CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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What’s LOVE got to do with it ? St. Valentine’s day Gift Guide

I do believe it was W.B Yeats that said, “Wine comes in at the mouth. And love comes in at the eye; That’s all we shall know for truth. Before we grow old and die. I lift the glass to my mouth, I look at you, and I sigh.”

Now some of you ole syncs out there might take a bit of a hum bug stance to Valentine’s day, and there’s a part of me that very much agrees with you and sees it somewhat, like New Year’s Eve as amateurs night. But nonetheless we should treat our better halves and if we need a little prompting in the right direction every once in a while then so be it, it could be worse.

So as ever Clothes Make the Man is on hand to offer you indispensable advice on what to maybe purchase come 14th February.

imageCapture every single special moment with this sensational limited edition Leica X2 specially designed by Fashion Legend Sir Paul Smith. This exclusive special edition combines British style with German design, one could say the best of both worlds.

 

 

imageWho doesn’t love a G & T, hands up ? Well those of you visiting the London, Birmingham and Manchester Selfridges stores in the run up to Valentine’s Day will have the opportunity to add a special personal message to their bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin, through an exclusive hand-engraving service. Our engravers will be available on 11th and 12th February in London, 12th in Birmingham, and 13th in the Manchester Selfridges stores to customise the iconic blue bottles with names, initials or unique messages, for a truly one of a kind Valentine’s Day keepsake.

imageWhisk the one you love off for a romantic little jaunt and of course, no jaunt of a loving nature would be complete without the correct accompanying luggage. Globe-Trotter has launched an updated Candy Limited Edition case, featuring ‘Queue for the Zoo’ lining – a fun and quirky Liberty print.

imageAlong with the essential luggage one mustn’t forget one’s Passport when planning a romantic weekend away and who could miss it ?  When it’s protected in this rather apt Passionate Pink Passport cover by Mulberry.
imageThe National Gallery and acclaimed florist Wild at Heart have launched a series of artistic flowers inspired by paintings in the National Gallery. The artistic experience of the National Gallery makes the perfect luxurious Valentines bouquet. Every bouquet is individually arranged using high quality seasonal blooms, making every bouquet unique and special. Orders placed before 2pm will be delivered anywhere in the UK within 48 hours.
imageIts always good to feel your doing something worthy, particularly when buying a present and for one month only, two of Aspinal’s classic leather accessories (a key ring and coin purse) with the Royal Brompton Hospital campaign slogan of #HEART YOU embossed on the front. 50% from products sold will go directly to the Charity’s ongoing initiative to raise £4.5m to build a state of the art hybrid operating theatre which will combine complex imaging and surgery in a way that has never been done before.
imageThis limited edition Gelsomino Nobile by Acqua di Parma is designed to celebrate a radiant end elegant fragrance, as well as a unique flower – Jasmine. A perfect gift dedicated to a woman characterized by a gentle and elegant style and a bright femininity. An amazing bottle that remains as a collector items, and is offered for the first time in a refillable version.
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Are you hanging up your Stocking on the Wall – Great Stocking Fillers

728x90_CMTM_BannerNot long to go now, only a couple more sleeps til the big day ! How’s the shopping going ? Only a couple of bits left to go, please says its this rather then I’ve not even started yet ? Well, we though we’d offer you some suggestions on Stocking fillers and have come up some ideas that should keep, pretty much most members of the family happy –

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It’s that time of year and festivities are in full swing, but secretly are you wondering how you’re going to make it through to the next party? As ever, Aveda is on hand, keeping energy levels high and the Christmas spirit elevated – this yuletide survival saviour ! Don’t let the dread of the morning after take you home early, Aveda’s Blue Oil Balancing Concentrate will help you see the following day and this season through feeling energized and making any after-effects of the night before a little less painful! Let everyone else be exhausted by Christmas festivities, whilst you remain totally refreshed and ready to face the next revelry.

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The ‘Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge’ aims to raise awareness and funds to support wounded troops, and in support of this initiative, Savile Row’s finest Gieves & Hawkes is selling limited edition commemorative boot socks, with all profits going to the charity. The brave team team making the expedition to the South Pole, in awful conditions are Captain Disney, Kate Phelp, Ibrary Ali and Duncan Slater for the expedition is HRH Prince Harry, who is a patron of the charity. So do something good this Yuletide !

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A little something to delight your good lady’s Yuletide stocking is this credit card holder in this beautiful Liberty print, exclusively, no surprise, by elegant Department Store, Liberty 

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Another great stocking filler for a lady in your life, whether thats Mum, Girlfriend or daughter is this great luggage tag from Gucci. To create a special heirloom this item may be complimentary, personalised with two initials.

