Friday 19 May 2017

WHEN YOU FALL IN LOVE

Who else can relate to this? That feeling of warmth and excitement as your heart starts to beat a little bit faster. An item that is an extension of your personality or something you know that you will wear to death! This treasured piece can awaken a lust and desire that you thought not possible, and then your fingertips grab it immediately and its like meeting an old friend. You fall in love with it and simply must have it? 

SHOPPING IN MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA

Shirt: @moschino
Sunglasses: @kmartaus


Falling in love can also cause heartbreak. I read an article recently about "Compulsive Spending Disorder" where it stated " Sufferers may feel compelled to splash out on things they do not need, want or use because they enjoy the recognition or importance that being a big shopper brings, or to bolster low self-esteem". After initially laughing at this article with a friend, I did seriously contemplate if I had a shopping addiction. The truth is, I do not shop to boost low self esteem. I do not shop for anyone else. I rarely shop with people. I have no need to be seen in the latest season. In fact when and what I purchase, is because I have fallen in love and I have it for many many years. I cannot help that I easily fall in love with beautiful colours and fabrics, embellished accessories, well constructed bags or unusual shoes. 

SHOPAHOLIC MENSWEAR MELBOURNE

I could restrict my "love affairs" by resisting entering a store, not opening a shopping app on my phone or reading the delightful love letters of sales from mailing lists I have joined. Temptation is everywhere, including the window displays on Collins Street, Melbourne. 

BRIGGINS MENS SUITS MELBOURNE 

Sunglasses: @oxfordshop
Shirt: @oxfordshop
Jeans: @cottonon
Shoes: @doucals


Who doesn't like new things? A new shirt is just like a new hair cut. A new pair of shoes can make you feel like you can take on the world, and don't get me started with a new suit. WORLD DOMINATION. 


Suit/Shirt/Accessories:@briggins_clothiers
Shoes: @doucals


Falling in love ultimately leads to heart break. Your favourite shoes can no longer be saved by taking them to the repair man, your favourite bag has had an accident with a stain. Unfortunately some love affairs are not meant to last a lifetime. Others are. I still have items from 10 years ago that I still wear and every time I wear them it ignites the passion I felt initially. The cruelest heartbreak is the "haunting and longing". Nothing haunts me like the things I did not buy. 

FALLING IN LOVE WITH CLOTHES

Blazer: @oxfordshop
Shirt: @helmutlang
Bag: @doucals
Sunglasses: @kmartaus


In this day an age of mass produced "disposable" fashion, quality, cut, style and design are the key points of difference that instantly run through my head when I fall in love. If it is a sample, it makes it even more desirable. If it is a one off...........all bets are off. If it is an item I cannot find in stores in Australia, immediately I will fall a little bit more in love. Yes the industry may be designed that way, but so is my heart. 


Ultimately, you can never control your heart. If you fall in love with a giant sequined panda sweatshirt, so be it. Truth is if you love it and wear it with love and passion, everyone around you will love it and the energy you are producing. When love finds you, I say "grab it with both hands and never let go" unless I am on the other end of that item. Then watch out!







Sunday 14 May 2017

CHANGE YOUR SPOTS

When most men think of wardrobe staples, they think: crisp white shirts, navy chinos, a good blazer and a pair of black shoes. Whilst I do agree with them that they are wardrobe "essentials", I believe in wardrobe staples. There is a distinct difference between a staple and a necessity. A favourite staple of mine, and I hope of yours is Leopard print. I am very similar to the animal. I am of a lighter physique, adaptable, long body and like my meat. I encourage you to start small by adapting this fantastic pattern into your wardrobe with accessories at first. Shoes, belts, bags and scarves are all great to work the pattern in, without being over the top. As I always say, balance is the key. Let's look at some ways you can incorporate this. 
MEN IN LEOPARD PRINT

Accessories

Start small if you have never embraced this pattern. A scarf can add just the right amount of interest, either tied in a bow like I have done above, or you could leave it untied. By using a small item to introduce yourself to the print you will soon fall in love with it and want to try more.


MEN LEOPARD PRINT

Keep it Simple

If the above is too outrageous for you at first. Pair it back. Introducing yourself to a new pattern can be confronting, just like dating! Start small with a pair of shoes and pair it with a minimal look.

Blazer: @oxfordshop
Shirt: @cottonon
Sunglasses: @kmartau


MEN FASHION BLOG

Above I have advanced the introductory look by combining wardrobe "necessities" with "staples" and created a fresh modern look. These Roberto Cavalli loafers have been a blessing and I wear them all the time. If an outfit is a little bit "safe" immediately I turn to these loafers. 

