The Style PA for Men

VIDEO - Nigel Sylvester for G-Shock

2012-02-01T13:00:00.000Z

Nigel Sylvester is a BMX icon and has teamed up with G-Shock for this fab video showcasing his skills. It's his tricks and slick, street style that make him stand out as a perfect ambassador for the brand. Sylvester's Youtube videos have notched up over 10 million views so naturally, the brands are queuing up to team with him.

Nigel says: "When I'm out riding my bike I need a timepiece that complements me. G-Shock watches perform well under the extreme conditions in which I ride and look good when I'm just chilling off my bike as well."

Performance and style... well, that's what we all want right!

SHOES - 125 Years of Cheaney Shoes

2012-01-31T22:56:00.001Z

Shoes make the man and investing in craftsmanship is something that men are really buying into at the moment. Cheaney shoes have been making footwear for 125 years and still work from the very same factory that they started out in, back in 1886. Every stage of production takes place there, allowing the brand to keep control of every detail of every shoe.

To commemorate this special anniversary, Cheaney shoes have created the 125 collection which includes styles available in several width fittings. It takes a full 8 weeks to make a pair of Cheaney shoes - craftsmanship is king! They'll also be opening a new flagship store in London this year, and it's good to know that businesses like this are surviving the tough economical climate. Timeless style always has its place in fashion.

The owners, Jonathan and William Church, say: “125 years is a phenomenal achievement for any business and the continued success of Cheaney can be attributed to the passion and pride that our highly skilled employees have for the shoes that they make”.

Prices for the new 125 collection start at £205. In the meantime, here are a couple of my favourite styles from the current collection...

Pennine IR boots

Lime Classic Oxford

CELEBRITY - Guys at The Golden Globes 2012

2012-01-16T21:11:00.000Z

Celeb men seem to be quite a bit more designer-loyal when it comes to red carpet dressing, and it's easy to understand why. With women, there are so many different options of colour, fabric, fit, style. With the guys, there's less scrutiny on whether you've 'played it safe'or not, it's all about looking smart and sexy. It doesn't even matter if you're dresses the same as the guy next to you. The next four celebs all chose Giorgio Armani for their Golden Globes tailoring... who do you think works the look best?

Clive Owen

George Clooney

Leonardo DiCaprio

Mark Wahlberg

SHOES - New Year, New Shoes...

2012-01-03T21:42:00.001Z

The new year is always a good time to think about a fresh start and your wardrobe is no exception. I'll be giving mine a good clear out as soon as I get the chance. So have you got a collection of old shoes that have seen better days? I bet most of us could do with a shoe clear-out. At this time of year you might be thinking about starting a new year health regime, so make sure you've got a good pair of trainers to support your feet while you're getting fit. Sports brands seem to be loving orange and black this season.

adidas Performance Absolado

These adidas Predator boots are designed for great ball control and touch. I love the orange and black combo.

Nike Tiempo Mystic

These Nike's use bladed studs but with a more subtle slant than the pair above. They're a minimal style with flat laces that won't affect the touch on the ball.

adidas Court Stabil

If you are planning on taking up indoor sports like badminton or squash, the adidas Court Stabil is worth a try. Sports like these are great for motivation too as you can rope in a partner and you'll have the competitive angle spurring you on.

Reebok Premier Zig Fly

Taking up running? I'm a little bit obsessed with the orange and black as you can probably tell, but these Reebok shoes are a great styles to try for those looking to pound the pavement this January. You'll definitely stand out with the bright zig-zag sole.

Post in conjunction with Spartoo, all shoes available at spartoo.co.uk.

SHOES - Oxblood Top Picks

2011-11-27T15:00:00.001Z

Oxblood is a rich burgundy colour that can give you the perfect opportunity to cast your black or brown shoes to one side for a while.

The great thing about oxblood is that although it means introducing some colour, it's not too far away from a dark brown. That means you won't feel like you're wearing something that stands out too much for the office for example. Oxblood accessories are a subtle way to take on the trends and there is also plenty of fashion around in the same sort of hues too. Picking out a colour in a striped scarf for example will tie your look together perfectly.

I've selected some of my favourite oxblood shoes available at Spartoo...

If you're a simple man then these plain shoes by Ben Sherman are a great choice. The coordinating laces and warm-toned sole and heel make them an easy option.

Prefer boots? These Barracuda brogue detail boots are a great choice. At £341 they're a bit of an investment, but it's the right place to put your money - in a pair of hard-wearing boots that will last and last.

Trend-setters will love these shoes by Allen Edmonds. The tassel detail wins you extra style points and they'd look great with a smart suit.

Loafers have had a much more stylish profile of late and wearing them in oxblood can only add to the fashion appeal. The lower front of this Lumberjack shoe means your sock choice should be a pair that coordinates or ones which are worth showing off.

Want the best of both worlds? I love the contrast colours on this two-tone pair by Swear. The design is smart enough for wearing with a suit too so great for work or weddings.

STYLE - What to Wear in November

2011-11-14T20:24:00.001Z

1. Coloured wool

Wool as a fabric is definitely not unusual for this time of year, but often people stick with greys, blacks and browns. To give your wardrobe a style update, make sure you've got some boozy hues like burgundy in your knitwear collection plus I'm also loving teal and bottle green for coats. These shades are still pretty traditional but very on trend this winter. Topman have some great examples right now and a handy style guide.

2. Leather gloves

Leather gloves are by no means just for women and they're so much warmer than fabric versions. This black leather pair are a total bargain from Henri Lloyd, currently reduced from £36 to £18. Plus, order before Friday to get free delivery.

3. Mixed stripes

I've seen a lot of people mixing stripes when styling up outfits lately and it's definitely one style rule that you can break. Kevin Pietersen has been involved with a Children in Need Style Challenge and, after being mentored by designer Ben de Lisi he's created a shirt and tie set to raise money for charity... might be a nice way to earn your stripes and do a good deed at the same time.

4. Boss Bottled

This fragrance remains one of the top selling scents for men and it's just been won the Beauty Awards Fragrance Classic Product 2011. It's such a classic that over 60 million bottles have been sold since its launch in 1998, and a bottle is still sold every 8 seconds. It was also one of the first male fragrances to use vanilla, so give Boss Bottled a try.

5. Oxblood boots

Forget grey, black and brown for boots this winter, the only shade worth stocking up on is oxblood. This dark, rich burgundy hue is top of the trends and will definitely add some style points. These lace up winter boots are by Swear at Sarenza for £119. It's worth taking a look at their other styles too as they are classic shoes with just enough of a twist to make them totally up to date.

FASHION - GANT SS12 Press Day

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000Z

GANT isn't a brand I've really covered much before on the blog but when invited to their press day I was quite intrigued to find out more. I'm a big fan of guys wearing bright colours and the summer collections for GANT definitely have plenty of them. Take a look at some of the men's collection highlights...

Swim shorts are one garment that you can have a bit of fun with and GANT have teamed a fab range of colours and prints in this selection.

One thing I was really impressed with was the leather goods, I spotted a fab weekender bag that was understated but great quality. With a matching wash bag it makes city breaks all the more stylish.

Washed out colours also feature within the SS12 GANT collection like these ties and summer scarves. Teamed with a relaxed linen suit they create effortless summer style.

The felt collars are exposed as if to reveal the tailor's work-in-progress on these blazers. This is a detail that features within both men's and women's collections. Turned up it makes a statement, while turned down you'd barely notice the subtle difference. http://www.gantuk.com/

UNDERWEAR - Jockey Brings the Body Back

2011-11-08T19:30:00.000Z

The winter weather has most certainly arrived and it's brought back a style from years gone by.

Jockey’s AW11 Countryside Body is being tipped as a great option for keeping cosy and warm this winter. Its relaxed styling makes it masculine while the playful all-in-one style reminds me of a celeb fave - the onesie.

The Jockey® Body has a breathable cotton fabric and will keep you warm through the coldest nights. But are you ready to embrace this look? I'm not sure that many guys will be stocking up just yet regardless of the temperature outside.

Jockey‘s A/W11 Countryside body is available for £28.

EVENT - Urban Outfitters & Nudie Jeans Gigs

2011-11-07T23:08:00.001Z

I love a free music gig, plus this event is taking place in other locations outside of London. Timed perfectly to fill some post-work boredom and those dark evenings before the festive season kicks in.

Shop Nudie jeans at Urban Outfitters

CHARITY - Happy Movember Everyone

2011-11-01T21:33:00.002Z

Are you one of the guys growing a moustache for charity this month? November becomes Movember in support of prostate cancer charities and, by the end of the month, men everywhere will be comparing their best tache efforts and fundraising abilities.

Fitting with the event, I spotted this great T-shirt from More Tea Vicar for £18.99 and then went on the hunt for a few more moustache-inspired tees...

Also loving this tee available at T-Shirt Grill for £14.99.

See what kind of moustache you are growing with this tee from Chargrilled.

Or this quirky tee from JukuPop.

Wishing all the mo-growers the very best of luck! I'll be sponsoring my boyfriend who also did it last year.

SHOES - Why Don't Most Men Collect Shoes?

2011-10-31T21:58:00.000Z

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

2011-10-23T21:00:00.000+01:00

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

2011-10-20T23:33:00.002+01:00

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

2011-10-01T22:24:00.000+01:00

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!

SHOES - Catwalk Shoe Trends For Men

2011-09-24T15:00:00.002+01:00

Here are a few shoe trends that I spotted at SS12 menswear day at London Fashion Week. Some of the looks you can easily copy now, or maybe make a mental note that come Spring next year these are some key styles you might want to stock up on.

Swear Dylan shoes - £101

Metallics, as seen at Hardy Amies. Go a little bit space age and include some metallic shoes in your shoe wardrobe. At Hardy Amies it was gold and bronze formal shoes on the catwalk, but I quite like jazzing up a more casual style too like these silver lace up shoes above.

Timberland Earthkeppers Slide in black - £80

Chunky sandals, as seen at KTZ. Spring/Summer 2011 is set to see the flip flop replaced with something a bit more statement for men. Yes you can wear sandals, they are by no means too girly. Chunky styles have a really masculine edge so these Timberland ones are a great example of the look. KTZ's sandals were studded too but for everyday wear it's fine to keep things a bit simpler.

Superga 2950 Cotu Slim pumps - £43

White pumps, as seen at Mr Start. This look is better for Spring/Summer purely because the rain, grit and grime of Winter will get them grubby. However, I hear we'll be having a bit of an Indian Summer next week so break out your pumps while you still can. Style them up with a skinny-fit suit like as they were styled at Mr Start.

Neosens blue suede shoes - £127

Blue suede shoes, as seen at Oliver Spencer. Like the Elvis song, you won't want people stepping on them, but they'll be sure to comment on them. Blue suede was a hot look over at the Oliver Spencer show. They teamed the shoes with all blue or blue and white outfits for a sharp look.

Sebago Spinnaker boat shoes - £124

Boat shoes, as seen at JW Anderson Men. This trend has been around for some time but JW Anderson went for navy and whit with tassel details to bring them right up to date. Sebago are a brand known for fab deck and boat shoes so this pair above would be a great way to ease yourself into the look if you haven't dabbled already.

Nobrand Johny Brogue Boots - £122

Plus my top tip, two-tone brogues. They popped up at a few shows but are definitely a trend-led style which will give your outfit extra style points. Try these blue and brown ones for size.

All shoes featured are available at Spartoo.

EVENT - Tutorials For New Bloggers at Westfield London

2011-09-24T12:37:00.000+01:00

New to blogging? Want to know how to get started or grow your audience?

If yes, you could come along and find out more from me. I have 3 style blogs, contribute to Yell.com's interior blog and also run the blog for Debenhams. I've got 5 spaces up for grabs to my beginners tutorial next week so if you want to come along as my guest simply email me at jenny@thestylepa.com with a link to your blog, or a description of your blog idea and the one thing you'd really like to find out. I'll pick 5 ticket winners on Tuesday night.

Event: Beginners blogger tutorial
When: 1.30pm, Saturday 1 October 2011
Where: Westfield London, W12 7SL
With: Me

Plus if you are a bit more of an experienced blogger, Fashion Foie Gras and Disney Roller Girl are also holding tutorials. View full tutorials info.

Read the full post over on The Style PA

STYLE - What to Wear in September

2011-09-12T23:48:00.003+01:00

1. The contrast sleeve jacket

This one is by Alexander McQueen which makes it even more desirable. This is the subtle way to block your outfit, instead of contrasting colours try contrasting textures. Mixing black denim and leather, this is a must-have for the season and is exclusively available at Mr Porter.

2. Bright underwear

Summer brights may be out for your clothing now we've veered towards autumn, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun under wraps. These undies by Bjorn Borg are loud and fun, plus they've been paraded round on TV by The Only Way is Essex star Mark Wright. Watch the trailer for the new series here.

3. Statement sneakers

Luxury urban styling, it's a look I love and these sneakers fit the bill perfectly. Both pairs are from a brand called Cipher which is new to the UK for AW11. Each style uses calfskin leather with lambskin interior and memory foam insoles - heaven! You'll be able to buy them in Harvey Nichols and upmarket boutiques. I love the simplicity and geometric designs.

4. Dots & spots

Spots and dots were all over the catwalks in womenswear collections, but the look has cropped up in menswear too and it doesn't have to be too twee. The dots on this chambray shirt from Universal Works are
elegant but the overall look is still effortlessly stylish and casual enough for weekends.

