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iPod Cigarette Case
I was browsing around on the net and found this and although it may not be for sale, the urge to post this was too great.
Designed by 22-year-old student Tara Diane, boredom can really spark up genius in all of us. I feel like taking up smoking just so I can use one!
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Top 5 Shoes Every Man Should Own
Nowadays, there is so much choice around that we don’t know where to start looking. No wonder Google is a multi-billion dollar company; their mission statement is ‘organising the world’s knowledge’. And with so much information out there, it’s hard to find what we want, even with bloody Google on our side!
In terms of style and fashion, it’s no different and one department that is forever expanding is footwear. From trainers to hiking boots, men have always been picky with what they choose to protect their feet with.
Though fads and trends have come and gone over the years, like true veterans, five shoes styles remain. Like Mr Balboa, they have stood the test of time and like Halle Berry they just get better with age.
Here are the top five shoes every guy should own. Period!
Your personal choices will mature with age but with these classics, you can never go wrong.
1. The Plain White Trainer
The humble white trainer is an extremely versatile piece of footwear. With a greater number of men gaining the confidence to wear their trainers with trousers, its appeal has never been greater.
Being white means it’s the perfect partner to any colourful outfit albeit with jeans, shorts or trousers. Trendy styles can be determined by the choice of fabric and cut, but for those looking for a classic, stick with simple tennis canvas styles or Converse All Stars.
Best Style: Converse All Stars
Other great styles: Pointer, Vans, Jill Saunder, Swear, Adidas
2. The Casual Shoe
The casual shoe is the pair that you cannot wear with your suit. It’s the shoe that can, however, be worn with khakis and jeans, as well as shorts at times.
Since not every occasion is trainer-appropriate, you’re going to need a second type of casual shoe. The most popualr styles are either the driving Moc or the Classic Deck Shoe.
Best Style: Deck Shoes
Other great styles: Swear, YMC, Ted Baker,
3. The Black Dress Shoe
Probably THE most important pair of shoes you’ll ever own. For those high-brow formal ocassions or a regular day at work, it’s a classic piece of footwear, so time should be invested when making your purchase.
If they are leather, always keep them polished. I’d rather sit next to the tramp that had shat, vommited and urinated in his own seat, than have to stare at a pair of black unpolished shoes on London Underground. Wear your black shoes with smart trousers or a pair of dark dress jeans in blue or black.
Best Style: Oxfords
Other Great Styles: Penny Loafers, Tassel Loafers,
4. The Brown Dress Shoe
For many, brown is the new black. For me though, like Liverpool FC, it will forever be the runner-up (those that disagree take it up with me in the Forum.) It’s still an extremely important investment when you begin to build your wardrobe. You’ll soon notice that you will need to give ya-old-blackens a rest and if you have a grey or blue suit, your brown shoes will be well-matched.
Best Style: Wing Tips
Other Great Styles: Monk Straps
5. The Ankle Boot
This covers a wide range from Caterpillar styles to Chelsea boots. It’s an important piece especially during the winter season. They allow you to wear something other than your trainers or dress shoes with your jeans; lets call them the happy medium of casual footwear.
Ankle boots work perfectly with cargo’s and looser, less dressy jeans. Its high cuts are really making a comeback this year and can be found on every catwalk.
For a more classic look, stick to the lower ankle cuts.
Best style: High Tops,
Other great styles: Work Boots, Worker High,
So, they are your top five shoes. Go and buy them all. Not necessarily at once, but do buy them all. Credit Crunch? Who cares. Buy them. (One more time for luck…) Buy. Them. All.
As Always,
Stay Stylish
Aaron C.
Related posts:
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Facebook Page: Individualism Group
YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/user/IndividualismUK
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Self Double-Breasted Grey Hoody
This week’s ‘Product of the Week’ comes courtesy of a brand that I have been searching high and low for, for a good few months.
I first spotted it in the concession department in Topman’s Oxford Circus branch and have since been searching the web for weeks on end to find the garment. It seems for now it can only be purchased in the Oxford Street store and on Topman’s website.
So until ’Self’ get off their asses and sort out their website, we’ll have to make do with trusty old Topman.
Anyway, onto the actual garment. Hoodys are now popular; from ’skater’ looks to ‘performance wear’, ‘hip-hop’ culture to ‘emos’, everyone owns at least one hoody. If you happen to be one of those people that don’t, then this is the perfect piece to start you off.
Military-inspired, it sports large brass buttons often found on military tunics and its double-breasted design is bang on trend. It’s three colour variations, (black, light grey & charcoal grey) is enough to keep even the most picky customer satisfied. It’s also great for layering too, especially at this time of year.
To add a little individualism to the look, why not wear it with a shirt and tie? It adds a little formality to the look and certainly cranks up your swagger level.
Take a peek here
As Always,
Stay Stylish
Aaron C.
P.S. Wanna know more about where to shop for hoodies? Then just join the forum, where you’ll be able to ask us anything regarding men’s style.
