Play It Fair…
If it’s generally accepted that certain colors have more in common with specific seasons, the same can be applied, although to a lesser degree, to patterns. To name but a few, stripes and gingham are usually sported in Summer whereas argyles, for instance, are more wintery. Even if within a fashion forward universe, this traditional approach is being overlooked, the concept still remains to a large extent. It there’s one such pattern that symbolizes Winter in all its frost white glory, it has to be Fair Isle.
Named after the homonym island located in Northern Scotland, it consists of a local traditional knitting technique where up to five distinct colors are combined in rows, creating a uniquely characteristic mosaic pattern. Originally found only in this island, its visual appeal has captured the heart of designers and stylish individuals alike, earning it a place in runways and shops worldwide. Its recent burst in popularity placed it on most Christmas wishlists and allowed designers to create a never before seen variety of items, in an array of fabrics and shades.




Top to bottom: Hat by Gant Rugger, tie by Brooks Brothers @ Park and Bond; Sweater by Raf Simons, varsity jacket by Junya Watanabe @ Mr. Porter and scarves by Drakes of London.
Drake’s on sale: time to snatch some high end neckwear!
My picks for the day
Store info: Lander Urquijo
If you’re a Tumblr habitué and enjoy cruising the endless pages of menswear content, you’ve most likely come across Lander Urquijo’s outstandingly styled mannequins. Presenting a distinct aesthetic, with strong roots in Spanish heritage and occasionally hinting at Italian, this Madrid based store has been causing quite a stir as of recently.
Their innovative approach to the masses, and specifically the target audience, has not only placed them on the radar of every menswear enthusiast, but is also setting a standard for stores across the globe. Instead of focusing solely on the core business of selling garments by means of an online store per se, they do so in a more personal way through their blog, providing customers and bloggers alike with their unique take on the universe that surrounds them. As such, they encourage you to develop a special connection to the brand and those behind it, being enticed to return to the blog on a daily basis; should a specific item grab your attention you need only contact them for purchase.
Although they carry such renowned brands as Barbour by To Ki To or Drakes, their in-house label is where the gold lies. Besides ready-to-wear options in the most varied, bold and often hard to find fabrics, they also offer two alternative bespoke suiting services: one sewn by machine and the other entirely handcrafted. Needless to say, a refined level of tailoring excellence is assured in every garment. It was this ever going quest for perfectionism and attention to detail, that recently earned them the prestigious “Dedal de Oro” award.
If you haven’t done so already, check their Tumblr and hit the follow button!


The store






A glimpse of what to expect…
‘Xmas suggestions
This post is aimed at everyone, especially the women - girlfriends, wives or moms - who are desperately trying to draw last minute inspiration about what to give to the special men in their lives. I hope these are useful!
Bear in mind that the brands shown are mere examples and the items are listed in no particular order.

Trenchcoat - Burberry Prorsum


Peacoat - Schott NY Slim fit

Waxed jacket - Barbour Ursula Jacket


Blackwatch puffed vest - Lands’ End ; Tartan throw - Ralph Lauren


A nice set of pyjamas - Drakes of London; Silk paisley robe - Stefano Rici

We all love gadjets - Apple’s Ipad


State of the art kitchen utensils - Le Creuset

A reliable cook book - Jamie Oliver


A shaker for the parties - Metrokane ; Alarm clock for the morning after - Helit


An anti-aging face cream - Kiehl’s ; Slim tie bar - Fine and Dandy Shop

Soaps and Shaving kits - Barbearia do Bairro



Holidays scented candles - Dyptique


Notebook - Archie Grand

An exquisite pen - Faber Castle

A document folder - Cornelian Taurus

Worthy hats - Borsalino


Old school braces - Drakes of London; Leather flask - Fine and Dandy Shop


Men jewellery - Goti


Original cufflinks - Paul Smith


Amazingly crafted ties - Pierrepont Hicks


A playful bow tie - Coisas d’Homem


Patterned handkerchiefs - Tie Rack ; Shoe trees - Woodlore


Leather tote and duffle bag - Lottuf & Clegg


Something to read and be inspired by - Amazon

The perfect soundtrack for the season - Sufjan Stevens





