How to style last year’s clothes this season

Posted on by dansinnott

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Image: Charles Tyrwhitt

Although it’s come around so fast, the AW18 season is well underway and our trends have changed with it. But, what’s in style this season? And, how can we reuse our AW17 wardrobe for this season’s fashion? In this guide, we’ll cover what’s hot for men and women this autumn-winter, perfect if your shopping for yourself or buying for your other half!

Styling menswear

Charles Tyrwhitt, Shirts, Autumn Winter 2018, Autumn Fashion, Fall fashion, 3 men, dapper men, dapper dress, smart casual, shirts, blazers

Image: Charles Tyrwhitt

One of the biggest trends of AW17 outerwear was shearling — the style of suede and wool combined in one garment. And, it’s back this year. Giorgio Armani mixed up the textures further with a shearling, suede and leather jacket that looks smart yet cosy for the colder months.

You might want to dig deeper than last year’s AW clothing with one of this season’s trends. That’s because this year it’s all about throwing it back to the ’90s. You might’ve thought you’d seen the back of shell suits and full tracksuits, but they’re back with a vengeance. On the catwalk, Prada completed the look with branded bucket hats and lightweight waterproof jackets (ideal for autumn weather).

Another garment that comes out year after year is the leather jacket. Instead of the shorter bomber style though, this season it’s all about oversized leather coats that can be paired with slim-leg jeans and winter boots. Fendi, Balenciaga and Paul Smith were all rocking the look during their AW18 shows this season.

When it comes to colours, it’s autumnal brown that’s in this season, a colour you’re bound to have knocking around in your wardrobe. From brown men’s suits to oversized ponchos and shiny leather jackets, the brown colour palette is so versatile. If you don’t want to overdo this shade, you can keep it simple with brown accessories such as hats, scarves and shoes to get in with the trend.

In recent years, we’ve seen layering really take to the main stage. It’s all about bringing together different garments in an effortlessly stylish sort of way. You might not have worn a V-neck in a few years but bring it out this year and slip it on top of a roll-neck jumper for an on-trend outfit. Other ways to layer include pairing an open checked shirt (a print that was everywhere in AW17) with a graphic t-shirt and black skinny jeans.

Styling womenswear

Similar to the menswear trends, layering is on-trend this AW18 too, with designers such as Balenciaga showing their support of the fashion technique at their shows. If you’re bold enough, the best way to layer is with contrasting colour and textures. Dig out you metallic puffa jacket from last year and wear it over a fringed jumper.

Animal print was a big part of this season’s shows. While Victoria Beckham demonstrated her love for leopard print, other designers such as Isabel Marant were all about snake patterns. The great thing about this style being in trend is that you can mix and match animal print and still create an outfit that looks well put together. Leopard print has rarely been out of the spotlight in recent years — why not pair your printed cami dress with snakeskin boots and a matching clutch?

Although glitz and glam was reserved for Christmas and New Year events last year, this season they’re acceptable throughout autumn and winter. Paco Rabanne showed off their models in oversized silver sequins that brought some much-loved sparkle to the runway. Don’t wait until late December to bring your glitter dresses out of the wardrobe, embrace them in October and November too!

Oversized and chunky knit is back for the colder seasons too. The great thing about this year’s trends though, is that you can pair your grandad knit with your summer dress and still look on-trend. Miu Miu showed off an outfit that was made up of a green floral midi dress and fluffy grey knit — no need to pack away your summer clothes just yet!

Follow our top tips for getting the most out of your wardrobe this season!  

The Men’s Guide to Creating a Perfect Morning Routine

Posted on by Peter Minkoff

Men's guide to creating a perfect morning routine

Whether you’ve been up all night partying, watching the Super Bowl or nurturing your crying child back to sleep, waking up the next morning might be harder than you think. Sometimes getting up takes more than twenty minutes, but the extra time you take doesn’t guarantee you won’t feel sleepy anymore. That’s why you should come up with a proper morning routine – a sequence of things that will make you feel energised and alert, both mentally and physically. If you’re not sure what some of these things might be, here are a couple of suggestions every man should try out.

Drink proper coffee

While certain experts claim you shouldn’t drink coffee immediately after getting out of bed, the truth is that this soothing drink is sometimes the best way to wake up and boost your energy level. Besides improving your focus, a cup of coffee in the morning comes with a number of other benefits, from helping you burn more fat and reducing your stress to protecting you against dangerous health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and depression. That’s why you should definitely think about starting your day with a hot cup of coffee and you’ll notice the amazing benefits in a matter of days!

Apply healthy skincare

 

This isn’t something most men love doing, especially when they’re in their 20s, but taking care of your skin is the only way to make sure it stays fresh, healthy and young in the decades before you. Just because it’s impeccable at the moment doesn’t mean you’re not going to experience certain dermatological problems in the future, and you should do whatever you can to postpone them. And the way to do so is by applying proper skincare products in the morning and staying committed to realising this goal. From different moisturisers to aftershave balms, these are the things you should always keep in your medicine cabinet. Finally, don’t forget to get healthy serum for skin that’s going to make your skin appear significantly younger in a matter of days by feeding it helpful nutrients and hydrating ingredients.

