IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG: vans

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OOTD / SUMMER ROCK ft UO, TOPMAN, DR MARTENS AND VANS // IYAAJAY

August 26, 2016

WIMBLEDON STYLING / AD SPONSORED BY TM LEWIN // IYAAJAY

June 21, 2016

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VIEWS NEWS REVIEWS / LIFE UPDATE AND NEW IN ITEMS : ALL SAINTS, VOGUE, VANS & TOPMAN // IYAAJAY

July 08, 2015

From the end of this week, I'll be taking a little break from blogging (its not you, its me, my batteries are seriously drained and I really need a break after the past year whats happened not only on the blog but personal life too) but I thought before I go for a little bit, Ill share with you a little update from the past week.

As some of you may or may not know, I recently started working at Topman (I can't believe its been a month already) and I was given the opportunity to style and curate an entire window for the 'High Summer' trend; think colour blocking, bombers, oversized tees, sports shorts etc. I will admit, I was a little sceptical on how it would look because Ive never been given this opportunity before and I didn't know if my style would be given the green light but here it is! I know its not the best quality photo (cheers iPhone) but Im still a little giddy everytime I walk past because something I worked on is being displayed.

As a celebration for my first window launch, me and the parents headed to Gunwharf Quays for a Sunday out (another perk of working in fashion retail, some weekend time off) and well, lets just say, the bank account took a hammering. First off, I treated myself to some new Vans as in my new job, I'm on my feet all shift and wanted some more edgier shoes that looked great as well as feeling great too so I was lucky enough to stumble upon these beauties (available here) from the Vans outlet for a great price. I can't wait to style these with one of my favourite looks for work which include a pair of ripped knee jeans and a classic striped tee for a new take on classic style. I trial ran these shoes on Monday where I knew Id be running errands most of the day (risky move I know) and these didnt once rub or cause any irritation which I often find happens when breaking in new Vans. The leather upper is a different take on the traditional canvas and to me, looks a lot more edgy plus gives a more versatile appeal to the shoes.

Whilst also at Gunwharf, I was lucky enough to get my hands on this All Saints Shervan crew which weirdly, I hadn't seen before in store or online, but none the less, was well needed within my wardrobe. This drop back tee is the perfect way of adding this seasons on trend print without being too gaudy and loud, and also adding pattern to your wardrobe if your guilty of wearing a limited palette. I love this pattern and already own the 'Landscape' crew that I previously featured on my blog here. I was also lucky enough that the All Saints Outlet were offering an additional 30% on top of the sale prices so I picked this tee up for around £18 instead of the RRP of £40 which is an amazing deal, especially for All Saints.

I know this a little odd to add to a mens fashion based blog, but I'll admit it, Im a Vogue subscriber. I know your all going 'why? your a guy?' but I actually gain a lot of styling ideas and also use their layouts as inspirations for blog posts and also guys fashion too. When you think about it, the designers use the same mood boards and inspirations for both collections, so why not look at it in a more beautifully edited magazine? Makes you think right...

Anyways, the latest issue for August, with über-babe Lara Stone on the cover, just arrived today through my postbox so I can't wait to delve in and also use this as reading throughout my break, especially the features on becoming a new season expert and also when to buy trend calendar.

What have you been loving over the past week? Anything you want to share? Let me and other readers know below! All comments are welcome.

Until next time guys,

Jay

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WEEKLY WEARS // IYAAJAY

April 28, 2015

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SHOE COLLECTION // IYAAJAY

April 10, 2015

Super sorry I've been a little quiet this past week, but I experienced a little Mac based difficulty (long way of saying I burnt out the hard drive cable) but I'm finally back with my long awaited shoe collection, which will be a pretty long post so grab a snack and a drink and join in!

All Saints Avert Loafer

Lets start off with the shoes I don't often wear that much. Sadly these beautiful loafers, which I got from TK Maxx, are actually a size too big but I didnt realise until it was too late to return them. It really breaks my heart I can't actually wear them much so they just sit there looking good. Ive only managed to wear these once but they looked a little silly due to the sizing of them.

Kurt Geiger Mccarthy Chelsea Boots

These are my go to special occasion shoes as they really smarten up an outfit without looking too overly done. However, Kurt Geiger shoes are cut incredibly narrowly so I do have a issue with the comfort of these and can maximum wear them for about 2 hours before they have to be swapped for something else.

All Saints Horizon Boots

These are another TK Maxx purchase, and was pretty much the best one I've ever made. They were the only pair, in my size, and reduced from £180 t0 £60 which is an amazing deal for such sturdy boots. Before I bought my DM's, I lived in these as they are incredibly versatile and comfy, albeit a little clumpy due to the wooden layered heel which can weigh your foot down a little bit. These look great in winter layered with dark wash jeans and a trusty plaid.

