UNION JACK PRINTS

Rule Britannia!
The upcoming Queen's Jubilee and Olympics have resulted in a surge of patriotism across the high st. Union Jack prints are on literally everything, from t-shirts and vests to plates and bunting.

In recent years, the Union Jack print has been more commonly associated with British "Chav" culture which for the style conscious male, isn't the ideal advert. The time has come however to wipe the slate clean and where your blue, white and red with as much enthusiasm as the stars and stripes we see, season upon season in our stores.

As we start to build bridges with the Union Jack print there must be a degree of caution with your outfit choice, the last thing you want is to be branded a "Chav". So, it should go without saying that unless you are part of Team GB in the Olympics, avoid wearing sportswear with your Union Jack print. Certainly take inspiration from the Olympics but aim for a more "sports luxe" look mixing chinos, shorts with hoodies rather than jogging bottoms.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

I don't know about you, but the past week has flown by here at Mansnaps! I've posted the exclusive interview with Desperate Scousewives stars Chris and Mark, a Moschino s/s12 inspired look, the TRUTH about my Wales Online interview, published Mansnaps FIRST Ebook, launched the search for a street style team and the launch of David Beckham's Bodywear collection for H&M.

And it looks like winter has finally arrived! Britain has seen freezing temperatures and even snow in some places this week. However the high st is focusing on warmer times ahead as their spring/summer collections continue to build. Pastel colours are coming through and what a great introduction to the season before we get to the primary colour blocking phase of summer.

Here are my top three pastel inspired picks of the week!

I seen this t-shirt when I attended Burton's High Summer Press Day and was tempted to steal it from the rail. I LOVE it! Ibiza inspired prints are going to be really big this spring/summer, and the washed out, pastel coloured print make it a perfect beach to party t-shirt.

If you're unsure of what to wear with your Ibiza print t-shirt then look no further. These chinos from Sol Cal at Republic are not only great value at £30 but the colour is amazing! A great colour for mixing with other pastel shades and they will take you from spring to the end of summer as this summer is all about COLOUR!

If you want to get involved with the pastel trend but your style is a bit more structured then this Ben Sherman polo shirt is for you! The multicoloured stripes make this really versatile and easy to wear and the button down collar gives it that smart, structured edge.

COLOURED CHINOS

 

This S/S is going to be all about colour. Same as every year then, I hear you say. Well yes, except 2012 we should see it taken up a notch with the introduction of Coloured chinos.
They were a big feature in the S/S12 collections for many designers and now we're seeing the trend coming through on the high st.

Although we've already seen coloured jeans on the high st, I think that coloured chinos are a little less scary for a lot of men. The lighter fabrics mean that they can be worn on holiday which is the perfect trial run for the clothing you're not entirely confident in wearing around your home town. Plus there is a certain ruggedness to the feel of denim which lends itself better to a formal look to give it balance, especially when the denim is dyed a bright colour.

Like coloured jeans I would avoid wearing another bright colour on your top half unless you are really confident with how to work colours. That said, don't be afraid to mix with a printed t-shirt for a cool, casual look (Pull&Bear and H&M always do great prints). Although let the print add the colour and stick to a white/black/grey/navy t-shirt for balance.

BEN SHERMAN

Forget what you think you know about Ben Sherman. If like me, your first thought when you hear the name, is of that 1990's Mod inspired logo then think again.

Ben Sherman was founded in 1963 by Arthur Benjamin Sugarman. He wanted to create the button down shirt for everyday where having been inspired by polo players who would wear these shirts to keep their collars in the correct place whilst riding. In the 1960's the Mods caught onto the brand and it became an iconic piece (hence the logo) and they have continued ever since.

The past couple of years have seen the brand, readdress their position in the market and go through a massive overhaul. Starting with THAT logo. The Ben Sherman of 2012 is a fully fledged Heritage brand, sympathetically acknowledging it's history whilst keeping a firm eye on the present day.

The stores have been designed by the same people responsible for creating All Saints stores, Brinkworth. 

More importantly, the new collections really speak for themselves. Those hideous polo shirts are a thing of the past. Now the brand offers, quality fashion pieces with a heritage twist and focus on what made them so iconic to begin with, the shirt.


Here are some of my favourite pieces, available now.

SHIRT £65

T SHIRT £32.50

CHINOS £70

CARDIGAN £95

SHIRT £65

STRIPES

Nothing says Spring quite like stripes. Year on year we see a nautical look on the high st in the run up to Spring. The red, white and blue colour palette always look fresh against the cold backdrop of winter.


Whilst we're not quite in Spring yet, stripes are making an appearance in stores now with long sleeve jersey tops and jumpers. Wear them with chinos or jeans with your winter coat for a transitional look. 

BEN SHERMAN £30

BURTON £30

H & M £24.99

PULL & BEAR £17.99

PEACOCKS £15

RIVER ISLAND £25

TOPMAN £28

ZARA £29.99