'Such a Pitti....'

More greatness from Florence and the eye of Tommy Ton....








YES Ben!!!

All this and a LOT more at www.jakandjil.com

'The Gents Dresser reads....'

Forget this being something for the coffee table, this book is to be savoured and every detail poured over. Written by Savile Row figure-head James Sherwood, and featuring a foreword by Mr Tom Ford, this is a complete pictoral history of 'The Golden Mile'. Featuring all of the major tailoring houses on the street, as well as some lesser known names in and around the Mayfair area of London, I literally can't put this down! With accomapanying written texts, the book is brimming with some of the most stunning photo's I've ever seen in a fashion publication- Tailoring through the ages as well as some familiar faces that have worn it best. Anyone with even a fleeting interest, or aspiration, towards tailoring needs this in their life. I know I do.





Needless, but worthy, mention is that Steve McQueen had all his suits for 'The Thomas Crown Affair' made by Douglas Hayward in Mayfair. Just in case you were wondering....

A questions answered....

Thanks for all the questions and feedback I've had regarding the blog. Always noted and appreciated. I've recently once again been asked a common question, something simple that has cropped up a couple of times over the last few months, so thought I'd tackle it right here;

"Hi there Matt, have just come across your website today and was very impressed and interested in what I read. I stumbled across your site while looking for some information, or rather inspiration for an up and coming family wedding. I am going to be wearing a slim cut 2 button grey suit (I have opted for this as I wear navy suits at work and do not favour black for these occasions). I wanted to wear a burgundy knitted tie and also a pocket square. My question to you is this; Will the burgundy tie work with the suit, do I have 2 match the pocket square to the tie and if not what would you suggest? Finally, should I go with another colour shirt (light blue) or should I stick to White?"

So, in my opinion a white shirt is a safe, simple and classic choice. Easy. Yes burgundy works with light blue shades as well, but if this is you're choice you will have to be creative with what you wear in your breast pocket. My advice? Stick to white with a double cuff and throw on a knitted or club stripe tie for a point of interest. As for the pocket square, do NOT match to your tie- Never a good look. Keep the tones in the same colour palette, but instead why not try to match your tie with your socks, cufflinks or anything else that doesn't look to 'try-hard'.





If you wanted something a little more fun with a touch of flair, why not try a splash of paisley....





Oh, and don't forget if you're wearing a 3-piece, be prepared with something to put in your waist-coat pocket....You know the jackets always come off at a wedding!

Pitti, 2012....

No words needed here....











Check out more from www.streetfsn.blogspot.com

A 'Double Breasted' fitting....

The 'Latchman' suit from the REISS SS/12 collection speaks for itself. Made from Italian wool (Biella to be precise) and meticulous in design, it's an addition worth investing in this season....







The 'Latchman' is available here.

The 'Herringbone' blazer....

A pattern? A texture? Either way, 'Herringbone' is a commonly used term across many menswear collections. I'm of the opinion that it's best applied to over-coats, blazers and (at times) tailoring. With a retro appeal that is perfect for the colder months, I wear mine with pretty much anything- Dress it up or dress it down. Oh, for future reference, the term 'Herringbone' derives from the patterns resemblance of a herring's spine. Fact.



I've chosen to finsih the look off with some heavy brogues (It's cold outside) and some burgundy Fair-Isle socks. Easy.

The Perfect Combination....

For the last time this year I wanted to bring out one of my favourite combinations, with a twist. Navy suits, im my humble opinion, were made to be worn with burgundy accessories- Ties, pockets squares, socks ANYTHING! In this instance I'm going for a single breasted wool number with peaked lapel and fine pin-stripe worn with a classic white (double-cuff) shirt and burgundy knitted tie. The weave of the tie adds a bit of texture to the soft wool making the outfit appear more slick, stylish and nonchalantly considered, rather than stiff, stuffy and contrived....Which is never a good look, clothes should be enjoyed and worn. The only thing in this instance that should be stiff and lifeless is the white pocket square rounding of the ensemble in my breast pocket. Nice.





The thing I love most about wearing something like this is that it truly is classic and timeless. If you saw the look shot in black and white, its hard to tell what era it was taken! Or perhaps thats just me STILL trying to be on Madison Avenue in the 1960's....






Have a great New Years Eve everyone. Here's to a stylish 2012....

A Ton from Tommy....

Street-Style snapper Tommy Ton always captures those oh-so-important details perfectly. Had to share these from his Jack&Jil blog....










Check out the blog here!