Most Wanted Fall 2014

With summer coming to an end I'm starting to look forward to breaking out some autumn clothing, and maybe adding a few bits and pieces to the wardrobe. So heres the stuff I'm looking to pick up this fall...

1. Being a big American sports guy I've always been tempted by a varsity jacket, I love the all American collegiate feel. However a few years back they really blew up in the UK and the highstreet was over saturated by cheap sweatshirt versions that really killed them. But I think a quality jacket with a wool body and leather sleeves is still pretty classic. I love this version by Opening Ceremony from a couple of seasons ago. Hopefully I can find something similar, or if I can find a nice blank jacket I can customise it with my own patches.

2. When its cooler out I pretty much live in flannel shirts. I love how easy they are to layer up with tees and jackets and how comfy and warm they are in the cold. I have a bunch already but I don't have a classic red/black buffalo plaid. Its the classic lumberjack look (hopefully not too hipster), and just shouts of log cabins, open fires and cold winter days. (Filson shirt pictured).

3. I've loved using my Carhartt tote bag for work all summer (see it here), but think I need something a little more substantial for autumn/winter (and something that closes and keeps the rain out). I'd looked at the Filson zip tote before (even reserving one in store), but had decided it was a little on the large size. However I've actually liked having the bigger tote bag (I can fit more crap in it), so might go back and check them out again.

4. Okay, so I'm not entirely sure on this, but I'm kind of feeling brown denim. The pair pictured are actually Gap kids, which is were I saw them and thought they looked pretty awesome. I haven't actually seen an adults size pair that I like, but I think they have a cool rugged autumn feel to them, like a harder wearing khaki.

5. As a sneaker guy I'm really uninspired by everything thats being put out at the moment. The general public seems to have a cycle of sneaker hype, the first half of the year was all about New Balance being totally played out, and now its all about Huaraches being completely over hyped. I know people in general buy whats available on the highstreet but I find people just buying whatever the current popular hypey shoe is really depressing. Which is why seeing the rerelease of the éS Accel shoe is so refreshing. The tan suede is really smart and I always love a gum sole. Its just something different to the current Nike releases, while also reminding me of all the awesome Etnies and Adio skate shoes I wore as a teenager.

6. To say I'm excited about LeBron being back in Cleveland is a little bit of an understatement and while the Timberwolves are my true team, I was a big Cavs fan during the first part of LeBrons career there. I struggled to root for the Heat too much to start with but eventually came around, LeBrons just too good to hate on. His return to Cleveland is such a great storey and I definitely want to pick up a new jersey to play in. I'm a big fan of maroon so I really like the wine coloured Cavs jersey, plus I need something to wear when I go see them play in Brooklyn in March.

A Summer Wedding 2014

Last weekend was one of my best friends weddings, and I had the honour of being best man. This is the second time I've had the opportunity to be a best man, and as we weren't wearing matching wedding suits, I wanted to get something new for the occasion. My friend came down to London to visit a few months back and while we were out doing some shopping for the wedding we spotted this suit in John Lewis' Kin range. I was immediately taken by the strong bright blue, and after getting his approval on the colour (I didn't want to clash with his blue/grey suit) I decided it was definitely the one.

John Lewis describe the Kin range as 'Affordable, well designed, contemporary yet timeless; clothes for everyone'. I think this sums up the suit pretty well. Its a really smart slim fit, and was great value for money. I wore it with a Banana Republic shirt, and the pink bow tie from Mrs Bowtie that I wrote about here. All the grooms men wore matching pocket squares that the groom had found to match his tie (which was pink with white polka dots). I think the pink really goes well with the blue, and it turned out that the grooms father was wearing a suit in almost an identical colour, so we were well coordinated. I finished the outfit with vintage cuff links which you can see in my wedding post here from last year.

We had a fantastic day, a nice ceremony, some excellent food, and my speech even got a few laughs!