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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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B-Store Double-Breasted Cardigan – Product Of The Week
Like GQ’s International Man of the Year (Micky Rouke), double-breasted garments are enjoying a successful comeback.
From classic shaped tailored suit jackets to lean, fashion-forward topcoats, the double-breasted design is one that is affecting everything in menswear and this week’s ‘P.O.T.W’. shows that it has even managed to weave its way through to knitwear.
B-STORE’S double-breasted sweatshirt/cardigan may not be as outrageously colourful as last week’s ‘P.O.T.W‘, but what it lacks in colour it more than makes up for in charm.
The navy/white colourway is a classic look and one that will stand the test of time. It’s thin enough to be used as an inner-layering piece, yet stylish enough for you to choose to wear as an outer. And at 50% off too, you’d be a fool to pass up this offer.
Pick yours up now from www.thecorner.com
Related posts: Folk Drawstring Cardigan, Top 5 Men’s Cardigan Styles,
Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/individualism
Facebook Page: Individualism Group
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Top 5 Tips To Bring Your Wardrobe Back To Life
I can’t count how many times I’ve looked into my wardrobe and thought, ‘I have NO CLOTHES!’ Just like many of you, we have been students ourselves. We’ve been through some hard-ass times too; living on (other people’s) pasta. Just pasta.
However, even at the lowest of times, we’ve always managed to maintain a certain level of style. Many would have thought we had bank accounts similar to Sir Phillip Green, but they’d be wrong.
When our backs were up against the wall, with no money for new clothes, our creativity kicked in to rescue our reputation. Here are five of the best ways to jazz up your existing wardrobe while saving you a buck or two…or possibly three.
Enjoy.
1. Change the Buttons on Your Blazer
You may have a certain jacket that you stopped using because you don’t like the buttons on it. Or even worse, it has one missing altogether. But fear not; by taking it to your nearest tailor, you’ll be able to pick out what buttons you’ll like them to replace it with, and hey presto, you’ve now got a newly-customized jacket.
By making the button style more apparent, you can totally change the look of a jacket. Remember to experiment with your choice of buttons. There are many haberdasheries (fabric stores) situated around Central London, all offering a wealth of colours, textures and materials.
Don’t be afraid to show off your ‘Individualism’ lads.
2. Cut Your Combats into Shorts
If you have any old combats (cargo pants) or jeans that you never use, why not give them a new lease of life by cutting them into shorts.
1. Firstly, calculate where your knees are, and cut them down, leaving enough space for mistakes.
2. Once cut, fold them to where you really want them to drop and mark it with a pin or chalk.
3. Thirdly, draw a straight line with a pencil and then fold over, cutting both legs at once. (This will make sure both sides are evenly cut.)
4. If you’re a perfectionist, you can get your tailor to hem the bottoms for a nice, smooth finish. I left mine with that scissor finish look. Your call.
Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect, cargo shorts are meant to be rugged and distressed. The DIY element gives it that much needed character.
3. Create a Pocket Square Out of a Shirt
Have you got a shirt that is on its way to the charity shop because it has a stubborn stain or it’s simply too worn out to wear, but you still like the pattern or its texture? Why not turn it into a pocket square.
Cut the shirt into a large enough square so that you can fold it four times and to put into your top pocket. This will save you money while adding some flavour to your look.
4. Change the Laces on Your Shoes
By changing the colour of your laces, you instantly breathe a new lease of life into your trainers without breaking the bank.
Laces can be purchased cheaply and come in a variety of colours and styles. You can even change them to help co-ordinate with your outfit.
5. Use your Shirt Like a Jacket
By using a shirt as a jacket, you’ll open the door to so many new outfit combinations. This tip in its simplest form is about understanding layering.
I recently found an old shirt that I hadn’t worn as it was too big. I decided to layer it on top of another shirt and it looked great.
Jackets and coats are usually simple in design and pattern but shirts are different; they come in different shapes, colours and patterns. Try a few combinations; you’ll be surprised with what you come up with.
Military-inspired shirt with epaulettes (those shoulder folds found on trench coats) are a great place to start. Just make sure the outer shirt isn’t tighter than the one beneath and you’ll be fine.
