Tom Daxon spent the autumn of 2017 in Monemvasia, Greece. A vibrant-flavoured homemade lemonade, served to him at his hotel, inspired him to create this succulent and citrusy Laconia scent. With a heart of water mint, green violet leaf and jasmine, the light floral scent is injected with zesty punches of lemon, orange and mandarin top notes. A base of sea salt, vetiver and cardamom culminates in a rich aquatic scent that lingers on skin. Addictively wearable, Laconia is elegant and fresh – the perfect fragrance for spring and summer. £105 RRP (50ml) / £155 RRP (100ml). Shop at www.tomdaxon.com
BowmakersEau de Parfum by D.S. & Durga
Bowmakers is a wonderfully woody composition with rich accords of mahogany, tree resin, and rosin – violin wax. Warm and sumptuous, with a hint of roughness that reflects the hard worn outdoors lifestyle of the 19th century workers that inspired the scent. £148 RRP (50ml). Shop at www.trouva.com
Gentleman SuaveEau de Parfum for Men by Yardley London
Enhance your Dad’s personality this Father’s Day with an elegant fragrance from Yardley London Gentleman Collection. Suave Gentleman is a fragrance for the stylish, charming and chivalrous man: it is modern, sophisticated fragrance for him. This iconic scent contains fresh notes of bergamot, lavender and orange oil, combined with neroli and a warm base of musk and nutmeg. £19,99 RRP. Shop at www.yardleylondon.co.uk
Eau de Parfum by MiN NEW YORK
Turn of the century, a carnival travels at dusk. A scrumptious, gourmand perfume. A splendid wonder swirling in enchantment. Top: Bergamot, Pink Peppercorn, Ananas & Cotton Candy Heart: Cistus, Labdanum, Nuts & Geranium Base: Patchouli, Caramel & Wood Chips £60.00 (15ml). Shop at www.uk.min.com
Luxury British Perfumes by Clive Christian
Original Collection Travel SetCitrus, Oriental, Spicy, Woody. 20% Perfume Concentration. The Original Collection masculine edition travel set, combines 1872, No1 and X into three compact bottles. This exquisite set is presented in a luxurious black coffret holding each miniature perfume perfect for travelling or gifting. See StylePilot’s review here. £195 RRP. Shop at www.clivechristian.com
Golden Serenade by JUSBOX Perfumes
Jusbox explore the connection between scent/ music and inspired by the first gold record that was awarded to Glenn Miller and his band in 1942 for the sales of 1 million records. An extrait de parfum strength with notes of pure oud oil, amber and saffron. Read StylePilot’s review. RRP £250/ 78ml, exclusively at www.selfridges.com
“I am on annual leave”. This is the message you will get if you try to email me this week.
An Italian escape had been in the pipe for some months now. Among several Italian places, it was decided that the ‘cities’ of Murano, Venice & Burano were to be the main destinations.
35 degrees Celsius is the average temperature you get there. This meant that shorts, sunglasses, short sleeves & light shirts are to become my best friends. Not to forget the large quantities of water needed in order to ‘survive’ the days!
My first destination was Murano. To go to there from Venice one has to take a boat (less than 20mn).
Murano, famous for its glass.
Murano, island, northeastern Italy in the Venice Lagoon (Laguna Veneta), is renowned for its long tradition of glass-making. I was told that the island experienced its major development after 1291, when glass furnaces were moved there from Venice.
It was just a delight to spend hours walking around the canals and get a glimpse at the glass shops. A fascinating place!
Like Venice, Murano is formed of seven islands in turn connected by bridges and its Grand Canal that runs through them. One of Murano’s, and many, glass shops!The famous Barovier & Toso brand: Luxury Lighting (Murano Glass Since 1295).
Another must see is the the Museum of Glass which was founded by Antonio Colleoni and Vincenzo Zanetti in 1861. Inside you can admire vases, bowls, sculptures and especially the majestic chandeliers.
