Author: thatstylishguy1

The Importance of Accessorising

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Leather Jacket, Chelsea Boots, Black Jeans and a White Tee. That sounds like a great outfit right? It is, however there comes a time where classic starts to become a little boring. That time is when accessories come into play. Jewellery, Watches, Belts and Shoes. These can all be used to add personality to your outfits. They let you stamp anything you wear with a little more you, adding a necklace to the above outfit or a belt by your favourite brand keeps things classic but with just enough of a twist to keep things from getting stale. Accessories can be used to add just a little more je ne sais quoi to your outfits and elevate them from classic to fantastic. They add personality and interest and they even make it seem like you have put in more effort then you have. Tucking a t-shirt into a pair of trousers to show off a belt just makes things look more considered. Similarly it is the little variations in shoes that separate them. A flash of colour here, an unusual silhouette there. These are all things that allow you to keep your outfit measured and classic just with more personality.

This is why accessories are important even for a fashion novice. They let you play it safe with the rest of your outfit and yet still stand out and look just a little more interesting than your average joe.

So, people, get on out there and accessorise.

Why the New Top Gear deserves your attention

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Several years ago now, one of the world’s most beloved TV shows suffered a fall from grace. The show was Top Gear and with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May at the helm; the show was beloved by millions across the globe. After significant controversy involving Jeremy Clarkson (as usual), the three departed in acrimony to pastures new. With Amazon, they have continued delivering content worthy of Top Gear in its pomp with The Grand Tour. The second and most recent season of this marked the end of an era for the broadcasters. They have opted to move away from the studio format and focus on the special episodes (which were always the best). However, this has left a hole in need of filling; one which I believe can be amply filled by the latest iteration of Top Gear over on the BBC.

Alongside the debut of The Grand Tour on Amazon, the BBC rapidly tried to replace everyone’s favourite motoring trio. They landed upon a new team of Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc who would be supported by 4 co-presenters; Chris Harris among them. This iteration of Top Gear failed to reignite the magic after trying to take the show back to its more factual roots. Ratings plummeted and after only one season, Chris Evans departed the project.

This left us with Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris and Rory Reid. This was a definite improvement. Harris and Reid were intelligent journalists who put across their points in a likeable and entertaining way, while LeBlanc was his usual charming self. The programme moved back towards its more fun-loving self as it was in the later years of Clarkson, Hammond and May. A mix of specials and car reviews helped the presenters put across their naturally likeable selves and this made for a much more entertaining and compelling programme overall. LeBlanc and Harris received particular praise and I for one love the balance of expertise and childish wonder that Harris brings to the table. There was however just one problem, one that you couldn’t quite put your finger on. All of the parts seemed to make a very competent whole but it just lacked the panache of the original trio. Some of the humour felt stilted and overall it just lacked some of the flair that Clarkson, Hammond and May had brought to Top Gear and have since brought to the Grand Tour.

This leads us onto the new iteration of Top Gear and one that really shouldn’t logically work. Replacing LeBlanc and Reid were a comedian and a cricketer – how could this be an improvement? Several episodes in however, this seems an inspired move. Top Gear has finally found its rhythm again with the hilarious banter between Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and the returning Chris Harris. As a show it has really got its mojo back.

The play between the new presenters is brilliant and will only get better with time. Although there is still some serious journalism in there, it is hidden because you are laughing so much. This is just as Top Gear was at its peak. All three presenters bounce off each other so naturally and I swear that Paddy and Freddie is the next great bromance that Britain needs. Even the serious stuff is presented with the necessary amount of tire squeal and awe inspiring cars.

Specials are also back in a big way. True, they never really left the show but the level of originality and humour is back in the show at the height of its powers. The perfect example is the most recent episode, a special which took Paddy and Freddie to Borneo and Brunei. The special not only delivered on all of the wacky car shenanigans that one would expect but also wasn’t afraid to delve into controversy. After all, Brunei’s recent laws against homosexuality did put this special in doubt. However, in a move which shows how confident the new presenters are, they not only aired the special but presented the cars featured painted in pride colours at the end of the episode. This is of course not only an important sign of solidarity in recent times but also shows something even old Top Gear occasionally lacked – progressiveness. The show still keeps the humour but manages to do so in a much more modern and politically correct way which, really, can only be a good thing.

So there you have it. If a car show void is left in you by the ending of the studio era of The Grand Tour – don’t fret. The latest season of Top Gear is the answer to your worries. After a few false starts, we finally have something approaching peak Top Gear as serious journalism is made fun once again.

The best thing? It can only get better as the presenters’ chemistry increases in future seasons.

Why Toy Story 4 is the perfect end to one of cinemas greatest franchises.