5. Bright socks

To go with the bright pants... these are from J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams and are far more exciting than boring black socks.

CELEBRITY - George Clooney Wears Armani in Venice

2011-09-01T20:48:00.001+01:00

If there was ever a lesson in how to wear a tux I am pretty sure this is it. George Clooney, ever the bachelor but never lacking a lovely lady on his arm, attended Venice Film Festival dressed in Armani. The classic tux like this one will usually have that sleek satin trim inluding a stripe down the outside leg of the trousers. It gives it that more formal feel.

This sort of suit simply has to be worn with black formal shoes. Lace-ups that have been well-polished will look the part. So if you have a special event coming up and a formal suit is required, take a leaf out of George's book. If you can't afford Armani, you can at least emulate his smart but care-free, effortless style.

VIDEO - Behind The Scenes With Example

2011-08-30T20:57:00.000+01:00

This Example video shoot and could almost have summed up my Bank Holiday Weekend. I love the way that music makes you dance, laugh, cry, stay up all night and inspire you. I couldn't live without it...

Plus, Example is a bit of a lad and quite entertaining (in music and in general). Why not follow Example on Twitter for updates like this... "Inside Natures Giants is fascinating. Just when you think you know a camel really well you realise it's all been a lie".

FRAGRANCE - BOSS The Collection From Hugo Boss

2011-08-21T21:32:00.000+01:00

The BOSS brand has various collections within it, some more affordable than others. For those who would align themselves with the more aspirational of these brands there is now a set of luxurious fragrances to match.

BOSS The Collection includes 5 new elite fragrances for men, a set of rare scents inspired by opulent fabrics used within the BOSS clothing collections. Each fabric has been paired with an elegant scent to create a high-end fragrance that smells amazing. The five fragrances are:

Cotton & Verbena
Silk & Jasmine
Wool & Musk
Velvet & Amber
Cashmere & Patchouli

Each fragrance comes in a 50ml bottle and retails at £110. The attention to detail in the packaging is second to none. Each chunky glass bottle comes in a beautiful drawstring pouch, made with the fabric that inspired its aroma. The pouch is then encased within a lovely box covered in the very same fabric. It really would make an amazing gift for the guy who thinks he has everything.

It's a clever idea for a range of fragrances and it reinforces the idea of HUGO BOSS as offering sought-after tailoring using rich quality fabrics like Italian wool, cashmere and silk, a heritage which spans more than 50 years. Each lavish fragrance relies largely upon a single but exaggerated note that has been selected to complement the fabric. I'll be saving some of these to use as an extra-special pillow spray as well as on myself.

I tested the fragrances in the order that was recommended, from lighter to heavier and have included my thoughts below...

Cotton & Verbena
This scent feels very refined, crisp and clean smelling. Great for that after-a-shower freshness before going out. I feel like there's a slight citrus element to it too which is refreshing and awakening.

Silk & Jasmine
My favourite which I will be wearing myself even though I'm a woman. This actually smells delicious without being at all sickly. It's an elegant, grown-up fragrance and subtle enough to be worn in the daytime.

Wool & Musk
This fragrance feels rich, exotic and sensual. There's a comforting warmth to it that just makes me feel quite cosy, great for a date especially if you might be cosying up with your lady watching a movie.

Velvet & Amber
This scent is quite heady, deep and aromatic. The only way I can describe it is like a sherry instead of a wine, richer and more developed. This one is definitely an evening fragrance for bars or restaurants where your fragrance will be competing with lots of other smells.

Cashmere & Patchouli
This is the strongest of all the fragrances and demands a confident wearer who can take on the more intense scent. Again, this smells expensive in its simplicity, like it has been created with the best ingredients but just a select few of them for a truly rich and concentrated aroma.

These exclusive fragrances are only sold in El Corte Inglés in Madrid, Harrods in London, and KaDeWe in Berlin, Germany. Or you can win one...

WIN THE CASHMERE & PATCHOULI FRAGRANCE, WORTH OVER £100

To enter you need to tell me is why you need a new fragrance, girls and guys can enter. It might be that you want the scent for yourself or to give as a gift. There are two ways to enter...

Via Twitter - Tweet your entry using the hashtag #thestylepagiveaway
Via a comment - Leave a comment on this post along with some way for me to get in touch e.g. a Twitter or Facebook profile or blog (not personal email addresses)

Terms & conditions:
There will be 1 prize and 1 winner
UK and Ireland residents only
Maximum 2 entries per person (1 comment, 1 tweet)
Competition closes at 11.59pm on Saturday 3 September
Winner will be chosen at random

FRAGRANCE - Re:Fresh With Lacoste Challenge

2011-08-16T23:09:00.000+01:00

LACOSTE Challenge has been around for a while, but new to the fragrance range this season is LACOSTE Challenge Re:Fresh. And what's different about this one you might ask? Well actually there is something a bit special about it. This one features a patented time-release technology which means your fragrance reactivates throughout the day for up-to-the-minute freshness.

Lewis Peacock (part of the fragrance creation team for LACOSTE) explains how it all works: "In a traditional fragrance, the top-note oils, responsible for the fresh initial scent, quickly evaporate from the skin after spraying. This can mean that you lose the first impression of the fragrance quite quickly. However, the Time Release Technology traps some of the top-note oils in the perfume, steadily releasing them in new bursts of fresh top notes over time. This allows the fragrance to smell fresher for much longer, as if you had just sprayed it on your skin."

What else is there to know? The face of the fragrance is tennis player Andy Roddick (pictured above) and he's been working with LACOSTE for 6 years, first on fashion and then moving onto the fragrance side. The fragrance bottle is inspired by a tennis racquet handle and is tactile and soft-to-the-touch. What do you think? On smelling the fragrance I'd say it's a great all-rounder that works for day or evening. It's fresh, zingy yet masculine... delish!

You can buy LACOSTE Challenge Re:Fresh at Debenhams, prices start from £20 for a 30ml eau de toilette so it's really reasonable.

EVENT - Sailing with Hugo Boss at Cowes Week

2011-08-13T16:18:00.001+01:00

On Monday I was a very lucky girl indeed. With riots taking place across London I headed out to Portsmouth armed with an invite for Alex Thomson's racing yacht, sponsored by Hugo Boss. Having never really been sailing before I was excited, if a little apprehensive, but the thought of getting away from the city and watching some of the sailing at Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight was an offer too good to refuse.

Coming out of the harbour on the boat things were very relaxed. We had a go at pulling ropes and had a tour of the boat which is made of the same material as an F1 car. As we hit the open water things got a bit more exciting, at points the boat was banked at 40 degrees while I was clinging on to the high side of the boat for dear life. The power of the elements becomes clear when sails are raised and the wind catches the sail propelling it forward.

The boat is designed to be sailed by one person, and for certain races Alex goes it alone for 3 months which is just astonishing. The living and sleeping area on the boat is very basic and he has to train himself to sleep for 20 minutes every couple of hours in order to keep the speed of the boat at an optimum in order to get the best possible place in the race, which many boats don't finish. On the boat it seems like everywhere you step there is another rope, something to trip over - this sort of sailing is not a sport for the clumsy!

The boat itself is an Open 60, that means it's 60ft long, has smooth hulls to plane across any waves, and can reach speeds of up to 25 knots. On Wednesday Alex and his team came 3rd in the Artemis Challenge, a race at Cowes Week for charity. Celebrities get involved in this race too and Alex welcomed Ewan MacGregor as part of his crew, the course for which is a lap around the Isle of Wight. Zara Phillips also competed with another team.

Lloyd Images

While we were relaxing on the non-racing yacht (think Tanqueray gin & tonic, elderflower and raspberry trifle and a sun deck) we were shown this amazing photo of Alex and the Hugo Boss boat. When the keel of the boat is moved mechanically over to one side in order to keep the boat stable, the boat leans and the keel can actually come out of the water. For this amazing photo, Alex got dressed up in a Hugo Boss suit, and, from a small boat, jumped onto the keel as it appeared from the water. Brings a whole new meaning to the term 'wetsuit' right?

I really enjoyed my day sailing with Alex, his team and the Hugo Boss fragrance team. I was also given some fabulous new men's fragrances from Hugo Boss to try which I'll be reviewing for my next post... come back soon.

See a few more of my pics below...

SHOES - Diesel High Tops From Zalando

2011-08-06T00:40:00.000+01:00

I was recently asked to give Zalando a try and being a shopoholic, I rarely turn down an opportunity. I've used quite a few different shoe websites plus online department stores and the thing I'm noticing more and more is the sheer choice available. Zalando, like other similar sites, has a huge range of brands available, from higher end designer styles to really affordable options too. The great thing about shopping online for shoes is that it's much easier to know your size and get a good fit. I find clothes can be more difficult to order online as I'm better trying them on, but shoes... I'll order shoes till the cows come home.

Armed with £100 to spend, I asked my boyfriend to choose a pair of shoes for himself.We had a good look together, I quite liked the Boss Orange sneakers and am also partial to brogues. He explored the Converse before settling on a pair of YUK high top sneakers from Diesel. I love the denimy grey colour of the upper and the white toe detailing. Most of the shoes in the collection have a slightly 'dirty' colouring and urban feel which I like too. There are a couple which have a more clean-cut feel and also a couple of pairs of deck shoes too.

But even if Diesel isn't your thing there are plenty more to choose from. Top brands include Levi's, Lacoste, Bench and Nike too, plus lots of formal brands if you need a pair of shoes for work, a wedding or nights out.

When it comes to service I was pretty impressed. Ordering and checkout is easy and they arrived really quickly too. I was sent a note to say when they'd been despatched too which is always useful. Only downside is that the website occasionally takes long time to load or times out. Perhaps a sign that there's more demand than they expect?

MOST WANTED - Hampstead Weekend Travel Bag

2011-07-25T23:47:00.000+01:00

Hampstead Weekend Travel Bag - £390

I don't need any excuse to get away for the weekend. In fact, I generally make sure I have a weekend away every month. It gives you a little something to look forward to, which with the stresses of working long hours is much welcomed.

If you've got one planned and have got a few pennies to spare, then you might fall in love with these bright weekender bags by Archer Adams just like I did. It's made with an exclusive Harris Tweed and comes in 3 fantastic shades - Burnt Orange, Bitter Cherry and Storm Purple. If the price tag seems steep be reassured by the fact the luggage comes with a 10 year guarantee. Hurrah!

Which colour would you choose?

STYLE - What to wear in July

2011-07-24T18:02:00.000+01:00

1. Contrast sole shoes

Louboutin may have been the contrast sole master with their iconic red soles but the trend has taken off and we're seeing lots of designers throwing a striking sole into their footwear designs, especially in menswear. It's a way to add that fashion edge, while still being totally wearable. The ones above are both from Kurt Geiger. Go blue with the KG Lowe (top) and yellow with the KG Rio.

2. A softer colour palette

When it comes to trousers, why not try a beige pair - you won't look like your dad if you style it right. Rolled up hemlines are still key while a preppy white shirt in a close fitting style will finish the look. Going more casual? Tailored shorts are perfect and look cool with tees or polos. The inspiration above is from the Maison Kitsuné collection for next summer. Inspired by 'The Great Gatsby' the look is timeless with an emphasis on quality of fabrics.

3. A cool rain mac

So what if it's July! Anyone who has made plans requiring fair weather this summer knows that the chance of rain is greater than shine so you may as well try and look stylish in the downpour. The pictured trench coat is by Burberry and is a packaway style so it won't take up too much room if the weather changes for the better. Perfect for festivals... but at a price - £450.

4. A pair of vinatge inspired sunglasses

London Retro have a selection of frames inspired by vintage London styles. Each has a name or a particular area and while I await my specs (I've got 2 pairs on order) I draw your attention to the prescription sunglasses. Each of the styles is available with a choice of shaded lenses - I reckon the style that's best for guys is the 'Shoreditch' or perhaps the Camden too. The uber-cool frames are available at Glasses Direct.

5. Get protected

OK, so it isn't exactly something to 'wear' but it's important none the less. Most guys I know have an i-Phone but lots of them have broken screens, cracks or scuffs from general use and accidents that seems unavoidable. I recently tried out some CaseMate phone covers and cannot recommend them enough. My boyfried is currently trialling the Tough case for the iPhone 3G but CaseMate also do covers for Blackberry, HTC, Tablets and more. It's definitely worth checking them out. The Tough cases are textured and rubberised - they feel really nice in your hand.

INSPIRATION - Talay Riley's got Style

2011-07-20T07:31:00.000+01:00

Talay Riley may be just 20 but he's already carving a niche for himself in the urban music scene and I reckon he's one to watch in the style stakes too. His style is, in my words, 'Urban Gentleman' mixing hoodies and sneakers with chinos, smart shirts and caps. This forging of cool and traditional just works for him and it's an easy look to copy too.

Layer up hooded tops with smarter style blazers
Wear a smart shirt buttoned up rather than open for a preppier look
Stock up on chinos, they make a real change from denim
Nab yourself some funky sneakers - go for bright colours or fashion detailing

And as well as being a fashionable fella, he's got lyrical style too. Check out Talay's cover of Jessie J's 'Who's Laughing Now' below which he co-wrote... He also wrote the UK #1 single ‘Oopsy Daisy’ for Chipmunk plus he's been busy writing songs for with or for the likes of JLS, The Wanted and Tinie Tempah.

Talay’s own upcoming single ‘Make You Mine’ is out in August.

