IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG: 2013

December 31, 2013

2013, what a year. From winning almost everything I went in for, to start working with some brilliant brands to the eventful incident that happened at home, its been one emotional wreck of a year. Well, also this year I've also been doing my fair share of shopping (I know, I was trying to cut back but I just can't hold back) so let's see whats been my 13 favourites of the year from Cara to Zara.

Oh Zara, you sneaky buggers. Not only did you steal my heart, you also stole a ton of my money this year. From cutting edge designs to new takes on modern classics, Zara nailed it every season, and pushed their way into my must visit stores.

Is it sad I can't wait for it to get cold just so I can wear beanies? I love some sort of headwear anyway but beanies have stolen the title this year especially with my collection growing a bit out of control, but they're always so handy to have on the go etc.

Ive been all about the slouchy aesthetic this year. From oversized watches to incredibly slouchy trousers and shirts, I honestly couldn't get enough!

Ive completely fallen for boots this year, especially chelsea style boots which are brilliant for putting on and giving a more put together look, but when I fancy toughening things up, I picked up a pair of All Saints boots for a total steal and style change.

Since switching my hair up this year to a super short sided quiff, Ive been in love with workable wax, especially this Bedhead one, as its easy to fix and switch, but also gives enough hold without being too rigid.

Raf Simons, you total genius. He's managed to take Dior in a total new direction and take it back to its classic style, not forgetting the bevy of beauties he's signed up as faces from Jennifer Lawrence (who could forget THAT incident?) to Charlize Theron who make every piece look incredible.

Now, I know this is considered a 'Womens' bag but, to me, a satchel is completely unisex and this one, by Proenza Schouler WILL be mine one day and is my favourite expensive piece of this year, I can dream can't I?

From high end designers to newer, contemporary designers, Matches proved that this year, it was the number 1 for exciting new releases and classic sell-out staples. I especially love them since I won the Mulberry scarf as part of their Christmas giveaway.

Oh Cara, you stole my heart and it seems, everyone else's this year. From La Perla, Mulberry and Saint Laurent to Fendi, Burberry and Chanel, this bushy browed beauty landed every single, must-have campaign. Will 2014 be the year of Dele-domination?

I had no idea this company existed until I started seeing it pop up in haul videos on some of my favourite vloggers and bloggers so I had to check it out for myself. I love everything they do as you can make it super personal and they make great gifts for people who love to be individual!

**SUPER SECRET: Keep an eye out for a little something special from them soon on my blog, when you see it, comment on the post 'I SAW IT FIRST'**

Oh Instagram, what would I do without you on my favourites list? As you can see, my addiction for Instagram still hasn't diminished and I thinks got worse. OOPS

I just couldn't get enough of these girls this year, and I'm hoping 2014 will be just as big for them. The debut album is also one of my favourites from this year too!

Beautycrush aka Sammi has been a major inspiration for my blog since the humble beginnings. I love the way she keeps everything simple but has such detailed photography etc. Lets hope her blog goes global in 2014, she deserves the great success after all the hard work she's put in!

So thats it, my final post for 2013

See you in 2014!

December 26, 2013

December 20, 2013

December 13, 2013

Certain items are tricky for guys to style, or a little bit too safe, so in conjunction with Very.co.uk Ill be showing you how I would style my picks from this seasons latest offers from Very.

Very is the quintessential catalogue which offers everything from clothing to homewares, from Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby to Ugg Australia, there really is something for everyone! Very also bring something different to the market by allowing you so many options when looking at each item, such as telling you how many people have looked at the item and also how many has been sold in the past 24 hours which really helps you pick out those key seasonal pieces!

Fred Perry Penny Collar Polo

Starting off lightly, I picked this monochromatic classic piece by Fred Perry, which could be styled simply with just jeans and trainers but I would really play up the contrast with this piece. With the simple colour palette, I would team it with super skinny jeans paired with either suede chelsea boots to add another texture and colour, or with the jeans rolled up and with classic Vans (also available at Very, Result!). To create a contrast, and also add another texture, I would throw over a oversized plaid shirt in either a forest green or bold red which not only sits nicely against the black and adds warmth but adds individuality in an unexpected way. Then I'd put on a beanie in either a black or burgundy and if its cold, id add either a black coat (if styled with a red shirt) or a dark green/khaki coat (if styled with the forest green shirt, or for a bold twist, put it over the red one to really turn heads).

Mens Classic Boots

Uggs aren't just for the girls, guys can rock them too, but you just need to make sure you don't wear them in a safe way. There's nothing wrong with teaming them with a onesie at home, but to take it up a notch and wear them out, they have to be styled in a creative way. For my styling, I would either wear them with a pair of slouch trousers in a printed fabric, or with a really inky black pair of jeans. For the top half, you can't go wrong with a denim shirt to juxtapose against not only the colour but also the texture of the Uggs (Denim and Suede are a classic combo that always look great together). If its cold, I would chuck over a really edgy biker with interesting details such as quilting, studs or bold zips to really edge out the outfit and create another texture.

Mens Fleece Onesie

Now I know what your thinking, how the hell can you make a onesie stylish? Well let me tell you. Don't take the onesie too literally, so don't team it with too homely-esque clothing, such as more slouchy, jersey items such as sweatshirts etc, but think outside the box. I would team this one, with its bold , attention grabbing print, with a pair of equally loud high tops in a contrasting colour (think red with these earthier tones) and then I would team it with either a Parka (Another timeless classic piece everyone must own, Very do some great ones from brands such as Superdry and Schott) or with a gilet in classic navy. To top it off, Im thinking practical bags such as a satchel or a stylish backpack which would also work well with the sports luxe vibe created with the high tops and onesie.

