This Week's Kit | The Springtime Uniform

Spring is here! Or at least, it was - very briefly. This Easter, while up in Scotland, I woke early and took a walk through the lush green countryside, beneath a beautiful blue sky. A day later and I’m watching a storm hammer rain against the side of the train back home. I don’t know why I’m surprised. It’s still March and this is still Britain. But, I’m trying concentrate on some lighter options to don for This Week's Kit.

A new pair of trainers - from Oliver Sweeney - are sat beneath my desk as I type. I can’t wait to get them on my feet. Italian made, from Italian leather, these are possibly more luxurious than any shoes I own, let alone trainers! From then on it’s my fairly standard working uniform, which calls for something ever-so-slightly smart, yet still casual enough not to look out of place in whichever cafe I’m plugged into. A pair of black jeans by Nudie, a neat polo, and my favourite grey sweatshirt from Sunspel. That’ll do.

Best Made Co. Jacket | Sunspel Sweatshirt | Lacoste Polo Shirt | Nudie Jeans | Omega Watch | Oliver Sweeney Trainers | Brydon Brothers Belt | Elvis Juice by Brewdog | Bellroy Card Holder | Kwaeco Pen | Umbrella Magazine

On top of all this, I’d like to throw on this Alpine-inspired windbreaker from US brand Best Made co. - an item (and brand) I discovered The All Night Listening Post. It’ll definitely keep that spring time rain off.

As for accessories, another slice of luxury will be joining those trainers. Omega’s Seamaster, from Watches of Switzerland, I’ve had since I was 18. It leaves my arm fairly frequently these days, as I circulate between a few choice watches; but, it’s the most dependable one I’ve ever owned. I’ve only changed the batteries twice - although, the one above is a chronometer. I’m way behind the times.

Finally, for when that working day winds down, issue 14 of Umbrella - a magazine that just can’t be beat - and a can of the more-ishly delicious Elvis Juice (which we tried in Leeds), from Brewdog. Grapefruit and beer, who’d have thought that would work? But, it does, and if you haven’t tried it yet, do!

What are your favourite products this month?

You can find Nik at - Twitter | Instagram | Editions Newsletter

This Week's Kit | A Busy Old Month

I was expecting a pretty quiet start to 2016, but it's been the complete opposite. We're still working with a "beans on toast month" kinda situation, but that's not to say January + February haven't been productive. And this business ain't stopping in March either. First off, myself + Hollie will be celebrating our 10th anniversary with a few days in Edinburgh, then I'm flying to a distillery a few days later. We've also got some shoots to prep for, I've got a some LUMIX duties to keep me busy, and I'll be finishing March off with a few days exploring Newcastle. 

When I have found some downtime it's mostly involved reading, car shopping and sharing a few drinks at the weekend. With that being said This Week's Kit is loosely based on those days where things are a little more chill, and doesn't involved five blummin' train journeys...

Private White V.C. Field Jacket | Printed Pages Magazine | Ajoto Aluminium Silver Pen | Millican Crew Bag | Club Monaco Chinos | Instrmnt 01-B Watch | Whole Earth Peanut Butter with Mixed Seeds | Nike Archive 83.M Sneakers | Haeckles Hand Balm | Gipsy Hill Beatnik Beer | Ancnoc Blas Whisky

I'm not saying I'd usually sit around in my best jacket, but its fabric has been developed by, "Nobel Prize-winning scientists" - so I can't imagine it letting me down. This water-resistant Field Jacket will be perfect with these off-white chinos by Club Monaco. The Instrmnt watch is another piece I spotted on my travels, whilst visiting their Glasgow store last week.

Coming straight of the 1983 archive are these previously unreleased suede + mesh Nike sneakers. They dropped a few colourways in these last year, but for SS16 Nike have released this blue + petrol version. This would be my second part of Archive '83, but I can see these working nicely with this canvas tote bag-slash-briefcase by Millican.

I've been using Ajoto's signature pens for about a month now, and as well as coming in some of the most thoughtful packaging I've ever seen, it's been a dream to use. Weighty, this beast is by far one of my favourite products of the last 12 months. Now, just imagine if Ajoto made notepads...Equally intriguing is this Seaweed + Geranium hand balm by skincare brand, Haeckles, which a couple of people have recommended.

Two new drinks of my radar this month; first up, Ancnoc Blas single malt whisky, which has been developed in partnership with British design, Patrick Grant. Sweet, fresh and easy to drink. And, the Beatnik pale ale by Gipsy Hill Brewery, is one that Nik's been recommending for a while, so I'm currently trying to track a few bottles down.

What are your favourite products this month?

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This Week's Kit | Tackling Winter with Huckberry

U.S. online store Huckberry is starting to make waves over here in the UK - and it’s no real surprise. Combining the best elements of an online magazine with an online store, they’ve produced a beautifully crafted website which acts almost like an exclusive members club (albeit a free one) that’s full of things you just want. Or, at least, things we just want!

Finisterre Etobicoke Jacket | New Orleans Field Guide | Karas Kustoms Retrakt Pen | Armogan Spirit of St Louis Watch | Topo Designs Rover Pack | Huckberry x Ebbets Cap | Tanner Goods Card Holder | New England Outerwear Dress Quarter Boots | Orange Vessell Co. Beer
 Growler

Huckberry is big on the outdoor lifestyle, featuring a lot of those well made, functional, and hard-wearing brands that Buckets (and our readers) know + love. It makes them the perfect store for us to work with, and we’re happy to share that Huckberry is our new blog partner!