Hit the gym

Now that you’re all full of energy and ready to start your day, what’s better than hitting the gym and working out before going to work? You don’t have to spend hours lifting weights, but a simple 30-minute session is going to be quite enough, especially if you manage to squeeze in three or four of these a week. Staying physically active is the best way to pump blood into your veins and stop being sleepy, so drag your body to the gym and start moving. Alternatively, you can go for a jog or ride a bike for 45 minutes, and you’ll be ready to conquer the world after that!

Listen to music

If you live alone or your family doesn’t mind you listening to loud music in the morning, you should try this idea as well. Play your favorite tunes, turn up the volume and start your day with a dose of positive energy blasting from the speakers. Anything from hard rock and hip-hop to techno and drum ’n’ bass will do the trick and slowly become an irreplaceable part of your morning routine. Music makes you feel better and helps you focus on what’s important in your life, and this is exactly what you need early in the morning.

Wake up on time

Speaking of early in the morning, waking up on time is the essential part of a great day. Managing to do a number of boring chores before having to go to work is essential if you want to feel productive, useful and active – the more you manage to do in the morning, the less you’ll have to deal with afterwards. That’s why getting up at the crack of dawn comes with a number of surprising benefits, giving you enough time for your morning routine and making your day longer, which means you’ll have more time for your family and friends.

Coming up with a perfect morning routine might seem hard at first, but it’s actually easier than you think – just focus on what makes you happy and start doing these things before heading to work, and you’ll be feeling better all day long.

Choosing the right jockstrap for your shape and size.

Posted on by dansinnott

Choosing the right jockstrap for you, jockstrap, men's jockstrap, men's underwear, underwear, gay underwear

Jockstraps are very critical protective under garments in contact sports. This is especially with male athletes who participate in very vigorous sporting activities like skating, basketball, football or rugby. Such sporting conditions may be a risk to your penis and testicles. Therefore, the jockstraps can provide additional support to these sensitive parts of your genitals. This is even better because with the recent advancements in technology, the experts have worked towards inventing the cupped jockstraps that offer even safer protection of your groin.

All in all, it can be such an uphill task to decide which jockstrap is best suited for you. This is because there is a whole diverse variety to pick from. That being the case, this article will be aimed at helping you to select the best jockstrap for you. This will be in consideration of how much protection you need, your age, as well as the body mass.

For this article, myself and two pals were sent a variety of jocks from AVA-J. We convened afterwards to feedback and build this guide to finding the perfect jock for you.

Easy steps that could help you choose the right Jockstrap

Besides providing protection from injuries, jockstraps should be comfortable and easy to wear for a long periods of time. There are many different occasions when you can wear jockstraps other than during sports. This includes your normal days to the office, to the gym or during the romantic evening dinner.

  1. Go to a physical shop

Jockstraps majorly come pre-fitted in most sporting garments. This means that if you go to the mall to buy your jockstrap, head to the athletics section. A physical store has more advantage when choosing a garment because;

  • You will be able to evaluate the size and fabric of your jockstrap physically. The fact that this garment is meant to cradle up your groin, ensuring that the garment you choose is well fitting and comfortable are a major key.
  • When you choose a physical store you will be able to ask questions from the attendants more about the jockstrap you want to purchase. This will ensure that you get the best garment as you leave the mall.

However, there are a few people who feel embarrassed to buy undergarments in a store. This is why the online selling platforms were designed in the first place.

  1. Find a wide variety Online

I must agree that online shopping has and never will be easy. This is because for you to lay your hands on the exact garment you need can be quite hectic. You have to be specific about your measurements. Otherwise, you will get an oversize or undersize garment. All in all, with online shopping, there is a very wide variety of jockstraps to choose from despite your desires. There will always be something for you at the click of your computer. We have to say, Ava-J is a particular favourite of ours. Check them out here.

  1. Material selection

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Jockstraps are like underwear and for you to be comfortable in this kind of fashion for either sports or even for your daily outfit, you must be keen about the material you select. Cotton or a blend of cotton is known to be the most appropriate material for such garments.

All in all, there are better ones like the rayon or spandex that keep your skin dry by wicking off any moisture on your body to the outer layer of the jockstrap. More to that, they are well ventilated making it convenient to participate in high-energy activities with ease.

Initially, the jockstraps were made from perforated steel which although offered protection, were ultimately uncomfortable. With technological advancements, lightweight cups have been invented. They are made from plastic but fitted with steel shields. They feature tough polymers of the carbon fibre. These materials are great because they act as shock absorbers.

