How to Nail the 'Transitional Look'

1. Todd Snyder suede varsity jacket, 2. New Balance 576 Three Peaks sneakers,

3. Cheap Monday denim jacket, 4. Barbour Bedale Jacket, 5. Clarks Originals desert boots,

6. Burberry Prorsum cashmere-blend coat, 7. Gucci burnished leather sneakers, 8. Vans Old Skool sneakers,

9. Selected bomber jacket, 10. A.P.C. cotton field jacket, 11. New Look khaki parka, 12. Nike Roshe Run.

Just when you think you've mastered how to dress for the winter Mother Nature decides to spin your world (also kind of literally) and head for spring, not without first having to endure an awkward few weeks when neither winter nor spring wear are totally apt. It's exactly for times like these that fashion bunch coined 'transitional wardrobe'.
I have inevitably failed at this way of dressing most of my life. And I did, I realise now, because of my strict self-imposed style rules, the breaking of which is the key to conquering the 'transitional look'. Three perfect examples of how to do it well came this week courtesy of Ryan Reynolds and Chris Pine.
Reynolds paired jeans and chinos with Vans Old Skool. First with a 3-quarter length checked coat worn over a shirt – worn without a jumper in between this makes a perfect transitional look. Later in the week he wore them with a v-neck cotton jumper and an indigo denim jacket – worn without a shirt or tee underneath a cotton jumper and jacket are perfect for a breezy sunny day.
Chris Pine went for a more traditional approach wearing jeans with a cotton button-down shirt and a lightweight jacket. Is is the detailing of the jacket and the well-matched double-denim that make this a hit.

I browsed my favourite online retailers to find 12 pieces perfect to complete your transitional wardrobe, which double up as great additions to your winter and spring wardrobes.

I'm not Frank: What I wore to Milan Fashion Week

Fashion, Frankly

I know I haven't been blogging in a very regular way over the last few weeks. I promised myself I would only ever post when I really wanted to and never just because. But I still have some juicy posts coming up from my last trip to Milan in January, especially the Ermenegildo Zegna and Z Zegna shows. So stay tuned.
Even though I didn't quite take any pictures of my looks this time my friend Giulia, who helps me out with Know Wear, emailed me this picture of the two of us she took with her iPad during breakfast at the Armani Hotel (a must stop if you're in town!). And so I thought I might as well make a post about my outfit.
It was ridiculously cold, though sunny, in Milan and even though I wasn't fully ready I managed to survive by layering good pieces. On day two I wore my most trust-worthy vintage denim shirt paired with my also very reliable +J beige blazer. I paired them up with a wool tartan Barbour tie I bought at My-Wardrobe and my amazing Lanvin mother-of-pearl tie pin from Mr Porter. I am also wearing my then brand new Illesteva sunglasses, which I also bought from Mr Porter.

Frank Loves: Barbour x Grenson shoes

Courtesy of Grenson

It' fair to say that I have an intense yet under-control obsession with shoes. I own between 30 and 40 pairs (last time I counted...) and people often say that I have "too many pairs of shoes for a straight man", whatever that means.
I usually buy a pair a month –whether they're sneakers, smart shoes or the space in between (desert boots, rubber-soled brogues...). This month I was looking for a pair of brogues with a twist because I feel like all-leather and all-suede ones are e bit too dressed up for every day.
Grenson has just launched their collaboration line with Barbour, which has perfect timing for me. What I love about them is that they bring together the best of both –that hand-made traditional feel of Grenson that reads high quality and the sort of countryside feel Barbour injects into everything they do.
I am really into this vintage countryside vibe this season, as I said before this week, so I love the look of the 'Espresso' model (great name too!). The rough suede contrasts with the leather on the front and back and I'm really keen on the light stitching and the bicolour sole with the boot sole. They're first on my list of things to buy this month!

Click HERE to buy your pair. They just arrived in store today!