The Summer staple: Espadrilles

By the time Summer comes around we are far too involved with which suntan oils to use or which beach to go to. These are valid of course, but while you are out having fun it is not ideal to wonder about what shoes to wear, too. What you need is something easy and light to carry around. Something fashionable, adaptable of course to all sorts of looks you may decide to rock while you�re enjoying the sun...

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Top Spring Trends in Menswear

D&G SS10 - GINGHAM CHECK TREND

There really are so man trends it's no wonder it scares the average man. I wouldn't want to shove my own style down anyone's throat but what I can do is give an indication of just some of the trends for Spring 2010.

This week on Stylescoop:

TOP SPRINGS TRENDS FOR MEN

"The beginning of September marks the start of Spring, thick knits become thinner and jackets become cardigans as we get ready for fantastic weather on a daily basis. Because of this shift it�s only natural that our style changes along with the Season.

Let�s take a look at the top trends for Spring!"

FOLLOW THE JUMP HERE >>

MESSY BED, MESSY HEAD

New Years Day, Ramadaan and Spring. These are just some of the events that mark the start of a new beginning. Sometimes work and life get�s the better of us and we find ourselves in need of a change mid-year. This is good, in fact I encourage it.There�s a term you may not be familiar with; Messy Bed, Messy Head. My mother used this on me in my teen years if my grades were down and rendering this (closet clutter) should affect your situation for the better...

Continue reading here :

Stylescoop: CTFW Mens Picks

A whirlwind of a weekend. Hundreds of fashionista�s and fashionisto�s alike flocked to the CTICC on Friday for the commencing of Cape Town Fashion Week. There was posing, and the nervous approaching of �fan to Editor or T.V personality and trust me, Faux-pas a plenty. FW brings out the admirers and then also the people who truly believe they are above it all, without any credibility, which is amusing.

The shows ran smoothly except for the odd sound glitch but overall it was a very successful showing for the season. Some of the shows...

Read the rest here...

Shirt care for the busy man!

You�re all grown up now. You handle your own finances, you keep your car riding smoothly, your lady happy and a roof over your heads. So, at what point did you forget about your shirts? You wear them five days a week, taking them to important meetings, to fancy stores to buy more friends for them and then you drop them off at U-WASHEE Chinese Laundromat�

Sure, washing your own shirts is not ideal with your schedule, but not knowing how can get you to do it wrong and suddendly R2000+ goes down the drain with the bleach you put on it...

READ MORE HERE...

So, you want to grow a beard

All best ones had them. Beards! What more can epitomize manliness other than a face full o� hair? You know what I mean, standing opposite your mirror shouting out �SPARTA!� when no one is around.

Lucky for you �The beard � has returned as one of the hottest looks for 2010. Snapped outside the Fashion Week shows, in editorials, on Brad Pitt� and now you want one, despite threats from your girlfriend who vows to shave it off in your sleep.

If done correctly you will be glad you persevered...

CLICK TO CONTINUE

Your guide to the perfect first date

You managed to work up enough courage to ask her. You were surprised when she said �Yes�, gosh even she was surprised. So what now? Do you pick her up at eight and take her to a movie? No. You can do better than that. You want to impress her right? You want this date to be memorable!

Lucky for you, you have me. Welcome to this, your �Guide to the First date�:

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The boys of Twilight

This week on Stylescoop I decided to talk about Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson who recently celebrated the highly anticipated release of Eclipse. With woman of all ages swooning after the poor guys it made for an interesting write-up on their style.

"Parents the world over must have breathed a sigh of relief when their daughters stayed home on weekends to bite into a novel. Yet somehow they probably weren�t aware of the book biting back. Stephanie Meyer sat down to write a series of teen-drama novels based on the works of Jane Austen and ended up with a phenomenon..."

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Stylescoop Article: The myth of the Man-Bag

Do you know this man? Are you this man? The poor sap forced to carry his girlfriends handbag. Or perhaps you are the inflicting party, that vicious, cruel girlfriend, who despite needing all three moisturisers, a first -aid kit, a flat-iron and six versions of the same lipstick cannot manage to carry her own bag. Well Shame on you, lady. Shame on you!

The debate on whether or not a man should carry his own bag has been ample fodder since the dawning of the metrosexual age. Imagine the horror...

CONTINUE READING HERE >>

Stylescoop Article: How to tie a scarf

Men have been ill-informed. Scarves, unlike cartoon ties and Crocs are actually both socially acceptable and fashionable for the modern man. Just look at European men and you should see that not only are they adorned in various styles, but they wear it with such ease.

