I’ll Give You A Penny For Them – Penny Loafers

bass-1965 bassb

Fed up of your elderly relatives saying you can’t buy anything for a penny nowadays? Back in their day, a penny would get you a newspaper, a bottle of coke, a pack of pork scratchings and still have change for the bus home. You’d also get a phone call home from the pay phone in the bar. Nowadays, a penny is what you get left with when you spend a pound on a Big Mac’. The penny then ends up in an old whiskey bottle or under the settee never to be seen again. Well, in case you are out and happen to be a penny short or want a talking point by just looking at your feet, look no further then Penny Loafers.

Sebago Classic Black
Sebago Classic Black

Back in the 20’s, it was tradition that you popped a penny in the slit of your loafers and saved it for that all important phone call to your sweetheart. Sebago and G.H Bass popularised the style and often had them referred to as “Weejuns” with the shoe originating from Norway. Preppy, Ivy League college kids coined on the idea (excuse the pun) and the legend was born. Take a look at these examples below.

Sebago Classic Lofaer
Sebago Classic Loafer
G.H Bass "Weejuns"
G.H Bass “Weejuns”

So your assignment for your this lesson is:

  1. Get a pair of loafers
  2. Pop a penny in each one
  3. And embrace the style of the summer
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The Original Car Shoe

Driving Shoe Nubuck
Driving Shoe Nubuck

There are only a handful of shoes I would expect an Italian gentleman to be wearing as he steps out of his 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California on Lake Como. Famously known for the tiny rubber nubs that are often noticed as they continue up the back of the shoe…The Original Car Shoe is by far the most staple driving shoe of all time.

Founded in 1963 by Gianni Mostile, Car Shoe soon began to develop a recognised name but it wasn’t until 2001 when it was taken over by Prada that the stylish moccasin really took off.

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Now for me, what makes these simple, slip on, go to shoes is the fact they can be so easily and so effectively dressed up or dressed down…match with your summer linen suit for that mid season wedding or pair with your tailored shorts and Sunday shirt (that’s an oxford by the way) and you’re applying a style that is long desired by lads in their early twenties to gentlemen reaching sixty plus.

Purchase direct from Car Shoe and the colours, styles and materials are endless.

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Wash Bag Essentials For The Modern Day Man

How often do you go away? Once or twice a year? Every month? Or have you never left your mums cottage in Epson? Either way, do you travel light or heavy? Take your toothbrush and Colgate or quite literally the bathroom sink? Regardless, a wash bag is an essential for the modern day man. And even if you do have one, what goes in it?

Well the obvious first being hygiene staples. Your shower toiletries, shampoos, dental care should be the foundations of your wash bag and never left behind.

Marvis
Marvis Toothpaste
HARRIS
DR Harris Body & Hair Wash
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Bayolea Deodorant Stick

Then it comes to how long the stay is? Are you exceeding a couple of days? Looking like you might need to shave or perhaps keep the nails trim? Try these below.

Edwin Jagger Travel DE Razor Set
K5050BY
Hans Kniebes Travel Set

Last but not least then is what to carry it all in then? Well, heres two stunning examples. One from the premium luggage maker that is Mulberry and the other from refined preppy loving, J Crew. And No matter how long or far you go, look after yourself out there.

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J CREW Leather Wash Bag
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Mulberry Leather Travel Bag
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Travelling in style…the only luggage you can live with!

We’re on the topic of serious haulage here, now I’m not pussy footing around with a few t-shirts, one pair of shoes and a wash bag, this is serious carrying capabilities we’re talking about. I have no idea about you guys, but when I think about a piece of substantial luggage, I want lifespan, I want space, I want style and most importantly I want strength. The last thing you want to do is arrive in St Tropez for the summer to find your favourite pair of monk straps squashed beyond return, your trilby flattened and not to mention your BYREDO Eau De Cologne bottle destroyed amongst it all. With all that in mind then, nothing is more reassuring than knowing an elephant could literally walk straight over your case leaving everything inside unscathed…

