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!

Picks of the Week: Mr Porter

So, it's been a fairly long week (or one of those week that felt really long anyway!), I've mostly been sorting out my new Website and Facebook Page to boost my Personal Styling business.  Please go and check them out and let me know what you think.  A lot of designers are releasing their Autumn and Winter ranges at the moment so my Picks of the Week have one eye on the approaching colder season whilst keeping everything on trend.  I aim to go into more depth about the Autumn/Winter trends with a post in the near future but, a general overview of trends would be: orange, grey-on-grey and burgundy being the biggest colours to walk the catwalk earlier this year.  Bomber jackets are big, oversized prints and checks, the gillet is back, rollnecks are making an appearance from last year which I'm happy about, printed everything (trousers mostly and sweaters), bold shoes (trainers and shoes with bright casings), hiking boots and some very snappy silk blend paisley DJ's for the christmas dinners (I apologise for mentioning Christmas, I know it's only August!).

Top Left: Ok, with those trends in mind I've got for you a houndstooth-print silk pocket square from Paul Smith.  The oversized print is really big right now, if you've got some time check out Paul Smith's new A/W13 range, the the printed trousers are amazing.  I used a pair in my Look of the Week last week.  This item will be really easy to slip into your wardrobe and give a quick boost to your style; being black and white it will go with pretty much everything.  The obvious choice is to wear a black and white outfit with this but stand out and make a statement, wear it with a forest green blazer, crisp white shirt, skinny black jeans and slippers or loafers for a night out, the pocket square will really pop off the blazer.

Top Middle: We've got a heart cutout wool and chasmere-blend sweater from Burberry Prorsum.  I saw some of the Burberry Prorsum shows from earlier in the year and the stuff they're brining out is fantastic and I'm really excited for next years line.  Anyway, keeping with the theme this jumper has an awesome print in the on trend burgundy colour way.  Wear it with jeans and a pair of Jack Purcells for an off-duty look.

Top Right: Doberman-print cotton-jersey t-shirt from Givenchy.  Following on from their range of Rottweiler sweaters they've brought out this incredible printed t-shirt.  This t-shirt will be huge so get it now before anyone else does!  Givenchy are doing some of the coolest street wear around at the moment so wear it with some equally cool street wear but keep it plain as the t-shirt is very bold, black skinny jeans and some of the new Valentino sneakers.

Bottom Left: I've chosen Drawstring knitted trousers form Dolce & Gabbana.  These aren't particularly to my taste, I think I'd have to work them in quite carefully, but done right they can be very modern and a great look.  Acne has some great pairs of these and a lot of the big designers are releasing their own.  Although the temptation is to wear these on a Sunday afternoon round the house then popping on a t-shrit and sneakers and nipping to the shop but I'd really prefer to see them worn completely differently.  I'd wear these with Lanvin sneakers, a grandad shirt and a shawl collar black blazer with the sleeves rolled up and plenty of jewellery.

Middle Bottom: We have a leather-sleeved wool-blend bomber jacket from A.P.C.  A.P.C have brought out a few new coats on Mr. Porter this week and in all honesty I could've done the whole post with their coats but hey, I had to chose one so I chose this.  Again, the bomber jacket will be a good look this season and a jacket like this will see you through a few years and age really well so its a great investment.  Saint Laurent had a similar one that was more of a leather bomber jacket as opposed to a baseball inspired one that was around £2k.  Wear this with a printed t-shirt or sweater, jeans and leather sneakers.

Bottom Right: A new designer on Mr. Porter, Helix fringed leather loafers from Heschung.  They're a traditional French shoe maker that use the highest quality leather from France and Italy.  Some of their boots look really good.  This pair though, in a nice burgundy will see you the winter months nicely, robust and well put together but still stylish.  I love a fringed or tasseled loafer, they're an instant style upgrade without standing out too much.  Wear them with slim dark jeans and a warm oatmeal cable-knit.

Well, again if you guys have any questions about by post feel free to leave some comments below, I'd love to hear from you!  Keep an eye out for my Look of the Week tomorrow!

Enjoy!

Share the love

I recently launched my new website to offer my personal styling skill set on a more professional level.  whilst doing this I was messing around trying to link all my social media pages to each other (which took hours!), so I thought I'd put a quick post up here for my new website so you guys could have a look and also offer you links to all my social media should you want to connect with me!

Website

So, here we are - I've made it nice and easy with a screen shot for you, just click on the link to go to the page!  Hope you guys like it and as always I welcome any feedback or questions you may have!

