Playlist Of The Month | 3

1. Bombay Bicycle Club - Luna

2. The Strypes - You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover

3. The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

4. London Grammar - Wicked Game (Chris Isaak Cover)

5. Swim Deep - King City

Autumn Walks 6 | Better In Leather

THE OVERALL LOOK - One of the many ways to style a leather jacket.
Leather Jacket - Lewis Leathers (Vintage - £740) 
Shirt - Rokit Clothing (£30)
Polar Neck - Topman (£24) 
Belt - Topman (£12)
Jeans - Cheap Monday (£49)
Socks - Nike (£14 - Pack of 6)
Shoes - George Cox (£175) 
Ring - The Great Frog (£90)
Skull Bracelet - Vivienne Westwood (£105)

DENIM IS BACK FOR S/S '15 - If you are one to follow fashion trends, denim has made a huge return to both catwalk and street wear. Denim is one of the easiest fabrics to style and also probably the easiest to pick up from the highstreet. Topman (£36) will always be a good place to look for plenty of fairly priced denim shirts. The one in this shoot was purchased from Brick Lane in a popular vintage shop named Rokit. I used to be a much bigger fan of the 'vintage look' opting for the typical options of crazy palm print shirts. Since moving into a slightly more minimalistic taste in clothes, it's been harder to find pieces that I really like. It is however possible if you have the patience and is, sometimes, far more satisfying when you find a real bargain instead of forking out a small fortune. However, you can find real quality denim that is certainly worth paying for and is guaranteed to last years. For a slightly more laid back yet smart look, opt for a Polo Ralph Lauren denim shirt (£120) or Armani (£150)  for a slightly darker wash denim. You can also watch the British GQ's Trend Report on denim.

LEWIS LEATHERS - This is a real quality leather jacket. It's not hard to see why the likes of Alex Turner and Kate Moss have worn this brand. I was lucky enough to be given this jacket by my Dad when I wasn't old enough to understand just how incredible it is. This is 'The Monza' version that Lewis Leathers stock and in my opinion, it's the nicest looking one. Take a look here and browse the previous wearers of this brand. 

THE DETAILING - As you can see this jacket consists of many incredible details. From the quilted padding on the shoulders to the contrasting deep red colour on the inside of the jacket and the astonishing heavy duty zips, everything screams quality.  All Lewis Leathers Jackets are hand made and made to measure so make sure if you do choose to purchase one, you send the correct measurements OR take a visit to their store in London. If you are interested in other brands to pick up a leather jacket from, check out Schott ($670 - $875), Whistles (£395) or ASOS (varying) to find varying leather jackets (in both price and style).

LAYERING - As mentioned in my previous blog post you can try out some different layering.  A polar neck under a denim shirt is not the norm. With a leather jacket it looks amazing. 

A MIX OF CULTURES - The beauty of the world we live in today is that there aren't so many constraints (in a fashion sense) when it comes to mixing the cultures. The iconic Creepers and Drainpipe look was adopted by 'Teddy Boys' in the 1950s while the leather jacket was adored by every 'Rocker' in the '60s. Always mix and match styles to create your own look. Don't necessarily listen to what you 'should' and 'shouldn't' wear. 

Autumn Walks 5 | Unorthodox Layering

THE OVERALL LOOK - An unorthodox way to wear the classic polar neck.
Coat - Topman (£90)
Jumper - American Apparel - Natural (£66)
Polar Neck - Topman (£24)
Jeans - Cheap Monday (£49)
Shoes - Dr. Martens (£135) (No longer available online) 

FISHERMAN'S PULLOVER- If you are looking for a perfect year round jumper, this American Apparel Crew neck (£66) is a must. When the weather is slightly colder this jumper can be layered with almost anything.  The quality is incredible as the jumper is very soft and durable as long as you don't catch the chunky knit on anything. American Apparel stock this jumper in a variety of amazing colours and I personally will be purchasing a few more colours (the Lilac, Burgundy and White Confetti). If you are looking for a similar jumpers Club Monaco offer some nice choices ( Donegal Wool Sweater (£150) and Cashmere Fisherman Sweater ($698) ), Burberry (£450) always sell unbeatable products or for a much cheaper option, Topman (£32) offer a good quality textured crew. 

