Make sure it isn’t a Valentine’s Day massacre – Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Ahhhh everyone’s favourite Hallmark holiday is virtually upon us, the day we feel highly pressurised to perform great acts of romance. This year ensure you fall into the camp of having a present, card and something booked. Rather than the rushing around the local convenience store, having to settle for a bunch of Carnations, which have definitely seen better days and paying an astronomical amount for the pleasure as the proprietor can clearly see the desperation and fear in your eyes.

Take a look at some of these great gift ideas and as usual we give you some food for thought for gift idea for yourself, so get dropping those hints fellas.

imageTo celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, Ted Baker gives you a bit of what you fancy. Focusing on the chemistry side of love, find out which elements make you blush and which will make your Valentine fall for you.

Have a go on their Valentine’s Facebook app by inputting your name to reveal your chemical element along with fun facts about your personality and compatibility. The app runs right through until midnight on Valentine’s Day.

They are also giving you the chance to win a personalised purse or wallet! Simply share your romantic findings across social media and you will automatically be entered into the draw.

imageIf your after someone a little different but still highly romantic, then bear in mind the Love Log. The log can be burnt in a traditional fireplace or wood-burner, or outside on a camp fire. You and your loved one should first ensure they have a roaring fire going. Then recite love poetry to each other, either choosing your own or reading verses provided on the ceremonial scroll that comes with the log.

Once the log has been burning for seven minutes, the couple then decide which six questions, from the list on the scroll, they wish to know the answers to. As each question is asked, they take it in turns to toss one of the special pine cones into the fire. The colour of the flames, as well as their size and the way they flicker, reveals the answer to their question.

imageFor an ultimate romantic gesture whisk you beloved of to a romantic getaway. Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London takes Valentine’s Day to a new height with its Love Is In The Air package. This exclusive stay includes two nights in one of the hotel’s stunning rooms, overlooking London from floor to ceiling windows, featuring a special in-room St. Valentine’s Day four-course dinner with a bottle of Champagne, an indulgent in-room breakfast for two, and plenty of other personal touches to wow that special someone. Guests will leave the hotel after two days of Valentine’s bliss with a heart key ring from Smythson’s iconic Panama collection. A purveyor of British luxury leather goods since 1887, guests can visit one of the London boutiques to have their key ring personalised for a truly unique keepsake.

A chilled bottle of Deutz Rose NV Champagne is ready and waiting as guests enter their stylishly appointed room while they hear the gentle sounds of their favourite song as a couple. Monogrammed pillowcases further add a personalised touch and offer a lasting memory to take away. A romantic turndown service sets the mood for the evening, with a full English Breakfast in the soft comfort of Frette linens amongst the clouds the following morning. The large marble-clad bathrooms with heated floors offer a luxurious standalone bathtub filled with rose petals overlooking the city from floor-to-ceiling windows – the perfect place to sip Champagne as the sparkling London lights twinkle below.

imageFor the inner rebel but true romantic in you, what about, Mr and Mrs Personalised Pins in rose or yellow gold plate or silver, engraved with his or her name from True Rocks.

imageFor Valentine’s Day Swatch are being both Romantic and fun loving with A fuchsia pink heart-shaped lock signs, seals and delivers messages of time on the watch’s innocent white dial. Its key is always at hand, counting the passing of the minutes, chased by an impatient fuchsia second hand. Boldly printed lock-inspired patterns feature on both the front and back of the watch, echoed also on the three loops. Only on the inside do the padlocks contain secret confessions of love in pink lettering.swatch

imageWhat’s your story ? Nineteenthirty are offering a unique print that will be created to trim the shirt of your choice. Ideal for that romantic gift for such a special occasion. This is coupled with all the versatility of their bespoke service and is turned around from fit to delivery in 10 weeks.

imageThis Bella Freud Loving Candle will brighten up any home. Let the light fragrance of sandalwood dance through the air for a warm atmosphere and relaxed vibe: the perfect way to set the mood for Lurve after a long day.

imagePlanning a romantic dinner to show off your culinary skills, then this is the perfect accompaniment, with initial aromas of fresh red and black berry fruit with some cherry notes leading to dried fruit and biscuity notes. This bottle of bubbly by Veuve Clicquot is perfectly balanced and combines elegance and personality.

imageWe’ve all been out with Nightmares but hopefully this one has a sense of humour and ideally a fondness for designer handbag. If so this the perfect gift. Put a directional spin on it by toting Givenchy’s Large Rottweiler Pouch. Crafted in coated canvas, it features the iconic print to the front.

imageYour beloved one will be so impressed if this is delivered to her in work. Net-A-Porter.com have specially selected some of their favorite goodies to create a super stylish and chic gift for someone special. As well as luxurious beauty and bath products, this box includes a playful iPhone 5 case and stickers to personalize their accessories. It all comes impeccibly wrapped in their ever so sleek signature packaging.

