More So Not 2010

So I’ve compiled a few more items for my list of fashion faux pas, and I hope you read this and think about your own personal style and ask yourself if you do any of this!



1. Wearing Socks with Sandals
this is an oldie but a good example of something heinous that should never be done; if your feet are cold don’t wear sandals. The only place that you can wear socks with sandals and not get labelled as a fashion offender is in the privacy of your home. Do not, I repeat “DO NOT” ever step outside your home looking this way and if you actually want any respect don’t even wear them around the house, wear slippers.

2. Too Much Jewellery
Now, who said it was okay to wear as much jewellery as Mr T? A wedding band and a watch is all you need. Do yourself a favour and don’t pile on those gold neck chains, bracelets, body or facial piercings. I would say a necklace or two, something on each wrist and 2 rings is the limit for anyone.



3. Wrong Length Trousers
always try on trousers before buying as different brands have different lengths and cuttings. If the waist of your trousers sits higher than the belly button, it is too high. On the other hand, trousers should not fall below the pelvic bones and god help you if I can see socks!

4. Stained Clothing
given the fact that spilling coffee on the shirt happens to all of us, it would be wise to keep a stain stick or a clean shirt in the office as a backup. Otherwise, I would suggest that you simply go out and purchase a new one when a stain occurs.


5. Glittery Shirts
Glittery shirts are a thing of the past even if you are considering wearing them for clubbing purposes.

6. Anything Novelty
I know I mentioned cartoons on ties in the first list but I thought I would elaborate. Novelty clothing does not project style and are meant to be left on the racks of the store where you last saw them. Have you ever seen the “Batman Utility Belt”? It’s a belt which you can clip on any communications device or tool you might need. All I can say is “Ewwww….”.

7. Flashy Designer Labels
unless the designers start paying me huge chunks of money, I wouldn’t want to be walking around with a giant advertisement for a designer label on the front of my shirt. It looks tacky to wear clothing with flashy and tacky decals. Keeping it moderate and simple is the key.



8. Sport Apparel as Casual Wear
I blame the British with their overuse of soccer jerseys, sport shorts and shoes as everyday clothing, it doesn’t look good, its ill fitting, cut for exercise and covered in boring details appreciated by losers and Bogans in the slums of your capital city. The same goes for AFL jumpers and shorts, there’s a time and a place for them, and that time is when you are going to a sports match. AND GOD HELP YOU IF YOU WEAR A POLO SHIRT WITH A POPPED COLLAR!

9. Fake Designer Goods
There’s one thing worse than wearing a shirt covered designer logos, and that is fake designer goods. Having said that it is usually the fake goods that have the tacky branding anyway. My point is, you are defrauding the fashion houses when you buy fakes, if you really like fashion, you are going the wrong way to show it, save your money and buy something authentic, it will look better, fit better and last longer than some piece of linoleum folded into a bag or some rags sewn together with a iron on D&G print.

Being a Gentleman

Towards the end of my outing on Wednesday night, I was confronted with disgusting behaviour that shocked me, so I decided I would compile some tips from some friends about being a gentleman.
I'm not saying that men should act like robots and be slaves to etiquette, but some basic good manners will go a long way in helping you during your ascent to the top.

So here’s a quick list of tips that will help turn even the most blundering fool into a proper gentleman. Follow these simple tips and I can assure you that people will perceive you as a man of good breeding and taste, hence a man they wish to associate and conduct business with. Not to mention the fact that the ladies and men are always quite pleased to meet a real gentleman, someone who displays an ounce of class in this millennium.



Always be polite.
even if you don't like someone, there is no need to lower yourself to their level. Be polite and courteous; show that you're the better man.

Do not curse.
Swearing is a big no-no. It shows that you don't have the vocabulary to express your thoughts appropriately. Furthermore, it is always very crude and impolite to be vulgar.

Do not speak loudly.
when you speak loudly; it raises the stress level among company. It always implies that you can't reason with people and rely on "brute force" to get your point across. It also draws attention -- negative attention.

Do not lose your temper.
When you lose your temper, you are showing everyone that you can't control your emotions. If you can't even control yourself, then how can you possibly control anything else? Keep your cool at all times (it won't be easy but it is worth the effort) and people will take positive note of your levelheadedness.

