Wednesday 29 February 2012
Oscar dudes 2012
I don't know whether it's a subconscious bias on my part, but I've just noticed that three of these gentlemen are British.
Ducker and Son
Having moved to wearing bespoke suits many years ago, and in more recent years to bespoke shirts (both of which I'll write about another time), last year I decided to try ordering some bespoke shoes from Ducker and Son on Turl Street in Oxford for the first time.
I went to University at Oxford so I've been aware of Ducker's bespoke service for ages. Of course, I could never afford them as a student.
According to Duckers, previous clients have included Baron von Richthofen (aka The Red Baron), J.R.R. Tolkien and Evelyn Waugh, amongst many others.
I've now got four pairs; a traditional black brogue, a brogued black single monk, black loafers and a pair of suede boots.
All fit me superbly. Better than any off the shelf shoe. But that's not surprising. After all the human body isn't symmetrical - in my case it turns out that one of my feet is a completely different size to the other.
But what I like most about them is the small details. For example, the brogues are lined with red leather with just the tiniest sliver of red being visible between the lace holes. A tiny, discrete detail but one that works in the rather straight laced (ouch!) City world where I ply my trade. I'll add a photo when I get a chance.
http://www.duckerandson.co.uk/
Raspberry Pi
This will probably be one of the most blogged subjects in the UK today but I don't care.
When I was a teenager I had a BBC Micro PC and spent a lot of time building my own games. I think that the creation of the Raspberry Pi is just fantastic and probably overdue.
I'll get one for my kids as soon as I can.
http://www.raspberrypi.org/
Tuesday 28 February 2012
The Guns of Navarone
The Guns of Navarone is, of course, a classic WW2 film.
But it also boasts a very impressive sartorial line up. For example:
Gregory Peck's off white suit with its well judged shirt and tie.
Also consider:
Peck's, and David Niven's, peacoats.
James Robertson Justice's DB cotton grey suit.
Minus weapons, none of them would look out of place in Shoreditch!
The dragon soars
What is hubris anyway?
Wales have risen to 5th in the world rankings following the Triple Crown securing win over England on Saturday.
Let's hope this momentum can be maintained.
Monday 27 February 2012
What a turn up
They say that style is timeless.
When I first started work in the City back at the end of the 80's it was obligatory to have turn ups on suit trousers.
I have spent the last decade or so being told that no turn up is allowed.
Style gurus are now in favour of turn ups again.
What this illustrates, perfectly, is that style is indeed timeless. Make up your mind what works for you and don't be afraid to change.
Style is how you see the world, not how the world sees you.
Another planet
Wow. These ads are real, believe it or not.
Just goes to show how attitudes have changed over the years.
Also a timely reminder that the new series of Mad Men will air very soon!
The Artist(e)
I watched The Artist last night, just ahead of it winning five oscars.
My thoughts were that it was a highly original, witty and beautifully crafted film. I particularly enjoyed the 'sound nightmare' concept. I thought the ending was ambiguous; was it pride or his accent (or both?) that meant he couldn't become a talkie star?
My other (and highly predictable) thought is that Berenice Bejo is an absolute babe. What an actress. What charm. I suspect that her career (and that of Jean Dujardin) will now hit stellar heights.
Sunday 26 February 2012
Vintage rugby shirts
I spotted someone at Twickenham yesterday wearing this English vintage rugby shirt and I've immediately bought the Welsh equivalent.
The quality is excellent (easily as good as A&F) and the look is timeless - the design is based on international rugby shirts from c.1900.
This is real rugby gear for real rugby fans. Ralph Lauren eat your heart out!
http://rhinogb.com/store/mens-C.html
Cymru am byth!
It was wonderful to win but it certainly wasn't a walkover.
Well done England for playing their part in a match that had us spectators enthralled. On a sunny day and a perfect pitch both sides did what they promised to do and played with adventure - backing their skills at every opportunity.
For Wales this was an important victory - not only beating the old enemy on their home ground but also beating a team that's more highly rated by the IRB.
I'm reminded of Max Boyce's favourite line; "Wales defeated England in a fast and open game".
Spring style for grown ups
I don't know these two gentlemen pictured strolling into the square at Somerset House last week but I must applaud their style.
Three thoughts occur to me:
Firstly, as ever, I'm a firm believer in achieving both form and function. Superficially, here we have two men who seem to be utterly relaxed and comfortable in apparently simple ensembles, however for those that care to take a closer look there are also a myriad of details to pick up on that allow each of them to make his own, unique statement.
The second aspect of this picture that caught my eye is the colour palette that they are using; khaki, green, blue, brown. These are the colours of spring. Perfectly judged.
Finally, they are not young men and I know as a man in my 40s that it's all too easy for us to get workwear right (it's tricky to mess up a suit, shirt, tie and shoes) and to get casual wear utterly wrong. Too many 40-something men dress as if they're teenagers - think slogan T-shirts and skinny trousers.
These gentlemen have it nailed.
Saturday 25 February 2012
Go Wales!
Just about to head off to Twickenham for pre match food, drink and chatter.
Let's hope Gatland's men can live up their undoubted promise and beat what will be a well-drilled, fit, strong and competitive England rugby team.
Happy birthday, Alex
Alex Masterley is 50!
Congratulations to the writer and illustrator of this brilliant British national treasure, Russell and Charles.
Pack up your troubles
After several years of messenger and tote bags being in the ascendancy, there's no doubt that the traditonal backpack, or haversack as they used to be called (in my mind at least), is now starting to increase in frequency.
I'm on the lookout for an ultra traditional canvas and leather one. I'll keep you posted.
Trout season fast approaching
Friday 24 February 2012
Effortless style
Ernest Hemingway led a life that many would like to emulate (for the most part).
Plus he did it in style.
An under-rated style icon I think.
Drakes
Drakes on Clifford Street in St James's is scarily near my club.
Therefore (especially post lunch) the temptation to top up on accessories is often overwhelming.
Now I have to contend with these DB jackets too...
Thursday 23 February 2012
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