fashion

dress better

How to Dress Better in Your 50s

Posted on by Peter Minkoff

Dressing with confidence can be quite a tricky issue when you hit a certain age. Why? As the trends change over time, so do our bodies and our taste levels, and it’s normal that certain fashion trends are simply not for us anymore. This issue becomes even trickier for people who have always been following fashion trends and now they find themselves a bit old to rock colorful outfits or combinations that they would otherwise wear outside but cannot as they are too “juvenile”. It’s vital to notice that trends change for different age groups as well, and the fact that you are not in your twenties or thirties should never make you doubt your fashion sense. This is the time to turn to smart clothes and experiment in being professional and looking dapper. But how to dress better in your 50s, let’s say? What are the things you should have in mind, and what should you avoid?

 

Experiment with smart clothes

One of the best ways to come off as a rather fashionable man in his 50s is to always opt for dressing smart, especially when it’s time to go to work. There’s nothing that looks better on a man than a high-quality and tailored suit and a nice shirt. Keeping your suits tailored to your body type will elevate your look to a great extent, and will leave you space to experiment with the shirts you will wear. There are many different patterns and colors to choose from, so you can always go with a colorful or patterned shirt to match with your outfit. This will result in your looking amazing in a suit yet will reveal playfulness that you want to emphasize. Experimenting with different patterns and colors can be quite a fun way to make your combination not only more interesting but fashionable as well.

 

Accessorize it up

The accessories game for men has never been stronger, yet it might be too much for a man to be wearing different necklaces or rings that are popular among young people today. But not all accessories are for younger generations, though. Both necklaces and rings can be worn at any age, but make sure that you go with ones that are classy and serious. On the other hand, there are other accessories that can elevate your fashion game as well, such as a good cardholder wallet that will show how much you pay attention to the details and how elegant they can be. A nice watch is also an accessory that can make any look more interesting.

 

Minimalistic street style

But what happens when you’re not at work yet still want to look fashionable? You cannot wear your suit and your blazer in the park or while taking a walk. As far as street style is concerned – simply opt to go minimalistic and you will be good to go. Monochromatic shorts, tees, shirts, and sweatshirts are eternal, and they look good on anyone, regardless of age. White sneakers can also look amazing on a fifteen-year-old and on a seventy-year-old, especially if they know how to match it with the rest of the outfit. Avoid any slogans or sayings – rather focus on logos and simple quotes or keeping it plain instead.

 

Choose your color

If nothing, your life experience has taught you what looks good on you and what doesn’t. That’s why you should always have that one color to go to when you have nothing else to wear. The best practices show that black, brown, gray, and white are the colors that you want to go with. Wearing all grey or all black can look amazing on you regardless of your age and regardless of the piece of clothing that you’ll be wearing. Take a look at Colin Firth, for example – he made black his color and he can create amazing street style looks by wearing all black or simply adding a certain layer of white to the combination to make it stand out. So simple, yet so classy.

 

Turning 50 can definitely make you start questioning your fashion sense, but the most important thing is that you keep your fashion sense alive by simply dressing your age. Play around with colors and patterns, yet keep everything as minimalistic as possible.

Why are we the most stylist in world?

Posted on by dansinnott

Well Dressed Man putting his wrist watch

Quietly and without fuss, British men have become the most stylish in the world.

From our unrivalled tailoring heritage to our intuitive ability to draw on eclectic styles from elsewhere, to the fact that London is now the hub of the global menswear industry, men in Britain have never looked better.

So allow us to do a most un-British thing for a moment and blow our own trumpet, with these 8 style rules we can learn from, well, ourselves…

Less is more: A simple one this, but an important one. Look at any stylish man and you’ll notice that his outfit is actually very simple – he’s just made it look more impressive by focusing on cut, fabric and detail. Though this is a universal style truth, it’s particularly prevalent among the British. Bill Nighy, for instance, only wears navy and believes tailoring should be just that, tailored – what’s more, he wears the same pair of black rectangular Cutler & Gross spectacles every day, meaning that he permanently looks unfailingly elegant, smart and like someone you’d really quite like to be.

Tailored Items: Suits come naturally to us Brits – but that doesn’t mean we should wear them all the time. The key to keeping any outfit sharp is to ensure that no matter how soft and slouchy everything else is, at least one item in your look should be properly tailored. From a great pair of perfectly fitted trousers, to a jacket cut to suit your shape to an immaculate overcoat. One beautifully made item will mask a multitude of sins.

