STYLE - Topman's Fashion Fridays

So, remember I mentioned the Topman styling event being held every last Friday of the month? Well I popped along tonight to have a nose around at the facilities and of course the clothes on the 1st and 2nd floor at the Oxford Circus store.

1st thing to note is that just about everyone in Topman seems to look cool and dress well. I think it's more about having your having your own personal style and I've never seen such diversity in one place. The stylist lounge is between the Sharps Barbers and EAT up on the top floor and when it's not buzzing from an event like this, I'm told it's a totally stress-free place. The team of stylists are dressed to impress and the space is sleek with the odd arcade game thrown in to keep the waiting amused.

Guys can book in to have a styling session and one of the professionals will get to know their likes and dislikes and make suggestions from their menswear ranges and 'Superbrands'. The appointment is completely free, if you like what they suggest then you can buy, but there's no obligation. I asked the stylist there what guys have the most trouble with and explained that suits are often seen as a difficult thing to buy but men are smartening up. Just look at the number of bow ties popping up all over the place.

So what jumped out when I was wandering the floor? Colour was the main thing, and I reckon guys look great in bright shades. Mannequins wore mis-buttoned shirts - something I recall from Vivienne Westwood's collection. Denim is being worn casually rolled or turned up with deck shoes and suits are getting skinnier.

Have you ever used a personal shopper or stylist? If not, would you? You can see what all the fuss is about for yourself on the last Friday of the month from 7-9pm. Did I mention there's a DJ... and beer!

Here are a couple of my ideas for casual cool:

FASHION - Oliver Spencer Shoes at Topman

In addition to launching 'Fashion Fridays' at their Flagship store, Topman is launching a new capsule collection of shoes designed by British designer Oliver Spencer.

Oliver founded his own label in 2002 and now boasts flagship stores in both New York and London as well as being stocked in some of the world's most respected outlets. He wanted to create a collection that reflected his own wardrobe: a bridge between popular streetwear and traditional tailoring.

Oli's main inspirations come from hunting and the military. He adapts bits of Americana and ideas from Japan into his cool, English aesthetic. He admires Sandy Powell, costume designer for the Martin Scorsese movies Gangs of New York and The Aviator, as much as any fashion designer.

Oli has gained a cult following due to his use of quality fabrics, characteristic detailing, modern fitting and exquisite craftsmanship which has been perfectly demonstrated in the new range of shoes.

The collection focuses on one style of boot and one style of shoe, incorporating a unique brick red EVA wedge sole design which Oliver has championed through his own range of shoes. All the boots have been designed in a traditional desert boot style in either navy blue, stone or chocolate brown suede whilst the shoe is an oxford style toe cap in both navy blue or off white nubuck with white stitching.

The collection will be available from May 10 through the London and New York flagship stores and online.

Until then, check out the Oliver Spencer website. I'm loving those illustrations on the category page.

DESIGNER - Luke Simon at Oki-Ni

It seems that if Luke Simon were to have his way the biggest trend of the season would be pyjama bottoms. I'm not entirely convinced that I can take these trousers seriously. Perhaps the plain, but the striped ones just remind me of something an old guy would wear to bed. I think if you were going to wear them you'd have to smarten them up with a blazer to add some sharper tailoring to the soft, casual look of the trousers.

What do you think. Yay or nay?




Shop Luke Simon at Oki-Ni

SERVICE - Tailoring Via a Vespa

I love this look!

Looking for a new place to buy your next suit? I've got an idea for you and this tailoring service comes direct to your door. Henry Herbert offers a bespoke suit tailoring service that speedily scooters to you anywhere, around the clock, on a Vespa.

Henry Herbert tailors use its fleet of Vespas to visit and measure up customers throughout London. Carrying tape measures, chalk and the finest selection of wools, linens and silks from the UK’s most traditional and long-established mills, Henry Herbert tailors will come to you to measure up and create a beautifully hand-made suit.

