British Heritage Style with Shackleton Winter Coats

With the depths of the British winter now firmly upon us, the discerning man’s choice of clothing begins to head towards the practical – whilst still of course looking to maintain a high degree of style. Warm, waterproof outwear and comfortable yet stylish knits are a must for any man’s wardrobe during the colder months, and few brand’s offerings come more practical and stylish at this time of year than Shackleton’s range of men’s coats.

Taking their inspiration from the great early 20th century British explorer Sir Earnest Shackleton, the brand’s garments look to live up to their namesake in offering superior protection from the elements – but with lines more fitting to the 21st century man. The quality and style of their range stand out from the crowd of other men’s winter outerwear available at the moment, and pay a fitting tribute to the inspirational Antarctic explorer of yesteryear.

Offering a range of options in all the essential men’s winter styles; from a warming parka to the smarter box jackets and peacoats perfect for the man about town, Shackleton have hit all the right notes when you think of British heritage style in their 2016 winter coats collection.

Must-Have Men’s Boots

Boots are the go-to footwear at this time of year, so you need to make sure that yours are bang on trend. Check out our rundown of fashion must-haves that will see you through the coming cold months.

Hiking Boots

No longer restricted to hill walkers, hiking boots have become a men’s fashion staple this season. Chunky, enhanced-grip soles – especially in colours contrasting that of the main body - and traditional lace hooks are essential features.

Standout laces are also extremely stylish: look for striped or brightly-coloured variants for a contemporary look. You can always customise your boots by visiting a site like Big Laces for the perfect pair.

Liquor Store Clothing stocks a huge range of Red Wing boots that perfectly encapsulate the trend. Bright yellow laces, exquisite stitch detailing, beautiful leathers and the iconic white sole feature on a premium boot that will last for years.

Biker Boots

Men’s biker boots are ideal for creating an effortlessly cool look. Make sure you get a pair in quality real leather – black is best – that feature buckle detailing. Slip-on rather than zip-fastened designs better channel the laidback style, and look great with slim-fit jeans tucked into them.

To really capture the rock star image, add a military or leather jacket. This River Island utility jacket is ideal, with metallic detailing providing extra edge. As the spring arrives, you can update your look by adding a pair of stylish sunglasses – Sunglass Hut stocks a great range of brands, including Ray-Ban.

Wellingtons

Wellington boots are a necessity if snow or heavy rain hits, and are a great investment peace for the impending festival season. One of the biggest brands to be seen in is Hunter. We love the chunky and rugged Balmoral Short design, which mimics the style of a utility boot.

This winter, make sure to wear your wellingtons with super-comfortable welly socks – celebrate the British heritage brand with this chic Union Jack design – and premium-quality designer outdoor clothing.

Converse: The Coolest Designs for Men

Converse make some of the most iconic footwear in the world; their sneakers are often replicated, but never matched. Worn by rock stars, sports stars and Hollywood stars alike, they’re the go-to fashion item when it comes to creating an effortlessly cool look – no matter what the outfit.

The classic Chuck Taylor All Stars were inspired by the basketball court and eventually came to encapsulate the spirit of the sport. Now, there’s not only hi-tops but a whole range of styles, which allow anyone to express their personality. Check out some of our favourite men’s options below:

Design Your Own

Converse stand for individuality, and there’s no better way to let your footwear do the talking than with a pair of personalised sneakers. You can design your own Converse online, with the option to customise originals as well as modern styles such as canvas slips. You can add your name to the heel stripe, change the colour of the lace eyelets and even add limited-edition graphics to the tongue.

Star Plyr Ox 

The Star Plyr Ox design puts a retro twist on the traditional low-top pumps, with a star and chevron logo replacing the Chuck Taylor badge on the side. The construction is also sturdier, with extra padding for additional comfort, but they still have that distinctive Converse look. tReds is currently offering the sneakers in a range of colours, and many are on sale – there’s free UK delivery, too.

