My absent-minded Brother recently left his e cigarette in my car by mistake. Curiosity got the better of me and after unfurling the leather pouch I noticed it was stocked with a variety of extenders, silencers, banana clips, telescopic sights, throwing stars, a plethora of international passports and 100,000 in non-sequential bills, split between 10 currencies. It then dawned on me this wasn't a Vaping kit at all, but an assassin’s suitcase!

Of course I jest, it was a vaping kit, loaded with e-liquids, replacement coils, polycarbonate tanks what have you. The point is I became enlightened into what has now become a ubiquitous phenomenon; the world of Vaping. There are vaping communities, events like Vape Jam (see video below) in the UK, bars and cafes popping up where once Woolworths stood and active forums (POTV, UKVapers) unlike the relics of the 90s.

So my interest peaked and when I reunited my Brother with his Hitman-esque e cig, I decided to see what all the fuss was about. I started with the Havana Gold which allowed me to nostalgically reminisce the first ten years of my life spent in the trail of his Fathers cigar as we circled the pubs and arcades on the Great Yarmouth strip. Amazingly there was no passion fruit! Considering Passion Fruit has made into shower gel, porridge, flavoured water, etc.. I can only assume that passion fruit has closed its doors to the Vaping community. 

Instead I sampled the sumptuous sweet delights of Pink Lemonade, the Cinnamon and the Strawberry Whip Dripper by Element E Juice. My Brothers kitchen was beginning to smell like a Bassett's Factory (and by no means is that a bad thing) so we moved on to what my Brother referred to as 'top shelf'. The Oceanus eLiquid by Mystique. It sounded like the name of Optimus Primes' sidekick, (Oceanus transform and roll out!). It was rich with a minty finish, assertive but not pushy. This is what I found to be the biggest attraction, the guilt-free indulgent in the art of flavour refinement. When you consider the other end of the smoking scale is my estate agent, a 30 a day man that smells like he's just stepped out of fifties speak-easy.

It seems these are all courtesy of Vape Club, according to a carefully placed business card, thanking my brother for his custom. Indubitably and likewise, kind Sirs. Hoping to find myself part a secret vaping society called The Vape Club, I discovered they were the next best thing (and on reflection, most obviously...) and an electronic cigarette shop where my brother goes. You can find them at their site vapeclub.co.uk or twitter of facebook.

Oh and try the Elements range and Oceanus too by clicking those links. Thank me later. Vape On as they.. someone.. he.. she.. say.

Article by Menswear Style

Creating a shoe that is an expression of nature’s imperfect landscape, the Winter Trail Pack follows the winter running concept in the urban outdoors. With its cracks and crevices, its turns and lines, and its almost dependable unpredictability, when facing nature, it’s always best to be prepared. The Winter Trail Pack provides the support you’ll need to face the outdoors with features such as pressed winterised suedes, trail inspired outdoor rope laces, sporty rugged mesh that is open for breathability, speckled midsoles, and reflective detailing for night time visibility.

The ASICS Tiger Winter Trail Pack is released in the GEL-LYTE III and GEL SAGA silhouettes with both sporting complimentary winter and nature indicative colourways – black and army green. The Winter Trail Pack will be available September 2015 at select retailers globally. The shoes will retail for 115 (GEL LYTE III), 120 (GEL LYTE V) and 100 (GEL SAGA). 

ASICS Tiger is the lifestyle expression of the performance brand, bringing the unique combination of Japanese sports technology and global street style to the modern day sneaker lover. The product range has been recreated using original materials and colours, along with new sports inspired models using updated performance technologies.

Article by Menswear Style

Designer Charlotte Dellal, founder of Charlotte Olympia; presenter, writer and journalist Anna Richardson and singer/songwriter Jessie Ware are just three of the judges poised to select the best of Mr & Mrs Smith’s global boutique hotel collection, at the third annual Smith Hotel Awards. Celebrating the world’s most stylish stays, the awards aim to uncover the very best of the global boutique hotel scene. Voting is open to the public at smithhotelawards.com from 1 to 30 September 2015.

The panel of judges will cast their expert eyes over the hotel shortlists in October, with the results announced at a party in London on Thursday 5 November. Last year, more than 700 guests sipped cocktails until the early hours at Bankside Vaults, Blackfriars in London. This year the results party will again host press, the judging panel, Mr & Mrs Smith’s hotel reviewers, and the great and the good of the travel industry.

“Now in its third year, the awards give us the chance to shine a light on small, independent stays like Uxua Casa in Brazil, which won Best Smith Hotel last year, and also to celebrate the classics. Our aim is to create the ultimate boutique hotel hotlist for 2016 with the 12 properties that come out on top. This year, we’re joined by some great new judges too, from Rodial founder Maria Hatzistefanis to frequent traveller and fashion designer Henry Holland.” - James Lohan, Founder, Mr & Mrs Smith.

The 12 categories are: Best Hotel Pool, Sexiest Bedroom in the World, Best-Dressed Hotel, Hottest Hotel Bar, Best Spa Hotel, Best Hotel Restaurant, Best for Families The Eco Award, Best Budget Boutique Hotel, Above and Beyond Best Newcomer and Best Smith Hotel 2014. Everyone who votes at smithhotelawards.com will be in with the chance to win a bundle of luxury gifts from Smith’s partners, including a £1,000 Get a Room! Smith gift card, USD$1,000 to spend on luxury lingerie at Kiki de Montparnasse, £750 credit for designer swimwear at Orlebar Brown and a limited edition Ruark radio.

