Wrist Porn: Atolyestone London

For the last twelve months I've had something of an accessory addiction and have coveted a number of male bracelets. If you didn't see my wishlist from 2015 you can here. This however is just the tip of the iceberg and on Pinterest here I have a rather large board that has everything from £5 to £5,000 (a man can dream) bracelets to adorn my wrist. It was on Pinterest that those purveyors of fine jewellery for men Atolyestone London got in touch and asked if I had ever seen their range. I must confess, at the time I hadn't heard of them or seen their website but with two clicks of the mouse I was in luxury bracelet heaven.

This is what they say about themselves over at the Atolyestone London website here:

'Atolyestone is a high-end jewellery brand with our head office based in London. Our aim is to harmonise the traditional bead and charm bracelets with modern silver gold and silver moulding techniques. Today, Atolyestone is staying loyal to its original ideas and reinterpreting the world of high-end jewellery.'

As a bit of a disclosure, I was offered the opportunity to pick a product from the site and then entered a period of calm (read neurotic indecision) as I tried to settle on one particular bracelet.

In the end I opted for the Lava Skull Beaded Bracelet at £70, fired off my request and sat back with the giddy excitement of a four year old on Christmas morning. I didn't have to wait long. My ordered was placed on Saturday and after another ugly Monday I arrived home to a card from DHL advising that the bracelet had been signed for by my neighbour (cheers bud). I was that excited about my new bracelet that I (for the first time in my thirty seven years) kept checking the online tracking system from DHL.

The anticipation could not have prepared me for the sheer "wow" factor when opening the package. Not only did the bracelet come in the chunkiest and weighty box, it oozed quality, and that was before I had opened it. 

Opening the box brought a bigger smile to my face - there is was in all it's glory - the black lava stone wrapped around its own little cushion, the sterling silver skull staring back at me. Pleased is an understatement of epic proportion. 

Well made, oozing class and more importantly, looking stunning I am delighted with my choice.

Yes, Atolyestone London in my view falls into the luxury category but they are well and truly worth the additional expense. My ASOS bracelets now look like paupers when placed next to my new offering, which means that I'm going to have to upgrade my collection (double edged sword time). 

If I had to pick other bracelets from the range available on the Atolyestone London website my favourites have to be these babies:

With colours and ranges to suit all tastes, and bracelets, bangles and cuffs that cost from £40 to £245 there is something that will appeal to every taste (it's not all skulls). If you’re not treating yourself, these would make a perfect gift for the man in your life.

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Woolovers - Cashmere, Cotton & Wool Knitwear

Well, the weather has gone a bit cold hasn’t it here in England? Even tucked away in usually tropical London I’ve been feeling the cold for a couple of weeks and it doesn’t look like any warm weather is on its way any time soon. With that in mind, for the last two months at least, my work attire has consisted mainly of jeans, tee and thick jumper to try and ward off colds, bugs and general illness (and failing). However, there has been one of my jumpers that has kept me snug as a bug and really warm despite the almost bi-polar air conditioning in my new office (it blows freeing cold or at levels akin to an overheating sauna). Step forward my Fair isle Polo Neck jumper from Woolovers, an online purveyor of all things knitwear in cashmere, cotton and wool. 

As far as jumpers go, the Woolovers site has pretty much everything that you could imagine for both men and women and at prices that I consider to be very reasonable.  While you can pick up a cheap jumper for £20-£30 that lasts for a few months before being washed out of shape or becoming a touch bitty, splashing just that little more and you get great quality clothing. My jumper came in at just £45 and I have been delighted with the quality, the comfort and the fact that the pure lambs wool doesn’t itch or make me scratch away (a problem I have at times with 100% wool). 

This is what they say about themselves over at the Woolovers site here:

'Started in 1989 from small beginnings, Wool Overs is now a world class knitwear retailer, supplying nearly 750,000 customers with men's and ladies classic and contemporary knitwear. We now have websites for the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and two fully-translated versions for France and Russia - all helping to ensure we can spread our love of knitwear the world over! 

So, for lovers of Wool, Cotton & Cashmere knitwear, we think we’ve managed to create a rather special range that offers you amazing value, without compromising on quality. More importantly, we hope you feel the same! In association with the 100% Pure Wool Board and Woolmark, we ensure that our woollen yarns are of the highest quality, and unlike most high street knitwear today, all of our styles are fully machine washable.' 