Loud and proud

There is a huge range of Converse trainers featuring loud graphics and bold prints – perfect when you want to make a statement. You’ll find limited-edition comic strip designs, graffiti art, ultra-bright colours, and there’s even a range of Gorillaz Converse available. Some trend-setters even choose to mix and match their pairs to create different looks.

Look sharp

Converse might be the ultimate casual shoe – they’re perfect for dressing down a suit – but there are some styles that perfectly complement a more dapper look. We particularly like the range of leather Jack Purcell sneaker boots and the all-black hi- and low-tops. The super-low-profile, slim pumps are also a smarter option for nights out.

Men’s Fashion: What Makes a Great Brogue?

When it comes to choosing footwear, you don’t necessarily need a wardrobe full of shoes for each and every outfit. By investing in a few choice pairs, you can make sure you have something to finish off any style perfectly.

Every man should own a pair of brogues - it’s as simple as that. They’re a wardrobe classic that no fashion-forward gent should be without. Characterised by their chunky design and perforated decorations, brogues were originally designed for walkers, to allow water to escape when tackling wet terrain. Nowadays, they make fabulous business wear and are perfect for less formal occasions when complemented with denim.

Here’s our guide to choosing the perfect brogue for you.

Traditional 

If it isn't broke, we don’t see the point in fixing it. At least, that’s our opinion with regards to the classic brogue in a warm, tan leather. Barker shoes like the one below are handmade in Britain and are sure to last you for years, as a good-quality brogue should.


Finish off the look with jeans or trousers (depending on the occasion), a crisp shirt and a sharp blazer.

(Barker Baileys Brogue, in Cedar Calf Leather, £220, from Charles Clinkard)

Suede

Though brogues are traditionally made of polished leather, suede is becoming increasingly popular. Best avoided if you’re tackling harsh winter weather, limit wearing suede to autumn at the very latest to prevent you from losing a fabulous pair of shoes to water damage!

Check out these Baker casual suede brogues, available to buy online from Dune. While they won’t be appropriate for the office or occasions when you’re required to dress dapper, they’re a nice alternative to have in the wardrobe for a more relaxed look.  Pair them with dark-wash denim, preferably in a slim cut: wearing regular cut with brogues will swamp the shoe and distract from the detailing.


Though the majority of suede designs are brown or black, don’t be afraid to experiment with the different colours on offer. These vibrant green brogues by Arthur Knight might not immediately jump out at you, but paired with dark jeans and a brown leather jacket, you’re sure to lead the fashion pack.

Boots

Over time, evolution has given us variants of the traditional brogue, including boot designs. While these modern interpretations are by no means disrespectful to the fashion monument that is the brogue, appreciate that overall impact of your outfit will be dramatically different.

(Loake Burford Brogue, in Tan Leather, £220, from Charles Clinkard)

Definitely waning towards the more casual look, boots are generally slimmer in design – they’re perfect if you’re intimidated by the bulk of a classic brogue. Wear with a slim-cut jean to carry out the sleekness of the boot. 

Tartan: The Manliest of Materials?

If asked to think of tartan as a fashion item, you’d be forgiven for conjuring images of kilts to your mind. True, tartan has become somewhat synonymous with this traditional Celtic garment. Kilts originated as the traditional dress of men and boys in the Scottish Highlands during the 16th century and, in a way, tartan continues to be regarded very much as a man’s material.

Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Jonathan Falers, author of Tartan: Textiles that Changed the World, called the material “the uniform of rugged masculinity”. Dr Falers, a lecturer in cultural studies at Central St Martins art school in London, goes on to suggest that “tartan signals a back-to-basics feel”.
There is something undeniably masculine about pieces crafted from unique tartan blends. It potentially has something do with the fact that a large number of these pieces come from heritage brands like Barbour, usually associated with the traditionally male-dominated agricultural industry.

