IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG: April 2015

all saints

If you look at my Instagram, you know that I have a major obsession with plaid and have a multitude of different colours and styles, all of which could be tricky to pull off, so I've decided to bring you my ultimate style guide for multi seasonal plaid!

LOOK FOR INTERESTING DETAILS

Plaid can be easily dressed smartly but you've got to distinguish it from your everyday plaid. Smarter plaid should be left with the cuffs done up and at most rolled twice and cuffed, and also be of a slimmer fit so the boldness is pared back. To make it more interesting, look for added details such as a fitted back or details on the collar etc.

This French Connection plaid is one of my go-to's when it comes to a more smarter approach as its very closely cut to the body, plus offers the interesting back detail in the deep pleat and also the button that holds the shirt collar in place too, so you always look slick and smart.

OVERSIZED VS SLIM FIT

Slim fit is the key style for plaid when it comes to a smarter look, but I tend to go for a slightly oversized style during the day. I tend to go a size up or 2 if I can to get the perfect amount of slouch and comfort out of my plaid. I live in my oversized Ralph Lauren plaid that I picked up which turned out to be a mislabeled piece (XXL rather then XL)

I also love the detailing on the oversized shirt with the suede patches which also adds to the relaxed look that I strive for. For styling these oversized shirts, I tend to roll the sleeves up so they hit just below the elbow, and either do them up all the way or thrown over a more casual outfit in the summer instead of a coat.

THICKER VS THINNER

Im all for a lightweight plaid but sometimes a thicker plaid will always make the biggest difference when it comes to styling. I tend to wear thinner plaid in the winter funnily enough layered over thinner layers for an adaptable look for the weathers that hit the UK in the winter. In the summer however I team a thicker plaid with my looks which can be adapted in an easy way for this time of year.

This oversized Vans plaid is made of a more rigid, stiffer plaid which is also quilted inside which is perfect teamed with any summer look and can be perfectly paired with items for a colder summer evening. I also use this one the most during the summer, especially in a festival environment, as it can also double up as a blanket as its thick enough to stay warm, but also hardy enough to still look stylish. I used this one a multitude of times last year as a picnic blanket when needed, and then easily retied it round my waist for my 90's inspired summer look.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Whether its a shacket (shirt jacket) or a polirt (polo shirt hybrid) plaid is the perfect material to take a risk with due to its easy ability to be styled. I love finding different styles to wear with plaid such as my ultra lightweight shacket from All Saints which offers the functionailty of a shirt and the pockets of a jacket which is perfect for running errands in as it gives you the flexible options with pockets etc.

This polirt hybrid from Fred Perry would never usually be my style, but I LOVE how this shirt goes with everything. Ive teamed it under jumpers for a preppy look, paired with ripped denim shorts and Vans for a skater look and then teamed with a porkpie hat and boots for a more mod inspired venture. The lightweight fabric of the polirt makes it super versatile for all seasons too. WINNER ALL ROUND!

For me, plaid is really one of those items worth investing in as it'll be an all year round staple, plus it'll be in your wardrobe for years to come but always be in fashion too!

Do you have any tips when it comes to plaid? Id love to know! Tweet me at @IYAAJAYBLOG or in the comments below.

Until next time guys,

Jay

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all saints

COASTAL CALLING - BRIGHTON HAUL // IYAAJAY

April 20, 2015

I began my week off work by heading to one of my favourite coastal hotspots, Brighton, to spend the day taking in the sights and sea air and also pick up some incredible pieces too as well as some unforeseen shoe trauma.

We started off by heading to Lou Lou's Vintage Fair held at the Corn Exchange, which unfortunately was a little disappointing if I'm honest as it was a lot of faux vintage and upcycled pieces. So to ease the pain, I headed to two of my favourite stores, All Saints and The White Company.

Landscape Crew T-shirt

Ive been eyeing up this tee for some time, and originally saw it in the concession in Fenwicks in Tunbridge Wells but I just couldn't justify the £40 price tag it came with so I was incredibly happy to see this in the mid season sale for £28 which I couldn't turn down. The material is super soft like all All Saints tees, and the print nails the SS15 urban florals trend which was heralded by Burberry and Topman Design. I can't wait to team this with my staple jeans and another little piece Ive just ordered that I'll mention later on.

