Nudie Jeans have released their Autumn 2015 collection which includes premium selvedge denim at it’s heart. There’s several key pieces including pairs of jeans, shirts, outerwear all made from organic cotton.
Your favourite fits are back for this season, including Steady Eddy, Straight Alf, Grim Tim and Thin Finn available, so whichever fit is your style you’ll be able to get it in in the latest Autumn collection.
As you know I love my scents and smells, just head on over to my fragrance directory if you’re in any doubt! 😛 However when it comes to deodorants or antiperspirants my favourite things to use are products which are pretty much odourless or have a neutral, clean smell, like the Dove+MEN Care Clean Comfort which I wrote about on Men’s Grooming Day. The reason I prefer an odourless or natural spray is simple; I don’t want it to clash with whatever fragrance I’m wearing, and I usually wear one every day. I do occasionally use a scented spray, such as Lynx Black, or some others, depending on my mood.
I bought a Rituals set as a gift for father’s day, it was a set and a blind buy, having known Rituals do good stuff I decided to go for it, it was a nice little set so I thought why not. A few weeks ago I had to have a try of the spray to see what it smelled like…And I loved it! In fact I loved it so much I had to get myself a can, and I have! 🙂
The Rituals Samurai Cool Deo is a 24 hour antiperspirant spray, which not only works well, but smells beautiful. A lot of sprays are simply deodorants which are only made as a smell, i.e. they do nothing for sweat other than covering it up. This not only smells beautiful, it’s an antiperspirant too, which means it will stop you from sweating.
The scent is organic bamboo and cedar wood, which is incredibly fresh with a very masculine tone to it. The can is a nice blue colour, with faux wood top, and feels nice and premium. It does come at a cost, this 200ml bottle was £8, so it’s not cheap as cheap as a regular high street brand, but I do think that it’s worth a bit extra.
I highly recommend this if you are looking for something with a beautiful smell without having to go for a bottle of aftershave or EDT, with the added bonus of being an antiperspirant too.
What a cool and amazing sight…
I did not know there was going to be a Super moon, or Super blood moon since it was all red/orange in the early hours of this morning until I stumbled across a few people talking about it. Earlier in the year in Newcastle we had a brilliant view of the Solar Eclipse, and I got some amazing shots, so I decided I had to see this rare event for myself again.
This time round however it was pitch black, and in the middle of the night…Well early hours of the morning, with it all starting at around 01:10 until around 4AM. I checked the timings and decided to go out for just before 3AM, where it was said it would be red and near the peak of the lunar eclipse. I just got out in time to see the end part of the eclipse, and them saw the super blood moon in all it’s glory. I then stayed out for an hour or so snapping pics, and taking it all in. It really is such a good sight.
The larger looking moon photos are cropped at 100%, and the others are cropped to fit the blog. The photos turned out OK, I think I should get better lenses if I am doing even more of this astronomy photography LOL 😉
For the camera geeks – These were shot on my Canon 600D with a 55-250mm lens; I used various settings, I found F5.6 (the widest the lens goes) at 100 ISO for upwards of 4 seconds was pretty decent.
Recently the guys over at Tailor4Less got in touch with me to ask if I wanted to test drive their service.
They are a retailer who offer a complete custom suit service online with a plethora of options including choice of fabrics, fit, style, size and as far as finishing touches such as embroidered detailing on the inside of the jacket.
I took them up on the challenge and got to work picking my suit.
Autumn is here which means for a lot of people back to school, college or Uni, and for those of us who are out of studying it’s a new season to get in style for. Whether you’re back at Uni or at work, the chances are you use a bag of sorts to keep your daily needs with you wherever you go. If you’re looking for a refresh, I have a few recommendations for you.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Little America Backpack by Herschel Supply Co. from UNDSCVRD. Herschel Supply Co. have become one of the most popular and fashionable backpack brands out there in the last few years, and it’s not hard to understand why. Their backpacks are not only stylish, but they’re really good quality, and above all, practical which is a core feature which you should be looking for when selecting a backpack.
The design is inspired from a mountaineering backpack, with leather strapping being the key to the design. The main compartment is accessed with the leather straps, which are kept closed using magnetic clasps, meaning you have easy access to get into the backpack while keeping it secure. It’s made from polyester, meaning it’s easy to keep clean and will stand up well against the elements. The front also features a small pouch pocket, perfect for small gadgets or loose coins. It’s secured by magnetic clasps again which hides the zipper compartment, once again keeping your goods secure.
The insides are the signature Herschel Supply Co. striped fabric, with a padded laptop sleeve which will support up to a 15″ laptop, it’s perfect to keep any device separated including a tablet or even a DSLR camera. One of my favourite features about this bag is the backing and the straps; If you’ve ever had a backpack on your back for long periods you’ll know it’s not always the weight which makes things uncomfortable, it’s the straps. This is addressed with custom Air Mesh straps and and Air Mesh back which gives unbelievable comfort.
