PICKS OF THE WEEK

Prints are big news right now. Whilst printed trousers and shorts are harder to pull off for the everyman, prints are accessible to every man.

With this in mind, this weeks top three items from the high st offer three very different printed tops.

Reverse prints are a big look right now and work particularly well with Aztec and Hawaiian prints. By printing on the inside of the item it creates a washed out look which is perfect for those of you not bold enough to wear the trends. This reverse print Aztec vest from Burton is ideal for spring/summer as it can be worn under shirts or on its own on the beach.

Bold, graphic prints are only for the brave. I love this longline banana print t-shirt from Horace at ASOS. It's really quirky and is certainly different to any other print I've seen on the high st.

Every time I see gold, turquoise and blue together on a print I immediately think of Versace and this beauty from Zara is no different. I love the vintage look to the print, I think it's a great 'every day' t-shirt. It's something than you can throw on with jeans, chinos or shorts for an instant style boost.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

If you haven't yet bookmarked Mansnaps.com please do so, the new website is launching in the coming weeks and I want you all to be a part of it.

This weeks top three picks from the high st are getting me in the mood for a holiday. Check them out below.

I love this Stars and Stripes t-shirt from Topman! Tourist prints are still going strong on the high st, with many retailers introducing the trend into their spring/summer collections. This print is the follow on from tourist prints which is a nod to patriotism. Union Jack prints are also coming through thick and fast, with inspiration coming from the Olympics and the Queen's diamond jubilee.

The sun has certainly had his hat on this week so what great timing to discover these Pull & Bear sunglasses. Okay, so they're not Ray-Bans but at this price, who cares?! The cool leopard print arms give the sunglasses a cool edge.

Yes they are pink swim shorts. I'm not denying they're bright and confidence is a must to swagger around in them, not that I'm justifying my pick. Instead, responding to some of things that are probably going through your mind. A lot of designers used pink trousers and shorts in their S/S12 collections and for those of you who are following them, these are a great buy. I've been a fan of Republic's White Label for a while now as it offers affordable, great quality fashion options and this is no exception.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

I don't know about you lot but the brighter, warmer days of the past week have got me in the mood for spring!
I'm bored of wearing layers now, bring on shorts weather!

This weeks picks are inspired by the current warmer climate and something to get you all excited for Spring! Also, they are all 'value' items for their trend so you won't break the bank updating your wardrobe.

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I posted about Hawaiian print shirts earlier in the week and Burton have just released their take on the trend. I seen the shirts at their High Summer Press Day back in January and this beauty was my favourite! I'm so glad it's finally available to buy, and the £22 price tag means its cheaper than the competition!

I love this vintage print aqua t-shirt from H&M. It's great for wearing with shirts or chinos making it great for spring or summer! H&M have maintained affordable fashion over the past few years and it's great to see that they haven't compromised on quality prints during tough economical times.

Republic's White Label continues to go from strength to strength. Through A/W they produced a value fashion offer through shirts and chinos and these chino shorts are the perfect seasonal follow up. The colour way makes the, transitional through lots of trends and the styling is great! I've worn my White Label shirt (from their A/W collection) to death so I'm hoping for similar quality from the spring/summer collection.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

Firstly, if you're not following us on Facebook yet, why not? Check out our page and press like to receive all the latest updates, images and videos from Mansnaps.

Secondly, what a great week! Had a fantastic time out and about promoting the blog last weekend, introduced you to Giaroye and we had two great articles about Mad Men's iconic leading character, Don Draper.

Here are my top three picks from the high st this week.

Swimwear is now starting to build across the high st as retailers focus on the spring/summer season. These shorts from River Island are definitely giving me a Versace vibe which is possibly a response to the successful collaboration between the fashion house and H&M. They're a great statement piece for the beach and a welcomed change from Hawaiian print shorts.

I think it's fair to say that H&M's latest collaboration (this time with Marni) has really taken off! Infact the website was down for the majority of the day due to the volume of traffic to the site. By the time I got online there wasn't much left of the Marni collection. Whilst I still think the collection is great, I LOVE this jacket by H&M. It's so different to anything else out there right now.

The printed shirt trend continues with this denim beauty from All Saints. The washed denim is perfect for spring/summer and the contrasting colour is really "in" at the moment.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

It's been another busy week here at Mansnaps. We've covered; spring/summer footwear, the nautical trend, five ways to wear coloured chinos, Marni at H&M and the search for Street Style contributors continues.

This weeks top three picks cover three current print trends on the high st. Aztec, Hawaiian (we'll look at this in more detail in the coming weeks) and tourist prints are available on shirts, t-shirts and jumpers so there is something out there for everyone.

Topman have Invested heavily in the Aztec print trend and the options there are endless. I really love the colours in this one as it's something than you can wear now with chinos and of course layers (we are still in winter after all) but also with shorts in the summer. Plus short sleeve shirts are a really cool look right now.

