IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG

OOTD / STRIPE // IYAAJAY

March 23, 2016

breton striped jumper - Topman (click here)

light blue ripped denim - Topman / similar (click here) similar (click here)

suede buckle loafers - Topman / similar (click here)

Stripes are such a classic wardrobe essential which surprisingly my wardrobe was missing (hard to believe I know) so I decided to rectify this with this weeks social ambassador challenge and the introduction of this rather nautical inspired jumper. Paired with ripped jeans and loafers, this look reverts to french street style at its best. The adaptability of this piece also lends itself for smarter looks but can also handle being paired for a more casual look too. Shooting this on the seafront seemed like a fitting tribute to the nautical nod (plus an audience of about 5 old people who were being nosey!)

What do you think of this look?

Until next time,

Jay

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black clothing

OOTD / ALL BLACK EVERYTHING FT TOPMAN // IYAAJAY

March 13, 2016

super spray on jeans - Topman (click here)

black leather buckle boots - Topman (click here)

borg lined denim jacket - Topman (click here)

super longline crew t-shirt - Topman (click here)

Its no hiding that I have a rather large collection of black pieces in my wardrobe and 9/10 you'll find me wearing some form of it day to day, but Ive finally cracked how to wear an all black look without it being too flat and safe. Playing with texture is your best friend when it comes to this look; fluid jersey, denim, shearling and suede work perfectly for this paired against one another.

I actually really enjoyed shooting this set of photos because I finally took a risk and played around with motion and movement in my photos (and I now feel for the models when they say jumping hurts) and also pairing the pieces in a different way (no jacket, thrown over my shoulders etc) to show the adaptability of this look.

Let me know in the comments below how you'd style an all black look or tag me in tweets/instagram posts using the hashtag #IYAAJAY

Until next time,

Jay

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blogger help

HOW IVE CHANGED MY INSTAGRAM / TOP 3 TIPS // IYAAJAY

February 24, 2016

With the added element of being a social ambassador for Topman, I've realised how key social media and the way you present yourself really reflects how you work/what you do and I've really taken a 360 on my Instagram and started posting more concise content following 3 top tips.

can't believe I sat on the floor for this one (ps; not the most comfy position in these jeans) (pps; ew dirty floor) — #shoes from #vans #sk8hi #rippedjeans from #topman — #mensfashion #menswear #guyswithstyle #guysfashion #nofilter #flatlay #ootd #shoegame #mensfootwear #topmanstaff #topmanstyle #topmansocialambassador #like #followur

Step 1 was to start following the rule of 'If you wouldn't engage with it, don't post it' which I believe is a really strong starting point. I went through my liked posts and saw that I liked more detailed posts featuring a couple of pieces or flatlays which work perfectly with my style. Ive seen my instagram steadily gain more interest by using this rule and I feel it looks more aesthetically pleasing too when scrolling through.

#mensfootwear #style #guysstyle #flatlay #flatlays #tonal #tan #maleblogger#bloggA photo posted by Jay (@iyaajay) on Feb 20, 2016 at 3:00am PST

Step 2 was using the correct hashtags/tags to gain the right viewers and also show it to the right people. For example, if I'm doing a social ambassador post, I make sure to use the hashtags #topmanstyle #topmanstaff and #topmansocialambassador and then make sure to tag them in the main image itself. Usually after this I use the generic ones such as #maleblogger #guyswithstyle etc to also engage other guys who are interested in fashion/blogging/styling which is a great way to introduce your style aesthetic to a wider audience. Finally as I've started featuring more flatlays, I've been using the hashtag and profile link for 'flatlays' which is a mecca of impeccable styling. I also find timing your posts a great thing too because you gain a wider audience if you post first thing in the morning or last thing at night because thats the main times people view Instagram according to members of their team who I met at the Social Ambassador launch at Facebook offices.

this weeks challenge is based on #Topman24 happening soon and what we'd wear to a city festival — #rippedjeans #denimjacket #plaidshirt #longlinetee are all from #topman #barrelbag from #fredperry #1460 and #original8boots from #drmartens — #tonal #flatlay #flatlays #topmanstaff #topmanstyle #topmansocialambassador #guysstyle #guysfashion #guyswithstyle #menswear #mensfashion #mensfootwear #like #follow #nofilter #maleblogger #minimal #minimalistic #drmartenstyle

A photo posted by Jay (@iyaajay) on Feb 23, 2016 at 11:41pm PST

Step 3 is to get creative. Play around with layout, colours, composition of the image etc which really draws in a new perspective and a new audience. I know a simple flatlay looks easy to do, but ask any blogger and we'll all tell you we've probably spent an hour on that singular image to make sure its perfect. Play around with colour palettes such as sticking to a theme (take a look at my tan accessories flatlay) or scenarios (such as my latest one for Topman 24) the possibilities are endless!

Until next time,

Jay

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denim

DENIM OUTFIT OF THE DAY ft TOPMAN SS16 PIECES // IYAAJAY

February 14, 2016

Every week as part of my latest role as a Topman Social Ambassador, we get sent a new challenge to push our styling to new heights and also showcase what we also love to wear. This weeks challenge involves one of my favourite materials, DENIM!

I love the versatility of denim, and the fact you can pretty much wear it for any occasion and it'll always look as stylish as always which is why I was so happy to show how I love to pair it.

White Longline Zip Tee

Black Super Spray on Jeans

Khaki Check Long Sleeve Casual Shirt

Mid Wash Denim Western Jacket

All Topman

I love the slightly 90s hit I get from this classic jacket which is the perfect transitional piece from the colder months towards spring and always look great paired with darker denim too such as my wardrobe essential black spray ons. As for layering? white tees are a staple with denim so mines in the form of a longline with a edgier look with zips that open to just above the ribs and another trusty staple in the form of a plaid, singularly buttoned at the top for more detail.

How would you style these pieces? Let me know!

Until next time,

Jay

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all saints

THE LACKUM // IYAAJAY

January 30, 2016

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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