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Style Sessions

May 1, 2020

How To Relax Your Home Wardrobe With Barbour Beacon

Barbour Beacon SS20

If you’re feeling like your sense of style is pretty limited at the moment, don’t stress – the whole world is with you on that one. Just like the rest of the globe, here in the UK a state of lockdown has imposed a ‘new normal’ for almost six weeks now, which has presented a whole host of unprecedented circumstances.

While we all continue to strictly follow the government guidelines and adapt to this new state of being, it seems that in the madness of it all, our wardrobes have hit the back burner. I’m sure you’ll agree that there’s only so many pieces which can be deemed ‘appropriate’ for home office working or that daily exercise allowance we all treasure… In fact, does anyone remember the last time they donned a pair of jeans? No, us neither.

Fashion at the moment is certainly not the pressing priority it once was, and nor should it be within the grand scheme of things, however, it is just one of several adjustments that we’ve all gotten used to in recent weeks. With that said, we’ve taken a brief break from our new reality to help you implement a more relaxed approach to dressing with a helping hand from our trusty North-East neighbour, Barbour Beacon.

So, what exactly is on the agenda? Well we’re leaning on comfort, comfort and, you guessed it, a little more comfort. For the time being we recommend that you put the restrictive traits of denim, tailoring and outerwear to the back of your mind in favour of clobber that’s stretchy, soft on the skin and cosy – because let’s face it – downtime is the only memo scribbled on our calendars right now.

To start off we’re placing our attention on finding the ideal base layer. Whether short-sleeved or long-sleeved, a comfortable t-shirt is the foundation of any great loungewear ensemble, so you’ll be pleased to hear that Barbour Beacon have plenty in their SS20 vault for you to feast your eyes on. For the most part, the Barbour Beacon tees here at Aphrodite are crafted from comfy cotton, opt for a short-sleeved cut and bear iconic credentials from the South Shields native.

In case you didn’t know, South Shields is nestled just up the road from our base here in Sunderland, with the region’s coastal backdrop informing many of Barbour Beacon’s garments, not to mention their entire global identity, which is why you’ll see a lighthouse emblem across the sub-brand’s whole collection. Below we’ve picked out a selection of breezy, unrestrictive t-shirts that will add a dose of Northern heritage to your rotation along with no-nonsense reliability.

Of course, you can’t always rely on the days and weeks ahead to deliver t-shirt weather, so it’s always a good idea to build up your layers, whether you’re lounging around the house or seeking a breath of fresh air – warmth and comfort should be key during quarantine. Thankfully, #StayingAtHome with Barbour Beacon means exactly that. The brand’s SS20 offerings boast the perfect balance between versatility, insulation and street-ready styling, although the streets may have to hold on until they can claim their turn.

Below we’ve picked out three snug silhouettes that will come in handy while self-isolating is still advisable. Our personal favourite is the Barbour Beaco n Foley Fleece, not only does it have an outdoorsy, retro vibe to it, but it’s also reversible, meaning it can take you from one place to the next with ease. In the case of lockdown, opt to interchange between the textured sherpa fleece side and the smooth, cobalt poly face as you juggle working from home, your weekly food shop and accompanying man’s best friend for his daily stroll.

Although it remains unclear when exactly we’ll be granted the green-light back to our old lives, we hope that for now you can find some creativity through the crisis by striving to relax your home wardrobe with Barbour Beacon. As always, thanks for taking the time to read this feature and be sure to stay safe through these extraordinary times!

Browse Full Range Of Barbour Beacon

January 17, 2020

Style Guide : How To Wear Denim

Denim Styling For The Modern Man

Deriving from the work-mans’ aesthetic, denim has been a notable part of mens’ fashion culture for over a century, revolutionising the way men dress and express their style. Heavily influenced over the years by politics, music, art and youth culture, denim has become a timeless fabric in various forms, catering to every man in every generation. Whether it be in traditional indigo jeans, to distressed jackets in acid wash, denim has evolved beyond its originals means, allowing it to complement any outfit for any occasion.

