TREND - Monochrome Rocks!

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Colour can be dramatic, but so can a lack of colour. Black and white are a great combination, a classic tried and tested style formula you might say. As autumn gives way to winter don't force yourself to wear a rainbow of colour just to give the impression of summer. Stripes and checks are the perfect prints to carry you through these next few months and they take their inspiration from the punk and nautical trends that have been huge of late.

The look above is all a bit casual so if you are a smarter guy, try this tie with your outfit for instant style. You can get hold of it at French Connection.

PRINT - Paisley Pays Off

Thom Brown and Marc Jacobs are among the designers showcasing the paisley print in their forthcoming collections. This print works best on a shirt or waistcoat, to use it on trousers and jackets could be a little overbearing but there are probably a handful of men who could carry it off.

A tie or scarf is the easiest (and cheapest) way to follow the trend. So why not get all grown up and buy something Paisley for your Autumn / Winter wardrobe. Choose shades of pink and grey for a smart and stylish look.

Paisley Embroidered Short Sleeve T-Shirt - Debenhams - £20


Alexander McQeen Skull Print T-Shirt - Oki-Ni - £99

STYLE - GQ & Burton Team Up

Burton customers can take advantage of GQ's insider knowledge as the magazine's fashion editors have hand-picked pieces from Burton's autumn/winter 2008 collection, which will be marked in selected stores with an "As recommended by GQ" stamp of approval.

You will be able to read more in GQ's prestigious "Men of the Year 2008" October issue (on sale now), which features a four page editorial fashion spread and in store booklet highlighting Burton's autumn/winter 2008 collection featuring a full range of mens jackets, shirts, full suits and accessories.

Commenting on the partnership, GQ editor Dylan Jones said: "Burton's clothes speak for themselves, they have all the key trends of the season on show from utility work wear to smart city gear and sharp suits. Burton excels at essentials".

The Burton mainline autumn/winter 2008 range is more refined with dressed down tailoring taking centre stage to give a smarter but relaxed twist to casual wear.

This season Burton proudly introduces the Montague Burton Heritage Collection, a stylish range of quality contemporary suiting born out of a passion for traditional tailoring methods. The suits take inspiration from original 1940s, 50s, and 60s Burton garments and are brought up to date with a sharper modern fit.

Visit the website to browse the latest styles.

NEWS - Beauty Products from a Brewery

Diversification is something that many businesses do, but beer and beauty products may not have been your first guess at the perfect portfolio of products.

T&R Theakston, an independent brewer, is moving in this new direction and is set to launch their first men's soap containing hops, coconut oil and jojoba. Theakston Olive Oil moisturising soap has been developed in association with Soap of the Earth and is said to promote cell regeneration leaving skin looking and feeling soft.

You can expect a full range of goods to follow including shampoos, conditioners and moisturisers for both men and women. It is all well and good so long as it doe not leve you smelling of your local boozer!

“The hops we use to make our Best Bitter are packed with proteins and natural preservatives and for centuries the beneficial properties of beers have seen them incorporated in many remedies” commented Simon Theakston, executive director.

Visit the Theakston website here.

LOOK - Go for Casual Cool This Autumn

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A casual look is easy to carry off with very little effort. I love this T-Shirt from Topman and you can pick out the yellow in the watch too. Don't be afraid to add a little colour as it really brings an outfit alive and is much more likely to get you noticed.

There is much debate over the skinny jean on men. My opinion is that they can look right, but on lean physiques. No fatties please. These jeans are great as they are smarter than the grungy black ones which everyone seems to wear.

The studded belt is a nod to the punk and rock trends that are big this Autumn. Keep studding to your accessories and you can't go wrong.

FITNESS - Get on Your Bike

Photo Credit: wav3ydave on Flickr.com

Cycling is great for toning the legs and bottom and also works your core (abs and lower back). Most people have a bike sitting somewhere gathering dust, so why not get on it and enjoy some fresh air.

You can choose a road or a mountain bike. Mountain bikes have better suspension, ideal if you plan on going off road. A road bike will go faster on the tarmac, but won't give much grip and comfort on a bumpier ride. Here are some tips for cyclists starting out.

• Some cycling gloves will give you extra grip on the handle bars, try www.evanscycles.com.
• Brake with front and rear brakes to avoid going over the handlebars if you have to stop in a hurry.
• A helmet is a must, and a padded saddle is a luxury worth considering.
• When you are cycling downhill, move your body weight back to stop the back of the bike lifting.
  
• Keep your inside pedal high when going round corners to avoid it hitting the ground.
• If you plan on going some distance, consider getting a hydration backpack so you can drink as you go along.
• Keep a puncture repair kit with you on longer trips.
• Find out if there is a National Cycle Network route near you.
  

Celebrity cycling fans include Gisele Bundchen, Matthew McConaughey, Fearne Cotton, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Useful Websites...

www.everydaycycling.com/
www.sustrans.org.uk/
www.bikemagic.com/

WEBSITE - Kings of Neon Customised Pumps

Plain white plimsolls are a little bland if we are all honest, but what if there was a way to make them instantly more exciting.

Well there is... Kings of Neon! This company will hand customise your pumps and you can even design your own for them to create. Pick up some funky laces while you are there and you need never suffer bland and boring footwear again. Visit www.kingsofneon.com for more details.