  1. Look for fashionable Jockstraps

A little blend of fashion combined with that comfortable any day-jockstrap is every man’s dream. To find a fashionable yet the right type of jockstrap is always hard. However, you can always look a little harder. There is always something good for you. Just tap into it! Some of the considerations when selecting the right jockstrap may include;

Choosing the right jockstrap for you, jockstrap, men's jockstrap, men's underwear, underwear, gay underwear

  • Colour blend. Unlike the sporty Jockstraps, the fashionable ones come in a wide variety of colours. The default colours are usually solid, black or white. A little colour blend is always fun and worth trying. Do not shy away from experimenting here and there. You might actually get surprised how good you may look in those rainbow colours. Take a look here.
  • The diversity that comes with everyone’s taste is actually the whole beauty of it. You may be intrigued by the boxer shorts-esque designs but your friend may like it the scanty-thong briefs way. Its upon you to choose the design that pleases you. 
  • The Pouch type. From the outward appearance, the pouch of the jockstraps may look obvious and identical. Be keen, this is not always the case in all jockstraps. Each design of the pouch aims at fulfilling certain needs. It may be the users comfort or even the presentation of the whole package. The few that may be available in the market are; original, contour or the snug.You can get uplift briefs or jocks from AVA-J, here.
  1. Know your size.

Normally, the size range listed on the jockstrap will majorly concentrate on the waistband size. When it comes to the cap it may be listed separately on the whole packaging bag. All in all, the concern is the same when looking for the best-fitting jockstrap. The cap should be big enough to accommodate your genitals comfortably and cover them completely.

On the other hand, the straps fitted on the legs should be tight to ensure that the jockstrap does not twist and rotate around your waistline. This will always make sure that the garment is always centrally placed to offer comfort and ideal groin security.

  • Small sizes range from 20 to 26 in (50.8 and 66 cm).
  • Medium sizes range from 26 to 32 in (66 and 81.3 cm).
  • Large sizes range from 32 to 38 in (81.3 and 96.5 cm).
  • XL sizes range from 38 to 44 in (96.5 and 111.8 cm).
  • The cups generally come in different sizes depending with age.

In conclusion, I hope that this guideline will helpful when considering whether to purchase jockstrap. Be sure to make a good choice with all factors in consideration. You don’t want to tamper with the functioning of your manhood. What are you waiting for?

Let’s go out and get you a classy but well-designed jockstrap and cup for your sporting activities and casual wear.

Shop AVA-J here.

Accessories For Guys For A Perfect Classic Look

Posted on by dansinnott

Accessories For Guys For A Perfect Classic Look. sunglasses, belt, tie, men's accessories, men's watches, men's wallet, men's belt

Accessories compliment an outfit to complete the look. They upgrade your style quotient to add something extra to your casual wear or formal attire. Though, when it comes to men’s fashion, the choices are not vast, there are a few pieces of accessories that every man must have. The kind of accessories you wear speaks volumes about your personality, and it even adds to your persona.

For some men, teaming up accessories with their clothes is easy, while others struggle. Many might think that stressing over accessories is a waste of their time. However, once you get an idea of what works for you and what does not, building up the right wardrobe is easy. If you are confused about which men’s accessories are important to get you that classic look, read on.

 

  • Watches – Let’s check off the oldest chip off the block. Want to look timeless? Invest in a classic stainless steel or leather strap watch. Watches do much more than just telling you the time. Buying a good watch is a one-time investment and really amps up your style quotient. Watches come in different shapes, styles, and prices, and there is one for every person, every occasion. Watches are the perfect style statement and can liven up a boring outfit.
  • Tie – The tie is that one accessory that pulls the entire suit together. There is something about a necktie that screams maturity and confidence. Be careful to buy good quality, sober ties that add and not distract from your attire. Buy a tie you can afford, in a shade that will go with almost all your suits and formal shirts.
  • Wallets – The best wallet option for that classic look is the Italian leather wallet. Wallets are the perfect men’s accessories that are crafted to look good and give utility along with it. Some men go on to emboss their initials in it, hand down making it the most personalised and preserved accessory. Do not be scared to experiment with colour and ditch the black wallet for a brown or navy blue one.
  • Belt – Holding your trousers and look up is the job of a classic leather belt.  A good quality leather belt comes at affordable prices and will last you longer than investing in cheap canvas ones. Stick to darker shades like black, brown, blue or grey to match it with almost every suit. These colours will give you the attention you need without you having to ask for it.
  • Cufflinks – They are a must for men who love to attend formal occasions. A well-made set of silver cufflinks suits every shade of shirt for every occasion.
  • Messenger bag – A bag is a must-have for the man who is always on the go. Go for a nice leather bag, of a neutral tone that is not too big yet fits in all your stuff easily. Vintage bags are a must-have for that classic, old school vibe.

 

People build impressions based on what they wear and how well they carry themselves. Accessories make sure that an outfit is given that extra push without making one look like they tried too hard. Choose accessories that fit your personal style and suit your pocket equally well. Keep abreast with the latest trends and do not feel afraid to experiment.

