Visiting The Lake District with Wolverine

When you think about it I'm actually pretty lucky in terms of location. Sure, my town isn't one of the nicest looking (by far) but in terms of location it's pretty well connected. Three hours north and I'm anywhere in Scotland, three hours the opposite way and I'll find myself grabbing an overpriced Americano somewhere near Spitalfields Market. People say "life is grim up north", but it is what you make it - just 45 minute's drive from our place and you can be in the middle of one of the most beautiful and serene parts of the UK.

One chilly Sunday morning earlier this month, myself, Photographer Adam Booth and my friends from Wolverine packed our hiking bags and headed up to the town of Coniston, in the southern part of the Lake District National Park. It was a perfect day for it - the start of Autumn's crisps snap, with a bit of classic Northern drizzle thrown in. Perfect weather to test of a pair of Wolverine's signature style, the 1000 Mile Boot. A tremendously sturdy boot, there's not mistaking it. More of these soon.

A wonder around Coniston Water and hike up the hills was followed by a pint of locally brewed ale, fish finger sandwiches + a cone of chips. Try doing that in London.

Photography by Adam Booth. 

Thanks for visiting,
Mat

Wearing - 55DLS Jacket | Uniqlo Shirt | Reiss Sweatshirt | Albam Jeans  | 1000 Mile Boots c/o Wolverine | '47 Brand Baseball Cap | Socks c/o Albam

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A Visit To Johnstons of Elgin Wool Mill

Being from Lancashire, I'm no stranger to wearing wool. It gets darn chilly from late October, from then on I can usually be found wearing several layers at once to combat frosbite, as well as keeping the old circulation condition at bay. You often that hear we love the Winter because "we get to cosy up in our favourite jumper, soft blanket and a mug of hot chocolate" - personally I never really find the time for that but I can't really imagine a freezing cold night without one of our most loved materials. 

There's no doubt we take wool for granted–it's always been been in our lives–but when was the last time you actually thought about the lead-up process to what finally becomes "our favourite" jumper? Well, as your friendly roaming reporter I headed up to the top of Scotland to visit one of the oldest woollen manufactuers in the UK, Johnstons of Elgin. 

Lyle & Scott | The Polo Series

Wearing - Lyle & Scott Polo Shirt c/o | GAP Jacket | Dockers Chinos | Vans Trainers | Ralph Lauren Socks | 
Ray-Ban Glasses | Shore Projects Watch

The Polo Shirt isn't a piece that's featured in my wardrobe since I was a scraggly teenager. In fact, I've probably not worn one for eight or nine years. Lyle & Scott invited me and a group of Men's Style Bloggers to get involved with their Polo Series, which coincides with the company's 140th anniversary - I was definitely up for the challenge.

The gripe I've had with polo shirts is that I just don't think they suit me. They make me look and feel a bit "dad-ish". I knew I was never going to look like Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, or even original golf-steez legend Arnold Palmer, but my plan was to work it into an everyday outfit, just as if I was wearing a shirt or t-shirt. You can read more about the design of their Polo Shirt here.

I chose to style their Classic Plain Navy Polo, which has been a Lyle & Scott staple since its introduction in the 1960s–its design relatively untouched ever since. Yep, navy is pretty predictable for me but stick to what you know right? So I chucked on an unstructured blazer by GAP, slim khakis by Dockers and Vans Authentics. It's nothing too crazy but I'm actually really pleased with how it all looks together. Hollie also gave it the deux thumbs up too, bonus!

I'd like to thank Lyle & Scott for inviting me to take part in the series. It's been cool to try out a style that I really wouldn't have considered to be typically "me". Turns out I didn't know what I was talking about. Are there items of clothing you dismiss because they're not your typical style or tend to avoid because of their association?

You can read my full interview with Lyle & Scott for The Polo Series here.

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New Look Magazine Menswear Editor + Off On Holiday

Just a quick one today as I'm still packing for our trip tomorrow, while also trying to squeeze in last minute work/gym session/blog prep/eating everything in the fridge - I'm really excited to share that I was recently invited to be the Guest Menswear Editor of New Look's Summer '14 Magazine!

I was asked to give my thoughts on some of this summer's big high street trends and key items; including florals, pixelation, sportwear, oxford shirts and summer tailoring. Above is snippet but you can check out the full magazine feature here, you may also spot my old mate Liv from What Olivia doing her thing.