Sea Salt Votive

If you know me pretty well, you know that I love sea salt scents, and I couldn't quite believe The White Company has finally turned it into a limited edition candle for this season. After last seasons Fireside candle that my mum is so obsessed with (She won't burn it as she wants it to last) I was clambering to get my hands on the newest edition. With notes of Vetiver, Eucalyptus and a heady note of nostalgia, it reminds me of spending days down on the beach in Cornwall when I was younger. I also don't plan to burn this as I adore the scent too much to ever lose it, but they approx last up to 20 hours, and also come in an incredibly heavy glass votive which can be reused as either storage or a tea light holder too.

Whilst also in Brighton, we also popped to Strada, our little tradition if we ever visit, and had an amazing lunch (I highly recommend the Parma Pizza, where I also overcame my weird phobia of eating tomatoes *side note, I can eat tomato sauce etc but can't eat proper tomatoes but I made myself try them and surprised myself*). We love the atmosphere in there as its so laid back but also homely at the same time.

Another item I was hunting for in Brighton was a pair of summer sandals, and was aiming to get the Zara Combined Sandals or the All Saints Nuvos Sandals that Ive previously featured on my blog, but unfortunately both stores didnt stock either which really frustrated me as I had my heart set on either pair but thought Topman would have something. I decided to try on their Saxon Strap Leather Sandals in all Black which although look amazing in real life, just didn't fit at all (I tried on both a 9 and a 10 and they just crippled) so I tried on the Rodden Slider in Black Leather but I couldn't even get my foot past the middle of the strap and there was just no way they were going to fit either. So, being a bit disheartened, on the way home I decided to hit the ASOS app and discovered the ASOS Sandals in Leather which I just had to have. They're exactly the pair I was originally looking for and I just so happened to slip and accidentally order them (who believed that? nobody? okay then) so I can't wait to style them with the All Saints tee (if they fit when I get them)

BRING ON SUMMER

Voting is still open for The Male Grooming Review Best Men's Lifestyle Blog (10 days left) and I would love your support as I'm up against some incredibly well known guys in the field and I almost feel like the little outsider! If you would like to vote, please click the link above and vote for IYAAJAY, I would genuinely appreciate it.

Until next time guys,

Jay

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casetify

CASE STUDY - CASETIFY METALUXE OVERVIEW // IYAAJAY

April 16, 2015

If you've followed my blog since the beginning, one of the first items I ever got sent was a case from Casetagram (you can read the review here) but sadly, the case didnt actually last too long due to a weak spot but recently I got in contact with Casetify (the new name for Casetagram) and they asked me if I would like to be sent one of their latest releases, the Metaluxe case.

Metaluxe offers you the option of interchangeable backplates, meaning your phonecase can change as often as you want, without having to have the fiddly task of taking the old one off. The Durable outer-band, raised bezel edge and rubberized support pads inside of full-case protection guard your phone from drops and hard falls. The metal edging round the camera slot is incredibly durable and sturdy, which is where my original weak point was, which also gives me piece of mind that it won't get damaged or broken easily.

I decided to choose, after the longest decision, the Abstraction Outline White Transparent iPhone 5 case which look amazing paired with my black iPhone, and also the Rose Gold edge too (there is also the choice of Silver if Rose Gold isn't for you). In the super slick packaging comes the case you have chosen, and also a plain black back too if you fancy a change. The Metaluxe cases have a unique way of securing your phone, as they slot over the phone and held in place with the removable end cap which also allows you to charge your phone, and access to the headphone port too. If you use a docking station however, you may need to remove this like I do when it comes to charging/playing music etc.

I would really highly recommend checking out Casetify for unique cases, not only for iPhone, but they also do Macbook sleeves, Apple Watch straps, Samsung Galaxy, iPad smart covers and a range of gadgets including selfie sticks and protective clear covers too!

Until next time guys,

Jay

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*This post is not sponsored by Casetify, and the product was provided as a replacement for an existing product.*

aussie

HEAD FOR HAULS // IYAAJAY

April 14, 2015

1461 shoes

DR'S ORDERS - DR MARTEN 1461 REVIEW // IYAAJAY

April 13, 2015

Ill admit it, I have a weakness for shoes.

But before you say it, these are actually my new work shoes but I also plan to style these with other outfits too (who said guys can't go from day to night with a pair of shoes?)

