CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

anthonymcgrath405 / 05/08/2024

The Jacket that never goes out of Fashion – The Denim Jacket

The origins of the Denim Jacket are not only very humble but very simple, originally created for the workplace; it formed part of the overall denim uniform that was rugged and durable for the manual worker of the 18th Century. In the late 1800s, it began to become more of a part of general clothing and it became a serious part of fashion attire thanks to companies like Levi Strauss. The company began seeing success with denim jackets in the early 1900’s and never looked back.

However, although not really changing a great deal over time regarding its overall design, the denim jacket is a cultural icon and has played a key role in the overall look of many sub cultures since its conception. Whether it be the western cowboy look which is never-endingly begin interpreted and reinterpreted by brands as a source of inspiration. The British Skinhead following of the 1970’s or the Hell’s Angels Rock inspired movement. The Americana image of the 1950’s Double denim rebel made famous by James Dean in “Rebel Without a Cause” or staying with the American influence of their Redneck brethren.

Virtually every brand on the planet today gives their take on this piece of clothing from TOPSHOP and GAP, to the daddy of Denim Levi’s and Wrangler, right the way through to Ralph Lauren and of course Calvin Klein. Many of these brands have produced unforgettable and zeitgeist advertising campaigns including Nick Kamen taking off his 501’s in the laundrette, Leigh Bowery asking, “Where’s Pepe ?” Lee’s “Jeans that built America”. But my personal favourite has to be a beautiful and rather young Brooke Shields, pondering,”You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.” This not only sent people running out to buy denim in their droves but it made Jeans SEXY !

Since this moment Calvin Klein Jeans have been knocking it out of the ball park when it comes to marketing denim, not only using Brooke Shields, but Marky Mark Wahlberg accompanied by an early appearance by Ms Kate Moss. Jamie Dornan, pre his Serial Killer tendencies in “The Fall” or even being a little too controversial and having their Ad campaign banned altogether, which only added fuel to the fire of their desirability.

Calvin Klein Jeans continue to rework the sense of structure to their traditional denim jacket and shirts. The garment’s authentic details and aesthetic features with a mixture of shapes and colours.

anthonymcgrath405 / 02/08/2024

These Boots are, literally, made for walking. The Desert Boot

The Desert Boot has to be one, if not the, most versatile and comfortable styles of footwear. Its design is simple an ankle-length boots with two or three pairs of eyelets for lacing, which were originally worn by the British Armed forces in the Western Desert Campaign of World War II. The soldiers had discovered that these boots were not only hard-wearing and durable, but also light weight and unbelievably comfortable, hence their name. The feature the boot is most famous for is there crepe rubber sole, which ensure their comfort fit and blister free enjoyment.

The Desert boot firmly cemented its place in modern day popular culture by being key within several fundamental sub culture looks. Principally the Beatnik movement of the 1950’s and early 60’s who adopted the easy footwear and the Mods, who showed the versatility of the boot by wearing them stylishly, both in a causal and formal manner. Plus, along with their quintessential scooters became essential to finishing this much loved look.

Over the years such influential dapper figures as Bob Dylan, Steve McQueen, Paul Weller and Liam Gallagher have all been known as lovers of the crepe soled wonders and even figures within state Parliament and Royal establishments have been known to partake in the wearing of them.

If you’re looking for a pair for those long cold Winter months and not sure of colour or style take a look at desertboots.com They are the leading online retailer of suede and leather desert boots and shoes. Having been established since 1985, their range is one of the most diverse available and boasts a huge selection of desert boots to cater for every style and taste.

anthonymcgrath405 / 31/07/2024

A Holiday MUST HAVE, don’t leave home without it ! – Mrs White’s Unstung Hero

There really isn’t many things to complain about when the weather is good, well apart from the fact, you can’t sleep at night, its a nightmare to travel on public transport, the transport infrastructure isn’t build for weather like this, ohhh yes and the insects. Probably the worst thing about the Summer sun is the friends its brings along, particularly the MOSQUITOS and thanks to global warming we don’t have to travel to tropical exotic climbs to encounter this pest !

A must have for this time of year, no matter if your spending it home or away is Mrs White’s Unstung Hero from Roullier White; a completely all natural, fresh Eau de Cologne that contains a secret ingredient that renders you ‘invisible’ to mosquitoes, midges, horseflies, bees and wasps. So unlike many effective repellent sprays that contain terribly toxic chemicals that smell awful, enough to repulse the most ardent admirer as well as the intended pests.

