The best of UK golf bloggers

Learn how to ‘tee off’ with these golf bloggers
Image: Tinny Photo

Have you caught the golf bug, or are you new to the game and looking for informative, fun, golf-related stuff to read, listen to and watch? We’ve trawled the internet for the best of all things golf. Here’s a selection of our favourites – the best of UK golf bloggers.

Ben Swanton Golf

Ben at the dramatic Glen Golf Club, North Berwick
Image: Ben Swanton Golf

Do you have a golf course bucket list? Ben of Ben Swanton Golf does. But when he headed to Scotland to play Gullane No.1 at North Berwick, and the ‘Ailsa’ Course at Turnberry, he decided to add a course with a more local flavour. Glen Golf Club is a roller coaster of a course with views to die for as you’ll see when you check out Ben’s excellent post.

You know you’ve got the golf bug when you pack in your day job and go self-employed so you have time to play midweek. That’s what Ben did – and we’re so glad because now he also has time to write his blog. Here you’ll discover excellent course reviews – from Stoke Park in England to Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas – this is a great resource for golfers who enjoy travel.

Bunkered

Keep ahead of the golfing curve with news from Bunkered
Image: LightField Studios

Bunkered brings you all the latest from the world of golf. In the words of its editors, the sister site to the magazine of the same name, Bunkered is a one-stop golf resource designed to give you everything you could want to know about the game, plus there’s the best fantasy golf league around – the perfect antidote to winter.

This is the place to come and watch things like the best hole in one you’ll ever see. Born with one arm, Laurent Hurtubise has been playing golf since he was 11 years old, but we bet he never expected to make this staggering shot. Playing in the pro-am PGA Tour event, The American Express, Hurtubise made his hole-in-one on the 151-yard fourth hole of PGA West’s Stadium Course.

David Short Golf

Enjoy golfing lessons from PGA pro Barney Puttick
Image: David Short Golf

How would you like to combine a holiday with the opportunity to improve your golf with instruction from a PGA pro? If that’s something that interests you, check out David Short’s post about his latest golf retreat at Tavira, in the Portuguese Algarve – think wonderful weather, two excellent courses and great company too.

Over at David Short Golf, David and his team of fellow pros and golf experts offer a two-stage golf journey: “personal, structured and thorough evaluation of one’s golf game” at ‘Golf & Coaching’ events, combined with the chance to experience wonderful golf courses around the world with ‘Escorted Golf Tours’ to the Algarve, Gran Canaria, South Africa and beyond.

Eddie Pepperell

Dive into the hidden world of golf championships and tournaments from insider, Eddie
Image: Mr. Somchai Sukkasem

“Golf under pressure is often simply just trusting your feels. And breathing. Exhale fully,” writes European Tour golfer Eddie Pepperell. Describing his experience at Sawgrass last year (2019), which saw him hole an improbable putt on the 17th he says: “It felt strange being the centre of attention on such a massive stage.”

Take a tour of the tour with maverick Eddie as he delves deep to write his insightful blog. Here you’ll get to understand not just what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite golf tournaments, but also how it feels to be part of the circus. It’s a fascinating ride.

Golfing Herald

Enjoy all the ‘news, views, and trivia from the golfing world’
Image: Golfing Herald

Who was/is the greatest amateur golfer, asks Golfing Herald? How about John Ball? Born on the 24th December 1861 in Hoylake, England, this contender was just 16 years old when he came forth at the 1878 Open Championship. He went on to win the 1890 Open at Prestwick Golf Club, winning by 3 strokes from professionals Willie Fernie and Archie Simpson. He was the first Englishman and the first amateur to win the Open.

A cornucopia of current golf news and views together with some more idiosyncratic offerings sure to pique your curiosity, Golfing Herald launched in 2018 to bring you “news, views, and trivia from the golfing world”. You’ll love their “Meet the Professional” series which gives you insights from guest PGA pros – like international trick golf show artist, David Edwards still going strong after 50 years.

iSpyGolf

The world’s best golf course?
Image: russellskene

What’s the best golf course in the world? It’s purely subjective of course, but if you’re looking for an opinion, the guys at iSpyGolf – your go-to source for golf course news – report that Royal Dornoch is currently top of the leaderboard. That’s according to online golf reservation service golfscape who wax lyrical about the course’s “wild magnificent seas, skies, and mountains with ancient grass covering the dunes”.

Wherever you currently play, iSpyGolf will have you champing at the bit to experience pastures new. That’s because this site showcases the very best of golf courses across the UK and the rest of the globe. And don’t miss Ed Saxel on the Pro’s Blog for a healthy mix of personal musings and golfing rants.

Me and My Golf

From the basics to advanced learners, Me and My Golf offers coaching tailored to you.
Image: Me and My Golf 

Looking to break 100, 90, 80? How would you like to enjoy the services of a professional coach at a fraction of the cost of employing a pro at your local course, all while benefiting from an archive of instructional materials that’s second to none? That’s what you get at Me and My Golf. And it works too. Take just one of a host of happy customers – “I finally broke 80 this past Sunday with a 78 in league play…thank you Andy and Piers.”