Mix & match: We’ve always been an eccentric bunch, us Brits. Just look at the young design talent coming up through the British fashion industry (think Craig Green, Bobby Abley and JW Anderson) and you’ll see that our creativity is unparalleled. When it comes to your own wardrobe, don’t be afraid to play with colour and pattern – a burgundy polka dot T-shirt teamed with a soft double-breasted chino suit, a popped lapel and a midnight blue silk scarf, for instance.

Stand out: Look at the streets of Milan, Paris or New York and you’ll notice that the overriding style rule is to dress like everyone else, only better. In the UK, we do things a little differently. Walk around London and you’ll notice men vying to out do each other in increasingly flamboyant ways. It’s like the eminently stylish Londoner Oscar Wilde once said “be yourself, everyone else is taken.”

…but not too much: That said, you don’t want to look clownish (frightfully un-British). If you’re going for a shirt in a floral pattern opt for something in the vein of Charles Rennie Mackintosh (see Harry here) as opposed to Charlie Sheen. Colours are, of course, great, but go for muted complimentary shades rather than clashing primaries – you’ll still look unique, just not like a crazy person.

Be Inspired: Few other countries can claim to be as wonderfully diverse as the United Kingdom, and the influence that this has had on our national style cannot be underestimated. From style at street level to the clothes produced by our greatest designers, an enormous breadth of cultural inspiration is palpable in everything we do. British designer Oliver Spencer, for instance, is seasonally inspired by the many cultures seen in and around London’s Portobello Market, where he once had a stall.

This article was based on an original piece by Esquire.

Festival Fundamentals

Posted on by Peter Minkoff

czech_summer_festival

Aren’t you getting thrilled about all the upcoming festivals? ‘Cos we are!

Summer alone is probably the most beautiful time of the year; add quality music to that – you’ve got yourself a paradise on earth. Tanned skin, tricky temptations, devilish inhibitions released, beautiful exhaustion, inexplicable excitement, love, good vibes, beats that are taking you higher and all the dancing may be just some of the awesome reasons why you should fall in love with every single moment of your festival time.

Don’t you think festival fashion tips for guys seem comparatively thin on the ground. Then again, do we really care?

Let’s be honest, will there be beers? Yes. Will there be sun? Hopefully. Will there be unforgettable performances you’ll bear witness to and boastingly reference at parties in the future? Most likely. So, why the hell would you care about you’ve got on?

Well you’ll have an amazing time – but, after all, a few things you need to think about prior to dispatching on your summer ride. Don’t get stressed all of a sudden – it’s nothing serious… but it’s definitely helpful! Here’s what we are talking about:

1. Protect your feet!

festival-goers

However cool you might think you look in your trainers, they are not the right footwear for a British festival. Instead, prepare for inclement weather with a pair of waterproof, slip-resistant wellies (remember, kids, mud is a great leveller).

The Independent consulted festival goers of all ages to bring you the best boots for the job – from inexpensive pairs that will keep your feet dry and mud free, to seriously hard-wearing ones that will last for a decade. Take a look here.

2. Wear the right pair of underwear

Drake and Hutch underwear

While to some of you this may be a given, there are others who aren’t really thinking in that direction. Truth is, when you are going to a festival, no matter how stylish and edgy your personal fashion is, you need to be comfortable first and then follow up with some good fashion. Naturally, a huge (and maybe base, even) part of that comfort is the type of underwear you have on. You want something you can move in, something that won’t give you a wedgie (go on, laugh) or feel unnatural on your skin. So the perfect choice is Drake & Hutch underwear. Their fabrics are  made of natural fibers and the cut flattering. Just think about it – you’ll be moving around in that underwear, dancing, walking, sweating (maybe even pee a little when the line to the bathroom is lengthy or the run to the nearest bush too long) – so you want them to be of the right, comfy kind.

…and if we’re being honest, you’re going to be in the same pair for days, aren’t you chaps? Make sure they’re decent ones!

3. Kill ‘em with style

Festivals are all about self-expression, crazy outfits and released inhibitions… and are there better ways to express yourself at occasions like these, but wear things that show your amazing personality? Put on your favourite funky tee and rock that festival fashion better than anyone around. Go for the Dedicated tees or cropped tops, that amazing graphic print or your floral boho and enjoy the ride! It would be wise to pack another shirt you’ll be changing into after you get soaking wet (there’ll be a lot of dancing involved, after all).

Remember however, the nights can get chilly, so it’s always worth chucking your favourite hoodie or sweater jumper in your bag to wrap up when the sun goes down.

