Man Shape Guest Blogger - Sir Peter Fleming

To all les hommes & their partners (even I am aware that you have a major input into the sartorial musings of your beau) out there in cyber land, your normal curator of all things wonderful, has allowed me once again to grace the pages of, what by now must be, the preeminent source of all things sexy, stylish & scintillating on la web.

A hose pipe ban is now in place, the heavens have opened & there is a distinct chill in the air, it therefore must be summer I hear you cry!  Yeps, it is & that in turn can only mean one thing, a quick fashion update from the scrapbook that is my mind, on what you could be wearing throughout this Jubalympic year (à nos lecteurs français, malchanceux sur les Jeux olympiques et vous ne devriez pas avoir coupé les têtes tous vos droits).

Let us start with the windows to the soul.  There really is only one brand of sunglasses for the discerning male to be seen in this, or any other, season; Persol.  Think 'Talented Mr Ripley' or Steve McQueen, this timeless brand has a strong hold on one's heart.  My particular style of choice is within the classic range; light Havana frames with a polar blue lens.

Many of you will remember that I broke the whole bow tie story, before the band wagon caught up (see blog posts passim), this is a look that will still be with us this season, with all major brands following my lead.

Now, for the HOT news, this years biggest trend; rowing jackets.  I promise you will see them everywhere, (more so now I have given my endorsement, obvs).

For those of you who want the style, but wish to avoid the sartorial faux pas of wearing the same jacket as your neighbour, may I suggest New & Lingwood.

My particular favourite styles for this season from their range include:

Arundel

Osborne

Middleton

I realise for some, the thought of a man in colour is a hanging offense, but I believe that at heart we are all dandies & have an inherent peacock tendency, if given the opportunity.  I will over the coming weeks deal with accessories to finish the look, however, for now, it is au revoir from me.

Man Shape Guest Blogger - Sir Peter Fleming

XXL man in a 'Slim Fit' world.

I am back!  I had hoped that my return would not start with a rant, but alas, it does!  Please rest assured that I will be following this up with a special report on my particular style suggestions for the coming summer season, although right on cue, my window is being rattled by a fierce north easterly wind & pounded by the wet stuff!

Who shrunk all the men!?  As regular readers will know, I am what has been previously described as 'cuddly', 'chunky' or 'porky'.  Being of the ginger persuasion, name calling really is water off the proverbial duck's back.  In my defence, I am a little over six foot tall, weigh in at a little (stop sniggering at the back) over fifteen stone, but am basically in proportion.

How is it then that I am finding it increasingly impossible to find clothes that fit when shopping in the nation's retailers!  Often leaving with an overpowering sense that I am in fact a freak of nature!  Some examples I hear you cry, through the darkness of cyberspace?

Last week, whilst in London, I found myself drawn towards H&M.  As I am off to Greece for a wedding in a little over a month's time, I thought now would be a good time to explore my sartorial options.  I descended into the bowels of the shop & happened upon, what could only be described as, the perfect ensemble; a cotton linen mix jacket & trouser, in a lovely blue hue.

I rushed to the rail hurriedly, flicked through the hangers to the back, to pursue the jacket in its largest form.  It looked okay, but would it fit.  I lost some layers & proceeded to put my arm in it.  Immediately it became apparent that something was going to have to give, it was the strained stitching or me!  I persevered & managed to get the jacket on.  Glancing in the mirror, I looked like my arms were in handcuffs behind my back, the jacket was open, with no hope of closure.

I again had been defeated by the scourge of British menswear, a world dominated by emaciated man children with no shoulders!  I approached the über trendy sales assistant (trilby hat at a jaunty angle, channeling Olly Murs) who gave me a wilting look & told me this was the biggest size!

After that experience, I approached my local Joules (lovely line in dog cushions, for those of you interested).  In the window, I spotted the perfect suit.  On home ground I girded my loins & entered the lion's den.  Hmmm, even I could appreciate that I was never going to fit into a medium (largest size on the rail, appropriate for an eleven year old!), however, I wasn't prepared for what came next.

This time I was approached by a sales assistant who cheerily told me my only hope was the jacket in XXL!  She then proceeded to the stock room to find me one.  Meantime, the manager told me that these particular jackets did "come up small".  Having reappeared with, what to all intense & purposes can only be described as, a tent, I was cheerily told "don't worry if the buttons don't do up, it looks good open".

I am not going to lie to you, it was a squeeze.  I didn't purchase & the hunt continues.  Moral of the story?  There is no room for normal, average men n the high street today.  [sob]

Man Shape Guest Blogger - Sir Peter Fleming

Hola my fellow interweb peeps.  As you will all know by now, your regular host of this site of delights will soon be starting her adventure.  In the meantime, I am very proud to be asked for a fourth time to make a very small interjection within these pages.  I hope you enjoy!

Having had my favourite man scent be discontinued on me & a number of short term affairs, with some less than adequate scents, over the last few years, I now hope my search is over.  Having lost myself within the lanes of Brighton over the last Bank Holiday, I happened upon Pecksniff's.  The name certainly rang a bell, albeit a rather small one, until I remembered that this company had supplied the bathroom accoutrements to my favourite of all mini hotels: The Black Rock House in Hastings.

I boldly strolled in to be confronted by their new man shape collection.  The writing atop the tester jars gave some indication of the nasal pleasures contained within.  Stylish.  Sensual.  Romantic.  Elegant.  Provocative.  Sophisticated.  Active.  Energised.  Refreshed.  Daring.  Exciting.  Individual.  Charismatic.  Powerful.  Sexy.  [phew]  I settled upon Loden (described as Classic, Masculine, Relaxed) & entered into negotiation with the assistant, as to the possibility of choosing more appropriate words to describe myself!?

