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March 10, 2022

New Balance 327 Size guide – Do they run TTS?

The New Balance 327 is a trainer that has seen a rapid rise in popularity over the last couple of years. Its unique style and chunky sole has made this model a must-cop silhouette. Want to find out more about it? Well Aphrodite have you covered, read our pit stop tour of the New Balance 327 below!

What Is the New Balance 327?

The New Balance 327 is a trainer silhouette that was created through the fusion of some of New Balance’s top models. Traits of the 320, 355 and the Supercomp can all be found within the creative process that led to the 327 being created. The sleek running trainer’s silhouette notable possess large “N” New Balance branding to the side panels, alongside a chunky midsole that houses the shoes unique outsole. The outsole is extremely distinctive, it travels along the bottom of the shoe and halfway up the heel, before coming to an end in a triangular shape. All in all, the shoe offers a casual, sporty look and is extremely versatile, pairing well with jeans, chinos, cargos, joggers and more.

How does the New Balance 327 fit? Does the New Balance 327 run TTS?

Typically, the New Balance 327 does run TTS. However the shaping of the shoe means that it is slightly narrower in the midsole area so if you want a more relaxed and comfortable fit, try going half a size up. When the shoe is on foot, it feels lightweight and breathable, while offering an abundance of comfort.

Is the New Balance 327 popular?

The New Balance 327 has become one of the brands bestselling shoes since its release in 2020. This is most likely due to the shoes on trend, yet unique silhouette, alongside the unparalleled comfort it offers.

Are the New Balance 327 running shoes?

Yes the New Balance 327 are designed to be used as running shoes. Taking inspiration from running trainers in the 70’s, these heritage inspired trainers offer a lightweight, comfortable shoe for the track. Used by many members of the Aphrodite team for running, we can wholeheartedly endorse the 327’s for anything from a light stroll to a full on sprint.

Shop the New Balance 327 in a multitude of colours online and in-store at Aphrodite Clothing.

Shop New Balance 327 Trainers Here

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

April 10, 2020

Step By Step Guide: How to Re-wax Your Barbour Jacket

Re-Waxing guide for the much-loved Barbour Jacket – Protect yours and never experience its absence in your wardrobe again.

Home quarantine has become the norm for a lot for us over the last few weeks and keeping yourself occupied and busy has become a task in itself. Well, what better way to utilise the hours than to give your favourite Barbour jacket some much needed TLC.

So to help you out we have put together a step by step guide to help you through the (sometimes daunting) task of rewaxing your Barbour jacket at home.

Before we start:

A few quick pointers to take note of:

Fully read the instructions on the tin of your chosen wax product
The step by step guide will explain clearly the process of reviving your Barbour jacket and what wax is recommended however, it is always important to still read the instructions on the product you’re using for further clarity.
Always carry out the re-waxing process in a safe and suitable environment
And finally, keep all wax-products out of the reach of children!

Before and After Images

Beginning the journey to reviving your Barbour Jacket:

What you will need

Waxed Jacket
Barbour Thornproof Wax
Sponge
Hot water
Heat resistant container
Old cloth
Hair dryer

Step 1 | Clean your Jacket...

You may enjoy a relaxing hot bath but remember your Barbour Jacket does not! This means washing machines are a no go – Instead carefully wipe the outside of your jacket using simply a sponge and cold water. No soap is necessary (no matter how luxurious it smells) it will remove the wax coating permanently, making it impossible to re-wax, causing steps 2 to 5 to no longer be relevant to you.

Step 2 | Soften the wax…

Take a tin of Barbour Wax Thornproof dressing. Haven’t yet purchased this? Not to worry you are in the right place! Once you have your wax, remove the lid and carefully stand the tin in a container of hot water. If you are currently questioning ‘how hot?’ – Just hot enough to soften the wax will do. It should take approximately 20 minutes to melt the wax into a complete liquid consistency.

Step 3 | Wax your jacket…

Now for the main event. Using an old cloth, work the melted wax well into the jacket paying close attention to the seams, creases and any dry patches. You should keep the wax tin in the hot water and top this up accordingly to ensure the wax remains soft. Wipe off any excess wax as you work and be sure to keep the wax away from the corduroy collar, the inside of the jacket and its pockets.