4. Put on a pair of weather appropriate shorts

Bowler & Beach Festival

It’s understandable you want to rock your style and show it off at every corner, as you should. But! Be smart enough to go for clothes that are both stylish and functional. Opting for a pair of Bowler & Beach shorts instead of a pair that you would be freezing/sweating in is way smarter and way more practical. Plus, you don’t want people looking at you like you’ve gone crazy for wearing a see-through mini shorts with 60 ºF out!

If Glastonbury this year is anything to go by, it’s going to be wet, it’s going to be muddy, so you want something that will dry quickly, not be too-clingy and always breezey.

5. Bring a raincoat

Festival Goers endure the rain at main stage during T In The Park Festival

It’s true – we often associate raincoats to those huge, shapeless pieces of clothes our mums used to dress us in whenever there was even a hint of rain out. But guess what – turns out mums knew their business after all. Not only that raincoats do actually protect from the (heavy) rains but they’re also making a comeback in the fashion world! They now come in variety of cuts, colours and prints, and are definitely a piece everyone should include in their wardrobe, especially when they are going somewhere for a longer period of time. The best raincoat pieces we’ve spotted lately are on Peter’s of Kensington website, so make sure you do your buying before hitting the road.

Lastly, stay safe, wear sun cream and make some memories.

Have fun, take photos, enjoy your time and make mental images of everything you fail to capture through your lens – you’ll remember it for life!

Feel free to let us know which festivals you’re attending this year and what you will be wearing in the comments section below…

Peter

What to wear to work?

Posted on by dansinnott

It can sometimes be hard to figure out what to wear to certain occasions, especially to work. How nice are you supposed to dress? What shoes should you wear? Does this even match? Your first job, or even a job interview is one of life’s most significant milestones. As a young person, it may seem as though employers are extra weary of how you carry yourself, which is why dressing your best is important to make a good first impression. It can be hard to figure out exactly what to wear, and it can also be something that puts a rather large dent in your wallet. But, thankfully, there are affordable and stylish clothes out there that will help you land and keep your dream job.

First things first. Get a sense of the atmosphere of where your job will be as much as you can. You can look up the company online, or even ask whoever you will be interviewing with what the workplace dress code is. Then, depending on what the dress code is, you can base your outfits off that. But, a rule of thumb is that you would rather be overdressed than be under-dressed, so try and spruce it up a couple notches above the acceptable look.

With the help of T.M. Lewin, take a look at their very clever info-graphic to give you all the tips your need based on your career choice…

TMLewin_whattoweartowork_x2 (1)

Check out T.M. Lewin’s variety of formal shirts, their wide range of patterns, colours and fits will keep you looking smart and sharp!

The history of British menswear

Posted on by dansinnott

We’ll often see trends making a reappearance, but are we ever entirely sure where it came from, how far we’ve come and why these changes occur?

T.M.Lewin have been looking at just how far we have come and what styles, cuts and materials the sartorial gent has worn over time. Taking inspiration from a back catalogue of historic pieces, T.M.L drive to deliver the best quality, tailored for any occasion, from weddings to work events. With an unrivalled choice of colours and styles in three different fits, you will see below that there are many factors that influence why things change, but also, when it comes to dressing smart, what us chaps have adopted time and time again.

So here’s to you dapper-chaps, take a look at a 300-year history of British Menswear. (You’ll see that over time, us chaps have become far more daring when it comes to smart wear choices and professionals in adopting styles, with the help of brands such as T.M Lewin…it’s pretty neat!)

TMLewin_fashion_history_x2

Men’s fashion has certainly evolved through the centuries, as any look at men’s historical clothing will show you. While much has always been made of women’s fashions, men’s styles are no less noteworthy. Students of fashion and history can clearly see how a man’s status and class affected his wardrobe.

While looking at men’s historical clothing can be educational, it can also be an intriguing way to view the past. As with all things in fashion, what’s old is often new again. Styles that you thought you’d never see repeated are sometimes resurrected in better…or worse ways!

We’d like to thank T.M.Lewin for the fantastic graphic above, and if you would like to view their ranges of suits and shirts now you know where their inspiration stems from, head over to view all suits on their website.

 

Underwear to Invest in!

Posted on by dansinnott

Have you ever bought a cheap umbrella from a convenience store thinking that it was a good deal since it was affordable and the quality seemed nice only to be disappointed when it started raining? There you are standing in the rain, thinking that you are prepared, when all of a sudden an errant gust of wind blows on the umbrella and the hinges crack, it inverts and you are left with a useless bit of metal and fabric. Many of you have been through such a situation and have come out of it realising that just because something is affordable doesn’t make it good. Paying more for quality goods ensures that what you buy won’t unravel at the slightest gust of wind. It will last, it will be strong and you will most likely get a lot of use out of it until you need to replace it. The same principles apply when it comes to buying underwear as this article will show.

