Style Evolution: Justin Timberlake

It’s been a stellar couple of years for Mr Timberlake, having successfully reinvented himself from singer to actor following a break from his music career. With starring roles in movies such as The Social Network, Friends with Benefits (playing a rather well-dressed GQ editor) and In Time between 2010-2011, Timberlake’s self-imposed hiatus went astonishingly well, by anyone’s standards.

Having returned from the musical wilderness at the start of the year with the release of his third studio album, The 20/20 Experience, Timberlake is set to follow it up later this year with the highly anticipated second instalment.

This return to music has signalled not only a clear change in sound, but also style. With his music adopting a more suave, soulful and mature approach, his dress sense has followed suit. With a strong sartorial nod to Rat Pack refinement and a little help from Tom Ford, Timberlake has finally cemented his place as a true style icon…

Man Fashion: Common Silly Mistakes to Avoid in Mens Fashion

Some of us always been classified as special group of human being that are less fashion conscious by our opposite sex (except minority). Whether we like this statement or not, we do find some of the silly fashion mistakes that made by most of the men on the street. So we thought like share out just few with some of the readers here.

Novelty Tie? Come on, Pianos or guitars should never be depicted on a tie. We know Christmas is at the corner, but try to avoid anything with festive tag on to it.

Watch out for trousers! never be too short or too long. Rule of thumb is to rest hemlines of trousers on the laces of your shoes.

Do you still notice some suit with label on sleeve? Remove this unecessary label from the blazer of your suit immediately. We are not full models for fashion designers, we should be judge by the look and style, not by the brand! :)

Watch out for our next review on common silly mistakes in men fashion.
from here

Military Fashion for Guys 2011

This year, military fashion has gotten insanely popular—not only for gals, but also for guys. But the question is—what exactly does this entail? A coat is almost essential, especially a watch-coat. Make sure that your coat comes down past your knees. The colors that are most popular are khaki, grey, navy blue, and forest green. Pretty much anything that falls into the military category of colors fits in this category.

Pleated slacks are also fairly common for when you want to jazz things up. Pair them with a pair of black, shined dress shoes. For a shirt, choose a regular button-up and leave the top button unbuttoned for that rugged, yet neat look. Or button all the way up for something a little bit more clean cut.
Boots are in!

Boots are also fairly popular this year. You can wear them for pretty much any occasion and they also keep you warm and are perfect for any kind of weather.

The colors that are in this year mainly rotate around muted colors, such as khaki, navy blue, and green.

Also, remember that you don’t have to take these fashions and use them exactly as they are stated. You can take them and mix and match them and make them in to what you will. It only takes you a little bit of thought and effort to do this and in the end, the result is usually insanely pleasing! Just keep in mind that shorts don’t go with long jackets and you’re fine!

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How To Wear A Tux

The Tuxedo

Ah, the tuxedo, the trickiest item of menswear for any guy to get right. Once it was something to be cherished and relished when it was worn but these days seems to be more like a chore and an obligation for those bound for nuptial-based events. I’ve always thought of any suit that a guy owns as their own suit of armour; once hemmed and tailored to your own personal tastes it should fill you with confidence and valour for the times ahead. Never was it more true for this most masculine of tailoring.

Of course there are a few things to get right when considering a Tux. Firstly, I strongly recommend that you actually purchase one. Seriously, think about the process of hiring one for just a moment. You spend a couple of hundred on a tuxedo that doesn’t really fit you, kind of smells and you have to travel there and back for the pleasure. Yes, buying one will set you back a pretty penny but the amount of use you’ll get out of it (it’ll surprise you as time passes) and how good you’ll feel and look in itwill be worth it.

