Fresh from Paris

Dear Readers,

In today's menswear post, I want to share with you the two looks I liked best from the Spring 2013 menswear collections showcased at Paris Fashion Week. The first, a very non-wearable at present combo, is mix of printed shorts and plain coloured jumper by Hardy Amies. The second is by John Lawrence Sullivan. I have a thing for mustard chinos and checked pieces, so put them together and I'm sold.

    ASOS Printed Shorts, New Look Jumper, Topman Shirt, River Island Belt

New Look Chinos, River Island Shirt, River Island Sunglasses, ASOS Checked Blazer

-B

Prada AW 2012 Menswear

Dear Readers,

Yesterday was a big day for fashion. Our dear Miuccia Prada gave us a taste of what men are to expect come next Winter. Oh, and the Golden Globes,  but that's less important.

But I say, this collection was too extraordinary to wait until next year. Who wants to wait hundreds of days when you can get your Prada going now? 

I was pretty surprised with the variety in this collection. Miuccia did not restrict herself to a key piece but explored some very diverse options. If I had to identify a leitmotif in this divine collection, the term 'double-breasted' would be the word I'd choose. However, single-breasted pieces also made the final cut, and allow me to say, the latter were as exquisite as the former.

Upon seeing the runway show for the very first time, I told myself 'Miuccia's man is powerful this year'. As soon as I saw all those double-breasted pieces, my mind went 'power, it's power'. You do know that double-breasted cuts widen the shoulders right? They make men look more open, and well, manly.

Little did I know that she had already announced that whilst I was still admiring the beauty of the Burberry coats. Prada's collection reminded me of an untouchable man, the kind of man who likes to be seen, yet admired from afar. The catwalk was set in such a way to keep models, amongst which were a string of celebrities like Gary Oldman and Adrien Brody, relatively distant from the audience. The Prada man was like a pilot. Yes, a pilot. It must be those sunglasses that made me think of pilots too. To be frank with you, I'm going to keep a close eye on men's high street stores in the coming months. Someone will surely recreate those and I want them. Bring it!

Do I like it better than Burberry? Probably not, even though I admit, I found more 'flaws' chez Burberry than I did chez Prada. I wasn't as pleased with Prada's fur lapels as I was with their high-collared shirts (omg, really. I'm trying that very soon!), but overall I thought this collection was a breath of fresh air. Who doesn't like a powerful man?

-B

Burberry Prorsum AW 2012 Menswear

Dear Readers,

I come bringing good news. I come with pictures from the Burberry AW 2012 Menswear collection and plenty of words of praise. It's a men's show, I know, but you know how I feel about menswear. I drool.

Allow me to start with the aspects that aren't on my good books. Number one, those cowl-neck / funnel-neck jumpers are just not my thing. I have a passionate displeasure for that neckline, whether it's a man or a woman who sports it. Moving on to the stripe details at the lower edge of those (AMAZING) tan coats. It just doesn't work for me. Oh, and bomber jackets? No. I don't care how cold it is, I really don't make myself justify wearing a bomber jacket, especially if it's quilted.

No, just no!

The two (handsome) gents in the picture below are wearing two of the most exquisite tailored outfits I've seen in a while (I've moved on to the things I liked btw!) I have a thing for the black and grey combination in general, and if it's tailored, well, I could do mad things in reaction. Please note those studded gloves. Get a pair.

Future husband, wear these outfits. Thanks.

Polka dots were featured extensively, especially during the initial part of the show. Herringbone suits and hats and geometric patterns were equally as popular. I love adore them all.

Classy.

A few lines above, I just declared war to bomber jackets. But *drum roll*, I actually liked the ones made from wool and tweed! Truly surprising, I know. Could it be that they remind me of the Chanel tweed numbers? Not so sure, but something made me like them. I couldn't omit the classic Burberry trench coat a mention. It works. Every. Single. Time. 

Velvet Obsession, Hello!

