Fred Perry x Drakes

It seems like the exclusivity of a collaboratory collection has been shunned in favour of the garnered hype and swarming consumers of late.

REJOICE! lets bask in the glory of the latest offering to the high street in the form of Fred Perry's amalgamation with Drakes. Has a pairing ever been so apt? Everyone's favourite flag bearer of mod-style and the eponymous producer of printed silk scarves, now the largest producer of handmade ties in England.

The collection looks like Paul Weller's personal wardrobe has gone up for sale, but hey that's a fucking cool wardrobe to get your hands on!

The best bits:

Boot 'iful

Winter is most definitely upon us and the ever present danger of getting absolutely soaked in London usually ends up in the rat drowning scenario dreaded when leaving work of an evening. Stepping down off the pavement into a foot of water built up over a leaf blocked storm drain while concentrating on not being run down.

What you can do is arm yourself with the suitable accoutrements of a fly fisherman. Waders? check, bucket hat, check, waterproof mac, check, psch as if.

The mac I can work with, elsewhere the main combatant of the changeable climate is a decent pair of boots. Just in case you weren't aware wearing wellingtons in any city just makes you look lost and just because you're wearing a flat cap and grew up on a farm, that doesn't make it OK.

Bollocks to the rain drenched pavements, BOOT UP!

1. Grenson Clyde
2. Grenson Fred Commando Sole
3. Loake Bedale
4. Cheaney Tweed Commando Sole
5. Alfred Sargent Cambridge
6. Common People Brogue Boot
7. Cheaney Pennine
8. Alfred Sargent Hannover Commando Sole
9. Dr. Martens Anthony Boot

Outfit Post December '12

Ok, so by now I think we can safely say that the military 'camo' look has re-established itself once again in the domain of popular fashion.

However if, like me you're getting a bit tired of the seeing the same army surplus gear everywhere you look, you may rather start to deconstruct the trend and look at other ways of getting a military air.

You don't have to look as though you're setting of into the forest to bunker down on a watch patrol. Subtle combinations will go a long way to defining a more complete look.

Below I've set out a combination of piece's with military inspiration but on a much more subdued tip, looking for an 'off-duty officer' more than a commando.

The fedora is maybe a bit eccentric and probably not for all but it set's the look off nicely and recounts a 1940's swagger.

NB: (I've seen the O2 ad with Gary Oldman too many times and I'm subconsciously trying to incorporate fedora's and trilby's into my outfits).

Add a camouflage bandana as a pocket square.

PS: Tartan, comeback.

1. Pure Wool Fedora
2. Lambswool Scarf
3. Chesterfield Coat
4. Denim Jacket
5. Crew Neck Roll Sleeve T-Shirt
6. Chino Flat Front Trousers
7. Lincoln Tassle Loafers

Loveable Brogues

A British classic but with so many different style's to choose from and additions such as commando/crepe/Dianite soles, a point in the right direction and a helping hand is well received.

Renewed interest in heritage British brands has seen a resurgence for shoemakers such as Grenson and Loake which have helped expand the lines and give more varied designs. Both now offer an extensive choice, whilst retaining their reasonable pricing. It's great to see brands like this back in the fore and it's constantly astounding to consider the craftsmanship that goes in to creating such a thing of beauty as a wing tip brogue.

Below are my top picks for the winter with a few American alternatives thrown in for good measure:

1. Loake Royal Burgundy
2. Mark McNairy Commando Sole Country Brogue Loden Green
3. Florsheim Longwing Black
4. Grenson Sid Burgundy
5. Grenson USN Officer Brogue Black
6. Grenson Archie Tan
7. Loake Braemar Tan
8. Grenson Commando Sole Archie Dark Brown
9. Dr. Martens 3989 Cherry Red
10. Loake Badminton Dark Brown Grain

Strange Times

What a funny old economic condition we find ourselves in of late, ey.

I don't know about you but the prospect of spending a four figure sum on a watch holds very little appeal, however a phone just will not cut it. For the meantime at least my aspirations of vintage Rolex Submariners or even Omega Seamasters will have to be put on hold.

In my search for affordable time keepers I managed to find a whole host of watches under £400, so accordingly here's a run down of the most stylish attainable wrist accessories out there:

1. Swatch Wonder Zebra
2. Rotary Les Originales Limited Edition
3. Rotary Originales
4. Timex Originals Easy Reader
5. Timex Originals Indiglo Camper
6. Mondaine Evo
7. Casio Classic
8. Swatch Hiding Grey
9. Casio Alarm Chronograph

Outfit Post November '12

Every now and then it's nice to have a little helping hand when it comes to getting dressed, some assurance that you're making the right choices.

So by way of an outfit post hopefully I can give you a rough guide and some pointers, sort an online stylist if you will.

The aim will be to put together affordable outfits without designer price tags but maintaining the simple rules about fit and cut that I have tried to impart so far.

Any questions are well received and if you want to know where to get the items I will post website links under each snap shot.

H&M x MMM

If you haven't already got a look at the collaboration everyone's talking about, don't waist another minute.

Released in store and online in the UK on the 15th November (prepare for ridiculous queue length) there are a wealth of 'must haves'.

Below I've picked my key pieces.