Blazer: @oxfordshop
Shirt: @hm
Pants: @cheapmonday
Bow tie: @dirkbikkembergs
Sunglasses: @gucci


LEOPARD PRINT FASHIONISTA BLOG

Once you have mastered the loafer and feel comfortable with them, embrace mixing with small items of a contrasting texture. In this case the Karl Lagerfeld pouche is a reflective surface. Mixing with metallic and soft neutrals or white colours also assist in making the leopard pattern POP.

Pouche: @karllagerfeld


Sunglasses: @kmartaus


MENS FASHION BLOGGER

Let's jump In

You are now a star at mixing the pattern in with every day items from your closet. Now is the time to be brave and purchase an item of clothing with the print. In this case, lets start with a Tshirt. This oversized tee is great for relaxed brunches, movies and casual settings. It is of the darker variety of the pattern so reflects well of denim and colours with the print. See how I have balanced the outfit with the leopard shoes? Style tip!

Sunglasses: @oxfordshop
Shirt: @moschino
Pants: @topman
Shoes: @roberto_cavalli
Jewellery: @erikaboutique


AUSTRALIAN FASHION BLOGGER

Jacket: @roger_david
Shirt: @moschino
Dungarees: @boohooMANofficial
Shoes: @l_artigiano_del_cuoio
Sunglasses: @lespecs


MENS TOP FASHION BLOG
As you know, I am not afraid of a pop of colour. Certain colours work wonderfully with leopard. Obviously Black and White for minimal modern looks. If you are like me and love colour, red, purple, yellow and green work a treat with this pattern. These jeans from Department 5 are a fav of mine, I have worn them everywhere and always get many compliments on the cut and style. If you fancy yourself a bit of a rockstar why not pair a leopard pant with a leather jacket! Serious George Michael vibes.
Sunglasses: @gucci
Sweater: @oxfordshop
Shirt: @ted_baker

Pants: @department5

Shoes: @oxfordshop

Bag: @davidelfinofficial


GFASHCOLLECTIVE MENS FASHION

I call the above look. Kate Moss. Pair the leopard fitted long sleeve with a blazer, turn up the sleeves on the rolled up blazer sleeves and pair with your favourite pair of denim. Be confident, be bold, let the world hear your growl. GO forth and spread the gospel of leopard.

Blazer: @oxfordshop

Pants: @cottonon


Sunglasses: @oxfordshop


Wednesday 10 May 2017

INSTANTLY COOLER

Knowing how to wear and style a motorcycle jacket successfully can come down to a number of factors. Firstly, I think leather biker jackets can be worn with many styles in everyday life. From business to casual, you are only limited by your imagination. You can wear a leather jacket with pretty much anything. I highly recommend investing in a good leather jacket. Any outfit is instantly that much cooler when you throw on a leather jacket.

Business Casual

If you do not know what "Business Casual" is, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? It is not a license to wear ill fitting sloppy clothes to the office. Tailored pieces, i.e. crisp white shirt, mixed with casual items, such as these Adidas Superstars and leather jacket. 

Jacket: @roger_david



AUSTRALIA'S BEST FASHION BLOG

Rockstar Chic

Investing in a leather jacket is smart. Pair it instantly with Black denim to create a classic rock star look. If you are feeling particularly experimental try it with double denim or triple denim if different colours or textures. Personally I am a fan of contrasting denims and balancing textures, leather jacket plus leather boots equals balance. 



Jacket: @roger_david

Shirt: vintage no name
Sunglasses: @oxfordshop
Rings & scarf: vintage no name
Jacket: @roger_david
Pouche: @karllagerfeld
Shoes: @doucals
Sunglasses: @kmartaus





MELBOURNE'S BEST FASHION BLOG

Mix and Match

Once you’ve nailed the dark rockstar look, you can start building up to working with contrasting colours. I adore colour blocking. Begin with a colour that you are comfortable wearing. The key to rocking any outfit is being comfortable and confident with what you have put on your back. I personally love mixing textures and colours not normally seen on men. For instance soft pastels are rarely seen on men for their "feminine" vibe. Paired with a leather jacket this look becomes strong and bold. Remember, shop well and purchase pieces that are easy to mix and match!

Jacket: @roger_david
Singlet: @boohooMANofficial
Pants: @asos_menswear
Pouche: @karllagerfeld
Shoes: @doucals
Sunglasses: @kmartaus