Buckets & Spades Wears | SS14 Edit at Cloth

Working with independent businesses is not only something which I'm extremely passionate about but it's also a great way for me to showcase stores + brands who are quietly doing amazing things; which sometimes gets overlooked in today's fast-paced world of eCommerce. Today I'm collaborating with one of those such brands - Northern Ireland based independent retailer Cloth, who have recently relaunched their online store, which shows of their lovely lifestyle photography.

I had the opportunity to work with Cloth on an Spring/Summer Edit, picking out my favourite pieces from their new collection. I'm really pleased with my choices, perfect for Britain's ever-changing weather. Here's a quick breakdown -

Nylon Bike Jacket - Universal Works

Short Sleeve Stripe Pullover Shirt - Gant Rugger

Multi-Colour Panel Sweatshirt - Folk

Canvas Toe-Cap Sneakers - YMC

Dotted Board Shorts - Lightening Bolt

1960's Stripe Tee - Levi's Vintage Clothing

Leather iPhone 5 Case - Il Bussetto

1967 505 Slim Jeans - Levi's Vintage Clothing

I'm pretty keen on that Folk Sweatshirt myself, it's definitely at the top of my wish-list for this season. All items in our edit are currently available here. You can also follow them on Twitter + Instagram. Are any pieces from my SS edit taking your fancy?

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Store Visit...Folk - Lamb's Conduit Street, London

Folk - Lamb's Conduit Street, London.

At the top of my "things to-do" list for my recently trip to London was head down Lamb's Conduit Street in Bloomsbury. The much talked about street has become the home of some of the best menswear stores in the city, and somewhere I've been wanting to visit for a while. This recent article outlines how the sleepy street gathered such a following.

On Lamb's Conduit you'll find Oliver Spencer, Universal Works, Manchester's Private White V.C, as well as some modern design shops, coffee shops and even the brand new J.Crew Men's Store, No. 38. Today we're having a nose around Folk. When I first started getting into British menswear, Folk was one of the first brand I took an interest in. I was drawn in by their use of colour, innovative and sometimes humorous approach to design and impeccable attention to detail. 

Whilst wondering around the store it's clear to see they like to do things a bit differently, and quite frankly it makes browsing a pleasure. Along with the current AW collection and carry-over basics the space is filled handful of concession brands like Aesop, The Hillside and Hestra, which all work nicely together. Plus, if you don't happen to be a fella you can nip down to their Women's Shop a few doors down!

You can find Folk at 49 Lamb's Conduit Street, London.

For other London posts here, here, here and here.

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Store Visit...Weavers Door, Liverpool

 Weavers Door, Liverpool.

Northern Goods Co. sitting alongside Universal Works, Mr. Natty, Uniform Wares and Mamnick!

Located down the twists and turns of Cavern Walks in Liverpool is a small menswear store, with a big presence, heaps of personality and a dedicated following.  In fact, the location of Weavers Door is perfect, it's far enough off the busy highstreet to be considered a hidden gem but close enough to one of Liverpool's most historical and culturally relevant areas.

Last week I took the opportunity to catch an early train down to Liverpool, to shoot the shop for a Store Visit...feature. Liverpool is one of my favourite places to visit so I'll take any excuse for a day out there. It's one of the first places myself and Hollie took a day trip too, I've lost count of how many exhibitions and gigs we've attended over the years. 

Since opening in 2010 Weavers Door has been providing the city with something that is was missing; a menswear store that not only stocks established, quality brands but also carefully chosen independents and exciting up-and-coming labels. This little space of Liverpool boasts a brand list that could rival any; Barbour, Edwin, Folk, Norse Projects, Oliver Spencer, Our Legacy, Red Wing, Sunspel and Universal Works to name a few. They've also been keen to work with independents such as Sheffield's Mamnick and now our label, Northern Goods Co.!

