The Autumn Wardrobe

London Fashion Week is about to draw to a close, so whilst the models have walked down the catwalk showcasing next seasons must have pieces, I started to think about my wardrobe for the Autumn.

Or in my case, an excuse to go shopping!

The days are getting shorter, colder, and wetter, so it's goodbye to the shorts and vests, and a hello to a trip down the shops to buy these pieces that I have found for you (or a click on the links to get them online!).
Your wardrobe will be ready to battle any storm Autumn throws at you.

Let's start with shoes. Afterall, most people check out what shoes you are wearing on first impressions, so you need to get these right. For me, brogues are a must have this winter because they can be worn for any occasion. Try walking through the wet streets in some suede shoes and your socks will drown, brogues however, will keep your toes warm!

These bad boys can be found here, and will compliment any outfit. The light brown means you can wear it with any jeans and still look smart or casual, depending on your look! Buy them here.

What to wear on the bottom half is always a bit tricky in the summer, but the autumn is easy and Topman have got it completely covered in this department!

You need three pairs of trousers; One pair of dark denim jeans, one pair of light jeans, and one pair of black jeans. You don't need any others, honestly, as these three colours will provide you with every combination you need, from smart to casual, lunch or partying. 

The rule to jeans this season is to have them tapered, and the brogues match them too!

Number 1 can be bought here, Number 2 is here, Number 3 is here. Don't forget your student card if you are starting at university!

When it comes to tops, there are so many out there with a range of different designs. From patterns, to stripes, to the standard white shirt, the shops are your oyster. Especially when they will be hidden under jumpers or coats and scarfs!

Therefore, here are 4 tops that are on my shopping list (which you can view here), and will last the autumn and into winter!

Buy number 1 here, Number 2 here, Number 3 here, and Number 4 here.

Whilst you have your base layer sorted for when you get to the pub or dinner, it is all about what you wear on top whilst walking down the high street. If it isn't too bad out, then a jumper or cardigan will keep you warm. A burgundy kint will go well with any of the jeans, and my choice would be this absolute gem from All Saints.

You can buy it here, and know you will be wrapped up warm for when the snow comes!

Of course, autumn means coats and jackets. Whilst some of last seasons coats will still look great this year, there is always room on the coat rack for a new one. For me, big hooded parkas are a must for when the snow or rain is hammering down, whilst the classic bomber is great when the sun does pop out.

You can find the Bomber jacket here, and pick up the parka jacket here! 

Obviously there are so many different varieties around on the high street, so don't be afraid to mix and match your outfit choices and go for different colours in the coats, it will still look great and keep you stylishly warm.

Throw together some accessories if you want too, and my top (not-to) secret... Ski socks under your jeans to stay warm!

I'm going to go grab a glass of mulled wine to get into the autumn spirit, let me know if you have found any pieces and I will share them on Pinterest too!

The Winter Coat

Every morning throughout the winter I wake up and hide under my duvet, hiding away from the cold outside until the last minute before I fall into the 'running late' state.

You know exactly what I mean. The cold apartment because you forgot to put the heating on, or jumping out of a hot shower into what feels like a freezing bathroom. The winter mornings just make you want to stay in bed.

If I could stay wrapped in my duvet, I would.

Instead, I have to settle for the next best thing, my winter coat. (Or coats, for different occasions). My portable duvet that, mixed with co-ordinating hat, gloves and scarf, keeps me warm on these cold winter days. Since I posted a picture on my Instagram and Twitter, (follow my Instagram, and my Twitter here) I have had people asking me where I got mine from.

It may not be a duvet, but it is the next best thing, and there is still time to grab one of these winter warmers for yourself! 

1. The All Saints Maddox coat

If I said All Saints Coat to you, then you would probably think metal studs and skulls on a ill-shaped piece of clothing. But, this is quite the opposite, with them creating this classic black coat with their signature look for £225.00.

2. The Topman Camel Wool Trench

Trench coats are a timeless piece that always look great with your outfit. This season, I have opted for a grey one, but a light colour like this one from Topman for £90 is a great long term investment.

Like any trench, you can wear it open or closed and they still look great.

3. The Jack Wills Duffel

Duffel coats are a wardrobes best friend this winter, and Jack Wills have created this little gem to keep you warm. You don't need to be an Oxford or Cambridge student to wear this, and surprisingly it's only £129.

4. The Zara Trench

I have fallen in love with this coat from Zara for £139. Yes, it screams out campness, but if you wear it with the right outfit then you are sure to stand out for all the right reasons. You can match it with a woolen scarf to add that extra warmth, and leather sleeve is a trend that is starting to catch on!

