Guest Blogger | Paul McGregor : Vintage Clothing and Accessories

Images taken from Hans C and M'c kenneth Licon. [LOOKBOOK.nu]

Vintage Clothing and Accessories

So men sometimes disregard vintage and retro clothing, as it breaks their comfort zone. Who would want to wear clothing worn by someone else? The heritage of the clothing really adds uniqueness to your style, and is something you should defiantly consider. There’s a solution if you want to add vintage touches to your looks but you’re really not going to break that comfort zone and wear vintage clothing… that solution is vintage mens accessories. This will give you the ability to add that retro, historical feel to your style but with a subtle touch. It won’t draw too much attention towards your change in style, but it will add a historical feel to your look. Common pieces remain vintage ties, hats, belts and bags. My favorite has to be handkerchiefs, which can easily be made into pocket squares.

Guest Blogger | Paul McGregor: Coping with Block Colours

Anywhere you look, you’ll see block colouring being achieved. It’s a hard trend to pull off, but this season the guys seem to be giving it their best shot! The problem being that mixing colours can end in disaster, especially bright, vibrant colours suitable for summer. If you get it wrong, you could end up looking like a packet of skittles or a rainbow, and believe me that isn’t a good look. So what’s the best way of working with block colours?

Guest Blogger | Paul McGregor: Tired of the Tie?

(Brighterman Dark Blue Skinny Tie available at Brighterman, Fred Perry Laurel Men's Silk Knitted Tie with Pin available at oki-ni, and Tropical Fish Printed Tie available at Topman.)

A tie has been an iconic addition to men’s looks for centuries, with timeless fashion like JFK’s being a huge influence. That touch of elegance and smartness from a tie, has made it become a formal accessory every man owns at least one of. But are we getting tired of the tie?

Brands and designers are consistently looking at elevating your typical men’s tie, with variations adding to the reign of the tie. The latest craze, which has lasted a few seasons now, are skinny ties. The slimmer look makes the addition more cleaner, and a lot more effortless. Fabric changes have been developed, with silk, polyester and knit all leading the way. Striped patterns, block colours, plain ties and even humorous designs have made the shelves. But what does the future hold for the tie?

Mens ties have a future, they always will. Designs will change but the basic features of the tie wont, whether skinny or bowed, wide or knitted. That elegant touch a tie adds to a look is the main reason why we will continue to see ties being worn.

Paul McGregor – King of mens accessories.

Guest Blogger | Paul McGregor: Fashion Essentials: Men’s Wallets

(Peter Werth Bi Fold Studded Wallet with Cardholder available at Brighterman, Comme des Garçons Super Fluoro Small Wallet available at oki-ni, Porte Monnaie Classic Wallet available at oki-ni.)

For the fashion conscious male, a wallet is an essential item within the mens accessories department. It’s an accessory that isn’t typically on show, unless of course, you like to “flash the cash.” So what mens wallets do we recommend? A touch of elegance means leather, and leather wallets for men have consistently held their popularity over the last few years. Attention to details is crucial, paying close attention to stitching and money storage. You want something that looks new, elegant and isn’t going to break easy.

With designers such as Paul Smith producing a variety of wallets based upon colourful designs, a focus on print of the wallet is another factor. A good print design can determine someone’s personality. Coloured leather can really draw attention towards your wallet. Contrasting inner sections, again are recommended. But wallets really should be bought on personal taste. Something that’s going to represent your personality, and something, which suits the way you store your money. But here at THESOUTHSIDER, we have a good eye for a good wallet. Above are some recommended mens wallets to choose from.

Paul McGregor is the driving force behind the company and brand Brighterman, a UK based online retailer that specializes in men's accessories.