Will you be visiting Glasgow soon?
Here at some of the areas you style aficionados will not want to miss…
Merchant City
Once the home of the thriving trade scene in the city, stacked to the rafters will wealthy tobacco and spice dealers, Merchant City has grown to become of the upmarket epicentres of Glasgow.
High class designers, cool bars and cafes, independent designers and highly-priced apartments compile every street.
Jewellery desigers Brazen, winner of Scotland’s most stylish retailer Cruise, Agent Provocateur, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Armani and Hugo Boss are only some of the incredible brands which make of this small area of a few streets.
Princes Square
Princes Square is a shopping centre situated in a restored listed building right in the heart of Glasgow City Centre. Hidden behind a main shopping street, with only a slim entrance doorway on Buchanan Street – Princes Square would be very easy (but heartbreaking) for the inexperienced Glasgow-shopper to miss.
Offering over five floors of quality shopping, drinking and dinning – it would be dangerously tempting to spend your entire trips budget in a couple of hours.
You will find the likes of Belstaff, Cos, Kurt Gieger, Vivienne Westwood and Ted Baker rubbing shoulders with the well-designed and high-quality cafes and restaurants.
Silverburn
Silverburn is a shopping centre located outside of the main Glasgow City Centre. However, the centre is still easily accessed by public transport or taxi. With over 75 acres (214,000 sq ft) of high-end shopping Silverburn is one of Glasgow’s largest shopping centres.
Silverburn is a relatively new location for Glasgow, having opened their doors for the first time in 2007, however it has grown rapidly in popularity over the last few years. The main reason that Silverburn stands out against the other shopping “malls” in Glasgow is due to the fact that the original developers aimed to attract a mainly wealthy clientele from the more affluent suburbs of Glasgow.
This has resulted in the process of selecting which stores are allowed retail space within Silverburn being particularly strict. Don’t expect a MacDonalds in there anytime soon.
Buchanan Street
This wider-than-average, pedestrianised, stretch of road is the city’s main shopping district and is flanked by a highstreet hit-list of upmarket outlets.
Sweeping from the infamous Sauchiehall Street down to St Enoch Square, Buchanan Street is a gracious boulevard lined with architectural gems.
The magnificent House of Frasers store, boasts Scotland’s largest and most comprehensive beauty hall. Buchanan Street’s status as a hot fashion destination for men and women of style is further evidenced in the beguilling array of quirky labels at Urban Outfitters. Scotland’s first branch of American Apparel on Nelson Mandela Place is just around the corner, while cool London fashion label All Saints, the jeans-led Italian powerhouse Diesel and iconic varsity style specialist Jack Wills all have stores close by.
So it’s November …. when the hell did that happen?!
Honestly, it feels like yesterday I was singing in the bells for 2015…now I’m another year older!
It’s not all doom and gloom though – the one benefit of the November rain pouring down is that the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are rapidly approaching (November 27th).
In order to sift through the deals on offer and pick up bargains on the items you REALLY NEED you should do a little homework and gain a better understanding of your wardrobe and the essential items you are currently missing.
I’ve put together a few helpful tips to help you organise your Wardrobe in order to accommodate this incoming flux of Black Friday purchases…
1. Compartmentalise What You Already Have
I find it fascinating the significant number of men that I speak with who still have very little organisation to their wardrobe. I can’t stress enough how much organisation is essential to style.
In my own wardrobe, I have every style of clothing grouped together.
Cardigans, Shirts, Hooded Tops, Blazers ect.
The reason for this is that it allows me to keep track of what I have in my wardrobe; the types of clothes and how many of each item have. It also speeds up the process of selecting an outfit … if I fancy wearing a cardigan, they’re all there, in one place.
2. Captain Hook, At Your Service.
Have a look in your closet, is there wall/inside door space that is not going unutilised? Stick a hook on it. Multiple hooks if possible! This is a great way to maximised currently wasted space, and potentially double the available storage! This leads nicely on to number 3…
3. Hang Your Belts and Scarves
Not only does hanging your belts and scarves (on the hooks mentioned above^) save precious storage space, it also gives you the opportunity to gain a better sight of every item that you own … therefore, better utilising more of your wardrobe.
