IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG: 2018

how to style statement knits // IYAAJAY

November 15, 2018

& in one blink, were in autumn/winter

how on earth has this year gone THAT quickly that its already the colder months? its insane

but luckily i love the winter styling more; think thicker fabrics, layering, playing with tons of warmer colours, and I just can't get enough. Ive been really playing with knitwear more lately, loosely tucking it, leaving it out sans 90s vibe, layered under jackets for handy layering or my current fave; the almost half assed tucked approach which makes everything just look a tad undone but dressy

I thought id compile a little sample of some of my fave knits and how/what I've paired them with just to give some inspiration this season

tapered trousers ; Topman

oversized knit ; All Saints AW17 (they've bought it back this year in the reverse colour way here)

backless loafers ; House of Hounds

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knit ; Nick Grimshaw x Topman (Topman have one similar this season in a all over stripe here)

belt ; Topshop (similar here)

dad jeans ; BDG @ Urban Outfitters

backless loafers ; as before

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cable knit ; Topman

pinstripe original jeans ; Topman

backless loafers ; as before

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high neck ribbed jumper ; Topman

pinstripe co-ord ; BoohooMAN (bomber & matching trousers)

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hope this gives you some seasonal inspiration, whether its how to revamp your current knitwear or ideas for some new pieces into the wardrobe

Until next time,

Jay

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Weekend In Weekday ft THAT Weekday jumper // IYAAJAY

October 23, 2018

Gotta love a 3 day weekend right?

Well we decided to spend one of those days lazily walking around Horsham, enjoying the really sunny warm day and genuinely just taking everything easy.

I think since having a dog (can't believe this is her first time on the blog and she's nearly a year old!) has been great for us to slow down and actually get out and about. Working full time is fun but sometimes you just need that break and to get away from things for the day.

As for the fit, I thought it was about time I bust out THAT jumper, and if you don't know what one it is, where have you been hiding?! This little Weekday gem flew off their site as soon as the other male bloggers saw it and i managed to snap mine up via ASOS (unfortunately both have sold out but you never know!) but I absolutely love it. Its the perfect mix of slouchy and edgy without being too much hassle, ideal for a statement knit. Pairing it simply and comfortably with my ride or die Topman super sprays, the classic Vans and my go to bag from Eastpak.

Im already counting down to Sunday this week to shoot some more looks for the blog and also to my week off where I've got some really great plans to revive the look over on here too!

Until next time,

Jay

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Where have I been? // IYAAJAY

October 16, 2018

Well this feels weird, actually sitting down to type the first blog post in just over 2 months.

It's like starting all over again and that just feel so strange.

Im not gonna lie, I kinda fell out of love with blogging. With Botgate and everyone trying to out do each other and make everything so artificial, it started to turn this experience into a saccharine-laiden haze which really just made me feel a bit low. I like to think I give everything 100% but not even that seemed to be good enough for some brands (I haven't really worked with a brand since last year and even that fell flat after one post) so I felt really deflated and unmotivated to even bother. I grew tired of trying to get my work out there to have no response, I craved numbers, i craved response, a purpose, to finally get a break. But what did break was my love for blogging and this industry which became so shallow I didn't bother with it.

During this time, I also was going through a low point at work. Id worked solidly for months without a week off, even planning work and VM updates etc on my day off (damn my photographic memory) and I was running on fumes. Sadly it took a downturn when I also became the victim of a hate crime whilst at work, the place I loved to be, the place where I should feel safe. It triggered my anxiety off something rotten and I just felt awful. I did the right thing and reported it but even that didn't help because I was constantly referred to as 'the victim' which made me mad, so mad in fact that I broke down and uncontrollably cried. Im not a victim, I'm someone who's come out stronger from what happened. I will never be a victim for someone who is shallow minded, self absorbed, judgemental. And annoyingly, I had to deal with this during my week off so I didn't really have the nice relaxing break that I deserved.

So what now?

Well lately I've felt a bit more like myself. Im more positive about change. Im stronger than before and can handle more than I thought. I actually enjoy challenges and embracing new things. Ive learnt to let go. Ive learnt the numbers don't matter, the followers don't matter, the passion is what should drive you to do it, not what you can get out of it.

I feel more confident in myself, Ive booked more tattoos (hello right arm sleeve), Im looking forward to the future. I spent 3 hours doing a huge wardrobe overhaul and now feel more confident in myself and how I look. Ive finally sorted my room out and made it my happy little place. Everything's coming round all peachy and i'm kind of loving it. I really learnt who cares for me, who loves and supports me, who will always be there for me and its been like a really comforting hug.

So yeah, that's a little update for you.