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I caught up with Weavers Door store manager, Lee Fleming over cup of coffee from Duke Street Espresso Bar. We chatted brands, music, Liverpool and future collaborations;

Buckets + Spades - You mentioned you've been going since 2010, how do you think the menswear market has progressed since then and how do you stay ahead of the game?

Lee Fleming - I suppose I only have a limited viewpoint with regards the change of the menswear market but with regards to where Weavers Door is positioned; I definitely find men of all ages are  more concerned about their appearance and clothing choices. Quality is always at the forefront for us, everyone is a lot more 'clued up' and therefore are careful and their decisions are well considered. 

B+S - Just being a stone's throw away from the busy high street, Weaver Door really does stand out from the crowd in terms of menswear competition. What has been the reaction from the public and do you see a lot of repeat custom? 

LF - Weavers Door is tucked away on Harrington Street, it's not too far away from the main trading streets but we have definitely found we're become a destination store. Our customers enjoy the notion that our brand mix is unique to Weavers Door, every garment hanging on a rail is well considered. Our regulars are key to our business, we know everyone personally and appreciate their ongoing support since we opened. I believe they enjoy Weavers Door for more than the clothing, we work very hard as a small team to create a experience for our customers, from our customer service, product knowledge and in store events.

B+S - Liverpool city itself has a real sense of community and there's definitely been a rise in independents, have you been working with any other local business or projects?

LF - Liverpool is definitely seeing a change in the city, where independents are realising they are unique, but by connecting with each other the independent way of living becomes more visible. We are fortunate to have close relationships with other independents such as Bold Street Coffee, Camp & Furnace, Santa Chupitos and Berry & Rye. The Weavers Door Journal has a direct influence to these formed relationships with the local community. We are always looking to collaborate to highlight the best Liverpool has to offer.

B+S - What's in store for Weavers Door this coming AW? Have you bought any new brands in, which are you excited about?

LF - We are really excited for Autumn/Winter 13 and what it has in store for Weavers Door. We had increased our offering for our current brand mix alongside introducing technical outdooring from Patagonia, knitwear specialists John Smedley, Italian Bootmakers Fracap, Sneaker supremos Nike and Converse.

Swing by if you're ever in the area. Weavers Door, 1 Caven Walk, Harrington Street, Liverpool, L2. 

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Folk Printed Shirt

It's jam packed, you can't move for patterned shirts these days. I'm not complaining, since my days back at college there hasn't been many years gone by without a patterned shirt being somewhere in my wardrobe. The oldest one I remember (which I still have somewhere) was actually a turquoise patterned polo shirt. It was nicknamed the "roller coaster" top as it had a unusual zipped pocket placement, therefore your loose change would be ok if you went on a ride with a loop the loop.

For me this printed chambray printed shirt from Folk is one of the best out there. The block print shirt seems a bit garish at first but I think it has the potential to be quite wearable. The pattern is created by overlaying various shades of chambray cotton and also features a pebble shaped top pocket and extended back hem.

Each shirt is uniquely printed and patterns vary quire significantly, see the difference in these here and here compared to the one above. It's divide option though, at least three people I know have said they'd give it a wide birth, I am definitely in the yes camp. So is it a yes or no?

Folk block print shirt available at Oi Polloi

Clothes for all types of Folk

Another email that caught my eye today was the weekly newsletter from oki-ni, but for the first time it actually made me smile. The email was all about "Winter Warmers", which included lots of woollies from Pendleton, Jil Sander and Folk.

What made me smile so much was the Folk "People" cardigan, I you can guarantee if anyone saw you on the street or at the shops wearing it, it would instantly make them smile too. Setting of a snowball effect of smiles, from person to person as you go about your regular day. I am all for this!

The Folk cardigan in question, in bright red with little characters circling the bottom of the sleeves.

Close up of the sleeves, I love how childlike and non-descript they look. Gives them a playful cartoony feel.

You can also snap yourself up a matching "People" scarf, just imagine the joy on people's somewhat usually glum Winter faces.

Cardigan, scarf and images from oki-ni