CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
/

This Sunday is Father’s Day ! – Father’s Day Gift Guide in Association with M&S

image

Yes you read that right folks, this Sunday, yes, this Sunday is Father’s Day, the day when the hardest working member of the family, sorry what, well its the case in the McG household ! gets to relax, put his feet up and everyone runs round and looks after him for a change.

As always we’ve done all the hard work so you can still look super diligent on Sunday when you pull the best present out of the bag for your old man and look confidently smug with yourself while the rest of the family can only look on with fake pleasure and make a guess at, How does he do it ? envy.

Once again the wonderful retail emporium of Marks & Spencer have worked in association with us to produce the ultimate in gifting for your beloved Pop. We’ve broken it down this year into categories to cater for every Dad’s taste whether he be a Sporty dad or even a Posh Dad, we’ve got all points covered. So Chocs aways !

 

FOODIE DADimage

 

Ahh what Dad could resist the culinary Jedi knight that is Nigel Slatter, the man that can turn the contents of an empty fridge into the feast suitable for the feeding of the 5000 and if that wasn’t enough over 300 recipes listed in chronological order so a night, can’t literally go by without a seasonally splendid dish.

 

JET SET DAD

image

If yours is a dad who spends more time Jett setting than Richard Branson, get him this brilliant travelling gadget from Mulberry. A chic leather pouch reveals the adapter, compatible with plug sockets in the UK, US, Australia, China and Europe. There is also a USB connection for charging a wide variety of devices. Just don’t forget to take it with you!

 

SPORTY DAD

imageThe Summer of 2014 isn’t, quite, all about Football. Our reigning Champion of the Courts will be defending his title on the Lawns of SW19 , so show your purpose for Andy Murray with these  sterling silver Cufflinks specially commissioned for the tennis tournament and create something truly bespoke with Link of London offering an engraving service in all of its stores to add a touch of  Personalisation.

 

GOOD TIME KEEPING DAD

image

 

This reissue of a watch first used by pioneers in underwater exploration in the 1970’s this watch from Longines,  available into versions one with three hands the other chronograph. Show him how much he means and go on spoil him !

WELL GROOMED DAD

image

Whether it be giving the England Team, a dapper haircut in this month’s issue of GQ before they depart for hotter climbs or it be as part of his traveling international pop up barber shop the guys over at Mr Natty are men much in demand, well worth keeping an eye out it see if they are visiting a location near you anytime soon, I promise. But in their absence check out their inspired gift sets,  either the Ace fighter pilot care package or the Hirsute rogue care packet (essential one for shaving and one for achieving impossibly natty hair styles).

THE MOD DAD

imageIf you’re going to purchase dear old dad something to wear go for something, that, one, you know he’ll like, but more more importantly, ensure it’s something he’ll look suave in. Spoil him pick something like this great and versatile piece from Peter Werth. Not only is it functional, its sure to be a wardrobe favourite and a staple that goes with pretty much everything.

LOVEABLE ROGUE DAD

image

 

If your dad falls into that category  of  a bit of a Hard nut on the outside, who loves nothing more then a pint with his mates  and watching the footie. But, when he’s alone with his kith and kin, he’s rather partial to the finer things in life . Look no further than these undoubtedly luxurious house slippers by none other than New and Lingwood, I’ll have you know my good man.

BUSINESS MAN DAD

image

 

Just because he might spend a lot of time working doesn’t mean he loves you none the less. Let hope your Business dad is more like Daddy Wallbucks than Patrick Bateman. But get him something he’s bound to be impressed by like this snazzy business card holder by the undoubtedly dapper Turnbull & Asser.

