CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

I can’t believe we already are into the second week of our Christmas themed posts for this year. Today our sights turn to the focus of the lady in our lives, whether that be Wife, Girlfriend, Best friend, Partner, Sister, Daughter, Gran, whoever, that female who makes our lives that little bit better and at this time of year we can show our appreciations.

Drybar is here to help the ladies’ hair get party ready this holiday season. Whether its big bouncy waves, sleek and straight styles or a trending up do, Drybar has everything they could possibly need to achieve their favourite look with ease. No trip to the salon required! They also make great gifts for the beauty aficionado in your life.

This 2-in1 dryer brush is a must this busy holiday season for a simple and easy way to achieve silky smooth and frizz free hair. Combining the hot air of a blow-dryer with the structure of a round brush, it allows you to effortlessly create a shiny blow-dry with tons of volume in one quick and easy step. Simply place it underneath the section of hair and slowly work your way from the roots to the end.

Now these are made with a soft and breathable cotton-viscose blend, this ice floral pyjama set  by FatFace is perfect for a cute bedtime look. The shirt is comfortable and relaxed and comes with a matching pair of oh-so-comfy bottoms, which feature an elasticated waistband, side pockets, and adjustable tie for the perfect fit.

This gift set includes three Burt’s Bees favourites and is designed to naturally moisturise and nourish skin. The Honey Lip Balm is loaded with Beeswax and antioxidant-rich Vitamin E to hydrate lips. Next up is a deeply hydrating Milk & Honey Body Lotion that moisturises skin for up to 24-hours, thanks to nourishing Milk, Honey and Vitamin E. The final step is a conditioning Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream, made with Honey, Jojoba Oil and Rosemary extract. Gift away to family and friends or keep as a pampering treat for yourself.

Presented in a high-end, slipcased package, Chanel: the Karl Lagerfeld Campaigns offers an unrivalled overview of the house of Chanel as seen through the eyes – and lens – of Karl Lagerfeld himself. Conceived in collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld and the House of Chanel, this definitive publication opens with an essay by Patrick Mauriès before exploring the campaigns themselves, organized chronologically

Now can any woman say her life is completely until she has this 3 in 1 heated lash curler, from Lash Star, that will lift, curl and style your lashes into place with gentle heat which helps lock in the curl for longer-lasting results. This sleek, lightweight, portable device is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups and it charges from any USB port. Simply power on, wait 10 seconds, rest the heated rod against the lash base which allows your lashes to settle in the deep grooves and sweep the heated rod upward for a beautifully lifted curl

Pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber, not this isn’t a season cocktail it’s the key ingredients which create the quintessential aroma of the season. Holiday Grand Candle from Nest New York create the quintessential aroma of the season with this bestselling fragrance, Holiday. This exquisitely fragranced Grand Candle features the iconic scent’s blend

Now who wouldn’t want  to wake up on Christmas morn to feast on their Yuletide brekkie upon Bella Freud’s breakfast set. A set of 4 bone China breakfast pieces. Includes teacup and saucer, egg cup, and plate, packaged in a gift box.

‘Tis the season to gift, decorate and “throw” some cheer! You’ve got the lights and the tinsel ready and In2green has got the throws to ensure that your holidays feel both festive and cozy. From warm colors to charming motifs, shop the selection of holiday-ready blankets that will delight guests and make for great gifts.

In2green’s throws are made from recycled cotton from refiberized t-shirt fabrics that are spun into beautiful cotton-blend yarn. This process helps reduce landfill use and requires no additional cotton dyes or chemicals. Their unique indoor/outdoor line is made from 100% recycled polyester. More than 78 post-consumer plastic bottles go into making each fade-resistant, quick-drying throw.

There’s nothing like a festive tipple at Christmas. Whether you opt for irish cream or a festive liqueur there are so many dreamy drinks to choose from.

It’s good news for gin lovers as Manchester based distillery, Didsbury Gin, has brought back their much loved Christmas Pudding Liqueur… and it is delightful!

To get you into festive spirit, expect this tipple to taste exactly like a classic Christmas pudding. Flavour-wise, expect flavours of juniper, citrus peel, cinnamon and a blend of mixed fruits and spices.

The Glo32 Teeth Whitening System formulated with Coconut Oil for a healthy way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile, will help you prepare for this party season. A 14 day treatment of Advanced Whitening Strips to brighten your smile, and the Glo32 Whitening Stilo for that on the go glow! Perfect to slip into a handbag and touch up on the go

Christmas is traditionally a time for excess – but your celebrations needn’t cost the earth! Every single purchase from the Woodland Trust shop – including Christmas cards and gift wrap – makes a contribution to the Trust’s work with woods and trees, meaning you can fight climate change and help create havens for wildlife, while also ticking off items from your Christmas to-do list.