And this is what the jumper I selected looks like on…..

As I said, the site offer a whole range of clothing for both men and women and I for one could spend a fortune on this site. Not only is the selection great it has weaned me off just wearing black! Actually making my selection was a nightmare as I love loads of the clothes on offer on the site - my other favourites (and on my wish list) include:

Looking for good quality clothing that is well made and won’t break the bank then you can do a lot worse than checking out Woolovers. You won’t be disappointed with your purchase.

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Firmoo - the global online optical store

I’m blind as a bat, and to make sure that the world has edges I have to wear pretty strong prescription eyewear. In the past I have been known to spend a small fortune on frames in an effort to find a pair that suited my face. My last pair of frames set me back over £250 and that was before the cost of the lenses had been included - ouch. With a new prescription (and even worse eyesight) I was delighted not to have to dip my hand into my pocket, instead, I was offered a pair of frames and lenses from Firmoo, the global online optical store. 

Being as blind as a bat and slightly vain I didn’t start wearing glasses properly until my early twenties (I would rarely wear them at school despite having a pair tucked away at the bottom of my bag) - which made having to read number plates outside my driving test centre that little bit more interesting. I had to memorise the plates before going in so that I could dazzle the tester before we set off. Looking back (no pun intended) I was a danger to everyone on the roads for years (yet didn’t have a crash).

My previous pair of handmade frames look a bit tired and the pair of Moschino frames had been bent so far out of shape they made my face look lopsided. Not wanting to look like I’d had a stroke a replacement was needed and I decided to take a leap for a new size and style.

This is what they say about Firmoo over at their website here:

‘Vision – An ideal pair of prescription glasses as a half medical tool to correct vision should be made up of a quality frame and lenses with accurate prescription. We promise all our eyeglasses frames are of high quality. Besides, all eyewear provided by us goes through strict inspection by our experienced opticians before shipping to ensure the accuracy of lens prescription. That’s why we are able to pass savings to our valued customers. Fashion – We offer classic and fashion glasses frames for you to choose from. All of these frames which are quite popular in the world are elaborately picked by our staff from thousands of frames in the market. Frugal way – Our prescription eyeglasses are inexpensive even though with high quality, therefore, everyone can afford it.’

Scrolling through the various types of eyewear available I was mildly impressed with the variety on offer, but the most striking aspect of selecting my frames for me was the cost. Every pair of frames I came across was so cheap it would seem rude not to pick up a pair. As you can see from the photographs above, the frames look the part (feel free to disagree but I will hunt you down) and they cost under £20. Yes, under £20 for a pair of frames and under £100 when you throw in the cost of the lenses.

After making my selection I was really pleased that I could upload a photograph of my face (without the PC screen cracking) and see what they would look like on my face. Perfect. 

The process of inputting my prescription was really easy, and with my complete lack of ophthalmic knowledge was incredibly grateful for the help function that explained what needed to be input where. The fact that I had to wander off to the restrooms at work with a transparent ruler to measure the distance between my pupils wasn’t strange at all - no, not strange at all……..

A week after ordering and the glasses landed on the mat - with a lovely case, a cloth to keep them clean and more importantly the frames looking the business I was happy - very happy.

They fit perfectly, the lenses help my eyes adjust and everything has perfect clarity. Exactly what you want your glasses to do. 

When you consider the range of frames and lenses on offer, the fact that they are incredibly affordable and home delivery option I can’t see myself coming offline and ever going back to a high street optician. The final cost (had they not been free) would equate to around a third of the amount I usually spend on frames and lenses and they look as good, if not better. I’m delighted with my new glasses and they have had a number of compliments (from those who have noticed the change) which is precisely what an ego-maniac like myself is looking for. What I lack in sex appeal I more than make up for with specs appeal. 

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I Just Love It - Personalised Gifts

I do like a good personalised gift, and despite being completely stumped on what to buy as gifts this year, when Ijustloveit.co.uk offered me the chance to pick a few gifts I rather selfishly opted to buy myself some things, and then in a pang of guilt changed the order so it was 50/50 between I and BeautyqueenUK.

So, what was on offer?

Well, I have to say I was impressed with the sheer range of gifts available, and the range of personalisation that could be added to each one. The website was easy to navigate, the gifts were sorted into relevant categories brilliantly (for a lazy bloke like me simply clicking on ‘gifts for her’ narrowed down my browsing time) and it’s rare that I say this, but the site seems to have something for everyone, from personalised whiskey, cufflinks to candles, and all for a very reasonable price.

