Well, we must remember that festival chic isn’t solely resigned to festivals and that such clothing [...]]]> We’re entering festival time again and the whole music malaise looks set to hit very soon. So, how what are the festival fashion trends for the coming summer for those looking to look cool in a muddy field?

Well, we must remember that festival chic isn’t solely resigned to festivals and that such clothing can be worn everywhere from the high street, to a chilled out Saturday evening in the pub.

Fedora

You need something to cover your head in that warm summer sun (hopefully) and the fedora is the piece of apparel to wear for the coming summer. It looks smart, it’s light and well ventilated and it looks great in a classic way.

Multicoloured Stripes

The whole multicoloured stripe thing is very much in this season and investing in a nice bright t shirt in earthy shades is a must. Of course look for quality, you’ll be wearing it after the festival – the whole summer long in fact.

Bonobo Shorts

Looking for something to lift the summer look this year, then these Bonobo shorts may just be it. Quality, fit and a great look for both the festival and the street.

Shwood Glasses

These are a great take on the wayfarer we commonly see and come in a range of woods. They look great, are a classic shape and an investment for a long time, meaning you’ll get a number of summers out of them.

Trucker Jacket

This casual but also slightly different take on the usual simmer jacket can be paired up with jeans or chinos and looks great, is hard wearing and creates that perfect festival look.

Desert Boots

Your feet need some clobber for the season ahead and what better than a pair of desert boots for the occasion. Try a number of colours before you buy, Lord knows there’s plenty out there. They look great for casual attire and even for something a little more – just mind the mud.

So, get ready for that festival, or just create the festival look. It’s causal, stylish and should turn a few eyes for all the right reasons.

Price

The first thing to do is to determine the price you wish to pay for the watch and then decide on what you can afford. Of course for less than £100 [...]]]> A watch is an essential for any man who wants to be taken seriously, so how do you choose the correct one?

Price

The first thing to do is to determine the price you wish to pay for the watch and then decide on what you can afford. Of course for less than £100 you won’t get a mechanical watch, but still get a great quartz watch. Knowing your limit helps you decide. 

Style

Do you want a watch for a formal, or informal wear. Do you wish to get a classic dress watch, or something for sportier occasions. Choosing what you want is a bit of an effort, but once you know what you want it for. Pick from slim elegant classic watches, crazy looking designer versions, or a large sports watch.

Brands

Learning about the company who you potentially wish to get the watch from is something that can really make the difference when buying a watch. High street chains, even those with expensive watches often are ignorant of a watches history. Find out through the net, or by asking people, even use forums.

Where to Buy

Get a catalogue and have a look, this may give you a good incline as to what you like. Avoid the internet if purchasing a watch as it often doesn’t have the best and most brands won’t sell online. Go to the retailer’s shop and choose the watch you want, this ensures you get the best service.

Size

Small people should choose watches with small faces, people with large builds should choose the opposite, otherwise you dwarf the watch, or it dwarfs you.

Bracelet

Choose between stainless steel and leather, both can be worn formally, however leather can look a little off with less formal clothing and therefore you need to consider this area also.

Life Expectancy

Mechanical watches last almost forever once they are cared for by the person who owns them. Quartz watches are a different story and often can’t be repaired, but they do cost a lot less. The battery often needs regular replacement, all dependent on the kind of watch.

Man and the man bag still just isn’t a phenomenon that is comfortable with some people. This piece of sartorial functionality can be reversion at the most inappropriate times – mainly due to chants comparing it to a handbag etc.

However, most of civilised society has come along far [...]]]> Choosing a Man Bag

Man and the man bag still just isn’t a phenomenon that is comfortable with some people. This piece of sartorial functionality can be reversion at the most inappropriate times – mainly due to chants comparing it to a handbag etc.

However, most of civilised society has come along far enough to realise this is far from the case. So, what are the keys to wearing a man bag with flair?

Proportion

Size and its relationship to the man bag is of central importance and you should always choose one which is relevant to your overall physique – small men with small bags, large men with larger bags. You don’t want a bag half your size dwarfing you, do you? 

Let it Say Something

Man bags are not just run of the mill leather satchels anymore. In fact there is a wide range of choices available in the field. We’re not looking at nothing other than strictly leather and tan bags these days. In fact there’s everything from twill, to canvas, to even wax wear in this area. The number of colours, forms and shapes means these bags should allow you to express yourself in a way that suits you.

Think of the impression you want to give out to the world before you get your man bag on the go. This allows you decide on the sort of man bag you think best suits you and means you’re sure to get what you require.