5 Summer Grooming Tips for Men

Posted on by dansinnott

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

Fellas, are you looking for some summer grooming advice? You’ve come to the right place! We’re sharing a few tips on how to keep your skin looking and feeling its best all season long, with Maximum Style.

Proper skin care is not just for the ladies. It’s an important self-care habit that everyone should adopt—no matter your gender. Of course, caring for your skin should be practiced year-round, but a few steps and products should change with the seasons…summer included. As you enjoy the season of outdoor BBQs and beach days, there are a few necessary adjustments you should make as it relates to caring for your body’s largest organ. From Broad Spectrum sunscreen to lightweight moisturizers, we’re sharing the ultimate summer skin care guide for men, ahead!

TIP #1: CLEANSE YOUR SKIN

Keeping the skin clean is a no-brainer year-round, but especially during the hot summer months when dirt and sweat build-up can dull the look of our complexion. By cleansing your skin twice per day (morning and night) with a gentle cleanser, you can help remove unwanted oils, dirt, debris, and impurities that can accumulate throughout the day on the surface of skin, giving way to a cleaner, brighter-looking complexion.

If you plan on shaving, cleansing your face beforehand is an absolute must. Reach for an exfoliating cleanser that can help whisk away dead skin cells from skin’s surface and prep the skin for a smooth shave. For optimal results, use daily as a cleanser or three times per week as a mask.

Use a clean and sharp razor too. This is key to avoiding cuts, nicks and ripping out hairs. A stainless-steel razor will be cooling against your chin and cheek whilst it warm. We’d go for the kind of razor that imitates this, view here.

TIP #2: DON’T SHAVE DRY

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Need to clean up that 5 o’clock shadow? To avoid irritation and any potential nicks, be sure to lather up your scruff with a shaving gel, foam, or cream. These products provide a slick layer of protection and can help provide a smoother, closer shave. Try Uppercut Deluxe Shave Cream, which offers an easy glide when shaving. Plus, it contains cooling menthol and coconut oil to aid in blemish free control for a fresh finish! All you should do is apply the cream to clean, wet skin. Be sure to rinse your blade after each pass.

TIP #3: MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

After cleansing, exfoliating and/or shaving, it’s important to hydrate your skin. Since shaving can sometimes lead to skin irritation—especially on sensitive skin—we recommend reaching for a moisturizer that considers any post-shaving sensitivity, alcohol-free balm can help hydrate and soothe freshly-shaven skin to provide additional comfort.

If you’re not shaving and prefer a lightweight hydrator and a product that resembles miracle grow,   try Tommy Riots’ Beard Moisturiser. This moisture-enhancing gel formula enriched with Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin without weighing it down, the ultimate benefit for parched summer skin. Feel free to use this gel as you would your regular moisturizer, or as an extra layer of hydration before finishing off with a cream or lotion.

TIP #4: PROTECT AGAINST UV RAYS

During the summer months when we’re spending more time in the sun, it’s important to keep sunscreen on hand at all times. Start your day by applying a facial sunscreen as the last step in your skin care routine and as directed before heading out the door. SPF and provides the skin with a layer of defence from harmful UV rays. To use, apply to face and neck fifteen minutes before sun exposure. Be sure to reapply at least once every two hours, every forty minutes if swimming or sweating, or immediately after towelling off.

TIP #5: STRONG HOLD HAIR POMADE TO WITHSTAND THE HEAT

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

A good hair care routine is one that’s simple and effective. Arming yourself with the right tools and information about the chemistry of hair is the best first step. No matter what hair type and texture you have, you’ll be able to perform your routine quickly and have great-looking hair.

Summers are a time when your hair tends to grow much faster than usual. This works in your favour and all you need to ensure is that you prevent breakage. Make sure you wash your hair regularly and condition it well. This will keep it in good shape. Choose a product, like Mason’s Pomade, which keeps the moisture locked in, allows your hair to breath, but also lets it move freely whilst securing style. It’ll work whether you’re in town, in the pool or at the beach.

The same applies to your beard and moustache; keep facial hair trimmed or sport a clean-shaven look this summer. Don’t over-shave though! Your skin will be putting up with a lot when temperatures soar and you don’t want to damage it further by shaving every day. Stick to shaving twice a week and trimming when need be.

LASTLY, NOTHING BEATS A SHOWER.

When it comes to dealing with body odour! If you happen to perspire a lot, a daily shower is a must. You might need to shower more than once a day if you perform vigorous exercise. Showering right after your workout will help wash away sweat and prevent your skin from breaking out.

You don’t have to scrub your whole body every time you take a shower; just wash your chest, armpits, genitals, and feet thoroughly as these areas produce more sweat and are responsible for body odour.

Remember to choose mild soaps and cleansers; you don’t need to be harsh on your skin to get rid of the dirt.

Should You Shave Your Beard for an Interview?

Posted on by dansinnott

Should You Shave Your Beard for an Interview, smartly dressed man with beard reading a newspaper, bearded man, bearded in in sunglasses, man reading the newspaper, beards for business

This is a tricky one.

On the one hand, you love your beard.