Intsagram

Facebook Page

Twitter

Tumblr

Pinterest

Look of the Week

I hope you guys liked my picks from Mr. Porter yesterday, if you missed it check it out on my previous post and let me know what you think.  This weeks Look of the Week is inspired again a little from London but mostly just a strong night-out look.  It's a friday or a saturday you're meeting a few friends and possibly a few lady friends later on for a bite to eat and some cocktails.  Sometimes the old jeans, shirt and blazer combo is a bit worn out.  Don't get me wrong, its a timeless classic and the infamous smart-casual staple but after wearing it a few times you'll soon realise that everyone is wearing the same clothes and honestly, I couldn't think of anything worse than going on a night out and being dressed the same as everyone else!  The blazer, jeans and shirt assemble is a great place to start, this is a step up.  It's very bold and you're going to need some balls to wear it.  Confidence is everything.  I would happily wear this on a night out and if I do put the outfit together I'll take a photo for you guys because its always nice to see the clothes on a body as opposed to flat and separated like this.

Again, I've been banging on about patterned trousers for weeks now but they are fantastic, this pair is from Paul Smith's new collection, there's another pair with a large print houndstooth which I almost chose for this article but went for the marble instead as I though they were more party-ish.  The blazer is Alexander McQueen and season on season these two keep powering out great British looks.  The obvious choice would've been to pair it with a black blazer (and if you're not feeling brave enough to wear the burgundy one go for a simple black, maybe velvet) but, taking inspiration form Tom Ford's SS14 lookbook I've decided to match the colour with the main colour of the trousers for a stronger look.  Now, I could've gone for a shirt here and I played around with a bib-front grandad collar shirt but it just didn't seem to work.  The best way to calm the outfit down was to keep it as simple as possible so a plain white v-neck t-shirt from James Perse did the trick.  You'll notice that I've kept the other colours black or white not to overpower the look, a Bottega Veneta embossed leather belt, the slippers I love are from Dolce & Gabbana, the watch is a beautiful minimalist Uniform Wares 100 Series all black , the necklace is from A.P.C its a gold chain with a square black pendant on it, nothing too brash but a nice touch to break up the t-shirt and finally the pocket square is a Turnbull & Asser silk polka dot which adds a bit of contrast to the black and the white.

So, I hope you like my Look of the Week, its a strong one!  I'd appreciate any feedback or if you have any style questions you'd like to ask me feel free to leave it on the comments box below, thanks!

Enjoy!

Picks of the Week: Mr.Porter

It's been a long week for some reason, but I'm looking forward to doing my Look of the Week tomorrow; it's becoming the highlight of my week to be honest!  Anyway, as I'm sure many of you have noticed a lot of the magazines, shops and general advertisement have turned from summer linen vibes to layers, coats and winter accessories which can only mean that autumn is on it's way and it is definitely time to start thinking of your winter wardrobe.  Albeit, summer isn't over yet but, here's a few items to get your brain thinking about some winter styles.

Top left is a colour-block bonded-jersey sweatshirt from Neil Barrett, if you read my blog last week you'd have discovered that I have an obsession at the moment with panelled or printed loopback jersey sweaters and this one is no exception.  It also mixes textures and fabrics, and the layering is actual overlapping of material, it's not sewn together.  Super contemporary, I love it.  Wear it with black skinny jeans and colourful flyknit racers.

Top right is a leather pouch from Comme Des Garçons.  Measuring 9" by 6" its the ideal size to chuck your phone, wallet, documents, keys and whatever else your carrying into and keep safe.  If you're like me you hate having things in your pockets, especially when you're wearing a slim fit suit, tailored chinos or skinny jeans, things in your pockets look like ridiculous bulges and are uncomfortable.  This pouch won't be for everyone and some may see it as feminine, but take it as you like, guys all over Pitti Uomo had these this year and expect to see them in the hands of stylish gents at January shows in 2014.

So, in the middle left we have a beautiful Masion Kitsuné quilted wool-blend peacoat in a bold blue.  The peacoat is an absolute classic and everyman should own one, this one is the contemporary classic.  the cut is slim and the blue and white contrast anchor its nautical heritage.  With its quilted lining on the inside this coat will see you through the harshest of winter months.  If you think the colour is too bold, go for a navy from Burberry or Belstaff which is a failsafe option.  Wear it with your favourite jeans and brogues.