I needed a more rugged, tough shoe for work that was going to protect me but also be comfortable enough to wear during my shifts without leaving me hobbling around in agony, so I decided to treat myself to a pair of Dr Martens 1461 shoes which I thought would be similar to the boots which not only do I adore but also live in daily.

When I ordered them I was a little sceptical as I usually like to try on shoes before purchasing but I thought that I knew the brand well enough to order without issue. However, these are a little different to the boots and have an incredibly rigid, stiff back of the shoe where the seams are which, after a little wearing in, fitted the right foot but left the left foot raw due to being half a size too big (I resolved it by using one of those gel strips) I would definitely advice to break these in for atleast 2 weeks before using them for an extended period of time, or use a leather softener to gently soften the back so that they don't rub.

Besides the issue of the raw heel, I also found the smooth leather scuffs incredibly easily too as shown in the third image (mine scuffed after one shift) but these shoes aren't made for looking pretty and never being worn, they're made for being probably the most rugged shoes you own and are a go to for the tougher challenges, so a little scuffing adds a bit of character.

Now for my favourite bit, the styling!

I tried these on as soon as I got them and its true what they say, DM's really do go with anything. I've tried them with my usual off duty uniform of ultra tight skinny jeans, oversized tees and shirts, and a man bun and they look amazing, but also don't look out of place teamed with smarter attire (usually a smarter shirt with jeans, and a porkpie hat). With cut off denim shorts and either a cut off tee or love beaten tee (holes, rips, fading) they look amazing too and would be perfect for the festival season. I also love taking influence from their history and teaming them with ripped knee denim, the Fred Perry shirt that I featured here and my porkpie hat for that nostalgic throwback with a modern twist.

All in all, asides from the 2 little niggles I've had with these shoes, I would highly recommend these if your in the market for an incredibly versatile shoe that is a real all rounder!

Voting is still open for The Male Grooming Review 'Best Mens Lifestyle Blog' and I would love it if you guys could vote for IYAAJAY as it would really mean a lot to me!

Until next time guys,

Jay

TWITTER // INSTAGRAM // BLOGLOVIN

all saints

SHOE COLLECTION // IYAAJAY

April 10, 2015

Super sorry I've been a little quiet this past week, but I experienced a little Mac based difficulty (long way of saying I burnt out the hard drive cable) but I'm finally back with my long awaited shoe collection, which will be a pretty long post so grab a snack and a drink and join in!

All Saints Avert Loafer

Lets start off with the shoes I don't often wear that much. Sadly these beautiful loafers, which I got from TK Maxx, are actually a size too big but I didnt realise until it was too late to return them. It really breaks my heart I can't actually wear them much so they just sit there looking good. Ive only managed to wear these once but they looked a little silly due to the sizing of them.

Kurt Geiger Mccarthy Chelsea Boots

These are my go to special occasion shoes as they really smarten up an outfit without looking too overly done. However, Kurt Geiger shoes are cut incredibly narrowly so I do have a issue with the comfort of these and can maximum wear them for about 2 hours before they have to be swapped for something else.

All Saints Horizon Boots

These are another TK Maxx purchase, and was pretty much the best one I've ever made. They were the only pair, in my size, and reduced from £180 t0 £60 which is an amazing deal for such sturdy boots. Before I bought my DM's, I lived in these as they are incredibly versatile and comfy, albeit a little clumpy due to the wooden layered heel which can weigh your foot down a little bit. These look great in winter layered with dark wash jeans and a trusty plaid.

Toms Classics in Navy

Toms Classics in Black on Black

Ah the classic summer shoe! I lived in my original Black Classics which sadly fell apart (quite literally, I destroyed them) so I picked up the same style in both Navy and the all Black versions. The blue ones aren't worn as much as Id like because theres something up with the stitching inside which makes them really uncomfortable to wear so I need to look into sorting it, but the all black ones look great teamed with rolled up jeans and a casual longline tee for the perfect errand running outfit for this time of year. One little tip for people with flatter feet, these will cause a slightly uncomfortable amount of pain towards the front of the foot due to the flatness of them so they may not be the best option.

Sperry A-O Eye Suede Deckshoes

Another summer staple from TK Maxx, where I picked these up for £30 instead of £85 which is another really good deal. The deck shoe is another key shoe style for the summer and Sperry make some of the most comfortable ones around. Team these with similar colours or paired with toned down denim for summer evenings.

