All Over Shorts by Olivers Apparel

The crossover between sports and casual – or "ath-leisure" as some call it – has been one that's been happening for as long as I can remember. How can you go from a workout, or cycle for example, to a coffee shop without feeling like you're wearing your tatty school sports kit? I have nothing against sportswear, quite the opposite actually – my love of sportswear has grown to crazy levels while in my twenties – but if there's a way I can make the transition from a-to-b a little less "sporty" then it will grab my attention.

Olivers Apparel is doing something pretty cool. They've designed a pair of shorts that can seemingly tackle most sports + fitness / rec, but also wouldn't look out of place on your daily commute (or pretending to be working at your local coffee establishment). The All Over Short is the brand's signature product; a pair versatile shorts, made from lightweight but durable 4-way stretch fabric, with a modern tailored fit. Water repellent too, so the filter coffee will run right off...

 

This week Olivers Apparel released their All Over Shorts in a new set of colours. The "Summer Classics" of orange, purple + cobalt, now join the original black, grey green + copper. I've been wearing a pair of the cedar green shorts for a month or two now, and I've been really impressed with their versatility, between indoor rock climbing, gym sessions, cycling and travel.

The All Over Shorts are handmade in California, and are finished off nicely with a paracord drawstring and contrasting mesh pockets. Stick me down for a second pair!

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Training The Nike Way at Wembley | NFL Combine

Both Mat and I don’t shy away from exercise - Mat’s a keen cyclist and I just completed Tough Mudder - but I wouldn’t say either of us are ‘athletes’. So, when Nike contacted us this week about a trip to Wembley for a training session with players from the NFL and English Premier League, I was intrigued and slightly worried.

Intrigued, as anything Nike do is usually innovative (plus a trip to the national stadium is always an exciting prospect). Worried, as although I know little about NFL, what I have seen looks very physical indeed! 

Now before you turn away to read something else, this isn't about sports. Nike's focus is really on training - how to improve your fitness, stamina, movement, and control. It's all stuff that goes towards making you a better athlete; whether you're just a casual runner or a full on gym nut. The athletes and coaches on show at Wembley, really put us through our paces. A trip to the Wembley changing room to get kitted up in Nike Pro Combat gear, football kit, and a pair of Nike Free Trainer 5.0 was followed by a series of drills out in the driving rain. You know, running around cones, jumping through over hurdles, catching footballs, that kind of thing.

 
 

We finished with a 40 yard dash - the time I achieved won't be repeated here - and then the best reward of all: dinner.  It was a brilliant, if slightly surreal, way to spend a Tuesday evening. The aches and pains should fade in the next couple of days, the lessons though, I'll definitely take away and apply in my next gym session. - Nik

You can find Nik at - Conrad's Beer | Twitter | Instagram

Curiosities Series by Isle Skateboards + Weekend Links

The idea behind Curiosities Series by Isle Skateboards was to ask three pro-skaters to gather up some of their collected ideas (from travelling, childhood, gifts...) that all mean something to them. The items would then be photographed in a custom-made shelving unit and turned into skateboard decks. I like the idea that each skater can ride around with their possessions still with them, wherever their work takes them. Read more here, available here.

I could bang on about this week but I want to look forward to the next. There's so many things going around in my head, but I have to remind myself that it's OK to say "no" to things. Not every opportunity is right for us. So I'm saying "yes" to catching up with all your blogs, comments and emails this weekend. How's about you guys?

Weekend Bucket List

Funny animated online dating video
Men's accessories handmade in San Diego - Kickstarter
Fancy the nicest job in Britain?
Why arriving at the train station fills you with relief
The scariest bikeride I've ever seen, watch this!
Colour installation in Japan's Shinjuku Central Park
A Photographic journey to the End of the World
In case you missed it - A Conversation about Lancashire-made sneakers

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Walsh x TRiCKETT Footwear | In Conversation

When I heard news about two fellow Lancastrian brands hooking up to create a pair of trainers I knew it was the right time to get hold of one-half of them for a chat, and find out a bit more about the collaboration. In many ways TRiCKETT is a brand that fits with Buckets & Spades perfectly; they dig all the things I dig (Americana, sportwear, memorabilia), produce items for a purpose and design as if they were creating it for themselves. In their latest venture TRiCKETT have buddied up with Bolton-based footwear maestros Walsh, to produce their own pair of Made in England kicks.

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Buckets & Spades - So first off, how did the partnership with TRiCKETT and Walsh come about, is there a history between you guys?

Iain TRiCKETT - Well the whole Walsh thing came about because I am obsessed by shoes. Like not just 'oh shoes are nice', I mean it's all I think about, Mrs. Iain gets annoyed sometimes. It's just a good job I'm a hunk. It's not just trainers, or collecting Jordans / adidas, I mean, I'm obsessed with all kinds of shoes from Orthopaedic ones, to formal shoes to specific sports shoes. They just make me tick.