Comfort

There is a world of difference between the type of bed that you would get at a cheap hotel and one that you would find in a 5-star hotel. The same principle applies when it comes to purchasing designer underwear over something that is available for bargain basement prices.

For instance, Bum-Chums pants are hand sewn using special cotton that is not only comfortable but actually allows the skin underneath the underwear to “breath” so to speak. This makes it more comfortable to wear and is incomparable to the type of boxers or briefs that you would buy in plastic packs. While you may be thinking that the amount of money invested into designer briefs is a bit too high considering the fact that they are just underwear, you need to consider the fact that, aside from pants, underwear is one of the most widely utilised clothing items you will wear throughout your life. Purchasing several expensive yet comfortable pairs will make a world of difference when it comes to going about your daily activities.

Bum-chums was created from an absolute and total desire to make underwear more sexy and better fitting for men. They wanted to make cheeky little fun numbers, to show off with design skills but still ensure they make them to the best quality they can.

Craig, at Bum-Chums, still makes the majority of the pants from a small factory at Brief-Towers, that’s always a hub of activity, crafting well-made garments, packing men’s underwear and showing the world that Britain is still on the map…

Take a moment from your hectic life and grab a cuppa in your nearest coffee shop or a beer or glass of wine at your favourite wine bar and park that neglected derriere on a comfy seat!

At Bum-Chums they design underwear to help our bums! We hardly give bums a second thought, we sit on them, fall on them, burn them, scratch them, scrape them, smack them, bite them (if you’re lucky) and wipe them, the list of abuses is endless. Yet that faithful “rear bundle” hardly ever complains and follows us about obediently wherever we go; always playing catch-up.

After all… it helps us stand up straight and walk, it takes the pain when we fall and it offers a satisfying outlet and (for some) inlet!

That’s why Bum-Chums choose comfort; to enhance, relieve, and indulge those long-suffering peachy, pert posteriors and give them the recognition they deserve. After all…. just like people, bums need chums!

We’ve been wearing a range of bum-chums range for some weeks now and we love them, they are comfy. We can tell that the pouch is made to cup and support. The materials vary and the stitch isn’t evasive. Each pair truly is made with out comfort in mind. The colours, materials and designs are endless, go take a look…

Longevity

Aside from comfort, well made and constructed underwear tends to last a lot longer than most types of underwear out there. Due to the quality of the materials that go into their creation, this makes them far more durable which allows them to undergo a lot more wear and tear. This allows them to last for years before they have to be replaced as compared to cheap pairs of underwear that only last a few months before the material starts to break apart either while you’re wearing it or while it is being washed.

For example, one common reason why people have to get rid of their old underwear is due to the wear and tear that occurs in the waistband. The elastic in this part of the underwear is vulnerable to deterioration over time since the material tends to get weaker after being washed and stretched multiple times. Sheath underwear is not subject to the same problem since the waistband is replaced with sturdy cloth cords that can last for years.

SHEATH is an indie company run by a small group of friends and family that doesn’t have high corporate overhead which is why they are able to offer reasonable prices to customers. Their a strong team with the determination to do what ever it takes to develop a successful brand that offers a premium product at a reasonable price, while helping those less fortunate along the way.

The inception of Sheath Underwear, as with the beginning of any company, came in the form of an idea. The idea was of a pouch underwear that completely isolates the male package from inner thigh region, providing a cool dry free commando sort of feeling. The product is now available but Sheath always warn you and always caution you: “WARNING: THESE UNDERWEAR MAY INDUCE A COMFORT COMA FOLLOWED BY COMPLETE MENTAL CLARITY.”

Sheath is an underwear brand dedicated to the functionality and comfort of every pair of boxer briefs they produce. They’ve created a garment that works with you while you’re working hard.

Each style is hand crafted from a cotton/elastane blend that hugs your form and moves with your body throughout every wear. All sports are welcome in Sheath boxer briefs! The pouch supports and holds your boys right where you want them throughout any strenuous activity. The pouch will also keep your boys comfortable by sitting right where they should naturally and the lip curves under you for a better fit.Sheath makes sure their underwear can keep up with you. These styles are designed to reduce heat, avoid sticking, and to wick away unwanted sweat. The specially designed pouch also prevents the need for constant readjustment while you’re on the go.