Toms Classics in Navy

Toms Classics in Black on Black

Ah the classic summer shoe! I lived in my original Black Classics which sadly fell apart (quite literally, I destroyed them) so I picked up the same style in both Navy and the all Black versions. The blue ones aren't worn as much as Id like because theres something up with the stitching inside which makes them really uncomfortable to wear so I need to look into sorting it, but the all black ones look great teamed with rolled up jeans and a casual longline tee for the perfect errand running outfit for this time of year. One little tip for people with flatter feet, these will cause a slightly uncomfortable amount of pain towards the front of the foot due to the flatness of them so they may not be the best option.

Sperry A-O Eye Suede Deckshoes

Another summer staple from TK Maxx, where I picked these up for £30 instead of £85 which is another really good deal. The deck shoe is another key shoe style for the summer and Sperry make some of the most comfortable ones around. Team these with similar colours or paired with toned down denim for summer evenings.

Nike Internationlist (similar)

You guessed it, another TK Maxx purchase, where I found these in the clearance section for £30 as they were apparently the wrong size but they fitted me perfectly. I loved the look of the retro trainers with a modern twist like the Roshe Runs but I didnt want to jump on the band wagon and be like others so Im glad I picked these up. Ive worn these whilst walking around London and Brighton, and they're the most comfortable trainers! I love the interesting fabric combination and the slightly slanted heel too.

Vans Authentics in Burgundy and White

Vans Authentics in All Black

Back when I was at college, I was obsessed with these shoes so much that I actually had 3 pairs on rotation (I also had the super light grey ones too). I love the preppy nature they bring to an outfit without being too 'I should be in school' vibes, plus the fact that they can be worn with literally everything. If I was to repurchase these, I wouldn't go with the burgundy colour way as the colour not only fades easily, they are a little harder to pair with items unlike the all black ones. These shoes really hurt to break in due to the stiff back stitching but with a little perseverance and plasters, they'll be perfect in no time.

Nike Blazer Hi in Burgundy

Whilst on a burgundy kick, I love these shoes so much! They're the best shoe for the preppy sports vibe in the summer and look great paired with just about everything too! If you've been on my blog since the beginning, you would of originally seen when I got these.

Vans Van Doren Slip Ons

You can see I clearly have a thing for Vans and I adore these, especially when teamed with black skinny jeans and a oversized denim shirt for that perfect off duty look. The pattern is interesting enough to not distract from what else your wearing.

Topman Brown Suede Boots

When the Chelsea Boot trend came back around a couple of years ago, I looked for ages to find the perfect pair and I found these brown suede beauties for around £50 which was a steal for the quality. Ive worn these so much that I had to get them resoled (the result of walking round London all day on cobbles) and I'm definitely going to get loads more wear out of these.

Dr Martens Scotchgrain 1460 (similar)

This is where my love affair with DM's begins! Id been lusting after these for ages and for some reason, never picked them up until I went to Gunwharf Quays before Christmas and picked them up. To prove how much I love them, I've worked out Ive worn them nearly everyday since buying them, and they still look brand new. They give the perfect amount of edge to an outfit without being too bold but are also the most comfortable boot I have honestly owned.

Dr Martens Victor Boots

As you can see, the DM love is still real and I also got given these towards the back end of last year and I love these just as much as my 1460's. These are perfect for long days of walking due to the Air Wair soles which make it feel like your wearing the most comfortable shoes around. I wore these the other day for a long day of walking round and being on my feet and they didn't irritate, hurt, or make me blister which is perfect!

Vans SK8 Mid in Burgundy and Black

These are my latest additions to the collection which I picked up recently in a sale. I love the fact these aren't just low trainers or the ones that come past your ankle so they give you just enough support without being too restricting or at risk of digging into your ankles. I paired these the other day over on Instagram with a long line tee, shirt and skinny jeans for the perfect California skater look that I've been obsessed with lately.

Vans SK8 Hi in Black Suede

I originally saw these at El Corte Inglés (a department store in Barcelona) but unfortunately they didnt have a half size that I needed in these, so I made sure to track them down when I got back as I couldn't stop thinking about getting them. I love the mixed materials and the incredibly minimalist colour palette which made these the perfect base shoes for busier looks.

Hunter Balmoral Boots

I bought these in a store clearance sale for about a third of the RRP which for Hunters, was a total steal. I can't wait to break these out when the occasion comes whether thats either a muddy festival or walks in the countryside. These come up really high on the leg (just below my kneecap) which makes it a little difficult to manoeuvre in but Im sure Ill get used to them eventually.

Also I'm happy to announce that Ive been shortlisted as one of the 5 finalists for the Male Grooming Reviews 'Best Mens Lifestyle Blog' which is an honour to be nominated for and I would be over the moon if you could vote for me too!

Follow the link here and you can either vote for me or one of the other 4 amazing blogs.

Until next time guys,

Jay

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