Andy and Piers are PGA coaches whose goal is to “redefine what’s possible with your golf game.” And check out the blog while you’re there. You’ll find competitions, giveaways, articles and podcasts with Ryder Cup legends like Sergio Garcia.

The Irish Golf Blog

Royal Portrush – one of the most stunning approach shots in the game
Image: John Clarke Photography

“It is a beautiful approach shot with an almost sinuous fairway melting into one of the most beautifully shaped greens imaginable,” writes Kevin Markham. This golf blogger has certainly kissed the Blarney Stone but then wouldn’t anyone who’s played the 15th at Royal Portrush?

The Irish Golf Blog is a great read for anyone who dreams of taking their clubs to the Emerald Isle. But Mark offers much more than a rundown of the best golf courses in Ireland. He’s also author of ‘Hooked: An Amateur’s Guide to the Golf Courses of Ireland’ – the most comprehensive guide to Ireland’s golf courses and a must if you’re planning to visit.

UK Golf Guy

Check out The UK Golf Guy’s rating system
Image: UK Golf Guy

How do you judge golf courses when “you can’t use an algorithm and one man’s nirvana is another man’s hell”? The UK Golf Guy has developed his system based on the Peugeot Golf Guide which ranks courses out of a maximum score of 20. But while the car maker’s guide doesn’t provide a criteria for the scoring system, the UK Golf Guy does.

Muirfield, for example, is a 19: “Not just architecturally brilliant but great to play for the ‘average’ golfer.” Domaine de Divonne in France scores a lowly 14: “Four of these in your tour schedule and you won’t be asked back to organise the trip next year but hey, they exist. They are playable. Move on.” Over on his blog, UK Golf Guy offers a unique perspective on all things golf, and if we may so, a rather good one.

View from the 19th

Golfers enjoy the game, no matter the weather
Image: David Unger

Which golf course does View from the 19th golfer, blogger, and Youtuber Martin Bedborough describe as “definitely one to tick off the bucket list and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed especially if you have the lunch as well”? We must say, the “Tandridge Pudding” sounds delicious. If you’re in Surrey and happen to be near Tandridge Golf Club, you’ll be glad you read Martin’s hole-by-hole review of the course.

View from the 19th charts Martin’s golf adventures along with some interesting gear reviews. What would you do if you had to play when it’s blowing a hoolie? For an excellent source of golfing info plus an entertaining and down-to-earth account of one man’s golf odyssey, this is the site for you.

Let’s Get Golfing

Learn how to change your swing and play better golf
Image: ESB Professional

It can take a while to change your golf swing, but you have the power to change the way you think right now. Dr Karl Morris is one of Europe’s leading Mind Coaches; having worked with players like Darren Clarke, David Howell, Lee Westwood, he’ll work with you too. This is just one of the incredible resources on offer at Let’s Get Golfing and you’ll also get access to this great series of videos which explains how to train your brain to play better golf.

The go-to resource for everything golf related, Let’s Get Golfing offers video tutorials, a podcast, and practical advice for all golfers from absolute beginners through to those golfers who’re looking for a career in the game. This site is a must for golf enthusiasts everywhere.

We hope you enjoyed our roundup of the online golf world. Did we miss one of your favourite golf-related blogs or websites? Please do drop us a line and let us know. 

The post The best of UK golf bloggers appeared first on Samuel Windsor.

How 5 bloggers dressed their men for less

These bloggers’ dressed their men to impress
Image: Yeah Lifestyle

We set five female bloggers free in the Samuel Windsor sale to see what they could do with £75. Find out which classic clothes they chose to help give the special men in their lives a bit of a style update…

The Willow Tree

A dad of three young kids, Matt loved this 100% brushed cotton dressing gown.
Image source: The Willow Tree

As a dad with a young family, husband Matt puts comfort and practicality ahead of a glamorous lifestyle. His wife, The Willow Tree blogger, Michelle says: “We are parents to three young children, you can imagine we spend most of our evenings at home and therefore Matt loves to wear comfortable clothing.”  With this in mind Michelle’s first choice was this delightful brushed cotton dressing gown in blue tartan.

Next up, shorts and a polo. With holidays on the horizon, Michelle says: “We took advantage of the 2 for £30 offer and he chose two pairs of chino shorts. The shorts were of great quality and were also true to size. I also think that this is a fantastic deal.”

So was Michelle impressed by how much quality Samuel Windsor clobber £75 nets you? “I am pleasantly surprised that our Samuel Windsor haul was all for under £75,” she says. “I feel that the quality of clothing and price of what is on offer is very reasonable…”

What Michelle bought:

Blue tartan brushed cotton dressing gown: was £32.50, now just £27.50
2 pairs of chino shorts: was £50, now just £30
White polo shirt: was £24.99, now just £15

Total: £72.50 (was £107.49)

Beauty Queen UK

Rachel chose soft and tactile knits to give her husband’s wardrobe a winter update
Image source: Beauty Queen UK

When your husband is colourblind to the point where the answer is usually “You are not wearing those together,” a £75 spending spree at Samuel Windsor was just what Rachel, aka Beauty Queen UK needed to give her other half’s wardrobe a seasonal top up.

