Man Fahsion Tips: 5 Simple Tips to Protect Your Leather Goods

Everyone loves to own an occasional leather item. However, leather garments are bound to cost a whole lot. Hence it is advantaging to know how to care for them.

When cleaning your leather items, always choose a product that helps preserve the leather's natural lubricating oils rather than strip them away. Avoid cleaners that leave any sort of grease or residue as it can make leather vulnerable to bacteria which will tarnish the leather and eventually break down the stitching. It is best to test out the cleaner on a less visible area before you start to clean the full surface of your leather good. Pay attention not to use heat to dry leather and always stuff the garment while it is being dried to maintain its original shape.

Leather needs conditioning and the oils found in conditioners help lubricate leather and replenish its elasticity. However, beware of products that contain petroleum or mineral oils as they will damage your leather goods over time. Do more conditioning if your leather item is exposed to hot sunny conditions or moisture. Similar to cleaning products, avoid conditioners that leave greasy residues.

Polish your leather item with a fine polishing agent for a clean and glossy finish. However be careful when polishing as some products contain coloring agents that might stain your item's natural color. Bear in mind that using animal fats might darken leather.

It is best to protect every new leather item before using it. Unprotected leather will stiffen and crack rather quickly. Protect your leather item against moisture such as rain, snow, sweat and other liquid hazards. Always remember to apply your protector on clean dry leather periodically and beware of the protector that might fill the leather's pores with grease. Tana Style 16 Protective Spray is a good recommendation for product protection.

Bear in mind that leather goods are best stored in cool, dry places and should never be stored in plastic bags or other nonporous containers. Always stuff empty leather handbags with newspaper to maintain the shape and avoid using metal hangers when hanging leather jackets or pants.

The best way to efficiently learn about your new leather item's care techniques is to ask the store manager or salesperson for specific instructions. Several grades of leather require more specialized maintenance and hence should be cleaned and maintained professionally.

5 Simple Tips to Look Thinner this Summer

Of course, the best way to look great is to lose the excess weight with the help of a proper diet and exercise program. But there is no reason to put off looking good until you reach your goal weight. All you have to do is make good use of perceptual tricks and make the most of out your shape to create a thinner-looking physique.

Patterns can influence people's perception of your height and weight. A patterned shirt or tie takes the focus off the rest of your body. This helps to downplay a hefty frame or a shorter stature. Dark, solid colors are instant figure fixer and will make you look slimmer. However, avoid bold patterns as they will draw attention to the upper half of your body. 

An important point is to make sure that your clothes fit perfectly. Garments that are too tight will reveal all the spots you would rather not draw attention to. Very loose clothing may hide your problem but it will also make you look larger than you actually are. 

This summer pick up V-neck shirts for the effect of a slimmer neckline. If you have a double chin, V-neck shirt is a great choice as they place emphasis on your chest area instead of on your neck. The best part about summer is that the weather is constantly hot hence the better the reason to dress more in V-neck shirts.

Instead of trousers and jeans that hit your waist, invest in low-rise bottoms that sit on your hips. This is because low-rise trousers have a shorter distance between the top of the waistband and the crotch of your pants than regular trousers. Make note to ensure that the waistband of your pants is large enough to accommodate your midsection so that your belly does not stick out over your pants.

One of the key points to looking thinner is to not carry around excess baggage. Empty your pockets of unnecessary items such as cell phones, overstuffed wallets and electronic devices as they will take the focus off a large midsection. Removing bulky side pockets will also help make your hips appear smaller.

To look like the best version of yourself by playing other perceptual tricks, begin by figuring out what you want to highlight about your body and what you would like to de-emphasize.

Patterned shirt

Low-rise jeans

Remove unnecessary baggage from pockets

Color Trends that You Should Follow in this Spring/Summer

2011 was definitely the year that menswear began to really accept color. Both the spring/summer and autumn/winter collections in 2011 featured a more vibrant palette for men's dressing. This season, the key color is definitely one of familiarity. Bedrooms and clothing are often splashed in this shade almost as soon as the baby's sex is known. The color in question is the stereotypical boys' color—blue.

The color blue appeals to everyone. Its ever-present nature means it slots into all the major fashion types from preppy to military. A blue piece can be utilized as the statement piece in many ways, from a suit or duffle. It works well with most neutral tones as well as complimenting many other colors such as red and yellow. It is such a versatile color that it is easy to wear.

Brands such as Burberry and Canali gave the color blue a starring spot in their spring/summer 2012 collection.

