An Englishman in Summer (rain)

Ever since we featured E. Tautz's SS10 collection, I have been obsessed with the idea of an Englishman abroad. Now we've entered the month of June I just had to offer up my own interpretation. Ordinarily the words 'Englishman abroad' conjure up images of over hanging beer bellies and loutish poolside shenanigans (I would know, I've been on such holidays!) but I'm thinking more about an English gentleman abroad. For SS10, E. Tautz were inspired by just this very idea but not just by any Englishman, the Duke of Windsor to be precise. When Patrick Grant and his team were creating the collection they were thinking about what the English like to do during the Summertime; they like to go to the Mediterranean, sit on beaches and wear hankies on their heads. As much as we'd like to, we can't go on holiday all of time but we can at least dress the part from time to time...

An Englishmen in Summer rain. Navy Premium Linen Regular fit jacket from Uniqlo, slim fit denim long sleeve shirt from Uniqlo +J, Gingham trousers by b store, navy socks from Uniqlo and Joe Casely-Hayford for John Lewis Pukk Leather Brogue Shoes. The Polka dot umbrella was found on the tube.

With the idea of an English gentleman abroad bouncing around my excited brain, I needed to breathe fresh life in to my holiday wardrobe and I picked up two pieces to help me accomplish it. A feather light linen jacket from Uniqlo and a pair of tapered gingham trousers from b Store.

A close up look at the featherlight linen jacket from Uniqlo.

The featherlight linen jacket was a real find in Uniqlo. Once in a while the Japanese retailing powerhouse releases a product that leaves me and many others foaming at the mouth. This linen jacket is one such product. The Premium Linen range is a Uniqlo collection that uses only natural and high-quality 'French linen' sourced from Northern France and Belgium. The fabric has outstanding water-absorbing/divergent properties. The fabric does not cling to your skin, and is nice and dry to the touch. The texture is filled with a pleasantly refreshing feel. The linen naturally creases as you wear the garment, one of the features that makes linen so attractive to me. I picked up the navy version but I was severely tempted to walk away with the entire range of colours and have been thinking about the blue version ever since.

Gingham trousers by b Store.

Entitled 'Benjamin Braddock', b Store's SS10 collection was inspired by Dustin Hoffman's character of The Graduate. The b store guys are purveyors of perfect basics and this collection practically bulged with enticing pieces. From sheer knits to scoop necked t-shirts to b Store's signature boxy jackets and pleated trousers, everything combined to create a modern preppy look. My own Summer ensembles tend to suffer the moment the eye gazes to the bottom half but I saw a pair of trousers that could solve my problem. b Store's 'Basil' gingham trousers are the ideal lightweight option for the warmer months. The following morning I excitedly tried on my new purchases only to be met with depressing skies. No matter I thought, must push on, stiff upper lip and all that. This is my interpretation of an Englishmen in the summer (rain)...

Navy Premium Linen Regular fit jacket from Uniqlo, African print hankie from Darkroom, slim fit denim long sleeve shirt from Uniqlo +J, Gingham trousers by b store

Navy Premium Linen Regular fit jacket from Uniqlo and Gingham trousers by b store

Gingham trousers by b store, navy socks from Uniqlo and Joe Casely-Hayford for John Lewis Pukk Leather Brogue Shoes.

Unfortunately, we can't be on holiday all of the time but, weather permitting, we can dress the part from time to time. Grey clouds should not stop an English Gentleman in Summer.

The Casual Tailor Pops Up

ONETrue Saxon's home from home on Lamb's Conduit Street.

If you did not know already, it is ONETrue Saxon’s tenth anniversary. Borne out of a profound love of well crafted clothing and the Casual culture (with a capital C), they have consistently offered intelligently designed clothing that stand the test of time. To mark this auspicious occasion they have returned to their home away from home in Bloomsbury and fitted out a new pop-up shop on Lamb's Conduit Street. For me, there is no better way to spend an hour on a weekend afternoon than to meander down Lamb's Conduit Street arme. As Monocle mentioned in Issue 16, it is the perfect street for a stroll, some tapas and more interestingly for us, a little retail renaissance. Independent retail is key to the street's success and the delicate assortment of small fashion labels like Folk, Oliver Spencer and Darkroom mixed with a tailor, a bike repair shop, booksellers and a record shop combine to make this a street to truly cherish.

The icon of the brand.

The pop up store at 47 Lambs Conduit Street (astute readers might recall that Universal Works popped up at the same location last Summer) showcases products from ONETrue Saxon's SS10 kit. The Casual Tailor offers more than a hint of their northern UK roots, you’ll find quality assured gents tailoring for the summer months ahead. In addition to their own excellently crafted SS10 kit, the pop up space is stocking a number of my favourite brands in Grenson, Red Wing, Trumper, and Peckham Rye. The store will be open for the next six months and there will be a number of events during that time, but let me show you around the space with the help of my camera, while I pick out a few of my favourite items...

The shop floor has been transformed and I love the old shop fittings.

The checked shirt has had a long and successful past with roots as a clothing staple for male labourers in the 18th century through to its more recent affiliation with subcultures and music movements of the twentieth century. From mod to ska to Britpop, the checked shirt has evolved to suit blokes throughout the past and continues to be a style staple. For SS10 they've got a great range of checks this season from the lightweight Fillman short sleeve shirt and the more fitted Ranier butt

Casual with a captial C

Brady bags are renowned for their solid foundations with the fishing, hunting and shooting folk. Elsewhere they are known for their craftsmanship.

Ever the shoe addict, I spent most of my time in the footwear areas.

These Butty's soon became a new favourite of mine.

There are even a limited number of Saxon’s collaboration with Seveninch of Denmark - the Plumtre Desert.

Butty Suede - perforated upper ankle boot. Hand interlaced mudguard. Dog rivet detailing. Ideal for Summer.

If you ever find yourself in Central London and want to escape the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, Regents Street and Soho, I urge you to escape to Lamb's Conduit Street and pop in to see the casual tailor.

Lodger's Shoe Of The Month

The first of June has been something of a disappointment. The grey skies have alternated between a dribble then a downpour throughout the day. As I type this I'm a drowned, grouchy rat but before I jump in to a hot shower and declare an end to this torrid day, I have to share one of the few positives to come out of the day, Lodger's shoe of the month. If, like me, you've been cursing the weather and the month of June alike, the sight of these shoes will certainly change the mood...

The Two Tone Desert Boot sitting proudly atop of the sand in Lodger's window.

For their June Shoe of the Month, the nice folks at Lodger have reinterpreted their classic desert boot for the summer months. Inspired by sandy shorelines, the Two-Tone Desert Boot marries pebble grey quarters with a sandy white vamp, creating a modern update to the traditional two-piece pattern. The pastel suede palette sums up my fondest beach memories. Just looking at this shoe transports me back to summers spent on the Kent coast. Hunting for crabs by the rock pool, jumping off piers in to the cold, cold sea, scoffing melting ice cream and tip toeing my way across the burning sand. These feelings of nostalgia were only intensified by the transformed shop window beach scene.

A close look at the shoe of the month.

In keeping with the simple, relaxed style of the classic desert boot, Lodger have chosen a lightweight crepe sole which is ultra flexible and slipper like in comfort. The boots are made in fine calf suede and are completely unlined. They are perfect for going sock less (or why not opt for an invisible sock like Mr Hare ) this summer. Natural storm welt, light stitching and simple white laces complete the fresh, modern look. The Great British Summertime might still throw in the odd rainy day but these shoes with their pastel suedes will brighten up my mood.

A needed reminder that the British Summertime isn't all that bad.