The Watch List - Weekend Offender

Weekend Offender was founded as a side project from the independent outlet ‘A Two’ in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales in 2004. A select group of prints and designs were produced and sold by Rhydian and the owners of the store. This later expanded into a full clothing range including polos and graphic tees.

I was out and about in Central London with my friend Shanice trying to pick up some bargains in the sales. Usually we hit all the high street stores like H&M, Gap and the such to try and get our hands on some cheap basics, then we make our way into the lesser travelled backstreets of the West End. We had just left The Hideout and we came across a store I've never seen before. It was Weekend Offender. Naturally I turned to Shanice to find out if she knew anything about it but she said "no" and asked if we should go in. Call it curiosity but I said "yes" and in we went.

The store itself is what we'd expect from a modern day retailer, clean lines, minimalist so nothing distracts from what's on sale. When we walked in we were greeted by a friendly sales assistant and we proceeded to inspect the wares. I was very impressed by the large range of graphic tees on show in the middle of the store and the range of outerwear as well. As we made our way round this table I spotted a bright yellow jacket and was drawn to it.

This coat to be specific. Constructed using wax cotton with contrasting navy stitching, tan buttons and leather detailing it's very stylish. What I liked most was the fit of the jacket, it fell mid thigh and the sleeve length was on point. The jacket also comes in navy if you're a person who shies away from bright colours. I'm really excited to see what Weekend Offender will do in future because right now it appears to be on the up and up.

Cosh (Sunshine) Wax cotton jacket available at Weekend Offender and check out their blog including pictures from the launch of their Soho store.

[images via weekendoffender.com]

The Watch List January 2012

I thought I'd try something new that I can expand upon as the year progresses. It's called the Watch List. I'll be a list of all the brands, retailers and other things I'll be watching for the month, give some commentary and from there you decide for yourself.

It's definitely a two way street whereby I'm actively seeking out new things and sharing what I'm learning with you guys so you can also benefit.

Expansion

I did say that we would be getting bigger and better. Today On Many a Street has joined Pintrest, which looks set to become the new social platform craze this year and set up a page on good ol' Facebook. So if you want to see what we're doing check us out:

On my list - Levi's 511 Camo Cuff Trouser

I've been on a frantic search for these trousers for a good few months now and I've finally found them.

These trousers have a skinny fit according to the website which is slimmer than the Levi's 514 but with more room than the 510. Also the great thing is that they are lined with a camo print so when you cuff them you get this great detail and contrast which adds a new dimension to the piece. I've been on the look out for a new pair of pants since I got my cargos from Uniqlo but I definitely didn't want just a regular pair so these are great.

I'm a bit miffed that the only size they have close to my actual size is 31/32 but because they are quite a slim fit I'm hoping that they fit properly, but I'll have to bring them to a tailor to shorten them because they'll definitely be too long.

I'll let you all know what I think when I get them.

Front pocket

Snap fastened back pockets

Rivet detailing

Michael Bastian Snap Zip Cargo Pants

Extended bottom hem snap tab with two-snap option

Check out these cracking cargos from Michael Bastian. The cargo pant has experienced an upheaval and has shed a few pounds since it's heavier days. Now we are seeing sleeker silhouettes bringing a sophistication and a versatility. You see men wearing cargos in a way they didn't before, often pairing them with smart jackets or going completely casual and wearing them with a tee.

This pair from Bastian's eponymous label build on that but puts a twist on it. His take features a very utilitarian viewpoint whereby pockets are kept to a minimum and while there are a few they don't impede on the shape and only add to the style and can be removed if desired through use of the zips. Snap fasteners have been employed and are used as for both detail and functionality. The trousers are made from cotton and elastane so they'll fit like a glove and are of straight cut with a slight taper down the leg.

For me they are a bit pricey at $545 (£353) but if you're going to invest in a pair of cargos these are probably your best bet (just see what Jimmy Moore of GQ.com said about them). At the moment I think I'll stick to the pair I got from Uniqlo.

(photos from Park & Bond)