Italy 2013: Travel/Fashion Essentials

Italy 2013: Travel/Fashion Essentials!

As many of my twitter/Instagram followers & friends may have seen me ranting on about how I was about to visit Italy for the first time ever! I’m just going to rant a lot more in a positive way! I explored so much fashion and culture in Italy, I’d be stupid not to let you all know what it was like. This blog post is about travel essentials, but for a fashion conscious man.

1) A great pair of walking shoes!

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– I am not a fan of wearing for comfort, which was a BIG mistake as I did not realise how much walking I would have to do! So guys (& girls) please if you’re the type who likes to walk a lot, a good, solid pair of trainers (sneakers), pumps or plimsolls. If you prefer sandals, make sure you wear them beforehand to see if you can cope a day in them. Above is the pair of plimsolls I wore a majority of the time. They were soo comfy and durable. They also fit perfectly and were light and great to walk loads in.

2) Protect those eyes with some Shades!

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– being from the UK, I don’t think I would have been able to survive my holiday without my sunglasses. I literally slept with them because I was so used to wearing them a majority of the time. I like a variety of different shapes and colour sunglasses, but I knew Italy was a very sophisticated place and I wanted to make a good impression. As much as I LOVE aviators (which look good on anybody), I wanted a quirkier pair which was also fun & sophisticated. I went with a pair of brown wayfarers. Above is the pair which I wore all the time, ultimately leaving me with a tan line over my eyes! Oops!

3) Straw hats ain’t for those in the Deep South anymore…

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– if you’re travelling to a beach resort or a hike up a mountain this summer, a hat of any type is necessary. Although caps are perfectly fine, a more fashion forward statement is the straw hat which is very light and stylish all at the same time! I visited seriously hot places and I would not be able to have survived without it! I wore the hat in Rome, Pompeii, Naples and Capri. Above is how I wore it. Yet there are many ways you can wear it. I personally do not like looking like a tourist, there’s something so not appealing to how a majority dress, everyday you should try to dress good, especially when abroad!

These three essentials are a must-have for any guy/girl who are travelling this summer to any hot destination.

Other essentials include:

-Sun-Tan Lotion: be safe, and you don’t want to burn. This helped me a lot!

-Deodorant: you need to smell good as often as possible!

-Fragrance: You need to smell amazing on the outside also.

-Moisturiser: nobody wants dry skin on a summer holiday.

-Beard Trimmer: unless you want to keep a beard, it’s best to keep it short, keep this with you in your toiletries bag.

-Simple Accessories: a watch, bracelet, ring or necklace. Just to jazz things up.

-Invisible Socks: no, not stockings for men, they are socks which you can’t see when wearing with pumps to give an illusion that you’re not wearing any, when you are!

Where to purchase: –

Good shoes – ‘Next’ for £10 or any high street store you like.

Shades – ‘Urban Outfitters’ – £15. Cheap and long lasting!

Straw Hat – ‘Zara Man’ – £18, stylish and helpful!

Good quality deodorant and moisturiser from ‘Kiehls’

I wore ‘D&G: Light Blue’ fragrance – a classic.

Invisible Socks available at Mr Porter or Urban Outfitters.

Hope you’ve enjoyed a helpful guide for those of you travelling! – let me know where you’re heading for the holidays? Any more interest? Thanks!

Outfit of the Day: Fashion Conscious Gentleman

Outfit of the Day: Fashion Conscious Gentleman

Woah, it’s truly been a long time since I last blogged. But this new style of mine has really impacted on others (positively), as I type this I’m currently dressed in this outfit, for a night out with family.

Here it is…!!!!

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This look is really cool! Especially because it was affordable, worth it and classic! A majority of this outfit was from H&M’s conscious collection. I normally think H&M is too basic for my personal taste, but their special collections always find a way into my weak fashion obsessed heart! The items from the collection included, the blazer (£30) which is a beautiful bright olive green colour. Everything in this collection is organic and real material. The green blazer is a must-have for spring time, it kept me warm and comfy!

