Frank's SS14 Picks: Carhartt Michigan Coat in Camo Island & Metro Blue

Three posts in three days, something must be wrong with me! I have had a very very busy return to work after Christmas and only just caught up with everything. Now I need a huge Fashion, Frankly catch-up as SS14 is slowly but surely approaching and there are so many brilliant pieces already coming out.
Today, to kick off my list of the new season's picks, I want to rave about the new Carhartt Michigan Coat. The brand has been at the top of their (camo) game for the last couple of seasons and they are still going at full steam. The new style comes in the shape of their iconic work jacket – 100% cotton, unlined – featuring an injection of blue to their staple camouflage design. It is the perfect transitional jacket as it looks just as cool layered under your winter coat as it does worn with a plain Oxford shirt in the spring. Get it here.

FW13 Essentials from Tod's

I already posted about the Tod's FW13 collection after attending their beautiful presentation during the last Milan Fashion Week. And, after this new one, I am sure there are a few more coming because this is one of my favourite collections yet.
I was excited to see their new ready-to-wear looks, which keep getting better every season. No other brand has the skill to create the most stunning lightweight leathers and suedes without lacking comfort and practicality. They're pieces to have for a lifetime.
Also for FW13 I am coveting most of the footwear collection. From the classic suede Chelsea boots, to the cozy shearling-lined desert boots and my two favourites – the pony skin Chelsea boots and the brushed leather monk straps. Every single piece is a wardrobe staple of the highest quality.
I am almost equally crazy about their new line of work and travel bags, which have also been treated with their unique brushing technique to make the leather soft and flexible and give them a richer texture.
The collection is not dropping for a while yet – let's content ourselves with some of their SS13 hits – but be sure to keep an eye out for your favourites towards the end of the summer.

Courtesy of Tod's

Kit Harington Rocks a Suede Jacket and Monk-Straps at Comic Con

Kit Harington – aka Jon Snow – made an appearance over the weekend at the latest edition of Comic Con in San Diego. The actor was representing both his hit TV show 'Game of Thrones' and his upcoming movie 'Seventh Son'.
For the press conference of the latter the actor wore a cool outfit including muted white trousers, which he paired with a casual t-shirt. The look came to life thanks to the beautiful suede jacket with knit detailing at the collar and cuffs and the pair of monk-strap shoes he donned.
The reason why I like this so much is because it feels really current and hits a lot of the right 'fashion' notes without being trendy. It's a casual and masculine outfit, which works for many occasions.

I had a look at what Mr Porter has to offer in terms of suede jackets and monk straps and this is are some of my favourites. Please note I am not a fan of single strap monks so I went for the double options.

From top to bottom – Jackets: Dolce & Gabbana suede and knitted wool-blend bomber jacket, Canali cashmere and suede bomber jacket, Jean Shop washed-suede western jacket.

Shoes: Saint Laurent leather double monk-straps, John Lobb William suede monk-straps,

John Lobb William leather monk-straps.

Burberry Prorsum SS14: 'Writers and Painters'

I would like if I said I wasn't terribly excited as I walked down the path leading to the grassed field where Burberry had set up their open air tent at Perk's Field. I was hoping for a huge show with live music and unexpected effects (it rained once before, after all) but I was happily surprised by a cool and understated catwalk show instead. Thinking about it afterwards, it made sense for menswear to be more sober. Needless to say, the guest list was packed with familiar faces and the music, as usual, spot-on.
'Writers and Painters' was the title that Christopher Bailey had given to a SS14 collection inspired by David Hockney and Alan Bennett. The artistic and intellectual spirit was made evident by the relaxed silhouettes – low shoulder lines and unstructured on the outerwear, which contrasted with the brand's usual sharp tailoring. It was perhaps one of Burberry's most wearable collections of the last few years, anyone could easily wear any of the pieces off the runway.
Two of the big focuses were the lightweight materials such as silks and linens and the use of knitwear and shirts as outerwear.  I particularly loved the chunky ultra soft knits in baby blue and red and the work jackets, which were perfect for a chic bohemian look. Blues and greys appeared everywhere but also camel, olive, terracotta and white. My personal favourites were the dusty greens, yellows and pinks, perfect for any season. Bailey has devised all the elements that make his collection in a way that makes them versatile so you can wear them at the end of the winter when the collection hits stores and all through the (British) summer.
The coloured suede and deck shoes, striped ties, patterned sunglasses and soft leather bags were some of the accessory highlights. All statement pieces and classics at once – something any man should always be looking for to stock up his wardrobe.
As it's become the norm, Burberry is offering fans around the world the option to pre-order most of the outwear and accessories now through their website and at Burberry stores, where buyers can personalise the items where their initials. Making every piece even more special.
Have a look below at my selection of looks and at the closer look I got of the collection at the showroom. Get cracking putting your wish lists together, the commercial collection is going to be a hit!

