CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Watch your cash – AskAnt

Morning Style Seekers, hope life is treating you as it should and you’re loving the one you love. It seems like ages since we’ve done an AskAnt and its rather nice that when I go out and about you good readers are actually starting to AskAnt personally  your style conundrums and sartorial issues. So on to today’s subject  matter and lets see what  it throws at us. Well it came in the form of an email from an avid follower of the blog, Ed Morris, who wrote;

" I hope you can help me I have some spare cash, 
left over from Christmas and my birthday and I 
wanted to buy a watch with it. I'm after a chronograph 
style watch that looks a lot more expensive then 
the £200-250 mark I have to spend on it. Can you HELP !!!!!"

OK then Ed, watches are a subject close to me heart and although I feel you get what you pay for with a watch my Dad had a watch for literally years and because he cared for it, he looked after the watch and the watch looked after him. As always with matters of an AskAnt nature I’ve throughly sourced the market, not like a market stall, I’m not gonna often you anything shnide, and of course I’ve kept within your budget, so lets see what we have to offer you. First up;

So a few facts about the Rotary Aquaspeed V Link. Well it's all in the design with original distinctive bracelet straps; this is what reaffirms Aquaspeed as a real sport inspired collection. This quartz movement chronograph comes with a rotating divers bezel, is waterproof and also comes with a lifetime guarantee. Now you literally can't say fairer then that, a lifetime guarantee.

So a few facts about the Rotary Aquaspeed V Link. Well it’s all in the design with original distinctive bracelet straps; this is what reaffirms Aquaspeed as a real sport inspired collection. This quartz movement chronograph comes with a rotating divers bezel, is waterproof and also comes with a lifetime guarantee. Now you literally can’t say fairer then that, a lifetime guarantee.

 

This lil number by what is probably your girlfriend's favourite designer, Marc by Marc Jacobs. This chic sports watch comes with a black silicone strap, a matte black dial with gun-hued accents and is water resistant to 5 ATM.

This lil number by, what is probably your girlfriend’s favourite designer, Marc by Marc Jacobs. This chic sports watch comes with a black silicone strap, a matte black dial with gun-hued accents and is water resistant to 5 ATM. Addirionally, Fossil make this watch on behalf of Marc Jacobs, in fact Fossil produce watches for everyone from Armani, Burberry and DKNY. Since 1984 it has grown from a small watch business to and international brand with over 400 stores worldwide, so it knows a thing or two about watches.

 

Now then, SEIKO invented the quartz chronograph back in 1983. This particular model has Hardlex Glass and is Water Resistant to 100m.

Now then, SEIKO, not only a market leader in this field as they invented the quartz chronograph back in 1983, but have been creating and repairing watches since 1891. This particular model not only looks the business it has Hardlex Glass and is Water Resistant to 100m.

 

So Ed, all that is left for me to do is to tell you, the choice is yours ??? Do let us know what your decision was and  join us again soon for another style clinic.

If you have any stylistic problems, events to go to that  you don’t know what to wear etc. Whatever, you query no problem is too big nor small, please just email askant@ymail.com and we’ll happily give you informed, knowledgable common sense advice.

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BIG Shoes to fill – AskAnt

Welcome to the first AskAnt of 2013, here hoping that 2013 is a lucky year for us all loyal reader. Today’s enquiry is a common question that I’m asked a lot about and something I suffer with a little myself. So let not waste any time and see what today’s issue is –

 

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 10.22.51

 

 

 

OK Kev, as always thanks very much for taking the time to write to us and as always we endeavour to answer to your needs. Basically, you will find a proportion of GOOD retailers will do size 13 shoes but because of the lack of demand they will buy only a couple pairs of them. You mentioned you are looking for boots, now great brands like Red Wing, Wolverine and Dr Martens will all cover size 13. Plus you mentioned cost, Oliver Sweeney is a fine shoe brand and you get what you pay for, most of the time, but you have come to the right place and we believe guys with manly feet shouldn’t have to pay over the odds, when it comes to footwear. Nonetheless, essentially you have slightly reduced opinions, unfortunately, which are

1) You need to do is be really organising and buy your shoes at the start of the seasons, so essentially Jan and Aug/Sept.