There will be four judges for each category, selected for their travel credentials, critical eye and expertise in the worlds of fashion, music, food, interiors and hotel design. As well as Mr & Mrs Smith co-founders James and Tamara Lohan and editor-at-large, Juliet Kinsman, judges include singer and songwriter Jessie Ware; fashion designer Henry Holland; leading fashion consultant and co-founder of être cécile, Yasmin Sewell; founder of Charlotte Olympia, Charlotte Dellal; Rodial skincare founder, Maria Hatzistefanis; Belgraves chef, Sophie Michell; UK presenter and journalist, Anna Richardson; founder & director of Eco-Age, Livia Firth; founder of lifestyle boutique Babyccino Kids, Courtney Adamo; and lifestyle bloggers Peony Limand Shini Parkof Park & Cube.

The Smith Hotel Awards results will be online at smithhotelawards.com on Friday 6 November 2015.

Article by Menswear Style

Roll up and take a peak at what's coming soon to a freak show near you. Through the saloon doors come The Outlaws. A brand new Brand fashion film from Belstaff. It sounds as mad as a box of frogs, starring David Beckham and Harvey Keitel, it's Golden Balls versus Reservoir Dogs. The 15 minute movie-mash centres around a brooding dare-devilishly handsome stranger with no name. Becks plays the protagonist, a maverick motorcyclist, impeccably dressed to kill. The showdowns in the feature will showcase pieces from the Belstaff Outlaws collection, where the Eastgate Jacket meets the Westmore Trousers. There's the American Diner scene that shows cameos of the designer Outlaw jacket paired with the Black Rod Jean.

Hot on the trails of the Strangers Trialmaster Short boots are the Outlaws Bounty Hunters. Their plight is an unending pursuit of the silent outsider, the mere essence of cool, stopping only to smoke, to drink and refuel. It's par for the course of course with Belstaff the suitors, harley's for horses and footballs for six-shooters. 

With Writer and Director Geromy Jasper at the helm, we enter the realm of the slightly surreal, a cross between the wild west and the Cirque du Soleil with nods to Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone, you might say. The stage is drawn on the unadorned Mexican landscape, dusty like Springfield, baron as Samedi, drier than a Cabernet Sauvignon grape. 

Outlaws will premiere on September 21st and will no doubt be littered with a-listers. You'll see Becks in his leathers still with sand in his whiskers. You can be VIP and be swinging with the big dicks on the red carpet. So mark it down in your diary. See the website for details, stand by your emails, you might need to be around when the circus comes to town.

Article by Menswear Style

With the eyes of the world turning to England for seven weeks of sporting history, GUINNESS today launches a brand new campaign, celebrating stories of strength of character and integrity from the world of rugby. Rather than focus on physical attributes of what makes a rugby player, this campaign looks to inner qualities like courage, empathy and resilience. 

Gareth Thomas

Never Alone tells the story of how the former Wales captain’s greatest fear wasn’t the opposition he faced on the pitch, but the fear of rejection from everything he had known, because of his sexuality. The film celebrates the courage of Gareth, and most importantly, the empathy shown by his teammates when he came out, showing that even when he felt he was on his own and at his lowest point, he was always part of a team.

Ashwin Willemse

The Right Path tells the story of a man who had a choice of two paths when growing up. One dictated to him by a notorious Cape Town gang, and one he would need to make for himself, to follow a path to the pinnacle of rugby. The film celebrates the choice that he made to defy his circumstances, and with the encouragement of those around him, he became who he really wanted to be, eventually winning 19 caps for his country and becoming a World Champion in 2007.

Along with the two adverts, GUINNESS is also releasing two short documentaries, which explore Gareth and Ashwin’s stories in more detail. These short films shine a light on the events covered in the adverts, providing additional insight from the subjects on the challenging circumstances they faced, and the incredible support they received from their teammates. 

Nick Britton, Marketing Manager Guinness Western Europe said:“These films perfectly demonstrate the values of integrity and character that are both core to the sport of rugby. The courage that Gareth and Ashwin both showed, and the incredible empathy and support they received from their team, are remarkable stories that we are proud to celebrate.” 

Gareth Thomas, former Wales captain, said: “I went into battle on the pitch every week, but the battle I was going through personally was ten times worse because I was keeping a secret from the team. That team becomes like your family – the closest thing to you, and to hide that secret from the team was horrible. The support that my teammates showed when I came out was truly remarkable – my sexuality didn’t matter to them at all. I am very proud about my rugby playing career, but I am more proud of the fact that my teammates supported me to play rugby being Gareth Thomas, being the person that I am, 100%.”

Ashwin Willemse, former South Africa rugby player, said: “Me becoming a Springbok was something I never perceived to be possible growing up. I made some wrong decisions when I was younger and fell in with the wrong crowd. But even during that time I always had the gift of rugby. Without rugby, and the incredible support of my teammates and family, I most probably would have ended up either in prison or in a coffin six foot under.What they taught me is that we can defy the odds, we can be better than we ever imagined, all you need in life is just a small little light that can give you a new direction, and that for me was rugby." 