Sooooo, what did I opt for?

Engraved Men's Leather Clasp Bracelet £19.99

2015 has seen me really get into accessorising – and bracelets have been a bit of a feature for me throughout the year. This engraved men's leather clasp bracelet features a brushed stainless steel tag which I personalised with my initials and year of birth. I did consider using my old numberplate off my car ‘666 SJS’ but thought better of it.

The bracelet is handmade with three strong leather cords and is finished with an alloy clasp. The clasp is a bit fiddly, but it is solidly made and looks the business. Personally, it’s now my favourite.

Personalised to the Moon and Back Candle £8.99

My wife is candle obsessed, and when I say obsessed I’m not joking. You cannot move in our living room for the bloody things, so in a moment of madness I thought, that’s what she needs, another candle!

Ideal for giving to someone special on Valentine's Day or to your partner on your anniversary, this lovely candle is presented in cellophane and tied with a pretty ribbon for the perfect finishing touch. It has an impressive 150 hours burn time and looks the business. Winner!

Happily Ever After Hanging Heart £16.99

My missus and I got married on Christmas Day back in 2004 (insert joke about getting less jail time had I murdered her). Joking aside, trying to find an anniversary present was a bit of a pain – I did find something in the end in a shop in Wales (possibly the most racist shop ever) so this turned into just a surprise, aren’t I lovely gift.

First of all – it’s bloody huge – I expected something quite small but oh now – it’s the same size as my head (which is big). It is solidly made though and it has been personalised with our names and the date we got married – all together now awwwwww (pass the sick bucket).

Personalised Map Cufflinks £24.99

Now these really caught my eye – being a Manchester native living (read existing) in London I really liked these cufflinks with maps built into them. Well, actually they are digitally printed maps in round silver plating settings covered with a glass dome to stop them being damaged. They really are a chic gift (for myself). Rather predictably I opted for, yes, Manchester and London and I have to say, I can’t wait to get them on.

At £25 for a pair of cufflinks I think they would make a really brilliant gift for him. Sod Christmas, these would make a great gift idea for birthdays, anniversaries or just for a man who is a nightmare to buy for!

So, was everything great? Well from a product perspective, yes, the products are all of a great quality but I found the delivery to be slightly strange. After ordering four products together they then arrived on a kind of drip, drip, drip basis over the course of seven days. It would have been much more cost efficient for them to send all at once, but they did all arrive and arrive undamaged so in theory I should just shut the **** up.

Great quality gifts that will show that you’ve put a little thought into the person you are buying for, and even better, it won’t break the bank. I highly recommend using this site and have bookmarked it for use for every special occasion coming up in the future (family you have been warned lol). Personalised gifts – priceless.

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ASOS Buckle Boots in Leather

The time came, the biggest, heaviest boots I‘ve ever owned finally succumbed to the ravages of time and after nearly ten years of loyal service the sole on one of my New Rock boots (purchased from a great little shop in on Camden High Street, Camden Town) split. I had considered some form of Viking burial (I’ve been watching Vikings too much recently) on the pond in the local park but assumed I’d probably be prosecuted for some form of environmental crime. 

Instead, they were tossed unceremoniously into the bin and the search for a new pair commenced. Step forward the missus with a voucher to use at ASOS and boom, I was onto the Internet faster than a rat up a drainpipe. 

I rather quite like the ASOS website and could spend a fortune on shoes and jeans (I ventured into a pair of skinny jeans recently from ASOS and love them). After casting my eyes over their offering for men I plumped for the ASOS Buckle Boots in Leather. Originally priced at £55, but reduced in their sale to just £35. 

Yes, £35 for a pair of boots…..that’s a quarter of the price of my last pair.

And here they are…….

ASBO the cat likes the boots....

Well made, I find these boots really comfortable and despite having wide feet they are easy to get on and off. You might think that a strange comment to make, but just a few years ago I spent £100 on a pair of boots for work and they ripped as I struggled to get my feet out. 

The zip up the side fastens up the boot rather than a conventional Chelsea boot style but this for me is much better as the boot then closes around the ankle making them great for wearing with suit trousers, skinny or tapered jeans.

I’m happy with my boots and at £35 I just can’t find fault. They also look cool to in my opinion, especially when worn with these jeans here (known as my bondage jeans by friends).

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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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