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So it happened Pixar – for the second time – took a sequel that nobody wanted and turned it into an incredible entry into one of cinemas most critically acclaimed franchises. Nearly a decade after Toy Story 3 brought us all to tears Toy Story 4 arrived with many once again branding the sequel unnecessary. I wasn’t worried that Pixar would do us all proud once again. After all everyone was saying similar things about Toy Story 3 and that turned out to be another masterpiece. So not only did Pixar deliver on my expectations but they also put the perfect end on a franchise that many thought had ended perfectly already. If you thought Woody slowly tipping his hat as Andy drove away was as good as it got I’m sure this film surprised you.

Toy Story 4 picks up with everyone’s favourite Toys as they enjoy life with their new owner Bonnie. However this is not Paradise for everyone, Woody finds himself falling by the wayside with young Bonnie. This is a new experience for Woody who had always been Andy’s favourite. Matters are complicated when Bonnie ‘creates’ Forky – a new toy comprised of a spork. What follows is a whirlwind tale of belonging and purpose told in a way to appeal to adults and children alike. This occurs as Woody discovers there is more to life than to be a child’s toy and how he wrestles with his lack of purpose without Andy. Along the way many incredible new supporting characters are introduced such as Duke Kaboom played hilariously by Keanu Reeves, these new characters join our old favourites for the adventure.

This culminates in the perfect ending for the franchise and a completion of Woodys arc across the films. I won’t spoil the specifics but what I can say is that it successfully resolves the story threads that have run throughout the franchise and for those of us who grew up with these films it brings a new sense of closure that not even Toy Story 3 could match.

Overall Toy Story 4 was a perfect ending to a perfect film franchise and one that has endured throughout my entire childhood.

Spring Outfit #4

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Colour Block

Colour blocking is here in a big way for SS19 here is an easy way to match the trend.

Base Layers

White Jeans – A spring and summer essential the white jean has evolved from a hooray associate into a stylish staple. They just as easy to wear as black jeans only with added flair and this makes them an ideal basis to an outfit. Endlessly versatile. Endlessly stylish. Get some in a slim fit for the easy riviera vibes.

Simple Tee – Now this is the part that can be debated. Everyone has their own favourite T-shirt brand and style. I would personally recommend Uniqlo on the high street and Sunspel if you want to take things upmarket. The key here is getting a T-shirt that fits you perfectly and picking any colour you like. Navy, Red, Orange as long as you keep them simple and pick a colour that doesn’t wash you out feel free to go crazy. Just make sure to pay attention to fit. Whether you want a classic style or hyper modern slim fit make sure you get one that is just right. After all the sky is the limit.

Outerlayer

Chore Coat – A complementing Chore coat is the perfect accompanying jacket to wear with this outfit. It suits the colourful theme and is a style that is trending hugely at the moment. The key here is to go for a colour the compliments the tee you are wearing. For example if you are wearing a light blue tee opt for a jacket a few shades darker or vice versa. This keeps the colours flowing and makes the outfit seem more harmonious. Not to mention all those pockets will come in useful. For a bit more of a swerve wear a darker tee with a lighter chore coat.

Footwear

Complimenting Trainers – Now the best way of matching this to the outfit is to opt for a pair of shoes in a similar colour to either your jacket or your tee. This keeps the outfit colourful amidst the white canvas (literally) of the Jeans. Once the colour is just about matched you can vary it up with style. Anything from cutting edge chunky sneakers and sneaker socks to retro vans and Adidas feel free to express yourself.

Accessories

Black Woven Belt – This brings more summer vibes as well as an additional texture to the outfit. It’s simple laidback accessorising that helps elevate the outfit.

Style Move

Shirt Tuck – This streamlines the silhouette whilst also keeping it perfectly balanced between smart and casual. Giving it a perfect blend of retro and trending. After all of its good enough for Virgil Abloh it’s good enough for us.

Sockless – Wear no-show socks to expose some ‘mankle’ and give the look a summery vibe. This exposure of skin goes a long way to making the outfit seem sharp and contemporary as well as letting you lean into that Spring/Summer fun.

Film Review :- Avengers: Endgame (Spoiler Free)

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So this is just going to be a quick rundown because there is way too much to spoil here.

I went to the midnight showing tonight to get as early a view as possible and avoid spoilers. I was completely blown away by the whole film. I would never of really believed they could of topped Infinity War but they went and did it. The story subverts expectations in the most clever and interesting of ways. It never does what you expect and is all the better for it. Furthermore the writing and performances are excellent across the board with special shoutouts going to Josh Brolin, Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr for their performances. One thing that really struck me was how sidesplitting the film was when it could of taken things down a much more somber route. Overall they got the balance perfect and produced one of the years finest films with one of the most incredible and talented ensemble casts you are likely to see.

