Smart Buys,Style

Could Go Either Way | Tote bags

We get it: totes are divisive. Thankfully, those wafer-thin mum-favourites aren’t the only option.

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 February 17th, 2012

Smart Buys,Style

Smart buy | Our Legacy Windbreaker

With the promise of at least marginally warmer weather round the corner, it’ll soon be time to dust off the lighter jackets in your wardrobe. Or, if your old windbreakers aren’t up to scratch, time to get a new one. This Our Legacy jacket (£185, End-clothing) fits the bill. It’s light, packable into a small bag and hooded, saving you the hassle of carrying an umbrella around.

 

 February 13th, 2012

Smart Buys,Style

Smart Buy | Carven Trousers

After making a name for themselves in womenswear, Carven are moving into menswear. In contrast with most fashion houses the clothes are made with working men in mind, so no latex suits or coats made for Patrick Bateman at his most axe-y. Instead they’ve made sensible, wearable clothing like these trousers (£200, Browns). They’ll be especially helpful if you’ve been slacking off in January and want to look like you mean business in your next appraisal.

 

 February 7th, 2012

Smart Buys,Style

Wardrobe Essential | The Gym Hoodie

If you’re working out in a pair of musty running shorts and a Kiss ’87 tour t-shirt, it’s time to get some new gym attire. And what better than a hoodie like this one from Ami? It’s more discreet than most performance based gym gear and, most importantly, you can wear that Kiss t-shirt underneath. It’s a win win for everyone.(£150, Mr-Porter)

 

 February 3rd, 2012

Smart Buys,Style

Smart Buy | Mark McNairy Derby Shoes

If you have any interest in men’s clothes, you’ll hear the phrase ‘classic with a twist’ a lot. It’s used so much it’s long become a cliche; but it’s often true. For example, it’s the perfect way to describe these Mark McNairy D-Ring brogues (£300, Mr-Porter). We’re surprised to see D-rings on derbies, as they’re usually on moccasins. It’s even more surprising to see how well it works.

 

 February 2nd, 2012

Smart Buys,Style

Smart Buy | Sandro Homme Duffle Coat

For that inbetweeny, grizzly weather that January is famous for (look out the window if you don’t know what we mean), you need a lightweight coat capable of braving all manner of temperature fluctuations. Look no further than this little number from über cool Parisian label Sandro - ideal for layering your way gradually into spring.   (£369, Sandro Homme or 02074869176)

 

 January 25th, 2012

Smart Buys,Style

Smart Buy | Return of the mac

It’s taken a while but it’s suddenly become a proper British winter. Which means one thing; time to start bringing out the raincoats. If you don’t have one yet then worry no more, because this River Island mac does the job. It’s coated, so it’s one of the few things that’ll end up looking better after a few showers. Unlike your hair, which you’ll be best off covering with an umbrella. (£55, River Island)

 

 January 24th, 2012

Smart Buys,Style

Smart buy | Ami High Top Trainers

There’s no denying it, high tops can (and often do) look juvenile. But we pay attention when we see a pair that avoid the mutton dressed as lamb look. This pair are by Ami (£258, Matches), the new French brand aiming for APC’s Parisian casualwear crown. Launched last year by Alexandre Mattiussi, who worked at the likes of Givenchy before starting it alone, they also specialise in easy to wear, affordable staples of a man’s wardrobe. If these trainers are any indication, APC should be watching their backs.

 

 January 20th, 2012