Unorthodox Layering - Trying something different doesn't always lead to amazing outcomes but when done correctly it can create an interesting and head turning outfit. My inspiration for this layering came from the recent 'GQ Style' in the section 'Pinstripe Punk'. Putting a polar neck under another jumper wouldn't conventionally work, but this particular one is very thin,light weight and perfect for laying. Don't be afraid to try something different.

The Perfect Brogue - Brogues are an incredibly versatile shoe whether you are aiming for a smart or casual effect. These shoes were purchased last December, and in true Doctor Marten style have only got better with wear. The shoes have been worn almost everyday since being bought in varying environments; work and weddings. Brogues can sometimes be quite uncomfortable and, to be honest, when first purchased these were too. After about a week of wear they felt like slippers. As you can see, they aren't your conventional brogues being slightly more 'chunky' and feature a 'fish skin' effect. If you would like to acquire a similar pair, Loake (£175) have a pair without the fish skin, or Dr. Martens themselves have some diverse options including the aesthetically pleasing MADE IN ENGLAND Emmet Shoe (£300).

WHY THIS OUTFIT IS SO GOOD  - The layering of this outfit is really handy. On the day of this particular shoot it was very cold and because of the two jumpers, I was certainly warm. However, my day also consisted of shopping. Almost all shops seem to over-do the hot temperatures in their stores and the contrast between the cold outside and boiling inside can leave you overheating. With this outfit simply take off your coat when entering a shop and the contrasting temperatures are no where near as harsh.

Recommended Reads 1 | HERO Magazine

HERO Magazine - Published only twice a year in April and October, HERO Magazine is a publication like no other. Featuring some of the most prestigious photographers (Hedi Slimane) juxtaposed with some much lesser known figures, HERO doesn't stick to the usual constraints of most mainstream magazines exploring much broader realms and horizons. HERO is a 'fashion magazine' but don't be fooled by the name, this isn't your usual advert filled supplement. 

INTERVIEWS - HERO always explores not only people in the fashion limelight but also delves into social and cultural issues. Many of the interview techniques make the issues at hand easily digestible even when tackling some more difficult and complex subjects. A very poignant interview to me was when Linda Papadopoulos voiced her opinions (HERO 11) on the younger generation of today and how the current climate, including technology and other issues, affects the way they think. In short, HERO explores all walks of life.

THE UNORTHODOX LAYOUT - The magazine contains an incredible amount of visual feasts.  From the main text body to the photos themselves, every inch of the magazine is thought out and considered. Anyone and everyone will appreciate the artistic flair. 

POETIC JUSTICE - This is just one example of thousands as to why this magazine is amazing. You won't find a gritty poem (or any kind for that matter) in a conventional fashion magazine. 

THE OVERALL EFFECT - This is a magazine that you truly won't want to ever end. There is something amazing that your can't quite put your finger on. It could possibly be the fact that it is only released twice a year so you won't ever over indulge, or a mix of the eclectic content and visual masterpieces. The content almost has an 'underground' feel and tends to stray away from mainstream media and leaves you feeling enlightened.
You can purchase previous issues here: store.hero-magazine.com

Item Wish list | 1

1. Loake - Fringe And Tassle Black Loafer With Heat Welted Sole - £165
2. Burberry - Leaf Design Scarf (Dark Plumb Print) - £450
3. SBTRKT - Wonder Where We Land Vinyl - £18 / £28 (Deluxe Version)
4. Gucci - Check Print Wool Dylan '60 Suit - £1030
5. Christys' London - Grosvenor Fedora Hat - £60
6. Vivienne Westwood - William Ring (Oxidized Silver) - £130
7. Burberry - Alligator Leather Briefcase - £18,000
8. Whistles - Heavy Cable Sweater - £195 

