anthonymcgrath405 / 04/12/2013

Make him feel Wanted this Yuletide – Ideal Christmas Gift ideas for Dads

To put it mildly, Dad’s often get the short end of the stick when is comes to Christmas Presents. All to often a lot is expected from Dad’s, when it comes to gifts sat under the tree, but when it come to dear ole Pop, the feeling isn’t always reciprocated. Father’s 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 Morinov (yes Morrisons own Vodka Brand) or that ole favourite and often recycled, a Hai Karate gift set !

Having a staple jumper in your wardrobe is essential, and we love this one from Marks & Spencer‘s Best of British range, made from pure cashmere, spun in Scotland. Furthermore, the characteristic Scottish handle of this jumper is a result of drawing soft water from the local well. Tactile and warm, choose from an array of rainbow colours to brighten up dreary winter days; fibre-dyed yarns promise a more lustrous and even colour for your jumper. Go on you know it makes sense !

Ahhh Pyjamas, the inimitable and rather unsung Father’s Christmas Gift, never in this case as these are from the King of the Traditional American Christmas himself, No not Nat King Cole ! Mr Ralph Lauren, of course. Look every regal in this traditional jammies. In fact, have a holly, jolly Christmas and have the whole family in matching one ! Maybe not.

Always a winner, help Dad’s stay warm these Holidays with a pair of gloves courtesy of Banana Republic. These great examples of leather gloves not alone look the part but won’t have dear ole Dad hiding his hands away, shoved into his jacket pockets.

Now if you have some making up to do with your Dad or if he’s been a particular Star this year then make him feel super special come 25th with this Longines Avigation Oversize Crown Watch. Its Scratch and Water resistant, is self winding and has a tres chic Black Alligator strap. You’ll be the apple of his eye once more and all for the right reasons.

This is a real investment piece by Louis Vuitton and something your Dad will have for many years to come, which will always remind him of you whenever he wears it. This is no ordinary run of the mill scarf, yes it keeps you warm but its a real statement and shows Dad, he’s one in a million.

There are certain fragrances that are unmistakably Father Fragrances, the sort tat when you smell them you are transported back to years gone by, watching your Dad shave and wishing you could too. Aramis is the Daddy of all mens Fragrances and this excellent gift set offers not only great value but everything that a Dad could possibly want from a grooming range.

This beauitful gift box contains a week’s supply of Hamilton & Hare tailored boxer shorts. Each boxer is individually embroidered with each day of the week. Savile Row expertise go into each pair ensuring a more flattering and comfortable fit. The finest two ply twill cotton, mother of pearl buttons and a silk lined fly, all go into these superior underwear.

anthonymcgrath405 / 19/09/2013

This aint no Banana Republic – Banana Republic Suiting

The eagled eyed loyal reader, I’m sure, will remember, if you cast your mind back to a mere few weeks ago, where we discussed “Back to Work” Uniform ideas. In that post we highlighted the work of the Retailer Banana Republic and what masters they are of brightening up the workwear wardrobe, which we all know we can fall into the trap of it being as dull as a Mid Winter Wednesday lunchtime with only a tuna sandwich and a cup-a-soup to keep us company. After this I concluded, I needed to revisit this notion and delve further into BR (Banana Republic) and give a little more thought and highlight what they are doing for this season, as I really didn’t go into enough detail.

Banana Republic are a relative new comer to these shores, but have been dressing our American cousins since the late 1970’s in contemporary, sort after workplace style for the professional man and woman, essentially, ensuring you look your best from the water cooler to board room. Banana Republic’s sartorial crusade is dedicated to helping customers achieve professionally and personally the best they can and offers versatile work wear that can be styled up or down for pretty much any occasion — from work to play and back again.

Don’t worry, I can hear you from here, “Well there isn’t one near me”. Well you might be mistaken, with stores as far North as Manchester and right the way down to Bath, plus they are now shipping to over 90 countries via their website.