Hawaiian prints are set to be another big look across the high st this s/s and All Saints have shown willing with their take on the look. Staying true to their washed out (grey) colour palette, this vest is a great option for those of you who won't be brave enough to wear some of the bright tropical prints you will see elsewhere.

Tourist prints are huge! The trend has been around for months and is still going strong. I like this Paris print from ASOS mainly because it doesn't feature the Eiffel Tower. Don't get me wrong, I think that the landmark is a wonder but there's only so many print variations that you can see before it becomes a little tired.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

It's FRIDAY!! And what a busy week it's been here at Mansnaps!

We took a look back through the history of Peacocks in pictures, lusted over pastel shirts from Burton, introduced our new grooming feature by Adam Bennett, talked about the comeback of shirts, looked at the best and worst outfits from the NTAs and visited Burton HO for their high summer press day.

No time for a rest though, as it's Friday which means it's time for my picks of the week! Check them out below.

This week I talked about the comeback of short sleeve shirts and Topman have some amazing designs. I love the bold pastel stripes on this shirt. I think it's perfect for spring and pastels are coming through as a big look on the high street right now.

I love these Vivienne Westwood Anglomania jeans for Lee!

Here is how ASOS has described the collaboration:
"Vivienne Westwood for Lee Jeans sees the influential British designer team up with denim experts Lee for a capsule collection that draws upon Westwood’s archived collections from the 70’s and 80’s and Lee’s denim expertise."

I know the price tag is a bit steep but for quality denim I think it's a fair price. I love this style because if like my me, you have chunky thighs it means skinny jeans are generally uncomfortable or unwearable. This style offers you the tapered fit at the bottom which looks great with boots and shoes but also gives you thighs room to breathe!

This t-shirt isn't going to lead any trends or break any fashion boundaries but it is a great everyday t-shirt which will be versatile from now through to summer. I love these kind of prints because they're easy to wear. You can just throw it on with jeans, trainers and a hoody or with a pair of coloured short shorts and flip flops in the summer.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

What a week!!

We've looked at checked tailoring, Viktor & Rolf, Orange, an insight into Republic's S/S collection, Peacocks, the Golden Globe Awards and James Corden for Burton!Busy, busy, busy!!

Seeing as it's Friday, it's time for my picks of the week! The top three this week have a nautical vibe which is very on trend at the moment. Check them out below...

This piece from Zara covers two hot trends at the moment, nautical and shirts. A nautical shirt! Genius! I love the anchor print as it gives the shirt an edge without being too in your face and quirky prints are really on trend for shirts at the minute.

I love this t-shirt. That's all!

This jumper is the perfect item to carry off the rugged fisherman look. Like the other two items, the colours are instantly associated to a nautical trend and the colour blocking gives it a 2012 twist. The perfect piece to keep you warm and on trend this S/S.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

TGIF!! Does anyone else think that time seems to drag in January? Hopefully my top 3 picks of the week will help lift those January blues.

First up is this Aztec print jumper from River Island. I was surprised by the response to my Aztec Print post and I'm pleased that most of you are as excited about the trend as I am. This River Island is a nice interpretation of the trend and is extremely wearable for those of you perhaps a little reluctant to go all out with an Aztec printed shirt.

I love this vintage biker jacket from Urban Outfitters. The red trim gives it an 80's Michael Jackson feel, and it will make any outfit look effortlessly cool. The £95 price tag is an absolute bargain for a jacket like this, if you go to somewhere like All Saints for something similar you can expect to pay around £250.

At first glance, I didn't like this jumper but the more I looked at it over the week the more I grew to like it. It reminds me of early 90's children's TV presenters which I'm sure some of you will hate. Everything I have ever bought from Jack Wills has been of fantastic quality, so that should justify the £79 price tag.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

It seems like so long since I last shared my favourite picks of the week with you all. Nothing really happens over Christmas in retail, except SALE! I hope you all found some lovely bargains over the festive period, but from here on in, it's all about the current and the full price!

This time of year is always difficult for consumers. Stores will start to present their spring/summer lines but the weather is usually so cold and miserable, that the last thing people want to do is buy shorts and swimwear! Although, I try to see it as an investment. Buy the key pieces that you know, either you already have clothes in your wardrobe to combine them with or if you are really confident about an upcoming trend. Then keep them until the weather is right. Invest now, for the summer.  


My three picks of the week are a mix of ready to wear and investment pieces!

ASOS £36

Colour blocking doesn't seem to be fading any time fast. Retailers are bringing in more colour blocked pieces into their spring collections, making this jumper from ASOS both current and perfect for spring. I love the ribbed detail and the colours blend so well together. Perfect for keeping your warm during this cold damp weather we're facing at the moment.

