IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG

MR PORTER X COS MODERN TRAVELLER COLLECTION // IYAAJAY

May 07, 2015

Can I hear bells ringing right now? Because this is genuinely one of the best fashion marriages in forever and I can't quite contain myself.

With the collection launching today (7th May), this collection aims to bring the modern gent to the art of capsule wardrobe packing, with a basic palette of iceberg blues, burgundy, black and navy, this also incapsulates a modern style that is ubiquitous with the well travelled man.

As soon as I heard it, I knew I had to hot foot it over and check out the collection for myself and I certainly wasn't disappointed.

Cotton Blend Bomber Jacket

This is ticking all of my coat crushes in one beautiful example. Versatile, check, effortlessly cool, check, looks good with everything? double check! I would pair this with a pair of light chino shorts, plain white tee and a pair of achingly cool shoes and sunglasses to be super stylish and on trend, whilst remaining comfortable for travelling.

Half Zip Cotton Pique T-shirt

I love the sports vibe this tee is giving me with the baseball jacket style collar and half zip instead of the traditional buttons which also equals adaptability. Paired with slouchier trousers for travelling, you can then pair it with a more fitted, slimmer trouser for the evening for a suave modern look.

Printed Cotton-Blend Swim Shorts

These are perfect for that all important summer pool time, especially when your travelling. Paired with the tee shown, they scream smooth and sorted, perfect for the gent on the go. These could also look cool worn during the day with a pair of slip on trainers in a contrasting colour and a pair of classic sunglasses and your good to go!

Slim Fit Cotton Twill Shorts

I love the slightly uniform look of these shorts, with the smart waistband and addition of the zipper pockets, I would love to get my hands on these. I would pair these with a short sleeve white shirt, a pair of sandals and a co-ordinating pair of sunglasses with a metallic element (think along the lines of a clubmaster style) These would also incredible paired with a denim shirt and a modern, clear framed pair of sunglasses.

Suede Slip-On Sneakers

Im the first to admit that I have a obsession with shoes and as soon as I laid my eyes on these, I knew I needed them. These achingly cool suede babies are the essential travel shoe for me. They're a versatile style, look incredible with everything and also are the most comfortable style when it comes to walking too (no rubbing due to annoying fancy stitching) My favourite unexpected styling for these? Pair them with rolled up slimmer suit-esque trousers and a simple tee for a real head turning look worthy of poolside gossip.

The Mr Porter x COS collection is available online from COS, Mr Porter and COS stores which stock menswear.

Love these pieces too? Already ordered any of this collection? Let me know below!

Until next time guys,

Jay

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asos

ASOS SHOE REVIEW + FIRST IMPRESSIONS // IYAAJAY

May 05, 2015

april favourites

APRIL ACES - THIS MONTHS FAVOURITES // IYAAJAY

May 01, 2015

How is April over already? I can't believe how quickly this month is moving.

Luckily, this month has been about trying new things for me, whether thats skincare, style, cases etc and I can't wait to show you guys what I've been loving this month.

First up is definitely ASOS this month, especially the mens SS15 collection which is really meaning my cards taking a serious battering with orders. My most recent order is the Sandals in Leather which I unfortunately had to return my first pair as I ordered a size 10 just incase they ran small so I sent them back in exchange for a size 9 with the help of the ASOS Help Twitter, cheers guys! I can't wait to pair these sandals with pretty much everything in my wardrobe for the summer months, and they'll be the perfect shoe for my upcoming holiday.

Second up is the Aussie Mega Watt Shower Gel which I featured recently in a little haul and couldn't wait to try. Now that I've been using it for a couple of weeks, I can really say that it's done wonders for my skin. The oil like texture has made my skin a lot smoother and clearer, plus the energising sent is perfect for that morning pick me up too.

Next up is the Oliver Bonas Initial Cardholder which has come in handy recently with travelling and errand running as it holds just enough without being too bulky (usually my driving license, cards and a small amount of cash) and is perfect for being adaptable for different situations.