What Banana do so well is that whole mix and match thang with your wardrobe, offering pieces with sit great with items you already have, lifting an outfit so it looks completely new. The key thing is the ease of what they offer, it isn’t stuffy, fussy or look as though you’ve over thought your daily attire.

The Clothes Make the Man pick of the best pieces from Banana Republic for Autumn 2013

This a perfect example of not always having to be super dapper to still be smart. Instead of a white shirt and navy knitted tie(nothing wrong with that by the way) go with a checked shirt for a change

This is a perfect example of not always having to be super dapper to still be smart. Instead of a white shirt and navy knitted tie(nothing wrong with that by the way) go with a checked shirt for a change show how versatile you can be.

The classic fine gauge cardigan. IT GOES WITH EVERYTHING 1 It looks equally good with a single breasted suit and it both with jeans and this is a great example at a great price

The classic fine gauge cardigan. IT GOES WITH EVERYTHING ! It looks equally well with a single breasted suit, in most colours as hit does with jeans and this is a great example at a great price

The Aiden Chino, offered in 8 different colours. Sums up the whole Banana Republic ethos of catering for your work to play wardrobe. The Aiden chino will see you through any occasion your work or social calendar can throw at you. Team them with a differing coloured blazer to show, not only your creative side but how you can make colour work best for you.

This cheeky lil number is the height of versatility, will look great with a navy suit and knitted tie as it will at the weekend with jeans, I promise you.

The epitome of Sharp, this 3 pcs Charcoalsuit made of Italian wool from their Monogram range. Wear it with or without the waistcoat or wear the waistcoat with jeans for a more relaxed feel.

anthonymcgrath405 / 30/08/2013

Back to Reality – Work “Uniform” ideas

Ahhhhh the summer is starting to draw to an end and its not just parents that have to think about shopping for School Uniforms in one way or another. At this time of year we all take a look at the old workwear wardrobe and think, Errr yeah it could do with a little update. It’s not just a matter of impressing the boss in the workplace, although that helps, being taken seriously is all important and what you wear and how you wear it makes a big impression. We’re not talking a major overhaul, well for most of us, more a little helping hand, you know what I’m talking about, those white shirts with the stained collar and cuffs, the suit that gone rather shiny and the shoes that have simply seen better days.

On the whole we are spoilt for choice when it comes to catering for suitable workwear, whatever the budget, but I do have to say, remember the golden rules, buy cheap buy twice and you get what you pay for. so we thought we would give you a couple of suggestions to update your workwear wardrobe and bring it bang up to date.

First port of call, has to be Marks & Spencer, sorry I know its predictable, but for a balance of price and quality, they are hard to beat ! I personally love the Savile Row Inspired range. But on their website you find such valuable gems as a suit guide and what to wear for an interview. So if you don’t get that job you know who to blame.

Now, the devil’s in the detail and don’t fall at the final hurdle by the accessories you carry. I know what you’re gonna say, “What, d’ya think I’m made of money”. See this beautifully crafted man bag by Mulberry as an investment piece that, if treated with respect will be with you til the day you retire. Plus have everyone from the CEO to the new work experience fawn all over it !

Remember, workwear doesn't have to match the dull weather of an deep Winter day. Show your creative side by mixing it up. The American Retailer Banana Republic are masters of this, so don't worry if you don't have a store near you as their website is genius.

Remember, workwear doesn’t have to match the dull weather of a deep Winter’s day. Show your creative side by mixing it up, use the blazer of a suit and add some colour with some chinos in seasonal tones and replace that drab shirt with a checked one with a knitted tie. The American Retailer Banana Republic are masters of this, so don’t worry if you don’t have a store near you as their website is genius.

These brilliant Verdy Brogues from KG Kurt Geiger are spot on plus are available in Tan as well as Black and won’t break the bank so buy both colour ways and they’ll see you though any suiting combination, Simple.

anthonymcgrath405 / 07/03/2013

This will send MAD MEN Bananas – Banana Republic & MAD MEN Collaboration

The Television show Mad Men, HAS to be one if not THE most stylish TV series for this generation of Men. Yes, the ladies have had Sex and the City, but Mad Men for us guys has been equally important to the well dressed man about town. Yes, it has great story lines, sexy characters and it set during VERY cool times, but it has to be the clothes and the work of the genius and Emmy Award-winning Costume Designer Janie Bryant that has made it what it is today.

