Aloha indeed – 6 of the best Hawaiian shirts

Remember guys you don’t always have to be look super smart and the epitome of cool 24/7, you can relax and have a sense of humour. In the same way as Christmas Jumpers have made a return to the limelight, at the opposite of side of the year we’ve seen an item of clothing that was seen as the height of bad taste, but only a few years ago. The HAWAIIAN SHIRT ! think Elvis, think  Magnum P.I.think Ace Ventura. Check out SIX of the best below.

Say Aloha to this lil number from Ralph Lauren's Denim & Supply

Say Aloha to this lil number from Ralph Lauren’s Denim & Supply

 

A great example from Levi's Vintage Clothing @ mrporter.com

A great example from Levi’s Vintage Clothing @ mrporter.com

 

Ohhh stand out from the crowd in this TOPMAN number

Ohhh stand out from the crowd in this TOPMAN number

 

An American classic from Hilfiger Denim

An American classic from Hilfiger Denim

 

Be safe be seen in this classic Hawaiian Shirt by Quiksilver @ House of Fraser

Be safe be seen in this classic Hawaiian Shirt by Quiksilver @ House of Fraser

 

Go for that modtro(modern but retro) look with this shirt by Native Youth @ JOY

Go for that modtro(modern but retro) look with this shirt by Native Youth @ JOY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be hidden in the Urban Jungle – Camouflage Trend

Good day my dear and trusted style gazers, as the weather is being as predictable as my child’s nightly sleep patterns I thought I would look at a trend which can be worn rain of shine, in the words of 80’s family groovers 5Star. Camo or Camouflage as you may know it has been floating around as a menswear trend for quite a few seasons now. Hopefully, you will have been a style consumer of great foresight and have invested in a piece or two of the camo variety over the past couple of seasons. As you see from  below for Spring 2013 literally everyone has interpreted and tailored camouflage to their own likings, offering us, it in every conservable item of clothing, colour combination and from traditional Action Man-esque patterns to 21st Century state of the art stealth techno camo to even neon, floral, in your face ones.

I’ve sourced the great information Superhighway from start to finish looking for some of the better examples of this trend. Now please heed this warning, akin to not feeding the Mogwai after midnight, do not, I repeat do not wear to much of this trend at the same time or you’ll run the risk of looking like a reserve from the T.A. on civilian maneuverers, once again the maxim of less is more applies.

 

Must have piece, particularly for those pesky April showers is this Pac-a-mac from Superdry

Must have piece, particularly for those pesky April showers is this Pac-a-mac from Superdry

A great take on the camouflage print by McQ by Alexander McQueen @ MrPorter.com

A great take on the camouflage print by McQ by Alexander McQueen @ MrPorter.com

 

Camouflage sunnies just to complete that look from TOPMAN

Camouflage sunnies just to complete that look from TOPMAN

 

Look sharp mixing and matching materials with the camo trend in these Windsor Shoes by Dr Martens

Look sharp mixing and matching materials with the camo trend in these Windsor Shoes by Dr Martens

 

At ease solider in these camo print shorts by Scotch & Soda from John Lewis

At ease solider in these camo print shorts by Scotch & Soda from John Lewis

 

Camo Eastpak luggage from House of Fraser

Camo Eastpak luggage from House of Fraser

 

Formal up the trend with this blazer from Daniele Alessandrini @ FarFetch.com

Formal up the trend with this blazer from Daniele Alessandrini @ FarFetch.com

 

Get your Camo on with this Tee by Marc by Marc Jacobs @ MrPorter.com

Get your Camo on with this Tee by Marc by Marc Jacobs @ MrPorter.com

 

a unique Camouflage design by Diesel @ House of Fraser

A unique Camouflage design by Diesel @ House of Fraser

 

On manoeuvres with this Racksack by Herschel @ John Lewis

On manoeuvres with this Racksack by Herschel @ John Lewis

 

Escape from the old routine in these high tops from Converse @ Topman.com

Escape from the old routine in these high tops from Converse @ Topman.com

 

Not sure about the camo trend then add flashes of it with this tie from Mr Bathing Ape @ Coggles.com

Not sure about the camo trend then add flashes of it with this tie from Mr Bathing Ape @ Coggles.com

 