Step 4 | Dry Your Jacket…
Here’s to a trick of the trade – Use a hairdryer to even out the spread of wax and ensure for an extra smooth finish as your jacket dries!

Allow your jacket to dry overnight in a warm place hung away from other garments. Be aware your newly waxed jacket may lose excess wax for a short while so take extra care around other leather and upholstery.

Step 5 | Wear, Wax, Repeat!

Don’t forget to re-wax your jacket annually.

Characterised by its timeless identity and adept weather protection properties your Barbour Jacket takes care of you all year round – Now is the time to return the favour and give your tattered Barbour the home spa treatment it deserves.

We hope this feature has served clarity to the caring for your timeless Barbour classic. However, if after exploring these 5 simple steps you are still not convinced the re-wax is necessary then the before and after pictures speak for themselves – Don’t let your investment piece go to waste. We may not be able to promise your Barbour Jacket an infinite place in your outdoor-loving wardrobe BUT, if looked after it will last the years and serve every environment encountered, potentially even styling the next generation.

Shop Barbour

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.

May 20, 2019

How to Clean Sneakers: A Video Guide

With summer on the horizon, there’s no better time to break out the pristine white kicks; easy, casual and timeless, the white trainer goes with pretty much all summer wear. But no sneaker stays white forever, and sometimes one wear is all it takes to bring your beloved footwear from sparkling to filthy. Fortunately, cleaning sneakers is incredibly easy if you have the right equipment to hand. Check out our handy video guide on how to clean sneakers below to see what we mean.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need, and the steps we take to get those adidas Continental 80s back to their original gleaming white:

You’ll need:

Sneaker cleaning solution
A brush (preferably natural bristle or horsehair)
A basin of warm water
Microfibre towel
Sneaker cleaning wipes
Protector spray
(Optional) New laces
(Optional) Midsole pen to match your trainers’ colour

Step 1: Remove the laces. Whether you’re swapping them out for new ones or giving them a spin in the washing machine (we recommend popping them in a washing net or inside a pillow case), you’ll need to remove the laces to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 2: Brush away any loose dirt or debris. This helps prevent scratches and just makes life a bit easier going ahead.

Step 3: Wet the brush in the water basin and apply your sneaker cleaning liquid of choice to the bristles. A little goes a long way, but don’t be afraid to use as much as you like.

Step 4: Scrub all the affected areas of the shoe vigorously (including the sole if you’re a perfectionist)

Step 5: Use the towel to dry off excess water and foam, and to give any extra cleaning to areas you may have missed

Step 6 (Optional): If needed, give the midsoles another once-over with a cleaning wipe

Step 7 (Optional): If you’re going the whole hog, use your midsole pen to restore the trainer’s original colour. Shake the pen vigorously, then pump the tip several times onto a paper towel or spare sneaker wipe until the paint starts to flow. Use the chiselled tip to apply an even coat to the required areas. Don’t worry if you make a mistake; a sneaker wipe will clean up any excess while the paint is still wet. Wait for the midsole to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 8: Once the sneakers are completely dry, apply a thin, even coat of your protector spray of choice. Hold the container 15-20cm away from the shoe and spray until all surfaces are coated, making sure not to over-apply. Wait to dry, usually around a minute or two.

Step 9: Relace the trainers, with the originals or brand new laces if needed.

Step 10: Wear with pride!

This should get your beloved trainers back in peak condition in time for the summer, and hopefully keep them that way for longer. We’ve used tried and tested products from Jason Markk, Sneakers ER and Crep Protect, but feel free to mix and match with your own go-to brands.

You can find a selection of cleaning products below or shop our full selection both in-store and online now.

July 23, 2018

How To Repair Denim, Featuring Nudie Jeans

Over the years we have championed Nudie Jeans at Aphrodite and we actively try to engage with our customers in-store and online to tell them as much as we can about the quality and the story behind the brand. Some of our die-hard denim connoisseurs will wear their jeans continuously for months, letting the denim show the wear and tear of their daily lives over time. A faded outline around a pocket shows where they carry their phone; a hole in the bottom area might indicate a lot of sitting down; a stained area might have a funny story attached to it. A pair of Nudie jeans can be a timeline of your life.

