Mystery Style Icon....

I've never been shy of the fact that I love tailoring when worn classically. With that said, I also champion those who put their very own personality, flair and signature on any chosen tailored ensemble. Obviously a suit looks great when worn with simplicity, sobriety and elegance- Yet whats more interesting than injecting some fun into the mix with a hint of pattern, texture or colour. With this in mind I want to share these shots of a gent I found at streetfsn.blogspot.co.uk. I have no clue who this guy is, if you do please share, but in the meantime- I doff my cap sir!

The smell of spring time....

If you've been reading this blog for a while you will already be well aware that Acqua Di Parma 'Colonia' is my everyday fragrance of choice. Granted I have a select few others I dabble with across the seasons (Tom Ford Tobacco/Vanille in Winter for example), but as the temperatures creep up this will always be what I reach for. If however you see this as disposable information regarding how I choose to smell on a daily basis, it is purely becuse I wanted to share this image with you....

Scale it back....

The great Duke Of Windsor was well known, in terms of sartorial expression, for mixing patterns in his tailored ensembles. Checks, stripes you name it and The Duke has worn it with flair and confidence. It has been said that he would always insist that the key to mixing patterns was all about the scale....A simple mix of large VS small across the suit, shirt and tie. I couldn't agree more and look forward to sharing with you my own examples all season long....




Some of my very own recent choices....

Shoes and socks appeal....

If you're reading this then I assume you have a keen interest in nice shoes. In fact let me re-phrase that- Good shoes. My personal opinion on the subject is this; Although some of the most stylish statements can be made with spending very little, shoes are one of the items in you're wardrobe that need as much investment and consideration as possible. By this I dont mean spending incredile amounts of you're hard earned on extravagent, designer clogs- More so to search out the best and most durable you can afford. Like bags and coats, shoes deserve a large wedge of you're style-bound budget.

Stepping into spring I've tried to tick as many boxes as possible in my choice. First up is a classic, brown lace up. Perfect with tailoring or any other smart ensemble you have planned, but this shoe also sits well when going sockless with rolled hems or going the 'Ivy League' route with shorts when the temperature climbs. My second choice for spring-time footwear would be the 'Hayling' suede brogue from the REISS Spring/ Summer collection. The seasonal colour gives denim and chino's a whole new lease of life, but pair them with a tailored navy suit and the look given is one of ease, certainty and being effortlessly well put together.




If you're still feeling it too early for the 'sockless look' (You could well be right) why not treat your shoes to an accent of colour at the ankle?! Right now I favour rust shades....More versatile and striking than you would imagine. But really they're just socks, wear whatever colour you want and have some fun!




Check out my footwear choice HERE in greater detail.

Transitional Footwear....

I've always been fairly vocal about my love for Sperry footwear- The classic 'Topsider' deck shoe has long since been a staple in my collection, Spring/Summer inparticular. But what about the limbo-esque period of weather we currently find ourselves in? Transitional casual shoes are usually pretty hard to come by....Until I caught wind of the 'Boat Oxford' from Sperry!



With the ruggedness of a brogue and the comfort of a deck shoe, these tick every box for my needs. Great with denim, chino's and even shorts for when the sun eventually decide to put an appearnce in!



Additional features include;

-Good quality suede uppers.
-Durable leather laces.
-Punctured Wingtip brogue detaling.
-Cushioned foot-bed (Trust me these are SO comfortable).
-Perfect for ALL weather conitions.



Watch this space over the next few days for some of how I personally style Sperry 'Boat Oxford' shoes.

A very tailored afternoon in the sun....

On Monday I once again found myself strolling around London's Mayfair in gorgeous weather armed with nothing other than a single-breasted navy suit, deer coloured knitted tie and my trusted brown brogues. The reason for this outing I look forward to sharing with you very soon, but in the meantime take a look at my chosen ensemble....





If you want to take a closer look at what I'm wearing then follow the links to the REISS website HERE and HERE.

Curremtly Reading....

Dont you just love style magazines? It goes without saying that we all enjoy our monthly GQ, Esquire and the like, but what about the bi-monthly and seasonal editorials that I personally couldn't do without. Over the next few weeks I will share a few of my personal recommendations including 'Fantastic Man', 'Man About Town' ,and of course, 'The Rake'.

So whats ticking my Style editorial boxes right now? It has to be PORT Magazine. The new issue is celebrating its 1st Birthday with the perfect mix of art, culture and style review written with the usual balance of thought and consideration.....The interview with Mr Philip Seymour Hoffman by Samantha Morton makes for paricularly fantastic reading.

New York City....

Before I start embracing the warmer season, I wanted to share with you a small glimpse into the way I spent my 30th (Yes I know....) Birthday. A very special person whisked me away to the Big Apple for an unforgettable trip to what I consider the greatest city on earth! It was fashion week, perfectly cold, extremely sunny and I was far too busy and excited to capture any blog/outfit/style related shots to
share with you here....Almost.



Early morning at the New York City Public Library....



So, how do I reccommend getting kitted out for a day pounding the pavements of Manhattan on a freezing, brisk and bright day in the city? Firstly you need sunglasses in Manhattan. Fact. Although only when sunny, you need not ask what model I was wearing. Secondly a lightweight 'husky' or blouson style jacket is also essential. My quilted Barbour offers enough warmth when layered with a cardigan and denim shirt, but is great for rolling up and throwing into a bag if needs be. Perfect.





At Bryant Park....



Denim is fine for a day in the city, but I always prefer a slim chino. Far more comfortable, these will take you from an afternoon out and about to a Broadway show and drinks afterwards. As for footwear? My choice was a pair of chunky brogues that are warm, comfortable and hard-wearing enough for rambling through Central Park....As well as being smart enough for lunch and taking in some art at the Metropolitan Museum Of Art.




Lastly the accessories. A cashmere Burberry scarf and lamb-skin Paul Smith gloves (harmonious with the shoes as always) prove to be the perfect cold weather accessories.

I'm Back!....Again.

Hello. Over the last few months, weeks and days I've been living with little, or no, internet access- This is my one and only excuse for a clear lack of posts, updates and anything else resembling a sartorial musing of any kind. These dark times are now at a end, I'm well and truly connected and looking forward to once again sharing everything with you as we enter a new year and season of style.



Thanks as always.
Matt