YOUR SAMPLES COLLECTIVE

What We'd Wear - Wedding Bells

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:18:35 +0100

Here comes the Br…actually scrap that, here come the shoes that i’ll be wearing to a friends wedding on Saturday afternoon.

Now i’m not much of a loafer man, as I definitely think you have to possess a certain swagger to carry them off well, but having done a quick scout on line for new shoes that I can wear to my friends impending nuptials, my trusted favourite Grenson showed me the light and more importantly just why slip on’s work!

The Marcel is crafted from one single piece of leather and truly showcase Grenson at their best!

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It’s all about the feeling of excitement, the buzz inside...

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:00:19 +0100

It’s all about the feeling of excitement, the buzz inside that lets you know it’s worth having!

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What We'd Write In - The Notebook

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:51:43 +0100

Like any note taking adult living in a cosmopolitan world will agree, the notebook has become an accessory to one’s wardrobe as much as it has to being a valuable piece of the working day. I’ve been recently deliberating over lines or no lines, leather bound or card, and more importantly whether or not to go with something discreet, but thank the high heavens for Opumo being my saving grace and providing me with a life line.

With an apt name and snappy coloured covers, Word Notebooks are definitely one to be purchased!

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Sun glorious sun, oh how us Londoners had missed you… Fed...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:47:45 +0100

Sun glorious sun, oh how us Londoners had missed you…

Fed up of jeans then we’d defo recommend slipping into these vibrant chino shorts from best of British menswear brand D.S.Dundee. A great answer to doing shorts well no matter who you are.

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YSC What We'd Wear - Zig and Zag

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:20:18 +0100

As the spring starts to creep in, I can’t help but think about refreshing my wardrobe and going in a more directional, suited and booted way.

Having taken a quick look at my favourite best of British tie maker Marwood London’s site, I stopped on this little beauty that mixes great use of colour with an interesting zig zag pattern which seems almost ethnic in it’s approach…this will definitely add some statement to a white shirt look!

Faded Zig Zag Tie / £115

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YSC In His Shoes - Day 7 of Mr A.Gower

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:23:20 +0000

So i’m perhaps a little late with the final day of publishing day 7 of Mr alex Gowers shoe diary, but I for one have savoured every moment of his shoe choices.

I’ve especially liked his use of the humble white sock, which on most you could only see working in the gym, but for some reason or another, Mr Gower has made this flash of white work well in a fashion moment.

Day 7 / Vans x Kenzo

Q: If you weren’t a visual merchandising extraordinaire, what would you be doing with your working life?

A: I’d be a chef i have a passion for food, cooking and eating it and if im not in a shop im in a restaurant.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey of stepping in this mans shoes…

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YSC In His Shoes - Day 5 and 6 of Mr A.Gower

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 10:00:48 +0000

A little more relaxed toward the close of this working week for Mr Gower, as he lets his Nike collection take centre stage, or should that be centre pallet…

Day 5 / Nike Wardour Max

Q: What do you take into consideration when buying a new pair of shoes?

A: I never really consider anything if i like them i buy them and worry about my bank balance later!

Day 6 / Nike Flyknit

Q: Does a man have as much right to shoes as a woman?

A: Totally, I believe mens fashion is stronger now than its ever been. I notice myself how many men take fashion more seriously and buy into footwear a lot more as a statement not just for functionality.

Enjoy the journey of stepping in another mans shoes…

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Being one of those people who shout about of Best of British as...

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:00:38 +0000

Being one of those people who shout about of Best of British as often as possible, it’s no surprise that I’m passionate about a brand who cleverly reference the history of British culture, especially when this crosses the boundaries of music and fashion.

One brand who continue to ignite the fire of 60’s and 70’s fashion are Gabicci, who dose their product for SS13 with just a little mod and a clean use of texture, print and colour. My go to piece form this collection would be the pale blue knitted number, which will no doubt come in handy for the unpredictable London weather.

I love this video that they’ve created for the season, which evokes the youth of today, but clearly echos the generations past.

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Oh hey Mr Frank Ocean continuing to be effortlessly cool in your...

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:37:21 +0000

Oh hey Mr Frank Ocean continuing to be effortlessly cool in your own way…

Ocean taking his turn as campaign star this season for cult label Band of Outsiders.

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YSC Brand Watch - Cotton Love

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:29:48 +0000

Part 2 of our catch up with team Cotton Love, the duo behind the fantastic website that eliminates the hassle of rummaging through vintage sales by providing a clean and concise edit of menswear (womenswear and accessories too) that seems almost brand new…

Here we get to grips with the day to day workings of the business, and what’s in store for the future.

LAST YEAR YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO FEATURE PRODUCT IN THE CONCEPTUAL POP-UP STORE ‘NOTHING BUT NAVY’ HOW DID THE OPPORTUNITY COME ABOUT?

