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

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 !

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.

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.

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LOVE is a many splendored thing ! As long as you get the right gift – Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

(Sorry Loyal and trusted reader, this was meant to be Friday’s post, but due to Yahoo mail being, crap, it’s been delayed to today, sorry for the inconvenience).

Love it or Loathe it, there’s no escaping the fact that next week, in fact February 14th to be exact, is St Valentine’s Day. The one day of the year that you have no excuses and by golly you better not forget that Romance isn’t dead. Mrs Mc is exceptionally lucky in the sense that being married to my good self, everyday is like Valentine’s Day, or so I tell I keep her. But don’t worry if your still feeling the pinch from Christmas and in the words of Simply Mick, “Money’s to tight to mention”, we, as always, have searched far and wide for great ideas for the your loved one. Now don’t get me wrong, if you can afford it, whisk her away to Venice on the Orient Express for a romantic weekend or purchase her a pair of diamond earrings, think less Elizabeth Duke and more Chopard and you will literally be drowning in brownie points. BUT, as nice and as much as we may like to be able to offer this gesture, reality can often get in our way. So, here are a selection of great gift suggestions, that will get or keep you in the good books;

 

The Diamond Scented candle is guaranteed to excite, delight and fingers crossed surprise, as inside every fiftieth candle is a real sparkling spanking diamond !!!! by Paulina Leonor at Selfridges.

 

Paula Rowan Gloves come in a multitude of colours, not only RED, but it is Valentine's Day.

Paula Rowan Gloves not only come only in the finest leather but in a multitude of colours, not only RED, but it is Valentine’s Day.

 

You treat your good lady to these day of the week underwear by Stella McCartney and she'll love you 24/7.

You treat your good lady to these day of the week underwear by Stella McCartney and she’ll love you 24/7, now thats a promise.

 

It might seem cliche to us, but trust me the ladies love Mulberry and this Heart purse ticks all the boxes

It might seem cliche to us, but trust me the ladies love Mulberry and this Heart purse ticks all the boxes, nuff said.

 

As always M&S have the answer to your prayers all wrapped up. Send that special someone an extra special Valentine's gift; this red rose hamper includes a magnificent pot of red Kordana roses, a bag of love heart chocolates and Italian sparkling rosé wine for an all-inclusive gift to someone you love.

As always M&S have the answer to your prayers all wrapped up. Send that special someone an extra special Valentine’s gift; this red rose hamper includes a magnificent pot of red Kordana roses, a bag of love heart chocolates and Italian sparkling rosé wine for an all-inclusive gift to someone you love, chocolates, booze and flowers, you know her so well.

 

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I know I’ve gone on about these before, but this is what Mrs Mc will be getting as a little gift for Valentine’s Day. These Eley Kishimoto X Clarks, see not so sensible now are they. Another unlikely collaboration that works so well, will be earning me get out of jail cards !

 

LB08153-16

Give her the gift of time this Valentine’s Day, this Rotary Ladies verbier watch looks so much more then its price tag. Only thing is you can’t be late ever again !

 

As the release for Boss Nuit Pour Feme, says, "This will be your night." There are lots of great fragrances around at the moment. But word to the wise and check what kind of perfumes she like and go with one from the same family, so if she likes Musky scents DON'T go for a lil Floral number, trust me.

As the release for Boss Nuit Pour Femme, says, “This will be your night.” There are lots of great fragrances around at the moment. But word to the wise and check what kind of perfumes your good lady currently wears and go with one from the same family, so if she likes Musky scents DON’T go for a lil Floral number, trust me.

 

You can't go wrong with jewellery and big isn't always better. The ladies do like nice delicate, tasteful pieces like this bumblebee from Ted Baker

You can’t go wrong with jewellery and big isn’t always better. The ladies do like nice delicate, tasteful pieces like this bumblebee from Ted Baker

 

One last gift idea and normally I just would stay clear of gift vouchers, but these are no ordinary vouchers. Like everything Liberty do, these have a distinct individuality about them that any lady would find hard to say NO to.

One last gift idea and normally I would recommend staying clear of gift vouchers, but these are no ordinary vouchers. Like everything Liberty do, these have a distinct individuality about them that any lady would find hard to say NO to.

 

 

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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.

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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 !