5. River Islands Buckle Style Jacket

If a trench is not what you are after, then head to River Island who have this navy, buckle style jacket. I love a jacket with big pockets, so I can store all my accessories when I ain't wearing them. Fortunately, this £65 gem comes with just that!

6. Peregrine Woodford Wax Jacket.

You may have remembered my little visit to Peregrine back in June to preview their winter collection, and how I fell head over heels for this jacket, and the model too. The quality was amazing, and I could happily justify the £249 price tag for this. I'm bucking the Barbour trend with this one, and so should you!

7. The Scotch and Soda Duffel

Another duffel, a different colour. There are so many different varient and style of duffel, but the trick is to stick to the traditional duffel. It looks just as glam, and Scotch and Soda have this one on sale for £200.

8. Fly53 Jacket

This coat screams Little Red Riding Hood... but for men. Throw on this £100 jacket, a pair of gloves and your ear muffs, and head out into the winter prepared and warm!

9. The Parker

Everyone loves a parker jacket. They are big, warm, and if you get the right one it is an extension of your duvet! Asos (I know, right!) have made their version available online for a mere £80. Plus, it is as comfy and warm as sitting by the fire!

10. My Jacket

Last, but not least, is the coat I have had everyone asking me about. This picture does not do it justice, but this Zara piece is exactly what a country boy needed this winter, alongside my other purchases. So much so that I cant seem to stop wearing it!

With any of these coats, throw together some matching gloves, hats and scarfs and you will find that getting out of bed isn't so bad in the morning.

Are there any others that I should have included?

Pam Hogg. London Fashion Week

For the gay guys and straight women, you can stare at the fashion and pretty men around the room.

For the straight guys and gay women, you can stare at the women and their immaculate figures. Oh, and the odd boob too.

For the majority of last night, I was flashing away on my Blackberry to catch shots of the latest collection from Pam Hogg for SS13. London Fashion Week is upon us. Another week of models strutting their stuff, designers showcasing the latest collections, and celebrities battling for FROW seats.

Pam Hogg was no exception last night. From Jaime Winstone to Alfie Allen, to Kate Nash and Nick Cave, this show was full to the rafters with many people turned away, and the reason was obvious. The collection was utterly different and flawless, especially with the model Alice Dellal taking to the catwalk for this too.


The camers are set.

Entitles 'Save Our Souls', the show opened like a minture concert. A model, cladded as a nurse, made her way down the catwalk whilst the music began to fill the air. As the lights came up, the collection of spandex inspired bodysuits floated down the floor. The theme of souls continued, with the models portraying a bewildered, lost-soul persona as they flaunted the collection.

Whilst these looked breathtakingly fantastic (and you know Jessie J will probably crack a few of them out), it wasn't until the wedding inspired dresses took to the runway that the room really applauded Hogg's work. Backless dresses, Queen Elizabeth inspired head pieces, this was my highlight of the show. It was more a case of what the models wasn't wearing, but the pieces were amazing. Although there may be a few eyebrows raised in the church should someone wear them to their wedding.

Oh, and straight guys, this is when you really would have wanted to pay attention.










Spot the blogger? Here is a clue... Furthest left

With the final walk of honour from the models, the entire crowd rose to a standing applause as the designer made her way down the catwalk. The lights came back up, and we made our way out of venue, discussing the collection we had just seen.

Oh, a quick pose outside the venue before heading out to dinner.

I chose loafers from Aldo. Blue Skinny jeans from Topman. Plain White Tee from River Island. Cream Blazer from Zara.

Frankie chose her dress from Topshop, and a vintage denim jacket.

London Fashion Week continues until Tuesday, 18th September. Go here for more info!

Jeans. By MQT

I can hear you now...

'MQT? Who are they. I have never heard of them before.'



Neither had I to be honest, until I discovered their jeans and shorts range through a friend and suddenly got excited about them. The main difference about these jeans is that they come from a family run business, which actually means that you are probably getting something that has taken generations to perfect.

Think of your grandads jeans, with a 2012 fashionable twist, and you have MQT.


Being intrigued, I headed down to Selfridges (one of the many stockists) to take a look and try some on. They fit well, look good, and made me feel like I was wearing something that didn't come from a factory churning out 1000's of the same item.

Plus, I am being a trendsetter by wearing them!

The only downside was that they didn't have my size in stock in the colour I wanted. So I had to leave with a little dent in my excitement. Oh well, at least we can look at some pretty pictures of them instead until they come back in...













Having red hair is optional.

Whilst their website can give you more info, and you can buy them online at ASOS, you should head down to Selfridges and see for yourselves how nice these are. They are pretty good value for money too, and know they will last longer than other brands.

We can all be trendsetters!

The Miko Spinelli Jacket

You know the feeling just as much as the person standing next to you when looking for something specific.