Of course, not everyone feels comfortable wearing denim with holes in which generally happens through a passage of time with every pair of jeans. Pre-washed jeans are the worst offenders for sustaining holes and abrasions over a shorter period of time than a dry/raw pair. This is because the washing/dyeing process weakens the cotton and it breaks down quicker. To combat this, Nudie has produced a series of videos and infographics, In honour of ‘Repair, Reuse, Recycle’ to give your jeans a new lease of life. Below we have shared one of the videos from Nudie Jeans which shows one of their experts repairing a pair of Nudie. In their own words “…repairing your favourite pair is a fairly easy task” and watching this video, they make it look quite straightforward to anyone that isn’t afraid of using a needle and thread.

In a time when money is tight around the globe, it might be an option that you turn to rather than purchasing a new pair of jeans. If you love your jeans and can’t bear to part with them, repairing them give you a new appreciation for them to know that you have breathed new life into them when they were looking so fragile and weak.

What You Need:

Sewing machine
Matching thread (or contrasting if you’re brave)
Scissors
Textile glue
A spare patch of denim

STEP 1: Ready up your thread in the sewing machine, trim the raw area of the torn Jeans for a clean work area. Cut out a patch of denim from your least favourite but similar tonal jeans.

STEP 2: Place a smattering of textile glue around the affected area, as well as a liberal amount on the spare patch. Apply the patch to the tear, adhesive down.

STEP 3: Time to fire up the sewing machine and begin the attachment. Begin to create a layer of extra fabric by sewing up, down, and all around the tear and patch.

STEP 4: Once adequately attached, check over for any loose areas and trim any excess thread / excess denim from the patch.

Past the Point of Repair? Treat Yourself to Brand New Nudie Jeans

June 7, 2018

How To Take Your Stone Island Sweatshirt From Day To Night

You might be wondering how you can get the most out of your Stone Island sweatshirt. If so, keep reading for the ultimate style guidance.

The Stone Island sweatshirt is a versatile piece that can be transformed to fit in with a low-key or smart outfit. This season we have a range of different colour-ways available in the sweatshirt, so it’s worth investing in a few of them to add classic style to your wardrobe.

Dress down

It’s easy to give your sweatshirt a casual look with the garment being quite relaxed. We’ve decided to style the sweatshirt with a pair of Stussy joggers for a neutral contrast of colour combined with ultimate comfort. When looking for trainers to go with the look, you have two choices. Stick with some textile/sporty styles such as Nike or New Balance. If you want to give your casual outfit a luxe feel, add a pair of Maison Margiela leather Replica trainers.

Dress up

If you thought you couldn’t dress up a sweatshirt for a night out, think again. There are many ways for you to make the sweatshirt a smart essential. In this case, the sweatshirt is enough to make a statement with the iconic Stone Island detachable badge. For a contemporary look, pair with some chino style trousers from Folk. The chinos combined with the sweatshirt create a relaxed silhouette, but still, give that smart element. When it comes to shoes, the Sneaker 1 in white by Grenson will complete the outfit perfectly with a full leather upper and casual lace-up fastening.

Like what you see? Shop our new arrivals

May 23, 2018

Grenson Shoes – How To Look After

Grenson Shoes Care Guide – 10 Tips To Look After Grenson Shoes

Here at Aphrodite we have recently bolstered our vast range of shoe care products, with care kits from Jason Markk, Crep Protect and Sneakers ER readily available in-store and online which are sure to prove perfect for the footwear aficionados among us. We also have a whole host of items from Grenson, including Grenson cream, polish, brushes and cloths to help keep your footwear collection in tip top condition no matter what the weather.

Imagine this… you have just spent a small fortune on a pair of leather shoes, you want them to last the distance, right? With help from our lovely counterparts at British footwear institute Grenson, we have pieced together a Grenson care guide; 10 tips to look after Grenson shoes which will hopefully help keep your investment fresh for many years to come.

Following these few simple steps will help prolong the life of your most trustworthy Grenson shoes.

