Menswear Series: Boots

With the change of seasons comes new trends and outfit inspirations. If you’re like most you will try to combat the cold weather and shorter days by mixing up your wardrobe slightly and adding new items where necessary, dusting off your sweaters and storing your shorts away for the time being. As well as the change in weather now is also the perfect time to switch up your personal style by trying out new pieces you may have thought about but put off so we want to help you finally make a choice on some of those investment pieces that have caught your eye and for the winter months they don’t come much bigger than men’s boots at the moment.

Desert Boots

A major menswear hit in recent seasons the desert boot has completed its resurgence as a key wardrobe piece for fashionable men over the last few years. The versatility of desert boots has been one of the key reasons for their growth in popularity, easily paired with casual and more formal looks the variety of desert boots available means there aren't many occasions not suitable for the once army issue footwear. Leather styles make them more suitable for slightly dressier occasions and colder nights making them perfect for your autumn winter wardrobe.

Chelsea

If the versatility of desert boots makes them ideal for an array of looks and styles throughout the year Chelsea boots are definitely their slightly more formal cousin. Still perfect for the colder days and nights we have to look forward to where you may feel the need to upgrade your footwear choices from trainers. If this is the case than the Chelsea boot is a tried and tested classic that can effortlessly round off an outfit whether you’re heading to the office or to the bar. Again, like desert boots leather Chelsea boots make them perfect for colder weather or if you’re looking for something slightly different than suede is the order of the day, staying stylish and perfect for achieving different looks.

Combat

Slightly different from the previous two styles featured the combat boot offers an alternative slightly more street wear inspired look to add to your wardrobe. Combat boots may not be for everyone but when paired with the right outfit can complete a cool and stylish look perfect for the winter months. Worn over jeans and teamed with a slightly oversized sweatshirt or jacket combat boots can complete an outfit style which you might not see too often, ideal if you want a unique look to set you apart.

Three Menswear Brands to Add to Your Wardrobe

The change of seasons is a great time to give your wardrobe a well needed overhaul. If you’re like most than you are continually looking for ways to update your personal style and keep your look fresh but timing is key when it comes to investing in new staples and even whole outfits, luckily for you with the days getting shorter and the weather slightly colder now is the perfect time to do just that. We recently  put together out autumn style guide for men so we thought it would be worthwhile to follow that with a look at three brands you should really be adding to your wardrobe for the new season.

A.P.C

The French brand A.P.C, almost as famous for outspoken creative director Jean Touitou as the minimalist, stylish ready-to- wear pieces produced every season. As a brand most fashion forward gentleman already knows very well, their ‘standard’ jeans are renowned for their fit with denim lovers raving about their quality. Jeans still remain a focal point of the brand but footwear and easy to wear outerwear has also emerged as areas the brand has thrived in with Touitou not afraid to experiment with looks or collaborators, the ‘Kanye’ A.P.C line featured fox fur combined high levels of military imagery, a look not too many brands would be quick to release. When it comes to adding A.P.C to your wardrobe denim still has to be the place to start, their ‘petit new standard’ will suit those who enjoy slim fitting jeans while a minimalist sweatshirt is a versatile piece perfect for the fall.

                                                                                                               Hood By Air

Another menswear brand that is not afraid to push boundaries of design, particularly on the runway, Hood By Air’s ready-to-wear apparel is something you can add to your wardrobe if you are looking to make a statement or completely change your look altogether. Heavy, oversized graphic pieces are the staple Hood By Air look with street style influence evident throughout. HBA epitomises edgy cool and if you are looking for what to add to your wardrobe a hoodie has to be the place to start, paired with a formal look for something completely different or a more street based style to top off your outfit.

Givenchy

Rounding off our list we had to include a member of the old guard. Founded in 1952 the French brand is another not afraid of the imagery and dark connotations created through its lines. Even today as one of the leading names in world fashion Givenchy still manages divide and stun while designing excellent statement pieces for both men and women. On the menswear side a great item to invest in would be a leather bomber jacket. Of the highest quality the piece could be worked with a number of looks across different situations so although costly would return its value over the many years of wear you will no doubt get from it. 

The best authentic used handbags to add to your collection

Vintage treasures never go out of style, and investing in pre-loved luxury goods can help you enjoy the high quality and unique designs of your favourite brands while saving up for that new IT-bag that you can’t get out of your mind.

Timeless designer bags are always a good buy: they have stood the test of time, never losing their charm and allure. They’re not a fashion whim, but long lasting pieces that can be passed on to your children and grandchildren. With this endurance in mind, you should consider adding authentic used handbags to your wish list. To help you choose the perfect items for your collection, we put together a foolproof guide to the best vintage handbags to look for.

1. CHANEL 2.55 FLAP

The bag to rule all bags, it doesn’t get more timeless than this chain-strapped masterpiece. Created by Coco in February 1955 (hence the name, 2.55), the brand’s iconic piece has been carried by pretty much every female celebrity that came to stardom after its invention, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Miley Cyrus. Available in several sizes, colours, fabrics and finishes, the 2.55 can be sported as a day or evening bag, in a glamorous or basic look, in your 20’s or 70’s, it doesn’t matter. You just can’t go wrong with this one.

 

2. LOUIS VUITTON ALMA

Yes, I know, when speaking of classics and Louis Vuitton, the Speedy is the first bag to come to mind. But if you disregard the hype behind the most famous of LV bags, you’ll find that the elegant shaped Alma might be a good alternative. Better yet if you opt for a non-monogramed, less flashy model. Versatile (It can be your day bag, your work bag and your dressy bag), this handbag is classy and sassy at the same time, always the right choice.

3. MULBERRY BAYSWATER

The Alexa is arguably the most talked about among all Mulberry bags. It’s understandable, given how good it looks in an impressive range of looks, from messy to dressy. Even so, the true brand’s icon is still the Bayswater. Named after an elegant area of London, the Bayswater is a cross between a traditional doctor’s bag and a structured satchel, that can be your go-to bag for work or night outs. Better yet, it’s not as pricey as some of the other items in this list.

4. LADY DIOR

When you think of elegance (especially if you are over 30 and was born in England) you think of Princess Diane. And this bag was a favourite of hers. Classy, charming, feminine, and a little spicy, the Lady Dior bag translates what Lady D is remembered for. Instantly recognizable by its cannage stitching (a house signature) as well as the charms with the brand's name, this beauty has maintained its allure and elegance over the years.

5. HERMÈS BIRKIN

In the top of every fashionista’s wish list, this popular yet extremely exclusive (and expensive) bag is an item of luxury worth having. The status symbol was named after French actress and singer Jane Birkin, when, in 1981, Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas, saw her struggling in a flight with a straw travelling bag. Buying a pre-owned one can be the answer to save a few thousand buck and avoid the famous waiting lists for a new Birkin.

6. THE PROENZA SCHOULER PS1

The youngest bag in the list, the PS1 was first introduced in 2008 as the first carryall the brand's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez ever made and quickly became a classic. Loved by fashion insiders and celebrities alike, the PS1 paved the way for other coveted handbags like the PS11 and PS13, they, however, have never been able to dethrone the original one.

7. THE PRADA TOTE

Any Prada bag would be a welcome addition to anyone’s collection, but the totes hold a special place in my heart. Made from the label’s incredibly durable Saffiano leather, the toe is a great option for an everyday bag, allowing the exterior to withstand scratches and inclement weather. Buy it now and carry everything in it forever.