IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG: September 2014

NEW IN: MALLZEE / IYAAJAY

September 30, 2014

As you'll remember I featured the Mallzee app a few months back when it first launched and now, with a few little touches and upgrades, Mallzee is back and bigger then before!

For those not in the know, Mallzee has been described as the 'Tinder of the fashion world' where this clever little app filters what you love and loathe meaning your the first in the know when products head into the sale, shows you unique style feeds directed especially for you and stay ahead of the fash-pack with interactive inspirations at your stylish fingertips.

First off, lets look at the new brands filter section. This clever little section allows you to filter your favourite brands so when new products launch, you'll be the first to know and grab them before they sell out! With 100 brands on offer and over 2 million products, you'll never be short of inspiration and lust worthy pieces whether your amazed by American Apparel or obsessed by Urban Outfitters, this is the app for you! Whats also great is you can instantly purchase, save for later or ask your nearest and dearest for their opinions, Mallzee can be your best kept secret for the fashionista on the go. This is also great if you've just found that new upcoming brand and want to see what else is available to stay one well shoed foot ahead of everyone else!

The front page allows you to shop the latest new in pieces, new season brand focus' and other key features such as Blogger picks, key trends of the week (Make sure to keep these to yourself!) and also exclusive deals tailored to your favourite brands TOTAL WINNER!

Style feeds is another great featured on Mallzee where you can personalise your choices to your tastes and styles and create bespoke feeds to take your wardrobe to wherever you want it to go! Another great little feature is the price drop alert system where you can save your favourite wait-till-payday pieces and once the price drops, you'll be the first to know!

I love Mallzee as Im constantly on the go but don't always have the time to search through sites and spend time saving each page so this clever little app saves me time and also gives me up to date inspiration wherever I am. I think this would be a great app if you are planning a holiday so you can pinpoint where you want to get key pieces and also create the perfectly curated getaway wardrobe. I think Mallzee appeals to a huge audience as everyone loves something different and this is the perfect app to gain style influences and also share what styles you love whether its with friends (Its always great to get a second opinion especially when it comes to risky pieces, we all been there) or if your buying something for a family member, get them to create a list of all their favourite brands and style influences using this app and you'll be ahead in the present stakes too in no time!

Mallzee is available to download here for free so what are you waiting for?! GET SELECTING!

Until next time guys

Jay

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5 tips for shopping

5 TIPS FOR SHOPPING WITH GUYS // IYAAJAY

September 25, 2014

Ah, the taboo subject of guys being awkward when it comes to shopping.

Well I've decided to bust these myths and give some advice when it comes to shopping from braving the sales to investment pieces, Im going to let you into the rules I follow!

DON'T fall for those random sale impulse purchases. Everyone has atleast one (if you don't, I know your lying). Whether its those jeans you thought you desperately needed, or that odd looking jumper everyone has but you didn't like it originally, just because its in the sale DOESNT MEAN you need it. If your contemplating an item, keep hold of it and walk around and look at what else is on offer and see if the deal is worth it, plus also think about how it'd fit into your existing wardrobe and where you'd exactly wear it.

Quality not quantity. I know everyone's fond a cheaper item now and then (Im partial to cheaper basic items that can easily be replaced) but when it comes to certain materials or an investment piece, sometimes paying a bit more is worth it. For example, buy a cheap wool coat and it'll be unlined and itchy, but if you pay just a bit more for one, it'll be finished off to a higher standard and be fully lined etc which means it'll last you longer too.

Just because it has a designer label, doesn't mean you 'have to have it'. Now, I've been guilty of this in the past but now Ive reformed my way of shopping. This is probably one of the worst things people do in TK Maxx and outlets etc where they see a brand and latch onto that piece until they get to the till. But think logically 'Why is this piece here? Whats the issue with it?' Make sure to check sizing, for any visible defaults/imperfections and see if its genuinely what it says it is.

Check washing instructions first. This is a totally odd rule BUT how many times have you bought an item to only then find out that its dry clean only or hand wash? (If you said never, then go and check, you'll be surprised) Make sure that its a material thats suitable for you to deal with and that if it is a specialist clean or hand wash only, that you have time to actually do it or money to spend getting it cleaned (Leather is especially expensive to get dry cleaned due to the nature of it)

Be patient. Don't rush shopping at all, no matter what people say. Take time to browse and see whats around and plan out what you want and where you want to buy it. NEVER rush purchase anything because you never know what your going to discover at the next shop. If you really like something, ask to get it put aside for you and go back and get it later, that way, you know its secure, but you don't have to faff around getting things returned if you see something else instead and you've already purchased something similar (We all know how much of a pain it is to return items!)

I hope these tips are going to help you out as much as they have helped me! If you have any other tips worthy of us guys knowing, feel free to share them below or tweet me at @iyaajayblog

If you like these sort of posts, let me know also and I'll do more of these in the future. Also make sure to follow my Instagram and Twitter for more day to day styling ideas and general ideas!

Until next time guys

Jay

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