Venice
Venice is located in the northeast coast of Italy. It is protected from the Adriatic Sea by a long strip of land composed by the Venice Lido, the Cavallino-Treporti Lido and the Jesolo Lido.
The Canal Grande, the main water way of the city to which 150 smaller canals (called “rii”) are connected to.Linen shirt by M&S. Sunglasses by Asos. Sling bag by Tumi.This Tumi sling bag quickly became my best ally: wallet, water bottle, camera and bits and bobs did all fit in it.View from Basilica di Santa Maria della SaluteIt is estimated that there are around 400 gondolas in Venice. They are made of 280 hand-made pieces using eight types of wood (lime, oak, mahogany, walnut, cherry, fir, larch and elm). The process takes about two months; in 2013, the cost of a gondola was about £35K.Light brown Sid skinny stretch utility shorts by River Island.The “Piazza San Marco” is the unique square in Venice. Considered by many as the most beautiful square of the world because of its many decorations in the Renaissance arcades and in the buildings surrounding it.St Mark’s Campanile, Colonne di San Marco e San teodoro, lPalazzo Ducale.
Burano, known for its lace its unique and colorful houses.
Less than 20 minutes away from Murano (by boat), the picturesque Burano is known for its brightly colored fishermen’s houses and its casual eateries serving seafood from the lagoon.
It just seems to be the paradise here. One can really appreciates the tranquility and the calmness of this island.
Pursuing the shores you will arrive to center of the Island: Galuppi Square; here neighbourly ladies invite the most curious visitors to come into their shops to admire the lace working.
Many international magazines include Burano among the top 10 most colorful cities in the world.Floral shirt, shorts and sunglasses by Asos. A closer look at some of the Burano fisherman houses.
To use the Brow Shaper, just place at a slight angle (45-degree) against clean, dry skin. Without any extra pressure, glide the Brow Shaper across your skin in short strokes. Watch the hair and dead skin remove instantly and pain free! After each use, wipe clean. Tip: It is best advised to practice on a large area first, like your arm. To use the Brow Shaper on your face, pull the skin taught. Why not try the Brow Shaper elsewhere? It works on the delicate upper lip area and is great for those pesky little hairs on your chin, along the cheek and back of neck. £7.49 RRP. Shop at www.makeupbox-ldn.co.uk
Silver Caffeine Shampoo, Styling Cream, Thickening Spray by Trevor Sorbie
Trevor Sorbie Mg Thicker & Fuller Thickening Spray contains botanical blends, multi-vitamins and amino acid complexes to add body and thickness to fine and thinning hair and care for the scalp. Trevor Sorbie Mg Silver Caffeine Shampoo reduces unwanted yellow tones and revitalises grey, white or blonde hair. Trevor Sorbie Mg Curl Tamer Styling Cream controls, defines and enhances your natural curls. Perfect for those who want to get long-lasting control and definition whilst nourishing and strengthening the hair. It can be applied on dry or wet hair. Available to buy online from trevorsorbie.com, Boots.com , Boots stores and Trevor Sorbie salons now.
Matte Clay by Osmo
Osmo Matte Clay Extreme (100ml) is the prefect clay for giving extreme hold and natural expression. Will tame flyaway hairs whilst also giving extreme, yet flexible hold. Has a matte finish. Suitable for short to medium length hair. Completely cruelty-free. £8,45 RRP (100ml). Shop at www.feelunique.com
Matte Wax by Fudge Urban
No shine wax for a messed up look. Super dry, non-sticky wax gives raw matte finish with a firm hold. How to use: Rub through dry hair and style as desired. £7,49 RRP (70ml). Shop at www.boots.com
Salt Spray Texturiser by Osmo
California dreamin’… evoke the beach babe and surfer chic look. Mattifying texturiser sea salt spray for gritty and messed up hair. Directions: for a matt textured style, shake well before use. For best results use Osmo Matt Salt Spray on dry hair. Spray sparingly onto sections. For added volume, spray through damp hair and blowdry as normal. £8.50 RRP. Shop www.feelunique.com
Explore our range of premium beauty brands & skincare products for men.
