River Island was founded in 1948, by Bernard Lewis. Since then the store experienced many name changes before finally becoming known as River Island in 1989. River Island operates over 250 stores worldwide so it’s only natural that the company has become a household name.

River Island has always been ahead of other high street stores and their collections are a tad more fashionable.

When Italian fashion giant Versace showed bright and airy white and dark, rich grey in their Summer collection the high street went wild. Whites and greys quickly began showing up in every single high street store across the world and River Island is no exception.

The Space Dye Cardigan (£26.99) teamed with the Ecru Scoop t-shirt (£12.99), Prince Red trousers (£29.99) and Block Stripe Trilby hat (£14.99) is quite possibly one of the oddest combination of garments I’ve seen all season (and I’ve seen this year’s Dior!). The whole ensemble looks kind of gay – which is fine. But, if you’re not looking to out a mating call to the same sex, swap the trousers for a pair of while linen or medium gray ones. I do love the Clock necklace (£12.99) and think I’ll get one for myself. It’s like a twenty-first century pocket-watch.

The Dandy Blue blazer (£59.99) works very well with the white-collar (LOVE!) Duran check shirt (£24.99). This look is very ‘country house in up-state New York or Connecticut’. (Trip van der Bilt from the CW’s Gossip Girl wore something very similar in the episode The Treasure of Serena Madre – and Trip was, after all, a van der Bilt). For a casual/semi-formal look, team these two with the Burn and Wash jeans (£34.99) and Rambo shoes (£54.99). If you want a formal feel, wear the blazer and shirt with a pair of dark navy trousers.

The Jenson check shirt (£24.99) worn with the Faschino trousers (£29.99) are very Polo Ralph Lauren. I take issue with the Tan Gladiator sandals (£24.99) but the brown Plaited belt (£16.99) is fine. I like this look, bar the sandals. Its very Summer casual meets house in the country. It works well and exudes an air of the old-money established families.

Wear the Seersucker check blazer (£44.99), Malbec shirt (£24.99) and Seersucker shorts (£24.99) for another Polo Ralph Lauren summer look. The Polka bowtie (£9.99) will add a spot of formality to the outfit, while the Zorza white brogues (£44.99), reminiscent of Gucci’s country look of two years ago, make for a light and airy Summer appearance.

For a formal look this Summer, wear the Petrol Fierce suit jacket (£89.99) with the Petrol Fierce trousers (£39.99) and Rosette shoes (£54.99). The fine stitching and rich material on the jacket is very luxuriant and will get you noticed when you walk into a room – in a good way. The White shirt (£19.99) is optional.

As I said, River Island has always been one notch up from other high street stores, and I think it’s quite clear why. Their looks almost mirror those seen at various fashion weeks throughout the year, their eveningwear is guaranteed to get you noticed when you walk into a room and their casual clothing is designed to fit every man, regardless of his shape or size. Whether you’re looking for a smart suit to wear to a formal function or just a simple day to day outfit there is no better place to start looking than River Island.

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It’s that time of year again guys; nights are getting longer, birdsong fills the evening air, and the social calendar explodes after its post-Christmas drought. Winter evenings are fine for cosy huddles in the corner of the bar where no one may pay attention to your clobber, but the onslaught of Spring brings with it a myriad of social occasions where you need to dress to impress – Racing Season, Wedding Season, After-work-drinks-alfresco Season…..

You name it, and the tiniest ray of sunshine creates an occasion to go with it.

Most guys think that getting that suit out from the back of the wardrobe will suffice when the occasion deems formal, and yes, the days of invitations stating black-tie or white-tie may be behind us. But even when opting for a simple 2pce suit, there are subtle rules that those “in-the-know” adhere to…………….

Shoes – must always be freshly polished. A woman always judges a man by his shoes, and tatty dull leather can ruin the impact of the sharpest of outfits!! Regular polishing also prolongs the life of your footwear, and can re-vamp any old pairs at the bottom of the wardrobe.

Belt – should ALWAYS be the same colour of leather as your shoes

Socks – your socks should always match your shoes i.e. black socks with black shoes/ brown socks with brown shoes. If this is too restrictive or conservative for you then take your inspiration from the boardroom style of Peter Jones from Dragons’ Den – a colourful striped sock states that you’re non-conformist while still looking classy. Cartoon characters should be avoided at all costs unless you are under the age of 12.

