The 40+ Dad

The 40+ Dad

A lot of my friends and family asks me how after 15 years of marriage does it look like I didn’t gain one centimeter on my waistline. I can contribute it to my genes but that’s only 50% of it.

About 12 years ago I decided to cut down on junk food. I started eating more healthy, exercising more and just living a more healthier life. As a dad it’s very important for me to be healthy for my family’s sake. Especially my daughters. So for me staying healthy and in shape is very important. 

So that's the physical side of my life. The outer appearance is also important, not the brands or expensive clothes but how the clothes fit and that’s important. It doesn’t matter if it’s an expensive brand or a locally made piece or from a general retail outlet but what matters is how your clothes fit on you. Understanding your body and how certain clothes and certain prints. Like horizontal stripes on a shirt, t-shirt or top makes you look bigger and adds more body weight, while vertical stripes makes you look thinner and taller. So these are just a few things that I have come to adjust in my styling. 

I make sure that my clothing sits properly on me and if it doesn’t then spend a few rand on a tailor to have it fit a bit better. But at the end of the day it about being positive in your own skin. I have always had a low self esteem growing up but when I started being more comfortable about who I am and accepting who I am, I started looking better after myself.

Being married, being a dad and working or having your own business doesn't mean you have to "let yourself go". 

But this is it for now, part 2 will be coming soon. 

Thank you for taking the time out to read it this short blog.

     

Autumn Winter Trends from SAMW

South African Menswear Week (SAMW) was held just over a week ago in a rustic old factory building in Waterfront. This was a great venue that created an awesome ambience for this fashion forward bi-annual event. This season, Autumn/Winter (AW) 2020 showcased 20 of SA's best designers, some new comers and a few of the all time favorite's.

This season proved to be one for the books, a lot of the designers showcased their Ready-to-wear (RTW) street style and urban wear pieces. Although we love the creativity of the designers, some always wowing us with their Avant-garde designs, this season had more RTW ranges that were showcased. I would say that this season had a bit of everything for everyone.

What was evident, was the individuality of each designer. Having that difference not just in the designs but also in the colors, fabric textures, fabric patterns and the creativity in the use of different fabrics.

Some of my favorite designers were, G-thingbrand, changing up their colours and patterns from black and white check to a more vibrant and bold orange, black in a very distinct pattern.
Throwaway Twenty, brought sexy back in their 70's inspired theme. Bringing on some leather, snakeskin print shirts and pants.
Sergeant Peppers (SPCC) showed the crowd the latest in their streetwear range, ranging from denim, leather and quality printed t-shirts.
Lucky Luke, was definitely one of my favorite, with their range of formal, street lux and urbanwear. They changed the fabric textures for men from plain and normal to shimmer and shine. Their shimmer tailored jackets are definitely in my basket for this season.

Amongst all the fashion lovers, we had quite a few celebs and celebrity designers that were invited. In the front row were newly wed Mishka Loesch, celeb designer Craig Port and Mzukisi Mbane from Imprint and Jimmy Nevis, who by the way also walked the runway. Then also not forgetting Spice TV, doing their interviews with all of the designers celebrities and industry influencers.

So it was an eventful, inspiring and packed day of fashion and lifestyle. It was lights, camera, action and everyone brought their A-game right from the word Go!
A big thanks to Simon Deiner and the team for an awesome show.

 

All photos by SDR Photo.
For more photos follow the link below.
ramp.sdr.co.za/2002SAMW/

Dandy Tuesday

Explanation of Dandy (dandi) 
-a man unduly concerned with looking stylish and fashionable.
eg. "his floppy handkerchiefs and antique cufflinks gave him the look of a dandy"

So today we giving some advice on getting that right fit when purchasing a jacket and getting it right the first time.
Here is a great article I found on the different jacket constructions.