Middle right we have the SLo6 leather sneakers from Saint Laurent.  I've been looking down at my poor canvas Jack Purcell's all scuffed and torn from the summer antics and thinking "I need new trainers for the winter".  The only option is to go with leather ones, obviously, canvas will last you 5 minutes in the rain before you feel like you're walking round with two sponges on your feet.  This pair from Saint Laurent hark back to the classic tennis shoe with its simple aesthetic and sleek silhouette, what more do you want from a sneaker.  Wear them dark jeans and a t-shirt and bomber jacket.

Bottom left is a pair of slim-fit printed cotton-blend jeans form Balenciaga.  These jeans are awesome, look at them!  I've said it before and I'll say it again, printed trousers are going to be huge next year, so get yourself a pair now, don't be a follower be a leader.  This monochrome pair are very bold, but if you're going to start somewhere start with a subtle black and white look.  You can dress these up or down really, with a velvet black blazer, white shirt and slippers or a with a pair of black common projects sneakers, back t-shirt and dark denim jacket.

Finally, I have another Saint Laurent product for you, this stripped cotton wool-blend sweater.  Nothing but pure quality and luxury from the Parisian design house with this classic breton stripe jumper.  This is one of those jumpers that will last you for years and never go out of fashion, its a solid investment.  Wear it on the weekend or to the cinema for a cool casual look.

Look of the Week

Here's my look of the week as requested!  I've had such a great response from this section and I'd just like to thank you guys for your input!  There's been no special occasion since last week and the weather hasn't much changed but, I've had London on my mind.  I really enjoy visiting London when I can and hope to be there in October for a small shopping trip with a client so, this weeks look of the week is with the Nations capital in mind.  It's something I'd wear whilst popping around some of the boutiques in London, a great casual look that comfortable yet stylish.

Ok, so what I've tried to do is base the outfit around the sneakers, when walking around London shopping (or anywhere for that matter) it's always best to have a super comfy pair of trainers to do it in, trust me it makes all the difference!  These are brand new pair from french design house Ami, old school racers are huge right now so grab a pair now so you can dig them out for spring because they'll still be big next year.  I've matched these with a pair of Acne slim fit Max Cash jeans, I love wearing black skinny jeans and this pair from Acne are well cut and great quality.  Another company I absolutely love is Hentsch Man, their Friday shirts are great and I especially like this soft denim one.  Thrown over the top I have for you a Todd Snyder loopback cotton jersey sweat, simple, understated yet cool and to pull the look together a suede Anderson's belt and a Uniform Wares 100 series watch.

Again, if you have an occasion you'd like me to do a look of the week for, please leave a comment in the box below, thanks!

Enjoy!

Picks of the Week: Mr.Porter

Not much has happened this week, except I went to Sestri Levante on the Italian Riviera to work an event.  Sadly, it was a very rural town and there wasn't much style to snap, but the women were as beautiful as the coastline.  Anyway, here are my picks of the week from Mr.Porter (I'm hoping if I give them enough attention I'll get a job there!)

So, top left we have a pair of Illesteva Leonard Round-Framed Acetate sunglasses.  I love the contrast of the matte black and reflective blue lenses, they scream an edgy city vibe.  Wear them with a plain black t-shirt, scruffy ripped jeans and converse.

Top right I've got for you a Wooyoungmi Printed Neoprene Loopback cotton sweatshirt.  I'm obsessed with loopback sweats and prints at the moment, I like the vintage design and simple aesthetic with the modern print slapped on the front.  The neoprene and leather detail adds a great textured effect.  Wear this with a crisp white shirt, skinny black jeans and some simple racer trainers.

Middle left is a J Crew Loopback cotton sweat; I told you I was obsessed with these!  This one from J Crew is slightly lighter and a bit more textured, giving it a great relaxed Sunday feel.  Wear it with black jeans and a pair of white canvas trainers.

Middle right is a Patterned Ribbed Merino Wool sweater from A.P.C.  Loads of designers are coming up with chunky knit contrast patterned sweaters and jumpers for the coming season so this will be right on trend.  Wear it with your favourite jeans and a pair of brown boots for a relaxed weekend look.

Bottom left is a plain white Henley t-shrit from James Perse.  If you haven't heard of James Perse I suggest you take a look into the brand; they make some of the best t-shirts and jumpers around, using the finest cotton to make luxury easy to wear basics.  Every man should own a henley t-shrit in white, black and grey.  They provide the basis for so many outfits and are great for layering.  Wear it with a leather jacket and dark jeans.

