Men’s Fashion Tips: Summer 2012

Sorry boys, the days of simply throwing on a T-shirt and jeans are over. Summer 2012 has as many new and funky fashion trends for men as it does for the ladies. 

Make sure you (or your man) aren’t left behind this season, with a rundown of the biggest fashion movements hitting the shelves right now:

Leather

The biggest fabric of the season is arguably also the sexiest one, with good old fashioned leather set to make a come back. 

It has been splashed across catwalks from Paris to Milan, with dramatic head to toe leather outfits and floor length leather coats. 

Be cautious though - this is a good opportunity to remember that what works on the catwalk doesn’t always translate into cool and casual high street attire. Incorporating leather into your outfit should be a subtle affair, channelling the sex symbols of old, including James Dean and Marlon Brando. 

Some of the great styles available at the moment include the cropped blouson–style jackets that work in both the summer and autumn months. 

Prints

Everyone knows that prints are popular with the ladies, but this season they have been given the go-ahead for men too. Some patterns to try include florals, geometrics, camouflage and polka dots. 

The key to success with prints for men is not to go too crazy. Just like you wouldn’t pair clashing prints on a tie and shirt, don’t go too crazy with contrasting prints between trousers, shirt and jacket.

The new blue

There is a standout colour available on the shelves this season that everyone should take note of, and that colour is the humble shade of blue. Several fabulous shades of blue are available, from deep ocean blue to powder blue. Look out for these shades on everything from blazers to jeans.  

Swimsuits

For some reason, even the most fashionable men can be reluctant to replace their old pair of swimming trunks. While board shorts are a comfortable favourite, if you want to keep up with the latest trends in mens swimwear it’s time to let them go in favour of something more up to date. 

Steer clear of drawstrings and mesh panels. Instead opt for a closer fit that mimics the cut of regular shorts. 

Mens swimwear should look comfortable and stylish both in the pool and out. It may be a good idea to look for a shorter style than you are used to. Don’t take this rule too literally - if you have purchased speedos you’ve gone too far. Think a few inches above the knee and look for a bold pattern. Stripes are very fashionable, as are polka dots or even paisley.

These vibrant shorts are a personal favourite of mine

Today's Eye Candy - Abercrombie Models

I thought some of my readers may appreciate this video of some hot Abercrombie & Fitch models dancing to Carly Rae Jepsen's popular, and annoyingly catchy, song Call Me Maybe.

Jepsen is now signed to the record label Schoolboy Records, run by Justin Bieber's manager Scooter Braun

Dirty Fresh Laundry

I've recently discovered the up and coming brand Dirty Fresh Laundry; created in 2010, inspired by the iconic wash care symbols embedded throughout everyday life, this brand comprises a mix of bold prints in fun and exciting colours and is already popular with the music and fashion crowd.

I'm loving the simply stylish design above, £30, and that below, £25.

Head over to Dirty Fresh Laundry's website now for free UK delivery:

 http://www.dirtyfreshlaundry.com/

Hudson Women's A/W 12/13

Fabulous British footwear brand Hudson, well known to be a favourite of mine, have wowed yet again with their women's Autumn/Winter 2012/13 collection. I know that while the sun is out many of us are reluctant to think about when it will all be over but it is never too early to start planning your Fall/Winter wardrobe!!

Why not invest in Hudson's rugged yet chic Cicero boots, coming in both black and tan?

Hudson's Cicero boots in tan.

Or, for something a little more dainty, I suggest the Bolero range. Rosa style modelled below:

A/W 12/13 will be available in stores and online from around May so head over to www.hudsonshoes.com and check out the rest of the range!

Forget Kate Middleton, it's all about Harry!

Britain's most eligible bachelor, Prince Harry, made headlines recently on his recent Jubilee tour - not for Royal matters, but for his footwear. Sister-in-law Catherine Middleton is of great influence fashion-wise with most of her outfits selling out within days of her wearing them and her great fashion sense appears to have rubbed off on Harry.

Everyone's been talking about Harry's shoes. Due to be released imminently from retailer Russell and Bromley, the 'Chuck' style shoe, of which Harry favours the 'tobacco' colour will cost £115.

The 'Chuck' shoe from Russell & Bromley will cost £115

One of my favourite footwear brands, Hudson, has similar items in it's upcoming A/W 2012/13 range which go on sale around May.

Hudson's 'Vasa Tan' style, similar to that worn by Prince Harry.