The Sheath boxer brief has a classic boxer brief look with a great performance edge. They’re available in lotus white, excalibur blue, samurai red, ninja black, and katana grey. Sheath also offers each colour in singles, twin packs, and five packs in either one solid colour or multi-colour packs.

The Sheath boxer briefs are available in sizes S – XL and sizes XXL and XXXL are available in Black Singles only.

The packaging is a neat design that’s eye catching and simple. It has a touch of class. You can tell that these pants are made for endurance, when you need help in tough conditions or sport. The design of these boxers is simply, classy and masculine. You’d be proud to wear them around the locker room and feel fashionable. 

Design

sukrew3

SUKREW – Underwear to Invest In

What truly sets designer underwear apart from its ordinary counterparts is the level of detail and design that go into them. Designer underwear is meant to combine comfort and durability while at the same time looking unique yet aesthetically pleasing. People buy this sort of clothing since, despite the fact it won’t be seen, the design looks good and for them this is the most important characteristic when it comes to the items that they choose to wear. In fact, the design of some types of designer underwear is so good that they can be worn around a home as shorts.

If you’re after a unique design and something out of the box, if you’re feeling kinky, go check out SUKREW. We reviewed SUKREW a few months ago, and we’re still seriously impressed. A striking underwear, with many a variation to consider, from boxers, briefs, jockstraps and even more adventurous underwear for the risque viewers.

Bold colours, a bold style and a striking waistband with the SUKREW logo on, wearing these to the gym you’ll be the envy of most after while.

View our last review, with more details here.

Branding

UNDAMENTALS- Underwear to Invest In
UNDAMENTALS- Underwear to Invest In

If you’re the sort of person that is loyal to particular luxury brands, then choosing Undamentals is a great way to further increase your brand loyalty. While it may be rather strange, various luxury brands do create their own luxury underwear lines that are oriented towards men. These tend to be designed under the same specifications of their other luxury goods and, as such, you can be assured that when you do buy luxury briefs under their brand they are crafted with the best possible designs and materials.

We reviewed Undamentals a few months ago (read here) but we have to mention them again, because 3 months down the line their briefs are out best friend! They are supportive but roomy and allow your chap to breath. Well worth considering.

The branding of Undamentals is striking and the ethos is outstanding.

If you’re a fan of Undamentals, they are currently running a competition on their website and on twitter…you can win a 1 year subscription of pants! That’s right, let the the guys take the hassle out of buying undies!

Conclusion

All in all, these underwear  brands are a good choice for individuals that want to invest a bit more money into an article of clothing that they will likely use continuously for several years. While it may initially seem like a foolhardy investment, the fact remains that the durability, comfort and style that you can get out of them makes the investment more than worth it in the end. With numerous luxury brands creating their own iteration of men’s underwear, you will definitely not lack choices when it comes to the design and type of material you want.

Hot Seat Sessions: Mancave London

Posted on by dansinnott

MC2

“Here’s to the leaders, the go getters, the lone wolves. Here’s to those that don’t follow the crowd, the ones that carve their own path, the adventurers. Here’s to the gentlemen, shaped by those that came before them but moulded by the modern day.”

“Mancave London was built for the contemporary gent. Bearded or clean shaven, city slicker or man of the country, Mancave London is for those that admire sartorial style, supporting the eager designers of tomorrow, and dressing to impress. Mancave London continuously collate the very best products from all corners of the globe, bringing the modern day gentleman unique, beautifully crafted products and menswear suitable for both work, and play.

“Always aim to be better than your average gent. That is what they strive for at Mancave London. Whether it’s how your dress, how you act or what you strive to achieve; always aim to be better than you were the day before. It’s not a competition, although a little bit of friendly rivalry can always help to make one improve; but seriously, it doesn’t take that much time to put some goals in place and aim for them. To start any guy off in the running, Mancave often collate collections of items that they stock (or home) that will have you on the right track to becoming a better gentleman. Some of these you may already have, in which case hats off to you, but for those who want a little bit of self loving, there’s only only place to head over to for handy tips of the next best things you should know about in the land of the dapper.”

MC11

There are many brands all handpicked and chosen by Mancave London to intertwine perfectly to create it’s identity, we had the chance to ask Gemma Fraser, Founder & Creator Director, how Mancave go about choosing which brands they house. Gemma said:

“Many of the brands we home are small startup brands, which we are passionate about supporting. For example, Stuart & Lau are a new brand only just in their second season, based between Hong Kong & NY. We discovered them on Instagram (believe it or not where we have discovered a lot of our brands) and built up a relationship from there. A lot of the brands we house are exclusive to the UK through Mancave London which is something we are really proud of.

