CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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That’s what you call a close shave – The Shaving Shack

If you haven’t seen the latest James Bond Movie, SKYFALL, (GO AND SEE IT ) the above image will mean rather little to you.  During a scene in the said Bond film, British actress Naomie Harris gives 007, played by Daniel Craig, a close shave using a cut throat razor, whispering in his ear “sometimes the old ways are the best” as she performs the shave.

The Shaving Shack, the online retailer of premium shaving products, has attributed SKYFALL & 007’s antics for a whopping 405% increase in sales of cut throat razors claiming this intimate shaving scene is the reason for the dramatic sales surge over the last two weeks.

The online retailer has also seen a 123% increase in web traffic since the film was released. Traffic from Internet searches for “cut throat razor” and “straight razor” have soared by a staggering 735% over the last week, the firm added.

Nick Gibbens, Brand Director of The Shaving Shack, believes Bond’s legendary style and iconic status have inspired men to try out a new method of wet shaving.

“Bond fans have an emotional attachment to 007, they love his Aston Martin cars, Omega watches and dinner suits. So it comes as no surprise that they have jumped on his love for cut throat razors. These luxury, old-school razors range in price from around £60 up to £300 so it’s fair to say that Bond fans are spending big to ensure they look as clean cut as 007.”

But Bond fans that can’t splash out up to £300 on a razor are instead opting for a cut-price shavette – a close relative to the cut throat razor with the difference being that the blades can be changed. Sales of shavettes on The Shaving Shack website have risen by 509% since the release of Skyfall, with bumper sales of the budget Bluebeards Revenge Shavette (see image).

The Shaving Shack says it’s delighted to see an increasing number of men ditching the multi-bladed cartridge razor in favour of a straight but they are also keen to point out the increased complexity of a cut throat shave.

“Shaving with a cut throat razor is certainly one of life’s pleasures as it will give you the closest possible shave. But it does take time to master the technique and you’ll certainly need a steady hand and plenty of practice. “We strongly advise that all men take the time to read up on the correct technique.”said Mr Gibbens. Otherwise, be prepared to see sales of toilet paper increase and fellas commuting into work with bloodied scraps of loo roll stuck to their faces !

shaving-shack.com

 

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Something of the Noir about him – Noir by Tom Ford

 

If ever the term, “Everything he touches turns to gold”, was meant for someone, surely they had Tom Ford in mind. I mean jeez, the man is like a real life James Bond, OK his main job is as Creative director of his Stylish Empire and Bond is a British spy, but both are impeccably dressed (could that be because Mr Ford dresses Mr Bond) equally these alpha males are international men of mystery plus men want to be him and women want be with him, including Julianne Moore, Angelina Jolie and Beyonce, no less.

Now, Tom Ford is releasing his new signature fragrance for men, Tom Ford Noir. An oriental, sensual fragrance created to capture the dual facets of the Tom Ford man.

The top note of Noir offers a confident citrus effect of glowing Italian bergamot and verbena. Caraway, baie rose and violet flower accent the citrus notes with sparkling eccentricity. The core of the fragrance is a smooth spice accord of black pepper from Madagascar and nutmeg. Tuscan iris resin, Egyptian geranium, Bulgarian rose and enriched clary sage lend depth and richness. Leathery styrax trails into an amber-drenched woody element and amber and a dose of masculine Indonesian patchouli oil and vetiver oil. While, warm leather and hypnotic benzoin from Laos bring a creamy sensuality, while civet and vanilla lend animalic sophistication and edge.


www.tomford.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Short, back and sides please – The return of the barber shop in a shop

The Murdock London Barber Shop at the Shop at the Bluebird in London

The Art-Deco inspired Tommy Guns barber shop at the Superdry flagship store

Regular readers of Clothes-make-the-man.com may have noticed of late a trend developing at menswear retailers with the addition of a traditional barber shop, but with the all important, contemporary twist, in their flagship store. However, this isn’t a new phenomenon, for years bastions of traditional department stores such as Selfridges, Harrods and some of the more old school House of Fraser stores such as the former Kendals in Manchester, have all boasted grooming emporiums to answer any possible requirement the dapper gent may request.

Nevertheless, the style pendulum has well and truly swung back in favour of the traditional barber shop experience. In the last few months alone we have seen the brilliant Murdock London open at the uber trendy Shop at the Bluebird on the Kings Road in London and then only last week we had Ted Baker inviting us to experience his Turkish inspired Ottoman Lounge, as you fans of Clothes-make-the-man.com will know only too well.

Mr Natty himself, Matt Raines at Albam

Nonetheless, these retailers are far from being on their own on this particular grooming tip. TopMan have enlisted the service of top barbers Sharps, as too have Ben Sherman who are soon to open this service in their Islington, London store . Superdry have opted for the grooming skills of Tommy Guns for their retailing flagship stores. Tommy Guns are particularly known for creating a striking environment that blends heritage Barbershop influences, faux narratives and modern day craftsmanship to their hair cutting prowess. And those guardian of No 1 Savile Row themselves, Gieves & Hawkes are a dedicated contemporary oasis within their traditional male haven, maned by Gentlemen’s Tonic.

Also, we have seen the likes of Albam, yes trendsetters extraordinaire Albam, who have been offering the unique services of Matt Raines and his Mr Natty brand within their stores.

