IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG: January 2015

CURRENT CRUSHES // IYAAJAY

January 30, 2015

I can't quite believe its the end of January already, I genuinely have no idea where its gone. What I do know however is that I have rediscovered some old favourites and come across some great items too which I thought I'd share with you guys.

COS Stripe Sleeve Top

So I received this top for Christmas but didnt really know how I would style it. Its not an everyday top, but its not quite smart enough for special occasions so I was a little bit stuck. Fear not, as I found a total winner of an outfit featuring it. For this look, I teamed it with the shoes Ive featured on here today, with my All Saints biker and rolled up jeans (rolled up so they're just at the top of the boot, nothing too crazy) which gives a real Parisian look which I love as its so simple but ever so effective. Unfortunately it is now out of stock online, but definitely check instore as they usually carry more stock.

Rayban Clubmaster

Rayban Wayfarer

As the weather tries to warm up, I have a major love hate relationship with the sun. I love being out in it, but my eyes seem to hate even the slightest change so Ive been relying on sunglasses already. I always reach for either of these incredible Raybans, which I know aren't everyones budget for eyewear, but when you consider these as 'classic investment pieces' I adore them.

Dr Martens Victor Boots

Im still in love with these so much that I have to force myself to actually change them for other shoes. I always thought clunkier chelsea boots would actually be the most unattractive shoes but oh how wrong was I! These look killer with a pair of skintight denim, especially paired with a smarter look, and they're also incredibly comfortable at the same time, whats not to love?! Id put off buying DM's for some time, but ever since receiving two pairs, Ive been obsessed with them and Im fighting the urge to buy more of them.

James Bay 'Hold Back The River'

James Bay 'Scars'

If your a big follower of London Fashion Week and Burberry, James Bay needs no introduction to you. But don't fret if you haven't heard of him, he looks to be a big name in 2015. Already winning the Brit Awards Critics Choice award, and ranking highly in BBC's Sound of 2015, his relaxed, melodic tones are almost like a combo of George Ezra and Lana Del Rey which makes for amazing listening. Scars and Hold Back The River are my two favourite songs of his, and his debut album is released in March which I can't wait for either.

Whats been your favourites this month guys? Anything you think people need to know about? Let me know!

Also make sure to follow my social media for more antics, styling, and a general nose into my everyday life

Until next time,

Jay

TWITTER // INSTAGRAM

armcandy

MONDAY MUSING / MENS ARMCANDY // IYAAJAY

January 26, 2015

beanie

DONT BE STUPID- STUPIDCLOTHING STYLING // IYAAJAY

January 23, 2015

Beanies and hoodies seem to be the staple of most guys wardrobes, and they always seem to be styled in the same way (either chucked on for warmth, or laziness gets the better of us) but Ive teamed up with STUPIDCLOTHING to bring you a little bit of style inspiration where Ive paired each piece with an outfit most guys wouldn't necessarily put together.

Hoodie- STUPIDCLOTHING

Styled with a Topman cut off vest, Topman chino sports shorts, Topman sports socks, Vans SK8 hi tops

This outfit would be absolutely killer in the warmer months, especially living on the South East coast where it may be sunny, but you always need an extra layer. I played around with the proportions of this hoody which has a very casual oversized feel without being too bulky, and paired it with a cut off vest for a hint of 90s nonchalance. I then kept it very simple with chino sports shorts for a subtle touch on the athletic vibe this outfit also gives, especially with the typical 'jock socks' and hi top combo. I also love the camo lined hood which will also be perfect for AW15's military feel.

Beanie- STUPIDCLOTHING

Styled with a French Connection plaid shirt, Teal Nike Internationals and Jack Wills jeans

This may seem like a typical guys outfit, but this one is incredibly different. Take away the trainers and add a pair of chelsea boots and you can go to a smarter occasion, add the hoody and swap to trainers for the perfect brunch/town day look too. The beanie is a thinner knit then the usual ones I go for which means its perfect for the mildly cold days. Unfortunately for me, this beanie runs incredibly small and I can't actually keep it on (random combo of too much hair and a big head) but this would also make an ideal present as its incredibly versatile and guys would absolutely love it!

Would you try these outfits? How would you style these pieces? Let me know!

If you like these styling posts, send me a tweet and ill make sure to do more of these

Don't forget to follow STUPIDCLOTHING on INSTAGRAM and TWITTER too for more style inspiration!

Until next time guys

Jay

TWITTER // INSTAGRAM

**disclaimer: Shred and Butta kindly sent me these items on behalf of their client. I have not been paid for this review, and all the ideas and styling are my own**

8 hour cream

MIGHTY MINI // IYAAJAY

January 16, 2015

blog

FROM MANBAGS TO MANBUNS-WHY DO I BLOG? // IYAAJAY

January 13, 2015

As it grows closer to the 2nd birthday of IYAAJAY, I thought Id finally share what actually made me want to start a blog and why Ive kept it going.

So if you've been here since the incredibly small beginning of my blog, I decided to start my blog in February 2013 after I finally stopped thinking 'Whats actually holding me back?'. I had my small camera, my Macbook, and a ton of ideas and the time to put it to use and set about creating my blog. The reason why it took me so long is because I always felt insecure about my fashion choices and also what people would say about it, but I thought to myself 'So what! If I like it, thats all that matters'. Ive always felt a bit insecure about my looks etc as well due to being bullied at school and never really felt comfortable but now that Ive grown up, Ive finally realised that everyone is different and instead of pointing out flaws, just embrace them instead. Also after leaving college, I sort of drifted away from people as everyone went off to uni and I ended up going into the working world but felt a little disconnected and lonely as I didn't really have people to talk to or share my interests with, so that also spurred me on to actually turn my love for fashion into something people could see and share.

Now your probably wondering where the name come from?

Well lets cast our minds back where Tumblr was the BEST thing on the internet, and social media was still small, and one of my friends used to always instead of saying 'Hi' they used to say 'IYAA' which always kind of stuck, so I started my Tumblr with that name and the rest of the social media followed too.

I always set out to do reviews and styling on this blog as its two things I look for the most online, whether its making a decision of a product, or how to style the newest items but never really found one that gave an in-depth review or the styling I was looking for. Now, I not only review and style, but also do handy tips posts, hairstyle ideas, and even joint posts with some incredible male bloggers too!

I never ever thought I would hit over 10,000 views, or work with some incredible brands, or even win competitions for my writing and blog, but this journey so far has genuinely been the most amazing thing I've ever decided to do as Ive met some great people too and actually now feel really included into the male blogging reality.

Keep an eye out for a segment Im going to introduce in a couple of weeks which involves you guys!

Until next time guys,

Jay

TWITTER // INSTAGRAM