GUINNESS has been involved with rugby for over forty years, and is a Proud Partner of the Home Nations – England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. The new films join the suite of rugby content that were launched last year for the Autumn Internationals, and can be viewed at youtube.com/GUINNESSEurope.

Article by Menswear Style

The thought of losing your locks might be enough to bring you out in a cold sweat. So, if you’ve started to notice more hair in the plughole or you think your tresses are beginning to look a little thin on top, you might wonder what the future has in store for your follicles. Here, we take a look at whether hair loss can be predicted and what can be done to stop or slow this process down.

At the mercy of your genes 

By far the most common type of hair loss is male pattern baldness. This condition affects around half of men by the age of 50 and many people experience it as early as their 20s and 30s. Tell-tale signs include a receding hair line and a thinning of the hair on the crown. If you want to know if you’re at risk of this condition, look at your family. Male pattern baldness is hereditary. It’s often mistakenly suggested that the condition is only passed on through the mother’s side of the family, but in fact it can come from either side. 

So, if your dad, uncles or grandfathers have lost their locks, there’s a chance you’ll follow suit. You might be wondering how your genes can cause you to lose your hair - and this brings us onto some science. It’s thought that the genetic disorder that triggers male pattern baldness causes testosterone to be converted into the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which has a negative effect on hair follicles and can stop or slow hair production.

Treatment 

Don’t despair though if the men in your family tend to lose their tresses. There are now effective treatments on offer that can help to slow or even reverse hair loss. The most popular is finasteride, which is better known under the brand name Propecia in the UK. This comes in tablet form and it works by blocking the effect of DHT on hair roots. It can take around three to six months to notice results, but around nine in 10 men who use finasteride see an improvement, while two in three benefit from renewed hair growth. So, while you might not be able to do anything to change your genetic risk of developing male pattern baldness, you can take steps to reduce its effects. There’s plenty of advice available online and in pharmacies if you want tips on tackling this type of hair loss.

Article by Menswear Style

It's always a daring moment for many men to wear a something a little out of their comfort zones, but it becomes boring and dull to wear the same plain colour over and over again - so why not add some bolder items to your wardrobe with a patterned suit. If you already have one collecting dust at the back of your wardrobe with the labels still because you're unsure how to wear it then read on as we give you some expert styling tips. There are many different types of patterned suits you can buy dependent on your style and the current season, with some patterns being more suited for the summer or winter months.

Stripe Suits 

The business suit, a style which was always seen as flashy back in the 1920s but today it’s a little more refined with less stigma. As a word of advice, if you’re tall don’t wear a vertical striped suit because they make you look taller - but if you're shorter than the average male then this is perfect for you. There are different types of stripes, from your classic pinstripes to chalk stripe (slightly wider and often sewn into flannel). Then there is the rope which is generally seen on winter suits made from wool. It depends how bold you want to be as to which you choose. When dressing a stripe suit don’t also wear a striped shirt, stick to something plain and if you must make a dandy statement match it with a gingham shirt and classic lace ups (not detailed brogues) in similar colours.

Plaid Suits

Plaid or sometimes referred to as the ‘glen check’ has since reformed into a Prince of Wales or Duke of Windsor style which is an iconic suit pattern. You commonly see this on sports jackets and blazers as it was originally known as weekend wear in an informal environment. It’s more of a winter wear pattern as it’s often worn on woollen fabrics in a black and white colour palette. This is risky per se to wear with something else checked unless you want to stand out. But if you do choose to wear it with another check choose a larger sized check to balance it out. Or go for something plain and subtle in colour along with a pair of black lace ups or monk straps to complement the suit colour.

Windowpane  Suits

The more flamboyant of the suit patterns and something seen on the continent for its boldness. This is one style which doesn’t necessarily need to be seen on the entire suit. Just like plaid, it’s found on sports and casual jackets amd they look great over a pair of plain flannel trousers or dark washed jeans for weekend wear. You can be brave and wear this with another patterned shirt underneath, something gingham or smaller checks since the window pane print is usually quite large. Since this is often not a full suit you can wear it with detailed leather brogues or loafers (seasonal dependent).

Houndstooth Suits

Deriving from Scotland, this is a winter fabric and is more formally seen on coats and jackets (more so for women and not seen too much on suits). Generally this pattern is seen on tweed or wool fabrics for a thicker and luxurious feel. A striped shirt would sit nicely under this as it’s great contrast. Alternatively you can wear it with a solid plain shirt and a striped tie. If you’re wearing this as a separate, choose a pair of trousers and shoes which are fairly plain and not too dramatic as a way to make the jacket the statement piece of the outfit.

Herringbone Suits 

Another of the winter patterns, small arrow type shapes close together often on tweed and sometimes seen on wool too. The pattern is fairly subtle but from a distance it does give the suit a texture. Herringbone is a great choice for a formal occasion as the smaller the pattern, the smarter the style becomes. This type of suit looks great in a lighter navy colour blended with a white shirt.

Check Plaid Suits

This is a style which derives from the States worn by those who go sporting on the weekends. It’s a casual style and great for the warmer days. It is a style that needs to be worn with confidence because it’s overstated and bold and it looks great with a large check shirt in dark colours of blues and greens.