And here comes the most exciting part of the show. Ladies and gentlemen, please raise the roof for velvet! I am not a velvet fan in general - unflattering unless skinny! - but oh my goodness how can I even criticise these velvet suits by Burberry? They are so well made, so tailored, so mahoosively perfect. And oh, just when you thought you saw it all, they do velvet blocking. I am impressed.

Hate the jacket on the left, love the jacket on the right.

I cannot leave you without mentioning those statement umbrellas. How cool are those duck umbrellas? I want one.

Remember my post about my ideal man? Well, add 'must wear Burberry' to the list of requirements.

-B

GQ's 'Most Stylish Men of the Week'

Dear Readers,

This week I realised that most of my posts are oriented towards the ladies, so I said,'mhmm let me subscribe to GQ Magazine and write something for the boys'. Anyway, the first GQ newsletter reached my overcrowded inbox yesterday and my eyes were immediately drawn to an article called 'The Most Stylish Men of the Week'. And here I am, sharing these men with you.

For the boys, watch and learn. For the girls, sit down and enjoy haha!

Ryan Gosling

Ooooo look at our dear Ryan, oozing confidence through each and every pore. Loving the look, especially the tie. He's like 'oh look at me, wearing my tie but it's like I'm dying to take it off!'. We like that Ryan. Not very convinced about those trousers, but hey, I approve it overall. I nearly said 'I approve the package', and that would have sounded very bad. Damn, I said it anyway.

The dear Duke of Cambridge has also been chosen for GQ's very coveted list. I am pleased to see Willy on this list. Let's admit it, he must find it hard to steal the fashion spotlight every once in a while. We all know that his dear Duchess is the fashion icon of the duo. So yes, I'm pleased to see William on this list. He deserves the spotlight sometimes. Oh, and I really like double breasted jackets on men. It's a pity only a few of the opposite sex sport that look!

Next on the list is Mr. Matthew Lewis, a.k.a Neville Longbottom from the Harry Potter movies. The last time I looked at this guy, he looked rather clumsy and unattractive. I knew I should have continued to lust after the Potter mania! I totally overlooked this incredible transformation! He's actually grown. He's handsome :) Well, I guess I have another reason to watch the final Potter installment now!

Why, oh why, has Puffy Daddy (or whatever his name is, he seems to change his name every 6 weeks or so) made this list? This is a mystery that even Sherlock Holmes would find tasking to solve! Overall, the outfit is, erm, horrible. What's up with the possessed pooch on his t-shirt? And why is he wearing a pendant which coincidentally rests on the dog's nose? It makes the dog look even more unsettling. 

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Chris Evans. Mr. Evans was also chosen for GQ's list. Now that's what I'm talking about! The perfect suit, complete with waistcoat and maroon tie. That's a nice touch dear Chris. But, if I may, you need to get a tan as soon as possible!

I am not too impressed with this look from Ryan Reynolds. I mean, don't get me wrong, he's all handsome and well-dressed, YET I can't understand why GQ has chosen him as one of the most stylish gents this week. I don't think he's pulling off anything special, in all honesty. Yikes. But wait, that open shirt does add a little charm doesn't it?

Rawr, this guy looks so good it Hurts. Get it, get it? Theo Hutchcraft, Hurts singer, also landed a place on GQ's hottie list. Well, I can't help but agree. He does look very good in this black tailored piece doesn't he? And if an open shirt adds a bit of charm, an entirely closed one is definitely a winning card!

It's great to see that even GQ appreciated the handsomeness of my future husband, Ed Westwick a.k.a. Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl. Excuse his flip flops, I'll make sure he doesn't do it again. Oh, and about that pair of trousers. Don't wear it with that checked shirt Ed, never again. However, you are still the most handsome man on this planet, even if you were to wear something like a Barney costume.