Nevertheless, a limited palette doesn't have to stop you from looking your best. In fact, mixing varying hues of one color creates a really sharp and put together look. The different shades also demonstrate to the world your ability to create a great outfit out of one color.

When it comes to creating a mono blue ensemble, the best way to begin is with a navy suit. This is because the darker suit allows you to go lighter with your shirt and tie. Opt for a tie that is a shade darker than your shirt but is lighter than your suit for the best effect of a mono color ensemble.

Occasional white in patterns such as checks in your mono color outfit are remarkably well too. However, be noted that if wearing a blue check shirt with a tie, steer clear of ties in any shade of blue. Blue ties would clash with the patterns and make the outfit turn from good to bad. Too much of pattern and color going on in an outfit will just ruin the look. So with that in mind, opt for a pale grey tie instead. The color grey is subtle and neutral enough that it will not throw off your all blue.

It is a relief for those who were cautious towards daring bright colors in menswear. The color blue appeases those who were wary of color while also satisfying those who crave a good statement piece.

5 Designer Watches of the Month

Wrist watches are the best fashion accessories. Not only are they functional, they serve as a statement piece too and are on a par with the most valuable jewelry. Each year wrist watches companies come up with various stylish and beautiful watches. With so many choices in the market, it is best to invest in a good watch that will take you further ahead.

Swiss watch-making company Tissot presents their latest creation that promises precision, performance and style, the Tissot Heritage PR 516. The watch is protected with scratch-proof sapphire crystals and beneath it, is a choice of silver, black or blue dial.

Celebrating the 80^th birthday of Jack Heuer, TAG Heuer prepared a Limited Edition of Carrera Jack Heuer 80^th birthday watch. It is distinctive by the traditional chronograph layout which was used on the original model from 1964. Red details on the dial and hands are a nice touch too. The watch is available either with a stylish black calf strap with red lining or the standard stainless steel bracelet.

For those who travel the world, you will be delighted to know that Rolex has produced the first Rolex with two time zones and an annual calendar that discreetly marks the passage of the months. The Sky-Dweller displays the local time via centre hands and a chosen reference time via a rotating disc visible on the dial. The watch allows global travelers to select the individual functions to be set easily.

Omega presents a new collection of watches, the Specialities Olympic Collection London 2012 that is bound to impress. The steel-red gold on leather strap watch has features such as self-winding chronograph movement with column wheel mechanism and Co-Axial Escapement for greater precision stability and durability of the movement.

Famous watch and jewelry manufacture, Cartier, presents a new series of timepieces that set standards in terms of technology, design and material. The Rotonde de Cartier Perpetual Calender is crafted in a polished pink gold case with black alligator straps and gold clasps. The gorgeous feature about this watch would be the sapphire crystal case-back for self-winding movement and blue sword-shaped central hour and minute hands on a silver dial.

One thing is certain—a wrist watch for men has never been 'just a watch' from way back. They became fashion accessories and designs started to be equally important as functionality. However, it all depends on a man's personal taste and style.

Hip Fashion Accessories in Spring/Summer 2012

A new season is here! Say goodbye to the bitter cold winds and time to greet the hot sun. But beware! Your mind and style is on stake here! The long sunny days may compel you to loosen up and fall into a routine of being lazy about your dressing. Hence, this is the best reason for you to upgrade your wardrobe. With these accessories in your hands, your summer is going to be a whole lot hotter!

Is the sun too bright? Grab a pair of Oliver Goldsmith Shades this season! These timeless design frames are a pure classic and with them on, you are bound to attract attention wherever you turn.

Tod's Canvas Belts are ideal this season for a convenient and trendy approach in accessories. These double-toned canvas and leather belts have interlocking closures in which one end simply locks into the other instead of the usual metal buckle. They are also suitable for those who want to avoid the 'bling' crowd.

This season sees the debut of a number of new, distinctive bag styles for men. Louis Vuitton introduces the new Nomade leather, softer and revisited in a rich palette of olive green, burgundy and tobacco. The features are simple yet classic and are bound to impress.

Another trendy accessory that you should not miss is the limited edition collection of bags and accessories featuring sketches done by Guinness. Thanks to the collaboration between Coach and Hugo Guinness, Hugo Guinness for Coach, a new collection of unique and attractive fashion items is born. Sketches include athlete boxers, cups of coffee and other random objects.

It is not surprising that after revamping up the whole men's wardrobe, designers would turn to the bottom of a man's feet. Colored soles are now one of the trendy things you should not miss this season. Christian Louboutin is no longer just producing shoes with colored soles for women; now, men gets to enjoy his stylish and gorgeous shoes with red soles too. Jil Sander introduces a choice of blue, pink and peach for the bottom of the shoes. Dolce & Gabbana joins the crowd too with their own line of gorgeous colored soles shoes. These colored soles are guaranteed to attract more attention and help you walk taller.

Don't miss out on these interesting and attractive accessories. Brighten up your wardrobe this season with all these desirable items.

Eco-fashion trends update in Spring/Summer 2012

With the intent of creating a large impact and inspire other designers to saunter towards a cruelty-free direction, John Bartlett, winner of the Council of the Designers of America/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge introduces to the public this summer his latest eco-friendly Fall/Winter collection.

Outdoorsy, all-American appeal with sailor stripes and lumberjack plaids defines the first cruelty-free menswear collection at Fashion Week. Bartlett, the recently vegan designer insists on cruelty-free yet sustainable materials for his collections.

The uniqueness of Bartlett's elegant suits lies in where the suit is made of conventional cotton and blends of organic and not wool. But his suits are not the only pieces with this unique cruelty-free material. Bartlett's striped Henley's, sweaters, and dress-shirts are also made of organic cotton.

Determined to encourage cruelty-free designs, Bartlett even went to the lengths of mining his personal collection of Hudson's Bay point blankets—items that were normally traded in the 18^th and 19^th centuries to First Nations and Native Americans in exchange for beaver pelts and other goods—to create some of his jackets, capes and ponchos seen in the collection.

Results from this creative and eco-friendly inspiration came pieces that are sleek, supple and infused with colors derived from nature.

Another recent eco-friendly collection to parade in Fashion Week is Jeff Garner's Prophetik collection. Dyes used for his pieces are all natural and obtained from plants grown in his gardens. Floral print and houndstooth checks are the designs chosen for his men's jodhpurs and knee-length frock coats. Garner adapted the Scottish Highlands feel to his attires without the traditional tartan. 

Another trend worth all the fuss for is the new "Bonobo" series of laptop and iPad bags by Bluelounge. Bonobo bags are created from post-consumer PET bottles. Woven from the same material plastic soda bottles are made of, the five piece collection includes a backpack, a tote, a messenger, and two sizes of sleeve to coddle your electronic gear in streamlined style. The creations are designed to provide barrier against moisture, extra protection along with ergonomic straps for comfort on the go. They are tough and sturdy yet soft to the touch. A perfect blend of function and finesse.

These designer items are fashionable, durable and with a special twist of being eco-friendly. So, what is not to be crazy about?

Man Fashion Tips: Men Dress Shirts for Skinny and Short Man

If you are short and thin, dressing up can be quite the hassle. You are going to look like you are drowning in a shirt if it is not made to fit your figure. Despite having a small frame, there are a few ways on how to look great in a dress shirt.

Short height does best with slim, streamlined details. Pick narrow collars whose points aim downward over wide spread collars as broad collars make you look stouter than you really are.

It is important to have the length of the sleeve and the shirt adjusted to suit your body measurement. Nothing looks more awkward than having the sleeves that hang down too far or shirt that is too wide at the waist. A trim fitted dress shirt with the pocket and collar in the right size will stop you from looking like a flying squirrel.

This is a little optical illusion that you could use well to your advantage. Vertically-oriented patterns on dress shirts compliment short figures. Horizontal line going across will only make you look wider instead of taller. However if you are aiming to look broader, vertically striped patterns such as plaid or windowpane patterns make flattering choices. Do not go overboard with loud plaids and windowpane designs, choose more subtle tonal varieties. Dressing in dark colors from head to toe will only emphasize your skinny body frame. If you wish to avoid emphasis on your small body frame, add in a splash of white or light gray to break the whole one colored outfit. Avoid anything with over excessive stripes in varying colors and sizes as it can be a little overbearing to the eyes. Thin, simple stripes make you look elegant and taller than you actually are.

Another piece of advice for a man of short height is to remember that dress shirt is to always be kept tucked in. Shirttails that are let loose shorten your legs dramatically. Un-tucked dress shirts will cut your body in half and make you look particularly stumpy. Tucking in your dress shirt makes sure your leg line is maximized. Men with longer leg lines naturally give the illusion of being taller.



Regardless of what kind of body shape Mother Nature gave you, making the most of what you were given will make you look better and help you feel more confident.

