if i were a boy 001: LUKE 1977

LUKE 1977

It may come as a shock to learn that I rate menswear high. I really think its appreciation and exposure is shunned under the limelight that womenswear collections consistently dominate. You just have to look at Fashion Week schedules for a synopsis of what I'm getting at. It is a shame, there's some real talent out there.

I am going to attempt to make this a regular feature; as regular as something from the opposite sex catches my eye, at least. I am on the look-out for some credible menswear blogs; if you know of any, please link me up in the comments.

The premise for these posts? If I were a boy, its what I'd be wearing. First up, LUKE 1977.

Self-titled, UK, menswear brand was founded and curated by a Central Saint Martins graduate and two life long friends. The threesome maintain their original brief in all modern collections, taking inspiration from surrounding figures to encompass all facets of the modern L.A.D: the gentleman, the working class hero and generic rogue; their product list reads like a lad's nickname book.

The trio protect the exclusivity of the brand by abiding by a strict distribution policy - stocking their collections in only select stores. And to their avail - the brand is firmly recognised up there with the top, designer dogs.

They even have their own magazine and we all know how much I love them. Here's a screen grab selection of my favourite pages:

Boys take note.

Stockists:

1 | 2 | 3

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sunny jim.

I have just got in from the longest, dullest day. I am dead to the world. I have been shit at this lately, sozza. I am free from the clutch of university a week tomorrow so from then I will be on it, like a car bonnet.
For now, have a perve on Jim. My latest Notion street style spotlight.

All: http://itsjimtot.wordpress.com/

Why can't the whole male race dress like this? Answer me that.

Out calls.

Bloglovin' / Facebook / Formspring / Twitter

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manchester musings.

I’m on my way home from a delightful few days in Manchester.

I can't believe I've been so oblivious to the city's fashionable offerings. Why is Newcastle so renowned for its shopping appeal? It ain't got nutin' on Manc. However, there is as essence of unattractiveness about the place. A male associate of mine says the whole place smells like vomit. That's an exaggeration, its not that bad but it is kanny trampy so I'll give him that. Don't be put off though, you soon get over that with the selection of shops that await you.

The first massive error of my trip was discovering that Urban Outfitters stock my beloved tba. How come I did not know this!? That's embarrassing. Not going to lie, I prefer Manchester's Market St version to the over-hyped Oxford St store. I won't bore you with the luxuries I wish were so much more accessible to me as we'd be here forever.

The second and third- Hello American Apparell, Hello Fred Perry. If only my funds would stretch to such high places.

I take back the hatred for the high street I expressed in my previous post. I don’t know if its me and that I’m bored of Northumberland St but the high street has somehow been reaquainted with its appeal.

I picked up this goodybag of treats......

Then there’s the vintage shops and boutiques. I only had the time and the tolerance for the thunder and lightning to check out two- COW on Piccadilly Gardens and POP boutique on Oldham St.

Cow is my favourite of the two but for the boy, check Pop. That same male associate who so tastefully describes the city as 'vomit infested', purchased this beaut of a Harrington Jacket in blue. Abs snip at 25£.

We seen a Fred Perry superior in Sarah Coggles, York, last winter but the 150£ price tag did not bode well with our student lifestyles. But this one suffices. I lav it and the check lining is a bit sexy too.

All in all, I was pleasantly suprised at what Manchester greeted me with in terms of retail thearpy. That is without even stepping foot in Northern Quarter and URBIS- vintage havens apparantly.

It has to be said that I’m in a state of confusion. London or Manchester?
Manchester is not as crazy, but London is the one.

Alas, I will have to return to help me come closer to that decision.

http://wearecow.blogspot.com/
http://www.pop-boutique.com/

LONDON CALLING

I have just returned from the best week in the Capital city. I only went for pure crack and the chance to maybe catch Wimbledon.

In between drooling along Carnaby street at all the vintage prettiness my funds couldn't stretch to, courtesy of my best mate who works for the people behind CLOTHES SHOW LONDON, I was a (very privelaged) dresser back stage for stylist Alexis Knox.

I ended up drinking white wine spritzers with Dave Berry, rubbing shoulders with Paloma Faith and getting up close and personal with MY Brazillian male model; Roderigo Dentist to be precise. You may recognise him from that infamous nekkid Walker's advert.

Lovely, lovely man. Not to mention hot hot hot. As was his mate Raphael or "you can call me Raph". Infact this went for everyone I met, not even one exception. It was very 'babe' this and 'darling' that. Not going to lie, I loved it. The emphasis was on having the best time and we did exactly that.

A few sneaky peeks behind the scenes..

Make up by Benefit

So many shoes

Inspired by Emma Bell

Inspired by Emma Bell

 Whistle for a hottie.  

Milano

I did not want to leave the fashion frivolities behind. I can't wait to set-up camp there.

London will call again. I'm sure of it.

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one for the Boys.

The weather heats up and its standard procedure that you boys don your pinstripe shorts, leather deck shoes and some hideously tight tank top. It is common knowledge amongst the female population that summer is a struggle to dress appropriately never mind stylishly, especially in this country. Nonetheless you have no excuse, standard is boring and the nautical trend, inarguably a timeless classic is becoming mundane and repetitive.

Consistently being reminded that you’re the fairer sex, summer 2010 is the perfect time to live up to the long-standing, macho stereotypes. Topman dares you to be different with their latest trend alert, coined ‘Tokyo Surf’ for the braver ‘boyos’. Hawaii meets Tokyo with a mix of brights, pastels, Maori-effect prints and dip-dye techniques. Gingham blazers work together with tie-dye tees and patchwork shorts for easy beach style. Mixing Tokyo street style with traditional beach-wear cool equates to a trend that blends style, function and individuality. I would play it safe and check out their online trend gallery (at www.topman.com) for outfit inspiration before taking the big plunge.

Male rebelliousness is most contested in the leg-wear department, get it wrong and you risk a stint in the doghouse. OK it may go unnoticed with the lads but your female associates will not let it drop. The one salient commandment to abide by; don’t go too short. The carrot top cut are the revival of the skinny/slim/spray-on jean that have been dominating men’s and women’s wardrobes since I can remember. Worn on the hip and loose around the thigh, they gently taper into a skinny fit. These Topman stone crop carrot shorts fuse a summer staple; the short, with classic colouring, giving the versatility to be dressed up or down accordingly.

If you don’t feel quite accustomed to the British summer temperatures just yet, don’t feel shorts are the only option for summer style status. Chinos have accumulated tasteful eminence. Greet the sunshine in style with vintage washes, pleating details and/or slim fits. For the audacious, coloured chinos provide an alternative take on the standard beige washes. Again, Topman comes up trumps but Urban Outfitters’ range is also worth a look for an investment pair.

You no longer need to be nostalgic of the sixties beach house trend when it comes to summer dressing. This summer, epitomise masculinity by embracing the unconventional and standing out in the crowd. As a British designer once famously said; “A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them.” Confidence should not be an accessory but the foundation on which style is built.

Dare to be different. Go on, I dare you.

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