Do not stare.
Ogling someone is the equivalent of psychological aggression. You don't want to intimidate people for no reason. Stop being weak and just go over and talk to the person if you want to get their attention.

Do not spit.
a lot of men do this almost subconsciously. Spitting is very crude and not too pretty to look at. Do not spit in public unless you want to look like you were raised in a sewer. I know I sometimes spit but I try to do it in a corner and sometimes it’s unavoidable but on the most part there’s no need to spit in front of others.

Know a good Wine.
There’s nothing people hold in higher regard than a recommendation for a good wine, know at least one to show you have some culture.

Do not get in someone’s face.
If you have a problem with someone, ignore it and do not sink to their level or bring it up in private, doing it in public is unseemly and will end up ruining peoples nights including your own

Know your limit.
There is nothing attractive about someone staggering around off their chops from alcohol and drugs eat a good meal before going out and show some restraint in our intake.

Cool Item: Puffer Jacket

After my new jacket arrived from Paris last week and the great storm this evening, I figured I should write a post about Puffer Jackets. I have a few puffer jackets because they make me look broader and they also are incredibly warm. When buying one, consider what is inside, whether it is down, cotton or whatever else they use to stuff jackets... because they are quite expensive try buy one in a versatile cut and colour, neutral colours such as black, grey and brown. Some designers release bright coloured ones and unless u work in a road crew, try steer clear of these. Team it with an oversized singlet or shirt and skinny jeans to look more buff and get a very Dior street look


Dior Homme Hooded Puffer Jacket Approx 1,200 Euros


Moncler Mens Black Military Jacket Approx US$250

Fur Trends

This winter we shouldn’t shy away from fur, although there is and always will be controversy about wearing fur, it shouldn’t stop us from enjoying the warmth and absolute luxury of a soft pelt. If you have a real problem with fur, buy vintage, I mean, the animal is already dead so you needn’t feel too bad. As an added not I would like to point out that if you disapprove of fur and think it’s unethical to kill an animal to wear its pelt, and then you should wonder where meat comes from, and what has to die to make it. Now I’ve compiled a few photos of a few different ways to wear fur, so enjoy and consider buying some fur this winter.


Gucci velvet jacquard evening jacket with mink collar, $9,590; Alexander McQueen fur mittens, $917




Tim Hamilton wool bomber jacket with fur collar and lined hood, $4,750


Tim Hamilton boiled-wool anorak with coyote-trimmed hood and curly shearling lining, $7,200



Rick Owens moleskin and fox cowl- collar coat, $5,450; Gucci leather jacket with fox lining, $8,890



Andrew Marc reversible rabbit and nylon vest, $850 at Saks and Bloomingdale’s; Yves Saint Laurent mink scarf, $3,695

Basically, keep the fur simple and restrained, fur lining, scarves, hats, mittons and well made full coats are the go, and while I love fur I also appreciate that there are some fur styles that you definitely should avoid

Nothing blue, for God’s sake.
Unless you wish to look like something out of Monsters Inc. Avoid blue and other un-natural colours.

Nothing that makes you look like you’re playing dress up in mommy’s wardrobe.
Womens' furs are for women, so stay masculine!

Nothing that makes you look like a pimp or a drag queen.
This kinda overlaps the colour point and i must add that overly outrageous furs are a big no-no.

Nothing that makes you look like you just stepped out of Starsky and Hutch.
This is pretty self explanatory....

Nothing that you might have to fight J. Lo over.
This is just to further the whole, dont wear womens' furs.

Wierd or Wonderful: Fashion Week Moments

Dsquared Fall 2010

I saw these two on another blog and I felt I simply had to have them on mine too. Firstly the Fall 2010 show from Dsquared features a harpy, Rihanna circa her dating Chris Brown and Tweedle Dee And Tweedle Dum. Firstly I want to talk about the Harpy, I love the leather pants, Givenchy have done similar ones too this season, the rest of the outfit is Balmain meets Rocky Horror Picture Show meets Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds, and I’m not sure that’s a healthy combination. The Tweedle Boys in their pvc looking bright pink shirts are kind of disgusting, I get a real gay grease lightening vibe from them. Finally the Rihanna look, I like the jeans and shoes, I’m just not crazy about the rape victim makeup, it leaves me wondering if we should be advertising violence in fashion when it is already everywhere else!