First up is a grey pure lambswool scarf. Rachel says it’s “incredibly soft to the touch and large enough to be wrapped around the neck and tucked into your coat to keep warm.”

Indigo stretch jeans were a great choice too: “What I liked was the option to choose leg size as well as the waist – when you have a hubby who is just over 6ft tall, finding jeans on the high street which fit…is exhausting.”

A brace of jumpers completes Beauty Queen UK’s haul. She says she chose a black button neck jumper because she likes the texture, while her husband Stephen selected the Argyle sweater in wine and grey. Given her husband’s colour blindness, we say he’s done well.

What Rachel bought: 

Grey lambswool scarf: was £24.50, now just £15
Indigo jeans: was £34.95, now just £20
Black button neck jumper: was £45, now just £18.50
Argyle sweater: was £39, now just £16.50

Total: £70 (was £143.45)

The Twinkle Diaries

Mr D resplendent in tweed
Image source: The Twinkle Diaries

When we gave The Twinkle Diaries blogger, Caro the opportunity to spend £75 at Samuel Windsor’s sale she fell in love with this tweed jacket and navy moleskin shirt: “It’s smart enough for the office but casual enough to wear on a weekend pub outing. Relaxed enough to be a little bit ‘country gentleman’ whilst still being sharp enough to work in the city.”

As someone who is keen to ensure her partner of over twenty years ago dresses his best for his age, Caro says “Samuel Windsor mirrors a lot of the new breed of fashion websites in terms of their affordable pricing, but the difference is, instead of ‘fast fashion’ their offering is stylish and timeless garments, shoes and accessories.”

Speaking of shoes and accessories, Caro also chose a very natty pair of blue suede brogues by Samuel Windsor. Not strictly part of the challenge, she wanted to treat her husband to an age-appropriate alternative to trainers.

Pleased with her purchases, Caro says, “I know I’m biased but I think he’s definitely ageing gracefully…That said, whilst he’s got the men’s smart casual clothing look down to a tee — I do also love the fact he can still pull off a pair of spangly leggings and the glitterball helmet at a festival.”

What Caro bought: 

Bradenham tweed jacket – was £65, now just £50
Moleskin shirt – was £24.95, now just £22.50

Total: £72.50 (was £89.50)

Caro liked the sale so much she couldn’t resist buying some classic lightweight navy brogues for just £37.95 while she was there!

Yeah Lifestyle

One lucky guy checks out the form while sipping a beer and wearing Samuel Windsor
Image source: Yeah Lifestyle

“I was desperate to show how my husband’s quirky look could be maintained, by mixing and matching what we found on Samuel Windsor with what he already had in his wardrobe,” says Lex Ward, blogger at Yeah Lifestyle.

Could Lex manage to create two funky contemporary looks for just £75? First she selected this stunning 100% cotton seersucker jacket in coral, matched with a yellow stripe Perranporth shirt also by Samuel Windsor, and completed the look with floral trousers, patterned socks and her husband’s trusty Doc Martens. Lex says:

“I wanted to create something smart, but still with a bit of pizzazz! So for me incorporating a couple of patterns and contrasting colours was going to be the way to do this. I imagined that this look would suit an early evening out at the bar before perhaps going out for dinner.”

Next Lex combined Samuel Windsor’s slim fit needle cords and green stripe cashmere sweater, with high rise boots and leather jacket to create a relaxed weekend vibe. All this for £75? “I went over budget by 99p!” says Lex. “[But] I don’t think that’s too bad considering what was included in our selection.”

What Lex bought:

Coral seersucker jacket: was £99, now just £65
Yellow stripe Perranporth shirt: was £24.95, now just £12.50

Outfit 1 Total: £77.50 (was £123.95)

Slim fit needle cords in camel: was £34.95, now just £20
Green stripe cashmere mix sweater: was £35, now just £8.99

Outfit 2 Total: £28.99 (was £69.95)

Pack the PJs

Subtle and understated yet always classy, Toby benefits from some great buys
Image source: Pack the PJs

There’s something about Toby, says Tracey of Pack the PJs: “He’s a total gent, who carries his pocket money around in his wallet, always wanting to treat his mum to a coffee.” No wonder when we gave her the opportunity to spoil someone, Tracey decided to give her son a Samuel Windsor style makeover.

“Toby loves the ‘Peaky Blinder’ look of shirt, waistcoats and flat caps, teamed with jeans, but I wanted to get him something a little different.” Because Toby enjoys that mix of classic and modern, Tracey wasn’t short of ideas from our huge range of menswear, but in the end she settled on an elegant, understated look that nevertheless oozes class.

Toby was delighted with his black tank top, 100% brushed cotton Gosforth country shirt, “amazing” black Prestige suede Chelsea boots, and matching black leather belt. A pair of black jeans from Toby’s wardrobe rounded off the look.

Was Tracey impressed? “I can’t believe that this bundle came to under £75! Everything except the belt was in the Sale – there were some massive savings on top quality items.”