Another item from the collection is the blue textures scarf (£9), which compliments the olive tone. You may not be able to see the shirt in the image above, but I’m wearing a shirt also from H&M’s collection (£10). This is also very flattering and comfortable! So worth the money! The skinny jeans and grey stone shoes are from Topman and Aldo! My accessories include an exclusive personalised bracelet from H&M’s Dragon Tattoo Collection, which I personalised with studs and a real gold Versace ring with the logo. You need a little bling to jazz up an outfit!

This image (below) allows you to see closer and in more detail of the shirt and how well they contrast with the blazer!

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This image (above) shows a close up of then shirt cuff at the arm and my accessories in detail. I love bracelets and rings, creating my own personal style. These accessories made my outfit more smart casual. Perfect for an evening out or a day trip in town!

Would love some feedback and comments on what you think about this style?!

Also follow me on Instagram: @suitandtied or my personal account: @umariqbal_ !!!!! Thanks!

Outfit Of The Day: Snow Spring Style

Outfit Of The Day: Snow Spring Style

Hey, I have just started my personal section of my blog, and this section is all about my personal style, how I put items together, and some inspirational images!

As you can see, today was a very cold day in the UK and I decided to create classic black-and-white style with my sophisticated outfit! It really reminded me of a winter wonderland today!

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In these two shots of myself on my first photoshoot in freezing conditions, I wore:
– a Comfortable black and white cotton blazer from ZARA MAN. (£70)
– a long-lasting, wind-blowing H&M Scarf (£12)
– Skinny fit Black jeans from TOPMAN(£38)
– T-shirt from ‘Taxonomy’ by TOPMAN (£28)
– Sunglasses from JOY (£5)
– Hybrid brogue/hightops from ZARA MAN (£100)

Hairstyle was inspired by Justin Timberlake. Look at his new video ‘Mirrors and Suit&Tie’

Also check out my Suit&Tied Instagram page! @suitandtied – feedback is always welcome!

Updated: Effortless Quiffs

Updated: Effortless Quiffs

I just recently got a haircut which I felt was perfect for this seasons upcoming spring hairstyle. This style is very much recommended to all males as it suits all ages. Previously I displayed a few images of what hairstyles are popular. Now, I’ll show you images of my hairstyle which is most surely my best hairstyle in a while!

(Below) is the Spring 2013 Effortless Quiff.

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I really love this hairstyle and it is similarly reminiscent of Justin Timberlake’s recent ‘Suit&Tie’ hairstyle.

But I actually was inspired by this image, which I have previously shown. (Below)

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This picture also inspired me to get highlights. I don’t like the idea of going for drastic changes, so I opted for a soft light brown scattered on the top of the head, whilst also encouraged to create a stand-out look by including light blonde highlights, which are very subtle, to avoid looking like Rogue in X-Men.

I think spring (hopefully) will be a positive bright season and you’ll be able to soak up some sun and show off some effortless Quiffs. Attempt to keep the top long, whilst trimming the sides short. Please make sure in order to achieve this hairstyle, do not create a short back of the hair, as it could come across as very bold and could be regrettable. Opt for a relaxed look. Blow drying after a shower, with slight product used to create a luxury texture will work wonders!

Thanks, let me know about your hair queries!

Spring Must-Have: Straw Hat

Spring Must-Have: Straw Hat

Spring is nearly here (21st March to be exact), and I have seen a spring of trends, but the one that has caught my eye recently is the Straw Hat.

I’m not the one who usually wears hats, but the Straw Hat looks good. I actually tried these on and they actually flatter my large head.

My current trip to London (my favourite city), my walk around Knightsbridge high street where I spotted the trend. I walked into one of my go-to shops, Reiss, where I spotted an amazing hat. (Below – Reiss hat for £49.99, a gorgeous blue)

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This hat also comes in a yellow colour (below).

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If the Reiss hat is not your style, there’s an alternative hat from Zara Man. For an affordable £19.99, here’s this option.

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And this option from Zara Man.
Also (£19.99)

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Like this cool trend? Let me know and what would you pair this with? What other trends are hot this spring?

Oz: The Great & Powerful Style

As Wizard of Oz prequel, ‘Oz: The Great & Powerful’ releases this week, I have noticed Oz inspired fashion online and a trend which is sure to be popular in the next coming months!

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James Franco stars as the eponymous Oz, but I have spotted the suits and clothing inspired by Oz.

