CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Words by Suzanne Vallance

For today’s post we sort the advice of an expert Suzanne Vallance uses her knowledge of all things horology to share her passion of traditional timepieces and she currently works for repairsbypost.com

With temperatures dropping and winter, approaching makes sure you are up to date with watch trends this autumn. A timepiece will make excellent addition to your new winter wardrobe, however, with so much choice out there, it will be hard to narrow down the options.
If you have some time on your hands, make sure you shop around for a piece of wrist wear that will show off your knowledge of watch innovation as well as your flair for street style. Stay ahead in the world of watches as we have narrowed down our top picks for Autumn Accessories.
MINIMALIST WATCHES PERFECT FOR GENTLEMEN
If your style consists of pain white t-shirts and a classic skinny jean, then a minimalist watch design is perfect for you. Sometimes it is best to be basic as Minimalism has proven to be one of 2016’s biggest trends on and off of the catwalk.
If you are looking for a watch that works with your style day in and day out then a simple vintage style watch, is probably the best choice for you. Daniel Wellington timepieces are male fashion blogger favourite, as their simple yet classic design can be described in two words: Instagram worthy.
This versatile brand creates watches for every occasion. From formal evening wear to Sunday style a Daniel Wellington timepiece is a gent’s perfect partner. Although minimalistic style is at the forefront of fashion right now, Daniel Wellington believe that they create timepieces that men can keep for years to come. Matte black is a timeless option, however, metallic fashion is also trending so it could be an idea to match your watch with a silver or rose gold clock face with a NATO or leather strap.

If you like to change up your look Daniel Wellington owners have the option to easily switch up their watch straps. Online watch repair, brand, Repairs By Post suggest that if you do invest in a leather strap. A regular cleaning will keep the dirt to a minimum and prevent any unwanted odours.

WORK WITH THE WOODEN TIMEPIECE TREND
What could be more authentic this winter than a timber timepiece? Wooden jewellery an excellent choice for a manly man who is looking to alternate his accessory style. The wooden watch market will break your bank and it and will be the subtle addition that will change your style vibe for winter 2016.
Sustainability is huge right now in the fashion and accessory world and figures have shown that 91% of millennials living in the UK, would switch brands to one which is associated with a cause that supports the environment.
Original Gran is a sustainable wooden watch brand that has partnered with Trees for the Future. The accessory creators have listen to today’s watch wearers and have and gone one above competitors and plant 10 trees for every watch sold! Therefore, a timepiece by Original Grain is not only a stylish choice but one that is definitely worth style blogging about!

ONES TO WATCH

Independent watch makers are breaking all the rules and going back to watch design basics, creating quality time pieces that are built to stand the test of time. If you are looking forsomething different that is out of the mainstream eye, then INSTRMNT are the one to watch this winter.
INSTRMNT’s goal is to create a high quality minimalist design minimalist which is at an affordable price. Their tagline promotes the ideology that the customer is top priority on the list, stating that they; “value process and design primarily with the user in mind”.
By creating utilitarian pieces, they offer high quality design. INSTRMNT are creating a new trend in watchmaking design, influencing consumers to move away from big brands and to start investing in the future of wrist wear.

Simon Carter’s inimitable blend of British elegance, practicality, tradition and timeless style have won him a dedicated following, which boasts Gary Oldman, Will Smith, Jonathan Ross and Robert Downey Jnr amongst others. Team this with his love of croquet and classic car makes him all round sartorial connoisseur, in our books. So we caught up with the man himself, to seek his wise counsel on his top ten tip on how to update your Winter wardrobe.

1. Knitted silk tie. Think Sean Connery leaning on the DB5 Aston Martin in Goldfinger. Effortless style; pick a plain one that will go with a patterned shirt.
2. Paisley pocket square. There’s really no excuse for not having a pocket square. Always silk and never blow your nose with it.
3. Shoe shine kit. There’s nothing appealing about scruffy shoes. Shabby chic is ok in a New England drawing room but not on your feet.
4. A good raincoat. Length is key here. I favour just above the knee, very much in the style of Michael Caine in the Ipcress File. Personally, I don’t care for a belt. I’m over the whole Humphrey Bogarte thing.
5. Bright socks. Lift your mood with a splash of plain colour. Never EVER novelty and try to avoid pattern.
6. A good scarf. Pick a lightweight wool one. It’s look more elegant and keep you just as warm. We make some of the very finest woollen fabrics here so no excuse for not buying British.
7. Patterned shirt. I’m always bored by plain white. OK it’s ‘classic’ but it’s so safe. Express your self. Make a statement. Excellent with good, flattering jeans and a fine blazer.
8. A decent umbrella. It rains here. A lot. So why go through six of those disappointing cheap collapsible things that blow out in a breeze? My umbrellas are hand made in London and you’ll never leave one on a train.,They cost too much for that.
9. Tweed jacket. I’m talking new generation of tweed; light, stylish, crisply cut. This will work well from Autumn through to Spring. We work with British mills such as Robert Noble and Moon’s.
10. A manicure. Go on. Admit it. Your nails are grim. There’s no point in spending all this time and money on a new wardrobe if you’ve got tramp’s fingers.

