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We introduce…Sports Casual
There are some things that will stand the test of time. That is universally understandable and accepted. In the fashion/style game it’s terms such as Casual, Smart Casual, Sportswear etc.
However we’d thought we’d eff things up a little. We’re introducing the ‘Sports Casual’ dress code. It’s a mix of sportswear and casual clothes. Some would argue that it’s simply ‘Smart Casual’, but with such a focus on the statement sports pieces (the Nike trainers in this case), the word ’sports’ needed exclusive love.
With this shoot we style up some looks with some classic Nike sneaker styles, showing you a variety of ways in which you can sport them (no pun intended). So gain some Sports Casual inspiration, throw away your tracksuits bottoms and just do it (again, no pun intended).
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Banana Republic vs Blue Inc – Week 1
Good Look /Bad Look is our brand new weekly post and it came about from all the small tips we’d pick up throughout our week that didn’t seem to fit into a relevant article, but knew would still add value.
Over the week, we’d see so many fatal flaws- terrible examples of how to go about your daily style lives which, if executed properly, could teach many great lessons.
So we thought we’d combine all the great, the good and the ugly things we picked up, noticed, witnessed, been exposed to and even discovered during the week and place them into a post which could benefit everyone.
It’s also designed to get you guys involved too; send in your own ‘Good Look Bad Looks’ and each week, we’ll reward the best entries with a spot on our blog. (contact@individualism.co.uk)
We’re getting all philosophical on you now, all that collective conscious stuff. Anyhow, with everyone’s lessons, we can all learn a little bit more. So here’s to sharing our collective knowledge and spreading positivity.
So, without further ado, drum roll please- here’s our first Good Look /Bad Look:
GOOD LOOK BAD LOOK
Good Look
Love the neutral grey on these Banana Republic boat shoes. It provides a nice alternative to traditional navy while adding a touch of formaility to the style. And the use of patterns in this ‘H&M’ scarf flawlessly compliments the grey blazer and purple cardigan. A touch of layering here too. Take notes fellas!
Bad Look
Jamaican colour desert boots just ain’t a stylish combination. We love Clarks for creating the style and taking a chance but this is one chance too far and don’t get us started on those head turners in the background…
Secondly, another ‘Blue Inc’ just means more guys walking round with pillified jumpers. Did you know that every time they open a new ‘Blue Inc’ someone somewhere dies?!
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Supraga Suem Coral & Off White Deck Shoes
The thing about trends is that once something becomes a trendy, it becomes extremely hard to stand out. And once a fad hits the hightstreet then, well you might as well give up any attempt to look different.
The deck shoes falls inbetween the lines as it’s both a trend and a classic. For those in the know, deck shoes have been a summer classic for decades. A classic design that has held summer’s hands for years on end.
Recently, however, it has hit the high street and the likes of Zara, Topman and H&M have all litttered their shelves with this iconic, nautical shoe.
So how do you look stylish and stand out when rocking deck shoes? Well one way is to find a design that stays faithful to its classic silhouette but deviates slightly.
Supraga decks do so through its amazing colourway; the coral, burgandy and off-white will definately help you stand out from your average high street joe.
Sporting beige stitching, unlined upper, rubber outsole with sipping for added traction, the Supraga deck shoe provides style and substance.
A good quality deck shoe normally retails around £60 and for an extra £20, you can get yourself a great stand out piece.
Available at: www.coggles.com
Related Posts: Top 5 Deck Shoes
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Summer Footwear Styles
It’s really starting to heat up over here now; jeans are out and shorts are om their way in. So why, when I hit the streets, do I see guys wearing the same things? (I know, it’s my usual rant!) Converse with no socks or a pair of Birkenstocks.
I’m not disrespecting those pieces of footwear, they are fine, in fact, they are better then fine. But sometimes you need to spice things up a little. You don’t wear the same pair of shorts or top all the time, so why do you have to wear the same shoes in summer?
This week we’re going to solve that problem for you. Here are our top five summer footwear styles. It’s time to mix things up and make life interesting.
1. Driving Mocs
Driving shoes or Moccasins are exactly that. They are shoes that were originally designed for driving, as the sole is thin allowing the feet to better feel what’s underneath it. Although they still serve their purpose well, they now also make a great piece of summer footwear.
Driving Mocs look a little like slippers and they’re usually made from one piece of material, making them light and extremely comfortable. Most Mocs come in suede, so immediately, they bring something different to your footwear collection. They also come in a wide range of colours, making them perfect for outfit co-ordination.
Their styles vary and range from tasseled mocs to loafer styles. They cheekily borrow from others styles but always seem to pull it off with their own unique twist. Pair them up with chino style shorts to create a great preppy look.
2. Boat Shoes
British summertime’s favorite footwear. Boat shoes are a classic style. Like Mocs, they come in a variety of shades although the main style remains the same. Team them with tailored shorts or wear them without socks with a pair of chinos. Don’t hold back with the colours! Summer is the perfect excuse to add colour to your look!
3. Sandals
Many men fear sandals. Why? Because their toes look like Nik Naks and could be mistaken for the feet of mumras! But for those of use who’ve been blessed without feet from middle earth, sandals are a great change.