Walking round the same store, looking at the same items, and still not being able to find something that you like. Eager to spend the money for once, yet you can't find what you want.

Then you move onto the next store, to repeat eactly what you just did in the last, and walk out empty handed whilst getting annoying that 'none of these bloody stores have what I want.'

Then, you find yourself back at home, trailing through the internet trying to find the same item. Again, nothing stands out. Frustrating is an understatement.

For me, one of the items I have been trying to find for a while is a decent Bomber jacket. You know, those jackets that were all the range back in the late 90's, and have now come full circle and back on the must-have list for 2012. I have searched high and low and whilst there are some cool ones around the high streets, nothing has really stood out to me.

Until now that is.

I was introduced to the new premium collection from Miko Spinelli through a friend, and immeadiately fell in LOVE with it. Think 'Italian fashion meets your grandmas porcelain china tea pot' and you have a collection that is eye catchingly good.





I know right, those patterns didn't seem so cool when you visited the grandparents. On these jackets however, they look absolutely amazing. The delicate patterns contrast with the panelling and metal zips, whilst you can feel sporty with the cuffs and waistbands. Throw on one of the flat caps that use the same pattern and embroidery, and you are definately onto a winner.

Personally, I wouldn't wear both the jacket and hat at the same time, but each of them individually can be added to make up an outfit.





So far, this eagerly awaited collection has gained some pretty impressive reviews, and I can see why. With only a handful of each jacket being made, it is definately a moment to grab something unique. His website (found here) showcases the currently SS12 collection too, and whilst the prices are a little higher than your Topman or River Island equivilents, its the quality and designs that make it worth the money.

Whilst bomber jackets may go out of fashion next year, you know they will come back round again like it has with the 90's.

Plus, you are saving your energy by not having to walk around the high street in search of something that stands out. Another winner!

Peregrine

After attending the London Collections and seeing some unique designers that are bucking the trend, I had to go about to finding a brand that isn't the standard high street, but oooozzes cool and class!

You know, a brand that you know you can wear and not find someone else withing 20 mins wearing the same item!

So what is better than checking out what my homeland has to offer, in the good ol West Country in the city of Bristol! No, not like Vicky Pollard Bristolian. More like Barrrthhh Bristol please, and in particular, Peregrine.

Since 1956, Peregrime has been creating knitwear for all seasons of the year, and whilst they are stocked in a couple of shops, it is the showroom that makes you feel like you are really getting something unique. From coats, to jumpers, to hats and picnic coolbags, this brand makes you feel all patrotic and English countryman. The Men’s AW12 collection includes waxed utility jackets and the Harris Tweed gillet, which has already been added to my To-Buy list when it becomes available, as has the model!


This Harris Tweed gillet is a must buy for the autumn

Oh, did I mention that it is all made in England? ALWAYS a good thing! Ladies, don't fret. You can get in on the action too with their ladies range online.


The All Terrain Jacket.

I am already itching to get my hands on this collection, so I am counting down the days until 1st September. I have fallen in love with this Cable Jumper, and the pattern of the knitwear is tasteful! I adore the button work on the top shoulder, and the small 'peep holes' across the garment...


The Cable Jumper in Mole Grey

It is kind of saying 'I am a country boy, come and find out for yourself!'

Oh...Okay, if you insist!

With it being the middle of summer -ish and us all worrying about what shorts to buy (my top rated ones are here!), it is still a great idea to start saving up for winter. Afterall, who wants to be wearing that same coat from two winters ago? Unleash your inner farmer, imagine wandering through the countryside, and take a look at these two.


The Hainsworth Wool Bromley jacket


The Harris Tweed Deconstructed Blazer

Of course, not everyone wants to be a farmer like me. The Blazer above would be great to wear to the office, or to a fancy meal up city, so don't feel that it is all about cows and sheep!

Another item from their AW12 collection is the Woodford Wax Jacket. Yes, it looks similar to Barbour, but that's the point. With everyone jumping on the Barbour bandwagon, I am going to opt to chose this one instead as the quality is so much better. Even the feel of the item screams Englishman; I can imagine myself walking the dogs on a crisp winter morning wrapped up in it, walking along saying 'Good-day young fellow' in a deep englishman voice to all the passer bys!

Okay, I am getting a little excited and ahead of myself here.


The Woodford Wax Jacket

Whilst one can find these dashing garments on the computer from September 1st, all yew young fellows should know that this exquisit brand is already available in two London Farmyards. I be happy to tell yew that the first is Wolf and Badger on Dover Street, and the second Stumper and Fielding on Portobello Road. Though do look on the computer first!

I think I have started to fall back into the west country lingo slightly!