IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG

First off, I'm super sorry I've been a little MIA this past week, but I've been super busy with work and also an unwanted flu/cold bout that was really uncalled for but IM BACK!

Whilst recovering, I had a little snoop online at some pieces that i might want to include in my 'essentials' which are key pieces I rely on, and one item that I don't have but find myself lusting after, is a black bag that I can use for anything.

Step forward The Cambridge Satchel Company's Magnetic Batchel

I can already hear the mumbles of 'BUT you already have a bag from them' but this one is different (and totally justifiable FYI)

I love my Oxblood satchel, but Ive found theres a couple of things that I would change about it after really road testing it over the past couple of years. Fortunately for me, this bag addresses those issues with the ever-so-handy additions of the removable long strap and the inclusion of a magnetic lock which are really making me want to 'magnetic' snap this one up. 

I love the fact that this bag can be used everyday for the perfect off duty bag but then when the occasions come up, this can be transformed to a briefcase which also looks incredibly business like. I would also probably keep with a smaller size as I found I overstuffed my 15'' Satchel and it became incredibly heavy and awkward to use. With the introduction of the top handle, if it becomes too heavy, I can easily carry it instead. WINNER!

Now, where did I put my wallet....

Would you buy this bag? How would you style it? Let me know below!

Until next time guys,

Jay

TWITTER // INSTAGRAM // BLOGLOVIN // FACEBOOK

PREVIOUS POST

This weeks been a little bit of a wordy one on the blog but sometimes, when time is a factor, I skip the pictures and would rather put out better written content. 

I was talking to someone at work the other day who knows someone who wants to start blogging but she has no idea where to start and it got me thinking 'where do you start?' and then it hit me, whats unique about you aka your niche.

After racking my brain, Ive come up with 5 helpful hints to help discover you and your blog which I really wish I knew to begin with but now preach to other new bloggers and also have learnt from others too.

DIFFERENCE

When I began IYAAJAY, I didn't really know where I wanted to go with the content of it, whether it was purely fashion based, or a mixture of a few things etc but now I finally think I've found my niche of mens fashion and styling which is something I'm passionate about. What also sets people apart is their passions for different topics such as Andrew James with Beauty and The Boy,Ian Megrath at Rogues and Brogues, Thom Watson over at MANFACE or Bob Larking at Chivalrous, everyone loves different things so don't ever feel pressured into following the crowd. Another thing I've learnt is about is what sort of content do you want to put out. It could either be purely reviews, styling, hauls, you name it, its your blog, you can do whatever you want as long as your happy with the results.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK

I really wish I knew this to begin with. I was terrified to ask other, more established bloggers when I first started because I had some horrible thought that they wouldn't want to help a smaller, unknown blogger and so I struggled on until I was kind of hitting a metaphorical brick wall and I finally plucked up the courage and surprisingly got a lot of help. I know the blogging community looks scary, but we're a lovely bunch really! Nowadays, if anyone asks me anything, I gladly respond as I know the difficulty of asking. I also found joining blogger groups (specifically MaleBloggers) really helpful because everyone is there to help each other and also its a great place to trial new ideas etc too!

PREPARE

Blogging needs work, and work doesn't come easily, so be prepared to put in work weekly. I try and produce 2 posts a week, one thats a smaller, more concise piece and then one larger one towards the end of the week so my readers have a large article to read over the weekend etc. Try and find a schedule you can commit to and dedicate time to and once you get into that rhythm, you'll be typing away in no time! Also be prepared to do photography and editing too because I know it sounds easy, but the more photos, the more editing, and so on, so make sure you have enough time to put the effort and prep in to create great content.

LEARN

I know this section will sound a little harsh, but you need to learn these key rules before you start thinking your going to be the next Zoella or huge household name because it won't happen just like that. Blogging is not some get rich quick scheme, you have to put work in to get results, so if you think you can do 2 posts and then hit rich, blogging isn't for you. Its also not as easy as you think to get noticed too. Ill always remember when one of my posts featuring a new exciting brand got a higher amount of views then normal and then kind of took off and it was quite a rush because of the attention but then I realised I had to keep humble and still produce the content I wanted to and to not 'sell out' like other bloggers that are incredibly popular. Ive also learned, and have heard this from a few other people is that perseverance is key when working on blogging because it may be some time before you build up the views etc but if numbers don't mean anything to you, then keep doing what your doing, but if your one of those people who's doing it to get free stuff etc then seriously just re-evaluate what your doing.

