Tag: Style Advice

Style advice, tips and inspiration from the red carpet, celebrities, and street style from guys just like you. We’ll help you style out for the fashion season ahead.

Where should I get my style inspiration from?

I recently received a question from a reader; “Hi, you always look so great day-to-day, where do you get your inspiration from?”

I look to the stars for help. No, I don’t just stare at the sky and wait for inspiration I mean ‘stars’ as in ‘Celebrities’ of course. Guys lets admit it sometimes we all need a little help when it comes to choosing our outfits and picking out on trend styles that are going to turn heads for the right reasons and not because we’ve left the house looking like a crazy birthday cake.

Celebs have stylists and fashion experts on hand to that are paid to do this job for them every day. It’s only fair that we also benefit from this, right?

But be careful, not all celebrities get it right… Ok, ok you’ve twisted my arm, here my list of on-trend celebs that I take inspiration from when delving into my wardrobe. You’re very welcome.

DAVID BECKHAM
CREDIT: © s_bukley Depositphotos
Fan favourite David Beckham has grown to be one the best dress and most looked up to men when it comes to fashion and style. People sometimes forget what it is he’s actually famous for. No, not marrying Victoria I mean that other thing… Oh, what was it? Oh yes, football. Blah. David’s classic, English gentleman style is relaxed and perfect for everyday wear in or out of the house.

JARED LETO

Embed from Getty Images
Slowly becoming one of my favourite men in the spotlight is Jared Leto. This American actor, singer-songwriter, musician, director, producer, activist, philanthropist and businessman (the man gets around) has his own unique style. It’s a mix of punk rock, hipster and couldn’t give a crap I just pulled this t-shirt from a pile on my bedroom floor. It’s modern, sexy and perfect for days when you want to rough up your look.

ZAC EFRON
CREDIT: ©-Jean_Nelson-Depositphotos
Who doesn’t love a bit of this man? He’s come a long way since wildcats but let’s face it, we loved him back then as well. His laid back style is effortlessly sexy and masculine. He pairs simple pieces with a natural pallet and classic lines to make this fashion style a comforting choice for any man to wear at any time.

TOM FORD

©-S-Buckley-Depositphotos

The god of male designers Tom Ford knows what style is and how to werk it! Before launching the iconic Tom Ford brand he lent his powers as creative director of both Gucci and YSL doing great things with them. His style is glamorous, chic, classic and timeless. Perfect for a gent looking to impress.

A FINAL NOTE
Fashion is unique to each individual. Use this guide as a template and play around with trends, patterns and colours to find your own unique look. Most importantly of all have fun with it!

If you have any questions regarding fashion and trends that let me know and I will do my best to answer

Follow Stephen on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/StephenCroweFit

5th February 2017
How to tie a bow tie

Been invited to a wedding? A posh do? Or just having a fancy night on the town?

Then start the evening right with a hand-tied bow tie. It’s easier than you may think and there’s a number of classic and more outrageous designs out there to suit your personality. Though please remember, just because you dress like Bond, it doesn’t guarantee to pull the guys, win big at the tables or get entry to that billionaire’s club… though it could just help.

1) LAY the tie around your neck leaving the right end longer.

2) CROSS the longer end over the shorter and pull up through the centre loop.

3) FOLD the shorter end across to form one side of the bow tie and let the longer end fall over the middle of the bow.

4) PINCH the end of the longer piece and push through the loop.

5) JUST pull both ends to tighten the bow.

1. Black Ribbed Tie | TiesPlanet.com £19.99

2. Soham Ivy Wool | NeckWearShop.co.uk £23.66

3. Eton Silva Polka Dot | Dobell.co.uk £49.99

4. Bammy Herringbone plaid | TieRoom.co.uk £19.00

5. Jacquard Dark Green | NeckWearShop.co.uk £21.76

POCKET SQUARE

To finish off the look you’ll need a top pocket decoration.

CREDIT: Rampley & co

Check out the Rampley & Co range over at their shop.

It might not be the most obvious thing in the world, but a pocket square in the breast pocket of your blazer signifies a confident, sartorially inclined man. Luxury men’s outfitters Rampley & Co have pocket squares to suit the simplest to the most extravagant of tastes and they really hit the spot in creating the perfect classic man-about-town look.

