Do you remember the ‘late ’90s film The Talented Mr Ripley? Featuring Jude Law before he became really annoying and Matt Damon before he fucked Sarah Silverman the film is a great way to remind yourself how to shed your winter layers.
Along with Gwyneth Paltrow they loll about in Italy looking gorgeously well dressed until Something Bad Happens. The really interesting bit is watching their outfits, Law’s goes for a ’50s take on Club Tropicana and Damon really cuts a dash in gingham. If you’re going for a preppy look this season then fit in a viewing of this film over the weekend so you can be summer-ready.
Here at Brandish, we always like to help you stand out from the crowd. And in a sea of brown deck shoes and rolled up jeans how does one do that?
Think bright pastels or acid colours instead, and team with seersucker pants and a vintage, punky T-shirt for maximum impact. This look is all about subtly subverting the ‘weekend in the Hamptons’ look that’s so prevalent. Preppy is lovely, but is becoming a bit samey and subversion is always good. As preppies might actually wear pastels too, this is more about attitude.
Don’t be fazed by the pale colours, these shoes will actually look better scuffed up with half the dancefloor dirt in Dalston on top (definitely un-Hamptons).
Right I found it really tough to come up with something to suggest as my hot tip for the summer because my wardrobe changes very little for the summer months I simply wear less of it, so in that vein I’ve gone for AW09 favorite- the cable / heavy weight knit wear.
If you, like me, have stocked up on this stuff through the cooler months there is no need to moth ball it for the warmer ones, yes when layered wool is hot as hell but if you throw this over a vest or a t-shirt and shorts then it breathes enough to keep you cool in the day time but holds it’s warmth to keep the chill off when the sun finally sets. Luckily for those who have been staying clear of the knitwear the last few season -though I’m not sure why you would have- picking up a few pieces doesn’t have to break the bank, the featured piece below from Topman comes in at a cool £40, so you have no excuse.
Last summer I was down at Shiny Towers and the gloriously hot days were spent writing, chatting with my fellow Shinies, trying on Drop-Crotch jeans and touring the streets in search of aspirational street style. But despite all the joviality I didn’t quite anticipate the weather (although I refuse to take the blame for that one- when was the last time we had a proper summer?) and ended up the innocent victim of SSS (that’s Skinny jeans in Summer Syndrome.) This summer I am determined to get it right, which is why I have compiled this list of fashion needs (okay, wants.)
1. Lots of Extra-Hold Hairspray
Since Christmas and a happy accident haircut, I have been living with a bit of an 80s asymmetrical style. My super-thick hair means that I have to use extra-hold products which are effective but grease-free; the wet fro is never a good look! I will need lots of hairspray to combat the heat.
Spring/Summer stock is starting to roll in to BBlessing‘s online store. Known for stocking hot US brands like Patrick Ervell, Adam Kimmel and Rag and Bone, BBlessing’s own line is definitely worth checking out. Attention to detail is always spot on and the quality of the garments needs to be experienced to really appreciate their unique take on streetwear meets formality.
The latest BBlessing collection inspired (with typical obscurity) by ‘the mythology surrounding the legend of plane-hijacker DB Cooper’ comes in a rich colour palette of blues, greens, washed greys and tans, more tangibly ‘inspired by the textures and tones of the Pacific Northwest’.
Stand-out pieces include the selvedge denim jacket – made formal by being lined – and these beautiful, pleated linen shorts.
The physical store with it’s crack-pipe chandeliers and American Gothic aesthetic is a must-see stop-off if you really want to experience the excitement of the menswear scene in New York. Right in the heart of the hipster-centric Lower East Side it doesn’t get any better, though their website offers a great taster and a good shopping experience in itself.
There’s something very liberating about the tote bag for guys. Clearly ‘recreational’ in outlook – its very simplicity makes it clear that you’re not lugging a laptop and however Boho your leatherware is there’s nothing quite so carefree as a simple cotton tote. We’ve been there with slogans and brand names in the last couple of years, both as intentional shout-outs and as the sought-after-though-indirectly-fashionable (hello Daunt Books bag carriers).
The most refreshing option for your cotton tote bag then is something purely graphic: Topman have great, cheap options available in abstract diamond or mesh patterns. Acne has a gorgeous still life print. Though my favourite remains Deer Dana who make up totes in any of their hand-drawn T-shirt designs – the most well-known of which being the Agyness Deyn print, as worn by, ahem Agyness Deyn. So now the only thing left to do is to check what’s needed for the park/beach/lunch date: Kiehls SPF moisturiser, Penguin Classic, chunky headphones and moleskine notepad. Go be carefree.
