Above The Ankles

The vast majority of people believe looking great involves spending a lot of money, they have a right to think that as it is often very true. However, to say that spending money is the only way to look great is completely false. Accessories are a great way for you to look dapper without actually spending too much money, whether its a collar bar or a lapel pin they work great.

Obviously everyone knows how great pocket squares are but to be fair they are getting old. So if pocket squares are old, what’s new? Flower lapel pins. They come in so many different materials ranging from silk, cotton, chiffon, wood and metal. This accessory is great for adding some colour to your outfit. You can buy them from so many different retailers.

A flower lapel pin is a small flower pin worn on your blazer on the left lapel (close to your heart.) Lapel pins can be ornamental or can indicate wearer’s affiliation with an organization or cause. Flower lapel pins however are used for only two reasons. Real flowers for weddings and cotton flowers for looking dapper.

The Blue Gingham Flower Lapel Pin is made from 100% cotton, costing only £6 and coloured with white and different shades of blue. The great thing about this lapel pin is, due to the colours it is pretty neutral and will go with pretty much all your outfits.

Grab yours from River Island here; Blue Gingham Flower Lapel Pin

I’ve noticed recently people pretty much wearing the same type of suits with similar colour schemes. Obviously blue, black and grey suits are standard but who wants to look like everyone else. I definitely don’t like it. So I figured today I would bring you something different. Something that doesn’t look like its off the rack, yet still won’t actually break the bank.

This Brown Check Three Piece Suit is from an unusual source for myself, River Island. I’m not the biggest banner holder for River Island but I must admit there suits aren’t too bad. The quality you will get from River Island suits is similar to the suits you would get from Next or Burton.

This three piece suit is quality and for quality you will definitely have to pay a bit more than average. Made from mostly polyester but combined with wool, known as a polyblend suit, this isnt one of those lightweight summer suits. Polyblend suits are incredibly comfortable and do tend to mainly worn in winter but really and truly, we live in the UK, it’s always winter here except in July. So this polyblend suit will cost you £135 for the suit and an extra £40 for the waistcoat. Whether you choose to go for the two-piece or go all out with the three-piece, you definitely won’t regret it.

The whole suit has this beautiful brown checked design, which really makes the suit look and feel vintage. That vintage look just gives off this persona about it’s wearer as being a man of absolute class. If you are going to wear the suit on a weekend, please don’t wear the trousers, the blazer by itself is perfect for the weekend. The full suit with waistcoat is perfect for formal events, while the two piece is great for everyday work.

You really can’t go wrong with this River Island Brown Check Three Piece Suit

I love watches, however I haven’t been looking at normal watches recently as my LG G Watch R has become my baby. None the less, I still want a another watch as I happen to really love metal bracelet watches. I don’t know about you guys but if I’m looking to buy some jewelry then H.Samuels is definitely one of my first stops. They currently have a sale on and wanted to share it with you – my lovely readers – as I figured even if you don’t want a watch, you might be able to grab a bargain on something else.

The watch that stood out for me is the Citizen Eco Drive Men’s Two Tone Bracelet Watch.

Run on Citizen’s innovative solar powered Eco-Drive technology, this bold men’s watch offers the perfect balance of style and function. Sleek in brushed stainless steel with accents of yellow gold plating, the two tone bracelet is teamed with a silver tone chronograph dial complete with striking black sub dials. Distinctive design for everyday timekeeping.

Brand – Citizen
Case material – Two Colour
Face shape – Round
Model number – BL5458-52A
Movement – Eco-Drive
Strap material – Stainless Steel
Strap style – Bracelet
Watch feature – Chronograph

Citizen Eco Drive Men’s Two Tone Bracelet Watch

The iconic American brand Polo Ralph Lauren exudes youthful, athletic energy and this two-pack of cotton-blend socks will pep up your everyday wardrobe. One pair is patterned with polka dots and the other with rugby stripes.

They will comfortably fit anyone from UK size 7 to 11. They come with the standard Ralph Lauren red logo, made mostly from cotton these socks are fantastic for summer and winter. No need to hand wash these as well as they can go straight in the washing machine.

Mr Porter UK is also offering free next day on everything at the moment so grab it while you can. Priced at £22, I’d say it’s a bargain really!

Polo Ralph Lauren Two Pack Blue Socks

Blazers are the main talking point for any outfit and this Antony Morato blazer is no different. There’s so many different fabrics to choose from, everyone should really own a variety from wool to cotton. This blazer is made from 100% cotton meaning it’s useless for winter but perfect for summer.

Really, every man should own some blazers that he never wears to work. A Blazer that’s unique, that not many people own. That piece of clothing that can be thrown over a white t shirt and black trousers and make it look like you spent an hour getting dressed this morning.

Priced at £140 , I’d say the Antony Morato Check Suit Jacket in Slim Fit does a pretty good job at all of the above mentioned areas. I suppose £140 is kind of a lot of money but it wouldn’t exactly break the bank.

I’m not going to say this blazer is special because it’s not. I could pick out a few different blazers you could buy that would be unique and not many people would own. So whether you buy this one or not is up to you. However, make sure you get one. What ever blazer it is, this summer you will need a quality checked blazer that is neutral, can be worn with different outfits and looks fantastic.

Come to think of it again; you should probably just get the Antony Morato Check Suit Jacket in Slim Fit.

Please note: This brand’s slim suits are cut slightly larger than average, for a close fit it may be advisable to buy a size down.

Once you get to a stage where you own quality clothing and accessories, you now need to look at how you are actually taking care of them. We have all been at a stage where we just cram everything into little boxes or draws around our room. Eventually you will need to break these habits because the £35 belt you bought a year ago after being crammed in a draw or rolled up constantly it will start to show very quickly.

Belt hangers are not a necessity but when you consider they cost £10, it’s really not that much money so don’t be stingy and grab one as soon as possible. When you hang up a belt, you allow the leather to breathe and go back to its normal state.

You could go on ebay and buy these from china for half the price but I recommend paying the extra £3 and getting a quality one that will last you your life time and maybe even your kids.

Black Ash Wooden Belt Hanger