Fathers Day gifts #FoundIt at Debenhams

Craig of That Dapper Chap shares his Fathers Day gifts from the Debenhams #FoundIt campaign

With Fathers Day just a few short days away it's a great opportunity for me to share some items that I've received as gifts for this sponsored post with Debenhams for their #FoundIt campaign.

With a huge number of gifts available for dapper Dads, sports lovers, the kitchen king or that big kid in your life there's sure to be something to suit Dad this year. My fave gift this year just has to be the Charbroil patio bistro barbecue, what Dad doesn't like to BBQ right!

High Summer with Hammond & Co at Debenhams

Craig of That Dapper Chap shares details of the new high summer range of menswear from Hammond & Co at Debenhams

Business man, TV personality and Savile Row Tailor Patrick Grant returns to Debenhams as the face of the new Hammond & Co high summer range.

I am a massive fan of Mr Grant and all that he has to offer. From his collection under the E-Tautz umbrella, which received incredible reviews following the catwalk show at the last London Fashion Week: Mens (which I was lucky enough to attend) To the Hammond & Co collection at Debenhams.

What I Wore Today #50

Craig of That Dapper Chap shares today's look including clothing from Hammond & Co, Burton & Next with watch by Ice Watch

Today I decided to wear what I like to refer to as a 'relaxed dapper' look. The blazer, waistcoat and bow tie make the look super dapper but the jeans give the look a less formal and more relaxed look than it would have had if I'd worn the matching suit trousers.

#FoundIt at debenhams

Craig of That Dapper Chap joins the #FoundIt campaign with Debenhams and shares his picks from from their current range for members of his nearest and dearest.

Now that Halloween and bonfire night are behind us, the Christmas lights have been turned on in city centres all over the UK, and shop window displays offer us a beautiful array of festive fantasies, and all the twinkly lights you could every wish for.  It's time to start think about Christmas.

For me Christmas is all about family, well, family and food! And a big part of that is gift giving.

For us, we have three present giving opportunities, the first is on Christmas Eve when we give one another a new set of pyjamas and something to enjoy in front of the TV while we wait for Santa to do his thing. That may be a hot chocolate set, a box of Christmas chocolates or miniature liqueurs. Then of course we have the big event on Christmas morning but we save a stocking to open on boxing day after the lunchtime washing up has been done.

With so many gifts to buy it's good that brands like Debenhams are doing some of the hard work for us. Each year they have their #FoundIt campaign and offer us a wealth of great gifts from all of our favourite designers and brands.

Autumn Trends with Hammond & Co

Craig of That Dapper Chap shares three looks available from the Hammond & Co range at Debenhams

If you're not familiar with Patrick Grant and the Hammond & Co range of menswear at Debenhams, you must have been living under a rock.

Mr Grant always offers a wide range of clothing for us gents, classic in style, but with a modern twist. Each season the range is stylish and elegant and has a selection of 'must have' pieces, this season is no different.

In this post I'll show you three distinct looks using items from the latest range.

Look 1 - Sartorial

For the first look I've gone all out dapper. This single breasted wool rich jacket with its bold check is teamed with a crisp white shirt and mustard bow tie for total sartorial elegance.

The slim fit jeans and Chelsea boots add that modern touch without detracting from the gentlemanly look of the outfit.

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

  

I #FOUNDIT at Debenhams!

Craig joins Debenhams on their #FoundIt campaign and wears one of this seasons party outfits from Hammond & Co

So, the party season is well and truly upon us! it's the time to be a dapper dresser and get into that Christmas spirit and that Christmas outfit! As always I chose to go just a little more formal than some other gents out there, and went for items from the Hammond & Co range, opting for some velvet. 

What else says Christmas more than a tartan velvet waistcoat right?

Over the waistcoat I added another sumptuous and luxurious layer of velvet with this navy blazer. To keep it crisp and clean I chose a double cuff long sleeved white fine twill shirt. The shirt comes with its own cuff links but you can always add something a bit more special if you prefer.

As you know I'm a fan of fancy neckwear so I had to get this mustard bow tie as a contrast to the navy and green colour scheme. It also adds a touch of christmassy gold into the mix. 