I’ll stop it here to avoid spoilers but yes you need to see this ASAP and yes somehow they topped anything previously seen in the MCU taking 11 years of backstory and paying it all off.

#dontspoiltheendgame

Spring Outfit #3

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Tonal Blue

Tonal dressing is a massively stylish move to utilise. It makes any outfit look pulled together and interesting. Also despite it being monochrome it also shows a great amount of originality and personality. The key with tonal dressing is to mix textures and colours whilst maintaining an overall theme of one colour. Like this example with blue.

Base Layers

Blue chinos – Now I think the perfect base for this would be some light or pastel blue chinos. Most people would say you should go darker with your trousers than your top so this subverts that. Keeping things light down below also nods to the fact that this is an outfit with the warmer climbs of spring and summer in mind. The light colour nods to the current trend for pastels in SS19 and going for a chino makes it a perfectly versatile balance between smart and casual. Seeing as it is spring you can either opt for a cropped pair or give the trousers some turn ups.

Navy Polo Shirt – Another preppy staple and smart-casual master – the polo shirt. There can be a fair amount of options here. You can go for a standard polo or mix it up with a retro inspired open collar polo which is what I would recommend. Further more you can keep things plain or experiment with a pattern. For tonal dressing additional pops of colour are always good so I would recommend opting for one with white trim. Overall a knitted polo shirt with a base colour of navy and white trim or stripes is the most stylish option here.

Outer Layers

Light Wash Denim Jacket – Introducing an additional colour and texture to the outfit as well as a casual air. This prevents the outfight from looking too formal and provides a sharp contrast with the other textures present on the outfit. It is also the lightest colour of the outfit which provides an additional blue to keep things tonal.

Footwear

Blue sneakers – Perfect to keep things both casual and in keeping with the tonal outfit would be some blue sneakers. However you also want to add an additional element of interest and colour with the sneakers. Something like Adidas Campus’ with white trim or Vans Old Skools with their two tone blue would work perfectly here. This also leans casually providing perfect contrast with the smarter polo and chinos.

Accessories

Navy Woven Belt – An additional texture to bring to the outfit whilst also keeping things tonal.

Style Moves

Shirt Tuck – This streamlines the silhouette whilst also keeping it perfectly balanced between smart and casual. Giving it a perfect blend of retro and trending. After all of its good enough for Virgil Abloh it’s good enough for us.

Sockless – Wear no-show socks to expose some ‘mankle’ and give the look a summery vibe. This exposure of skin goes a long way to making the outfit seem sharp and contemporary as well as letting you lean into that Spring/Summer fun.

Why I love stripes

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As some of you may of noticed from my photos I’m rather a fan of stripes on clothing. Whether Horizontal or Vertical, on jumpers, tees or trousers I think they are a great pattern to incorporate in your dressing. They add a further element of interest to your outfits and despite the old stories they don’t in fact make you appear broader. On top of this patterns never fail to make a look appear more interesting and unique.

Stripes of any variety are just plain classic. Horizontal stripes channel the traditional uniform of the French Navy a la Breton stripes. This adds a French edge to the outfit. Vertical stripes on the other hand bring to mind a preppy or tailored ensemble. Pinstripes for example are being taken back from Wall Street by the fashion world at the moment. Preppiness is another trend that’s going to be huge in SS19 so utilising verticals stripes will be trending hard this season.

Overall they are a simple pattern that can be used to add colour to an outfit or channel any number of style inspirations. From Parisian cool guy to the preppiest of prep these versatile patterns allow you to take the best from various style groups and utilise them yourself to suit your own personal style.

Spring Outfit #2

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Spring Blackout

Now crucial to this look is subverting expectations. That’s why we are using a dark wintery colour but using items more associated with Spring and Summer creating an interesting contrast. This outfit never fails to look sharp and stylish.

Base Layers

Black Cuban Collar Shirt – A simple black shirt. However one that is trending hard right now. Black shirts are enjoying something of a renaissance right now with many of Hollywood’s most fashionable stars opting for them. Similarly Cuban Collar shirts have been trending hard for a few years now. Combine the two for an effortless smart casual top to wear as part of this tonal outfit.

Black Pleated Cropped Trousers – Another style from yesteryear that is trending hard is the pleated trouser. Giving a classy mid-century air to the outfit this trousers are also great for spring and summer due to the extra room they provide. Keep your style with a slight taper and a crop in order to keep things modern however. Opt for a lighter fabric such as Cotten to keep this trouser spring ready and it will add an interesting new element to this monochromatic outfit. Leaning into the tonal yet not as it may seem nature of this outfit.

Outer Layer

Leather biker jacket – Now to give this outfit some rock and roll edge. Nothing is better for that than a leather biker jacket. It adds an air of Parisian nonchalance To proceedings and is just damn cool. Not to mention it’s one of the most iconic pieces in the of menswear which is never a bad thing. In this look it also adds more texture and interest which is always needed when dressing tonally.

