Banana Republic Archives - CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

anthonymcgrath405 / 23/07/2014

Flower Power – The men’s Floral trend

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There is a misconception that Flowers are just for the fairer sex, in that, us men should shy away from anything of a floral print nature. Oh contraire by dear masculine friends, as for Summer of this year, all things flowery are everywhere. Our dear clothing retailers from high end designer to high Street wonders are embracing their inner flower power and in all honesty it must be shifting as retailers can’t get the floral trend pieces on the shelves quick enough for us. So as alway we do the hard work so you don’t have to so here are some of the hottest items from this Summer’s brightest trend.

Long sleeved shirt by Banana Republic

Men’s jogging bottoms by Franklin & Marshall

Floral swim shorts by Polo Ralph Lauren by Harvey Nichols

Liberty print floral baseball cap by New Era at Selfridges

Floral tie by Liberty

Floral patterned socks by Paul Smith at Harrods.com

Floral patterned sweatshirt by Acne

Floral plimsoles by YMC at Steranko.co.uk

Floral print blazer by Gucci by MrPorter.com

Floral Rucksack by Bershka

Ditsy floral pattern polo shirt by Native Youth at House of Fraser

Fancy going matchy matchy this Summer then check out this lil floral combo by Farah

anthonymcgrath405 / 12/03/2014

California Dreamin – California Collection by Banana Republic

Ahhhhh the weather is improving, please don’t let me be speaking too soon and what a different it makes, people smiling, laughing, why even bus drivers are being friendlier !!!! For Spring 14 BananaRepublic have taken inspiration from the Golden State of American, California. Inspired by the brand’s heritage and the pioneering spirit of its San Francisco roots, the campaign celebrates authenticity with style and the California state of mind.

The California Collection reflects an effortless blend of laid back comfort and easy chic that includes iconic pieces to the brand, such as chinos, trenches and utility jackets that have been reinterpreted into relevant and modern sportswear.

To accompany this collection, the brand have unveiled a new look campaign – a heartfelt nod to the modern day adventurer who appreciates the journey, not just the destination. The campaign champions true relationships, true style and true emotions, under the heading, “TRUE OUTFITTERS”, illustrating life’s precious lil moments shared between ones soul mate and loved ones, ahhhhh. Real-life couples and families were cast in the campaign, including New York based partners and interior designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, Argentinian model and chic hotelier Nicolas Malleville and his family, Nashville natives and longtime sweethearts Cory Bond and Bekah Jenkins, and up and coming European models Sara Blomqvist and Jeremy Young.

“Banana Republic represents an approach to style, living and a state of mind that continues to define the modern wardrobe,” says Banana Republic global chief marketing officer, Catherine Sadler.

anthonymcgrath405 / 31/01/2014

Preview of the best of the best from the High Street for Spring 2014

As I sit here watching the rain lash against the window and see people’s umbrellas blowing inside out, a shudder runs down my spine with the thought of the dirty miserable and generally crap old weather we’ve had, for what seems to have been an eternity. As a result of this and as somewhat of an escape from, I thought, right, the shops are full of Spring product and trends. So let’s cheer ourselves up by having a look at what some of our favourite brands on the high Street have on offer for us and what we can wear once the weather, finally, takes a turn for the better.

Not particularly known for their use of colour, look who’s got a Spring in their step this season, none other then Marks & Spencer, no less.

A brand who seem to be putting more and more emphasis of their menswear season after season, and it’s really showing, is Next. Showing how to put off the Floral trend for the more reserved male out there.

Spring can be unpredictable, weather wise, at the best of time, but Banana Republic cater for those layering moments which you need to prepare for every eventuality.

Next up a brand and an image who are HOT right now, River Island, if this floral ensemble doesn’t put you in the Spring mood and warm you up then nothing will. I maybe would wear from head to toe Floral but this image just shows what a big trend this flowery delight will be this season.

A man who’s well and truly making his mark at Debenhams is Patrick Grant with his Hammond & Co range for the brand. He’s totally bringing his design flavour to Debenhams and not diluting it at all. Offering excellent quality and cut at great prices, keep it up sir !

Errr a brand that we totally need to keep an eye on is New Look, their suiting range for Spring is sublime, mature, contemporary and sharp. Next time your lady asks you to come shopping with you where to go.

Adding a little seasonal colour to our life’s is TOPMAN, always highly directional ditch those pinstripes and shades of grey and embrace coloured suiting for Spring.

Showing us that the Floral trend needn’t be restricted to casual attire, H&M once again show us how it can be done in a more formal setting.

anthonymcgrath405 / 20/12/2013

Are you hanging up your Stocking on the Wall – Great Stocking Fillers

Not long to go now, only a couple more sleeps til the big day ! How’s the shopping going ? Only a couple of bits left to go, please says its this rather then I’ve not even started yet ? Well, we though we’d offer you some suggestions on Stocking fillers and have come up some ideas that should keep, pretty much most members of the family happy –

It’s that time of year and festivities are in full swing, but secretly are you wondering how you’re going to make it through to the next party? As ever, Aveda is on hand, keeping energy levels high and the Christmas spirit elevated – this yuletide survival saviour ! Don’t let the dread of the morning after take you home early, Aveda’s Blue Oil Balancing Concentrate will help you see the following day and this season through feeling energized and making any after-effects of the night before a little less painful! Let everyone else be exhausted by Christmas festivities, whilst you remain totally refreshed and ready to face the next revelry.

