Fresh Off the Runway: 2018 Winter Wardrobe Must-Haves

by Poppy Jones

The Story of Shearling

Being cold is not an option this Winter. The runway hosted a wardrobe of armour coats designed to protect a man, so he can confidently take on the modern world, in style. A particularly significant style of coat is the Shearling (sheepskin) jacket, a classic piece of outwear for the Winter. The wearing of sheepskin as a form of protection arose as long ago as the Stone Age, which is fascinating considering it’s making statements on the 2018 fashion runways (almost 2.5 million years later). The coat began on a different kind of runway during the Second World War, which truly cemented the shearling jacket as high fashion when the sheepskin bomber jacket became standard uniform for pilots in the US Air Force.

The historical classic was interpreted by a range of designers and presented on the runway in a host of different styles including; leather, denim, suede and a bomber, all combined with essences of the Shearling. Unsurprisingly, one of the best Shearling coats this season was by Giorgio Armani which contained a mix of brown suede and leather giving the jacket texture and detail and costing $3300. Balenciaga exhibited a modern take of the classic, a black sheepskin jacket as part of the labels AW18 collection featuring a graffiti shearling collar, leaving you $5,038 down. If that’s too hard to swallow, then ZARA have brought out a range of heavy-duty faux shearling jackets that look good enough for the runway.

205W39NYC by Raf Simons - Calvin Klein X Raf Simons

Raf Simons takes the creative reigns at one of America’s most iconic fashion houses, creating a memorable masterpiece at New York fashion week. The designer presented his Fall 2018 Collection with Calvin Klein through the emergence of models through a sea of popcorn that coated the former American Stock Exchange building, greeting the audience with the aesthetic pleasures of sweet-smelling butter. The collection represents a theme that is consistent to his first season at Calvin Klein, which is Simons personal commentary on America. Firefighter coats, boots and gloves provoked thought of the country’s horrific natural disasters whilst silver foil jackets and boots evoked inspiration from the 60s intergalactic style.

The collection also stars the traditions of Calvin Klein underwear, in keeping with the iconic yet simplistic and gender-neutral style of briefs for men and women. The collection is designed with a standout 205W39NYC logo styling and can be purchased from the Calvin Klein website.

Tom Ford F/W18

Tom Ford brings hyper-masculinity to the run-way treating the audience with an erotic presentation of the new Fall 2018 underwear range. The range consists of four basic styles; a brief, a trunk, a short boxer and a classic boxer. Each cut is available in cotton stretch jersey, cotton, and an extra special version of silk. Of course, these outstanding run-way collections have inspired the streets and the replication of the simplistic designer lingerie is readily available offering a cheaper alternative of the classic cotton jersey pieces perfect for the Winter.

Pinstripes

The pinstripe is perfect for a casual business look and embodies quality and fine male grooming as well as being the backbone of any stylish man’s business wardrobe.

Alexander McQueen explores British masculinity starting with a collection of elegant tailored autumnal pieces. The collection subverts the classic British wardrobe, renewing the codes of tailoring and progresses into opulence as the show goes on. A prominent fabric that stole the show is the use of woolen pinstripes which is modeled as a classic tuxedo, worn with jogging pants for a modern subversion and representation of the evolution of true British menswear.

Hiking Boots

If you are going to make one worth-while investment this Winter, be sure to make it a pair of high quality hiking boots that are adamant to last a life time and keep your toes warm for just as long.

Inspired by the world of hiking, brands such as Gucci and Prada have taken an outdoor classic and given it a cosmopolitan polish using high quality materials and catwalk-ready details. Creating a hybrid of fashion that meets function and a must-have staple for a man’s wardrobe this Winter and many more Winters to come.

For something with equivalent quality at an affordable price, Timberland offer a range of styles of hiking boots inspired by our runway favorites and designed to be just as durable.