Mrs White’s Unstung Hero has a refreshing and clean Lemon Tea Fragrance making it suitable for both men and women, and without any overpowering citronella notes. The 250 ml bottle means there is ample cologne to spritz on bedding and pillows as well as yourself and your clothes, it won’t damage them either at it is non-oily !!!!! Plus, the active ingredient is completely non toxic and protects for 4 hours. Safe for children from 3 years.

anthonymcgrath405 / 29/07/2024

Scandi know how – SCANDINAVIAN BIOLABS

Hair loss is something that may seem to only happen to other people – but when it happens to you it’s an all encompassing experience. Research has shown that 73%of men and 57% of women will suffer with hair loss.

SCANDINAVIAN BIOLABS is the game-changing, bio-harmonic Danish hair loss and hair health company that is revolutionising how we think about hair care, utilising super-clever biotechnology. Created by a dynamic young team of experts and entrepreneurs. They aim to drag this issue into the 21st century with a natural, vegan, green, effective and modern approach – as is the Scandi way! Theirs is a stem-cell powered technology alongside their own proprietary miracle, natural ingredient –BIO-PILIXIN – that will encourage hair growth during the ANAGEN phase andstop hair shedding. SCANDINAVIAN BIOLABS – found in nature, synthesized inscience . . . suitable for men and women.

The multi-award winning hair brand has again switched up the game with the innovative, never-need-to-use-anything-else clay-wax formulation Hybrid Hair Clays – for Flexible or for Firm Hold.

These new, all natural, clever clay-wax hybrids blend the volumizing and texturizing benefits of Kaolin Clay with the holding power of plant based Carnauba and Candelilla waxes for the perfect, natural looking, non-sticky hold – without build up. Enhancing natural confidence, the Scandi way. Vegan. Dermatologically Tested. Silicone Free. Sulphate Free. Petroleum Free. Fragrance Free. Water-soluble for an easy washout, designed to help avoid build-up on hair and scalp.

Other hero products within their range include, BIO-PILIXIN ACTIVATION SERUM, feel the tingle! apply daily to stem the effects of hair loss. Packed full of plant growth factors developed through stem cell technology to nurture follicles. Stimulates blood flow & supplies vital nutrients to scalp.

HAIR STRENGTH SHAMPOO and accompanying Conditioner, strengthens hair, reduces excess sebum & balancesscalp. Natural ingredients improve a smooth healthy shine and restores weak hair, limiting breakage. Improves elasticity and of course are Dermatologically tested.

anthonymcgrath405 / 26/07/2024

Fall under the spell of Sunspel

Sunspel is one of those elite brands that’s held in high esteem for their quality and desirability in equal measures. You know, like when someone asks you where you got that top, you tell them and their response is to repeat the brand name and follow it with a nice.

Sunspel has been producing iconic English clothing for over 150 years. Since its inception in 1860, when Thomas Hill founded the firm under his own name to supply the British Empire with high quality underwear, the label has always been an intriguing combination of innovation and tradition. Founded in Nottingham, when it was then the capital of Britain’s hosiery and lace industry. Two generations later, Thomas Archibald Montgomerie Hill moved the family business from Nottingham to Long Eaton, where the company’s factory resides to this day. The new company was renamed Sunspel at the end of the 1930s. The label remained a family run business until Nicholas Brooke and Dominic Hazlehurst acquired it in 2005, the new owners have been instrumental in moving the brand into the 21st century, whilst at the same time honouring the roots that make it so well-loved.

The design philosophy of the brand is characterized by simplicity and comfort. Sunspel pay rigorous attention to detail in design as well as manufacture, which is why their garments are considered classics. Amongst their most renowned products are the boxer short, the polo shirt and of course the t-shirt that they have been making for 150 years.

In fact,Sunspel introduced the boxer short to Britain from the US in 1947 and it was immortalized in the 1985 Levi’s commercial with Nick Kamen, who was seen stripping down to his white Sunspel boxers and Daniel Craig wore the Sunspel ‘Riviera’ polo shirt in the James Bond films.

More recently, the brand introduced their Sea Island Cotton range. Crafted by hand and produced without any chemical processes, the range sees an edit of menswear basics recreated in the finest Sea Island Cotton and elevated to luxury status. Take a look at the short film below filmed at their Long Eaton factory it documents the process of making their Sea Island Cotton T shirts.

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