Spring Essentials

It is upon us, Spring is here. You probably couldn't tell if you're a fellow Brit with all the wet and cold weather but it is going to warm up, I pray. The post I did about my fall essentials fared much better than I thought and a lot of people read it and I hope got some inspiration from it. I'm doing it again, but this time for Spring.

My idea for this Spring is to try some simple outfits but want to put some spin on them with some print and extra little bits here and there. To make the process quicker than it was last time I used my Svpply to put together a collection of my must haves for the upcoming season.

New Balance 574. I need a pair of casual runaround trainers that can take a beating. I'm not sure on the colour but I know that I want 574s. They're lightweight and they come in a number of colours and with a pair of rolled up jeans or chinos they'll look great.

Nike Free x Liberty. I'm not entirely sure (because I can't find it) but I think Raf Simons said that it's more radical to change your body that it is to change your style. Also you look better in clothes the fitter you are. That is why I'm investing in a pair of running shoes, and I've gone with Nike Frees. Not just any Frees though I'm talking about the recent collaboration with Liberty. I went into Liberty last week Saturday to try them on and despite the fact they're for women the biggest size fit me and I made the decision then and there to get them when I have money. The print is really great and it's an interesting spin on the classic shoe. I say that but there is still the possibility that I may just opt for a regular colourway.

Paul Smith Bicycle embroidered shorts. These are the only shorts I want for S/S, they're so awesome and upon closer inspection at Liberty they look really great up close.

Printed shirt: Wood Wood Paradiski, Gitman Vintage Union Jack. As you've probably seen there is a  wash of printed shirts out there but if I was choosing one it'd be a subtle pattern like these two shirts from Wood Wood and Gitman Vintage. With the Olympics coming around I would love to show my patriotic side with the Union Jack shirt, it is simple yet has a twist.

Monocle. I want to read more magazines, Monocle is a great one to start with.

Vans. My black vans have served me well but they are looking a bit worse for wear with the heel of one of them starting to collapse so I think a Spring wardrobe revamp calls for a new pair. I really like this red because it's not super bright but more deep and almost blood like.

Schott NYC Pioneer jacket. I think that his jacket is perfect for the cold nights you might encounter. The colour is versatile and will work well with my 508s.

Bass Weejun Penny Loafer. Everyone needs a good pair of loafers and at this price point they're probably the best you're going to find. In this burgundy colour I'll probably be pairing them again with my 508s and my chinos.

Uniqlo Perfect shape chinos. I have a pair of chinos, they're alright but I really want a pair that fit a bit looser. The colour of this pair from Uniqlo is light and can be paired with a number of different garments. I've tried them on before and they fit me well on the thigh and the rise is perfect but I'd certainly want to get them tapered so they fit a bit more snug around the ankle.

On my list - Mark McNairy for Tres Bien Shop

Mark McNairy is a man I've been paying very close attention to. His recently revealed New Amsterdam apparel collection really had me excited because it showed a real forward thinker, someone not tethered by trend. I paid particular attention to his ability to mix patterns yet at the same time being able to make an outfit look classic and understated.

I've really wanted to own a pair of his footwear because that's what really got him his name and from what I've heard and read they are the pinnacle of quality. This particular pair have been made in conjunction with Swedish boutique Tres Bien Shop and though they are out of the realm of possibility for me now but I'm willing to wait and save to own these.

Mark McNairy for TBS Navy derby, 100% Suede leather, Goodyear welted natural crepe sole
Crafted in England

On my list - Jonathan Saunders t-shirt

That kaleidoscope detailing makes it for me 

On my list - Fall Essentials

Autumn is fast approaching. I can already feel the drop in temperature and have noticed it getting darker. A change of season means of a few things - school will be starting soon and it's time for a new wardrobe or at least a rejig of what you already have.

I'm definitely in the market for some new pieces to add especially items that I can layer and that I can wear in snow, rain whatever this fall winter throws at me. I can say in all honesty that I'm definitely a layering virgin, not to say I've never tried but I don't think that I've ever succeeded.

Footwear

Red Wing Style No. 875 6 inch boot

I've been eyeing up this pair of Red Wing boots specifically the 875 style for a little over a year now but I can never get enough together to buy a pair (they run at £199+). I look at these shoes as an investment, when I finally get around to buying them I'll just close my eyes and hand over my debit card because I know I'll have these for a long time coming. At times I've worn shoes that've hurt my feet after walking in them for a while but when I tried these on in Office for the first time I made a mental note that they were probably the most comfortable boots I'd ever worn. They're made with a crepe sole which is really light and can give me the height boost and support I desperately need. The colour also helps because it can practically go with everything. Bottom line is having these will mean dry, comfortable and warm feet for a number of cold seasons to come.

Bottoms

I learnt about Lands' End a while ago, an established brand that while affordable provides excellent quality. I've been looking over their wares and found a pair of slim fit cords in merlot (a purple-y red colour). These would be a great addition to any wardrobe due to the fact they're in a colour that people may avoid because it may be a bit 'loud' and they look roomy enough to wear thermals underneath should the weather be a bit nippy

Lands' End Canvas slim fit cords in merlot

In desperation I ventured into Topman late last year (more on why it was an act of desperation in a later post) to acquire a pair of black jeans because I had none and back then my denim collection was small. I still have them to this day but after a mishap bleach ended up getting on them, near the hem leaving an orange spot. I have been searching for a pair of quality black denim jeans but I've learnt that this can be a rarity seeing as most dye indigo jeans over and over which means that when/if they get washed they will fade to blue. So I began a long and fraught search to find black denim and I found them in the form of these A.P.C. Petit Standard jeans. They're constructed using unwashed selvedge black denim meaning that over the lifetime of you wearing them they form to your body and crease along your creases and really become your own. Should you need to wash them they won't fade as fast as a pair you might buy from somewhere like H&M. They're definitely on my wishlist for FW because I know that I'll have them for a while and becoming a student it'd mean worrying less about possibly having to acquire a new pair of jeans because my cheap ass skimped and they get torn or something.

1. A.P.C. Petit standard jeans black 
2. A.P.C. New cure raw indigo

Warm stuff

This is bad but I've never actively sought knitwear or anything along those lines, coats have always been my best friend. As time has gone on I've realised that I really need to invest in stuff I can layer because wearing a t-shirt under a coat isn't always the best look.

I've found this as a cheap option to get me started. It's a wool blend Uniqlo shawl collar cardigan

Uniqlo heavy gauge shawl collar cardigan (brown)

There's a YMC crew neck with leather patches that has caught my eye but that price woah I'd have to wait until sale time. I'd love a workshirt and some more flannel to further warm my body.

Outerwear

+J is in it's final collection and there's a particular coat I'm swooning over. Additionally Barbour has some great jackets, as we know and I'm drawn to one that's in the new Steve McQueen collection.

Uniqlo +J wool pea coat

Barbour x Steve McQueen Mulholland Quilted Jacket

Other bits and bobs

I recently bought 15 (yes fifteen, one five) pairs of socks 5 pairs each of thick black and white socks and 5 white sports socks. I really want some coloured socks which I've decided are the Uniqlo ones I mentioned in my Colour post and perhaps some of these if I can get a hold of my Red Wings.

Beams+ Japanese marl socks

I hope you like my Fall Essentials as much as I'm gonna enjoy them when I get a hold of them.

On my list - Martine Rose x CAT boots

These boots are awesome, something very different. I like the mix of textiles and the contrast of colours. The strap and the fastening are great details.

A closer look: leather toe caps, grey felt