Face Oil by DAYTOX
DAYTOX Natural Day and Night Facial Oil is a light, dry oil that easily absorbs into the skin. Containing vitamins E and C to help fortify and strengthens the skins natural barrier, and Almond oil, a powerful natural antioxidant that prevents the effect of stress and harmful ultraviolet radiation rays to the skin. £24 RRP. Shop at, www.ocado.com
Peel-Off Mask by Daytox
Active charcoal peel off mask provides an intensive deep cleanse, absorbs excess sebum and combats the formation of blackheads. The result is a more revitalised radiant and refined complexion. Free of parabens, silicones, artificial colours and allergen free perfume oils. Certified vegan and cruelty free. £20 RRP. Shop at www.waitrose.com
Egg Mousse Soap by TooCool for School
This creamy, meringue-like cleanser combines milk proteins, amino acids, and egg extracts to thoroughly cleanse the skin in a perfectly harmonious trio. Tiny particles are able to go deep into the skin, not only to dissolve oil and dead skin cells, but also to nourish for long-lasting smooth and hydration effect. Egg white extract purifies, tightens, and brightens while egg yolk extract moisturizes. Your skin is left thoroughly clean, hydrated, and glowing but NEVER feeling tight or stripped. What is it formulated WITHOUT Paraben, Sulfate, Mineral Oil. £18.50 RRP. Shop at www.boots.com
Gym Bag Heroes Gift Set by Green People
Post-gym grooming essentials for men in a canvas wash bag. This pack contains: Green People For Men – No. 6 Detox Shower Gel (150ml), Green People For Men – No. 8 Thyme & Prebiotics Deodorant (75ml) and Green People For Men – No. 10 Itch Away Shampoo (150ml). £39,95 RRP. Shop at www.greenpeople.co.uk
Luxurious Soap by Urban Apothecary London
Majestic and rich. Oudh is one of the most highly valued ingredients of the perfumer’s palette. This rare and resinous wood from a tropical tree is loved for its smoky and aromatic woody character. In this oriental composition, the unique scent of oudh is freshened with geranium’s rosy tones and deepened with smooth notes of amber, vetiver, patchouli and praline. This luxury soap has been formulated with an extra-gentle vegetable base and is enriched with softening shea butter. Use with warm water to create a luxurious lather before washing off to leave skin beautifully cleansed. Avoid contact with eyes. If product gets into eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of warm water. For external use only. £12 RRP. Shop at www.urbanapothecarylondon.com
Irresistible Almond Collection by L’Occitane
A gift of pure indulgence, this collection contains all your Almond must-haves: 250ml Almond Shower Oil | 100ml Almond Body Balm | 50g Almond Delicious Soap | 30ml Almond Delicious Hands. RRP of £49. Buy online, or in shops, from L’Occitane.
Post-gym grooming essentials for men in a canvas wash bag. This pack contains: Green People For Men – No. 6 Detox Shower Gel (150ml), Green People For Men – No. 8 Thyme & Prebiotics Deodorant (75ml) and Green People For Men – No. 10 Itch Away Shampoo (150ml). £39,95 RRP. Shop at www.greenpeople.co.uk
Tweezers & Scissors by Rubis Switzerland
The Ferrari of TWEEZERS: According to the makeup artist Bobbi Brown, Rubis have the best eyebrow tweezers in the world. Grasps the smallest hairs: the tweezer tips are so precisely aligned with one another that they can grasp even the smallest hair. Rubis® Classic Tweezer (1F000) £25.50 RRP. Shop at www.amazon.co.uk These Rubis NAIL SCISSORS cut your fingernails in a simple but precise manner. They are also suitable for cutting the cuticles. 2 in 1: With these scissors you can cut both your nails and cuticles. The scissor tips are slim enough to perfectly cut the protruding skin around the nail. Rubis® Classic Scissors (1F000) £23.50 RRP. Shop at www.amazon.co.uk
Clean Shaven Gift Set by Raw Supremo
This ‘Lose It’ gift set is ideal as it includes 3 products gently Fragranced with Raw Supremo’s signature Coconut & Lime fragrance: Shaving Oil, Facial Moisturiser and Shaving Cream. See StylePilot’s review here. £14.99 RRP – Shop at www.rawsupremo.co.uk
It has now been 4 weeks since I have enrolled the “Do The Unthinkable Plan” by Muscle Food!! (I am actually at Day 29 and there are 90!).