Everyone from government ministers and city chairmen to musicians and comedians have started using this convenient service and I can't blame them, it sounds fab. Henry Herbet was founded by Charlie Collingwood who was frustrated with the inconvenience, expense and inaccessibility of Saville Row tailoring.

Suit prices start from £495. More info can be found at www.henryherbert.com

To book an appointment call Henry Herbert on 020 7727 2485 or email cc@henryherbert.com.

REVIEW - Braun Series 7 Shaver

When it comes to male grooming, the most important piece of kit in your arsenal is a good quality razor or electric shaver. I have in the past featured Braun shavers on this blog, my guest poster Sam gave the Series 3 a run for its money. This time round I was sent the Series 7 to put through its paces so I got my man on board.

This shaver features Sonic Technology, up to 10,000 vibrations stimulate the hair and lift it making it easier to get that all-important close shave. You can also rely on the Gillette blade technology for precision comfort that doesn't tug and pull.

What it does well

The looks and feel of the Braun Series 7 scream quality. It's solid and durable yet sleek enough to look stylish in your bathroom. The grip on it is spot on with a practical rubber covering to the reverse of the razor along with grooves on the front of the razor to stop any slipping when using with soapy hands.

The trimmer feature is also an added bonus providing an easy switch from shaving to tidying up beards or sideburns. Perfect for the man in a hurry. I was surprised by how gentle to shaver is, you barely feel a thing which makes it a great choice for someone with sensitive skin.

Cleaning is simple to do, just wash under running water between shaves. It also comes with a handy brush that makes quick work of dusting away stray hairs. Everything fits into a great holder keeping dust and dirt away from your razor. The brush neatly fits inside its own compartment. You also get some maintenance oil, as with everything it will last longer if you take good care of it.

There's a clear display so you can keep track of when you need to put your razor on charge, and you'll notice that it recommends batteries are changed every 18 months. Not too bad I wouldn't say. I wonder whether you could get away with longer that that? You only really need to charge it for about an hour and you'll get at least 40 minutes of use out of it.

Downsides

My tester found this razor to work really well across most of the face, but it did fall down slightly when shaving the coarser hair under the chin where it's also harder to get the perfect angle. He felt the need to go over this with a conventional razor but that's not to say you will need to do the same. It all depends on the coarseness of your own facial hair which obviously varies from person to person.

Want one?

If you think the series 7 is for you then beware, it's a bit of an investment at an RRP of £199.00, however if you are well-suited to an electric shaver then you won't get much better than this one. If you can afford it, there's the added option of a Clean and Renew model, the Braun Series 790cc - you'll pay an extra £50 for this. Shop around online and you will undoubtedly be able to get a bit of a deal on either of these shavers knocking some wonga off the RRP. Either that or drop a few hints and see what you get for your next birthday.

See how the two Braun Series 7 models measure up

SKINCARE - Dove Launches New Range for Men

Dove, the brand that sparked a global conversation about real beauty, is now starting a different conversation – this time with men.

Set to be Unilever UK’s biggest brand launch in 2010, Dove Men+Care ™ hits the shelves this month and is the brand’s first ever body wash and anti-perspirant deodorant range to be formulated especially for men which I think is great news.

The launch will be supported by the brand’s trademark, a stereotype challenging advert, which will première on UK television tonight on Channel Five at 7.45pm and 8.10pm.

The new campaign is in response to global research by Dove Men+Care ™ which finds that men over 30 are bored of the same old male grooming advertising stereotypes of men their age, with three quarters* (73%) saying they feel misrepresented.

Set to Rossini’s William Tell Overture, the TV ad uses comedy to celebrate real men and the journey they’ve had to become comfortable in their own skin. The new campaign is refreshing in that it stars real men not models or global superstars. I'd love to know what my readers think of it. Have Dove got it right or are they just blowing their own trumpet?

The new Dove Men+Care™ range is on shelf now and will be available at all major chemists and supermarkets from February 2010.