WHAT'S IN YOUR POCKET?

A pocket square adds life to an outfit, offering sophistication and elegance. There are so many options these days with pocket squares. Pocket squares range in price from inexpensive to expensive. Truth be known if you are smart and thrifty you will head to your local vintage store and pick up some scarves and cut them to shape. In this post I aim to inspire you to think differently about this elegant tradition and how you can style them in different ways. Add a little extra polish to your outfit with the ultimate stylish accessory.



Blazer: Oxford
Shirt: Siviglia 
Bow tie & Pocket Square: James Harper
Pants: Boohoo
Shoes: Ted Baker
Socks: Paul Smith
Sunglasses: Oxford
Watch: Roamer

Uh oh!

Firstly, we need to cover off on what not to do with a pocket square. My personal opinion is a pocket square should not be the same fabric and print as a tie. This is a beginners mistake and appears lazy, unflattering and somewhat boring. This makes me scream. The same as men who walk around with a suit placard on a coat or jacket sealed shut. Get me the unpicker immediately!

What colour should it be?

A pocket square should in fact compliment the colours of your ensemble. You can balance out an outfit to tie in a key item to your outfit (i.e. shoes). The main colour a pocket square should match( if your outfit is perfectly colour balanced), is the shirt. It does not need to be the exact same colour, it could be lighter, darker, a different print, or only a complimentary colour within the pocket square.

Blazer:Bell and Barnett

Tie & pocket square: Bows n Ties

Shirt & sunglasses: Oxford

Pants: Connor Clothing

Shoes: Ted Baker

Socks: Paul Smith

Watch: Roamer

How do I fold it?

The pocket square can be displayed in many ways. From "The Fold", "One Tip Up", "Triple point" to "The pocket stuff". All these are personal preference. Two of my favourites are the triple point and the pocket stuff. There are many editorials online with how to fold. 

Blazer: Bell and Barnett

Shirt, bow tie & pocket square: James Harper

Pants: Asos

Sunglasses: Oxford

Contrast

If you are wearing a full matching suit, break up the style by adding a contrasting pocket square, for instance, blue suit, throw a red pocket square in to add some freshness and variety. Remember that these are an amazing little accessory that pack a punch and can update an outfit and give you some edge. What better way to compliment your sharp looking suit than with a pocket square.

Upsize me

Double up! It is becoming more "trendy" (detest that word) to wear two pocket squares in the one pocket. Unsure of how to wear two pocket squares? I suggest you start with a base colour and then a contrasting print. With the right outfit this look is magnificent. Choose wisely! Obviously begin with patterns and colours in your wardrobe to introduce yourself to the double up. 

Pants: Department 5

Bag: Vivienne Westwood

Shirt: vintage find 

Shoes:Adidas

Sunglasses: Gucci

Jacket: Boohoo

Experiment

Experiment with different styles and see what feels comfortable with you. This is an accessory that gives an outfit life or makes it fall short of being stylish. Best of all this accessory will not wear out, become out of date or cost you hefty amounts of money. 

Sunglasses: Gucci

Blazer: Bossini Menswear

Tie & pocket square: Bows n Ties

Shirt: Oxford

Pants: Manuel Ritz

One great way to make a statement with your pocket square is to team it with a lapel pin. There are so many options these days for lapel accessories, from brooches, flowers, feathers and so much more. As always I encourage you to think outside the box and experiment with different styles and colours.

OODLES OF OUTERWEAR

Back in Melbourne after my vacation to Noosa and I am feeling the cold. From days on the beach soaking up the sun to jumping puddles and constant coffee runs to stay warm, there could not be more of a contrast. Either way I am to inspire both men and women with experimenting with their own personal style. To inspire you to engage with the world outside your front door and step out of your comfort zone. Clothes can either maketh the man or woman but in truth the clothes should not wear you. You should wear them, and they should make you feel amazing and be an extension of your personality. A great item to showcase your personality and style is the coat and that is what this post is all about.

Hat: @asos_man

Sunglasses: @lespecs
Coat: @vanheusenau
Shirt: @dangerfieldclothing
Scarf: vintage find
Pants: @topman
Gloves: @dentsgloves
Shoes: @jacklondon_official

Whether you're running around town attending gallery shows or catching up with friends over a nice brunch, make sure you're warm and cozy this winter. A wardrobe necessity for me is a good winter coat (or 3 or 4) Wherever you are this winter, you want to ensure that the coat you choose is both functional and stylish. Personally I favour long coats as I like to feel warm and secure. Bomber jackets and denim are great but not practical for cold winters in Melbourne or Hobart where you need a coat that can battle the elements. 

