SHOES - Why Don't Most Men Collect Shoes?

When it comes to my email inbox, I get inundated with potential men's blog post ideas on shoes. There are so many brands and styles to choose from it got me thinking... why do most men only own a few pairs? If I was a guy I'd be filling my wardrobe with different sneakers, shoes, pumps and boots, yet from my research most guys only really own in the region of 5-7 pairs of shoes.

There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. There are some men at my office who have nearer up to 100 but they work in the fashion industry so I think we'd expect a few extra pairs to sneak through, they've seen what amazing choice there is for men.

When putting this question to Twitter some people commented that men's style differs from girls in that they tend to stick to one 'look'. This is definitely true of plenty of men, but still doesn't explain things fully, even within one look there are plenty of options. Could it be that guys aren't so keen on shopping perhaps? But shopping online now is a breeze so that's not a very good excuse. Maybe it's that men are just more practical when it comes to shoe shopping, I know my boyfriend has bought the same pair of shoes as the old pair has worn out on more than a couple of occasions. If I have a pair of shoes that wears out the last thing I want to do is go out and get the same pair, it's a good excuse to try something new.

Regardless of the reasons why men tend to have fewer pairs of shoes, I am going to continue on my mission to write about the styles I really like. That way, I might just inspire a guy to go for something different next time he is shoe shopping. One of the reasons I love getting new shoes is because you generally don't have to worry about sizing issues and whether they will fit properly. A new pair of shoes always makes you feel good.

If you've been inspired to increase your shoe collection, then here are a few hot shoes from Spartoo...

Blackstone Amsterdam City Chukka - £141

Carlington Stredok - £70

Osiris NYC83 VLC Plm - £70 

Gola Quicksand Leather - £80

FASHION - Versace for H&M

You might have heard about theVersace collaboration with H&M already, and here are the press shots. If you aren't afraid of bright colours and chaotic prints then you'll want to join the queue to snap up something Versace at a price you can afford. Sharp tailoring is key and one of the looks is a hot pink suit, shirt and shoes combination which you'd be rather brave to recreate. The collection will be available from 17 November.

When it comes to the average man who is into fashion but prefers something quite simple, this classic black shirt is my top pick. I love the gold tipped collar which is subtle but incredibly stylish.

DESIGN - Ardentees T-shirt Collection

Ardentees has launched a collection of 13 new designs based on the theme of 'PSEUDO REALITY',
inspired by a poem by Tamyka Bell. They've got new artists on board as well as some more established ones including Julian Kahlon (Robot Tiger), Claudio Parentela, Katty Bouthier and Ruben Ireland. I quite like the designs which all have a slightly surreal, obscure design. They're priced at a reasonable £25 and you're less likely to catch your mate in one than if you hit the high street.

Each design reflects the artists' personal inspirations as well as being linked to the original poem...

The same lines over and over

Like a scene from a play

Too often rehearsed

We lie to ourselves

And we lie to each other

And continue our belief

That we speak only truth

Acting reality

We make it seem so real

You could touch us

But what would you feel?

Am I warm or cold

Or even tangible?

Into my orange-tinted dreams

I lapse once more

For this reality is not pseudo

It's just fake

How can you take it?

The finest actors ever...

I shun you all.

Tamyka Bell

19 April 2001

MOST WANTED - U-Boat Classico Watch

U-Boat Classico Watch - Time2 - Was £1550, now £1325

Looking for a new watch? I'm currently loving this U-Boat watch. The oversized styling is quirky but stylish and it feels industrial and definitely robust enough to wear every day. There's a thick black leather strap secured with a double-button deployment clasp making it chunky but quite sleek at the same time. You'll need a few bob though, it comes in at well over £1000. Wowsers!