Im hoping to even post every couple of weeks when Ive got time to sit down and be more creative.

Heres to the future

Until next time,

Jay

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HOW TO BE HAPPY IN YOUR 20'S // IYAAJAY

August 06, 2018

I know right? Can you be truly happy in your 20's? uh, YEAH! you can be! Going by experience (and the joys of being 25) I've finally nailed being happy in my 20's and realising whats important to me and my future without compromising my happiness and wellbeing. I know this is a big subject and many struggle with this so I thought id share it from my prospective and to be able to help even if its just a slither of help to someone, Id feel amazing from helping.

If your passionate about something, do something with it! I know it sounds totally cliche but hear me out! I didn't know what I wanted to do when I was younger, and everyone will always try and make you feel like a failure if you don't go to university (it sucks, but trust me, it gets better!) BUT joining a work place in a subject that inspires you or interests you is a great way to start being happier, not only because your doing work that you enjoy, you also stay motivated to improve etc. I mean I joined Topman when I was 22, and now at 25, Im full time, in charge of the VM and creative side of things for the store and now have a huge passion for visual merchandising and styling which could lead to so many other areas which I'm so proud of because i've worked my ass literally off and i feel like i've accomplished something that you cant get from a degree or studying endlessly for. I know so many people who dont have any passion for their jobs etc and they hate it, but honestly, fight for a job that you believe in and it works for you, then go for it 100%!

INVEST INVEST INVEST I honestly cant stress this one enough because it'll save you so much hassle as time goes on. Why splurge on unnecessary stuff that you'll hardly use etc when you can just spend a fraction more and have something that'll last you for years and make you happy? Clothing aside, I also cant stress it enough to save and invest in your future when it comes to money and savings etc. Nobody wants to be THAT person who's always broke and having to borrow etc so save money wherever you can. I recommend a direct debit from your main account to a separate savings account that you don't have a card to (to save temptation) so that when the time comes to it, you've got a nice little nest egg ready. I used my savings investing in a car which I would have for some years and now Im rebuilding my savings to put it towards a mortgage etc when the time is right. Your not just investing in your future, your investing in yourself and also showing your responsible which is such a bonus too!

Surround yourself with a support network; Now this is an important one (especially if you've dealt with mental health issues or are battling them, trust me, it honestly gets better) but theres nothing more comforting that a great support network. Being in your 20's, you feel like you can take it all on but trust me, its not that easy. Everyone has days that are horrendous and you cant deal with all of it, so having that connection with people who always care/listen/be there for you is invaluable. It can be anyone, from your manager at work, to your family, to a neighbour etc, finding that confidential confidence is just the best feeling when you know that they genuinely care etc plus they're the least likely to judge you if you ugly cry (like i've done SOOOOOOOOO many times in front of the people I go to)

the fine art of not giving a shit; I love this one so much. I have heard it TIME AND TIME AGAIN 'but what if you change your mind?' 'think about this in years to come' especially since getting tattoos (and it all happened when I did the blue hair) BUT honestly, I COULDN/T CARE if people don't like it etc. Its my decision, not yours. Its my body, not yours. Its my life, not yours. Don't let anyone tell you how to direct your life and what you want to look like. Ive lost count how many times i've heard comments about how i look/dress and to be honest, I actually couldn't care, what should matter is that Im happy, that Im doing something that I love, and that Im happy in myself (this is an incredibly poignant moment if you've had a body dysmorphic disorder etc and Im proud of anyone who makes this breakthrough and recovers) Nobody should dictate how your suppose to look, individuality is something that should be celebrated and called for in this day and age, and I feel that in your 20's you become more comfortable in yourself in this situation.

& finally smile more!

your not a sulky teenage anymore, your a grown ass person, crack a smile! Everythings better with a bit more enthusiasm and oomph

Until next time,

Jay

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FAVES / NEW INK + CLOTHING FT GEE HAWKES, ALL SAINTS, ASOS, TOPMAN AND VANS // IYAAJAY

July 10, 2018

close up of tattoo over on Gee's page click here

Torny tee by All Saints click here

Im now getting a little bit obsessed with tattoos and im in love with my latest ones. The peonies were something thats been a long time coming and im so happy I went pretty big with these to really show off how beautiful they are! Gee is a total dream to work with to create the most beautiful work and im so happy that I get to see these everyday! The tee is also a current crush of mine as it literally goes with everything (although its a little bit too heavy for this current humid weather) but Ive loved wearing it lately tucked baggily into ripped denim shorts for a great day off look.

