?12 Posts of Christmas, Post 12 – Outfit Ideas For The Upcoming Festivities

Words by Isaac Perry & Keanu Adorable

With all the festivities ahead, there’s no excuse not to have outfits for each occasion. Even though the weather has been really rough lately, (there’s snow though, that’s good right?!) you don’t have to just pick the thickest pieces of clothing from your wardrobe and put them all on without thought. Let us help you with some outfit ideas you can rock around the Christmas tree (or not).

Christmas Eve/Day

Topman Oversized Checkered Flannel

Flannel shirts are the perfect garment for a smart casual look, with them being incredibly comfortable yet looking the part and with this one only being £10, what are you waiting for?

Levi’s 511 Slim-Fit Tapered Jeans

A black pair of jeans is such a classic look which can be dressed up or not, we all know the quality that Levi’s is known for and these jeans definitely do not fall short.

Grenson Declan Chelsea Boots

The Declan boot is a perfect fit with our other picks, Grenson showcases some of the finest handmade boots in England, so don’t miss out on these beauties and all their other amazing selections.

Threadbare Fairisle Turtle Neck Christmas Jumper

 

For Christmas Eve we feel a smart casual look is perfect for whether you want to go out or stay in and enjoy a nice meal with your family, however, a Christmas jumper is a must have at this time of the year, with the largest option being found on ASOS. Who says Christmas jumpers have to be cringy?

Boxing Day

Zimmerli Silk Piped Pyjama Set

We’re an advocate of being cosy and staying in during Boxing Day, away from the masses of people trying to fight each other unnecessarily for items they could probably buy cheaper at any other point time of the year. This silk pyjama by Zimmerli is the perfect outfit to just relax, listen to some music and drink a hot beverage

New Years Eve

O’Keeffe Felix Suede Wingtip Brogues 

New years eve is a time of celebration, so if you want to look the part the classic brogue silhouette is the way to go, however, O’Keeffe offers colour variants rarely seen, with this product being a prime example, spice it up a little bit.

Jigsaw Italian Wool Cotton Single Pleated Trousers

A simple but quality pair of trousers is essential for every man’s wardrobe, with some of our favourites being from Jigsaw, these trousers are made from a cotton wool blend, with a relaxed silhouette, perfect for a smart evening.

Noose and Monkey Floral Shirt

A plain white shirt with a little something to set you apart from the crowd. Noose and Monkey offers a selection of shirts, which would all suit this outfit perfectly so why not go and take your pick.

Reiss Gable Wool-Blend Overcoat

The weather may not be beautiful but this piece is, and with the chilly winds and snow coming around you won’t be able to leave your house without a coat this Christmas, with the gable wool blend coat offering warmth along with a pinch style and class, something which Reiss continuously showcase.

?12 Posts of Christmas, Post 10 – Gift Ideas for the Lady in your Life

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.

?12 Posts of Christmas, Post 9 – Gift Ideas for Dads

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.

?12 Posts of Christmas, Post 8 – Beauty Ideas for the Lady in your life

Ladies tend to have a general reputation for being easy to buy for, “Ohhhh just buy me perfume.” Or “Just buy me anything, I’m sure I’ll like it.” And then when we do as we’re told ? The face says it all, wrong brand, wrong fragrance scent, wrong particular product. Gentlemen it’s a midfield of errors out there so let us give you a helping hand along the way with some tip top beauty gift suggestions, to ensure the RIGHT reaction come the big day.

OK so let’s start the proceedings with an uplifting treat for skin developed for Clinique by dermatologists, this massage applicator attachment for Clinique’s sonic system can be used to apply skin-firming massage treatments.

Next we have a product with a great message attached to it, yes this gadget maybe small in size but certainly is big in impact, Foreo’s Luna Play facial-cleansing brush packs the entire Luna experience into one tiny, palm-sized device. The perfect introductory to the brand’s diverse range of brushes, the Play utilises enhanced T-Sonic cleansing technology for uniquely effective and gentle skin care regime.

Australia’s favourite organic beauty brand, Sukin Organics have some excellent gift sets this Yuletide. This 3 Step Regime, infused with a Super Greens blend of detoxifying actives for a clean, healthy complexion including Kale, Spirulina, Chlorella, Parsley. The set consists of Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub, Super Greens Detoxifying Clay Masque and Super Greens Nutrient Rich Facial Moisturiser.

To achieve ultimate daily results we believe that you need to remove your cleanser with more than just warm water. Using Aurelia Probiotic Skincare’s antibacterial bamboo muslins enables you to gently lift away daily grime and make up whilst stimulating circulation. This in turn speeds the skin’s natural renewal process, resulting in a brighter complexion, leaving fresher, younger skin cells sitting on your skin’s surface.

