It becomes clear........

It certainly does when it comes to mens fashion in New Zealand. For so long I have wondered why mens fashion has not been more prominent like it is today. The following article explains it all. http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_7907.php

In the article, the writer, Douglas Lloyd Jenkins explains that "Kiwi men dress badly so that people don't think they're gay".

A few years ago I probably would have agreed with this article with the lack of mens clothing stores available to kiwi men.

However, my observations around Wellington now say differently. Being that I am always trying to be aware of my fashion surroundings, I often take notice of what every single male is wearing while I am walking along Lambton Quay in my lunch hour. Overall, I can say that kiwi men (well Wellington men anyway) are more often than not, fashionably well dressed. There are some exceptions, but I do not look at every guy and think they are "gay" just because they are well dressed. It is an easy stereo typical thought though. "He's too well dressed to be straight". That line fits in well with "his girlfriend must pick out his clothes".

As an aside though, if it is true that only gay men dress well......70% of Wellingtons male population must be GAY!!

D.

Transition for a change of season

Firstly, apologies for my lengthy silence which may have seemed like a respite but was more of an extra busy workload.

Since my last post, seasons have changed and I find myself transitioning from winter season clothing to spring season. For Wellington this means the likelihood of gusty and windy days ahead. (for the next 2 months atleast). So how does this affect my fashion decisions? Well it does mean that a beanie is still an essential item even when the sun may be shining. Hairstyles are crucial to completing a look and as windy Wellington lives up to its name from September to November, beanies will assist in keeping the "I've just been electrocuted by a 60v pylon" look at bay.

The key word here is "transitioning" which really means that although winter is officially over, it's ok to still wear winter coats, hats and scarves because we are all still transitioning. To ensure that you don't look confused about what season it is, complement these with a pair of trendy shades.

One good thing about an end of season is that sales will start to appear, for both end of season lines and new season trends. I will keep my eye out on where the best sales are at the moment.

Happy transitioning!!

D.

Top 10 Mens Stores in Wellington

Finally Wellington is starting to cater for the fashionable men in Wellington, although I noticed recently that Ezi-Buy have decided to disestablish their mens range due to the current economic climate. Shame on you Ezi-Buy. Although not really a favourite of mine. In light of noticing more mens stores popping up throughout Wellington, I thought it timely to give you my top 10 list for Mens stores in Wellington.



10. Nicholas Jermyn

Located on the "Golden Mile", Lambton Quay, Northern End just past Lambton Square. this store offers an array of business shirts, ties and cufflinks. The store is actually a unisex store but worth a mention all the same. Prices range from $70 - $300. http://www.nicholasjermyn.co.nz/



9. Meccano

This store is teetering on a mass produced chain store, which is not always a bad thing. Unfortunately Meccano is only located in Porirua and Lower Hutt, but during sale time, can be worth the travel. The store provides a variety of looks and styles from Business suits, shirts and ties to casual clothing such as hoodies, t shirts and casual shirts. Prices range from $20 - $300. You will find the stores in North City Plaza Porirua or Westfield in Lower Hutt. http://www.meccano.co.nz/products/meccano_listing



8. 3 Wise Men

Another unisex store, this store although on the pricey side, offers fantastically bright coloured business and casual dress shirts, cufflinks, ties and satchels. It is located on the corner of Panama St and Lambton Quay. There are only 4 stores in New Zealand (Akl, Wgtn & Chch). Prices range from $100 - $400. http://www.3wisemen.co.nz/default1.asp



7. TaroCash

An imported store all the way from Australia, this was once one of my favourite stores when it was only available in Australia. Located on Willis St, the store offers a wide range of mens casual and dress clothing including Shoes. Latest styles, brands and colours are all available instore. Prices range from $69 for a great shirt to $300 for a jacket. They often have good sales on as well.

http://www.tarocash.com.au/online/PS2/stock_store.asp?Caffiliate=22&Ccategory=40&Csubheading=NZ



