Style Stalking... Tommy

Our blog roll is constantly evolving as we discover new favourite reads and bid a fond farewell to the ones which are sadly no longer with us. This is Naive, thankfully, is one which has been an ever present fixture. As stated on the blog itself, Tommy lives in London and she likes the beautiful and the good things. Her pictures and the accompanying musings have been a constant source of jealousy and admiration for us and her eye for detail really cannot be overstated. On top of all of this, she is a really lovely person!

Although she definitely has a fondness for the feminine (her baskets and embroidered tops are testament to this), I'm sure Tommy wouldn't mind us saying that her dress sense often tends towards a more masculine style given her love for vintage garments with hints of military and workwear. For this seven day style diary, Tommy took up our challenge to wear mostly men's clothes for a week. Over the course of the resulting week, she estimates that menswear constitutes about seventy per cent menswear of her outfits and she has done it in a way that we're certain that our readers will find both interesting and inspirational. Regardless of gender, there is a great to take away from the below set of images. Without further ado, here it is...

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Day One
I have been in Paris for the last couple of days to see Hiroki Nakamura's Visvim presentation. Today is my final day, I just had a tarte au citron at Rose Bakery to remember Paris by.

Khadi & Co indigo scarf (its suggested use is a tablecloth), Thom Browne knit jumper, silk shirt from Yue Hwa department store in Singapore (it is made for Chinese granddads!), Edun trousers *, Vietnamese woven bag, Visvim hiker boots.

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Day Two

Back in London and there is nothing to eat at home! So I have just been to the Sunday farmers' market and supermarket to stock up. The denim jacket belongs to my partner, I grabbed it off the rail and was amused that the pin badges on it match my trousers.

Old Levi's denim jacket, Patagonia boys' fleece jacket, old Royal Navy knit jumper, Brooks Brothers boys' button-down shirt, Goodenough chinos, Goro's leather bag, Bunney sheepskin mittens, Visvim chukka boots, Moroccan woven basket, Inverallan knit hat.

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Day Three

Without a reliable photography assistant today but I found a helpful reflective surface in my neighborhood. I have just ferried a load of parcels to the post office.

See by Chloé knit scarf *, Inverallan knit cardigan, old French thermal top, 555 underwear t-shirt, Goodenough chinos, Lavenham quilted bag *, Tod's loafers, Moroccan woven basket.

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Day Four

Windy! Rushing home after some errands to complete tax returns, thrilling Tuesday! I normally wear my gloves in a pair, by the way.

Khadi & Co indigo scarf, old German coveralls, old leather gloves, Head Porter tote bag, Wm. J. Mills & Co. canvas bag, YMC socks (made by Scott-Nichol), Nike chukka boots.

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Day Five

Post-dinner at Andrew Edmunds in Soho with a visiting friend from Singapore. Freezing, just starting to rain, so we ducked into Liberty for cover. The coat, I know, is ridiculously big on me but it is precisely why I like it. Like playing dress-up when you are young in your father's coat!

Old French motorcycle coat, AFFA mohair knit jumper, Thom Browne for Moncler hat, unknown tartan scarf borrowed from partner's drawer, L'Etoile Isabel Marant trousers *, Head Porter tote bag, Vans Sk8-Hi sneakers (Undercover version from around 10 years ago).

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Day Six

Visiting my friend, Jaja, and coercing her cat, Quincy, for a picture. I'm sure you'll agree that a handsome animal makes the best accessory.

See by Chloé knit scarf *, old Soviet-era padded jacket, old English silk and cotton shirt, Ralph Lauren trousers *, Vans Sk8-Hi sneakers, Poilâne linen bag.

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Day Seven
Late night opening at Tate Modern, one of my favourite places to be on a Friday.

Old B3 sheepskin jacket, old English silk and cotton shirt, Bunney onyx studs (worn as buttons), old French cotton slip *, Poilâne linen bag, Hue leggings *, Nike boots *.

N.B. The starred items are womenswear.

Photography credits: Andrew, Jaja, Major Travel window, Liberty shoe department mirror.

