Christmas: What to buy the boys in your life

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Christmas is the time of year we all love to complain about, to be honest. As December rapidly approaches, it is officially time to get out our wallets and think about the difficult task of picking presents for our loved ones. This year, I made it my mission to stay ahead of the game, and task myself with completing my shopping list before December had really got under way.

I love to avoid the bustling crowds and that means online shopping is a must for me at this busy time of year. London's Oxford Street, pressed up against strangers, crushed in a sea of shoppers, whilst being forced to make important retail decisions? No thanks! I find sitting in the warmth, browsing the internet with a big cup of coffee somewhat more appealing. 

It's pretty much a given that guys are not the easiest to shop for. They either have no ideas or already have everything they need and let's be honest, what gift is worth buying your boyfriend when you can't pinch it yourself?!

Here is a round-up of my top favourite clothing ideas for the men in my life this Christmas - No peeking guys!

Serge DeNimes - So Serge Palm Leaves Arm Sweat - Buy here

This is my favourite sweatshirt this AW15. From Oliver Proudlock's own clothing line, Serge DeNimes, this simple sweat is soft to the touch and can easily be styled with black skinny jeans and the right pair of Nike trainers to complete a cool, street look.

Sik Silk - Heavy Neps Curved Hem Tee - Buy here and here

I tend to stay away from brighter colours during the winter, leaving the memories of the Sik Silk/Cafe Mambo collaboration far behind us. This is one of the many new tees we've seen emerge from Sik Silk recently. Sik Silk has undergone a full transformation fro the sharp, bold patterned vests and vivid colours of their summer collection to the more seasonal AW15 collection. I feel like the best thing about the minimalistic colour scheme is the way you can wear it with pretty much anything.

11 Degrees - Base Jogger - Buy here

With clothing designed for today's urban male, 11 Degrees is definitely a label to watch. I'm a big fan of comfort and warmth over fashion and that's why these snuggly 11 Degrees Base Joggers in red are a go-to this winter. With the weather swiftly deteriorating, who wants to walk around in damp denim?

Chptr and Vrse - PU Snood Hood - Buy here

For the diva that exists inside every man in my life - The Snood Hood, half way between a scarf and a hood, does anything sound more appealing this winter? Chptr and Vrse are a brand that puts a breath of fresh air into the industry; this clothing line is devoted to the pursuit of personal, individual style. Incorporating the wet-look sleeves, cuff and hem with a simply small logo embroidered on the chest, in my opinion this is a really cool urban streetwear hoodie (snoodie?).

Sik Silk - Oil Racerback Curved Hem Tee - Buy here and here

New in and possibly something to bring a bit of colour to your nights out this winter is the Sik Silk Racerback Tee. The subtlety of colour really compliments the all over look of the tee. Easily styled with the Sik Silk drop crotch skinny jeans in blue (buy here), this is definitely a big contender for that all important New Year's Eve outfit.

Eloise x

Eloise Rolfe writes for Beauty & Ruin

What is sexy? Adam Levine

Is it because of the tattoos? I couldn’t even say...It’s no secret: Adam Levine is HOT. But behind this sexiness hides real musical talent (I had the chance to see Maroon 5 live on February 20 and I must say, if you have the chance, please jump on the opportunity). And with this talent comes a true passion for clothes. (And he’s sweet, and passionate, and funny, and super talented, and I could go on and on...)

Some of you may have heard about it, 222 is to be launched in America in fall. For Him, the style of the singer reinvented, yet simple. In Adam Levine’s words, it sounds like this: 

"It's whoever you want it to be. I enjoy, from the male perspective, something being effortless or casual. You don't wanna be the guy that's trying too hard in a room. Then you just look like an A-hole." For Her, it will pretty much be the female version of his style.  "There's so much sexy out there. My line will figure out a way to represent my convoluted and confusing opinion on what is sexy."

 “I like denim”

Adam says it perfectly: your jeans get the wear and tear from what you go through. Am I the only one who has The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants in mind?  Like every single piece in your wardrobe, your jeans are the definition of who you are and what is your type of sexy. The thing about jeans is that they will always be a classic. No matter where you are on the globe, having your pair of jeans with you is a must. It’s comfortable, fashionable, and it can be adapted to any situations. We all know that when you travel, you don’t always know what to expect at the end of the day, and you can’t always carry your wardrobe with you (unfortunately).

Let’s classify jeans. From bootcut to flare, they come in all the possible ways you can imagine: black, white, pale, dark, long, short, cut off, with holes or not, and, pretty trendy at this moment: torn-up. 

From H&M to The Kooples, you can find the jeans that fit you well, embrace your body and that are willing to discover the world with you.

Do your jeans have a soul? If not, you may say “not yet”!

And remember, be inspirational! Clothes aren’t simply fabrics put together. What do you want to say today? How do you want to say it? This is the approach Adam Levine has when writing a song. But he has this same approach when choosing his clothes in the morning.

So Adam, what is sexy? I guess we’ll know in fall!

-Lori