What Tracey bought:

Black tank top: was £19.50, now just £11.50
Brushed Cotton Gosforth Country Shirt: was £24.95, now just £12.50
Prestige Suede Chelsea Boots: was £52.95, now just £35

Total: £59 (was £97.40)

Tracey liked the sale so much she couldn’t resist buying a black leather belt for just £17.50.

If you’d like to bag yourself an incredible deal from Samuel Windsor, our clothes offer superb quality at very reasonable prices all year round. But never forget to check out our sale where you’ll find many of our most popular lines for less. 

P.S At the time this challenge was issued, all these outfits came under £75 (some bloggers further supplemented their articles with own clothes an/or extra Samuel Windsor purchases.)

The post How 5 bloggers dressed their men for less appeared first on Samuel Windsor.

The best of UK golf bloggers

Learn how to ‘tee off’ with these golf bloggers
Image: Tinny Photo

Have you caught the golf bug, or are you new to the game and looking for informative, fun, golf-related stuff to read, listen to and watch? We’ve trawled the internet for the best of all things golf. Here’s a selection of our favourites – the best of UK golf bloggers.

Ben Swanton Golf

Ben at the dramatic Glen Golf Club, North Berwick
Image: Ben Swanton Golf

Do you have a golf course bucket list? Ben of Ben Swanton Golf does. But when he headed to Scotland to play Gullane No.1 at North Berwick, and the ‘Ailsa’ Course at Turnberry, he decided to add a course with a more local flavour. Glen Golf Club is a roller coaster of a course with views to die for as you’ll see when you check out Ben’s excellent post.

You know you’ve got the golf bug when you pack in your day job and go self-employed so you have time to play midweek. That’s what Ben did – and we’re so glad because now he also has time to write his blog. Here you’ll discover excellent course reviews – from Stoke Park in England to Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas – this is a great resource for golfers who enjoy travel.

Bunkered

Keep ahead of the golfing curve with news from Bunkered
Image: LightField Studios

Bunkered brings you all the latest from the world of golf. In the words of its editors, the sister site to the magazine of the same name, Bunkered is a one-stop golf resource designed to give you everything you could want to know about the game, plus there’s the best fantasy golf league around – the perfect antidote to winter.

This is the place to come and watch things like the best hole in one you’ll ever see. Born with one arm, Laurent Hurtubise has been playing golf since he was 11 years old, but we bet he never expected to make this staggering shot. Playing in the pro-am PGA Tour event, The American Express, Hurtubise made his hole-in-one on the 151-yard fourth hole of PGA West’s Stadium Course.

David Short Golf

Enjoy golfing lessons from PGA pro Barney Puttick
Image: David Short Golf

How would you like to combine a holiday with the opportunity to improve your golf with instruction from a PGA pro? If that’s something that interests you, check out David Short’s post about his latest golf retreat at Tavira, in the Portuguese Algarve – think wonderful weather, two excellent courses and great company too.

Over at David Short Golf, David and his team of fellow pros and golf experts offer a two-stage golf journey: “personal, structured and thorough evaluation of one’s golf game” at ‘Golf & Coaching’ events, combined with the chance to experience wonderful golf courses around the world with ‘Escorted Golf Tours’ to the Algarve, Gran Canaria, South Africa and beyond.

Eddie Pepperell

Dive into the hidden world of golf championships and tournaments from insider, Eddie
Image: Mr. Somchai Sukkasem

“Golf under pressure is often simply just trusting your feels. And breathing. Exhale fully,” writes European Tour golfer Eddie Pepperell. Describing his experience at Sawgrass last year (2019), which saw him hole an improbable putt on the 17th he says: “It felt strange being the centre of attention on such a massive stage.”

Take a tour of the tour with maverick Eddie as he delves deep to write his insightful blog. Here you’ll get to understand not just what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite golf tournaments, but also how it feels to be part of the circus. It’s a fascinating ride.

Golfing Herald

Enjoy all the ‘news, views, and trivia from the golfing world’
Image: Golfing Herald

Who was/is the greatest amateur golfer, asks Golfing Herald? How about John Ball? Born on the 24th December 1861 in Hoylake, England, this contender was just 16 years old when he came forth at the 1878 Open Championship. He went on to win the 1890 Open at Prestwick Golf Club, winning by 3 strokes from professionals Willie Fernie and Archie Simpson. He was the first Englishman and the first amateur to win the Open.

A cornucopia of current golf news and views together with some more idiosyncratic offerings sure to pique your curiosity, Golfing Herald launched in 2018 to bring you “news, views, and trivia from the golfing world”. You’ll love their “Meet the Professional” series which gives you insights from guest PGA pros – like international trick golf show artist, David Edwards still going strong after 50 years.

iSpyGolf

The world’s best golf course?
Image: russellskene

What’s the best golf course in the world? It’s purely subjective of course, but if you’re looking for an opinion, the guys at iSpyGolf – your go-to source for golf course news – report that Royal Dornoch is currently top of the leaderboard. That’s according to online golf reservation service golfscape who wax lyrical about the course’s “wild magnificent seas, skies, and mountains with ancient grass covering the dunes”.