The ‘Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge’ aims to raise awareness and funds to support wounded troops, and in support of this initiative, Savile Row’s finest Gieves & Hawkes is selling limited edition commemorative boot socks, with all profits going to the charity. The brave team team making the expedition to the South Pole, in awful conditions are Captain Disney, Kate Phelp, Ibrary Ali and Duncan Slater for the expedition is HRH Prince Harry, who is a patron of the charity. So do something good this Yuletide !

A little something to delight your good lady’s Yuletide stocking is this credit card holder in this beautiful Liberty print, exclusively, no surprise, by elegant Department Store, Liberty

Another great stocking filler for a lady in your life, whether thats Mum, Girlfriend or daughter is this great luggage tag from Gucci. To create a special heirloom this item may be complimentary, personalised with two initials.

A Perfect gift for mums are these elegant Soap Coffret – indulge her with 4 iconic soaps from Roger & Gallet. Invented in 1879 the round soaps are still made using the traditional cauldron method ensuring that the fragrance remains down to the last fragment of soap. Beautifully wrapped in pleated silk paper this four piece collection includes Bois D’Orange, Rose, Fleur d’Osmanthus and Thé Vert.

Celebrate a Merry Hip-mas and emulate the great man, good ole St Nicolas, without losing any of your cool prowess with this great hat by Jack Spade.

Make sure you look tip top dapper with the SuperFish FishGlue Matt Styling Gel which delivers a tough performance with an extra strong grip and the SuperFish Fishpaste Hardcore Hold Matt Effect Putty gives a matt finish to that ‘haven’t tried too hard’ tousled look.

The Camo trend seems to be going nowhere, but can at times be a little tricky to wear. This tie from Banana Republic says yeah I’m hip, I know what I’m talking about without having you look like a TA reject.

anthonymcgrath405 / 19/12/2013

Make it a Fairytale of New York – Great gift Ideas for the lady you love

With literally a week to go, please tell me you have, bought the lady in your life a great gift ? A gift that will ensure good will to all men, particularly you, rather then your aforementioned partner spouting, “You scumbag, you maggot” at you while throwing an Imperial Leather gift set at your head !

Guys, we will never learn, it seems to be something pre-programmed into our brain, to leave things to the last minute or even miss the big date altogether and then have to patch things up, which costs us, pretty much, double the expense. Lets get our skates on and click through on some of the suggestions below which in turn will make our males existence a whole lot easier for the next couple of months.

An understated and elegant addition to any lady’s lingerie collection, Stella McCartney’s Clara Whispering robe in Dark Ink Blue is designed with a chic satin finish and subtle lace detailing. A timeless style that will be treasured for seasons to come and as you will be for purchasing her this gem.

The Effie Satchel by Mulberry is a relaxed take on a classic satchel design, with beautifully soft leather giving a gently slouching shape. It has an across body strap and subtly embossed tree signature. If red is too bold …you know your woman then go for grey or black…

Now just cos its for the ladies we’re suggesting gift for doesn’t mean we can’t include gift that per chance we might like ourselves, basically a gift thats as much for you as her. Made to make you stop and listen – the Ruark R7 brings the radiogram up to date with retro-modern lines and lush audio output. Beneath the vintage sensibilities, there’s everything today’s audiophile would expect, including DAB, FM and internet radio as well as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, CD playback and intuitive digital controls.

If the love of your life is after something a little more unique then look no further then the vintage selection on farfetch.com, we fund this amazing vintage Gold metal oval brooch from Chanel featuring a logo detail to the top and a rear pin fastening.

The very glamourous L’Wren Scott Collection exclusively for Banana Republic combines sexy silhouettes with modern polish. Every piece is decadently glamorous and ready to celebrate the holiday season. A classic pencil skirt with a unique blend of texture and shine and a real favourite with Mrs Mc and is just one of the winning pieces from this range. Show your lady you can buy her a present she can be proud to say he brought me this.

As we’ve mentioned technology gifts aren’t just exclusive property of men and with this stylish i-Pad case in the signature Swirl printed leather with Purple suede lining and Black leather trims embossed with the Paul Smith signature plus optional stand feature, you are undoubtedly onto a winner my friend.

No not a bright floral dress, but glamourous, practical and yes a lil sexist all at the same time, what can this be, I hear you ask. Well, its a kitchen apron by MSGM exclusively for yoox.com. Yes, your lady can look ravishing while serving you your turkey, please ensure, she has a sense of humour aswell.

Yes we know Stella McCartney again, but we couldn’t resist these days of the week underwear and we guarantee your lady will feel the same.

Just look on with a smug rye smile, at the delight and surprise on your better halves face as she unwraps these killer heels from Kurt Geiger, followed by her smothering you with kisses of gratitude.

Your lady will be able to catch every special moment with this stylish Diana F+ Lomography camera capturing dreamy lo-fi photos. Take 120 film shots with utter decadence with this Gold and rather festive Edition.

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