Items: Left, Deer Dana, centre, both Topman, right Acne
Another inspiring gallery of new season clothing, this time from uber chic French label A.P.C. The made news recently with their Nike collaboration on the All Court tennis shoe and I’m sure we’ll be seeing lots more of the label thanks to ourmutuallove for all things madras.
Smart trenchcoats, soft velvet sweatshirts and sharp tailored suits make for an easygoing but stylish collection. The muted palette will coordinate easily with your wardrobe, and A.P.C quality means they’ll become a treasured favourite.
Although it might not seem like it right now, spring is on its way. Take a leap into next season’s trends by clicking through the summer collection by stellar H&M offshoot COS.
The collection is made up of up-to-the-minute pieces in a palette of soft shades with COS’ characteristic timeless touch. Standout items include a grey jersey blazer which will be as comfy as it is smart, and carrot leg, the new shape for men’s trousers, following on from the womenswear trend.
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Jude Law makes another appearance in his second series of adverts for Dunhill, which sees him in a variety of Hamptons-esque locations including beach, car, library and decking in a multitude of smart outfits.I can see where Dunhill are trying to go with Jude but it seems like he’s not quite right for the brand, and his posing skills are slightly questionable.
What do you think? Let us know on our Facebook Blog Networks page.
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Raf Simons is back once again with mod father Fred Perry to bring their SS09 collab. Moving away from the monotone of previous seasons these power houses of style are moving into the exciting unknown with a vibrant colour palette taking it’s inspiration from West African culture.
The range consists of 25 pieces some of which are reworkings of Fred Perry classics such as the polo shirt augmented with new weaves and knits. New comers to the line include slipon, tassle loafers in both navy blue and burnt red and a slim fit harrington jacket in regal blue.
Drop-crotch jeans have been dubbed the ‘future of denim’ and ‘the next skinny jean.’ I am an unbelievable skinny devotee (yes, I am scarred after wearing them in Summer-heat London and not even joking) and for this reason, I decided to road-test an exclusive pre-production sample pair from Trousers London. I ventured into Covent Garden to get the public opinion on whether the jeans were ‘(Drop-)HOT!’ or ‘PANTS!’ Pitying glances, envious looks, angry words and self-styling monologues; the Drop-Crotch jeans certainly attracted attention-but was it praise or pity? Read on for the full report with street-style pics, interviews, comments and product details.
Steve Jones was seen on Monday with rumoured new girlfriend Fearne Cotton. A stylish, undoubtedly TV-friendly pair, I have to admit that I actually think Steve is better dressed on this particular date.
Let’s start with the leather jacket- this staple item is unexpectedly hard to pull off (without looking like a T-Bird; never a good look.) Jones’ version is masculine yet still on trend and the slim-fit detail means that your swagger won’t be shapeless. The white canvas brogues are a perfect summer piece and can be worn on holiday with a pair of shorts or actually in the UK with jeans, as seen here. Add black Wayfarer-style glasses and run the risk of looking like a trend-victim or try a non-Ray Ban style and be all-out original, fashion quirkiness will get you a Brandish A-Grade.
Alex James looked great pictured at Ascot recently with his wife Claire. Sporting a white suit with an off-white shirt the former Blur bassist kept things interesting with a pale mustard retro tie. I wouldn’t have thought textured ties were a very good look in summer but it’s quite an effective look. See after the jump for a selection of the best summer textured ties.
Just two weeks ago, Brandish reviewed the first edition of the Sunday Times Style Magazine’s ‘Mr Mills’ menswear and style column. I decided that Mills needed to brighten up a bit and make the column a little more cheery and summer-inclined if he was to hold the attention of readers. Well, call me egotistical, but is it pure coincidence that the latest edition of the column featured pieces on swim trunks, sunglasses, lime green hair oil and bright-coloured ties?
Jason also picked up on the possible influence of Brandish yesterday with a post on Taz of Sa-Ra. We’re not serious of course, but Mr Mills does look set to be a great read.
So, after the Brandish Poll, 43% of you thought that ‘Worrelly’ is bound for disaster. But if these holiday snaps are anything to go by, the couple is going from strength to strength.
Decked out in slick black and porcelain skin, the couple were spotted on a beach in Malibu. After questioning their suitability, I have to admit that their matching sunglasses are pretty cute – and what’s not to like about their matching hats?
One thing I’m not too sure about is Luke’s sun exposure. What about his pale, peroxide, waif-like look? Is this the start of Luke’s descent into Rocawear and slicked hair? Let’s hope not – it just means we’ll all have to attempt the look next season…
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From:Why Arsenal will announce a new signing today