imageThese indoor roses come in lovely rich velvety-reds, but unlike a bouquet these growing roses will continue to bloom for several weeks and can even be planted out in the garden later in the year.They are specially bred for Valentines Day and are looking lovely delivered with at least 12 buds and blooms that will slowly open

imageDavid Gandy might the dream companion to many for Valentine’s Day, however, that’s all it is, a dream. So go for the next best thing, Designed by the top British model and in collabortion with Marks & Spencer. Get your hand on his lounge and knitwear, this is a great example from the range a cashmere cardigan but be careful, as even though it might have been bought for you is so desired it might not be yours for too long.

imageAn all-Italian fragrance true to Acqua di Parma’s heritage, Rosa Nobile is born from the essence of the centifolia rose which is carefully grown and cultivated in a small rose garden in Piedmont, Italy. Each bud is hand-picked at dawn, when they are still fresh and dressed with the morning dew, during 40 days between May and June, making it perfect in every way as a Valentine’s Day gift.

imageIf your better half is a little lost for what to get you, start dropping hints, like NOW, if you’ve got a hobby that’s a good starting place for gift ideas. This is a great example from Cycling supermo brand Brooks, as part of Savile Row’s Hardy Amies carefully curated selection of goods. It offers solutions to any problem the ardent cyclist may encounter.

imageAnything for a quite life and that includes a good night’s sleep is many a poor man’s mantra and to assist in that check out this Silk Lavender enfused eye mask from Holisticsilk, the height of chic elegance andglamour. Plus lavender is proven to help with insomnia, jobs a good un.

imageLastly, one for us to finish things off, the Sanctuary4 available from the Brotique has been completely reengineered with a 4-amp charger to give you enough juice to quickly charge up to four devices at once. The angle-adjustable tablet stand was designed to work with all tablets, yet remain as minimal and discreet as possible to keep the design clean and simple. Hands up who wants one ?

Taking things to the Extreme – Tom Ford Noir Extreme

imageIn a move forward from his Noir Fragrance, International man of mystery, Tom Ford is launching Noir Extreme. In his words it, “captures that exact moment when a man reaches extreme new heights: his sophistication becomes magnetic, transfixing the world at large.” 

This fragrance opens with a rich blend of heat and glowing citrus. Charismatic brushstrokes of Mandarin oil and Neroli Oil North Africa Orpur provide sharp contrast to the vibrant, synergistic blend of saffron, cardamom and nutmeg. This scent is the ideal complement to the man who is accustomed to making an extraordinary impression, something Ford is used to.

Interesting fact, at the heart of this fragrance is the tantalizing Indian Kulfi—an accord inspired by the ancient royal concoction prepared for 16th century Mughal Emperors. This milky creation, which traditionally consists of Himalayan snow combined with hints of pistachio, is delivered unexpectedly into the core of the fragrance via lentisque resinoid, which is chosen for its crisp, cool, yet lactonic effect. This heart of the scent gives Noir Extreme its irresistible desirable, yet tantalizingly unknowable, attractiveness, once again characteristics Tom Ford is known for. A woody, amber-drenched impact defines the dry down, where an extreme amber dosage silhouettes the other background notes. This addictive amber cushion is studded with elegant sandalwood and a melting vanilla ember, enigmatically sustaining the gem-hard masculine fire.

Very much like Noir Extreme, to launch this unique scent, Ford hosted a cocktail party to round off London Collections:Men at IT restaurant Chiltern Firehouse, with Tenie Tempah, Paloma Faith, Alexa Chung and Douglas Booth all mixing it up like the exotic ingredients of this fragrance.

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Biker Grove – 6 of the Best Biker Jackets

No longer are leather Biker jackets the remit of old, Hairy, slightly podgy, Hell’s Angels types, in fact I’d go as far to say nothing could be further from the true. The Biker Jacket has become a modern day classic in the contemporary man’s wardrobe and the idea that it’s to be worn in a James Dean styleee, on your bike teamed with a tee and Denim jeans is totally outdated. Take a look at some of the images of celebs wearing the classic jacket below. It’s a totally versatile piece thats as at home being dressed up with a formal shirt and tie, like Channing Tatum, Ewan McGregor at the recent Mortdecai Premiere or Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. As it is being thrown on and worn in a casual manner like the magic Daniel Readcliffe, Kanye West or Mr David Beckham.

Great examples of how to wear your Biker Jacket

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imageFirst up we have a classic from the brand who seem to have struck gold in hitting the balance between Biker and style perfectly, Belstaff.

imageThis one just goes to show it doesn’t have to be in leather to be Biker and is from Diesel.