Understanding her client’s desires for a non-invasive, age-defying solution, was the key for Carol Cole, who began her career more than 30 years ago as an esthetician at the famed Golden Door Spa in Southern California. She sought to develop a handheld device that would utilize microcurrent technology for those wanting to unlock the power of anti-ageing into their own hands – cue NuFACE. This award-winning, multi-solution facial toning tool device is FDA-cleared for improved facial contours, skin tone and wrinkle reduction on the go.

Fellas listen to me here and trust me this brand is hottest then a Christmas Day roast potato, fresh out of the oven. Forget about the Posh Spice years Mrs Beckhams has come along way since girl power and this gift set is brought together in a luxurious embossed leather makeup bag, Victoria Beckham has handpicked items directly from her Autumn/Winter 2017 collection with Estée Lauder to create an exclusive limited edition beauty set. This sleek kit features the Morning Aura Illuminating Crème, Skin Perfecting Powder, Highlighter in Modern Mercury, Matte Lipstick in Burnished Rose and Eye Metal Eyeshadow in Blonde Gold – meaning that you can create a dazzling, natural look even when you’re on-the-go.

Ahhhhh the classic Acqua di Parma yellow box encloses the freshness and transparency of Colonia Pura and immediately conveys its luminous elegance. The fragrance house creates a selection of products designed for fans of the compositon, including the Eau de Cologne in the Art Deco bottle, the Hair and Shower Gel and Aftershave Balm. The matte silver grey details and finish of the label signify the scent’s distinct purity.

A brand you may have not heard of before, but I guarantee your better half will definitely have is Urban Decay and they bring you a sense of nostalgia with this trio of Vice Lipstick Palettes featuring some of Patrick Nagel’s most iconic prints – influenced by the fashion and music of the ’80s and strong, iconic women, yeah remember Rio by Duran Duran? Each set holds five shades of Vice Lipstick, from cult favourites to exclusive shades you won’t find anywhere else. Featuring Pigment Infusion Syste, it gives each shade its super-creamy texture and superior colour dispersion while Butter Blend comforts, hydrates and enhances – leaving lips soft and conditioned, never dry.

Onto Mrs Mc’s signature scent, Jo Malone’s Pomegranate Noir Cologne is uniquely composed around an intensely fruity accord that warms on the skin, particularly my good lady wife’s, to reveal an incredible sensuality through a combination of raspberry, plum and spicy woods. Laced with pink pepper and Casablanca lily, it manages to be enigmatic and utterly compelling. Revamped for the festive season, this powerful aroma arrives in a bold striped bottle.Now another where you have to place your trust in me, with this two-step system includes a highly concentrated ampoule serum and a rubber mask developed to hydrate and soothe the skin for an instant pick-me-up. The hydrating rubber mask wraps the skin to prevent active ingredients from evaporating, allowing for complete penetration to visibly improve the appearance of fine lines and pores and make skin appear supple and dewy. The lipophilic and hydrophilic actives cling to moisture in the skin, while Phyto Keratin Complex – a botanical protein – provides moisturising benefits to improve water retention.

A gift idea where you can’t fail is this lil diamond inspired by British royalty, ZOEVA’s limited edition brushes are influenced by the uniform of the Queens Guard, honestly. The graduating colour design is completed with jet black to the brush tip to pay homage to the Beefeater’s iconic hats. Maintaining the standard of quality expected from the German brand, this set is a great choice for beauty enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Create mesmerising eye looks, well not you personally, with NYX Professional Makeup’s Ultimate Shadow Palette. Featuring 16 high-performance rainbow-toned shades in a vivid mix of velvety-rich textures, from mattes and satins to shimmers and metallics, this pro-level compact allows for an effortlessly seamless finish on every application – whether you go neutral or bold and dramatic.

Lastly we have this delicious perfume set from Viktor & Rolf is all wrapped up in a luxurious gift box and embellished with a neat bow to the front, so prefect no wrapping needed. Open the glittering cylindrical box and the iconic Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, body lotion and shower gel are revealed – perfect for an all-over scent experience. Top notes of tea and bergamot combine with heart notes of Sambac jasmine and Catleya Orchid creating an addictive and intensely floral fragrance.

?12 Posts of Christmas, Post 7 – Gift Ideas for the Man who has Everything

It could be you, yourself, but a dilemma everybody experiences at some point in their life, is buying a gift for the man who has everything. It might not necessarily be the richest person you know, it could be, but they do seem to not want for anything and whenever you have one of those genius moments and think you’ve got a great gift idea. The next thing, you see them wearing it, using it or already having it!!! Yes we all know that infuriating feeling. So we’ve once again worked with those clever clogs buyers over at Selfridges to over you some sure fast and ingenious gift ideas for that particular male.

First we have this limited edition Selfridges Monopoly, you will uncover the secrets of the iconic department store, founded by Harry Selfridge, himself, which first opened its doors in 1909. From taking a trip to stores in London, Birmingham and Manchester and going on an indulgent shopping spree, you and your fellow players will enjoy a fun journey into the extraordinary world of Selfridges.