SHOES – Which Formal Footwear to Choose

2011-07-10T20:58:00.000+01:00

When it comes to men’s footwear for a special occasion, most guys I know have a fail-safe pair. They also tend to stick to a style that they’ve always had before. E.g. a brogue man remains a brogue man; a loafer guy veers always towards loafers and so on. It must be said that a lot of the men I know aren’t really into fashion as such so that may play some part in choosing what they know they like rather than experimenting more with their choices as I would do. Personally, I think it’s great to try things out and it’s also worth having more shoes than you think you need… you’ll be surprised by how different outfits can look so much better with a well-suited pair of shoes to complement.

Brogues – in the last couple of years, brogues have become a lot more popular. It’s those little holes that make a brogue what it is and often the holes are laid out in quite intricate designs. For this style of shoe I prefer brown and they look great with a smart grey suit. Wear them to work, dress them down slightly at the weekend or even throw them on for a more casual wedding.

Loafers – Personally I’m not the biggest fan of loafers but they’re making plenty of appearances of late especially in some of the bigger design houses. If choosing this style, go for a good quality pair with a modern twist or else they can look quite dated.

Lace-ups – When I think of lace-up shoes I think of a pair of slick, well-polished black formal shoes. For black tie occasions or funerals I would say this is the shoe style to go for. Keep them in good condition and make sure you have polish to hand. This style of shoe tends to be quite streamlined and can look great with a suit that has a slimmer fit.

Suede – Although suede is a luxury fabric, when it comes to footwear I find it to be quite casual. Save suede shoes for wearing with denim rather than smart tailoring. Just avoid pastel colours!

Pointed shoes – If you dress fashionably or have a good sense of your own style then you’ll probably get away with a pointed shoe. However, I find that they really stand out so if you’re the shy and retiring type I’d say choose something simpler instead.

Geox brogues - £111

Clarks lace-ups - £89

Sebago loafers - £133

All shoes featured are available at Spartoo.

FRAGRANCE - Lacoste 'Make a Racket' Event

2011-07-09T17:48:00.000+01:00

The latest fragrances from Lacoste have gone down well with everyone I've asked. Both my dad and my boyfriend are now wearing one of the 3 scents and getting compliments on them too. Last weekend I was invited along to witness the Tennis themed fun at Westfield London put on to promote the product. Lacoste asked members of the public to pick up a tennis racquet and demonstrate their best air guitar to a rock track of their choosing. Everyone who took part went away with one of the fragrances and the overall winner each hour got a jam-packed goodie bag worth £300. Hurrah.

If you haven't had a chance to check out the L.12.12 fragrances yet then give it a go, each of the 3 has its own personality and I'm pretty sure there will be one you'll love. I love the blue for him and quite often steal the white from my boyfriend's bathroom cabinet when I forget my own perfume. I also took time to take a good look around the Lacoste store and although I always thought it quite expensive for what it was, when there's a sale on you can pick up some amazing bargains.

Here are a few pics from the event...

FRAGRANCE - Hugo Just Different

2011-07-07T22:26:00.001+01:00

Did you know that Hugo Man, the classic men's fragrance, is now 16 years old? Its sold so well across the world that the brand thought it about time to bring out something to complement this iconic scent but also give it a more modern twist.

New this year, Hugo Just Different reinvents the original but is quite different too, with a heavier fragrance that works well for evening. First you get a refreshing minty top note, followed by spicier heart notes like basil and coriander, then finally patchouli and woody base notes. The warm spice and fresh mint give a satisfying contrast that I can't get enough of.

By boyfriend tried both fragrances recently and we both veered towards the Just Different fragrance out of the two - it feels newer but definitely reminds me of Hugo Man so has that element of heritage to it. The face of the campaign is Jared Leto, a perfect match to the fragrance, if you ask, me as he's a little bit dark with some mystery to him. This is reflected in the scent and the bottle - an almost rubberised, matte black effect.

Prices start at £20 for a shower gel or deodorant spray up to £48 for the 150ml eau de toilette.

I was able to go along to a press launch of the fragrance which involved a 'different' dining experience. Simply check out Dinner in the Sky and you'll see what I mean. We were treated to a 3 course menu which reflected some of the notes within the fragrance - mint in the starter, basil in the main and patchouli in the dessert. It was hard to concentrate with my feet dangling at 50ft up but it was definitely an experience to remember. It all took place in London with a view of Tower Bridge.

VIDEO - Robbie Williams Previews New Fashion Label, Farrell

2011-07-04T13:00:00.000+01:00

When the news that Robbie Williams was launching his own clothing line hit I was a littl bit confused. Where had it all come from? I didn't have Robbie down as much of a fashion fan, I can't say as he's often spotted on the front row at Fashion Week. However, this new video that's been released goes some way to explaining how it came about. The inspiration and angle that he's taken for the range stems from his upbringing and his grandfather Jack. The clothes are really wearable too. It's everyday menswear with a working class twist - something for a 'real man'. This video is part 1 of 3 and is narrated by Robbie.

I feel like many men avoid getting too 'into fashion' as it isn't deemed very masculine but I think that's a real shame. Clothing and fashion should be fun whether you're a girl or a guy. Do you think Robbie's new label named Farrell will encourage you to go shopping?

Farrell will be available to buy from this September.

STYLE - Packing For A Long Weekend With Matches

2011-06-28T20:23:00.000+01:00

I had a men's email from Matches arrive in my inbox today and I was inspired by the new arrivals they were promoting. If you've got a city break planned and are looking to impress someone then the picks above could be right up your street. A couple of smart polo shirts for daytime, a smart shirt for a more dressy evening occasion and a knit for when the chilly British weather kicks in.

Best of all from this selection, I love the Bottega Veneta holdall and if you team it with that orange Marc by Marc Jacobs polo (a designer bargain at just £65) you'll be looking totally on-trend, colour blocking with the best of them.

Which city would you most like to visit?

NEWS - ALDO Launch Premium Shoes for Men: Mr B's

2011-06-26T18:18:00.001+01:00

I was at the AW11 ALDO shoes launch this week and among the usual fashionable collections for men and women was a new concept. A premium men's range called Mr B's which will take up a good chunk of men's store space from next season.

The collection is named after the founder of ALDO who was at the event to celebrate the brand's AW11 campaign. Having had a good snoop around the product, it's definitely classically styled and great quality. Expect traditional brogues, essential winter boots, smart loafers and even socks too.The collection has that 'gentleman' feel about it, yet the styling isn't stuffy. It's got enough of a modern design edge to make it desirable for guys today.

I'm yet to find out the actual price points of the shoes but as you can imagine it's gonna be more than your usual pair of ALDO shoes. That said, these classic shoes are the type that it's worth investing in so be sure to check them out when the range hits stores come September.

STYLE - What to Wear in June

2011-06-23T23:35:00.000+01:00

1. Stripes

Stripes are such a classic and effortless outfit choice, especially in summer. Throw on this striped knit from Urban Outfitters with some tan chinos for a stylish look.

2. A man bag

OK, so technically this bag is for women but I recently went to an event where a male stylist was carrying it around and it's a winner for the guys too. City boys are definitely opening up to the idea of the man bag and often now I find myself jealous of the next guy's arm candy. This great tote bag is from Spanish retailer Medwinds who are fairly new to the UK market. It's also available in tan leather.

3. Grown up flip-flops

Surf style flip-flops are getting a tad dull if you ask me and it's time men's summer footwear options got a little more grown up. I stumbled upon these Guess Tonga flip-flops in the Sarenza sale and I think they're perfect for summer weather while being stylish too.

4. A summer trilby

I've not always been fond of hats on guys, sometimes the way a man wears them comes off incredibly pretentious. However, with sunshine and a festival-filled summer hopefylly on the cards a fab trilby or fedora should be in every gent's wardrobe. It will protect your head and face from the glaring sun (if we ever get any) and when worn in an effortless fashion can look really cool. The hat pictured is from New Urban.

5. Go eco...

The Met Office recently teamed up with Rapanui to create a range of eco-friendly t-shirts with fun, weather-related slogans and graphics. I thought it pretty apt because the weather in the UK is currently being entirely unpredictable. These would be great for festivals and summer days out.

And that's my round-up for June. Do leave a comment if you've got any more suggestions...

SPORT - Witness Roger Federer's Closest Shave

2011-06-21T22:41:00.000+01:00

This video shows a pretty cool stunt. First, paint Roger Federer's face into the grass, then simulate shaving in with foam and lawn mowers. If you thought shaving in the morning was a chore then try this before work!

Federer's face was treated to a genuine shave. The image was blasted with bio-degradable foam before lawnmowers set to the task of getting him looking his best ahead of what is set to be a busy week. Over 3,000 litres of diluted paint were used to create the masterpiece as well as 1,000 diluted litres of black and white paint to create a 5 o’clock shadow for the tennis superstar. A 1,000 litres of environmentally friendly and biodegradable foam were then used to lubricate the high-precision shave and in total 210 man hours went into the whole process.

I remember going to a Gillette event a few months ago and wanting a massive razor like the ones on show. They've popped up again in this video to taunt me! I did win a signed Federer top though, signed to me. Still working out what to do with it - any ideas?

Join the conversation over at the Gillette UK Facebook page.

TREND - Baseball Jackets Seen at Capital FM Summertime Ball

2011-06-20T18:38:00.000+01:00

Celebs have been working the baseball jacket trend lately, but how do they wear them? I snapped a few of the performers from the Capital FM Summertime Ball wearing baseball jackets last weekend. Take a look...

Mike Posner colour coordinates his baseball jacket with some bright yellow trainers.

The LFMAO crew smarten up their baseball jackets with a crisp white shirt.

Even the girls were in on the action with Katy B rocking the look.

Carhartt grey baseball jacket - Urban Outfitters

Red and white letterman jacket - Rokit Vintage

Navy J Jeans baseball jacket - Debenhams

Black baseball jacket - Lyle and Scott

SHOES - Behind The Brand: Keds

2011-06-19T15:13:00.002+01:00

Keds are a brand with a long history and heritage. You might notice a lot more of your favourite shops and websites in the UK stocking them lately so I thought I'd tell you a bit more about the brand and pick out a few of my fave styles for men too.

Keds has been around since 1916 when a new term for tennis shoes was born, the 'sneaker'. Keds were a big part of taking this new idea and 'running with it' so to speak.The soft rubber soles of Keds were said to allow the wearer to 'sneak' up on people unheard, simply adding to the sneaker revolution. From the 1920s, Keds were worn by tennis stars, basketball players and olympic athletes and moving into the '30s developments such as high-top styling and air-filled soles to absorb impact simply elevated their popularity.

In the 1960s it was the women who gave the brand a boost with the likes of Jackie O, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn being seen wearing thier Keds. In the '80s, Keds sold the idea of multi-coloured versions of their iconic styles and Sugar Ray Leonard was brand spokesperson. More recently Keds have teamed up with Mischa Barton as face of the brand and the Veronicas too.

So when you look at these new and upcoming sneaker brands, remember, there are some that have been leading not following for almost a hundred years. Plimsole style sneakers for guys have definitely enjoyed somewhat of a revival in recent years and it's great because buying into this trend is generally far less expensive as getting the latest pair of Nike Air. See a few of my top picks from Spartoo below...

Champion Fall S

Great preppy styling with a subtle stripe and tan detailing. Very 'now' and a great alternative to deck shoes while hitting the same look.

Champion CVO

Easy to wear if you're style is slightly grungier, the contrast white stitching and sole make them quite current.

Champion Jute S

Probably the most on-trend of the bunch, the espadrille styling is great for summer and the statement washed out stripe will ensure people notice your fab footwear.

Shoes featured are available at Spartoo.co.uk while stocks last.

VIDEO - The Lynx Effect Continues

2011-06-07T22:14:00.000+01:00

Lynx may still remind me ever so slightly of teenage boys and gym kits but I have a soft spot for their advertising campaigns. This one below is just as fun, flirty and full of females as they usually are. It's a tried and tested way to sell a product and it still works and even if you don't buy into the brand perhaps it will raise a smile.

But there is a Lynx ad that I found even more amusing and pretty clever, and that's the Lynx Dry advert which was being shown in cinemas before The Hangover 2. You can watch the video over at the Lynx website... It's spoofing the subject of many a teen movie and I think has more that a little inspiration from a certain Lonely Island Youtube video. Am I right?!

SHOPPING - Inside Topman's Personal Shopping Lounge

2011-05-31T18:38:00.000+01:00

Topman has revamped its personal shopping lounge at the flagship store at London's Oxford Street. GQ have much more info so read the Topman article here.

Anyone can book an appointment up to 6 weeks in advance with no obligation to buy. They'll even select some items for you in advance if there's a specific event you're dressing for. I've met the personal shopping team before at Topman and have to say they are extremely knowledgeable and have so much experience. You'll be in good hands.

To book an appointment simply visit topman.com/personalshopping

DESIGN - Topman Window Installation

2011-05-24T23:06:00.000+01:00

If you're passing the flagship Topshop/Topman store at Oxford Circus be sure to check out the new installation in the window created by Gary Card.

The installation launches the 'Swim Short Project', a collection of 6 swim short styles designed by different designers including TOPMAN DESIGN, Casette Playa, Todd Selby, Jonathan Saunders, Bernhard Willhelm and Gary Card himself.

SHOES - The Footwear's Bright

2011-05-19T20:15:00.000+01:00

How bright do you dare to go with your footwear? This season, there's no limit to how bold your shoes can be, it's a hot trend and one that I think looks great on guys. I've picked out some vibrant primary hues (plus a green pair too) that would look super cool with jeans and a white tee, during summer and beyond. It's worth taking a good look in your wardrobe and trying out some colour combinations that you wouldn't usually go for. You might find a new look that really suits you.