BURTON £32

From the S/S12 catwalk shows we know that coloured trousers are going to be a big look this spring and these skinny fit chinos from Burtons are perfect for right now and through to spring. I love the colour and they have a fantastic 2 for £50 deal on chinos making them a bargain!

TOPMAN £30

There is no way you will see me in a pair shorts before April at the earliest, however I can't wait to get my hands on these bad boys ASAP. The simple Sea Horse design is so subtle and classic that you could really wear these year after year. Okay so at first glance they may look a bit like Jack Wills/Ralph Lauren knock offs and slightly 'twee' but who cares?! I LOVE them!

PICKS OF THE WEEK

Christmas is almost here! Hasn't it come around quick? And don't we say that EVERY year?!

Thankfully I have completed my Christmas shopping which means I can now focus on shopping for ME! However, if you are still unsure what to buy me then please take a look 3 favourite items from the high st this week. 

This week it's a bit of a berry theme...

RIVER ISLAND £16

Pocket detail shirts, jumpers, vests and t-shirts are still a big look on the high st. Most are contrasting colours but many have been styled up with mixed fabrics and prints. I like the simplicity of this dip dyed t-shirt from River Island and loved the colours.

TOPMAN LIMITED EDITION £80

I LOVE this vintage look blazer from Topman's Limited Edition line. I think the colour is so different from your standard brown and grey tweeds and it looks like a blazer that has been passed down through generations. The black velvet back neck collar also gives it a luxury feel.

BURTON £32

This A/W I have lived in my coloured hoody! I like this update on the trend from Burton. The quilted hoody is a great piece now that the weather has gone colder.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

TGIF!! I've had a bit of a designer week this week featuring Gucci, Acne and D&G. Time to get back to the high st!

This weeks picks all come from Topman's Limited Edition label which is exclusive to their flagship Oxford Circus store and their website. The label has a range of accessories, underwear, outerwear and clothing.


Here are my favourites this week!

TOPMAN LIMITED EDITION £22

Is it just me or are there loads of Rihanna and Jessie J t-shirts on the high st at the moment?
I think that this is a great print of Jessie J and of the ones I have seen on the high st, this is my favourite. 

TOPMAN LIMITED EDITION £28

Last month I posted about shoulder patches being a key look and this jumper continues the trend. The suede patches add a sports lux feel to the jumper, perfect for those casual days where you want to look good without making any effort.

TOPMAN LIMITED EDITION £38

I love these Herringbone peg leg trousers! As the model shows in the picture, they look great with boots. All you need is some chunky, winter socks and a cable knit jumper to complete the look.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

This week we've had Calvin Klein, Tourist Prints, JLS, Shapewear, Black Lace-up Shoes and Marcus Collins! Today is Friday though which means it's time for my top 3 favourite things from the high st this week!

ZARA £19.99

I keep saying that mustard is the colour of the season and it's showing no signs of stopping with Zara introducing these coloured, leather gloves. Also available in red and blue, I think the detail is stunning. I've been looking for driving gloves after Ryan Gosling made them cool and sexy in Drive and these mustard beauties from Zara are perfect!

DIESEL @ ASOS £130

I know, this is a little bit expensive for a pick of the week BUT isn't it AMAZEBALLS?? I've been making reference to Christmas Party looks for a couple of weeks now and nothing says Christmas Party quite like this shirt! The sequin trims, contrasting cuffs and the colour block collar are stunning! Its the perfect mix of being interesting without going too far plus it's not too obviously attached to a current trend, meaning you can pull it out again next Christmas.

PULL AND BEAR £25.99

There is no doubting that the weather is colder, although I'm still not finding it cold enough to wear my winter coats all the time. In fact I have spent most of this season still in my zip through hoody and this colour block number from Pull and Bear is going to give my look an upgrade. I love the mixed fabric and the colours blend perfectly together. Plus at £25.99 it's an absolute bargain!!

PICKS OF THE WEEK

Amongst the endless promotions on the high st, there seems to be some new Christmas party looks coming into stores along with new spring/summer lines.

With that in mind, two of my picks from this week are smart/casual Christmas party items and the third is something I haven't seen before...
 

ZARA £29.99

My first pick of the week is this sheer stripe jumper from Zara. I posted about sheer jumpers back in October after I was asked to find a jumper that Frankie Cocozza had worn on the X Factor. I understand that this jumper won't suit those of you who are body conscious, as you can see from the model in the picture it doesn't leave much to the imagination. This a great statement jumper and would be perfect for a smart/casual Christmas party look.

ASOS £35

For those of you who like the jumper from Zara but don't have the confidence to expose so much of your body, this sheer panel jumper from ASOS is a great compromise. The sheer panel across the front of the shoulders will make you appear broader and keep you looking fashionable.

