Just in: Loewe bicolour sneakers

A couple of days ago I gushed about one of the creations of Jonathan Anderson's namesake brand. Today I'm raving about another of his creations, this time for Loewe – the Spanish brand Anderson has managed to turn around in just a matter of a few seasons.
I bought these beauties above during my last visit to Paris in October. This style is the first of a dozen different designs to drop in store and online over the next few weeks and until January 2016.
The designer has found the perfect high-end approach to a casual shoe. The mix of textures and colours (my two favourite for sneakers at the moment) and the contrast brown rubber sole give the shoe a very vintage touch. Adding to this touch are the bicolour panels and perforated detailing as nod to golf shoes and the result of combining all these elements is far from retro. They are a modern classic, which I'm sure we'll continue to see in different colour ways and materials over the coming seasons. Get your pair at Mr Porter or over at the Loewe online store.

Head over to Loewe's website to explore the new colours for their brand new staple shoe like the one below.

Just in: Transitional Basics, Pieces to Wear Now and Later

Left to right and top to bottom: Band of Outsiders Oxford shirt at Mr Porter, All Saints Colbert denim jacket, Helmut Lang Trace jeans at MatchesFashion.com, ASOS Bomber Jacket, Vans Slip-On 59 Pro,

Bailey Nelson Swift sunglasses.

For years now I have been trying to start working on my so-called 'transitional wardrobe' – that selection of pieces you can wear in between seasons but also incorporate easily into your SS or FW looks. Last week I went on a bit of an on and offline shopping spree to make sure I was well equipped – so I actually own everything you see in the pictures above.
I started with a pair of black slim jeans because as much as I love my Acne ones they are way too old to look presentable anymore. Next on the list was a new denim jacket in a slim fit so I could wear it over a shirt but also under a blazer. I had been looking for the perfect green Oxford shirt for years and I also finally found it (I'm wearing it as I type). Once I had the green I decided I needed some more colour, which is why I chose a light bomber jacket in burgundy – also great for layering. And I was low on neutrals so I chose sneakers in an off-white/cream colour my (immense) shoe collection was really lacking.
Now I am ready to start buying key pieces for FW14, most of which I have eyed already. More on these soon!

Just In: Folk Cubavera Shirts from Mr Porter

The London Collections: Men and the British summer are almost upon us – or at least the former is. This year I promised myself I wouldn't let either take me by surprise so I have been adding some SS14 pieces little by little to my wardrobe over the past few weeks.
The latest addition are the two Folk Cubavera shirts I bought from Mr Porter this week. The first style, a lightweight printed cotton, is a perfect piece for the hot seasons as it's a chic option to stay fresh. It's work appropriate, suitable for weekend fun and so light you barely know you're wearing anything. The second option, also in cotton, comes in a patterned, textured cloth that feels soft and is also very fresh. This one has also more of a 50's vibe, which I love.
They both work really well under light summer blazers or with jeans and shorts and sneakers. I am just so happy I have found pieces that while being subtle and useful also stand out from your regular summer wardrobe.
Stay tuned for my looks of the day during the upcoming London, Milan and Paris menswear fashion weeks.

Just in: Michael Bastian x Uniqlo

As part of my mission to get my wardrobe ready for the new season – thanks London for being so miserable and extending my deadline – I visited my favourite high street store, Uniqlo, to check out their SS14 offerings.
Even considering their t-shirt collaboration with Pharrell, the most exciting part of the collection is the polo shirt line they have created with Michael Bastian. As you might expect from anything the king of preppy is involved with, every single piece is beautifully simple and includes amazing details such as embroidered golf balls and bears, plaid and pinstripe patterns and 60's-inspired prints.
My first choice so far is the style below. A navy button-down polo shirt featuring green and red micro-paisleys. You can shop the whole collection here.

Just In: Nike Roshe Run (Vol. II)

I wish I could buy a new pair of shoes every week. I indulged myself last week for my birthday and a week later I thought it was still a good excuse to indulge again. Following the success of last year's Nike Roshe Run I decided to go for a different colour this time around. Though apparently identical, the new SS14 model is made from a tighter smoother mesh, which gives it a different texture. That, and the neon orange highlights make them a brilliant summer choice as they are bold without being loud.