MAKE FRIENDS

I know the blogging world looks scary and a big competition but to be honest, everyone is actually really down to earth and lovely that I've talked to. Make friends by following each others blogs, joining groups, whether thats through the comments sections on blogs or other social media (Facebook and Twitter are the best for this) or even getting involved in discussions whether thats over what ideas you have, or wheres the best place for themes etc, its a great way to meet new likeminded people.

Got any great tips worth sharing? Let me know below! 

Until next time guys,

Jay

TWITTER // INSTAGRAM // BLOGLOVIN // FACEBOOK

PREVIOUS POST

Its just getting into the sale season once again so it'd be rude not to browse just one would it?

I headed to Topman where I scoped out a few pieces, 2 from the sale rail and 2 current season pieces and I thought I would share with you what they are!

I didn't really realise Id picked up a very similar colour palette with these pieces but I think they all work great with each other and other items in my wardrobe too. I was really looking to push the boat out when it comes to patterns and fits as I seem to find myself gravitating towards the same styles and felt like it was time for a change.

Ripped Knee Lightwash Jeans (similar linked)

If you know me well enough, I usually stick to the same shade and style for denim (skin tight and the darker the better) but I took the plunge and spied these ripped knee, true denim blue jeans, which I have to admit, did intimidate me a little before I tried them on. I was originally wearing a oversized white tee and my DM shoes, and they looked, I'm not gonna lie, quite amazing. The denim is on the thicker side for Topman jeans but thats not a problem with this style as it does pull you in a bit and is incredibly flattering without looking like sausages that are bursting out their cases (Don't lie, we've all been there). I also paired these with the striped tee (also featured in the haul) for a more modern take on nautical style. I also like the fact the rips don't have the webbed denim in between which can often cut in and be uncomfortable, especially if your sitting down for a period of time.

Black Slim fit Stripe Tee

Now stripes are another pattern I slightly fell out of love with, but when I saw this tee hanging up as one of their key pieces for SS15, I thought id give it a go too. Whilst trying items on, I paired this with the jeans previously mentioned and it looked incredibly effortless and stylish. When I got home, I decided to try it with darker denim and a leather jacket to make it a little edgier and it also looked amazing. Stripes are such a tricky pattern to pull off, but keep the colours simple, the stripes narrower and the item minimal (such as a tee or vest) and your good to go!

Navy Check Long Sleeve Tee

Its no secret I LOVE plaid, but I was getting a little fed up with the same plaid shirts all the time and wanted another item that could also be adaptable in my wardrobe too. Step forward the sale section and items that I hadn't actually seen before. I tracked down this navy number, from £18 to £10 which to be fair, is a good deal, which is super lightweight and soft, but also offers the variation my wardrobe demands from each piece. This'll look great paired with everything from shorts to jeans and anything in between for an unexpected take on pattern and colouring.

Black Longer Length Sweatshirt

Could I honestly turn down a huge, oversized sweatshirt? OFCOURSE NOT!

Id been eyeing this up online and then when I saw it went into the sale, I knew I had to track it down and luckily my local store had it. I paired this when I tried it on with a pair of simple, black jeans and my DM shoes with white socks and I loved the simple, goth sports look it gave off. I love the versatility of this piece as i can use it now as a layer in the summer evenings when it gets a little colder, but layer it over shirts for an edgier take on winter dressing.

Whats your best sale item you've gotten lately? Let me know below!

Until next time guys,

Jay

TWITTER // INSTAGRAM // BLOGLOVIN // FACEBOOK

PREVIOUS POST

Theres one item in my wardrobe that I will never ever part with. Its also the item that was my first 'investment' piece and has helped me push myself in 2 ways; through my blog and my professional life too.

Yep, the bag that launched the blog is being featured because its almost a way of thanking it for what its helped to create. I know it sounds odd, but trust me, theres a meaning.

