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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Buckets & Spades Wears | SS14 Edit at Cloth

Working with independent businesses is not only something which I'm extremely passionate about but it's also a great way for me to showcase stores + brands who are quietly doing amazing things; which sometimes gets overlooked in today's fast-paced world of eCommerce. Today I'm collaborating with one of those such brands - Northern Ireland based independent retailer Cloth, who have recently relaunched their online store, which shows of their lovely lifestyle photography.

I had the opportunity to work with Cloth on an Spring/Summer Edit, picking out my favourite pieces from their new collection. I'm really pleased with my choices, perfect for Britain's ever-changing weather. Here's a quick breakdown -

Nylon Bike Jacket - Universal Works

Short Sleeve Stripe Pullover Shirt - Gant Rugger

Multi-Colour Panel Sweatshirt - Folk

Canvas Toe-Cap Sneakers - YMC

Dotted Board Shorts - Lightening Bolt

1960's Stripe Tee - Levi's Vintage Clothing

Leather iPhone 5 Case - Il Bussetto

1967 505 Slim Jeans - Levi's Vintage Clothing

I'm pretty keen on that Folk Sweatshirt myself, it's definitely at the top of my wish-list for this season. All items in our edit are currently available here. You can also follow them on Twitter + Instagram. Are any pieces from my SS edit taking your fancy?

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YMC A/W 12

I'm pretty sure that we're all starting to think about pulling the jumpers out, it's getting much nippier here and the rain is coming think and fast. September is usually a pretty decent weather month but no way, not this time. YMC's A/W 12 collection is a bit of a ripper, their lookbook as been doing the rounds for a bit but the products have just dropped in stores so I thought it was a good time to post about it.

The collection takes inspiration from the beatnik movement of the 50s and mixes it with their signature boxy fits, collegiate colours and mad patterns. They're basically producing clothes that I want to wear, with all this cooler weather setting in this is the kind of reliable garb I want to be reaching for. Do I spy something to spend my Oi Polloi gift voucher on? The piece that stands out for me is the navajo grey jumper, which is featured above. I wouldn't wear it over my shoulders a la Carlton Banks but you get the idea that it's going to look pre-tay pre-tay cool on.

The collection is now available at YMC and other good menswear stores.

Have you entered the Urbanears Giveaway yet?

YMC Floral Lace Up Headache

I went a bit loopy the other week and bought these YMC Floral numbers from Urban Outfitters in the sale. I knew I liked them, hence parting with the readies but I was pretty stumped with what to wear them with. I've got tones of weird rules when I comes to dressing, I don't like wearing similar colours together and seeing that I own about 10 blue shirts.....basically over-thinking it.

I've posted a couple of photos on these on Instagram/Twitter (both mat_buckets) and the hibiscus pattern has got a ridiculously good reception, you guys seem to love them. So the jury is out, I'll just roll with them. For their first wear I just went with some green shorts and a dark blue oxford shirt. Nothing groundbreaking but it worked, I think.

I wouldn't mind a bit of input on this one though, have you guys got any ideas what sort of things I could wear them with? Remember I don't want to look like a fruit loop.

Last Week's Feet

 

Monday - Working in Manchester. Levi's 511s, Clarks Desert Trek, Burlington lime green socks

Tuesday - Doing some work in Nero's. Levi's 511s, YMC saddle shoes, J.Crew football socks

 Wednesday - Driving test which I passed! Levi's cords, Vans, Uniqlo grey socks

Friday - Working at my third part time job. Levi's 511s, New Balance 420s, Wig Wam red marl socks

Saturday - Working from home and to the gym. Dockers khaki chinos, Storm work boots, Happy Socks striped socks

I feel like I've been mega busy this week, trying to balance 3 part-time jobs gets tricky at times but this week I had my driving test too, which I passed! It's been a massive goal for me and to final achieve it feels so good. I'm not at the position to be able to afford a car just yet but it's there when I need it. This week my target was to wear a different pair of shoes every day, that might not sound so hard to some people but because I tend to do a lot of walking I usually just go for what's comfiest. I missed 2 days out of 7 but it's not a bad effort is it?

Following on from my post last week, I mentioned that I like to jazz up my plain outfits with a bit of colour in the sock department. And it worked, somehow wearing colourful socks makes me feel happier and if it brings a smile to someone else's face then I've done my job. Along with the socks there's plenty of shoes for men on offer these days.

As I mentioned it's been a busy week, other than my jobs and driving I've been designing a logo for a new charity, a couple of store visits (another post coming soon), keeping fit and cleaning of course! Boy I need a rest.

This post includes a sponsored link, all words and thoughts are by me as usual.

Revisiting Saddle Shoes

Wearing - Edwin chambray shirt, Levi's 511s, YMC saddle shoes, Uniqlo socks, COS leather lanyard.

Whilst most of us have been taking advantage of the major sales pre and post Christmas I made a pact with myself. Instead of rushing out to see what bargains I could snap up, I'd take a look through my own wardrobe and see which items I tend to neglect. We all have tones of stuff we don't seem to get round to wearing, either from buying stuff on a whim or saving it for a certain occasion. So my idea was to get out all the stuff that isn't in rotation and get wearing it! Simple as that really, I must have liked something about the item in the first place to buy it. So while money is tight I'll go back to these items, assess if they still work for me and get wearing them, if not then do I really need replace it or can I do without?

Something that falls into this category and certainly doesn't need getting rid of or replacing is these YMC grey and black suede saddle shoes, that I picked up in the 2010 winter sale for 70% off. They're surprisingly easy to wear and go most of the stuff I own.

Don't get me wrong I have bought a few bits and bobs in the sale (namely socks, desert boots and a couple of t shirts) but I will be thinking twice about if I really need something. When I do go shopping I may buy something little but I don't tend to buy a higher price point item just out of the blue. Luckily I enjoy the whole shopping experience so browsing is usually good enough for me. It's all relative really isn't it, while I don't have a full time job then this is that way it has to be. 

How did this season's sales work for you? 

Saddle Shoes

Super close up shots of the leather, suede and orange sole combo.

I mentioned that I picked up some saddle shoes on Twitter about a month ago now and since uni has kicked right off I haven't really had time to think about what looks good on my feet. I've been grabbing for my Vans or Converse at any opportunity.

I took a bit of a break from my current project and decided to take a few snaps of these YMC Saddle shoes that I got in the sale(I am yet to wear them!). Saddle shoes were standard in the 50s but none wears them these days, no the heck not?  had to get them for the simple reason that when a shoe like this comes along you can't say no. Mens shoes don't work like buses, they don't all come at once, it's more like a strike day, not at all.

Here's how I'm planning on wearing them;

Navy pea coat, blue Velour shirt, beige Gap chinos, tartan M&S scarf, orange Uniqlo socks, YMC saddle shoes.

I didn't think I'd ever be matching my socks with the soles, that's new to me. The pea coat is also another new purchase, by a brand called Method via TKmaxx clearance. What do you think about the way I'm displaying the outfit? I quite like it actually, simple ideas are the best!

Thanks for all your feedback on the last post, all your comments will be going straight into my sketchbook.

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?