Branching out....

I'm now officially on twitter. Follow, comment and take part....

'An Education'....

Sitting alongside films such as 'A Single Man', Lone Sherfig's 'An Education' (2009) is set in the very stylish early 60's. Based on the Nick Hornby novel, it's a fairly simple story of a young British girl seduced by the suave, and much older, David. Yet again, as well as being a suberb film, it's the style on display that steals the show! Tailored suits, slim ties and enough Brylcreem to open a barber shop with. Highly recommended.






Funnily enough, the blazer worn by Peter Sarsgaard above is almost an exact replica of the REISS Prince of Wales Checked one I have in my wardrobe- I will post a photo later this week....

Like a Rolling Stone....

How did this photo shoot ever get past me?

Put a sock in it....

'Fairfield' shoe from REISS AW/10.

It's very much january so I'm still relying on my brown 'Monk' style shoes from REISS to keep me ploughing through the drizzle soaked streets. Guys, you always need to take care of your shoes- remembering that women seem to forever be saying "You can tell a lot about a man by his....". True or not, the point actually is that so many guys let themselves down with shoddy, dull, scuffed footwear. Don't do this. You may also wish to think a little higher, not metaphorically, but more towards your ankle and choice of socks!

Put simply, the classic choice is always a good option; Navy suit= Navy socks. Grey suit with....you guessed it. But why not throw a brighter shade in there? You can even match your tie or pocket square, red tones work amazingly well with blue suits and brown shoes! I like to add a colourful splash to my tailored outfits, bright stripey Paul Smith ones always draw the eye as an unexpected flash of colour!



I have recently discovered some amazing Farisle socks from D.S Dundee- These will look great with jeans and brogues as well as adding interest to a more formal ensemble. If like me you are suffering with cold feet this winter, these will warm you up as well as looking fine on the ankle!





Avaliable at www.dsdundee.com

Espressamente per lei....

Expressly for you!

I have a routine in the morning, without doubt my favourite time of the day. Getting ready for work, having breakfast and drinking good coffee! I've very recently invested in this stove-top espresso maker from 'Bialetti'. These simple coffee pots have been in use for years and are commonplace in many households throughout Italy- I use mine everyday! Although not strictly related to my personal style, a good cup of espresso when starting the day makes me feel as well put together as any tailored blazer that I'm wearing (well, almost....).







I picked mine up from 'Carluccio's', but they are readily avaliable from several other outlets- Just look for the man with the moustache!

Camel tones....

I came across this image a while ago. If I dress this well as I get older then something is surely going well! To me this personifies classic Italian style through the colder months. I love the attention to detail; black tie and shoes matching the leather gloves in his coat pocket, as well as the grey flannel trousers with a neat cuff at the ankle. This said, the highlight for me has to be the white pocket square at the chest- Is this not the perfect way of expressing sartorial flair even when covered up in a heavy camel overcoat? Amazing stuff....



Photo by Scott Schuman of 'The Sartorialist'.

Spring is in the air....

Well even if spring isn't ACTUALLY in the air (seeing as I'm still having to wear gloves to work), the new SS/11 collections are swiftly setting in! Time to start thinking about my new spring/summer style staples. In the meantime these examples from the big hitters offer food for thought....

Dunhill SS/11;


D&G SS/11;

The Sartorialist: 'A Visual Life'....

I've just found this short film about Scott Schuman the writer/photographer of 'The Sartorialist'. I've always been quite open about my appreciation of this guy and his amazing body of work so this film offered a great insight into Scott's daily routine and motivation for his art. Enjoy.

Something Special....

These Stunning Cufflinks from 'Tiffany and Co' were a gift from someone special. I look forward to wearing them with my classic double cuff shirts all year round, whether it be under a suit or blazer, that flash of elegant silver speaks volumes.

'Up In The Air'....

Yet another film I cannot praise enough, 'Up In The Air' was released in 2009 and directed by Jason Reitman. It doesn't matter how much of the winter blues or January plague (like me!) you suffer from, I can never help but smile when this is on. Seeing as I am currently on the mend after being struck down with a bout of sickness, words seem to be escaping me at present- I did however want to give a quick nod towards how sharp George Clooney looks in the film. I especially love the 'Brooks Brothers' leather tie case he travels with!





Stay tuned for my own post on how to streamline your own travel habits (for a weekend away/work trip etc) in order to maintain a sharp and fresh appearance at all times....