The Start of November

What a crazy start to the month it has been. There have been more punting opportunities than you could shake a stick at and plenty of wacky stuff happening around Sydney. The Presidential race is now over, with Romney losing to Obama (even though he had more than a million more votes than Obama - the US electoral system...go figure!), although he definitely has his work cut out for him with Hurricane Sandy wreaking havoc on the international gateway city of New York and its surrounding states/areas. I saw someone on facebook said the other day 'Imagine if Gangnam Style was actually a rain dance and we brought Hurricane Sandy on ourselves?!'. Rather insensitive but at the same time a clear reflection on the viral nature of pop culture in today's world. Psy even came to Sydney, where our local teen rent a crowd went nuts for him, Gangnam styling all over Martin Place...is Psy involved with some sort of conspiracy rain-dance jive? I don't think so, besides its all sunny here!

We have also had the Melbourne Cup, the race which stops the nation - or more precisely Victoria (who have somehow managed to squeeze another public holiday out of an equine day out), where the favourites to win did nothing of the sort "I backed Green Moon for the win...yeehaa!", said no one ever.
I definitely think that the Melbourne Cup did suffer (in terms of revenue) from the Oz Lotto Australian record $100 million draw. It was on the same day, and just outside of our offices here in Martin Place we had the TAB pop up betting tent and the big screen as well as the kiosk news agents both filled with lines 10-15 people deep. What recession? Even on the morning shows the presenters were talking about what they were going to do with their $100 mil, how they were going on holidays, giving money to family to open up a new store, etc. I think the winnings were shared for it, but there was some syndicate of scores of people from around the eastern seaboard that got a good slice of the $100 mil. Good on them!
So, great start to the month, and lets keep the excitement rolling! By the way; I heard that Brad and Angelina (nee Brangenila) may be moving to Sydney to shoot a film here. Now that's exciting (more so than Brad's recent foray into designer furniture.

Swims - straight from Norway in time for the Sydney Summer!

We have a conscious effort within the Barclays team to improve the footwear choices of Australian men. We have been noticing around Martin Place that men are making a more consistent effort with their formal shoes.
Casual Fridays bring out a whole list of characters that you wish were left at the back of the cupboard. Runners with Jeans...thongs from the convenience store...scuffed square-toed white snakeskin slip ons. We know that in summer men are looking for something that breathes and is versatile.
Perfect for wearing with shorts, casual fridays (the black lace or flat front) Swims (of Norway) are the must haves of this year. Already huge in the US and Europe (particularly the Nordic regions - where loafers actually originated); Swims of Norway specialise in rain ready footwear with a range from Galoshes (those things you wish you had when it starts raining and you are wearing your suede brogues - just slip them over your shoes and keep everything dry), to waterproof oxfords, and particularly loafers.
I saw them a year and a half ago at Project in Las Vegas and fell in love.
So, wasting no more of your time...get shopping...here @ barclays sydney 

It Puts the Lotion on Its Skin

Summer is definitely on its way and it is gearing up to be a hot one! Saturday of last weekend (and the proposed 34 degrees for tomorrow) Sydney really put on a show with a warm temperature and beautiful blue skies.

Our lack of ozone, hot temps and love for everything outdoors in Australia has meant that protecting our skin is at the fore-front of social issues over the next couple of months. Obviously getting a good sun screen is essential.

For all you men out there who head down to the beach with mates, often the others do not want to "put the lotion on YOUR skin". Problem? Sun screen in an aerosol can...Solution! Just spray and lay.

And every year down at the beach at about this time one of the major news services heads down to Bondi and gets some footage of all of the young sun-bathers and puts it in the evening news along with content close to the tune of "doctors warn of the potential for skin cancer when getting a tan". Definitely the older you get, the more you realise that getting a tan is not the most important thing; but try explaining that to the younger generation who have been waiting all year to do so.

In many other countries getting a tan is actually avoided at all costs, as it suggests that these people are of a lower socio-economic stature and hence have to work menial tasks in the outdoors. A lot of reasoning Australians give for valuing a tan is that it shows that you spend time outdoors and hence are 'healthier'. Value systems and differences between cultures are sometimes dichotomies which offer an insight into lifestyle and day to day life.

All I can say is slip, slop, slap. Enjoying time in the sun and on the beach is important and will always be very much a part of Australia. But when you head down to the beach take sun screen. Get some summer attire; some loafers, nice board shorts and a long sleeves white linen button up to pair with it. This gives a really relaxed vibe but adds an air of style to your look, as everyone around you struts in their fluro and sequined singlets.

Also - sunglasses...and polarized at that. Protect your eyes as much as your skin Ray Ban do quite a few really nice ones http://www.ray-ban.com/australia

Top it off with a nice hat http://www.strandhatters.com.au/ have some really nice panama hats that are really on trend at the moment.

Most importantly enjoy the summer!

Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs



Being a tourist in your own city

Born and bred in Sydney I have been to most places, even though some of them may have been years ago. But it never ceases to amaze me how Sydney can offer you the most amazing little spots that you never knew existed.