And this year every product in the Trust’s Christmas range is eco-friendly, whether it’s FSC-certified wooden garden tools or bird feeders made from recycled plastic.

And if you’d rather move away from giving traditional gifts completely, the Woodland Trust can still help with a selection of green ‘virtual’ gifts and unique tree and woodland dedications in woods across the UK

More of a gift for the family than specifically for her, but ohhh well. Spot The Intro is the crazily addictive audio quiz game in which teams compete to recognise songs from just 10-second clips. It’s a memory-jogging mix of fun and nostalgia for anyone with a passion for music. Featuring hits from the last six decades, and utilising your favourite music-streaming service, there are 1,200 great tip-of-the-tongue tracks for every generation to try and guess.

This year things, for everyone, are a little tighter than in past years and we genuinely get it, but here at CMTM we want to make Christmas, well Christmas, you know, it’s been a hard couple of years, for all of us and we want you to relax, take a breather and enjoy the Yuletide. So today you’ll see us covering everything you could possibly need, either for yourself or for giving as a gift in the grooming spectrum.

So first up we have, Montblanc Explorer Gift Set: Eau de Parfum 60ml + Shower Gel 100ml. Montblanc Explorer is an invitation to a fantastic journey, an irresistible call for adventure. This unconventional woody-aromatic-leather Eau de Parfum reveals an Italian Bergamot with green fresh notes, contrasted by a rich Vetiver from Haiti and an exclusive Patchouli from Indonesia. The bottle echoes the earth’s two hemispheres, recalling the multiple destinations explored during this olfactory expedition.  At the bottom lies Montblanc’s emblem, the iconic star representing the six glaciers of the highest mountain in Europe.

Now, STMNT goes beyond the product. We’ve created a community of movers and shakers – people that have bold, authentic statements to make. Statements of creativity.

STMNT respects craftsmanship, in whatever form that may take. Techniques are perfected. Skills are honed. This is a demonstration of creativity. Of artistry. Something crafted by hand.

For us creativity has no bounds, it means something different to everyone. Regardless of industry, creativity has a common theme; it’s about transcending traditional ways of thinking or acting, developing new and original ideas, creating something truly outstanding – to make a statement.

This is exactly why we’re collaborating with artists from different industries and backgrounds. Not only supporting their craft but fueling our STMNT community with authentic inspiration that looks outside of barbering or hairdressing to motivate and energize new ways for you to make your statement.

Y by Yves Saint Laurent is not the story of one man but of a whole generation: a creative generation of men who dare to follow their passions and carve their own paths. From inspiration, through hard work and collaboration, to self-accomplishment and success.

GIFT SET CONTENTS
-Eau de Parfum Spray (100ml)

-Eau de Parfum (10ml)

-Eau de Toilette Spray (10ml)

Ahhhh The Deluxe Winston Total Face Care Set from Harry’s. This limited-edition Christmas set includes the personalised deluxe Winston handle with Two German-engineered blade cartridges, each with a flex hinge and lubricating strip. A selection of face care essentials: Foaming Shave Gel, Exfoliating Face Wash, Post-Shave Balm, and Daily Face Lotion. All packed in a celebratory gift box, with the option to add an engravable Razor Stand.

We all love a multi purpose gift and this is a cracker. FatFace was founded in 1988 in the French Alps, their sense of adventure, fun and spontaneity makes them who they are. For over 30 years they’ve travelled from mountains to beaches, from coastal towns to big cities. Their love affair with nature has not changed and we continue to explore…

Start the Adventure today with the ultimate Work-to-Wilderness series. Featuring a limited edition rucksack and a trio of body wash, shampoo and bath soak fragranced with our signature amber, patchouli and sandalwood scent.

Now for something that’s a luxurious & sensual fragrance of rich, dark accords & an alluring potion of black orchids & spice, TOM FORD Black Orchid is both modern & timeless. Bottled in a fluted, black glass, Black Orchid makes an unforgettable statement of iconic style & worldly glamour.

This signature unisex fragrance has provided individuals with distinct, sophisticated character ever since its debut in 2006.

“Black Orchid is a rich blend of spice and darkness to revolve around you, to be closer, and closer to you. Unleash its perfect power – both rare and extraordinary.” – TOM FORD

Prepare the mind and body with ESPA’s Winter Wellness Men’s Collection. Embark on a Winter Wellness journey, as you explore powerful, strengthening products to take you from day to night.

