Item of the Week: J.Crew Metal Anchor Tie Clip

If you follow the blog but also follow me on Instagram it will come as no surprise that I decided to post about this. I have always loved anchors but it wasn't until a few years ago that I started to include them into my outfits. I guess it started 3 years ago when I decided to get an anchor tattoo on my arm. That was also the summer when I had bough my anchor print H&M shorts. Then it was the anchor belt, which you can still get at ASOS. My Miansai anchor bracelet – get yours here – followed closely, as did this anchor-embroidered pique blazer I got from Zara. The latest of my purchases was this J.Crew anchor iPhone cover, which is obviously perfect for me – get it here.
And now it's time for a new purchase! This week Mr Porter has released their new list of arrivals amongst which is this amazing J.Crew Metal Anchor Tie Clip. What I love the most about it is how it's so chic and simple but such a great addition to a classic plain tie.

Frank Musts: Summer 2011

I am finally going on a proper summer holiday next Monday after almost two years of not stepping on a beach (not while it's hot anyway).
I have been quite excited for a couple of weeks and so I have been planning my wardrobe carefully. I also treated myself to a couple of things I could simply not do without by the seaside. I either already own or have bought all of the below (with exception of the Proenza towel). I don't want anyone to think I'm doing an advertorial.

Anchor belt @ ASOS, A.P.C. shorts @ My-Wardrobe, Superga shoes, Proenza towel, Balenciaga bag @ Mr Porter, Missoni towel @ Heal's

They're Fly: How to bring it in the summer

1. A.P.C. anchor logo t-shirt, 2. PS by Paul Smith plaid shirt, 3. Steve McQueen Person sunglasses, 4. ASOS anchor buckle belt.

Let's face it, it's hard for a man to dress in the summer. Keeping cool is key but that, in therms of male clothing, reduces garment options down to two pieces: trousers and top. It's quite a challenge to look fashionable everyday when all you have to play with are two pieces.
Ryan Kwanten's, Ryan Gosling's and Ed Westwick's looks are great examples of how to do this. It's a good idea to add a pattern —stripes, plaid, maritime, even florals— that has to be subtle. Be careful with vests (or wife-beaters) because only men with guns (i.e. Gosling) can pull those off and not look like twats.
Trousers, if not shorts, should be light chinos, slightly looser than you'd wear them in the winter and rolled up (this keeps you cool in more than one way).
Sunglasses and belts are a lot more important in the summer because they say something about who you are. Ray-Ban's are always a safe bet but I personally recommend a classic pair or Persol's or Oliver Peoples'. They have to be a classic shape that goes well with everything but they must have an edge as well, not to be boring.

[JustJared, as credited]

He's Fly: Jean Louis de Castelbajac

I've always envied men like Jude Law or Ed Westwick who can get away with proudly showing their hairy chests. Jean Louis de Castelbajac, Jean-Charles' youngest son, is also one of those. I've been sort of following his style choices since he started dating Dita von Teese. His more formal looks are always very classic but his attitude gives everything a contemporary air. But it's his latest more casual look that has me fascinated. He's clearly mastered the British art of pulling off the greasy hair look and how a battered leather jacket makes everything look better. However, I am not impressed by the big wine (?) stain on his jeans!

[JustJared.com]

Anchors & espadrilles

If you follow me on twitter you'll know already that last week I got some ink on me. I had been meaning to do so for quite a while and I finally dived in while being in Madrid. Luckily for me, my flatmate had given me these H&M shorts of anchor motifs. So it seemed only obvious to wear them a couple of days after getting my tattoos for the full effect. I wore them with a burgundy Uniqlo polo shirt and my brand new El Ganso espadrilles.

[Pictures: Iñaki C.]