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Style Stalking...Ca

It has been far too long since we've lurked in the shadows to partake in one of our favourite past times, style stalking. The reason for the delay was finding a subject that could match our previous subject, Imelda Matt. After a few months of fruitless voyeurism we finally stumbled across an old favourite who has thankfully resurfaced on the blogosphere. Ca's previous blog, The Cablog, was a constant source of inspiration and it was a sad day when he decided to pause blogging. A number of months later and Ca has returned and we are pleased to declare that he lost none of his style. Ca is a man who knows how to use colour and play with textures to make truly wonderful, multi faceted outfits. He is a man who knows how to balance vintage, high street and labels in such a way that the admiring observer has absolutely no idea where he shops. We could wax lyrical about his style but that would only delay you from the real treat of the below visuals. Without further ado, here's the man himself introducing his diary...

"I suppose the series below is representative of my style. At least for winter here in Norway at the moment. I have always been more of an autumn/winter person in terms of clothes and fashion. The crisp cold weather makes it ideal to layer favourite pieces and bundle up. Some may find it challenging during the cold season to stay both warm and stylish, but I thing it's quite amusing. As long as you have the basics, especially quality woolen pieces, in place then I believe you can always look well put together...

All photos by my good friend Sirin Winge"

When the six day diary dropped in to our inbox our week was made. No doubt his style diary will brighten up your week too...

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Day One

A simple and casual outfit, this is how I typically look at home or school. I enjoy focusing on collar/lapel details and love to collect pins and brooches from flea markets and vintage shops. Such an easy way to add a bit of fun. These ones, however, are from a regular high street store. The moment I saw them this summer I completely fell and had to have them. Such a sucker for the nautical theme.

The jumper is from H&M, the shirt is from Zara and pins are from Accessorize, the trousers are by These Glory Days, the glasses are from Burberry and the shoes are by Massimo Dutti.

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Day Two

Another simple outfit for a regular day running errands around town. This jacket is one of my vintage gems which I waited almost three months before purchase. Warm and with the perfect fit, it's such a great piece to throw on while rushing out and about.

The hat is from H&M, the scarf is by Burberry, the jacket is a vintage Wrangler, the shirt is secondhand, the jeans are by Monkee Genes, the bag is secondhand as well and the shoes are by Vagabond.

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Day Three

Ok, so I study library science and work at an eyewear store. Sometimes I get carried away. So much for breaking down the stereotypical view on nerdy almost corporate way of dressing. But I like it and this is how I look most of the time. I try to believe that this soft floral shirt makes the look less "dusty". Anyway, the shirt reminds me of a watercolour painting and I got it dirt cheap at a secondhand store. Win win situation. If you're wondering, I am clinging onto the precious and latest issue of Monocle, one of the few magazines I actually buy.

The cardigan is from Brunns Bazaar, the shirt is secondhand, the trousers and bag are both from Zara while the bag is by Bertoni.

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Day Four

Me at my most dandy. I enjoy wearing bow ties, especially during festive Christmas season. The small leather bag around my neck is the latest obsession. Very practical to keep keys and wallet safe in place. And the coat is Lanvin for H&M, this year's winter coat purchase. The deep blue colour is wonderful. I like the long lean look and how the length makes it completely reasonable for me to make swooshing sounds while wearing it around.

The coat is from the Lanvin for H&M range, the jumper is from Gap, trousers are by Topman, the hat is from Dressman, the bowtie is H&M, the bag is from Monkee and the suspenders and shoes are both secondhand.

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Day Five

Beside collar decoration I have become fond of elbow details. This woolen/angora/cashmere mix jumper is warm, cosy and perfect for winter. Also, the colour scheme keeps the elbow patches subtle and barely noticeable. My infamous binocular bag is making an appearance here as well.

The coat is from Victor & Rolf for H&M, jumper by These Glory Days, as you can probably tell the shirt is from Burberry, trousers are by Velour, shoes from Zara and the bag is secondhand.