Hope you love the style ideas, also let me know of any ways you would take each piece and style them to make it your own!

December 08, 2013

November 29, 2013

November 27, 2013

November 25, 2013

November 18, 2013

L-R

Zara Two Tone Striped Sweater

ASOS 3/4 Stripe Sleeve T-Shirt

Zara Structured Combination Shirt

The classic pattern is back and bigger then ever next S/S which is great as some of this seasons key pieces can be transformed into both, such as this very Saint Laurent-esque striped jumper in a light knit which can be easily transformed with a pair of chino shorts and either loafers or deck shoes for a fashion forward summer look. If you have a more formal occasion, this central striped shirt, also by Zara, can easily be used for both due to it being easily styled due to the simple monochromatic palette. Finally every guy needs a 3/4 sleeve top for S/S as you can easily roll the sleeves up for a tshirt look and then when its slightly chillier in the evening, just roll it down again.

L-R

Bite by Dent De Man T-shirt With Floral Front Panel

Zara Floral Short-Sleeve T-shirt

Angora Vintage Floral 5 Panel Snapback

Floral is back, bigger and more obnoxious then ever this S/S with large prints in a multitudes of colours and styles. This snapback gives a real pop to any plainer summer outfit, or would look amazing against a white short sleeve shirt and super pale skinny jeans. This darker floral tee is perfect for now and Spring, as it'd look edgy under a leather biker, but also casual with usual summer attire. On the other end of the scale, this loud and outrageous tee from Bite by Dent is a brilliant transitional piece as it nods to the more luxurious trend for A/W13 but then would add some serious punch when teamed with the more neutral tones of S/S14.

L-R

Converse All Star White Trainers

Zara Limited Edition T-shirt

Topman White Leather Look Sleeve T-shirt

Whites never been hotter, as it makes seasonal colours for A/W pop such as deep burgundy but also adds a new dimension to colours such as tan and caramel, but also looks amazing in the S/S with bold brighter colours and loud prints. For footwear, you can't go wrong with a pair of Converse, which can be dressed up for day to night in the A/W but then teamed with rolled up trousers and shorts. This Zara tee leans towards the always on trend sports aesthetic as its a lighter tee with a faux vest underneath so it gives the idea of a layered look without the bulk. Teamed with black jeans and a pair of suede chelsea boots, the tee could also be layered with drop crotch shorts in the summer for a laid back look. Finally, leather is still a major trend for A/W and S/S so this pure white tee with faux leather sleeves is the must have for both seasons, teamed with anything.

November 11, 2013

November 05, 2013

Jumping on the crazy/pastel hair craze is now easier then ever with the release of Bumble and Bumble's BB Spraychalk, which as it literally says is coloured spray in chalk. Now as soon as I saw this I thought it was too good to be true so I decided to pop to Boots and pick up two of the colours I liked. Available in Mint, Cobalt, Blush and Lavender, I picked up Cobalt and Mint and decided to try them on the natural dip dye section of my longer hair (where Ive let dye grow out, its created a pretty nice dip dye).

I tried it before I washed my hair, as it also claims to be 'easy to wash out' in one shampoo, so I decided to put that to the test too and sprayed equal amounts of each. I tried the cobalt using two techniques, first by holding it closer to get a more intense colour. However, I ended up with a blotchy navy patch of hair, so then I decided to hold it further away, but this ended up with a reasonable pay off and a blue dotty face where it didn't go on my hair. So moving away from the cobalt, I tried the same technique with the mint. On the intense colour, I got a vivid colour that would look amazing on the end of hair or mixed with the blue for an intense dip dye, but when I tried it far away, it ended up looking grey, almost like dry shampoo which wasn't the most attractive. Much like dry shampoo, it leaves the hair with a very dry, rough texture so Id probably style hair first then fix it with this. However, don't be tempted to run your fingers through your hair during the day as you'll end up with coloured hands. So as I washed it out, and saw the water run clear, I was impressed it came out so easily. To do a fair review, I tried it out on that day washed hair with no products in, and I was much more impressed with the pay off and the technique I used.

For this attempt, I tied my hair out the way, to a mini ponytail and sprayed either side with the different colours, let it dry, and removed the hairband, which left me with a marble effect which I actually quite liked and would probably do again. I also found that the spray can can be a little fiddly to work with, as the spray is quite forceful and harsh so you have to commit to it. Also I found the product will travel everywhere but is easily wiped off with water which is super handy, especially in a all white bathroom (playing with fire with my decision in that one!)

Overall, Im impressed with the product, and the pay off which would be brilliant for a night out or an occasion but I just can't get over the texture, as it leaves the hair feeling rather gritty and rough, which isn't the most pleasent of textures but its fine as long as you don't keep fiddling with your hair, like I do. Also I'm quite put off by the price and size of the product as you only get 40g in a super tiny can for £15 but then again, its something you wouldn't use everyday so it's not a bad price to get different wears out of on occasions.

Bumble and Bumble Spraychalk in Cobalt and Mint is available at Boots, and other licensed Bumble and Bumble stockists for a limited time only