One for the Men – House of Fraser Menswear events

AJ479_121012_HOF 14 027_F3_RGBMen are often the second thought, forgotten party when it comes to Fashion and Style often losing out to their higher spending, fashionista female partners and counterparts. Events specifically for the female customer are common place making them feel pampered and cared for as a shopper. Well no more I tell you, no more ! House of Fraser have been aware of the neglect we feel as a consumer body and as a result are offering Menwear events up and down the country, see below for dates. Each of the participating stores are offering tailor made events for us, yes us humble male customers to partake and participate in. Staring this weekend, yes as of TODAY ! at their Oxford Street Flagship store in London where amongst other things you can;

  • Win a year’s supply of underwear from Superdry
  • Your chance to win £1000 to spend on Tommy Hilfiger
  • Enter the Tombola to win £200 of Label Lab Clothes
  • Receive EXCLUSIVE Gifts with purchases from Fred Perry, Lyle & Scott, replay, Penguin and Tommy Hilfiger, Barbour, Ted Baker and many more !
  • Customise your jeans with Replay Denim Campus
  • One for the ladies, see WE don’t forget you, you can meet the Calvin Klein Hunks in trunks, moving on.
  • Plus Drinks and DJ will be on hand to make the experience even more pleasurable !!!!

The dates for further events include ;

Bristol 21 24 March

Dundrum (Dublin) 28 30th March

Westfield 4th 7th April

Reading 11-14th April

Birmingham 18-21 April

Manchester 2-5 May

Glasgow 9-12th May

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Mama told me (not to come), well without a present anyway. – Mother’s day Gift Guide

Well if we weren’t skint enough after Christmas and Valentine’s Day there’s another holiday just around the corner and woe betide you if you forget about this one ! Mothers Day is one of the most important days on the Calendar, this is a time when kids and partners express their appreciate of all things their Mother’s have done for them over the year. New dad’s, you need to note you have to make a special effort and make a fuss, plus you earn yourself major merit marks if you do so.

As always Clothes Make the Man have taken the stress out of this event by furnishing you with an indispensable gift guide and this year we have listened to your comments and brought it forward so it saves you the hassle and prevents you, my good reader, from tearing round your local high Street at the last minute and ending up buying some half dead carnations from a Texaco service station.

Every mum loves toiletries and who could resist these Mother's day specific gift sets from Elemis.  The Time for You Spa & Skincare Collection, contains  the hydrating Pro Radiance Hand & Nail Cream, Luxorious Skin Nourishing Body Lotion and soothing Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir amongst others. Or the Mother's Day Collection Skin Nourishing Milk Bath and a relaxing Lavender travel candle.

Every mum loves toiletries and there are some great gift set for Mothers Day, but who could resist these sets from Elemis. The Time for You Spa & Skincare Collection, contains the hydrating Pro Radiance Hand & Nail Cream, Luxorious Skin Nourishing Body Lotion and soothing Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir amongst others. Or the Mother’s Day Collection Skin Nourishing Milk Bath and a relaxing Lavender travel candle.

Look after the hands that looked after you. This stylish leather bound Manicure set from Paul Smith, will not only leave her hands in fine fettle but will make you apple of her eye for such a thoughtful gift.

Look after the hands that looked after you. This stylish leather bound Manicure set from Paul Smith, will not only leave her hands in fine fettle but will make you apple of her eye for such a thoughtful gift.

 

If you've had a particular good year and you're not feeling the pinch of the economic downturn. You can't show your mum your appreciation in any better fashion then with a luxury timepiece and look no further then Omega.

If you’ve had a particular good year and you’re not feeling the pinch of the economic downturn. You can’t show your mum your appreciation in any better fashion then with a luxury timepiece and look no further then Omega.

 

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Rather then going for a box of Black magic or Milk Tray, push the boat out this year ! And go for something a little more indulgent. No woman and I mean NO WOMAN could resist these lil beauties from Charbonnel Et Walker from House of Fraser. Go on be a devil, you might even by offered one.

 

 

Lets face it anything with the interlocking C's of CHANEL is likely to make any woman go weak at the knees, so investing in anything from a bottle of Chanel No5 to a classic lil handbag is secure in the knowing it will please. But to mark Mothers Day the French Fashion House have gone all floral and transformed their Covent Garden Beauty boutique. So From Friday 8th March to Sunday 10th March, the CHANEL flower stall will be dedicated to the discovery of flowers used in the House’s most celebrated fragrances; May Rose, Jasmine, Iris, Tuberose and Patchouli. Flowers that are an integral part to the composition of CHANEL fragrances. In celebration of Mother’s Day, enjoy a special hand- tied posy using the flowers from CHANEL fragrances. In addition, have your personalised message hand written by a CHANEL calligrapher on a Camellia embossed card, with a choice of quotes from Mademoiselle Chanel.