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Five Fashion Items Every Man Should Own

Men’s fashion is usually simpler than women’s but this doesn’t mean that you can simply wear the same clothes over and over. If you are a man who would like to express himself through their style, you will need to make sure that you can change your looks using smart accessories and invest into some basic things that you can combine to create a new look every time. Below you will find a list of five items every man should have in their wardrobe.

Man Bag

No matter if you are engaged in networking or meeting clients regularly, you will need a stylish leather man bag for your accessories, paperwork, and other items you might need.

From laptop sized bags to small casual shoulder bags for meeting with friends, you will need to create a collection, or you will have to ruin your looks by stuffing your pockets with your paperwork and your wallet, not to mention the risk of losing them if you don’t have zips.

Leather Boots

No matter if you are a jeans person or love wearing smart clothes, you will need a pair of leather boots that will match your style. Natural brown will go with almost every color and can even be worn with casual suits. Leather boots can help you create the right appearance without looking like you have made too much effort getting ready in the morning.

Stylish Scarves

Accessories have been neglected in menswear for a while, but they are having a comeback. Instead of keeping it simple, you can spruce up your looks by adding a few elegant or funky scarves. You will be able to add color effortlessly and create a designer look for less. Make sure that you don’t only get winter scarves for your coats and jackets, but also decorative ones you can wear with suits during the summer.

Collection of Ties

Every man needs to build a smart collection of ties. There is something special about choosing the right one for the day ahead and your current outfit. Make sure that you check out the latest John Henric ties for men and match the colors and shades with your existing wardrobe, so you can make a statement even when you need to look businesslike.  

3-Piece Suit

No matter if you work in the corporate world or run your own business, the first impressions matter more than you would think.

If you would like to make a statement and look sharp at a meeting with a client, you will need a smart three-piece suit  that will help you create a sophisticated, professional style and look stunning on corporate photos, too.

Choose the right accessories and get a couple of color combinations that express your personality.

If you want to dress for the occasion every time without spending too much on your wardrobe, it is important that you shop in a smart way. Improve your looks by finding the right combination of basic outfits and accessories.

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KITON SPRING 2019 MENSWEAR

KITON SPRING 2019 MENSWEAR see full collection.

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The Trends To Be Wearing This Summer

The dust from all of the fashion weeks has settled, and we can finally sit down and decide what looks we want to rock over the coming months. From summer, to the  fall transition, to winter, there are plenty of looks to be watching out for. But first thing's first, summer is here! So what are the key trends to be looking out for? There is certainly a lot of bright color to be looking at, as well as bold prints. So without further ado, here are your summer fashion picks.

Bright Colors

It seems like designers had been raiding their children’s Crayola boxes for inspiration, as bright colors have been all over the catwalk. Tomato red has been a popular color of choice, with Victoria Beckham have several pieces in the shade, including her popular Harper slipper seen here: https://www.victoriabeckham.com/shoesglitter-red.html. So think emerald green, canary yellow, and cobalt blue as you plan out your outfits and accessories.

Subtle Jewelry

With the colors and prints on clothes being bright and bold, the accessories have kind of taken a step back for this month. So they can be kept pretty subtle, unless you have some matching bright tassel earrings to wear with your outfits. You could wear a subtle and sleek diamond ring, much the rage here https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/tacori/, and keep it simple with a pendant necklace. No doubt you’ve got a few bits like this already at home, so the good news is you’re unlikely to have to go out and buy more.

Florals

Is it even summer without some florals thrown into the mix? While a strong palm-leaf pattern has been pretty popular, florals are going to be a big thing over summer. Chloe has some of the prettiest and most feminine prints out there, as well as the ditsy prints that Loewe had on display. Sheer floral fabrics are also going to be big, which is great for any vacations that you’ve got planned.