Shirts – a crisp double cuff with a statement cufflink oozes the kind of understated style that’s expected for the Derby. Cufflinks should be silver or gold and are the one area of a mans wardrobe where its tasteful to wear your wealth – touches such as gemstones and intricate metalwork also indicate you have a keen eye for jewelry, and this won’t go unnoticed by any of the ladies you accompany. On the other hand, while your mates think that those Homer Simpson cufflinks are hilarious, your partner will be cringing and praying that you don’t have the matching underwear.

Ideally you should be showing 1cm of shirt cuff below your suit sleeve.

Ties – the major “statement piece” of any mans wardrobe, this is the one item of clothing that conveys your personality. Use bold colours that clash with your shirt to portray your outgoing personality, or choose a tie that is the same colour as your shirt for understated refinement. As this is the Derby after all, the “full-Windsor” knot is de rigueur, and oozes old-school class.

Tailoring – invest in the best cut possible, as a well-tailored jacket has the same effect as 6 weeks in the gym! A low-breaking 2 button suit elongates your torso, while a wide lapel will make your shoulders look bigger. Always ensure that your sleeves and trousers are taken up to the correct length – sleeve cuffs should be in line with your thumb socket, while trouser hems should reach the top of your heel and break slightly on the front of your shoe. Never EVER button the lowest button on your jacket, and if you are accessorizing with a (plain!) handkerchief in your top pocket then ensure the colour matches your tie – a white hankie will look like a cheap Kleenex.

Remember to travel light – don’t undo all that hard work by breaking the line of your suit! Trouser pockets full of car keys and loose change are unflattering, while an over-laden jacket can look shoddy – keep your wallet as thin as possible (banknotes in multiples of 20 and your top 2 credit cards should suffice) and keep your mobile phone in your inside pocket. Never use the outer pockets of your suit jacket.

Pattern – a pinstripe suit is one of the sharpest style investments a man can make, but combining a bold pinstripe suit with an equally bold stripe shirt really does say that you need to go to Specsavers! If your suit is plain then by all means modernize it with a colourful and bold stripe or check in your shirt. Alternatively, if your suit has the bold stripe then you need to refine you shirt choice and opt for a plain colour or at least a plain collar-and-cuff.

Clashing colours states that you’re young and adventurous; clashing patterns screams that you need a stylist.

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Over the weekend I had the exciting priviledge of assisting Catherine Condell on the model train (at BT’s). Catherine is one of my favourite Irish stylists so it was a huge thrill to get to meet her!  The model train is a weekly fashion show held on a Saturday in Brown Thomas.  The models are booked to wear one particular designer each week and parade the stores four levels in the choosen garments.  It runs twice a day with three outfit changes and looks really stunning and gives you a great idea of how to work the range.  The ‘line up’ looks like a fashionable version of crime watch!

Seven models were booked on Saturday including well known models Sarah Morrissey, Sarah Mc Govern and Yomiko in the line up.  This week it was Donna Karan‘s designs that were being showcased.  The highlight out of all the pieces for me was a wrap top called a ‘cozy’.  The cozy can be worn twelve different ways, comes in an assortment of colours and ranges in price from €195 to €495 – depending on whether you want a cashmere one!  Although wearing it twelve different ways you’ll definitely get value for money with this piece.  Here we have a picture of the lovely Sarah Morrissey being demonstrated on by a DKNY assistant.  The top is amazing as it can change from halter to strapless to butterfly effect.  You name it!

This week we also had male models on the model train (it’s usually just the girlies!) who were showcasing Spring/Summer creations from Paul Smith and Prada.  The boys wore a mixture of suits, Summer wear and accessories (yay!).

Between the seven girls and four boys it really is a fun and eye catching way to make the clothes come to life.  The train normally finishes up around 3.30.  As if the eye candy wasn’t enough you can also enjoy sipping champagne whilst enjoying clothing demonstrations – what a lovely way to spend a Saturday!

Donna Karan pictured on the homepage.

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Yes, it’s that time again when we like to make the boys feel included!  We were recently sent some of the Dove Men Care range to test which included an antiperspirant and roll on deodorant and a face and bodywash (all in one wash).  As this is a mans review please expect minimal use of adjectives and ‘to the point’ points!  Actually, isn’t that what we like most about men, direct and no time wasting?

