WEBSITE - Win £50 to Spend on Underwear

JacksiesUnderwear.co.uk will officially launch their website retailing designer men's underwear on 1st June 2009, quietly announcing their arrival by sending a 'Twitter' update to their followers... To celebrate the launch, three of their Twitter followers, picked at random, will receive a £50 e-voucher to spend on the website so make sure you are a follower.

Stocking underwear from Calvin Klein, Bjorn Borg, Sloggi, Ginch Gonch, HOM, and Zimmerli - there are plenty of undies to choose from, whether you prefer boxer shorts or briefs.

Follow them on Twitter for updates - @BoxersAndBriefs

GIFTS - Father's Day Ideas From Debenhams

Mother's day is an easy event to buy gifts for; just think flowers, jewellery or a day off from the housework... Father's day on the other hand, can sometimes present problems. If your dad is anything like mine, then he needs nothing and wants nothing (that you can actually afford). So how do your find something that your dad will like without spending a month's salary? Debenhams have selected ten products which will make perfect gifts this Father's Day and save you from having to hunt the whole of the high street.

1. Navy Varied Stripe Polo Shirt by Ben Sherman

2. Football Legends Book

3. Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme

4. White Shadow Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt by St.George by Duffer

5. Navy Bold Floral Stripe Tie by Jeff Banks

6. Code Homme eau de toilette

7. Clarins Moisture Balm

8. Black Leather Flip Notepad With Pen by Jasper Conran

9. Drive an Aston or Lamborghini

10. Black Toucan Mug by Guinness

If you are still not sure what to buy, then take advantage of the Debenhams Gift Finder. Also, make sure you order by 16 June for your purchase to arrive in time for Father's Day. Job done!

What will you be buying your dad for Father's Day? Leave a comment and give other readers some inspiration.

WEBSITE - Feeling Fine and Dandy?

If you yearn to look dapper and dandy is your thing then fab men's store Fine & Dandy is worth a visit. Some people would argue that we have all got a bit lazy and forgotten what it is to wear smart clothes, and dress to impress. And even if casual is your comfort zone, there is always an accessory on the website that will be perfect for Father's day. You don't need to go all out with a three piece, tweed suit - there are plenty of accessories that can help you blend a little bit of dapper into your current wardrobe.



Fine & Dandy also have a blog, so check it out for some inspiration on how to get the dapper look down.

OFFER - 20% off French Connection Menswear

I don't know anyone who turns down a great offer and that is exactly what I have for you from French Connection. This high street favourite has a great selection of fashion essentials to keep you looking hot this summer and until 31 May, you can get a generous 20% discount. French Connection offers design and quality at an affordable price. A pair of jeans from French Connection will last and last.

Get 20% off men's at French Connection from the 21st to the 31st of May! Simply enter FCMENMAY09 at checkout.

Grab some of these popular items below. The lighthouse shirt has been a best seller and I can see why. It has both traditional and modern appeal. Wear it layered over a white T shirt, with jeans for effortless style.

Rivet Belt



Lighthouse Shirt



Ron shoe

VIDEO - Charity Shops Tackle the Recession

Oxfam DIY 2009

Thanks to Susie Bubble for drawing my attention to this video by Oxfam, shown above. Susie Bubble has talked all about Oxfam's 'posh' stores, shiny, black fronted shops that sell donated designer clothing at prices that would still make me wince. This video project is part of a campaign to promote these upmarket Oxfam stores and was produced by Drew Cox and Johnny Harris. I love the music, freshness and vibrancy of the short and sweet promo which shows people wearing a mixture of their own clothes, with those from Oxfam stores.

I am always harping on about the bargains I have found in charity shops and encouraging people to donate their old clothes over on my blog aimed at women, but I have never really discussed it with men before. I am intrigued to find out if there is a desire in men to buy second-hand clothes. I imagine many people do, more from necessity than from enjoyment. What about you? Do you ever shop in charity shops and if yes, what has been your favourite find?