They are available online both at Mr Porter and ASOS.

New In: Nike Janoski Mid Wool

If you read Fashion, Frankly regularly you will know by now that if there is a particular item I can never have enough of in my wardrobe that is shoes of any style. I tend to buy an average of a pair a month, which keeps me cheeper for a few weeks and normally doesn't hurt my credit card too much.
This month I wanted to find a pair of Nike sneakers I could wear in the winter. I love my Free Run's and Roshe Run's but they simply aren't a good fit for the cold London temperature. That is why these Janoski Mid Wool style couldn't be better. With a wool upper part, sturdy sole and cork insole they really insulate my feet from the winter weather. Because they are made of such an unusual material for sneakers they add great texture to my classic clothes. The striking red sole is also an easy way to inject some colour into my dark(ish) looks.
As well as in brown, they are available in a beautiful shade of grey, also with the red sole. They're both a perfect match for your blue jeans but look fantastic with black and grey too. You can get them here.

Just In: ASOS Harris Tweed Peacoat

Earlier this month the lovely folks at ASOS were kind enough to gift me my favourite piece of the season – their Harris Tweed Peacoat from their new Made in England range, which I recently blogged about. The brand seems to have struck the perfect balance between quality materials and timeless design and an affordable price.
Apart from a slight sleeve shortening tweak (something I always have to do to all my jackets) the coat fits as if it had been tailored for me. I have only worn it twice so far but there hasn't been a person – guy friends included – who hasn't sung its praises. The subtle colourful checks of the Harris Tweed give it enough of a distance air without risking being loud. The coat is also extremely light and the warmest I have ever had.

If you are thinking of Christmas presents check out the whole Harris Tweed range here.

A big thank you to Shawn and Louisa at ASOS for always being so nice to me!

Fashion, Frankly / ASOS

Just In: Nike Roshe Run Khaki Sneakers

I've recently got back from my summer holiday and first visit (I know... shameful) to New York City. Seeing as I am trying to be a responsible young man I went with a mental list of things I wanted to buy that were cheaper in the States, just to make me feel a little better. The first of of purchases were these Nike Roshe Run sneakers in khaki.
I had been spotting this model for weeks on different websites online but was always doubtful when it came to buying them because they have such an awkward shape – in most pictures anyway. The truth is that, once on, they not only look extremely elegant and streamlined but they feel incredible. The mesh body and cushioned sole make them extremely comfortable but also light and fresh, as your feet can breath. To top it all off, the ribbed inside sole softly massages your feet as you walk. If you go for a classic colour, they become very apt city shoes that look modern and chic with a rolled up pair of jeans and an Oxford shirt.
I simply can't recommend them enough. You can get your pair over at End Clothing and at many other online retailers, should you wish to choose another colour.

Just In: Comme des Garçons Shirt Benjamin II Suede Chukka Plimsolls

It's time for the sales and for some of us to try and catch all the items we've been coveting for months but unable to afford. Alas, most of the guys following my strategy seem to have my size, which means everything I want is gone!
Luckily, I was able to snatch a new pair of shoes at the My-Wardrobe sale last week and they arrived yesterday. The winner is a pair of colour-blocking suede sneakers by Comme des Garçons Shirt. The powder pink, baby blue and deep green contrast and complement each other and they're a brilliant addition to a casual look with jeans and a preppy shirt. I'll be breaking them out tomorrow for a sunny day of morning meetings.

Just In: All Saints Cargo Biker Leather Jacket

Back in February when I published my 25th Birthday wishlist list of my key items on the list was a leather jacket. I have had quite a good experience with All Saints ones in the past so I I thought I would go for it. A few weeks later, just in time for my birthday, I went and bought it but I then took it back a few days later because it didn't feel right – the sleeves were too long, the body too. And I am very specific about fit.
A couple of weeks later I went back to All Saints to see if I could find a different model that would suit me and that's when I came across the Cargo Biker Jacket. The fit is a lot more old-school than the others. The body is shorter and a bit more fitted and the same goes for the sleeves. The distressed effect, which doesn't really look great on the website imagery, gives the leather an ultra smooth feel that makes the jacket really comfortable – you feel as if you've had it for years and broken it in.
I have barely been able to take it off because it really is perfect with everything and great for this weather. I am going to take it everywhere with me this season and it will travel with me into the winter, when I will layer it under my tailored coats.

