Sick of the urban Rat race ? Long for the more relaxed country life ? No we’re not talking about retiring, but escaping once in a while to an rural retreat, you know rolling fields, the great outdoors, country walks and a roaring open fire waiting for you on your return. One brand who have the attire for this idyllic lifestyle down to a tee, is Crew Clothing.

Way back in 1993, a young man called Alastair Parker-Swift, was living an idyllic life – running a thriving windsurfing school during the summer in Salcombe, Devon and spending the winter months in France as part of the England freestyle ski team, you know as one does.

Now this was all good and well and you could argue, what is there to complain about, but Alastair had ambition and a great business mind an to indulge Alastair’s entrepreneurial spirit. Plus not being one to miss an opportunity, Alastair sourced some navy and white rugby shirts and using a local supplier created the original 93 patch rugby shirt, which was to go on to be synonymous with the brand. This first foray into the retail world proved an instant success with stock selling out within days, and after only 10 days of trading in Salcombe, Alastair decided to try and find premises in Cowes in time for the start of the annual yachting extravaganza of Cowes week.

Within the week the shop did in fact open in time for Cowes week and generated sales that exceeded all expectations, and the Crew Clothing Co. brand was born. In 1995 the first London store was opened on the New King’s Road and the first hand drawn catalogue was mailed to just 2000 customers. Today, celebrating it 21st Anniversary, there are over 60 stores across the UK and over 3.2 million catalogues mailed every year.

During this time Crew Clothing has sponsored some of the most prestigious social & sporting events in the sporting calendar, as The Whitbread Round the World Race, the England Polo Team and Masters Tennis at the Albert Hall. They have been the official clothing supplier to the England Polo team for over 5 years, and provide all of the kit for National and International matches including The Cartier International Event – the pinnacle of the polo calendar.

Parker-Swift, himself describes the appeal of the brand as,
“Crew is a British lifestyle brand with a coastal heritage. We are passionate about dressing people in beautiful clothes in great colours with fastidious attention to detail.”

For Autumn 14 the range offers a a durable, outdoor inspired collection with a real balance between wearable pieces and enduring wardrobe classics that will not only get better with age but the more adventures you have while wearing them.

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Gant Rugger is quickly earning itself a reputation as a brand that just keeps on re-inventing and re-defining itself, since its re-launch in 2010, right thats enough re’s for now. Originally launched in 1973 as a menswear sub brand of the GANT brand, Gant Rugger appeals to a young, in attitude if not in years, consumer, interested in unique and authentic stories the pieces within its collections have to tell. The brand’s unique selling point is its contemporary take on American Sportswear that is style relevant but still heritage inspired in its look and feel.

For this Autumn the brand gives its unique take on the resurgence in the pastime of gardening, yes you read that right. The whole idea of returning to simpler times and being able to say, “Just picked this from the garden this morning.” Forget about the notion of gardening being just something your grandad does, its the new Rock n Roll Man !

The Brand says of this collection, “We wanted to use this green pastime as our foundation. We put togeth- er the coolest New York gardening dude ever, and worked to create him a killer wardrobe, but we guess it could work on you too. Nothing too perfect, nothing too fancy- but lush and overgrown, just like GANT Rugger. But don’t worry, we are still keeping things a bit contemporary with sharp lines and strong silhouettes.”

Key pieces from the collection include the down hoody, with an all-over leaf print and two-way zip front, the Flower Slacker slacks that feature a Japanese inspired flower print and of course to keep your tools in our selvage denim apron. Time to get them green fingers! Me thinks.

Ohhhhh the nights are drawing in, most of us are unluckily enough to have returned from our Summer holidays and yes we have that sick feeling in our stomachs, reminiscent of the ones we use to get at the thought of going back to school, Ohhhh God Autumn in here. Yep, September’s only round the corner and cold dark nights, just behind it, but let’s not get down about it, because with September and Autumn comes the best season for menswear ! I mean who wants to wear, shorts and flip flops and swimwear and sunglasses and t-shirts, I DON’T, honestly.

Anyway, all of those nice retailer type folks have gone to all the trouble of sourcing great coats, sweaters, boots and jackets so you can layer up and look cool as, my friend.

The guys over at Burton have stuck a great balance with wearable and trend driven for Autumn

You’ll be wanting to say Ciao to Sisley this Autumn, they’ve got some cracking pieces

Patrick Grant really is doing a great job with his Hammond & Co range for Debenhams. From formal to casual he’s got it covered

Matt Smith may no longer be the Doctor, but his effect on menswear is still very evident, particularly at Ted Baker.

Stay as sharp as a pin with River Island this Autumn. Get a totally aspirational look, on a budget friendly price

Adding a touch of sophistication to the season. Marks & Spencer

Offering us 40 Shades Of Grey for this Season Banana Republic is looking super suave

This a brand that seems to be improving, season after season. Well worth a look over at New Look