Extra Large Tote Bags

We have seen large handbags and purses, to small cross-body bags in recent years. But the extra large tote is going to be a big thing over summer. Can we get a high-five for the practicality of this, please? You can fit everything in for a trip to the beach, as well as a spare change of clothes, your shopping, and plenty of accessories. Kate Spade has, as always, an amazing collection of tote bags with fun prints and bright colors, in-keeping with the other big trend of the summer; color.

Puff Sleeves

You might have thought that puffed sleeves were left back in the eighties, but they are back in a big way this summer. From jackets with puff sleeves, to big printed dressed with puff sleeves, there are various ways to wear this look. If you’re not feeling to brave about it, then high waisted acid-wash jeans, summer wedges, and a jacket with puff sleeves could be a good starter look, a la Givenchy on the catwalk.

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How To Accessorize Any Outfit

Creating a perfect outfit might seem like a simple job, but it can actually take a lot of thinking about if you want to look like your favorite fashion icons every day. The ideal outfit is built around layers and accessories which create a flawless look that carries through the entire day. Here is how you can become a master of styling yourself this summer.

Pick a great base

Every outfit starts with one or two items to form a base. It will either be a one-piece such as a dress, or a two-piece (separates) such as a blouse and a skirt. As soon as you pick out your base, you have a canvas upon which to layer and style into a cohesive outfit. If you have a plain or a block of color you can add patterns to your layers but if it is already patterned you will want to keep things simple.

Layer

A layer can be anything from a scarf to a hat, a coat to a cardigan or even a statement necklace. It will be where you add that splash of color or pattern that will make the outfit pop. A layer is an immediate way to anchor your look and make it feel more like an intentional outfit from the outset.

Jewelry

If you have a few staple jewelry items that you wear with absolutely anything, now is the time to pop them on over the top. This will give you the chance to see if you can add anything else to the look or if you need to take anything out.

Balancing Trends

When a new trend comes out on the scene, it can be too easy to get wrapped up in the magic and end up overdoing your look. If you want to avoid this issue you need to remember that you can only add one or two trend items to your look at once. If you go over the top you will end up with a messy and cluttered looking outfit which just won’t fit any particular style. Keep it simple and steer clear if you can.

Fancy Footwork

Shoes can make or break your look, and it is important to always make sure that you pick shoes which are comfortable for you to walk in all day. If you pick a style like a small dress or romper, a pair of flats or white converse can look really cute and quirky. If you have a maxi dress on, a pair of embellished sandals or wedges will be better. Always stick to a style of shoe which fits the look, and don’t go too crazy with color unless you have a monochrome outfit and want to jazz it up with a bold colored shoe such as bright red or jewel tones.

Your Bag

Last but not least will come the decision of which bag to carry your things in for the day. A bag can be a great accessory for any outfit and choosing the right one depends on your style and your activity for the day. If you will be walking and shopping then Shoulder bags are the most practical, however, if you are wearing the bag for fashion, a handbag with a short strap is fine. A bold color or print can be a brilliant way to finish your look and make you look like a fashion expert once and for all!

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How to Glam Up For This Year's Office Christmas Party

Be the center of attention this Christmas

With Christmas around the corner, offices across the globe have started preparations for their very own parties. Unlike present-shopping, which tends to happen at the very last minute, getting ready for office parties happens much sooner, with many already knowing what they will wear for this very unique occasion.

Should you combine gold and silver? Will you add a touch of glitter to this year’s outfit? Will you go for high stiletto shoes or ankle strap heels? Decisions, decisions... We have prepared our own style guide to help you out with what most likely will be one of 2017’s most memorable events.

Choose a fitted dress to show your curves to the world...or...errr...your office!

Christmas dinner won’t happen until the 24th and if you have been on the most popular diet this year, i.e. five a day, chances are you are still proud of your curves! A nicely fitted long sleeve dress will keep you warm if you decide to leave the premises and do some al fresco networking mid-party and it will also show your body in its truest glory. Choose from one of these beautiful prom dresses to awe your boss and colleagues!