Ruth was involved with the very first b-store, pop-up shop within Selfridges during the 08/09 A/W season. She contributed to the accompanying publication, ‘pop-in paper,’ the initial publication to which the b-magazine was born. Working with Jason Hughes and Dal Chodha (creative director & editor, respectively) she met Matthew & Kirk and worked with Matthew on another project focused around the growth of the male consumer.

Fast forward a few years and we randomly receive an order from Matthew, at the b-store Kingly street address, unbeknown to him that Ruth worked here. Things just ran from there really, b-store became OTHER/shop and, Matthew was really positive about/ and really ‘got’, Cotton Love. He then invited us to’ curate a corner’ within the NBN store, which proved a great success for everyone involved.

YOU’VE RECENTLY BECOME AN EXCLUSIVE RETAILER OF THE LIMITED EDITION SHOE COLLABORATION BY OTHER & T&F SLACK, CAN WE EXPECT YOU TO CONTINUE BUILDING YOUR NETWORK OF DESIGNER COLLABS?

Definitely, stocking the OTHER/ T&F collaboration shoe was a good, initial way to keep the alliance going between both companies, something which both the OTHER team and we were keen to continue. There is a mutual appreciation of each projects and vision and it helps that tastes are pretty similar.

Otherwise, we definitely intend on growing our network of designers, we are really meticulous with the labels and designers we approach as it is important that the labels share in our ethos, aesthetic and growth aspirations – we didn’t and don’t want to go after certain labels, that although aesthetically may fit perfectly but are sold in every major UK city and/ or a number of online sites nationally and internationally. – it would defeat the point of what we are about. We’re still growing and learning you can’t quite get the perfect label list straight away, as it doesn’t always make business sense but we are working on it.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO ON BUYING TRIPS?

Not as often as we’d like. We have a network of people we work with both nationally and internationally and as we hand pick everything, we need to be in several places at once. Europe is our main source, although we work with people as far flung as South America and Japan.

WAS IT A CONSCIOUS DECISION TO MIX THE NEW AND OLD FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE COTTON LOVE JOURNEY?

I’d say more subconscious, as both our customers and our own attitudes (towards vintage shopping), tastes and values changed, as well as attitudes towards consumerism on the whole, the labels selection just felt like the natural progression.

By introducing a considered selection of accessory labels, we are able to strengthen our brand message, aspirations and better represent our tastes – as well as show our edit of vintage in the company in which they deserve.

We also often get a lot of customers enquiring about a product we have used for styling, as well as the item for sale. More often than not looks were styled with items from our own wardrobes – so offering labels in which we admired and are in fitting with our aesthetic felt like the right thing to do, it’s how we wear vintage.

WHAT IS THE DNA FOR MAKING YOUR PRODUCT LOOK CONTINOUSLY FRESH OFF THE PRODUCTION LINE?

Attention to detail, passion & patience.

We know the cotton love customer and know what we like, we are not overly concerned with trends and seasons although we are of course aware of them, we are more about the integrity of the garment, whether it is, it’s previous function, detail or overall aesthetic which makes it unique and interesting.

WHAT IS AN AVERAGE DAY LIKE IN THE COTTON LOVE OFFICE?

There isn’t an average day, particularly at this stage where we are still growing and establishing the business in its’ current form. This week for example we have a meeting with a potential new label, model castings, new stock arriving, as well as everything else in which is associated with running an online business.

We are recruiting very soon, so Ruth and I can focus more on certain aspects of the business, perhaps then we will be more able discuss an average day.

FOLLOWING ON FROM 2012, WHAT IS IN THE PIPELINE FOR COTTON LOVE AS A BRAND?

Something of that ilk, albeit in extremely early developments, is definitely in motion.

Additionally we’re in talks with a number of new potential footwear and accessory designers, as well as growing our product range of those we currently work with, alongside expansion of our vintage edits.

We’re also working on a re-design and development of the site, but these things always take longer than we’d like.

***

Well folks, I hope your appreciation of “vintage hunters” has increased following our little chat with Cotton Love, I for one have a new found respect for the business of vintage and can’t wait to see the dynamic duo develop!

With talk of hiring new team members, i’d sign up to their newsletter, or better still like their Facebook or Twitter to keep in the loop.

YSC In His Shoes - Day 3 and 4 of Mr A.Gower

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:06:33 +0000

Jealous doesn’t even begin to cover how I feel about the shoes that Mr Gower is sporting on day 3 of his shoe diary…I’m tempted to get all twin thing and go and purchase a pair myself!

Day 3 / Opening Ceremony Desert Boot in Leopard Print

Q: If you could own any pair of shoes or trainers this season, what would they be?

A: It would have to be the camouflage trainers from Valentino’s Spring Summer 13 collection, they’re a combination of two of my favourite things!

Day 4 / Dr Martens Black studded Shoes

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: I currently own 30 pairs, most of which are trainers. I try to make a point of wearing a different pair each day, although, there are always favourites that tend to get worn more than others.

Enjoy the journey of stepping in another mans shoes…

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A little bit of music to ease you into the evening from Peckham...

