Penny for your thoughts – 6 of the best Penny Loafers

The Penny Loafer is a much underrated and yet highly versatile piece of footwear, equally at home with a pair of jeans as they are within a formal setting. The Penny Loafer or the “Weejuns” to give them there more correct term first become popular after the depression of the 1930’s and had the rather strange origin of being based on Norwegian diary farmers clogs. The shoe’s strap has a split design that is supposed to resemble a pair of lips. This opening in the strap was soon used as a way to add a decorative touch to the usually simple loafer and small objects, such as pennies, were often placed there, hence the name, get it ? As alway we here at Clothes Make the Man bring you 6 of the best which should appear to you no matter what your taste or budget is. Take a look;

 

Ahhhh a real British, timeless Classic, this time in the form of this great from John Lobb from MRPORTER.com

 

 

Annie are you OK, are you OK Annie ! Ahh the late, great MJ himself was fond of a Loafer and these Penny Loafers from Russell & Bromley  are a nice break from the traditional and a little trip down that retro memory lane.

Another wonderful example to add a splash of colour to a look, comes this time from Clarks

Now for something just a little bit special, these objects of beauty come from the Italian luxury house Tods to produce this vintage looking Penny Loafer

You can’t go wrong with this Italian Classic interpretation of the Loafer from Brunello Cucinelli‘s designs are backed by meticulous Italian craftsmanship, evident in the quality materials and precise, hand-stitched finishes

 

Ahhh the original and many say the best by GH Bass the pride of Maine.

 

 

Well heeled – Six of the Best Brogues

The Evenings are drawing in, Summer is starting to be nothing but a deem distance memory, hey ! Nothing to worry about Autumn & Winter offer men some of the best items to wear and show of over the coming months. Whether that be wrapping yourself up in great knitwear, getting a new winter coat, some great examples out there, but we’ll come to them later and of course the Great British Brogue, check out six of the best below –

Beautiful and a real design classic by a great British brand who know more then a thing or two about brogues, Grenson.

Brogues don’t always have to be so traditional and no surprises who have given these, his own individual spin by Paul Smith

Its not just desert boots and senible shoes that this brand is known for and a great little twist on a classic here Ernest Limit Black Leather Brogue from Clarks.

Looking for something a little different ? Now although not everyone’s cup of tea. These brogues from DrMartens won’t break the bank and with look great whatever the occasion.

Back to a classic with a twist and now for one from the Grandaddy of the brogues and a brand synonymous with not only Brogues but great footwear is Churches.

We couldn’t show you six of the best Brogues without showing you an example of a great sneaker version and this is very much one from Ted Baker

 

 

 

Washbag Wishlist – Dan Rookwood, MRPORTER.com

image

The dapper, and football obsessed, subject of today’s Washbag Wishlist, Dan Rookwood, has an enviable international resume, not only did he study at Cambridge University, where he won the prestigious Student Journalist of the Year. But his past titles include, Editor of Time Out Sydney, Columist for ES Managzine, Style Director of Mens Health UK where he co-wrote the Men’s Health book ‘Build a Cover Model Body’, having twice been a Men’s Health cover model and now he is well and truly an Englishman in New York as U.S. Editor of MRPORTER‘s weekly Journal. We asked Dan what his must have, can’t live without grooming product was, which his answer is;

Whether stuck on a desert island or on a longhaul flight, or perhaps shaking off a heavy night or preparing to go out for one, the main thing that makes me feel refreshed and ready is brushing my teeth. I could be a bit OCD about this because I brush several times a day using this game-changing Foreo electric toothbrush. But assuming there’s no USB charger or indeed a dentist on my desert island, I’ll make my grooming essential an everlasting supply of Marvis Whitening Toothpaste. Minty fresh.”

image

Foreo has reworked its innovative ‘Issa’ toothbrush with this ‘Hybrid’ version. The addition of PBT polymer bristles helps brush away heavier plaque build-up without sacrificing the anti-bacterial appeal of the silicone fabrication. Gentle on teeth and gums, it has an adjustable eight-speed interface that allows for effective cleaning, while the pulsating stimulates blood flow to improve the health and appearance of gums.

imageMarvis’ toothpaste is packaged in an apothecary tube and made in Florence, Italy, where the brand has been a trusted favourite for generations. Designed specifically to freshen breath and whiten teeth, this cool mint-flavoured formula is just what you need for a mega-watt smile.

 

 

Dressed to Kill – Spy Style

We seem to have our first trend for 2015 already in ‘Spy Style’, this year we’ll see the release of such movies as, the questionable, Johnny Depp vehicle Mortdecai, later on, what looks from the cast and titbits we’ve seen AMAZING, James Bond’s Spectre. But, first up is the dashing, daring and what looks like a bloody good romp, Matthew Vaughn’s, Kingsman(see trailer above).