“If you go to the Brand Features Page under the journal on the website (click here) we have featured pages on every single brand we house which tells you a bit more about who the brand are and why we love them. We house many brands from all corners of the globe. Hunter Lab skincare from Australia, Sully Wong from Hong Kong, Mule ties from Canada, Alfredo Gonzales from Spain, Sandqvist, Daniel Wellington & Monokel eyewear from Sweden, Calepino from France, LSTN from California, Musgo Real from Portugal, Il Bussetto from Italy and a wide range of home grown British Brands including London Sock Co, Charlie Borrow, Scott Fraser, Alysia Thomas, Emily Carter, Sock & Trotter, Men’s Society, Brydon Brothers, Maxwell Scott, Turefitt & Hill, Electrical Shop & London Beard Co.

“Our initial aim was to collate the best new brand talent from all over the world and put them in one accessible place for our gentleman to shop from and that list is growing all the time. We travel to trade shows across Europe to source the best new product and are constantly on the lookout through social media whether we are contacted by brands or vice versa.”

One Stop Shop

MC8

Mancave London truly is a one-stop shop for all your needs. Whether you’re considering day-to-day wear, a suit or formal occasion, accessories, a bag, the ideas and the finishing touches are all there. The added bonus is that it has a community feel about it. All the brands seem to work together to create this shared passion, a group outlook on masculinity. There are lifestyle tips, activity suggestions, household decor tips, fixtures and fittings suggestions. If you think about it, it’s subtly guiding you through manhood and making those hints about life all from one place.

You may think you’re the average gent, like us, but a stop by at Mancave London, and you’ll soon realise you’ve got an inquisitive eye when it comes to style in every aspect.

It’s about enhancing your life chaps, it’s more than an online store, it’s a way of life. The ethos of it being a platform for the ‘contemporary gent’ really shines through everything there is to offer. It doesn’t pigeon hole you, it varies in what it offers style wise, definitely makes you consider other styles and most importantly, it isn’t intimidating!

Some of our favourite pieces over at Mancave are the Daniel Wellington Classic Oxford watch, the SANDQVIST Lars-Göran Backpack, the Hunter Lab Hand-wash and the electrical shop Copper Diamond Cage Light-B/W.

To gain the experience and aspire to be a gentleman head over to Mancave London and have a look a around. We guarantee you’ll be there for quite some time! Enjoy chaps.

MC10
MC7
MC15
MC17

#NTTMFW – What you need to know for Spring/Summer 2016

Posted on by dansinnott

3007_9779

It’s been a busy week of catwalk shows, style master classes, pop-up performances and shopping offers as Nottingham Fashion Week took over the city.

Nottingham put on its very first week-long event to celebrate everything fashionable in the city – and fans flocked to various locations to check everything on offer – including us!

We managed to head along to the conclusion of the week when the anticipated Style Show Live took place and taking to the stage to host was BBC Radio 1 presenter Alice Levine. Before everyone hit the runway for the show, we managed to throw some questions at Alice as she took the hot seat, alongside show stylist Lola Royale and show co-coordinator Gaz Davies.

Alice, who many of you probably didn’t know is from Beeston, a Nottingham suburb, said: “It’s about time the city was recognised for its great fashion!”

About the Style Show, which featured pieces from well-known stores such as John Lewis, Debenhams, Primark, Topman and Hobbs. As well as Nottingham’s much loved independent brands and designers, including Gigi Bottega, Stick and Ribbon and Headcase Headwear, Alice added: “It’s a really nice showcase. If I say to people I’m from Nottingham, they always know about the shopping. This event is collaborating with what’s already here.

“When I come back I always shop – I love vintage and my favourite is the Sue Ryder store in Beeston. I’ve started bringing an empty bag with me when I come back.

“There are 50 retailers taking part in the live style shows and it’s good to see it all in motion.

What’s great is that people can watch the catwalk shows and then see in the programme where the clothes are from and go buy them.”

 

The beauty of Nottingham Fashion Week is that it is pitched at everyone perfectly. They are genuine items from our favourite high street stores, it has that achievable feel, where we know we could go out and buy it, style it and know we’re looking good for Summer. It’s one of the reasons why we wanted to take part here at High Street Gent.

At the beginning of the week there was great focus and perfect opportunity for the start-up brands and independents that Nottingham loves to display their work and ideas. We asked Alice, Lola and Gaz what they thought. Lola said: “I was over-whelmed when I went down to Made in Nottingham to see what people are achieving down there, it was humbling to see so much hard work paying off for people and some great clothing, designs and what could be future brands we know and love.” 

