< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYAs monogamists are want to point out, swans mate forlife as if this is mother’s nature’s indictment that humanbeings should follow suit. It’s not for lack of partnerseither, with an estimated 74,000 birds wintering in theUK alone. However, it’s hard not to be enchanted withthe sight of swans drifting gently on a body of water.The birds are indeed synonymous with love,gracing greetings cards with their s-bend necks forming a love heart. Orthose oversized carbon fibre swanboats that are the preserve ofrom-coms and other clichés. Should one feel the needto go swan hunting, they’dbe in danger of upsettingthe crown. Indeed, HerMag retains the right tokill and eat swans (shouldshe be so inclined). Thosethat have dined on swan fleshhave described the taste asfishy – oily even. A quick look atsome of the scum and scuzzskimming the surface of our waterwaysshould be enough to turn even the most ardentcarnivores off the idea. Unlike many of our other native birds, the swan –specifically the mute swan, so-named despite having ahonking great screech – sticks around all year. A bumbleup the canal path wouldn’t be complete withoutglimpsing a bevy of swans. On the water is where they’reUpon hearing the word “swan” one might first think of a local pub –understandable, given there’s some five hundred of them – but thesecond and by far more romantic connotation is love. Lincolnshirewildlifemost often found, or flapping just above the surface withall the poise and intensity of a Wagnerian epic. As one ofthe heaviest flying birds, it takes a great deal of strengthand dexterity to get that bulk – graceful, though it is – upinto the air. It does this through slow powerful wingstrokes, though they seem far more at ease and peacefulbobbing along with its head tucked under itswing.Anyone who has ever been braveenough to try and approach aswan on land will know theycan be terribly territory. Thisattitude is why there can beas few as a single pair inthe immediate vicinity,though on larger bodies ofwater swans can livetogether in a kind ofcolony. One of the largestcolonies sports an impressivehundred pairs. ThoughLincolnshire can’t claim a bevythat big, it does have a vibrantnetwork of canals and waterways,ensuring that any interested persons can spendtime watching the swans go by.With Swan Laketo The Ugly Duckling, the bird iswrapped up in romanticism. So this Valentine’s Day sparea thought for the swan as you sit down to a romanticsupper or indulge in some bedroom antics. Perhaps you’lleven be enjoying a meal at your local White Swan pub. © Shutterstock / Kevin Day 30-31_Layout 1 24/01/2018 12:43 Page 1© Shutterstock / Lukiyanova Natalia frenta 30-31_Layout 1 24/01/2018 12:43 Page 2A very A very 32 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONdatedateOur first glimpse of the spring collection convenientlycoincides with our Valentine’s Day issue, so there areplenty of gorgeous skirts, dresses and pantsuits to getexcited about this season. 32-41_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:12 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY33FASHIONMasaiPastel shades and floralprint will bring a touch ofspring to your wardrobe aswe ride out the lastremnants of winter. Masaiadd an extra special touchwith those sleeves and thatscarf effect. 32-41_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:13 Page 234 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONAbove left: NumphNumph have given us a glimpse oftheir spring slate and we canconfirm it’s utterly divine. Thisdress, with its darling collar andluminous white colour, hassomething of a New England frockreimagined for the modern age. Above right: IchiIchi bring together lace and animalprint for this impressive outfit thatwould be a winner at any party,celebration or valentine’s dinner. Photo courtesy DK Company - ICHIRight: Ted BakerTed Baker’s careful balance ofcolour, pattern and accessoriescome together to form a stunningoutfit that would be perfectwhatever the occasion. Opposite: LauRie For simple elegance, look nofurther than LauRie with a jean,blouse and jacket combo thatwould be as perfect for avalentine’s lunch as a shoppingtrip with the girls. 32-41_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:13 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY11FASHION32-41_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:13 Page 4Above left: IchiWith navy shades that capture the night’ssky, this Ichi ensemble is evening wear at itsmost show-stopping. Prepare to be the bellof the ball in this one. Photo courtesy of DK Company - ICHIAbove middle: Marc CainFierce fashion from Marc Cain – this nononsense number is just what you need to shake up your wardrobethis year. Above right: BaslerThough the repeating grey and turquoise colour scheme might beenough for some, Basler go one step further with the stunningpattern that sets this ensemble off. Left: HallhuberThe sixties inspired fit of this dress is one part of Hallhuber’s carefulequation. The other is the floral pattern, which gives it that final stylishflourish. Right: GantFemininity comes in many forms, and while a skirt or dress can makeyou feel super sexy, a classy pant suit and blouse can be striking,graceful and every bit as feminine. Just follow Gant’s example. 36 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHION32-41_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:13 Page 532-41_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:13 Page 6Picture the scene – it’sValentine’s Day, you’re dressedup to the nines, you’ve fixedyour face and your hair isstunning. But there’s stillsomething missing. Skippingthe accessories means you’ll bewalking around in a half-finished outfit all evening, andthat’s hardly the image youwant to be presenting. Theaddition of a bangle, bag orscarf can add so much to your wardrobe. Here we’ve rounded up this month’s must haves, so you don’t have to. FINISHING TOUCH Marc CainMarc Cain have takenone of their signatureoutfits and elevated itto stylistic greatnesswith a few carefullyselected accessories.See how much impacta bracelet, clutch andbroche can have. 32-41_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:13 Page 7LINCOLNSHIRETODAY39FASHIONSamoonThere’s an understatedgrace to this Samoonnecklace, making it idealand easy to pair an outfit to. IchiThere’s a bag for everyoutfit, and sometimes youcan be stuck trying to decidewhether to take a clutch orgo full on shoulder bag. ThisIchi offering is the best ofboth worlds, perfect forholding everything you need,but stylish and slinky enoughnot to overpower your outfit. Photo courtesy of DK Company - ICHIKate Laurel JewelleryThis stunning necklacewould make a fabulousaddition to any outfit, andyou can pick up this must-have for yourself fromwww.katelaurel.co.ukGaborDevilishly red and with aheel to match, this Gaborshoe is your closet’s newbest friend. NumphThe washed outcolours of thisNumph scarf evokea crisp spring skyand will lookgorgeous pairedwith almost anyblouse or top. Etnia Barcelona Etnia Barcelona offer colourful frames for people of all ages seeking to express their creative, original side. You can pick up a pair for yourself at O’Briens Opticians in Brigg – visitwww.obriensopticians.co.uk for more. 32-41_Layout 1 24/01/2018 13:13 Page 8Next >