6. YD

A store that is very similar to TaroCash and also recently imported from Australia, YD again provide latest styles, brands and colours from shirts, belts, beanies, jackets, suits and shoes. Definately worth a look. The store is located on Lambton Quay not far from Capital on the Quay. Prices instore range from $69 to $300/$400

http://www.yd.com.au/



5. Working Style

Definately on the pricey side but offering a unique tailoring style. Working Style is where you will find a variety of suits, shirts and ties. Working Style has been in business for over 20 years and have been able to perfect their hand-finished suits, tailor-made business shirts, casual wear and urban accessories The store is located in Woodward St, just off Lambton Quay before Lambton Square. Prices range from $200 - over $1000. http://www.workingstyle.co.nz/



4. Mandatory

Mandatory is a mens boutique located exclusively in Cuba Street. It is a highly regarded New Zealand Brand. They provide a variety of great suiting, workwear and fashion pieces. The store also operates as a classic men’s outfitter with tailoring services and wardrobe planning assistance where needed. The unique style instore will draw you in everytime. Prices range from $50 - $400. http://www.mandatory.co.nz/



3.Farrys

Always a favourite of mine, Farrys offers a variety of clothing styles specifically for men. The sales are always excellent and I always find the staff quite pleasant. The store is located in Willis St, just past Chews Lane, after recently moving from Lambton Quay. Prices range from $50 - $400. http://www.streetsite.biz/index.cfm?fuseaction=guest.home&hp=10050



2. Witchery Man

The newest of the Australian imports, Witchery Man, a spin off of the original Witchery (womens store), Witchery Man offers casual and dress clothing for men, including jeans, jackets, shirts and T Shirts. I noticed they currently have a sale on as well. I was very excited when I noticed the store which recently opened on Featherston St, after discovering it in Australia in May. Prices range from $50 - $400.

http://www.witchery.com.au/



1. Marcs

Finally, my current favourite of stores is Marcs. Again an import from Australia, this store recently had a great sale on of up to 70%. Hence why it's currently my fave. The store includes both a womens and mens range with latest styles and colours of a European influence. The store itself, located on Lambton Quay, next to Star Bucks in the Old Bank Arcade, is airy and light with pleasant staff. Prices range from $50 - $500

http://www.marcs.com.au/spring-summer-08-mens.html

And not to forget those stores that didn't quite make my top list but deserve a mention anyway - such as Espirit men, Lorenzo Uomo and Amazon. Let's hear it for mens store domination!!

D.

Fashion at its worst

It's true that sometimes fashion trends can be somewhat warped. Just when mens fashion and in particular, the "metrosexual" male domination was starting to take hold, where men were just starting to feel comfortable with their inner femininity and take care of the way they look (skincare, clothes, and hair), new mens fashion trends have decided to push the limits and scare the "metrosexual" back into the hidden depths of Narnia.

Two recent articles have caused me to raise the question "what is the fashion world coming to"?

The first article on stuff showed off the latest mens spring - summer 2010 fashion collection at Paris fashion week by well known and quite reputable fashion designer, Jean Paul Gaultier. http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/fashion/2543113/Gaultier-delivers-gender-bending-menswear judge for yourself and consider whether you would like to be walking down the street in a denim bustier!! One thinks not.

The second article at http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/fashion/2558804/Men-in-tights provides an opinion on men wearing leggings. NO NO NO NO!! This idea is as bad as the idea that men can wear skinny jeans, in which the article agrees with my thinking. To be honest, I blame the Emos.

Let's hope that these wannabe trends fall flat on their skinny little derriers like that of the oh so tragic mullet.

D.

Style or Comfort

Winter certainly has set in and I find myself spending longer in the hot shower trying to work out firstly how cold the day is going to be and secondly what I should wear to work that day. Winter makes this decision quite hard. Layers help, but there is only so many layers a male can wear before he starts looking like an eskimo. (Can I use that term or is it racist?).