FABRIC @ REPUBLIC £49.99

My final pick of the week is something new to me, an all-in-one tracksuit. "Onesies" as they're more commonly described are a big trend this winter for nightwear and it seems that Fabric have taken a risk with introducing the style to day wear for men. In principle, it's no different to women's jump/playsuits (if you don't know what they are, think Challenge Anneka) however seeing a man in an all-in-one tracksuit just seems wrong. Or maybe it's so wrong, it's right?? 

I can't wait to hear what you all think about this one!

PICKS OF THE WEEK

This week I have decided to dedicate my top 3 picks of the week to knitwear!

The temperature has dropped and we can safely say that winter is now here. This weekend I am going to focus on winter warmers from the high st!

I would love to see your favourite winter pieces so tweet your pictures using #mansnapswinter for me to see them!

NEW LOOK £19.99

I posted about cable knit jumpers last month and I am still loving them. This one from New Look is an absolute bargain at £19.99! The round neck is a classic shape and makes the jumper look like a timeless piece.

PEACOCKS £19.60

This double breasted, fairisle, hooded jumper from Peacocks is a great layering piece. It will look great worn open with a printed t shirt underneath or buttoned up and under a jacket. Fairisle is the perfect print for knitwear at this time of year, especially in the run up to Christmas.

H&M £39.99

Grey cardigans are boring. I can't deny it, they are dull! Yes they are classic staples for a mans wardrobe and yes they add a casual element to formal wear, but they are boring none the less. This little beauty from H&M however makes me feel slightly more positive towards them. I love the over sized leather pockets and the concealed buttons. Worn with a white shirt and black tie, this would certainly up the style stakes in the office!

PICKS OF THE WEEK

Friday is finally here which means that it is time for my top 3 picks of the week from the high st! This weeks selection are all priced around £40 too which means they are bargains!

TOPMAN £40

 I posted a few weeks ago about cable knit jumpers and Topman are continuing the trend. I love this navy and white stripe, chunky jumper. It is perfect to wear on those cold days if it isn't quite cold enough for outerwear. Plus I'm a sucker for a block stripe!

ALL SAINTS £40

It's so good to see All Saints creating a print firstly without a skull and secondly with some colour. I like the vintage look, brushed fabric of this t shirt and who doesn't love a flag print? I know some may think that £40 for a t shirt is quite steep considering Zara and River Island do some great prints for under £20, BUT I will say that every All Saints t shirt I have bought has been great lasting quality.

JACKET @ H & M £39.99

I love this jacket from H&M and think it is a BARGAIN at £39.99! I know that white jackets are such a hard look to pull off, and the risk of being called an 'ice cream' seller is inevitable but who cares? This jacket is certainly on my Christmas party outfit list! Personally, I would dress it up with a shirt and black bow tie and black trousers (look back to my post about Michael Jackson for inspiration).

PICKS OF THE WEEK

I've had some great feedback on Twitter from those of you that have bought some of my recommendations, from my 'Picks of the week' posts. 

Here are my top 3 from the high st, this week!

TOPMAN £30

This denim shirt from Topman is a really great colour for this time of year. It will look good dressed down with chinos and trainers or dressed up with jeans and a black bow tie. I think that denim always looks cool although struggle to feel comfortable in blue denim shirts so this is a great alternative.

RIVER ISLAND £50

 I LOVE THESE HIKING HIGH TOPS! That's all!

PULL AND BEAR £9.99

This "The Freedom Is For Heroes" tshirt from Pull and Bear is a fantastic offer at just £9.99. I am loving Pull and Bear at the minute, I wish they had more presence on the high st as they've got some amazing, affordable fashion pieces. Most of their printed tshirts are £9.99 and they have loads of cool designs to choose from.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

What a week! We've had the best padded gilets from the high st, Chris Martin, Burberry, Christmas jumpers and Versace for H&M!!

It's Friday today though so not only is it the start of the weekend, but it's time for my top 3 picks of the week.

ZARA £19.99

 

 

My first pick of the week is this Steve McQueen print tee from Zara. Over the years Zara has done tshirt collections of Gaga, Jaws and James Bond and they're continuing with a collection of prints of Steve McQueen. I love the simplicity of the print and I always find Zara have amazing quality tshirts.

ASOS £38

The closer we get to Christmas, the more you can expect to see grey and black jeans in stores as the high st prepares for that Christmas party look. I like the skinny carrot cut of these jeans and the zip detail on the pocket along with the abrasions give them an edge. Love them with the hiking boots too!

RIVER ISLAND £10

For the past few weeks I've been talking about yellow being a big colour on the high st and River Island continue the trend with this colour being introduced to a basic tee. I mentioned in my Burberry post to consider 'investment pieces' when buying yellow, to me this is a perfect example. I know what you're probably thinking, "a £10 tee is an investment?" Consider it in stock terms rather than it's monetary value - This is something that you might buy now but it's also something that you can wear again at the height of the trend in S/S12.