Which colour are you?

Victoria 6613 plimsoles

YELLOW... as sunny as a summer day, yellow can be difficult to wear for some skin tones but going for yellow shoes solves this style dilemma. Wearing the colour away from the face avoids the 'sallow complexion' that it can give some people. Yellow reflects a lot of light too which makes it the one to choose if you love to stand out.

Etnies Fader in Blue

BLUE...the colour associated with 'boys', and this shade of blue works for summer and winter. Either wear with other brights for colour-blocking style or team with black and white for a more classic look. Skater style is less about fashion or trends and more about your own personality. For some people this style of shoe is the only one they'll wear.

Convere All Star in Red

RED... Classic Converse in striking red could never be a bad style choice. Having recently visited the Converse store in New York I've found a new appreciation for the brand. They have a Converse Maestro on hand to create bespoke artwork with you which can be printed in store. How cool is that!?

Adidas Dragon Vert

GREEN... I love this shade of green. Green as a colour is thought to relieve stress and have a calming effect on people. I'm not sure whether that would actually be the case if you were wearing green on your feet but these are cool none the less. Locvng the yellow accent too.

All featured bright shoes available at Spartoo.

OFFER - Up to £50 Off Branded Jeans

2011-05-16T19:39:00.000+01:00

I am a definite bargain hunter. Nothing pleases me more than picking up a must-have from my shopping list at a great discount so I obviously like to pass on the latest offers.

If you need to nab a new pair of jeans then head on over to USC where selected styles have up to £50 off while stocks last. Brands include Police, G-Star, Diesel and Replay - big name brands! It's the perfect opportunity to give a new look a try, perhaps giving cuffed or rolled up denim a go.

Also, another great offer event going on right now is the Debenhams Summer Spectacular. All across menswear there are some great bargains including up to half price Calvin Klein underwear, t-shirts and shirts plus 20% off many other areas.

Happy bargain shopping readers :)

OFFER - 25% off Jackets at Coggles

2011-05-11T22:41:00.000+01:00

Need a spring jacket for Britain's unpredictable weather? Get on over to Coggles and enjoy 25% off jackets... hurrah! Was pleased to see that leather styles are also included so there are big savings to be made.

FASHION - Henri Lloyd Jeans for Men

2011-05-07T18:39:00.000+01:00

Henri Lloyd might not be the first brand you think of when looking for a new pair of jeans. The company has its roots in nautical clothing and sailing essentials so you'd expect chinos, deck shoes and polo shirts to be the key looks. Yes Henri Lloyd does offer all of these things, but I've been looking at the Henri Lloyd Jeans offer and was pretty impressed.

The Henri Lloyd jeans brand almost feels like the younger, cooler brother of the more classic Henri Lloyd brand. It also feels more urban but there are still nods to the brand's heritage with motifs like anchors and shark jaws featuring on t-shirts and the chino popping up here and there.The jeans brand has positioned itself alongside some cool music events previously sponsoring Wakefest and putting on a London event alongside PRS music which saw Fenech Soler headline (I love that band).

Something I love about the website is how some garments are displayed within outfits meaning you get instant style inspiration for how to wear your latest clothing purchase, just click on the menswear 'key looks'. If it's a pair of jeans you are after, then you can easily browse the different cuts and styles. Most of the denim on the website comes in at under the £100 mark with some as low as £68. Not too bad when you pitch this against rival brands of equal quality.

I think Henri Lloyd does darker, smarter denim particularly well. There are plenty of pairs that could be worn with a blazer to the office on dress-down-Fridays or which could be worn with a smart shirt for an evening out to dinner or for drinks. The lighter denim washes are a lot more casual but have a nice summery feel. Simply team with a white t-shirt and sneakers for essential summer dressing. There is a good range of clothing within the jeans section also including tees, knitwear, jackets, polos and shirts.

Discover Henri Lloyd Jeans

CLOTHING - High & Mighty Menswear

2011-05-07T18:08:00.000+01:00

For those who tower above their friends a simple shopping trip can be a nightmare. High&Mighty menswear stocks fashions for the taller man meaning you're sure to find something that fits at last. Personally I'm at the other end of the spectrum being petite but the principles are the same and it's usually the arms in jackets which are an issue along with trouser lengths. Half mast trouser legs are just as bad as trouser legs dragging along the floor - it's not a stylish look.

High & Mighty also cater for the larger man featuring great brands and designer names in up to a 5XL. Suits and tailoring are also a difficult area for those in a size outside those stocked in many high street stores which is why High & Mighty also have an extensive men's tailoring section with more generous neck sizings on formal shirts available too.

If you are shopping online it's important to know your measurements and buying guides are offered to ensure you know which size to buy when browsing the website. This is a good thing to do regardless of your size and where you are shopping. Be aware also that some brands can come up differently size-wise so it's worth making a note of which size you are in each of your favourite brands as this is likely to be consistent for each brand.

Which measurements to take...

A. Collar - Measure around the neck at the base where the shirt fits.

B. Chest - Take your measurement across the fullest part of the chest.

C. Waist - Measure around your natural waistline.

D. Hips - Measure 8ins/20cm below your waistline at the fullest point.

E. Inside Leg - Measure from the top of the inside leg to where you want the trouser hem to fall.

It's easier to stock up on your outfits all in one place though which is why the website becomes a one-stop-shop also featuring shoes and accessories to complete the look. Brands include many that I've featured on this blog before including Converse, Raging Bull, Animal and Nike. You don't have to substitute the names you love because of the size you are.

Find your way to a better fit with High and Mighty Mens Clothing UK.

VIDEO - Ray-Ban: Never Hide Water Gun Campaign

2011-04-22T17:27:00.000+01:00

Sunglasses sales must shoot up as soon as the sun comes up and with this video Ray-Ban hopes it will be their styles we'll all be buying. It's captured my imagination, scantily clad girls, a gangster movie feel... and a water fight! Love the video and the sunnies are pretty cool too.

What's your verdict? You can buy Ray-Ban sunglasses at Debenhams and until Tuesday there are some great discounts too!

SHOES - Flip Flop Looks For Summer

2011-04-19T22:48:00.000+01:00

Flip flops aren't always the most stylish footwear choice, but when the sun comes out they're an essential for the beach and beyond. I've picked out my top 5 looks for flip flops that will keep your holiday footwear looking fresh and cool this season.

Timberland flip flops - £75

PREMIUM... You may have thought flip flops were a cheap and rather throwaway style, but they don't have to be. Invest a little more in your summer shoes and they will last you the season and into the next summer too. The upper of these shoes is completely leather while the sole is made from recycled materials giving them an eco-friendly edge too. You could get away with wearing this style of sandal with smarter linen trousers or straight tailored shorts.

The North Face flip flops - £26

TECHNICAL... This brand was the brainchild of two fans of hiking in California and the 'exploration' ethos remains key to the brand. The North Face shoes are designed to be worn to death and to remain comfortable in the process. Whether it's a sandy beach or a mountain walk, these should keep you in good stead.

Cushe flip flops - £43

COMFORT... These fab flip flop thongs have a breathable mesh sole which moulds to the shape of your foot for maximum comfort. The layered brown leather upper is very much of the 'global traveller' style. I can see these being a staple of gap year students (with a bit of budget) or for the city type who still wishes he was travelling.

Blue Havaianas - £13

BRIGHTS... Bold colours are big news this season and the colour blocking trend is easiest to wear on your feet. Look the part with these vibrant Havaianas or any of the other colourful styles from the range.

Sole Rebels flip flops - £26

RETRO... Give '70s style a go with these striped flip flops made from organic woven fabric. The soles are made from recycled tyres so you've done a little bit for the earth too.

All featured shoes available at Spartoo shoes while stocks last.

FASHION - Accent Designer Clothing for Men

2011-04-13T19:36:00.001+01:00

Looking for a select fashion edit of great brands to make shopping easier? Well it could be worth giving Accent a try. The online store features Lyle & Scott, Belstaff, Replay, Armani, Luke 1977, Edwin and G-Star and has plenty of choice when it comes to the latest looks and must-haves for each season.

Check out the men's designer jeans at Accent because the denim range is particularly good and I spotted some pretty impressive offers too which is always nice. Go for G-Star if you like your jeans urban and edgy with a looser fit, Armani have some great fitted styles in darker denims that would look great with a blazer for a slightly smarter look too.

The drop crotch denim style is one of the latest looks to get a more mainstream pick-up, certainly in London 'banana' or 'arc' shaped jeans are becoming much more popular. Luke 1977 and Humor are the brands to head for on the Accent website if this style is your style, or if you fancy giving it a try for the first time. These jeans look great with a simple white t-shirt, converse trainers and a shacket (that's a jacket/shirt if you're not down with the lingo).

Skinny jeans are still big news for men but definitely look better on a slim frame. If you're a little more built go for a more forgiving fit. A pair of straight leg Nudie's or Replay jeans look as though they would be a good style for all shapes and sizes. The key is to make sure the waistband doesn't sit too high and isn't too tight. That's what causes the dreaded love handles and it's easily avoided by sizing up.

A great pair of jeans are important but you'll need to finish the look. Accent offer plenty of coordinating pieces and accessories to build a stylish outfit with ease. Team your jeans with a crisp shirt or casual polo and finish with sunglasses, the sun has been shining after all. I'm also loving the Belstaff bags and am tempted to get one for myself. They do come in at around the £400 mark though, time to start saving!

WIN - Lacoste Launches 3 New Fragrances

2011-04-03T00:09:00.000+01:00

On Friday evening myself and the boyfriend hopped along to The Future Gallery in London's Covent Garden to find out all about the 3 new Lacoste fragrances hitting the shelves. The whole evening was themed to fit with the 3 fragrances, their colours and 'personalities'. The fragrances, dubbed L.12.12, are inspired by the original Lacoste polo shirt of the same name. The fragrance technologist went to great lengths describing how the fragrances fit the brief of being a new interpretation of an iconic piece of clothing... but all you really need to know is that they smell good.

You can choose from green, blue or white and each colour matches your expectation for the hue. Blue is the masculine, powerful scent, white the clean, crisp one and green the earthy, fresh fragrance of the trio. Personally, I favoured the blue as the stronger masculine scents are ones that I like on a man. However, the green and white both smelled nice too. It all depends on your own personality, and it's nice that they've launched the three together. It feels like there's one to suit everyone.

The event featured some rather odd food and drink combos all inspired by the 3 fragrances.... blue omelette with cream, broad bean crostini and a rather slimy sushi. I also had a stick of rosemary in one cocktail and thyme in the other. Inventive, but not sure I'll be asking for any of the recipes...

Win a green L.12.12 100ml fragrance

I have one 100ml bottle of L.12.12 ( and a couple of extra goodies) to give away. To enter, simply email jenny@thestylepa.com with the subject line 'Lacoste'. Include your name, email address and postal address. The winner will be picked at random using a random number generator.

Open to UK residents only. Giveaway closes at midnight on 16 April 2011. Good luck!

View pics from the event below...

INTERVIEW - Philip Levine Q and A

2011-04-02T23:26:00.000+01:00

Philip Levine started going bald at age 29. In 2006 he made the decision to shave his head completely using it as an artistic canvas. Philip has gone on to become an iconic figure within London’s art and design scenes, in fact I recall seeing him frequently at fashion week. One of his most impressive designs was a 1000 Swarovski crystal headpiece, pictured. Gillette are sponsoring Philip's debut exhibition in May, so what better time to catch up with Philip to find out about his background, art and new venture...

The Style PA: When you first started going bald, how did you feel about it?
Philip: My hair started falling out when I was about 23, beyond the impending doom that you feel youth leaving your grasp I was fine about it. To be honest it wasn’t much of a shock, my father and grandfather were both bald men. It didn’t take much mental arithmetic to work out who was next.

What triggered you shaving your head and embarking upon your first design?
I didn’t want the Bobby Charlton sweep over or comb forward or slicked back look. I promised myself when it got to that in-between stage I would shave it off and did so with aplomb. It was then I looked in the mirror and believed there was something more I could do with a bald head. I then found a body painter and created my designs. The first one was a black and silver painted design.

How long have you been working with Kat and how did the collaboration start?
I started doing my designs in 2006 and after meeting one or two body artists found Kat who understood my vision of the designs I wanted to create. We have since become very good friends. You have to when working so often together.

How do you decide what art to create, where do your inspirations come from?
The design ideas come from everyday objects, materials, images and friends. People from the past as well who had strong image looks and fashion statement such as Klaus Nomi, Freddie Mercury, Boy George and Max Headroom.

Did you set out to change the attitudes of people towards baldness?
Not intentionally at first, it was just some idea I had but now it is a definite YES. You have this great canvas on your head where your hair use to be so why not use it. A canvas for creativity.

Do you want other people to use their heads in a similar way to you? Have you seen people trying their hand at it too?
I have had people from all over the world email me about how inspiring they find what I do. Only the other day some girl from Greece was emailing images of her designing one of her friends heads this is from one of my images. I must be doing something right for people to also want to design their heads and I have had requests to design on people’s heads.

What about the commercial opportunities - selling advertising space for example? Something you'd ever consider?
There have been many artists that have been snapped up by companies to advertise for them. A recent campaign I saw in London was definitely influenced by Liu Bolin, an artists who paints his body into a scene. If your art is good enough then people will pay for your creativity and if my head is an ad tool and the company is right then why not. Gillette is supporting me for my show, you never know if they would want to take our relationship further and use my head for ad space. Also I want to design onto Kanye West, Lady Gaga’s heads or someone similar.