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:57:07 +0000

A little bit of music to ease you into the evening from Peckham boy (not by birth) Deptford Goth, who released his debut DIY album this week under Merok Records.

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YSC In His Shoes - Day 1 and 2 of Mr A.Gower

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:47:59 +0000

Foodie and all round fashion lover Alex Gower is the next subject for my feature In His Shoes…I was very excited to delve deeper into his wardrobe, because boy does he shop!

Fighting crimes against fashion as a visual merchandiser by day, for a rather well known chain of luxury fashion boutiques, Alex knows his way around a mannequin and better still can merchandise the hell out of a womenswear look.

In following his Instagram (@gowerpower1) and Twitter of the same name, one can’t help but see his fierce loyalty to best of British menswear brands, one also can’t help but be jealous of his wardrobe, here we get a 7 day peak into his shoe (and trouser) choices…

Day 1 / COS Chelsea Boots

Q: What do you choose first when getting dressed, shoes or clothes?

A: Usually clothes, starting from top and working down. However on certain days they’ll be a pair of shoes i’ll want to wear so will work my outfit around them.

Day 2 / Trickers x Margaret Howell Boots

Q: Which shoe brand do you favour the most?

A: Would have to be Nike. I’m a little obsessed with trainers and tend to buy at least one pair each month. I really love the way that there’s so many different styles and that the brand is constantly evolving and collaborating with brands such as Undercover.

Enjoy the journey of walking in another mans shoes…

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"Instead of attacking entrepreneurs, we should be supporting them at all costs. They represent the..."

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:31:06 +0000

“Instead of attacking entrepreneurs, we should be supporting them at all costs. They represent the future of our country. The government won’t create the jobs we need to thrive. Entrepreneurs will”

- Michael Lazerow / Taken from an article that he recently wrote for LinkedIn about “Entrepreneur Bashing”

http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130317133520-1714080-when-is-it-ok-to-bash-a-founder?ref=email

I’m a firm believer in the quote, as entrepreneurs really are the game changers of our economy, helping to make it or break it.

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YSC In His Shoes - Day 7 of Mr R.Brand

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 16:14:47 +0000

So we’ve reached the end this weeks shoe diary journey with Richard Brand from new British menswear label Vidur, and whilst I’ve throughly enjoyed his brand loyalty to Nike, the final days entry has got me reaching for a pair of knitting needles or better still placing an order with Grandma Brand…

Day 7 / Hand Knitted Booties (his wording not mine) from Grandma

Q: If you weren’t part of the Vidur design duo, what would you be doing?

A: I’d probably move to America - I’m half American and have a passport but I’ve never gone the whole way and put things in motion to relocate completely - the draw of London is way too strong (even if it can’t compete when it comes to a finding decent short-stack for breakfast!)

A happy relaxing Sunday to all and thank you again to Richard…be sure to take a hop, skip and a jump to the site now to take a look at whats to come for AW13.

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If it’s good enough for Dries AW13, then intricate print...

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 16:06:07 +0000

If it’s good enough for Dries AW13, then intricate print detail is good enough for the London customer…lets see what we can find for you this coming Autumn / Winter in the form of best of British, maybe Qasimi can fulfil the need?!

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Who needs buttons when you can use safety pins to fasten up your...

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 15:58:36 +0000

Who needs buttons when you can use safety pins to fasten up your knitwear or outerwear…

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YSC In His Shoes - Day 5 and 6 of Mr R.Brand

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 12:01:27 +0000

Taking a step out of his shoes for one of the days of his shoes diary, here we have entry 5 and 6…

Day 5 / Asics Gel Iyte

What do you take into consideration when buying a new pair of shoes?

It’s all turned into boring practicalities unfortunately: how comfortable they are plays a pretty big role (that, and how easy they are to keep clean!). The real decider is just going on your gut though - if you want them then that’s usually reason enough.

Day 6 / Nike Roosh

Does a man have as much right to shoes as a woman?

100% - it’s a myth that men don’t care as much. There are lots of men out there who take their passion for shoes to some impressive levels and clearly love everything about them. It’s not just sneakerheads either - ‘traditional’ shoe brands like Church’s and Grenson are thriving and there’s a lot of fresh blood with expert craftsmanship popping up.

R.E.B.L.O.G Everyone is going a little crazy over American...

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:20:30 +0000

R.E.B.L.O.G

Everyone is going a little crazy over American trainer brand Saucony, and we can clearly see why…

What with the classic shape, the contrast in fabrications and quite a timeless design aesthetic it’s hard not to love em.

Thanks to the folk at Jacket Required for showcasing them and then stores like Oki-Ni stocking them…we are a nation of well heeled men!

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R.E.B.L.O.G More nods to print and pattern, but this time...

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:15:56 +0000

R.E.B.L.O.G

More nods to print and pattern, but this time i’m coming over all designer as I envisage patchwork menswear, I sense a pen to paper moment coming on :)

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