The Savile Row Company, is nestled in, you guessed it, the heart of the Great British suiting homeland. Its prestigious address of No 40, it’s home since 1998, but the company stretches back to 1938. The business has evolved tremendously but the constant is family. ‘We are not businessmen who went into clothing retail. We are a 3rd generation family company steeped in the tradition of tailoring fine clothing for men,’ says Jeffrey Doltis, Managing Director. Today, The Savile Row Company remains the same family run business as when they started out and retains all of the principles that one would expect from such specialists, bringing years of experience in master tailoring and making luxury garments.

The Brand has prided itself on providing its customers with luxury clothing at affordable prices while maintaining an exceptional level of customer service. These values are the cornerstone on which the company has been built and on being able to maintain these high standards across the business. In 2001, The Savile Row Company became one of the first male fashion companies to go online and now has a successful multi-currency website targeting the UK, US, Australia and Europe shipping to over 80 countries worldwide. They responsibly source all of the products in their range ensuring that every item is designed and crafted with the utmost care regarding ethics and the environment.

The latest chapter in their innovation is incorporating all the brand has learnt over their 78 years, as they launch their Made to Measure service for suiting & shirts on-line. Made to Measure service has always been reserved for only wealthy style connoisseurs, but The Savile Row Company are utilising their years of experience in bespoke suiting and shirts to make Savile Row custom tailoring more accessible.

Customers have the opportunity to be integral to, literally, every aspect of the garment, design and feel of their Made to Measure clothing. Choosing from up to 16 different fabrics for suiting and 32 for shirting, the buyer can define the smallest of details – lining, buttons, button holes, stitching, lapels, cuffs and even embroidered monograms (for that truly luxury feel)– customers create the DNA for their Made to Measure suit or shirt.

Shirting is now available to order online giving an in store experience at the shoppers leisure. Simple to follow, on-line videos are available to guide you through each step of the process of measuring and picking all the finer details. Each shirt is then tailor made in their UK based studio. However, for those who prefer, you can book an appointment at No 40 Savile Row, their London store, for a 121 measurement service which completes that luxury experience, if you so wish.

Plus, with prices starting at £800 for a suit and £100 for a made-to-measure shirt, what’s holding you back !

Wouter Baartmans and Amber Siegel, the London based Dutch/British Design combo, who met while at avant-garde fashion house, Viktor & Rolf, and were united in their belief of beautiful craftsmanship and imaginative design. Their style has quickly evolved and matured and the duo describe their look as, “Classic elegance with modern masculinity.”

Synonymous with an impressive attention to detail matched with unwavering masculinity, Baartmans and Siegel, are renowned for their use of interactive texture and razor sharp tailoring. Self described modern-traditionalists, Wouter Baartmans and Amber Siegel’s work focuses on beautiful fabrics that seduce and shapes that are accessible yet distinctive.

Having already brought their unique take on menswear to successful collaborations with the likes of River Island and Watch brand Nixon. They turn their attentions to another dynamic duo, who are seen as a national treasure and Great British institution.

The M&S & Baartmans & Siegel collection comprises 12 winter layering staples designed and crafted by Wouter Baartmans & Amber Siegel alongside the in house M&S design team. The styles capture the distinct design aesthetic of Baartmans & Siegel, as well as being relevant to the M&S customer. The exclusive collaboration is inspired by futuristic architecture, with a focus on texture, structure and stretch innovations. Key pieces include block stripe textured knitwear, a bouclé coat and high shine leather trainers, made with high quality Italian fabrics.

The M&S design team worked with Baartmans & Siegel to create bespoke fabrics and trims including a navy and black Prince of Wales check that features on the bomber jacket and mac, and marl tape trims, zip pulls and matte silver linings. The collection has been designed based on iconic M&S staples such as the classic black blazer and trousers, in a muted colour palette of black, charcoal and navy, to highlight the use of texture and detail. Textures include quilting on detachable linings and suede detail on trainers.
B&S commented on their partnership with M&S,“We are delighted to collaborate with M&S Menswear on our capsule collection, M&S has such a history in quality menswear and working with the in house design team has been an exciting experience; creating a collection that fuses our dynamic design with M&S staples. We are looking forward to seeing them in stores up and down the nation.”

The clocks are about to be set back an hour, all the leaves are brown and the sky is grey (what a great line), like cold slap to the face yes Autumn is upon us. So as sure as you are about to pack away those board shorts and flip flops, you should be thinking the same about the fragrance your sporting. Whilst on a crisp seasonal walk you don’t want to be smelling of light, floral, citrus fruit scents. At this time of year you want to leave a hint of mystery, spice and something if the night in your wake.

Grooming brands do make this easier for you by using colour to denote seasons, for their Summer editions they will use shades of yellow and orange to imply warmth of the Sun and tones of blue and white to point to surf and clear Summer skys. Whereas, for the colder months, it’s all about navy blue and, of course, black. If you go for a fragrance encased in a black bottle, you can be pretty damn sure this is a safe bet for a Autumal fragrance, that will contain such key ingredients as Wood, Leather, Oud, and spices like Saffron, a big favourite at the momen and pepper. Here are six of our favourites for this time of year.