13th December 2016
6 undies you need buy your boyfriend (or you) this Christmas

“Oooo! Pants. In my Christmas stocking yippeee”. Said no man anywhere. Or will he? Check out Dan Coleborn’s top 6 choices to stick in your man’s stocking this Christmas.

For The Sporty Guy

Understandably sport underwear comes in many different shapes and styles, so unless you know exactly what he’s after I’d play it fairly safe with this one. Going for something along the lines of the Nike Pro Hypercool 6” Shorts is a sure fire way to please any guy who’s more likely to be found enjoying himself on a field rather than in front of the TV this Christmas. Created from Dri-Fit Max fabric and with a compression fit for a “locked in feel” it’s going to be difficult getting it wrong with these babies. Your main struggle might just be picking the colour.

Get Them Here.

For The Guy With Thighs

There’s no shortage of Gays with phenomenal thighs out there – you know the kind I’m talking about, the ones that look like the Jaws of Life that could end you, or save you, in a second. The issue with thighs of thunder is that quite often a little irritable chafing can be the price that one pays for having them. So, if your guy has the thighs of a Welsh rugby player opt for the likes of Under Armour’s Men’s UA Original Series 23cm Boxerjock. Not only will they make his thighs look like there coated in molten chrome, the added length will also help to combat any risk of chaffing.

Get Them Here.

For The Show Off Guy

Some guys just like to take what they’ve got and give it a little boost in the bedroom. For this kind of show off go for AussieBum’s EnlargeIT Sport trunks. With their own EnlargeIT Tech built in this is sure to help any show off really catch the attention of anyone else in the room – be it the bedroom, or the locker-room.

Get Them Here.

For The Loveable Guy With Handles To Match

Despite what the media might inform us, not every Gay has rippling abs and 4% body fat. If your guy has a little extra cuddle to him go for a more classic style of underwear, helping to limit discomfort and eradicate the muffin-top. Calvin Klein’s CK One Boxers do the job perfectly without returning to the style of your Dad’s underwear entirely.

Get Them Here.

For The Commando Guy

If your man happens to prefer the feeling of less rather than more, then Andrew Christian’s Almost Naked Tagless Cotton Boxer might be the only way to go. With a pouch that “virtually eliminates sticking, squashing, re-adjusting, sweating and chafing” he might even come to prefer wearing these to wearing nothing at all. Or, you know, you could always just keep it bare and not buy him anything at all – just mull it over.

Get Them Here.

For The Playful Guy

If you’re looking for a slightly more suggestive design for a guy who doesn’t mind putting on a bit of a show, go for a classic PUMP! Jock. It’s all business in the front, with a little party in the back, just as you’d expect from any jockstrap and is definitely a little more sexy than a pair of Christmas socks.

Get Them Here.

8th December 2016
How to catch the eye of the man you fancy at the office Christmas party

We are in the party season and if you’re anything like us you won’t be trying on just one outfit. Your bedroom will end up looking like a scene from Storage Wars with clothes thrown across the bed and discarded products cluttering every corner.

CREDIT: nito-bigstock

Sponsored by

Well take a moment, breath and relax. Here we have ten top tips to keep you looking tip-top this party season.

1)    Pocket Square

CREDIT: Rampley & co

It might not be the most obvious thing in the world, but a pocket square in the breast pocket of your blazer signifies a confident, sartorially inclined man. If you thought a pocket square was just a white hanky in your pocket think again. Luxury men’s outfitters Rampley & Co have pocket squares to suit the simplest to the most extravagant of tastes.

2)    Suit and boot

The Christmas party can come in a number of guises, so work out what kind of outfit you’ll need to plan for. Is it black tie? Suit? Or is it smart casual? For most Christmas parties or social gatherings this winter a smart casual look will fit in perfectly. You can keep your jeans casual as long as you team them with a great tan brogue. Build on the look with a fresh, crisp simply patterned shirt, and finish off with a blazer with the aforementioned pocket square and you’ll be the talk of the party. For those colder nights, you could slip on a block-colour cashmere v neck jumper under the blazer. Don’t be afraid to try bold colours.

3)    Trim that beard

CREDIT: NejroN Photo bigstock

Sorry hipsters, that beard has got to go. There’s only one man allowed to have a bushy face on the 25th and he arrives with reindeers. Go fresh-faced and watch the admiring glances from across the room.