On the same theme, Mary Portas (Queen of Shops) has just announced a 'shopping neutral' project to get people donating high quality goods to charity shops. She will be opening a store in London's Westfield shopping destination and has enlisted the help of Grazia Magazine and their readers to fill it with really desirable items to give a boost to the charity, Save The Children. I am sure they need lots of men's clothing too so why not get involved and give your wardrobe a clear out at the same time.

Find out where and how to donate

CELEBRITY - When Cosmetic Surgery Goes Bad

It seems that these days, men are almost as likely to go under the knife for cosmetic surgery as women. In an effort to appear ever more youthful, are these celebrities just turning into odd looking versions of their former selves. I certainly think those in the video above fall under that category. Good cosmetic surgery should not be a dramatic transformation. It should be intended to fix a flaw that causes some distress, or to enhance something that will give increased confidence.

Celebrities, who don't have to worry about the price tag, appear to see surgery as the easy option. But I just think they all look a bit alien-like. I understand why people have botox, or breast implants and I certainly agree with the use of surgery in cases of medical necessity. But please, someone tell these too-rich, too-bored demi-celebs to stop getting sewn up and stitched up. It is hurting my eyes!

Would you ever get surgery? If yes, what would you like to have done?

Related Posts:

CELEBRITY - Kanye's Shoe Collection
CELEBRITIES - Gucci & UNICEF Unite
STYLE - Top 10 Most Stylish Men

TRENDS - Thoughts on Neutrals

Does beige equal bland? I am still undecided, but as soon as there is a sign of summer, men start dressing from a paler palette. Or at least it seems that way to me. Alexander McQueen and D&G also showed neutral base in their catwalk shows for Spring/Summer 2009. I have never been a fan of men wearing white shorts or trousers. In fact, I don't know many women who can pull them off so if you are in doubt, don't bother. Instead opt for a darker khaki or fawn which can be worn with a white shirt to create the feeling of a neutral palette, without having to watch where you sit with quite as much concern.

White shoes are another pet hate of mine. You really have to feel comfortable in your skin and have a strong sense of style to pull them off. Even then, I would urge you to avoid anything which resembles a suede loafer. Smarter shoes, like the ones shown in the image above are much classier. These shoes are dressy though, and probably require a suit or smart jeans for them to work. Play around with different looks and see what looks balanced on you.

The one rule though, that must be adhered to above all others is that you should never wear white from head to toe... not unless you want to be mistaken for a tampon!

Your say - Twitter

@AnnaSaccone: 'I like white pants on men and I love neutrals...beige is definitely not boring ! but I think white is only for tanned guys!'
@woodyxrunner: 'I would wear white pants. Beige is okay I don't know if I'd call it boring.'
@stylistbrighton: 'Men in white trousers shouldn't be trusted. Think dentists. Beige can be ok if you are Italian.'
@zuhamy: 'white, beige. Sexy and sophisticated.'
@Bohemiangirl: 'Beige is a bit boring and doesn't do anything for the shape'

Your say - Plurk

News_hound: 'You'd never see me in white trousers. Don't like 'em.'
ParadiseDenise: 'I don't like white pants on men...too 80's. Tan or beige is good.'


Related Posts:
MOST WANTED - Haversack Scarf
TIPS - Get the Deep V-Neck Right
GIFT - Undies from Whites and Smalls

INTERVIEW - Darold of Skilla Fashion

Darold (AKA Skilla) set up Skilla Fashion last year after working as a freelance graphic and web designer. Skilla designs are limited edition meaning that you won't find the masses wearing them. I asked Darold to answer a few questions about his fashion line which you can read below.

Describe your personal style:
My personal style is mainly preppy with a casual touch.

When did you decide that you wanted to start a clothing line?
I decided, in my mind, that I wanted to start a clothing line around the end of 2007, after I got exposed to designing t-shirts and apparel sketches for other individuals and companies. This experience propelled me to take the necessary steps to launch my own clothing line in August 2008.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Well, my main inspiration comes from my faith, my love for music, dance and the joy life."

You mention 'typography' in your bio, how important is this aspect of the design?
As a kid growing up, typography, along with comics, became my first love. However, I kind of left it alone when I started to study building design in college. But then I would find myself sketching on notebooks, folders, and loose leaves of paper. So, I'm really just trying to stick to what I love to do and incorporate that into what I do for Skilla.