Wherever you currently play, iSpyGolf will have you champing at the bit to experience pastures new. That’s because this site showcases the very best of golf courses across the UK and the rest of the globe. And don’t miss Ed Saxel on the Pro’s Blog for a healthy mix of personal musings and golfing rants.

Me and My Golf

From the basics to advanced learners, Me and My Golf offers coaching tailored to you.
Image: Me and My Golf 

Looking to break 100, 90, 80? How would you like to enjoy the services of a professional coach at a fraction of the cost of employing a pro at your local course, all while benefiting from an archive of instructional materials that’s second to none? That’s what you get at Me and My Golf. And it works too. Take just one of a host of happy customers – “I finally broke 80 this past Sunday with a 78 in league play…thank you Andy and Piers.”

Andy and Piers are PGA coaches whose goal is to “redefine what’s possible with your golf game.” And check out the blog while you’re there. You’ll find competitions, giveaways, articles and podcasts with Ryder Cup legends like Sergio Garcia.

The Irish Golf Blog

Royal Portrush – one of the most stunning approach shots in the game
Image: John Clarke Photography

“It is a beautiful approach shot with an almost sinuous fairway melting into one of the most beautifully shaped greens imaginable,” writes Kevin Markham. This golf blogger has certainly kissed the Blarney Stone but then wouldn’t anyone who’s played the 15th at Royal Portrush?

The Irish Golf Blog is a great read for anyone who dreams of taking their clubs to the Emerald Isle. But Mark offers much more than a rundown of the best golf courses in Ireland. He’s also author of ‘Hooked: An Amateur’s Guide to the Golf Courses of Ireland’ – the most comprehensive guide to Ireland’s golf courses and a must if you’re planning to visit.

UK Golf Guy

Check out The UK Golf Guy’s rating system
Image: UK Golf Guy

How do you judge golf courses when “you can’t use an algorithm and one man’s nirvana is another man’s hell”? The UK Golf Guy has developed his system based on the Peugeot Golf Guide which ranks courses out of a maximum score of 20. But while the car maker’s guide doesn’t provide a criteria for the scoring system, the UK Golf Guy does.

Muirfield, for example, is a 19: “Not just architecturally brilliant but great to play for the ‘average’ golfer.” Domaine de Divonne in France scores a lowly 14: “Four of these in your tour schedule and you won’t be asked back to organise the trip next year but hey, they exist. They are playable. Move on.” Over on his blog, UK Golf Guy offers a unique perspective on all things golf, and if we may so, a rather good one.

View from the 19th

Golfers enjoy the game, no matter the weather
Image: David Unger

Which golf course does View from the 19th golfer, blogger, and Youtuber Martin Bedborough describe as “definitely one to tick off the bucket list and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed especially if you have the lunch as well”? We must say, the “Tandridge Pudding” sounds delicious. If you’re in Surrey and happen to be near Tandridge Golf Club, you’ll be glad you read Martin’s hole-by-hole review of the course.

View from the 19th charts Martin’s golf adventures along with some interesting gear reviews. What would you do if you had to play when it’s blowing a hoolie? For an excellent source of golfing info plus an entertaining and down-to-earth account of one man’s golf odyssey, this is the site for you.

Let’s Get Golfing

Learn how to change your swing and play better golf
Image: ESB Professional

It can take a while to change your golf swing, but you have the power to change the way you think right now. Dr Karl Morris is one of Europe’s leading Mind Coaches; having worked with players like Darren Clarke, David Howell, Lee Westwood, he’ll work with you too. This is just one of the incredible resources on offer at Let’s Get Golfing and you’ll also get access to this great series of videos which explains how to train your brain to play better golf.

The go-to resource for everything golf related, Let’s Get Golfing offers video tutorials, a podcast, and practical advice for all golfers from absolute beginners through to those golfers who’re looking for a career in the game. This site is a must for golf enthusiasts everywhere.

We hope you enjoyed our roundup of the online golf world. Did we miss one of your favourite golf-related blogs or websites? Please do drop us a line and let us know. 

The post The best of UK golf bloggers appeared first on Samuel Windsor.

How to dress and impress – infographic guide

While it’s true that “manners maketh the man”, knowing how to behave is only half of what it takes to be a Samuel Windsor man. Dressing right and taking care of your grooming are also vital to creating that all-important positive first impression.

Once you’ve wowed the room with your classic menswear vibe, it’s time to let your inner gentleman shine. Need a few tips to help you “dress and impress”? Check out our definitive guide to building a wardrobe to be proud of, complete with hints to help you nail the details.

• Go straight to our full infographic guide – How to dress and impress

How to dress and impress colleagues

Never cut corners on workwear. As a professional who takes his job seriously, you must always look immaculate. A classic men’s suit made from quality worsted wool fabric with half-canvas construction and a fine British cut is essential, as are the correct accessories: a pair of well-polished black Oxfords, a properly-ironed cotton shirt, silk tie, and leather belt in the appropriate colour – never less.