Article by Menswear Style

So after following Antony Morato’s journey across popular European cities of Barcelona, London, Lisbon, Marseilles and Naples their next Autumn/Winter 15 Places campaign has gone further overseas to New York. Antony Morato wants to tackle the lifestyle of an everyday man who is on the run, in need of an adventure and most importantly always in style. Their next video is in the city that never sleeps, which is the perfect backdrop to display the collection along with the comparison of New York’s diversity.

Deriving from Naples in 2007, Antony Morato has come along way with their new Places campaign. The brand's clothing is distributed in 3,200 multi-brand stores over 65 countries around the world and it is sold in 60 mono-brand stores located in various locations in Europe, Asia and South America.

This season Morato has chosen unusual backgrounds with beautiful black and white images shot by Toni Thorimbert. The idea was for them to stay away from the typical ‘postcard’ locations and visit unusual sites from the Roosevelt Memorial in Brooklyn to Coney Island’s carnival site passing by the Rivington Hotel in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This is in reflection of how Antony Morato man strives to be different and chooses to not follow the crowd. Each season always reflects a youthful attitude for men who want to feel young but at the same time look smart - Antony Morato has the perfect balance between the two. The key pieces are black denims with zip detailing and blue washed demin with belt chains.

Continental jackets in bomber styles with herringbone puffer detailing for a modern twist, or for the smarter side they have slim fitting blazers in navy and grey shades in melange and viscose. Each season the shirts are also a strong point with a range or tuxedo and dress shirt with mandarin collars and leather cuff trimmings. For the casual youthful feel they have a range of hooded sweaters with unusal zip detailing and crew necks with mesh features giving an everyday street style vibe.

Lastly, for adding colour to your outfit they have sneakers and slip ons in red (if you want to be bold) and in muted greys, blacks and white (for a sleeker look). To combine their latest collection with the Places campaign in New York, the buildings’ of choice all had geometric lines and shapes to reflect the latest collection for a masculine, sleek and modern style.

Article by Menswear Style

For Bjorn Borg, space is the limit when the brand set out to top last year’s celebrated show during Fashion Week in Stockholm. With the brand’s Head Designer James Lee at the helm, expectations were high as Bjorn Borg literally created an out-of-this-world experience to showcase its first collection since the company redirected its business focus to sportswear.

"The SS16 show is inspired by the concept of breaking new frontiers for the love of mankind. Mars One epitomises this idea and our show is a tribute to the bravery and faith these pioneers show by venturing to the unknown for the sake of evolution and innovation. The journey sets the scene for the show featuring our fashion sportswear collection that is perfectly fit for the ultimate challenge – training for Mars!" - James Lee, Head of Design at Bjo¨rn Borg.

Spring/Summer 2016 takes the brand’s sports fashion expression to new heights. The show featured all product groups entailing sportswear, swimwear, underwear, shoes and accessories with an emphasis on the sport range. 

In 2027, a human settlement on Mars will be initiated with the four first volunteering astronauts. Mars One is the space project offering 100 people the chance to move to our neighbouring planet Mars. Inspired by nomads of bygone and future generations, the Bjorn Borg SS16 show at Fashion Week in Stockholm was a tribute to this ground-breaking space mission and to the concept of the ultimate challenge: Training for Mars.

Article by Menswear Style

Men’s fashion retailer, Jacamo, has teamed up with Menswear Style to give one lucky reader the chance to win a suit and matching shoes worth £250. Jacamo is busy offering advice to those contemplating a career change, by ensuring next steps are made in the right shoes and suits. With a wide selection of formalwear, fronted by former English cricketer Freddie Flintoff MBE, Jacamo can help you hit your next interview for six. 

The Flintoff by Jacamo collection, known for both its comfortability and style, comes in a variety of widths and lengths to assure a perfect fit for everyone. They also have plenty of shiny shoes to help you stand out from the crowd, from their Flintoff by Jacamo and Black Label ranges. With over eight years expertise in menswear, Jacamo focuses on clothes that fit and flatter, making shopping for fashion easy and enjoyable, regardless of size or shape. To find the fitting outfit for your next interview, check out Jacamo’s tops tips video on how to impress with your attire here. 

How to Enter 

To be in with a chance of winning this great prize simply Click Here to enter your details into the prize draw before validating your entry via Twitter. The randomly picked winner (12th Oct 4pm) will have 2 weeks to choose 1x suit jacket, 1x formal trousers, and 1x pair of formal shoes to the total value of £250 from selected items from their Flintoff by Jacamo and Black Label ranges  – good luck!

Article by Menswear Style

All action Samuel L Jackson hosted the GQ Men of the Year Awards at the Royal Opera House. MWS went along for the ride, with partners Cîroc Vodka who supplied the cocktails. Journos and Paps jousted for snaps as the A-Listers brought their A-Game to the red carpet. Camera phones at the ready, for this was the after party, a full-on celeb-selfie kamikaze. Upstairs, the Winners Circle, like something out of a Hugo Boss Commercial, infected with press and hangers-on. I felt like Robin Hood's Little John stood next to Nottingham's Stuart Broad, who was clutching his GQ Special Achievement award.

The Cîroc Solo Artist gong was bestowed to Sam Smith, who must be over the moon, no longer having to plead the fifth about the new James Bond tune. David Gandy and partner in crime Jourdan Dunn, the ultimate eye candy double act, knocked back Cîroc Thyme Sours well into the early hours. On the balcony I allowed a Cîroc MOTY cocktail to quench my thirst. Without naming names I conversed with a guy in a gostick hat who claimed he'd had sex with every man in London. "They should hand out awards for that", he said. It was hardly gentrified but we high-fived and spoke over each other's shoulder waiting for someone famous to arrive.