Back in 2012 I fell in love with The Cambridge Satchel Company, their ethos and also their love of traditional pieces and craft, keeping everything in the UK. When I tried to look for reviews, they were few and far between, and didn't really help with the decision of what one to get, what colour, what size etc so I decided to take the plunge. I went to their little Covent Garden pop up shop and splashed out £104 on my 15'' Oxblood satchel which I felt giddy about and happy that Id finally taken the plunge. But I still had a little niggle in the back of my mind saying 'I wish there were more reviews and honest opinions', which kicked off the humble tiny beginnings of IYAAJAY.

When I started my blog, the first review I ever posted was for this bag and I didn't quite think it'd take off as much as I did (you can read the post here for yourself) which has proven to be the biggest viewed post on the blog and the one that Ive had the biggest reaction from too, with people asking further questions and queries by email, twitter etc which I love.

Fastforward over 3 years, and my life has totally changed.

My 'little' blog has now racked up over 13.5k views, I've worked with some amazing companies which I couldn't of imagined and met some truly great people too through this blog. However, the one thing that hadn't changed over these years was my job. Ive always kind of been embarrassed by my job as other bloggers have either worked for themselves, or bagged the dream job in fashion etc but I still felt a little stuck in my retail job (for those who didnt know, I work at a petrol station) which has always made me want to push my blog further to help with my prospects of getting a job I would love.

Well, my lucks finally changed.

You read correctly, my luck has finally changed.

I will be trading in my HI VIS and hatred for broken barcoded coupons, for latest styles and mannequins at Topman!

I kind of have the bag to thank as when I went for my interview last week, I had it with me and the two people who did my interview both commented on it as soon as I walked in and also read the review on my blog, which also helped me secure the job as they loved my sense of style and my love for fashion and styling too.

Do you have a lucky item or something that holds memories for you? Let me know below!

Until next time guys,

Jay

TWITTER // INSTAGRAM // BLOGLOVIN

PREVIOUS POST

I haven't been to Boots in a long time and felt it was finally time to bite the bullet and pick up a couple of products I've been either needing to restock or pick up and try so I thought Id do something different and give my first impressions as well as a mini review of each product.

First up is the Toni & Guy Casual Rough Texturiser which I had huge hopes for but kind of feel a little let down by. I swear by their salt spray for texture and thought this product would almost be a stronger version or even a more hairspray type formula but its a really odd product. Its got a really powerful spray like a hairspray and its incredibly fine but leaves the hair feeling clogged (Yes I know texturises are suppose to make your hair feel like day 2 hair but not clogged) and using it as a base for other products also fails too as it doesn't have enough of a gritty texture to lock product in. However, I do prefer this packaging to the salt spray packaging and I think during the summer this will be perfect for more untidy, simple hair. If you like this sort of product, Id stick with the salt spray as its more versatile for my needs and works out a little cheaper too then this product which retails at a pretty high price of £7.19.

As I was running low on my beloved Redken hairspray, I decided to give the Toni & Guy Creative Extreme Hold Hairspray a go as Ive heard good things about this product and its also been compared to my favourite so I thought I'd compare the two. At £7.49 its not the cheapest high street hairspray (but works out a lot cheaper then my Redken one) but I think the Redken one has kind of spoilt me. When I first used it, it held my hair perfectly but then after about 10 minutes, once it had fully dried, this hairspray left my hair literally lumped together in shiny, greasy looking lumps which then lasted about 5 minutes and with one gust of wind got ruined, which for a 'Extreme Hold Hairspray' is incredibly disappointing. The worst part of all for me is that nozzle is so fine that sometimes after you've shaken it which it instructs to do before every use, it gloops together and you end up with way too much product and its a nightmare to get out. Definitely a disappointment for me!

Finally, I cracked and decided to buy the Clinique For Men Face Wash and I honestly couldn't be more happier with this purchase. Granted, the £16.00 price tag is mad for a face wash but oh god its good. The simple 'lather and then rinse well' instructions make it seem like there must be some catch but this thick, foaming gel covers the skin like a face mask and leaves skin grease free and super soft which I couldn't quite believe. I haven't had any reactions to it at all either which is super rare for skin products as although my skin is oily/combination, its also really sensitive and this hasn't made me react at all. I would highly recommend this to guys who want a simple but effective face wash but want to see instant results.

Have you discovered any new products worth sharing? Let me know!

Until next time guys,

Jay

TWITTER // INSTAGRAM