Do people often approach you to find out more about what you do and is the response generally positive?
Yes 99% of the time the response is positive. I have been quite humbled sometimes. This started off as an idea with no thought of gain or vanity and I have now inspired people with alopecia, depression and other problems who have emailed and said what a wonderful idea it is to use something that could be seen as a weakness and turn it into a strength.

Your debut exhibition launches in May, is this something you've wanted to do for a while? What do you hope to gain from it?
Good question. My Headism exhibition supported by Gillette is from May 3rd – May 9th at The NL Gallery in Riding House Street near Oxford Circus. In 2009 I started thinking that it would be great to do an exhibition, then my site had loads of hits and now it is becoming a reality. I have not just images, but head busts, dolls and a mini documentary for the exhibition. It is all very exciting. I am still trying to work out what I want to gain from the show. With any show you should sell your work, so there is that. Other thoughts are to be respected by the art world and also by my contemporaries which is never easy. What I really want is to create an iconic image that lasts a generation and inspires people in life. An image that Grace Jones or David Bowie would have produced in the past.

Which are your top 3 designs that you've worn?
I would say the crystal head design, butterflies has always been well received and my safety pin Mohawk. All of them will be displayed at the show.

You can catch Philip Levine's exhibition ‘Headism’ sponsored by Gillette in London featuring photography by Daniel Regan, documentary by Viviane Castillo and sculpture supported by Lifecast. Open from 4th – 9th May 2011, noon – 6pm daily at the NL, Dutch Cultural Pop Up Space, 40/42 Riding House Street, London, W1W 7ET.

Visit Philip Levine's website for more info and news.

EVENT - Jockey International Catwalk Presentation

2011-03-31T23:18:00.000+01:00

You may associate Jockey with the traditional Y Fronts but that's certainly not all they have to offer. The brand is one of the most important in the underwear market and they've got an exciting history and brand heritage, not to mention customers all over the world.

Last week I was invited out to support Jockey who were celebrating 135 years as a leader in making comfortable underwear. Our host for the evening was GQ Editor Dylan Jones who entertained the audience and presented product highlights from throughout the 135 years of Jockey Underwear, from its beginnings with predecessor Samuel T Cooper and classic all-in-ones, to the space underwear created for NASA and the revolutionary 3D Innovations collection. There were also some exciting exhibition pieces on the wall including an Andy Warhol designed pair of Jockey's.

The catwalk event itself was so well put together. There was a real element of fun and it was quite tongue-in-cheek. Not only did the models look amazing in the underwear, they looked to enjoy modelling it. It was more than a catwalk show really, more of a mini theatre act. The tug-of-war theme was carried throughout the presentation with teams of men getting in position to reenact a tug-of-war, complete with heavy rope. And the ladies in the audience certainly won't complaining about their front row seats that's for sure.

The History, the collections... find out more about what's on offer below. Which collection fits your style personality? Are you a sporty man or into the classic Y Fronts. Do you like preppy or country styling?

CLASSIC Y-FRONT® - Invented by Jockey in 1934
The brief that innovated the American underwear market in the 1930s, has maintained its place in the hearts and drawers of men in over 120 countries worldwide.

MODERN CLASSIC 1850
Timeless elegance and masculinity are encapsulated, creating a range that is stylish while suitable for everyday wear.

MODERN STRETCH 2245
The Modern Stretch product range features light, high quality, long staple cotton, offering excellent wearer comfort with sleek design.

SPORT COOLMAX ®
Wearing the correct sportswear is vital for optimum performance and Jockey has developed the Sport Coolmax ® range with this in mind. A perfect fit and distinctive green stitching ensures the wearer both looks and feels great (see my earlier review).

SPORT TACTEL ®
The Tactel® range again features breathable material and mesh inserts to offer enhanced air circulation in concentrated areas.

JOCKEY SWIMWEAR
The Jockey swimwear collection encapsulates casual cool with maritime-inspired sporty looks, creating a successful mix of time-honoured traditional and contemporary relaxed styles.

FASHION FALL - USA ORIGINALS
The popular USA Originals Collection continues to encapsulate the ‘American Way of Life’ with the new range for AW11. The new range has been given a modern twist thanks to sporty colours, patterns and prints. Inspired by ‘preppy’ styles.

FASHION FALL – URBAN LUXURY
Reflecting the glittery urban centres of an upscale city life, the theme gives luxury free reign with its elegant combinations, top quality and select colour mixes, giving each piece an urban and exclusive flair.

FASHION FALL – COUNTRYSIDE
Inspired by the blue sky, green forests and high craggy mountains of North America, this collection makes its mark with natural Wintry shades and classic designs.

3D-INNOVATIONS
The Jockey 3D-Innovations® collection uses a revolutionary new 8-way stretch technology that creates a second skin and fits the male physique perfectly, whatever the shape or size of the wearer.

Here are a few more pics from the event...

Q&A - Christian of Style Sage

2011-03-19T13:08:00.000Z

I love the blog Style Sage, there aren't that many great style sources for the guys but this is definitely one of the them. The 'his' section of the blog is written by Christian so I got in touch to ask more about blogging and his sense of style...

Why did you start blogging
I was writing for a number of other blogs and for my-wardrobe.com. Frustrated with the content of the sites. I’m more of a fan of style rather than fashion, if you catch my drift, and there are not many UK blogs which cover my niche of interest. I teamed up with my like-minded partner about a year ago to create Style Sage in an attempts to create blog where the content is fairly unique, using our own photos and words. So we gave it a go, and Style Sage is doing very well so far.

Describe your personal style: What are your wardrobe staples?
My personal style is quite specific, classical with modern colourful detail, everything is tailored and mostly built around my shoes. Staples include: Coloured socks, White Shirt, knitted ties, tassel loafers and always, a well fitting blue blazer with a wide-ranging collection of pocket squares

What inspires you?
My Dad, Street Style/ mens blogs, Ivy American prep, British Heritage, Mad Men, the Duke of Windsor, Savile Row, Bertie Wooster, mostly the idea of the British gentleman... As Mr Paul Smith says, "Inspiration is all around us".

What has been your biggest ever bargain?
Possibly a green wool trilby I got in Melbourne for $50 which would be rather expensive in London, or a suit for less than half price which fits almost perfectly.

And what has been your biggest splurge?
I recently got a Tom Ford bow tie. Also shoes, something I will always refuse to skimp on.

What do you collect?
Magazines. I have 5 years worth of UK GQ stacked up in my house, also I collect shoes, 20 pairs and counting...

If you had to wear just one fashion designer's clothes for life, who would it be?
Perhaps Tom Ford or Band of Outsiders if ready to wear. I think would pick a tailoring house, maybe Hardy Amies or Thom Sweeney, then everything could be bespoke.

What is your favorite trend of the moment?
I love hats. They seem to be coming back as well. Also the double-breasted blazer, I’ve always been a bit of a campaigner for the double breasted suit.

What would you wear on a first date?
Depending where we were going, let say we were going for dinner. I would probably wear tailored chinos, a white shirt, fitted blazer, no socks and my green lace ups. ( if in London probably socks as the cold could get to my ankles). I might wear knitted tie and tailored trousers with turn-ups if it was a rather elegant restaurant. Jeans cashmere jumper and blazer with a silk scarf, possibly loafers or boots if the date calls for a more casual look.

EVENT - Bloggers for Japan: 26 March

2011-03-19T10:58:00.000Z

Please pop down if you can and bring some pennies... Get the latest details at the Bloggers for Japan Facebook page.

SHOES - Desert Boot Trend Alert

2011-03-16T22:39:00.000Z

Spring is certainly the time to look at your footwear options. The weather will be starting to improve (or at least we hope) and you might be looking at a new style to take you through until flip-flop season.

My top trend is the desert boot. Wear them with chinos when the weather's nice or your favourite jeans at the weekend. You can find desert or chukka boots which are smart enough to wear with a suit even so there are plenty of outfit options for the transitional months. Clarks have the most choice when it comes to this style, whether you prefer a one-colour style or a contrasting sole. Some people who are feeling particularly brave might even try a pastel shade although you need a strong sense of style to pull the look off.

Need to know: Crepe refers to the style of rubber used for the soles which is hard-wearing. Chukka refers to a similar style to desert boots which were popular in the 40s-50s and have two or 3 lace holes. Traditionally desert boots are made of suede, but other uppers have become popular too.

I'm going to be trying out some shoes from online shoe retailer Spartoo so I thought I'd show a few of my favourites from their range of desert boot styles...

Blackstone desert crepe - £106

A crepe soled desert boot with contrast stitching and two-tone laces.

Clarks Desert Boot - £97

An all black shoe that creates a subtle look.

Clarks Desert Trek - £87

If suede is a little risky due to the rain then go for these instead.

Hush Puppies Desert - £78

The classic contrasting sole on these shoes makes them an easy style choice.

Timberland Earthkeppers Desert Boot - £101

With a slightly more raw look, the contrast stitching is what sets these apart.

Shop these shoes and more at Spartoo.

UNDERWEAR - Jockey Sport

2011-03-16T20:41:00.000Z

Take a look in your underwear drawer... if there's anything in there looking threadbare or old then perhaps it's time for a revamp. I was recently sent some Jockey Sport Coolmax and it's been on trial with Mr Style PA these past couple of weeks.

The first thing to say is that the Jockey Sport styles offer a snug fit. If that's what you like then great, you'll get plenty of support. If not, then simply go up a size and you'll be fine too. The sport style comes in black with a bright green accent colour. The breathable cotton coolmax fabric makes them ideal for general use or for sportswear; it's quick-drying and comfortable so it won't inhibit movement or slow you down.

The feel of the fabric is soft with firm support but plenty of stretch too. I find the short trunk style to be the most flattering cut for a man, but there's also the option of a longer sport trunk or brief and the range is completed with a coordinating t-shirt.

This is just one of the available ranges from Jockey though. they've literally got everything covered. From thermals to super-soft microfibre, from briefs to boxers and fashion styles too. I recommend one thing though, a fitted style is far more likely to impress the ladies.

View the full Jockey range

DENIM - Stripping for River Island Jeans

2011-03-12T21:22:00.000Z

River Island recently hosted a Jeans Swap in Liverpool and guys and girls donated the jeans (off their body) in aid of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. And yes, that did mean they stripped in the middle of the busy town centre. It's for a great cause though, would you strip down to your pants for charity? Everyone who did walked away with a brand new pair of River Island jeans for being a good sport though.

River Island's Denim Week is on from 11 - 20 March.

NEWS - Limited Edition Shoes for Esquire's Birthday

2011-03-03T20:21:00.000Z

To celebrate Esquire’s 20th Birthday this month my-wardrobe.com has collaborated with GRENSON to create the Exclusive William Brogue.

The ‘William Brogue’ already exists in the Grenson range as their classic unlined brogue. Lee Douros, my-wardrobe.com Menswear Buyer and Tim Little, Creative Director of Grenson, have taken this classic style and given it a modern reconstruction using two tone suede and contrasting eyelets in a tonal summer colour palette.

The shoes are made in 4 stages: clicking, closing, lasting and finishing. The first refers to cutting the leather, the second to creating the upper, the third to the moulding of the shape and the fourth to polishing; in all, taking around three weeks to manufacture a pair.

The limited edition re-work of the William Brogue, with only 35 pairs made, is available now exclusively on my-wardrobe.com for £289. Treat yourself to an pretty unique investment piece.

I also spied these fab shoes from D&G with a bright blue sole. It's a subtle way to colour block this season and adds a touch of fun to your working wardrobe. I love, love, love this style!

STYLE - Inspiration from Jane Howard for Oki-Ni

2011-03-03T19:58:00.000Z

The latest Oki-Ni STYLED feature is in, this time it's by Jane Howard, former fashion director of POP magazine. Having worked with Prada, Miu Miu, Louis Viutton and Marc Jacobs, the result was always bound to be refined. Get inspiration andshop the looks at Oki-Ni.

HAIR - Recreate NME Awards Looks with Shockwaves

2011-03-01T22:46:00.000Z

Fancy getting that effortless 'I'm in the band' look? This fab hair trend video from Shockwaves will show you how to recreate the styles of some of the hottest frontmen in music! Your guru and teacher is Shockwaves Style Director Michael Douglas... a very talented man indeed who I've had the pleasure of meeting. He knows his stuff.

WEBSITE - Mr Porter is Here

2011-03-01T21:27:00.000Z

Building on the success of Net-a-Porter comes a brand new concept especially for stylish guys. Mr Porter has got everyone a little bit excited and I've already been impressed by their emails. Even more impressed in fact, by their fabulous Stylepedia and inspirational area.

I like the fact that instead of just adding menswear to their already established website, the company have launched a whole new concept designed especially for men. It's a very different look and feel to the other site, and I would suggest that men will love it. What do you think?

Shop Mr Porter now...

GUEST POST: What does it take to be best dressed for 2011

2011-02-18T18:17:00.001Z

The eagerly awaited GQ Best Dressed Men in Britain 2011 has been released and flicking through the list you get an idea of what it takes to become close to being named one of the top 50 best dressed men in Britain and how you can achieve the look for yourself.