Just then I spied the 'Special One', Jose Mourinho heading to the lift with his Cîroc wrapped magnum gift in hand. He didn't half look handsome, but he was soon out of sight with his daughter in toe, who looked a bit of alright. Before I left I got a cute girl in a pink dress to take a picture of me alone by the press board. Had I known she was Emilia Clarke, watched Game of Thrones, or stayed awake in Terminator Genisys, I would have cried out something reckless like "Come with me if you want to breed". Luckily for her I didn't have a clue and walked off into the sunset with my GQ goody bag. I didn't win an award but I must leave a final remark, thank you GQ, Broady, Cîroc and Emilia Clarke.

Article by Menswear Style

With the change in season just around the corner, the change in fashion has already started. If you want to stay ahead of the game and keep your style when fall sets in, you need to make sure you have some of the following in your wardrobe.

Grey is the colour of the season 

Whatever style you go for, the colour for fall this year is grey. Both casual and smart outfits are all demonstrating various shades of grey, so a closet full of grey is not a bad thing this year. If you want to add a touch of colour, try matching with deep green.

Loosen up 

For a few years now trends have seen clothes getting tighter. However, this is not the case this year. Tight fitting tops, skinny jeans and tailored outwear have given way to a much more looser look. Trousers seen on the fashion catwalks are getting baggier and this is now translating into the highstreet stores. It’s not just trousers that have loosened up either. Outwear has also been given this treatment and popular coats this season are ones which look loose and slightly oversized. these are often made from wool and hang just above, or just below the knee. Again this applies to both casual and smart styles, although the smarter the style, the less loose the coat should be.

Layer up 

Fall is the season of layers because the weather can be so unpredictable that you can never be sure what to wear. The difference in layering this year is that fashion is favouring the jumper, and not just for one of the layers. Thin jumpers are being used as one layer with a thicker knit on top. To pull off this style it is advised that you opt for a thin merino wool type rollneck which will be seen but won’t make you too hot.

Practical vs. Style 

When it comes to autumn footwear you can be forgiven for thinking that you need to step away from style and lean more towards the practical. The threat of rain can become a daily occurrence and no-one wants their best shoes ruined. Of course, if you want to have both style and practicality you need to invest in a pair of Hunter boots.

Fashion for men this fall has taken style in a new direction with looser garments and jumper layering. These are versatile looks that can be worn by anyone regardless of whether they have a naturally casual or smart style. Investing in a few pieces of these items will make sure you stay on trend and look great when the weather changes.

Article by Menswear Style

Finally we have found a use for the coat sleeve other than wiping away snot rockets or opening toilet doors. Lyle & Scott have released the Contactless Jacket at their flagship store on Carnaby Street and only for the price of 150 sheets. The novelty feature on this garment is that it comes with a Barclays bPay chip in the cuff, allowing you to stroke PDQ machines like Alec Guinness waves away Stormtroopers.

You won't be able to bankrupt any casinos for the time being because contactless payment services in the UK has a ceiling of £30 per transaction. The Barclays bPay is compatible with any Visa or Mastercard account, allowing you to manage your bPay account in a number of ways so you stay in control of your spending. The bPay chip is removable and can be slotted into a bespoke bracelet or watch whilst your jacket sleeve can go back to its customary role of wiping spaghetti sauce from the corner of your mouth.

The bPay chip is valid for a minimum of two years, after this time it will not work for contactless payments. However no doubt before it expires we'll all be using voice recognition to pay for our shopping before returning home to our holographic girlfriends on our anti-gravity belts. You'd expect the coat itself would look a little more futuristic with the technology it's rocking, but instead Lyle and Scott have kept it pretty basic with the double face contrast fabric. I can't imagine Rick Deckard rocking this in the new Blade Runner sequel.

Lyle & Scott's innovation project manager, Jonathan Briggs (not the one from the Tele) said: "We understand that it is extremely important to stay in touch with the needs of our modern customers. Innovation is key to realising this, and so we are proud to partner with bPay to launch the world's first contactless payment jacket."

Article by Menswear Style

As someone once said"blogging isn't writing, it's graffiti with punctuation." A lot of bloggers are hacks and believe me, I am in no way taking myself out of that equation. Sometimes the well runs dry and we resort to descriptions that are utterly vapid. Here are the top lines that mean absolutely nothing and are churned out daily by bloggers who simply can't help themselves.

BREADTH OF ABILITY 

Often chucked around by car journos when they need to fill up some column inches. It basically means the car has great range, but then so has my Dad's porn collection. It means nothing, yet somehow encapsulates everything doesn't it.

WOODY FINISH 

This is one for you whisky hacks. Unless you're referring to the after tastes of my sea-through salty bits then I have zero interest in anything with a woody finish. I'll just take it as a given that anything that's been sitting in a wooden cask for more than ten years will have a woody finish.

ICONIC or STYLISH 

It's moronic to hear fashion journos describe clothes as Iconic or Stylish. I bet the same guys that describe clothes as stylish still nominate Jennifer Aniston in Maxim's hottest girl of the year. Jennifer Aniston is not hot, it's just all they know. Christina Hendricks is a vision on the vanguard of all that is holy. She's hot property, Mayfair on Monopoly. Jennifer Aniston is hot and iconic. Get my point?