So, first things first, the basics. When buying your first Tuxedo always go for the black suit, white shirt and black tie combination. You’re bound to take off the jacket at some point so keep the shirt on the slim side to avoid any ballooning at the waist. As for which collar to pick, it’s best to stick with a notch for the moment. It’s the simplest version to pull off and lends itself to most men and tie combinations. If you do fancy a Shawl collar (quite popular at the moment) try to keep it on the narrow side. And for all you Tom Ford wannabies out there, when wearing a Peak lapel make sure the tie is just as wide and always wear it with some pride. Other than that, keep your accessories understated, subtle and simple, by which I mean a black leather watch, muted cuff links and black lace up shoes with minimum detailing and you won’t go wrong.

The Tie

Now here’s where a lot of us fall down. A simple rule to follow is that when wearing a Peak lapel Tuxedo be sure to wearnothing other than a bow tie. With a notch or shawl a standard straight tie will do the job and if you really want the bow tie then keep it on the slim side. On top of that, the fabric of the tie should always match the fabric of your suits collar. Velvet for Velvet, Silk for Silk, etc. Finally guys, hopefully none of us are going back to a Prom or school dance anytime soon so always make sure the tie is black. If you do feel the need to express a bit of creativity then try a patterned black and white tie in stripes or dots but leave the bright red bow tie at the back of your wardrobe please. Or, you know, the bottom of your bin.

How To Wear

And as always here are some fool-proof ways of wearing a Tuxedo: -

• Classic – As mentioned above, black Peak lapelled suit with a white tuxedo shirt and black bow tie. Add a white pocket square to strike a more modern tone and don’t forget to pop your cuffs, if you don’t then what’s the point of a French-cuffed shirt?
• Alternative – I appreciate that there are some of you out there who don’t want to be dressing up like everyone else at the party. In that case, why not try a Tuxedo in a midnight blue? Again pair it with a white shirt and black tie combination for the best results or if it’s not strictly ‘black tie’ then why not lose the tie and wear a black dress shirt instead?
• A Velvet Option – Now the important thing to bear in mind with a velvet tux is that it should only be on the suit jacket, never the trouser as well. Keep it understated with a notch lapel and let the fabric do all the talking. Why not try it with a slightly coloured shirt in a pale pink or blue as well, just to show people that you are paying attention.
• All-White – same rule applies here as well. If you do want to go all out old-Hollywood then make sure it’s with black suit trousers. Try it with a tuxedo shirt that has black linings to separate it from the jacket and I’m pretty sure with this tux a strong gin-based drink is the perfect compliment.

Other than that guys have fun wearing a Tuxedo. It’s one of the few times that you can be 100% sure you are looking your best.Sure it may not have much room for error and creativity but that’s the reason it works so well. Just make sure to never opt for that matching cummerbund, waistcoat and bow tie that so many people seem to think is a GREAT idea. Remember that when wearing a tuxedo you’re heading to either a black tie event or a wedding, you are not heading to a Casino Owners meeting!

Next week we’ll have a look at the ways in which you can dress down your tux.

from here

Best Deodorants For Men from Davidoff 2010, 2011

“Nobody gets a second chance to leave a first impression.” is both well-spoken advice and the mantra of Zino Davidoff, the creator of the Davidoff line of fine men’s fragrances. Zino Davidoff was an interesting man filled with good humor and patient insight. Russian born, he spent his life chasing his dreams and trying to live a long and happy life to it’s very fullest. Filled with life and laughter, he transferred all his energies and love of live into creating the many wonderful men’s fragrances that bear the Davidoff name. It doesn’t matter if you are enjoying the best men’s fragrances from Davidoff or just the best deodorants for men from Davidoff, if it’s from Davidoff you are in for a real treat!

