Urban Camo
One of the best ways to incorporate camo into your outfits is to slowly work it through small accessories such as pocket squares or ties, and then transition to larger accessories or garments, where the print’s visual impact grows proportionally. This backpack from Herschel has one of the most appealing camo prints I’ve seen lately, perfectly blended with contrasting leather details, which set the mood for the whole look. The vintage camel suede bomber was the perfect match for those green shades and leather highlights…
Details: vintage suede bomber, crewneck tee by Levi’s, oxford button down by Ralph Lauren, jeans by H&M, boat shoes by Buttero, camo backpack by Herschel Supply Co., braided leather belt by Acne, watch by Rolex and bracelet by street vendor.
Model and styling: Miguel Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Sharp Florals
There’s no need to go over about how florals have been killing it lately. By now, you’ve all seen hundreds of variations on the theme in every SS12 collection. While I already owned a couple of alternatives, I have a hard time saying no to Our Legacy especially when they deliver a capsule collection with such an outstanding version. The darker shade adds an elegant feel and the pattern is perfect in both color and scale.
Details: 1950’s Seaside Garden Shirt by Our Legacy, cotton crewneck tee by Levi’s, slim fitting jeans by Zara, crepe sole boat shoes by Buttero, bracelet by street vendor and watch by Rolex.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Play on Shades
Ecru and off-white are not the easiest alternatives to pull off within the color spectrum, especially if you have a lighter skin tone such as myself. However, with Summer on its way and a couple of sunny days to get your tan going, these are two of the season’s must haves. As neutrals, you can pair them with virtually anything as long as you avoid washed out looks: the key is to achieve a chromatic balance by opposing different shades and creating an interesting outcome. Play around with hues while favouring subtleness over obvious combinations such as opposing colors.
Details: herringbone linen blazer by Gentleman (tailored), ecru cardigan by H&M, light blue dress shirt by DKNY, slate grey trousers by Boglioli, taupe suede derby shoes by Buttero x Porvocação, silk paisley scarf by Zara, braided leather belt by Acne and socks by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino
Source: beyondfabric
Rome: day 4
Despite the mixed opinions regarding cargo pants I have to say they won me over, especially if we’re talking about slim fitting alternatives. Cucinelli is king when it comes to cargos (and so many other things), but until I can afford to dish out +€450 for a pair of pants, this version by Uniqlo is the next best thing. Plus, when you’re traveling those extra pockets definitely come in handy. Some basic layering on top with an oxford button down, cardigan and timeless denim trucker adds texture, color and visual interest. However, the whole look is focused on the vintage white knit tie I got the day before at a flea market for €1; white is the last color I would ever consider purchasing a tie in, and I probably wouldn’t have if it weren’t for the price, but the truth is it actually works great with darker shades.
Details: denim trucker jacket by Levi’s, navy merino wool cardigan by Purificacion Garcia, dark green oxford button down shirt by Ralph Lauren, khaki slim fit cargos by Uniqlo, brown/navy suede boat shoes by Buttero, sunglasses by Ray-Ban, vintage wool knit tie, vintage braided leather belt, watch by Gucci, socks and scarf by H&M.
Shot @ Piazza di San Lorenzo, Rome
Rome: 1st day
Deciding on what to pack for a week long getaway while fulfilling Ryanair’s cabin luggage requirements can prove to be a real pain in the ass. Faced with a miniature trolley and a 10kg weight limit, you better plan ahead: my selection was comprised of a knit cardigan, a couple of v-neck sweaters, oxford shirts, jeans and cargo pants, a camel peacoat, ties, sneakers, boat shoes and loafers. Carefully packed, I managed to get several different looks and still save some space for some “unexpected” shopping. The first day was also the hottest, so a simple combination of Levi’s with an oxford button down and sneakers did the trick. The military tucked regimental tie works perfectly with rolled up sleeves and the cotton shopper, besides light, was enough to carry around my belongings.
Details: pink candy striped oxford button down by Our Legacy, jeans by Levi’s (511 slim - tailored), dark green leather sneakers by Buttero, aviators by Ray-Ban, regimental silk tie by Ralph Lauren, cotton shopper by Driftwood Collective, vintage braided leather belt, bracelet by street vendor and watch by Gucci.
Shot @ Piazza del Popolo, Rome
Déjà Vu?
Finding that perfect piece you’ve been longing for is becoming an ever increasing task and might pose more of a challenge than it seems. Be it fit, cut, fabric or color, there are a number of variables which may be off putting and dictate whether or not you’ll end up purchasing a garment. Sometimes the thrill of the chase makes it all the more special once you find it, whereas other times it might prove to be exasperating.
As such, one of the things I tend to do besides carefully selecting my purchases, is to stock up once I come across special pieces I really love. Instead of settling for “so so” items, I’d rather save and invest in two or three versions of an item I know I’ll be sporting often. Found a perfect fitting shirt or sweater? Get it in two colorways or even the same if it’s an everyday essential, or play around with sizing, going for a fitted version and a looser one for layering purposes.
Although this may not apply to every type of garment, be it due to monetary reasons or simply because it doesn’t make sense to have more than one of certain items, you’ll be surprised by how well it works in comprising a suitable wardrobe. I, for one, have done this for sweaters, jeans, shirts and even shoes that match my styling philosophy. As I see it, it’s better to ease up on variety and stock up on heavy rotation items. Plus, the feeling of wearing something you love added to different shades or sizes, fools not only other people’s perception but your own as well, so you won’t feel as if wearing the same outfit over and over…
Top to bottom (clockwise):
- Levi’s 511 slim, Rugby wadham club collar shirt (blue and pink), Buttero for Por Vocação derby shoes (taupe and waxed brown), Buttero crepe soled boat shoes (black and brown), Paul Smith Ibsen trainer (off white leather and brown suede), Our Legacy Great Sweat (garden green, washed red and indigo blue), Lyle and Scott deep v-neck sweater (blue and black), H&M cotton cardigan (ecru and orange) and Our Legacy oxford candystripe button down shirt (blue and pink).
Ethnic Pattern Mix
If you’re acquainted with Our Legacy’s latest creations you’ve certainly recognized this Ethnic Arrow Shirt from their AW11 collection. Although it’s most definitely one of their strongest pieces to date, it’s also a challenge to mix and match, due to the tablecloth fabric and iconic print. Here I used it as an overshirt and inverted the usual layering order, throwing a solid v-neck cashmere sweater underneath it. Keeping up the patterned theme, the fair isle socks add an amazing twist to the whole look, imbuing the slate grey creased trousers with a new found life.
Details: ethnic arrow shirt by Our Legacy, cashmere v-neck sweater by Massimo Dutti, crewneck tee by Levi’s, creased trousers by Boglioli, fair isle wool socks by H&M, two-toned suede boat shoes by Buttero, bracelet by street vendor and watch by Gucci.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino
