That Dapper Chap

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

The Ben Sherman Styling Challenge Pt 1

Craig of That Dapper Chap styles three looks from the Ben Sherman AW15 range. This Smart casual look is the first

Smart casual in jeans and blazer

I was really pleased to be contacted by Ben Sherman as asked if I'd like to put together three looks from their Autumn Winter 2015 range. As a fan of the brand, of course I was going to jump at the chance!

I have gone for three distinctly different styles, one smart, one smart casual and the last one casual, just so I can show you the range of clothing that they offer.

This shoot by Ian Clark was shot around London, Waterloo to keep in with the Ben Sherman 'London Calling' campaign.

Look 1 - Smart Casual

For the first look I wanted something that would be suitable for the office but which also wouldn't look out of place in the pub on a friday night to round off the week with a beer with your mates.

These smart look slim fit jeans fit the bill perfectly. In a solid denim colour without fading or rips they add a relaxed element to what could otherwise be a very smart look if tailored trousers were worn.

Details of the navy blazer

The navy blazer is a classic, well fitted and comfortable to wear it can easily be dressed up or dressed right down with jeans, T-Shirt and trainers. The knitted tie keeps things a little more formal but also adds some interest due to the slightly unusual pattern.

Taking time out in the shadow of the Shard

Chelsea boots help keep the look office ready

Any city gent needs a great bag and for me this one is perfect. This is the iconic double zip commuter bag and comes in black or navy. The thing that appeals most is the fact that it has both handles and a removable strap. It's spacious and apart from that it just looks really cool.

The spacious leather 'Iconic double zip commuter bag' £60.00

Man about town

Keeping things clean and simple I opted for a plain, slim fit pale blue cotton shirt with a button down collar. The chelsea boots are very on trend right now and finish this look off very well.

Inside detailing of the blazer

Coffee in hand and ready to start the day

A closer look at the 'Mod' tie £35.00

Keep thing simple with a crisp white shirt

Chelsea boots are very on trend for AW15

A look for the office or for the pub

Sheltering from the autumn breeze

Roll up the sleeves to make things more casual

Mickey helps to keep things fun

Every city guy needs a great bag

simple and classic

I hope you've enjoyed this first look. Let me know what you think by adding a comment.

Check back for the second look soon and take a look at the new range now.

Find Ben Sherman

The Peter Werth 40th Anniversary Store Opening

Craig of That Dapper Chap attends the opening of the latest Peter Werth store and celebrates their 40th anniversary

Yours truly wearing my new Peter Werth tartan coat

Remember Peter Werth?

As some of us may already know, Menswear brand Peter Werth has been around for a while, since 1975 to be precise when they opened in London Islington

I can still remember our local high street store in the 1980's. A restructure saw the closure of many stores around the UK, but I'm pleased to see that this British heritage brand are back in a big way, and challenging some of the more well-know brands on our streets when it comes to style and quality. So I was pleased to get an invitation to the opening of their newest store which celebrates 40 years in the business.

Product Review: Glasses from GlassesShop.com

That Dapper Chap reviews glasses from GlassesShop.com and tells us how we can get our first pair free and a 50% discount

Wearing my new 'Fresno' glasses by GlassesShop.com

Product

Today’s product review focusses on prescription eye glasses from GlassesShop.com. While they offer a range eye gasses and prescription sunglasses I opted for a pair of glasses with a removable sunshield. I personally hate those glasses that change colour depending if you’re in the sun or the shade and think they’re a little out dated. If you like them, great. I don’t.

This particular pair are called ‘Fresno’ in the tortoiseshell option but they are also available in burgundy, blue and black with contrasting sun shield.

The Fresno Round eye glasses are made from high quality TR material and have removable polarized, magnetic clip-on sun glasses with a silver mirrored-coating. Of course the glasses can be used as you would any glasses and you simply pop on the sunglasses when you go outside or wake up with a Jaeger-Bomb hangover (yes, that was me)

The shape is very fashionable right now and the fact that you don’t need to keep switching glasses is a bonus, plus they’re very cool.

The 'Fresno' glasses without the sunglasses attached

Suitable for men or women the Fresno glasses are a full frame spectacle and measure 138mm across and are 45mm deep at the lenses.

They are not too big to be intrusive but big enough to satisfy the current trend for a larger frame. They can be bought in single vision, bifocal or varifocal/progressive and you can choose to have an anti-scratch coating too, as I did.

If you like the frames and the concept but don’t need a prescription you can also order the glasses with clear lenses.

The tortoiseshell option that I have

Price

With a starting price for single vision lenses with no extras at just £30 ($46) these are cheap glasses and incredible value for money. Even at £65 ($100) for varifocal/progressive lenses they are still a bargain.

