BAG - Raf Simons for Eastpak

Raf Simons for EastPak New Back Pack - Now £129.99 (was £200)

Here is an example of the fab collaboration between Raf Simons and Eastpack which I seemed to miss when it launched. No problem though as it is now on sale at Urban Outfitters, but the range is limited edition, so get there quick as, at these prices, stocks won't last long.

With plenty of room inside, the oversized canvas back pack features central zip fastening, tan trim and you can choose to use the short handle strap or wide adjustable shoulder straps.

If classic Eastpak is more your thing, then you can shop a great range over at Debenhams. The Eastpak brand has been loved by travellers and commuters alike for product durability and value for money. Still looking for ideas? Take a look at the Debenhams luggage blog post for more inspiration on bags for holidays and short breaks.

BARGAIN - Paul Smith Stripe Silk Scarf

Fancy getting your hands on a designer bargain that is loved by the fashion press? This Paul Smith silk scarf is sleek, stylish and very easy to wear. Get it for £39 instead of £79 at my-wardrobe.com while the sale and stocks last.

Wear it over a plain T-shirt to a little something extra to your look or knotted with your suit to give your work wear an edge. It is also the perfect item to take you through to Autumn/Winter 09 where stripes will crop up all over the place, especially in knitwear. Effortless cool at half the usual price, who could resist?

BODY - Shapewear For Men

Us women have all manner of tools to help slim, trim and enhance our bodies without ever nearing a surgical knife. But the market for men's slimming products, in particular clothing, is far smaller. So perhaps the Mirdle will fill a gap in the market... although, I am so far from convinced right now and I am betting most of my readers are too.

So what is a mirdle? Well, it acts like a girdle as the name suggests and holds in the flabby bits that make you feel self-conscious. The idea is that it supports and compresses the torso, while opening out and enhancing the shoulders. You might find them called any number of things including 'Core Precision Undershirt' errr whatever! Shapewear for men is certainly a fairly new concept so will it ever catch on? Rumour has it that even Spanx are looking at creating a range for men. What do you reckon guys? Are you happy as you are, or will you be working the mirdle some time soon?

Read more about the Male shapewear trend over at The Wall Street Journal or if you want to try it for yourself visit the Equmen website.

GIFT - A Simple Solution for Father's Day

Are you struggling with ideas for Dad this Father's day? Some men can be very difficult to buy for, so why not just choose a gift that he can't find fault in; some skincare essentials from Simple For Men.

I got one of my loyal test subjects to give some Simple staples a whirl, including the Soothing Aftershave Balm, Hydrating Face Wash and Soothing Shave Gel. Here is what he had to say...

I was impressed with the shave gel, it went on smooth and I tend to prefer gels to foams anyway so that was ideal. The scent of the products is pretty natural being fragrance free and, actually, I like that. At least that way you can smell the aftershave you are wearing, rather than a mish-mash of shaving foams, moisturisers, deodorants and what not.

The Face wash left my face feeling fresh and clean and the aftershave balm was ideal to calm down any redness and dryness after shaving. All in all, good value for money and perfect for everyday use.

The best thing about Simple's skin products is that they are suitable for even those with sensitive skin. You can be safe in the knowledge that all skin types will benefit from the lovely grooming goodies from Simple. All the products tested were fragrance free, colour free, soap free, alcohol free and dermatologically approved.

And if your dad's face still isn't smiling after this gift... pour him a cold beer. Works for my dad every time.

SALE - Big Discounts at Kurt Geiger

D & G In Town Sneaker - Was £175, now £125

We all love shoes right? Well, I do... and a shoe sale is just about as good as it gets. Especially when the shoes are as stylish as those from Kurt Geiger. There are big savings to be had at the moment, so head on over to the website and order your size before they run out. I have included some images of my faves for inspiration.

Paul Smith Gatsby White - Was £100, now £69

Hudson Octavious - Was £155, now £125

GROOMING - Meet the Bulldog

A good shave needs good products. Bulldog offers a range of men's grooming products with natural ingredients that don't harm the environment. Magazines across the country have been raving about them so it could definitely be worth giving them a go. The products are available at Boots and Superdrug, which is great news if you are a bit of a lazy shopper. Both high street retailers can be found all over the UK and online, so you won't need to go too far. The range covers skincare, shave, shower and cleansing products - everything you need to keep fresh and groomed, and they don't cost that much either. Each item on the website has a list of the ingredients underneath it so you can be confident of exactly what you are putting on your skin, something that those with sensitive skin will be keen on.

