That tired old Tuxedo that gets dragged out of mothballs at this time, every year and you utter those same words every time, “I think I just might get another year out of this”. NO ! Step away from the wardrobe and drop that outdated look into the recycling. You’re a man of stature and style and worth so much more than that.

Tuxedos are no longer, just a suit that sits at the back of your wardrobe and gets an outing once, maybe twice a year if its lucky. The Dinner suit is a genuinely versatile piece of equipment that can be utilised in a number of ways for the modern man. Of course it can be worn in a traditional fashion with a dress shirt and a bow or straight tie. But, it’s so much more than this, wear the dinner jacket with a pair of black denim jeans to really contemporise this outfit. Invest in a different coloured tux like navy or grey or maybe a velvet dinner jacket to really give a festive lux feel to your style.

Lets give you some food for thought and a little inspiration for those formal outings over the Yuletide period, that will ensure your far more Lord of the Manor than inherited your Granddad’s Clothes.

Ditch the Classic Black and go for something a touch more Statement, we’re not talking Elton John here, just a gentle nudge so you don’t get lost in that sea of Classic Black Tuxedos. The ladies won’t forget seeing you in this Ted Baker Dinner Suit.

Smart, refined, assured and elegant everything this Tuxedo will make you feel. It’s a three piece and from a leading light in the new generation of Great British Tailoring Thom Sweeney.

This offers real WOW Factor and the perfect look for seeing in 2015 and saying goodbye to 2014, this plaid number is from none other then, get ready for it, drum roll please…… Marks & Spencer !

This is a great example of Black doesn’t have to be boring and classic with a twist, makes all the difference. This beautiful suit comes from the heart of the Tailoring world, London Savile Row from none other than Kilgour.

This coat is amazing particularly if you’re going for the full on formal look from McQ Alexander McQueen.

If suave and sophisticated is the look you’re going for, look no further this great Velvet Dinner Jacket from John Lewis.

Make a sartorial statement at your next event in this plush velvet Blazer from Richard James

Without wanting to sound as sentimental as a Supermarket Christmas TV Ad, where has the year gone ? Christmas Gift Guides are upon us and as always we take the stress out of the Yuletide so you can relax and enjoy yours. This year we are offering you the 12 posts of Christmas, the indispensable, one stop gifting extravaganza covering everything you could possibly need between now and the big day itself. The first stop on this festive journey, calling at such favourites as, “What the heck to buy the man who has everything”, “Gift Ideas for the Lady in your life” and “What do I want for Christmas”, is that always tricky one, Grooming.

This post is as much for us as it is for significant male in our lives, as we don’t want to end up with something that smells like a cross between wet dog, Hai Karate and a Turkish Kebab Shop on a Saturday night. So listen up, try and have a bit of empathy and start dropping hints like, well it’s going out of Fashion.

This brilliant Foreo toothbrush is amazing ! It’s 100% Silicone which means no bacteria can grow on it therefor they are so much better for your all important gums.

No matter what man you’re buying for, including yourself, this is a classic of a Christmas Present. Fifty years after its original launch Aramis commemorates this landmark anniversary with Aramis anniversary Edition.

For new or not so new Dad’s who are feeling the effects of sleep deprivation, this “Daddy Wake up Set” from Babes with Babies is Perfect. It includes An invigorating shower power melt packed full of essential oils. An all-natural pick-me-up. Gently exfoliating, with an amazing scent to revitalise and wake-up even the sleepiest daddy. A 50 ml bottle of Shaving Oil (made from 100% pure essential oils of Lavender, Chamomile and Peppermint). Rub two or three drops of the shaving oil straight into damp skin for an amazingly smooth and gentle shave and a Soothing Sandalwood, Cedarwood and Lime aftershave gel. (60g)

If you’re after something a little more bespoke from your scents, look no further then Creed Fragrances. Its latest edition is Aventus. a blend of Blackcurrants, Bergamot, Birch, Oak moss and Ambergris. Ensuring you leave an impression for all the right reasons.