So what do all of these films have in common ? The suave, sophistication and general Dapper elegance of Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The British Spy network has been the source of countless iconic films over the decades, not just the undeniably stylish Bond Series, but Michael Caine’s, Harry Palmer, John Le Carrè’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, the wonderful The 39 Steps and of course who could forget Richard Burton as Alec Leamas in The Spy who came in from the Cold. Literally just a few examples, where the shadowy world of intelligence and counter intelligence have served as entertainment to whet our appetite.

The latest in this long line to join the ranks in the Spy movie genre is Kingsman, a film directed by Matthew Vaughn(Layer Cake, Kick Ass and X-Men:First Class) and hosting a stella cast including Messers, Colin Firth, Samuel L.Jackson, Mark Strong and Micheal Caine, but get ready for it, cameos by Elton John, David Beckman and Lady Freakin Gaga !

As part of the launch of this movie treat, and in somewhat of a first in cinema history an entire bespoke 60-piece collection designed in collaboration and exclusively with MrPORTER‘s Buying Director Toby Bateman, Matthew Vaughn and award-winning Costume Designer Arianne Phillips including suiting, outerwear, shirting, knitwear and accessories made from the best of British cloth and from the best of British craftsmanship. The range includes: Kingsman original tailoring; Kingsman by Bremont timepieces; Kingsman by Turnbull & Asser shirting and pyjamas; Kingsman by Cutler & Gross eyewear; Kingsman by George Cleverley shoes; Kingsman by Drake’s ties and pocket squares; Kingsman by Swaine Adeney Brigg umbrella and leather accessories; with additional product from partner brands including Mackintosh, Corgi, Deakin & Francis, Lock & Co Hatters, Conway Stewart and Smythson.

EXAMPLES FROM THE KINGSMAN COLLECTION

Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 22.23.48Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 22.24.35Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 22.25.14Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 22.27.09Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 22.27.27Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 22.27.38Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 22.26.41

Ask the Experts – Winter Coats

You know we love a good collaboration at Clothes-Make-the-Man, but this time it’s an internal one we have Six of the Best X Ask the Experts to come together to create the Mutha of all Goddamn Posts.

If the good folks over at the Met Office are to be believed, plus the fact that ole Mentalist himself Keith Barry are predicting the coldest Winter on record, we better wrap up and what better way then getting Six of the Best Brains in the history of Menswear Buying to predict their best Winter coats of the season. I think you’ll be rather surprised by the outcome and choices, but some clear and defiant examples are given which I hope, help you dear reader. We set them the question of, If you were to buy ONE coat this season, what would it be ?” And the answers were as follows??????

AW14OURL068003800-BLACK“The Parka was one of the shapes of the season and this waxed version from Our Legacy also has pop-out bomber jacket so you are getting g 2 trends for the price of one – as well as very warm winter coat.”

Screen Shot 2014-11-10 at 17.42.06Ben Andrew – Menswear Buyer, Liberty

 

Screen Shot 2014-11-10 at 17.10.59“My favourite coat for this winter is our single breasted Corsivo Corsini overcoat with faux fur collar. This coat is a real investment piece; the luxurious wool and cashmere fabric and the detachable collar means you can wear it with a formal suit or with more relaxed daywear.”

Screen Shot 2014-11-10 at 17.17.30Ross Wilson – Head of Buying, House of Fraser

 

Screen Shot 2014-11-10 at 17.02.19“This jacket from Canada Goose is a firm favourite in the Mr Porter office. Goose down filled and crafted from a durable, water-resistant shell with ribbed-knit trims to keep out the cold, it’s the perfect marriage of function and laidback luxury. A big win for Winter ’15.” 

Sam Kershaw - HeadshotSam Kershaw – Senior Buyer, MRPORTER.com

 

Screen Shot 2014-11-10 at 16.51.06‘A longer-length coat should be at the top of every man’s list this season – and Haider Ackermann’s slim-shouldered, embroidered style one of the best. Wear it unbuttoned, and offset the richness of the fabric with relaxed layers – it would look incredible over sweatpants and a cashmere roll-neck.’

imageStacey Smith – Menswear Buyer, MATCHESFASHION.COM

Screen Shot 2014-11-10 at 16.23.37“It’s is the Odel jacket from Calvin Klein in a technical nylon twill. I really like the clean lines styling but it is still really practical with 4 front pockets and a great hood to keep out winter chills. And it is Exclusively available at HN”.

Adrian Gibson, Buyer – Men’s Casual & Formal Collections, Harvey Nichols

image

Screen Shot 2014-11-10 at 16.25.40

“ I’ve been obsessed with Arctic Parkas ever since Liam Gallagher donned one for the entire 1996 Brit Awards leading to his infamous acceptance speech having beaten Blur to “Best British Band”. They don’t come around very often and you have to have a certain degree of confidence to wear with conviction. Our Legacy to me is one of the best brands in the world and their take is as good as its going to get. Resin coated cotton, quilted lining and storm flap with full zip through. It’s a contemporary take on a military classic.

Screen Shot 2014-11-10 at 16.15.18

Thom Scherdel – Buyer, The Idle Man