Look of the Week: Leather

Hope you guys are well and you're keeping up to date with all my social media pages, if not check out my Tumblr, Twitter and Pinterest stuff!  Ok, I thought I'd keep it nice and simple this month with a key wardrobe item that everyone should have in their arsenal; the leather jacket.  Big time players such as Beck's have been sporting some outstanding examples this last week and again, as I keep banging on about it, with the weather taking a turn for the wetter a leather jacket is a sound investment.  I've got top of the range here obviously but if you want advice on some cheaper options or maybe a styling session, give me a shout on StyleGuiser@gmail.com

Also, a big thank you to Hentsch Man (some bargains in their sale by the way) for liking my Facebook Page and giving me a few Retweets - always helps notoriety!  That aside I noticed Hentsch Man last year when they appeared on Mr Porter and I've loved their stuff ever since; its simple, clean and contemporary.  If you're looking for some stylish wardrobe staples check them out, top notch stuff.  In honour of my love for Hentsch I've decided to use one of their shirts in my outfit - you can't see the pattern that well from this photo but go on their site, check out their shirts; it's the reason they decided to go into business!

Nice and simple - you can't go wrong with a leather jacket and black jeans - anything else in between will work whatever your style!  A timeless classic combination!

The Jeans are from Jean Machine, slim black and very versatile another essential item if you haven't already got a pair.

The shirt as I mentioned before is from Hentsch Man, its the Friday shirt with an awesome pattern.

The leather jacket is from Balmain, yes its pricey but worth every penny!  If you're looking for a cheaper version check this one out from Edwin.

The Shoes are an awesome pair from Raf Simons.  I was tempted to use a chelsea boot but thought I'd mix it up with a derby.

The Watch is a Luminox and the Belt Saint Laurent, nice and simple nothing to over complicate the outfit.

Finally with a nod to the A/W 13 trend orange the Scarf is from Alexander McQueen (who else?)

There you go!  As always I welcome any feedback and if you're stuck on what to wear this Autumn check out my website for styling options! 

Enjoy!

Look of the Week: October

I hope you guys are all well and the week so far has been good to you, if not hopefully my LOTW will brighten up your day and make you see the light (Friday) at the end of the tunnel (week).  As I'm sure most of you have noticed, the nights are drawing in earlier and earlier by the day which means it's no longer possible to leave the house without thinking about the weather and grabbing a coat just in case it gets chilly or rains!  With this in mind I've got one of my most desired items for you, the camel overcoat.  It's a classic coat that is extremely versatile and can be thrown over a suit during the week but works equally well with jeans and a t-shirt on a sunday stroll for the papers.  As always, I'd love some feedback and/or any questions you may have - perhaps I can offer you some styling advice for an upcoming occasion?  Get in touch: StyleGuiser@gmail.com

I think this is a nice, simple look that can easily be slipped into you current wardrobe, the weather isn't that cold that you'll need to layer but should you need to, I'd suggest a grey roll neck worn underneath the shirt a lá Prada 2012 A/W which is still a good look and great layering option.  I know some may be apprehensive of wearing a white jean but I will maintain my golden rule, FIT IS EVERYTHING, get in to a decent store and get the fit right, don't be afraid of them being too tight - they're supposed to feel snug!  And take a style savvy friend for advice - or better yet, email me and I'll offer my advice first hand!

The shirt is chambray number from A.P.C, crisp, clean and simple - a wardrobe essential, it'll go with everything.

The shoes are from Lanvin, they're patented leather green sneakers and again will go with everything (I've seen them worn with a Tux before and they looked great). I think the green really brings out the colour in the rest of the outfit.

Scarf is the new pattern from Alexander Mcqueen.

The watch is from Scandinavian brand Void who make some great watches, check them out.

The Coat is absolutely amazing, its from Acne and it's the right length, shade of camel and cut to justify being such a valuable asset to your closet.

The jeans are from J Brand, quality cut but make sure they fit and take them to the tailors to make them look twice as good!

The belt I really like, its from Alexander Olch a New York tie maker who are spreading their boundaries and making some awesome stuff.

I don't want to rabble on loads, just give you the basics - if you want more info, leave a comment below!

Enjoy!