How am I doing so far? Well, I have been loving it!
They claim it can be “life changing” and I cannot agree more.
So, what is this program about?
My personal goal was to find a perfect recipe to get in shape for the summer.
Do The Unthinkable™ is a program created by musclefood to transform your body and makes it easier to lose weight/get ripped or simply eat good, healthy food without the fuss. You meals are being prepared for you, so YOU don’t have to.
In their own words: “Getting in shape relies on eating the right meals!”.
There, you will find a combination of meals & snacks – and when to eat them – alongside a workout program.
It can sound a bit overwhelming but it’s all worth it. And don’t forget that preparation is key.
Step 1: Getting ready
Choosing the food from MuscleFood to get 6 meals a day is the easiest part!
Basically, you get ready to eat every three hours: 3 meals + 3 snacks!
Below my selection for the first week (Monday to Friday).
Step 2: The routine
Where the real sweat starts!
As your food is sorted – from morning to evening – you don’t have to think about what you eat. Basically you just eat what you have ordered! This is simple.
But this doesn’t stop there, you have now the workouts and the planning that goes with it.
In order to help you, every journey has a video (between 23 to 30 minutes). So, you can’t go wrong.
Just commit to do it!
That’s definitely the toughest part as you (I did) go out of your comfort zone. That said, I was up for the challenge and I never gave up.
How much does this cost?
It will cost between £60 to £79 per week. Respectively for 5 days (30 meal times) or for 7 days (42 meal times).
You do the maths: it’s from £1,88 to £2 per meal time.
The first noticeable results:
Even though it’s only been a month, I can say that only after 10 days I could already feel some changes operating. Not only did I feel better: since you only eat what you need, you never feel blotted. Also shape-wise it felt more tensed and getting into shape.
I am now hooked and I can’t wait to be at Day 90! On that day I will do a “After” photo that I will share alongside the “before” ! Yes, I will be getting out of my comfort zone.
Let me share with you what a typical day looks like (6 meal times):
Basically, it looks like the following @ 7.30am: breakfast time, @10.30am: snack, @1.30pm: lunch, @4.30pm:snack, @7.30pm: evening meal and then @ 10.30pm: the last snack of the day.
A typical Meal (lunch)
The plan offers many varieties of meals: some of them just require to be heated (pictured below) however you can choose to do a bit of cook and then can follow a recipe – all proved in the plan.
Fell in love with those snacks 😉
They are yummy! And I am now almost addicted to them! As they are: High Protein / GMO Free / Gluten Free / Vegetarian / Wheat Free / No Added Sugar / Soy Free / All Natural / High in Fibre. You can shop them from www.musclefood.com or from www.theproteinballco.com
One last thing!
Are cheat meals/days allowed?
A cheat meal is a single meal that veers from your planned diet pattern (while a cheat day allows for free food choices for an entire day).
Of course you can! They are actually recommended.
I, myself, have been craving for a beer (missed the taste of a great beer), so I decided to go for an alcohol-free beer as an all-natural alternative to my sports drinks.
In fact, alcohol-free beer is a natural isotonic and the perfect natural choice for pre and post workout (we’ve been told).
Made from four natural ingredients: barley, hops, yeast and water, St Peter’s Without® is a great fitness thirst-quencher, providing ultimate hydration and electrolyte replacements after exercise, as well giving your body back the vital salts and minerals that it releases during activity. They are 100% natural, vegan-friendly and contain fewer calories than an average beer. And they taste yummy (tried last weekend!).
With festival season now in full swing, and millions flocking to see their favourite artists whilst pitched up in a confined tent, abandoning their usual hygiene habits and feeling cramped among the masses; we were kindly invited to try out a smaller, more different style of festival; Back of Beyond.
Having only started in 2018, and only this year extending the festival to two days rather than one, the festival has already successfully carved its space within the British festival scene after recently being nominated as “Festival of the Future”. Focusing on Dance, EDM, House and Techno, this festival is on track to rival the best.
The festival itself is based in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside with views of the sprawling hills and towering trees taking up a full 360°perspective. This is the perfect excuse to escape the big city. Getting to the festival couldn’t be an easier commute with trains from London running into lots of nearby stations into such as Hertford and Ware.
Unlike other smaller festivals who struggle to attract big name talent, Back of Beyond definitely did not have this problem. Renowned DJ Goldie graced the decks on Friday night and Radio One’s Dance Anthem king Danny Howard headlined on the Saturday night. Both performed a substantial 1.5 hour set and showed exactly how to get the crowd going. Aside from the two top names, lots of other recognisable artists graced the main stage including Sam Divine, Nightmares on Wax and Crazy P.
The main pyramid stage was only one of the stages though, with seven other stages dotted around the site including a UV stage, a “Hay Days” stage and even a secret stage within a truck. If you’re lucky enough to go VIP, then there is a separate stage also within this area. There was a lot going on across the site and you could be sure to always find music that you liked.
With ticket options varying from day passes to weekend passes you can take in as much of the action for however long you want. We’d recommend paying the extra and going VIP as you gain access to the VIP area which has not only its own stage, but also hammocks to relax in and quite possibly the best toilets we’ve ever seen at a festival.
Food-wise, the festival had 5-6 establishments that all serve top-quality food. From pizzas to Thai, burgers to crepes, you are spoilt for choice and can overindulge with the pricing being lower than the typical big festival.
Overall, if you’re looking for a smaller festival with top-name artists, picturesque surroundings and lots of different stages with quality DJ’s, then we highly recommend you checking out Back of Beyond for summer 2020.
Featuring heavily on our blog over the past year, boohooMAN are easily one of our favourite brands out there at the moment. With the affordable price tags and dedication to serving the most cutting edge menswear, it’s pretty easy to see why we can’t stop talking about them. Remember to enter our exclusive boohooMAN competition here.
SS19
boohooMAN have dropped their Spring Summer 19 range and it covers everything you need to keep you looking on trend this season. Whether you’re jetting off to a sunnier climate, heading out on a big night out or seeing your favourite bands at a festival, boohooMAN have every style and occasion covered. Here’s the standout collections from the brand right now.
Festival
Glastonbury, Wireless, Creamfields…the list goes on and on of all the amazing festivals to attend in the UK this summer. With festivals being one of the main times of year to show off those styles you wouldn’t usually dare to, boohooMAN have encapsulated perfectly the fun elements of the festival season.
Through a collaboration with the confectionary brand Swizzles, who produce all of your favourite childhood sweets like Love Hearts, Parma Violets and Refreshers to name a few, boohooMAN have released a unique collection that is sure to make you stand out among the masses.
The range casts nostalgia using the Swizzles brand logos that you know and love, and brings to life the clothes in the most appropriate throwback colours.
The rap legend that is Quavo has teamed up with boohooMAN for an exclusive 200 piece collection. Focused around the appropriate theme of urban streetwear, the collaboration takes us through a full wardrobe from velour sets, tie dye denim and even onto accessories. Quavo leaves his unique style on every piece within the range.
