IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG

The Lackum Sweatshirt Bomber

from All Saints

paired with 

SK8hi Shoes in Black Suede

by Vans

Black Danny Superskinny Jeans 

by River Island (which Ive DIY'd) 

White Longline Tee

& Black Longline Hoodie (currently on sale in store) by Topman

Hey guys, Ive had a really positive reaction to my last flat lay styling so I've decided to showcase a new piece to my wardrobe and how I would style it.

As you know by the past post, I was heading to London on behalf of Topman to launch their new Social Ambassador scheme which I'm super excited to be a part of, and whilst I was there to celebrate it, it'd be rude to not pop into Selfridges. Whilst there, I visited the All Saints concession who had just had the new season launch and I have to say, Im loving the direction this season! The Lackum bomber caught my eye immediately which is strange as I don't often go for coated pieces but this really grabbed my attention and I couldn't not buy it.

Featuring a faux shearling lining which I'm obsessing over, oversized styling and MA1 detailing, this is the perfect transitional piece from Winter to Spring as its still pretty chilly in the UK but not really cold enough for a huge winter coat. Ive been really inspired by Joel from Gallucks who honestly hands down has the best mens style around and really nails it each time so this is a little nod towards his way of styling.

What do you think guys? Let me know in the comments below

Until next time,

Jay

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I do love a good sale and outlet, who doesn't? This year I managed to bag some incredible deals so I thought Id share with you what I bagged this time round.

First off, when I was at McArther Glen, Ashfords designer outlet, I popped into Ralph Lauren. To be honest, I don't often find much in here so I was pleasantly surprised to find this amazingly puffy parka for probably the best deal I've ever made. This RRP of this coat? BRACE YOURSELVES...........£595. Yep, £595 which is insane but I snapped it up on its final clearance price of £119.99 which works out at the grand total of 80% saving.

Next on the hit list was Abercrombie + Fitch where I always try and pick up some staple pieces and luckily they had a deal with the tee being half price (£16 instead of £32) and the shirt for less the half price at £25 (instead of the RRP of £64) However, be careful with the A+F sizing as I got the shirt in my normal size, but had to go up 2 sizes just to get the tee big enough which is quite weird as you'd think they would be the same sizing.

Ive been eyeing up an investment bag for some time, one that I can use for everyday and also keep for sometime and that'll age beautifully with time. Step forward the All Saints sale and the Mercer Tote in leather which Id eyed up for some time but couldn't justify spending £198 on. I managed to snap this up for £98 on Christmas Eve using their promo code which meant I saved £100 which is a hell of a deal. The quality is amazing as per usual, and I feel this will age beautifully with more use.

Probably my favourite sale item has to be my new glasses that I snapped up over on Mr Porter, the brother site of Net-A-Porter. These Ray Ban Clubmaster optical glasses have been pretty high on the lust list for some time and I hadn't actually seen this colour way before so I had to snap them up whilst I saw them (glad I did, as they're now not online) I know I took a risk ordering glasses that may not suit me online but Im in love with them and can't wait to get my prescription lenses put in as they come with engraved plain glass. Ive got a major obsession with Ray Ban and can't wait to merge these into the collection!

Did you pick anything up in the sales? Let me know!

Also make sure to follow my Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat as I've found myself posting more and more on there and I'm sure you'll love it too!

Until next time guys,

Jay 

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Hey guys, so sorry I haven't been able to blog in a couple of weeks (what with Christmas and the joy of working in retail over this time, if you do, you'll know how horrific it can be at times) but during this period I turned 23 and also Christmas came and went quicker then a box of shortbread that family always seem to give you when it comes to the 'what do we get everyone? gift' 

But alas, I made it through and thought Id share a little snippet of what I got from both of these occasions and my thoughts on them too.

COS SWEATSHIRT

I picked up this COS sweatshirt for my nan to give me for my birthday and Im obsessed with it already. Its the softest fleece I've ever felt in a sweatshirt and gives that perfect mix of comfort and flexibility within my wardrobe. If you think this looks a little bit of a shapeless jumper, make sure to check out my Instagram post here to see how I styled it when I wore it on Boxing Day. COS's quality is second to none and I really think this is worth the slightly higher price then say other brands.

ELEMIS GIFTSET

After falling in love with the Elemis Marine Cream (make sure to check out my review for it here) I was itching to try some more from them so I was super happy to be gifted their giftset which features their Revitalise Me Shower Gel and the Deep Cleanse Facial Wash which are both high on my to try list. I can't wait to use these as I've heard some great things about their products from other people, especially Bart from In Haute Pursuit who is literally the go to guy for everything skincare related! 

212 VIP by CAROLINA HERERRA

Im super happy to finally have this in my possession after lusting after it for months! I first smelt this before I went on holiday and couldn't pick it up at Duty Free and I've found myself, everytime I passed a counter, I HAD to spray some of this as its just too good to say no to. This 100ml bottle is sure to last me some time too!

POLAROID SNAP CAMERA

Ive been the biggest fan of Polaroids for as long as I can remember and was super happy to finally get one in the form of their latest release, the SNAP. This camera uses the ZINC technology, giving it the ability to photo and print without any mess or worry of smudged images which is perfect for the festive period which I used constantly. I can't wait to get a hanging frame to peg all the photos on! This will also come in handy during the summer, especially on trips and the festival season.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and an amazing New Years too! See you in 2016!

Until next time guys,

Jay 

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Also don't forget to use the code 'jaylovesFRENDS' for 15% off ANY FRENDS headphones at their official site, with the offer being valid until the 31st December, perfect to treat someone special this Christmas or to just spoil yourself! 