Lets face it anything with the interlocking C’s of CHANEL is likely to make any woman go weak at the knees, so investing in anything from a bottle of Chanel No5 to a classic lil handbag is secure in the knowledge it will please. But to mark Mothers Day the French Fashion House have gone all floral and transformed their Covent Garden Beauty boutique. So From Friday 8th March to Sunday 10th March, the CHANEL flower stall will be dedicated to the discovery of flowers used in the House’s most celebrated fragrances; May Rose, Jasmine, Iris, Tuberose and Patchouli. Flowers that are an integral part to the composition of CHANEL fragrances. In celebration of Mother’s Day, enjoy a special hand- tied posy using the flowers from CHANEL fragrances. In addition, have your personalised message hand written by a CHANEL calligrapher on a Camellia embossed card, with a choice of quotes from Mademoiselle Chanel.

 

Let your mum take a break from the old route and treat her like the lady she is. Numerous establishments will be offering Mothering Sunday deals. One of our favourites here at Clothes Make the Man was from the Hotel du Vin, who have 14 hotels from Edinburgh to Poole. They are offering Sunday Brunch for mums £29.95 per person, and your mum gets an gift voucher for her next Sunday brunch at Hotel du Vin.

Let your mum take a break from the old route and treat her like the lady she is. Numerous establishments will be offering Mothering Sunday deals. One of our favourites here at Clothes Make the Man was from the Hotel du Vin, who have 14 hotels from Edinburgh to Poole. They are offering Sunday Brunch for mums and then your mum gets an gift voucher for her next Sunday brunch at Hotel du Vin.
Another personal fave was from the Harrods Terrace, offering a special three course set lunch in association with Beauty brand Jo Malone. On this day, each mother dining in the Harrods Terrace will be presented with a Moyses Stevens (The Prince of Wales’s Florist) posy of flowers and a personal invitation to visit the Jo Malone Boutique in the Harrods Beauty Apothecary, where they will be pampered with a Hand & Arm Massage to discover the new limited edition collection, Sugar & Spice. They will also leave with a Jo Malone keepsake of their experience, Ahhhhhhh.

 

Pretty much like Chocolates, no lady is going to turn down jewellery, on one condition, IT HAS TO BE TASTEFUL ! Most woman don't share the same taste in jewellery as Jennifer Lopez, Zsa Zsa Gabor, or even Katie Price. A diamond the size of your fist is not always the right gift. Tasteful, discrete jewellery is always a better option, like the above from Folli Follie from House of Fraser.

Pretty much like Chocolates, no lady is going to turn down jewellery, on one condition, IT HAS TO BE TASTEFUL ! Most woman don’t share the same taste in jewellery as Jennifer Lopez, Zsa Zsa Gabor, or even Katie Price. A diamond the size of your fist is not always the right gift. Tasteful, discrete jewellery is always a better option, like the above from Folli Follie from House of Fraser.

We like to bring you unusual gift ideas and when we saw this we knew it was a winner. If you not a dry eye in the house, this will do the trick. Links of London have produced a The Everlasting Postcard (£65), a silver-plated postcard (see example image attached) onto which a handwritten message for mothers can be designed by the kids and engraved by Links of London. There is a simple template to download and email back, then engraving is free

We like to bring you unusual gift ideas and when we saw this we knew it was a winner. If you want not a dry eye in the house, this will do the trick. Links of London have produced The Everlasting Postcard, a silver-plated postcard onto which a handwritten message for mothers can be designed by the kids and engraved by Links of London. There is a simple template to download and email back, then engraving is free. OMG !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your mommy has green fingers, this will suit her down to the ground. Marks & Spencer Floral Collection mixes gardening and natural beauty products. Everyone's a winner

If your mommy has green fingers, this will suit her down to the ground. Marks & Spencer Floral Collection
mixes gardening and natural beauty products. Everyone’s a winner

 

Spoil the most important lady in your life ! Treat her to some Derek Rose luxury nightwear, the perfect adornment for a day of being pampered.  There is something for every Mum to help her unwind in. Dressing gowns and pyjamas are available in pure silk and cotton, while knitwear comes in ultra-­‐soft cashmere.