Vivienne Westwood Man Fall 2010

I hadn’t seen the movie Zoolander until earlier this year when I got tired of people saying I was like Derek Zoolander and not knowing what the hell they were trying to get at, and I must say the funniest part of the movie was the fashion designer and his collection "Derelicte" which was inspired by homeless people on the streets of New York. Vivienne Westwood has unknowingly recreated this collection with her Fall show where she was inspired by homeless people too. Westwood has never been one to follow trends or march to the beat of anyone else’s drums, but this time I think she has gone too far, there’s a few workable pieces but on the hole I feel the only value this collection has is comic value.

What's Not 2010.

At the beginning of a new decade I think we should compile a list of items and styles that should be left in the past. This list is only a sample and contains some items that we have frowned at in the past but remain with us still as well as some new ones to scorn in the future.




1. Fluoro - I would like to make this perfectly clear, fluoro is unacceptable, it has been since the 80's, if you want to have a fluoro party for yourself and your unfortunate friends, do it, but don’t wear it in public.




2. Oakley Sunglasses - making people unattractive since 1975. These glasses have somehow become popular over the past 35 years amongst Bogans, with some limited edition frames going for 4k! Oakley eyewear should be reduced to ski goggles and motorcycle goggles, the end.



3. wearing running shoes as casual shoes - This one is a big pet peeve of mine, and includes Dunlop volleys! It’s even worse when you see people wearing them in nightclubs, thankfully some nightclubs have dress standards to avoid this. When you can buy cheap shoes for under 10 dollars or even a pair of thongs!



4. Crocs - I don’t think I need to explain this further...


5. Cartoon character Ties - it may be cute when your child gives you one for father’s day but don’t wear it to the office, its inappropriate and defeats the purpose of formal business attire.


6. Rats tails - I have seen a decrease in this little gem, but when I do see them I wish I carried around a pair of scissors so I could just cut it off.



7. Three Quarter Cargo pants - somehow companies that make these are still in business. They are too short to be pants and too long to be shorts and just too awful to be worn.


8. Wide leg/baggy jeans - they don’t flatter anyone, these are the masculine equivalent of the jeans that some 'women' wear that are tight and then have a massive flare. Try buying some more fitted denim!



9. White dress shoes with a white belt - a favourite amongst young club goers, this combination should only be worn if your whole outfit is white.

Wierd or Wonderful: Chanel F/W Show '10

This is a blog about men’s fashion so I’m going to withhold my comments about the collection and its use of faux fur and faux python; instead I’m going to draw attention to the men. The show was staged on some icebergs imported from Scandinavia into the middle of Paris, a very Narnia-esque scene was set, all that was missing was the ice queen, and atop some of the ice, supermodels Brad Koenig and Baptiste Giabiconi dressed as "polar bears". Now I don’t think they look like polar bears at all in their shag pile carpet get-up, in fact they look more like gay wookies, for me this is a definite WIERD!

As a footnote I would like to add that the Chanel men's collections on the whole are worth a look if you like the polish and class of the women's collecions.

The Man Bag

Every few years the humble man bag comes into style, each time it comes we wonder if it is going to stay in vogue but eventually and sadly, it fades away. We must make a distinction between a man bag and a bag for men, bags for men are bags such as messenger bags and backpacks, man bags include totes, clutches and motorcycle bags. The point of all this is to say that the man bag is back and that there a few things you should know about it before you go out and buy one. Firstly make sure the bag is polished and sophisticated, also make sure it has no bright colours, secondly look for ones that are predominantly leather or canvas, you will want it to be hard wearing. I've looked long and hard to come up with these little gems so have a look and think about buying a man bag and enjoy not having to load your pockets full of stuff.

Louis Vuitton Tadao bag in Damier Graphite



The masculine and sophisticated Tadao is a city tote bag in Damier Graphite canvas. Streamlined and practical to use, it appeals to men looking for effortless style around town. It can be held in one hand, or worn with the strap over the shoulder or across the body making it a versatile bag indeed. It also has 2 pockets inside perfect for smaller items like keys or loose change. It is available from Louis Vuitton Boutiques.

