CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

There’s a good chance that today’s post could be the most important thing you’ll read today and make the whole difference between you having The Most Wonderful time of the Year or at your peril and you being Lonely This Christmas, it’s that simple. The smallest of errors can be the difference in making an impact for all the right reasons and equally for all the wrong ones. As always Clothes Make the Man have taken the stress out of this event by furnishing you with an indispensable gift guide so it saves you the hassle and prevents you, my good reader, from tearing round your local high Street.

Kicking proceedings off to a cracker of a start is East London jewellery makers Littlesmith hand-stamp each piece using the old-fashioned method of lettering, meaning that no two pieces of jewellery are the same. Described by the brand as ‘simple and significant’, the single initial and letter bar necklaces are perfect for lovers of minimal style and maximum meaning.

Then we have a collaboration from Mr Hanbag himself Michael Kors and believe it or not Fujifilm. Who have combined the label’s feminine aesthetic with the iconic Mini 70 instant camera. Featuring a motorised 3-position collapsible lens, automatic exposure control and a dedicated selfie mode button, this piece is finished with the designer’s sketched signature, lending a vintage touch to photography collections.

Now something to finish off your chic pad is this beautiful vase featuring a bold and colourful zig zag pattern by Italian designer Richard Ginori, the Zigo vase from Missoni Home is a great way to inject a bit of Italian artistry into your interior. Beautifully crafted from porcelain, it can be displayed as a decorative item in itself, or used to hold your favourite flowers.

Jump into the festive spirit with The White Company’s Christmas cracker gift set that’s filled with products from the brand’s Seychelles collection. The range promises to evoke the spirit of sandy beaches and balmy breezes thanks to its fresh bergamot and exotic coconut scent. Inside the main package are three deluxe miniatures in separate gift boxes – a hand and body cream, a mini shower gel and a handy lip balm – making it the ideal stocking filler for any beauty fanatic.

This Yuletide why not give her your heart, don’t panic, metaphorically speaking. The Aspinal heart key ring is a chic and uplifting addition to any set of keys, or a perfect little treat for your better half. Crafted in lizard-print Italian calf leather, the key ring is finished with polished metal hardware and embossed logo detailing.

Astley Clark founded her signature label in 2007 in aim to celebrate design, innovation and colour within fine jewellery. The British label’s attention to detail is central to every piece, including the Mini Stilla stud earrings. Crafted using 18-carat yellow gold, this pair features two moonstone gemstone dots that are sure to catch the eye.

OK you won’t be the first but chic and incredibly practical so join millions of women worldwide and make Longchamp’s iconic Le Pliage shopper your trusty on–the–go companion. Lightweight and spacious, it has leather trims and a canvas body that can be folded for easy storage.

Yes another great idea, and since its relaunch in 2008,  Whistles has gained cult status for its laid-back, functional and refined designs. Realised in crocodile-embossed leather, this streamlined pouch is accented with gold-toned hardware amd embossed metallic logo lettering. Showcasing a structured silhouette, this piece houses a spacious interior for storing all your essentials.

Now whether she’s a red, white or bubbly lover your lady can’t help but love this gift idea, it includes a ripe and fruity Côtes du Rhône for red meats and hearty flavours, a crisp, dry Touraine Sauvignon by Alain Marcadet to enjoy with fish and seafood and bottle of Prosecco to either start or end the party, this gift box is a real treat for any wine lovers you may know.

Lastly, we have this rather fetching dressing gown from B by Ted Baker designed with the brand’s vibrant ‘Flight of the Orient’ print for a stylish look. Featuring a smooth and silky satin finish, it flatters with its kimono sleeves and self-tie waist belt.

If we be honest, Dad’s end up getting short shrift when it comes to Christmas and the gifts they receive. An awful lot in often expected of Fathers when it comes to gifts come the big day, but is this reciprocated ? We do often, generally, whether we mean to or not, Dads tend to come toward the bottom of our list of priorities when it comes to gift buying.
Dads are often met, come Christmas Day with an underwhelming token of our ‘appreciation’, whether is be socks, booze or after shave, by the way, nothing wrong with any of the aforementioned gifting categories as long as it isn’t from Primark’s finest selection pack, a bottle of Supermarket’s own budget brand plonk or that ole favourite and often recycled, a Hai Karate gift set !

Small enough to fit in your pocket but big enough that you can jot down all your commitments and red letter days for the year ahead, Smythson’s Panama diary is the perfect everyday organiser for every stylish Dad. It’s based on the original portable companion from the brand made in 1908; note the gilt-edged pages and featherweight paper. Crafted from calf leather, the case is durable meaning that you can pop it in bags and drawers alike without any damages.

Like every good Dad, he has your back and an eye out for you. Founded in Rome in 1925, Fendi is renowned for its playful attitude and distinct Italian aesthetic. Showcasing its mischievous range of monster-themed designs, this wallet is fitted with triangular appliqué eyes to watch out for you.

See as we said socks don’t have to be boring nor Chessey and by golly you can’t say that about Drake & Hutch. A blend of modern fabrics with contemporary British design, providing clothing that makes you smile.

Next up from Patrick Grant’s exclusive Hammond & Co. Range, this lightweight dressing gown is perfect for introducing classic prints to a loungewear collection. In navy, it features a timeless polka dot pattern with a self-tie waist and has been made with pure cotton for a comfortable finish.

Now then, Dents’ leather gloves are some of the finest in the world, and this immaculately-made pair an exceptional investment piece you’ll wear for winters to come. The timelessly sophisticated style is punctuated with three hand-sewn points at the back and a cashmere lining for luxurious warmth.

What Dad oils resist this Aramis Fragrance 3-Piece Gift Set ? Yes give him the gift of elegance with this sophisticated Aramis blockbuster set that includes Aramis Eau de Toilette Spray, Invigorating Body Shampoo and Enriched Lather Shave.

Ohhhhh damn that David Gandy, bet he’s never on Santa’s Naughty list ! But I do have to say he does design some mean nifty night and loungewear perfect for that relaxing Boxing Day feeling when the waist line can relax from the Christmas Day blow out. Obvs something Mr Gandy doesn’t need to worry about. Bitter ? Me ? Never !

What Dad doesn’t love a gadget ? And this HP’s Sprocket can turn your most memorable moments stored on your smartphone into photo stickers that you can attach to your bedroom wall or add to an album or just plain treasure. This device is small enough to fit in your pocket, so you can take it with you on a night out with friends to give them a few printed snaps of the fun and frolics.

Go on spoil Dad and what better way, then the gift of time with this Oxford watch from Rotary which combines classic case shapes with contemporary dial designs to offer a perfectly balanced model. Three link stainless steel bracelets and iconic calf leather straps complete the modern, preppy styling. The easy to read dial is the most identifying feature of this family; the gents showcasing a black gloss or brushed silver face.

Finally, he’s got the whole world in his hands. Or he will have with these. Paul Smith’s acclaimed sartorial elegance and eccentric designs have won the British label a legion of devotees since its 1970 inception. Detailed in enamel and gold-toned hardware, a pair of globes shaped as planet Earth crown the brand-stamped fastenings of these cufflinks, giving you the best of both worlds when you need accessories to put the finishing touch to casual and formal outfits.