Are you beginning to see how strong wardrobe organisation can assist your style in a very cost-effective, simplistic, way?
4. Insert a Ray of Light
Wardrobes can be dark places, hidden out of the way in a corner of the room. To get the best view of the clothes on offer to you – stick a light in there!
This can be a much simpler process than many imagine – I’m not talking running wires or soldering LED lights … for me, I have an £8 camping light taped to the inside wall which has enough power to illuminate my collection. Easy.
5. The Hanger Warning System!
Ever feel like you are wearing the same clothes all the time?
Well this one is a very effective technique designed to show you exactly which of your clothes you do not wear.
STEP 1: Turn the hangers to all face the one way.
STEP 2: Once you have worn an item, turn the hanger the other way when you put your clothes back in the closet after washing.
STEP 3: After a certain amount of time (I usually use 3-months) review which direction the hangers are facing.
You’ll be able to see see what you wear a lot, and what you never touch!
It’s a great way to mix up your style and decide which of your clothes are heading for the charity shop!
Those of you who I am lucky enough to have following me on social media (the buttons are there 😉 —–>) may have seen that I recently spent some time in Pitlochry in Scotland.
My girlfriend and I had traveled up to see the areas annual Enchanted Forest show. A multi-award winning vision and sound experience which we had received glowing reviews about from friends and family.
Pitlochry is a town based in the northern Perth/Kinross area of Scotland and hosts some of the more spectacular scenery you could ask for. It tends to be quite a regular area for tourists due to its relatively easy reach from both of Scotland’s main cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
From where I live, Pitlochry is only a two hour drive. This was handy as I was not really mentally prepared for an overly long time in the car.
However, after listening to my girlfriend sing for two-hours, the journey seemed to take forever.
We finally reached our destination and initially pulled into the infamous Pitlochry Festival Theatre for a short coffee break before heading out for a bracing walk up to the local Pitlochry Dam and Fishing Ladder.
The Dam itself is not the prettiest of sites … not many working Dam’s actually are; but from the bridge of the Dam you get some fantastic views over the local area. I highly recommend anyone heading to the area to check it out.
Following our walk, and after warming ourselves by the artificial fire in the wonderfully traditional Mackays Hotel and Bar we finally set off for the Enchanted Forest.
The Enchanted Forest, now widely renowned to be one of Scotland’s premier sound and light experiences, regularly sells out, attracting an impressive 46,000 visitors to their 2014 show.
I missed out on the show last year, I wasn’t making the same mistake twice!
The 2015 show was entitled FLUX…
*Note – This post was in no way sponsored by The Enchanted Forest.
Feeling refreshed and ready to roll after my trip to Dubai (more information to come!).
So back to what you want to see…
I am always very passionate about sharing good resources with you and I am not shy about promoting other bloggers!
I have been lucky enough to make some good friends through this blogging malarkey … and it just so happened that one of the first people to check in with me (pun intended) following my Dubai trip was the good lad Jack Edwards from The Jack Experience.
I decided to grill him on your behalf…
Hi Jack, great to speak to you again.
Hello!
So – I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now…but how long have you actually been blogging? What inspired you to start in the first place?
I launched my blog The Jack Experience in September 2014 after months of tireless work on the website’s design. I tried out different servers such as WordPress but nothing I was creating felt quite right. Instead, I designed my own website entirely from scratch; a blank canvas which allowed my creative reservoir to flow freely without being confined to the boundaries of strict layouts. Although it did take a lot more time to produce, I’m really proud of the outcome.
The effort was definitely worth it … the website looks great and is responsive across all of my devices. In terms of the content though, you’ve managed to create a space where you can quite literally blog about ANYTHING you want. That can be quite difficult to achieve without readers feeling that a blog is “off topic” … is that something which was quite important to you from the offset?
