This Week's Kit | Autumn Selection at MR PORTER

We're thick into the season many of us consider their favourite – Autumn. I've probably tipped over the age of it being acceptable for kicking my way through leaves, but it doesn't stop me from eyeing them up them piles as I walk through the park. Autumn is ace; crisp sunny mornings, a golden hue casting over everything in sight and the perfect time of the year to practice that good ol' layering game.

With layers in mind, our plan was to select our favourite items from the new COS x MR PORTER collection, but with it selling out so quickly we turned elsewhere. This muddy coloured garment-dyed sweatshirt by Albam will look spot on with the navy + cream Vans Old Skool reissue, British-made coach jacket by Oliver Spencer and orange wool socks by Anonoymous Ism.

A few of you may have spotted that we're moving into our first house soon! While we already have a hefty book collection we're always looking to keep adding. Gray Malin's Beaches does the trick – with his unique perspective on aerial photography. And, when we turn to music for a little relaxation this new bluetooth speaker by B&O Play apparently packs a quality punch.

Aesop is another brand that I've been big on lately. Ever since Hollie bought me their Tacit fragrance and Moroccan Neroli Post Shave Lotion for my birthday I've been hooked. They sure gets the olfactory senses going, but it's definitely not all for show – the lotion leaves my skin feeling soft and fully hydrated after my morning routine.

Have you tried Magic Rock's Cannonball IPA? At 7.4% it's not for everyone, but it's bang-on where I'm at with beer at the moment – packs one helluva flavour.

Finally, we end with transatlantic accessories from Buckets' favs, Albam + Shinola. I've been a fan of Albam for as long as I've been writing this blog, and even though their styles rarely alter, they sometimes surprise us with new colour – this bright blue Canvas Tote has everything I need in an everyday bag. And maybe I've left the best 'till last, with Shinola's Runwell Watch, featuring a navy dial natural leather strap – maybe, just maybe, this is a not-so-subtle hint for my 25th December list...

As always, we'd love to hear what you think about our choices. And, don't forget to share some of your recent finds with us too! See more of our This Week's Kit round-up here, shop MR PORTER's full gift selection here.

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This Week's Kit | The Autumn Uniform

Autumn's taken a while to arrive in London – the summer just wouldn't let go. While I'm not complaining about the endless days of sunshine and the lack of a cold wind and heavy rain, I do feel a bit sorry for all the brands who are presumably sitting on piles of unsold coats, jumpers, thick socks, and boots, just waiting for the weather to break.

It's definitely here now, though; so, we'd thought it'd be a good time to share some of the stuff that's recently caught our eye. We've gone for a fairly colourful vibe with everything else. The CHUP socks, the new J.Crew x New Balance 998 Greenback collaboration (release date 15/10), and the Norse Projects Nunk jacket are all the very definition of colourful.

And, we've kept it up with our accessories too.

Pogo Pale Ale, from Wild Brew Co. is a delicious, passionfruit filled beer; so fruity it could pass as a juice, and it comes in a Buckets orange can – a no-brainier there. While the Californian special of Noble Rot magazine (run by a restaurant in Bloomsbury – yeah, you read that right!) is every shade you can expect from the West Coast.

The palette drops a bit with pieces from Huckberry. Their Combat watch would be a nice buy - but, then again, they have so many decent watches, it's hard to choose. I'd be topping the whisky glasses with Dalmore 15 year old – a decent drop, that is currently sat unopened on my shelf.

Finally, and definitely reigning the colour back in here, our friends Finisterre, all the way down in Cornwall, have just launched their new Truth North collection and with it, their updated, wrap-up warm, 100% British merino wool Bowmont Jumper. A must for anyone thinking further ahead to the cold days of winter. Throw in Herschel Supply's new water-resistant Barlow Backpack and we're all set.

As always, we'd love to hear what you think about our choices. And, don't forget to share some of your recent finds with us too! See more of our This Week's Kit round-up here.

You can find Nik at - Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter

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?

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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!

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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 Kit | Escaping the Computer + Venturing Outdoors

We've said it before and we'll say it again; it's a good feeling to escape the computer sometimes, get out from behind the desk, ignore the mountain of emails, and breathe a bit of fresh country air. We've had a few outdoors adventures over the past couple of years. More than I realised, until I sat down and counted them.

Wandering the Highlands of Scotland, foraging out in Epping, a day out in The Lakes, and a stay-over in the Forest of Dean - and let's not forget Glastonbury! Hey, turns out we're regular Huckleberry Finns over here.

Albam Hill Walker Waxed Jacket | Shine Vessel Co. Beer Growler | Smith Journal Vol.8 | Olivers Apparel All Over Shorts | Hunter Slider Sandals available at Outdoor & Country | Archival Grey Sweatshirt | Beavertown Gammar Ray APA | Backyard Brew Lawn Mower Larger | Cubitts Wynford Sunglasses | Wall's Mint Feast Ice Cream

The kit is pretty important out there in the 'wilderness' (we consider Vanessa as our inspiration). You need to be warm and dry, of course; but it doesn't have to be all waterproofed hiking gear. A nice rain coat from Albam over this classic grey sweatshirt by Archival, a pair of multi-purpose shorts, a decent pair of wellies or slides (for the lake we're hoping to find), some good reads and a 6-pack of beers. I'd probably bring along a small hip flask too, topped up with a decent single malt. I tell you, we could get used to this outdoor lifestyle.

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