IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG: 2015

BIRTHDAY / XMAS HAUL ft ELEMIS, POLAROID, COS & CAROLINA HERRERA // IYAAJAY

December 28, 2015

Hey guys, so sorry I haven't been able to blog in a couple of weeks (what with Christmas and the joy of working in retail over this time, if you do, you'll know how horrific it can be at times) but during this period I turned 23 and also Christmas came and went quicker then a box of shortbread that family always seem to give you when it comes to the 'what do we get everyone? gift'

But alas, I made it through and thought Id share a little snippet of what I got from both of these occasions and my thoughts on them too.

COS SWEATSHIRT

I picked up this COS sweatshirt for my nan to give me for my birthday and Im obsessed with it already. Its the softest fleece I've ever felt in a sweatshirt and gives that perfect mix of comfort and flexibility within my wardrobe. If you think this looks a little bit of a shapeless jumper, make sure to check out my Instagram post here to see how I styled it when I wore it on Boxing Day. COS's quality is second to none and I really think this is worth the slightly higher price then say other brands.

ELEMIS GIFTSET

After falling in love with the Elemis Marine Cream (make sure to check out my review for it here) I was itching to try some more from them so I was super happy to be gifted their giftset which features their Revitalise Me Shower Gel and the Deep Cleanse Facial Wash which are both high on my to try list. I can't wait to use these as I've heard some great things about their products from other people, especially Bart from In Haute Pursuit who is literally the go to guy for everything skincare related!

212 VIP by CAROLINA HERERRA

Im super happy to finally have this in my possession after lusting after it for months! I first smelt this before I went on holiday and couldn't pick it up at Duty Free and I've found myself, everytime I passed a counter, I HAD to spray some of this as its just too good to say no to. This 100ml bottle is sure to last me some time too!

POLAROID SNAP CAMERA

Ive been the biggest fan of Polaroids for as long as I can remember and was super happy to finally get one in the form of their latest release, the SNAP. This camera uses the ZINC technology, giving it the ability to photo and print without any mess or worry of smudged images which is perfect for the festive period which I used constantly. I can't wait to get a hanging frame to peg all the photos on! This will also come in handy during the summer, especially on trips and the festival season.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and an amazing New Years too! See you in 2016!

Until next time guys,

Jay

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Also don't forget to use the code 'jaylovesFRENDS' for 15% off ANY FRENDS headphones at their official site, with the offer being valid until the 31st December, perfect to treat someone special this Christmas or to just spoil yourself!

TIME TO SPA ELEMIS CAMPAIGN / PRO COLLAGEN MARINE CREAM FOR MEN REVIEW // IYAAJAY / AD

December 07, 2015

As guys, we don't often get the time to actually take care of our skin. Whether its a quick shave or left alone, our skin takes a serious battering, especially in the winter so its about time we change that!

Time To Spa, the official retailer of Elemis, want to change this with the launch of the exciting launch of the Pro Collagen Marine Cream for Men. Formulated especially for men, this cream instantly hydrates, firms and smoothes, all with anti-ageing properties helping to fight the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.

So whats the hype all about? I put this wonder cream to the test.

Ideal for post shave comfort, I thought Id introduce this into my daily skin routine which I've recently started doing (I know I know, at 22 I shouldn't be freaking out about my skin but its never too early to start) I start with a oil controlling face wash to clean and prep my skin and then use a really hot flannel to open the pores. I then pump two small blobs of the marine cream (more then enough to do my entire face) and dot it onto my face and then use my fingertips to rub it in, and also using a firming technique, rub the lower portion of the spread out cream into the cheekbone area to move any resting fluid away, reducing puffiness.

With ingredients that are all naturally derived; Unique Mediterranean algae, Padina Pavonica, is power charged with anti-oxidant rich Ginkgo Biloba and soothing Abyssinia™ all work together to help boost skins moisturisation, suppleness, firmness and elasticity, a real all rounder! I think its impressive when a product claims to do all these claims but I always feel let down when they don't deliver but this seriously packs a huge punch and really does work on my skin brilliantly.

Ive been using this product for the past week and I've already noticed that my skin feels smoother and also looks noticeable more healthy. I've also noticed that I haven't been breaking out as much as I used to before and also that i haven't been as shiny/greasy since introducing this into my routine too.