Dove are probably far better known for their women’s range and how they market it, so it will be interesting to see the ad campaigns for men.  Will they stand around in speedos talking about how they are comfortable with their man boobs and in grown toe nails… ugh – what a thought so early in the day, my apologies all!

So, starting with the all in one face and bodywash – it was tested as just the bodywash.  Apparently it is just the same as most washes and smells nice!  This wash didn’t leave the skin feeling dried out.  All in all a fairly positive vibe for the wash.

Moving on to the antiperspirant.  This was very well received and got the all important thumbs up, which I’ve been told is difficult to achieve as normally changing deodorants can cause sweating.  Bigger brands have tended to be a let down in the past.  Another plus was the smell.  All these positive comments were followed closely by the point that it wasn’t tested under any serious vigor!

And finally the roll on deodorant.  There was an instant reaction to this in the sense that it didn’t even make it out of the wrapper – not a fan of roll ons then!

All in all boys this product was a hit.

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Well boys, it’s not often you get a look in so we thought why not give you the low down on what’s what this season!   Men’s fashion has taken a change of direction this Spring Summer going with a more laid back unstructured vibe.  The colour palette sees a contrast between cool crisp colours against really strong colours with teal, baby blues and shades of turquoise at the forefront.  Rest assured that check is still in (oh how we love a man in a fitted check shirt… oh.. sorry… think typing!), J.C. Rags (bottom) showing how to wear your check this season.   As with women’s fashion grey also features heavily in men’s.  The old days are here boys, shop for retro-classics like Argyles, tartans and cable knit cricket jumpers – think slim chino’s.

THE key trend for all this season is denim.  Baring that in mind gentlemen look for anything 50′s inspired, this season we say goodbye 80′s hello 30′s, 40′s and 50′s!  Revivalist look classic dark-rinse denim plus charred and battered finishes are all up there, basically a hero look minus hanging out in blazing buildings!   BT2 stock a SERIOUS selection of denim and are always introducing new labels to their collection so make them your first port of call on the hunt for denim.  This Lee denim shirt pictured is available at BT2 and Urban Outfitters.  G-Star loose tapered jeans at various high street stores, we found these on Asos.com.

Military is still ok just go for older classic looks, plus green is another big colour this season, that and vibrant pimento red, canary yellow and grape tones!!  To create the 50′s look chinos have been gently tapered this season, check out Franklin and Marshall for a great pair of palm green chinos at BT2 (label also stocked at Urban Outfitters).  On the green theme see Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer ’10 (top left) almost old war style jacket, we found a high street version at BT2 by a new label to the store, J.C. Rags (top right).  Let’s just hope that shoot was done in Movember!  If green is not your thing check out French Connection‘s charcoal grey corporal jacket (image on intro).

Picking up a couple of the key items mentioned above will see you through the season in true style!

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Denim is a staple piece in any wardrobe. From the perfect pair of jeans to a denim jacket or shirt, it is interchangeable and infinite. This season, channel your inner Debbie Harry and mix your denim with denim. The key piece in this look is the denim shirt. It is strong, simple and can be understated or sexy depending on the shape and indeed your mood. Indigo, stonewashed and even white denim is making a comeback and the most affordable way to stay on trend is with the trusty denim shirt.

On the cover on this months Vogue, Alexa Chung is slouched in a pair of denim jeans with black Chanel clogs (another one to watch out for). Inside, she describes her love for all things denim and I couldn’t help but both agree with her and feel overwhelmingly jealous. While us mere mortal’s scour the high street for that perfect pair of jeans to emulate the comfort of our Levis 501 hand-me-downs, Alexa notes that she found her dream pair at Balenciaga. And that’s all it will be for us, a dream.

The denim shirt has exploded into every store this season (Topshop, Topman, New Look and Penneys to name but a few), but it has been present in fashion since it was almost a uniform for hippies in the 70s at Woodstock and has also been filtering down from the catwalks over the past few seasons. Spring/Summer ’10 catwalks saw troops of models clad head to toe in denim, but the shirt was the piece that shone through.

There is a range of different ways to wear this ultimate piece. A loose fitted man-sized shirt, such as these shirts from Topman, can be left open as a jacket or buttoned and belted, and it can look chic when tucked into the waist. Denim on denim was a favourite at Chloé with a loose fitting denim shirt that had the pockets ripped off to reveal deep indigo patches and dark fitted jeans with lighter denim shins. Take note from this look by wearing the denim on denim with contrasting washes; lighter on top and darker on the bottom for the body conscious fashionista’s among us. With such a denim overload it is important that accessories do not overpower the look and shoe choice is essential to avoid looking like you’ve just come from a rodeo. Pin this image of Britney and Justin to your wardrobe to remind you what happens when denim attacks.