 

imageA wonderful example of a traditional Biker style jacket from Label Lab at House of Fraser.

 

imageOnce again a brand that manages to seamlessly fuse traditional Biker quality with true style is Burberry Brit at MRPORTER.com

 

imageOn a budget, no worries this is great value and is totally on trend from River Island

imageIf your after the authentic real deal look no further than this number from Schott at Asos

The Buyer’s Guide to Spring 2015 – Thom Scherdel – TheIdleman.com

imageIn the overcrowded and highly competitive world of e-commerce, there’s a new kid on the block, cutting their way through the slings and arrows of the internet. The Idle Man was launched last year by Ex-Asos head of Menswear, Oliver Tezcan, he gathered together a young team of writers, designers and buyers that all have a collectively passion for, music, food and of course style. They are focused solely on menswear and vow they will only ever stock the brands that they love at pocket friendly prices. No bootcut jeans, no string vests or anything else the team wouldn’t wear is their promise to us and have established a community that aims to entertain and educate, not patronise or intimidate, music to my ears.

Thom Scherdel the Buyer over at the site is a brilliant example of this sterling team Tezcan has put together. Scherdel moved down from Louth in Lincolnshire at the age of 17 to attend, at that time, the newly founded Fashion Retail Academy, after graduating with flying colours and picking up the M&S Award for Endeavour (No I have no idea either). It was at Selfridges as a buyers assistant he started his career, then moving to TOPMAN where he spent three years buying external brands for the retailer. He then join The Idle Man back in August of last year as their Buyer. So without any further ado let’s see Thom top buys for Spring 2015.

imageImagine a white 501 with a modern tapered fit. The worlds favourite jean has been developed for a new generation and what better way to drive it home then in bright white. Its bold but looks fantastic how we’ve styled it with DM’s or a bright coloured pair of kicks.

imageWe’ve worked tirelessly to try and master the best suit for our customers. Simple single breasted one button fitted jacket with slimmed down peak lapels. The full suit is £80. You wont find a better one for that price.

imageA great alternative to the more common sportswear offerings. Etonic have all the same heritage but a more simplistic in their delivery. This Trans Am Suede is a nice rework of a classic and the grey suede is perfect for the pending sunshiiiiiine.

imageTime to move on from black skinny jeans…These Dickies 873 ‘slim’ pants are from their work wear collection and will instantly update your look for Spring. Keep it simple, wear with a XXL printed t-shirt and embrace the comfort and space.

imageNicce have managed to strike the right balance of being a logo brand and also having an amazing cut and sew collection. This sweat is a perfect example of the harmonious balance. Bit 90’s, bit contemporary, it’s a winner.

imageFancy a project for the summer, buy this Nudie 12.07oz dry raw denim jacket and wear the f*ck out of it and you will be amazed at the brand new jacket you have by the end of it. Nudie is made to be worn out, trust me this is the gift that keeps on giving.

imageI don’t need to tell you what these are, you know what they are. I am merely telling you the time is now…bonus points if you can pair with some Karl Kani.

imageEastpak have just delivered some great colour ways on their classic Padded Pak’r Backpacks. This charcoal and suede combo is my favourite, its been around since 1976 so they are doing something right.

imageI’m not trying to tell you check shirts are back, hopefully they’re not. But this one is a nice nod to our grungy inner selves. Wear open, closed or tied round your waste.

imageFixies are a bit contrived lets be honest, the future is gears. We’ve teamed up with Foffa to offer you the best of their selection, This 7 Speed Black Nexus is a perfect city bike and if you buy it from us you get a £50 voucher to spend on clothes to wear whilst riding said bike. Sorted.

There must be an Angel playing with my Heart – 10 Magazine’s 12 Victoria’s Secret Covers

Depending on what time you’re reading this post, your day might just get a hell of a lot more interesting, so put down that hot cup of coffee, if you’re eating a particularly messy meal and particularly if you are using heavy or dangerous equipment, STOP !

Ultra stylish Fashion Bible 10 Magazine and equally iconic Fashion Photographer Nick Knight have come together to produce 12 different heavenly covers using the Victoria’s Secret Angels as the Cover stars. We have Supermodels the like of Lily Aldridge, Jourdan Dunn, Lily Donaldson, Barbara Fialho and Candice Swanepoel to name but a few of these angelic creatures.

This project came about via founder and Editor in Chief of 10, Sophia Neophitou, who just so happens to work closely with Victoria’s Secret dreaming up these 12 scenarios with the brilliantly visionary Photographer Nick Knight OBE who has worked with the likes of Alexander McQueen, Bjork, Kate Moss, Lady G aga, Naomi Campbell etc, etc, for the “Sensuality” issue (Out February 5th).

THE 12 COVERS OF 10

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