As Always,
Stay Stylish
Aaron C.
Related posts: Button Protection, iPhone Shoelace App, Lace Styles
Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/individualism
Facebook Page: Individualism Group
YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/user/IndividualismUK
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Top 5 Tricks To Keep Warm This Winter
When it comes to winter, many of us freeze in the name of fashion. Or…we look like sh*t just to keep warm. We are often posed with this age-old question: Look stylish or feel warm?
NOT ANY MORE!
We’ve compiled a list of five tricks that will help you stay toasty without having to compromise your style. You’ll no longer have to look like the Michelin Man to enjoy the season.
Take note lads.
1. Rock some Long Johns
You may feel a little girly pulling them on at first, but don’t fret. No-one will see them (unless you want them too. But that’s your business).
Long Johns are designed to grip your leg in order to trap heat and follow your contours without showing on the outside of your jeans or trousers, so you can still show off your tailored trousers or jeans.
They are worn by mountain climbers and skiers and do exactly what they say on the tin. Keep. Your. Legs. Warm.
2. Layer Your Torso
People just do not understand the importance of layering. By layering your upper half, you’ll keep your whole body warm. Multiple layers of thin clothes trap a lot more heat then single, thicker garments and heat needs to get through more walls in order to escape from your body.
It not only provides you with extra warmth but gives you a variety of options to play with, depending on your situation. All of us pass through a number of environments throughout our working day, all varying in temperatures.
From retail stores to public transport, our body temperature is never really at one constant level. Layers help you adapt to your situation.
Take a layer off if you’re too hot or throw another on if the temperatures drops. All the while you’ll be showing off a variety of styles.
3. Keep Your Head Warm
More then 30% of your body heat is lost from your head. You may be snugly dressed head to toe, but the moment your coconut feels that wind, it’s gonna be chilly mate. You’ll feel a lot warmer by just adding a hat to your outfit than trying to gain heat with thicker or more clothes.
So in Beckham terms – ‘Keep your head warm = keep your hands and feet warm’
4. Vaseline Before You Put On Gloves
Before you leave the house, apply a fair amount of Vaseline over your hands, rub in, then slip your gloves on. It will help trap the heat in, not to mention keep your hands from looking like my grandfathers knee caps.
A neat little trick. Thank us later.
5. Use Headphones As Earmuffs
Earmuffs are simply not masculine. You could have got away with them back in your primary years, but until some eccentric pop star trend-setter decides he’ll buck the trend, you can only expect to see toddlers running proudly around in them.
However, that still doesnt solve the problem of how to keep your ears warm.
Fear not, we’ve discovered the perfect solution. Large headphones are a great way to keep those things at the side of your head that never stop growing (no joke, just look at every old man and you’ll believe me) toasty and warm.
We have been called the “i generation” and there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t own some sort of mp3 player nowadays. This is a perfect excuse for you to carry around your larger earphones.
Whenever you feel it’s getting a little nippy, drop your white iPod earphones and pack the big guns.
As Always,
Stay Stylish
Aaron C.
Related posts: Filson Charcoal Wool Packer Coat, Brick Lane Vintage Jacket Stall
Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/individualism
Facebook Page: Individualism Group
YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/user/IndividualismUK
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Penfield Rockford Jacket
As most of my fellow Brits will know, the weather has made a complete u-turn. Snow during October is a slight indication that (like in TV show ‘Heroes’,) things are about to get a lot worse before they start to get any better.
So this week’s ‘Product of the Week’ is here to help you beat the crap out of old Mr Jack Frost.
This streetwise Rockford jacket by Penifield shows off its ‘western’ heritage in a slick and subtle way; the buffalo check design is bang on trend, while the black colour palette provides the wearer with that much needed versatility.
The pointed collar and the detailing on the breast pockets are another nice touch. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for something other than a standard peacoat this winter.
Pick one up at your local ‘Size?’ store or stay warm and cosy infront of your screen by hitting the link below to purchase online.
As Always,
Stay Stylish
Aaron C.
Related posts: Men’s Staples Part 1, Top 5 Rainy Weather Items, In Circus Jacket
Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/individualism
Facebook Page: Individualism Group
YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/user/IndividualismUK
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