This would be the perfect gift for any guy who's getting started in male skincare as this covers so many different bases and is a great introduction to the Elemis brand too. This would also be great for anyone with oily/combination skin as it helps to reduce skin oils and shininess caused from excess grease.

What skincare are you currently loving? Let me know!

Until next time guys,

Jay

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*Disclaimer* This product was kindly sent to me by Time to Spa via Type The Hype blogging platform for reviewing. I truly only ever accept work I believe in and all the opinions expressed in this post are my own and not provided for me to use.

FRENDS REVIEW + HOW I STYLE THEM / SPONSORED AD // IYAAJAY

November 22, 2015

Ive kept this little review pretty secretive (well apart from the odd little name dropping on my social media) but I can finally announce that Ive teamed up with FRENDS headphones to showcase the new Taylor headphones in Gunmetal which have recently launched to much hype!

FRENDS headphones are the perfect combination of style and sound, with the Taylor being the perfect modern statement piece. The distinctive silhouette and unparalleled sound quality round out this addition to your wardrobe as your most justified accessory to date. And with the release of the latest Gunmetal collection accompanied with hints of Rose Gold detailing makes a bold yet refined statement, these are made to be noticed!

Spotted on everyone from Harry Styles to Rita Ora, FRENDS have carved out the perfect luxury tech available on their own site, they're also available at Net-a-porter, Luisaviaroma and Urban Outfitters.

The sound quality on these are second to none (I have to say, these are better then both pairs of Beats and Monster headphones I've owned which are rather tinny compared to the rich sounds and strong bass these deliver) The headphones fit neatly into the faux leather pouch that comes included in the box, and also have a nifty fold flat ability meaning damage is minimised too. Another point I LOVE about these is the material feature around the cord which means they don't get tangled or damaged unlike some other headphones we all know of!

With their sleek leather top structure and memory foam padded headphones fit perfectly around your ear to deliver 360 degrees of sound as well as comfort which is a total bonus if your going to be using these religiously like I will! They're also easily adjustable using their sealed internal headband, meaning they can easily be adapted without hurting or snagging hair, which I've had happen so many times with other pairs. They feel incredibly sturdy and are a little bit on the heavier side but, remembering the quality, its worth the slight heaviness they give to the ears.

The Taylors also include the ability to change the volume, pause/play music and also have the microphone function which is perfect for calls on the go too, as well as not having to fumble for your phone when your waiting for a call.

What also sets FRENDS apart from the crowd is the impressive variety of customisation these allow, with just the simple twist of the stylish conical cap, you can switch them out to anything that suits your mood, style or latest must have trends, meaning these headphones will ALWAYS be in style!

Since my Taylors are edgy with the addition of the Gunmetal colour way, I decided to take it further by pairing them with my biker jacket and striped tee combo, perfect to make the headphones pop and turn heads too. Ive also paired them with a slightly more put together look and they looked great also, which really shows how versatile they really are.

NOW for the best bit, use the code 'jaylovesFRENDS' for 15% off ANY FRENDS headphones at their official site, with the offer being valid until the 31st December, perfect to treat someone special this Christmas or to just spoil yourself!

Until next time guys,

Jay

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** This is post is kindly sponsored by FRENDS who presented me with a gift code to purchase a pair of their headphones and also offer you, the reader, with discount also. The photos and review are all my own wording and opinions, with some information for the product being taken from the official website **

aw menswear

WINTER WARMERS / TOPMAN AW15 PIECES + TRY ON // IYAAJAY

November 08, 2015

care guide

DENIM CARE GUIDE // IYAAJAY

November 01, 2015

Happy weekend guys!

I thought Id do something a little different today and share what I've learnt since being the designated denim specialist at the Topman store I work at. Recently we ran a 'This Is Denim' campaign where we took the rules and ran with them, challenging guys to change how they think about denim and step out of the box when it comes to the classic staple.

Alongside stepping out of my denim comfort zone, I also learnt new roll techniques (yep, theres more then 1 way to roll!) and also how to properly care for your denim and tips that are definitely too good to not share with you guys.

Heres my 4 handy tips to keep your denim tip top;

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS!

I honestly can't stress this step enough. Brands put these instructions in for a reason, they want you to love your denim as much as they do. Always make sure to follow the washing instructions to the letter and don't treat them like any old item! If your really keen on keeping your denim super clean, you can also invest in specialist denim cleaning care that you can pick up here.

