d9f7_1200x675.jpeg" alt="BBC to premiere new Cillian Murphy film this Sunday"/></figure>  The BBC will premiere a brand new film starring Cillian Murphy this Sunday.  Lupus Films' award-winning, hand-painted animated feature Kensuke's Kingdom is set to captivate family audiences with an exhilarating island adventure when it premieres on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on August 3rd.  <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9222c4ea-40b0-4dcc-b6ad-d6d20d245e85_568x352.jpeg" alt="BBC to premiere new Cillian Murphy film this Sunday"/></figure>  Based on Michael Morpurgo's best-selling children's novel and adapted for the screen by Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Kensuke's Kingdom follows the epic journey of Michael, a young boy shipwrecked on a remote island. There, he discovers he's not alone—meeting a mysterious Japanese man who retreated to the island after World War II. When dangerous invaders threaten their paradise, the two must unite to protect their fragile home.  <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sign up for The Version</h2>  Entertainment News, Lifestyle and Travel  No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.  Directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry, Kensuke's Kingdom boasts a stellar voice cast, including Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water, Paddington), Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders, Oppenheimer), Raffey Cassidy (The Brutalist, Snow White and the Huntsman, Tomorrowland), Aaron MacGregor (Puffin Rock and the New Friends, SuperpupZ), and Ken Watanabe (The Last Samurai, Inception).  The film’s breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and human characters were meticulously hand-painted over two and a half years by a team of 200 artists at Lupus Films, the renowned London-based studio behind beloved family films such as The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Snowman and The Snowdog, Ethel and Ernest, Mog’s Christmas, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, and The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland.  Cillian Murphy says: "I had read Kensuke’s Kingdom to my boys when they were little and they were enthralled by it. Michael Morpurgo manages to connect so beautifully with a child's sense of wonder and adventure. I very much wanted to be involved in the film version so that they could see it, and also because I don’t really make that many films for kids."  KENSUKE’S KINGDOM premieres on BBC One this Sunday 3rd August at 15.35 and will be available on BBC iPlayer the same day. </div>

ITV confirms initial fixtures for 2025/26 English Football League Season

Source: <div class="sqs-html-content" data-sqsp-text-block-content> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/efc7622f-d0a8-408f-9164-3e13d2cad372_1920x1080.png" alt="ITV confirms initial fixtures for 2025/26 English Football League Season"/></figure>  ITV has revealed its first set of confirmed broadcasts for the upcoming 2025/26 English Football League (EFL) campaign.  As part of its ongoing partnership with Sky Sports, ITV will continue to offer free-to-air coverage of selected Carabao Cup and EFL matches for UK viewers.  Throughout the season, ITV will televise a total of 20 matches—comprising 10 Carabao Cup fixtures and 10 EFL games.  Coverage begins with the opening round of the Carabao Cup, featuring Birmingham City vs Sheffield United on Wednesday, 13th August. This will be followed by ITV’s first Championship fixture of the season: Wrexham vs West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, 16th August.  Below are the confirmed ITV fixtures through to the end of 2025:  <ul> <li> Carabao Cup Round 1 – Birmingham City v Sheffield United – Wed 13 Aug, 8:00pm </li> <li> Championship – Wrexham v West Bromwich Albion – Sat 16 Aug, 12:30pm </li> <li> Championship – Southampton v Portsmouth – Sun 14 Sep, 12:00pm </li> <li> Championship – Ipswich Town v Norwich City – Sun 5 Oct, 12:00pm </li> <li> Championship – Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United – Sun 23 Nov, 12:00pm </li> <li> Championship – Derby County v Leicester City – Sat 6 Dec, 12:30pm </li> </ul>  The broadcast agreement between Sky Sports and ITV extends through to the end of the 2026/27 season. Under this deal, ITV will co-broadcast select matches also shown on Sky Sports. The arrangement has been approved by EFL clubs in line with League regulations.  Additionally, ITV will continue to air extended highlights of the EFL on ITV4 and ITVX throughout the season.  <hr class="wp-block-separator"/> Let me know if you'd like a shorter version or one tailored for a specific platform (e.g., social media, press release). </div>

What Is 'The Long Walk' about?