4)    Scrub-a-dub-dub

Feel and look your best by investing in a good exfoliant. You can refresh tired looking skin and reveal a youthful glow under all the dead skin cells that collect on the surface of your face. Don’t let winter take its toll on your visage! Take a look at our top exfoliating product list.

5)    Get yourself a good barber

A visit to a barber is a definite must to complete the man about Christmas town. Investing in a good haircut is key to feeling great about how good and how polished you look. A good barber will offer a variety of different services from hot towels to manicures. Why not treat yourself to 211 years of grooming experience at Truefitt & Hill, London’s oldest barber shop and the world leader in men’s grooming

6)    A splash of colour

Well, one does want a hint of colour. Even if your party requires an uber smart Black Tie look you can be totally subverting with your choice of sock. Check out these shocking pink Langham dress socks (£12.00) by Rampley & Co. No one will know unless you give them a peak of your ankle… Victorian is the new Millennium.

7)    Cologne

Aftershave is utterly important for a Winterfest party. Have you ever had a man tell you how amazing you smell? It’s wonderful. The gay community has in the past favoured a few fragrances like Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male and Davidoff’s Cool Water, but Rihanna’s Rogue (from £26.82) is surprisingly seductive and Hugo Boss Unlimited (from £46.90) is sniffing up a storm here at TGUK HQ.

8)    Man bag

Don’t clutter up the lines of your outfit with your phone, wallet or keys. Keep them all in a bag. In that bag, you should also pack, lip balm to protect your lips in the cold, icy winds, your aftershave, and a comb or hairbrush. The winter weather can play havoc with your skin so make sure you pack a good moisturiser with SDF, to make sure you’re protected from those winter sun rays.

9)    Clean teeth

Pearly whites never go out of fashion. Check out our review of teeth whitening and dazzle your prince charming with the perfect smile.

10) Centre of attention

Don’t be a wallflower. Work out a story, a joke or subject that you feel confident talking about. Read up on the news and get a sense of what’s going on in the world. That way you can talk with authority about something and be a conversation leader rather than a follower. However, best to stay clear of divisive topics such as religious, politics or M&Ms Vs Skittles.

7th December 2016
10 of the greatest campest Christmas jumpers

Keeping toasty this winter doesn’t have to be a drab affair.

CREDIT: various

It’s that time where the Christmas Jumper gets its time to shine and we wholly-heartedly endorse your right to look fabulous in a camper-than-Christmas jumper. To help you navigate between the crap, the crude and the camp here’s our favourite 10 gayest Christmas jumpers.

CREDIT: Facebook

Topman

If you’re not used to wearing Crimbo jumpers this is a safe option to start with.

Topman

You too can pretend to be Kevin

Sainsbury’s

Traditionalist much?

River Island

It’s okay, go on enjoy yourself, we won’t tell anyone…

Primark

Rude, but totally acceptable

TK MAXX

Poodles aren’t just for Christmas

George

Oh yes it is…

George

Cardi’s can be cool. Honestly

Burton

Go on, be a bit traditional with this Royal blue polar bear treat.

Burton

We love this graphic take on Rudolph.

6th December 2016
ADVICE | How to wax your bum

If you’re tired of a hairy crack and you’re looking to do a bit of waxing then listen up as we’ve got some tips for you!

Last week we gave you tips on how to wax your sack and this week it’s all about the crack. If you want a smooth bum then here are some tips to help you get the most out of your waxing experience.

We asked waxing expert, Fardad Moayeri, the CEO of Parissa, for some top tips on waxing your bum and back in the comfort of your own home.

To do these areas Fardad suggests using leg-body wax strips, you can get these from Amazon

GET A PARTNER TO HELP

Best thing to do is to work with a partner on the back and crack as they can be difficult areas to access. If you can’t work with a partner, then your mirror will have to be your best friend.

BACK TO THE MIRROR

Stand with your back facing the mirror and turn your head to determine where you need hair removal.

DIRECTION OF HAIR

Check out the direction of hair growth…then start applying the wax strips in the direction of hair growth and zip-off in the opposite direction.

KEEP IT TIGHT

Since you’ll want to keep your skin as tight as possible, you can try either sitting backwards on a chair and arching your back…or just arch your back when you’re standing.

THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER

1) The key point that makes all the difference: press-on strips IN DIRECTION of hair growth. Zip-off in the OPPOSITE direction of hair growth.
2) The quicker the strip is removed the better the results.
3) If you’ve got long hairs…trim them to about 0.5cm.

