CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Make him feel Wanted this Yuletide – Ideal Christmas Gift ideas for Dads

250x250_CMTM_BannerTo 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 !

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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 !

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 !!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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 !