Check out this Barbour shirt, from the range of men’s country clothing at House of Bruar. The simple block cheques and earthy colours of the material itself reflect the notion expressed by Dr Jonathan Falers that tartan reverts back to basics. What’s more, the oversized tailoring and cut of the shirt contribute to the masculinity of the piece.

(Barbour Rannoch Shirt, Classic Tartan, £69.95, from House of Bruar)

If you’re loving this as much as we are, we’d advise wearing it with dark-wash denim in a regular cut; finish off the look perfectly with heavy, bulky boots, like this suede ankle design, also by British heritage label Barbour.

 (Barbour Readhead Shoe, £119.95, from House of Bruar)

So it is just the link with the earth and the outdoors which implicates tartan as a man’s material? MensLifeStyleGuide.co.uk provides a very interesting insight into the link between golf and tartan, which again would serve to explain why it’s considered a somewhat masculine textile. The sport has always been famous for its loud trouser designs, although the popularity of tartan on the catwalk means that golfers are now some of the most fashionable sports people in the world.

Tartan trousers have since escaped the boundaries of the sporting arena, making their way onto the high street. Retailers like Topman now include tartan pieces, like these red and black cheque trousers, as part of their formal collection, reflecting the Scottish tradition of using this material for formal wear.

Of course, no one is saying that tartan is solely the property of male fashion followers. Women explore the outdoors, work as farmers and put up a mighty fight on the golf course. What’s more, tartan is just as prominent in the world of women’s fashion. But it’s hard to escape the powerful associations between tartan and masculinity.

Either way, some key pieces make for a fantastic addition to your wardrobe!

Inject a little Italian: Classic Style Influence from the Fashion Nation

Italy, she gave the world high-fashion names Dolce and Gabanna, Gucci, Armani and Prada, alongside youthful contemporary designs from the likes of 55DSL, Coolcha and Antony Morfato. The sheer volume of fashion-elite names the county has churned out is nothing but impressive and we could all do ourselves a favour and give our wardrobe some Italian influence this coming winter.

Italian style is more varied than most people think. It’s a big country and trends differ as they do in any other European nation, but one thing that is guaranteed is the emphasis and consideration that goes into Italian fashion. From the graffiti covered streets to marbled floors of bourgeois hotels, style is key to Italian culture regardless of class, sexual orientation or profession.

High-gorge suits effortlessly dressed down, unstructured sweats and graphically designed street wear; premium denim and confidence when accessorising all come to mind when thinking of Italian styles. These are all easy elements we can incorporate into our everyday looks so here are our top tips when doing so.

Starting with denim, the cornerstone of many a good outfit, there are several names that come to mind. Diesel, Reply, Versace all deserve a nod of appreciation, but to inject true Italian style, choose a pair of Armani jeans from the collection available at Diffusion. From a relaxed fit to more constructed styles, there is sure to be a pair suited to you and your Italian influence.

To give your denim a grown-up finish, pair it with a stunning suit jacket from Italian tailoring experts Mr Rick Tailor. Available at Matches Fashion, this two button wool jacket would look effortless worn open with a crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the top with Armani Jeans for a perfect smart day outfit.

If tailoring isn’t your thing, why not opt for a strong knit. We need all the fine winter wear we can get and this gorgeous Boglili chunky cardigan would look great paired with a Missoni scarf and wool pea coat. It’s the little details that set the Italian fashion elite apart so scarfs and gloves from high-end names are a must to emulate the look.

If casual warmth is what you want, why not opt for a street-ready sweat from 55SDL? The iconic Figgers pull-over is good place to start if any. Pair it with skinny jeans and Italian-American footwear Gourmet for a cool, casual style unique to you and your attitude.

So there you have it, the top tips for injecting some Italian style into your wardrobe. Just remember - Italian style transcends age and never decays, wear it with confidence and you’ll look every bit the fashion icon.