Anyway, this morning was a typical crispy morning where Corporate Wellington were all on a mission to get to their warm buildings before their fingers and toes fell off. All rugged up in beanies, scarves, gloves and coats.

As I sat outside Mojo Old Bank Arcade, I happen to notice the most odd/interesting ensemble a man was wearing. This guy was wearing the usual winter woolies of a beanie, a scarf and a coat, however................I look down at his feet and he was wearing a brown pair of leather Hush Puppy Carmac dress sandals. Now don't get me wrong, the look was great...................IF IT WASN'T MINUS ONE MILLION DEGREES!! HELLLOOO!! I almost got frost bite just looking at them.

The point of my post is...........Is style really that more important than comfort??

D.

Terminology

I stand corrected!! A wise friend of mine who knows fashion has rightfully pointed out that the correct term for "cufflink holes" (see Top 10 list) should be "double cuff shirts or sleeves". This wise "fashionista" also felt that all shirts should have double cuff sleeves. I have a difference of opinion on that one, but of course she is English. :)

(A double cuff is also called a French cuff. It is an alternative to buttons. A dress shirt cuff is folded and then closed with cuff links or silk knots. Fabric knots and cuff links are solely designed for double cuffs or French cuffs. Double cuffs were regarded as more formal than button cuffs however more and more are being adopted as the preferred fashion statement).

D.

Top 10 list........

Well here is the first of many 10 ten lists I'm sure, voted by me. I'd also be keen to know what top 10 lists you would like to see. Let's see if we can agree on some things!!

The first top 10 list I will give you is.............Top 10 mens fashion accessory.

Most people will usually associate the word accessory with women's fashion (jewellery, shoes, bags etc). Well I'm here to tell you that men's accessories have now become as important as womens. For those blokey blokes who don't wish to use the word "accessory" you can call it the "men's additional", but for the purposes of this blog I will call them accessories.

So, the top 10 mens accessories as voted by me are:

10.Watches

Hard to believe, but watches are an important accessory to a completed look. For a corporate or more formal look, a more dressy style of watch required. Silver, Gold or black face with a dark strap for a formal look, and a sports style watch for a more casual or sporty look.

9. Belts

I have noticed more and more that men's belts are increasing in price. I think that men's retails stores have cotton on to the fact that a man's belt, or more accurately speaking, the man's belt buckle can make or break a look. Average costs in retail stores for men's belts range from between $50 and $100. Stainless steel plated belt buckles have now become the trend for the work pant and tucked in business shirt look. White belts have been designed to compliment the jeans and shoes in a casual urban look or dark work pants and white shoes for the more formal casual dress look for work. Great with a pink shirt.

8. Beanies

As we are now in full winter mode, the beanie becomes an important accessory to keep your head warm. BUT........we all have different shapes and sizes of heads and faces, therefore it is very important to choose the right beanie to suit. To add to the dilemma, be sure that your beanie is of the right colour. To err on the side of caution if you are unsure, always choose black. The beanie should also match the style of clothing you have on. For instance, if you have chosen an urban look - a capped woolen beanie will compliment the look. If you are in corporate dress mode, then a plain dark beanie tight enough to mould into your headshape (and gloves to match) will suffice.

Me myself, I like to mix it up a little. Some days I will wear a woollen capped beanie for my corporate look, depending on the type of jacket I am wearing. On casual fridays I like to wear a white beanie which matches a white Ralph Lauren Polo jacket. Anyone with dark complexion can often pull off wearing white. I am lucky to have inherited a dark complexion and a good shaped head and face.

Finally, if you are getting headaches while wearing your beanie, it means it's too small for your head and you need a new one.

7. Scarves

Continuing on the winter theme and a complimentary must, the scarf will not only keep your chest warm on those crispy southerly Wellington mornings, but it can also be an all day accessory that can be worn after your jacket comes off. For a complete consistent look, match your scarf with gloves and beanie.