Which celebrity would you most like to see wearing your clothes, and why?
Maybe Will Smith or Ashton Kutcher because they are pretty style savvy!

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own clothing line?
To be patient, remember that nothing comes overnight, and don't worry about what other brands are doing. Doing what you can afford is important because you don't want to take on something you can't manage.

What has been your biggest challenge in this project?
The biggest challenge for me at the moment is getting sleep because I spend so much time working and building the brand.

Where do you want Skilla to be in 5 years time?
I would like Skilla to be producing more creative apparel, doing more lectures and dance performances. Also, I hope to open a store or something close to it.

Check out some of Skilla's designs at the Skilla website. Here are the designs that caught my eye when I was browsing...

Mount Zion Shirt - Skilla - $25

Hero T-shirt - Skilla - $18

Related Posts:
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK - Threadless.com
INTERVIEW - Stuart Graham from Lyle & Scott
FASHION - New Men's Collection at My-Wardrobe.com

GROOMING - Osmium for Men

Men and women's skin differ quite considerably. For one, men have the added, usually negative, effects of shaving which can make skin red, dull and sensitive. Osmium for Men is a new range of premium natural grooming products, developed especially for men to help you achieve soft and healthy skin.

Osmium products contain the finest, most powerful natural ingredients to ensure that each product is rich in plant actives, vitamins and minerals, enabling every man to reap the benefits of years of advanced research into natural skincare. All Osmium products are more than 93% Natural and 99% Preservative Free, prepared in the UK and contain no harmful chemicals.

There are five products in the new Osmium for Men range which not only look smart on your bathroom shelf, but have been carefully formulated and have a great masculine fragrance. All of the products in the range are non-greasy and fast-absorbing meaning a quick and easy skincare routine for you.

The Osmium range includes:

Peak Performance, Energise & Renew Moisturiser
A light, matt formulation, use this daily moisturiser for all-day optimum hydration, to recharge and boost your skin with anti-oxidant vitamins to condition skin texture and promote smoothness. Contains avocado, rosehip oils, juniper and menthol plus vitamins E and C.
100ml, £28.00

Detoxify & Polish Two Clay Mask & Walnut Exfoliant
Formulated with a blend of two superior mineral clays, walnut scrub particles and plant extracts to remove dirt, deep impurities, oil blockages and reduce ingrown hairs and bumps to make your shaving experience easier. Contains hemp oil, marshmallow, willowbark and cucumber extracts and bentonite clay mineral.
50ml, £22.00

Cellular Renew Anti-Ageing Crème
A rich, silky, fast-absorbing matt formula, Cellular Renew delivers protection and resilience against external factors to help rebuild healthy cell layers and diminish lines and wrinkles. It also aids collagen production to deliver enhanced skin elasticity and firmness. Contains vitamins A, C and E.
100ml, £38.50

Age Defend Shave, Soothing & Moisturising Cooling Protective Cream
A deluxe plant-rich non-foaming shave cream containing the finest ingredients to protect, soften and soothe the skin. Plant oils provide excellent razor glide, and the non-drying and calming formula reduces irritation, minimises redness and inflammation. Contains Siberian ginseng and juniper, aloe vera, chamomile, and eucalyptus oil.
125ml, £13.50

Clean & Refresh Cleanser
Clean & Refresh Cleanser is a creamy luxurious cleanser which will leave the skin feeling invigorated, clearer, and healthier. A superb non-foaming cleanser, it removes dirt, grime and excess oils, minimises blemishes, and will not dry out the skin. Contains coconut, ginger, turmeric and sunflower extracts.
125ml, £12.50

The Osmium range is available to order via the website: www.osmiumformen.com or 24-hour order line: 0845 450 3874. Treat your skin to some natural goodness, designed to tackle the stresses and strains that male skin endures on a daily basis.

Related Posts:
GROOMING - Mineral Rich Skincare at DSH
SKINCARE - New Clinique for Men Website
SKINCARE - SKINN Cares