For starters there doesn’t appear to be a cookie cutter approach to being the best dressed, there are different styles and interpretations in the list from the tailored smarter look to the more relaxed almost street wear approach to fashion. What is clear from the list is that the top 50 men have confidence, you can see from the way they hold themselves and wear their clothes to create their own individual style that they feel comfortable with.

Taking a closer look at the top 50 you see the names you may be familiar with for being well dressed such as Daniel Day Lewis, Nick Hart, Charles Finch and David Hockney. All well known for their sense of style and understanding of great tailoring. Other names that make it to the list include Alasdhair Willis who in a funny way wins twice with his own appearance and then for having styled David Beckham who also appears on the list. Luke Sweeney and Thom Whiddett are well known for styling others but appear on the list for their own style.

Looking at the list we can see that good tailoring has played its part in the majority of these men’s wardrobes, choosing good quality material and well finished clothes with that extra bit of detail that completes a look together with their own confidence.

So how do you go about creating this for yourself….

Choose clothes that you like and feel comfortable in
Understanding what you like and not just buying something because everyone else is wearing it is a good starting point. This is understanding your own style and what you naturally feel comfortable in.

Buy clothes that fit
If you don’t have the body shape to wear skinny jeans don’t buy them, buying clothes that work with your body shape and you easily fit in helps your confidence.

Choose key pieces
Buy key pieces for your wardrobe i.e. choose a mens winter coat that you will wear and wear, feel comfortable in and will look great with whatever you have on.

Understand what works
Understand what works for your lifestyle if you play a lot of sport having a wardrobe of suits may not be practical. A wardrobe of mens casual clothes would be more appropriate for your lifestyle.

...and what doesn’t
If you don’t feel comfortable in a shacket then it might not be for you, buy something that you are likely to wear.

Have something for every occasion
You may have a wardrobe that is completely casual but there will be those times when you need to be smart for a wedding or being in the top 50 for GQ Best Dressed Man 2012 in which case a suit would be ideal make sure you have something for most occasions.

After reading this I hope you have an idea of your own style and what you feel most comfortable and confident in and understand that all styles can be the Best Dressed for 2011.

Guest poster: Helen enjoys fashion and understanding how fashion impacts our life and how it makes people feel when they have their favourite outfit on.

STYLE - Styled at Oki-Ni

2011-02-17T20:08:00.000Z

Want to be a bit more adventurous with your look but don't know where to start? Oki-Ni's 'Styled' sees some much loved stylists create looks and outfits for an editorial feature. The latest is by Andrew Davis who is known for his work on iconic magazine The Face. He now works with Japanese publication HUGE.

Working with the new season collections of Bernhard Wilhelm, Jil Sander, Rick Owens and Christopher Kane the outcome is a casual mix of tailoring and sportswear, with looks as wearable as they are vibrant.

Are you brave enough to try it yourself?

VIDEO - Train Hard Shave Easy With Bluebeard's Revenge

2011-02-08T21:48:00.000Z

What should a manly man look like? Step forward, Sacha Harding. Sacha, 27, was recently awarded the title of ‘Britain’s Manliest Man’ by The Bluebeard's Revenge after over 250,000 people voted that his boxer’s jawline, and 6’3” toned torso was the perfect masculine physique. Which is useful, as Sacha needs every ounce of strength for his day job of professional rugby player, where he plays for Bedford Blues Rugby Club.

This week, Sacha’s debut photoshoot took place in a boxing gym, and the first-look pics reveal that he is the rightful winner of the title of ‘Britain’s Manliest Man’. Do you agree? What does it take to be 'manly'?

GROOMING - The New Gillette ProGlide

2011-02-05T21:15:00.000Z

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to celebrate the latest launch from Gillette at 1 Marylebone in London. It started like any other event, and the heads of various departments chatted to us about how important this new product would be. Not being a male myself, I took along the boyfriend to get an expert opinion on the brand new Fusion ProGlide razor.

Gillette have done more than enough customer research to know that men can be sceptical about their claims of making an already great product like the fusion razor better. So much so that they had a bit of fun and released this spoof advert...

So instead of adding an extra blade what they've done is made the existing blades thinner and finer, enhanced the lubrastrip and improved the blade suspension system to reduce drag on the skin and in turn minimise discomfort. So did it measure up?

My boyfriend tried the new ProGlide razor at the launch event where Gillette had set up shaving stations for guys to give it a go. Initial feedback was all very positive and the thing that is most noticeable is that it takes less strokes to shave, especially around the neck area. Fewer strokes means less irritation on the skin.

The razor also comes with a set of pre and post-shave products from a thermal scrub to moisturising balm. They've all been designed to enhance your shaving experience with the goal of the perfect smoothness and comfort. Out of all the products the boyfriend liked the moisturiser best - and he's in camp 'moisturiser is for girls' so that's an extra compliment coming from him.

If you fancy giving it a go you won't be able to miss the new razor. The marketing push is huge with stands in major chemists and supermarkets across the country. It comes in both the battery and non-battery versions. Do leave a comment if you've tried it and let us know your thoughts.

You can also take the Fusion ProGlide challenge on Facebook

GUEST POST - Fashion: Dress For Your Body Shape

2011-02-03T22:11:00.001Z

Image via Flickr: Fazil Fuad

Anyone can dress to impress, regardless of shape. This means, however, flattering one’s shape rather than hiding it.

First, you need to acknowledge your shape. You are what you are, and that’s fine. This article isn’t about dropping or adding pounds or wishing you were taller or shorter. Denying your shape will only hurt your style. So, take a deep breath, look in a full-length mirror, and exhale. Are you on the short side or tall side? On the bulky side or lean side?

The Long and Short of It, Through Thick and Thin

Sizes aside, men of varying heights need to tweak with their wardrobes to look their absolute best. What may work for someone who’s 5’6 may not work for someone who’s 6’6. In fact, rules for one may often simply just need to be reversed to work for the other. Here are examples.

For the Short Man

Avoid big prints that will overwhelm smaller frames.
Vertical stripes are your friend—as long as you’re not on the lean side, which will only make you look skinnier.
Wear a small rise in pants (the rise being the distance between the waistband of the pants and the crotch). Going with a high rise will take away emphasis from your rear end. A short rise will also elongate your legs.
Swallow your pride and wear short-length suits rather than letting them bunch up at your ankles. You don’t want to look 12.
While we’re talking suits, show some cuff to lengthen your arms and keep an eye out for peak lapels, which will elongate your figure.
Avoid belts, if you can. They split up your already small physique.

For the Tall Man

You can pull of big prints, but avoid the vertical stripes, which will only serve to make you look like a beanstalk. Thick, horizontal stripes work if you’re on the slim side.
Since you’re tall, you can afford to split your body up into sections by color and by accessories: a belt, quarter-folded pocket squares, horizontally striped ties, and the like. Even with accessories, wearing one color from head to toe makes you look thinner. Mix up colors and wear lighter colors to add bulk.
Minimize the length of cuff you show when wearing suits. On the same note, choose a two-button suit with high-cut lapels to compliment, not deny, your shape.

For the Thick Man

Avoid horizontal stripes, thick or thin, and opt for vertical stripes to slim you down. Pinstripe suits are a good option for dressing up. In the same vein, wear a pocket square to bring attention to your chest, not your gut, and wear simple, elegant shirts without plaids or checks. A tie is the inherent vertical assistant, but make sure it’s not too thin so it’s not overwhelmed by her larger frame.
Go for monochromatic looks when you can to create a cleaner, slimmer impression. Breaking your body up with contrasting colors, especially if they clash near your belly, will make your frame stand out.
I know I said avoid breaking up your body into sections, but a belt will make you appear trimmer as long as there’s not an overhanging belly nearby. Use suspenders so you don’t have to answer the above or below the gut question.

For the Thin Man

Avoid monochromatic looks. Mix and match and wear lighter colors to add mass, like whites, creams, grays, pastels, and light blues.
No one cares if you’re skinny enough to fit into skinny jeans—don’t.
But don’t hide behind hanging fabric. Wear fitted shirts—fitted, not Latex—and use layering with jackets, sweaters, and the like to add bulk.

Guest poster: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education and performs research surrounding online degrees. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

SHOPPING - Clarks Originals Pop Up Shop

2011-01-26T21:28:00.000Z

Clarks Originals is launching a brand campaign and pop up store to celebrate the launch of their new spring/summer collection for 2011.

Clarks Originals will take over the Clarks store in London's Piccadilly from 7 – 20 February with a full floor dedicated to the brand. I hear the new campaign featuring Cara Delevingne and Josh Beech will also be unveiled there.

All models featured have a connection with the music industry capturing the spirit of live music and connecting Clarks Originals with the music scene. This will be the first chance to buy the full Clarks Originals collection for a limited time only!

Look out for sets by Strummerville bands, kicking off from 15 Feb. Alongside the live bands, Clash DJs will pump out the tunes which is my kinda way to shop. Get involved!

FASHION - Emporio Armani for Men AW11

2011-01-17T22:51:00.000Z

The blurb: "In the setting of a great metropolis, perfectly attuned to the open spaces of any big city, this is a collection that brings freedom of movement and a contemporary edge to couture. Never so fluid and lightweight as today, with not a trace of an imaginary life among trees and meadows, this season we are plunging into an intensely realistic urban townscape."

The collection: Discover overcoats, sometimes combined with waistcoats. This year shoulders are understated but lengths are impressive, 130 centimetres, the cut is fitted and pared down, with special attention paid to the construction of the collar – asymmetric, double, stand-up with flap fastening against the cold – all contributing to a deconstructed silhouette.

Goodbye to nylon and quilting, this is the year for wool in a range of treatments, nubuck style sheepskin and leather, maintained through a range of jackets in streaked wool with needle punch effects that seem scratched into the pile. This treatment recurs throughout the accessories, shoulder bags, bags and shoes.

The colour palette consists of camel; grey marl in a range from medium to dark; black for long overcoats and formal wear. It's classic but masculine too. In fact I really liked the mixture of grey and camel in one outfit as shown in some of the model shots above. The stand out part of the collection is definitely the long coats though - will you be wearing one come Autumn?

SHOES - Jimmy Choo for Men

2011-01-17T22:37:00.000Z

“I am thrilled to introduce men’s shoes to the Jimmy Choo world. My vision of the Jimmy Choo man is one who exudes confidence and style whether he is an artist or an investment banker. The first thing I look at on a man is his shoes.” Tamara Mellon, OBE Founder and Chief Creative Officer.

Fusing modern British style with luxurious Italian craftsmanship, the Autumn Winter 2011 Men’s footwear collection has a Mod aesthetic with a hint of a 1960s Mayfair playboy.

Understated tones of black and brown are highlighted with rich colour and texture: cognac, oxblood and hints of ochre, turquoise and port. Real crocodile, hand burnished calf, classic spazzolato, rugged suede, glossy patent and exotic stamped leathers and printed hair calf are crafted with minimal framed, butted and scored seam detailing and luggage stitching. All hardware is hand cast in English pewter.

There are also more formal styles such as lace-ups, monk straps, loafers, side zip boots and slippers, and rugged masculine boots such as Chelsea boots and Bikers.

Jimmy Choo extends their collaboration with Hunter with an option for men in a black, vulcanized rubber wellington boot in a crocodile motif.

Check out the fabulously chic showroom too. Grey and black give it a more masculine edge, yet still with the luxury that Jimmy Choo is associated with. I like!

TRENDS - What to Wear Now: Casual

2011-01-09T16:15:00.001Z

I keep spotting guys in quilted jackets around Camden and there couldn't be a better time to get one. Spring is about transitional clothing and big wool winter coats can be just too heavy while hoodies and shirts aren't quite enough to keep you warm. There are two ways to go with the quilted jacket, urban/cool or traditional/country. I think I prefer the more urban styles but some people can carry off the whole hunting/shooting/fishing trend quite well, even living in the middle of a city

I picked out this check quilted jacket for my boyfriend which covers off two trends in one. As always for men, check prints are a key print for the season. The jacket is by Dutch jeans brand No Excess (available at Blue Inc.) They also have a lot of other similar Spring jackets which you can throw on with your jeans and a tee for a quick outfit fix.

No Excess Quilted Panel Jacket - Blue Inc.

Another essential for the everyday wardrobe is the hooded shacket, a cross between a jacket and a shirt. Again this piece is ideal for the changing weather and looks great layered up over tees and under other jackets. Be bold and choose bright colours to move out of the drab and dark winter and straight into the new season. Also check out the other colours available at Fly53 like the slightly toned down olive green/yellow version.

Firefly Shirt - Fly53 (also available in Selfridges)

NEWS - Crombie Stocked in Selfridges & Harrods

2011-01-05T20:21:00.000Z

Luxury British heritage brand Crombie is now available in one of the London’s most iconic department stores, Selfridges.

Selfridges have decided to stock a selection of Crombie coats in its London flagship store. Since Saturday 11th December 2010 Crombie luxury coats have been available to purchase in-store at Selfridges, Oxford Street, including the signature wool ‘Covert’ coat and the Herringbone ‘Retro’ coat designs. The department store Harrods also began stocking Crombie in October this year.

As Michael Rankine, Head of Retail at Crombie, said ‘Crombie is delighted to have our quality and design recognised by two such fantastic department stores.

My favourite coat for men from the Crombie website is this Authentic Great Coat in British Army Green. It has that 1940s vintage feel about it and just screams quality.

What is Crombie all about?
Crombie was established in Scotland in 1805 as a luxury cloth producer, and began producing its own coats from 1880.Crombie began opening its own stores in the 1990s, and now has three standalone stores: in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, plus its online “fourth store”www.crombie.co.uk. In addition to its iconic high-quality coats for men and women, Crombie offers a full range of men’s luxury apparel and accessories.

