Buckets & Spades x Penfield Fall 16 Collection

 Wearing - Brookport Sweatshirt + Label T-Shirt by Penfield | Dockers Chinos | Fairends Cap | Novesta Sneakers | Watch c/o Unknown

 Oliver wears | Prescot Fleece + Nita T-Shirt by Penfield

 Oliver wears | Oakdale Jacket + Beanie by Penfield | ASOS Top | APC Trousers | Novesta Sneakers

 Oliver wears | Lexington Parka + Label Tee by Penfield

Wearing - Beanie by Penfield | Several Oxford Shirt | Messenger Bag c/o Trakke | Timex Watch | Dockers Chinos | 
Common Projects Sneakers | Form&Thread Socks

My love of menswear was the original idea behind this blog, and although over the past couple of years my lean towards design-led subjects has definitely become the main running theme, I've tried to stick to my roots whenever it makes sense. As time goes by our tastes change; trends come and go and the things that we consume + share online affect how we come across "in-real-life"

Individual style is a big deal to me; but I'm not just talking about my own here, I'm as obsessed with how everyday people put certain colours together, and how we gravitate towards tribes, subcultures and particular brands - and even down to how people carry themselves. It's less about fashion, and more and how we express ourselves individually.

And with that being said, I decided to approach a brand that I've followed for a while to see if they fancied letting us give our individual take on their new collection. Above, myself + my buddy Oliver Hoosen have styled a few of our favourite pieces from Penfield's Fall 16 collection, along with our regular everyday essentials!

I'm really chuffed with how it turned out; I especially love our Jake Millers' photography style; his eye for natural light, shadows and framing. It's filled my head with lots of fresh ideas for lifestyle + still life styling, and has given me that kick I needed to be a little more experimental.

What do you think of our shoot, which items are jumping out at you?

The Penfield Fall 16 collection is available online here. Photography by Jake Millers.

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Introducing...Stuarts London

My pics from Stuarts current collection - Oliver Spencer Surveillance jacket, Edwin Nimes shirt, Red Wing Moc Toe boots, Levi's Made & Crafted Zig-Zag tee, Universal Works Brisbane jacket, Penfield Lansdale shirt,

 Pendleton blanket, Farah Vintage tailored shorts.

I'd like to introduce my new blog sponsors, Stuarts London. Stuarts was established in the late 1960s as a traditional tailors and outfitters for city gents, throughout the 70s & 80s they began to stock more casual european brands and formed a very popular following with the terrace casuals. Nowadays Stuarts offers such an extensive list of brands it's hard to place it in one category, let's call it an emporium for menswear.

With over 100 brands on their list it's hard to narrow it down but some of my favourite pieces are coming from Barbour, Carhartt, Clarks, Edwin, Farah Vintage, Grenson, Levi's Vintage Clothing, Norse Projects, Oliver Spencer, Paul Smith, YMC....the list goes on. Over the next couple of months I will be working with Stuarts to bring you some exciting stuff including giveaways, offers and brand exclusives. We'll be starting with a giveaway very soon so be sure to look out for that.

I hope you all enjoy your long Easter Weekend guys, hopefully you can spend some quality time with your loved ones. I'll be working but hopefully I'll squeeze in a few hours of fun somewhere. Take it easy.

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Urban Outfitters A/W 12 Press Day

A few weeks ago I was invited down to a press day at my local Urban Outfitters in Manchester, for a nose around their offerings for A/W 12. I've mentioned before about this UO, it's massive and they really don't skimp on the menswear section, with two dedicated floors. Every time I visit they seem to be stocking new brands, so it was nice to get to know more about each of them. Here's a few things that caught my eye on the day;

The first brand you hit as you head up to the mens section is the 80s dart fan's favourite, Farah. They've been producing some cracking detail-heavy pieces for a few seasons now, all at mid-market prices. Lots of checks, stripes and knits, my favourite piece was the orange parka above. Orange is everywhere right?

One of the new brands for A/W is Ralph Lauren's Denim & Supply, which seems to be more aimed at the laid back casual chap that their main range. Their plan worked too, most of the collection would fit into my existing wardrobe with ease. Lots of henley tops, heavy flannel, worn denim and layered outerwear.

Classic Fred Perry stuff. Less about the sportswear this seasons, more room for their smarter stuff. Including a knitted l/s wool polo with check elbow detail and their staple parka.

UO's footwear department has always been on the small side compared to online, but they've got some popular brands and styles; Nike, Vans and Clarks to name a few. Above is a snap of the Shore Leave desert boots which feature nifty crepe soles. Some more Shore Leave below.

Proof that I was actually there, here's me thumbing through some "East 17-esque" vintage camo jackets

Another new brand, UO's own Craft Collection, concentrating on water-resistance outerwear in vibrant colours. In-house all sits nicely along side more established brands such as Carhartt, Edwin,  Herschel, Levi's and Penfield (above is the Kasson parka). Other new bits for A/W include Belgium brand Bellerose, Libertine Libertine's amazing leopard prints and the on-going collab between Dickies x UO, which seems to be gathering a bit of pace now.

I went home a couple of pieces, Libertine Libertine leopard print pocket tee and a Shore Leave chambray shirt. As always, it was a pleasure to visit the UO Manchester store, it's one of the more spacious stores and the staff are all very welcoming and knowledgeable. Have you been in lately, what's floating your boat?

(Some photos by Hollie)

Weekly Snapshots

 Wearing - Levi's Commuter 511s, beige Converse, Paul Smith socks

Topman t shirt, Gap chinos, Superga trainers, Penfield tote, Timex Weekender

Dockers khaki chinos, Clarks Desert boots, Uniqlo orange socks

Vintage blue work jacket, Topman cycling shirt & shorts, New Balance 420

Gap check shirt, old Levi's 511s, Superga trainers

Dockers chinos, Converse, Uniqlo yellow socks

I've been busy snapping outfit shots on Instagram recently, it's not replacing my normal detail shots but it's so handy when you're pushed for time. Seeing that my Iphone hasn't got the swanky new camera I don't intend to leave my trusty Canon at home any time soon.

You can follow me @mat_buckets if you fancy.

Penfield Tote Bag

Following on from the Chester Wallace post last week is this Penfield white & navy stripe tote, I recently picked it up in Urban Outfitters for £10. Granted it's not exctally what I was after but for the price and the design I'm pretty happy. I would have preferred an additional shoulder strap and possibly leather handles too, but the natural coloured canvas cotton ones will do just fine.

I would definitely class this as unisex and I'm pretty sure my girlfriend will be nabbing in somewhere down the line. It's a pretty roomy bag measuring at around 15" x 15", so there's enough room for a gym kit, couple of books and some food shopping.

Over than a few small homeware bits this is probably the only bargain I've picked up of late, do you guys have any to report?

This Week I'm Mostly Liking....

Clockwise from l-r Penfield Parka, YMC Hunting sweater both - My Wardrobe, Carolyn Massey Beige Chinos - Topman Lens, Grey Suede Brogues - ASOS, Turquiose Socks - Tabio, Hobo Daypack - Oki-Ni

I've told myself I'm not going to buy anything for the rest of the month, so these items are strictly out of bounds(and also because I clearly can't afford them, socks and shoes excluded). I reckon with this outfit I would be fit to do my daily errands, go for a pint and even go for a leisurely hike in the country side, I'd change my shoes before I started the climb of course!

Something else I'm looking forward to is Carolyn Massey's collaboration with sock experts, Tabio. Thanks to Style Salvage for sharing the good news. On the last count I own 60ish pairs of socks, they are my vice.

What tickles your fancy this week?