Casual Days

I assure you there will be days when you will have to take time off work or school , for personal reasons or just to give yourself a well deserved break. And it is not convenient if your wardrobe is simply filled with formal suits for the office, so here is a guide to help select your causal ensembles.

First , we must acknowledge the things we want to achieve with the look and the things that are just unacceptable:

Where are we going with this?

Ultimately, when picking attire we must consider where we are going. Style is all about dressing with the destination or occasion in mind and being unique whilst doing so. If you are on a break, but still likely to attend a few meetings now and then, it would be smart to go easy on how laid-back you aim to look. This may mean giving up on your colourful and extravagant t-shirts and hoodies for the time-being. We do not want to look like couch potatoes. Not even on our worst days. And another thing, weekends are no excuse to give up on style! Look good - always.

'Whatever the weather' is a misleading statement:

London weather may be unpredictable but this doesn't justify hiding under hideous layers of fleece and baggy sweaters. You're travelling around London - NOT going to the Arctic. There are ways tolook good and still be protected from the cold. There are however, a few items that you should have let go of a while ago. Some things just should not be worn in this day and age and there are many things that just are not appropriate for the current weather.

Your outfit must reflect you. A giraffe wouldn't be caught dead in zebra print, so remember to wear the items that work with who you are and are geared towards who you want to be.

What to wear, what to wear , what to wear:

There is no need to over-do it during the weekend, so opt for pastelles, khakis and earthy tones. These colours are ideal in adding warmth to your look. Consider some slim fit trousers in these colours , to sharpen the weekend look. These suede khaki nike blazers in particular , are great for the season ahead!

Blue Is You:

The 'no jeans ban' has now been lifted! However, just because you can wear jeans doesn't mean you can wear ANY pair! Make sure you find jeans that suit your shape. Ugly patches and rips aren't wanted - who wants to look like a homeless person?  Invest in a pair of classic Levi's. With them, you can never go wrong!

Yes , fisherman windbreakers and jackets are still en-vogue as they add a sense of British heritage to your casual look.

Double breasted jackets are not only for business environments. Team them with a button-down collar shirt and coloured sweater to ease the sharpness of this usually formal garment. 

Finally, I believe that as young men, we must come to terms with choosing lavish luggage. We cannot continue to ignore the fact we require a stylish home for our ipads , laptops , BlackBerries and iPhones. Say bye-bye to the days of scruffy company-provided laptop bags, and welcome a new era of bags to add to a flawless look. It is 2012, man-bags are not taboo - they are a must-do!

Look to totes for the ultimate luggage as they can contain everything and still maintain your chic!

Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue!

Jayson Kay

"It’s one of the most distinctive and worthy films I’ve seen recently" - H. Johnston-Stewart

Hunger, Steve McQueen’s directorial debut, was a challenging film to watch. It was made with great skill and incredible confidence in a first time director (of anything, not even a short to his name) and it launched his career and the career of his leading man, Michael Fassbender. 3 years later the two were reunited, far from the shackles of a Northern Irish prison, in the glossy, hollow New York apartment of a sex addict. I can’t quite follow the logical succession, but that’s off piste.

Shame takes a very direct, visual approach to its subject matter. With no qualms about nudity, dignity or casting Irish and English actors in his American leads, McQueen calmly displays the downward spiral of a high functioning addict with disturbing results. Michael Fassbender gives a very physical and characteristically consistent performance as Brandon Sullivan, a role spent watching porn, having aggressive sex with prostitutes or trying to hide the sordid details of his private life from his friends and colleagues. His downwards spiral is contrasted by the attempts for reconciliation made by his sister Sissy, played by a vibrant while bitter Carey Mulligan, who is managing her takeover of Hollywood with frightening efficiency (those who have seen drive will know what I mean). Like all addict films, (Requiem, Trainspotting, Scarface) any vestiges of a conventional plot is constituted by the main character hurtling towards rock bottom, with no hope of redemption until he reaches it. But, without wishing to spoil anything, Shame manages to subvert this custom with a thinly veiled but visually distressing plot twist which takes what was already a painful experience of a film and makes it excruciating.