Get the Look with SnapBack Caps

The Snapback Cap: How To Wear It

The snapback cap is a dividing accessory. With the rise of smart, three piece suites, the cap is seen as adolescent streetwear. However, last year the cap was seen on the DKNY, Dior, Van Assche and Alexander Wang catwalks for autumn/winter 2012, so if it’s styled the right way, it can make an interesting statement that will ensure that you won’t be forgotten easily.

Wear It With Your Suit   

Dior Homme used snapback caps as accessories to the suit. This is a trend that easily translates to everyday wear, as you simply have to match the colour of your suit and the hat. If you choose to wear a trouser cut wider and baggier, your outfit will echo streetwear a little stronger than if you were to wear a skinny cut. The contrast between the two keeps the look smart, but youthful.

Streetwear

If you’re not really a suit-wearing type guy, then perhaps urban streetwear is more your style. Pair a snapback cap with low slung, relaxed trousers, a sweatshirt and a backpack. If you’re really embracing this style, go for high-tops too. Keep the colour palate muted, and use fabrics like suede, shearling and leather, and you’ll look cutting edge, but not garish or over the top.

Celebrities

Many hip hop artists are regularly spotted in snapback hats, such as Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, and Kanye West, as well as sportsmen like Michael Jordan. Caps are also popular with female celebrities, such as Megan Fox, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna have been spotted in them.

On The High Street

High street chains have seen a surge in sales of caps, with sales increasing by up to five times in comparison to the last year. New Era are a company famous for their caps, and are the official manufacturer for the caps of every Major League baseball team in the US. So when you see celebrities wearing a New York Yankees snapback cap, it’ll be by New Era. They also have other designs as an alternative to the classic baseball design, such as camouflage pattern, or a Batman design. Obey Clothing have caps in a retro design, and the Vans quirky Aztec prints are bang on trend.

2012 and the Return of Men’s Sports Luxe

2012 was a pretty good year for British sport. With the Olympics, Paralympics, Bradley Wiggins winning the Tour de France, and Andy Murray won the US Open as well as Olympic gold, it’s no wonder that Sports Luxe was back in fashion for men. Initially a spring/summer trend, it looks set to stick around.

How You Can Get The Look

Throw on a tracksuit and some trainers; pretend you’re off to the gym? You’re forgetting the ‘luxe’ part. Look to sportswear as inspiration not the gospel; keep the cut of the clothes in mind and have fun with textures and fabrics. Mix smart and casual for an exciting look.

Colour

Autumn/winter styles always have a more muted colour palate, reflecting, strangely enough, autumnal colours. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, though you may think it might make you fade away in a crowd, but if you pair interesting colours together such as a burgundy and a forest green in the same outfit, then it can make someone look twice.

The Bomber Jacket

A key piece for the sports luxe trend, the bomber jacket is a short jacket with ribbed cuffs and hem. Find one that fits in with your personal style so it complements the rest of your wardrobe. You could go for a baseball style jacket, a leather bomber or something inexpensive in cotton- it’s the silhouette that matters for this sports inspired trend. If you’re looking for something that puts you apart, then opt for something in a pattern or with contrasting sleeves.

Pop it on over the top of a shirt for a sharp smart-casual combination.

The Trainer 

Along with the usual big sportswear names, one of the best designers for the trainer is Cruyff. Football legend Cruyff created the ultimate sports shoe in 1979 - an elegant, luxurious, sophisticated shoe- just waiting for the sports luxe trend to appear. Find your pair of Cruyff trainers at Gravity Clothing. Choose a pair in suede or leather and your shoe will embrace the smart-casual feel of your outfit; stick to grey, black or navy and you will retain a sophisticated air.

Fjällräven - The Outdoor Brand for the Urban Gent

With the all too inevitable failure of the British summer to produce even a modicum of sunshine it’s perhaps not surprising that some of the most popular and sought after men’s fashion brands this season have been those that draw their inspiration from a rich heritage of rugged outdoor functionality - yet still offer the urban gentlemen a level of style and quality of design that looks just as at home on the football terraces than on the side of a windswept rock face. Rural British heritage brands such as Barbour have seen a great renaissance over the last couple of years, while the likes of outdoor menswear labels including Penfield and North Face have successfully brought the great outdoors to British cities.