Housed in a luxurious midnight blue washbag, this gift will elevate your grooming routine as you indulge in warming textures and invigorating aromatics.

With an easy to follow routine, each step has been expertly designed with wellness in mind, to help care for your holistic wellbeing.

Protect your skin and strengthen your wellbeing routine with this men’s skincare set.Experience the gift of wellness and begin to brighten your inner glow, from the moment you wake to being deep within your dreams.

Ohhhhh The coveted LAB SERIES skincare products enable men to look and feel their best and most confident, as they take on all aspects of their lives. The GIFT LAB destination is designed to provide them with the gift of great skin through top products, customised regimens, curated sets, seasonal hacks, and pro tips. The gift sets for this Christmas showcase the brand’s holiday spirit by gifting themselves and the Lab Series community of men the best solutions for navigating the holiday season and entering the new year in confidence and in style, including the Recovery Pack made up of

Daily Rescue Water Lotion 200ml

Daily Rescue Gel Cleanser 30ml

Daily Rescue Energizing Face Lotion 20ml

OMG can you believe this is the first of our annual Christmas Gift Guides, therefore indicating 2022 is hurtling towards a close. With the first Sunday in Advent only being last weekend and the first window of our Advent calendars, literally, taunting us to open it and surprise us with its content.

Over the last decade, we have seen the beauty and grooming industry creating all sorts of spectacular Christmas Advent calendars which have gained a cult following as consumers rush to purchase them. However, this is no longer exclusive to this industry, this year we see amazing examples from Chocolatiers to Many example of Lego Calendars right the way through to alcoholic beverages across the spectrum and while we talk about appealing to the adults, even examples for the joys and past times of adult couples to share in their downtime, shall we say.

First up we have something sweet to whet your appetite. Who can refuse a biscuit with their daily cuppa and who better to provide you with this sweetness than the Nation’s favourite, yes not just any Advent calendar, but an M&S 24 Biscuits til Christmas Advent Calendar. This delicious example contains all our favourites, filled with Vanilla, Honeycomb and my personal fave the Clementine Biscuit Creams and all suitable for vegetarians.

It’s the Christmas present that gives, and gives, and gives… ! Give someone a fresh gift every day until to the big day itself with one of these big, big 25-pair boxed SOCKSHOP Christmas Sock Advent Calendars! That’s 25 different pairs of quality bamboo socks — one pair for every day — hidden inside the double-door gift package, and each in their own individual festive gift box!

There’s a choice of a men’s set or ladies’ set of these Christmas socks, beautifully presented in exclusively designed packages, fastened with a big, beautiful satin bow.

Now understandably football is everywhere at the moment, with the World Cup recently kicking off. Now the 2022 football advent calendar is replete with exciting surprises that would delight and thrill football fans as the 2022 FIFA world cup comes to a close and the Christmas celebration comes close. This advent calendar for kids and adults contains exciting surprises for the 24 days leading to Christmas.

The OTO Advent Calendar is packed full of luxury CBD formulas that have been carefully curated for the Christmas season – worth £599.

Offering a calm Christmas countdown with CBD experiences that have been hand-picked by the experts, OTO’s advent calendar will cut through the festive chaos. A selection of award-winning favourites, combined with new and exclusive products will leave you skin radiant and glowing. From day cream and body oil to night face mask and pillow mist, this 12 day build-up makes the perfect gift for beauty buffs – or why not treat yourself this season.

Do you remember the feeling of excitement you’d get in the lead up to the holidays as a kid? Unmatched, right. Well, so we thought until Drinks by the Dram bottled up and advent calendar of Irish whisky miniatures. A more grown-up affair, the label invites you to get it the festive spirit with 12 samples of exceptional Irish whisky. Each morning (or evening perhaps) peel back the door to reveal a range of single malts to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or with your favourite mixer.

Or maybe this is more your cup of tea, or rather seasonally appropriate, cup of Hot Chocolate ? The Whittards Hot Chocolate Advent Calendar for Two. 24 days dedicated to all things hot chocolate. Indulge in 12 delectable flavours, from signature classics to creative, cutting-edge concoctions, with double servings nestled in each drawer. Showcased in a glamourous star themed patterned calendar, it’s a gift that can be treasured for years to come.