STRONG SILHOUETTE 

This one cracks me up. Mainly used by people that describe sneakers, and I actually haven't quite figured out what they're referring to even now. I'm guessing, it's the outline of the shoe/trainer, but crap knows what makes it strong. It's also used by car journos every now and then and how car journos love to personify their cars. They talk about a grill of the car having confidence. What the heck is that? Does a car with a sloped grill have self-esteem issues?

FASHION FORWARD 

Urggggh. Talk about empty calories. Yes it's progressive, it's cutting edge, but fashion forward? Fashion by its very definition is transient, so to say anything is fashion-forward defies logic. Fashion forward today, is retro tomorrow, and so on and bleating on.

FALLS BETWEEN THE STALLS 

Mainly used by film journos that can't quite make out what they're watching. In America they call this a 'Tweener' movie because it's between genres. Journos don't like this because they like to label stuff. In a way I guess we all do, it's what we know. It's also like a rhyming Palindrome. However it's horribly clichéd and journos should stop trying to pigeon-hole art to make their jobs easier. Listening Kermode?

Article by Menswear Style

Dinner dates, dinner parties, dinner-dinner-dinner-dinner Batman. It's time to up your dinner game men. If you've ever experienced a dinner party reminiscent of John Major in a Spitting Image sketch, "nice peas Norma", then you know that a prolonged silence can be as deafening as Jo Brand falling down the stairs with a drum kit strapped to her back. So here are a couple of guaranteed great dinner convo's to get either your date or party going.

BASIC INSTINCT 

Everyone has seen this film, and if you're a child of the nineties, then you would have seen this film a hell of a lot. Possibly not the best topic to bring up on a first date, but crowbar the words Basic Instinct in to a conversation on a table of dudes and watch it take off. From there you can branch off to the director Paul Verhoeven's other films like Total Recall, Robocop, and finish on Starship Troopers. Throw in words like, "kitsch" and "camp" in reference to these films so you sound like you know your onions before bringing it back to Basic Instinct and how the film inspired you to get a ceiling mirror above your bed.

WHICH DECADE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE IN? 

It always gets the hipsters going this one. Of course the best answer is the 60s. Now you can shoot down every other decade with these simple arguments. 1910s - Silent movies, nothing but Chaplin films, and shed tonnes of them as well. 20s - Prohibition, you had to give the guy on the door at the speakeasy a reach around if you wanted a drink back then. 60s - Beatles, Doors, Beach Boys, Stones, Pink Floyd, Connery is Bond, Woodstock, Minis, World Cup win, moon landing. 70s - Thatcher. 90s - Peter Cook dies. 2000s - Dudley Moore dies. 2010s - you're not on holiday, you're not in love.

TOM HARDY'S TEETH 

Tom Hardy has a mouth full of crumbled Tic Tacs. If you're on a date she'll inevitably want to gush over Tom Hardy, if you're with dudes then everyone will have a stab at Bane impression from Dark Knight Rises. This can open up avenues of conversation about other celebrities teeth, like Tom Cruise and his centre tooth and Jez from the Peep Show's scary clown teeth. This could branch off into a discussion of teeth whitening, wisdom teeth stories, nightmares about teeth falling out, which apparently is about sexual repression. But don't mention that on a date... or anywhere really.

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF 

God women love this show. Now admittedly you may have never seen it, but every woman on the face of the planet is into baking and this TV show has captured the zeitgeist, apparently. If mentioning it to men then perhaps bring up something anecdotal, like how you once prepared a pot noodle as a snack in Home Economics and got 10/10 from the teacher (true story).

THE CAPITALS GAME 

Trust me, this one is a sure fire winner. It covers so much ground it's untrue. Just open up the platform and pretend to say "I've always fancied going to the capital of Iceland, what's it called?" then watch everyone dive in with Reykjavík! This will wet the appetite for the game. Follow this up with, "I always get that confused with the capital of Bulgaria", then watch everyone rolodex their brains for the answer. Keep this going with "What's the capital of Australia?" and watch every smart arse fly in with Canberra thinking they're Michael Palin. If you get quizzed on why you want to go to Reykjavík simply say "They have a penis museum there." It's true.

Article by Menswear Style

Acne Studios presents a new premium range of small leather goods, including wallets, pouches, iPhone holders, key necklaces and bracelets. The focus is on the highest quality of leather and trims, all made in Italy. The collection will be available exclusively in Acne Studios stores, as well as on acnestudios.com, from 17 September 2015.

The distinctive curved edges are a significant characteristic of the collection, and the pieces come in rich colours, from black and white to burgundy and orange. Pieces are either lined in lamb's leather, or unlined and painted inside in a contrasting colour.

The wallet Kei features the specially curved edges and "Acne Studios" on the spine, as if it were a book. Practical and compact, it has pockets for credit cards, receipts and bills. There's also a medium and large size, each with more pockets for coins or documents. The leather pouch Larimar is the perfect fit for an iPad mini, and can be used as a daytime document holder or evening clutch. A larger size that fits an iPad Air is also available. A leather thong necklace has both a mirror and key holder attached, while a leather bracelet has a curved and raised appearance, its width broadening as it sits on top of the wrist. It is available in two lengths - to wrap either once or twice around the wrist.