Invest

We’d suggest making a good investment in your man bag, for the simple reasons, it will be one of the first accessories people see when they look at you. You don’t want something that just hangs lazily off you and your body. Nor do you want something that is made of cheap materials and stretches and strains under any weight. However, examine the product before investing, not all expensive bags are good bags.

Look at the lining, leather and the stitching to determine the quality and though your bag may cost a little more, it is an investment and will outlast a cheap bag by years.

The man bag is there to replace those horrible backpacks, we’re all too familiar with. Too much Velcro, mesh and neon is just not befitting of anyone but a mountain climber.

Chinos

The chino really has had a very popular resurgence of late. [...]]]> Though the humble jean is still as common as ever, we decided on introducing you folks to maybe some sort of alternative for everyday wear, So, what clothes work as great alternatives for the lower half of the body, we have a look?

Chinos

The chino really has had a very popular resurgence of late. These half trouser, half jean concoctions are more flattering than denim, but not as formal as a trouser, meaning they can be worn in a wide range of activities. They also come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, as well as all the modern cuts. The fact they come in a range of colours also means you are sure to find a pair to suit your upper body’s coverings.

Wool Trouser

Wool trousers are also a great addition to any wardrobe as they offer a certain amount of gravitas that the jean equivalent does not. Wool trousers can also be bought in a wide range of cuts and also work well for those more casual occasions, though are not to be worn around the couch – as they’re a bit more dressy than that. They also go with a wide range of colours and fabrics and really give that fashionable 1940s feel a look in.

Leather

Though these were once the preserve of middle aged men trying to channel the spirit of Jim Morrison, leather trousers are perfectly suitable for some men and come in a range of modern shapes. Of course you need a certain amount of confidence to wear them, but if you do have that and of course the physique – go well on ahead.

Combat

Somewhat similar to chinos in their material, these trousers are ideal for work, or for more casual wear and provide a number of pockets which obviously increases their functionality. Such an ensemble is perfect for everyday use, or work.

Trousers

Of course the a typical trouser leg is perfect for casual and also formal occasions. However, as with jeans invest in as costly of pair as possible, so to ensure you get the best possible pair you can afford as they will last you the longest. Try on numerous pairs first to get a feel for what suits.  

Sandblasted jeans have been popular with the fashion industry for years now, due to the demand for distressed and [...]]]> Armani has become the latest high profile designer clothing company to stop the sourcing of their sandblasted jeans from suppliers who have been criticised for toxic practices which put their workers in mortal danger.

Sandblasted jeans have been popular with the fashion industry for years now, due to the demand for distressed and faded jeans, however the way in which this look is achieved has been largely ignored by the consumer.

Sandblasting is a practice which is common in Middle Eastern countries, where health and safety is not adhered to in many of the garment factories which supply denim jeans to the clothing industry. The jeans are blasted with pressurised silica which, when inhaled can cause silicosis, a serious respiratory disease which is often fatal. Risks of inhaling silica dust could be prevented by basic health and safety precautions which are simply not taken by the owners of the factories.

Turkey banned the practice of sandblasting jeans in 2009 however just last month saw the death of a worker in south-western Turkey from silicosis. Other countries have failed to ban the practice and so activists have turned their attentions to the designer clothing companies who source their sandblasted jeans from these dangerous factories.

Target, H&M, Levi’s and recently Armani have all vowed to cease trading with suppliers who continue the practice. Instead these companies are looking at other ways in which to achieve the popular worn effect such as using hand tools that distress the denim and which poses no health threat to the worker.

Versace have also pledged to stop the sourcing of their sandblasted jeans too but only after a very heated debate on their Facebook page between activists which culminated in the deletion of many Facebook posts.

This compliance by many top designer clothing companies demonstrates not just the impact that consumer power can have, but also how sensitive they are to the environmental and fair-trade movement which is gaining popularity with the public. People are more conscious than ever as to where their clothes come from and how they are made. There is a sense that we don’t just want to look good, but we also want to feel good by buying clothes that are made by fair-trade workers in factories which provide safe working environments.

After all, we may be paying top price for top quality, but we don’t want the workers who made the clothes to pay an even higher price so that we can look good. Quality and fair-trade can go hand in hand and this is often what the consumer wants.

In the old days a shower, shave and a dash of Old Spice was enough for the most beautiful ladies. However, [...]]]> Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, any time you feel like a treat. The right aftershave can work wonders. However, with the variations out there what is the best to choose and what suits you?

In the old days a shower, shave and a dash of Old Spice was enough for the most beautiful ladies. However, now a man wants that something more. However, grooming today is an accepted part of our lives and being a little bit more flamboyant than having a moustache is allowed.

