FASHION: Atom Retro - Retro, Mod & Indie Clothing

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by Atom Retro asking if I would like to take a peek at their website and choose an item of clothing to style for this here blog. After deleting my initial response of “are you saying I dress like I’m stuck in the 1960s” I took a peek and was instantly hooked on the sheer amount of clothing available for both men and women and how reasonable the pricing was.

For the sake of transparency, I was gifted with my choice but as ever, I'm being incredibly objective when it comes to sharing my thoughts.

Lounging in the library at work

So, who are Atom Retro? This is what they say about themselves over the site here:

'Based in the UK and launched in 2004, Atom Retro has quickly become the one-stop shop for every sixties fan, retro lover or heritage connoisseur looking for authentic, high quality and original clothing.

We specialise in stocking iconic heritage brands such as Baracuta, John Smedley, Original Penguin, Farah Vintage, Ben Sherman and Gabicci Vintage – but we also have an eye for new and original independent designers and brands with a Retro or Indie edge such as Madcap England, Common People and Gonsalves & Hall.

Atom Retro was inspired by the Carnaby Street boutiques of the Sixties – recreated here online for the contemporary era. Reflecting classic, timeless style with Fashion that will live forever.'

They have everything you could possibly need to pull together an alternative look that will make you stand out in a crowd or simply state your own style in a unique and interesting way, without breaking the bank. Being a little conservative I opted for the Penny Dot Lane MADCAP ENGLAND Retro 60s Mod Shirt that sells for £34.99. A reasonable amount I think for a well made quality shirt. Normally when looking at casual shirts I can spend anything up to £100 so just £34.99 is not something to be sniffed at. 

Check out that retro old school phone! 

When I showed my better half my choice I could tell from the look on her face that this wasn't something she would pick for me but it has grown on her and she now likes the outfit when I combine it with dark blue jeans and my biker boots or my brown Chelsea boots from Chatham Marine.

I’ve worn the shirt twice now to work and I can categorically say I’ve never received so many positive comments about it – people love the shirt and the look, which is a shift away from my usual all black outfits for work! Navy is the new black people….Strangely, I wasn't even wearing the shirt to work today and someone commented on how cool it looked while sat in a meeting. 

Atom Retro don't just limit themselves to clothes either, you can also pick up some amazing retro stuff like this vintage record player for £169, this Dunlop flap satchel bag for £15 or these Winklepicker Chelsea boots for £89.99.

Atom Retro - well and truly bookmarked and somewhere I'll be shopping from again and again. As I've said above, I'm being objective and there are lots of retro clothes on the site that I personally could not see myself wearing, in fact I just enjoyed looking at the wide range of sometimes bizarre clothes available. Go and take a look, I think you'll find something that appeals to you.

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What do you think to my choice and the outfit?

*thanks Robbie for taking the pics!

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Casual workwear from Hugo Boss

Now that the cold weather has arrived it's time for me to retreat to either consider hibernation or start dressing for the weather. Personally hibernation appeals but I don't think my boss would be too happy if she didn't see me until March 2017. With that in mind, the tees are going back in the draw and it's time to grab my warmer clothes, not something I was quite yet ready to do, until this mornings commute - cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey to coin a phrase.

I don't have to wear a suit and tie for work (rejoice) but I do like to think I dress casually smart (at times) and I choose items of clothing from brands that I know wear well, as I have an uncanny ability of looking a state due to my weird body shape. Old favourites are Hugo Boss or Peter Werth because they are more than worth their money in terms of style, comfort and just the length of time the clothes last. That said, I always like to renew a few pieces from my wardrobe each year, despite only dry cleaning my long cashmere coat, I have had it for a few years and the cuffs have started to fray, I need a few new shirts and one of my favourite jumpers from GAP is now beyond repair (12 years isn't bad for a $30 jumper bought the day after I got married).

So this is what I am currently looking at and saving to my Pinterest boards in the hope that the missus will take pity on me and refresh my wardrobe (she has final purchasing decisions when it comes to my clothes as frankly I suck at styling my clothes).

Right in the middle is the Hugo Boss Men's Migo Cashmere-Mix overcoat which has a three button fastening and notched lapels. Crafted from a luxurious wool and cashmere blend, the tailored fit overcoat features two flap pockets on the front, shaping darts and a single rear vent. Complete with a full lining, two internal welt pockets and four-button cuffs. At £245 it is more than a bargain and very very tempting!