Courtesy of Burberry

Three Timeless Uniqlo pieces I Want in my Wardrobe this Spring

Ever since I first discovered it some 6 or 7 years ago Uniqlo has been my favourite high street brand. It is my go-to shop for basics and classics from simple white t-shirts to button-down shirts and blazers.
My seasonal visit to stock up on some timeless pieces is now due and these are my three absolute must-haves:
1. Shawl collar Cardigan: I live in these! There is nothing easier to wear and to complement a t-shirt or casual shirt. I own a navy one with brown elbow patches that I throw on anytime and which always receives compliments. It's now time to add another classic colour to my wardrobe.
2. Cotton Linen Blouson: My poor old U by Adolfo Dominguez parka has been with me for years but it's time to get a new khaki jacket. I love the slightly safari shape of this model, which will look great with washed blue jeans worn over the shawl collar cardigan or any of my favourite sweatshirts.
3. Dry Easy Jacket: If it didn't go against etiquette I would probably wear jersey and pique blazers as part of suits all the time. I love how they look smart and modern but they feel soft and comfortable. I need a dark one that I can wear to work or out for dinner and I am particularly keen on this speckled dark grey number.

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.

The Cavalli Man through a New Lens

I was truly curious to see, as I got on a lift taking me to a 9th-floor penthouse in the centre of Milan, what the FW13 collection of Roberto Cavalli would look like. It was clear as you stepped out of the lift that you were walking into Cavalli territory – tons of velvet, pony skin, gold and glass in dark rich colours introduced Daniele Cavalli's story of 70's rock and roll from a contemporary perspective.
In the two years he's been in charge of menswear the super talented son of Roberto Cavalli has found a way to marry an Italian aesthetic with strong musical influences, especially those of British rock and roll. This season he decided to wave the runway show and create a gentlemen's club atmosphere to make a statement about style instead of fashion.

One of the key elements of the collection was the teleidoscopic prints – not to be confused with kaleidoscopic, a teleidoscope is used to create patterns from objects outside the instrument and not from items inside it. We were all given our own one to see the world from a Cavalli perspective. The printed shirts and ties truly striking as they played with the brand's signature motifs – snakeskin, florals, feathers – in a different way. The tailoring, in contrast, was more sober and beautifully finished. I especially loved some of the details such as the jewelled buttons that substituted ties.
My absolute favourites were the jackets. Whether they leaned towards outer or eveningwear, I want them all. Special mention deserve the three pieces below, which combine urban elements – denim, the varsity jacket, the biker jacket – with luxury materials like python or crocodile. In the evening department, I especially loved the mandarin collar jacket with the beaded trim and the also beaded wrap velvet jacket.

It was hard to go back to the real world after been inside Cavalli's for so long. The Cavalli gentlemen's club should become a permanent feature in Milan.

Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli

Tod's F/W13: A Paradise made of Leather

The Tod's presentation at Villa Necchi is always one of my highlights from MFW but this goes double for the FW13 collection. I have often reiterated how essential are Tod's modern classics for a style-concious man and this, too, goes double for the FW13 range. If you bought every single piece from the collection you would have the ultimate accessory wardrobe a man needs for life – everything from casual suede desert and Chelsea boots to smarter monk straps, brogues and even the versatile new style introduced this season – the toe cap Oxford shoes with a modern hiking boot detail. My absolute favourites from the collection, I must say, are the midnight blue pony skin Chelsea boots. Picture them with a pair of slim grey jeans or even a black suit... simply incredible.
Tod's has also given a great push to their bags for FW13 introducing the zip shopping bag and travel bag to their 'Double Stripe' line, which colours you can personalise to give it a unique touch. Also in line with this the brand introduces 'Sartorial Touch', a new shoe collection created through construction and polishing techniques developed by Tod's artisans and exclusive to the brand. You can literally leave a mark on your new pair of shoes by embossing your initials into the leather.
For the last couple of seasons the brand has also been introducing a lot of ready-to-wear in the shape of phenomenal outerwear in the most exquisite skins. For FW13 Tod's has focused on ultra light-weight and soft leathers and suedes, which are then quilted inside or lined with neoprene or shearling – this makes them warm enough for winter without taking away from the lightness.
And last, but not least, another of my favourite pieces – the double pochette. It is such a simple but practical idea. Documents and notebooks can be kept on the bigger pocket while your phone and keys can go in the front, easy to reach.