Smart Casual

The first thing to come to someone’s mind when thinking of denim is a classic pair of jeans, being a statement piece for most male wardrobes. Being something that can easily smarten up an outfit without trying too hard, jeans are now a go-to for most day to night affairs. The versatility in the garment allows you to easily adapt to any formality, whether they be paired with a crisp white shirt and dress shoes for a smart day time look, or with some sneakers and a bold graphic tee for a more vibrant night time look.

One style that a pair of jeans is prominent in is the classic 50’s mod trend. Heavily influenced by music and modern style icons like Liam Gallagher, this look represents the essence of mens’ formal style clashing with a casual comfort. Jeans have become a quintessential part of the look, with a roll up to highlight the socks typically styled with desert boots or dress shoes. Try styling it with an over shirt to layer up with various textures to nod to the smart comfort that the mod look boasts.

Get The Look:

The Denim Jacket

Oozing style blended with a hint of edginess, a denim jacket is the perfect addition to any outfit. An easy way to dress up a basic silhouette, a denim jacket is the ideal ‘chuck-on’ that ends up making the statement for the full look.

Challenge yourself by stepping away from the traditional sense of a denim jacket and become bold with your choices, going for a treated version. With hand done distressing, a large logo embossment to the back alongside intricate metal detailing, the Balmain denim jacket featured in this look is forefront in its evolution. Let the jacket do the talking, pairing it with a darker hue such as black or a deep indigo navy to highlight the structure of the fabric and the natural wear and tear it will provide. Adding character and flair to your outfit.

Get The Look:

Double Denim

Usually a phrase that would spark dread amongst most, double denim is a trend that everyone should get in on. Allowing you to really appreciate it in all its’ forms, doubling it up gives you the chance to layer up on texture and shades, forming a coherent and versatile look.

DSquared2 is a main competitor amongst denim and experimentation, providing several treatments and design accents to nurture your style needs. With their statement distressing and paint splatter, layering up their items can really intensify the manipulation of the classic material, resulting in a raw and versatile appearance. Take advantage of the chance to layer up and introduce new prints amongst the acid wash, with a bold stripe to help break up the outfit. Match with a pair of sneakers to finish off the look.

Get The Look:

Denim allows you not only to nod towards a history of style, culture and revolution in your clothing, but also have fun and experiment with layering, fabric treatments and prints. Despite being a classic piece in menswear fashion, modernization of it over the years has introduced a youthful and raw aesthetic.

Explore our range of denim online at Aphrodite Clothing.

October 23, 2019

Swoosh Street Style: Nike Hooded Fleece

Fusing The Great Outdoors With Urban Spirit

Suddenly realised its nearing the end of 2019 and you’re yet to tick off one of your New Years resolutions? Perhaps one of them was to encourage yourself to step out of your comfort zone? If that’s indeed the case, then lucky you because we’ve just found ourselves in possession of the perfect piece to see you into daring territory. Unapologetically bold, this Nike Hooded Fleece arrives brimming with explosive hues and ‘70s design cues.

Exactly what you need to enliven an autumnal rotation that’s seemingly become mundane, this new-season Swoosh style comes bundled in neon pigments of orange, peach, coral and purple which are then executed with cosy Sherpa fleece and nylon overlays.

Though immensely soft and comforting to the outer, this Nike Hooded Fleece strikes the perfect temperature balance internally thanks to its breathable mesh body. This type of stark fabric contrast on each side is intentional and ensures the design can cultivate the ideal warm-to-cool ratio amidst the unpredictable British weather, which let’s face it, we all love to hate.

Elsewhere, the silhouette’s high-octane aesthetic is bolstered by distinctive Nike branding at the chest and royal-blue trims at its pocket and cuffs. Additional details include a contemporary ½ zip closure and capacious hood with Sherpa fleece lining.