SOMMELIER DAD

image

 

Does your dad like to see himself as a bit of an Ozzie Clark, rather then take the mick this Father’s Day, play along with him for once. Make him proud  and give him a tool set he’ll actually use, check out this sterling Sommelier kit from Marks & Spencer themselves And for some other genius gift ideas for the Dad in your life take a look at their own Father’s Day gift guide.

image

image

/

Father’s Day Gift Guide in association with M&S

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 14.55.48

Yes, its come round again Father’s Day is this Sunday, well just in case the above banner, courtesy of our kind friends at Marks & Spencer, wasn’t a big enough clue. Hey, you can’t ever say Clothes-Make-the-Man don’t help you out we’ve scoured the internet looking for some of the best gifts around for the Big Man in your life. Gift’s that will have your Pop wiping a tear from his eye and saying things like, “But son you shouldn’t have” and “So much thought must have gone in to that son”. We’ve gone for more unusual gift ideas for this year, no don’t worry no weekend yoga retreats in the middle of nowhere, or chocolate coated crickets, you’re alright. Now if that wasn’t enough M&S have also supplied us with their top ten gift ideas for Dad’s. What more you ask for ?

1) OK first off let’s aim high and you can’t get much higher then the all new and UK’s first Helicopter sightseeing tour. It starts from either the Heliport in London’s Battersea or the Redhill Aerodrome near Gatwick Airport. The route over London follows The River Thames from Putney in the West to Greenwich in the East, climbing to over 1,000ft above the City’s stunning skyline. During the flight passengers will get to see some of the capital’s most historic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and new attractions like The Shard.  Famous sporting venues including Wembley, The Emirates (ohh well) and the Olympic Stadium are also visible from the route and last for approximately 20 minutes.

Chris Mann, MD of The London Helicopter says: “We’re thrilled to have launched the first London based helicopter sightseeing service from London’s only Heliport.  Joining the likes of New York, Las Vegas and Cape Town makes us enormously proud.”  PS, Shhhhh for Father’s day any dads taking flights will receive an exclusive goodie bag of gifts.

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 14.31.11

 

2) Always remember there’s nothing wrong with buying socks as a gift, as no man can never have too many socks, well almost. Now it’s not the sock giving, where problems arise, but the actual socks themselves. Now if you’re looking to impress your dear old Dad, your really can’t go wrong with Richmondsocks.com, we’ve mentioned them a couple of time here and they are doing a sterling job in bringing great socks to the great masses.Offering everything and anything any man could possibly want in sock formation from Corgi to Wolsey.

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 15.26.35

 

3) Now we all know smoking is not only a social faux pas but a big time no no generally on every possible front, plus with the smoking ban being ever extending, these wonderful luxurious chocolate cigars from the men’s collection of luxury Italian Chocolatier Venchi’s, don’t half do the trick.

SONY DSC4) You know when you see something and you think, thats genius ! Why hasn’t someone thought of that before ? Well, when you see the work of Tommy Sauce, you’ll ask yourself that very question.  Their aim is simple: to provide football fans with something beautiful for their homes. As Andrew and Ben, the brains behind this wonderful idea put it, “Inspired by the vibrant colours, chants and deeply rich history of the national game, we want our work to capture the true passion of football.” Ohhh and the most surprising thing about this gem of a product is the price and thats all I’m saying, see for yourself. Now just to show we are totally impartial here at Clothes Make the Man we’re going to show two of their images, one for the best football team in the world and some other team.

vectorstock_796998chelsea

 

5) Grooming products are always a winner for Dad no matter what age, as a rule of thumb here at Clothes-Make-the-Man we try and stay clear of clique  grooming gifts and there are no excuses at the moment as their are great gift set about at the moment. If you’re looking for something a little different maybe take a look at I Coloniali. This Italian range of Men’s Skin Treatments contains a unique Calmiskin phytoagent of white willow bark extract to soothe and regenerate skin. Or if your looking for a bargain this Father’s day look no further then Clinique who are offering the below FREE with the purchase of any two or more Skin Supplies for Men products up until Saturday 15th June.

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 17.13.51

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 18.01.12

 

6) Cufflinks can be perceived as a traditional gift even sometimes a little bit cheesy, but one thing that can never be said about these cufflinks by Rachel Eardley is that they’re Cheesy. She creates beautiful pieces that are handcut from decommissioned coins and finished in sterling silver. These stylish hound cufflinks are handcut from Irish coins and are simple yet stylish.