Go on spoil yourself, or someone very lucky, with these sensational Bottega Veneta Art of Shaving products. An Exfoliating Wash to prepare the skin, Shaving Cream and an After Shave splash, will have you looking a million dollar over the Yuletide.

Continuing on the shaving vibe, who could resist this beautiful fusion of traditional and contemporary in the D R Harris four piece shaving set. Evening if you never use this, not only will it add a touch of class to any washroom but it borders on a piece of art in shaving form.

Christmas can well and truly take its toll on you and the first place to show the tell tale signs of stress and over exertion is your skin. This wonderful Great Skin for Him gift set from Clinique includes a Face Scrub, 100ml, Aloe Shave Gel, 125ml and Post Shave Smoother Anti-Age Moisturizer, 30ml.

Visiting Friends and Family, Christmas Parties, Drinks with Friends, this time of year seems to be an endless line of social events, when you’re constantly under pressure to look your best. Well, hey don’t stress Clothes-Make-the-Man have teamed up with Banana Republic to ensure you not only look your best but are the envy of your nearest and dearest in the style stakes. All you have to do is, take a look at a selection from their Menswear Collection for the Holidays and tell us which is your favourite. We will then select one of the best comments and not only will you WIN that entire look* but also a £300 Banana Republic Gift Card !!!!!! All in time for the Yuletide.

While your at it, why not leave a message on Banana Republic’s social media sites, letting them know which was your Favourite

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

Banana Republic’s Menswear Holidays Collection

Look 1

Look 2

Look 3

Look 4

Look 5

Look 6

Look 7

Look 8

Look 9

Look 10

Look 11

Look 12

Look 13

Look 14

* Please note that while everything in the above images are available at the time of going to press, we may have to substitute items for similar ones if they have sold out.

So remember just leave so a comment about which is your Favourite Outfit from now until midnight (GMT) on 1st December 2014 and you could win that said outfit and a £300 Banana Republic Gift Card all in time for Christmas. YES IT’S THAT EASY, I PROMISE !!!!

To call The Hip Store, in Leeds an institution, is no understatement since it first opened its doors to the greater general public of Leeds and its surrounding areas back in 1987 it has built a reputation as a mecca for young, and the not so, cool males wanted to invest in the ‘it’ brands of the time. Hip has been selling great examples of old -school sportswear alongside labels as diverse as Comme des Garçons and Norse Projects for nearly 30 years. Everton Campbell and his former business partner Umberto Annechini (above image), founded the store in the heart of the Yorkshire catering for the discerning tastes of the city’s cultured, informed and creative community.

Word soon spread and the pilgrimage to Leeds’ Victoria Quarter to the hallowed door of Hip became a regular occurrence to men wanting to satisfy their designer needs.Consistently pushing the boundaries of menswear, The Hip Store curates a unique stock of brands sometimes overlooked by others.

Campbell, has a keen eye for detail and construction, upholding to the principle that purpose and quality transcends trends. Ensuring thats every garment sold in his store is unique and expertly crafted.

So lets see his picks for Winter –

Our Legacy Perfect Tee Blue Grey Melange

Oliver Spencer Grandad Shirt Ormesby Green

Engineered Garments Coverall Jacket Olive Nyco Reversed Sateen

Levis Vintage 1954 501 Jeans

Nigel Cabourn Aircraft Jacket

Parabotts Avoriaz Hiking Boots Ecorse

Filson Small carry on Bag

Olney Crushable Fur Felt Hat

Sanders Belgrade Long Wing Brogue

Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Wool Crewneck Sweater

Robin Porter is a contemporary Renaissance man in every sense of the term, whether it be designing for globally recognised fashion and sportswear brands such as Nike, Stussy and 55DSL, producing music for his label Immigrant Records or directing short films.

Porter grew up during Manchester’s acid house era of the late 80’s and the outdoor party scene of the early 90’s – this was his introduction into the emerging UK music, fashion and design culture. Taking inspiration from the attitude and output of Factory Records, Peter Saville, New Order and the iconic US DJ’s from Chicago and Detroit that played at the Hacienda during this period, he decided to give it a go himself.