Lanvin Adjustable Shopping Tote


This bag reminds me of the bag that Andie Sachs has at the end of "The Devil wears Prada", its a nice distressed looking chocolate leather and its very versatile. its big enough to stuff a tee-shirt and scarf into in case you need to change on the go.
You can buy it online at luisaviarama.com or at Cultstatus on King Street

Dolce & Gabbana Clutch




I happen to love the idea of men's clutches, small, streamlined and allows you to carry all the essentials in one small bag. This bag has one large main compartment and a zipper inner compartment for smaller items and also features a wrist strap for easy holding. if you don't feel like forking out $800 for this clutch, a very similar one without the wrist strap is only $350, BARGAIN! Available at luisaviarama.com or by special order at Xile

McQ Men Black Tote with Shoulder Strap



From the late great Alexander McQueen's latest collection comes this wonderful bag. Covered in places to put things with adventurous styling, this bag is street cool meets practicality. Made of leather with canvas strap it retails for a little over $800, it's a little pricey but for a bag that will last you a couple of seasons with faithful usage, im sure we can all avoid making a mortgage payment. Available online at yoox.com

Brands of Note: Dior Homme, Louis Vuitton, Prada, McQ Men, D&G, Hermes

Grooming: Hair

Hair is a large part of our appearance, and so looking after it and styling it is important for not only our outward appearance, but also ourselves, nothing makes us happier than knowing that we are leaving the house looking good! Here are a few tips for hair maintenance for the modern man.

1. Know your hair – is it oily is it dry, is it damaged? If it is any of the above, do something about it, buy shampoos and conditioners that correct this imbalance, also try changing your diet if it is a constant thing.

2. Get a good stylist – find one you can trust. Do not be afraid to go to a salon rather than a barber shop - you may be very happy with the result, even if it does cost $50-$80. Also bear in mind that you do pay for the service: things like a scalp massage from a lovely wee thing, tea, coffee or wine, the cool environment – little pampering touches.


If you have a $10 head, by all means get a $10 haircut

3. Ask a friend what they think; a friend’s opinion is good for a new hairstyle as they are most likely to tell you the truth.

4. Keep your hair healthy and soft; treat it well with good shampoos and conditioners – but don’t feel the need to go too overboard on the shampoo.

5. You do not have to conform to certain men’s hairstyles, especially if they don’t suit you - break free go with a different look now and then.

6. Value your hair and take pride. Imagine yourself if you were bald?

7. Do not wear caps or beanies too often; show off your nice hair as much as you can. People notice nice hair and skin – just like we notice it in others.

8. Don’t straighten your hair too often; you will end up with hair that is as healthy as a wig. Consider changing your hairstyle to one you can style without a straghtener, your hair will thank you for it.



An example of good hair colouring from Burberry

When it comes to hair colouring, a good rule of thumb is only use a colour than you could be born with. Unnatural hair colours and platinum anything will sooner make you look like a troll doll than a worthwhile human being. if you really want to colour your hair either go darker or lighter in your own colour or colour you hair a colour that appears in your immediate family, this way you can be sure you genetic features will be able to pull off the colour. When colouring hair, always consider the amount of contrast you need next to your face. Don’t make yourself look pale with hair that’s too light or harsh with hair too dark. Soften the shade with age.


When it comes to what products to use, like your haircut, if you have $5 dollar hair, put $5 hair product in it, if you are a little better than that, consider going to your salon and buying some products there from American Crew, KMS or Keratase, especially American Crew as they specialise in men’s hair.

Update: Christian Louboutin for 3.1 Phillip Lim studded satin slippers

I found some more photos of the amazing Louboutin studded slippers, I know they were realeased just under a year ago but still I want some, and they come in a few different colours, black, pale green, navy blue.... screw chocolate for easter I want the easter bunny to bring me a pair of these babies in navy blue, or any kind soul out there, i wont complain!

Store: Zekka

I thought as part of this blog I should also include some destinations worth looking at when it comes to shopping. This will only apply to those of you hole live in little old Perth but I suppose it could be fun to read nonetheless. Zekka is one of those stores where you feel just a little bit cooler as you walk out of it, its atmosphere and clothing exudes a quality that few boutiques have. The most important part about any store is what it sells, and in Zekka you will find clothes that are not for the faint hearted. If, like me, you like to feel the cloths and look at the details then this is the place for you as there’s are textures and unexpected designs on most hangers. BE WARNED, these clothes aren’t for everyone, I know I’m not brave enough to wear one of the linen cape coats as much as I would love to wear one, but it is definitely worth a visit. As a bonus, there is also a cafe located at the back where all the cool kids hang, be sure to try the spinach and fetta filo tart, it will blow your mind!

