STYLE - Do You Have Socks Appeal?

 
If you like to add a splash of colour to your look then head for the men’s sock department at Debenhams. They've found the brightest socks around and it’s sure to liven up a drab day.

Designer at Debenhams Ben de Lisi is well known for wearing bright socks (usually in his favourite colour, red) and Jon Snow loves a bold coloured accessory or two. He was quoted on the Guardian website saying that ‘Socks and ties are the only ostentatious statement a well-dressed man can make.’ Debenhams suggests that picking a bright hue for your socks is great way to add a subtle splash of colour to your look without having to do it top to toe and I have to agree.

If you fancy getting your hands on something vibrant, then Red Herring has loads of colours and styles to choose from. Even the classic and understated J by Jasper Conran range includes yellow and purple socks in a luxury silk blend.

SALE - Bag a Bargain at My-Wardrobe

Good news, I know we haven't even got to Christmas yet, but it's definitely time to start thinking abnout those bargains for when the sales start.

My-wardrobe.com has revealed that its sale on menswear will start on 23 December so get on there quick for the best picks of the discounted designer gear. Here are some of my favourites from the soon-to-be-reduced items...

Olive Asymmetrical Grandad Knit by YMC

Navy Fisherman's Stripe Crew Knit by Oliver Spencer

Padded Classic Nylon Duffle Coat by Comme des Garcons

FASHION - New Jeans for Him Indoors

 
My boyfriend is a comfort lover when it comes to his jeans. They've got to be baggy, with plenty of room to move around. So I wasn't sure what he'd think of the pair of jeans sent over from Blue Inc. Their Deluxe Denim Laundry Eagle Jeans were my favourites out of their denim range because they have some nice little details without being to over the top. Perfect casual attire for a weekend close to Christmas.

I got him to model them for me and have to say it was a welcome change from his usual pair. These dark washed jeans were a nice fit, closely cut across the bottom with enough of a bootcut to go sit right on his shoes. At £26.99 you can't really go wrong. The weave has a hint of gold within it to match the contrast stitching. My 'model' wore them with a green top which complemented them pretty well. His only criticism - 'they could be a little baggier' (saw that one coming).

Here are a couple of close-ups...

Are you a skinny jeans man or do you like your denim baggy?

GROOMING - Braun Series 3 Review

Seeing as I don't have facial hair I roped in a willing participant, Sam O, to try out Braun's Series 3 shaver and report back with a guest review. Braun describe it as having Triple Action Free Float System for optimal skin-friendly shaving and perfect contour adjustment. Let's see what Sam thought...

"The Series 3 combines an reassuringly hardy overall design that fits comfortably into your palm which allows easy flexibility while shaving, with an elegance that sets it apart from any old men's stocking filler electric razor.

As you would expect, using the Series 3 is very straight forward. An extendable moustache/sideburn trimer sits nicely on top and can be extended with a slight application of pressure.
The charge lasts about 35 minutes, so more than enough for a few days of stubble removal. However returning it to it's charger/cleaner after every shave would be preferable to maintain performance.

Supplied with a Cleaning/Charging dock makes cleaning the Series 3 almost unnecessary, save for blowing away a few stray hairs. The dock itself is about twice the size of the razor, however, so keeping it in the bathroom isn't so convenient and the cleaning fluid needs to be replaced every 30 cleans or so.

The shave is incredibly close, leaving the skin as smooth as any wet shave but without the dryness. However, longer growth, particularly around the neck, is more difficult to remove. It performs best while using daily as a stubble remover. For well under £100, the Series 3 is excellent value for money; a hard wearing yet elegant razor with the close shave and reliability you would expect from Braun."

SHOPPING - Get Elton John's Wardrobe

I hope you are feeling flamboyant guys because Elton John is selling off his clobber for charity again. On 12th December the doors of ‘Out the Closet 2009’ in Covent Garden’s Flower Cellars will fling open and shoppers will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance, to get their hands on an array of Elton John and David Furnishes’ clothing collection, direct from their wardrobes.

From outfits worn by Elton on stage to David’s favourite Dior shirts, fans will have the opportunity to step into the shoes of the biggest stars in showbiz for real, as well as hand pick from their finest collection of clothes and accessories, including sunglasses, luggage and belts. Ranging from £10 to £2,000, the stock will feature labels such as Versace, Dior, Prada, McQueen, D&G and Jean Paul Gaultier.

100% of proceeds from sales will go to support the work on the Elton John AIDS Foundation. ‘Out the Closet 2009’ will be the fifth pop up shop, the last one on Regents Street in 2002, sold approximately 15,000 items and raised £400,000 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. 

Out The Closet will run alongside ‘A Very Merry Christmas’ in Covent Garden – a programme of free events and entertainment, including live reindeer on the Piazza, secret busking gigs by chart-topping acts (Athlete, Stereophonic, Jamie Cullum etc), Santa’s Grotto, Christmas food market, story telling by candlelight and much more.

Out The Closet Location:
6 - 8 Russell Street (off the East Piazza)
Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8AA

Opening Hours:
Saturday 12th December – 10am -7pm
Sunday 13th December – 11am -3pm
Monday 14th December until 20th December (or until sold out, if sooner) 10am -7pm

For more info visit www.ejaf.com

TAILORING - Suits Are Set to Shine

Judging by Topman's latest feature on shiny suits this trend is a festive favourite. I myself am not so keen. It's just a bit too flashy for your average bloke. Perhaps the jacket on its own, but even then I'm still not convinced. I think men look their most stylish in understated and well-accessorised outfits. Perhaps It's just me though.

How would you wear the shiny suit? I have to say that the metallic, skinny ties are definitely a winner.

COMPETITION - Win Yourself Some Shoes

I've recently been involved with a cool Twitter campaign with eco brand Simple shoes and now they are running a competition for my lovely blog readers. All anyone has to do is take a picture of themselves with their feet up, ideally in unique, unusual places, and upload it to their website simpleshoesblog.co.uk/feet-up-competition

The more creative the entry the better, because once you’ve uploaded the picture, the daily winners will be determined by popular vote. I've included a couple of examples on the post to give you some inspiration.


You can add your entry now, and the giveaway will begin 12 days before Christmas Day. In keeping with the spirit of the song, there will be one winner on the first day, two on the second, three on the third and so on. So your chances of winning increase every day - we’ve got 78 pairs of shoes to give away in total! Sweet.

Be sure to leave a comment here or promote your entry on Facebook and Twitter to get people voting for you. Good luck!