Look of the Week: Work

Apologies for the late posting of this blog, but I've started back at university and started a new job this week and my schedule has been all over the place!  But anyway, here we are!  Again, inspired by events around my life I've started a new job at John Lewis and as such I have to suit up accordingly.  Not a problem for me as I have a great navy suit that I wear when I need to scrub up (which doesn't happen often).  But, if I was to buy a new suit, shirt and tie, shoes etc. then this is definitely the combination I'd go for, let me know what you think!

Although this may not been the most exciting LOTW, but there are some sartorial rules to be learned.  The suit is an absolute essential item, everyone should own at least a grey or a navy suit and have it taken to the tailors for the perfect fit.  This one is from Saville Row's Richard James, its a nice dark tone without being either too dark and indistinguishable from black or too light and tacky.  If you haven't got a suit yet, get down there and buy this one.  I find purple really compliments grey so I've gone for this Turnbull & Asser bengal stripe shirt; this is an power shirt and bengal stripes will really show you mean business in the boardroom.  If this was for a wedding I would suggest a gingham check shirt in a softer colour, maybe from Emma Willis (new shirtmaker on the scene, check her out).  I love contrasting patterns so I've coupled the shirt with this fantastic tie from Alexander McQueen, pure silk with mini polka dot and skull design.  Now, you may think that the skulls on the tie may be too much in the office but I say sod it!  I tried the look with a normal polka dot tie (which you are free to do, use a grey on grey to complete the look) but it was too boring for me and at any rate, nobody will actually notice the skulls. Lesson No.1, if you're mixing patterns always adjust the thickness of the styles so you don't match them, i.e. you can mix a bengal stripe with a polka dot but not a striped tie of the same thickness or direction, or a Prince of Wales check will also match a polka dot as long as the polka dots are large and not a mirco dot.  

The watch is Junghans X Max Bill stainless steel, beautifully simple and elegant - what's not to like! Lesson No.2 A gentleman wears a metal or chain link watch in the day and a leather strap at night.

The shoes, what to say about the shoes - they're amazing.  They are from British heritage company Church's who are just round the corner from Saville Row and make handmade made to measure shoes if you were so inclined!  Don't worry, they make 'off the peg' shoes also, this pair is around £400 but worth every penny.  You could go for a lace up derby or brogue but I really love a smart black leather single monk strap, they mean business.

To finish it off a smart leather belt from Mulberry (this is also reversible to show a brown tan on the other side so twice as useful) and, as always a crisp pocket square from Turnbull & Asser (pick it up the same time as your shirt). Lesson No.3 Always match your pocket square to your shirt not your tie.  I hate seeing matching pocket squares with ties, its unimaginative and dull.  You can pick a colour from you tie or the rest of the outfit but as a rule the main colour should reflect the shirt.

There you have it, what I would wear to work!  Let me know if you like it, leave comments and all the rest!  As always if you want to book me for a styling session for you or an event contact me on styleguiser@gmail.com 

Enjoy!

Look of the Week: At the Shows

I hope you guys are well and have been enjoying the fashion shows as much as I have over the last few weeks - there's been some amazing looks, off and on the catwalk.  If you've read this blog before you'll know I always take my LOTW inspiration from events that occur around the time and this week is no exception.  I've mostly been looking at celebrity and street style photos as I love what photographers can capture with regards to individual style so I've taken note from these and put an outfit together that you could wear off to a show, a dinner or after party and look the part.  It's an fantastic mix of suiting, smart casual and individual takes on everything in between, lots of tailoring mixed with sneakers, blazers worn with jeans and brogues or smart trousers with t-shrits and blousons (as seen by Mr David Gandy himself).  You'll find the best 'looks' around worn by models, designers and celebs alike who attend these shows and I find it to be the best inspiration for my personal style.  Anyway, here's the look and my breakdown!

As you can see it's slightly influenced by the military style that is still hanging around (and quite frankly I can't get out of my head) for some reason, my attempt previous to this could be easily be seen in a barrack - but I toned in down and smartened it up for you.  Sticking to greys, navy and dark reds mainly and block colouring will always look smart and by choosing a diferent colour blazer to the trousers will make it look less like a uniform and more of a personal touch.

The blazer is a slim-fit Prince of Wales check wool-blend from Ami (£500), it's getting slightly colder now and this double breasted jacket will keep you nice and warm on that walk from the tube to the show/bar/restaurant and also because its double breasted you'll stand out in a sea of single breasted jackets.  Double breasted jackets are coming back with a vengeance and even more so this season, they are everywhere in the mens style publications.  To accompany the blazer what else but a crisp white shirt from British brands Hackett (£95) a Drake's navy knitted tie (£95) and purple and green pockets square to make the outfit pop from Etro (£60).