Davidoff’s most famous line of men’s fragrances is his Cool Water line. Filled with icy aquatic notes that are sure to linger long in memory, Davidoff ’s Cool Water is prized for it’s cool and sweet lavender and orange blossom top notes, sharpening the scents of coriander and chilly peppermint training to a floral heart note overlying thick woods, amber and rich musk in it’s finish. In fact, the entire Cool Water line is like this with wonderful variations to create a crisp, clean scent for every taste. Meanwhile, for the man who prefers a delicate floral oriental scent to harmonize with his natural manly smell, Davidoff has Silver Shadow. Silver shadow’s gentle first impression of orange, coriander and cedar the blends into subtle heat with saffron and patchouli, fading to a masculine ending with sweet amber and hearty oakmoss. Looking for something hot and sensual? Then try Davidoff’s Hot Water. Hot water is the answer for the man who wants something totally different from cool water. Top notes of spicy red basil and sweet absinthe are heightened by red pimento. Heart notes of musky patchouli and sharp benzoin build up the heat to finish off this wonderful men’s fragrance. Hot or cold, Davidoff has a scent for you.
from here

How to Look Sexy as a Man

Here are some steps that you can follow to help you look sexy.

• You should wear lifts on your shoes to increase your height. If you are short this, can do you good. You can also wear clothes which will give an illusion of height.
• You can allow your facial hairs to grow. This will give you sexy look and make you look like a bad boy. Most girls, especially young ones, will find this look quite appealing.
• You need to do some exercises if you want to look sexy. This will allow you to look good in whatever you decide to wear. You can walk around confidently which makes you look sexy and appealing to most women. You can choose to dance to some music as you workout. This makes working out fun and easy for you to get that good look which will attract women like magnet.
• You need to make it clear that you are in serious relationship or married if you are not single. Then make sure that you keep love burning by doing things together with your wife. Wear sexy clothes when you are at home and make sure that your love life is spiced up. This make you even look sexier to other people.

These tips can be useful if you want to change your look and make yourself sexier to your partner. It is a great way to work on your relationship. Try out the tips and you will like the results.

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David Beckham Footballer, Model, Icon…Designer

A marketable name is one of the great commodities of the modern world. Names are bought like property; propped up, squeezed of their use and then traded on. The market for perfume is a perfect example. Celebrities who wouldn’t know a bass note from a bass guitar team up with people who do to produce their ‘signature’ scent; the product is invariably awful, the margins are invariably huge.

There is something so nauseatingly sweet and shiny about that word; ‘celebrity.’ It seems forever sprinkled with glitter. The Beckham family, who owe much of their wealth to the professional success and consistent marketability of the patriarch, are of particular interest to all ‘celebrigorgers’; they begin salivating at the sight of pink neon headlines like ‘Victoria in Crisis’, licking their lips at the prospect of ‘Exclusive Pics of Beck’s Holiday Yacht.’ And it is because of this hunger, this constant need of the masses to be updated of events in their world that Mr and Mrs Beckham continue to be a marketable product.

Mr Beckham has long ceased to be much of a marketable product in the world of professional football. As a living football icon, he is unparalleled but he’d be lucky to rejoin a competitive European league. He is old, has been performing very averagely of late and is no longer hunted by the grand clubs of Italy, England or Spain. Fortunately, he has found a side career as a clothes horse, brand ambassador and extraordinarily well-paid model and now it seems he wants a cut of the creation too; that’s right folks, David Beckham is launching his very own menswear collection.

Dismissed him already? Well, that’s to be expected. Many women have dismissed his wife’s ability to design women’s clothes and have predicted her label to flop, so it is likely the same prediction will be made about her husband, especially considering that Mr Beckham’s collection will be produced in conjunction with his wife’s new label. Why use him? Firstly, he is a household name in Europe, certainly and he has a popular following in football-mad Asia too. He’s better known now stateside, although the nation’s lack of interest in ‘soccer’ means plenty of Americans will be unaware of his existence.

Secondly? The man does actually have an eye for style, and manages to make other famous and supposedly ‘stylish’ sportsmen look distinctly average; if Tom Brady is ‘stylish’ then Beckham is Beau Brummell. He loves tailoring too, and is keen on an array of vintage styles, particularly the baker boy flat cap and the three-piece suit. The designers will no doubt have their own ideas, but Beckham will have to be the muse for their work if the brand is to have any legitimacy and those hired to perform that work will be relieved that the multi-tattooed multi-millionaire can actually dress.