That’s exactly what I wanted! My blog derived from a passion for writing and sharing my perceptions of the world… it’s a hobby. Writing in the real world involves lots of strict guidelines and rules – “we want you to write this number of words on this number of topics with a deadline of this number of days” – but on a blog you can write about anything your heart desires! I can write just about anything I like, and the broad ‘lifestyle blogger’ title umbrellas so many different topics. I love setting myself challenges and stepping out of my comfort zone, but I also love creative freedom. I’m like a little pug let loose from its cage which just jumps around excitedly because there are so many different places to explore and bums to sniff – or maybe not the last bit.
We don’t judge. You can do with your spare time what you like haha.
Having just left school – you are younger than most of the other male bloggers I have come across. This is a breath of fresh air in a sector which can become quite repetitive. However, I know as well as anyone that when you write …you open yourself up to serious criticism. I can’t imagine dealing with that kind of thing while at school. How did you find that?
Most comments I get about my blog or my writing ALWAYS somehow gravitate back to my age. In the blogging world, it’s important to never judge based on number of years but simply by the quality of the content; yes, I may be younger than many of my peers but that’s not to say that I cannot produce a kick-ass article for you just as well as anyone else can.
Opening yourself up to the world is absolutely terrifying – it’s daunting to completely expose yourself like that. However I can’t say I’ve received much criticism at all. In my experience, I’ve found people in the blogging world to be very accepting and friendly, so this hasn’t really been a problem for me. Of course I’ve had the odd ‘mean tweet’ but sometimes you just have to laugh – the haters gonna hate hate hate….
I think that’s exactly my point. You write as well as anyone …better than most if we are honest about it. I highlight your age as it gives a frame of reference for the level of talents you have. I’m glad you haven’t received many haters. I agree that the blogging community (from my experience) is full of really lovely people!
I always find myself laughing on your website, you write with a comedic breadth I haven’t seen on many other blogs – is comedy important to you?
I think that comedy is the most important thing; the ability to make someone laugh or smile should never be under-estimated. It’s one of the greatest feelings when someone tells me something I’ve written cheered them up or helped put a smile back on their face – what more could anyone in the entertainment industry ask for? The blogging world is so rewarding because you get to see this impact directly.
You have a very popular blog – with expectedly similarly popular social media accounts. I love your Instagram account. The photos are incredible…but I’ve noticed you DON’T have much video content across your blog or social media – is there a reason for that at all?
I’ve just launched my first ever YouTube video and I’m really excited for what the future holds with that. Stay tuned!
Very mysterious …looking forward to seeing what you come out with.
Moving on, you recently teamed up with ASOS – working with a brand as well known as ASOS is pretty much what most male bloggers strive for. Can you tell us a little about how that came about?
They just asked and I obviously jumped at the chance! I’ve been lucky enough to work with some great brands such as boohoo, ASUS, ASOS, Harrods and Goldsmiths but this doesn’t just happen overnight. You have to work hard to build up a brand identity and a positive reputation in the industry before brands start to get interested, although it may seem unrewarding at first. I focus on every meticulous detail on my blog, pouring my heart and soul into everything I upload. You shouldn’t be in this industry for the money or for the freebies, you should be here for the passion and then watch those things happen as a side-effect. If you write with passion, it will radiate from your blog like rays of light, I promise!
Great advice for all those hoping to make their mark.
You’re obviously a man with style; what shopping tips do you have for the Gallous Lad readers?
Firstly; wear what you want. Fashion is about you and your style, because no two people are the same. I’ve always tried to hear my blog away from telling people what they should or shouldn’t wear and what or what isn’t ‘cool’. As long as you’re happy and feel confident, dress however you want! My one tip would be that the best fashion inspiration comes from the streets; see what people are wearing around you and decide what you like. I love going to big cities and checking out the street-style for inspiration!
Brilliant, great speaking to you again Jack, thanks for taking the time out!
You can check out the debut Youtube video Jack mentioned above here:
Things are a little quiet on the blog at the moment due to the fact that I am currently in Dubai on Holiday.