In January the brand launched their first ever activewear range. Pieces vary from tracksuits, t-shirts to hoodies, all in a sophisticated monochrome colour palette, with a cool blue bringing a splash of colour to the range. As the designs are fully technical, there’s no excuse to not be hitting the gym to gain that summer body.
With international pride month happening right now, this couldn’t be a more appropriate range to talk about. This is the third year boohooMAN have released a specific pride collection and this range tops all previous.
The “Love Without Limits” range encompases over 100 gender neutral pieces. Celebrating all sectors of the LGTBQ+ community, the collection covers those who want to make a bold statement as well as those looking for a more subtle approach.
Most importantly. 10% of all profits from the range will be donated to the LGBT Foundation and OutRight Action International.
Storming the season this summer as well, co-ords are back with a bang. boohooMAN have got the market covered with styles ranging from animal prints, stripes, logo and even floral.
The brand has just started a 12 month collaboration with one of the leading global event brands, ABODE. The partnership will see the online retailer as the lead sponsor for all ABODE events. boohooMAN have also launched the below exclusive capsule collection in line with the collaboration which is definitely worth checking out.
adidas has recently launched their New Nite Jogger sneakers and we were thrilled to be invited to try them on!
adidas Originals offers up new iterations of the Nite Jogger model, reinterpreting the iconic road running sneaker through another unmissable aesthetic update.
In adidas words: “The reflective silhouette returns to stake its claim as an essential for any night time creator, backed with a campaign created by a global network of artists working in their fields of expertise.”
So let’s have a closer look!
The “specs”
The new Nite Jogger sneakers feature lightweight nylon ripstop, soft mesh knit, and suede overlays. Combined, these materials offer advanced adaptability for the unrelenting grind of 24/7 creativity. Hi-vis reflective details complete the upper, adding a new dimension to the shoe’s name and establishing it as a must have in the arsenal of any creative that thrives at night.
The Nite Jogger sneaker is capped off by the message “speed of nite” written in Morse code on its outsole and tongue.
Offered in a flurry of distinct new colorways, featuring tonal greys, pastel greens, and eye-catching orange hits, the result is a striking expression of the Nite Jogger silhouette’s enduring aesthetic, presented in an exciting new context. So, it is love at first sight!
How did we style it?
Since the adidas Nite Jogger is strictly a fashion shoe and is not meant for performance (running, training, etc.) we had to take this on board before choosing on how to style it.
So, we headed south, to the London suburbs, to get those street styles shots.
The nite joggers are styled here with a sneaker suit adding ‘cool formality’ to the ‘sportiveness’ of the shoes.
Inspired by the 1980 Nite Jogger, these shoes shine bright with retro style and reflective details. The mesh and nylon ripstop upper is detailed with suede overlays. An updated Boost midsole adds responsive cushioning for all-day comfort.
Modern cushioning updates this flashy ’80s standout.
Retro Inspiration
The original 1980 Nite Jogger featured a distinctive look with a midsole insert and a fluorescent reflective heel tab and 3-Stripes.
The shoe are rounded off with a BOOST midsole and durable rubber outsole, resulting in a silhouette that is elevated for comfort and engineered for nighttime exploration.
What we liked
The concept: the rebirth of a star from the 80’s!
The look: materials, fabrics and the available colour scheme.
The feel: very comfy! (thanks to the multi layers of soles).
Our Verdict
A very nice – and must have – addition to your summer essentials!
Since 1949, adidas has created new athletic footwear, sport-centric fashion and accessories designed to help people harness the power of sport in their life. Every year adidas produces over 900 million sports and sports lifestyle products with independent manufacturing partners worldwide.
adidas mission is to be the best sports company in the world. Every day, adidas strives to create and sell the best sports and fitness products in the world, and to offer the best service and customer experience – and to do it all in a sustainable way. To successfully do that, adidas focuses entirely on its authentic sports brand as they connect and engage with their consumers. You can now earn an exclusive 7% commission + increases on stylish products anyone will love from running shoes, hoodies and sweatshirts, to accessories.