Footwear

Minimalist White Sneakers – Now to add a vibrancy to the outfit opt for minimalist white kicks. It is spring after all. Not only does this stark contrast between black and white make you stand out but it also looks a million bucks. A small flash of white goes a long way to making the whole outfit pop. Not only this but it also stops the look from making it seem as though you are melting. Get a luxurious pair and they will add an expensive sheen to the outfit and certain brands act as a *wink wink* to those in the know.

Accessories

Black Woven Belt – Again this is to help mix up the texture. It gives the look a more laidback and casual vibe whilst also making it appear more summery.

Style Moves

Shirt Tuck – When wearing pleated trousers shirts should normally be tucked in. This streamlines the silhouette whilst also prevents it from looking like too much of a throwback. Giving it a perfect blend of retro and trending. After all of its good enough for Virgil Abloh it’s good enough for us.

Sockless – Wear no-show socks to expose some ‘mankle’ and give the look a summery vibe. This exposure of skin goes a long way to making the outfit seem sharp and contemporary as well as letting you lean into that Spring/Summer fun.

Movie Review :- Instant Family

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Having been around for the last few weeks I was excited when my opportunity to see this recent studio comedy came around. Recent years have seen a revival in the studio comedy. 2018 gave us the side splitting Game Night and the incredible and progressive Blockers. Whilst Instant Family is perhaps not on the level of Blockers it still seems like this is going to be another great year for comedy.

Instant Family follows Pete and Ellie (Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne) on their journey to adopt three young children. The film follows the trials and tribulations of a new family as they journey from foster parents towards full adoption.

The film packs it’s fair share of emotional punches but ends up being heartwarming fun for the whole family.

The script is sharp and the performances elevate what could be overly sentimental into something more lifelike. The three kids all seem realistic characters and very funny even if they hint at a more sinister history. The adults also give good performances seeming realistic and have good chemistry both with each other and the kids. We know by now what Mark Wahlberg brings to the table and his earnest performance combines well with Rose Byrnes more varied role. A special shoutout must also go to Octavia Spencer with possibly the funniest role in the whole film.

Now without spoiling too much the movie deals excellently with some real world issues dealt with in a delicate yet respectful way. The dark pasts of many of the foster kids is both explained and often explicitly shown in the ways it has effected them as they mature. As well as this the film has some real emotional beats when it gets down to it. Watching a family grow and try to find, as the movie would say a ‘cosmic connection’ is heartwarming. However that doesn’t prepare you for a few twists before the end that show just how much love has grown between the titular ‘Instant Family’ throughout the film as well as how difficult these situations can be for the adopted children. As they are caught between their new parents and their original mother.

Overall the film isn’t going to win any Oscars but then that isn’t the aim. It is an immensely enjoyable film that gives realistic characters and brings attention to serious issues in the world as well as how difficult they can be for everyone involved.

Definitely worth a watch but if you’re a sensitive soul take the tissues. You’re going to be on a ride from heartwarming to devastating. After all, it’s one of the most heartwarming films of the year.

My Hairstyle

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So, many of you will have noticed from my photos on Instagram that I take great pride in my hair. It took me a lot of experimenting and research to find a style that I am truly happy with and suits me. In the end I settled on the textured, voluminous quiff that I sport today.

It was a case of one day deciding to reinvent my hair I always used to favour a more low maintenance hairstyle of my fairly unruly hair just thrown over to one side but I decided it was time for an upgrade.

I started by just looking though pictures before settling on the fact I wanted a quiff. In the end some of my main inspirations ended up being people like James Dean, Armie Hammer, Harry Styles David Beckham and of course Elvis. One of the key appeals to me was the timelessness and glamour of it all. To modernise it and after further research I decided I’d like the sides to taper (ironic given it originated in the 19th and 20th centuries). This gives the whole style a clean look and makes it far less maintenance.

After making the initial switch I continued to experiment with different styles and products. For a long while I used a pomade to really get that old school shine to my hair. However my hair is extremely thick and messy naturally so this took a lot of work. Ultimately I made the switch to using sea salt spray and a paste. This lets me harness the curls of my hair rather then combating them. The extra texture is easy to apply and looks great given the natural state of my hair. This more textured and slightly messier look is less old school and more in keeping with modern trends and I must say I’ve never been happier with my hair. I can play around with volume and texture to my hearts content and end up with some great styles which I can very slightly from day to day but keeping the overall style intact.

To style I use the salt spray first and then use a hairdryer to add volume and to style the shape of the hair. Then I’ll use a paste to hold it in place and then a spray of hairspray to add some additional strength and shine.

So there we have it, the journey I took to get my current hairstyle and how I style it.