However, I thought I’d share some tunes with you while I was away…
Included this month are my favourite band of all time – Devil Sold His Soul – along with some true classics from Scotland’s own The Xcerts and Young Fathers.
Style is a cruel mistress, difficult to master; easy to get on the wrong side off … sometimes you must wonder why you bother?
Even the experts don’t always get it right.
Never fear – Gallus is here to teach another easy to implement lesson which can have a drastic impact on your every day styling.
The lesson today is simple – when it comes to pairing formal wear; the jacket and trousers must be identical or completely different – similar is a BIG NO. You need to remember that simple rule.
When you are buying formal wear – you must either buy it with the corresponding trousers or pair it with a suitable option in a noticeably different colour and texture.
(Here is a strong example of the “Corresponding” option)
(Here is a good example of the “Different” option)
The reasoning behind this rule is the two major factors mentioned above: Colour and Texture.
Choosing a pair of trousers which give the illusion of a matching suit fails to look as good every time because it will neither straight-up match or functions as separates clothing entities.
The best example I can find of this common mistake is Guy Ritchie’s outfit below from the GQ website:
As you will be able to see yourself – Guy’s outfit doesn’t really work due to the similarity of his linen jacket with his trousers. They are very similar colours … but clearly not identical. The textures of the two fabrics are vastly different too.
It’s a shame, as if it had been a better jacket/trouser combination the outfit would have been pretty strong. The colour combination between the jacket and the shirt looks good …and I like the white pocket square to match.
Guy Ritchie is normally very good with his style, but as I said above – even the experts get it wrong sometimes!
It has previously been said that dressing well is 90% fit.
We’ll now … it would seem that dressing well is 90% fur!
In case you have not been privy to the growing phenomenon that is “Menswear Dog” – the principle is simple.
It is a dog…who dresses in Menswear.
It’s not very often you get a successful mix of humour with fashion. Menswear Dog not only breaks the mould of humourless, emotionless fashion models. He smashes it into smithereens.
To me, Menswear Dog is essentially the greatest idea ever, a perfect mix of the internet’s two favourite things … cute animals and strong fashion.
Bodhi, the Shiba Inu (it’s a type of dog) who stands in front of the camera has managed to create something truly original in the beloved Menswear Dog brand. What has been created is an easily accessible menswear guide with a greater intention.
In fact, the endeavour has been so successful that it has already spun out into it’s only book:
The book highlights menswear essentials organised seasonally and is filled to the brim with serious fashion advice to coincide with the hilariously posed outfit ideas.
Menswear Dog can solve two problems – if you are a pet loved, you will find this page endlessly amusing – if you are still trying to grasp the ins-and-outs of what works in menswear, this book can help with that issue as well.
It has taken a lot of concerted effort for me to learn to spend money on quality fashion items.
It’s hard to explain…mainly because I don’t fully understand it myself.
For some reason it simply comes much more naturally for me to spend a significant sum of money on an old, rare, out-of-print book or a piece of original artwork by Matteo Scalera than a gorgeous 100% leather holdall.
However, I have learned through experience now that the price tag attached to these items comes with an unspoken guarantee that these items will last a lifetime. In short, they are worth the money.
The first brand that I spent more than £100 for an accessory on was Jack Spade. They were my gateway brand.
The brand may be familiar to those of you in the USA; however, outside of the USA, it is relatively unknown.
I can think back now and remember clearly what it was that convinced me to part with my hard-earned cash (I was employed as a music manager at this time, so all cash WAS hard earned to say the least). I was sat on a train to Edinburgh and a fellow commuter flashed by me … and his dark-grey briefcase caught my eye.
From a simple glance I could see the quality of the product and the attention to detail yet simplicity of the design.
I knew in that instant that I needed to own it.
How did I know?
…because in that quick flash as the stranger walked past I managed to both read and remember the brand name.
Jack Spade create timeless pieces, consisting of quality components.
High quality with beautiful style… but a reasonable price tag.