Then on the other, you probably could really do with that new job.

So the question is…

Do you take the hit on your man pride by shaving off your beard, effectively playing it safe – or do you go all guns all out – bearded, confident and dressed on point?

Ultimately, we think there are three major factors at play that you have to think about:

i) What does your interviewer think of your beard (and beards in general)?

Beards have become far more socially acceptable in recent times, that’s a given since the recent beard booms and what seems to be the undying trend.

Unfortunately, there is still a slight, albeit unfair stigma still attached to them. The typical one of course being – that a guy who sports a beard is lazy, unprofessional given that he can’t even be

bothered to shave. Harsh and largely untrue given that a good beard takes a lot more upkeep than just shaving every few days.

Of course, you won’t really know if your interviewer likes beards or not, but if you happen to know who you are going to be interviewed by, this could give you a little heads up.

It might be worth hopping on to your laptop or smartphone and do some classic ‘social media stalking’, checking out LinkedIn, Facebook – you know the drill and try and figure out if he is sporting one. If he is, it’s a good sign, he’s on your side. No beard? It could go either way.

The less risky route of course is to go shaven, if this is something that concerns you we will explain a little later why you should probably reach for the razor.

ii) Does it fit in with the ‘business culture’?

In some industries facial hair is just far more widely accepted.

Finance and law, it is almost an unspoken rule that wearing facial fur is pretty much forbidden. As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule but you best bet that those guys who sport their beards in such industries are incredibly well-kempt (again, this is something we will get into a little later).

Then there are industries that pretty much require shaven faces for health and safety reasons due to large industrial machinery or where they are a little frowned upon such as in food preparation areas (where they require you to wear beard nets and trust us on this – it just ain’t a good look).

Then there are much more beard friendly industries such as gaming design and development, photography and so on. We tend to find that with most creative jobs, they almost go hand in hand.

Ultimately, what we are trying to do is to encourage you to get your research on. Head to LinkedIn and check out the company you are applying to and other competing companies, and ask yourself does it look like many of their employees are bearded?

If so, take it is a thumbs up.

If not – it’s probably something you ought to think about.

iii) What do you think of your beard?

Of course, we know you love your beard.

What we really mean here, is do you think ultimately your beard will be working against you or not?

Whether it ‘actually’ does or not in reality, what you don’t want to happen is your subconscious screwing up your interview because you are stressing that the beard is not working in your favour.

If you are cool with it and don’t think there are any issues to be had, then that’s awesome. Keep that glorious man mane of yours!

However, if you think there potentially ‘might be’ an issue whether in fact there is or isn’t,, it could end up negatively impacting on your interview performance. In which case, we recommend you play it safe and get it shaved off. At least that way, your focus is 100% on the interview on hand.

That said, if that is the case though, we would raise the following question to ask yourself:

Can you go without your beard for the sake of your job?

I’m afraid, only you can decide that one.

iv) If you’re keeping the beard for the interview

First off, that’s awesome! We know it takes a bit of guts and we tip our hats off to you for that.

Now if you do decide to keep your beard and go ahead with the interview, you need it looking its best.

Even if your interviewer likes beards and is a beard friendly job – you still can’t turn up with it being scraggly with stray hairs sticking out all over the place. Tidy it up, apply some good beard goodies and have it looking its absolute best.

Here’s a quick step by step breakdown to have your beard looking awesome:

  1. Comb out your beard.

It’s a given, but the quickest way of dealing with tricky beard knots and generally making your beard looking neater and fuller is using a proper beard comb to help bring some order and get it all into place.

  1. Splash on some beard oil or a beard balm.

Make use of a high quality beard oil by thoroughly massaging it into your beard and skin to help moisturise and conditioning as well as to give you a great smelling odor. If you are still struggling with flyaway beard hairs, reach out for a styling balm that will help to give you some hold and control over your beard.

  1. Brush the beard and shape it up.

The final touch is just to help distribute the oils that you have applied and then helped to get your man scruff in order.

If your beard is looking particularly out of place we recommend heading to your local (and trusted) beard barber, they will help shape it up – take care of any neckbeard for you and ultimately give you a style that suits both your beard and your face. All you have to do now, is carry out the few steps we’ve just mentioned.

Like we say, it’s your call.

Play it safe and get a shave or stick it to the man and face that interview with a great luscious face forest.

Either way let us know how you got on.

A Cut Above: Dress to Impress in Any Interview

Posted on by dansinnott

 

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The pressure is on. You’ve found your dream job and landed yourself an interview. Your new task? Impress the interviewer and prove you are worthy of the role. Easy? Not so much.

Interviews are intimidating. You’re sat in front of people whose sole purpose is to judge you and your abilities. Unplanned questions, spontaneous testing, unfamiliar faces, indistinguishable rooms — the whole process is unpredictable. Preparation may be the key to excelling in an interview, but with so many uncertainties, it can feel like you’re entering a minefield.