Nowadays, the designs are really going all out with recent incarnations including a sandal/boot hybrid. However, most of us would be fine just sticking to a good pair of Birkenstocks. You’re best rocking your sandals with shorts, if you do want to pull them off with chinos trousers then go for it- they both work fine.
4. Flip Flops
Flip flops. Do I really need to explain? Flip flops work well especially if you’re on holiday. They’re probably lighter than your iPod and look good with almost any pair of shorts, from Bermudas to cargos.
A clean white pair is the most versatile and cost next to nothing (well 99p if you’re cheap enough to hit Asda. But don’t. They will dissolve into powder the MOMEMT you pay for them at the till.)
5. Loafers
Loafers are the classier footwear option for summer. As a rule of thumb, ankles must be creamed before hand as you don’t wear them with socks. Pair them with some tailored shorts or hemmed trousers.
Stay Stylish,
Aaron C.
Related posts: Deck Shoes, Top 5 Shoes Every Man Should Own, TK Maxx ‘The Pisstake’, Newcastle ‘TK Maxx’
P.S: Want to ask us more about summer footwear? Then simply join the forum. There you’ll be able to ask us anything regarding men’s style. You can get all these blog posts and video tips sent to YOU for free by typing your email address here. Also, if there is a topic you want us to cover then simply write it in this little box, press send and we’ll jump on it ASAP.
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 a message
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Top 5 Deck Shoes
Boat shoes, decks shoes, we don’t care about the technicalities of the name, but rather the specifics of its design and feel. These summer classics are as much a staple to every man’s shoe collection as anti-persperant is to a fat weight lifter. An English classic that is recognised worldwide.
When we first discovered the finer details of deck shoes, we were amazed at how few chaps rocked them, but now they’re a trend for this season, it seems that more guys are taking notice.
They are a lot more practical then many would think! Designed to meet yachtsmen’s requirements, they have a firm grip which would not damage decks, waterproof leather which drain but not crack, and laces which tightened to fit all round, while allowing the shoe to slip on and off.
Deck shoes are extremely versatile as they can be worn with jeans, trousers, shorts and with or without socks. They even get you into clubs bypassing as shoes, meaning that you can get away with rubber soles (bar that stupid Thai Silk in O2 who won’t even let you in if you had a tailored suit, top hat and cane! plus 78 ladies per ONE guy. Idiots.)
Anyway enough of my hatred talk.
So without further ado, we shall proceed. These are some our top pick Deck shoes:
ASOS
These ASOS incarnations made it onto the list because they provide the buyer with a unique tongue style. Rather than having the traditional two side pieces tied together, this design is a single-molded piece. This fresh mint green also provides you with a colour that most average guys will pass by.
All the better for you to stand out and set the trends. But when a lady approaches you due to your big boy shoes, please make sure your breath matches the minty-freshness of the shoes. Please.
Pick them up here
Brooks Brothers
These deck shoes come from the well-established British brand. If anyone knows about ‘preppy’ style then you can trust that Brooks Brothers do. These are perfect if you’re looking for a little change to your shoe; the vibrant colours go perfectly with this seasons bright pastel tones.
Not only that, but at an offer which see’s you buying one and getting the second for half the price, means there is no excuse for an absence of colour in your summer wardrobe.
Pick them up here
Converse Mid’s
The classic deck shoe style is such a powerful one that it has transcended the boundaries of shoe to sneaker. Taking inspiration from the seaside footwear, almighty Converse have created this shoe/sneaker hybrid. They are BAD! (as in ‘good’ if my parents are reading.)
They’ve also enlisted the services of famous product designer Jeff Staple to put his trademark pigeon logo on the tongue (the pigeon range is so hard to get your hands on that people have actually died in America trying to get a pair, check out the link and watch the news report!)
I doubt you’ll get hold of a pair of these. The only way is to kill, and if that’s your plan, we’re not involved…(unless you get us a pair too).
(Attempt to) Pick them up here
FCUK
This pair from FCUK really caught my eye when I saw them in Westfield. The touch of suede help them stand out from the rest and mixed with black leather, they provide a sophisticated, classy feel. Nothing more to say.
Just check out the pics above.
Pick yours up here
Timberland
You can’t ever go wrong with classic brown leather deck shoes. They are as versatile as Birds Eye Potatoe Waffles, as brown can be worn in winter as well as in summer. They also lend themselves to pairing with jeans a lot more than the coloured types, which have to be worked intelligently into an outfit.
Timberland are a trusty brand and have been making these styles for years, so the craftsmanship is as good as Lewis Hamilton behind a wheel. Just don’t expect to be turning too many heads with the subtle colour. More a ‘fit in’ shoe.
Pick yours up here
There you go; practicality meets style as well as being on trend (as much as we hate that). The deck shoe is the perfect spring/summer choice of footwear. Until our next post, which is our new Out and About video clip…
Stay Stylish.
Reuben C.
P.S: Want to ask us more about deck shoe styles? Then simply join the forum. There you’ll be able to ask us anything regarding men’s style. You can get all these blog posts and video tips sent to you for FREE by typing your email address here. Also, if there is a topic you want us to cover then simply write it in this little box, press send and we’ll jump on it ASAP.
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 a message
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