6. Cuff Links

No longer just a gentlemen's accessory, cufflinks seem to have made a comeback. Were they ever out? A lot of trendy and stylie shirts will now come with sleeves that have cufflink holes. For safety, source silver plated or black cufflinks, but don't be afraid to mix it up with some colourful ones. During a recent trip to China, my partner procured a variety of cufflinks with a plethora of styles and colours (majority of them being knock off brands) but hey....they look great.

5. Ties

Another great comeback (although never really out) are ties. Fantastic colours and patterns infuse many men's boutique stores such as Vance Vivian, Country Road Men and Working Style. Don't be afraid to experiment with mixing colours of ties with shirts but don't go overboard. Wearing your tie with a matching waistcoat and pants will definately turn heads.

4. Hats

I know I have covered one type of hat under beanies, but I thought that the beanie deserved a place on it's own. Every other hat falls under this category. In particular the Vintage Fedora hat with stingy brim is a popular buy at the moment. A great casual look and many styles and colours. Retail stores such as Amazon on Lambton Quay and Hallensteins stock many styles of these hats. Hands up who wants to look like Justin Timberlake?

3. Rings

Including your wedding ring, it is important to consider whether you are a silver of gold person. I am a silver person, meaning between gold and silver, I can only wear silver rings on my hands. For a safer look though, titanium is ok. So if choosing a casual ring to wear for the day or if you have an impending wedding coming up, be sure to get involved with choosing your ring.

2. Bags

The latest bag trends for men is the satchel or as some may like to call it "the man bag". Many styles and colours are available to choose from and going by the prices of most satchels these days, this is a popular item for men. The satchel should be warn on the shoulder, across the chest and resting on the opposite hip. This is also a great way to give the illusion of a slender build for that metrosexual weight concious male.

1. Spectacles

My final top 10 will probably surprise you. Spectacles have become an essential fashion accessory. There is an abundance of styles and colours available. I believe it was Gok Wan, who was recently in New Zealand promoting Specsavers latest spectacle styles, who said “Glasses are no longer nerdy or boring; they are definitely seen in the UK and Europe as a key fashion accessory. Kiwis really need to change their attitude towards glasses and I’m down here to show exactly how to get specs appeal,”. This is so true. My own advice is, if you can afford it, try to have 2 or more pairs of spectacles to give you different looks.

D.

Is it a sale??

With the NZ economy still in a recession, it's not surprising there are many sales on at the moment. But fashionistas beware!! There may be many signs in shop windows indicating 20%, 50% and even 70% but always look at the small print which states up to........... Walking along Lambton Quay, I have noticed many stores with sales, such as Shoe Connection "Up to 60% off". This has initially drawn me into the store only to find that finding something that is discounted by 60% is a rarity and the shoes which are discounted the most, I wouldn't put on my cat.

There are some exceptions however. Yesterday I noticed that Line 7 on Lambton Quay is having a 60% sale on everything. None of this "up to" business. Now I know that the store doesn't always stock the most fashionable items but I managed to score me the very last woolen grey and turquoise reversable scarf marked down from $50 to $20. Now that's a discount, and Marcs on Lambton Quay currently have an up to 70% off sale. I thought I would go in for a browse today whilst thinking I would only be able to afford to pretend to be buying something by picking it up and trying it on then putting it back on the rack as if I didn't like the item..............WELL.....to my very surprise, I actually walked out of the store with the most amazing 3 quarter tartan patterned black and grey coat at 60% less than the original retail price. Be it that the original price was $500 is not the point. $200 for this very stylie coat is still pretty good in my books.

There were definately other items in the store that had atleast 60% off. Yay Marcs.