Spoil the most important lady in your life ! Treat her to some Derek Rose luxury nightwear, the perfect adornment for a day of being pampered. There is something for every Mum to help her unwind in. Dressing gowns and pyjamas are available in pure silk and cotton, while knitwear comes in ultra-­‐soft cashmere.
Ohhh and one last thing fellas, DON’T FORGET MOTHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY 10TH MARCH !!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Buyer’s Guide to Spring 2013 – Jackie Hay – House of Fraser

1B&W

Spring is almost in the air and the winter coats, heavy duty knitwear and thermals can almost, almost be moth balled for a couple of months anyway. With this in mind, we can look forward to Spring and wearing lighter, brighter clothes and forget about layering, for now. The learned subject of today’s The Buyer’s Guide is Jackie Hay, the Executive Director of Menswear and Childrenswear for House of Fraser. Jackie’s CV boasts such brands as Austin Reed and Marks & Spencer before House of Fraser, who in turn have over 60 stores and whose history stretches back some 160 years !!! We asked her to select her top 10 buys for the forthcoming season;

Indigo is the colour of the season and this Kenneth Cole suit allows you to wear the colour of the season for work. Electric blue suit jacket £230 Kenneth Cole

Indigo is one of the key colours for SS13 and this Kenneth Cole suit gives you the perfect excuse to wear it to work. Electric blue suit jacket by Kenneth Cole

 

The classic aviator shape is a must-have for the summer season. Parallel Universe sunglasses £250 Prada

These classic aviator shaped sunglasses are a perennial must-have for the summer.
Parallel Universe sunglasses by Prada

 

Our Linea chinos are a staple item for our customers. We try to cover the main colours for each season.These mustard chinos are a great every-day way to channel the yellows that were seen at the shows. Mustard chinos £55 Linea

Chinos remain a staple in most men’s wardrobes and this pair in mustard, give a nod to the yellow trend without being difficult to wear. Mustard chinos by Linea

 

The perfect lightweight blazer for summer garden parties.  Seersucker ‘Boltons’ blazer £250 New & Lingwood

This lightweight cotton blazer is the perfect jacket for everything from an easy al fresco dinner to an afternoon garden party Seersucker ‘Boltons’ blazer by New & Lingwood

 

Printed swimwear is one of those erstwhile staples most men have in their wardrobes.  And this pair from Calvin Klein feature a great bold print – perfect for holiday lounging.  Blue floral shorts £89 Calvin Klein

Printed swimwear is one of those erstwhile staples most men have in their wardrobes. And this pair from Calvin Klein feature a great bold print – perfect for holiday lounging. Turquoise Tropical swim shorts by Calvin Klein

Practical and stylish, this beautiful tan leather messenger bag is a great investment. Tan leather messenger bag £445 Polo Ralph Lauren

Practical and stylish, this leather bag makes for a great investment piece and will only become better with age. Tan leather messenger bag by Polo Ralph Lauren

Heratige men’s watch £825 Burberry What men’s outfit is complete without a great watch?  This chunky timepiece from Burberry is bold enough to make a statement, but without stealing the show.

Heratige men’s watch by Burberry. What men’s outfit is complete without a great watch? This chunky timepiece from Burberry is bold enough to make a statement, but without stealing the show.

 

Yellow fisherman’s jacket £180 Scotch & Soda Technical jackets are one of the big trends for the season. This lightweight version in water-resistant yellow cotton is a vibrant addition to any wardrobe.

Yellow fisherman’s jacket by Scotch & Soda
Technical jackets are one of the big trends for the season. This lightweight version in water-resistant yellow cotton is a vibrant addition to any wardrobe.

 

Printed shorts £85 Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren This season it’s all about prints, and what better way to showcase them, than with these ikat print shorts?

Printed shorts by Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren
This season it’s all about prints, and what better way to showcase them, than with these ikat print shorts?

 

This tan leather bomber jacket is a fantastic transitional piece that will see the wearer through from spring into the early days of summer. Tan leather bomber jacket £580 Paul Smith Jeans

This tan leather bomber jacket is a fantastic transitional piece that will see the wearer through from spring into the early days of summer.
Tan leather bomber jacket by Paul Smith Jeans