5 Men Designer Dress Shirts You Should Not Miss in 2012

Men dress shirts are an essential part of men’s fashion. The dress shirt you are wearing determines the message you intend for the public eye. But how do you know what to choose when there are so many kinds of designer dress shirts out there? At Man Fashion, we have listed down a list of designer dress shirts that are consider.

Missing out Ermenegildo Zegna collection would be a big loss for a fashionable man like you. The color palettes of the dress shirts are so different from usual that it brings a sense of freshness to its usual collections. Attractive to the eyes, the dress shirt will definitely be a good addition to your wardrobe.

Something different and refreshing presented by Versace in the Milan Spring 2011 showcased a range of dress shirts meet rockabilly. Forget the suit when you take on Versace’s dress shirt, the dress shirts presented here are outstanding even on their own with dual-tones and a unique taste towards horizontal patterns. Pair them up with a nice sleek suit and pants and you will look ready as ever to hit almost anywhere, formal or not. Versace did not shy away from daring swirl prints with its dress shirts and if you are one to dress boldly, this shirt is not to be missed.

Another designer dress shirt that you could not afford to miss this year is the Dolce & Gabbana dress shirts showcased in the Spring 2012 Fashion Week. The brand came up with silk foulard in every conceivable dress shirts and colors.

DKNY models walked down the runway with pale blue dress shirts this Fall. Those simple yet elegant-looking dress shirts could come in handy for any occasion.

Nobody love color and patterns more than Etro but if you can’t get enough of them and want them on your dress shirts, Etro’s Milan Spring 2011 is definitely the one not to be missed. The dress shirts are executed in faded colors and small detailed patterns. Throw on a suit and it looks formal; take it off and the dress shirt can be used for something casual.



Do not be afraid to try daring colors and patterns as you never know what might actually suit you better.

What Men Fashion Styles to Watch Out in this Winter?

We can all try and deny it but summer is officially over and now is mid of winter. It’s time to turn out the closet and change the thin spring/summer clothes for thicker, warmer clothing. The men’s winter 2011 trends are all about smart and fashionable winter-weather dressing.

We always associate winter with dark dull colors because that is what they are; the sunny bright days is being replaced by the bitter cold weather. However, forget the usual blacks, charcoals and grey as another trend has taken over the streets. Colors are a big feature for this coming season. Everything is being revamped into a wide range of colors and prints. The usual dark ensemble is being replaced with a burst of bright daring colors. Designers such as Burberry and Vivienne Westwood have shown a lot of blues, reds and greens while daring designers such as D&G have gone for eye-catching orange.

Another fashion styles that deserve a watchful eye is the clothing’s material. This season, materials are given as much attention to as the design of an outfit. Tweeds used to be thick and itchy but now, the tweed that is currently stirring a trend in winter season is softer and lighter. It is sturdy without being too restrictive.

When deciding on a jacket to beat the cold winter, how about these cool aviator jackets? This trendy life-saver in the bitter winter has become a popular addition in runways. It made an appearance in Burberry Prorsum, Lanvin, Hermes and Trussardi 2011's shows.

Some of the prevailing trends for this season’s men’s autumn winter accessories are faux fur and leather. There is a wealthy amount of fur and sheepskin trapper hats on the high street this season. These items can make all the difference when put together with an outfit for winter.

A few years ago men hardly had the opportunity of such a large choice of gloves. But thankfully fashion is stepping forward and today a good variety of design and fabrics are being offered to the gents. Many designers such as Lanvin and Giuliano Fujiwara welcome this accessory on their runways. Gloves are not only one of the coolest fashion accessories but it also helps keep you warm and comfortable through the bitter cold season. Opt for a pair of leather gloves if you wish to portray that ‘gentlemen style’.

Just because it is winter does not mean you should abandon your fashion sense for the season. Stay up to date with trends just as how you would with summer and your winter will no longer be as dull.

Man Fashion: Emporio Armani F/W 2011 Collection

This season, Emporio Armani is plunging into realistic urban townscape. In fine shading of grey and taupe, the collection offers a vision of urban dressing that escalates the collection into a whole new level of modern elegance. Special attention was given to coats with deconstructed silhouettes, slim fitting and occasionally paired with a waistcoat that looks best at mid-calf length.

Armani's signature nylon and quilting are replaced with a range of wools, nubuck sheepskin and leather to reassure the brand's sense of solidity. The collection is expressed with a forceful confidence and a hints of eccentricity. The leather harness cum waistcoat is genius creation, a very sexy way to display and define the male form.

Photo: www.style.com