Brands of Note: Raf Simons, Rick Owens, Comme des Garcons, Ann Demeulemeester

Zekka is located at 74-76 King Street Perth Western Australia 6000

Opening Times
Mon-Sat 10-5
Fri til 7
Sun 12-4

T: +61 (0)8 9481 1772
info@zekka.com

Cool Items IV: Ralph Lauren Watches

Car collectors talk about engines and computer geeks talk about processors, but people who are serious about watches — watch people — talk about movements. They talk about the little cogs and the wheels, the springs and the screws, that make up the hidden mechanism that makes up most of the value of any ticker worth your time or hard-earned tender. Ralph Lauren is a watch person — been collecting them for years — so for his first-ever line of luxury timepieces, it's no wonder he's partnered with Richemont Group, the Swiss parent company of Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Piaget, and others, to supply its world-famous movements. (This chronograph runs on a Jaeger-LeCoultre movement, comprised of 261 tiny components, many of which are crafted by expert hands in Switzerland; other watches in the collection run on Piaget and IWC movements.) Not the greatest time to launch a luxury anything, obviously, but then Lauren didn't build a $4 billion business by thinking minute to minute. He's a watch person who thinks in years. Unfortunately they arent available in Australia yet but im sure we can all think a little broader than that and buy them online.


Steel Sporting chronograph (US$9,300) by Ralph Lauren

Grooming: Exfoliation

I find I think most clearly when I exercise, and this morning on my morning run I was thinking about grooming, and more specifically skin hygiene. These days, when there are thousands of products on the market, there is no excuse for bad skin. My product of choice for exfoliation is cheap, ultra effective and also has added moisturiser, which is useful for those with dry skin. The product is L'Oreal Men expert Erase Wrinkles (also packaged as Skin Renovator or Power Buff), and I know what you are thinking, that product sounds like it's for old men, well it’s not! The beauty of this product is the tiny little grains of aluminium oxide that scrub away a layer of skin. Try using it before you shave for a smoothness and evenness in skin tone which is quite wonderful. There are other products and options for exfoliation, but this is the one that I found works the best and is totally affordable. Another option is microdermabrasion, which you can have done at a health spa or buy an at home kit such as Alford & Hoff's Microdermabrasion. So good scrubbing to you all and enjoy your cleaner looking, healthier skin.

Cool Items III: Christian Louboutin for Men

WONDERFUL! Excited is an understatement when it comes to these shoes, I remember I was flicking through a Magazine a few weeks ago, i think it was Vogue Hommes International, and i saw these, i got really excited and then they slipped my mind. it wasnt until i was looking for photos for pradas new collection and i came accross a photo that i fell in love. not only are there these amazing slippers, but also some sneakers and some dress shoes COVERED in studs. Needless to say im in love with it all.


Christian Louboutin Spring/Summer 2010 Freddy Flats




Christian Louboutin Spring 2010 “Louis” Sneaker


At 750 Euros for the "Freddie flats", which is around AU$1,112.413, and i dont think i can love them THAT much, maybe the slippers...

Wierd or Wonderful: Prada's new Collection

Personally, I think WONDERFUL, lots of tailoring, lots of black and lots of studs. I always tend to find Prada very much hit and miss, but this can also be a good thing, not staying inside the box is what keeps fashion moving forward. I remember about 5 years ago Prada released a collection of hand painted shoes that had a pearlescent effect and then subsequently they released bags and belts with the same detailing. At first I thought these shoes were ugly when I saw them in the Qantas magazine, but when I went into the Sydney boutique, I stood there looking at them in awe, they had a certain cool factor. The season after that, Balenciaga released a similar collection of bags and shoes and it filtered down through the brands blah blah blah. the point of that tangent was that Prada often do things unexpected that push the envelope, and I think this is no exception, although not as outrageous as some collections, this one definitely has merit, in particular the pieces with the studding details and beading, turning a simple classic into a work of art.







I'm not crazy about the shoes from the collection, they are a little chunky for my liking but the idea is solid and I know this whole collection will influence some department store knockoffs very soon!




-D&G and Marc Jacbs cruise collections are also featuring some studded goodness-