Acne Studios small leather goods will be launched with a personalisation service. The personalisation uses a bespoke alphabet, created in collaboration with renowned artist Jack Pierson, featuring his characteristic mix of contrasting font types and sizes. The personalisation will be available in Norrmalmstorg Stockholm, Greene Street NYC, Dover Street London and on acnestudios.com. The service will be offered in a wider selection of Acne Studios stores later on.

More information about the collection and personalisation service is available on acnestudios.com Prices range from £70-£350

Article by Menswear Style

A symbol of cultural authenticity, denim has become a recognised part of everyday life. From jeans and shirts, to jackets and accessories, denim is everywhere. No longer just considered a work wear staple or the ultimate expression of youth rebellion, denim is now deeply entrenched within the fabric of fashion.

Cementing its position as a leading denim authority, this season TOPMAN introduces its largest denim offering yet ‘This Is Denim’ campaign. Launching across stores on the 24th September, TOPMAN is set to declare itself as the definitive denim destination.

Each garment within the collection has been carefully crafted and edited to showcase the breadth of TOPMAN’s denim offering. From the introduction of new styles such as the Japanese inspired ‘Wide Leg Crop’ and ‘70’s Kick Flare’ to more recognisable TOPMAN fits like the ‘Stretch Skinny’. Leading the charge amongst this new denim offering is the new ‘Standard Fit’ which provides a more relaxed look and comes in a straight leg. 

A key item this season is also the ‘Wide Leg Crop’ and takes its inspiration from Japanese streetwear. For this jean silhouette volume is key, with the jeans produced in a wider cut and rolled at the hem – the style is further enhanced by the fact that it is available in raw rigid denim. Also new to the denim offering is the inclusion of an innovative new denim chino which takes a more relaxed and contemporary silhouette.

In keeping with denim’s utilitarian past and its nature as a hardwearing and durable fabric, TOPMAN pays homage to the urban nineties with key items such as the bib and brace dungarees which now also comes in a durable black twill and overalls. Utility references remain an essential focus for denim with washes inspired by natural wear and tear and include light fading with naturally worn abrasions found at the knees. A range of selvedge jeans also come in an array of essential washes, including a rich indigo, coated cobalt blue, black and a stone wash. 

The TOPMAN AW15 collection builds on existing staples making them relevant for a new audience. A pioneering denim authority, TOPMAN is creating and establishing the new classics. Classic denim staples such as the denim jacket and denim shirts have been re-worked and re-imaged with contemporary cuts and silhouettes. Classic fits including the straight and skinny complete this extensive denim offering. To coincide with the launch of ‘This Is Denim’, each TOPMAN store will have a designated denim experts on hand to talk customers through the breadth of denim on offer.

TOPMAN’s Oxford Circus Flagship store will host a unique denim lounge which will serve as the ultimate denim destination and showcase the latest denim offerings. The denim area will also include an express fitting room which will allow customers to skip the queues and try on their denim. In celebration of ‘This is Denim’ there will also be a digital take over at TOPMAN allowing customers to ‘Win a Year’s Worth of Denim’. To be in with a chance at winning customers can simply go to TOPMAN.com and enter their email into the prize draw. As an added bonus there is no price limit on product and the prize allows customers to select across the entire denim collection.

As an additional bonus, every TOPMAN store will also feature a Denim Roulette and will encourage customers to spin the wheel in order to either win their selected item from the new collection or redeem a 20% off voucher. The ‘This is Denim’ launch and takeover will be at TOPMAN Oxford Circus from the 24th September. Prices range from £30 for jeans and up to £85 for overalls and will be available in stores and online at Topman.com

Article by Menswear Style

British brand Thomas Pink - part of the Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton group - will partner with renowned Italian mill Albini, to produce Made in the UK shirting, as part of its ‘Personally Pink’ Made To Order Service. As part of the brand’s Which Shirt Are You? campaign - which sees Thomas Pink film shirt wearers in their natural environment - and to celebrate the ‘Personally Pink’ Made To Order Service, Thomas Pink has collaborated with legendary fashion artist David Downton. Downton features in a short film wearing his very own ‘Personally Pink’ Sea Island cotton shirt and he talks about his career as one of the world’s leading fashion illustrators.

David Downton, Fashion Artist, says; “I am commissioned on a daily basis to create beautiful illustrations - whether it be for Couture Shows, magazines or even portraits of illustrious guests staying at Claridge’s Hotel, where I am the fashion artist in residence. Commissioning a beautifully Made To Order shirt is much like commissioning a piece of art or an illustration, in that the client has a set of design specifications which they wish to have interpreted - in this case, by a master shirt maker.”

The service will offer shirt wearers an extensive choice of 160 plus fabrics, spanning fine Egyptian cottons, exquisitely woven Linens and long staple cottons in 100s, 170s and 200s. It will also encompass options for evening and special occasion in Marcella, Dobbies and Piques. A highlight of the ‘Personally Pink’ Made To Order Service will be the introduction of highly coveted Sea Island cotton. Sourced from the Gossypium Barbadense cotton plant, Sea Island cotton boasts a 120s thread count and is deemed the finest quality cotton worldwide with its unique extra-long staple length, fine texture and strength - making it soft to touch and highly desirable.