In what appears as a true ‘streetwear meets the great outdoors’ kinda set up, this Nike Hooded Fleece sends a bold, winterized message to the standard feel of ‘70s climbing gear. And though it’s certainly not reserved for the faint-hearted, we encourage you to take a leap of faith with this one, you won’t regret it.

October 16, 2019

Patagonia AW19 Latest Arrivals

Garments With Purpose From Patagonia

If you weren’t already aware, American outdoors brand Patagonia is, in many ways, a forerunner of several developments welcomed by the fashion industry in recent years. Not familiar? Let us get you acquainted…

Take the label’s bid for a sustainable future as a starting point; little to no brands had even considered the impact of fashion on the planet before Patagonia led the way with its introduction of recycled fabrics. Or, cast your mind back to the inception of the brand’s ‘Worn Wear’ initiative – a repair service designed to make your gear last the ages. Whatever the case for review, there’s no doubting that Patagonia is doing its bit to honour founder, Yvon Chouinard’s, lifelong proposal for functional, repairable and durable apparel for everyone.

So, with that said, let’s see how this season’s Patagonia AW19 collection lives up to all the above, beginning with the label’s trusty layering pieces.

It goes without saying that with the onset of colder months ahead, your wardrobe can never have too many layers and perhaps the perfect piece to start with is a hoodie. Simple in structure and cosy in construction, a hoodie is pretty much an indispensable item all year round, especially when it comes baring Patagonia’s credentials to the chest. The brand’s P6 Logo hoodie, in particular, is a great silhouette for everyday; as expected, it’s responsibly crafted from recycled materials and boasts a warming fleece lining to the inner.

With the necessities of warmth and comfort covered by the brand’s hoodie, adding a sharp shirting style into the mix then successfully elevates the look for everyday pursuits. Here we’ve placed Patagonia’s Fjord flannel shirt and Silent Down shirt jacket atop the hoodie, thus injecting varied tones into the lineup, while doubling up on layers and structuring the ensemble on top. Not to mention the shirt jacket is padded with 100% recycled down.

Next, a slew of autumnal colour cues finds their way into the Patagonia AW19 collection. With Patagonia’s signature Fitz Roy Scope tee in black acting as a breathable base layer beneath, the brand’s more neutral-toned garments can take centre stage in the following look. Both clad in earthy pigments, the brand’s Retro Pile Gilet comes imagined above a Patagonia Fjord Flannel shirt yet again – this time in stripes of ‘bristle brown’, beige and grey. The great thing about these two designs is their ability to do the job – functionality-wise – while looking equally on point for the city streets.

Wrapping things up, this last look debuts as perhaps the most practical all of them all, though each puts up a pretty tough fight for the prize. Each garment in this lineup zips down to reveal yet another branded garment beneath it, until it finally reaches a 1973 infused Fitz Roy, organic cotton tee in light blue. In addition, Patagonia’s Isthmus Parka serves out ‘60s expedition vibes to the outer, bolstered by a wind-resistant ‘mojave khaki’ shell and teamed alongside another iteration of the label’s Retro Pile Gilet in navy.

All in all, if you’re one of these people that drifts in-between the city life for those well-deserved breaks in the great outdoors, make sure to hit up the Patagonia latest arrivals for all your long-lasting, adventure clobber this season. You won’t leave disappointed, we assure you.

June 24, 2019

Nike Trainers: Style The Swoosh Right

How To Wear Nike Trainers

In today’s fashion zeitgeist it’s near impossible to imagine a world without Nike trainers. But, in the bygone days of the ‘60s and ‘70s, before the Swoosh locked down sartorial status, the footwear industry wasn’t quite sure what it was missing without the sporting stalwart’s sneakers.

Jump 40-something years and Nike trainers have reached the pinnacle of footwear culture in 2019. Having etched their presence into society and sportswear alike, the brand’s kicks, ranging from the nostalgic Cortez, to the Waffle Racer ‘Moon Shoe’ and the ever-popular Air Max dynasty, are true style icons.