Hot on the heels of such outdoor brands, British men’s fashion has seen an influx of fantastic men’s designer clothing from Scandinavia - where quality of build and rugged, hardwearing durability are all but essential criteria in the design of menswear in order to survive the elements in what are often harsher climates. Fjällräven (translating literally as “arctic fox”) is one such example of a brand that has made this transition. Taking in over half a century of founder Ake Nordin’s experience, Fjällräven has sought to perfect outdoor garments of the highest order including its immensely popular Greenland waterproof jacket and an excellent range of rucksacks (such as the Kanken bags available from Red Square Clothing).

What to Wear with a Pork Pie Hat

Pork pie hats get their tasty name from their resemblance to a classic British pastry. Their low, round crowns and short brims suit a wider variety of face shapes and body types than most hats. Once the favored style for Victorian dandies, pork pie hats evolved into the fashion statement of choice for jazz musicians and ska bands. Since very little is cooler than the jazz scene, it's no wonder that pork pie hats are making a comeback.

Like any topper, the pork pie hat has its own fashion rules, although the pork pie is such an adaptable hat that it might be better to consider them guidelines rather than rules. If you have the confidence for it, you can wear a pork pie hat with almost anything.

Casual Pork Pie Hats

The simple silhouette of a pork pie hat goes well with casual clothing. What makes a pork pie hat look more casual is its fabric; in an open-weave straw or canvas construction, it looks a bit less starched than in more formal fabrics. Prints and patterns also make a hat look more appropriate for weekends than for work days. Pair a pork pie with a button-down shirt in a vintage style or with a simple t-shirt. It's a natural match for a bowling shirt, especially if the hat and brim colors coordinate with the two tones of the shirt.

Pork Pie Hats in More Formal Styles 

When you think of formal hats, you probably think of bowlers, fedoras and other shaped felt hats. Pork pie hats and felt hats have a few elements in common, but pork pies have an affable approachability that wider-brimmed fedoras may lack. That friendly appeal makes them well suited to more relaxed styles rather than extremely formal silhouettes that call for a more complex hat. A lightweight blazer with jeans and a pork pie hat is an excellent date-night option. For work wear, a pork pie is a good way to dress up long shirt sleeves and slacks when you aren't wearing a jacket. Save short sleeves for casual Fridays; even with a dapper hat, that style may be a little too relaxed for some offices.

How to Wear a Pork Pie Hat

Tipping the hat back on your head makes a pork pie hat look a little more rakish and casual. If you're slight or short, wearing your hat toward the back extends the line of your body upward rather than capping it with a flat horizontal brim. Moving the hat forward is a more businesslike look; it also tends to shorten a long face. Play around with how you wear your hat to find your best angles.

Complete the Look with Designer Accessories for Men

In the world of fashion it is probably fair to say that when considering the term “accessories” this tends to be something that is widely considered on the whole, an area of the clothing industry that is by and large predominantly associated with women’s wear , with items such as jewellery, hair accessories, designer handbags, purses and the like all regularly a focus of discussion - and indeed in many instances a “hot topic” - on online fashion blogs, as well as in the printed press in countries all over the world.

     But what of fashion and accessories for men I hear you cry? Surely there must be demand for suitable matching designer accessories to compliments men’s clothing too? Well, when it comes to men’s fashion accessories there is indeed now an increasing level of market and demand - and in turn a growing industry of specialist shops and online retailers tailoring their products purely toward the male accessories market and shying away from what is already a massively competitive and largely flooded female accessories marketplace.

     Moodys Worldwide for example, are one such retailer who have opted to specialise purely in a range of accessories for men – with a broad selection of quality leather wallets, smart ties, Mens silk scarves, leather belts, caps and other men’s accessories inspired and popularised by the recent resurgence in gentlemen’s country style clothing. Perfect alongside a quilted jacket, these fine accessories will suit any man looking for a classic country look, even if living in more modernised urban surroundings.