I fully expect expensive fabrics to be used (expect almost everything to be in cashmere), and the suits, considering the way he wears them, may well have a decent cut; consequently, I also expect the prices to reflect this. This is where the problem may lie; too high a price, and the products will bomb.

Style Icon: Johnny Depp

He’s played a cop, a pirate, a twisted barber, an asexual chocolatier, a debauched Earl, a Mad Hatter and an overconfident bank robber in Public Enemies, where he brings 1930s gangster and fugitive John Dillinger back to life. Warped, witty, worldly, and more than ever … enigmatic..

He doesn’t like to be tagged as quirky or as a rebel yet Johnny Depp has come to signify a distinct style, from his top of his knitted berets to the tips of his scruffy army boots.

He is the ultimate definition of being “his own man”, he’s the master of intrigue and the ultimate purveyor of old world charm, who just manages to woo everyone his own brand of sex appeal; a chemistry that’s stirred up when a man is comfortable with himself and who he is.

His friends describe him as having a depth of character and a genuinely, open, compassionate bearing and he’s said to have an insatiable curiosity about everything and the personalities he plays are his own special mix of riotous imagination and off world whimsy.

There’s definitely something terribly manly, old fashioned and old world about Johnny. I can imagine him in days gone by, as a knight; fighting wars, slaying dragons and rescuing damsels. Yet there’s an even wilder streak in him. I also sense unbridled adventure and a thirst for the high seas, which is why I think he played John Sparrow so well; he was believable as the rakish, offbeat pirate with not a care in the world. Interestingly John Sparrow’s inner journey centered on his struggle with what it takes to be a moral person.

Johnny Depp’s characters, are somewhat drawn to justice (albeit a warped sort), loyalty, courage and nobility and whether this is true or not in his own life, they symbolise a return to good old fashioned codes of male conduct – unbridled wildness mixed in with a code of chivalry and a realisation that seeking to be a man of great character and respect is a never ending goal and that although all your goals may not be reached in this lifetime the quality of striving towards them ennobles the male spirit.

Deeply committed to honoring the characters he plays, especially those who actually lived, like Sir J. M. Barrie in Finding Neverland, and the iconic Dillinger, Depp says “There’s a certain responsibility playing a guy, even Dillinger. You want to do him right, ya know. You don’t want to let him down. He may be watching. So I don’t want to water down the integrity of the person I’m playing. I want to find its essence.”*

When it comes to his signature style, Depp is the ultimate fashion rebel - a fedora, tousled locks, vintage suits, a distinctive devil may care ‘tude, waistcoats & tatts!He loves his ripped jeans, his scarves, his preppy spec frames and his ‘tache. We love his style.

His mystique intrigues, so much so People Magazine gave him their Sexiest Man Alive‘ 2009 Award, for the second time, joining Clooney and Pitt as the only dudes to have been so honoured twice.

Here at MenStylePower, we like Johnny’s search for integrity and we love his clothes sense. From culture to culture and throughout history, men have upheld versions of justice, defense, and we believe these intangible virtues should be strongly encouraged and woven into every truly stylish man’s DNA.

*Excerpts from Douglas Brinkley’s portrait on Johnny Depp, ‘Johnny Depp’s Great Escape’, Vanity Fair July 2009.

from here

Clooney, The Stylish … American

Clooney – actor, director, screen star, all round good guy, chic magnet, dude’s dude. Who’d a thank it that the scruffy doofus handy man on the 80s sitcom ‘Facts of Life’ would have risen to the heights he now soars at? Ah but there was evidence at birth that he was meant for stardom … his heritage certainly hinted at the greatness to come – a former beauty pageant queen for a mother, and father who made his living as a TV anchorman and host, a singing aunt and an acting uncle – a veritable family circus!

George Clooney was born in Lexington, Kentucky … blah, blah, blah! If you want more on his bio, jump onto wiki.