Other stores with sales on include Barkers - 20%, Bank Shoes final sale days of 50% and Hallensteins up to 50% on some items, YD up to 50% off some items, Tarocash up to 50% some items. Unfortunately for YD and Tarocash, the items discounted the most seem to be XL sizing.

Back to my own purchases though, as we are still in a recession , I do have some guilt or is it guilty pleasure??

D.

How important is the shape of your shirt?

In fashion, this is highly important.

The cut of your shirt can differentiate between walking down the street in a tent or showing off a tall lean figure.

This morning I wore a shirt with a "slim fit" cut. I received two comments on how different I looked and how I looked like I had lost weight. Although I am trying to lose weight, I don't think it's the actual losing of the weight that has brought this stand out look about. It was all in the cut of my shirt.

Beware though, "Slim fit" does not necessarily equate to a natural body look. some slim fit shirts will instantly lose their shape after one wash. The trick is in the actual cut of the shirt. The best slim fit cut shirts will often have two seams running parallel to each other from just below each shoulder blade down to just above the top of the hips.

This type of shirt can look great on both the lean and the more heavier set guy and can even give the impression of a slimmer build. This is more effective with your shirt not tucked. That's not to say a tucked in slim fit business shirt can't look great. With the right cut, and belt and trousers to match, this can be a great look.

D.

Introductions

Hello and welcome to my blog. I hope you enjoy following my updates of the "goings on" in mens fashion and trends, particularly in the Wellington region of New Zealand.

Now I don't profess to be an expert in Mens Fashion, however I have been told that I have a keen eye for the right match, and my observations to date in Wellington have lead me to create this blog to help men, and women who think their men need it, understand what's hot, what's not, faux pas', and best buys.

So firstly, lets start with some introductions. My name is Deryk and I am a 30 year old male living in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. From my profile you would have seen that I have an interest in fashion. My ultimate dream job would be as a chief fashion buyer for some big fashion retail chain. Either shoes or clothes, it doesn't matter to me. Style is what I'm all about.

I have lived in Wellington all my life. My family of 4 brothers and 2 sisters, mum and dad, left me nearly 9 years ago to start a new life in Australia. That's ok, at first I felt abandoned even though it was my choice to stay, then came the feel of independence and now it's just a feeling of missing out on those family moments.

I do try and get over to Australia as much as I can. It's the best excuse for me to update my wardrobe. This is because, I rarely buy clothes in New Zealand. I don't feel New Zealand, particularly Wellington, really caters for NZ Men. I have noticed this slowly improve over the past couple of years - Marcs on Lambton Quay being the latest (although pricey I suspect) store which caters for men.

There are a few more mens clothing stores in Wellington but I don't really buy from mass producing retail outlets. There is nothing worse than walking down Lambton Quay one day with that new top you bought yesterday from Jean West and another guy walking the opposite way heading towards you with EXACTLY the same top on. And to make it worse they either make the item of clothing look hideous and embarrassing to wear, or they look better than you do!! Therefore, I try and save all my clothing shopping for my trips overseas and stock up big time until I am able to trip away again.

One annoying thing I am finding though is some of those favourite stores I used to shop at in Australia such as Taro Cash are now opening stores in Wellington. How am I supposed to stay uniquely fashionable if you are gonna offer the same to everyone else? Anyway, all this means is that I need to find new stores in Australia.

Don't get me wrong I still support the NZ economy. But I probably would support it once in a blue moon when an item not likely to be worn in Wellington by anyone, is on Sale.

So there you go....my introduction for my first ever blog.

This blog aims to provide the reader with some healthy hints, tips and information for guys who need a change (Extreme makeover here we come), girlfriends who needs tips to help "fashionise" their boyfriends, or information for any male on where to buy that item. This blog will set you on your way.

My updates will include; Top 10 lists as voted by me, what's hot or not, latest mens accessories, latest sales on in Wellington and much much more.

I will endeavour to update this blog every couple of days so I hope you enjoy following it and I look forward to receiving many comments from you all.

Deryk