Shirts are always long sleeve for me and if they are suit shirts, a double cuff is preferable, but otherwise I let the wife decide. On the left is a Boss Orange (£63) patterned long sleeve shirt which is made from pure cotton construction and repeat stitched pattern and has a button collar and cuffs and the other is a Bugo Boss Roy Slim Fit Micro Geo Shirt which has a fleck pattern and currently half price at £64 in House of Fraser.

Three jumpers all different styles adorn my wishlist. Starting with the Amare Half Button jumper (£70) to the left which has a three button neck with ribbed neck and cuff looks incredibly warm In the middle is the Boss Orange Wandros Shawl Neck (£50) is ribbed with a shawl neck and just looks so cosy I want to be wearing it right now. Finally The Sarrow Crew Sweatshirt (£77) is for those days when it isn't freezing cold but cold enough I want to be warm rather than snug. A long sleeve sweater with a crew neckline, this jumper features a contrasting faux leather trim to the neckline.

Finally we have jeans.  I have coveted a pair of Boss jeans for years now and everytime I walk past a shop, I want a pair. Boss Orange regular fit jeans (£50) seem too much of a bargain to miss out on especially when they have your size on offer (massive hint Rachel).  The final pair are more expensive at £119 but these Delaware slim-fit stretch jeans have that timeless rinsed look and are versatile enough to be dressed up or down.

What do you wear for work in Winter?

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Coats and Blazers

Yesterday in London there was something of a rude awakening. The sunshine of summer faded and it looked as though the warm weather and glorious rays had been kicked to the kerb. Just wearing tees or a shirt (with jeans) to work even though the tube is packed at rush hour is not an option as I still need to ensure that I stay warm and more importantly dry as I walk from the station to my office. Coats and blazers have always been a stock item for this time of year and since I've managed to either leave or lose my other blazers I have been on the lookout for suitable and affordable replacements.

Shopping online is usually my first port of call to look at new fashions, new designs and decide what it is I want/like the look off before trudging to the high street to try something on, or in my lazier times, just order it and hope for the best!  These are the items I am currently deciding between!

On the top row we have a Blazer from Scotch and Soda and a Navy Twill Coat from Only & Sons.

Scotch & Soda Grey Knitted Wool Blazer 

This Knitted Wool Blazer in Grey from Scotch & Soda is something I can wear both formally and informally. It features Inside pockets which are a definite must and one welt pocket to the chest left and two front flap pockets. This is a long sleeved blazer and has a two-button front. It does retail for £215 which is not cheap, but considering the amount of wear I would get from it, then I think it is good value for money.

Only & Sons Dary Navy Twill Coat

I am a fan of long coats, I think they can look pretty fantastic if they fit right. This one is Navy in colour and features and has a two pocket design to the front along with long sleeves, loose cuffs and button closure to the front. This jacket also features slip on back and Inside pocket. Again, I am a huge fan of inside pockets, they are great for disguising valuable items when I don't have my laptop bag with me. At £110 I think this is an absolute bargain and is pretty much top of my list.

The bottom two have two coats which are totally different from one another but I like for different reasons.

Minimum Charcoal Melange Allston Coat

I spotted this because it is quite unusual and not something that I would initially choose, but it drew my attention. It comes again with a two pocket design to the front and has long sleeves, loose cuffs and front zip closure, something again I am not used too because I often opt for buttons. I like the next on this coat, definitely one for those windy days when you forget (or lose) your scarf! At £210 it isn't overly expensive and it does look incredibly stylish.

Gant Navy The Riverside Pea Coat

Gant is the only brand I have been familar with within this post. This Riverside Pea Coat from is Navy and features large lapels and a double placket. There are also slit pockets at both the sides and an inside pocket with button closing. This coat happens to be the most expensive within my selections, at £350 I love that looks incredibly smart and it definitely a coat for those more formal occasions.

I now have a choice to make as to which coat to buy and how many blazers I am really going to need, I have one left from many at the start of the year in my wardrobe which isn't enough and I do need a new coat for Autumn Winter.

Which ones should I go for?

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*This is a collaboration, all words are my own.

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Guide London Shirts + Giveaway

If you saw my TK Maxx Haul earlier in the year you will have seen the lovely flowery shirt from Guide London I managed to pick up well below the recommended retail price. Pleased was an understatement then and still is!

When I was asked if I would to take a look at their Autumn collection and choose a shirt to style I didn't have to think twice, and opted for the slim fit Dark Blue Dobby Shirt at £60.

With free delivery on orders over £45 then you really can't argue, and I have to ask, why aren't you currently checking them out for yourself? There are loads of shirts, tees, blazers and malewear over at the Guide London site here.