VDEO - Oki Ni SS11 fashion preview

2011-01-02T23:41:00.000Z

Oki Ni have produced a really good video to present some of the brands and collections that will be available for Spring/Summer 2011. After talking about it since September, spring 2011 fashion is just around the corner. What are you looking forward to most about spring?

The music used in the video is by CFCF, and is also available as a free download.

SERVICE - Bivolino Tailored Shirts from Debenhams

2011-01-02T20:42:00.000Z

To get the full custom, tailored shirt service most people would think a trip to Savile Row was in order. With new online services such as Debenhams Tailored shirts that needn't be the case though. All you need to get started is a tape measure and details on your weight and height then the step-by-step guide walks you through everything that Bivolino need to know to produce a shirt that will fit you perfectly, with fully customisable features such as the style of cuffs, collars, fit and buttons.

I was given the opportunity to trial the service so to get started I roped in my boyfriend and we began using the online shirt designing tool. The tool itself is very good. Each option you try will be reflected in a picture of a shirt on the same screen. You can even zoom to close-ups of details such as the collar and cuffs so you can preview how it all might look.

The shirt that my boyfriend chose was a simple long-sleeved shirt with a fine blue and black stripe pattern. I was surprised by the amount of options when it came to collar styles, you really can have it any way you like. The fit was pretty much spot on and all it took was a measuring tape at home. You also enter your height and weight and the sizing of the shirt is adjusted to the individual's build rather than just being a small/medium/large. Other little touches include stitched initials if you want to personalise your shirt and at every step there are options to create your very own custom made shirt starting from just £45.

This video below runs you through the process and shows the customisable areas and details of each shirt.

In terms of delivery, the shirt arrived within the time frame specified. Unfortunately the shirt was delivered by Home Delivery Network who aren't the best but it got to me in one piece which is the main thing. I would definitely recommend the service and would use it again if buying him a shirt as a gift. The website stores any measurements in profiles so you can easily go back and order more garments providing there's been no major weight gain/loss. Now all we need is something like this for women's dresses!

Try out Debenhams Tailored Shirts now

HEALTH - The Ministry of Manly Behaviour

2010-12-05T11:53:00.000Z

‘Man-flu’, the terminology adopted by many to ridicule men when they are sick, could be having a negative impact on men’s health. Pfizer research has revealed that over 40% of men (43%) agree that the term is denying them the right to be ill and over half (52%) agree it is preventing them from seeking advice for a legitimate illness.

A large number of men surveyed also chose not to visit their doctor when they experienced symptoms which could be the early warning signs of underlying conditions such as heart problems, prostate cancer and diabetes. These attitudes could mean that serious health conditions are being left undetected and untreated.

Pfizer have released a comic video to highlight the importance of being aware of your body and reading any signs that might indicate a health problem. Visit the ‘Ministry of Manly Behaviour’ (available at www.manmot.co.uk), the UK’s first online health surgery exclusively for men, who lack the confidence or time to visit their GP.

ACCESSORIES - Mr Jones Watches, Masters of Time

2010-11-14T20:33:00.000Z

Due to disruption from the tube strike a couple of weeks ago I was gutted to miss the Masters of Time event held by Mr Jones Watches to celebrate their new collaboration. However, they've kindly sent me over some more info to share with my readers...

The new Masters of Time Collection, available from this month is a series of five collaborations with a range of high profile personalities that represent the creativity and uniqueness of the Mr Jones brand: Graeme Obree World Record breaking cyclist, Iain Sinclair award-winning author and essayist, William Andrews writer and comedian, Tom Middleton DJ and pioneer of electronic music and Brian Catling poet, sculptor and performance artist.

Each watch in the Master of Time collection is available as part of a signed, numbered edition of 100 pieces and is priced at £145. The Masters of Time series is available exclusively from the Mr Jones Watches website. Be quick if you want to nab one. Which is your favourite?

GROOMING - The New Braun Series 3-380

2010-11-08T21:56:00.000Z

Are you a traditional razor or an electric shaver man? In the course of blogging and speaking to guys about their grooming habits, most have seemed to be in one camp or the other. So what would convince you to switch to a shaver if you don't already use one? I'm guessing that's the question that the clever marketers at Braun are constantly asking themselves. Well the message that comes with this product is that even after a shave-free weekend, it makes the Monday morning more comfortable.

My trialist has been giving the Braun Series 3-380 a go but try as I might I can't get him to fully convert. I think it's because the razor option just feels like the quick and easy option. Using a shaver takes a little more time and for some this might be off-putting, yet others wouldn't go back to the traditional razor after they try the comfort of electric. It's a personal preference thing I guess.

This Braun Shaver can be used both wet and dry which is definitely a selling point, it can even be used in the shower which certainly saves some precious time in getting ready in the morning. No need to clean out the sink that way too. Feedback I got from my tester is that it is also extremely gentle and doesn't irritate the skin.

If you are interested in getting one do it before 24th December as there will be a 1/2 price offer in selected retailers, just in time for Christmas. That's your dad or brother sorted then.

ACCESSORIES - Hackett and TAG Heuer Team up

2010-11-07T20:03:00.000Z

Hackett London and TAG Heuer have collaborated to develop limited editions of two customized wrist watches under the Hackett name, manufactured and branded by TAG Heuer. The small collection includes the ‘Chronograph’ and the ‘Watch’ and both are set to launch in November 2010.

The watch designs have been based on one of the most iconic, timeless and popular creations of TAG Heuer, the Carrera. The Hackett design input has included using a core Hackett colour, ‘cornflower blue’, as a highlight on both watch dials and the stitching on the watch straps.

Limited to 100 of each piece, the wrist watches are individually numbered via engraving on the case back. What do you think? I'm loving the sleek, stylish and minimalist design.

FRAGRANCE - Soap and Glory Eau Man

2010-11-03T23:56:00.000Z

I got a little delivery in the post today, the new fragrance by Soap and Glory.The scent is described as irresistibly sexy and features amber, vanilla and musk in a retro bottle that will look great in your bathroom.

Personally I prefer my man with a heavier, more masculine fragrance. However, this I think would make the perfect present for teens and younger guys this Christmas. It's also a great scent to keep at work or in your gym bag for freshening up. It's quite sweet and light with a warmth to it. Good for summer or winter.

The scent will be available in larger Boots stores and in Beyond Beauty at Harvey Nichols if you want to nab it for yourself or as a gift for someone else. Best thing of all though, this slides into your budget at only £15. Refreshing isn't it!

Shop more Soap and Glory at Boots

T-SHIRT - Lazy Oaf Brick Wall Tee

2010-10-21T21:54:00.000+01:00

I recently went to a press preview for the new Lazy Oaf collection. The brand has caught my attention with some really awesome and unique designs and I instantly had a favourite t-shirt for the guys from the new collection. Take a look...

Brick Wall T-Shirt

It was great chatting to the people behind the brand. It's a small outfit grown from a market stall and the founder comes up with new ideas and designs each season. They've recently been stocked in Selfridges with exclusive pieces there which is a great compliment to the range. I loved the idea of a telly book to track all the shows you want to watch and there are definitely some great gift ideas for Christmas too.

Pop into the Carnaby Street store in London or take a look at the website.

CHARITY - Brooks Brothers Pocket Squares

2010-10-10T11:24:00.001+01:00

Preppy New York brand Brooks Brothers has produced a Limited Edition collection of checked pocket squares in a fab range of colours. They'll be sold in aid of the Orchid charity which fights male cancers (in the UK) and to support St Columba's in Scotland. If you want to show your support, you can shop the products in stores or by mail order from the respective flagships.

They are priced at £8 each and £5 of every sale goes directly to the respective charity plus they'll make you look rather dapper indeed.

FASHION - Toast For Men, First Look

2010-10-09T13:32:00.001+01:00

I told you a while ago about Toast launching a menswear collection and here it is. Entitled 'Amateur' the collection encompasses the simple, relaxed aesthetic that Toast has become renowned and loved for. Think easy tailoring, relaxed shapes and natural fabrics. The first Toast menswear collection has been a long time in planning. Toast has concentrated on the quality of each piece, using exceptional fabrics as the basis of each garment. The inspiration for this collection – traditional tailoring, early 20th century work wear and military – combining in bohemian eclecticism.

Styles include staple jackets, waistcoats, shirts, knitwear, trousers and jeans. Key looks include the Moleskin Workers Coat – a double breasted knee length jacket with a military feel available in dark slate blue and dark olive. Bib front shirts in cotton flannel or chambray are simple and perfect for a layered look when combined with knitwear or waistcoats. Pattern is minimal with simple striped shirts and a double face check shirt. Trouser shapes and denim jeans are classic straight cut whilst cords have a more relaxed feel and come in khaki and coal grey.

What do you think of it? View the lookbook now.

FASHION - Exclusives From My-Wardrobe

2010-09-30T20:13:00.000+01:00

If the idea of wearing something that everyone else already has makes you itch, then here's some news for you. My-Wardrobe has worked with two respected designers for some limited edition styles that you'll only find at My-Wardrobe. Get them while they are hot!

Iconic footwear label Grenson and my-wardrobe.com have teamed up for a twist on the original FRED boot, a key part of Grenson’s footwear collection for decades. The result is the FRED Brogue Boot. It's a mix of crocodile and lizard effect uppers, in tones of brown and tan with a smooth wooden sole.It definitely stands out.

Oliver Spencer has reworked one of his key items for the season exclusively for my-wardrobe.com - the Waxed Cotton Duffle in navy for AW10. Look out for those wooden toggles with rope and leather patches and striking red check lining. And even better, it's made entirely made in Britain, from British fabrics. Me like!

SHOES - Five by Rio Ferdinand Footwear

2010-09-29T22:43:00.000+01:00

No, you didn't read that post title wrong, Rio Ferdinand has a shoe collection. Did you miss the first hit? I must admit I did. The new collection from Five by Rio Ferdinand is a range of footwear and bags that cater for every aspect of the contemporary man’s busy lifestyle, or so they tell me.

The range has been heavily influenced by Rio’s own style, with casual yet sophisticated designs for the man about town.

Here's a bit of scoop from the man himself...

What pieces have you been wearing the most?
“The Rocco black military boots, brown and black Reuben slouch boots and the Rhys brogue zipper shoe.”

Unlike many other celebrity lines you have made sure that you had a real input into the designs, is this something you’ve always wanted to do?
“I could have put my name to a shoe or other fashion brands but I wouldn't of had as much scope in the design process and that's what appeals to me. Five has to represent me...it has to be versatile, appeal a mix of people and have a certain amount of coolness about it.”

Whose style do you admire?
“Tom Ford. The guy breathes understated cool. I like Andre 3000's quirky cool too.”

What has been your biggest fashion mistake?
“ I don't know...I probably got most stick for the white suit I wore when I signed for Man Utd!”

What do you reckon? Will you be buying into brand Ferdinand?

MOST WANTED - Alexander McQueen Nappa Leather Hold All Bag

2010-09-27T22:19:00.000+01:00

If you're in the market for a new man bag then may I suggest this fine example by Alexander McQueen. The dark, subtle skull print sets it apart from other bags and the little details make it a premium piece that you just know will last and last. Shame about that hefty price tag... £1420 to be precise. You can get it from Oki-Ni.

CELEBRITY - As Seen on Olly Murs

2010-09-14T21:37:00.000+01:00

X-Factor's Olly Murs was recently spotted out wearing these Sand selvedge twill chinos by YMC. Chinos the are perfect transitional piece for Autumn, and with camel colouring being a hot trend you won't go far wrong to snap these up. Wearing his with grey, Olly updates the look with a more modern colour combo. The rolled-up hem gives a nod to summer style, but this is something I predict we'll see all through winter too.

Get these YMC Chinos at my-wardrobe.com for £125.

INTERVIEW - New York Knicks' Amar’e Stoudemire

2010-09-13T22:30:00.000+01:00

Here's a New York themed article seeing as it's currently New York Fashion Week. In the September 14 issue of Page Six Magazine – free inside the New York Post – new Knicks signing, Amar’e Stoudemire, is featured in a photo shoot and shares his thoughts:

On his sense of fashion:
“I love fashion, actually. I love gear. I mix high and low. I love watches. I love shoes. I make sure that every time I step out of the house I’m feeling comfortable and fashion-forward. Depending on the occasion, I dress the part.”

On being in New York:
“New York is by far the best city in the world. The city is on fire. They’re ready, and so am I.”

On being drafted at 19 years old:
“At that point in time there was no player ever to get drafted out of high school and win Rookie of the Year, so that was my goal. I was the first ever to do it, and it felt great.”

On travelling to Israel to research his Jewish roots:
“I’m not a religious person, let’s get that squared away. [Judaism] was established 3,000 years ago or so, so I want to associate myself with the scriptures, the Bible and the culture it brings. I’ve been reading the scriptures for probably 19 years now. You can’t get caught up in the hype and the hoopla. You gotta remember where you came from and what it took to get here.”

On women in New York City:
“Women are definitely bold and come up and talk to me. They want to associate themselves with me. It’s not a bad thing, being single.”

You can read the full interview with Amar’e at http://pagesixmag.com

DESIGNER - Giorgio Armani For Venice Film Festival

2010-09-05T19:37:00.001+01:00

Giorgio Armani will be dressing many participants for the 67th annual Venice Film Festival which takes place from September 1st to September 11th.