We recommend Parissa’s wax strips, which you can buy from Amazon.

16th October 2016
ADVICE | How to Wax Your Sack

If you’re hoping for a hairless look around your balls you might want to opt for a waxing…

So if you normally shave your pubic area but you’re wanting a more long-term result you might want to try waxing. There are plenty of salons where you can get a professional to perform a back, sack and crack wax, however, these can tend to be a little expensive. Also, many men might feel intimidated or embarrassed to reveal all to a total stranger, so we asked waxing expert, Fardad Moayeri, the CEO of Parissa, for some top tips on waxing your ball sack in the comfort of your own home.

SPREAD YOUR LEGS

Unless you’ve had anti-wrinkle plastic surgery on your sack, the skin on and around your sack can be quite loose. Waxing loose skin can be painful so the key is to keep the skin extremely taught during hair removal. One of the best ways to do this is to lie on the back and spread your legs open (like a frog laying on it’s back). This will stretch the skin around your sack.

FROM THE OUTSIDE IN

Start waxing from the outside and work your way in. move your sack out of the way of the side you’re working on and flip it over when working on the other side.

AND STRETCH

Hold and flip your sac up for getting the hairs under the sack. When waxing your sack, make sure you’re stretching the skin as much as possible. Try holding your marbles and pulling the skin to one side or the other, this will help keep the skin tight. The tighter the skin… the less the pain!

LIFT AND PART

Hold and flip your sac up for getting the hairs under the sack. When waxing your sack, make sure you’re stretching the skin as much as possible. Try holding your marbles and pulling the skin to one side or the other, this will help keep the skin tight. The tighter the skin… the less the pain!

BLOOD?

Don’t panic if you see pinpoints of blood where your hair has been removed. Pubic hair is coarse and deep rooted. However, if you’re bleeding heavily, go see your doctor.

©-artofphoto-Depositphotos

THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER

1) The key point that makes all the difference: press-on strips IN DIRECTION of hair growth. Zip-off in the OPPOSITE direction of hair growth.

2) The quicker the strip is removed the better the results.

3) If you’ve got long hairs…trim them to about 0.5cm.

We recommend Parissa’s wax strips, which you can buy from Amazon.

8th October 2016
Is being shaved “down there” the new look?

Manscaping is a necessary chore that all us men have to go through to keep our junk in an aesthetically pleasing state.

We can no longer be all 70’s about our down below areas… getting to grips with your man bush is a must!

How ever necessary this process is it does not make it any less tiresome. Here are my top 5 tips to achieve the perfect haircut for your downstairs.

STUBBLE

1. Nobody wants to feel like they’re going down on a 9 year old so when your hacking around your tool with the trimmers make sure you leave yourself some stubble.The only people to get away with the bald look are porn stars and even then I prefer to see something down there.

NO SPOTS

2. One place baldness is generally preferred is around the ass so if you’re using hair removal cream to achieve a silky smooth tushi make sure you go with a sensitive cream. Don’t and you’ll regret it when your ass is red raw and itching like a b*tch.

MOISTURISE

3. After care is a must. When your hair starts to re-grow it is going to itch and without the aid of a moisturiser you’ll probably end up with a rash. I recommend the same thing that was recommended to me be a stripper friend of mine and that’s Sudecrem. Sudecrem is officially your best friend.

TECHNIQUE

4. Pull it tight. Remember that feeling when you accidentally cut your face with the razor when you shave? Imagine that on your crown jewels, OMG cringe! Remember the skin on your boys is thinner and looser than the skin on your face so avoid any unfortunate slip ups by pulling the skin taut.

THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE RIGHT JOB

©-artofphoto-Depositphotos

5. Last but not least, use a fresh razor to avoid bacteria infections and keep your electric trimmers clean and free from old hair.

10th September 2016
5 Summer Fashion Faux Pas

It’s that time of year when we bare our extremities, show off our pins and give the guns an airing.

CREDIT: Oneinchpunch-bigstock

It’s all well and good to embrace the warmer months and regurgitate last summer’s clobber, hit Selfridges for new Havies and stock-up on string vests – but not if you’re recoiling alfresco diners, beer garden drinkers and the pond life of Old Compton St as you misconstrued bumsters were ever in.