Or if you prefer we can come to you! Check out our personal ‘1 on 1 style consultations’ and discover the ‘Science Behind Style’. Just drop us an email
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Men’s Belt Styles
Right, where do I start. When I first began learning about belts I thought there were no rules, that I could throw any belt on with any bottoms. However, that was as big a mistake as Manchester United purchasing Djema Djema (If you dont know who that is, well he’s a football player who is piping hot shit, not luke warm or blazing hot but PIPING HOT!) Listen…belts are a requirement, not only because they keep your pants up, but also because they provide that stylish visual break between top and bottom. A must.
Pick up these belts and your belt shopping will be done forever! “Forever ever. Forever ever?” (It’s an ‘Outkast’ tune if your lost)
Leather Dress Belt
Probably the most common and essential accessory in any man’s wardrobe, the leather dress belt will see you through every formal event you find yourself in. From business attire to those unexpected funerals/weddings.
Just make sure you purchase a good-quality black and brown leather dress belt and don’t ever try and re-use those C&A belts that came with your school trousers. If you do, we’ll find you. And kill you.
Leather Casual Belt
The casual leather belt is a classic and one that most men are familiar with. They are thicker, chunkier and rougher in finish in comparison to the dress belt. They can be worn with most bottoms, ranging from jeans to shorts, cargo pants to chinos. You’ll know what bottoms can be worn with a casual belt, as the loop holes around the waist will be big enough to fit one.
The three main colours are black, chocolate brown and tan. By purchasing these three, you’ll have every casual outfit covered.
Skinny Belt
CASUAL SKINNY BELT
FORMAL SKINNY BELT
Skinny belts create a chic look to your outfit. A trendier option to that of the classic leather casual/dress belt, skinny belts are now being produced in both casual and formal styles. The skinny belt is designed to reveal more of the trousers’ fabric around your waist.
It’s vitally important to get the exact fit with skinny belts, as the whole point of the slim design is to reveal the trousers waistband. And with designs ranging from leather to patent to plastic, we’ve got many to match our ties…hint hint.
Woven Belt
Woven belts are strictly casual. They provide a fresh change for those looking to add a little texture into their outfits. Usually worn in the summer with lighter summer fabrics, they can also be pulled off with denim very stylishly. For the sake off all things good, don’t wear this belt with a suit.
Buckle Belt
The buckle belt is synonymous with the cowboy and western look. Their width is a lot wider and thicker and are designed to be worn with denim. There is a new style hitting the market, especially popular in markets within London, which allow you to change the buckle on your belt. Designs range from famous brand logos to characters and signs.
Buckle belts are a great way to show off your personality and stand out front from the crowd and the colours and designs available provide an opportunity to colour co-ordinate your outfit too.
Just make sure they aren’t too loud or outlandish. (They are not classic, but more for fun.) The trick with buckle belts is to not go too large with the buckle; it should never exceed the size of your fist.
Wearing your car wheel on your crotch should be left to the rappers.
Fabric Belt
Fabric belts are highly underrated. Less common than the leather styles and a lot more difficult to pull off but when styled well, they can seperate you from the averagly-dressed guy.
They are usually worn in the summer and styled with a light pair of bottoms. Rock them with white, beige or navy chinos to really bring them out.
That’s all the belt preaching from me!
As Always,
Stay Stylish
Aaron C.
Related posts: Men’s Staples Part 2, Top 5 Men’s Summer Accessories, Shofolk Muli Coloured Braided Belt,
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Facebook Page: Individualism Group
YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/user/IndividualismUK
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Senz Stealth Umbrella
I must swear before I start. Forgive me. Here goes: “ohhh sheeeeeet!!”.
If like me, you live to think outside the box and intrigue the world with unique style, you’re gonna love this week’s ‘Product of The Week’. It’s the revolutionary Senz Stealth Umbrella from Firebox.com, a website dedicated to crazy gadgets.
With British weather being as sometimeish as Madonna’s image, you must be ready for anything. Most umbrella’s are patiently waiting for a hint of wind or a human cough before frantically folding the opposite way and smashing themselves to bits. They also time their suicide with the passing of an attractive women. Bast*rds.
But not with the Senz Stealth!
This award-winning rain repeller utilises futuristic stealth bomber styling to prevent it from blowing inside out. In fact its ingenious aerodynamics allow it to withstand gale force gusts!
The hi-tech Senz’s asymmetrical, self-positioning shape means that the wind simply flows over its eye-catching canopy. What’s more, its distinctly un-brolly-ish shape gives you better visibility as you walk through the rain.
Thanks to its patented construction and quality finishing, the durable Senz will withstand inclement weather year in, year out. It’s safer than a regular brolly too, because its canopy is attached to its struts without all those pointy protrusions that might poke an eye out.
Its neutral black colour will allow you to use it with most outfits, formal and casual alike.
Stay Stylish. Stay Dry. Set Trends.
Pick yours up from £29.95, plus watch the video on how it can really take the battering winds. This poor guy takes a beating from the wind machine, but the umbrella firms it:
http://www.firebox.com/video/1262
As Always,
Stay Stylish
Reuben C.
Related posts: Top 5 Rainy Weather Items, Squid London Colour Changing Umbrella
Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/individualism
Facebook Page: Individualism Group
YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/user/IndividualismUK
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