Two weeks after graduating university, Porter jumped on a plane to Los Angeles with his portfolio and a bag of 12″ vinyl. He founded Immigrant Records in 1998 and helped introduce the “Tech House” sound of the UK to the US, while working with artists to create a unique sound for the label. The name Immigrant Records was a nod to living in the US without a green card, but nobody really needs to know that do they?

Now back in Manchester, he has launched A PROPER AGENCY – a boutique creative agency partnering with lifestyle brands on their strategy, product design and compelling digital content. Recent clients include So Cal menswear brand DTE of California who produce finely crafted U.S. made luxury menswear, street wear brand Judge and Jury (now available online at House Of Fraser) and L.A. based tattoo royalty ‘Jun Cha’ of Monarc Studios who just received a new brand identity from the agency.

Porter’s plans for PROPER, include building long term relationships with current clients, working with inspirational new companies and creating and launching it’s own fashion and music brands. ‘It’s all about having an international vision but maintaining that Northern integrity and sensibility.’

What was your big break into the industry ?

I don’t ever recall a specific break but I have definitely taken the opportunities presented to me with both hands. I was fortunate to experience Manchester music scene in the late 80’s which continues to inspire my work and outlook on life. I was also obsessed with American hip-hop and sport culture and my decision to live and work in the US for 10 years opened many doors, but I’ve always been very clear about what I want to acheive. My career has been a combination of vision, passion and hard graft.

If you could have invented anything what would it be ?

A time transporter. For me it’s all about moments in time that changed the course of history but how about when Jordan threw down the very first dunk from the ‘free throw’ line or when DJ Pierre discovered that a piece of kit discarded by Roland called the TB-303 could actually be used to create a new musical genre coined ‘acid house’ – I’d have to be in that room to witness that epiphany. Finally I’d journey back to discover how or who created us. Deep, but I’d be sorted for life from the royalties from my book sales.

If you had one day to live what would be your biggest regret ?

I don’t have any regrets. Like everybody else, I’ve made mistakes in both my life and career but you can’t change what happened yesterday. I’ve been very lucky to make my passions my daily work and be paid for it so I really can’t complain.

What inspires you ?

Traveling to new places is such a buzz, meeting new people and experiencing other cultures is both humbling and inspiring but raising my kids and watching them develop is truly a gift. Fundamentally I suppose I’m also a sucker for an underdog and there’s nothing more emotional to me than seeing someone succeed when the odds are stacked against them.

If you could only wear one brand/Designer for the rest of your life who would it be ?

I don’t enjoy wearing one particular brand or style. I like to mix up classic sartorial with street and sportswear and Mark McNairy ticks all those boxes currently.

If you could give your teenage self advice, what would it be ?

This is very on topic as I have an 18 and a 3 year old son. I would advise myself to maintain my individuality and never get sidetracked from achieving my goals and remember that time is precious, so don’t procrastinate and always do today rather than put off until…pretty much everything a teenager doesn’t want to hear!

Favourite hotel in the world ?

The Delano in Miami is always a pleasure as is as the Roosevelt in Los Angeles.

What would be the one thing you would rescue if your house was on fire ?

After the kids it would be my hard drives containing a lifetimes body of work, photos of family and friends, plus my Techniques 1210’s and as much of my vinyl collection as I could carry. The rest is replaceable.

What piece of clothing would you relegate to Room 101 ?

It has to be my raving dungarees from circa 86-88. Those bad boys experienced some crazy days but the off-the-shoulder-strap vibe hasn’t been a good look since the Daisy Age.

What is your most memorable moment ?

The mixed emotions of intense love and utter fear during the birth of my sons. No other moment has come close.

What track would always get you on the dancefloor ?

Here’s today’s top 5…but tomorrow’s a new day.

‘Voodoo Ray’ – A Guy Called Gerald

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGBlG12bXhc

‘Someday’ – Ce Ce Rogers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlZYz9DuZA8

‘Me, Myself And I’ – De La Soul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJEzEDMqXQQ

Move your Body’ – Marshall Jefferson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAR8cq5Bl94