Globe-Trotter

So you’re going to travel?  They’ll come a time in your life when staying in one place just isn’t working for you, boredom sets in and it’s time to shut up shop and head overseas. Why you might ask? Come on, lets not kid ourselves, we all travel and some of us do it better than others. You have those…”I’m just travelling so it’s ok to look like utter shit” people! Well I don’t know what planet they came from but that’s not how it should be, the ‘travel’ as it were, is all part of the trip and I myself am a strong believer of travelling in style. Not only does GLOBE-TROTTER help you carry your wardrobe, it more importantly helps you look good doing it.

 globe trotter

globe trotter

globe trotter

The brand GLOBE-TROTTER was founded way back in 1897, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about luggage.  You can spot one of their cases a mile off, known for its traditional style with its leather covered corners and straps, it reminds you of something you would have seen back in the war, not that I was alive around that time or anything, but you know what I mean.

When you purchase your GLOBE-TROTTER suitcase, you don’t just get a mass produced item, your getting a handcrafted piece of perfection! Each product takes a steady 10 days to make (by hand) and the company does none other than stick to its roots with each and every item still being produced in Hertfordshire, England.

Globe trotterglobe trotterglobe trotter

Now if all of that doesn’t begin to suffice then i’ll leave you with this…they once made Sir Winston Churchill’s briefcase! Sound good enough?
All examples seen here can be purchased from GLOBE-TROTTER direct or Mr Porter respectively.

Images courtesy of Mr Porter. 

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A Real Winter Warmer – The Fleece

Me and Owen had been mulling over this one for some time. In fact it was 3 months! But, seriously as the winter has drawn in, we have not only been getting colder, but too lacking in a warm and functional piece to wear day to day when it gets a little nippier.

It was after seeing on the London Collections and Mr. Porter that we saw a hot trend (‘scuse the pun) in fleeces. Now I know what you’re thinking and don’t get me wrong we did the same too.  Seriously? A fleece?! Thats something my dad wears or worse, cat hoarders (you know the type, with a wolf motive usually).

            wolf    fleece

No! No! No!! This is exactly what I’m talking about. So, lets focus on what to look for and get the fleece trend spot on.

First, BRAND. Consider any of the following; Patagonia, Napapijri, The North Face, Berghaus (I’d suggest these names are more “outdoorsy” and therefore best suit a casual, trainer look) Or Pendleton, Woolrich, Beams Plus for a more “sport luxe” look and more versatile with brogues, monk straps etc.

patagonia

PATAGONIA RETRO X CLASSIC FLEECE

WOOLRICH

WOOLRICH ANDES FLEECE JACKET

Second, MATERIAL. Polartec? Synchilla? Wool?

PATAGONIA

PATAGONIA BUTTON NECK SYNCHILLA FLEECE

BEAMS

BEAMS PLUS CHECKED WOOL CARDIGAN

And lastly, STYLE. Over the head? Zip through? Or maybe even a jacket or button up overshirt?

PRL

POLO RALPH LAUREN CHECKED FLEECE OVERSHIRT

1311a-43m

PENDLETON SANTA FE JACKET

So, hopefully you’ll see that we’re not fleecing you (sorry), but a fleece is genuinely a cool garment and should be appreciated for its design and practicality when its rather fresh outside. And if you haven’t got the foggiest as to what you want for Christmas, maybe look above?

 

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“Can It Be So Simple” – Saucony x Packer Shoes x Just Blaze Grid 9000 ‘Snow Beach’

If you didn’t realise, the title is in fact a 1993 track released from the massive East Coast group the Wu Tang Clan. And Just Blaze happens to be a legendary Hip Hop producer also from the famous coast. “Where’s the relation to the trainers then?” you ask.

It was back in ’93 when recording the video for the track, Raekwon (member of the clan) wore the famous and now legendary Polo Ralph Lauren “Snow Beach” Pullover. Exchanging hands for thousands of pounds (dollars to our friends over the pond) on many a auction site, you’d be very lucky to come across one. This iconic piece is now considered the “Holy Grail” of garments in the East Coast scene and thus draws its inspiration to the Saucony Grid 9000 silhouette you see before you.

