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 !!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When is a White T-shirt not just a White T-Shirt ? The Selfridges ‘NO NOISE’ White T-shirt

The famous Selfridges Main Window

The famous Selfridges Main Window

The answer to, When is a White T-shirt not just a White T-Shirt ? Well, basically when it’s a Selfridges exclusive Designer T-shirt as part of their ‘NO NOISE’ initiative. No Noise centres around the re-launch of its legendary Silence Room, first created by the store’s visionary founder, Harry Gordon Selfridge, Yes him of the hugely successful Sunday night drama on ITV, in 1909. The new Silence Room presents a fresh take on the original model but with the same purpose: providing an oasis of quiet for those eager to take uno momento to pause and switch off from the hard toil of retail therapy. Designed by renowned architect Alex Cochrane, famed for his work on amongst other projects Sotheby’s and Heathrow Airport. This serene space will be created to encourage a mental detox and visitors will be asked to leave shoes, mobile phones and 21st century distractions at the door, how very zen.

For anyone who hasn’t seen the period drama, Mr Selfridge, the aforementioned retail maverick was known for not only revolutionising the way we shopped but turned the experience from a necessity into very much a leisure pass time and experience within itself. In the purist spirit of No Noise, six leading international fashion brands(Dries van Noten, Jonathan Saunders, Raf Simons, Paul Smith, Marni and Hunter Gather) have created limited- edition men’s white t-shirts – each with unique design details, such as Dries van Noten’s season-defining camo print and a bold embossed ‘X’ on Raf Simons’ style, making them covetable collector’s items.

 

Dries van Noten

Dries van Noten

Marni

Marni

Hunter Gather

Hunter Gather

Paul Smith

Paul Smith

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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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.

 

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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 !

 

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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.

 

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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

 

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

 

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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.

 

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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 !

Smarten yourself up this party season – The Velvet Jacket

The Christmas party season is nearly upon us and its cranking itself up to be a big one this Yuletide, whether you want to impressive your boss or another work colleague at the annual office party or if you want to cut a dash and look the part on Christmas Day while watching Downton Abbey. One piece of clothing that guarantees to transform any outfit into a sophisticated, suave look, worthy of any event, whether that be held at the Dorchester to the Dog & Duck, is the Velvet blazer. The Menswear sector of the Fashion industry are in complete agreement, from the catwalks of Milan and New York to the high Streets of Carlisle and Coventry, they all adore this piece for Winter 2012.

If it isn’t broken don’t try to fix it, Channel your inner milk tray man in this Black Velvet blazer by Ted Baker

 

Always one to perfect Traditional with a twist Paul Smith’s Brown Velvet blazer can be found @ MRPorter.com

 

Look Super cool in this Wine coloured double breasted Velvet jacket by ACNE exclusively for MRPORTER.com

 

A Contemporary Classic this Navy Velvet jacket by Austin Reed Cut

 

Any a purple haze to the Yuletide thanks to Marks & Spencer

 

Be a little different and stand out from the crowd in a good way in this Emerald Green piece by Tiger of Sweden @ Selfridges

 

A beautiful timeless Navy piece which will make you feel $1,000,000 by Reiss

 

 

 

A Coat for all Seasons – COMPETITION TIME !!!

In past Autumn/Winter seasons there nearly always is A specific style of coat which will have been picked up on by the Designer Houses of Paris, Milan, London & New York and given an individual interoperation whether that be by Burberry, Saint Laurent, Tom Ford or Gucci which is turn is then translated by the High Street retailers, whether that be a Parka, Pea, Duffle, Car, Military, Over or Trench, but not so for this season, surprisingly, we are spoilt for choice in Winter 2012 as there are many different great styles of coat on all ends of the style spectrum.

The Donkey Jacket – More Stylish man than Bin man in this enduring favourite of the Englishman’s wardrobe, reworked through modern styling, fit and fabrication by Ben Sherman, but Paul Smith has also got on that Donkey tip.

 

This great example of an Overcoat is perfect for dressing up with a suit for work or is equally at home teamed with jeans or chinos and a knit for the weekend. There are many great overcoats on the market at the moment from the creator of the garment itself, Crombie, to a more designer option from Raf Simons to this choice from Moss Bros’s Ventuno 21 range.

 

Channel your inner spy this Winter and pretend to be on a mission behind the iron curtain. This example of a great Trench coat won me over for the pure and simple reason that it’s the coolest pac-a-mac around, by Burberry Brit @ my wardrobe.com. However, for some old school heritage luxury maybe look to Mackintosh or Hancock for a cool collars up Trench.

 

Not strictly a coat, but will sure as hell keep you warm throughout the Winter. This brilliant padded jacket from Self has a built in Ruck Sack in the back, just in case you run out of hands carrying all those Christmas presents and the price won’t break the bank either. Other highly commended options around come from Moncler, APC and Dolce & Gabbana.

 

The Pea Coat was cool long before Jack Nicholson made it an icon in One flew over the Cuckoos Nest. Gucci have done a number of interpretations of this classic for this season, but keep it simple as its a classic and if you treat it well it will do you proud. However, everyone from Gap, McQ, Marks & Spencer and once again Dolce & Gabbana have all done great translations of this menswear classic.

 

 

The whole Military trend has been around for a considerable length of time now in menswear and looks like its going nowhere soon. This coat is from Robbie Williams’ Farrell Range, showing singing isn’t the only thing he can score a top place at. Brands Unconditional, Wolsley and Marc by Marc Jacobs have all produced great coats using the Military look for inspiration.

 

If your thinking about investing in a Duffle Coat this Winter, keep it traditional. In 1954 the Gloverall family started to produce their own Duffle Coats in a factory behind St Pauls Cathedral London. Now Gloverall aren’t on their own in making great examples of a Duffle coats, Marks & Spencer, APC, Carven and Burton have all done so.

 

Now if you feel the cold, you certainly won’t in this amazing Byrd Parka from Woolrich, currently celebrating its 40th Birthday, doesn’t look to down does it ? Originally designed to protect workers from the frigid glacial temperatures, and since then, after slight modernizations in fit and style, continues to be a must-have for clientele both for its technical qualities (it maintains body heat to a temperature of -40°) and for the comfort that makes it perfect for city life. Woolrich aren’t the only provider of sterling Parkas NapaPijri, Barbour and Penfield are all in on the Parka act.

Now to celebrate the fortieth birthday of the Woolrich parka, one of you lucky readers will be all toastie warm this Winter, yes we are giving you the chance to win an incredible Byrd Parka, a 100% natural cotton fabric, naturally water repellent, breathable, and wind resistant thanks to the special spin and weave. It is padded with the highest quality goose feather down guaranteeing maximum warmth while keeping it light in weight.

All you need to do is follow us here at Clothes-make-the-man.com by –

1) Returning to our home page and in the subscribe to Clothes-make-the-man.com box on the left of your screen

2) Input your email address

3) An email from the blog will be sent to you and you MUST open and confirm that email.

OR follow us at Twitter @ Clothesmakethem OR Facebook @facebook.com/ClothesMakeTheMan

Do this by Sunday 2nd December and hey presto a few days later you will receive a gift from us to you. It’s that simple ! Good luck.