NOTE: If you are a friend or relative reading this post remember my birthday is on the 21st of March so please interpret this and any previous post as a very literal wishlist. Thanks.

Fashion Frankly, Courtesy of Tod's

Harry Styles wears my favourite APC jacket

JustJared

I hope you can forgive how often Harry Styles has been appearing on Fashion, Frankly lately. Whether it's his personal or stage style I must confess there is something I find ever so fascinating.
This week he was spotted wearing one of my favourite items of the season – APC's felted aviator jacket. A lot of the younger male celebrities like Harry and Zac Efron are very keen on these kind of vintage jackets with furry collars and I share that with them. Just like it happens with shawl collar cardigans and varsity jackets, they inject an effortless touch of 'fashion' into an otherwise ordinary outfit. I am seriously after a leather number of a similar style to help me through the new year.

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.

Getting ready for FW11: Henri LLoyd jackets

Courtesy of Henri Lloyd

I already posted about Henri Lloyd's jacket a few months ago. I am still in desperate need for a hooded jacket and the brand seems to have some pretty brilliant pieces in their FW11 collection.
My favourite one is the Blakely jacket. The jackets are part of their 'Hybrid City looks' –sportswear turned urban. They have that feeling of bringing the mountain to the city. Afeeling that, as I've said many times before, I love in the winter.

You can still get the summer jacket I posted about here, only if you're  a big guy as only big sizes are left –I, of course, am gutted about this. But the new season pieces will be on sale on their website shortly.

Fashion Week essential #1: THE jacket

Fashion Month officially starts today in New York, which means us Londoners have to start prepping for London Fashion Week. It's merely days away so it's about time to start putting outfits together and buying last-minute items to complete our looks. My first essential is a good jacket with character. I have been becoming fonder of camouflage (well styled) and this option from Miharayasuhiro perfectly combines the trend with a romantic flowery twist. I might seem a little risqué but, were I able to afford it, it'd most definitely be part of my SS11 wardrobe. Take a closer look at the jacket at the Browns website, where you can also buy it.

[Pictures: Brownsfashion.com]

+J fw10

Like every season, Jil Sander's collaboration with Uniqlo is hitting the stores and stirring the web with his innovative designs. +J takes on sportswear from a classic tailoring perspective. We'll see the classic flannel blazers and coats and white shirts the designer is known for but also more contemporary pieces like the reversible black and blue nylon jacket (my favourite) or the quilted blazer. The prices, as usual, range between the £120 and the £150, which is baffling but great. I have been buying +J pieces for seasons and I have to say the cashmere jumper from last winter and the crisp blazer from last season look and feel as good as new. It's too bad the line is launching in the middle of the month when I'm not swimming in money, but I will definitely own the nylon jacket this season!

[Pictures: GQ-magazine.co.uk, uniqlo.com/plusJ]

FW007

I would have never thought I'd ever see James Bond in a shearling coat. Or a checked shirt. Or a low v-neck tee. But he isn't really Mr. Bond. Daniel Craig was papped buying a new iPhone (personally, Blackberries are that much cooler) in what could be the trendiest ensemble he's ever worn. The scruffiness of the stubble, the hair and the unbuttoned shirt mixed really well with the vintage sunglasses and the casual but stylish suede shearling jacket. This is an outfit I will definitely be replicating as soon as I can find a nice (and affordable) shearling jacket for this season.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, Brownsfashion.com, Matchesfashion.com]

He's Fly: Orlando Bloom in Balenciaga

One would think that the best thing about dating a model is that, actually dating a woman who is considered more beautiful than the rest. However, I'd say that the best part about it is, in fact, all the good things that come with her lifestyle. You get flown in to parties and events, even fashion shows. Such is the life of Orlando Bloom. In his case, you need to add his own celebrity to the equation. He was recently invited to sit first row at the Balenciaga SS11 catwalk show which her (pregnant) wife was walking. He was appropriately suited up for the occasion in an all-Balenciaga outfit from the FW10 collection. My favourite pieces were the awesome shearling jacket and leather sneakers that added the perfect sportswear touch to a classic smart look.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, Celebrity-Gossip.net, Balenciaga.com]