And for our Irish readers, or if planning a trip to the Emerald Isle, the wonderfully stylish Brown Thomas have recently opening their own grooming enclave in Brown’s offering packages from the ‘10 minute Quick Fix’ and the ‘40 Minute Rejuvenation’

Although, the first time I saw this new modern day trend, of a return to the barber’s chair within a men’s shopping experience was with the Mancuian style gurus Oi Polloi. Who for years in their original store, had queues out their door waiting to take advantage of their single barber’s chair.

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Slip, Slap, Slop – The importance of Sun Creams, tried & tested

We men and I do mean to generalise here are pretty damn awful when it comes to safe tanning, laying in the sun and most importantly putting on suncream and when we do, that it’s a high enough SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Now as a result of this and without sounding like some Harbinger, I know where my strength lie and talking about suncream, the importance of it and what to do with it, is not one of them. I’m the person who has burnt in an outdoor meeting in LA at 7am in the morning, I’ve burnt in April in Galway and I’ve had local residents in Greece laugh at how I would burn if I didn’t get out of the sun at 10am. Due to this fact, I’ve called upon the services of the very capable, knowledgable and general good egg, Mrs Mc to help me on today’s post and so we carried out a comprehensive and concise tried and testing on the nation’s best suncream brands and their products, which covered the entire price spectrum. Over to you my lil ray of sunshine ;

Now the weathers hottin’ up and the summer holidays are officially here, you may want to chuck out the out of date sun cream and invest in some derma protection for face and body. As always Clothes-make-the-man have done the hard work and tried and tested a range of products on your behalf, so you enjoy the sun and avoid looking like our friend to the left.

We tried out these creams in 40 degree blazing sun and focused on protection, ease of application, appearance, price and smell.

 

For the body BODY

Piz Buin -Tan and protect

Tan accelerating spray

SPF 30

 

Piz Buin -Tan and protect

Tan intensifying sun spray

SPF 30

 

Both these products performed well overall as they go on easily and gave a good gleam to skin, were reasonably waterproof, smelt good and protected well. In 40 degree heat probably needed factor 50…..and to remember to reapply after swimming! Don’t be like my husband.

 

NIVEA SUN

Moisturising Sun spray 50+

 

NIVEA SUN

Pure and sensitive sun lotion SPF 50

 

Again these are strong scoring products, well priced and easy to apply though the sensitive took a while to “disappear” always best to apply when inside your apartment, fresh from a shower to avoid white streaky bits, sand sticking and missing bits…

 

 

SOLTAN

(Boots own brand)

Invisible, Dry touch transparent sun care spray SPF 50

 

This worked well, very reasonably priced and easy to apply and stayed on well after swimming. Good all round option

 

Clarins

Sun care Milk lotion spray 50+

 

Clarins have produced a protective sun care range for both body and face. We trialled this milk lotion , one of 8 sun products for the body that deliver deep down UV protection and offered efficient sun protection.

 

Garnier – Ambre Solaire

Clear protect + SPF 50

 This product is clear, so leaves no white marks, and is in a spray so easier to apply to those harder to reach areas. Pleasant in smell and well priced is a good all round option.

 

FACE

Clarins

Sun wrinkle control cream for face 50+

Our personal favourite product for the face, this cream offered great protection, didn’t sting if  it went in yours eyes and kept face moisturised in very hot/dry conditions. Smelt fantastic and reminded you of holidays straight away. A tad pricy but a little went a long way and it is for your face…

 

SOLAIT

(Superdrug own brand)

Mattifying face Sun Fluid SPF 50

This scored well and compared well with the more expensive products, its mattifying fromula meant less shiny face, and though slightly tinted (don’t be scared) it looked very natural on, one the girlfriend will be pinching.

 

SkinCeuticals

Brightening UV Defense. SPF 30

 

This is serious stuff! It offered as good protection as the 50SPF and is loaded with all sorts of botanicals to ensure it’s an effective moisturising sunscreen that evens out skin tone. It’s also the most expensive product tested but worth it for those of you who want to seriously protect your face whilst indulging in some sun worship and why wouldn’t you …

 

Useful link to Cancer Research UK being safe in the sun!

http://www.sunsmart.org.uk/advice-and-prevention/shade/

 

 

 

 

 
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Get your prep on – Grooming

Eau de Prep Tommy is the new Fragrance from the All American Fashion House which promises a cheeky twist on the Classic preppy feel. What that all important twist is, is a mix of Egyptian geranium, wet greens (answers on a postcard as to what “wet greens” are please), a splash of tonic, white pepper, lavender absolute, and juniper berry. And finally, rich amber, georgywood, oak moss, and white suede reflect his comfortable yet familiar style.

But the man who wears Eau de Prep isn’t your normal run of the mill Prepster, this is a modern take on the classic American dream, he’s had somewhat of a makeover. While his wardrobe is still based on a foundation of smart separates, new silhouettes and details have emerged. Trousers may still be khaki, but are now slim-fit or slouchy. The classic colour cornerstones of navy and red have been updated to airforce blue and burgundy but the classic boat shoes and polo shirts still remain but are worn in a more contemporary manner. This is a man who doesn’t take life as serious as his forefathers but has a sporty, ready-for-anything, spontaneity.

If you feel you are that man and you fit that bill, Eau de Prep Tommy and his female counterpart Eau de Prep Tommy girl are available exclusively at the Perfume Shop.

Eau de Prep Tommy 100ml Eau de Toilette, RRP £45 / 50ml Eau de Toilette, RRP £35

www.tommy.com.