Designer Clothing - Big Brands for Large Men

Larger or taller men can sometimes face big challenges in the smart style stakes as a lot of clothes targeted at those with a bigger build tend to be extremely casual in nature. Jogging bottoms and tracksuit tops, though comfortable, aren't a great style fit for every occasion.

With this in mind, I've been looking at the offerings of Jacamo Menswear this week to try and hone in on pieces that tick the boxes of smart and stylish, yet stay suitable for men of all sizes.

One collection that stood out is the Penguin spring/summer range. Available in sizes up to a 5XL and in longer length options too, Penguin largely concentrate on polo shirts and chinos that are smart enough to pass the pub/club test while staying comfortable. Prices sit around the £50 to £70 mark, making their pieces slightly pricey but still realistic for designer gear. They also design boots and shoes to complement the street smart look.

Penguin clothes perfectly encapsulate the preppy sportswear look that's popular at the moment. The polo shirts and chinos have a touch of the American Ivy League style, but are grown up enough for men in their twenties and beyond to wear.

The brand itself does have its sporty connotations, though with a more gentlemanly nature. Penguin was started by American Abbot Penderson, who was a keen golfer. It's also a brand that has been favoured by some real male fashion icons in the past including Frank Sinatra, Clint Eastwood and Dean Martin - if it's good enough for Ol' Blue Eyes, I'm sure it's good enough for a pint down the pub, a trip to the shops and putting a few holes on the local golf

Belstaff Still Lead the Way in Mens Designer Jackets

From its humble beginnings in Longton near Stoke on Trent, Belstaff has now established itself as the most iconic and leading brand name in the world of men’s designer leather jackets. Unrivalled in terms of the quality of materials and build, and always at the forefront of technological advancements in fabric, Belstaff now produce the ultimate range of men’s (and women’s) leather and waxed cotton jackets designed for the 21st century adventurer and free spirit.

     The brand has always had strong links to motorbikes and the life on the open road - and its trialmaster jacket has remained a favourite amongst bikers for many decades (and was also warn by Will Smith in the film "I Am Legend"). Belstaff’s Mojave jacket is also a classic design based on the jacket motorcycle legend Steve Mcqueen used to race in during the 1960s. The brand has a rich heritage and history of producing high quality and stylish designer jackets and combining the classic and the contemporary to produce the ultimate collection of men’s designer clothing.

Top 6 Fashion Mistakes Made By Men

While girls may pay great attention to their makeup by using brands like Maybelline and many others, guys often need to take better care about how they dress - as this is a key thing that best defines their personality, at least when it comes to first impressions.

Summer is the time when you wear the least number of clothes - but still there are many men who will make fashion mistakes. Even the heat does not prevent them from wearing too many clothes and getting all hot and sweaty. Given below are the biggest fashion sins and their solutions that you can avoid this summer:

1. Shoes And Socks with Shorts

It is okay if you wrap your feet in both shoes and socks in winter. But why should you do the same in summer? Stop wearing socks and wear sandals or boat shoes (without socks!) They will not only let your feet breathe but will also look good.

Don’t change over to flip-flops just because you want your feet open to the air. They are good for a walk to the beach but when you are going out, wear sandals that are made of leather and have simple criss-cross patterns as they are much more comfortable.

2. Wearing The Multi-Pocketed Cargo Shorts

Cargo shorts were the flavor last season. Their sagging pockets have not made them very popular this year. Instead, choose khakis, slim cut jeans or shorts that have bold plaids on them for patterns. These patterns and clothes for summer look good and cool. They keep away the heat and are comfortable. Just a word of caution! Make sure that your shorts are about 2 inches above your knees.

3. Using Strong Cologne And Perfumes

Strong colognes are for winter. When used in summer, they are unbearable and big fashion sin. Use something light with citrus notes that remind you of sunshine and water.