If you’re wondering what to get your green-thumbed plant lover this festive season, then allow us to introduce you to The Urban Botanist’s plant advent calendar. Designed with discreet light holes to ensure the plants (including succulents and other low-maintenance options) receive all the light that they need, the limited-edition delight is filled with 24 surprises to make the countdown to Christmas even sweeter. Oh, and every item will arrive individually wrapped in festive tissue paper, too.

In this Luxury Advent Calendar are deluxe minis of much-loved L’OCCITANE full-size favourites. Let’s start everyday of December (re)discovering the best of our products, including our latest novelties. Every drawer will bring you a special body, hair or skincare treat. 24 days of utter pampering,

Oh no! Something terrible has happened: Santa Claus’ golden book has disappeared! It contained a complete list of all the Christmas wishes. If the book isn’t found by Christmas Eve, there will be nothing but sad faces around the tree on Christmas morning. It is up to you to save Christmas — and time is of the essence!

The thief’s trail leads you to a remote mountain village. You quickly notice that something strange is afoot here… but what? And where has the golden book gone?

This advent calendar is an EXIT game and an adventure story all in one. To find the golden book, you must open a little calendar door every day. Behind each, you find a new exciting puzzle, the solution of which will help you to move onto the next room. Only if you follow the clues and solve all 24 puzzles will you find the thief and the book… and save Christmas.

Increasingly with sustainability a key trend driving purchase decisions – you may want something a little more reusable and ethical. Enjoy the best of what Harry’s has to offer with their Limited Edition Advent Calendar (£69) that dispenses daily treats – stacked with daily Harry’s heroes, including a limited edition Truman razor, in Christmas red, skincare essentials, a limited edition scented candle and a drawstring bag to house all of your new goodies in (see full contents list below with a value of £170). 

As part of Harry’s ongoing mission to help those affected by the mental health crisis (see more information here), the final block reveals Harry’s Christmas donation to Shout– the UK’s first, and only free confidential 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope. 

Countdown to Christmas in true Fortnum & Mason fashion. Crafted in the shape of a classic Fir, the design of this wooden advent calendar features all of your Fortnum’s favourites – from a Camellia Teapot and F&M Hamper to our iconic Piccadilly Façade. The beautifully decorated tree-shaped piece is certain to become a treasured family heirloom.

Lastly, if you are after something a little, deeper, truly sustainable and reflective of the true meaning of Christmas, how about the charity, CAFOD’s Family Advent Calendar 2022.

Their 2022 online Advent calendar for families has a daily reflection and free activity for you and your family in preparation for Christmas. Join them as you  journey throughout the season of Advent with our global family.

Words by Melissa Chorlton

The last couple of years have been challenging for people. From the global pandemic to the war in the Ukraine, times are still hard and everyone feels physically and mentally drained. This is why fashion has taken a turn and has come out with a range of new styles with designers collaborating with one another to show unity in a world that is more polarised than ever. With a record number of collaborations in the fashion industry last year, 2022 was thought to have quietened down, but this is far from true. 2022 has brought some huge collaborations from the top design houses in the world like Supreme, Gucci, Balenciaga and much more. In this article, we will go through some of the most significant men’s fashion collaborations in 2022.

Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga

Ye has been in the public eye a lot this year, from unacceptable and controversial statements to ruining his ties with his fashion label. Everything was looking up for the brand t the start of the year when his Yeezy Gap collaborated with Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia to create a whole new collaboration between all three brands called Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga.

Its first fashion drop was in February with a range of garments including jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, denim jackets, joggers and puffer jackets with prices ranging from $120 up to $440 when purchased from the stores, obviously these pieces cost more from resellers due to them being difficult to find.

Adidas for Prada Re-Nylon

Prada and Adidas started their collaboration journey in 2019, and have already released two collections. In January they collaborated once again for the Adidas for Prada Re-Nylon collection which is now their third collection together. This collaboration has brought out its first capsule collection of co-branded clothes and accessories.

The two brands have rethought fashion and have turned their classic sportswear into a sustainably focused eco-friendly approach. Instead of using the classic nylon is now been replaced with Prada Re-Nylon which is made completely of plastic waste from the oceans. The garments included were anoraks, bags, backpacks, tracksuits and much more.

Burberry x Supreme

Burberry and Supreme partnered up in March for a spring collaboration drop which included a classic trench coat collection, a range of puffer jackets hoodies, jeans and much more to create a uniform. The collection reimagined the timelessness of Burberry by using the classic plaid print but paired with the Supremes streetwear silhouette.