Russell & Bromley's 'Chuck' shoe will be available in store shortly, with Hudson's similar versions available online and in-store around May. Visit Hudson's website here: http://www.hudsonshoes.com/

Hudson Shoes meets Dashing Tweeds

Combining the best of British fabric innovation with contemporary shoe design and East End nouse, Shoreditch based footwear brand, Hudson, has collaborated with Stoke Newington situated Dashing Tweeds to produce a limited edition range of classic brogues and chukka boots. The fabric, manufactured by renowned Scottish mill, Harris Tweed, is an original design which re-interprets a timeless material for the 21st century. With complementary brand philosophies, both Hudson and Dashing Tweeds revive traditional British patterns by adding a contemporary twist and unique detailing creating modern heritage products.

I'm very excited about this collaboration as, to me, it really is the best of British.

Prices for the mens range, as pictured above, start at £160 while those for women (below) begin at £130.

Visit Hudson's website at http://www.hudsonshoes.com/ to see these and many more fabulous items of footwear.

Earth Hairdressing & AOFM

Wednesday. 'Hump Day'. The day that is far enough into the week that everyone is stressed, yet not far enough for people to be realistically looking forward to the weekend. Last Wednesday I found the perfect solution to this mid-week stress at Earth Hairdressing's makeover event with the Academy of Freelance Makeup (AOFM). Selected press were invited to Earth's Oxford Circus salon to sample their new make-over service with assistance from students at AOFM. The results were then photographed by professional makeover photographer Takazumi Uemura.

Makeup was applied by both students of AOFM and Earth's talented staff

The makeover includes hair consultation and styling

This new service, lasting 90 minutes and costing from £50, includes: hair consultation and styling; professional makeup application; a photo-shoot and review of the photos.

Myself with my gorgeous friend Lois (Bunnipunch)

Attendees had a professional photo-shoot post-makeover

One of the shots from my photo-shoot

While I was there, I decided to have a good look around upstairs and found the lavishly decorated and luxurious VIP room which would certainly turn an already fantastic time at Earth into something even better, along with the room used for Earth's new waxing service.

Earth's makeovers are a great way to treat yourself and de-stress or why not go along with a few friends for make the most of the experience.

To book a makeover, or any other service, contact the Earth team on 0207 291 3670 or visit their website at http://www.earthhairdressing.co.uk.

For more information about AOFM check out their website at www.aofmakeup.com or call them on 0207 434 4488.

This great event was organised by Carrot Top PR (@CarrotTopPR)

Today's Song! Fashion Of His Love (Fernando Garibay remix) - Lady Gaga

Today's song is Fernando Garibay's remix of Fashion Of His Love by Lady Gaga, with a small McQueen reference in the lyrics.

Elle Oct '11 Covered By Agyness Deyn

After the annual fashion frenzy that is The September Issue, October's magazines can be a bit of a let down but I'm glad to see Elle fiercely resisting, with fabulous model Agyness Deyn covering this year's October issue which is also a special edition with guest editing by Frida Giannini (currently Creative Director at Gucci).

So, fashionistas, you better run out to buy this one now as it's predicted to sell quickly.

Earth Hairdressing - Oxford Circus

Last week I attended a fabulous event at Earth Hairdressing to experience a taste of all they have to offer. Guests received hand and head massages, hair consultations, afro stylings, eyebrow threading and facials from organic brand Meltiva. I had a great head and shoulder massage that was truly relaxing.

ActuallyAkeela gets an organic Meltiva facial 

Situated just off Oxford Street, the Japanese-born salon offers high quality service, comfort and luxury with a VIP room with audio/visual entertainment, and free wifi throughout the four-floor salon so that you are free to have the experience that suits you, be it complete relaxation, watching a film or catching up with your friends.

Hair consultations were on offer from Earth's talented team

Earth's chairman, Mr Toshiharu Kokubun, has 21 years of experience, 210 salons and 3000 staff as well as Cafes, dog parlours and a nightclub in Japan, is fully committed to creating the true Earth experience here in London.

The event was organised by the lovely BunniPunch of Carrot Top PR, and her assistant Penny

Now that the leaders of the Japanese hair industry have made their way to London, book an appointment by visiting their website www.earthhairdressing.co.uk or phone 0207 291 3670

Photographs for Earth Hairdressing by Natalie Kaczmarek 

Masato Jones - A/W 2011/12

Friday saw Couture Day at Brighton Fashion Week, where we saw the new collection from Japanese designer Masato Jones for Autumn/Winter 2011/12.

Here's a video of Masato's catwalk finale (start at 4:25):

I must say, some of these designs are simply fabulous! Check out the looks from the catwalk below:

So, what do you think of Masato's new collection? Leave a comment below.