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Day Six

Another piece of outerwear I've found secondhand and altered at my seamstress. I like to switch between several coats during winter to keep things interesting. I find brown softer and easier to create less strict winter looks than classic black and grey.

In case you're wondering, the answer is no. I am not doing publicity for the label These Glory Days. At least not paid publicity that I know of. I have been following the label's design for a while and truly enjoy it's casual style, small sizes, simple details and finally the reasonable price level. This winter I went all out and got hold of several pieces from the autumn/winter collection. Whatever the hype, the Swedes know fashion. And as a Norwegian citizen I am making a patriotic statement for Scandinavian design. Yeah.

Final note: I am having breakfast (cranberry scones) while doing Christmas shopping here. Do forgive the silly expression.

The coat is secondhand, the hat and shirt are both from These Glory Days, the jeans are Monkee Genes and the shoes are from Zara.

All photos by Sirin Winge.
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Style Stalking... Imelda Matt

You might think that the phrase 'style stalking' is an exaggeration, but this time you'd be wrong. Ever since we laid eyes on Imelda Matt in a gold suit we knew we just had to get him to do a style diary for us. After months (no, really) of chasing, cajoling and downright begging, he agreed. For those of you who don't know him (shame on you!), here's a little background: since unleashing Her Royal Highness Imelda the Despotic Queen of Shoes on an unsuspecting blogosphere more than four years ago, his sharp tongued take on the wonderful world of women's shoes has brought many a smile to our faces. It has been a firm favourite in our blogroll for as long as we can remember. More recently he launched the aesthetically pleasing Style Tyrant, a street style blog that focuses on the men of Melbourne. Just check out this guy if you need convincing!

Here's what Matt has to say for himself about his style diary:

“Gurrl! Haz you been tokin’ on the crackpipe?” was the Despotic Queen/Style Tyrants response when Eliza asked if I’d consider doing a style diary!

Over the course of the last four years (during which time I’ve been blogging full-time) my bank balance and thus my wardrobe has been on life support.

Blame the GFC. Blame blogging. But for whatever reason, two and half years ago and in dire need of new threads, I started ‘shopping my wardrobe’, hence in lookin’ at my old rags?

But revisiting my purchases of yesteryear with older (albeit wiser) eyes has been a fascinating exercise. Aside for a few key pieces (Orri Henrrison and Subfusco) approximately 90% what I wear was bought during my 20’s.

Obviously, to accommodate my shifting taste my old rags have given a spit and polish. However, for as cash strapped blogger from the 3rd World I’m kinda impressed with how those early buys have stood the test of time.

These photographs are not a study of sartorial chicanery - what you see, is what you get!

The wait was well worth it though, we are absolutely delighted with the images. When the diary dropped in to our inbox the collective squeal of excitement deafened neighbours. No doubt this style diary will brighten up your weekend...

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Day One - Double Denim

Denim jacket is vintage JAG, Shirt from H&M, the jeans are ‘ready for the bin’ and shoes are vintage Hutton’s Playboy creepers

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Day Two - Subfusco

Entire outfit (including the Patrick Bateman vinyl blazer) from Subfusco, shoes by Pierre Hardy

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Day Three - Orri

Jacket and pants by Orri Henrisson, shirt from Saint Augustine Academy and boots picked up in Tokyo

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Day Four - Armani

Trousers are Giorgio Armani S/S 96, belt is Dolce & Gabanna circa 02, knit Arthur Gallan

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Day Five - Helmut

Jacket is Helmut Lang ‘98, trousers are Dolce & Gabanna S/S ‘97 and the shoes are by Max Kibardin

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Day Six - Gucci Belt

Gucci Belt – Jacket by Orri Hennrisson, vintage trousers, belt by Gucci S/S 97, shoes from Kenneth Cole and watch by Nixon

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Day Seven - Burberry

Pants from Burberry, Shirt by RESTERÖDS, Cardigan from Tiger House (Japan), Shoes from ZARA, vintage belt and rings by ATAT

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Style Stalking... Jason Dike

It is once again time to partake in a spot of sartorial voyeurism. As we shade ourselves from the warm spell, we're lurking in the shadows to enjoy one our favourite past times: Style Stalking. Today's subject is Jason Dike, a stylish chap who tends to avoid the limelight, preferring instead to focus on unearthing well crafted menswear labels from across the globe or featuring the latest product releases from our favourite brands for Selectism, Gentleman's Corner and Esquire. You have undoubtedly read his smile inducing musings on men's fashion but only the lucky few have ever been able to admire his own style... until now. Below is a brief introduction from the man himself followed by his six day style diary...

