Whipping Post | Revisiting A One-To-Watch

The Whipping Post brand came up in a random conversation the other day and after looking them up (and liking what I saw) I messaged Mat to say we should run a short post on them. Of course, not only had Mat heard of the brand before - but, he'd beaten me to it, covering them back in 2013.

Well, I guess that was a long time ago now, so a revisit is justified.

Whipping Post are a US brand, specialising in leather goods. They mainly produce these great looking totes; but, they also have some other eye-catching bits, such as a leather card case and a wax cotton jacket, which is probably more for Arran Cross than it is for me.

Anyway, it's great to see a brand we covered all those years ago, still going strong.

For more details visit the Whipping Post's website - and make sure to check out their journal and Instagram too.

You can find Nik at - Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter

Exploring London’s Architecture from Paddington to St. Pancras

Images taken on iPhone 6

For a little while now, I’ve been posting pictures of London’s architecture. It started with the classic shots of iconic landmarks – St. Paul’s, The Shard, and the rest – before I moved on to a few, slightly more obscure pictures of the city’s lesser known buildings.

To be honest, my intention was never to fill my entire Instagram feed with shots like this; but, what started as a way of killing some time between meetings, has turned into a mild obsession, where I’m forever stopping in the middle of the pavement to capture a building I’ve not shot before.

I’m not alone in this, of course. Instagram is bursting with architectural imagery, from every corner of the world – and, the more I posted, the more I chatted with folks who had a similar fascination with the corners of office blocks and apartments.

One of these guys was blogger and photographer Anthony Lee – and both finding ourselves with a Friday morning free, we decided to meet up and take a walk from Padding Basin (and *that* staircase), along the canal and the A40, down to Euston, before winding up in St Pancras.

To be honest, there’s so much on offer in this part of town, with so many new buildings going up, that it’s hard to know where to point the old iPhone. We were lucky with the weather – very very lucky; bright blue skies always set the angles of a neat, modern structure off nicely.

That said, some of the glass buildings just had too much glare for a perfect shot; which, actually, makes for a nice excuse to head back and try again, one day. First up though, I’ll be heading further East and trying to get some decent shots of the City. Who’s up for coming along?

You can find Nik at - Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter

Finding Inspiration at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Laverstoke

 Laverstoke Mill, Bombay Sapphire Distillery, designed by Heatherwick Studio

Everyone has a different source of inspiration. Mat – for instance – has a proper love for inhouse magazines, which you’ll see popping up on more or less any post he does about weekend relaxing or long train journeys.

My inspiration comes mainly from those people I follow online. Those folks who regularly post content that captivates me for longer than the usual split-second, opens my mind a little, and leaves me slightly jealous of their creative eye and ability. I can’t name check everyone here; but, folks like our friend Jordan and our very own Yasumi definitely deserve a mention – their ability to capture different angles and interesting details in everyday objects is impressive beyond belief.

And then there’s Haarkon; an account I’ve been following religiously for the past few months, checking in every time they have a new Instagram post or blog. These guys have an incredible eye and their content – focused almost exclusively on indoor plant life – has a hauntingly beautiful quality that will stop you in your tracks.

Recently, I tried to mimic their style with my own pic (hey – imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!) – and then, when the opportunity came to visit the glasshouses at the Bombay Sapphire distillery, I saw my chance to try and emulate them just a little more.

I’m sure many people reading this will have caught a glimpse of the Bombay Sapphire distillery before. It features two striking glasshouses, designed by Heatherwick Studio (the guys behind the new London Routemaster bus), that seem to grow from the bed of the river that runs through the distillery. Twisting and turning their way into the red brick buildings of this former paper mill, it’s as if these glasshouses are an integral part of the gin making process, drawing up the water for the gin and imparting the essence of the plants they house as it sweeps passed.

They aren’t directly part of the process; but, the glasshouses are a perfect reflection of the gin making method, where a neutral spirit is transformed into something flavourful through the introduction of various botanicals; which – in the case of Bombay Sapphire – include liquorice, orris root, angelica, coriander, grains of paradise, and five others.

Revisiting Ones to Watch | Longside

We first featured Longside back in 2015 - when they had a slightly longer name and a product range which, if we recall correctly, consisted of just one belt.