SnowBeach_1

I was lucky enough to pick up  a pair of these on release and I must say, the level of detail is impeccable. Vivid yellow and red suedes make up the eye watering uppers, Packer taping and branded inner soles are also add to the reworked Saucony favourite. Theres some nice touches like the toggles on the laces and the U.S flag as also seen on the jacket (check below).

packer-shoes-saucony-snow-beach-release-date-8

SnowBeach_2

SnowBeach_3

SnowBeach_4

rae

Mid 90s Ralph Lauren Snow Beach Jacket ski $1200

You’ll find it hard to push quality and detail out of many other trainers designs on the market at the minute especialy from the guys at Saucony. For any of you Hip Hop lovers or sneaker purveyors this is a hit you can’t miss. Know what I’m sayin’? Protect ya neck, son.

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A forty minute reflection on life.

So how often do you and the boys get together? Not enough I hear you all say, your woman keeps you under strict lock and key? I mean that’s not bloody surprising as they all do that…well so I’ve been told, but then there is my girlfriend who moans I need to get out more. I’m telling you, whether you’re in your teens, twenties or even married there’s no pleasing them. However I’m not schooling you on women we’re on the topic of cigars and not just any old cigars either, the best in the business…Cubans!

cigar-wallpaper-cohiba-behike

In the past they were often seen as a statement of wealth, important people would be seen to be indulging and it was never the less a fashion accessory to take to any black tie dinner party, but now, in the twenty first century Cuban Cigars are more affordable, more available and smoked by the masses. Nothing quite beats the ritual of getting home, delving into your humidor (thats a box to store cigars by the way) slicing off the end with your double blade cutter and toasting your cigar until its ready to be brought to your lips to bombard, overwhelm and tickle your taste buds.

Now I don’t smoke cigarettes, I can’t bloody stand them but I do however indulge myself into the odd cigar or two as the week drags on by. I’m not addicted to smoking, nor do I rely on it, I just enjoy the rich, creamy, earthy flavours a Cuban cigar has to offer. Anyone seeking an escape, a forty minute reflection on life or even just to look god dam cool walking through Mayfair should get into their cigars.

ryj_shortchur

When it comes to picking your cigar there are incredible amounts to choose from, they come in all shapes and sizes, different strengths and of course different flavours, I cant physically begin to touch on this as we’d be here for hours and I’d be out of cigars by the end of it. My word of advise would be this, do your research, read up on the brands but after all that its just pot luck!

My cigar of choice, seen above, is Romeo Y Julieta Short Churchill…a robusto style of cigar, its medium to full bodied with strong earthy flavours and a touch of cherry. Indeed my favourite smoke!

Cohiba-Robustos

Now Cohiba are one of the most prestigious brands in the Cuban cigar world, widely know and recognized for their signature band and their one of a kind flavouring, really no cigars taste quite like them. For the more advanced smoker, the Cohiba Robusto is one of the daddies, one of the big boys, absolutely jam packed with different flavours, super smooth and creamy…it’s the one you keep for those special occasions!

So I stemmed away from fashion with this one, but cigars are seen in the hands of some of the most famous and fashionable men and women around so I thought why not…and anyway I’m smoking one right now! To conclude, whether the mrs has let you out to play with friends, you need a quick moment of relaxation or you want that forty minute reflection on life. Get puffing!

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Man, This Watch is Built Like a Tank! – The Cartier Tank Watch

So as you probably know by now, Me and Owen love a good time piece. We’ll more than likely talk about them all day, spotting a intriguing piece or two on Daily Watch or in the latest GQ magazine that comes through my door every month. It some how seems that really nothing quite makes a “Man” than a banging watch on your wrist. We also strongly believe no “Man” is complete with out one. Take us for example. We both have as a daily Mondaine, (we never wear them both on the same day I must add) and recently I got my Hamilton Ventura that I’ve been longing for some what of 3 years.

But now we have both bought “reasonable” watches and by jingo love them, we seem to be looking more in depth at the luxury and very much high end examples. Owen has his favourites in: IWC, Rolex and Patek Phillipe. I have mine as: Jaeger Le Coultre, Baume & Mercier and the one I’m going to talk about now, Cartier.