paper crane tattoo close up over on Gee's instagram click here

Vans Authentic in classic black and white click here

After getting my arm piece done, I sneakily added this adorable little crane to the collection, sitting towards the back of my right ankle. Its the perfect little surprise ink as it peaks out from under cropped trousers and really catches peoples eyes which is also a great compliment starts (trust me; the amount of times ive been stopped for my tattoos is getting crazy) As for the shoes, I finally popped along to the Vans store to do the donate and renew scheme they do, where if you take an old pair of vans back to the store, they'll give you £5 off a new pair, which is a pretty swifty deal if you love them as much as I do *ahem* 8 pairs and counting, I have a problem and im aware *ahem*

washed black oversized tank by Topman click here

pork pie hat in camel with diamond crown by ASOS click here

Since getting my tattoos done, and genuinely being more comfortable in my own skin, ive loved nothing more than chucking on an oversized vest, a pork pie hat and living the festival fantasy. Topman really have killed it this year again with the summer range (pretty much ended up with 75% of it *thank god for the staff discount!*) and these really have been a staple for me. Not a fan of the giant side slit? pop it tucked in under a staple shirt and boom! its a great look! The pork pie hat is a real staple in my hat collection as this really goes with so many outfits and I love actually being able to let my hair down (usually I manbun it or ponytail it for work) so its quite a nice change to let it go

Koloa shirt by All Saints click here

suede wrap around choker by ASOS click here

Finally snapped up this shirt when it went into the 30% off promo *annoyingly it has gone down further since BUT my size isn't available so im not that mad* but Im so glad I finally splurged. If theres anything All Saints does amazingly, their shirts really nail it each season. This red is a blood red so its a little more orangey, almost coral red in real life so looks killer paired with a tan and a great pair of shorts, but can easily swapped up in the winter with some black jeans and some chelsea boots. This necklace has also been something thats been sitting in the collection for a while but I hadn't actually found something that it went with perfectly, until this shirt. It gives a real western vibe which is also a huge summer trend this year so its a real win win for me! *hooray for wardrobe hoarding; surely im not the only one who does this?*

All Saints Tye crew click here

blue and white striped chino shorts by Topman click here

mantis loafers by Topman click here

summer for me is the perfect time to break out the lighter items and ive been obsessed with pairing a classic white tee, with stripes and pops of tan (whether thats shoes or a great actual tan *im totally swearing by Isle of Paradise self tanning drops in Light which give a great glow without being too obvious*) the shorts are probably one of the best purchases in a long time as ive been wearing them tons to work or out and about and had a fair amount of compliments on them too which is a real thumbs up for me!

Until next time,

Jay

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OOTD / COACH + COLOUR FT COACH, TOPMAN & ZARA // IYAAJAY

June 17, 2018

items

Coach Campus backpack in smooth leather (unavailable online, purchased at Gunwharf Quays)

Topman rainbow burnout shirt

Topman oversized tank

Topman super spray DIY shorts (let me know if you want a DIY post on these!)

Topman go away tube socks

Zara sock boot trainers

I had a really lovely little mini break to the New Forest this week and couldnt help but pop to Gunwharf Quays whilst I was down that way. I love visiting there as they have some amazing brands and deals (plus its a great place if you have a dog, we took Madison along and she absolutely loved it!) Id been eyeing up a Coach backpack for the longest time, and I finally decided to bite the bullet and get one as a little 3 year work anniversary treat to myself BUT I had great luck. The Campus backpack is the one I originally loved as its a classic style, the perfect size for a day to day use but still looks great and modern but unfortunately I couldnt justify the original £900 price tag but luckily for me, I snapped it up for......wait for it.....£195! Coach were having 50% off everything marked price, so this was originally £390 at the outlet (from the original discounted price of £550) so it worked out at nearly 80% off! I decided to go a little street style with this look by clashing this sheer burnout shirt with a low vest to show off the rib tattoos but also give a great canvas to the classic bag style.

What do you think of this look?

Until next time,

Jay

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OOTD/ PALM TREES AND PRINTS FT TOPMAN // IYAAJAY

June 10, 2018

ecru palm trees oversized tee

blue and white striped shirt

black twill jersey shorts

tan mantis lace up shoe

all Topman

This has got to be one of my fave looks in such a long time. The printed shirt really has taken off this season and pretty much everywhere you look, you'll see one of Topman's latest offerings (couldnt help but own 4 of them so far...) The latest trend, Hawaiian hotshop, really nails the more is more technique which has really pushed me out of my comfort zone but Im absolutely loving it. I really cant wait to crack this look out on holiday too (I know this year im not going on a foreign holiday, but hey!) as its super versatile and can be paired with so many different options too!

What do you think of this look?

Until next time,

Jay

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