Also check out the news section of the Bulldog website. There are some entertaining podcasts (or 'dogcasts' as they call them) along with a video partnership with David Mitchell which is mildly amusing... I have included one of the 'Soap Box' episodes below for your viewing pleasure.

FASHION - GFW Faraz Hussain

Faraz Hussain (Manchester School of Art)

World War Two may have been the inspiration for one of the graduates showing at Graduate Fashion Week on Tuesday.

Faraz Hussain teamed army greens with clay-like reds and earthy browns to create a memorable collection. Ruched trousers were a strong feature in the look as was unfinished stitching. The fabrics were heavy and masculine. A couple of quirky details were added including what almost looks like a wartime gas mask and another model carried a water flask. These muted tones make a change from the greys that were abundant with the work of other students.

What do you think of the ruched trousers? I think they are quite a good look, and one that would be easy to translate for the high street.

SURVEY - The Great Male Survey

The 2009 edition of the Great Male Survey consists of more than 100 unique and thought-provoking questions designed to delve into the psyche of the modern day man. I am more than a little intrigued as to how men approach fashion, style and grooming so the survey appealed to me quite a lot.

Here are some of the results. Let me know what you would have said in the comments section...

Q. Describe your approach to grooming

• I maintain daily basic hygiene 15.5% [2685 Answers]
• I maintain daily basic hygiene and a regular haircut 37.3% [6455 Answers]
• I maintain daily basic hygiene, a regular haircut, and additional skin care 41% [7081 Answers]
• I maintain daily basic hygiene, a regular haircut, additional skin care, occasional manicure and pedicure 5.5% [950 Answers]
• Other 0.6% [106 Answers]
  

Q. What is the most important factor governing your clothes purchases?

• Price; I buy the cheapest garments or look for the best value 11.9% [2050 Answers]
• Comfort; I go for what feels comfortable 22.8% [3939 Answers]
• Trendiness; I want them to reflect current trends 5.5% [944 Answers]
• Uniqueness; I want to be the only one wearing them 5% [865 Answers]
• Style; I want them to fit what I consider to be my style 51.4% [8879 Answers]
• Other 3.5% [602 Answers]

You can read the results of the 2008 survey over at AskMen.com Go on, you must be curious... For the 2009 edition, check back in July or head over now to take part.

SKINCARE - Clarins Offers at My-Wardrobe

my-wardrobe.com gave has just announced a partnership with ClarinsMen. Clarins launched a range of products just for men in 2002, specifically designed with men’s skin requirements in mind and these products have grown in popularity each year since.

With every menswear order placed from 1st June, my-wardrobe.com will send you a ClarinsMen Skin Care Kit containing Moisture Balm (30ml), Total Shampoo (30ml), NEW Revitalising Gel (12ml) and NEW Line Control Balm (12ml) worth over £31, absolutely free. Meaning you can get kitted out in the latest designer fashion, and get your skin buffed in time for summer.

Also, don’t miss the website's TV special: a Clarins expert gives you instruction on how to achieve the perfect wet shave.

Plus win yourself £150 of ClarinsMen products (including a Revitalising Gel, Smooth Shave, Active Face Wash, Fatigue Fighter, Moisture Gel, AF Eye Serum, and Skin Difference), a ClarinsMen treatment, as well as £500 to spend at my-wardrobe.com. Just click to enter and good luck!

Menswear Designers for Spring Summer 2009 include

2K, Acne, Ally Capellino, APC, Barbour, Burlington, Calvin Klein, Cold Method, CP Company, Creative Recreation, D&G Dolce&Gabbana, Falke, Helmut Lang, John Smedley, Lost Property, Lyle & Scott, McQ Alexander McQueen, Missoni, Mulberry, Nudie Jeans, Paul Smith London, Paul Smith Accessories, Paul Smith Shoes, Polo Ralph Lauren, PRPS, Raf by Raf Simons, Simon Carter, Sperry, Stone Island Denim, Superga, Tom Ford, Velour, Vivienne Westwood, Vivienne Westwood Accessories.