Let us enter the Emerald City…

Famous fashion blogger Adam Gallagher is my fashion icon! He has created the perfect outfit pairing an emerald blazer and trousers with wooden brogues and a tweed/brown waistcoat!

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The Yellow laces give an homage to the yellow brick road and keep the outfit interesting and thought about carefully through the details.

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You can find a majority of these styles on the current high street such as Topman and River Island. Check your local stores for a whimsical wardrobe change!

Rising Star Style: Alden Ehrenreich

I recently watched ‘Beautiful Creatures’ and I was amazed by the brilliant acting of newcomer Alden Ehrenreich. He recently wore an amazing suit at the LA premiere of ‘Beautiful Creatures’.

The suit is impeccably tailored to perfection and the colour of burgundy and a dark claret look amazing. The suit is by designer Albert Hammond Jr.

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I love this suit. The colour is very on trend and the combination of the brown and burgundy tie and brogue combo create a laid back and suave look.
What do you think about this suit? Alden is for sure a new fashion icon and rising star.

Movie Fashion Icon of the Week: Matthew Goode – Stoker

Stoker, a new movie releases this week has generated a lot of buzz. I begin Movie Fashion Icon of the week, so I could show you inspirations from the movie and premiere outfits.

This week sees British actor and star of the creepy Stoker, Matthew Goode. He plays a slick serial killer type named ‘Uncle Charlie’. Here are a few styles which are very classic and always trendy.

This still from the movie (below).
This style pairs a contrast of a rust coloured sweater with a pair of cream coloured chinos and a cream shirt. This very retro look is emphasised by the amazing brown sunglasses, which is a very big trend this spring.

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A very casual, yet preppy look which always looks good. A pair of dark blue jeans is the best look with the black sweater. Wearing smart shoes or brogues will also create a sophisticated look.

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Here (below) is Matthew at the premiere in London for Stoker. Where he slicks back his hair and dons a dark grey/navy suit. The use of the maroon stained tie looks really interesting, giving it a special flair.

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Like this Slick Stoker Style by Matthew Goode? Let me know 🙂

Current Trend: Beards

Well if you’ve been watching awards season for the past few months, you’d realise that there was one trend that seemed to occur all the time, which was beards!

Oscar Winner and man of the The moment, Ben Affleck has been rocking a beard, which he kept for months on end. Since the success of Argo, he has kept the beard, which may be a positive or negative. However, it has sparked much conversation about the trend of beards in Hollywood.

Look below at the current stubble styles of the moment.

Ben Affleck – Very well suited beard, which suits his face shape and the thickness is not too thick.

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George Clooney – Bens partner in crime and producer of Argo, sports a grey beard which is apparently for a new film role. This beard ages him, but George suits the older, grey look. Which makes him look great.

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Chris Pine – This is a great example of making stubble look good on the Star Trek star. It’s not too scruffy you here has that effortless yet Prim look.

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Jason Clarke – the Zero Dark Thirty star opts for a scruffier luck yet this suits the relaxed style yet it is a unique style as it is not as sophisticated.

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Hugh Jackman – Les Miserables Oscar nominee sports a jet black polished beard, This is a different style as the facial hair is thinner on the sides andy thick around the box beard.

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So Guys, do you like The current trend of beards? I think a thicker beard creates maturity, while light stubble creates an effortless yet cool and rugged look. Try which one you like the most!

Oscar Fashion Alert: Eddie Redmayne’s Loafers

So the Red Carpet at the Oscars is the most watched Carpet, accessible all over the world to see. One trend which altered a traditional Gentleman’s suit was seen on male fashion icon ‘Eddie Redmayne’. Due to high demands on Eddie Redmayne’s style, I’m focusing on his choice of wearing Alexander McQueen Black Velvet Loafers.

The choice of wearing these amazing loafers was a style risk, but has divided fashion critics attention. Personally I think Eddie can do no wrong fashion-wise and this is a unique and adds personality to the traditional suit also by Alexander McQueen.

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A close up of the amazing loafers. Velvet is a trend and is recommended as it is an ongoing trend of the season and year.

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Let me know if you’re for or against Eddie’s fashion risk!