A shot from last Sunday

Especially around the harbour there are some particularly special spots. I went to a wedding on the weekend which was in Lavender bay. Sunday afternoon - the weather really turned it on! Not a cloud around, warm, no wind; absolutely fantastic. I havn't been to this particular part of the north side of the bridge (just over it), I think it was Clark Park...the view was spectacular and just gave the most sensational vibe, everyone there was have a fantastic time. We walked from there down an alley, underneath a distressed and no-longer in operation railway line, along the wharf-walkway to Luna Park for the party. It was a sensational afternoon/evening.
Well chosen for a wedding setting as the spot had the entire guest list in a fantastic mood. Everyone was taking photos of the aspect, and just enjoying being tourists in their own city! As I said, there are plenty of these spots around the harbour, from some of the national parks on the northern side of the harbour, to some of the secluded beaches. Observatory Hill is another spot that not many Sydney-siders have frequented. I went there the other day to style a photo shoot, and what a gem! Literally ON the bridge (the East-Western side) which is like the eye of the storm - with all of the cars rushing along the bridge, you have this serene park and aspect of the northern and western side of Sydney. Walking down the stairs you get to the end of Kent street, with quaint 'old-Sydney-town' residences, a salubrious almost vintage single tennis court as well as a superb looking restaurant I believe it is called Galileo (and is part of the Observatory Hotel). And if you walk down Kent street and turn right on Argyle you end up in Sydney's historic Rocks area!
So, I encourage Sydney-siders to get out and enjoy our city as much as they would when they are in a foreign place. Walk, take pictures and dine out!

Bar Review: Hugo's Bar and Lounge Kings X

I don't spend that much time in Kings Cross, not because of the much hyped bad reputation that the place has, but the appeal is just not that great. Drunk, young people trawling the streets just doesn't seem conducive to a good evening.
That said, I remain that there are only two respectable establishments left in the area for a nice evening; Gazebo (if you want to pay through the nose) or Hugo's (Bayswater road). The bad reputation of the area was reinforced as we saw the subsidised 'roaming Kings X security' strolling around outside, as well as all staff wearing t-shirts saying "we hear Kings X" (see their facebook group here). This group is partitioning for the proposed new rules to ban things like shots, doubles, etc. after 12am (which is actually aimed at reeling in the cause of Kings X's reputation - alcohol fueled violence). Now I get it - it is bad for sales, bars want to sell more drinks, including after 12. But perhaps they should consider that if the proposed changes happen then it will actually reduce alcohol related problems, therefore improving the reputation of the area and in turn bringing more people to the area (more customers!). So I thought it was a bit shortsighted of the staff to be supporting this resistance (they said every bar in the area had their staff wearing the t-shirts and were all in support of the petition).
Any who...I was taken with the 2 tequila cocktails, outstanding - I highly recommend this drink to people. Soda water, a couple of fresh limes - perfect. I got addicted to these drinks in San Francisco on a recent trip! But the main thing was the $5 pizzas. Nice and thin crusts, they have prawn, salami, a beautiful margarita as well as others. I have several dietary requirements and they catered specifically for them, which I was extremely excited about (I have been turned away by hatted restaurants before because of my dietary requirements) - gluten, dairy and yeast free pizza (with prawns). And mind you - they were MORE than happy to oblige and make this special request for me, no mention of it being any trouble at all. The manager was particularly nice about the whole thing!
So, hit them up - there are a couple of Hugo's (Manly, etc.) but I definitely recommend the one in Kings Cross if you want to head to the Golden Mile, but want to be treated like a gentleman or a lady!

Accessorize gents!

Please, don't walk around carrying loose papers, or your laptop in an office-works case (no offense, just keep it sartorial!). Barclays introduced shuky on the 16.03.12. Designed in Australia, with a modern twist on the manilla folder (in leather) with ample protection to hold your iPad or MacBooks.

Its always nice to have something on you that starts a conversation with strangers. Whenever I walk into a meeting with my iPad in one of these people say, "where did you get that?" you gotta love that!?

Still don't get it? Check out their video:

Shop shuky

A REAL bow tie

We are proud to welcome Le Noeud Papillon (from 13.03.12). The only place for bow-ties in Australia!


When people say: a real bow tie, they mean one that you can tie yourself. Keeping it strictly sartorial, Le Noeud Papillon Sydney creates extremely well crafted bow ties (right here in Sydney!).

Wearing a clip on bow tie, next to a guy that is wearing a limited edition silk self tied bat wing bow can induce jealousy and envy. Do yourself a favourite and avoid this, and dress with style, and shop Le Noeud Papillon

Keeping it cool...

A cool movie the boys as Venroy have done:

Venroy Boardshorts

Barclays Sydney is Proud to introduce (from the 1.03.12)


Venroy

They make boardies that are better than your average, perfect to pair with a casual shirt and loafers and hit the town or the beach. Endless possibilities!

"VENROY was created in the summer of 2010 by Theo Smallbone and Sean Venturi. Fuelled by a love of sun, sand and summer shenanigans. Made in Australia with acute attention to quality, style and function" - Venroy

For more information head to http://www.venroy.com.au/

Or start shopping the styles here > Venroy <

What's new...?

I created this blog quite some time ago, since all energy has been focused on getting Barclays online. Our online presence is now concretely established and we feel reflects our many years in the retail industry. We are constantly making changes to our website, any big changes you will be notified of.

I wanted to re-kindle this blog to free up our website www.barclays.net.au to be solely focused on provided our loyal customers with men's fashion at reasonable prices. That is, have all of our information of new products and updates as well as fashion tips and advice right from the source to be displayed on our Barclays Sydney blog.

So, for fashion tips as well as the opportunity to stay up to date with whats new and whats going on with www.barclays.net.au keep in touch with this blog spot. To be even more efficient, follow our blog and receive all of the updates without lifting a finger (mouse), just look to your right to do so...

The team at Barclays.