Finally we have a pair of Common Projects Achilles leather trim and wool low top sneakers.  I absolutely love Common Projects shoes, they make fantastic minimalist shoes of the highest quality.  Wear these with grey chinos, a white button down oxford and a chunky cardigan.

Look of the Week: Holiday

Today is apparently the hottest day of the year here in the UK so I thought I'd give you guys a nice holiday look, something you could wear here in the Great Britannia or whilst you're away on your holiday!  It's a nice simple look, with a relaxed palette which you can wear during the day and take through to early evening cocktails or even dinner.

Ok so what I've got for you here is a lovely summer blazer form Massimo Alba which is a linen blend, so should help keep you reasonably cool in the heat of the Italian Riviera!  I've matched this with a simple white linen shirt (yes, there's a theme here) from Faconnable which, despite it being linen, has a nice fit so won't hang off you like a overside cushion cover!  Paired with a solid pair of navy chino shorts from Slowear (an essential item this summer) - these will go with everything, very versatile.  Now, if you're going to be doing a spot of sightseeing during your holiday you'll need a comfortable pair of shoes and what better pair than Car Shoe driving moccasins.  I've chosen this great burgundy pair as I love green, red and blue in an outfit; I think they really compliment each other.  I've teamed the shoes with a Anderson's woven burgundy belt to tie the look together and a pair of great Persol 649 tortoise shell sunglasses and of course no outfit is complete without a pocket square, this beautiful one is from Drake's.

I hope you enjoy this look of the week - if you try it out I'd love to see some photos so I can put them up on here! 

Enjoy!

Picks of the Week: Mr.Porter

Here's my new feature of the week!  Seeing as I'm obsessed with Mr.Porter (I'm literally on their website everyday!) and it's not hard to understand why as they have a fantastic choice of high-end clothes, shoes and accessories.  Anyway, every Tuesday they release around 150 new products so I thought I'd pick a few items that are on trend for you to have a look at!

Top left we've got a Folk double breasted wool and cotton-blend blazer - as we know the British summer is nothing to shout about and it still gets quite cool in the evening so this will be a perfect jacket to wear for an evening meal.  Wear it with a good pair of jeans, a white shirt and a solid pair of brown brogues.

Top right I've chosen a pair of J Brand Trooper Washed Cotton-Twill Cargo Trousers.  They're an item similar to what I chose for in my Look of the Week feature but slightly more relaxed.  Cargo trousers are popping up all over the place and are something a little different to put on if you want to mix it up and stand out.  Wear this pair with a cotton henley t-shirt, a relaxed knit and a pair of white canvas sneakers.

Middle left is a pair of Car Shoe driving shoes.  No man should be without a pair of driving shoes and Car Shoe make some of the most aesthetically pleasing pairs around, espeically in this rich burgundy which is a great colour for autumn.  Wear these with a pair of navy chinos and a white button down oxford shirt.

Middle right is a new bracelet from a company I love, Miansai.  They produce some great quality bracelets, I have a blue leather one with a gold hook and it never leaves my wrist.  This silver and gold one thought is absolutely stunning, I love it.  Wear it with everything. 

Bottom Left is a pair of Riding Plaid Wool and Cashmere-blend trousers.  I don't know what it is about plaid but I am attracted to it!  It's very on trend right now, is becoming more and more acceptable to wear without people thinking you're off to play golf and with the patterned trousers trend coming into full swing they're right on point.  Wear them with a pair of oxblood loafers, shirt and v-kneck jumper for a smart casual look.

Bottom right is an absolute classic, a Burberry Brit showerproof Mac.  If you don't already own a Mac start saving your pennies for this one because every man should have one in his wardrobe.  Again, with the British summer being so unpredictable an item like this will pay for itself within the first year.  I'll be doing a feature on Essentials soon so keep an eye out on what I've got to say about the Mac.  Wear it with indigo jeans, sneakers and a camel cable knit jumper.

Brand Profile: Cœur

I was contacted recently by Peter Jeun Ho Tsang who the lead Menswear Designer at Cœur and he was kind enough to send me over the Look Book for the Cœur SS/14.  I will happily share with you as I am a big fan of British brands and will try and promote them as much as possible.
Cœurs tag line is "Playfully Preppy" - I've picked some photos out of their look book for you to see what they're all about.

I adore the jacquard pattern; the trousers will be a big hit next year and the silk is a different touch too.  Cœur defines itself by having this jacquard pattern made from 100% silk and woven in one of England's finest fabric mills which gives it a certain luxurious aura.  Mix this with the contemporary look and bold colour pattern it definitely has a different look to, well anything out there at the moment.