Alice added: “It’s part of Nottingham’s charm when it comes to fashion, the brands down there have great support and nurturing from the likes of Made in Nottingham. I saw Ratchet Clothing in there and wanted to buy it all.”

The Style Show

So you’re probably wanting us to get on with why we attended Nottingham Fashion Week, and rightly so. The style show was broken down into six key trends to consider this Spring/Summer, and here goes. Well tell you a little about each and below are some photos. If you hover over each image, you’ll be able to find out where the items each model is wearing and where it is from.

Enjoy, we hope to see you wearing them this year!

Nauticaluxe

Clothes: Joules, Shoes: Hotter
Clothes: Trespass, Shoes: Topman

Influencing everything from apparel and accessories to colour, materials and beyond, discover how seafaring aesthetics can be updated with clean shapes and unexpected details to create effortlessly elegant styles.

Bringing the seaside to the city, nautical nostalgia is refreshed with a modern twist.

Classic stripe prints incorporate colour pops and changes in direction. Sportswear inspirations emphasise the clean appearance of designs. Uneven hems and wraparound layers introduce an urban element.

Botanicals

(Left) Whole Outfit: Next, (Right) Whole Outfit: Marks & Spencers
(Left) Whole Outfit: Ted Baker, (Right) Whole Outfit: Two Seasons

(Bear with us on this one, don’t be afraid!) Botanical illustrations are key as we look at the florals in a scientific manner. Sketched imagery of other wildlife such as bugs and butterflies also comes into play as the colour palette is natural with brown undertones.

Monochrome

Spotlight Sessions
(Right) Whole Outfit: Pretty Green

Is there anything more timeless than black and white? The dominance of contrast prints is in this season. Which probably proves that monochrome is as relevant as ever, and the perfect way to work conversation prints and patterns into your wardrobe. We all default back to black & white if we’re unsure, so here’s the perfect opportunity to remain on trend.

Think Pink

Clothes: John Lewis, Shoes: Model’s Own, Glasses: Specsavers
Whole Outfit: American Apparel

Think pink…but not if you’re not very daring. There’s a variety of pinks you can wear, from a dusky pink (similar to ruining your white shirt in the wash with a red sock) or simply accessorising. For those bold movers out there, full hot pink can work if it’s what you want!

Dreamweaver

Whole Outfit: Pretty Green
Whole Outfit: Next

Think festivals. If you’re heading to a festival this year, the Dreamweaver trend is perfect for you. Think boo-hoo, think patterned, over-sized and complete hippy. Not to everyone’s choice, but you don’t have to go all out. Keep it casual.

Colour Clash

(Left to Right) Whole Outfit: Marks & Spencers, Whole Outfit: French Connection, Whole Outfit: Debenhams, Whole Outfit: Slaters
Clothes: Austin Reed, Shoes: Slaters

Our personal favourite from Saturday’s style show, it quite literally does what it says on the tin (pun definitely intended). Nothing is too colourful for this summer, buy it bright, buy it bold and make it clash.

So there we have it. There are a few ideas for you guys (and girls this time) to consider for this year. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my photographer kate-henderson-photography.com for all the fantastic photos you can see. Please see below for a slide show of the whole event and for more ideas. Another thank you to Gemini PR and It’s in Nottingham.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

All the images you see are copywrite and owned by Kate Henderson Photography. Should you like to use an image or borrow it, please contact dan@highstreetgent.com.

 

 

Lead Not Follow: Spotlight Session #2 Ryan Atkins

Posted on by dansinnott

LNF9

After the success of last week’s spotlight session and stepping away from the advice column, keeping it fresh, we’ve thrown another familiar face into the hot seat. In the second in this new series of posts, we’ve fired a series of questions at Rugby League’s Ryan Atkins, centre/wing for Warrington.

We thought you chaps would like to find out what the people in the limelight choose when faced with options, so here we go, here’s our quick fire interview with Ryan…

