Tuesday 15 November 2011

Men In Suits- The Do's & Don'ts Guide To The Perfect Suit

After careful research, looking at catwalk shows and a look in the high street stores, I now have enough evidence to help Man with the ever puzzling question... "How do I go about purchasing a suit". Fear Not, im back and ready to give you all a quick guide on the Do's & Dont's when buying a suit.

A/W '11 has been a big year for the tailoring. Designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Paul Costelloe, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana and finally Sarah Burton For Alexander Mcqueen have all contributed to the world of tailoring.
Each designer focused on particular colours, such as Greys and Blacks. Textures were also an important component, lots of velvets (CK) and tweeds ( Costelloe). Crisp white shirts were a key item in each catwalk show, with the exception of prints and bright coloured shirts to add a contrast to the suit itself. The suit trousers are pleated elongating legs, but add a sophisticated element. The tappered look of the trousers helps to add a more cutting edge feel to your wardrobe but again looks smart and can be worn on a regular basis to the office.


This Fall saw the return of the "Double Breasted" jacket. Classy yet cutting edge, and a defo must have in the wardrobe this season! Remember to NEVER fasten the bottom button and seeing as the jacket makes a statement, don't dress too loud i.e pinstripe trousers with a plain jacket is a NO NO! Keep it smart and matching with a little edge.

Fitting is THE most IMPORTANT element when buying a suit; Make sure leg length, waist size, arms, shoulders and chest are all measured up. Furthermore, take the shoes you are planning to wear with you so that the suit can be tailored to match the height of the heel on your shoes... long trousers that gather at the bottom = NO and just a bit of a turn off, sorry. Make sure the suit itself is perfected to a TEE; don't be afraid to accessorize with belts, cuffs, ties and socks.

To make sure you gain the right advantages when trying on suits, wearing a light weight shirt will help get the fitting correct, wearing ill-fitted clothes may cause you to invest in the wrong size jacket, so dress comfortably! Another quick tip, dress on a more smart/casual, when walking into high end boutiques, look professional as in return you will get the best customer service.

Lastly, Don't be afraid to experiment with colours, textures and cuts. 3 peice suits as seen in Dolce & Gabbana's A/W '11 collection, are slowly making a comeback, this adds a very "Wall Street-esk" type of look, Smart, Sexy and Sophisticated. Textures such as Tweeds, Dog Tooth and Pin Stripes add statement, and give your look a bold and daring edge, why not give it a try? it will surely turn some heads in the office and the London Underground.



Look Out Ladies, The Boy's Are Back In Town, Bringing The Sexy Back Into Office.

Be Smart, Be Sexy, Be Sophisticated.

Monday 14 November 2011

It's A Man's World.. But They Would Be Nothing Without A Womens Touch..



Right fashionistas I'm back and ready to take over the fashion scene once again! This entry will focus on Men's Fashion & HOW its changed over the season. I will be looking at What's HOT this season for all you lovely men out there.

This season takes an interesting approach to colours and textures. Velvets and knits are key items; focusing on greys and various neutral colours for a smart approach, where as more vibrant and flamboyant colours focus more on a casual outlook.



We begin by looking at the Military Theme. This is one trend that has not left the Cat walk and continues to thrive as we enter the blistering cold this season. Military style jackets are a MUST HAVE this A/W '11. Designers such as Versace and Alexander Mcqueen (who is heavily influenced by this trend) presented sophisticated outer wear at its best. All designers focused on the "Pea coat" cut and paid attention to detail with belts and golden buttons. This look will forever add a smart and cutting edge feel to your look.



My favorite trend this season will be the Preppy attire. Think "Made in Chelsea" with a splash of colour! Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce & Gabbana and Vivienne Westwood just to name a few brought a new and fun look to this successful trend. To give this look a bit more of a special touch, why not wear this look with A crisp white shirt, tucked into a pair of skinny grey chinos, teamed with a chunky knitted cardigan and some red vans; finish off with a skinny tie with stripes. Boisterous Yet Sophistication at its best!

Another hidden passion and Love of mine.. MEN IN SUITS! Yes, this seasons must have work wear will definitely turn some heads! The return of the Double breasted suit jackets emphasies the military theme this season. Pleated trousers also make a return. Designers such as Gucci, D&G, Hermes & Micheal Kors have created a fresh and vibrant look for the office.





Next on this seasons must have is Chunky Knits! Bold colours will add a flamboyant edge to your more casual look. Chinos and brogues will give a preppy yet suave approach. Nordic prints will give a more well presented and smarter look this season, or for a more casual look team with desert boots and skinny jeans finishing off with some geeky specs. Designers such as Missoni had a heavy influence at this years Fashion week.



Finally, Velvet is KEY this season. That's right, its not just us girls who will need something velvet in our wardrobe this Autumn/Winter. For the more daring man, why not try Velvet blazer in Midnight Blue? This will add a sharpness to ones wardrobe. For the not so daring, why not invest in a cashmere jumper with suede/velvet trimming. Suede elbow pads on jumpers and sweats ARE THE WAY FORWARD THIS SEASON, this looks more refined as it pays attention to small detail.