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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As guys, we don't often get the time to actually take care of our skin. Whether its a quick shave or left alone, our skin takes a serious battering, especially in the winter so its about time we change that! 

Time To Spa, the official retailer of Elemis, want to change this with the launch of the exciting launch of the Pro Collagen Marine Cream for Men. Formulated especially for men, this cream instantly hydrates, firms and smoothes, all with anti-ageing properties helping to fight the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.

So whats the hype all about? I put this wonder cream to the test.

Ideal for post shave comfort, I thought Id introduce this into my daily skin routine which I've recently started doing (I know I know, at 22 I shouldn't be freaking out about my skin but its never too early to start) I start with a oil controlling face wash to clean and prep my skin and then use a really hot flannel to open the pores. I then pump two small blobs of the marine cream (more then enough to do my entire face) and dot it onto my face and then use my fingertips to rub it in, and also using a firming technique, rub the lower portion of the spread out cream into the cheekbone area to move any resting fluid away, reducing puffiness.

With ingredients that are all naturally derived; Unique Mediterranean algae, Padina Pavonica, is power charged with anti-oxidant rich Ginkgo Biloba and soothing Abyssinia™ all work together to help boost skins moisturisation, suppleness, firmness and elasticity, a real all rounder! I think its impressive when a product claims to do all these claims but I always feel let down when they don't deliver but this seriously packs a huge punch and really does work on my skin brilliantly.

Ive been using this product for the past week and I've already noticed that my skin feels smoother and also looks noticeable more healthy. I've also noticed that I haven't been breaking out as much as I used to before and also that i haven't been as shiny/greasy since introducing this into my routine too.

This would be the perfect gift for any guy who's getting started in male skincare as this covers so many different bases and is a great introduction to the Elemis brand too. This would also be great for anyone with oily/combination skin as it helps to reduce skin oils and shininess caused from excess grease.

What skincare are you currently loving? Let me know!

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! 

*Disclaimer* This product was kindly sent to me by Time to Spa via Type The Hype blogging platform for reviewing. I truly only ever accept work I believe in and all the opinions expressed in this post are my own and not provided for me to use. 

Oops

Yep, I cracked.

I know I was on a little bit of a shoe ban but in the excitement of starting a new job this week, I treated myself to a pair of trainers that I would be able to wear with everything for work and be comfortable enough to wear whilst on my feet all day. So where did I turn to? Step forward Nike.

I originally had my heart set on the Roshe Runs, the shoes that everyone and their dogs have, but weirdly, I found them incredibly uncomfortable due to the ridged inner sole which caused pressure on the bottom of my feet due to being incredibly flat footed. I was about to leave empty handed but I was recommended the newly released Juvenate, part slip on, part Roshe Run, 100% winner in my eyes. 

So lets get into the details and photos shall we?

Lets get into the details.

The upper is made from fully collapsable honeycomb padded material, which is not only super light, but super flexible meaning no harsh stitching digging into your foot. The Juvenate has been invented without a tongue, allowing you to just slip them on without having to worry about not wearing socks, but I would suggest the slimline invisisocks that you can buy just incase if your worried about wearing them out too quickly.  The sole, identical to the Roshe Runs, is a sturdy heel which is also feather light, perfect for not only travelling, but also being on your feet all day (I would definitely use these whilst around London or Brighton). I thought the idea of a sock like shoe truly odd, but once I put these on in the store and did the inaugural walk around to see how well they fit etc, I really liked the style of these and also the flexibility these will give me with styling too. I feel like these are a great alternative to the other popular Nikes as they're a little different and also a hell of a lot more practical. The honeycomb foam inside gives a subtle detail below the mesh, involving pattern in a monochromatic way without being too bold, and the detailing is all in matte or shiny black so the branding isn't too over the top unlike most other trainers that are dripping in name dropping.

I will definitely use these for work as my new job will involve a lot of standing and walking round, so the cushioned soles will be a god send, plus with what I would be wearing for the job, they'll add a modern edge without trying too hard. Ill also consider these for holiday too as they're super light and perfect for sightseeing and theme parks and will also allow you hours of walking without the slightest hint of blisters, which usually blights me usually with trainers, especially ones with thicker stitched backs.

For £71.99 rrp, they're a little steep for what is essentially a mesh shoe, but I think, without a doubt, they're the perfect trainers for guys on the go who also want a shoe that can be as flexible as they are and also able to take on any situation too.

The Nike Juvenate are available at Size?, Office and Urban Industry

Until next time guys,

Jay

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Ill admit it, I have a weakness for shoes.