We’re more interested in the fact that he once dabbled in odd jobs such as selling men’s suits and cutting tobacco. Whimsical George, ‘ey? Maybe that’s when he acquired his sense of suave, debonair genteel as well as a shine for elegantly cut threads and smelly cigars.

It was when this heartthrob, who played ER’s Dr. Douglas Ross, left TV land and begun his celluloid career in films such as Out of Sight (with JLO), One Fine Day (a la Michelle Pfeiffer) and Three Kings, that he begun to be noticed by stylexperts the world over.

So what is the Clooney secret? Maybe it’s that lean, hungry, “beyond blue steel” look that even Zoolander would not be able to perfect. Or perhaps it’s how those designer linen and wool suits seem to mould to his body like a second skin and create a nether world beautiful being (oh someone stop me!), or more so, just how much he cares to cultivate the air that he doesn’t care being labelled as the sexiest man on planet earth since Cary Grant. Either way, his nonchalance, his easily irritated indifference (at the 2010 Oscars) coupled with his fashion ease, has riveted the fashion and ‘celebrity’ world as much as it has captured the swooning imagination of most females over the age of 2, sweeping them up in a whirlwind storm that rages hot and wild.

His signature style? Effortless class and dapper well fitted suiting. Very rarely does he don a tie; he always rocks an open necked cool white shirt but he makes up for this casual approach with cufflinks, a fantastic timepiece and a full shaven, neatly cut crop of grey. No-one does silver hair like Clooney. At 49, he’s handling his maturation with killa precision. I’m a die hard fan (can you tell??)

Dag, the man got talent. In 2006, he won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance inSyriana; it was the first time in the awards’ history that an individual had received acting and directing nominations for two different films in the same year (nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay (with Grant Heslov), for Good Night, and Good Luck).

And of course there’s the Oceans 11, 12 and 13 capers, that play up the quest for the good life at any cost, while surrounded by a pack of disarming, and seriously bent daredevils. And we can’t forget to mention the suits, the Continental locations, the women and the cut throat repartee with an equally charming, debonair Brad Pitt.

And it would seem that Clooney has a purposeful life and a heart, beyond the silver screen. In 2006, Mr. Clooney and his father, Nick, went to Darfur to record the horror of the Sudan war, culminating in the documentary Journey to Darfur. His work on behalf on Darfur relief led to his addressing the United Nations Security Council. He also narrated the Darfur documentary Sand and Sorrow. In 2007, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle and Jerry Weintraub co-founded Not On Our Watch, an organization whose mission is to focus global attention and resources to stop and prevent mass atrocities in Darfur.

Clooney was subsequently honored with the 2007 Peace Summit Award, given at The Eighth World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates at their annual meeting in Rome. In 2008, he was designated a U.N. Messenger of Peace, one of eight individuals chosen to advocate on behalf of the U.N. and its peacekeeping efforts. In January 2010, he, along with Joel Gallen and Tenth Planet Productions, produced the Hope for Haiti Now telethon, which raised more than $66 million for disaster relief. Gee!! Whattaguy … I’m glad he doesn’t walk on water otherwise I’d be a tad perplexed about the state of his immortality …

His latest film project is the suspense thriller The American, adapted from Martin Booth’s 1990 novel ‘A Very Private Gentleman‘ (opens September 1^st in cinemas everywhere).

The gist of the storyline focuses on a lone American assassin living abroad who retreats to the Italian countryside after a job gone bad in Sweden. Clooney’s ‘Jack’ holes up in a small medieval town and takes on an assignment to construct a weapon for a mysterious contact, Mathilde (Thekla Reuten).

Savoring the peaceful quietude he finds in the mountains of Abruzzo, Jack accepts the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto (Paolo Bonacelli) and pursues a torrid liaison with a beautiful woman, Clara (Violante Placido). Jack and Clara’s time together evolves into a romance, one seemingly free of danger. The plot sounds inevitable i.e. by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate. We say “stay in the wilds of Abruzzo, Jack, for nothing is more satisfying than a quiet life, a home in the great harsh outdoors and the love of a beautiful woman”.