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

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Theres nothing better then picking up pieces for your holiday as it kind of gets you in the mood for those days, lounging by the pool with a rather large strong drink or exploring new locations that kind of take you back. I love updating pieces every year, whether its a new pair of staple shoes for going away or updating my travel toiletries and TK Maxx is always the perfect place to head to for these items.

I found myself heading to the Hove TK Maxx last Saturday whilst nursing probably the 6th cold in 6 months and chugging Sprite Peach (I needed that, preferably in a IV drip as it was stunning) and my aim was to just look around. I always find going in with an open mind is amazing with shopping because you never know what you'll find, plus won't be disappointed if you can't get what you set out for (Its happened many times to me, and I will admit, sometimes I've over reacted)

I always start off in the bags section, I don't know why but I always live in hope of picking up that incredible piece (Im still shocked I found my Michael Kors Jet Set travel bag there) and low and behold it, sat there among the smallest selection I've ever seen was this....

Yep, its the matching travel kit to my Jet Set Luggage carryon.

Now we all know what my reaction was to this.

It went something along the lines of Confessions of a Shopaholics boot scene where she finds those OTT Gucci boots. I swooped down and grabbed it just before anyone else noticed it, which then resulted in being stopped by another guy asking if id be willing to swap and if there was anymore (both my answers resulting in major bitch face and a sturn NO) This Michael Kors Jet Set Saffiano Travel Kit in Camo roughly retails at a slightly ridiculous price of £140 but I snapped it up for £29.99 which is pretty amazing, especially for the quality.

This leather trimmed PVC travel case is double width which is perfect for storing slightly bulkier items that are harder to fit. The inside has a small zipper mesh pocket with a larger postbox slot pocket at the back. The slight downside of this bag however is the weight of it which means you really have to be careful you don't overstuff it and make it like a lead weight in your suitcase. This is also perfect for weekends away, paired with the Carryon luggage this is identical to, as it fits snuggly into the bag and also still gives you a large amount of room in the carryon.

Whilst still buzzing from what I just found, I thought Id trawl through the huge racks of swimwear to see if I can add another pair to my collection, especially ones that can be used in a more versatile way.

When I found these Franks Australia Zig Zag shorts in Black and White Zigzag I was also pretty taken back at how much I loved them. Ive heard of Franks swimwear before (Its also stocked on ASOS, Selfridges, House of Fraser and their website) and was quite excited to see what the hype was about. The super thin material is a super high quality and also still is the perfect breathability for wearing outside of the pool. Franks also boasts quick dry technology and their unique hand drawn designs, guaranteeing you to stand out. I love the fact that they aren't super short or super long and hit perfectly at mid thigh which a lot more of a flattering cut for guys with bigger thighs like myself. 

What are you loving for your summer holidays? Let me know below!

Until next time guys,

Jay

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Ah I do love a good haul, especially when its new skincare and haircare, so I thought Id share with you what I picked up recently and where you can get them too!

Topman Navy Patterned Trim Trilby

Okay, so technically this isn't haircare, but more of a hair accessory (who am I kidding?!) and I can't quite believe the deal I got on it. This 'trilby' (to me, its more like a porkpie hat) was originally £20 but I managed to pick it up for £6 in the current sale! I love the more dressy approach it gives to an outfit and also the fact it adds a slight pop of colour without being too bold (see my Instagram for how I styled it). This'll be a perfect transitional accessory as it can be seamlessly put with any outfit and it'll look stylish. Unfortunately, this is unavailable online but check your local store in the sale section just incase.

Aussie Mega Watt Shower Gel

I get a little sceptical when brands associated with one product bring out a new range linked to another sector and was quite intrigued to see what Aussie had to offer. Aussie is ubiquitous with haircare (I love their 3 minute miracle conditioner for the summer) and decided to check out their new range of body washes. I decided to go for the smaller bottle of Mega Watt, a body wash infused with Australian Ginseng for an energising start to your day and I decided to put it to the test. The body wash comes in the form of an oil which not only cleans but moisturises too, leaving your skin smelling and feeling incredible! I will definitely be buying this again in the full size.

Boots Thin Hairbands (unavailable online)

Bleach London Swamp Spritz Texturising Spray

Bleach London Split Fix Serum

Bleach Silver Conditioner

This is where the fun really begins for me when it comes to visiting Boots. I always seem to go a little OTT when it comes to haircare and Im a creature of habit when it comes to going for the same brands. When my beloved Toni and Guy salt spray finally ran out, I thought it was a good excuse to finally pick up some items on the 3 for 2 deal on Bleach London. Firstly, I picked up their Swamp Spritz, a double nozzled salt spray which actually adds an amazing amount of texture without being too cloggy and limp (salt spray has a tendency of making hair appear dull and lifeless) so I can't wait to really put it to the test. I next picked up the Split Fix Serum, which I trialled this morning and I'm already obsessed with. Used in wet hair it calms down frizz caused by heat styling, and when used in dry hair, creates amazing shine and stops fly aways, always a bonus when styling your hair and making sure its super slick. Although the smell is a little strong, the product sinks in amazingly and really works without leaving hair greasy looking. Finally I picked up the legendary Silver Conditioner, which I really plan on embracing in the next few weeks after something I have planned for next week (Ill give you a hint, think incredibly beachy and 4 hours) so this'll really help combat brassy tones in Blonde hair and hopefully prolong fading.

Ill do a follow up on more of these products once I've finally given them a proper trial and see if they really live up to the hype they claim to have!

Until next time guys,

Jay

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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

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