2) If you’re feeling brave, hold out and go to the sales at the start, you should be able to pick up some right bargains my friend.

But I think we’ve done a pretty good job coming up with a cross section of shoes which should see you right no matter what the occasion. So firstly,

These great boots, as you mentioned boots, are from Aldo and are currently on SALE so a double bonus

These great boots, as you mentioned boots, are from Aldo and are currently on SALE so a double bonus

 

You didn't think we were only going to give you one opinion did you Kev ? Here are a super comfy and highly directional pair of Desert boots from Clarks and as in Grey will go with most things from jeans to a suit.

You didn’t think we were only going to give you one opinion did you Kev ? Here are a super comfy and highly directional pair of Desert boots from Clarks and as in Grey will go with most things from jeans to a suit.

 

Next up is something a little more formal. A nice black Brogue from Marks & Spencer and at a price which I could not believe sir !

Next up is something a little more formal. A nice black Brogue from Marks & Spencer and at a price which I could not believe sir !

 

Now you mentioned price and all the shoes we've cited are all well under £200 and we've tried to give you lots of options. So if you are feeling slightly Imelda Marco and decide to buy them all, it won't bust the bank. Now these are a classic and a all round great shoe from a great shoe producer, Camper. These boat shoes will see you nicely into summer and will fit you fine all year round.

Now you mentioned price and all the shoes we’ve cited are all well under £200 and we’ve tried to give you lots of options. So if you are feeling slightly Imelda Marco and decide to buy them all, it won’t bust the bank. Now these are a classic and a all round great shoe from a great shoe producer, Camper. These boat shoes will see you nicely into summer and will fit you fine all year round.

 

Lastly, Kev, we've gone for a versatile boot, that once again you can pretty much wear with anything. Now these boots from from Jacamo who specialise in larger sizes whether that be shoes or clothes. So well worth bearing in mind the next time your thinking of a purchase.

Lastly, Kev, we’ve gone for a versatile boot, that once again you can pretty much wear with anything. Now these boots are from Jacamo who specialise in larger sizes whether that be shoes or clothes. So well worth bearing in mind the next time your thinking of a purchase.

 

So Kev, all that is left for me to do is to tell you, the choice is yours ??? Do let us know what your decision was and  join us again soon for another style clinic.

If you have any stylistic problems, events, that  you don’t know what to wear, after the right shows to go with that all important outfit. Whatever, you query no problem is too big nor small, please just email askant@ymail.com and I’ll happily give you informed, knowledgable common sense advice.

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How to tie a tie – AskAnt

Firstly WELCOME, to the new look Clothes-make-the-man.com, we asked, you spoke, we listened. When we asked for your opinion a couple of months ago, your responses were universal, Make it more visual, but don’t change it too much. So we took on board everything you asked and hopefully we’re answered your comments, to make Clothes-make-the-man the same but improved !!!! Hope you enjoy and on with what has become a favourite with you loyal readers, AskAnt.

 

Ahhhh, I hope you all managed to see the honest words and expertees of your truly have been appreciated and I was asked by the big wigs over at the Mail on Sunday’s LIVE magazine to answers some of their sartorial conundrums in their Style GP column a couple of weeks ago, (if not take a look at our “Read all about us” page).

The problems have been coming in thick and fast since so I am gonna try and get through as many as possible of them. Which brings me nicely to today’s problem du jour :

Well Ted, firstly thanks for take the time out and emailing us with your Tietastic query.  Firstly, many man across the globe, who every morning, day in day out, stand in front of their mirror, bleary eyed and don’t know that different knots suit different face shapes, and depending on what tie knot you’re wearing you can either accentuate certain face peculiarities or disguise some of the features God has given us. For instance,  a very small tie knot, doesn’t suit people with round faces. Why? It’s too small, and can easily get lost under a broad neck.

There is a golden rule regarding the correlation between the form of the tie knot and face oval. It says: if a man has a slightly round face or a wide neck, he should wear narrow, longish knots like, for example, the Four-in-Hand knot (see below). Men with slender faces or long necks should wear wider textured knots.

Additionally, if we talk of the world renown ,Windsor knot, it also has its “Do’s” and “Don’ts”.