‘Personally Pink’ Made To Order clients will choose from one of four Thomas Pink blocks - Classic, Slim Fit, Super Slim Fit and Athletic - before being asked to select their preferred fabric, placket, cuffs and collar. Notable new additions to the 13-strong collar collection include the innovative Independent and the contemporary Nehru. Shirts are then cut and constructed and delivered back into store within three weeks. Frederik Willems, 

Head of Design at Thomas Pink, says; “Our ‘Personally Pink’ Made To Order Service allows men to go on a design journey whereby they’ll have the pleasure of designing and creating an impeccably well-fitting shirt which is entirely unique to their body shape. As a long-standing partner, we’re pleased to be working with our UK factory whose dedication to quality craftsmanship is unrivalled.”

Final details include a choice of buttons and thread colour, monogramming and collar bones - for the ultimate personal touch. The ‘Personally Pink’ Made To Order Service will be available at Thomas Pink’s London flagship store on Jermyn Street as well as in Heathrow T2, Sloane Street, Blomfield Street, Canary Wharf and Selfridges. Appointments are complimentary and should be booked in advance although walk-in appointments are available (no minimum order required).

Article by Menswear Style

If styled and cut in the correct way you can make longer hair look sophisticated for both the beach and the office. Once associated with bikers and surfers and although still rare to see men with longer hair, stylists are now encouraging men to grow their hair out more. It’s a carefree hairstyle so if you’ve decided you want longer hair, granted the hardest part is actually growing it. So first and foremost persevere because it won’t be at the length you want it to be straight away. Set a length you want to reach and stick at it.

During this period you also need to make sure you keep your hair healthy and in good condition by making regular trips to your barber to keep the ends free from split ends. Generally it's easier for men to maintain healthier hair since women often tamper with their hair more via colouring, blow drying, straightening and curling - which the majority of men will not be doing. Frequent washing, conditioning and usage of hydrated products will keep the hair nourished and moisturised to keep a natural shine.

Think about what kind of style you want, whether it’s smart for the office or prepped for the weekend. You’ll need to speak with your hair stylist about what works for your hair type and for your desired look. For example, beach hair doesn’t work on naturally straight hair (it’s harder to style as its flyaway). Hair texture plays a very big part in how it’s going to hang and look. If you want something smart and tidier ask for choppy layers at the ends to give it added texture especially if your hair is naturally straight. 

If you have hair suitable for blow drying, you can just hold your hair into place with a little hair spray afterwards. Alternatively, use a little bit of light gel or pomade on air-dried hair as it will give you good control, if you have curly hair you may not need to use anything at all; just some sea salt spray or balm to smooth-over to bring back any control if needed. For a simple styling solution, put your hair into a side parting and sweep a large section of your hair over to one side.

The key factor to shoulder length hair is to keep it simple, don’t over-do it on styling or it will look feminine. However, you do need to maintain clean hair, if you’re inbetween washes you can always pull it back into a top knot bun or use a sports band to keep the front away from your face. This also works well if you’re working out at the gym or playing sports.

Article by Menswear Style

Versatile. Chic. Practical. Sports watches have it all. There are often debates about what should technically be classed as a sports watch. Although practical, water and shock resistant, and made of tough materials like rubber and plastic, there’s a lot more to a sports watch and you don’t need to be a gym addict or training for a marathon to get great use out of them either. Sports watches have dual appeal; not only are they practical, but they are stylish too. This guide gives you a pick of covetable pieces to make a statement, on or off the field.

Superocean Heritage, Breitling 

The Superocean Heritage from the Breitling collection has been inspired by Breitling’s original model from 1957. The Superocean Heritage has reinvented many of the original's design cues, whilst also appealing to contemporary fashion trends. Some of the new remodelling includes the bezel, hands, crown, and gold ‘B' near the top of the face. Inside boasts a modern automatic movement, and is COSC-certified for accuracy. With its attractive black dial and leather band, it is hard to believe this elegant watch is classed under the sports watch category.

Formula 1, TAG Heuer 

TAG Heuer has mastered the ultimate sports watch range with its ‘Don’t Crack Under Pressure’ campaign, capturing the mental strength of athletes and sports ambassadors. Some of the biggest names in sport including Cristiano Ronaldo and Maria Sharapova are showcased on their campaign. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 sports model with its stainless steel case, celebrates the 30th anniversary of the brand’s partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 racing team.

King Power, Hublot 

Hublot have been producing luxury watches since 1980, and since then the brand has continued to grow its collection with watches for every occasion. The King Power has a titanium case with an automatic movement and is water resistant, emphasizing that it is a sports watch, but it is versatile and fashionable enough to have aesthetic appeal.

Aquaterra “Golf”, Omega 

This certified sports watch, powered by the OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8500, has an outstanding resistance to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss. To celebrate the brand’s expanding presence in the world of golf, this chronometer features a green central seconds hand complemented by green numbers on the minute track, along with a sun-brushed and lacquered black dial decorated with the Teak Concept pattern. The stainless steel case is presented on a stainless steel bracelet to add the perfect finishing touch.

It’s clear that sports watches aren’t what they used to be. Just because they are practical and durable, it doesn’t mean they cannot also be stylish. Find out more about the huge range of sports watches that Watches of Switzerland offer, and be a star on the court, the track or just on the street.

Article by Menswear Style