Leave Chewy At Home

CREDIT: wernerimages / bigstock

If you insist on donning a vest, a neat amount of chest fuzz is acceptable. Unkept armpits, Chewbacca shoulders and if it looks like a squashed chinchilla is creeping up to mate with the back of your neck – manscape – or pop on a cotton roll-neck.

Popeye will pop eyes

It’s all very well staying cool this season but exposing your arms if they resemble a nine year-old-girl’s will deter hot predators, attract finger lickin’ and enthuse passers by to take interest in your ring “my precious”.

Declawing

Reptile nails, ciabatta crust heels and toe jam might have been appealing to inmates at The Clink, but nowadays will repulse most gifted with vision. It’s defo good to give ya hooves fresh oxygen but not if they look like they’ve just stepped off Middle-Earth.

The Muffin Man Can

© szefei Depositphotos

You might have been able to squeeze into the those denim shorts two years ago.
And just because Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S collection was laden with tight T’s it doesn’t mean you should offend your compadres, colleagues and the rest of us with your protruding crap-ladder sporting muffin-top.

Speed-offs

Budgie-smugglers: unless you’ve a body similar to the British Olympic diving team, Chris Hemsworth or Michelangelo’s David – just don’t.

23rd July 2016
Best of teeth whitening 2016

Grooming expert Luke Christian tries out the latest teeth whitening solutions to see which ones are really up to the task of whitening and brightening your teeth.

I have spent the past month or so trialling out the latest teeth whitening products, and I am here to to tell you which of those were the most beneficial!

Polished – Teeth Whitening Powder
The most unusual yet exciting teeth whitening product I’ve ever used! Simply dab your wet toothbrush into the powder, and brush your teeth as normal. Whilst I didn’t notice a massive difference colour-wise, my teeth felt squeaky clean afterwards!
6/10 BUY IT ONLINE

Rapid White Express – 5 Minute Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips
The strips gave my teeth a weird sensation! You apply the strips on your upper and lower teeth and wait for 5 minutes for the strips to dissolve. I didn’t notice a massive difference with these, however I liked how they weren’t messy or too sticky to use!
5/10 BUY IT ONLINE

Blanx – White Shock Formula
Easily one of the best toothpastes out there! This keeps my teeth feeling clean, and looking white!
8/10 BUY IT ONLINE

iWHITE – Tooth Polisher
One of my favourite products! A tooth polisher which not only made every tooth feel thoroughly cleansed, they also appeared brighter and healthier!
9/10 BUY IT ONLINE

Instant Whites – Liquid Filled Swabs
Rub the swab tip on each tooth, without applying too much pressure. After a few days, I noticed a change in colour, however I found this product rather fiddly and flimsy to use.
6/10 BUY IT ONLINE

ultra Dex – Recalcifying & Whitening Toothpaste
A great product, and my Mother’s personal favourite! There wasn’t that much of a noticeable colour change to this, but it left our teeth feeling very clean and their appearance looked polished!
6/10 BUY IT ONLINE

ultra Dex – Recalcifying & Whitening Daily Oral Rinse
Another great product from ultra Dex, I noticed the minty flavour lasted a long time, keeping my breath fresh! However, no colour change was noticeable with this.
5/10 BUY IT ONLINE

Rapid White – Pro Clean & Polish System
My absolute favourite! The tooth polisher has two nozzles,
one for cleaning, the other for polishing. It comes with little polishing cups in which you push the nozzles into, and then clean each tooth afterwards. A slightly lengthy process, but the most beneficial and the most noticeable when it comes to whiter teeth!
10/10 BUY IT ONLINE

Follow Luke Christian on Twitter

19th July 2016
Top 9 Summer Trainers
They are an essential part of life with most of us going through at least four or five pairs a year. So, we’ve taken a look at some of the hottest trainers available this summer to not only support your feet on those long summer days out but to also make sure you’re looking your best. You can tell a lot about a man by his footwear!

1. Seventyone Lo Trainer – Hummel £50.00
1. Harbour Point Lace To Toe – Rockport £75.00
1. Asics Gel DS Trainer – Sports Shoes £69.99
1. Fila Canvas Lace-Up – Deichmann £17.99
1. Adidas Originals ZX Flux ADV – Scotts Menswear £75.00
1. Almorah Nude Suede – Mallet Footwear £165.00
1. Bradley White Leather – Clae £99.00
1. Cloud 9 Biker Men – Wolkyshop £85.99
1. Puma Archive Lite Low – Wynsors £45.00
5th July 2016