When choosing your aftershave, make sure to choose a smell you like, after all you’ll be wearing it all day and so it should be something you like. Make sure that you apply the correct amount. Remember that applying too much gives you that lounge lizard feel, whereas too little means you’ve basically added a pointless amount as it can’t be smelled.

Brand, type and the amount you wear is something that tells a lot about your persona. Afterall aftershave is all about creating and feeling confident.

Applying aftershave should be done with the hands. You don’t want to put on too much and announce your arrival to the room from the nearest traffic lights. However, you still want enough to create a pleasant allure.

Generally lighter smells will last for around 3-6 hours and strong smells such as Sex Panther from Anchorman, about 8-12 hours – long enough to get out the next morning with a tinge. However be aware that stronger colognes are more inclined to smell.

Be aware that though a aftershave may have citrus, wood, or whatever sort of smell it will smell different as it mixes with the scents of your body, This means some aftershaves suit people more than others.  – be aware of this.

Before choosing an aftershave for a day, think of the environment and then fit it around this. Women prefer softer smells, so take this into account on nights out. At the office stronger colognes are more inclined to suit -so use them for such occasions.

As the trend for check continues, consider a dark [...]]]> The chino has been very popular on men’s trousers for the last few seasons. However, the humble jean is making its way back into the ring for the coming months. So, what are the trends that are coming out of the blue for jean season?

As the trend for check continues, consider a dark denim jacket to cover it. It looks fantastic buttoned up with the lapels sticking out – just add some chinos and boots.

Lighter coloured fur lined denim works wonderfully with darker coloured jeans and is the perfect piece for those spring days – not to warm, not to cool and it’s breathable. So, if you’re sick of chinos, this is a great one to team up with jeans.

Clean lines with some tailored touches is what you should be looking for this season. Think simplicity and you have it.

Denim shirts also have their place and make a refreshing change from check. They’re just as hard wearing and look just as good and offer a breath of fresh air.

Of course a good pair of jeans is essential and paying that little bit more ensures they age beautifully and are essentially and investment. Go for dark blues and whole colours, though if you do opt for faded, try and keep it subtle.

Of course denim has an common place in other areas of clothing and slouchy tote bags look great in this hard wearing material and really work the trend wonderfully. Denim pumps are also great additions come the warmer seasons ahead and look great with a pair of snow white shorts, or trousers. They look especially good with most colours of chino and are set to be a popular pair for wearing this coming summer.

Denim provides a great way to look relaxed and also is extremely comfortable. Think, we all have a favourite pair of jeans we’ve lived in. Find your size and invest for the best pair possible . If purchasing jackets, or shirts be adventurous – denim goes with so many other materials you can afford to be.

Think, this time 2022 you could still be wearing the same pair, especially if the January diet’s still going strong.

BlockBuster Coats

The coat and suit was an integral part of most of these autumn winter show cases, which created an expensive and somewhat unexciting mix of [...]]]> Though it’s a long way away as of yet, a number of designer’s fashion shows have thrown up what to expect for the autumn/ winter 2012.

BlockBuster Coats

The coat and suit was an integral part of most of these autumn winter show cases, which created an expensive and somewhat unexciting mix of creations.

Collars that tipped into the hood area were common, as were hybrid jackets which created a NASA like vibe – think duffel coats, with puffa jacket sleeves. Burberry also took upon the puffer jacket theme, as did Louis Vuitton. Four button suit jackets also made an appearance among a number of designers.

Leather

Leather was also a very prominent addition on the catwalks for men. Tailored jackets with leather details were very popular. Over sized leather belts, double breasted jackets in leather and leather long sleeve tops were to be seen. Though, not the most feasible, it certainly created some interesting pieces.

Knit wear, particularly with a hint of golf was also very popular and was seen especially in Burberry’s collection. Bold tartan and herringbone were also common with Pringle, who’s Scottish credentials were very evident. Aran jumpers also took to the stage again and Alexander McQueen’s examples were prominent.

Designs

Dinosaurs and whale motifs were very common with designers for autumn 2012. Beaded owls and jumpers with jewel covered foxes also made an appearance. Bird references and feathers also were common for a number of designers and it is also expected that the fur collar will be commonplace next season.

Military

From a mixture of spies, to a muddle of straight up military shapes, the army was a prominent design  style in autumn’s catwalks. Short hair, army hats and long power coats were all part and parcel of the style on the catwalks.

Olive tones were also very evident, as were capes and bomber jackets. It also turns out that the double breasted jacket is here to stay, as is the coming of pinstripe. So keep such factors in mind for your purchases and get the most out of the seasons ahead.