WASH JEANS INSIDE OUT

I know this sounds odd, but it honestly works. The shape holds better and also you avoid losing colour in bars/patches which, it you wear a lot of black or blue denim, it can be quite a headache to keep it looking new after a continuous period of wear.

*NEVER* TUMBLE DRY DENIM

Ive done this before and trust me, its not fun at all. When you tumble dry denim, especially ones with added stretch, it shrinks and tightens the fibres which although mean they're skin tight to begin with, lose shape rapidly after, which then means your jeans become ill fitting and baggy which isn't good if your aiming for skin tight. Ive also found the friction caused in tumble drying can also rub colour too. If your patient enough, drying flat is ideal for denim as it keeps the fibres neat and even.

ONLY WASH WHEN NEEDED

I know this sounds uber-gross but bare with me on this in this crazy logic. If you repeatedly wash jeans (say after every couple of wears) the fibres get broken down due to friction and not only do they fade rapidly, but they are more prone to fraying and breaking, which, when you think of it, is just mortifying (needless to say, this has happened to me once *shudders*) My tip for this? Only wash denim when the waist band goes baggy. That way, the fibre has been well and truly worn and then will go back to original. Also if you obsessively wash your jeans (don't lie, I know your out there!) colour will rapidly fade so your once fresh black jeans will look a murky grey in a matter of weeks which nobody needs!

I hope you liked this post, if you'd like me to do more guides, let me know in the comments below!

ALSO, IYAAJAY has now joined on snapchat too so make sure you add 'iyaajay' to see all the behind the scenes daily madness that doesn't make it onto here or Instagram!

Until next time guys,

Jay

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all saints

FOREST FORAGING / NEW FOREST MINI BREAK + PORTSMOUTH HAUL // IYAAJAY

October 20, 2015

UPDATE - WORK/LIFE/BLOGGING // IYAAJAY

October 10, 2015

I hate doing these posts, but I feel like I owe you guys an explanation to why Ive been pretty quite on the blogging front and social media in a way.

In the past few months I've been struggling with the whole life/work balance and sadly my blogging had to take a second priority whilst I sorted out my schedule as to when I could do posts and really work on what I love but unfortunately I've been struggling on ever since and tried to keep up but couldn't. I felt myself getting more anxious and nervous about things because I couldn't cope with how much I had to do (blogging isn't my full time job as I support this by working also) and I felt like I needed a break to refocus and also think of some new ideas for my blog.

On the work front, I recently got promoted to Denim Specialist in store which is an incredibly key job as I'm now in charge of all the denim layout, how its styled on the shop floor, giving the customer the best knowledge I can give about denim etc and this'll increase to actually taking control of the denim stock and ordering in pieces I believe would be a great fit for our customers. This took me by surprise getting this position as I recently passed my 3 month period and thought I wouldn't of been given such an important role so early so Im working to prove that it was worth it. In this role, Im learning a hell of a lot of interesting content that if you guys wanted, I could share with you about denim such as care guides, what fit fits best etc, just let me know in the comments below if you'd like to see me do more articles like that rather then styling etc.

As for blogging? Ive been struggling, I will admit. Id hit a creative block and was crippled by what to write when my mind was racing at 100 times the usual rate and I couldn't string more then 2 sentences together but I feel like after this break, Im ready to come back. I also hate typing this, but I was getting really disheartened at how cut throat the blogging community has become in the past few months and how work opportunities are now few and far between, especially in the fashion segment as companies only seem to go for the well known people rather then giving smaller bloggers an opportunity. I can't actually think of the last time I collaborated with a company I truly believe in and I was really happy with the results. I know that sounds harsh, but I get really odd offers of work from companies that really don't fit well with the work I love, but when I ask companies and come up with great ideas, it all falls flat which after a while can get a little upsetting, especially when you see its the same people over and over again. I love blogging, and this is in no way bashing people that have helped me and also come to be friends, but doesn't that annoy you too?

Ive now decided to change my schedule to just one post a week when I'm working, but when I get a week off, ill be creating two posts a week as I have more usable time.

I just want to say a huge thank you for everyone who's been there for me whilst I've taken a little break and also for the readers who have also given me the support in reading my content too.

Until next time guys,

Jay

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