Source: <div class="sqs-html-content" data-sqsp-text-block-content> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">'The Long Walk' is released in cinemas on 12 September. So what's it about?</h2>  A number of Stephen King novels are heading for the big screen in the coming months. One of those is The Long Walk, which will be released on 12 September.  <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d88acc6d-b080-4f8a-a8d1-e25dfd221dd8_2000x1000.jpeg" alt="What Is 'The Long Walk' about? Post image"/></figure>  The Long Walk is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller based on Stephen King's chilling early novel, originally written under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. Brought to life by director Francis Lawrence—best known for helming The Hunger Games franchise—this adaptation delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the price of survival and the horrifying limits of endurance.  Set in a dystopian future America governed by a totalitarian regime, the story follows a brutal, government-sponsored contest known as "The Long Walk." Each year, 100 teenage boys are chosen to participate in a deadly endurance event where the rules are simple but unforgiving: keep walking without falling below four miles per hour.  If a participant slows down or stops more than three times, they’re executed on the spot. Only one boy will survive—the last walker standing—earning fame, fortune, and anything he desires for the rest of his life.  At the center of the story is Ray Garraty, a 16-year-old from Maine who enters <a href="https://theversion.co.uk/what-is-the-long-walk-about/#">the Long Walk</a> not fully understanding the psychological and physical horrors that lie ahead. As the miles stretch on, friendships are formed, rivalries ignite, and the mental toll begins to eclipse even the physical exhaustion. The boys must wrestle not only with their failing bodies but with the haunting realization that the only path to survival is through the death of others—and possibly, the death of their own humanity.Adapted by screenwriter JT Mollner, the film blends King's stark, harrowing vision with Lawrence’s skill for character-driven tension and world-building. While The Long Walk contains elements of suspense, action, and horror, at its heart it is a devastating psychological drama that asks haunting moral questions: What would you sacrifice to survive? What does it mean to win in a game where everyone else must die?  Online movie streaming services  <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sign up for The Version</h2>  Produced by Lionsgate in association with Media Capital Technologies, and from Vertigo Entertainment and about:blank, The Long Walk promises to be both a visceral cinematic experience and a deeply unsettling reflection on youth, power, and control.  <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> With its chilling premise and emotional depth, The Long Walk stands poised to become one of the most talked-about Stephen King adaptations in years. </blockquote> </div>

Is 'Materialists' any good? Review Roundup.

Source: <div class="sqs-html-content" data-sqsp-text-block-content> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chris Evans, Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal star in the new movie 'Materialists' out August 13th, but is it any good? Here's what the critics said.</h2>  ‘Materialists’ directed by <a href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=0675ce623e7febe6&cs=0&q=Celine+Song&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiHspe-y_COAxVfT0EAHb58KZ0QxccNegQIBRAB&mstk=AUtExfBQP6m7P_V-U-IGplh_QWdj6PDV88WVHE9jRMjYzhcVEGdWkxbu6k5GAbA-oKPgSo2Xb-3TqlTT0tc8UcIk3IpH3GBhMj_5nTstbkGOBA2544GNUF81eDHzarFuknALCiNCP_rm95a_1h8bLXxlcvhwieM5A1KbPZMGC3NaCXKPlZEjnpv-mLhO-AIwOB1P7DEA&csui=3">Celine Song</a>, is released on 13 August. It’s a modern romantic drama set in New York City, following a successful matchmaker named Lucy.  <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4073ad33-dc50-4c9a-805c-0bc7a2f1db4d_1500x1000.jpeg" alt="Materialists review roundup"/></figure>  Lucy finds herself torn between her seemingly perfect client, Harry, played by Pedro Pascal, and her ex-boyfriend, John, portrayed by Chris Evans, who works as a cater waiter at the same event. The film explores themes of modern dating, materialism, and the complexities of relationships, all while satirizing the transactional nature of love in a world obsessed with social media and financial success.  <h3 class="wp-block-heading">👍 What Critics Liked</h3>  <ul> <li> Emotional and Social Insight Christy Lemire (RogerEbert.com) describes the film as “clear‑eyed, even as it makes the happily‑ever‑after seem possible,” and praises its character richness. Owen Gleiberman (Variety) sees it as a “sharp and serious social romantic drama” reflecting modern life. </li> <li> Smart Subversion of Rom‑Com Tropes IGN lauds how the film transforms a simple love triangle into a “meaningful, introspective drama about self‑worth”. Entertainment Weekly calls it a “sly, yet charming romance” with Austen‑like satire and modern relevance. </li> <li> Standout Performances Dakota Johnson delivers a layered portrayal of 'Lucy', while Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans bring emotional contrast and depth to their roles. Zoë Winters—playing a traumatized client—stands out for her raw and poignant supporting role. </li> <li> Visually and Atmospherically Rich Shabier Kirchner’s cinematography captures a polished yet tangible New York backdrop, and Daniel Pemberton’s score adds emotional texture and narrative momentum. </li> <li> Bold Social Critique Critics commend Materialists for confronting class, capitalism, consent, and romantic ideals head-on—especially via a storyline involving a client’s sexual assault that brings gravity to Lucy’s journey. </li> </ul>  <hr class="wp-block-separator"/> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">👎 What Critics Didn’t Like</h3>  <ul> <li> Emotional Detachment Some reviews describe the film as elegant but hollow—stylistically sharp yet lacking genuine intimacy. </li> <li> Uneven Storytelling & Weak Chemistry Critics and viewers note that Johnson and Pascal lack spark, while the script's concluding act feels formulaic and overly neat. </li> <li> Thematic Missteps The subplot involving sexual assault is considered mishandled by some—including The New Yorker—who view it as a narrative shortcut for emotional growth rather than meaningful engagement. </li> <li> Genre Inconsistency IndieWire and Slant argue the film tries to satirize rom-coms but ends up reverting to the same clichés it meant to critique. </li> </ul>  <hr class="wp-block-separator"/> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> <div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://youtu.be/4A_kmjtsJ7c</div> </figure>  <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Should you bother watching ‘Materialists’?</h3>  Materialists emerges as a provocative and stylishly crafted exploration of love, romance, and economics in the 21st century. Critics applaud its social consciousness, character-driven performances, and willingness to tackle uncomfortable truths.  Yet others feel the film sacrifices emotional fullness and striking chemistry in pursuing stylistic ambition and thematic complexity.  Materialists is in cinemas from 13 August 2025. </div>