Playlist Of The Month | 2

1. SBTRKT - Temporary View ft Sampha

2. Frank Ocean - Super Rich Kids 

3. James Blake - Digital Lion 

4. Peace - White Noise (Disclosure Cover) 

5. Tame Impala - Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

Autumn Walks 4 | Shades Of Blue

THE OVERALL LOOK - A new take on a classic, classy look.
Coat - Topman (£90)
T-shirt - ACNE Studios (£80)
Belt - Topman (£12)
Trousers - ACNE Studios (£170)
Socks - Nike (£14 - Pack of Six)
Shoes - POSTE (£105) 

YOU FIRST - ACNE Studios is a high end brand that offer amazing and unique clothes. Both the T-shirt and Trousers were purchased in their London store on Dover Street. The T-shirt is sheer and has more of a satin than matte finish. It is of real quality and extremely versatile, enhancing almost any look; smart or casual. Pair it with either a pair of denim jeans for a more casual yet considered look; or some smarter trousers (as seen in these photos) to add a different facet. 

THE PERFECT RELAXED YET WELL PRESENTED LOOK - This is the perfect look for a stroll around town. It will get heads turning and not look to dressy; looking smart without being overdressed. A personal favorite place to relax in is Pie & Vinyl, Southsea, Portsmouth. What you get is pretty much in the name. With vinyl really becoming a thing again, it is the perfect place to browse endlessly. Ranging from options of older to brand new music, Pie and Vinyl is the ideal place if you like... well.. Pies and Vinyls? 

DOUBLE MONK STRAPS - Monk straps have been a favorite of any well dressed man for years. They are less smart than most dress shoes and perfect for a slightly relaxed feel. They also look good when worn in a tiny amount so you won't have to worry too much about wear. Again, these shoes look good with white socks but also look good sockless.   

SUNDAYS - Sundays weren't made for just laying around. Visit some independent shops and you will usually find some unusual and quirky things (or people) and support the local economy! This road in Portsmouth was voted 'Best Dressed Street', rather coincidental that we chose to randomly shoot here today!

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD - Recently purchase - this Vivienne Westwood Skeleton Bracelet Silver (£105) is amazing. It features the iconic Vivienne Westwood orb and moving details. It gives a modern grunge vibe but still looks surprisingly classy. When receiving/purchasing anything from Vivienne Westwood you will receive an amazing box which is definitely a keepsake too.  

THE GREAT FROG - Sticking with the grunge appeal this Skull Ring (£90) from The Great Frog is made of 'British Hallmarked 925 Silver' and is a different class in the jewelry game. It is subtle yet a real attention grabber. Skulls aren't for a lot of people, but they are and have been a real trend for the last few years. The Great Frog have a huge range of rings all made to measure. If you get a chance, visit there shop in London just off Carnaby Street (10 Ganton Street) as the rings look even more impressive than in pictures. They also have a shop in New York (72 Orchard Street) along with an online shop. 

STAPLE TROUSERS - If you are going to invest a large amount of money into trousers then they should wearable, durable and a staple item too. You don't want to find that they are out of style the next season. Stick to block, solid colours and avoid 'trends' and unorthodox fits. Paying more money for a pair of trousers will mean they will (mostly) be a better fit, an incredible material and have a totally different dimension to your cheaper purchases. These trousers were purchased from ACNE Studios and appear different colours in different lights. They feel amazing from the moment you pull them on and can be dressed up or down. They have a different feel to cheaper trousers; being a good fit and an incredibly durable feel. ACNE offer many different fits and finishes when it comes to trousers (and jeans!) so take a look on their website or visit one of there minimalistic and modern stores. The trousers shown are 'Max Satin Navy Chino Trousers' (£170).

COAT SLINGING - The Mac is back in fashion. When the weather isn't so cold, use the 'coat slinging' method to avoid getting too warm or having to carry your heavy and bulky jacket. It creates an entirely different silhouette to your look and can complete change an outfit.