Shame is a film which supplies no hope of its own for the viewer. Thanks to the Inception-esque ambiguity of the ending, the outcome of the film is up to you. Redemption not included, as it were. Having been turned away from a concert minutes before seeing this film, I went into it fraught with cynicism and misanthropy, and that’s exactly what I got out of it. Go in with the best of intentions and perhaps you can have some of your faith in humanity restored. Or at least preserved.

Shame is not a fun film to watch, nor is it uplifting for its sorrows. This may seem like a negative review, but it’s not. Far from it, it’s one of the most distinctive and worthy films I’ve seen recently. Just don’t go with your parents. Or Children. P.S. On a final note, what Clooney said at the Golden Globes about Fassbender being able to ‘play golf with hands behind his back with that thing’ is entirely true. No homo.

H. Johnston-Stewart

Last Year's "Too Much" Is This Year's "Not Enough"!

Decadence and luxury that screams bourgeois glamour

We've made it into 2012 with no problems (aside from the economic downturn that is) and have put those "scientists" who said that this year would see the end of the world to shame. See - we already have reason to celebrate and be as outlandish as possible! Let's go GaGa and do it up right! We haven't seen this as a trend but who says we need signalling? We are leaders in fashion, not followers.

It's okay to act a little "nouveau riches" once in a while and when it comes in the form of Butler&Wilson jewellery, you'll find yourself asking why you didn't do it sooner! In times of darkness, it's nice to have even the slightest bit of light to help you see the way and in these bleak conditions, Butler&Wilson provide the equivalent of a supernova!

True artistry in the form of a purse! Bravo Butler&Wilson

With pieces featuring Swarovski Crystals in intricate designs which can only be described as something out of a fantasy world, Butler&Wilson are set for massive exposure in 2012! Your outfit is incomplete without a Butler&Wilson piece! Beautifully crafted and proudly British, their pieces will make you look and feel like you're worth millions (especially when your bracelet slips out from under your cuff and dazzles all in the room!).

True Brit Edge and all the glamour one can ask for!

Walking into the South Kensington store, you forget you are in England and are transported to the treasure chest of royalty past and present. You gain a true sense of British style in their jewellery. Skulls, Union Jacks and old Route Master buses adorn the menswear pieces and you gain a sense of the playful edge of Brit style in the use of ducks, puppies and lips in the womenswear range. I can honestly say that I am truly happy to have stumbled upon Butler&Wilson and will pledge a part of my monthly expenditure to them!

Beautifully crafted, proudly British - only Butler&Wilson

This is not merely a seasonal must-have. It's a year's! Indulge yourself, you know you want to.

Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue

Ciao Belissimi!
Mr. Darkwah
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Grow Up!

So its 2012 , a new year. Prepare to leave your mark. You've been waiting a while to breakthrough, to make an impact with the creative project you've spent hours on during the weekends. Well dream no further. Its time to put pen to paper , avoid worries and doubts and get to it. The truth is, time is of the essence, and days will continue to pass by , whether you choose to use them productively or not.

You are maturing and your clothing must reflect this. Your ensembles must now show growth. This new year demands the work-oriented young man! The man who does not despise trying new things in order to reach new heights. Dressing the part is the best place to start!

Now, the items that have caught the attention of the experts front row at the catwalks, are those which epitomize luxury and empowerment. Sharp and smart garments that also cater for winter weather. Think new age Saville row. Tailored fit jackets are to become essentials in your wardrobe this season with personal twists such as eccentric pocket squares, and geometric print cashmere sweaters.