This coat is called "The Grant" from @oxfordshop Naturally I bought it 
Coat: @oxfordshop
Suit & shirt: @briggins_clothiers
Tie: @bows_n_ties
Shoes & bag: @ted_baker
Socks: @paulsmithdesign
Sunglasses: @gucci

Being a savvy individual I adore coats that are easily "Go-To" or "Do-It-All". Simply throw it on and run out the door and look effortlessly chic, coats that are able to be paired with many of your wardrobe items. Great coats will be fitted with some sort of stylish feature from buttons, fur trims, pipping, deep pockets and luxurious fabrics.

Sunglasses: @gucci
Scarf: @frenchconnection_au
Coat: @bossinimenswear 
Pants: @connor_clothing
Gloves: @dentsgloves
Shoes: @ash

Obviously this is one wardrobe item that does need to be fit for purpose and deliver in protecting your from the elements. You will find a large portion of winter coats will come with a hood. The aim of a winter coat FYI is to keep your body warmth in and block the elements from getting in. I look for deep pockets (user-friendly), high collars, and a point of difference in the details such as buttons. 

Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Shirt: @jamesharper_
Pants: @manuelritzofficial
Waistcoat: @connor_clothing
Shoes & bag : @ted_baker
Sunglasses: no name

Keep in mind when shopping for a coat what the material actually is. You will find these days most coats are not fully made of wool, or partial inferior fabrics and insulation are used. In saying that you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars (so many great bargains around town) to get a great coat. There is a large variety of online retailers that produce quality winter coats for fraction of the price and the quality is quite good. 

Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Pants: @edderedidelduca
Shoes: @adidas
Scarf: @karllagerfeld
Bag: @ted_baker
Sunglasses: @lespecs
Gloves: @dentsgloves

The great thing about fashion and style (both two very different things) is there is no right or wrong these days. From clashing prints, to changing your body shape with the use of different fits and styles. Invest in a great coat and it will last years. I do not understand why people invest in something that does not fit their personal style and will be thrown out after the current season. Prime example is Burberry trench coats. They stand the test of time as they are classic and the quality is amazing. 

Cape coat: @jacklondon_official
Sweater: @oxfordshop
Shirt: @oxfordshop
Pants: @boohooMANofficial
Shoes: no idea
Hat: @connor_clothing

Family and friends always ask my advice with how to choose the right fit for a coat. Here are some handy tips:

1) If you cannot lift your arms parallel to the floor the coat is too tight

2) Swing a punch (seriously). If you cannot the coat is too tight across the back

3) Throw your keys or phone in the pockets, if it feels to restricted it is not for you

4) You need room for layers, such as suits, scarves and sweaters or thermals

Sunglasses: @gucci
Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Shirt: @oxfordshop
Pants: @topman
Shoes: @targetaus
Scarf: @frenchconnection_au

Make sure you're ready for the winter season with a great coat or two. My advice is to purchase a black and a camel. Always in fashion and remarkably go with everything. Shop smart and pick a great coat. 

WHEN YOU FALL IN LOVE

Who else can relate to this? That feeling of warmth and excitement as your heart starts to beat a little bit faster. An item that is an extension of your personality or something you know that you will wear to death! This treasured piece can awaken a lust and desire that you thought not possible, and then your fingertips grab it immediately and its like meeting an old friend. You fall in love with it and simply must have it? 

Shirt: @moschino

Shorts: @bauhausclothing

Jacket: @boohooMANofficial

Shoes: @roberto_cavalli

Sunglasses: @kmartaus

Falling in love can also cause heartbreak. I read an article recently about "Compulsive Spending Disorder" where it stated " Sufferers may feel compelled to splash out on things they do not need, want or use because they enjoy the recognition or importance that being a big shopper brings, or to bolster low self-esteem". After initially laughing at this article with a friend, I did seriously contemplate if I had a shopping addiction. The truth is, I do not shop to boost low self esteem. I do not shop for anyone else. I rarely shop with people. I have no need to be seen in the latest season. In fact when and what I purchase, is because I have fallen in love and I have it for many many years. I cannot help that I easily fall in love with beautiful colours and fabrics, embellished accessories, well constructed bags or unusual shoes. 

I could restrict my "love affairs" by resisting entering a store, not opening a shopping app on my phone or reading the delightful love letters of sales from mailing lists I have joined. Temptation is everywhere, including the window displays on Collins Street, Melbourne. 

 

Sunglasses: @oxfordshop

Coat: @boohooMANofficial

Shirt: @oxfordshop

Jeans: @cottonon

Shoes: @doucals

Who doesn't like new things? A new shirt is just like a new hair cut. A new pair of shoes can make you feel like you can take on the world, and don't get me started with a new suit. WORLD DOMINATION. 

Suit/Shirt/Accessories:@briggins_clothiers

Shoes: @doucals

Falling in love ultimately leads to heart break. Your favourite shoes can no longer be saved by taking them to the repair man, your favourite bag has had an accident with a stain. Unfortunately some love affairs are not meant to last a lifetime. Others are. I still have items from 10 years ago that I still wear and every time I wear them it ignites the passion I felt initially. The cruelest heartbreak is the "haunting and longing". Nothing haunts me like the things I did not buy. 