Thankfully, there is one thing you have complete control over: your look. ‘Dress to impress’ or ‘dress for success’ may seem like tired cliches, but like all good cliches, they are grounded in fact.

Dress for success: the facts behind the cliche

First impressions are important. An average interview may last around 30-45 minutes, but your interviewer will have already made their initial judgements about you within the first seven seconds. It may sound unlikely or unfair, but it’s the way the human brain functions. We’re a visual species. Have you ever come across a dark alley and immediately made a detour? Or decided against buying that Gucci watch from a market stall? We all use visual appearance to make snap judgements.

Your interviewer is no different. They will base their first judgements on your immediate appearance. A dirty, ill-fitting suit suggests that you’re lazy and disorganised, whilst a sharp, tailored suit suggests that you’re smart, well put-together, successful — regardless of if this is true or not.

Remember: you only have one chance to make a first impression. The rest of your interview will be an opportunity for an interviewer to test their judgements. It’s far easier to reaffirm positive assumptions than to try and disprove negative ones. Don’t believe it? In a survey by Adecco, they found that 75% of hiring managers identified bad fashion choices as the top mistake made in interviews.

Fake it ‘til you make it: the lab coat effect

Would you feel more comforted by a doctor wearing a lab coat than a hoodie? Or feel more safe with a policeman in full gear instead of jeans and a t-shirt? You’re not alone. Studies conducted in the 20th century found that certain clothes inspire trust and faith in a person’s ability. Clearly, fashion informs our perceptions of intelligence, capability and reliability. But, did you know that your fashion choices can have the same positive effect on you?

A study at Northwestern University found that when people wore a lab coat, they performed better in science tests, and when donning an artist’s smock, became more creative. The conclusion? Our clothes change our perceptions of ourselves. If you dress like a boss, you’ll trick yourself into feeling like a boss. Asserting confidence and assurance is essential in an interview. So, try faking it ‘til you make it!

Interview clothes basics: 6 fail-safe fashion tips

Every interview is different. We no longer live in a time when a black suit is the only appropriate outfit to wear for an interview. Tech companies and start-ups have changed business fashion. So, it’s important to take the time to do the research and find out what the company’s dress code is.

Still, there are a few fail-safe tips that you can apply to any interview. Follow these six steps to give yourself the best chance of nailing your interview and getting your dream job:

 

  • A tailored suit is the only way: A poor-fitting suit is never a good look. If you’re buying your suit from a one-size-fits-all high street shop, chances are it doesn’t fit properly. You don’t have to go to a tailor or spend a fortune; there are cost-effective online tailors to check out. Invest in a suit that really fits and you’ll always look your best.
  • Breathable fabric: No-one blames you for getting flustered in an interview, but no-one wants to see sweat stains. Invest in a good shirt made from a breathable material like wool or cotton to keep those sweat patches at bay.
  • Colour code: Bright, garish colours belong on the beach, not at an interview. Keep it simple with neutral colours: white shirts, tanned shoes, understated trousers and jacket. Remember, you’re the main show, not that statement shirt.
  • Get grooming: No matter how dapper your suit or how polished your shoes, dirty nails and scruffy facial hair will leave a bad taste in the interviewers mouth. Before an interview, go for a haircut at a trusted barber, clean shave or tidy up your facial hair, cut and buffer your nails. It’s the small things that count.
  • Make it your own: Accessorise your outfits. You need to stand out from the crowd in an interview. Simple accessorising is the easiest way to do this. A smart tie, customised cufflinks or a leather watch will add a unique flourish to your look.

Stay calm and collected. Follow these steps and remember the rule: ‘dress for success’.

Anthony Horner is the director of Empire Outlet: a luxury menswear company that provides high-quality suits and accessories for affordable prices that will not break the bank. Empire Outlet operates online and serves customers around the world.

How much will your lads’ holiday cost?

Posted on by dansinnott

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Knowing how much spending money to take on a lads’ holiday is always tough. You don’t want to take too much, but you definitely don’t want to be out of pocket when your mates are all having a good time. So, how can you work out how much spending money you should be taking on 2018’s top lads’ holiday destinations?

Taking into account food, drink and travel, QUIZMAN — leading retailer of quality men’s t-shirts — has worked out an average spending money total for how much you should have in your wallet for each lads’ holiday destination.

Ibiza

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Average daily cost: £361
Hotel per person, per night: £279
Food for a day: £51
Bottled water: £9.74
Taxi from airport to Ibiza Town: £13-£15
Taxi from airport to San Antonio: £23-£27.50
Beer: £2.20-£3.50
Currency: Euro

Ibiza has been Europe’s party capital for years — and it’s still going strong. Pretty much everywhere you stay on the Balearic Island of Ibiza, you get a 24-hour party scene, incredible weather, excellent pool parties, world-renowned DJs, heaps of hilarious daytime activities, party boat cruises, and more. The clubs here are visited by people from across the world and you have a great mix of bar vibes — from sports and Irish bars, to rock/indie and chilled pool bars. Head to the San Antonio area for the best nightlife. But bear in mind, drinks and entry fees in certain bars and many clubs get extremely expensive in Ibiza.