Add punctuality, initiative and the determination to succeed and you’ve got the makings of a businessman to be reckoned with. Now go get ‘em.

How to dress and impress friends

What kind of friend are you? If you’d like to build better friendships, you need to adopt an attitude that makes you the sort of person other people want to spend time with. Be a leader in your friendship group by planning something new like a trip to the races or a sports event. Be the man other people turn to in their hour of need. And be generous – with your time and the refreshments!

Make sure you look the part too. People who slob out around their friends end up hanging out with losers. Meeting your mates? Smart moleskins or twill trousers, a tactile Tattersall shirt, and brown leather brogues are ideal. Shrug on a tweed jacket and you’re good to go.

How to dress and impress love interests

New love interest? Date night with your long term partner? Paying attention to your appearance demonstrates that spending time with them is important to you.

As well as behaving with total decorum, you should also turn up for your date groomed to perfection with a fresh haircut, neatly trimmed beard or a wet shave. Wear the best outfit you can afford, without being flashy – remember, understatement is what gives a gent charm. Think chinos, a button-down Oxford shirt and a cashmere sweater accompanied by quality leather loafers, a matching belt and a nice watch.

How to dress and impress family 

Some men let themselves go the moment they walk through the front door. But what could be more important than the time you spend with your family? This being the case, why would you neglect your appearance? Dressing well at home shows your partner you respect yourself and your relationship enough to care what you look like. It also sends a positive message to your kids.

Taking care of yourself sets a great example, as does spending time preparing healthy meals, exercising, and enjoying fun outdoor adventures as a family. Make the most of your weekends and holidays and look good too. Try indigo jeans, chunky leather boots and a rugged Aran knit sweater for a comfortable vibe that’s manly but approachable. Not cold enough for a jumper? Go for a corduroy shirt layered over a plain white t-shirt.

Now you know what to wear to any occasion and how to conduct yourself while you’re there. Add some witty one-liners and you’ll be the guy others love to emulate. For a quick, at-a-glance recap of all these tips, take a look at our full infographic below:

How to dress and impress – infographic

Add this infographic to your website by copying and pasting the following embed code:
<a href=”https://blog.samuel-windsor.co.uk/how-to-dress-and-impress-infographic-guide”><img src=”https://blog.samuel-windsor.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/How-to-dress-and-impress-v3.2.jpg” width=‘770’ alt=”How to dress and impress at an event – an infographic guide from Samuel Windsor”></a><br/>How to dress and impress, created by <a href=”https://www.samuel-windsor.co.uk/”><strong>Samuel Windsor</strong></a>

The post How to dress and impress – infographic guide appeared first on Samuel Windsor.

Christmas presents – the good, the bad and the ugly

What are you hoping to get on Christmas morning?
Image: 2shrimpS

What’s the worst Christmas gift you’ve ever received? Or the best? What are you buying your dad this year? Everyone has a festive present story to tell, so because we’re feeling Christmassy, we asked some of our favourite bloggers, influencers, and YouTubers of 2019 for their tales of gift giving and receiving. 

From plane tickets to used cricket bats, and from man’s best friend to Gordon the Gopher memorabilia and Santa mankinis, here’s the good, the bad and the ugly of Christmas gifts.

What was your worst ever gift?

Is whisky ever a bad gift? Apparently so…
Image: Ersler Dmitry

Don’t you hate it when people give you a shower gel set for Christmas? Our social media stars do. Giz Edwards, who gave us some great tips for our student guide, and who also runs a brilliant YouTube channel about lucid dreaming, says:

“Gifts are the embodiment of thought. Lynx shower gel sets are, to me, an off hand, thoughtless gift. A last minute gift.”

Men’s lifestyle and fashion blogger, Jack Sultana who helped us with our #Dresslikeyouricon campaign agrees, but it turns out there is something worse than shower gel – receiving your own gift back again. Samuel Windsor menswear aficionado, Beetle Campbell says: “The worst gift I ever received was a bottle of whisky I had previously given to my dad.”

We reckon that’s pretty rough but hey, every cloud has a silver lining – at least Beetle could drown his sorrows.

What’s the most unusual gift you’ve ever given someone?

Take to the skies with a stomach-churning glider flight
Image: flightbit

An eclectic bunch, our favourite influencers have given plenty of strange gifts over the years. One of our ‘dynamite dad bloggers’ and part of 2019’s Father’s Day post, Dad Blog UK’s John Adams admits:

“I thought my wife might appreciate a glider flight,” says John. “But somehow I had misjudged her desire to be catapulted in the air in a flimsy, fibreglass aircraft wearing a parachute ‘just in case’.”

In the end, John took the flight – he doesn’t say whether he bought his wife a replacement present – maybe she got to enjoy him going a “strange shade of puce” instead of her.

You can’t beat novelty gifts especially when it’s for a secret santa; nobody will ever know you gave your best friend a…Santa-themed mankini, which is what Jack Sultana did. Still, the tables were turned when Jack’s friend treated him and his mates to a “viewing”.

And then there’s Giz Edwards who bought his girlfriend a teenager’s backpack, complete with skateboard straps. It was, says Giz, a pretty rubbish present, but amazingly, his partner still regularly uses it.

