Meet Renard Watches

Craig of That Dapper Chap introduces us to Renard watches, shows us something for him and her and offers us a 15% discount when we purchase a watch.

His and hers watches from Renard

MEET RENARD WATCHES

Translated from French, Renard means 'Fox', an enigmatic creature who is graceful, intelligent and elegant just like the latest collection from Renard watches.

With smart technology managing our every move it's nice to wear an item that doesn't control you. Meet Renard watches. 

Sophisticated and stylish wristwear

That Dapper Chap Meets Joe Browns

Craig of That Dapper Chap wears clothing by Joe Browns and tell us about this interesting brand

Meet Joe Browns

Joe Browns is a brand that I've liked for a couple of years now but never got around to buying from. There's no store near me and I like to see the clothes and get a feel for the sizing before I buy.

The people at Joe Browns are crazy about creating really unique clothing and take influences from all over the globe and there's always something different on offer to other stores on the high street.

My Joe Browns outfit flatlay as seen on my Instagram page

The latest iPhone cases for work and workout

Craig of That Dapper Chap reviews iPhone cases available from The WT Factory Shop for business and for working out.

 

Mobile phones are everywhere, every one has one and they all look the same. So, how do you make yours stand out? How do you inject some of your style into your accessory and give it some personality? With a cool case, that's how!

That Dapper Chap with That Dapper Kit

The Lux Box Case, a classy edition to your iPhone

The Wonderful Things Factory have a range of phone cases to suit every aspect of your lifestyle. I opted for the real wood veneer case priced at £38.00 ($55.00 or 49Euro) it's a good price for a classy piece of kit. It fits like a glove and looks really sharp and sophisticated. 

My own case adds interest and personality to my phone

The wooden veneer Lux Box Case

The team really liked this case. "it's unusual to have a natural product like wood" said katy. Sam commented that "It's really classy compared to a lot of tacky plastic cases that are out there, with cartoon characters and the like. This is a very grown up case"

The case is relatively easy to remove and replace when you need to, with a bit of practice. It's a very snug fit so it does take a bit of work to understand the best way to remove it. I find that taking the top left corner out followed by the right corner works, you can then slide the phone out. It clips back in super easy.
You might ask why you'd need to remove the phone from the case, well I'm about to explain!

If you're a runner like me or you go to the gym and record your workouts on the various Apps there are, you're going to need your phone. This is where the SlimClip case comes in. Okay, it's not flashy and it isn't going to win any prizes for materials or aesthetics. But what it will win points for is practicality.

Available in a variety of colours this handy case clips right onto your shorts and you're good to go. Priced at £27.00 ($40.00 or 36Euro) it's handy to have around. When I run I use the Nike Running app and always held my phone in my hand while running. I was always worried about tripping and either dropping my phone or simply smashing it on the ground as I attempted to break my fall. Now I don't have to worry!

Super slim and simple, the SlimClip Case

Clipped on and ready to run. SlimClip stays in place

The brand claim that you can 'Run, Bike, Hike & workout' I wouldn't recommend swimming however;). I was a bit dubious about it's ability to remain in place but I found that it you tie your shorts well and then clip the case on, it won't move. The first time I used it I didn't tie my shorts and simply relied on the elastic. Bad move! The phone bounced around and my shorts did start to fall down. Not something you want! 

Workout, hike, run and bike with SlimClip

FIND WONDERFUL THINGS FACTORY

   

Five Top Tips For Looking Good & Feeling Great

Craig of That Dapper Chap shares five of his top tips for looking and feeling your best in 2016 in the first part of this series

Okay, so I first want to say that I do not claim to be a guru when it comes to male grooming. However I am a bloke and through what I do I have been exposed to this world and have picked up some great tips and some do's and don't that I'm more than happy to share with you.

It's proven that if you look good, you feel good and who doesn't want to feel good right? It's also important that we make the best of ourselves for our partners. Making an effort with your own appearance shows that you want to look your best for them. If you're with them, they're worth making the effort for.

Patrick Grant X anCnoc Whisky

Craig of That Dapper Chap gets a taste of anCnoc Whisky and gets a sneak peak at the new design in collaboration with fashion designer and Savile Row tailor Patrick Grant.

Designer Patrick Grant - Photography by Tom Bunning

Launched today, anCnoc Highland Single Malt Whisky (pronounced a-nock) have collaborated with the award winning designer and personal icon of mine: Patrick Grant.  This limited edition expression; Blas (meaning 'taste') is presented to us in a wonderfully designed bottle by Edinburgh-born Grant.