Denim shirts are widely available from designer to high street but all seem very similar – it’s how you wear it that stands out. To revamp the classic 70s look, try adding lace into the mix. By attaching a strip of lace under the collar and across the shoulders, it immediately updates this classic look and adds a modern twist.

The denim shirt (first Topshop, second New Look) will last for seasons to come and is a great item to have in multiple shades and shapes as this will allow you to either look chilled out for a day look. With the right belt and shoes can transform into an evening silhouette – just remember to back away from the cowboy boots.

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Men are notoriously difficult to by for so it was with great delight we discovered a selection, yes – selection, of gift ideas for men at TK Maxx.  Tempted as we were to keep this little secret to ourselves we thought of your raising blood pressure levels and decided to share.  First find was the MP3 Docking station above- €54.99 , do not expect an explanation of what it can do!!!

More gadgets to impress him with, how about this MP3, radio & CD Player all in one for €54.99.  No need for explanation here!  TK’s are great for stocking fillers too with designer socks starting at €7 and ties at €12.

Designer belts are starting at €19.99 working upwards to €54.99.  If you want something a little more fun then this mini football table should do it and it won’t break the bank at only €19.99!  You’ll find a great selection of ski gear at TK’s too, should you be heading away after Christmas day you could treat him to some new gear.

For those of you with a fashion conscious man to buy for there are an abundance of designer labels to choose from.  The men’s grey cashmere jumper above will cost you €69.99 and RRP is  €249.99, not bad!  Designer bathrobes start at €39.99, so you should definitely be able to find something for the men you have to buy for this crimbo at TK Maxx.  It is best to get up there early as it tends to get crazy once the crowds descend.

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Music and fashion have always come hand in hand. When the Beatles were first styled by Fiona Adams, they appealed to the masses and their many looks set off trends that are still being reinvented today- take the iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club military jacket designed by costume duo Bermans & Nathans for example. Female musicians are usually at the forefront of this styling trend; Diana Ross and the Supreme’s sparkled in matching dresses and Lady Gaga now wears haute couture pieces on tour by the likes of Alexander Mc Queen. Florence Welch is another star whose individual style has been splattered across every fashion publication over the past few months.

However it is the men who seem to be reverting back to the Beatles heyday. A new trend emerging from recording studios today is that bands are opting to employ stylists to help perfect their look. Whatever happened to the do it yourself mantra of Morrissey that had fans on bicycles following him around Manchester in his trademark nerd glasses and Smith’s tees? No longer do the same dirt encrusted jeans and creased t-shirts of bands’ first album suffice, unless of course they have been manipulated that way on purpose.

When they first started out, Kings of Leon wore clothes tailored by Mother Followill which made it very difficult for people to emulate their style. After the release of their third album, the long knotted hair and bushy beards were exchanged for a more well-kempt look (except for the drummer Nathan who has held onto his long greasy mane). At red carpeted events they are styled in tailored designer gear and decked out in Burberry and All Saints whilst performing. They have also collaborated with French designers Surface to Air to create a limited edition clothing line which will be sold exclusively at Paris Texas, Copenhagen. I wonder if poor Molly dwelling in her Chamber would approve.

Tom Meighan of Kasabian recently shed his luscious locks as soon as their most recent album, West Ryder Lunatic Asylum, became a hit. Even Pete Doherty cleaned up his dishevelled look for a fashion spread in Elle magazine’s October issue, where he smartened up in a custom-made wool suit by Edward Sexton with Burberry accessories. What is the need for already established musicians to change their look in favour of more styled appearances?

Downloading and streaming are massive problems in the music industry and CD figures show a huge decrease in recent years. Bands have stepped up their game and feel the need to appeal to a wider audience by looking the part. It’s not all about selling records though as Alex Turner excellently demonstrates. It is a natural trend that as your music matures, your look does too. Having a fashionista girlfriend might make it slightly easier to master this transition, but it’s no doubt that he looks dapper in celebrity tailor Spencer Hart’s designs, who also provides ‘cocktail suits’ for David Bowie.