The Windsor is not for you, if you have a round or plump face. It is a big knot and it will resemble your face oval in miniature. Windsor is not a good choice for you, too, if you have a very narrow face. Due to its size, it will make a contrast with your face and accentuate disproportion. But, people with oval faces, square faces or heart-shaped faces the Windsor is perfect for you.

Now, Ted if you click onto the Information Superhighway, there are countless advice cards like the ones below, the below ones being some of the better examples, of how to tie different tie knots, but the problem with these are they don’t always explain themselves particularly well, then add into the mix trying to read the card whilst trying to recreate the knot whilst also looking in a mirror !!!!!

Now with the birth of Vloggers and the internet there are, like the above examples countless people, companies and organisations that are offering invaluable advice, like how to tie a Windsor or Four in hand knots. But and this is a BIG but , there are very helpful and well meaning, but the accompanying narration which comes with these handy nuggets, seem to assume you have the intelligence of a being somewhere between a goldfish and maybe a golden retriever. (See below, this is far from being a bad example, honest)

469-How-to-Tie-a-Tie

So to combat this annoyance, find one that you can tolerant then, please believe me and trust your known how, stand in front of a mirror and mess about with a tie. It isn’t going to come instantly, but neither will it take you hours to master, the penny will don’t and you will be able to everything from a Half Windsor to a bow tie in no time at all.

So Ted, all that is left for me to do is to tell you, the choice is yours ??? Do let us know what your decision was and  join us again soon for another style clinic.

If you have any stylistic problems, events, that  you don’t know what to wear, after the right shows to go with that all important outfit. Whatever, you query no problem is too big nor small, please just email askant@ymail.com and I’ll happily give you informed, knowledgable common sense advice.

A.M

 

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In the business of – Ask Ant

AskAnt had a bit of a hiatus over the summer months and we’ve had quite a few enquires asking about it’s whereabouts and well being. Fear not dear reader the sword of damocles has not fallen on this feature, not by a long chalk. So not only is a new season upon us but also a new quandary to test my retail knowledge and sartorial skills. So without further gesticulating, who’s the next subject please ? ;

Ahmed, I like your thinking, I’m currently in the process myself of sorting out new business cards & I can’t tell how mortified I feel when asked for a business card & I have to explain the situation. This instance is unforgivable and shows you in a negative light from the off set and in my mind is an immediate red card and something I need to amend post-haste. So without further ado, lets give you your options.

Now, I’ve decided not to go for the more contemporary  metal or plastic business card holders as I personally feel they upset me & the line of your jacket in the same way as a mobile phone would, they have a tendency to drag things down, a look which is amateur and unflattering. However, if this is what you are after the least offensive can be found in Muji or Amazon.

So, my choice of business card holder, I would go with something a little more traditional, but that can show off a touch of your personality and something that can say what you are about and what you want to put out there, ideally a professional persona.

Mulberry @ Harrods

1) First up is this beautiful option from Mulberry, it says traditional, aspirational, style savvy and masculine. This chic Mulberry business card holder is a sleek staple accessory that will see you through each season in businesslike style and is available from Harrods the height of unique sophistication.

Smythson @ mywardrobe.com

2) Option 2 is  something a little more colourful, this Azure blue leather card case with one slim internal slip pocket and one gusseted pocket for business cards is by Smythson, if you want to display your creative, artist side and something a little left field that can be a good conversation starter, this is your boy and is from mywardrobe.com

Liberty London collection @ Liberty

3) Now your final choice is a bit of a trump card as it has many (many) options all from the under the same roof or platform depending on your preferred preference of purchase. The department emporium Liberty has literally oodles of business card holders and covers every personality from flamboyant statement to conservative classicism.

Acne @ Liberty

Lastly, as requested all of the above are all under the stated budget of £100, actually well under, so enough for another sneaky purchase or even a good night out, sir.

So Ahmed my friend, all that is left for me to do is to advise you, the choice is yours ??? Do let us know what your decision is and join us again soon for another style clinic.

Please remember, if you have any Sartorial stuppers and are in need of a little stylish advice PLEASE don’t forget your not on your own just email us here at Clothes-make-the-man.com @ askant@ymail.com and we’ll answer your problems practically.