Therefore, mastering your Swoosh style is essential if you’re hoping to keep up appearances in the sneaker scene. So why not source inspiration from our styling team and take a look at how we’ve approached this season’s Nike Trainers below…

LOOK 1:

Ideal for city dwellers – our first look bets on a relaxed wardrobe for urban settings. With the help of trailblazing label CP Company and all-American brand Ralph Lauren in the mix, this outfit takes on an effortless smart-casual stance. Boasting a double dosage of technical layers on top, including a short-sleeved CP Company polo shirt and CP Company arm lens jacket, the outfit further unfolds with comforting Ralph Lauren sweatpants.

Completing the look is a pair of Nike Air Max Light trainers; offering colourful pops to an otherwise monochrome teaming. Since these sneakers have been seldom-seen since the ‘80s, give them the attention they deserve through the streets.

LOOK 2:

If you’re more focused on turning up the dial for nostalgia, look two is a winner. Featuring Nike’s Air Zoom Alpha trainers, *cult classics from the ‘90s*, the outfit channels an elevated approach to dressing. It’s imagined with several layers stacked atop each other, including a Nudie sweatshirt, Albam shirt and cosy Folk sweatshirt. Although warmth shouldn’t pose a problem with this look, choose to add or remove layers depending on the temperature. Meanwhile, embrace this Zoom sneaker’s wavy uppers and retro status in your chosen stomping ground.

LOOK 3:

Cast with a colour palette made up of only two tones, this black and white ensemble is undoubtedly a head-turner. Bringing urban accents into focus, the look aims to secure the streetwear scene with a range of logo-charged accessories. With Dsquared2’s ICON bag by your side, not only can all your essentials be kept close, but your status heightened thanks to the brand’s signature slogan. Adding to the clashing vision is a Ralph Lauren baseball cap, boxy Maison Margiela t-shirt and Champion sweatshorts.

Finished off with the power and stability of Nike’s Vapormax 2019 trainer on foot; we’re sound in the knowledge that this look will confidently pursue the city or summer festivals in equal measure.

LOOK 4:

Slick, smart and suitable for weekend wear – outfit four is fiercely trend aware. Taking to terrain with the energy of a springy Air Sole unit, Nike’s Air Tailwind 79 sneaker hits the floor with the Swoosh sported at all angles. Up top, a lightweight Paul Smith shirt and neutral Albam overshirt drape the body, teamed alongside versatile Norse Projects chinos. Signing off the sophisticated streetwear look is Moncler’s Theo pouch in olive, styled here across the body.

LOOK 5:

Wholly inspired by the game, this next look captures traditions from the hardwood and prepares to hit the tramac. Using an unusual approach to layering, the outfit invites a striking Nike jersey atop a cosy Ralph Lauren hoodie. Nike’s Air Force 1 ‘07 low trainers serve timeless appeal on foot, while the sporty styling is broken up with beige Norse Projects chinos. We reckon this one will give off duty dressing a whole new meaning.

LOOK 6:

Showcasing the sporty flair of the ‘90s, this final outfit looks to apparel icons of the past. Pounding the streets with nostalgia on foot, Nike’s Air Max 98 trainers inject old-school quality to the ensemble while Ralph Lauren’s half zip sweatshirt serves up a cosy layer for easy throwing on. Edwin’s ED55 63 jeans soften the athleisure theme with their clean-cut feel and turned-up cuffs.

So, whether you’re running errands from day-to-day, dressing to impress or cutting a casual figure, celebrate the Swoosh in superlative style. Shop a wide range of Nike trainers in-store and online at Aphrodite.

June 7, 2019

What To Pack For A Weekend Away

Packing For A Weekend Away: The Essentials

Is the wait till your next summer holiday too much to bear? If so, we reckon you could be in need of a well-earned weekend away. Whether you prefer the scenic surroundings of the Lake District or the booming cityscape of the capital, a change-up of settings could work wonders for your wellbeing and, ultimately, bridge the gap between your next sun-soaked destination.