This bow tie is a mix between a self tie and a pre-tied tie. It comes pre tied but has a clip at the back so those that are a little less inclined to tie their own won't need to worry, and those purists can tie and untie to their hearts desire!

It might be warm while you're sipping that mulled wine and dancing the night away but it may be a bit chilly when you leave the party at 3am with a bauble hanging off your ear and a lipstick stained collar. So, bring a blazer! This navy blazer ticks all the boxes. It's slim fit and smart enough to wear to any event. It also has a great lining.

If you want to look the part at the party get yourself some slipper loafers. The suede on this pair compliments the velvet of the waistcoat and blazer and are very on trend. You can wear them with this look with or without socks. I opted for a thin fabric knee high italian sock as these slippers are new and I didn't want to get blisters while throwing my shapes on the dance floor!

These skinny fit green teal trousers continue the colour story and compliment the green in the tartan waistcoat. It also makes the look a little different by adding a distinct colour which can sometimes be missing from formal wear. They have added formality with black satin piping on the back pockets which is a nice touch.

I hope this article has inspired some of you to go for something a bit more adventurous this year. It's Christmas after all. If you can't wear tartan and velvet now, when on earth can you!?

FOUND IT!

Hammond & Co Tartan Velvet Waistcoat

Hammond & Co long sleeved, double cuff fine twill shirt

Hammond & Co Mustard Bow Tie

Black Italian Knee High Socks by Cal'Zineri

Green Team Skinny Fit Trousers by Next

'Eton Square' Black Suede Slipper Loafers by Dapper England

Thanks for taking a look and Merry Christmas!

What I Wore Today #32 - Hammond & Co & Hawkins & Shepherd

Craig shows us his latest look in his navy Hammond & Co suit and new shirt from Hawkins & Shepherd

Ready to get stuff done

The suit grid flat lay as seem on Instagram

Shirts with a pin collar are very on trend right now. Not a new thing by any means as they've been in an out of fashion as early as the 1920's. It's just one style element that's made a return with the heritage looks that we've been enjoying over the last couple of years.  

Showing off the fit of the shirt and waistcoat

The detail of the pin collar shirt

This particular shirt is from Hawkins & Shepherd of London. Hawkins & Shepherd pride themselves on the highest quality products and exceptional service, and are market leaders in luxury menswear. They sell a wide range of classic pin collar shirts along with tab collar shirts and both formal and casual shirts. In addition to this you'll find a wide range of accessories from ties to socks, and watches to pocket squares. They even sell suits

The pink pocket square compliments the colour of shirt

Suited and booted

This three piece 'Chiltern' suit is from Hammond & Co at Debenhams. A mix of linen, wool and polyester and in a classic tailored fit with heritage detailing, it's a perfect suit. I love the lapelled waistcoat and the little hedgehog pin on the jacket, and it's these details that take it from an ordinary navy suit and turn it into something a little more unusual.

Oxblood tassel loafers compliment the look and the socks add personality

The shoes are a burgundy tassled loafer which link in with the pink of the shirt, and to pull things together a bit more I chose some fun pink socks and a pink and navy polka dot tie. The pink pocket square continues the accent story.

A closer look at the jacket and waistcoat

You can't beat a well fitted three piece suit

A close up of the navy and pink polka dot tie

Loose the jacket on warmer days but still look smart

The monogram detail on the Hawkins & Shepherd shirt

Ready for whatever the day has ion store

A look at the pin stripe pattern on the shirt

when one door closes another door opens

The full look

business ready in classic navy and pink

The trouser chain keeps my security pass safe in style

One final look at the Hammond & Co three piece suit

Where It's All From

Burgundy Tassel Loafers: Next

Pink Elephant Socks: Foot Cardigan

Three Piece Suit: Hammond & Co

Pink Stripe Pin Collar Shirt: Hawkins & Shepherd

Navy & Pink Polka Dot Knitted Tie: Boden

Trouser Chain: The Modern Gentleman

Sunglasses: Primark

Briefcase: Vacation Purchase from Tunisia

THANKS FOR READING!