The trousers are from Neil Barrett (£425), they're a cotton and linen blend cargo pant and I think they are amazing.  I'm not a big fan of the cuffed trouser that's coming in to stores this Autumn (see Topman's take, hideous) but as a Cargo pant I think they really work and definitely something to make you stand out.

Ok, so down to the finer details, the belt is from Gucci (£245) and the buckle if you look closely is detailed with a bamboo style, much like they've been using on their bag handles for the past season - I think it adds nicely to the military theme without being too over the top.

The bracelet is, of course, from Miansai (£55) - who else?  Another company I can't stop using in my LOTW is Uniform Wares (£390), so I've pinched their watch again!  Sorry, but stop making such nice watches! 

Strangely, a company I haven't used before but absolutely love are Grenson (£280), these are the Stanley Burnished-leather wingtip brogue that will last you a lifetime.  I have a pair of Sid's that I've had for a while and they still look fantastic, the build quality is second to none and they're British.

So there you go - a look I'd love to wear to a show, a creative meeting or just for a Wednesday!  As always I welcome any comments or feedback you may have and if you have an occasion you'd like me to do a look of the Week for get it touch through StyleGuiser@Gmail.com

Enjoy!

Look of the Week: Autumn

First off, let me apologise for not posting a Look of the Week last wednesday, I have no excuse for this other than the fact I was having a small holiday on the Isle of Wight at Bestival!  It was a crazy 5 days and I feel like a need another holiday to recover!  What I did notice from being out and about for 5 days in the south of England was that the temperature and weather generally is now changing for the colder.  September is is well and truly upon us and it's getting really chilly at night and the odd shower is never far away.  On the bright side you can now go out and buy some new clothes to wrap up, get layering going again and maybe even treat yourself to a new coat (which I plan on doing ASAP)!

So, my Look this week bears in mind all the previous comments about the rubbish weather and gets you ready with the new A/W trends whilst keeping you warm and looking good!  A big trend seen on the catwalks earlier in the year was the colour orange, it was everywhere and being displayed by companies such as Richard Nicoll, Alexander McQueen and Christopher Raeburn.  Which is the reason being my trench coat choice, its a great Autumn colour and will really stand out when everything gets grey and miserable!

Ok, The jeans are overydyed slim-fit beauties from music inspired company Acne; they have a huge cult following in the music industry.  This darker pair will be well suited to winter and by next summer they'll have worn-in, faded nicely and will fit you perfectly.

I've matched the dark jeans with the amazing cotton trench coat from Hardy Amies - it'll look great on the weekend as a casual look like this one or over a suit during your working week.  Most importantly trench coats are great for layering and will keep you nice and dry during those Autumn showers.

Now, I know some men might find it hard to match a bright colour such as orange but as long as you match it with greys, blues and and purples you'll be fine.  I've used one of my favourite design companies Gitman Vintage for the cotton jacquard shirt - the pattern will add a different aspect to the outfit and make the focal area around the neck, chest and shoulders more exciting. 

Over the top of the shirt I've layered a simple knitted cotton and linen sweater from Ami, the purple will really make the orange and the blue blend together.

Another company I love is Common Projects and these suede high-tops are amazing and perfect for winter.

Accessories, I've got you a blue suede woven Anderson's belt, an Acne beanie hat (which are also on trend this A/W) and a gorgeous Uniform Wares 300 series brown watch with a silver face.

Right, so there you have it!  I really like this outfit and would love to see it put together by someone!  So if you decide to pull this one off please send me a photo and I'll put it on my blog!  As always I welcome any feedback or comments and will do my best to answer any questions you might have!

Enjoy!

Look of the Week: Streetwear

Right, a bit later than expected, but here's my Look of the Week inspired by streetwear!  I've recently been infatuated by the streetwear that's all over Tumblr and Pinterest (if you know where to look), it's a look that before has never really caught my interest, I just thought that it was just some urban style where people bought t-shirts that were too big and jeans that were too tight!  But, having looked into it, it's an incredible world influenced by major designers such as Givenchy, Neil Barrett, Raf Simons, Rick Owens, Kenzo and Commes Des Garcons to name a few.  Now, I'm not talking about the smaller companies like BOY London, who are adorned by people like Rhianna.  More like A$AP Rocky, Kanye and alike - who wear it with much more aplomb and finesse.  The origins have come from rap and hip-hop, oversized baggy street styles mashed with modern slim cut designer clothes has breathed new life into streetstyle without it being refused entry into a club.  You'll find a lot of monochrome, it seems to be the code of the uniform, mixed with leather, studs, animal print and gold.  It's a great look and a lot of high street stores are catching on.