Krakow

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Average daily cost: £54
Hotel per person, per night: £41
Food for a day: £6.50
Bottled water: £0.65
Taxi from airport to city centre: £18
Beer: £1.40-£2.40
Currency: Polish zloty

The second-largest city in Poland is now a firm favourite for stag dos and lads’ holidays. If you’re after a long weekend of bars, beers and chilled times; this city is ideal. Made up of 18 districts, your best bet is booking accommodation near public transport to save on taxi fares or bang in the centre to be near the best nightlife spots. Krakow is full of cool basement bars with great atmospheres. You’ll find hundreds of bars and clubs stretching out from the city centre, while the best clubs lie on Szewska and Florianska high streets.

Amsterdam

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Average daily cost: £111
Hotel per person, per night: £65
Food for a day: £27
Bottled water: £4
Taxi from airport to city centre: £35-£45
Beer: £3.30-£4.40
Currency: Euro

Although it’s the most expensive holiday destination on our list, Amsterdam is well worth a visit. Ideal for an easy time away, the capital of the Netherlands has a world-renowned reputation for partying and is packed with clubs that attract the best DJs on the planet. During the day, you can make the most of this incredible location by taking a boat cruise along a canal, booking a group bike ride along the winding streets or going on a brewery experience.

Tenerife

tenerife boat party

Average daily cost: £91
Hotel per person, per night: £37
Food for a day: £27
Taxi from northern airport to south resorts: £53
Taxi from southern airport to south resorts: £13.50
Beer: £0.88-£2.65
Currency: Euro

Tenerife is a seasoned pro when it comes to offering a fun and chilled holiday. The biggest of the Canary Islands and found off the coast of Africa, you have an incredible beach and nightlife scene on your doorstep. After a day round the pool or doing water sports in the sea, you’ll want to see what Playa da las Americas has to offer if you’re into bars and DJ music — this is also where the brother of football hero, Gary Lineker, has his sports bar. Clubs here last until the early hours of the morning and we recommend flying into Tenerife Sur airport in the south, if you can, for a shorter transfer.

Split

Average daily cost: £81
Hotel per person, per night: £54
Food for a day: £17
Bottled water: £0.62
Taxi from airport to city centre: £32.50
Beer: £1.70-£2.40
Currency: Croatian kuna

Croatia is a titan on the lads’ holiday stage right now and one of your best options in this east-Europe country is Split. With beaches soaked in sun, a laid-back vibe and heaps of water activities to get involved with — like jet-skiing and boat parties — Split is a top choice if you’re looking to relax, enjoy the weather and have a laugh with your mates. At night, Split comes alive with chilled terrace bars, lively entertainment and booming clubs open until the early hours.

Cancun

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Average daily cost: £80
Hotel per person, per night: £66
Food for a day: £5.30
Bottled water: £0.70
Taxi from airport to city centre: £27-£35
Beer: £1-£1.90
Currency: Mexican peso

A party-goers paradise, Cancun is one of those destinations you can have a different holiday experience every time you visit. From Vegas-like pool parties and party cruises to nearby islands, to some of the best clubbing experiences in the world and great places for local food; Cancun is a must-do at least once in your life. Although the clubs here can have expensive entry fees, some of these are world-class and the entertainment is out of this world.

Best lads’ holiday prices

Looking at the average daily cost per person of a mid-range style holiday, Krakow beats Amsterdam hands down as a city break scene, with its cheap accommodation and cheap beer prices. As expected, Ibiza appears to be your most expensive location, partly due to its popularity, while opposing beach destination, Tenerife, offered lower hotel, food and beer prices. Although, Cancun has a slightly higher average daily cost, the average prices of its food and drink per person work out far cheaper than competing beach getaway destination, Split. However, once you factor in flights, you may see the holiday cost start evening out.

Prices are per person for a mid-range holiday. These figures were taken from Price of Travel and Budget Your Trip, correct as of July 2017.

Sustainable Underwear, Tops and Socks for the Adventurous Man

Posted on by dansinnott

Sustainable Underwear, Tops and Socks for the Adventurous Man

Bluebuck is a bold new brand of sustainable men’s underwear, tops and socks. Made from premium organic cotton, each product is robust yet refined, just like its wearer.

Founded by Pierre David, a Frenchman living and working in London, the label combines the best of French style, British cool and a global sense of adventure. Bluebuck’s mission is to craft superior ecofriendly collections with a rugged, masculine sensibility.

Bluebuck, who?

BLUE speaks of the sky, the sea and the natural world as well as being a colour closely connected to purity, while the image of the antlered BUCK is one of raw masculinity. Bluebuck is a brand for the man who combines the rugged and the natural; who has a keen sense of environmental responsibility aligned with a strong sense of self.