Which brings us to the subject of Clooney and his women. Although now publicly dating Italian model Elisabetta Canalis, George is very private when it comes to his love life, and throughout his career, he’s famed for his discretion. Methinks the man wants to quietly run his own life, his own way. He may be commitment shy, and I suspect he prefers the company of a beautiful, intelligent woman but not necessarily the settling down aspects of a long term relationship. Each to his own.

From the sounds of it, The American’s Jack is very much Clooney. The quintessential man’s man living life to his own rhythm, and so we laud him for following his heart, pursuing his passion and looking good in the process. As we say down under, “on ya mate!”

We leave you with the latest ad campaign from George Clooney’s association with Omega Watches: George Clooney, photographed by Norman Jean Roy for Omega’s Seamaster Planet Ocean Watch 2010. NB: This is not a paid ad, no sirree bob, we just loved how dear George is captured here – elegant, grey, cool, smooth, Clooney.

from here

Alkemy’s Chemistry!

MSP Spotlight : Edgy Menswear Design : A mix of sci, phi & magic, Alkemy is a versatile brand that fulfills a guy’s needs for any occasion, focusing on simplicity with a touch of uniqueness, providing staple styles that have a true fit without sacrificing complete comfort.

Alkemy’s philosophy is understanding and appreciating that each man is committed to being an individual. The science of the brand is found in its innovative fabrics and great fit, and the magic? Well, that’s in the eyes of the beholder!

Alkemy’s 2010 fall collection features pieces that range from graphic tees to blazers to dress pants, all of which feature clean tailoring and impeccable details, ensuring the power and sleekness of Alkemy is seen and felt when dressed. All of these styles are also versatile and beyond comfortable— with unique details like side cargo pockets, ultra-breathable fabric and a wide variety of cuts and fits.

Alkemy – we like. Wear it and hopefully when you do, you’ll be celebrating your individuality and unique strength. That’s alot of pressure to put on your threads, but then again, how you wear what you wear (‘tude) is all a state of mind.

MSP is all about encouraging you gents out there to find your true self; we just don’t recommend any old crap. Alkemy away and meditate on this from Paul Coehlo’s groundbreaking magical tale :“… Alchemists spent years in their laboratories, observing the fire that purified the metals. They spent so much time close to the fire that gradually they gave up the vanities of the world. They discovered that the purification of the metals had led to a purification of themselves.” – The Alchemist.

www.alkemyclothing.com

from here

Spring-Summer 2010 men's fashion week in Milan in Pictures - Part 1

DIY Fashion – Jeans into Shorts: A Student’s Dream

Any student across the world will tell you there is just one item in the whole world they need, and most importantly want. What is it? Money. Unless of course Mummy and Daddy are sending the butler round with weekly cheques from the mansion (trust me it happens), there comes a time in every student’s life where he or she finds themselves out of cash and feels as though they would do anything just to have Queen Elizabeth II beam up at them from those crisp notes once more.

It is no surprise then, that when a new season comes along, the fashion conscious amongst us find ourselves in a turmoil of emotions; torn between the excitement of getting a completely new summer wardrobe (even though last year’s is perfectly acceptable) and the ever-present loom of the dreaded minus figures in the bank. It was thus in between considering whether to sell my own body for money or someone else’s, that I decided I could save some beloved cash by just cutting up my old wardrobe.
How To Do It

