That Dapper Chap: christmas

Monday, 12 December 2016

The That Dapper Chap Christmas Wish List

Craig of That Dapper Chap puts together his top ten items for Christmas 2016

With Christmas looming just around the corner and gifts to buy for your nearest and dearest, I've done some of the hard work for you, particularly when it comes to that special guy in your life. There's something here to suit all budgets and all styles (just so long as they're dapper)

The weekend bag

Available in black, coffee, mahogany and walnut, the Korchmar Lux Jefferson weekend bag has enough room for that city break or business trip, and will see you good for a few years to come. Very stylish, it's made from full grain leather and features solid brass hardware.

£400

You're invited to the Burton Party!

Craig of That Dapper Chap shares the latest official Burton menswear campaign video in which he appears

It's here!! A couple of weeks since the filming and I'm pleased to be able to show you the Burton Menswear party wear campaign video. If you want to read all about what happened on the day and get some exclusive behind the scenes images, just take a look at my last post about the campaign

You're Invited to The Party!

With party season well and truly upon us, it's time to get suited and booted, and Burton Menswear have a great range of smart party wear.

Burton have also shared some of Tom London's magic tricks for you to impress your friends with at that Christmas party. Learn the bottle trick, show off with the match trick or try out the olive trick!

The latest products from Mankind

Craig of That Dapper Chap shows us the latest products from Mankind, and tells us about some fantastic Black Friday deals

Enjoying some great new products from Mankind, now, who will get what in their Christmas stocking?

With Black Friday upon us and Christmas just around the corner I want to share some great new products from Mankind that will make perfect gifts and stocking fillers for that guy in your life.

With some great 3 for 2 offers on a huge range of products this is an ideal time to buy gifts or to simply stock up your own cupboard!

Alongside the 3 for 2 they're also offering a whopping 50% discount on Clinique for Men and Lab Series for men, 2 huge and much sought after brands.

Not only that but there's also 20% off site wide which can also be used in conjunction with other offers!! Just use code MK20 at checkout. (some restrictions may apply)

So with all those offers at hand lets look at some of the new products that we can treat ourselves to.

#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.

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!

Three Party Looks From Burton Menswear

Craig turns to Burton Menswear for three looks to take you from super smart party to pub party

Burton Menswear have a great selection of stuff for us blokes this season. I usually get invited to a couple of parties, and at least one of them is usually formal. Others may be more relaxed and while you may not want a full tux you still want to look good, even if it's a party at a local pub.

I've therefore chosen three looks for you from the range at Burton to cover all bases and each one is under £200.

The Uber Smart Party

For that black tie dinner you need to look the part. Keep it modern by going for a slim fit suit and some slipper loafers. Details are important and you can add a twist by choosing a purple bow tie and pocket square rather than the traditional black.

Get this entire look for £160.00

2 Piece Black Essential Slim Fit Tuxedo - £80.00

Black quilted slipper loafers - £30.00

Tailored white dress shirt - £25.00

Reversible leather belt - £12.00

Pre tied purple bow tie - £8.00

Purple pocket square - 6.00

The Smart Casual Party

So, taking the formal down a notch, we have a look that you can wear at the office party or a more informal dinner. Still very smart, it's a more relaxed approach.

Get this entire look for £182.00

Burgundy Leather Shoes - £58.00

Navy Check Skinny Fit Formal Trousers - £25.00

White Stretch Skinny Fit Shirt - £25.00

Red Jersey Blazer - 50.00

Burgundy & Blue Paisley Tie - 10.00

Burgundy & Blue Pocket Square - 6.00

Rose Gold Tie Clip - 8.00

The Casual Party

This look is a more relaxed and is definitely a more informal look. Still retaining smart elements, like the fleck print long sleeved shirt to show that you've made an effort (please don't go to ANY party in a T Shirt). If it's a party at a friends house or a buffet at the local pub, this is a good option for you.

Get this entire look for £172.00

Black Leather High Shine Shoes - £48.00

Slim Stretch Skinny Chinos - £20.00

Skinny White fleck print shirt - £25.00

Leather Look Biker Jacket - £65.00

Navy Diamond Jacquard Scarf - £14.00

FIND BURTON MENSWEAR

Thanks For Visiting, Don't Be A Stranger!!

Christmas In July with Next

That Dapper Chap goes to the Next Christmas Catwalk and sees the trends for the coming season

The snowy scene inside the Waldorf Hilton Hotel

The stunning Waldorf Hilton Hotel, venue for the event

The venue for the Next Christmas catwalk show was the super stylish Waldorf Hilton Hotel and what a fitting scene for the exciting pieces coming our way towards the end of the year.

Yours truly at the event

It was a bit odd walking off the street in blazing sunshine into a Christmas themed room complete with decorations and show covered fir trees. I'm just pleased that they has a pianist providing delightful background music rather than horrific Christmas songs that 'grace' our radion from November the first!

Fine tunes provided by classical musicians

As we mingled, ate breakfast and sipped great coffee surrounded by rails of new clothing and accessories, the catwalk was being prepared.

For men, Christmas attire has stepped up a gear with a seriously rich colour palette offset with cool, alpine influences. Printed tailoring is set to be a wardrobe staple too, neatly paired with roll neck sweaters and super suave bow-ties. I'm personally excited by the thick brushed wool coats with a fur collar and cannot wait to get my hands on one to keep out those winter chills!

Mannequins dressed for colder weather

Harris Tweed accessories

Rails of new season menswear

Delicious food for the guests

Smart tailoring layered over soft knits

Christmas in July. Frosted trees decorate the venue

Brogues continue to be a must have for the end of the year

The Harris Tweed collection in brown

Soaking up the atmosphere and looking for coffee!

The Catwalk

As the doors opened to the catwalk, guests parted with their empty coffee cups and made their way in, all vying for that perfect seat. I luckily got a good spot right at the front. The lights dimmed and the show started. First ladies day wear followed by menswear for the daytime.

casualwear has a real Alpine influence, flannel checked shirts and fairisle sweaters are teamed with raw finish denim and chunky soled boots. Beanie and bobble hats keep our heads warm and thick scarves keep the chills off our necks.

Casualwear hits the Next catwalk

Comfortable clothing in simple colours

A grey flecked coat layered over a checked flannel shirt

More casual prices come our way

A smarter casual look with wool trousers teamed with a statement sweater

Blazers and beanies feature this coming season

Guests enjoy the new season menswear

Mr John Halls models a quilted jacket over an alpine knit

Chunky knits, scarves and boots

A simply hooded jacket over a geo knit sweater

The looks keep coming

quilted hooded jacket layered over a textured knit and flannel shirt

More textured knitwear, a key trend this winter

Fur collared jacket over yet another textured knit

Fairisle knitwear continues again this winter

A think winter coat with fur trimmed hood

Roll neck sweaters are another key trend

Formalwear this season sees tone on tone colours in a dark, rich palette mixed with jewel shades. As stated earlier, it's clear that printed tailoring is also carrying through from summer and autumn but its updated in heavier, wool fabrics and paired with roll neck sweaters. Coats are the wardrobe staple; with an added fur trim they become a statement piece for winter.

Neat bow ties and cleated brogues complete any dapper gents christmas attire.