The Design

Patrick spent over 12 months at the drawing board creating this bespoke design which is inspired by the flavours captured in this fine limited edition liquid and it incorporates elements submitted to Patrick by members of the public via social media. Patrick says 

The limited edition bottle and gift box

"I spent a lot of time at Knockdhu, not only taking in the landscape and surrounding areas, but getting to know the people that work there and the methods that they use. Everything in the print is from the hill, the village of Knockdhu or within the distillery itself and tells the story of the making of Blas. I've tried to interpret anCnoc's history and tradition in a modern way, and hope this is translated through the aesthetic of the bottle"

I'm am extra lucky as my presentation box not only contained the Whisky but also a pure silk, Italian made pocket square adorned with Patricks wonderful design. Not available to the public, I'm afraid you won't be able to get hold of one yourself so I'm super chuffed to own one.

The Patrick Grant and anCoc silk pocket square

Patrick Grant sporting the silk pocket square
Photography by Tom Bunning

The Whisky

I'm no Whisky connoisseur, but after tasting 'Blas' I think I may be converted. I took mine over ice, now I know that this may not be de rigeur with the purists, and maybe I should have opted for whisky stones so as not to dilute the expertly crafted flavours, but again, not being a connoisseur I am devoid of whisky stones and other whisky related paraphernalia. But I think that's soon to change! It's so warm and comforting, and there really is something special about enjoying a glass of whisky by a crackling open fire on a cold winter's eve.

Blas is incredibly sweet on the nose, it comes with a predominant scent of fruit followed by citrus, some bitter chocolate and vanilla. It is a rich golden colour in appearance and has a wonderful honey hue, warm and very inviting.

Maybe just one for the road

Matured in Spanish Oak butts and American Oak barrels, Mark Williamson; the blender picks it when it's at its optimum level of maturity. It is not chill filtered or coloured and is bottled at 54% and is in its most natural state.

Fruity with hints of citrus and chocolate

The Patrick Grant Limited Edition 'Blas' retails at £50 a bottle and is available from independent and specialist retailers throughout the UK.

Patrick Grant enjoying a tipple
Photography by Tom Bunning

Get your limited edition 'Blas' at specialist retailers

 What I'm Wearing

Navy wool suit by Patrick Grant for Hammond & Co

Pink Check cotton shirt by Patrick Grant for Hammond & Co

Burgundy pre tied knitted tie by Patrick Grant for Hammond & Co

Silk pocket square by Patrick Grant for anCnoc

Find AnCnoc

  

The Next Summer Press Day

Craig of That Dapper Chap attend the Next Summer press day to see what trends and styles are coming our way this summer.

What do I pick for that forthcoming city break to Marrakech?

The new range for Summer 2016 from Next

It admittedly felt a little odd perusing rails of summer clothing on a cold and wet February afternoon, but it did get those memories churning of hot summer nights, and city breaks to warm and wonderful places, of sipping cocktails with the sun on your face, and al fresco dining. Roll on Summer!

Straw hats are still big news this summer

As always next have considered all options for us and have created a great collection of classic menswear. The big trends from Spring continue into the summer months and lightweight cloths are key here. 

The colour palette is warm but muted in stones, khakis and greys. A splash of vibrant indigo here and there adds that summer element and reminds us of cloudless skies over the Med.

A lightweight stone grey suit, perfect for warmer days

Loafers continue to be a hot trend as are knitted ties

There's a military look creeping in a little too, yes, I know that a lot of menswear has it's roots firmly planted in military soil, but Next are offering us a more 'obvious' look with khaki fatigue pants and shirts with twin breast pockets. Attention!

As always the food at the Next press day was delicious!

A casual look that I styled ready for an evening walk on the beach

Rails of menswear for the new season from Next

Tailoring from next is a bit more relaxed this summer. Fabrics are textured and lightweight so look for something with a more interesting fabric to be totally on trend next season. Add in a knitted tie or a fine gauge knitted or jersey tee and your relaxed but elegant look is complete.

A textured blazer in a warm muted natural colour

Rails of summer, just waiting for you

Tones are paired back and natural

Don't forget to accessories to complete your look

Mannequins dressed for warmer months

The stone coloured denim jacket is hot this season

Textures loafers reign supreme in footwear

Sumptuous sandwiches at the Next Press Day

Footwear sees the loafer reign supreme for another season, whether tasseled, apron front, or plain, choose a textured material. Something in suede will look great or an embossing on the leather is very cool too. 

Alternatively choose a trainer to wear with your suit. These are looking a touch more formal this season and are coming in interesting fabrics, and can look great when added to a less relaxed outfit.

More loafers, this time in indigo suede

My favorite suit from the collection, styled for summer. Marrakech maybe?

So, whatever you choose to buy for your summer wardrobe make sure you take a picture and add it to Instagram and tag that_dapper_chap and NextOfficialMan. Or add it to Twitter and tag thatdapperchap and NextOffical

Thanks for dropping in! :)