Blazer: @oxfordshop

Shirt: @helmutlang

Pants: @boohooMANofficial

Shoes: @boohooMANofficial

Bag: @doucals

Sunglasses: @kmartaus

In this day an age of mass produced "disposable" fashion, quality, cut, style and design are the key points of difference that instantly run through my head when I fall in love. If it is a sample, it makes it even more desirable. If it is a one off...........all bets are off. If it is an item I cannot find in stores in Australia, immediately I will fall a little bit more in love. Yes the industry may be designed that way, but so is my heart. 


Ultimately, you can never control your heart. If you fall in love with a giant sequined panda sweatshirt, so be it. Truth is if you love it and wear it with love and passion, everyone around you will love it and the energy you are producing. When love finds you, I say "grab it with both hands and never let go" unless I am on the other end of that item. Then watch out!

CHANGE YOUR SPOTS

When most men think of wardrobe staples, they think: crisp white shirts, navy chinos, a good blazer and a pair of black shoes. Whilst I do agree with them that they are wardrobe "essentials", I believe in wardrobe staples. There is a distinct difference between a staple and a necessity. A favourite staple of mine, and I hope of yours is Leopard print. I am very similar to the animal. I am of a lighter physique, adaptable, long body and like my meat. I encourage you to start small by adapting this fantastic pattern into your wardrobe with accessories at first. Shoes, belts, bags and scarves are all great to work the pattern in, without being over the top. As I always say, balance is the key. Let's look at some ways you can incorporate this. 

Accessories

Start small if you have never embraced this pattern. A scarf can add just the right amount of interest, either tied in a bow like I have done above, or you could leave it untied. By using a small item to introduce yourself to the print you will soon fall in love with it and want to try more.

Keep it Simple

If the above is too outrageous for you at first. Pair it back. Introducing yourself to a new pattern can be confronting, just like dating! Start small with a pair of shoes and pair it with a minimal look.

Blazer: @oxfordshop

Shirt: @cottonon

Pants: @boohooMANofficial

Shoes: @roberto_cavalli

Sunglasses: @kmartau

Above I have advanced the introductory look by combining wardrobe "necessities" with "staples" and created a fresh modern look. These Roberto Cavalli loafers have been a blessing and I wear them all the time. If an outfit is a little bit "safe" immediately I turn to these loafers. 

Blazer: @oxfordshop

Shirt: @hm

Pants: @cheapmonday

Shoes: @roberto_cavalli

Bow tie: @dirkbikkembergs

Sunglasses: @gucci

Once you have mastered the loafer and feel comfortable with them, embrace mixing with small items of a contrasting texture. In this case the Karl Lagerfeld pouche is a reflective surface. Mixing with metallic and soft neutrals or white colours also assist in making the leopard pattern POP.

Blazer: @bossinimenswear

Sweater: @manuelritzofficial

Pants: @boohooMANofficial

Pouche: @karllagerfeld

Shoes: @roberto_cavalli

Sunglasses: @kmartaus

Let's jump In

You are now a star at mixing the pattern in with every day items from your closet. Now is the time to be brave and purchase an item of clothing with the print. In this case, lets start with a Tshirt. This oversized tee is great for relaxed brunches, movies and casual settings. It is of the darker variety of the pattern so reflects well of denim and colours with the print. See how I have balanced the outfit with the leopard shoes? Style tip!

Sunglasses: @oxfordshop
Shirt: @moschino
Pants: @topman
Shoes: @roberto_cavalli
Jewellery: @erikaboutique

Jacket: @roger_david
Shirt: @moschino
Dungarees: @boohooMANofficial
Shoes: @l_artigiano_del_cuoio
Sunglasses: @lespecs

As you know, I am not afraid of a pop of colour. Certain colours work wonderfully with leopard. Obviously Black and White for minimal modern looks. If you are like me and love colour, red, purple, yellow and green work a treat with this pattern. These jeans from Department 5 are a fav of mine, I have worn them everywhere and always get many compliments on the cut and style. If you fancy yourself a bit of a rockstar why not pair a leopard pant with a leather jacket! Serious George Michael vibes.

Sunglasses: @gucci

Sweater: @oxfordshop

Shirt: @ted_baker

Pants: @department5

Shoes: @oxfordshop

Bag: @davidelfinofficial

I call the above look. Kate Moss. Pair the leopard fitted long sleeve with a blazer, turn up the sleeves on the rolled up blazer sleeves and pair with your favourite pair of denim. Be confident, be bold, let the world hear your growl. GO forth and spread the gospel of leopard.

Blazer: @oxfordshop

Shirt: @roberto_cavalli

Pants: @cottonon

Shoes: @roberto_cavalli

Sunglasses: @oxfordshop