Givenchy x Disney

In May, Matthew Williams, creative director at Givenchy partnered with the renowned Disney for a fashion collaboration called “The Wonder Gallery” for a limited edition capsule collection. The collab focused on a range of tees and hoodies with iconic Disney characters, silhouettes and icons inspired by some of the biggest Disney movies such as 101 Dalmatians, Bambi and Frozen. This isn’t the only time they collaborated as in 2013, Bambi made an appearance on a Givenchy sweatshirt.

Adidas x Gucci

Adidas has been busy in 2022 and is probably one of the most talked about collaborations this year with Gucci. The initial collection debuted in June and quickly went out of sale as soon as it launched. The collaboration focused on creating super luxury sportswear that ties in with the vintage aesthetic of Adidas original. The collection has a range of garments to offer including sweatbands, running shorts, track tops and much more. The collab used the Adidas Trefoil with the Gucci name to create a truly unique aesthetic.

Louis Vuitton x Nike “Air Force One”

One of the most significant men’s fashion collaborations in 2022 has got to be Louis Vuitton’s homage to its late designer Virgil Abloh. The brand teamed up with Nike in May 2022 to release a complete range of Nike Air Force 1 sneakers that were designed by Abloh himself in a collab between the fashion house and Nike. There are many collab designer trainers released in 2022, but this collaboration was more than just two brands coming together, it was about creating a legacy for Virgil to be remembered by.

Swatch x Omega

This is hands down a collaboration that nobody saw coming. Omega and Swatch collaborated which has made many watch enthusiasts hide under their covers and has caused outrage among resellers. Hype beast culture is a huge trend in 2022, and more people than ever are turning to special pieces, well this Swatch x Omega collab is definitely something for the streetwear-focused man. In the future, we should start to see more of this form of collaboration with other watch brands.

Balenciaga x Crocs

We couldn’t not have Crocs on this list. One of the most controversial collaborations ever. Crocs are one of the ugliest and worst-looking footwear to have ever been created, but for some reason, they are flying off the shelves. With this in mind, pair it with one of the hottest brands in the world Balenciaga and it is an unstoppable force. The first collab they had created a range of bags, high-heeled Crocs and posh wellies. Now, the new collaboration focuses on HardCrocs which looks like a young goths fantasy. They still have the same ugly silhouette, but with an extra platform with nuts and bolts plastered over them. They come in both mens and women, so you will definitely see a selection of people wearing these pieces.

There have definitely been some amazing collaborations with brands in 2022, keep a look out for what is coming in 2023 for some more extravagant collaborations from your favourite brands.

In the past month, 464,000 Brits have asked Google ‘how many days until Christmas’ [it’s 29 by the way!!!!!] While as many as 10,000 of us have started to ask ‘what to get’ family members as gifts.

However, as recent reports warn ‘fraudsters seek to use the economic crisis and Christmas to target Britons’, it’s more important than ever to shop smart this holiday season.

With a passion for sustainability and ethical standards also affecting the way we shop — as well as the need to be frugal due to the rising cost of living — it’s likely millions of shoppers will turn to resale sites to buy or sell pre-loved items. Consequently, sites like eBay, Depop and Vinted might be at risk of becoming potential targets for scammers.

Therefore, the experts at Scams.info have provided 5 tips on how to detect a scam to ensure you don’t fall for one.

1. Pay attention to the payment method

When shopping online, always making a payment through the website itself is crucial. Often online scammers might put pressure on a buyer not to use a site’s secure payment methods, but instead pay through a bank transfer before the product has been seen or received. Coming across such a seller should always raise a red flag!

2. Demand current photos of the product

Whatever the pre-loved item you’re trying to purchase, demand that the seller send you a recent photo of it. Ask them to set the product next to a piece of paper with your name written on it, for example. If they’re unwilling to do so, chances are they don’t have the product at all, so don’t proceed with the transaction!

3. Look out for extremely low-priced products

Products sold for unbelievably low prices are a definite warning sign. Do your research and look around other websites to check the average price of the product you’d like to buy. Remember: if the price seems way too good to be true, it most likely is!

4. Check the seller’s profile

Ideally, the seller should have reviews on their profile from previous buyers that you could go through. Also be aware of too many positive reviews which sound the same. Inspect the profile carefully for anything that might look suspicious and if you see something, don’t risk buying from that seller!

5. Decline overpayments if you’re the seller

While it might not happen too often, scammers may target sellers as well. They may pay more than the set price and then say they’ve made a mistake before asking for a partial refund. The seller will send the refund, only to discover the original payment had been cancelled. If a person is acting suspicious when you decline an overpayment and ask for the correct amount, it could mean they’re a scammer!