Five reasons why tailored beats off-the-peg

Looking for a new suit? There’s plenty out there, with prices for every budget. But have you ever though about going to a tailor? In my book, there are many reasons to choose a tailor above your local department store – but here’s my top five.

1. A tailor can be cheaper

Forget Savile Row, out in the real world, there’s a tailor or two in every town or city – and with prices that aren’t aimed at affluent executives. A tailored suit, including the cost of material, can cost as little as £300. Compare that to the designer range on your high street.

2. It’s been made by a craftsman

A tailor does one thing – tailoring. Many have been at it for years, giving everything they make their total attention – after all, if you’re not happy, you’re unlikely to go back. If you see a loose thread or an uneven cuff, you can get it sorted out free of charge. Don’t expect the same level of quality or service on the high street.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top five Roy of the Rovers football shirts

1. The 1970s Edition. There’s nothing like seeing a Melchester Rovers strip to bring back memories of a time when a footballer could get kidnapped, shot, have his foot amputated after a helicopter crash and STILL crack in a hat trick every week. Okay, maybe not after the amputation. Anyway, this 1970s Melchester kit remains the definitive edition, in Brandish’s heart at least. BUY IT

Read the rest of this entry »

Alpha Industries navy pea coat

Every day this week, I’ll be featuring some of the best winter coats in the stores, in a variety of styles and hopefully, with something to suit all pockets. First up is a classic that dates back to 1959 – the Alpha Industries pea coat.

The pea coat was developed for use by the American navy just before the First World War, with the Alpha Industries version staying consistent to the original design with vent back, nylon quilted lining and two large handwarmer pockets.

It’s also a design classic that should give you plenty of use as other styles come and go. Available in blue or black, it should cost you around £140

Alpha Industries website

Via Retro To Go

Top five stylish cardigans for winter

Once the preserve of pensioners and geography teachers (with added leather patches), the cardigan is making a comeback, with the shops full of this "must have" winter fashion essential. But which one should you buy? Here’s my pick of the best – with a choice to suit all pockets.

1. Fred Perry Classic Lambswool Cardigan

Fred Perry is digging deep into its heritage, producing some classic designs from days gone by, including this Classic Lambswool Cardigan, with a design dating back to the 60s. Featuring ribbed cuffs, wood-effect buttons and an embroidered laurel, it’s available in black or navy for £90.

Fred Perry website

Read the rest of this entry »

Peter Werth knitted cardigan

This killer retro cardigan from Peter Werth is a must have for your autumn/ winter wardrobe.
Most cardigans are clunky and make you look like a geography teacher, but this smart knitted cardigan with buttoned front and small pockets has great little features like epaulettes on the shoulder with cool stitching on the seam.

You could get away with wearing it in the office, or coupled with a shirt or Tee, you could wear it out and about. It’s pretty practical too with winter on the way, but you don’t have to look like a chump to stay warm. A snip at £45 from Ark.

Paul Smith boater scarf

With cold weather upon us, it’s time to put your Birkenstocks away, and pull out the woolens. With bloke’s accessorising properly these days, you’ll no doubt want a nice scarf to live up to your nice coat, and one place to look is Paul Smith’s fine range of English boater scarves.

Naturally you don’t have to wear a straw boater with it, but you can feel as English as Ray Davies on your travels with the super cool mint green and chocolate brown striped number. Put a bit of colour in your wardrobe during the bleak weather. The range is available to buy, and prices are from £39 from Paul Smith.

Five t-shirts we like right now

5 ‘DRINK WATER’ BY AIRSIDE
Sensible advice for your chest. Designed by Ian Stevenson for Airside. BUY IT

Read the rest of this entry »

SeventySeven Bass Beats sweat

Despite the admirable efforts of global warming to extend summer into October, we have to face facts – autumn is upon us, which means it’s time to think about wearing more than the summer uniform of t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops. We recommend that you start with a cosy hooded sweatshirt, specifically UK label SeventySeven’s Bass Beats sweat, which features a rather natty screen-printed graphic – Jimi Hendrix’s face is even in there somewhere. Check out their website for information on stockists and to see the rest of their men’s range.

Steal Music T-shirt

Shotdeadinthehead, an ethical British t-shirt company with a twisted sense of humour, produce tees for Holy Moly and Pop Justice. They also do their own range of slogan t-shirts, including this rather splendid ‘Steal Music’ number. BUY IT

Newurban tweed trilbies

What would Pete Doherty wear if he was going on a shooting weekend in the country? His trilbies are smart and ultra-fashionable, but they’re lacking that aristocratic je-ne-sais-quoi. However, headwear e-tailer Newurban appears to have the answer with its smart new range of tweed trilby hats. Well, almost.

They’re warm and comfortable, cost £40 each, and come in four colours: brown (pictured), forest green, turqoise and, er, creamy peach. Trouble is, they’re for ladies. The ideal gift then, unless you can successfully rock the androgynous fusty/fashionista crossover look. Can I get away with calling that fustynista?

TOP 5 OLD-SCHOOL TRAINERS

5 VANS OLD-SKOOL
Classic skate shoe from a classic skate-shoe brand. The clean lines of the Old-Skool make a refreshing change from most modern trainers, which are overdesigned and laden with pointless tech gimmicks. And you don’t have to be a skater to get away with wearing these, although it helps. BUY IT

Read the rest of this entry »

Replica Stormtrooper outfit

Almost 30 years after prop-maker Andrew Ainsworth of Shepperton Studios created the original Stormtrooper outfit, you can now buy your own authentic, lifesize replica, including a helmet that has been
made using the original moulds. Star Wars fanboys, these are the replica Stormtrooper outifts you’ve been looking for… and other Jedi-based puns.

These armour/helmet combos, turned out once again by Shepperton, are the most accurate reproductions of the originals ever produced. As such, they don’t come cheap (£1,300 to be precise) but then they are a genuine collector’s item. Btw, if you’re knee-high to a Jawa (or just a small child with too much pocket money), don’t bother – the armour’s size range is 5ft 2in-6ft 2in. Oh, and the blaster’s not included. Damn. BUY IT