The Fracap - Recent Purchase

The latest boot to arrive through the door, The Fracap Scarponcini Boot, with a ripple sole.

Got these in a swap deal on a forum, and now can't wait for them to turn up at the door, in sunny Devon.

Can not wait...

Cheers, Ryan

The soul of Cardiff..

Recently picked up the new Puma Bluebirds from Minerva in Exeter, have to say i'm very impressed.

My only gripe on these, is that they didn't come with Blue laces.....

But the suede is spot on and the shape is solid, apart from the toe box which is a bit misshaped IMO, but this dosen't really detract from the trainer itself.

Overall i'm very happy, also due to the fact I received 10% off the RRP due to my new NUS Card! Happy Days!

Thanks for looking, Ryan.

The wonderful world of SPW..

Arguably, from the recent seasons, Stone Island and C.P. Company have been regrettably poor compared to some of their lets say, past efforts. Re-hasing the same designs, not making all garments in italy and putting basically goggles, reflective patches and/or heat changes on everything. Losing some of the originality from the great Massimo Osti.

So here's my take on SI's best efforts of recent seasons..

Stone Island - Hooded Waxed Ice (blue)

Stone Island Tyvec - Ink and Bark

CP Company Metro - Reissue

CP Company Mille Miglia 2008 S/S - Red

and finally, last but most certainly not least:

The 20th Anniversary CP Company Mille Miglia

Thanks for looking once again..

Cheers!

Decisions Decisions..

So, it's pay day tomorrow, and as usual I'll probably blow it all on a new piece. But the question is, on what?

A number of things have caught my eye recently, but nothing has hit the button so to speak. I've 'ummed and 'ahhed' over a few bits and bobs, but I haven't felt compelled to pull the trigger.

Here's a list of the pieces that have caught my attention and I've had my beady eyes on..

Universal Works - Scout Anorak.

CP Company Mille Miglia - Burgundy MP 2011 or Navy 2011

Nigel Cabourn Aircraft Jacket - Blue

and finally..

Barbour Dickens Jacket - Still after this! If anyone has one in a small, get in touch!!!!

Or I may just keep saving up, and wait for the goodies to come to me :)

Thanks for looking again..

Cheers!

A touch of simplicity.

Now then, this past season and even the season before we have been blessed with a sea of Chambray or Oxford shirts to choose from. These plain, smart shirts have been copied and copied by multiple brands and labels throughout the spring summer season but only mastered by few. Here's my top chambray picks of the past season.. Enjoy!

First up, the Norse Projects Anton Shirt. You may have seen my blog post regarding my 'wish list', where I featured this stunning shirt in my top 5 items of clothing I desire most at this moment in time, well here it is, Norse Projects take on the simple Chambray shirt..

A simple shirt, and some may say you can buy an exact copy for £££ cheaper in your local H&M or Burton, but Norse Projects have nailed the style and quality of the chambray shirt in my opinion, and have done it justice. Small details such as a short collar add Norse's touch which gives the shirt personality and flavour, teamed up with a slim pair of Dockers D0 or San Francisco chinos and a pair of chestnut moccasins would set this shirt alight.

Next up, another Chambray shirt worth mentioning would be Engineered Garment's work shirt from their 2010 Fall/Winter range. This shirt adds touches of class where ever you look.. have a gander.

A darker cotton Chambray in comparison to the Anton, EG's shirt offers a different style and feel for the classic shirt. Made from 100% cotton Chambray consisting of Two button fastening utility pockets and a contrasting red button gives this shirt a spectacular, yet different take on the Chambray shirt.

Finally, my final pick would have to be who else but Universal Works. Take a look..

Universal Works have nailed it. Their indigo workshirt offers two chest pockets one accompanied with fine button detail and the other left simply open. The sharp collar and the contrast stitching set off a fantastic shirt and therefore my pick of the bunch!

Hope you enjoyed that,

Cheers, Ryan.

The Wish List.

I thought I would put pen to paper and sort out my top 5 most wanted items in terms of clothing, it looks like its going to be a busy year, well what's left of it anyway. In descending order.

5. Albam - Round Pocket Shirt.

This smart plaid shirt offers everything I want from a shirt, style, colour, detailing and probably most importantly fit. If Albams recent efforts are anything to go by. This cracking bit of shirting is crafted from premium cotton poplin fabric and includes small and spectacular detailing such as elbow patches and side vents, everything we come to expect from the british brand.

4. Norse Projects - Anton Shirt

This shirt just oozes class at me, I must say i am in need of an Oxford/Chambray shirt, and this is the one for me. A short, small button down collar, with a singular pocket to the left breast gives a simple, but fantastic look. Made from 100% cotton, the Scandinavians take on the classic Oxford shirt, is a good one in my book!

3. Albam - Fisherman's Cagoule - Khaki.

The classic, the Albam Fisherman's Cagoule in my favourite of them all, khaki. I never really bothered to source one, but recently i've the urge to make a purchase of one. The big chunky white buttons and the draw strings top off, in my opinion an iconic jacket. The fisherman's cag has been copied by many, but mastered by few. Albam being one of them. Hard to come by now days as they are no longer readily available, but my beady eyes will be on the lookout for one in the near future.

2. Barbour - Dickens Jacket

Next on my list, is the Barbour Dickens. I saw this on another blog and thought straight away.. 'I have to have that!', I can not fault it. The colour is superb, the contrasting buttons are a great feature and the pocket detailing and length is perfect! I couldn't ask for much more.. now to track one down!

1. Oak Street Bootmakers - Vibram Trail Oxford

These stunning shoes may be out of the question for a sixteen year old working at his local JD Weatherspoons as floor staff, in terms of funds available, however after a few months saving i could muster up enough cash to take the plunge on these beauties. Made from soft leather, a hand stitched moccasin boot layered on top of a smart, shaped vibram sole sets these shoes alight. The boys from the USA sure do know how to make a good shoe!

The Connoishirts..

The recently released first attempt at shirting from the guys at Casual Connoisseur looks very promising in my opinion. Lots of detail, pockets and variety. Something everyone should love.

The shirts come in three styles or types..

Firstly we have the Union shirt, a chambray multi pocket workwear inspired shirt. And when i say multi pocket, i mean it. Here's some snaps..

Next up is the Dexy's shirt. My personal favourite. A purple gingham number inspired by 'the mod era', a simple, yet beautiful piece of shirting.

And last, but certainly not least, the 'Seaton shirt' brings a button down, woven shirt adding a splash of colour into the mix. Plain and simple, a beauty to say the least.

Three quality shirts by the men from CasualCo, a nice touch i thought was the inclusion of two spares buttons with accompanied thread, just in case you ever need to re stitch some on. A classic, well done CC!

Thanks for taking a look,

Cheers!