"I find it difficult to describe my style, but basically I dress scruffily and then wear nice shoes in an attempt to make up for it"

Day One: Reminiscing over the old Selectism logo (Hackett forced us to remove it) at Sane Communications.

Outfit Rundown: Shirt by Wood Wood, sweatshirt by Our Legacy, Jeans by APC, shoes by Lodger, bag by Mismo Shopper, the Glasses are my brothers old Clubmasters

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Day Two: Posing by a wall on my way to pick up some samples.

Outfit Rundown: Cardigan by and i, shirt by Carhartt, the Bandanna is vintage, chinos are from Uniqlo, Shoes are by Grenson and the bag is by Jas MB

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Day Three: In Sane Communications office again. I just like it there.

Outfit Rundown: Overshirt by Robert Geller for Levis, shirt by Wood Wood, chinos from Uniqlo, Brogues by Grenson

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Day Four: Running about for meetings.

Outfit Rundown: Sweatshirt by Our Legacy, the shirt is vintage Ralph Lauren, chinos from Uniqlo, Trainers by Spring Court and bag by Jas MB.

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Day Five: Erm, I'm sitting in a couch, I guess. This is what happens when the person photographing you asks to meet in weird places...

Outfit Rundown: Shirt by Comme Des Garcons Shirt, jumper by Carolyn Massey, jeans by APC, socks by Happy Socks and shoes by Lodger.

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Day Six: It just got hot in the UK, making the rest of this diary look like I did it three months ago.

Outfit Rundown: Shirt by Dunning, chinos from Uniqlo and trainers by Skive

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Style Stalking... Dapper Kid

It has been far too long since we've lurked in the shadows and enjoyed one of our favourite past times, style stalking. To make up for it the lack of sartorial voyeurism on the blog we have a real treat for you. Dapper Kid has been a constant fixture on our blogroll and has provided us with a great deal of stylish food for thought and eye candy over the years. So who better to continue our Style Stalking feature than the lovely Syed? Please sit back and enjoy the perfect start to a Sunday morning with a spot of people watching as we focus our gaze on Dapper Kid. Now, Syed is a guy who has a little fun each morning while getting dressed and understands that the little details can make all the difference. Below is an introduction to the most dapper of kid's style by the man himself along with six of his looks for the new season...

"If we consider language to be not only the verbal and textural, but rather the signs with which we represent our dialectic with the world then dress is language, to which garments are the syntax. In that respect I choose my outfits, in this case my language, according to which syntax I feel helps express my feelings on any given day. I do not usually dress according to my emotions, but rather my state of mind, because it is easier and far less exposing. I tend to dress to complete images I have in my mind, which are more often than not fragments of a whole that I need to draw together and try to finish when actually dressing. It is like making a puzzle without knowing what the finished image actually is. You know from the loose pieces what the image is roughly like, however it is only when you put it together that you fully understand and appreciate what you were working towards. Then again, if nothing else, I try to have fun when dressing, because really that is all that matters!"

Day One: "I woke up on a cold, cloudy and sleepy morning, and thought rather enviously of everybody else seemed comfortably tucked up in bed and under covers. It was overcast and rather grey and I knew that I would be working all day so I really wanted to go with something colourful and comfortable. I have never really been one to dress ultra dark and brooding when I feel down, and it is the same with when the weather is somewhat less than ideal. If you do ever see me wrapped up in full black and with a cloak...well it probably means that Ann Demeulemeester received my love letters and sent some clothes my way. Anyhow, it was all about bright colours to make me smile. I am rather fond of the shoes, which are actually an orange suede. Apologies for the raised eyebrow, it was a long day."