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A Perfect gift for mums are these elegant Soap Coffret – indulge her with 4 iconic soaps from Roger & Gallet.  Invented in 1879 the round soaps are still made using the  traditional cauldron method ensuring that the fragrance  remains down to the last fragment of soap. Beautifully  wrapped in pleated silk paper this four piece collection  includes Bois D’Orange, Rose, Fleur d’Osmanthus and Thé  Vert.

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Celebrate a Merry Hip-mas and emulate the great man, good ole St Nicolas, without losing any of your cool prowess with this great hat by Jack Spade.

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Make sure you look tip top dapper with the SuperFish FishGlue Matt Styling Gel which delivers a tough performance with an extra strong grip and the SuperFish Fishpaste Hardcore Hold Matt Effect Putty gives a matt finish to that ‘haven’t tried too hard’ tousled look.

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The Camo trend seems to be going nowhere, but can at times be a little tricky to wear. This tie from Banana Republic says yeah I’m hip, I know what I’m talking about without having you look like a TA reject.

 

 

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Make it a Fairytale of New York – Great gift Ideas for the lady you love

728x90_CMTM_BannerWith literally a week to go, please tell me you have, bought the lady in your life a great gift ? A gift that will ensure good will to all men, particularly you, rather then your aforementioned partner spouting, “You scumbag, you maggot” at you while throwing an Imperial Leather gift set at your head !

Guys, we will never learn, it seems to be something pre-programmed into our brain, to leave things to the last minute or even miss the big date altogether and then have to patch things up, which costs us, pretty much, double the expense. Lets get our skates on and click through on some of the suggestions below which in turn will make our males existence a whole lot easier for the next couple of months.

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An understated and elegant addition to any lady’s lingerie collection, Stella McCartney’s Clara Whispering robe in Dark Ink Blue is designed with a chic satin finish and subtle lace detailing. A timeless style that will be treasured for seasons to come and as you will be for purchasing her this gem.

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The Effie Satchel by Mulberry is a relaxed take on a classic satchel design, with beautifully soft leather giving a gently slouching shape. It has an across body strap and subtly embossed tree signature. If red is too bold …you know your woman then go for grey or black…

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Now just cos its for the ladies we’re suggesting gift for doesn’t mean we can’t include gift that per chance we might like ourselves, basically a gift thats as much for you as her. Made to make you stop and listen – the Ruark R7 brings the radiogram up to date with retro-modern lines and lush audio output. Beneath the vintage sensibilities, there’s everything today’s audiophile would expect, including DAB, FM and internet radio as well as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, CD playback and intuitive digital controls.

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If the love of your life is after something a little more unique then look no further then the vintage selection on farfetch.com, we fund this amazing vintage Gold metal oval brooch from Chanel featuring a logo detail to the top and a rear pin fastening.

 

Screen Shot 2013-12-17 at 22.54.16The very glamourous L’Wren Scott Collection exclusively for Banana Republic combines sexy silhouettes with modern polish. Every piece is decadently glamorous and ready to celebrate the holiday season. A classic pencil skirt with a unique blend of texture and shine and a real favourite with Mrs Mc and is just one of the winning pieces from this range. Show your lady you can buy her a present she can be proud to say he brought me this.

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As we’ve mentioned technology gifts aren’t just exclusive property of men and with this stylish i-Pad case in the signature Swirl printed leather with Purple suede lining and Black leather trims embossed with the Paul Smith signature plus optional stand feature, you are undoubtedly onto a winner my friend.

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No not a bright floral dress, but glamourous, practical and yes a lil sexist all at the same time, what can this be, I hear you ask. Well, its a kitchen apron by MSGM exclusively for yoox.com. Yes, your lady can look ravishing while serving you your turkey, please ensure, she has a sense of humour aswell.

Screen Shot 2013-12-18 at 22.50.22Yes we know Stella McCartney again, but we couldn’t resist these days of the week underwear and we guarantee your lady will feel the same.

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Just look on with a smug rye smile, at the delight and surprise on your better halves face as she unwraps these killer heels from Kurt Geiger, followed by her smothering you with kisses of gratitude.

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Your lady will be able to catch every special moment with this stylish Diana F+ Lomography camera capturing dreamy lo-fi photos. Take 120 film shots with utter decadence with this Gold and rather festive Edition.

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Eat, Drink & Be Merry ! Ideal Food Gift Ideas by Amanda Lewis

250x250_CMTM_BannerAhhhh what would Christmas be without the overindulging ? If its not the Turkey with Gammon, its the booze filled trifle, or the Turkey and stuffing sandwiches on Christmas Night and we can’t forget the tin of Quality Street, I mean i would be rude not to have another Chocolate Noisette Pate (The Green Triangle) and don’t get me started on the Baileys or the cheeky glass or two of Red while peeling the veg and singing along to Wizzard’s “I wish it could be Christmas everyday”. Ohhhhh Food its part and parcel of the Yuletide and to help you along the way, here’s a selection of some great and impressive gift ideas –

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Bubbles …this is the way to impress, and what better way then Laurent Perrier Rosé NV fine Champagne.