They are the type of brand I would expect to see regularly in Esquire magazine if you added £100 to the price tag of each item…
Jack Spade was founded in 1996 with the aim to only create items which could be both utilitarian and stylish. This company moto was inspired by the creator’s experiences living in New York, where storage space is expensive. They wanted to create items which could service multiple needs.
Kate Spade: New York is an American fashion design house founded in 1993 by fashion power-couple Kate and Andy Spade. The company initially started selling mainly woman’s handbags, but now have also branched out to include a full women’s clothing line.
Jack Spade is the name for the Kate Spade brand’s line for men.
Jack Spade, is an entirely fictional name, inspired by the couples’ two idols – Beat novelist Jack Kerouac and business titan Jack Welch. They believed the combination of these two idols were the perfect fit for a company which aimed for art and commerce to comfortably co-exist.
From their initial offering of men’s bags – accessories followed – and now Jack Spade offer a full clothing line. However, in recent years, the brand has featured designs by guest designers and is no longer the sole creative output for the marital dream-team.
I am still very attracted to the designs of the organisation, high quality leather goods that let everyone know you have a classic, effortless style. However, I also love the family aspect to the organisation. I have a strong affinity to family, it is very important to me.
There’s a reason menswear is consistently going back and revisiting the classic styles; Jack Spade deliver this in abundance.
Today I want to highlight to you the importance of the shoe Nike Air Force 1 (AF1).
The AF1 is without competition my all-time favourite shoe.
For me, no other pair of trainers have even come close to looking as stylish yet casual.
So where does the AF1 win out over other shoes?
I believe the sleek all white/black design of the current version combined with the thick sole and added touch of class in the rectangle medallion (which used to be circular by the way!) create a simplistic, eye catching design without being too brash.
The Air Force 1 has even been included in a few of my Instagram looks so far:
Originally launched in 1982, the Air Force 1 was the very first basketball shoe to feature an air pocket in the heel for cushioning and support. For added information; the air pocket had been utilised before in trainers, just never in a basketball shoe.
This proved to be a very important milestone in Nike’s history. At this point, Nike had previously proven themselves to be one of the top brands in running shoes; however, were still very new to the Basketball market.
Although the shoe, which was originally named and produced as a tribute the plane that carries the President of the United States, was discontinued in 1984, the public demand for the shoes return remained extremely high.
For high-end trainer manufacturers at this time, once a shoe had sold out, reproducing them made no sense. Why would we as consumers want to spend our hard earned cash on a pair of shoes that were essentially old news?
This is why the Nike Air Force 1 is special, the demand for this shoe made Nike re-think the whole idea of discontinuing shoes.
Finally, the Air Force 1 did what no shoe before had done … and raised from the dead.
Today, there are nearly 2.000 versions of the Air Force 1 and it is still going strong.
Now sold in three different styles (low, mid and high) and in a multitude of different colour schemes, the most commonly sold are still the reliable solid white/black designs.
So there we have it ladies and gentleman …the Nike Air Force 1 … the shoe which changed an industry forever.
One of the greatest parts about living in Scotland is the incredible scenery that is within driving distance.
It’s often something we Scot’s very often take for granted.
This week my partner and I decided to tackle the stunningly beautiful walk on the Kilpatrick Hills up to the very “Scottishly” named Loch Humphrey. We even managed to convince my old Border Terrier Harry to tag along for the walk too.
Neither my partner nor I had partaken in this walk previously and so I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting into when agreeing to this plan.
As we arrived at our destination and a VERY steep climb came into sight; I began to fill with a significant dose of trepidation.
I was not prepared for this … both mentally … and in terms of my clothing choices.
Situated 9miles from the heart of Glasgow, the Kilpatrick Hills are a remote, green-coated moorland.
However, the terrain was never too difficult to walk on; despite its steep climb.
The one bonus that came with the climb was that the added height gave access to some spectacular views over the River Clyde, Loch Lomond and the infamous, luxurious, Mar Hall Resort in Bishopton.
…when we finally made it up the hill to Loch Humphrey, it was worth it.
The water was beautiful and we instantly agreed, “let’s do this again.”
Gallus Lad 