There are a number of reasons why you can’t help but adore Gucci’s Princetown slippers. Firstly, they exude luxury out of every crevice and pours. Then the lamb shearling lining, spilling out from inside and making them beyond comfortable to wear. Plus we mustn’t forget, there’s the famed Gucci horsebit at the front, harking back to founder Guccio Gucci’s fascination with aristocracy. This particular style of pair represents a new icon for a new era at Italy’s most famous fashion house.

Moving on we have Tom Dixon‘s mysterious Scent Earth candle will fill your room with the soul-soothing aroma of mint, cedar and guaiac wood. Inspired by medieval alchemists and eastern philosophers, its exquisite fragrance is perfect for transforming your bathroom into a luxurious spa at the end of the day.

What Foodie doesn’t want to know more about Iberico ham? Juan Pedro Domecq proposes a tasting of Iberico Ham and Iberico Shoulder Ham, together, so that you learn to appreciate the subtle differences between them. This Ham Tasting Hamper from Domecq is perfect for the gourmand in your life and contains two packs of sliced Iberico Bellota Ham, two packs of sliced Iberico Bellota Shoulder Ham and one bottle of Marqués de Valdueza extra virgin olive oil, Iberico foodie Heaven.

There are music speakers and then there are music speakers. Let your music take pride of place with Jarre Technologies fierce and full bodied AeroBull speaker. The stylish Aerobull is man’s best friend, providing the high definition sound that comes from Jarre Technologies commitment to technological innovation and research. As faithful as its namesake, the Aerobull is a stunningly powerful and playful speaker for the stylish consumer.

When entertaining, swift serving is key to flawless presentation and thanks to Le Creuset’s Essentials wine serving set it couldn’t get any easy. What? But Le Creuset are known for their cook wear. This fantastic five-piece set includes an original lever corkscrew and foil cutter for easy removing of synthetic and natural corks. In this set there’s also a wine pumps and three stopper for the perfect preservation of your favourite wines and a simple pourer, engineered to allow wine to breathe through numerous vents.

German technology favourite Sennheiser pays homage to one of the world’s most famous rock bands: Pink Floyd. These headphones feature the iconic band’s triangle logo engraved at the rainbow ear cups, as well as rainbow stitching at the headband. Although the headphones come in a new, eye-catching look, the first-class technology remains the same with hybrid active NoiseGard and a built-in VoiceMax microphone.

As an international travelling who often finds himself in airport terminals around the world, this is a must have for the man who has everything. This exclusively to Selfridges is the Modobag Ride-On Luggage. Modobag is the world’s first motorized, smart and connected carry-on that gets you to your destination up to three times faster than walking.

Lifestyle brand Pro and Hop takes its inspiration from international popular culture, providing you with innovative accessories with not-so-subtle references to celebrities, memes and more. Keep your ride smelling fresh with this apple-scented air freshener this example features none other than the king of Pop Michael Jackson in one of his most iconic poses. Now the man truly has everything.

Founded by Carlo Crocco in 1980, Hublot displays its watchmaking expertise through tiny details and innovative designs, captured well with the Tourbillon Bi-Axis watch. This accessory features a titanium case with polished screws and a mechanical dial for a rugged look. Rounded off using a rubber strap, this sporty style is sure to catch eyes and this lil beauty will set you back a clean £140,000 00.

Do you believe in a thing call love, are a fanatic of the retro video game Rock Hero and can’t get enough of rocking out to some air guitar ? Well we have just the thing for you are the man who has everything. Exclusive to Selfridges is the Zivix Jamstik+ Smart Guitar. The jamstik+ connects via Bluetooth 4.0 to your phone, tablet or computer so you can play guitar with any of the 100’s of compatible MIDI apps available. It’s built to the specifications of a real guitar; so learning and creating are transferable skills.

Inspired by time-honoured tradition, world-renowned American design house Ralph Lauren add whimsical flair to summer soirée’s with this set of 8 Finlay cocktail sticks. Silver-plated, each stick is detailed with a classic top hat or walking cane – held in a lightly engraved basket – making the most out of a classic Old Fashioned style.

Amongst Alessandro Michele’s kingdom for Winter 2017 animal motifs, the tiger really ruled the runways at Gucci. Here the regal cat is embroidered in needlepoint on the pure wool scarf that’s finished with a contrasting trim for a show stopping scarf that’s sure to wrap you up in warmth this winter while still keeping you seen in style on the streets.

Another Exclusive to Selfridges this Christmas, Veuve Clicquot’s customisable destination gift boxes are just the ticket. The iconic bottle comes in an arrow-shaped tin, which is personalised with a city or town of your choice, as well as the distance of your chosen destination from Reims in France where Veuve Clicquot is produced. A stylish gift for the home as well as the wine rack, it’s the ultimate offering for any champagne lovers in your life (so that’s everyone, right?). Show me the way to go home !