I have been known to be a bit of a hoarder with my clothes, so luckily I have a few pairs of old jeans lying in the dark, dusty corners of the wardrobe, and today I decided to finally make use of them by turning them into shorts. At first I was a bit wary of cutting up my jeans, especially after hearing horror stories of friends ending up with one leg way longer than the other, or just a piece of frayed denim hanging off their waist Adam and Eve style, but desperate times call for desperate measures and I decided if done properly, I could be saving myself from having to buy expensive shorts this summer. And I am so glad I did. So here are my tips on how to DIY and turn your old wardrobe into a new, fresh one:
Choosing the jeans is important. Try and find an old pair with your desired look, and try and imagine them as shorts. If you think it will work, decide on the length you think will suit them most. I have chosen an old pair of stone-wash denim jeans and I’ve decided to go for an above-the-knee crop.
Always cut a few inches longer than your desired length. If you are going for my style you will need the extra fabric to create the roll-up, but even if you are going for a loose, frayed effect, it is always better to start off longer because once those jeans are cut, there’s no way of adding extra length to them.
It is best to decide on length when the jeans are on. Put them on and mark with a Biro where you want to start the cut (remember a few inches longer than the desired length). Take them off and with a sharp pair of scissors, cut as straight as possible starting from where you have marked them. Don’t worry if they look messy at first, this will be cleaned up later.
You now have several options depending on how you want the shorts to look once you are finished. For a simple roll-up as I have done, just roll twice to hide the messy lines. If they are too long and end up halfway down your knee, simply cut a little more fabric off. If you want a frayed, loose effect, then I find it is easier to cut with blunter scissors. Once cut, use the edge of the scissors or a sharp knife to fray the denim. Alternatively, if you know how, or know someone else that does, you can hem the shorts for a smarter look.
It’s now time to personalise. I have left my shorts pretty plain at this point, but there are several things you can do to add different looks. For a rough, worn effect (goes well with the frayed ends), use sand paper or a cheese grater to go up and down against the fabric and wear it down. For further personalisation, change the buttons or add more stitching to really make the jeans stand out. And voila! You have a new addition to your wardrobe.
My Denim Cut-Offs

Being the enthusiast that I am, and feeling like I was onto my own little project, I didn’t stop there. Using the leftover fabric from what I had cut away, I decided to experiment and try and create my own accessories. I had seen a bracelet in Oxford Street Topman the other week that was merely a piece of frayed denim cut for the nautical/beach look. So feeling inspired, I used the fabric I had left and cut about a centimetres width of fabric off of the bottom, ensuring it was fraying with my blunt scissors. Then I simply tied it round my wrist, using the knot as a focus point, and cut down the excess ends. Here is what I ended up with [below right], I feel it ‘ties’ up the outfit nicely! (Oh yes I said it).

So here are some images of how mine turned out:

And why stop there? You could create a neck-tie or ankle bracelet the same way, the possibilities are endless! Just don’t end up looking like the denim monster threw up all over you.
Outfit Inspiration

As always, here are a few images of how the guys on LookBook.nu are rocking their very own cut-offs:

I hope this post was helpful and has inspired you to grab the scissors and get going on those old jeans. Happy cutting!
If you want to hear more from me, you can follow me on twitter at www.Twitter.com/TomBloomfield

Tom Bloomfield

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Summer Fashion On The Cheap

Compared to fall and winter with their traditionally more tailored looks, summer fashion is all about easy apparel, and as such, doesn't require a heavy investment in your wardrobe. In fact, all you need to update your look are a couple of inexpensive key pieces and you're good to go for the rest of the season. Nice. Here we round up this summer's best and most affordable pieces (everything is priced well under £70) that are guaranteed to inject fresh style into your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Dockers clean khakis 
For Summer 2010, preppy styles ruled the catwalks, so it's time to break out all your American standbys, like white button-downs and boat shoes, and team them with clean lined, flat-front pants like these lightweight cotton khakis from Dockers. With their slim yet comfortable fit, double-welt back pockets, pared down details, and a finished look of herringbone twill, these pants are too sophisticated to be relegated solely to weekend wear. Think of them as an alternative to jeans and use them to polish up your work look. Available in white, sandalwood, brown, and black at a shockingly low price, you may want to consider picking up more than one pair of these go-with-everything pants.
Price: £60

