VIDEO - Steamy Advert by Calvin Klein

The video features oiled up chaps, writhing on a sofa with two lovely ladies, models Anna Selezneva and Anna Jagodzinska, and it has been banned from being broadcast in the USA.

It seems getting their adverts banned from TV is becoming more and more common for CK, and my suspicion is they don't care. Their viral campaigns are probably just as effective.

HEALTH - The Cold War

Ruby Wax

As winter returns the ‘Cold War’ is back with vengeance. However, men may be crying into their tissues as they receive the cold shoulder from their other half, reveals a poll on sympathy levels towards sickness, commissioned by Lemsip Max All in One.

52 per cent of women say genuine sympathy towards their ailing partner only lasts five minutes and 18 per cent are actively unsympathetic. They are also less likely to forfeit going out with friends (only 56 per cent will) or take a day off work (only 19 per cent will) to play nursemaid. In contrast, 70 per cent of men claim to be sympathetic, a generous 73 per cent will forfeit going out with friends to mop their partner’s brow and 37 per cent will take a day off work to look after a loved one with the cold or flu.

More than 1,300 men and women nationwide, all in a relationship or married, took part in the survey. Both sexes agreed that a fever deserves the most sympathy (56 per cent) and a throaty cough the least.


When you’ve got just five minutes of genuine sympathy, what do cold and flu experts at Lemsip advise?

• Try and be patient; remember people have different pain thresholds!
• Make sure they are resting and sitting or lying comfortably
• Ensure they have everything they need, close to hand
• Reassure them they’ll feel better soon
• Offer a fast-acting cold and flu remedy like Lemsip Max All in One Sachets, which can treat all major symptoms of cold and flu.

Celebrity Cold & Flu Commentator, Ruby Wax says “Everyone likes to think that women are the ones that can always offer a sympathetic ear, and they are the most caring and considerate sex. The survey results are therefore surprising, who would have thought men would come out on top as the most sympathetic sex when it comes to offering a kind word or two to a partner suffering with a cold or flu!”


Lemsip Max All in One Sachets are great value and the range now include two new variants, Wild Berry & Hot Orange, and Breathe Easy (Lemon & Menthol). Not only do they relieve all the major symptoms of cold and flu but also start to work in just 5 minutes*. Head on over to www.lemsip.com for more information.

*Refers to the paracetamol in Lemsip Max All In One Sachets. Contains paracetamol. Always read the leaflet.

ICON - The Next Big Things...

When, after months of hype and speculation, the BBC announced that the man set to become the 11th Doctor was a young chap called Matt Smith, the world collectively yelled "(Doctor) Who?!" At 26 years old, he's the youngest actor ever to take on the role, which officially becomes his after David Tennant steps down in 2010.

Matt's CV is a mixed bag which includes stints as a footballer for Nottingham Forrest and Leicester City youth, followed by theatre work which at one point saw him star opposite Christian Slater in Swimming With Sharks. His biggest TV role to date was in BBC Two's 2007 political drama Party Animals.


See more faces to watch in 2009 over at GetLippy.

ACCESSORIES - Try a New Tie

I am just loving these wool ties by New York based Sovereign Beck. Each fabric is produced in limited quantities so you can be safe in the knowledge that not everyone will be wearing the same tie as you. The heavier weight of wool gives a luxurious look that screams quality.

If the subdued colour palette is too dull for you, then there are plenty of brighter styles in silks and cottons to choose from too. Who said work wear had to be boring. It certainly won't be if you shop at Sovereign Beck.

BARGAIN - Suited for £25

A suit is something every man should have, but they can also be an expensive investment. If you only need a suit for now and again, consider picking up this bargain from Tesco. A suit jacket and trousers for just £25. Now I stress that you do get what you pay for, and if you can afford a more expensive suit, then you should spend a little more. But for occasional wear and smaller budgets, this Tesco suit will do just fine.

F&F suit jacket 38-50 chest - £19.00

F&F suit trousers 30-44" waist, 3 leg lengths (29,31,33) - £6.00

Total - £25.00

IDEA - Posh Totty Rings

Hammered Ring with Words - Posh Totty Designs - £49

These silver rings are a great idea and can be worn by men or women. They are flat and can be collected and worn stacked too which would look good on a guy. The rings come with words written on the side so that they can be seen by the person wearing the ring, but not everyone else. With Valentines coming soon, these could make a perfect gift. And if you are single, treat yourself!