As mentioned we're heading to Orlando for a few weeks - my camera will be permanently attached to my wrist + the plan is to upload some quick snaps each day. If you want to reach me quickly you can still Tweet me @mat_buckets as usual!

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The Importance of Quality | Belts by Mackenzie & George

Apart from a moment of frivolity in an Oxford cobblers, I’ve never spent more than £10 on a belt, buying mostly from Topman or Gap, which usually feel a little delicate, but work well until they need replacing 12-months later.

Struggling to think of a Christmas present (for myself) last year, Mackenzie & George presented me with the perfect answer when I stumbled across their belts online. Their chestnut leather and brass buckled Chester might be £45, but it’s a quality, sturdy handmade leather belt that is going to last a long time. At 40mm it’s designed for wearing with jeans and the large buckle would definitely look strange on a neat pair of chinos, but it works well on my tan Levi Commuter skinny chinos when worn with a pair of chunky boots - like a Red Wing Heritage Chukka, as worn by Mat here.

It’s tempting to ‘save’ money on the hidden items of an outfit, like socks and belts. Often, it’s a false economy though, costing more to replace worn out socks and broken belts every few months then save up and buy one item of good quality.

Check out Mackenzie & George’s new catalogue for 2014 here. - Nik.

You can find Nik on his blog,  Twitter + Instagram.

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AW Selection @ Infinities

Parka | Knitwear | Holdall | Knitwear | Shirt | T-Shirt | Wooly Hat | Scarf | Wallet | Trainers

This week's AW Selection comes from UK menswear retailer, Infinities. The store currently holds residence in 11 locations around the country and with this year's sales starting early, it's seeming like a decent time to start planning out some post-Christmas purchases.

As always, I've picked out a few of my favourite items from the store's current collection, sticking to a  muted palette. Sale shopping on the higshtreet is a nightmare, I much prefer to pick up a few bits online, clicking from a comfy chair! The Garbstore camo/leafty Parka is right on the money for blending into the winter weather. It's fully lined with heavy wool, which can be detached. The burnt orange Edwin knit would do just the job nicely underneath. If one piece of knitwear isn't enough then get a second on, this button through knit by Universal Works has a certain old school charm to it. It's probably cold enough to wear it with a finer knit and shirt, I'd go for something like this grey snazzy jungle print Stussy number.

I tend to stick to boots in the winter but the New Balance 996 bridge that gap. They're slightly  awkward looking but I guess that's what's pulling me in. Finishing the whole lot of with this lovely mustard coloured PS wallet and traditional tartan scarf by Lyle & Scott, and we're good to go.

If you didn't manage to buy any decent presents for Christmas then the sales is a good place to make up for it. Is there anything catching your eye from all the early discounts?

All items available at Infinities.

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Harry Stedman x Golden Bear Varsity Jacket

I'll make no apologies for the amount of American made products and sportswear that's featured on the blog of late, it's just the way my personal tastes seem to be gravitating, but for good reason. Today's post is another fine example, as Harry Stedman have just released their version of the classic 1950's varsity jacket. Available in two versions, Slim (Grey) and Classic (Forest Green, boxy fit), the Varsity Jacket has been produced in collaboration with renowned outerwear manufactures, Golden Bear. 

Designed in Harry Stedman's London studio and made at Golden Bear's prestigious San Francisco factory, the Varsity Jacket is an excellent example of a classic menswear garment being brought up to date (slimmer body/shoulders). Perfect for winter, the jacket itself is made from a mix of wool, nylon and leather, quilted lining and traditional ribbed cuffs, hem and collar. They've kept things subtle, which is definitely the way to go with "archived" garments in my opinion. Lots of brands could take advice from this, instead of creating overly-designed pieces.

Readers of Buckets & Spades may remember the post on Harry Stedman's debut lookbook back in April and I've considered myself a fan of the brand ever since. Along with head designer at HS, Amy Greenland, my man Johnny Ridley had a hand in designing the jackets:

Buckets + Spades - What was the thought process when creating the Varsity Jacket?

Johnny Ridley - We got to pick the colours, silhouette, & fabric - Golden Bear made the rest possible. We opted for one collegiate & classic, the green/black, and one more contemporary in grey. Delivering two styles that would, in theory, appeal to two different consumers.

The Harry Stedman Varsity Jacket is available here.

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