For the opening ceremony, actor Vincent Cassel wore a Giorgio Armani classic suit. Dapper tailoring indeed!

NEW - Toast menswear coming soon...

2010-08-26T20:34:00.000+01:00

So a birdie tells me that Toast is launching a menswear collection and there's not long left to wait. The new range arrives mid September.

Entitled 'Amateur' the collection encompasses the simple, relaxed aesthetic that Toast has become renowned and loved for. Expect a collection of easy tailoring, relaxed shapes and natural fabrics in a tightly edited collection of 26 styles.

It's small, but perfectly formed and I'll be interested to see what it looks like.

Why not order the catalogue and get in there first.

GUEST POST - Graphic Tees Done Right!

2010-08-21T13:57:00.000+01:00

Read on for a fab guest post from Luello.com...

"The Atlantic Ocean is pretty huge. Rather huge, in fact. It’s huge enough to create a major cultural gap between places like, say, the United Kingdom and North America. These are two places that, while geography separates them, are very similar in other ways. English is the primary language for both these places. Meteorologically, the climates are similar. The people found in both places tend to look alike. Despite these and many other similarities between these two places, however, there are many misconceptions that people from the U.K. might hold about Americans, and vice versa. For one, Americans might believe that people in England habitually say things like “Jolly Good”, “Cheerio” and “Governor”, while the U.K. dwellers probably view Americans as eternally chewing on Big Macs and things of the like. While I might be writing from a non-European perspective, I know that there is one definite thing that people living on either continent can agree on: fashion matters.

It is for that reason that, with the use of this little blog post, I will attempt to bridge the style gap between the two places by discussing something that is constant in the wardrobes for men on both sides of the pond: T-Shirts.

In theory, they are the most basic, easy-to-wear item in your wardrobe. Just grab some jeans, throw on a t-shirt and you’re ready to go, looking good in that casual –not-trying-too-hard kind of way.

However, t-shirt wearing is not as easy as it seems. The wrong colors or jean-combination can upset your outfit and leave you looking like a fool. The trickiest form of t-shirt to pull off, however, is the graphic tee.

Overdone details, awkward colors, tacky graphics and the use of rhinestones can take your outfit from casual to catastrophic.

When approaching graphic tees, your mantra should be the following: subtlety is key. Graphic tees are fun ‘cause they allow you to wear the classic, basic article of clothing in a more inspired, original way. Graphic tees show your personality, to a certain extent (certainly more than a plain white tee would), but as with anything else, moderation is key.

Have fun with colors, but keep it classy. Choose shirts with vivid graphics, but resist the urge to buy tees with so-called clever phrases like “I’m With Stupid” or “‘Mo Money, ‘Mo Problems”.

Zanerobe Valtiik tee in white (left), Zanerobe Crocs Long Sleeve Tee in navy (top right) and Zanerobe Mujii Tee in charcoal (bottom right).

Zanerobe, an Australian clothing company, provides inspired designs that take graphic tees to a whole other level. Abandoning the typical, obnoxious phrases or pictures that the graphic tees of yore seemed to be perpetually emblazoned with, Zanerobe combines premium fabrics with classic, vintage-inspired designs to help you achieve the effortless, casual look with great style.

The distressed, original graphics and eye-catching colors embody the right way to wear graphic tees. Leave the phrases and rhinestones behind. Instead, opt for some classic, yet always interesting graphics with Zanerobe.

Regardless of which side of the Atlantic you live on, all can agree that a good graphic T-shirt is invaluable. Visit Luello.com to check out more products by Zanerobe!"

FRAGRANCE - Davidoff Champion

2010-08-15T14:53:00.001+01:00

There's a brand new, super masculine fragrance on the scene and this week I've been testing it out. Davidoff Champion is definitely aimed at the strong, confident man who places importance on looking and smelling great. The athletic edge is only exaggerated by the bottle which is shaped like a dumbbell.

I thought the fragrance was dark and sexy, a perfect evening scent that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. It reminds me of the first time I smelled YSL's Live Jazz - it's traditional, but yet doesn't smell old-fashioned, it's a twist on a true man's fragrance which is refreshing. Many lighter men's fragrances I've smelled recently could be unisex but this is definitely for men and men only.

Lemon is part of the top notes which keeps the fragrance quite refreshing while woody ceder and oak tones give a strength and warmth to the scent. Think you might like it? Keep up with the latest Champion news on Facebook.The range is available now.

The Range (RRP)

Eau de Toilette – 50ml, £36
Eau de Toilette – 90ml, £44
After Shave Splash – 90ml, £34
Body Cleansing Gel – 200ml tube, £18
Energizing Deodorant Stick – 70g, £15

The advertising campaign is really aspirational, I'm sure there aren't many men who look like the model but plenty who would quite like to.The fragrance definitely won't help you get abs like these...

MUSIC - Faithless Team up With Fiat

2010-08-10T13:38:00.003+01:00

Following the announcement of a creative partnership between Fiat and dance act Faithless, details of their first collaborative project have been unveiled.

They've together produced a three-minute promotional video for new Faithless single 'Feelin Good' which will also serve as a TV advert for Punto Evo. Could this be the future of music promotion and advertising? The full length video exclusive of 'Feelin Good' will be a Big Brother ad takeover screened on Sunday 15th August (Channel 4). Fiat has booked out the full 3 minute advert break for 9pm.

Viewers will simultaneously witness the launch of the World's first music Prommercial - a hybrid of promotional video and TV commercial. After the initial video premiere, the Prommercial will run as a direct 30-second cut of the original music video until 12th September

Oh and an added bonus, Fiat are offering a FREE 2GB MP3 player and a copy of Faithless album ‘The Dance’, including an exclusive track, to anyone who test drives the Punto Evo before the 21st of September.

I'm really interested to see the response to the ads and I wonder whether Faithless fans feel like the band has sold out slightly or is just being savvy at bringing their music to the audience in a different way. Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.

REVIEW - The Bluebeards Revenge Vs King of Shaves

2010-08-09T20:15:00.003+01:00

I happened upon two samples to try recently, one aimed at men and one at women and both to essentially do the same job. Make for a clean, easy and smooth shave. I may not have a beard, but I've got two legs, so I used the girl's shaving gel on my left side and the men's shaving cream on my right, so here are my thoughts...

The Bluebeards Revenge shaving cream

What's the deal? The Bluebeards Revenge is a paraben-free, premium quality shaving cream with added ingredients like Decelerine to specifically combat tough stubble.

My verdict: This definitely gave a better result on the underarm and bikini area than the female marketed product, the difference was easy to see as well as feel. When it came to the legs I think the two were pretty much the same and both legs felt nice and smooth without feeling dry. This product takes slightly longer to get on though because you need to take the cream in your hands and lather it up before applying it to the skin so allow a few extra minutes.The company recommend using a brush too, although I didn't bother.

The downside for this shaving cream is that it costs £14.99 a tub, although I'm certain it will last far longer than a shaving gel as you only need a tiny bit with each use. Guys better watch out if they've bought this because it's great for girls too.

Scent: 5/5
Results: 4/5
Ease of use: 3/5
Packaging: 5/5
Total: 17/20

King of Shaves Woman smooth and sensitive shaving gel

What's the deal? Designed especially for women, this unperfumed King of Shaves shaving gel contains gentle chamomile and is dermatologically tested.

My verdict: The scent of this gel is very girly and a little old-fashioned as it is natural, without perfumes. I'm not the biggest fan of flowery fragrances like this so Bluebeard definitely wins the fragrance war. The texture is a consistency of shower gel and it performed very much in the same way.

It didn't feel like a specialist product regardless of the fact that it is by King of Shaves. It's cheaper than the competition though at £5.99.

Scent: 2/5
Results: 3.5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Packaging: 3/5
Total: 13.5/20

Overall I preferred the men's product to the women's option in this case. I got my boyfriend to test it out too and he said that a little went a long way and it lathered up really, really easily... perhaps a little too much in fact which just shows that you don't need too much product to get the job done.

FASHION - French Connection's AW10 Collection

2010-08-08T07:52:00.000+01:00

I was wondering today, do men shop as far ahead for the coming season as women or are they more inclined to wait for the weather to change before they buy that all important coat or pair of boots? Regardless, it's good to know what's coming up for Autumn/Winter so below are some key trends and pieces highlighted by French Connection as their must-haves...

Overview: For AW10, French Connection features a neutral palette, sophisticated clean lines, and natural fabrics mixed with a healthy dose of Heritage tweeds, denim, and checks.

Go back to basics with simple sartorial sweats and design details like roll-edge necklines on jumpers or Henleys with herringbone tapes. Completely seamless shirts and sweaters, jersey trousers, and sweatshirt shirts transform simple pieces into beautifully minimal outerwear. Wear a luxury sheer long sleeve navy top under Formalwear, where highlights include a grey flannel suit and an elegant navy pinstripe suit.

Denim has a slim silhouette once again which doesn't always work for everyone, but give it a try. Monochrome and mushroom tones set off against contrasting shine materials for a clean, modern sportswear feel. FCUK Denim retains a strong workwear influence from the American railroad. Fabrics and treatments give an authentic raw finish, from grinding on edges and rough finishes on vintage looking sweats, to waxed jackets, leather bombers, washed denims, and linens with brushed cotton.

Outerwear features gillets, jackets, and a huge double breasted parka with wrap around hood. Knitwear is chunky and cosy, with big and bold cable knits featuring heavy plaiting and wooden button detailing. Layer over a checked shirt, and slip on a pair of grey Donegal tweed nightcrawler trousers, for a stylish example of the modern mis-matched man.

Ties are jazzed up with horse prints, and scarves are replaced by cable knit snoods. A black and grey Aztec print scarf comes complete with built in hood, while black and white fairisle knits adorn mittens rather than traditional gloves. Fairisle is definitely the knitwear trend of the season so make that your must-own piece for keeping cosy when the weather gets colder.

GROOMING - The Man-icure

2010-08-06T18:47:00.000+01:00

We’ve seen guyliner, manscara, and even concealer all designed for men. It seems that the well groomed male is becoming a fashionable phenomenon in his own right.

Now, for all the macho men out there who want to take a little extra care of their nails without having to hit a salon there is Nails For Males. Available from Cupid and Grace, this Orly product gives a much needed form of TLC for working hands.

Nails for Males is a subtle matt finish polish with a silica shield coating that not only helps to strengthen the nails but also protects them from the everyday tear ‘n’ snare. The subtle appearance of Nails for Males makes it suitable for the everyday man to wear without anyone ever knowing!

Another similar product that I've tried is by Butter London. Their Nail Foundation again has a matt finish so it won't look glossy on the nails, perfect for guys who want to protect their nails.

FASHION - Dockers WW2 Inspired Range at My-Wardrobe

2010-08-01T20:46:00.000+01:00

I've just heard wind that my-wardrobe.com is exclusively stocking the new limited edition Dockers K-L Khakis and T-shirts.

The World War II inspired US Army range, consists of a pair of regular straight cut “Made in SF – K-1” khakis of Cramerton Heavy Twill, harking back to the soldiers uniforms in the South Pacific and Far East. Design details such as re-enforced belt loops, one button back pocket and zinc bronze metal button fly, brings these vintage inspired classics to life.

The “Made in SF - Dead Stock” cotton tees complement the ‘40s style khakis perfectly, one being block colour of off white, and the other commemorating the victory at the Battle of Eniwetok with a black graphic print depicting the stars and striped flag between two palm trees.

Want to take a look? The Dockers range is available now and each piece comes complete with an authentic limited edition green metal ammunition box reminiscent of the early ‘40s. Seen as an iconic and timeless era for minimal and utilitarian clothing, especially after being replicated in visual culture over the years such as the films South pacific and Peal Harbour.

What do you think readers? Can you see yourself wearing Dockers top-to-toe?

ACCESSORIES - New Watches by Guess

2010-07-28T20:55:00.000+01:00

I've just got back from a preview of all the hottest Guess watches for the coming season. Watches are a funny thing, they may be born out of necessity, but I'm seeing more and more styles which enable the wearer to put a stamp of unique style on their look. It's not about a watch that just blends in and goes with everything any more, it's also about finding a striking piece that really looks the business.

Guess have both options covered, the practical, dependable, go-with-everything styles and the more out-there fashion timepieces. I was particularly impressed by the polycarbonate coloured styles which have a slightly sporty feel while still being totally on-trend. I loved the textured detailing on the faces of some of the watches too, it's subtle until you get close and then it really gives the watches a luxe look. With brocades, velvets and lace being fabrics to watch for the coming season, it doesn't surprise me that the metallic, textured styling is being borrowed elsewhere.

I tried out the 'Coastal' with a black leather strap. It's a classic style that suits both formal and everyday occasions. The crown and buttons are durable and chunky while the stainless steel of the bezel is sleek and shiny. It's chronograph and the inside of the leather strap is fabulously soft so it's not going to irritate if you are wearing it all the time. All in all, great quality and good looks too.

I was told that one of the most popular styles with the press on the day was the Spectrum. It's a unisex watch that has been equally popular with guys and girls having featured in the pages of Elle magazine. I think that especially in London, men are free to choose the style they love and it doesn't matter if it's a style that women love too. Sometimes, the design is just so spot-on that the sexes can't help but agree with each other. Guess are onto a winner with Spectrum which will be available in silver and gold.

You can buy men's Guess watches at Debenhams Look out for exclusive 'online only' styles coming soon for AW10.