Launched in 2012 and spearheaded by lead designer Peter Jeun Ho Tsang who has done a fantastic job of creating a look he touts as 'dandy' or 'preppy'.  It isn't the quintessential 'preppy' look that you would expect to find from Hackett or Polo RL but it does nod in the direction of dandy with its tailoring.  It's a great look, completely different and it should be celebrated.  It's definitely modern, definitely contemporary and definitely bold.

Some of the colours are reminiscent of the African print from Burberry Prorsum 2012, a style which has continued on this summer with Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Gucci and Z Zegna all sticking to bold patterns in their summer look books.  The patterned look it getting bigger for next year, so Cœur are on point with their style.  I'd definitely grab a pair of those trousers for next year!

I especially love the ties, bow ties and scarves.  I think it's where the jacquard pattern created by Cœur really makes its mark.  In a multitude of colours and patterns there really is an endless possibility of ways you could slip these into your everyday wardrobe or jazz up a weekend look at a summer BBQ. 

Prices range from RRP £85 for a men's shirt, up to RRP £500 for a tailored silk blazer.

Accessories start from RRP £40 ranging up to RRP £100 for the 100% silk scarves.

You can find Coœur's beautifully made clothes and accessories at www.coeur.uk.com  

Look of the Week: Wedding Season

Obviously being the hight of wedding season at the moment I've decided to make this Look of the Week appropriately so.  If you're struggling to find something to wear for an upcoming wedding then I have the perfect outfit for you; it's not for the faint hearted though!

This is a very preppy look which will work great if the wedding is in the city, on the beach or in the country.  I recently wore this outfit to my sisters wedding and had practically everyone giving me compliments on my look, so don't be afraid to be bold and give it a try.

So, what I've got here for you is a cobalt blue blazer courtesy of Antony Morato, a pair of Gucci slim-fit jeans, a Turnbull & Asser micro check pink shirt, the classic Gucci horsebit loafers, Drake's navy knitted tie, a Loro Piana suede belt and a Reiss pocket square.  You can find these on www.mrporter.com, www.matchesfashion.com and www.reiss.com.

It really is a great summer look, vibrant and full of colour without being too garish or brash.  I was a bit apprehensive about wearing the outfit when I thought up the idea and bought the clothes but once I put everything on I felt great.

Here's me with my beautiful Mam showcasing the look (Tom Ford's optional of course).  You do have to be careful of the white trousers though, they get dirty quickly - especially down the beach!  But, I hope you take my look on board and again I'd love to hear any feedback you have about this look, if you've tried a similar outfit or even if you want some advice on what to wear to a wedding please feel free to give me a shout on the comments below or email me Style_Guiser@gmail.com, thanks!

Enjoy!

New Feature: Look of the Week

Wow, I've really been neglecting my blog!  Well, I've decided to do a 'Look of the Week' feature as I'm already the go-to guy between my friends on what they should wear for their night out/wedding/birthday party/bbq/etc! So I might as well put a look of the week for all you lot too!

I've gone for a military theme as I picked up a similar pair of trousers in United Colours Of Benetton whilst over in Barcelona; they're a pair of dark green skinny cargo trousers and I think they're a great look over the summer and will definitely transfer to the autumn/winter looks.

Ok, so here we have a pair of Slowear Incotex slim fit cargo trousers, a Neil Barrett herringbone blazer with contrast leather sleeves, a pair of Stubbs & Wootton velvet slippers, a Valentino slim fit studded white shirt, Brioni knitted tie and a Mulberry woven leather belt (all found on Mr.Porter)

It's a statement look without being too in your face as the colour palette is very subtle.  If you think this is too brave of a look then ease yourself in by swapping the cargo trousers for chinos of a similar colour or lose the blazer and tie.  Alternatively, if you want to make it stand out even more change the tie for a bright orange (green and orange work great together) or a loud pocket square.  Also, if you're not a fan of the slippers swap them for the new Valentino sneakers or a pair of Jack Purcell's which will look great as a daytime look too.

I'd love to hear some feedback from this look - maybe you've tried a similar outfit (send me photos!) and I'd be happy to answer any style questions you have!

Enjoy!

Brand Profile: Holdall & Co

During my time trying to gain more followers on my Twitter feed (@Style_Guiser in case you were wondering) I was contacted my Rai at Holdall & Co. She asked me to run a little post on her brand, now I'm not going to do this for everyone but I checked them out and I have to say their products, although only a small range, are incredible.  A traditional satchel style portfolio which is right on trend for this year.  Similar clutch man-bags have been seen all over the place at Pitti Uomo, London Collections: Men and all the big fashion shows at Milan and Paris in the hands of discerning gents.  