So, what I've got for you here is your monochrome streetstyle inspired look.  The jeans are from Balmain, they're leather panelled distressed skinny jeans which sound awful I know but look great.  To match this I've got a pair of trainers that have been a huge success this year, the Valentino sneakers, I love them - if only I could afford a pair (or two).  The t-shirt is a limited edition that you can only buy at Selfridges at the moment, its from a company called Les (Art)ists who have brought out these american style jersey t-shirts with notable artists such as Yeezy, Damien Hirst and Raf Simons printed on the back.  I've gone with an artists I can't stop listening to at the moment, A$AP Rocky.  The chain is from A.P.C, I've used it a couple of times on my blog, it's awesome and fits in perfectly here.  The watch is a Nixon Time Teller rose gold that won't break the bank but looks the piece.  The jacket is a black bomber which is right on trend for the coming autumn from Paul Smith, it is such a cool item and you'll see it all over the street style blogs come the colder months.  Finally the belt is new season Burberry Prorsum.  The animal print breaks up the black and white nicely.

So, there you have it - my street style inspired look.  If you have a similar outfit and want to send me some snaps I'll be happy to put them up on my Tumblr page.

Enjoy!

Look of the Week: Festival

Hey guys, hope you're all doing well and you enjoyed my Picks of the Week yesterday, if not hit the link to check it out!  So, this weeks look gets its inspiration from all the festivals going on over the last few weeks, I'm also off to Reading Festival this weekend so thought it would be apt.  Now, the majority of festival 'looks' that are posted on menswear sites I usually hate; they probably include a checkered shirt, wellies and a straw hat.  No bloody good at all.  Just because you're going to a field to drink cans of cider doesn't mean you have to dress like a farmer.  Festivals are cool and I have time for a lot of modern festival goers, I just cannot abide those hippy types that change their look drastically because they're going to a festival and force an outfit that doesn't work.  Never fear, I am on hand to provide you with a cool, modern and yet practical outfit if you're off to a festival this weekend!

Ok, obviously you're going to be in a filed, probably living in the same jeans and trainers for the weekend so I've chosen a pair of Nudie Jeans Grim Tim slim fit organic denim jeans.  Nudie make some awesome jeans and they're priced very reasonably, this pair made with organic cotton are a bit softer and stretchier making them really comfortable so you can wear them all weekend. 

I'm sorry I just couldn't pick a pair of wellies or boots for this, they're just not me so I've gone for the next best think; leather trainers.  These are Jack Purcell's black leather trainers from Converse, they should keep your feet nice and dry and warm, they'll be easy to clean but above all they're a classic style of shoe with a great silhouette.  Being leather also you can just wipe them clean and they're only £50!

You'll need a bag for all your beer/wine/rum whatever you're bringing (spare pants and socks would be advisable if you have room left).  Herschel Supply Co do backpacks that are really well build and hold a lot of stuff!  This one is ideal and has a great aesthetic.  

Accessories I've got for you are the black leather woven belt from Mulberry, quality leather goods and the again a woven belt is more comfortable that a solid leather and is a lot more casual.  

The bracelet I used in my Picks of the Week a few weeks ago, its from Miansai who are doing fantastic things right now, I literally want all over their goods.  

The Sunglasses are from Illesteva and again I used them in my Picks of the Week a while back, very cool and plastic so they shouldn't break too easily.

The watch is one of those cheap retro Timex ones which, should you break it or lose it it won't really matter but is still quite a cool little item. 

Moving on to the rest of the outfit, the amazing t-shirt is from Paul Smith, its part of the new season they've just released and the oversized houndstooth print is massively on trend right now, I really want this t-shirt.

The coat is a Winston Fishtail parka from Steven Alan, perfect for a festival.  Lightweight enough to be carried around, waterproof and big enough to protect you from the elements and those late nights!

Well there you go, although I'm not a festive man myself this is my take on what you should look like.  I'd love to see your festival style photos if you have any, I'll post them!

Enjoy!