I wish it would Rain – Ideal wet weather attire

The Winter of 2013/14 will be pretty much remembered for its weather, not only did we see the town of Hell Freeze over in Michigan, USA , but it will also go down in history as the wettest season we’ve ever seen, since records began. At some point over the last few weeks/months, you must have got soaked to the skin and so it got us to thinking about ways we can help you beloved reader keeping that dapper exterior and keep the drowned rat look totally at bay.  So here are a couple of the better water resistant apparel money can buy.

imageSWIMS, the Norwegian waterproof specialists, have introduced the Luca Sneaker, a comfortable shoe, featuring a myriad of fabric technology to tackle any weather condition including waterfriendly materials and breathable nylon all with an unmistakeable SWIMS edge.

imageThis brilliant British Woodland Camouflage City Gent Umbrella with Malacca Wood handle and Beech Wood shaft by London Undercover, not only will keep you dry in the event of a downpour but will ensure your stylish stakes are maintained in the urban jungle.

imageThe story of K-Way began in Paris, 1965. Leon-Claude Duhamel observed, one rainy day, attentively as people rush about in soaking wet clothing.  It was this this very day that K-Way was born: a lightweight, completely waterproof jacket that can be folded away into a small hip bag.

imageThis great compact Gents Umbrella from Marks & Spencer is ideal for throwing into your bag and forgetting about it right until you really it. Plus at the price it is, if like me, during the recent London Collections:Men where I managed to lose three, yes three, umbrellas over three days, it isn’t the end of the world.

imageThere is nothing worse then having important stuff in your bag, you know vital documents, your mobile ohhh and maybe your lunch and you get caught out in a deluge ! No one like wet documents but even more nobody likes soggy sandwiches. Well Watershed have the answer for you, used by the likes of the US Military, their bags are completely  watertight, so ensuring soggy sandwiches are a thing of the past. Ohhh and your documents stay safe and dry.

imageWe couldn’t cover wet weather gear, without mentioning the next brand as Mackintosh and their ever essential raincoats are to rainy day what fish is to chips. The traditional Mackintosh or Mac as it’s commonly worked its way into our language as, celebrates it’s 190th anniversary this year. Wonder how many people can thank Mackintosh for keeping them dry over the years ?

 

Come Aboard – Six of the best Boast Shoes

Love em or Loathe em you can’t escape Boat Shoes this season, no matter if a shop or brand remotely dabbles in footwear they will carry a boat shoe in some way, shape or form. Now to save you stress of having to scour the high street looking for a pair you might like, we at Clothes-Make-the-Man as always have saved you the hassle and selected six of the best from the traditional to something a little different –

 

Saint Laurent @ Harrods.com

Saint Laurent @ Harrods.com

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Swims @ MrPorter.com

Romain Kremer for Camper

Romain Kremer for Camper

Sebago Dockside @ OiPoloi.com

Sebago Dockside @ OiPoloi.com

Ted Baker @ House of Fraser

Ted Baker @ House of Fraser

Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger

 

Raindrops keep falling on my shoes – SWIMS

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SWIMS take on a Loafer

April, famous for its inclement weather and of course those pesky lil showers that so often catch you out, is only days away, plus, almost as a bonus, this year winter’s hanging around like a Pepper Pig sticker stuck to your fridge door, doesn’t seem to be budging ! What we need is some sort of device that allows us not to be restricted to carrying around a pair of Wellington boots with us no matter where we go and in constant fear of ruining a great and beloved pair of formal shoes that cost us a pretty penny !?!

Fear not dear reader, our good friends in the Scandinavian region, yes up there, no further, have come across a solution to ease our poor stressed out minds. SWIMS, originally established in 2005 by Johan Ringdal in Norway. The re-launch of the classic galosh with a modern twist proved to be a big success and is now found in over 25 countries in more than 650 high end stores such as Neiman Marcus, Scoop and Brooks Brothers in the US, Isetan in Japan,Trunk, Harvey Nichols, Orlebar Brown in the UK and Merci, L’Eclaireur and Le Bon Marché in France. The SWIMS collection includes galoshes, jackets, loafers, shoes, umbrellas and bags – all based on classic, nostalgic styles made with modern and unexpected materials, don’t worry, paper isn’t one of them.

The SWIMS loafer is made of water resistant rubber with nylon upper and a molded foot bed offering complete support. Some models have the velvet flocking that gives that extra luxurious finish.

 

The SWIMS for John Lobb

The SWIMS for John Lobb

The sole is non-marking with a ribbed pattern designed to maximize traction on slippery surfaces and the ventilation gills on the sides ensure great breathability and ultimate comfort. Unlike traditional loafers, water will not damage the SWIMS loafer making them the perfect all round shoe come rain or shine and the SWIMS loafer is machine washable up to 30 C°.

In fact, growing love of this ingenious solution is such, that designer brands as diverse as Giorgio Armani, John Lobb and Agi & Sam have all collaborated with SWIMS in their own very individual manner.

SWIMS for Armani

SWIMS for Armani

The product is best summed up by Mr Ringdal, himself;

“A stylish solution, embodying the essence of practicality: Wear your favorite shoes, slip on SWIMS when the weather is rough, slip’em off when you arrive at your destination. Enhanced comfort is assured and your shoes are guaranteed to stay shiny.”

 

SWIMS for Agi & Sam AW13 collection

SWIMS for Agi & Sam AW13 collection