Gap white straight fit jeans
Synonymous with summer, white pants are a good choice. For 2010, however, they're particularly on-trend, having made an appearance in collections inspired by old-world Italy as well as those influenced by classic Americana. To get in on both trends, pick up a pair of Gap's straight fit jeans in white. Next, pair these jeans with a polo shirt and desert boots to take them in a distinctly American direction; or, team them with a brightly hued button-down, sleek leather sandals, a cool carryall, and a luxe-looking watch for a more Italian spin. Though there are infinite ways to style these pants, the best part about them is their price tag and the fact that they're machine washable, both of which mean there's no way you'll feel bad when they inevitably get dirty.
Price: £45

Cheap Monday autobahn unwash jeans
Every guy needs a pair of ultra-dark rinse, mid-rise jeans in his wardrobe. This raw denim pair from Cheap Monday make our gotta-have-it list for summer because not only are they wildly affordable with an amazing fit, but they're the perfect base for showcasing the season's trends. With white trainers and a brightly-hued T-shirt, they’ll capture summer's emphasis on sporty looks and they look equally good teamed with a gingham button-down. Bonus: Come autumn, you'll still be getting plenty of use out of these jeans when you'll swap your T-shirts for dress shirts layered under cardigans and blazers.  Price: £45
 

Gap cropped trench
Simplicity and elegance was the dominant theme for many designers this season. To nail this look, you'll want a trench like this cropped yet classy version from Gap. A double-breasted style, epaulettes and a notch collar give this jacket a smart feel but its shorter length makes it suitable for everyday occasions. Throw this trench on over your faves like dark cuffed denim and a bright crewneck tee and then add some funky shades. Try it also with cuffed denim, boat shoes, a polo shirt, and a pair of aviators.
Price: £30


Topman Smart shorts
At first glance these shorts from Topman are as basic as they come. A pressed front, tailored waistband and back welt pockets give them the feel of traditional dress trousers. Turned on their side, however, these shorts feature a subtle contrasting white striped trim that lends a different and youthful edge, thereby preventing them from looking like something your dad would wear. Continue the sporty vibe of these shorts by mixing them with other summer 2010 athletic-inspired apparel including coloured T-shirts, anoraks and sunglasses.
Price: £30

Gap striped chambray shirt
Slip into the past this summer with this fashion-forward yet utterly wearable button-down from Gap. In 2010 and well into 2011, you'll use pieces like this pinstripe chambray shirt, reminiscent of holidays on the Mediterranean, to recreate old-school Italian looks. Rinsed to be super soft, this lightweight shirt is ideal for the hottest summer days, particularly when paired with crisp white dress pants or linen trousers for smart-casual occasions. Accessorise with a luxe watch, a fedora or a negroni. 
Price: £35

Zara white henley
One of those pieces you know you can depend on year-round, this unfussy 100% cotton henley from Zara can be worn on its own in the hottest, most humid months and as a base layer in the autumn. Mix it with Topman's Smart shorts, white sneakers and sunglasses in a punchy colour for a thoroughly sporty, very summer 2010 look. Or, team it with dark-rinse denim and desert boots to give this piece an American twist. In the fall, continue to pair this shirt with dark denim but swap your desert boots for Chelsea boots and throw on a cropped, tailored zip-up jacket.
Price: £30

Aldo Yoshimori sandals
Kick back and enjoy the good life on the cheap this summer with these dark-brown leather sandals from Aldo. A chic finish to a relaxed yet refined look, these sandals will complement virtually any trousers in your closet, with the exception of suit trousers, of course. With white jeans, chinos or linen trousers, these are eye-catching without being obviously trendy; so, rather than notice what you're wearing, others will only notice how good you look. And happily, you don't have to sacrifice style for function -- a cushioned sole makes these sandals comfortable to wear for long periods, day or night. 
Price: £45

from here

2010 Spring - Summer - Fashion week in Milan

i like it very much. Exactly my style.

i like it too.