Just in: Gingham & breton stripes

Fashion, Frankly

I took these pictures during the weekend while I was getting dressed. I always try to figure out which of my clothes go with the new wardrobe additions so that I am ready in advance. I bought the breton-striped jumper from Uniqlo a couple of weeks ago. I bought the same one with the colours inverted. It's lighter than a jumper but thicker than a t-shirt, which makes it perfect with or without anything underneath. I combined it with my also new blue gingham shirt by Polo Ralph Lauren (Kids) – from Bicester Village – and my vintage Levi's denim jacket. I also loved the combination of the shirt and my fluo Acne jumper worn with the same denim jacket. Lots of options for the summer already – at least while the weather remains like this.

Thinking SS11: D&G's gingham

While I gear up for London Fashion Week I'm trying to think ahead and start making a mental list of all my favourite bits from the SS11 shows to create my ultimate shopping list for the new season. D&G and I don't always get along but when we do we're the best of friends. The brand's elegant pastel colours, soft floral prints and colourful gingham prints made one of the best collections for the coming season, one that I will be looking at when I buy my spring clothes.

[Pictures: Style.com]

Gingham love

For those of you unfamiliar with the man below, you only need to know that his name is Tim Gunn, that he plays the mentor role on Project Runway and that he has never been seen not wearing a suit. I don't normally notice his attire much because he is a very classic man. So it was even more of a surprise to catch him in a red gingham shirt paired with an also scarlet tie. I, then, started thinking how well gingham always works. It doesn't matter how bold the colour is, this checked pattern makes it look smart and fresh. I also love the fact that you don't necessarily have to wear it with plain ties. Horizontal lines and other type of patterns look very cool worn with gingham. I wore one of these combos a few months ago to a graduation. Do you guys wear a lot of gingham?

[Pictures: Project Runway screencaps, JCrew.com, Barneys.com, BrooksBrothers.com]

Graduation day

A few weeks ago I went to my best friend's graduation. A great excuse/opportunity to wear a suit and 'jazz' it a bit (his words, not mine) without looking out of place. I have to admit I didn't even have a choice. My two black suits require major surgery and my beige linen one makes me look like the drunk uncle at a wedding. So my only option was my H&M grey suit. H&M makes pretty good cheap suits, the type that look pretty apt when combined with the right shirt and accessories.
It was summer and so colour was not only acceptable but almost expected. Which is why I went for so much lilac. Gingham is one of my favourite patterns for shirts. It gives you a classic and crisp look which you can update going for a funkier colour. But the key, I believe, was in my choice of tie —a navy and lilac knit one (which was actually über-cheap Uniqlo). Both items together were just the right amount of retro, colourful and occassion-appropriate. My final touch were a green pocket square (from an amazing shop in Madrid) of which I only had the navy trimming on display and my amazing pair of Acne grey brogues. Have a look.

[Picture: Iñaki C.]