What started out as a sweat-cloth in ancient Rome later evolved to an item of fashion by merely swapping the fabric to wool, silk and pashimina. By women, no less.

With Winter officially at our doorstep it�s just plain silly to be cold. So allow yourself the joy of warmth and style...

For starters choose a scarf that will suit most of your wardrobe and your general colouring. It should suit your personality and compliment your current wardrobe. Once you have chosen the perfect scarf there are a few classic ways to tie it, (too many to mention) so here are the best...

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Stylescoop Article: Winter Essentials

The single gentleman may need some help warming up when Winter finally arrives. It�s not easy, nor is it any fun but we have a few items that could at least make your Winter season a more stylish one.

Consider a cold and rainy day. If you are wise you will be well layered from head to foot. This is the perfect time of the year to stretch your sartorial desires to the limit.

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Make-up for the Modern Man!

Gentleman, you didn�t read wrong. Surely the thought of a man wearing make-up is absurb for some, but I�ll have you know not only is it�s popularity on the increase but it can be your little secret, too. In my Stylescoop article this week I discuss make-up for the man and how to execute it in a natural way, having you look like a Greek God in minutes.

CLICK HERE NOW!

How to buy Jeans, for men

Over at STYLESCOOP my article on mens jeans is up for your enjoyment. Having worked before in a top jeans brand for years I have accumulated some useful tips, so please do pop over there to read it!

For those who are puzzled about what style suits which body type this is the place to find an answer. And let me know what you think!

HOW TO BUY JEANS, FOR MEN >>

The question is...?

FIND OUT THIS WEEK ON STYLESCOOP HERE RIGHT NOW!

Stylescoop Article #8 The 20 look traveler

Alas it is Tuesday yet again which means article number 8 is up and ready on the Style-scooposphere. This week I decided to put up a challenge instead of an article. How many looks can you make with the pieces posted on this weeks article? The art of packing the right suitcase for all occasions can be found in...



THE TWENTY LOOK TRAVELER >> HERE <<

Stylescoop Article #7 Etiquette for the modern man

Among the many fashion statements a man can make, manners and etiquette (believe it or not) are coming back in full force. It�s like a moratorium has been lifted and gentleman the world over are coming out of hiding. Because no matter how well you are dressed, the only accessory you�ll be remembered for is a shoddy personality.

Work
While it may seem funny in the moment, nobody trusts a gossip. This is the biggest mistake you can make. Be aloof, noncommittal. If you start out that way your reputation will be set for good. Be a light, positive and helpful character and it won�t only be your colleagues that notice you�re not a gossip.

A sloppy handshake speaks volumes about a man. Extend a stiff flat hand and try to close your hand around his as firmly as possible while maintaining eye-contact.

Click here to read the rest >>

How to buy a suit - Stylescoop Article #6

There are a few things truly worth investing in; stocks, bonds, Italian made shoes and of course a good suit. We all buy suits for different reasons. The average man will only ever need one for weddings, funerals and job interviews, but that should not stop him from buying at least one quality suit...

CONTINUE READING HERE:

TOP 10 IN 2010 - Stylescoop Article #5

Style, once you�ve acquired it, is a marvelous thing. If there is anything that a stylish man has learned, it�s that money cannot make the man stylish. Style is about attitude and confidence. Being able to successfully decorate ones life with the frills that accompany his lifestyle, well now that just makes him talented.

In 2010 there are many things to be excited about, especially with the World Cup around the corner. For those savvy men about town, I have compiled a list of the top 10 must-haves for 2010...


Fashion 2010 - 2011'S TOP 10 IN 2010 AFTER THE JUMP

Stylescoop Article #4 - Put your best foot forward

Any woman will tell you that you can never have enough shoes. Call me evolved but I agree. In drawings as far back at 5000 years, the Egyptians were seen wearing shoes. While its purpose and design has evolved over the centuries since then, somehow men still manage to get it wrong.

The truth is a man needs at least four pairs of shoes on a basic level. After that it�s a simple matter of building a collection, or as some would call it an investment.



WORK BOOTS: Comfortable, manly and sturdy boots are incredibly versatile and will serve you both in-doors and out. Pairing fitted jeans, a waistcoat/shirt/blazer combo gives the term �semi-formal� a great lift with your boots.



DRESS SHOES: Ideally black, brown and tan shoes will cover you in anything you own. If you don�t wear earth-toned suits then don�t worry about the latter of the three. Patent leather looks fantastic and can even be worn with jeans, a white shirt and blazer to many events that don�t require a penguin suit.