My grandad always used to bang on about this weird shoe brand in Bolton called Walsh who used to make Rugby boots. He mentioned them a few times when I was at school and I even convinced my Mum and Dad to buy me a pair of their fell running shoes for PE. The love affair sort of started from there. A few years before starting TRiCKETT I decided I wanted to make trainers, but in the UK and in Lancashire. So doing them with Walsh made sense. This was about 5 years ago when I was styling photoshoots with Japanese imported Walsh shoes and pleading with photographers and editors to let them in. So rather than write an email, I got in touch with Jon and the chaps at Walsh via a 'letter', hand-written, the lot and just told them how I used to get beaten up for wearing Walsh and how my Grandpa liked shoes. Luckily they didn't think I was a psychopath and about a year later the Mark 1 was born.

M.Nii Makaha Pocket Tee

Lately I've been obsessing over vintage surf photography. It's become a slight fascination of mine over the past couple of months, be that for my itch to travel more and experience the new or from a nostalgic point of view. There's something about surf culture that evokes a sense of freedom, adventure and comradery that I can really get on board with.

M.Nii is one such surf brands I've enjoyed researching into, and their Makaha pocket t-shirt sums it up perfectly for me. It's the kind of t-shirt that you can wear every day, for it only to improve with age. The type you pick up from the store one minute, then to only realise you've had it 10 years and can't bare to part with it. That's what I want from a t-shirt.

For more information on M.Nii visit here, check out this behind-the-scenes video of the making of M.Nii's collection with GAP here. 

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Outfit | Summer Sweatshirt

It's hot enough in Lancashire for a t-shirt and shorts right now, but somehow I never feel quite ready for that, especially as the evening close in. I'm a big fan of long sleeves tops/jackets worn with shorts at the moment; this grey sweat by Russell Athletic Archive works with that notion perfectly. I wouldn't usually go for something so logo-heavy but Russell have brought back this piece from one of their original 60's design - it's a great mix of Americana + casual sportswear.

Wearing - Russell Athletic Archive Sweat c/o A Number of Names, Albam Tee, J.Crew Shorts, Nike Lunar 
Flyknit 1+, Timex Watch, Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Fitting a little shorter in the body and wider on the chest, this piece stays true to Russell's heritage; which can be traced back to Alabama in 1902. You can read more about Russell Athletic's history here. I wore it with regular fitting chino shorts by J.Crew + Nike Flyknit, both purchased in Orlando outlets for under $40 each. Really digging this look for summer.

Thank you for visiting,
Mat

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Ardour Brand Coach Jacket | Made in UK

No stranger to the B+S, Ardour Brand has recently released their take on the iconic American Coach Jacket. A part of their IV Bear line, which pays homage to classic American sportwear pieces, the brand venture into outerwear for the first time. The Coach Jacket has made a resurgence over the past couple of years, and for good reason; for me being one of the most versatile styles of jacket out there.

Good for most seasons, the lightweight Coach Jacket has a out PU coated cotton/nylon outer, making it suitable for both a soggy afternoon on the bleachers or or nipping around in the summer. It also features a white twill lining, two decent sized oval pockets, one inside pocket, waxed lace drawstring hem and adjustable cuffs. Both materials and garment construction have been sourced in the UK. The chaps behind Ardour Brand share a similar love and admiration for sportwear and Americana as me, so it's exciting to see their brand grow and build a bit of momentum.

The IV Bear Coach jacket comes in two colours, Maroon + Old Gold, available here. Also see Ardour Brand x Ebbets Field Flannel Stadium Cap.

Thanks for visiting,
Mat

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SS14 Style with Citizen

Trends hey, they're tricky things. It's been quite a while since I shopped exclusively on the high street - with each shop offering its own interpretation on this season's "popular" pieces. As I get older these predetermined trends matter less and less, but no matter what level of brand you sway towards you can still spot themes within those collections; be that in the way of prints, colours, fits or materials. Printed bucket hats a-plenty this year right?

I buy most of my clothes online; for ease and the sheer amount of choice. Twitter has became my favourite tool to discover new products, recommendations and gain opinions from friends. You'd be surprised how much interest one pair of trainers can get at 11 p.m! So for today's post I've teamed up with Citizen, to show you the styles I'll be wearing this Spring/Summer season; accompanied by a selection of watches from their brand new DRIVE Collection.

Wearing - YMC Coach Jacket, c/o Reiss Sweatshirt, Supremebeing Sweatpants, Uniqlo Socks, Nike Flyknit, c/o Citizen Eco-Drive Watch, Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

My day-to-day look usually consists of Sports + Streetwear, mixed with American classics and British casual brands. This first outfit has to be the comfiest I've ever worn - Sportwear is a big deal these days, and I've been on the hunt for a pair of sweatpants that don't make me look like a hungover student or sweaty gym-rat. This dark green pair by Supremebeing tick all the boxes - heavyweight, fleece-lined and well constructed. Check the added silicon-dipped cord too, nice touch. 