You can get this from UNDSCVRD
As mentioned, I got this backpack from UNDSCVRD, but they do a lot more than this Little America Backpack. If you’re looking for a fashionable bag that packs a lot of style as well as your daily products, they’ll have something for you. From contemporary backpacks to messenger bags, laptop sleeves, wallets and leather goods, you’ll find them all under one roof. They have the labels you’ll already know and love, and are home to The North Face, Eastpak and Herschel Supply Co. as well as some great exclusive, boutique brands.
This includes the high end brand Porter, the main brand of Yoshida & Co. which has been around since 1962, and takes the name from a porter, who carries bags into a hotel. The Japanese brand is famous for it’s high standards, with it’s bags being exclusively being produced in Japan using high quality materials and skilled craftsman.
Crafted Goods are another brand to keep an eye on. With ethics and quality at it’s heart, their bags are designed in Switzerland and Japan while being manufactured in house at their factory in Bogotá, Columbia where they guarantee good working conditions for their workers. There bags are made to last, with their coveted Ballistic using the best quality raw materials and components.
Here’s a couple of other bags which caught my eye.
Crafted Goods Ballistic Kaminito | Herschel Nylon – Lawson Navy | Eastpak: Floid Black2
Sandqvist: Erik Messenger Blue | Crafted Goods: Carrerita – Black | Eastpak Claster Black
*This post was written in collaboration with UNDSCVRD
The third instalment of the Ferrari Essence Collection comes after Noble Fig and Bright Neroli, and is called Pure Lavender. As with the other two bottles in the collection, it comes in the same style, premium clear glass bottle, with the Ferrari wording to the front and the Pure Lavender working underneath. The bottle top comes with the iconic Ferrari prancing horse, and the metal top is wrapped in faux leather for a luxury feel.
The tagline for this scent is contemporary freshness, and once you’ve had a smell you can see why. The lavender is present and you feel this right away, but it’s subtle and sophisticated, with the other notes working well to give off a fresh and aromatic type of smell. This is my favourite from the Essence collection, the hints of lavender make it floral and give it that touch of elegance, with cashmere wood and vanilla giving it a very slight woody edge. The fragrance is modern and quite sensual, and like the others from the collection, is suitable for both men and women. Since it’s so inoffensive it could be worn in the day as well as an evening, and is perfect to wear as a light scent for Spring or Summer.
You can pick this up from Harrods for £75/100ml bottle.
Best season to wear – Spring/Summer
Scent type – Floral, Fresh, Aromatic
Age Recommendation – 21+
Best Worn – Daytime, Evening, Casual, Formal
Top Notes – Bergamot, lemon and cardamom
Middle Notes – Sage, lavandin
Base notes – Vanilla, patchouli and cashmere wood
For more fragrances have a look at my men’s fragrance guide here on Michael 84.
The second Ferrari scent I have got my hands on after Noble Fig is Ferrari Bright Neroli, from the Ferrari Essence Collection of fragrances. As with the other member of the essence family, this comes in a premium clear glass bottle, with minimal branding including the Ferrari logo along with Bright Neroli wording.
These days when I talk about products I usually do more in depth reviews or as part of a feature or campaign, but I have to mention one of my favourite daily products which I use, VO5 Texturizing Gum. It’s actually sort of an accident that I even have this; I got it as part of a little set last Christmas from my ASOS Secret Santa, Debz.
Happy 1st of September!
Summer 2015 is over! We may still be in British Summer Time, but the start of September always signifies the end of summer for me. The days are getting shorter, and the nights are slowly getting longer, which means it will be starting to get dark at 5PM soon which I really hate! 🙁
I can’t quite believe we’re 9 months into the year, the summer has somehow gone, and before you know it we’ll have Christmas and New Year, 2016 will be here and I’ll be taking about the summer again! 
A while back I took these shots, probably the most summery ones I have….White jeans, nautical tee, linen jacket et al. Check out more of my Street Style here too.
I am wearing: H&M White Jeans, H&M T-Shirt, Mango MAN Jacket, Ray Ban Aviators, Ugg Shoes
Roll on Summer 2016 😉
With a focus on quality timepieces and craftsmanship, Page And Cooper are a watch specialist with a difference. Watches are carefully selected in both brand and style, and fulfil key points of criteria including bring well designed, beautifully made, rare, long lasting and importantly offer value for money.
One thing I like about a quality timepiece is exclusivity, I want luxury along with wearing something on my wrist that others will not be wearing. Page And Cooper find quality watches made by small, independent companies which you’ll not find on the high street, utilize traditional watchmakers workmanship.
I have picked out a few of my favourites from their casual collection, which have caught my eye.
Welcome to Michael 84 – A men’s fashion blog and lifestyle guide from the UK. You’ll find the best in fashion, style, male grooming, fragrances, travel, tech and modern living.
Read about the latest fashion for men. Everything from luxury designer menswear to affordable casual clothing to keep you on trend. You’ll always look stylish with effortless fashion tips and up to date information on the latest style trends.
Contact
Michael 84 is often named amongst the best mens fashion bloggers in the UK and the world.
Please let me know if you have featured me in your blog, magazine or publication and I will add your button. Check out my Press Page here