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Crumbly, melt in the mouth, Rosemary biscuits are perfectly partnered with fig & balsamic vinegar chutney and an Olive wood board making this gift perfect from Marks & Spencer for any cheese lover or Cheesy Lovers…

If stuck for Gifts Ideas – Fortnum and Mason is always great for inspired and delicious and very festive gifts…

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Old school – five miniature sponge puddings using Fortnum’s preserves. Including Triple Ginger, Raspberry & Blueberry Preserve, Lemon Curd, Spotted Dick with Pusser’s Rum and Sticky Toffee Pudding with Medjool Dates & Caramel Sauce, this is a brilliant gift for any lover of traditional sponge puddings.

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Not only does it play a cheery rendition of ‘Deck the Halls’ when you wind the key in the base, but also the cherubs’ candles on the label flicker on and off to add to the Christmas magic. Inside you will find a generous feast of some of Fortnum & Mason favourite biscuits, namely pistachio and cranberry, chocolate and macadamia nut, lemon curd and clotted cream digestives. We predict that it will be a palpable hit and a very popular gift.

 

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This food box contains the very best of Brindisa. A delicious creamy cava, three more wines, two cheeses, a superb range of Ibérico charcuterie, and the prized ventresca cut of tuna are among the long list of outstanding products. This is really two hampers in one, with chilled products for now and luxurious Pantry additions.

 

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For a real treat try the Artisan Food Hampers from Belleek Castle. The lovely people there can make up delicious bespoke hampers to your taste; includes treats from their award winning restaurant – jams, marmalade, lemon curd, dressings, black & white truffle oil and chutneys.

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The Greatest gift they’ll get this year – For the man who has everything and the person who can afford it !!!

250x250_CMTM_BannerWe all know someone who has everything they could possibly desire, you know the person, where you think of a brilliant gift only to be told he already has one. Whether it be a Brother, Dad best mate, cousin, Uncle, boyfriend or even one’s self, its a flipping nightmare to buy for them so we have LITERALLY picked up that internet thingy given it a good shake and gone through it with a fine tooth comb to give you some blooming well fantastic gift ideas, even if those gift ideas happen to be for yourself. Take a look –

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Who could resist this Backpack from Louis Vuitton, in keeping with the Mountaineering/Explorer theme from their Autumn/Winter 2013 Show,  Menswear Designer Kim Jones produced a Masterful collection, still managing for it to be wearable and totally desirable.

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Who’s says White Men can’t jump, Christopher Bailey of Burberry has worked and reworked animal prints into all sorts of luxury goodies, from man bags of all shapes and sizes to these hi-top-tastic trainers. Looking good !

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This amazing leather bound games compendium by Bill Amberg is ‘Made in England’ from Bridle leather. There are boards for backgammon, chess, draughts and noughts and crosses, It also comes with pieces for these games all wrapped up in a leather box. Perfect for travel or home and great entertainment for all the family, like after the turkey and stuffing and before the mince pie and brandy butter.

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My Life is complete ! Or it will be with this Tateossian paperweight at a cool £10,000, its what every man wants and needs, he just might not know it just yet.

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How truly decadent and could this gift be any more Rock n Roll ??? Strangely enough the brainchild of actor Dan Aykroyd, Crystal Head Vodka is the statement drink and gift this season. The enigmatic, hand crafted Crystal Head Vodka is based upon thirteen crystal heads found in various regions around the world.

 As if the legend wasn’t cool enough, Crystal Head Vodka spent the Summer partnering up with the Rolling Stones themselves to create the definitive Stone’s lover gift pack. The Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary set

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For anyone in the international jet set, you won’t be stuck without power abroad again with this Travel Adapter from Mulberry. A chic leather pouch reveals the adapter, compatible with plug sockets pretty much across the globe. There is also a USB connection for charging a wide variety of devices. Just don’t forget to take it with you!

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Now if you desk is a bit more bomb site then place of tranquility this is the perfect gift. This luxury calf leather desk set from Graf von Faber-Castell, available from Harrods.com features a letter opener, notelet box, pen tray, pen holder, 6 guilloche pencils and a desk pad.

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Now everyone and we mean everyone needs some down time, even the most workaholic out of us and down time requires the correct attire, but for some people your regular hoodie won’t cut it. Now this Loro Piana silk and cashmere-blend hoodie from MRPORTER.com embodies contemporary sportswear luxury. This Italian-crafted knit delivers ease and elegance in equal measure. Wear it with cashmere sweatpants for a contemporary your time look or refined in-flight lounging.

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