See how I wore it here.

Just in: Herschel Settlement Backpack

When I posted my 25th Birthday wishlist little over a month ago I never expected anyone (but me) to take it seriously. It looks like some of my friends really do pay attention to what I do on the blog and so they decided to get me the Herschel Settlement Backpack I wanted in the camo, red and blue.
Funnily enough, I had been thinking about buying it from ASOS for the last two weeks because I am tired of carrying my laptop bag to work everyday. The Herschel bag has not only a cool red micro-striped lining but it comes with a built-in laptop sleeve pocket, so it's the perfect bag for travelling, going to work or just to the gym (if I ever do go, this is where I'll carry my stuff).
Belated birthday presents do make the best surprises. And I can't wait to wear this one to work this week!

You can get the Herschel Settlement Backpack in camouflage at ASOS here. For a wider Herschel range, click here.

Waxed Jacket Face-off: Zara Vs. AMI

After living in London for quite some time I've learnt keep some from of water-repellent outerwear in my wardrobe at all times. Since I haven't been able to find the trench coat of my dreams – not one I can afford, anyway – I thought a waxed jacket is the best option. I found these two Barbour-inspired models a while back and have been debating which one to get for a while.
Eventually, I went for the Zara option, which arrived on the post today and looks much better in person. I ended up choosing it over the AMI jacket because the overall fit is more flattering and modern – with no bulging side pockets – and because it's got a bunch of very useful inside pockets I simply can't live without. However, I love the reddish tile finish of the AMI one, it's understated but it makes the jacket feel less common. Both feature collar and inside cuff corduroy details, which I love but I love the red micro check lining on the sleeves on the Zara jacket.

Just In: Nike Free Run+ 3 & New Balance ML574 Backpack

It has probably been about two months since I bought my last pair of shoes, which is unlike me. So this month I got two new pairs to make up for it.
The first pair – the new Nike Free Run +3 in black – I bought for practical reasons. I made made a promise to myself to start going to the gym in February and I was not about to do so in my old chunky silver-and-neon-green Nike trainers. These ones are a lot more subtle, more comfortable and way lighter. And they look pretty cool with jeans too.
I have been craving this pair of New Balance ML574 in orange for months now. I thought I had missed my chance when I found one last pair available in my size – phew! They are perfect for the Spring and the Summer and great with rolled-up jeans or even a suit.

Just In: Marc by Marc Jacobs Shearling Bomber Jacket

Little over a week ago I shared my excitement about the further reductions taking place at the Mr Porter winter sale and I promised I would post about my new purchase. So here it is.
I had been coveting this jacket from Marc by Marc Jacobs for quite some time and it was my number 1 on my Christmas wishlist so I took it as a sign when there was still one in my size. It had perfect timing, too, as I got it just a few days before heading to freezing Milan. It was the perfect touch to my fashion week winter outfits and it kept me warm in between shows. And so I have crossed 'perfect aviator jacket' off my list!

You can still get your hands on some of the great pieces on further reduction at Mr P – click here.

Mr Porter, Fashion Frankly

Just in: My Buys from the Mr Porter Sale

The morning of the 30th of December was almost more exciting for me than Christmas Day's. The first thought to come to my mind as I woke up was that the Mr Porter sale was on! After (quickly) decided which items were my priority I decided to void the shoe section because, let's face it, I have more shoes than anything else. So I tried to pick classic items that would go well through the seasons.
I first indulged with one of my favourite buys of the season – the Jil Sander dinosaur tie I have been raving about for a while. With this out of the way I could focus better. Second on my list was the YMC jersey jumper with an inside out effect I love. And lastly, as I have been looking for the perfect pair of khaki trousers for months I went for these NN.07 trousers that have a great fit.

The Mr Porter Sale is still on – check its amazingness here!