Of course, the difficulty with a short trip away is knowing how much to pack. Finding the happy medium between taking too little and taking too much is tricky to say the very least. And then there’s the dilemma of deciding what sort of things to pack. Altogether, it’s a bit of an irritating undertaking. Thankfully, we’re willing to carry the burden to help you get to where you need to be. So, kick-back and relax while you uncover our essential guide to packing for a weekend away.

A Practical & Portable Bag:
With every escape from reality, comes the bag you chose to get you there. Ideally, something spacious, functional and wholly accommodating would be the superior choice for any adventure-seeker. But, with so many on the market to choose from, it can be a bit of a minefield finding the right one. We think these generously-sized choices from Fred Perry, Barbour and Fjallraven could fall into your plans effortlessly. View our full bag collection online here.

Sunglasses With Style & Substance:
Let’s face it, if you’re staying on home-turf, unpredictable weather is almost a given. So, come rain or shine, it’s best to be prepared for whatever the forecast could throw your way. If we’re wishful thinking, balmy climates would reign supreme, and with that in mind, sunglasses are a total must-have. With the obvious benefits of muting the sun’s harsh glares, the right pair of shades will instantly sign off any look.

For the sole purpose of a long weekend away, versatility is key. Choosing a simple, slick pair that will go with everything is imperative. Luxury Italian eyewear specialists Ray Ban are your go-to for achieving just this. The brand’s Meteor sunglasses in brown offer 100% UV protection while providing superlative visual clarity. For an extra dose of luxury, Moncler’s all-black wayfarers might just be your match. View our entire sunglasses range to find the right pair for you.

Slick & Sensible Headwear:
Always a hit – caps, like sunglasses, are another great way to survive the sun. With the ability to shade you from testing temperatures while enhancing your outfit, caps are a necessity for any short break. Brands ranging from Stone Island, Norse Projects, Paul Smith, and more, have all tweaked the design to their own taste this season. Discover essential headwear styles over on our website now.

A Wise Selection of Tops:
You can’t go wrong with a selection of t-shirts. A versatile mix of short-sleeved and long-sleeved styles will prove perfect for a plethora of occasions. Though it is important to consider your personal plans too. Are you spending your time in the great outdoors or amidst urban settings? The appropriate cut, colour and fit will make all the difference to your ensemble and overall comfort throughout your trip.

Japanese clothing label Edwin offer a double pack of two plain white tees that are ideal for throwing on at a moment’s notice. While Danish streetwear stalwart Norse Projects has you covered for casual events with its Johannes tee – a breezy, breathable option. And outdoor outfitter Patagonia supplies a long-sleeved, logo charged design for cooler climes.

Functional Shorts:
As well as the usual trousers to chill out in, practical shorts can also be a saviour for day-to-day activity. At the top of our list are this beige pair from Patagonia, they’re crafted in a classic cargo silhouette, with a quick-drying nylon base, DWR coating and UV protective finish. Also acquiring top marks are Fjallraven’s Karl Pro shorts, made with the brand’s durable G-1000 fabric. In a similar manner to Patagonia, these shorts supply plenty of pocket space and are ideal for carrying all your essentials.

Grooming Goodness:
Unlike travelling abroad – long weekends away in the UK don’t require you to limit your toiletry capacity. However, having everything in one place and all of travel-size helps when it comes to packing and being that extra-bit organised on the day. Much to our pleasure, the grooming experts over at L:A Bruket are on hand to deliver everything you need for that blissful break away. With a dynamic selection of everything from sunscreen to beard wash, there’s lots to get your hands on. Shop our entire grooming range here.

Versatile Footwear: And finally, stay sturdy on your feet through new territory with a trusty pair of kicks. Although not always practical, box-fresh white sneakers are easy to pair and most-likely light on the feet. adidas Originals’ AR Trainer is tailormade to perform on ‘grass, clay and cement’ and is built with a sturdy rubber outsole underfoot. For rocky terrain, we recommend something with outstanding traction and durability. Take a look at our diverse footwear collection here.