The Right Jacket Shoulder for Your Anatomy

Since its origins with Beau Brummell, the features of a suit have been tweaked and adjusted with the express purpose of enhancing the male physique. In fact, fashion historian Anne Hollander has explained that the suit developed with the goal of making men look like ancient Greek statues. It does this by using clothto create the impression of broad shoulders and slim hips–no need to go to the gym! This can start with the structured shoulder on suits made in the British style, where padding is used to make the shoulders appear larger. You can also see this on high-end French suits, most famously the “Cifonelli shoulder.”


The additional padding in the shoulder area is specifically designed to make one look more physically imposing, perfect for the battlegrounds of business but best on lean men. Those who have athletic builds or otherwise bulky shoulders would end up with an exaggerated look if they stuck to structured suits. The best option in this case is the natural shoulder, without padding, exemplified by Neapolitan style suit jackets. These fit like shirts and allow your own shoulders to shine without enhancement.

Unpadded “natural shoulder.”

Another possibility for those who want to widen their upper bodies is to look for an extended jacket shoulder, where there isn’t heavy structure as in British suits, but instead a sleeve head that begins further out beyond where your shoulders end. This “cheats” by adding an inch or two to your width, giving you an impression of greater shoulder width. Ring Jacket and Liverano & Liverano feature these among high-end brands.

Thanks to Dr Christopher Lee of Gentleman's Gazette for this interesting insert and insight

Autumn and Winter Trends and so much more!

Autumn and Winter Trends and so much more. 


With Autumn and Winter showing us that they are close, I just had to send our gents out there a few tips on colours,  textures and some health care tips.

So for everyone out there,  please note these are just guidelines, its not set in stone.  I believe that everyone has there own unique style but some of us guys just need abit of a push in the right direction.

So for this Autumn Winter season,  there are a few colours internationally and in South Africa thats the most stand out colours. Bright green or mint green and grey are two combination colours that work very well together. Layering your outfit with a bright green jersey and grey jacket is the look for this season. Because A/W is a dreary wet and cold season it doesn't mean that you cant bring some colour into yoyr outfit.  Red has always been a favourite colour of all seasons and this season is no exception. Its got a warm feel to it,  aswell as burgundy and gold tones.  So get you a nice red or burgundy jacket or jersey and you are sorted.

Denim on denim is also a nice look this year.  Mix up your different denims, as well as the different denim colours and play around with it. This season is about having fun and looking good.
For the more conservatives, your monotone has stuck around and internationally it always a hit. Wear those black and whote tones this season and be creative in how you layer and dress those two colours.  Mix up your textures and patterns with checks,  stripes and even zigzag prints. As I said "be creative"


Another important issue that we tend to forget, with the change of season please look after your skin. Use a moisturizer for that dry skin,  so that you dont look as dreary as the weather. Try to exfoliate at least once a week. Some products to consider is Loreal Mens Expert,  Nivea Men and please guys just because you cant see the sun doesn't mean that its rays dont come through. So wear a high UV sunscreen lotion. Use a nice lipbalm for those chuffed lips (every woman loves a guy with nice looking lips).
Eat healthy and dont neglect those excercising...keep fit (Summer bodies are made in Winter #winkwink)

Thank you for taking out the time to read this advice and styling blog.
So please share and help another gentleman.

For any further advice on mens styling please dont be shy to send Camen Menswear a message on Whatsapp.
Follow Camen Menswear on Facebook & Instagram @Camenmenswear
My personal page on Facebook Craig Mentor or Instagram @craig_alexander1.

SA Menswear Week 2019

With South African Menswear Week held last weekend, there was alot of excitement and expectations. On Friday night the opening event for this years AW19 season kicked off with a VIP launch party by Unknown Union and Raddison Red Hotel in the Silo District.
So if you know Jason Storey from Unknown Union then you should know it wont be your straight forward,  regular fashion show. The team from Unknown Union has a very different approach to showcasing their brand and range and this has been proven every season.

This season Jason and the team told the story of the Olmec people and their journey from Africa to South America. Alot of the fabric designs were inspired by the Olmec people's culture.