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Day Two: "I always feel that men overlook mohair all too easily, although admittedly this sweater is perhaps not for the faint of heart. Again it was about comfort and the experience of dressing. When considering dress you always have to keep the bodily experience of it in mind, because clothing is after all worn. Whilst I often dress in order to complete a look I have in my mind, other times it is about the experience of wearing. This is one of those occasions, because I went with the mohair sweater and mohair scarf just to feel cosy. It is warm, inviting and probably my version of walking down the street in sweats. The red peaking out from underneath is not actually part of the sweater but simply a long sleeve top. I like playing with colours under the loose knit, especially against the red highlight of the cuff. If any fashion history buffs seem to recognise the sweater design, it is actually a copy of an old McLaren-Westwood design, from their King's Road heyday."

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Day Three: "Photobooth is perhaps not the best tool for recording an outfit, but this was after a rather long day! I think a lot of men are scared of suits because it either reminds them of work, or they simply feel uncomfortable in them. I have somewhat of an opposite reaction, I feel at ease in the uniformity and elegance of a suit. If you have a well fitting suit, you have the greatest of raw materials to build upon. You can play around with your shirts, ties and accessories with the knowledge that you suit is keeping you safe and looking good. In this case I went with a white shirt, maroon and green paisley bow tie, maroon wool cardigan, maroon paisley silk pocket square, black mohair wool suit, red socks, black brogues and a handmade lego heart brooch. I threw in a shot of me in a state of undress just because I think all men should aim to learn how to tie their own bow tie. Plus there is nothing better than undoing your bow tie and letting it hang at the end of a long day!"

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Day Four: "This was a simple bit of colour blocking. It was a bit of a challenge I set myself in all honesty. I have never felt like one of those people who are naturally stylish (whatever that term even means), so every now and again I try to dress well with just the basics. Where basics are concerned it is obviously a matter of fit, and this case was no different. The red raglan sweater is a red velour, which I bought for two reasons. The first was I loved the way light plays off the surface of velour. The second was that I ran across a store just to stroke it, and if a garment elicits that kind of a response from you, it is probably wise to buy it! I own only two pairs of blue denim jeans, and these are one of those pairs. I pegged the hems just to show off the red socks a little, as well as give a more casual look to the outfit."

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Day Five: "I find it impossible to buy suits - I am too tall and too skinny for most off-the-peg clothing so I am particularly fond of this suit with its slightly thinner revers. Unfortunately I felt that the black buttons were a tad off-kilter and although the pinpoint texture was nice, it still needed a little extra twist. As such I actually replaced the two buttons on the front and the two cuff buttons with porcelain and enamel floral buttons that I bought from the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Anybody who knows me knows my fondness for florals, and Spring/Summer is the perfect time to express that love. Indeed I went with a floral pocket square (I am actually slowly building a collection of Liberty print floral pocket squares) and a heart shaped porcelain and enamel floral brooch. I may just be slightly flower mad and have a thing for hearts, but there we are, it could be worse. Underneath I wore a pink oxford shirt and navy wool sweater. A floral shirt would have unfortunately been overkill, however I would if I could."

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Day Six: "This was a running around outfit that was admittedly more Fall/Winter appropriate in terms of colour scheme and materials, however the silk neckerchief was my nod to a more summery elegance. The silk neckerchief was actually the pocket square from Day Three! I am quite the fan of corduroy, although it does seem to get a bit of a bad rep because it is considered old-fashioned. That being said however, fashion is always looking to the past, and this generation's obsession with thrifting clothing is perhaps changing that association. As usual the trousers are fitted because with your general straight cut I tend to look like a scarecrow as opposed to a man in general trousers - darn my spindly legs. I tucked the corduroys into some brown brogue boots, which I wrapped and tied around my ankles rather than at their intended end. I think it is more of a street wear inspired finish, however was also practical when tucking my trousers into my boots."

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