So, without further ado, start packing and ensure your ‘out of office’ status is firmly switched on!

November 5, 2018

Peaks to Pavements – The North Face

It’s fair to say fashion has taken a swerve that no one could have anticipated over the past few years, with even the highest of high-end focusing solely on that of the streetwear trend. We explore a brand whos organic identity had them placed rightfully in the rankings of this megatrend from the offset, by documenting them in their new stomping ground.

With an assortment of familiar silhouettes and fabrics, The North Face never fail to impress with their ability to give everything a fresh take. In an array of earthy toned fleece, poly and nylon with healthy dashes of camo print and the newly introduced repeat ‘brand mantra’ text, never stop exploring, you can stand out or blend in as you please.

September 18, 2018

Stone Island ‘Industrial Strength’

In keeping with the industrial strength direction of their FW18 collection ‘Icon Imagery’, this unlikely pairing of navy and yellow pieces are almost uniform-like, and we like it a lot! From its inception, Navy has been synonymous with uniform, from marine blue to its adoption as navy blue the colour has itself included in military wear to workwear, finding itself as the go-to base colouring of high vis uniforms.

Instantly the combo colouring of the knit jumper evokes the utilitarian designs of the working uniform, emboldening the compass chest piece to aid a more physically striking aesthetic. With the modular nature of Stone Island, It’s not hard to bring two monochromatic base outfits into one singular colour blocked design with the mix of base and outer layers displayed.

Famed for their unique fabrication and garment dye process, the Lamy nylon featured here in the olive flock jacket and below in navy flock shell, is bonded to an adhesive film using a magnetic field technique. They aren’t messing around when it comes to waterproofing, and why not look as stylish as possible whilst doing so.

The ‘Tiger Pack’ with stand out all over white tiger print is perfect for layering with more subdued colourways like this overshirt in Ice. The tiger design is a continuation of last season’s camo collection. Here’s what we said:

Unadopted from an existing camouflage (unlike the designs of the Polish alligator camo) the White Tiger collection doesn’t function to conceal the wearer as it does to display Stone Island’s incredible garment printing ability. The swirling black on white camo with gold-flecked detailing takes on existing proportions of the tiger stripe camo that has been adopted across many a different nation. Symbolising an incoming drop of snowy proportions, the tiger camo is an ironically surefire way to stand out from the crowd with its beastly design.

Shop our entire Stone Island collection today

July 29, 2018

Sports Luxe Inspo At Aphrodite1994

Have you ever wanted to dress your best whilst remaining as comfortable as possible? Welcome to the world of sports luxe, reserved for rich and affluent amongst it, as well as characters in the Sopranos. We’re showing you three of our favourite sporting looks.

Look 1 –

The emphasis is on a marina chic vibe, looking your best whilst stop off or on the yacht is essential for anyone who can even say they have the chance of stepping out to the ocean.

Doubling up on the Moncler and adding a double dash of Italian craftsmanship in Paul & Shark and Stone Island that deals this look a classy touch.

Stone Island Logo Cap

Paul & Shark Zip Knit Sweat

Moncler Swimshorts

Moncler New Horace Trainers

Look 2 –

Channelling a fashion look with a laid-back feel. It’s a distinctive 90s visual to the colour blocking on display.

The major statement in this outfit is the relaxed fit to the Oliver Spencer pinstripe trouser, lending a smart and tailored air to a comfortable and elasticated design. Finalising the outfit is the combo of adidas

adidas Class Action Jacket

Oliver Spencer Trousers Armitage

adidas x Raf Simons Replicant Ozweego

Look 3 –

Adopting a contemporary casual look that draws on inspiration from the 80s up to the modern day. Relying on classic British tailoring, whilst also bringing some European imports into the mix.

The key item in this look is the brand new adidas Sobakov, a silhouette influenced by the terrace movement of the 80s and football aesthetics of the late 90s.

Aquascutum Berkeley SB Raincoat

Fred Perry Polo Shirt

Paul & Shark Sweatpants

adidas Sobakov