Hot on the Highstreet Week 40

Here is a post for the neglected boys who read my blog.

I have always been a fan of Net-a-porter the go-to site for last minute designer needs. The service is impeccable and the selection bettered by none. Special designer items are a real treat for me so when I do splash out I want to be sure the garment will arrive in pristine condition: Net-a-porter wrap up your goods in smart black tissue paper and black ribbon; it makes the opening of the parcel so much more exciting. However they only cater for girls, and trendy guys have been left to trawl the shops for their sophisticated outfits.

Net-a-porter realised the gap in the market and have introduced a male version, Mr Porter. This stylish site has a judicious selection of the world’s best menswear designers, like Gucci, Ralph Lauren and Lanvin. Or if you prefer to be suited and booted in something a little more unique then there are specialist brands to browse through as well. Everything you need to make you the man of the moment. But Mr Porter isn’t just a handsome online shop, this site will guide you through the season's trends with sharp editorial content, online magazine and useful shopping tools – to make spending even easier.

Girls – if you fancy a baggy Miu Miu cardy or an extra large woollen scarf you can now find these for yourself at Mr Porter. Or if you need to find that perfect gift for a man who has everything he needs (most do) pick up a gorgeous gift from the online shop, and it will arrive the next day beautifully wrapped, hassle-free.

A few days ago I received an email alerting me that Mr Porter was open and ready for business. Women love window shopping, but men, they seem to despise the long haul round the stores, here is the solution... men’s top notch attire at your fingertips. Start clicking boys.

www.mrporter.com

Hot on the Highstreet Week 29 - The Boys are Back in Town

Courtesy of a very special boy, this week I will be taking on a male Hot on the Highstreet. It’s been a long time coming and at last there is a subject(s) worthy of this post. So, I introduce to you: two innovative men’s (sort of) highstreet shops: Pretty Green, and Sandro – Paris, both new to the London scene.

Pretty Green is Liam Gallagher's clothes shop on Carnaby Street. All the pieces are designed by Liam himself and have a real sense of his character about them. There are two distinct collections making up the brand. The Green Label is a casual range for everyday wear – signature pieces, well put together. The Black Label features classic British tailoring, with real attention to detail, using only the finest fabrics. I particularly love the khaki cotton parka, £245 (shown above) which has a vintage feel but with real quality, and has logo patches sewn on and engraved buttons. Pretty Green is doing so well they are all set to open branches in Manchester and Glasgow any day now. I’d like to say well done Liam, we always hear about female celebs creating fashion labels but for a male celeb it’s rather more impressive; who said fashion was just for girls?

On 25th November Sandro – Paris launched their first menswear store in the UK, on Westbourne Grove. On offer is classic Paris elegance with an injection of fun... check out the website here. I have always admired this designer and am currently lusting over their black playsuit, £160, that Alexa Chung wore to the store’s launch party, paired with a casual white tee – she looked painfully cool. Their men's clothes are just as unique as the ladies'. Smart slimline trousers and beautiful patterned silk scarves can be found on the boys' clothes rails. The pieces aren’t cheap but for such stunning staples they are worth every penny.

Watch out ladies, the boys are back in town, and they’re looking seriously stylish.