Nike Internationlist (similar)

You guessed it, another TK Maxx purchase, where I found these in the clearance section for £30 as they were apparently the wrong size but they fitted me perfectly. I loved the look of the retro trainers with a modern twist like the Roshe Runs but I didnt want to jump on the band wagon and be like others so Im glad I picked these up. Ive worn these whilst walking around London and Brighton, and they're the most comfortable trainers! I love the interesting fabric combination and the slightly slanted heel too.

Vans Authentics in Burgundy and White

Vans Authentics in All Black

Back when I was at college, I was obsessed with these shoes so much that I actually had 3 pairs on rotation (I also had the super light grey ones too). I love the preppy nature they bring to an outfit without being too 'I should be in school' vibes, plus the fact that they can be worn with literally everything. If I was to repurchase these, I wouldn't go with the burgundy colour way as the colour not only fades easily, they are a little harder to pair with items unlike the all black ones. These shoes really hurt to break in due to the stiff back stitching but with a little perseverance and plasters, they'll be perfect in no time.

Nike Blazer Hi in Burgundy

Whilst on a burgundy kick, I love these shoes so much! They're the best shoe for the preppy sports vibe in the summer and look great paired with just about everything too! If you've been on my blog since the beginning, you would of originally seen when I got these.

Vans Van Doren Slip Ons

You can see I clearly have a thing for Vans and I adore these, especially when teamed with black skinny jeans and a oversized denim shirt for that perfect off duty look. The pattern is interesting enough to not distract from what else your wearing.

Topman Brown Suede Boots

When the Chelsea Boot trend came back around a couple of years ago, I looked for ages to find the perfect pair and I found these brown suede beauties for around £50 which was a steal for the quality. Ive worn these so much that I had to get them resoled (the result of walking round London all day on cobbles) and I'm definitely going to get loads more wear out of these.

Dr Martens Scotchgrain 1460 (similar)

This is where my love affair with DM's begins! Id been lusting after these for ages and for some reason, never picked them up until I went to Gunwharf Quays before Christmas and picked them up. To prove how much I love them, I've worked out Ive worn them nearly everyday since buying them, and they still look brand new. They give the perfect amount of edge to an outfit without being too bold but are also the most comfortable boot I have honestly owned.

Dr Martens Victor Boots

As you can see, the DM love is still real and I also got given these towards the back end of last year and I love these just as much as my 1460's. These are perfect for long days of walking due to the Air Wair soles which make it feel like your wearing the most comfortable shoes around. I wore these the other day for a long day of walking round and being on my feet and they didn't irritate, hurt, or make me blister which is perfect!

Vans SK8 Mid in Burgundy and Black

These are my latest additions to the collection which I picked up recently in a sale. I love the fact these aren't just low trainers or the ones that come past your ankle so they give you just enough support without being too restricting or at risk of digging into your ankles. I paired these the other day over on Instagram with a long line tee, shirt and skinny jeans for the perfect California skater look that I've been obsessed with lately.

Vans SK8 Hi in Black Suede

I originally saw these at El Corte Inglés (a department store in Barcelona) but unfortunately they didnt have a half size that I needed in these, so I made sure to track them down when I got back as I couldn't stop thinking about getting them. I love the mixed materials and the incredibly minimalist colour palette which made these the perfect base shoes for busier looks.

Hunter Balmoral Boots

I bought these in a store clearance sale for about a third of the RRP which for Hunters, was a total steal. I can't wait to break these out when the occasion comes whether thats either a muddy festival or walks in the countryside. These come up really high on the leg (just below my kneecap) which makes it a little difficult to manoeuvre in but Im sure Ill get used to them eventually.

Also I'm happy to announce that Ive been shortlisted as one of the 5 finalists for the Male Grooming Reviews 'Best Mens Lifestyle Blog' which is an honour to be nominated for and I would be over the moon if you could vote for me too!

Follow the link here and you can either vote for me or one of the other 4 amazing blogs.

Until next time guys,

Jay

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Pages

IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG

WEEKLY WEARS // IYAAJAY

PLAID STYLE GUIDE // IYAAJAY

COASTAL CALLING - BRIGHTON HAUL // IYAAJAY

CASE STUDY - CASETIFY METALUXE OVERVIEW // IYAAJAY

HEAD FOR HAULS // IYAAJAY

DR'S ORDERS - DR MARTEN 1461 REVIEW // IYAAJAY

SHOE COLLECTION // IYAAJAY

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