10 Tips To Look After Grenson Shoes

Never wear your new shoes in the rain until they have been worn at least 3-4 times.
If your shoes do end up getting wet put shoe trees inside them (if you don’t have trees newspaper will work just as well) and let them dry out at room temperature for 48 hours before you wear them again. Wet sole leather will wear out twice as quick as dry sole leather.
Before polishing, wipe off any excess surface dirt with a dry cloth.
When its time to polish, use plenty of polish/cream and make sure its into the welt and the cracks between the upper and the sole. Let the polish sit on for as long as possible, over night is an ideal time scale. Browse our range of Grenson creams.
Use a Grenson cloth or brush to take off any excess polish/cream to shine them up.
If you want to darken your tan shoes use a dark polish, some people like to use black polish which makes them instantly look older.
Goodyear Welted shoes are easy to repair and the soles can be changed if needed.
A little test can be done to see if your shoe are ready for repair; If you can feel a soft spot in the middle of the front of the shoe where you walk, push it in with your thumb. If its very soft, its about to go, if its a little soft, you can get another few months out of them.
Leather soles can be very slippery, making it a task in itself to navigate across some floors. A cheeky little trick, cut open a potato and rub it into the sole, this will give you grip.
If you look after your shoes, they could last for years and years.

Take a look at our recent trip to the Grenson factory and interview with the brand’s owner and creative director Tim Little. Read full blog post here

Shop our full collection of Grenson shoes here

Comme des Garçons SHIRT Pocket Shirt - Blue

May 8, 2018

5 Brands That Are Bossing Stripes This Season

We are going to show you the top 5 brands to rock stripes with this Summer.

Stripes are always going to be a good look no matter your age or gender, its a universal style that has stood the test of time and has thrived every season, especially in the summer thanks to its nautical heritage. The classic navy blue and white striped tees (also known as the Breton tee) that we know today originated from the French coastal region of Brittany. French Navy seamen in the area were given a striped woven top that featured 21 horizontal stripes (one for each of Napoleon’s victories) as their uniform, known as a matelotor marinière which helped them to be easily identified.

It holds a minimal style that gives your outfit a clean pattern. But there are many different ways to rock stripes as there are so many different styles Thick stripes, thin stripes, loads of stripes, a few stripes, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, there are many different types out there, you just need to find out which one fits your look the best. In this blog post, we show you five brands who are nailing the nautical theme.

#1 – A.P.C.

Renowned for their clean stripe patterns, the Parisian leaders of urban coolness present to us their nautical inspired SS18 collection, recreated in true A.P.C. character with their minimal stripe patterns as shown below with the Ecru Sweater which sees stripe accents wrap the colour and across the mid-rift. Alternatively, check out their whole collection here if you want some lighter options.

APC Jumper

#2 – Folk

The British brand offers you subtle textures, roomy silhouettes and a hazy palette. With the inspiration being utility and sportswear made casual you can guarantee any piece from this collection will be your season’s rotational comfort piece. Below we have the Folk Fine Stripe Tee layered with the Utility Bomber.

Folk Stripe Tee

#3 – Comme Des Garçons Shirt

Eccentric spots, stripes and pastel pallets are the centrepiece of this seasons CDG Shirt collection and its a brilliantly bonkers combo of which we expected nothing less, welcome to Aphrodite Comme Des Garcons Shirt, we welcome you with open arms. We wanted to stay true to the CDG branding and clashed patterns, mixing the polka dot t-shirt with a vertically striped Shirt overlay for an eye-catching impact which even Rei Kawakubo would be proud of.

Comme des Garçons SHIRT Pocket Shirt in Blue

#4 – Saturdays NYC

Inspired by ancient trade routes, the collection is clad with trucker style caps, warning sign-like graphic prints with an earthy colour palette, giving your wardrobe that refined edge it so rightfully deserves. Showing the ultimate cosy combination using the Saturdays NYC striped Jumper as the underlay, keeping you snug and warm whilst the T-Shirt gives you a sterling summer aesthetic thanks to the hit of Peach.

Saturdays NYC T-Shirt in White

#5 – Norse Projects

Last but not least, the Scandinavian masters of minimalism are here with an adept mix of stripes, textures and pastel hues. Browse their collection and update your essentials, you won’t be disappointed. Here we have matched the Lilac Stripe Tee with the Norse Oswald Seersucker shirt to give a subtle underlay that shows through the shirt.

Norse Projects Long Sleeve T-Shirt in Lilac Heather Stripe

Shop Our Entire Norse Projects Collection Here

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