We shall end this post by looking at why Dolce and Gabbana made this list too. Jamie Millar, author of the GQ article that inspired this post, claims that Dolce's dinner jacket and distressed jeans combo was brilliant. I am totally not in agreement with that. I like the jeans, I like the jacket too. I hate them together. I do like mixing formal pieces with casual items, but this looks so wrong to me somehow. After three minutes staring at this picture, I reached the following conclusion: it's the jacket's lapel! It's the lapel's fault. Had it been  matte I think I would have liked the combination. However, KUDOS for the geeky specs. Always have and always will be a fan of those :D

-B

Boys Boys Boys : Men's Fashion Week S/S 2012

Dear Readers,

I think that if I were the editor of American Vogue, I would bag myself a place in the front row during Men's Fashion Week. Today I decided to dedicate my post to all the boys reading my blog, because I noticed that I rarely wrote something for the gents. Bad woman. This post is also intended for those girlfriends whose boyfriends need urgent styling. Wake up, make him change that blimmin' t-shirt. Oh, and this post also goes to all those narrow-minded 'men' who think fashion is solely restricted to women. No, you're wrong. So wrong. As wrong as that under-vest you're wearing at the moment.

Okay, now let's move on to some eye-candy! I don't have time to write about all the collections I've seen. However, I'm giving you a taste of the creme de la creme :).


Speaking of cream...I was expecting some cream coloured items in Emporio Armani's collection 'Lightness'. But alas, I was wrong. The only lightness in the collection were probably the shapes and materials used: an interesting blend of silks, cottons, oversized trousers and breezy jackets. Personally, I'm not a big fan of wide-legged men's trousers myself. I'm more for skinny trousers. (Don't you even dare start the 'everyone who wears skinny pants is gay' argument. No. And there's nothing wrong with being gay anyway. Don't be jealous. We all know you hate them because you can't pull them off.) I particularly liked the pyjama-like jackets and the use of blues and teals.

Emporio Armani Hotness.

Oh Prada, you're a dream! I can't help but drool at Prada's Spring/Summer 2012 Men's collection. My husband, ie. Chuck Bass, would look very handsome in those pieces. Damn! Prada's collection is definitely very preppy, and much more structured than Armani's. I sense some Wimbledon influences going on. I guess it must be the turf, or those stunning cardigans. Not sure. There are some 'Oliver Twist' vibes too. I think it's those berets. Oh, I have to mention those brogues too. They're out of this world. I believe all men should wear brogues. Unfortunately, I'm not convinced by the flower details, especially the flower trousers.  They're too sleepwear style for me. Sorry Prada. BUT I'm willing to change my opinion. I will reconsider them, promise.

The things I would do for these shoes!

What do you think?

Everyone knows Sarah Burton right? She designs for Alexander McQueen. She designed Kate Middleton's wedding dress as well. Oh, and now she brought Rock back on the catwalk, and we love it. Boys get those striped pieces out, because Burton used them extensively. Striped blazers, striped trousers, striped tops. Whilst I can hardly picture anyone sporting these outfits on the streets, especially here in Malta, I can't help but appreciate the dramatic flair of the collection. Having said that, however, there are a few individual pieces that are more 'wearable', such as the yellow blazer and the blue trousers, both pictured below.

Marry Me.

Rawr!

I left the best for last, as usual. The best, in my humble opinion, were Dolce and Gabbana: the kings of blazers and jackets. This collection does remind me of Emporio Armani's, since they both featured rather breezy pants. Dolce and Gabbana's collection is sleeker, more structured, and its lines are more clearly defined. Once again, I'm not a big fan of harem-like trousers for men, especially if they're paired with structured jackets. Yet, I do like them with their meshed tops. I'm complicated, I know. Dolce and Gabbana employed plenty of mesh in their designs, something I obviously fell in love with. My favourite items were undoubtedly the lapel-less jackets. Those were divine, as divine as a lemon cake.

Where's your lapel boy?

The Hunky Fisherman.

Yikes, I definitely need to attend the next Men's Fashion Week. *jots it down in her to-do list*

-B