Combine it with a powerful set of drop earrings

You could decide to go for something plain and simple, in order to make sure it is to everyone’s taste, but as far as we are concerned, you are the star of the party and you deserve to be noticed. Why not choose this wonderful set of earrings from H&M? That’s what Christmas is all about, after all - color and sparkle! And we guarantee you, these will look fab no matter what dress you decide to combine them with.

Go for killer heels that will silence the room

Sure, heels can be painful and standing on them for hours can be terrible for your delicate feet, but who’s complaining? With the Christmas office party happening just once a year, this pain is worth enduring. Match that fabulous prom dress with one of these killer heels and stun the room this December. After all, you have worked hard and it would be a shame not to look the part for the grand finale. Go on, treat yourself!

Pick a clutch that matches the dress’ color

We have been known to go a bit crazy during our shopping sprees, women that is. Christmas music playing from the loudspeakers, dozens of shoppers in hectic mode and wintery weather outside the stores makes us all go a bit mad when we go out and hunt for the perfect season dress. However, stay cool when choosing the clutch. This is the make or break fashion accessory and if the decision is rushed, you could end up looking like a badly programmed Katy Perry concert. These clutches are all under $70 and we are loving the look of them!

We hope you got inspired by our Christmas party fashion tips above. Good luck and behave responsibly! Or don’t! Most importantly, don’t let go of your clutch and walk upright. Remember, Christmas parties only happen once a year!

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Fashion Trends We Need To Leave In 2017

Some fashion trends aren’t around for very long, and there is often a very good reason for that! After all, flares and platform boots wasn’t really a good look, no matter how much we tell ourselves that it was. Thankfully, they have been left well behind in the 1970s! Similarly, all the huge bouffants of the 1980s didn’t see the light of day ones the 1990s started.

It’s almost the new year, so we will soon see which trends and styles of 2017 will survive and live onto 2018. There will be a few that will survive, but it’s fair to say a few deserve to be left behind in this year for good. Here are some that haven’t impressed us at all.

Mom Jeans

Formal Crop Tops

Crop tops became pretty big this year, and there’s nothing wrong with them up to a point. However, we noticed that a few celebrities and A-listers began to wear crop tops as part of their formal wear. Ok, so crop tops are perfectly fine in a casual situation but please let’s stop this formal crop top malarkey. Formal dresses need to be elegant and sophisticated. And that is no excuse to get your belly out, no matter how posh you might think it is!

Mom Jeans

We can understand why mom jeans became so big with everyone - they are super comfortable! Of course, there is nothing wrong with cozy clothes. In fact, we agree that there aren’t nearly enough clothes that are comfortable these days. But why should comfortable clothes be so frumpy? These mom jeans took it one step too far and made a lot of glamorous girls look frumpy for no reason!

Cut-Out Shoulders

Have you noticed that a lot of tops this year had no shoulders in them? These cut-out shoulder tops were big news in 2017. In actual fact, they were so popular, it became tricky trying to find any tops with long sleeves that still had their shoulders in tact! We’ve got our fingers crossed that shoulders make a comeback next year.

Plastic Shoes

We’re certainly not fans of blisters, so we are still scratching our heads and trying to figure out why plastic shoes caught on this year. It’s probably because some really big names, such as Kim Kardashian, were photographed wearing them. But not only would these plastic shoes cause some major blisters, they are very expensive for shoes that look very cheap!

Unicorns

Every year, there seems to be an animal that is very popular in the fashion world and designers cover their clothes in it. We’ve already had clothes patterns that feature owls and foxes. Well, in 2017, things certainly took a turn for the more fantastical as unicorns took over. We’re hoping that we have already passed peak unicorn. We’ve spotted unicorn shoes, unicorn handbags, and unicorn-covered jumpers. That’s enough unicorn for now, thanks!
 

Do you agree that these trends need to stay in 2017? Let us know which ones you think should be forgotten!

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