Flower Power – The men’s Floral trend

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There is a misconception that Flowers are just for the fairer sex, in that, us men should shy away from anything of a floral print nature. Oh contraire by dear masculine friends, as for Summer of this year, all things flowery are everywhere. Our dear clothing retailers from high end designer to high Street wonders are embracing their inner flower power and in all honesty it must be shifting as retailers can’t get the floral trend pieces on the shelves quick enough for us. So as alway we do the hard work so you don’t have to so here are some of the hottest items from this Summer’s brightest trend.

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Long sleeved shirt by Banana Republic

imageMen’s jogging bottoms by Franklin & Marshall

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Floral swim shorts by Polo Ralph Lauren by Harvey Nichols

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Liberty print floral baseball cap by New Era at Selfridges

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Floral tie by Liberty

 

imageFloral patterned socks by Paul Smith at Harrods.com

 

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Floral patterned sweatshirt by Acne

 

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Floral plimsoles by YMC at Steranko.co.uk

 

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Floral print blazer by Gucci by MrPorter.com

imageFloral Rucksack by Bershka

 

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Ditsy floral pattern polo shirt by Native Youth at House of Fraser

 

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Fancy going matchy matchy this Summer then check out this lil floral combo by Farah

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Home is where the LV heart is – The new Louis Vuitton Townhouse at Selfridges

GWENAEL NICOLAS SKETCH FINAL (NXPowerLite)Well, its been quite a week for the French Fashion house, of Louis Vuitton, firstly they announce, former Balenciaga creative visionaire, Nicholas Ghesquière as Artistic Director of its women’s collections, with immediate effect. Ghesquière commented at the briefing: “Louis Vuitton has always incarnated for me the symbol of ultimate luxury, innovation and exploration. I am very honored of the mission that I am entrusted with, and proud to join the history of this great Maison. We share common values and a vision. I can’t wait to join the team. Together we will build the future of the brand while preserving its precious heritage.”

Now if that wasn’t enough, today, the gallic luxury uber-brand will inaugurate a new store, the Louis Vuitton Townhouse, located in the renowned department store, Selfridges. Built over 3 inter-connecting floors, the Townhouse follows a new architectural concept by the French-born and internationally acclaimed designer and former RCA student, Gwenaël Nicolas, whose past clients have included Issey Miyake and Lexus.

Through this unique space the brand promise their clientele a unique journey of surprise and discovery, a real dialogue between modernity and tradition inside the largest European department store-based destination. This is achieved by such features as the symbolic spiral structure which rises through the historical building. The ground floor will showcase the new collections of leather goods, accessories and travel items, with a dedicated and interactive digital platform of personalisation – a worldwide first for Louis Vuitton. Crafted glass art pieces become a striking background for the Vuitton leather collections including city bags, luggage and hard-sided pieces as well as the Maison’s iconic special orders and Mon Monogram.

Further into the store, a state-of-the-art circular elevator is revealed, which connects the upper floors. The short journey inside the elevator reveals a head-turning surprise as the glass structure gently spins inside a glass tube, following the movement of the spiral construction and offering an experience like no other. The amber brown patterns which are designed to evoking memories of sunset lights, are the prefect setting, for the first floor presents, for the first time the full Mens ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories collections presented by the in-house mens designer, Kim Jones, and is contrasted by strong patinated glass elements.

When is a White T-shirt not just a White T-Shirt ? The Selfridges ‘NO NOISE’ White T-shirt

The famous Selfridges Main Window

The famous Selfridges Main Window

The answer to, When is a White T-shirt not just a White T-Shirt ? Well, basically when it’s a Selfridges exclusive Designer T-shirt as part of their ‘NO NOISE’ initiative. No Noise centres around the re-launch of its legendary Silence Room, first created by the store’s visionary founder, Harry Gordon Selfridge, Yes him of the hugely successful Sunday night drama on ITV, in 1909. The new Silence Room presents a fresh take on the original model but with the same purpose: providing an oasis of quiet for those eager to take uno momento to pause and switch off from the hard toil of retail therapy. Designed by renowned architect Alex Cochrane, famed for his work on amongst other projects Sotheby’s and Heathrow Airport. This serene space will be created to encourage a mental detox and visitors will be asked to leave shoes, mobile phones and 21st century distractions at the door, how very zen.

For anyone who hasn’t seen the period drama, Mr Selfridge, the aforementioned retail maverick was known for not only revolutionising the way we shopped but turned the experience from a necessity into very much a leisure pass time and experience within itself. In the purist spirit of No Noise, six leading international fashion brands(Dries van Noten, Jonathan Saunders, Raf Simons, Paul Smith, Marni and Hunter Gather) have created limited- edition men’s white t-shirts – each with unique design details, such as Dries van Noten’s season-defining camo print and a bold embossed ‘X’ on Raf Simons’ style, making them covetable collector’s items.

 

Dries van Noten

Dries van Noten

Marni

Marni

Hunter Gather

Hunter Gather

Paul Smith

Paul Smith

 

 

 

 

 

LOVE is a many splendored thing ! As long as you get the right gift – Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

(Sorry Loyal and trusted reader, this was meant to be Friday’s post, but due to Yahoo mail being, crap, it’s been delayed to today, sorry for the inconvenience).