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 18.18.10
7) If Dad is partial to a spot of boys only games night, then this is the perfect gift for him, ensured to leave him lost for words. From Aspinal of London, this exquisitely hand bound by master craftsmen in the finest quality Black Lizard calf leather over a handmade wooden box frame with the interior lavishly lined in Aspinal signature Purple padded suede. Each Leather Poker Chip set comprises of 100 poker chips, five poker die and two decks of ‘Faberge inspired’ playing cards. A genuine item of luxury for the dad who appreciates the finer things in life!

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 19.47.11

 

8) A watch is a timeless gift, see what I did there, that any Father will value, sorry I seem to be sounding like a Hallmark card. Uniform Wares offer great timepieces that encapsulate classic design but couldn’t be more contemporary and are a real investment  without costing an arm and leg. This example is part of the new 152 Series it’s a modern reinterpretation of the classic dress watch and has a refined, ultra-thin silhouette.

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 20.12.39

 

10) Finally, talk about the gift that keeps on giving, this amazing, get ready for it, 85″ S9 Ultra High Definition LED TV by Samsung breaks new boundaries in the world of HD TV. With breath-taking picture quality and concert quality audio, this stunning 85″ screen and unique design delivers an unreal, excitingly immersive experience. As for performance, Smart Evolution – technology unique to Samsung – gives you the world’s first Future Ready UHD TV. Ohhh and you’ll need a spare £35,000.00 OK £34, 999.00 to pay for it. I wonder how they get it in your house ?

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 20.36.54

 

THE MARKS & SPENCER TOP TEN FATHER’S DAY GIFTS

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 17.03.39

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 17.04.07

 

 

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 14.58.50

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 15.03.51

/

Be the apple of your Father’s eye – Father’s day gift guide

Which images best captures your Father/Son relationship ?

I’m sorry, I forgot there’s no need to sulk, jeez, it’s not the end of the world !

Some day dad I’m gonna be just like you !

Ahhhh someone to look up to

June 17th, yes that date’s marked in your diary but why, why ? %$£& It’s Father’s Day ! So to save you the hassle of running round like a demented lun in and out of every store from here to Timbuktu, Clothes-make-the-man.com has come to your rescue, yet again. Ohh and please don’t leave it til the last minute and have to settle for whatever they’ve got left at the service station, no one wants a day glo travel neck pillow, particularly not your dad !

So here’s all you need to know to keep your ole Pa happy and keep in his good books for a couple of more months.

1) Whether young or young at heart, any Dad is gonna be over the moon with this lil blinder of a gift and if my daughter is reading this, your Daddy would be very happy with a personalised Polo Shirt from Ralph Lauren. Take advantage of the Design Your Own service at Selfridges Manchester, Trafford and London, Oxford St from where you can have up to three initials embroidered onto the classic sleeved custom fit polo. With endless combinations, choose the colour of your shirt and monogram to create a truly bespoke gift, presented in a luxury box.

2) Old reliable and always a winner, Alcohol in its many different formats, OK I’m not suggesting a six pack of Kestrel Super Strength, but something a little more on the classy side. How about a descent bottle of whiskey, personally I’m a fan of a touch of the Irish variety, OK that was another personal hint again, sorry. But how about a wee dram of Macallan. The famed luxury single malt whisky from Elgin, has worked with photographic legend Annie Leibovitz and the Elgin native and star of Trainspotting & Grey’s Anatomy, Kevin McKidd on a unique project which will be available in Septemeber, more to follow on that at a later date.

Now if whisky isn’t your Dad’s poison of choice how about a case of Real ale ? God bless them over at Marks & Spencer, because there’s no better way telling your Dad how great he is than a Great British Ale selection. They are offering a mixed case of 20 bottles featuring the very best from across the UK with five bottles of each… Sussex Golden Ale, Cambridgeshire Summer Ale, Norfolk Bitter and Cornish Ale.

3) Now if you’re looking for something a little different from norm how about this Poker set from Thomas Lyte, now I’m not condoning gamble or for your Dad to squander your inheritance but, this set is packaged in a beautiful way and could start a new form of Father son bonding over a traditional Poker nite.