Just in: Tod's No_Code shoes

My 'Just in' posts were meant to reflect my new wardrobe additions as they happen but we will have to interpret the expression more loosely from now own given my incompetence when it comes to taking pictures of myself.
The lovely people from Tod's gifted me this pair of shoes from their No_Code SS12 collection earlier this summer and they have been the only non-sneakers I have worn all season. They are unbelievably comfortable and have this great casual/formal feel to them that makes them perfect for pretty much any occassion. The leather laces add quite a quirky touch and the slight bicolour platform gives you a bit of a lift, which, let's be honest, I can do with. I have got all sorts of great compliments for them and they are most definitely be coming with me into the new season.
Tod's has recently launched the FW12 line of No_Code, which I will be posting about in the next few days.

Just in: Davidelfin sweatshirt

DavidDelfin.com, Fashion, Frankly

I have barely done any sale shopping this season because 1. I have been a little skint, and 2. all the nice things are still a tad too expensive. However, I did have a look at the Davidelfin sale online. He is one of the very few Spanish designers who creates interesting clothes every season and I still didn't have anything from him.
I ended up going for this sweatshirt with cream Raglan sleeves, grey body and a neon band at the waist. I loved its simplicity but also the little detail of the embroidered dolphin on the chest and the blue zip at the back.
I finally wore it for the first time yesterday and it's such a cool fit, slightly higher at the neck live a baseball shirt or a wetsuit. It's just a great piece for those casual days you don't feel like making an effort but still want to be wearing something interesting. Not to mention Raglan sleeves always make your shoulders look slightly wider, so it's all advantages!

Just in: ASOS camo jacket & shorts

ASOS

Camouflage is one of those trends I would have never seen myself wearing. It seems like it doesn't take much to make me change my mind. Over a year and many pictures of Nick Wooster, Jeremy Langmead and Josh Peskowitz after I am a new man.
It took me quite a while to find the right camo print because I didn't think the traditional one would suit me. I needed something more modern and, if possible, a little more subtle. Beams Plus lead the way with their modernised print and Acne reinterpreted it but we had to wait for YMC to hit the right note. However, I still wasn't sure. And then I found the ones at ASOS.
I first bought the ASOS camo jacket over a month ago. It took me about a week or two to gather the courage to actually wear it out but it was quite a hit, which gave me confidence. I combined it with a white and pink striped shirt, light blue Cheap Monday jeans and my new pair of Vans x Kenzo.
Then, I bought the ASOS camo shorts. I decided to go for a different palette because otherwise I knew I would end up wearing them together with the jacket as a sort of suit and, really, no one wants to see that. These ones haven't been worn yet because 1. the weather has been shit in London and 2. I am saving them for fashion week in Milan. I am not 100% decided yet but I might wear them with a beige blazer, a white Oxford shirt and my tan leather Grenson brogues.

Just in: YMC Navajo print sneakers

Credited websites

Yes, I have bought a lot of shoes in the last two weeks. I realised a few weeks ago that I have only been buying leather and suede shoes for most of the winter so I've had to quickly get ready for the warm weather. And in summer I pretty much only wear sneakers.
My latest purchase is a pair of the incredible navajo print model by YMC – from My-Wardrobe. I have only worn them twice so far but I have never got so many compliments on my shoes. Only yesterday a friend looked at them and shouted "I am in love with your shoes, where are they from?". I went for the dark navy background because, despite the fact that I love the orange, they look super chic with khaki trousers and they work great with evening looks.
You can find the brown and blue ones over at Mr Porter and the orange ones at Oki-Ni.

Just in: Vans x Kenzo

Fashion, Frankly

I received these bad boys yesterday and I couldn't be happier. I usually miss out on these amazing collaborations because either my size sells out too quickly or I'm too out of pocket to afford them – why is it always at the end of the month before pay day?
Anyway, the Vans x Kenzo are tad comfier than your standard Vans. The sole is a bit more consistent and it's evident that all the stitching is a lot stronger. So if you were hesitating, rest assured the difference in price is justified.
I went for the green because, despite being my favourite colour – can you tell? – I don't seem to have any green shoes. I have already worn them and I'm pretty certain I have chosen the right colour, they just look so cool. Although after watching this video on the Kenzo site I am more than tempted to also go for the nude version... In June, though.

Thoughts?