The Reiss sweatshirt works nicely with the pants, along with the YMC Giraffe print Coach Jacket and the Nike Flyknit Lunar 1+.  Worn here is the Citizen Eco-Drive AR, my favourite design out of the collection.

 

Wearing - J.Crew Shirt, Levi's T-Shirt, Dickies Shorts, TRiCKETT x Ebbets Baseball Cap, Northern Goods Co. Key Clip, Vans Slip, c/o Citizen Eco-Drive Watch (Rhodia Notepad, Lamy Pen).

It's been warm enough for shorts up in Lancashire recently, so I took the opportunity to get down to the beach + local park to shoot the second outfit. This look is my nod to American Sportswear, which I've been a collector of for a few years. The baseball cap is not just any old baseball cap; it's a custom-made design for TRiCKETT by Ebbets Field Flannels. TRiCKETT is based just down the road from me in Accrington, Lancashire, so I wear their team colours with pride!

Not so much a trend but chambray shirts are something of a staple for me, this J.Crew version is top of the playing card for me. Along with Dickies fresh take on camo, classic Vans Slip and the Citizen BRT watch, it makes it the perfect look for summer.

Wearing - Carharrt Shirt, Levi's T-Shirt, Universal Works Trousers, Uniqlo Socks, Converse 70's First String,
Crumpler Camera Bag, c/o Citizen Eco-Drive Watch

I've always had affinity towards bold colours and patterns, although I'm not quite ready for the co-ords like Kristabel yet. In fact, I've got a decent collection Hawaiian shirts, remember this Levi's one from last year? Some would say they're better left to the beach but I've never had that problem, again I think in comes from my obsession of Americana and having spent a lot of time in Florida.

This Carharrt button-down has more of a palm tree vibe that your classic Hawaiian, which I'm really digging. To carry on the American theme I decided to wear it with these red Converse, which are a 1970's reissue; featuring a bunch of original details. To add a bit of British interest I chose these regular fit navy trousers by another of my favourite brands Universal Works. The Perfect baguette smuggling partner.

As a bit of a treat we're giving one of these watches away very soon, thanks to our friends at Citizen! Look out for that one shortly. Is there any trends that you're getting into for this SS or are you more like me and tend to stick with what you know?

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Nike Free 2014 Collection | Presenting a Decade of Development

As a moderate runner (or perhaps ‘jogger’ is a better description) I’ve been coveting some Nike running shoes for a while, so the opportunity to hear a talk on the 2014 Nike Free collection from their Vice President and Creative Director - Sean McDowell - was too good to miss.

A basement in Central London doesn’t seem the most natural place for an exhibition of running shoes. Three flights of concrete stairs down into a dimly lit Victorian warren, the only sign that this was the right place came from the wristband given at the door and the two girls comparing running injuries on the stairs.

As usual, Nike had gone to town. This was part exhibition, part art installation, part nightclub. The bright, almost psychedelic, colours that have become synonymous with Nike’s running shoes illuminated the walls between each dark corner. Pairs of trainers hung from the ceiling in patterns emulating a running stride alongside a strange set of oddly-shaped plaster cast feet. A homage to the hexagon played out on every stage.

The relevance of the hexagons became clear during Sean McDowell’s talk. Nike’s focus on natural motion has seen every element of their running shoes altered, changed, and adapted to support the natural movement of the human foot. With Nike Free, this change is particularly noticeable in the make-up of sole, which has evolved from their ‘ice-cube tray’ mould (first developed by pouring rubber into a waffle iron, apparently) to the hexagonal flex grooves of their latest shoe.

This development allows the trainers to bend in more than one direction at once, moving with your individual stride, rather than forcing your foot to move in a particular way, and so making the shoe suitable for runners of every kind.

It’s clear from such a detailed presentation that Nike are investing time and effort to research and understand the needs of runners, with examples given of the inspiration they have taken from both professional and grassroots athletics around the world. While the talk went on, the developments and innovations of the past decade were passed around the room, with some testing and probing questions being fired back at Sean McDowell - most so technical that they were lost on me.

Of course, development never stops with running technology and improvements can still be made. There was an admittance of issues with past Nike Free trainers, particularly a lack of rain protection when the original Flyknit material was used in the shoes - a problem apparently now resolved. There were also interesting insights into the future; for instance, the idea that all Nike stores will offer custom measuring services for running shoes, a service currently available for pro athletes only.

After the talks had finished, an organised run was available for those interested. Strangely, most people were - I was content with the prosecco and prosciutto at the bar.

Hopefully in the next couple of months I’ll get myself a pair of Nike Free 5.0 - this brand new pair to be precise. Does anyone already have a pair? If so, what’s the verdict? - Nik

Also see Nik's review of Nike FuelBand.

You can find Nik at - Conrad's Beer |  Twitter | Instagram