Packaging & Presentation

The glasses arrived safely and were well packed in a cardboard box. Inside was a clear case containing the glasses and a cleaning cloth. There’s no fancy packaging, no bells and whistles and no paperwork or product information. This is a budget product and this is reflected in the functional but adequate packaging.

The 'Fresno' glasses are lightweight with thin arms

Performance

The glasses fit me very well and they feel secure on my face. They don’t slide continually down my nose like other glasses do, and they are lightweight and comfortable to wear.

The arms are very thin indeed but the frames feel sturdy and they don’t creak and crack like another pair of my glasses does when I clean them. The prescription is good but does feel a tad different to the ones I have had made here in the UK. I can see clearly however but have to get used to where the best vision is on the lenses for whatever it is I’m doing. Ordering is easy so long as you have a copy of your latest prescription handy. Just be sure to check and double check that you’ve added the right numbers in to the correct sections before you press save!

The sunglasses are held on by small magnets and a clip on the nose bridge. Getting them on and off is very easy after a minutes practice and I can now get the on and off in a second

Pertinency

If, like me, you’re not a fan of ‘reactor light’ lenses and don’t want the bother of prescription sunglasses, these are a great option.

Magnets (near the hinges) hold the sunglasses securely in place

Pro’s and Cons

I really like the shape and they are very on trend. The lightweight and comfortable feel is also a plus as is the ease with which you can clip on the sunglasses.The only downside that I can think of would be the need to remember to take the sunglasses with you but if you make sure that you keep them clipped to the glasses whenever you take them off they will always be together, and you can simply pop them in the case and put them in your bag, ready for the sunshine.

The frames in black with yellow sunglasses

People

The team also liked the shape and thought that the clip on sunglasses were a quirky but practical and sensible addition. They liked the dual functionality and also thought the price was very good.

A closer look at me wearing my glasses

Précis

Overall these are great glasses at an incredible price. For those of us that wear glasses but want to have a few pairs to mix and match with different looks, these are a great addition to your collection With the price as low as it is, you can easily add to your collection without breaking the bank.

The blue option with tortoiseshell sunglasses

First Pair Free

GlassesShop.com are currently running a big campaign called

First Pair of Glasses Free which means all the new customers can have a pair of free glasses including both optical glasses and sunglasses(excludes shipping and handling fee)

Fancy a whopping discount? Just use code GSHOT50 at checkout and get a massive 50% off any eyeglasses or sunglasses with free lenses!
(Excludes sale frames)

THANKS FOR READING!

The Navy Wool Suit by Farrell at Primark

Craig from That Dapper Chap shows us his Farrell navy wool suit, available from Primark

Farrell At Primark

The Farrell brand, founded by international pop star Robbie Williams was named after Robbies Grandfather and the brands values and style, are based on this. Robbie explains "Jack Farrell was my granddad, he fought in the Second World War and he worked down the pit all of his life, after being a soldier. He had a tough life, but he always dressed well and his attire was always spiffy. That’s what I remember about him the most"

He goes on to say "This season for Farrell I wanted to explore good old British history and heritage…. tweed / wool suiting and checked shirts, like my grandfather would have worn. Then pieces like the Harrington Jacket to the Mod-inspired parka’ are more iconic shapes that, for me, define looks from the 60’s"

This seasons collection is very British, and the suits on offer are of great quality but still very affordable. Wool and tweed are used in the new range of suiting, and other great quality fabrics are utilised, such as suede and leather. Primark have turned a corner here and they are really not holding back this season, making their mark with this quality collection.

The Farrell Range is only available in selected Primark stores so check which ones stock the range HERE. If you do manage to get hold of some pieces just make sure you post a picture on Instagram and Twitter and #Farrell

Styling My Suit

This suit has a great slim fit. It is well cut and well made. The trousers were a little long for me so I had them tailored. There's nothing worse than bunching at the ankles. If you want to make yourself look shorter, that's one sure way to do it! I'm not a tall bloke so I make sure my trousers finish nicely at the shoe (or just above as is the trend right now)

This is a heavier weight winter suit and with the wool content at 41% it's guaranteed to keep you warm. There is also a matching waistcoat available at just £18 for an additional layer.

Going for a 'dapper' look (and why wouldn't I?) I kept the look clean with a slim fit white shirt which has a very subtle pattern. This adds some interest and depth.

The chambray diamond point bow tie adds that element of chic and the grey hopsack flower lapel adds some personality and an accent of fun. The black buttons on this shirt help keep this look very formal.