Love it or Loathe it, there’s no escaping the fact that next week, in fact February 14th to be exact, is St Valentine’s Day. The one day of the year that you have no excuses and by golly you better not forget that Romance isn’t dead. Mrs Mc is exceptionally lucky in the sense that being married to my good self, everyday is like Valentine’s Day, or so I tell I keep her. But don’t worry if your still feeling the pinch from Christmas and in the words of Simply Mick, “Money’s to tight to mention”, we, as always, have searched far and wide for great ideas for the your loved one. Now don’t get me wrong, if you can afford it, whisk her away to Venice on the Orient Express for a romantic weekend or purchase her a pair of diamond earrings, think less Elizabeth Duke and more Chopard and you will literally be drowning in brownie points. BUT, as nice and as much as we may like to be able to offer this gesture, reality can often get in our way. So, here are a selection of great gift suggestions, that will get or keep you in the good books;

 

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The Diamond Scented candle is guaranteed to excite, delight and fingers crossed surprise, as inside every fiftieth candle is a real sparkling spanking diamond !!!! by Paulina Leonor at Selfridges.

 

Paula Rowan Gloves come in a multitude of colours, not only RED, but it is Valentine's Day.

Paula Rowan Gloves not only come only in the finest leather but in a multitude of colours, not only RED, but it is Valentine’s Day.

 

You treat your good lady to these day of the week underwear by Stella McCartney and she'll love you 24/7.

You treat your good lady to these day of the week underwear by Stella McCartney and she’ll love you 24/7, now thats a promise.

 

It might seem cliche to us, but trust me the ladies love Mulberry and this Heart purse ticks all the boxes

It might seem cliche to us, but trust me the ladies love Mulberry and this Heart purse ticks all the boxes, nuff said.

 

As always M&S have the answer to your prayers all wrapped up. Send that special someone an extra special Valentine's gift; this red rose hamper includes a magnificent pot of red Kordana roses, a bag of love heart chocolates and Italian sparkling rosé wine for an all-inclusive gift to someone you love.

As always M&S have the answer to your prayers all wrapped up. Send that special someone an extra special Valentine’s gift; this red rose hamper includes a magnificent pot of red Kordana roses, a bag of love heart chocolates and Italian sparkling rosé wine for an all-inclusive gift to someone you love, chocolates, booze and flowers, you know her so well.

 

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I know I’ve gone on about these before, but this is what Mrs Mc will be getting as a little gift for Valentine’s Day. These Eley Kishimoto X Clarks, see not so sensible now are they. Another unlikely collaboration that works so well, will be earning me get out of jail cards !

 

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Give her the gift of time this Valentine’s Day, this Rotary Ladies verbier watch looks so much more then its price tag. Only thing is you can’t be late ever again !

 

As the release for Boss Nuit Pour Feme, says, "This will be your night." There are lots of great fragrances around at the moment. But word to the wise and check what kind of perfumes she like and go with one from the same family, so if she likes Musky scents DON'T go for a lil Floral number, trust me.

As the release for Boss Nuit Pour Femme, says, “This will be your night.” There are lots of great fragrances around at the moment. But word to the wise and check what kind of perfumes your good lady currently wears and go with one from the same family, so if she likes Musky scents DON’T go for a lil Floral number, trust me.

 

You can't go wrong with jewellery and big isn't always better. The ladies do like nice delicate, tasteful pieces like this bumblebee from Ted Baker

You can’t go wrong with jewellery and big isn’t always better. The ladies do like nice delicate, tasteful pieces like this bumblebee from Ted Baker

 

One last gift idea and normally I just would stay clear of gift vouchers, but these are no ordinary vouchers. Like everything Liberty do, these have a distinct individuality about them that any lady would find hard to say NO to.

One last gift idea and normally I would recommend staying clear of gift vouchers, but these are no ordinary vouchers. Like everything Liberty do, these have a distinct individuality about them that any lady would find hard to say NO to.

 

 

Smarten yourself up this party season – The Velvet Jacket

The Christmas party season is nearly upon us and its cranking itself up to be a big one this Yuletide, whether you want to impressive your boss or another work colleague at the annual office party or if you want to cut a dash and look the part on Christmas Day while watching Downton Abbey. One piece of clothing that guarantees to transform any outfit into a sophisticated, suave look, worthy of any event, whether that be held at the Dorchester to the Dog & Duck, is the Velvet blazer. The Menswear sector of the Fashion industry are in complete agreement, from the catwalks of Milan and New York to the high Streets of Carlisle and Coventry, they all adore this piece for Winter 2012.

If it isn’t broken don’t try to fix it, Channel your inner milk tray man in this Black Velvet blazer by Ted Baker

 

Always one to perfect Traditional with a twist Paul Smith’s Brown Velvet blazer can be found @ MRPorter.com

 

Look Super cool in this Wine coloured double breasted Velvet jacket by ACNE exclusively for MRPORTER.com

 

A Contemporary Classic this Navy Velvet jacket by Austin Reed Cut

 

Any a purple haze to the Yuletide thanks to Marks & Spencer

 

Be a little different and stand out from the crowd in a good way in this Emerald Green piece by Tiger of Sweden @ Selfridges

 

A beautiful timeless Navy piece which will make you feel $1,000,000 by Reiss