Eco-friendly underwear with a lower carbon footprint

Bluebuck organic mens underwear 44

A Bluebuck man takes climate change seriously. He believes he can take action to minimize his impact on the planet. Bluebuck believe this too. So at every step of design and manufacturing process they ask themselves: ‘How can we minimize our
carbon footprint?’ Bluebuck is committed to producing a truly green product.

Clean renewable energy

Bluebuck pride themselves in selecting factories that use clean energy. By harnessing wind, sun and hydro-power, Bluebuck create products with minimum impact on the environment. In fact, 75% of the electricity used in their Austrain factory and 50% in their Portuguese factory come from renewable energy sources.

To add to the mix, they are also proud that 100% of the electricity used in their London office comes from renewable sources, supplied by Ecotricity.

Made in Europe

Bluebuck organic mens underwear 33

Unlike many brands that are ‘Made in Europe’, which usually simply refers to where the product is assembled, all components are produced in Europe. The fabric is knitted, then cut and assembled in Portugal using organic cotton sourced from Turkey. Even the finer details are produced in Europe: waistbands are made in Austria and the labels are created in Italy.

Once assembled, all products are moved by road, which produces around 75% less CO2 than fuel-guzzling planes.

Last longer. Waste less.

Bluebuck organic mens underwear 26

By design Bluebuck products are made to last longer, meaning less waste. They are extremely hard-wearing, durable and reliable.

Bluebuck select the very best materials available in order to ensure quality and durability. Fabrics longevity is also woven into the very design of Bluebuck products. Don’t subscribe to collections that fall in and out of fashion over the seasons. Bluebuck design all pour products in classic styles that remain stylish and timeless

The Nautical range of briefs and trunks is available in navy, white, pink, grey or ice blue with contrasting stripes. With 95% super soft organic cotton and 5% elastane, they’re kind to the skin and flexible enough to take on the most challenging of outdoor activities.

Like the Bluebuck? Shop here.

5 Bonding Activities for Men apart from Drinking

Posted on by Peter Minkoff

bonding activities

I don’t think it’s necessary to stress how important bonding is in life – making any relationship stronger is a very positive thing. And just like girls need their time out to gossip, go shopping or share their sex life with their girlfriends, men have to do the same, but in a slightly different way. Theirs will not involve any gossiping or shopping, but it can include so many great activities. So, if you have no idea what to do next with your guy crew, or you just want to organize something in your company where all the men will bond and have fun, take a look at five of the best activities for this:

Watch a sports game

Men in general love sports. Yes, it can happen that we don’t all love the same sport, but we don’t have any problem watching a match of the sport that we don’t follow. Even though it will involve a couple of drinks here and there, watching a sports game is a great experience where alcohol doesn’t play the biggest part. Hanging out together, watching and commenting on the game while actually talking in between the breaks is a great bonding activity. Depending on the result, it might also involve some table hitting, screaming and being barbaric – but that is the whole point of this great bonding activity. If you have the chance, you should definitely buy tickets and actually go see a sports game live.

Play a video game

Boys will be boys, they say. And there’s probably no truer saying, as men will always love video games, just like boys. This is also one in the limited range of activities that men can do with young sons or cousins – everyone will have fun. That’s why this is a great activity that you can do with your friends or colleagues. It doesn’t really matter what game you’re playing, as long as you have a competitive spirit and you’re playing against each other, it’s going to be interesting. On the other hand, you can always choose a game that will require teamwork and thus build your relationship as all of you try to come out victorious.

Go for teambuilding activities

Teambuilding activities have gained so much popularity in recent years, especially those interesting ones such as room escape, where you have to solve a mystery using teamwork. That is what makes the whole activity teambuilding, as you definitely have to be a part of the team. Another great option are corporate game events that are extremely interesting, and also involve a lot of teamwork. If you’re up for something that doesn’t require any physical activity, this one’s definitely for you, and you can find more about it here. However, if you’re up for something more active, you always try paintball, as it’s probably one of the most popular teambuilding activities at the moment.

Go fishing

Yes, it might sound dull, but fishing is more than meets the eye. You have to deal with a lot of things such as boats, pay attention to the weather, know everything about the equipment, bait and everything else. However, if you’re into this, and you go with your friend or friends, you can figure everything out by yourselves. This is an excellent activity if you haven’t seen your friend in a long time – chatting in a serene environment while taking a break from work obligations at the same time sounds like an excellent idea.

Go bike riding or on an exploration trip

Lastly, you can always take your bike with you and head to the countryside. Not only will you be doing something active that’s also healthy and has many other benefits, but it’s a great bonding activity as well. Also, you can discover so many hidden corners of your town or village, and that’s always an amazing experience. If you’re bolder, though, you can go on an exploration trip such as rafting or diving. Both of them are very sporty activities, so it’s guaranteed that everyone will love them.

There is a plethora of options to choose from, but believe us when we say that, apart from drinking, these are the best ones. And it doesn’t matter which one you choose, you’ll have so much fun and you’ll awaken that competitive and teambuilding spirit that you might not have known you needed that much.