4. Tank Tops

Tank tops look good on women but on men, they are best worn as undershirt. Unless, you want to look like a weight lifter, do not wear it with your jeans. If you are feeling the heat, then wear a polo shirt or a T-shirt.

5. Wearing Baggy Broad Shorts

These are a thing of the past and are best packed away till they come back into fashion. For now, your swimwear should not be baggy or fall below the knees. Wear form-fitting shorts that look like your regular shorts. They should be slim and just above the knees.

6. Using Wraparound Shades

Sunglasses are essential summer wear but why would you want to wear wrap-around sunshades? They are good when you are involved in some sports but for regular use, wear aviators or other shades that reflect your style. Keep trying sunglasses till you find the right one for you.

Enjoy the summer months to the hilt. They are too short to make mistakes and regret them. Just remember to keep away from tank tops and wraparound sunglasses!

Grenson Shoes: The Ultimate Range of Mens Designer Brogues & Boots

If you are looking for a range of men’s designer shoes that offers style, quality of build, luxury and comfort then look no further than the latest range from Grenson. This long established brand has emerged from Northampton in the UK and subsequently launched itself into the forefront of men’s fashion over the last few years with their stunning range of men’s designer brogues – with the tan coloured Grenson “Archie” and Grenson “Stanley” models proving extremely popular this season.

The brand also do some very stylish men’s designer boots which are perfect to combat the cold, rain and snow during the winter season - and could also therefore make a perfect gift this xmas. The Grenson “Sharp” and Grenson “Fred” boots like the brand’s brogues are made from extremely high quality calf leather – and are superbly stylish and comfortable to wear in the current cold and wintery conditions.

Mens Penfield Jackets: The Perfect Winter Warmer

During the winter month's its perhaps not surprising that rugged outdoor fashion brands come into their own, and in this regard Penfield is no exception.  First established in Massachusetts in 1975, the Penfield brand has emerged initially out of necessity - anyone who has visited this part of America will tell you that due to the climatic conditions during winter the need for outerwear that provides, warmth, durability and protection from the rain and snow is all but an essential.

     Since its initial conception however the brand has gradually established itself in the mens designer clothing market on the back of a fantastic range of winter coats and jackets, in addition to other winter warmers such as fleeces and jumpers - all of which are essential purchases for the stylish young man to survive the winter months.

     The last year or two has also seen the brand  break into many of the leading mens fashion stores here in the UK - and with a selection of stylish quilted and down stuffed jackets and sleeveless body warmers available to buy now they are a great fashion item to help you survive the frozen wastelands of Blighty this December. This season's mens Penfield jackets also feature some nice details like fleece lined pockets to keep your hands warm and comfy when out and about, plus leather "shooting" shoulder patches which are very popular in designer mens jackets and jumpers during winter 2011.

Buying Xmas Presents for the Mrs

Well it only seems like yesterday since last years stress and grief set in for the festive period, but sad to say its already come round once again to that dreaded time of year. As hard working men young and old across the world site in their offices staring at computer screens, the burning thought remains in the back of the mind: the sheer rising panic about what to buy your wife or girlfriend for Christmas. Of course you want to get her something special - right? You don't want to end up buying her a voucher or something similarly thoughtless! After all if you don't hit the xmas jackpot you're most likely going to get another 12 months of bother from her until the next xmas time comes around - and nobody wants that.
      Luckily however, the inspirational hand of help is here - and you can even get yourself a little bit of joy out of the event as well by picking a gift carefully. If you have to buy your girlfriend a present this xmas - why not invest in some nice clothes for her? Ladies fashion garments can sometimes take a bit of choosing and prior thought - but you can always try and get one of her friends to help out in picking something nice. She will simply love a nice bit of designer clothing for the festive period - and with all those parties for you and her to go to you can dress her up stylishly and attractively in your dream date night wear - then both of you get to enjoy the full benefits of her Christmas present ;-)

Designer Clothing Trends for the Whole Family

Christmas is just around the corner and it’s time to start shopping for the whole family. Here we have picked out the latest designer trends for men, women and children so you can shop around for this season’s hottest luxury clothing and the most stylish stocking fillers.