  1. What would you never leave the house without?
    My phone
  2. The item of clothing you wear most is…
    Bed shorts – I do like a comfortable short to relax in.
  3. Every man should definitely own…
    A decent aftershave. Mine at the moment is Terre d’hermes
  4. What’s your biggest style pet peeve?
    Crocs
  5. Whats your preferred style of facial hair?
    It varies, I’ve recently had a beard, but at the moment, stubble.
  6. If every day had 25 hours, what would you do with that extra hour?
    I’d spend it with my girlfriend and daughter.
  7. BMW/Audi/Mercedes?
    Seeing as I’m currently driving an Audi…an Audi.
  8. What’s your current song of the moment?
    “One Dance” Drake. (My little girl really likes dancing to it at the moment).
  9. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
    When you’re criticised, don’t always take it as a negative, learn from it.
  10. What’s your guilty pleasure?
    It’s got to be those biscuits Caramel.
  11. Were you not a professional football player, what do you think you’d be doing now?
    I’d probably be a barber. Not many people know that I’ve recently qualified for some levels of barbering. I was in the local paper.
  12. Shop online or in-store?
    In-store. I love shopping and it’s easier to go into town in the week between training.
  13. What was your first car?
    It was an Emerald Green Vauxhall Astra. It had to have some body work done on it not long after I had it and the body work specialists filled the hole with newspapers. Haha.
  14. What’s your favourite clothing at the moment?
    I really like the Nike Presto trainers at the moment, keeping my eye out on all the different colours.
  15. What’s the best present you’ve ever received?
    When I was really young my Mum bought me one of those combi-track music players, you know the ones that you loaded tape cassettes and CDs into. I think it’s my most memorable present.
  16. Night in or night out?
    Night in!
  17. Jeans or Chinos?
    Jeans.
  18. Boxers or Briefs?
    Boxers.
  19. Who would you say is your style icon?
    Kanye West. But not when he goes too over the top.
  20. What’s your tipple of choice?
    Corona (has to be with lime).
  21. In your life at the moment, what excites you most?
    Everything’s cool at the moment, but I’m really looking forward to the end of the season and heading to Mexico on holiday.
  22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
    I’d to be living back in Yorkshire with my girlfriend, daughter and maybe more children. I’d also like to open my own barbers and be doing that.

A huge thanks to Ryan for sitting in the LNF hot seat with High Street Gent.

For more information regarding Lead Not Follow head back to the home page to easily navigate yourself through the different genres.

Keep your eyes well and truly peeled every Sunday from 8pm for cheeky updates and more insights from recognisable faces, to keep you all look fly…

#StyleIt – Rohnis International

Posted on by dansinnott

image1

It’s spring (finally) and we’re looking at how you can wear what’s appropriate for this sunny, but still cold weather, when it’s likely to take a turn at any moment!

We all want to feel comfortable in this transition period from winter to summer, so a few bursts of colour and some strong wardrobe essentials will set us all up for whatever Spring may throw at us…and to be fair, it’s likely to be a whole lot of rain.

With this in mind, let me introduce to you Rohnis International. A UK based company, that, if you’re not the most daring fashion wise, but like to be on trend with trust worthy items, this is the brand for you.

Rhohni’s are an international company that design in-house and distribute innovative clothing throughout the UK and Europe with the talent and resources to supply the rest of the world.

They have been established for over 25 years and are based in Northumberland, UK. Through diligence, hard work, knowledge and connection they are able to source all their customer’s requirements globally.

All of their fashion brands are designed and developed at their head office, with the ever changing fashion trends, Rohni’s are at the forefront of worldwide research and development. Even with the samples we were sent here at High Street Gent, I can guarantee that their service is fast, efficient, reliable and very dependable.

image2

We were sent the above polo-tee and trainers from Rohni’s D-Rock clothing range. D-Rock clothing was established with the concept of combing urban cool with an aspiring laid back sophistication.

The collection brings a unique brand of personal style with a smart street inspired image which targets today’s trend-conscious men with this exciting and versatile selection of dynamic styles. The use of a combination of traditional modern fabrics and manufacturing techniques offer a hard wearing performance which enhance the brands uniqueness and individuality.

The polo-tee we were sent is one of those key wardrobe essentials, it’s casual, but could be smart, it’s neutral in colour, it has a simple yet effective design on it and it’s versatile. For Spring, having the bird design really ties in with the seasons fashion trends.

Similar to the tee, the trainers too are versatile, they’re dark in colour, with a touch of denim, to give the casual feel. So these are most definitely a trainer for style, not for practicality like the gym, but we all need those trainers we keep clean and shiny, so it’s not an issue…They are incredibly comfy too!

We twinned the tee and trainers with some cropped black skinnies, a red bobble hat for colour and attitude, perfect for a casual-feel spring afternoon.

If you want to find out more about Rohnis International please email info@rohnis.com or visit their twitter page: @_rohnis_ to browse their ranges…and because the guys at Rohnis are so nice, if you contact them directly they can provide you with their goods at the wholesale prices as opposed to the retail price that they would find online,since we love blogging about affordable fashion.