What was your best ever gift?

John Robertson enjoyed winter sun with a plane tickets to Ibiza
Image: The Everyday Man

Plane tickets to Ibiza were the best gift John Robertson of men’s fashion, fitness, and lifestyle blog, The Everyday Man, ever received. For Jack Sultana, it was skiis which, considering he lives in Norway, were a very thoughtful gift, we think you’ll agree.

But there’s nothing quite like those special presents your mum and dad gave you when you were a kid.

For Geordie men’s fashion, lifestyle and grooming blogger, Michael of Michael 84, the Christmas present he remembers most fondly was the original Playstation. It was, he says, “a generation when gaming started to really boom, and I spent countless hours playing on it…” So much so that, when Sony released a classic version of the console last year, Michael just had to grab himself one.

For us, the best present of all has to be the one Beetle Campbell was given one year – his dog. As Beetle says: “You can’t beat a man’s best friend!”

What’s the funniest gift you’ve ever received?

Sneaking look at Christmas presents is never a good idea
Image: glenda

As for your funniest gift of all – Beetle says he once received a 4ft canvas of Prince Harry, who he’s often said to resemble! Check out his Insta feed if you want proof, although to be honest, you’ll probably be more interested in his stunning photography.

Featured in our #dresslikeyouricon article, snappy dresser Gary of Norton of Morton recalls his funniest ever gift as part of a bittersweet memory. In the days leading up to Christmas, he would visit the wardrobe where he knew his present was hidden – and tease away little bits of wrapping paper.

One year, he tore off enough to reveal a box on which he thought was written the word “robot” – a gift he really wanted. Sadly though, when he unwrapped the rest of his gift on Xmas day, it turned out to be a Gordon the Gopher plate, cup, and saucer set:

“I did get a surprise after all. And although I was a massive Gordon the Gopher fan, I’d have much preferred the robot.”

What would you most like to receive this year?

Stay cosy this winter in a new, warm coat
Featured product: Navy Padded Coat from Samuel Windsor

It turns out that as much as you dislike nasty shower gel/deodorant sets, you love it when someone puts thought into buying your gift. Not that any of us is above letting the odd hint drop here and there – like John Roberston of The Everyday Man who says:

“I love to give. I get much more joy from that than receiving, but if you must, my bottle of fragrance is running low…”

Hmm, very subtle but hey, if you don’t ask you don’t get. Jack Sultana is after a warm jacket for those Nordic winters; Beetle Campbell says he’s after: “The new GoPro Max so I can get some sweeeeet ski footage!”; while Giz Edwards has his eye on something a little more modest: “A wallet, perhaps.”

What are you buying your dad?

Framed photographs always make for a thoughtful gift
Image: Beetle Campbell

No-dig gardening expert Charles Dowding, whose excellent site featured in our retirement blogs roundup, says simply: ‘’I love giving people things – but not out of duty.”

But the pleasure of giving can sometimes be spoiled by the stress of finding the right gift. For many of us, our dads are by far the hardest to buy for because they never really seem to want anything.

Having said that, some of our influencers are planning highly individual and thoughtful gifts for their fathers. Like Beetle Campbell who is framing some of his Africa photos which were featured on BBC Earth.

As for the rest of us – we’re probably like John Roberston of The Everyday Man who says: “Dad is always a tricky one. I generally get him clothes and essentials such as socks.” Which is why we’ve come up with a special Christmas gift guide to help you find just the right gift for your difficult-to-buy-for father or father-in-law this Christmas.

The post Christmas presents – the good, the bad and the ugly appeared first on Samuel Windsor.

Samuel Windsor’s cracking Christmas presents for men


Looking for a Christmas present for a male of the species? Men are notoriously hard to buy for, but if you choose stylish classics like pyjamas, slippers, cufflinks and ties, you can’t go wrong. 

Remember – men don’t like fuss, but they do like their basics to ooze quality. Keep that in mind and you’re sure to find just the right gift for the man in your life this Christmas. Need a little help? Here are 10 of the best, beautifully packaged, Samuel Windsor presents for men:

1. Velvety, brushed cotton pyjamas
2. The ultimate pair of leather slippers
3. Exceptionally soft lambswool scarf
4. Sleek bar cufflinks
5. Dog-lover’s country tie
6. The poshest ever ‘box set’
7. Pure silk pocket square
8. Luxury black leather wallet
9. Stylish tweed gloves
10. Dapper men’s leather belt

1. Elegant nightwear

Soft, brushed cotton, tartan pyjamas provide all year round luxury
Image source: Red and blue tartan pyjamas from Samuel Windsor

Hugh always stuck with silk, but it’s not really all that breathable and anyway, who wants to come across as an aging Lothario? No. For a true gent who likes his luxuriously soft nightwear – you can’t go wrong with brushed cotton.

Perfect to wear as a set when the weather’s chilly – during the summer, he can mix and match the bottoms with a simple t-shirt. These navy and maroon tartan pyjamas are made for evenings by the fire, wrapped in his dressing gown, with perhaps a piece of shortbread and an Ovaltine to make him sleepy.