To start with, we’re making a quick intro to the brand and showcasing some of our favourite pieces from their site. But, there’ll be more to come soon and, if you haven’t already, get yourself signed-up to their newsletter - it’s one of the best things you’ll get in your inbox, guaranteed.

You must know our style layouts by now - they’re formulaic, but good (if we do say so ourselves). Once again, and with Huckberry in mind, we’re looking at the gear we need for a walk in the great outdoors. A hat, a snack, and something to store your beer in, we’ve also gone for the bespoke Dress Quarter Boot, by New England Outerwear, and the heavy duty - but lightweight - Rover Pack, by Topo Designs.

Special mention has to go to the Etobicoke Jacket. Not only is it an awesome water resistant and windproof coat; but, it’s also made by our friends at Finisterre, down in Cornwall. We love it when our favourite brands come together!

A lot of the products Huckberry feature are time sensitive, due to their discounted prices - those boots only a couple of days left to go - so it pays to keep up-to-date with what they’re offering.

Keep an eye out for more on our partnership with Huckberry, coming very soon!

You can find Nik at - Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter

This Week's Kit | Stress-Free Travel

Okay, stress free travel is a big promise to make and something we really can’t guarantee. Trains, planes, automobiles - they all go wrong, from time-to-time; but, with a little thought given to what you take with you, travelling can be a bit more carefree - honest!

When your journey is over an hour, you’ll need more entertainment than just an iphone. It’s essential to have something to read or listen to. I like the look of these H2 headphones from Bang & Olufsen, found on the Brotique’s website, and as a new contributor to The Holborn (quick plug there), we've just got the latest issue.

A bag is another essential. Relying on a carry bag from either World Duty Free or Boots is a recipe for disaster. I’ve been hankering after a Manaslu bag from Takuro for a while and, I think, it’s big enough to hold this neat washbag from Chapman, as well as a rolled up Sastruga jacket from Finisterre. To keep unwanted weight down Ockham have used 3D printing to create this super lightweight travel razor. It’s also important to make sure your travel documents, money, and cash cards are safe. For that, the Bellroy passport sleeve just can’t be beaten. Plus it comes with a pen! Holdall + Co's leather lanyard makes the perfect partner for keeping your keys on hand.

Finally, socks. You might think it’s a bit crazy, but comfortable feet are crucial on a long journey - they are for me, anyway. These two from M.P Crafted Garments + Barbour will do the trick.

If you need any more tips on packing well and reducing your travel stress, check out Expedia’s cabin travel guide. Do you have any stress-free travel tips?

You can find Nik at - Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter

This Week's Kit | Packing For Scotland

Trips away and holidays always sneak-up on me. Without fail, if I book something in for a couple of month’s time, it’s always the day before that I’m frantically rushing around, checking the weather, throwing random clothes together, and searching for a case big enough to fit them in. Mat’s much more of a planner, and for any trips he’s always prepared. Camera in one hand, packet of mints in the other - it’s the uniform of the modern day explorer. So, I thought, who better to ask than Mat for advice on an upcoming trip?

It’s Scotland again for me - that not-so-far-away land that until last year, I’d hardly visited, and have since been more times than I can remember. Although it’s relatively close, we’re going to be doing a lot of travelling; adding up the trains, planes, and automobiles, it’s going to be pushing 20 hours on the ‘road’. I’ll need a distraction, Rapha’s new Mondial magazine is just the thing.

Of course, writing for Buckets, my work is never done. Mat’s keen for some snaps of Scotland - as if he doesn’t have enough already - so is bullying me into buying a new camera. His choice is the Lumix GX7. I’ve used it and it’s an ace camera, but I might have to see what the bank balance is looking like after payday.

Then we have the clothes. A difficult time of year, September. It could be hot, cold, or anywhere in-between. Mat’s suggesting the Budgie Jacket from Universal Works. It’ll travel well and has plenty of pockets for my phone, wallet, giant hotel room key (honestly, at the last place the key fob weighed a tonne), and those mints.

My choice now and these Nike Internationalist have been on the wish list for a couple of weeks. Very tempted to visit the guys at Albam and pick up a pair, as well as ordering myself some decent socks to go with them. Everyone heard of Form & Thread? Mat highly recommends them.

Finally, I’m going to need a lightweight case to throw it all in. This one by hardshell case by American Tourister is just the ticket. Turns out Tesco do a really wide range of travel accessories these days, and I won’t even have to leave home to get it. Score!

As for that beer, Mat makes a good point - when you're in the middle of nowhere good beer can be hard to find. A couple of cans from Camden Town Brewery and America’s own Flying Dog ought to do the trick. And I’m done! Bag packed, boarding pass downloaded, all that’s left is to wave goodbye to Heathrow and say hello to Aberdeen...

You can find Nik at - Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter

This Week's Essentials - Wooly Hats

 

Selection of wooly hats, Topman & ASOS

Anything in wool this week. It's not loads cold up north anymore but it's nice to feel wrapped up a little. My mum always banged on about wearing something on my head when it gets cold, as I have quite short hair, so this one is for her! It seems like this could be a nice new feature, I will try and do it every Friday I think. Sound good?

So this weeks essentials are wooly hats. How about you?

In other news I had a really good charity shop find this week, a green/brown/orange Harris Tweed 3-button blazer for £3. Perfect fit, luck really was on my side. Will show soon.