For their AW19 range they had a very interactive show. Their models, brand ambassadors and artist were allocated at various designated areas and rooms in the hotel displaying their latest range and various craft,  ranging from performing artist in specific rooms. Ending the evening off with their full range presentation at the rooftop bar of the Radisson Red. The night was young, the weather was perfect and the fashionistas and fashionisters were on point. A perfect ending to an awesomeand inspirational evening.

See photos of the evening on the following links
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10213014592549788&id=1541463106

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10212998522708052&id=1541463106

https://www.facebook.com/1582162838773465/posts/2284856681837407

Wedding Must-haves for the Groom

With wedding season here and all the ladies running around.

Then amongst all the errands and planning, the groom is sometimes left to his own grace.

So here is just a short list of must-haves for your special day.

Grooms wedding day must haves
1: Ring
- Very important not to forget the ring!
- Usually the best man is in charge of keeping the ring/s but Mr Groom make it your duty to make sure the best man has the ring on the day of the wedding.

2: Suit/Tuxedo - signature piece
- Another important piece is the suit or tuxedo of the groom.
- Just as the bride has her showstopper dress,  the groom needs his and this is his signature piece.
- Whether it is a tailored suit or a hired suit or tuxedo,  make sure that it fits you well.
- Not too big as it will make you look untidy.
- Ensure that it fits you properly on the shoulders, around the waist, its not too long (unless its a vintage wedding) and make sure the sleeves are also not too long.

3: Shoes
- Make sure the shoes matches your belt.
- Ensure that the style of the shoes compliments the suits.
- Gents keep it shining whole day, keep a small piece of cloth in your jacket's pocket.
- Shoes says alot about a man.

4: Accessories
-  For your accessories you do not have to go overboard,  always keep it simple.
- If your shirt has cuffed sleeves, then put on a nice pair of cufflinks.
- Whether you are wearing a tie or a bowtie,  ensure that it fits your suit and shirt.
- Either let your pocketsquare match your tie or lapel.
- Depending on what colour your suit or suit jacket is, always go for a classic white  pocket square or a colour that compliments the tie and flower lapel or flower.

5: Hair/Grooming
- No bride will ever be happy with a nicely dressed groom but no grooming was done or no haircut...remember you have to take photos!
- So make sure you made an appointment with your barber or stylist  for the day before the wedding.
- Some barbers have grooming facilities available, so take a day and get everything done.

6: Fragrance
- Please ensure that you have a very attractive fragrance that you are using.
- One that last the whole day or you have a sample size to just have a spritz during the day.
- Make sure its something sexy,  you want your bride to stay close to you whole day.

Above everything  have fun,  enjoy it and know that it's your wedding as well so make the best of it and swoop her off her feet with the first dance.

All of the best
Camen Menswear

Summer Looks 2018/2019

Summer 2018/2019 is in the air and we need to look the part this season.

So if the weather is right, then so does your wardrobe and we have just what you need. 

This summer its all about being bold, bold colours,  bold prints and looking good.

For some of you guys it will be abit out of your comfort zone but thats what summer is for, fun and sun. 

So here we go guys:

1. For the beach, get your hands on those printed swim and beach shorts. 

Bold prints and bold colours is the order of the day. 

Available from all major retail stores. 

2. Get your hands on those colour shirts and vest, to compliment the shorts. 

3. Gone are the days of guys not having their sandals both comfortable and fashionable.

Guys get your feet in a pair of leather sandals, that can be worn casually and formal. 

Wear it boldly. 

4. For a more formal look,  when joining friends at that cocktail or yacht party get yourself a pair of baby pink or sky blue pants.

It's light colours and perfect for this season.

5. To take it one step further, look dapper and playful in a colourful skinny suit. 

Use the baby pink and sky blue colour palet when choosing the suit. 

6. To give the suit an extra bit of "pazaz" or "je ne sais quoi " then put on those bold print formal shirts this season.

See some of the pictures included for some guidelines.

Hope this bit of information will give you that look that says "Summer is here and so am I"

Enjoy the outfits, mix it up and just have fun.

From Camenmenswear