But before you say it, these are actually my new work shoes but I also plan to style these with other outfits too (who said guys can't go from day to night with a pair of shoes?)

I needed a more rugged, tough shoe for work that was going to protect me but also be comfortable enough to wear during my shifts without leaving me hobbling around in agony, so I decided to treat myself to a pair of Dr Martens 1461 shoes which I thought would be similar to the boots which not only do I adore but also live in daily.

When I ordered them I was a little sceptical as I usually like to try on shoes before purchasing but I thought that I knew the brand well enough to order without issue. However, these are a little different to the boots and have an incredibly rigid, stiff back of the shoe where the seams are which, after a little wearing in, fitted the right foot but left the left foot raw due to being half a size too big (I resolved it by using one of those gel strips) I would definitely advice to break these in for atleast 2 weeks before using them for an extended period of time, or use a leather softener to gently soften the back so that they don't rub.

Besides the issue of the raw heel, I also found the smooth leather scuffs incredibly easily too as shown in the third image (mine scuffed after one shift) but these shoes aren't made for looking pretty and never being worn, they're made for being probably the most rugged shoes you own and are a go to for the tougher challenges, so a little scuffing adds a bit of character. 

Now for my favourite bit, the styling!

I tried these on as soon as I got them and its true what they say, DM's really do go with anything. I've tried them with my usual off duty uniform of ultra tight skinny jeans, oversized tees and shirts, and a man bun and they look amazing, but also don't look out of place teamed with smarter attire (usually a smarter shirt with jeans, and a porkpie hat). With cut off denim shorts and either a cut off tee or love beaten tee (holes, rips, fading) they look amazing too and would be perfect for the festival season. I also love taking influence from their history and teaming them with ripped knee denim, the Fred Perry shirt that I featured here and my porkpie hat for that nostalgic throwback with a modern twist.

All in all, asides from the 2 little niggles I've had with these shoes, I would highly recommend these if your in the market for an incredibly versatile shoe that is a real all rounder!

Voting is still open for The Male Grooming Review 'Best Mens Lifestyle Blog' and I would love it if you guys could vote for IYAAJAY as it would really mean a lot to me!

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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Trends may come and go but I will always be suckered by something thats shiny. 2014 saw the rise in the designer phonecase with everyone from Moschino serving us up fast food chic to Kenzo's roaring tiger, everyone was snapping them up. Myself? I got drawn to the metallic side and fell for this Marc by Marc Jacobs case but sadly, I missed out the first few times or wasn't too keen on the colours. Im glad I waited though as NET-A-PORTER added this blue beauty to its sale for £15 which I couldn't refuse! 

Marc By Marc Jacobs 3D Metallic iPhone 5 Case

Can we just take a minute to take it that bold colour?

......

Back with me? Okay, so lets get to the knitty gritty with the review as you can never really tell how good a case will be when ordering online but I'm here to help!

This case is made from a really tough, rigid plastic that acts almost like a thicker second skin for your phone without adding bulk like heavier cases (such as the Casemate case I featured last year). When it comes to putting the case on, it just clips onto the back of your phone with ease and is removed by popping the corners back (I suggest using your finger nail to prevent scratching your phone and damaging the case)

I know most people are going to look at this case and go 'its not the most attractive' but I absolutely love it as it reminds me of my childhood and easter egg foil (Anyone else use to crumple it and then unfold it?.....No? Only me then) and it just adds a bold element of fun and colour to the dreariest of days. If this blue isn't your thing, the new season collection of these has just launched and theres now gold, rose gold, silver and black to choose from so theres a kaleidoscope of colours for you to chose from to suit your mood and style!

As for ordering from NET-A-PORTER, it couldn't be simpler. I ordered this case Tuesday evening (around 8pm) and it turned up just before 10am on Thursday. I highly recommend NET-A-PORTER for their customer service and also the ease of ordering as its so simple and straightforward without causing any hassle, which is something you don't need when purchasing an investment piece.

I hope you liked this little mini review, until next time guys

Jay

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At the beginning of the year, I decided to finally be healthier then I have been, so that meant adapting my diet (I took onboard the 5:2 method, which has proven great so far) and also step up my activity level. Now, I knew about fuel bands and fitness trackers for sometime but hadn't really known much about them due to hardly any reviews etc so I decided to bite the bullet and purchase one.

I decided to go with the Nike+ FuelBand SE, as I had done a bit of research beforehand and thought this one would fit what I want better then the others. I wanted one that would allow me to adapt my goals and also what Im aiming for. 

So lets get into the review shall we!