For Spring 2013, stylish retailer Banana Republic have worked once again with US TV Network AMC and Janie Bryant on a ‘Mad Men’ collection. The show now in its sixth season, sees the capsule range, moves away from the Camelot era’s early ‘60s look and into the late ‘60s mod fashions to reflect the fact the show has jumped forward a few years and is now set in the late 60’s era.

This season’s collection now features more than 50 pieces of apparel and accessories for men and women and translates the late ‘60s love of prints, color and geometry on iconic items including mod staple apparel pieces and accessories with a nod to the decade. Specific key pieces for us Men, that can’t get enough of this era include, bold plaids and stripes, the emergence of the sport coat, and the sophisticated suit for the boardroom meetings where looking sharp is essential. Fedoras and skinny ties complete the look with a nod to the time period while remaining contemporary and won’t have you looking like your on your way to a theme party.

anthonymcgrath405 / 18/01/2013

Spring 2013 Preview

As stores start to get in their new Spring 2013 ranges and as the weathermen start to inform us of blizzards and freezing conditions. I thought I’d try and lighten the mood and give us something to look forward to. In the last couple of months of 2012, I was lucky enough to have a preview of countless apparel’s brands Spring /Summer collections for this forthcoming season from high end designer to high street brands. So I thought I’d give you a sneak preview, but keep it to yourself 😉 ENJOY.

Channeling a little warmer weather Tommy Hilfiger had some of the best swimwear around this season.

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The Brilliant Sunglasses range Sunday Somewhere, well worth keeping your eyes peeled for, gettit !

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Looking sharp and expect the unexpected from Peter Werth, over the next couple of seasons.

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Look like a living work of art with casual wear brand FLY 53

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We’ll definitely be seeing more of Tourne de Transmission, well certainly on here anyway.

Have to be honest, I L O V E love Hancock and they have a great back story. I know let’s do a post on them !

I can honestly say Camouflage HAS to be one of the biggest menswear trends for Spring 13 and this shirt from Addict is a great way of saying it. I have an idea this isn’t the last we’ll see of camo pieces.

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I had to include this one, even though its more of a girls story, but if your stuck for a gift idea for the lady in your life these Eley Kishimoto X Clarks shoes will absolutely stunned.

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This was one of my favourite jackets from the Press days and great for that unpredictable summer weather, well done Banana Republic.

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Maybe its because of my love for Hitchcock but these sock from Thomas Pink are a much have for Spring.

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Sir Paul Smith never fails when it comes to adding a spot of colour to our life and always manages to keep it looking masculine.

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The day I saw this top with matching shorts from 55DSL, the weather was particularly fowl and left me longing warm barmy climbs.

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Dr Martens are continuing to prove that they are going from strength to strength in the shoe department.

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Smarten your act up over the summer with the simple deconstructed blazer by Boden.

Clarks have come up with this great footwear range based on its founder Nathan Clark, which has bags of potential to be expanded, in my humble opinion

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These great boat shoes with a twist were a real pleasure surprise from Romain Kremer X Camper shoes

Told you we’d see more camo and this time it’s a collaboration by Passarella Death Squad X Boxfresh

OK granted not the most exciting of pieces but I guarantee Lacoste will have more planned to celebrate their 80th Anniversary !

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One of the most exciting collaborations for Spring 2013 has to be Austin Reed X Spencer Hart, a lot of people have high expectations from this project and it don’t disappoint. More on this VERY soon.

A brand we haven’t heard to much from in this country for a while is J.Lindeberg. Well its well worth taking another look at them. The collection for Spring is amazing, this rucksack was a personal have but the burgundy tux and the tweed suits were worth smashing the piggy bank opening for !

The Clothes Make the Man pick of the best pieces from Banana Republic for Autumn 2013

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