Sophistication is everything nowadays , so consider knee length double breasted pea coats , and belted cardigans

You may want to act a little "boujis"by donning herringbone pattern or fur collared outerwear

There are a selection of bags you could use to seal the deal. Whether it be a doctors bag , messenger bag or a tote bag, these all help complete the look

Suede Moccasins will take you from the drawing board to the board room , and they are available in vibrant or simple nude tones , depending on how you are feeling

Crisps whites do go a long way so snoop around for oxford shirts and slim fit jeans

Adorn your neck with the finest skinny ties and bow ties. Enrich yourself this season , feel comfortable dressing up !

P.S. put Smart glasses and leather gloves onto your shopping list.

Stay Stylish, 

Jay

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Bring Back London!

Fashion houses like Burberry and Ted Baker make me proud to be a Londoner with their steadfast image and effortless chic. Their take on menswear gives a true sense of London's edge and eternal youth. I can't help but feel that the fashion industry has been dominated by too many cities around the world for too long. We've seen everything from New York Grunge to California Cool right the way to Harajuku trends from Tokyo and as fantastic and fabulous as these may have been, London's time on the map has not been significant enough.

"New York Grunge"

"California Cool"

"Harajuku"

There have been many beautiful decades in fashion in our city from the bourgeois chic of the 1920's to the Mods & Rockers scene of the 60's into the 70's, London has produced top trends, top designers and high-grade fashion! The beauty does not lie in the trends alone but in the execution of them - the immaculate tailoring and clean lines created by British fashion houses remain unrivalled and therefore should be showcased by all people - not just the six-figure-salary cats. Gentlemen (because that's what we are, not boys) it's time to throw out the polo shirts and oversized sweaters. New Balance sneakers belong in the gym or out on runs through Hyde Park, not everyday wear. Let's bring back that London look - the business look.

Clean lines, sleek tailoring and splashes of colour characterise Burberry's London look

There is nothing worse than feeling under-dressed, however it seems we men have lapsed into thinking that being grossly so for an event is better than turning up well-dressed. Note I wrote well-dressed and not over-dressed. There is no such thing as being over-dressed so long as you are confident enough to pull it off. This year, let's snap out of that bad habit and make more of an effort! There is an abundance of suits out there and more so, a million different sources of inspiration for mens outfits. Look to brands like Hackett, Paul Smith, Burberry and Ted Baker for the true gentleman's apparel and dont be afraid to be daring! The beauty of the look of the Londoner is the ease with which the look is pulled off but also the added edge in colour and accessories. Let's not follow any longer! After all, we do live in a fashion capital!

Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue

Ciao Belissimi!
Mr. Darkwah
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Our New Year Starts Here!

Ladies and gentlemen, fashionistas and 'nistos, happy new year and welcome back to La Clique!

It's been a long and restful break and I trust we've all settled into the new year. Starting afresh, making new year's resolutions (and discarding those that we found weren't exactly suited to us) are all parts of how we get ourselves geared up for the year ahead. Too often we get wrapped up in the need to change and be something new or more interesting at this time of year. We forget that what we need to do is not overhaul the person that we are in search of a more exciting existence but build and improve upon the person we already are.

The new year is not just about a new haircut, new jeans, a new bag and bracelet but about a renewed energy for life and the world around us. We at La Clique encourage you to take some time out on this, the  twentieth day of the new year, and take in your surroundings, appreciate where you are no matter where it is because we are all blessed to have the things we possess and the friends and family we have around us. Take time to acknowledge those who have worked with you and stood by you in getting you where you are now as if we don't know where we are from, we will have no clue of where we are going.

In our New Year's Appreciation, La Clique would like to thank Charles Ampadu, Camille A, Hanna-May White and Blood,Sweat&Fashion Magazine, Mode Parties, Forever 21, TASK PR, Paul Costelloe, Thomas Sabo, Arlene Olivera and Bolongaro Trevor, Kirk Originals, Angels&Men, Roberto Angeletti and all the other beautiful people without whom La Clique would not have gotten to where it is now!

This year we can only expect bigger and better things from La Clique so stay tuned, people! We're taking 2012 by storm!


Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue

Ciao Belissimi!
Mr. Darkwah
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