Popular wordings for the rings are 'Marry Me' and 'You and Me'. I am sure the other half could not help but be impressed if they were given one of Posh Totty's stylish designs. You just need to think about what you want yours to say.

T-SHIRT - Tea Stain Clothing

Guardian Tee - Tea Stain - $36

Check out the range of t-shirts and long sleeved shirts from Tea Stain. I am already a fan of the womens' range and the mens' range has just as much to offer.

Tea Stain Clothing began one sunny summer day, not too long ago. Unsatisfied with loud designs and over-the-top clothing, they took a stand. They decided to provide an alternative to the frenzied designs dominating the marketplace.

They believe:

• Your favorite shirt should not make you a walking billboard.
• People should have a stylish alternative to the $80 t-shirt.
• Clothing should not distract from what is most important... the person wearing it.

Thus, Tea Stain Clothing was born. In ancient times tea staining was a method of bringing subtle color change to garments. Tea Stain Clothing uses the same subtle approach in design. They design each style with our mission in mind, ensuring our clothes are fun, comfortable and fashionable.

Find out more at www.teastainclothing.com

CELEBRITY - Most Searched for Males

People search engine yasni has unveiled its list of top celebrities that Brits were searching for in 2008 and and not only is Gordon Brown the most searched for Politician, but he is the Number One overall search, beating Daniel Craig, Lewis Hamilton, Barack Obama and George Clooney.

Rounding up the overall Top 5 searches on yasni.co.uk are:

1) Gordon Brown
2) Barack Obama
3) Lewis Hamilton
4) Daniel Craig
5) George Clooney

All men... I think I expected them all to be in there apart from Gordon Brown. Although I presume that those searching for him do not have the same reasons as someone searching for George Clooney!

INSPIRATION - Boy 'Fashion' Crisis

Boy Crisis

This band are one bunch of eccentric dressers, and while I don't agree that everything they wear is 'stylish', I do admire them for their experimentation. From their Myspace page it would seem they are fans of Karl Lagerfield so fashion is something that is in the Boy Crisis consciousness.

The music is pretty good too. Quite dancey with just enough of a pop vibe to make it widely likable. They describe themselves as a 'semi-cosmic cultural entity' and I have to say that 'dressed to digress' is a great name for a song. Check out their Myspace page for more.

NO NO - Worse than a Christmas Jumper

Pendleton Heritage Cardigan Sweater - Cabela's - $79.95

Men.Style.Com usually have pretty good taste, but I have to point out a fatal flaw in their judgement for an item they recently featured. This jumper is not, and never will be, a good style option in my humble opinion. Hunting gear is fine for... well... hunting, but not so great for the man about town. In fact it is almost akin to those wolf fleeces worn by far more people than is acceptable (you know the ones).

I have nothing against cardigans, and I absolutely think wool is the way to go. Just so long as the pattern is not this horrific. Oh and it's on sale. One has to wonder why!

THOUGHT - New Year's Resolutions

It is that time again, where we are recovering for our festive excesses and are looking at our lives and ways to improve them. My resolutions this year are not too difficult to maintain, and are mainly health and money related.

Photo by Jenny Hayden

1 - I will swap my tea and milk with 2 sugars, for peppermint tea.

Peppermint tea is great for digestion and has other reported health benefits such as warding off colds and easing headaches. My favoured brand is Clipper's organic peppermint tea. This in itself will help me cut down on sugar, dairy and caffeine and requires very little effort.

2 - I will swap takeaways for chef prepared ready meals.

Takeaways are bad! I don't have many as it is, but for the same money and far fewer calories you can easily get a chef prepared, natural meal from retailer Cook. Check out my review at The Style PA at Home.

3 - I will reduce my wheat and dairy intake.

Indigestion and heartburn can be symptoms of a a wheat and dairy intolerance. I plan on cutting them out this year to see if it will help me lose weight and ease digestive problems. I will also be checking out the Wheat and Dairy Free Supermarket.

4 - I will think before I buy

Impulse buying is fun and fine if you have the money, but there are things I need to save my money for in 2009, namely moving into a new flat. I will think more about each purchase, as every penny I spend recklessly will take me further from my goal of a nice new place to live.

5 - I will double the monthly hits for The Style PA blogs

Keeping all my readers informed about what is happening in the world of style is top on my list of priorities, and attracting new readers would be great news too. I am working on extended features for the blogs and hope to unveil them some time in January.

What are your resolutions?