And this is what it looks like when worn by yours truly! 

This is, if my memory serves me correctly the fourth shirt I've owned from Guide London and each one has lasted for years and years. The colours don't run, the stitching is rock solid and best of all, the cuffs and collars never fray. Years after purchase they look as good as the day I bought them. 

Personally I'm looking forward to many years of wear out of the new addition to my wardrobe.

Now here is the good part, you have the opportunity to win a Guide London shirt worth up to £80 using the competition widget below. Good luck!

Win a free Guide London Shirt Worth £80 with Beauty King UK 

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Buki Koshoni - Functional Art & Clothing

Today is all about the tees, but not just any old ordinary tees, these are from the amazing photographer Buki Koshoni.

If it wasn't for my other half I would be wandering around looking a right state, after all I have eyes that would have been rejected if there was some form of quality control at birth - I'm colour blind and struggle with shades of red, green, blue and brown (so just most colours around). Combine that with a middle age taste in clothes and you have a fashion mess if I choose clothes on my own.

This is what is says about the brand over on the Buki Koshoni website here:

'The Brand was founded on the art, design and ideals of photographer Buki Koshoni. Our "functional art" ethos looks to challenge the symbiosis of art, design and fashion, forging a truly global, entertaining and progressive brand.
Apparel, art and designs, that not only beautify a person or space, but also create and encourage “active participation” Functional Art, whether it be upcycled funiture, an expertly sewn shirt or a fine art print, we encourage active participation between the art and its owners'.

Fortunately, there are people out there trying to help fashion paupers like myself and the wide range of classic yet edgy clothing from the Koshoni range really does appeal to me. When asked if I would like to try and style some of the tees it took me ages to choose two but in the end I went for the Leaving Las Vegas tee and the A & O 'Splash' Print. Both are £45 each.

At £45 for a tee these are expensive but the images are stylish, look great (I think) when paired with a pair of classic skinny jeans and a pair of boots. I feel confident that I don't look like a school teacher (no offence intended teachers) at an end of term disco when wearing these and will be picking up a few more to add to my huge collection of tees.

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SPONSORED: Men's online shopping catalogues

The sheer amount of merchandise you can purchase off the internet is astounding. 

This avenue has spawned shopping cultures and trends that were simply unimaginable at the turn of the century. Much has been made about the insecurities that come with choosing products online, but the truth is that shopping online is now a reality and has been for over a decade now. While a big number of shopping avenues makes it easier for customers to make choices by looking at varieties, it presents a problem; where do consumers look?

Since there are so many avenues, it is imperative that you as a male shopper have an idea of the things they offer and the places to look. To aid you to make the perfect choice in your shopping endeavours, here is a list of top 5 online men's shopping catalogues in the UK.

Joe Browns

This catalogue has attained somewhat of a cult following among male fashion enthusiasts all over the United Kingdom. The amount and types of clothes available span different ages as well as body sizes. At the website, shoppers can easily browse prices and products until they get what they want. Shopping is easy, as all you have to do is add products to a cart. There are options for making returns if products are not satisfactory. You can make payments by use of MasterCard or maestro.

The Hut

The Hut is another famous destination for men wishing to go out for the latest trends. However, it is much more than just a clothes store. It also offers products like electronics and gaming tools. In addition, men can purchase toys for their children at the hut. Making payments is never a hassle, as the store caters to customers who use MasterCard, Visa, Visa electron as well as maestro.

Next

This shopping store caters for all types of clothes as well as home wares. Apart from the UK, Next is available in over 70 other countries around the world. There is no limit to what a man can buy for himself and his family at Next. Extra products include wines, flowers and gifts. From time to time, the shop offers gifts and bonuses to its clients.

Littlewoods

At Littlewoods, shoppers have the luxury of knowing that they can always make returns if products are defective. However, there are rules for returns. They should occur within the first two weeks of purchase. If there were gift items, they should come back as part of the package. Customers can make credit payments using Visa and Maestro.

Dial a TV

There is a wide range of home wares and electronics that a man could take a pick of on this site. While the electronics are more than the rest of the items on sale, the diversity is simply amazing. At Dial a TV, there are bonuses for shoppers, even though these do not have a regular timing. If clients need clarification, they can always contact support and customer care services, as they are available around the clock.

One of the main benefits of shopping through an online catalogue is the ability to spread the cost of your purchases. Spread the cost usually allows you to pay what you owe in monthly or weekly installments. You can check out a full list of pay monthly catalogues here.

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