You’ve probably seen their ads, usually a Leopard cub on a beautiful lady’s lap with a Tank Anglaise strapped to her wrist. I’m not quite sure what it is that takes my eye, the Roman numerals on the white as snow face or the exsquisite pink gold casing holding it all together. Just take a look at some of the examples here.Cartier Anglaise

“Cartier Tank Anglaise Extra Large” £15,900 inc. VAT

The humble beginnings of the Tank watch take us back to the Western Front in 1917. Here a young Louis Cartier glanced in amazement at the first sighting of the French Renault war tanks. He took inspiration from the stark vertical edges on the box like vehicle and then put integrated straps on the body, much like on a moving tank track. He also added sword like moving hands and bold roman numerals to the visage.WT200006_0_cartier_watches

“Cartier Tank Louis Extra Flat Diamond”£22,100 inc. VAT

What can be more luxury than this? A diamond encrusted, 18K white gold face and still this manages to be less than 5mm thick. Definitely one for the connoisseurs. W2609156_0_cartier_watches

“Cartier Tank Americaine Large Model” £11,100 inc. VAT

This model above, the Tank Americaine is a striking piece indeed. 18k pink gold is used for the crown and casing and with a alligator strap theres indeed no risk this is going to “snap” (excuse the pun). The sizing too is very minimal. No more than 45mm wide and 8mm thick, this is certainly no Big Ben on your wrist. Go on, look how cute the cub is.

Cartier-les-must-Cheetah-watch

All pics courtesy of Cartier

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WHO IS MEERMIN?

Exactly…who or what is Meermin. I mean I’ll be honest; I hadn’t a clue until two weeks ago, if it wasn’t for good old social media I still wouldn’t know now and my god wouldn’t I be disappointed. Meermin is a well-established, renowned shoemaking family from Mallorca, which specialize in making high-end goodyear shoes. Now I know what your thinking, they come at a price, everything in this day and age comes at a price, Meermin however are surprising ‘reasonable’ a word Jack and myself love to use to describe a quality product at an affordable price!

So how do they do it might you ask? Well it’s the middleman or lack of it; they haven’t gone down the route of retailers, which is where premium prices come from. Meermin shoes are distributed directly from the factory all the way to the final customer!

monk strapmonk strap

Now a monk strap is strong favourite in the world of fashion and not to mention a favourite of mine, suede being the fabric of choice for me and just take a look a the pair above, who wouldn’t like a statement shoe like that in their wardrobe. I’ve spent too long ogling over suede monk strap shoes, all with a price tag of £250+ however not Meermin, the whole range they have on offer comes in at a mere €160 (approximately £128) and delivery doesn’t break the bank either, it’s a pleasing 3-5 day service from Mallorca to the UK at a fair price of €20.

WWW_4394_56WWW_4394_60

Considering we are in months of summer, something a little more seasonal…Loafers are and always will be a timeless shoe, pair them with a suit, jeans, chino’s and lets not forget shorts and your good to go.  If I have a quick brainstorm I cant think of any outfit they wouldn’t look right with! The Loafers Meermin has to offer keep up with the likes of Grenson, Gucci and quite possibly Alexander Mcqueen. Goodyear welted on the RON last, the apron is 100% handsewn and they’re all finished with a single leather sole, don’t forget €160! Priceless.

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And to go with that tie, why not consider a flashy accessory?

And why not? When you’ve  just spent your well earned money on a cracking knitted tie, why not add a dazzling tie pin, chain or bar? Certainly, after the massive cult following of TV series such as Boardwalk Empire and Mad Men its the way to go with jazzing up any suit or formal attire.

PIN PIN SHIRT

PAUL SMITH ENGRAVED METAL TIE CLIP £65

And it really is as simple as that. Clip just between the 3rd and 4th buttons of your shirt and your done (any higher or lower and it looks ridiculous).

DUNHILL

DUNHILL LOGO TIE BAR £135

And it doesn’t stop there. A chain or pin is another great piece to consider but be warned. Don’t think about wearing too many pieces of jewellery, there’s geezy, than there’s schmuck.

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Steve Buscemi has it cracked here. Check out that swag he’s got going on. A super tight knot with a bar pushing the tie out and don’t forget that chain round the waist coat, another classy addition.

leo

And again, check out Leo. Its the simple touches that really do make a difference. So, next time your invited to a wedding, or for the hell of it down the races, take some advice from the style of  20’s and get dealing Capone.

Pics taken from MR PORTER & GOOGLE

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