Men’s Designer Clothing Trends

• Fairisle knits – the fairisle pattern is back once again and this time it’s come back with more variation, drawing inspiration from tribal influences.

• Winter brights – there’s nothing more exciting that bright knitwear. Brighten up any winter outfit with some brightly coloured V neck jumpers such as the smart yet colourful Lyle and Scott collection.

• Cords – chinos are out and cords are in! If you have every colour of chino pants in your wardrobe, it’s time to shift them along the rail to make room for winter chinos.


Women’s Designer Clothing Trends

• Nordic knitwear –fairisle has take a turn for the quirkier, so this A/W it’s all about patterned ponchos and Scandinavian inspired pieces. Try designers such as Nordstrom and French Connection for pretty fairisle gifts.

• Tribal trims – the tribal look has carried over from the summer and we now see a tamer version of tribal attitude, including tans and suedes, large prints and big, chunky jewellery.

• Capes and ponchos – Capes dipped its toes into the fashion scene last year and now they are all over the high street.


Kid’s Designer clothing Trends

• Nordic knitwear – the Nordic fairisle print is extremely cute on little ones and you add to the cute factor with some frills, ruffles and pom poms.

• Fur collars – faux fur has been huge this season and Moschino can offer a wide range of fur collared jackets and faux fur coats for extra warmth.

• Down gilets – the gilet is super stylish at any time of year, but add the luxury of Down feathers to keep little ones extra warm this winter.

Keep up to the latest children’s fashion trends on the Kids Designer Clothing blog.

Be Inspired by Franck Muller Jewellery and Watches

These days we all turn to our mobile phones for timekeeping; we no longer need the conventional time telling device. But the watches and jewellery industry still grows strong because in the designer world, each timepiece is a work of art and here we have some of the most inspiration styles from Franck Muller.


Franck Muller is a famous Swiss watchmaker, and from the heart of Geneva, this incredible designer house delivers some of the most stylish statement pieces in the clothing jewellery and fashion world.

Source: franckmuller.com

Here are some of the latest looks from Franck Muller to inspire you this Christmas:

• Franck Muller vintage style watches – dark brown leathers, the clash of gold and copper all fuse together this season’s love of vintage fashion. You will find interesting 1920s gentleman inspired pieces in the Double Mystery collection and the Liberty collection.

• Franck Muller croc skin watches – croc skin is the ultimate symbol of luxury and Franck Muller creates the croc skin look so well in the latest 2011/12 designer collection.

• Franck Muller art deco inspired watches – art deco has returned to the world of fashion and the Swiss watchmaker has recreated the look with originality and taste.

Luke Roper Leicester Store to Open September 2011

The official Luke 1977 website has announced the scheduled opening date of its new Leicester store is set for around 2 to 3 weeks’ time – great news for men's designer clothing lovers (or doting mums and girlfriends) who are looking to get their hands on some quality Luke clobber from the winter 2011 collection in plenty of time to avoid Christmas rush.

The new shop located in the Highcross Shopping Centre will be the 5th "bricks and mortar" incarnation of the leading men's designer clothing brand here in the UK.  The news of the Leicester shop opening comes following the successful recent launch of the Luke Roper store in St David’s Shopping Centre, Cardiff on 7th of August.

Famous for its rugged but stylish collection of designer menswear, the Luke brand has been continuing to look to expand its horizons beyond designer Luke Roper's old stomping ground in the West Midlands. The Luke shop in The Bullring in Birmingham opened with a bang in late April 2011, with the opening party attended by members of indie band The Enemy as well as Premier League stars from Aston Villa FC.

News of the Leicester launch party bash should be surfacing soon on Luke's official Facebook page.