4) Now if sophistication is what your after for Father’s day, look no further then Derek Rose, the Rose family have been designing and making luxury men’s pyjamas since the 1920’s and we remain as passionate about these wonderful pieces today as they were all those years ago. The cut and style used in the pattern to make their pyjamas is a question of balancing form and function – Rose wants the pyjamas to look good but also understands they need them to be as comfortable as possible. Naturally the cut is a generous fit so that when one sleeps in a pair of Derek Rose pyjamas they are not restrictive.

5) Like Alcohol, you really can’t go wrong with After Shave, which actually does contain a fair amount of alcohol come to think if it, but seriously don’t try and drink it, it not good and it’s not clever. Now there are two routes you can take here, first, the traditional, retro, cheeky, ironic and slightly tounge in cheeky, but offering a truly masculine scent and available in gift sets literally everywhere, go for Brut. Then the second, is for a Dad who likes to look his best, look no further than the Lab Series Skincare for Men gift set. This set includes a selection of bestselling, essential products. Multi Action Face Wash, Maximum Shave Comfort Cream and Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15.

6) Now for this option, I always think there’s a golden rule to adhere to, keep it simple and keep it classic and you can’t go wrong, when it comes to cufflinks. Like novelty socks & underwear, the same is with cufflinks, there is NEVER a good time for them or for them to be given as a gift. These chic pair from Hackett are so versatile and would literally go with anything.

7) For the gift that keeps on giving, no not book vouchers, but a wallet, you can’t do much wrong if you go for this great understated number from Burberry available at MRPORTER.com. This piece has a low-key yet luxurious design that is ideal for everyday use. The two note pouches and eight card slots provide ample space for any daily requirements you may need.

8) When it comes to technological gifts for Father’s Day, there’s one gadget that has to be on pretty much every Dad’s wish list and that is of course, the iPad. Now in these tight times, not everyone is as flush as we would like and as much as we’d love to splash out on dear ole Pop, there is a way to wet his appetite and give you some breathing space to save up and to recruit other family members to chip in for a group Christmas iPad. There are some brilliant iPad cases out on the market, in, well, one size but lots of colours. One of my favourite comes from Mulberry, although it ain’t cheap it’s seriously impressive and will make Dad the envy of the office, when he whips it out in a meeting.

9) OK then next up is the matter of wanting to get Dad something that looks like you’ve spent countless hours of thought on a gift without it costing you a small fortune, well I’ve got just what you need. Symthsons of Bond Street has been producing some of the best stationery supply, no not bics & staplers, but beautiful note pads, diaries & address books since 1887. Smythson was granted a Royal Warrant to Her Majesty the Queen in 1964. Other warrants followed: HRH The Prince of Wales in 1980, HM The Queen Mother in 1987, and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 2002. While holding the Queen Mother’s Warrant, Smythson was one of only eight companies in the world to hold all four Royal Warrants at the same time. Their note pads have to be seen to be believed, Wine notes, Little black book and Director’s notes all come in equally vibrant colours. For Father’s day I’ve chosen the rather apt, “Daddy Cool” note book.

10) Finally, every Dad, no matter what his age, quite fancies himself and loves to dress himself up, whether that be for a drink down the pub or a swanky dinner in an impressive eating establishment. Now whatever your budget may dictate you can supply him with something, that he can boast is a gift from his offspring, it can be a tie, a shirt, socks, but I would suggest taking a look at the footwear range from one of the most respected stylish retailers, Ted Baker, which has an added bonus of, it won’t break the bank either. Psst, carry on reading for an added bonus, that’ll be to good to refuse, promise !

So, if that hasn’t given you food for though than nothing will, but we at Clothes-make-the-man.com can only help you if you help yourself, don’t leave it to the last minute. Now, if you ignore our words of wisdom and fancy getting your hands on a rather impressive Father’s day gift we have the above to offer you lucky, lucky, lucky chaps. Yes we have 3 pairs of the Ted Baker Abcak boat shoes, for your delectation. All you need to do is click on the Follow button on your screen, input your email address and confirm the email sent to you or Follow @Clothesmakethem on TWITTER between now and 9am (GMT) on Wednesday 13th and you could be making your Dad a very happy chappie with this gift winging its way to you in time for Father’s Day on Sunday. Good Luck fellas !