This exchange of fashion tips between the two genders in the music business has been bubbling for a while now. But it has suddenly exploded with the introduction of preened bands such as The Script, and of course the transformation of more experienced bands mentioned above. This trend will certainly affect how the bands of tomorrow will dress, and may even influence lyrics as bands are singing about themselves, and “sex” to quote KOL, being on fire.

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We’ve just received the latest deals in from Kildare Village, any of which would make great Christmas pressies. We start with my favourite (hint.. hint.. ), this fabulous Anya Hindmarch Flavie French bag.  The leather patent bag has been reduced from €795 to €395 and has such an elegant style with great detailing on the handles.

Animal prints are still big this season, and this N.Pearl Leopard print pashmina scarf is a great way of adding it to your look.  The trick with leopard print is to just add a little like a scarf or bag otherwise you run this risk of looking like the leopard got sick all over you!  This is a great pressie and is reduced from €195 – €119.  Do note N.Pearl are also offering a further 20% discount until the 13th December which is this Sunday.

I have it on good authority that this is a great brand of hair dryer. Home & Cook have 50% off hair care products.  This Infini Pro AC Sensor dryer has been reduced from €76.99 to €38.39, perfect sister present!

There’s a reduction of over €400 on these Bally boots! They were priced at €540 and are now retailing at an amazing €129.  If the boots aren’t your thing or you still haven’t picked anything up for your mum then these Bally gloves may be of interest. The leather gloves have been reduced from €140 – €69 and are a classic style that won’t date.

If you are still thinking of something to get the man in your life how about a jacket good enough for David Beckham!  Superdry have reduced this leather jacket (recently seen on Mr. Beckham) from €219.99 – €131.99.  If you fancy bagging yourself a treat they’ve also reduced their Checkpoint jacket (seen on Helena Christensen) from €102.99 – €62.99.

There you have it, most of the family taken care of in five easy steps!  Santa Claus visits are free, and for the next two Sundays the Dublin Gospil Choir will be performing, so it should be a pleasant experience if you head out.

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I recently did a menswear slot on Ireland am…where I stated that men of most ages could pull off a skinny tie. I would like now to retract that statement after seeing the Hoff at the EMA’s, in a sequined skinny tie and sequined blazer! What was he thinking? Then again we could say that about a lot of his wardrobe choices!

So it was one of those nights where the girls (for the most part) got it right, and the guys got it oh so wrong. I must have missed the memo when satin, velvet and sequinned suits came into fashjion for men!!! Yes you’re all hot, but no, you cannot pull off shiny suits… No man can! Except maybe Prince and Michael Jackson…but they are the only exceptions.

Jo bros…wow that’s great hair (someone give them a Loreal advert) but awful suits…too tight, too shiny, too everything! They should have kept the look young and fresh, lost the dickie bow and the handkerchiefs and unbuttoned the jackets. Loosen up guys its MTV, not the Oscars!

Backstreet boys were following in the Jonas Brother’s style of shiny happy people, except for uber cool AJ McClean…nice to see he didn’t follow boyband rules of dressing alike and stayed true to his own style. Leather jacket…tick…oversized shades…tick… Denim…tick… he stands out a mile from his band of Christmas crackers!

‘The Hills’ Brody Jenner in true LA style donned a pair of converse with his suit (that was a tad too long for him) but it kept the look young and was perfect for an MTV event! Not too sure about the purple tie…but he’s cute so we’ll let it fly!

I thought Pete Wentz’s rock chick wife Ashlee would have rubbed off some style tips on him…instead he looked like he was trying a little too hard. Clockwork orange style eye make-up, baker boy cap (so over them) and a pretty bland black on black suit! Come on Pete, fall out Boy would not be impressed.

Love, love, loving, super cool German band Tokio Hotel. Okay, not everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to the fashion stakes, and yes the lead singer is a guy not a girl wearing makeup and more hairspray than Cher. But kudos for staying young, hip and individual…so much better than naff shiny suits.

Now I have absolutely no idea who this guy is, apparently some European singer…but his outfit alone deserved a mention for everything that could possibly go wrong on one person! The suit was again, shiny…but this time with a polka dot effect (yes polka dots are coming back next season…but no no no for menswear…pulease!) Ultra-shiny shoes to match his shiny suit, a dickie bow, a hat too small for his head and the final touch of sunglasses at night. Oh dear! Bono can do this because he’s very famous and very talented, AJ McClean can do this because he’s stylish…YOU, mister nobody, cannot!

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