With technology becoming lighter, slimmer and more portable it makes perfect sense to literally grab one of these 'clutch' folios, chuck your Mac (other laptops are available, but why?), a couple of magazines and your documents for the day in there and go about your day in style all without creasing your shirt I might add.

Perfectly sized to carry under your arm, they come in two sizes; 12" and a 14" to suit almost any laptop or iPad, certainly it will carry those important documents you've been carrying around for 2 weeks that you might need, one day.  Holdall & Co. also offer two colours in a beautiful chestnut and what they call 'London Tan' reminiscent of a quality Grenson brogue.  Made with full grain leather they look good enough to last a lifetime and with a velvet inside covering the Folio's won't scratch you precious Macbook.  I especially love the silver buckle on the front which brings a uniquely modern twist to a traditional looking product.  All in all, a great little product, I can certainly see these beauties flying out the store this summer.  Check out what they have to say below, I've left you some pretty pictures too, enjoy.

Holdall & Co: a little bit more about the Co.

Holdall & Co was inspired by my personal collection of 'made in England' vintage cases and bags. I love the fact that every item has lasted for so many years and that every good quality item blends with its owner like; where every mark or blemish has a story. I wanted to bring back the quality and values that these items had and to design a product that was timeless yet classically modern; a product that was made from the highest quality materials by expert hands so that it could go on to become a vintage piece with your own story. 

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I spent 7 months developing the perfect design, traveling around England sourcing the best leather and trying to find a factory with the experience and skills to produce my designs. I knew from the start that the folios had to be made in England and I searched hard to find traditional case makers with decades of experience who would not only ensure longevity for the folios but turn them into a unique piece of art. Even with a background in fashion (and a Ba Hons Fashion Design degree), I've learnt so much in the process of designing the folio; I have a great respect for the skills and workmanship that goes into making a quality product.

Our sizes are unique and were designed with all of your modern essentials in mind:

- The Organized / 12" which is for everyday use and fits your notes and ideas; iPad, slimline laptop such as Macbook Air or even the Moleskin notebooks and a copy of the latest Monocle / Wired magazine.

- The Professional / 14" which is perfect for work and fits your documents and drafts; legal papers, your latest business plan or your slimline laptop such as the MacBook Pro.

More about why ‘Made in England’ and what makes our folios special.

To us, 'made in England' is a proud declaration of a products provenance, a guarantee of passion, dedication, quality and craftsmanship. We don't cut corners to save money and quite simply make the finest folios possible with integrity, strength and durability.

Leather is a wonderful material and can be the ultimate luxury after passing through the right hands. We only use full grain, naturally tanned leather, this is the strongest and most durable leather which interacts with its surroundings, develops a rich patina and genuine character; because we only use full grain leather, every hide differs from the next making every folio unique.

Part of what makes the folios special is our attention to detail; from hand-sewn lock stitches and heeled corners to polished edges and hidden stitch knots. 

Take our hidden stitch knots as an example. When stitching finishes or ends, the general practice is just to 'snip' the thread close to the surface of the product, this leaves a loose end which looks like a small hair sticking up (have a closer look next time you pick up a bag whilst out shopping) and while this looks unsightly, more importantly this can be a material weakness in the product. We pull through every thread end to the inside, where it's then tied and knotted and then finally glued with a special, waterproof adhesive to ensure it stays securely in place. This is a time consuming process but we see it as an essential step for the integrity of the product.

The journey of our folios.

Every folio is lovingly hand made with traditional techniques using British-made tools. We strive to keep our manufacture both honest and ethical - from fair wages and high quality materials to traditional workmanship and keeping business local.

1. Each folio starts life as a piece of naturally-tanned full-grain leather hide, bridle-finished to our specification by British leather finishers.
2. Every hide is individually inspected and approved by us, before moving on to our local factory where it's hand cut with either leather knives or with our specially made cutting blades (also made locally) to ensure the best finish.
3. The panels are then formed, branded, heeled and sewn free-hand by talented leather workers. Finishing details are hand-stitched for a longer lasting finish.
4. Edges are trimmed, sealed, dyed and polished, to ensure a stunningly beautiful and crisp finish.
5. Finally, every bag is inspected, polished with a wax blend (specially formulated for us) and wrapped in it's protective dust-bag ready for shipping to you.