As some of you may remember from an earlier post, I have been in search of both new wrist jewellery & a hat!  I am pleased to announce that I have had some success on both counts!  The range pictured, from Links of London, hits the spot, when funds allow they will be an early purchase.  The other gift to ones self on the list is a new hat.  The appearance of the sun has necessitated a head covering, due to 'Ginger Skin'!  I have chosen this rather fetching number from Brixton, the aptly named 'Grand'.

Man Shape Guest Blogger - Sir Peter Fleming

My dear virtual friends, this is becoming a regular & very pleasant task.  So again, I find myself thanking your usual host, for having faith in me to deliver some musing to you all.  I hope you will enjoy.

I was watching this animated piece on mrporter.com

which worked for me on a number of levels, aurally, visually & stylistically.  On the style front, at 00.27 into the video, you will see quite the best ensemble of a look.  Rocking the Brit fashion front are the jacket by Alexander McQueen, with the shirt by Burberry.  But I digress, it made me wonder who the creative peeps behind the video were.  A little fast fingered searching led me to nowness.com & boy what a pleasure!

I lost most of the remainder of the day watching & re-watching their wares.  Highlights just in the fashion section include the pieces for Oliver Peoples, Bottega Veneta, Janie Taylor for Chloé & Johan Lindeberg's BLK DNM.

I have to take this opportunity to comment on the boys fashion at the Royal Wedding.  Much has been written about the girls, but which of the men shapes where making a statement?

DB wore Ralph Lauren well & his hair was looking good, only slight faux pas was the wearing of his OBE on the wrong side (basics David, basics!).

Prince William rocked the uniform look in an understated number by Gieves & Hawkes.

Understated is certainly not the word for Prince Harry's number!  Loving the gold braid on black look though!

Man Shape Guest Blogger - Sir Peter Fleming

So here I am, back again.  Thanks to all in the blogosphere who found (& are still finding) time to click & read my previous missive.  Also many thanks for the faith shown in me, by your usual host.

With summer nearly upon us, thoughts turn to long lazy summer afternoons filled with Pimms, cricket et tous les!  For persons of the male persuasion however, this is the season that can potentially lead to the greatest sartorial faux pars & social embarrassment.  Whilst I in no way am attempting to set myself up as any kind of expert on the subject, I hope I can impart on you ,some of the greatest lessons in styling I have learnt over the last ** years...

To begin, here are five core male pieces for the summer months:

1.  The Straw Hat

2.  The Grey Suit

For the summer, the weight of the cloth is obviously key & remember, when buying double breasted, it is no longer the 80's!  Structure = Good.  Big shoulders = Bad.

3.  The Classic Polo

Clearly unbranded is best, Uniqlo, Zara or Gap.

4.  The Swimming Trunk

No man should EVER wear any swimwear smaller than the classic Y front.  The best bet in most cases being the trunk.

5.  The Summer Scarf

Mark my words, these will be everywhere this season!

And finally, if you're a gentleman in search of one look for summer, or a lady trying to drag an errant partner into something approaching stylish, head straight for our friends at mrporter.com & their article 'Alfresco Appropriate'.  My choice...Cleary.

Guest Blogger - Miss Ellie Dunn aka Haus Of Belles

So my lover from another mother, asked if I would be interested in contributing a post once every couple of weeks..... obviously I have jumped at the chance.

The posts will alternate between a fashion and beauty blog, to the two best 'M's'; Music & Men. Therefore I thought I should start how I mean to go on, with the M category.

The first new tune that I would like to share, is the new one from Friendly Fires, the three boys from St Albans.  I was never really a fan of their biggest hit 'Jump in the Pool' & thought that they only really had an Ellie one hit wonder, which was 'Kiss of Life' (also loved the video for this one).  Therefore imagine my surprise when I heard their new offering...it literally blew me away, goosebumps, shivers, hairs on end...everything!  I feel this is a contender for the soundtrack of the summer & has definitely got me way more excited for seeing them at Benicassim, tan & all.  I will be interested to see what video will no doubt eventually accompany this, but at the moment this is it:

Friendly Fires - "Live Those Days Tonight"

My other selection comes about quite randomly; found this basically unknown DJ from Toronto (home of the amazing MSTRKRFT) called Strava - thank you soundcloud!

Due to him being "unknown" you are able to download his tracks for free and totally legally *yay*.

He has really quite a good few tunes, but my favourite is "Death of Diskotekk"...take a listen, electro really can make you happy...FACT!

Finally my Hott Man of the fortnight; SCOTT DISICK!

I don't care if people think he's an arrogant bastard who has a drink problem & may have cheated on the lovely Kourtney Kardashian.  He is tres hott, self assured, funny & has the best fashion sense ever...(think 80's Miami Vice with English Lord of the Manor)!

Plus any man who can pull off leopard print shoes is A OK with me!

Until next time...

Haus of Belles
xoxo

Man Shape Guest Blogger - Sir Peter Fleming

Hola my adopted friends from interweb land, I am feeling muchus privileged to be leaving my mini mark.  

Tonight's fajita fashion discussion, soon turned into a full on hair pulling fashion incident, over the remnants of the meal, as the fashion decade of choice from this writer is clearly the 80's (a view not shared by your usual writer).  Despite a strongly held belief that flat caps will never be de rigueur, I have been allowed to share my more acceptable fashion choices with you all courtesy of the wondrous MrPorter.com.

Here is my current wish list!

Richard James Blazer

Junya Watanabe

Turnbull & Asser

Gucci

Oliver Peoples

Jean Shop

Alexander McQueen