2. Cosy leather slippers

Sumptuous slippers made from the finest nappa leather would be appreciated by any gentleman
Image source: Brown leather outdoor mules from Samuel Windsor

The Rolls Royce of slippers, these handcrafted leather mules are beautifully constructed to include a fully padded footbed and luxury leather lining. Rugged slip-resistant soles make them ideal for popping out to the log pile or lazing around the house.

It’s the details that make them such a thoughtful gift. Packaged in a high quality box, they’re in a different league to your average high street chain store offerings – a pair of slippers like this is the perfect gift for the discerning gent in your life.

3. Pure lambswool scarf

Here’s an exceptionally soft scarf to set you apart
Image source: Pure lambswool scarf (navy stripe) from Samuel Windsor

The perfect accessory to keep him toasty on a Christmas walk across frost-crisped fields, this decadently soft lambswool scarf is sure to be a hit with men of all ages.

A men’s wardrobe standard, this classic navy number coordinates with more or less everything he owns – and if you buy him a red scarf too, he’ll be covered for all eventualities. It’s the perfect way to exude an air of sophistication on even the greyest of January days.

4. Cufflinks

Quality cufflinks always make a welcome gift
Image source: Bar cufflinks from Samuel Windsor

Buying cufflinks for a bloke? Keep it simple – just because a fellow likes to be dapper doesn’t mean he wishes to parade about looking like a mad parrot.

Check out these sleek bar cufflinks; they’re subtle enough for work and sophisticated enough for play. Featuring a minimalist four ridge centre feature, these cufflinks really do make the perfect Christmas gift for the man in your life, and as an added bonus, they come in a beautiful gift box – perfect for tucking inside a stocking.

5. Country tie

Man’s best friend gives this country tie a canine twist
Image source: Norton of Morton

What do you buy for a dog-loving “man about town”? Easy – this classic tie looks just as good with a navy wool suit and polished Oxfords as it does with his favourite tweed jacket and flat cap. Offering more than a nod to the country life, choose from a whole range of traditional country motifs.

Delivered in a stylish presentation box, this navy blue wool and silk country tie features traditional construction to ensure it drapes beautifully. An enduring favourite of the British gent, this is a classic accessory for anyone who feels there’s life in the old dog yet.

6. Bowtie and cummerbund box set

This stylish boxed set is also available in burgundy, midnight blue and red
Image source: Jack Sultana

Which gentleman wouldn’t love to receive this beautifully boxed cummerbund and bowtie set? A stylish addition to any formal event, choose from classic black, sumptuous burgundy, midnight blue or flamboyant red.

Remember – for the man who dines regularly at the captain’s table, a choice of different coloured accessories helps to breathe new life into a single dinner suit over the course of a lengthy cruise!

7. Silk squares

Silk squares are an elegant addition to a suit or blazer
Image source: Midnight blue silk square from Samuel Windsor

Give your man a blazer upgrade by gifting a pure silk square. Available in red, white and blue, these squares come beautifully packaged in ribbon-tied envelopes. A classy addition to any suit, wearing a silk square in the breast pocket is a great way to personalise men’s formal wear.

If your chap prefers a cotton square in his suit pocket to battle the seasonal sniffles, stuff his stocking with some deluxe, wonderfully soft 100% cotton handkerchiefs instead.

8. Leather wallet

Luxury accessories that are used every day make excellent gifts
Image source: Black leather wallet from Samuel Windsor

Every modern British gent needs a sleek leather wallet. It’ll give him style points whether he’s paying for his mid-morning caffeine boost, or picking up the drinks tab after work.

A genuine waxed leather wallet ages gracefully, ensuring that – like him – it will only get better as time goes on. Sleek and minimalist, this beautifully lined wallet is supplied in a smart presentation box.

9. Leather & tweed gloves

These handsome gloves are made from supple leather and genuine Harris tweed
Image source: Harris tweed leather gloves from Samuel Windsor

Tweed is an everlasting men’s wardrobe favourite. At this time of year, a pair of tweed gloves is the perfect accessory to keep him warm on a long walk, and when it’s time to get back to the grindstone, these are perfectly smart enough to keep his hands warm on cold morning commutes. Alternatively, choose a smart pair of plain leather gloves in brown or black.

10. Plaited men’s leather belt

A beautifully made leather belt lasts a lifetime
Image source: Plaited leather belt from Samuel Windsor

Looking for the best in belts? This casual brown leather belt will see your dapper gent through many an occasion, including lazy Sundays in jeans and smart casual evenings out.

How about something a little more unusual? Braces demand boldness, so embrace some colour here. Navy blue braces will brighten up even the most dreary February day. Or lean into seasonal colours with a set in polka-dot burgundy.

Still think men are hard to buy for? We doubt it, but if you do want more options from which to choose, make sure you check out our full range of menswear – from wool coats to brogues and everything in between – we offer quality British styling at affordable prices.

The post Samuel Windsor’s cracking Christmas presents for men appeared first on Samuel Windsor.