CASUAL SHOES: By casual we don�t mean running shoes or Haviana�s. A casual shoe fits in between formal and semi-formal. Boat shoes, loafers and lace-ups in brown and black fall into this category.

SUPERCASUAL: Athletic trainers have only one purpose and that is to be worn in a gym. Enough said. Flip-flops should be worn sparsely, like a Sunday at the beach. Leather sandals are a much better alternative and go well with jeans, linens and trousers.

An important point to reiterate is the matching of shoe and belt; just note that identical matching is not necessary, just tonal.

Equally important to consider is shoe care. You do the same for your car so why not your shoes? Not only do they look better polished, but in doing so you are preserving an investment!

Leather dries out and cracks so either stop by a professional shoe cleaner or buy yourself a shoe kit.



The process, whether done at home or professionally should include:

- A smooth leather shoe cleaner
- A leather conditioner
- Polish
- Leather protector

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

-Beeswax products form a protective layer instead of absorbing which helps against water damage.

-A soft application of black polish on a brown boot/shoe gives it natural and slightly worn look.

-Avoid wearing shoes for two days in a row to allow time between to breathe.

-Store your shoes in boxes if you don�t have space to display them, this will also keep them looking good for longer.

-Use shoe trees to maintain the shape of your leather shoes.

Stylescoop Article #3 - They don't call it a MANicure for nothin'

This week we discuss mens grooming on STYLESCOOP and why this wonderful change is nothing to be scared of. Catch it after the jump here>>

Last week was all about men's accessories so in case you missed it here it is!

MEN AND HOW TO ACCESSORIES THEM:

As a women you know the power of a great accessory. You know that adding a certain piece will change or enhance your look. The same way a chef knows to add a special ingredient to transform a meal from standard to delightful.

The truth is every man wants to be fashionable, but for many it seems like far too much work. However adding the right accessories to the basics of �The Skeleton List� will give your man that extra flair. He doesn�t need fancy �bling� or the latest �must have� of the season, because when it comes to fashion it�s not always what you wear; it�s what you don�t wear!


(image via celebrityfashiontips)

Google is a wonderful thing. With 97 million search results to �men�s accessories� alone you, are bound to find something. But where you direct to from there is up to you. Let me make this a little easier for you�

WATCHES

The most important item for a man to wear other than his clothing is a good quality watch. Not only is it a great conversation starter but it speaks of your class and taste. While leather straps are increasingly popular, make sure to avoid those wrist-band watches that belong on the arm of a 12 year old. A watch, no matter the cost, should be clean and simple in design.

THE CURRENT TREND: Large faces are very popular for 2010!


(The Breitling Navitimer watch is celeb favourite )

WALLETS

Son, put away that velcro wallet from �92. A grown man should own a quality leather wallet that doesn�t spill out or crack.

THE CURRENT TREND: If you don�t carry coins around consider a money clip or simple credit card holder.


(Montblanc money clip)

SUNGLASSES

Oakley is a very popular brand for sportsmen. The special lenses are polarized and cover the side and front of your eyes. Unfortunately they have yet to impress me with their small swim-goggle design. Keep them for sports. For the rest, consider the trend, as with most of menswear� the return to classic styles.

THE CURRENT TREND: Ray-Ban Clubmasters


(Ray-Ban Clubmasters)

HATS

While it serves the purpose of shielding the sun and keeping the hair out of your eyes, a baseball cap is not trendy. In fact they are becoming less and less popular with the return of older styles. Beanies, paper boy hats and Trilby�s are great alternatives.

THE CURRENT TREND: Panama straw hats


(The original Bond � Sir Sean Connery wearing a straw hat in a Louis Vuitton campaign)

JEWELRY

Aside from the wedding ring, men are quite comfortable wearing a couple of pieces they choose for themselves. Jewelry is a personal thing and isn�t really determined by what anyone famous is wearing. The way it�s worn, yes. But not the item itself. The styles for 2010 are low hung chains with something personal hanging from it. For instance I have a collection of anchors. Added to a basic white Tee under a blazer or leather jacket is very effective. Chains, beads and leather jewelry should not be anywhere near the base of your neck. To update it, make it longer.

THE CURRENT TREND: Signet rings, perhaps with a family crest?


(Robert Pattinson wears a stylish signet ring)

No matter the item chosen, a man�s accessory should be an extension of who he is. It�s primary job is to enhance your look. You�re a sassy girl and you compliment your man, so why not allow his accessories to compliment him?