Finally is the item that has garnered a lot of attention on social media and in real life and that is the Casetify Metaluxe case in Abstraction Outline in White by Project M. This little beauty is the sturdiest case I think I've ever got for my phone, plus one of the most stylish too which is an added bonus. When Ive put this case on my Instagram and Twitter has garnered a hell of lot of attention, and has even been reposted by Casetify and the artist herself who also comes from where I live! HOW SPOOKY!? I can't wait to get more items from Casetify in the future.

The poll for The Male Grooming Reviews Best Mens Lifestyle Blog has now closed, and Im still incredibly honoured that I got nominated for it. I was up against some really stiff competition and still can't believe my little blog was up against some of the best in the industry.

What have you been loving this past month? Let me know below!

Until next time,

Jay

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all saints

WEEKLY WEARS // IYAAJAY

April 28, 2015

male blogger

PLAID STYLE GUIDE // IYAAJAY

April 23, 2015

If you look at my Instagram, you know that I have a major obsession with plaid and have a multitude of different colours and styles, all of which could be tricky to pull off, so I've decided to bring you my ultimate style guide for multi seasonal plaid!

LOOK FOR INTERESTING DETAILS

Plaid can be easily dressed smartly but you've got to distinguish it from your everyday plaid. Smarter plaid should be left with the cuffs done up and at most rolled twice and cuffed, and also be of a slimmer fit so the boldness is pared back. To make it more interesting, look for added details such as a fitted back or details on the collar etc.

This French Connection plaid is one of my go-to's when it comes to a more smarter approach as its very closely cut to the body, plus offers the interesting back detail in the deep pleat and also the button that holds the shirt collar in place too, so you always look slick and smart.

OVERSIZED VS SLIM FIT

Slim fit is the key style for plaid when it comes to a smarter look, but I tend to go for a slightly oversized style during the day. I tend to go a size up or 2 if I can to get the perfect amount of slouch and comfort out of my plaid. I live in my oversized Ralph Lauren plaid that I picked up which turned out to be a mislabeled piece (XXL rather then XL)

I also love the detailing on the oversized shirt with the suede patches which also adds to the relaxed look that I strive for. For styling these oversized shirts, I tend to roll the sleeves up so they hit just below the elbow, and either do them up all the way or thrown over a more casual outfit in the summer instead of a coat.

THICKER VS THINNER

Im all for a lightweight plaid but sometimes a thicker plaid will always make the biggest difference when it comes to styling. I tend to wear thinner plaid in the winter funnily enough layered over thinner layers for an adaptable look for the weathers that hit the UK in the winter. In the summer however I team a thicker plaid with my looks which can be adapted in an easy way for this time of year.

This oversized Vans plaid is made of a more rigid, stiffer plaid which is also quilted inside which is perfect teamed with any summer look and can be perfectly paired with items for a colder summer evening. I also use this one the most during the summer, especially in a festival environment, as it can also double up as a blanket as its thick enough to stay warm, but also hardy enough to still look stylish. I used this one a multitude of times last year as a picnic blanket when needed, and then easily retied it round my waist for my 90's inspired summer look.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Whether its a shacket (shirt jacket) or a polirt (polo shirt hybrid) plaid is the perfect material to take a risk with due to its easy ability to be styled. I love finding different styles to wear with plaid such as my ultra lightweight shacket from All Saints which offers the functionailty of a shirt and the pockets of a jacket which is perfect for running errands in as it gives you the flexible options with pockets etc.

This polirt hybrid from Fred Perry would never usually be my style, but I LOVE how this shirt goes with everything. Ive teamed it under jumpers for a preppy look, paired with ripped denim shorts and Vans for a skater look and then teamed with a porkpie hat and boots for a more mod inspired venture. The lightweight fabric of the polirt makes it super versatile for all seasons too. WINNER ALL ROUND!

For me, plaid is really one of those items worth investing in as it'll be an all year round staple, plus it'll be in your wardrobe for years to come but always be in fashion too!

Do you have any tips when it comes to plaid? Id love to know! Tweet me at @IYAAJAYBLOG or in the comments below.

Until next time guys,

Jay

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