Since then we've watched Longside grow as a brand and develop their products - now, featuring a range of belts, card, and key holders - while still maintaining that personal touch that comes with an independent, owner run brand. As well as the name change, Longside have also update their website and - as all good brands should - are developing a consistently good looking Instagram account.

Visit Longside's new site, and also let us know if there's any brands out there you think we should feature in our One to Watch series.

You can find Nik at - Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter

Spring Ready

Clothing by Jigsaw, Glasses by Bailey Nelson

Last week we took a trip over to Yorkshire to recreate six of our favourite SS17 menswear trends, for Victoria Leeds. The guys from the shopping centre challenged us to create the outfits using clothing selected from their stores, so in just a few hour - with Nik behind the camera - I made half a dozen outfit changes and find six suitable locations. That was intense!

Take a look at our take on the SS17 trends.

Neutral Basic (above)

A simple way to transition from the cooler times to the warmer months is by sticking to a neutral theme. You won't find any patterns or loud colours here, instead we've used a look combination of pastels, beige, stone, with the navy blues tying it all in together, all from Jigsaw.

 Clothing by Hackett, Reiss + Paul Smith, Sunglasses by Bailey Nelson

Versatile Utility

Utilitarianism has been a big story in men's style for a few seasons now, and it shows no sign of slowing down throughout this year. Details are key here - utilising garments with enough pockets to fill up with your daily essentials, showerproof materials for them inevitable downpours and versatile layers for warmer evenings.

 Clothing by GANT

Technical Outerwear

Technical outerwear is right up my street, and a daily go-to for anyone in the North of England. Think less "countryside explorer" and more about the suitable daily commuter gear. GANT is coming up good with this blue rain slicker and practical layers.

 Clothing by Whistles

Sports Luxe

As I originally come from the North West of England it's hard to take me too far way from my sportswear roots, and Sports Luxe is one of the biggest trends for SS17. Swap nylon + cottons for cashmere and merino blends, and switch out the running trainers for premium white leather sneakers. Whistles is your go-to for this trend.

Clothing by Paul Smith

Americana Holiday

One of my favourite trends for the warmer months is this year's holiday-appropriate Americana vibes. You'll find me wearing stone colour slim chinos worn with an all-over print revere collar shirt, canvas sneakers and classic wayfarers. Paul Smith + Bailey Nelson stocking everything you'll need for this one.

 Clothing by COS

Minimal

Taking on one of the cleanest trends for this Spring Summer; COS providing us with soft tailoring, subtle textures and a minimal colour palette. The store is the perfect stop-off for this Minimalist look.

Which is your favourite look out of the bunch?

This Instagram Takeover was created in partnership with Victoria Leeds. Thank you for taking the time to support the brands + businesses that make this blog happen.

Inspiration on Instagram | Land Rover Illustrations by Guy Simpson

 

If we ever get a spare minute, Instagram is the place we go for some quick inspiration - and, fortunately, their algorithm keeps on throwing up gems that just demand a follow. Guy Simpson's Land Rover illustrations are a case in point. He's posted over 100 of these colourful beauties on Instagram, showing the ridiculous range of Land Rover modifications out there.

Armoured vehicles, safari vehicles, dune buggies, Post Office vans, and - literally - everything in between.

Take a look at Guy's Instagram account, and be sure to send us any examples of cool finds you've made. We'd love to see them!

You can find Nik at - Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter

Love for the National Theatre | Oliver Sweeney SS17

 Marmelos Sneakers by Oliver Sweeney | Chinos by Whistles | Cap by Percival

Boxstead Mac by Oliver Sweeney | Sweatshirt by Sunspel

Let's call this one teamwork. The beauty of Instagram is being able to discover + easily connect with people you may have never come into contact with. I started chatting with Photographer Husam Al-Deen just at the start of last December, and it wasn't long before we were sitting in a central London coffee shop, brainstorming ways in which we could collaborate together.

We got chatting about our love of sneakers, architecture, printed magazines + menswear – so it was decided, we'd making something happen in the new year.

 Red Sneakers (coming soon) by Oliver Sweeney | Socks by Form&Thread

 Vilarcia Knit + Osimo Sneakers by Oliver Sweeney